Justin Kemppainen - The Legend of Ivan

I punched my accelerator, my decision all the easier now that the Cassander was in-system to protect the station. Though its fighters would be swarming in a matter of minutes, I had plenty of time to escape both of my apparent pursuers. Cain’s ship, far too slow to continue threatening and bombardment, would have to start fleeing immediately. Even then, it was possible he wouldn’t escape. At the very least; he’d have to burn his drones distracting the wave of fighters from the Cassander.

Already out of the bay, I pinged the location of the Cassander and set my tail to it and Cain’s gunship at full speed. The communication override ceased, and I could hear Cain cursing and Onnels ordering me to stop through different channels. I cut out the intercom.

As I sped out of detectable range, a wave of regret and sorrow flowed through me, the most powerful emotion I could remember feeling since my transformation. I betrayed Dei Lucii: my home, and Marqyni: my friend. Nothing negative happened, but my decision to leave them made no difference. I reeled against the intensity of these thoughts, my rationality flailing against them. The presence of this extreme emotion was as disconcerting as the feelings themselves.

In an action I had not experienced ever before as an Archivist, tears flooded into my organic eye. I felt such potent strain, and I had no idea where it was coming from.

Casting aside the emotion, I tried to force calm composure and again focus on the task. It was possible I’d never be welcome to return to my one place of rest and comfort. It was also possible I wouldn’t survive the next week. The search was nearly over.

I tried to maintain a calm and serene status, but the guilt at my actions continued to bubble to the surface. Never before had emotions been so profound, and I became worried that something was wrong.

Assignment: Seeking information regarding the truth and whereabouts of Ivan.

Location: Dei Lucrii XVII

Report: Discovered location of Ivan.

Probability : n/a

Summary: Research yielded no useful data; location provided by tip [source: Traverian Grey]. Dei Lucrii attacked by Cain. Cassander arrived in pursuit of assigned Archivist [Sid]. Likely seeking leaked information regarding Atropos Garden and Ivan.

*Addendum: Please exert influence to hinder progress of GSA in Ivan investigation.

**Second Addendum: Inescapable Cain encounter sometime in near future. Survival improbable without assistance or upgrade.

The recent encounter continued to trouble me as I passed into the asteroid field. Full concentration would have been preferable, as the flexible flight path only corrected for small to medium sized obstacles. However, the rising number of competitors and my recent actions left me preoccupied.

I didn’t bother to check, but there was certain to be a flurry of news and gossip relating to the recent assault and lockdown of the Dei Lucrii XVII system. For certain, Daedra-Tech would be displeased about having my name attached to both their own and a fugitive status. However, losing the lead in the Ivan pursuit would likely have upset them more. They’d be able to handle the bad press and even get the Cassander to back off.

Either way, I didn’t hold excessive loyalty. They provided the means to perpetuation, as there would always be secrets to pursue for a massive-sized corporation. Still, I had no reason not to fulfill my contract.

In spite of the time taken, my flailing internal state remained mired in guilt. No amount of rationalization or the anticipation of finishing my task could scrub it away, and I could detect no immediate issues with my internal hardware. Yet it persisted, a seed of obsession in my mind. The best I could do was continue on and hope it did not distract me.

A hailing blip appeared on my screen as I swooped by another asteroid. “Vessel Minerva, this is Vapaus Colony. We are tracking your approach.” A calm voice came through. “Stand by for docking instructions.”

It seemed Grey’s warning had gone through; they were expecting me.

I cleared another large obstacle, and my eyes and the coordinates confirmed my arrival.

The asteroid which housed the colony appeared miles long, massive and appearing immobile against the consistent scattering of its smaller brothers. Tiny structures dotted some of the rocky surface, mostly metallic plates, and I suspected most of its infrastructure would be inside.

Warnings resounded in my cockpit as several defense mechanisms targeted my position. A precaution, I hoped.

The landing continued without any vaporization, but I wondered if a loud argument in the control center debated the pros and cons of such an action. Sets of heavy steel docking bay doors opened in one of the regions of the asteroid. They directed me to it and allowed my entrance, the doors sealing shut behind me. Dim lighting was strung around the area, and a short walkway led to a building. Not an inch of rock was seen; the whole interior section appeared to be encased in metal.

Once my ship touched down, a door opened in the structure, and several people carrying weaponry and clad in light ballistic armor spilled out. My instruments shone green for atmosphere, so I slipped out of my seat and opened the hatch.

No one spoke a word as I set foot on the docking platform. Fourteen individuals appearing as soldiers trained weaponry upon me. The deck had an inconsistent vibration, not quite a tremor, as the smaller asteroids outside occasionally nudged the larger one.

I stood, waiting with my arms folded.

Out of the building walked a man dressed in similar ballistic armor with various symbols and insignias etched upon it. A stern expression and sharp features gave the unmistakable air of authority, and he was flanked by two additional guards, these more heavily armed and armored.

“I am Security Chief Pallum Bethel.” The man spoke with a hard edge. “I am also the acting governor of Vapaus Colony.” He pointed at me. “You are Archivist Sid, and you are not entirely welcome in this place.”

I said nothing, keeping my arms folded and favoring the leader with a blank expression.

“It is only by the request of a very important individual that I grant you sanctuary in this place. However, your leash will be extremely short, and any action construed as against the well being of Vapaus Colony will see you locked in a very dark place for a very long time. Your business here will be brief, and all records of our location will be purged from your navigation systems once this debacle is finished.” He leveled his gaze at me. “Do I make myself clear?”

I still didn’t speak, restraining myself from rolling my eyes and diving deep into condescension.

“You will answer me, Archivist, or you’ll be sent on your way without hesitation.”

Sighing, I swept my hat off and replied, “Let’s move beyond the tired posturing. I represent very little threat to your miserable way of existence. I’m here for a specific purpose, and once done, I have no further need to remain.”

Glaring angrily, he opened his mouth to speak, but I held up a hand. “Very obviously, I’ve been granted particular courtesies you are not fond of. Your threats are hollow because someone higher than you wishes this to occur. I hold no particular ill toward you or this place, but I will provide you with similar courtesy should you decide to continue this foolish hostile attitude.”

I absolutely love being a guest of importance. The less I have to deal with the careful wordplay associated with causing no offense, the better. A frank attitude is nearly always more efficient.