| The Enemy Chapter Sixteen In the depths of space, a carrier ship from Glacoria was travelling far away from home. Inside were about fifty Glacorian�s that had been captured by the �Jakkle� as they called them. They had been taken away from their friends and families to serve as slaves to a higher power. One of the Glacorians was talking quietly and avoiding eye contact with those that were watching him. �That one is acting suspicious.� One of the Mutates stated calmly. One of the others looked over and noticed the one in question turn away. If the newly captured slave was threat � no one else shared that view. �They are all acting suspicious. If they weren�t � then I�d be suspicious.� The other Mutate replied. just then, he noticed the Glacorian get passed something. Whatever the others thought of his paranoia be damned. He was going to get some answers from the defiant slave. He stormed over to where the Glacorian was sitting. �Hand it over!� he hissed. The Glacorian looked up at him, but didn�t understand. �Whatever you just hid.� He repeated as he pointed to where the Glacorian had hidden. Once again, he tried to plead ignorance. The Mutate grabbed him by the neck and held him there. He then reached into where he saw the Glacorian hide it. He then pulled it out and saw a picture of three Glacorians. �Well? What conspiracy did you uncover?� one of the other Mutates mocked. �It could have been a weapon � it happened before and we almost lost the ship because of it.� He retorted. The Glacorian watched disheartened as the picture burst into flames before him. �Whatever was behind you is gone. And the same goes for the rest of you!� he shouted. The rest of the Glacorians lowered their eyes � fearful that the �Jakkle� would be angered by them next. �How long until we reach the Crusader?� a Mutate asked. �ETA � ten minutes. Coming into visual range � now.� Another answered. The Mutates looked up and could see the place of their origin. In the distance they could see the giant vessel known as the Galaxy War Ship Crusader, the GWS. From where they were, the mammoth ship looked tiny, but as their ship slowly approached, the tiny ship seemed to balloon up in size. By the time they were only a hundred kilometers away, it was clear that the ship was easily the size of two moons. All over this huge ship signs of Glacorian, Moltarian, Quagmirian and other numerous influences could be seen. The outer hull of the ship seemed to be made of pieces of asteroid, planet matter and a metal plating unlike anything seen or known of in this solar system. As the ship drew closer to its home, dozens of oddly shaped ships flew out to escort it in and to see if everything was in order. After a routine scan of the ship, cargo and crew and after asking several tedious but necessary questions, the ship was escorted to the docking bay on the west side of the ship. �By the way, how long until the new weapon system is up and running?� one of the mutates asked the pilot. The Mutate flying the ship focused on the controls and where he had to land the ship. �Near as I can tell, if everything proceeds on schedule � two months.� He answered. The Mutate that asked smiled and nodded. He looked up and saw several aliens from Glacoria working on a gun that was the size of their ship. When it was done � the war in the system would come to a complete and sudden halt. �Time to full dock � two minutes. Brace for landing.� The pilot warned. All of the Mutates returned to their seats and closely studied the prisoners. The ship shook a bit as a tractor beam took hold of the ship and guided it to where it had to stop. The Mutate pushed several buttons and caused the landing gear to extend. Then mere seconds later, the ship landed. �Last stop � unload the cargo � we still have seven more runs to do.� The pilot stated. The other Mutates quickly directed the prisoners off the ship much as a farmer would direct livestock. For the first time since they had been abducted from their world, the Glacorians saw the immense scale of the docking bay. All around them were hundreds of ships � many were designed for war � others for exploration. They also noticed that there were thousands of �Jakkle� plus other species of �Jakkle� that they had never seen before. Unfortunately for them, the wonder of the place wore off as several Mutates took control of the prisoners and escorted them away. The crew of the ship returned to it. And within seconds, the ship was back in open space to collect more slaves. *** In another section of the G.W.S. Crusader, several Mutates were leading about a dozen Moltarians towards an unbelievably hot section of the ship. The place was hot even by Moltarian standards. The Moltarians that were making their way there noticed the odd burns on the walls roof and floor but knew better than to speak without permission. �So � how many did we lose this time?� one �Phtor� asked. �The old guard says ten. He was expecting sixteen � but the others are holding on.� Another answered. The Mutates guided them to a large metal door. One Mutate knocked on them and within seconds the doors slowly opened. A bright light shined out from the sealed doors. All of the Moltarians shielded their eyes. But when they were able to focus � they really wished they hadn�t. Hundreds of Moltarians of all types were slaving away. Some were shoveling coal and other substances. Some were handling radioactive materials with their hands. Some were forced to use their powers over fire to keep large fires burning. �Are you disposing of them here or do you want them processed?� one Mutate asked. The old Mutate that was in charge of keeping the inhumane engine room running limped over and looked at the new slaves. �Process them. When we dispose of them here � it leaves a nauseating stench in the air that lasts for weeks.� The guard replied with disgust. The Mutate that asked snapped his fingers and pointed to where the dead bodies were stored. The Moltarians watched � mortified as they saw the withered remains of once strong Moltarians being tossed into a cart. �We�ll bring more in about two weeks. By then some of the �survivors� will fall over. Do you have anything to report to the Commanders?� The lead Mutate asked. The guard looked around the radioactive furnaces and at the slaves that diligently worked to keep them burning. �Everything is in order � just keep the replacements coming. According to my calendar � sixty will fall within this month alone. If productivity is to be kept at this current high � I will need that many.� He replied. �We will relay the message.� He concluded. The Mutates left the furnaces of the engine room to resume their other duties. *** On the other side of the ship, was Organic Weapon�s Chamber. In this large section located under the huge cannon that was being created, horrid weapons were created at extreme costs. Just outside of the Chamber, several lethally ill Quagmirians were shivering on cold metal tables. They were unfortunate enough to live through their experience in the Chamber. Here they laid � suffering from the effects of hundreds of potent biological weapons that they themselves were forced to create. �How many are out today?� a Mutate asked. �Just these ten. The last batch caused complete paralysis. Plus with the damage done to their internal organs from the last series of tests they can not even function. Do you have any replacements for me today?� the Mutate scientist asked optimistically. �Because of your progress � I was able to convince the Commanders to aid your cause. Bring them in.� he replied. The scientist watched as thirty Quagmirians were led into the chamber. He was less than pleased. He wanted at least three times that number. �I asked for more. These will barely be able to keep my work on schedule.� The scientist protested. The Mutate shrugged his shoulders. He heard this argument every time he came here. �Well, this is the best I can do. If you don�t want them, I will take them back to the prison. They may not look like much, but they might last a few rounds in the Arena or maybe get sent to that ice world.� He replied. �I�ll take them, but while you are here, allow me to put in another request for more workers. If at all possible � twice the number you brought today. I am close to finishing my work, but loss if manpower sets my work back and threatens to ruin all my research.� He requested. �We wouldn�t want that. I promise I will try to bring more workers by next week. Don�t let it get out though.� The Mutate replied seriously. He walked over and looked at the diseased Quagmirians. �Secrecy can be assured. Thank you.� The scientist replied. he pointed to the far door. The Mutate gestured for the Quagmirians to go that way. Without any resistance they did as they were told. *** In a section near the docking bay and loading docks was a large section of the ship that was used for alien storage and processing. But those that were sent there, brought there or worked there knew that this place was a prison. Here there were eight floors. Each floor was the size of a Mega city. There was no segregation between the inmates either. The aliens were forced to cohabitate with each other until such time as they were called to fight in the Arena � be processed for work in either the Control Center, Organic Weapon�s Chamber, or Engine Room � be bought by a Mutate for the purpose of being a slave. There were fights everyday in this area. Some were because of the hatred between the three races, some were because of believed preferential treatment, some were because of revenge, and some were because of other reasons. �Break it up!� a Mutate warden ordered. He threw two Moltarians off of a barely moving Quagmirian. The fiery Moltarians were about to resume the attack, but the look in the warden�s eyes advised against it. They shouted some unknown obscenities and stormed away. The Quagmirian slowly got up and bowed to the warden and made a gesture with three fingers to him. �Another fight?� a Mutate guard asked. �Yeah. Some of them green ones don�t even fight back. A lesser person would feel sympathy � oh well. Any idea what that hand gesture is? Every time I have to break up a fight with one of them, they usually give me it.� The warden asked. �Maybe it�s a curse.� The guard suggested. �I don�t think so. More often than not � I swear I�ve seen them praying.� He said. �Boss � they�re just bugs. They don�t think like we do.� The guard replied. �I know you�re right � but sometimes � it�s just weird.� He replied. �Well, no one said this job would be normal. By the way, we broke up the smuggling ring on level seven. You won�t believe this � they actually managed to get some of the Commanders weapons. If we didn�t find them when we did � they would have certainly revolted within a week � and if they were able to rally everyone � it would have been really messy.� The guard stated seriously. �But it didn�t � right?� the warden asked. �Right sir.� He replied. �Then don�t dwell on it. These creatures are too petty and shallow to cooperate let alone unite to fight us. What was done to those that were responsible for this little ring?� the warden asked. �We took away their children and gave them to opposing factions and let them watch their kids get murdered. The females we gave to the same factions and were brutalized in every imaginable way � again, the men got to watch. Finally, the men � we sent to the Arena. Since they had so much fight in them � they should get along fine there.� The guard reported. �Excellent work. I will see that you get a promotion.� The warden stated. �You are too kind sir.� The guard concluded as he walked away. *** At the center of this huge ship, several Glacorians were taken to a place that looked to be more high tech than anything they had ever seen. They needed no translation to know that this place was the Control Center of the ship. They were snapped out of their idyllic trances when several Mutates grabbed them and dragged them through the large doors. Once inside � almost all color drained from their faces. Hundreds of computer consoles were being run by Glacorians. They were strapped into chairs and were wearing helmets with dozens of wires and hoses coming out of them. all of the Glacorians were reluctantly programming the computers before them. the group of aliens was split up and taken to different areas. The brain dead Glacorians were removed from where they were sitting and the new living Glacorians were put in their place. �The switchover is complete sir.� A mutate stated. �We were lucky that we caught it. Only ten went out. I remember when twenty failed at the same time. We would have lost our reactors if we didn�t get the extras in on time.� the Mutate running things stated. �Well, since that day, we strive to keep ahead of such events.� The delivery Mutate commented. *** In a huge dome on one of the lower levels was where the Arena was located. Here is where the unlucky aliens were pitted against each other. Brother against brother � father against son � enemy against enemy � friend against friend. Those that go to the Arena have two choices � fight and live � or don�t and die. In the thousands of seats, the Mutates and their slaves watch the festivities. In the seats above the stands is where the �Commanders� watched from. They are the Evil Cyborge Mutates and seeing such struggles amused them almost as much as visiting the three worlds � but watching just wasn�t the same as doing and in rare occasions they themselves would involve themselves in the fights. Those that survived the fights � won the applause of the crowd and another day of living. Those that lost � faced the beast that dwelled beneath the Arena floor. This Omnivoric beast was known in many cultures on many worlds � but the one that amused the Mutates the most was Star Eating Dragon. Around the same time that the ship was created, the beast was somehow trapped. Before it awoke � the Commanders and Mutates were able to splice and mutate the fearsome creature so that it was part of the ship. In the center of the Arena floor, the announcer walked out. �Welcome everyone! That last fight � I mean wow! Who would have thought that the green guy had it in him? Whoever wagered on him will be set for a couple of months at least! The time has come at last for the main event!� he shouted. The audience roared. �Tonight! We have our resident champion � the red that they dread � Sauran!� he shouted out. An angry Moltarian stalked our much like an animal would. He had fought in dozens of battles and had always come out on top. Earlier before he was to fight, two Mutates beat him down. He was having a difficult time standing � but he would be damned if he showed any sign of weakness. �His opponent � he�s green and he�s mean � T�par!� he shouted out. From the other side of the Arena a huge Quagmirian stomped his way out. Sauran had never seen any Quagmirian look that big. �Everyone here knows the rules � that being there are none. There is one winner � one loser � one lives � one dies. Let the wagering begin � the fight will begin in ten.� The announcer shouted out. Sauran glared at the huge Quagmirian. He then looked around and saw the Mutates that beat him. they clearly bet on him � another reason for not losing � as if he needed more. A siren sounded � the two stalked their way towards the center of the Arena. �Bring it on!� Sauran hissed. He did a gesture that mocked what he learned was the sign of the apostles. The Quagmirian roared out in rage and stomped his way towards the Moltarian. The crowd cheered as the two combatants began their contest. Everyone watched as the huge Quagmirian seemed to dominate the champion. Within moments of fighting Sauran was on the ground barely moving. The huge Quagmirian towered over him and roared out at the crowd. He took a deep breath and prepared to finish his enemy off. Just as he began to exhale, Sauran rolled over and shot flames out from his hands. The spores that the Quagmirian was emitting turned to ash. The flames followed up and engulfed the T�par�s head. Everyone laughed as they watched the flaming headed Quagmirian run around. All except two. The champion got up and hissed. He rushed at the squealing T�par and focused all of his energy into one fiery blast. When the smoke went down � all that was left of the challenger was ashes. �The winner and still champion � Sauran!� the announcer stated. Sauran took the microphone away from him and glared at the two that beat on him before the fight. The audience saw that he had something to say and stopped cheering. �Before this fight � two cowards attacked me � they beat on me and bet on the other guy � and they lost! I could stand here and wait for those to collect from them � but I�m not that patient! Who here wants to see one more fight?� he shouted out in the language of the Mutates. All there cheered. �Then let�s make this special! I want the two cowards that jumped me! I know I won�t be able to take them both down � but on my honor � I will take down one of them!� he shouted out. Once again � the audience cheered. It was very rare that an alien challenge a Mutate � but when it happened � the crowd loved it! The announcer took the microphone back and looked at the only two serious faces in the crowd. �Security � can those two cover their bets?� the announcer asked sternly. Two large Mutates made their way over to where the Mutates in question were. After asking several questions � they got their answer. �They cannot!� one of them replied. The crowd responded accordingly. �You have a choice then � face the champion � or face us.� the announcer offered seriously. The two Mutates made their way to the Arena floor. The champion, weakened from the beating they had already given him and from his fight with T�par psychologically prepared himself for what he knew would be his last fight. Since the day he arrived there ten years ago � he had learned the Mutate, Glacorian and Quagmirian language. He had beaten everyone they put against him. He almost had to fight an E.C.M. but the crowd objected to the confrontation so it never happened. Sauran closed his eyes and though of all the friends and family he had lost and that had been taken away. This last fight � it would be for them! �The day we run from a piece of shit like that � is the day time stops.� One of the Mutates hissed. Sauran slowly opened his eyes and stared at his two opponents. On some occasions he had fought two or tree people at a time � but never two Mutates. �Bring it on.� Sauran gestured for them to attack him. the audience cheered as they watched the two Mutates rush towards the weakened, tired Moltarian. They watched as he dodged their attacks and landed some of his own. But then one pinned him down and the other began to pound on him. the one that was beating on him stepped away and gestured for his friend to hold up the barely conscious champion. Everyone watched as he began to emit his Frozen Spore attack. Just then, Sauran opened his eyes. In a surprising action he flipped himself up � the Mutate, shocked by the action was still holding his arms � the Frozen Spore hit the Mutate. The Mutate that shot his friend was stunned. The Mutate that was hit was screaming and released him. Everyone watched as the champion spun around and landed two devastating fire punches to the screaming Mutate � the Mutate fell to the ground. The first one was dead. The crowd cheered, but the two combatants were now more focused than ever. �If you think I will let a piece of shit like you beat me!� the Mutate hissed as he charged at the champion. The Moltarian stood his ground. Both of his fists began to glow. The Mutate wound up � so did the champion! The Mutate�s bone like arm stabbed into the champion�s stomach � the Moltarian emitted a fire blast that took off the Mutate�s head. The two fighters fell to the ground. A hush fell over the Arena. Just then, the champion began to twitch. He pulled himself off of the Mutate and forced himself to his feet. The crowd roared! Every Moltarian in the stands was screaming his name. Sauran raised his fist in the air and screamed out triumphantly. �The winner!� the announcer screamed. Just then � everything began to spin. Sauran staggered a few steps and then fell. He had won every fight he had been in � even in death. *** In a dark room directly above the Arena � two people had just watched the fight. They had seen him in action many times � this time was clearly the best. He would be missed by many of the spectators � among them would be these two. �That was amazing. I didn�t think he had such fight in him.� one hissed in a raspy voice. The other laughed a cold laugh and gestured for the other to pay up. There was a little reluctance, but a small pouch was tossed over. �They all do � such is why we must be cautious. One mistake could cost us plenty.� The other replied. he admired the gemstones in the bag and quietly laughed. They looked down at the Arena and saw the security tossing the bodies of the slain into the mouth of the Star Eating Dragon. �Which reminds me � how close are we to accomplishing our goals in this solar system?� he continued. The other looked down and gently touched the window that was between them and the Arena. �If all goes according to schedule � perhaps a week � maybe less.� She replied. �Excellent. This place is starting to bore me. I need a place that challenges me more. This place fell with barely any effort. How goes the assembly line project?� he asked curiously. �Should be operational about the same time.� she answered. �Excellent.� He replied with a hoarse laugh. He took out an old bottle of wine and grabbed two glasses. He pulled out the cork and poured two even glasses. He handed one to his associate. She took a sip and sighed. �I wish it was blood.� She said with and evil laugh. �When the time comes � you may get your wish. To our cause � my dear.� He toasted. She allowed herself to giggle as she tapped her glass to his. �To the pain and suffering we will cause.� She replied. �Here � here.� He concluded. The two shadowy people finished their drinks and looked back down at the legendary creature that they had captured. That was a big accomplishment � but compared to their grand ambition � that was nothing! |
| The Corruption Continues... |