Princess B’vian Myus Thwuen /// Earthtown 4th District

B’vian sat patiently listening to Sgt. Vruths explanation about how Earthtown’s rules were simple yet all were lethal. Dont eat food the Sgt doesnt ok, don't follow humans alone, don't wander off, don't threaten any humans, don't mention the war they lost, dont address terrans as terrans or humans, ask their name. as time moved on and the Watcher was still going point by point, B’vian could tell at this time both the Primus and Iiree’s minds had begun to wander off, and even she was finding most of the catastrophizing rather tedious.

“I cant believe Vruth stared down the Primus, and lived” a hushed whisper from behind her said

“I know, from the way Law describes him i know hes been in serious combat before but i didnt realize he was that tough” said a second slightly wheeze ridden voice.

“I mean i cant wait to tell the other neophytes about this they wont believe it but still”

“Mersk, Trimb anything you two tactical geniuses like to add.” the Sgt called out as the background conversation was cut short. All eyes fell on the two neophytes now as they quickly replied “no sgt.thank you sir” Vruth nodded as order was restored.

“To begin Minister, this is the point where you need to make a choice so we know where we need to go.”

“Are you not our guide, Sgt?” asked the minister

“I am but Earthtown and terrans are unique even amongst the empire, normally i would just take you to either the free navy or the Corporate States, but considering your position and what you can offer them, the Alliance is also on the table for you to try and make arrangements with… it really depends on what you need done.”

“Is there a difference between these governments” the minister said the last word with such disdain B’vian thought he may have been in physical pain.

“Well yes, the Alliance is the *official* government of the remaining Terran survivors, and as such can bring the largest navy to bear, the downside is its a republic meaning each member must vote and you would need majority vote to get anything done which takes time.” Vruth admitted

“Time is not in our favor im afraid so this alliance wont work.” stated the minister

“Alright next up is the Corporate State, they have a slightly smaller navy then alliance, and they can act fast, but the Terrans have hired a number of high born dregs to represent their interest so we would have to deal with other hghborn in the room.” Vruth seemed to shift to an uncomfortable Djikit as he explained.

“Im not thrilled about that, what about this last one, the free navy?” asked the minister

Vruth seemed to deflate some almost sinking to the floor before explaining “mercenaries, pirates, trackers, bounty hunters, and rebels no high born but no fleet either you hire crews to see your job done and you arrange it with a fixer, they are generally a wild bunch and results can vary from crew to crew. I do know one fixer who has a high return rate of successful jobs but try to understand there are no guarantees with them.” Vruth finished

The minister seemed to regard himself before putting up a prearranged sign asking for B’vians choice. She reached out with her Djikit, establishing an emphatic bond. knowing the risk of high born and time being an enemy really only left them with one choice, she could sense the ministers hesitation but he swallowed it as he responded “seems the free navy is our best option”

“I was worried that was going to be your choice.” Vruth said with a stern voice.

“Alright well make our way to the elevator, our location is the central ring which you can see is here,” pointing to a holographic map. On the map a large ring like structure wrapped itself around the middle of the Cylindrical Habitat platform.

“This ring houses two of the three recognized human Governments, the Alliance of Terran Habitats, and the Corporate Executive States, so it should be safe for the most part. From there we make our way just outside of the launch pad to the Last Stop, its what the Free Navy calls its embassy. To make it there though we need to pass through these three high risk zones, we should be alright with our forces, but still remain cautious. My men know what to watch out for, ladies, minister please stay in the middle of the formation. Primus, you'll be near the rear of the column while I would like to put you up front. I'm afraid of the type of terran that likes shooting first. If we encounter that type of terran we will act but we don't want to give them the opportunity”

“Well need to make our way towards this section of Earthtown here, where we can get transport and probably an escort. I cannot stress this enough: do not provoke the humans if you are unsure what will or won't just remain silent and wait for me or one of the watchers in the room to answer for you. One last point, minister, what you see and hear, does not leave Earthtown.” Vruth said the last part with a certain amount of malice as thought to emphasize his point.

As the group formed up and the soldier readied their weapons B’vian looked out over the large habitat, she saw what could only be described as chaos with purpose.

Buildings justin into every conceivable space, and what wasnt strictly buildings of grey concrete or brick was filled with greenery from some unknown source. In addition there were different sections that almost became uniform in design only to be struck down by chaos and difference near a turn or corner. This was only further emphasized when the whole of the habitat shook as a massive cannon fired off in the distance.

“Orbital gun, they launch space faring vessels with them. Huge magnetic forces are used as propulsion hence the force” said the Cpl as he looked up

B’vian took a moment to stop herself from shaking as the thunderous cacophony passed. Looking towards the corporal she nodded and said “its quiet something” her voice merely a whisper.

“Alright thats the only scheduled launch for the next 90 lets get down the elevator before then” shouted the sgt as the group passed onto a large scaled platform. Walking over to a console Vruth imputed a code into the machine before the platform they were on lurched forward and began descending. Looking down the way the building were constructed massive steel towers dotted the sides of the Habitat as they descended and B’vian couldnt stop herself from making the comparison of entering a great maw of a ancient predator. She shuddered to herself as the thought passed.

Once the elevator had docked safely and the group began to march through earthtown B’vian noted that hundreds of other savages dotted the landscape, working trading and living alongside the humans, she even saw a number of lowborn. Her shock was mirrored by both Iiree, and Minister Vduim. “Why are there so many different species here?” the minister asked Vruth.

“Terrans have a policy of accepting anyone willing to work, live, or find happiness. Its in their official Imperial Operandi form, so when other species heard they could make a living here even if they weren't accepted elsewhere, well the floodgates opened. The lowborn here are a different story, the Terrans hire scribes and low ranking members of the house of law for official dealings so those two guilds come in and out all the time, the rest of the lowborn are merely criminals or dregs, better off ignoring them trust me.”

They continued further and further into the great concrete and steel jungle of terrans as sounds all folded into one another creating a chaotic and yet harmonic droning. As the sounds and smells overtook each member B’vian couldn't help but feel how out of place she was here, it was alive but it was terrifying.

To say that Earthtown was haunting was an understatement. She could feel thousands upon thousands of lives, full of pain, love, hate, pleasure, desperation and hope all stacked on top of one another. Yet each one of these souls she only noticed individually if they got within a few meters of her, she had never before experienced such a miniscule Djikit in living things before. Even the creatures swimming in the deep below the surface of the waters, she could feel following the strings of Djikit clearer and more precisely than these “terrans”.

It was not to say they were absent from it, but they were hollow things, left colorless unless a light was put upon them. Like the waking dead, they moved from event to event almost entirely free of the Great Current. B’vian distracted herself from the march as she tried to reach out and examine each of the Terrans they got close enough too, occasionally one or two would have a strong connection to the Current but it was few and far between.

“Theyve only been here for a blink of an eye but as you can see, Minister, their ingenuity if left uninterrupted can be marvelous.” said the Sgt. as he gestured towards two massive serpent like cannons coiled around great concrete and metal basins.

“The state of their habitat is rather appalling though? How can they live like this?” the Guildmasters interest had at least been peaked enough he seemed genuine in his question.

“According to many of the humans i know, they have lived in worse and better environments, from burning deserts to frozen tundras… their homeworld sounds like a nightmare honestly.”

He says as he looks at several of the terrans burning *something* inside of a large drum container that smelled as though it was wretched up from the dregs of some ancient catacomb.

“The way they speak of it though, you would think it was paradise” the Sgt finishes almost as a whisper, his Djikit a calming blueish green… envy?

B’vian had no idea what notions this Sgt, held in his mind, but his mannerisms only seemed to only confuse her.

“So they can get to space by what? firing themselves out of cannons?” the minister asked, interrupting B’vians confusion and the Sgt’s distraction.

“For smaller vessels yes, for larger vessels they have enough thrust to break the atmosphere, and smaller vessels pay for room on larger vessels as cargo so they can use our Gateways.” the Sgt continued.

“Seems rather, inconvenient” replies the minister

As their troupe continued to walk further and further into earthtown B’vian began to notice small things, human children bounded across the street before splitting up into smaller groups, moments before several humans in pitch black combat armor stormed out of a house. B’vian turned to watch as two groups of 4 of these soldiers chased after the children.

“Alliance Guard, they patrol and police most of Earthtown.” said the Sgt, having noticed B’vian watching

“As much as the Watchers claim to, we really have to leave most of the internal policing up to the Terrans” the Sgt, continued

“Isn't that counterintuitive to your guilds creed?” the minister interjects stepping towards the Sgt.

“It is… but it's safer for the guild and it keeps the peace overall, as I'm sure you've noticed humans have almost no Djikit, less than even the lowest lowborn. So when one insane human, or a group of pissed of humans walk up to a Guild of Watcher sentinel only to launch an attack cutting through a gap in the armor, or detonating high explosives, it caught us completely by surprise” the Sgt seemed to look past the minister as he trailed off.

“We learned a lot of hard lessons about the rules of Earthtown, and of terrans in that first Cycle” the corporal interjected finishing his commander's sentence.

As they continued into the maw of earthtown the sounds of music could be heard occasionally cut off by a louder deeper sound.

“Not all Terrans Joined with the Alliance, Corporate States, or even the Free Navy, and instead reverted back to a level of Primeval Tribalism” the Cpl stated, looking towards the louder popping sounds with concern.

“And these tribes are in constant struggle for dominance like wild beasts” said the Sgt.

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“Those pops are weapon discharge, dont worry from the sound it's far enough off we aren't in danger.” he continued.

“But to get into the central ring well need to pass through one of these tribal territories, so thats where we are headed to talk with one human who can do just that.”

“Wait, if the terrans are self police why is there such conflict?” again the guildmaster seemed almost energetic asking.

“Well the short reason is as it turns out humans are only slightly better at policing themselves than we are” returned the sgt.

“And the alliance patrols are outnumbered.” finished the cpl

The sounds and rhythms continued to grow in volume as they entered a colorful and vibrant area, yellows, oranges, greens, blues dotted many of the concrete structures in strange and intricate patterns.

The smells coming from the different structures were overwhelming and B’vian felt a sense of Nausea overtake her. She felt her almost perfect Noble presence tumble and she almost felt herself fall. The concern from both the Primus and the Magister as she did so was the only reason she caught herself in time, wanting to maintain her facade, she steadied herself.

The Sgt turned and asked “are you alright lady?” concern hung from every word.

She bowed low and gave an affirmative “ yes thank you please continue.”

“If youre sure… the terran we are seeing is right over there.” he said as he turned and pointed to a bright pink house with dozens of terrans grouped around it.

Making their way the odd grouping of imperial citizens descended towards the house, as every single terran turned and watched their approach. B’vian noted there gaze was that of predators, following their stalwart prey as it approached unimpeded. 30 meters, she noticed how all of the little Djikit she could sense was Red and filled with Malice, every instinct told her the danger here was extreme and she should run, yet she marched on. 15 meters, now her sensory stalks picked up the presence of dozens of others hiding just at the edge of the shadows around her and her companions, any conflict here would quickly escalate. The Primus seemed to resonate this feeling and began to resonate his Djikit in preparation for combat. The Sgt. didn't seem as perturbed… yet.

“Hey Em, you need somethin?” shouted one of the terrans in a terrible Imperial Low speech accent.

“Here to see Ramos, is he taking appointments” replied the Sgt.

The humans turned and began speaking to each other before the one who had originally addressed the Sgt turned back. “No but i might be willing to trade my time with him for *something*” Putting emphasis on that last word, even with his terrible accent B’vian could tell this was some subtle conversation in a more public one.

“Alright Eddy, how about this then, you know that little hotspot in the 614, how about 1 approved visit with lets say 6 Amigos” the Sgt was suddenly speaking a completely different language, but her translator echoed every word back into her ear in Low speech.

The human paused as though thinking about it before turning around and saying “i want 3 approved visits, and you can have me personally ensure that Ramos will see you right now.” again that strange language, but instead it seemed to roll off the humans tongue like waves against rock smooth and concise. A stark difference to his low speech.

“Fuck you Eddy, ill take my chance with George for 3 visits” replied the Sgt.

The human now realising he was losing ground called out “fine, fuck man you drive a hard bargain.”

B’vian had been so enamored by this back and forth she had not noticed the humans had slowly rescinded back into the shadows, and the dozen of them out front had all begun to act like they had before they realized the troupe's approach. Seems whatever the Sgt had just agreed to had placated them enough to not choose violence.

The Sgt looked at the Terran named “Eddy” for a moment until the human sighed and unlatched the small fence like structure in front of the building, standing there for a moment looking at the sgt, before saying. “Dont fuck me on this” as he stepped out of the way.

As they crossed the small barrier the sgt turned around and whispered to the group “do not say anything, and whatever you do.. Don't move more than you have too, to say this is the most dangerous part of our trip is no understatement.”

The sgt stepped inside, and motioned for everyone else to follow him, as the group made there way inside of the structure, past the dozens of humans still watching them, as the crossed the entrance B’vian felt like she had stepped into another world. Besides the color, which was as vibrant on the inside as it was on the outside, a number of cultural furnishings adorned nearly every square meter of the structure. Pictures, statues, items B’vian didnt recognize hung or was mounted everywhere she looked.

Making their way into a larger room five humans all heavily armed watched as they approached, making no move to their weapons, merely nodding towards another corner of the room.as B’vian turned she saw a single human in white clothing sat on a piece of brown furniture like some tribal king. It took no introduction for her to realize this is the Ramos they had come to meet.

“Ramos, sorry to bother you… but i need an escort to the central ring” the sgt said, seeming to almost deflate talking to this human.

“Well I can certainly arrange that my friend, but don't you want to introduce your friends you've brought into my home first, you know I don't like dealing with strangers. Especially friends with such impressive bodyguards.” the human's low speech was impeccable, almost scholarly.

“Normally i would Ramos, but these friends are paying for my discretion, just like ill happily compensate you for yours.” said the sgt regaining the terrans predator like attention.

“Oh my friend, how generous, I guess I could make an exception then.”

“Appreciate it, my friend.” nodded the sgt.

“So what are you offering?” the terran said leaning back into his furniture smiling

“Two heavy pre-approved, any time vouchers.” said the sgt

“Not a bad offer, but for such discretion, I think I'll need a little more.” the human said, making a strange rotating gesture with his fingers.

“What did you have in mind?” asked Sgt Vruth.

“ Two heavy, and 6 light pre approved, with four favors you'll owe me later” the human said calmly but the Sgt was in the midst of full blown panic.

“That's a bit much for me Ramos, and i can't be paying favors i don't know.”

“Unfortunately my friend thats my price” replied the human

“What about Two heavy, 6 light, and 1 more heavy transport, just bodies no cargo” cpl law stepped forward and interrupted before the Sgt could come up with a counter offer.

Ramos leapt at the opportunity like a viper before turning to one of his men.. “Deal, Jesus go and grab the armored car for our friends here, and get whoevers not completely fucked up give em a gun and get them on escort.”

“Eh ill get Prince and his boys to take em, fucking tourists.” as the armed terran turned and left she again found herself dumbfounded by this species, and more so by her guide.

B’vian followed the rest of the company out through a door in the side of the room inot a large cool area, where she first saw the “armored truck” The truck in question was a massive hulking thing adorned with sharp odd corners and a huge mounted turret with two black weapon barrels adorning the top. As Ramos walked around to the back he opened a rear door with one hand and did a mild bow as Minister Vduim, Primus, Iiree, and herself were let in before the soldiers. B’vian noted that ramos had turned to face the Sgt “i'll send a courier with all the little details later, eh amigo” he whispered to the Watcher.

Vruth nodded before getting his own men inside the transport. Ramos nodding to himself for a moment before shouting takes his attention back to where the group had entered from.

“Ay yo, that's not how that went down man.” said a voice

“Na fuck that, keepin it 100 absolutely how that shit went down, bitch was full borg, an fittin to rip you in half.” replied a second

“Man fuck you” the first retorted

“Gentlemen if you would, kindly escort my friends here to the central ring.” said ramos

“Oh uh yes sir Mr. Braga sir” replied the first voice

“Prince, why don't you ride in back and introduce yourself” Ramos continued, before turning back to the group assembled in the back.

“This is prince, while not an erudite such as myself, he is a trustworthy member of my familia” Ramos said as he put a hand on a tall dark skinned Terran with a Gold cybernetic crown carved into his forehead.

In butchered low speech “Greeting, my lights, i am the prince” the Terran named prince managed

While he had been trained to deal with a multitude of situations minister Vduim Cluse could not keep his Djikit from reflecting his opposition to this Terran before saying in high speech “if this is the best a average terran can manage i like our chances less and less”

The Terrans eyes narrowed looking at the minister for a moment before getting in the back of the truck.

With a rumble the Truck shook with force as other terrans took positions around them, one hopping in the turret, two in the front cut off from the group in the back and then prince and one other having joined them in the back. Then with a jolt the group started moving.

It moved surprisingly well despite its lack of elegance or grace, and in only what the terrans called half an hour they were on their final approach. The Terran “Prince” had been casting a glance towards the minister every few minutes, to which Sgt. Vruth had become increasingly anxious over, his Djikit basically shaking in anticipation.

B’vian was about to ask the Sgt, what was the matter but as she moved to ask, the whole truck rocked violently as a sound akin to the Orbital Cannon firing could be heard. Every watcher, terran and noble, except the primus was flung hard to the left hand side of the truck.

“Fuck Wraits, they got RPG’s” shouted one of the Terrans in the Front of the truck.

Prince for the first time since they had been put in the back looked concerned. His cohort looked at him for a second before handing him a vial of blue liquid, at the same time, the turret mounted on the roof let loose. Fboom-Fboom-Fboom-Fboom, as gaseous eruptions fired off from each barrel. The truck swerved and tilted slightly as something struck the left side of the Truck with extreme force.

“Got more of 'em, Prince opened up on them” shouted one of the Terrans in front.

Prince grabbed the blue vial and uncorked a needle from one end, before jabbing it into a large vein in his neck. Automatic projectile fire rippled off the left side just above B’vian’s head, the watchers were arming their weapons in preparation. Prince had moved himself to the rear of the door and B’vian looked on in horror as his Djikit grew and grew until it could easily match a lowborn. His veins began glowing a bright gray and his eyes flashed black as he opened the back door of the truck and reached up a hand. B’vian could barely see through the commotion as he seemed to reach out to the driver of a vehicle behind them and made a crushing motion with his hand. The driver overtaken with the force of the attack swerved and struck a building as his passenger flung out and struck the building turning to a partially pasted form.

“Fuck yea how you like that you mother fuckers” shouted prince muffled under the sound of turret.

Sparks ricochet off of the door prince had opened as projectiles bounced off them

“Open the port holes.” shouted the human too the Watchers

The watchers taking this opportunity turned open some side port on the truck and let plasma fire widely out the side at whatever targets they saw.

More projectiles were bouncing off the sides of the truck and one of the terrans in front screamed “fuck there tryin to break the window, dont let them lead us.”

B’vian was busy at the moment while stealth and obscurity were her best option right now, she knew this was bad and was expanding her Djikit around the Truck slowing or diverting whatever she could so it would miss.

She felt the truck swerve again as an explosion rocketed nearby, she was barely able to keep it covered, as her Watcher retinue fired plasma at their pursuers Prince again lifted his hand and B’vian could feel his Djikit Grab a man and force him to aim his weapon at his ally before firing. She shuddered at what a profane way to use the gift. Her attention was drawn back to her own task though as a vehicle bounced off her field, she was almost knocked unconscious, but recovered and was able to push it away. She could only take a few more hits like that. Primus had turned and was shouting at Vruth something in low speech but she was too distracted to notice the translation. Vruth shouted back as the Vehicle returned for another pass.

Her field collapsed under the second hit, but thankfully the turret turned and fired dozens of rounds into the side of the encroaching vehicle.

“We're almost there… less than a mile.” shouted one of the Terrans in front.

“Fuck the Rpg is back on us look out!” shouted “Prince” to his Terran compatriots.

Another forceful explosion rocked the truck and metal screeching could be heard above the madness.

“Fuck fuck fuck no brakes no brakes” one of the terrans shouted in front only seconds before the truck slammed to a stop as it hit something solid. She was panicking and fear flowed out of her. This was madness. What kind of society worked like this? As thousands of thoughts went through her gray matter in a matter of fractions of seconds her first instinct was to protect her people. reaching deep, B'vian grabbed herself Minister Vduim, and Iiree with her Djikit and cushioned them against the blow, so much so they barely moved. The Primus and Watchers combat gear were rated to take kinetic hits like these and needed no saving. The other terran had the unfortunate occasion to strike off the primus’s armor, he died instantly. Prince went flying into the screening window that separated the front and rear of the truck, and with a sickening snap his spine shattered. B’vian felt his pain in his last moment.

“Fucking Terrans, Alright get ready we need to move!” shouted Vruth “Go go go”

The watchers tore out of the truck lighting the immediate area up in plasma fire as each of their rifles began spooling into maximum fire rate. Two Terrans in pitch black Fabric racing towards the back of the truck dropped immediately under the bluish flame plasma bursts. As the Watchers set up a perimeter two terran vehicles pulled around a corner and let loose with mounted Turrets of their own.

“Primus now!” shouted Vruth

At that moment the golden titan stepped out of the remains of the armored truck, lifted up his claw-like gauntlet and unleashed a shockwave caused by only his Djikit. The humans in one of the vehicles burst like sacks filled with red water, spewing gore and whatever remained of themselves everywhere. The second vehicle was blitzed with fully automatic plasma fire causing it to erupt into flames. A few more of the black robed humans darted between cover taking shots at the primus and watchers but after a few moments they had retreated.

“They'll be back we need to run, checkpoint is just over there” Vruth said signaling his men to form up

“What was that, why did that human have Djikit, why did we get attacked, what is…” the minister began to spool off his normally calm demeanor, dropping in exchange for this panicked one.

“We do not have time, you all need to run Primus cover them, my men will hold a perimeter around you all now RUN!” shouted Vruth as they took off towards the central ring, and whatever cruel fates awaited them in this madness.