Galactic High

Jack really hated slow-walking people with a passion.

Even when he was on earth, every time he had to go down a narrow path or pavement, a good 40% of the time there would be someone in front of him walking in the same direction that was slow as hell, and when he’d try and get around them, they were usually walking right in the middle of the path without a care in the world, preventing him from being able to politely overtake without shoving them. Even asking them to move would be seen as rude, so more often than not he had to lag behind until a suitable gap presented itself, ignoring whatever stare he would get in return.

Here it was worse.

His companions kept up a good pace. Sephy was only slightly shorter than he was and easily matched his firm strides, and Chiyo floated alongside them, happy that they had taken a slight detour to go to the Lizta tea garden to refresh themselves on their way to Zayle’s home district. Speaking of the gecko, even they were able to keep up with Jack’s strides despite only barely coming up to his waist, though he made sure he wasn’t tiring the group out.

No, the bottleneck the group had found themselves in had mostly been backed up as far as they could see, and they had been here a while.

“So Squa’Kaar isn’t actually my individual species,” Zayle told Jack, who had tried to make conversation and get to know their new housemate a bit better. “It’s actually Qhels, but we never really identify along those lines. My race was one of several on our cradleworld to come together with other similar intelligent species in the name of planetary peace and unity, and it is all of us that are Squa’Kaar. We are so bound together that it is almost unthinkable to consider myself anything but a Squa’Kaar.”

“My people could probably learn something from the Squa’Kaar then, though I’d be naive to think humans would actually do that.” Jack smiled softly. “We’re not even separate species but the best I could probably hope for is continued NATO supremacy and for Russia and China to decline. Otherwise, we’re set up for a third world war.”

“Sounds horrible!” Zayle shivered. “What’s the problem with this Russia and China that stops you from making peace with them and uniting as one people?”

“We hate them and they hate us.” Jack shrugged. “They have mostly oppressive regimes, and many of the people that would speak up against them have either left the country or been punished in some way, often with death. The people that are left either actively support the regime or don’t give a shit.”

Assassinating the enemy leaders would be the most optimal action to take. Chiyo reasoned. Why has your NATO not tried that?

“I’ll tell you about Fidel Castro later.” Jack grinned, as there was finally some movement up ahead as the crowd of people started walking again.

“Well if those countries are as terrible as you make out, I pray that your people can somehow come together and make them better,” Zayle commented. “We were fortunate enough to have a unified response when a Demon Lord tried to settle on our world, forcing them to leave for easier targets!”

“Oh, those aren’t the worst places in the world, just the ones that are powerful enough to pose a global threat,” Jack pointed out. “There’s North Korea, there’s Africa, not to mention the Middle East…”

“That’s the really crazy place you told me about the other day, right?” Sephy asked curiously, “The place with the monsters?”

“No, that was Australia.” Jack recalled their late night conversation a few days ago. “And not necessarily monsters, just some dangerous animals and insects that aren’t usually a threat if you know to leave them in peace.”

He was about to say more when Zayle led them to the side along the wall of the district, where things were much quieter.

“Alright, we have a checkpoint up ahead which opens up into the district proper,” Zayle whispered to the group as they came up to a waterlogged road that looked to be flooded on either side. “The Laird doesn’t control this section so we should be ok.”

Sure enough, the squad of ragtag militia let them through quickly enough, even wishing them good luck as they left. Jack suddenly realised that the squad weren’t aligned with the district they were entering, and were just happy to let them leave the district they were charged to protect. He hoped getting back in wouldn’t be a problem for them.

Jack knew somewhere in the back of his mind that there were subtle differences between swamps and marshes, but it didn’t really matter to him right now. The important thing he knew from a hiking trip in Wales was to watch out for bogland. It could look solid, but if he got caught unawares he could easily fall into one and drown. On Earth, archaeologists were still discovering remnants of the past from the preserving peat: from ancient treasure, to food, and even bodies.

Lots of bodies.

Bogs were very dangerous to the unaware, and even though the bog bodies were often mummified, preserved and recovered in an excellent condition, it was still a horrible fate to suffocate to death in black sludge.

“Zayle, how extensive are the paths in this district?” Jack asked nervously, as one of the cobblestones under his feet wobbled slightly.

“Very!” Zayle replied with an equally nervous smile. “Though we can use a boat or a raft further on if we need to, there are several that have been abandoned over the years so we can just take one.”

“Alright.” Jack sighed, happy that the terrain wouldn’t be as dangerous as he thought. “I’m going to call Nika and let her know we’re here. She wants to be patched in in case she and Vanya can help from their end.”

“Bit much, don't you think?” Sephy pointed out.

“Maybe,” Jack conceded. “But we promised and it can’t hurt. Besides, I think she really wants to get Vanya involved somehow, you all saw how she was.”

Indeed, the Chuna had looked completely broken when she woke up this morning, slumping down on the sofa next to Jack without a word. But with hot food and company, it appeared that things were getting slowly better, as one tiny moment at a time as Jack could see Vanya begin to open up.

But there was still a long way to go. At least Vanya was calm when they explained what their plans were to help Zayle out, and she was happy to stay at home with Nika and keep an eye on Dante, who Chiyo had floated downstairs to lay curled up on the sofa. His condition hadn’t really changed much and he hadn’t woken up, but he hadn’t gotten any worse either. Nika would let them know if things got worse, but even if they hadn’t Jack would insist they find a vet to take care of them, since even Alora wasn’t sure what was wrong.

Sephy had to help him with the commlink, but eventually he was able to call Nika and report in.

“Hey Nika, just letting you know we’ve arrived.”

“You took a little longer than expected, we were getting worried.” Nika sighed with relief. “What happened?”

“Massive crowds moving about the last few districts we’ve come through,” Sephy added. “Don’t know why.”

“It’s the panic. The news mentioned that there were hordes of people stocking up on supplies and fleeing their homes,” they heard the voice of Vanya quietly speak up. “The area you are in is close to one of the areas that got hit hardest by the Killer Klown’s attack.”

“Sowing chaos,” Jack noted, remembering the Killer Klown’s insane message to the entire city.

That is what he usually does. By this point I would expect him to move his operations to another part of the ring now that everyone is acting this way. Though we are in one of the largest cities on Have Station Bastilla, there are many others, and it would not surprise me if he targeted one of them and allowed the population here to let their terror do his work for him.

“Yeah I really hope he fucks off for a while,” Sephy agreed. “But this shitstorm isn’t going to be doing us any favours. I know we ordered ourselves supplies as soon as we got back, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the delivery companies reneged on the orders due to lack of supply.”

“We have enough food and drink to keep us going for a few more weeks,” Nika pointed out. “But you’re right, Sephy. I’ll talk to Alora - or maybe if you’re able to, you can bring some stuff back. At least the company fixing the hot tub have come out and said they’ll bump our slot forward to tomorrow, so we can have that as our rest day. They're probably not expecting any contracts any time soon so they’ll want to get it over and done with so they can spend the money.”

“That’s something at least!” Jack grinned, before his expression got serious as he remembered why they were here. “Which entrance have we come from Zayle?”

“South West,” the Squa’Kaar noted. “I don’t usually take this one but it’s the closest, and if there’s crowds around outside my normal route will take far longer. It’s further away to get to my home though, so be careful on the path.”

“It’s not going to flood over, is it?” Jack asked, noting the minute differences in elevation between the wet mud and the path.

“It shouldn’t while it’s still light outside,” Zayle replied. “Can get slippery and dangerous during the dark sometimes when one of the solar plates fully encompasses the section which is why I don’t come this way.”

“Do we need to come back this way though?” Sephy asked thoughtfully. “Just take one of the other thoroughfares on the way out. It won’t matter then if we get stuck in crowds, we’ll have done what we came here to do, so we can afford to take our time getting back. It’ll suck, but if it’s safe…”

Sephy’s right. Chiyo agreed. Let’s not take this way out; any other will do, but we’ll determine that when we need to leave.

“Sounds good,” Nika confirmed. “Keep us posted.”

They continued walking in silence, not seeing anybody else. Jack’s paranoia levels were through the roof, but Zayle confirmed it was simply a long path, and that the area was just huge. Apparently, according to the gecko, locals theorised that the wetland was once several districts, however, some kind of fault had occurred that flooded the area, with the district walls either eroded away or sunk over time. Jack questioned the logic in his mind but had to admit to himself that he knew very little, and that his experience within the Gloom Paths demonstrated that the mysterious construction of Hive Station Bastilla was inherently flawed.

“Don’t worry too much about the fog,” Zayle finally spoke up after they had been walking for about ten more minutes, as their range of vision started to become more hazy the further they moved ahead. “It never gets too overwhelming around the inhabited areas unless you move too far away, and I can promise it isn’t the heralding of horrible monsters or anything supernatural, though I’ll admit it’s a bit spooky.”

“I have a solution for that.” Jack grinned as he pulled out his special shades he got from the Pallid Pit run and put them on, where the settings automatically adjusted themselves to give him perfect vision.

Sephy, it may be a good idea to release your drones now, assuming we aren’t too far away from our destination. Chiyo reasoned, looking to Zayle to confirm. Even with a small amount of fog, it will still make it impossible to spot them flying above us.

“We are not too far from the inhabited zone,” Zayle confirmed. “I live further away past this territory, but I would prefer us to pass without notice until I am able to get to our home.”

“Nika, you still there?” Sephy called into the open comm.

It took a few moments, but the Kizun eventually replied. “Yeah, I’m still here. Something on TV triggered Vanya into having a panic attack so I gave her a sedative. I’m not so good with this kind of stuff, but I’ve already let Alora know.”

“Shit,” Sephy cursed. “Will she be alright?”

“Yeah, she’s resting at the moment on the sofa. Dante woke up and moved three steps before collapsing next to her, they’re cuddled up right now. What did you need?”

“Sending drones up now. If you spot something on the feeds, let me know,” the Skritta replied as she deployed the bots, deciding it was probably for the best not to ask for details before they were done.

“Alright, you’ve got a decent top-down view,” Nika acknowledged. “There’s an island about half a mile ahead, though the details are a little unclear.”

“Thanks, Nika,” Jack replied as he looked to the others, feeling the plasma rifle on his sling before pushing it back. “Alright, I guess I’ll lead and you stay close behind me.”

Agreed. Chiyo quickly answered, knowing she was more effective in the back line. We’ll speak up if we detect anything.

Again in silence they pushed forward. Jack noticed the water level getting dangerously close to the level of the path the closer they got to the island, so as a precaution he told everyone to link hands in case anyone slipped before finally they reached the island which sloped upward, leading to a small hamlet of abandoned-looking shacks. Once Chiyo confirmed there was nobody around, Jack was able to relax and asked Zayle where to go next after allowing the group to have a short break.

“Ah,” the Squa’Kaar muttered as they checked the bridge.

“What’s ‘ah’, Zayle?” Jack asked as he moved to join them, while Sephy and Chiyo began quickly searching the abandoned shacks for useful loot.

“The bridge has been destroyed!” they told him in a panic as they pointed. Sure enough, the stone arch ahead of them had crumbled in a heap, with jagged boulders sinking into the mud.

“Ah, crap. Destroyed is the right word, this rock looks like it was blown up with something,” Jack mumbled as he knelt down to look. “Probably recent too, this shorn rock looks clean.”

“I had heard the Laird threaten to blow up bridges to stop people leaving without his permission, but I didn’t think he would actually do such a thing…” Zayle whispered back as they peered over the edge of the bridge. Seeing the other side, Jack knew they weren’t jumping that distance through the fog. “As an Ogar his species are naturally paranoid and protective, but I’ve never seen it this bad!”

“We’re going to have to improvise,” Jack told them, remaining calm. “Let’s see what the others have found and let them know what’s up. This shouldn’t be a problem.”

“Unfortunately, the Laird did a thorough job - my earth spirit is too weak to repair the bridge if that was your idea,” Zayle nervously pointed out.

“It wasn’t, but good to know.” Jack shrugged. “Honestly I don’t know much about what you can do outside of what I saw this morning, so in hindsight I probably should have asked.”

“What are you thinking?” Zayle asked curiously as Jack slid back down the slope to take a look.

“Unless the other side of the island is more watery, we’re not taking a boat if there’s even one around, and building a raft will probably take too long.” Jack shrugged. “However the distance isn’t too far and the job is partially done thanks to the rocks down there. If we get materials from the shacks over there I was thinking we can make a new bridge.”

“Won’t that be dangerous?” Zayle asked.

“A little,” Jack admitted. “But mostly for me. Sephy can fly enough to stay light on her feet, Chiyo can levitate and you’re small enough that it shouldn’t be an issue for you. For me, however, I’ll need to be careful, but on the plus side if the Laird thinks this path is no longer usable it’ll mean they’re less likely to be looking our way.”

“What’s going on?” Sephy asked as she and Chiyo casually joined them. “Shacks have been ransacked, nothing of value.”

“They blew up the bridge,” Jack informed them. “We’re going to make another.”

*****

Are you sure about this? Chiyo asked Jack nervously after she quickly placed the platforms according to Jack’s specifications. Sturdy enough with as wide a surface area as possible, leading up to the rocks in the middle, which the Ilithii had already tentatively stood on to test the sturdiness of the bridge.

“Yeah. Sephy and Rayle, go one at a time but make it quick,” Jack warned, as he picked up a lengthy stick that he was preparing to use to aid his own crossing, but also to help fish one of the others out if he needed to.

“Alright,” Sephy muttered as she dexterously moved across, using her wings to lighten the load, with Zayle following behind once the Skritta had made it to the rocks. Jack could see the platforms sink under the strain of both, and remembering Sephy’s approximate weight when he once boosted her up to a vent during the Oracle run, he wasn’t too confident they could hold him for long. He remembered watching a Japanese gameshow when he was younger that involved contestants running across small platforms along a lake, with some of the platforms being false. Though it wasn’t a perfect match for what was in front of him, he still knew the strategy that usually worked.

Hyping himself up as he moved back for a runup, Jack sprinted along the solid ground, barely noticing when he crossed the platforms, leaping to the next one before it could fully sink. Slapping against the solid rocks with a smacking sound Jack waited for several moments in silence to make sure nothing bad had heard him before he got up and looked to the others.

That looked like it hurt, Jack. Chiyo commented with worry. Are you okay?

“I’m good.” Jack shrugged after a moment. His injuries from the previous night were still sore and flared up for a moment, but he was okay. “Let’s do the other side but make sure we have enough for a full bridge in case we need to get back. What will we expect to find on the other side, Zayle?”

“A few homes, a bodega and a local steamed riverfood place called the Mudfish,” they confirmed. “I’ve seen the militia sometimes go there, but not often. This island is very out of the way, and if they’ve destroyed the bridge leading out of the area…”

“Then it’s less likely we’ll encounter the militia,” Jack finished. “Alright. We’ll risk getting closer and try to find out what’s been going on from one of the businesses. If they’ve blown up a bridge, god knows what else they’ll have done.”

“The Gumbo they make at the Mudfish is very good,” Zayle commented. “And I’ve spoken to the family that runs it before, they should be happy to talk to us if we get a bite to eat?”

“We probably shouldn’t be chowing down when we should be alert,” Jack cautioned. “We just need to ask some questions then leave.”

“It might be a good idea to build up some rapport by buying some quick food?” Sephy queried. “Even if Zayle vouches for these people, just going in and asking questions might be seen as rude and set them against us. If we go in as polite customers and casually ask in a way that doesn’t make them suspicious, then it’s more likely they’ll answer truthfully.”

Good idea, Sephy, and I agree! Chiyo added. If the Laird is resorting to extreme measures to keep residents here, then people will be too afraid to talk. If we butter them up, then we can finesse some answers out of them.

“Alright,” Jack conceded, “but we’ll be careful and take a look first. Let’s go.”

The others skipped along the remaining platforms as deftly as they had before, but Jack lost his footing and stacked it towards the end, not having the momentum or space to build up speed from the fallen rocks. He quietly cursed as both of his feet plunged deep in the mud, but was close to the bank of the other side and grunted as he pulled himself out and shook off as much of the sludge as he could.

“Eww…” Sephy commented as she took in Jack’s appearance.

“Oh come off it.” Jack irritably sighed, though he allowed a slight smile. “This isn’t the messiest you’ve seen me.”

True. Chiyo shrugged. Shall we keep moving?

The fog cleared slightly as the cluster of homes came into view, with a blinking neon sign in the distance reading ‘Mudfish’.

“It’s very quiet,” Zayle observed. “Usually we’d be able to hear people moving around or talking, but this is very unusual for this time. The islands ahead are very close to one another, but it looks like nobody is around, when normally children would be playing and adults would still be moving about.”

“Something’s off then.” Jack nodded. “Sephy, Chiyo? See anything?”

“Nothing on the drones,” Sephy confirmed. “Place is deserted.”

I detect a few lifeforms within the buildings. Chiyo replied after several moments of concentration. Auras show fear.

“But no militia nearby either,” Jack reasoned. “Let’s quickly check the Mudfish first. Stay quiet, stay frosty.”

They kept low as they carefully continued forward to the settlement, making sure their corners were covered. Seeing that they were close to the Mudfish and the lights were on, Jack suggested Zayle go first as a familiar face, which they did, gently testing the door to find it unlocked.

“Da, someone’s here!” a child’s voice called out in a way that gave Jack the impression that they did that quite often as Zayle quickly waved them in.

“Ah, greetings, keen,” a man’s voice called out from the back as soft footsteps could be heard, before a frog-like creature hopped onto the counter in front of them, before giving the group a curious gaze. “You are not the militia I’ve seen before. Are you new recruits? Ah, I remember you. I was not aware you had joined the Laird’s forces…” the man cautiously asked.

“We are not with the militia, Mr Kuanfu.” Zayle nervously laughed. “My friends and I have only just arrived. We saw they blew the bridge! Are you selling some of your Gumbo tonight?”

Mr Kuanfu visibly sighed with relief on hearing they were not with the militia, and then quickly peered around them to make sure nobody was around to see.

“Friends, you shouldn’t be here! The Laird declared a lockdown a few hours ago and he seems to think there’s going to be a takeover attempt tonight, it’s not safe! He blew up the bridge in his paranoia and we can’t leave our homes! What are you even doing outside?”

“We came here to help Zayle move out since they told us it might not be safe,” Jack spoke up, causing the small frog-man to turn around to look at him. He had kept his hood up to avoid attention from onlookers but he lowered it out of courtesy. “I see now that might have been a bit of an understatement.”

“I don’t blame you for making the attempt,” Mr Kuanfu agreed. “Things under the Laird have gotten bad, but they’ve gotten much worse since last night. If it wasn’t for the bridge being taken out I would consider fleeing with my family at least for a few days, but we don’t have anywhere to go. Many people already left via the bridge as soon as they got word of the attack, but I’m not sure what happened to them. The Laird has been fuming and rampaging since he found out, trying to catch anyone outside.”

“In that case we won’t intrude further on your hospitality and put you at risk.” Jack nodded and began to turn before Mr Kuanfu stopped him.

“Wait, wait! Have some Gumbo and take a short rest first! I insist!” the frog-man protested, pouring several bowls for all of them. Jack gave Chiyo a quick look, who confirmed in return that she didn’t detect any foul play. “Where is your sibling, little Squa’Kaar? When I see one I usually see the other!”

Zayle looked uncomfortable at that so Jack answered for them.

“Rayle was badly hurt during the latest Killer Klown attack and isn’t with us right now.”

“Ah, I am sorry to hear that, please accept my sympathies.” The man bowed his head as Jack took a sip of the gumbo, which had a very rich-tasting liquid that complimented the mix of steamed fish very well. “And yes, I understand your haste to secure your belongings. The Laird has begun ransacking the homes of anyone rumoured to be slain in the attack, and if they hear of your sibling, they will target your house too.”

“I know.” Zayle nodded nervously. “I…”

Before Zayle could continue they heard a loud crackling sound, immediately followed by a booming voice echoing from outside. It wasn’t too close to their location, but it was still loud and defined enough to cut through the eerie silence of the misty village, and Jack could see both Zayle and Mr Kuanfu recoil in worry.

“WHAT ARE YOO DOING IN MAH SWAMP!?!”