InuYasha Fan Fiction ❯ Cold ❯ Chapter 18

[ X - Adult: No readers under 18. Contains Graphic Adult Themes/Extreme violence. ]

Chapter Eighteen

 

March 19th, 4035

 

“Their defenses are strong, but concentrated heavily in the southeast of the compound bordering Rilk,” Delr’ik murmured, pointing at the flashing red border on the 3D map, “Rilk supports the Exlar syndicate in opposition of the Sarn and Foxlings. Skirmishes along these lines are frequent.”

The geographic projection zoomed, then narrowed onto a towering gray building. The Foxling compound was made of sharp angles, glass domes and high reaching steel walls tipped with electric lazer wire. Small panels lined the inner and outer structure, the square dips housing pulse turrets.

Translucent replica’s of soldiers appeared on the screen, overlaying key areas surrounding the steel structure.

“Ancillary force will enter here,” Delr’ik pointed, “and here, providing support should you require it, Xaltan.”

Sesshomaru listened with a half an ear as his second in command went over their plan with a fine toothed comb.

The silver haired Xerian sat silently in a high back chair behind a long, hovering, legless table. His gunmetal locks lay gleaming down his shoulders and back, his tall musculature encased in a smoky short sleeve shirt and black pants. Anticipation of the coming bloodbath left the radiant tattoos carved into his skin aglow with expectation. The beast at his core stretching beneath the tan confines of his flesh. While the attempted assassination was a insult and stain to his ego, he couldn’t help but be pleased that the Foxling had given him the opportunity to peel back the facade of civility, to return to his days of merciless violence on such a large scale. Small clashes were common in his day to day life, crushing the meager opposition having long grown tedious.

The war with the Foxling, with the Gilrex offered something more.

Something he hadn’t tasted since his enforcer days.

Warfare.

A return to the heat of battle.

Pitting his strength and cunning against another.

Reaffirming his dominance in the midst of chaos and destruction.

Proving to himself and others that the place of power his great and terrible father had once occupied belong to him now.

He was eager for combat.

Stewing in bloodlust.

A simmering cauldron of savagery beneath his emotionless affectation.

His computer beeped seconds before a holograph winked into existence, the depiction of a slimy, slug shaped male taking a place two seats away from Sesshomaru’s left. The invertebrate twitched in his virtual seat, his imposing, eight armed form hunched over the meeting room table. His lime, sticky body garbed in a sharply tailored red suit.

Thyrn, the grotesque, revered leader of the Sarn.

Delr’ik paused in his presentation, the attack plans at his back undetectable by the expected guest.

Others joined, materializing around the table.

Ghesra, the two headed representative of the city of Vlamur, home to the biggest Foxling compound. The sickly blue female looked nervous, her three eyed, vertical slit mouthed faces lined with fear, the thin mass of rainbow hued, snakelike protrusions whipping around the pearly white form suit wrapped around her lithe body.

A bristling canine took up a seat the furthest from him. Green orbs burning with hatred met the wintry depths of gold. The bright orange fox peeled black lined lips from pointed teeth, his white tipped ears pulled back in aggression. His furry body was covered in a burgundy short sleeved, high collard shirt and tanned pants. Utshir the head of the Foxling, and from the intelligence Delr’ik uncovered, a co-conspirator of the Gilrex.

Sesshomaru noted the non-verbal display of challenge with an expression of stony boredom.

Icticus appeared last, its incorporeal form illuminated the room. The small ball of energy hovered over the space next to Ghesra, bathing the woman in several shades of orange. Leader of the MetaQuin syndicate, the sphere of energy often placed itself in the position of mediator when the illicit leaders butted heads.

For days, Sesshomaru had flat out ignored the summons of the people in the room, as well as the others that were not seated at his table. As the Xaltaric empire moved to stamp out the very existence of the Foxling organization, the outraged demands for his presence had quickly shifted to pleas for an audience at his earliest convenience. A better tone than the one initial taken, one that had mollified the affront of their imperious edict. Sesshomaru had no interest in appearing at the beck and call of others far beneath him, however, he was not opposed to entertaining the groveling of cretins when it suited him.

“Sesshomaru-sama, please reconsider your course,” one of Ghesra’s heads began, “this is madness. To attack the Foxling-”

“The Foxling struck first,” Delr’ik refuted smoothly, “The Xaltan merely responds to the challenge issued.”

“But to dismantle their entire cartel?” the other head fairly shrieked, “There are other factors that must be considered. There are people that depend on its continued function-”

“The Xaltan must consider nothing. Treachery will be repaid in kind. Your complaints and concerns are misdirected. Appeal to the party that initiated the attack.”

“You insolent, four armed, piece of shit!” Utshir exploded.

Sesshomaru closed his eyes in silent amusement at the outburst. The upturn of his lips further enraging the barking canine.

“Fuck you, you fucking mutt!” the fox raged, “arrogant ingrate! The Gilrex should have finished you off!”

“Utshir!” the two heads of Ghesra exclaimed.

“You want a fucking war, you’ll get a fucking war! The Foxling will not fold to your-”

“That’s enough, Utshir!” Thyrn erupted, silencing the tirade.

The painful sound of grinding teeth filled the suddenly silent room.

“We came here to talk,” Thyrn continued harshly, “To negotiate and return what was stolen.”

“Sesshomaru-sama,” Icticus began in its wispy voice, “We understand your desire for retribution. We agree with it. In lieu of the Foxling’s dismantling, perhaps instead an offer of reparations will appease this slight.”

“The replacement of all shipments,” Thyrn coaxed, “five additional shipments and a million pernix compensation to be paid over the course of six months.”

The grinding grew louder, a rumbling growl joining the audible sound of fury barely leashed.

Sesshomaru frowned.

It was grating to his sensitive ears.

Disrespectful.

Irritating.

Magenta stripped eyelids lifted, indifferent orbs pinning the fox in his seat. Virtual emerald eyes met his, the action brazen and impudent.

Distaste was bitter on his tongue.

“There will be no further discussion on the subject. You side with the Foxling, you will share their fate.” Sesshomaru informed the group, the arctic words delivered with an unmistakable note of finality.

There would be no reasoning.

No brokering of treaties.

And no second chances.

The small time crime rink had crossed him for the first and last time.

He would make an example of them.

Of anyone that opposed him.

“Sesshomaru-sama!” Ghesra cried.

“You overstep yourself, Sesshomaru!” Thyrn declared, “You cannot-”

“Enough!” Delr’ik thundered.

Several eyes swung to the four armed lieutenant.

“Sesshomaru-sama has decided. Should you oppose the Xaltan, all ties will be severed. The Xaltaric forces stationed in defense of the Sarn will be removed immediately and the Sarn will join the ranks of our enemies. Make your decision now, Lord Thyrn.”

The ultimatum cut like a knife, the demand stoking the choking tension in the room. Sweat beaded the slug’s rounded cheeks as he wavered with indecision.

The Sarn were weak, relying on the aid of of Xaltaric forces for protection against pirates and hostile competitors. Competitors such as the Exlar. In return, the Sarn offered significant access to rare minerals native to the leader’s planet of origin. It was a lucrative concession to lose, but one the Xerian was willing to relinquish in the interest of revenge.

His loss, however, would pale in comparison to the blow the Sarn would be dealt.

And Thyrn knew it.

Removing his support from the Sarn would cripple the organization, returning the sex trade prominent syndicate to struggling on the fringes of large competition with the added hazard of having the Xaltaric empire as an enemy.

Sesshomaru ran a clawed hand through the silken stands of his hair, the action deliberate and flippant.

“You have wasted enough of my time,” he told the group, “Leave.”

The lines dropped, holograms dispersing.

xxxxxx

Charcoal lines stretched across the snowy white sky, the intricate curves slowly forming the sketched outline of a woodland creature. Long floppy ears trailing at its hind legs, curling whiskers looped above a elongated snout, the depiction of the feline was sleek and clear. Kagome stopped, tilting her head to the side, tapping the translucent pencil against the holographic sketchpad. Sapphire orbs moved over the drawing above her, pride and criticism tugging her in different directions. She was definitely out of practice, but she had at least retained the basics of proportions and proximity. It had been a while since she’d had the time to indulge her passion for art, and even longer since she had worked to improve her skills.

Suspended over an endless sea of gently rippling water in virtual hammock, Kagome returned to her sketch. She dangled her bare foot over the side of the net, toes gliding atop the shimmering projection of water as she sketched.

In the five days following their talk about cuei and lab rats, Sesshomaru had been relatively absent, at least where she was concerned. She caught brief glimpses of him at a distance. His tall form striding back and forth across the ship, ducking from one hidden portal to another. Surrounded by a constant gathering of skti wearing men and women, he presented an image of regal consequence, his aura of command palatable from across the room. While she toured the ship with Yglen, met other members of the space crew and searched for ways to kill time, she’d watch him move. Ensnared by the purposeful prowl of his masculine physic. Aware of the silent tornado that was his presence.

He watched her too.

Their eyes often meeting across a crowded room.

Smoldering golden orbs on her as he conducted business.

Today, she hadn’t gotten a single glance of his towering figure at all. Discreet inquiries to Yglen confirmed that the exalted Xaltan was ploughing through a build up of work stemming from his absence during the “incident”. From what Yglen described, Sesshomaru’s multi-global empire had been in the middle of very sensitive negotiations at the time of the attack. Because of the delay, potentially lucrative ventures were suffering and in need of the business mogul’s undivided attention. Many of which would require in person meeting, prompting necessity stops to different planets while en route to the safe house.  

Following the vague explanation, Yglen had grinned, expressing her approval of Kagome’s “interest in the Xaltan” before pinpointing the nature of their relationship with a generous proposal. Offering to keep an eye on Sota should Kagome “find herself in need of private time” with the busy male, leaving the dark haired woman sputtering, her ivory cheeks bathed in pink. Embarrassed, but unable to refute the accurate assessment, Kagome had retreated to the sanctity of her room to hide, leaving a confused Yglen in her wake.

In the hush of her room, Kagome had taken the opportunity to dust off her drawing skills. With her arm fully healed, thanks to the ship’s medic, she found herself engrossed in creating works of art in the artificial sky above.

She was debating whether or not to scrap the feline drawing when the ship’s system pinged hers.

‘Now entering Quazix check-in station.’

A wide screen materialized over the feline drawing, a vibrant viridescent planet nestled in a thick, violet smog of miasma filled the monitor. At its side, a panel of pertinent information about the luminous globe. The planet Lyt was a moderately advanced, despite having an atmosphere laden with poisonous gasses and vicious bacteria.

Protective suits were vital on the virulent world.

‘Now exiting Quazix check-in station. All passengers cleared for entry.’

Surprised, Kagome flipped the screen to a view of the station, watching as their ship sailed through the busy but orderly checkpoint.

“Computer.”

The ship’s AI chirped.

“Am I cleared too?”

‘Yes. All passengers are cleared for entry.’

She hadn’t felt an inquiry to her system for a clearance check and had been poised to deny the query and remain on the ship considering she didn’t have proper documentation to get a clearance anyway. And with the TinO hunters hot on her trail, she’d be a fool to try and get one at all. Confused, Kagome dismissed the serene environment, returning to the bedroom settings she and Sota had settled on.  

“Computer, Yglen please.”

‘Contacting.’

Minutes later, the bald female executed a small bow at her door.

“You called, Kagome?”

“Yeah, thanks for coming.”

“Of course. How may I be of assistance?”

Kagome stepped out into the hall, the wall sealing behind her. She hung a left and began walking in the direction of one of the recreation rooms, Yglen falling in step along side her.

“I’m confused about the clearance.” Kagome said as they trekked down the corridor, “The ship confirmed I’ve been approved for admittance to Lyt but I haven’t had any communications with the check-in system.”

Yglen nodded.

“The Xaltan has connections on Lyt. Clearance is not required.”

Dark brows creased. They passed a group of armored subordinates, then ambled through a maze of passageways.

“Not required?” Kagome repeated dubiously, “So he can just come and go as he wants? Just like that?”

The unisex alien beamed with pride.

“There is much the Xaltan can do that others cannot.”

Wanting to avoid another sermon of the many admirable traits of the illustrious Xaltan, Kagome thew out another question.

“What kind of ‘connections’ permits him to enter a planet with a ship full of people on a whim?”

The smile vanished, replaced by a familiar expression of reserve, her demeanor suddenly unforthcoming. There were topics Yglen and others of her ilk were not willing to speak on. Subjects that could shed light on the inner workings of their leader’s life. Information that they refused to share.

“You’ll have to ask the Xaltan. It is not my place to speak in detail on his private dealing.”

Kagome saved her eye roll and huff. Neither would change the devoted soldier’s stance. She was as unbending in the adherence to a code of obscurity as everyone else here was.

“Fair enough,” she conceded, “Since I don’t need clearance on Lyt, can someone loan me a suit? I’m not immune to any poison that I’m aware of and certainly not the one on Lyt.”

The frown deepened.

“You wish to go on planet?”

“Yeah, there’s some…things I need to take care of.”

“The Xaltan has not made clear if such a thing is permissible.”

“It’s not the Xaltan’s decision,” Kagome informed her, “I asked for shelter, not a prison cell. If you’re trying to construct the latter you can leave us here on Lyt and we’ll take our chances on our own.”

“Imprisonment is not a directive of mine at the moment.” came a familiar, dispassionate voice.

“Xaltan.” Yglen greeted, dropping to a knee and crossing an arm over her breasts.

Kagome turned.

A tingle of awareness slid down her spine as she met the gaze of the male in question. Swathed in sleek black attire, silken tresses gleaming to his boot encased ankles, the stony faced Xerian looked like the angel of death. Delr’ik stood behind the imposing male, a pair of arms crossed over his chest, another behind his back. A smattering of men and women were positioned behind the mocha skinned lieutenant. Grim, armed and ramrod straight at attention. She turned her attention back to Sesshomaru. Ultramarine orbs traced the glacial expression at odds with the low hum of aggression oozing from his very pores.

She wasn’t sure if it was directed towards her or someone else.

Her spine straightened.

Whoever it was meant for was irrelevant as far as she was concerned.

“At the moment?” she echoed with a hard edge.

That smoldering look again, the glinting of melted gold.

“At the moment.” he confirmed, his tone unrepentant.

She’d like to see him try.

“I’d like to borrow a suit to visit Lyt,” she said, steering the conversation to more pressing issues, “There’s a couple of things I want to take care of.”

He was silent a moment before his silver head tilted slighting in the direction of his second in command.

“Delr’ik.”

The brawny upper arms of the alien unfolded. Fishing into the breast pocket of his trench coat, he pulled out a small, shiny device and tossed it to her. She caught the flat metallic square in an open palm.

A small inquiry brushed her internal system.

She allowed it restricted access.

The device spread, rapidly engulf her body in a glossy protective, form fitting suit. Silvery, malleable metal wrapped around her arm, over her shoulder, down her torso and leg, before stretching to mirror the action on the opposite side of her body. Atop the metal jumpsuit, the nanonites of the gear wove pretty pink, floral patterns, giving the biohazard wear a feminine flare.

“We leave now,” Sesshomaru decreed, “Come.”

His entourage followed as he closed the distance between them, the warm strength of his hand finding the small of her back to steer her in the direction of the exit.

“Wait, I need to let Sota know I’ll be off planet for a few hours.” Kagome insisted.

“I can inform him, Kagome,” Yglen offered, her willow form skirting the group, “that’s where you were heading, yes? To the recreational room?”

Kagome nodded.

“Yeah, thanks Yglen.”

The bald head of the friendly female bobbed.

“Of course, Kagome.”

Sheltered in the grip of her towering lover, Kagome linked to her brother through the back channel as she was escorted down the hall.

‘Sota.’

A second passed before she felt his connection.

‘Yeah, sis?’

‘I’m going off planet for a bit. Are you okay on your own?’

‘Yeah, I’m fine. Zsear is teaching me how to play utsan.’

Her brows wrinkled.

‘What in the world is utsan?’

‘I dunno really. You throw a bunch of cards and yell a lot though.’

Kagome allowed a small amount of amusement at the description before turning serious.

‘Remember what we talked about, Sota. Have fun, but keep your eyes peeled. Okay? The least sign of something fishy, you contact me immediately, no matter how small it may seem.’

‘I promise.’

The lack of a flippant quip or a huffing complaint of a nagging sister left her feeling more secure, anxiety loosening its hold on her insides. He was taking their situation serious.

‘Good. I’ll check in every hour, on the hour.’

‘Okay. Be careful too, alright?’

‘I will.’

The line dropped as they passed through a hatch and into a curved room. A carpeted pathway lay straight ahead to a set of double, sliding doors. Computer screens, translucent keyboards and typing individuals seated on translucent slabs lined both sides of the walkway. The aliens in the room gave modified greetings, crossing arms over their chests and inclining their head as their Xaltan passed.

“Your mask.” Sesshomaru prompted when they reached the doors.

She glanced over at him, but activated her mask as requested. A pink sheath formed over her mouth and nose, a steady stream of oxygen filling her lungs. The dark strands of her hair gathered atop her head while the mask stretched, encasing her head.

The doors separated.

A plexiglass container sat on the other side.

She was ushered inside the tubular structure, the doors sliding closed behind her as Delr’ik and crew initiated their own, masculine versions of the suit. All except her escort.

The door in front of them rose.

Indigo smog entered the container.

It was dense.

Thick.

Leaving her struggling to make out the shadowy figure at her side.

She was about to ask him about his own gear when he swept her into his arms and leapt from the craft. Kagome gripped the rough fabric of his trench coat as her stomach dropped, eyes squeezing shut while they plummeted through noxious clouds.

Hurtling to earth at dizzying speed, her mind came to the obvious conclusion that her alien lover clearly didn’t need protection against the poisonous haze.

xxxxxx

Laters

~Sessakag

 

Glossary

 

 

Antiseptic Tonic: Cleans wounds and kills majority of germs.

Azerai: A bright red planet currently being evacuated due to its dying sun.

Azeraic: An individual who was a citizen of Azerai.

Betr: A two headed reptilian creature from the planet Tarthrix.

Blier: A state on the planet Lyt.

Blitfers: Six winged insect that strongly resembles a butterfly.

Brakon: The equivalent of bacon.  

Caspte: Fuzzy, peaceful nine foot caterpillar like creatures.

Check-in Station: Off planet space stations within orbit of a planet that function as a security border checkpoint before admittance to a planet is permitted. The inquiry processes are highly invasive and thorough, delving into important aspects such as backgrounds, criminal records, and genetic abilities of alien individuals that may prove harmful or dangerous. The probe encompassed brief visits, as well as immigration. Based upon accumulative results, degrees of clearance are issued ranging from unmonitored access to flat out rejection of entrance and everything in between.

Cuei: A type of energy to be explained later in the story.

Curerator: A container with a strong concentration of healing nano that promote the body’s natural healing capabilities and fight infection. Can be applied to most species without adverse reaction.

Cyis: Is a highly illegal drug with an effect synonymous with cocaine.

Exlar: Enemy cartel of Sarn and Foxling.

Daxtan: Word synonymous with husband.

Fliier: Eggplant shaped vegetable that is very bitter when eaten raw but produces a sweat, savory juice when squeezed.

Foxlings Cartel: A small cartel with a strong influence in a number of key parts of the Teriaus galaxy.

Gartuan: A grasshopper looking creature with several limbs and soft bones. It changes colors when distressed or in pain.

Representative: Equivalent to a mayor in terms of a city, but can also cover a variety of position in broader terms such as a representatives of a entire planet or clan.

Gilrex Cartel: A major cartel that dabbles mostly in drug sales, prostitution and weapon deals. The cartel is a major rival of the Xaltaric Cartel.

Glurtak: Xerian insult.

Heedrix: Winged, moth like alien from the planet Qtax.

Helping Hands: A pediatric hospital.

Kieyoshi: Xer word meaning wife.

Kran: A leaf, similar to cannabis in effect but is not an illegal substance in most of the known universe.

Kreeri: A solar system that includes Saratuo, Rektan 7 and other planets.

Knast Tree: A tree that produced nuts that are highly sought after on many plants and used to enhance the flavor of many dishes, mostly desert dishes.

Knutss: Pea shaped nuts from a Knast tree.

Krists: A snack almost like caramel popcorn.

Kryl: A creature found in the sea. It’s body consists of mostly tentacles, sort of like the spaghetti monster.

Laengs: Red eggs.

Liari: Kagome and Sota’s mother.

Lithro Technologies: A corporation the specialized in advanced android construction and programming.

Lyrial: Winter celebration on Rektan 7, pretty much like Christmas but has no religious context.

Lyt: A lime green planet, covered in thick miasma toxic to most species. It is a world wide democratic planet with moderately technological advancement.

MetaQuin: A moderate gang spread liberally through out many galaxies and specializing in smuggling. While just as dangerous as any other criminal organization, the MetaQuin are content to hang on the fringes of the bigger syndicates, often neutral in the midst of turf wars.

Omakran: A planet home to Voltrin and several other species.

Pain Inhibitors: A tonic that reduces the body’s ability to feel pain due to injury or illness.

Partanian Zoo: A chain of popular zoos scattered throughout the universe housing and showcasing several exotic and rare animals.

Pernix and Xin: Currency accepted in most of the known universe with Pernix equivalent to dollars and Xin the same as coins.

Phantox: Turkey type meat.

Pheran: A highly addictive illegal drug that induces a strong high, stimulating adrenaline and heightening senses. It leaves behind a relaxing euphoria when leaving the blood stream.

Quazix Check-in Station: Main checkpoint of the planet Lyt.

Rayn: Blue salad dressing with the texture of ranch.

Red Rooms: An illegal service that provides the customer with live murder/torture, allowing the viewer to dictate the actions taking place.

Rektan 7: A highly popular, wealthy and advanced planet home to thousand upon thousands of species.

Rhit: Akin to spaghetti noodles.

Rilk: A city within the state of Blier that is pro-Exlar influence.

Rizek: A popular bar/restaurant near one of the major check in stations on Rektan 7.

Saratuo: A blue/green planet with a series of pink rings of average wealth and technological advances.

Sark lettuce: Orange, crisp vegetation with the consistency of lettuce.

Sarn: An old but medium sized cartel that relies heavily in sex trade.

Severance: Dissolving of a sanctioned mating on Xer, works in the same way as a divorce of a marriage would.

Sh’vek: Tall and spindly with elongated heads, these creatures have six eyes and round teeth. They are native to Rektan 7.

Slaxton: A androgynous, often times short creature with a big head, black eyes and gray skin.

Skti: A form suit that is commonly worn by enforcers or military personal. It comes in both long sleeves and no sleeves and contains pockets that are visible only when in use. They are also equipped with heat regulators, emergency curerators and have the ability to be outfitted with special software, if necessary, for specialized situations.

Skyway: Equivalent of a freeway or highway. It is a transparent road high in the sky with a gravity system that keeps vehicles in place and make crashing less likely.

Syntari: Very lucrative raw minerals used in various weaponry across the universe.

Thermal/Heat Regulating Band Aid: Band aid that comes in multiple sizes. It senses the best temperature for each step of the healing process, changing its temperature from cold, to reduce swelling, bleeding and inflammation, to hot, to reduce aches and pains and any temperature in between.

Thyrn: Leader of the Sarn cartel.

TinO: A research facility on New Saturn that specializes in space sciences.

Torpal: Blue, genetically altered vegetable that is crisp on the outside, but gooey on the inside and has an earthy taste. Shaped like a bell pepper.

Underboss: Male/Females that control large, illicit corporations trading illegal goods and services for profit.

Utsan: A card game similar to spades.

Vaprifle: A powerful rifle capable of vaporizing an individual into dust.

Visirik: Sunglasses without the arms that cover the eyes. Most are installed with software that enhances vision, is equipped with a zoom in mechanism and records as well as transmits data. Can be customized for specific purposes if necessary.

Vlamur: City in Blier that is pro-Sarn influence.

Voltrin: A dog-like race of people that live mostly on planet Omakran.

Wurmulix: An alien with a vertical mouth full of mini tentacles called feelers.

Xaltan: A term applied to the leader of the Xaltaric Cartel.

Xaltaric Cartel/Xaltar: A major cartel specializing in drug sells, weapon deals, and prostitution.

Xer: A wealthy planet of significant technological advancement.

Xerian: An individual who is a citizen of the planet Xer.

Zalvan: A family that share a tight bond. The word is synonymous with pack as in a wolf pack.

Zkyek: An exotic tiger type of animal with an extremely soft pelt. It comes in a multitude of colors and is found in the jungles of Rektan 7.

5: Android sent to retrieve Kagome and Sota for purposes currently unknown.