**purely for artistic value** Uprising, Chapter Three: Thunderhead, Part 4 Rapsophyr had been reunited with his fleet, and he purred with satisfaction as he raised up cautiously from his bed and peered out at the majestic lights of the hospital ship where he would soon be quarantined. He was rushed through to service with top priority. He and his fellow scouts were diagnosed with slight malnutrition, and his leg had sustained major contusions and fractured bones. Given the fact that he had been hit by a massive, rapidly accelerating truck, he fared very well. The size and strength of the Draylkind had proven to be a valuable asset. They had survived for weeks in hostile territory, losing only one man a suffering relatively little compared to the enemy. Rapsophyrs leg, however, was very weak. It was splinted with a tense, tough polymer by medical personnel. The wound was too inflamed to support a full leg cast. Eventually, the heroic crew of the Wind Spike would pass quarantine and be sent to a conference room aboard on of the large flagships for official debriefing. The Galeyha was a terrible, decimating striker within the Drayl thunderhead armada. Its unspeakable size and length would dwarf the largest ship of the Faraam LSaani by great magnitude. It would serve as a key weapon for the moon giants in their upcoming war effort. The Galeyha was also home to a decorated contingent of the Drayl High Command, namely the nefarious General Nepholar. Rapsophyr and company were promptly approached by admiring soldiers who escorted them to Nepholars meeting room, offering salute and hearty cheers of praise. Large double doors opened as the watch guards snapped to attention and granted entry. The war room was like a large geodesic pearl, metallic silver on the surface and set perfectly into the armor shell of the Galeyhas upper hull. The dome was extremely durable and constructed like an impregnable bank vault. It was a command module, architecturally independent from the ships main hull. From within, the commanders could see out into space and strategize freely, but prying eyes from the outside could not look in through the domes sophisticated shielding. The entire deck could be sealed off from the rest of the ship in case of enemy intrusion, giving High Command the opportunity to board emergency escape vehicles. Advanced and noble to behold, the Galeyha was part of the Drayls answer to the question of war. The war room was illuminated by bright starlight as the doors sealed behind Rapsophyr and his crew. General Nepholar and his aides were waiting. All were invited to sit or kneel on the floor, and a wide, circular table lifted up from underneath. The General was saluted, and each of his subordinates individually introduced himself. Rapsophyr, dear captain, what have you to report, Nepholar inquired. General, sir, please allow me to disclose to you a concise summary of our mission for the following few minutes. Rapsophyr was allowed to remain standing, as his injuries would pain him to sit. It is greanted, captain, said the general. By your orders, my crew and I traveled aboard the recon test craft, Wind Spike, to the Ek LSaani planet known as Moff eer. We remained there undetected for seventeen days, making full note and observation of our surroundings, including geographic and statistical media. On the morn of the eighteenth day, we made way to the main target. We confirmed the name of the city to be Klerak. Robotic cyber attack proved to be a viable distraction. We found civilian technology to pose little challenge or threat. said Rapsophyr. Captain, and I mean no insult-- was it not some form of civilian rover which so frightfully rendered your current disability? Nepholar was clear and direct in his questioning. Excellence, and thereby success, was akin to perfection. Important details, even small ones, could not be overlooked. Ah, yes, Rapsophyr choked. Forgive me, sir. In retrospect, their machinery, civilian and military, is powerful enough to generate significant damage if underestimated. In my arrogance I lost sight of this truth. I myself, and more importantly Lieutenant Blengk, suffered grave damage by vehicular assault. Lieutenant Blengk lost his arm, then sacrificed himself to take out several enemies and facilitate our escape. My injury slowed us down and cost a brave warrior his life. Rapsophyr recouped his resolve and spoke poignantly. As I see it, captain, you showed equal courage in your hour of injury, General Nepholar conceded. Go on, Rapsophyr. We captured a handful of Terrans and their personal droid. This enabled us to extract the sustainence we required. They escaped. I was injured. Thats when Blengk covered our retreat. Soon thereafter, we rode the Wind Spike through orbit and on to the Bucephalus Dimensional Portal. We evaded heated pursuit by the IA and jumped back here to the armada. Rapsophyr concluded his oral report. were you followed? Nepholar asked sternly. No, sir. We evaded all enemy pursuit with the features available aboard the Wind Spike. Once our shade armor was gone, I outran all but one fighter. We lured him in by playing dead. Then we made short work of the enemy vessel using the pulse weapon, Rapsophyr explained. A gutsy call, as the general spoke, Rapsophyr tensed. A gutsy, but very effective move. The ship issued to you was a high-tech test model, useless in direct combat due to its lack of weaponry. I must apologize. I believed the shade armor system would have performed better than this. Without it, you stood little chance, but you have proven yourself once again, Rapsophyr. you have all performed exceedingly, no doubt Blengk would be very happy to agree.. Dismissed! The scout crew rose and gave salute, turning at once to retire from chambers. Ahem, Rapsophyr, please remain, Nepholar ordered. The moon giant captain turned achingly and faced his general. Privacy, please, Nepholar said to his group of aides and security. But, general, a guard sputtered. I said, DISMISSED! Nepholars roar-like scream seemed to reverberate through the atmosphere of the war room well after the last guard had stepped out. Left alone in the now silent conference chamber, Nepholar humbled himself to earnestly and faithfully address the wise, wounded warrior. rapsophyr, Ive asked you to remain not to consume your time or patience, but to ask of you an honest favor, one I believe you are most fit to perform. What would you have me to do, general, Rapsopyr asked. Another mission, to begin within the week, post haste, the general said. The tarchothrope captain seemed perplexed, sensing something amiss. But sir, in my present state I could never hope to execute the objective with any efficacy; my left leg still newly ails. Understood, my fire-skinned friend. While this would normally make for a prohibitive complication, there are adequate medical solutions available to rectify your unfortunate malady with swift and mitigating results, explained the general. I dont know of this cure, said Rapsophyr. My leg would take weeks or months to fully recuperate, would it not, sir? Yes, indeed yes. But a little-known cure is in fact very real, said Nepholar. You mean... another experiment? Rapsophyr was apprehensive. Nay, my friend. Not experimental, but clandestine nonetheless. As Nepholar spoke, he walked to a cabinet safe and opened it. He removed its contents and revealed three pneumatic syringe canisters. Behold, your cure. I do not blame you for questioning my claim. This potent bioserum is known only to the most qualified and elite members of society. It was our answer to the Royal Armies during the civil war. You see, we were hopelessly outnumbered. As the general spoke, Rapsophyr look at his broken foot, and he looked back to his superior and his crystal clear vials of serum. Make no mistake, This is no experiment. For centuries this remedy has been known only by shadowy repute and legend. Yet, it is very real. It is a potion derived from the blood of the Carrion Asp. The Carrion Asp was a gigantic, monstrously ferocious snake, thought to be extinct. It was said to be impossible to kill, and used this advantage to steal prey and hunt and defend itself from the competition. It was know for hording great stockpiles of dead and rotting carcasses, its toxins keeping the bodies fresh and healthy. Its flash metabolism and ability to instantly regenerate made for a near constant eating requirement. Thought to be extinct, these beasts were the stuff of folklore. I dont expect you to honor the details at this point, but I have used it myself. It saved my life so I could save others. I now pass it on to you. Do I have your will? the general said in a soft, silent tone. Sir, if-- Rapsophyr was cut short. Ill not force you, but the mission in question has a small window of opportunity. The Alliance will soon find out our intentions for war, but before they do, we need to know were ready. You are the only pilot I trust to test the new destroyer, Nepholar implored authoritatively, and Rapsophyr took close heed. For the chance to avenge Blengk, and to herald a new era of strength, return to the homeworlds of the enemy and defy injury, deafeat, and death! For your people whom they oppress, enslave, and ridicule, seek out their weaknesses and deal the first fatal blows of war! Rapsophyr attempted to stand tall and salute, but hobble and tripped because of the pain of his injury. Nepholar said nothing more. He removed a pneumatic syringe and inserted the translucent canister of bioserum. As Nepholar handed Rapsophyr readied injector, he spoke a solemn prayer: For Lieutenant Blengk, who died by my side in battle, and for all of Draylkind.
Posted on: Thu, 20 Mar 2014 21:13:13 +0000
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