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OSR: Renegade-Episode 1: Of the Mind

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Aikka knew he was a long way from home.

He’d tried not to let the knowledge bother him, for he had been even farther, and in more perilous situations before, but sitting on a plant box outside the Rig-Maker Pub on Neander, he felt the now-familiar shakiness creep into his hands, and the tightness form within his chest. He tried to conceal the physical effects, especially as people passed him on the sidewalk, half-drunk and giggling, but it was getting harder.

He’d left Nourasia alone, which he now sorely regretted. He should have taken Canaan, and would have, if the circumstances had allowed for it…

Aikka stood up, finally, his knees still shaking. The night was aging quickly, and he needed a place to stay.

Setting off down the road with his bow slung over his shoulder, he dodged his way passed partying youngsters and middle-aged men vomiting in the streets. There was some form of celebration going on in Neander’s Southern-most country of Pyli, but Aikka hadn’t been there long enough to know for what and he didn’t have enough interest to find out.

He finally reached the town square, where there was a whole selection of hotels and various other dwellings, if he was willing to stand the fact that there would be a constant party going on beneath him. The square was absolutely packed, with people dancing, people playing various carnival games, people doing skits on the sidewalk; people selling wares…it would have been beautiful if he was in the mood for chaos.

He did his best to keep his breathing under control as he made his way to the market near the edge of the festivities. It seemed calmer over there; seemed being the operative word. The merchant’s tables soon became just as busy as people rushed over to a seller who had just dropped the price of some swirling, glowing toy that flew around in the air before crashing.

Aikka rubbed his eyes, trying to focus on where he was; it all just seemed to blend together.
Until he heard a familiar voice:

“What do you mean you don’t sell 465 gigabyte chips?! You dare call yourself a computer salesman?!”

He barely recognized it. It had been years and he’d only known it a short time, but nonetheless, Aikka turned around and walked five paces to the tent at which a flustered shopkeeper was arguing with a large, cylindrical robot.

“No, you can’t expect to store anything of value on a 32 gigabyte card! I told you I need a device to transport the Unabridged History of Contemporary Neander Civilizations and the Outlying Galaxies, and I simply can’t trust that anything less than 450 gigabytes would suffice to-where are you going?! Come back here!” it cried as the vendor ran behind his tent and disappeared.

The robot grumbled angrily as Aikka got closer, muttering various swear words, seemingly unaware until he spoke up. “…Ondai? Is that you?”

The robot stopped its muttering and turned sharply, face lit up in shock…before morphing into a smile. “Well…it’s been a long time. How have you been?”



“You’re…not who I expected.” He mumbled when she entered the room.

The woman smiled as she sat down before him. “A lot of people say that.”

“Where’s the other one?”

“I handle all of our business transactions.” The woman crossed her legs, looking him over. He looked like he might have been well-built once, but he was almost malnourished-thin, and his eyes were sunken and had the residue of dried tears around them. She guessed either drugs, or a broken heart. The tears usually meant the latter.

“You mentioned very little in your ad…” She continued.

“I was scared.” He said. “You would be too, if you knew-”

“Just tell me his name.” She cut him off. “If we know his name, we can kill him.”

The man shut his mouth and pulled out a picture. “Bjarte Mayora.”

“Sounds familiar.” She picked up the picture and studied it.

“He’s the owner of a software company, so he’s filthy rich.” He ran a hand through his hair. “He makes navigation and other systems for spaceships.”

She looked at him out of the corner of her eye. “Then why are you so afraid of him?”

“He’s a thief.”

“But aren’t we all?” She tucked the picture away into an unseen pocket.

“No, you don’t get it.” He leaned forward. “You don’t know what he steals, and it’s not all for the money.”

“So just tell me…” She leaned forward “what do you need us to do?”

The man chewed his lip. “I need his computer. A big, honking desktop one; inside is a memory chip of his own design- it’ll look like a smaller black box-and it has the…key to the thing he stole from me. And after you get it…” he growled. “I want you to make him pay for it.”

“Like I said.” She stood up. “We know his name. We can kill him.” She turned around. “I’ll call my sister. If you need anything, you know how to reach us.”



The air between Aikka and Ondai was filled with awkward silences, with Aikka thinking to himself that this had been a bad idea.

“…Do you want anything to drink?” Aikka asked awkwardly. “I have a little money, I could-”

“Robots don’t drink.” Ondai deadpanned. “You are very thoughtful, though.”

“Thank you…”

“That was an observation, not a compliment.” He looked around. “Though I admit I was not giving it much thought; I did not expect to see you here.”

Aikka remained silent.

“I imagine it’s quite a story.” He pressed. “From what I know of Nourasians, they are very loyal to their homes.”

“…Certain circumstances led to me…um…leaving.”

“I don’t mean to pry…actually I do.” Ondai smiled.

“…My…mentor passed away.” It wasn’t a lie; it just wasn’t the whole truth.

“I understand.” Ondai nodded. “The effect of grief on the mind is puzzling, at best.”

Aikka nodded. Once again, he looked past Ondai at the sea of people and lights, and they all seemed very bright and overwhelming, each one whispering to him, each one begging to him.

When he looked over, Ondai was standing up. “Where are you going?”

“I am going back to my ship.” He replied nonchalantly. “I couldn’t find my memory card, so I’ll spend the night here and travel to the Northern city of Memphis tomorrow. I didn’t want to go that far, since it’s so expensive, but it’s large and slightly more high scale, so I should be able to find it-”

“Wait.” Aikka stood up. “…Um…”

“What?” Ondai looked annoyed.

“…May I stay with you? Just for tonight?” He held up his hands. “I don’t have enough for a hotel, and I don’t know anyone here-”

“No.” Ondai narrowed his eyes. “Now if you’ll excuse me.”

“What if I find your card for you?”

Ondai turned and looked at him. “…I’m listening.”

“If I can find it here, you’ll not have to spend as much money.” Aikka pressed. “I’ll find it, if you let me stay with you tonight.”

“And what will you do after that?” Ondai raised a digital eyebrow.

“I’ll go back home.” He rationalized. “I’ve been away too long, anyway…”

Ondai looked like he was thinking. His face-lights whirled and blinked.

Then he smiled. “Okay!”

“Thank-”

“The chip is called the Mayora 465, model number 0.3. Don’t get 0.1 or 0.2, they’re defective…maybe you should be writing this down.”

Aikka already regretted his decision.



The first thing he’d done was make sure to leave the carnival. Ondai had already tried all the second-hand salesmen and they hadn’t had it, so now Aikka was scouring the tech stores within the plaza for any sign of the chip…

And every place he tried led him to a dead end. The only way he got any information on it at all was by following the suggestions of several passersby to a store way off the beaten path that sold old, used gaming consoles…as well as very expensive equipment for whomever was willing to pay.

“Oh, that model?” The clerk exclaimed, starring at the notepad he’d given her with Ondai’s instructions on it. “That model isn’t in stores. As far as I know it’s only used for very high-end products; it hasn’t come to store yet.”

Aikka felt his heart sink. “…Do you know of any place where I could find it?”

“Not unless you’re Mr. Mayora.” The clerk replied. “I know he tests out all his products himself, so if he’s got a desktop computer it’s in there. But that one isn’t for-”

Aikka was already out the door and down the street by the time she spoke.



Their motorcycles sped down the street, just above the speed limit. They had to be careful; even if the cops were distracted tonight, they couldn’t risk being caught.

Skun looked over at Ning, who nodded as they passed a skyscraper. “The building is right here.”

They slowed and eventually stopped, making sure they were parked legally as Skun sighed irritably. Turning to the building, Ning looked over at her sister and nodded. “You remember the plan?”

“I remember it; I just hate it.”

“He’s not even here right now.” Ning chuckled as she walked past the building and around to the back alleyway. “Here’s the door. Hand me my pick.”

Skun reached into her bag and pulled out a small, metal contraption that looked a little like a hook, handing it to Ning with a sigh.

“I know.” Ning responded. “Give me two seconds…”

She jiggled the pick inside the lock, and it unlocked with a “click.’

Pushing the door open slowly, they made their way up the side stairwell. “His office is on the top floor, left-most side.”

“I’ll watch for guards and you get the computer?”

“You do remember my plan~” Ning giggled and crept along the hallway. A couple of security guards made their way past, and the two woman crouched low and crept to the door. Skun unsheathed her claws in preparation, but Ning held up her hand. “Not yet.”

She jiggled the lock; the door opened immediately, without even a hint of an alarm.

“This night is going a little too well.” Skun grumbled. “Just…hurry, okay?”

“Always, dear~” Ning crept inside, face to face with the desk of Bjarte Mayora.

“Let’s see what you’re hiding…” She chuckled, rubbing her hands.



Aikka dashed along the inside of the alleyway, trying to keep his steps light and his cloak against his face. There were no streetlights back here, so he had that going for him, but he couldn’t afford to let his guard down and risk being picked up by a mobster instead of a cop.

His destination loomed ahead, cold and daunting in its lack of activity on such a festive night. He almost felt the anxiety take him over again, but now he had a mission; he wasn’t weak anymore.

Upon reaching the building, he found that he’d significantly underestimated his approach for getting inside; an office like this one undoubtedly had several alarm systems. He couldn’t climb in a window like he’d originally intended because all the windows would be locked.

Aikka scanned the building’s side. There had to be another way in. Thieves found their way into these places all the time. It briefly occurred to him that that’s exactly what he was at the moment; not the most honorable profession…

But sometimes people had to give up their self-actualized principles in order to sleep.

Aikka felt along the side and, to his joy, found a back door, most likely used for staff and building personnel. Feeling along the frame, his fingers traced over the shape of a lock.

He could do this! Picking locks was easy.

Aikka pulled his knife from his belt and felt for the lock again. It took him a few times to find it in the dark, but he eventually got the tip of his knife inside the little hole and wriggled it around.

There was a lot of metal scraping metal, followed by a loud “CLUNK.” Assuming that was the sound of the door unlocking, he pushed the door open, emerging into the dark stairwell just as the alarms went off.



Ning almost dropped the memory card in surprise as the alarm blared through the office. Swearing several times, she put the cover back on the computer as carefully as she could while Skun threw the door open and ran inside.

“What the hell?!”

“It wasn’t me!” Ning stood up and ran past her sister, who smiled sarcastically.

“God, this brings back memories.” She followed Ning outside until she heard the two guards from before shout for her to freeze.

Skun stopped, but taking the place of her scowl was a wide grin. “You asked for it.”

They didn’t even have chance to fire before she tackled them, Ning still fleeing with the memory chip.



Aikka sprinted up the flight of stairs, all sense of stealth abandoned. It was probably a matter of time before security showed up, and though he knew he probably should just abandon the chip, it was too valuable for him to give up on; given the choice between dying fighting and dying freezing on the streets, at least dying fighting was more noble.

He finally reached the top and burst through the door, listening to it bang closed behind him. He scanned the surrounding hallway for his next path, one that would hopefully lead him straight to Mayora’s office, and by instinct alone decided on going left. Gearing into action, he tore down the hall, around the corner, and nearly had a heart attack.



Ning barely managed to stop before she smashed into the small Nourasian teenager that had just rounded the corner before her. Gasping and swearing, she tried to catch her breath as she observed the very familiar boy lying on the floor in front of her, obviously in a state of shock.

“…Hey…” She cocked her head. “I remember you.”

“…Ning?”

She nodded. “From Oban.”

Aikka nodded. “I…seem to be meeting many people from there, today.” He looked down at her hands. “…That wouldn’t happen to be a Mayora 465 memory card, would it?”

“It is.” She smirked. “Oh, are you here for that, too?”

Aikka gulped. He’d known getting the card would be difficult, but he’d never in a million years guessed he would have had to get it back from the twin Inna bounty-hunters that haunted the dreams of men at night. Still, memory card meant shelter; he had to try.

“Yes…” He stood up and cleared his throat. “It’s a matter of utmost urgency…and great importance…which I why I would appreciate it if you give it to me.”

Ning laughed out loud. “No.”

“But I need it.” Aikka’s hands were shaking; he really didn’t want to try to fight this woman.

“And I need it more.” She shrugged. “You’re just going to have to tell whoever you’re working for that it wasn’t their lucky day. I’ll even let you say you beat me up a little.”

“As I said, it is a matter of utmost importance that could determine whether or not a very important person…” He had to catch his breath “lives or dies!”

Ning starred at him. “…What did he promise you?”

Aikka tried to remain aloof. “As I said-”

“Cut it out.” She wasn’t smiling anymore. “I’ve been doing this for years longer than you; I know when someone is being manipulated.” She took a few steps toward him, and he stepped back. “I’m not going to give you the card, so if what I think is true is so, then your employer isn’t going to be happy.”

“He…” Aikka hung his head, the feeling of defeat washing over him. “He promised…I could spend the night on his ship.”

“…I didn’t know you swung that way.”

“It’s not sexual, I don’t have any lodging for tonight.” Aikka added.

Ning sighed and cocked her head.

“What is it?” Aikka asked hopefully.

“Oh honey, you’re so pathetic.” She giggled.

Aikka felt his cheeks burning with shame; a feeling he had a long, sweet relationship with. He’d given up on his chance at salvation or a warm place to sleep, but that didn’t make the humiliation any kinder.

There were footsteps from a distance, along with angry shouts.

“Friends of yours?” Aikka asked bitterly.

“They have letting go issues.” Ning joked. “Listen honey, I’m going to cut you a deal.”

“Which is?” Aikka looked up just as Ning shoved the memory card into his hands.

“Run.” She took off down the hall, and he followed her.

“What of the other one?!” He cried as Ning led them back into the stairwell.

“Skun? She’ll be around. Probably still bashing their heads against the railing.” Ning directed him down the second flight and out the door. “From the looks of this, I’m guessing you set off the alarm?”

Aikka was silent, glad she couldn’t see his face turning red.

Ning made her way to the red motorbike parked on the sidewalk. “You almost got me caught, you know.”

“Why did you give me the card?” He demanded before sitting down.

“Like I said, I’m cutting you a deal.” Ning’s smile disappeared. “Now, I’m pretty sure in the next 20 seconds, this area will be overrun with security, and it’ll take me at least 15 seconds to get out of sight.”

Aikka took the hint and sat down behind her, sandwiching the card between them.

“Hang on.” Ning gunned the gas, pulled a surprise U-turn, and sped off down the street with Aikka holding tightly to her clothing to keep from flying off.

He had to resist the urge to scream. This was different from flying by himself. There, he had control of his beetle, and could adjust his position accordingly. Here, he felt like he was straddling a beam, blind and with the world practically spinning around him.

Ning let out a laugh, and he regretted his decision for the second time that night.



Aikka managed to catch his breath when Ning finally got off the highway and stopped for a red light. The journey had not been pleasant, though he’d eventually gotten somewhat used to the wind rushing past him at the speed of light.

He looked down at the memory card, which was more like a small computer in itself. “Why do you want this so badly?”

“It’s not me who wants it.” Ning replied without looking at him. “On any other occasion, that thing in your hands would be a piece of junk, no worth to me whatsoever. However,” Now she did look at him. “we have a client who wants it, and he’s willing to pay us QUITE a bit of money for it. So as long as that card has value to him,” the light turned green and she sped off again “it has value to me.”

“…You’re a thief.”

“A bounty hunter, a mercenary, and occasionally a thief.” Ning confirmed.

“…I didn’t know.”

“It’s not a bad thing.” She tried to laugh, but there was a heaviness in her voice that gave away the sting she’d felt by his words. “I mean…aren’t we all?”

There was a heavy silence.

“…We’re coming up on the hotel.”

“What exactly is this deal you have offered me?” Aikka demanded.

“Not much.” Ning shrugged. “Just run.”

“But we did that.”

She smiled. “I’m going to let you stay the night in our hotel−only because I knew there was no way your buddy was going to let you in empty-handed.” She smiled widely at him. “And I found your little sob-fest adorable.”

“I did not sob.”

“Of course not, honey.” Ning looked back at the road just in time to gasp and slam on the brakes, narrowly missing the silver, cylindrical shape standing in the road.

“There you are.” Ondai chided as he saw Aikka. “I was wondering if you’d gotten yourself killed.”

“What the hell?” Ning growled in surprise as she came face-to-face with the robot. “You…?”

“Ah.” Ondai looked her up and down. “It seems that tonight has been quite the reunion. What was your name, again? It was so easily forgettable.”

She growled, looking ready to punch him, and Aikka suddenly remembered to stay away from her fingernails.

Ondai didn’t look phased. “I see you have my memory card.”

“Wait!” Ning pointed at Ondai. “You were working for him? Seriously?”

“How did you find me?” Aikka asked, ignoring Ning’s question.

“I am a supercomputer built to rival the greatest living minds in existence.” Ondai grinned. “I can track anything.”

Aikka said nothing in response as Ning got off the bike. “Well, you can forget the memory card, because Aikka’s working with me now.”

“Unlikely.” Ondai didn’t look scared at all. “More plausible that you forced a covenant onto him to obtain the thing you want.”

Aikka looked up on the Freeway and noticed a caravan of black cars approaching the exit they’d just taken.

“I gave him what he wanted FOR FREE.”

“Unless what he wanted was easily-accessible intercourse, I doubt your offer was that tempting.”

Aikka now expected Ning to lash out, and prepared himself to at least try to stop them from killing each other, when Ning sighed and put a hand on her hip.

“That’s really funny coming from a walking tin can.” She smirked. “What, is half you brain in this box? Is that why you need it?”

Ondai frowned noticeably. “I am a supercomputer built to rival-”

“That’s not a big accomplishment.” Ning shrugged. “Pretty sure I’ve seen phones smarter that the greatest living minds.”

Ondai’s face became blank. “…How dare you?”

Aikka looked back at the Freeway, only to see the cars had made the turnoff and were now heading down the road just behind them.

“See?” Ning smiled confidently. “I’ve already beaten you. In a test of wits, I held my own. You’re the one that cracked most easily.”

“Excuse my intrusion…” Aikka said, stepping between them “but there is a group of suspicious vehicles rapidly approaching.”

“What?!” Ning and Ondai both exclaimed simultaneously, and looked up just as the vans halted in a circle around them. Several men in black clothing emerged with guns loaded and pointed at them, and one man lading the group opened the back doors of his own cars and stepped out to meet them face-to-face.

“You know what we’re here for.” He said. “Give us what we want, and no one has to get hurt.”

“I can resist bullets for a short time.” Ondai said quietly to Aikka. “Give me the chip, and I can escape with it-um, and you.”

“And what makes you think I’ll let you get away?” Ning smiled.

“I can track anything. You can’t.”

“Famous last words.” Ning smiled and stuck her tongue out at the guards.

“If you want to be difficult.” The man opened the doors wider, enough for them to see the other people sitting inside, and enough for him to reach into the back and pull out Skun’s unconscious body.

Ning gasped and tried to rush to her sister, but the click of guns forced her to halt her footsteps.

The man pulled out a small revolver and pointed it to the unconscious woman’s head. “I don’t like Russian Roulette, but I’ll play this game if I have to.” He nodded. “Just give us the memory card, and you and your friends can go home.”

“Aikka. Don’t you dare.” Ondai whispered dryly.

“Aikka…” He could hear the panic in Ning’s voice as she whispered his name.

“Don’t give him that chip.” Ondai insisted, his voice echoing in Aikka’s left ear.

Ning didn’t say anything, just looked at him with sheer desperation. He could see her whole world was coming to bits around her, as long as that gun remained pressed to Skun’s temple.

He looked at Skun; her face was lax but her eyebrows were furrowed in slight pain. He wondered how they’d managed to incapacitate her; she was very strong, so it must have taken considerable force, perhaps with debilitating effects…

Aikka faced the guard−his heart was racing but his mind was clear−walked up to him and handed him the memory chip. “Give her to me. Do nothing to endanger her further.” He held out his arms.

Two of the men placed Skun in his waiting clutches. “Thank you for your consideration.” The man said, before he turned back to his van.

Aikka looked past him, to the left-most bench, where a pair of familiar gold eyes met his, framed by rich, scarlet hair.

It lasted half a second, but it seemed like an eternity as he watched her in shock. She smiled knowingly, nodding to him like she’d done not long before, and disappeared as the van doors closed and the cars drove off into the darkness.



“I guess I should have predicted this!” Ondai screamed as he paced back and forth in the small, one room suite Ning and Skun had checked out. “You are just as much a cowered now as you were on Oban!”

Aikka held his ground; with his heart pounding and heat flooding his face, he tried his best to control his breathing and keep his voice normal. “I don’t find it so surprising that I care more for the life of another creature than for a piece of software that is easily replaceable.”

“But it’s NOT easily replaceable and you KNOW that!” Ondai threw his arm out in exasperation.

“Yes, because my sister and I are just interchangeable parts.” Ning snarled; she’d been sitting beside Skun, who was still unconscious and resting on the small bed. She had done well at keeping her anger in check until now.

“Are you getting angry, Ning? Does this mean I beat you at our little wit-battle?” Ondai sneered.

“I thought you didn’t remember my name?” She stood up. “Of course, I should be kinder; with only a pool-filter for a brain it must be hard to remember anything.”

“Say that again, and I will fight you!” Ondai’s hand became his signature large, glowing sword. “Right here, right now, in this very room!”

Suddenly there was a banging on the door. “KEEP IT DOWN, YA DAMN TEENAGERS!”

“I. AM. A. SUPERCOMPUTER!” Ondai threw his hand to the ground, and his sword stuck in the floor, prompting several screams from the people beneath them.

All three went silent.

“If we want to remain here for the night…” Aikka said slowly and quietly “it would be in our best interests to stop arguing and discuss our next plan of action.”

“Well obviously…” Ondai said, pulling his arm free from the ground “I will be heading to Memphis tomorrow to get myself my memory chip, like I should have done in the first place!”

Aikka looked at Ning.

She sighed. “…I don’t know. We could try to steal it again, but more likely we’ll just cut our loses and head to the next job offer.”

Aikka hesitated, and was about to speak when they heard a moan from the bed.

Skun was waking up.

Ning ran to her sister’s side and gripped her arm. “Skun? Hey, can you hear me?”

“…” Skun blinked, mumbling a faint “What happened?”

“You got knocked out.” Ning stroked her hand. “You’re safe now, don’t worry.”

“…Did you get the chip?”

The whole room was silent. Ondai turned and stalked out silently, closing the door behind him as Aikka watched, his heart still racing and his head now hurting.



The double doors opened, and security poured inside, protecting their treasure within a circle as they brought her back up to her quarters, the retrieved memory card in hand.

The hallways were darker than the sky outside; the light was muffled by thick curtains on the walls, and no lamps were set out to light them. It was at this point, she took the front, leading her guards through the narrow hallways only she could see through.

Finally, they saw a gentle beam of light at the end of the tunnel; a small table-lamp casting a glow over a broad door, which the woman leading them pulled open with ease. “Bjarte, I’m home.”

The few people in the room looked up, as did the well-dressed man in the center, with light blue skin that was smoother and cleaner than an ocean with no wind. “Darling!” He cried, relief evident in his voice as he rushed to embrace her.

She wrapped her arms tightly around him. “I got it back. It was like I said, they didn’t put up a fight.”

“After all these years, I should know.” He stroked her face. “Your instinct is always right.” He took the memory chip from her and handed it to a woman in a suit. “Return this to our office.” He turned back to his wife, noticing an excited shine in her gold eyes, and took her by the arm. “Now, Oyuna, let’s retire for the night.”

She followed him to their bedroom, and as soon as the door was closed, she exclaimed “I saw him again; I don’t believe it’s coincidence.”

“I hope that doesn’t imply you’re cheating on me.” Bjarte smirked.

“I thought we agreed never to mention that one again!” Oyuna shook her head, her long red curls bouncing. “No, I saw him talk to the guards, and I believe he possesses…something.” She sat on the bed. “When I first met him I thought it was just a feeling, but now I know what drew me to him: his mind is strong…he could be a valuable addition.”

“We’ll need to send out investigators.” Bjarte warned. “We don’t even know his name.”

“Actually, I do.” Oyuna smiled. “He told me himself; his name is Aikka. And I can find him, don’t worry.”



The apartment had gone quiet after midnight. After Ondai left, Ning had quickly retired for the night, and Skun went back to sleep. Aikka took up residence on the living room couch, and soon nodded off, despite the constant flicker of the hall nightlight.

He woke up frequently, often from just a simple noise or movement, and was usually able to turn over and go back to sleep, but around 3:00 AM, he awoke to a noise in the kitchen.

Sitting up groggily, he rubbed his eyes and saw Skun sitting at one of the bar stools, leaning on the counter with a mug in her hands.

“…Skun?” He became concerned. “What’s wrong? Do you feel unwell?”

“I’m fine.” She muttered. “I’m not comatose; they just banged me up a little.” She shook her head gently. “Look I…” She sighed.

“What is it?” Aikka leaned forward.

“…Thanks.”

He blinked.

“Ning told me what happened. I guess without your help, my brain would be part of the pavement right now.” She smiled at him. “So thanks for, you know, saving my life…and all that.”

“I was just doing what was right.” He insisted with a smile.

“Yeah?” Skun scratched her earlobe. “You’d be shocked how few people actually do.”

There was silence between them.

“…Sorry if I woke you up.”

“It’s alright.” He nodded.

“Look, while we’re on the subject…” Skun quickly scribbled something on a piece of paper, stood up, and handed it to him. “If you’re ever in danger…that’s my number. Just call.”

“Are you sure?” Aikka asked as he took it. “I wouldn’t want to inconvenience you.”

“Yeah, I’m sure.” She shrugged. “A life for a life. I owe you.”

Aikka was about to argue, but quickly decided against it. “Thank you, Skun.”



Ondai grumbled as he set the ship’s course for Memphis, predicting a 16-hour journey with no extra fuel cells. He shouldn’t have had to go this far; that Nourasian brat had gotten his hopes up for nothing.

For good measure, Ondai brought up his browser and ran a search of all Memphis shopping centers for any sign of the Mayora 465, model number 0.3. He was surprised when he found no sign of it in the major shopping malls, but simply extended his search deeper.

It wasn’t until he couldn’t find it on any form of online site, flea market, or pawn shop he knew of that he began to worry. And he thought he knew all of them.

He usually tried to avoid this measure, but Ondai activated Tor and typed his search into the Deep Web. Wading through satanic messages and various sites he knew were fronts for child pornography, after a good hour his labor had still gone unrewarded.

The Mayora 465, model number 0.3 just seemed to not exist. Which was impossible; he knew it was there, he’d seen it with his own eyes.

Stepping away from his screen and going to feed his Pichus, Ondai puzzled over the fact. He understood why the security wanted to get back the stolen device, but why had it required threatening someone’s life? And why, even if the product had been a prototype, had its development barely been introduced to the public? His own source had been secondhand from a friendly operating machine who’d worked on the assembly line for Mayora Industries.

The chip had come from Mayora’s own computer, he deduced, if the three had alerted the guards getting to it. But what was so god damn special about that chip?

He watched his Pichu, Mooch, hop around and steal his brother, Squirtle’s, serving, and Squirtle steal it back by distracting Mooch with a food-shaped rock. His little subjects were very intelligent…

He squinted. Perhaps it wasn’t the chip itself. Perhaps it was what was on the chip.



“Thank you for your hospitality.” Aikka bowed to the two sisters as he slung his bow over his shoulder.

“Don’t mention it.” Skun shrugged.

Ning smiled. “Where will you go, now?”

Aikka hesitated. “…Most likely, home. I’ve…been away for a long time.” He looked up at Ning, and he knew his answer hadn’t convinced her. That knowing look told all.

“…Okay.” She nodded. “You ever need anything, you know how to reach us.” She giggled. “See you around.”

“Goodbye.” He waved and walked past them, heading for the nearest bus station.

The air was hot and dry, and Aikka hoped he wouldn’t run out of water before he reached town. He preoccupied himself by counting how much money he had and if that would be enough for the Interplanetary Transit, when out of the corner of his eye he saw a familiar black van approaching.

He mumbled a curse word and prepared to bolt, his heart racing, but the van was upon him, and before he could move, a familiar figure stepped in front of him.

“…You?”

He recognized the vibrant red hair, the orange skin and the net of tiger-like markings across her body. She smiled.

“Hi, Aikka. Remember me?”

“From the Rig-Maker Pub…” He nodded. “Yes, I remember.”

“I realized I didn’t introduce myself.” She bowed. “My name is Oyuna Mayora.”

“Well, it’s a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” He nodded, his hands shaking and his mouth so dry he could hardly speak. “Now, I must be on my way.”

“Oh, but I was hoping we could…” She cleared her throat “talk, perhaps somewhere…private.”

Aikka tried to protest but couldn’t find any words that were…inoffensive.

“Believe me, it’s completely benign.” Oyuna kept smiling. “You expressed interest in the Mayora 465?”

“The…oh, yes…” Aikka nodded. “I…deeply apologize. It was a…gift for a friend.”

“I understand.” She gestured to her car. “I was just thinking, if you come with me back to the office, perhaps we could work out some sort of deal?”

By the way she said it, Aikka knew he didn’t have a choice.



The Interplanetary Transit always had a long wait time, which Ning and Skun were used to.

Ning was trying to pass the time by playing eye-spy with herself, while Skun was basically occupied scanning the surroundings and people-watching. It could get boring, but it would alert her to any threats that might show up.

She pressed a finger to her temple. Her head still hurt; the Ibuprofen really hadn’t been strong enough but they couldn’t afford to blow all their money on a 40-dollar bottle of pills. They had places to be; for one thing they had to cancel the job with their client, voiding the payment they’d been expecting. She didn’t like leaving a job unfinished but…it wouldn’t be the first time.

Her phone buzzed, and she took it out, half expecting it to be spam.

“Possibly in trouble. Will most likely need help.” The message read, with an unidentifiable number; she knew who it was almost immediately.

Her phone buzzed again.

“Please.”

Skun looked around at the transit area and nodded to herself. Shoving her phone back in her pocket, she nudged Ning. “Come on. We’re picking up a hitchhiker.”



“Please, take a seat.” Oyuna said as she led Aikka into the office. “Would you like a drink?”

“No, thank you…” He looked around, very wary and trying to keep his legs from trembling. The office looked suspiciously inviting, with nice leather furniture and a wall-sized window behind the desk to let a good amount of sunlight in. It was approaching evening already, so the sun was now flooding the room with red light.

Oyuna sat down across from him, having abandoned the drinks. “So?”

Aikka looked around. “So…?”

“Do you have any questions for me?”

Aikka bit his lip. “…Why did you try to hurt my friend?”

“Are they your friends?” Oyuna laid back. “My apologies, I didn’t know.”

“It’s-” Aikka stopped himself. It wasn’t fine. It currently wasn’t fine, and it would never be fine. “Why? What’s so special about this memory card?”

Oyuna’s eyes widened. “Right to the chase. I like that.” She sat up. “Well…”



Ondai knew exactly where they’d be.

It was amusing when the two Innas jumped back in surprise as they rounded a corner and found him standing there, hand on his hip and with a smile on his face.

“I heard your friend was in trouble.”

“How did you know about that?” Skun demanded, ready to draw her claws.

“I hacked your phone.” He smiled at Ning. “Is a smartphone still more clever than me?”

“Fair enough.” She grumbled.

“You will need help tracking him.” Ondai leaned forward. “I can do that.”

“What’s the catch?”

“I get the memory chip.”

The two girls exchanged glances.

“Is it worth it?” Skun asked.

Ning shrugged. “We were already going to tell the client we blew the job, but maybe if we take out Mayora we can demand half-pay.” She looked back at Ondai. “Fine. Deal.”

“Excellent. Follow me.” He said. “The place will be guarded.”

“We figured.”



“This machine…” Oyuna ran her hand over the computer on the desk “is the crown jewel of Mayora industries. And unlike our other products, I designed this one specially.” She sat down in the chair. “Have you heard of Artificial Intelligence?”

Aikka began to shake his head, but nodded instead.

Oyuna continued anyway. “The concept that, one day, we could build a computer that could feel like we do. A computer with the capability to rationalize thoughts like we do, one that can have emotions, that could answer any problem and solve any mystery.” She stood up. “Well, here at Mayora industries, we have already achieved that!”

Aikka leaned back. “…I didn’t know it was already so advanced…” He bit his lip. “I must admit…I have trouble wrapping my head around it.”

“Worry not, dear Aikka, you’ll get used to it soon.” She smiled and put a hand on his knee. “You’re safe here.”



They pulled up to the building, parking across the street. Ning stepped off her bike and surveyed the surrounding area. “No one outside.”

“There are at least five guards on each floor, including the lobby.” Ondai added. “Do you remember the plan?”

“I remember it.” Skun smiled. “And I like it.”

“Be careful.” Ning reminded her. “Don’t hit a window or-”

“I know how glass works.” Skun smiled at her sister. “You be careful too.”

Ning nodded, and Ondai smiled, and the two headed for the front door while Skun moved around the side.

Stopping briefly, Ning took a deep breath, and flung the doors open. Ondai morphed, towering high above her head, with his arm functioning as a longsword, and she yelled at the top of her lungs “This is a robbery! Everybody on the ground!”

The security guards came rushing toward them, but she and Ondai stood ready.



Skun moved all the way 'round to the back of the building, unsheathing her claws and cracking her neck. “Here goes nothing.”

She jumped up, sticking her claws into the cement lining between the floors, and pulled herself up. Muscles straining, she pulled out one claw and reached for the next layer, using the heal of her shoe to catch the hole she’d just made and push herself up farther.

“A life for a life…” She muttered.



“Why are you telling me this?” Aikka asked.

“Artificial intelligence isn’t as simple as you may think.” Oyuna said, completely ignoring his question. “No matter what they say, you can’t build a brain. And one brain shoved inside a computer won’t do anything but sit there.” She walked back over to the chip. “You’d need a collection of several traits, all put together, to bring the machine to its full potential.” She smiled. “Have you ever wondered why were so adamant to call it a memory chip?”



“Away from the computers!” Ning shouted, just as several more heavy footsteps sounded down the stairs. “Fuck…” Turning back to Ondai, she shouted “Can you take a few more?”

“Can they?” She could have sworn he was smiling as he charged headfirst into the next wave, sending several of them flying and splattering blood and gore across the room.

Ning stayed back near the counters, watching for any new forces that came up from behind. A group of three rounded a corner, and she rushed towards them, moving in zigzags and drawing their fire away from Ondai.

“More of you?” The three were vaporized very quickly as Ondai finally saw them. He nodded at Ning, as if to say thanks.

“Don’t mention it.” She moved back over to the counter, where one of the tenants was trying to bean Ondai in the leg with a stapler. “Unless you want that thing to literally bite you in the butt, I suggest you put it down.”



“It’s literally a memory chip.” Oyuna approached Aikka slowly. “At first we took from the obvious best. The self-actualized, the saints and the scientists, but it wasn’t enough. The computers broke down…”

“…Versions 0.1…”

“And 0.2.” Oyuna smiled. “Your clever, I knew I made the right choice.” She pressed a hand to his shoulder, nailing him to the couch.

“What makes you think this is going to work?” He asked. “The model is already delicate, what if my brain just…short-circuits it?”

“That won’t happen.” She grinned. “I’ve perfected my technique by now.”

His hands began to shake, and soon he was paralyzed with fear. “Technique?”

“How do you think I get the memories out? Wires? No, darling…I work my magic.” She pressed a cold hand to his face…

There was a crash from across the room, as well as a string of curses in a familiar voice.

Oyuna jumped up, and Aikka laughed joyfully. “Skun!”

The Inna woman stood up, smirked, and drew her claws. “I want to make a complaint.”

“I don’t deal with complaints.” Oyuna went for the door-

“Don’t think about calling your dogs.” Skun laughed. “We’ve got them occupied…by being gruesomely murdered.” She approached Oyuna with dominance in her step. “Come on, honey~ Are you too scared to fight me?”

Oyuna whirled around and cleared the distance between them in an instant, pouncing on Skun like a tiger and pinning her to the floor.

Skun smiled. “That’s more like it.” She threw Oyuna off, and ran at her with her claws.

Aikka was…shocked. He could still feel Oyuna’s cold grip on his shoulder, but he tore himself off the couch and made his way to the computer, slowly pressing the on button.

Skun punched Oyuna in the jaw, and the woman stumbled back as Skun picked up a stool and hit her with that as well. But when she went at her with her claws, Oyuna ducked and rolled out of the way, kicking Skun in the stomach.

The computer booted up really slowly, but now he had reason to believe why. It didn’t contain a passcode, so he clicked on the screen and, after familiarizing himself with the controls as best he could, he clicked on the card’s files.

There were clusters upon clusters of strangely marked folders, giving him a chill as he thought of what they must be. He searched for a way of extraction, for a USB or-

His concentration was broken as Oyuna slammed Skun into the coffee table, shattering the glass. Skun snarled and flipped her over, standing up and swiping at her twice. Oyuna dodged the first one, but the second one hit her in the side and made her topple over. Unfortunately, she also grabbed Skun’s leg on the way down, and the woman fell down in front of her. Oyuna growled and climbed on top of her back, wrapping her fists around Skun’s neck.

“You know; I was going to leave you alone.” She hissed. “All brawn, no brains, you’d never fit with my machine…but your sister, on the other hand…”

Skun gasped.

“She’d be perfect~” She crooned. “I think I’ll drain her all the way, barely even leave the body untouched. I’d love to hear her screaming as I tore apart her soul…” She ran a claw down Skun’s neck. “And your screaming as I made you watch~”

Aikka steeled his nerves, anger boiling inside him at this woman’s treatment of his comrade. He grabbed the card in one hand, his knife in the other, and rushed up to Oyuna, flying through the air and plunging his knife into her shoulder.

The tiger-woman screeched, and loosened her grip enough for Skun to wriggle out of it and retreat a distance.

“I have an idea!” Aikka tossed her the chip. “Get to the right corner!”

Skun growled but followed his instruction, and after slinging off his bow and drawing and arrow, he followed her.

Oyuna stood up, snarling like a beast and clutching her shoulder, and Aikka tried to keep his fingers steady as he loaded an arrow. “You remember the plan?”

“I fucking hate it.” Skun growled. “But yeah.”

Oyuna charged, flying through the air and ready to pounce…

And just as she reached them, Aikka and Skun split, dashing to either side, as Aikka fired an arrow into the lowermost corner.

UM SAKKAI NURAMA SAFAR!”

The explosion rocked the entire building. The world became a wash of blue light and motion as Aikka realized he was flying through the air. As soon as his vision began to clear and the panic began to set in, he felt a jolt under his arms, and suddenly he was hovering instead of flying.

He looked up. “…Skun?”

She smiled, though it was strained from carrying his weight.

“I didn’t know you could fly.”

“You didn’t ask.” She placed him on the ground, where he sat awkwardly in the remains of the Mayora office building, Oyuna’s body…and the Mayora 465.

“…It’s destroyed.”

“I had to drop it to catch you.” She kneeled beside him. “You didn’t need to get it for us. We’re okay…it’s not like we’re broke.”

“No, it wasn’t that…” He looked away. “There were…things on that chip.”

“Things?”

“…People.”



“And after that it was destroyed.” Ning finally summed up. She could practically hear her client’s disappointment over the phone. “I’m sorry.”

“…What about Bjarte?”

“He’s currently in rehab.” She shrugged. “After his wife died he sort of lost it. Can’t say I blame him, really…point is, he’ll be in straightjackets for a long time.”

There was a dark chuckle. “I’ll send the money to your account.”

Ning furrowed her brow. “But the memory chip was destroyed. We didn’t get-”

“I knew getting the chip was a long shot when I called in the job.” He admitted. “You got close, and Bjarte is suffering because of you. That’s more than anyone’s ever done for me.”

She sighed. “Well…I’m glad. Thank you for your business.” She paused. “I hope you don’t mind my prying…over the course of the job, we discovered what was on the card.”

There was silence on the other end.

“Is that what you wanted?” She asked. “Someone on the chip?”

“No.” He said, his voice thick. “I wanted to get back at Bjarte for running off with my wife. This was the only way I knew how.” Ning heard quiet sobbing on the other side. “Even if it meant killing her, I couldn’t let him keep her.”



Ning returned to the group, sitting before Ondai’s very large and very shiny spaceship. “Nice.” She nodded.

“You’re compensating, aren’t you?” Skun crossed her arms and smirked.

Ondai sighed and ignored her. “Before I head to Memphis, I suppose it’s only in the laws of fairness I give you all a ride to the nearest Transit station.”

“It would be much appreciated.” Aikka bowed to Ondai. “Thank you for all your help. My apologies for the chip."

“You’re most welcome. And it's alright, because of you I got a wonderful opportunity to study the fighting patterns of Native Neanders. It was quite useful and...nearly enjoyable. I'd appreciate...” He looked around at the group and cleared his throat. “Perhaps, starting with smaller enemies and working our way up, we actually create a…formidable…”

“Team?” Ning giggled.

“I was going to say force but…team also works.” He opened the door. “…You know, I just remembered several other…items I’ll probably have difficulty getting, and…Ning, Skun, it seems as though you often need transport to your various jobs, and you Aikka, well I know you don’t want to go home-”

Ning burst out laughing. “What do you think, Skun?”

“You make the call here, sis.” She shrugged. “I can sleep anywhere.”

Aikka stepped forward. “Where exactly are we going for these…items?”

“…To very exciting places.” Ondai nodded with conviction.

Ning raised a hand. “I’m in.”

“I’m in.” Skun followed.

Aikka smiled. “An I’m in.”

“Wonderful! Follow me.” Ondai led them onto the ship. “Now I’ll need a DNA sample from each of you to add to my research.”

“What?!” Skun cried angrily.

Aikka lagged behind, starring at the outside of the ship, and looking up into the bright sky. He looked down at his hands, and noticed for the first time since he’d left home, he no longer had to force them to stop shaking.

Smiling, he adjusted his bow, clenched his fist, and boarded the ship.
Hey look surprise! I got it done early!

html tags are a bitch

First episode, and I'm pretty proud. I hope I did a good job establishing the characters! There will be more new characters coming in later; sitauset’s lovely Inna OC will most likely make her debut abut episode 4. (There's a reason I made Ning and Skun sisters~ ;) )

I had to edit this one by myself because I don't yet have a beta. I'm currently hunting for one, but until then you'll have to bear with me. Thanks!

I hope you guys enjoyed. And if you're interested, here are the songs I imagined for the opening and ending themes!

Opening: Renegade by Daughtry www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pfypxz…

Ending: Because by Yoko Kanno and Aoi Teshima www.youtube.com/watch?v=bV0D38…

Preview image here: theartofanimation.tumblr.com/p…

© 2016 - 2025 ArsenicalLady
Comments11
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Raven-Firewind's avatar
This was definitely a really interesting, action-packed story. I did come across some typos and general spelling errors, as well as some other technical stuff, but the episode was enjoyable overall.

If I could make a suggestion, I'd recommend explaining things a bit more. A lot of terms and whatnot were expressed with the premise that the reader already knows what they are (such as referring to the sisters as Inna, though this isn't the only thing that cropped up). I mean, don't give us a text-book explanation or anything, but describe what an Inna is exactly, or instead of saying Ondai's arm transformed into his trademark sword, it would be best to explain just what that sword is and what it looks like.

I felt descriptions for the most part need a bit of beefing up, but I understand it can be a difficult balancing act. Knowing just how much description to give, without going overboard is tough for most people, but I'm sure with more time and practice, you'll get there. Otherwise, the story itself was enjoyable, and I look forward to future episodes. :)