On the Eve of Invasion

For an hour she prepared for her mission. Outside Praetor Mizmal Avayo's palace on the Vullanese island of Noce, a rogue thief and hired assassin was about to strike big. She did not know who hired her, but it was through a letter. From the city of Wicksburg on the Boathrian island of Hantele Nira Abelsworth aka. Abigail the Rogue received some letters with cash from an anonymous figure. They promised to pay for her journey to this island while the conflict dragged on into the fourth year. She had to use a name he gave her, Mira Greenshade. Not only was Abbigail supposed to infiltrate this palace discretely, she was also supposed to poison or stab the Vullanese Praetor of this island. Those were the only words the anonymous pen pal wrote to her as orders.

Along the way she managed to recruit some people to aid her in this mission. Five different accomplices and allies with professions like rogue, smuggler, an urban ranger from Gaskouth Ladai, former Noce high priest now a merchant, and a Noble Lady who knows how to entertain. Their names and actions that helped her get this far will remain with her. Erizo Viscapanni the male rogue who got her equipment for this mission, and got the keys to the palace. That was not with out killing a few threats, and bribes to make copies of those keys. Lerris Al-Ganerez the smuggler who discretely transported her to Noce with Erizo. Najwa Abbas the Urban Ranger who tracked down the Praetor's whereabouts, henchmen, acquaintances, the Lady, and the high priest to help them. Former High Priest Fargoz Winnzel brought her inside the perimeter of the palace using his status and Merchant cart to hide her. Noble, Lady Sauffet acted as the hired entertainer whilst the real one was tied up in their hideout.

Hearing Sauffet's voice said she was very close to accomplishing her goal. So close to the target Nira prepared to take out her target once the rest of the room was cleared. Praetor Ereg Gadnosis of Noce city of Reegvah liked to be alone after a few hours of dining, socializing, and partying. The host, Avayo kept doing something to Sauffet that made her giggle, and scream with delight. According to her pen pal Gadnosis was a known slaver and human trafficker. That was known publicly. What was not known was his cruelty to specific slaves. Reports of certain slaves of status going missing became frequent since he became a Praetor. Even some Mages, and other arcane users went missing after being in his company. Nira aka. Abigail, Mrs. Greenshade had to kill him in order to end the disappearances. Climbing into the window of the room next to the scene of the party she hid under some furniture that had a coat of arms draped over it. She waited for everything to quiet down before making her move.

Fireworks burst outside drawing the party goers outside. It left Praetor Ereg Gadnosis alone in the room. Nira slowly came out of her hiding place with a drawn dagger coated in poison. As stealthily as possible she entered the room he was in. This Praetor sat in a chair facing the fireplace. He was reading something in his hands that appeared important. Curious Nira took her time before striking. She hovered over him as he read the document. Reading over his shoulder she read the words Vestrisians will attack soon. Prepare island troops for invasion. Ereg scoffed at this believing to be a joke. He went on to mock the document not believing in some imminent invasion coming. Those were  the last words he spoke before she drover her weapon into his chest from behind. When Nira pulled the poisoned weapon out sirens went off signalling attack. She ran back to the window hoping it wasn't her who triggered an alarm. On the roof she witnessed a dark sky full of aircraft dropping bombs on the city. AA guns went off, bombs exploded upon impact, and fires sparked all over the city. Noce was about to be invaded.  

Intervention 1134 (Piozen) Check up mission

For exactly ten years the planet of Piozen has suffered an catastrophic apocalypse. The first time it happened the dead reanimated because of a strange cult attempting to resurrect an ancient entity. Piozen was the home world to arcane users, magic users, and elemental dabblers. Even the occult and other dark powers had its hey day in the planet's ancient history. This Apocalypse was mainly the dead being reanimated. Attempts to resurrect the ancient entity was not the only cause of this apocalypse. In certain universities, catacombs, ancient tombs, abandoned structures, and the usual underground lairs. Out of mere coincidence more than  one thousand six hundred Wizards, and Necromancers attempted to resurrect corpses and skeletons to use as guards. Something went array causing zombies, skeletons, and other monsters to emerge.

For months the dead rose from their resting places and locations of necromancy. Causing widespread chaos that sent many cities into complete ruin and desertion. Out of sheer panic people horrified by the rise of the dead killed one another in fight to flight mode. Local authorities could not handle the pressure and fled off world. Crowd control personnel made all attempts to calm or quell the crazed panicked chaos. After ten or more personnel were ripped or bludgeoned to the death they opened fire. Six cities become lifeless as the dead spread around in some pandemic. Piozen was overrun with the dead flooding the civilization that had been built upon the graves of the ancient dark culture. To many the dark culture that had once ruled over Piozen was a crazed overzealous cult of necromancers who performed unspeakable arcane powers. Neighboring planets and the IGC came down to intervene to quell the dead pandemic that gripped the planet. Well over 84% of the planet's population were infected, killed, or forced to flee. The remaining 16% of the population being male and female ages 13 to 51 managed to stave off the dead. Immediately after the pandemic was put down they urged for civilians to stay away until it was 100% safe. Now these survivors who numbered 1,515,129 managed to survive, and repel the dead from behind a fortress at the end of a gorge, became overwhelmed by a renewed pandemic.

IGC's Inquisitor Scotti Deborah Aximi looked down at Keene's log about the second outbreak. It began when non-Piozen came to the planet's surface to meet. Some princess with her countrymen, and servant met with a band of pirates who came with an ancient artifact that can raise the dead. That was not the only thing that caused the dead to rise again. A small band of adventurers opened a tomb deep under the catacombs of a holy city where the dead are laid to rest. They disturbed a necromancer lich. What happened next caused communications to be cut off from those who remained. After multiple tries both the IGC and neighboring worlds chose to send another intervention force. Intervention 1134 consisted of 1,051 Special Forces from Gaian Republics, 2,399 Crusaders, 5,097 Modernized Paladins, 166 Elite War Mages for the Liches, 1,561 of IGA's Naval unit of Gray Falcons, 1,165 Jaguar Knight Rifles, and 115 Dragon's Breath Unit. Aximi sat next to one of the Crusaders, and a Gray Falcon. They were to meet at least 9, 000 survivors who were mostly warlocks, and wizards.

Aximi's mission was clear to her, but not to the rest of this Intervention Force 1134. She was to find one of the cultist-scientists who resurrected them or at least their journals containing their discoveries. For her own mission she was assigned to a company made up of Special Forces, Crusaders, Paladins, Gray Falcons, and a single War Mage. In the presence of this 236 member company Aximi expected to be shoved around like some clueless tourist. To her surprise she was not. The leader or company commander, a Viscount Paladin Imore Bedecad saw her mission was of most importance. Her position as Inquisitor gave her access to everything. Upon landing more than 11,000 IGC and Intervention forces poured into the city next to the survivors' sanctuary city. Showing no remorse, mercy, or hesitation the Intervention forces took out 173, 096 zombies and ghouls in the retaken city of Ghameel. Ghameel was a walled city that allowed the Intervention forces to set up a base. Aximi and Bedecad's unit scoured every building in the city before going underground. All they found and killed were 116 ghouls, and 1, 317 of those zombies. For several days they kept searching this city clearing out more catacombs, basements, and cellars. While on the walls snipers shot 21, 467 more dead. Going outside to clear the area of other debris took some time, however it helped them see what was out there. Any bridges they came across were barricaded with vehicles, larger furniture, and anything that was not nailed to the ground. All the structures in the surrounding area were burned and trees knocked down. During these makeovers they killed more ghouls, zombies, found more survivors, and something new to them. A type of undead known as Bodaks who had been touched by pure evil.

Bedecad chose to go along with Aximi's mission while a Field Marshall Gregory Bartelbee marched northward. Eleven thousand went north with Bartelbee, whereas a company of 238 marched westward to the city of Ganon. That left 318 to defend Ghameel with 2,400 IGF troopers sent to hold the city with help from 34 Piozen security droids designed to defend private property, and 636 survivors. To add more to the defenses 136 Green Soldiers of a neighboring planet are sent to bolster defenses. Under the command of a High Wizard 155 warriors, knights, infantrymen, bowmen, nobles, raiders, and volunteers landed to help out. They managed to clear out two villages before reaching the new boundaries of Ghameel. While the defenders of what they cleared numbered over 12,000 the rest of the intervention force 1134 pressed the advance. Inside Ganon they fought usual zombies, ghouls, and those Bodaks. Along with these undead creatures they also came across some wraiths that were few and only haunted certain places. Going further they found tomb motes, and slaymates. Crushing the tomb motes was easy, however having the heart to kill a slaymate proved difficult. Aximi managed to trick the undead child into leading them to a necromancer hiding under a manor. A hallway full of blasphemes, zombies, and ghouls some how led by a quell. Aximi used a holy relic to defeat this one while the rest of the unit gunned down all the undead. They lost a few members to what was called forsakenshells, which were boneless bodies of the dead that strangled victims.

Eager to find the necromancer Aximi pressed on cutting down all the undead in her path until she came to a chamber full of skeletons armed and unarmed. She did not hesitate in sending a grenade into that chamber and diving out as it exploded. When she got up Aximi raced inside the smoky room to catch the necromancer before he made his escape. A shrapnel from the grenade found his leg. The necromancer was known as "Xiigdall" who served someone named "Aliscar". In order to get medical attention he was to spew out the whereabouts of one cultist-scientist, Dr. Vahgeeme. This Dr. Vahgeeme grew mad with his discoveries of resurrecting life, reanimation, and the occult worship. Xigdall tried to make an escape after that by pressing on a medallion. It conjured up two liches, and three demiliches that killed ten of their men. It took the full power of Aximi, and a few others to kill these undead. Xiigdall tried crawling away through an open wall. Having none of his lies and tricks Aximi regained herself and killed him. She did this at a slow wobbly pace before collapsing on top of his corpse.

Having the city of Ganon cleared of the undead spelled more relief for the Intervention and the survivors of this whole chaotic pandemic that hit the Piozene the hardest. For seven days Aximi searched for signs of the mad-scientist she was sent to hunt. She discovered clues, and the aftermath of experiments done by one of the cultist-scientists. His name was Phileeth Ogrell. Not the most intimidating names, but what could someone name themselves while working one many projects at once? Aximi knew names were important, which would help identifying one of these cult-scientists. Their next target was the grand city of Tezeen, which also had to be cleared of Zombies, ghouls, a few wraiths in the mansions, and certain areas. Inside Tezeen they came across skeletons, armed ones, vampire spawn, one lich, several slaymates that killed some of their own, a single devourer of souls another cultist awoke. It kept sucking up souls of the living. According to a volunteer several of those were found and destroyed before the second pandemic. While in Tezeen Aximi did her usual search running into more undead, a tomb mote of Ogrell, and a vampire spawn. Before it died it revealed the location of Phileeth Ogrell.

When she was ready she approached their leader who had just taken care of bodaks, and demiliches found in some urns their men broke. Both took a stroll one clear day after clearing another large market of zombies, ghouls, forsakenshells, and a few mummies awoken by clueless schmucks in the market. Aximi was more curious about who brought the mummies to this market district in the first place. They discussed what to do about Ogrell when he was found. Either they capture him, put him under arrest and sent for a trial or flat out killed on the spot. Aximi wanted him on trial yet felt the urge to kill him herself. Her gaze observed the city. Something about this world gave her the chills. Bedecad told her to keep calm as they came to a block they overlooked. Both of them paused for some reason. Their eyes studied the empty street before them. She expected to see more zombies, ghouls, skeletons, armed ones, and slaymates to come out of hiding. What they got was something classified as a blaspheme that could be the end of normal soldiers. With it were more tomb motes, and slaymates. Behind this little band of the animated dead stood Mad Dr. Phileeth Ogrell himself with some company. A Vampire Lord, an undead creation, and a member of the CSO.

They finally encountered him, but at an disadvantage. Bedecad fire a warning flare in the air to warn the others. It only made the Made Scientist cackle before sending his undead henchmen after them. Using what she had Aximi managed to defeat the slaymates, and tomb motes with ease. Bedecad shot the CSO member in the head then prepared to fight the vampire and the Creation. What happened next she could have prayed for if she knew the true intentions of Ogrell's allies. Whoever this Vampire was he grappled Ogrell leaving the creation to face Aximi and Bedecad alone. Aware of how strong Vampires are she was not surprised to witness it snapping Ogrell's neck like a twig. The moment Ogrell collapsed on the ground dead the Vampire already disappeared. Bedecad cut the creation to pieces. Taking a photograph of the Mad Scientist's corpse felt disrespectful however she had to do it.

Piozen had come under an invasion by a single faction of the CSO (Chaotic Surprise Organization). They did not know how large the invading force was. It was evident they did not have a full force. Aximie and Bedecad's company had to fend off a few waves while witnessing the invaders fight the hordes of zombies, ghouls, skeletons, and various undead. Even thralls of Vampires who hid underground appeared. Even Bartelbee's, and Keene's forces fought the CSO intruders. For eight full days the armies fought over the future of Piozen. It resulted in staggering casualties for the CSO who landed in the areas the Intervention Forces did not clear out yet. Thanks to their intruding invasion they probably cleared out most of the undead. As for the IGC's Intervention Force 1134, 171 died or got killed in some way, 788 were eaten alive, 507 of them lost their minds because of  what they witnessed and experienced. When the CSO invaded and attacked them the IGC lost 1,126, shot by the CSO intruders. It took another month before they could clear out the rest of the planet with extra reinforcements, which made up Intervention 1135. Aximi would have to prepare herself to explain to her superiors how Dr. Phileeth Ogrell died. As she sat at a desk in a mansion she could not help but wonder who this Aliscar figure was.

Another Depiction of the Gantronese facial features.

On the Edge of Crumbling

Angry Warlord : "Holy prickle my sides with rusty spears how much longer will they take?"

Co-Warlord: "Patience Synod the Crusher, patience they will arrive."

Synod: "The C.S.O. promised us they would be here for this siege!"

Co-warlord: "Mordrigaz's Citadel will not move Synod. It will still be there in time for our assault."

Synod: "Two years of war and domination on the field brought us to this moment!"

Co-warlord: "Yes, yes I know, we the Gortheegs have fought these Sea Elves over domination of Basia. Now don't slam on this table again you will break it."

Synod: "Bah! Arrrgh!!! Losing 228, 932 to this one single siege is too much cost! Glyne we only have 3,133 now! No thanks to Zyda the slut she stole 10,000 of our native Basian allies! Those Sea Elves still have 18 Dire sea sharks, and Dire sea monsters for an outer defense!"

Glyne: "Synod, Please-"

Synod: "I am not done speaking! There are 908 or so still defending that one citadel! Those defenders protect 605 fays, sprites and Goblins who are owed to us as tribute! What does not help us are the wild reptilian beasts controlled by Druids and Witches!"

Glyne: "Synod, we simply kill the 167 beasts and reptiles under their command along with the 18 Dire sea ones! Use your head."

Synod: "Brilliant Plan, after losing one thousand more! Either we pull back now or watch our empire crumble!"

Glyne: "We still have an army of 1,773, 122 standing idle, waiting for your command. Plus the 88, 763 locals we recruited along the way."

Synod: "They are needed for sentry duty, patrols, guard duty, and keeping the populace in line."

Glyne: "Synod they fear us! No-"

Synod: "More than ten million still pose a threat to us!"

Glyne: "Resistance, rebellion, uprisings, are not on their minds! Only surviving keeps them in line!"

Synod: "Nothing will stop them from thinking of doing that. When they learn we are limited they will use that to their advantage."

Glyne: "Unless the CSO don't show up then we worry ourselves."

Synod: "Just one fortress has held out this long! That can give them reason to rise up while they are still on their home world!"

Glyne: "Then we sell them to the Nazdar and their Grevaskii!"

Tent Guard: "Forgiveness for the interruption great lords, but the Chaotic Surprise are within sight."

Synod: "How many did they bring?"

Tent Guard: "We spotted nineteen of their troop transports my lords."

Glyne: "So that would put their forces 5,320. That should be enough to over take the elves!"

Synod: "What! The CSO only sent 5,320!"

Glyne: "Those defenders barely have a thousand! That is more than enough even with our forces combined with theirs!"

[Both Warlords wait for their allies the Chaotic Surprise Organization to land and mobilize. It is lead by an Overlord known as Kazzagh. A demon looking specimen with various mutations. He is greeted by the pair of Warlords who are very half orc, half elf in appearances.]

Kazzagh: "I see you have amassed a great force to conquer this world for the Order of the Beast! Well done. A pity that you lost so many troops along this path of conquest. Basia will belong to you two. However, because you asked for our help a tribute is owed."

Glyne and Synod: "What kind of tribute?"

Kazzagh: "A tribute of slaves and a portion of the spoils."

Glyne: "Very well say 61,000 slaves plus two ships of treasures."

Kazzagh: "Make it five ship loads and 150, 000 slaves. One of Basia's finest palaces."

Synod: "Shall we throw in a noble maiden and the prettiest dame? You are trying to cheat us!"

Kazzagh: "You dragged us here from another world the CSO are in the midst of invading! You owe us, Gortheeg!"

Glyne: "Stay your weapons both of you. We get the Planet of Basia to ourselves. Kazzagh is rewarded for his help end of the negotiations. Now let's take that citadel before an uprising starts." 

A Saiyan's Choice

Just hearing this news did not bode well for him or his team of warriors. At the base they seized from another movement of resistance against their boss he looked down at his hands. Team Leader Bokcho did not want to even look at his team of four fellow Saiyans. From the lips of Bage he heard what he did not want to believe. Vegeta, their home planet was destroyed. Looking up at Cado, Gula, and Otomat, Bokcho tried not to cry. His own father pressed him not to cry period. A warrior should try keeping control over himself. That is what his father told him. He got up wondering if their ally, and boss Lord Frieza had anything to do with this. Knowing that emperor or lord it would be unwise to seek him out. According to the last message from Bage's third male lover the culprit was him. Multiple options lay before them. They could search for the prince and try to make him king, search the galaxy for any survivors, beg Frieza for a place in his army, or go into hiding. Each option would likely mean death, but they were prepared for that.

Bokcho weighed in on each option as becoming an outlaw sounded adventurous. It also guaranteed a chance to find other humanoids out there, and perhaps other Saiyans who became outcasts. During the reign under Vegeta's rule many Saiyans were sent away to other worlds in the far reaches of the galaxies. His own father told him about those outcasts. Quickly coming to a decision he exited the building to see a platoon of Frieza's men wielding those pathetic little arm blasters. Bokcho witnessed one Saiyan crushing one with his fist while on a scouting mission with his father. Whoever the leader was he looked like some fish humanoid whom Otomat bull rushed, knocking him down. The rest of his team attacked the henchmen taking out each one with ease. Bokcho flew over to the Frieza style ship and killed the pilots. He encouraged his team to load their own pods into the stolen vessel. Each team member did what he told them and took a seat at the bridge. Taking one ship of their former boss made them outlaws. 

Iperantos State

Made up of a group of islands in the Southern Seas the Iperantos State rests on the very edge of the platform seas. Ruled by many dynasties who made alliances with various city-states along the Unknown Lands the Iperantos State became a vassal to the encroaching Gantronese Empire. 

Battle for Jumar

Right after she was taken to the field hospital behind the front lines Lieutenant Valti was hit again by a glider bomber. A wave of some forty Nazdar gliders constructed from the materials this world provided for them. Most of them were loaded with bombs while the rest had commandos. Due to the terrain, heavy winds, low clouds, and tall structures these gliders had to avoid crashing. Evasive action did not bode well for the gliders. Lieutenant Valti had to be lifted up to the safety of the battle ship that fired one turret every hour. Being placed in the emergency room gave her a good view of the battle bellow. While they took out the shrapnel from the leg she managed to request access to the statistics of the battle so far. She hoped the Jumarians pulled in their reserves to bolster their defenses. As she looked at the number of personnel for their military strength for some reason she saw the number of police officers and guards in every settlement. Jumar had 591, 787 police officers to keep peace on the streets. Most of them were these Zunia Pucks she had seen helping build the defenses. All over Jumar and along its borders were 1, 115, 541 guards. Some were former soldiers who made up part of the defense forces. It was no surprise to Valti that these people held more than one profession.

She leaned back in her bed with a good view of the battlefield below. In her mind she thought of the I.G.C., I.G.A., and I.G.F. All three represented the same faction or alliance of many factions banding together. They were just different ways of saying the entire organization. Inner Galactic Coalition represented the various factions that made up the alliance and their allies. The Inner Galactic Alliance meaning the I.G.A. were the many factions who banded together in the attempts to intervene across the galaxy. Each Intervention was either a mission, quest, operation, campaign, and rescue made across the galaxy. Some turned into battles, others all out war, disaster rescues, reconnaissance, supply runs, and deliveries. Others were rescue attempts or evacuations. This one involved a battle to save one more state from falling to the Nazdar conquest.

She looked over the statistics of the first days of their engagement with the invaders. On the Northern border the invaders attacked with 416, 201 collaborators, 19,206 Nazdar Invaders, and 18,035 hired mercenaries. Their casualties included 263, 309 KIA, 46,642 captured and wounded. It left 143, 491 to attack in the second wave. Jumar's Southern border came under assault by a total force of 342,640. Thanks to captured prisoners they managed to get accurate numbers. 1,685 Nazdar troopers, 9,081 Nazdar allies, 330, 508 Vossan Warriors, and 1,366 slaves of Norvath. Defenders of the Southern Borders managed to inflict casualties. A total of 198,008 died in combat, 35,559 were captured and forced to surrender. It was not clear how many wounded the enemy had. From the highest ranking prisoners it was confirmed there were 109,073 or so left.

Valti got to watch their own aircraft launch air attacks on the camps of the invaders. Even with the high tech binoculars it was difficult to tell what was really going on. The squadrons returned to attack the enemy on the southern borders. Each fighter pilot had orders to gun down the sleeping enemy. Kills on the ground were not confirmed as they were flying above them and the targets were on the ground. Four days passed with only skirmishes propping up along each front and the enemy sending in strange flying creatures. She did not get the size of this flying force as the rest dove down and ate up the dead. According to one of the pilots there were hundreds of these flying beasts. Her gaze rested on the northern border while her wounds healed. The second wave came once the fog cleared. Cannons, and other artillery opened fire greeting the next wave of enemies. Because of the skirmishes, and air raids made by the Intervention forces. Northern Invasion Force of 143,491 was reduced to 62, 198. This reduced force added their own units to the next wave of 66,113 local enemies, 18,080 mercenaries, 32, 886 Nazdar, and 15,671 raiders the invaders managed to rally. Combining their numbers this next wave barely had 200,000, which was 194,948.

The southern border came under attack by the second wave. It involved the remnants of the 109,073 and the forces the invaders managed to call in after their campaigns in the south and the north. Some 77,993 made up part of the next wave of 235,074 hired space pirates, 101,132 marauders, 112,943 Reptilians/Lizardmen called Andazi. This formed a host of 527,142 attacking the southern border. With these new forces came aircraft, and star fighters. Every aircraft they had zoomed over to the defense of the southern border. Taking all their aircraft away left the ships vulnerable to any air attacks in the northern border. All the ground forces had to reinforce their lines in case the enemy had extra forces coming in. It was expected for them to pull in some reserves. What no one expected was for Jumarians to decide on using the prisoners as cannon fodder. All 80,000 P.O.W.s were armed with spears, daggers, clubs, and muskets. In force they had been forced to charge the next wave alongside 300,819 inmates from the prison cells below, and deep in the mountains. Goblins, unruly Gnomes, Cruel Dwarfs, and an underground race at the bottom of Jumarian society were promised freedom into the mountains for their service. Armed like the P.O.W.s these inmates joined up with the 80,000 almost making their counter force 400,000 strong. Just twenty thousand short of 400,000 the counter wave charged the oncoming wave of invaders.

She listened to the commands of the Jumarian superiors and politicians who did not say anything to the inmates about only 10,000 were allowed to return to Jumar. Her eyes glued to the scene as the 380,819 counter wave launched their assault. First the Jumarians opened fire with a barrage of artillery, and smoke cannon balls that covered the field with a screen of smoke. Since their counter wave had a disadvantage because of mistrust the screen of smoke would cover their movements. Leaving the enemy blind the counter waver poured out in one massive wave. These inmates were allowed to have bows and arrows which they used once they got close to the enemy. In the smoke the two forces clashed. Although she could not hear the shooting the flashes and tracers gave away the invaders' positions. Behind the counter wave marched another force of Jumarians. She snatched her binoculars that gave calculations of the unit sizes and the dead. Ten thousand riflemen, and 15,000 crossbowmen marched in force as a second counter wave.

For several days the two forces clashed ferociously until only 6,099 invaders survived to retreat and 11,112 taken prisoner. As for their counter wave reports from the 25,000 said the 113, 877 turned on each other over something. After the counter wave killed itself off just 1,035 were left. These survivors attacked some Dwarf units ending the army of inmates and prisoners. She could only imagine the hatred brewing within those souls held in the cells underground. All the violence, mistreatment, vendetta's, and rivalry building up and ready to be released. With the northern border secure at the moment Jumarians rushed reinforcements to the south. This 527, 142 strong force proved tough to push back.

Even though she was in the medical bed Valti was still able to get filled in on the southern front. The space pirates hired by the invader brought with them squadrons of fighters which totaled 305. Four space destroyers resembling the shape of cutlasses and claws brought the 235,000 force. Valti watched as all of their fighters launched to combat this aerial threat. Thanks to Jumarian allies the northern borders would be secured. It allowed the Battleship and the Carrier to move to the southern border. At front row seat she got to witness the I.G.A. Battleship take on four pirate destroyers. Like an excited child Valti pressed her face and hands against the window to watch the Galactic Dame take on these pirate vessels. She started with two missiles launched one of the unsuspecting pirate destroyers. One missile hit the side while the other nailed the cockpit. Launching the biggest arsenal knocked out one of the pirate vessels along with 76 fighters. All their fighters raced to gun down as many fighters as they could. A dogfight erupted around the three remaining pirate vessels while the other fell out of the air. Valti's eyes watched the one they managed to knock out catch fire in its descent to the earth. She watched ten pirate fighters leave their fleet towards the skies.

Victory was expected to be costly since these pirates did not play by any rules of engagement. However neither did captain Wartaker who used to be a pirate herself. I.G.A. aircraft numbered 188 whereas the pirates still had 219. Just because one force outnumbered another did not always guarantee victory. It was surmised these pirates were drunk and disorderly at times after a victory. The Galactic Dame prepared to launch another missile when one of the pirates launched one of their own torpedoes. She had to hold on to something as the ship attempted to evade the torpedoes. One of the struck the protective shell covering the flanks of the engines. Its impact shook the ship a little. All turrets opened fire on the closest pirate ship while the missile crews targeted the other ones. Fighters dropped like flies over the Jumarian pass at the southern border. She sucked on her teeth hoping their own can pull through in this dogfight. If only the Jumarians had their own aircraft. She checked the scanners given to her and watched their ground forces take advantage of no air support for the attackers.

Galactic Dame's crews braced themselves for an onslaught with the pirate ships that began opening fire. Another squadron of fifteen pirate fighters leave for the skies letting their comrades to suffer. One of the ships came under attack by IGA aircraft forcing it to fleet another squadron of pirates follow it. Determined to cripple the battleship the remaining pirates pressed their attacks. A missile shot from its launcher and into the side of the second pirate attacker. It must have been loaded with explosives as it blew up. The closest one got peppered with turret fire and anti-aircraft fire. Eight more fighters gave up and went for a landing in a field on Jumarian lines. Pieces of the ship flew everywhere with debris hitting the back of her sister pirate. Two pirate fighters went crashing down while the rest turned tail and fled. Jumarian skies remained clear of enemy forces for the time being. On the ground the battle kept raging yet some enemy units began to flee and back out. Victory was assured to the defenders of Jumar as the invaders called for a retreat via radio and horn. On the ground the invader lost more than half of their forces. A total loss of 315, 601 KIA, 2,406 taken prisoner, 5,651 going AWOL due to fear, disinterest, loss of air support, and the act of giving up. As for the rest of the invaders had to march back to Nazdar territory. Valti leaned back to relax after witnessing a relieving victory. Once a treaty was signed forcing the invader to recognize Jumarian sovereignty they learned the enemy lost more men. In the mountains, and foothills 9,517 died of disease, and 3,777 died of frostbite.

At home Valti still contemplated over that battle while she healed. Her own unit suffered heavy losses and were among the 1,012 KIA, 1,383 wounded, and the 61 or more who lost their minds. They kept shouting about something concerning those lizard reptilians called the Andazi. She did not know about the other casualties they suffered nor did she know the casualties the Jumarians suffered. Valti did hear something disturbing that happened among the pirates who surrendered. Eleven females sank their nails into one female who was very attractive. One of the males got to impregnate her against her will. The promoted Captain Valti shook that away from her thoughts feeling calm as she thought of Intervention #119 that brought tanks, artillery, guns, and air craft to the Jumarians. 

Stranded Horrors: Going In

Next to the doorway was another poor victim of the mutated creatures. A Lybresan officer holding the rank of Chief Petty Officer was pinned to the wall with the bone spikes. Each Lybresan officer wore a pin made from a certain metal showing the position in the hierarchy of their navies. This one wore a copper pin one of the lower positions. Jenere had no time to ponder on what metals went with what rank or status within the hierarchy. Under this copper pin was the lifeless corpse’s name, Gantar Kriscan. This Chief Petty Officer Gantar Kriscan had been sliced up before being pinned with spikes. At a closer glance Jenere made out that he was a half goblin despite the scars and eaten in certain parts of his body. Where the flesh was torn by teeth, blood was sucked up. Jenere had seen this type of blood sucking at some island off Evusia.

“Captain Omavern, Captain Omavern are you alive? Can you read me? Over.” He heard Caniir’s voice pop up through the hand radio.

“Yes, we are still alive. We discovered more bodies, mutations, some winged monsters and some survivors. What about your end? Over.” Omavern reported to his commanding Captain. He could make out shooting on her end plus a screaming woman.

“On our side we discovered one poor survivor, one ship, four U-boats, each one is from a different faction. It seems our allies or employer’s allies decided to have a party without us. As always lots of blood, bodies, carnage, and strange mutations engaged us. Over.” Zana explained through her own hand radio.

“What about our new friends up top? Over.” Jenere asked into the speaking piece. He looked around making sure no more mutations remained nearby.

“I don’t know. Over.” Zana replied to his question. Jenere took that with a bit of sour taste in his mouth then turned to the ceiling.

The winged figure managed to yank something free. She did not wrench it free without causing pain. A scream of agony emitted from the lips of the winged figure’s comrade. Garbled speech was all that came out followed by another scream of pain. Clutching on to the freed comrade the winged figure swooped down. Not giving any warning she landed on the platform near them. Every pirate there turned her way as they pointed their guns on her. Jenere raised a hand to stop them from shooting her.

“Stop men, do not heed her just focus on the open doors.” He ordered his crew. Jenere thought of their reserves wondering if they would like a taste of the action. His gaze was fixed on the winged figure.

“We have more urgent business here. Stay here if you wish or hitch a ride with a friend or perhaps wait for us.” He said to the figure not caring about who they were. She held her bleeding colleague in her arms.

“What can I do with her now? I am no medic!” This winged female shouted into her wrist, which she held up in her face. She propped the wounded colleague up with one arm.

“Take her back to the ship? Fyrith there are still monsters prowling inside! And I am not going back! Now pirates have boarded! Over!” The figure complained to whoever was on the other end.

“Oh, do I just ask them? Fine I will ask them!” She turned to the pirates who had lowered their weapons.

Jenere already knew the question before she spoke again. He wanted to leave this agent or spy here with a craft to use to escape. His own mission tugged at his mind. Each team of pirates were armed and ready to storm the floating castle whenever he was. For one second he paused before placing a hand on the door. The winged figure looked at the pirates once more.

“Could we borrow a boat?” He heard from the side.

“Go join the Orc.” Jenere heard himself say. Pushing on the door he found it was already open. Someone tried to close it well before they came along. Using his elf eyesight, he peaked inside. A dark corridor that lead to the other docking bay presented itself. He could tell because the door was wide open. On the left side he saw nothing but a wall covered in blood, muck, and several corpses pinned to it. A blockade sat in front of two other doors along the wall and the end. Whoever created the blockade could not hold it for long. He reloaded the revolver in preparation for more encounters with mutations on board. Jenere moved cautiously into the corridor. Checking the ceiling the elf pirate hoped he killed all those arachnid looking mutations. Each step he took put his boots in blood, guts, and a body part.

The mushing sounds, and grotesque noises hi footsteps made would sicken others. Jenere handled it well since he was used to boarding decks coated in carnage. His eyes saw only the aftermath. Yet the elf sensed danger close to him. In the middle of this corridor he made out some steps leading up. Behind him he heard the footsteps of his own crew coming in. He turned around and checked how many followed him in.

In the corner beside the open door was a humanoid creature clinging to the walls. Bellow this pale-gray creature stood another humanoid. Holding an erect posture this new encounter he missed had the appearance of a tall half-goblin. It wielded some strange staff weapon. Jenere saw many strange, and horrifying weapons and monsters during his lifetime. Taking a better look he saw metal legs, wires and other copper attached to the skin. One eye was replaced with mechanics and alien technology.

“Captain watch out!” one of the crewmates yelled.

Assuming they meant the Goblin Jenere fired twice. He hit the goblin in the chest. Both shots scared the clinging mutation that jumped over him. It raced to the blood slipping as it landed on the surface. A longer tongue stuck out of its mouth. Ignoring the goblin his eyes focused on the long-tongued creature that landed on the bloodied floor. Eight pirates who joined him poised to shoot it.

Whatever this creature was before its mutated transformation it had a taste for blood and muck. That alone three them off as it scooped and sucked up what it called food. No one took a shot at this blood sucker. Leaving it alone just left it vulnerable to something else. A large monster mutation charged down the steps. Part reptile, part predator, and part large mammal this new monstrosity attacked the Filth Licker. It tore its throat shaking the corpse. Just like a dog this mutated beast ripped the creature up like a chew toy. It reminded Jenere Omaver of a jungle hound snatching a doll from a little girl. It ripped it apart before jumping back into the jungle. Scared, and panicked by the sudden surprise his pirates shot up this new beast. Things could not get any more interesting. The mutation collapsed on the bloodied floor. Jenere expected more mutations to show up, because of the shooting. He pricked his ears up to pick up any noise up ahead of them. Their eyes focused on the mixed mutation that fell apart.

“Did you see that? The monster fell apart!” one of the crew mates exclaimed from behind Omavern. He sensed a hint of fear in the pirate’s voice. No one should blame him, since this was a new kind of enemy.

“Let’s just go up those steps my pirate mates.” Jenere ordered his crew.

            Jenere glanced at the mutation falling apart. The detached pieces showed where it was sewn and attached. He could have sworn he saw stitches, and staples holding this thing together. The Elf Captain paused to crouch next to the pieces. On its neck was a collar-tag with the name Experiment 11092 “Ammit 9X”. An idea hit him about why those ships and this barge sat here full of mutations. The Gantronese wanted the Vestrisians and their allies to find these craft in the ocean. Jenere took the Collar-tag off this Ammit 9X then turned to its victim. Filth Licker Akaname Experiment 17443 had its throat ripped open. Curiosity about these experiments grew very strong inside his head. He turned his head towards his crew.

            “Check that Goblin!” he ordered them. He watched one of his own men check the dead hostile. They cautiously took it off as if the thing would revive and kill him.

            “It is called a Goblinok 77 Captain! Experiment 17324 is the identification.” One of them said from their end of the corridor. Jenere took the collars and tags off the bodies. Kezef would certainly appreciate this discovery. He thought to himself and pocketed the id’s.

“Grab the other collar id off that Goblin mutant! We have more to collect.” Jenere ordered the crew then pressed up the stairs.

With cautious steps he ascended to the next level Much like the walls in the corridor behind him carnage decorated the walls like some bloody holiday festival. Most of the décor were the pesky aquatic humanoid warriors they fought in the waters. At least six were nailed or tied to the wall with wires. Jenere took a closer look when one of them came back alive.

“We…the…cough, cough…we the Aquanne Hitto are not Gantronese pets…” the aquatic warrior spat out, sputtering blood from his mouth, and coughed while trying to speak.

Jenere was confused by this revelation. Aren’t these Aquanne Hitto supposed to be allied with the Gantronese?  He thought to himself as memories of the battle surfaced in his mind. This sudden change of allegiance was sure to throw everyone off. Choosing not to report now seemed better given the current situation and the vendetta that grew among their side. The moment he looked at this Aquanne Hitto the aquatic humanoid died. It felt a bit depressing watching a possible witness die right there when information could be revealed. Zana’s voice popped up in the radio.

“Omavern, Omavern are you there? Over.” She asked through the radio device.

“Yes, Zana I am on board the barge. I just discovered these mutations are experiments. Each one of them has a collar-tag id. Over.” Jenere said through the radio mouthpiece.

“Interesting, Admiral Kezef would like to have those and any more you find and collect. Go to a map layout of the barge. I am near the engines and the generator rooms. I lost three of my men, heard screams and shooting up top. Over.” Zana replied to Jenere.

“We are still close to the docking stations on this barge, over.” He placed the hand radio back in the pocket it was placed. Jenere scanned the walls with his eyes, searching for a diagram or layout map of the ships. His gaze went to the end of a long corridor hall. On each side were more doors, and other hallways trailing off. At the very end were two closed doors.

Seeing more carnage stretching as far as the two closed doors he could hardly make out any layouts on the walls. When he stepped one foot forward a small group of mutations appeared into view. A total of five came at them from hiding places in the corridor-hall. All members of his party fought these mutations until all the hostiles lay dead. One of their own were killed by these hostile mutations. It was a quick engagement that appeared to end with one pirate dead and five mutations killed. Having lost another pirate, Omavern had to cover this fallen crew member with the pirate’s red flag. Jenere knelt hoping his crew member still breathed. As he placed a hand on the dead face one of his own pirates got scooped up by something on the ceiling. Drawing attention from a dead colleague the attacker revealed itself.

On the ceiling some amphibian mutant clung to the ceiling and ate another victim. Its blood covered mouth showed it had eaten more victims before the pirates came along. To its misfortune the last meal was one of Jenere Omavern’s pirates. Feeling rage build up inside he drew his blade and drove it into the bowels of the toad mutant. Allowing the mutant to fall on him he signaled for the rest to check the nearest hall. A tall goblinoid looking pirate volunteered to check the hall. Another mutant toad grabbed him with a long tongue. Jenere managed to push the dying mutant off him. One more pirate was gone. This other toad mutant came under attack by the rest of his boarding party. Several more pirates rushed out of an entry way to the storage room bellow. Two of these crew mates helped him get up.

“Leave no mutant alive!” He growled inspiring his crew of pirates. A roar of approval come from them.

“Signal for the rest of ours to board.” He commanded a dark-haired half elf. Out of the corner of his eye he spotted the winged humanoid he told to join the Orc Cliff. Jenere nodded a hello to her, surprised to see her here. She saluted and flew down to the double doors. They watched her check each side briefly before returning to their side.

“It is all clear over there. Every door is locked along the hall.” She reported to Jenere as though she was one of his own crew.

“Your name, associate crew mate.” He requested from the new ally.

“Jilaris Kalman at your service, Captain.” She answered gave a bow. “What are your orders Captain?”

“Check the areas above our position.” Jenere ordered her. She bowed once more and took her leave of the pirates.

Caroling his own boarding parties he pressed the advance down the next hall. Every single room they came across were searched and cleared of any hostiles they found inside. In his head he counted six more hostiles killed in this hall. One of his crew snatched a collar off one of the toad mutants. On the tag it read MTS-1 Toad. The crew member handed him the collar. He took it with a grin. Before moving on, he marked each door of the rooms they found and searched.

With his boarding party Jenere moved through the other levels of the Castle like Barge. Starting from the halls not sealed off or blocked they pressed on as one group. On each level of the barge’s stern they made better discoveries. Entire caches of weapons were found, 12 chests found full of valuables, documents, 11 barrels, full of goods, 11 interesting crates, and cabinets full various valuables. Other finds included trinkets, guns, jewelry, coins, prized blades, and plenty of religious artifacts. On one of the levels they came to just one side was nothing but glass. Whichever level they were on it looked over the weather deck. Surrounded by four structure thick walls the weather deck held significant amount of cargo. It consisted crates, barrels, stockpiles of canisters, cages, boats covered with tarps and heavy land turrets.

To Jenere it was a gold mine. More than enough loot for the whole lot of them. His eyes widened with awe and bewilderment. Two thousand pounds of coinage for each load of each stockpile was the estimate he placed for a price. Considering how far he would have to travel his employer posed a bit of a barricade to his plans. Either he gains permission, quits, or loses this career for insubordination. Each option had its pros, and cons. All he could focus on was how to get as much loot out as possible.

“Stay back, Back, I, I am not enemy, please U7-Plois it’s me Dr. Grief, your friend, father, creator, and master, stay back. Obey me! STAY BACK OBEY! OBEY!” a panicked voice shouted and begged. The demanding voice came from one of the rooms towards the center. Jenere motioned for his party to encircle the rooms. One his fastest runners raced back with the new ally to bring more of their parties. A skinny, reptilian humanoid with a curved beak in a lab coat over stretchy tight fit jumpsuit backed out of a room. He presumed it was Dr. Grief the creator and master of the attacking mutation.

A Goblinok 77 stepped out of the room this reptile named Dr. Grief exited. It advanced on this scientist who fell backwards on the floor. Every pirate who was with Jenere in the hall opened fire on this one Goblinok 77. The wired, metal covered, and mutated Goblin experiment fell on its back. Most of the pirates fired two or three rounds into the experiment. Jenere marched up to the shot up Goblinok 77. With zero thought and hesitation he cut off its head to ensure it stayed dead. He did not know how much experimenting was done to it, but he had to be sure. As the head came off it was clear he made sure it would not get back up.

“Thank you, gentlemen, I believed my own creation would kill me if it were not for you. Most of the experiments on board this vessel tried taking over. Con found it Dr. Febulltoal should have kept them all held up in rooms and cells.” Dr. Grief said as Jenere helped him up to his feet.

“You are welcome Doctor, what did you call yourself? I am Captain Jenere Omavern of the Abomination, a privateer to the VUVR.” He had to introduce himself as he was a gentleman of fortune, and Elf Noble.

“Dr. Vyktar Griefscar, Nerdah Scientist, serving contractor to the Grand Empire of the Gantronese on Calorn. Also known as the GEGC.” This scientist blindly introduced himself.

            He then froze to the floor scared stiff. At first Jenere thought he saw another hostile experiment reveal itself. Walking up to the room he had a hand on a weapon. In case this Vyktar fellow saw another hostile, he gripped a dagger as he checked the room. He found nothing but a lab and emergency room. Jenere turned away to face the long window and the new acquaintance.

            “Are you pirates? I thought I heard you say privateers of the V.U.V.R.” Vyktar asked him.

            “Yes, we are, in fact we are hired privateers who work under the employ of the V.U.V.R. an enemy to your Gantronese masters. Either you come clean and surrender or turn to join a crew.” Jenere answered him, offering options to the scientist.

            “Become a prisoner or an outlaw. Captain which choice sounds like a prettier ending? Handcuffed, shot, or hunted down later?” Vyktar asked him.

            “Option number three means no prisoner of war status, not interrogation, no beatings, and you won’t be shot. That is a guarantee if you join us.” Jenere offered to the reptile scientist with a stretched-out hand to him.

            “As a Nerdah I have an uncontrolled mouth. This vessel or floating castle of storage, held experiments, and prisoner lab rats. A certain colleague of mine, Dr. Penway aka. Dr. Hugsys had a strange obsession with the experiments on board. I warn you she is responsible for the chaos and may be found fooling around.” Vyktar warned him.

            “Where is she?” Jenere asked.

            “Check the look out station on the top floor. This ship has two bridges, three radar stations, two lookouts, a barracks, cabins, holding cells, docks, and its own loading crane. There is more to this chaos, because you see when the lock down on the experiments began they grew violent, and certain desires rose up.” Vyktar explained to Jenere who got a good picture of what happened here.

            “Go to the docks bellow us either hitch a ride or wait for us.” Jenere said to the scientist while handing him a Victor 22 Pistol he had stashed in a back pocket. He wished he had the current release model Victor 32 from Vestrisia. However, the 22 would have to do.

            Scientist and Pirates parted ways for now. Jenere made his way to the end of the corridor where another foe stood. It had been hiding from view at the start of another hallway. Some large nine-foot-tall humanoid construct appeared to be asleep with an armored figure in its grasp. Whoever the figure was their combat armor was in pieces with some broken parts still attached to their tight spandex jumpsuit. Behind the pair lay more carnage that stretched from the construct’s feet to the end of another hall.

            At the end of that hall a familiar figure appeared into view. They waved at the crew causing Jenere to smile. It was obvious that person believed the two figures were dead and had other tasks on their end. Jenere grabbed the radio and spoke into it.

            “Is that you I see Captain Caniir?” He asked feeling happy to see a friendly soul on this carnage filled vessel.

            “Yes and I managed to seize half the vessel for us. Except for the parts that are locked down. We will need access codes, and um Kezef has new orders to bring in any thing locked up. He also wants us to drag in survivors you come across. Exterminate all hostiles including that Golem 277 in front of you. Kill it before it wakes up again. Over.” Canirr said from her end.

            “I will do that, over.” Jenere draw a revolver and checked the chamber. Only two bullets remained in their slots. Knowing his luck he still had twelve or more bullets on his belt. Using the two rounds he shot them into the construct’s forehead. Ten shots followed his own shooting. Jenere turned around, discovering his own crew killed three more hostiles. Each one appeared to be an experiment that tried to ambush them.

            “Oh good, they are finally dead! They waited for you to come here.” The freed armored figure finally spoke. Jenere turned his attention away to see a violet skinned female with jet black hair and blue streaks. Her hair was tied in a short Transoun style showed signs of ruffling and helmet hair. The violet skinned female propped herself up to her butt. She struggled to get up from the floor then collapsed on the floor.

            “Don’t get up on the leg that Golem gripped you with. Let me help you.” Jenere advised her then chose to help her.

            Taking one arm he ordered for one of his pirates to pick her up. Whoever this figure was she felt very light. Both Jenere and the other pirate lifted her off the floor. She winced and gasped from the pain she experienced in parts of her body.

            “Ow, ow, that hurts, that hurts, fudge, careful pirate! OW! A member of strike operations team 323 of the A.G.P.K. AGH, survives the failed mission. OOF! Great report to Admiral Master Khagvis. Dangit, ow!” the violet skinned elite spat out as she endured the pain.

            “What is your rank, name and how many were in your team?” Jenere asked her.

            “Corporal Lieutenant Lelleen, ow, Kyneer, I was under, … Captain Draguun’s supervision. I went with a platoon of 36 other elites.” Lelleen answered him in pain.

            “I will leave you in the care of Captain Caniir. She has medics with her. Crew mate carry Kyneer to Captain Caniir’s side of the ship.” He said before leaving them.

            “Aye, aye Captain.” The pirate answered him and carried Lieutenant Kyneer to Zana’s location for her safety.

            “Come back when she permits it.” He cried after him, hoping he heard his own Captain.

            “A-Amethorians destroy, cough, when they say, cough, cough keep, cough, keep the peace, cough, akh, cough!” a voiced levied their words badly as they tried to speak. Drawing his attention to the source Jenere was tempted to either kill or take a prisoner.

            Four figures lay among the mutated experiments full of bullet holes and bleeding. A flaxen skinned humanoid wearing a Seer Officer Uniform of light blue. These Seers of the Gantronese had the badge in the shape of an eye. Thanks to the mingling with Onna he learned all the ranks and positions alongside the professions within the Gantronese Empire.

            “Are the rest of the survivors in the look out bridge?” Jenere asked the Seer Officer who did not answer him.

            “Take him prisoner. The rest of you come with me.” He ordered two more pirates to take the wounded Flaxen Seer Officer to the boats. He waited for them to carry him away before going up.

            Stepping over the corpses of Goblinok 77, Ghoul 66X, and two EM 44’s he led the rest of his boarding party. He recalled all the mutations they engaged. Lifting the radio to his mouth Jenere reported to Zana.

            “Zana, we have the last of them. I am going in, over.” Switching off the radio the pirate ascended the stairs, reloading one of his revolvers. As he took each step, he remembered having five belts on the Abomination in his own quarters. At total of eighteen bullets were on each belt that hung in his closet.

            Just a contingent of pirates followed him up. It was enough to clear out the last of the hostiles. As they came up to the top stairs voices started to enter their hearing range. Getting closer to the source they made it to the top where they heard more voices. From the top of the stairs voices became clear to their ears. The distinct voice of a very excited female could be heard above other voices protesting something.

            “Oh honey wunnies I love this!” the female cried out with joy. Her voice carried all over the hall.

            “Things will go your way.” A strange voice stated aloud. “My tentacles shall please all mates who find me irresistible!”

            “Yes, oh yes!” the female shrieked with delight while other voices propped up in protest and disgust.

            Jenere found the source of all the commotion. Inside the main lookout bridge a large tentacle being grappled a blue skinned elf with red hair. She appeared to be enjoying this mingling. Whereas a brown skinned Emergency Response had a great distaste for it. He did not pay any heed to where the tentacles were going. Taking a good look around the room he counted 29 individuals held hostage. They were either grappled by wires that came alive some how, tied to chairs, hooked to the wall, or bound by tendrils. Six mutations with rope like tendrils for arms held some of the hostages in their grasp. One of the hostages tied to the chair was a blue elf female doctor with a sign that read her name. “Dr. Penway Penis Eater” written in bad hand writing hung above her head. She was getting stuffed in the mouth by a mutant with long fingers that kept going. Behind the hostages was the main glass window where he spotted Jillaris wielding a shot gun. He aimed for the one thing controlling all this the tentacle monster.

            Taking aim down the sites he immediately cocks the revolver. The clicking sound drew the monster’s attention. A free tentacle swung at them scattering some of the members of his boarding party. It knocked down a few of his pirates who sprung up and started shooting it. Jenere shot every bullet in the chamber when Jillaris blasted her way in. Glass and shells went everywhere. Whatever the tentacle monster was it released all its captives to focus on its attackers as the lit it up with bullets. Jenere cut one its tentacles off and got hit by one of the mutations. He saw the long-fingered mutation still humping Penway’s face as though nothing were happening. Jillaris shot two rounds into the mutation rescuing Dr. Penway from suffocation. Jenere got up and killed one of the long-limb mutations as his boarding party focused on the main monster. Jillaris shot up the rest of the long-limb mutation with two other pirates. When the tentacle monster was down on the floor full of holes Jenere checked his surroundings to see none of his pirates fell, zero hostages died, and all the hostages soiled themselves. As for the two partners of the tentacles they had passed out.

            “Release me, release me someone release and let me finish off Lytryx Spawn O-7!” Penway yelled, not happy she just had a mouth full of meat shoved inside her. Jillaris shrugged and cut her free. The female scientist snatched the shot gun from her and finished the tentacle Spawn O-7 with a shotgun shell into the eye socket. She turned to Jenere and bowed to him.

            “Thank you good, sirs, and madam, Dr. Penway at your service.” Dr. Penway introduced herself before collapsing to the floor.

 Aside from the glass, blood dead mutations, and residue some of the captives collapsed on the floor when they were released from their bonds. Those who collapsed to the floor in puddles of blood, mucus, broken glass, and their own mess. Jenere and his boarding party began carrying the captives down the stairs. He heard a bunch of footsteps approach their area.

Zana and a bunch of her own pirates arrived just in time. Twenty-nine captured scientists who were previously held hostage by their own creations required aid. Her crew started with the women first. Jenere helped carry the wounded down to the docks where Vyktar waited. All the people they discovered or came across had to be laid down gently. The two pirate Captains sent the survivors to the ship they got to keep and clean up. Before they were sent off Zana made a list of their names and occupations. The list also included others who perished. She jotted down the names and the occupation next to the name. Jenere paid more attention to the occupations rather than the names. This list included some fates of the scientists, and members of the team:

·         pyrotechnician,

·         mutant scientist,

·         Emergency Responder,

·         Life Support Engineer,

·         Doctor,

·         DNA Surgeon,

·         Inventor,

·         Programmer,

·         Audiologist,

·         Cyberneticist,

·         Chemist,

·         female Hologram Designer,

·         Surveyor “killed”

·         Special Officer “torn”

·         Threat Mediator

·         Cryogenics Worker

·         Civil Engineer “throat slit”

·         Board Member “trampled”

·         Genecist (smashed head)

·         Pet Breeder eaten whole

·         Sustainability Officer

·         Necromancer (shot in head)

·         Engineer

·         Hunter “ripped apart”

·         Disaster Analyst,

·         Machinist,

·         female Memory Surgeon,

·         Zoologist,

·         Astrologist,

·         female A.I. Developer,

·         pious Demonologist,

·         Translator,

·         A.I. Supervisor,

·         Robotics Supervisor,

·         Trainer “crushed”

·         Seer “eaten”

·         Mecha Operator

·         Synthesist

Jenere sent the reserves to gather all the loot they marked down. When their own craft left the barge with the wounded and survivors the leaders took a stroll. Jenere had two of the biggest members of his boarding party join them. Zana left one of her high-ranking members in charge. She brought two of her larger crew mates. As a group, six pirates reentered the barge. This time there were no hostiles to deal with. Using some bolt cutters, and the brutes’ strength they got through the closed off sections.

            “This barge hold experiments and prisoners as well.” Zana observed when they plowed through a door leading to the weather deck, and the main deck. Rain drizzling down on the decks welcomed the pirates.

            Jenere rushed over to the cages he spotted earlier. Each of the cages were empty yet seemed prepped to hold something. Observing the cages he noticed labels with names on them. He realized these were the names of creatures according to the label next to experiment number. One read Longana and labelled as “fun experiment”. Next to that cage was a larger one reserved for a Griffin. He looked around, discovering an entire aisle dedicated to imprisoning humanoids and beasts alike.

            Zana went further than him. Her face lit up and glowed. It reminded him of a little girl at her favorite place in the world. She tugged at something next to a stack of crates. Jenere went over to help her while the others rested and a group of pirates picked up the boats, and canoes. Zana was tugging at a tarp weighted down. He helped her remove the weights and pulled it off. It covered a large trapdoor on the floor of the weather deck. Both Captains opened the doors together. Revealing some stairs the opened trap door showed it lead down to the lower decks. Unsure if there were any more hostiles Zana grabbed something. She tossed a pipe wrench done the stairs. Aside from the noise it made going down it produced a loud clanging noise when it hit the floor. The loud noise was followed by screams from down below. Rustling of chains, and growling followed afterwards. Not sure if the noise came from humanoids, beasts or mutations Zana called down.

“Hello down there this is Captain Caniir, privateer captain of the Vestrisians.” She called down to those below them. A bit of crying, a roar, and movement replied to her first.

“Hi, th-there, um, are you…with those Gantronese?” a small feminine voice rose up. Their voice sounded close to the steps with an accent. Jenere recognized that accent from his past. It was a Guvmari Nymph’s accent. Guvmari was mostly inhabited by elves, gnomes, some Dwarfs, and Nymphs. A little Nymph with that same voice named Ilo popped up in his head.

“Ilo, Ilo Teven, is that you down there?” he called down to the Nymph.

A small faced appeared at the bottom of the stairs. The figure moved into view so they can see her better. A four-foot Nymph in some strange uniform bearing a Gantronese symbol appeared. She had bob hair that had been recently cut. Jenere did not recognize Ilo at first making him squint to focus on her face. A green orchid flower tattoo on her right cheek gave her away to him. He remembered the dancing Nymph with that same tattoo. Jenere descended the stairs to green an old friend.

“It’s me Jenere Omavern.” He said grabbing a small hand. Memories of this little Nymph during his earlier days at say resurfaced. Ilo was still young in her Nymph years, 45 years old at that time. Before he got married, they mingled a little and shared moments together. Tears ran down her pretty face as she looked up at him. Ilo jumped on him, causing him to remember his name for her, love flower. The elf caught the bob haired Nymph as she clung to him. Each one embraced the other. Neither had seen each other for some time.

“What are you doing here?” he asked Ilo putting her down on the floor.

“I was made into a slave then confiscated from my master. Later I became sold to act as a care taker to the creatures here.” Ilo answered him. Omavern’s heart sank to the bottom of his stomach. What she said killed any joy he had during this moment. She grabbed his hand and pulled him further into the hold.

Cages full of creatures and humanoids lined the hold he just entered. All the cages took up much of the space this hold had. Nineteen care takers had hunkered down here doing their assigned tasks. Among them were elves, humans, and hybrids from all over Calorn. Every single one of them wore a similar uniform Ilo had one. As he approached them, they cowered as if her was going to hurt them. He left them alone to check out the rest of this hold. Somehow these care takers managed to keep the hold illuminated with lanterns, and working lights. One of the creatures moved again rustling some chains. Jenere checked the cages using his elf sight and the lights. He found a black Griffin, A Wyvern in chains, a Sphinx chained and muffled. A total of three Harpy Furies or Winged Elves caged on one side. On another aisles he found a Basilisk captured by slaves according to the label on its cage like cell. Towards the end of the hold a female Red Oni, another Blue Oni, and a Sozae Purple Oni in the same cell. Each one seemed disgruntled over the captivity.

Other caged humanoids included a Phooka, some monkey looking goblin with long hairy ears, and a tail who kept cursing his captors, seven Nymphs from other worlds, a Buggame Ogre with the large features, small nose, and double chins sat in his own cell. In the far left corner of the hold was a hairy dragon known as a Velue Dragon with a shock collar around it. Next to it sat a large tank of water holding a female aquatic humanoid called a Longona. The rest of these caged monsters included a six-legged demon named Bukovac, an antlered deer fiend called Bies Beast, a Dubach in a water tank and some long snake looking Imoogi Dragon with limbs.

As he looked for a means to release these creatures three mutations ambushed him from the shadows of the hold. Some hairy goblinoid mutant with prosthetic arms jumped on his back. It started choking him from behind, and a Large Bat Mutant known as the Otang slammed him down on the floor. An aquatic humanoid wrapped its tail around his legs. Jenere struggled to free himself to no effect. His hand went straight for a dagger to stab the goblinoid. It took some struggling, but he managed to grab it. The dagger found its target, but only injured it. Whatever this experiment was it screamed out loud from the pain of being stabbed. A metal hand hit him in the head nearly knocking him out. The goblinoid came to his view with the dagger embedded in his shoulder. It held the exact appearance of a large monkey. He squirmed a little but the other mutations were too strong for him. Jenere saw Ilo attempt to save him. She picked up the heavy wrench thinking of hitting one of the mutations. The Otang screamed at her causing her to drop it out of fear. On his back the world in a blurry vision. Zana’s figure raced down the steps to check out the noise. She immediately drew a pistol in order to shoot his assailants. Only three shots came out of the barrel signifying that she should have reloaded the weapon with a fresh clip. It hit the aquatic creature who turned on her out of anger.

As it lunged at her a long scaly tail knocked the large bat off him, and slammed the aquatic creature down. This tail then wraps around the aquatic monster and pulls it towards the mutant bat’s position. The goblin monkey finally yanked the dagger out of its shoulder. Zana hit it across the room with a swing of the pipe wrench Ilo dropped. Behind her all the caretakers cowered under the stairs watching helplessly with horror in their eyes. Jenere felt himself get up with help from Zana he turned to the remaining attackers. Two pirates watched the other two mutations get squeezed to death by a draconic snake tail. Their eyes trailed it to the source. Their gaze went over to the cage that held the Imoogi who simply blinked at them.