The Gate Chapters.
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
To all the newcomers, "Hi" and just to let you know this is the third in a series of fan fiction stories. First one being a Traders Tale and the second being New Frontier.
... completed under the ======
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Chapter 6.
The airlock doors rolled open and Tor caught the sweetly scented fragrance of unfiltered, natural air. ThaStornla purred, "Welcome to our world." And strode forward exiting the Lander.
Tor took this as his cue to follow and made several hesitant and painful steps with Marra close beside. Standing on the threshold of the shuttle entrance his eyes blinked in the sunlight that filtered through the transparent panels of the walkway. Around him the light azure blue of buildings, their tinted windows reflecting the sun light. Behind these and arching up away from him was the crystal dome of the city. Even from here he could see the prism effect in the crystal splitting the light in to a rainbow of colours.
ThaStornla waited patiently but there was no one else to be seen. Taking a deep breath Tor took several strides down the ramp. Every time he moved his left side a shooting pain seared across his senses and although for a moment or two the world swam uncertainly before him he gritted his teeth and reached the tall Mohrabas. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead.
ThaStornla commented quietly, “At the bottom of the ramp we will get a hover chare to the terminal. When you reach it you will have a short time to rest and recover.”
Tor nodded and replied quietly, “Okay.”
Moving at a slower pace to keep Tor close by the Mohrabas Captain proceeded down the ramp. Tor stumbled forward as at last the pain broke through and his strength subsequently gave out. With reflexes that were almost too fast to see the Captain caught the back of Tors’ jacket, pulled him upright, and with seemingly little to no effort lifted him so that his feet barely touched the floor.
In little more than a gentle whisper ThaStornla purred, “Remember to move your feet.”
Tor put all his effort into not dragging his feet as they reached the bottom of the ramp. Taking a few steps forward they waited for a brief while until one of the guards returned with a hover cart and Tor sat carefully on one of the side seats. ThaStornla sat beside him whilst Marra sat on the opposite side. All the guards occupied the remaining seats.
The cart moved away. Tor asked quietly, “And this doesn’t break the rules.”
ThaStornla replied, “You have already been monitored walking down the ramp. Once we reach the far end you will be expected to walk the short distance through the arrival gates until the lifts. From there it is an easy run by hover chare to the council halls and visitors residence.”
Tor replied with a touch of sarcasm, “You make it sound so easy.”
ThaStornla replied, “Well we could walk from here if you’re feeling up to it.”
Tor flinched and responded, “Actually I think I should keep walking to a minimum.”
The hover cart progressed quickly in silence and just as Tor was beginning to feel vaguely comfortable they entered a large hall, which hummed with the rhythmical sound of Mohrabas voices. The translator made no effort to attempt to decipher the background noise as it was too complex for the circuits to handle.
The noise level faded down as the locals saw for the first time in their lives an alien life form. It was with a touch of apprehension that when the cart stopped Tor realized he would have to walk past a sea of curious faces. A task made easier by the presence of several guards and no apparent desire in the natives to crowd around. Mohrabas children gathered at the front of the crowd and stared and chatted excitedly amongst themselves.
ThaStornla rose from his seat and stepped off the cart. With the reaction of the crowd Tor wondered if he might be only the second most interesting person in the building. As Tor rose painfully from his seat he knew that every eye in the building rested on him and he wondered if he was now being judged. With teeth clenched and trying to keep the pain from reflecting in his expression he stood up and stepped boldly onto the hard floor. The four guards took their positions. Marra gave Tor a concerned and worried look.
With a slight gesture from ThaStornla they proceeded at an easy and relaxed pace towards the exit. Marra walked beside him and Tor put his left hand on her shoulder in grateful support, which certainly kept him from losing his balance.
The doors parted and they stepped outside of the main building. Tor looked up to see the massive support struts which helped support the dome and realized that the whole city was protected beneath the crystal shell.
ThaStornla glanced up towards the direction Tor was looking and commented, “The dome was build by our ancestors some one hundred Jazura after the Khlarakin attack.”
Tor considered the Jazuras reference as odd, but came to the conclusion that the translator had made a literal translation and ThaStornla had referred to Mohrabas solar years rather than the Teladi year. Remaining stationary for a while to recover and still relying on Marra for support, Tor took the time to glance around the new surroundings.
The buildings did not so much as sparkle but had a clean modern and well kept look about them. For the number of people moving around there was no evidence of dirt or litter. Even here, outside the landing station, the air tasted clean and fresh but not with the same freshness as the filtered air on stations and ships, this was more natural.
A hover cart appeared a short distance away and Tor knew he needed to make the short, if painful, walk to it. ThaStornla waited patiently nearby. He looked at the four guards who had every appearance that they were in no particular hurry but stayed nearby.
Taking several bold steps under the curious gaze of bystanders he made it to the transport and once again could rest. ThaStornla commented, “That is the worst part over. We will show you to your guest rooms where you can take some time to rest. With the new day you will see his Excellency.” Speaking to Marra, ThaStornla added, “I will speak with our physicians and see if they cannot find something to ease Tors’ pain.”
The hover cart moved swiftly along the street and past numerous junctions, before turning towards the heart of the city. Eventually they passed under a great arch and through wide doors to stop before a large lift. But rather than alight from the vehicle ThaStornla remained seated and when the doors opened the cart floated into the lift.
Tor noted the control panel and was curious to see there were far more floors below them than above. In silence they ascended and he estimated they had risen sixteen levels when the door opened again and the cart floated out, turned and then moved on a short way until stopping outside an official looking building.
ThaStornla stepped off the vehicle and said, “We are here.”
A short while later and Tor entered his accommodation. He would like to have said they were well equipped, but somehow the Mohrabas liked a certain minimalism about the room. The bed however was a welcome relief. Marra had the adjoining rooms and as Tor tried to make himself comfortable she arrived with the portable stasis field.
Tor asked, “Is that something to help me sleep?”
Marra commented, “Yes and it’ll take the pain away.”
Tor asked, “So why couldn’t I use it earlier?”
Marra shook her head, “No this keeps you from moving around too much and relaxes the muscles. Which after today’s activities you’re going to need if you want to stand any chance of being mobile tomorrow.”
Placing the unit near Tor she placed a band around each of his wrists and then activated the stasis field. Tor felt immediately relaxed yet knew that moving far was not an option. The Doctor placed near to his hand a control pad and commented, “You still have a certain amount of free movement. Tap the controller and the field will disengage should you have the need to get up.”
Tor said, “Thanks.”
Marra smiled, “Don’t mention it and sweet dreams Tor.”
Tor felt certain that under normal circumstances his mind would be too occupied with the new surroundings and environment to be able to sleep. However despite the stasis field the physical and mental exertion of the day had taken its toll.
**********
Tor awoke some time before dawn restless and uneasy about the day ahead. With no idea of the time, he could not tell how long it would be before the sun broke the rim of the horizon to herald the new day. As he waited for sleep to take him again he lay quietly contemplating the past events.
To his mind ThaStornla was a bit of a mystery, there was a certain nobility about him and the way the people regarded him, most almost appeared to be in awe of the Captain. He began to wonder why ThaStornla had not been the Ambassador, but then again the late Ambassador, unlike the rest, only gave him a cursory introduction with the tone and look of mutual respect rather than reverence. Tor began to wonder how he would go about finding out more and considered that Sweety would be useful to have around at this moment. More questions popped into his mind but the one that kept coming around was, 'Why was ThaStornla looking after him?'
If any of the Mohrabas should be angry at them it was him. Yet for some reason that he could not quite get to grips with, ThaStornla appeared relaxed and calm about the whole incident.
After a while he was aware that all the thoughts and questions buzzing around his head were keeping him awake. He tried to relax his mind by pushing the thoughts to one side and clearing his mind. This simply allowed other thoughts to surface and he began to wonder how the others were getting on and for a moment some part of his conscience yearned to be in the company of familiar faces.
He commented quietly, "What do I have to do to get a drink around here?" His voice sounded loud in the dark silence.
After a short while the lights in the room rose gradually and there was a polite tap on the door. Tor looked around perplexed and called out, "Just a moment." His hand moved the short distance and he tapped the release control of the stasis field. Immediately he could feel the muscles begin to tense up and he flinched before he called out, "Come in."
The door opened and a maid brought in a hover tray with several containers of strange looking drinks. Looking uncertainly at Tor she purred, "A selection of drinks for Sir."
Tor noted that the Mohrabas females had a number of physical differences from the male, the face was different with slightly larger, rounder eyes, and the three horns were nothing more than slight bumps. Also the figure was more curvaceous. He responded, "Thanks."
The maid guided the tray over to the bed and then with a step back gave a slight nod, turned and left the room. Tor moved the tray towards him and looked at each flask of liquid. He removed the stopper of each and gave them a cursory sniff. His nasal passages alerted him to the presence of alcohol and without further persuasion he poured out a large drink. Tentatively he took a small sip and was pleasantly surprised. Swiftly finishing the rest of the drink he poured out a second.
Tor woke up vaguely aware of an argument occurring in his room, keeping his eyes closed he tried to gauge if he was in trouble or not. The voice of Marra said loudly, "Your physiology and ours are completely different, what you consider to be a pleasantly refreshing drink could be lethal poison to us. Someone should have consulted me before bringing that stuff in here."
The deep purr of ThaStornla replied, "Calm yourself. We will investigate this incident, the maid that delivered the drinks will be here shortly."
Tor sensed a twinge of guilt in case he had unwittingly caused trouble. He heard the door open and ThaStornla commented, "Here is the maid." Tor half opened his eyes and looked across the room towards the doorway.
Marra said angrily, "How long ago did this arrive?" And pointed to the tray.
Looking uncertainly from Marra she glanced briefly towards ThaStornla and bowed casting her gaze to the ground. For some reason the whispered purr did not get translated. The series of low growls from ThaStornla also did not translate.
Marra said, "Sorry but I'm not getting any of this. What's the girl saying?"
ThaStornla replied, "She had an order to deliver the drinks."
Marra looked perplexed, "And who gave that order?"
There followed a series of purrs and growls between the maid and ThaStornla but Tor sensed no hostility in the questioning. In the calm voice ThaStornla replied, "The original request came from this room."
Marra turned and looked at Tor and seeing that he was awake asked, "Did you order some drinks last night?"
Tor replied sheepishly, "Well I did sort of ask out loud, but I didn't expect anyone to have heard me."
Marra looked at him and sternly asked, "And which ones did you try."
Tor answered, "Just one, the third bottle on the left."
ThaStornla picked up the flask and turned it carefully in his hands, he looked at the maid and growled something, her eyes immediately focused on the bottle and then glanced over at Tor. For a moment he thought that she was trying to suppress a smile. Without any sense of forcefulness ThaStornla growled again. Tor began to believe that there were two languages being used, which he felt would explain why the translator was unable to understand the conversation between the Captain and the maid.
The maids eyes kept flicking over to Tor and ThaStornla offered the bottle to Marra and said, "Perhaps you should scan this." Looking at Tor he asked, "How do you feel."
Replying honestly Tor answered, "Fine."
ThaStornla asked, "No unusual or unexpected sensations."
Tor replied, "No, had a couple of glasses and slept like a log."
The maid was definitely smiling and stared at Tor until ThaStornla glanced at her and she looked away. Marra examined the scanner reading and asked, "Is there anything I should know about this drink? Like if it has any side effect on your people."
The maid made a noise not to dissimilar to a stifled burst of laughter and had to turn away. Only the slightest flinch of a smile crossed ThaStornlas face when he answered, "It would appear that the night porter likes a bit of a joke. Because of the lateness of the hour, it would appear that the porter felt that Tor was not so much in need of sleep but stimulation and included this on the tray. By some small chance it was the only one Tor tried."
Marra blinked a few times and then looked at Tor, "So how do you feel Tor?"
Tor replied, "Fine."
Looking at ThaStornla she commented, "Of course our physiology is different so there's a good chance it won't have any effect. Only we won't know for certain until the stasis field is inactivated." She added by way of explanation, "It relaxes the muscles."
Approaching the bed Marra commented casually to Tor, "I'm going to shut down the field, you will tell me if anything comes up." The maid had to leave the room.
The field went off and after a brief moment Marra asked, "So how do you feel now?"
Tor shrugged and replied, "Fine," And then went, "Ahh."
Marra looked at ThaStornla, "Perhaps we're not so different after all. Well at least the male of the species." She took another look at the analytical breakdown of the liquid. There were many vegetable based organic compounds but nothing that was being highlighted as a potentially lethal toxin.
As Tor limped to the bathroom she took the opportunity to examine the other drinks. After a while she frowned and re-reviewed the flasks. Tor had also found one of only two drinks on the tray that was not animal protein based.
Marra took the opportunity to ask, "So is there any reason why our translators work when you talk to us but not when you speak to the maid?"
ThaStornla looked slightly surprised and answered, "It is a different language. Your translator is only tuned into the Mohrab ancient noble speech, but time has changed and we were talking in the common tongue."
Tor appeared a few moments later and asked, "So what's our plan for today?"
ThaStornla replied, "Your doctor will go to speak with our physicians to see if there isn't something we can give you to ease the pain, and you will come with me to see his Excellency." Both Tor and Marra looked at each other uncertainly. ThaStornla added, "His Excellency will only see Tor and it would be a better use of your time to consult with our medical experts."
The Halls of ThiGra held the offices of the Mohrabas government and as the hover cart stopped outside Tor could not help but be impressed with the magnificently ornate carvings that adorned the front of the building. The hard pale blue stone was veined with deep purple striations and white mineral flecks. The entrance lobby of the building went up more than thirty metres and was capped with a clear crystal dome.
Although he had taken no new medication Tor felt stronger today than when he first arrived. Movement was still painful but somewhat easier than when he arrived.
Officials and Councillors watched Tor as he followed ThaStornla through the lobby. He noted that the expressions were perhaps less friendly than those at the landing station or the building they were staying at. The guards to the inner official rooms wore a style of uniform that Tor had not seen before. In the brief few moments ThaStornla spoke to the most senior officer present, he counted three different types of weapons. From the look of them they appeared ceremonial however he had no doubt that at a moments notice they could be used for anything but ceremonial purposes.
The officer spoke directly to Tor, "His Excellence is expecting you. You may proceed."
++++++++++
ThaStornla gestured for Tor to follow and they stood before, what to Tor was, an impressive door. The door slid open and they stepped inside. Tor caught the scent of the flowers yet his eyes were drawn to the figure sat behind the desk.
The bluish fur of ThiRioth was flecked with golden and silver grey. The jade green eyes seemed to look straight through Tor and then moved to ThaStornla. ThiRioth gave a slight nod and ThaStornla responded in kind.
The deep growl of ThiRioth made Tors instincts sharpen to primeval levels as the hunted listening to the hunter. The translation resonated as the words, "So this is the Argon Tor Grall?"
ThaStornla replied, "Yes, Excellency."
Tor gave a bow and said, "Excellency."
ThiRioth remained seated and still looked down on Tor, he said, "Have you guessed yet why you are here?"
Tor avoided his initial flippant answer as inappropriate and replied, "Several reasons, Excellency. Which one would you like to ask me about first?"
ThiRioth looked long and hard at Tor who felt he was being sized up as a snack. His Excellency nodded his head slowly, "We should start with the most pressing matter in hand, the death of the Ambassador."
The deep resonance of the growls seemed to shake the floor under Tor. His instincts told him that he should run and hide but his mind knew how fast ThaStornla was and that even before he could move his feet the Mohrabas would catch hold of him.
ThiRioth gave a slight smile and stood up, "Do you fear me?"
Tor looked up and took a sharp intake of breath, he had become accustomed to ThaStornla towering above him but ThiRioth was in every respect a giant. Compared to himself Tor sensed that ThiRioth was half as tall again and although he moved quite slowly it was controlled and silky smooth. Tor had no doubt that he was probably every bit as quick as ThaStornla and very likely to be faster despite his size. Carefully he answered, "I fear what you are, not who you are."
ThiRioth paused and looked thoughtfully at him, "What not who? And who am I that you do not fear me?"
The growl rippled through him and Tor clenched his teeth, "You are the leader of the Mohrabas, you stand for all the good things about your people."
Both the Mohrabas looked at Tor and slowly ThiRioth asked casually, "And who has said this?"
Tor replied, "I've seen the people, they do not look mindful of being seen in the presence of security."
ThiRioth responded, "Interesting. But what do you consider to be the good things about my people?"
Tor realized he was rambling, had dropped himself in a pit and with a mouth sized shovel he had started to dig himself another hole and it was rapidly getting deeper. Taking a moment, he sighed and said quietly, "Until I stepped into this office I sensed no real animosity, only curiosity. I wanted to believe the Ancient, that you would be pleased to meet with a race like ours, and then it all got screwed up by some." He let the sentence hang.
ThiRioth sat on the edge of the desk and looked hard at Tor and his voice seemed to soften, "Before the Khlarakin that would have been true. Our forefathers believed that any race which reached for the stars would have evolved beyond the need for violence. With this vision our people were decimated, and obliterated out of existence in numbers that are too large to comprehend."
Tor said bitterly, "Like our people were and will be, only we now call them Khaak."
ThiRioth glanced at ThaStornla and back to Tor, "But you survived?"
Tor gave a half hearted laugh and replied, "Yeah. Some of us, but look where we are and we've got no way to get home and warn the others."
ThiRioth sensed the mood change, the smell of fear from Tor had gone, "Tell us about the," He remembered the word Tor used, "Khaak."
Tor gave a wry smile, "Only in trade."
His Excellency gave a laugh, "You are in no position to trade."
Tor shrugged and commented, "Perhaps you're right." After a brief silence he continued, "But somewhere up there is the person that killed the Ambassador and unless you're planning on killing all of us, you need my help in bringing that person to justice."
ThiRioths expression did not change, "Go on."
Tor said, "If you kill me, then you won't get the information you need, and who knows, the Khlarakin could return to find the rest of us. But you won't know if you can defeat them, and they will know that you're here."
With a considered look ThiRioth said, "Your argument is weak but has some merit." After a brief pause he resumed, "You and your people are in our space and are subject to our laws. You in particular as the leader of your people will be charged with bringing to us the person that killed the Ambassador. If you cannot find this person then you will face the punishment of our courts for his assassination. Is this understood?"
Tor looked startled by this news and asked, "How long do I have?"
ThiRioth leant forward until his eyes were level with Tors and said softly, "Twenty of our solar days."
Tor paled and asked, "What then?"
ThiRioth sat back, "Our laws are based around social responsibility. Every citizen over the age of five is deemed responsible for their actions. The nature of the punishment is based on the crime and the age of the individual. The crime of murder bears the most severe punishment."
Tor waited and ThiRioth continued, "It is the belief of our people that the spirit of who we are and our everlasting being resides in the face. The punishment for murder is to be un-faced just before execution."
Tor asked quietly, "What do you mean un-faced?"
ThiRioth reached out but his claws remained retracted as he touched Tors jaw under the left cheek and with four straight moves drew a square about his face. As he moved his finger away he said, "They will die in pain that much is certain."
Mental images flashed through Tors’ mind and none of them he wanted to dwell on. He said, "And I have twenty days to capture the assassin."
ThiRioth shook his head, "In twenty solar days you will be standing here with the assassin."
Tor asked, "And if I can't find them."
ThiRioth responded, "Then you will stand here alone."
Tor said carefully, "And if I refuse to return."
With a slight smile ThiRioth said, "I don't think you're that stupid to find out what the consequences would be."
Tor took in a deep breath and nodded, "I will return with or without the assassin."
Glancing at ThaStornla, ThiRioth looked at Tor and said firmly, "The fate of your people stands upon the edge of a blade. Had the Emperors son died then all your people would have been destroyed. Fortunately for you, your people made every effort to preserve life. What is more, the lord Emperors son will return with you to oversee your investigation."
Tor glanced at ThaStornla and the pieces began to fall in place. He looked at ThiRioth, but the Mohrabas held up a hand and said, "I think I know what you are about to ask, but it would take too long to discuss the complexities of our politics. Transportation for you is waiting as soon as you are ready for departure."
On the Chip Plant Ghaan had kept a moderately low profile ensuring that he met the same people he saw before the explosion on the Roamer and talked about how terrible the whole thing had been. He had deliberately made the whole attempt look amateurish but Tor had survived and this perplexed him. No one had a charmed existence yet Ghaan did believe that everyone had a nemesis somewhere. He knew that Feran believed Tor was his.
Ghaan had come to the belief he was the maker of destiny, albeit a very short lived one for many people, and not the subject of one. At the moment his only consolation was the Aliens had taken Tor away and he had covered his tracks perfectly.
As he sipped at the rationed ale he saw a familiar face. This perplexed him and his gaze fell upon the girl. He had an excellent memory for faces and this one was not where it was supposed to be.
===========
Ghaan continued to ponder the identity of the girl. His mind kept returning to the Scruffin Farm and this perplexed him, gradually the pieces dropped into place. She had been wearing combat fatigues, a face amongst the many that he had watched board the ill fated transport used for the assault on the Silicon Mine.
As he considered this, Ghaan also reflected that all of the troopers were meant to have died. This left him coming to the conclusion that she had betrayed her comrades and would ultimately betray him should she remember his face. As his mind tripped around to this thought he wondered if there was a possibility that there may be others lurking.
Wilasma sat quietly with her rationed ale trying to be inconspicuous. Happy not to be locked away, but aware that she was outside the security of the squad and potentially amongst hostiles, she considered that the people around her would probably lynch her if they knew her real background.
She studied the table screen and flicked through the movie and program selections. A voice broke her concentration, "Mind if I join you?"
Tor was still in ThiRioths office. He had started to turn and leave but stopped to ask, "So you're not going to ask me about the Khaak then?"
ThiRioth answered, "We will have time for that after you return." There was a pause, rather than a hesitation followed by, "Or do you have an urgent need to tell me something?"
Tor replied, "I have two factory plants under construction but lacking in certain minerals to stabilise the core reactors."
ThiRioth looked blankly at him, “What is the purpose of these factories?”
Tor answered, “They will help to provide food and the key component for the generation of energy cells.”
There was a momentary silence as ThiRioth considered this, “But you have enough food for now, or at least know that more is available elsewhere?”
Tor shook his head and answered slowly, “No, we're cut off and isolated from the rest of our kind.”
The chief council asked, “But you will be looking to return to your people?”
Tor answered quickly, “If a way can be found.”
There was a slight nod of the head, “It wouldn't do to have people starve. Let us know what it is you require, and providing ThaStornla is happy that these resources will be used as you have indicated then a ship will be dispatched.”
Tor said with a bow, "I thank your Excellency."
ThiRioth smiled and responded, "Consider this a gesture of our goodwill and a down payment on any information that you will be supplying." Tor knew this meant he was now indebted to the Mohrabas Chief Council, and for the moment he was not certain if this was a good thing. ThiRioth added, "If there is nothing else then I will expect you here in twenty solar days."
Tor nodded and ThaStornla led him out of the office.
Ghaan had turned on the charm and offered to buy Wilasma a drink. She was glad for the company and agreed. Returning to the table, he appeared to study the glasses and commented, "Looks like we might have the dregs of the barrel,"
Handing her one, he commented, "Try it and if it's okay we'll keep them." He took a long sip of his and looked thoughtful then added, "Seems palatable enough."
She took a sip, there was a slight tang to the drink but not unpleasantly so, and replied, "It'll do." She took a much longer sip and put the glass down.
Ghaan asked conversationally, "So which program did you go for."
Wilasma replied, "I was thinking of a comedy."
Ghaan smiled, nodded and looked at the screen. He tapped on the front, "Let's see, what do we have here."
Wilasma picked up her drink and took another gulp.
Ghaan said gently, "Go easy there. Remember we are rationed."
She went to put the drink back on the table and noticed that something was wrong as the glass slipped and shattered onto the floor. Her voice box tensed up and as she moved her hand back she felt her strength ebb away. Commenting in little more than a whisper she said, "I don't feel so good. I think I need a doctor."
Ghaan looked at her with concern and sniffed his drink, "Okay, let me give you a hand."
**
**
Broden slammed his hand down hard on the desk and shouted, "What do you mean you can't and the trace has gone cold?"
Sweety said calmly, "The potential trace ended."
Liann looked perplexed. She had never seen Broden angry, very few people had. He ranted, "An innocent life is on the line here. I want face matches, I want to know every movement of everyone from any station here and now. Anything that can't be ratified, any discrepancy I want to know now! Do I make myself clear?"
Sweety replied officially, "Calculating all permutations."
Broden took several deep breaths, "Sweety, I apologise if I seem overly arrogant. I want the truth, that's all."
The Gate - Chapter 6 complete (17/02/04)
Moderators: TheElf, Moderators for English X Forum
The Gate - Chapter 6 complete (17/02/04)
Last edited by Mercenary on Tue, 17. Feb 04, 22:37, edited 6 times in total.
Very nice opening to the new chapter! Yes, the Mohrabas appear to be welcoming at this point. But considering the ThaStornla has told they still rule with martial law. Will be interesting to see how it develops. At least Tor has mastered the first challenge by overcoming his pain and walk. I am still very curious about ThaStornla. There was again a hint in there that appears to refer to him, when pointing out Tor only being the second most interesting person.
Looking forward to the next installment!
Looking forward to the next installment!
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Progenitor
- Posts: 29
- Joined: Tue, 25. Nov 03, 16:11
Can't figure out if ThaStornla is just naturaly friendly and helpfull, because Tor has so far done little to earn it, well nothing obvious yet.
The meeting with his Excellency will no doubt prove interesting, i'm guessing that'll be when Tor finds out exactly what he is facing.
It will also be interesting to see how the hunt for the assasin progresses, I still think that was a very messy attempt on Tors life, if indeed the attempt was on Tor.
The meeting with his Excellency will no doubt prove interesting, i'm guessing that'll be when Tor finds out exactly what he is facing.
It will also be interesting to see how the hunt for the assasin progresses, I still think that was a very messy attempt on Tors life, if indeed the attempt was on Tor.
Looks like Tor's convalescence is making good progress. Yes, ThaStornla is a mysterious character -
Gandalf The White
- Posts: 2185
- Joined: Sat, 9. Nov 02, 12:21
Nice continuation Merc.
I'm not sure I have a good visualisation of what a Mohraban looks like, I had been imagining a large two legged feline type of creature, but a reminder of the horns in this last section has thrown me and I just can't recall all you said about them before, and horns just don't seem to fit what I have been picturing. Could you refresh my memory of thier physical appearance.
I'm not sure I have a good visualisation of what a Mohraban looks like, I had been imagining a large two legged feline type of creature, but a reminder of the horns in this last section has thrown me and I just can't recall all you said about them before, and horns just don't seem to fit what I have been picturing. Could you refresh my memory of thier physical appearance.
Moss wrote:Nice continuation Merc.
I'm not sure I have a good visualisation of what a Mohraban looks like, I had been imagining a large two legged feline type of creature, but a reminder of the horns in this last section has thrown me and I just can't recall all you said about them before, and horns just don't seem to fit what I have been picturing. Could you refresh my memory of thier physical appearance.
Mohrabas description: Physically they have some similarity with felines particularly in the face and are covered head to toe in a soft fur. The males have three evenly spaced swept horns (this is mentioned in the description of ThaThwyns skeleton in New Frontier) whilst the females only have bumps. The stand upright but have no tail. Along the back are between five and seven folding spines depending on the tribe.
The four digit hands hands are very humanoid with the exception of the feline retractable claws.
In addition to this the Mohrabas range from 7ft tall to 9ft (ThiRioth) - yep Tor at 5ft 10 is in for one hell of a shock when this guy stands up...
I hope that's enough to give a reasonable image...
please please please can sumbody temporarily sticky Mercs stories?!
i come home from work and see 2 and half pages of new threads ... and it takes forever to tread thru them all to this juicy morsel
keep it up Merc
i come home from work and see 2 and half pages of new threads ... and it takes forever to tread thru them all to this juicy morsel
keep it up Merc
Aug 2000 -> March 2001 - Old Skool Egosoft Forum
March 2001 -> Nov 2002 - THQ forum
Nov 2002 -> now - Current, prettier Egosoft Forum
[anybody remember The Enforcers?!]
March 2001 -> Nov 2002 - THQ forum
Nov 2002 -> now - Current, prettier Egosoft Forum
[anybody remember The Enforcers?!]