"Sweet Sana, it's cold today," Alexander said, as he strongly considered laying back in the bed and wrapping himself in the despicably warm blankets. Mustering all the willpower he possesed, he finally stood up and, still shivering all over, stepped to the chair at his working table, where his D0U-GH suit was laying. After putting it on, he looked at the small control panel on his right forearm and took a few moments to consider. "No, no. Gotta conserve energy. Just gonna have to warm myself up for now." While the suit would almost immediately solve his current problem, they didn't have many recharge stations for them here, and charging the suits of the guys who regularly patrolled outside was more important.
After doing a few quick exercises to get his blood flowing, he stepped through the thin curtains to the common room.Well, the large space could hardly be called a room, at least by the station's standards, as it was mostly just crates, moss covered rocks, and scattered pieces of technology they reacquired from the Sanallites that tried to use it to start a new life in foreign countries. But for now, a room like this will do. If everything was to continue like this, they would be back to the station within the month anyway. He was just glad they had electricity.
Removing a lid from a container, Alex rummaged around a bit, before pulling out one of the MRE ration packs. Suprisingly, he grew rather fond of these over the last 2 weeks in this cave. Stepping over to the table near the wall with a few water heaters on it, he picked up a mug from the pile to the side of them and dropped a spoon of instant coffee in it. The jar of it was looking worryingly empty. "Gonna have to have a look if we have any more left," he thought to himself as he poured the boiling water over the coffee crystals. Turning around, he headed back towards his room. On his table sat an old tome that was the point of his focus for the last couple of days. The things it implied were.... interesting, to say the least....
But before he could get to his room, a voice sounded from his left. "Ey boss, wait up! I, uh, have a pair of guys here wanting to see you. They say it's urgent." Setting his mug down and turning on his heals to head out to adress the problem, Alex asked, "They engineers? Please don't tell me any of our systems broke down. That's the last thing we need right about now." Stepping through the curtains that acted as an entrance, the large Sanallite shook his head. "Nah, they ain't one of ours. We picked up these two bozos our in the field a few hours ago. Said they have something important to speak to you about. They did have guns, but gave them up willingly when we asked. No other tech on them though." Alex paused. Yes, there were many that were out there looking for him, but they wouldn't just give up their arms when simply asked. And those that would wouldn't risk getting caught trying to sneak out of the station. No other tech on them as well..."Hmm, now who could this be, I wonder? Could it... nah, they couldn't be back already, right?" he murmured to himself as he motioned to the Sanallite waiting at the door, "Yea, sure, let them in, let's hear what they have to say," and turned back around to pick up his mug of coffee. Before he could look back at his visitors, however, a familiar voice put a stop to any speculation on their identity.
"Mornin' Alex. Seems you've been busy while I was gone."
Exploratory station, 2 days prior
"So what the holy fuck of fucks do we do now?!" Charlie exclaimed as the airlock doors closed behind them, and Mac started to descend the stairs to the camp below them. Without stopping, he simply said, "We do what I said we would do. Go out there, find Alexander and put a bullet in his head." Catching up, Charlie stopped him by grabbing his hand. "Ok, first of all, you don't mean that. Second, how the fuck are two lost fuckers like us meant to find him when the manhunt Jonathan sent after him turned up nothing so far?" Nudging his head, Mac brought his attention to the silhouette leaning on the corner of one of the emergency pods, looking at them with crossed arms. "By looking where the manhunt didn't. Alex wouldn't just disappear, there are definitely some who know where he is, if only to feed him info. And I have a hunch that the guy standing there is just what we are looking for."
As they descended the stairs down to the cold and muddy ground and approached the silhouette, it in turn started walking towards them, arms now extended far. "Mac, Charlie! Been a bloody while since I saw your dumb faces around here! How you doin' mates?" Mikael said while embracing them in a hug. "Mika! fukin' hell, you still alive? Thought a barbarian would have gotten your weak ass by now, haha!" Charlie said, his mood shifting instantly at meeting his old friend after months of travel. Even Mac couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. "Oh, I have so much to tell you guys," Mikael said, nudging at the guard standing near them, lowering his tone, "but we should get some privacy first, ya know, in case we might talk about some... touchy subjects."
The three spacemen walked through the camp, just idly chatting, until arriving to one of the bigger emergency pods. "Might I welcome you to Cafe Lemington. Might not look like much right now, but lemme tell you, the desserts in here are to die for. The improvised kitchen really gives them that earthy vibe." Looking around, Mac noticed it was made out of multiple smaller pods, roughly welded at the edges. "improvised indeed," he thought to himself before entering into the airlock behind his companions. When the inner doors opened, he couldn't help but be impressed though. Even if the remnants of rough patchwork were still apperent here and there, the interior was really nicely decorated, and if a few more windows were added, would not lose to any cafes or restaurants he saw on his journey.
Taking of their helmets, they took a seat at the corner table while Mikael ordered something from the barista at the counter. "So, now that we are nice and warm in here, what the hell happened while we were gone, Mika?" Mikael leaned back in his chair, "You want the short or the long version?"
"Give us the short one, we heard some perspectives already in the last few hours." Mac said while leaning on his hand. Charlie was still busy looking around, taking in the decor of the room. "Yea, did our Principal really decide to go rouge, locking the station so we would die out?" Mikael looked at the barista which stopped at that remark, slightly shaking his head, before looking back at his friends. This gesture didn't escape Mac. "She in on it as well?" he inquired. "Why do you think I brought you in here? Of course she is." Mika replied with a slight smirk.
"Ok, so the short version. Alex wanted for us to spread our wings a bit, now that we know we are stuck on this rock for at least three generations if no help comes. Namely, he wanted to put more emphasis on the New Homeworld Directive, with it overruling certain other parts-" "fucking the natives, you mean" Charlie chimed in. "...certain other parts that would make it difficult to prosper in this new world." Mikael finished. "But the rest of the top brass, with Jonathan up front didn't like that, so they stripped him of rank for a week, thinking hard labour would set him straight. Then Alex came back and flipped the switch on the station, taking the access code with him, esentially forcing us neets to open the windows and breathe some fresh air for the first time while landing here." He looked around the room, " And this is the result of it." Mac gave him a sharp look. "And does that include the security we went through back there? Seems to me more like it backfired and we might slowly devolve into a police state." A long sigh escaped Mika's lips, followed by a sad shake of the head. "That was not planned, no. But so far, most of the Sanallites are taking the changes in stride, only a minority that follows Jonathan and some other big wigs are furious about it, and have clinged to the old Directive even more. Others did what we do best, adapt. There are even plans to set up a permanent village where our logging operations are at, to save on transport time of workers."
Interrupting their talks, barista brought to their table their order, three big mugs of hot coffee with a plate full of croissants. "Cherry filling in these, eat them while they are fresh" she said with a smile, before returning behind the counter. Taking a small sip of the coffee, Mac's eyes widened. "This-this is amazing!" Mikael grinned, "Right? It's a special blend, using both our own stock and some from the last shipment that came before we went into lockdown." "You gotta try this, Charli-" he said while turning to Charlie, whose face was already completely smeared red from the cherry jam in the croissants. "Mmmf mfhh" was all he managed to say, his mouth full of the delicious pastry. "Hey you fuck, leave some for me!" Reaching out his hand to grab a piece, Charlie hissed while guarding the plate. "Hahaha, you guys really light up the mood every time!" Mikael laughed, while nearly choking on his coffee. For a moment the three friends completely forgot about the troubles outside and simply enjoyed the food and drink, just like in the old times.
Plate now empty, with the aftertaste of cherries still in their mouths, both Mikael and Mac leaned back in their chairs, basking in the moment. Taking another sip from his mug, Mac broke up the silence first. "So do you know where he is? I wanna talk with him, see if we can work something out. Not to mention, I still have a report to make from our journey." After a lengthy pause, Mikael pulled a small tablet from his suit's pocket and laid it on the table. "Charlie," He said, "855FD8SG1387DGS256DFFG6568713. You got it?" Charlie, who was still licking the jam off his face froze, his eyes widening in focus and his face becoming almost that of a robot.
After a few moments of silence, he said, "Yep, got it Mika. Password for that I assume?" Mika nodded. "Freaks, both of you," Mac murmured, still sipping the wonderful brew. "Hehe, pays off to have photographic memory sometimes, doesn't it?"
Finishing His mug, Mac took the tablet and passed it over to Charlie. "The last number in the contacts list are the coordinates to put into the map app. It's not where Alex is, it's a rendezvous point. One of their scouts should pick you up if you go there. Just...give him a chance when you meet, ok Mac? He really does mean the best for us, even if his methods seem cruel."
Mac smiled, "How long have the three of us known each other? Of course I will give him a chance. Don't promise I won't also punch him though."
Charlie groaned while standing up, "Ugh, more walking I guess? My legs are killing me. Can't we postpone the trip?"
"Yes, you two should rest for a while. Doubt you won't be under supervision, so it would be best to wait for a few days and then sneak out at night. You got the best chance then."
Mac let out a yawn, "Then that is what we will do, Sana knows we need a good rest. We won't talk with you anymore, to avoid putting suspicion on you. But it was nice, Mika. It's been a while since I could relax with a drink and some food like this. And after all of this is over, you, me and Alex will get some beers and catch up as well. You can bet on it." Saying that, he stood up, and picked up his helmet. The two spacemen then walked out the airlock, the automatic doors closing behind them.
2 days later, 4 a.m.
The cold night was clear, the light of the moon shining clearly, illuminating the path the two silhuettes were slowly taking over the unsteady terrain. As the station slowly became smaller and smaller, they stopped for a moment to take another look at the map on their tablet. Navigating in the dark was a nearly impossible task, with distant peaks their only indicator of direction. They could not hope to ever find the exact rendezvous place and were only hoping they would be spotted by the scouting D0G-GO units. After confirming their direction, they continued further south. Charlie was silently cursing every time he tripped on the mossy terrain, while Mac stayed completely silent, deep in thought. Minutes passed one after the other, the occasional detour due to mossback herds the only thing that broke the monotony. Finally, after what seemed like eternity, their steps were stopped by a quiet melody resonating in their helmets. Immediately, both of them froze up in instinctual fear. A large, Canine silhuette approached them from the right, making no sound as it walked or when it's steel jaws opened to reveal a row of sharp, pointed teeth capable of penetrating even the toughest hide. Slowly circling them, it was joined by two more, completing a death trap that they had no chance of escaping.
"Sit boy, sit!" With this one command the melody disappeared, and the three D0G-GO units strightened up as they planted their metal behinds down. Turning their mounted floodlights on, the two men momentarily went blind, their eyes hurting from the sudden flash. As they adjusted, they noticed that the three units were now joined by two Sanallites, each brandishing a FOR-K in their direction. One of them spoke, "Doesn't look like you two are smuggling tech from the station. To what do we owe the pleasure, friends?"
"We are here to meet the Principal," Mac said while slowly pulling the tablet from his pocket. "We were told by Mikael that we would meet scouts if we arrived here that would take us to where Alexander is."
One of the spacemen relaxed and slowly approached him, taking the tablet from his hands. After swiping on it for a bit, he turned to his companion, "Yea, they are clear. The tablet is from Mika. They must be the guys we recieved word on from him. Mac and Charlie, right?"
"Great, so he sent the word to you. Yep, that's us. I can show you an ID if you want." Mac said while reaching into his pocket again. After briefly looking at it, the scout nodded and motioned for them to come with him. "Still gonna have to take your guns though. You know, safety and all."
"Yea, sure thing," Charlie said as he took off his CR01-SS4NT holster and handed it over. Likewise, Mac handed over his B4-GUET-TE rifle hanging from his shoulder. As the group departed, D0G-GO leading the way, Charlie and Mac looked at each other. This was it. There was no turning back now. Whatever happened from here on, they would just have to ride it out.
Present
Setting his mug of fresh coffee down on his table and closing the heavy tome on it, Alex pulled up two chairs from the corner of his room closer, and turned his own to face them, before sitting down. "Here, have a seat, guys," he motioned to his two visitors. Mac scoffed, "What, not even gonna offer us a drink?"
"Oh, sorry. We don't have much, and I left all my alcohol on the station, so is a glass of water ok?" Principal asked as he stood up and headed back towards the entrance to the room. "Uh, Yea, If you have nothing else, sure." Mac replied before sitting down. The room was small and disorganised, pieces of tech laying in all corners, just like in the corridor outside. A bunk bed was set next to one of the walls, and he could just barely make out someone small sleeping on the top bunk. What interested him most, however, was the worktable in front of him. Multiple books, none of which seemed of Sanallite make were stacked up into piles on it. On the centre of the table sat a bulky tome, with a cover that Mac could swore he saw somewhere before.
"Religious texts," Charlie whispered to him, "we saw some when we were at the Holo-capital. Guess the boss knows what we learned there."
Brushing the plastic curtains aside, Alexander returned with two cups of water, handing each of the pair one, before sitting back down. "So, you finally returned. I trust you bring good news from the capital?" He asked, before taking a sip from his mug.
"Don't you fucking dare play this off as normal Alex, what the fuck did you do? and why?" Mac hissed through his teeth. He wanted to have a normal conversation with his old friend, he really did, but the nonchalant way Alexander was behaving since they got here was getting on his nerves.
"I leave for a fucking month and when I come back, Station is dark, Jonathan is in charge, and you are just sitting in some damp cave reading books! What. The. Fuck!?" The frustations of the past few days were starting to bubble to the surface, and Mac was getting ready to jump out of his seat and give Alex a few good smacks.
"Hey, hey, Mac. Calm down, let's hear what the boss has to say first, huh?" Charlie chimed in, noticing his friend was getting out of control. Alexander turned to him, "I don't believe we have been introduced before. You must be Charles, the baker who was sent with Mac to the capital to scout for ingredients and dishes. I am Alexander Jason Steele, former Principal of the Exploratory Station Lamington. It's a pleasure."
The sudden attention switch caught Charlie off guard, "Oh, uh, yea, um I'm Charles Baker, part of the baking department. I was with Mac on the journey to Holo-capital, to scout ingredients, like you said."
Alexander burst into a short laugh, "Hahaha, Baker you say? A fitting name, I must say! hehe, sorry, I'm not making fun of you, I just find it really funny."
"Oh, no, not at boss, I get that reaction all the time," Charlie responded with a slight blush of embarrasment. The slime slightly faded from Alex's lips, "I'm not a boss anymore, Charles. I'm just a regular researcher now, trying to uncover as much as I can about this planet we must call home."
Mac emptied his cup in one swig and set it on the table, "That's right, you ain't the boss anymore. So, "researcher" Steele, mind explaining yourself?"
Alex looked at him, before taking another sip of coffee. He held the mug in his hands for a bit to warm them, before setting it back on the table.
"If you would indulge me for but a moment more, I would love to hear about what you two experienced on your journey. Please? You have traveled for a long time, I would hate for that to be pushed aside just like that." "You know, to me this sounds like you are just trying to stall for whatev-"
"Mac please," Charlie interjected, "I think it's better if we start with some light conversation first, before getting to the heavy stuff, huh? Besides, I have been itching to te-JESUS HOLY FUCK ON A STICK WHAT THE ACTUAL FUCK!!"
Jumping out of his seat, nearly knocking Mac down as well, Charlie was suddenly standing at the opposite wall, momentarily frozen in shock. The source of the jumpscare was standing next to where he was just sitting moments before, rubbing her sleepy eyes. She jumped from the top bunk, plopping her tiny feet down on the cold floor, the sudden motion sending Charlie flying like a chicken.
Noticing it was just a little girl, Charlie immediately composed himself. "Oh, um, hi there. Sorry about that, I'm kinda jumpy sometimes." he said with a smile on his face. The small figure completely ignored him though, instead combing through her short, chestnut red hair with her fingers before opening her mouth impossibly wide in a yawn and shivering all over as she stretched. Her sleepy gaze still unfocused as she walked towards the curtain door, the trio could only make out a silent, grumpy "food..." before she left the room.
"Oh, don't mind her, she's just not herself until she eats breakfast." "Is she..." Mac asked, brow furrowed, pointing after her. "A meat priestess, yes. We found her, nearly frozen to death, a week or so ago. Well, one thing led to another, and she is currently accompanying me, searching for her party. Also, we uh... might be a few men shorter because of her, just a heads up. Her name is Xohildr by the way. A lovely young lady once you get to know her."
Mac and Charlie looked at each other with puzzled looks as Charlie sat back down, "Could she be?" "I don't know, maybe?" "Well, doubt there are two missing meat priestess this far north," Mac said, before turning back to Alex. "We might have her party at the station right now. We spoke with some adventurers just yesterday, and they said they lost a member on the way, a meat priestess."
"Oh wonderful, I am sure she will be happy to hear that! You should tell her yourselves once she comes back. But before that, I think you two had some stories and reports to share?" Alex said with a warm smile that was bordering on a smirk.
With the situation much more relaxed as it was before, Mac could help but chuckle in defeat as he raised his arms. "A'ight Alex, you got me. You'll get your report if you want it. But first, I want another cup of water." he said, picking up his empty cup and extending it to Alex.
A toothy smirk now on full display, he took the cup from Mac. "sure thing, buddy ol'pal." "Oh fuck off."