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Post by Taiga on Aug 11, 2015 22:44:42 GMT
EDIT: This post started before Kanassa was conquered, and we're only just now wrapping it up. Please treat it as a flashback of sorts!
The young Arcosian, Taiga, stands on a cliff outcropping, listening to the events being reported on Arcose. The Saiyans have not yet taken the planet. His hands are clasped behind his back, and his expression appears thoughtful. Kanassa seemed to be, for the most part, ready for the Saiyans' eventual arrival; more or less at any rate. His power is growing steadily, but Taiga still knows that, in order to survive, he needs powerful allies as well. The Supplementary Army stationed here on Kanassa is just that; supplementary. Troops with power levels ranging between 1,000 and 8,000 would, at best, only just hold the Saiyans for a short time.
Taiga's only advantage is that the Supplemetary forces number at just over a thousand soldiers. A good number, and he will lead them in the most important battle of their lives.
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Post by Polar on Aug 11, 2015 23:21:26 GMT
Polar flew like a speeding bullet, carefully scouting the stony plateau for any signs of life. Yet there was nothing: not even apparent planet life. Maybe this planet was uninhabited?
That wouldn't bode well...
His eyes suddenly darted to a small mesa. He almost missed the big-headed purple alien. Good thing he didn't.
The soldier turned his attention to Polar, and must have assumed him an intruder. Polar sighted the familiar glow of Ki energy, and crossed his arms, bracing for the incoming blow. The defense was a success, but rather than retaliate, Polar came in for a landing.
"Wait..." the alien stated in relief, "You're not a Saiyan!"
Polar merely scowled, "No. And I don't appreciate the welcoming present."
The alien, clearly regretful of his actions, bowed his rather narrow head. "My apologies, son of Arcose," he expressed, "Forgive me, but, I wasn't aware of any other scouts out here. We must not be too careful after all, what with the incursion."
Incursion. How much did Polar miss?
The Arcosian nearly corrected the purple alien, but decided to hold his tongue at least until he arrived back to the civilized lands.
"Of...course. I've yet to sight anything west of here."
The soldier nodded, checking his crimson scouter. "We should return to the village, then. I'm sure Lord Taiga will want a full report."
Not waiting for Polar, the alien flew up into the air, zooming off: not that Polar had any trouble catching up. His attacks were fairly weak, meaning he was probably a weak grunt.
Whoever this, 'Lord Taiga' was, Polar would surely have questions for him that need answered.
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Post by Taiga on Aug 11, 2015 23:35:30 GMT
At his request, Taiga had begun receiving reports from the Brenchian worlds. So far, they too have undergone preparations without incident. This means that, as Taiga had surmised, the Saiyans focused all of their fighting forces to Arcose. And since no panicked reports were coming through his scouter, Kanassa was also fine; for now at least.
Taiga turns and walks away from the cliff outcropping, and levitates off the ground. He flies quickly through the air and arrives outside of the main command building. He enters the structure and walks up to the highest floor. The young Arcosian enters a fair-sized room where a number of technicians are working. They glance at him, but continue monitoring the systems. Reports are breaking out all over that word had reached even the backwater planets controlled by the Arcosian Empire of the Saiyan attack. Some planets, he is warned, are in danger of defecting.
This posed a problem; one he would have to personally deal with once the Saiyans were pushed back. Taiga smirks; that was a confident thought...
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Post by Polar on Aug 11, 2015 23:53:12 GMT
The purple alien and Polar landed in the Arcosian base, with the alien leading the unfamiliar Polar around. Much to Polar's surprise, there were very few actual Arcosians. Most were simply aliens who possibly lived under the Arcosian regime.
"Graip," greeted a passing soldier, likely a grunt like the alien.
The purple alien, newly named Graip, merely nodded in response.
Polar looked up and sighted the largest building in the base, where he and Graip were headed. The command center, no doubt, it this was an Arcosian military outpost.
Entering the stronghold and travelling to the top floor, Graip entered the war room, occupied by a number of Arcosians, including the most distinct crimson one who stood in the center.
"Lord Taiga," addressed Graip, kneeling before his master and awaiting acknowledgement.
Polar stood behind the alien and crossed his arms, observing the situation with a new sense of interest.
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Post by Taiga on Aug 12, 2015 0:04:49 GMT
At first, Taiga doesn't turn around. His hands are balled into fists, touching at the knuckles and resting against the small of his back. He hears the doors hiss as they open, and his head turns slightly as he hears his name.
"Ah, Lieutenant." Taiga replies. His voice is somewhat deeper than his relatively short stature would suggest. Taiga's tail flicks, betraying his calm appearance. Only a fellow Arcosian would likely notice the subtle signs of aggravation. Taiga reaches up to his scouter and presses a button to silence the stream of reports still pouring in, and then he turns around to fully face the soldier and... was that an Arcosian standing behind him? Indeed... but he is woefully unfamiliar with his fellow. His red eyes rest on the blue Arcosian for a moment before turning back to the Lieutenant. "What have you to report?"
Taiga's expression is neutral, almost serene; though the tip of his tail still flicks lightly from side to side.
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Post by Polar on Aug 12, 2015 0:18:20 GMT
"Nothing to report, my lord," Graip vocalized proudly, as if he'd achieved some sort of victory. He was clearly oblivious to Taiga's aggravation. "However, I did run into my fellow scout, who I mistook for a Saiyan. His name is..erm..." He slowly dragged out, realizing he never got the Arcosian's name.
"Polar," interjected the blue alien, "At your service."
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Post by Taiga on Aug 12, 2015 0:28:49 GMT
Taiga blinks, but his expression remains neutral. When his fellow Arcosian speak, Taiga's eyes narrow ever so slightly. Not in suspicion or irritation, but in curiosity. This, Polar as he introduced himself, is not wearing the standard armor associated with the army.
"Polar, was it?" Taiga inquires, looking the Arcosian up and down. He certainly appeared capable. He tilts his head to the left slightly as he considers his peer. "I do not recall sending out an Arcosian scout. Though, doing so at your own behest is certainly not an issue. Though, I cannot see how it is you managed to mistake him for a Saiyan."
Taiga waves his hand dismissively at Graip.
"You did as I asked; you are dismissed. Inform Captain Nudal that your shift is to change over to Corporal Raysin." Taiga commands in a soft tone. His eyes shift off of Graip and return to Polar. "It is pleasing to see that there are others of our people who are not caught up in the Saiyan attack on Arcose. I need all the help I can get, and our people stand the best chance at stopping the Saiyan Solar Empire from spreading their wanton destruction across the universe. What is your rank, Polar?"
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Post by Polar on Aug 12, 2015 0:44:24 GMT
Lieutenant Graip stood, bowing his head one last time in respect before he left. Polar's pupils followed him until he escaped his peripheral vision.
"I hold no rank in your army," Polar finally admitted. There was no point in lying at this point, after all. "I was actually intent on venturing to the homeworld, before I heard of the invasion. My pod ran out of fuel on this world."
He was a tall figure for a suppressed form, standing a few inches shy of a true Arcosian. His skin was a blue pattern, almost frosty, matching his stone cold, baritone voice.
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Post by Taiga on Aug 12, 2015 1:05:56 GMT
For a moment, Taiga doesn't speak. He observes Polar, checking for any sign of untruth; but he neither sees nor senses any form of deception. The young Arcosian emits a low sigh through his nose.
"I see." he replies, sounding a bit disappointed. He clasps his hands behind his back and takes a short inhale. "As I said, our homeworld has been attacked directly by the Saiyans. It is my intention to take it back, and push the Saiyans out of our space."
Taiga raises his hands, palms facing up, to accentuate his words.
"But this endeavor requires warriors. Real warriors." he continues. "If you ever wish to step foot on Arcose again without the Saiyans ruling it, and you, I suggest you join me. Together, we just may be able to stop the Saiyans and save our home and our Empire from ruination."
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Post by Polar on Aug 12, 2015 1:14:26 GMT
Polar closed his eyes. He remembered the Saiyan, Cabba, who killed Hakuri; the closest person he'd ever considered a friend. Perhaps it was a personal grudge. Nonetheless, the thought of the Saiyans taking his home too caused him to clench his fist.
The word warrior, in particular, drew his interest. Fighting was all he knew, after all.
"The fates seemed to have linked us," mused Polar.
He opened his icey eyes and glanced down directly into Taiga's. "You have my loyalty..."
Unclenching his fist, he extended his hand down to the shorter man. "...Lord Taiga."
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Post by Taiga on Aug 12, 2015 1:29:28 GMT
Taiga looks at Polar's extended hand, and reaches out to grip it firmly in his own and smiles.
"Ohohoho... You flatter me. I am no Lord." Taiga replies, releasing Polar's hand. "My birth was into that of the lower clans. I have no such claim in our society. Perhaps one day."
Taiga reaches up and presses a button on his scouter. The purple glass glows dimly as various numbers and letters appear; and Polar's body becomes outlined in yellow on the small device.
"Ah. Not a bad power rating. But it could be more. Much more, I think." Taiga appraises. He walks around Polar and heads towards the doors. "Come. We have only so much time to prepare."
Taiga stops at the door and looks at a beaked soldier.
"Feesh, see to it that Polar is given the rank of Lance Corporal." Taiga orders before leaving the room.
"Ah, yes sir!" the soldier replies before quickly getting into the database.
Taiga waits for Polar just outside the command room.
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Post by Polar on Aug 12, 2015 1:41:26 GMT
Polar's eyes followed Taiga. He was a lower clansman, like him.
The towering Arcosian followed Taiga, pondering on his new position. He didn't care much for titles, but admittedly, Lance Corporal Polar had a nice ring to it.
"The Lieutenant seemed spooked," Polar noted, "Are we expecting a Saiyan incursion on this world as well?"
He had to admit, the idea left him concerned. The last Saiyan he fought nearly destroyed him, and he was merely a low-level warrior. He could only imagine the swarms of elites that would undoubtedly overrun the planet if Arcose fell.
However, he wasn't afraid. Polar was surely willing to fight if needed be.
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Post by Taiga on Aug 12, 2015 2:04:17 GMT
"If one takes into account the way Saiyans tend to be, then yes. I suspect the apes will move against our remaining holdings after they are through with Arcose." Taiga answers Polar. He turns and starts down the hallway. "But I do not leave things to chance; which is why you and I will be undergoing training."
Taiga rounds the corner, and steps into an elevator. It takes them down several floors before opening again.
"I will first gauge you capabilities as they are. Once I have an idea of your skill, I will intensify the regimen." Taiga explains. After walking through several more winding halls, the two would enter a small room. Two soldiers, grunts for all intents and purposes, sit engaged in idle conversation.
"Ah! Sir! What can we do for you?" the nearest soldier, a fish-faced bipedal being, says, surprised by the appearance of two Arcosians.
"Open the training chamber." Taiga orders simply. The soldier complies, and a heavy steel door slide up into the ceiling, revealing a wide, semi-circular chamber. The room is easily twenty feet tall and forty feet in diameter. Taiga steps inside, gesturing for Polar to follow.
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Post by Polar on Aug 12, 2015 2:09:47 GMT
"You seem to have it all planned out for a person you just met," Polar commented.
He glanced around, taking in the large room. It was certainly roomy. The walls were a sleek chrome color, curving up into the ceiling.
It was slightly chilling, but to an Arcosian, it was almost a warm breeze.
"Truly a splendid setup."
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Post by Taiga on Aug 12, 2015 2:24:09 GMT
"Ohohoho! That's true!" Taiga chuckles at Polar's appraisal of his actions. He walks to the center of the expansive chamber, and turns to face Polar. "As I mentioned, I was born into the lower clans, but besides combat, my specialty is tactics. Logistics, acquisitions, target priorities, choke point identification, et cetera... I look at a situation from every angle imaginable."
Taiga's hands ball into fists, and he places them, knuckles touching, against the small of his back.
"I see potential in every soldier, worth in every civilian. I see strength in the pillars of our Empire, and I take a being's oath of loyalty to heart." Taiga continues. "Be it Arcosian, Saiyan, or otherwise, all are potentially allies and enemies at once. The trick is identifying which is which, and not allow prejudices to become a factor."
Taiga closes his eyes.
"The situation is grave, no matter what angle or approach I can calculate." Taiga admits, his voice venomous. He opens his eyes; the room light glints off his scarlet pupils. "I heard conviction in your voice. Our having just met bears as much consequence in my eyes as it would if we had known each other our entire lives. Conviction is strength. And we shall use it to crush the Saiyans that dared to attack our Empire."
Taiga smiles and his eyes narrow. He tilts his head forward slightly, and his expression becomes that of deep focus.
"Come at me with everything you have. Show me what you can do, and we shall go from there." Taiga suddenly orders in a commanding tone.
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