We Need a Deathworlder!

“Such a waste.’ the phantom man speaks as Red revives her cave’s fire.

She ignores him as she throws on recovered chunks of dry wood onto the growing flames.

“Perhaps my own ego got the better of me. I was so certain you would prove to be a model figure for our people to aspire being. Yet despite all that strength and grit to survive, you’ve succumbed to a soft rot of empathy. Not for your own kind, but for others who will see us dwindle and die as if we were nothing more than a passing nuisance. Do you not grasp what’s at stake? Have I failed to convey it? None of this is for no reason. There’s purpose to it all. Our very survival as a species. I wonder if you wish to see us fall back into the stardust we all are all comprised of? Do you despise your own species so much?” the man says, the voice growing more and more in intensity.

Red shakes her head, wishing she could articulate words as he does. To convey herself in a more meaningful way, a way of equal footing to this freak. But without such, she makes do by not granting him a line of sight. If he wished to restrain her facilities and scold her like a petty parent before very possibly ending her with a ‘flip of a switch’, then he won’t get any satisfaction from her.

“We are dying. Our species are gradually dwindling like stars to a morning sunrise. We will be gone from the universe, beaten and forgotten. That is not who we are. We are survivors, we are masters of the land we tread, we are humanity. Born from chaos, existing within chaos, champions of chaos. And we are threatened not by chaos, not by the inevitable infighting, not by our grand vessels of war falling from the stars… no, we are to die in dark corners and small overseen pockets for others to gawk and pity over. We will die in whimpers, unknowing of who we once were. For we will have forgotten. But that is why you and many others are taken here, to be reminded. When our fall comes, we must be ready to become us again. Do you understand? We must rise as we had before, reborn from that chaos which made us strong in the first place. This world can provide that, a surrogate mother if you will. Our Earth, our Gaia passes her children here. A new home, to what we call Terra. And she will teach us to be strong again.” he rants on, still attempting to seep thoughts into the redhead.

Continuing on with her resistance, she skewers a small gutted aquatic animal she speared from a nearby body of water. Placing it over the fire she balances it on two ‘Y’ shaped sticks to keep it suspended. If she is to die soon, she may at least eat well. Or if not, keep her injured guest fed in case they aren't able to move on their own for a while.

Red glances over to the individual in question.

“You’d kill one of your own for that native. Perhaps that is the most disappointing aspect of all this. You were on the brink of becoming what Terrans need you to be. You were ready and willing, yet you faltered. Such misplaced value, pathetic really. It offers you meager amenities and you submit like a simple dog.” the man speaks further, now trying to maneuver into Red’s view.

The feeling is mutual, hearing this man prattle on in his nonsense to someone who doesn’t give a damn is its own brand of pathetic. Though Red begins to wonder if this guy is long winded in his righteousness, or if there is in fact another reason as to why she hasn’t been taken out of the picture yet. It seems this man is at a great net loss in his investment in her, why is he even bothering at this point?

The man picks up on those thoughts and feelings, leaning in close to the redhead he chuckles darkly.

“Because despite how much of a failure you are, I know of many uses for a dog. Your mind and will are not as resistant to being manipulatable as you may hope. With enough work, I can rewrite you in your entirety. True, doing so may cause bouts of insanity but nothing I can’t work with. Though that will take time, as false memories are easy to dismiss. However I shall start with the small and trivial things, and work my way up. With every thought or subconscious decision you make, you will begin to question if it’s genuine or fabricated. Maybe you can hold out for a time, guessing on who you are. But we have all the time to break you, and by the end of it all whoever you will be reshaped into will be praising our cause. Nothing more than a fabricated tool. I promise you that.”

Red spits at the now unoccupied air, fed up with the man’s cowardice and insane ramblings. Though she admits to herself that there must be something more to why she was still alive. All that felt like an excuse to keep her around, almost as if she was required for something he has yet to divulge. A tool? What? A warrior? Are they so desperate for hands to hold weapons that they would turn brains to mash? Sure, she was fit and able-bodied, but she couldn’t even commit to killing an injured being. Doing so may have taken her out of this hell. No more voices, no more confusion, no more paranoia, no more scraping by, no more fear.

-

Meeki shifts on the blanket she rests upon, the pain from her leg bringing her back from unconsciousness. She seethes in discomfort, reflexively touching her wound to find it tightly bandaged with a strip of her own cloak. Surprised by this she glances around her surroundings to find herself within the red furred cave-folk’s lair. With said cave-folk sitting down by their fire, roasting what looks to be a glubber. Not the most tasteful choice of cuisine, but an easy nutritious catch for certain.

She watches on as this despondent cave-folk tends to the fire and seems to be rather bothered. Perhaps from the events that have transpired, having to attack one of their kin? Though… something tells Meeki there must be something more to it than that. From the odd expressions of the cave-folk, something distressing may be currently occurring.

It’s then that a thought comes to her, the other cave-folk that attacked her had a different marking above their eyes. It was black, and seemingly a pattern of the skin itself. While this red furred individual before her has a metallic object of sorts instead. Is this perhaps a form of sexual dimorphism? One sex having a metallic-looking horn? Extraordinarily peculiar if that’s the case. Especially if that thing is indeed a naturally grown metal, but if it’s not that brings a whole new list of questions.

How can a people so primitive have the capability to refine metals so purely? Are they as primitive as she initially thought? Perhaps these are outliers or outcasts? If they are so advanced then how has their civilization not been noticed by this point? Surely their imprint on the world would be significant enough to notice at that technological level.

Has this one been exiled? Is that why they’re out here on their own and why they were so willing to slay their kin? Is that object on their head a mark of shame of some fashion?

All of these speculations and contemplations circle within her mind, there’s so many unknowns and hidden answers when it comes to this new strange species.

Meeki almost forgets how close this cave-folk was to taking her life at the behest of the other. Perhaps she should be more concerned with her safety, though the bandaging and offered blanket counters such concerns. This Cave-folk must have made a decision back there, a decision that involved saving her life at the cost of attacking the cave-folk with those terrifying beasts. Did this red-furred individual refuse to return to their people? Indeed so many questions… and maybe this is the opportunity to work towards a few answers.

“Greetings…” she utters cautiously.

-

Red turns her head to see the now partially upright lounging guest making a vocalization to her. Rather than attempting to speak in-turn, the redhead pats her thigh and points to the individual’s covered wound. They glance at it, nod and press their grasper on their chest to express appreciation.

Nodding back, the redhead then begins to carve free some outer cooked flesh and places it in a large leaf for transport. She takes the meal over to the individual and holds it out in offering.

The four black eyes widen and hesitantly accept the presented food. It then vocalized words in exaggerated enthusiasm, as if not wanting to cause offense. Picking up on this Red sits down and scoots back to a more comfortable distance. Guilt flooding her chest cavity, she draws the small gifted knife causing the individual’s full attention to be drawn. However with slow deliberate movements, Red places the knife down on the cave floor closer to the individual than to herself.

“Sss… sssm… sssom-ssor…” The redhead speaks, relying on nothing but muscle memory to apologize openly. She has no idea if the vocals mean anything, or if the individual understood at all.

When others spoke to her in words she once knew, their meaning was clear as day. However, like an opening and shutting widow, the context of sounds is immediately lost -or taken away- from her. Biting back the building frustration is incredibly difficult, but she manages in hopes to make amends with this person she nearly murdered.

-

Meeki tilts her head at the cave-folk’s rare vocals. Comparing it to the furless one that hunted her, she understands this one struggles to speak.

“Oh… fascinating. But is this a phenomena originating from disability, biology, or…” she thinks to herself before taking the knife back. With it, she taps the space above her eyes questioningly.

“What’s that?” she asks, motioning to the cave-folk’s metallic object.

The cave-folk’s eyes narrow, and their grasper reaches up and touches the thing in question. Their clawless fingers then dig around it, before grunting with absolute disdain.

“You… want it gone? Removed?” Meeki asks further, making a clear plucking gesture from her own forehead.

Emerald eyes lighting up like a baby gobrah, the cave-folk nods rapidly and crawls back up to Meeki in clear hope.

A little surprised from this, Meeki takes a moment before slowly reaching up and touching the now certain metal object. It’s such a strange and pure alloy that she struggles to understand what it is exactly. Certainly not any sort of iron or even steel she knew of. She attempts to carefully pry a claw underneath. But to her horror, finds the thing must somehow be fused to the skull…

“You poor thing… Did someone do this to you?” she whispers.

The emerald eyes of the creature slowly blinks in response, releasing a form of dampness.

So this is a branding of some sort? A punishment of their people? Regardless, Meeki feels that this red-furred cave-folk wishes no harm to her, and in extension her people.

Removing this object would require a skilled physician, or even a blacksmith as well. That it… if it’s at all possible without risking the life of this individual. What if there’s a direct connection with something vital? What if there is irreparable damage from such an operation? Regardless, this is all speculation that is out of her field of expertise. She will need to bring an expert here… or with her current injury… bring the ‘demon’ to the village… Oh no.

Meeki retacts her arm and ponders on what to do. She can wait until her mate comes looking for her, but who knows how many more aggressive cave-folk are wandering out there. Nodrin wouldn’t stand a chance if they encountered the same scenario she did. But then having this cave-folk help her back to the village may cause a panic, thus risking the life of the cave-folk. Not great options, but as much as it feels awful to admit… she cared for Nodrin’s life far over this red-furred individual. So if there is to be risk either way, there is only one true path to take.

Meeki looks to the cave-folk, considering how to convey her plan to them.

“I can’t remove it. But maybe someone else can.” she says as she shakes her head, then points out to the mouth of the cave, “My people could possibly be of help to you. A village.. Uhhm…” unsure of how to express this, she just taps her own shoulders rapidly and points back out to the cave then to the metal object.

She is not sure if the cave-folk fully understands her meaning, but apparently it’s enough as they tentatively nod and immediately begin packing their few things worth taking.

Relieved by this, Meeki takes a moment to pick at the cooked flesh of the cooked glubber sorting through its weave of indigestible bones. After attaining an edible chunk, she tries it. It’s not good. But sustenance is sustenance, so she continues to comb through it until it's mostly picked clean.

After her host is satisfied gathering their things they approach once more holding a free grasper out to Meeki. The Gratt admittedly hesitates, but she quickly pushes past the apprehension to accept the aid. With obvious yet still surprising ease, the cave-folk lifted the smaller figure up to an upright standing position.

Meekie tests brief pressure on her leg, finding the shooting pain too much to bear for an extended period of time. Seemingly noticing this as well the cave-folk offers further aid by kneeling down in front of her, exposing her back. A very trustful position indeed, even if they were offering to carry her like an infant…

Meeki awkwardly hops forward and for a moment considers the best place to take hold of this individual. Eventually settling on wrapping her arms around their thick neck, she is lifted free from the ground and carried out of the mouth of the cave.

-

Red wanders down the river to the narrowest point she knew before crossing, not wishing to possibly tire out the injured on her back. Though the person actually seemed rather comfortable with only utilizing their arms to hold on, allowing their legs to dangle freely. However as she fully crosses the river, the individual’s unharmed leg then lifts up to confidently point in a specific direction. Without question, Red follows the order and begins the who-knows-how-long journey to possibly seek help for the damn thing on her head.

Though she isn’t completely certain that is what this person was offering, this is the best shot she has to being normal again. Whatever normal was for her…

Every now and then the figure’s leg lifts up to correct and direct the redhead through the forest. Keeping her senses on high alert, she scans for any other potential goons of the man that haunted her very waking consciousness. Although they so far haven’t been the most subtle of bastards, who knows what they are capable of doing.

Thankfully in their hours upon hours journey, Red doesn’t so much as spot a ghost before the sounds of civilization is heard in the distance. The rattles and squeaks of wood mechanisms, puffs of operating machinery, and eventually even the faint spattering of nonsensical voices of inhabitants.

Through the trees Red spots a clearing, where a stone structure stands tall with even taller overlooks protruding from it. It’s a thick wall with impressive rectangular towers, wrapping a fair sized space of land for a currently concealed community. Armored individuals can be seen patrolling both up high and around the farms that laborers toil outside the protective structure.

Red is so enamored by the approaching sight, she almost doesn’t notice the fluttery white flakes begin to fall from the sky. As if to tell the redhead to pay attention, a cold breeze sweeps through and bites at all her exposed skin. Has it been this cold? She peeks back at the person on her back who looks nervously up past the treetops at the now white clouded sky.

-

“Snow? This early? How odd…” Meeki thinks to herself, though from her experience weather tends to be a little chaotic in this part of the world. Surely nothing unheard of, however considering the attribution between the weather and ‘demons’... it may not be a good omen for many.

She diverts her attention forward again, still tense of what is to happen next. This is not what she hoped the first major interaction between the two dominant species of their world would be like, but it can be worse. Hopefully it doesn’t stray in that direction.

Before her accompanying cave-folk can be seen through the treeline, she pats their shoulder and slides down to the ground, careful to keep her weight on the one good leg.

“I must be seen first.” Meeki informs as she presses her hands into her chest for the cave-folk to see.

They nod slowly before offering their walking stick.

Accepting it the Gratt then starts hobbling ahead without further aid, trying to look as calm and collected as possible. Not an easy feat considering the circumstances, but she presses on until the ‘monster’ following behind her begins to immediately draw attention. Meeki raises her arm up in their people’s sign of ease as a commotion erupts amongst the farmers. Most back off if not fully flee for the village’s gate, though the most curious among them hold firm from this baffling scene.

It’s not long before the village’s sentry force of hand-held projectile cannon rifles aim their sights down from the walls and others assemble to confront this turn of events.

Meeki turns to the individual behind her, relieved to see their arms raised in a peaceful manner. They understand the sensitive nature of this encounter, good.

A group approaches, training all their weapons on the strange red-furred creature.

“Meeki is it? Care to explain what that thing is and why it’s on my doorstep!” An old, gruff, distinguished male barks as he trails the nearby sentry.

“With great enthusiasm, Chief Warden Donrick. This is an acquaintance I’ve recently acquired. They are only one of another civilized people of our world, and this individual in particular is rather docile if granted the respect of such. In fact, they have treated me very well and have aided me at the risk of their own life. I understand the lack of warning in our arrival is concerning, however due to my leg injury I had no manner of sending word.” Meeki explains long-windedly.

Donrick crosses his arms approvingly as he gauges the tall creature with a seasoned stare.

“It doesn’t look so civilized to me. It is barely groomed and I can smell its wild stench from here.” he remarks skeptically.

“Well… that may be because they are ostracized from their people in some manner. An outcast of sorts if you will. I came upon them living alone in a cave, and have personally witnessed their expression of understanding with tools. They don’t speak our language, but we have been successful in communicating through gestures. Though I have seen another of their kind speak fluently in a complex language of their own.” Meeki says with vigor.

“How did you get injured…” Donick counters.

“Oh… um… right, yes. You see, that other individual I encountered was… not nearly as docile or friendly as this one. Though I don’t understand the specifics as to ‘why’ yet, I will fully admit it may have been a misunderstanding of some sort. But as I’ve said, this one saved me from them and escorted me back here with peaceful intentions.”

“Hmm… I suppose this explains the ‘demon’ tales. But why is it showing itself now? Surely it didn’t bother saving you for no benefit towards itself.”

“After they saved me, I offered help in return, yes. But that was initiated by me, and not merely requested as a balance of debt.” Meeki clarified clearly.

“And… what does it want…?” Donrick asked slowly.

“Nothing so devious as you may presume, Chief Warden. All they wish is for that metal object attached to their head to be removed. It causes them great distress, and I believe it to be a marking of some kind. A marking for what exactly I can’t be certain, but I must be clear in that they are of no danger to anyone unless you intend harm to them. They are here for no other reason than to pursue my offer. Which is why I request for us both to be seen by a physician.”

Donrick maintains a prolonged glare at the creature, eye narrowing in consideration.

“That’s requesting a lot, Meeki. If I grant that, the lives potentially lost will be not only on your hands… but mine as well.” he reminds gravely.

“Understood, but consider this; if any of their people prove to be outwardly hostile in the future, this is a prime opportunity to not only see one up close, but to study potential weaknesses. If conflict is to ever arise, this could be invaluable to our people. And who knows, having the loyalty of this one may be useful in other ways. Once the language barrier is broken, they may give insight on their culture and tactics. Understanding them is incredibly important for our people, wouldn’t you agree?” Meeki poses, intentionally utilizing the Chief Warden’s nature against him.

To her relief, his expression shifts to an almost eager agreement.

“You’ve made your case, Meeki. However I will not allow this… asset to roam the village’s walls until I’m certain of its ‘docile’ nature that you claim it to have. I will have it moved to the jailhouse and allow the doctors to look it over there. Agreeable?” he finally offers.

“Yes. Though I will insist on being in close proximity with them. We have established a mutual understanding and I can help in communication. Keep them at ease.” Meeki says firmly.

“Granted, however, if this thing starts a rampage and we have to put it down, any damage or loss of life is on your head. Is that clear?”

“Absolutely.” Meeki answers without hesitation.

-

After an obviously tense discourse plays out, Red is hesitantly thankful to see a probable resolution in their favor. The armed individuals maneuver into a circular guarded formation. One approaches the injured person she has met, helping them to walk forward. They look at Red and make a gesture for her to follow along.

Having no real reason to not comply, she keeps her hands up within view as the group begins moving towards the gatehouse. The semi-loud bustle of the inhabitants nearly comes to a complete silence as they all pass the threshold within the village’s interior. Crowds which had already started to form to watch what the commotion is about, now only grow to get a view of the strange creature being led through their streets of cobblestone. Hundreds peek out of their dwellings constructed of wood, stone and clay to view the mini parade. Red wants to keep her own gaze forward, however her own wonder and curiosity of this place is too powerful to compete against.

Despite the fearful looks many give her, she feels comforted to be in a place with people. Even if they were not the same species, she picks up on many familiarities from them in their facial expressions and way of life. There are plenty of beast-drawn carts, but the sound of steam powered machinery of halted transports on rail systems bring even further admiration. These people may not be of the stars, but perhaps they really can help her. Comfortably house her if nothing else.

It’s then she begins spotting the all too familiar face of the man… randomly within the crowd, on top of buildings, through windows, ect… he says not a word to break the relative silence, only to show that her problems are far from over. The worst part of his presence is that he’s smiling.

She does her best to not give him any satisfaction in the fact that he has finally gotten under her skin, that in this moment she fears him. Not for what he will do to her, but what he intends to do with these people. He knows… she has just given him true leverage. Just by being here she marks this place as a target to prove a point in his insane mind. What has she done?

Eventually Red is guided into a stone structure. She is a bit tall for it but, thankfully, nothing little hunching can’t help. She is led down narrow stairs underground to a large room rimmed with holding cells of iron bars. She isn’t surprised by this, nor combative. When a door is rolled open Red enters without the need for further prompting. She sits herself against the back wall and patiently waits for whatever comes next as her familiar companion is allowed to rest just outside the cell.

Red is concerned that they are not led away to receive medical treatment for their leg, in fact they seem intent on waiting here despite urgent vocalizations from others around them. It then clicks that perhaps they are remaining here to ensure that they are both looked at in a quick fashion. If that’s the case, Red resolves to be loyal even if nothing can be done for her.

Soon a new individual runs down the steps in a frantic manner. They rush up speaking to the injured one in frightened, yet relieved tones. Red concludes that the two are close as they passionately embrace after a few more exchanged words. Then the newcomer looks over their loved one’s wound before making eye contact with the redhead in the cage. From the expression of familiarity, she also concludes that this individual also spied on her at some point.

They speak softly in concern to the injured, and are immediately replied with a reassuring tone. The two then delve into a deep and soft conversation, as if Red could understand their overheard words. They speak for a short while until a flood of more individuals come down with satchels of medical supplies and gear. First they tend to the clearly injured of their own kind, but that doesn’t stop the myriad of inquisitive and anticipating looks send Red’s way throughout the entire process.

After they seem satisfied with their work on the injury, more armed guards come down at the ready to open the redhead’s door. Red gives them the same peaceful motion of raising her hands before the medical professionals uneasily wander in. She allows them to approach and prod at arm’s length. They study her skin, hair and hands before gradually getting more comfortable with getting closer to inspect more thoroughly. With indicating prods and gestures Red does her best to follow instruction, showing them her eyes, mouth, ears, etc. Half of the working individuals write away in notebooks at blazing speed as the others speak aloud in their close up investigation.

Eventually the big topic at hand comes up and they finally begin studying the metal device on her forehead. Confusion and concern begins to be the shared expression between all who attempt to understand it. A few particular individuals dressed in more rugged garb then give it a look over to give their thoughts, but ultimately share a similar attitude towards it.

Red’s heart sinks somewhat, but she knew this was all a longshot, regardless. But what really gets to her is what the man intends to do… she doubts she will be permitted to leave this place any time soon, and even if she did she knows that it may not make any difference at this point. Something is going to happen, and she is the catalyst.

After some final inspecting, the room drains on occupants leaving a single person to speak to the familiar individual and their companion. Then after they left, the door is reclosed and the armed guards grow at ease.

The familiar person turns to Red in consideration before making a closed fist motion in an arcing motion, they repeat this five times before indicating a scissor motion with their claws at their forehead.

Red nods, in five days they will attempt to remove it. At least this will end in one way or another. She points to herself and then down to the ground, raising a curious eye tuft. They give her a sad expression and nod slowly in an apologetic manner. So there’s no leaving this place till then. The redhead nods once more and lays back on a provided mat, at least she will be conscious in case anything were to happen till then.

The individual’s companion then tugs at their arm, and speaks tenderly. They hesitate, but Red takes the opportunity to motion for them to leave. She will be alright here, it's fine for them to go and rest. Assured, they allow themselves to be taken out of this place, leaving Red alone with a few posted guards. She doesn’t mind though, at least she can sleep somewhere consistently warmer than her cave dwelling. It’s actually weirdly comforting to be watched over by them, despite already being monitored by a maniac.

She rolls over on her side to face the wall, closes her eyes, and falls to sleep faster than she could remember.

-

“On your feet, Lance Corporal Thatch!” An unknown voice orders, breaking Red free from her slumber in a hustle.

She is on her feet before consciousness fully takes her, and she stands at attention to see a new man standing right outside the bars. Unlike the one she has been dealing with, this one is much older and clothed in a distinct dark blue and gold military uniform. His cap’s brim exposing his focused brown eyes and grim facial expression.

“S…sSSrr-” Red attempts to reply, her hand twitching up to her forehead for some reason she doesn’t understand.

The man briefly smirks at this, but resumes his cold demeanor.

“Out of all the places in this goddamn universe Lance Corporal… this was the last I expected to see you. But once I heard my little outfit picked you up I just had to come by and see it for myself. It’s almost like it was meant to be.” he says in a flat tone, keeping a stiff upright pose, “Regardless, you have an opportunity here. You're standing on the next Earth, and in position to be a true Terran hero. Savior even.” He begins to pace outside the bars, keeping a locked unmoving gaze on the redhead.

Red listens to his words, as flashes of familiarity of his face begin sparking in the back of her mind as he speaks.

“Kole has told me of his little hiccups with you. The man is absolutely determined to break you, as he sees you as an asset too valuable to lose. I would agree, but I know you.” he turns to walk straight through the bars and comes right up to Red, “I made the same mistake that he did. I saw you and assumed you would be as loyal to the cause as your mother. Hand picked, I folded you into my little pet project. But you ended up killing most other initiates who were tasked to test your loyalty. Now the reason why you're still alive… is that you proved yourself a greater force than the other twenty three servicemen and women assigned to you. A force that we can use, or a force that's too big of a threat.”

Red clutches her head as severe pain spikes throughout. The world nearly blacks out, but she catches herself from falling by snatching one of the nearby bars. The man watches her curiously, seeing her recover he nods.

“Hm… What Kole told you is true. Our species is facing extinction, and we need to take drastic measures to ensure our survival. Although the Children of Gaia branch has a more… unique perspective on how to do that, I can't argue with their results. And so through them, I’m enacting the annex of this world, starting here.”

An earthquake-like rumble erupts, shaking the ground to the point where Red nearly topples over. She frantically looks at this man, fearfully.

“Humanity has never accomplished anything without terrible costs. Manifest destiny, the nuclear bomb, the expansion wars… Like all of them, this is to be nothing more than a note in a history book one day. One where our kind will look back and say; ‘What a tragedy. We must learn from this.’ and then go about their day as normal. Little will they understand what I do here, will ensure that they exist. And if you are to stand in my way, you are actively fighting to kill our future. In truth, I just tried to terminate you. But it seems someone has indeed removed that failsafe. As expected I suppose, but that only grants you your last chance to become what your people need you to be. You are to aid in our efforts to establish humanity here, or die as a traitor that will be soon forgotten. Admiral Harkon out.”

The Admiral vanishes out of existence just as several other thunderous ground shaking occurs and following echoes of rapid kinetic gunfire.