Castaway Planet

Galactic Calendar 259872/ 2000 [ Sol Year 4387/ Day 153 of 365. Sol standard year]

Days after of Crash landing/ 2

Unknown Island / Run/ Corridor out of Cavern Entrance/ Field of Centipedes / Complex right side / Roof

Galactic Standard Time / 0800

As he saw what he had shot, Olv’xic felt his breath catch in his throat. Unlike the other creatures that had attacked them, these things were his size. Brown chitin covered their bodies, only leaving enough space for their limbs to move. They were humanoid in shape and had white skin between the openings in their armor. Their arms ended in claws with obsidian talons and their legs ended in the same talons as their hands. All in all, counting the dead one there were three of them, and the living two were charging at the group!

Olv’xic didn’t wait, he just reacted. With two swift bolts, he shot the creatures through their heads! No sooner than the corpses fall to the roof and start to slide off did Olv’xic turn to the others. “[Now while we have our chance, run]!”

He waited until Kon’gric started to follow him. Then Olv’xic turned and started to fire at the creatures as he ran forward. As he fired, he looked at the buildings ahead of them, trying to find anything that might help. With a scowl, he saw that more of the creatures were coming out.

Looking at the roof, he saw just a hundred feet ahead they merged into the trident’s head. If they could just make it down there, they could try and fight the others. But he had to take a chance, he had to try and contact the others. “[This is Olv’xic broadcasting to the team! I can only hope that you can hear me! We’ve found multiple results of the Aether Forbidden, two types! The Chimera and the Controlled! The prince is safe for now but we’re facing a rush of them! We’re on the roofs]!”

As they passed the closest room, Olv’xic could hear the sounds of something rushing up the stairs. With a scowl, he fired at the creatures coming out of the next room. They needed to get as far ahead as they could before he turned and fired at their chasers. He looked up and saw four of the creatures coming at them. With swift shooting, his bolts hit and then exploded, showering the roof with gore. He barely reacted, only nodding to himself as he led the way.

As two more of the creatures came out of the room ahead of them, he knew that this couldn’t last. With a single thought, he felt his Aether react as he called up another Augmentation for his rifle. Looking at the creatures coming at him, he fired. They tried to escape but his shots moved and pierced their heads.

“[Was that a Tracking Augmentation!? But those are only theorized]!” Kon’gric exclaimed in shock.

Olv’xic felt shock and surprise as soon as he heard that. The way to learn that Skill was so easy, how could it only be a theory? The more he learned about the rest of the Empire, the more he wondered just how many lies he had been told. For a split second, he almost asked the question burning on his lips, but he stayed quiet.

Later, for now, he had to handle keeping the prince alive. And to do that, he needed to stay alive.

Looking over his shoulder he saw five of the creatures coming from the room the three of them had left. Without a thought, he pointed his rifle behind him and fired ten bolts. All he could do was hope that his augmentation would work right. Turning his head he saw another five of the creatures running at them and snarled. “[They’ve cut us off! Kon’gric can you help me here]?!

“[My armor ports with my weapons were exchanged with the Prince’s holding points! And I think if we stop they’ll get us from below]!” Kon’grics snarled as he ran.

Oly’xic winced as he heard Kon’grics replay. He was right, and Oly’xic knew there was only one thing that might help them out. It was a long shot, but the others might be nearby to hear him. And if they knew the trouble he was fighting, they would help. “[Got to try again. This is Oly’xic, broadcasting one way to the team! The Prince is being escorted along the roofs. Multiple enemies were created by The Chimera and forced to fight the Controlled! We’re running for the head from the right blade! Regroup there! I………]

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“[…… Repeat! This is Olv’xic broadcasting one way to the team! The Prince is being escorted along the roofs. Multiple enemies were created by The Chimera and forced to fight the Controlled! We’re running for the head from the right blade! Regroup there]!” Oly’xic’s voice called out over the coms.

Je’ndra went still as soon as she heard the broadcast. The message had come in as they were being led through a chamber. It was long, a good forty feet and twenty wide. The spider centaurs had been getting happier the farther they traveled. But then they expected an easy fight as they saw the group as trusting fools at best.

But since the group knew the spider centaurs were going to ambush them, it was going to be easy. For them as soon as the group attacked their guides. the spider centaurs would die. But then they got Olv'xic's message and everything changed.

“[Other things like these spider freaks!? And two of the Forbidden at one time?! Did one of the depraved crash here before us]!? Ken’tricx cried out in anger.

“[One-way broadcast, the range is just a bit farther than two-way. He must be close! The walls….. they block our messages but there’s gotta be a way! That message had to have a path! If they’re on the roof there must be a way up]!” Ro’borlar barked.

Je’ndra knew he was right, and that was something she had to deal with now. If there was a way to get to the prince, she had to find it.

“Oh great Starlsia, might I ask something of you?” Je’ndra asked as she turned towards Starlsia. The spider centaurs all stopped and looked at her, but she didn’t care. Je’ndra sent a pulse to her team through her mask to let them know to be ready.”[Team, I’m going to find out where we are. Once that happens we break for the prince]!”

“What wrong?” Starlsia asked.

“Great Starlsia, I just remembered something. When my people ran in here, we saw two other long buildings. I assume that all three met near here?” Je’ndra asked as she made a show of looking around.

“Oh yes. That where we going, just through there!” Starlsia said with a grin.

“And I supposed a way to the roofs that we might use to take a look at this place is near there?”

“Oh yes! Through door there!” Starlsia said absently. Then she blinked and looked at Je’ndra with a surprised look. “Why want know?”

“Simple,” Je’ndra said before she raised her hand.

Within moments, Ken’trick had summoned his floating rotary guns. “[Bug killer right here]!”

Before they could react, he fired at the spider centaurs. His attack caused them to scream in pain and shock as he killed three at once. Some tried to escape, but they were all hit. Even Starlsia was maimed by the bolts, losing two of her legs.

“[Their down, move! To the prince]!” Je’ndra called out in anger.

Within a single moment the group was running towards the door. Breaking down the door as she reached it, Je’ndra saw a staircase.

“[You first Ro’borlar! Give them overwatch]!” Je’ndra ordered.

Ro’borlar nodded and ran, his sniper rifle ready to fire as soon as he had a target.

A scream from where they had left the spider centaurs caused them to look. From the other side of the chamber came thirty more of the spider centaurs. Each one held a spear in their hands as they came thundering towards the team.

“I’ve got this boss, go]!” Ken’tricx barked as he looked small horde as it ran at them. “[This will only take a bit. You guys go and save our prince]!”

“[We’ve got this muscle head]!” Tar’lroia said as she looked at the spider centaurs as they came closer. She opened her right hand and her glaive appeared in it, the long blade glinting in the light. “[I’ll keep them off you if they get close]!”

Je’ndra looked at the horde and then up after Ro’borlar. With a scowl, she looked at them and nodded. “[Fine, but get out of here as fast as you can]!”

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As Starlsia felt her blood leave her wounds, she glared at the bodies of the weak traitors! They were scum for not seeing how those star travelers knew about the trap! There was no other explanation for what they did! They must have overheard the chatter speak! But how?! They weren’t those of the Great Beast, they couldn’t….. their equipment! Those things they were wearing must be enhancing them! Then they knew from the start and just played along!

The weapons they had, killed her swarm in seconds! Forget taking their strength, the sect had to escape them! Within moments, they could kill all of them. And if they made it so the cult had to attack them like the travelers wanted! She had to move, she had to warn the others!

“So the Great Starlsia falls then?” An arrogant voice caused her to look up.

Standing above her was another spider centaur. Only this one held two spears in his hands and it was the scar across his lips that told her who it was.

“Denrtix! What are you doing here!?” Starlsia growled as she looked at him.

“Oh come on Starlsia. Do think my dear! with such power coming into our laps, why wouldn’t I be here?” Denrtix asked with a hard edge to his voice.

Starlsia glared at Denrtix. This little spawnling had always been after her position. Always looking to take her down or kill her by proxies. And now he was here, when he was supposed to be at the door….. wait. “Aren’t you supposed to be guarding the masters!?”

“Oh, Starlsia. Why should I even think of watching over those traitors?” Denrtix pureed with an evil look in his eyes.

“What?” Starlsia whispered as she looked up at him. Only now was she seeing that his spears were just in range of killing her if he wanted to? And as she tried to figure out what to do, Denrtix kept talking as he laughed.

“The main assault from the Temple broke them hours ago. I’m just here cleaning up the slime like you,” Denrtix sneered as he looked down at her. “It was so easy to plan this destruction! And getting into the High Priest’s good books.

Starlsia stared at him, shocked. “HOW?! How did you even contact them?!”

Denrtix just looked at her and sighed, shaking his head. “Can’t even figure out something that simple? Those missions to protect the way to the Kingdom. All I needed to do was take charge of that detail. Then find others who thought like I did. After that, I just needed to find their watchers.”

“Traitor!” Starlsia snarled as she felt her heart start to beat faster.

Denrtix just shrugged. “I purer survivor really. I just had to make a deal with him to get everything I wanted. And with the wonderful beasts, the leader of the third of the traitors is making, well. He really wants that. Once I give him that research, I’ll have everything I deserve! Well, let’s just say I’m moving up in the world. And soon when the Great Beast rules, I’ll have my own place!” Denrtix said as he grinned. “And that augment potion? The High Priest was most interested in that!”

Starlsia could only glare at him. After everything she had learned, this scum was going to betray them all? Before she could even move, she cried out in pain. Denrtix had driven his right spear through her body, pinning her to the floor.

“Sorry, but can you stay there for now? I believe that the High Priest would love to have a moment to talk to you later. He was talking about an inquisition of all things! Wouldn’t want to be you!” Denrtix smirked at her.

As more of Denrtix’s warriors came towards them, he pointed at the room the space travelers had gone through. “THERE ARE THE pagans! Kill them for the Great Beast!”

As the warriors all ran towards the star travelers, a rage in them. It was all Starlsia could do to watch them speed to their death, a tear leaving her eye.

Denrtix saw the tear and he laughed. “What, crying that you’ll die?”

“No, they will,” Starlsia said mutely.

Before Denrtix could reply, the sounds of the traveler's weapons echoed off the walls. As the horde charged on their body parts flew off, some of them falling and being trampled by the ones behind them.

“What is this?!” Denrtix breathed in horror as Starlsia looked at him. She knew how she could get stronger and survive, and he was right there. All she needed to do was act. And with him looking at the carnage, the time was now!

“The limits of your ability to think. You can’t plan anything beyond brute strength. They must have led by the noise on planning your betrayal,” Starlsia said bluntly.

“What do you mean!?” Denrtix snarled as he looked at her.

Starlsia had always thought that he was just too arrogant to plan. But now she knew the truth, he was arrogant. No, he was just that stupid.

“Think! How was I bested by those people? How were my forces destroyed so swiftly? What could they do?!”

Denrtix looked at her, then he looked at the doorway the star travelers had gone through. He was shocked, so shaken that he took his hand off the spear he had impaled her with.

And that was the moment she needed. Without a thought, she flung her left arm out, thrusting it forward as a spike shot from her palm. It pierced his head and Denrtix started to gurgle as he stood there. As he fell, Starlsia pulled the spear in her free. Looking at the wound as she felt it gush out blood, she knew there was only one thing to do. But as her strength started to fade, looked around and nodded to herself.

“At least I’ve got enough food to recover,” Starlsia said as her mouth started to water.

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As Ar’thor looked over Kon’gric’s shoulder. From the place that they had come onto the roof from, over twenty of the creatures had surged out. Even as they ran towards the next exit, from the room behind them another ten of the creatures surged out. He tried to keep calm, but this was worse than the bugs! They needed to get to a place to defend themselves, and fast. If they didn’t, then they might not last long.

“[Where did these poor souls come from?! I mean where]?!” Kon’gric asked in rage.

All Ar’thor could do was try and think, and that question resonated with him. The way that the things were biped pointed towards a sentient race. Or hopefully a non-thinking cousin of such a race, like humans to primates. But the way that their luck had been he doubted it.

“[Think on that later, run now! We just need to find a place we can defend! That’s the mission here and now]!” Olv’xic called out as he fired another bolt.

But then three of the creatures in the nearest wave lost their heads and fell, causing the ones behind them to fall.

“[This is Ro’borlar, good to see you! The team is below me, coming up! We’ve got spider centaurs here, and get this! Their all the descendants of a Federation Warship from their Corporate War! Keep moving, I’ve got overwatch]!” Ro’borlar’s voice caused Ar’thor to grin.

If the others were here, their chances to survive were that much better!

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“[Good to hear you Ro’borlar! Reporting there might be enemy fliers here! And I can see you on the HUD, you’re within three hundred feet of us! We’ll meet you at the point they merge together]!”

Ro’borlar just laughed and Olv’xic felt a spark of hope. The fact that his team was back in contact would help them a lot! The only way to deal with hordes was to stand as one. Or have more firepower than the attackers did.

“[I can see what you’ve got ahead of you Olv’xic, good job! I’ll keep moving and trying to drop more of them with each kill! You just keep the Prince alive]!”

Olv’xic nodded as he fired at the creatures ahead of him. As they fell he thought he saw something around one of the legs. He felt his heart stop for a second as his mask detected Aether runes on it. “[Ro’borlar, don’t look for the controlling object! I just found it on their legs! In this combat, we can’t try to save them]”!

“[Yeah, if that’s controlling them kid. Those spider centaurs we found here? They could talk. So I think they wanted that to happen to themselves. Might be the same with those things].” Ro’borlar said bitterly.

Olv’xic felt his heart stop beating. Who wanted that to happen to them?! The very idea was against everything that he had ever known. But if it was true, then it changed a lot of how he would fight. He longed to get a blade and kill them slowly, but he had to move.

“[Thanks Ro’borlar, but not all of them are on the maker’s side! We found these giant things that were crossed with the centipedes out there. One started to attack us when we met. I noticed something on its arm. When I broke it, it was freed! Last I saw it was fighting against something in the room it came from, another one of its kind! You see some of those things, aim at the thing on their arm and get out of there]!” Olv’xic explained as he ran.

He fired at another of them before he heard Ro’borlar curse. “[In the name of all the honored dead?! We’ve got something big coming from behind you kid! Keep moving, don’t stop, and get ready for a big fight]!” Ro’borlar’s hasty spoken words caused Olv’xic to almost stumble. The only thing that he could think of was one question. Just what had Ro’borlar seen, what was coming at them now!?