S1, 01 (Re-Intro) Out of the Crypt and into the Fire Part 1 (March 24, 2020)

Right, Suppose I should start by introducing myself. The name's Jack. Jack Daniel Brickton. You might've heard of me, or at least my grandfather and namesake who was a privateer for Aurelia back in the day.

Anyway, I made logs here before but apparently, the old ones were lost somehow in my two years on ice. (We'll get to that later)

So, I'll give y'all a brief recap of the important bits. I was born and raised on earth, in the region that was once known as Monroe County Alabama before the shift where I stayed for a few years before finally heading out into the galaxy for the first time around either 96 or 97. I don't recall exactly when. Anyway, I jumped around for awhile with my two droids Iron Bones and Kain, Both of which were inheritances from my Grandfather, And eventually found a job as a smuggler for the Stingray Gang and later took up bounty hunting.

That's how I met Dushka. The Love of my Life.

Though it was certainly far from love at first sight. In fact, we hated each other. She had a price on her head and I turned her in. Then the GI started causing issues for me. I was arrested and stuck on a cruiser headed for the slammer. and worse yet, Dushka was my Cellmate. But when things seemed like they couldn't get worse they of course did... Turned out my grandfather was alive and had ticked off some collective mages. They had mistaken me for him and began attacking the cruiser. On the bright side, it caused the guards to leave the cell unguarded so I could make my escape. With Dushka tagging along.

Then I decided to do something that in hindsight was probably insane. The cruiser was equipped with heavy-duty armored escape pods. And the GI were outgunned by the collective. So, I decided to give them a hand and piloted our getaway pod into the bridge of the collective cruiser. Like I said then, it was risky but worth it. We somehow survived and piloted the wrecked cruiser- well, more so inched along, to the one place I knew I could find allies. The Aurelians. And we did, Except Dushka, since she had betrayed them previously. Long story short she ended up joining my crew. And to be fair her options were either that or an Aurelian labor camp.

We had many other adventures afterward. Fighting a wannabe vampire, taking down a giant worm monster, even blowing up an Aurelian base!

Oh right. I should probably mention I have enemies in pretty much every corner of system 54. And a few places in 55. Heck, even the bloody Archmage herself would probably kill me if we crossed paths thanks to the Spire incident with that Tank guy.

Thankfully, The name Brickton still carries weight in the marauder world. And I at least have a few allies elsewhere. My friend Phil in the GI. My Mother works as an Aurelian scientist, but my most bizarre ally is Sal'ant Pi'row. Ex Azgoth loyalist and the same guy who's cruiser I wrecked. Not to mention the man I have to thank for saving me from Ossillium sickness.

Oh, shoot! I totally forgot to mention that in my old logs. It was Halloween 2097. the GI was hot on my heels and Sal'ant rescued me. however, it was short-lived thanks to an assassin showing up which gave the GI time to find us and they gassed the area with Ossillium and arrested both of us. but before I got a lethal dose of it Sal'ant activated my seed.

That's right. I, a kid from the bible belt region of Earth, joined the Collective.

And that oughta be enough to get you up so speed, honestly I don't recall much of anything that happened after the prison break and the attack on the spire. But as you'll see soon enough, it's understandable. Especially since our story starts in a cryofreeze chamber...

Yeah, I have no idea how I got here but hey, makes for an interesting re-introduction.

Now then, without further adieu, on with the story!

I awoke in an icy cold room with a splitting headache. I looked around and to find piles of dust and debris all around the bed I was in.

Well, I say bed but it honestly felt and looked more like a coffin. I half expected a vampire to show up and say "good evening..." or something cliche like that...

Almost on cue with my thoghts, an alien with pale blueish white skin and large fangs emerged from out of the shadows.

"Ah, hello human! You had the good sleeps yes?" The creature asked cheerfully in a slightly metallic voice.

Jack: "Uh, yeah I guess. Where am I?"

"You is in Strix's place of hiding."

"I meant what planet."

"Strix's Planet!"

"I see... I take it you're Strix?"

The creature nodded.

"Strix has much joy now that you is awakes. Do all humans takes such long sleeps?.."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Human has been sleeping for two... Oh, What's the human words?.. Star circles?"

"Star circles?" I repeated quite concerned. "You mean to tell me I've been out for two years?!"

'Yes! those is the words!" the creature exclaimed. "Strix finded human here. two years ago when Strix first finded this place. Strix came looking for treasures after the blues and reds had came with their exploding rocks. And that is when Strix finded you and this hat!"

The creature pointed to the black tricorn he was wearing. Which I recognized Immediately as my own.

"Uh, Strix? Hate to break it to ya mate but that's my hat you're wearing."

"No no, Human speaks craziness! This Strix's hat. If it was human's it'd have human's name on it!"

Strix paused as the realization hit him that he had yet to find out my name.

"Er, What is human's name anyway?"

"Brickton. Jack Brickton."

Strix took off the hat and frowned as he read the name written inside it.

"Here, Human was right. It is his hat..." Strix said with a sigh as he handed me the hat.

As I took the hat and placed it upon my head an idea struck me."

"You know Strix, there's a place where we can get you a hat like mine."

Strix's eyes widened at my words.

"Oh! Human must take Strix there! Please?"

"On two conditions, One, you find me some clothes. Two, you help me find a ship so I can get us there."

"You gots a deal Human!" Strix said excitedly as he shook my hand before dashing off into the darkness.

Later...

Once I had gotten dressed Strix lead me out of his lair which seemed to be a ruined medical building somewhere in a desert. That narrowed the possible planet list down a bit. Especially since the clothing Strix had found for me consisted of an Aurelian uniform's trousers and a GI officer's jacket with a torn sleeve. My best guess was either Iapra, Etrion or possibly earth. So it was a good thing strix gave me a machete and a walking stick in case we ran into any trouble.

Meanwhile, he carried a large staff-like weapon that frankly looked like something a Tusken Raider would use.

"So, any ideas on where to find a ship?"

Strix nodded. "We will ask around the market, they has many people selling things. Maybe one will trade us ship."

"Right... What exactly do you have to trade?" I asked.

Strix stopped and smacked his hand against his forehead. Growling in annoyance with himself.

"Strix knew he forgot something..."

"Hey, relax mate." I said trying to console the alien. "Why don't we go on ahead and see if anyone even has a ship they're willing to trade?"

"Hmm. Human has good idea." Strix said with a fanged smile. "That way we knows what to bring for trade..."

We soon arrived at the market to find it decently crowded with rather unsavory looking people...
And a few unsavory droids as well.

"Yeah. This has GOT to be a marauder world." I thought to myself.

Then I looked up and saw the answer to my questions. A large purplish-blue sphere by the name of Qoter peaking through the clouds.  We were clearly somewhere on Etrion.

While I was distracted by our surroundings Strix was attempting to converse with a Chetinuek merchant in a language that sounded a bit like Fuyorian.

Perhaps that was where my strange companion hailed from. He did have a few Namorian-Esque features but as far as I knew fangs were not a feature the Namori possessed.

The conversation quickly turned to an argument and I interrupted in an attempt to defuse the situation.

"What's the trouble?" I asked Strix.

"This saast aju!" Strix replied cursing in what I assumed to be his native tongue. "He refuses to trade with Strix!"

"And why is that?"

"I no trade with Poolikuks or his frien-"

The merchant froze mid-sentence and starred behind us with a look of terror.

"Hands in the air Chet..."

I turned around to find a humanoid clad in a menacing suit of black armor, complete with cape, brandishing a crossbow like blaster.

"Time to pay up..." the figure demanded in a modulated voice as he aimed his blaster at the Chetinuek.

"Hey! Antares wait his turn! Strix was here first!" My companion interjected.

"Shut your trap Halfbreed, or you're next!"

while the marauder (who's name I assumed was Antares) was distracted with Strix the Chetinuek began slowly backing away into his shack.

Unfortunately, the marauder noticed.

"Oh you asked for it Chet!" the marauder shouted as they opened fire on the merchant.

And that's when I did something stupid.

"Arrst!" I yelled jumping in front of the merchant and holding my hand out in the path of the shot. The bolt of plasma halting just before it struck my palm.

"What the-"

"Re'vey l'ue Enkaa..."

Following my words the plasma shot backward and struck the marauder with enough force to knock them to the ground unconscious and leave a smoldering dent in their armor.

"Tahte-de poolt! Mis tupi noidus?!" the chet exclaimed.

Uh, strix, you mind translating that?" I asked my companion but he was too distracted with searching the marauder's pockets to reply.

"My apologies. I was not aware you were one of the collective." The Chet said with a solemn tone. "You have delivered this market from a terrible menace and I am in your debt. whatever I can do, just name it!"

"Well, I could use some clean clothes and a sword..."

"Certainly! Follow me." He said with a bow and a wave of his hand towards the back of his shop.

The Chet had a surprisingly large amount of valuable clothing and weapons. so naturally I picked the most expensive ones out of spite. A rapier with a goldplated guard, a shirt made of Soaterian cotton, Qoterian nano-steel lined black trousers. and a sash made of red Fuyorian silk. It was enough to make the merchant's smile turn to an annoyed glare since he had to keep his word. So I went easy on him and just took the marauder's cape instead of the 200 credit one he had in the back.

"You sure you can handle this guy when they come to?" I asked the merchant as we walked out.

"I'm certain I can manage him. At least he won't cost me as much as you did..." The Chet replied. muttering the last bit under his breath.

"In that case, we'll be on our way then. Come on Strix."

"So, find anything good in their pockets?" I asked my companion once we were out of the merchant's earshot.

"Strix knows not what Human is talking of..." He answered with a smile.

"Oh come now mate, Whatcha find? Credits? jewelry? Incriminating photographs?"

"Just a ticket..."

Strix then held up the lock controls to a hanger bay.

"Strix and Brickton's ticket out of here!"

"Strix my friend, this is starting to look like the beginning of a very profitable venture..."

Meanwhile somewhere in Collective Space...

"Lord Athanasius..." the collective drone said bowing in greeting to his master.

"Fair morning Xius. Any news from House Argandia?" the Lord mage said in reply with a slight sigh. he had been waiting to hear from the neighboring clan for weeks.

"Yes, My liege as a matter of fact, Count Mongo just arrived a few minutes ago."

"Splendid! send him in!" Athanasius exclaimed quite pleased with the news. "Then go fetch Lividia and let her know her betrothed is here."

"Yes, My liege."

With that, the drone bowed and exited the room to carry out his orders.

Soon after the Xius' departure, a mage clad in green and black robes entered the Lord's throne room.

"Salutations Uin Famkaa!" the mage said in greeting.

"Mongo Argandia. I see you're just as flamboyant in your clothing choices as your father before you." Athanasius stated. "speaking of, how is he?"

"Dead as a doornail, I'm afraid. Passed on to Deja's hall last month after a foul duel with one of those diseases from system 54."

"I see, well you have my condolences."

"Please, the time of mourning has long past!" Mongo exclaimed. "Now is the time for rejoicing, and celebrating the beauty of life."

Mongo paused and chuckled a bit before cracking a smug grin.

"Speaking of beauty... Where is the bride to be?"

"Patience Lad. She'll be in shortly..."

"Actually My liege..."

"I'm afraid she's gone missing as well as young Aenthryth." Xius stated nervously. "However, I discovered this in her chambers."

The drone presented Athanasius with an envelope sealed with wax.

The Lord Mage sighed and stood to his feet as he opened the letter and began reading.

"Father, Aenthryth and I have gone to system 54. We will be back in about a week. Love Lividia..."

"Perhaps she's gone to visit your brother?" Mongo reasoned. "Check and see how he's getting along after the accident."

"No, there's only one reason for her to visit that system. And it's nothing but trouble... Xius? Fetch my staff and cloak. We're going after them."

Elsewhere...

Aenthryth matched down the streets of Gamoth, training staff in hand gazing stary eyed at the sights and sounds of the city. She had never been to this system before and after hearing the stories her elder sister had told she jumped at the chance to come along to visit one of her old friends.

"Liv, How old is this friend of yours? Is he as old as Uncle Tyrus?"

"Yes Ryth, I'm pretty sure he's older than Uncle Tyrus." Lividia said with a laugh. "In fact, he turns 100 years old this week."

"Wow! I didn't know people who weren't collective lived that long!" Ryth exclaimed.

"Well, I'm pretty sure Mr Brickton's mostly robotic now, but he's still human where it counts..."

"Well, I can't wait to meet him Liv! He sounds amazing!"

"Yeah, he really is... Oh! I almost forgot! he knows me by the name I used while I was staying here for a while so don't freak out when he calls me Dushka."

"Dushka? where did you get that name?"

Lividia sighed.

"It's a long story Ryth... A very long story..."

Location: Etrion

Date: Sunday, December 27th 2099.

It was just after nightfall when we reached the marauder's hanger. We probably could have been there sooner but Strix insisted on explaining all the wildlife we saw along the way.

"And this is red-backed cordani snake, one of Strix's favorite things for eating..."

"Uh-huh, that's nice Strix, but now's not the time for snacks. Come gimme a hand with this door..."

We rolled up the battered steel door to find a rather odd surprise. a well used but strong-looking junker ship made of several parts I recognized instantly.

"So that's what happened to the Void Hunter..." I said with a smile. It was nice to see at least parts of my old ship again.

"Looks more like sad vulture than the hunter to Strix..."

"Hmm, Void Vulture... Not bad... Now, what's say we see how quick she can get us to Earth?"

Strix Nodded.

"Human is from there yes? We visit human's friends and get Strix's hat."

"I'm afraid I only have a few friends on earth who'd belive I'm alive mate, but I think there's one who will lend us a hand..."

Four days later, Somewhere in Maine...

We marched up to the snow-covered porch of the simple white home and knocked on the door, and we were soon greeted by a face I hadn't seen in years.

"Jack?! Is That You?!"

"It's me alright Phil..." I awkwardly said to my Imperial friend. "Mind if we come in?.."

To be continued...

Man, is it good to be back in the insurgency! Though this format is gonna take some gettin' used to. Oh, and thanks again to Pip for letting me use His character Phil Rider in this series.