Post by EmperorMyric on Dec 17, 2017 13:15:07 GMT
Stokes wandered around the new FOB where they could ferry supplies to and from the battle on the ground and in space. "Ugh..." Stokes winced with pain as he physical felt the Knife being plunged into his lung, He quickly looked down to see there was nothing there, Something wasn't right it seemed as though a part of him had been torn from him, he needed to get away for a couple of minutes so he started to head towards the dense forest.
Kaira was sat in a tree at the edge of the FOB lounging happily waiting for the camp to get fully established. She noticed Stokes wondering towards the treeline and fired a shot at his feet. "Afternoon Commander" she said with a mocking salute.
Stokes just continued on not even noticing the shot the Kaira had fired, and carried on into the trees. he was just thinking to himself trying not to have a care but there was something, something that was missing but he couldn't quite tell. It was after the battle with Lock that when he came round in the infirmary that he had these sudden pains he just ignored it and carried on. Stokes knew she was following him she always did but he must not talk to her or even be near her if he wanted to keep his life.
"Hey" she called jumping down from the tree. "What's the deal with you?" she stood in his path and fronted up to him.
Stokes pushes Kaira out of the way and kept walking, Something was wrong with him he would usually stop and go around a person or just turn away. Stokes stopped himself and aggressively said to Kaira "What do you want". without looking at her, Something was different about him he felt more angry and was willing to get in a brawl more.
She held up her hands when he shoved her "What the hell is wrong with you? Still upset after Lock whooped your ass?" she said poking her tongue out. "You've been weird since then, seriously what's up?" with concern in her voice
"Nothing is wrong with me now shoo go back to camp and do something of use for once". Deep down somewhere in his body something was Screaming at him this is not you listen to me, but it was kept away in a void. His brain was telling him this is you now just move the bitch out off your way and keep going. After saying that he turn right and headed deeper into the forest.
Something was seriously wrong, Kaira stood shocked for a second before phasing into the trees above him. She wondered where he was going so wandered through the trees keeping pace with him as he went. All the while she questioned what could be wrong, but failed to draw a conclusion.
Stokes stopped and drew his combat Knife and quickly Turned around and threw it at the Tree Kaira was perching on "I said go back to camp like a good girl and do something useful". The Tone of his voice had changed to become a deeper and more darker style. Stokes went and got his knife back then just stayed still as if listening for something.
"Alright you prat, what the hell is your problem?! I'm your commanding officer now, remember that when you talk to me" her tone stern. She jumped down in front of him. "So what the hell is wrong?"
"For the last Time NOTHING IS WRONG WITH ME, MAYBE YOU ARE THE PROBLEM" Stokes was hand Curled up and At Speed came flying towards Kaira but an inch before it her in the side of her head he stopped it and forced is arm down. "I cant hurt you even though i want to now get away NOW". Stokes felt sure that something was inside his mind making him do these things he had to get whatever it was out of his head.
"And what do you mean by that?" she said retracting her helmet. "What about ME is such an inconvenience to you?" she was shouting now.
Stokes powered up his armour and charged head long into one of the biggest trees in front of him, After the impact Stokes fell back but not over and he quickly regained his footing.
"What the hell is wrong with you!?" She shouted grabbing his arm firmly.
Stokes ripped of his Helmet and gas mask and looked Kaira in the face, "You have to incapacitate me any way possible i dint care how just do it" Stokes said this in his normal voice but it slowly drifted of towards the end back into the dark version.
"What?" she took a step back with a look of confusion. "Why the hell would I do that?!"
"JUST DO IT NOW DONT QUESTION ME FOR ONCE", Stokes looked Kaira right in her eyes "Please".
She'd never seen him beg. She was genuinely worried. She thought for a minute. "No" she finally whispered looking him in the eye with that piercing gaze of hers.
"Kaira i don't ask for much put you have to do this for me, you are the only one here with the strength to knock me out now do it before i lose it again".
"Someone please just hit him!" A voice said from behind stokes, followed quickly by a clunk on the back of Stokes skull and he fell to the ground unconscious. "What?" the figure holding the scythe said with a shrug "Someone had to do it"
"Hey little sister" exclaimed the first speaking diving at Kaira and hugging her.
"Hi Kaira" said the scythe wielder stepping out of the shadows.
"Nyx, Vale. What are you too doing here?" Kaira asked whilst hugging her sister, her eyes fixed on Stokes unconscious body.
"Oh this and that" Nyx said releasing Kaira from the hug. "Vale, drag him back to camp please" she said pointing at Stokes. So the trio set off with Stokes in tow.
Stokes woke up in one of the field hospitals his head was aching but he felt like his normal self again. He started to get dressed back into his armour, He left his gas mask but pace his helmet on and headed out of the hospital to see what was going on. with the soldiers and to actually find out what the enemy ground force consisted of.
Kaira was waiting outside the hospital when Stokes came out. Behind her Vale was stood with Nyx sat on the crux of his scythe looking bored. "Hey how you feeling?" Kaira asked walking over to Stokes. "Vale hit you pretty hard, they said you had a concussion?"
"Im fine as long as your safe, i didn't hurt you did i?" Stokes felt normal again and he didn't care what Lock felt that he was talking to his daughter. "quick question who are these to by the way, and should i already know?"
"Im fine" she said coldly. "I'd like you to meet my sister Nyx and my brother Vale, they're twins. She finished and Nyx waved from her perch whilst vale remained motionless.
"Nice to meet you, Im commander Stokes, under the orders of your sister Kaira" and what do we own the pleasure of having 2 more Nex Darkstriders here on this simple operation". Stokes looked worried if they were related to Kaira then that means that they probably heard about Lock trying to kill him so he tried to act friendly then he was just going to completely ignore them for the rest of there time here.
"Well dad thought Kaira could use a little company as well as back up so he sent us" Nyx giggled with a sweet smile. Vale remained silent and stationary.
"Well ok then always good to have more soldiers to help out around here now excuse me i must tend to my duties of Recon and find out where the enemy is". With this Stokes turned away and tried not to throw up the thought that Lock would send more Darkstriders and being that there family 'to keep her company' no to keep him away at all times more like.
"What's his problem?" Nyx asked jumping down off the scythe. "If i knew i'd tell you" Kaira replied hands on hips. The three of them wandered off to a corner of the camp while stokes went about his duties.
For stokes it felt good to be back on recon with men he could trust, they had been gone nearly 5 hours and had found a small patrol base where the enemy had set up but weren't there at the moment, "Right someone go rig it to blow when they come back and then make it look like a weapons failure because look grenades". a further 30 mins and the trap was ready. "ok lets head back i think we will hear that once it goes off".
The three siblings sat alone in a tree catching up on recent events. Kaira saw stokes and started walking towards him. As she did the other two fell in behind her. "Anything to report commander?" she asked as he walked into the camp.
"no nothing we just found a little patrol base, Then all of a sudden there was a huge explosion, "correction we did find a small patrol base, Well done looks like i you do get a free pint out of me after all, But first im going for some peace and quiet". Stokes then split of from the recon squad and headed towards his Quarters.
Kaira phased into the quarters moments before Stokes entered. "So what's wrong?" Kaira asked bluntly. She'd had enough of him avoiding the question
"Its to do with you and Lock and now you brother and sister turning up", Stokes said bluntly.
"Get explaining, I may be immortal but that doesn't make my attention span any better" she said with a smile
"Well first of all i nearly get killed because i have been talking to you and other things and we have been a bit close, Which then lead to you being hurt for me i have been eating myself up for that you shouldn't have done that its only my life not a big lose for Krieg. Then your brother ans sister appear and why to see you, To help me in this ground conflict or to keep me in order, See i cant do things on my own without really bad consequences". Stokes was starting to become overwhelmed with guilt, "So does it hurt?".
Kaira took in everything he said and stared at him blankly. She still didn't understand why Lock had turned up and attacked Stokes, nor did she get Stokes's constant self hatred. She thought she'd address his question first. "Does what hurt?" she asked smoothly
"Where you got shot because of me". Stokes worried about here all the time she may be older than him by a couple thousand years but he still liked her and want to make sure she was safe.
She shrugged "Not the worst i've ever had, but it stings a bit yeah." She cocked her head and looked at him. "Why do you care?"
"I care because it was my fault i shouldn't have asked you to come along on that first recon and i shouldn't has started to get feelings for you because look where that has put me, im a disgrace to my Family, my Regiment and i got you hurt".
Kaira's face recoiled in shock and she took a step back. "y.y..you have...feelings for me? she said incuriously. "Oh I could have told you that little sis" There they both were in the doorway Vale with his scythe and Nyx perched upon it. "Why do you think Dad beat the crap out of him?"
Kaira just stood there in shock for a moment before looking at Stokes.
"Im going back on recon Alone", Stokes walked out of his quarters grabs a normal soldiers rifle and sped off into the forest. shit he thought i knew i shouldn't have told her. Stokes just went on and on until he stopped to dig in and wait.
Nyx appeared next to Stokes. "So you plucked up the courage to tell her?" Vale wasn't far but he wasn't one for talking so stood in the shadows of a tree. "Not the reaction you were hoping for?"
"I knew it would happen when she asked the reason Lock hates me". Stokes sighed, "No i better get ready Lock will be here soon to kill me i guess".
"You haven't done anything wrong yet, so our father has no reason to come" she giggled. "Not that the threat of him will stop you for long. You mortals and your impulses" She giggled again.
Stokes had a grin appear on his face "True but mine isn't an impulse i do like her but... it wont happen im just a Krieg failure she is a Nex Darkstrider bound to be married to someone important or respectable, Not a low-life like me". Stokes was still getting ready for Lock just in case because he could tell Lock hated him with a passion.
She shrugged looking to Vale for support, he just stood there as per usual. "so what are you going to do then?" she asked inquisitively.
"What can i do, thats the real question im a doomed soul either to die in battle or by Lock now i have to make a choice". Stokes didnt want to make a choice his Regiment over the one he loved either way he is doomed to die.
"Dad can be a bit...harsh shall we say but wouldnt you do the same for your daughter?" Nyx asked laying back on the forest floor. "He just wants whats best for her, she only agreed to the engagement so as not to offend Arcis you know." Nyx crossed her legs and looked up at the battle in orbit. Vale as silent as ever stood watch.
"So what would you advise i do, Then seeing as you are related and have to go through roughly the same with your Father". Stokes looked up at Nyx hoping to get a decent answer because he honestly had no idea what to do.
She shrugged "Isn't my place to say, figure something out numbskull" she said poking his head.
"Well im going to go back to her now and try and speak to her dont come just keep your distance please this is something i need to do for myself". Stokes stood up and headed back to the FOB to find Kaira.
Kaira was hanging upside down from a tree branch when Stokes found her. She had to be the least patient sniper in history she thought as he hung there.
"So what you doing hanging upside down?". Stokes felt a bit awkward after what had happened just 30 minutes ago, please say she would speak to him.
"seeing the world from a new perspective" she said with a little shrug. "What do you want?"
"I wanted to talk about earlier" Stokes dreaded this part. "I was a little to forward with my feelings and all that and im sorry cant you just come down here and we can talk this out properly because this is hurting my neck".
She sighed loudly before dropping down to face him. "Yes, yes you were. So what do you want to talk about?" she looked at him sternly
"Im hoping that this doesn't change our friendship and the way you see me because i have just realized i have been a bit of a dick to you and i haven't seen you for who you are, i just see you as a cold hearted bitch but you are more than that so please lets hope this doesn't change anything". Stokes found saying that was really hard because it made him put his feelings for her aside and act like a professional.
kaira punched him square in the jaw. "Thats for calling me a bitch" She then stepped forwards and hugged him. "Thats for being a decent friend"
"God i hate this now"
Kaira stepped back and looked at him. "Hate what?" she said puzzled.
"That i like you but cant make it work because of your commitment to Arcis, and because i am just a soldier who follows orders and is meant to die on the field of battle, Hey but at least we can still be friends". Stokes really wanted for someone to kill him now he had fucked up again.
Kaira looked at him for a minute, then turned and ran, straight into the forest. "Well done, you made my sister cry" Nyx said clapping slowly.
"See you fucked up again Stokes you fucked up again". Stokes went after Kaira to go and make emends before Lock heard and comes to finish him off "Just don't fuck up this time Stokes".
Vale stuck out his scythe to bar Stokes way. "I think you've done enough" he said in his monotone voice.
"No i can still fix this" Stokes powered his way through the Scythe to chase after Kaira.
"I said, you've done enough" Vale said materializing in front of stokes and winding the man with the blunt handle of his scythe.
"No i can fix this before i die and by god i will". Even though winded Stock carried on after Kaira. "Come on armour we have been through worse this should be easy".
"Enough" Vale whispered again materializing, this time ramming the blade of his scythe through the mans gut with a sizable portion protruding from the other side. At this Nyx also phased in and put a pistol to Stokes head "Let her go before you do more damage" she said coldly.
Stokes couldn't move he started to spew up blood that was a bad wound to right through his armour and the him and then out the other side "Kaira im sorr...". Stokes Fell to the ground his armour making a mighty thud as it impacted the ground. the last thing he saw before blacking out was the Scythe being pulled out of his gut.
"He had it coming" Vale said bluntly. "What do we do with him now?"
Nyx holstered her pistols and shrugged. "Leave him, he'll be out for a while" she said walking off.
Stokes came round to find that he was in a pool of his own blood, "Jesus that hurt not having that done again". He got to his feet and instantly collapsed. "This is going to be hard but i have to get back to the FOB". Stokes tryed to stand and this time got his balance and set of towards the FOB.
Kaira sat alone in the forest. She was crying by a small pool confused and hurt by her so called friends actions. Unbeknownst to her, Vale and Nyx were in the shadows on the other side of the pool. "Look at her" Nyx said with a tone of sadness. "This is why father sent us, to stop this from happening. Look what that oaf has done." Vale just stood there silently.
Stokes stumbled back into the FOB still bleeding heavily and went to his quarters to lay down for a couple of hours to let the wound heal". Dammit he thought you have really done it this time, there is only one way out now. Stokes with this final thought went to sleep for the first time in weeks.
Kaira was there for what seemed like hours whilst her siblings kept careful watch over her. Eventually she stopped crying and rose to her feet starting back towards the Camp. The twins kept out of sight but followed.
Five hours had passed and Stokes was back on his feet and his armour repaired, But he started scrachting tally marks into the Helmet making it look like it once had before the duel with Lock. "Well its now or never", Stokes walked out of his quarters and went to the armoury to get a Pistol, a normal mans rifle and his rifle and a bandolier of grenades. Stokes headed for the forest just as Kaira walked into the FOB's area.
Kaira noticed stokes and turned her eyes away and kept walking. The twins stayed at the edge of the camp waiting. Kaira just kept walking towards the shelter that had been set up for her.
Stokes went about 1000 meters into the forest and stopped. "This is far enough". Stokes took out the pistol and made sure it was loaded placed it to the side of his helmet and Fired. Nothing happened the armour stopped the round, Stoke had expected this so he check the rifle was loaded and did the same, with the same result. "Well my rifle will do the trick". Stokes looked up for the final time and prepared his rifle.
"Coward" came the words from the shadows. "Pathetic."
Stokes turned around and scanned the shadows his optics couldn't see anyone. "Who's there show yourself". Stokes was followed but by who.
"Worthless". The voice continued. "Coward. Disappointment. Failure" the voice spoke.
Stokes was starting to get mad and grabbed the rifle he had just used to try and take his life with and opened a full clip into the bushes around him, "SHOW YOURSELF" Stokes was starting to get agitated.
The voice laughed "Coward. Worthless. Pathetic. Disgrace" it continued.
"WHO ARE YOU, SHOW YOURSELF". Stokes was starting to go mad with rage and guilt all the words being hurled at him were true he was all of them.
"Coward, Coward, COWARD" The voice finished
Stokes couldn't take it anymore and was on his knees screaming in anger and guilt pounding the ground so anyone with a certain distance could hear, what is going on was that his mind or is there someone there.
Vale remained in the shadows having finished his game. He stood silently invisible and staring at the broken man before him.
Stokes fell onto his back he didn't want to move he was paralyzed with the fear of what just happened. "I have failed you". Stokes just lay there waiting for something to happen now, Death, Salvation he just didn't know.
Vale watched as the so called man broke down. A slight smirk visible from under his hood. He stepped deeper into the forest and left the man to his madness.
Stokes laid there for about an hour, "it must be in my head of course it was in my head no one else knows about that", "I have to get back to the FOB and get out of this armour". Stokes started to take the bulky armour off so he was just left in his Battle dress and started to carry all his armour and weapons back to the FOB.
Vale and Nyx waited outside Kairas quarters. Vale still had the grin on his face but no one could see it under his hood.
Stokes came back into the FOB and went straight to his quarters the look of shock on his face he decided to lie down and try to get some sleep. But sleep didnt come to him all that came to him were the faces of the people he had failed and hurt the last face he saw before he woke was Kairas the one he had hurt the most.
Kaira had calmed down. Her armour fully reformed and she walked outside and the twins fell in behind her. She started sparring with them.
Stokes didn't want to move those images terrified him so he went outside to see Kaira sparring with her brother and sister and so he walked the opposite way towards the tank maintenance facility and started to see if he could lend a hand with the repair of the tanks.
Nyx shouted towards an engineering team "Can i get a tank over here?"
The engineer nodded and rolled out one of the MBT's shipped to the world with them. "Watch this" she said with a smile to Kaira and fired off two shots from her pistols into the tanks front armour, blowing a hole in it. "Ha" Vale said, running forwards and carving the thing in two with his scythe. He stopped on the other side looking back at them. "show off" muttered Kaira.
Stokes was busy fixing tanks when he saw Nyx and Vale destroy on of the MBT's shipped here great he thought now he has to spend another day fixing that but it kept his mind of Kaira and what had happened in the forest "ok men recover that tank i will fix that one by myself". The recovery crew started making there way towards the tank whilst Stokes started fixing another.
Kaira saw Stokes pointing at the wrecked tank. She shouldered her rifle and fired a high powered shot into it detonating it in a colossal explosion. She lowered her rifle and turned to Nyx "I win" she said. "Spoilsport" Nyx said sticking her tongue out.
Stokes turned around as he heard the explosion and say that the tank was blown to smithereens and the recovery crew were sent flying back. Stokes ran towards them and made sure they were ok on had a piece of shrapnel in his leg, "MEDIC". Stokes then turned towards the Darkstriders "ARE YOU FUCKING MAD, MY MEN HAVE GOT HURT JUST SO YOU COULD HAVE A LITTLE FUN WHAT ARE YOU THINKING". Stokes had got mad because he put the men's safety first before everything else.
Kaira ignored him and walked off, Nyx balanced on Vale's scythe as the two followed her to the watchtower.
"FINE JUST WALK AWAY", the medics arrived "OK i want these men moved pronto and i want the others check for concussion and any other injuries". Stokes looked towards Kaira, is she hurting his men as a punishment she didn't even respond to him well he didn't care anymore he only cared for his men's safety now. Stokes helped the medics get the men on stretchers and then followed them to the field hospital
Kaira just started to blast off rounds into a tree at the edge of the FOB, she didn't care about anything at this point, she was just annoyed and had no intention of giving stokes any kindness.
Stokes was in the Field Hospital and then remembered that he had now to fill out forms saying whay there was an incident at the FOB, but for that he needed a secure line to kurze. Stokes went to the comms tent to see if that was possible. "Is it possible to get a secure line to Kurze at the moment" Stokes asked on of the operators. "Yes commander we can patch you in to his comms unit now if you want".
The three siblings stayed in the tower with Nyx talking to Kaira and getting half responses. Vale stood watch over the two, he hacked into Stoke's comms and concealed his identity. "Coward. Pathetic. Disgrace." He said in the same tone as before.
Stokes fell in the tent it was happening again "No not again he ripped of his Helmet and then his gas mask and ripped out all the trageting and comms arrays leading into armour. "I will not face that again" Stokes tood up and walked out side into the middle of the FOB and just waited for something to happen.
Vale watched as Stokes came out helmetless, and smirked. He thought he'd continue his game to repay stokes for his treatment of Kaira. He tapped into the base loudspeakers. "Coward. Pathetic. Failure."He said echoing out across the forest.
"Fine yes im a failure, Yes im a Coward and Yes i am Pathetic what more do you want me to admit, I have failed with my life i am now a soldier wanting to die, My life is meaningless so if you want DO IT KILL ME" Stokes wasnt afraid anymore he was ready to embrace death and was ready to go down fighting.
Vale smirked once again and closed off his connection. he stood in the tower, looking down at the man shouting in the courtyard.
"COME ON KILL ME DO IT", Stokes was shouting as loud as his voice would let him. "DO IT I DARE YOU". Stokes didn't feel any thing no emotions or any feelings apart from anger and rage he wanted it to be over and for it to end.
Vale remained silent his smirk still there just visible under the hood. Kaira remained sat down ignoring the shouting idiot
.Stokes had, had enough he couldn't take it he got out his Combat Knife and Plunged it deep into his Stomach. Stokes lurched backwards and fell onto his back and he lay there Dying. Finally he could do some good to the worlds by getting rid of himself.
Vale cocked his head at this ridiculous display and watched the medical teams run to him. "What a pathetic fool" he said in his quite tone.
Stokes was rushed to the medical tents and operated on instantly, The knife removed and the internal bleeding and organ damage was repaired. They then moved Stokes to his quarters and laid him in his bed they laid him there with his battle dress tunic off so the wound can breath and get air because with him it was best to leave it to heal.
Vale stood in the corner of Stokes tent, far enough into the shadow that the eye could not quite see. He watched the man who bore many scars on his torso with has Scythe in hand.
Stokes was still unconsious in his tent 5 hours after surgery and his wound still had not healed, a private had been sent to go and find Kaira, when he found her still in the Watchtower, "Darkstrider Kaira i dont know if you knew but Stokes was hurt bad about 4 hours ago and he still hasn't come round or healed we think there maybe something wrong with him, thought you would just like to know". The private then ran off to carry on his duties.
Kaira remained slumped against the watchtower wall. "Vale's keeping an eye on him." Nyx said comfortingly placing an arm on Kaira's shoulder. Kaira shrugged her off just as it began to rain. She watched the drops fall as exposed equipment had tents erected around it and the Krieg soldiers continued constructing defences.
It had been nearly 10 hours and Stokes finally came round he sat up in his bed. "What time is it". Stokes grabbed his clock from his desk, "This cant be right it says 10 at night i went down at Noon, Thats wierd i should have been up at least by 4". Stokes tryed to get up but the pain was to much that he just sat on the edge of his bed.
"Its been 10 hours stokes." Vale said from the shadows, blending in with the darkness. "How are you feeling?" he asked with no discernible emotion.
"Feeling like shit, ive done so much wrong and other things wrong and now i cant even help my men because it pains me to move i am a bad commander, and dont deserve to be a jumped up commander i dont even deserve to be a private". Stokes hated himself at the moment only Kurze could judge him now to see what he is worth and if he is worth keeping.
Nyx phased in at this point on a chair in the corner "Enough with the woe is me crap" she said "you've screwed up, we all have at some point. Your a soldier so get used to losing men. If you don't get your head straight everyone here is going to die or be captured. Start acting like a damned commander and not a sulking child" she fisnished looking at him.
"DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT I HAVE DONE, THE PEOPLE I HAVE KILLED, I MAY BE A SHIT COMMANDER BUT GIVE ME A RIFLE AND I WILL KILL MANY MORE AND IM NOT AFFRAID TO TAKE YOU ON, NOW FUCK OFF AND STAY OUT OF OTHER PEOPLES PROBLEMS" Stokes was now angry how she thinks that its easy losing men in a battle, because its not that whole battalion etched in his mind.
Nyx just looked at him. "I know everything about you Stokes. I know how many men you've lost. Your alive, so start living and stop worrying about the past. You need to get in the present and start giving these men a commander to look up to." she said.
"Where's my armour". Stokes got up and went to his locker and threw his armour on his bed. "Now if you dont mind i have something i have to make up for". Stokes put his tunic back on and then proceeded to put on the bulky armour and headed out to try and settle things with Kaira once and for all.
Kaira delt the cool rain running down her face as she sat on the watch tower room cross legged. It was refreshing after recent events and she was content to sit their as the downpour continued. She noticed stokes leaving his tent. She remained on her perch letting the rain flow over her as she sat their calmly.
Stokes headed to the Watchtower and headed up to speak to Kaira.
Stokes reached the top of the Watchtower and saw Kaira outside, "Hey wouldn't you prefere to be inside out of the rain?". Stoke wondered if she would even speak to him because of recent events.
"I quite like it out here, its peaceful and the rain is cool to the touch" she said stretching out an ungauntleted palm. "Why are you here stokes?" she asked not looking at him.
Stokes stepped outside on lent on the barrier, "im here to say sorry, again this time i mean it and i want to make things right properly this time so we aren't avoiding each other". Stokes just looked out into the rain and waited for a reply. He could see Nyx and Vale standing around in the shadows keepng an eye on him.
Kaira shrugged "Your under my command now so I expect you to follow orders and get the job done." she said coldly. "Stay in line and we won't have a problem again." she finished turned and walked off.
"hey dont just walk off this is what i mean we need to sort this out". Stokes was losing it she wasn't even listening to him. Great he thought this is going to go down well.
"You will address me as Ma'am or Darkstrider from now on." she said stopping. "Consider the slate wiped clean. Just don't screw up again." she said continuing to walk towards the staircase.
"Yes Ma'am". Stokes jumped off the barrier and headed into the forrest towards the Shadowblade Line he hoped to find another patrol base or even maybe fight some shadowblade, seeing as Kaira wasn't listening to him ever again.
Nyx put a hand on Kaira's shoulder whilst motioning for Vale to follow stokes. "It's for the best sis, when soldiers get out of line you have to put them in their place." she said soothingly. Kaira just shrugged and walked off
Stokes just continued to walk in the general area looking for a fight, "Damit Stokes why is it so hard for you anyone else would be fine talking to there supiors". Stokes loaded his rifle and fired a shot in the air "Here Shadowblade come out and play".
"Where do you think your going?" Vale asked stood right behind Stokes. "Did you not just listen to her when she said about following orders and not stepping out of line?
"So are you telling me to go back to the FOB Vale". Stokes turned to look at him.
Vale just looked at Stokes, his face and expresion concealed by his hood. The rain kept falling on the two. Vale remained motionless just looking at the man.
"Do you want me to go back, Yes or No". Stokes didnt like Vale something about him just made Stokes feel strange was it because of him wearing the hood or because when he looked at him he felt like deep down bad memories were arising.
Again, Vale remained silent. He kept staring at Stokes, his scythe in hand. It was beginning to get dark and the rain persisted.
"It was you wasn't calling me a coward, pathetic and a failure, Why that is my only question why did you do that". Stokes anger was starting to build up he couldn't hit him because he was related to Kaira and then Lock would come and kill him so all Stokes could do was stand and wait for an answer.
"I told you what you needed to hear" Vale said calmly. He resumed staring at Stokes. Very subtly he tightened his grip on his scythe.
"Why, Why did i want to hear that it made me more of a wreck". Stokes anger was building up alot faster but he must not hit Vale thats a personel order to himself.
"We must acknowlegde our demons to defeat them" Vale said. The rain was getting heavier now loud as it hit the leaves of the forest.
"But you made me nearly kill myself how is that defeating my demons, Its not thats called assisted suicide". Stokes tried to vent of some steam by talking he was starting to think it may be best to go back to the FOB.
"Your alive aren't you? And I know it isn't weighing on your mind so much" Vale spoke calmly "Destruction is the beginning of recovery."
"WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO THEN, I BEARLY CAME THROUGH THAT AND YOU HAVE ALREADY TRIED TO KILL ME, WHAT IS MY PURPOSE HERE THEN THERE ARE 3 DARKSTRIDERS NOW YOU DONT NEED ME, YOU 3 CAN HANDLE AND SITUATION BETTER THAN I CAN". Stokes turned around again and started to walk towards the enemy lines.
"Stop" Vale said with force. "What would your fallen men think of you wasting the life they died to give you?
Stokes stopped dead in his tracks. "They didn't give there lives for me they died like any Krieg soldier would i just made them keep going forward if i said just Fall back and Regroup Use Grenades, They could all still be alive, and then i wouldn't have signed up for this stupid programme and then i would have never met Kaira and screwed her up by ruining her, i didnt make the right choices but i can still try to redeem my self," Stokes turned round and too of his helmet and through it to Vale.
Vale stepped aside and let the helmet roll past. "You did as you were ordered. Men died. It's war, get used to it" Vale said.
"No Look at the helmet i wasn't throwing it at you with force just look at the damned thing". Stokes knew he was right.
"I've seen the marks before" Vale said ignoring the helmet. "Stop caring about something you can't change."
"but i could have been different, Lets just get back to the FOB there isn't much i can do now i just have to follow orders and wait for death on the battlefield". Stokes walked back to the FOB picking up his helmet as he went.
Vale watched him go and shook his head slightly before following.
Stokes and Vale walked back into the FOB area and walked up to Nyx and Kaira. "Ok i will be less depressed now and follow orders Ma'am, So what do you want me to do". Stokes said to Kaira it felt awkward talking to her now because of stuff that had happend and how she had gone strict on him.
Kaira looked at him sternly." I want you in the command centre in ten." she then walked off.
"Yes Ma'am". Stokes felt a bit concerned because her tone towards him had changed, Ten minutes later stokes was in the Command Centre in his normal uniform waiting for Kaira, Vale and Nyx.
"Alright Stokes" Kaira said walking in as the twins phased in. "Whats your status and the status of your troops? And how goes the fortifications?"
"The fortifications are coming along nicely and the Troops that we have are ready for combat, we are just waitng on the rest of the Troops from the other ships, Also im fine just give me my rifle and they wont stop me Ma'am". Stokes felt a new surge of energy flow through him like a deep sorrow within him was released.
Kaira thought for a second. "Speak freely Stokes" she finally said gaining a strange look from Nyx.
"I have nothing else to say Ma'am just that i have some major repairs to do on some tanks before the morning". Stokes remembered the darkstriders shooting at the tank now he was going to have to fix that.
"Right, well get to work." She said stonily. before turning back to the tactical table to survey reports from her scouts.
It got late and Stokes set to work rebuilding the tank that got blown up by the Darkstriders. "Damit why do they have to cause so much damage to are stuff, stupid nex having to show off".
"How nice of you to insult us" came a voice from the darkness
Stokes turned round and turned his Night Vision on and saw Vale standing and watching him fix the tank. "Sorry but its not the first bit of equipment that the nex have destroyed of ours for fun it happens all the time usually it causes more deaths, Luckily only this time minor concussions and the trooper with the shrapnel in his leg".
Vale adjusted his suit so as to drop off the night vision before phasing onto a support beam. "And what do you mean by that?" Vale said.
"I mean you like to destroy are stuff, and there has been deaths. so i would apriciate it if when you next see your dad, Lock, because it does take time to fix like i will be here all night fixing this, and with us in war all the time we cant spare the time with Nex happy blasting our equipment".
Vale laughed. "Where did you hear such nonsense?" he asked with mirth in his voice.
"Its not nonsense there have been reports images i have seen it done before, so i do know what im talking about". Stokes made Vale laugh how in gods name did he do that.
Vale's smirk remained. "You do realise that that was these rebels?" he waited. "No? Ever think that there was lingering resentment against my people for what happened on that moon? Ever consider that there were those angry at the Nex and hated our alliance? Of course you didn't your a soldier who believes what he see's and hears without question." Vale could barely contain the mockery in his tone.
"Ok sorry no can i get back to fixing the thing rebels didnt break but were darkstriders". Stokes was being put down by Vale he didn't care anymore because he just wanted the tank to be in working order it wasn't impossible but bloody damn well hard from its condition.
Vale smirked. "Didn't reaise I was preventing you" he said sarcastically
"yeah for once its not Kaira, which is wierd, but i understand seeing as see don't want to speak to me or even be round me for long periods of time, Now i must get back to work on this machine". Stokes turned back to the tanks and continued to work on the treads.
Vale sat there unresponsive watching Stokes without a sound.
Stokes continued to work for another hour until Vale just standing there started to get abit weird. "Hey Vale why don't you go find you sisters and watch them, because im trying to work here and i cant concentrate with you watchimg me like this".
Vale remained silent pretending he wasn't there. Then again to Stokes he actually wasn't perceivable.
"Vale i know your still there go find your sisters and bug them, or if your going to stay help with the tank you broke and the same for your sisters seeing as they helped with the destruction". Stokes was still working on the tank not looking up because he needed this tank done.
Vale again stayed silent. He looked on at Stokes trying to judge the man. He could take a beating that was certain but he wasnt like any krieg soldier Vale had ever seen.
"Vale, Were are your sisters by the way they went somewhere after the command brief and i havent seen them since". Stoke wondered what reaction Vale would give to this but he already knew he would just be himself and be moddy and say something slowly and dull.
"Knowing Nyx she's probably tried to convince Kaira into an orgy with your men" Vale said bluntly. "Kaira however, hmm, in a tree, she likes trees" he finished dropping down from his spot.
"True well everytime i need Kaira she has been a tree, Nyx whats here problem she hates me for some reason care to shed some light on this". Stokes looked at Vale now down from his spot in the rafters.
"She doesn't hate you. She's just trying to watch out for Kaira. If shes coming across as angry its sexual frustration" Vale said with a small chuckle. "Anything I can do?" he asked.
"Oh and just go round the other side and start tightening the bolts of the treads please, Also if you dont mind me asking what did i do wrong?". Stokes paused shit now im going to be stabbed again ain't I.
"You admited your feelings" Vale said while tightening the bolts. "Father said anything to do with you and trying a relationship was to be punished, and no offence but i'd rather cross you than him"
"True i would go with you on that i tried crossing him and i nearly got killed until she saved me, thats the one thing on my mind though, Why did she save me". Stokes felt a little more comfortable talking to Vale now.
"Kaira's always been the one to oppose injustice and watch out for her friends. Guess your lucky enough to be one of them" Vale said finishing the bolts. "Whats next?" he asked.
"I need help wiring up the electrics to the motor, im her Friend only about the day before she hated me". Stoke like the fact that Vale was helping him it made him feel more at ease.
"Electricals is something my people are good at" he said with a grin, he pulled back his hood at this point revealing a young pale skinned, dark haired man. "Well you obviously did something wrong" Vale said.
"Yeah i must have, eventually i would like to speak to her in Private to straighten things out before i fuck things up at again. So just wire that up so the turret can turn and the engine can start". Stokes changed the subject quickly back to the tank he would never be alowed to speak to he alone not after what has happend.
"Done" Vale turned to him "Well your not exactly the best speaker, and considering Arcis is here in system I wouldn't try anything." He finished staring the man in the eye
"Arcis, oh yeah the one shes going to marry , He probably wants me dead, Look i just want to straighten things out so i can tell Lock nothing is going to happen and she will have a life how he sees fit, Ok now flip the ignition".
"Arcis isnt too bad, he takes things well" Vale flicked the ignition while saying this. "Lock just wants someone who can make sure she's safe and until either you prove your up to the task, or you die then Nyx and I will be here"
The tank sputterd into life "Good we have it running no pull that round dial i want to see if i can get the turret bearing moving, Question how can i prove myself in not like a privalieged Nex personel im a scum of the earth soldier who got jumped up to major then commader".
Vale moved the dial and the turret started moving. "You think you'd be a Commander if my father didn't think you were up to the task?" he asked with a smile.
"True but im not a good one i can do it but its not my position im no good at tactics or how to be a proper officer, Ok now that the turret bearings turn help me get the turret on use the winch and i will guide it down onto the correct positions".
Vale latched the winch on. "This is what i mean, you have no faith in yourself. Your combat style lost you your men. So learnt. Adapt. Become the soldier your men need you to be."
"Ok a little lower, i need that boost i would confront Lock and tell him i am ready to prove myself but in not hopefully this Operation should help me, Ok stop there now help me bolt the turret down".
Vale began attatching the turret. "You'll find a way" he said with a shrug.
"Even if i prove myself, now this is getting deep, Will she have me?, and its on ok wait there". Stokes climbed on top of the tanks and vanished into the tank
"Thats not my call to make" Vale said calmly. Stepping off the hull and phaseing back up to the beam.
Stokes popped up out of the tanks commander hatch "Ok the turret and all other systems work, but why have you gone back up there?".
He shrugged "It's comfortable" he said just as the wind began to pick up. One of the main door opened momentarily bringing the sound of the storm to defening levels. The door closed and Nyx disabbled her helmet. "What are you doing here Vale?" she asked. He just shrugged in reply.
Stokes turned the turret to face Nyx. "I got the tank fixed with help from Vale, So where have you been?" Stokes asked in anticipation.
"Busy" she said with a slight blush. "Vale? Helping?" she said with a laugh.
"Yeah he has been a real help and has helped me get a few things clear in my mind". "You say busy what does that entail then because at the moment i think Vale has been more busy than you". Stokes hid back in the tank and closed the hatch preparing for a shit storm.
"haha he has his uses occasionally" she said poking her tongue out at him completely ignoring the second part of the question.
"Ok just ignore the question then, actually do i dont want my arm to be half way across the room, because who will clean the tank of my blood" Stoke felt happy for the first time in ages and Vale was right Nyx is alright.
"What are you two gonna do now then?" she asked directing the question towards Stokes.
"Me and who, Vale?" Stokes was confused by the question
"No you and the tank" she said sarcastically.
"I DONT UNDERSTAND SIMPLE QUESTIONS" Stokes stuck his head up and the look on his face was just completly confused by what Nyx was saying.
"You two hungry? The mess buildings empty and I figure you guys could use some food" she said with a smile.
"Sure im up for that" Stokes got out of the tank and took off his overalls and headed for the door. "you coming Vale?".
Vale dropped down from his beam and pulled his hood back up. "Food? Sure." he said walking towards the door.
All three of them got to the mess hall and got some food, there was always food at the mess no matter the time, they sat down and started eating. "So what are the actual plans for this combat".
Vale shrugged "Your the second in command her, you tell us" he said taking a mouthful of what looked like a bacon roll.
"Wait im second in command, I thought it was, You, Nyx and Kaira that were in charge i just follow the orders of you 3". Stokes was surprised with this information. "Are you sure thats right i dont think i have the right state of mind to be second in command".
Again Vale shrugged "Your a commander for a reason, technically us two aren't even here." he said. He looked up from his plate to see Kaira in the door way.
"Hey sis come join us!" Nyx said with a smile.
Stokes turned to see Kaira walking this way. "Hey i fixed the tank you lot broke with help from your brother, thought you liked to know". Stokes wondered if she would actually talk to him now.
"Vale helped someone" she said half gasping.
Through a mouthful of food Vale exclaimed "Why does no one beleive I help people!?"
Kaira took a seat alongside Vale just opposite of Stokes.
"Maybe because you do tend to stay in the shadows alot, also where have you been Ma'am?" Stokes decided to keep calling here ma'am incase she was still mad at him.
Vale went back to eating. "I've just been trying to get these defences proofed against the storm." she said grabbing a few crumpets off the food counter. "Your men are grumbling about the weather" she laughed slightly.
"They are used to dry, arrid deserts and trenches Ma'am, not being above ground being battered by the storms, i just hope that the other shuttles can land sometime soon".
"I expect the shuttles will wait until the storms cleared" she said taking her seat and beginning to eat. "Do you have a lieutenant as an aid Stokes or is it just you?"
"Just me Ma'am i never took to having anyone i prefered to do my orders of war and that alone". Stokes continued eating his meal and every now and then having a drink to wash it down.
"Fair enough I suppose" she said continuing her food. Vale had gone for seconds and Nyx was just laid down on one of the benches half asleep.
"Why do you ask Ma'am?", this is a strange question of her to ask of him.
"Seems quite the burden to hold, commanding alone I mean" she was still eating and avoiding eye contact.
"people say that now Ma'am i must excuse myself i need to go somewhere". Stokes got up and placed his empty meal container on the rack headed out of the Mess and headed up to the watchtower to let of some built up emotions.
Kaira phased in at the tower just as stokes reached the top. "If these men are gonna stay alive we need to sort this out." she said leaning against the wall
"I have tried to do that but your brother and sister are always on your heels or mine", Stokes leant against the barrier. "So do you want to start incase i fuck up for the 3rd time".
"Nyx is half asleep and Vale is too focused on his dinner" she smirked. "So why don't you say whats bugging you.
"No i cant, look you start this time Ma'am all the other times i have started and i have hurt you and i dont want to fuck up again"
"Ok" she looked at the floor. "I know...how you feel about me. But it can't happen and that's something your going to have to deal with. I want to be your friend but if you push your feelings I will push the chain of command crap and discipline you"
"I know" Stokes looked straight up into the rain, "I know it cant happen because A: we are friends B: because you already have someone else in your life and finally C: Your dad Lock just wants the best for you. So him seeing a low like me being with you mad him mad and made him want me dead, Thats why i have tried to leave so many times so i dont screw up and hurt anymore people".
"Your a good soldier, so stop trying to take the easy way out" her tone was stern.
"Thats the real question am i though, i put feelings before my duties, thats not what a soldier should do Ma'am".
"We all make mistakes Stokes" she said soothingly. "Seeing as i've got you here, do you even have a first name?"
"No i dont have a name, Its just been Stokes after the inccident Ma'am"
"Well continuously calling you by your surname is way to formal, as is calling me Ma'am" she said laughing.
"Well i dont have a name as i have said, and i have only called you Ma'am since you have been pissed at me" he said with a grin apeering on his face.
"Well im getting bored of calling you Stokes, so what are we going to call you? she asked the wind whipping throguh her hair.
"I dont know i have forgotten my real name other the years, why dont you pick a name because i cant think of one, and i wont call you Ma'am anymore, unless you wanted me to?"
"Pick a name...hmm" she thought for a moment. "I'm not great with human names give me a minute"
"you really are going to give me a name, Ok i still prefer Stokes"
She finally shruged "i'll just call you stokes" she said.
"Its easier on me and people already know me well like that, So is that it Kaira... are we done now we put all other stuff behind us" Stokes looked at her for the first time since the arguments.
"Ok" she said with a smile lookig him in the eye with her piercing purple gaze.
"I will be going then i have to see to my men Kaira, i will see you later". Stokes turned towards the door and started down the flight of stairs.
Kaira lent back against the wall and watched him go. She finally shrugged and swung up onto the roof to sit in the storm.
Stokes wondered back into the garage to just sit there and do some customisation to his armour because he would be needing it in the oncoming battles. "Stoke you did a good job this time be happy for once".
Vale phased in on his beam watching stokes below. His hood was back up concealing his face and he just sat there.
Stokes continued to make additions to his armour and paint in the tally marks over his armour, "Wipe away all that reminds me of what happend". People may think Stokes talking to himself was madness, but he found it calming and could get things of his mind.
Vale watched as stokes contiued his helmet tally. Head cocked slighty.
Stokes finished Painting over all the tally marks and refurbishing the armour. "now to test it out" he said proudly, but to do that he needed something or someone.
"Need a hand?" Vale said dropping down from the rafters and landing next to Stokes.
"Need a hand with what i have fixed everything now". Stokes looked at Vale waiting for an answer.
"People don't tend to drive tanks solo" he said with a smirk.
"I can drive this tank alone, besides im not testing the tank im testing the modifications i have made to my armour". Stokes got in the drivers hatch of the tank and started the Tank.
Vale shrugged and took a seat on the turret. "What modifications?" he asked over comms.
"Just a few mounted weapons here and there and upgraded the armour soit can take more hits". Stokes said over the comms to Vale, "So i need something or someone to test it on".
"What did you have in mind?" Vale said continuing to sit on the turret.
"I dont know, i just need a target of some description matching a person or a human analogue to test against". Stokes drove the tank past the mess hall and out through the FOB gate past the watchtower and into the forest.
"In other words you want to use me as target practice." Vale smiled at the idea.
"No i never said that, why would you assume that, you wanted to come for the ride doen't mean i want to shoot you".
"You always want to shoot me" Vale said with a small laugh. "So what are we going to test it on?"
"No i dont, well maybe one time. but if you want i can shoot you i mean if shot Kaira and here armour withheld so why shouldnt yours". Stokes started to grin now he can shoot the basterd that nearly fucked him up so badly.
"That implies your going to hit me" Vale said smirking. "I hope your armours stronger now, it was like paper before."
"it should be with the amount new armour panels on it and other items on it, and why would i hit you its not like you've done bad things to me is it" Stokes said sarcasticly.
"I didnt't say you'd be missing me on purpose" Vale said cooly. "More like cardboard now then?" he said sarcastically.
"More like... i dont know but it can take even more of a beating now". Stokes stopped the tank in a clearing and disembarked. "This will do fine".
"Well are you ready then?" Vale asked with a dry tone.
"Sure are you ready then"
Vale disappeared. "Ready" he said over comms.
"Yes im ready" Stokes replyed
"Come and find me then Stokes" Vale said as a screech metal being scratched sounded from the rear of the tank.
Stokes grin returned he loaded his rifle and went hunting, "Come on Vale this isn't fair on you your only prelonging the sensation of my rounds, i will find you and your pointy stick".
A could be heard as Vale severed the left track. "Hurry up and find me." Vale said mockingly.
"Stop wrecking the tank i only just fixed that now your ruining it again, so come and face me", Stokes turned on his Thermal Vision and could see the blur of Vale jumping around the trees. "Got you, you basterd" Stokes whispered to himself.
Vale appeared behind stokes. "Afternoon" he said stunning stokes with blunt end of his scythe, before disappearing back into the storm.
Stokes turned and kept turning keeping an target on Vale, he saw Vale jump form a tree and try to strike him, but with precision shot Stokes let of 5 rounds from his rifle.
The rounds seemed to disappear into the darkness of Vale's cloak as he kicked stokes backwards into a tree, followed by swinging his scythe across stokes armour leaving a huge gouge before leaping backwards into the storm.
"Ok so thats how its going to be then". Stokes dropped his rifle and pulled out his combat knife, "So where did you go then you little basterd".
Faster than Stokes could react a hand came from the shadows and swiped his rifle before disappearing again.
"ok so now your taking my rifle, that is just low Vale i expect that from Nyx but from you im just disappointed".
Laughing is all that could be heard as the storm raged around them. The first shot came from on high into Stokes gut, the second from behind into his left leg. The laughing continued.
Stokes started to laugh. "using my own rifle smart move but thats 7 shots gone you now only have 3 left make then count, they barely harmed me". Stokes lifted his knife and waited for Vale to attack
The rifle landed at Stokes feet, the clip removed. While stokes looked at this his back was slashed, straight through the armour just missing his spine.
"Ok granted that one hurt, But come on face my like a man Vale, or is this your first outing since daddy woke you up". Stokes was taunting vale into attacking him now
Vale was no fool. He had lived long enough to become accustomed to insults and ignore them. He thought he'd play a game. The tanks turret started turning towards Stokes.
"Ok so now you have a tank". Stokes started running towards it when the first shot was fired, Luckily it went wide and now was his chance, Stokes grabbed some C4 from his webbing and placed it on the turret, ran back and detonated it, The tank he had just fixed was now in shreds again.
Vale had vacated the vehicle the seconds Stokes had moved. "Fool" came the word as his scythe went straight through stokes upper leg before retracting and the storm engulfed Vale once more.
"Ok so you are using stealth over force, so im guessing that you, Nyx and Kaira have different fighting styles. Because Kaira didnt stand a chance against my Knife when i pushed it through her armour and drove it home through her shoulder and out the other side".
The laughing continued as Vale struck another blow, this time into Stokes shoulder before he yet again disappeared.
"Ok was that meant to mean something, look your getting pissed i think and im still going last time i would have been down by know".
Vale sighed and pulled the Scythe straight up through Stokes chest stopping just before the heart and pulled it out before fading back into the storm.
Stokes again started to cough up blood, "Come on out Vale im not done yet im still standing".
"I could take your legs if thats how you feel" the voice came on the wind.
"Well where is the fun in that arn't you amazed that in still standing and haven't crumbled yet".
Vale's laugh could be heard even over the storm. Vale struck again this time in the gut and pulled his scythe out from one side leaving a gaping hole.
"Ok that may hinder me" Stokes said finally as he collapsed on the ground with his blood pouring from the wounds.
"Idiot" Vale said phasing in nearby. "Union fleet just entered system, prepare to entertain guests" came a transmission from Nyx. He grabbed Stokes by the collar and began dragging him back to camp.
Stokes woke up in the field hospital his tunic soaked in blood and and his chest covered in bandages, one wrapped around his waste and the other Wrapped from his shoulder like a bandolier. Stokes got up and walked out of the field hospital and saw the 3 darkstriders talkng in a group.
Kaira waved him over as she saw him stumble out of the door. "How you feeling?" she asked with concern in her voice.
"Been better Kaira i can happily say". Stokes continued over to them.
Nyx was sat on the crux of Vale's Scythe again as they stopped talking waiting for Stokes to say something.
Stokes looked at Vale and smiled, "What is that thing made out of Vale". The pain was surging through his body just to stand up.
Vale shrugged "An alloy of diamantide and something ground to a razor edge. My father gave it to me."
"Ok because it bloody hurts and makes my armour become a cats play thing, So what have i missed". Stokes asked generally
"The Union are on their way to reinforce us here thats about it" Kaira said.
"Who are coming"
"They are the people that woke us from the slumber" Nyx interjected. "Here" she said passing over a data pad with the Nex information on the Union.
Stokes read through what information he was just handed. "So they made a weapon and that went rough and is now causing problems around ancerious, good job" Stoke was impressed by the Union even though they did build a rouge weapon.
"They didnt't build anything" Kaira said. "The rogue ship is an ancient vessel that was supposedly allied to the Union. Either way theres some civil war in their own galaxy, hence this thing going rogue."
"Ok well do we know what there sending". Stokes was starting to get light headed and Blood was starting to drip from his wounds.
"You need to go back to your quarters and heal up. you'll know when they're here" Nyx said and the three darkstriders disappeared to prepare a welcome.
Stokes agreed with Kaira this time and headed back to his quarters to get some rest and recover from the beating he took form Vale.
Kaira was sat in a tree at the edge of the FOB lounging happily waiting for the camp to get fully established. She noticed Stokes wondering towards the treeline and fired a shot at his feet. "Afternoon Commander" she said with a mocking salute.
Stokes just continued on not even noticing the shot the Kaira had fired, and carried on into the trees. he was just thinking to himself trying not to have a care but there was something, something that was missing but he couldn't quite tell. It was after the battle with Lock that when he came round in the infirmary that he had these sudden pains he just ignored it and carried on. Stokes knew she was following him she always did but he must not talk to her or even be near her if he wanted to keep his life.
"Hey" she called jumping down from the tree. "What's the deal with you?" she stood in his path and fronted up to him.
Stokes pushes Kaira out of the way and kept walking, Something was wrong with him he would usually stop and go around a person or just turn away. Stokes stopped himself and aggressively said to Kaira "What do you want". without looking at her, Something was different about him he felt more angry and was willing to get in a brawl more.
She held up her hands when he shoved her "What the hell is wrong with you? Still upset after Lock whooped your ass?" she said poking her tongue out. "You've been weird since then, seriously what's up?" with concern in her voice
"Nothing is wrong with me now shoo go back to camp and do something of use for once". Deep down somewhere in his body something was Screaming at him this is not you listen to me, but it was kept away in a void. His brain was telling him this is you now just move the bitch out off your way and keep going. After saying that he turn right and headed deeper into the forest.
Something was seriously wrong, Kaira stood shocked for a second before phasing into the trees above him. She wondered where he was going so wandered through the trees keeping pace with him as he went. All the while she questioned what could be wrong, but failed to draw a conclusion.
Stokes stopped and drew his combat Knife and quickly Turned around and threw it at the Tree Kaira was perching on "I said go back to camp like a good girl and do something useful". The Tone of his voice had changed to become a deeper and more darker style. Stokes went and got his knife back then just stayed still as if listening for something.
"Alright you prat, what the hell is your problem?! I'm your commanding officer now, remember that when you talk to me" her tone stern. She jumped down in front of him. "So what the hell is wrong?"
"For the last Time NOTHING IS WRONG WITH ME, MAYBE YOU ARE THE PROBLEM" Stokes was hand Curled up and At Speed came flying towards Kaira but an inch before it her in the side of her head he stopped it and forced is arm down. "I cant hurt you even though i want to now get away NOW". Stokes felt sure that something was inside his mind making him do these things he had to get whatever it was out of his head.
"And what do you mean by that?" she said retracting her helmet. "What about ME is such an inconvenience to you?" she was shouting now.
Stokes powered up his armour and charged head long into one of the biggest trees in front of him, After the impact Stokes fell back but not over and he quickly regained his footing.
"What the hell is wrong with you!?" She shouted grabbing his arm firmly.
Stokes ripped of his Helmet and gas mask and looked Kaira in the face, "You have to incapacitate me any way possible i dint care how just do it" Stokes said this in his normal voice but it slowly drifted of towards the end back into the dark version.
"What?" she took a step back with a look of confusion. "Why the hell would I do that?!"
"JUST DO IT NOW DONT QUESTION ME FOR ONCE", Stokes looked Kaira right in her eyes "Please".
She'd never seen him beg. She was genuinely worried. She thought for a minute. "No" she finally whispered looking him in the eye with that piercing gaze of hers.
"Kaira i don't ask for much put you have to do this for me, you are the only one here with the strength to knock me out now do it before i lose it again".
"Someone please just hit him!" A voice said from behind stokes, followed quickly by a clunk on the back of Stokes skull and he fell to the ground unconscious. "What?" the figure holding the scythe said with a shrug "Someone had to do it"
"Hey little sister" exclaimed the first speaking diving at Kaira and hugging her.
"Hi Kaira" said the scythe wielder stepping out of the shadows.
"Nyx, Vale. What are you too doing here?" Kaira asked whilst hugging her sister, her eyes fixed on Stokes unconscious body.
"Oh this and that" Nyx said releasing Kaira from the hug. "Vale, drag him back to camp please" she said pointing at Stokes. So the trio set off with Stokes in tow.
Stokes woke up in one of the field hospitals his head was aching but he felt like his normal self again. He started to get dressed back into his armour, He left his gas mask but pace his helmet on and headed out of the hospital to see what was going on. with the soldiers and to actually find out what the enemy ground force consisted of.
Kaira was waiting outside the hospital when Stokes came out. Behind her Vale was stood with Nyx sat on the crux of his scythe looking bored. "Hey how you feeling?" Kaira asked walking over to Stokes. "Vale hit you pretty hard, they said you had a concussion?"
"Im fine as long as your safe, i didn't hurt you did i?" Stokes felt normal again and he didn't care what Lock felt that he was talking to his daughter. "quick question who are these to by the way, and should i already know?"
"Im fine" she said coldly. "I'd like you to meet my sister Nyx and my brother Vale, they're twins. She finished and Nyx waved from her perch whilst vale remained motionless.
"Nice to meet you, Im commander Stokes, under the orders of your sister Kaira" and what do we own the pleasure of having 2 more Nex Darkstriders here on this simple operation". Stokes looked worried if they were related to Kaira then that means that they probably heard about Lock trying to kill him so he tried to act friendly then he was just going to completely ignore them for the rest of there time here.
"Well dad thought Kaira could use a little company as well as back up so he sent us" Nyx giggled with a sweet smile. Vale remained silent and stationary.
"Well ok then always good to have more soldiers to help out around here now excuse me i must tend to my duties of Recon and find out where the enemy is". With this Stokes turned away and tried not to throw up the thought that Lock would send more Darkstriders and being that there family 'to keep her company' no to keep him away at all times more like.
"What's his problem?" Nyx asked jumping down off the scythe. "If i knew i'd tell you" Kaira replied hands on hips. The three of them wandered off to a corner of the camp while stokes went about his duties.
For stokes it felt good to be back on recon with men he could trust, they had been gone nearly 5 hours and had found a small patrol base where the enemy had set up but weren't there at the moment, "Right someone go rig it to blow when they come back and then make it look like a weapons failure because look grenades". a further 30 mins and the trap was ready. "ok lets head back i think we will hear that once it goes off".
The three siblings sat alone in a tree catching up on recent events. Kaira saw stokes and started walking towards him. As she did the other two fell in behind her. "Anything to report commander?" she asked as he walked into the camp.
"no nothing we just found a little patrol base, Then all of a sudden there was a huge explosion, "correction we did find a small patrol base, Well done looks like i you do get a free pint out of me after all, But first im going for some peace and quiet". Stokes then split of from the recon squad and headed towards his Quarters.
Kaira phased into the quarters moments before Stokes entered. "So what's wrong?" Kaira asked bluntly. She'd had enough of him avoiding the question
"Its to do with you and Lock and now you brother and sister turning up", Stokes said bluntly.
"Get explaining, I may be immortal but that doesn't make my attention span any better" she said with a smile
"Well first of all i nearly get killed because i have been talking to you and other things and we have been a bit close, Which then lead to you being hurt for me i have been eating myself up for that you shouldn't have done that its only my life not a big lose for Krieg. Then your brother ans sister appear and why to see you, To help me in this ground conflict or to keep me in order, See i cant do things on my own without really bad consequences". Stokes was starting to become overwhelmed with guilt, "So does it hurt?".
Kaira took in everything he said and stared at him blankly. She still didn't understand why Lock had turned up and attacked Stokes, nor did she get Stokes's constant self hatred. She thought she'd address his question first. "Does what hurt?" she asked smoothly
"Where you got shot because of me". Stokes worried about here all the time she may be older than him by a couple thousand years but he still liked her and want to make sure she was safe.
She shrugged "Not the worst i've ever had, but it stings a bit yeah." She cocked her head and looked at him. "Why do you care?"
"I care because it was my fault i shouldn't have asked you to come along on that first recon and i shouldn't has started to get feelings for you because look where that has put me, im a disgrace to my Family, my Regiment and i got you hurt".
Kaira's face recoiled in shock and she took a step back. "y.y..you have...feelings for me? she said incuriously. "Oh I could have told you that little sis" There they both were in the doorway Vale with his scythe and Nyx perched upon it. "Why do you think Dad beat the crap out of him?"
Kaira just stood there in shock for a moment before looking at Stokes.
"Im going back on recon Alone", Stokes walked out of his quarters grabs a normal soldiers rifle and sped off into the forest. shit he thought i knew i shouldn't have told her. Stokes just went on and on until he stopped to dig in and wait.
Nyx appeared next to Stokes. "So you plucked up the courage to tell her?" Vale wasn't far but he wasn't one for talking so stood in the shadows of a tree. "Not the reaction you were hoping for?"
"I knew it would happen when she asked the reason Lock hates me". Stokes sighed, "No i better get ready Lock will be here soon to kill me i guess".
"You haven't done anything wrong yet, so our father has no reason to come" she giggled. "Not that the threat of him will stop you for long. You mortals and your impulses" She giggled again.
Stokes had a grin appear on his face "True but mine isn't an impulse i do like her but... it wont happen im just a Krieg failure she is a Nex Darkstrider bound to be married to someone important or respectable, Not a low-life like me". Stokes was still getting ready for Lock just in case because he could tell Lock hated him with a passion.
She shrugged looking to Vale for support, he just stood there as per usual. "so what are you going to do then?" she asked inquisitively.
"What can i do, thats the real question im a doomed soul either to die in battle or by Lock now i have to make a choice". Stokes didnt want to make a choice his Regiment over the one he loved either way he is doomed to die.
"Dad can be a bit...harsh shall we say but wouldnt you do the same for your daughter?" Nyx asked laying back on the forest floor. "He just wants whats best for her, she only agreed to the engagement so as not to offend Arcis you know." Nyx crossed her legs and looked up at the battle in orbit. Vale as silent as ever stood watch.
"So what would you advise i do, Then seeing as you are related and have to go through roughly the same with your Father". Stokes looked up at Nyx hoping to get a decent answer because he honestly had no idea what to do.
She shrugged "Isn't my place to say, figure something out numbskull" she said poking his head.
"Well im going to go back to her now and try and speak to her dont come just keep your distance please this is something i need to do for myself". Stokes stood up and headed back to the FOB to find Kaira.
Kaira was hanging upside down from a tree branch when Stokes found her. She had to be the least patient sniper in history she thought as he hung there.
"So what you doing hanging upside down?". Stokes felt a bit awkward after what had happened just 30 minutes ago, please say she would speak to him.
"seeing the world from a new perspective" she said with a little shrug. "What do you want?"
"I wanted to talk about earlier" Stokes dreaded this part. "I was a little to forward with my feelings and all that and im sorry cant you just come down here and we can talk this out properly because this is hurting my neck".
She sighed loudly before dropping down to face him. "Yes, yes you were. So what do you want to talk about?" she looked at him sternly
"Im hoping that this doesn't change our friendship and the way you see me because i have just realized i have been a bit of a dick to you and i haven't seen you for who you are, i just see you as a cold hearted bitch but you are more than that so please lets hope this doesn't change anything". Stokes found saying that was really hard because it made him put his feelings for her aside and act like a professional.
kaira punched him square in the jaw. "Thats for calling me a bitch" She then stepped forwards and hugged him. "Thats for being a decent friend"
"God i hate this now"
Kaira stepped back and looked at him. "Hate what?" she said puzzled.
"That i like you but cant make it work because of your commitment to Arcis, and because i am just a soldier who follows orders and is meant to die on the field of battle, Hey but at least we can still be friends". Stokes really wanted for someone to kill him now he had fucked up again.
Kaira looked at him for a minute, then turned and ran, straight into the forest. "Well done, you made my sister cry" Nyx said clapping slowly.
"See you fucked up again Stokes you fucked up again". Stokes went after Kaira to go and make emends before Lock heard and comes to finish him off "Just don't fuck up this time Stokes".
Vale stuck out his scythe to bar Stokes way. "I think you've done enough" he said in his monotone voice.
"No i can still fix this" Stokes powered his way through the Scythe to chase after Kaira.
"I said, you've done enough" Vale said materializing in front of stokes and winding the man with the blunt handle of his scythe.
"No i can fix this before i die and by god i will". Even though winded Stock carried on after Kaira. "Come on armour we have been through worse this should be easy".
"Enough" Vale whispered again materializing, this time ramming the blade of his scythe through the mans gut with a sizable portion protruding from the other side. At this Nyx also phased in and put a pistol to Stokes head "Let her go before you do more damage" she said coldly.
Stokes couldn't move he started to spew up blood that was a bad wound to right through his armour and the him and then out the other side "Kaira im sorr...". Stokes Fell to the ground his armour making a mighty thud as it impacted the ground. the last thing he saw before blacking out was the Scythe being pulled out of his gut.
"He had it coming" Vale said bluntly. "What do we do with him now?"
Nyx holstered her pistols and shrugged. "Leave him, he'll be out for a while" she said walking off.
Stokes came round to find that he was in a pool of his own blood, "Jesus that hurt not having that done again". He got to his feet and instantly collapsed. "This is going to be hard but i have to get back to the FOB". Stokes tryed to stand and this time got his balance and set of towards the FOB.
Kaira sat alone in the forest. She was crying by a small pool confused and hurt by her so called friends actions. Unbeknownst to her, Vale and Nyx were in the shadows on the other side of the pool. "Look at her" Nyx said with a tone of sadness. "This is why father sent us, to stop this from happening. Look what that oaf has done." Vale just stood there silently.
Stokes stumbled back into the FOB still bleeding heavily and went to his quarters to lay down for a couple of hours to let the wound heal". Dammit he thought you have really done it this time, there is only one way out now. Stokes with this final thought went to sleep for the first time in weeks.
Kaira was there for what seemed like hours whilst her siblings kept careful watch over her. Eventually she stopped crying and rose to her feet starting back towards the Camp. The twins kept out of sight but followed.
Five hours had passed and Stokes was back on his feet and his armour repaired, But he started scrachting tally marks into the Helmet making it look like it once had before the duel with Lock. "Well its now or never", Stokes walked out of his quarters and went to the armoury to get a Pistol, a normal mans rifle and his rifle and a bandolier of grenades. Stokes headed for the forest just as Kaira walked into the FOB's area.
Kaira noticed stokes and turned her eyes away and kept walking. The twins stayed at the edge of the camp waiting. Kaira just kept walking towards the shelter that had been set up for her.
Stokes went about 1000 meters into the forest and stopped. "This is far enough". Stokes took out the pistol and made sure it was loaded placed it to the side of his helmet and Fired. Nothing happened the armour stopped the round, Stoke had expected this so he check the rifle was loaded and did the same, with the same result. "Well my rifle will do the trick". Stokes looked up for the final time and prepared his rifle.
"Coward" came the words from the shadows. "Pathetic."
Stokes turned around and scanned the shadows his optics couldn't see anyone. "Who's there show yourself". Stokes was followed but by who.
"Worthless". The voice continued. "Coward. Disappointment. Failure" the voice spoke.
Stokes was starting to get mad and grabbed the rifle he had just used to try and take his life with and opened a full clip into the bushes around him, "SHOW YOURSELF" Stokes was starting to get agitated.
The voice laughed "Coward. Worthless. Pathetic. Disgrace" it continued.
"WHO ARE YOU, SHOW YOURSELF". Stokes was starting to go mad with rage and guilt all the words being hurled at him were true he was all of them.
"Coward, Coward, COWARD" The voice finished
Stokes couldn't take it anymore and was on his knees screaming in anger and guilt pounding the ground so anyone with a certain distance could hear, what is going on was that his mind or is there someone there.
Vale remained in the shadows having finished his game. He stood silently invisible and staring at the broken man before him.
Stokes fell onto his back he didn't want to move he was paralyzed with the fear of what just happened. "I have failed you". Stokes just lay there waiting for something to happen now, Death, Salvation he just didn't know.
Vale watched as the so called man broke down. A slight smirk visible from under his hood. He stepped deeper into the forest and left the man to his madness.
Stokes laid there for about an hour, "it must be in my head of course it was in my head no one else knows about that", "I have to get back to the FOB and get out of this armour". Stokes started to take the bulky armour off so he was just left in his Battle dress and started to carry all his armour and weapons back to the FOB.
Vale and Nyx waited outside Kairas quarters. Vale still had the grin on his face but no one could see it under his hood.
Stokes came back into the FOB and went straight to his quarters the look of shock on his face he decided to lie down and try to get some sleep. But sleep didnt come to him all that came to him were the faces of the people he had failed and hurt the last face he saw before he woke was Kairas the one he had hurt the most.
Kaira had calmed down. Her armour fully reformed and she walked outside and the twins fell in behind her. She started sparring with them.
Stokes didn't want to move those images terrified him so he went outside to see Kaira sparring with her brother and sister and so he walked the opposite way towards the tank maintenance facility and started to see if he could lend a hand with the repair of the tanks.
Nyx shouted towards an engineering team "Can i get a tank over here?"
The engineer nodded and rolled out one of the MBT's shipped to the world with them. "Watch this" she said with a smile to Kaira and fired off two shots from her pistols into the tanks front armour, blowing a hole in it. "Ha" Vale said, running forwards and carving the thing in two with his scythe. He stopped on the other side looking back at them. "show off" muttered Kaira.
Stokes was busy fixing tanks when he saw Nyx and Vale destroy on of the MBT's shipped here great he thought now he has to spend another day fixing that but it kept his mind of Kaira and what had happened in the forest "ok men recover that tank i will fix that one by myself". The recovery crew started making there way towards the tank whilst Stokes started fixing another.
Kaira saw Stokes pointing at the wrecked tank. She shouldered her rifle and fired a high powered shot into it detonating it in a colossal explosion. She lowered her rifle and turned to Nyx "I win" she said. "Spoilsport" Nyx said sticking her tongue out.
Stokes turned around as he heard the explosion and say that the tank was blown to smithereens and the recovery crew were sent flying back. Stokes ran towards them and made sure they were ok on had a piece of shrapnel in his leg, "MEDIC". Stokes then turned towards the Darkstriders "ARE YOU FUCKING MAD, MY MEN HAVE GOT HURT JUST SO YOU COULD HAVE A LITTLE FUN WHAT ARE YOU THINKING". Stokes had got mad because he put the men's safety first before everything else.
Kaira ignored him and walked off, Nyx balanced on Vale's scythe as the two followed her to the watchtower.
"FINE JUST WALK AWAY", the medics arrived "OK i want these men moved pronto and i want the others check for concussion and any other injuries". Stokes looked towards Kaira, is she hurting his men as a punishment she didn't even respond to him well he didn't care anymore he only cared for his men's safety now. Stokes helped the medics get the men on stretchers and then followed them to the field hospital
Kaira just started to blast off rounds into a tree at the edge of the FOB, she didn't care about anything at this point, she was just annoyed and had no intention of giving stokes any kindness.
Stokes was in the Field Hospital and then remembered that he had now to fill out forms saying whay there was an incident at the FOB, but for that he needed a secure line to kurze. Stokes went to the comms tent to see if that was possible. "Is it possible to get a secure line to Kurze at the moment" Stokes asked on of the operators. "Yes commander we can patch you in to his comms unit now if you want".
The three siblings stayed in the tower with Nyx talking to Kaira and getting half responses. Vale stood watch over the two, he hacked into Stoke's comms and concealed his identity. "Coward. Pathetic. Disgrace." He said in the same tone as before.
Stokes fell in the tent it was happening again "No not again he ripped of his Helmet and then his gas mask and ripped out all the trageting and comms arrays leading into armour. "I will not face that again" Stokes tood up and walked out side into the middle of the FOB and just waited for something to happen.
Vale watched as Stokes came out helmetless, and smirked. He thought he'd continue his game to repay stokes for his treatment of Kaira. He tapped into the base loudspeakers. "Coward. Pathetic. Failure."He said echoing out across the forest.
"Fine yes im a failure, Yes im a Coward and Yes i am Pathetic what more do you want me to admit, I have failed with my life i am now a soldier wanting to die, My life is meaningless so if you want DO IT KILL ME" Stokes wasnt afraid anymore he was ready to embrace death and was ready to go down fighting.
Vale smirked once again and closed off his connection. he stood in the tower, looking down at the man shouting in the courtyard.
"COME ON KILL ME DO IT", Stokes was shouting as loud as his voice would let him. "DO IT I DARE YOU". Stokes didn't feel any thing no emotions or any feelings apart from anger and rage he wanted it to be over and for it to end.
Vale remained silent his smirk still there just visible under the hood. Kaira remained sat down ignoring the shouting idiot
.Stokes had, had enough he couldn't take it he got out his Combat Knife and Plunged it deep into his Stomach. Stokes lurched backwards and fell onto his back and he lay there Dying. Finally he could do some good to the worlds by getting rid of himself.
Vale cocked his head at this ridiculous display and watched the medical teams run to him. "What a pathetic fool" he said in his quite tone.
Stokes was rushed to the medical tents and operated on instantly, The knife removed and the internal bleeding and organ damage was repaired. They then moved Stokes to his quarters and laid him in his bed they laid him there with his battle dress tunic off so the wound can breath and get air because with him it was best to leave it to heal.
Vale stood in the corner of Stokes tent, far enough into the shadow that the eye could not quite see. He watched the man who bore many scars on his torso with has Scythe in hand.
Stokes was still unconsious in his tent 5 hours after surgery and his wound still had not healed, a private had been sent to go and find Kaira, when he found her still in the Watchtower, "Darkstrider Kaira i dont know if you knew but Stokes was hurt bad about 4 hours ago and he still hasn't come round or healed we think there maybe something wrong with him, thought you would just like to know". The private then ran off to carry on his duties.
Kaira remained slumped against the watchtower wall. "Vale's keeping an eye on him." Nyx said comfortingly placing an arm on Kaira's shoulder. Kaira shrugged her off just as it began to rain. She watched the drops fall as exposed equipment had tents erected around it and the Krieg soldiers continued constructing defences.
It had been nearly 10 hours and Stokes finally came round he sat up in his bed. "What time is it". Stokes grabbed his clock from his desk, "This cant be right it says 10 at night i went down at Noon, Thats wierd i should have been up at least by 4". Stokes tryed to get up but the pain was to much that he just sat on the edge of his bed.
"Its been 10 hours stokes." Vale said from the shadows, blending in with the darkness. "How are you feeling?" he asked with no discernible emotion.
"Feeling like shit, ive done so much wrong and other things wrong and now i cant even help my men because it pains me to move i am a bad commander, and dont deserve to be a jumped up commander i dont even deserve to be a private". Stokes hated himself at the moment only Kurze could judge him now to see what he is worth and if he is worth keeping.
Nyx phased in at this point on a chair in the corner "Enough with the woe is me crap" she said "you've screwed up, we all have at some point. Your a soldier so get used to losing men. If you don't get your head straight everyone here is going to die or be captured. Start acting like a damned commander and not a sulking child" she fisnished looking at him.
"DO YOU EVEN KNOW WHAT I HAVE DONE, THE PEOPLE I HAVE KILLED, I MAY BE A SHIT COMMANDER BUT GIVE ME A RIFLE AND I WILL KILL MANY MORE AND IM NOT AFFRAID TO TAKE YOU ON, NOW FUCK OFF AND STAY OUT OF OTHER PEOPLES PROBLEMS" Stokes was now angry how she thinks that its easy losing men in a battle, because its not that whole battalion etched in his mind.
Nyx just looked at him. "I know everything about you Stokes. I know how many men you've lost. Your alive, so start living and stop worrying about the past. You need to get in the present and start giving these men a commander to look up to." she said.
"Where's my armour". Stokes got up and went to his locker and threw his armour on his bed. "Now if you dont mind i have something i have to make up for". Stokes put his tunic back on and then proceeded to put on the bulky armour and headed out to try and settle things with Kaira once and for all.
Kaira delt the cool rain running down her face as she sat on the watch tower room cross legged. It was refreshing after recent events and she was content to sit their as the downpour continued. She noticed stokes leaving his tent. She remained on her perch letting the rain flow over her as she sat their calmly.
Stokes headed to the Watchtower and headed up to speak to Kaira.
Stokes reached the top of the Watchtower and saw Kaira outside, "Hey wouldn't you prefere to be inside out of the rain?". Stoke wondered if she would even speak to him because of recent events.
"I quite like it out here, its peaceful and the rain is cool to the touch" she said stretching out an ungauntleted palm. "Why are you here stokes?" she asked not looking at him.
Stokes stepped outside on lent on the barrier, "im here to say sorry, again this time i mean it and i want to make things right properly this time so we aren't avoiding each other". Stokes just looked out into the rain and waited for a reply. He could see Nyx and Vale standing around in the shadows keepng an eye on him.
Kaira shrugged "Your under my command now so I expect you to follow orders and get the job done." she said coldly. "Stay in line and we won't have a problem again." she finished turned and walked off.
"hey dont just walk off this is what i mean we need to sort this out". Stokes was losing it she wasn't even listening to him. Great he thought this is going to go down well.
"You will address me as Ma'am or Darkstrider from now on." she said stopping. "Consider the slate wiped clean. Just don't screw up again." she said continuing to walk towards the staircase.
"Yes Ma'am". Stokes jumped off the barrier and headed into the forrest towards the Shadowblade Line he hoped to find another patrol base or even maybe fight some shadowblade, seeing as Kaira wasn't listening to him ever again.
Nyx put a hand on Kaira's shoulder whilst motioning for Vale to follow stokes. "It's for the best sis, when soldiers get out of line you have to put them in their place." she said soothingly. Kaira just shrugged and walked off
Stokes just continued to walk in the general area looking for a fight, "Damit Stokes why is it so hard for you anyone else would be fine talking to there supiors". Stokes loaded his rifle and fired a shot in the air "Here Shadowblade come out and play".
"Where do you think your going?" Vale asked stood right behind Stokes. "Did you not just listen to her when she said about following orders and not stepping out of line?
"So are you telling me to go back to the FOB Vale". Stokes turned to look at him.
Vale just looked at Stokes, his face and expresion concealed by his hood. The rain kept falling on the two. Vale remained motionless just looking at the man.
"Do you want me to go back, Yes or No". Stokes didnt like Vale something about him just made Stokes feel strange was it because of him wearing the hood or because when he looked at him he felt like deep down bad memories were arising.
Again, Vale remained silent. He kept staring at Stokes, his scythe in hand. It was beginning to get dark and the rain persisted.
"It was you wasn't calling me a coward, pathetic and a failure, Why that is my only question why did you do that". Stokes anger was starting to build up he couldn't hit him because he was related to Kaira and then Lock would come and kill him so all Stokes could do was stand and wait for an answer.
"I told you what you needed to hear" Vale said calmly. He resumed staring at Stokes. Very subtly he tightened his grip on his scythe.
"Why, Why did i want to hear that it made me more of a wreck". Stokes anger was building up alot faster but he must not hit Vale thats a personel order to himself.
"We must acknowlegde our demons to defeat them" Vale said. The rain was getting heavier now loud as it hit the leaves of the forest.
"But you made me nearly kill myself how is that defeating my demons, Its not thats called assisted suicide". Stokes tried to vent of some steam by talking he was starting to think it may be best to go back to the FOB.
"Your alive aren't you? And I know it isn't weighing on your mind so much" Vale spoke calmly "Destruction is the beginning of recovery."
"WHAT DO YOU WANT ME TO DO THEN, I BEARLY CAME THROUGH THAT AND YOU HAVE ALREADY TRIED TO KILL ME, WHAT IS MY PURPOSE HERE THEN THERE ARE 3 DARKSTRIDERS NOW YOU DONT NEED ME, YOU 3 CAN HANDLE AND SITUATION BETTER THAN I CAN". Stokes turned around again and started to walk towards the enemy lines.
"Stop" Vale said with force. "What would your fallen men think of you wasting the life they died to give you?
Stokes stopped dead in his tracks. "They didn't give there lives for me they died like any Krieg soldier would i just made them keep going forward if i said just Fall back and Regroup Use Grenades, They could all still be alive, and then i wouldn't have signed up for this stupid programme and then i would have never met Kaira and screwed her up by ruining her, i didnt make the right choices but i can still try to redeem my self," Stokes turned round and too of his helmet and through it to Vale.
Vale stepped aside and let the helmet roll past. "You did as you were ordered. Men died. It's war, get used to it" Vale said.
"No Look at the helmet i wasn't throwing it at you with force just look at the damned thing". Stokes knew he was right.
"I've seen the marks before" Vale said ignoring the helmet. "Stop caring about something you can't change."
"but i could have been different, Lets just get back to the FOB there isn't much i can do now i just have to follow orders and wait for death on the battlefield". Stokes walked back to the FOB picking up his helmet as he went.
Vale watched him go and shook his head slightly before following.
Stokes and Vale walked back into the FOB area and walked up to Nyx and Kaira. "Ok i will be less depressed now and follow orders Ma'am, So what do you want me to do". Stokes said to Kaira it felt awkward talking to her now because of stuff that had happend and how she had gone strict on him.
Kaira looked at him sternly." I want you in the command centre in ten." she then walked off.
"Yes Ma'am". Stokes felt a bit concerned because her tone towards him had changed, Ten minutes later stokes was in the Command Centre in his normal uniform waiting for Kaira, Vale and Nyx.
"Alright Stokes" Kaira said walking in as the twins phased in. "Whats your status and the status of your troops? And how goes the fortifications?"
"The fortifications are coming along nicely and the Troops that we have are ready for combat, we are just waitng on the rest of the Troops from the other ships, Also im fine just give me my rifle and they wont stop me Ma'am". Stokes felt a new surge of energy flow through him like a deep sorrow within him was released.
Kaira thought for a second. "Speak freely Stokes" she finally said gaining a strange look from Nyx.
"I have nothing else to say Ma'am just that i have some major repairs to do on some tanks before the morning". Stokes remembered the darkstriders shooting at the tank now he was going to have to fix that.
"Right, well get to work." She said stonily. before turning back to the tactical table to survey reports from her scouts.
It got late and Stokes set to work rebuilding the tank that got blown up by the Darkstriders. "Damit why do they have to cause so much damage to are stuff, stupid nex having to show off".
"How nice of you to insult us" came a voice from the darkness
Stokes turned round and turned his Night Vision on and saw Vale standing and watching him fix the tank. "Sorry but its not the first bit of equipment that the nex have destroyed of ours for fun it happens all the time usually it causes more deaths, Luckily only this time minor concussions and the trooper with the shrapnel in his leg".
Vale adjusted his suit so as to drop off the night vision before phasing onto a support beam. "And what do you mean by that?" Vale said.
"I mean you like to destroy are stuff, and there has been deaths. so i would apriciate it if when you next see your dad, Lock, because it does take time to fix like i will be here all night fixing this, and with us in war all the time we cant spare the time with Nex happy blasting our equipment".
Vale laughed. "Where did you hear such nonsense?" he asked with mirth in his voice.
"Its not nonsense there have been reports images i have seen it done before, so i do know what im talking about". Stokes made Vale laugh how in gods name did he do that.
Vale's smirk remained. "You do realise that that was these rebels?" he waited. "No? Ever think that there was lingering resentment against my people for what happened on that moon? Ever consider that there were those angry at the Nex and hated our alliance? Of course you didn't your a soldier who believes what he see's and hears without question." Vale could barely contain the mockery in his tone.
"Ok sorry no can i get back to fixing the thing rebels didnt break but were darkstriders". Stokes was being put down by Vale he didn't care anymore because he just wanted the tank to be in working order it wasn't impossible but bloody damn well hard from its condition.
Vale smirked. "Didn't reaise I was preventing you" he said sarcastically
"yeah for once its not Kaira, which is wierd, but i understand seeing as see don't want to speak to me or even be round me for long periods of time, Now i must get back to work on this machine". Stokes turned back to the tanks and continued to work on the treads.
Vale sat there unresponsive watching Stokes without a sound.
Stokes continued to work for another hour until Vale just standing there started to get abit weird. "Hey Vale why don't you go find you sisters and watch them, because im trying to work here and i cant concentrate with you watchimg me like this".
Vale remained silent pretending he wasn't there. Then again to Stokes he actually wasn't perceivable.
"Vale i know your still there go find your sisters and bug them, or if your going to stay help with the tank you broke and the same for your sisters seeing as they helped with the destruction". Stokes was still working on the tank not looking up because he needed this tank done.
Vale again stayed silent. He looked on at Stokes trying to judge the man. He could take a beating that was certain but he wasnt like any krieg soldier Vale had ever seen.
"Vale, Were are your sisters by the way they went somewhere after the command brief and i havent seen them since". Stoke wondered what reaction Vale would give to this but he already knew he would just be himself and be moddy and say something slowly and dull.
"Knowing Nyx she's probably tried to convince Kaira into an orgy with your men" Vale said bluntly. "Kaira however, hmm, in a tree, she likes trees" he finished dropping down from his spot.
"True well everytime i need Kaira she has been a tree, Nyx whats here problem she hates me for some reason care to shed some light on this". Stokes looked at Vale now down from his spot in the rafters.
"She doesn't hate you. She's just trying to watch out for Kaira. If shes coming across as angry its sexual frustration" Vale said with a small chuckle. "Anything I can do?" he asked.
"Oh and just go round the other side and start tightening the bolts of the treads please, Also if you dont mind me asking what did i do wrong?". Stokes paused shit now im going to be stabbed again ain't I.
"You admited your feelings" Vale said while tightening the bolts. "Father said anything to do with you and trying a relationship was to be punished, and no offence but i'd rather cross you than him"
"True i would go with you on that i tried crossing him and i nearly got killed until she saved me, thats the one thing on my mind though, Why did she save me". Stokes felt a little more comfortable talking to Vale now.
"Kaira's always been the one to oppose injustice and watch out for her friends. Guess your lucky enough to be one of them" Vale said finishing the bolts. "Whats next?" he asked.
"I need help wiring up the electrics to the motor, im her Friend only about the day before she hated me". Stoke like the fact that Vale was helping him it made him feel more at ease.
"Electricals is something my people are good at" he said with a grin, he pulled back his hood at this point revealing a young pale skinned, dark haired man. "Well you obviously did something wrong" Vale said.
"Yeah i must have, eventually i would like to speak to her in Private to straighten things out before i fuck things up at again. So just wire that up so the turret can turn and the engine can start". Stokes changed the subject quickly back to the tank he would never be alowed to speak to he alone not after what has happend.
"Done" Vale turned to him "Well your not exactly the best speaker, and considering Arcis is here in system I wouldn't try anything." He finished staring the man in the eye
"Arcis, oh yeah the one shes going to marry , He probably wants me dead, Look i just want to straighten things out so i can tell Lock nothing is going to happen and she will have a life how he sees fit, Ok now flip the ignition".
"Arcis isnt too bad, he takes things well" Vale flicked the ignition while saying this. "Lock just wants someone who can make sure she's safe and until either you prove your up to the task, or you die then Nyx and I will be here"
The tank sputterd into life "Good we have it running no pull that round dial i want to see if i can get the turret bearing moving, Question how can i prove myself in not like a privalieged Nex personel im a scum of the earth soldier who got jumped up to major then commader".
Vale moved the dial and the turret started moving. "You think you'd be a Commander if my father didn't think you were up to the task?" he asked with a smile.
"True but im not a good one i can do it but its not my position im no good at tactics or how to be a proper officer, Ok now that the turret bearings turn help me get the turret on use the winch and i will guide it down onto the correct positions".
Vale latched the winch on. "This is what i mean, you have no faith in yourself. Your combat style lost you your men. So learnt. Adapt. Become the soldier your men need you to be."
"Ok a little lower, i need that boost i would confront Lock and tell him i am ready to prove myself but in not hopefully this Operation should help me, Ok stop there now help me bolt the turret down".
Vale began attatching the turret. "You'll find a way" he said with a shrug.
"Even if i prove myself, now this is getting deep, Will she have me?, and its on ok wait there". Stokes climbed on top of the tanks and vanished into the tank
"Thats not my call to make" Vale said calmly. Stepping off the hull and phaseing back up to the beam.
Stokes popped up out of the tanks commander hatch "Ok the turret and all other systems work, but why have you gone back up there?".
He shrugged "It's comfortable" he said just as the wind began to pick up. One of the main door opened momentarily bringing the sound of the storm to defening levels. The door closed and Nyx disabbled her helmet. "What are you doing here Vale?" she asked. He just shrugged in reply.
Stokes turned the turret to face Nyx. "I got the tank fixed with help from Vale, So where have you been?" Stokes asked in anticipation.
"Busy" she said with a slight blush. "Vale? Helping?" she said with a laugh.
"Yeah he has been a real help and has helped me get a few things clear in my mind". "You say busy what does that entail then because at the moment i think Vale has been more busy than you". Stokes hid back in the tank and closed the hatch preparing for a shit storm.
"haha he has his uses occasionally" she said poking her tongue out at him completely ignoring the second part of the question.
"Ok just ignore the question then, actually do i dont want my arm to be half way across the room, because who will clean the tank of my blood" Stoke felt happy for the first time in ages and Vale was right Nyx is alright.
"What are you two gonna do now then?" she asked directing the question towards Stokes.
"Me and who, Vale?" Stokes was confused by the question
"No you and the tank" she said sarcastically.
"I DONT UNDERSTAND SIMPLE QUESTIONS" Stokes stuck his head up and the look on his face was just completly confused by what Nyx was saying.
"You two hungry? The mess buildings empty and I figure you guys could use some food" she said with a smile.
"Sure im up for that" Stokes got out of the tank and took off his overalls and headed for the door. "you coming Vale?".
Vale dropped down from his beam and pulled his hood back up. "Food? Sure." he said walking towards the door.
All three of them got to the mess hall and got some food, there was always food at the mess no matter the time, they sat down and started eating. "So what are the actual plans for this combat".
Vale shrugged "Your the second in command her, you tell us" he said taking a mouthful of what looked like a bacon roll.
"Wait im second in command, I thought it was, You, Nyx and Kaira that were in charge i just follow the orders of you 3". Stokes was surprised with this information. "Are you sure thats right i dont think i have the right state of mind to be second in command".
Again Vale shrugged "Your a commander for a reason, technically us two aren't even here." he said. He looked up from his plate to see Kaira in the door way.
"Hey sis come join us!" Nyx said with a smile.
Stokes turned to see Kaira walking this way. "Hey i fixed the tank you lot broke with help from your brother, thought you liked to know". Stokes wondered if she would actually talk to him now.
"Vale helped someone" she said half gasping.
Through a mouthful of food Vale exclaimed "Why does no one beleive I help people!?"
Kaira took a seat alongside Vale just opposite of Stokes.
"Maybe because you do tend to stay in the shadows alot, also where have you been Ma'am?" Stokes decided to keep calling here ma'am incase she was still mad at him.
Vale went back to eating. "I've just been trying to get these defences proofed against the storm." she said grabbing a few crumpets off the food counter. "Your men are grumbling about the weather" she laughed slightly.
"They are used to dry, arrid deserts and trenches Ma'am, not being above ground being battered by the storms, i just hope that the other shuttles can land sometime soon".
"I expect the shuttles will wait until the storms cleared" she said taking her seat and beginning to eat. "Do you have a lieutenant as an aid Stokes or is it just you?"
"Just me Ma'am i never took to having anyone i prefered to do my orders of war and that alone". Stokes continued eating his meal and every now and then having a drink to wash it down.
"Fair enough I suppose" she said continuing her food. Vale had gone for seconds and Nyx was just laid down on one of the benches half asleep.
"Why do you ask Ma'am?", this is a strange question of her to ask of him.
"Seems quite the burden to hold, commanding alone I mean" she was still eating and avoiding eye contact.
"people say that now Ma'am i must excuse myself i need to go somewhere". Stokes got up and placed his empty meal container on the rack headed out of the Mess and headed up to the watchtower to let of some built up emotions.
Kaira phased in at the tower just as stokes reached the top. "If these men are gonna stay alive we need to sort this out." she said leaning against the wall
"I have tried to do that but your brother and sister are always on your heels or mine", Stokes leant against the barrier. "So do you want to start incase i fuck up for the 3rd time".
"Nyx is half asleep and Vale is too focused on his dinner" she smirked. "So why don't you say whats bugging you.
"No i cant, look you start this time Ma'am all the other times i have started and i have hurt you and i dont want to fuck up again"
"Ok" she looked at the floor. "I know...how you feel about me. But it can't happen and that's something your going to have to deal with. I want to be your friend but if you push your feelings I will push the chain of command crap and discipline you"
"I know" Stokes looked straight up into the rain, "I know it cant happen because A: we are friends B: because you already have someone else in your life and finally C: Your dad Lock just wants the best for you. So him seeing a low like me being with you mad him mad and made him want me dead, Thats why i have tried to leave so many times so i dont screw up and hurt anymore people".
"Your a good soldier, so stop trying to take the easy way out" her tone was stern.
"Thats the real question am i though, i put feelings before my duties, thats not what a soldier should do Ma'am".
"We all make mistakes Stokes" she said soothingly. "Seeing as i've got you here, do you even have a first name?"
"No i dont have a name, Its just been Stokes after the inccident Ma'am"
"Well continuously calling you by your surname is way to formal, as is calling me Ma'am" she said laughing.
"Well i dont have a name as i have said, and i have only called you Ma'am since you have been pissed at me" he said with a grin apeering on his face.
"Well im getting bored of calling you Stokes, so what are we going to call you? she asked the wind whipping throguh her hair.
"I dont know i have forgotten my real name other the years, why dont you pick a name because i cant think of one, and i wont call you Ma'am anymore, unless you wanted me to?"
"Pick a name...hmm" she thought for a moment. "I'm not great with human names give me a minute"
"you really are going to give me a name, Ok i still prefer Stokes"
She finally shruged "i'll just call you stokes" she said.
"Its easier on me and people already know me well like that, So is that it Kaira... are we done now we put all other stuff behind us" Stokes looked at her for the first time since the arguments.
"Ok" she said with a smile lookig him in the eye with her piercing purple gaze.
"I will be going then i have to see to my men Kaira, i will see you later". Stokes turned towards the door and started down the flight of stairs.
Kaira lent back against the wall and watched him go. She finally shrugged and swung up onto the roof to sit in the storm.
Stokes wondered back into the garage to just sit there and do some customisation to his armour because he would be needing it in the oncoming battles. "Stoke you did a good job this time be happy for once".
Vale phased in on his beam watching stokes below. His hood was back up concealing his face and he just sat there.
Stokes continued to make additions to his armour and paint in the tally marks over his armour, "Wipe away all that reminds me of what happend". People may think Stokes talking to himself was madness, but he found it calming and could get things of his mind.
Vale watched as stokes contiued his helmet tally. Head cocked slighty.
Stokes finished Painting over all the tally marks and refurbishing the armour. "now to test it out" he said proudly, but to do that he needed something or someone.
"Need a hand?" Vale said dropping down from the rafters and landing next to Stokes.
"Need a hand with what i have fixed everything now". Stokes looked at Vale waiting for an answer.
"People don't tend to drive tanks solo" he said with a smirk.
"I can drive this tank alone, besides im not testing the tank im testing the modifications i have made to my armour". Stokes got in the drivers hatch of the tank and started the Tank.
Vale shrugged and took a seat on the turret. "What modifications?" he asked over comms.
"Just a few mounted weapons here and there and upgraded the armour soit can take more hits". Stokes said over the comms to Vale, "So i need something or someone to test it on".
"What did you have in mind?" Vale said continuing to sit on the turret.
"I dont know, i just need a target of some description matching a person or a human analogue to test against". Stokes drove the tank past the mess hall and out through the FOB gate past the watchtower and into the forest.
"In other words you want to use me as target practice." Vale smiled at the idea.
"No i never said that, why would you assume that, you wanted to come for the ride doen't mean i want to shoot you".
"You always want to shoot me" Vale said with a small laugh. "So what are we going to test it on?"
"No i dont, well maybe one time. but if you want i can shoot you i mean if shot Kaira and here armour withheld so why shouldnt yours". Stokes started to grin now he can shoot the basterd that nearly fucked him up so badly.
"That implies your going to hit me" Vale said smirking. "I hope your armours stronger now, it was like paper before."
"it should be with the amount new armour panels on it and other items on it, and why would i hit you its not like you've done bad things to me is it" Stokes said sarcasticly.
"I didnt't say you'd be missing me on purpose" Vale said cooly. "More like cardboard now then?" he said sarcastically.
"More like... i dont know but it can take even more of a beating now". Stokes stopped the tank in a clearing and disembarked. "This will do fine".
"Well are you ready then?" Vale asked with a dry tone.
"Sure are you ready then"
Vale disappeared. "Ready" he said over comms.
"Yes im ready" Stokes replyed
"Come and find me then Stokes" Vale said as a screech metal being scratched sounded from the rear of the tank.
Stokes grin returned he loaded his rifle and went hunting, "Come on Vale this isn't fair on you your only prelonging the sensation of my rounds, i will find you and your pointy stick".
A could be heard as Vale severed the left track. "Hurry up and find me." Vale said mockingly.
"Stop wrecking the tank i only just fixed that now your ruining it again, so come and face me", Stokes turned on his Thermal Vision and could see the blur of Vale jumping around the trees. "Got you, you basterd" Stokes whispered to himself.
Vale appeared behind stokes. "Afternoon" he said stunning stokes with blunt end of his scythe, before disappearing back into the storm.
Stokes turned and kept turning keeping an target on Vale, he saw Vale jump form a tree and try to strike him, but with precision shot Stokes let of 5 rounds from his rifle.
The rounds seemed to disappear into the darkness of Vale's cloak as he kicked stokes backwards into a tree, followed by swinging his scythe across stokes armour leaving a huge gouge before leaping backwards into the storm.
"Ok so thats how its going to be then". Stokes dropped his rifle and pulled out his combat knife, "So where did you go then you little basterd".
Faster than Stokes could react a hand came from the shadows and swiped his rifle before disappearing again.
"ok so now your taking my rifle, that is just low Vale i expect that from Nyx but from you im just disappointed".
Laughing is all that could be heard as the storm raged around them. The first shot came from on high into Stokes gut, the second from behind into his left leg. The laughing continued.
Stokes started to laugh. "using my own rifle smart move but thats 7 shots gone you now only have 3 left make then count, they barely harmed me". Stokes lifted his knife and waited for Vale to attack
The rifle landed at Stokes feet, the clip removed. While stokes looked at this his back was slashed, straight through the armour just missing his spine.
"Ok granted that one hurt, But come on face my like a man Vale, or is this your first outing since daddy woke you up". Stokes was taunting vale into attacking him now
Vale was no fool. He had lived long enough to become accustomed to insults and ignore them. He thought he'd play a game. The tanks turret started turning towards Stokes.
"Ok so now you have a tank". Stokes started running towards it when the first shot was fired, Luckily it went wide and now was his chance, Stokes grabbed some C4 from his webbing and placed it on the turret, ran back and detonated it, The tank he had just fixed was now in shreds again.
Vale had vacated the vehicle the seconds Stokes had moved. "Fool" came the word as his scythe went straight through stokes upper leg before retracting and the storm engulfed Vale once more.
"Ok so you are using stealth over force, so im guessing that you, Nyx and Kaira have different fighting styles. Because Kaira didnt stand a chance against my Knife when i pushed it through her armour and drove it home through her shoulder and out the other side".
The laughing continued as Vale struck another blow, this time into Stokes shoulder before he yet again disappeared.
"Ok was that meant to mean something, look your getting pissed i think and im still going last time i would have been down by know".
Vale sighed and pulled the Scythe straight up through Stokes chest stopping just before the heart and pulled it out before fading back into the storm.
Stokes again started to cough up blood, "Come on out Vale im not done yet im still standing".
"I could take your legs if thats how you feel" the voice came on the wind.
"Well where is the fun in that arn't you amazed that in still standing and haven't crumbled yet".
Vale's laugh could be heard even over the storm. Vale struck again this time in the gut and pulled his scythe out from one side leaving a gaping hole.
"Ok that may hinder me" Stokes said finally as he collapsed on the ground with his blood pouring from the wounds.
"Idiot" Vale said phasing in nearby. "Union fleet just entered system, prepare to entertain guests" came a transmission from Nyx. He grabbed Stokes by the collar and began dragging him back to camp.
Stokes woke up in the field hospital his tunic soaked in blood and and his chest covered in bandages, one wrapped around his waste and the other Wrapped from his shoulder like a bandolier. Stokes got up and walked out of the field hospital and saw the 3 darkstriders talkng in a group.
Kaira waved him over as she saw him stumble out of the door. "How you feeling?" she asked with concern in her voice.
"Been better Kaira i can happily say". Stokes continued over to them.
Nyx was sat on the crux of Vale's Scythe again as they stopped talking waiting for Stokes to say something.
Stokes looked at Vale and smiled, "What is that thing made out of Vale". The pain was surging through his body just to stand up.
Vale shrugged "An alloy of diamantide and something ground to a razor edge. My father gave it to me."
"Ok because it bloody hurts and makes my armour become a cats play thing, So what have i missed". Stokes asked generally
"The Union are on their way to reinforce us here thats about it" Kaira said.
"Who are coming"
"They are the people that woke us from the slumber" Nyx interjected. "Here" she said passing over a data pad with the Nex information on the Union.
Stokes read through what information he was just handed. "So they made a weapon and that went rough and is now causing problems around ancerious, good job" Stoke was impressed by the Union even though they did build a rouge weapon.
"They didnt't build anything" Kaira said. "The rogue ship is an ancient vessel that was supposedly allied to the Union. Either way theres some civil war in their own galaxy, hence this thing going rogue."
"Ok well do we know what there sending". Stokes was starting to get light headed and Blood was starting to drip from his wounds.
"You need to go back to your quarters and heal up. you'll know when they're here" Nyx said and the three darkstriders disappeared to prepare a welcome.
Stokes agreed with Kaira this time and headed back to his quarters to get some rest and recover from the beating he took form Vale.