Into the Abyss: MIA
Chapter Sixteen
Well, after a short delay I have returned. But, as always my computer thought it was time
to screw me over again. I had half of the this chapter already written and now I can't get
into it. So I have to rewrite this chapter and I can't remember what I wrote before. Which
sucks since whenever I have to re-write something it is never as good at the first time...
I guess that is enough babbling from me...here you go...
Forge became friends with Ayana and the twins. He charmed Melian and Lania with his
jokes. Dyro liked Forge because despite the fact that Hunter's hated Glientian's, Forge was quite amiable to Dyro. Jared was still wary of Forge but he grudgingly respected him for his skill in weapons and mechanics. Kali seemed to respect, or more accurately, put up with Forge. He was always flirting with her and calling her Silver.
Several weeks went by without much happening. The only change that occurred was the
fact that nobody saw much of Kali or Ayana during the day hours. Kali was quite serious
about Ayana’s training. As the young girl soon found out. There was several hours of
mental training followed by four hours of physical workout. Then the 'school' time began
when Kali would teach Ayana about Priestesses, their technology, and other species
(friend and foe).
It was about 2100 at night, Ayana had just went to bed after sleepily eating whatever
Melian placed in front of her. The twins had been in bed several hours ago. Dyro and
Lania had also retired for the night.
Kali, Jared, Melian and Forge were all on the main deck. Forge had his feet up on a
console, his hands behind his head. Completely at ease. Jared and Melian were doing scans of the nearby planets and stars. Kali had her eyes closed in her seat. 3-D images moved around her at very high speeds. She opened her eyes quickly and the pictures disappeared. “There is a ship nearby. They are hailing us. MIA, open a channel.”
A rather dirty looking young man came on screen. He was smiling slimily and bowing,
“Pleased to meet you, that I am. I wonder if perhaps you would like to trade?”
Jared, Melian, and Kali just stared. Unsure what to make of this, person.
Forge snorted disgustedly, “He’s a Trader. Traders fly around space trading for profit and
gain. They are fifthly treasure hunters, nothing more.”
“I am hurt by what you say, that I am that I am. I am only a humble Trader. Nothing
more. My name is Nisemono. Would you like to trade? Perhaps a propulsion enhancer for
your ship? Or some fine silin dresses for the beautiful young women?”
(Silin is sort of like silk but it’s softer, stronger, and harder to ruin. Nisemono is a
Japanese term.)
“No, we have nothing to trade. Good-bye.” Kali made a movement to cut the connection
when Forge interfered.
“Wait a moment Silver,” He looked back at the screen, “What kind of propulsion enhancer?”
Nisemono, seeing that he may have a trade after all began talking rapidly, “Oh yes, yes,
many many kinds, good sir. Many many kinds.”
“Do you have a Tri-lason?” Forge asked thoughtfully.
Nisemono smiled, “Several of them. That I do that I do.”
“And what would you be willing to trade for it?”
Nisemono’s eyes lit up and he looked Kali and Melian over greedily. “I am very lonely out
here all by myself. That I am.”
Jared spoke up this time, “I suggest you think of something else.” His face was in shadow so his eyes couldn’t be seen. But it was quite obvious that that idea was out of the question.”
Nisemono looked disappointed. Then he perked up. “Perhaps some food then? I have had
nothing but space rations in a very long time, that I have.”
After another ten minutes of conversation and some persuading from Forge. Kali agreed
that the booster would be a good idea. Forge and Jared handled the transaction. When it
was close to morning time Melian went to tell Dyro and Lania what happened. She also let
the exhausted Ayana know that her lessons were canceled for the day. Kali wanted to at
least oversee the installation. Ayana’s response to the news was a thankful grunt as she fell back asleep.
Forge explained that Hunter’s used the Tri-lason and it was very effective. It was made up of six boxes that were hooked up in the engine room. He set to work right away, but when he started to cut holes for the enhancer Kali let out a soft scream and fell on her knees. holding her abdomen. Forge was completely confused. Lania knelt by the other girl and checked her over while explaining to Forge that Kali was connected to the ship. Forge looked concerned and serious for once. “ I have to cut about six of these holes. Is it going to hurt Silver every time?” Lania nodded.
Kali grunted, “There isn’t’ much choice, just do it. I can deal with the pain.” Forge looked doubtful. Kali growled softly, her eyes flashing. “Wasting time thinking about it isn’t going to ease the pain any. Just do it.” Forge sighed and did as she asked. Kali sat on the floor breathing heavily and trying not to scream as he continued. When he was finished cutting the holes Kali went to go rest.
Forge continued the installation undisrupted until Eryk came in to watch. ‘Where’s your
twin squirt?” Forge asked.
“She is helping Uncle Dyro and Mother.” Eyrk replied. He moved to the far side of the room, he seemed to be looking over the job that Forge did.
“What ya doing kid? Forge asked as he placed the last box into place and began tightening it up.
“Seeing what made Kali-mama hurt so bad.”
“So she really is connected to the ship, huh?”
“Yes.”
Forge shook his head and stood up, stretching. “Finally finished. If you want to kid, hit
that switch on the booster next to you, it will start them up.”
Eryk did as he was told, the room immediately started to shake. Forge shouted, “What the hell?” Before the place started falling apart. Large metal pieces started to fall from the ceiling. “Watch out kid!” he managed to shout before being knocked unconscious by a
piece of falling metal.
Smoke soon filled the room, obscuring the view inside.
Well, wasn’t that just a horrid place to end it? *wicked laughter* Guess you’ll just have to
wait to find out what happens next.
MIA Index
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