Everflame 2 (FINISHED)

[Asia Kali Yusufzai]

OOC: http://www.thefurryforum.com/forums/index.php?topic=12335.0

[Asia Kali Yusufzai]

Large paintings of city streets, hung on the wall, looking down at Kateri, who leaned back in her chair behind her desk, and stared at the door and the timer above it, counting down. Twenty five hours, thirty six minutes, fifteen seconds. The desk shimmered in black with three small lights in the bottom right corner, and a framed photo sitting on the top left. The picture was of a Black Dragon, standing beside an old armchair where an old red vixen sat and smiled a pleasant, elderly smile. The windows in Kateri's office pointed to the sky, letting in the light of a blue giant star, which the Capital Sphere had settled by for the past year or so. Now they were ready to move again, to the next solar system that could use some sphere influence. The journey was always equally unnerving and exciting for the populace, but Kateri always made plans, ready and prepared for any eventuality that her security forces might encounter; though that mostly just meant keeping people calm and pleasant.

A holographic screen appeared, floating above her desk, with 'Incoming Message', emblazoned across it. A small blue menu appeared on the desk itself, and she tapped 'Accept'. It was from the Sphere's science division. A red panda male in a sleek mint suit appeared on the screen with a datapad in his hands. His tufty ears were twitching as he looked into the camera.
"Miss Peralta? It's me, Jerime. Our scientists on Serra Draconis have just sent a message back and they think it's finally happened." He looked down at the pad and tapped his fist against his hip. "The Everflame has become completely inert. There is no energy being released at all. They've checked the machinery and they can't find any fault, so they suggest security be increased." He lowered the pad, looked around for a place to put it, then just laid it on his lap, before looking at the camera again. "The gradual decline of Everflame energy means that the madness of twenty five years ago wont repeat." He scratched his head and sighed. His ears twitched. "Back then it was all too sudden, but that doesn't mean you lot shouldn't be on your guard." He paused, then smirked; his tiny eyes lighting up. "Of course you'll be ready. It is you, after all. I'll talk to you later." He reached below the camera, but stopped, then clicked his fingers. "Actually, tell me when you're free. We could meet up, have lunch or something, to talk about all this, yeah? Message me back." He reached again, and the holographic screen closed down. Kateri smiled and shook her head, with soft breaths of a laugh that quickly faded. She pushed the chair back and stood up, walking over to the the back window that overlooked the great shining city as rain  fell and slithered down the walls. She frowned and ran a finger down the glass, which deformed,  bending to her touch.

She could hear whispers.

[KittKat chunky~]

Dank steam filled the cramped steel corridor. And at the very end beside a rusted bulkhead doorway stood two figures, both wreathed in darkness. One knelt beside a flickering console set into the steel wall, while the other stood with their back to the door. Both held flashlights, which sliced through the gloom of the corridor. The one kneeling down muttered a brief curse, as an error message flickered across the screen:

---Security Override Rejected---

"Bugger it... Stupid GX series..."Sighing, Annie re-inserted a thin red wire into the console. The screen flickered again, as she tapped away on the data-pad strapped to her wrist. Numerous wires lead from the device, to several forcefully opened panels below the console, as she activated another CPU spike.

The screen flickered again, as reels of numbers, letters and nonsense scrolled across the console screen. By force-feeding the console huge databases of random gibberish, the security system was more vulnerable to attack. As the console attempted to filter through the spike of information, Annie hurriedly tapped away on her data-pad, fingers moving skilfully.

The figure beside her coughed into his paw, tail flicking anxiously as he sent the flashlight beam strobing through the dim corridor. “How long is this going to take? You said the security in here would be outdated by now...” Annie didn’t reply, focusing instead on the console. Suddenly a brief beeping tone announced success, and the rusted bulkhead door started to open with a groan.

[Entaru]

((Sorry, his speech is in black.  It'll change when he moves into the real dimension.))

~WhY ArE WE WaitinG...ItS OurS...TheY ShoulD HavE NeveR HaD IT IN ThE FirsT PlacE~

~be that as it may, we must give the ambassadors more...~

~YoU WerE GoinG TO SaY TimE Weren'T YoU...I SweaR, YoU BecomE MorE LikE TheM WitH EverY VisiT~

~we must be patient, nero.~

~I HavE BeeN MorE ThaN PatienT...ThesE AmbassadorS ArE WorthlesS TrasH, JusT LikE ThE RealM TheY WerE BorN FroM...I WilL NoT StanD IdlE WhilE TheY DillY DallY WitH TheiR KiN WhilsT TheY Should BE LookinG FoR AnD RetrievinG ThE EverflamE~

~silence!  we will give them all they need to complete their task.~

~DO AS YoU WilL...I WilL FinD IT MyselF~

~nero, wait!  nero!  blast it, he's gone.~

[Kitt_R_Beesley]

Kitt swore as he moved through the forest of his home. Two days ago he had asked his father to lend him some money so that he could book passage on a line to the sphere, but once again his father had refused! He was 21 now, well over the legal age to be considered an adult! Why wouldn't his family listen to him and let him become a pilot for the military? He was the best flier on Luscious, so why couldn't he join the military?
"Heh. The old geezer even took all of my spending money. Piss! Oh well I know another way off this rock.
A look of fierce determination crossed the young red foxes features as he started moving deeper into the forest. Moving to the branches of the trees, hundreds of feet over head, Kitt started moving as only a person who has lived all of their lives in the dense forest of Luscious can. Flying from branch to branch Kitt was a blur of motion to any one looking upon him. He was moving to a well know pick up point for military personnel going home from their Triffid hunts. It had been three years since The Triffids were introduced to Luscious, some moron thought that it would be fun to hunt them, but didn't want to go to a planet already over run by the damn things. So they brought them here, but when they went to turn them loose the smuggler was killed on the spot by one of their stingers. Now the were trying to populate Luscious as well. Just thinking about them brought a smile to Kitt's face he had already killed three of them with only his Bo Staff. Though he always neglected to let people know that he had only done so by dropping out of a tree, after he had made sure that there were no others around, and he would kill it with one blow.

[Chrono Blackwyng]

"I'm bored!!" Chronin yelled while leaning against the wall, to which his co-worker started to snicker. "I could tell you where the secret firing range is, but I think its much more entertaining to see you fidget... Remember Chronin, being the 'Elite', we'll rarely be called in for anything more the tutoring or coddling the new recruits, which there won't be happening since we're moving to a new system." "Then lets tell those tech geeks in engineering to pick up the pace!!" The other officer raised a brow at him, but without a smirk.

"Hey, wasn't your father an en-" "He was the head engineer of explosives, spending his final ye- " "Yeah yeah, 'spending his final years fine-tuning an efficient and safe way of demolishing structures while having all the shrapnel converge and vanish into the center' you've always said that when we go out to drinks, but not once have I seen you pull i-" an explosion about the size of the criticizing officer occoured three meters away from said officer, and his look of shock was only replied with a smug look on Chronin's face as he put his gloved hand down. "Those 'scotties' in the engine room need their entire team to get one engine system working, my father built this, alone with nothing but the Everflame backing him up." he said as he felt the lack of combat slightly less unbearable...

[Kitt_R_Beesley]

As Kitt drew near the landing site he was startled by the sudden sound of a rhythmic knock knock knock and the sound of several fully automatic weapons unloading in the distance.
"Triffids! They're attacking the soldiers!"
Increasing the pace Kitt arrived at the landing site, only to witness the Triffids closing in on the final soldier, His comerads littering the ground four Triffids slowly making their way towards the survivor.
"Air support! Where the hell are you? I'm almost out of ammo, and these things are about to gut me while your whirling around the planet looking for daisies?!? Get to the rendezvous!"
Kitt brought his old 30 ought 6 to bear. He would suffer in hell before he let a soldier die, and he could help him. Lining his sights Kitt popped off three round shredding two of the Triffids, the other two whirled to face him as the retort reached them, only to be cut down by the soldier. After making sure that all the Triffids were dead the lone soldier stood and went to his comrads, kneeling over each one and offering a silent prayer for their souls. As he finished Kitt walked down into the clearing and greeted the soldier.

"Hello, are you alright?"
"Yeah I'm in one piece my commander and the others aren't though.Whats your name son? And what are you doing out here?"
"My name is Kitt Beesley, and I'm out here so I can hitch a ride to the sphere with you on your return trip. I'm trying to get into the military but I can't afford a line to the sphere.
Just after Kitt had finished speaking a large cruiser came into view above the clearing, landed and opened its bay door the soldier smiled as he walked up the ramp turned and waved for Kitt to follow. Kitt practically ran up the steps of the craft before the bay door closed and shuddered off into space. He was finally on his way.

[Asia Kali Yusufzai]

On the wreckage the Annie and Blaze were in, torchlight flashed through their corridor, and footsteps and mumbling could be heard. As Blaze's light beamed across, the footsteps stopped.  The mumbles turned to whispers.





The pilot of the dropship Kitt had boarded set a course for the cruiser that orbited above.  He released the controls and looked back down the cramped ship. Seeing Kitt standing there, he raised an eyebrow.
"Who the heck is that?"




On the capital sphere, in the barracks, Chronin's explosion burst out, followed by barking yells as the dark canine commanding officer of the group flung the door open and marched with violent steps to the two Elites.
"What in God's name are you doing!?" He looked at Chronin, staring with fierce golden eyes. "It was you wasn't it?" Spittle flew. "Put that toy away or I'll take it from you and ram it down your throat. You do not use weapons unless authorised to." His breathing was heavy, and he shook his head. "How you became Elite I have no idea." As he spoke, his digital comm sparked into life. A female voice spoke through it.
"Attention all Region officers, Sphere jump security to be increased. Due to recent events, an Elite is advised to join each police squad. The objectives are the same. Nonviolent pacification. Pleasant and Calm. I repeat, Pleasant and Calm. Security Primary, out."




Kateri released her comms, and brushed her hand through her hair, sighing. She held her hand up, and curled her fingers one by one, like a Mexican wave, repeating it at speed. Eventually she stopped, and rubbed her eyes. She looked above the door. Twenty hours left. her desk lit up, as her secretary called her. It was audio only.
"Miss Peralta, there are two ambassadors here to see you. They say it's urgent." Kateri scratched her forehead.
"Who are they?"
"Well, they call themselves Howl and Seeker, and they apparently have to talk to you about the Everflame." Kateri narrowed her eyes.
"Allow them in, but keep an escort with them." There was a pause, and then the door slid open. The two visitors seemed to drift into the room. One was a wolf, leaving wisps of his colour behind him as he moved. The other was almost blinding. Aflame with colour and light. She seemed to glow from inside. While the wolf wore an ill fitting suit, the other wore nothing, seemingly a humanoid made of colour. Dark eyes and a display of teeth were her only facial features, on a head that sprouted antennae. Her hair floated behind her, as though blown softly by her own vibrancy. As they entered the room, two guards with assault rifles walked in behind, and stood at either side.

Kateri stood up, and tried not to stare.
"Sorry about the firepower," she said. The wolf smirked while the other looked her up and down with a passive stare. "My name's Kateri Peralta, I'm the Head of Security here." The wolf looked confused, then turned to the other, who looked back at him.
"Nature of time, remember?" This being had a strong alien accent, and a reassuring smile that eased even Kateri. The wolf nodded.
"So I guess it hasn't been a month."
"Excuse me?" Kateri looked from one visitor to the other, keeping her hands clasped behind her back.
"How long has it been since the Everflame was stolen?" the wolf said. His voice was earnest. Kateri watched him, and creased her brow.
"Twenty five years," She said. The wolf's face drained. He widened his eyes, and darted his gaze from Kateri to his friend, then at the guards, who couldn't have been over thirty.
"Oh," was all he said in reply, leaving a deep silence.
"I'm sorry, but could you tell me why you're here? I'm busy." The other one stepped forward.
"You can call me Seeker, and this man," she looked over at the wolf. "He is Howl. We come here because you are all in danger." Kateri hardened, and stared into Seeker's eyes.
"In danger from what? We're the greatest power in the galaxy." She straightened herself, becoming taller and more impressive. Seeker's feelers twitched in the air, aiming towards Kateri.
"The danger is not from galaxy. It is from true owners of Everflame. They want it back." Kateri chewed it over, glanced up at the clock over the door then back to the visitors.
"Then why are you telling me this? I'm not in charge of the Everflame, I just keep this place safe." Howl stepped forward.
"I know this place," he said, glancing through the wide back window behind Kateri. "And I know that we can't rely on politicians. They won't give it up no matter how much we warn them." Kateri gave a little smile.
"What makes you think I'll just hand it over?"
"Because," Howl replied. "We can show you what they're capable of."

[KittKat chunky~]

Annie and Blaze stepped through the doorway, even as it continued to slide open... Raising her flashlight up to shoulder height, Annie reached down to her thigh, and pulled out a bulky pistol... Blaze followed suit, back up against one steel wall... "Alright Kid... I dunno whats going on here... but this aint any normal wreck, stay here alright?" Blaze nodded to Annie, as she started to walk down the steam-filled corridor...

Footsteps clanking softly on the steel grate flooring, Annie sent her beam of light coursing down the corridor... Steel panels where brought into vision, and shadows where cast into further darkness... Suddenly Blaze gave a shout of alarm... "Frack! Annie, the door!"

Turning, it was already too late, as the steel bulkhead doorway closed with a grinding slam... Footsteps grew louder from down the corridor, as did the soft patter of footsteps...

[Chrono Blackwyng]

Chronin's eyes lit up only for a moment as he heard Kateri's voice, but then changed back as he nodded to his friend before walking past the canine with a grin.

"I promise not to be the first to shoot..." was all he said as he made his way through the hall, knowing he could just latch onto any patrol not already taken.  He could tell the Commander was still furious with him, but this was the first time he used it outside the practice room he made in... I really need to visit her, shes the only one I personally know beyond Kateri, that was alive after the Everflame incident.

[Asia Kali Yusufzai]

Down the corridor in front of them, a communicator buzzed with a gruff, deep voice.
"Door's closed. Go for it." Someone stepped closer, to the edge of a turn in the corridor, and flashed their light at Annie and Blaze.
"Hey yo!" This other voice was younger, lighter. "We got you guys trapped, so put your stuff down and call out your names!"





The commander growled as Chronin past, then headed off to his office. As Chronin walked through the barracks, he passed by the regular peacekeepers changing into their nylon, sky-blue uniforms, and taking their white truncheons, ready to set off across the region, keeping people happy.

[Entaru]

A shrouded hunched figure came limping out of a garbage pit, somewhere far from the Capital Sphere.  The figure seemed to be tripping over his own two feet as he made his way upwards to where most of the civilization was.  As he was about to leave the pit he spotted a hyena, probably in his late twenties, rummaging through the trash.  Walking over to to the man, the figure adressed him.  "ExcusE ME YounG MaN....I SeeM TO HavE GotteN MyselF RatheR LosT...CoulD YoU TelL ME WherE I AM?...I HavE QuitE A BaD MemorY YoU SeE, AnD I Can'T EveN RemembeR WhicH PlaneT I'M ON..."

[Kitt_R_Beesley]

"That my slow flying friend would be Kitt. The only reason why I am not Triffid food."
"Ah you know the generals going to have your tail for breakfast right?"
"Maybe not, John, Kitt's come to join the military. He wants to be a pilot.
As Kitt listened to the exchange between the pilot and the soldier he had helped, he watched the atmosphere fade to a light blue haze then to the black nothingness punctuated by thousands of stars. Ahead of the dropship was a massive command vessel. After docking the ship into one of the port bays, Kitt, Jason, the soldier he had saved, and John, the pilot, walked into the loading bay. Kitt watched the mass of activity and reception for the lone survivor of the Triffid suppression force sent to the surface earlier that day. Suppressing a slight shiver Kitt turned to face Jason who had been calling him for the last minute.
"Kitt, follow me we need to introduce you to the commander and see what he says about you tagging along with us. I also need to debrief with him as to the events on the surface. Don't worry, the commander is a real hard case but he is very honor bound. For saving me he'll let ya tag along. His name is Harold. He's a massive Kodiak Bear so here's your warning you'll look like a pup compared to him in size."
"Um, Jason, the term for foxes is kit. Just so you know. A lot of foxes out in the rim take offense to being implied that they are canine, instead of vulpine. It should allow you to avoid troubles with locals on Luscious. But anyway lets go."
Kitt followed Jason as he lead him to the command deck. all the while marveling at the different fighters docked in the individual bays. As they passed dock number 33047 Kitt found the fighter he had always dreamed of. It was tittled the SRX-397 code neamed the Kitsune faster than any other jet built before it. The Kitsune was built spec. for spec. to rival the shadow built twentyfive years ago run by a merc. that had given the military more greif than one man should have been able to. Taking note of where the fighter was docked Kitt and Jason walked onto the bridge.
"Kitt stay here while I go talk to the commander I'll come get you when he's ready to talk to you."

[Chrono Blackwyng]

Chronin didn't bother to change out his 'uniform' since it set him apart from the others with how worn it was. The only reason he hasn't gotten a repair or re-tailoring done was because the armored parts, the only part he really needs, were far from worn. He kept his rifle in his right talon as his left talon wore the 'insta-bomb' glove. He checked to see if anyone was nearby before finding a spot to hide and turn on the digital comm he 'borrowed' from the same commander that yelled at him, while passing by. He kept fiddling with it until he was able to reach Kateri, but had to wait for her to answer before anything could be spoken. Ironically, sticky fingers and a knack for tinkering is what kept alive long enough to make 'elite' He mused with a rather cheeky grin as he waited for her to answer. 'Gran' was right, even trouble-makers make good heros, just need to have good priorities...

[KittKat chunky~]

Annie stopped still, she couldnt see who was holding the flashlight due to its brightness... but she realised they where well and truly trapped.... Kneeling down, she placed the pistol on the steel floor...
"The name is Annie Yantova!.... Explorator Mechanicus, first class!..."

Blaze growled in annoyance, but dropped his pistol as well... "Blaze Yantova!... Explorator Mechanicus Third Class..." They stood nervously, in the stark light, waiting...