Homebound -chptr 22 completed (06/06/05)

[Mercenary]

Previous 5 chapters:

Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21


Completed below ++++++ .

Chapter 22
**

Tor glanced down to see the two dark blades of Twh near his feet and then returned his attention to the Bloodheart leader.

"What now, Feran?"

"You are a remarkable man, Grall. I have pitted troops and the best assassin against you and always you survive." Feran paused and showed no sign of standing up. "Today you have done me a service. For that I am in a mind to let you go."

"But you won't."

"Do you know who it is you've just killed?"

Tor shook his head slowly.

"He was Twh k'Trrg, Chief Councillor to the Ruling Split Families, and Master Assassin. It was by his order that I sent ships to recover the data disc you transported so many jazuras ago."

"Successfully transported."

"Yes."

"But you just couldn't let it go. Could you." Tor felt the past being dredged up and anger began to surface.

"Angry, Grall?"

"You killed my parents!"

"And how many of my people died when you rescued your friend? How many innocents? Would you like me to show you the list?" Feran moved forward on his seat. Tor remained silent. "Violence begets violence, Grall. End this feud and leave in peace."

Tor glanced down already he was standing in a growing pool of his own blood. In other places his suit stuck to him as it congealed. The cut on his calf throbbed while the others stung. He took a deep breath and for a few sezuras felt dizzy from the blood loss.

"Soon Grall, you will not have the strength to fight. Make your choice."

Tor felt uncomfortable with what he was hearing. These were not the insane rantings of a madman that he was expecting. Yet he knew Feran was right, dropping down onto his right knee he picked up a blade. The balance was good, Tor glanced up at the Bloodheart leader, and the Split was once mare sitting back and watching him.

The blade was razor sharp and sliced through the fabric of his left leg of his suit with consummate ease. With the long section of material he folded it over and tied it around the deep cut on his calf. He stood up with a blade in each hand and looked around the command deck. The crew had no weapons but the security teams had both blasters and stun batons.

"I will end this feud, and walk away on one condition."

"Condition?"

"This ship shifts the balance of power in the unregulated sectors. If you have any concern for the safety of your crew, you will order them to abandon ship."

A smile spread across Feran's face and he laughed.

"And then what? You will take command?"

"This ship will be destroyed. The fate of those on board is up to you."

The smile vanished and slowly Feran stood up. With a metallic rasp the blade in his right arm slid out.

"You want to continue the violence by making unreasonable demands? Maybe, I should have torn you apart."

"Hindsight, it's a wonderful thing. But I'm beginning to think you're scared of me."

"Every moment we talk, you bleed a little more. I don't have to cut you down, in a while you will fall on your own."

Tor knew Feran was right. Although he stemmed the flow, he was still bleeding and every movement opened up the shallow cuts. Stepping around the body of Twh, he limped toward Feran leaving bloody footprints on the deck. Tor contemplated throwing one of the blades but something inside told him it would be a wasted effort, and that he would need both weapons.

"The universe will be a better place without you."

"Really? How so?" Feran stepped forward, a look of anger flashed across his face.

"People won't have to worry about your psychopathic tendencies."

"You are wounded, I give you the option to run, yet you choose to fight. Where is the sanity in that?" The Bloodheart leader moved to within striking distance.

Tor could see the glint of madness in the Split's eyes. There was the flicker of a smile and the blade moved. Steel clashed, Feran broke away to turn and lunge. Tor parried the blow but the force of it knocked him back. His left foot slid and threatened to unbalance him. Feran struck him full in the face and the coppery taste of blood entered his mouth. He staggered back, his guard down, but Feran chose not to press the advantage.

"Do you still refuse to put aside your weapons and leave in peace?"

Tor launched a counter attack, the blades cut and lunged. Feran blocked and parried, the sound of clashing steel frantic until Feran struck with his left fist into Tor's chest sending him backwards to land heavily against the deck. He rolled as Feran's blade slashed down towards him. Panting heavily, he regained his feet and spat blood. He could feel his heart race, and felt faint from blood loss. Shaking his head he breathed in deeply.

"You feel your strength ebbing away, and with it your agility. You're a dead man, Grall, but you choose not to see it."

"If I'm so weak, why don't you kill me?"

"When you have no strength left, and lie helpless on the deck. You will know death."

Focussing his attention on his opponent, Tor decided not to waste effort talking. Feran came forward the blade cutting across the body from left to right, and he blocked with both blades. The Bloodheart leader stepped back to deliver an overhead cut. Tor parried the blade with his left and slashed at his opponent's midriff with the right, the Split shifted backwards just stepping out of reach.

Tor heard the buzz of a stun baton and realized almost too late that Feran carried a less primitive weapon. The energised bar brushed past him giving only the slightest of numbing jolts. Steel clashed together, he and found out that blocking the baton with steel was a bad idea. The energy of the stun charge surged its way through the blade and into his arm. He barely maintained grip as they separated.

Steadying himself, Tor let his opponent make the next attack. Feran brought the stun baton around slowly, and pointed it directly at him. The buzz filled the air between them making the fine hairs on his arms dance before the Split lunged forwards. He side stepped and the baton shifted direction. Tor dropped into a crouch, the buzz swept over his head. The blade in his right hand parried the diagonal cut of Feran's blade while his left hand slashed up and across the Split's chest.

Feran leapt back, a cut traced across his robes. A fine line of seeping red wicking across the cloth. Tor felt a dizzy wave hit him and he staggered back. His right hand hitting his nervous system with new pain from an older injury.

The Bloodheart leaders eyes narrowed and he came forward cautiously. Tor back stepped to avoid a cutting sweep across his neck. Then parried the back cut with his left hand. Feran continued to close dropping into a crouch as he turned made a full three sixty turn, Tor's right hand blade skimmed over him, and he lunged with the baton before Tor could make the return cut.

The head of the baton struck Tor full in the chest and he shot backwards to land heavily on the deck. As he lay there gathering what little strength remained, Feran loomed over him.

"Time for you to die."

========

Tor rolled to the side as the blade plunged down. His left arm swept round and blocked the slashing sweep after Feran's blade struck the deck and then sliced towards his neck. He rolled to his front, the stun baton buzzing past his head, and pushed hard against the floor to swiftly rise up onto his right knee. Both blades locked together to block Feran's overhead swing. He pushed hard forcing Feran to yield ground and the baton to swing wide as the Split maintained balance.

Biting back the pain Tor forced his left leg to lift his weight and staggered backward, he was back on his feet. A brief wave of dizziness made his stumble before he composed himself.

The Bloodheart leader came at him with heavy blows of steel on steel. The baton swinging in under Tor's defence driving him back. He felt the crew move aside and his backside bumped into the edge of a command centre, he moved swiftly to his right and Feran slashed out with the baton.

Both of Tor's blades crossed in a two way cut. The baton showered sparks and flew out of Feran's hand to bounce off the deck and lie quietly smoking. Two deep dents twisting the metal shaft and destroying the electronics within. Tor's hands felt a prickling numbness yet his fingers remained curled around the hilts of the dark blades. His breathing shallow and rapid, Tor stumbled and fought to regain his balance.

"I can see you'll fight until your last breath gives out. It's not often that I choose to honour a fellow warrior, but you have the heart of a true Split. Grall."

"I fight because I'm not ready to die yet."

"Neither am I."

"One of us is going to be disappointed."

Feran drew a blaster. Tor hurled the blade in his right hand, the aim affected by the residual numbness in his hand. The blade flashed through the air and drove itself deep into Feran's right thigh.

Tor twisted away before the blaster discharged, the energy pulse dissipating on an internal field protecting the command centres opposite.

Steel clashed with steel, when Tor closed the gap between them. His right hand siezing the body of the blaster and grappling with the Bloodheart leader. Feran pulled back his blade sharply and plunged it towards his opponent. Tor's blade glanced off the metal arm as he twisted out of the way, but refused to release the blaster. His right knee pressed sideways on the hilt of the blade in Feran's leg.

Feran snarled, the pain reflected in his eyes. The steel blades locked together. Feran using his strength to drive them towards Tor. The blaster fired three times, scoring the floor and hitting the internal shields. A new dampening field shut down the weapon and Feran released it. His hand shooting up to grab Tor by the throat.

"I will crush the life from you." His fingers tightened.

The blaster clattered to the deck and Tor's right hand groped for the hilt of the dagger. His head throbbed and lungs fought to draw in air. His fingers closed around the grip and he wrenched the blade free.

Feran gave a grunt of pain and released his grip, pushing his enemy away. But Tor was too quick, the blade driving into his gut and up under his ribs. Feran grabbed Tor's jacket and threw him backwards.

Tor landed on his feet but failed to keep his balance and fell heavily. He tried to move but exhaustion prevented him. For several sezuras he wondered when death would claim him. Half expecting Feran to suddenly loom over him and deliver the final blow.

No one moved, silence reigned in a collective holding of breath. Eventually Tor shifted and used what little strength remained to push himself up.

Feran leant against the command centre, his face ashen with beads of sweat glistening on his brow. His eyes turned to Tor.

"Still not dead?" Blood bubbled on his lips.

"Not yet."

"Kill him, and get me a medic." Feran turned.

Booted feet moved towards him. Tor felt the rush of anger and in one last effort threw the blade in his left hand.

Feran glanced around and tried to move out of the way but the blade pierced his throat, the tip appearing through the back of his neck. The Bloodheart leader was motionless for several sezuras and then collapsed. Tor fell back against the deck and awaited his fate.

"Everyone prepare to abandon ship." A single set of booted feet approached.

Tor could only look up as Ganark looked down at him. Contempt was mixed with respect in the Split's face.

"As the new Bloodheart leader, I accept your condition. The fate of this ship is yours to decide."

Tor gave a slight nod of his head.

"My Lord, we've just lost another shield generator." The voice of the tactical officer carried with it a sense of desperation.

"Open a comm channel to the Defiance, signal your surrender and the change in leadership." Tor spoke quietly.

Ganark spoke loudly, "Defiance this is Ganark, new leader of the Bloodheart Clan. It is agreed with your master Grall, that we may abandon ship unharmed. In ten mizuras this Destroyer will self destruct. Signal your agreement."

"Ganark, your message is acknowledged. You have ten mizuras."

Ganark looked down with the hint of a malevolent smile.

"Computer, set auto destruct to ten mizuras. Authorization; Ganark, gamma, zero, six, delta."

"Authorization approved."

"Abandon ship." Ganark walked away amidst the hurried footsteps of the command crew.

One crewman stopped.

"What about Grall?"

"Leave him. He will find his own way out."

"My Lord."

As the footsteps disappeared Tor once again knew his plight was desperate. He rolled over onto his front and began to push himself up. Dizziness washed over Tor and threatened to make him pass out. He rested for a while, then managed to make it to his knees. Even so he slumped forwards.

His breathing was quick, the pain little more than a numb ache is every muscle. Tor realised that his consciousness was fading in and out, and how long he spent folded over was impossible to tell. He felt vibration against his face. The sound of boots running along the corridor penetrating the fog of his mind.

Rough hands grabbed hold of him, voices, the words indiscernible trying to reach him. Faces no more than a blur. He felt cold, a shiver ran down his spine. A dull voice in his mind spoke.

"So this is what it's like to die."

The world changed and darkness descended.

++++++++

The medical unit on the Bakery barely finished cleaning up after the appearance of the first patient when the body of Tor arrived unannounced.

There was a moment of hesitation before scanner units began supplying vital signs.

"Pulse is erratic, breathing has stopped."

The scanners flat lined and alarms sounded stirring a rush of activity. The resident surgeon stood behind a semicircle of touch screen monitors as medical system voices fed back information.

"Cardio and respiratory stimulation engaging."

Tor's body twitched but the scanners remained flat.

"Synthesizing proto-blood to match patients group and type."

Mechanical arms took hold of Tor's pilot suit and sliced away the material surrounding his cuts. Swabs and solutions cleaned the wounds. Rapid skin application began to close the shallow cuts.

"Cardio, respiratory stimulation engaging."

There was still nothing on the scanners. The doctor checked the monitor for signs of internal bleeding and hemorrhaging. Bruising on the ribs indicated the possibility fractures. He tapped the command to enforce continued heart and lung function, then ordering a stethoscope be placed against Tor's chest. He listened anxiously for the bubbling of fluid on the lungs, to the doctor the sound of enforced breathing was always unnatural, but his fears of a punctured lung was allayed. He noted a small amount of damage to the oesophagus coupled with bruising and had the medical droid open the airway with a plastic tube.

"Proto-blood match complete. Injecting."

A medical android worked on the deeper gashes and stitched together cut veins. The grey pallor of the patient began to take a natural complexion and more proto-blood was injected into him.

He disengaged the forced respiration and watched the scanner. There was a hesitation followed by a long rasping gulp for air which settled into a regular rhythm over a few sezuras. He checked the saturation level of natural blood to proto-blood and frowned. A third batch was injected into the bloodstream as the surgeon android closed the last of the wounds.

Uncertain that there was enough blood injected to replace the volume lost, the doctor checked neural activity and although on the low side he tapped off the enforced heart stimulation and let Tor's heart beat unassisted. The pulse slowed and his finger floated over the reactivation command. Half a mizura passed without incident before he set the automatic revival.

**

Three stazuras later and Tor stirred, he felt stiff and extremely sore. But he also felt comfortable and warm.

"Welcome home, Tor."

He looked around to see Korecmancketras sat beside the bed. Tor found it difficult to talk, his throat numb from the affects of surgery and the anti-inflammatory spray on his throat. The words barely above a whisper.

"It's good to see a friendly face again. How did I get here?"

"By his Holiness, Corri, has a funny way of persuading people to do what she wants."

"Meaning?"

"She negotiated with the Shadow Troop to board the ship after the Bloodheart Clan abandoned it."

"Negotiated?"

"It would appear that she assisted with the escape of their transport, but if they didn't help her, she promised to hunt them all down. I gather Clegan was a little surprised when the autopilot turned his ship around and flew it towards an asteroid. Needless to say, he personally boarded a Mandalay with two crew members, and waited for the right time to get you out."

Tor gave an appreciative nod and smiled.

"Incidentally, you have both messages of congratulations from a number of Boron organisations for the elimination of Feran Bloodheart, though they abhor violence. The Teladi Trading Corporation are pleased that the Bloodheart Clan no longer have a Destroyer. The Split Authorities are demanding your extradition for the murder of Chief Councillor Twh k'Trrg. My own people acknowledge that the pirate menace to the realm of His Exultedness is now lessened. I'm sure you'll hear from you own government in the fullness of time."

"Nye?"

"Apparently you shot her. And by the eye's of his holiness, she is not best pleased with you." The Paranid winked his middle eye.

"It was an accident."

"Rest, I will let the others know you are recovering well."

Tor gave a nod of the head and closed his eyes to drift off to a dreamless sleep.

A tazura later and he was back on his feet, what few possessions he had were packed and already loaded on the Defiance. Looking around his old office he breathed in deeply, Korecmancketras entered.

"Everything is ready."

Tor gave a nod and walked towards the door letting out the breath slowly.

"Look after the place for me. Who knows I might pop back every now and again."

"Be sure that you do. I will not follow you down to the ship, but may the divine light of the Three Dimensionality guide you, and the wisdom of His Holiness guide your hand." Korecmancketras gave a bow.

"And may his Holiness bless you with good fortune." Tor responded in kind and they then shook hands.

"Until next time." Korecmancketras said with a smile.

Tor grinned and walked away. By the time he reached the Defiance he was in a somber, reflective mood. Few knew he was leaving, so there was no gathering of well wishers which suited him. Even so, as he looked around the busy dockside he wondered if would ever come back.

The airlock doors opened and he stepped inside. The inside was packed with boxes labeled Garrow Root Cha, a variety of Ales, and Argon Whisky's. Tor shook his head with a smile, knowing there would be a celebration soon enough.

"Here at last." A familiar voice drifted through the air.

He looked across to see Nyeshta sat in the pilot seat and smiled.

"Well what are you waiting for? Get us out of here."

The clamps released the Defiance and it glided through the station. Tor dumped himself down in the co-pilots seat, happy to watch. The outer doors opened slowly on in the strewn blackness of the void beyond. The Defiance accelerated forwards and Corricel announced.

"Course set. Engaging jumpdrive."

The clock ticked down and the wormhole opened ahead of the ship. Mizuras later they emerged to the side of the repaired gate.

"What the?" Nyeshta said in alarm.

Ahead of them stretching out in all directions lay the Mohrabas war fleet, waiting for the gate’s re-integration.

"Did I forget to mention the pending war?"

"Yes."

"Incoming message."

"Silicon mine to Defiance. Good to see you back and feel free to dock at your earliest convenience." The voice of Liann came over the comm.

"It's good to be back. See you in a short while." Tor closed the comm and looked towards Nyeshta. She caught his glance.

"What?"

Tor relaxed in the comfort that he had achieved everything he set out to do and more. He responded.

"I'll tell you later."

- - -

[Skyman]

Aaargh, the suspense is killing me!!!

Wonderful stuff Merc.

[KiwiNZ]

Excellent fight! Feran indeed is more than just a primitive pirate and usual Split. He thinks ahead but Tor's request certainly would have hampered his future significantly.

Looking forward to seeing what is next to come. Tor dies? Corri transports him out? Feran dies? Feran shows mercy?


"he and found out" - and he

[Gandalf The White]

ooo very nice!!!

[Graf_Grau]

This is one of those cant put down chapters I can see it. I was already screaming when feran says "Violence begets violence, Grall. End this feud and leave in peace." I thought we would not see the final showdown afterall.

Two very tiny points:

["If I'm so, weak why don't you kill me?" ]----- move comma to be after weak.

[A fine line of seeping red wicking across the cloth]----- what is wicking?


Great start to the chapter though

GG

[Mercenary]

Two very tiny points:

["If I'm so, weak why don't you kill me?" ]----- move comma to be after weak.

[A fine line of seeping red wicking across the cloth]----- what is wicking?


Great start to the chapter though

GG

Cheers, corrected the comma.

(I'll go check that wicking is a valid derivative of wick) Wicking is the effect of a liquid moving through a material without it needing to be submersed. Hollow fibre materials are usually very good at this.

[KiwiNZ]

WOW! What an excellent finale to that close combat! Extremely captivating! It appears that, with Garnak in the lead, there is no blinding fury left. I thought Corri would transport Tor off ship after they lowered the shields but it looks like they are not going to do this. So who rescued (?) Tor? For a brief moment I thought either his first encountered Aliens but that would not cause sounds of boots. So it could also be Mohrabas but I do doubt that, too. So who is it?

Looking forward to the next part!

"ommand centre he moved swiftly" - ... centre, he ...

"His finger closed around " - fingers

[Jenantar]

You just keep getting better and better at this Merc. Where will this end...

I guess its one of the split crew members. ^^

They say that one thing a split respect is a good and honourable fighter.

Then Tor will recieve aid from half the ship. =))))

You know, Merc... Soon Egosoft has to bann this story due to certain side effects when reading it.

Mainly adiction that goes beyond extrem.

I mean, if people check every cofee break when,or,if, the next part have come out... Then its really bad. ^^

Soon you will have to write really extremely bad if not to be banned from this forum. =P

Though we would without doubt through up several hundreds of "ilegal" Merc servers with exclusiv Tor Grall Content.!! Tjohoo! I cant wait! =))

Enough of my rambling... Really good part Merc.

[Gandalf The White]

very nice. when's next bit merc

[Mercenary]

Cheers all,

@ Kiwi: Corrections made.

[Mercenary]

Story completed under the +++++++

Well, there is the epilogue still to write...



Merc

[KiwiNZ]

That is a great finish to the chapter!! Love it! What you gonna do now? Keep us in suspense until further notice or keep going? Please!!!!!!



"he wondered if would ever come back"

[therjw]

Great Chapter, you gotten better with every one
ooh is this the end of the traders tales??
Puts on the radio and hears on some station
"Is this the End? dadada
The only end. the end? "

[Medic279]

Last couple chapters have beenexcellent Merc. I nearly thought it was over when he finished Feran having forgotten temporarily about the Mohrabas.

Hard to believe it's nearly over over. Looking forward immensely to the concluding chapters and epilogue.

It will be a bit sad to end it though. What's your next project

Matt

[Gvork]

Once again, class stuff.
A few little things :
1) He disengage the forced respiration - another d needed here.
2) His right hand siezing - seizing.
3) internal bleeding and hemorrhaging. - haemorrhaging
4) Defiance he was in a somber - sombre
5) with boxes labeled - labelled

[Mercenary]

Once again, class stuff.
A few little things :
1) He disengage the forced respiration - another d needed here.
2) His right hand siezing - seizing.
3) internal bleeding and hemorrhaging. - haemorrhaging
4) Defiance he was in a somber - sombre
5) with boxes labeled - labelled

Cheers Gvork,

Good spots.. and a bit of a foe par on my part with the cut and paste, having run it through the spell checker it would appear that I managed to paste the un-corrected version.

[Graf_Grau]

Wow, more to come I hope?

"My own people acknowledge that the pirate menace to the realm of His Exhultedness is now lessened." Dont think there is an "h" in exult



GG

[Mercenary]

Cheers Graf_Grau, edited.

That is a great finish to the chapter!! Love it! What you gonna do now? Keep us in suspense until further notice or keep going? Please!!!!!!



"he wondered if would ever come back"

Although the epilogue will wrap up between the prologue of the first story and events after this one there are 'gaps'.

Currently I have no plans for filling those 'gaps' as I'm currently taking all the good stuff I've learnt from writing here, and reworking the Dark Mage story, which is more fantasy based, to evolve it into something commercial.

I will be popping back to the forum to see what's happening with X3 and to catch up on the other stories posted here.

[SteveMill]

A great ending to a great story. I haven't been following Dark Mage but I'm certain you'll knock it into publishable shape.

Steve

[Gandalf The White]

Oh brilliant! very nice!