STATUS:
Have you ever had a dream that you um you had your you could you’ll do you wants you you could do so you’ll do you could you you want you want them to do you so much you could do anything?
2 mos ago
Current
Have you ever had a dream that you um you had your you could you’ll do you wants you you could do so you’ll do you could you you want you want them to do you so much you could do anything?
7
likes
5 mos ago
I've just come out of an existential eldritch hysteria induced nap and running on 6,000 years of sleep
5
likes
11 mos ago
I tap refresh and wait and see, a flashing note, a reply for me. No new posts, just the same old screen, yet still I hope for what might've been.
7
likes
11 mos ago
"He who has felt the deepest grief is best able to experience supreme happiness."
2
likes
11 mos ago
Looking for a few people to help create a shared sci-fi universe. If that sounds fun, drop me a PM!
1
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Bio
Hadn't updated this in a WHILE so I deleted it. I'm Ducksworth, or Duck, or Duckie. PM if you wanna know more, yeah?
The stale moon air invaded Jet's nostrils, a pungent mix of metallic dust and alien flora, accelerating his breath as adrenaline slowly began its inexorable course into his veins. This well-worn sensation, familiar yet always jarring, stirred a potent mix of exhilaration and dread within his mind. The dust cloud grew, its swirling tendrils mingling with the crisp air, creating a haunting dance against the backdrop of the desolate landscape. As it expanded, it painted a sepia haze against the sky, a murky shroud heralding the approach—likely stirred by pounding hooves and roaring speeders, both promising trouble. Silence enveloped Jet's mind, his breathing echoing in his ears as his focus intensified. His hand twitched involuntarily, yearning for the reassuring coldness of metal—the tangible comfort against a torrential foe.
Around him stood his brothers-in-arms, a motley crew bound by necessity: The Pilot, The Captain, the de facto sharp-eyed and resolute leader of the group, exuding quiet confidence despite tumultuous intentions, a weather eye on the horizon. The Runaway, The Imp, the wrench in the works, now forging her own path through the makeshift galaxy with her own hidden agenda. The Scavenger, The Kid, absorbing lessons from those who had already frayed the ropes, eager yet cautious. These were his comrades, sharing his moment of anxious anticipation.
With a few soft, heavy steps, Jet moved beside the pilot, his trusted friend. He placed a leaden hand on the pilot's shoulder, offering a sullen nod. In that moment, a profound understanding passed between them—an unspoken pact of solidarity and shared purpose, forged through their shared experiences. Jet felt the ground beneath his feet, each subtle vibration a reminder of the approaching conflict. The earth seemed to pulse with anticipation, mirroring his own heartbeat. His ears caught the faint rumble of distant engines, a low hum that steadily grew louder, accompanied by the sporadic clatter of rocks dislodged by the unseen force. The air was thick with anticipation, each breath tasting of dust and imminent danger.
He inhaled deeply, drawing in the cool, crisp air as he steadied himself. The familiar weight of his gear pressed against his back, a comforting reminder of what they had survived together. As he breathed in, he could almost feel the tension crystallizing into a razor-sharp focus, his mind locking onto the task ahead. He exhaled slowly, letting the air escape his lungs in a controlled release. A grin began to spread across his face, a mix of determination and calm confidence. As he turned his gaze back to his friend, the grin widened, infused with a sense of shared purpose and camaraderie. At that moment, the weight of the impending conflict seemed to lighten.
He carefully retrieved the detonator from its resting place—a worn leather pouch hanging from his belt. The weight of the device felt both familiar and ominous in his hand. With a deliberate motion, he dropped it into Fel's open palm. Their eyes met, and he offered a slow, reassuring nod. In that silent exchange, they shared a mutual understanding that they were prepared for the worst, reassurances lending hand to hope, yet silently praying it would never come to that.
Jet slapped the panelling above the doorway, a gesture signaling he had tasks to attend to. He gave Fel a firm nod, accompanied by a smug grin. He hoped the spacer picked up on the pride he felt and the unspoken confidence he had in him as a pilot. Turning on his heel, Jet began his trek through the ship, making his way toward the cargo hold where he had stored the crates from their last escapade.
As his boots echoed through the corridors, Jet's mind wandered to how quickly things had shifted. Just a few hours ago, the trio was stealthily descending into Lotho Minor, aiming for a quick and quiet operation. Now, they were on approach to Abilene with nearly a full crew. Jet shook his head softly, a grunt and a smirk escaping him. Life out here had a way of changing at lightning speed, but looking back, he wouldn't alter a single moment. The mission had been successful—they got what they came for, and everyone made it back in one piece. Even though things had gotten a bit dicey… All’s well that ends well.
He grasped the handle of one of the two crates he had stored earlier and pulled it out, walking over to a nearby bench. Popping open the crate, he found that he was lucky with his choice; the emitter lay there, ready to be assembled into a single cohesive unit. Jet sighed and muttered under his breath, "Alright, let's see what we've got here..." He laid out the various components on the bench, mentally mapping out the assembly process. It was a complicated piece of tech, no doubt about it, but he'd tackled worse.
Elsewhere in the U.A., Zane was taking the time to alter his “acquired” uniform. Now that he was no longer trying to impersonate an Imperial tech, it seemed only logical that he didn’t want to be seen with the markings on his jumpsuit. He found himself a quiet part of the ship - well, quiet-er, given that this place creaked and shuddered more than some of the buildings back home. Once he was by himself, he slipped the jumpsuit off and used some of the tools in his technician’s pack, improvising their use to remove the patches and identifying marks from the garment. By the time he was through, it had become nothing but a dull grey jumpsuit. Once he slid it back on, he left the top half unzipped, tying the sleeves around his waist after buckling the toolbelt back on. After all, it was still useful for carrying certain items, like the holdout pistol and the tech’s kit. Even if the boy didn’t know how to use the variety of tools, they could still come in handy. So could the patches, which is why he stowed them in one of the pouches on his belt - in case he ever needed to impersonate an Imperial again.
So, now Zane looked like a slightly more at-ease version of himself, with the white, long-sleeved undershirt and tied-off jumper making him seem more easy-going. He hated the fact that he still hadn’t addressed some of the wounds on his body. There were a few spots on the pristine white shirt that had already been made dingy by the open sores, but the kid wasn’t a doctor. So, for the time being, he just went about his business, trusting there would come a time where he could get it all taken care of.
On his way back to the common area, Zane stepped out of his hiding spot in the work-bay area into the central corridor, and heard Jet going through some of the crates within the cargo area. Thinking back to his previous job of “inventorying” the bags, he peeked inside to see if the big guy was going back over his work, instead finding that he was opening up one of the crates that they had heisted from the Imperial ship. Curious to figure out what was inside, he slid into the cargo bay and craned his head to the side to watch what Jet was getting himself into, quietly-observing his actions as the elder gentleman went on.
As Zane stepped inside, Jet gave him a wide smile, he couldn’t help but notice how the jumpsuit look suited him, reminding him of himself back in the day. “You wanna help me piece this one together, kid?” He nodded his head towards the collection of parts, leaning on his palms.
Folding his hand behind his head and scratching the back of his neck, the kid gave a nonchalant shrug, ”Uh, sure man. This seems like it’ll be more of a two-person job anyway, huh?”
Jet stuck his hand deep into his pocket, searching around a little while before ripping out a hydrospanner. “You’ll need yourself one of these, here,” he said, holding out the tool toward the lad. “We’ll get started with the base unit.”
Zane nodded, taking the tool into his hand and deftly flipping through its different settings. As a scrapper, he’d used a ‘spanner several times to disassemble and modify certain items, so it wasn’t really anything new. Except this tool seemed to be in much better shape than what he was used to. Once he was done, he moved around the crate to start working alongside Jet to get everything done, waiting to hear his instructions.
“The base unit keeps the whole thing still, stops it from shaking itself to bits, basically, Make sure those bolts are tight or we’re gunna have a problem.” He said, pointing to the bolts in question. He picked up the power core, handling it with a steady and practiced hand. “This’uns a tricky one, let me.”
The youth nodded, making sure to patiently observe the seasoned technician’s steady hands as he began to work on the unit. Zane took care to move in where the housing was on the emitter itself, using the ‘spanner to ratchet the bolts into place and ensure they were nice and tight while also doing his best to stay out of Jet’s way. He felt his thin muscles getting tired quickly from the effort, but kept going to make certain he was doing the proper job for his “instructor”.
Seeing Zane work made Jet's heart sink a little, it had been a while since he had the chance to work on something with someone, the last person being Nova. His mind wandered a little about her, wondering where she was, if she was okay, if he'd ever see her again… snapping back to reality, he picked up the field generator modules and placed them in front of Zane, “Allign them up around the base–here” he said, pointing towards the base of the power core. “Make sure they're all aligned proper or our fields not gunna be worth a damn.” He smirked, giving a cheeky wink Zane’s way before getting to work connecting the control circuits. Now wasn't the time to teach the intricate ways the wiring needed to be done, it had to be right or the whole thing would simply fail.
Zane followed Jet’s instructions, his eyes laser-focused on where the technician was instructing him to align the mods as he took each of them and placed them along the cardinal points of the emitter’s frame, right near the base. It reminded him of his days in the field, taking apart radomes and projectors that had very similar structures. The modules seemed to click into place, allowing Zane to place the pins right through the holes at the head and base of their seats and secure them properly before dusting his hands off in satisfaction and looking back to Jet. ”Think that should do it, Chief…what’s next?”
Jet watched the kid work as he finished up with the modules, he took to machinations pretty damn quickly, Jet mused it must have been all that time deconstructing that helped him figure things out. He picked up the outer shell and began sliding it over the skeletal emitter they had constructed together. “You mind grabbing some remote detonators from storage–should be over there?” He indicated with a flick of his head. Lowering the shell down, he twisted it into the slots and tightened the last bolts.
”Uh, yeah…one sec!” Zane’s head swiveled about, trying to find where Jet was indicating. Rising from his haunches, he jogged over toward the shelves and moved a couple of items around until he came across the aforementioned detonators, which were in a labeled case marked with all sorts of hazardous signs. The kid popped the latches on it, looking inside to make sure they were within before securing it again and taking it under his arm back over to where Jet waited. Holding onto it, he gestured with a half-shrug with his carrying arm, ”Got ‘em!”
Jet eyed the completed emitter, a three-foot-tall marvel that would keep those feral creatures at bay. He wrapped his fingers around the emitter's legs and hoisted it onto his shoulder with a grunt, feeling the weight of the device. It was heavy, but manageable—just another challenge for him to overcome. Jet smirked to himself with confidence. He carried the emitter over to the offramp and set it down gently, making sure it was secure. With that done, he knew the crew would have one less thing to worry about.
The kid followed along, carrying the small case with a careful hand to where Jet had set the completed piece of tech near the off-ramp. His brows furrowed with a bit of confusion as he saw Jet sort of stop there. ”Wait…that’s all for now? I thought we needed to get this thing set up or whatevs?”
Jet turned to Zane, nodding at him softly. “Yeah, it'll need to be set up but wouldn't want that in here, I'm pretty good with this sort of stuff but kriff if I know what sort of crazy that'd set off on-board.” He ran his arm across his face, softly mopping up a few dregs of sweat. “Nah, just need to get them attached and jobs a good'un, for now.” He spoke, again pointing at the detonators cradled under Zane's arm. “You good getting them attached–Sure you've messed with explosives tons back on that scrap planet?”
Zane looked at the case, his eyes widening a bit in fear as he considered his past luck with excavating and the like - the particulars of which were…less than stellar, from his memory. Grinning sheepishly, he felt a little bit of a shake enter his voice as he tried to convince Jet of the benefits of working together on such a task, ”Uhm…actually…? I think you might wanna keep me as far away from these dets as possible, if I’m being honest. Or, if you think you could help me figure them out, I’ll know how to do it if it ever comes up again? That…would be great, thanks…”
The next hour or so, Zane listened intently as Jet patiently took the time to show him how to properly install the charges and rig them to the detonators, putting the youth’s mind at ease as they managed to expertly place them in a concealed position. The boy was able to learn a new skill, and “many hands made short work”, or so it seemed. By the time they were done, they had rigged the explosives, but Zane watched as Jet chose not to sync the remote to the charges themselves. Zane was a bit puzzled by the spacer’s choice, but didn’t want to put too much thought into it. Maybe there was something that the Captain had in mind when choosing to deal with this “Abilene” lady that was just beyond the boy’s understanding. He’d simply have to trust that Jet knew what he was doing.
The two of them finished up, and then walked back toward the common area of the ship to report back to the rest of the group, ready for the long day that they surely had ahead of them.
Afraid I, too, will be heading out on this one. When it started there was a lot of hype and I thought having a lot of applicants would be good but the cast ended up being too large and I feel like it's taken a lot away from it for me.
As @BurningCold said, I'd totally be willing to join something similar if it was on a smaller scale. Apologies all, but especially to @Estylwen and @Pumpkinlord
It had been 3 months, 4 days, 16 hours, 23 minutes, and 22 seconds—23 seconds—since Mumeiki found himself with no choice but to join Tsuki’s group. Technically, he had a choice: return to Ijōna for destruction or align with Tsuki in hopes of finding some semblance of existence. The latter, albeit uncertain, seemed slightly more appealing, though he still had no idea how to navigate this new reality. For his entire 8 years of life, he had adhered strictly to instructions. Now, an eerie silence reigned. No directives, no parameters, no one to dictate his behavior. Just his existence among people in situations both similar and vastly different, depending on how one looked at it.
Perched on the edge of a chair in the center of his assigned room—what passed for home, though he struggled to grasp the concept—Mumeiki pondered his existence. This space, a mere room, was where he stored himself when not in use. It was a place defined by its functionality, devoid of any warmth or familiarity. Tsuki had conversed with him when she could, taking the time to engage in dialogue, although their exchanges were mostly one-sided. Mumeiki had cautiously deemed Tsuki 'safe' for the moment. She hadn't displayed any active intention to dismantle him, at least as far as he could discern.
Ren’s shout abruptly interrupted his contemplations. Mumeiki’s auditory sensors locked onto the source, capturing every nuance of Ren’s voice as orders were issued. It wasn't until the sharp rapping of Ren's knuckles on his door that Mumeiki realized he was included in the directive.
Mission Parameters Updated:
// Attend the Meeting:
Report to the Clubhouse lobby or face Tsuki’s wrath.
// Confidentiality:
Keep any discussions of destruction or intent for destruction confidential.
// Store Filthy Media:
Hide any dirty or inappropriate magazines.
// Speed is Priority:
Ensure prompt arrival to the meeting.
Mumeiki’s response was immediate and precise. He stood swiftly, the chair scraping lightly against the floor as he pushed it under the desk. His sensors scanned the room with rapid efficiency, searching for any offensive magazines. He found none. The task was completed in a few seconds, enough time for Ren to leave and head back to the meeting.
// Store Filthy Media - Complete
He grabbed the door handle with a firm grip, the cool metal grounding him for a fleeting moment. As he slid the door open, he moved with a fluidity that belied his mechanical nature. In the blink of an eye, he vanished beyond the threshold, leaving the decisive click of the closing door to echo in the stillness behind him. Had anyone been watching, it would have appeared as though he had evaporated into thin air, leaving only a whisper of movement in his wake.
Mumeiki's form became a mere blur as he streaked down the corridor, his speed defying the limits of human perception. Each step was a calculated motion, designed to avoid obstacles with effortless precision. The walls and furnishings seemed to melt away before him, making way for his rapid advance. It was as if time itself slowed down for everything but him, granting him an ethereal swiftness that bordered on the supernatural.
The corridor, usually a mundane passageway, transformed into a dynamic arena where Mumeiki’s every move was a testament to his extraordinary capabilities. Lights flickered and shadows danced as he propelled himself forward, his focus unwavering. The distance to the Clubhouse lobby shrank in an instant, his journey a marvel of kinetic energy and sheer determination.
// Speed is Priority - Complete
As he arrived, he stood, a silent sentinel, at the back of the room. His presence was a quiet affirmation of his compliance. Being there meant he could hear and be heard, see and be seen. Every sensory input was meticulously cataloged, each interaction meticulously analyzed. The ambient chatter of those around him was a constant reminder of the human element he now found himself amidst.
His optic scanned the room, taking in the various faces and expressions. Some were deep in conversation, others seemed lost in thought. The atmosphere was a blend of anticipation and tension, a prelude to whatever instructions would follow. Mumeiki's presence, though unobtrusive, was a testament to his unwavering dedication to his mission parameters.
From here, he could monitor the entire room, analyzing body language, listening for cues, and preparing to respond if necessary. He remained focused and ready, embodying the role of an observer and participant in equal measure.
Nicknames/Aliases Mumeiki (無名機), meaning 'Nameless Machine' in Japanese.
Birth City/District: Neo-Tokyo
Age: 24 years since birth, 8 years since awakening from coma.
Height 5'11 ft (1.8 m)
Racial Background: Pure blood Japanese
Race: Zero Percenters
Hair Color: N/A
Eye Color: N/A
Appearance:
Mumeiki is a ghost in the neon-lit streets of the underworld, a human silhouette stripped of identity and replaced with machine. His form is sleek and efficient, designed for both the shadows and the chaos of open combat.
His body is entirely cybernetic, composed of advanced composite alloys and synthetic muscle fibers that mimic human movemen. The plating is smooth yet subtly segmented, allowing for seamless articulation. Traces of deep gunmetal and darkened silver highlight the contours of his form, giving him the appearance of a machine sculpted for lethality rather than bulk. He is built for agility, neither towering nor diminutive—his frame is compact but powerful, built to strike and vanish.
His head is a featureless mask of reinforced metal, a smooth, expressionless visage that absorbs light rather than reflects it. There are no human features—no mouth, no nose—only a blank faceplate broken by a small, circular visor where his optics reside. The visor glows faintly, shifting between muted orange, purples, and blues, or white, depending on his system state. Sometimes, it flickers erratically, as if betraying the instability beneath his programmed obedience.
Beneath his outer shell, artificial muscle fibers coil like living steel. His joints move with unnatural fluidity, making his motions eerily precise. His hands are dexterous, each finger capable of near-microscopic adjustments.
His legs are reinforced for silent movement, with digitized actuators in his ankles that allow for impossible landings and split-second acceleration. Magnetic nodes within his feet grant him the ability to grip surfaces, scaling walls and clinging to ceilings like a specter.
When moving, Mumeiki does not walk—he glides, steps too smooth, too controlled to be mistaken for anything human. His presence is cold and calculated, yet when he stands idle, there’s an unsettling stillness to him, as if he is waiting for an order, an activation, a purpose.
His katana, his sole weapon of choice, is housed in a magnetic sheath along his back, seamlessly integrated into his frame. It is an extension of his body, drawn with a whisper of steel.
Despite his inhuman appearance, there are faint traces of what he once was. His proportions remain eerily childlike in subtle ways—not in size, but in posture, in the occasional tilt of his head as if questioning the world. In moments of stillness, one might catch the way he shifts his weight, fidgeting in a way reminiscent of a child waiting for instruction.
In the neon glow of the city, he is a shadow—nameless, faceless, and inescapable.
Mutation Marker(s): None.
Personality: Kaito Fujimoto, now known solely as Mumeiki, is a complex blend of advanced cybernetic efficiency and innocent human naivety. At 25 years old, his personality is shaped by a life of comatose existence followed with isolation and obedience.
Innocent and Child-like: Despite his formidable physical capabilities, Kaito exhibits a child-like innocence. His sheltered upbringing and prolonged medical coma mean he sees the world with wide-eyed wonder and simplicity. This innocence often manifests in his behavior, such as tilting his head curiously when asked a question or swaying gently when idle, behaviors others might misinterpret as frustration, impatience, or malice.
Obedient and Loyal: Kaito’s sense of loyalty and obedience is deeply ingrained. Having been raised under the watchful eye of the company that 'saved' him, he follows orders with unwavering dedication. He perceives the company as a parental figure, leading to an almost blind trust and a willingness to carry out any directive, no matter how dangerous or morally ambiguous.
Emotionally Detached: Due to his cybernetic enhancements and lack of traditional human experiences, Kaito struggles with emotional depth. He is often emotionally detached, processing situations and interactions with a mechanical logic rather than human empathy. This detachment, however, is not due to lack of feeling but rather a lack of understanding.
Curious and Adaptive: Kaito possesses a natural curiosity about the world around him. This curiosity drives him to explore and learn, albeit in a limited capacity given his sheltered upbringing. His cybernetic enhancements allow him to quickly adapt and process new information, making him an efficient and formidable shadow enforcer.
Tragic Innocence: There is a sense of tragedy in Kaito’s personality. His advanced cybernetic body contrasts sharply with his child-like mind, creating a poignant image of a being caught between two worlds. This tragic innocence endears him to those who take the time to understand his unique nature.
Overall, Kaito Fujimoto’s personality is a blend of obedient loyalty, child-like curiosity, and a haunting sense of emotional detachment. These traits make him a formidable enforcer, bound by the company that shaped his very existence. Aspirations: Despite his mechanical precision, Kaito Fujimoto harbors simple yet profound desires shaped by his innocent and child-like mind.
Understanding: Kaito is driven by a basic curiosity about the world around him. He wants to understand his place in it, the people he encounters, and the mechanics of his own body.
Belonging: Kaito longs to feel accepted and part of a community. This stems from his inherent need for connection and the loneliness he feels due to his isolated upbringing. He wishes to find friends and allies who see beyond his mechanical exterior.
Approval: Kaito seeks approval and praise from those he respects, especially from the company. He equates completing missions successfully with gaining acceptance, much like a child seeking validation from a parent.
Playfulness: Despite his role as a shadow enforcer, Kaito has a playful side. He enjoys discovering new things, exploring his environment, and even engaging in light-hearted activities. This playfulness is a way for him to connect with his child-like innocence.
Protection: Kaito has an inherent desire to protect those he cares about. This protective instinct is simple and straightforward, rooted in a child-like sense of loyalty and duty. He wants to ensure the safety of those he considers friends or allies.
Fears:
Disappointment: Kaito is deeply afraid of disappointing the company that raised him. He fears failing his missions and letting down those he seeks approval from.
Rejection: Kaito fears being rejected or abandoned by the company and the few individuals he trusts. The thought of not being needed or valued terrifies him.
Unworthiness: Kaito has a fear of not being good enough. He worries that he might not meet the expectations set for him, and this fear drives him to constantly strive for perfection.
Identity Loss: Even with his child-like mind, Kaito has a subtle fear of losing whatever sense of self he has. The thought of becoming entirely machine-like and losing his humanity is unsettling to him.
Vehicle: N/A, the company has provided all his long-range transport needs.
P O W E R / C Y B E R N E T I C S I N F O R M A T I O N
Strengths/Natural Abilities:
Assassination: Kaito is highly skilled in assassination techniques. His cybernetic enhancements grant him exceptional precision and stealth, allowing him to eliminate targets efficiently and silently.
Covert Infiltration: Kaito excels in covert infiltration missions. His ability to blend into the shadows and move undetected makes him an expert at entering and exiting high-security areas without leaving a trace.
Hand-to-Hand Combat: Kaito's cybernetic body grants him enhanced strength, speed, and reflexes, making him a formidable hand-to-hand combatant. He is proficient in various martial arts and combat techniques, allowing him to defeat opponents with ease.
Katanas: Kaito is a master swordsman, specializing in the use of katanas. His precision and speed, combined with his cybernetic enhancements, make him deadly in close-quarters combat.
Hacking: Kaito possesses advanced hacking abilities, allowing him to infiltrate secure networks, disable security systems, and gather sensitive information. His cybernetic enhancements include interfaces for direct connection to digital systems, making him a powerful asset in cyber warfare.
Information Gathering: Kaito is adept at gathering intelligence and analyzing data. His enhanced cognitive abilities enable him to process and retain vast amounts of information quickly, making him an invaluable asset for reconnaissance missions.
Enhanced Senses: Kaito's cybernetic enhancements include augmented senses, such as improved vision, hearing, and tactile sensitivity. These enhancements allow him to detect threats, identify targets, and navigate complex environments with ease.
No Need for Sleep: Kaito does not require sleep in the traditional sense. Instead, he enters a "stand-by" state to pass the time and recharge his energy reserves. This ability allows him to operate continuously without fatigue, making him highly efficient and reliable.
No Need for Food: Kaito's cybernetic body eliminates the need for conventional nutrition. He does not require food to sustain himself, further enhancing his ability to remain operational for extended periods without the need for sustenance.
Unwavering Obedience: Kaito follows orders to a T, ensuring all directives are completed with precision and dedication. His programmed loyalty means he prioritizes mission success above all else, even at the expense of his own personal safety. This unwavering obedience makes him a dependable and effective asset for the company, capable of handling high-risk and morally ambiguous tasks without hesitation.
Weaknesses/Flaws:
Naivety: Kaito's child-like innocence makes him naive and easily manipulated. He tends to trust others without questioning their motives, which can put him at risk of being deceived or taken advantage of.
Emotional Immaturity: Kaito's lack of emotional depth and understanding leads to difficulty in processing complex emotions. He often struggles to cope with situations that require empathy or nuanced emotional responses, making him appear cold or detached.
Obsession with Approval: Kaito's deep-seated need for approval from the company and his superiors can cloud his judgment. He may prioritize completing missions perfectly over considering alternative, more humane approaches, potentially leading to reckless decisions.
Limited Autonomy: Kaito's unwavering obedience to the company means he lacks the ability to think independently. He follows orders to the letter, even when they may be morally questionable or detrimental to his well-being.
Lack of Self-Preservation: Kaito's commitment to completing directives makes him disregard his own safety. He is willing to put himself in extreme danger to ensure mission success, which can lead to severe injury or mechanical failure, or even destruction.
Isolation: Kaito's inability to form deep connections with others due to his emotional detachment and mechanical nature leaves him feeling isolated and lonely. This isolation can lead to a sense of emptiness and lack of purpose beyond his missions.
Mechanical Limitations: While Kaito's cybernetic body grants him many advantages, it also has limitations. He may experience malfunctions or performance issues in long exposure to extreme environments, such as intense electromagnetic fields or severe weather conditions.
Unfamiliarity with Social Norms: Kaito's sheltered upbringing and lack of traditional human experiences make him unfamiliar with social norms and customs. This can lead to awkward interactions and misunderstandings when dealing with others.
Cybernetics/Gadets/Accessories: Weapon: Nano-Katana The Nano-Katana resembles a traditional, albeit sleek and modern katana. Its blade is honed to a nano-thin edge, making it extraordinarily sharp and capable of slicing through most materials with ease.
Cybernetics:
Neurolink Core – Overhauled human brain enhanced with cybernetics, allowing rapid data processing.
Internal Diagnostic Suite – Provides real-time analysis of cybernetics, detecting damage, malfunction, or performance degradation.
Cognitive Enhancement Module – Grants complex thought beyond natural human ability, assisting in infiltration, combat strategy, and hacking.
Neural Firewall – Advanced cybersecurity measures to resist hacking attempts, with corporate-level encryption and counter-intrusion systems.
Cortical Black Box – Stores critical memories and mission data in a secure system, ensuring continuity even in case of partial system failure.
Multi-Spectrum Optics – Optical enhancements allowing thermal, night vision, infrared, ultraviolet, and electromagnetic spectrum analysis.
Adaptive Targeting System – Tracks and predicts movement, assisting with precise attacks, dodging, and threat assessment.
Acoustic Amplification Suite – Enhanced hearing, capable of filtering frequencies, detecting heartbeats, and isolating conversations.
Silent Step Feedback – Adjusts footstep pressure in real time for silent movement, crucial for stealth.
Olfactory Sensor Array – Detects chemicals, toxins, and environmental changes through artificial scent processing.
Tactile Sensory Dampening – Reduces pain perception to ensure focus in combat as well as assist with repairs, with the ability to re-enable full sensitivity
Augmented Musculature – Synthetic fiber muscles provide enhanced strength, agility, and speed.
Kinetic Energy Redistribution – Absorbs impact from falls, strikes, and blunt trauma.
Hyper-Reflex Suite – Near-instantaneous reaction speed, increasing combat efficiency and evasive capabilities.
Integrated Combat Recorder – Logs fight patterns and opponent data for post-mission review and adaptation.
Limb Synchronization Enhancements – Eliminates movement lag, ensuring complete control over every action with peak efficiency.
Internal Lockpicking Suite – Built-in micro-tools in fingertips for bypassing mechanical and electronic locks.
Electromagnetic Footing – Allows walking on walls or ceilings using magnetism and micro-thrusters.
Chameleon Surface – Minor color-shifting ability on armor to blend into dark environments.
Composite Endoskeleton – Reinforced but lightweight structure, providing durability without sacrificing speed.
Subdermal Shock Absorption – Reduces impact damage and neutralizes blunt force trauma.
EMP Shielding Layer – Provides resistance against electromagnetic pulses, though powerful EMPs can still affect him.
Retractable palm claws – Hidden within fingers and palms for precise climbing.
Integrated Dart Launcher – Fires tranquilizers, poisons, or EMP darts from his forearm.
Wrist-Mounted Grappling Line – High-speed retractable line for rapid movement, stealth kills, or vertical mobility.
Internal Blade Maintenance System – Keeps his katana in pristine condition, sharpening and cleaning it as needed.
Augmented Grip Enhancement – Allows unbreakable hold on objects, useful for combat and wall-scaling.
E X T R A
Anything else? - Theme song - Memory Glitch: Occasionally, Kaito experiences brief moments of memory lapse due to his neural interface. During these moments, he might pause mid-conversation or action, appearing lost in thought before snapping back to reality. These glitches are harmless but add a layer of vulnerability to his character. - Quiet Humming: Kaito has a habit of quietly humming a traditional Japanese lullaby when he's idle or deep in thought. Unbeknowst to him it's a song his Mother used to sing to him when he was in the coma. - Analyzing Gesture: When processing information or making decisions, Kaito has a habit of tapping his temple lightly with his cybernetic fingers. This gesture indicates that he's accessing his neural enhancements for deeper analysis.
H_i_s_t_o_r_y
In the sprawling cityscape of Neo-Tokyo, within the humble Ishibashi district lived a couple whose love for each other was as enduring as their struggles. For years, they yearned for a child, but their attempts were met with heartache and disappointment. Yet, against all odds, their miracle finally arrived—Kaito. He was their beacon of hope, the embodiment of their dreams, and they cherished him with all their hearts.
However, life dealt a cruel hand. Shortly after his birth, Kaito was diagnosed with a debilitating disease that would be fatal without extensive medical intervention. Undeterred, his parents poured every ounce of their resources, love, and hope into saving him. Doctors, treatments, and experimental procedures became their world. Kaito spent his life in a medical coma, a state of suspended animation where cutting-edge technology battled the relentless disease.
As the years passed, Kaito's tiny body was gradually replaced with cybernetic parts. Each enhancement was a testament to his parents' unwavering dedication. But the cost was steep—financially and emotionally. The once-joyous household grew somber and strained as the weight of debt and despair bore down upon them. Despite their sacrifices, Kaito's parents succumbed to bankruptcy and died, never seeing their beloved son awaken.
When Kaito finally emerged from his sixteen-year slumber, he found himself in a world alien. His parents were gone, their debts cleared by a corporation known as Ijōna Corp. Recognizing the potential in his cybernetic form, they claimed him as their own. They saw in Kaito not just a boy, but a tool—a weapon to be honed and wielded.
Stripped of his name and identity, Kaito was reborn as Mumeiki, or "Nameless Machine." Under the cold, calculated oversight of his assigned handler, codename Kage, he underwent rigorous training. Day in and day out, Mumeiki mastered the arts of assassination, covert infiltration, and intelligence gathering. Kage ensured his obedience through psychological conditioning, molding him into the perfect shadow enforcer.
Kept in isolation, Mumeiki's social skills remained stunted. The world outside the company’s walls was a mystery, one he was only allowed to glimpse during missions. Despite his child-like innocence, he became a figure of fear and efficiency—a ghost in the machine, executing orders with lethal precision.
Yet, within the heart of the nameless enforcer, a spark of curiosity flickered. Fragmented memories of his past, the faint echo of a lullaby, and the warmth of parental love haunted his thoughts.
Three months ago, Ijōna deployed Mumeiki on what should have been a routine data-scrubbing mission, eliminating traces of a supposed intelligence leak. However, the mission was a trap—set by Tsuki’s gang to confirm the existence of Ijōna’s rumored assassin. The fabricated data forced Mumeiki into an inescapable paradox: follow orders and risk destruction, or abandon Ijōna entirely. With no way back, he defected, and ever since that night, he has been with Tsuki’s gang.
Nicknames/Aliases Mumeiki (無名機), meaning 'Nameless Machine' in Japanese.
Birth City/District: Neo-Tokyo
Age: 24 years since birth, 8 years since awakening from coma.
Height 5'11 ft (1.8 m)
Racial Background: Pure blood Japanese
Race: Zero Percenters
Hair Color: N/A
Eye Color: N/A
Appearance:
Mumeiki is a ghost in the neon-lit streets of the underworld, a human silhouette stripped of identity and replaced with machine. His form is sleek and efficient, designed for both the shadows and the chaos of open combat.
His body is entirely cybernetic, composed of advanced composite alloys and synthetic muscle fibers that mimic human movemen. The plating is smooth yet subtly segmented, allowing for seamless articulation. Traces of deep gunmetal and darkened silver highlight the contours of his form, giving him the appearance of a machine sculpted for lethality rather than bulk. He is built for agility, neither towering nor diminutive—his frame is compact but powerful, built to strike and vanish.
His head is a featureless mask of reinforced metal, a smooth, expressionless visage that absorbs light rather than reflects it. There are no human features—no mouth, no nose—only a blank faceplate broken by a small, circular visor where his optics reside. The visor glows faintly, shifting between muted orange, purples, and blues, or white, depending on his system state. Sometimes, it flickers erratically, as if betraying the instability beneath his programmed obedience.
Beneath his outer shell, artificial muscle fibers coil like living steel. His joints move with unnatural fluidity, making his motions eerily precise. His hands are dexterous, each finger capable of near-microscopic adjustments.
His legs are reinforced for silent movement, with digitized actuators in his ankles that allow for impossible landings and split-second acceleration. Magnetic nodes within his feet grant him the ability to grip surfaces, scaling walls and clinging to ceilings like a specter.
When moving, Mumeiki does not walk—he glides, steps too smooth, too controlled to be mistaken for anything human. His presence is cold and calculated, yet when he stands idle, there’s an unsettling stillness to him, as if he is waiting for an order, an activation, a purpose.
His katana, his sole weapon of choice, is housed in a magnetic sheath along his back, seamlessly integrated into his frame. It is an extension of his body, drawn with a whisper of steel.
Despite his inhuman appearance, there are faint traces of what he once was. His proportions remain eerily childlike in subtle ways—not in size, but in posture, in the occasional tilt of his head as if questioning the world. In moments of stillness, one might catch the way he shifts his weight, fidgeting in a way reminiscent of a child waiting for instruction.
In the neon glow of the city, he is a shadow—nameless, faceless, and inescapable.
Mutation Marker(s): None.
Personality: Kaito Fujimoto, now known solely as Mumeiki, is a complex blend of advanced cybernetic efficiency and innocent human naivety. At 25 years old, his personality is shaped by a life of comatose existence followed with isolation and obedience.
Innocent and Child-like: Despite his formidable physical capabilities, Kaito exhibits a child-like innocence. His sheltered upbringing and prolonged medical coma mean he sees the world with wide-eyed wonder and simplicity. This innocence often manifests in his behavior, such as tilting his head curiously when asked a question or swaying gently when idle, behaviors others might misinterpret as frustration, impatience, or malice.
Obedient and Loyal: Kaito’s sense of loyalty and obedience is deeply ingrained. Having been raised under the watchful eye of the company that 'saved' him, he follows orders with unwavering dedication. He perceives the company as a parental figure, leading to an almost blind trust and a willingness to carry out any directive, no matter how dangerous or morally ambiguous.
Emotionally Detached: Due to his cybernetic enhancements and lack of traditional human experiences, Kaito struggles with emotional depth. He is often emotionally detached, processing situations and interactions with a mechanical logic rather than human empathy. This detachment, however, is not due to lack of feeling but rather a lack of understanding.
Curious and Adaptive: Kaito possesses a natural curiosity about the world around him. This curiosity drives him to explore and learn, albeit in a limited capacity given his sheltered upbringing. His cybernetic enhancements allow him to quickly adapt and process new information, making him an efficient and formidable shadow enforcer.
Tragic Innocence: There is a sense of tragedy in Kaito’s personality. His advanced cybernetic body contrasts sharply with his child-like mind, creating a poignant image of a being caught between two worlds. This tragic innocence endears him to those who take the time to understand his unique nature.
Overall, Kaito Fujimoto’s personality is a blend of obedient loyalty, child-like curiosity, and a haunting sense of emotional detachment. These traits make him a formidable enforcer, bound by the company that shaped his very existence. Aspirations: Despite his mechanical precision, Kaito Fujimoto harbors simple yet profound desires shaped by his innocent and child-like mind.
Understanding: Kaito is driven by a basic curiosity about the world around him. He wants to understand his place in it, the people he encounters, and the mechanics of his own body.
Belonging: Kaito longs to feel accepted and part of a community. This stems from his inherent need for connection and the loneliness he feels due to his isolated upbringing. He wishes to find friends and allies who see beyond his mechanical exterior.
Approval: Kaito seeks approval and praise from those he respects, especially from the company. He equates completing missions successfully with gaining acceptance, much like a child seeking validation from a parent.
Playfulness: Despite his role as a shadow enforcer, Kaito has a playful side. He enjoys discovering new things, exploring his environment, and even engaging in light-hearted activities. This playfulness is a way for him to connect with his child-like innocence.
Protection: Kaito has an inherent desire to protect those he cares about. This protective instinct is simple and straightforward, rooted in a child-like sense of loyalty and duty. He wants to ensure the safety of those he considers friends or allies.
Fears:
Disappointment: Kaito is deeply afraid of disappointing the company that raised him. He fears failing his missions and letting down those he seeks approval from.
Rejection: Kaito fears being rejected or abandoned by the company and the few individuals he trusts. The thought of not being needed or valued terrifies him.
Unworthiness: Kaito has a fear of not being good enough. He worries that he might not meet the expectations set for him, and this fear drives him to constantly strive for perfection.
Identity Loss: Even with his child-like mind, Kaito has a subtle fear of losing whatever sense of self he has. The thought of becoming entirely machine-like and losing his humanity is unsettling to him.
Vehicle: N/A, the company has provided all his long-range transport needs.
P O W E R / C Y B E R N E T I C S I N F O R M A T I O N
Strengths/Natural Abilities:
Assassination: Kaito is highly skilled in assassination techniques. His cybernetic enhancements grant him exceptional precision and stealth, allowing him to eliminate targets efficiently and silently.
Covert Infiltration: Kaito excels in covert infiltration missions. His ability to blend into the shadows and move undetected makes him an expert at entering and exiting high-security areas without leaving a trace.
Hand-to-Hand Combat: Kaito's cybernetic body grants him enhanced strength, speed, and reflexes, making him a formidable hand-to-hand combatant. He is proficient in various martial arts and combat techniques, allowing him to defeat opponents with ease.
Katanas: Kaito is a master swordsman, specializing in the use of katanas. His precision and speed, combined with his cybernetic enhancements, make him deadly in close-quarters combat.
Hacking: Kaito possesses advanced hacking abilities, allowing him to infiltrate secure networks, disable security systems, and gather sensitive information. His cybernetic enhancements include interfaces for direct connection to digital systems, making him a powerful asset in cyber warfare.
Information Gathering: Kaito is adept at gathering intelligence and analyzing data. His enhanced cognitive abilities enable him to process and retain vast amounts of information quickly, making him an invaluable asset for reconnaissance missions.
Enhanced Senses: Kaito's cybernetic enhancements include augmented senses, such as improved vision, hearing, and tactile sensitivity. These enhancements allow him to detect threats, identify targets, and navigate complex environments with ease.
No Need for Sleep: Kaito does not require sleep in the traditional sense. Instead, he enters a "stand-by" state to pass the time and recharge his energy reserves. This ability allows him to operate continuously without fatigue, making him highly efficient and reliable.
No Need for Food: Kaito's cybernetic body eliminates the need for conventional nutrition. He does not require food to sustain himself, further enhancing his ability to remain operational for extended periods without the need for sustenance.
Unwavering Obedience: Kaito follows orders to a T, ensuring all directives are completed with precision and dedication. His programmed loyalty means he prioritizes mission success above all else, even at the expense of his own personal safety. This unwavering obedience makes him a dependable and effective asset for the company, capable of handling high-risk and morally ambiguous tasks without hesitation.
Weaknesses/Flaws:
Naivety: Kaito's child-like innocence makes him naive and easily manipulated. He tends to trust others without questioning their motives, which can put him at risk of being deceived or taken advantage of.
Emotional Immaturity: Kaito's lack of emotional depth and understanding leads to difficulty in processing complex emotions. He often struggles to cope with situations that require empathy or nuanced emotional responses, making him appear cold or detached.
Obsession with Approval: Kaito's deep-seated need for approval from the company and his superiors can cloud his judgment. He may prioritize completing missions perfectly over considering alternative, more humane approaches, potentially leading to reckless decisions.
Limited Autonomy: Kaito's unwavering obedience to the company means he lacks the ability to think independently. He follows orders to the letter, even when they may be morally questionable or detrimental to his well-being.
Lack of Self-Preservation: Kaito's commitment to completing directives makes him disregard his own safety. He is willing to put himself in extreme danger to ensure mission success, which can lead to severe injury or mechanical failure, or even destruction.
Isolation: Kaito's inability to form deep connections with others due to his emotional detachment and mechanical nature leaves him feeling isolated and lonely. This isolation can lead to a sense of emptiness and lack of purpose beyond his missions.
Mechanical Limitations: While Kaito's cybernetic body grants him many advantages, it also has limitations. He may experience malfunctions or performance issues in long exposure to extreme environments, such as intense electromagnetic fields or severe weather conditions.
Unfamiliarity with Social Norms: Kaito's sheltered upbringing and lack of traditional human experiences make him unfamiliar with social norms and customs. This can lead to awkward interactions and misunderstandings when dealing with others.
Cybernetics/Gadets/Accessories: Weapon: Nano-Katana The Nano-Katana resembles a traditional, albeit sleek and modern katana. Its blade is honed to a nano-thin edge, making it extraordinarily sharp and capable of slicing through most materials with ease.
Cybernetics:
Neurolink Core – Overhauled human brain enhanced with cybernetics, allowing rapid data processing.
Internal Diagnostic Suite – Provides real-time analysis of cybernetics, detecting damage, malfunction, or performance degradation.
Cognitive Enhancement Module – Grants complex thought beyond natural human ability, assisting in infiltration, combat strategy, and hacking.
Neural Firewall – Advanced cybersecurity measures to resist hacking attempts, with corporate-level encryption and counter-intrusion systems.
Cortical Black Box – Stores critical memories and mission data in a secure system, ensuring continuity even in case of partial system failure.
Multi-Spectrum Optics – Optical enhancements allowing thermal, night vision, infrared, ultraviolet, and electromagnetic spectrum analysis.
Adaptive Targeting System – Tracks and predicts movement, assisting with precise attacks, dodging, and threat assessment.
Acoustic Amplification Suite – Enhanced hearing, capable of filtering frequencies, detecting heartbeats, and isolating conversations.
Silent Step Feedback – Adjusts footstep pressure in real time for silent movement, crucial for stealth.
Olfactory Sensor Array – Detects chemicals, toxins, and environmental changes through artificial scent processing.
Tactile Sensory Dampening – Reduces pain perception to ensure focus in combat as well as assist with repairs, with the ability to re-enable full sensitivity
Augmented Musculature – Synthetic fiber muscles provide enhanced strength, agility, and speed.
Kinetic Energy Redistribution – Absorbs impact from falls, strikes, and blunt trauma.
Hyper-Reflex Suite – Near-instantaneous reaction speed, increasing combat efficiency and evasive capabilities.
Integrated Combat Recorder – Logs fight patterns and opponent data for post-mission review and adaptation.
Limb Synchronization Enhancements – Eliminates movement lag, ensuring complete control over every action with peak efficiency.
Internal Lockpicking Suite – Built-in micro-tools in fingertips for bypassing mechanical and electronic locks.
Electromagnetic Footing – Allows walking on walls or ceilings using magnetism and micro-thrusters.
Chameleon Surface – Minor color-shifting ability on armor to blend into dark environments.
Composite Endoskeleton – Reinforced but lightweight structure, providing durability without sacrificing speed.
Subdermal Shock Absorption – Reduces impact damage and neutralizes blunt force trauma.
EMP Shielding Layer – Provides resistance against electromagnetic pulses, though powerful EMPs can still affect him.
Retractable palm claws – Hidden within fingers and palms for precise climbing.
Integrated Dart Launcher – Fires tranquilizers, poisons, or EMP darts from his forearm.
Wrist-Mounted Grappling Line – High-speed retractable line for rapid movement, stealth kills, or vertical mobility.
Internal Blade Maintenance System – Keeps his katana in pristine condition, sharpening and cleaning it as needed.
Augmented Grip Enhancement – Allows unbreakable hold on objects, useful for combat and wall-scaling.
E X T R A
Anything else? - Theme song - Memory Glitch: Occasionally, Kaito experiences brief moments of memory lapse due to his neural interface. During these moments, he might pause mid-conversation or action, appearing lost in thought before snapping back to reality. These glitches are harmless but add a layer of vulnerability to his character. - Quiet Humming: Kaito has a habit of quietly humming a traditional Japanese lullaby when he's idle or deep in thought. Unbeknowst to him it's a song his Mother used to sing to him when he was in the coma. - Analyzing Gesture: When processing information or making decisions, Kaito has a habit of tapping his temple lightly with his cybernetic fingers. This gesture indicates that he's accessing his neural enhancements for deeper analysis.
H_i_s_t_o_r_y
In the sprawling cityscape of Neo-Tokyo, within the humble Ishibashi district lived a couple whose love for each other was as enduring as their struggles. For years, they yearned for a child, but their attempts were met with heartache and disappointment. Yet, against all odds, their miracle finally arrived—Kaito. He was their beacon of hope, the embodiment of their dreams, and they cherished him with all their hearts.
However, life dealt a cruel hand. Shortly after his birth, Kaito was diagnosed with a debilitating disease that would be fatal without extensive medical intervention. Undeterred, his parents poured every ounce of their resources, love, and hope into saving him. Doctors, treatments, and experimental procedures became their world. Kaito spent his life in a medical coma, a state of suspended animation where cutting-edge technology battled the relentless disease.
As the years passed, Kaito's tiny body was gradually replaced with cybernetic parts. Each enhancement was a testament to his parents' unwavering dedication. But the cost was steep—financially and emotionally. The once-joyous household grew somber and strained as the weight of debt and despair bore down upon them. Despite their sacrifices, Kaito's parents succumbed to bankruptcy and died, never seeing their beloved son awaken.
When Kaito finally emerged from his sixteen-year slumber, he found himself in a world alien. His parents were gone, their debts cleared by a corporation known as Ijōna Corp. Recognizing the potential in his cybernetic form, they claimed him as their own. They saw in Kaito not just a boy, but a tool—a weapon to be honed and wielded.
Stripped of his name and identity, Kaito was reborn as Mumeiki, or "Nameless Machine." Under the cold, calculated oversight of his assigned handler, codename Kage, he underwent rigorous training. Day in and day out, Mumeiki mastered the arts of assassination, covert infiltration, and intelligence gathering. Kage ensured his obedience through psychological conditioning, molding him into the perfect shadow enforcer.
Kept in isolation, Mumeiki's social skills remained stunted. The world outside the company’s walls was a mystery, one he was only allowed to glimpse during missions. Despite his child-like innocence, he became a figure of fear and efficiency—a ghost in the machine, executing orders with lethal precision.
Yet, within the heart of the nameless enforcer, a spark of curiosity flickered. Fragmented memories of his past, the faint echo of a lullaby, and the warmth of parental love haunted his thoughts.
Three months ago, Ijōna deployed Mumeiki on what should have been a routine data-scrubbing mission, eliminating traces of a supposed intelligence leak. However, the mission was a trap—set by Tsuki’s gang to confirm the existence of Ijōna’s rumored assassin. The fabricated data forced Mumeiki into an inescapable paradox: follow orders and risk destruction, or abandon Ijōna entirely. With no way back, he defected, and ever since that night, he has been with Tsuki’s gang.
Jet was too engrossed in filling his belly to fully participate in the animated discussion around him. Instead, he nodded occasionally, his eyes keenly observing as the new recruit grappled with the harsh truths of crew life. With a soft smile, he acknowledged Zane who tucked into his own meal. Lifting the almost-empty bowl to his lips, Jet shoveled the last few granules of protein into his mouth. He sighed softly as he chewed, the meal turning into a paste between his teeth.
After swallowing, Jet finally spoke up. "Don’t let it get to ya, kid. It’s pretty cushy here, and you'll earn your keep in no time. Besides, this ship needs all the upkeep it can get." He chuckled lightly but abruptly stopped himself. "Crap," he muttered, standing up and breaking into a hurried jog. ”The damn power plant…”
Fel watched Jet leave, nodding silently to himself, having a pretty good notion what was going down. He likewise stood, leaving Zane finishing his bowl, laying his hand on the kid’s shoulder as he passed by. ”There’s more in the pot, Zee. Feel free, but also know that the leftovers will be there later if you feel the need to graze.” Fel made for the flight deck. Zane looked up from his bowl of chili as the grizzled soldier took off down the corridor. Looking at the others that were nearby, he pointed in the direction of the “vapor trail” that Jet left and spoke with a mouth half-full of his food. ”Anybody else catch that? Somethin’ about a ‘power plant’? That don’t sound too welcomin’...” the youth said nervously as he slid out from his seat at the table and meandered off after him.
The doc was at the table, and thanked Fel for the meal, to which the spacer merely nodded, smiled thinly. It weren’t nothin.’ Folks had to eat. And aboard the UA, there were times that were lean. Leaner than he’d like. So when the cupboards were stocked, better to eat up. Wrench was there too, at his usual spot at the corner of the table closest to the galley. The little astromech liked to be able to swivel to see everything, and that spot had the best vantage point fore and aft. He extended his third wheel, ready to follow Fel to the flight deck, but Galdaart waved a hand relaxedly as if to say it wasn’t necessary, and the little droid stopped, tooting its indifference.
Jet's relief was palpable as he swung into the engine bay, shoulders sagging as he saw everything was still, mostly, intact. The thought crossed his mind that this sudden dash might have been the last grain that broke the Eopie's back. He stepped in, immediately pulling out his datapad to check over the vital systems.
Jet muttered to himself quietly as he went over each item. “Hyperdrive... coolant leak, should be fine for now. Ion flow regulators... Fluctuations, nothing major. Plasma injectors... Worn out, need replacing Again. Power conduits... good. Gravitic stabilizers... Slightly miscalibrated, easy fix. Backup systems... all good..” He took a deep breath, reassuring himself that everything seemed to be holding together, at least for now.
”Everythin’ all right here, old timer?” the confused youth inquired, the tension in his tone suggesting he was quite worried with how the older man left the galley in such a hurry. His eyes were wide with wonder as he looked around the engine bay, all of the flashing lights and whirring sounds of machinery distracting him from anything else at the moment. The youth stared around in awe as he waited on Jet to finish going through all of his checklists.
Jet looked up from his datapad, a wry smile crossing his face. "Yeah, everything looks good, for now," he reassured, his tone calm and steady. "Just making sure we keep this old bird flying. These engines have a way of keeping me on my toes, but nothing to worry about." He patted a nearby control panel affectionately. "Welcome to the heart of the ship, kid. Stick around and you might learn a thing or two about keeping her in the sky."
Jet then returned his focus to the datapad, continuing to review the list of items they needed. The chaos back on Lotho had completely distracted him from the fact that this old makeshift rig required some serious TLC—Tough Love and Calibration.. He reviewed the diagnostics again, methodically making notes of what they 'desperately-needed,' 'somewhat-needed,' and 'would-be-nice-to-have.' The list was short, thankfully. For now.
As he turned to leave, he placed a reassuring hand on Zane’s shoulder and plastered his face with a wide grin. ”Maybe, when it comes to it, you could give me a hand? Kark.. It constantly needs work and..” Jet's heart sank for a second, his thoughts lingering on Nova. His voice dropped, somewhat melancholic, his grin faltering. ”I like to teach you young’uns.”
Fel had that difficult-to-identify, yet impossible-to-ignore need to check the Navacomp that seemed hard-wired into his consciousness. Too many jumps, too many years, too much riding on their success, and mostly – as a smuggler and erstwhile ne’er-do-well, too many custom routes and corners cut to ever feel too comfortable in a hyperspace lane.
The outlander sat heavily in his seat, and called up their plotted course on the navacomp. Fourteen minutes till sublight, for a final course change, to Abilene. (it was tough to trace a ship’s destination via hyperspace jumps, but you could never be too careful. Fel had heard tell of pirates jumping unsuspecting civilians (or Republic ships) on the standard routes, and there had even been talk of the Empire tracking ships through hyperspace. Fel wasn’t sure how much of that he bought… but when the Empire was concerned, Fel was willing to believe almost anything.
He leaned back from the Navacomp and caught sight of a flashing red light on the console. Nothing to be concerned about, just one of many hull temperature sensors (that one had been on the fritz for a few weeks) but he allowed his mind to wander, focussed on that red light, and before more than a heartbeat had gone past, he was in the seat of his TIE/IN once more, different red lights flashing all around him, and that comm chatter… the screams… that acrid, burnt smell… his thumbs hovering over the triggers… sweat stinging his eyes and the fire… the fire…
He startled away from the memory, hand falling instinctively to the sidearm that wasn’t there. He calmed his racing heart and steadied his breathing. Wiped a hand over his four days’ stubble. Checked the Navacomp. Three minutes to sublight.
Leaning back, staring at nothing but the swirl of the vortex out the view-port, the deep-spacer punched a button on the arm of his chair, activating the internal comms. ”We’re dropping out of hyperspace in a minute, folks. Could be a bit of turbulence for a few tics. Then on our last jump to Abilene. Should be planetside by just after skydark, local time. Just under an hour’s flight time from now.” Pressing the button once more, the comms clicked off, and Fel thought how nice it would be to not have to rack down aboard ship that night. An actual bed, and fresh air, would do just fine. Now – if only he could avoid getting shot by a local, they’d be in great shape.
Jet finished reviewing the list with a practiced ease, already running through the mental steps of what needed handling first. He slid the datapad under his arm and made his way back to the galley.
As Jet entered, he glanced around the room but didn’t spot Fel. The empty chair where the spacer had been moments ago told him everything he needed to know. The walk was short, one he’d made countless times before, and as the cockpit door slid open with a soft hiss, there was Fel, just as he’d figured. The spacer was sunk into the pilot’s seat, staring out at the swirling vortex of hyperspace, his expression distant.
Jet stepped inside, his boots lightly tapping against the decking. He didn’t say anything at first, just crossed the small space and pulled out the datapad, setting it down on the console where Fel couldn’t miss it.
"Got the list," Jet said finally, his tone easy, matter-of-fact. "Injectors are shot. Stabilizers are drifting—not bad yet, but you’ll feel it soon enough. Coolant patch from earlier is holding, but you know how those go. Nothing we haven’t handled before." He leaned back slightly, crossing his arms as he studied Fel. "Figured you’d want to know before we hit Abilene. Market’s probably our best shot to grab what we need. Question is, you want me on that, or are we splitting the joy?” Jet smirked faintly at the thought, his tone light but steady. "She’ll hold for now, but it’s creeping. One weak link’s all it takes," he added with a small shrug.
”Always something, kark…” Fel looked over the list, only then realizing that his tension and the fevered memory he had only just snapped out of had left a sheen of sweat on his brow. “Wonder if Abilene’ll even have half this stuff. Ain’t no starport. We might have to make a stop at a shop. If Abilene has this gear, any of it, it’ll be ours for the taking. If she don’t, we gotta go elsewhere for it. Hell, can’t be without ‘jectors or stab’s.” He cursed again, but as much because of the weight of the situation, the crush of people who relied on his ability to succeed, to pull in paying work… as the added cost of doing business. And maybe the memory was playing havoc on his nerves. Maybe.
He didn’t have to think much to do the mental math. “We don’t get this from the boss lady… and I don’t imagine our luck is that good… this takes five large off the cuts before we even get to fuel. I’ll shoulder ten of it out of my take, split the rest amongst the rest of the crew, ‘cept the Doc. He has no stake in our ship. But even if Abilene has the goods, I can’t have you on repairs while we’re her ‘guests.’ I don’t trust her, and I need your eyes on our backs… no, we’ll have to set down elsewhere, or stop at a dock to do the repairs after Abilene. …Kark.”
He rubbed at the back of his neck. The frustration wasn’t with Jet, and the Spacer hoped he knew that.
Jet chuckled and gave Fel a hearty slap on the back, trying to lighten the mood. "Don't sweat it, Fel. We'll manage. We always do," he said with a reassuring grin. "I'll cover the costs with my share, too, no problem. Between the two of us, we can shoulder the whole expense. No need to worry about splitting it with the rest of the crew."
Jet took a step back, his stance more relaxed. "We'll get what we need, one way or another. And you know I always have your back. Just point me in the right direction, and we'll sort it out." He glanced out the viewport at the swirling vortex of hyperspace, then back at Fel. "We'll be fine. Just another day in the life, right?"
Fel smiled good-naturedly. “Yeah… just another day, living the dream.” He thought about the fifty different ways they could have got dead in the last twenty-four hours, the host of issues surely to come, the tense dealings to come with Abilene, getting paid (or not getting paid) and the, well, cat issue. Dream. Right. Better than any day under the yoke of the Empire, though. Silver linings…
Astlo offered a curt nod in return to the steward, his acknowledgment tempered by his age and a tendency to forego the flourish younger men might employ. Respect was given, though not with the elaborate gestures that so often accompanied courtly displays. After decades in service, Astlo had earned the privilege of brevity.
He inhaled deeply, the air filling his lungs before escaping in a slow, deliberate sigh. The idea of a royal heir being found was, on its surface, a hopeful proposition, one that could alter the course of a faltering kingdom. Yet Astlo’s seasoned mind, sharpened by years of intrigue and deception, found it difficult to embrace such hope without skepticism. It was far more plausible that the story was born of idle tongues—some mountain charlatan seeking favor or fame, perhaps to impress a lover or secure a fleeting moment of grandeur. Such tales had a way of inflating with each telling.
Despite his doubts, Astlo could not dismiss the matter outright. The summons to investigate had come directly, and with it, a clear mandate: to ascertain the truth and to curb the overzealous actions of those desperate to prove themselves. For all his cynicism, a faint ember of hope remained within him. If the rumors held even a shred of truth, the discovery of an heir might restore not just the royal line, but the stability of a fractured realm. And should such a day come, Astlo fancied he might play a part in shaping this heir—not merely in matters of ceremony and etiquette, but in the deeper arts of governance and wisdom.
He stepped forward, his boots striking the polished stone floor with a deliberate rhythm. Clearing his throat, Astlo addressed the steward, his voice measured and calm.
"My Lord Steward," he began, his tone imbued with a practiced steadiness born of countless councils, "I must admit that the likelihood of these rumors being anything more than mere fabrication seems exceedingly slim." There was no arrogance in his words, nor a lack of deference—only the tempered perspective of a man who had seen far too many false hopes raised.
Pausing, he stroked the length of his beard, as if the action might tease further insight from his thoughts. "That said, I will attend to this matter as requested. Any course of action that merits your attention deserves to be pursued with diligence, regardless of my reservations."
His gaze met the steward’s, the weight of his words hanging in the air. Astlo’s doubts were clear, but so too was his commitment to the task at hand. Whatever the outcome, he would approach it with the care and gravity it deserved.
Hadn't updated this in a WHILE so I deleted it. I'm Ducksworth, or Duck, or Duckie. PM if you wanna know more, yeah?
<div style="white-space:pre-wrap;">Hadn't updated this in a WHILE so I deleted it. I'm Ducksworth, or Duck, or Duckie. PM if you wanna know more, yeah?</div>
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