`` to this day `` [OPEN]

[SilentCallings]

NO NAME

Incredibly long legs stalked over the cold metal flooring of the council house, immense height causing him to see everything around him at a different ratio, though thankfully the abode was designed for all species in mind, the roof high enough that even the tallest of Sangreto wouldn't have to hunch over. The docile male stalked to the left, passing by some fluffy balls, creatures that scuttled and screeched making him groan mentally in frustration, the lack of a mouth preventing him from vocalizing such things, snapped neck viewing everything at a strange angle. He was one of the specimen of his species that they had called to represent their planet, along with some elders, whom he heard chatting in their native tongue in the dorm they were assigned until everyone arrived. Those two had cast out the younger soul, telling him to go investigate for their frail legs could barely keep them up anymore, or perhaps they didn’t want him learning of such vital information quite yet, especially when he was the ‘cursed one’. His empty sockets stared ominously ahead as he sighed just thinking of the task he was given, to find the missing gem to keep Nochenegro alive, before the shaman died so he could fix his curse, but there was this sinking feeling within the creature that he wouldn't be accomplishing that anytime soon. He heard some humans bouncing around the halls, laughing and speaking away with one another, the Sangreto just stepping over them with yards of space in between, hearing them call one another names, a thing he did not have. Sangreto were the nameless.

Though right as he was nearing the headquarters, in one of the more vacant halls he heard one of the electronic doors whooshing open, this causing the alien to turn around since his head could not pivot, seeing a group of Rucattan talking in hushed voices as they neared him, this taunting look in their eyes. The Sangreto wasn’t very sure how he felt about this, these creatures vain yet shorter, but definitely more bulked since he was practically just a walking skeleton of flesh and veins, there just wasn’t something right about this situation. They loudly beckoned for his attention, talking in their native language as if they knew he understood, his mind quickly working to try and translate, hearing it as, “Your kind does not belong here, leave traitor, leave, leave, leave. The friends of humans are not welcome, betrayer of the aliens.” Though all the male did was stand there blankly, staring with his crooked neck, spindly fingers twitching around, and that seemed to infuriate the intelligent creatures, who in turn decided to make their point through group violence, launching themselves at the feather-light boy. He did not attempt to dodge or jump away, which probably would have given him the advantage and they latched themselves on to his frame, some furry bodies on his long legs, one having jumped high enough to reach his chest, their many arms assisting them in scurrying around. Their pounding fists and snapping jaws made him silently wail in pain, though no noise left him, the alien slowly lowering himself to the ground.

He did not fight back. The Sangreto looked like a falling piece of timber, extremely tall body coming into contact with the ground, and maybe if his kind was heavier then he would have been able to crush the Rucattan that had been on his back, but all it felt like was a tickle. He curled up into a ball to make himself smaller, overtly lengthy arms wrapping around his knees, leaning on his left side so that his snapped neck wasn’t being jutted against the floor, sockets locked on the nearby wall as they viciously pounded against his gentle bones and skin, their attacks just like the lemurs they resembled. The Sangreto took the abuse like the peaceful creature he was, there was no one to defend, he didn’t need violence, the fingers on one of his hands sliding down lower to his ankles as he hugged it tighter.

Amount: 683 Words.
Muse: Great!
Tune: To This Day ~ Shane Koyczan
Notes: First time playing an alien, fun! But yeah he shall be referred to as No Name until he receives one from a human x3
Tags: OPEN!

[Vet]

Alex Banner

All they'd allowed her to have was her standard issue pistol while in the compound. It was attached at her hip, right alongside the badge they required every visitor have. How some of the species carried theirs around was beyond her - some didn't have hands to even hang them around their necks! Not that she was complaining. The multitude of races on the station fascinated her sometimes. Other times, the scenery all just felt like part of every day life. Aliens of all shapes and sizes moved down the hallways, the small buzz in her ear of translated languages from the implant only a small annoyance. Still, it was nice to hear that small talk wasn't just a human thing.

Technically, her crew was on shore leave until further notice. Rather than having Barrett and Carter accompany her as was the norm, she left them to her own devices. Barrett had been craving a spicy dish that a cluster of young Banumori had been chatting about when they passed and excused himself with a bright gleam in his eye. So long as her crew didn't find trouble, she was more than willing to let them wander. Even if they found trouble, she was only a short radio wave away. The communicator clipped over her ear was so far blissfully silent.

"Hey, did you guys hear about the Class V vessel in the docking bay? Her drive core must be--"

"Malloy, if I have to hear you jerking off to another ship for one more second of shore leave, I'm going to kill you."

Well, the silence had been due to be broken anyway. "Try to keep this channel clear until after the meeting, guys," she muttered into the communicator. Not that she minded the banter. It kept her loose and made her smile on occasion.

There was a duo of, "Yes sir" in reply.

Her meeting wasn't for another hour, but Alex preferred to be on time for something of such importance to humanity. Now a potential for the SWRD program, this meeting would serve as a cornerstone for the rest of humanity's fate in the galaxy. Her superiors were more than happy to lay the weight of that on her shoulders. Politicians weren't much for shouldering responsibilities. There were assistants who could write off things in a carefully spun story for that. Perhaps it was a little rude, but Alex rarely saw the brass as anything more than show dogs. Out in deep space, their decisions meant little.

With her own ship, Alex was barely held on to as an asset for humanity - unless one considered the fact that she was human. That was a pretty 'nail in the coffin' kind of detail. Some days, she felt like a freelancer.

This was not one of those days.

Carter must have been watching her. His voice crackled to life in her ear once more. "Hey, Cap. See that little diner to your right? After the meeting, how about we grab a bite? Some music...light from the burning planet nearby..." His constant flirtations were better spent on others.

"I already ate," she answered, oblivious of his efforts.

There were snickers of various voices over the comlink, causing her to shake her head in some amount of confusion. Why they'd thought it was funny was beyond her.

Heading down a rather remote hall - one she knew opened out into the main atrium of the compound - Alex cocked her head slightly. What do we have here?

"Standby," she murmured in the com.

"Need a hand? Can be there in a jiffy," Carter responded, his voice serious once more.

"I'll let you know." She knew he'd come check it out anyway, but Alex preferred handling situations without her brutal little mercenary.

Ahead, a group of Rucattan were wailing on a crumpled dark mass of flesh. The Rucattan were barely taller than herself, but she didn't seem their size as intimidating in the least. In less than a second, she already had them pegged: bullies. She really didn't care for bullies. She'd known too many in her time to appreciate their existence in the galaxy. What poor soul were they torturing now?

"Hey!" she called, her voice stern and echoing down the halls as she started to jog towards them. They must have been barely older than kids - she had a hard time telling sometimes - for they lifted their heads with huge, alarmed eyes before scampering away, leaving their victim behind.

She hadn't slowed her pace, still moving towards the crumpled being. "Hey, you okay?" she asked, stopping before the creature and putting a gentle hand on what was a shoulder from as best she could see. "Did they hurt you?" Concern coated her tone, but she couldn't be sure which aliens could sense such things in humans. A lot of them were all about body language. She hoped hers exhibited the same worry.

[SilentCallings]

NO NAME

His breathing was starting to become shallower as his body's internal systems went into a panicked, alerted mode, his sight becoming blurred around the edges as his fingers still twitched. The groaning sounds of the Rucattan were making him frustrated, as if their pitched screeches alone could kill him right here on this floor, but they didn't seem to be very mature, meaning they weren't at their full capacity of damage just yet, thankfully. One of them reeled back their solid feet and smacked it into the snapped bone of his broken neck, forcing the Sangreto to shudder forward with hidden pain, not even trying to roll away as they hooted and hollered, only for the electric sound of the door opening to reach all of their ears. The male thought it would cause the teenaged aliens to stop in their abuse, but they just went harder, as if they were excited to provide entertainment for their new guest, waving their lengthy arms around, fur ruffling and parted around their joints. He was feeling the cold floor pressing up against his forehead when one of the attackers stomped on him, angered at the fact that their victim wasn't acting in the way that they wanted. Did they expect his kind to rage on right back? No, they were so delicate and humble when they didn't have a human bonded to them, with a purpose to defend and keep themselves alive, they really only fought back when they were right at the brink of death, and that was only with the intent to kill. They gave their attackers a chance to escape an ill-fitted fate.

So when the voice finally called out, piercing the air in the language native to the humans, if he was remembering correctly, definitely feminine, that was when No Name attempted to lift his head up and see what was going on, only for the parade of Rucattan to bolt away, caught red-handed. Some of them rushed over the fallen frame of the taller alien, trampling him though it was better than being mauled, and so he slowly turned to lay on his thin, emaciated back. He awkwardly stared up at the bright lights of the ceiling with his bent neck, only to hear the thumping of his savior's feet until her face was within his range of vision, this being the moment were the tall Sangreto sat up. The bones along his spinal column snapped and cracked with all those sore spots, hearing her words, asking him with that lovely English tongue, he always found the language of the humans to be fascinating, lifting a thin hand to prod at her flesh curiously. As soon as his pads touched against the creamy skin of the homosapien he felt electricity rushing through, as if his mentality was finally concocting the process, knowing that this would soon be his bonded human. She had saved him from the Rucattan and as such he was eternally grateful, his other hand lifting up to place at the side of his bent head, snapping it upright in one sudden motion, he knew he was only able to keep it like this for an hour or so, but he felt as if it would be better as if he observed her like this for a while. Just in case.

Fingers tenderly touched the flesh where his mouth was supposed, not ready to use his mental communication just yet as he just humbly nodded, attempting to stand back up, the movement wobbled and unsteady, at least until he was balanced on those lengthy limbs, towering down like a tree over the small human. Her hair intrigued him, just like a child as he prodded it lightly, fingers twitching uncontrollably, especially when it came to being in close contact with the creatures he adored to study, and finally his hollow sockets noticed the thing attached to her belt. It was oh so shiny and he couldn't resist the urge as he leaned forward and attempted to grab it, but his stick-like fingers just couldn't coil around the handle of the gun, or whatever it was, only to then glance up at her, pointing at the weapon, backing up a step as if to ask, 'What's that?' In the distance, as if behind the metal doors, he could hear the clattering of rushed feet and some muffled voices, definitely the scents of humans here and there, and that both excited the Sangreto and made him fearful, wanting to back up, but then again… He had a duty to fulfill. He had a human now.

Amount: 768Words.
Muse: Great!
Tune: To This Day ~ Shane Koyczan
Notes: Hehehe<3
Tags: Vettie with Alex; OPEN;

[Vet]

Alex Banner

Without a doubt, it was the strangest looking creature she'd ever seen. With skin dark as the universe itself, there was a fascinating play of the lights from nearby scrolling advertisements on screens decorating the hall. Even as she was curious in it, it seemed the same went for this creature. She had no way of knowing if he was male or female, though based on features, she felt inclined to think of it as a male. Alex held still as he delicately touched her skin, feeling comfortable enough with the innocent touch to not flinch. There was an odd tingling that moved across her skin, however, where his skin brushed with hers.

Poisonous? She hoped not.

She felt a great amount of alarm when the alien raised to full height and used a thin limb to snap his head into place. "Are you alright?" she asked again, more concerned now with the sound that still felt as if it echoed in her own bones. There was no answer, but he moved his fingers to touch against where a mouth likely should have been. With his nod, she felt some relief. Finding some transport for him to an infirmary may have proven difficult.

Fingers now brushed curiously at her blonde hair, playing with the short ends and reminding her again of a child. For all she knew, he could be. While this certainly wasn't her first tour off the homeworld, Alex knew there were still a great many things she had yet to see and learn about. Had Rosa been here, however, she knew the bright young woman would likely be able to spout out everything she knew about the species along with facts she would rather not have known. At the thought, she instantly felt grateful she wasn't.

It wasn't until he reached for her weapon that she tensed. Innocence and curiosity could only be allowed so far. She stepped purposefully back even as the alien did, watching warily as he pointed at it. Behind her, she heard Carter call her name aloud rather than talk through the communicator. He was fast approaching and Alex forced herself to relax as her comrade would no doubt notice the stance and take offense.

"This thing bothering you?" Carter asked as he came up beside her, eyes narrowed and hand resting on his own weapon.

"No, we're fine." Her voice gave little away for him, but she did look at him with an expression of warning. It was one he'd seen several times before. It spoke volumes: Get that hand off your gun near an innocent civilian. As he'd been too slow with the last lesson, Carter wasn't willing to make the same mistake twice after the dressing down he'd received before.

"Don't you have a meeting to go to?" he demanded in a fashion not quite appropriate for a superior officer. Alex was far more lax in her command than many others. Her crew was one built on trust. Friendship. Rank existed, certainly, but it came secondary. She'd already earned their respect, as they had earned hers. There was no point to stand on formalities after all they'd been through together. Still, his attitude earned a placid look rather than one of amusement.

"I do," she agreed.

Alex offered her hand to the alien - she'd seen enough aliens familiar with the gesture to feel certain it wouldn't cause offense - and introduced herself. "Captain Banner of the Lacerta. I'd stay longer to chat, but I've got some important business to wrap up here. Stay out of trouble." She gave the dark creature a polite nod and stepped around him to head on her way while Trent Carter glared at him behind her back.

[SilentCallings]

NO NAME

The creature watched with confusion as the blonde commander just stood there, not really at all negative when he tried to touch her weapon, merely stepping back as if to silently teach him that it was not a toy to be tinkered with, and he obeyed immediately, hollow sockets staring right at her as the loud noises clattered through the proximity. As it got closer and closer the Sangreto crouched down low on his spindly legs, one thin hand raised with caution as he felt his spine go rigid, tar-like blood slowly running through his veins. He could smell that they were humans, a platoon of them having been around, but there was only one that was heading directly towards them like a bullet, a male of her species. He was even more wary than she was, the alien just relaxing himself peacefully, for if he was a comrade of the woman who had assisted him, then there wasn't much to worry about, right? The stranger spoke with a cold tone, the ebony creature merely locking his gaze on the brute, listening as he tried to write the alien off as the enemy, though he didn't feel offended, he would have done the same if another of his kind was in contact with such a large specimen. He just played the part of the third wheel, hearing them converse but not really wanting to eavesdrop on their bond, they definitely knew each other well, if he was reading the body language correctly, and that was always easier for him than speech.

No Name glance down in surprise to see that right after their banter the woman was just holding her hand out for him, to which the Sangreto stared at his own appendage silently, folding all his fingers into a fist before leaving his pinky out, the smallest of all the digit which was still overgrown compared to the human. That was when he offered it to her as well, letting the finger grasp her entire hand as they shook, his sharp mind latching on to her name, the most useful thing for when a Sangreto like him was going to be bonded with its savior. That was when the captain went on her merry way, to this meeting she was apparently supposed to go to, the same one he assumed his elders were attending, her boots soundly smacking against the metal floor as her partner turned his head to give this threatening expression that the alien was not used to. So the creature just innocently raised his hand in one of those humanly actions, a wave, the oversized hand tilting back and forth as he just stood there, waiting until the door closed behind them. He just waited a few more minutes before his inner senses started getting alarmed, telling him to follow after his newly assigned bonded human, and as he stared up at the vents that was when the tall creature stood up straight, arms going up to push at the cover, then pulling his weightless self into the air vents.

He crawled around, following his internal navigational system that used his human as a pinpoint, this new sensation quite the thrill for him, just exploring around like he actually had a purpose, and once the throbbing got stronger he felt himself shiver just as he hovered over the place she apparently was. He stared down the vents as the people began gathering around the tables, seeing his elders towards the left, and then there was the blonde human, his nimble fingers plucking off the screws that prevented him from taking off the vent's door. Setting it as quietly as he could to the side, which was when the Sangreto practically flung himself down, his feather-light self not making even a thud as he landed in the shadows. He scuttled towards the table, hiding from the piercing hollow gazes of the elders, for they would want to skin him right here if they saw him, and with a final ragged breath the Sangreto was under the thick wooden table, barely brushing by someone's leg, though they guessed it was a wind or something. He wandered around until he found the captain, sitting cross-legged in front of her seat, hunched so low that he was practically folded more than half way, his bones having snapped the second he got there, one thin finger reaching forward and prodding her ankle.

Amount: 741 Words.
Muse: Awesome!
Tune: N/A.
Notes: Sorry this took forever! About to head to the wedding mwahaha~
Tags: Vettie with Alex; OPEN;

[Vet]

Alex Banner

With the strange encounter passed, Alex had to be on her way. She gave no backward glance, knowing Carter was still standing there watching the creature should it prove hostile. Her instinct told her it was far from, but it never hurt to have eyes on him anyway.

Following signs, Alex navigated towards the Council's chambers. Hell, could they make it more obvious where they were seated? The decor became far more extravagant. Even the architecture took on an expensive taste with intricate details carved into each column with careful precision. A waste of money was what it was. That money was better spent towards dwindling colonies needing supplies or helping to establish new ones. Ah, but what did she know? She was only human. And even worse than that, she was female.

Alex wasn't sure what idiot in the brass had given the Council the idea that human women were weak and feeble-minded, but it was a stereotype she was here to smash. So far, only men had been accepted into the SWRD program. Whoever had hoped to 'spare' women and children from becoming victims of alien attacks by painting them as helpless hadn't done anyone any favors. In fact, most attacks from aliens back on earth had been on the women and children. Alex knew bullies. They liked to pick easy, weak targets. With the men of mankind painted as capable and fierce, those bullies chose to believe stories and avoid confrontation with them.

So it was with chin held at a stubborn angle, cutting eyes slicing around the room that she plucked out the Council members from other aliens in the large atrium. Dozens upon dozens of plants littered the room, various species from different planets carefully kept to make sure they could live together in harmony. It was a false sense of comfort they offered. Alex knew the people in this room had the political sway to order the deaths of millions without any backlash at all save for whatever species would be brave enough to take on the most powerfully united military front known across all the galaxies.

She took note of more of the tall, dark, broken looking creatures like the one she'd met in the hall before. They seemed to have sway within their race, but they most certainly had mouths and were capable of speech. The difference was a little disconcerting and had Alex wondering just what horrors the young one she'd met - surely he'd been young when compared to these Sangreto - had suffered through to end up looking like that.

Set above the 'mere mortals,' steps led up to where the Council sat in throne-like chairs like kings of the domain. Each of the chairs was no different from the other, showing their unity as a single item. They made their decisions together and none was held above the others. At least within the Council itself.

On the left was Councilor Ruccattan. Upon becoming Councilors, they give up their names to become their race. They stand for their people and embody all that they are. On the right sat Councilor Dasyati and in center was Councilor Banumori. Of the three, Councilor Ruccattan was the only female. It didn't put Alex at ease, for the Councilor was known for being more willing when it came to brutal measures.

As the Sangreto elders were still in counsel with the Council, Alex began to head for a bench to wait them out. But Councilor Dasyati raised his hand to silence the Sangreto and call out to her. It was his short stature, Alex thought, that must have him act with such rudeness towards such a tall race. Men were men, no matter the species. She'd have to find a ruler to help them measure by the time the meeting was adjourned, she was sure. She was used to this game, but weary that it had to be played even here.

"Captain Banner, we've been waiting for you."

"It wasn't my intention to interrupt, Councilor. Feel free to continue your business. I know patience." It was an ill-concealed bite at him for being so rude to the Sangreto, but Alex doubted his pompous ass even realized it.

"Our business is concluded,"Councilor Dasyati said with finality. She watched as one of the Sangreto made to argue, but was quieted by a comrade. They bowed with their broken necks, thanking the Council for their time. The other two Councilors sat in stony silence as they looked at Alex with a judging eye.

She stood, moving to greet them, but not stepping closer than the bottom of the stairs. "I was told you wished for an audience with me, Councilors. I am humbled." She wasn't. She was annoyed. Political bullshit was what it was. Alex would rather have been running the operation she was supposed to be doing rather than playing ball with these clowns, but she had a duty to fulfill.

"Captain Banner, we would like to formally extend an invitation into the SWRD program. I believe your superiors have relayed information on it?" Councilor Ruccattan asked, her voice far more commanding of attention than Councilor Dasyati's.

"Do you accept?" asked Councilor Banumori, opening his mouth to speak for the first time since I'd arrived.

Inwardly, she thought no. Not at all. But she knew her duty. "I am honored to accept your invitation, Councilors." She also knew she wasn't going to be played around with like some new toy. "I would like to make one thing clear, however, if I may."

Councilor Ruccattan waved one of her hands, intrigue sparking in her eyes. "Go on."

"It is my understanding that you've been given a false representation of humanity's females. While under this program, I am not to be discriminated against due to gender. I will be treated as any other species, any man would. I won't settle for less." Were her superiors here, they would have had heart attacks. Aneurisms. Anything to die and get out of the room. No one spoke with such assurance to the Council about anything. No one. Alex Banner was not just anyone.

The Council seemed...rather pleased, however. "Granted."

With that, she was dismissed with instructions as to who to see. One Arcadius Nocturne was meant to show her the ropes. In the corner was a large table set up with food and other such things for various species. The Sangreto elders were seated there, their contorted bodies scrunched up to fit in the seats. Alex took an open seat, feeling her skin prickle with warning. She felt watched and on edge. To her credit, she didn't react when she slid back in her seat a little and saw the curled up mass of black beneath the table curled at her feet.

[CaptainNips]

Arcadius Nocturne

With a long stride, Arcadius stepped forth from the Regency's docking area. The vessel had just arrived to Hiroshen and it's three SWRD crew members were making their way outside. The ship itself was a shade of navy blue in the bright light. Several onlookers were already admiring the sleek and agile craft. But many simply hailed the blue SWRD emblem on it's side. With a slight sigh Arcadius looked over the all too familiar atmosphere, the generic chrome walls and diverse crowds only gave him a sense of entrapment. It was here that all politics were made and where all decisions were forged. No visit to Hiroshen was a colorful one, for each would only introduce more grim news and yet another mission to be carried out. But this day was different. The man turned to his companions. The Lourek Jurgen and the Agent Mackelroy stood at attention beside him.

"All right, well... we all have our own business to attend to," he started, "I am to see this new recruit of ours, and you two are to get your physical and then check in with the constable."

A visit to the SWRD constable was a regular practice. It was with it that the Council kept in survey all it's live agents and where each one received a physical examination session to make sure they were still healthy and strong for any upcoming assignments. The Agent Mackelroy scowled at such rituals and of his Captain's words.

"Oh, no need to baby us, Arcadius. We know our own duties," he grinned teasingly, "But I also understand that you have an appointment with Constable Almorii as well..." 

This was, indeed, true. To meet with the newly invited Captain wasn't his only task that day. The Constable himself had sent for Arcadius on an important issue, one that he could not possibly think of. Not caring, he waved off Mackelroy's statement.

"Not to worry at all, it's probably just Almorii being his own paranoid self again... not to worry."

The Lourek agent nodded in agreement, "See you soon, Captain."

With short words of farewell, the three went their separate ways. Jurgen and Mackelroy to the medical bay, and Nocturne to the Constable's office. It wasn't a long walk to find his destination, though he did find himself flustered a few times at trying to navigate the winding halls. The bustling aliens throughout the halls looked only briefly to the armored figure above or even below them. Such stature and military attire was a usual sight in the Council's chambers. Frequently as he walked on, recorded voices in each of the Council races languages would praise the Council over the intercom. Calling it a fair and divine judicial system that will only lead to a new age of prosperity. Blah, blah, blah, he thought. All lies. Arcadius did not deny that the Council could do some good in the Galaxy and was perhaps the leading force those days, but it was not always the divine government it was made out to be. If anything, it was the lesser evil from the other systems. But he did not dare to ever voice these thoughts, even when addled by drink.

A few minutes later, he reached the Constable's, a small compartment on the side of one main hallway. Placing his hand over the print recognizer, the metal door shifted open. The Dasyati clerk greeted him and led him into Almorii's personal office. The great Banumori sat in his gargantuan seat and addressed him by name. Settling into his own seat, it was in that short moment that he really wondered why he was called. It had to be a matter of importance... details on the recruit? Development on SWRD politics? A rumor gone rampant? His heart sank. Oh no, he thought, It can't be about Siessa and I. It shouldn't have- couldn't have gotten out so swiftly.

"So... Captain Nocturne. I trust you are doing well for yourself?"

He looked up the Constable, "I am, Constable. Thank you."

"Good, I shall get right to the subject of our meeting then. You see... a certain story has been brought to my attention. About your pilot, Siessa Tapso."

Oh god... my fears are becoming true, he thought. He sat motionless for a moment, his mouth open as to say something but no words came of it. The Banumori looked expectedly to him.

"Well? I hope such rumors are not true. The acts that I have heard of are very... unhealthy for our environment. You are frequently seen by this young Dasyati's side, close to her. Some have even gone to say that you are intimate with this short statured being."

Frustration boiled up inside him, begging to be unleashed upon the Constable. After a moment, he boldly spoke, "And if these said rumors are true?"

"Oh don't play these games with me, Arcadius. We both know that if this gets out, it will cause an all manner of unneeded tension between your two races. The Dasyati will anger against the Council and your Humans will persecute you. You may even be put to court and get terminated from SWRD. Is this clear in that little head of yours?"

It was very true that Arcadius was intimate with the Dasyati pilot, sincerely loving her company and her character. He did not care for height or alien looks, merely loving her as a living being. But deep inside, he knew that the relationship would cause an eruption of pro-aliens voicing their hate for Humans and even stir up controversy against SWRD. Sighing he answered back, "Yes, sir. But I see not what you are going to do about it. Our feelings for each other will inevitably and always be there."

Almorii shifted his beak slightly, as if to grin cunningly. "Tis quite simple really. State that you do not love her and all will be forgiven. Simple as that."

He stared back steadily, his inner being knotted with sudden hate for the Constable. "I don't believe I can do that, sir."

"Say it or you will lose your position. Your honor will be tarnished and your name loathed within Hiroshen. Believe me, Arcadius. It is for the Council's own good."

He said it. And he left the Constable's office defeated and grim. Once outside, he banged his clenched fist against the wall in anger, earning him a few odd looks from several young Rucattan. Trying to calm himself, Arcadius paid little attention to his now bruised knuckles and headed off, just now realizing he was to meet the new recruit. But all he could think of was of the Constable, and of the horrid, idiotic laws within society. How could he be bullied for loving another being and then be forced to stop. In his frustrated saunter, Arcadius shook his head and entered through the Council chambers doors. He exhaled softly, finally being able to calm himself down. Whatever anger-filled thoughts he possessed, would be dealt with later.

As the glass doors slid open, he surveyed the area, spotting the Sangreto elders first. His eyes shifted over the wide selection of foods and then landed on a blonde female sitting idly. Her description perfectly matched what he read on the new recruit. Walking towards her, he would nod and offer a forced smile. 

"You're Alexandra Banner, I assume?" he'd say in his thick accent. The SWRD emblem was clearly visible on his armor.

[SilentCallings]

NO NAME

The Sangreto was happily curled beneath the table at the human's feet, spindly hand grasping her ankle to have at least some form of contact between them, making sure if there was bond was true and not something that his mind was making up to continue to torture him with. He inwardly purred at the electrical clicks spastically running through his veins, hollow sockets lifeless as he stared at her chair, only for his inner systems to coil up with the foreign sonar of another human, of the opposite gender this time, stalking towards them with purpose. The instinct to protect and guard, provide a presence that would ward off many other aliens should she be traveling around in her space vessel, was strong and alive, worming his way out from under the table even though the elegant elders were mingling a few yards away from them. If he had a heart it would be beating so violently right now, legs stretching out as he stood to his full height, clearly not as big as he was going to get, an adolescent in the books of the elders, barely having reached adulthood. The fact that his head had been snapped upright helped add another two feet or so with that unnaturally long neck, tilting slightly from the lack of balance, yet still staring down at the Scotsman that had presented himself. A crooked and bony hand reached forward, grazing the air right in front of the man's face, his movements impossible to predict and his mind not entirely able to be read, he was a Sangreto, it took years of experience to get into the heads of these beasts, and once you did, you never got out.

A single thin finger touched the cheek of the human as his shoulders hunched over, nearly touching one of the lights that were hanging from the ceiling, and there was a small part of him that wanted to dig the digit into the man's flesh, see if he bled the same blood as the other people he had observed when he had visited earth. Though he remained docile, retracting his hand solemnly just as one of the elders frowned, an arm outstretched as he clenched his fist, No Name clutching at his head as he felt the force swamping it. He couldn't control his movements as he was practically dragged to the pair of ancient Sangreto, extremely long legs nearly entangling with one another as he avoided stepping one some of the other aliens, only to nearly collide into the wiser specimen of the pair, the one that was just staring at him with nothing, the true epitome of his name, Akhmaztu, the voiceless. He judged with his thoughts but never his words even though he had a mouth, unlike the younger Sangreto, and he felt the force loosening up as the second elder, Talaschin, felt satisfied with his actions, always acting upon emotion rather than thought, the two elders complete opposites, yet what kept their people together as one.

No Name hung his head with shame as they stated nothing, merely taking note of his straightened neck, groaning out their disapproval as Akhmaztu held the smaller boy's skull in his grasp, not giving a moment of warning before snapping it to the side, the noise echoing in the entire room as tar-like blood dripped out of the youth's eye sockets, having overflowed in his sealed mouth, needing to find exit elsewhere. Though it seemed that when the wisest of the Sangreto had touched the prodigy they brought along, he understood the rouge actions of the thin creature, holding his palm up at Talaschin, their mental communication commencing as they spat over their varying decisions. The embodiment of violence demanded that they punish the boy, the peacekeeper of their species arguing back that all had to find their bond at one point, and with a final screech of anger leaving Talaschin, he paced off, towering frame barging through the doors. Though Akhmaztu just used a single claw to scratch at the nameless specimen's shoulder, nodding as he left as well, bowing towards their hosts, but not about to get too warm with Councilor Dasyati, not after such disrespect. His empty gaze flickered over to the blonde, locking with her as a palm was raised in their typical gesture of respect, fingers folding inwards as he signed an ancient term of luck, a flicker of light glowing in his sockets, amethyst. A prophecy, one they would all decipher later. The wise Sangreto left, the youth confused as he tried grunting out his question, though the lack of mouth made that rather hard as he wandered back to Captain Banner, standing at her side like a soldier, well, a green bellied beginner. He was only starting his path of learning.

Amount: 805 Words.
Muse: Okay c:
Tune: To This Day ~ Shane Koyczan
Notes: Blegh, sorry this sucks, my loves x.x <3
Tags: Vettie with Alex; Cappy with Arcadius; OPEN;

[Vet]

Alex Banner

It took all her restraint not to grip her weapon when the Sangreto grabbed her ankle. Being touched wasn't one of her favorite things in the world. The feeling had tiny hairs sticking up all along her spine and up into her hairline. What was worse, she could feel something with the contact. Not knowing what that something was put Alex on edge. Still, it was best not to incite violence by bludgeoning another race over the head in the chambers of the Council.

The young one had to be here with the elders across the table. Why he would feel the need to hide, she didn't know, but she couldn't see past the reasoning that he wouldn't have found his way in here otherwise. Unless he was following her. And that lovely thought brought up a whole 'nother can of shit that she didn't want to open yet.

What was-was he purring? She felt tiny vibrations run up her leg, stemming from where he had his oily black hand wrapped around her ankle. Even through the dark camoflauge cargo pants she wore, she could feel it. The purrs actually helped set Alex more at ease, making her think of a house cat despite his immense size.

The muted whooshing of the sliding glass doors pulled her attention away from those empty pits where eyes should be settled. This newcomer seemed well acquainted with the room, but Alex still watched him with her almost frighteningly observant green eyes, looking for signs of hostility. He may have worn the SWRD emblem, but it meant little if someone had found a way to infiltrate it. Even in one hiding it well, there were always tells of such deceit. What she saw in this man was weariness and not a small amount of frustration. His scruff could have used a shave - regulation had he still been within the strictly human militia likely would have demanded it by now - and it showed well how much he'd seen as it was flecked with gray amongst the black. A thick scar along his face drew her attention. Wasn't it through scars that one could gauge an opponent? By the shape and length of course of his, Alex highly doubted it was from a simple knife fight as her own had been. An interesting story, she would bet.

His voice was musical with the thick brogue of his homeland. Already, she could pin the most likely countries where he'd come from. It was one of the few that she didn't need help with as it was quite iconic, even amongst the dredges of society where she'd come from. "Captain Banner, yes," she affirmed, standing to offer a hand.

And then the entire room stiffened when the Sangreto who'd been curled at her feet had crawled from his hiding place to stand up to his full height and point a gnarly hand into the officer's face. Alex had half a mind to stop the boy - she felt positive he was a child amongst his species despite his size - but decided to level back to see how a SWRD officer would handle himself. If it was with violence, Alex had no qualms about walking right back out that door and heading off, grounding of her ship be damned. She would not stand with a program that encouraged violence against children.

When the Sangreto touched the man's cheek, Alex maintained a stony expression. In her mind, there was just the barest hints of a smile. The contact didn't last long at all, for one of the elders seemed to have found his wits. When the boy curled away as if in pain, stumbling towards the elders, Alex watched with fascination. She found herself wondering if the compulsion she was observing was...zoonotic, so to speak. It looked like some form of mind control. Immediately, she decided she'd rather not find out and held her tongue to let the elder deal with his own species.

How were they communicating? She wondered that as well. There seemed to be no true body language save for the drooping of the youngster's tall head and neck. However it was done, there seemed to be an impasse met as one of the elders finally vocalized a frustrated screech and walked away. Alex was clueless as to the cultural ramifications of what had just occurred, but she started to have some inkling that it involved her, for no argument was made when the youngster moved back to her side to stand at attention as if he were under her command.

She returned her gaze towards the officer, wearing the closest to what could be described on her a bemused expression. "I don't suppose you know anything about..." She waved a hand, gesturing to the ambiguity of what had just happened. "I'm sorry," she apologized. "I didn't get your name." It was said politely, but not with too much friendliness. Alex saved that for...friends. Strangers, well, they got polite and not much else unless they'd done something really wrong.

While she stood for the most part at attention, her gaze drifted up towards the face of her...companion. Why did they leave him? Do they expect me to care for him? That's concerning considering I don't even know what he eats. If he eats. It was certainly turning out to be an interesting day.

[CaptainNips]

Arcadius Nocturne

“Captain Banner, yes,” she answered and stood up, beginning to offer her hand.

Arcadius nodded to the woman right before a dark shape suddenly stretched from underneath the table. The tall figure stood broadly to him, seeming to assert his presence. The Scot’s eyes watched him curiously. A Sangreto, probably accompanying the Elders further down the table. In a slow movement, the alien reached a finger to rest against his cheek. The touch was cold and almost distant. A tingling feeling of uneasiness attempted to nestle within him. Arcadius could tell that the alien was in a protective state. But to whom?

Not an inkling of a thought dwelled over harming the creature, or to even touch his sidearm. He calmly observed it… the cold stare and curious face reminding him greatly of an old friend. Of Decius.

His reminiscent thoughts were broken as the young one was pulled away by his Elders. One sternly scolded him, cracking and beating his neck. Another tried to keep the peace. The man merely watched and lowered his head, deeply feeling for the young Sangreto. For a fascinating race, they certainly had a strict set of cultural rules. It seemed their lives were solely reliant on Humans, forcing him to wonder how they survived long before Earth was discovered. Surely they were not all docile before Humans were found….?

The Elders soon left without the young one. Aside from curious looks, the Council remained tranquil at the end of the hall. Sighing, Arcadius turned to the Captain, seeing the Sangreto by her side. So she was his bonded human… that would explain it. He smiled wanly, seeing she was preparing to speak.

“I don’t suppose you know anything about,” she started then corrected herself, “I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.”

“Arcadius Nocturne, SWRD Agent and servant of the Council,” he replied almost robotically. Stating his name and rank had become usual saying through his career, giving him much time to master it’s proper tone and speech. His gaze dominantly rested on the idle Sangreto as he paused. Not clearly answering her question, he continued, “You should be honored, Captain Banner… it seems this being has chosen you as his Human, his bondage.”

He looked towards her, his brow raised, “Surely you know of the Sangreto ways? Their lifetime connection to a chosen Human?”

Ending his question, he began to observe the Captain more closely. To him, she was pretty, but full of strength, mentally and physically. She was clearly born of two cultures, which made her facial looks ever more attractive. A long scar stretched across her face, most likely from a knife wound. Such a look was not uncommon among earthly humans, being a rough planet left to one objective: Survival of the Fittest. She was an average height, though Arcadius hoped she could take advantage of her swift and small build.

He looks expectantly to her, his former emotions of frustration and anger dissipated more at sighting the spectacle. It had been a while since he’d seen a Sangreto… and seeing the bonded pair right in front of him only reminded him more of his young self. Of young Decius.

[SilentCallings]

NO NAME

No Name watched the pair of humans converse, the folders in his mind opening up to jot down little notes about their customs now that he was up close, this was so fascinating! Their species looked even more delicate than his own in terms of their fleshy bodies and he kept holding himself back from continuing to prod at the both of them, give his extensive knowledge some mental diagrams and images to reference. While Captain Banner had mentioned something that floated past the Sangreto's ears without a care, he caught her emerald gaze lifting up to meet his own of hollow qualities, letting out a strange gurgle of acknowledgement, the sound seemingly having nowhere to exit. He usually zoned out of the adult conversations every now and then, his youthful mind preferring to listen about the world around them, the vast majority of this universe explored, but when it came to formalities he just held no interest. Though at the mention of his own race's name he turned his crooked frame towards the Scotsman, paper-like fingers clenching and relaxing as he tried to decipher what was being said, the tongue of the humans was still rather rusty in his mind. It seemed as if this Arcadius was experienced, for when the Sangreto finally realized that the other male was chatting about his kind's customs with the bonded souls and all, he let out an approving click, made from the stiff grazing of his teeth, within his jaw. If it weren't for the fact of his sealed mouth it probably would've sounded like someone scraping their uneven nails over the pasty surface of a chalkboard, so it was for the better of everyone's ears that it was muffled. The creature waved his hands a bit, as if trying to explain the point of the bond, but it was rather hard when there were no descriptive terms to add along with such charades.

He gave up half-way through with resentment, ebony skin scrunching together as he took in the sweet smell of some of the food on the tables lined up along the walls, lumbering away from the small humans to go investigate. As he got closer the fragrance strengthened to add some sort of salty addition, crouching so that he wasn't threatening to accidentally knock a table over with his knee, shoulders hovering a bit higher than the top, prodding the dish with a single finger. The Council had made sure to have all sorts of accommodating foods for the variety of aliens but what had attracted the attention of the Sangreto was the human section, dotted with these sandwiches and cookies. Especially those things called 'peanut butter crackers', if he was reading the sign right. He snatched a couple of them into his thin hands, scuttling back to Alexandra and the other SWRD agent, sitting on the ground with crisscrossed legs, making sure the elders were long gone before using a single hand to snap his head upright, the crack echoing just as loud as the one made to break the bone had been. His grasp then latched on to his chin, tearing slowly as the force was made to rip the flesh that was covering his mouth, nails digging into the cavern past his lips to help finish the ripping of the skin, tar-like blood dripping as a multitude of sharp teeth and a slithering tongue was presented, hisses leaving his vocals. But he wasn't in pain for long, for he saw the crackers in his free palm, snatching one of them and holding it out before the slender muscle of his tongue snaked out to wrap around the snack, immediately tugging it back in as he crunched on the food. Tasty.

Amount: 624 Words.
Muse: Great!
Tune: Bohemian Rhapsody ~ Queen
Notes: Peanut butter crackers~ <3
Tags: Vettie with Alex; Cappy with Arcadius; OPEN;

[Vet]

Alex Banner

At his introduction, Alex filed the information away before following his gaze to the Sangreto. His next words had her blinking numbly. She must have had the most perplexed expression on her face, for he asked if she knew not of the alien species' way of life. The one in question made noises of agreement, seemingly accepting the Captain's assessments. The oily black creature began waving his thin arms about wildly as if trying to further extrapolate on what the agent was saying.

At a loss, Alex merely turned back to Arcadius. "I'm sorry, his what?" Her tone was incredulous and perhaps held a bit of denial as well. No, no, no, surely there was a mistake. First, all manner of mental images of actual bondage popped into her head, which she immediately shoved away. There was no honor in such things. So what exactly was meant by that? A bond? Alex certainly couldn't deny that she'd felt something.

"I think there's been a-" She stopped, mid-sentence, her mouth just barely open as she watched with mixed fascination and some unidentifiable emotion. The Sangreto had wandered over towards the table of food, crouched beside it like some beast on the hunt. In his hands, he held a few crackers, clutching them like precious jewels. When the boy scuttled towards her along the floor, she couldn't stop herself from taking an uneasy step to the side while he settled cross-legged on the floor. The sound of his neck snapping upright had her shoulders stiffening with empathy, for she couldn't see a way that such an action would be painless. But it was when he tore the flesh away from his covered mouth to expose vicious looking teeth and a thin, rather prehensile tongue. Oily blood dripped from the wound, splattering onto his thin legs and seemingly disappearing amongst his equally dark flesh. With gusto, the Sangreto youth swallowed the crackers down like one starved.

It was with some amount of horror that Alex looked back to Arcadius, though it wasn't because of the grotesque scene she'd just witnessed. "There's definitely been a mistake. I'm not a babysitter," she nearly hissed, her voice dropping down to a whisper. Really! What she knew about the race was restricted to how to sneak around them and how to kill them! A bullet to the head tended to work for the majority of the aliens.

Some amount of panic had settled in at the thought of having an overgrown black creature following her around on missions clumsily. Missions meant for stealth, might she add! And what was she to do with him on downtime?

Some amount of zen had wormed its way into her soul when inspiration struck. She had crewmen for a reason, right? Carter would just have to have a new friend. Or maybe Hughes would appreciate a co-pilot. Or...the possibilities were endless. If this were to be set in stone, she could handle it. She hoped.

[CaptainNips]

Arcadius Nocturne

"I'm sorry his what?" Captain Banner was clearly not ecstatic over her new companion. Arcadius was about to explain more before she spoke again."I think there's been a-" The SWRD agent's brow raised at the half protest, looking curiously to her as she suddenly stopped. Shifting his gaze, he spotted what she was marveling at. The Sangreto had wandered from the pair and gone to the long concession table, particularly the human foods section. With slight and determined hands, the alien chose his pick. The man could already smell them as he began to return. Peanut-butter crackers.

He could not help but smile as the Sangreto sat excitedly with the crackers. He clearly had interesting tastes for an alien. Though Arcadius did cringe a moment at seeing the being crack his neck and remove the skin over his lips. But his smile quickly returned. The alien reminded him so much of his old friend, in his youth and his timidity. With a grin, he turned back to Alex, his eyes open and expectant.

"There's definitely been a mistake. I'm not a babysitter," she said.

With an annoyed look, Arcadius scowled at her. What she just said he considered being very stubborn, and showing no small amount of naivety. And if there was anything that agitated the Agent, it was youthful foolishness. In a stern tone he replied, emphasizing his first words, "The Sangreto make no mistakes. This young one has chosen you, and he will stay with you until death. You will be the center of his life, he will follow and even protect. If anything he'll be doing the babysitting."

He paused for a moment, allowing his words to take effect. In a softer voice, he added, "He will be your closest friend." He nodded to her shortly and gazed to the floor. Inside himself, he knew he acted strict with her for one reason. To begin to make her appreciate her bonded Sangreto better than he once did, before time ran out for either one of them.

With a sigh, Arcadius looked to armored wrist for the time. It was shown in bright blue lettering. The Council was already giving them closer looks from their equal chairs, and clearly were anticipating their SWRD agent doing his actual job. He hoped the Captain could accept the Sangreto soon, so he could get the evaluating mumbo-jumbo done and over with.

[SilentCallings]

NO NAME

The Sangreto was oblivious to the stressed chatting of the humans, unknowing of the fact that it was about him, just so fascinated by these crackers, and as he got down to about half of the sources that was when his instincts kicked in. Eh, these new sensations felt so weird, his young body just wasn't used to them as he imaged the elders were, but he went with what his ancient bloodlines called for, setting two of the crackers along the tips of his fingers, his palms long enough to separate the pair from the rest. He felt some sort of pang in his shriveled heart, his connection with the blonde woman allowing him to feel some extent of her emotions, a click of sadness leaving his currently open mouth. Oh yes, he could talk now, how wonderful! Though he really didn't know what to say… Hm… Well he did hear the word babysitter, and while he wasn't aware of the definition of such a term he did know of what a child was, it was those naked and fat worms that the females of the species birthed on planet earth, they were rather ugly indeed. But he was no human baby! To that he tried to formulate the correct statement, and while it was rusty he did manage to state gruffly, “No, baby very small. Sangreto. Big.” It was hard for him to talk with actual words, he discovered at that moment, no he was much more comfortable using his telepathy, that way he was actually able to chat in a sophisticated manner with proper sentences.

But it was at the fault of his tongue for his broken speech, along with the sore state of his throat, he just wasn't used to talking, evident by the rubbing of his jaw, shaking his head in distaste as a myriad of primal noises left him once more, focusing back on the peanut butter crackers. So satisfying, yum! Perhaps he could convince the elders to go raid the kitchen of this meeting ship and bring all of the crackers with them, it sounded like a good enough plan, plus they wouldn't miss the snacks, they had plenty! When he had finished off the little pile of sustenance he had created for himself his empty sockets stared at the two left, curling his fingers so that they rolled back to his palm, wriggling tongue licking at his bloody lips to swipe any crumbs away, uncaring of the sting of such raw skin. He instead went along with the feeling he had gotten earlier, the reason why he saved these crackers and glanced up at his bonded human, holding out the two crackers towards her, a purr of gesture made, wanting her to have them, to eat. No Name had found something he enjoyed and chose to share it with something else that he liked, meaning he was on the right path, and if he had eyes at this moment they would've been staring at Captain Banner with a look akin to enthusiasm and admiration.

Amount: 512 Words.
Muse: Good!
Tune: Scars ~ Papa Roach
Notes: Crackers~ ^-^
Tags: Vettie with Alex; Cappy with Arcadius; OPEN;

[Vet]

Alex Banner

Alex looked down when the Sangreto corrected her. Indeed, he was not a baby and was far larger than herself. However, she didn't have the time, patience - hell, she had an occupational hazard against life! - and so on to deal with a creatures whims to protect. She'd seen signs of that already even with her fellow Captain.

She didn't miss said Captain's annoyed look of frustration at her words and turned to face him fully. Surely he would understand her qualms about such things?! "Everyone makes mistakes," she corrected, not willing to let that one slide. "Aliens are not exempt." While Alex had no hate for those different from her, she wasn't willing to let anyone explain things away by saying such silly things. What Arcadius had to say after that brought no amount of comfort. In fact, it only served to get her back up even more.

Alex's gaze fell down to where the Sangreto was curled on the floor, his hand extended towards her with two crackers saved just for her. She wanted to fist her hands in her hair and yank out strands from the roots. Instead, she merely ran a frustrated hand through the shorter locks, adding a disheveled look to her obviously 'out of element' stance. As she didn't want to be rude, she plucked the crackers from the boy's hand and held them as if she had no clue what to do with them. "Thanks," she muttered.

Arcadius's tone gentled as he told her he'd be her closest friend. "He'll die around me. I don't want that weighing on my conscience, pal," she nearly growled, cutting straight to the crux of the problem. "We're not pleasure cruisers. He's a kid and I don't need some green to the field alien without a lick of experience following me to his death." It wasn't that he was alien that bothered her. Not in the least. Even him being young didn't bother her too much - her most intelligent crew mate was incredibly young as well - but that he would feel honor bound to protect...now, that she didn't need.

The analytical part of her mind saw it as a chance to instate some training on board The Lacerta. However, the emotional part of her heart came up with lovely images of a dead Sangreto. No, thank you.

As she didn't agree with talking about someone as if they weren't there, Alex looked at the Sangreto. "Look, kid. I appreciate the thought. It means a lot, really. But I can't have you following me around and getting yourself killed." It felt like a losing battle. As stubborn as she was, Alex was beginning to feel like she had no choice in the matter. She was beginning to resign herself to her fate even as she cursed that fate up and down.