"Hey you! Hey, yeah you, come here!"
Ruach couldn't resist that fear; he might have traveled through a dangerous volatile gaz nebula, nearly die of asphixation due to a lack of cardamine in his mask, die alone in space without enough H-Fuel and even had to fight a few of the crazy Xenos pilot; sometime he just couldn't control himself... He looked at what he thought was the most fearsome man he's ever seen, the Junker was nearly 2 meter tall, armed with a good number of blasters and knifes - was it his imagination or the blades were stained with dried blood?... and by all the cardamine on Malta, how did he do that to his face? It was tattooed into something reminding a fierce mythical reptilian creature's head...
"Y... yes?" He managed to say, choking his words out of his cardamine breather.
It wasn't a good idea to run away either. The man certainly knew how to use his weapons, and his friends all around him, although smaller, were more than a match to him... Ruach is strong, but wasn't a trained fighter at all.
Beside... Rochester was a Junker base... was he to anger one, he was really going in harm's way...
The behemoth of a man looked down at him, and growled slowly, probably not liking what he was seeing...
"You are an Outcast, right?"
Ruach didn't looked up at him, too nervous to do so.
"I.... I am from Malta."
"Yeah yeah that I figured out, not everyone would go around with that mask of your's, idiot. And it's empesting cardamine from kilometers around... answer my question now!"
Well, what was the harm to answer honestly to that guy huh?
"... I'm no Outcast. But you do accept civilians on this base... right?"
"Look kid, we accept our customers, and we've never seen you here before. You think Rochester's security is that lax to let everyone enters at will? c'mon boy, what if you were LSF?"
One of the other junker around, an elderly woman with many battle scars on her face, laughed litghly; "LSF ain't bad at the point of using little kids yet, John... you getting paranoid over a poor little cardi breather, dear, if the Outcasts heard about that..."
"Well, he just said he ain't Outcast... so no risk there, right? now..." John grasped Ruach's neck with impressive speed and strenght,
"Who the f*** are you? You just come out dressed and flying Outcast material, land on our base, and you've been around for a whole hour in this bar, sitting like a sick dog over there..."
Thinking quickly, Ruach thought about the quickest solution to his problem, but someone else was apparently sympathetic to little boys...
"That's it John Release that kid already, he done nothing wrong. Or maybe you want me to tell the commander of the base you let some of the LPI flyboy have some entertainment here for some cash?"
It was the woman again, now on her feet. Despite being definitively smaller than John, she had an aura of leadership and determination that was definitively more intimidating than any weapon. If eyes could kill...
John grumbled something and released Ruach - or rather, threw him away, at the amusement of the other junkers around.
The woman came down to help him, and took him to a less populated area of the bar. She turned toward him with a gentle smile.
"Aurelia Anderson. Junker captain, though I don't really fly anymore these days. They just put me with dealing with our customers. I'm a bit too old for youngster sports!"
Ruach managed to smile slowly - though, it was quite a useless move since his mask covered his whole face. He hesitated before answering,
"I'm Ruach Valiente. Thanks for putting me out of trouble."
"No problem, no problem. John tends to get rude for absolutely nothing, he is terrible at flying so he compensate by being rude toward everyone on the ground... not a really good attitude, but he's a fine security man... as long as someone holds him in leash, yeah."
She chuckled at her last few words, and looked at Ruach with more serious eyes.
"Still, I am curious. Just how old are you?"
"..... I'm... I'm 15 ma'am."
"That's quite young to be a pilot. I didn't knew Outcasts let their kids go out hunting now."
Ruach was getting more nervous in front of her scanning eyes,
"err... I'm... I'm not an Outcast... well, yes I am one of their people, but..." He shut up quickly, finding himself ridiculous in his attempt to explain his situation.
Aurelia simply stared at him, very amused.
"Hum, let me guess, you did some bad stuff, got jailed, and you ran away and finally ended up here?"
She ended her words by pointing a finger at his arms, where the remains of what once were his manacles still clung at his cuffs. Ruach blushed in shame. Again his expression was hidden by his mask, but it was quite easy to guess just by looking at his eyes. The night of his escape, he tried to destroy his slave restrains, but couldn't go much further with a laser cutter without being sure to not kill himself in the process. For inatentive viewers, the remains should simply looks like it was part of his black and silver jumpsuit...
"Something like that, yeah.", he lied.
Aurelia didn't looked convinced at all, but didn't asked more, and changed subject,
"So, what are you doing here then? John is right on one thing, we can't allow everybody to enter on Rochester. You can tell me everything, I handle the confidentiality of our client, and, everyone who's here is a client, no one's been killed because of me."
Ruach smiled slowly. Sure, she was right. Junkers were apparently all for credits from what he heard. Wouldn't sell off valuable ressources... except he wasn't a valuable ressource to the junkers... yet.
"I'm trying to start off... maybe getting a job... I know how to fly ships."
She laughed at his words,
"You are stating the obvious, dear. Alright, so, you'd be taking some of the bounty on the board? Or go smuggling... err wait I said nothing. Smuggling will get you killed by Outcast for what you've done and let's not even think about smugling artifacts, corsair scums are going to try to dismember the first outcast they land their hand on..."
She thought for a moment,
"Hum. Killing at your age... I doubt you've killed anyone in a fight yet huh?"
"I have no problem with killing." he lied - partially, again. True, he did kill an outcast pilot... but Aurelia certainly meant, a space dogfight... and then again, killing that pilot nearly made him cry... but he needed a place to stay, and live, desperatly...
Without cardamine, an outcast was just a dead corpse within minutes. Junkers were his only way to continue living... And if that meant killing some people, well he'd just have to do that.
Though, was he ready to...?
"Good!" she said entusiastically, "Guess you don't have any place to stay for the moment, so you'll just live in the Junker's dormitory, I have a place in my room for a guest, you'll come with me for the moment being. I'll get you started tomorow morning, teach you the whole system of board missions, and the like. With a ship such as your's, should be a piece of cake even for an antiquity like me!"
Ruach smiled slowly. Well, that was a rather good start, he thought.
Ruach woke up early next morning, and realising he wasnt in his small slave cell anymore, fell back on his bed. Old habits died hard
He looked around and was surprised to see Aurelia has left the room. Not really important, she certainly would be back. The elderly womans room was filled with too many treasures to abandon him inside it for long among the most amazing, was what seemed to Ruach to be the largest diamond in the world, fully the size of a small chair that was just sitting on the ground. Aurelia told him it was a gift from a certain Red Hessian whod have stolen it from a Daumann convoy in the omega system. Certainly a woman with such powerful ties around Sirius was a resourceful person to help him, he thought, but why? Certainly not by simple sympathy, Junkers were reputed to act only in the name of profit how could she possibly profit from someone like himself? He shivered at the thought of profits. He heard some Junkers were also notorious slave traders.
He found no logical answer even when Aurelia returned with a plate containing his breakfast. He ate at it quickly, wondering when he had such a good meal last time. Aurelia giggled seeing him in such frenzy
You know, thats not much of fine food here Outcasts must eat quite miserably if you find this good. She went to a corner of the room where was lying a grey pilotjumpsuit and dressed up, Id have to take you to New London someday. The Brets might be losing that war, but they will never lose the war of food against the Kusari, that I tell you! She tucked a helmet under her arm and waited patiently for him to finish, looking at him with curious eyes.
So, you are 15 and you know how to fly quite impressive by our standards. Are all Outcast raiders taught that soon to fly? Would explain why they are so damned good in combat.
He shook his head, and tried to finish as quickly as possible his mouthful of eggs
Ushually thlrn at 18 he gasped for air, and continued, Yeah, they usually learn at 18. Ive never been taught how to fly. I just accidentally managed to fly one by accident and discovered little by little by myself how it works.
Aurelia nodded slowly, And you ran away from your peoples bastion alone in that ship? Quite a talent youve got.
Her words made him flush with pride th thanks.
He finished his plate, and dressed up with his pilot jumpsuit and tucked his own pilot helm in his arm. His clothings made him stand out from the crowd of pilots on Rochester, contrasting from the dull gray and orange colour they wore with his fully jet black suit and helm.
He followed Aurelia at the bar, and peering around, saw the dreaded John at the other end of the room, glaring malevolently toward him, but hopefully made no move to go to his position this time. Aurelia grabbed him to the nearest booth, and opened up the computer unit integrated in the table. A number of daily news began to scroll down the holoprojector, as well as a number of bounty? And what bounty it was the lowest were along 5000 Sirius Credits, meaning, well, enough for 10 months worth of H-fuel!
Aurelia guessed his thoughts from his reaction and smiled. Yeah, missions are well paid, contractors know what they want and they pay well for it. Most here at Rochester are posted by anonymous richer Junkers, though a few are posted by Liberty Rogues warlords. There are people who do the hunting for a living you know, quite lucrative but one mistake and its kaboom to your life.
She browsed a bit, passing quickly the uninteresting jobs, and stopped on one of the highest paid.
Ah commission from a Liberty Rogue pirate lord. Got annoyed against a rival Xenos gang for pirating over the same section of trade lane as his needs exterminator and, a well paid amount of 35 450 credits.
She turned toward him, enjoying such a nice offer, Xenos are easy, they are so poor they can barely afford any good ships, plus they barely know how to pilot, thats going to be easy cake. Even my old piece of junk of a CSV can take these things out. What you say?
Ruach just sat there, uncertain. He wasnt (and would he ever be?) at ease with killing last time he did so, he was so remembered of his parents slaughter he wanted to cry
Ruach?
He sighed and put his helmet over his head. Lets do it.
And with this, he went toward the docking bay.
--
As Aurelia said, the Xenos were poor pilots indeed. And their ship were absolutely no match for his powerful Sabre. Ruach, who never participated into a dogfight, managed to down a dozen of the pirates without too much stress after he discovered his first kill in a ship was, really, easy.
Once the Xenos pirate gang discovered that a front attack against his ship was really that much more useless and that one of their pilots died in less than a minute of the beginning of the fight, they began to panick and make uncoordinated attacks, which caused Ruach to hunt them down one by one with ease. The last two tried to run away and he finished them with a well placed torpedo.
Fighting in space was a whole new experience, and he couldnt deny it was good. He was amazed at the simplicity, the deadly simplicity of space combat simply find your enemy before he can get you, aim, and fire, fire until it dies or you die.
He also felt a strange sensation he did felt a few times before on Malta, during stressful situations. Somehow, he could feel where his opponents were going to be the next seconds, he could feel the invisible path of a laser bolt about to be fired some kind of 6th sense that was no imagination, that he was certain. Maybe, it was as he heard, a strange capacity that came from the fact Outcasts had a modified DNA due to exposure to cardamine over the centuries? After all, it was true some Outcasts nearly lived twice as long as a normal human should some other anomalies such as this is quite possible.
He saw Aurelias CSV fly by in front of his ship.
Well done Ruach. I pick up only wreckages and dead corpses.
A small window opened on his com-unit, an automatic message coming from Buffalo base that he was being transmitted the due payment over a private channel. At the end of the transfer, a small thanking message saved by the commissioner was transmitted.
Well now he had a stack of credit a small one, but enough live on comfortably for a month at least. He set course to Rochester.
Living, and that meant purchasing cardamine as well of course. A rather costly commodity around, considering all the way it had to make around to get there. Wasnt much of a problem if credits poured in that easily
The fight was quite interesting. Even exciting and, he didnt really like to admit, fun. A certain pride to have accomplished something. Aurelia was with him all along the fight, but she stayed at a safe distance to watch the fight, without firing a single shot. She told him it was a necessity for a Junker to keep a good reputation card toward everyone, so business may continue.
The whole thing only lasted a few minutes, and in that few minutes he earned that much credits at the cost of the life of a dozen of pilots He felt no remorse really. These Xenos were scums, without any logical goals. They are as worse as the Outcasts who slaughtered his parents and enslaved him. But their last moments screams it was hard to forget that it was his hand that killed them, not even for justice, just for credits.
Still.
Was credit so easy to earn?
--
Only the best pilots stay in the trade alive. Thats why youve got to learn to fight decently not that youve been bad out there, you were quite amazing for someone who had no experience whatsoever. But, you had an advantage over the Xenos by a huge technological gap they were never capable to fight against. Xenos are so poor they can barely afford a ship, while your Sabre Aurelia tapped on a few holographic buttons on their booths computer, and she watched with interest a news report on the on going war between house Bretonia and house Kusari.
Bretonians are courtising Outcasts and their allies, she commented. Nothing official you know. I learn that through our underground network. But Brets pay well. Many new mercs think theyve got a sweet deal by doing alliance with either house, but I tell you what, theyll all end up dead, a knife in their back. In a war like that, better just dont stick your nose in it, and let everyone kill each other.
Ruach remained silent, rubbing the metal remains of the shackles on his wrists. Was he going to do mercenary work for a living?
He smiled slowly behind his mask and adjusted a bit the level of cardamine emission.
He could never be able to have a normal life. An Outcast born human was doomed to live in the underground.
But, his term of normal was quite simplier. It meant to live free and, that idea of playing mercenary around seemed quite free to him
Ruach felt he was dying inside that flight suit and mask of his...
He had been running for over 12 kilometers of harsh desertic trail, under the terrible Texas sun, in full flight suit, blast armor, explosive package, ammunitions and holding a rifle that was getting heavier and heavier by the minute.
Really, he should have listened to Aurelia. But he just couldn't resist.
For a whole day, the elderly junker woman made him a whole "shopping tour" of Rochester base. Despite holding some of the weirdest things Ruach ever saw - and being an outcast slave hauling merchandise for outcasts, he saw a lot of strange stuffs, the weapon market was by far, the most amazing one. Hundreds of visitors and freelance merchants from around Sirius, wandering the alley of this section of the base, trying a gun here, testing the weight of a pulse sword there, or trying to sell their rifles, bombs, name the weapon, if it existed, they had it.
Ruach was immediately attracted to a funnily built blaster rifle - a seemingly venerable machine, mounting a rapid firing laser canon and two menacing blades. Some old Kusari infantry weapon, it was impressively light for a weapon of it's size, and could easily be carried around when the blades removed.
Ruach didn't really knew how to use that thing. Despite the apparent simplicity of it's design, it was hard, when holding the weapon in his hand, to imagine just how a soldier used to fight with that...
No matter what, it was his first purchase with his recently aquired credits.
And Aurelia insisted he carried it around for every training he made. Well.
About that training, he wasn't sur either why Aurelia made him run into such condition... wasn't he a flyer? He could live just by killing Xenos terorists at that rate...
But ever since the woman self proclaimed tutorship over him, she seemed to have been doing the right thing... he didn't see why he wouldn't follow her.
Except for one thing. Why was she doing all this for him?
Aurelia's CSV hovered over him, and apparently going to an halt somewhere in front. He saw Aurelia opening the window of her ship,
"Only 2 more kilometers and you can stop, Ruach. Meet me at my ship."
When the remaining two kilometers were over though, Ruach fell on his knee and thought he would never get up again... he hastily removed all the extra weight on him, throwing away rifle, explosive, armor, then began to strip his flight suit, revealing his body covered with sweat. He fell nearly face on the ground and damned the fact he was an outcast - sometime that mask really made him feel like he was in a prison, despite the internal built in aeration system, artificially imitating the ambient environement with precision.
At that point, he really didnt need it to immitate hot, dry air...
Still, he appreciated the small summer, hot breeze passing over his body, making him sigh in relief. Aurelia simply sat on her CSV's side wing, drinking from a small bottle. She offered none of the water to Ruach. But, it wasn't like he was going to ask her... he had to much pride to ask something.
"Nice chest. And belly." she simply commented, wincking at him with obvious amusement.
The fact that someone about 4 time his own age found his body attractive was the least of his concern though, and Ruach wondered what will make her give him that other bottle of water... Aurelia never forget.
"So, must be wondering why I've been training you all that time on the ground, when all you can do, is really just play the flyboy, huh?" she smiled at him, obviously expecting the answer. well well.
Ruach rolled over himself to lie back on the dirt, looking at the sky. They remained silents for long minutes, contemplating the environnement.
"Discipline, of course" he said suddenly, yet from a very calm voice.
Aurelia nodded with satisfaction,
"Yes, discipline is an important thing here. Why? To pilot a ship, you need to be focused on your target. There will be distractions. Secondary targets. Wreckages, asteroid, you name it. You get unfocused, just a second, might be that second your enemy fire back, and you end up into so much more ashes in space. Discipline comes from hardship, just like your body, it can be trained into peak performance."
She finally threw him the water bottle, and Ruach opened the bucal device of his mask, drinking avidly.
They waited a few more minutes, until Ruach satisfied his thirst.
"Might as well tell you, it is to get you ready for ground working as well. You are a small pilot genius, but you also have a good potential for ground operations. In the mercenary world, more of the trade you know, better they like you. Better your chance of survival too. Not all assasins comes in the form of happy suicide flyboy, remember that well."
Ruach nodded slowly. Finally, it was making some sense, all these weeks of body aching training on that damned planet. All she said made sense. Again, Aurelia proved she was a quite wise women...
But despite his attempts to ignore it, the question was still there: why? why all the help? He just get more suspicious everytime he think about it, and despite sometime his questionning looks to the woman, Aurelia seemed to just ignore his silent inquirie and move on to other things.
Well, for the moment, learning to be a mercenary wasn't a bad thing.. especially from such a good teacher, right?
He'd just have to harden his body for the incoming weeks of torturing trainings he was going to live...
--
Missing chapter. Will be added when I'll get it, it's ony my other computer.
--
Kyoto base, Chugoku.
The Kurogane Zankantou was partly repaired after its engagement in Tau-31, but the outcasts small asteroid base didnt have the necessary tools to repair completely a bristling prototype gunboat it was mainly about fighter repair machines. Hence, when it finally docked within Kyoto internal miniature shipyard, it needed many days of repairs.
Kyosuke knew the Zankant tactic with the ship was qualified as suicide by the KNF actually during some of the earlier testing operations a man of the test crew died due to the violent shaking the vessel had to sustain.
So, he was left without much to do for a few days, after formally entering Blood Dragons service. He looked around from his rooms viewpoint, one situated rather high in the ceiling of the asteroid. There were thousands of these small holes all over the rocky surface, all housing dragon personnel. He was always amazed at the ingenuity of these men and women who preferred to live in such harsh condition, having to rebuild their lives in an artificial grotto, rather than abandoning their honour.
But then, he was just like them. A man of honour, of pride, just like the old way of the Kusari just like the way of their ancestors, the Japanese.
His crewmen didnt have problems either, being accustomed to long periods living on their gunboats dormitory; the change for a larger room in an asteroid was a welcoming change, even if it didnt match a living on a planet.
That said, he hoped the moved family were going well. He might be a manipulator man, a man who uses his intelligence at its own profit, but he was a loyal friend and warrior, a man who respected his word. He wouldnt want the family of his crewmen, which he considered as his closest friends, be assassinated by the shogunate. Hopefully, even if shogun discovered this, they wouldnt dare moving in Liberty
He contemplated himself in a mirror. The new blood dragon armoured uniform was rather fitting to him. It was a scheme of gold and red lines on black background. Much better than the tarnished yellow uniform in the KNF, wasnt it. He smiled, and remembered that he didnt contact his family since a long while already
When he announced his intent to defect, Kyosukes father beamed with pride. The old man even proposed to come with him, along with mother! But he had to refuse, how he could let them risk his life in such a dangerous enterprise he thought about father and his frail health these days.
He walked down to his rooms door and went out, his long black cape flapping behind him. Unlike many of the newer recruit of the Blood Dragons, consisting mostly of unhappy navy pilots, he had the right to the title of lord since the Nanbus were royal blood lined, and considering he was the only one in the Blood Dragon order. But in respect to his father, he refused to use this title until the man died. Despite all the honour it will bring him, he preferred to see his family well and alive, than a title some things many naval officers couldnt understand He shook his head, disgusted. Killing innocent civilians, even if they were the enemies, just to gain a few ridiculous titles? He was dismayed how few could see this horrible situation.
He went inside one of the shuttling freighter to the upper section of the asteroid. The ship was one of the rare Drone class freighter captured during the raids Kusari pilots had the annoying habit at sabotaging their ship rather than surrendering even when theyve lost. While even dragons and himself looked at this with favourable eyes, they desperately needed larger cargo hauling ships to survive
The ship flew slowly and finally stopped in a large pocket where 5 gunboats were being serviced. All except his own were Blood Dragon gunboats larger in size, more heavily armoured and better armed; these ships however werent as agile as his own. His comrades at arms might prefer these bulky intimidating ships, but he would always prefer his own, modern gunboat theyve been together nearly ever since he joined the navy. They had such a long story together he could never stand to part from it.
But today he wasnt going to board the Kurogane Zankantou. He noticed dozen of men still working at repairing the ship, replacing electrical components at the moment. He waited the other men aboard the freighters went out mostly mechanics and other gunboats crewmen. Then he alone was left, and the pilot went outside Kyoto, headed toward sigma-13.
During all his time in service to the KNF, Sigma-13 was a portion of space he hated most. While the pocket of explosive hydrogen didnt do much against his powerful shielding, and even advantaged his ship when hunting pirate fighters, the dense clouds reduced considerably his scanners, while the strong concentration of gas made his electronic equipment go crazy too often during critical combats.
And then, there were the junkers, a people he didnt know much about them except they were similar to the Hogosha scum. Though today he needed their service, and being a Blood Dragon, he knew just how the black marketers services were needed in a war against a powerful foe like the KNF.
They landed without problem on station, and as Kyosuke entered the bar, he noticed just what a melting pot of culture and race Yanagi was a lot were smugglers, from his kusari, but also liberty (they acted rather exotic and seemed to be attracted at whatever was kusari made), bretonian (funny people, speaking the same language than the libertonian, but with an even funnier accent he thought) and rheinlanders (these men looked bulky and strong by default for some reason even their voice looked like it was carved out of rock). Then, there were pirates as well. Some looked around with heinous look, but he understood quickly why no fight erupted yet large panels everywhere mentioned in every language that factionnal fights will not be tolerated inside the station, and looking up he saw 4 very convincing automated blaster turrets, probably originally from a freighter, fixed at the corners of the room.
Kyosuke was confused in this mix of people, and didnt know where to start his search all he needed was the access to a long range holonet channel, a way to contact his parents. He sat, dizzy at the number of people moving around him, and commanded for some sake he was relieved Yanagi served all the most popular Kusari alcohols. Only then did he noticed he was sitting at an already occupied table, a small individuals all dressed in black with a full-face breathing mask mysteriously covering his face. Kyosuke began to excuse himself in Japanese before realising the man (man? Looking at the eyes and the size, hed more say an adolescent boy) probably would better understand in English,
Ah err, sorry, I I didnt looked around
The man (no, it was a boy obviously!) agitated his hand shyly,
No no! Its uh its fine! You can stay here, the other booths are already full anyway.
He could only guess, but behind this rather intimidating and mysterious look, Kyosuke thought he was blushing he could only guess whoever he was, he was very young and certainly didnt seemed to fit in Yanagi at all Curious, he tried to make some opening, using his charismatic talents which he used so often. He smiled and extended a hand toward him,
I am Kyosuke Nanbu. Captain of the Kurogane Zankantou.
The man seemed reluctant, and took his hand after a few seconds of hesitation,
Ruach Ruach Valiente hum, I fly the Sabre fighter Valientes Sword
Ruach seemed to relax slightly already, at the comfortable smile his interlocutor seemed to have.
I um, you seem new around I I dont recognize you? he dared to ask, his voice so low Kyosuke had to guess a good part of the sentence. By the emperor, but what was a boy doing here? Wait, he said he was a mercenary?!
Yes I am all these people are regulars? he answered instead, reserving his other question for later.
Y.. yeah, most of them anyway. You see, that little group of Corsair women over there, they come often here to refuel. Over there, that group are consists of an outcast elite raiders. Theyll usually part in an hour or so, as to not fight right over Yanagi with the Corsair girls, otherwise Yanagis managers get angry and decide to shoot at them. Theres also the bunch of regular kusari junkers back there he pointed toward a large group of people all dressed in completely random disparate fashion while over here, where we are, you have the regular bounty hunters and mercenaries like hum like myself, so you see, when someone needs something done from someone, well everybody knows where to go. Ruach smiled behind his mask Kyosuke was getting good at reading his emotions simply by looking at his eyes,
But, of course, new people tend to not know about these rules, and sit just anywhere they find a place. You are lucky to have landed here, the corsair girls probably would have cut your throat while the outcast he frowned, and seemed sad for a few seconds before answering well, theyd probably just sent you to one of their slave pen on Malta.
Very dangerous place, it seems.
Ruach chuckled, and smiled comfortably. Id guess your next question was something along the lines of how old are you? Im 16, and yes, I know how to pilot.
He shook slowly his head, his long blond hair swirling around.
And, yes I am an outcast. Well, not part of the Outcast anymore but as you can see, I cant breathe the normal air around. So I wear this mask all the time. For some reason, Ruach stopped suddenly in his explanation, and retreated yet again in his shell of timidity, looking furtively at the Outcasts raiders at the other side of the room.
Kyosuke was curious what it meant if he was an Outcast, why wasnt he part of them? For all he knew, Outcasts very rarely went away from their people and especially one so young
But he had enough experience to know when to stop, and obviously Ruach didnt want to continue. Ah well, maybe another time if they met for the moment he needed to know something.
Hum, and since you seems to be a rather fine man, could you tell me where I can find a long range holonet relay?
Ruach finally turned away from the outcasts he was looking at, and jumped slightly in surprise.
Ah uh sure, come with me.
--
Kyosuke felt relief as he cut the communication. His parents were well, having established in a nice apartment (they kept telling him how Libertonian built their buildings so large and loved waste of space). They obtained Liberty citizenship after having been considered Kusari refugee (reason was quite simple, they simply told the truth and declared their son has joined the Blood Dragons and feared prosecution from either the shogunate or the dragons rather convincing).
Unfortunately, his fathers illness was not getting any better, even though they were now lived near a Cryer Pharmaceutics center, the Libertonian doctors couldnt do much to help with the strange cancer his father contracted 2 years ago. Kyosuke only hoped Cryers researches will help the elderly man stay alive as long as possible before his soul be sent to heaven
He paid the large sum it took for the communication (his conversation lasted over an hour), and went back to the bar. He saw with surprise Ruach was still there, relaxing in front of a non-alcoholised drink.
I thought you went out for a mission? No customer today? Kyosuke asked invitingly.
Ruach smiled in return, and tossed a credit card over the table. It read 50 000 Sirius Credits.
My, you were fast
Yeah. Adds 5 Wild fighters to my kill list. Im having a mechanic painting that on my ship.
He sipped from his drink, obviously very happy of himself.
Wilds are a real annoyance to the Junkers. They attack everyone, scares the customers, but they just keep coming back. So, they must rely on exterminators like myself.
Kyosuke grinned. That boy might be young, but he knew some flying for sure hell, at his age he was still a student in the military college!
It might have been the fact that he was always surrounded in an environment where swords were shown everywhere, but it took him a long time before noticing the strange weapon Ruach strapped on his back but in fact, not so strange to him. No, it was strange a non-Kusarian had it.
I see you have a blade-sword they are quite rare these days even rarer those who knows to use it. I am surprised someone outside of Kusari knew to use them
Ruach blushed, and took the weapon. It was an antic, but magnificent and completely functional one. The twin silvery blades gleamed by the light of the station.
I I unfortunately dont know how to use it. It was something Ive purchased at Rochester station after my first mission but, I only know how to fire with it. Mostly I err I never had to use it in real action
Ruach lowered his head, obviously ashamed and Kyosuke smiled. The boy might not be a Kusarian, but he obviously had some warriors blood in him. To be interested in a weapon that looks so rustic and keep it around even if he could buy a much more efficient one
You should be proud to own one. He passed his hands over the guns frame, and then touched the cutting edge of the superposed blades. They were polished at the perfection. He looked down at Ruach,
But, it would be a grave mistake to not use this weapon at full efficiency.
Ruach only nodded, looking at the blade-sword with interest.
Now it was Kyosukes turn to hesitate. He wasnt even sure why he was doing this, except that the boy presented a real box of curious mystery to him, and he was getting to like him.
The Blood Dragons wouldnt mind that he bring a nomad hunting pilot in Kyoto, right? Beside he was an Outcast
Youd need a blade master to learn how to use this. I am offering myself to teach you.
Ruach gasped in surprise, and looked at him with excited eyes.
Y you would? Ruach hesitantly grasped the blade-sword, and seemed to search for his words, his eyes bright with enthusiasm.
It it would be an honour Kyosuke err master Kyosuke He turned to look at him, smiling behind the breathing mask.
Kyosuke nodded. He didnt know why, but he felt he did a good thing today.
It wasnt Ruachs first visit in Chugoku, but he was always amazed at the immensity of the asteroid. Kyosuke looked at him smiling as the freighter began landing procedure. He looked over the view port to see the ground approaching slowly.
Remember your ship will be at Gate 4, bay 34. That way you will be able to access your ship even from the living quarter, instead of going down all the way at the landing pad.
Ruach nodded silently, and watched a red painted Dragon fighter passed by close.
And you get used at living here? he asked timidly, still in awe at what he saw.
No, I guess nobody really does. It is one of our last fortresses to us Dragons who remained loyal to the true Empire. And it certainly is the most magnificent. He pointed toward the asteroids rocky walls, where there seemed to be pierced thousands of small holes small, from that distance anyway.
Those are mainly living quarters. Now, being a gunboat captain, I do have some privileges you wont be that far away from me maybe I could even manage for you to have that room next to mine, from what I know its an empty one.
Ruach nodded again, while the ship deployed noisily its repulsor lift and softly landed on the ground. They went outside, and walked for a a very long while to the lift that would take them to their quarter. Kyosuke considered the small bag Ruach was hauling ever since they departed together from Yanagi.
How can you live if so little?
Ruach smiled at him with pride,
Get used to it. That way I can move from one place to another at will. Other mercenaries would go fancy and display trophies, keep nice little treasures from their hunts, buy tons of fashion clothes that is, mostly the females one (he chuckled at that mention), finally they end up with a room filled with useless things, and realise unless they hire a cargo ship, theyd never be able to move all their stock in their fighter was something urgent to happen.
He shrugged, as they entered the lift, a simple steel cage that didnt seem very solid.
I really have no use for this. My only clothing is my flight suit, and all I need to live is a regular supply of cardamine. Thats mainly what my bag carries.
Kyosuke nodded silently. He personally never touched to drug it would have been a disgusting stain to his personal honour! But he knew the Outcast people were forced to consume regularly otherwise they seemed to fall in a state of dangerous illness. That was why, most never went outside their planet longer than necessary which came down to, why the boy was out there, living on artificial supplies?
As they reached the upper level of the asteroid, Kyosuke showed the way to his room
Its quite near the hangars elevator. Of course, Ill try to ask a room for you as soon as possible, but youd have to share my room for a little while hopefully theyve built it for two people to live in it originally. He smiled as he opened the door to his apartment.
Ruach was immediately charmed by the exotic look of the room, Kyosuke could guess it easily simply by looking at the boys reaction. The flooring was covered with a comfortable, yet solid tatami imported from planet Honshu. On the right was a small sanctuary of peace Kyosuke wasnt really a shintoist, but it was a good place for meditation and seeking peace in self. In front, a large window opened on the Chugoku city below. The middle of the room itself was a large empty space a nicely built Dojo for his sword training. At the left was placed some nicely crafted wakizaki, katana and an immense tsurugi sword. He smiled as Ruach went immediately toward the swords, touching curiously the blades.
Yes, the boy had the spirit it took to train a real warrior.
Well, wouldnt it be better if I simply settled in your room?
Kyosuke looked at Ruach questioningly as he checked some mails he received during his absence. As warrior-looking as Ruachs physic and attitude might suggest, his young age still showed in his acting, which made Kyosuke more amused than anything.
Why is that?
Well I I wouldnt want to be an embarrassment to the Dragons I mean, Im not even one of theirs Ruach blushed as he talked, and sat on his bed. Kyosukes bedroom was built with two large couch probably originally designed to house a lord and a lady married together. The whole room was painted in a scheme of royal red and gold, with repetitive drawings of dragons and phoenix repeating all over the wall and ceiling. Kyosuke further decorated the room by adding some plants and has decided to put his bonsai tree over a pedestal where he cultivates it with tender care every week. To always live in the violence these last days made him exhausted mentally if not physically, and he needed a way for his mind to escape. Concentrating on such trivial things was a comforting thing.
Ruach continued timidly,
beside err, I would prefer to live with the only person I know around should something happens you know I dont even speak your peoples language And he looked with significance over the datapad he was holding in his hand, displaying his mails indeed, they were all written in Japanese. Kyosuke smiled.
Fine, it doesnt mind me at all. Secretly, he thought Ruach simply couldnt stand to live next to a room filled with treasures hed never even dreamed about all these relics telling stories from the previous millennia of mankind, the brave tales of the Japanese warriors
Looking at Ruach, he knew his suspicions were true. The boy looked at everything with sincere admiration, relishing over anything and everything.
They later stood in his Dojo, Ruach holding his blade-rifle while Kyosuke held his tsurugi like an expert. He donned his uniform for a lighter kimono that would allow him to move with agility. Unfortunately he had nothing that was assize fitting with Ruach, so the boy was fighting half naked, but it didnt seemed to mind him much. He noted that Ruachs flight suits sensitive electric components would be severely damaged were they to hit each other accidentally.
Alright. First, you need to know this weapon was dating back to the time of the emperor, and used only by some warriors who felt experienced enough. It is very hard to handle it like it was designed to, and to be disappointed if you fail to.
Ruach nodded, looking serious under his breathing mask, eyes focused.
Most outsiders looking at this weapon would think of a rifle with an oversized bayonet. It is completely wrong. Note the handle on the side? It is so one of your hands can actually hold this weapon like a sabre. Trying to stab in this weapon will be the first mistake any rookie will do, even when told so. You will see, it is quite a reflex. Kyosuke smirked, remembering his own first attempts at the blade sword of his father.
He continued, pointing at the sharp blades.
You understand now this is intended to be used as a sword. It was indeed designed as a weapon for assassins, so they can do their work in the night with one single weapon that could shoot at long range, and kill silently at close range.
There is however a problem. Because this is mainly a firearm and not a sword, you have to adapt your fighting skills differently. You have a good advantage on this, most kusari already learn about using a normal sword so they never get used at fighting with such weapons. You however, are completely fresh. Youll learn to use it in no time if you follow my instructions closely.
Ruach tried to hold it the way hed hold a sabre, putting his hand over the vertical handle. He tentatively asked a question,
But if it is intended as a sword, why does it have a second blade?
Excellent question. And quite simply, there are two answers. For the moment, Ill only answer one; in melee battle, you will find that second blade more useful with your fighting position, than only one blade. It makes the whole heavier, I admit, but you will hit with equivalent strength.
Kyosuke swung his large sword with experienced hands, and finally took combat position, one foot behind the other, a hand holding the top of the handle while the other holding the lower part. A well balanced sword, his tsurugi was. Father asked a blacksmith to craft it especially for him at his 16th birthday, age where real warriors became men in ancient Japan.
You will now try to block my attack. I will use the back of my blade, so should something happens, you wont get cut. Are you ready?
Ruach was obviously excited, and imitating him, put his feet in the same position he did, and tried to hold his sword in some kind of combat position as best as he could.
Kyosuke charged, balancing his weight with precision, and targeted for Ruachs weapon. He saw with surprise the boy didnt flinch at his attack, and helf position, though in that little split second it took for him to observe his enemy, he knew the boy was really filled with fear yet not paralysed, as he changed swiftly his position to try a block.
That boys reactions were quick very quick. Explains why he is still alive in a fighter. And he had a lot of courage.
But his position were completely wrong, and using this at his advantage, Kyosuke strafed with his right foot slightly off his course, reducing his speed but
Landed with accuracy his blade only a few millimetres over Ruachs bare shoulder.
Ruach froze, didnt even dared to look at him. Kyosuke smiled and pulled the sword back on the support where he stored it.
Excellent. You have done far better than I would have thought possible of you. He smiled warmly at him and tapped Ruach gently.
I think thatd be enough stress for today. We will begin again training tomorrow morning I have a lot of time anyway, my gunboat is still in repair bay for a few days. Its late now, go take a bath and get to sleep.
Ruach finally turned to look at him, and offered a weak smile which Kyosuke guessed through his eyes. He didnt say anything for a long while, but there were no need for words between warriors.
Thank you, master Kyosuke.
And the boy ran off to the refresher room. Kyosuke sighed happily. He returned back to his bureaucratic works for the Blood Dragons with good mood.
Training Ruach was going to be most interesting maybe he could even convince him someday to join his cause?
Kyosuke looked with pride at his young student, as Ruach succesfully disabled the last of the 12 combat droids. The young boy used the blade to decapitate the machine's head, then shot an electromagnetic pulse at it.
"Excellent work, Ruach. Though you will need to improve your time. You've done this in... 2 minutes and 49 seconds. I want you to reduce this to 1 minute 30 seconds."
Ruach nodded silently, and smiled.
"It can be done. Now that I am more used to this weapon... you were right, it is much better than a blaster."
Kyosuke nodded in turn, and they exited the Kyoto's training room. Walking back to their room, Kyosuke received a message on his comlink. He read the message, all written in japanese at the annoyance of Ruach.
"What does it say master?"
Kyosuke seemed suddenly quite happy,
"The repairs on the Kurogane are done. We can take her out for some duties now."
He put the comlink back into his belt,
"I've missed sitting on my captain's chair... hm. Would you come with me? We will probably fly somewhere tonight - interception of trade convoys probably."
Ruach looked at Kyosuke with reluctance.
"I... I never attacked lawful..."
Kyosuke nodded seriously and looked at him,
"If you do not wish to participate, I won't force you to. But I must tell you this, the Blood Dragon's cause is honorable and righteous. I know you've spoken to some of the Dragons in the pilot's bar from time to time, you should know we fight for a good reason. In Kusari, overthrowing the evil government controlled by Samura is something we must do... and pirating Samura's friends will help us cripple them. You know we don't live like profiters. Living in an asteroid is harsh condition - we must import everything from outside. But it is a fight we Blood Dragons must take on our shoulder."
Kyosuke sighed slightly.
"These days, Kusari's youth get corrupted by Samura and the Hogosha organisations. We do not have the support we once had - our numbers keep lowering... And we need every brave men we can find."
He pointed at Ruach before continuing,
"You, for one, should join us. When I first met you I knew you lived like the old Kusari did - honourable warrior's way. Would you rather see the corruption erase this way of living?"
Ruach shook slowly his head, his long blond hairs flying in the air. He slid his key in the door and entered Kyosuke's room.
"But I am no Kusari... I... I don't even belong anywhere."
"Then maybe it is time to choose yourself a home?"
Ruach didn't answer. But Kyosuke knew he hit right on target, and smiled.
--
"I didn't knew you were also a mecanic", Kyosuke said with surprise as he neared the place where Ruach was lying, working on the Sabre's lower engine. Ruach looked up, and smiled.
"When you live alone you've got to learn how to manage everything. The Junkers at Rochester station taught me how to do the basic maintenance."
"Impressive."
Kyosuke looked around. The hangar was rather silent that night, very few people were going to deploy ships in this section of Kyoto. They didn't needed to shout at each other to be heard, which was a good thing.
"So you've decided to come finally?"
Ruach continued to work on the engine, and didn't said anything for a few seconds.
"You were right on that last thing. I'm not sure I want to live alone for the rest of my life... a life with no reason to be."
He pulled a heavy metal plate off the engine and began inspecting inside,
"I used to think freedom was everything, before realising freedom meant also everybody hating you because of suspicion. Ironic huh? We hate you because you can go anywhere - or maybe put it that way; we hate you because we can't keep an eye on you."
He put the panel back on it's sockets, and closed the maintenance panels which seemed even heavier.
"Hmf... but, on the other hand, some people will actually like you if they keep you in leash. I hate this place we are in."
Kyosuke nodded slowly, and sat on the Sabre's lower engine, watching Ruach doing his job.
"You know... I am glad someone cared about me, back there on Yanagi. I don't think continuing to live on hunting Wldes would have been a very entertaining life. Someday I would probably have ended... dead."
They remained sitting for a long while under the Sabres menacing shadow, silent. Kyosuke didnt mind much, his ship wasnt due to enter operation before a long while yet. For some reason, he thought, his presence helped the young boy feel better maybe he was the only one who took care of him? After all, for all he knew, Ruach didnt seem to have any real parents. And, unable to understand Japanese, Ruach couldnt socialise easily with the Blood Dragons of Kyoto.
Still, he had never seen Ruach in such a down mood. For all the time he has passed with his student, he always seemed serious, but at least cheerful with a certain youth innocence in the way he showed his emotions not the Ruach that was now sitting beside him and they were together now since a good two months at least?
I I should have told you this since a while I knew you always wanted to know but I used to push away any questions on that.
That, Kyosuke guessed, was probably Ruachs past. He suddenly felt cold, uncertain of what he had done exactly to have provoked such reaction from Ruach he simply offered him well, alright, maybe simply is very lightly put for a new home
Ruach sighed, speaking seemingly costing a great effort to him.
Youd wonder why I pilot so young why my hands are already stained with blood, or why I am no Outcast Raider finally, everything is simply answered in my past. I I think for all what you
He interrupted himself, searching words. Kyosuke felt more nervous by the second, unable to talk either. It might seems meaningless, but Ruach was obviously revealing him something kept secret to all and he wasnt sure he was the one to listen to him they werent even of the same race!
But that, really didnt mattered, didnt it.
Ruach finally took a deep breath and continued,
For all what you have become to me, I think Id owe you at least the truth
He distractly ran his fingers through his long blond hairs, his eyes looking infinitely sad through his breather mask. Kyosuke didnt answered didnt felt he should say anything. Words werent welcomed in such an intimate situation better was to leave Ruach talk. There was an eerie silence in the hangar, everyone who worked on that shift just left a few minutes ago, and the next was due to arrive in an hour. They were hence completely alone in the dimly lit place (lightning was set to minimum in order to save the bases energy), with for only company some ships here and there.
There once was a time when the Valiente were owner of their cardamine field just like thousands of Outcast family. I remember from time to time this period of my life possibly, it was the only period where I was truly free. Life was so easy then
Ruach looked up, seemingly searching for fond ancient memories in his head, and smiled sadly.
What followed, I never knew if it was true. My parents were accused of fraternising with the Corsairs. That kind of movement wasnt really popular, but nonetheless, existent. There was only one sentence when you were caught with that; death to all your family. To set example. And to repay the dishonour of my parents, I was chosen as the Martyr.
He looked down on his wrists. Only then Kyosuke noted with shock, the bracelets Ruach were wearing werent exactly the decorative items he first thought it was. Looking more closely it looked like they were part of shackles?
Ruach continued his voice dull, as if reciting some scientific protocol.
I was forced to watch the execution of my parents. I never forgave that day to my people I
He stopped, as tears began to run slowly on his cheeks, and took a deep breath. Kyosuke approached him, and laid his hand over the young boys hand, at his own surprise. But his contact calmed Ruach, and he tried to speak again, repressing sobs.
Im sorry I shouldnt have asked you this I cant force you to open your old wounds, Ruach.
There was a long sigh, and Ruach shook his head, wiping some tears off his face a rather difficult task with his mask.
That wound would unfortunately never heal better show it then hide it from you master. I feel you need to know.
Ruach blushed, as he came nearer Kyosuke as well, now sitting nearly against Kyosukes arm. It didnt matter. The Blood Dragon captain wanted to make the boy feel better, even though he himself didnt understood well where he did found such compassion in him.
Maybe no, he had to listen to Ruach for the moment.
They were killed by a blaster shot in their head. Completely carbonised, and not very nice to see at all. I was too shock at the time to understand what happened next I remember people cheering, then it was violence, pain, people taking me by force then next I remember having sat in a darck place, breathing and eating not very consciously as days and nights passed it was as if my brain stopped functioning. Then when I became conscious again I can only guess it took probably a whole week, all I knew was that I was in chain and held in leash, forced to work as a slave for an Outcast family not so different from what was my own
Such cruelty his own life was a parade of luxury in comparison to that horror tale, and Kyosuke couldnt help but feel bad for Ruach how could anyone do this to a child?
He turned his head toward the dark ceiling of the hangar. So his guesses were true. What he thought as ornaments were indeed restrains Ruach was restrained with in his slavery
I dont think I really cared of the bondage imposed on me. Ever since the death of my parents, life seemed dull to me. I worked like a machine, ate when I was hungry, drank when thirsty, slept when tired, but never had any kind of ambitions at either freedom, or life. I was often beaten by the son of my owner, more to entertain him than any real intents at punishment I rarely did anything wrong, for all I recall. I did my work without a word, and reasonable efficiency but I never had any enthusiasm. The other slaves didnt wanted to approach me anyway, nor did I want them to. They feared Outcasts, and were they not restrained like me, I could easily imagine theyd have ripped me in pieces at the first occasion. My solitude only increased my grief. Sometime my apparent lack of emotion would be broken in the middle of the night I would cry for a very long time and every time, I try to forget, but every time it came back. My life was a nightmare not because I worked for nothing, or the fact I would obviously have no future, but because I was haunted by the death of my family
He paused, passed his hand over his ships armour plating, seemingly enjoying the texture.
Then, one day the son of my owner decided to chain me on the pilot seat of a Dromedary mark one, so old everyone in the plantation doubted it served anymore. He wanted to use me as a live practicing target by that time, he was a good 10 years older than I, and served in a Light Fighter home defence squad. Apparently from rumours, they were just a bunch of kids having fun with big guns, but nonetheless Of course, I didnt knew or wanted to pilot, but anyone get easily convinced in front of a pair of fighter blasters. I panicked and pushed buttons at random or maybe it was instinct but by some hazard, the engines started up. Desperate, I remember having grabbed the handles this time by pure instinct, and began flying wildly
Ruach cracked a small smile slowly even though tears were still running down his face.
I didnt thought Id ever gain that to feel the need to live.
Now he was definitively smiling.
Despite his best attempts, that brute barely scratched my Dromedary. It wasnt easy, as the Mark 1 didnt had any inertial compensators I was constantly crushed in my seats by gravity while the chains were painfully restraining my every moves plus, I was flying a rather large target, I am actually amazed I didnt took more damage than that. Still, that first experience told me I had to live. I wanted to fly. That day, I knew what my passion was.
Ruach closed his eyes, but continued telling his story.
Finally, he got exasperated and called in a friend of his, who was armed with a missile launcher. They forced me to land, and of course, after kicking me out of the cockpit I received a due beating. But it didnt matter to me at all. You couldnt remove a mans feel at having lived his most exciting experience in his life just my beating him down that night I slept without making nightmares for the first time in years I think.
He shrugged slightly, still sitting comfortably against Kyosuke.
That little adventure gave some idea to my owner. I should specify the man wasnt as belligerent as his son, and actually treated me rather well over the years. I was sometime even invited to have he called it, tea time, apparently its a bretonian custom, anyway, he used to invite me at some of his lonely tea time occasionally. So when he discovered I could fly, and seemed to enjoy this, he decided to make me haul cargos around the plantation. He didnt really fear for me to escape, as the place was filled with automated watch towers. Still, the droids didnt cover the whole surface of the farm; I finally learned where the blank spot were and made erratic manoeuvring there. It gave me a lot of experience, flying solo. With the lack of inertial compensators, I had to train my body hard as to resist the gravity effects on me. Over the years, it made me a rather strong, and good pilot.
His face was now quite prideful, as he recounted this part of his life. Kyosuke was deeply impressed as well so thats how hes got to learn to fly. Without any instructors, that was really a talent Ruach got
That gave me all the necessary keys to escape which I did barely a few months ago in fact. In that fighter
He patted the Sabre, as if praising a good hunting dog.
They remained in silence for another few minutes, Kyosuke uncertain on what to do next. He so wanted to help ease the pain Ruach had with his tragic past yet, as much a leader he was, sometime he wished to be a parent, just to know the words he should know to say in these kind of situations.
Master Kyosuke?....
Ruach was now looking at him, with bright shy eyes. Kyosuke couldnt resist smiling, seeing a boy who went through so much and still managed to keep that innocent youth look in his eyes.
Yes Ruach?
I he paused, considering his words in his head.
I wanted to thank you for all what youve done for me. You youve been like the father I never had.
At Kyosukes surprise, Ruach suddenly hugged him. If he was confused a few seconds ago, he was even more now. He took him in his arms, so different yet so close He wasnt sure why Ruach began crying again. But he knew these werent tears of sadness or pain. It was a healthy burst of emotions, releasing the tension within him held so long.
I live you master Ruach whispered slowly.
I know Ruach I know.
He knew they were now tied forever together. Ruach chose him as his father and he unconsciously has taken him as his son.
Kyosuke didnt regretted this at all.