Chapter 2: Rules of Engagement 

Krystal flinched behind the steel barricade, tightly clutching a battered blaster rifle in paws dirtied with grit and grime. Debris lay strewn across the ground, trembling as the earth quaked violently underneath, the vibrations surging up from the tarmac and into her boots. A deafening eruption of sound filled the air, a grimace forming on her muzzle as she realized another breach had been made in the fortifications, the barrier more akin to Swiss cheese than a wall.  

Slowly raising an eye to peer over her sheltered position, she watched as a tide of venomian infantry filled the newest hastily made entrance, an unladylike curse slipping through her tight lipped frown as she propped her blaster on the edge of the barricade. Easing an exhausted breath through her lungs, she sighted the closest simian and squeezed the trigger, dropping the black armored ape in his tracks. 

Following her shot, the rest of the soldiers in similar locations scattered about the base opened up, showering the opening with a flurry of red bolts in hopes of stemming the seemingly endless tide.  

Looking to her left, she spied Miyu pressed up against the side of their last functioning landmaster, and the only reason they had yet to be completely overrun.  

“We need to get out of here!" Miyu hissed, her loud voice barely able to pierce the cacophony of buzzing lasers and explosions. Communications had long ago been jammed. Even inter-squad radios no longer functioned.  

Above the cat, the ponderous cannon of the landmaster shifted, firing a salvo into the widening gap in their defenses, a spray of body parts and molten rubble preceding the violent detonation. The unfortunate soldier inside had the nearly impossible task of keeping the bulk of the enemy at bay.   

“I am quite aware of that!" Krystal yelled in reply, quickly ducking her muzzle as an errant laser screeched past, far too close for comfort. Poking her gun out of cover, she fired a few blind shots in the enemy's direction, hoping to get a lucky hit or two. And with the sheer volume of venomians they faced, it was a very real possibility.  

The vixen used her time behind cover to search for the base commander, the young lupine having been lost in the fog of war hours ago. That was of course, if he still lived. 

Thankfully, she found him hiding behind the burned out hulk of a fighter, desperately trying to keep some form of cohesion amidst the scattered CDF marines, a seemingly hopeless prospect as the Venomian tide seemed unending. What was worse, with all communications down, she had to get close enough for him to hear her.  

That of course meant she had to get out of cover and make it across the field swarming with enemy soldiers. 

Muttering darkly to herself, the vixen clutched her rifle tight and bolted across the open expanse, muzzle tucked low to her chest and arms folded close to her sides in an effort to make herself as small a target as possible. With the fear of death pushing her forwards, the female fox crossed the stretch of exposed asphalt in record time. She wouldn't have won any medals for athletics to be sure, but to her, running the gauntlet alive and unharmed was reward enough. 

Krystal slid the last few feet on her knees, the vixen's armored knee pads sparking against the ground as she slammed into cover beside the lupine soldier. To his credit, the young wolf hardly showed surprise at the sudden and chaotic arrival of the blue vixen, instead focused on directing the half a dozen or so CDF infantry holding the position around them. 

"Miss Krystal, it's a pleasure to see you still breathing." The base commander greeted her somewhat tersely, the blaster in his paws yet to go silent. At the rate things were going now, they would run out of ammunition before they broke the Venomian's insane charge. 

"We can't hold this position." Krystal decided to hold out on formalities for the moment considering their situation and instead cut right to the point.  

The lupine nodded grimly, watching as an explosive hurled by a Venomian soldier flew over the top of a concrete palisade, reducing it and the defenders that had taken shelter behind it into a pile of crimson rubble. But the enemy soldier did not have long to gloat over his triumph before he was gunned down in retaliation. 

"I believe you are right. But we don't have a strong enough of a presence here to effect a withdrawal. We'd be slaughtered in seconds."  

As soon as the enemy realized what they were trying to do, they would flood the numerous breaches in the walls and cut them down.  

"Even if we could get out of here, there's nowhere to go. The last of our transports were blasted out of the sky not half an hour ago." 

Krystal frowned at that. There had to be something better than loitering around here until they were all killed off. Inspiration soon struck her.  

"We could make a run for the desert! Out there the Venomian armor wouldn't be able to navigate the dunes and it stretches for thousands of miles. We could hide their until rescue came, or at the least we might be able to outdistance their jammers and get a signal up to the fleet."   

The wolf did not take long to mull the idea over before nodding in agreement,. "Well, not like there's any other better options to choose from. Only problem, is how the heck are we supposed to get there, alive at least."  

To that she had no answer.  

Yet, it seemed as if the spirits were smiling down at them. Not soon after he voiced their dilemma, a mighty roar split the air, a dull rumbling screech that nearly deafened the cacophony of battle around them. 

Both turned their heads skywards to the source of the thunderous howl, watching in disbelief as a massive object hurtled down from the heavens like a fallen god, streaks of molten light trailing in the fiery wake of the rapidly descending behemoth. The bitter battle between the two factions drew to a ponderous halt as both sides gazed up in stupefaction, each perhaps wondering to which group did the obviously doomed vessel belong.  

For a brief moment Krystal panicked as it seemed the unpredictable trajectory of the meteoric ship would drop it right on top of them, something none of them would survive. But its fall became more and more predictable, its final destination somewhere in the sand dunes several miles from their base.  

The Venomians however, were not as confident that the fallen vessel would not decide to land on their heads. And, in a hurried action that filled her and the other CDf soldiers with uneasy relief, bid a hasty retreat from the beleaguered compound, chased away by fierce blaster fire.  

She watched them leave with a grimace, knowing that they would not be gone long before their nerve came back to them. And so they had that much time to withdraw themselves, though now it seemed, they at least had a destination.  

They stood motionless in the uncertain silence for a time, but they did not tarry long before they began to move once more, knowing that time was a luxury they could not afford to waste. 

That doomed ship would be their salvation, a place to take shelter and an easy landmark to find for any recovery transports that might be sent after them. Even if those ideas failed, it was sure to have supplies they could use out in the arid wasteland and cover they could use when the Venomians inevitably came back for them. 

As she explained her idea to the young Base Commander, Miyu moved away from the battered Landmaster and slowly limped over to the pair, a hastily fastened patch of gauze covering the burn wound on her leg. An injury the feline must have suffered not too long ago as she had been relatively unharmed last they spoke.   

Just before the cat reached them she faltered, the asphalt convulsingly like a dying beast as a booming shockwave floored any not already on the ground. Krystal felt her skull crack painfully against the wreck she had been standing beside, her fur cushioning her from the worst of the unexpected blow. The female's vision blurred for a time, and did not return till the ground ceased its intermittent tremors. And it was not for several minutes afterwards that she dared try to move, confident at last that the quake was truly over. 

Shakily climbing back to her feet, the vixen fought of an intense bout of nausea, managing to keep her lunch firmly secured in her stomach as she stumbled towards her fallen companion, Miyu the first priority to her haze ridden mind. 

Lowering a paw to the cat's shoulder, she hauled the feline to her feet, checking her over for any new injuries that she might have received.  

Irritated, the cat pushed away her probing friend's paws.  

"I'm fine, just a little wobbly is all."  

Despite her outwardsly angered demeanor, Krystal picked up on the sense of gratitude the other female emitted and merely nodded as she stepped away to assist the Commander as well. Around them a similar scene played out as other CDF marines aided their comrades.  

The lupine groaned as he was pulled up. 

"Never experienced a ship crash in atmo before. But I'd be fine if it never happened again." 

"Yes, it was rather... unpleasant." Krystal admitted weakly, wincing as she felt a stab of pain. Hesitant, she shifted a paw to her head and prodded the source of her discomfort. Returning the furred appendage to her sight revealed a red stain that soaked deeply into her once bright blue fur. The sight of blood, her own for the matter, finally overcame any sense of control she had left and the vixen curled forwards, retching as the last dregs of her most recent meal finally forced its way up her throat in a burning tide of partially dissolved substances. Quick thinking on her part was all that prevented the disgusting slurry from splattering onto her chest. 

As she heaved and heaved, she felt a reassuring pat on her shoulder, the limb pulling away to admit two more that helped her stand straight. 

"It's alright, just a case of scattered nerves, ma'am." The wolf reassured her as he reached into a pouch on his chestplate. "You'll be fine in a few minutes." Extracting a roll of white cloth, he expertly swaddled the head wound with well practiced motions until it was concealed under a thick layering of pristine gauze, one ear neatly tucked underneath. "Would have liked to have disinfected it, but I'm afraid we've run out of any serious medical supplies." He explained with a regretful frown.  

"That's fine, thanks Arden." Krystal waived his apology off kindly, more thankful that he had not called her out on such a novice level condition. Fox had trained her to handle firefights, but none of that had truly prepared her for actually living in the moment. It was easy behind the controls of a starfighter, less... personal. This was different, she had felt that her life could have suddenly ceased to exist at any moment, snuffed out in a flash like a candle.  

The reality of the situation had decided to hit her all at once right now, the sight of her own blood acting as the catalyst.  

Rubbing her fingers together, she grimaced at the tacky fluid covering her digits and quickly wiped it off on her thigh as she turned to Miyu, the cat eyeing her carefully, perhaps worried about her current mental state. She was aware the feline had quite a bit of experience in fieldwork, having once served a brief tour in the CDF special forces division before deciding to opt out to her old friend's merc company, an occurance not all that long ago. 

Since then they'd had some time to get to know each other, not as much as she would have liked before they were to fight together, but long enough to the point that she trusted the rather vulgar lynx.  

I'll be fine. She mouthed over to the female who simply nodded once in acceptance before leaning over and fumbling around the ground for her abandoned blaster.    

"Ideas?" She heard Arden inquire, turning to face the lupine as he directed his soldiers to scrounge for ammo and see to the wounded that could still be helped, a grim task to be sure, but a necessary one. She was impressed with the wolf's grit, not moments after the crash he had already assumed the mantle of leader.  

Krystal's heart ached as she watched friends bid each other farewell, a liberal use of the remaining painkillers passed out among the dying soldiers as parting gift from their companions. With a swift shake of her head she collected herself and turned to recognize the stone faced Base Commander. 

She felt gratified that though she might only be a mercenary, nothing more than a hired contractor, that he still felt she deserved to be a part of the decision making. However she was nearly certain it was mostly due to the fact she belonged to Starfox, a well-known and well-respected group. 

"I say we stay the course, follow the original plan and find that crashed ship." With all other options either infeasible or left burning in the sands, that was the only viable choice afforded to them. 

"Agreed." He dipped his muzzle in firm acknowledgement. "Once the soldiers are ready we'll set out. Shouldn't be all that hard to find." He chuckled morosely, steel grey eyes focused on the thick plume of black smoke  in the distance as it towered up into the clear sky.  

"No, it should not." 

***** 

It was not long before the soldiers were ready to move out, the knowledge that the Venomians would not be far behind them injecting a great deal of haste into their steps. The threat of death was unsurprisingly, a fantastic motivational tool. And to compound their current lottery of ill luck, it was with extreme reluctance that they had been forced to leave the Landmaster behind, realizing that just as the Venomian armor could not maneuver the dunes, neither could their's.  

So down their only true source of firepower, the small, weary, and downtrodden troop limped out the base's slagged gates and set course for the monumental pillar of smoke etching into otherwise untarnished stellar canvas, the looming black cloud an ominous beacon leading them onwards to survival.  

Even in the initial moments the trek was long and arduous, most of them wounded and all exhausted as they struggled to climb the sandy heights that stretched endlessly before them. And with the unbearable heat of the dual suns bearing down upon them, it was not long before other threats assailed them. Heatstroke became a very real threat as a few of their number succumbed to the merciless stars' glares, a combination of combat fatigue and dehydration dropping those of weaker constitution. This slowed their progress considerably as others were forced to attempt their best to drag those that had fallen, unwilling to leave anymore behind to die.  

Krystal waged a losing battle to remain at the head of the pack, the vixen's muscles strained to their limits as she fought for every foot thrown forwards, her mouth dry as the sands encircling them. Remarkably, Miyu, even with her injured leg, pressed on with admirable persistence, managing to stay ahead of the relatively unhurt fox. The slightly envious vixen alluded her comrade's durability to her previous occupation. No doubt she had faced similar situations in the past. 

The only blessing from this was the fact the crashed ship was not too far away, the smoke stack from the wreck growing larger as they approached, the fallen vessel concealed behind the fields of sand before them. From even a brief glance at its size, she suspected the starship to be in some kind of ravine or canyon, as it should have been large enough to be seen even from the base.  

Her hypothesis was soon confirmed as they mounted the crest of a final ridge, her muzzle flapping open in awe at the sight before her. Immediately, she could see its design was neither that of the CDF or Venom, the dark hull and unfamiliar design singling it out from anything she had seen before.  

"The hell is that?" Miyu grunted from her place beside the vixen, the cat's clawed grip tightening on her blaster. 

"Don't know, maybe it's a new Venomian design?" Arden suggested, the lupine having a similar reaction.  

"Whatever it may be, it is our only hope of staying alive." Krystal shrugged off their musings with a measure of reluctance. She did not like it either, but they were not exactly overflowing with options at the moment. "We should hurry down, we don't know when the Venomians will find us. And if this is one of their ships, we might have a fight on our hands." She was not too sure there were survivors, not from what she saw before her now, but with their recent luck, she wouldn't be surprised if a legion of Venomian infantry was waiting down there for them.  

The vixen was tired, thirsty, hungry, and felt ill. The sooner they at least found some shade from this spirits damned heat, the better.  

"Thankfully, we have some rope with us, we should be able to rappel down the cliff face." Arden looked over his shoulder, watching as a pair of his soldiers set up to do just that. 

Miyu huffed. "Thank the spirits for small blessing."  

It was not even minutes before the set of ropes were anchored securely and tested for tensile strength. When satisfied that they would not snap, the group quickly hooked onto the lines and rappelled down the side of the cliff in sections of three.  

Krystal, Arden, and Miyu were the first trio to reach the bottom, swiftly making room for the rest as they stepped forwards to the massive mountain of steel wedged tightly between the canyon's walls. As she admired the unusual sight she blushed as she heard one of the newly arrived soldiers mutter an indecent joke about the views' connotations.  

Deciding to distance herself, the fox shifted closer to Miyu, the feline grinning unbearably at the other female's discomfort, making her efforts all but pointless.  

Arden remained oblivious as he took the responsibility of leading their ragtag outfit, their trepidation only growing the closer they were to the mangled monolith of black iron. Fires could be seen raging uncontrollably along gaping tears in the hull plating, the occasional explosion only increasing the ship's rate of deterioration, the danger of falling debris a true possibility. If the fires did not die down soon, they might not have a place to take shelter in.  

Curious, Krystal studied the canyon floor, jade green eyes passing over sheets of metal strewn wantonly about the rocks like the scattered runoff of a macabre steel mill. So far she had yet to see any sign of bodies, just heap upon heap of broken technology. Her queasy stomach thanked her, but her analytical brain wondered where they could be? Certainly some had to have been thrown out by the violence of the landing. She should have at least found one corpse by now. That knowledge was in itself, unsettling. 

Once they reached the base of the wreckage they walked alongside it, searching for any access point, natural or otherwise. One was found near what they assumed to be the prow of the starship, a nasty rip in the vessel's armor looked to have been made by a smartbomb. Eyeing the entrance uncertainty, Krystal looked to the other two leaders of their impromptu expedition.  

Miyu was the first to move, the feline raising her blaster as she ducked inside. With that being the instigator, soon after everyone followed suit, Krystal the last to find her way in after the wounded.  

As the outside was, the interior of the strange vessel was... unconventional. A better synonym tugged at her mind but Krystal feared to use it, her reason why nothing more then a rise in apprehension. She did not want to accept what such a word might mean, not at a time like this, not with so much stress already threatening to pull her apart.  

Instead she squashed the notion and looked to Miyu for guidance, following after the feline as she carefully made her way down the bizarrely designed corridor. It was a disquieting experience, traveling down those silent and unfamiliar halls, exposed wires and loose paneling hanging from seemingly every place conceivable.  

A tenseness could be felt by all present, an inherent knowledge that something was not quite right but a willful ignorance to what that could be. It was not until they chanced upon writing on a nearby wall, and the never before seen corpse splayed out underneath it, that the truth crushed their imposed blindness and forced them to see.  

The words were in a script not one of them could understand, and the body..... It was at that moment one of them finally set voice to their realization as the pieces finally put themselves together.  

Unknown ship, unknown writing, unknown corpse. 

"Shit." Miyu declared most inelegantly as she slowly backpeddled to the way they came from in a desire to get the hell out as quickly as feasibly possible.  

But before they could all turn tail and run, a low groan emitted from the "corpse" that lay before them. All watched in fearful anticipation as the somewhat familiar figure continued to moan and now shifted about in blatant agony, a pillar of white stained with crimson jutting nauseatingly from the once considered deceased creature's leg.  

The entire troop was struck with inaction, unsure what to do in this previously unconsidered situation as they watched the pained... foreigner writhe in anguish. It was only after a particularly sympathy inducing whimper that one of them acted. 

"Uh. Krystal, what the hell are you doing?" 

She ignored Miyu's question and hesitantly kneeled before the... alien. Guess there's no denying it now. And I thought the day was already crazy enough. Should have known better. 

The vixen studied the injury as she developed her inner monologue, taking the initiative to scan the alien's unusual clothing and appearance as well. Fleshy, is what she would have described it as, remarkably similar to the simians of Venom, if a little larger and somewhat sturdier than the race of apes. The tattered remnant of what could only be a military uniform covered most of its exposed skin, dull grey livery that would have undoubtedly looked far more impressive if the current wearer was not crippled by pain and covered in a stark red fluid that could only be blood.  

Krystal was not sure what she herself could do for him, the alien looking close enough to a male for her to make the assumption. She was not overtly versed in medicinal practices, but she did have a unique ability that just might do something. Raising a paw, she carefully placed it on the creature's shoulder, summoning up a sense of peace and wellbeing, feeding that perception into the one before her. It would not heal him, but at the very least it could take the pain away. 

This seemed to have some effect as the alien soon quieted down and ceased his struggling. With the pain no longer debilitating it, the exotic being once more regained a portion of control over its faculties, enough for it to open its eyes to reveal a set of hazel orbs that searched for what had eased its woes better then most prescription grade painkillers.  

Once the alien's vision landed on the vixen kneeling beside it, it froze up, eyes widening in some parts disbelief and overwhelming shock, fear having yet to circulate through its widening gauntlet of troubled emotions. 

Hoping to reduce whatever panic it might be feeling, Krystal offered the wounded creature a small, friendly smile. But this seemed to have the opposite effect as she felt its consciousness spike into abject terror. Before it could scream she once more applied the good feelings she had used before, with a little more intent behind them, and watched with small success as it calmed once more, its fear and paranoia replaced by skepticism and suspicion.  

"It is alright, you are safe now." She promised it, smiling in reassurance once more, but ensuring that her teeth were concealed behind her lips, wondering if perhaps that was what frightened it. This as well seemed to prove a good idea as the sense of suspicion waivered, through its skepticism remained unchanged. 

Lips moving, the alien blurted out what was no doubt words in its own language, the vixen frowning as whatever it said washed over her uncomprehending ear. Her only response was to shrug. However, that action alone seemed more fruitful than anything she had tried so far as the alien muttered to itself with what sounded like a chuckle as it attempted to sit up.  

Krystal reached out to help but stopped as it sent what was no doubt a glare at her, suspicion once more rearing its ugly head. With a sigh she instead leaned back, offering it more room in an attempt to gain some measure of trust.  

"Krystal, just gonna ask ya one more time in case you didn't hear me the first time. Just what the hell are you doing? That's a freakin alien!" Miyu hissed, claws scratching at the metalwork of her blaster. "We need to get the fuck out of here before more of them show up.  

Hearing the no doubt confrontational tone, the alien shuddered, a huge surge of fear flowing through its system as it gazed at the irate feline with wide eyes. With a sigh, the vixen placed a placating paw on its shoulder and sent a small burst of the combination of feelings she had used earlier, before turning to her friend. 

"That as it may be, it is clearly in pain and of no harm to any of us." 

"Alien." Was all the feline declared in response, as if that single word was justifiable enough to leave a fellow sapient to dwell alone in its own suffering.  

And while the expressions of their small group seemed to reflect the cat's feelings, Krystal would not let fear cloud her thoughts. Until otherwise she would allow it, and by extension its people, the benefit of the doubt.  

"Alien as this male may be, if you are so terrified by this wounded individual, feel free to wait outside." 

That seemed to give the other female pause, reminding her that as it were, they did not exactly have all that many options. Despite this, what waited for them out here was little better. 

"Point made." The feline grunted reluctantly. "But for the record, let me just say this is not going to end well."  

"I'll make sure to quote that for the history books." Krystal chuckled lightly, releasing some of the stress that had been compiling for so long. At the very least, she was thankful for the distraction this provided, keeping her thoughts away from the uncertain future.  

With little desire to probe further into the alien ship, Arden decided here was as good place as any to set up temporary camp, and the lupine could soon be heard barking orders once more. As he spoke, bodies hit the deck of the alien ship as tired and beaten marines were finally able to get some rest, as uneasy as it may be that they were doing so inside the damaged wreck of an alien starship.  

As they settled down, Krystal turned once more to the wounded individual she kneeled beside, taking in its unreadable expression as it watched members of another species decide to crash on his ship. She sent him a wave of reassurance but didn't know how well it took as its face remained unchanged.  

Her unbandaged ear flicked.  

***** 

Ensign Belchacko Radovich's day could not be any worse. What had started off as a routine drop from slipspace had turned from boring and mundane into his worst nightmare. He still remembered the panic that had consumed the entire ship before he blacked out, merciful oblivion granted to him by the edge of hallway turnoff.  

He recalled the klaxons that had woken him from his sleep, a fearful pull on his chest as he identified the particular screech. 

The call for battle stations...  

Barely slipping into his uniform he had navigated the rush of mutually panicked crewmen as he attempted to reach the bridge, a small, nonsensical part of his mind lamenting the fact he was early to his shift, the more serious half wondering what in the hell was happening. Unfortunately, before he had even crossed half the ship a series of shuddering impacts had rocked the corvette's superstructure, disabling artificial gravity, amongst the countless other systems to have been affected by whatever dynamic force struck their small vessel.  

Alone in the hall during the cataclysmic event, he had sailed into the closest wall, his own legs carrying him forwards into blessed unconsciousness on no will of their own as gravity simply ceased to exist.  

He did not know how long he was out of it, just that upon waking his body had cried out in shock. Bolts of sheer, mind numbing agony blazing paths of hellfire down the nerves in his leg, and most of his battered frame as well he would add. Such a high level of pain told him he had to have broken something, possibly even many something.  

It was unknown to Belchacko exactly how long he lay on the cool deck, wallowing in a simmering pot of utter torment. But judging from the fact the corridor was silent and the ship was no longer pitching and bowing like some maddened beast, whatever flurry of events that had occurred must have been over. Yet the knowledge that he had not been recovered and placed in the infirmary filled him with dread. Where were the rest of the crew, surely someone should have come for him by now.  

True to form, just as he questioned, an answer came to him, the sound of footsteps drawing closer. He tried to speak, but found he could not yet form any intelligable words, instead releasing what he would call a manly groan of pain if any were to question him later.  

He waited for a moment, but no one came to help. Were they really just standing there and watching him suffer? 

Motherfucker. I bet it's Ricky, that asshole. Just one harmless prank with the airlock and suddenly I'm a prick. Idoit just has no sense of humor. Fine I'll get up myself. 

Of course, he hadn't even made it a foot in any direction before his body let him know full well what it thought about his attempts. Letting go of a somewhat less masculine hiss of pain, he decided curling up in a ball of ache was the better decision.  

Then again, maybe I'll wait for help. 

Finally there was movement, the trod of boots coming to a stop beside him, the ensign feeling the unobservable pressure of a person close by. He felt a hand on his shoulder, thick and padded, a glove perhaps? 

Suddenly, an overwhelming sense of... peace, washed over him, carrying away all his aches and pains. Startled no small measure by this bizarre development, he gathered the strength to open his eyes and see who exactly was laying a hand on him, ready to ask that person how the hell they were able to do that.  

Instead he found his readied words falling flat at he completely unexpected sight before him.  

It's a... dog. His brain decided in an effort to tackle this development as pragmatically as possible. And... it's blue. A blue dog... with hands. He discovered as his eyes flickered briefly to the furry appendage latched onto his shoulder. Paws? His mind grasped for straws weakly. 

The dog... thing's... muzzle stretched into a snarl, revealing a double row of  pearly white canines that glistened as they contrasted against its black lips.  

Oh shit in the name of all that is holy please don't bite me oh god, oh shit. Belchacko opened his mouth, fully intending to plead for the salvation of his beautiful face when that odd sensation returned full force, calming his fear addled mind. By now he inferred it had to be coming from the... he didn't want to say it but the truth was undeniable... alien, it was an honest to god alien. 

Nor was it alone, over its shoulder he could see a small group of them, dogs, a wolf, even a damned cat, rather than hunched on all fours they stood tall, on two legs, like a human... well as human as one could be with fur, an elongated face, and a tail stuck out the ass.   

Man, if pops could see me now, bloodied, broken, and surrounded by the cast off remnants of a Disney movie. The old bastered would be turning in his grave. A small measure of amusement flared momentarily in him at the riciolousness of his current predicament. If not for the undeniable pain lancing through him, he would have been certain he was still conked out on the deck.  

A voice dragged his wavering attention span back to the present, a reality he was trying to face as logically as was possible given the extraneous circumstances. The source was none other than the dog... or was it a fox that kneeled by him? He had admittedly not been a very good student, his grades being the de facto force behind his enlistment into the navy. A guy with a D- average wouldn't go very far in life. 

Yet look where I am now. He couldn't help but feel somewhat smug at the small victory. Hah! Take that Mr. Burns!  

Aliens, don't forget the aliens dimwit. His brain tried to nudge him back to reality once more. Right, aliens, can't forget them. The young ensign decied it might be wise to hear what the alien was saying, but came off unsurprised when he didn't understand a damn word. But it was interesting to watch as its lips contracted and contorted in ways no earthborn dog could ever hope to emulate. The words - if one could define the sequence of barks and growls of alternating pitch that emanated from its muzzle - by such terrestrial designations, were fascinating to listen to. And the man felt some remorse that the context behind them sailed completely over his head.   

Flicking his tongue across his dry lips, he muttered to himself, voice stiff and hoarse after god knows how long he had been rendered unconscious. 

"Why does all the crazy shit happen to me? First that crazy haunted EVA op, and now this, freaking aliens. Just my damned luck."  

A shift of motion from the alien snapped his attention back to it and he watched curiously as it seemed to shrug, a surprisingly... human behavior that calmed him with its familiarity. A chuckle passed through him off its own volition as he stared at the alien's chest. 

"Well, at least I know it's a female."  

And as interesting as that new development was, it was about time he did something other then lay on the floor. Aliens or not, he still had a duty to carry out. He needed to check the ship, find out exactly just what happened while he was out. If these aliens were onboard, it meant that they either boarded the corvette... or it crashed. Which judging by the state of the corridor around him, seemed the most likely conclusion. But what the hell were the doing on here, and perhaps the better question, where the fuck did they come from? 

The only thing he was grateful for at the moment is that they did not appear to be particularly hostile. If anything that... blue fox, appeared to be trying to help. Damn, my head hurts. Too much weird shit with little enough time to digest.  

Pressing his sweat and blood stained palm against the wall behind him, he gathered what was left of his strength and tattered will, and tried his best to stand. He'd be damned if he looked weak in front of a lady, alien or not. He had an image to uphold! 

As he struggled, the alien female had an idea to help so it would seem, reaching out to add her strength to his own. In response he aimed his firmest stare at her, unwilling to have her near when he was in such a vulnerable position. He couldn't tell her to back up but he sure as hell could give her a look that screamed hands off. 

Thankfully, she not only understood the message but moved away in compliance. But before he could fully prop himself up, he heard a sound that stopped him cold, like the sibilate roar of a wild mountain lion, A jet of ice cold terror froze him to the deck, hazel eyes dilating as he cast a fearful glance to the feline wielding a weapon, its pencil thin pupils glaring daggers at him as its muzzle split into a undeniably antagonist grimace. 

He would be remiss if he did not admit to nearly losing control of all motor function under that oppressive glare. Shocked as he was, he hardly noticed or reacted to the fact the fox had once more reached out, resting her paw upon him, a familiar sense of wellbeing coursing through his rattled brain. Belckacko did not question it, just glad he no longer felt so afraid. 

Instead he watched as the two aliens bickered for a transient moment before the cat backed off, seemingly mollified by whatever the female fox had barked to her, the alien chuckling softly to herself.  

Seeing that he was no longer quite so in danger, he watched curiously as the other aliens, all armed and armored like the marines he had seen stationed on this ship, dropped to the deck with human-like sighs of relief. The sight made him once again question why they were here. Flecks of red dotted most of their equipment and he could see a liberal amount of gauze spread out amongst them, near enough to equip a small trauma ward.   

For a fearful moment, he thought them to be hostile, their injuries having been sustained from an attack on the crew, but supposed if that were true he would in all likelihood be dead. Rather, from their weary stances and haggard appearance, it almost seemed to him, as if they were... running from something.  

In his observation, he noticed the female fox that still lingered near him. Her ear flicked, reminiscent in a manner of the times he had blown into the mopy flaps of his dog back home, years back when he still could afford to have one that. Poor Roscoe. 

He wondered what had caused this, but did not wait long before he heard a sound he could not forget, the repetition burned into his mind. That was the clack of standard issue combat boots, marine permutation to be precise if the weight behind them was any indication.  

Hearing what was no doubt a group of friendlies, humans, he could not contain his elation. "Hey, over here. I'm over here!" He called out in both parts relief and jubilation. 

But the young ensign was not oblivious enough that he did not hear the faint commotion behind him, rearing his head back in fear, he turned to the aliens, wondering if they were about to silence his calls for help.  

Instead he was treated to the sight of a very uncertain looking fox, the alien sharing the grim countenance with her cohorts as they readied themselves for something. And he realized then, they probably did not want to be found.  

He was unable not to feel guilty in some way. Well more afraid then guilty. He dreaded what might happen if a squad of heavily armored marines rounded the corner and came upon such an unusual sight. And he'd be right smack dab in the middle of it all, laying there with a broken leg. 

As he considered the situation in detail, he felt his joy quickly fade.  

Oops.  

***** 

Krystal looked away from the alien and to the mouth of the hallway they had not explored, noticing a faint reverberation that seemed to grow louder with each passing second. She only wondered briefly what that might mean before it dawned on her. 

She glanced over her shoulder to say something, but Miyu had already picked up on the noise, the cat quickly speaking to Arden as the now identified sounds of footsteps grew nearer. Realization slowly passed out amongst them as soldiers struggled to stand, their brief rest already inducing a heavy lethargy that had them fighting to raise their blasters. 

Unsurprisingly, the sound of footsteps perked the alien up considerably and it began to shout in its native tongue, obviously calling for its fellows. For a second Krystal felt betrayed, that it sought to rat them out after she had done her best to help, but the sense of treachery soon withered as logic prevailed. Why would it not seek the help of its friends? They could help it better than she. 

Miyu moved to hush the alien before it gave them away but Krystal batted her paw away, the feline regarding her in blatant disbelief. 

"They were likely to find us anyways." She replied, somewhat morosely as the certainty she felt began to fade, replaced by emotions the alien had displayed not too long ago as she dreaded what might transpire. 

They were not kept waiting long as the thundering of boots reached a crescendo just as several figures rounded the corner, all donned in bulky armor of similar tint as the alien's clothing, the only exception being the one at the center of the small group, who's plates were dyed a bright white, a dark red cross emblazoned on its chest. Just as with the one they first encountered, these aliens had mostly hairless faces, some rougher than others but all protected by helmets strapped tightly to their compact skulls.  

A like minded reaction occurred between the two parties. The new individuals froze stiff, like a pack of nocturnal creatures suddenly caught up in a surge of light as their minds struggled to interpret the signals their eyes were relaying to them. Which was the fact they had spotted several aliens crowded around one of their own, grievously wounded. 

So it came as no surprise that as soon as they regained their faculties, the objects in their arms were immediately raised and shouldered, giving off no pretense as to what they were. A brief moment of inactivity fell as neither side could decide how to react, knowing any action taken thereafter would have to be committed in full.  

***** 

Seeing the impending violence he was about to be trapped between, Ensign Belchacko acted with commendable haste and courage, as he would go on later to state in his report. Wincing in pain, he made his best effort to stand as he tossed his arms in the air in a very obvious sign of peace, mouth already running on automatic as he hoped to talk his way out of it.  

"Wait, hold your horses their Sergeant, it's not what you think." Thankfully, he knew the Arcadian squad leader fairly well, having chatted with him quite a few times over the length of their voyage. 

He had prior knowledge of Sergeant Taylor's most impressive poker face from the many games of blackjack they had played in their off-duty hours. Yet even so, Belchacko could not help but remain seriously impressed at the still-as-stone guise on the other man's roughly stubbled visage. The rugged marine had not so much as twitched as he took in the unexpected sight spread out before him, though his fellows were not as well versed in facial fortitude. The younger soldiers let loose soft gasps of shock, visibly panicked by the aliens they had stumbled upon.  

"Just what the hell am I seeing right now, Radovich?" Sergeant Taylor demanded, not a shred of emotion tainting his words, an eary calmness exuding from the stonecold veteran. "Cuz it looks like the cricus just let out early."  

"Well... you see..." Belchacko began with a weak smile. "I... don't rightly know. I just woke up here on the deck, surrounded by these... folk. They seem friendly enough, one tried to help me." He nudged his head to the blue dog... fox women. The action strained still sore muscles and the young man flashed his teeth in a grimace.  

Taylor grunted skeptically, MA37 steadily returning to its rest position, an action mirrored just as cautiously by the other marines. "Corporal Leslie, see to Radovich's injuries. He and I have some words that need said and I'd rather have him remain conscious for the immediate duration.  

With a tentative nod, the medic drifted to him, not so eager to draw closer to the strange creatures. 

"Ensign," The Arcadian called for his attention as the women went to work. "The corvette was brought down by unknown hostiles." The Sergeant was rather pointed with his insinuation, hardened and mistrustful eyes still steadfastly locked onto the aliens. "As of right now we're grounded on an alien planet and word has yet to come from the fleet. Most of the crew made it to the lifeboats and are now scattered over several kilometers of open alien desert. Those that did not reach said lifeboats in time ended up much like yourself... or worse. My squad is the only cohesive unit left on the ship, and even then I'm down at half strength. Melvin, Harriet, and Boris are dead, and Adam is paralyzed at the waist down, most likely permanent. Hell, even the Captain has bit the dust."  

Belchacko frowned. He knew those people well, had, known them well. It made him wonder how many others had lost their lives. Ricky? Eh, the guy was an asshole, he wouldn't be all that affected if he heard that the rude and pompous engineer bit the dust. But with the Captain out of the picture, the chain of command would be in shambles. All in all, things did not look good for the crew of the Damsel In Distress. 

"As far as I can tell," Taylor continued on. "There are about twenty odd marines left on the ship that are combat capable, plus about eight or so crewmen of varying degrees of capability. That was the most recent count before we started sending out teams to check the rest of the ship. Captain's final standing order was to secure the ship, find the crew, and wait for UNSC retrieval." 

After disseminating the new information, he had more questions then there were hours in a day, but postponed the vast majority for the sake of one he considered most important. 

"What do we do till then?" 

"Well, for starters, how about you get your new alien buddies to drop their... guns."  

"I wouldn't really call them buddies." Belchacko nervously looked back to the very intimidating feline. 

"Either you ask them... or I force them. I don't care if they shit out sunshine and rainbows, preaching the good word of Jesus himself. As it stands we've been attacked and I won't have armed non-UNSC personnel on this ship, no matter how friendly they seem to you. I will see the Captain's final orders carried out, whether or not I have to do it my damned self. So I'll ask you again to ask them to drop their guns. Please and thank you, Ensign." 

The tone of the Sergeant offered no illusion that he had a choice in the matter and so it was with great reluctance that he turned to the more receptive of the aliens, the female fox eying him curiously.  

"Good, glad you saw things my way." Taylor looked to the infantrymen flanking him. "Adrian, Lasco, head back to the wardroom and inform the Lieutenant of our findings. Ramirez, Varo, Leslie and myself will stay here and keep an eye on our unexpected... guests."  

With a double set of nods and "Yes, Sirs" The two soldiers quickly backtracked out of the corridor. 

As an uncomfortable silence befell the two parties, the dark skinned Sergeant muttered, mostly to himself. 

"It's gonna be one of those days isn't it?"   

***** 

Just as Krystal feared the standoff would escalate, the wounded alien made a darkly comedic effort to stand as he waived his paws wildly, its lips flapping as it gasped and ranted. All Krystal and the others could do was stare and wonder, their lives now placed in the clutch of a being not of their system.  

Yet what it said seemed to be for their benefit as weapons were cautiously lowered to chest height, still ready to move and release whatever payload they might contain, but at the least not as noticeable or aggressive.  

Seeing as a possibly fatal firefight had just been averted, it was no surprise when they collectively let loose a few relieved exhalations. One of the aliens, skin of darker complexion then its compatriots, barked out a few sentences in its gutteral tongue and Krystal watched as the one in white slowly approached, the vixen's heart rate jumping as it hesitantly went down on a knee across from her. A female, if the softer face and lumped chest were any indicator, snapped a hard case off her belt and rested the container by the wounded male.  

Krystal watched inquisitivly as the female sorted through the pack of what she figured to be medical supplies before focusing on the male's injuries, swiftly utilizing an autoinjector and gauze as she wrapped and bound the leg wound, with various hiss and moans from the in pain being. She studied the male as he spoke animatedly with the dark skinned warrior across the corridor, their words unintelligable as they conversed. Her fate perhaps tied to that conversation, she realized this is how the alien must have felt not too long ago.  

A reluctant understanding seemed to pass between them, the armed soldier nodding curtly as he gestured to the pair of males on either side of him. In response, they barked out a quick response in their odd language and jogged off deeper into the ship, the purpose unknown to her.  

Something prodded the vixen's arm, Krystal looking down to regard the alien she had first encountered. It gestured repetativly with its arms, words once more rendered pointless by the gap of understanding between them. But thankfully, his gesticulations were quite understandable.  

As Krystal realized the point he was trying to make, the female with the white armor slung her arms under the wounded alien's and hefted him unsteadily to his feet till he could hold himself up using the wall beside him.  

"If it's asking us what I think it is, then we might have some problems here." Miyu muttered quietly, The unchecked resentment in her tone drawing the eyes of the ebon skinned warrior, his stance and expression mirroring her own to a tee.  

"Miyu..." Krystal sighed in exasperation. 

"No." The feline declared firmly. "I'm not putting my weapon away. And frankly, I think you're crazy for even considering it. What's to stop them from cutting us down the moment we drop our guard?"  

"They could attack us regardless of whether or not we have blasters out." The vixen countered. She understood the cat's reluctance, she already felt vulnerable and would not doubt be more so if she disarmed. Yet, while she could sense a great deal of mistrust and belligerence from these aliens, if they were to foster any rapport with them, first a measure of trust would have to be earned. Showing them she and her companions had no hostile intent would be the first step.  

"We boarded their ship, the least we could do is comply with their not entirely unreasonable request." 

Miyu fumed silently but otherwise made the concession, tossing her blaster to the deck with a huff of indignation, folding her arms crossly. "Unbelievable, dumb naive girl is gonna get me killed."  

Turning to look at Arden now, the vixen watched as the lupine shrugged, his weapon soon joining Miyu's. The clatter of blaster rifles filled the corridor as the rest of the CDF personnel present unenthusiastically relieved themselves of their gear. 

Much to Miyu's surprise and Krystal's expectations, the aliens did not immediately gun them down, rather they themselves looked relieved, their own weapons lowering further from their guarded positions as they adopted a somewhat relaxed air.  

Rather than say I told you so, Krystal merely satisfied herself with a smirk, the feline scoffing and muttering at the smug grin. 

"Surprised no ones thought to ask who shot this ship down." Miyu grumbled moodily, shuffling awkwardly in place. She was unused to such a sense of vulnerability as she felt at that moment. "Maybe it was us? Maybe we had a reason to? Did it occur to you that they may have joined in the attack on the fleet." 

"That's certainly possible." Krystal conceded. "But the likelihood of that is astronomical. It is much more logical to assume that they were caught in the crossfire, in which case Venom would be the most likely instigator." 

"Do you think there are more up there?" Miyu inquired, gesturing upwards generally as she chose to gloss over the vixen's good point. 

"It's entirely possible." 

"Wonder what that means for us." Arden spoke up from his seated position by his soldiers. The lupine had obviously decided that if they were not allowed their weapons they could at least take a moment to rest.  

Seeing this, Krystal decided to follow his example, plopping down with her back against a wall as Miyu reluctantly did the same opposite her. 

"Don't know, but I doubt it's going to be anything good." The feline responded. 

While the other two talked, Krystal's gaze followed the injured alien as the medic helped him down the hallway, back where they had come from. The male seemed to pause at the corner, looking back to her with what she hoped was a smile before he at last disappeared.  

Despite what had and might occur after this, she was glad to have been able to help someone for once. It had been a good long while since she had used her talents for anything other than war. So it was heartening to see that she could still use her abilities for the better.  

Minutes slowly dragged by as they rested, the alien's retaining a close vigil over their guests. Keeping a wide space from her and the others, they were apparently content to watch them from a distance, occasionally a brief pass of their peculiar language would be exchanged between them, no doubt still coming to terms with this situation, something neither side could have ever hoped to anticipate.  

To be honest with herself, Krystal was surprised at how well each group was handling it, having expected an explosive reaction rather then the cautious, but level-headed approach they seem to have taken thus far. It would appear that reason had prevailed over more baser instincts. A fortunate circumstance as she rather liked the whole "being alive" business. If she survived this, it would make for a good story to tell, the time she made first contact with a new species during a most uncertain point in their people's history. 

These aliens were fascinating creatures, similar in many regards to a cornerian, if a bit larger, and tending to lean more to the hefty side. With Arden being the tallest amongst them and above the average, even his stature was inferior to that of the smallest of these aliens.  

The dark skinned one was a giant, perhaps six spans in height and cut a rather intimidating figure, a factor that was enhanced by the wieldy and heavyset weapon in his gauntlets. Like its owner, it too was bigger then CDF standard issue and she wondered just what they used in their arms. 

As she studied the interesting male, she took note of a curious development, watching as the ebon alien raised a gauntlet to its head, expression indicating he was listening to something rather unpleasant. A scowl soon developed as he turned to regard her group, speaking harshly into the open air. Yet it seemed to lessen fractionally over time, a heavy exhale taking its place as he nodded and lowered his arm.  

Krystal was kept wondering for some time as to what had caused this, her answer arriving in the form of another group of aliens, all dressed and armored like those she had seen so far. Miyu and the rest of the group tense at the new arrivals, the feline shooting Krystal a glare of "I told you so". 

However, once more it appeared as if they were not hear to claim their lives, rather they spoke quickly with the leader before hurriedly marching past her and the others, down the corridor they had first come from with a grimness befit of soldiers heading into battle. Despite an understandably measure of caution, these hardened soldiers had little reaction to their presence. 

The vixen wondered only briefly as to what had caused this occurrence before she remembered what it was they had been running from. It only made sense that the Venomians would find them. After all... all they had to do was follow the smoke. 

"Shit." Miyu growled, undoubtedly coming to the same conclusion as the fox. 

"What do we do?" Arden asked. 

"Well we have to warn them somehow." Krystal decided. "Those Venomian soldiers won't have come here to spread peace and goodwill. They probably won't know that until it's too late." 

"Alright... how?" Miyu turned to the vixen for an answer, seeing as she had been making all the decisions as of late.   

Krystal studied her surroundings, searching for anything that might help her achieve her goal. Inspiration struck as her eyes landed on a blaster by her feet, the female thankful the aliens had either forgotten or refrained from confiscating their equipment. 

The vixen flagged down the attention of the dark skinned guard with a directed wave of her paw. The alien paused its conversation with one of its companions to glare at her, curiosity and mistrust flaring brightly in its mind.  

Making sure not to make any overtly hostile movements, she slowly reached for the weapon, praying that they would understand. 

***** 

Sergeant Taylor frowned at the sight before him, finger tightening ever so slightly on the trigger of his assault rifle as the alien that had just waived to him reached for one of their weapons. After receiving information from the LT that the newly reactivated scanners identified a whole shitstorm of activity heading to their crashed ship, he was understandably on high alert. If not for the previous warning, he would have ended its attempt with a single armor piercing round to its sloped forehead. Instead, he merely continued to watch in wary confusion as it held up the gun and gestured somewhat actively with it, unable to make heads or tales of what it was trying to convey to him.  

"Corporal, just what in the hell is this... thing, doing?"  He looked to his subordinate for advice. 

"Well Sarge... I can't answer for a definite, but it looks like it's trying to tell us something." 

The marine of African descent rolled his eyes. "Excellent skills of deduction, Varo. You're a real Sherlock Holmes. I am utterly mystified why you have yet to ascend to the officer core with that kind of intuition." 

Varo wilted at the Sergeant's scathing words, the likes of which he had become quite used to hearing. 

"I think I know, Sir!" A helpful voice interjected. 

Shifting his withering glare from the unfortunate man to the other soldier beside him, Taylor gestured impatiently for him to continue. "Well don't wait for hell to freeze over, Ramirez."  

The young marine shrunk under the powerful stare, suddenly finding himself scrambling for his lost nerve. 

"Well... uh, Sir, I believe it's trying to warn us of something." 

"And what pray tell, would that something be, Private?" The Sergeant demanded, unwavering in his hostile disposition. Meanwhile, the alien had suspended its movements in favor of watching the disgruntled debate between the three men.  

"I... think," Ramirez scratched at the neck of his chestplate nervously, well aware of the unpleasant consequences should he fail to articulate himself correctly. "I think it may be warning us of other... hostile aliens that is, Sir." 

"And you have inferred this how, Private?" Sergeant Taylor inquired with an obvious air of skepticism.  

"Charades, Sir."  

"Charades?" The squad leader could not keep the sheer mystification from his tone. 

"Yes, Sir."  Ramirez answered with a weak nod. "My family and I used to play on the weekends."  

A vein pulsed vividly on the dark skinned soldier, quite an amazing feat considering his ebony pigmentation. However, rather then explode on the young marine as he might have in any sane situation, he instead decided on a less volatile response. 

With a sigh, Taylor reached for the comm bead inside his helmet. 

"Bravo-1 Actual, be advised." He glanced tersely at the young marine before continuing. "New... Intel, suggests approaching vectors may in fact be hostile. Recommend you boys stay in cover and dig in. How copy?" 

The faint buzz of a response could be heard in their respective headsets as a boisterous, yet familiar voice answered. "Received loud and clear Alpha-1, hunkering down. Don't you worry T, we'll make sure to roll out the welcome mat."  

"Just keep your eyes peeled Hank. I don't want to have to bail your ass out a second time." 

"Ah, but the first time was a fluke, T. I just tripped was all." 

"On a landmine?"  

"Dastardly things." 

"Just keep your damn head down." Taylor's eyes rolled once more of their own volition. 

The Sergeant cut the signal before he could hear the other man's chuckle. 

"Idiot." 

Ramirez looked to the sarge hoping for some form of pat on the back, but was instead treated to a gruff mutter. "Private." 

"Yes, Sir?" 

"Since you seem to consider yourself some kind of dog whisperer, I am now putting you in charge over our resident fluff bags. Keep an eye on them. And if they try anything.... I order you not to die." 

"But, where will you be, Sir?" Varo wondered fretfully, casting uneasy glances at the small pack of aliens.  

"Me, myself, and I, Corporal, will be heading back up to speak with the LT about forming some kind of defense in case these new fur bags prove to be an issue." 

"But..."  

"Are you insinuating that my decision, mind you that is the declaration of your superior officer, is worthy of debate, Corporal.?" There was a dangerous gleam in the Arcadian's eyes. 

"No, Sir. Not at all, Sir." Varo stuttered out with admirable haste as his face paled considerably.  

"Good. Because I would be thoroughly disappointed to learn that two of humanities' best and brightest were unable to dog sit. See, that would make me a most disagreeable man. And you know I am quite an agreeable fellow." 

"Of course, Sir." Both men replied, hastily throwing up salutes as if that would ward away the Sergeant's ire. 

"Excellent," The ebon skinned man grinned, an action that was not as relieving as one might expect. "Then I leave Private Ramirez in command for the interim until I return. And if these alien fuck heads do indeed mark themselves as enemies of the UNSC, it will be our god given pleasure to drop a reckoning upon their heads to rival that of the almighty himself. Is that clear?"   

"As crystal, Sir." Ramirez nodded, the Sergeant's words injecting him with a small boost of confidence. 

"Then can I get a oorah?"  

Both marines answered with a throaty proclamation, dual fists thumping loudly against their armored torsos.  

Sergeant Taylor responded with a terse nod of satisfaction before he swiveled on his heels and marched down the corridor leading back up to their temporary command post. As much as he berated them on a daily basis, he was confident they would conduct themselves well in his absence.  

After all, they were goddam marines. 

***** 

Miyu groaned, slanted irises revolving in their sockets as she did. "Males." Krystal heard her mutter under her breath at the undeniably testosterone fueled antics of the aliens. 

The vixen smiled, no small part of her glad that they seemed to have understood her, and more so that she had not had her life prematurely cut short with her risky gambit. 

"At least some things appear to be universal." Krystal giggled at her comrade's expense, merely glad that as of yet no one had been hurt in this exchange. After the harrowing events that lead them here, not fighting for you life was a pleasant change of pace.  

"So, if the venomains are here, you think these aliens will be able to hold them back?" Arden piped up from his reclined position on a far wall, paws idily threading together in what Krystal assumed to be boredom. How the lupine remained so calm in such a situation as the one they found themselves in was nothing less than impressive.   

"If they can it won't be for long. The bastards will drown this ship in corpses before they'll let their quarry escape." Miyu chimmed in morosely. The feline had first paw experience in seeing just how far the soldiers of Venom were willing to go. They were without a doubt the worst military force in the system, but that did not matter as they were fueled by a never ending machine of fanatical martyrs. No one knew what Andross did to the destitute death world he had been banished to, but the results were undeniable. Where once was a desolate, hostile planet plagued by a corrosive atmosphere and harsh acid wastes, now stood a thriving empire that rivaled and threatened to overthrow a democracy etched in a millennia of noble antiquity.  

"So... the situation hasn't really changed." The wolf sighed, paw scratching at an ear irritably.  

"Nope, still boned." 

"At least we're out of the sun." Krystal pointed out cheerfully.  

"There is that." Arden admitted with a forced chuckle.  

"Meh, I suppose there are worse ways to clock out." Miyu figured as she made herself comfortable on the deck, amber eyes studying the pair of uneasy aliens standing guard over them. "Makes you wonder what they're thinking about. They have to be feeling pretty cornered right now. Just imagine, crash landing on a planet full of aliens gridlocked in a intersystem war with no way out. That'll shake even the staunchest hearts."   

"Is that sympathy I hear." Krystal teased. 

"Not so much sympathy as understanding." Miyu admitted with a shrug. "Assuming they are innocent as you claim, I have to feel some kind of guilt for dragging them into our mess." 

The feline had a point. It was hard to admit, but their war with Venom was in all accounts, a small conflict in what was turning out to be a larger galactic community. It was unfortunate that first contact with a new species was tarnished by their current state of affairs, doubly so that they unwittingly were dragged into it.  

"I wonder how it's going up there." Krystal's gaze pulled upwards, as if her vision could pierce the layers of alien hull, past the sky to the battle no doubt raging above them.  

"Last transmission from Fox said they were still holding strong. Though after so long... who can tell what's happening up there." Miyu picked at a claw as she pondered. "Not much point in worrying about something we can't affect. I'd say for now we just content ourselves with our own problems." 

"Agreed." Arden nodded.  

"Alright." Krystal conceded reluctantly. The lynx was right once more, and the vixen was glad that she was not alone here. However, she could not help but feel worried for the others. Were they still alive up there? Was anyone? Or had Venom finally managed to achieve what they desired. For her future as well as her friends. She hoped that was not true.  

All she could do was hope and pray.