Terranus: Renaissance: Book two of the 'Terranus: Origins' series.

by Joe Crouch

  “The Xuron would never allow it,” she huffed, leaning back against a console, “They think we are extinct and that’s how we like it.”

  “But now you’re not alone,” he said, stepping towards her, “The entire galaxy is fighting against them in a massive coalition, we do well by ourselves, hell this ship pushed back an attack on my home world not long ago, imagine how the balance of power would tip in everyone’s favour if the mighty Imperium were to join.” The flattering words were enough to warrant a defeated smile from Remulus who could only sigh.

  “It would be nice I admit, this crew has revealed how many species are working in co-operation for a common goal, it’s inspiring… We will have to see. For now, though, please can we eradicate all traces of my ship?” For a moment, the captain went to fight back but instead nodded towards tactical to begin the operation. “The adaptive armour plating and multi-phase shielding are likely offline, so it shouldn’t be a trouble destroying it.” It wasn’t. The advanced Ioution weapons tore through the ship with ease, constant arcs of energy lanced out from the cruiser brightening the dark sky. Eventually, in a bright purple explosion, the ship disintegrated to pieces, they took the time to destroy the larger chunks left to complete the job as thoroughly as they could. After a brief lull in weapons fire, receiving the all clear from tactical Fez turned to his star map.

  “Helm, set a course for Sarimunio, slip when ready,” he ordered.

  Chapter 11

  “Two… One… Slip exit.” With a thump the Mar’Ell exited back into normal space closer to the star than they had planned. As usual the monitoring station Sean sat at began to populate with the various signatures from the vast amount of traffic that occupied the system. Connecting to the local network he watched as ships undocked from the stations in orbit, making way for another to take its place moments later. Sarimunio wasn’t designated as a trade hub to his knowledge, but the sheer volume of inbound vessels made it seem like one.

  Crew on the bridge chatted amongst themselves, occasionally disseminating information around the room regarding their trajectory or hail requests. It was all just another planet for the experienced Ioution crew, but he couldn’t help but feel a twang of excitement in his stomach as the bright speck in the distance revealed itself. It was easy to see what the planet looked like on the live feeds throughout the network, but he didn’t want to spoil the surprise, all he knew was that there were six planets in orbit around a single star.

  “Fleet credentials confirmed, priority docking granted,” Yumie read out, “We’re assigned to arm forty-seven.” With an affirmative response from both Fez and helm the Mar’Ell drifted out from the ‘regular’ queue of traffic and into the priority lane. As they drew closer to the planet its clear ocean blue surface came readily into view. He hadn’t seen much like it before; he knew Earth had a relatively large ocean composition compared to most planets but Sarimunio took it over the top.

  “How much of that surface is ocean?” he asked, turning to Fez.

  “Ninety, ninety-five percent?” he replied, looking down at his terminal, “Ninety-two percent,” he corrected himself. Amazed, he watched as the single small continent came into view, its rugged, barren surface was nothing new to him, he recognised other species had a taste for settling backend worlds no one would want. With a hiss, the bridge doors split open allowing Remulus to enter. Sean watched as the sweaty Veterum strolled around the command room as if it were her ship, she leant into multiple officer’s personal spaces to observe what they were working on. Pawing away the beads of sweat which formed across her brow she approached Sean who sat watching in awe at the sheer display of confidence and arrogance. Whilst making small talk the docking procedure started.

  Sat stationary beside the hulking behemoth that was the Sarimunio III station, its dull, grey, metallic surface gave off an air of functionality over any sort of opulence. Towering over the Mar’Ell it mushroomed out towards its apex providing living quarters and recreation for those aboard. One of the many lengthy arms folded out as its immense mass struggled against its own weight as the numerous joints straightened out. The Mar’Ell opened its massive cargo bay doors to allow a connection, and with a crash that rocked the entire ship, the fully elongated structure sealed into place. After a brief communication with the station director Fez made an announcement to the ship that they would be granted a single day of shore leave, they we’re to return by 0600 tomorrow morning for departure.

  A relaxed party atmosphere spread across the vessel. Sean made his way off the bridge and headed towards the armoury, he knew instinctively it was where Taris was more than likely hiding. He was right, as always. The dual doors opened with a hiss, a thin fog escaped the room followed by the thick smell of charred plastic that hit him instantly. She paid no attention to the extra company so he hung back, watching as the formidable Ioution unleashed rounds of energy into the practice targets that dangled from the ceiling. In a misguided move, he crept towards her, ducking beneath the racks of weapons which made up much of the floor space. Nearing the fully focused Taris he put his arms out, wrapping them around her waist in a show of affection. But instead of receiving a loving gesture in return she lashed out with an elbow that crashed into the ridge of his nose. Sean screamed out in pain, he held his head back as blood poured out down his face, staining his fresh white T-shirt he had only just worn for the first time.

  “What are you doing you idiot!” Taris yelled as she grabbed her towel and provided aid to the ailing Human, “You snuck up on me while I was in the zone… here, let me help.” Placing the towel firmly across his nose she disarmed her weapon and dragged him towards the med bay.

  “I only wanted he a cuddle,” he bemoaned, wiping the blood away from his mouth.

  “Yeah, well, don’t interrupt a woman as she’s smashing skulls,” she laughed compassionately. It wasn’t exactly the sign of affection he was looking for, but the trading of insults between the two was a sign of respect as they tried to keep their private life, private. Confused looks greeted them as they went against the flow of traffic that rushed towards the cargo bay, but stifled laughs were under the crew’s breath as Taris helped her fragile Human pet.

  Turning a corner, they ran into Zarid, he moped about the barren hallways kicking his feet as if he was lost on what to do. “Hey, how’s it going, Zar,” Sean asked in a higher pitched timbre than usual.

  “Zar?” he scoffed, “I’m not sure I should go down to the surface, the government there aren’t particularly… warm when it comes to the organisation I used to work for. I would be putting everyone else at risk, it’s not worth it.”

  “Alright then, fair enough,” Sean said as he walked away, “I’ll catch ‘ya soon.” He was soon dragged back by the scruff of his neck by a smiling Taris who clipped him across the ear, “Don’t you think you’ve done enough?”

  “Ignore this baby,” she said, “Why don’t you come with us? We’re going to the med bay because of this idiot,” she added, jamming her thumb into Sean’s chest, “He walked into a door frame, didn’t you?”

  “No, you beat me up in a vicious interspecies attack, this sort of racism will not be tolerated aboard this vessel,” he declared, straightening his back to play the part. Zarid watched on wide-eyed at the duo interacting, he had no idea what was going on but agreed to follow them, at least for now. It didn’t take the trio long to stroll across the deathly silent ship to see the doctor, everywhere was so devoid of noise Sean was certain he could hear a faint static coming off every terminal they passed.

  Sat in a chair and waiting for the medic to arrive, he fiddled with the array of instruments that were neatly aligned on the wheeled table.

  “What are you doing you imbecile!” the doctor boomed as he waltzed in, throwing his black civilian jacket onto the long counter at the back of the room. “A broken nose, when will the day come when the younger generation stops goofing off and actually get some real work done instead of playing whatever sadistic blood sport you seem
to be playing these days.” The three of them glanced at each other, their faces contorting as they held back the tide of laughter which tried to burst its way out from within. “Here,” the doctor groaned. Picking up a long, silvery device he held it up to Sean’s nose, a bright orange beam fanned out from its nozzle and within moments his nose had reformed and the bleeding had stopped.

  “Wow, thanks Doc, I feel better than ever,” Sean declared, running a finger down his newly formed nose, “It feels straight at least.”

  “It’s just as wonky as the rest of your face,” Taris said, motioning towards the door, “Come on, let’s get to the station, we’ve got to meet up with Fez and Remi before we leave, hopefully we go to the surface.”

  “Remi?” Sean cackled, “Man, I wouldn’t say that to her face, she’d kick your ass.”

  “And maybe I’d like it,” she winked, disappearing around the door leaving the three males stood with their mouths agape. Waltzing away from the Doc as quickly as they could manage, the three of them returned to their quarters to change into their civilian clothing. Slipping into a pair of dark jeans and a buttoned-up shirt Sean waited outside his room as Zarid strolled around the corner, his dark cargo trousers on top of his black shirt and jacket received a raised eyebrow from the Human. With a hiss Taris sauntered out from their room.

  “You haven’t changed…” Sean said, looking up and down at the same skin-tight pilots suit she usually wore.

  “That’s where you’re wrong,” she smiled, “This one is adjusted to be more breathable, instead of dissipating heat from weapons fire it dissipates it out from my body, I impress myself sometimes. Besides, look at these,” she said, raising her foot to show her casual shoes. Shaking his head, he pulled her along at pace towards the cargo bay.

  Waiting for them were Remulus and Fez, they stood deep in conversation gesticulating wildly to make their point. Sean looked out across the vast bay, stacks of five high metal crates filled the floor space, leaving enough room for vehicles to pass in-between for loading/unloading. Bright yellow lights flashed overhead illuminating the gaping hole which was now carved into the side of the ship where the transport arm attached itself. A skeleton crew buzzed around the deck prepping for the inbound goods and resources which were to arrive shortly. Noticing Sean, Remulus had a brief, faint smile before returning to her usual stoic demeanour, the flash of emotion didn’t go unnoticed by Taris who nudged him in the side.

  “Are we ready to leave?” Fez asked impatiently. Nodding, the crew began the long trek down the immense walkway connecting the ship to the station. Transferring from the relative warmth of the Mar’Ell out into the freezing temperature of the arm brought goose bumps up on his arms, as did the sight that greeted him as he turned his head, looking out the thin window which ran along the corridor. A massive freighter pulled up beside them firing their reverse thrusters, being this close to one of the ships brought their scale to life as it lorded over the relatively small frame of their cruiser. Two arms rolled out from the bulky station snaking towards their connection points, up close the sight was something to behold, the engineering alone was impressive enough.

  “So, you looking forward to meeting some more of your people?” Sean asked, looking at the unusually anxious Fre across from him.

  “Not really,” he admitted, “I doubt they will be very welcoming.”

  “It’s not like you’ve got your past written in large letters across your forehead, is it? Just don’t mention it and you’ll be fine.”

  “Problem is, my past is in large letter across my forehead, see these?” he asked, pointing to the implants which ran down the side of his face, “Only soldiers in the collective have these specific implants, I couldn’t stand out more if I tried.” Unsure how to respond Sean dropped the subject, he was certain with how many crew they brought aboard that trouble wouldn’t break out, but nothing was ever written in stone, he knew.

  As they approached the exit to the walkway the faint sound of chatter echoed off the walls, growing louder and more chaotic as they drew closer. Stopping at the large civilian-only door he took in a deep breath in a failed attempt to calm his nerves.

  “Is everyone ready?” Fez asked, “I don’t want anyone getting lost, especially first timers to a station like this, it can quickly get overwhelming, have a plan and execute it, and don’t get scammed by the traders.” After looking his team over, Fez pulled the circular handle out from the door with a loud hiss. The change in the atmosphere hit them immediately. Hot, humid, sticky air bellowed out from doorway hitting everyone squarely in the face. Stepping through into the huge, open circular area the first thing that hit him, apart from the heat, was the putrid smell that circulated. It was a thick combination of alien meats being grilled on the open pit fires that were scattered around with a lavish side-serving of body odour from the hundreds of creatures packed in tightly. The bursting crowd shuffled along, stopping just long enough to give people a chance to inspect the second-hand goods which lay on rugs within the multitude of marquees set up around the perimeter.

  Taris relished the big crowds, grabbing Sean’s hand she dragged him into the wave-like motion of the controlled stampede that circled the large central spire. Bumping and bracing against the swath of alien bodies, he was carried along against his will as everyone else moved. “There have to be hundreds of stalls here,” he shouted, trying to speak to Taris over the constant noise of the crowd and the loud auctioneers that each stood atop podiums flogging their wares.

  “Yeah,” she yelled, straining her voice, “Let’s stop here and survey the area a bit.” Slipping out from the constant motion they stood in front of a Kesken trader, it sat cross-legged on the grated floor with its long, forearm length ears stood firmly on alert as a blinding smoke rose from its miniature barbeque.

  “Customers!” it yelled, pushing itself off the floor to stand. It’s short, stumpy legs and arms looked as if they had a hidden strength tucked away within. Looking up at Sean its large, oval shaped eyes twinkled as it looked over his clean, moderately expensive clothing. “What can I get you?” it smiled. Fanning the choking smog away from the cooking food, he bent down to one knee to get a closer look at the assortment of meat that all seemed to be cooked to a char.

  “Erm…” he wondered, not trusting the look of the food one bit, “I think I’ll pass for now, but… cool ears.” With a quick motion, Taris jabbed him in the arm, giving him a scornful eye, “What!?”

  “Never talk about a Kesken’s ears,” she whispered, leaning in close, “I’ve heard stories that some of them bite your ankles and you can’t walk for weeks,” she said, speaking louder so the alien could hear.

  The Kesken shooed the pair away angrily, it slumped back to the ground and continued reading its data pad as they slipped back into the crowd. They were caught up in the flow for a few moments before Taris shrieked at the top of her lungs and dragged the Human out from the sea of bodies. In front of him was a small wooden table with an assortment of janky old weapons hidden deep within the mountain of parts that had built up. Dropping his hand, the Ioution dug deep into the pile with a ferocity he rarely got to observe, it was as if she was possessed. Sean locked eyes with the elder Fre who manned the rickety old booth, they both shrugged in unison. Eventually, Taris rose, turning to face Sean, what she had in her hand could only be described as a cannon.

  “Do you know what this is?” she smiled uncontrollably, “It’s an XR-61 Pulse Blaster, oh I guarantee you’ve never seen something like this before.”

  “Sure…” he said, uninterested, “There’s a lot I haven’t seen before.”

  “But this,” she yelled, shaking with excitement, “This is a weapon to be reckoned with, it’ll blast a hole right through a wall with ease, break a targets bones like they were twigs.” Her passion for death and destruction didn’t go amiss through their relationship, it was something he had to put up with, but seeing her genuinely excited was never a bad thing.

  “Eighteen-thousand credits,
” came a rough voice from the Fre, “Then it’s yours.” The look in her eyes as she craned her head back to glance at him told him all he needed to know, it wasn’t a ‘can we please buy this’ look but rather a ‘say goodbye to our credits’ look. Resigned to his penniless fate he waved for her to proceed.

  “Twelve-thousand,” she barked, acting offended by the man’s price, “How can you charge a defenceless lady that much? I need this to protect my children from the rabid beasts back on Anjor-IV, won’t you cut me a better deal,” she pleaded, batting her eyelids. Sean had seen it all before, so much so in fact he could only cover his face in shame, shaking his head at her desperate attempts to save every penny possible.

  “Sixteen-thousand,” the Fre replied, uninterested in her story.

  “Oh my,” she replied, pretending to think it over, “What will our children do, dear?” she asked, turning to Sean while tearing up, “Our beautiful, precious children will have to fend against the tide of monsters another year with nothing but basic armaments.”

  “Fourteen-thousand.”

  “Thirteen,” she snapped swiftly, holding out a hand, “And not a credit more.”

  “Fine,” the man agreed, shaking her hand. Picking the weapon up in glee she presented it to Sean, its large, shotgun-like body was powered by a, now dormant, chamber that sat below the weapon. He had no idea where she intended to use it as this calibre of weapon would more than likely be restricted from operation aboard the inside of a cruiser, but it felt impressive none-the-less. With a swipe of their joint card the man handed her a holster as a gift, she slung it over her shoulder and placed the weapon in the pouch which sat on her back.

  “Nice doing business with you,” she smiled, waltzing away from the stand as quickly as she could.

  “What’s the rush,” Sean yelled louder as they approached the row of auctioneers.