Project - Prometheus Ch. 08

Before it had the chance to recover or even move its arms, Luminia was on it in an instant. Leaping through the air, she drove her father's sword halfway into its neck. She then yanked the blade out as it lifted its head to see who would dare try to kill it. That was its critical mistake, as the moment it turned its gaze to her, Lumi drove the blade straight into its eye. It went all the way up to the hilt; the blade burying itself deep in its brain, killing it instantly.

With a shudder and a croak, it stopped moving and was still. Everyone took a few minutes to check and register that it was dead and when it was, everyone let out a great whoop of triumph! Lumi crawled atop the corpse of the Alpha and let out an ululating warcry that echoed across the Dead Snows.

On the periphery of the visible wreckage area, were several other beasts who had shown up to watch their Alpha devour the intruders. They did not expect to watch their Alpha die at the hands of such small creatures. Though seeing their Alpha fall was enough to put fear into them concerning these small ones. If they were powerful enough to fell three of their number and the Alpha in such a short time, what could they do to the rest of them?

They all left and quickly before they too met the same fate as the Alpha had. When they were gone, Lumi sagged to her knees and was laughing and crying at the same time. Her bodyguards stepped up, offering their congratulations at her slaying of the Alpha. The women though, stepped in to hug her, offering their own thanks for slaying the beast that had consumed so many of their people.

Luminia accepted their thanks and their help to get off the creature. She came down and removed her father's sword from its eye, scarcely believing that she had finally done it! Looking at it, she knew that this was the one who had killed her father, as the scar on its face was the very wound Faal'Dahr had inflicted before he told her to run. She drew her breaths shudderingly, still in disbelief that she had avenged his death!

It was then she sang. What she sang though, was both haunting and beautiful in its own way. She had waited for years to sing it, and now, she sung with all her heart. It was a dirge she had composed for the day she could finally avenge her father and see that his spirit was sent safely to the embrace of the mother goddess. Everyone except for the Artucian were awestruck that she'd want to sing right here and now. Alex seemed like he wanted to ask a question and one of the men, Brahktem, stepped forward and spoke to him quietly.

"She is singing in remembrance of her father, who was slain by this very beast," he explained to Alex. Everyone within earshot heard him and nodded, understanding the solemnity of the moment. "She is singing of his life, of how he lived and how much he is missed. She will be singing for some time as she wants to see his soul sent to the mother goddess."

"Won't she bring more of those beasts this way?" Talon asked quietly.

"This monster was the Alpha of all the Tashkuun beasts. Others were watching us kill it and now that it is dead, they will not come near. For fear of us and what we would do to them," Brahk went on.

"So, these things have some sense of intelligence?"

"In some ways. They will all be likely fighting amongst themselves for some time, choosing a new Alpha," he supplied.

"How do they do that?" Korsa wondered, intrigued.

"The last one alive wins."

Hearing that, the crew nodded and then backed away, to give Lumi the space she needed to grieve and to say goodbye to her father. They all retreated to the Hermes while the Artucian stayed neared Luminia as she sang. Alex walked up and into the dropship as quietly as he could manage with his wrecked suit. Everyone else followed along, each one needing a quick breather from the fight they'd just endured.

Once Alex was in the center of the cargo area, he started the sequence so he could step out of the suit but found that he couldn't. Several release points were jammed or ruined by that monster outside, so he was stuck. Nats noticed that he was having trouble and walked on over to help.

"Got yourself stuck in it?" Natalya asked, fixing her gaze on the damage done to the Phalanx.

"Yeah. I think some catches are jammed. Think you can get me out?" he asked.

"Just give that knife of yours and I'll get you out of this tin can," Nats stated while chuckling. He opened the storage compartment, which was miraculously intact and pulled out his knife. Handing it to Natalya, the caramel skinned woman got to work, clearing every catch and release point until the armor came apart.

She took the better part of ten minutes to get it done but once opened, Alex stepped out and winced as he came free. He knew that he had taken a few bruises when he was getting squished by that thing but at least he was still here. Stretching, Alex then twisted one way then the other until he felt all the cricks and cracks work their way out of his system. He was about to speak when Nats grabbed him by the front of his suit and dragged him down to eye level with her.

"Don't you dare pull another stunt like that, understand me?" she said gruffly to him. She looked into his eyes and he could tell that it wasn't anger that drove her, but fear. Fear of losing him like that and in that moment, Alex knew. Knew that she cared about him, that he wasn't just some kind of fling. Smiling, he drew Nats into him, which had her squeak in surprise, before her lips were enveloped by his.

Melting into the kiss, Natalya's anger dissipated, and she kissed Alex back sighing as she felt his arms wrap around her. He drew away from her, ending the kiss and stared into her eyes, letting her know that he was sorry for pulling such a reckless stunt like that. She smiled slightly, knowing that the point had been received.

"If you two are done getting all kissy faced over there," Korsa interrupted, drawing everyone's attention. "the rest of us are wondering what the plan is."

Walking over hand in hand, both Nats and Alex joined the group as they all stood and waited for their orders. Alex straightened himself as he stood next to Korsa, feeling her gaze boring into him. He spoke quietly so that his voice wouldn't carry from the ship and disrupt Lumi's dirge.

"Well, I for one am going back into the Columbus. There's a hard drive in the captain's quarters that I need to locate as it is vital to finding the rest of the Prometheus vessels."

"Hold on. You're saying that there's a way to find the other six missing ships?" Inari asked. Alex nodded and filled everyone in about what he, Nats and Talon had learned while exploring inside the ship. Everyone assembled was awestruck at this new information, each one of them amazed that such a star map existed.

"So, if we get this hard drive and access the information in it, you're confident we can find the rest of them?" Korsa asked.

"I'm fairly confident about it, yes. I know the information is old and passed down, but it's a hell of a lot more than what humanity has had about finding them. At the very least, it narrows the search area considerably," Alex stated with the confident authority of his rank.

"I'm with Alex on this," Inari agreed. Priya seconded it a heartbeat behind her as her lover continued. "We got lucky in finding the Perseus, but luck alone won't be enough to recover the others. At least this way, we have a better shot at it."

The rest of the crew voiced their agreement, especially Kasumi, who was eager to see their mission through to the end. Nodding, Korsa thought it over and it made logical and rational sense. Inwardly, she was glad now, as her staying aboard the Darkstrider had mainly been about protecting Natalya. Now, she had something else, something more to become a part of and knew it to be something that would be a worthwhile endeavor.

"All right then, but with your armor out of commission, you're not going in there alone, Natalya stated with finality.

"Wouldn't dream of it Chief. I want at least three volunteers who will hold the perimeter here and keep an eye on our friends. I want to bring them back alive and without any issues," Alex stated. Looking around, Korsa stepped forward, as did Nats, Talon and Kasumi.

"Ok then, Inari, Priya, reload and let's move. The rest of you, set a perimeter and keep your eyes open," he said. Before they left, Alex went over to the locker and pulled out a jumpsuit to go over his bodysuit, along with a cold weather jacket and a pair of boots. After fitting himself with the gear, he marched out, with Kas handing him the Wolf's Fangs which he stowed in his jumpsuit.

Everyone fanned out to their positions as the exploration team walked back into the Columbus. Korsa took a few minutes and was busy talking to Natalya as they walked along the ridge of the hill that the Hermes was perched on.

"So, you and Alex eh?" the Khontaran woman teased.

"Mama, please. I'm a grown ass woman who can make decisions for myself thanks," Nats groused as walked next to her adoptive mother.

"No disapproval from me Natalya, just saying you need to be careful and take things slow with him is all," Korsa replied.

"Because he's a man out of time and that his mindset differs from mine? I know mama. That's something I considered when we wound up together that first time. The thing is, he has no one, and that makes him both isolated and vulnerable. Something that no one should have to endure alone. And the truth is, I'm starting to care about the man," Natalya confessed.

"So that's what all that was about?" Korsa asked, slightly taken aback by her daughter's candor. "You didn't want to see him hurt?"

"I'd rather not see him hurt at all if I can help it and when I heard him scream, I felt..." Natalya got all choked up and couldn't finish. Korsa swore that she could see a tear come out of Nats' eyes and was thoroughly flummoxed! She'd never seen Natalya this broken up over anyone being hurt, especially a potential boyfriend! Not even Jaden, her sweetie from Andaari station, could stir Nats like this!

Korsa understood what Natalya was feeling now. She was falling in love with young Alexander Tomisic. Her mothering instincts kicked in and some part of her was going over ways to speak to Alex about this, but she brushed it off. He'd find out one way or another and he'd make the decision about what they were himself. No sense in scaring or coercing the boy into a relationship he may or may not want to be in.

Though she was truly happy for Nats. For the very first time since she'd rescued her from Rat-Faced Mike, Natalya had opened her heart and let someone in. Someone, who Korsa hoped, would love her back as she should be loved. Regardless, it was good to see that Natalya hadn't lost her way as Korsa had feared. Seeing that her daughter was still stressing out, she drew her in for a hug and held her tight.

"Don't worry so much Nats. He's a big boy and can look after himself, but it's good you reminded him that he's not to do anything that stupid," Korsa soothed.

"I know but with where we are, and we do, nothing is guaranteed! So how do I stay sane?" Natalya worried.

"Look out for each other, like we do. Don't hold back how you feel. Figure out what you want to say and say it Nats," Korsa advised her daughter. She knew that it was a bit of a long shot since Natalya had become obsessed with catching Rat Face. Since they found the Perseus though, it seemed like her mood had lightened. Although Korsa could tell that it wasn't the ship that was responsible for her daughter's change in attitude, but she kept that to herself.

Nats though, seemed to be deep in thought, almost like she was considering her mother's advice. Korsa did her part to keep her eyes open but judging by how quiet it had become in the Dead Snows, she needn't have bothered. Brahktem was right, because the Alpha was now dead, no other creature wanted to come near them. They had proven to be strong enough to take down that monster and because of this, every other life form had given them a wide berth.

"Thanks mama. You've given me a lot to think about," Natalya said, breaking Korsa's reflective state.

"Always, ximal kihuo(little one)," Korsa murmured affectionately. Nats then squared herself and moved over to where she would keep an eye out for any intruders.

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Alex was busy making his way through the icy corridor of the officer's deck he had traversed through earlier. With Pree and Inari right behind him, he wasn't fussed about the ship or what it may contain. Right now, his focus was on finding that hard drive that Captain Mueller kept in her quarters. If ship designs stayed true to form with how they were built in his day, the Captain's quarters should be just off the bridge.

As they approached the bridge, Alex could see that both Jaesa and Stanley were chatting about something when both programs noticed their approach. Turning to face the arriving humans, they both were happy to see Alex return. Stan spoke first.

"I trust that whatever issue you were called away for has been rectified?" he asked.

"It has been dealt with Stan. A pack of Tashkuun beasts if you're curious about the events that just transpired," Alex stated with a sense of finality.

"Three of those little guys and that big monster! That was one hell of a fight Captain!" Jaesa enthused, smiling.

"How did you know about that?" Inari asked, confused.

"Being the Perseus' AI, I'm also patched into the suits that all crew members wear, as a means of monitoring vitals and such. Though I didn't see the battle from the perspective of Korsa, you or Priya here, I could see the whole fight transpire in real time. That beast was one tough, I believe the expression is, son of a bitch?" Jaesa asked.

"Indeed, it was. At least we could wound the bastard, so we could bring it down," Alex said with a note of surprise in his voice. He'd never seen Jaesa so animated over battles before, but he quickly dismissed any lingering thoughts or questions and turned to Stan.

"I would assume that the captain's quarters is joined to the bridge?" he asked the VI.

"Yes sir. It's to your left, right in front of you," Stanley pointed in the direction indicated. Alex glanced at the door and saw it was partially open, just enough for him to squeeze through. He left the ladies behind as they asked questions of both Stan and Jaesa. He walked into the frosted room and was surprised by what he found.

The room itself was rather spacious, almost the size of a bachelor's apartment on Earth, as was proper for the captain of a vessel. It wasn't the size or the décor that surprised Alex, but the captain herself. Captain Sabrina Mueller sat there as calm and composed as though she was still alive. Had it not been for the rime and frost that covered her and her uniform, he would have sworn that she was alive.

The cold had flash frozen the poor woman, so that she was perfectly preserved, without a hint of decay on her. She had black hair, fair, slightly pallid skin and a physique that would have matched Natalya's. He bowed his head in respect and said a quick prayer for the captain before he began his search.

Alex looked in every drawer, nook and cranny in the cabin and found nothing that resembled a computer drive. He'd noted a few things that had decorated the room and thought about taking them, but that was bad form. Alex then sat across from where the frozen captain was and pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. He looked at the dead woman across from him, hoping that she'd at least give him some clue.

It was then he'd noticed that her hands weren't just folded in her lap. She was holding onto something, but both her hands and forearms had been concealing it. He couldn't see it from any other angle other than this one, so he stepped forward and got a better look. It appeared to be a book that she was holding, small in size and thickness. Alex thought it odd she was holding onto it, that she'd chosen this exact position to die in.

As carefully as he could manage, Alex pried the book out of the Captain's icy grip and pull it away. After looking it over, he saw that it was a copy of Robinson Crusoe, a classic literary piece from the early eighteenth century. He smirked as he thought it was ironic the captain would be holding such a book as she died.

He opened the book to see if it was still in good order as he loved to read. Inside, most of the pages were cut out, leaving a sizeable space that could conceal anything within it. Nestled inside the small hiding space, was a small computer hard drive. Alex's breath caught as he could scarcely believe his luck in finding it! Before he turned to leave, he stood at attention and saluted the fallen captain, for doing her duty in keeping it safe.

Quickly squishing through the door, Alex excitedly ran up to the other two women, with the drive in his hands. Priya and Inari looked confused for a moment until they spotted what he held.

"Is that...?" Priya asked

"It is! The hard drive that contains all the information about the lost Prometheus vessels and their possible locations!" Alex almost burbled. "If the others can be located...." He let the dream of what could be, hang in the air for the women to imagine. All the secrets of humanity's past, all the technological advancements in science, philosophy, medicine, everything, recovered!

"The drive looks relatively intact, though I would advise that you keep it in its frozen state for the moment," Jaesa broke in, spoiling their daydreaming. "If that drive were to get wet due to the melting frost, it would ruin it and any chance of recovering the data."

"Understood Jaesa. I'd say it's past time to depart ladies," he said addressing the women present.

"But sir, can't we have ourselves a bit of a look around before we go?" Pree pleaded.

"Not now Chief. We need to get back on the Hermes and head back to the Artucian settlement, before more of those beasts show up and get bold," Alex stated. Both women nodded, grudgingly agreeing with his line of thinking. "Jaesa, that includes you."

"Understood sir. Leaving now," she said. Moments later, she was gone, and only Stanley was left on the display. He looked a little forlorn but maintained his posture.

"I take it you may yet be back then Captain Tomisic?" Stan queried.

"Eventually. There is still a lot that needs to be accomplished before we return to salvage what we can from here. I assume that you have a communication line open with Jaesa?"

"I do, sir. What are my orders?" the VI asked.

"Monitor the area using whatever sensors are still active and report your findings to Jaesa. Any new beasts take up residence in the immediate area, I want to know about it," Alex explained.

"Very good, sir. I will keep Jaesa appraised of any changes per your direction," it replied before saluting. Alex returned the salute before turning and leaving with both women in tow. The VI then began its task of tapping into what remained of the functioning sensors and setting them to watch mode.

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Alex, Inari and Priya walked out into the afternoon light, blinking rapidly before their eyes adjusted to the brightness. He no longer heard Luminia singing but saw that everyone outside had been busy. The beasts that had been killed were all tied up with various harnesses around their corpses. Everyone was bustling about with heavy cables, latching them to each harness.

"What's going on?" he asked as he approached Natalya and Luminia, who were busy affixing the final cable to the Alpha.

"Getting these beasts ready for transport sir," Nats stated as she tested the cable to ensure that it would hold.

"The Artucian people need proof of these kills?" he asked, confused as to why they'd transport the corpses when the heads would have sufficed.