//------------------------------// // 4: Of Cliffs and Volleyball // Story: The Odysseus Detail // by tyrantOFathens //------------------------------// `Jostian floated along the coast line, the jagged cliffs fading out of site to the north, and slowly turning into smooth sand beaches to the south. It was a really peaceful scene, and he had already decided he wanted to retire here. One of his team, a human, called out. "So, what exactly are we looking for?" His question was backed by everyone else nodding. Jostian shrugged. "Anything dragon-ish. We are going to set up and repel along the cliffs, check out caves and things. Lets get these ropes secure, the last thing I want is to have someone fall in. That water doesn't look very forgiving." "Aye, it doesn't, tie these ropes tight lads, no one will be falling t'day!" Jostian couldn't help but feel a strange sense of foreboding at these words, and hoped he would be proven wrong. The team set about securing ropes, anchoring them to the rocky cliff top, while adorning suits and gear for the repel. The team split into two, seven of them would repel down, while four stayed to keep an eye on the ropes. Jostian looked over the edge again, and immediately regretted it. So much for that retirement getaway… "Ok, it looks like the first possible cave is directly below us... Is everyone ready? Good." Jostian checked his gear one last time, before slowly lowering himself over the cliff. He could float, yes, but he was still physical, and couldn't outright fly. It would be a slower but still deadly descent if he fell. Using his cloud like form, he snaked part of his hands and feet into tiny cracks, getting firmer grips on the rock. About halfway to the lip of the possible cave, another joined him, moving a bit slower. Jostian froze as a loud crack emanated from the rock. The cliff began to shake slightly, followed by more cracking. Jostian looked up at the man repelling above him. "Up! Climb back! Go, go, go!" But his order came too late. A slab of rock tumbled away, more to the side thankfully, but it shook the cliff nonetheless. The giant slab passed mere inches from Jostian, crashing into the jutting lip of the cave opening, taking most of the rock with it. A shower of dust, smaller rocks, and rope followed. Jostian barely had time to register that it was rope before he was falling. The man repelling above him had it worse, being heavier and farther up, he tumbled past Jostian, landing on the remainder of the lip with a sickening thud. "Captain! Galvan!" Multiple shouts rang out from the top of the cliff. Jostian could only watch in horror as he realized he wouldn't make the lip. He was too far out. But the man, Galvan, moved. Just as Jostian was passing, his hand shot out, grabbing for anything. Jostian heard Galvan gasp at the sudden jerk on his arm from catching him, but he had never been so thankful in his life. Another cracking sound came from the rock, by farther away. Another slab fell, but this one was too far out too immediately do any damage, but it was still large enough to shake the cliff. Jostian felt his hand slipping out of Galvan's grip, and he felt adrenaline pump through his body. The shaking stopped after a moment, and grip on his arm strengthened. Still swinging, Jostian realized his other hand was tangled in rope, on end attached to him, the other end frayed and swaying in the air. Carefully, but quickly, he untangled the rough material and freed his hand. Jostian reached up with his other hand, grabbing the edge of the rock, pulling himself over the edge slowly but surely, being pulled up by a heavily breathing Galvan. "Are you alright sir?" Galvan asked when they had both recovered a little, still collapsed on the rock surface. "I think I will live, thank you. Are you ok? Catching me couldn't have been good for your arm, but I thank you ever more." He looked at Galvan, his medical side taking over when he looked over the limp arm. "I think it just popped out of the socket, hopefully I didn't break it. It doesn't feel like I broke it, but it hurts like hell." Galvan said, wincing as he tried to move his arm. "My people can help with that." A high pitched voice called, and out of the shadow of the cave, stepped a creature. It was short, maybe three feet tall, but it was slim and well toned. Muscle showed through a coat of fur, brown and gold in color, blending in with the rock behind it. It also wore rather rudimentary clothing, also a tannish color. Its face was rodent ish, but if Jostian had to guess, it seemed to resemble a raccoon or red panda. A long scar crossed two black piercing eyes, but they held a surprising amount of gentleness in them. Jostian didn't know what to make of the situation, but luckily, he didn't have to deal with it for a while yet, for after taking in the full shock of meeting a new sentient species and what that entailed, Jostian promptly fainted. Flash was walking along with his team when Jorayn's message went out. They were in a desert like area, dry dirt and sand as far as the eye could see, with patches of dead grass here and there. "I could get used to this, what d'ya say boys?" Flash asked in his usual laid back manner. A few agreed, a few didn't, but hey, that's diversity for you. Having completely disregarded the conversation between Jorayn and Artekæ, he missed the battle report sent out minutes later, detailing one casualty and a few minor injuries. Instead they had decided to play a game of beach volleyball, setting up a net that someone smuggled down to the moon with them, taking turns being ref. Currently, they were taking a break, Flash leading his team to an early lead of 5-2. The Starglom in the ref chair called out. "Hey, Flash! Something is headed this way!" Flash looked up, scanning the horizon for any signs of movement. "I don't see anything." He called up, looking at the fiery being in the chair. "Not above the sand, in the sand! It's closing fast!" At the last word, a faint rumble spread through the ground, constantly shaking everything in sight. "Gear up boys! No telling what this could be!" Flash ordered, climbing up the chair. The other Starglom made room for them both to stand, balancing on the arms of the chair. "There, just past the cliff." He pointed, and Flash followed his gaze. Something huge was moving under the sand, no, three something's, the trail of churned earth gave that away. Whatever it was, it didn't look good. They had maybe two minutes before it reached them. Maybe. Before Flash could shout another order, something exploded from the sand. A large metal box appeared in the dust, still moving forward. "A transport of some kind, perhaps, eh captain?" The other Starglom asked. "Perhaps." Flash murmured. The metal box became a lot clearer as it finally overtook the cloud of dust and rock. It had a bunch of drills on the front, with a wide viewing screen. Two more just like it appeared, but they were smaller. They closed the distance in a few short moments, grinding to a halt across the makeshift volleyball field. A strange silence followed, but was cut off by a loud groaning sound. The side of the lead transport slowly lowered into a ramp, and out stepped a human, much to Flash's surprise. He was a rather young looking man, sporting a brown suit accented by a black tie. In his hands he held not a weapon, but a volleyball. "Good afternoon to you gentleman, I am the Doctor, just Doctor, and it has come to my attention, that you are very experienced in this fine game. Care for a little competition?" Lo and behold, the other transports opened, and out of all three came the most intense looking volleyball team in the existence of the universe. "Bring it on! For the Starglom race!" One if Flashs' team shouted, quickly followed by a very enthusiastic chant from the others. Flash smiled. This "Doctor" was in for a hard fight...