95157 continuation

[Aranor]

So....yeah...been a while. Here goes.

Subject 95157 works its way from carefully stepping to running. It calculates is speed at 345 ghen. Just shy of sound. Perhaps in time it can exceed sound. The ground inclines into a mountain. The trees prove to be minor obstacles slowing it down little. Atop the mountain it stops to look around. No signs of the entities. It sees a clearing. A cliff. It rushes for it lunging into the air. It wings unfold slowing its descent. Compensating to stabilize itself it brings the wings down hard giving itself lift. Its tail adjusting for balance and direction. It pulls on the fingers in its wings to give itself lift and thrust. Speed of flight fast approaching top running speed.

Temperature drops significantly as 95157 approaches the origin of the signal. The ground is covered in minuscule water crystals formed around once floating particles. In the distance it can see the planted vessel. It lowers itself to land. Landing speed too fast its legs can not handle the force. Its upper half is driven into the snow as it tumbles for an immeasurable distance. If not for its limbs being capable of three hundred twenty degrees of movement it surely would have broken something. It reconfigures itself from what surely would not have been a recognizable shape.

The massive buildup of crystalized water makes walking rather difficult. It manages. Finally it finds the mass to be more compressed. It can walk atop. In the distance something rises into the air. A vessel. Class C containment ship. Used for transportation of prisoners. ‘Likely passenger. Female Entity who gave...I intelligence.’

It scans for any messages roaming the area. Conversation still transmitting from 0,0. It proceeds.

It reaches the top dune. Nearly one ghen away there are structures. Many of them. A militarized city. All of the entities obviously gathered to research with one another. ‘Seventy soldiers patrolling the perimeter. Each wearing one of I’s former brethren. Each equipped with stage three arm based laser cannons. Each equipped with hand held high frequency vibration swords powered by micro medals. Soldiers targeted. Commencing attack.’

It digs its claws into the snow, leans back and lunges forward into the air. First two targets walking shoulder to shoulder. They see it as it throws its feet forward digging its claws into their chests. It lands standing on them using its arms to maintain balance. It digs with its claws as it beats its wings ripping the control medals out. The two writhe for moments as the organism tries to feast on them. The energy is too strong and they release. The laser rifles are lost, both grab their vibration swords. The blades extend in their hands. Soldier one swings. It sidesteps grabbing the wrist of soldier two throwing him back. Soldier one is greeted by its tail digging into its torso. Bio plasma attempting to burn at its flesh. It divided its tail ripping the entity in half. Soldier two sees and grabs a laser cannon. It knocks the cannon out of soldier two’s hand with its right tail grabbing soldier two’s other arm with its left tail lifting him into the air. His vibration sword in the grabbed hand. Its right tail grabs the other arm, its left wing raises and swings digging through the entity. Its tails finish ripping soldier two apart.

Beams of red light dig into its back. It arches with the searing pain. Others are coming. Further incoming beams it manages to dodge. More are fired. This time twice as much. It lunges into the air. A hail of red beams passing the space it inhabited. It had not considered weapons into its making. Something that will have to be adjusted. Beam after beam is fired at it as it soars through the air. It dives turning toward the group swirling to dodge the beams. It wings open wide stopping its swirling as it takes a burst of lasers in the chest upper arms and head. It throws itself into the group. Wounds will heal. Their missing limbs will not. One by one it grabs at them with its four arms and two tails while attempting to dodge the laser fire. It takes a few more shots. One soldier gets behind it cutting at a tail with its vibration sword. It spins throwing each one in its grasp at another. The left tail is damaged severely. It binds them together still spinning and punches the head off the one that cut it.

The group has diminished. It is greatly wounded. Another group of four soldiers come from behind a structure. These four are armored differently. Vibration blades are extending from their forearms. It scans the area attempting to contact any control medals it can. They are resistant. Its multi control medal system is overwhelming. It breaks through the ones recently knocked down forcing them to stop. The four coming are mentally focused. It stands, some of its first wounds almost healed. The four separate spreading around it. A device rises from their backs bending to rest on either side of their face. Laser cannons incorporated into the armor. All obviously ready to fire. It continues attempting to gain access to their control medals.

"What are you?" The one to its front right asks.

"A byproduct of your scientific intervention."

"Why do you attack us?"

"You have violated life. Brought forth the genocide of many races. For life to resume your presence must be extinguished. For the death and torment you have brought forth you must be punished."

"Whatever you are. You have stolen our technology. You know of our city. You have attacked us. And you have some how managed to kill some of our soldiers. You are a threat and need to be removed. Stand down and come peacefully or we will kill you."

At its command the other soldiers stand readying what weapons they have aiming them at the four upgraded soldiers. "What is going on?! Fools, that thing is the enemy! Enough. Destroy that creature?" All four fire. The shots singe its wings as it ducks. The four stood directed so the blasts, should they miss would not hit one another. Smart. It lunges as they fire again. The other soldiers fire upon the four. As it flies something begins to glow atop a structure. A planted ship. The glow fires as it classifies the weapon. Fighter ship class Smasher. The energy blast singes through its carapace’s, through its tendrils before it transports itself into the boost dimension. "Dammit!" The lead soldier glares as the other soldiers regain control. "How in the Draglen pits did it transport its host into the boost?! I’m coming back in. I want answers by the time I get there. Keep weapons targeted on that area. Its impossible to travel in the boost. When it comes back it will come there. When it does I want it destroyed."

Boost dimension: ‘Subject title 95157. I exist.’ Its front is completely burned. Most of its control medal endoskeleton is exposed. It will take some time to repair the damage. Perhaps two rotations. The swirling energies of the boost offer no signs of what is happening in the physical world. ‘New concepts considered. Implementation of weaponry. Key points located. Neural rewiring programmed. Concept acceptable. Initiating. New time for recovery. Six rotations.’

Warship bridge: Lead soldier enters the bridge. "Commander Therus sir!"

"I want to know what that was. Now."

"Scanners are still running. The creature appears to not be in our data banks."

"No drenn! It was wearing one of our armors. Cross reference the shape of the creature with any known to be capable of surviving in the boost. Get Cal Alteras in here. I want him to answer a couple of things."

"Yes Commander."

A large figure walks onto the bridge.

"Impressive how it fought whatever it was."

"Captain Tairom!"

"I do not think Alteras will be able to tell you what that was. It had four arms like the Talgens. A large tail which split into two fully functional tales unlike anything we have encountered. Its body was obviously modeled after ours. Only larger. Some how it was able to access and control our soldiers control medals thus controlling our soldiers."

"Sir! Um Sir’s. Captain Tairom is correct. There is nothing like it in our data banks. Cross referencing with anything of its shape that can survive the boost brings nothing up. Only a handful of organisms can survive the boost. None other than the Arcaneia are anywhere near this sector."

Therus turns to look out the window at the area it dissapeared "Where is Alteras?"

A couple of moments pass.

"Sir. I have calculated the speed at which his armor was healing and figure for the damage done it will take nearly two of this worlds rotations. Just to give a time frame to watch for."

"Good. Keep that work up and I think you might get a promotion." Therus glares at the officer who had been trying to get information.

Alteras walks in.

"Did you receive the data stream?" Theras asks.

"Yes." Alteras replies

"What was that thing?" Theras asks

"Have I not told you before I have a title to be respected?" Alteras glares.

"Then I will ask. What was it Alteras? Whatever it was or is. It came from the direction of your old base."

"As you could see it had one of our new armors on. The armor has been created here on this planet and no information of its development has been released Our sensors would have picked up any vessels in this solar system. The creature must have come from this planet. Our sensors showed no such configuration existed on this planet so either it is an alien that is capable of dodging our sensors or it is something that was constructed here."

"That wretch Ladeline we sent to Dal Shallad was performing some experiments on her own as you know. That is why we sent her. She destroyed some of her subjects. Her records show nothing of this sort but she is intelligent. She could easily have started something without recording it. What exactly I can not tell you. Not without a sample of its DNA. And then that will not tell us what it knows. If we can find a sample on the battleground perhaps we can get an idea as to what it is."

Therus glares at Alteras "This thing came from your region. It was built by one of your subservient’s. I am holding you responsible. Get out there and help."

"You are not my commanding officer Therus."

"Perhaps not but I am." Tairom says "This THING has killed some of our soldiers. Fail to help us find it and I will see to it you are seated beside your wretch you sent to Dal Shallad. Until this is resolved Therus is your superior. His orders are as mine."

"Yes sir." Alteras says with a hint of spite.

Alteras walks to the external entry to assist running the events through his head. ‘She had wanted to allow the organisms of this planet to communicate with us. The organisms control organ is not capable of such communication. The only means to accomplish this is to increase the control organs capacity. Inconceivable. Her level of knowledge would not have allowed her to alter the genetic strings necessary for altering their control organ. Perhaps she was smarter than I thought. Without her notes it is near impossible for me to know what she did.’

Outside the snow is covered with blood. ‘This is going to be near impossible!’ Using his control medal he accesses the ships records to replay the battle. Using markers he determines the place the creature had been fighting. Of course it is the center of the frozen blood ring. No help there. They are going to need to sift all the bloody snow in hopes of determining which sample is which.

Boost Dimension: The pain is going away. Something it will need to find a way around. As its body heals and it applies these new concepts it runs the battle over and over. It obviously lacks the experience needed to battle the entities. Perhaps viewing the battle it can create a virtual training system. With the many control medals used to form its body it can block some from others and use them to control virtual enemies so as not to know what is coming. ‘Self designating fourty three control medal processors to disconnect from network and model three enemy figure based on current known statistics. Training session shall commence during calculated time of regeneration. Engage.’

Within its mind images begin surrounding it. Those with vibrational blades in their hands and those with blades on their armor, both arms and legs. Others with the shoulder mounted lasers. Damage sustained is not afflicted to physical body but is noted. Should it sustain too much virtual damage training will reinitiate.

Therus watches from the main bridge as soldiers and Alteras sort through the blood stained snow.

"How did the upgrades handle in battle?" Tairom asks.

"They will take some time to get used to. Not quite the flexibility of the hand held swords but they do offer a hands free approach. The lasers work perfectly. This THING may not have been the best target to test them on however I feel they proved to be effective."

"Good. I have some other ideas for the armor. Some of the weaponry the ships have might be possible on a smaller scale. Keep an eye on Alteras. He seems to have motives other than that of the republic. If he gets out of line use your judgment. I personally feel the republic could do without him." Tairom turns and walks out of the room. Therus looks to his bio boosted forearm admiring the blade.

All the blood picked up Alteras finds himself the one sifting the samples. Or rather the one watching the system sift them. A tedious task. One normally left to Gal-ti. A researchers grunt.

The system has sorted numerous DNA samples. Most of which are bio-boosting material and that of the soldiers. Three planetary rotations and the system had only sorted half of the samples. Suddenly a new class of DNA comes up. Something Alteras has rarely seen. The double helix has segments of triple. The only samples of this he had seen before came from a reptile which could manipulate its bio plasma to bend light offering the illusion of invisibility. This was different. Rather than connecting the two rails as the reptiles do this sticks out almost like a fourth rail could be implemented. He glances at the bio boosting DNA then overlays the new sample. A match save for the odd rungs. Puzzling. He will have to find out what this means. Perhaps doing grunt work has its advantages. "Computer. Take this sample and construct a virtual image of this thing." The computer scans the blood. A stream of data that would take Alteras a week to read fills the screen. A hologram emits showing bio boost material forming around what should be a skeleton. A second layer forms over the first driving itself between the fibers of the first. A third layer forms doing the same. Carapace’s form over the third layer. The image rotates revealing folded wings on the back and a tail.

"Interesting. Computer what is it using for a skeleton?"

"No skeletal structure determined."

"Hmm. Computer. Generate a skeleton based on materials used on this planets life forms."

"Affirmative."

"I did not see any organs form. How does this creature generate energy?"

"Organism is of Arcaneia origins. Entire organism is a digestive agent."

"No. This thing is supplied by some other source. Could a control medal supply such energy?"

"Unknown."

"Stupid machine. Computer take a sample of the DNA and insert it into a control medal. Let’s see if we can grow this thing."

"Affirmative. Incubation period two and a half planetary rotations."

"Good. Alert me and me only as soon as it is done."

"Affirmative."

Tairom rests in his favorite place. The top of the center tower in the city. A design he has used many times. The walls and dome are filled with gelatinous cells which give them their color. At his command the cells retract the coloring agent into small pockets turning the surface almost clear. From the outside depending on distance and focus they might be able to see in. It gives him a full view of the city. A sense of assurance fills him when he is here. In the center of the ceiling a large control medal awaits his command. A few words and an image of any part of the city is his to view. He sits "Section thirty-three, fifteen, eighty-one." An image opens revealing a laboratory. A control medal rests inside a bio tube. Some sort of organism is growing. So far it looks like a replica of the thing they are waiting for.

"Interesting. Computer. Inform me when this experiment is nearly completed."

"Alteras has deemed this experiment classified."

"I don’t care. Override on my authority and do not inform him. If he is responsible for the making of this thing and plans on making more he will be extinguished."

"Affirmative." The window closes. Tairom stands and walks to the wall looking out over the southern side. The scattered footsteps of those who gathered the bloody snow filled in by a recent storm. He looks from building to building. A number of weapons aimed at the location the thing vanished into the boost at. "Come on out you coward." A number of systems waiting for it to come back to alert him. The urge to fight it himself was near overwhelming.

Boost dimension: 95157 has run three hundred fifteen sequences. After two hundred it incorporated weaponry from surrounding structures. The concept of having all this knowledge yet the inexperience to put it to use was frustrating. It knows no matter how many sequences it runs the real confrontation will be different. The only constant it could count on being the location of structural weaponry.

Reconfiguration showing seventy-six percent complete. It continues its training.

Therus stands in the bridge watching the battle field. He has six soldiers with lasers ready. All of the surrounding buildings with weaponry have been ready. The things armor should have regenerated by now. Almost four rotations now. Where the hell is this thing? A fresh shift should be replacing those standing guard momentarily. His telepathic command allows the guards to know their replacement is there without the need to communicate between guards. Eyes are not removed from the target area during replacement.

Tairom watches. The computer has just alerted him that Alteras’s experiment is near an end. The bio tube is releasing its fluid. The creature is standing. The control medal has not given the spark of life. The creature is magnificent. Four arms, two legs, two sensory horns, two wings, and a tail. The control medal is protruding from its forehead though he was sure the one that attacked did not have one showing. It did some how control others so it must have one somewhere inside.

Alteras links with the control medal giving it the order to ignite life. The creatures visual organs glow as the creature stands erect. It stretches testing its limbs. "Good. Now, come to me. Stand before me and kneel." The creature manages to step and falls over. Its attempt to catch itself crushing its bones. It looks up at him reaching with its upper right arm as its body begins to fail. The control medal can not sustain the creature. The Arcanea’s acids release. That combined with the need to feed the creature begins devouring itself. The control medal attempts to sustain the body. Alteras shuts it down.

Tairom feels satisfaction seeing Alteras fail.

"Computer. Lock Alteras in his lab."

"Done."

"It would seem your experiment has failed Alteras."

"Indeed." Alteras shows no sign of surprise.

"You performed your experiment without telling me. I told you to inform me as soon as you found this thing’s DNA. You have ignored my order. As soon as this thing shows up and is killed a ship will be readied to take you to Dal Shallad. Until then you will remain where you are." Without waiting for response Tairom disables communication to that room.

Boost Dimension: Reconfiguration one hundred percent. All systems functional. It initiates the opening of the boost dimension to the physical plane. As soon as the boost closes it initiates it again. As expected a burst of energy enters dispersing as the portal closes. It opens it again this time lunging itself backwards with its wings. Five laser bursts hit one another where it had been. The sixth caught it in the lower back. The soldier behind it is knocked over as it catches its stance. All four arms fire three laser bursts at four of the soldiers. It jumps into the air as fire from the buildings begins chasing it. Leading the fire behind one building it causes damage to the structure. More soldiers are coming out. These have blades on their arms. It attempts to control their medals. Denied. Their minds are too strong. Their shoulder lasers now chase it. It swoops to the side as a burst of white energy surges past it. The blast that nearly destroyed it before. All four arms send twelve laser burst at the cells. The cells begin to ooze. The structural weapons are a nuisance. One by one it takes them out with laser fire.

It lands standing before eight soldiers with blades on their arms. It folds its wings and opens all four arms. The two upper arms have backward facing blades. The lower have forward facing blades. It legs have blades that extend both up and down. Another group of soldiers comes from the structure behind it. Sixteen in all. Its tail unravels into two. Each end with three fingers.

Laser bursts begin to fire. It opens its wings. Sacrificial segments. A few break through to its core. it opens them returning fire. Its ability to target far more accurate than their. Three of them fall. A large hole in their chests. These new modles have their control medals in the apendage containing their controller organs. A shorter route to connect the two. Perhaps explains the stronger will. It spins as one comes behind swinging down. Its lower arm swinging across its abdomen splitting it in two. Its left tail grabbing another by the chest and throwing it against a third.

Tairom watches from his room as the creature rips his guards apart. Since they left the safety of the inner circle the life form they have encountered have become increasingly stronger. Perhaps it is time they return to the council and reevaluate their strengths before continuing to explore the galaxy. But first this creature must be dealt with. He feels the thick carapece covering his chest. Beneath it he can feel himself reconstructed. He links with the control medal in the room and teleports himself to the exit. Outside it has killed the last of the soldiers. It is wounded greatly but healing.

Alteras walks out onto the bridge.

"What are you doing out?!" Therus demands.

"You have forgotten Therus. I said I have a title to be addressed as."

"Alright RESEARCHER Alteras! Back to your lab!" Therom yells as he marches towards Alteras.

Therus stops mid step. He looks at himself seemingly unable to move.

"I was reffering to Dri'kai Alteras"

Everyone in the room turns to look at him. The sense of emotion filling the room is awe and fear. Therus himself reaking of concern. "As you were." Everyone turns to go about their stations each weary of their next move. Therus is let go and falls forward. "Now. I give you a choice. Obey me or join him." Alteras points to the screen. The creature and Tairom are both cut up. Tairom is reaching for his chest. Alteras ****s his head in curiosity. Tairom pulls open the chest plates letting lose a burst of white light. "Interesting. I thank you for the idea Tairom."

Tairom looks towards the entry. It is closed. Not opening to his command.

"How?"

"How indeed. Good bye Tairom."

Tairom turns to see the creature survived his attack. He fires a laser burst in vein as it scorches already burned armor. The creature swings taking the arm with the laser off at the shoulder. Tairom screams. He turns leaning on the door. A fist protrudes from his chest. It pulls back the vibration blade cutting Creator and ship hull as it slices up splitting the control medal in two.

Alteras turns to look at Therus. Therus kneels on one knee and bows his head "The spark of existance that is I is now yours to command Dri'kai Alteras."

"Good. It is time for us to leave. Command all vessels to be locked down and ready to exit atmosphere in 3 bon. Any left behind can take their chances with that thing. Any energy not required for lockdown and gravitational control reroute to regenerating the outer hull. It won't take long for that thing the get through otherwise."

Alteras links with the rooms CM and begins scanning Tairom's designs. He was not a bad captain. Simply at the wrong place at the right time. And military genious. The schematics he had already made for this armor were amasing. Good thing they will have Alteras's name on them. For the first time in a long time Alteras could feel himself wanting to smile.

The vessel begins to vibrate as it gravity controller orbs lift ripping it apart from the rest of the city. Three others begin doing the same. Two more right after. In no time they are out of the atmosphere entering the void of space. The ships make formation.

"For those of you who have not yet heard I am Dri'kai Alteras. Captain Tairom has recently been killed by a rogue mutation generated by one of our own who has also been killed. This planet has yielded us much however the threat of this creature cannot be allowed to exist. All commanders of each vessel link. I will take control momentarily."

Alteras stands on the circular platform in the center of the room. His control medal extending from his chest. Full control established. He reaches out and links with the other ships. Together they form a ring. A hole opens in the center of their ring emitting white light. The hole expands in front of them. Alteras drives the gravity cotroller orbs drawing in a massive asteroid. The lifeless object seemingly ripples into existance as it exits the wormhole. nearly half the size of the planet they were just on they watch as the stone collides with the planet. Debree of every sort emits into space as the planet cracks open revealing its orange hot liquid center. The orange quickly dims in the cool void of space as debree continues to spread.

Alteras extends his mind entering those weaker than he who are commanding the ships. He places a mental command within. He now controls them. And through them he will control everyone on board these ships.

He disconnects. "I will be in the former Captains sector."