Like it or not
 Obsidian  2016/12/12 1:53
 1573  3
The thief was a bust so now I need to get hold of the Black Mantis and give him the bad news. Worse yet there's an assassin with mono-molecular weaponry taking out all competitors and leads. The Sable is at full burn to the Solar system when there's shudder and every alarm in the place goes off.
I hit the intercom on the nearest hallway panel and contact the bridge.
"Bridge report! What the hell is going on?"
Shadawar responds immediately.
"We're caught in a tractor beam."
"At full warp?"
Just then Sabrina cuts in
"Yessir we're completely locked up and the engines are beginning to overload. We're gonna have to shut down!"
"Fine! Sabrina shut down engines and transfer all power to defensive systems."
The reply from the bridge has me aggravated to say the least
"All defensive systems are off line! We're sitting ducks."
Just then it hits me, and I ask a question I already know the answer to.
"Bridge, in what direction are we being puleed?"
"Um straight up 0 mark 0 degrees...straight upward."
I'm no longer feeling defensive...no , now I'm just pissed off.
"Bridge this is the Captain, stand down from alert status."
"Aye sir."
I flash on my armor and head to the bridge. Just as I step in the entire bridge crew simply vanishes. I look around quickly, in dismay and suddenly I'm face to face with...
"Black Mantis...."
"Hey there...Grab a seat."
He says cheerfully, gesturing to a comfortable looking chair. I ignore the invitation then ask curtly.
"Where's my crew?"
He sighs, and then walks to a nearby window. Looking out on a vast city he says.
"They're here on board. They're being attended to and are being treated as honored guests."
"Whether they like it or not?"
"Indeed."
"And my ship?"
"Docking bay 2."
"Are you serious?"
There are millions of docking bays aboard the massive mothership of the Black Mantis, and the first few are nearest to the Imperial palace and those few have the best technicians in the empire.
"What gives? You know you nearly tore my ship apart right?"
"A necessary risk, besides your ship wasn't in danger you're no idiot and neither is your chief engineer."
"That's beside the point."
"Ugh you act like one of those...mortals. Fine...I'm sorry, and next time I promise to use more courtesy."
"Yeaaah....ummm....who are you and what have you done with the real Black Mantis?"
"Hah, yeah I can see why you'd ask that.. I have been a complete ass to you over the years haven't I?"
"That's a loaded question."
"No I'll admit it, but now things are different, and I ....we... need your help. I know of your failure and the fact that not only has Parata been freed but he is presumably back to his full strength."
"Crap."
"Exactly and precisely."
The voice comes from behind as the doors open, it's Norjaguar and his mood is quite dour.
"The council has already convened and since you are our best chance at defeating this maniac, you're being held here for your protection."
"Fine. Not going to be too many places safer than this."
"Right now, " Mantis adds, 'That's debatable."
Suddenly I don't feel so safe.
"The Black Mantis was attacked, and severely injured a few days ago. Our island was also destroyed. To that end we are remaining at warp indefinitely until we have this matter resolved."
"I'm sorry, I thought I went crazy for a minute and heard you say someone hurt him?" Pointing at Mantis I am more than a little taken aback.
"I knew Parata was a badass but he did what now?" My question goes unanswered as we exit the elegant quarters and into the hall.
"We are going to reoutfit your ship with the usually powerhouse options and then we're going to equip some new tech as well." Norjaguar says calmly.
"I like my ship the way it is thanks, I designed it myself."
Mantis scoffs and in no uncertain circumstance adds
'Your ship is woefully under-powered for your current contract, and less will NOT be more in this situation. "
I stop mid stride and in a moment of complete indignant defiance, I let these bastards know exactly where we stand.
"YOU WILL NOT TOUCH MY SHIP!!! Because if you do I walk and and you can find someone else to take on Parata for you but I'm betting he knows everyone else you'd go to and is plenty prepared for them. So don't screw with the Sable!"
The two of them say nothing in response to my out burst instead the simply nod and say....
"Done."
"However, " Mantis replies..."You'll need something better for this."
"You mean like the Drake?"
My words sting a little bit and it was completely intentional. The last time that bastard "Gave" me a ship he was trying to recruit me via his daughter. he doesn't reply to the jab at all instead he very calmly says.
"No, you need something powerful and sleek, something closer to the Wraith. Consider it part of your payment...along with whatever else you need."
"Okay fine, how fast can you have a new design ready?'
They both laugh like I just asked the dumbest question ever. Knowing them I probably have.
"You design it." Norjaguar says..."We'll have it ready in a day."
"Really?"
They both look at me and without missing a beat simultaneously answer back.
"Really."
"I can upgrade your loaners from Harley if you like, as well as um...what's the word....Update...your harem?"
"What my what?"
'Oh let's face it they're primitives and lack skills and abilities despite all they've done with your technology at their disposal."
"No. What the hell is wrong with you? I'm not gonna let you do ANYTHING to my wives!!!"
"I simply meant education."
"Are you sure? None of that mutation chamber or anything freaky like that?"
The speed and power of Norjaguar is unearthly as he pins me by the throat to a nearby wall. I struggle as hard as I can but the servos in my armor are no match for that kind of raw physical power. So....in a panic...I run him through. Quickly, as he grasps at his wound, I cast spells to increase my strength, speed, and agility to what I hope are levels powerful enough to at least get me close. Then, in a place where I could be hilariously out numbered and outgunned I stand my ground. He chuckle for a sec and quickly winces in pain.
"Agh...You're right about one thing Mantis, he is definitely the right guy for the job. Did you really cast a Ant-regen spell?"
I'm not sure what to make of this...I just ran this guy through with what is possibly the one weapon in the universe capable of killing him and he thinks it funny? Oh man what have I gotten myself into?
"Um...I figured it was appropriate considering who you guys are."
Norjaguar removes a spray canister seemingly from nowhere, and sprays the wound which immediately begins to heal. He looks back to me and asks..
"How do you know about the mutation chamber?"
"I've been working for you guys quite literally for centuries, I have more information about you guys than just about anyone."
"That is why we hired you now. Jag, don't sweat how he knows about the chamber. I told him, and I've told him a bunch of other stuff nobody knows about too. IN the meantime...the ladies?"
"if their okay with it fine if not don't."
"Good now we have a special gist for you...something special..." |
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The comments are owned by the poster. We aren't responsible for their content.
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| pijon |
Posted: 2016/12/28 13:56 Updated: 2016/12/28 13:56 |
Moderator   Joined: 2006/7/18 From: United States Posts: 6363 |
 Re: Like it or not  That is one mighty polite Mantis.  Okay, good image and I like the setup. |
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| Dragondack |
Posted: 2016/12/27 4:19 Updated: 2016/12/27 4:19 |
The Great Eternal Dragon   Joined: 2004/2/9 From: Edmonton,Alberta,Canada Posts: 11277 |
Re: Like it or not |
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| Lady Heromorph |
Posted: 2016/12/22 9:25 Updated: 2016/12/22 9:25 |
Official Award   Joined: 2005/10/21 From: Mammoth Mountain Posts: 5502 |
Re: Like it or not Congratulations! You've made top images for the Third Week of December, 2016
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! 3D Art !
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