//------------------------------// // Chapter 17: Acceptable Tactical Losses // Story: The Koprulu Sector // by TheKopruluSectorUnion //------------------------------// Raydin IV was exactly what Seeker expected it to be. A world filled with greed, vice and every form of debauchery one could ask for. Most of the other worlds in the Raydin system were mining colonies, tailored only to fuel the Kel-Morian's insatiable greed. Raydin IV however was a world of luxury, a place where what counts as Kel-Morian aristocracy can have fun, and where the Kel-Morian lower class can dump what earnings they make on short lived worldly pleasures. A true testament to the Kel-Morian way of life. Seeker tried the usual methods for tracking down her target; bribing, threatening, black mailing and stealing from every port master she could find. Eventually her search led her to discover Sovereigns shuttle, which had apparently been impounded months ago. At least then she knew he probably wasn't living to far from that starport. Not to her surprise, it wasn't difficult to pick up word of a hornless Khalai unicorn, as Sovereign did little to keep a low profile. It seemed many ponies knew who he was, but no one knew where he went. It was as if he just disappeared off the face of the planet, though there was a particular night that many ponies remembered being the last time they had seen him. She had to entertain the idea someone had gotten to him. If they did, and if they still had a presence on this world, then perhaps she could lure them out again. All she needed was bait. Much of the crew was ordered to stay onboard the Radiance. The only other pony who left the ship was Overseer Starsong, who did have a curiousity towards what this world had to offer. Seeker had a more practical use for the stallion. Like Sovereign, Starsong spent his life in the Khala and had no idea how to interact in Kel-Morian society. Simply put, it takes a fool to catch a fool. Seeker remembered hearing Sovereign had won a number of games over the course of a month, and had been very generous with his winnings. If Seeker could simulate that scenario, perhaps Sovereigns possible abductors would strike again. Of course Sovereign had the advantage of being a Preserver. He understood how to absorb the thoughts of others. While most Khalai ponies shared in a psychic link, it was a link of consent. The art of forcefully robbing thoughts from the minds of others wasn't something the Khalai were familiar with. Such an act of depravity was an Imperial style of magic. That said, Starsong wasn't having much luck at the tables. Seeker tried a different approach. She again performed the disconcerting act of linking with Starsong, then used her invisibility to peek at the other card players hands. Starsong initially felt uncomfortable about cheating at anything, even cards. But when Seeker explained how many of the games were rigged anyway, he came to the conclusion that he was simply balancing out justice in the galaxy. The pair didn't hold back, and won game after game of high stakes cards. They needed to bring as much attention to themselves as possible to bring out whoever it was that may or may not have abducted Sovereign. They eventually won an incredible amount of bits, easily making several times what they had spent since entering Consortium space. Feeling he won enough money, Seeker told Starsong to be generous and pass it around, make as big a scene as possible. Doing so made Seeker very uncomfortable. She was able to feel all of Starsongs feelings of pride, and joy from the adoration he was receiving, even though both of them were doing their best to keep such feelings suppressed. How normal Khalai could ever stand always knowing what one another was feeling all the time was far beyond her. Starsong stepped outside and ordered some rather expensive meals for many of his new "friends" while Seeker stayed invisible on a roof top keeping her eye out for anything suspicious. "That was quite a game you played," said a mare as she took a seat with Starsong. "Haven't seen anyone play like that since that Sovereign fellow a few months back. What's your secret?" she asked. She was a light green coated mare. Her mane was the same color, but had a white streak running through it. Her eyes were the color of gold. She was wearing a very fancy black dress, which covered her cutie mark. "You know... just lucky," replied Starsong. "Luck you say? No one has luck like that. I think you have a gift." she continued. "What kind of gift?" asked Starsong. "A very rare gift few possess. I might know of some friends who could help you better understand it. It would be a shame to waste such potential on a cesspit of a world like this. You could be doing great things." The mare smiled at him and peered into his eyes. Starsong could feel something piercing into his mind, but his mental barriers were holding strong. She seemed to frown for a moment when she realized her mental assault had failed. A waiter came by with two drinks placing them at the table. "My treat." she said, taking a glass for herself, and offering him the other. Starsong knew better than to accept the drink. "I don't drink, thank you though." "Well, why don't you consider my other offer? I have a room not too far from here. I'm sure you and I could get... acquainted," she said with a wink. Starsong could feel her still trying to enter his mind, but his mental barriers were holding. I think I found who we're looking for, he told Seeker. Follow her back to her room, I'll be watching. As soon as she tries anything, I'll get the drop on her. she replied. Starsong smiled at the mare. "Well I'd never say no to a pretty mare." She chuckled back at him. "They never do." Sweetie Belle and Sovereign were both doing their best to contain the mixture of excitement and anxiety flowing through them. Today was the day they either finally leave Korhal, or find themselves right back at the academy having their heads cut open. They were on a bus heading towards the merchant starport where they would meet Fix It's crew and hopefully start their exodus. Sovereign was dressed in an ordinary and inconspicuous brown coat, hoping not to bring any attention to himself. He still wore the simple hat Sweetie Belle had stolen for him to make sure his sawed off horn brought no unwanted attention. Sweetie for once was also not dressed in anything particularly fancy. She wore a simple grey skirt. "So, what kind of noble are you looking to marry when you get to Consortium space?" asked Sovereign jokingly. "Well the rich kind obviously. Tall, grey and handsome is a must, can't compromise on those areas," she replied also in a joking manner. "He doesn't have to be an Imperial, but definitely has to have a love for terran movies." The two of them shared a laugh. I guess she wouldn't be an Imperial if she didn't add in the last part, Sovereign thought to himself. "I'm not sure about handsome, but I am tall and grey. And I definitely loved Heroes of the Periphery, one of the best ancient terran films ever made." Sweetie Belle turned away to hide her blushing cheeks. Heroes of the Periphery was a grand war epic about an Dominion ghost and her unlikely love for a Khalai Templar in the face of a new zerg invasion. A Dominion Ghost and a Khalai; Sweetie didn't have to be a genius to understand what he was implying. "Sovereign... you've been sweet these last couple of weeks, even if you were a complete jerk when I met you-" "-I got you a dress, how many other ways can I say I was sorry?" he interrupted. There was a hint of humor in his voice which did make Sweetie Belle giggle. "And I appreciate that!" replied Sweetie Belle. "But-" "-was it the acquaintance remark? I was just trying to keep you on a low profile, that's all," interrupted Sovereign. "No, it's just that you and I..." Sweetie Belle paused trying to think of the right words. She wasn't able to finish the sentence before Sovereign interrupted her. "Well why not? With all the time we've spent living together, you can't tell me something isn't there? We've even occupied the same brain for a while, I've been inside you-" Sweetie Belle jaw dropped as Sovereign stopped himself. "Ok that last part came out kind of wrong, but you know what I-" "-Sovereign!" interrupted Sweetie Belle. "I'm sorry, I just don't think you and I should... how do I put this?" Sweetie Belle again tried to think of the right words. "Heroes of the Periphery is just a movie, and frankly I don't think that could ever end well for anyone in real life." Sovereign wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry at that last remark. "Alright... I get it. You don't see me that way" said Sovereign in a defeated tone. "I can deal with that... thank you for being forward." Sweetie Belle paused for a moment before she replied. "Right" was all she could say before looking away. She was blushing under her fur and didn't want Sovereign to see. She really just wanted to end the conversation now before someone got hurt. "I'll make you a deal," he continued. "Tell me you don't have any feelings for me at all. Tell me you will never see me as anything more than a friend. Most importantly, tell me it's because you don't want to be anything more than friends, not because you think it's a bad idea. Do that, and I'll never bring it up ever again." Sweetie Belles' eyes shifted as she looked for a way to end the conversation. Before she could say anything else, a ringing came from her bag. "Since when do you have a cell phone?" asked Sovereign. "I don't," said Sweetie Belle. She reached into her bag and revealed a ringing phone. "At least I shouldn't." The two of them were silent as they looked at the phone which continued ringing. Finally Sweetie Belle answered. "So you don't care about him? Let's put that to the test shall we?" said the voice of Twilight Sparkle. "How did you find us?" asked Sweetie Belle. To her surprise, Sovereign was no longer paying any attention to the conversation. He seemed to be lost in his own thoughts at the moment. "You didn't think the best intelligence agency in the sector would let you go unnoticed in their own capital did you? I've been keeping an eye on you two ever since I woke up." Sweetie Belle couldn't believe it, Twilight had been toying with her the whole time! "I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed. It seems my lessons on tactical and strategic awareness have not been put to practice. The strategically sound choice would have been to leave him for dead when you first got out of the academy. I guess it's time for another training exercise." "I'm hanging up" said Sweetie Belle. Right before she could do so, Twilight uttered the words, "There is a bomb on the bus." Sweetie Belle suddenly paused. "I thought that might get your attention. As I said, this is another training exercise where we will test your ability to make a tactically sound decision in a short amount of time." "What do you want?" asked Sweetie Belle. "It's really quite simple. There are nineteen people on that bus not including yourself and Sovereign. I'm going to give you the option to step off that bus at the next station. If you do so, you and Sovereign can continue your adorable attempts at escape. But if you decide to go that route, the bomb on the bus will explode shortly afterwards, killing everyone on board," explained Twilight. Sweetie Belle began to sweat; she stayed silent waiting to hear any other options. "This however can be prevented, and its completely on you." "I'm listening," said Sweetie Belle. "To put it bluntly, you must kill Sovereign," explained Twilight. "What!?" said Sweetie Belle doing her best not to shout. "It's a very simple situation. You can either choose to save the lives of everyone else on that bus, or you can choose to save the life of one person, who I can promise won't be making it home alive either way," continued Twilight. "Just think of it as a more intense version of that test with the cancer stricken orphan. Except this time the bullets are real. Keep in mind that if you don't decide on either course of action by the time the bus leaves the next stop, or should you try to warn anyone else to get off, that bomb goes off and everyone dies." "Twilight please... I'll come back. I'll submit to another memory wipe. Just please... don't make me do this," begged Sweetie. "Sweetie Belle, there are some lessons that can't be taught in a class room. This escape of yours is a learning tool. I would be both a bad teacher and big sister if I just threw away such a perfectly good learning tool. I just hope the fact Sovereign is about to be betrayed by the only mare he feels he can trust doesn't cause a problem. I would hate to cause a rift between such close friends. Well... good luck deciding!" Twilight hung up the phone before Sweetie Belle could say anything else. Sovereign seemed to have finally snapped out of his stupor. He had a very angry expression on his face. "Sweetie Belle, there is something you need to know." The bus came to a halt at the next bus stop. She only had a few seconds to decide before everyone died. "Sovereign," she said with tears filling her eyes. "I'm so sorry!" "What?" was the only word Sovereign could get out before Sweetie used her magic to throw him through the bus window into a busy highway. Everyone on the bus looked in horror as the stallion, now covered in glass shards, slowly got up only to be hit by a large delivery vehicle and be taken away Acceptable tactical losses. You've made your big sister proud today, said a voice from inside her head. Sweetie Belle forced Twilight out and began to sob quietly. Everyone in the bus began to do the same as Sweetie Belle began to uncontrollably force her emotions on them. Not being able to control it, and realizing K-sec should show up soon to investigate, she quickly got off the bus before anyone suspected her of the murder. The hotel room was fairly large and beautifully decorated. It was clear that whoever she was working for spared no expensive. "Have a seat. Make yourself at home," she said as she presented a chair. Starsong complied. Ok I'm inside, get over here now, he thought. He was still confident his mental barriers could keep her from intruding. The mare, now naked, began removing Starsongs clothing. "Let's get you comfortable shall we?" Starsong didn't reply, nor did try to stop her from removing his clothing. He only looked out towards the window at the rooftop where Seeker should be. The green mare also looked out towards the window, then back towards Starsong. "Oh I'm sorry, your friend is a bit busy at the moment," she informed. "I didn't want her to ruin it." Starsong tried to get up, but suddenly two pairs of hooves were keeping him down. Starsong looked up to see two more identical green mares holding in place. The mare sat down on Starsongs lap facing him, then each of her copies shoved long blades through their legs, pinning them both to the chair. Starsong would have yelled in pain if it weren't for the real green mare holding his snout shut, then shoving a another blade though his snout to keep him from screaming. He quickly realized that she was simply attacking his mind. He just had to remember that none of this was real. "Maybe it isn't real," she said smiling. She was visibly shaking, clearly in just as much pain as he was. "But it certainly... feels real doesn't it?" she said with a grin from ear to ear. This psychopathic mare was enjoying every second of the agony. "Normally reading a random stallions thoughts is an easy task, but every now and then... we get someone with strong mental barriers... someone like you. It's my job to break them down." Her copies shoved two more blades through both their chests, impaling the two of them together even further. It's not real he kept thinking to himself. It's not real... It's not real... It's not real "Oh my, you... are a fighter... aren't you?" She paused to take a few deep breaths. "I like that." She watched Starsong as he struggled to push her off of him. She responded by grabbing the blade handles still sticking out of his back and shoved them deeper, forcing him into her embrace. She could even feel him trying to use his own psionic abilities to fight back and push her out of his mind, but she only hugged tighter. "Just like a stallion. Always trying to muscle your way out of a situation." The mare twisted both of the blade handles at once then began stroking them fiercely, causing both of them to scream, one screamed in pain, and the other screamed in delight. Starsong's mental counter attack weakened. "I admit... I might not be as physically 'strong' as some of the stallion operatives... but there is more to an operative than just brute strength wouldn't you say?" The mare could see small arcs of psionic energy emitting from Starsongs body. She could sense he was slowly building up his strength and pushing her out of his mind. One of her copies attempted to drive another blade into his torso, but it refused to penetrate. The green mare frowned seeing that her attacks were having less effect. "Well... you certainly are making this harder on yourself than it has to be... it's ok... I like a challenge." She pulled out the blade that was keeping his mouth locked shut, but this time Starsong was completely unflinching. He had managed to block out all the physiological pain she was inflicting on him. It would only be a few seconds before he would completely break free of her psychic attack. With a sigh, she held Starsong's snout with both hooves and kissed him on the lips. The mare could feel Starsongs barriers weakening again. "I hate resorting to that so early on. It really ruins the moment," she said. "Still, sometimes the old ways are the best. After all, every stallion seems to have the same weakness." With the barriers weakened, again her copy attempted to shove a blade into his lower torso, this time easily impaling the both of them through the belly. Again they both screamed. Whatever progress Starsong made in forcing her out of his mind had been lost. "Normally when we take you into a hotel room... most mares just let nature run its course. It's really quite a simple task to invade a stallions mind... when in the heat of the moment. But we have to probe your mind when you're awake... dreams tend to interfere with the interrogation. Don't get me wrong, there is still going to be a happy ending for you. Just not how you would normally expect it." The mare reached behind Starsong and grabbed the handle to the blade impaled through both of their lower torsos. Her copies faded away, but the blades that were keeping the two stuck together still remained. "I've been at this a very long time, so you have to understand it takes more than a handsome face to get me in the mood. I just need something a bit... different than most mares," The mare grabbed the blade impaled through their lower torso and pulled up towards their chest, cutting them open. Something seemed wrong though. Starsong didn't feel the urge to scream. In fact, he enjoyed it. "It's not an easy technique... but I've learned how to confuse what the mind perceives as pain and turn it into pleasure." She pulled the blade up a bit more, Starsong could feel himself rising as if he were about to climax. Seeing he was now ready, the mare mounted herself properly to begin the interrogation. "Just sit back and enjoy it... The interrogation can be quite... pleasant if you let be." The rest is biology. "Alright... I get it. You don't see me that way," said Sovereign in a defeated tone. Sweetie Belle paused for a moment before she replied. "Right," she finally said looking away. Sovereign raised an eyebrow, certain he saw a bit of redness under her fur as she said it. Either she really needed to use the little fillies room, or she was lying through her teeth. "I'll make you a deal," he said. "Tell me you don't have any feelings for me at all. Tell me you will never see me as anything more than a friend. Most importantly, tell me it's because you don't want to be anything more than friends, not because you think it's a bad idea. Do that, and I'll never bring it up ever again." Sovereign waited patiently for Sweetie Belle to reply. Before she could say anything else, a ringing came from her bag. "Since when do you have a cell phone?" asked Sovereign. "I don't," said Sweetie Belle. She reached into her bag and revealed a ringing phone. "At least I shouldn't." The two of them were silent as they looked at the phone which continued ringing. Finally Sweetie Belle answered. Sovereign was going to inquire about who she was speaking with when he heard a voice inside his head. Hello Sovereign! It's been such a long time! I can't believe it; you've been out in Korhal for weeks now, but you never write, you never call. Did that night mean nothing to you? said Twilight You drugged me, froze me, and from what I can tell when I probed your mind, you were going to hook me to a machine, and rip out all of my memories! Sovereign replied. Sovereign we both made mistakes. But I'm about to make things up to you. You want to leave Dominion space don't you? You want to go back to Consortium space? Return to the life of sin and vice the Khala would never let you experience? Don't deny you enjoyed it. We both probed each others minds remember? said Twilight. Get to the point said Sovereign Sovereign, when did you get so aggressive? What ever happened to that charming young colt I met back on Raydin IV? He was so happy and shy and so adorable! she teased TWILIGHT! replied Sovereign. Ok fine. I'm going to make you an offer. Reactivate Sweetie's neural inhibitor. Do that, and you're free to leave the planet. I've already signed your death warrant, so you don't have to worry about DI hunting you down again. I just need to report you dead. How is that for a deal? offered Twilight. You really think I'm going to do that to her? asked Sovereign. You can't be that stupid Twilight. Just so you know, she is being made a similar offer right now. If she kills you, she gets to go home go home and DI will never bother her again. Twilight could feel Sovereign's fear. You don't think Sweetie Belle won't sacrifice one stallion to get her life back? She wouldn't do that, Sovereign replied. I wouldn't be to certain. It is a pretty enticing offer. Let's see who acts first. Twilight severed the connection before Sovereign could say anything else. He was visibly angry at Twilight for even suggesting Sweetie Belle would ever do that to him. She would never do anything that selfish. If she only cared about herself, she would have left Sovereign to die weeks ago. He looked over at Sweetie Belle to tell her about the conversation he had just had. "Sweetie Belle, there is something you need to know." For some reason she was crying. Before he could ask her what was wrong, she told him, "Sovereign... I'm so sorry!" "What?" was the only word Sovereign could get out before Sweetie used her magic to throw him out of the bus window into a busy highway. Covered in glass, and still in shock from what just happened, he looked up to see a large truck speeding towards him. At the last second, Sovereign shut his eyes and teleported in a random direction. He didn't know or care where, just anywhere else. He found himself falling from midair, then made a hard impact into the ground. Sovereigns eyes were closed as he lay on the ground. He was in pain from the head first impact through the window, the broken glass embedded into his skin, skid burns from skidding across the pavement onto the highway, and the sudden drop from the hasty teleport. Most painful of all was Sweetie's betrayal. She was the last person he ever thought would betray him just for a chance to save herself. Why does this keep happening?! he thought to himself. It seems for some reason or another, the opposite gender held a vendetta against him. Who in the void did I piss off?! Sovereign felt some hoofs shaking against him. He finally opened his eyes to see another beautiful mare making eye contact with him. "Are you alright?" she asked. "Get away from me!" he shouted. "Hey calm down!" she said. "I was just trying to help." Sovereign almost had a heart attack from the rage building up inside of him. Finally he shouted, "Like every other mare in my life!" The mare was clearly offended by his reaction and replied with a, "Well up yours too buddy!" before she ran off. Sovereign calmed down. It did feel good to get the rage out of his system, but he still felt terrible. Clearly not every mare was out to get him. That poor young lady was only trying to help him, and instead he took Sweetie Belle's betrayal out on her. He suddenly realized what was happening. He was letting a few bad experiences allow themselves to paint every mare in a negative light. He wasn't going to let that happen. He wanted to apologize, but she was already long gone. All he could do now was wait by the bus stop for the next bus. He reached for the wallet in his pocket to get some money, then noticed the wallet was gone. Suddenly he remembered feeling a certain mare's hooves in his pocket just a few seconds ago. Seeker stood vigilant on a buildings roof top looking down at Starsong. She had followed Starsong and the green mare back to the hotel and was watching through the window. Starsong, should I move in now? Seeker waited a whole minute for a reply, but received none. She tried again a second time, but still nothing. She noticed the mare had unclothed her self and was now doing the same to Starsong as well. Seeker sighed thinking she already knew was going on, Let me guess, the idiot is enjoying himself. All stallions are the same. She decided she had waited long enough and it was time to make her move. Just as she was about to teleport in, Seeker noticed the mare was looking at her through the window as well. That didn't make any sense, she was invisible, and that mare wasn't wearing any special equipment. That meant she wasn't looking at her; she was looking at someone behind her. Seeker quickly jumped out of the way narrowly avoiding an assassin's blade. She extended her purple warp blade readying herself for combat. The stallion who tried to slice her in half was wearing a brown trench coat, pants, a hat and sun glasses she could only assume were allowing him to see her, despite her invisibility. He stood on two legs using precision gloves to hold his sword, which was longer than warp blade she was wielding. Its edge glowed with a cyan hue and was obviously empowered by his own psychic magic. The stallion suddenly gave off a telekinetic shockwave, ripping off her outfit and revealing his ghost suit underneath. He removed his glasses and lowered the goggles hidden under his hat before he became invisible as well. Unlike other ponies, she didn't need special equipment to see magical emanations. Her void vision allowed her to see her would be assassin, and his suit was glowing with enough magic discharge that it formed a silhouette of cyan light, allowing Seeker to see him as if he weren't invisible at all. Seeker had much experience in sparring practice, but she had never been in a real sword fight before. She could only pray to the Khala her first would not be her last. Tired of waiting for her to make the first move, the stallion swung his sword into the buildings roof top, sending dust into her eyes. Temporarily blinded, the stallion took an overhand vertical swing at her. She barely raised her warp blade in time to block the attack, but the stallion jumped into the air and delivered a kick to the side of her head, which blinded her right eye. With his prey disoriented, he delivered a series of slashes across her body, one of which slashed across her face destroying her already damaged eye. Each wound was painful, but by no means a killing blow. It seems he intentionally didn't kill her. Seeker's body was now wracked with pain as her blood trickled onto her coat and on the ground, the fluids from her eye spilling across her face. He simply stood there waiting for her to make the next move, even though he could finish her off. It was obviously he was just toying with her at the moment. While she only got a brief look at his face before he went invisible, he was clearly much older than her, and was far more experienced. Honor demanded she hold her ground and fight to the death, but common sense told her that would serve no purpose for their mission. Using her remaining good eye, she looked across a large street to a building roof top, then teleported across the street to the other side. Most unicorns knew how to teleport short distances, but the power of the void allowed her to travel further. She was confident the length she just traveled would be too far for the non void using pony to mimic. Despite her injuries, she ran to the roof top access door as fast as she could only to find it locked, so she sliced off the door knob with her warp blade to open it. Just as she opened the door, a grappling hook shot into the door arch above her. She turned around to see the stallion flying towards her as the grapple on his suit retracted. The stallion brought up his legs and kicked her through the door, causing her to tumble down the stairs. Seeker finished tumbling down the first set of stairs, only to be picked up and thrown again down the next set of stairs. Desperate she got back on her feet and again attempted to hold her ground. She took three swings at her attacker, who didn't even bother to block with his sword. He instead moved to her side and delivered a punch to her sides, breaking her concentration, which caused her warp blade to dissipate as well as her invisibility. Seeing her opponent was now disarmed, he too sheathed his sword and deactivated his cloaking. The hallway was empty, so no one seemed to notice the battered mare on the ground. He grabbed her by the neck, lifting her into the air with his left glove, then drove a fist into her chest with the right. The punch was intensified with a force of a telekinetic pulse, which not only knocked the wind out of her, but also broke a number of ribs. Seeker flew back through the air for only a few feet before she felt herself floating horizontally in mid air. She was too wracked in pain to focus enough energy to release herself from the psychic grip. The stallion revealed a High Frequency Blade, activated the diamond saw, then pulled her back towards him. If she had any breath left in her lungs after the rib shattering punch she received, she would have screamed as the diamond saw sliced open her back side as she flew past him. Like the previous attacks, the wound wasn't deep enough to kill, it just inflicted a great deal of pain. The stallion released her from his grip, throwing her through a door and slamming her head into a wall. Unable to move, she watched helplessly as the stallion produced a syringe, and injected something into her in the neck. She passed out seconds later. Two hotel maids ponies stood outside the door of Starsong and his mare friend. "They're uh... really giving it to each other aren't they?" asked one of the maids as Starsong and the mare screamed at the top of their lungs. "Yeah. Real screamers... both of them," said the other one.