Mevi turned and rolled in her sleep. Fitfully dreaming of dark visions and disturbing forgotten memories. Things so foul her mind had forgotten and prophecies so vague her mind couldn't remember. Then she woke up.
With a jolt, Mevi instinctively yelled as she woke up from a forgotten nightmare. She couldn't remember the dreams she had, only that she wished she would forget ever having dreamed them. She was left with a confusion and dreariness that vagued her vision. The world spinning too much than what was normal, her mind aching, and a feeling like millions of pins driving into her legs.
When Mevi looked up, a red-glowing metal warrior was knelt over her. Staring down at her with unknowable thoughts and emotions. A metal helm was all that she could focus on. Within the dark slits of the helm a dim red glow, two crimson eyes stared affixed to her. Mevi struggled to get up and the warrior, her Sentinel, offered a hand to aid her. Righting herself and pulling herself to sit up, leaning against the Sentinel’s massive leg, she could focus on stopping the world from spinning.
From the corner of Mevi’s eye she noticed a one-armed man standing nearby and looking at her and her Sentinel. He was saying something, or his mouth was moving like he was saying something. He then ran off and out of the bridge, as if in a hurry, still moving his mouth as if speaking to someone else that wasn't there. It was now when Mevi realized how loudly her ears were ringing, how deafening complete silence really was.
As the jarring effects plaguing Mevi’s barely awake mind started to subside, Saerin rushed onto the bridge. She didn't bother saying or talking, Mevi wouldn't hear her anyway. Saerin began inspecting Mevi’s still tingling body, and Mevi felt a small sharp needle point into her skin. Saerin was stabbing a syringe of sorts into Mevi’s leg, as she did she manually forced Mevi to stretch and bend her arms. Mevi felt a rush of blood flow, the tingles subsiding from where Saerin had stabbed the needle into her.
After a few moments, whatever was injected into Mevi’s leg eventually reached her head as well. The deafening ring in her ears began to lessen along with the other confusing, uncomfortable, and even painful effects plaguing her. She could hear the subtle sound of whirring machines, the click of boots against the metal tile, and the faintest of words leaking through the white noise. As the world came back into focus, Saerin’s voice was barely audible, “-evi… Mevi… Mevi, can you hear me?” she asked.
“Yes… What…? What happened?” Mevi struggled to ask.
“You had a seizure, what is the first thing you remember?”
Mevi thought. She focused hard on what she did and didn't recall. She remembered waking up on the dark ship, sadness, finding Laer’kin and his crew, Tzark leaving… after that all she remembered was sitting with and tending to Tanaka. Then just pain and a disturbed sleep. “I… I remember trying to help Tanaka, but then… I got hurt? I am not sure…” Mevi said, still confused.
“You did help him, in fact you completely healed him. His legs were crushed, Mevi. You completely healed him. I don't know how, but you did.” Saerin stressed.
“Completely… How? How did I do it? I need to remember!” Mevi lamented.
She jolted up, but the pins and needles in her extremities suddenly returned. She ignored them, and a sudden and powerful headache struck her. Yet still she wracked her brain for answers. For the memory of ‘how?’ Vague images of green light, of a trance, an emptied heart; nothing useful. Mevi didn’t know how she did what Saerin claimed, and her body refused to remember anything but scraps of images. Saerin placed a hand on Mevi’s shoulder, “Take it easy. You still need rest. The seizure was severe, if you have trouble remembering it might come back to you if you relax.” she advised gently.
“I suppose…” Mevi hesitated, “No. You are right, Saerin. I should listen to you, though I feel myself becoming more and more useless as our predicament grows… How long was I unconscious for?” Mevi asked.
“For only a few hours. Your sentinel watched over you the entire time. The rest of us were able to clean up and repair what we could, even gathering a few materials from outside and scouting a bit.”
“I never doubted any of you, I am glad to hear it.” Mevi tried to remember the confidence she had assumed before her seizure.
“However…” Saerin hesitated, her voice trailing off into silence.
“However? Did something happen? Is everyone alright?” Mevi began to worry.
“No, nothing like that. I don’t want to stress you more, especially after you just woke up.”
“Please, I am feeling normal again. If something has happened, or if you all have discovered anything, I want to know.”
“Well, the damage to the ship is more severe than anticipated. Zelkan and Lear’kin are attempting to fix what they can. Though there have been words voicing concern about staying here, that maybe we should gather what we can and leave.”
Mevi thought for a few moments, “What exactly are our risks staying here versus leaving?”
“The ship’s power is going to run out in a few days, maybe a week. While the power lasts we have food, protection, heat, and other necessities… Once the power goes out, we will have nothing. We could preserve a day or two if we cut certain systems, like the protective shield or heat. We didn't pack any transportable food, so we would have to use the ship’s systems for all of our supplies…”
“That is… Troubling. To say the least.” Mevi admitted, shaken by the realization.
“Leaving wouldn’t be much better, in my opinion. We have too many wounded to make a good pace. We don't know what kind of creatures lurk outside either. We don’t even know exactly how the ship crashed or why, it could have been a freak accident or it could have been the natives. Blasphemy aside, we don't have enough information about our surroundings. Hellion seems confident enough, but the rest of us? It would be dangerous to even attempt to navigate without a real guide.”
The situation was dire indeed. Mevi thought about both sides, but truly she couldn't give a real opinion. She didn't know a single thing about survival, or even pathfinding, she couldn't even guess which direction was which in the Magi’s facility most of the time. Yet sitting here felt like the wrong choice as well, waiting for something to come to us. It felt like waiting for a slow death versus a risky chance. Mevi didn't know enough about the situation to give an opinion, and she felt Saerin’s report might’ve been biased. “Take me to everyone else.” Mevi said, “I need to see exactly what is happening and hear from the others.”
Hesitating, Saerin complied, “Of course… But walk slowly, I would prefer you lay down but I understand the circumstances might not allow for leisure.”
Saerin helped Mevi up into a walk. As Mevi struggled to regain her footing, still a little off-balance from the whole ordeal, the two of them carefully made their way up to the main deck. The area was, in fact, cleaner and more put together than they had last seen it. The rubble in the lower deck was organized, or at least pushed to the far back, and crates of items were opened and neatly put into rows. A jerry-rigged light system was set up from small circular lumens and hotwired batteries to keep them lit for longer. The excess power seemed to make the small devices shed light enough for a single lumen to light most of the lower deck. Passing through the place and towards the ladder leading upwards, Saerin commented, “I truly didn't even want you part of this argument. The stress from your episode combined with all of this, it isn't healthy to so quickly be thrown back into the flames.”
“There is no other choice. Besides, I would hate the idea of sitting and doing nothing while others work on my behalf, I want to at least be there.” Mevi reassured Saerin.
As they approached the ladder, Mevi made to climb but stumbled on the first step. Her body was still wobbling and dizzy from the exertions of her seizure. Yet Mevi didn't fall to the ground, the Sentinel leapt forward and gently caught her before there was more than a few centimeters of distance between her and the ladder. Mevi wasn’t even sure if she had fully fallen or if the Sentinel simply rushed in to carry her anyway. Before Mevi could give a ‘thank you’ the Sentinel, still carrying Mevi in one arm, jumped up. Easily clearing two or three meters without any buildup or preparation for their jump. The Sentinel was able to reach and grab hold of the lip of the service hatch with its free hand. Seamlessly the Sentinel ferried Mevi out of the lower deck and through the service hatch.
Mevi, a little surprised by the sudden rescue, didn’t question her Sentinel. Yet after looking down at Saerin she noticed her friend’s face filled with a different kind of worry and anxiety. Unsure what was wrong, Mevi could only assume things were worse off than Saerin had let on. Saerin quickly climbed up to the main deck and the three of them ventured towards the still-open tear in the hull; yet Mevi was carried by her unwavering Sentinel, it showing no inclination to putting her down even as she tried to scramble back to her feat, Mevi simply gave in and allowed herself to be held however embarrassing it might’ve been.
You could be reading stolen content. Head to the original site for the genuine story.
The main deck was equally cleared compared to the lower deck. Reorganized furniture and dangerous rubble pushed to the side or otherwise cleared to make the deck fully open. The tear in the hull seemed slightly smaller than before as well. Saerin led Mevi and the Sentinel to the edge of the tear. The opening led to a short field with fallen and slightly burnt trees, obviously trampled by the ship’s crash. At the edge of the ‘cleared’ area was a thicket of massive trunks and tall grassy shrubs. Green as far as the night allowed, wooden pillars stretching high into the sky and beyond even where Mevi’s eyes could perceive. A dark forest, if Mevi thought to name the scene.
There was an amount of dirt, mud, and soil overturned and piled against the side of the ship; creating a natural-esque steep ramp up and down, probably only five meters tall as it reached all the way to the tear in the hull. A crude ladder was set up against the earth to aid in getting in or out of the ship, at the bottom of which were the rest of her companions, illuminated by a small deliberate fire and personal lumens shining from necklaces they wore. The group seemed to be in some kind of debate, arms flailing up and Zelkan’s back turned from the group, Mevi’s retinue were in the midst of an argument it seemed.
“-leave now! If we stay any longer that beast’ll show up who knows when. Tzark already left, I’m inclined to agree with him, but I won't leave our Lady behind.” Tanaka argued.
“Lady Saerin already spoke on that matter, she is in no condition to move. That isn’t even including me. If we head out in my condition I would certainly be left behind. I would give my life to protect our Lady, but I am inclined to believe you’d sooner use me as bait than slow your pace.” Lear’kin protested.
“Captain! I would never consider it, I will carry you myself if I have to, but you saw the computer’s assessment of our landing zone! We could reach a native settlement in just a couple days even at your pace!”
“A computer which is barely functional. Even if its readings are correct, we cannot assume the natives would be friendly towards us.” Zelkan interjected, turning to face the group once more.
“Let’s all calm down a bit, we can ask our princess. She’s up and about, looks like.” Hellion said, pointing towards Mevi in the Sentinel’s arms.
Saerin put a hand on the Sentinel’s arm, “Please, can you take her down?” The Sentinel only spared half a glance towards Saerin, more interested in the arm that touched it than Saerin herself. After looking back to Mevi and receiving a ‘go ahead’ nod, Mevi was flown to the ground. The Sentinel leapt down, passing by the entire slope, landing with a crunch of trampled twigs, leaves, and debris. Saerin slowly descended, half climbing half sliding down the slope. “Before you complain, Zel. Mevi asked to come see the situation for herself. The Sentinel has been plenty attentive towards her.” Saerin said as she came to an uneasy stop at the bottom of the slope.
“My Lady, I insist that you return inside. We were doing some reconnaissance and strategizing. There is no need for you to strain yourself!” Zelkan approached.
“I don’t want to be some useless damsel waiting to be saved. If all of you have plans I want to help as much as I can. Or at least be part of hearing them.” Mevi explained firmly.
“I say she stay, can’t hurt to get ‘nother opinion, Zel.” Hellion agreed.
Zelkan stood, hands gripped into tight fists. His rigid posture betrayed the frustration that was obvious, even through his cracked mask. Mevi wondered how that had happened, what went on in the few hours she was asleep? “Fine.” Zelkan conceded, “Our situation is… dire, my Lady.”
“I heard a little bit from Saerin, the ship can’t be fixed can it?” Mevi asked, knowing the answer already.
“No… I tried looking at it from every angle, analyzed every surveillance node, and manually checked all the panels attached to the power core. The ship sustained too much damage, our Mana circuit was badly damaged and leaked the majority of its contents. The circuit itself is repaired, but without additional Mana the ship cannot resume a normal recharge loop. The vessel’s power supplies are rapidly failing, all will be depleted within a week even if we take measures to lessen the power burden…”
“Is there no way to replenish the Mana?”
“Normally, we would requisition Mana from the Holy Barge. The veins of the great vessel course with the life-giving substance. Each ship has emergency Mana Transposition Circuits, devices that can instantly supply a small source of Mana as long as the Holy Barge is within the same system. Yet the device isn’t working. All sensors say it is functional, but the programs refuse to cooperate.”
“We’re being jammed, my Lady.” Lear’kin interupted, “I noticed when we first entered the atmosphere… Something is messing with the Magi-tech. It's screwing with anything more complex than a wired-in computer. Even if we replenish our Mana reserves and get power back, the ship won’t take off with the interference. The internal scripture refuses to operate with the interference present, that much is certain.”
Lear’kin was sitting on a crumpled log. The tree was five times or more wide than he was himself, so he dangled his feet from it by a decent gap. He seemed patched up, if that was the right word for the state he was in. A robotic limb of sorts was strapped to the side of his bad leg, encasing the leg itself in thin wires that wrapped around the limb every centimeter or two. Under the strange cybernetic aid was a mountain of bandages, red blotches staining the cloth deeply. Yet even without the full use of his leg and his left arm missing entirely, he seemed remarkably less pale than before. His face fuller and a more natural color in the low light of the portable lumens and flickering red glow of the fire in between them all. “I am glad to see you are doing better, all things considered, Captain.” Mevi said, secretly hurting to see the man so maimed.
“Aye, I’m fixed up thanks to Lady Saerin. She’s a right good medic and surgeon, I’ll give her that.” Lear’kin agreed.
“Hey, don’t forget a good ‘an angry one too!” Hellion interjected.
“If you all listened to me instead of insisting on lifting and moving hundreds of kilos of rubble, you’d look better still. Yet apparently it can’t wait.” Saerin said, half joking, half genuinely annoyed.
“Hey little lady! If I was hurt, I’d do whatever you’d say! ‘Sides, if we don’t get movin’ we’ll just get surrounded by beasties. We gotta get a move on.” Hellion defended.
“Back into the argument again then?” Saerin scoffed.
“What actually is our current predicament?” Mevi asked, “Please, just one person at a time. We need to hear all angles.”
There was a collective sigh between Saerin, Zelkan, and Lear’kin. Yet Hellion stepped forward, as unperturbed and confident as he usually was. Not seeing anyone else volunteer, Hellion began, “Well, princess, I told ya’ I’m good at these sorta survive-or-die sorta things, right?”
“I suppose you have said that before, in a roundabout way…” Mevi entertained the train of thought, curious where he was going.
“I’ve survived a thing or two, cus I’ve seen a thing or two. We ain’t got much more than a day, I’ll guess, ‘till them beasties work up the courage to investigate. One big ‘ol beastie seemed to have made a home round ‘ere. You’d guess the thing’s a bit annoyed with our rude ‘trusion. It’ll be back ‘fore we figure out how to tell it’s tomorrow. Without a doubt.”
“I told you already, however large it may or may not be; we have the power and strength of the Magi behind us. Even our small arms weapons stored in the lower deck would easily dispatch a creature twice or thrice the size of the Sentinel. Not to mention the Sentinel itself would not let any danger befall our Lady, especially if she were to command it to fight.” Lear’kin argued.
“You can’t put faith in weapons all the time, Cap'n. Some critters’ll surprise you. Be ‘em big or small, they’ll find a way ‘round whatever weapons you got eventually.” Hellion stressed, a tinge of seriousness in his tone.
“As much as I disagree with the idea of leaving, the fact that our defenses aren’t always full-proof should be obvious at this point. Especially now, not all things do as they’re programmed to.” Zelkan said, his mask turning ever so slightly in Mevi’s direction.
Mevi wondered what Zelkan could mean by his comment. Was it something about her? Was his look simply wondering? Or perhaps, had something happened regarding the Sentinel? Saerin looked worried before when looking at the Sentinel, Mevi figured it was just general concern for the issues at hand… But could something else have happened?
Looking up at the Sentinel, Mevi stared at the thing. Its own gaze was, uncharacteristically, not looking at her. In almost every situation the Sentinel would either be looking at Mevi or at a nearby threat. But now, its stare was obviously and exclusively on Zelkan. A few moments of quiet silenced the group. The sound of a distant whirring, the pining whine of electricity from the lumens, and the crackle of the fire filled the space between them all for a few moments. They all knew something Mevi didn’t, they had seen, heard, or uncovered something Mevi couldn’t guess. Yet despite the alien tension, Mevi had to think of her own answer to the matter at hand. “I think… I think it would be wise to gather more information. I don’t want to stay here until the day of our ship’s last breath, but we cannot simply leave in our current state.” Mevi decided, “Zelkan. You know the most about the ship’s technology, yes?”
“Yes… Sadly our chief of scripture was lost in the crash. Without him, I will have to make due.” Zelkan replied.
“Then please, make it a priority to figure out an alternate way to restore power. Regardless of how. I remember… There was a device on the Barge, within my mentor and I’s home. It was supposed to allow us to recharge Mana to our complex in some way. Do we have something along those lines, or could we potentially salvage something that could mimic it? If not…” Mevi turned to Lear’kin, “We need to figure out where this jamming is coming from. If it interferes with Magi-tech like you say it does, I doubt there will be a speedy attempt to save anyone from the Barge until it is somehow taken care of. If we can figure out what it is, how to block it out. Maybe we can protect ourselves, or even stop it entirely. If we can do either, we can recharge and escape, correct?”
“Yes… If it were gone, if the jamming stopped I could easily pilot us to safety even with half a ship!” Lear’kin assured.
“We cannot ignore our surroundings, however. We need to figure out a way to keep track of the things that could be a potential danger. Hellion, do you know of any ways that could track or even repel the creatures on this planet?” Mevi asked.
“I’ve never met the beasties ‘ere. But, I’m good at spookin’ things! I found out Tanaka ‘ere has a good bit of experience in certain tech. I bet we’d make a good repellent if we wanted.” Hellion agreed excitedly.
“Then it sounds like we know what we must do. We will stay here, trying our best to fix the ship, until there is one day’s worth of power left. After that we shouldn’t risk waiting any longer. If it comes to that… We will go find the natives, we will hope there is safety somewhere.” Mevi said firmly, trying to hide her own unease behind a fake confidence.
Everyone looked between each other, almost like they were surprised. Yet only for a moment. The group of them seemed to realize something, and their postures straightened as they fed off Mevi’s confidence. “Ma’am! Wherever you lead, we will follow!” Lear’kin declared, the others seeming to mimic this opinion with nods of confidence.
“We will survive this. I promise you that I will do all within my power to protect us.” Mevi assured, fully meaning every word.