#a.o.s | Explore Tumblr Posts and Blogs

electrospherevaults · 4 months

Text

Defiler - Chapter 25

[Click here to read the rest of the Defiler story]

Wound, Part II

[ESTABLISHING LINK...] [....................000%] [///.................016%] [////////............044%] [/////////...........045%] [///////////.........056%] [/////////////////...088%] [////////////////////100%] [LINK COMPLETE]

[OPERATION: WOUND SYSTEM: -BLANK- PLANET: EONOV JURISDICTION: INDEPENDENT A.O.E: NORTHERN HEMISPHERE, SPACE ABOVE PLANET DANGER LEVEL: CRITICAL STATUS: INITIATING]

[LINK WITH 301ST PROLITHE TACTICAL WING SQUADRON – CALLSIGN “GAUNTLE”, ESTABLISHED.]

Gauntle 1 – Jerry << Gauntle 1 to all Gauntle wings, check in. >>

Gauntle 2 - Bronze << Gauntle 2, on standby. >>

Gauntle 3 << Gauntle 3, on standby. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Tinker, on standby! >>

Gauntle 3 << Gauntle 4... >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Ah, sorry Jerry! Gauntle 4, on standby! >>

Gauntle 5 – Golden Boy << Gauntle 5, on standby! >>

Gauntle 6 – Malaise << Gauntle 6, standing by! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Gauntle 7, on stand-by. >>

Gauntle 8 – Spanner << Gauntle 8, standby. >>

Gauntle 1 – Jerry << All checks complete. Look alive folks – we’ll be joining with the 877th Jardinista Tactical Fighter Squadron, callsign Jaune. Don’t embarrass me in front of our enemies. >>

Gauntle 3 << Roger that, Gauntle Leader. >>

Gauntle 1 – Jerry << And Renard? Try not to be such an uptight ass. >>

Gauntle 3 << Can’t do that, Gauntle Leader. >>

[ERROR: MULTIPLE CONCURRENT COMMUNICATIONS LINKS ACTIVE]

Gauntle 2 – Bronze << A’ight, ev’ryone cut the chatter. We closin’ in with Zaune. >>

Gauntle 1 – Jerry << Look sharp, Gauntle! Tinker, link us up. >>

[ESTABLISHING LINK...] [....................000%] [/////////////////...089%] [////////////////////100%] [LINK WITH 877TH JARDINISTA TACTICAL FIGHTER SQUADRON – CALLSIGN “JAUNE”, ESTABLISHED.]

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << That was fast! >>

Gauntle 5 – Golden Boy << Yeah, you’d figure it’d take longer, being- >>

Jaune 1 – [ERROR; CALLSIGN CANNOT BE LOADED] << This is Lieutenant [STATIC]. The Jaune Squadron will be flying with you today. >>

Gauntle 1 – Jerry << You are speaking with Captain Perrault, Gauntle Squadron Leader. Gauntle-301 accepts. >>

Jaune 1 - [ERROR; CALLSIGN CANNOT BE LOADED] << Gauntle, huh? A fine Scythian name indeed! I assume you have been briefed on the revised assault plan? >>

Gauntle 1 – Jerry << What revised assault plan? >>

Jaune 1 – [ERROR; CALLSIGN CANNOT BE LOADED] << We got an escort mission on top of everything else. >>

Gauntle 1 – Jerry << An escort mission? >>

Jaune 1 – [ERROR; CALLSIGN CANNOT BE LOADED] << Mhmm. The powers that be decided the classic five-way thrust assault is not enough. Even if it worked wonders against the starchildren a hundred years ago. >>

Gauntle 2 – Bronze << So what’re we escorting? >>

Jaune 2 – Gigi << Precious cargo. Boarding parties. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << We’re boarding the planet-killer?! >>

Jaune 1 – [ERROR; CALLSIGN CANNOT BE LOADED] << Indeed... Uh, I guess I’ll call you Tinker, since that’s what showing up on my comms. I only hope it works for us too. >>

Jaune 5 – Monkey << If I may be so bold, capitan- >>

Jaune 3 – Orphan << Monkey, no. >>

Jaune 5 – Monkey << The plan still seems way too risky to me. We got a tried and true battle formation, which is proven to work. What is different now? >>

Jaune 1 – [ERROR; CALLSIGN CANNOT BE LOADED] <>

Jaune 5 – Monkey << All I’m saying- >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Wait, I recognize this voice. Luc? >>

Jaune 5 – Monkey << Jean-Michel? Is that you?! >>

Jaune 2 – Gigi << Oh great, now there’s two of them. >>

[PRIVATE COMMUNICATIONS CHANNEL ESTABLISHED]

Jaune 5 – Monkey << Holy shit, Jean-Michel! Didn’t expect to come across you here of all places! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Life plays riddles like that sometimes! How’s the cosmonaut life been treating you, Luc? >>

Jaune 5 – Monkey << Pretty good! I’ve seen the cosmos, and now I’m about to destroy it, evidently! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Heh. Or board it more like. >>

Jaune 5 – Monkey << Hah, for real! Man, we have so much to talk about! I should buy you a beer after all this is over! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << You know I only drink sparkled wine, Luc! >>

** Laughs ** << Think you got enough in your pocket to buy me some? >>

Jaune 5 – Monkey << Haha, fuck you, of course I do! What, you think us Jardinistas just roll in the mud all day? >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << A little. Then, you get in your rockets to play soldiers! >> ** Laughs **

Jaune 5 – Monkey << Ha-ha, fuck you, you prick! >> ** Laughs **

<< ... >> << Listen. About mom- >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Don’t. >> << We’ll mourn the dead later, whilst us wounded still fight. >>

Jaune 5 - Monkey << ... >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << We should get back to the briefing. >>

Jaune 5 – Monkey << Jean-Michel wait! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << What, Luc? >>

Jaune 5 – Monkey << ...I’m glad you’re still alive. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << You too, Luc. >>

Jaune 5 – Monkey << Promise me you’ll stay alive, Jean-Michel. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench <>

Jaune 5 – Monkey <>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << ...I’ll try. And I want you to do the same, Luc. >>

Jaune 5 – Monkey << Wilco. >> << ... >> <>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Heh, right. >> << Just like back home. >>

[PRIVATE COMMUNICATIONS CHANNEL TERMINATED]

Gauntle 1 – Jerry << Look alive, Gauntle! Jaune is taking the lead, we’re passing through Jardinista space. Keep your fingers off your triggers – let’s not start a three-way fight now! >>

Jaune 2 – Gigi <>

Jaune 5 – Monkey << You mean a fight right? >> << ... >> << Right? >>

Jaune 2 – Gigi << You are embarrassing me, Monkey, and you’ll pay for it dearly. >>

Jaune 1 – [ERROR; CALLSIGN CANNOT BE LOADED] << What have I told you two about the comms channels? For crying out loud! >>

Gauntle 5 – Golden Boy << And I thought Tinker would embarrass us! >>

Gauntle 2 – Bronze <>

Jaune 3 – Orphan << I’ve not seen so many since the invasion of Ferrener. >>

Jaune 2 – Gigi << Pray it doesn’t go the same way, Orphan. >>

Gauntle 3 <>

Gauntle 2 – Bronze <>

Gauntle 1 – Jerry <>

Jaune 1 – [ERROR; CALLSIGN CANNOT BE LOADED] << Think the plan will be cancelled? >>

Gauntle 1 – Jerry << Hell no. Too much fuel has been spent. This is a gamble, and we’re the chips. We’ll roll with the dice. >>

Jaune 1 – [ERROR; CALLSIGN CANNOT BE LOADED] << Hm. May the dice be in our favour then. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Gauntle Leader, I see it! I see the starchild! It... >> << Oh gods. >> << It is

Enormous.

[COMMUNICATIONS LOST.]

[RE-ESTABLISHING CONNECTION]

[....................................................................] [CONNECTION TIMED OUT]

[RE-ESTABLISHING CONNECTION]

[..............]

[CONNECTION RE-ESTABLISHED]

[ESTABLISHING LINK...] [....................000%] [/...................004%] [//..................010%] [///.................014%] [///.................014%] [////................016%] [////................017%] [////................016%] [//..................009%] [///.................011%] [///.................011%] [LINK FAILED TO ESTABLISH]

[RETRY TRANSMISSION?] > Yes No

[ESTABLISHING LINK...] [....................000%] [//..................010%] [///.................012%] [///.................014%] [////................016%] [////................017%] [////................016%] [////////////////....082%] [////////////////////100%] [LINK COMPLETE]

[OPERATION: WOUND SYSTEM: -BLANK- PLANET: EONOV JURISDICTION: INDEPENDENT A.O.E: NORTHERN HEMISPHERE, SPACE ABOVE PLANET DANGER LEVEL: CRITICAL STATUS: UNDERWAY]

[LINK WITH 301ST PROLITHE TACTICAL WING SQUADRON – CALLSIGN “GAUNTLE”, RE-ESTABLISHED.]

Gauntle 3 << Sound off! Who’s still alive?! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Gauntle 7, regrouping. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Gauntle 4, wounded but still kicking! >>

Gauntle 3 << How wounded? >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << I, uhhhh, have lost engine 2. 3 is leaking oil – maybe misfire. I’ll reboot just to be sure. >>

Gauntle 7 - Wrench << Anyone else? >>

Gauntle 3 <>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Engine 3 back online! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << What happened to Jaune Squadron? >>

Gauntle 3 <>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Any survivors? >>

Gauntle 3 << Nothing on my radar. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << ... >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << I’m sorry Wrench. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Gauntle 3, think we can get back into action? >>

Gauntle 3 << Our squadron has lost 70% of our fighting capabilities, possibly more given that misfire on Gauntle 4. I think it’d be better to disengage. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << How’s it looking on the rest of the battlefield? >>

Gauntle 3 << Pretty fucking bad, Gauntle 7. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Figures. >>

I got you now.

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << What do you mean “you got me now?” >>

Gauntle 3 << Huh? >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Thought one of you two talked to me on private comms. >>

Gauntle 3 << Nope. No privacy enabled. Just the usual radio chatter. >>

Your name is Jean-Michel du Rembrandt, isn’t it? I will need your help.

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Who are you? >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Wrench, you alright man? >>

Born in Scythia, raised on southern Gaulloiserie… Holy Maker, your world is beautiful! I’ve never seen so much greenery before! I’ve had seen your banners, and your masks, and always thought Scythia was a land of volcanoes and ash. So the Maker wasn’t putting up illusions after all…

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Tinker, perform an analysis on my comms; I might be compromised. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Wilco, gimme a sec! >> << ... >> << All systems nominal, Wrench! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Ugh. Think it might be that Starchild messing with us? >>

Gauntle 3 <>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << I-

I’m fine. Just radio chatter messing up my rhythm. I’ll deal with it.

Gauntle 3 << Aaaaaaalright. Look alive, Jean-Michel. >>

I will need your help, Jean-Michel. It is a big request, however,

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << W-will do, Gauntle 3. >>

Do not be alarmed. We will speak in private – and face to face – from now on.

Jean-Michel << Who the hel- >> << W-where am I? >>

This is a safebox we’re in. Time is immobile. Space is immaterial. It is only you and me in here. Nothing can reach us, nothing can harm us, and we got time to discuss the battle lying ahead. The battle against the Maker. He is wounded now; I incapacitated Him, but I don’t know for how long. So, I am looking to find a way to kill Him.

But I first want to apologize for your friends. Believe me, I did not want things to go this way. But things are very fucked up, as you can tell.

Jean-Michel <>

You are being pretentious. I am no god. My name is Mallik. I am a ratlung from Tabora, the planet below whose god now awakened, and whose god you’ve come to take over.

Jean-Michel << So this starchild is... your god? >>

Used to be. My mother used to believe in Him. My grandmother too.

He killed them both.

Jean-Michel <>

I am well aware, Jean-Michel. I am sorry I could not save your brother. Timespace is tricky; I know it’s of little consolation to you now, but god damn it I tried! Believe me.

Jean-Michel << ...It’s fine. >> << It’s clear you got a lot on your plate, and you’re only just getting used to things. Not every day your god turns out to be real and shares their powers with you personally, only to then betray you, I hazard. >> << But, still, I got to ask you: >> << Why should I trust you? What do you need a random scythian cosmonaut like me for? >> << ... >> << Your abilities far surpass mine – and I’m not even a high ranking officer or anything of sorts. I cannot command, I cannot lead. I am just your typical spaceboy, like you said earlier. It baffles me, if I may be frank with you, ma’am. >>

When I was a kid, I dreamed to fly. I tried to join the academies in the Strip. And each and every time, I would surely be rejected. Heh. Funny thing that.

Jean-Michel << Heh. Didn’t think you had aspirations to be a spaceboy too. >> << Or spacegirl more like. >>

What can I say? Flying is cool. Space is cooler. Your lot may be jerks, but you got skills; the likes of which would make any girl red with envy.

Jean-Michel << Well, I don’t know if I’d call us all jerks, but- >>

Oh, believe me, once you’ve passed by the academy enough times and had so many spaceboys leer at you and whistle, or seen the pros on their off days get so rowdy in front of a ratlung outside the bars and in cruise trips, it is hard to shake off that kind of notoriety away.

Jean-Michel << ... >> << That is horrible. On behalf of the cosmonaut corps, I am deeply sorry for my colleagues. >>

Don’t be. Like I said – flying is cool, and space is cooler. You got the skills, and that is why I need you, Jean-Michel: You fly well. Exceptionally well, may I add. I’ve been pouring over this battle for the past couple hours – how many it’s been, I am uncertain – but, you are the one most capable of pulling it off.

Jean-Michel << Wait, hours? It can’t have been that long, has it? I need to- >>

Spacetime, Jean-Michel. It works differently. The battle lasts exactly twenty-four minutes and thirty-seven seconds in real time. From the time the first bullet rings out to the time the last vessel is struck down.

And it always ends with a graveyard that surrounds a planet cracked in half; another of His “miracles” that He escapes with a black hole He creates.

And I am not letting that happen.

I will need your help in this doomed battle, because the outcome will decide how many will live. On my planet, in your fleet, across the Kingdom whole. Your King, however, will not live to see any of these outcomes. You have a chance to save the Kingdom, Jean-Michel.

But for that, you will need to sacrifice yourself.

Are you willing to die for your King, cosmonaut?

Jean-Michel << Yes ma’am. >>

Okay, don’t “Yes ma’am” me, spaceboy; this is actual life-and-death we are talking about! No intrigues, no fancy fights. No fancy funerals or honours. Drop your soldiering and ask yourself – do I want to die for a man I’ve never met, a man who’ll never remember my name?

Are you truly willing to die for your King, cosmonaut?

Jean-Michel << ... >> << ...Yes. >> << I am a royal cosmonaut from the Scythian Republics, in willing service of King Arcuturus and the Kingdom of Solaria. But above all, I serve Scythia, and her prosperity relies on the prosperity of the Kingdom itself. You said the King will die, but his Kingdom will carry on, correct? Then I am willing to die in his name. >> << Is that a good enough answer for you, Mallik? >>

Very. You are brave, Jean-Michel. I am sorry you have to die.

Jean-Michel << It’s not death, ma’am. We can mourn the dead later, whilst us wounded still fight. >>

You may not see it, but I am smiling at you right now. I hope I can find a way to save you.

Now, here’s my plan, Jean-Michel. Follow it, and we might have a chance. All I ask is that you place your trust in me.

Please.

[SYSTEM REBOOT] [RE-ESTABLISHING TRANSMISSION] [....................000%] [/////////...........048%] [/////////////.......067%] [////////////////////100%] [TRANSMISSION COMPLETE] [LINK WITH GAUNTLE SQUADRON RE-ESTABLISHED]

Gauntle 3 << JEAN-MICHEL, DO YOU COPY? >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Huh? >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Oh hey! He’s alive! >>

Gauntle 3 << Gauntle 7, you missed your fucking check in. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Ah, shit. Sorry. Gauntle 7, standing by. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Better late than never! >>

Gauntle 3 << Better late than dead too. It’s been five minutes. I timed it. >> << Nevermind all that now though, we are to re-enter the battlespace. We are losing badly, they need as many hands as they can get. We’ll fly a 3-wing delta formation, Gauntle 7 I need you on my left. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Roger that, Gauntle 3. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Hey, Renard. How does it feel to be a squadron leader finally? >>

Gauntle 3 << Anxiety-inducing, what with you two on-board. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << You wouldn’t want it any other way. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Feisty now after your powernap, huh? >>

Gauntle 3 << Shut up, both of you. >> << Golden Throne, Gauntle is seeking to re-engage. Give us targets. >>

BATTLESHIP-CARRIER Prolithe – Golden Throne << ... >>

Gauntle 3 << Golden Throne, do you copy? >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Comms look dead to- WATCH OUT! >>

[INTERFERENCE. MINIMIZING VOLUME. NOISE ANALYSIS IN PROGRESS: - Fire - Explosions - Scattered desperate shouting - Death - Death - Death - Death - Death - Death - Death - Death - Death - Death - Death - Death - Death - Deat NOISE DELETED. COMMUNICATIONS RE-ESTABLISHED.]

Gauntle 3 << ... >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench <>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker <> << Renard, where to? >>

Gauntle 3 << ... >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Guess it’s time for his- >>

Gauntle 3 << We are not escaping this battlefield alive, are we? >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << We’re not. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Hey, hey, hey, let’s not get ahead of ourselves! >> << Things are looking pretty fucking dire, but it ain’t over yet! Remember Ferrener? Now that was a clusterfuck – and we made it! >> << So, you know, don’t fucking panic, okay? >> << Now – where to, Gauntle 3? >>

Gauntle 3 << ... >> <>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench <>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << YOU got a plan? >>

Gauntle 3 << What is it, Gauntle 7? >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << On our pass earlier, when we skirted close to the planet-killer, any of you noticed these holes on the surface? >>

Gauntle 3 << I’ve noticed chunks of the structure blown off, but... >> << Tendrils reached from within to pick those chunks back; they put the starchild back together. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Yeah. I thought all the ordinance our fleet had been throwing at it after it blew up the transport ships would do some damage. I... >> << Seriously, how did this formation work a hundred years ago? Just spray and pray it’s dead before you’re out of ammo? >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << You wouldn’t be far off the mark I’d hazard. >> << Either way, I’ve noticed the hull has holes. The starchild cannot patch itself up fully – it is taking too much damage. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << What are you implying, Wrench? >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << We fly in, blow it up from the inside. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << And be back home for dinner? That’s insane, I’m checking your life support levels. >>

Gauntle 3 << It might work. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Okay, I am checking yours too then! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << What other option is out there? >> << Given how much everything is being decimated out here, this might be our only chance at saving the fleet. At saving the King even! >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Wait, King Arcuturus is present? >>

Gauntle 3 << You should really start paying attention to briefing, Gauntle 4. >> << Gauntle 7, how sure are you about getting us to one of the holes in the starchild’s structure? >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Pretty damn sure, Gauntle 3. >>

Gauntle 3 << Gauntle 7, take point. I’ll follow your lead. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << You lot are insane. UGH! Fine! Wrench, I’m right behind you! >> << Not like I was planning to make it to Jensen’s barbeque next Sunday. Prolithe is destroyed anyway. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Use the debris as cover. We must not let the starchild see us. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << If this thing pops real damn eyes next, I’m straight up quitting the force. I want you both to know that. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Alright then, I won’t tell you anything. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << ...For real?! >>

Gauntle 3 << Easy does it, Gauntle 4. Focus on your flying. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Yeah but- >> << Tendrils! 7 o’ clock high! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Evade, evade, evade! >>

Gauntle 3 <>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Renard! >> << UGH! SHIT! FUCK! >>

Gauntle 3 << Gauntle 4, are you okay?! >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Uh, shit, Jean-Michel, perform one of your scans, please? >> << ... >> << Please, tell me good news? >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Holy hell, how is your cockpit not cracked still? >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << This is not encouraging, buddy ol’ pal!!! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench <> << ... >> << It’s not good, Bernice. >>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Hey, quick question? What the FUCK does that mean? >>

Gauntle 3 << Your wreckage is picking up speed, Gauntle 4. You will be out of comms range soon. >> << ... >> <>

Gauntle 4 – Tinker << Hey Renard? Fuck you, come save me! >> << Please! >> << ... >> << Please. >> << Please, I do not want to die. >> << Not here. Not like this. >> << At least shoot me dead! Come on!!! Can’t you spare a missile?! >> << Please don’t let me die! >> << Renard! Jean-Michel! >> << PLEASE! >> << ANSWER, YOU FUCKS! >> <>

[COMMUNICATIONS LOST.]

Gauntle 7 – Wrench <> << ... >> << We got to carry on. >> << You okay, Renard? >>

Gauntle 3 << No. But we’re pressing on regardless. Jean-Michel, I’ll keep following your lead. >> << Don’t get me killed. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Wilco. >>

On your approach, remember – the Maker has many eyes, but he still remains blind.

A blind man feels. But when surrounded by water, a droplet does not register.

Fly into the tunnels. You will dance with your fate there.

Gauntle 3 << Uh... This is not looking safe, Jean-Michel. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Trust me, Renard. >>

And be silent. You cannot let Him hear you.

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << And be quiet! Don’t let Him hear you. >>

Gauntle 3 << Him? You mean the- >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << What did I just say, Renard?! >>

Gauntle 3 << Apologies. Going dark. >>

His weakness is his size. An ego the size of a planet. A man toying with fates of countless beings, all of them at his fingertips.

You will strike beneath him, aiming straight for the gaps where he breathes.

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << There! The pulsating veins! >>

Gauntle 3 << Jean-Michel, this thing is alive. >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Aim for His veins, Renard! Make Him bleed! >>

Gauntle 3 << With pleasure. >> << Fox Two. >> << ... >>

<< Direct hi- >>

[ERROR. MULTIPLE CONCURRENT NOISE SIGNALS ACTIVE.]

[RE-ESTABLISHING COMMUNICATION LINKS.]

[ADJUSTING VOLUME LEVELS.]

Gauntle 3 << What the fuck was that?! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Reloading laser canons! >>

Gauntle 3 <> << I’m heading for a second run! Cover me! >>

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Roger that, Renard! >> << Wrench, firing laser! >>

Mallik. What have you done?

Putting you back to sleep.

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Direct hit! It’s coming off! >>

It is not over. It is far from over. Even as these two mosquitoes make my body bleed, it will not be enough to destroy me. You will need a lot more to make my body flood, and even if it does, these attacks are not enough to stop what you began. And I think you know it. Maybe I am not the sole defiler here.

Maybe you’re not.

But I think you misunderstand intentions.

Gauntle 3 << Jean-Michel, it’s shaking! >>

And you misjudge the ways your own body can betray you.

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Good, it’s working! We’re near! >>

Gauntle 3 << Keep firing! Keep fir- >>

[COMMUNICATIONS LOST.]

As do you.

Fuck!

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Renard? >> << RENARD! >> << NO! >> << Ah shi- >>

[COMMUNICATIONS LOST.]

This isn’t over yet!

Of course it isn’t, Mallik. I will simply encircle you like before, like a snake awaiting for this tiny little rat to panic and keel over. The strike is certain, and I will keep ascending beyond these confines. You cannot put an end to destiny. I have to patch myself up. I will be back for you, Mallik. Once I find you.

Fuck you.

Jean-Michel.

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << M-Mallik? >>

I am sorry for the pain. How are you holding up?

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << My ship is sliced in half, and I have a rod that has pierced my guts. I... I should be dead. Why am I not- >>

I’m trying to keep you alive. And I am doing the same with your ship. Sadly, He woke up sooner than we expected. And we got no time to lose now.

Genuinely, I am sorry. I am sorry for making you suffer. I am no better than Him…

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Don’t w-worry about it, ma’am. I appreciate the concerns. But we still got a fight to finish. >> << All engines are busted – yet they work at full capacity. You are carrying me, correct? >>

You will need to hit both of these bones at once. The interconnecting rods. It’s the spine that holds Him in place. With it gone…

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << He will fall. >> <>

You already have it.

Gauntle 7 – Wrench <> << ... >> << Will Scythia survive, Mallik? Will He be stopped? >>

It will. I will stop Him.

And I want to thank you once again, Jean-Michel.

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Don’t mention it. Just make sure your god dies and I won’t haunt you from the afterlife. >>

Heh. Sounds like a plan.

I will leave you to prepare.

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << Mallik. One last thing. >>

Yes?

Gauntle 7 – Wrench << You’ve seen beyond. Into... What comes after. >> << ... >> << Is there anything you saw? >>

An endless galaxy of stars. And we dance right alongside them. We pick our favourites. Each one a memory, a thought, a feeling. And it is peaceful. Quiet. Serene.

You will be alright, Jean-Michel, I can promise you this much.

Gauntle 7 – Wrench Jean-Michel << Thank you for your answer, Mallik. Gauntle 7, signing out. >> << ... >> ** Breathe In ** ** Breathe Out ** ** Cough ** << Luc. You damn bastard. I’ll pester you in a bit. >> << ... >> << Approaching gun range. Switching all power to weapons. Bypassing overheat overrides. >> << ... >> << Never thought the cockpit could get so toasty. Heh. >> <> << ... >> << Mother, I think you would be proud of him. He may had been an enemy. But he fought with valour. >>

<< Mother. I did my best. See you soon. >>

[COMMUNICATIONS LOST.]

See you, spaceboy.

#defiler #my writing #nanowrimo 2021 #nanowrimo wip #original fiction #sci fi

6 notes · View notes