ihinka

The Nomad, a sci-fi epic.

Had to do a massive edit of my post since I totally forgot Vokeera was genderless and was using female pronouns out of force of habit... It's going to be a challenge writhing my posts while avoiding the gender specific pronouns

Epic City: Starburst

Teagan awoke with a tingling sensation in her right arm. She opened her eyes and turned her head to find Megan curled up to her side for the second time since the terrible ordeal she'd been through. The young woman occupied the right side of Teagan's queen size bed. The firefighter rarely slept in the middle of the bed, even huge as it was. She might have started in the middle, but in the end always gravitated towards the left side with her right arm stretched out beside her. Which currently served as a pillow for Megan.

Teagan glanced at the digital watch on her night stand. 9 AM. She wasn't exactly a morning person when off shift, but she supposed she could do 9 AM in a pinch. She gently turned to her side and slid her arm from under Megs' head.

The young woman opened her eyes and stared at Teagan.

"Morning." The firefighter said, confident her companion would read her lips.

"Sorry I snuck into your bed." Megan signed in apology.

"Megan. Don' ever apologize for that." Tegan spoke again as she was not so confident in signing with just one hand as Megan was. "Nightmare?" She asked.

"Not this time, thankfully." Megan signed. "I just woke up and did't want to be alone in my room." She finished looking lost and hurt.

"It's okay." Teagan assured the young woman and drew her into a hug.

They stayed like that for a minute or two and then withdrew from each other.

"Do you want some breakfast?" She signed after pushing herself up into a sitting position.

"Can I cook?" Megan asked.

"I can cook you know." Teagan assured playfully getting up from the bed.

"Yeah. Firefighter grub, no, thanks!" Megan stuck her tongue out getting caught in the game.

Teagan grabbed her heart dramatically. "Argh, ye wound me, m'lady." She spoke, making sure Megan could read her lips.

"You'll live." Megan assured mercilessly, but couldn't contain a smirk.

Teagan laughed. "Go get ready. I'll grab a quick shower and than we'll see about you making us a breakfast."

Less than an hour later they had polished their breakfast and Teagan'd asked Megs to join her in the leaving room where the documents from child services still lay on the coffee table.

"We need to talk." She said looking at the file. Megan stiffened at the proclamation. But Teagan hurried to reassure her. "It's important, but it's not bad." The young woman relaxed visibly.

Teagan quickly relayed last night's events and the visit of one Mr Smith from Child Services.

"So they acknowledged Mom and Dad appointing you as my guardian. They just need this filled out and filed so that you are officially recognized as my next of kin and stuff?" Megan recapped.

"Yes." Teagan confirmed. "It seems on the level. I had a cop friend of mine verify his credentials." Regan's face popped into her head and she couldn't help but smile.

"A cop friend, huh?" Megan somehow managed to relate a playful smirk in her signing. "She hot?"

Teagan groaned. "Oh, God! Not you too!"

Megan laughed her silent laugh. "I see Aunt Martha's a few steps ahead of me. I'll have to see what she knows about this 'cop friend' of yours." She threatened.

Teagan threw her hands in defeat. "Of course you'd team up with my mum." She mock complained. Megan was smiling so she didn't mind if she wanted to gang up on her with her mother about her romantic life. Or lack thereof. But not for long. Hopefully.

Sometime later they'd signed the papers they'd decided upon. Teagan would be listed as Megan's official guardian, next of kin and emergency contact, with Martha and Rory as back ups, but she would keep her family name. Shortly after her parents had arrived to take Megan out college hunting and Martha'd offered to file the documents for her.

"We'll take care of Megan." She'd assured her daughter. "You have your own things to do." She'd winked meaningfully and Teagan'd groaned as Megan had caught it. Those two are gonna be trouble. She thought.

---

Around 1 PM she was just finishing her warm up before her daily training session when her phone buzzed. 'Had half shift today. Just finished. The Chief told me you'll be joining the SAR team permanently. Wanna show me just how proficient you are in Krav Maga?'

Teagan grinned. 'How fortunate. Just finished my warm up. Where?'

'I'll come pick you up. Give me your address, so I don't have to abuse my authority and get it myself' The text ended with a tongue-out smiley face.

Oh, very smooth. Teagan thought. And cheeky. She typed her address.

'Be there in ten. Don't get cooled off.'

I'll need a cold shower for that! Teagan thought and fought not to get overexcited at the prospect of training with Regan. She threw some stuff in her fitness bag, shot a message to her parents to let them know where she'll be and to call if they needed anything. She'd just finished preparing when the door bell rang.

Her heart skipped a beat. Jesus, Heyes. Control yourself! You're not a kid. Still she couldn't help but grin all the way to the door. She peaked through the spyhole. And grinned even more, observing Regan still in her uniform. Oh, man, that uniform! She thought, praying that her fair complexion wouldn't give her excitement away when she opened the door.

"Open up, Heyes, I know you're in there!" Regan mock threatened from outside.

Teagan deliberately unlocked as slow as she could and opened the door a fraction. "How can I help ye, Officer?"

Regan's eyes glinted playfully. She put her fisted hands on her hips and assumed an official stand, playing along. "Well, ma'am, it would appear you've been claiming a proficiency in Krav Maga and I'm here to verify or arrest you for slander if you cannot put your skills where your mouth is."

Teagan laughed out loud. Opening the door fully, she stepped out and quickly locked it. "It would appear I'm in trouble then." She continued the game.

"That you are, ma'am." Regan assured her, mock seriously.

"I am a law abiding citizen." Tegan offered her hands to be handcuffed. "I intend to fully cooperate."

At that Regan finally cracked. She burst out laughing and slapped Teagan's hands away. "Don't tempt me, Heyes." She growled and led them to her cruiser. "Come on. The Chief asked me to see what you're made of, before we put you through the official tests for the SAR team."

Teagan sobered a bit.

"Fine by me. I hadn't had to really use my training, but I've been keeping it current. I could use the practice with a partner."

"From what I saw during the swarm rats' attack. You don't appear to be out of practice." Regan assured remembering how Teagan'd reacted with lightning speed to disable the rat that had attacked them from above. Fast and swift. No fuss, no muss. Exactly what Krav Maga was all about.

---

Teagan was sprawled on the mat, face first, her right arm painfully twisted up, fingers pointing to her head. The lock was most effective and quite painful. Still, she wasn't ready to yield yet.

"Don't make me hurt you, Heyes, tap out!" Regan growled, twisting her arm up a fraction.

Teagan gave in with two short taps to the mat and her arm was immediately released and gently straightened. They'd had a very fruitful sparring session. The firefighter was pleased to find out she really wasn't as rusty as she'd thought even against an active PART officer like Regan. She turned around and lay on her back breathing heavily.

Regan flopped down next to her, her breath labored as well. She knew Teagan's ranking in Krav Maga but somehow still hadn't expected the ex firefighter to give her this much trouble. Well, she was fit as hell and a bit heavier then herself. She dared a peak at Teagan, still trying to catch her breath after their heavy sparring session. Yup, fit as hell! She was glad she was still red from the exertion, otherwise her flush at checking Teagan up would reveal itself. She sat up and tried to regain some composure.

"The sergeants at the precinct will still have to put you through the moves, but I don't see you having any trouble with the hand-to hand portion of the testing." She announced standing and extending her hand to Teagan. "You gave me a run for my money." She assured with a smile, tugging the other woman up. They ended up being really close, staring almost startled at each other. Still breathing hard. Still red from the workout. Teagan's hand still in Regan's. The moment extended impossibly, the two of them holding hands, just staying close, staring at each other.

A shrill sound tore them out of their blissful stupor.

"Shit!" Regan cursed. She lounged for her cell, answered and listened intently for a moment. After hanging up, she returned to stand in front of Teagan. "There's trouble at the docks. An officer's been killed and another one is under heavy fire. Kryptonites involvement is suspected. Our outfit has been mobilized."

The Kryptonites. Those bastards responsible for Sara and Jorge's death! Teagan thought. "Go!" She said forcefully. Fire igniting her green eyes.

"This is not over." Regan said not moving.

Both women knew what she meant.

Teagan nodded. "Go." She said it softly this time. "Stay safe, Murphy!"

This time it was Regan's turn to nod. She quickly gathered her things and sprinted towards her cruiser.

Teagan watched her leave and prayed she'd be safe. She wanted to see where this thing growing between them could lead. She quietly gathered her things and hailed a cab home. She took out a peace of paper from her gym bag. It was an appointment a week from now to get her fully tested for approval in joining the search and rescue squad of the ECPD.

@AtomicNut@Regitnui@Mercenary Lord

Epic City: Starburst

@AtomicNut@Regitnui@Mercenary Lord

Back up's on the way... I hope you won't mind me throwing the PART into the mix

Also, I wouldn't mind @Regitnui@Old Amsterdam you guys making Teagan an official member of the ECPD IC whenever you think is best

I'll be going to bed now... Gotta rest those suffering digits

Epic City: Starburst

Sorry, guys, got stuck on this box fight in Fight Night... This dude just wouldn't go down and he threw this lucky pot shots, stunning me out of nowhere... Took three fights, a bleeding eye /his/ and eight rounds in the last fight to put him down!!! My left thumb and pointing finger are shot, but it was well worth it I'll have something up later this evening.

Epic City: Starburst

@AtomicNutYet... Another Normie

Epic City: Starburst

@Old Amsterdam I got it covered, thanks. She's going to talk some stuff out with Megan and than maybe have a training session with Regan But first I need to finish my weekend chores

Epic City: Starburst

@Old Amsterdam@Regitnui Is it still the same day... I haven't posted since it would be weird to have Teagan up for the third time after she went to bed.

The Nomad, a sci-fi epic.

@Ozymandias@Catharyn Aaand done! Excuse the wall of text

The Nomad, a sci-fi epic.

Vokeera sat in the middle of the Protector training room, deep in the tik'naa. A state in which the Noxaara could communicate with their SEEM.

In the beginning, immediately after the merger, the SEEM operated more or less autonomously as per their programming. However with the changing of the generations and the deepening of the symbiosis between the two entities, the Noxaara developed a means for rudimentary communication with their SEEM. The purpose wasn't to dish out orders to the microbes. They didn't need orders. They had their programming. They would execute that in order to ensure the host's, and subsequently their own, survival. But as the symbiosis progressed the Noxaara felt the need to better connect with the new entity within them. Microbe or no. It was something worth exploring and the Noxaara were explorers.

Vokeera's eyes opened. "And so the diagnosis stands." Ro sighed. A next attempt to push the limits of the SEEM would prove fatal. "It was well worth it though." Vokeera stated simply, palming the Archangel Michael pendant. The one Melissa, Jack and Rodney had given Ro as a token of gratitude for saving their lives at the detriment of the Noxaara's own. Ro didn't quite understand the need for it. It was nothing more than any of them would have done, should they had the means. But still, Vok had grown attached to the piece and wore it always. And when that couldn't be possible Ro would produce a pattern of its likeness on the left chest plate with the SEEM.

Vokeera felt the lightest of touches on the nape joint, where the SEEM couldn't form a hard shell. Ro's rebreather hissed in frustration and disgust as Ro and the SEEM labored to block off the introduction of biologic DNA transmitters.

"Loneera!" Ro stood and glared at the newcomer. "Quit it, already!" Vokeera growled irritated. "I do not wish to have offspring with you. Why do you degrade yourself like that and disregard my whishes as well."

"You'll leave if I don't make you stay!" The other Noxaara almost yelled in a tiff.

Vokeera sighed. "Do you hear yourself?!" Ro's head shook from side to side, expelling the last of Loneera's biological procreative material as well as the attempt to be forcefully impregnated. Yet again! Vok took a calming breath. "If you have to make me stay, it won't work." Ro invaded the other Noxaara's personal space "It won't work regardless!" Vokeera hissed through the rebreather. "I. Don't. Love. You." Every single word was all but spat out.

Loneera was famous in Vokeera's social circles as the "aimless". It was a high insult among the Noxaara, who’s exploratory spirit rarely left them without some purpose and goal. Loneera was among the very few that did not have the drive or the fortitude to do something with their life other than attach themselves to a stronger more active person and leave them to carry the burden.

Well, it won't be me! Vokeera thought. If Loneera wants to be lugged on someones back, it won't be mine. "Just leave me alone, Loneera." Ro muttered knowing a fit would follow. Loneera was famous for the 'jilted lover' tantrums. But they were superficial, just like the Noxaara who threw them.

Loneera did not hesitate launching into expletives, insults, curses. Everything and anything held in the vast tantrum arsenal. Ro was not impressed. "Fine." Vokeera stated calmly. "Then I'll leave." Ro said and exited the Protector training room.

---

Following the unpleasant encounter with Loneera Ro started towards the home of the Protector's parents to say goodbye.

After the SEEM encased their hosts in a permanent bio-suit of sorts the Noxaara reproduction underwent drastic changes in comparison to what it was before. Prior to the merger the species had two dedicated genders for reproduction with the prerequisite reproductive organs and rituals.

All that had to change after the merger since the SEEM covered every inch of skin on the Noxaara. All external nerve endings that would be used during mating, the reproductive organs, everything. The Noxaara, for all intents and purposes, were permanently dressed with the SEEM as their eternal outer wear. The scientists who'd worked on the introduction of the SEEM within the Noxaara system had thought about that and had imprinted the microbes with a directive to start making changes within the species biological makeup as to adapt the reproduction method to suit the new symbiotic entities.

Of course some generations were needed for this to happen and there was a decline in the Noxaara population. But the SEEM were efficient workers and soon overcame the problem. The joint sections of the Noxaara outer new skin, though more vulnerable to harm, would also hold touch receptors and have the ability to transmit and receive a biological reproductive DNA packet. The embryo would develop for a short amount of time within the recipient of the packet, the elected 'mother', and would then be transferred to an artificial womb created out of the biological material of both parents, where it would finish its growth cycle until birth.

Though less personal, this method of reproduction did by no means lessen the emotional connection the Noxaara parents felt for their offspring. The Noxaara were gentle and nurturing parents, perhaps as a way to make up for not being able to carry their children within their own bodies until birth.

Ro's parents were no different. And Vokeera loved them dearly. They'd provided support throughout Ro's entire life. Offering advice when needed, or scolding when deserved. D'neera, the designated mother and Matuura, the other mother, Ro preferred to think of them as mothers, were of course sad that their offspring had decided to leave Noxaara space to live among the humans. Especially since, apparently, the Nomad threat was no more. They'd barely survived the sorrow of having Vokeera severely injured during the last battle. But no Noxaara dared deny another the freedom to follow their chosen path. And as Explorers both D'neera and Matuura were proud that their mostly Protector child had found something Ro wanted to explore.

"Don't be a stranger, whelp." Matuura'd given Ro a bearish hug, while D'neera had embraced Vokeera more gently and whispered a quiet 'stay safe, we love you'.

---

"O'rdeen Vokeera." A younger Noxaara called out to Ro as the Protector was getting ready to set off to the human systems. Ro sighed. Vokeera didn't mind the title, but felt it unnecessary. 'O'rdeen' wasn't a rank, like the humans would understand it. It was a standing among the Protector. By human standards it would be a relatively high standing, but the Noxaara didn't get hung up on ranks an titles. Most of the Noxaara didn't even know why they had them at all. Mostly for ceremonial purposes, Ro supposed. However the youngins would often get star struck and attached to accomplished older Noxaara and use their ranks and titles as a way to further the magnificence they believed their idol possessed.

Vokeera stopped and turned to look at the jogging youngin. Nutreen was a boisterous young Protector trainee Ro'd helped during the convalescence period with advice and whatnot. The Protector hadn't expected the whelp would imprint like this. "Nutreen, it's just Vokeera." Ro sighed. "We've discussed this. You don't need to use my title." The older Noxaara admonished gently.

"But... but you've earned it!" The youngin stated bewildered.

Ro sighed again. Nutreen was young and impressionable. It would take a few more years to realize that such formalities were utterly unnecessary while on the path. Be it Explorer of Protector. Nutreen would soon comprehend that, but right now it would be to no avail to dissuade the whelp.

"Yes, of course, you're right." Ro conceded with a soft smile within the SEEM helmet. "What can I do for you, youngin?" Vokeera asked. "Didn't we already say our goodbyes?"

The young Noxaara appeared flustered. Fidgeting nervously.

"Won't you reconsider?" Nutreen asked hopefully.

Vokeera dropped the luggage to the ground and approached the young one. "Nut..." Ro began gently. "We've discussed this. Your parents, and I agree with them, want you to train for a couple of more years before going off world on missions. The Nomad threat might be over, but there's plenty of danger out there. Don't be too quick to seek it out."

"But isn't that what a Protector does?" Nutreen demanded.

Ro's head shook from side to side. "Sweet young one, for you to ask me this proves you're not ready." Vokeera placed a gentle hand on Nut's shoulder. "A Protector should never seek out danger, but rather respect it, so that they will be ready if it should appear." Ro allowed a calming agent to secrete from the palm and seep into Nut's joints. It was a practice all elders used when raising their young ones. Heightened emotional states were detrimental to education. Children absorbed lessons better while in a more calm state. "I know you're eager. But train hard. Study harder and you won't feel the time pass you by. I promise." Vokeera's hand lifted off Nut's shoulder.

Nut appeared calmer, the fidgeting had stopped. "Yes, teacher, I'm sorry. You're right, of course. And we did agree it was not the time for me to come with you. Your path is your own to explore." The youngin finished, remembering the teachings.

Vokeera smiled. Nut was a bright Noxaara and had a future just as bright ahead.

"Very well said, young one." Ro complimented. "Now help this old relic load the luggage on the ship." The Protector bumped Nut on the shoulder playfully.

"Yes, teacher." Nut said and shouldered bags enthusiastically.

---

The small shuttle craft docked efficiently with the Noxaara space cruiser Sikteeran. The ship would take Ro to UWG space, where the Protector would meat up with the three remaining friends from their decimated platoon - Melissa Reinhardt, Jack Skullet and Barnaby "BB" Dunn.

Not a while ago Melissa had contacted Ro and told the Noxaara the three of them had found a job as relieve workers in the Molyneux system on a small moon with forty thousand or so inhabitants. The moon'd simply been designated RX3248. They would also double as additional security for some of the scientists stationed there upon their research outings. She'd offered Vokeera to join them.

Had Melissa not called, Ro would have travelled to UWG space anyway since the Noxaara wanted to continue living and working among the humans, whom Vok had grown to love and respect. Plus Ro found them to be a fascinating species with a culture worth exploring further. Vokeera was planning on offering to help the humans in any way possible to aid them in putting their world back together again after the devastating war with the Nomad. But Melissa's offer provided the Noxaara with a clear destination, not just a vague idea.

"Protector." Someone was shaking Ro awake. "We've docked with you're friends' transporter." A crew member of the Sikteeran explained.

"Thank you." Ro said and quickly gathered the luggage. A couple of minutes later and the Protector was a board a nondescript transport vessel that would bring Ro and the three humans to RX3248.

"Ro!" An enthusiastic shriek welcomed Vokeera aboard along with a fit brunette, who threw herself at Vokeera. The Noxaara braced for the flying hug. "Oh, my God, I'm so glad you agreed to join us!" Mel exclaimed after releasing her friend. "Hey, you're wearing it." She caressed the pendant hanging from Vokeera's neck. She grinned. "I thought you Noxies didn't put much stock in mementos." She teased.

Ro grinned within the SEEM. "We don't." The Protector answered in the same teasing tone of voice. "You humies must be rubbing off on me."

Mel answered by punching Ro in the shoulder playfully. "Come on, we've got a lot of catching up to do." She picked up one of Vokeera's bags and with her free hand grabbed her friend and proceeded to drag her forward.

"Where are the boys?" Ro asked.

"Oh, you know them." Mel grinned. "They're probably harassing some undeserving ensign. Let's put your stuff in my cabin and we'll go hunt them down and save the damsel in distress."

Fifteen minutes later they found Jack and BB trying to romance a woman who looked big enough to eat them both for breakfast and ask for seconds. She also looked royally annoyed.

"Just in time." Mel whispered. "She looks like she's about to unload on them." She hurried ahead to save her wayward friends from certain annihilation.

Ro liked Melissa. She was a loyal friend and a fierce soldier. She'd lost her partner to the war with the Nomad and fought like an avenging angel determined to make it pay for all the lives it had stolen.

"Excuse me, ensign." She began politely. "Do you mind terribly if I steel these two. A friend of ours has just come on board and we need to catch up." The female ensign looked like she wanted to hug Mel silly for rescuing her from the two male pests. She nodded curtly and added a brisk 'Yes, of course' for good measure. But by that time Jack and BB had total lost interest in her. They'd both turned in unison and shouting 'Vok!' had launched themselves at Ro.

The Noxaara grunted under the double bear hug.

"Release Ro, you silly oafs!" Mel began slapping them on the shoulders. She jabbed BB in the ribs and he let go with a rumble.

"More for me!" Jack exclaimed and redoubled his hugging efforts. But Melissa made short work of him too, grasping a handful of hair and pulling carelessly.

"Ow, Jesus, Mel. Leave some mane for the ladies to appreciate." He started rubbing at his scalp.

"Your bush..." She countered, referring to Jack's enviable wavy shoulder length hair. "Won't draw any attention from the ladies if you don't tend to it soon." She winked and stuck her tongue out.

"What do you know?!" He grumbled. "You don't appreciate men at all!"

"Oh, sweetie." She patted him on the cheek. "Don't be sad. Now come on. Lets take this alien here..." She slung her arm over Ro's shoulder. "And lets go catch up."

Some hours later, after they'd caught up and Mel'd filled Ro on the details of their new job, they all made their way towards the bridge.

"We should have begun our atmosphere entry by now." Mel mused. "Captain, what's the hold up?" She asked when they entered the bridge. The ship's commander looked at her, annoyance plainly visible in his features.

"Some cargo vessel with priority landing vector that's what."

"A cargo vessel with priority landing vector?" Mel and her fellow former soldiers exchanged knowing glances.

Transport vessel Soltis, you're clear for atmosphere entry and landing vector.

"Finally!" The Captain grumbled. "Strap down for atmosphere entry, people." He ordered.

Vok and the three humans hurried to comply. No more than an hour later they'd made planet fall.

Stardust Pilgrims

I'm don't mind as well. I invest enough in creating this characters just to see them unused :/