--Point of View: Katie--
I turned to look at Tom, now in a panic as the sirens rang throughout the ship. The sound was so loud it almost seemed to pierce my skull. Clutching at my ears did little to protect them from the constant, wailing assault. What had happened? There must have been a timeout or some sort of secondary security measure on the door. How could we have been so naïve? We were in big trouble.
“Crim! Do you see anything?” I shouted, turning to look back at him but I was met with a terrifying realization instead.
We had been cut off. The security gates had slid down from the ceiling, separating us with a heavy wall of plated steel. I had no way of knowing just how bad the situation had become, but it was now far worse. Tom must have realized the same thing because he quickly threw himself against the wall, pounding at it while he yelled.
“Crim! Can you hear us? Are you okay?” Tom bellowed, his voice echoing in the now much smaller hall.
I placed an ear to the door to try and hear even a whisper but was met with a loud thud as something crashed into the other side of the door. Then another. Was Crim trying to bust down the door? That sounded like something he would do but then I heard something that sent shivers down my spine. A muffled blaster shot could be heard. It was followed by another and then a terrifying scream.
“No! Help me!” cried out a voice we did not recognize.
I could have sworn I heard a crunch followed by more shots being fired. Crim was putting up a fight. He was the only thing standing in the Old Ones way. Would he be okay? He was able to handle a small army of droids by himself, but these were full blown soldiers. We had no idea how strong they were. At that thought, the door clanged louder than ever as it bent inward from being struck so hard. Whoever that was I almost felt bad for them.
“Isn’t there anything we can do?” cried Tom as he frantically looked around for anything of use.
“I don’t know. We are sitting ducks here at the moment unless we can get this door open.” I said, agreeing with Tom. I hated just sitting here while my friend was fighting to protect us.
“There will be no need for that I’m afraid.” Called a very deep and ominous voice from behind us.
Tom and I spun around and were met with a monstrous looking Old One that stood nearly twice our height. Like the patrols we had seen earlier, they were clad in armor and carried both a blaster and a sword at their side. This one though must have been a higher rank. Their armor was clad in gold and shimmered with an unnatural glow.
“How did you…”muttered Tom as he pressed himself back against the sealed door.”
“How did I outsmart two lowly humans and a rabid mut? Quite easily.” he said with a sickening amount of confidence as he gestured to a door that stood behind him. I could have sworn it was not there previously.
I reached for and drew my blaster, my body remembering the motions from the training we were all required to do. I felt fast and before I could even register what I was doing, fired a shot point blank at our new foe. There was a flash of light and the slight smell of ozone, but my target was still standing. They even had a smile on their far too perfect face.
“I respect your bravery, but your weapons are far too weak to harm me.” He said with a chuckle.
It was then that I found a hand around my throat. I wanted to cry out but could hardly breathe. I flailed, kicked, and struggled, but to no avail. It was starting to get dark as my breaths became shorter and shorter. Just as I was about to pass out, I was tossed aside into the holding cell with the rest of my crew. I took a deep but ragged breath.
“Katie, are you okay? I can’t believe you did that.” Called Robert who was immediately at my side when I hit the ground. I had not realized he was in the cell.
“What else was I supposed to do?” I coughed, the room was still spinning as I tried to regain my composure.
“Not something so reckless!” Robert shouted.
Before I could respond, Tom was tossed into the room as well, colliding with the opposite wall and falling into a heap on the ground. He looked far worse off than I did. I turned to look at the doorway where the Old One now stood, towering over all of us. He was still smiling, an aurora of superiority still wafting off him. I hated it.
“Now that I have some leverage, your companion should be easily enough to deal with.” He commented as he waved a hand in the air, much like Draya did when she was casting a spell.
The door that was previously blocking the hall began to recede into the ceiling. What we saw next was gruesome. Even as the door was just starting to lift, blood pooled under it and creeped inside. The walls were bloodied and dented all over. Some of them were completely smashed through and gashed with what could be none other than Crim’s razor sharp claws. There was at least a dozen Old One’s scattered around. I could not tell from a glance what sort of condition they were in, but I was certain that at least a couple were on death’s door if not already passed through.
Crim stood tall in the middle of the hall, several fresh wounds visible along the length of his body. He was in the middle of thrashing another Old One who had unfortunately found his way between Crim’s fangs. Blood was continuing to splatter everywhere and left his crimson fur wet and matted. How much of it was his own blood would remain a mystery. He had taken a beating but at least he had all his limbs this time around.
“That will be enough.” Called the Old One who had apprehended us. “If you want your comrades to live, you will stand down Experiment 001.”
Crim’s eyes lit up with anger as he released his prey, flinging him down the hall with ease and landing at the feet of his next target. I had seen him like this before. When he was desperate to protect us.
“I said enough.” Barked the Old One as he drew a weapon and casually pointed it at all of us in the room. “I know how strong you are Experiment 001 but I also suspect you have gotten soft. You don’t want these lowly humans to die, do you?”
“You monster!” Crim growled as he took a step. “You Coward!”
To my amazement, the Old One lowered his gun.
“A coward? Nonsense. A hostage was simply the most efficient method to detain you. It was not needed. Perhaps you need a demonstration.” He said, a hint of annoyance in his tone.
“Gladly!” shouted Crim as he leapt forward over the pile of bodies blocking his way, his fangs bared towards our new foe.
If I had blinked, I would have missed it. Much like what happened to me, Crim was caught midair around the throat and tossed backwards like a ragdoll. He not only crashed against the wall, but he was also sent barreling through it. The steel behaved like paper at the incredible amount of strength we had just witnessed.
“Crim!” I called out as I struggled to my feet, the Old One already stepping through the newly created opening.
“Is that all you’ve got? I hope not. I’ve heard so many great things about you Experiment 001.” Mocked the Old One as he approached the body of Crim now sprawled out on the ground. He looked very dazed and confused.
A thunderous punch followed next as he drove his fist into Crim’s torso, one after another. I ran to help but could only watch in horror through the opening. I was powerless to stop him. Crim could not even rise to his feet. Any attempt to stand was met with a devasting strike that echoed down the halls. After what felt like an eternity, he relented and effortlessly threw Crim’s body over his shoulder.
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“So much for that.” he said smugly, stepping back into the hall. I frantically scurried back to the other as he approached, still in disbelief.
He stood in the doorway once more and looked down at all of us. You could tell he was thinking about something, but I wasn’t sure what. Poor Crim was dangling lifeless in his grip, pools of blood forming around his armored boots.
“You, the one brave enough to fire at the great General Ozark. You will follow me. If you so as much think about running off or straying too far from me, you will die. Do you understand?” he ordered, his gaze now locked on me.
All I could do was nod and force myself to stand. It hurt and I could feel myself trembling uncontrollably. It was not supposed to be like this. I took a step forward, then another but the third step never came. I was hoisted into the air.
“I don’t have time for you to limp your way over here.” loathed Commander Ozark. I didn’t have the energy to say anything.
I was carried down several halls, moving at a very fast pace considering the Old One’s stride. After a silent ten minutes, we turned and entered what looked like a lab. A singular table sat in the center with a wide assortment of cabinets and tools lining the walls. I did not recognize what any of them did.
“You will wait here. We have questions and you surely have some answers.” he said with a cynical smile before tossing me onto the cold, tiled floor.
He was gone before I could even protest, taking Crim along with him. What they had in store for both of us was a mystery but for now we were all alive. I do not think they will kill Crim, at least not now. They need him or at least part of him according to Draya. As for myself and the others, I’m not too sure.
“What could he want?” I asked myself, struggling to stand up.
I managed to drag myself over to the table in the center of the room and pull myself up with some effort. Being tossed around had taken its toll on my body but I could manage if I had something to lean on. Even now though I was struggling to catch my breath. While I could not see it, my neck was surely bruised.
Pushing that all aside, I looked around the room for anything that may be of use. For a moment I wondered if I could use one of the many tools scattered around to defend myself but quickly thought better of it.
“There is no way I’m going to beat any of these guys in a fight. Especially now.” I sighed.
“There you are.” Came another voice as the door to the room slid open. “Ozark could have been a bit more specific but regardless. You there, human. Onto the table at once.”
“Where is Crim and what do you want with me?” I managed to ask between harsh breaths.
She raised a brow at me and slowly walked over to stand in front of me. While not a goliath like the general that had dragged her here, this one still stood nearly two heads taller than me. She gripped my chin and forcibly turned my head, looking me over.
“Good, you haven’t been completely broken. That’s much preferred. The general could have been a bit more careful though.” She commented, releasing me from her grip and jotting a few notes down on a holographic tablet that seemed to materialize out of thin air.
I asked again “Where is Crim?”
The Old One sighed as she pushed my head back to examine my neck, running her long fingers across the bruising and muttering a few phrases I could not understand. With these words came an intense burning sensation followed by a pleasant, almost refreshing feeling. It took a few seconds for me to realize, but I found my neck was no longer sore.
“If by Crim you mean Experiment 001, he is being restrained to reduce any further casualties. As for what we want, I’m not at liberty to say though I suspect you may already know.” She smirked, staring into my eyes. “And you are going to tell us if you want to remain in one piece.”
I started to open my mouth, but I was quickly silenced. The Old One pressed a finger to my lips and I found myself unable to speak. It was terrifying. I felt like I was speaking but no sound came. She looked to be enjoying herself. They were all so twisted.
“Your time to talk is over. I’m going to ask you some questions. If your answers are satisfactory, I will return you to your companions. You will be kept alive for now and treated with some amount of respect. Food and water at the very least. Do you understand?” she asked, placing a firm grip on my shoulder.
I nodded. What else could I do? I was of no use to anyone dead and I suspect Tom would take my place. Regardless, they were going to keep asking someone until they heard what they wanted to hear.
“Good.” She said satisfied, releasing the enchantment she had placed upon me.
“What do you want to know?” I grumbled immediately without thinking.
“The first and most important of them all. How and when did you encounter Experiment 001?” she asked, her tone growing very serious.
It was not said but I knew. If I dared lie right now, she would hurt me in so many ways. I now understood what all the instruments on the walls were used for. Torture. She was in charge of interrogating me. I was trying my best to act strong, but it was clear as day I was utterly terrified.
“I first met Crim, I mean Experiment 001, when my crew was exploring the surface of the planet you found us on. We are a salvaging team looking for resources.” I said between trembling breaths, gripping my legs nervously. “He saved my life from a cave in and showed me the facility as well.”
The Old One nodded and began to type in midair, a barely audible click sounding with every keystroke. The answer seemed to satisfy her.
“The facility that your kind destroyed.” She added, a look of disgust on her face. “What were you doing down there and what were you hoping to accomplish?”
“Like I said. We are salvagers. We were looking for resources. Your technology is far superior to our own, so we were hoping to uncover something of use.” I explained, looking up to face her but found she was not interested in looking at me.
“Like the reactors?” she mused.
“Yes, that is what started everything.” I replied truthfully. It was the cause of all of this honestly.
“I see. That much was obvious.” She said very matter-of-factly, glancing away from her report to meet my gaze for a brief moment. She had beautiful blue eyes.
“Lastly. How did you, a lowly human and a worthless science experiment, infiltrate this ship?” she questioned, taking a step, and leaning down so she was inches from my face.
I gulped and could not help but look away. “I do not know the precise way, but it was like using a gate. We simply appeared inside the ship.”
“LIES!” she bellowed, raising a hand, “Your kind do not have such technology. We know it.”
Flinching but resisting the urge to cower away in fear, I mustered up the strength to face her again.
“One of yours sent us!” I responded back, taking a deep breath. “What they intended I do not know but the fact we are here proves it!”
The rage that had swelled up just a moment before, vanished off the Old Ones face as if she was simply acting the part. I may have been swindled.
“It is as we suspected. You are being aided by an outside force. Do you know their name?” she continued.
“No. I asked, and they said a lowly human did not deserve that respect.” I spat, feigning anger. “Said they would help us so they had some entertainment.”
I glared daggers up at her, hoping my lie would suffice. It was risky but I felt like telling them about Draya was one of the last things I wanted to do.
“And I agree with them. You poor uncivilized souls are already being given too much credit as it was. I reckon I may have an idea who it could be or at least where to start so your answers will suffice. Congratulations, you get to live a little longer.” She said, her notes fading from view with a simple flick of her wrist.
She turned and motioned for me to follow, the door opening automatically as she approached it. The trip back to the others seemed far longer now that I had to walk back myself. While I was feeling better after getting a chance to sit down, it was still a workout to keep up with this Old One’s pace. As we walked, I took the opportunity to look around and to my utter amazement, found something we would need. Even though it was only a glimpse, I spotted what could be none other than a gate. It looked to be guarded by two soldiers which only helped confirm what I had seen. I wanted to get a closer look, but we turned down another hallway, the chance now lost.
The others came into view shortly after that, still locked up in their holding cell. I noticed the hallway was no longer dirtied from the battle Crim had fought less than an hour ago. Without a word, the door open and I stepped inside to join the others. The door slid shut behind me and the Old One left without looking back. I was relieved to be among friends again.
“Thank goodness you are back and in one piece.” Came the familiar voice of Tom who was now sitting upright against the far wall. He was still very much battered and bruised.
“I’m thankful too. I thought I was a goner. I’m worried about Crim though.” I said before looking around the room at the others. I recognized everyone here.
I took a seat next to Tom and we all discussed what had happened back on the planet when the explosion went off. Everyone but Tom and I had no clue what actually happened down there. We decided it was best to clue them in. The fact that Tom was the one who caused the explosion was conveniently left out of the story for now. It did not seem like a good time. Crim was brought up and several of the soldiers remembered seeing him rampaging on the surface when I radioed him for help. Admittedly, a couple of them thought they were just seeing things.
“Well, your story does help clear up a few things.” remarked Robert as he scratched at his bald head. “Doesn’t explain how we are going to get out of here though.”
“Well…” I started to explain, but Robert cut me off.
“Before you say anything Katie, as your commanding officer I need to inform you that your actions were irresponsible, reckless, and could have endangered countless lives.” He stated, standing up straight like he did when talking to his subordinates.
“sir, wait!,” I tried to interrupt but was stopped once again.”
“but you were also the only one to stand up and do anything and for that, I want to say thank you. You and Tom could have just abandoned us. Lesser troops would have. You two are terrific soldiers and I’m proud to have you here with us now.” He finished with a warm smile.
“Thank you, sir!” I sputtered, standing at attention, and saluting out of instinct.
“At ease soldier. Now, what’s this plan of yours because we surely need one.”