Mary's perspective
So I'm tied to a fucking tree, though at least I'm in the shade. Hooded, panel gagged, wrapped in a white sleep sack, secured with rope. My ass, tits, and pussy exposed. Almost directly beneath my hanging boobs, two of Queen Of Mean's most junior Dommes play Spades on a fold out card table, ignoring me for the moment. Not that I'm complaining.
The filming for the episode where Saarya Rahul's clone is discovered by the Perseverance Co. has started. Yeah, I learned that bitch Lara Gupta is coming back, before I knew why.
I was actually mummified and trapped in the bondage frame on the Amazonian Ship's bridge. We're not filming a scene, QOM's crew just found it a convenient place to strap me into when they're busy and want to make sure their lowest slave stays out from underfoot. Just like in the ready room, I'm supposed to have a domme watch me all the time for my safety.
Of course, Daci is in charge of drawing up the rotation, and she assigns the youngest and most immature of Queen Of Mean's crew to watch me. No big surprise, sometimes they go to screw off with their friends, leaving me trapped alone on the set. A silent mummy with her lady parts hanging out, and her wide, desperate eyes tracking back and forth.
That's what happened the day I was reacquainted with Lara. I had been enjoying the peace and quiet of the set, I actually enjoyed not being tormented by one of QOM's sadistic Junior Dommes. Then I heard steps and laughing voices, coming from the sets back passageway. I braced myself from some sadistic cruelty from my Mistress Daci and her evil minions.
Instead I heard Mistress Daci say "You want to know where Girl Mary is, Miss Nora and I want to surprise you. Surprise, Miss Lara, here she is!" I heard an audible gasp that had to be Lara Gupta. "That's Mar-".
I hear Mistress Nora's girlish chuckle. "You said you read the release material, Lara, this is Girl Mary being her new super submissive self!" Both her and Mistress Daci giggle.
The three women walk around to regard my mummified ass from the front. To the right Mistress Daci, in her black Amazonian pilot flight suit, with red insignia and badges. She grins at me with her usual sadistic delight.
In the center Lara Rajaneesh Gupta in the flesh. I'm surprised she's not wearing the tight bootie shorts and unicorn T-shirt. She is wearing a loose fitting black T-Shirt saying "Want To Impress This Desi Girl? Whip Me Up Some Curry!" And what looks like faded store bought Levis. Most striking is her eyes. Last time her eyes were shifty and sneaky. Now they're warm and open, she actually looks saddened by my plight, and embarrassed for me.
I don't have much time to process that when I hear Mistress Nora speak. My eyes automatically track to my slender former student and current Domme. She's wearing her especially low cut Stellar Compact Navy blue jumpsuit with Commanders rank tabs.
"Girl Mary, why are you contaminating these two fine free ladies with your scummy slave gaze? Eyes down now!" Realizing my mistake, too late, my eyes dropped to the deck. I hear Daci giggle at my plight.
"Mistress Daci, why isn't there a domme to watch this slave and stop behavior like this? This is lax for such a professional crew as yours." Daci seems more serious when she says. "Miss Nora, I apologize, I fix it now." A moment later I hear her chewing ass, presumably on her phone, of the domme she assigned to watch me. I take no pleasure then that, I know the little bitch is going to take out Daci's butt chewing on my sorry slave hide.
"Miss Nora, Miss Lara, I apologize, the domme assigned to watch this subbie is on her way back here. She will be appropriately disciplined for not watching this slave." Miss Nora says "Thank you, Daci." Lara remains silent.
I hear footsteps running down the passage in a rush. Daci orders the junior domme to halt in the entrance, and unleashes another blistering tirade on her. Then she tells her to remain in place until her betters leave.
Nora says "Daci, Lara, lets forget this unpleasantness, I ordered us some curry from Miss Connor's favorite Thai Bistro! She's going to have lunch with Slave Sarah and Slave Constance at her living unit. Layla is going out to eat with a visiting uncle. We have the Ready Room to ourselves, we can eat and chat there."
Lara and Daci agree that sounds good and I hear the three ladies receding steps. Then I hear my designated Domme "Miss High and Mighty barks orders and eats with the cute little bunnies, while I have to watch your stupid ass! But that's okay...I can still get my own back!"
I feel the first stinging line of fire on my behind from her whip. Punishing my slave ass unfairly for her screw up...
A day later, I'm sandwiched between Nora on my right and Layla on my left. I'm naked, hooded, and panel gagged with my arms bindered behind my back. My nipple clamps chained to the desk, my clit leash anchored to the deck.
We're in the classroom where Constance and I were first indoc'd into QOM's crew's way of doing things. Guess I'm not even good enough to be in the ready room anymore. At least for script readings, Daci, for whom English is obviously not her first language, is absent. Layla and Nora can get really rough, but even together they're not as mean as that fucking Romanian bitch.
Today I focus, and obey their directions, keeping my gloomy slave feelings inside. My former protege and the Hispanic girl are surprisingly calm as they guide me through my part of the script.

 Opening Scene 

A mummified, helpless girl secured to a tree. Only her eyes, tits and pussy visible in her slave wrappings. The camera pulls back with her still centered. She's surrounded by a hellscape of burnt out vehicles, scorched earth, and blackened trees.
A robotic AI Voice gives a briefing:
AI briefer: At 0800 we spotted a hostage at the forward observer point guiding artillery pinning down the 6th Stellar Compact Marines Battalion. Obviously female, her identity remains unknown, although she might be one of the MIA Orbit Guard members from when this planet was initially assaulted by a combined Amazonian N'Docc" force.
This tactic was first noted when we were mopping up the surviving ground forces after the retaking of the Botany Bay colony. A captive is secured at a critical strategic point, to buy them time to do the most damage to Stellar Compact forces and slip away. They know we will eventually sacrifice the hostage, if we feel that's necessary. But they know our doctrine, that we have to do a cost benefit analysis and try to save the hostage if we can. They count on this to do the maximum damage as they retreat, if they can't turn the battle to their favor.
Unfortunately, a cost benefit analysis determined this unknown hostage could not be saved without unacceptable losses to the 6th Marines, and possibly jeopardizing the ground campaign on this world. At 0956, the determination was made to terminate the forward observer post with extreme prejudice.
A Plasma Mortar Smart Round was keyed to the coordinates and launched. ( A Holo Data link picture appears, showing the mortar in relation to the forward observer spot. A graphic represents the round launched, and a line with mathematical calculations represents its trajectory).
(The picture shifts back to the restrained slavegirl. You see shifty scrambling in the background) It appears all hostiles manning the outpost detected the launch and escaped without discernible casualties. (The hostage isn't so lucky, her desperate eyes track the flaming football descending on her position. She mmmphs and wiggles, her big breasts swaying. A moment later, in an Orange red flash she is incinerated, a death devoid of dignity bestowed on so many courageous Stellar Compact female soldiers before her).
(The view shifts with no further commentary, which would be superfluous. We see Commander Gail to the left of a large viewscreen, Rear Admiral Mendez to the right. Gail puts her head in her hands and takes a moment to gather herself.)
Mendez: Commander-Nora, I'm sorry. I know that must be hard, especially after what happened to Captain Rommie. But I need you to understand what's going on down there. There are still fierce pockets of resistance. Stellar Compact Intelligence has confirmed that the Amazonians want to take you alive and make you a Whipping Girl, whomever does it will attain greater honor than even Commander Sappho capturing poor Rommie. Is a morale tour really worth it?
Gail (Raises her head, visibly pulls together) I know the risks, but understand why you showed that to me. I don't want to die at all, especially not like that. But war entails risks. I knew that when I pounded my fist on that table, and yelled at a conclave Admirals, that I risked Dismissal or even Court Martial. I know it now, and think it's important enough to do.
Mendez: It's not just you. The media has dubbed you the "Heroine Of Botany Bay" and "The Savioress Of The Stellar Compact" you being killed, or slowly tortured as a Whipping Girl, could devastate our morale at a critical juncture, even turn the tide of the war against us again!
(Mendez takes a deep breath, pauses)
Don't get me wrong, I care about your well being Commander. I lost one of the finest female command Officers I knew on my watch. If I lost another-I don't know if I could forgive-(The normally poised Admiral casts her head down and seems to be wiping away tears).
(Nora reaches out to gently touch the Admiral's right shoulder with her left hand. Unsolicited contact with a Flag officer in peacetime can be a serious offence, depending on circumstances. In wartime, it can be a Capitol one. The Admiral's Marine Guard starts to move in on the impertinent commander. The Admiral pulls herself together and waves them off).
Mendez (Grabs Gail's hand with her right, clasps it in both hands) Nora, the first time I saw you, you seemed ready to jump behind the Cybo-Chief Warrant Officer ASSHO to escape from my gaze. Now you're a battle tested hero. You've come a long way baby."
Nora: Ma'am, I never wanted to be a hero. I don't FEEL like one. All I ever wanted to do was be an explorer. Also show a society on the verge of revoking women's rights, that we ARE as capable as men. But now that I am one, it's not about me, it's about us, the Stellar Compact as a whole. What kind of hero avoids risks when it comes to encouraging those who look to them as a role model?
Mendez (releases Gail's hand, looks stern again) Young woman, I could order you not to go ground side. (She gets a small, fond smile) an order you might choose not to obey. So I don't have to convene Court Martial proceedings, I give you permission. You be careful down there, Commander, or I will personally spank you like I used to do to my daughters!"
Gail (small smile) Ma'am, I have Chief Warrant Officer ASSHO protecting me-and Gabby-Staff Sergeant Perez and her Marines. I'd bet on them over a Regiment of N'Docc" any day!
Mendez (Stern and serious) Young lady, you may have to. Keep your head on a swivel. Dismissed.
(Nora salutes, the Admiral returns it, the meeting is over. Nora leaves the briefing room, her own Marine Guard falling in after her as she leaves).
I try to cover my chagrin, once again, "Boss Bitch" Miss Connor, makes me look pathetic and my Mistress looks awesome with her writing. I wish I'd never asked Dave to let me start this project! I'm still strapped to this tree, sweltering, with my lady parts exposed for all to see.
Lara's perspective
So "Boss Bitch" asked to meet me at 08:30 at the Ready room for a script meeting about my character. With my security badge, I could walk around unescorted, and I had the cypher lock combo to the ready room. Still when I came to the door ten minutes early, the red privacy light was on, I thought it polite to wait for Sheila.
The pretty half breed girl rolls up almost right on time, trademark fedora on head, coffee cup in hand. She sees the red light and frowns. She politely asks me to hold her cup and pounds the intercom button.
"Alright, bitches, I don't care if you're having a les orgy in there! You have 30 seconds to get dressed and wipe off the table, then I'm coming in!" She takes the coffee cup back and times it on her phone. When time's up, she punched in the combo and stormed in, with me close behind.
Her assertion of them having an orgy isn't far off. Constance is naked, kneeling and facing a chair, her arms secured with padded zip ties to each arm of the chair, panel gagged. Sarah is also naked, behind Constance, standing and with arms bindered behind her, though not muzzled. She is proudly standing facing us, smiling, her fine Asian assets on display.
I take a quick glance at Nora, in her blue jumpsuit, sitting across the table with a coffee cup in hand. Her proud smile shows how far her exotic subbie has come. Sarah knew without being told she had to proudly "present" to Sheila and I, because she was nude. I look back at the two naked girls.
Layla is on the other side of the chair from Constance in her Stellar Compact Marine Uniform, smiling like a Cheshire cat.
Our fearless leader fixes the two Dommes and the Alpha Slave with a "Start talking, ladies" gaze. Nora asks "Sarah, would you like to explain to Miss Connor what we're doing?" Sarah eagerly replies "Yes, Mistress Nora!"
The Asian girl turns to face Sheila earnestly. "We're helping Constance get in touch with her submissive and sapphic desires. I was rubbing my nipples on her back and whispering in her ear, while Mistress Layla reassured her and calmed her. This was an idea the four of us came up with together, and Constance has a safe signal, three mmmphs, if it gets too intense for her."
Sheila's attention turns from the happy, nude former Navy girl to the other sub. "Constance are you ok, and alright with all this?" Constance mmmphs "Yes, Miss Connor." She doesn't sound under duress, this is the most relaxed I've seen her.
Sheila nods. "Girls, make sure you clean up any messes you make, and no going down on each other on the table, remember we eat there. Carry on." Three clear, and one mmmphed "Yes, Miss Connor."
Sheila nods. "Lara and I will be in my office, don't hesitate to knock if you need me." Boss Bitch turns to her office and I move to follow.
"Miss Connor, Lara wait ." Nora is looking at us with a bold, devilish glint in her eye. Where is that mousy little waif I met the first time? "We're ahead of the shooting schedule, we have time, why don't you and Lara join us? Four Dommes, two subs, why not have a little fun, girls?"
Then the gleam in her eyes got even more wicked. "If one or both of you want to sub for awhile, relinquish some of your responsibility? Two hot dommes, four exotic subs, it would challenge Layla's and I's Mistress skills, and we'd all enjoy a big shower of girl come." Nora and Layla exchange looks like they're ready, even eager for that challenge.
Sheila looks intrigued, hell I'm a little intrigued and horny myself, despite what happened last time. But Sheila firmly asserts "Tempting, my little horndogs, but we're ahead because I put business first, my horny little bitches. Lara and I have a lot to do if we want to stay on schedule, so we'll have to pass. Have fun girls." Layla, Nora and Sarah look disappointed, but nod, they know who's in charge.
When Mary, Nora and Sarah "topped" me last time, Shelia helped them Domme me, of course, but never took off her clothing. Does she ever cut loose, get naked with her girls when they get really wild? If Sheila and I had a private session, who would top, and who would bottom? My pussy getting wet, I send those thoughts to horny jail. Sheila's right, we have priorities, not just the show but saving Sandy.
I wait for Sheila to sit, then politely take my seat. With her usual lack of preamble, Boss Bitch shoves a shooting script for my first new episode across her desk at me. I pick it up and page through it.
Basically, Commander Gail does a morale tour of the violently liberated colony world Persephone. The Stellar Compact has the upper hand, the Alliance fleet being driven out of the system. Fierce pockets of N'Docc" and Amazonian Warriors fight on ground side, they'd rather fight to the last cat and woman than surrender.
The Mobile Medical units are overwhelmed with military casualties, so liberated civilian casualties languish. The Red Cross, the Red Crescent and other medical NGO's are allowed on world to pick up the slack. The problem is some of them feel obligated to treat N'Docc" and Amazonian wounded. This causes sometimes enraged reactions among a recently liberated civilian population. Violent acts against aid workers who treat the enemy are common. Military authority usually looks the other way if a victim is the "enemy" or someone known to treat them. Most incidents are blamed on "Insurgents" even when they're obviously not the culprit.
During a tour of a hovel city, Gail, Assho, and their Marine Guard hear screaming. They head down a shadowy alley, and see several men trying to rape a dark skinned woman clad only in a tattered man's work shirt, the rest of her torn clothes strewn around the alleyway.
Gail yells at them to stop, and the woman takes the opportunity to flee her rapists and run to Gail, ASSHO, and their Marine Guard; cowering behind ASSHO. A moment of shock from Gail, when she sees the woman is a dead ringer for her mentor LCDR Saarya Rahul, but she composes herself.
Gail: What are you men doing to this poor woman? Hasn't the enemy done enough, bastards like you need to finish their work?
Scumbag 1: Begging pardon, miss, but this little tart is giving aid and comfort to the enemy, we's just seeing if she got some fur her own, miss.
Gail(looking disgusted) Really? You're a sick freak.
(She's about to say more when a local militia patrol shows up. They ignore the Scumbag and his two minions focusing on the girl hiding behind ASSHO).
Patrol Leader: Causing a ruckus again, you little tease? We let you off easy even though you were the Domina's body servant. You still can't keep from making difficulties.I'm taking you to lock up!
(Gail clears her throat pointedly)
Patrol Leader (Really looking at her, taken aback) Oh, sorry Commander, that this little twitch got you caught up in her troubles. If you'll just hand her over...
Gail: (looking for insignia, seeing faded Sergeant stripes) Sergeant, you will arrest these three men and take them to your lock up immediately, charge them with attempted rape!"
Patrol leader (looking shocked) Ma'am you can't be serious....
Gail: Take them into custody now, or we will. And I'll report you to the planetary Provost Marshall!
Patrol Leader (Looking angry) Aye, Ma'am! (To the scumbags) C'mon boys. (The patrol surrounds the three men but doesn't cuff them. The patrol laughs and jokes with the scum as they saunter away).
(Gail looks disgusted, but then turns to help ASSHO tend to the sobbing girl who is a double of her mentor).
I look up. "Your usual top notch work, Sheila, Ari will believe we're not just phoning it in. Trust me."
Sheila looks at me soberly "I do. Now let's start talking about freeing my sister....
I nod. "So my initial plan is to simply purchase her...

[WEAPONS]
Anti armor:
AAE - 50Cal x2
AASs25 - Enforcer
AA50vhc25 - Harpoon
AASs90 - Handy buzz
AA25aim15r - Handmade
AA50c15r - Auto pipe
AA2515r - .44
AA2515r - Railway
AA2515r - Railway
AAE90 - Gat Gun
AAE50dr - Railway
AAE15R - Gat gun
AA2590 - Harpoon
AASs15b - Chainsaw
AA2590 - Fixer
AA2525 - Fixer
AAE1P - Fixer
AA2550dr - Gamma
AA50c25 - Lever action (lvl 25)
AA50C15R - Bolt Pipe (lvl 10)
AA2590R - ult laser rifle
AAEfms - 10MM Pistol
AAE - Pump shotgun
AA50C50B - Handmade
AA50C15R - 50 Cal*
AA50C90Rw - Crossbow*
AA2525 - Assaultron*
AA2525 - 44 Revolver*
AA2525 - Pipe AutoRifle*
AA40Ss1S - Hachet*
AA40Ss1S - Pitchfork*
AA40Ss90Rw - Super Sledge*
AA40Ss50B - Chinese sword
AASs1S - Grognak
AASs25 - Shepherd crook
AASs40B - Golf club
Aristocrat:
A2550B - AD
A50c25 - Fatman
AE250Dr - LMG*
A2515C - Enclave*
A2515C - Tesla*
AE100Ms - Fixer*
A40Ss50B - Cult dagger
Assassins:
As50c25 - AD
As2525 - Double barrel
As50c25 - Enclave rifle
As2525 - Radium
As2525 - Pepper*
As2515C - Radium*
As2515R - Gamma*
AsE250Dr - Fixer*
As50C15R - Fixer*
Berserker:
Ber25 - Auto Granade*
BerE1A - Powder Rifle*
Ber40Ss - Shishkebab*
Bloodied:
BSs1s - Mole Gauntlet
B2515c - lmg
B2515c - Rocket
BSs90 - Grognak
BE15r - Lmg
BE15c - Handmade
B50c15c - Double barrel
B2590rw - Enclave pistol
BE - 10mm
B50c15r - AD
B40Pa40% - Chainsaw
B50c25 - Fixer
BE15R - Railway
B2550Dr - Nu laser
B2550Dr - Ult laser
B50c25 - 50cal (level 25)
BE50Dr - Handmade
B2550Dr - Gamma
B50C15C - Railway
BE1A - Dragon
B25Aim50Dr - Bow*
B50Bash15R - MiniGun*
BE - Pipe Auto*
B25 - 50cal*
B50C15C - 50cal*
B2525 - Assault rifle*
B25250Dr - Plasma*
B40Ss1A - Baseball Bat*
B40Ss1E - Mole Gauntlet*
B40Ss15B - Sledge*
B40Ss1E - Shishkebab
B40Pa1S - Sheep club
Executioner:
E50c25 - 10mm Pistol
EE15R - Handmade*
EE100MS - Powder rifle*
E50C15C - Crossbow*
EE - Railway*
E2515C - Radium*
EE15C - Fixer*
E50C15C - Fixer*
EE250Dr - Fixer*
E50C15R - Fixer*
Exterminator:
Ex2525 - Gat Plasma
Ex50C15R - Gauss*
ExE25 - Handmade*
Furious:
F2525 - Combat rifle
FEGhost - 50cal*
FE1P - Railway*
F50C15C - Handmade*
Ghoul Slayer:
G50c25 - AD
GE25 - Western
GE25 - Submachine Gun
G2525 - Tesla*
G40Ss15c - Revolutionary sword (no blade)
Hunter:
H2525 - Assaultron
H1515R - Fixer*
Instigating:
I50C15C - Hunting rifle
I50c25 - Broadsider
IE1P - Powder rifle*
I2525 - Plasma*
Juggernaut:
Jug50c25 - 50cal
JugE - Pipe bolt
JugE1A - 50cal*
JugE - Handmade*
Jug25250Dr - Tesla*
JugE15R - Fixer*
Jug40 - Power fist*
Junkie:
JE15r - Lmg
JE250Dr - Minigun
JE - 10MM Pistol
J50c15R - Nu laser
JE - Pump
J2525 - Broadsider*
J2515R - Cryo*
J25Aim25 - Flamer*
JE50B - Handmade*
JE25 - Western*
J40Pa1A - BearArm
J40Ss40Pa - Grognak
J40Ss40Pa - Machete
J40Ss - Shishkebab
J40Ss15 - Sledgehammer
Medic:
M2590 - Flamer
Med2590rw - flamer
MedRap15c - AD
Med2525 - 50cal
MedE25 - Dragon
Mutant:
M2525 - Handmade
M50c25 - mini
M50c15c - Fatman
M2590 - Tesla
M2550dr - AD
ME15R - Radium
M2525 - 10MM SMG*
M50C25 - Handmade*
M2515C - Fixer*
Mutant slayer:
Ms40pa90 - Chainsaw
MsSs1s - Grognak
MsE25 - Handmade
MsE25 - Fixer
Troubleshooter:
TE15R - Fixer*
T2525 - Tesla*
Quad:
Q50c25 - Handmade
Q50c25 - Reguler Plasma rifle
Q50c25 - AB
Q2550b - AB
Q25fms - AD
QE25 - Mini
Q25fms - Mini
Q50c25 - Gat gun
QE250dr - Railway
Q2515c - Auto Enclave (all mods)
Q50vhc25 - Nu Laser
Q25 - Nu Laser (lvl 15)
QEFms - Gat gun
Q50c50b - Handmade
Q25Aim - Ult laser
QE90Rw - 10MM Pistol
QE - 10MM SMG*
Q25 - Radium*
Stalkers:
SE15 - Dragon
Troubleshooter:
Tr2515r - AD
TrE25 - Lmg
Two Shot:
Ts25aim - Agl
Ts50vhc50b - Cryo
Ts50vhc25 - Auto pipe
TsE - Handmade
Ts251a - Enclave Auto
Ts25 - Enclave pistol
Ts251a - Ult laser
TsE14c - Dragon
Ts2525 - Fixer
Ts25 - 10MM Pistol
TsE15R - 10MM Pistol
Ts251A - Nu laser
Ts50CGhost - Fixer*
Ts50c15 - Enclave Auto*
Ts25Aim50Dr - Gatling Plasma*
TsE100Ms - Lever*
Ts25 - Tesla*
Vampire:
V25aim1a - Lmg
VE - 50cal
Vrap15b - Chainsaw
VSs90 - Cult blade
V40pa25 - Drill
V50C15R - AB
VBash25 - Minigun
V25Aim15R - AD
VE50b - Fixer
VE25 - Fixer
V50C25 - Flamer
V50c15c - Nu laser
V2525 - Ult laser
VE25 - Powder Pistol*
V50C15C - Gatling Plasma*
VE - 10MM SMG*
VE - Lever*
V50C15R - Enclave Auto*
V40Ss15B - Boxing
V50c1S - Cult dagger
V40Pa1S - Mr.Handy
V40Ss1S - Meat hook
V - Revolutionary sword (no blade)
V40Ss - Shishkebab
V40Ss90Rw - Super Sledge
Zealot:
ZE15C - Fixer*
ZE15R - Fixer*
Z50C25 - Gatling laser*
Z2525 - Cryo*
[ARMOR]
Assassin:
A1aCav - Marine RL
A1iCav - Marine LA
AapCav - Light Combat Chest
Aap - Light Combat LL
AFireWwr - Light Metal RL
AapHtd - Heavy Leather RA
Aap15b - Light Metal RA
AapWwr - Light Raider LL
A1LCav - Heavy Combat LA
A1sSent - Ultra Chest
AutoStim:
Au1eWwr - Heavy Leather LL
Au1AWwr - Urban Scout Chest
Au1AWwr - Sturdy Combat LL
Au7%LedWwr Urban Scout LA
AuPJwr - Raider Power RL
Bolstering:
B1iSent - Sturdy Combat Chest
BapAwr - Sturdy Combat Chest
B1cSent - Heavy Combat RL
Bap - Light Combat LA
B1LSent - CE LL
BradSent - CE LL
BHungerSent - Heavy Leather RA
BHungerWwr - Heavy Leather RA
BapLock - Light Leather RA
BHazWwr - Marine LL
B1iSent - Marine LL
BapWwr - Marine RL
B1iSent - Urban Scout LA
B1iSent - Light Robot Chest
B1LSent - Marine RA
B1cSent - Urban Scout Chest
B1LWwr - Urban Scout LA
BapAwr - Wood Chest
B1sWwr - Wood LL
Bap50b - Wood RL
B1iCryo - Ultra LL
BhungerAwr - Ultra RA
B1cFdc - Ultra - RL
B1iWwr - T45 RA
B1sWwr - T45 RL
B1eWwr - T45 Chest
B1iFdc - T45 Chest
BapCav - Ultra LA
B1iSent - Ultra RL
BfireWwr - T60 Chest
B1LWwr - Ultra RA
B1iSent - Xo1 Chest
BapEnergy - T51 RA
B1sFdc - T51 Chest
Chameleon:
ChapHtd - Heavy combat Chest
ChHazSent - Heavy Robot RA
Cloaking:
CapSent - Urban Scout Chest
Lifesaving:
L1eFdc - CE Chest
L1iSent - CE Chest
L1sRadrec - Light Combat LA
L1aWwr - Forest Scout LA
L1pWwr - Forest Scout LL
L1eWwr - Forest Scout RL
Lap - Heavy Metal RA
L1eWwr - Heavy Metal RA
L1iFdc - Heavy Robot RA
L1iFdc - Marine LA
L7ledWwr - Marine LA
L7ledAwr - Marine RA
LapFdc - Sturdy Robot LA
LapWwr - Light Robot LA
LapFdc - Urban Scout LL
LapHtd - Urban Scout RA
LapSent - Trapper Chest
Mutants:
M7%LedSent - Heavy combat LL
Mutant slayer:
MS1iSent - Ult LL
Overeater:
O1iFall - Light Combat RA
O1iBlock - Forest Scout Chest
O1LWwr - Forest Scout RL
OapWater - Heavy Metal RL
O1iPoi - Heavy Raider LL
O1eFdc - Marine LA
Oap - Marine RA
OapBlock - Sturdy Combat LA
O1sFdc - Sturdy Combat LL
Oap - Sturdy Metal RL
O1sSent - Trapper RL
OcryoWwr - Trapper RL
O1iRadRec - Urban Scout LL
OapBlock - Urban Scout LL
Oap - Wood LA
O1cSent - Ultra LA
O1iCav - Ultra LL
O1pWwr - Ultra RA
O1iCav - Ultra Chest
O1iFdc - T45 Chest
O1iWwr - T45 LA
OpoisSent - Ultra LL
Regenerating:
RpoisonSent - CE RA
Rap - Forest Scout Chest
RapWwr - Forest Scout RA
Troubleshooter:
ThungerFdc - Light Robot RA
T1iFdc - Urban Scout RL
Unyielding:
UhazWwr - Heavy Robot LL
Uradres - CE Chest
UpoisonCav - CE LL
UapCav - Light Combat RA
Uap - Forest Scout LA
UapBlock - Forest Scout RL
U1cSent - Heavy Leather LL
U1cWwr - Light Leather Chest
U1pSent - Light Leather RA
UFireWwr - Marine RL
UcryoWwr - Light Metal Chest
UapJwr - Heavy Metal RL
UapFall - Heavy Robot Chest
U1LFdc - Light Leather LA
UapFall - Urban Scout Chest
U7ledWwr - Urban Scout Chest
U1aCav - Urban Scout LA
UapFire - Urban Scout LA
Uap - Urban Scout RL
UfireWwr - Wood Chest
URadWwr - Wood Chest
Vanguard:
VhungerFdc - Marine LL
Vap - Heavy combat RL
V1iLimb - CE Chest
V1iBlock - CE RA
VapSent - Light Combat LA
V7ledJwr - Light Combat RA
V1iSent - Light Combat RA
VradFdc - Forest Scout Chest
VapLimb - Forest Scout Chest
VPoisCav - Forest Scout Chest
VapStim - Forest Scout LA
VradSent - Forest Scout RL
VfireFdc - Heavy Combat RA
V1i - Heavy Combat Chest
V1iCav - Heavy Leather RA
V1iWwr - Trapper LA
VfireSent - Urban Scout Chest
VapRadrec - Urban Scout Chest
VapEnergy - Urban Scout LA
VapJwr - Urban Scout LL
V1eSent - T60 LL
V1iWwr - Ultra LA
VapWwr - T45 Chest
V1cSent - Exca LL
VapAwr - T51 LA
VapAwr - T51 Chest
VcryoFdc - Exca RL
V1iFdc - T45 Chest
Weightless:
Wap - Sturdy Combat RA
W1iCav - CE RA
W1iCav - Forest Scout LA
W1sWwr - Heavy Combat Chest
W1sAwr - Light Robot RL
W1iAwr - Sturdy Robot LA
W1sWwr - Urban Scout LA
WapSent - Wood Chest
WapCav - Wood LA
W1iSent - Wood LL
W1iWwr - Wood RA
Wap - Wood RL
Random:
Legacy Shishkebab 3* Ss15b
PSA - Ultra Set
[APPAREL]
Responders uniform
Buffoon
Crazy guy
Deathclaw
Skull lord set x2
[PLANS]
Behemoth Plushie
Pepper Shaker
Vintage Water cooler
Brahmin Plushie
All Alien plans

Welcome to the Weekly Employment Question Thread!
This thread is where you can ask questions about joining, training to become, testing, disqualifications/qualifications, and other questions that would be removed as individual posts per Rule 1.
The answer to almost every question you can ask will be "It depends on the department". Your first step is to look up the requirements for your department, state/province, and country.
As always, please attempt to resource information on your own first, before asking questions. We see many repeat questions on this sub that have been answered multiple times.
Frequently Asked Questions:

• I want to be a Firefighter, where do I start: Every Country/State/Province/County/City/Department has different requirements. Some require you only to put in an application. Others require certifications prior to being hired. A good place to start is researching the department(s) you want to join. Visit their website, check their requirements, and/or stop into one of their fire stations to ask some questions.
• Am I too old: Many departments, typically career municipal ones, have an age limit. Volunteer departments usually don't. Check each department's requirements.
• I'm in high school, What can I do: Does your local department have an explorer's program or post? If so, join up. Otherwise, focus on your grades, get in shape and stay in shape, and most importantly: stay out of trouble.
• I got in trouble for [insert infraction here], what are my chances: Obviously, worse than someone with a clean record, which will be the vast majority of your competition. Tickets and nonviolent misdemeanors may not be a factor, but a major crime (felonies), may take you out of the running. You might be a nice person, but some departments don't make exceptions, especially if there's a long line of applicants with clean records. See this post... PSA: Stop asking “what are my chances?”
• I have [insert medical/mental health condition here], will it disqualify me: As a general rule, if you are struggling with mental illness, adding the stress of a fire career is not a good idea. As for medical conditions, you can look up NFPA1582 for disqualifying conditions, but in general, this is not something Reddit can answer for you. Many conditions require the input of a medical professional to determine if they are disqualifying. See this post... PSA: Don't disqualify yourself, make THEM tell you "no".
• What will increase my chances of getting hired: If there's a civil service exam, study for it! There are many guides online that will help you go over all those things you forgot such as basic math and reading. Some cities even give you a study guide. If it's a firefighter exam, study for it! For the CPAT (Physical Fitness Test), cardio is arguably the most important factor. If you're going to the gym for the first time during the hiring process, you're fighting an uphill battle. Get in shape and stay in shape. Most cities offer preference points to military veterans.
• How do I prepare for an interview: Interviews can be one-on-one, or in front of a board/panel. Many generic guides exist to help one prepare for an interview, however here are a few good tips:

1. Dress appropriately. Business casual at a minimum (Button down, tucked in long sleeve shirt with slacks and a belt, and dress shoes). Get a decent haircut and shave.
2. Practice interview questions with a friend. You can't accurately predict the off-the-wall questions they will ask, but you can practice the ones you know they probably will, like why do you want to be a Firefighter, or why should we hire you?
3. Scrub your social media. Gone are the days when people in charge weren't tech-savvy. Don't have a perfect interview only for your chances of being hired gone to zero because your Facebook or Instagram has pictures of you getting blitzed. Set that stuff to private and leave it that way.

Please upvote this post if you have a question. Upvoting this post will ensure it sticks around for a bit after it is removed as a Sticky, and will allow for greater visibility of your question.
And lastly, If you're not 100% sure of what you're talking about, leave it for someone who does

Looking primarily for CE pieces, will bundle weapons, armor or apparel for CE Uny/?/wwr pieces depending on the second star. I am also looking to move some of the weight out of my stash so feel free to offer on the weapons and armor with consumables or apparel offers. Not looking to trade off the apparel or high value Grolls for anything but CE pieces everything else is available for offers.
Bundling apparel and weapons/armour for Uny/AP/WWR CE pieces depending on the 2nd legendary mod.
Looking for OE/AP/WWR Excavator Chest (with jetpack) and both arms. (Offering 500LL3 each, or offering WPJS + 1000LL3 for a full set
Edit: just looking for the chest peice with the Jetpack now with OE/AP/WWR, offering 500 LL3
Also looking for Q/50c, E/25 HM (already have ffr)
Apparel:

2xTFJ
Responders fireman Set (uniform + helmet)
Asylum Worker Uniform Red
Lvl 35 prototype hazmat (legacy)
USA mask
2xFSA mask
WPJS
Loon Mask

Weapons:
Non Heavy guns

Q/E/dur HM
B/50c/15r HM
J/25ff25 HM
V/25ff/25 HM
Ari/50c/25 HM

Q/50h/25 Fixer
Q/E/250 Fixer
Q/RepAP/25 Fixer
AA/E/15r Fixer
TS/E/25 Fixer
Ari/E/25 Fixer

B/50c/25 Rail
Q/RepAP/25 Rail
Q/E/Ghost Rail
J/E/Dur Rail

AA/50c/90 10mm Pistol
AA/E/15r 10mm Pistol
B/25ffdur 10mm Pistol

B/50c/25 Elders Mark (groll)
V/25ff15 Elders Mark
Ass/50c/25 Elders Mark
B/50c/90 Elders Mark
Ari/50c/25 Elders Mark
Q/25ff90 Elders Mark

V/25ffDur EPR (aligned flamer, calibrated capacitor, stabilized stock, reflex) (Groll)
B/E/15r Double Barrel Shotgun (Groll)
Q/25ff15r Tesla (Groll)
Q/50c/15r Ultracite Laser Rifle
Q/25ff15r Assault Rifle
B/E/25 Hunting Rifle
AA/E/25 Western Revolver
J/50c/25 Radium Rifle
Q/50h/25 Pipe Rifle (level 10)
TS/E/25 Lever Action Rifle

Misc heavy guns

AA/25ffdur Holy Fire (Groll)
TS/50c/25 Auto Grenade Launcher
AA/25aim/90 Flamer
V/25aim/90 Gattling Plasma
Ari/25/dur Gatling Plasma
J/25/90 LMG
J/E/25 Gattling Gun
B/E/dur Pepper Shaker (Groll)
Melee
V/40pa/1s Chainsaw (Groll)
V/SS/25 Chainsaw

Armor
Unyielding

Uny/Fire Res/Cav CE CP
Uny/Rad Res/Cav CE RA
Uny/7%/limb CE RL
Uny/AP/dur Heavy Leather RA
Uny/Int/Sent Wood
Uny/Rad Res/AWR Marine RL
Uny/Fire Res/AWR Heavy Robot RL
Uny/Fire Res/WWR FSA CP
Uny/End/AWR FSA LA
Uny/Rad Res/WWR Heavy Raider LA
Uny/Cryo/WWR Metal RL
Uny/Cryo/WWR sturdy Combat LA
Uny/Cha/FDCWR USA LL

Over Eaters

OE/AP/WWR T-45 Torso
OE/AP/WWR T-60 RL
OE/AP/Sent Sturdy Combat RL
OE/1s/WWR Robot CP
OE/Int/Water Breathing CE CP
OE/Hunger and Thirst/Cav CE LL
OE/Cha/AWR CE LL
OE/hazard/FDCWR CE LL
OE/PeAWR CE RL
OE/Poi res/FDCWR FS LL
OE/Fire Res/RadRec CE RL

Misc

Full Set Ass/AP/Sent USA Armor
Ass/Fire Res/Sent CE RL
Ass/Rad Res/Cav CE RL
Bol/1p/WWR CE RL
Bol/Poi Res/AWR

This is the thread to ask all your questions about the Recruitment Process, Basic & Occupational Training, and other questions relating directly or indirectly to serving in the Canadian Armed Forces.

Before you post, please ensure:

1. You read through the the previous Recruiting Threads.
   
2. Read through the Recruiting FAQ, and;
   a. The NEW "What to expect on BMQ/BMOQ Info thread".
   
3. Use the subreddit's search feature, located at the top of the sidebar.
   
4. Check your email spam folder! The answer to your recent visit to CFRC may lie within!
   

• With those four simple steps, finding your answer may be quicker than you think! (Answers to your questions may have already been asked.)

Every week, a new thread is borne:
This thread will remain stickied for one week and will renew Sundays at approx. 2200hrs ET.
RULES OF THE THREAD:

1. Trolling, off-topic comments, sarcastic, or wrong info/answers/single word answers will be removed. Same with out-dated information, anecdotal (" I knew a guy who...") or bad advice; these comments will also be removed.
   
2. Please don't delete your questions (or answers), as others/lurkers may be looking for that same info. Questions duplicated throughout the thread may be removed by Mods, and those re-posting may be restricted from participating.
   
3. NO "Let me Google that for you" or "A quick search of the subreddit/Google..." -type answers. We're more professional and mature than that. Quote your source and provide a link, but make sure the info you provide is current (within a couple of years). But, it is strongly suggested you see points 1-3 above.
   
4. Please do not send PM's to people answering your questions. Conversely, don't ask for PM's from people posting questions. Ask your questions, give answers in these threads, for all to see. We can't see your PM's, and someone lurking may be looking for the same answequestion. If the questions are too "sensitive," then use a throwaway, or save it for the MCC Interview. Offenders will be reported to the Mods, and potentially banned from participating in these threads.
   
5. Questions regarding Medical Eligibility (except Vision) will be removed, as no one here is qualified to answer whether or not you will be able to join with whatever condition you have. Likewise, questions asking what conditions in general would lead to disqualification will also be removed. If you have such a question, you're encouraged to review the Medical FAQ. Questions regarding the Recruiting Medical Process, Trade Eligibility Standards, or the documentation you need to submit regarding your medical condition as part of your application may still be accepted. Vision requirements are fine to post, as the categories are publicly known. Source
   
6. If you report a comment, or have concern about info being provided, Message the Mods, and provide a link. Without context or explanation, the report will be ignored. Comments may be removed at Moderator discretion, with or without warning.
   

USEFUL RESOURCES:

• Forces.ca - Official CAF Recruiting Website
• Military Pay Rates
  
  • Pay rates for Officers
  • Pay rates for Non-Commissioned Members (NCMs)
  • Pay rates for Specialist NCMs
• The Canadian Armed Forces Dress Instructions
  
  • Ch. 2, Sec. 1 - Wear of Uniform (When and where you can wear your uniform.)
  • Ch. 2, Sec. 2 - Appearance (Hair, Beards, Tattoos, etc.)
  • Ch. 2, Sec. 3 - Religious and Spiritual Accommodation
• Medical Standards for Military Occupations
  
  • Read Rule 5 and the Medical FAQ before asking any medical questions.
  • Annex A - The Medical Category System
    • Appendix 1 - Instructions for Testing Visual Acuity
    • Appendix 2 - Instruction for Testing Colour Vision
    • Appendix 3 - Table of Hearing Standards
  • Annex B - Generic Task Statement - All CAF Members
  • Annex E - Minimum Medical Standards for Officers and Non-Commissioned Members
• National Defence Act
  
• Policies, standards, orders, directives and regulations from the Department of National Defence and the Canadian Armed Forces. (Compensation and Benefits Instructions (CBI), Queen's Regulation & Orders (QR&Os), etc.)
  

DISCLAIMER:
The members answering in the vein of CAF Recruiting may not have specific information pertaining to your individual application status or files. The information presented in this thread should be current, but things do change. Refer to the forces.ca site or your local CFRC detachment for the current official answer. This subreddit, moderators, and users hold no responsibility or liability as to the accuracy of information, given or received. All info here is presented as "at your risk."

https://archive.is/1DQJp
From 9 a.m. Saturday, when families began making their way to the Second Congregational Church’s front lawn, to the unveiling of Greenfield’s 12th bee sculpture, “Fearless,” outside the Greenfield Fire Department’s new station on Main Street at 12:30 p.m., more than 1,000 people of all ages stopped by this year’s Bee Fest — the largest attendance the event has seen since its inception 14 years ago, according to its founder Sandy Thomas.
“It’s off the charts, we’ve never had this many people. We clicked in [counted] 500 just a few minutes ago, but its got to be more than that now,” Thomas said at 10:30 a.m. “These people came from Wrentham specifically for this because they’re new beekeepers, they heard about it and they just came. It’s wonderful, they keep coming and they want to learn about bees.”
The roughly three-hour festival honored the Rev. Lorenzo Langstroth, the sixth minister of Second Congregational Church who is known as the father of modern beekeeping. Langstroth patented the bee hives with movable frames in 1852, a design still commonly used by bee keepers today, according to Franklin County Beekeepers Association President Art Canterbury, who manned a bee education table with a live beehive demonstration at this year’s festival.
Canterbury engaged with curious festival-goers, educating them on bees and beekeeping, and answering questions ranging from best beekeeping practices, to general inquiries about the nature of bees and their colonies.
“My grandfather kept bees and I worked with him when I was a little kid. Now it’s just the easy attachment to go right back to and enjoy it and develop it,” Canterbury said. “This community loves the idea of bees in general and pollinators like to have that exposure and understanding of the bees [...] The colony of bees itself is a super organism. Everything that they do is for the colony. There’s not a bee in there that’s only doing something for itself.”
Children, many sporting elaborate bee costumes, marched through the farmer’s market for the Pollinators Parade and took turns swinging at a bee pinata. Families also centered around the beehive painting station, putting their unique marks on beehives that will be used at apiaries across Franklin County. Thomas said since bees are capable of sensing color and design, the practice of hive painting could make it easier for bees to find their hives.
The festival also featured a silent auction of bee-related products, bee-related games for children, a pollinator plant giveaway table and a 214th birthday cake for Langstroth. Katie Rozenas-Hanson and Rick LeBlanc of the Massachusetts Department of Agriculture Resources also operated an informational booth, where they distributed sunflower seeds and informed the public on best practices for planting pollinator plants at home. Rozenas-Hanson said she was pleased to see how effectively the festival engaged children.
“This event is so wonderful because it’s evolved from a festival that’s mainly for the general public, to being really kid-focused and having a bunch of free activities for kids to do to engage with bees, learn about beehives and best apiary practices — I just can’t think of a better event for them to go to,” Rozenas-Hanson said.

** Sculpture unveiling**

Bee Fest wrapped up with the unveiling of the city’s 12th bee sculpture “Fearless,” depicting a bee dressed in a firefighter’s uniform, in front of the new fire station on Main Street. Before the unveiling Fire Chief Robert Strahan announced that the department will begin moving into the station this week before a formal ribbon-cutting ceremony on June 10.
Designer Rachael Katz, an artist and owner of The Greenfield Gallery, produced the original “Beatrice” bee sculpture prototype. Over the past three years, her first 11 bee sculptures have been installed along Main and Federal streets, at Court Square, and at the John W. Olver Transit Center. She said that while the other bee sculptures took identical forms with unique decorations, she and the sculpture’s painter Andrew Easton wanted to give the “fearless sculpture” a unique character and form.
“For most of the other bees, the form just served as a canvas, and the artists painted images upon it. And this one we really wanted to make a character in and of itself — it’s not decorated with pictures of fire engines, it’s an actual character [...] it’s our firefighters, they’re there for us. They’re heroes and they charge into danger and it just seemed right to honor them,” Katz said.
Easton, who said he spent roughly 160 hours painting the “fearless” sculpture, put significant work into not only painting the bee, but arranging various elements, such as the oxygen tank on its back and its “343” fire helmet, which he said was a tribute to the 343 New York firefighters who were killed during 9/11.
“This is a special honor for us. There is a personal story that goes along with this bee, and we are humbled to have it at our new headquarters,” Strahan said.
Mayor Virginia Desorgher, who joined Strahan and the artists as they removed the tarp from the Fearless sculpture, said she was pleased by how the annual festival has evolved and grown over the years.
“It gets better and better every year, there were more people from out of state this year than I’ve ever seen,” Desorgher said. “It’s very exciting.”

[WEAPONS]
Anti armor:
AAE - 50Cal x2
AASs25 - Enforcer
AA50vhc25 - Harpoon
AASs90 - Handy buzz
AA25aim15r - Handmade
AA50c15r - Auto pipe
AA2515r - .44
AA2515r - Railway
AA2515r - Railway
AAE90 - Gat Gun
AAE50dr - Railway
AAE15R - Gat gun
AA2590 - Harpoon
AASs15b - Chainsaw
AA2590 - Fixer
AA2525 - Fixer
AAE1P - Fixer
AA2550dr - Gamma
AA50c25 - Lever action (lvl 25)
AA50C15R - Bolt Pipe (lvl 10)
AA2590R - ult laser rifle
AAEfms - 10MM Pistol
AAE - Pump shotgun
AA50C50B - Handmade
AA50C15R - 50 Cal*
AA50C90Rw - Crossbow*
AA2525 - Assaultron*
AA2525 - 44 Revolver*
AA2525 - Pipe AutoRifle*
AA40Ss1S - Hachet*
AA40Ss1S - Pitchfork*
AA40Ss90Rw - Super Sledge*
AA40Ss50B - Chinese sword
AASs1S - Grognak
AASs25 - Shepherd crook
AASs40B - Golf club
Aristocrat:
A2550B - AD
A50c25 - Fatman
AE250Dr - LMG*
A2515C - Enclave*
A2515C - Tesla*
AE100Ms - Fixer*
A40Ss50B - Cult dagger
Assassins:
As50c25 - AD
As2525 - Double barrel
As50c25 - Enclave rifle
As2525 - Radium
As2525 - Pepper*
As2515C - Radium*
As2515R - Gamma*
AsE250Dr - Fixer*
As50C15R - Fixer*
Berserker:
Ber25 - Auto Granade*
BerE1A - Powder Rifle*
Ber40Ss - Shishkebab*
Bloodied:
BSs1s - Mole Gauntlet
B2515c - lmg
B2515c - Rocket
BSs90 - Grognak
BE15r - Lmg
BE15c - Handmade
B50c15c - Double barrel
B2590rw - Enclave pistol
BE - 10mm
B50c15r - AD
B40Pa40% - Chainsaw
B50c25 - Fixer
BE15R - Railway
B2550Dr - Nu laser
B2550Dr - Ult laser
B50c25 - 50cal (level 25)
BE50Dr - Handmade
B2550Dr - Gamma
B50C15C - Railway
BE1A - Dragon
B25Aim50Dr - Bow*
B50Bash15R - MiniGun*
BE - Pipe Auto*
B25 - 50cal*
B50C15C - 50cal*
B2525 - Assault rifle*
B25250Dr - Plasma*
B40Ss1A - Baseball Bat*
B40Ss1E - Mole Gauntlet*
B40Ss15B - Sledge*
B40Ss1E - Shishkebab
B40Pa1S - Sheep club
Executioner:
E50c25 - 10mm Pistol
EE15R - Handmade*
EE100MS - Powder rifle*
E50C15C - Crossbow*
EE - Railway*
E2515C - Radium*
EE15C - Fixer*
E50C15C - Fixer*
EE250Dr - Fixer*
E50C15R - Fixer*
Exterminator:
Ex2525 - Gat Plasma
Ex50C15R - Gauss*
ExE25 - Handmade*
Furious:
F2525 - Combat rifle
FEGhost - 50cal*
FE1P - Railway*
F50C15C - Handmade*
Ghoul Slayer:
G50c25 - AD
GE25 - Western
GE25 - Submachine Gun
G2525 - Tesla*
G40Ss15c - Revolutionary sword (no blade)
Hunter:
H2525 - Assaultron
H1515R - Fixer*
Instigating:
I50C15C - Hunting rifle
I50c25 - Broadsider
IE1P - Powder rifle*
I2525 - Plasma*
Juggernaut:
Jug50c25 - 50cal
JugE - Pipe bolt
JugE1A - 50cal*
JugE - Handmade*
Jug25250Dr - Tesla*
JugE15R - Fixer*
Jug40 - Power fist*
Junkie:
JE15r - Lmg
JE250Dr - Minigun
JE - 10MM Pistol
J50c15R - Nu laser
JE - Pump
J2525 - Broadsider*
J2515R - Cryo*
J25Aim25 - Flamer*
JE50B - Handmade*
JE25 - Western*
J40Pa1A - BearArm
J40Ss40Pa - Grognak
J40Ss40Pa - Machete
J40Ss - Shishkebab
J40Ss15 - Sledgehammer
Medic:
M2590 - Flamer
Med2590rw - flamer
MedRap15c - AD
Med2525 - 50cal
MedE25 - Dragon
Mutant:
M2525 - Handmade
M50c25 - mini
M50c15c - Fatman
M2590 - Tesla
M2550dr - AD
ME15R - Radium
M2525 - 10MM SMG*
M50C25 - Handmade*
M2515C - Fixer*
Mutant slayer:
Ms40pa90 - Chainsaw
MsSs1s - Grognak
MsE25 - Handmade
MsE25 - Fixer
Troubleshooter:
TE15R - Fixer*
T2525 - Tesla*
Quad:
Q50c25 - Handmade
Q50c25 - Reguler Plasma rifle
Q50c25 - AB
Q2550b - AB
Q25fms - AD
QE25 - Mini
Q25fms - Mini
Q50c25 - Gat gun
QE250dr - Railway
Q2515c - Auto Enclave (all mods)
Q50vhc25 - Nu Laser
Q25 - Nu Laser (lvl 15)
QEFms - Gat gun
Q50c50b - Handmade
Q25Aim - Ult laser
QE90Rw - 10MM Pistol
QE - 10MM SMG*
Q25 - Radium*
Stalkers:
SE15 - Dragon
Troubleshooter:
Tr2515r - AD
TrE25 - Lmg
Two Shot:
Ts25aim - Agl
Ts50vhc50b - Cryo
Ts50vhc25 - Auto pipe
TsE - Handmade
Ts251a - Enclave Auto
Ts25 - Enclave pistol
Ts251a - Ult laser
TsE14c - Dragon
Ts2525 - Fixer
Ts25 - 10MM Pistol
TsE15R - 10MM Pistol
Ts251A - Nu laser
Ts50CGhost - Fixer*
Ts50c15 - Enclave Auto*
Ts25Aim50Dr - Gatling Plasma*
TsE100Ms - Lever*
Ts25 - Tesla*
Vampire:
V25aim1a - Lmg
VE - 50cal
Vrap15b - Chainsaw
VSs90 - Cult blade
V40pa25 - Drill
V50C15R - AB
VBash25 - Minigun
V25Aim15R - AD
VE50b - Fixer
VE25 - Fixer
V50C25 - Flamer
V50c15c - Nu laser
V2525 - Ult laser
VE25 - Powder Pistol*
V50C15C - Gatling Plasma*
VE - 10MM SMG*
VE - Lever*
V50C15R - Enclave Auto*
V40Ss15B - Boxing
V50c1S - Cult dagger
V40Pa1S - Mr.Handy
V40Ss1S - Meat hook
V - Revolutionary sword (no blade)
V40Ss - Shishkebab
V40Ss90Rw - Super Sledge
Zealot:
ZE15C - Fixer*
ZE15R - Fixer*
Z50C25 - Gatling laser*
Z2525 - Cryo*
[ARMOR]
Assassin:
A1aCav - Marine RL
A1iCav - Marine LA
AapCav - Light Combat Chest
Aap - Light Combat LL
AFireWwr - Light Metal RL
AapHtd - Heavy Leather RA
Aap15b - Light Metal RA
AapWwr - Light Raider LL
A1LCav - Heavy Combat LA
A1sSent - Ultra Chest
AutoStim:
Au1eWwr - Heavy Leather LL
Au1AWwr - Urban Scout Chest
Au1AWwr - Sturdy Combat LL
Au7%LedWwr Urban Scout LA
AuPJwr - Raider Power RL
Bolstering:
B1iSent - Sturdy Combat Chest
BapAwr - Sturdy Combat Chest
B1cSent - Heavy Combat RL
Bap - Light Combat LA
B1LSent - CE LL
BradSent - CE LL
BHungerSent - Heavy Leather RA
BHungerWwr - Heavy Leather RA
BapLock - Light Leather RA
BHazWwr - Marine LL
B1iSent - Marine LL
BapWwr - Marine RL
B1iSent - Urban Scout LA
B1iSent - Light Robot Chest
B1LSent - Marine RA
B1cSent - Urban Scout Chest
B1LWwr - Urban Scout LA
BapAwr - Wood Chest
B1sWwr - Wood LL
Bap50b - Wood RL
B1iCryo - Ultra LL
BhungerAwr - Ultra RA
B1cFdc - Ultra - RL
B1iWwr - T45 RA
B1sWwr - T45 RL
B1eWwr - T45 Chest
B1iFdc - T45 Chest
BapCav - Ultra LA
B1iSent - Ultra RL
BfireWwr - T60 Chest
B1LWwr - Ultra RA
B1iSent - Xo1 Chest
BapEnergy - T51 RA
B1sFdc - T51 Chest
Chameleon:
ChapHtd - Heavy combat Chest
ChHazSent - Heavy Robot RA
Cloaking:
CapSent - Urban Scout Chest
Lifesaving:
L1eFdc - CE Chest
L1iSent - CE Chest
L1sRadrec - Light Combat LA
L1aWwr - Forest Scout LA
L1pWwr - Forest Scout LL
L1eWwr - Forest Scout RL
Lap - Heavy Metal RA
L1eWwr - Heavy Metal RA
L1iFdc - Heavy Robot RA
L1iFdc - Marine LA
L7ledWwr - Marine LA
L7ledAwr - Marine RA
LapFdc - Sturdy Robot LA
LapWwr - Light Robot LA
LapFdc - Urban Scout LL
LapHtd - Urban Scout RA
LapSent - Trapper Chest
Mutants:
M7%LedSent - Heavy combat LL
Mutant slayer:
MS1iSent - Ult LL
Overeater:
O1iFall - Light Combat RA
O1iBlock - Forest Scout Chest
O1LWwr - Forest Scout RL
OapWater - Heavy Metal RL
O1iPoi - Heavy Raider LL
O1eFdc - Marine LA
Oap - Marine RA
OapBlock - Sturdy Combat LA
O1sFdc - Sturdy Combat LL
Oap - Sturdy Metal RL
O1sSent - Trapper RL
OcryoWwr - Trapper RL
O1iRadRec - Urban Scout LL
OapBlock - Urban Scout LL
Oap - Wood LA
O1cSent - Ultra LA
O1iCav - Ultra LL
O1pWwr - Ultra RA
O1iCav - Ultra Chest
O1iFdc - T45 Chest
O1iWwr - T45 LA
OpoisSent - Ultra LL
Regenerating:
RpoisonSent - CE RA
Rap - Forest Scout Chest
RapWwr - Forest Scout RA
Troubleshooter:
ThungerFdc - Light Robot RA
T1iFdc - Urban Scout RL
Unyielding:
UhazWwr - Heavy Robot LL
Uradres - CE Chest
UpoisonCav - CE LL
UapCav - Light Combat RA
Uap - Forest Scout LA
UapBlock - Forest Scout RL
U1cSent - Heavy Leather LL
U1cWwr - Light Leather Chest
U1pSent - Light Leather RA
UFireWwr - Marine RL
UcryoWwr - Light Metal Chest
UapJwr - Heavy Metal RL
UapFall - Heavy Robot Chest
U1LFdc - Light Leather LA
UapFall - Urban Scout Chest
U7ledWwr - Urban Scout Chest
U1aCav - Urban Scout LA
UapFire - Urban Scout LA
Uap - Urban Scout RL
UfireWwr - Wood Chest
URadWwr - Wood Chest
Vanguard:
VhungerFdc - Marine LL
Vap - Heavy combat RL
V1iLimb - CE Chest
V1iBlock - CE RA
VapSent - Light Combat LA
V7ledJwr - Light Combat RA
V1iSent - Light Combat RA
VradFdc - Forest Scout Chest
VapLimb - Forest Scout Chest
VPoisCav - Forest Scout Chest
VapStim - Forest Scout LA
VradSent - Forest Scout RL
VfireFdc - Heavy Combat RA
V1i - Heavy Combat Chest
V1iCav - Heavy Leather RA
V1iWwr - Trapper LA
VfireSent - Urban Scout Chest
VapRadrec - Urban Scout Chest
VapEnergy - Urban Scout LA
VapJwr - Urban Scout LL
V1eSent - T60 LL
V1iWwr - Ultra LA
VapWwr - T45 Chest
V1cSent - Exca LL
VapAwr - T51 LA
VapAwr - T51 Chest
VcryoFdc - Exca RL
V1iFdc - T45 Chest
Weightless:
Wap - Sturdy Combat RA
W1iCav - CE RA
W1iCav - Forest Scout LA
W1sWwr - Heavy Combat Chest
W1sAwr - Light Robot RL
W1iAwr - Sturdy Robot LA
W1sWwr - Urban Scout LA
WapSent - Wood Chest
WapCav - Wood LA
W1iSent - Wood LL
W1iWwr - Wood RA
Wap - Wood RL
Random:
Legacy Shishkebab 3* Ss15b
PSA - Ultra Set
[APPAREL]
Responders uniform
Buffoon
Crazy guy
Deathclaw
Skull lord set x2
[PLANS]
Behemoth Plushie
Pepper Shaker
Vintage Water cooler
Brahmin Plushie
All Alien plans

--⧼ BEGIN Broadcast Message ⧽--
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Priority Level: Urgent
:: From ::
Center Arm of the Emperor, Planet Laran
:: To ::
All Survivors of Fellow Royal Cast Broods
:: Message ::
The Emperor has graciously permitted the use of his Excellency's summer home on Planet Laran, located in the Empire's Center Arm, as a temporary refuge during the unprecedented violent Terran offences against His Holiness and the holiness of the Omni-brood of Ix.
:: Attachments ::
Coordinates and Flight Key
:: Royal Cryptographic Signature ::
Lord La'Ix, The Emperor's Right-Center Arm
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
--⧼ END Broadcast Message ⧽--

earlier

"CURSE THEM! The great houses are going to have my bloody head for this! There is no way this should've happened and under my command too! The Golden Emperor's own exotic holiday world has gone to ash and the only one to blame is going to be me. Well it was basically my watch anyways. Curse. Them. All"
Those were the only legible sounds one could hear among the frantic stamping of one particular Ixian lord as he hurried away through the underbrush of the royal reserve just outside the centre palace. The same Ixian lord that, only hours earlier, was delighting in his typical cooked boar while enjoying his evening's entertainment of a young Terran girl running for her life from a loose Laran tiger. Something about the way those bipeds run always makes him laugh. Some similarly caste Ixian would call this form of entertainment childish, lowbrow, and immature. He would tend to agree. But sometimes he just wanted cheap slapstick humour. The day to day life of the royal caste tends to get dull with all the fine arts an Ixian of his caste is meant to enjoy.
"How did it all go to shit!?! I was always attentive, and there hasn't been an uprising since those terrans were tamed for the palace. I mean we mostly neuter the problematic ones anyways, so why all the sudden aggression?", he shouted in agitation at the emptiness in front of him.
Speeding through the royal garden which in actuality is a repurposed Savannah of the island the palace is on. The Ixian was a beast of speed. Perfectly honed and trained over decades, and genetically maintained over eons, he always proudly held that he was the fasted in his brood of 16. Making a name for himself among the other broodkin for being the most genetically suited for the rank of high general (not that there was any need for generals, there hasn't been need for war in so long). Of course the Ixians always pride themselves in having no excess potential, and adapting your environment to suit your biology, but it never hurts to have perfect biology. That's the true pride of an Ixian.
That innate need to change the universe rather than changing themselves is what led to their vast interstellar empire. One that reached from constellation to constellation and then eventually to the arms of entire galaxies, terraforming worlds to the same environment they were already adapted to. Since forcing nature into one's bidding was the most sacred duty of any that shared a lick of Ix biology.
Which was why the Ix was confident in themselves. This Ixian in particular surely felt surprised, but mainly he was only moderately upset at the sudden change of situation, from being comfortable in the royal dining hall to sudden exercise.
"Everything can be changed back. Everything can be changed back." It repeated the mantra to itself. As it began to relax and turn its snarled sharp mouth into a toothy grin.
"Yes, there is nothing to worry about at all. Then let's make a game plan. Just need to make it to the space port at the harbour. Grab a ride out and find someone else to take the fall. That old royal butler is as ancient as the dirt of the broodworld. Hell, he probably was there when it vanished in the shadow of the holy empire's long past." chuckling to himself at the quite witty remark, but saddened that no one else was there to hear it.
Should be realistic enough for the others to believe. But first things first, I need to reach the harbour-master. It thought while its dense muscles powered the beastly lizard-like form on its journey, as it bound in the direction of its destination at top speed on all fours.
The blood red sun was already kissing the horizon by the time the Ixian went to nearly collapse under exhaustion of the extended sprint. He hasn't ran this far and fast than when he a young broodling that won competitions and competitions in the royal sports. I think I might have overdid it. He thought while massaging the oncoming threat of a sneaky cramp in his hind leg.
The Ixian were well known for speed. But their stamina was another thing. There bodies simply didn't have the evolved features for long distance travel. There was never truly any need in the past, as their very steady and controlled climate and sparsely diverse ecosystem on Ix never truly required much challenge.
It turned its panting head to face the way it came, gazing proudly at the great distance it made in such a short while.
But something was off by that view. Something different to what he was expecting. The view itself was mostly fine. Well, as fine as a smoking mark in the distance, presumably from the summer palace being engulfed in flame and spitting great plumes of black smoke. But no, something about this view chilled him to this spine. Craning his neck from his vantage point he could swear there was a small speck in the distance.
What on great Ix is that?
All of a sudden realisation hit like a rock on a peaceful pond. Something was following him. Something unknown and cold was making its way to his location. He was certain it wasn't any of his guards, all guards permitted to serve under the royal summer home were Ixian of course. Physically bred for their strength and speed, and placed into roles of importance like protecting the higher caste such as himself. (Whereas this day being the only exception). It did look like he was the only Ixian that actually made it out of the palace so far. Ixians are able to cover short distances in phenomenal speed, akin to a scaly 4 legged beast of the hunt.
No this was something else.
Feeling a very small panic build up inside, but veiling that cold, unwanted terror as impatience at how far he still needs to travel yet. Lord La'Ix flexed his anterior legs and sped on leaving behind a red-yellow cloud of dust in his wake.
He frowned. Feeling strange at a never before felt sensation. Like something in the back of his perfectly designed brain was screaming a silent, but terrifyingly familiar warning.
"Ix itself is an ancient world. Temperate in climate, while abundant in vegetation and small game. It is unknown how the Ixian was formed on paradise.
The old priest can drum into your heads that I'Ix made us into being by indenting his form in the sand of the first beach and filling the shape with his life. Moulding us into being.
The heretic would counter and say we evolved from a previous species akin to ourselves over the course of untold lengths of time.
The philosopher would suggest that only on paradise would the sentient universe fill in the space for the perfect beings to enjoy the fruits of existence.
Lastly, even the lowest caste Ixian would point and laugh at the rest and say 'why talk about antiquity, when we can make more paradise to fill the heavens'."
-A popular Ixian parable
Lord La'Ix bolted up all of a sudden from his resting spot. Heart suddenly beating frantically. The stars had barely enough time to shift positions when last rested his weary body, only a couple hours must have passed since dusk fell and the world plunged into night.
The silence of the Savannah made sound from afar travel better. Aside from the quiet rustling of the wind he wasn't so sure what he heard. Assuming his bored ears were playing tricks on him.
Calming down, curling up on the flat cool rock he found he started to drift to the shadowless lands where all Ixian go when they dream...
Drums, no, not drums. Some sort of mechanical tool? Not that I ever heard of a tool that just beat the ground senseless. A strange beating sound could be heard, pounding into the ground. As he stayed frozen and very awake, he could have sworn it was getting louder. Closer.
CRACK. SNAP. CRACK.
Suddenly the entire valley echoed the sounds of a few broken sticks.
La'Ix jumped up, whirling around, and came to face something approaching fast that could only be described as a cold predator, not that there were any predators on the homeworld's recorded history. But every cell in his aching body reacted the same. DANGER, DANGER, RUN, RUN.
The silver light of the planet's 3 moons barely lit the valley but what that light bounced off of was a figure in motion. Front Legs pumping up and down, nostrils flaring, eyes too close together, and pupils so large it was like staring at darkness itself.
Hold on there are only 2 legs right? Sudden familiarity hit him hard, memories of last night's entertainment stained his mind. In the name of Ix is that a Terran?!?
La'Ix didn't realise it then, but it was looking at a Terran, despite the Terrans characteristics looking different to the standard slave he was used to seeing. The pumping body of the runner was made for such long distances. Sweat acting as a cooling mechanism, making the man glisten in the harsh moonlight, the enlarged nostrils taking in all the air the body needs for this type of strenuous activity. And the enlarged pupils, made for adjusting to low light environments.
Down on the plains of the Savannah were two creatures. One a perfect evolutionary miracle, practically evolution's first try gone right, Perfectly made for its environment and was never truly exposed to varying climates and environments. And the other, having crawled through the primordial ooze, and struggled and fought its way through dangers, diseases, and competition on its own horrifying world. Where deadly heat in deserts can dry out any living thing, and such freezing poles that can turn anything that enters it in pure ice.
The man's lean and sweat-slicken form was steadily making its way towards the frozen statue of La'Ix. Just as he got within 50 paces did La'Ix sprint away scattering pebbles in its path the echoes of which bounced back from the valley's sharp walls. Undeterred, the chaser kept steadily running. Jaws grit. Eyes locked on afar.
And afar was its prey. Sprinting away.
HOW IN IX'S NAME DID THAT THING KNOW WHERE I AM? The La'Ix in a fit of sudden excitement mixed with a heavy dose of panic, began its high octane sprint from the sudden looming threat of being found. Hind Legs propelling the creature's body forward, while its front arms, which were historically also for four legged locomotion, pulled the terrain closer with each stride. Increasing its momentum until it reached max speed.
"Broodling La'Ix!" said a stern but educated voice.
"Huh? Oh! Yessir!" a young Ix jumped to attention still thinking about more enjoyable things specifically outside of the classroom walls.
"Well? Can you please answer my question or will you make your other broodkin wait until Ix falls to ash first", the tutor said expectantly, prompting several muffles giggles in the room.
"Sorry sir. What makes the Ixian race its place in eternity is the attention we put in perfection. After our home-world of Ix's climate and terrain began to change, the leaders from antiquity decreed we carry on the spirit of the home-world in maintaining a consistent biological and genetic profile that will always be suited to Ix's surface. As we change worlds to be more like Ix, we can spread the spirit of Ix to them. As such, Change is- uh, change is..."
"Change is the poison of perfection, Remaining unchanged for Ix enable us to carry its spirit to other planets in the heavens", continued the tutor. "Well you certainly paid some attention to today's lesson at the very least. But remember that final part. It's the last of the core tenants you will need to remember."
"Yessir!"
A good half night passed on the surface of the Savanna. Where a previously noble and alert Ixian who took great care in appearances and status was no longer to be seen. Instead of that proud domineering alien representative of ix was a dishevelled, dusty, ragged creature, dehydrated, hungry, and exhausted from the various sprints it forced itself to endure to stay ahead of fate's ever closing hand.
Is this the sword of Damocles that was mentioned in the ancient Terran records? Always hanging down on those who hold power and seek more? Fate's sharp blade? But why me? I was never in any real power. All I wanted out of this life was a comfortable posting with no dirt and grime from the lower worlds. Why me? Why now? Why do I-
La'Ix snapped himself out of a daze. Is he here- No, no I should be far far away from that Terran now. Maybe I can find some-
A dim glow interrupted its train of thought. Much too early to be the Sunrise on the Emperor's summer planet, and much to low to be the light from one of it's 2 moons. It was a light from a town.
"That's right!" The Ixian barely managed to rasp in between haggard breaths. Its body barely able to continue the amount of self inflicted abuse it has suddenly been put in.
A lot more hunched over than the Ixian was earlier. It made its way towards a small town it knew was in between the palace and the harbour. The emperor loved his royal rustic towns and villages. It is said that his royal emperor would sometimes tour around them marvelling at the romantic theme of a simple rustic life. Although getting a personal town full of Ixians required a lot of lower caste be forced into long and expensive work contracts as background entertainers for the king's planet, all this excessive show of wealth was partially for peackocking the emperor's reputation, and partially for his own personal enjoyment. The Emperor is almost culturally required to flaunt his royal wealth in all forms in order to keep connections with all the royal houses. An emperor that doesn't shower their supporting aides and houses with grand gifts is fated to eventually be found cold on the floor of the royal banquet due to 'suicide from accidentally ingesting poison', as was the previous emperor.
To avoid such an unfortunate passing, the Higher Royals would trade vast resources, delicacies, and even exotic slaves to court 'royal favours'. Slaves of the Terran variety especially are considered to be the most unique of gifts the empire has ever acquired.
Terrans weren't necessarily large and bulky. Fighters were assigned to the Slave Obniraks. Powerful creatures used to fill the fields on tougher worlds where mechanical services would be deemed to expensive. The growth of a Obnirak into full working adulthood is only a few cycles. Meaning mass producing a workforce is quite an easy feat.
Terrans instead would take vast cycles to mature from a childling to an average adult. Meaning growing a slave force would take vast quantities of resources, immense patience, and strict guidance from their owners as to not create faulty creatures. All of which increases the general standing on any house that manages to keep a vast amount of Terran slaves in the best quality.
Terrans weren't necessarily docile and obedient. That role was perhaps given to the oldest slave race the Ix ever controlled. The Iralisa. It was known that they were made remarkably docile due to generations upon generations of select breeding, and pruning off the 'aggressive traits' from the gene pool. However, that led to the adverse effect of physically weakening them to a point where such docility and lack of a frame to keep up with their workload led to a general lack of Ixian interest and were subsequently purified.
Terrans are notoriously independent and herd-minded in larger quantities. Similar to growing a very stubborn Terulian Rose Vine. Which only looks impressive when great care have been given. Terrans need to be given an illusion of being ever so slightly free. Which typically involves owning vast amounts of land and nature to let them roam and graze. Of course, the only ones that can accommodate grand work forces of Terrans are the larger houses with the appropriate territory for humans, as is studied in the Ixian art of Servitude.
One can only guess which species is the Emperor's favourite.
The following town should indeed have both, low caste Ixians, and possibly none of the Emperor's favourite slaves.
The Ixian approached the glowing town. As it reached closer it straightened its back, upright on its hindlegs in the royal fashion. And proclaimed. "It is I! La'Ix, royal courtier. Lend me aid imme-"
Something is off. Not a single shadow in the town, I can see lights but no movement, where is every-
After turning the corner to the center of the small town, the dustied and weary creature froze in its tracks when it saw it. A pit nearly as wide as an Ixian land cruiser and who knows how deep filled with a stench so powerful it watered his eyes. Despite the Ixian's lack of a proper sense of smell. It knew the foul fetor of death.
The crudely dug pit was nearly overflowing when he approached it. Large, smoking, smouldering pyres cast that eerie light that had drawn him in.
"H-how? Wha-What the..." he trailed off when a local species of Laran boar growled and squealed as it tore a dead Ixian limb from the mountain of corpses.
"Who could've..."
He stopped. The shock of seeing his own kind laid like broken dolls in a bleeding pit slowly faded, replaced by a numbness. The Ixian had just noticed they were of Ix. Only of Ix.
Not a single terran colour was visible in the black and spotted pit of bodies. Not a single slave body was visible.
I-Impossible...
His legs gave way, either from the strain of the entire nights run, the horror facing him, or the threat from behind. He just dropped.
Minutes passed, or hours. It was hard to tell. But the Ixian lay slumped. Body unwilling to move further. Battered flesh unwilling to be propelled by a shattered spirit.
Mind slowly spinning up again. Thoughts began whirring to life in its mind. Could the rumours actually have been true? It had read the sparse reports of odd activity from certain Ixian-controlled worlds on the outer arms of the empire. Small uprisings of unknown origin. Hardly anything of note. If it had no affect on the greater houses then it was of no real concern to Ix and its emperor.
Could this threat have made its way to the centre arm already? Impossible. But what else could have done this to us?
Something caught the Ixian's eyes. In the middle of the pit it stood. A large stake, wet with deep Ixian crimson, dripping ever so slowly. Towering over the pit like a battlefield flag was a head of an Ixian rammed onto the tip of the spike. But the particular detail that caught the Ixian's eyes was a symbol cut into the flesh of the large forehead.
Looking from the outward-in. Eight concentric rings, which proceeded to get smaller and smaller in size until it reached a dark mass at the centre of the symbol. The Ixian never forgot the symbol and the affect it had on it.
Eight concentric rings, and a centre mass. Eight rings, and a mass. Eight- Eight what? Eight planets? And a star? ...
A growing pool of cold dread rose in its guts that made it shiver despite the fair night. This dread reflected the sharp reality on its frigid surface.
This Ixian was well-bred, well-trained, and well-educated. Although anyone with a basic education would know of such a pattern.
Terra and her sisters. THEIR star system...
Thump, thump, thump, thump.
It's not possible!-
Knowing what that sound meant, the Ixian tried to whirl around, its body barely being able to heed its masters commands. Just when it was starting to move again it felt it.
Sudden sharp agony. Sudden sharp, raging agony. The Ixian looked at it's hind leg. A sharpened wooden stake was jutting out of it.
It loud out a tight lipped scream, as it grasped the pulsating wound as one does immediately after an injury. It barely had enough time to look up at its attacker when the Terran bolted forward, shortening the distance between hunter and prey from metres to mere paces. The Ixian barely had enough time to block the hand grasping the knife as the arm flew forward at the last minute with a crash.
What phenomenal force!
Using the momentum from that sprint plus the wind up of his arm. The Terran was able to impart a phenomal show of force for a creature its size. That's when La'Ix for the first time saw a human in its raw unchanged form. Great beads of sweat collecting dust on its brow, to prevent it from entering the eyes. The constant release of sweat from the countless pores on its soft fleshy skin. Constant cooling? Even the visible veins and capillaries visible from the fire light.
What a beast of endurance-
Suddenly the horizon fell before the Ixian only to reveal the inky black sky dotted with pigments from stars like a painters masterpiece. When did I look up? Then a crash and blunt force from the ground.
The Ixian had been toppled over by that ferocious exchange of force.
Barely able to get up due to the wind being knocked out of its single large lung, the searing pain in its hind leg, and the exhaustion from the chase. It was too late. The terran was already on top of it. Taking up the entire view of the sky as the terran stepped forward into its field of vision.
The sudden perspective change made a once small and frail looking slave look grander than life, grander than all the legends told to Ixian broodlings.
The punches rained down. Repeatedly. A constant bombardment of beating rained like the drops of rain before the first dew. The previous pain in its leg forgotten, to invite a new visitor in the form of blunt force trauma. So ferocious were the raw blows to its carapace that the Ixian felt the exoskeleton crack under the increasing pressure and strain.
Something cracked, another thing snapped. The amount of pain too much to comprehend. The neurons firing in its second brain just assumed it was everywhere. Its half-working eye glimpsed the fist as it came down for the nth time. Red and split knuckles, revealing pure white bone beneath—a reinforced weapon. The perfect natural offence. All the muscles moved to propel it downwards where something else cracked and split.
Is this where I die?
As if understanding its fate the Ixian's form slumped over. Its body barely holding onto the natural exoskeleton shielding that covered its chest and facial area. Fluids leaking from the cracks that went too deep, and who knows how many internal ribs are shattered.
Its body, knowing that that more movement will cause more injuries, and further stimuli would confuse it further. It simply shut down.
The last moments it had as it fell backwards on its side. Was a small running figure. Hand clutching wooden spears. But the truly petrifying sight was behind it. A vast shadow flickering from the light of the lit pyres from the hunter in front of it. A shadow cast so large, jagged, and menacing it appeared to swallow the town whole.
And into a hole did the Ixian fall. A vacuum with no sensation or thought. Just darkness.
How... did we never notice such a... monster... in their... shadow...
All Ixians were taught about 'violence' and 'conflict' at an early age. As a sort of rite of passage that any of them would go through as they survive their early broodling days. As Ix have no natural predators, they had begun to instil a serving of some necessary conflict to keep their generations fresh and somewhat physically strong. As a precaution, only rudimentary forms of civil sports, races, shows of strength and courage were ever really explored. But always in a controlled and calm settings, as there would never be any true need for actual conflict.
As there was always a need to maintain ones own environment. The need never arose for the development of fighting techniques and schools of training. That was one of the best parts of being an Ix that many thought. Having supreme control over the worlds you inhabit means setting gravity, atmospheric pressure, humidity, and temperatures to the perfect levels for comfort replaced any need for biological change. Why grow when you can keep everything the same way, how you like it.
They were a vast empire. An empire of statues.
-Excerpt from the history of extra-solarian species, Author unknown
It awoke to a burning radiating heat from in front. The large sun was already starting to set on the horizon when it awoke. Had a whole day passed? Or two?
Trying to block the setting sun from its eyes it couldn't. "What?...", barely made out in a whisper.
I'm tied up.
And indeed the Ixian was right. Tied up next to a small brook, with a scorching fire in front of it. The monster nowhere to be seen.
"No good... it's too tight", it grunted in an attempt to escape its bindings.
Going slack in defeat it avoided any additional movement. Not having the energy to spare to move. It was lucky to have always been lazy at shedding its carapace - a frequent nag from its broodmother - might just have become its salvation in this case.
Thank Ix.
So there it stayed.
Hours passed. The Sun fully set and the stars awake in this dark world barely lit up the wildlands. Only the prisoner in this cone of firelight existed out here.
A rustling up ahead caught the prisoner's attention disturbing the eerily still silence of the Savannah night. And ungodly horror of a squeal ruptured the air invoking a deep visceral terror within the bound prisoner. Something. Something close but just outside the firelight was eyeing it, glinting from beyond the light. Those dark predatory eyes stabbed the prisoner with a sudden coldness. All while the squealing suddenly halted. SNAP. SQUELCH.
Now it came, emerging into the light. A beast. Holding a knife in one bloodied hand, dripping on the dirt. And dragging by the leg, a massive adult Laran boar grotesquely smearing thick blood still warm from the cut in the neck on the dirt.
The prisoner watched, barely moving, barely breathing. Frozen with the horror in front of it as the bloodied carcass was skinned; fur sliced away with harsh, scraping sounds with the crude knife. Spurting remaining blood all over the site.
The pink naked flesh then washed in the brook, leaving a distinct smell of oxidised blood in the air, before being skewered and roasted over the roaring flames. Fat popping violently in the heat.
In this gruesome display, the beast revealed not just a fate for the boar, but a dark hint of what might come. The realisation struck deep—this could be more than just a demonstration; it was a terrifying preview of its own potential end.
It passed out again.
Only to be awoken by the haunting echoes of a wild, desperate squeal that once thrummed through the savannah's eerie silence. Dare it open its eyes?
After a great heavy effort -utilizing its every last drop of courage- one eye cracked open. And what it saw. Made it regret ever having done so.
Right across from it, the hunter was a grotesque silhouette against the flickering fire. Grasping a severed boar leg was a mouth viciously biting, ripping, tearing into the flesh with primal ferocity. Each bite was deliberate, each tear of sinew was a clear, calculated demonstration of supreme savagery. Its jaw muscles bulged with the force of a bite.
All the while, the eyes—deep, abyssal pits—fixed intently on the prisoner. Deepest black pits stared back at it. Watching. Observing. Calculating, with a dark intelligence. it was calculating. It was relishing the terror it inspired and the control it exerted. Or planning its next meal.
The sounds of ripping flesh filled the thick, blood-soaked air. Deep into the night. Deep into this never-ending nightmare.
Never once did the prisoner move. Not an iota. Frozen in abject horror.
The night passed quietly. After the feast the human had, or the desecration of life that the prisoner saw, whichever way you look at it. The human nodded off to sleep. Content in the success of his mission. But the tied up creature had no such rest. Sending silent pleas to the stars that it might be saved. But not daring to make a sound, less it awaken that sleeping horror. Or was it sleeping? Dear Ix, it might be watching me. Feigning sleep to keep an eye on its meal. Dear Ix I'm next...
All through the night, the demons plagued its mind. Until the warmth of the morning rose, and with it the sound of an Ixian cruiser.
Elation could not be an understatement for the tired, tied, beat, and bruised thing. Craning its neck to the direction of the sound about to bellow out an Ixian warning to the demon resting next it.
"BE CAREFUL! THERE'S ONE HERE-". It stopped speaking. That previous elation it felt at a saviour arriving to rescue it from the demons grasp, fizzled out like a drop of water in a drought.
That all so familiar cold remained. And the dryness of despair. As pairs of dark pupils shot back at it.
On the cruiser were tall adult Terrans. Clean cut, well fed, well dressed Terrans. Four, no Six, no eight of them. All hanging onto the side of cruiser while it made its way to their location. Compared to the demon waking up beside it, these creatures were organised. A savageness neatly packaged in a uniform with a symbol. The prisoners eyes grew wide in its sunken sockets. 8 rings, and a centre mass. They must be the cause of, well all this.
Accepting fate, its head fell in part defiance, in part to avoid the stinging eyes of these others. It felt their gaze burn through—cold, cruel, calculating. There is nothing I can do any longer.
"You're finally here. What took you so long?" The runner said to his approaching comrades, "Took all night to catch up to him."
"Hey Jan, great work", the tall militant woman shot back. With a playful punch to his arm. "Guess all that cardio really paid off, didn't I tell you it would!" She let out a playful guffaw.
"Thanks Chel", replied Jan.
"Ok chop chop people, we're on a schedule. We need to reach the port ASAP remember? Come on Jan, rest up all you like, you're still on the clock."
"Aye sir." Jan shot back in a mock salute, gaining a sneer from the commandant, then a sneaky smile.
"Don't forget your trash. And make sure its breathing still."
It creaked open its eyes, seeing pairs of boots moving towards it and standing in front. In silence. Then all of a sudden, felt pairs and pairs of hands pull and tug. and lift it up The thing let out a pathetic silent sob. While it was loaded in the back of the cruiser, face up. Staring at eyes, piercing black dots peering back. It could never understand what was being felt by those eyes and those faces.
Ixians wear their emotions on their carapace; spots and stripes would slowly appear in certain parts, representing emotions and feeling that their bodies felt in a general sense. But the most private thoughts were of course, still kept private.
But this. This was just too foreign. The eyes never stopped. Even in the swaying movement of the cruiser the pupils never broke contact. Those eyes. As if it was peering into it, envelops your entire mind. There was no way to hide, even hiding in his inner self would do no good. Those eyes. Those predator eyes can find me anywhere I try to escape to. Inside and out.
Some times passes.
"You know. I lost good friends to the royal caste. Especially to this one's brood clan or whatever they like to call it." One of them was looking right at it when they said it. It turned its eyes over to the source. A short one, with a slave scar on the neck said it. A scar that shot through his memories. A scar inflicted to property owned by, his brood. This one is dangerous..., it thought.
Jan, and the others didn't look but felt it. The cold darkness in that tone made it clear what it intended to do.
The female militant, Chel, I think her name was. Slowly reached to the side arm on her holster. Sensing the oncoming problem.
"You still understand me don't you? I've had to watch good people die. Damn good people." The scarred one one stood, grabbing the upper rail of the cruiser to steady themselves. "I hear that even if you get ill, you become the entertainment for the night. What was it now?" She paused for a brief second. "Oh I remember".
"Stil" Chel said slowly. "Cool it". Hand still on the butt of the sidearm.
Not hearing or not wanting to reply. Stil continued. "Torn apart by those raptor pets. Hands or feet cut off as souvenirs for those fucked-up parties and those fucked-up guests. Oh yea, and the 'toy play' or whatever they call it. Can't have Ken and Barbie fight back now, can we?"
Stil leaned closer to the now cowering, shaking thing, "I wonder which one was your favourite." The words cut through La'Ix like an icicle. This was the first time these demons actually spoke to it directly. And it didn't like it. It could sense the venom from the words.
"Stil..." Chel slowly got up, hand still at the ready. "I said cool it." The line had a steely warning to it. Chel wouldn't risk the mission. Even if it meant doing what must be done.
Agonizing seconds passed. The cowering, shaking thing seemed to grow whiter and whiter by the second, It's spots clearly showing what it felt. Staring up, Not willing to move but being unable to hide. It felt the absolute crushing weight of the present. Grinding it down to a paste.
Everyone stayed still. The two militants didn't move. The rest didn't seem to even have paid attention to the converstation, still looked away.
Longer passed.
Stil smiled, "Oh come on Chel, you know I wouldn't do anything to our friend here? You know I was just playing around." Stil laughed. Chel didn't react.
Stil immediately crouched, faced the shaking prisoner inches apart eye to eye, and in a whisper said "Right friend?"
She wants me to reply? Dear Ix I can't even think with those eyes in front of me What do I do?! What do I say?!
"Right. Friend?" Stil repeated slower and colder. Like the blade of a surgeon hovering over skin, ready to plunge.
The gears of its Ixian brain grinded to a screeching halt. In utter desperation to find a reply it simply gave up. Instead, it felt a warmth slowly spread. Slowly spread between its hind legs. It had released its bladder.
"BAHAHAHAHA LOOK AT IT" Stil roared in laughter. The sound of it rattling the prisoners brain with the sound. Disorienting its senses. "NOW THAT'S CLASSIC TIMING IF I'VE EVER SEEN IT!" She plopped back down face red and still laughing.
The Ixian didn't know what to do but tremble and sob silently on the cold surface of the cruiser surrounded by laughter. and the warmth of its piss. It tried to plug its ears. But the sound still came. Laughter. Laughter. Laughter. Dear Ix, what are these demons... where are they taking me? To hell?...
The cruiser kept cruising. Towards the port across the island. Trailing laughter behind. Or to the sobbing wreck of a thing, demonic cackling.
The scent of familiarity wafted into the senses of the prisoner as the cruiser started to slow. The smell of the salt, the chirping of familiar aviaries. Sound of the crash of sea. The port.
Braving a sentence for the first time in for what seems eternity. It let out a question "...w..w..where ... why... are... ... we ...h... here?" It managed to say shakily, eyes downcast.
As if in response, a sharp shove greeted it from the back and a hard hit on the ground was as much of an answer it was getting.
"Move it", Jan said gruffly.
They walked. the ixian still bound but free to walk in the middle of the group of humans. Towards a destination still not known. The walk twisted, and turned, and twisted again. One thing struck out to the prisoner. It was too clean, especially for what it was expecting, it's last experience being in the previous blood-soaked town laden with bodies and carrion eaters.
The port town was completely silent, free from the regular hustle and bustle it usually had even when the emperor was not present. And superbly clean. Not a single piece of dirt to be seen. Not a single Ixian either. Where did everyone go? Did they make it out somehow when these invaders came?
In the background, the surf broke relentlessly.
Piercing eyes caught the prisoners glance, as it wandered curiously around the town. Realising its mistake La'Ix tried to look away but the burning gaze gripped his own.
As if reading its soul. The human answered the hidden question bubbling up in La'Ix. "You should've seen them your royal majesty". The one called Stil said while bending in mocking courtesy.
The surf pounded the shore even more loudly now.
"They don't swim well. Especially the young ones. They dropped like stones. Turning all white by the time they stopped moving."
Louder now. The sea roared.
Nothing came. Not a thought in La'Ix's mind. Its mind struggled to comprehend the depth of what was said by Stil, the scarred human.
The waves boomed louder now. Louder than the sun, echoing louder than the screams of all the Ixians that must have perished.
It saw the lips of the standing-devil in front of it. But all the came from its blood red lips were obscured by the sound of the pounding of the waves. The echoes of drowned kin, thudding and slapping against the shore, merged with the relentless surf in La'Ix's mind.
This is for our sins.
Wave after wave, the relentless surge continued, each one a haunting reminder of the souls lost to the sea, each crash a ghostly thud of bodies hitting the shore.
Very slowly did some exhausted neuron in the Ixian's head come to a conclusion as to how these creatures in front of it can be so relentless, so cruel, and so evil. When pushed to beyond its breaking point, did their true carnivorous instincts rear their ugly head.
Oh dear Ix. What sort of environment could breed such demons?
La'Ix didn't remember what happened next. The memories feel like a distant dream now as he sits watching the port sky now.
The aching brand on his forehead of the 8 ringed system, pulsed in pain—a departing gift from his newly made friends, stung from the salty sea air.
He barely recalls the staggered walk from the empty inter-arm transmission office and the inputting of his biometric royal seal. He barely even remembers the message that was sent under his name and signature
And even less does he remember what he heard what will happen next.
All alone now, he stares at the sky of the empty port town. As he watches more royal ships enter the atmosphere.
He gazes upward, thoughtlessly, statue-like Knowing fate will come for them all. Fate in the form of piercing black eyes and a monster so large it can fit in a shadow.
A single thought, carried its way from above the despair to the surface. Slowly. Like a bubble in a pool of tar.
What was I meant to tell the emperor again?

Supreme Admiral Vex stared intently at the holo-display in front of him, blinking in disbelief at what the sensor readings were indicating. The small blue world, designated Earth by its inhabitants, was buzzing with activity that seemed impossible.
Powerful energy signatures radiated from weapons emplacements, scattered across the planet surface, far surpassing the type of directed energy armaments even the Krell empire had mastered. Swarms of orbital shipyards, held frame after frame of colossal starships taking shape, the largest stretching over 30 kilometers in length.
"Run the scans again," Vex growled at the sensor operator. "There must be some mistake." But as the data refreshed, it showed no changes, humanity appeared to have grasped technologies centuries ahead of their time.
Vex could sense the unease spreading through his crew, on the bridge of the cruiser Korath. Hushed whispers questioned, how a species could possibly achieve such advancement so fast. It went against everything they knew about the natural order, of technological progression.
Below, Commander Sadir approached Vex hesitantly. "Admiral, long range scanners have detected unusual energy signatures forming in orbit of the third planet. I believe...one of their starships may be deploying."
Steeling himself, Vex turned to the main viewscreen just as a burst of intense light erupted from one of the orbital shipyards. Shielding his eyes, he watched in awestruck horror as an immense vessel began to unfold, its armor plating extending layer by layer like some colossal metal flower. When the awakening was complete, a full kilometer had been added to its Length.
"30 kilometers," a sensor operator reported weakly. "Armor suggests offensive and defensive capabilities, beyond our own Battleship class. Its weaponry..." She trailed off, overwhelmed by the readings.
Admiral Vex stood on the bridge of his flagship, the Korath, lost in thought as images from his encounter with humanity played out in his mind. He was startled from his reverie by the chirp of his comm system.
"Admiral, the Terran delegation has arrived and is requesting an audience," his aide informed him. Vex took a moment to collect himself before responding.
"Send them in." He turned to face the entrance as the doors slid open, revealing Commander Chen and two of her soldiers. Vex gestured for them to follow, as he led them to the observation deck overlooking the Sol system.
"I must confess, Commander, that my initial observations of your people were...troubling," Vex began. "The level of advancement seen was beyond any records or expectations. It is clear humanity has achieved remarkable success in a short period of time."
Chen regarded him cooly. "And what conclusions have you drawn, Admiral?"
Vex met her steady gaze. " Your species may pose a threat to galactic stability. However, after further analysis, I believe cooperation may be beneficial to all of us." He paused. "You must understand how...surprising this was for my people."
Chen considered this. "While strength ensures our survival, we seek peaceful relations. If the Empire approaches us as peacefully, there need not be conflict. But make no mistake, we will defend ourselves by any means if threatened."
Vex nodded slowly. "A message I will convey. Progress requires understanding between our people. I believe much can be gained through open exchange and trust."
Vex made his decision. "Helm, plot a course back to the empire border at maximum speed. Send a priority alert to Command, humanity is more advanced than any records indicate, and may pose an existential threat. We must convene the Council at once."
The journey back was spent in uneasy silence. Vex stayed glued to sensor displays, half expecting the Terran warship to give chase. But it remained in high orbit, no doubt monitoring the Korath's retreat.
Upon arriving, Vex was summoned immediately to the Council chambers. He recounted all that had been observed, dreading their reaction. Murmurs of alarm broke out, as holograms showed the size and power of human ships, and weapons.
"How can a species achieve such a drastic technological leap, in a so short time?" One councilor demanded. Vex had no answers, only more questions.
When the panic subsided, Grand Admiral Kaar spoke. "Clearly these Terrans pose a grave danger if left unchecked. Vex, you will return to Sol system covertly at once, try to discover the source of their advancement, and determine if we can make sense of their technology. As Vex ship departed he wondered, how would second contact end, if he is discovered. Either way, Empire has decided and he must obey.
Supreme Admiral Vex pored over star maps, in his quarters aboard the Korath, calculating routes that would covertly bring them back within range of the Sol system. His original plan had been, to make peaceful diplomatic contact, yet after witnessing humanity's military prowess, council has decided on covert operation.
Captain Sadir entered and approached hesitantly. "Admiral, the navigational simulations are complete. There is a gravitational anomaly near the system's outer edge, that could conceal our entry, if precise calculations are made."
Vex examined the proposed route. "It seems our best option. Set a course and engage at maximum safe speed. Alert me the moment we exit." Sadir saluted and departed to relay orders.
Days passed as the Korath crept through the void, buffeted by turbulent currents as they neared the anomaly. Vex felt his stomach twist, half expecting to drop out of speed within range of those Terran sensing nets. But their journey went without incident, bursting from the anomaly clouds undetected.
At first, all seemed normal as Vex scanned local space from his station. Then he noticed it, the barest trace energy reading rapidly expanding, originating from the anomaly itself. "Explain!" He barked, alarmed.
"I-I'm sorry Admiral, our entry point must have triggered proximity sensors somehow," a technician stuttered. "That trace...it's moving to intercept us at maximum sublight speed already!"
Vex stared in disbelief at the viewscreen. A brilliant pinprick of light had emerged from the planet, rapidly growing larger as it closed the distance at frightening velocity. His heart sank. "Battle stations! Shields to maximum, charge all projector banks!"
Alarms shrieked as the Terran vessel bore down on them, easily five times the Korath's size. Vex watched helplessly as its silvery hull pivoted, hundreds of gunports sliding open to reveal gleaming barrels. "Admiral, weapons are powering up, that ship will be in optimal firing range within minutes!"
His ship shuddered under the first volley, energy shearing through weakened shields. Secondary explosions ripped through decks below, as systems shorted out one by one, from each precise hit. "Shields collapsing, engines offline! They're hailing us sir!"
Steeling himself, Vex turned to the viewscreen expecting to see a Terran commander demanding surrender. Instead, a feminine synthetic voice spoke calmly. "Unidentified vessel, power down all systems and prepare to be tractored. Any aggression will result in your destruction."
Within hours, the Korath had been thoroughly disabled and boarded, human repair teams working faster than Vex believed possible. He could only marvel, as they towed the wounded cruiser, into high orbit of Earth, where an immense orbital shipyard bustled with work on vessels just as massive.
Vex was escorted to a landing zone where military officers awaited. A stern looking man in a crisp uniform stepped forward. "I am Commander Holden of United Earth Defense Forces. You will explain why you entered our territory unannounced, Admiral Vex."
Struggling to find words, Vex rambled out their mission, as dispassionately as possible. Holden listened without expression before gesturing to his escort. "You are our guests now, But know that any threat, will be met with overwhelming force, as you have witnessed today."
With that, Vex was transported to Earth itself, catching glimpses out viewports of sprawling cities glittering below powerful energy shields. He realized with a chill that despite his status, here he was truly at the mercy of humans, and their incomprehensibly advanced civilization. Cooperation, would be the Empire's only hope, of escaping this imminent threat unscathed.

Supreme Admiral Vex stared intently at the holo-display in front of him, blinking in disbelief at what the sensor readings were indicating. The small blue world designated Sol by its inhabitants, was buzzing with activity that seemed impossible.
Powerful energy signatures radiated from weapons emplacements, scattered across the planet surface, far surpassing the type of directed energy armaments even the Krell empire had mastered. Swarms of orbital shipyards, held frame after frame of colossal starships taking shape, the largest stretching over 30 kilometers in length.
"Run the scans again," Vex growled at the sensor operator. "There must be some mistake." But as the data refreshed, it showed no changes, humanity appeared to have grasped technologies centuries ahead of their time.
Vex could sense the unease spreading through his crew, on the bridge of the cruiser Korath. Hushed whispers questioned, how a species could possibly achieve such advancement so fast. It went against everything they knew about the natural order, of technological progression.
Below, Commander Sadir approached Vex hesitantly. "Admiral, long range scanners have detected unusual energy signatures forming in orbit of the third planet. I believe...one of their starships may be deploying."
Steeling himself, Vex turned to the main viewscreen just as a burst of intense light erupted from one of the orbital shipyards. Shielding his eyes, he watched in awestruck horror as an immense vessel began to unfold, its armor plating extending layer by layer like some colossal metal flower. When the awakening was complete, a full kilometer had been added to its Length.
"30 kilometers," a sensor operator reported weakly. "Armor suggests offensive and defensive capabilities, beyond our own Battleship class. Its weaponry..." She trailed off, overwhelmed by the readings.
Admiral Vex stood on the bridge of his flagship, the Korath, lost in thought as images from his encounter with humanity played out in his mind. He was startled from his reverie by the chirp of his comm system.
"Admiral, the Terran delegation has arrived and is requesting an audience," his aide informed him. Vex took a moment to collect himself before responding.
"Send them in." He turned to face the entrance as the doors slid open, revealing Commander Chen and two of her soldiers. Vex gestured for them to follow, as he led them to the observation deck overlooking the Sol system.
"I must confess, Commander, that my initial observations of your people were...troubling," Vex began. "The level of advancement seen was beyond any records or expectations. It is clear humanity has achieved remarkable success in a short period of time."
Chen regarded him cooly. "And what conclusions have you drawn, Admiral?"
Vex met her steady gaze. " Your species may pose a threat to galactic stability. However, after further analysis, I believe cooperation may be beneficial to all of us." He paused. "You must understand how...surprising this was for my people."
Chen considered this. "While strength ensures our survival, we seek peaceful relations. If the Empire approaches us as peacefully, there need not be conflict. But make no mistake, we will defend ourselves by any means if threatened."
Vex nodded slowly. "A message I will convey. Progress requires understanding between our people. I believe much can be gained through open exchange and trust."
Vex made his decision. "Helm, plot a course back to the empire border at maximum speed. Send a priority alert to Command, humanity is more advanced than any records indicate, and may pose an existential threat. We must convene the Council at once."
The journey back was spent in uneasy silence. Vex stayed glued to sensor displays, half expecting the Terran warship to give chase. But it remained in high orbit, no doubt monitoring the Korath's retreat.
Upon arriving, Vex was summoned immediately to the Council chambers. He recounted all that had been observed, dreading their reaction. Murmurs of alarm broke out, as holograms showed the size and power of human ships, and weapons.
"How can a species achieve such a drastic technological leap, in a so short time?" One councilor demanded. Vex had no answers, only more questions.
When the panic subsided, Grand Admiral Kaar spoke. "Clearly these Terrans pose a grave danger if left unchecked. Vex, you will return to Sol system covertly at once, try to discover the source of their advancement, and determine if we can make sense of their technology. As Vex ship departed he wondered, how would second contact end, if he is discovered. Either way, Empire has decided and he must obey.
Supreme Admiral Vex pored over star maps, in his quarters aboard the Korath, calculating routes that would covertly bring them back within range of the Sol system. His original plan had been, to make peaceful diplomatic contact, yet after witnessing humanity's military prowess, council has decided on covert operation.
Captain Sadir entered and approached hesitantly. "Admiral, the navigational simulations are complete. There is a gravitational anomaly near the system's outer edge, that could conceal our entry, if precise calculations are made."
Vex examined the proposed route. "It seems our best option. Set a course and engage at maximum safe speed. Alert me the moment we exit." Sadir saluted and departed to relay orders.
Days passed as the Korath crept through the void, buffeted by turbulent currents as they neared the anomaly. Vex felt his stomach twist, half expecting to drop out of speed within range of those Terran sensing nets. But their journey went without incident, bursting from the anomaly clouds undetected.
At first, all seemed normal as Vex scanned local space from his station. Then he noticed it, the barest trace energy reading rapidly expanding, originating from the anomaly itself. "Explain!" He barked, alarmed.
"I-I'm sorry Admiral, our entry point must have triggered proximity sensors somehow," a technician stuttered. "That trace...it's moving to intercept us at maximum sublight speed already!"
Vex stared in disbelief at the viewscreen. A brilliant pinprick of light had emerged from the planet, rapidly growing larger as it closed the distance at frightening velocity. His heart sank. "Battle stations! Shields to maximum, charge all projector banks!"
Alarms shrieked as the Terran vessel bore down on them, easily five times the Korath's size. Vex watched helplessly as its silvery hull pivoted, hundreds of gunports sliding open to reveal gleaming barrels. "Admiral, weapons are powering up, that ship will be in optimal firing range within minutes!"
His ship shuddered under the first volley, energy shearing through weakened shields. Secondary explosions ripped through decks below, as systems shorted out one by one, from each precise hit. "Shields collapsing, engines offline! They're hailing us sir!"
Steeling himself, Vex turned to the viewscreen expecting to see a Terran commander demanding surrender. Instead, a feminine synthetic voice spoke calmly. "Unidentified vessel, power down all systems and prepare to be tractored. Any aggression will result in your destruction."
Within hours, the Korath had been thoroughly disabled and boarded, human repair teams working faster than Vex believed possible. He could only marvel, as they towed the wounded cruiser, into high orbit of Earth, where an immense orbital shipyard bustled with work on vessels just as massive.
Vex was escorted to a landing zone where military officers awaited. A stern looking man in a crisp uniform stepped forward. "I am Commander Holden of United Earth Defense Forces. You will explain why you entered our territory unannounced, Admiral Vex."
Struggling to find words, Vex rambled out their mission, as dispassionately as possible. Holden listened without expression before gesturing to his escort. "You are our guests now, But know that any threat, will be met with overwhelming force, as you have witnessed today."
With that, Vex was transported to Earth itself, catching glimpses out viewports of sprawling cities glittering below powerful energy shields. He realized with a chill that despite his status, here he was truly at the mercy of humans, and their incomprehensibly advanced civilization. Cooperation, would be the Empire's only hope, of escaping this imminent threat unscathed.

On Saturday, May 18, at approximately 10:36 PM, the Colorado Springs Police Department received a call for service regarding a suicidal male armed with a firearm in the 4200 block of Deerfield Hills Road. Before officers arrived on the scene, it was reported a shot was fired inside the residence. Other occupant(s) of the residence exited safely. When officers arrived on the scene, they attempted to check the welfare of the suspect, at which time additional shots were fired from within the residence into the surrounding neighborhood. Patrol officers requested tactical support. Before tactical support was able to respond, the suspect exited the front door of the residence with a firearm. Officers verbally engaged the suspect in an attempt to peacefully resolve the situation and commanded the suspect to drop the firearm. The suspect refused to obey commands. At that time, at least one officer fired at least one round, striking the suspect. Once it was safe to do so the officers rendered emergency medical aid and took the suspect into custody. The suspect was transported to an area hospital where he was pronounced deceased. No officers or other community members were harmed during the incident.
As per CSPD policy, the El Paso County Sheriff's Office will be investigating this officer-involved shooting. All further investigative updates will come from them. Within 21 days, CSPD will release a significant event briefing video with body-worn camera footage regarding this incident.
Don't off yourself, but if you must, don't make someone else do it for you so they have to live with it.

It has been 20 years since the first calamity struck Earth. A massive wave of solar radiation from a nearby star known as Prometheus 673B showered our solar system in 2025. Electronics have been rendered useless for months, giving humanity the glimpse of what life was like long before. But that was merely temporary. The true effect of the solar flare came in the form of an illness, that afflicted roughly 10% of the current population. Unlike anything we've ever seen, the illness did not kill, rather enhanced the afflicted. For the first time in human history, the term Esper was used seriously. Dubbed the Awoken, those afflicted with illness that stemmed from the solar flare of Prometheus, gained the ability to manifest their own thoughts into reality, with varying degrees of success. At first, nations and laws, society as whole, was not prepared to deal with these new humans and their abilities. Crime ran rampant for a while.
Five years after the incident, the world banded together in a unified front, known as the AMA, The Awoken Management Agency, a world wide agency tasked with handling and controlling the Awoken, allowing humanity to once more function as a whole. Satellites have been sent out as far Earth's gaze into space could reach, to watch our for any other potential cosmic events that may occur, like the one that happened with Prometheus back in '25.
Now, 20 years since the first incident, the satellites have picked up another major cosmic event on the horizon, this time coming from the Aquila constellation. Is humanity ready to withstand whatever cosmos has prepared for it?
[]
"Kenji. Wake up! You'll be later for your lectures, again."
The young man groaned, slowly turning to his side in bed, looking at his mother that stood at the doorway. "I'm up, I'm up."
Yawning and stretching, he sat up in bed, running his fingers through his hair, before turning to check the small clock on his nightstand.
"Wha? Late? Mom, it's only 8. Lectures don't start until 10." He sighed.
"Oh well. No need to cut it short, right? Plus, I've made breakfast." His mother replied and went back downstairs.
[]
AMA Information Database:
Kenji Aoto. Age: 21 Category: Type 1 Awoken Ability: Embodiment. The unique ability of Kenji Aoto, unlike other Awoken of the same type, allows him to alter his own body based on how he feels. Most Type 1s change their environment around them, rather than themselves. Type 1s are classified as such for having abilities that considered non dangerous to the general non awoken population.
[]
"We've got a lot of promising talent this year huh?" Nathaniel said to his daughter, as the two looked down at the auditorium full of students. The dean of the university was preparing his usual welcoming speech, as the assistants tried to quiet down the murmurs of the students.
"Yeah, we sure do." Clara smiled, not taking her eyes off the scene. "Quite a good number of Awoken too."
"Anyone interesting in particular?" Nathaniel asked.
"No, not really. They all have the standard abilities you would expect out of a type 1. Same level of control to boot." She responded.
"Well, I look forward to being their professor." Her father smiled, inhaling deeply. "The smell of youthful energy, so amazing. I can still remember your first day as a freshman."
Clara blushed a bit, nudging him in the ribs with her elbow. "Shouldn't you be down there giving your speech, Dr. Offset?"
Nathaniel rubbed the back of his neck with a slightly embarrasses laugh to boot. "Oh don't call me that. Ahem, yeah. I'll be going now. See you later for lunch?"
"Of course dad." Clara smiled, giving her father a little wave as he left the teacher conference room.
[]
AMA Information database:
Clara Harris. Age: 32 Category: Non-Awoken (regular human) The lead ambassador for Awoken rights and unification in the AMA. Daughter of the lead researcher in Awoken development and the head teacher of the Awoken department in Nagoya University, Japan, Nathaniel Harris.
Nathaniel Harris. Age: 55 Category: Type 2 Awoken Ability: Offset. Acquired during the first Prometheus flare, the ability of Dr. Offset (he thought the name was cool when he was in his 20s), allows him to offset numerical values. Though touching an object is not required to use the ability on it, the potency of the ability greatly improved when he has direct contact with it. This also extends to, in theory, numerical values pertaining to objects and their position in space, relative to Nathaniel. Meaning he can move objects or parts of them relative to where he's standing, by changing their coordinates, however there were no recorded instances of him doing so. Examples include: Increasing or reducing the temperature of a beverage by direct contact. Increasing or decreasing friction on a surface of an object temporarily by touching it.
In his youth, Nathaniel attempted to become a sort of hero, once his powers kicked in, but due to the very low potency of his abilities, he never really managed to make the cut as one, despite being a type 2. Type 2s are classified as such due to having abilities that could be considered dangerous, powerful or harmful for the general non awoken population.
[]
Location: Russia, Siberia. Time: 22:37 Facility: Maximum security prison for Awoken criminals in Russia, cell block 5.
Theodore laid in his bunk, staring at the ceiling. Each of his breaths released a soft cloud of vapor, that commonly occurs when someone is in a cold environment. In his case, the vapor was a byproduct of his ability, rather than the cold cell we was in. A thug with a love for violence, turned bank robber when his abilities fully developed, Theodore terrorized Russia and the neighboring countries. It wasn't until the AMA was finally assembled and operational, that he was arrested and sentenced to multiple life sentences in this highest security prison that Russia had at a time.
Even after being sent behind bars, he kept up his antics, becoming a nightmare for the guards and inmates alike. No man that was placed in a cell with him would last more than a few days before demanding transfer. Some even lost their lives to the former thugs whims, before their transfer requests could be approved. Hence Theodore has been placed in solitary, a cell designed with all the tech necessary to nullify his ability. There he spent the last 10 years of his life.
Despite being a type 1, an awoken with abilities that were not classified as dangerous to the general population, Theodore managed to use them to their fullest extent. His blessing of temperature manipulation, was a curse to everyone around him.
He looked outside, at the night sky, through his small cell window. Apparently, there was a big stellar event, similar to the one 20 years ago, that gave him the powers he now has. He heard guards and other inmates talk about it, how AMA is now prepared for such an event.
Theodore closed his eyes, imagining what this aurora would look like. The memory of that night, when Prometheus 673B's flare struck earth still fresh in his mind like it was yesterday. The otherworldly mixture of reds and yellows and greens. Like a primordial fire that was lit across the night sky.
Suddenly, the sound of footsteps outside his cell snapped him out of his memory.
"Huh?" He adjusted in bed, to see who was outside his cell.
A man, in a white cloak with golden details, stood outside his cell. Theodore was confused. The man was not one of the guards, he was bare footed and did not wear any uniform. And no way he was one of the other inmates, no one had the capabilities to leave their cells without being let out.
"Hey, who the hell are you? How did you get here? The guards letting us out or something?" The criminal walked over to his cell door. The bars were made of material that could withstand sudden changes in temperature without bending or breaking, preventing him from getting out.
The man said nothing, he didn't even turn towards the convict, he merely stood there, hood covering his as he looked up at the night sky through the decorative windows on the buildings roof.
"Hey asshat! I asked you a question. How the fuck did you get out of your cell? C'mon man, don't be a dick, let me out too." Theodore grabbed the bars and rattled them.
The cloaked man finally turned towards him. The convict was stunned, only for a second. The man has a beard and long hair, both as white as his cloak. But his eyes, they were as blue as the midday sky. He could have sworn energy seemed to pour out of them. Before he could say another word, the figure before him extended his hand at him, and with a snap of his fingers, a bold of lightning struck Theodore square in the chest. The convict was send flying, back hitting the wall opposite the cell doors.
[]
Location: Brazil, San Paolo. Time: 16:37 Facility: Remodeled Taubaté Prison, cell block 3.
Vitor sat on the bench press, just finishing a set, looking over the prison yard. Even behind bars, his connections did not dwindle. A former petty drug dealer, Vitor Alves quickly rose to power and influence once his powers awoke. He employed other Awoken with criminal tendencies as his own personal task force to drive all other competition into the ground. Once he held the entirety of San Paolo's drug empire in his hand, he set his sights farther. We wanted the entire city for himself, believing that no one could challenge his claim to that right.
With the help of the AMA, the Brazilian government swiftly put his plan to rest, and Vitor behind bars. The fight between the Awoken under Alves and the AMA/Brazilian forces was indeed a bloody one and resulted in a good number of civilian casualties. The drug lord was sent to Taubate, where he would spend the rest of his life. The prison was remodeled, per AMA standards, to be fully equipped and capable of holding Awoken criminals.
Despite having powers of temperature manipulation, capable of increasing temperature to lethal amounts, Vitor did not believe that to be his strongest ability. Money, influence, connections, those were real power, what truly carried him to the top of the criminal world.
Even now, as he sat on the bench press, doing a few reps before looking over the yard, Vitor was not powerless in the outside world. He waited on his informant, his connection to the outside, to appear so he could delegate orders to what was left of his followers and empire on the outside.
He wasn't sure if it was something he ate, or the heat from the pounding sun. Maybe it was even that sky flare that he heard AMA guards mention. Something indeed felt off, his vision seemed a bit blurry. As if the entire prison courtyard was moving slowly right before him. But the informant should be there soon, so Vitor decided not to go back to his cell just yet.
The other inmates, guards, even the basketball that the inmates played hoops with, suddenly slowed down to a halt. Through the statue like crowd, a single figure moved over to Vitor. His feet were bare, his body and face hidden behind a hooded cloak. The drug lord could only see his white beard and his eyes, as they seemed to be glowing a faint blue glow. Before he even got a chance to speak, the man extended his hand towards him and with a smirk, snapped his fingers, sending a bolt of lightning straight into the mans body, causing Vitor to fly several feet and collapse on the ground.
[]
"Ugh... What the fuck man?" Theodore cursed, as he regained his consciousness. Slowly, he got up to his knees, his head pounding like he was struck by a hammer. The cell felt colder than before. Looking around, he saw the entire cell frozen, every surface covered by a thick layer of ice. Bed, toilet, the cell doors, frozen solid. And the ice shifted. With every movement of his hands, the ice followed.
"Could it be?" The inmate whispered, focusing his mind, channeling his ability. Ice began to form in the palm of his hand, morphing freely. With a single wave of his hand, the frozen bed shattered into bits and pieces. Theodore inhaled, getting up to his feet, head still in pain. But the realization was crystal clear. He could now freeze things without having to touch them, manipulate what he froze, as well create ice out by freezing the water in the air. With a grin plastered across his face, Theodore thanked the mysterious man, of who there was not a single trace left, and decided that he's busting himself out of prison.
[]
"WARNING! WARNING! WARNING. PRISON BREAKS DETECTED ACROSS MULTIPLE AMA FACILITIES!" Blared the system on screen at the Awoken Management Agency in Nagoya. Other HQs across the globe received the same warning.
"What the hell is going on?" Clara said, running into the monitoring hall.
"I don't know. Prison breaks, across multiple locations world wide." Kaito replied, his eyes not leaving the monitors as he fired up the surveillance drones on the impacted locations.
"The main facilities that were absolutely totaled are Siberia and San Paolo." He continued.
"Think it could be?" Clara asked.
"Not possible. The protection against solar flares was at full power. Not a single particle should have hit the ground. I mean, we didn't lose any tech, unlike last time." Kaito shot her question down, pulling up the drone feed of the two prisons.
Taubate was in flames. The entire facility seemed to be entirely engulfed in a raging fire. The Russian counterpart held no better either. The entire prison was torn apart by massive glacier like formations, that seemed to jut out of the ground.
Clara, Kaito and other technicians presents stared, slackjawed, at the live drone feed. Something like that was not possible, no Awoken held that level of power. Not even if multiple Awoken united, could they produce that level of destruction across such a large area.
"Wait wait! What's that? Zoom in on one of the glaciers!" One of the technicians said, pointing at the big monitors.
Kaito's fingers flew across the keyboard, as the drone moved closer and the video on screen zoomed to its maximum. On one of the glacier formations, sat a man, clearly an inmate based on the jumpsuit he was wearing.
"Running identification." Chimed the computer.
"Inmate 4012: Theodore Ivarovski. Age: 36. Category: Type 1 Awoken. Ability: Low drop. His ability allows him to significantly drop the temperature of anything he touches, almost instantly."
"He's a type 1. No way in hell that he could pull of something like this." Clara said, eyes glued to the screed. "He must have re-awoken, there is no other explanation."
"Clara, in the last 20 years since the Prometheus, there was never a single instance of that happening. Some Awoken do push their abilities past the initial capabilities, but that's usually the end of it. It's a conspiracy theory." Kaito mumbled.
"Then how do you explain THAT?" She said, pointing at a massive piece of ice that was quickly forming above Ivarovski, before being sent flying towards the drone and cutting off the live feed.
[]
(Howdy y'all. This is a bit different from my usual write style, with a more manga like story/narration instead of the standard story/novel format I do. I hope you like it, I came up with it months ago, but due to time constrains with work I haven't gotten around to writing it. Based on how it's received, I may continue this along side Sand & Steel. You can read S&S on here:
Royal Road
Wattpad
Scribble Hub
Hope y'all have a nice day.
-M.W.A.)