My literary work has a legitimate title, yes. But somehow I imagine that people will be more likely to read a thread with the previous title than just with some vaguely complicated sounding one.
Do we have Metroid fans here? Would they be interested in reading a Metroid story? It doesn't really matter if you post or not, because I will be placing it here regardless (it was written for completely different purposes, but I thought it would be nice to share with everyone here).
Whatever the case, I intend to post the first chapter tomorrow. I would also like to briefly state the following (the only time I will mention the issue): I would very much appreciate if those of you who read the story would post. Most of the time no one responds, I can't really tell if anyone cares to a point at which the story would be worth posts in my account. Even if your post was merely "Read it, didn't care." or something generic such as "It was good." I would appreciate it. But, as before, I will not speak on the subject again.
Tomorrow.
Metroid Fanfiction
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
Well, I like playing Metroid. It's one of my favorite games. But I'm not sure if I'd want to read a story about it.
"If you are allergic to a thing, it is best not to put that thing in your mouth, particularly if the thing is cats."
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PrincessZelda - Posts: 1855
- Joined: Sat Jul 10, 2004 10:00 am
- Location: New Mexico
Well...^^;; If I remembered to, I would probably read it. But considering I have two fanfics I should have already read and critiqued (and of course didn't) I guess I have no place to say...
But sure, bring it on.
But sure, bring it on.
BOOSTER: Hey, No.1! Where's my cake?!
SNIFIT 1: Booster, Sir! There's a 70% chance the object you're standing on is a cake.
BOOSTER: What? THIS thing's a cake?
You have the power to say anything you want, so why not say something positive?
- Frank Capra
(in response to an interview question "Do you have a pet peeve having to do with this biz?")
People who write below their abilities in order to crank out tons of books and make a buck. Especially Christian authors who do that. Outsiders judge us for it, and make fun of us for it, and it makes Jesus look bad. We of all artists on earth should be the most concerned with doing our best possible work at all times. We of all people should write with all our hearts, as if writing for the Lord and not for men.
- Athol Dickson
Avatar by scarlethibiscus from LJ.
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inkhana - Posts: 3670
- Joined: Fri May 30, 2003 10:00 am
- Location: meh.
That was a relatively unenthusaistic response (save for Skynes). But it was there.
I'll limit today's commentary to specific information about the story. If you don't want to read the following paragraphs, just skip them.
Foremost, I would like to state that in no circumstances should this work of fan fiction be wedded to the work it is derived from. Being games, the Metroid series has never really had in depth and thoughtful plot lines. Because of this, I feel less obligation to remain true to canon facts. Which in essence means that this is my take on the Metroid universe with no true accountability to anything. If it makes you feel better, you could consider this an alternate universe fan fiction.
While I have made an effort to make things generally biologically or technologically probable, please keep in mind suspension of disbelief. Consider the subject matter, after all.
Possible Objectionable Content: Any theoretical rating would vary greatly. Most of the fighting is stylized, but on occasion features physiologically realistic gore. Samus curses on occasion when pressed (it has been censored) and some characters more often. Also, the story does deal with "adult themes" (working long hours, paying taxes, going to meetings, etc).
I've taken enough of your time, and this tangent has run its course. To the story.
-
Basis of Humanity
Chapter 1: The End of the Matter
The glass tube shattered into thousands of shards, each of which went flying across the room, creating a rain of glass. They fell to the floor, crashing into smaller pieces. All the blue liquid that had been stored within the tube gushed out, spilling on the floor. Still the room remained dark; no other being disturbing it.
No being other than the one that had floated within the glass tube. Now it was out, collapsed on the ground amid the glass splinters. Slowly it got to its feet, painfully, as if the effort was the most it could manage. Just as slowly, the being raised its hands to its face, and found itself looking at claws.
"What am I?" it asked, voice breaking as if it had been in long disuse. "What am I?"
Dr. Rutger veritably marched along the spotlessly white corridor. As always, he walked at a fast clip, his immaculate white lab coat trailing behind him. His shoes, shone until they reflected the light, clicked rhythmically on the steel floor.
One did not attain the position of Chief Scientist easily, not by any means. To secure his status, Dr. Rutger had been forced to go to great lengths. Of course, graduating with four Intergalactic Doctorates of Philosophy helped, but it hadn't been enough. As had everyone on this project, he had pulled strings to get onto the station. Even murder had not been out of the question if something came between him and his goals. Not that he had killed someone, no, never that; he had some dignity. That was what assassins and bounty hunters were for.
There was no scientific project possessing greater prestige than Project Darklight. Even the very knowledge of its existence signified you were one of the elite. Only a percentage of these privileged few were granted the right to work on it. Hidden throughout the galaxy were three space stations designed solely for work on the project; they were Stations Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald. It was a well known fact, among the elite, that Station Sapphire was the most prestigious of the three.
This station. A slight smile crept onto Dr. Rutger's face at the fact. He was the Chief Scientist of the Station Sapphire branch of Project Darklight, making him the most important scientist in the universe. True, their financiers were technically over him, but what have men of science ever cared for political power?
An aide sat slouched at a computer terminal, gazing at the streams of data that continued to flow past his computer screen in a rapid rate. His partner in the chair beside him was snoring softly. Dr. Rutger's eyes narrowed instantly. Undoubtedly, both men would have been considered merely eccentric geniuses in most of the galaxy. Not at Project Darklight.
"You there!" he snapped, directly behind the sleeping aide. He started in his chair, immediately moving to look as though he was carefully considering the data streams. Too late. "You may have been able to get away sleeping on the job in grade school," Dr. Rutger sneered, "but not here."
"Please, sir," the aide gasped, "don't make me leave. Anything but that! This is my passion! I love this work! I couldn't possibly do anything else, you can't make me leave my one true goal in life!"
"You are stripped of your position, and you will leave this station at once under escort," Dr. Rutger went on coldly. "If found on the premises after 18:00 you will be considered an intruder and terminated as such."
"No! Anything but that! I have a wife and kids at home, sir, I need this job to support them!"
"A likely story." Dr. Rutger paused, staring the delinquent worker in the eyes. "And even if it were so, I wouldn't care."
"Please!" The man leapt to his feet, gripping Dr. Rutger's lab coat in his hands.
"Remove your hands before I call security," Dr. Rutger responded icily. The man sank back, then collapsed sobbing into his chair. Immediately the doctor's gaze swept to the other man, who had been glanced at them nervously the entire confrontation. "And you- if I ever see you slouching on the job again, the same will happen to you."
"Yes, sir!"
Turning on his heel, Dr. Rutger marched down the hallway, shoes clicking just as precisely as before. That had been necessary, but it had cost him time. Time was the most precious of commodities. As he passed, the scientist officiously straightened the name tag of another worker. Sloppy hygiene could not be permitted.
Rounding a corner, Dr. Rutger found himself at the entrance of the biochemical lab. The door's security system scanned his body, retina and DNA for a moment before opening with a faint hiss of hydraulics. Instantly a blast of cold air swept from the door as the frigid temperatures flooded out. Ignoring it, Dr. Rutger stalked in; the door closed behind him instantly.
His presence made everyone straighten, work more industriously. On the far side of the room, a white haired man also in a lab coat was studying a clipboard. Hearing Dr. Rutger's entrance, he nodded. Scribbling a few things on the clipboard, the doctor gave it to an aide with a few words of instruction, then made a beeline for Dr. Rutger.
Sighing, the Chief Scientist slowed his walk. There was no point trying to escape the room; he would undoubtedly be tracked down. He only needed to walk through the biochemical lab, but it appeared he would be waylaid yet again. Dr. Walters could be a frightfully stubborn being when he put his mind to it. The man was a brilliant scientist, but was also incredibly annoying.
"There you are," Dr. Walters said as he came into range. As if he had just seen him, and was annoyed at the interruption, Dr. Rutger glanced in his direction. Dr. Walters was one of the few scientists on the project in the highest level of genius. Unfortunately, the two doctors disagreed on many issues, eliminating any amount of synergy they might have had.
"What is it?" Dr. Rutger asked briskly.
"I can't approve these most recent developments, sir."
"What developments?"
"The DXDV deoxyribonucleic acid strand being used in the research department. It simply can't be allowed to contin-"
"And what," Dr. Rutger interrupted, putting a slight amount of menace into his voice to indicate his disapproval, "is wrong with that DNA strand?"
"If you don't mind, doctor, I was going to explain it to you." Dr. Walters shoved a pair of glasses up the bridge of his nose. "I've seen DXDV strings before. I was the Chief Scientist of Station Ruby, I would remind you."
-
The next portion reads without page break.
I'll limit today's commentary to specific information about the story. If you don't want to read the following paragraphs, just skip them.
Foremost, I would like to state that in no circumstances should this work of fan fiction be wedded to the work it is derived from. Being games, the Metroid series has never really had in depth and thoughtful plot lines. Because of this, I feel less obligation to remain true to canon facts. Which in essence means that this is my take on the Metroid universe with no true accountability to anything. If it makes you feel better, you could consider this an alternate universe fan fiction.
While I have made an effort to make things generally biologically or technologically probable, please keep in mind suspension of disbelief. Consider the subject matter, after all.
Possible Objectionable Content: Any theoretical rating would vary greatly. Most of the fighting is stylized, but on occasion features physiologically realistic gore. Samus curses on occasion when pressed (it has been censored) and some characters more often. Also, the story does deal with "adult themes" (working long hours, paying taxes, going to meetings, etc).
I've taken enough of your time, and this tangent has run its course. To the story.
-
Basis of Humanity
Chapter 1: The End of the Matter
The glass tube shattered into thousands of shards, each of which went flying across the room, creating a rain of glass. They fell to the floor, crashing into smaller pieces. All the blue liquid that had been stored within the tube gushed out, spilling on the floor. Still the room remained dark; no other being disturbing it.
No being other than the one that had floated within the glass tube. Now it was out, collapsed on the ground amid the glass splinters. Slowly it got to its feet, painfully, as if the effort was the most it could manage. Just as slowly, the being raised its hands to its face, and found itself looking at claws.
"What am I?" it asked, voice breaking as if it had been in long disuse. "What am I?"
Dr. Rutger veritably marched along the spotlessly white corridor. As always, he walked at a fast clip, his immaculate white lab coat trailing behind him. His shoes, shone until they reflected the light, clicked rhythmically on the steel floor.
One did not attain the position of Chief Scientist easily, not by any means. To secure his status, Dr. Rutger had been forced to go to great lengths. Of course, graduating with four Intergalactic Doctorates of Philosophy helped, but it hadn't been enough. As had everyone on this project, he had pulled strings to get onto the station. Even murder had not been out of the question if something came between him and his goals. Not that he had killed someone, no, never that; he had some dignity. That was what assassins and bounty hunters were for.
There was no scientific project possessing greater prestige than Project Darklight. Even the very knowledge of its existence signified you were one of the elite. Only a percentage of these privileged few were granted the right to work on it. Hidden throughout the galaxy were three space stations designed solely for work on the project; they were Stations Sapphire, Ruby and Emerald. It was a well known fact, among the elite, that Station Sapphire was the most prestigious of the three.
This station. A slight smile crept onto Dr. Rutger's face at the fact. He was the Chief Scientist of the Station Sapphire branch of Project Darklight, making him the most important scientist in the universe. True, their financiers were technically over him, but what have men of science ever cared for political power?
An aide sat slouched at a computer terminal, gazing at the streams of data that continued to flow past his computer screen in a rapid rate. His partner in the chair beside him was snoring softly. Dr. Rutger's eyes narrowed instantly. Undoubtedly, both men would have been considered merely eccentric geniuses in most of the galaxy. Not at Project Darklight.
"You there!" he snapped, directly behind the sleeping aide. He started in his chair, immediately moving to look as though he was carefully considering the data streams. Too late. "You may have been able to get away sleeping on the job in grade school," Dr. Rutger sneered, "but not here."
"Please, sir," the aide gasped, "don't make me leave. Anything but that! This is my passion! I love this work! I couldn't possibly do anything else, you can't make me leave my one true goal in life!"
"You are stripped of your position, and you will leave this station at once under escort," Dr. Rutger went on coldly. "If found on the premises after 18:00 you will be considered an intruder and terminated as such."
"No! Anything but that! I have a wife and kids at home, sir, I need this job to support them!"
"A likely story." Dr. Rutger paused, staring the delinquent worker in the eyes. "And even if it were so, I wouldn't care."
"Please!" The man leapt to his feet, gripping Dr. Rutger's lab coat in his hands.
"Remove your hands before I call security," Dr. Rutger responded icily. The man sank back, then collapsed sobbing into his chair. Immediately the doctor's gaze swept to the other man, who had been glanced at them nervously the entire confrontation. "And you- if I ever see you slouching on the job again, the same will happen to you."
"Yes, sir!"
Turning on his heel, Dr. Rutger marched down the hallway, shoes clicking just as precisely as before. That had been necessary, but it had cost him time. Time was the most precious of commodities. As he passed, the scientist officiously straightened the name tag of another worker. Sloppy hygiene could not be permitted.
Rounding a corner, Dr. Rutger found himself at the entrance of the biochemical lab. The door's security system scanned his body, retina and DNA for a moment before opening with a faint hiss of hydraulics. Instantly a blast of cold air swept from the door as the frigid temperatures flooded out. Ignoring it, Dr. Rutger stalked in; the door closed behind him instantly.
His presence made everyone straighten, work more industriously. On the far side of the room, a white haired man also in a lab coat was studying a clipboard. Hearing Dr. Rutger's entrance, he nodded. Scribbling a few things on the clipboard, the doctor gave it to an aide with a few words of instruction, then made a beeline for Dr. Rutger.
Sighing, the Chief Scientist slowed his walk. There was no point trying to escape the room; he would undoubtedly be tracked down. He only needed to walk through the biochemical lab, but it appeared he would be waylaid yet again. Dr. Walters could be a frightfully stubborn being when he put his mind to it. The man was a brilliant scientist, but was also incredibly annoying.
"There you are," Dr. Walters said as he came into range. As if he had just seen him, and was annoyed at the interruption, Dr. Rutger glanced in his direction. Dr. Walters was one of the few scientists on the project in the highest level of genius. Unfortunately, the two doctors disagreed on many issues, eliminating any amount of synergy they might have had.
"What is it?" Dr. Rutger asked briskly.
"I can't approve these most recent developments, sir."
"What developments?"
"The DXDV deoxyribonucleic acid strand being used in the research department. It simply can't be allowed to contin-"
"And what," Dr. Rutger interrupted, putting a slight amount of menace into his voice to indicate his disapproval, "is wrong with that DNA strand?"
"If you don't mind, doctor, I was going to explain it to you." Dr. Walters shoved a pair of glasses up the bridge of his nose. "I've seen DXDV strings before. I was the Chief Scientist of Station Ruby, I would remind you."
-
The next portion reads without page break.
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
Of course he would remind him. Dr. Rutger gritted his teeth at this old wound being reopened.
"You gave up your rights as Chief Scientist when you left Station Ruby to work here. Do not bring it up again."
"And do you know why I left? Do you?" Dr. Walters demanded. "I thought not. I had my reasons, Jason, trust me. But they used the DXDV string there, and it was a disaster."
"All our reports have shown that it will merely increase the subject's strength and agility. It is the perfect addiction."
"Well, sure, it does that. It also makes them insane!"
"Very well, Marcus," Dr. Rutger responded, taking care to use his first name as well. "Your opinion has been logged, and the board will review it."
"Fine."
"If you'll excuse me, I'm a very busy man." Putting on another burst of speed, Dr. Rutger stalked from the biochemical lab. Now, hopefully, there would be no more distractions. Immediately adjacent to the biochemical lab, and taking advantage of its low temperature, was the storage room. All the subjects and specimens were kept here, under freezing conditions. It was here that Dr. Rutger had been heading this entire time.
"Um, excuse me, sir?" a voice tentatively stated. Whirling, eyes flashing, Dr. Rutger glared at the startled aide.
"What is it?"
"There's some... uh, rather important news, sir."
"Well? Spit it out!"
"Station Ruby was destroyed, sir."
"What?" Dr. Rutger exploded. Destroyed? How? How could such a thing happen?
"There had been no response from the station for several weeks, sir, and a team was sent to investigate it. They found nothing but a bit of rubble where the station had been. No one really knows the cause or any of the details surrounding it."
"I see." Narrowing his eyes, Dr. Rutger gave the matter some deep thought. Such a thing needed to be deeply considered indeed. Waving aside the aide, the Chief Scientist walked on, into the main storage area. Hundreds of specimens lay unmoving in large vats of green liquid, but the doctor had no eye for them, having seen them countless times.
The precise clicking of the doctor's heels stopped abruptly as he came into sight of the tube at the far end of the hall. He had come here for the sole purpose of checking up on how this subject was doing. It had been a delicate operation, with the subject's vital signs frequently dropping dangerously low. Any time he checked on it, he was prepared for most possibilities.
But not the complete absence of a specimen. The tube was unbroken, the green liquid sitting undisturbed. And there was nothing inside it. Instantly Dr. Rutger tensed, glancing about the lab. What could have happened? Was it possible that someone moved the subject without his knowledge? Ridiculous; they could not do anything without his approval.
Where were the scientists in charge of this storage center? Why had they allowed this to happen. Fury building up inside him, Dr. Rutger stormed to the far wall of the large room, where the idiots who had allowed this to happen would be.
His rage vanished in an instant as his gaze turned to the sight before him. The scientists were lying on the floor in pools of their own blood. Dr. Rutger had only time to gape for a few instants, his breath coming in ragged, wet gasps, before a claw sliced into him from behind. Before the doctor hit the floor, he was dead.
Only a herald of what was to come.
Leaning back in her chair, Samus Aran sighed heavily. As always, the bounty hunter was wearing her complete bio suit. She had hoped to have even a few days free for a bit of rest and relaxation, but it seemed that it was not to be. No sooner had she stepped off her own ship from another successful operation than she had been accosted by agents of the Galactic Council. They needed her for another job again. When did they ever associate with her except when they needed work done?
There were many worse jobs, true. Had it been one of those, she would have refused it. But the Galactic Council paid well, and there was a vague feeling that in doing their work she was helping out the galaxy. At least in some small way Samus liked that feeling.
Besides, in the past, all their operations had been serious. Several times she had been called upon to eliminate serious problems, most recently the Metroid issue. That wasn't anything Samus wanted to remember, and she quickly moved away from that line of thought. Just to make sure, she checked that the computer's navigation system was steering her aright, then sat back in her chair again.
Tapping her fingers together, the feared bounty hunter considered her situation. After her last job, she still had more than enough money to get her by. Though Samus was undoubtedly one of the best bounty hunters in the galaxy, the job surprisingly didn't create that high of living standards. While every mission she took yielded a high amount of money, her gross income was offset by ship repairs (which seemed all too common), equipment upgrades and general living expenses. More times than she cared to remember, Samus had found herself short on money. So it really wasn't all that lucrative of a position.
Laughing softly at herself, Samus considered what she sounded like. So what did she do the job for, then, the joy of working? Why yes, I do enjoy running around and killing things! It takes a real devotion to the art! Sadly, such was almost true. Plus, as a bounty hunter, it was socially permissible to be independent, regardless of gender. And there was something great about being able to put an energy weapon in someone's face when they annoyed you.
Am I really that bad? Surely, there were worse bounty hunters, who'd slit their own mother's throats if they thought they could get money out of it. Then there were the bounty hunters who had already done so. And probably some that didn't have mothers, one way or another. But regardless, Samus liked to think of herself as an efficient agent, not a criminal slightly on the right side of the law. She was merely good at what she did, and in this industry that meant she was very dangerous.
One of the lights in her computer console blinked, Samus glanced down at it closer. There was a message, coming from the Galactic Council Station ahead. They must have been in a hurry, if they didn't even let her land before contacting her. Flipping a switch on the control panel, Samus nodded to the official as he appeared on screen.
"Samus Aran. We're glad you could make it."
"Why did you need me so urgently?" She hated these political types. So many words to say so little. While Samus tended to be terse in speech anyway, she became even more so when she had to work with politicians.
"The situation is an urgent one, and of quite dire need. We do not believe it will take that long, but we want only the best working for us."
"But what is it?"
"A research station of ours has apparently been lost. There was a transmission coming from it as the connection was snapped, so we have only partial information. What we have been able to determine was that something has attacked the station, and did so quite suddenly. In any case, they were destroyed or eliminated before they could make a distress call."
"We don't know what this 'something' is?"
"Not at all, I'm afraid. It could be alien in nature, or possible just a pirate attack. There has been heavy marauder action in that quadrant lately, and we believe that may be the cause."
"Aren't all Galactic Stations equipped with defensive systems? Shouldn't those systems have defended them long enough for any attack to be detected?" Samus asked, eyes narrowing.
"Look," the politician threw up his hands, "I don't know what's going on. No one has any idea. What we want you to do is escort a team of our scientists to the station. If you protect them and deal with any dangers on the station, we'll consider the job done. We'll provide you with another ship for navigating the asteroid field surrounding the station."
"It's in an asteroid field?" Samus raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"I really don't know that either. This is all handled by the science types. Listen, we're willing to pay you 30,000 for this job, if you get it done quickly."
Samus resisted the urge to whistle and merely nodded. That was a lot, even more than they had paid her for some simpler jobs. Why would they care so much about this research station? "Fine. Why was I contacted now and not when I reached the station?"
"Time is of the essence. The scientists' ship is already prepared, and we have your new ship primed alongside it. As soon as you arrive, you can leave. As I have said, this is a very urgent issue. If we can help them, we want to help. If not, we need to get information as quickly as possible."
"Very well. End transmission." As the image before her vanished, replaced by the endless expanse of stars, Samus closed her eyes. Something about this job felt odd. Then again, a lot of Galactic Council jobs were odd: if they needed to hire a bounty hunter, it was most likely for a task far outside the ordinary.
As she neared the station, Samus quickly entered her docking codes and prepared the ship for connecting to the station itself. Rising from her seat, Samus tapped the side of her helmet, sliding the visor down over her face. Instantly the glass lit up with assorted readings and data. Ignoring these things, Samus checked that the energy cannons on both arms were working, and that all systems were at full. They were, as always.
The ship jolted slightly as it made contact with the station, but Samus was used to such movement. As the door into the station opened, Samus was already striding from it, vanishing into the corridors.
-
Behold: the first chapter.
"You gave up your rights as Chief Scientist when you left Station Ruby to work here. Do not bring it up again."
"And do you know why I left? Do you?" Dr. Walters demanded. "I thought not. I had my reasons, Jason, trust me. But they used the DXDV string there, and it was a disaster."
"All our reports have shown that it will merely increase the subject's strength and agility. It is the perfect addiction."
"Well, sure, it does that. It also makes them insane!"
"Very well, Marcus," Dr. Rutger responded, taking care to use his first name as well. "Your opinion has been logged, and the board will review it."
"Fine."
"If you'll excuse me, I'm a very busy man." Putting on another burst of speed, Dr. Rutger stalked from the biochemical lab. Now, hopefully, there would be no more distractions. Immediately adjacent to the biochemical lab, and taking advantage of its low temperature, was the storage room. All the subjects and specimens were kept here, under freezing conditions. It was here that Dr. Rutger had been heading this entire time.
"Um, excuse me, sir?" a voice tentatively stated. Whirling, eyes flashing, Dr. Rutger glared at the startled aide.
"What is it?"
"There's some... uh, rather important news, sir."
"Well? Spit it out!"
"Station Ruby was destroyed, sir."
"What?" Dr. Rutger exploded. Destroyed? How? How could such a thing happen?
"There had been no response from the station for several weeks, sir, and a team was sent to investigate it. They found nothing but a bit of rubble where the station had been. No one really knows the cause or any of the details surrounding it."
"I see." Narrowing his eyes, Dr. Rutger gave the matter some deep thought. Such a thing needed to be deeply considered indeed. Waving aside the aide, the Chief Scientist walked on, into the main storage area. Hundreds of specimens lay unmoving in large vats of green liquid, but the doctor had no eye for them, having seen them countless times.
The precise clicking of the doctor's heels stopped abruptly as he came into sight of the tube at the far end of the hall. He had come here for the sole purpose of checking up on how this subject was doing. It had been a delicate operation, with the subject's vital signs frequently dropping dangerously low. Any time he checked on it, he was prepared for most possibilities.
But not the complete absence of a specimen. The tube was unbroken, the green liquid sitting undisturbed. And there was nothing inside it. Instantly Dr. Rutger tensed, glancing about the lab. What could have happened? Was it possible that someone moved the subject without his knowledge? Ridiculous; they could not do anything without his approval.
Where were the scientists in charge of this storage center? Why had they allowed this to happen. Fury building up inside him, Dr. Rutger stormed to the far wall of the large room, where the idiots who had allowed this to happen would be.
His rage vanished in an instant as his gaze turned to the sight before him. The scientists were lying on the floor in pools of their own blood. Dr. Rutger had only time to gape for a few instants, his breath coming in ragged, wet gasps, before a claw sliced into him from behind. Before the doctor hit the floor, he was dead.
Only a herald of what was to come.
Leaning back in her chair, Samus Aran sighed heavily. As always, the bounty hunter was wearing her complete bio suit. She had hoped to have even a few days free for a bit of rest and relaxation, but it seemed that it was not to be. No sooner had she stepped off her own ship from another successful operation than she had been accosted by agents of the Galactic Council. They needed her for another job again. When did they ever associate with her except when they needed work done?
There were many worse jobs, true. Had it been one of those, she would have refused it. But the Galactic Council paid well, and there was a vague feeling that in doing their work she was helping out the galaxy. At least in some small way Samus liked that feeling.
Besides, in the past, all their operations had been serious. Several times she had been called upon to eliminate serious problems, most recently the Metroid issue. That wasn't anything Samus wanted to remember, and she quickly moved away from that line of thought. Just to make sure, she checked that the computer's navigation system was steering her aright, then sat back in her chair again.
Tapping her fingers together, the feared bounty hunter considered her situation. After her last job, she still had more than enough money to get her by. Though Samus was undoubtedly one of the best bounty hunters in the galaxy, the job surprisingly didn't create that high of living standards. While every mission she took yielded a high amount of money, her gross income was offset by ship repairs (which seemed all too common), equipment upgrades and general living expenses. More times than she cared to remember, Samus had found herself short on money. So it really wasn't all that lucrative of a position.
Laughing softly at herself, Samus considered what she sounded like. So what did she do the job for, then, the joy of working? Why yes, I do enjoy running around and killing things! It takes a real devotion to the art! Sadly, such was almost true. Plus, as a bounty hunter, it was socially permissible to be independent, regardless of gender. And there was something great about being able to put an energy weapon in someone's face when they annoyed you.
Am I really that bad? Surely, there were worse bounty hunters, who'd slit their own mother's throats if they thought they could get money out of it. Then there were the bounty hunters who had already done so. And probably some that didn't have mothers, one way or another. But regardless, Samus liked to think of herself as an efficient agent, not a criminal slightly on the right side of the law. She was merely good at what she did, and in this industry that meant she was very dangerous.
One of the lights in her computer console blinked, Samus glanced down at it closer. There was a message, coming from the Galactic Council Station ahead. They must have been in a hurry, if they didn't even let her land before contacting her. Flipping a switch on the control panel, Samus nodded to the official as he appeared on screen.
"Samus Aran. We're glad you could make it."
"Why did you need me so urgently?" She hated these political types. So many words to say so little. While Samus tended to be terse in speech anyway, she became even more so when she had to work with politicians.
"The situation is an urgent one, and of quite dire need. We do not believe it will take that long, but we want only the best working for us."
"But what is it?"
"A research station of ours has apparently been lost. There was a transmission coming from it as the connection was snapped, so we have only partial information. What we have been able to determine was that something has attacked the station, and did so quite suddenly. In any case, they were destroyed or eliminated before they could make a distress call."
"We don't know what this 'something' is?"
"Not at all, I'm afraid. It could be alien in nature, or possible just a pirate attack. There has been heavy marauder action in that quadrant lately, and we believe that may be the cause."
"Aren't all Galactic Stations equipped with defensive systems? Shouldn't those systems have defended them long enough for any attack to be detected?" Samus asked, eyes narrowing.
"Look," the politician threw up his hands, "I don't know what's going on. No one has any idea. What we want you to do is escort a team of our scientists to the station. If you protect them and deal with any dangers on the station, we'll consider the job done. We'll provide you with another ship for navigating the asteroid field surrounding the station."
"It's in an asteroid field?" Samus raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"I really don't know that either. This is all handled by the science types. Listen, we're willing to pay you 30,000 for this job, if you get it done quickly."
Samus resisted the urge to whistle and merely nodded. That was a lot, even more than they had paid her for some simpler jobs. Why would they care so much about this research station? "Fine. Why was I contacted now and not when I reached the station?"
"Time is of the essence. The scientists' ship is already prepared, and we have your new ship primed alongside it. As soon as you arrive, you can leave. As I have said, this is a very urgent issue. If we can help them, we want to help. If not, we need to get information as quickly as possible."
"Very well. End transmission." As the image before her vanished, replaced by the endless expanse of stars, Samus closed her eyes. Something about this job felt odd. Then again, a lot of Galactic Council jobs were odd: if they needed to hire a bounty hunter, it was most likely for a task far outside the ordinary.
As she neared the station, Samus quickly entered her docking codes and prepared the ship for connecting to the station itself. Rising from her seat, Samus tapped the side of her helmet, sliding the visor down over her face. Instantly the glass lit up with assorted readings and data. Ignoring these things, Samus checked that the energy cannons on both arms were working, and that all systems were at full. They were, as always.
The ship jolted slightly as it made contact with the station, but Samus was used to such movement. As the door into the station opened, Samus was already striding from it, vanishing into the corridors.
-
Behold: the first chapter.
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
Wow...that is COOL. the characters seem to come alive off the computer.
Your stlye is well devloped and unique.
There seems to be alot of scifi around here.
Your stlye is well devloped and unique.
There seems to be alot of scifi around here.
"Foul Beast"
Jesus is the Lord of the Kings
I love hypper people
"...art can teach without at all ceasing to be art."
"Love may forgive all infirmities and love still in spite of them: but Love cannot cease to will their removal."
"If I find in myself a desire which no experience in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that I was made for another world."
the words of C.S. Lewis "Jack"
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starstoryteller - Posts: 172
- Joined: Wed May 19, 2004 6:51 pm
- Location: U.S.A. Washington of the town of Issaquah
The only thing I know of Metroid is that I love to watch my son play the game on the GameCube. I know Samus Aran is supposed to be a *surprise* blonde haired, green-eyed hottie whom everyone thought was a guy when the game first came out. Please, tell me if I'm wrong here. I get my facts mixed up at times. :p
Anyways, as always your writing is one of the best around here. I'm not a big science fiction fan, nor am I a big fanfic fan, both of which you know about me, I think. But, I just love to read your writing UC. ^__^ Excellent as always!
Anyways, as always your writing is one of the best around here. I'm not a big science fiction fan, nor am I a big fanfic fan, both of which you know about me, I think. But, I just love to read your writing UC. ^__^ Excellent as always!
[size=84][color=seagreen]YOU SEE
You see into the deepest part of me ---
beyond the fog I hide behind.
You cast your light upon the shadows
that stretch like cobwebs in my mind.
You ease the pain when I am hurting,
and morbid visions from my past
pierce into the realm of Reason
as though I danced on blades of glass.
You grant me strength when I have fallen
and, once again, I've lost my way.
You take my hand in Yours and lead me
into the promise of a brand new day.
You bring order to all my chaos,
yet set my well-laid plans awry.
You place me on a firm foundation ---
then give me wings so I can fly.
You sand away my roughened edges
and polish all the dullest parts
until I stand before Your presence...
a newly-sculpted work of art.
You see into the heart within me,
right through my motives and selfish will.
And yet, in spite of all You see
You say You love me even still.
~by D.M.~
[/color][/size]
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true_noir_chloe - Posts: 3091
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 12:00 pm
- Location: Where Tex-Mex is the best! ^_____^
Note: I compiled two posts.
Read it ... and though I've never even watched someone play metroid prime I really liked it. There was enough information that even not knowing a thing about the video game I wasn't lost which in my mind is the mark of good fanfics (that and not being a rehash of what is already written but considering the opening note I doubt this is.)
I read it and it was quite good. I've never so much as seen someone play metroid prime but I could follow the story well enough thus making it good fanfiction. afterthought: I've enjoyed everything of yours that I have read, you're a great writer, now I need to go finish reading the fall...
Read it ... and though I've never even watched someone play metroid prime I really liked it. There was enough information that even not knowing a thing about the video game I wasn't lost which in my mind is the mark of good fanfics (that and not being a rehash of what is already written but considering the opening note I doubt this is.)
I read it and it was quite good. I've never so much as seen someone play metroid prime but I could follow the story well enough thus making it good fanfiction. afterthought: I've enjoyed everything of yours that I have read, you're a great writer, now I need to go finish reading the fall...
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Ducky - Posts: 289
- Joined: Tue Apr 27, 2004 9:13 pm
- Location: Kentucky
true_noir_chloe wrote:The only thing I know of Metroid is that I love to watch my son play the game on the GameCube. I know Samus Aran is supposed to be a *surprise* blonde haired, green-eyed hottie whom everyone thought was a guy when the game first came out. Please, tell me if I'm wrong here. I get my facts mixed up at times. :p
You are correct. I wasn't sure about her eye color, so I might have made my Samus have a different color, but it doesn't matter that much.
I really like Samus. As a video game character (a strong female lead who's wearing complete clothing) and especially as a literary character (my favorite female character to write to date). That was a big part of the enjoyment of writing this story.
true_noir_chloe wrote:Anyways, as always your writing is one of the best around here. I'm not a big science fiction fan, nor am I a big fanfic fan, both of which you know about me, I think.
Indeed. Let me assure you that the story contains elements that are a far cry from the usual sci-fi. It isn't often that I write and don't mix genres. Also, this story could just as well have been an original work if I just changed the main character's name and removed the references to Metroid.
Ducky wrote:Read it ... and though I've never even watched someone play metroid prime I really liked it. There was enough information that even not knowing a thing about the video game I wasn't lost which in my mind is the mark of good fanfics (that and not being a rehash of what is already written but considering the opening note I doubt this is.)
The story is written in such a manner that you could enjoy it without knowing anything about the games. However, I did include many of the classic Metroid weapons that fans of the series will recgonize. And plenty of my own unique creations...
When this is posted I'll compile your double post, Ducky.
I should mention that I will update this with another full-length chapter weekly, as I place it on Fanfiction.net. This will be going for quite some time...
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
Any chance you could remind me when you post future chapters?
I liked this story. Nice seeing Samus with personality. Reminds me a little of the Fusion dialogue.
You did the scientists very well especially the head scientist, Cruel, ruthless, conniving.
I liked this story. Nice seeing Samus with personality. Reminds me a little of the Fusion dialogue.
You did the scientists very well especially the head scientist, Cruel, ruthless, conniving.
I am the Reaper of Souls... and it's harvest time.
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skynes - Posts: 742
- Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2004 8:39 am
- Location: N Ireland
I anticipate loading new chapters every Thursday, so if you just looked for this thread in the Writing section on Friday it should be there.
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
Only minorly pushed back by the shot, the alien rushed forward toward her. Samus narrowed her eyes and held her ground; she had dealt with tough shelled aliens before. Switching her hand cannon to a Gatling-style gun, Samus blasted the monster with a constant stream of hot blue energy fire.
For a few moments the creature was pushed back. Each shot did little damage to its tough armor, but the force of the combined attacks drove it to the wall. Abruptly the attacks stopped, but only because Samus was leaping toward the creature. In midair Samus leveled her left arm, which had been charging the entire time, at the beast’s chest.
Plasmic energy ripped through the monster, tearing a hole in the floor as well. The alien life form dropped to the ground instantly, all life energy already gone from it. First scanning the area nearby for any other hostile beings, Samus then carefully stepped over the creature’s body and to the room with the scientists. They glanced up at her in fear, then all sighed in relief.
“Come on,â€
For a few moments the creature was pushed back. Each shot did little damage to its tough armor, but the force of the combined attacks drove it to the wall. Abruptly the attacks stopped, but only because Samus was leaping toward the creature. In midair Samus leveled her left arm, which had been charging the entire time, at the beast’s chest.
Plasmic energy ripped through the monster, tearing a hole in the floor as well. The alien life form dropped to the ground instantly, all life energy already gone from it. First scanning the area nearby for any other hostile beings, Samus then carefully stepped over the creature’s body and to the room with the scientists. They glanced up at her in fear, then all sighed in relief.
“Come on,â€
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
No, for simple reasons. Primarily, I left it vague so that this isn't necessarily tied to a specific game. Also, because I really don't know the names of most alien enemies in the games. Not a space pirate... they're human, and they'll come in later.
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
Sorry it's taken so long, but I finally got around to reading this. Been meaning to for several days...
Anyway, good stuff, UC.
I'm not a Metroid fan (don't even know exactly what Metroid IS) but I am very partial to science fiction, especially when it's as well-written as this. ^^ You did an excellent job where dialogue is concerned, particularly Samus's.
Please post more whenever you get the chance.
Anyway, good stuff, UC.
I'm not a Metroid fan (don't even know exactly what Metroid IS) but I am very partial to science fiction, especially when it's as well-written as this. ^^ You did an excellent job where dialogue is concerned, particularly Samus's.
Please post more whenever you get the chance.
"Consider the lilies of the field. They neither sew nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. If God so clothes the grass, which is in the field one day and cast into the oven the next, how much more will he clothe you, o ye of little faith?
-Luke 12:27-28
-CAA's official writing shinobi.
"Mostly I write action/adventure, and while I dislike romance, I seem to end up doing it and I've been told I do so well. To that I give a cliche "Feh.""
-uc pseudonym
-Luke 12:27-28
-CAA's official writing shinobi.
"Mostly I write action/adventure, and while I dislike romance, I seem to end up doing it and I've been told I do so well. To that I give a cliche "Feh.""
-uc pseudonym
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Kesshin - Posts: 376
- Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2003 5:33 pm
- Location: Sometimes I wonder...
skynes wrote:Space Pirates human? Not the last time I checked, they're an insectoid race.
Space pirates of Metroid, perhaps. Not mine. Mine are, quite literally, pirates of space. This is partially to tie into the overall plot (and more importantly theme) and also because I wanted to make there be only one intelligent race. Call it creative liscence.
Glad you liked it Kesshin. Next Thursday.
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
I enjoyed reading this. ^__^ I'll look for the next installment on Thursday. ~_^
[size=84][color=seagreen]YOU SEE
You see into the deepest part of me ---
beyond the fog I hide behind.
You cast your light upon the shadows
that stretch like cobwebs in my mind.
You ease the pain when I am hurting,
and morbid visions from my past
pierce into the realm of Reason
as though I danced on blades of glass.
You grant me strength when I have fallen
and, once again, I've lost my way.
You take my hand in Yours and lead me
into the promise of a brand new day.
You bring order to all my chaos,
yet set my well-laid plans awry.
You place me on a firm foundation ---
then give me wings so I can fly.
You sand away my roughened edges
and polish all the dullest parts
until I stand before Your presence...
a newly-sculpted work of art.
You see into the heart within me,
right through my motives and selfish will.
And yet, in spite of all You see
You say You love me even still.
~by D.M.~
[/color][/size]
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true_noir_chloe - Posts: 3091
- Joined: Wed Sep 10, 2003 12:00 pm
- Location: Where Tex-Mex is the best! ^_____^
My sincerest apologies: the file I had thought was the entire story contained only a prior chapter, and the story cannot be updated today. Tomorrow this should be more possible.
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
I am somewhat surprised that several people asked for descriptions of the alien life forms involved. Simply put, I never cared. The matter is so tangential to the story that I didn’t consider it very important. However, in accordance with what people care about, all future aliens (not including this chapter) will be better described.
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Chapter 3: Sacrifices
Striding through the corridors, Samus quickly made her way toward the main laboratory. She wanted some answers, and she wanted them now. If they wouldn’t open the blast doors, she’d blow them open herself.
Rounding a corner, Samus found that something else was already afoot. Instantly she spun back around the corner, pouring over the image in her mind. Monsters had been swarming around the heavy blast doors, but they really weren’t doing any damage. Flipping to infrared mode, Samus glanced back in that direction. There was a very hot area near the base of the door, and two more on the sides. What could those be?
Risking a glance around the corner, Samus got an answer to her question. Several monsters were against the blast door, patiently breathing flame onto the door, slowly melting through it. Already they had made their way several feet into the thick doorway. The two other heated areas on the sides were having the same done to them.
They’re getting around them, Samus realized suddenly, with a slight chill. Not only are they breaking through the blast doors, they’re tunneling around the other side, to catch them on both ends.
That wasn’t normal alien behavior. All alien life forms discovered to this point weren’t capable of higher thought, certainly not a planned attack such as this one. Something was definitely wrong, but Samus didn’t want to think about what it could be at the moment. If they managed to break through, they’d slaughter the scientists effortlessly.
Samus came around the corner, both guns blazing. Immediately the monsters turned toward her, though the first ranks had already fallen. Before they could fully charge, Samus fired rockets into each of the side tunnels being burned. Flaming infernos destroyed the monsters within each. Meanwhile, the rest of the monsters were rushing forward toward her.
Out of curiosity, Samus briefly switched to Darklight mode, long enough to confirm that all these monsters were indeed saturated with radiation. Most of them glowed a dull green or blue, so they were probably just contaminated by this station. Then they were near her, and Samus had no more time for such investigations.
Firing a grappling hook directly up, Samus waited until it clamped into the ceiling, then allowed the chain to retract, pulling her above the wave of monsters. From her higher position, Samus continued firing down at the aliens below. Several flying monsters detached at once, then flew at her from opposite directions. It was a planned attack, she realized, and actually coordinated.
Not to be outdone, Samus pulled herself up to the ceiling and activated her magnetic boots. Once upside down with both hands free Samus fired in both directions and destroyed the flying creatures. So this might be a bit tougher, though they didn’t have any powerful monsters.
Something caught her from behind, and Samus felt herself propelled across the room, and into the wall. Landing heavily, Samus barely raised a gun in time to blast away the monster leaping at her. With a bit of time to think, she realized what they had done. It had been a surprise attack, and a relatively good one. Much smarter than usual.
Still, they couldn’t truly match her in intelligence or firepower. The last of the monsters charged toward her, but were wiped out before they bridged half the distance. Checking the nearby areas with her infrared scope to ensure there were no more, Samus turned back to the blast doors just as they slid open.
An ashen faced scientist stumbled forward, and others soon followed him.
“What’s going on here?â€
-
Chapter 3: Sacrifices
Striding through the corridors, Samus quickly made her way toward the main laboratory. She wanted some answers, and she wanted them now. If they wouldn’t open the blast doors, she’d blow them open herself.
Rounding a corner, Samus found that something else was already afoot. Instantly she spun back around the corner, pouring over the image in her mind. Monsters had been swarming around the heavy blast doors, but they really weren’t doing any damage. Flipping to infrared mode, Samus glanced back in that direction. There was a very hot area near the base of the door, and two more on the sides. What could those be?
Risking a glance around the corner, Samus got an answer to her question. Several monsters were against the blast door, patiently breathing flame onto the door, slowly melting through it. Already they had made their way several feet into the thick doorway. The two other heated areas on the sides were having the same done to them.
They’re getting around them, Samus realized suddenly, with a slight chill. Not only are they breaking through the blast doors, they’re tunneling around the other side, to catch them on both ends.
That wasn’t normal alien behavior. All alien life forms discovered to this point weren’t capable of higher thought, certainly not a planned attack such as this one. Something was definitely wrong, but Samus didn’t want to think about what it could be at the moment. If they managed to break through, they’d slaughter the scientists effortlessly.
Samus came around the corner, both guns blazing. Immediately the monsters turned toward her, though the first ranks had already fallen. Before they could fully charge, Samus fired rockets into each of the side tunnels being burned. Flaming infernos destroyed the monsters within each. Meanwhile, the rest of the monsters were rushing forward toward her.
Out of curiosity, Samus briefly switched to Darklight mode, long enough to confirm that all these monsters were indeed saturated with radiation. Most of them glowed a dull green or blue, so they were probably just contaminated by this station. Then they were near her, and Samus had no more time for such investigations.
Firing a grappling hook directly up, Samus waited until it clamped into the ceiling, then allowed the chain to retract, pulling her above the wave of monsters. From her higher position, Samus continued firing down at the aliens below. Several flying monsters detached at once, then flew at her from opposite directions. It was a planned attack, she realized, and actually coordinated.
Not to be outdone, Samus pulled herself up to the ceiling and activated her magnetic boots. Once upside down with both hands free Samus fired in both directions and destroyed the flying creatures. So this might be a bit tougher, though they didn’t have any powerful monsters.
Something caught her from behind, and Samus felt herself propelled across the room, and into the wall. Landing heavily, Samus barely raised a gun in time to blast away the monster leaping at her. With a bit of time to think, she realized what they had done. It had been a surprise attack, and a relatively good one. Much smarter than usual.
Still, they couldn’t truly match her in intelligence or firepower. The last of the monsters charged toward her, but were wiped out before they bridged half the distance. Checking the nearby areas with her infrared scope to ensure there were no more, Samus turned back to the blast doors just as they slid open.
An ashen faced scientist stumbled forward, and others soon followed him.
“What’s going on here?â€
-
uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
A faint hum began to vibrate her just slightly, as she neared the Core. It sounded like an energy based Power Core, which was a good sign. Those could be destroyed relatively easily. The corridor she was in continued to wrap around itself, and Samus eventually realized it was merely a ring around the room containing the Power Core. So the entrance must not be on this level.
Not having the time to bother going elsewhere, Samus blasted her way through the wall. Ducking through the hole, Samus glanced about the chamber that contained the Power Core carefully. It still appeared to be functioning normally.
For someone who had never seen the central Power Core of a space station, it could be an awe inspiring sight. A long column in the center of the station was merely a tall chamber, designed solely for the purpose of containing the Power Core. The Core itself was a solid blue column of energy that glowed in the center of the room, flying up from a metal base on the floor to a ring on the ceiling. At the very bottom the base of the Core contained numerous computer panels for control of the station’s power. Above it, catwalks extended for more specific work, dotted by computer terminals. Samus had seen Power Cores before and ignored it.
Because she had made her own entrance, none of the catwalks were nearby. Jumping from the hole in the wall, Samus activated her jet pack in midair, flying up toward the top of the Power Core. It was probably best to take out the receiving end, as the power surge resulting would wipe out the rest of the station quite efficiently...
Something struck her from the side, tackling her into a nearby wall. Immediately Samus switched off her jet pack and activated her magnetic boots. Now standing on the wall, Samus grappled with her attacker briefly before hurling whatever it was away.
As it flew through the air, the vaguely humanoid alien caught a hold of one of the railings on a lower catwalk, swinging itself around. Flipping through the air, it landed on the catwalk. Somewhat surprised, Samus let herself drop to the nearest catwalk and glanced down at this strange being that had attacked her.
It leapt from the lower catwalk a second later, and to her shock, actually got up to her level with a swift kick. Barely turning aside, Samus managed to catch the attack, but it struck her hand with enough force to cause a bit of pain, even within the bio suit. So it was a powerful alien, then.
Bringing up her gun arm, Samus blasted the thing with a bolt directly in the chest. As it fell back, Samus got a better look. What it really looked like was a young human male that had somehow grown an exoskeleton. Could it be something mutated from all the experiments within the lab?
Just as the creature fell back on the catwalk, it suddenly jerked, pushing itself away from the metal grate and into the air. Its feet, which seemed to still be in boots, slammed into Samus’ midriff. Fortunately, her bio suit instantly stabilized, absorbing the force and preventing her from being thrown back. The alien agilely landed on its feet just in time for Samus to smash an elbow into its face.
Putting aside thoughts of the being’s relative humanity, Samus leveled her gun at it just as it fell against the railing. Before she could fire, however, it pushed itself off the railing and knocked her arm aside, ramming her in the side. Letting it knock her over, Samus fell back, then immediately whirled on the floor, taking its legs out from beneath it. Even as it was in the air, Samus continued to spin to her feet, slamming a kick into the alien. It was launched over the railing and fell far below.
Disturbing... very disturbing indeed. What had they been doing here? Turning from the catwalk, Samus again used her jet pack to get herself up to the top of the Power Core. Pulling a metal circle from her bio suit, Samus set it against the top of the Power Core and began to set the bomb.
Sweating, the scientist fell into the chair, breathing heavily for a few moments before reaching for the phone at his side. He held the receiver in his hands for a few moments, unwilling to make the call. But it had to be made. There were always sacrifices for any great cause, and he had no doubt that his cause was great.
Quickly dialing the number, the scientist waited as the phone rang...
He let the phone continue to ring, despite the fact that it was on his desk. This call would be an important one, that was certain. Only the most important individuals or issues had access to the private phone within his office. All other calls were handled by his secretary, and by “handledâ€
Not having the time to bother going elsewhere, Samus blasted her way through the wall. Ducking through the hole, Samus glanced about the chamber that contained the Power Core carefully. It still appeared to be functioning normally.
For someone who had never seen the central Power Core of a space station, it could be an awe inspiring sight. A long column in the center of the station was merely a tall chamber, designed solely for the purpose of containing the Power Core. The Core itself was a solid blue column of energy that glowed in the center of the room, flying up from a metal base on the floor to a ring on the ceiling. At the very bottom the base of the Core contained numerous computer panels for control of the station’s power. Above it, catwalks extended for more specific work, dotted by computer terminals. Samus had seen Power Cores before and ignored it.
Because she had made her own entrance, none of the catwalks were nearby. Jumping from the hole in the wall, Samus activated her jet pack in midair, flying up toward the top of the Power Core. It was probably best to take out the receiving end, as the power surge resulting would wipe out the rest of the station quite efficiently...
Something struck her from the side, tackling her into a nearby wall. Immediately Samus switched off her jet pack and activated her magnetic boots. Now standing on the wall, Samus grappled with her attacker briefly before hurling whatever it was away.
As it flew through the air, the vaguely humanoid alien caught a hold of one of the railings on a lower catwalk, swinging itself around. Flipping through the air, it landed on the catwalk. Somewhat surprised, Samus let herself drop to the nearest catwalk and glanced down at this strange being that had attacked her.
It leapt from the lower catwalk a second later, and to her shock, actually got up to her level with a swift kick. Barely turning aside, Samus managed to catch the attack, but it struck her hand with enough force to cause a bit of pain, even within the bio suit. So it was a powerful alien, then.
Bringing up her gun arm, Samus blasted the thing with a bolt directly in the chest. As it fell back, Samus got a better look. What it really looked like was a young human male that had somehow grown an exoskeleton. Could it be something mutated from all the experiments within the lab?
Just as the creature fell back on the catwalk, it suddenly jerked, pushing itself away from the metal grate and into the air. Its feet, which seemed to still be in boots, slammed into Samus’ midriff. Fortunately, her bio suit instantly stabilized, absorbing the force and preventing her from being thrown back. The alien agilely landed on its feet just in time for Samus to smash an elbow into its face.
Putting aside thoughts of the being’s relative humanity, Samus leveled her gun at it just as it fell against the railing. Before she could fire, however, it pushed itself off the railing and knocked her arm aside, ramming her in the side. Letting it knock her over, Samus fell back, then immediately whirled on the floor, taking its legs out from beneath it. Even as it was in the air, Samus continued to spin to her feet, slamming a kick into the alien. It was launched over the railing and fell far below.
Disturbing... very disturbing indeed. What had they been doing here? Turning from the catwalk, Samus again used her jet pack to get herself up to the top of the Power Core. Pulling a metal circle from her bio suit, Samus set it against the top of the Power Core and began to set the bomb.
Sweating, the scientist fell into the chair, breathing heavily for a few moments before reaching for the phone at his side. He held the receiver in his hands for a few moments, unwilling to make the call. But it had to be made. There were always sacrifices for any great cause, and he had no doubt that his cause was great.
Quickly dialing the number, the scientist waited as the phone rang...
He let the phone continue to ring, despite the fact that it was on his desk. This call would be an important one, that was certain. Only the most important individuals or issues had access to the private phone within his office. All other calls were handled by his secretary, and by “handledâ€
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
Moving through the corridors toward the ship, Samus again went over her current condition. Though her bio suit had managed to repair most of the superficial damage taken, that mutated creature she’d ran into at the end had caused more extensive damage. Nothing that wouldn’t repair automatically, but it would take quite a while.
Nothing got in her way as she moved to the ship, which was strange, considering how many monsters had plagued the station before. She was grateful for it, and didn’t question the causes. Lately she’d had too much questioning to do. Along the way, Samus continued to think over all the evidence she had.
Reaching the ship after what seemed to be an eternity, Samus quickly moved through the hatch and into the ship. She was greeted by the group of scientists, all of whom were sitting around in the main lounge of the ship, as if weary from the day’s adventures. They weren’t through the woods yet.
“Alright, I want some answers,â€
Nothing got in her way as she moved to the ship, which was strange, considering how many monsters had plagued the station before. She was grateful for it, and didn’t question the causes. Lately she’d had too much questioning to do. Along the way, Samus continued to think over all the evidence she had.
Reaching the ship after what seemed to be an eternity, Samus quickly moved through the hatch and into the ship. She was greeted by the group of scientists, all of whom were sitting around in the main lounge of the ship, as if weary from the day’s adventures. They weren’t through the woods yet.
“Alright, I want some answers,â€
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
Woohoo! ^^ I'm lovin' this. The plot is much deeper and complex now, showing that everything isn't so clear-cut. Things should be a little more difficult for Samus from here on out.
I'm glad you updated.
I'm glad you updated.
"Consider the lilies of the field. They neither sew nor spin, yet I tell you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed as one of these. If God so clothes the grass, which is in the field one day and cast into the oven the next, how much more will he clothe you, o ye of little faith?
-Luke 12:27-28
-CAA's official writing shinobi.
"Mostly I write action/adventure, and while I dislike romance, I seem to end up doing it and I've been told I do so well. To that I give a cliche "Feh.""
-uc pseudonym
-Luke 12:27-28
-CAA's official writing shinobi.
"Mostly I write action/adventure, and while I dislike romance, I seem to end up doing it and I've been told I do so well. To that I give a cliche "Feh.""
-uc pseudonym
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Kesshin - Posts: 376
- Joined: Sun Dec 14, 2003 5:33 pm
- Location: Sometimes I wonder...
Please comment on this chapter. It marks somewhat of a shift in the story, though not a permanent one. Also, I felt it was completely necessary to include the stranded on an empty planet cliche. It just wouldn't be Metroid without it.
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Chapter 4: Puzzle Pieces
Just as Samus was beginning to consider turning back and exploring in another direction, she spotted something on the horizon. It was small and low to the ground, but against the blank landscape it stood out like a sore thumb. Picking up her pace, Samus began to jog lightly in that direction. Anything was a welcome change from the endless monotony.
Reaching the object, Samus discovered to her mild surprise that it was a person. They were lying face down, as if they had collapsed there and remained. Briefly Samus considered the situation, standing over the body. Why would another person be here? Was it possible they were still alive? Switching visor modes, Samus discovered there was yet heat emanating from the body. In an environment this cold that could only mean they were still alive.
Bending down beside the body, Samus rolled it over to face the sky. Obviously, they were unconscious, and in bad condition. He was a young man, probably about her age. Horrible burns covered his body, undoubtedly gained coming through the atmosphere. His clothes were scorched, but had been loose black pants and a white shirt. Black locks hung about his face, covered in dust. As a disinterested observer (as only years of apathy can create), Samus noted he was pretty good-looking.
Was it possible someone else survived? One of the scientists might have also gotten off the ship, or never been on it. It was reasonable to believe that one of them could have reached an escape pod as well. A better question was who he was. Of course, all of that was irrelevant if he died.
Hoisting him up onto her shoulder, Samus carried the limp body back to the escape pod. There, at least, he might have a shot at making it. Though she was hardly an expert in the field, Samus knew a few things about medicine, and could probably use what the escape pod had on hand to help him a bit. Then again, two mouths to feed meant only half the survival time. In the end, Samus decided to let fate make the decision. It wasn’t her right to determine the fate of a human life. Not, at least, like this.
Gently setting him down on the floor of the escape pod, Samus moved to the storage cabinets. Fortunately, they’d remained entirely intact. She would have preferred the engine remain intact any day, but she’d take what she could get. Gathering what she needed, Samus moved back to her strange new arrival. Bending beside him, Samus shifted her arms to a different mode, guns separating and pulling away to allow her hands to be free.
Taking off his shirt, Samus administered salve to his wounds. He had been burned pretty badly, though it didn’t appear that he had any internal damage. While that was good, it’d probably leave a lot of scar tissue, if it healed at all. She was unlikely to need any of these medical supplies, however, so it was just as well to use them now.
Wrapping bandages around his arm and chest, Samus pinned them together and called it good. At the moment, that was about all she could do, other than keep him inside the escape pod. It was bitterly cold out there; she didn’t know how he had survived even as long as he had.
Searching back into her memory, Samus struggled to identify him with one of the group of scientists, but failed to do so. In fact, she couldn’t seem to remember him from anywhere, though that was to be expected. Somehow, though, she would have thought she had to have seen him at some point.
A new thought occurred to her. Could he possibly be from the space station itself, not the team of scientists sent there? That would explain how he had gotten access to an escape pod, and why she didn’t recognize him. How he had survived she wasn’t sure, but that was a more likely theory than any other she had come up with.
Turning, Samus left the escape pod, going back into the whirling sands. The hatch closed behind her, plunging the room into darkness.
Sitting back in the chair at the cockpit of the escape pod, Samus merely watched her comatose visitor. He hadn’t moved at all since she had brought him in, several days ago. Still, he hadn’t shown any bad signs, either. Actually, he was healing at pretty fast rate, and most of his burns were gone now. She hoped there wasn’t internal damage that she couldn’t see.
In these few days Samus had searched the entire area around for a few kilometers, and now had a rough map of it stored within her bio suit’s memory. There was very little around them, as they appeared to be in this planet’s equivalent of a desert. She had found what appeared to be a cavernous area, but she didn’t want to enter it unless she had to. Not until she didn’t have to check on her patient, at least.
Samus glanced at him from over her lightly touching fingers. Now that she had nothing else to explore, she had little else to do. That, and speculate as to where he had came from. She had thought up dozens of theories in these few days, some of them quite irrational and ridiculous.
Foremost on her list was still the theory that he was a scientist from the station. Almost everything made sense in that context. Then again, Samus acknowledged she might favor that theory because it would benefit her the most. If it were so, he could explain to her what exactly was going on. For that matter, he could probably help her get off this mudball. So perhaps it was merely wishful thinking. There were facts that contradicted her thoughts; for example: he was built more like a fighter than a scientist, and most scientists would have died almost immediately in such a harsh environment.
Such speculation was irrelevant, but it provided Samus with a bit of amusement. Temporarily bored with such things, she began fiddling with modes of her visor, seeing how the world looked through different eyes. By this point her suit had repaired itself, and all systems were back online.
His life signs were stronger, and he was generating a lot more heat than he originally had when she had found him. Just by habit, Samus switched to Darklight mode, and was surprised at what she saw. The entire escape pod had low levels of contamination, but all of his body glowed a soft green. Raising an eyebrow, Samus returned to her normal mode of vision.
Did that mean he was saturated by nega-photon radiation? Was that sort of thing lethal? It actually fit very well with her theory: anyone who worked in such a laboratory would have been exposed. Then again, he seemed to have especially high levels.
Shrugging, Samus got to her feet. She was getting tired of sitting around, and desperately needed to do something. Leaving the ship, she left him again in darkness.
-
Chapter 4: Puzzle Pieces
Just as Samus was beginning to consider turning back and exploring in another direction, she spotted something on the horizon. It was small and low to the ground, but against the blank landscape it stood out like a sore thumb. Picking up her pace, Samus began to jog lightly in that direction. Anything was a welcome change from the endless monotony.
Reaching the object, Samus discovered to her mild surprise that it was a person. They were lying face down, as if they had collapsed there and remained. Briefly Samus considered the situation, standing over the body. Why would another person be here? Was it possible they were still alive? Switching visor modes, Samus discovered there was yet heat emanating from the body. In an environment this cold that could only mean they were still alive.
Bending down beside the body, Samus rolled it over to face the sky. Obviously, they were unconscious, and in bad condition. He was a young man, probably about her age. Horrible burns covered his body, undoubtedly gained coming through the atmosphere. His clothes were scorched, but had been loose black pants and a white shirt. Black locks hung about his face, covered in dust. As a disinterested observer (as only years of apathy can create), Samus noted he was pretty good-looking.
Was it possible someone else survived? One of the scientists might have also gotten off the ship, or never been on it. It was reasonable to believe that one of them could have reached an escape pod as well. A better question was who he was. Of course, all of that was irrelevant if he died.
Hoisting him up onto her shoulder, Samus carried the limp body back to the escape pod. There, at least, he might have a shot at making it. Though she was hardly an expert in the field, Samus knew a few things about medicine, and could probably use what the escape pod had on hand to help him a bit. Then again, two mouths to feed meant only half the survival time. In the end, Samus decided to let fate make the decision. It wasn’t her right to determine the fate of a human life. Not, at least, like this.
Gently setting him down on the floor of the escape pod, Samus moved to the storage cabinets. Fortunately, they’d remained entirely intact. She would have preferred the engine remain intact any day, but she’d take what she could get. Gathering what she needed, Samus moved back to her strange new arrival. Bending beside him, Samus shifted her arms to a different mode, guns separating and pulling away to allow her hands to be free.
Taking off his shirt, Samus administered salve to his wounds. He had been burned pretty badly, though it didn’t appear that he had any internal damage. While that was good, it’d probably leave a lot of scar tissue, if it healed at all. She was unlikely to need any of these medical supplies, however, so it was just as well to use them now.
Wrapping bandages around his arm and chest, Samus pinned them together and called it good. At the moment, that was about all she could do, other than keep him inside the escape pod. It was bitterly cold out there; she didn’t know how he had survived even as long as he had.
Searching back into her memory, Samus struggled to identify him with one of the group of scientists, but failed to do so. In fact, she couldn’t seem to remember him from anywhere, though that was to be expected. Somehow, though, she would have thought she had to have seen him at some point.
A new thought occurred to her. Could he possibly be from the space station itself, not the team of scientists sent there? That would explain how he had gotten access to an escape pod, and why she didn’t recognize him. How he had survived she wasn’t sure, but that was a more likely theory than any other she had come up with.
Turning, Samus left the escape pod, going back into the whirling sands. The hatch closed behind her, plunging the room into darkness.
Sitting back in the chair at the cockpit of the escape pod, Samus merely watched her comatose visitor. He hadn’t moved at all since she had brought him in, several days ago. Still, he hadn’t shown any bad signs, either. Actually, he was healing at pretty fast rate, and most of his burns were gone now. She hoped there wasn’t internal damage that she couldn’t see.
In these few days Samus had searched the entire area around for a few kilometers, and now had a rough map of it stored within her bio suit’s memory. There was very little around them, as they appeared to be in this planet’s equivalent of a desert. She had found what appeared to be a cavernous area, but she didn’t want to enter it unless she had to. Not until she didn’t have to check on her patient, at least.
Samus glanced at him from over her lightly touching fingers. Now that she had nothing else to explore, she had little else to do. That, and speculate as to where he had came from. She had thought up dozens of theories in these few days, some of them quite irrational and ridiculous.
Foremost on her list was still the theory that he was a scientist from the station. Almost everything made sense in that context. Then again, Samus acknowledged she might favor that theory because it would benefit her the most. If it were so, he could explain to her what exactly was going on. For that matter, he could probably help her get off this mudball. So perhaps it was merely wishful thinking. There were facts that contradicted her thoughts; for example: he was built more like a fighter than a scientist, and most scientists would have died almost immediately in such a harsh environment.
Such speculation was irrelevant, but it provided Samus with a bit of amusement. Temporarily bored with such things, she began fiddling with modes of her visor, seeing how the world looked through different eyes. By this point her suit had repaired itself, and all systems were back online.
His life signs were stronger, and he was generating a lot more heat than he originally had when she had found him. Just by habit, Samus switched to Darklight mode, and was surprised at what she saw. The entire escape pod had low levels of contamination, but all of his body glowed a soft green. Raising an eyebrow, Samus returned to her normal mode of vision.
Did that mean he was saturated by nega-photon radiation? Was that sort of thing lethal? It actually fit very well with her theory: anyone who worked in such a laboratory would have been exposed. Then again, he seemed to have especially high levels.
Shrugging, Samus got to her feet. She was getting tired of sitting around, and desperately needed to do something. Leaving the ship, she left him again in darkness.
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
One day as Samus sat observing, as had become routine, she thought she saw a flicker of movement. Blinking, she looked again, and saw nothing. Suspicious, however, Samus watched closer, rising to her feet and constructing the gun around her right hand. There was a long moment of silence, then his eyes flickered open.
They were an intense, pure blue. She’d always wondered what color of eyes he had, as they’d been closed ever since she first met him. Those eyes focused on her, and with a cry he propelled himself back, where he slammed into the opposite wall. The impact obviously pained him, as he gasped just slightly, like a person who was fighting not to scream.
“Calm down!â€
They were an intense, pure blue. She’d always wondered what color of eyes he had, as they’d been closed ever since she first met him. Those eyes focused on her, and with a cry he propelled himself back, where he slammed into the opposite wall. The impact obviously pained him, as he gasped just slightly, like a person who was fighting not to scream.
“Calm down!â€
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
Looking around the inside of the escape pod, Samus zeroed in on the storage unit and began rooting through everything within. It had to be in here somewhere. At least she hoped it was. If it was anywhere, it would probably be in the storage unit. Finally Samus found a box of tools, and took it out, quickly looking through the contents.
“A sprite jack,â€
“A sprite jack,â€
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
GAGH WHY DID IT END!!!! THE SUSPENSE!!!! THE SUSPENSE!!!!!
Isolated on a distant planet, no way of escape, little chance of rescue. Yip very Metroid.
The blowing up ship n station is also very appropriate.
I'm loving this story. any chance of a more frequent update?
Isolated on a distant planet, no way of escape, little chance of rescue. Yip very Metroid.
The blowing up ship n station is also very appropriate.
I'm loving this story. any chance of a more frequent update?
I am the Reaper of Souls... and it's harvest time.
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skynes - Posts: 742
- Joined: Mon Mar 01, 2004 8:39 am
- Location: N Ireland
Well, that'd be somewhat of a strain on me. If my position this year as a Senior Technician gives me access to a school computer I can update from, I would be willing to update whenever three people give me a review post of some sort (or weekly).
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uc pseudonym - Posts: 15506
- Joined: Tue Jun 10, 2003 4:00 am
- Location: Tanzania
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