Friday Fan-Work: Overprotective Papa

Happy Friday everyone, it’s ya boy Choujin!

Today’s a good day as I managed to find an old thumbdrive that held some of my older work, work I never expected would be found. Best of all, that means more older work I can share with you all.

To start off the new year, I’ve got plans to share a poem I wrote in my college years. Something silly but something you will enjoy. So sit back, grab a treat and a drink and enjoy.

Overprotective Papa

Remember that time when I scared
that boyfriend of yours
as I pulled out
my pistol
in front of him?
I did that to remind him
on whose daughter
he was dating
and what would happen
If something bad happened to you

You might get mad at me
whenever I scare your boyfriends
or remind them on who I am.
I do this because I love you,
though you might like what
I am doing for you.
It might suck seeing your dad
scaring your suitors shitless,
but you’ll thank me later
when you’re not knocked up.

Friday Fan-Work: Backbone

Happy Friday everyone, it’s ya boy Choujin here.

Sorry about no media review on Thursday and sorry about not dropping any stories. I originally had this story written and was going to be a few parts released. Then it started to grow into something big. This was something I took inspiration from my Scavengers story. I also took ideas from an old show called Tugs (a children’s show similar to old shows like Thomas the Tank Engine) though the difference is no anthromorphic vehicles. Instead, our story focuses on the aliens dockworkers and the ideas. Who knows? Maybe I can do that as a break in-between that and Slayer. Anyway..sit back, relax and enjoy my story here…

              Backbone: The workers of Bigg

                                           

written by TheChoujinVirus

The Peaceful Expansion….a brief moment after the Terran-Acheronite. The Largest Spacestation Citadel called Bigg was the largest station in Frontier Space and was a hub for the various species and starships in the sector. Nobody knew it better than the hardworking Stardock workers who lent their aid to everyone from Acheronite Cruisers to Traggian Science Vessels, making them popular. The hard work made them always available every hour on the hour. My workers of Hawking Fate’s were no exception. I had three station workers: My oldest Shii’rhy Lordin,, then the two Relians  Ran and Bory, the Traggian Nandon who specialized in atmospheric work. Then there’s my rookie switcher, a Lilibee adolescent named Jav, and lastly, the Abillian Korvid, my specialist in deep space work. They were a good crew, striving to do their best. Not always succeeding but proud of their work.

I remember the day we got our first big break, it started as always…at dawn…

******************************************************************************

The crew was up and ready, already dressed in their usual jumpsuit uniforms. They were a mix of blue with some white and orange around the shoulder and elbows. Not really fancy, but nothing terrible. The six workers enjoyed their drinks until the screen appeared with a jet black-haired middle-aged man dressed in a silvery grey suit appearing in front of them.

“Good morning, Fleet. Today I’ve scheduled another Fighter Switcher pilot to help up with the extra work; he’s from Earth. Jav, He’ll be working you; show him the works.”

“Right, Captain Hawkings.” The Lilibee said, “What’s his name?”

“Orlan, he’s a Biomech.”

“Biomech?!” Nandon said, his tone hinting a tad bit of mortification. “I hope you’re not going to replace us with them.”

“Feeling a bit scared of them, amphibian?” Jav snarked

Nandon replied back, “I resent that!”

“Settle down, you two! Give the greenhorn a chance.  Now I got some excellent news. Now with some hard bargaining, I managed to secure ourselves a Starliner contract for one of the largest liners ever.”

The group started to speak up in excitement, but their excitement grew when they heard the captain telling them the ship’s name.

“The Jade Nebula.” He said, “When she arrives by Fifteen hundred, I need you all to be ready to bring her in to dock. I need you all to be at your best. Lordin, you’re in charge.

“aye-aye, sir!” The Shii’rhy said.

Hawkings turned toward Bory, “Bory?”

“aye?” he said.

“You’re leading.”

The relian snorted uncaringly.

“Nandon, Ran, You two will pilot the side push,” Hawking said. Everyone nodded while Jav asked the captain, “would it be okay for me to aid you guys?”

“Not you, Jav. We don’t need Switcher Fighter pilots for this job.” Nandon said.

“Yeah, unless you got a larger ship, you’re just gonna get in the way.” Ran said with a chuckle.Jav pouted, “oh alright…well, you guys have fun. Don’t scratch the paint on your machine or the Nebula.”

The group laughed as they all got to the company’s hanger bay. Each of them getting themselves spic and span. Jav, on the other hand, got on his bike and left work to travel the station to find the new recruit….

Our rivals, Blackstar Shipping and his fleet of Rissans, were known to do some shady things too. Led by Goun, the rest of them would do anything to get contracts and business, even if it meant something illegal…

******************************************************************************

“Alright, you lot!”, Replied their boss. Unlike Hawkings, who could be seen on a monitor, their leader was on a communication line that only had “Sound Only.”

“I got word that Hawkings is trying to get a contract with the Rissan Star Liner.”

“We’re not laughing, Captain Blackstar, if that’s what you’re worried about,” Goun said.

“I’m glad we’re on the same page, Goun,” Blackstar said, “But this is no laughing matter! I want that contract, and you all want your pay!”

A Rissan, one that looked like an overweight capybara with black fur, shrugged, “but how do we do this? I thought-“”I didn’t pay you to think!” Blackstar yelled, “I want you to get that contract! I don’t care how you do it!”

“But how do we-?”

“Shut it, Zeb!” Goun said.

“Exactly! Now get to work, you lugs! And Don’t come back unless it’s that contract!” Blackstar commanded. The group left the meeting room, and some headed out toward their objectives (and the jobs they had for the time being.)

While everyone was doing their work (legal or otherwise), Jav moved through the station’s area, streets, and walkways. Though he did run into Korvid, who was busy with aiding a sewage removal shuttle, on the day that his skill would be needed for the contract. He was elegant, not just in his jumpsuit uniform but for an Abillian, he was viewed as a sleek peafowl.

“Hey, Korvid,” Jav said as he walked up to him. The Abillian looks at his co-worker as he waves.

“The Jade Nebula’s coming; a shame we can’t have Crimson Wings with us.”

“I know it’s a shame. I just got that ship detailed and cleaned to show off.” Korvid said with a sigh. He prided his custom starship he called the Crimson Wing. There were no protocols about starship customization or decals, just specializations. For Korvid, the Crimson Wing was compared to a hatchling him, and he found himself only using a standard cleaner.

“Oh, by the way, have you seen a new worker named Orlan?” Jav asked

” ‘Fraid not, old boy. There’s a ton of Biomechs on Bigg, so it may be a bit tricky.” Korvid then hears the ship’s storage tank was full. Signaling him time to get the ship unloaded.

“Listen, Kav, I gotta head back to the recycling plant to unload this sewage. Good luck with finding the new guy. Oh, and give my regards to the captain of the Jade Nebula.” Jav waves and goes back to finding the Biomech. Still finding it difficult, but he nearly hit someone on his cycle as he was about to move on to the next area. Luckily neither side was hurt.

Jav noticed the guy was a Biomech, a silvery blue colored being with a visage that one swore looked like a lagomorph.

“Sorry, sir..” it apologized.

“Well, be more careful in the future,” Jav said.The bio-lagomorph looks at the Lillibee; he shyly stammers as he asks, “I’m..l-looking for a Lilibee named J-Jav.””Well, that’s me,” Jave said, “What’s up?”

“Oh, good!” The Lagomorph said, ‘I’m O-Orlan, s-s-sir. I was hired by your captain to work for you.”

“Excellent! Listen, hop on my hoverbike. I got some work to do today, and I’ll show you the ropes. Nothing works better than a crash course at work.” Jav said

“y-yes sir!” smiled Orlan.

Jav looked at the Biomech and shook his head, “now..a bit of friendly advice, Orlan. You only call Captain Hawkings ‘sir.’ For me, just call me ‘Jav,’ okay?”

“Yes, si-err I-I mean…Yes, Jav.” Orlan corrected himself as he hopped on the back of Jav’s hoverbike. While the two went back to work, out of the station and in space, an Acheronite Cargo Ship was idle as it was waiting for its tow. Two Rissan class Corvette tugs showed up, piloted by two workers of Blackstar. Gorn got in an open channel with his partner in the other ship, Tok. Tok looked like a cross between a toad and a porcupine, with the voice that made it feel like it.

“Hey, Tok. Look what the solar winds brought in. The Matriarch’s Bounty and her captain, Kissi.”

The ship’s communicator hailed the two as her captain informed the two. She was an ordinary Acheronite worker, but some swore she may have had the attitude of an Amazon. “It’s Krisya, rodent. We’ve been waiting for a tow into Stardock for over an hour ago.”

“We don’t take Ayah milk as payment, Kissi,” Tok mocked.

“Very funny, rodent. You big shots going to be towing the Jade Nebula?” Krisya asked

“What do you know about it, Acheronite?” Gorn asked. He was surprised about the news but also miffed that he’s being mocked by an Acheronite.

“What I know is that I’ve been contacting every ship to get a tow into spacedock. Then suddenly news of the Jade Nebula’s early arrival has slowed down traffic, so my crew and I are sitting here with produce and nobody to tow us in.” Krisya said.

Tok was confused, “But I thought she was going to be here a bit later-“

“SHUT UP, CACTUS ASS!” Gorn snaps, turning his ship’s controls, “C’mon!!”. Both he and Tok left the area to report to their boss. Leaving a confused Krisya standing there on the ship’s bridge as the two tugs leave her ship.

“What a day..how are we going to unload our cargo now?”

“Ma’am? Are we going to get towed in soon?” an Ensign asked.

“We will, Ensign,” Krisya said.

***********************************************************************

Gorn got on the horn with Blackstar. Though he conveniently docked near a diner with Tok, he contacted Blackstar through a communication channel. He informed him about what the Acheronite told him and Tok.

“You sure about this, Gorn?” Blackstar asked. Of course, he was the only one that still registered as “Sound Only” on the chat.

“Hey, why would the Acheronites lie? They told me the whole thing.” Gorn said.

“Yeah, we both heard and seen it as well, boss,” Tok said

Though the two couldn’t see it, Blackstar was giddy with excitement. “Couldn’t be better, now I want that contract, and you’re gonna get it for me.”

“Sure thing, boss,” Gorn said.

Jav and Orlan were tasked with one of Bigg’s significant jobs: to provide fuel, munitions, supplies for the Enforcers, a Rissan private security firm, and Bigg’s primary security for all things of the space station.

“There you go, Ma’am,” Jav said as he unloaded the last of the supplies and fuel. “Hope that’ll help the Enforcers.”

The woman, an Acheronite warrior dressed in a blue uniform with a badge on her right side of her chest, gave a warm smile toward Jav and Orlan, “Thanks for the supplies, fellows. I’ll give my regards to the Enforcers of your supplies.”

“No problem, Ma’am.” Jav nodded as he hopped back into his ship. While the two finished undocking and moving on, Orlan talked to Jav.

“Are all Enforcers that beautiful?”

“Only her, most are made up of varying species of different sexes. They help keep Bigg safe from various wrongdoings.” Jav said but then noticed three Rissan ships docked together in the distance.

“Speaking of trouble..what are those Rissans doing?” He said to himself as they left the Enforcers headquarters. He had no clue that the three were planning something devious. Gorn discussed the plan with Zeb, and another Rissan, a short, greasy-looking turtle shell patterned hamster-like rodent called Clyne. All through the comfort of their ship’s cockpit

“Alright, listen up. With Korvid busy with work, that leaves that saurian Bory as the more experienced out of the two. We knock him out of commission, we’ll get the contract.”

“But he’s a Relian,” Zeb said, “his ship’s bigger and sturdier, so we can’t just bump him.”

“He’s doing drainage cleaning for the water system, dummy!” Gorn scolded, “The guy has to leave his ship to clean the area near the industrial sector. You know…the area called the Slurry Slide?”

Zeb began to think, “and so?”

“And?! You give him the slide down the slurry! You got that, stupid?!” Gorn lividly said

“You’ve done it once to yourself before, Zeb. So you should catch on.” Clyne said.

“Y-yeah..I’ll catch on, Gorn.” Zeb stammered

“You better!” Gorn said, “do it fast and get back fast! Now git!”

Zeb and Clyne depart to do their mission. The black-furred Zeb began to think that this was pretty devious.

**********************************************

Ran finished rounding up broken beacons in his Grappler class startug until he noticed the Matriarch’s Bounty. He got an incoming commutation from Krisya.

“Hey Ran, old friend. My ship and crew need a tow into port.” Krisya said

“Sorry, Krissie..don’t have time to argue with fees,” Ran said

“First off..it’s Krisya..not Krissie..and second, when do we even argue about the fee? It’s 100 credits.”

“Sure thing..but first we need to get the Jade Nebula docked, so I need to get my ship prepared after this work.””What do you mean? The Jade Nebula’s already here.” Krisya said. This new left Ran stunned by the news.

“She can’t be here that early!”

“Yeah! That’s what I am trying to get a request for a tow!” Krisya said.

“By Bahamut! I better tell the others!” Ren said. He began to pilot his ship away, only for Krisya yelling on the communicator, “HEY! What about my tow! I still need it!”. When he left range, the communication was cut. Krisya would get another contact from the below deck.

“Captain, are we going to-“

“I swear ensign if that’s about the bloody tow. I’ll have you on septic system duty until we get back to Acheron.”

The ensign remained stunned but kept to herself as she replied, “Nothing Ma’am..” then ended communication to the bridge. Krisya sunk into her captain’s chair as she began to rub her brow.

Bory was hard at work using a rented cleaning vehicle to help him scrub an area of the pipe. The pipes winded down toward the entrance of the main sewage line. It was nicknamed the “slurry slide” because amassed filth and junk made it slippery enough for workers to fall in (sometimes leading to a fatal end.) As he was washing the pipe, Clyne and Zeb walked up toward the Relian.

“Need help, Bory ol’ friend?” Clyne asked

“Eh, what do you rats want?” Bory snarled as he stopped washing the pipe

“Oh, just a nice day to help people out, is all. Besides, you’re working on the slurry slide.” Zeb said

“Yeah, can’t afford to have any slip-ups with that spot,” Clyne replied

The relian snorted before shrugging his shoulders, “Damn generous of ya lot, but fine, grab a hose and get to work.”

Little did he know was that the two were preparing a trap for him. Though back at headquarters, Jav and Orlan returned back from their run. They were just docking as they saw Lordin, Ran, and Nandon finishing up preparations for the Jade Nebula. “Jav, Have you seen Bory?” The Shii’rhii asked

“Not since the morning briefing.” Jav said, “Why?”

“The Jade Neubla came in early, and we need him.”

Jav shook his head, “Sorry, Lordin, I haven’t seen him.”

“Then you and Orlan best look him. The rest of us will have to do the job without him.”

Jav and Bory undocked and began their search. While Lordin, Ren, and Nandon got into their ships and headed out to make their contract.

******************************************************************************

Moving a Rissan Star Liner isn’t easy. They were huge, required a very delicate operation, and required a minimum of four ships needed to move this ship, but with only three available and two ships unavailable. Lordin began to worry as the operation was going. Meanwhile, Jav and Orlan headed toward the last location Bory. They saw that the vessel being used has a damaged side that sputtered. The two landed nearby and began looking around. They then heard the sound of snarling and grunting as Bory was able to climb himself out. Sewage and garbage clinging to his uniform.

” ‘ey what happened Bory?” Jav asked

“I don’t know…one moment I was going in deeper to clean a clog the next thing you know, I’m sliding down the pipe. Clyne and Zeb said they’d get help before I started out the pipe.”

“Yeah, those two are no good crooks,” Jav said as he motioned to the damaged ship, “We’ll get you ready to your-“

Just as the group was about to repair Bory’s ship, there was a station-wide announcement.

“Your attention, please. The Jade Nebula is being towed. All ship traffic is to be halted until the all-clear is given.”

“It’s too late to get my ship repaired; you two take over my shift,” Bory said

“But I’ve never a job like this,” Jav said. He was right; he never did a job like this before.

“Don’t worry, I’ll get on the horn with Lordin and fill him in on what happened. He’ll tell you what to do.” Bory reassured. “Don’t worry about me.”

Jav and Orlan took his advice and left the Relian behind. Once they got the appropriate ships for the job, both arrived at their destination, as Lordin mentioned. Though their ships were more built for moving small cargo, Jav and Orlan were pretty useful in their Fighter Switchers and could lend some aid. As the traffic was halted, some ships were being kept away, but the Blackstar crew watched the whole ordeal. They saw that Hawking’s team was doing a good job.

“Hey, looks like your plan’s not working, Gorn,” Zeb said

“I just need to find a way of wrenching up their work…maybe target that greenhorn Biomech of theirs..” Gorn said

“Thinking devious eh, Gorn?” Zeb asked

“No, just thinking of profits.” Gorn said, “Look! Now they’re at the tricky part.”

The group was on the “tricky part” of the docking operation. Which required angling the starliner right next to the airlock umbilical. Lordin ordered Orlan to ease back. Gorn saw his chance.

“This is how we get the contract.”

As he assumed nobody was looking, he latched onto a nearby unmanned ship and pushed it. It was sent right into Orlan’s fighter with a loud thump, causing the Biomemch to lose control and ram right into the Jade Nebula’s right-side engine. The force of both them and the ship was enough to cause the Nebula to list.

Nandon began to look at his radar with shock, “What’s going on?! She’s starting to turn!”.

“I got it, Nandon!” Replied Gorn on the entire crew’s communicators. They were all surprised, but they couldn’t do anything but accept help from Blackstar’s crew. As Gorn helped out, the rest of his team cheered for him out of earshot, with Zeb realizing that’s what devious meant. Once the ship was done, he hailed the Hawkings crew with a smile and a wave.

“Glad I could be of service, guys!”

Then he left the group to finish up their job. Orlan was left confused and upset over the whole ordeal.

Once everything was finished up, the staff and everyone celebrated her successful docking. Though Hawking’s group wasn’t too thrilled about the near disaster. Orlan began to feel down as he didn’t bother to show up. Meanwhile, back at Blackstar’s offices, the team and their boss celebrated a job well done.

“Well, well, nice job Gorn.” Blackstar complimented

“Thank you, sir,” Gorn replied while the others also followed by thanking their boss.

“yes, yes right on Gorn, A good Rissan through and through. However, I do have a question. Did anybody see you? Not even that guy you screwed over?”

“Who, that Biomech?” Tok asked, “no, no, he didn’t see us.”

“Good good, I’m very proud of you boys. Now I’ll be providing my services to the Starliner contract, and we’ll be rich.”

The group gave Blackstar thanks while they enjoyed themselves a drink of celebration. However, the group had no clue that they were watched by an Acheronite of the Matriarch’s Bounty….

Back at Hawking’s, Jav was waiting in the hangar bay as he hasn’t seen Orlan’s ship coming in yet. He eventually walked back to the break room as everyone was doing their own thing.

“Hey Ran,” Jav said

“Hey Jav,” he replied back. Jav then asked everyone the question, “Hey, has anyone seen Orlan yet? I thought he’d check back.”

“Why should we?” Nandon scoffed, “He’s just messed up the whole thing.”

“Hey! It’s not his fault. We all have accidents, and I bet the poor fellow needs some cheering up”, Jav said. Nandon just scoffed at the idea of a Biomech needing help. Jav then turned to the Shii’Rhii, who was quietly listening to the conversation. “What would you want me to do, Lordin?”

“I say it’s up to you, lad,” Lordin said. Everyone didn’t seem to care about Orlan, so Jav decided the best option was to find the Biomech. “Listen, I’m going to go find Orlan; maybe he can use some cheering up.”

The Lilibee headed out while everyone quietly listened, all except the Traggian who huffed, “he has to always be the little star scout..what a bore..”

Jav got into his ship and began to fly all around the station. His fighter jet’s radar looking for the Biomech’s ship in the area, but no luck in finding Orlan. The Lilibee began to think maybe he went out of the station and all the way in the shipping lane. He took his search out into station orbit and began to fly a bit farther outside of space. Traffic was small by the usual non-peak hours of shipping, but some small ships were coming and going. Jav decided to fly out a bit farther and made it toward the monitor substation that orbited the area. It was a lonely job for the Magellian, Lillith. Though her career was meaningful, she was happy to get some company from Korvid whenever he stopped by to provide her station with essential supplies. He hailed the two, curious about if they saw Orlan.

“Korvid, Lillith! Oh, you’re a sight for sore eyes.”

Kovid replied back, “Oh, just here with Lillith, so how did the Jade Nebula job go well?”

“Why shouldn’t it, Korvid?” Lillith asked.

“Oh..everything went fine; she docked and didn’t explode. Though…I wondered if you saw a Biomech and his ship pass by?”

“Sorry…I didn’t see any ship pass by.” Lilith said

“neither did I spot anyone coming when I arrived at Lillith’s station, dear boy,” Korvid said

“Alright..thanks for helping,” Jav said. He left the two alone as he continued his search. Though he was leaving the range of the station, he was startled by an “emergency beacon” that rang through his ship’s cockpit. He answered the hailing signal and found out it was the face of a pissed off Acheronite.

“Oh, it’s only you, Krysia,” Jav said

“yeah, and about time too. Your Relian promised me a tow into the station.” The captain said to Jav. The Lilibee looked at the Acheronite on the screen.

“Sorry about that, listen…I’m looking for Orlan.” Jav said

The Acheronite’s cold tone turned to concern. “Oh? What happened to them?”

“He..he disappeared. Can’t really blame him for causing that accident with the Nebula.” Jav said.

Krysia shook her head, “That was no accident, Lilibee, that was pure sabotage by that Gorn fellow. One of my crewmembers saw it when they were trying to look for a tow.”

Jav was shocked at this revelation, “What, are you sure?!”

“As sure as my crew and I have a load of produce, and I need a tow into the station,” Krysia said

“I knew those rodent bastards were up to this! I gotta tell the guys about this!” Jav said to Krysia. He began to turn around and head back toward the ship. However, he ignored Krysia’s yelling on the communicator about “what about my tow!?!”

Once back at the company’s hanger, Jav began to explain the whole situation.

“Krysia and the Matriarch’s Bounty saw the whole thing.”

“What? The Acheronites saw the whole thing?” Lordin asked, “What did her crewmember see?”

“She saw the whole thing and why Orlan saw the accident,” Jav said

“So what? The Biomech had the accident, and that’s that.” Nandon said dismissively

“But it was Gorn who sabotaged the thing! That’s what Krysia’s crew saw.” Jav replied

The old Shii’rhy rubbed his chin, “I wondered why Gorn was suddenly right there to help us. You’re right Jav, The Matriarch’s Bounty may have seen everything.”

“They did!” Jav said, “Look, I know Orlan’s not some defective Biomech. I’ve worked with him; he’s a good bloke! I can see that by working with him.”

Lordin reassured Jav, “Alright, alright. Have you looked everywhere for him?”

The Lilibee nodded, “even as far as the substation and Lillith.”

Lordin began to think, “If I wanted to get out of here..I’d be heading toward the direction of the Big’s Slipgate.”

“The Slipgate! Of course, that’s it! Thanks, Lordin!” Jav said, getting aboard his ship before heading out.

“The rest of you guys!” Lordin said to others, “Go help out Jav; I’ll inform Captain Hawkins of the situation.”

Ran and Bory looked at each other before heading into their ship. The two felt terrible that they threw the rookie Biomech. Jav, Bory, Ran, and Nandon all searched around the space area until they found Orlan’s fighter. It was dead drifting and no water. Jav found him and informed the group through his ship communicator.

“Hey, guys, I found him!” Jav said. He opens a channel between him and Orlan. The Biomech, still feeling bad, told Jav.

“Oh, don’t bother with me, leave me be…I’ve already caused enough trouble,” Orlan begged.

Nandon stammered, “um..about that…apparently, we found out that it wasn’t your fault. So everything’s alright now..”

Orlan’s sadness began to wane as he heard the news. Jav laughed, “Well..an apology from a Traggian! That’s a sight!”

Orlan then began to ask, “Wait..so you’re not mad at me?”

“no,” Jav said, “Krysia said a crewmember saw the whole thing, so it’s not.”

Ran heard that name and began to piece something together, “Krysia..why does that name feel-” he then snapped into overdrive and yelled, “BY BAHAMUT! KRYSIA! I COMPLETELY FORGOT!”
*****************************************************************************

The remaining group, sans Ran, managed to get Orlan to safety. news about what happened got to the ears of Blackstar, and he wasn’t too pleased about that revelation. He had an emergency staff meeting with the rest of his crew.

“So you were seen,” He snarled through the monitor.

“Impossible! I made sure!” Gorn pleaded. Though Blackstar interrupted him

“Don’t argue with me, Gorn, you were seen! Because of that, we not only lose the contract with the Jade Nebula, but the Station Magistrate will severely reprimand us! What kind of idiots do I have working here?!”

“Really devious ones?” Zeb quipped.

The crew looked at him and said in unison, “SHUT UP ZEB!” Then they all turned toward the monitor and apologized profusely toward their boss. Though all this groveling just pissed him off further.

“Sorry? SORRY?! I DON’T WANT TO HEAR THIS SPHINCTER KISSING! GET OUT OF MY SIGHTS, ALL OF YOU!!!!”

Captain Blackstar and his crew weren’t having a good day with that revelation. However, back at Hawking’s, the group had their own meeting as well.

“A moment ago, we managed to rescue Orlan and his ship. Nothing serious was found, and his ship has been repaired.”

The rest nodded in agreement, though Hawkings did give the rest of them a bit of a talk.

“Now, I know you’re all proud to work for me, but I do expect a bit of trust. You can thank Jav for that. As for jumping to conclusions without more information…”

Nandon seemed to shamefully look away when Hawking brought this up, “I want to remind you that I won’t expect you all to be true, honest and forgiving.” He then smiles as he then announces, “Now, if you all will give a round of applause as we welcome our newest member to the crew.” Orlan walks into the break room, now dressed in the Hawking colors. Jav smiled as he shook Orlan’s hand.

“Welcome aboard; you look great, Orlan,”  Jav said “Thanks, Jav.” Orlan smirked, “Gotta say, I like the color.”

******************************************************************************
Orlan proved to be an effective worker throughout his tenure in Hawking’s Fate. Blackstar still managed to continue their work even afterwards. Jav’s help with Orlan showed he had good character. However, that character would be challenged due to an incident later on. However, that’s a story for another time….
*********************************************************************
*********

Friday Fan-Work: Project Zanuka

Hello everyone, it’s ya boy Choujin.

Today’s friday and thus we got ourselves another fan-work created.
Yes, it’s another Warcraft fan-work, but something that got me pondering to set up for a probable story.
With Shadowlands on the horizon, I got musing on the idea of soul-powered machines from WoW called Vigilants. Thus I got writing on this little “File” called “Project Zanuka” (yes for those who play another game, I went with that name)

So with that, get yourself comfortable, get your favorite snack and be ready to read this latest work.

Chala Nightshadow’s Project Zanuka

Introduction
With N’Zoth defeated, many would assume that the threat of the Black Empire is gone. The problem that comes up is the result of corruption. An Old God’s remains can cause somehow adverse side effects (as proven with the Sha). Several engineers pondered on the possibility of using mechanical creatures for dealing with Old God level threats to solve this problem. This is something I’ve been reading up and studying by providing a “second chance” to aid in the protection of Azeroth. Thus the proposal for a new project: Project Zanuka. The request is to put the “soul” of a being inside a machine as the Old God’s corruption has no effect on mechanical or artificial creatures.


Origin of Project Zanuka
The origin came from the notes of a Pandaren engineer named Zanuka Sparkeye. Who studied Mogu Spiritbinders and theorized the possibility of transferring one’s soul into a new body (animal or otherwise). Sadly, due to a few failed experiments, he was shunned by his brethren. Though looking at this research, it’s not that off. Besides Mogu Spiritbinders, other Azeroth and Draenor groups have used means to bind souls to an object. It’s a known fact that Warlocks have done this before through soulstones, allowing them to cheat death. The Cult of the Damned and the Scourge’s Liches will use a phylactery to ensure their body remains. The Drust of Kul Tiras was also known for soul binding animals and humans into their wicker creations. Even the Alliance’s very own Draenei have used the departed souls to power their own Vigilants. From observations of these examples, the idea of a machine can be powered by the soul of a machine.


Proposal
The objective of Project Zanuka is to create machines powered by a soul that serves as a weapon against Old God/Void level threats that plague all of Azeroth. Though the void’s effects prove damaging to living creatures (or reanimated), it has no effect on mechanical beasts. However, though mechanical units are viable, anything organic material (pilot or other) will be affected by the void. A.I., though useful as it is, isn’t at the capacity to work well. The Soul powers the machine, having it operate the machine fully without corruption’s harmful effects. The best thing is the body can be modified to fit the situation needed.


Problem that arises
The primary issue when it comes to this is the ethical aspect of this project. How would one acquire a soul without breaking taboos such as either killing the intended target, shackling the soul with soul binders, or desecrating hallowed grounds to obtain a soul? The next problem that shows up is how to ensure the soul doesn’t end up causing problems like berserking or rebelling if it becomes aware. The Drust enchantment creates an unethical basis for stripping the soul down to its individuality for the body to not reject. That too can become something of a pain in the ass should the soul realize it’s in a mechanical body as it can rebel and go berserk. Further research into this will require studying the Draenei Vigilants to better understand how they work.


A solution to the Ethical outcome
Harvesting a soul may be considered unethical due to bad examples throughout history; the best option for dealing with this situation is to harvest souls of those already departed. There are lost souls and scourge wraiths that could be harvested and used as the core battery. Careful consideration must be made to avoid harvesting or violating any armistice treaties with the Horde should this route go through it.


Conclusion
If this theory works, it should allow a  revolutionary way of dealing a fatal blow to the Void Gods. Should any old god resurface on Azeroth or anywhere else, that threat will be managed. Though I fear that the machine could be deadly in the wrong hands, I am confident that this won’t lead to war as the only one with that knowledge is with me.

Friday Fan-Work: Jev’Rotta Reavers

Happy Friday everyone, it’s ya boy Choujin here.

Today’s work created is none other than something tied to the Federation Letter series. The written work of fiction here is a a file describing the Jev’Rotta’s dreaded form of infantry: the Reavers.

For those curious, the Jev’Rotta are described as humanoid insects that existed far before races existed In short, they would be considered forerunners by sci-fi standards. The Reavers are the Jev’Rotta’s army of revived zombies through nanomachines that serve as their first waves against planets and threats. For now..let’s get this story started, so get yourself a drink or something to eat..and enjoy this document file

Friday Fan-Work: Slayer of Foultongues Chapter 5

Happy Friday everyone, it’s ya boy Choujin.

Finally, I’m sure you’ve been all waiting for Chapter 5. Good!
For those who need a catch-up, here’s the archive to help you look where to pick each chapter to catch up. Until then, sit back and enjoy the story

In the previous chapter
Bit and Finley’s plan has a hitch as they find Maria has stowed aboard. After ambushing an Acheronite security detail, Bit and Maria infiltrated a Security post wearing Acheronite armor while Finley and the rest leave the area to avoid any suspicion. Maria and Bit, with easy effort, managed to enter the facility and send a message to Finely and prepare a plan….

And now, the continuation….

Slayer of Foultongues: Chapter 5

Written By TheChoujinVirus

Orda walked in to notice the security team on their break and was puzzled over what was going on.
“Excuse me,” She said, “Who gave you the order to leave the security room?”

“Londor 9 and 13 stated Zeltla that our shift was over, so we took a break,” One of the security civilians stated.

Orda’s faced looked even more puzzled, “Zeltla told the Londor security detail I sent to the quartermaster? Hold up..I’ll  straighten this out.”

She and a few security soldiers began to head toward the security room. Meanwhile, Bit and Maria were going over the plans with Finley through the security camera. Bit gave his own opinion as he explained, “The city seems huge, I don’t know where we could rally that would be viable.”
“Oh, we’ll manage. We may have to hide out in some warehouse they don’t know of and report back to the group back at Smuggler’s Gorge.” Finley stated, “Otherwise, we’re sitting ducks in this area.”

“Do that then, we’ll-“

Maria’s last words were interrupted by Orda, “Hold it! You’re not supposed to be here!”

One of the guards noticed they weren’t Achronites, “Blast them!”
 Bit kicked over a table to create some makeshift cover as Maria dove behind it as the troops began to open fire. Bit still had his magnum as he shot at the guards, requiring some to find new cover as Bit switched to the Mjolnir’s armor-piercing mode. One Acheronite guard tried to flank them from Bit’s left side and was going to kill the Kiralin. Luckily, Maria caught him from behind and killed the ambushing Acheronite with a well placed shot through the torso with a Fang pistol. Bit noticed that the table’s starting to get damaged as the pockmarks on the table started to become holes.

“We need a way out Maria, our cover’s not going to hold any longer.” Said Bit.

“Hold your horses, Bit!” She cursed at the Kiralin, nearly getting grazed by a Fang round. She then spotted a nearby fire extinguisher at the doorway. This was their only way in or out of place, and they needed something to get the doorway cleared before more Acheronites arrived.

“Hey! That fire extinguisher looks good enough. Can you make the shot?”

Bit replied, “I bet I can, but why a fire extinguisher-“

“Just do it!” yelled Maria
 Bit agreed to Maria’s statement and took a shot at the fire extinguisher near the door. Though it was a flame retardant, it exploded near the door, spreading flame-retardant gas and giving them some ringing ears from the loud blast as they try to see what’s going on. Bit and Maria took their chance as they bolted out of their ramshackle cover toward the door. Shooting at some Acheronites either escaping for better vantage or straight in front of them. Orda saw some shape running toward them until she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen. It seemed Bit shot her in the torso as she felt his body ramming her to the side. In one moment, they bolted from the office and had to make an escape through the hallways, as their prior entrance was now swarming with Acheronites shooting at them. This wasn’t good for Bit or Maria as they now must find a new route out of the security station. The two ran into the break room of the place, which luckily didn’t have any Acheronites in the area. Once in the room, the duo barricaded the front door and busted the door’s code terminal to lock the Acheronites out.
“So, what now? We can’t just stay here forever. They’ll break through that barricade?” Bit said, “and I’m running out of ammo.”

Maria agreed as she turned toward the window looking outside, “Hey Bit, mind we take the ten-second escape route?”
“Ten-second escape route?”

Bit’s question was answered immediately as Maria shot out the large mirror then told the Kiralin, “just follow me.”
 The two jumped through the damaged window, the fall wasn’t too high for them to pose any injury, but they did endure some slight cuts and bruises from the fall. Bit and the augment landed on the ground and out of the area. By the time the Acheronites broke through the barricade and noticed the busted window, the two ran from the bushes while watching out from being shot. Orda looked angry at the group as they were stunned.
“Are you all blind?! AFTER THEM!” She barked at the group as they scattered. She looked out for a moment, watching the two flee. She could shoot them, but for some reason, she knew they wouldn’t get far.

***************************************************
Bit and Maria managed to lose the group, looking around the empty town for the time being. It was audibly quiet, save creaking posts and silence. It was an eerie level of silence as the sound of vehicles moving in the distance reminded them that the Acheronites are still out there. Once they were somewhere out of the way, the two caught their breath. Maria looked at Bit and noticed that he was wincing a bit as he held his right arm.

“Bit, your arm!” Maria said in shock.

“It’s nothing! Guess one of the Acheronites nailed when we were in that fight,” Bit said, “It hurts like hell..but at least it’s not another-“ He saw some movement and pushed Maria aside.

“Hey, what’s your problem?!” she protested. “I saw something..” Bit replied, “Stay down.”

The Kiralin pulled his magnum out as he got up and headed toward the area. He got closer and pulled his pistol out only to find himself having five guns aimed at him. Though he heard the sound of a Hispanic voice speaking, ” wait! Hold your fire! He’s not one of those things.”

Bit moved his pistol down as he looked at the group of misfits, puzzled over who they were.
“You’re not part of the main group?”
The Hispanic male looked at the guy. His appearance made him a blue collar with a pair of jeans and a long-sleeved shirt, though his appearance made him in his 30s.
“The main group?” he quizzically asked, “We’re mostly the locals trying to put up a resistance.” He began to put two and two together, “Wait, .so, you were the guys who made some noise on the comlinks.”

Maria was moving closer and overheard them talking about the commlink, while Bit tilted his head at the group, “commlinks? You managed to slice into their network?”

“Sliced?” the Hispanic man stated, “Mira a este tonto! The Alien thinks we had to slice into a terminal!”

The other guys laughed along with him. He smiled and introduced himself. “Name’s Perez, Chief Perez.”

Bit cocked his eyebrow in confusion, “Chief Perez?”

“Damn, man, are you extraterrestres really this clueless?!” Perez said, trying not to laugh at Bit, “I’m law enforcement..or used to. Come..we’ll talk somewhere where we won’t be spotted. Oh, and bring tu mujercita with you.”

Bit turned around and said out loud, “You don’t need to skulk around, Maria. He knows.”

Maria simply muttered an inaudible “Fuck!” before following Bit. The group moved through the alleyway until they reached what a closed-up vehicle repair shop was.
Maria looked at the shop before asking him, “Makes you think you managed to remain under the radar.”
Perez looked at Maria, “It’s simple muchacha; most of everyone in this part of New Austin is either underground like ourselves, locking down or have been forcefully detained on the west side of the city. In fact, most of the group here is a small group holding the docking security outpost and another outpost east of here.”

“You must have had to risk your lives to get this info..” Bit said

“Naw, the Acheronites are clueless on using frequencies that can’t be tapped or sliced into. Usually, they sometimes will use our radio frequencies for fishing out any live signals..hence why we have to be careful. Though They’ve never seen how ingenious we human can be.”

The group entered the repair place, the interior was rigged up to look like a makeshift command center. There were up to five other people inside, some keeping equipment in check while others were waiting or monitoring radio chatter. The way it felt made it feel like it was a small bar than a ready room.

“Hey Ivan, anything on the chatter?” Perez asked
The man at the radio, a bearded old fellow no older than sixty and dressed like a military vehicle mechanic, turned toward Perez and replied, “Just routine chatter. Though they’re still looking for the folks causing a mess at their station…”
 Perez laughed and turned toward Bit and Maria, “Well, well, it seems you two became popular with the Acheronites…”

“Not the kind of fan following I want,” Maria boasted, “But it’s nice to see those Acheronites look fearful.”

Bit looked at Maria, “But what about Finley and the rest? They’re trying to meet us at your spot..”

Maria turned toward Bit, realizing what that meant.
“and if the Acheronites are searching for us, that means…oh, no..”

Perez cocked an eyebrow, “something up, muchacha?”
“Finley and the group were supposed to meet us at New Alamo Park before we got sidetracked. We need to meet up with them before the Acheronites get to them.” Maria said

“Oh? Your friends need help?” Perez said. He turned toward his crew and states, “Yo, Muchachos, we’re moving out!”

The crew nodded as they began to load up an APC. It looked similar to the one that attacked Bit when he first arrived but looked newer.

“Moving out?” Bit asked.

“You want to get your fellows?” Perez asked, “Unless you want to sit by here, let’s go assist your friends.”
 Bit nods as he gets inside the ATV, alongside Maria. Perez looked at the Kiralin for the moment. The ATV revved up as the garage slowly opens to the outside world, then departing like an animal leaving its den for food.

Maria hunkered down in one of the seats, looking at Bit. The Kiralin was inspecting his injured arm. He began to inspect it, as he winced at the pain.
“You’re really going to get that checked unless you want to get it infected,” Maria said

Bit looked at her, “it’s just a flesh wound..nothing serious..”

“Still..it doesn’t look too good, even if you’re an alien.” The lizard replied.

****************************************** Finley and his group arrived at the abandoned New Alamo Park. The place would have been filled with the local colonists enjoying their time, but now it’s as abandoned as a water park.

The large group of seven troops looked around for any sign of Bit and Maria.

“Where the hell is that girl and her friend?” Finley said, “It’s not too much of them to be this late..”

“Maybe they missed the wrong park?” one of the soldiers said.
Another soldier turned his head toward his left as he saw a group of vehicles heading their way.

“Hey Finnley, what’s that group over there?”

Friday Fan-Work: Mechanical Swamp-Runners

Happy Friday everyone, it’s ya boy Choujin.

Usually, I’m not a person who does fan-work. Not that I’m against fanfiction, but it’s mostly I try to create some original content as best as I can. However, today’s story is a fanfiction I wrote for my World of Warcraft guild. It’s a bit of a cute story.

To give a brief summary of the story and why I wrote it? Well, it was during an RP war campaign on the Emerald Dream server of World of Warcraft. To summarize the story, the guild i’m in has made a camp in the Cenarion Refuge, an outpost in the area of Zangarmarsh of Outlands. As a form of intermission, three robots are hanging about, while two of them end up dealing with the dangers of the swamp.

So sit back, and enjoy this short story
Warcraft belongs to Activision-Blizzard and all characters belong to their rightful owners

Mechanical Swamp-Runners

Written By TheChoujinVirus

Two days in Zangamarsh and Chala already has herself set up as well as her machines Optimo, Jeeves, and Reaves. She wishes she could bring some of her larger items like the Iron Nightsabre. Still, she needed something to help move supplies and maybe repairs for the Ashen Vale’s efforts. She decided to head out to Shattrath to find a way to bring her Xiwyllag ATV, the Steel Shark, to Outlands. So while Chala was out, Jeeves, Reaves, and Optimo were alone for the time being. The only other machine with them being the Robosabre, Chala’s Mechanocat, which had the same mechanical cognition as the scraphound Mecha Vero.

As Chala was still out, the robotic trio passed their time with a game of Hearthstone. Commonly, Jeeves and Reaves were always in a match. Optimo, lacking arms to play the game, simply sat and watched the two machines duel it out between two decks. Though today, something was eating Reaves.


“Did you see Joenn’s reaction of me? What she told Chala?” Reaves asked the mechanognome while playing a hearthstone creature.
“Query: What are you talking about, Reaves? Do you mean Joenn’s trauma?” Jeeves asked. He played a polymorph spell, turning Reave’s creature into a sheep.


“What audacity…Fel energy being bad? I never asked to be created with a Fel core.” The mechanical creature played another card, then using a spell to heal himself.

Jeeves simply plays a counter card that eliminates the creature while he gave his opinion to Reaves.
“Suggestion: Maybe you should have better foresight and maybe better understand why she fears you.”

“Better foresight? What do you want me to do? Ask a Draenei that backs away from the sheer sight of you?!” Jeeves asks

“Answer: Use your observation, Reaves. You have optics and a processor, you should know that”Jeeves then delivers the killing blow, using a Firebolt spell to lower Reaves’s health to zero.”Observation: Just like your lack of it cost you the match…again…”
 Reaves looked at the board then at his robotic opponent. If he had a mouth, it would curl like an angry scowl before he stated, “That’s it! I don’t have to take this!” The Fel-powered machine chuffed off angrily, Optimo watched him walk off before he started to yell out “Reaves! Don’t wander off too far! Miss Nightshadow told us to guard the camp!”
“Reassuring statement: Do not worry, Optimo. He’ll be back soon. Legion machines tend to get flustered easily, and he’s not one to take defeat easily. The only thing I cannot tolerate is a poor loser..”

Optimo nodded as the group simply went back to their duty of maintaining her camp. Jeeves was simply keeping everything as tidy as possible (as much as an outdoor camp can be as neat as possible.) Optimo began to do his routine pacing around the camp, checking to see if Chala or any member of the Ashen Vale needed assistance. Though he began to worry about Reaves as he hasn’t come back yet.

“Jeeves, Reaves hasn’t returned back to camp,” Optimo said with concern.
“Reassurance: I’m sure he’s still steamed about what I told him.” The butler replied

“But it’s been one hour, thirty minutes and eleven seconds since he left,” the Mechanostrider said

Jeeves began to stroke his mechanical chin, reviewing how long since Reaves left.
“Puzzling Concern: You are right, Optimo. It has been a while. Hypothesis: He may have gotten lost in his haze, I suggest we wait for Miss Nightshadow to return to camp before we search for Reaves.”
“But what happens if we wait too long? He might be in trouble,” Optimo said, “We have to rescue him.”

“Caution: Miss Nightshadow has advised us to not leave the camp,” Jeeves said, “Losing you is not something that I would-“
Optimo began to walk toward the direction Reaves headed. Though as he began to pick up the pace and darted off, Jeeves followed but refused to stray too far from the camp.
“Ineffectual command: Stop Optimo! Ineffectual command: I order you to stop, Optimo! Miss Nightshadow will not tolerate this!”
Thecommandc butler’s command fell on deaf ears as he watched Optimo head off into the marsh. He had that horrible feeling that Chala was not going to be thrilled that two of her machines have left camp.

“Worried Self-Statement: Oh no…Miss Nightshadow will deactivate me for sure…”

******************************************************

The little Fel machine angrily trudged through the marsh, still fuming over what Jeeves told him.
“Lacking the foresight to understand why people fear me…What does that rustbucket know about what people react to? My guess is Joenn’s just a chicken…because nobody else seems to be affected by my presence.”

Reaves continued to mutter and rant to himself. Besides his self-monologue and the sound of his mechanical parts squeaking and creaking, the sound of buzzing fireflies, frogs, birds, and any other fauna dwelled in the marsh. He heard something rustle loudly, causing the fel machine to jump toward the direction.

“Who’s there!?” He then made a mockery threat against the invisible threat “I am powered by Fel!”

The rustling grew louder, opened fire with a blast, shredding a chunk of the bush as a now panicked rodent ran out and away from the area.
 Reaves sighed, “Keep it together, Reaves, you can’t just let everything just-” He turned around to then see Optimo right in front of him. Startled, Optimo backed away while Reaves nearly fell over in shock.

“There you are, we need to get back to camp,” Optimo said, “Miss Nightshadow will be upset if we’re not.”

The Fel Machine huffed rudely, “Why should I? She seems to listen to the Traitor Eredar..”

“Draenei…they prefer to be called Draenei..not ‘Traitor Eredar”, Optimo corrected Reaves.
“Whatever..” Reaves replied, “I’m not coming back…”

********************************************************
Back at the Enclave, Chala returned from Shattrath with some fresh produce to restock the Cenarion Circle’s supplies. She noticed the camp was quiet, a bit too quiet.

“Jeeves? Optimo? Reaves?” Her tone when calling Reaves seemed a bit stern, but when she didn’t hear from any of them, she pulled out her remote to activate them. She assumed that they may be in sleep mode. When she did activate the remote, she saw Jeeves was hiding behind some mushrooms to the right behind her. Chala heard Jeeves’s making noise as she turned toward the machine.

“What are you doing hiding there?” Chala asked
Jeeves started to stammer “Fearful Apology: It wasn’t my fault, Ma’am! Please don’t deactivate me!”

Chala cocked her eye in confusion, “What happened?”

“Explanation: Reaves left after he got trounced in Hearthstone. He didn’t show up in over a few hours, then Optimo left to try and bring him back.”

Chala turned shocked, “Wait! They’re out in the swamp?!” She quickly got back to her Steel Shark, checking the radar on the machine.

“Annoyed Explanation: I don’t understand those two from time to time. I feel that they have some form of faulty memory…” Jeeves said
Chala continued to look at the radar until she found two blips on the radar. “Ahah! Found them! C’mon Jeeves, we best get to them before something does..”

Jeeves nods quietly as he hops into the ATV with Chala, ready to rescue Optimo and Reaves.

*******************************************
“What do you mean by ‘not coming back?'” Optimo asked

“Why should I stick around with people who look at me like I’m going to kill them?” Reaves said, “Why should I tolerate people who think that I bring corruption because of my power supply?”
Optimo tilts his head as he rebutted to Reaves’s rant. “But they have no problem with me; in fact, some actually want to talk with me. Miss Aeriara said I have a cute smile.”

“That’s because you’re designed to look cute and helpless..I’m just a Legion machine that was given a new purpose…” Reaves said as he began following the path toward Nagrand.

“But you do have a purpose, you can change into anything that is needed,” Optimo said, “I can only analyze and scan.”

“Again, you’ve got appeal due to your appearance.” Reaves said, “appeal is good for those who like cute things and less on repulsi-“

Reaves fell over when he tripped over something. Optimo stared at this object with curiosity. It looked like a very lumpy and worm-like root.

“What is that root?” Optimo asked, but the sound of hissing and grumbling gave the mechanostrider its answer. The root twitches before it started to rumble underneath both feet, and erupting from the ground like a fresh shoot was a huge fungal giant. The creature turned toward the two machines, towering them as he had only one thing on its mind: food.

The Fel Machine looks up as he replies, “Well, it’s a fungal giant…that’s no problem. We can take him together Optimo,”
As Reaves turned toward his right, he noticed that Optimo wasn’t there and that Optimo was already running away. The fel machine looked back at the machine, watching but fearful as it started to stare at Reaves. However, as its fungal brain began to wonder what to do next, Reaves took the opportunity to take Optimo’s example and leaves the creature. Following his self-preservation protocol, Optimo ran near the shores of the main lake, near one of the towers. He began to look around for a few moments, then when he turned to look toward his left, he saw Reaves’s face. The Fel Machine, though his face couldn’t show emotions, was fuming mad.

“YOU LEFT ME BEHIND!” he bellowed.
“I thought you were going to run,” Optimo said

“I was going to fight him! I’m not some coward that runs away!” He said, turning behind him to see where the giant was. However, the giant was nowhere to be seen.

“Well, I guess he gave up.” Reaves smugly said, “I would too if I was chasing two fast robots.” The machine then walked closer to the water as he turned to Optimo. The Mechanostrider looked at his Fel counterpart before asking him. “Are you sure you want to leave?” He asked

“I’m sure of it, Optimo. Otherwise, she would have been searching for us by-“ On cue, Reaves’s body was grabbed by a large arm emerging from the water, an arm that belonged to that Fungal Giant. It didn’t give up, it simply burrowed underground to ambush the mechanical creatures. Before Reaves could yell, he was pulled underground, swallowed by the monstrous creature as it erupted to the surface as it now stared down at Optimo. The mechanostrider now scared as the giant got closer and closer. Suddenly, the giant’s mouth started to emit smoke as its belly started to glow green, growing brighter and brighter. Hotter and hotter as the creature turned toward its stomach, the pain growing. Though before it could react, it erupted in a hellish green explosion that spewed fel charred chunks and a damaged Reaves.

“Reaves!” Optimo said, nearly getting pelted by a chunk of burning Fungal Giant. He got closer toward the damaged machine, sparks, and fel fire emitting from its busted body.
“See?” The machine stammered, “No big deal… Now, …why can’t I feel my legs..or my right arm…”
Optimo was about to explain what was going on until the two found the sound of propeller blades coming closer toward them. Chala found them (though the loud explosion was probably the clue).
“Optimo! Reaves! Oh, thank Elune, you two aren’t badly damaged..” She said, though turned to the damaged Reaves

“But Reaves is..” Optimo looked at Reaves.

“Reaves will be fine..his Personality Core is damaged, but I’ll make sure he’s going to be fine.” She said. She then looked at the two as her tone turned into something stern, “Now..we have to talk about you two leaving camp….”

Friday Fan-Work: The Primordius

Happy Friday, y’all. It’s ya boy Choujin here.

I’m working on the review for my Thursday Media Review, so it may be late. However, it should be done as soon as possible. For now, I got a treat for you.

Every worldbuilding story has one thing in common: Deities. They can serve as the creators or destroyers of the world. Warcraft has its Titan Pantheon, 40k has the Chaos Gods. For my world (high fantasy, sci-fi and some fan stories), we have the Primal Gods (influenced by the Greek Primal Dieties).

In this short excerpt, The Primordius, Tells a brief reference of each of the current Primal Gods and what they can do. I took more inspiration from Warhammer 40k’s Chaos Gods as they behave more as a reflection of the material world but less on power

and with that, sit back, relax, get something to drink and enjoy The Primordius

The Primordius

Written by TheChoujinVirus

Standing in front of you, an obsidian black book that looks biomechanical in origin and pages that look like they’re etched on solid gold pages. The book has gone through several names: The Lesser Keys, the Grand Grimoire and even the Visnati. However, its true name is called the Primordius, a book that describes the origins of powerful beings that exist outside of reality called the Primal Gods.

What are the Primal Gods?
Before creation, there was only one being: Chaos. In its labored birth, several beings were born. These beings were gifted with a portion of Chaos’s primal aspect (Emotion, natural order, talent) and tasked with maintaining said order. Each have their own name and some worshipped by denizens of the world (and other realities). So far, there are only several named Primal Gods, some that are benevolent and others malevolent. However one should not mistake their altruism as an alliance nor their destructive nature as evil, for the benevolent ones have ulterior motives and the malicious ones may have a purpose for their causes.


Abaddon, The Firstborn
Primal God of Chaos
Harbringer: N/A
The first born out of the world, and the one who rebelled against his siblings, The Primal God of Chaos was the first born and the one viewed as “Chaos personified”. Not a deceiver as his siblings like Surt or Sal’Gatha nor a protector like Hel or Chronos. He is more of an opportunist who watches on the side and joins whoever is stronger or aids in undermining the strongest one. The Primal Gods mostly view Abaddon as an unknown due to his unknown nature but many don’t understand. But some believe that he may be what is left of their lifegiver, Chaos.


Amon, The Bright One
Primal God of Order
Harbringer: Meteyah, Valkyric Dragon of Light
Though a firstborn alongside Abaddon, Amon is born of Order, the opposite of Chaos. Amon too is more or less a rebel like his brother, and shows up too whenever his brother Abaddon arrives. Though some say he only intervenes when all hope fails and when the Primal Gods can’t control the issue. Some view him as a hero who shows up when needed, but not as reliable as the others while others view him as a meddler who interferes with the natural law of Chaos. However, both he and Abaddon serve the purpose of balance: as neither side can truly win nor lose.

Benthic, The Black Ward
Primal God of War and Survival
Harbringer: “The Four Horsemen” (4 harbingers chosen by Benthic to test said world)
Life is brutal and sometimes short, but all life must be tempered to be strong through survival. Benthic represents the world’s need of survival and to fight. He is known to temper those through harsh methods. Wars, pestilence, famines and even mass death. Those who know what he brings mistake it as the End of the World, but to Benthic, it’s a test that all denizens must go through. Should they succeed, Benthic rewards that world the right to survive. However, should he find them wanting, he leaves them to their fate (and in the hands of his brothers and sisters).

Caphocia of the Many Faces
Primal Goddess of Deception and Lies
Harbringer: N/A
Many will try and live thorough any means, even by deception and lies. Caphocia’s nature of deception is everchanging as her face itself. Thriving through lies and deception come as close as Caphocia, who can make any truth-teller question their means as she undermines many. Sometimes she gives lies that are helpful for those to survive, while otherwise she can create false things to deceive others and push favor for her siblings to succeed. One cannot be to sure about Caphocia’s true motives as her own deception can confuse others. Truly showing the chaotic and unpredictability nature of deception.

Chronos, the Archivist
Primal God of Time
Harbringer: Luther of the Bronze
Chronos is an observer to many worlds and tasks himself with monitoring time and space itself. Each reality has a “Prime path”, an event that all worlds are destined to follow. However, some worlds seem to defy this through shattered paths and defied items. Sometimes, to avoid deviancy from his siblings (or at the request of another Primal like Morai). Chronos can also be a bit of a trickster, sometimes having people relive the same day again and again. Other times, he will intervene should that world’s “Prime path” be lead astray.


Dagoa, the Guardian
Primal Goddess of Nature and Earth
Harbringer: Gaia
Nature has existed for decades and serve as the basis of the natural order. She works closely with her Sister Hexxuba and begrudgingly with her brothers Benthic and Surt. She’s more indifferent to the mechaniations of her siblings and only cares about life in general, from the flora, fauna and the apex species of each world. However, she can become vengeful should the natural order be damaged or perverted (whether by mortal or her own kin).

Hexxuba, the Great Mother
Primal Goddess of Life
Harbringer:N/A
The bringer of Life, the sister of Dagoa and Hel as part of the “Natural Order”, Hexxuba’s job is to ensure all life is born and is guardian of the Wheel of Life (which ensures all life is able to return to the next world in a new body after their body is over.) She even is tasked with ensuring that the Primal Gods themselves cannot die (with the exception of the knowledge Sal’Goroth learned). She butts heads with Hel and despises Surt and Benthic. However, she is caring with Morai and Chronos.

Hel, Queen of the Underworld
Primal Goddess of Death
Harbringer: Warhound
The sister of Dagoa and Hexxuba, and part of the “Natural Order”. Her job is to shepherd the dead toward the land of the dead, the Underworld, where they are judged and moved on to Hexxuba’s department. Though not as cheery as her sisters, she’s not tolerant of those who upset the balance. Not uncommon of her to clash with Surt or Sal’Goroth (especially Sa’Goroth due to her knowledge of necromancy). Hel, however, does feel a bit forgotten by nearly all denizens save for the Midian world.

Morai, Weaver of Eight Arms
Primal Goddess of Fate
Harbringer: Unknown
The weaver of every being’s fate through her loom and the one who decides when said mortal lives or die. She is fascinated by the fates of people and how they function with the choices. She’s able to even see the fates of her siblings and to see whether they win or fail. Sometimes, she’s known to speak in riddles to mortal ears (and to the annoyance of her siblings). However, she has her ulterior motives that some (save for Sal’Goroth’s persistence) don’t know of.

Rahab, the Abyssal One
Primal God of Darkness and Fear
Harbringer: Dagon the Devourer
Longing the eternal bliss of oblivion and Chaos, Rahab is known as the Abyssal One due to his birth from the inky blackness. A master of fear and darkness, he brings an eternal night where sunlight cannot penetrate and fear into even the most lionhearted. Like his brother Abaddon and Atem, he’s more of an opportunist than a mastermind. However, he does have his own reason of why he brings darkness: To show the futility of mortals at the inevitable darkness and to enjoy the return of the eternal nothing.

Sal’Goroth, The Mad Intellect
Primal Goddess of Knowledge
Harbringer: Unknown
The maddened mind of the dark thoughted one, Sal’Goroth, is known for blessing (and cursing) those with intelligence. Though some bring the best intentions, a lot end up down a dark path that opens the doors to the ire (or arrival) of some of the Primal Gods. Though she knows all and predicts all, she’s also the lorekeeper of the Forbidden Knowledge, knowledge that she would never let loose. One of which is the permanent way of defeating (True Death) of a Primal God. She seeks out potential in people (through power or intellect) that in the end, is used by her for her own goals. She ushers “The Great Game”, a mental test to see how the world reacts to new knowledge and whether it will bring a golden age or a destructive end.

Surt, The Destroyer
Primal God of Destruction and Fire
Harbringer: Farina, the Black Knight
Known and feared by even the Primal Gods with the exception of those like Morai or Sal’Goroth, Surt is a being that longs to destroy the worlds themselves. Sometimes he works close to his brother, Rahab and his sister Sal’Goroth. However, he usually will check with Morai to see if his fated victory happens (though Morai has been known to defy the fates of his victory). Surt’s goal of destruction is viewed as wonton, but in short, he views himself as a purifier who flays destruction and death to cleanse the world. For to create a new world, one must flay and destroy the old world.

Tiamat of the Turquoise Scales
Primal Goddess of Water and Defiance
Harbringer: None
Tiamat, unlike her other siblings, is viewed as the youngest of the Primal Gods and represents the flowing nature of water. Fickle and stubborn, the young goddess has been known to agitate some of her siblings into conflicts or to just annoy them. Some speculate if Rahab is the son of Tiamat, but in short, they’re twins. Her nature is reflective like water: Calm and rippling, defiant and crashing or icy and harsh. Tiamat’s behavior has been known to bring the ire to all the Primal Gods.

Xaric, the Coveted One
Primal God of Wealth and Covet
Harbringer: The Ebon Raven
Xaric is the last of the primal gods, the one who covets anything (love, possession, survial,) anything that he can get his claws on. Keeper of forbidden treasures and items, sometimes he’ll be willing to share (if you’re willing to part with something you care that he covets.) Otherwise, he’s not friendly with thieves. He guards the Grand Treasury, his realm known to hold riches, wealth, knowledge. Anything the gods and mortals covet.

Friday Fan-Work: Federation Letter

Good evening and happy Friday, As Finals draw near (and puts a bit of a wrench in Chapter 5 of Slayers.) I got some good news for you! I managed to find something of one of my older works I’ve done. What is it? In my creative writing class, we had to write a letter. So what i’ve done was create a letter depicting an email discussing the creation of the Terran Federation’s newest power armor.
It’s tied to the same universe as shown in Slayer of Foultongues, Bola’Vettir, and Black Knight’s First Flight. So sit back, and enjoy this little thing I’ve done.

To: Dr. Helgora Magyar, Zigima
From: Terran Federation Headquarters, Earth
Subject: Gargoyle Project Update

Dear Dr. Maygar,

We have received your research data regarding the field test of the Mark III Gargoyle Power Armor, and we are ecstatic about the results you have shown. The Mark IIIs show a tremendous performance improvement over the Mark IIs, as they don’t seem to require any external equipment such as Type D Environmental Equipment, nor do they need heavy or rushed production as the Mark II Variants. However, when it comes to the designs of the Mark IIIs, there are some concerns:

First off is your request to allow Capt. Darius to have the Gargoyle M.k. III (Codename: Tyrael) fully customized and have its designation name changed to “Acheron.” We are not surprised at this due to Captn. Darius’s close relations with the Acheronites, but we do find the requests to be odd. However, as long as the customization is aesthetic and not anything expensive, we are okay with that.

Another concern comes from Lt. Ishizu’s power armor, Codename: Zeiram, and the tremendous amount of money required just to refurbish the detachable armor forming its Ronin Mode. I understand that without it, the alternate mode would be too frail for a direct head-on attack. We can simply add that into the taxes for the time being.

The last one is the power suit, Codename: Ungnyeo, as I believed it was named. We wouldn’t have the problem with the heavy plating or fitting two Double Barrel Beam Gatling guns. However, what gets me concerned is fitting a payload of Micro Missiles onto that power armor. We wouldn’t mind that if the armor wasn’t so heavy, to begin with, some of our generals worry that it could be an easy target for the enemy to pick off.

Other than that, the last armor you’ve been working on has caused no problem, and we actually find it interesting. Codename: Belial has proven effective for a heavily modified Mark III using components from the now decommissioned Gargoyle Mark II custom (Codename: Archangel). You’ve managed to create what we expected in specialist power armor.

I expect future reports from you once the armors are now active for combat, and if the results make yield improvement, we can see the Gargoyle Power Armor being mass-produced. Respond back to me as soon as possible

With Regards
Kobayashi Tokata
Secretary to the Federation Magistrate

Friday Fan-Work

Heya, happy Friday everyone. It’s ya boy Choujin.
Today’s friday and now we’re entering Chapter Four from our Slayer of Foultongues story. If you need a recap, you can read the last chapter here or start from the beginning if you want.

Last time on Slayer of Foultongues

After securing themselves in Smuggler’s Gorge, Bit and the townsfolk prepare a plan in taking over New Austin. The group decided in a stealthy approach in entering the place. The Acheronites see them and with a quick thinking, they managed to sneak past an Acheronite recon team. Though of course..they found themselves with an extra piece of cargo….

and now, the conclusion….

Slayer of Foultongues: Chapter 4

Written by TheChoujinVirus

Maria?! What in the ever-living hell are you doing here?!” Finley said in shock.

“I wanted to help out, but the old fart wouldn’t let me join,” argued Maria “I helped out when they attacked the town.”
“That’s was defense, not a sneak attack,” Bit said, “What you’re doing is stupid.”
“Hey, that’s Terran spirit right there. Bindi X is my home, and I’m not letting those Acheronites occupy it,” said Maria
The group looked at the situation before one of them asked: “So..as much as I’d like to chew the little lady for her stupid decision, might I remind us that we’re about to arrive in New Austin with an Acheronite convoy that will be inspecting us and will blow the lid of our operation.”
 Finley cursed, “shit your right, son. We need a new plan. My guess is the Acheronites didn’t see our weapons; otherwise, we’d be dead.”
Maria said as she tapped one of the crates, “Well, these things are heavily lined, if the Acheronites were using scanners, they’d have a hell of a time finding out what’s in the crates.”
Bit heard those words Maria just said, and like a spark of influence, an idea just arrived in his head.

“Wait..did you say those things can’t be scanned?” He asked
“Well yeah,” Maria replied “They’re heavily lined if they couldn’t pick up weapons-” Maria then realized what Bit was hinting “…then they wouldn’t be able to pick up people! That’s it!”

Finley gave a chuckle as he turned to the group, “Well, what do you expect?! Let’s get into hiding.” He then got on the private convoy channel. “Hey! You’re not going to believe this, but I think we got an idea…”

******************************************************************************
 The two semi-convoys pulled up toward the city-ship of New Austin. Cityship-wise, it was more or less just a more advanced colony area that served as a major shipping hub between ports and other living areas on Bindi X. Though now, most of the city was occupied by Acheronite forces and their convoys that were more or less using the supplies in New Austin. Once the group was in the city, the remaining air group pulled away now that the convoys were in New Austin.

The two convoy drivers drove the large convoys toward a loading dock. One of the drivers got on the radar and told the group, “I hope you know what you’re doing….”


The convoys arrived onto a large platform designed for loading and unloading land-based convoys. The only thing there was two heavily armored Acheronite soldiers that looked like they were built for combat than security detail. The other was a two-person group of inspectors as they were carrying some scanners.

“we’ll start with this convoy vehicle,” One of the armored acheronites told the group, “If the scanners pick up anything, report us immediately.”
 The two Acheronite civilians nodded as they entered the convoy first. Nothing out of the ordinary attracted save for something thudding noises of cargo falling and hitting the convoy trailer floor.

“Hey!” a female voice stated from inside the convoy’s trailer. One of the soldiers turned toward the noise.

“Something wrong?” One of the armored soldiers asked

“You might wanna take a look at this.” The voice said.
The armored Acheronite looked at her partner and beckoned her. The two entered the cargo trailer, a sound of a struggle, and some weapon fire is heard for a brief moment before everything grows silent. Once the ordeal was over, Bit radioed the convoy.
“I’m surprised that worked,” Bit said as the group began stuffing the bodies into the cargo boxes. Usually, they wouldn’t have this weak of security in New Austin, though not many would expect a trojan horse tactic either. Finley dusted his hands as he then asked: “So that we’re in the hornet’s nest, what’s next?”
Bit looked at the discarded armor and said: “We got these..so we can use them as disguises.”
Maria looked at the armor, giving a short whistle at the design and intricacy, “Damn…those Acheronites know how to design armor that’s functional. I wish I could have this.” She looked at Finley with a chuckle, “Sadly, I don’t think they have them in your size..not in this.”

“You wouldn’t catch me wearing that armor…I ain’t no crossdresser.” The large man said in disgust.

“Quit being a baby, Finley. I was just saying it wouldn’t fit your ass anyway. Though I think it would fit another..”

Maria then turned her attention toward Bit, the Kiralin was inspecting his magnum before he noticed he was getting some looks from both Finley and Maria.
Bit then looked at the two and asked, “what?”

******************************************************************************
 Meanwhile, in a law precinct building, the Acheronites were monitoring radio chatter. The building was a bit ramshackle but mostly converted to serve as an Ops area for the Acheronites in the area. Several radiomen and chatter can be heard as the sound of fingers tapping on terminal buttons, and diagnostic monitors show areas on the map.
Orda walked into the room, which was announced by an Acheronite soldier.

“Report,” she asked sternly.
“Shadow Wings are still on recon searching for the attackers from the last area. So far, no radio chatter from any resistance in the area” One of the Acheronites stated, “The only thing we got is a convoy from some defunct mining area requesting a deposit of supplies and cargo.”
 Orda then headed toward one of the terminals and began to check all shipping logs of miners and routes, It did check out, but it was odd that a defunct mining zone would request supplies, which feels odd if not out of place.

“What’s the status of the convoys?” Orda asked

“They’re being inspected as we speak,” the Acheronite soldier said, “Its nothing our skeleton crew can handle.”

Orda nods at the news, “Very well, soldier. Report anything strange to me if it shows up.”

The Acheronite replies with a “yes ma’am” before getting back to work. Orda at least felt that at least it wasn’t bad news to report to the Priestess. Though she couldn’t wrap her head around how a human convoy could give a squad the slip, especially when it’s the 25th Shadow Squadron, one of the elite recon groups. However, she tempered her doubts and went back to filing her report to the Priestess.

**********************************************************************

Back at the convoy loading pad, the two groups of ten soldiers were suited up and ready as Finley was ready to get the weapons locked and loaded. Meanwhile, Bit and Maria walked out, donning full Acheronite battle armor. Though Bit could pass himself off as an Acheronite in the armor (save for the tail part of the armor looking deflated (thus had to be removed to not give away that a Kiralin was in the armor. Maria didn’t have this problem with her armor; however, she did come off as a young Acheronte wearing armor that’s too big for her (though not that obvious.)

“This feels awkward..” Bit said through the helmet’s microphone. “having to pull the tail part of the armor inside in order to mask it. Hopefully, they won’t ask any questions.”

“You can always say you lost it in a battle?” Maria suggested, “Though it feels like it’s a little too big around me..”

“I don’t think the armor was tailored for kids,” Bit rebutted.
 Finley interrupted the two’s banter before saying, “Alright ladies, the tea party’s over. Now, I need you two ladies to scout ahead and find a security checkpoint.”

“Security checkpoint?” Bit asked

“There should be some security hub nearby. Usually, all cargo stations like this have a hub somewhere.” Finley explained
“Okay, so what about you two?” Bit asked Finley, “Highly doubt, they’ll be welcoming once they start searching for the missing groups.”

One of the drivers reassured Bit and Maria, “We’re going to be hiding low and away until you give us a signal.”
Maria looked at the group before she asked, “Signal? How would you want us to know that?”
 “hmm…that’s something you’ll have to find out yourself.” The driver said. Once that conversation was made, the two groups left theirs toward their own ways and destinations. Maria and Bit walk through a few streets of New Austin on their way to what their armor HUD reported was the destination of the closest security checkpoint. Bit was experiencing some discomfort as he was walking.

“Something wrong?” Maria asked

“The tail part of the armor is rubbing my inner leg,” Bit replied, his tone was hinted as he was trying to not let it bother him. “Just have to pretend it’s not going to be a problem.”

The female augment couldn’t help but chuckle as they walked toward the building. It looked like it was a moderately sized rectangular building with the words “New Austin Colonial Enforcement” on a metal sign near the entrance. Some pockmarks indicating some battle just happened not too long ago.  The two walked in and saw the main room was had several Acheronites walking about and filing reports. One of the commanding officers walked up to Maria and Bit, her armor was similar to theirs, but it had some emblem adornments on the armor’s chest plate indicated she was some high-ranking officer.

“Londors 9 and 15, why are you here? I thought you were sent to loading station four?” The officer asked
Maria, knowing Bit’s masculine voice, would give away their cover, spoke to the officer with a quick lie.”uh…we finished up the scan, and the cargo’s being moved.” Maria said, “We’re just reporting back here.”

“Why didn’t you just communicate via the commlink?” The officer asked

“Londors 15 here has a bad transmitter, so I had to get it repaired.” Maria lied again.

The officer looked at the two with disappointment, “fine..take 15 with you to the armory and get her transmitter fixed. I don’t know what you two did..but I’m disappointed in this malfunction.”

Maria and Bit began walking past the group of Acheronites and down a few halls until they were out of earshot and eyesight. Maria looked at Bit, “what a hardass.”

“What do you expect? Acheronite military isn’t really lax when it comes to some orders. Anyway..now that we’re in the den, where do we go?”

Maria looked at Bit, “What do you expect me to do?”

“Maybe find a place..if this is a security hub, what would be a better spot to go for?” Bit said
Maria began to think for a moment, “hmm…usually, these places would have a surveillance room.”

“They have all of New Austin surveilled?” Bit said

“Not all of the place, security hubs have certain areas surveilled. This station should be near our starting area. We need to find the room and send a signal to our guys that we got in.”
Bit assessed Maria’s plan, and he nodded in agreement, “Mmm..yes, that should work. Just lead the way, and we’ll take care of stuff once we’re done.”
 Maria nods, and the two depart their little hiding spot. They passed a few Acheronites as they looked for the surveillance center. Bit and Maria could hear some chatter from the soldiers either giving orders, chatting about current gossip and even complaining about the amenities in the annexed security center like the bathrooms. Eventually, the two made it toward the surveillance room. They saw four unarmored Acheronites in civilian clothing sitting at monitors and scanning the cameras. One of them turned away from the monitor to notice Bit and Maria in the room.
“Hey! Did Zeltla sent you to take over our shift?” she asked, “Our group was just finishing up our routine report.”
“Yeah..that’s what we were going to tell you. We’re taking over your shift,” Maria said, “Go get yourself some coffee or something.”

One of the Acheronites looked at Maria with confusion, “Coffee? What’s that?”
“it’s that bitter blackwater that tastes repugnant,” another Acheronite said

“oh..well, I might try that stuff while we’re on break.”

The group got up as the Acheronite said to the two, “Report any abnormalities to Zeltla.”
Bit and Maria quietly nodded at the Acheronite. Once she left the room, Maria turned to Bit as she clapped her hands, “That worked out in a way I wasn’t expecting!”

“For now, let’s hope our luck continues.” He looked at the terminals and monitors. “Hmm..so how do these work?”

Maria got to a terminal and began to look through the diagnostics, “Well, the Acheronites barely know how to work these things. A lot of security is set to default.”

Bit stared at the terminal as Maria did her magic, “So it’s that simple to work?”
“Unless it’s set to specific parameters, otherwise even someone like me who has no experience working this could crack the network like nothing,” Maria said. The augment continued her work until she had access to New Austin’s security network.

“And…bingo!” Maria smirked, “I’ve got access to the whole security network. Now we need to find Finley.”

******************************************************************************

Finley and the group moved through the alleyways of New Austin while keeping an eye out on any patrols. It was odd how the Acheronites could have the entire city locked down.

“So..what now?” One of the volunteers asked Finley

“We need to hope they know how to signal.” The African American replied, “I don’t want to be stuck in an area being outgunned…”

As he looked around, they didn’t know that there was a hidden camera in the area that spied on them. They heard a “psst” noise, a noise that nearly made the group jump as they turned around to notice the said camera. It looked like a camera covered by a dome.
“Hey, dumbass,” the voice said

Finley looked around in surprise, not by the voice but by its sound. He knew who said that and he also knew there was only one person who would call him that.
“Maria? Is that your voice, you little brat?” Finley asked sarcastically

“Does a salt wolf crap in the desert?” Maria replied back

He chuckled quietly, “So you and the Kiralin managed to get into the security hub, huh?”
“That’s right. Stupid Acheronites simply just reset a lot of the security to factory default,” Maria said, “Anyway, we got the security hub..so now what’s next?”

“Here’s the next part of the plan, and how you do it…” Finley began discussing the plan with Maria and Bit.

Sunday(was suppose to be Friday) Fan-Work

Note:Again, I apologize for the very late posting

Evening and Happy Sunday. It’s your boy, Choujin here.

Guess what? Another Chapter of Slayer of Foultongues! So If you want to catch up, you can either catch up from last week’s story or you can start all the way from the beginning.

Last time on Slayer of Foultongues….

An Acheronite recon team arrived at the small outpost Bit was in, investigating the cause of the missing patrol that our Kiralin killed. Finley and a small band of Terrans led a surprise attack on the Acheronite patrol with Bit killing the captain. Knowing that more will come, the town decided to pack up and flee to an abandoned mining station known as Smuggler’s Gorge. Meanwhile, the Achronite Priestess grew distressed and angered over news that a small group of humans caused enough issues with their forces. She ordered her commander, the Amazon named Orda, to squelch this resistance. After an ambush from the Acheronite air squadron while in Satan’s Badlands, the group managed to evade the group through a sandstorm. Though they suffered losses, the Terrans made it to Smuggler’s Gorge.

And now the Conclusion….

Slayer of Foultongues: Chapter 3

Written by TheChoujinVirus

The night on Bindi X brought out some much-needed peace and quiet for the time being. Bit volunteered for the night shift. The sounds of the wind blowing through the gorge calmly while there’s the sound of some people chattering and moving about. It wasn’t like the bar back at the small town the Kiralin first arrived to. He then blinked before turning toward the sound of someone walking toward him.

“Doin’ the night shift hm?” Said Finley “the night’s pretty quiet.”

Bit nods “It is..though I’ve seen some critters moving about here. I never expected Bindi X to have life.”

Finn laughed at Bit’s statement. It was a surprise to see an alien confused at the fauna of a world, especially on mining worlds.

“Oh then you’ve never seen a desert wolf or plague doctor.” Finley said “those things can surprise any tourist here. Especially plague doctors.”

The kiralin looked puzzled at Finley, “plague doctor? You mean like those old terran doctors during your dark age?”

“I wish,” Finley said “plague doctors are eight legged crustaceans that behave like parasites. They feed on electricity, and latch themselves to some critters here in order to feed off their ‘biolectricity’ or something. Hell, them eggheads say strange stuff. All I know is that these little bastards like to get themselves into machinery.”

“Thanks for the tip..I’ll have to watch for those ‘plague doctors’ “ Bit said.

Finley nodded quietly before offering his flask of alcohol for Bit. The Kiralin quietly turned down the offer, Finley simply just scoffed and replied “I thought you wouldn’t mind human drinks.”

Finley then walked away from Bit, finding the Kiralin wasn’t in the mood to drink. Bit simply went back his watch, staring out onto the sky to ensure no Acheronite ships were about. The night sky billowed like a blanket of twinkling stars, distant nebulas and everything that makes the boring night watch into a canvas. For Bit, it was something that made him feel a tad twang of homesickness.

Morning arrived, the stars in the sky vanishing as the sun rose. The liveliness of the convoy camp bustled to life as people gathered to pick up their morning rations, water and preparing what would be their everyday lives in a state of probable war. The Kiralin was taking some much-needed sleep after his night shift. However, he would be woken up by Maria as she tosses him his breakfast, which was a rectangle shaped bar of grain and powdered protein.

“Thanks,” He said to Maria

“No problem, the stuff’s not breakfast but it can hit the spot when needed,” Maria said

She sat adjacent to Bit, her lizard tail wagged like a puppy while she eating her breakfast. The Kiralin chuckled at the sight.

“Do you always wag when you’re happy like some terran canine?” He asked

An embarrassing blush crept on her face as her tail stopped wagging followed by her face turning into a scowl.

“No! And if you bring that up with Finley, I’ll shove a plague doctor down your pants,” replied Maria indignantly.

Bit simply cocked his right eyebrow in confusion, “Hey settle down, I wasn’t trying to be rude. I just never seen a lizard wag their tail.”

“Well I don’t and I only do that when I’m happy or nervous.”

The Kiralin just took a bite out of the breakfast bar as his eyes gaze over at Finley and two other terran townsfolk heading over toward a large congregation of other townsfolk. Whatever they were doing it attracted Bit’s curiosity. He got up from his spot and headed toward the group as Maria watched him.

“hey, where are you going?” she asked

Bit didn’t give a reply as he was more interested in what was going on than Maria’s question. She huffed angrily as she yelled back “If you tell Finley, your ass is plaster!”


The large congregation of people were made up of some of townsfolk that were discussing strategies on fighting the Acheronite occupation in New Austin.

“-around several of them,” One townsfolk said, “Unlike the recon group that attacked the town and our convoy, it seems to be where most of their forces are amassed besides the Mother Lode.”

The barkeep nods as he asks the person, “What about the rail network? Can’t we use them?”

The townsperson shook his head, “The main one is held at New Austin and it’s the only network that’s tied between there and Alamo base”

Bit arrived just when he heard the name of the base.
“Alamo base? What’s that place?”

“It’s the federation’s outpost that oversees law enforcement and security for Bindi X,” said the barkeep “When the Acheronites arrived, they ambushed the base after securing the Mother Lode.”

Finley, who was standing to the right of bit, looked at the barkeep upon hearing that news, “Goes to show how well the Federation really cares about their colonies.”

Finley’s statement was mixed as some agreed with his statement while others just looked at him angrily like he just said something sour to their ears.

“Either way we need to retake New Austin from those she-devils, Finley,” said the barkeep.

one of the female townsfolk spoke up, “How can we fight against them? We didn’t bring any weapons with us save for pistols and rifles, not enough to retake a town.”

“There’s a weapon locker we found that had some weapons in excellent condition.” Finley said

“Well Finley, that’s the first good news I’ve heard,” Said the barkeep. He then turned to the group, “Alright, we’ll need some volunteers for this plan to work.”

Finley rose his hand, “I’m in.”

Several others nodded and announced they wanted to be part of this attack. The rest turned toward Bit, wondering what their alien hero will say.

Bit stared at the group then said, “I’m already marked by the Acheronites for death and you guys might need someone to ensure you come back alive. I’m in as well.”


“Alright, now that we have the volunteers, we need to discuss the plan and what to do next…” The barkeep and the volunteers got together and began to discuss the next part of their plan. It would involve placing the volunteers into one of the convoy transports and take them into New Austin for a surprise attack on the Acheronites occupying the area. Bit brought up a good question, “So how do we get close? We got hit by the Acheronites the last time.”

“I know,” Finley replied “Those acheronites have air superiority, we’ll have to improvise our way against those fighters.”

“With what?” Bit asked

Finley showed two large shoulder mountable weapons, “why these of course.”

Bit looked at the weapons and asked Finley “What are these?”

“Pegasus Anti-Fighter rocket launchers”, Finley said “Only found two of these with limited rounds. I thought that pistol of yours could hit them like the APC.”

“I never could hit fast moving targets like a fighters,” Bit said.

Bit heard Finley laughing hard after he made that statement.

“hoo boy..you can’t hit a fighter?”

Bit remained quiet before the Barkeep yelled out, “Finley! Stop standing there! Get the weapons loaded on the convoys”.

Finley got to work before muttering about how it wasn’t allowed to poke fun at their Kiralin companion. He then turned to Bit and said “Don’t take that personal, Finley can be a bit of an ass when he finds someone’s flaws.”

Bit shrugged “He never had to shoot at something moving faster than he can track. Though I’m glad about the rocket launchers he found. They’ll come in handy against them.”

Bit then looked at the barkeep and realized he never asked his name, “Oh..I never got your name.”

“You can call me Murphy,” the barkeep said “It’s alright, usually wasn’t expecting us to go to war anyway.”

Bit chuckled at that statement, since the both of them had to agree on that statement. He then headed toward the convoys, lending his aid loading up supplies and weapons for the convoy. While he did that, Murphy began gathering more volunteers for their attack. Out the whole camp, a group of twenty were selected. One of the twenty people chosen happened to be Maria, as she didn’t want to sit at the camp with the rest of the town. Once the essentials were loaded, the twenty volunteers split up into two groups of ten and placed into each convoy, they departed Smuggler’s Gorge.

******************************************************************************

The 25th Acheronite Air Division were on a routine patrol of Satan’s Pass as they continue to look for the resistance that fled. They had no clue about Smuggler’s Gorge let alone their plan to take out New Austin.

One of the pilots requested a private channel with the squad leader,

“Shadow Two to Shadow Leader, Private channel set.”

“Private channel go ahead.”

“Are you sure we’ll find them here? We’ve checked for several hours and we found nothing of their base or where they’re rallying,” The pilot said

“Shadow Two, they could be hiding in some cave or desert hole. Terrans or not, they’re not much of a threat- Hold it.” She looked at her radar as she saw two blips on the radar.

“Shadow Leader to all members, seems we got movement on the pass. Remember to not engage the enemy until they fire back or if given the order.”

The first three fighters moved into formation as they began to get in closer. One of the convoy drivers notified the group via a commlink.

“heads up, the bugs are buzzing us.” One of the drivers said.

“Guess they’re scouting us.” Bit replied.

Then the radio sprung to life as they could hear the voice of the Acheronite squad leader, she sounded like someone who had some authority but also some veteran combat to it.

“Unknown convoy, this is Ulanja of the Shadow Wings, Identify yourselves.”

The convoy driver replied with a quick lie, “uh..Shadow Wing, this is Convoy Zero-Two-Two-Niner, we’re just transporting miners from Mining region Zero One to New Austin.”

Ulanja’s tone shifed to a puzzled look, “Uh… Convoy 0229, where were you taking the group to?”

“New Austin, for maintenance and supplies” repeated the Convoy driver.

One of the pilots began to active her fighter’s scanners in order to verify the claim of the pilot. They could detect people in the two convoys, but when it came to supplies, they only saw the crates holding up weapons. The radio silence was making some of the guys unnerved.

“This isn’t going to work…they’ll figure it out.” Finley stated to Bit

“It may be, Finley but the chance is worth it. If we can sneak right through them,” Bit said “Killing them in the open will just alert their friends that we’re coming.”

Eventually, the radio silence was broken by the Shadow Wing leader.

“Convoy 0229, you’re cleared for your transport, we’ll escort you to the designated loading and unloading. Deviation from this course will be met with force.”

Bit looked relieved as he turned to Finley, “see? It worked.”

“Though now we got them following us to New Austin. That’s not a good thing to have either way,” Finley rebutted.

Bit remained quiet while the convoy drivers did their job and drove, being led by one of the Acheronite fighters flying overhead to ensure there was no deviation.

       One of the pilots informed Ulanja via a private channel, informing the leader on something odd that she noticed.

“Shadow Five to Shadow Leader, remember that scan we did on them?” the pilot asked

“Yeah?” Udanja said

“well..besides the twenty workers, I’ve picked up some anomalies with the cargo.”

Ulanja looked puzzled, “Shadow Five, that’s the supply crates. They stated their purpose, and the scanners would have picked up anything off like weapons.”

The pilot then stated, “True, but the scanners stated no conclusive anything. No weapons, no cargo..it’s like they’re there but we cannot pick up what’s inside the crates.”

“sounds alarming,” Ulanja said “send request from New Austin for a scanning team, we’ll double check to make sure our radar isn’t being jammed or something in the air.”

“Our scanners have been having trouble with this planet for a while,” the pilot said. “The last squad accidentally hit a convoy that fled into a sandstorm..”

“I’ll inform our engineers about the issue, but it shouldn’t be a problem in the future,” Ulanja said.


Back down on the ground, One of the convoy pilots on a private channel began chatting with the group on their second part of the plan.

“Well theres some good news and bad. The good news is that our lie worked and they’re not shooting at us, the bad news is that they’ll find out about our attack unless we do something.”

“So what now? Comply and let them blow the surprise?” said Finley sarcastically.

Bit remained quiet as he noticed one of the weapon cache lids popped open, everyone turned around to notice what just happened. Maria, the lizard augment, managed to stow herself in the crate. Once she realized she was out of the box, she turned toward the group in the transport and replied sheepishly.

“uh..hey guys?”