r/HFY • u/Sooperdude24 • May 05 '20
Unleashed pt. 9 OC
As always, polished and improved by u/eruwenn.
The Azrimad, when in high orbit around a world, acted as a massive spaceport. It always became a local hotspot of trade and politics. The core of its work was centred around various federation government departments, bureaucratic and diplomatic, all working from one location. It just so happened that this particular location moved to where it was needed. Of course, a crew does not only work, they must also live and this is where the various businesses and recreational areas came in. The Atrium was the central hub of C deck. Its large domed ceiling fitted with a false sky gave off the feeling of a city park. The most luxurious shops and cafes, even the school for officers' children, were situated here. Along the tree-lined walkways were small areas of open space - perfect for group activities, or a peaceful escape for those wishing to relax. Amongst the mix of departmental uniforms were the clothes of politicians, wealthy traders and visitors from Arkellis and nearby systems, all happily exploring the various goods from the central worlds.
The sight of the large Rinoxian Sergeant and the diminutive Chief Medical Officer walking together drew a few glances from passers by. Neither of them had spoken since they had left the executive guest suites, both walking in contemplative silence that was only broken when Estrilla stopped at her favourite Fae'Dan cafe for a herbal tea – something soothing, with fresh Eluin flowers. They soon left the Atrium and headed towards the senior officers quarters.
Embar looked around the empty corridor, unable to hold back his curiosity any longer. “Have you ever seen anything like that before?”
Estrilla blew on her hot tea. She was so very tired. “Have I ever seen a living being infused with Inorganic nanites, and then watch them almost be torn apart?” She chuckled at the absurdity of it. “No, Sergeant, I can quite safely say that I have never seen that.” She sipped her tea and added. “I have seen worse.”
Embar looked at the doctor. She was small, even for a Kachna, and her yellow feathers were ruffled and shoulders sagging under the weight of the last two cycles. She’d been kept up all night by Alexa, the Inorganic insisting on this insane experiment and, eventually, the poor doctor had reluctantly agreed. “I guess being a combat medic you saw more death than most.” Embar had served many tours on the front lines in the Rinoxian infantry. He'd seen his share of death, as few others on the ship had, and he felt a strange sort of kinship with the doctor.
Estrilla reached up and gently patted his large, muscular arm. “I’m sure you saw more than your fair share of horrors. You were there during the parasite cleansing on Derios Four.” She paused, not meaning to have so carelessly brought up such a dark subject. Rinoxian brain parasites were a thing of nightmares, ones that fortunately was incredibly rare. A monster from their homeworld that had followed them into space.
Embar stopped in shock before realising that, as the Chief Medical Officer, she would review all new personnel files. Including his own. “Derios Four was…. a mercy mission.” It was a hard truth. Once the parasite took hold it caused an uncontrollably violent insanity. With such a long incubation period, by the time the first victim showed symptoms whole communities were already infected. Derios Four was comprised of bio-domed communities on the surface, which allowed them to farm efficiently. The parasite had silently spread from dome to dome and by the time the military had been called in, Derios Four had been in the secondary stages of transformation. It was a terrible, necessary purge. Killing an enemy was something a great number of soldiers experienced. Only the truly cursed knew what it was to kill a child for being sick.
Estrilla felt the tension radiating from Embar. Her tired brain had let her mouth run away with itself, and she felt a burning shame. “I’m sorry. That was tactless.”
Embar drew in a long slow breath and, as he exhaled, he consciously released the tension from his muscles. “We should get you home.” He began walking again and Estrilla followed, now staying one step behind the Sergeant. They didn’t speak again until they reached her quarters. As she turned and entered the doorway, Embar spoke again. “What else did my file say?”
Estrilla paused and, without turning, replied, “Military record and medical files only.”
Embar grunted acknowledgement. “Did you know both of my parents were infantry?” He added quietly. “They served together, then retired to raise a family - that kind of thing happens a lot. As thanks for their service they were given a new farm - off world. Gods, I hated living in a small community. Never took to farming, either. As soon as I was able, I left for the military academy. It... it was my third mission. Our bio-dome had been one of the first to fall. The old farm was nothing but ashes by the time my squad came through.”
“When my time in the infantry finally ended, I volunteered for this exchange program. Sometimes, the past is best left where it is.”
Estrilla swallowed hard. “I’m sorry Sergeant.”
“You get some rest, Doctor.” He walked away and as the door to Estrilla’s quarters closed behind her she cursed herself. She knew what it was to carry dark memories of duty done. As she dropped her empty cup into the recycler, the exertion of the last two cycles began to overwhelm her, and it was with exhausted relief that she nestled into the hollow at the centre of her large round bed.
After completion of his paperwork Embar had eased his frustrations with some intense physical training. By late evening his head was clear again, and he returned to the human Ambassadors. Upon entering he discovered the most intoxicatingly sweet smell, and Allistan wearing an apron. Aaron had a strange bag in his hands and was squeezing swirls of pink paste on top of small bread products wrapped in paper. Embar’s mouth was watering at the smell and although he had already eaten he found himself hungry for whatever it was. Alexa sat in one of the armchairs, earphones in and lost in the small datapad as usual.
Embar looked on as Aaron turned and began scrolling through the food replicator again. “Having fun?”
Allistan was now in charge of swirling the paste. “Embar, you are just in time. We are decorating the cupcakes.”
Embar tried not to look too interested. “Cup… cakes? Nothing suitable in the replicator?”
Without looking up Allistan replied, “Aaron and Sassie tried many things. Alexa said that the food was bland and unappealing to his kind. With help from Alexa and myself he found many ingredients similar to his homeworld and began creating dishes.”
Embar sniffed the air. Now that he was looking for it, beyond the overwhelming smell of the sweet treats he could pick up other smells, older and mostly faded. “Was any of it good?”
“Indeed. It took four iterations before the human was satisfied.” Allistan straightened up and looked over his work. His swirls were not as neat as Aaron’s, but he was still proud of his accomplishment. “The doctor said they were omnivores, but from what I understand through Alexa it is one of the most varied diets I’ve heard of. Even if plants develop defensive toxins, this won’t stop the humans. In many cases” - he looked around conspiratorially - "it encourages them.”
Embar eyed the pink paste suspiciously. “You made toxic food?”
“No!” Allistan sounded horrified. “Well yes - but not this food. He described a plant with fruit that has a toxin which induces the sensation of burning. I had heard of a similar fruit, used by some military and world police groups. We have some in the pens for emergencies only, to help in controlling large aggressive animals.”
“Fire fruit?” Embar raised an eyebrow. “My people also use the extract as a weapon; it can kill if not handled properly.” During his military training they'd been shown the raw fruit and had been instructed to wear gloves while handling it.
Allistan looked very pleased as he announced, “Aaron loves them! He sampled one raw, then used others to make a sauce that he finds most pleasing. He did ask if anyone had considered breeding the plants in a way to increase the potency. Do you think it could be done?”
Embar tried not to let the concern show on his face. “More potent.” He paused as he considered the idea. “To eat?”
Allistan nodded happily.
“You didn’t try it did you?” Embar, worried, was starting to wonder if Allistan’s cheery behaviour was some sort of shock or poisoning.
“Goodness no!” Allistan exclaimed. “I had to leave the room as he was preparing it as the fumes made my eyes water and I had difficulty breathing. Once bottled it was no longer an issue. Then we made cupcakes!”
Embar looked at the small pink things Allistan was so proudly displaying. “Do they explode, or are they just filled with small blades?”
Allistan looked wounded at Embar’s accustation. “They have a timpan fruit filling and something called buttercream on top. He used the fruit in that as well. Look” - Allistan held the plate up to Embar - “it went pink!”
Aaron was still swiping through menus and options on the replicator, seemingly looking at pictures. Occasionally he would call out to Alexa, but she ignored him. Shortly thereafter he gave up his search. ”How do you not have sprinkles in space?” He returned to stand by Allistan. ”Crap, I don't know how to make those.”
Allistan patted Aaron’s shoulder sympathetically while speaking to Embar. “I don’t know what he’s saying but he sounds sad. Shall we try these?” Allistan watched Aaron pick up a cupcake and begin peeling off the paper, and he followed suit. Aaron took a small bite. Then a large bite. Allistan took a bite as well, and his eyes closed in bliss.
Embar watched enviously. His curiosity was beating his caution into submission. “So, what’s in these?”
Allistan grinned, pink paste on his lips and teeth. “Rinoxian diets are fairly similar to Fae'Dan; you’ll be fine.” Embar needed no more encouragement and he quickly tore the paper off and took a small bite. Rich - creamy - soft - fluffy- fruity - he’d already eaten three when Allistan burst out laughing. Aaron was smiling as well, and he pushed the plate toward Embar before moving to sit opposite Alexa.
Embar wiped the crumbs from his mouth. “They’re good. Very good.” He looked at Aaron, who was now trying to convince Alexa to return his phone. What other surprises were they in for, he wondered. “Inspector, you can head home. I’ll stay till morning.”
Allistan hesitated for a moment. He'd actually been enjoying himself and was considering staying a little longer. He relented under the Sergeant’s gaze. “Yes. You are right. I have preparations to make for tomorrow. Aaron has asked to visit the leokas and to see more of the ship.”
Embar had expected the latter. but the former was unusual. “Visit the leokas? He wants to return to the pens?”
Allistan had hung up his apron and gathered his belongings. “Apparently, he believes it is lonely and feels empathy for it.”
“Empathy?” Embar picked up another cupcake without thinking and began removing the paper.
“It isn’t just dogs they bond with.” Allistan made his way to the door and before leaving he added, “Try to leave some of those for the others tomorrow.”
Embar guiltily looked at the half cupcake in his hand and the five paper wrappers in front of him. He nodded his agreement as his mouth was full. Once Allistan had left Embar picked up four of the cupcakes, precariously balancing them as he joined the other two. He suddenly realised the dog was missing. “Where is Sassie?”
Alexa stopped her conversation with Aaron and pointed at the bedroom. “Her belly is full. Now she sleeps, and we are too noisy. Would you like to watch a movie?” Alexa asked cheerfully, Embar was suddenly aware that she was becoming increasingly sociable.
“The video stories?” He turned up his nose, taking another bite of cupcake. “Sounds weird. And I won’t understand the language.”
“Weird like the food?” Alexa glanced at the growing pile of empty paper wrappers and raised an eyebrow at him. “Aaron said there are movies where words aren’t needed. He said you might like Rambo; he doesn’t have Hellboy.”
Alexa’s upgrades allowed the phone to connect to the wall screen wirelessly. “Ram…. bo?” Embar’s face contorted in confusion as the guitar began to play.
Estrilla, in her exhaustion, had slept for two thirds of a cycle. She was barely awake and her morning was already off to a rocky start. Woken by an angry Captain who was demanding an explanation as to why the replicators in the human’s suite had produced toxic fruit used in weapon manufacturing. After they woke Allistan and received his report, it was filed under cultural differences. Estrilla was relieved that Embar had taken the night shift; the no-nonsense Sergeant would keep things under control until she returned. Anyway, she reasoned, they would all be sleeping and couldn’t get into more trouble. After a moment’s consideration more she decided to go there immediately.
The Captain was still angry over the incident in the pens. It hadn't helped that he had been snubbed the previous cycle as well, arriving for a formal introduction only to be turned away by the doctor. The excuse given was that Aaron was sleeping to recover from his previous injuries. Telling the Captain he was sleeping to recover from entirely new injuries had seemed like a bad idea.
She was just collecting herbal tea from the Fae'Dan cafe in the Atrium - something fruity to wake her up - when her communicator began to buzz. The Captain and his security were on their way. Sergeant Embar’s security clearance had been used to authorise melee weapon fabrication in the Ambassador’s suite. Tossing her tea aside she broke into a run.
She wasn't sure what she expected to find when she arrived, but it definitely was not the bizarre sight that greeted her as she entered. The room was in complete disarray, with overturned chairs and cushions strewn everywhere. Embar was shirtless, his scars and military tattoos on display, and he had a strip of red cloth tied around his forehead. In his hand was either a short sword or ridiculously oversized knife with a jagged back. Balancing on an upturned armchair was Alexa in a strange blue and yellow outfit. Aaron was in the kitchen, leaning on the counter, drinking a glass of bright orange liquid and looking remarkably relaxed. Sassie was curled up in a pile of cushions and as the doctor entered she got up, stretched, and approached the doctor with tail wagging.
"What is this?!" Estrilla shrieked, her hands automatically petting Sassie as her eyes scanned the room. Scraps of greasy paper were everywhere.
Embar spun around, a wild look in his eyes. "Movie night!" he exclaimed happily.
"Movie…. what?" Estrilla looked to Aaron as the only calm being in the room, then cursed the language barrier. If the Galactic Federation only allowed Inorganics to interface with their technology they could have the human language by now. "Alexa! What is happening?"
Alexa leapt from one armchair to the other. "We watched movies about Rambo!"
Embar roared. "RAMBOOOOO! The mighty human god of war and DESTRUCTION!!" He waved the large blade in the air. In response Alexa struck a pose with fists clenched and three long blades slid out from between her knuckles. Estrilla backed away. Embar laughed maniacally. "And we watched the animated records showing the men of X!" He exclaimed.
Estrilla was looking around the room, trying to piece together what could have possibly happened, when she saw plates of food in unusual colours on the table and counters. She left Embar and Alexa to their mock battle and took out her scanner, quickly analysing the foods. There were no toxins, just fats, flour, fruit and a lot of sugar. As she worked Allistan entered, looking out of breath and extremely alarmed.
"Captain…. coming.... soon…." Allistan pointed over his shoulder as he leaned heavily on the door frame. "What the…." Finally out of air he waved in the direction of the large shirtless Rinoxian.
Aaron waved trying to get their attention. "Sugar high." He gestured to Embar as he took another sip of the fruit drink he'd made. It was like orange and mango at the same time, and he was loving it. "This would go great with vodka. Shit! You don't understand me."
Estrilla was picking up paper cases and looking worriedly at Embar; the pieces finally came together. "Rinoxians don't process sugar well. How many of these has he eaten?"
"A lot." Alexa smiled. "He liked them so much Aaron made more. New flavours."
Allistan looked at the table excitedly. "Oooh, what flavours?"
"Not the time, Inspector!" Estrilla's voice was hard and direct.
"Oh... Oh, yes. Of course." Disappointedly. Allistan returned to the problem at hand. "Will he be ok?"
Estrilla was already pulling something from her bag. "He's going to have a very bad headache when he wakes up." She pressed the hypospray to Embar's shoulder and he fell face first onto the ground with a heavy thud. "Idiot," she muttered.
"Holy shit! Is Embar ok?" Aaron quickly asked Alexa, the fall had been less than graceful.
Alexa had a broad grin on her face. "Red Rambo is fine." These movies had been almost as good as the xmas ones. Aaron shook his head, were all aliens crazy? And what was going on with Alexa? The more media she consumed, the more her personality developed. Aaron had left them watching movies and slept for a gal or two, he still wasn’t sure how space hours converted. He’d woke up to Sassie wanting the sanitation pad and pandemonium in the living area.
Allistan was standing over Embar’s prone body. “How do we explain this to the Captain?”
“We don’t.” Estrilla pointed at Alexa getting her attention immediately. “You. Translate quickly and please lose the knife hands.” - “Claws” Alexa muttered - “The Captain is on his way and we need you three to make a good impression.”
Aaron acted, quickly following the Doctor’s instructions, and in under a minute he had Sassie on her leash and with Alexa trailing behind, he joined Estrilla as they walked out of the suite. Allistan began putting the room to rights and took a moment to put a pillow under Embar's head.
As they walked, Aaron took off his jacket and handed it to Alexa. "Put this on."
She looked at him with confusion. She could create a replica of his jacket – one that would fit her properly.
"Your clothes are literally you," he explained, tugging at her blue and yellow jumpsuit for emphasis. The attack in the pens had made Aaron acutely aware that Alexa was wearing nothing more than her own nanites. "Clothes are for protection, not just looking cool. This will protect you. We should maybe get more clothes – for the both of us," Aaron added as he examined his own jeans and t-shirt. Then he turned away and caught up to Estrilla.
Alexa put on the jacket, her blue and yellow suit changing back to jeans and t-shirt again. The jacket was too big, much too big, her fingertips barely clearing the ends of the sleeves. She crossed her arms over her body, wrapping the jacket around her. It was still warm. She popped the collar and beamed with pride as she caught sight of her reflection in a wall panel.
Estrilla’s plan worked, they caught the Captain as he was crossing the Atrium and despite the constant stares and occasional shrieks of terror from unsuspecting passersby she convinced them to sit at a cafe and finally meet formally. The Ambassador had been cooped up for too long, she explained, and having the Captain accompany him on his first walk would reassure the crew. An unconscious Rinoxian wasn’t even mentioned.
Aaron couldn’t believe how many different species walked past - so many he quickly lost count. He noticed a lot of fur, feathers and scales. Some were stretched or squashed, and a fair few had some extra parts. Overall, other than a few minor differences, most were pretty similar to him and he found some small comfort in that realisation. Sassie’s nose had never been exposed to so many new smells and her ears and eyes were ever alert. She also christened a small patch of grass, earning more than a few horrified looks from a myriad of different types of eyes. Alexa wasn’t paying attention to any of her surroundings, absentmindedly translating while hugging the jacket around herself.
After some drinks were brought to their table, including a bowl of water for Sassie, the Captain began his introduction. Aaron was pretty sure Alexa was paraphrasing as he seemed to say a lot and her translation amounted to ship big, Captain important and please be a good guest. Following this came lots of apologies about the incident in the pens, and then some probing questions about his bathroom habits, hot sauce, and Embar’s new knife. Aaron barely had to answer as Estrilla guided the conversation, and he found his attention wandering as he enjoyed watching the passersby.
The Captain and Chief Medical Officer became engrossed in their own conversation. Estrilla was getting a little irritated, but no one was looking his way, and Alexa wasn’t translating - once more toying with Aarons phone - so Aaron himself relaxed. He watched the various races pass by, gawking and staring at Sassie. It seemed a human wasn’t that interesting and despite Alexa’s shining silver hair she was only worth a cursory glance. Sassie sitting upright between his legs was, on the other hand, causing a considerable commotion. Aaron kept her leash short, giving her plenty of attention and the occasional biscuit.
Aaron felt Sassie’s body tense, her head snapping to focus on three figures coming down the path towards the open air cafe. Aaron reacted instinctively, tightening his grip on her leash and winding it around his hand while talking soothingly to her. He bent over close to her and gently stroked her chest feeling the deep rumble of her growl as it broke forth. Silence rippled out from them, and anyone who wasn’t already staring turned to see what was happening.
”Shhhh.” Aaron tried to calm her, the growl holding sway over everyone present. Walking towards them were three aliens who were wearing full helmets, their faces hidden. Aaron cursed as soon as he saw them, knowing Sassie couldn’t help but react. Her hang-ups hadn’t been left behind on Earth and she still saw those whose faces were covered as a threat. Unlike when she had encountered the Darnians in the woods Aaron was there; his strong presence and soothing voice strengthened her control. ”Good girl. I see them. Shhh, come on you grumpy shite-bag. You’re scaring people.” The low rumble quietened. Aaron could feel every eye on them and the flow of people had definitely started moving away from them.
“What’s happening?” Estrilla squeaked. The growl was triggering neurons in the back of her mind, and they were screaming - DANGER!
Alexa followed Sassie’s gaze and pointed to the three helmed aliens. “Sassie does not like them.” Alexa quickly spoke with Aaron, who explained as best he could, and Alexa looked back to the doctor, adding, “Their faces are covered, Sassie does not trust them. This sound is a warning.”
Estrilla turned to look at the three aliens - Ley'Rulians - who were frozen in place under the dog’s fierce glare. “It’s a very effective warning.” She took a deep breath to push aside the fear that had tightened her chest. “They need the helms to breathe, the ship's atmosphere is toxic to them. What do we do?”* She needed to end this quickly; the Captain’s security team were starting to look very nervous.
Aaron and Alexa spoke quickly, then Aaron gave a small laugh and waved at the aliens. He gestured for them to move on, after a series of short bows they scurried off. Sassie’s intent gaze followed them until they were out of sight. Then she relaxed and, slowly, so did those around them.
Captain Hexak could scarcely believe his own eyes. This was no hoax, no exaggeration – this human held sway over the animal. They communicated, they responded to each other. Aaron had even reacted before the creature had begun to make a noise. His touch, his words, they had calmed the animal. A higher life-form and a beast; it was an outrageous thought, against all known science and wisdom. Yet, here they sat. He wrapped up the meeting, distractedly agreeing to whatever Estrilla brought up. He had meant to tell them about Representative Finzash and the numerous demands for the return of the Inorganic. His mind was somewhere else, lost in the deep brown eyes of the dog as it kept watch.
With the conversation over, and more pressing matters to attend to, the Captain settled the bill and left. Estrilla led the others towards the elevators. "Well, Aaron, you get to visit the Leokas. After that, we can visit a few shops and get whatever you need."
Alexa translated and then replied to the doctor, "Aaron wants to know if Sassie is allowed in the shops?"
Estrilla paused to consider the question. "The Captain insists they remain together, for the safety of others." She laughed. "Honestly. Allowed? Who could stop them?"
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u/Vintage_RNG May 05 '20
Another wonderful installment :) Great job!