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Ronald "Dash Starlight" Smit
Jedi Instructor
License to kill
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planK - Jedi Council 
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DASH! AHHHH! HES A MIRACLE! |
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Virtue - Jedi Council 
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Attention all!
While doing extensive research on many different subjects like the infinately clever person that I am - I managed to trace Dash's name back to Ancient Greek times! So, for those of you who wish to know what his name actually means - I shall now tell you! Dash Starlight is in fact Ancient Greek for: A-Hunka Hunka Burnin' Love Yes yes! You heard it here first! Dash, just a quick note to let you (and everyone else who stops by your profile) know that you're the pimp daddy of cool, and I'm very proud of you - you are an awesome Padawan! 
Everyone do the Dash Dance! Lord Almighty, I feel my temperature risin'... - Virtue.  _______________ Academy Architect This comment was edited by Virtue on Dec 21 2006 02:02pm. |
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Mister Clutch - Student 
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Rosie - Student 
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Thankyou |
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Kaelis - On Leave 
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Hey Dash nice to get some duels in with you the otehr day, was good to catch up. Hope ya feeling better take care bro _______________ Padawan of Roan Belouve, brother to Acura, Proud to be part of the Belouve Dynasty, Proud Owner of Jarhok's 430th comment, Dash Starlights 1600th comment, Saz's 5000th comment and Alex D'Kanas 2100 comment |
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Luke - Ex-Student 
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Keep those ideas coming I'm all ears! What would be cool this fourth party? "The Peace platoon?" Technology what about that? I all ready thought of armor made of lunarroidium (a metal that is made from globs of the molten lunar and asteroid slag. it is then put into a mold. Microscopic machines, a called nano=one-billionith, bots=robots. Are then pumped into the armor as it cools. Before the armor is made, mesuremants are taken of the person that will wear the armor. This to ensure that fits the person wearing it comforably. The armor can go soft acting like a jacket, or hard making it almost inpervious small arms fire. The is put on in three stages: The helmet, torso/upper extermitices ,and lower extermitices. The Cybernetic Hunters have the ability to have the armor as one piece, instead of many. The reason for this is they have nanobots that have injected into their bloodstreams. _______________ Lucas Ammons This comment was edited by Luke on Oct 09 2006 03:46pm. |
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Luke - Ex-Student 
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Chapter Two: Fleet Action. Taav stared out of the Jaguar’s cockpit viewports. He could not stop thinking about Zack. Taav felt bad that he had been powerless to save his closest friend. Eight years had passed since Taav had met Zack in the lower streets of Mars City. Back then Zack had been a street-wise kid who stole food or other things from the locals and tourists alike, to stay alive. Taav had shown pity to Zack taking the young boy home with him and conceiving his parents to adopt Zack. At first Zack didn’t really want to talk about his family, maybe because he was scared to, or maybe because he didn’t remember much about his past. Zack’s parents had been homeless, moving from place to place in the depths of the planet-wide metropolis. Zack had been born in an abandoned Martian colony, on the southwest side of Mars City. The Jaguar hurtled through the tunnel of light that was known wormhole jump. “Zack what’s our ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) at Azen II” Taav asked yawning. As he leaned back in the pilot chair, Taav felt the chair recline. “Four hours fifty minutes.” The disembodied voice answered. Taav closed his eyes. “Very good, wake me up when we have arrived.” 0800hrs AIIST (Azen II Standard Time) Nyeek Desert, Azen II The eleven Cybernetic Hunters sat on the sandy, dry, wind-swept ground in the shade provided by the Jaguar, as midday heat coming from the Azen system’s twin suns baked the two inner most planets of the twelve planet star system. All the planets in the system except for four had been terraformed, which is making a planet hospitable artificially, so sentient beings from across the vast galaxy could come there if they choose to. Sitting on a rock Aavor slowly chewed on part of his M.R.E. (Meals Ready to Eat) as he, his brother ,and friends, who where also eating from the plastic-like canisters watched the information presented on the disk Taav had been given. The image of a man standing nearly eight feet tall rotated three-hundred and sixty degrees from a portable holoimager, that was in the center of the meeting place. The man had red skin, big muscular arms with clawed hands, and single eye in the center of his head. “This is Keb Gall, a former solider turned mercenary. He’s the leader of a group of thugs-for-hire.” said metallic voice that came from portable holoimager. Dark Star’s tendrils may reach far and wide from the capital world of the Galactic Star Systems, Mars, to the frozen wastelands of Ket yor. “There is bounty on his head of sixty-thousand galactic Jeevans if he is brought in live and thirty-thousand if he’s brought in dead.” With that message disk popped out of the middle triode cylinder-shaped holoimager that had four L-shaped image inducers, one each side. Taav thought for second then spoke with insight that had made him leader Cybernetic Hunters. “This guy’s probably no dummy, he probably knows he’s being hunted, so he’ll avoid public places at all costs, and he will be heavily guarded. He will expect a bounty hunter or a squad of G.S.S. soldiers to come after him at night, since it will be cooler then. “We will need correct Intel on his whereabouts, how he’s guarded and armed. Another holographic image appeared from the holoimager. It was a detailed map of the place the Cybernetic Hunters where going to investigate. “This city is located twelve klicks from our current position. The image was of a high adobe-walled city. “From what intel has already been gathered by our spy network, this city is a major base of operations for Gall. I know what you all are thinking. Why can’t we just go in there guns blazing. My answer is that Gall’s men have hidden themselves amongst the innocent civilian populous. The information we have in front of us sketchy at best. We must move into the city to collect more intel. I’ll not accept civilian caluties, or any amounts of collateral damage, do I make myself clear? “Yes sir.” Taav stood looking at all of the Cybernetic Hunters with his green eyes. “Get some rest, the hunt begins tonight.” Rachael stood next, her brown hair had been pulled back, and until it was taught. Then it had been braided into something that resembled two strands of tightly woven pieces of stitch work. Each braid was twisted around each other like a double helix. The braids on each side of her head ran left or right or up and down. The hair between the braids was so stretched that a line, made by the unbraided part could be seen. “I’ll take first watch, Captain Sharroock.” Rachael looked at Taav. “Very good Captain Carlson” Taav nodded staring at his former girlfriend. She wore a hooded brownish-tan cloak. Tri-layered sleeves that ended in thick brown gloves, these sleeves were part of the undergarments the cloak was worn over. The shade provided by the Jaguar as well as the hood of her cloak, most of her face, except her blue eyes, and her ruby lips. “I was hoping you would remain with me Captain Sharroock, we have matters of jealously to discuss.” The others got to their feet, moving toward the Jaguar’s boarding ramp. As soon the rest of two squads had entered Taav’s ship, and the boarding ramp had been raised, the discussion began. “I have committed sin of lust, I curse the day your brother rapped me, and I know that you were emotionally distraught after we were forced to break up.” Taav looked away toward the horizon. “You’ve grown to know me better than I know myself.” Rachael walked over to Taav stepping in front him. “You were once my boyfriend and commanding officer. You gave the orders and I followed them. I showed you loyalty, giving my love. In return you were gracious; listening to anything had to say. I want to be your girl again, Taav, to stand at your side as your second-in-command. Taav mouth went dry. “I have a new love in my life, Rach. If the brass had only not punished me, by forcing me to abandoned you, I would still be yours.” “Although, Jane my girlfriend now, I won’t abounded her, just to be with you.” Rachael signed. “Jane is loyal, beautiful, and…” Rachael paused searching for the right words. “Unselfish toward other people.” “No matter what has happened, or will happen between us, always remember; that I still love you, and hope you and I will remain friends” Taav nodded. “Count on it. Simper Fi, Rach.” “You’re not a tad bit jealous?” Taav asked cocking an eyebrow. “Yes, although I try to put myself above such things.” Rachael answered. I can not change the past, the Bible also tells us, that dwelling on such negative emotions are things that will drive us to bitterness, and that we must unshackle ourselves from these emotions.” “I couldn’t have said it better myself.” Taav confirmed. Taav pivoted on his heal, and then walked the boarding ramp of his ship. Once on board Taav headed for his bunk, located just behind the Jaguar’s cockpit. Taav tossed and turned in his bunk. His heart raced as he thought about any number of things. His on going relationship with both Jane and the possible rekindling of Rachael’s relationship with him. If Aavor had done what he had Taav thought angrily. Rachael wouldn’t have been forced to reject me. Taav know he must distance himself from this way of thinking. NightHawk. That was the answer. NightHawk was one of the two-hundred cars Taav owned. A 2006 jet black Ford GT. There it was. NightHawk. Much blood, sweat, and tears had gone into rebuilding, then adding to this American muscle car. Do to the fact that this vehicle ran on gasoline, and hydrogen not gasoline was the main fuel source on Mars, modifications had been needed. The cool night air felt frigid but it didn’t seem to affect any of the Cybernetic Hunters as they raced toward Delaga, due the fact that the Cybernetic Hunters were wearing brownish-tan hooded cloaks made from their leather jackets/armor that their nanobots had artificially softened and dyed. Beneath the layered cloth the Cybernetic Hunters armor still remained in its original form. Taav looked through his visored helmet at the starry night sky. Delaga is a small spaceport city, of a hundred thousand people. Just the kind of place a low life scum like this Keb Gall would try to hide. This mission is supposed to be a DA (Direct Action) mission. A direct action mission can include Tactical Recovery of Aircraft Personnel (TRAP), Gas/Oil Platform (GOPLAT) raids, Vessel/Board/Search/Seizures (VBSS) and other missions involving close quarter battle. Suddenly the holoscreen in between the handlebars of Taav’s modified CX-90 anti-magnetic field racing motorcycle activated. (A CX-90 is sci-fi version a street motorcycle.) It showed a column of military vehicles cruising over the sand on anti-magnetic fields. “Computer show our position relative to the position of that column of personal carriers and tanks” ordered Taav, pushing motorcycle to its limits as it hovered a foot off desert floor as Jane clung to him tighter. The holographic image changed from showing triangular-shaped armored personal carriers to an image of a map showing that the Cybernetic Hunters where only five minutes away. Don’t let yourselves get shot because these soldiers probably have EMP (electromagnetic pulse) rifles that could disable our nanobots, meaning we will not be able to regenerate, and then when you get shot you slowly bleed to death. This is how Zack was wounded. Suddenly high-powered plasma bolts tore through the air. Taav made the souped-up CX-90 fell on its right side at a sixty degree angle; the plasma bolts sizzled directly over them. As Taav righted his motorcycle he saw one transports, and depressing the fire button on the CX-90’s controls fired a volley of plasma fire from the CX-90’s twin plasma cannons mounted on both sides. The green lines of light struck under the main magnetic field engine. This caused the troop transport to take a nose dive into the sand. Then the sound of motion came from inside the downed craft. The Cybernetic Hunters brought their anti-magnetic field motorcycles to dead halt. Taav looked at the holoscreen puzzled. “The rest of the colu…” before Taav could finish his sentence a spiked fist punched through the ramp/door of the troop transport as still others began shredding the double armored obstacle in their way. “We need cover…our assault rifles are much more powerful than the plasma cannons on these CX’s” Taav exclaimed jumping off his bike and pointing his assault rifle at the troop carrier as he ran for the cover of some near by boulders. By now the thirty pumas-colored gargoyle-looking aliens let out horrid cry, then they took to the sky in groups of three. The air immediately filled with carefully aimed bolts of plasma fire. The first three yellow-eyed monsters had holes blow in their delicate wing membranes; they plummeted out of the sky like meteors from space. Seeing their comrades’ shot down by these sharpshooters the rest of demon-like aliens flew low so that the Cybernetic Hunters couldn’t get a lock on them. Unable to use their scoped rifles anymore the Cybernetic Hunters activated hydrogen powered anti-magnetic field belts they had been wearing. The winged creatures screamed a challenge, and the Cybernetic Hunters gave their own shouts and taunts. “Your mother’s so ugly when she looked in a mirror it broke” Taav laughed at one of the demons. Then the two groups of combatants faced off. The demon-like aliens struck first, they arrowed toward the seemingly unarmed recon marines with their pointed tails sticking out in front of them. They flew straight into Cybernetic Hunters defensive perimeter. Taav gripped the tail of one of the creatures that had come too close to him and pulled. With a loud wet tearing sound he separated the creature’s tail from its body. The creature screamed in pain, it turned around tried to flee, mustard yellow blood spurting from its wound. Taav; his reflexes honed by both his marine training and his cybernetic enhancements grabbed the creature by the neck, and then with one sharp twist its neck snapped like a twig. Meanwhile Rachael, her brown hair flying around her as if she was in a hurricane, was locked in mortal combat with one of the “hell’s angels.” She punched it in the head; its cranium split open from the blow, due to her cyberneticly enhanced strength, the hideous creature fell out of the star-lit sky like stone. Nikii threw a grenade at four on coming gargoyles, it exploded half way there cracking open their thick hides. Aiming her assault rifle she shot winging two more. Two of them came toward Jacorum, claws extended. He spun around whacking them with his four foot long spiked tail. Their heads smacked together knocking them unconscious. The rest flew off, afraid now that they would be killed. Out of nowhere came the Jaguar its weapons blazing. The Jaguar’s fifty millimeter machine cannon mowed the reminder of the gargoyles down like grass. “Everyone all right” yelled Taav. “We’re fine” answered the others. This aerial battle was a delaying maneuver…nothing more Taav thought. Those gargoyles must have been genetically engineered and they must be deployed as interceptors, as we have seen Taav heard his brother think. Dark Star will have the air around their base-city swarming with those things thought Rachael, Aavor looked at his girlfriend seeing her muscular six-foot two frame tense up as her deep blue flashed with cold fire. What do you want us to do Taav asked Jane using her nanothought- link. Retrieve one of the bodies and bring it to the Jaguar, so Taav and I can begin dissection, there has got to be a quicker way to kill these things Nikii thought. Nikii very carefully made an incision from the creature’s cranium to its sternum with his laser knife, and then he laid it down on the table. Reaching into the creature’s split open sternum Aavor pulled out a ball of muscle as big as his fist, holding close to his face as he studied it. “This creature’s heart looks like it has the same three chambered configuration as in reptiles and amphibians” Aavor exclaimed digging other hand deep creature’s chest cavity, moving it around until he found a weird-shaped organ. The square anti-magnetic field table which the lamb-sized creature laid got splashed with mustard yellow blood. “Reptilian/amphibian style lungs” Nikii said removing his blood soaked right hand from creature’s chest and placing the organs gently on a tray to her left. Gripping his laser knife from off the table again, Nikii made another incision along the creature’s crouch area. “This creature is asexual” commented Aavor, his left hand was empty and covered in the creature’s blood as he extracted it. “No ovaries or testis side by side, or any sign of sex organs for that matter.” Nikii judged. Taav sat on the lower right rack of the four bunk beds, which were built into the wall to conserve space in one of the Jaguar’s barracks, a short walk away from the Jaguar’s cockpit and main engineering. “What are you saying Nikii?” Taav asked, crossing his arms over his chest. Nikii turned locking eyes with Taav. “I’m saying…” she was interrupted by the Jaguar’s artificial Intelligence computer. “A fleet of ships approaching, they’ve just dropped out of wormhole jump” Taav slowly rose; his face was a face that seemed to be molded from lunarroidium metal; unreadable and held no sign of emotion. “What are there hull configurations” Taav asked staring blankly at his surroundings. “One moment…the ships’ hull configurations aren’t constant with any vessel designs of G.S.S. origin, military or otherwise.” Zack answered. These ships might have ordinance and other supplies destined for distribution to Dark Star Rachael thought with a shutter. Dark Star could be gearing up for total war against the G.S.S. theorized Nikii. All the more reason to launch a preemptive strike Taav ordered. “First, we’ll need to scan…” The Jaguar’s A.I. interrupted Aavor. “Large fleet emerging from wormhole jump… it’s the Galactic Guard.” Why would the Galactic Guard fleet perform a wormhole jump that would take it half way across the galaxy Just to come the Azen system? Rachael wondered. “I don’t like it” Taav commented, “Fear Sweat” starting to flow from every pore in his skin. “The multi-species military task force showing up when not called on…out of nowhere…something’s very wrong here,” shiver primal fear shoot down Taav’s back at implications of Rachael’s words. “The Galactic Guard could be pursuing that fleet that just came out of wormhole jump” Nikii commented. Rachael looked at her with her deep green eyes. “We questionsss that need answersss” Jacorum said his black forked tongue flicked out from between his lipless mouth as he tasted the scents in the air. “Extreme Caution should be taken when we board one of the G.S.S. ships in orbit…there’s no telling if Dark Ssstar has take control of them” hissed Jacorum. “Yes, but we have a mission to complete, so that lets complete it than we’ll see what’s going on orbit, agreed?” Taav asked arching an eyebrow. “Aye, sir” A warm northwesterly breeze blew across the desert plateau. Taav crouched peering into the star-lit night. Squad Zulu advance Taav thought looking at high mud brick wall that surrounded the city of Delaga. Advancing as ordered. Rachael thought moving her squad closer to the wall of the city. A dark silhouette appeared on top of the wall. “Night watch” Rachael breathed. Take him out Taav ordered. Andréaus stocked forward his sniper rifle raised. “Take out take out, did sssomeone sssay take out.” Kama’sh hissed. “Food isss walking on the wall” Andréaus hissed bacteria-filled slobber ran down his scaly checks. You can eat him after you shoot him, Andréaus you have my word on that Taav thought. “Thank you sssir” hissed Andréaus with huger. The plasma round exited from the M-20A8 sailing its intended target. The bolt of super-heated plasma struck the sentry on the right side of neck. Death was instant. His night vision giving him the light he needed to see in the darkness, Taav walked the grate of a storm drain. Taav crouched grabbing hold of the bars. He all his might but it wouldn’t budge “Damn.” He was winded from the exertion. They must be reinforced and driven twenty feet underground. Rachael came up beside him. She was covered by her armor except her head. “How do we get into the city without being detected Captain? Scaling the walls would be dangerous, given their immense height we also can’t jump eighty feet. Nor does our gear have the range needed to scale the wall.” “Well, that’s why we have demolitions expert Taav said standing. “Nikii.” A tall young dark-skinned marine woman stepped forward. “Sir.” Nikii was the newest member of Taav’s squad, she was Aavor’s replacement. Taav pointed the grate. “Satchel charge.” Nikii moved quickly forward deliberately slow in a half crouch-ran position. The reason for her cautious movement was because her active camouflage. (An image of the environment that is taken by cameras built into a vehicle or clothing of a person. The image is than transferred onto the vehicle or clothing by pressing a button on the dashboard or by selection from a helmet integrated H.H.U.D.) She placed a satchel charge on the bars. Clear the blast zone, go, go, go! Nikii set the satchel charge’s timer for twenty seconds. The Cybernetic Hunters ran a save distance. The explosion dust and bits of metal flying. Squad Alpha advance Taav ordered. Squad Alpha moved forward with caution; weapons raised pressed hard against their shoulders. Their movements slow and controlled, their footsteps silent as death. Assaloth was the first to enter the opening. Squad Beta, cover Squad Alpha Rachael commanded. Aye, ma’am. Oh my, Assaloth! Taav choked. What did you eat this time? My friend, it was not I. Assaloth answered using his nanothought-link. It is the scent of excrement as well as other body fluids. Feecies. Taav thought with distaste. This mission really sinks. The Cybernetic Hunters chuckled. Fan out, keep sharp. The ground slick and hard, possibly mud brick had been laid. Pluup. Squish. Duran and Kama’sh stepped of the side of the tiled mud brick floor, which was raised up four inches above the inky black sewage. There’s not enough ambient light in this place to use our night vision, use your thermal. Taav thought. Captain Sharroock, we’ve got movement at twelve o’ clock. Taav froze listening. “I hope we don’t find anything down here” A man’s voice echoed through the sewer. “We won’t Dyek.” A women’s voice reassured the man. “Nothing down here but rats.” The man seemed uneasy, “I just think we will.” “You call your self a mercenary!” the woman scolded. Mercenary Taav thought with distaste. Well-trained thug is more like it. Everyone knew of Taav’s feelings toward mercs. He hated them for being loyal only the highest bidder. Assaloth’s forked tongue flicked in and out of his mouth tasting the air. The Cybernetic Hunters walked with caution down a dark corridor adjacent to the hanger where Taav had landed Jaguar. Assaloth do you smell anything Taav thought slightly scared as he walked slowly behind his friend weapon raised and pressed tightly against his left shoulder. The corridor was deadly quiet. Negative, Taav, the air seems to be devoid of any scents. Any sign of the crew? Negative, Taav. Taav could hear Jane’s slow shallow breathing. Settle down, Jane Taav ordered. Don’t you find this strange, Taav? Taav walked point careful to move slowly making as little noise possible, eyes glowing. The corridor was wide ten feet in width, eight feet in height and twenty feet long. Taav stepped in something slippery. Taav look down Rachael thought. Taav looked down; a pool of blood. In the bodily fluid lay an M-20A4. What happened here? Taav thought a shiver of fear running up and back down his spine. Apparently a fire fight Rachael observed. There were many assault rifles scattered on the ground laying in pools of blood. I don’t like this Aavor thought warily. Jane spun around ripping off a stream of rounds. What are you firing at, Jane? I thought I heard movement Jane protested. You’re hearing things, Jane Aavor said dryly. I’ am not Jane shoot back. Sure you’re not. Jane made a sign with her middle finger. Taav suddenly held up his left hand which was balled into a fist. His arm was held out to the left, away from his body at a ninety degree angle. All the cybernetic hunters knew this signal meant. (Stop immediately) Taav crouched. His eyebrows knitted together, his lips sagged downward as if they had pulled in that direction by the carrier’s artificial gravity. Taav’s jaw though was set. A piece of bloody fabric lay on the deck. Taav picked the fabric studying it. Suddenly something moved quickly through the shadows toward the young recon marines letting out a shriek. Hold the line! Taav shouted to others using his nano-thought link. The creature charged. Blood red chameleon-like eyes flashed with a look of hunger in them. As the creature advanced on them from up on the ceiling, Rachael fired her assault rifle on fully automatic. The armor piercing rounds ricocheted off the creatures armor plated hide. The creature vanished into thin air. Nikii fired plasma bolt at where the creature was still latched on the ceiling. The plasma bolt also was deflected. “Look out!” Taav yelled as he leapt through the air pushing Rachael out of the way just as the bolt of super heated plasma struck the deck leaving a black scorch mark. Marines fall back, to the hanger now! Taav ordered adrenaline flowing through his veins. What is that thing? Taav thought running backward keeping his weapon level and pressed tight to his left shoulder. The creature made no further movement as the Cybernetic Hunters retreated back to the hanger. “We’re dead!” Nikii cried in terror. “Be silent Nikii,” Taav growled angrily. I am trying to think.” “You saw what happened when Rachael shot at it! That creature can’t be killed!” “I said can it Nikii that is a direct order.” Aavor fell silent looking fearfully around the hanger size of six city blocks. M-shaped fighter bombers filled the hanger, yet were not taxiing for take off, there was no voices booming over the intercom. No pilots, mechanics or marines performing their daily duties in or outside of the hanger maybe even the entire ship. Taav closed his eyes concentrating using his artificial brain to hack the carrier’s main computer. He downloaded the ship’s schematics and much of the ship’s log as he could get. “What’s our orders sir” Rachael asked blue eyes darting around the hanger. Taav opened his eyes and grimly spoke to his squadmates. “Split up and take different routes and then rendezvous at the ship’s armory, then after we gathered enough explosives fire team Zulu make your way to engineering and set charges. Fire team Omega stay in the armory and set charges, and Fire team Alpha you stay in the hanger and set charges.” After the charges are set fire team Zulu and Beta fall back to the hanger, we’re short on time. Marines, each of you knows your job, I expect you to do it quickly and efficiently, is that understood.” “Sir, yes sir.” Rachael, leader of recon squad Zulu walked point with her M-2s0A6 (a variant of the M-20A4 that has a grenade launcher attached to It.) pressed hard against her fair-skinned shoulder. Women have been trained to take the role as front line troops since 2028. Rachael what’s E.T.A. (Estimated Time of Arrival). Four minutes, sir. Out of corner of her eye Rachael spotted something grayish that was fastened to wall. The grayish things were actually soft leathery egg sacks. The eggs were sixteen inches in diameter and six inches long. The eggs themselves were in groups of six. They pulsed with efforts of the creatures inside as they struggled to escape. Taav, we’ve got a problem here. Yeah same here Rachael just double time to the...ahhh! Taav. Taav! Rachael thought frantically. All fire teams fall back, man down! Rachael heard Jane think. The some eggs sacs that lined the corridor suddenly burst open. Using his artificially enhanced night vision Kama’sh saw a long serpent-like creature crawl out of the egg and drop to the floor. The creature slithered toward the members of fire team Zulu. The creature’s eyes were blood red; its scaly body was black in color and had two sets of inch long spikes along the sides of its body. The creature’s head was like that a lamprey with no eyes just a circular mouth with rows upon of razor-sharp teeth. Jane pressed her hand against the bite wound on Taav’s neck. This seemed futile however because the saliva the creature secreted acted much like an anticoagulant. “Jane…help me.” Taav said his eyes rolling back in his head. “Stay with me Taav, don’t give up now” The members of fire team alpha fired their weapons backing up as they did so. “Jane look out! Cried Andréaus as a “lamprey” coiled its snake-like body then leapt at her. A molten green ball of plasma shot through the air nailing the larval form of the creature that could not be killed in the side. The plasma bolt burned a hole through the “lamprey.” Its body fell in two halves on to the deck with a wet, sickening plouk. Jane covered her mouth with her left hand, feeling queasy. The smell was awful; rotted tissue from the “lamprey’s meal, combined a rotten egg smell given off by the “lamprey” itself. Andréaus walked forward his heavy footsteps pounding the deck sending shockwaves through it. Andréaus stopped when he reached the body of the “lamprey.” He knelt down picking up the two halves of the creature and cramming both sausage-sized pieces into his teeth-filled mouth. The sickening crunch that followed was just too much for Jane’s stomach to handle. She turned her head, blowing chunks all over the deck. “Sssorry Jane” Andréaus said apologetically. “I ssshould’ve not done that in front of you.” His forked tongue came out and he used to lick green blood from his scaly lips. “Its okay, Andréaus” Jane blushed sheepishly. “I thought my training and things that I’ve seen for eight years while in the company of you and my other squadmates would’ve prepared me well for what you just did.” “Even the best, highly trained soldiers have things that they see in combat that displease or scare them greatly but, a good soldier learns to overcome these things and fight on, no matter what.” Jane plugged herself into the Jaguar as she slid the pilot seat. A cylindrical metal rod pierced her skull as she lay back against the head rest. The incision was deep but not large, only about a two inch circumference. Little cylindrical probes also jabbed into her spinal column at three places. She was in control of ship. When she closed her eyes could see the hanger in real-time as the information was transmitted from the ship’s computer directly into her brain. The question was though, would the Jaguar’s computer respond to her thoughts and do what she wanted. She decided she would test that theory. Engine nozzles left. A distant mechanical whine could be heard, as the nozzles changed direction. Activate weapons; a screen showing the weapons in the inventory flashed in front of Jane’s closed eyes: Available Weapons: Missiles: six cruise and six sidewinder missiles 12,000 rounds of depleted uranium rounds for machine cannons Sixteen plasma mines Ten “Shockwave” bombs Jane smiled glad that Taav had the sense to stock up on ordinance before they had left Mars Academy. She scrolled through the menus until she found what she was looking for: Infirmary Status: occupied Patient status: normal. Diagnosis: coma, as a result of toxins in blood stream. Cause of symptoms: unknown Known cures: none. Seeing this information referring to Taav, who was in the Jaguar’s infirmary on deck two, made Jane’s blood go cold with a body numbing fear. “Alert” the G.S.S. carrier’s A.I. said in calm female voice. “Intruders in hanger four, sealing all exits.” Jane mind cycled back through the menus to the image of the hanger bay, the doors where closing, and to the extra protection provided by the energy containment field, which kept the pressure and atmosphere in the hanger constant even when passed through it. Thinking fast Jane opened a comm. link between the three ships. “Jaguar to Relentless and Predator come in please.” “Relentlessss here Jaguar what are our orders?” “Predator here Jaguar, our orders ma’am?” Jane didn’t waste any time with long explanations. “The hanger doors must be opened or we won’t be able to escape” “Copy that, Jag.” Bringing weapons to bear.” The two other pilots said in unison. “Fire only on my command” Jane said dryly selecting cruise missiles from the weapons from Jaguar’s weapons inventory. “Predator to Jaguar we got a lock, waiting for order to fire.” “Relentlesss to Jaguar ready to fire on your order.” “Fire!” Six cruise missiles shot forth from the missile tubes toward the energy field. The combined explosion was blindingly bright. A high velocity wind was created by the energy shield and door buckling; the hanger had completely become a vacuum. This effect was by the air being sucked out of the hanger. At that moment Jane throttled the Jaguar’s engines up to full power. The Jaguar rocketed out of the hanger followed closely by Relentless, and predator. “Nice going Jane” Nikii cried with relief over the comm. link. “You saved our butts” “Everyone didn’t make it out ok, Predator” Jane sighed. Sadness and grief strangled any happy emotions she might have had at that moment. “Taav will be fine, Jane you’ll see” Jane almost wept at those words spoken by Aavor; she knew she might not see her boyfriend again and that fact cut deep into her heart. She doubted she would recover from his death, if it came to that. _______________ Lucas Ammons |
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Luke - Ex-Student
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Just so you know I've edited my story adding in your suggestions about including other religious beliefs etc. I also mentioned at there are muslims that have remained loyal to the G.S.S. I've psted it on the showcase forum, take a look at it. I know it may need work, but it's a step in the right direction, at least. I'm trying. When you've looked at my story post suggestions on my profile, you game? _______________ Lucas Ammons This comment was edited by Luke on Oct 07 2006 10:38pm. |
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- - Student |
Ohh hey there, nice new avatar ^^ and of course very cool classes 2day (again) ive always enjoyed ur classes ^^ * stops licking a** * lol j/k really awsome training  hope ill have time 4 next time respect -Buster- This comment was edited by - on Oct 06 2006 09:15pm. |
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Mister Clutch - Student 
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/prods |
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Wicek - Nugget 
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Thank you mate |
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Vision - Jedi Knight 
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Thanks |
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Luke - Ex-Student
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Lots of research. Also helped a love science and sci-fi. I took astronomy in high school, really enjoyed it. Lucas Ammons AKA: "Taav Sharroock" P.S. E-mail me at: ljataav@hotmail.com _______________ Lucas Ammons |
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_Muro_ - Student 
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hah no problem matey ! It's you who ended up Murless few times ;P But anyway, I hope you'll be there hehe _______________ *Proud comment owner of: Dash Starlight's - 700th, Buster Senatu's - 100th, Yuken Zalak's - 250th, Laziana's - 100th, Para's - 75th, Zeke Asakura's - 800th!
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Raydoe_Mintaka - Student 
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thanks its good to be back! _______________ There is no dominant stance of power. The Power is in the user.... Holder of Lucky-Adept 222th post and 92 Lucky Charm yay XD.Zadus 50th comment!Pink Floyd Mintaka700th comment Rin_Mintaka 900th comment! ARGGGGGHHH MATEY!!!!!!! Quote: You are pretty tricky with red single heh
Your style reminds me of 3th's ~R2D2 |
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_Muro_ - Student
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Huh, nice comment you got here below me ^^ yeah probably we'll se tommorow, I mean well today  at the same time would be good 10 PM _______________ *Proud comment owner of: Dash Starlight's - 700th, Buster Senatu's - 100th, Yuken Zalak's - 250th, Laziana's - 100th, Para's - 75th, Zeke Asakura's - 800th!
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Luke - Ex-Student
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Chapter Two: Fleet Action. Taav stared out of the Jaguar’s cockpit viewports. He could not stop thinking about Zack. Taav felt bad that he had been powerless to save his closest friend. Eight years had passed since Taav had met Zack in the lower streets of Mars City. Back then Zack had been a street-wise kid who stole food or other things from the locals and tourists alike, to stay alive. Taav had shown pity to Zack taking the young boy home with him and conceiving his parents to adopt Zack. At first Zack didn’t really want to talk about his family, maybe because he was scared to, or maybe because he didn’t remember much about his past. Zack’s parents had been homeless, moving from place to place in the depths of the planet-wide metropolis. Zack had been born in an abandoned Martian colony, on the southwest side of Mars City. The Jaguar hurtled through the tunnel of light that was known wormhole jump. “Zack what’s our ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) at Azen II” Taav asked yawning. As he leaned back in the pilot chair, Taav felt the chair recline. “Four hours fifty minutes.” The disembodied voice answered. Taav closed his eyes. “Very good, wake me up when we have arrived.” 0800hrs AIIST (Azen II Standard Time) Nyeek Desert, Azen II The eleven Cybernetic Hunters sat on the sandy, dry, wind-swept ground in the shade provided by the Jaguar, as midday heat coming from the Azen system’s twin suns baked the two inner most planets of the twelve planet star system. All the planets in the system except for four had been terraformed, which is making a planet hospitable artificially, so sentient beings from across the vast galaxy could come there if they choose to. Sitting on a rock Aavor slowly chewed on part of his M.R.E. (Meals Ready to Eat) as he, his brother ,and friends, who where also eating from the plastic-like canisters watched the information presented on the disk Taav had been given. The image of a man standing nearly eight feet tall rotated three-hundred and sixty degrees from a portable holoimager, that was in the center of the meeting place. The man had red skin, big muscular arms with clawed hands, and single eye in the center of his head. “This is Keb Gall, a former solider turned mercenary. He’s the leader of a group of thugs-for-hire.” said metallic voice that came from portable holoimager. Dark Star’s tendrils may reach far and wide from the capital world of the Galactic Star Systems, Mars, to the frozen wastelands of Ket yor. “There is bounty on his head of sixty-thousand galactic Jeevans if he is brought in live and thirty-thousand if he’s brought in dead.” With that message disk popped out of the middle triode cylinder-shaped holoimager that had four L-shaped image inducers, one each side. Taav thought for second then spoke with insight that had made him leader Cybernetic Hunters. “This guy’s probably no dummy, he probably knows he’s being hunted, so he’ll avoid public places at all costs, and he will be heavily guarded. He will expect a bounty hunter or a squad of G.S.S. soldiers to come after him at night, since it will be cooler then. “We will need correct Intel on his whereabouts, how he’s guarded and armed. Another holographic image appeared from the holoimager. It was a detailed map of the place the Cybernetic Hunters where going to investigate. “This city is located twelve klicks from our current position. The image was of a high adobe-walled city. “From what intel has already been gathered by our spy network, this city is a major base of operations for Gall. I know what you all are thinking. Why can’t we just go in there guns blazing. My answer is that Gall’s men have hidden themselves amongst the innocent civilian populous. The information we have in front of us sketchy at best. We must move into the city to collect more intel. I’ll not accept civilian caluties, or any amounts of collateral damage, do I make myself clear? “Yes sir.” Taav stood looking at all of the Cybernetic Hunters with his green eyes. “Get some rest, the hunt begins tonight.” Rachael stood next, her brown hair had been pulled back, and until it was taught. Then it had been braided into something that resembled two strands of tightly woven pieces of stitch work. Each braid was twisted around each other like a double helix. The braids on each side of her head ran left or right or up and down. The hair between the braids was so stretched that a line, made by the unbraided part could be seen. “I’ll take first watch, Captain Sharroock.” Rachael looked at Taav. “Very good Captain Carlson” Taav nodded staring at his former girlfriend. She wore a hooded brownish-tan cloak. Tri-layered sleeves that ended in thick brown gloves, these sleeves were part of the undergarments the cloak was worn over. The shade provided by the Jaguar as well as the hood of her cloak, most of her face, except her blue eyes, and her ruby lips. “I was hoping you would remain with me Captain Sharroock, we have matters of jealously to discuss.” The others got to their feet, moving toward the Jaguar’s boarding ramp. As soon the rest of two squads had entered Taav’s ship, and the boarding ramp had been raised, the discussion began. “I have committed sin of lust, I curse the day your brother rapped me, and I know that you were emotionally distraught after we were forced to break up.” Taav looked away toward the horizon. “You’ve grown to know me better than I know myself.” Rachael walked over to Taav stepping in front him. “You were once my boyfriend and commanding officer. You gave the orders and I followed them. I showed you loyalty, giving my love. In return you were gracious; listening to anything had to say. I want to be your girl again, Taav, to stand at your side as your second-in-command. Taav mouth went dry. “I have a new love in my life, Rach. If the brass had only not punished me, by forcing me to abandoned you, I would still be yours.” “Although, Jane my girlfriend now, I won’t abounded her, just to be with you.” Rachael signed. “Jane is loyal, beautiful, and…” Rachael paused searching for the right words. “Unselfish toward other people.” “No matter what has happened, or will happen between us, always remember; that I still love you, and hope you and I will remain friends” Taav nodded. “Count on it. Simper Fi, Rach.” “You’re not a tad bit jealous?” Taav asked cocking an eyebrow. “Yes, although I try to put myself above such things.” Rachael answered. I can not change the past, the Bible also tells us, that dwelling on such negative emotions are things that will drive us to bitterness, and that we must unshackle ourselves from these emotions.” “I couldn’t have said it better myself.” Taav confirmed. Taav pivoted on his heal, and then walked the boarding ramp of his ship. Once on board Taav headed for his bunk, located just behind the Jaguar’s cockpit. Taav tossed and turned in his bunk. His heart raced as he thought about any number of things. His on going relationship with both Jane and the possible rekindling of Rachael’s relationship with him. If Aavor had done what he had Taav thought angrily. Rachael wouldn’t have been forced to reject me. Taav know he must distance himself from this way of thinking. NightHawk. That was the answer. NightHawk was one of the two-hundred cars Taav owned. A 2006 jet black Ford GT. There it was. NightHawk. Much blood, sweat, and tears had gone into rebuilding, then adding to this American muscle car. Do to the fact that this vehicle ran on gasoline, and hydrogen not gasoline was the main fuel source on Mars, modifications had been needed. The cool night air felt frigid but it didn’t seem to affect any of the Cybernetic Hunters as they raced toward Delaga, due the fact that the Cybernetic Hunters were wearing brownish-tan hooded cloaks made from their leather jackets/armor that their nanobots had artificially softened and dyed. Beneath the layered cloth the Cybernetic Hunters armor still remained in its original form. Taav looked through his visored helmet at the starry night sky. Delaga is a small spaceport city, of a hundred thousand people. Just the kind of place a low life scum like this Keb Gall would try to hide. This mission is supposed to be a DA (Direct Action) mission. A direct action mission can include Tactical Recovery of Aircraft Personnel (TRAP), Gas/Oil Platform (GOPLAT) raids, Vessel/Board/Search/Seizures (VBSS) and other missions involving close quarter battle. Suddenly the holoscreen in between the handlebars of Taav’s modified CX-90 anti-magnetic field racing motorcycle activated. (A CX-90 is sci-fi version a street motorcycle.) It showed a column of military vehicles cruising over the sand on anti-magnetic fields. “Computer show our position relative to the position of that column of personal carriers and tanks” ordered Taav, pushing motorcycle to its limits as it hovered a foot off desert floor as Jane clung to him tighter. The holographic image changed from showing triangular-shaped armored personal carriers to an image of a map showing that the Cybernetic Hunters where only five minutes away. Don’t let yourselves get shot because these soldiers probably have EMP (electromagnetic pulse) rifles that could disable our nanobots, meaning we will not be able to regenerate, and then when you get shot you slowly bleed to death. This is how Zack was wounded. Suddenly high-powered plasma bolts tore through the air. Taav made the souped-up CX-90 fell on its right side at a sixty degree angle; the plasma bolts sizzled directly over them. As Taav righted his motorcycle he saw one transports, and depressing the fire button on the CX-90’s controls fired a volley of plasma fire from the CX-90’s twin plasma cannons mounted on both sides. The green lines of light struck under the main magnetic field engine. This caused the troop transport to take a nose dive into the sand. Then the sound of motion came from inside the downed craft. The Cybernetic Hunters brought their anti-magnetic field motorcycles to dead halt. Taav looked at the holoscreen puzzled. “The rest of the colu…” before Taav could finish his sentence a spiked fist punched through the ramp/door of the troop transport as still others began shredding the double armored obstacle in their way. “We need cover…our assault rifles are much more powerful than the plasma cannons on these CX’s” Taav exclaimed jumping off his bike and pointing his assault rifle at the troop carrier as he ran for the cover of some near by boulders. By now the thirty pumas-colored gargoyle-looking aliens let out horrid cry, then they took to the sky in groups of three. The air immediately filled with carefully aimed bolts of plasma fire. The first three yellow-eyed monsters had holes blow in their delicate wing membranes; they plummeted out of the sky like meteors from space. Seeing their comrades’ shot down by these sharpshooters the rest of demon-like aliens flew low so that the Cybernetic Hunters couldn’t get a lock on them. Unable to use their scoped rifles anymore the Cybernetic Hunters activated hydrogen powered anti-magnetic field belts they had been wearing. The winged creatures screamed a challenge, and the Cybernetic Hunters gave their own shouts and taunts. “Your mother’s so ugly when she looked in a mirror it broke” Taav laughed at one of the demons. Then the two groups of combatants faced off. The demon-like aliens struck first, they arrowed toward the seemingly unarmed recon marines with their pointed tails sticking out in front of them. They flew straight into Cybernetic Hunters defensive perimeter. Taav gripped the tail of one of the creatures that had come too close to him and pulled. With a loud wet tearing sound he separated the creature’s tail from its body. The creature screamed in pain, it turned around tried to flee, mustard yellow blood spurting from its wound. Taav; his reflexes honed by both his marine training and his cybernetic enhancements grabbed the creature by the neck, and then with one sharp twist its neck snapped like a twig. Meanwhile Rachael, her brown hair flying around her as if she was in a hurricane, was locked in mortal combat with one of the “hell’s angels.” She punched it in the head; its cranium split open from the blow, due to her cyberneticly enhanced strength, the hideous creature fell out of the star-lit sky like stone. Nikii threw a grenade at four on coming gargoyles, it exploded half way there cracking open their thick hides. Aiming her assault rifle she shot winging two more. Two of them came toward Jacorum, claws extended. He spun around whacking them with his four foot long spiked tail. Their heads smacked together knocking them unconscious. The rest flew off, afraid now that they would be killed. Out of nowhere came the Jaguar its weapons blazing. The Jaguar’s fifty millimeter machine cannon mowed the reminder of the gargoyles down like grass. “Everyone all right” yelled Taav. “We’re fine” answered the others. This aerial battle was a delaying maneuver…nothing more Taav thought. Those gargoyles must have been genetically engineered and they must be deployed as interceptors, as we have seen Taav heard his brother think. Dark Star will have the air around their base-city swarming with those things thought Rachael, Aavor looked at his girlfriend seeing her muscular six-foot two frame tense up as her deep blue flashed with cold fire. What do you want us to do Taav asked Jane using her nanothought- link. Retrieve one of the bodies and bring it to the Jaguar, so Taav and I can begin dissection, there has got to be a quicker way to kill these things Nikii thought. Nikii very carefully made an incision from the creature’s cranium to its sternum with his laser knife, and then he laid it down on the table. Reaching into the creature’s split open sternum Aavor pulled out a ball of muscle as big as his fist, holding close to his face as he studied it. “This creature’s heart looks like it has the same three chambered configuration as in reptiles and amphibians” Aavor exclaimed digging other hand deep creature’s chest cavity, moving it around until he found a weird-shaped organ. The square anti-magnetic field table which the lamb-sized creature laid got splashed with mustard yellow blood. “Reptilian/amphibian style lungs” Nikii said removing his blood soaked right hand from creature’s chest and placing the organs gently on a tray to her left. Gripping his laser knife from off the table again, Nikii made another incision along the creature’s crouch area. “This creature is asexual” commented Aavor, his left hand was empty and covered in the creature’s blood as he extracted it. “No ovaries or testis side by side, or any sign of sex organs for that matter.” Nikii judged. Taav sat on the lower right rack of the four bunk beds, which were built into the wall to conserve space in one of the Jaguar’s barracks, a short walk away from the Jaguar’s cockpit and main engineering. “What are you saying Nikii?” Taav asked, crossing his arms over his chest. Nikii turned locking eyes with Taav. “I’m saying…” she was interrupted by the Jaguar’s artificial Intelligence computer. “A fleet of ships approaching, they’ve just dropped out of wormhole jump” Taav slowly rose; his face was a face that seemed to be molded from lunarroidium metal; unreadable and held no sign of emotion. “What are there hull configurations” Taav asked staring blankly at his surroundings. “One moment…the ships’ hull configurations aren’t constant with any vessel designs of G.S.S. origin, military or otherwise.” Zack answered. These ships might have ordinance and other supplies destined for distribution to Dark Star Rachael thought with a shutter. Dark Star could be gearing up for total war against the G.S.S. theorized Nikii. All the more reason to launch a preemptive strike Taav ordered. “First, we’ll need to scan…” The Jaguar’s A.I. interrupted Aavor. “Large fleet emerging from wormhole jump… it’s the Galactic Guard.” Why would the Galactic Guard fleet perform a wormhole jump that would take it half way across the galaxy Just to come the Azen system? Rachael wondered. “I don’t like it” Taav commented, “Fear Sweat” starting to flow from every pore in his skin. “The multi-species military task force showing up when not called on…out of nowhere…something’s very wrong here,” shiver primal fear shoot down Taav’s back at implications of Rachael’s words. “The Galactic Guard could be pursuing that fleet that just came out of wormhole jump” Nikii commented. Rachael looked at her with her deep green eyes. “We questionsss that need answersss” Jacorum said his black forked tongue flicked out from between his lipless mouth as he tasted the scents in the air. “Extreme Caution should be taken when we board one of the G.S.S. ships in orbit…there’s no telling if Dark Ssstar has take control of them” hissed Jacorum. “Yes, but we have a mission to complete, so that lets complete it than we’ll see what’s going on orbit, agreed?” Taav asked arching an eyebrow. “Aye, sir” A warm northwesterly breeze blew across the desert plateau. Taav crouched peering into the star-lit night. Squad Zulu advance Taav thought looking at high mud brick wall that surrounded the city of Delaga. Advancing as ordered. Rachael thought moving her squad closer to the wall of the city. A dark silhouette appeared on top of the wall. “Night watch” Rachael breathed. Take him out Taav ordered. Andréaus stocked forward his sniper rifle raised. “Take out take out, did sssomeone sssay take out.” Kama’sh hissed. “Food isss walking on the wall” Andréaus hissed bacteria-filled slobber ran down his scaly checks. You can eat him after you shoot him, Andréaus you have my word on that Taav thought. “Thank you sssir” hissed Andréaus with huger. The plasma round exited from the M-20A8 sailing its intended target. The bolt of super-heated plasma struck the sentry on the right side of neck. Death was instant. His night vision giving him the light he needed to see in the darkness, Taav walked the grate of a storm drain. Taav crouched grabbing hold of the bars. He all his might but it wouldn’t budge “Damn.” He was winded from the exertion. They must be reinforced and driven twenty feet underground. Rachael came up beside him. She was covered by her armor except her head. “How do we get into the city without being detected Captain? Scaling the walls would be dangerous, given their immense height we also can’t jump eighty feet. Nor does our gear have the range needed to scale the wall.” “Well, that’s why we have demolitions expert Taav said standing. “Nikii.” A tall young dark-skinned marine woman stepped forward. “Sir.” Nikii was the newest member of Taav’s squad, she was Aavor’s replacement. Taav pointed the grate. “Satchel charge.” Nikii moved quickly forward deliberately slow in a half crouch-ran position. The reason for her cautious movement was because her active camouflage. (An image of the environment that is taken by cameras built into a vehicle or clothing of a person. The image is than transferred onto the vehicle or clothing by pressing a button on the dashboard or by selection from a helmet integrated H.H.U.D.) She placed a satchel charge on the bars. Clear the blast zone, go, go, go! Nikii set the satchel charge’s timer for twenty seconds. The Cybernetic Hunters ran a save distance. The explosion dust and bits of metal flying. Squad Alpha advance Taav ordered. Squad Alpha moved forward with caution; weapons raised pressed hard against their shoulders. Their movements slow and controlled, their footsteps silent as death. Assaloth was the first to enter the opening. Squad Beta, cover Squad Alpha Rachael commanded. Aye, ma’am. Oh my, Assaloth! Taav choked. What did you eat this time? My friend, it was not I. Assaloth answered using his nanothought-link. It is the scent of excrement as well as other body fluids. Feecies. Taav thought with distaste. This mission really sinks. The Cybernetic Hunters chuckled. Fan out, keep sharp. The ground slick and hard, possibly mud brick had been laid. Pluup. Squish. Duran and Kama’sh stepped of the side of the tiled mud brick floor, which was raised up four inches above the inky black sewage. There’s not enough ambient light in this place to use our night vision, use your thermal. Taav thought. Captain Sharroock, we’ve got movement at twelve o’ clock. Taav froze listening. “I hope we don’t find anything down here” A man’s voice echoed through the sewer. “We won’t Dyek.” A women’s voice reassured the man. “Nothing down here but rats.” The man seemed uneasy, “I just think we will.” “You call your self a mercenary!” the woman scolded. Mercenary Taav thought with distaste. Well-trained thug is more like it. Everyone knew of Taav’s feelings toward mercs. He hated them for being loyal only the highest bidder. Assaloth’s forked tongue flicked in and out of his mouth tasting the air. The Cybernetic Hunters walked with caution down a dark corridor adjacent to the hanger where Taav had landed Jaguar. Assaloth do you smell anything Taav thought slightly scared as he walked slowly behind his friend weapon raised and pressed tightly against his left shoulder. The corridor was deadly quiet. Negative, Taav, the air seems to be devoid of any scents. Any sign of the crew? Negative, Taav. Taav could hear Jane’s slow shallow breathing. Settle down, Jane Taav ordered. Don’t you find this strange, Taav? Taav walked point careful to move slowly making as little noise possible, eyes glowing. The corridor was wide ten feet in width, eight feet in height and twenty feet long. Taav stepped in something slippery. Taav look down Rachael thought. Taav looked down; a pool of blood. In the bodily fluid lay an M-20A4. What happened here? Taav thought a shiver of fear running up and back down his spine. Apparently a fire fight Rachael observed. There were many assault rifles scattered on the ground laying in pools of blood. I don’t like this Aavor thought warily. Jane spun around ripping off a stream of rounds. What are you firing at, Jane? I thought I heard movement Jane protested. You’re hearing things, Jane Aavor said dryly. I’ am not Jane shoot back. Sure you’re not. Jane made a sign with her middle finger. Taav suddenly held up his left hand which was balled into a fist. His arm was held out to the left, away from his body at a ninety degree angle. All the cybernetic hunters knew this signal meant. (Stop immediately) Taav crouched. His eyebrows knitted together, his lips sagged downward as if they had pulled in that direction by the carrier’s artificial gravity. Taav’s jaw though was set. A piece of bloody fabric lay on the deck. Taav picked the fabric studying it. Suddenly something moved quickly through the shadows toward the young recon marines letting out a shriek. Hold the line! Taav shouted to others using his nano-thought link. The creature charged. Blood red chameleon-like eyes flashed with a look of hunger in them. As the creature advanced on them from up on the ceiling, Rachael fired her assault rifle on fully automatic. The armor piercing rounds ricocheted off the creatures armor plated hide. The creature vanished into thin air. Nikii fired plasma bolt at where the creature was still latched on the ceiling. The plasma bolt also was deflected. “Look out!” Taav yelled as he leapt through the air pushing Rachael out of the way just as the bolt of super heated plasma struck the deck leaving a black scorch mark. Marines fall back, to the hanger now! Taav ordered adrenaline flowing through his veins. What is that thing? Taav thought running backward keeping his weapon level and pressed tight to his left shoulder. The creature made no further movement as the Cybernetic Hunters retreated back to the hanger. “We’re dead!” Nikii cried in terror. “Be silent Nikii,” Taav growled angrily. I am trying to think.” “You saw what happened when Rachael shot at it! That creature can’t be killed!” “I said can it Nikii that is a direct order.” Aavor fell silent looking fearfully around the hanger size of six city blocks. M-shaped fighter bombers filled the hanger, yet were not taxiing for take off, there was no voices booming over the intercom. No pilots, mechanics or marines performing their daily duties in or outside of the hanger maybe even the entire ship. Taav closed his eyes concentrating using his artificial brain to hack the carrier’s main computer. He downloaded the ship’s schematics and much of the ship’s log as he could get. “What’s our orders sir” Rachael asked blue eyes darting around the hanger. Taav opened his eyes and grimly spoke to his squadmates. “Split up and take different routes and then rendezvous at the ship’s armory, then after we gathered enough explosives fire team Zulu make your way to engineering and set charges. Fire team Omega stay in the armory and set charges, and Fire team Alpha you stay in the hanger and set charges.” After the charges are set fire team Zulu and Beta fall back to the hanger, we’re short on time. Marines, each of you knows your job, I expect you to do it quickly and efficiently, is that understood.” “Sir, yes sir.” Rachael, leader of recon squad Zulu walked point with her M-2s0A6 (a variant of the M-20A4 that has a grenade launcher attached to It.) pressed hard against her fair-skinned shoulder. Women have been trained to take the role as front line troops since 2028. Rachael what’s E.T.A. (Estimated Time of Arrival). Four minutes, sir. Out of corner of her eye Rachael spotted something grayish that was fastened to wall. The grayish things were actually soft leathery egg sacks. The eggs were sixteen inches in diameter and six inches long. The eggs themselves were in groups of six. They pulsed with efforts of the creatures inside as they struggled to escape. Taav, we’ve got a problem here. Yeah same here Rachael just double time to the...ahhh! Taav. Taav! Rachael thought frantically. All fire teams fall back, man down! Rachael heard Jane think. The some eggs sacs that lined the corridor suddenly burst open. Using his artificially enhanced night vision Kama’sh saw a long serpent-like creature crawl out of the egg and drop to the floor. The creature slithered toward the members of fire team Zulu. The creature’s eyes were blood red; its scaly body was black in color and had two sets of inch long spikes along the sides of its body. The creature’s head was like that a lamprey with no eyes just a circular mouth with rows upon of razor-sharp teeth. Jane pressed her hand against the bite wound on Taav’s neck. This seemed futile however because the saliva the creature secreted acted much like an anticoagulant. “Jane…help me.” Taav said his eyes rolling back in his head. “Stay with me Taav, don’t give up now” The members of fire team alpha fired their weapons backing up as they did so. “Jane look out! Cried Andréaus as a “lamprey” coiled its snake-like body then leapt at her. A molten green ball of plasma shot through the air nailing the larval form of the creature that could not be killed in the side. The plasma bolt burned a hole through the “lamprey.” Its body fell in two halves on to the deck with a wet, sickening plouk. Jane covered her mouth with her left hand, feeling queasy. The smell was awful; rotted tissue from the “lamprey’s meal, combined a rotten egg smell given off by the “lamprey” itself. Andréaus walked forward his heavy footsteps pounding the deck sending shockwaves through it. Andréaus stopped when he reached the body of the “lamprey.” He knelt down picking up the two halves of the creature and cramming both sausage-sized pieces into his teeth-filled mouth. The sickening crunch that followed was just too much for Jane’s stomach to handle. She turned her head, blowing chunks all over the deck. “Sssorry Jane” Andréaus said apologetically. “I ssshould’ve not done that in front of you.” His forked tongue came out and he used to lick green blood from his scaly lips. “Its okay, Andréaus” Jane blushed sheepishly. “I thought my training and things that I’ve seen for eight years while in the company of you and my other squadmates would’ve prepared me well for what you just did.” “Even the best, highly trained soldiers have things that they see in combat that displease or scare them greatly but, a good soldier learns to overcome these things and fight on, no matter what.” Jane plugged herself into the Jaguar as she slid the pilot seat. A cylindrical metal rod pierced her skull as she lay back against the head rest. The incision was deep but not large, only about a two inch circumference. Little cylindrical probes also jabbed into her spinal column at three places. She was in control of ship. When she closed her eyes could see the hanger in real-time as the information was transmitted from the ship’s computer directly into her brain. The question was though, would the Jaguar’s computer respond to her thoughts and do what she wanted. She decided she would test that theory. Engine nozzles left. A distant mechanical whine could be heard, as the nozzles changed direction. Activate weapons; a screen showing the weapons in the inventory flashed in front of Jane’s closed eyes: Available Weapons: Missiles: six cruise and six sidewinder missiles 12,000 rounds of depleted uranium rounds for machine cannons Sixteen plasma mines Ten “Shockwave” bombs Jane smiled glad that Taav had the sense to stock up on ordinance before they had left Mars Academy. She scrolled through the menus until she found what she was looking for: Infirmary Status: occupied Patient status: normal. Diagnosis: coma, as a result of toxins in blood stream. Cause of symptoms: unknown Known cures: none. Seeing this information referring to Taav, who was in the Jaguar’s infirmary on deck two, made Jane’s blood go cold with a body numbing fear. “Alert” the G.S.S. carrier’s A.I. said in calm female voice. “Intruders in hanger four, sealing all exits.” Jane mind cycled back through the menus to the image of the hanger bay, the doors where closing, and to the extra protection provided by the energy containment field, which kept the pressure and atmosphere in the hanger constant even when passed through it. Thinking fast Jane opened a comm. link between the three ships. “Jaguar to Relentless and Predator come in please.” “Relentlessss here Jaguar what are our orders?” “Predator here Jaguar, our orders ma’am?” Jane didn’t waste any time with long explanations. “The hanger doors must be opened or we won’t be able to escape” “Copy that, Jag.” Bringing weapons to bear.” The two other pilots said in unison. “Fire only on my command” Jane said dryly selecting cruise missiles from the weapons from Jaguar’s weapons inventory. “Predator to Jaguar we got a lock, waiting for order to fire.” “Relentlesss to Jaguar ready to fire on your order.” “Fire!” Six cruise missiles shot forth from the missile tubes toward the energy field. The combined explosion was blindingly bright. A high velocity wind was created by the energy shield and door buckling; the hanger had completely become a vacuum. This effect was by the air being sucked out of the hanger. At that moment Jane throttled the Jaguar’s engines up to full power. The Jaguar rocketed out of the hanger followed closely by Relentless, and predator. “Nice going Jane” Nikii cried with relief over the comm. link. “You saved our butts” “Everyone didn’t make it out ok, Predator” Jane sighed. Sadness and grief strangled any happy emotions she might have had at that moment. “Taav will be fine, Jane you’ll see” Jane almost wept at those words spoken by Aavor; she knew she might not see her boyfriend again and that fact cut deep into her heart. She doubted she would recover from his death, if it came to that. written by: Lucas Ammons "Taav Sharroock" P.S. DON'T STEAL MY IDEAS! Ask to incorate characters, technology etc. into a story of your own. _______________ Lucas Ammons |
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Majno - Padawan 
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Schawiiiing! nothing much, been playin the Godfather on Ps2 lately. eats alot of time. Otherwise good ty.And you? _______________ " You've just taken your first steps into a larger world. " - Ben. |
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_Muro_ - Student 
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hehe I was on MSN and didn't seen ya so I think you didn't manage to get there ;P And I was about 10:20 PM at classes server and heard that you were there earlier. Darn if u'd only could get on MSN we could have a good paddy session in some later time than at 10 ;p _______________ *Proud comment owner of: Dash Starlight's - 700th, Buster Senatu's - 100th, Yuken Zalak's - 250th, Laziana's - 100th, Para's - 75th, Zeke Asakura's - 800th!
This comment was edited by _Muro_ on Oct 04 2006 10:17pm. |
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_Muro_ - Student
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hahaha no no I knew it was tonight yeah But was just curious if you can make it today or simply in the next week But I don't know yet if I'll make it ! Todays a special situation, so yeah that's the point ... :/ _______________ *Proud comment owner of: Dash Starlight's - 700th, Buster Senatu's - 100th, Yuken Zalak's - 250th, Laziana's - 100th, Para's - 75th, Zeke Asakura's - 800th!
This comment was edited by _Muro_ on Oct 04 2006 02:42pm. |
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Luke - Ex-Student
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Sorry starlight, my friend. I left my zip drive at home. Will post both of the second chapters of my stories on your profile, when get I home. Went to write a story toghter, combination of Star Wars, and Cybernetic Hunters? Have the G.S,S. kick imperial butt, when A Galactic Star Systems battle group accidently wormhole jumps into imperial space, or the empire discovers the Miky Way galaxy, and tries to invade it. Post answer on my profile, or E-mail Me at: ljataav@hotmail.com _______________ Lucas Ammons This comment was edited by Luke on Oct 04 2006 06:23pm. |
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_Muro_ - Student
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Hey there Dash I wanted to ask, is paddy session today or in the next week ? _______________ *Proud comment owner of: Dash Starlight's - 700th, Buster Senatu's - 100th, Yuken Zalak's - 250th, Laziana's - 100th, Para's - 75th, Zeke Asakura's - 800th!
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Raydoe_Mintaka - Student
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so you made it to instructor congrats homie! _______________ There is no dominant stance of power. The Power is in the user.... Holder of Lucky-Adept 222th post and 92 Lucky Charm yay XD.Zadus 50th comment!Pink Floyd Mintaka700th comment Rin_Mintaka 900th comment! ARGGGGGHHH MATEY!!!!!!! Quote: You are pretty tricky with red single heh
Your style reminds me of 3th's ~R2D2 |
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Luke - Ex-Student
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Halo, Dash Starlight. Thanks a million for your option. Would you like to read more about the Cybernetic Hunters? I took my nickname from one of Story's main characters, Taav Sharroock. I'll copy the next chapter too your profile so you may read it. You can aslo E-mail me at ljataav@hotmail.com. I could use someone to talk to and bounce ideas off, no stealing my stuff, though. If you want to use chracters, locations, technogly etc. In a story please ask me first. You and I could also write a story together, if you want? The area of fiction this story in is SCIENCE FICTON NOT FANSANY. (Line of words in caps for sight purposes only, because I've written a lot.) No harm done though, I shall not get angry with you for that. As the Jedi Code says: There is no emation, there is peace. Taav Sharroock P.S. May the force be with you, my friend. _______________ Lucas Ammons This comment was edited by Luke on Oct 03 2006 10:55pm. |
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Luke - Ex-Student
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New Padawan ready for training. Taav Sharroock, E-mail: ljataav@hotmail.com _______________ Lucas Ammons |
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SaZ - Student 
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you know what that means? w00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000sh! _______________ playing jk3 since 30th of january (2005), member since 1st of february. [Unofficial Master to Vision and Z�diac ] If you can make a fool of yourself infront of 300 people you can do anything - Jaiko D'kana |
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Wicek - Nugget
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GOM, silly Dash.. |
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