Cosmic Castaway

Quiet, still, relaxing, not quite what I had in mind when I was waiting in my bunk on the Vengeance. The planet I and two hundred thirty thousand others are en-rout to is called Rastmatta. Some small rock in the middle of the Nexus system that holds a human research facility and other military targets. To be honest, I think we aren't bringing enough forces to take the planet. If it's as guarded as I've heard, then we are in for bloody welcome.

From what I've gathered from my civilian contact in the Human Empire, the planet itself is of great interest to the Empire. Apart from the natural resources, the planet holds some unknown energy signature that they are trying to study. When I asked for a copy of the preliminary readings she told me that she would try but made no guarantees. Luckily for me, Dr. Dian Ries came through. At a glance I immediately identified what the readings were. It appears that the planet has a history of being home to magically capable races for many years.

I was about to look over the over battle plans for the planet to satiate my curiosity when Admiral Bes'rital sounded over the speakers to all ships in the attack group. "Everyone, we are almost at the target. I don't need to tell you what's at stake here. We must take Rastmatta if we want to prevent the Empire from invading UGR space. You all know what your assignments are. All drop teams get to your gunships and all ships prepare for battle."

Well there went the last of my rest time. Slowly standing up, I stretched arms legs and wings to get the blood circulating again. With that out of the way I turned to my weapons locker and opened it to take my belongings with me. First came my weapon harness, a simple set of straps that hug my body. Second came my Arc pistol, my side arm that fires arcane bolts at very high speeds. Third came the attachment pack for my pistol witch contains a; stock, barrel extension with built in by-pod, suppressor, and simple scope. Fourth came my Rune sword, a fifteen and a half inch curved blade. Filth came my provisions pack, containing my food and water. Lastly was the charm my sister gave me before I left my tribe countless years ago.

Fully equipped and ready for combat I make my way out of my room and out into the hall. There I ran into the drop team I was going in with. Lucky for me I walk out when the last of them passes by and don't get a good look at me. The last thing I want to hear is some rookie ogling me when he needs to get his mind ready for the task at hand. Instead of heading to my drop ship in the hanger bay, I make my way to the bridge to help the Captain with the initial engagement battle in orbit.

The moment I arrive on the bridge is when we come out of warp and into conventional space. As expected, the Imperial forces exceed our own in numbers. To my surprise the human capital ship, the Fist of Terra, is in the enemy battle group. Despite our ship taking fire, I manage to make it next to the Captain and report. "Captain, permission to assist on first engagement?"

"Permission granted Slade, give them hell before you leave." He responded all to happily.

I look to the crew before me and crack a wide smile, bearing my fangs in the process. "Listen up. The shields on the Fist of Terra are down, but we aren't going to target her directly. Instead, I'd like you to lock the dorsal gun onto the closest enemy frigate between us and her. Be sure to aim for the bridge."

"Um, not to disobey orders sir, but wouldn't that be a waist of the mark sixty nine orbital strike cannon?" Said one of gunners.

"Not if our target is the ship behind said bridge. Besides, we'll end up cutting off the head of one ship while destroying another more powerful one without their knowing." Well, that seemed to shut him up. Other than that order I let the Captain direct the rest of the sips cannons to their targets. "How are our shields holding?" I call out.

"Shields are holding at sixty percent despite the beating from bomber runs." Sounded off a sailor at his station.

"Lord Slade, OSC is loaded and ready for firing!" Called one of the ordnance personnel over the radio.

"Sir, primary target locked in and alined with secondary target." Said the first mate as he braced himself along with the rest of the crew.

Straitening out my tail to brace my self, I can't help but smile as look to the sailor at the OSC console. "Fire!" I call out. The recoil from the cannon was enough to shake the sip back an inch in space despite the engines pushing it forwards. As expected the shot ripped right through the remaining shields on the enemy frigate and took out bridge. What was the surprise for me and crew was the massive explosion that ripped the Fist of Terra in half. Huh, must have hit the main reactor for the ship to be split in half like that.

As I watch the other cannons finish off the damaged frigate I her the Captain call out to me. "Thanks for the fireworks Slade, you should head to your gunship, we're near our drop zone."

"Yes sir, on my way." I channel my magic in my horns and teleport to the hanger bay. After a moment of looking I find my gunship and walk aboard and close the doors to the surprise of the squad inside. This is just what I wanted to avoid, gawking rookies. Thankfully for me the Sergent I know well.

"That's enough ogling him shines, get your heads in the game!" He then turned his attention to me holds out his hand in his usual greeting to me. "It's good to see us working together sir."

Taking his hand in our usual greeting I smile gently, trying my hardest to not scare the newbies with my fangs. "Likewise Nirros." Looking over his new squad I can't help but chuckle. "Since when did command see fit to give you batch after batch of rookies?"

Feeling the gunship launch we let go of one another. "It just seems to be my bad luck I think. That or someone in command hates me." He laughs out the last part as if to try and hide his true feelings. I notice his attention turns to one of solders. "Is there something you have on your mind Ida?"

"No sir!" She said. Even with her helmet on I can tell that she is flustered.

"You act like you never seen a reptile before?" Nirros asks.

"I have sir, just not naked or unarmored." It sounds as if I'm making her uncomfortable due to how flustered she sounds. I bet there's a mad blush under that helmet. Judging by the sent and the breasts on her chest she is a mammal.

"On the planet I come from no one wears clothes and moving into space didn't change that in the least." I explain though I doubt I'm making her feel any better. It is so hard to tell due to her helmet but her body language seems to be relaxing.

"Okay... I understand the clothing part, but why are you unarmored?" She looks at my face more curiously.

This is going to be fun. "My scales are by far the hardest substance I've come across in all my years of service." I give Nirros a glance and he catches on quick. Before Ida or anyone can react, Nirros pulls out his side arm and shoots me in the ribs leaving only a black mark on my snow white scales. The way she just stood there frozen tolled me all that I needed to know. She was most likely shocked that her Sergent not only shot me but the fact that I am unharmed must have left some hilarious look on her face.

"What was that?" Sounded the pilot over the radio.

"Just showing the shines why few get into the juggernauts." Nirros responded.

"Rodger, first drop site ETA in five min. Lord Slade, are you ready?"

"I'm set." I call back. It's about time. As much as I like the company of my fellow solders, I enjoy relaxing and fighting the enemy even more. I here the back door behind me open up and see the red light telling me to get ready. Looking out I see the other gunships in formation around us heading towards the imperial research facility. Suddenly the aircraft is rocked by black flack burst. It would seem their AA guns are now in range.

"Hold on everyone!" The pilot called out. "AA guns have us zeroed!"

With the green light I jump out the back and begin my free fall. All around me I can see flack bursts and the occasional gunship explode. Looking down I could see the AA guns firing. Adjusting my angle making my way for the closet AA. About Thirty feet from the ground I flared my wings to slow down but still land with enough force to crush the gun under my weight. Flapping my wings to clear the dust and drawing both my sword and pistol as I stood.

Fear. That is all I could smell was fear. The first human to raise his rifle to me was rewarded with an energy bolt to the face. Quick, clean, painless. He was the lucky one. The next one charged me with his tactical knife only to be ran through with my blade. Sliding him off I turned to receive a PPC to the chest. Landing on my feet after my unscheduled flight I took aim at the stunned trooper and fired thrice. It's not that I needed to shoot him three times, but damn that bloody hurt.

Five more humans came after me to hopefully kill this adversary amidst their AA guns. Tired of their foolishness I concentrate my magic into all of their AA guns as my hands glowed, and begin crushing them with my mind. As fore the humans, one lost his head after we crossed swords. The second had what was left of an AA dropped on him. The third fumbled with his frag grenade with some help from me. The fourth I executed with an energy bolt to the back of the head after his failed charge. The last was spared because he threw down his arms and fled. My combat honer prohibits me from killing the unarmed and helpless.

With this distraction finished I spread my wings after stowing my weapons and took flight to my actual objective, being the enemy research facility. After what felt like fifteen minutes I reached my objective and landed on the roof, dispatching all hostiles in sight. Using a simple flair spell I signaled all the ground forces to press their advantage of a sniper free zone. Looking down I noticed Nirros and what was left of his squad run up to a side door. Jumping down I joined them, "How is everything looking?" I ask.

"Not good." Nirros tells me. "A third of the gunships were shot down and no armored support for the other divisions. As it is her I have half my squad and the other four that were supposed to help us were ether shot down in their gunships or wiped out in the initial ground engagement."

Damn, okay think think. "Orders have changed in that case. Your squad is to help me destroy this facility and evacuate all the scientists. Remember, unless a scientist has a weapon don't fir on them." I then take out a picture of a human female and show it to all present. "This is Dr. Dian Ries, she is my contact. Her and her staff must make it out alive. Is this clear?"

"Yes sir!" Was the squads response.

"Sir," Ida piped in. "How are we going destroy the facility?"

"Leave that to me." I have no doubt that they can destroy this building but I have a feeling that there is more going on in this building than some standard tests. I signaled for the others to get behind me as I opened the door. As expected there was a squad of enemy rifle men stationed behind the door. Using my wings as a shield, the rest of the squad stacked up behind me and fried over and out of the small gaps I made. With the enemy squad taken care of, my team and I made our way to the second sealed door.

Slowly opening it, "Dian? Dian, are you there?" I called out quietly.

I noticed some motion coming form the side. "Estivon, is that you?" Came Dian's voice. Slowly she rose from her hiding spot. "Wait, you can't be Estivon. Where's Estivon?" Damn it, she's confused.

"Estivon is not my real name. It's my alias so I can keep taps on the civilian section of the Empire." Oh good she seems to accept this.

"Well if your name isn't Estivon, then what is it?"

"My name is Slade and right now I need to get you and your staff out of here before I set the orbital strike beacon. First we need to get to your staff."

With a nod we follow as Dian leads us down some hallways to what looks like a semi secured room. Inside, past the glass door, is the rest of her staff along with two squads of enemy riflemen.  I look to Dian as she is cursing under her breath. "Something wrong?" I ask quietly.

"Yes," She whispered. "They initiated protocol ninety-five. All non military personnel are put under strict guard until the enemy has been repelled." Well this is new. I wonder when this was enacted in the field?

"Sir, how are we going to get them out without harming them?" Ida asked

"Dose anyone have a stun grenade?" I ask. Luckily one of the squad pulls out one and hands it over. With one hand I tell Dian to stay put and motion for the squad to follow. When we get close to the door I pull the pin and smash it through the glass so it would land at the feet of the riflemen squad closet to the door.

The grenade exploded and my squad enters with weapons trained on the enemy. Coming out of their daze they took one look at us and surrendered. Seeing all the riflemen unarmed I focus my magic as my right hand glow. With a snap of my fingers they all fall to the ground, asleep and unharmed.

"That's a nifty trick." Commented one of my squad. Rolling my eyes I motioned to Dian that it is safe to enter

"Dian!" Called one of her female staff as she ran to embrace her. Holding her tightly she pulled back to check for injuries. "They didn't hurt you did they?" She then turned face me and glared.

"No Sophey," Dian assured her. "They're here to get us out of here."

I Turn my attention to a male scientist. "Did Dian pass on Estivon's word?"

"Yes," He said, pulling out a small data card. "This is all our research on the samples gathered."

"Hold on to that, you'll need that." He looks at me like I grew a second head but nods and puts it back in his pocket. I look to Nirros and he is already on the radio calling for an evac in his native language.

"This is Sergent Nirros of squad Nine calling for gunship evac. High value civies are priority. LZ is sector twenty one sixteen. LZ is clear."

"Rodger that Sergent, Call sign Jasper inbound. ETA ten minutes." Came the reply.

"Slade," Dian called to me. " There is another work room in this building. They were about to commence tests on their latest prototype." Damn, I didn't want to hear that.

"Any idea of what it is they are testing."

"No, my team and I weren't alowed down there. Military personel only." That's not good if she sounds this worried about what her race is up to.

"Very well. I'll handle this. Nirros, when the gunship gets here you and your squad take off with them." Despite the look he's giving me I can't have him accompany me on this part.

"*Sigh* Yes sir." He didn't sound too happy but it has to be done. As I turn around I feel his hand rest on my shoulder. "Take care Slade."

"I will." With that said, I made my way deeper into the complex. After ten minutes of searching I felt a powerful yet unstable magical field one floor below me. Without a second thought I took out my sword and cut a hole in the floor, but instead of letting the piece I cut fall free I lifted up and away with my magic. Looking down I found the source of the unstable energy pattern.

In the room was about twenty armed scientists walking frantically about the many data terminals. In the center of the room is a small ball of white energy pulsing and gaining strength. Despite the instability of the power the humans are messing with they seem to be containing it well. I noticed on of the scientists give a nod and the energy ball expanded into a white vortex that produced no wind what so ever.

Suddenly I begin to hear warning bells and beeps on the terminals. From where I'm at I can see the systems going critical and that they are trying their hardest to prevent a system overload. Ignoring commonsense I dropped down and ran to the master terminal, shoving the other human out of they way. I typed a few commands into the computer but it was unresponsive. I noticed that the room emptied in a mere matter of moments and that I was alone. Thinking fast I set the orbital strike beacon.

I turn to make my escape but stop short when I see a squad of riflemen pointing their weapons at me. Slowly I draw my blade and level it at my enemies. Before I can make a move the console next to me exploded, sending me flying towards the vortex. My sword touched it before me and upon contact it was wrenched from my grasp. I was not far behind my blade in touching the field. When my claw hit the vortex my vision went white and my whole form felt tingly.

I felt my body leave the vortex and hit the ground or something twice before I came to a stop. Immediately I felt a fiery pain blossom in my chest. I could feel my self weakening as the seconds passed. Finally my vision came back long enough to see why I'm In pain. Most of my other senses seem to be gone for the moment leaving me with sight sound and pain. Looking around I found myself in a garden of sorts with snow on the ground and gently falling all around me. Looking down I found the reason for my state. Three inches of the blade of my sword is sticking out of my chest as blood runs down the front of the wound.

"Well that's new." I croaked to no one in general.

Hearing a noise coming from my left I looked to that direction. Damn, my vision is fading again and my head feels heavy. The last thing I saw was the outline of a deep blue figure escorted by a pair of dark grey blobs before my sight failed me completely and sound following soon after. Pain stayed with me for a minute longer but it too faded away leaving my mind to wander in the abyss of itself.

Nirros

Planet Rasmatta

My race has never been able to use magic but we can tell when others are. As the gunship made its way away from the research facility I could feel a strong magical energy forming behind us. Being around Slade as long as I have has told me that this isn't his energy. Something is wrong here, too much power is coming from this structure and none of it is Slade's.

Feeling a hand on my shoulder I slowly turn my head to this presence. Seeing Dr. Dian looking out the door with me I can see she has a worried expression on her face, like mine. "Something wrong?" I ask.

"I'm worried for Slade. He's been gone for far too long and you look worried." She said as she looked me in the eyes. Damn, that's right, I took off my helmet. Looking back out the gunship i pause for moment to gather my thoughts. Before I could respond to her a massive explosion enveloped the building that was formerly the research facility. When the shock wave reached us it jostled us around for a second. Thankfully the pilot managed to keep us airborne. Looking back to the smoke cloud I could feel something inside me snap. Despite being a juggernaut I knew there was no way Slade could've lived through that.

Placing back on my helmet I gave the fallen juggernaut his final sending off. Saluting to the fallen I drew my sidearm and discharged it twenty times out the back of the gunship. With tears in my eyes I closed the back hatch and radioed command. "This is Sergent Nirros of squad Nine. Juggernaut Slade has fallen."