Life in Zero Wing

The Day They Found Me (Part 3)

2008-11-13T13:54:00.000-08:00

"Skrat," I kept hearing a woman's voice say.

Somebody was pushing me repeatedly, I felt the constant tugs against my body but I couldn't see anything. I didn't want to see anything. I just wanted to sleep. It felt so good to be back home in bed getting some good rest after a hard day's work.

"Skrat!" the voice said again, this time sounding worried.

I opened my eyes, or at least at the time I thought I did, and one of the world's most beautiful women were standing in front of me.

Just a few more minutes, I was telling her, don't worry, I'll get the garage cleaned out today.

Suddenly it felt like my head was underwater. This time I really did open my eyes and come to my senses. I was underwater. I quickly regained control of my body and tried to surface but someone was already pulling me up. Standing in front of me was not the memory I was having from long ago, but a lady in a heavy suit of armor with a rocket launcher strapped to her back. It was Croms. I gave her neither a cold look or a happy one. There were definitely better ways to wake an unconscious person, but I figured what she did was the most effective route.

"Decided to join the living I see," Crandallpolk said from behind me.

"Not by choice," I said, wiping the water from my face.

"Come, let's not stay any longer than we have to. The Bane will be most sad when they discover their Kael Chief is no more."

The boy's words were true, I reached down to the ground and retrieved my rifle, only to find it bent at nearly a ninety degree angle. I cursed silently to myself and tossed it back into the water. Giggling, Croms handed me an AFS laser pistol she had looted from a Thrax soldier who had probably done the same with one of our soldiers. I took the pistol gratefully and searched the several corpses for the proper rounds. Power cells were plentiful among the Bane, it was their standard issue firepower.

Crandallpolk was quick as always to take up the lead and keep us on the right track. Not that any of us actually wanted to be led into such a grim battle. When we reached the end of the Velon Hollow cave we were quick to realize that the hard part was just about to begin. We were only halfway across the bridge going into the Forean's sacred ground before we were attacked by a large group of tormented souls. The lifeless Forean bodies crept towards us like zombies from a cheap science fiction movie, guns blazing. You could see it on their faces, they wanted to die. No longer able to control their own bodies but still able to see through their own eyes the death and destruction they were forced to unleash. We granted them that one last wish, we had no other choice. I felt the power of the Logos surging through my arm as I grabbed a fistful of micromech. I threw it down onto the ground and instantly a small group of miniature turrets were constructed.

Croms let a rocket fly, Crandallpolk dived into the fray while the turrets tore through the Forean bodies. I did what I could with the pistol I was given. I needed to do more, there was a group of more Foreans and Thrax headed our way. Another pile of micromech enchanted by the Logos hit the floor and up rose three crab mines. Walking bombs capable of an explosion causing more destruction than a claymore. The little guys hopped away towards the oncoming group. I didn't see it, but I heard the series of explosion once they were set off and the dying screams that followed. The massive stone bridge was clear now.

Deeper into the sacred ruins there stood one of the Forean Elders, looking off distantly into...nothing.

Crandallpolk approached the Forean, asking what he was doing in such a place. The elder turned to face him and began to spew random words of nonsense. Perhaps I'm too rash, but if he could have spoken the words he wanted, I'm sure they would have been kill me and set me free.

The Elder's body began to twitch violently. We all knew what was happening. The genetic virus was taking over, he was already gone. A large group of mutated Foreans suddenly surrounded us. Crandallpolk used his own Logos power to protect us with a shield before he jumped towards the oncoming groups. Croms dropped to one knee and performed her duties. I was shocked at first to see how quick she was to fire that rocket, but it didn't take long for me to realize why. She did it that way so she couldn't see the faces of the smaller mutated bodies that were once children.

I had my own target, the Elder. Elders often have their Logos power as well, and I wasn't about to wait and see if a mutated Elder could perform the same abilities. I dove forward, causing him to tumble backwards. I rammed my pistol into his sides and pulled the trigger several times. I could feel the insides leaking out onto my hands, but he was still moving, still struggling to get back to his feet. His hand pressed against my chest and I saw the blue aura from the Logos surging through his arm. The blast of lightning that came from the palm of his hand sent me tumbling backwards. Crandallpolk was already on the scene taking care of the greater threat. His staff beat against the Elder's skull several times before the monster finally fell. I deployed a set of turrets and let them finish the job. The corpses stacked high, higher than anyone of us wanted to see. Crandallpolk came over to me and offered a helping hand to get me back on my feet. Croms stood silent, clenching her fist in anger, both at herself and at the Bane for their terrible deeds.

"Let us finish this," Crandallpolk said, having already figured out that I was one to keep my feelings on the inside, hidden from all.

Or at least I thought they were hidden, he knew I was struggling just as much as they were.

We found the source nearby. Four chemical towers and some type of conversion machine. Each of us set our own explosives on the twisted devices, eager to detonate them the first chance we got. We stood back, looking over the battle field that was littered with innocent corpses, ready to watch the vile things blow.

"If we make it out of this cave alive," Crandallpolk said, putting an arm on my shoulder the same way he did when he first found me, "how would you like to join the ranks of Zero Wing?"

I looked at him honestly in the face, my answer not so easy to read. He tried to wait patiently for my answer, but I could tell that just one more minute of silence would probably make him go crazy. I knew who they were now, the name was clearer than ever. Zero Wing, a battle cruiser beyond your imagination. His group was no doubt the survivors from that day. It was ironic to be found them, little did they know how I was connected to Zero Wing before they ever set foot inside of it. That's a story for another day, today all I will give him is an answer.

"I'm in," I said plainly, my voice neither showing a great amount of excitement or disappointment. The small grin on my face, however, did tell him that I was happy to be part of them.

"Then let us celebrate this occasion," he said, holding his detonator high up into the air.

All of us raised our detonators, and in unison we activated the explosives.

Best damned fireworks display I ever did see.

The Day They Found Me (Part 2)

2008-11-09T12:31:00.000-08:00

It was no time for decencies, every second gone was another Forean life lost. The source was somewhere in the cave, somewhere past the hundreds of Thrax soldiers.

"Let's go," Crandallpolk said, angered greatly at the number of innocents the war was taking.

He didn't say it outright, but you'd be a fool to miss it.

"Lead the way," I told him, not because I was a coward, but because it just made more sense to me for the Guardian to be in front.

I was only slightly surprised at the boy's skill. He was one step ahead of the Bane the rest of the way. He knew exactly where their patrols were and where they were lying in wait for us. Not once did he let us wander off into harm's way. The boy was a born leader, no doubt about it. His partner was great to have around too, not because she was a woman and I haven't had a date in several years, but because she knew how to handle a launcher rather well. The Bane didn't stand a chance against us, or at least that's how we felt until we were nearly out of the cave.

It was a large open area that had been flooded, some parts of the water deep enough to dive down into, other parts barely up to my knees. There was a fair number of Thrax soldiers in sight, and one very large Kael. The monster stood about five Thrax soldiers high with fists bigger than my own body. His armor was no doubt thicker than an armored truck from back home. I'm going to assume that under normal circumstances Crandallpolk would have devised a very cunning and successful plan had not one of the soldiers spotted us. It only took a second for the rest of the group to turn and open fire.

Croms let a rocket fly from her weapon, taking a small number of the Bane offensive. I began to pick off a few select soldiers with my rifle but was shocked when I saw Crandallpolk jump straight for the massive beast. The boy took the giant Kael head on with his staff. I was brought back to my senses when I heard another rocket scream past me. I don't know what was going through the boy's head, probably something about protecting his squad mates. That or he's got a personal agenda against Kaels.

I claimed the last few standing Thrax and it was none too soon. The gigantic beast reared his massive fist back and smacked Crandallpolk hard, sending him sailing across the room. I'm not sure what came over me, but I charged towards the creature just like he did. I paid no attention to the new group of Thrax soldiers that were coming in behind us, Croms could take care of that. I ran as fast as I could but something pulled me down. I had fallen into a deep body of water, deep enough for the monster to sink in. The Kael paid me no mind as I swam towards shallow waters, he was headed towards Crandallpolk, who wasn't moving very much. He was lying on the ground, no doubt dizzy from the lethal blow.

I managed to crawl back up onto some sturdy ground and opened fire on the monster, only to realize my weapon had no effect on the creature. It got his attention though, as he turned from Crandallpolk's limp body and made his way towards me. The beast lunged across the room and scooped me up from where I stood in his massive hands. I'm not exactly sure what happened after that, all I remember is the room spinning around and something crushing me right before I found myself next to Crandallpolk. I imagine the beast had thrown me against the wall, that's what it felt like at least.

Sparks jumped from my broken armor and blood was coming out of the corner of my mouth. Crandallpolk wasn't moving, but I was close enough to change all that now. I had one last med pack on me and I didn't think twice before I injected it into his neck. As the boy was getting back to his feet I took the repair tool from my hip and recharged his armor.

That was it, the tool was drained for now. I'd live, but it would take a while for my armor to recharge itself. Crandallpolk gripped his staff tightly and lunged towards the beast. I could see the rage burning in his eyes like wildfire as he swung his weapon. The Kael reared back in pain but Crandallpolk refused to slow. I didn't question who was going to win that fight. I glanced over at Croms to make sure she was okay, not that there was anything I could do, I couldn't even feel my legs. She was knee deep in Bane corpses.

It wasn't long before I heard the groaning cry of the monster and felt the wave of water splash against me when his body came crashing towards the floor. After that there was silence. Maybe some of the water got in my ears, or maybe I'm worse off than I thought. I don't see anymore fighting though, maybe we won.

The Day They Found Me (Part 1)

2008-11-09T06:38:00.000-08:00

It was sometime in either late September or early October when I crossed paths with them, hard to keep track of the time when you're fighting for your life. I might as well have been a naked pup when they found me. It was cold, dark, and damp. I hate being cold and wet. I could hear the footsteps of a small Bane patrol squishing against the several tiny puddles on the rocky ground. I'd been stuck inside that cave for far too long. My reason for being there? Honestly, at that point I didn't really think it mattered anymore. The road ahead was swamped with hundreds of Bane soldiers and some unfortunate Foreans that were mutated from a tainted water supply. I wanted to be a coward and run back home, but that road was swarming with new Bane patrols as well. No, I'd just have to stay in that corner of the cave until I starved to death.

The foot steps were getting louder, I could almost feel the water splashing against me as if they were walking right beside me it sounded so close. Let me check my rifle...empty. The pistol at my hip was no better.

"Always be prepared," my commanding officer had told me repeatedly.

"Well, sir," I was wanting to tell him right about now, "I came prepared and I'm still screwed."

I had an extra shotgun strapped to my back, but I feared for the worst when I pulled it front of me for a quick inspection.

Three cartridges, that's enough for one shot. I can take at least two more Bane with me before I go.

I cocked the gun as quietly as I could, for I knew those wretched creatures were just right around the corner. Their careful footsteps grew louder and closer yet as I brought my shotgun to the ready. Before I could have the joy of squeezing the trigger, their progress suddenly stopped. I heard the heavy breathing of the patrol. Disgusting creatures.

"I smell stinking humans," one of them hissed.

It won't stink as bad as your bloody corpse, I wanted to say, but I needed the element of surprise for now, assuming I still had it.

Two Bane soldiers sprung from the corner with their weapons at the ready. Good thing for me my own weapon was beyond that point. My finger was already squeezing the trigger, igniting the last of my ammunition. The blast from the triple barreled shotgun echoed violently in the close quarters of the cave. Blood spewed from their wounds and their bodies went flying back, one of them landing on a stone spike sprouting from the ground.

A third creature came from around the corner, his pistol aimed right at my head. The beast knew my ammunition had been depleted, they weren't stupid. The circular ring of teeth expanded and contracted as the breaths left his mouth. I'm a tall man, but the beast was taller, as are all of them. His eyes glowed red in the dark cave, telling me of his true, evil intentions.

"Surrender or die," he told me.

I'll die anyway, I wanted to tell the foul thing, you'll take me apart and turn me into some kind of machine.

I just needed to get a little closer, then I could hopefully reach out and grab his pistol before it fired. Hand to hand combat with a Bane soldier certainly wasn't the smartest of things to do, but circumstances were dire. No, he wasn't going to let me get that close, this one's obviously had some experience with determined humans before.

Before I could make a decision as what to do, the Bane soldier in front of me was suddenly kicking his feet in the air and gasping for breath. Someone behind him had a large pole pressed against the creature's throat and was squeezing very tightly. It was only a second or two later when I heard the Bane's bones break. His feet stopped squirming and the pistol fell to the ground, as did his body when the stranger let go.

I expected to see an AFS soldier standing in front of me, but I was mistaken. There were two AFS soldiers standing before me now. Two Guardians, one armed with a staff and the other with some heavy fire power.

"What's your name, soldier?" the one with the staff said. His voice was young, but bold and clearly spoken.

My name?

Nobody has asked me that in a long time. Even before the Bane attacked Earth, nobody ever cared to know.

"Skrat," I said, giving him a nickname that I've had for so long that I've since forgotten my real name.

"Skrat," he said, putting his hand on my shoulder, "how would you like to live to fight another day?"

I wasn't about to lie to the man, I told him it didn't sound like a bad idea. His partner behind him let out a friendly laugh. The voice was gentle and sounded like music to my ears. The friendly laughter of a caring woman always makes the pain go away. She stepped out from behind him and handed me a healthy supply of ammunition for my rifle as well as a decent repair kit.

"I'm Officer Crandallpolk," he said as I gladly reloaded my weapon, "and this is Croms."

I couldn't see it through her helmet, but I could tell she was smiling as a small giggle left her lips.

I like her, I told myself, she laughs a lot.

"You wouldn't happen to know how to use one of these would you?" She asked as she handed me a tool about the size of two of my fists.

"I do," was the answer, something I hadn't said in a very, very long time, "it's an armor repair tool."

"Good," Crandallpolk said, "we found it on the way in here, welcome aboard."

I probably looked like a big enough mess anyway, I wasn't about to tell him it was mine and a Bane soldier had taken it from me after a close encounter.

"Where are you two from?" I asked, arming my rifle.

"Zero Wing," he said, his voice somewhat distance as if the name had once meant something more.

Zero Wing, I've heard about them, can't quite remember what happened to them though.

Now wasn't the time to be asking either.

"Are you here to find the source?" I asked.

"Yes," Crandallpolk answered with a clenched fist, "as if taking the Forean's dead and turning them into wretched machines that know only destruction wasn't enough, the Bane have more than crossed the line this time."

The boy was right, the tainted water supply was mutating all of the Foreans and turning them into mindless drones. Women and children both.