Fuzzybootz

No Turning Back - Into the Abyss

Mackenzie swayed gently and hummed ,not so quietly, to herself as she worked. The sounds of the Martian National Orchestra reverberated loudly through her cordless headphones. She sat on a small stool surrounded by an array of tools and Droid bits with her hands wire deep into a droid.

After Amara had offered to show her around the Nyx, they spent a short time exploring the different bays of the ship. Along the way she made several quick notes about certain areas in which droids would be held or working. She also thought it was particularly apt to note the expresso machine in the break room. The last leg of the tour was Amara's medical bay. Mackenzie could see the sense of pride in Amara's eyes they entered. A creepy Droid stood at the back of the room waiting to be needed. Mackenzie had never liked the loom of the medical droids. It was like something from those very old thriller movies.

That was where Mackenzie left Amara and headed back to the common area. The Expresso machine called to her and she couldn’t resist. While she waited she was approached by cute Nyx Engineer. Mackenzie attempted to flirt awkwardly as she was not very good at small talk. They parted ways with the hope that they would see each other again when the Nyx returned from its mission. She then quickly found her way back to the robotics bay to get to work. had not taken her long to find a malfunction in a group of Droids. The malfunction had caused a sensor error and several of the droids kept running into the walls.

Mackenzie stood as she realized she needed another part from the storage room. She bounced to beat of the next song as she crossed the room and scanned her ID to allow her access. It glowed green as the door slid open. She was completely oblivious to the announcement made over the Nyx com system alerting the crew of immediate departure. The door slid closed behind her as it was supposed to be locked for the remainder of the away mission.

The ground shook as Mackenzie went to grab a spare part off the self. With loud yep, she fell backwards onto her butt. Pain seared her forehead and she reached up to rub it. Her fingers became slick with blood as she realized the spare part, now laying beside her, had cut her. She pressed a small button on her arm Datapa to stop her music. For moment she sat there wondering what the hell had happened.

Mackenzie grumbled as she got to her feet and headed back towards the door. She scanned her Id but the door panel just flashed red and beeped out in warning.
“ What the Hell?” She cursed as she tried again. Again it flashed red and beeped.

“NOAH, let me out of here.” She demanded. Nothing. Quickly she checked her data pad. NOAH it seemed was disconnected from the Nyx at that moment.

“Fuck!” It suddenly dawned on Mackenzie. The only reason NOAH would disconnect from the Ship was if the Nyx had left the Ark altogether.

In an act of pure frustration and desperation Mackenzie began pounding on the door in the hopes that someone might hear her.

Into The Dark: Mercenaries (Heroes of Fame and Fortune)

Hey guys. So sorry but It looks like Im gonna have to drop out. RL has me too busy to post currently.
@poohead189

Into The Dark: Mercenaries (Heroes of Fame and Fortune)

Ill have something up soon. It might be about a week though since I am packing for a major move.

Into The Dark: Mercenaries (Heroes of Fame and Fortune)

No Turning Back - Into the Abyss

Old Friends Reunited

Part 2

Collab with @Subject Zero

Mackenzie almost gasped aloud when Amara embraced her. It was a mark of tenderness that Amara rarely if ever showed, and for a moment it caught her by complete surprise. Mackenzie was sure that she had only ever seen Amara hug her father once in the entire time she had known them. It wasn’t that Amara had ever been callous by any means, but being reserved was just a thing that Amara was. Mackenzie, her glasses pushed slightly off her nose, finally relaxed and wrapped her own arms around Amara.

“ I, uh, was transferred three days before, Uh, we left,” Mackenzie said with a hint of sadness in her voice. The attack hadn’t been discussed much since the Ark had jumped into Hyperspace. They were all still in shock and mourning. Even mentioning the Devastators brought some people to tears. Mackenzie had spent a few weeks aboard the Citadel. A seed of nausea sat at the bottom of her stomach every time she thought of the fact that it, like a few others, had not yet launched when the attack had begun.

“Seemed that the Vitae had an opening in Robotics they needed to fill” Mackenzie smirked. That was the truth, but she had a creeping suspicion that it wasn’t the whole truth. Her encounter with Michael only strengthened that conviction. “I am sorry; I should have messaged you as soon as I was aboard. Things just got, Uh, busy”

Amara couldn't help but feel somewhat upset. If Mackenzie had been aboard the Vitae for three days before launch, that meant she had been here for almost a week and still hadn't contacted her. She could understand it, though. Kenzie had a habit of getting wrapped up in her work and losing track of time. With everything that had been going on lately, Amara understood why it had taken her friend so long. Everyone was busy and preoccupied with so much other stuff.

“Well, you're here now. That's all that matters,” said Amara with the slightest smile. But then she realized something and she looked back at the Nyx. Mackenzie may have been there, but she was about to leave for the planet. Her smile faded for a brief moment but it reappeared when she turned back to her friend and then said, “We need to catch up but...uh..” She through a thumb over her shoulder at the ship and added “It's going to have to wait I'm afraid. I'm about to head down to the planet.”

“No, worries,” Mackenzie chuckled and pushed her glasses back into place. “That’s kinda why I am here. I Gotta do a diagnostic check on those FSX-30M Droids heading down to the planet. Wouldn’t want anything to malfunction on the very first mission.” She continued as she stepped up next to Amara so they could both look at the impressive ship.

“Dig the Uniform, by the way. Although, could they have made it any tighter? You look like you're gonna have to carry a big stick” Mackenzie jested even though she knew Amara didn't always find her jokes amusing. The last few minutes had been a little too unnerving and She wanted to get back to the way things had always been.

Amara ran a hand across her torso as she felt the form-fitting uniform. Her eyes dropped to the floor in mock embarrassment but she couldn't help but smile at Kenzie's joke. She actually liked her uniform, despite how tight it looked. It allowed her a full range of motion, which she appreciated, given how much running, jumping and climbing she did on an average day.

The uniform was pretty revealing in its tightness though and she definitely got some looks. Hardly anyone did anything more than look, however. Half because of who her father was and half because they knew Amara would probably kick their asses. She played along with Kenzie's joke though and said with a wry smile “Well, you know me. I have to do that even without the uniform.”

" Still the toughest Bitch in the Sandbox. If you keep beating up all the boys you'll scare them off the rest of us." Mackenzie sighed knowing full well "boys" had always preferred Amara over her. It brought back a memory from school, where a boy she had liked was actively pursuing Amara. He and Amara had dated for a while, but it obviously never worked out. It still stung a bit, but she never really faulted Amara. Especially since she never told Amara she liked the guy.

"So a little running and coffee when you get back?" Mackenzie said looking down at her datapad for a moment. She needed to figure out where the Droid storage was aboard the Nyx.

"That sounds great. We should catch up," replied Amara. "I mean, you know...if the aliens don't kill and eat me first." The young medic's dark humor showed again but even though her comment had been a joke, Amara couldn't help but feel both excited and a little anxious about what kind of life forms they might find on the planet. She quickly dismissed the thoughts for now though and half turned back to the Nyx. Motioning with her arm in the direction of the ship, she asked Kenzie "Care for a tour?"

"Absolutely!" Mackenzie said as she followed Amara into the Nyx.

Into The Dark: Mercenaries (Heroes of Fame and Fortune)

@FuzzybootzPardon me if I'm misreading your post, but there's no reason to be annoyed or passive aggressive. We still don't need to make another thread and I won't if there are multiple people against it. I just brought it up because making another might give a bump to interest and let new players not feel like they're leaping into a race that's halfway done.

I'm here to make this fun for everyone so if you feel one way or the other, just let me know. I can keep it in this thread, I don't mind. If I misread though, sorry.

@POOHEAD189

Ahh, I can see how this might be construed as passive aggressive. I apologise. I was and still am honestly confused as to how a new thread will generate interest. Perhaps that's because I am still thinking about this fourm in a way thats a bit old fashioned.

Into The Dark: Mercenaries (Heroes of Fame and Fortune)

Im totally confused as to why a second thread needs to be made, but whatever.

No Turning Back - Into the Abyss

“What do you mean I am out of Creds!” Mackenzie exclaimed in surprise as she stood at the counter of the local Coffee shop.

The Daily Grind was usually jammed packed full of patrons lounging about either before or after their work shifts and today was no different. The owner of the establishment, Lesley Mills, was a member of the Hydroponics team aboard the Ark who also had a fondness for all things brewed. Not only did the shop provide a plethora of different coffee beans, but it also had an assortment of teas.

Mackenzie looked down in embarrassment. Her cheeks had turned a bright pink as she realized the long line behind her was growing impatient. She quickly mumbled an apology and stepped back from the counter. Her mind raced as she tried to figure out how she could have over spent her credits. She pulled out her small data pad to open up her account. She sighed heavily as she reviewed the list of items she had purchased lately. She had always been an impulse buyer. It was something she attributed to her upbringing. She blamed her mother mostly. She had spent much of her youth watching her mother spend lavish amounts of money and subsequently Mackenzie never paid any attention to the cost of things. She supposed she had been doing the same thing as her mother and engaged in ample amounts of retail therapy. Though, she usually spent her money on computer parts and the like verses purses and shoes. Mackenzie accepted the fact that she would have to drink the awful coffee provided in the Ark’s free food stuffs for a while.

Just then Mackenzie’s data pad pinged. She was being paged to the hangar bay that housed the Nyx. It appeared that several of the Droids slated for the away mission were in need of a diagnostic check before heading out. It wasn’t a surprise that extra checks would be made for this very first voyage. Everything was likely to be triple checked as everyone's nerves were on edge. She couldn't help but think of everyone she had left behind when they had dropped out of Hyperspace and the Admiral had made his announcement. She hadn't had many attachments back there, but she saddened at the thought of never seeing Mars again. She may have lived on Earth, but Mars would always be her home. Even now she was reluctant to call the Vitae her Home.

Mackenzie quickly ducked out of The Daily Grind and headed for the nearest transport. She could have sent one of her team to check up on the droids, but she trusted no one but herself to make sure that everything was in working order.

Into The Dark: Mercenaries (Heroes of Fame and Fortune)

Seems that we are slowing down. Thing Is I would really like to write something longer than a few sentences and I can't really do that without some more direction. Perhaps a time skip is necessary to get everyone back together?

No Turning Back - Into the Abyss

Meeting The Machine Man: Part II

Collab with @Heat

"WHAT?!" Mackenzie nearly choked.

"Michael, show her proof of your true nature." The doctor said as Michael internally figured out a way to display this to the woman. He pressed his hand against his left arm, then flipped it upwards as the skin moved to reveal his inner workings. His chrome metallic skeleton wires underneath it. Michael looked at Mackenzie as Phillips did as well.

Mackenzie instantly bolted up out of her chair, her hand covering her mouth. She looked down at Dr. Phillip and then back up to Michael. She took two steps forward to stand before Michael. She quickly inspected the Android's arm. She then narrowed her eyes, thinking for a just a moment that this was just a joke. Perhaps Michael was just like the woman down in the cell blocks. Only, something seemed genuine about the situation.

"Why are you telling me this? I'm sure you realize how much trouble you'd be in if he was discovered?" Mackenzie wanted to touch the android, but refrained.

Dr. Phillips smirked at how Mackenzie reacted to the revelation; she was the first person outside of the administration that he had told. He believed she would be one of the last as well, she was correct in her remark if Michael's true nature becomes widely known. The android stared at the woman as she neared him; he blinked at the expressions on her face.

"Because I know you won't tell anyone else, Mackenzie. You're intrigued by the existence of him, I think you want to learn more, see more. All the right people know of Michael, the team that created him had to clear through several channels," Phillips said, as he noticed that she didn't yet touch the machine man. "You can touch him if you'd like, he won't hurt a fly. Programmed him as much, violence isn't something he enjoys or will partake in against humans."

Mackenzie couldn't believe what she was seeing and hearing. She wasn't so prideful that she thought she would have been the one to create the first android, but she had hoped. She knew she had been close, but apparently not close enough. Violence wasn't she was really worried about. She knew that humanity would never consciously create a violent machine. She was just worried that if she reached out and touched it, it would disappear. She was still paranoid that this was just a joke.

Gently she reached out and took Michael's arm in her hands. She could feel the artificial muscle under its artificial skin. Gently but firmly she pushed her thumb into it to feel the actual machinery underneath. She then let go, pushing her glasses back up on her nose before she looked back up at Michael. Their eyes meet. She would have never guessed that he wasn’t flesh and blood from mere sight. However, there was definitely something in Michael's eyes that would fool even the most expert in robotics. They weren’t dead like the machines outside her office. There was even something in the way he spoke. True he seemed simple in thought but no more than a child would. Though she supposed in light of things, he was indeed a child.

“Will I be allowed to run a more thorough diagnostic?" She asked turning back to Dr. Phillips.

Michael blushed brightly as Mackenzie placed her hand on his arm, then felt along it. It was a new experience to the android; the only other time he had been touched by a human was in Eden earlier. This was something different. He looked into her eyes as she made contact with his, a light smile on his face. She seemed thoroughly intrigued by his existence, which amused the machine in some way. It also amused Dr. Phillips.

"If you wish, do remember that his existence is a secret to all but a few. Any tests or diagnostics must be run in utter privacy," The man replied with a nod. "He's brilliant, isn't he? Not one centimeter of him is organic, every single part was created. His skin is completely similar in composition to our own, his hair, eyes, every part of him just screams human."

”That’s an understatement!" She said in excited." I understand the need for secrecy. Though It might look, um, weird if Michael is seen entering my office on a regular basis. We'll need an excuse for him to be down here, or for me to go to your office. Something that looks official. Admiral Locke knows about this, right?" There was a hint of giddiness in her tone that she couldn’t hide.

"Yes, he knows. Was one of the first that was informed and had to clear it. We could rotate between where the diagnostic checks take place, in your office, at the science labs, there's plenty of room there to do it." Dr. Phillips said, delighted that such an esteemed individual was so impressed with his creation. It was one of the few times he'd be able to show off the android. Michael wondered what she wished to check with him, he could tell her excitement over his existence. It was amusing.

"Agreed, I’ll send you my schedule and we can find what works best for Michael." Mackenzie reached out her hand to shake Dr. Phillips’. “You have no idea how honored I am to know. I look forward to looking over your data. Brilliant!" Mackenzie couldn’t help but look back at Michael. “It was good to meet you, Michael. I hope we will get to know each other."

"Great to hear! I would love to hear your input on the data, anything you think could possibly be improved." Dr. Phillips said as he grasped her hand gently and then shook it firmly.

"It was a pleasure to meet you as well, Mackenzie," Michael said with another smile as he closed up his arm. He was back to his normal, fully human looking, which was indistinguishable from others in an outward appearance. Dr. Phillips rose out of his seat and then walked towards the door.

"We'll talk later, Mackenzie. Have a nice day." The man stated and Michael nodded before they both left her office.

Mackenzie returned to her seat, though she knew that there would be no getting back to looking at Droid designs for today.