by G. K. Scott
Emma watched as another person passed her. She could see Jeuki who was using the raft above his clawed feet making no sound. This is almost like hunting. You walking in on your prey but the only difference is we aren’t taking the kill, just creep quietly around them without them noticing as. These people must be really bored they aren’t even seeing as. Emma turned the corner watching Jeuki claw the rail swinging down. They moved the doors slowly watching everyone walk past. They found them selves looking at an information terminal. Emma looked around no one was around. she eased up her hand tapping the keys.
Watching the big screen come up she turned slightly meeting Jeuki’s gaze. “Would you like to train?” She could see him perfectly her suits technology made him perfectly see able. “There’s a gym on this level.” She watched him nod slowly. She carried on typing watching the terminal bring up the path to follow. Jeuki turned seeing that a male scientist was standing behind them staring. He turned sharply to the marine near by. “That terminals faulty.” The big male marine turned slowly. “Oh please the equipments fine.” The scientist turned sharply. “Oh really, then why is the terminal bringing up the path to the gym on its own?” Emma pulled away that wasn’t good the marine turned looking at the terminal as they both moved slowly away. “What in the hell?” The scientist looked at his coffee. “See I told you so!”
8
Oran slammed his fist down hard. “What do you mean you lost them!” Carlos pulled up his hands. “Look there not lost I just don’t know where they are.” He moved his gaze slightly. “There ships still in the dock though, so they haven’t felt Iron Year.” Oran growled angrily. “You’ll take General Lexington and Samantha and Eddy and you’ll find them!” Carlos looked down slightly. “Yes sir.” Oran sat back, he watched as a woman sitting at one of the terminals turned slightly. “Sir I’ve just had reports from level ten. They’re all from marines and scientist claiming that some terminals are working on their own. Oh and one report that some one thought they saw something big moving like a shadow.” Oran turned quickly. “Where’s Oni Jui?” Carlos turned slightly. “Lower levels hunting.” He turned as Lexington and Samantha walked in. “You’re late.” Lexington pulled up his gun. “My apologises.” Oran stood up slowly. “Find Emma and Jeuki now!” Lexington grinned. “Should I shoot the girl?” Oran narrowed his gaze. “Don’t get smart with me boy.”
Lexington sneered slightly. “Yes sir, my apologises sir.” Oran slammed his fist down. “You find them both and bring them back to there quarters.” Lexington grinned slightly. “Am I allowed to use force?” Oran pulled up slightly. “Touch the girl and I’ll have you thrown in the brig. She’s very important to me. More important than you are.” Lexington sneered. “Yes sir.” Carlos turned slowly. “Come now Lexington.” He watched the marines follow him. “We have to find our missing people.” Lexington turned to Samantha. “Little bitch is more important than me! That is so messed up, how is some girl gets more interest than I do?” Samantha sighed aloud. “Let it go Lexington please I’m sick of your childish ranting.” Lexington snarled aloud. “I hate that armour dressed woman.” Eddy slowly pulled up his pad. “I think she’s rather good looking actuality.” Lexington turned sharply. “I didn’t ask for your opinion Eddy, if I want your opinion I’ll give it to you.” Eddy turned slightly. “Are you in asshole mode today sir?” Lexington turned sharply. “Don’t push it kid.”
Samantha breathed in. “Oh let him be Lexington, he’s new he doesn’t know everything about you yet.” Lexington turned sharply. “What’s that supposed to mean?” Samantha turned slightly. “Come now sir I’m sure you know what it means.” Eddy sniggered moving in front. “Who cares, I just hope the message I sent got to Emma. She needs a guy like me in her life.” Samantha grunted aloud. “Sure she does…no offence but I think she already has one of those.” She laughed slightly. “I don’t think you can compete with her ugly six foot male alien boyfriend.” Eddy turned sharply. “Oh please, I’m sick of people saying that about her. It’s not funny anymore I mean the alien is looking after her not dating her, Christ you people are sick.”
Samantha barged past him. “Oh really I’ll bet you twenty credits that your wrong.” Eddy grinned widely. “Okay fine but I know I’m right.” Lexington turned slightly. “I can’t believe you people the woman is a bitch and one of you wants to date her.” Eddy laughed aloud. “Sir you have no taste in women that’s your problem.” He pulled up his pad. “Ah I got something, another report her and ugly just re materialized on the level ten outside the gym. There both in full armour so we should be curious. Also the guy who owns the gym has just let them in.” Samantha turned slightly. “What on earth would they want with a gym?” Eddy rolled his eyes. “To train stupid.”
8
Emma slowly pushed the card in to the gym side slot. It opened it door instantly. She moved inside hearing Jeuki’s feet hit the floor as he moved inside. She pulled the card up slotting it in causing the door to shut and lock. The room was huge but then these rooms always where. They moved there walls depending on the sport you played. She turned seeing a metal robot move forward from above it leaned out its limb taking a scanning her eye. It pulled back. “Welcome to the Iron Year gym Emma Wingates what game would you like to play?” Emma clicked her finger. “Combat sport.” The robots one yellow eye moved bring up images on the left wall. “We have a wide range boxing, Karate, Kick Boxing and Wrestling and Sumo.” Emma tapped her lip. “Do you have anything like a Bushido ring? You know Samurai ring for swords weapons and hands on combat?” The computer looked up. “Processing…one item found. The Samurai warrior’s ring of glory called after the 2119 official tournament held in Japan. Greatest of the Earth and Colony warriors fought on a high ring one becoming the human galaxy champion.” The robots computers eye moved “Would you like me to recreate similar ring? "Emma smiled slightly. “Yes but there no need for the weapons turn all miner safety barriers of safety to only activate, if ether Jeuki or my self might die or end up with spinal injuries that could paralyse.” The yellow eye moved again. “Lowered safety is dangerous line in the protocol book states...”
Emma put a hand behind her back. “Override that protocol.” The head moved. “Ring activated.” Jeuki turned slightly. “What are you doing?” Emma smiled. “In my culture there’s a ring very similar to the one on your ship, you’ll like it.” Jeuki watched metal pull up grinding in to metal. He cocked his head to one side watching the ring form. Strange flags slowly came down while strange things for holding weapons came up. The ring did look similar to the one the ship but the strange flags with marking he didn’t understand. The machine moved as the ring bolted together “Ring active.” He turned as some kind of shielding went up. The yellow eye turned. “Safety at minimal.” Emma smiled. “I’m well over due for my right to hunt.” Jeuki tapped his upper right mandible. “Don’t you think the other oomans my see you’re hunting right as dangerous?” Emma eased her armoured plating free. “Like I care, it’s my right as a hunter so what if I’ve broken a few ribs in the past. Broken bones can be healed.” Jeuki nodded pulling his front armour free. “As the hunter wishes.” He let his leg armour fall, before pulling his plating free from his body. His long covering material with its patterns came in to view. Emma eased the rest of her plating free; she turned not hearing the wall above move back revealing glass, which caused the people who were drinking and eating to look down.
Carlos turned the corner noticing commotion as they came towards the gym. He turned sharply. “What is going on here!?” A few of the onlooker turned away from the screen the first a young man in a tennis outfit grinned. “Isn’t this the coolest that ugly bastard and the girl are fighting.” Another woman with a cricket bat grinned. “He’s kicking her ass.” Lexington barged through. He turned seeing that all the screens had been changed to the fight. “Where’s the damn owner!” One of the gym instructors turned slightly. “On the roof he’s opened the glass so everyone can see. As well as turned all screens to this
fight.” Lexington grabbed his collar. “You lead me to him now! This party is over!” He pushed the man who instantly moved towards the roof. They followed him slowly, as he walked towards the roof. Carlos turned seeing the owner who was grinning as the crowds gathered around from above. Lexington snarled aloud coming up to him. “Stop this show now!” The leader of the gym turned slowly met his gaze. “Sorry you have no jurisdiction here marine.”
Lexington snarled aloud. “Don’t smart mouth me old man.” The gym leader folded his arms. “But you don’t smart arse it says so in the Iron Year rules and regulations, marines of any level. Have no power over the gyms as they are all owned by Oran corp. Only his higher ID can shut of key cards in these rooms once locked.” Lexington pulled back in anger. Carlos moved forward. “I don’t believe this! You’re letting Emma Wingates and her alien friend fight in public!” The gym leader eased on his sunglasses. “Look in twenty minutes the key card shuts of and you can get in. Still I wouldn’t interrupt even if it does. This appears to be a cultural mater.” Carlos turned sharply. “What!” The gym leader smiled. “Hunters right was the words the girl used.” He folded his arms. “If you have any sense you won’t go in there I mean the alien will probably rip you in two.” Carlos sighed aloud. “I can’t believe your doing this! Oran will have your head!” The gym owner smirked. “This is best business I’ve had in years, I’m recording this fight as we speak. I want to use it to promote my gym on Iron year.” Eddy spat slightly. “You asshole.” The gym leader grinned again. “No I’m not I’m just a average man making a living.” Lexington grabbed Eddy’s collar harshly. “Hack that door! Now!” Samantha turned slightly. “Sir if this is cultural…” Lexington turned sharply. “Make yourself useful! Get Oran’s higher code through your electronic pad!”
Emma felt the force as Jeuki fist skimmed her face. She felt the force as she hit the ground full force. She done this so many times and she knew she wasn’t getting any better at it. She couldn’t beat him. And even then he’d still give her, her right to hunt. She coughed feeling the warm blood trickle down her chin. He always held back as well! She coughed again painfully picking herself of he floor. These fights on his ship where fought to the death sometimes. Yet she only came away with bruises and broken bones. He always tried to avoid her face and never kicked her where she could reproduce. She watched as he pulled up roaring before grabbing her. She felt the force as she was tugged of her feet. She felt the arms wrap around her middle with crushing force, which sent spikes of pain through her middle. She tried to kick out. Only to hit sold muscle she pulled up her fist meeting Jeuki’s gaze before bringing it down hard in his face causing him to howl as his grip on her loosened.
She hit the floor again shoulders first, she turned kicking him in the face again before he could grab her. Jeuki pulled back feeling some blood trickle down his lower right mandible. He pulled up a clawed hand feeling cold blood that was a first. She was getting better at this, she still had a long way to go but she was starting to use what he’d taught her. He knew he was a soft teacher he always held back in these fights, but she wasn’t ready yet. He was also tried not to seriously injure her. He couldn’t bear the thought of it. It wasn’t like her race was built to fight his and he had an unfair advantage. He slammed his fist down watching her move quickly out of the way. He tried to grab her leg again only to have her pull free. He felt the sudden spike off pain as she kicked his ankle full force. He pulled back bringing both hands down grabbing her arms. He pulled her off the floor bracing her arm stopping her struggle. He eased open his mandibles roaring in her face only to have her scream back in his.
He grunted aloud flaring his mandibles again. His gaze narrowed. “You fight well!” Emma tried to struggle. “That doesn’t mean I quit!” Jeuki tapped his upper right mandible. “You fought the good fight.” Emma narrowed her gaze. “I hate it when you do this! Your race doesn’t stop fights because they’re afraid to break something!” Jeuki roared aloud causing her hair to be blown back. “Stop being difficult! I’m your elder you do as I say!” Emma struggled again. “Jeuki stop being an asshole!” Jeuki pulled back roaring even louder. “I trained you! You’re a blooded hunter you know the rules of combat. When you’re incapacitated you loose the fight!” Emma struggled angrily only to feel her legs move through air. “Just once I’d like you to knock me out! I’d feel like it would be worth it since you have such lean ante rules because I’m human!” Jeuki tapped his upper right mandible in frustration. “My rules are not lean ante! My rules are just and fair! You are the blooded hunter I’m your elder!”
He flared his lower mandibles. “I do what I do because that is how I teach! Great leaders do not teach through punishment they keep their students alive. Killing you in this ring is meaningless! I don’t want you dead or seriously wounded. I need you alive! That way you’ll be a greater hunter, whether you win or loose!” He pulled her closer so her gaze met his. “My way is the just way…you know that!” He turned sharply watching as the door was suddenly flung open the key card coming out on the other side. He watched as three human warriors burst in as well as one of the white clothed males the warriors were all the ones from the cargo bay. He could smell the stench of the one who’d been rude to Emma. His gaze wandered as he snorted aloud. How dare they interrupt his conversation! This was a private hunter right! How dare they be so rude as to interfere in his and his student personal fight! Carlos moved forward. “I’m sorry to interrupt.” Jeuki turned roaring at him. He watched him cringe as he stepped back.
Emma felt the floor as her feet slowly met it. She turned sharply. “This is none of your business! Get out of here before I hurt you!” Jeuki moved forward his clawed hands making fists. “This is a hunters right, how dare you interfere in our personal business.” Samantha grunted aloud. “Couldn’t your lovers tiff wait? That’s what’s quarters are for. You can kiss and make up there.” Emma raised an eyebrow. “We weren’t arguing this is a social affair.” Lexington moved forward grinning. “Well you social affair has just been made public by the gym owner. Poor little you and your hump buddy got a live broadcast.” Eddy pulled up slowly looking at the general. “You know Lexington that was really bellow the belt.” Emma took a step forward as the general came closer. “Tell me did your mother give you a clever name because she felt pity for your low intelligence? Or was she just not thinking at the time?” She clicked her finger. “I mean if not thinking before speaking could win you a prize. You’d win hands down general Lexington…every time”
Lexington felt his fist clench, he moved forward getting on to the ring. He slowly pulled his fist back. “You little smart mouthed bitch!” All words left him, as a clawed foot made contact with his chest. All he felt was pain as he flew through the air. He felt the protective shields come up behind him as he hit them at the last second. His body fell forward hitting the floor chest first. He coughed watching as blood hit the floor. He sat up slowly feeling Samantha help him to his feet. His gaze turned to Emma. “One day! I swear one day you won’t have your ugly mother fucker of a boyfriend to protect you! When that days comes! Mark my words I’ll be there and you won’t have anywhere to hide!” Eddy turned shaking his head. “Sir now you know threatening guests can get you in to trouble. Plus once again you attacked her first. And the big guy protected her again.” Samantha pulled Lexington up. “Are you okay sir?” Lexington coughed again. “I think I’ve broken something.” Samantha turned slightly. “Let’s get you to medical sir.”
Emma turned slowly meeting Jeuki’s amber gaze. “You know I wanted to break his jaw myself.” Jeuki slowly jumped off the ring picking up his armour. “Unworthy ooman warrior.” Emma leapt of the ring. “You know you’ve probably broken his ribs.” Jeuki pulled on his wrist armour. “Fifthly ooman male not hearing his voice because he’s got broken ribs will be pleasing.” Eddy pulled up his gun. “Oh I’m sure the general wont mind he’s was in need of a good ass kicking.” He moved closer to Emma. “Can I help you with any of your armour?�
�� Emma blinked she turned slightly. “Does the words get lost mean anything to you?” Eddy grinned slightly. “Look I’m not like those two. I want to help.”
Emma sneered eyeing him. “Sure you can help, getting out of my face would help.” Eddy pulled back in annoyance. “Hey I’m the one who sent you the date message! You should like me I’m far better looking than your ugly friend!” Emma’s gaze narrowed. “Jeuki is not ugly, he’s ten time the male you’ll ever be. I mean he’s not trying to date women he barely knows and expecting them to say yes.” Eddy pulled away in anger. “I sent you that message from the heart.” Emma pulled on the last of her armour she slammed out her hand shoving the marine out of the way. “What do you take me for? An idiot? You just thought you’d home in and try to get your dick off because I haven’t seen another human being in so long…you marines disgust me.” Eddy pulled back walking away angrily. He slowly pulled up his gun before he got to the door. “I’ll escort you to your quarters.” Jeuki sneered slightly. “Stupid little ooman male.” Emma flicked her wrist causing her wrist blades to fly out. “I hate marines.” She watched Jeuki pull on his mount gun. She found her self-sighing aloud.
8
Oran looked at the video again. His gaze moved slowly to Lexington who was standing near by. “I don’t believe you tried to hit our guest.” Lexington moved his hand feeling the liquid bandage on his chest. “Sir her ugly friend hit me!” He grunted aloud. “I have two broken ribs!” Oran looked at the video, which had been confiscated from the gym owner. “You’re lucky I don’t break the rest of you boy!” Lexington rolled his eyes. “Oh this is so peachy that little bitch gets away with everything.” Oran turned in his chair. “That little bitch as you refer to her is very important to me. At the moment her importance is higher than yours as I’ve already said! So I’d be very happy if you’d stop blowing your mouth off. And getting Jeuki pissed at you.” Lexington turned sharply. “This is bull! It’s messed up! Some little girl walks in with an ugly six-foot alien and gets away with everything. What’s so special about her tell me that sir because I’m dieing to know!” Oran turned in his chair. “She survived a year of space time abroad an alien ship. What else do you need to know boy!”
