The cargo bay hatch groaned as it lowered. Searing heat flooded the compartment. Sebastian's green eyes stared out as the wind swept the granules into the air. His plasma rifle sat snugly against his back. He knew it wouldn't do much if they encountered one of the deadliest creatures he had ever fought against. Not when it took five of his soldiers to kill the smallest of the breed. However, his people were scattered to the wind, and the only one that could match his speed if not strength was Akasha. Their exoplating nullified most of the plasmas power, and lasers pistols would only annoy it. The only sure way kill one of those enormous creatures was slipping a blade between the spaces of their exoskeleton.
"Step where I step, don't not wonder off, I rather not fight a Drader," Sebastian warned sternly.
"What's a Drader?" Adriana asked watching the relic from the past step off the ship.
"You know what a spider looks like yes?" Sebastian asked looking begin him.
"Yes," Amanda shivered she hated those things. It was why she took up a life in space. Where spiders were nowhere to be seen.
"Well, just think of these as really, really large spiders. Where the largest of the species the Ahastic - are about half the height of the rear end of this ship, if not as wide," Sebastian said matter-of-fact.
"Just how do you know this?" Richard sneered. His hand inching down toward his knife eager to plant into Sebastian's spine. That was until Akasha took hold of his wrist.
"You lay a hand on him and I'll kill you!"Akasha growled menacingly as she held Richard against the wall of the cargo bay.
"Down Akasha! No one, is going to kill anyone, isn't that right Richard?" Lulu asked pushing the two of them apart.
"The thought did cross my mind," Richard spat. He never did like the Candary. He didn't like Akasha either for that matter.
"Then you can stay on the ship while we're gone," Lulu commanded. She wondered if it was time to cut her losses with Richard. As of late, he was becoming more of a problem then he was worth. Yet she worried about losing the only good, reasonable doctor in the quadrant. If they were supposed to meet up with the Candary ship within a week, Lulu knew she couldn't have Richard attacking Sebastian. Not after what she had just learned about him. She didn't think that would end well. She didn't need the entire Candraian Empire out for blood.
"Let him try Captain," Sebastian said offhandedly, "As to how I know all this, well that's because an Ahastic borrowed beneath the field camp we had set up. When we were fighting the Polorians on this planet, it killed ten of my soldiers and wounded another twenty. Mind you, these were the best of the best in the Imperialist. When I said don't leave my tracks, that's to keep you and I from becoming dinner," Sebastian said looking at Adriana.
"Still I like to see one," Adriana said quizzically. Everyone gathered around Sebastian as he bent down to fetch a small pebble. His green eyes scanned the horizon looking for any slight movement just above the surface. Fifty yards northwest from their position. Noticing how the sand shifted ever so slightly. It wasn't from the wind, nor was it by the small lizards that live just beneath the surface to escape the sun.
"There's one right there," Sebastian said pointing towards the spot, "Now, don't look away, it's only going to appear for a few seconds," he said before tossing the pebble. Amanda fainted as the behemoth erupted from it's hole. Adriana stared in awe of the creature. Lulu made note of not straying from the path. Akasha stared at her future mate in wonder. Knowing if he could survive against such a beast. Then she pondered just how strong their children would be. "Well, it would appear our Doctor won't be joining us," Sebastian said looking down at Amanda.
"Richard, why don't you take Amanda to your cabin, and mind the ship while we're gone," Lulu said placing Amanda into her husband's arms. She didn't particularly care for the look he gave her. "Stow the attitude Richard, or you can find yourself out of a job," Lulu whispered sternly. She wasn't one to be pushed around. Not by her own crew mate, she was a pirate after all. She wasn't apprehensive on killing Richard if she had to. In her world you didn't allow anyone to walk over you, that would only show weakness. Weakness. Would only get you killed in her world. One which she was determined to rule. "Now, Sebastian lead the way to this village."
An hour under that blazing sun they walked. Lulu, Nathan and Adriana were panting heavily in the heat. While Akasha and Sebastian seemed at ease in the sizzling heat. How Lulu loathed Sebastian as he stood on that dune, his blond hair swaying in the breeze without a drop of sweat on him. Yet her shirt was beginning to show a very revealing outline of her breasts.
"Sebastian, how much longer?" Lulu groaned as she unscrewed the lid of her canteen.
"We're already there," Sebastian said pointing towards the hidden trail that led to the Bastiel tribes village. He was very found of those seclusive people. When the Polorians invaded their planet. It was with their help that they were able to drive them off. Due to their use and knowledge of all the secret passageways that cut through the mountains. Also, how their warriors fought along side them during those hair raising battles. However, much of those bloody years were, Sebastian couldn't help but think of them as his brothers. He just hoped someone from that time was still alive. If not then this was going to be a very short trip. Holding up his hand when they reached the entrance to the trail. It wasn't wise to go unannounced.
Folding his hands together, pressing his thumbs together leaving a slight gap. Bringing it to his lips. Blowing out a slow, long, shrill whistle of the tribes friendly signal. Sebastian heard the others shifting behind him as a chorus answered him. Repeating the signal adding a slight variation to it. Telling them he was an old friend and in need to see the chief.
"Sebastian, how long will this take?" Akasha asked low looking around for any sign of movement.
"Not long, they already knew we were here when we landed. Since the war they don't get many visitors. They do like their solitude," Sebastian said eyeing the cliff walls. Seeing every sentry they had set up given his past experience with the ways of their tribe. "Whatever you do, don't say a word. To them you are an invader, regardless that you travel with me. To them you haven't earned the honor of speaking," Sebastian said matter-of-fact. His hand twitched as it hovered over the handle of his plasma pistol. His eyes narrowing at the dust cloud that approached them. "Whatever happens, don't draw your weapons. That will only guarantee our deaths," Sebastian said blowing out a breath moving his hand away from his weapon.
Sebastian tilted his head to the side. As the flamboyant head dress of the chief could be seen. He never knew the leader to be so rushed, yet that was over a hundred years ago. Sebastian didn't know how long Bastians lived for. That never came up when they were in the fox holes. A twinge of sadness flooded his mind. When it wasn't the chief he had fought along side of, yet that blue face of the new chief did look familiar to him. Sebastian groaned as the eight foot tall, blue skinned bear of a chief hoisted Sebastian off the ground in a massive bear hug.
"
My old friend!
" The chief spoke in strange pops and clicks. "
I thought I and my people would never see you again. After you and father slew that villainous cur!
"
"
Tobaston! Is that you?
" Sebastian asked whizzing as he struggled to breathe, looking up at the old chieftain's son.
"
Aye old friend it is I. Though the last we saw of one another I was but a babe and you a grown man. Still it seems you haven't aged one bit since,
