"Calloway! Your drop point is next!"
Reuben clung tightly to his survival pack. The pack and the jumpsuit he now wore were the only things between him and death for the next two weeks. The thought both scared and thrilled him. He had never before felt so intensely... alive.
The shuttle swooped low and the doors opened. Reuben jumped out and then watched as the shuttle became a tiny speck in the sky. The other cadets participating in this survival test would be scattered around the planet. Theoretically, it was possible to find another cadet and team up but it would be difficult and a waste of valuable time. Not a safe strategy to bet on.
Reuben glanced around. Gittern truly was a sight to behold. It seemed to be mostly dirt and rock and fungus everywhere. Mushrooms of every shape and size populated the surface; some small enough to be crushed by his boot, others bigger than full-grown trees.
He could spend hours just starring as the alien setting but that would be foolhardy. His first priority was to find shelter. The second was to find a source of food and water. His survival pack contained enough dried rations to last him two weeks if he really watched how much he consumed. But that was a quick way to lose strength and potentially make him vulnerable. His third priority would be to fashion some sort of weapon. His pack contained a short-ranged pistol but if that somehow got lost, he would be in trouble.
The mushrooms made it difficult to see very far. He noticed, however, that the ground toward the east seemed to slope upward and became rockier. Rocks meant shelter and higher ground meant a chance to scout the area. It wasn't much but it was a start. Besides, he only had a few hours before the seasons changed...
Final Test (Adventure) - Reuben Calloway Saga 14
Reuben stood stiffly at attention with the other cadets in his training squad. His formal uniform of black and red had been washed, starched and polished with extreme care. Reuben couldn't help but stick his chest out with pride at the addition of his third degree pin.
"So you think you know a thing or two about combat do you?" Sergeant Bamtrob said as he paced between the lines of Special Assault trainees. "Well think again."
Despite his growing confidence in his abilities, Ruben couldn't totally surpress the flutter of nervousness at the sergeant's words. When his CO said something was going to be difficult, it usually was... very difficult.
"For better or worse, you've all passed your first year of training and now the real work begins. No more play-time. You either pass, or you die. In exactly 36 standard hours you will all be flown to the planet Gittern to begin your final two week survival test. You'll receive a standard survival pack similar to what you would find in your ship should it crash in a hostile environment.
"Your objective, cadets, is to survive. Gittern is an extremely hard environment. The seasons change every 24 standard hours not to mention a few other fun surprises that I'm sure you'll discover. This is not a youth camp, cadets. This is military training. Not every cadet has made it out alive. But if you're smart and you remember your training you have a good chance.
"So I suggest you spend the next 36 hours resting. You'll need it. Dismissed."
"So you think you know a thing or two about combat do you?" Sergeant Bamtrob said as he paced between the lines of Special Assault trainees. "Well think again."
Despite his growing confidence in his abilities, Ruben couldn't totally surpress the flutter of nervousness at the sergeant's words. When his CO said something was going to be difficult, it usually was... very difficult.
"For better or worse, you've all passed your first year of training and now the real work begins. No more play-time. You either pass, or you die. In exactly 36 standard hours you will all be flown to the planet Gittern to begin your final two week survival test. You'll receive a standard survival pack similar to what you would find in your ship should it crash in a hostile environment.
"Your objective, cadets, is to survive. Gittern is an extremely hard environment. The seasons change every 24 standard hours not to mention a few other fun surprises that I'm sure you'll discover. This is not a youth camp, cadets. This is military training. Not every cadet has made it out alive. But if you're smart and you remember your training you have a good chance.
"So I suggest you spend the next 36 hours resting. You'll need it. Dismissed."
Augmented B9 Pistol (Weapon)
Creators: Vivald on the planet Zink
Power: 3
Range: 5
Accuracy: 6
Description: Not the most powerful of pistols but above average accuracy makes up for this slight flaw. Like other technology coming from Zink, the Augmented B9 is created from organic substances. It is not a complete weapon in and of itself. Rather, it's designed to attach to other weapons and "grow" on them. The end end result is a weapon with an additional firing barrel or an increase in stats from the extra power, range and accuracy the B9 provides.
Power: 3
Range: 5
Accuracy: 6
Description: Not the most powerful of pistols but above average accuracy makes up for this slight flaw. Like other technology coming from Zink, the Augmented B9 is created from organic substances. It is not a complete weapon in and of itself. Rather, it's designed to attach to other weapons and "grow" on them. The end end result is a weapon with an additional firing barrel or an increase in stats from the extra power, range and accuracy the B9 provides.
The Student (Adventure) - Uxel Herum Saga 7
Uxel followed Master Achushnet at an uncomfortable pace. He was quite a bit taller than her (most species were), so his strides were much longer than hers. She considered flying but then she would go much faster than him and she had no idea where they were headed.
So Uxel contented herself with examining this new teacher of hers from behind. Based on what she knew of humans, he had the appearance of one of advanced years. But he moved with the grace and strength of one much younger. Like the man she had approached on Corna, this being exuded with power. Like he was barely containing all the thrumming energy in his body.
They continued to wind their way through the endless Gemshorn caverns. Occasionally one of the natives would scuttle by.
"Tell me about yourself, Uxel," Master Achushnet asked without turning around.
"There's really not much to tell," Uxel replied while trying not to squawk in fright when she noticed a ramea on the cavern's ceiling. "I'm a fruit merchant from Corna. Nothing special."
Master Achushet stopped when she said this and turned to meet Uxel with an unwavering stare. "No, tell me about yourself, Uxel."
Uxel was taken aback. No one had ever bothered to ask her this question before. She considered lying but something told her that this man would know if she did. "My family died when I was just a hatchling. I lived most of my life scraping to get by. I sell fruit as a cover. Most of my money comes from selling arms and information to the Rebellion. It's easy work for me since I am often overlooked by the Imperium authorities. What I crave most is respect. That is the one thing money cannot buy. I want others to look at me and not see a lowly merchant from an inferior race."
"To earn respect, you must respect yourself."
Uxel fell into silence and they continued walking until they came to a metallic door imbedded in the rock.
"This is my home. You are welcome to stay here with me for the time being and, if you prefer, I can arrange for you to have your own quarters since training will take quite a bit of time. And I think you are wrong, Uxel."
"About?"
"You do not come from an inferior race. You come from a race that has lost its sense of purpose. There's a difference. I think that you have the potential to become one of the greatest tuners the galaxy has ever seen."
So Uxel contented herself with examining this new teacher of hers from behind. Based on what she knew of humans, he had the appearance of one of advanced years. But he moved with the grace and strength of one much younger. Like the man she had approached on Corna, this being exuded with power. Like he was barely containing all the thrumming energy in his body.
They continued to wind their way through the endless Gemshorn caverns. Occasionally one of the natives would scuttle by.
"Tell me about yourself, Uxel," Master Achushnet asked without turning around.
"There's really not much to tell," Uxel replied while trying not to squawk in fright when she noticed a ramea on the cavern's ceiling. "I'm a fruit merchant from Corna. Nothing special."
Master Achushet stopped when she said this and turned to meet Uxel with an unwavering stare. "No, tell me about yourself, Uxel."
Uxel was taken aback. No one had ever bothered to ask her this question before. She considered lying but something told her that this man would know if she did. "My family died when I was just a hatchling. I lived most of my life scraping to get by. I sell fruit as a cover. Most of my money comes from selling arms and information to the Rebellion. It's easy work for me since I am often overlooked by the Imperium authorities. What I crave most is respect. That is the one thing money cannot buy. I want others to look at me and not see a lowly merchant from an inferior race."
"To earn respect, you must respect yourself."
Uxel fell into silence and they continued walking until they came to a metallic door imbedded in the rock.
"This is my home. You are welcome to stay here with me for the time being and, if you prefer, I can arrange for you to have your own quarters since training will take quite a bit of time. And I think you are wrong, Uxel."
"About?"
"You do not come from an inferior race. You come from a race that has lost its sense of purpose. There's a difference. I think that you have the potential to become one of the greatest tuners the galaxy has ever seen."
Clarinit Battleship (Ship)
Creators: Vivald on the planet Zink
Speed: 6
Armor: 7
Maneuverability: 6
Description: Much like its creators, this is not a normal battleship. Clarinits are grown rather than built. The vivald have never divulged their ship designing techniques but it is know for a fact that the Clarinit battlehips are somehow... alive.
There are no standard control panels inside. Rather, each crew must connect directly to the ship by extending tendrils that take root in the hull. Though the ship itself is not sentient, it does have basic instincts, making the flying experience a cooperation of sorts between the ship and the crew.
The Clarinit certainly may not be the strongest battleship in existence but what makes it unique is that it doesn't have weaknesses. It's decently maneuverable and fast for a ship of its size plus the armor can take quite a beating while in combat. Many species would love to get their hands on such technology and would have stolen it by now if it wasn't for the fact that vivald are needed to pilot the vessel.
Speed: 6
Armor: 7
Maneuverability: 6
Description: Much like its creators, this is not a normal battleship. Clarinits are grown rather than built. The vivald have never divulged their ship designing techniques but it is know for a fact that the Clarinit battlehips are somehow... alive.
There are no standard control panels inside. Rather, each crew must connect directly to the ship by extending tendrils that take root in the hull. Though the ship itself is not sentient, it does have basic instincts, making the flying experience a cooperation of sorts between the ship and the crew.
The Clarinit certainly may not be the strongest battleship in existence but what makes it unique is that it doesn't have weaknesses. It's decently maneuverable and fast for a ship of its size plus the armor can take quite a beating while in combat. Many species would love to get their hands on such technology and would have stolen it by now if it wasn't for the fact that vivald are needed to pilot the vessel.
The Teacher (Adventure) - Uxel Herum Saga 6
An automated response indicated that Uxel was clear to land on Gemshorn. For the hundredth time that hour, Uxel wondered if she wasn't making a mistake. There was a very good reason Gemshorn was not listed on the top tourist destination charts. There was a high probability she was headed straight to an early demise. Puffing up her feathers to make herself feel bigger than she really was, Uxel carefully piloted her ship toward one the designated hole in the planet's crust.
All life on Gemshorn was found beneath the planet's surface and Uxel immediately noticed the lack of plant life as she navigated through a seemingly endless dimly lit tunnel. This planet could not be more opposite from her own homeworld, Corna.
The landing site came into view and Uxel's ship touched down without incident. She walked out of the cargo vessel and noted with some confusion that the site was completely empty. No one to greet her. No one to give her trouble.
One of the native rameans scuttled by, startling her. The creature paused, tested the air with its pincers and went back to its business, clearly some sort of dock worker.
Uxel shuddered in disgust. She knew that the rameans were intelligent, sentient beings. But it didn't change the fact that they looked like the kind of thing one normally avoided in the less habitable portions of her homeworld.
"You get used to them, eventually," a voice said from behind.
Uxel practically jumped out of her skin and whirled around.
"My, my. A jumpy little thing, aren't you?"
Uxel eyed the elderly human that addressed her. "A trait that has kept me alive up until now. I didn't hear you coming."
"Most don't."
"Who are you?"
"You may call me Master Achushnet. I was told by one of my old pupils that I might expect you."
"And you live her?" Uxel asked, unable to comprehend anyone but the natives wanting to exist in such a place.
"Can you think of a better place for some privacy? Come and follow me. I'll take you to my home where we may begin your training."
All life on Gemshorn was found beneath the planet's surface and Uxel immediately noticed the lack of plant life as she navigated through a seemingly endless dimly lit tunnel. This planet could not be more opposite from her own homeworld, Corna.
The landing site came into view and Uxel's ship touched down without incident. She walked out of the cargo vessel and noted with some confusion that the site was completely empty. No one to greet her. No one to give her trouble.
One of the native rameans scuttled by, startling her. The creature paused, tested the air with its pincers and went back to its business, clearly some sort of dock worker.
Uxel shuddered in disgust. She knew that the rameans were intelligent, sentient beings. But it didn't change the fact that they looked like the kind of thing one normally avoided in the less habitable portions of her homeworld.
"You get used to them, eventually," a voice said from behind.
Uxel practically jumped out of her skin and whirled around.
"My, my. A jumpy little thing, aren't you?"
Uxel eyed the elderly human that addressed her. "A trait that has kept me alive up until now. I didn't hear you coming."
"Most don't."
"Who are you?"
"You may call me Master Achushnet. I was told by one of my old pupils that I might expect you."
"And you live her?" Uxel asked, unable to comprehend anyone but the natives wanting to exist in such a place.
"Can you think of a better place for some privacy? Come and follow me. I'll take you to my home where we may begin your training."
Vivald (Race)
Home Planet: Zink
Affiliation: Rebellion
Description: The vivald are not your typical sentient life form. This race does technically qualify as a plant. They use sunlight to conduct photosynthesis rather than breathe air. The gas that their body expels after processing the sunlight is considered to be toxic to most species that are non-native to Zink. It is, perhaps, ironic that despite being highly toxic, vivald are considered to be very exotically attractive.
Vivald do not ingest their food but rather absorb the nutrients they need through their planet's soil. They are grown from seedlings and mature to a standard bipedal form. Some choose to grow additional arms or legs. Each extra limb requires more energy and nutrients to maintain so few choose to modify themselves in such a fashion. They are capable of regrowing their limbs if any happen to be severed.
As a race, the vivald are openly defiant of the Imperium and have made their planet a safe haven for refugees by devoting a generous portion of planetary resources to creating more universally habitable dwellings. Coming from any other race, this attitude would smack of overconfidence. But their confidence is not that unreasonable considering any Imperium soldiers sent in would die if exposed to their would-be prisoners.
Affiliation: Rebellion
Description: The vivald are not your typical sentient life form. This race does technically qualify as a plant. They use sunlight to conduct photosynthesis rather than breathe air. The gas that their body expels after processing the sunlight is considered to be toxic to most species that are non-native to Zink. It is, perhaps, ironic that despite being highly toxic, vivald are considered to be very exotically attractive.
Vivald do not ingest their food but rather absorb the nutrients they need through their planet's soil. They are grown from seedlings and mature to a standard bipedal form. Some choose to grow additional arms or legs. Each extra limb requires more energy and nutrients to maintain so few choose to modify themselves in such a fashion. They are capable of regrowing their limbs if any happen to be severed.
As a race, the vivald are openly defiant of the Imperium and have made their planet a safe haven for refugees by devoting a generous portion of planetary resources to creating more universally habitable dwellings. Coming from any other race, this attitude would smack of overconfidence. But their confidence is not that unreasonable considering any Imperium soldiers sent in would die if exposed to their would-be prisoners.
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