Post by Jie Shan Lan Dian on Jan 30, 2016 12:24:41 GMT -5
(Heavy weights on!)
The Soy Capitol. The largest settlement on Planet Natto, by far. It was a young settlement, especially by galactic standards. There were cities on Earth that were hundreds and hundreds, maybe even thousands, of years old. And humans were not even a particularly long lived race. It staggered Jie Shan’s mind to imagine how old the cities and civilizations of the more long lived races might be. Like the Kold Demons. Though, he supposed that the Kold Demons had had incredible losses in recent years, so perhaps even the oldest things did not survive for an eternity.
Still, thought Jie Shan as he walked down the streets of the the Capitiol, it was impressive. Perhaps the Soy Capitol itself might number among the ancient and prestigious cities of the universe one day, given time. That was assuming that no one destroyed it, as the various peoples of this world were often wont to do. And it wasn’t as if the city had a strong backbone, ready to defend their home. No, it only had counselors. And they wriggled like a snake without a head. Yes, that was apt. They lacked an Overseer. Ever since the last had died, they’d lacked the guidance on one. They needed strong leadership. Anybody. Anyone to take up that mantle. Somebody to unite the counselors and take charge. Hell, thought Jie Shan, even he could do it. Maybe he should… No, perish the thought. he lacked the strength. If he tried to sieze control, he’d be struck down. Dozens of Saiyan would rush to destroy him. And knowing his father, that man would be chief among them, like some kind of opportunistic bird of prey.
But still, it was an entertaining thought, a fantasy. A halfblood becoming overseer? The ultimate way to prove oneself, the best way to rub it in the faces of all those who would look at them with an unfavorable eye. He sighed as he stepped around a corner. He was getting stronger for such a reason. That’s why he was wearing this damn armor. He was always wearing it. The weight of it was an ever present burden on his shoulders, and body at large.
Still, it was just a pipe dream. Just like being given an off world assignment. So long as his father was his commanding officer, that might never be. He supposed that he could simply go off world. His father could not truly stop him. Hell, he thought, his father had even personally freed him of his previous duties. Just maybe…
No. There were still plenty of opportunities for him on Natto, even if he would like to travel. He might not feel any particular loyalty to his father, but he did have some loyalty to the Alliance. They meant well, and Jie Shan could appreciate that. And besides, working with them allowed him opportunities to fight in a sanctioned scenario. And he, for his mixed blood, did love a good fight. Even since he was a child, doing mercenary work with his mother, he found a certain joy in fighting. It was an art, his art. Everyone had something that they took joy in.Jie was simply lucky to find his in his youth.
As he continued to walk down the street, blade bouncing against his back, Jie Shan almost felt as if he were being followed. Though he lacked the ability to sense the innate life force of beings, there was still that natural instinct born into all beings that cued them into these sort of things for their own survival. And perhaps he was just imagining things. The Soy Capitol was a large settlement. Chances are, there were eyes on him at most times when he was in the public eye. In fact, it was entirely likely that he was just being paranoid. Who would do him harm? A Saiyan purist, a half blood hater? But would even they be so bold as to attack him in public? Or at all? Jie Shan was unsure. He felt as if he could handle himself in case of an attack, that common confidence that was often a fatal flaw of the Saiyan race. If Jie Shan was being followed, it was likely that his stalker had the same unfounded confidence in him or herself. This he was sure of. Jie Shan, for all his years of travel and being away, knew one thing about Saiyans. They were as predictable as they were unpredictable. Most had certain traits in common, and he wasn’t thinking solely of physical traits. They were violent, often crude, and arrogance was a hallmark of their personality. And even as a hybrid, Jie Shan shared some of those traits.
On a physical level, the similarities were close enough that Jie Shan had an instant plan of action should be attacked: go for the tail, and hope that their tail was as undisciplined as his own. His father had taught him the pain and paralysis that came with, damn him for it. Jie Shan needed to take care of that, and the sooner the better.
Jie Shan ducked around a corner, into an empty alley, attempting to see if he was being followed in truth. Jie Shan’s eyes narrowed slightly as he saw that the alley ended in a dead end, a wall. If he was being stalked, his only means of escape would be flying into the air. And then everything would kick off at once. Though, thought Jie Shan as came to a stop in the alley, he might welcome a little action.
Jie Shan felt a shiver down his spine, and slowly he turned his body. His eyes landed on a figure, tall and bulky, silhouetted against the light of the outside world and the darkness of the alley.
“So,” said Jie Shan suddenly, “I was right. I was being followed.”
Slowly, his hand went to his blade, his jian. Would they fight? Time would tell.
“You know, if you’re looking for a fight, you’ve found one. Just make sure you’re ready for it, because I sure am.”
The figure laughed. A deep, rough sound, like their vocal chords were fashioned from rawhide. Jie Shan smirked. Confidence? If it were, Jie Shan was right about that. And he loved being right. Almost as much as he liked to fight.
“What’s the matter?” Asked Jie Shan, already slowly beginning to draw his blade, “Did I say something funny? Did I slip a joke in there? Something tickle your funny bone?”
Jie Shan stepped closer to the figure, his own confidence and blood rising. If he sensed danger, his blade could clear its scabbard in less than the blink of an eye. It was, ironically, like lightning.
“Or,” continued Jie Shan, his own voice becoming harsh, “Maybe you’re just stupid. If you think this is a frickin’ joke, you’re wrong. Potentially, dead wrong. You’d have to be stupid and wrong to want to pick a fight with me.”
And the figure laughed again. Jie Shan’s eye twitched. He’d heard laughs like that before. There was something strangely familiar about it. Something, nostalgic?
“Man, you’re going to have to cut that out,” said Jie Shan with a smirk, “Or should I cut it out for you?”
The figure was shaking its head now, as if dismissing him. How strong was this guy? Jie Shan didn’t have a scouter. He was loathe to carry one around, so that his father could not contact him whenever and wherever he was.
“You haven’t changed a bit, Jie Shan,” said the figure, finally speaking, “Still a bit jumpy, still a cocky lil’ sonnovabitch.”
That voice, thought Jie Shan. He knew that voice, and he knew it well. His hand dropped from his blade. He’d have no need for it now.
“Is that really you?” Asked Jie Shan, “I haven’t seen you in years.”
“It is. What can I say? Off world assignments can keep a guy busy. Maybe we would have been home sooner if we had you with us,” said the figure with a laugh.
“I wish I had been there, captain,” said Jie Shan, his voice low, “But my father-”
“I know, I know,” interjected the figure, “Bigwigs always have to have their way. Especially when it concerns their kids.”
The figure stepped closer, and now Jie Shan could see him in full. Jie Shan’s eyes flew to the face. It was him. His old captain, Cornel. On reflex, Jie Shan’s hand flew to his head in a salute. But Cornel simply shook his head and spoke, “There’s no need for that, Jie Shan. I’m not your captain anymore.”
“A shame,” said Jie Shan with a small laugh, “I’d much rather be in your squad than under my father’s command.”
“I’m sure you would,” said the older Saiyan with a fierce smile, “Come on, let’s get back to the street and catch up a bit.”
And so they did, taking the streets and the light of the sun. They walked in silence for a few moments, and a strange feeling of nostalgia washing over him. How long had it been? Two years? Too long, by Jie Shan’s point of view. He missed the whole squad.
“So, how’s the team?” Asked Jie Shan, eager like someone asking after long last seen family.
“They’re doing well. Good to be home. Carota is a bit sour. He found a woman he was fond of on the planet we were on, and he didn’t want to leave her. For a time, I thought he was going to desert over her, but thankfully, his sense of duty won out over the heart.”
“Heh, he always finds a new woman, though. How is Potana?”
Cornel smirked and chuckled to himself, “Somehow, I knew you were going to ask that. She’s doing alright. I take it you’re going to go see her before we’re inevitably sent off world again?”
“Perhaps,” laughed Jie Shan, a small smile on his face, “When are you guys leaving again?”
Cornel frowned, thinking to himself for a moment, before ultimately shrugging. “I dunno,” he admitted, “Whenever command gives us another assignment. Maybe you could get your pops to pull a few strings for us. Send us somewhere tropical, maybe, where the natives don’t want to stab us most of the time.”
Jie Shan frowned and shook his head. Cornel was joking of course, but Jie Shan was still not even fond of the idea. To ask his father for anything… Not while he still had some small semblance of pride.
“If only it were that simple, captain,” said Jie Shan, his voice forlorn.
“If only,” agreed Cornel, “Knowing my luck, we’re gonna be shipped off to some frozen little planet in the corner of space, for ‘peace keeping’ and they’re gonna keep us there for another two years. I’m going to be a damned snowman.”
Jie Shan snorted. Entirely likely, he thought. Especially if they upset someone, as Cornel often did. He could be… abrasive, especially with the brass.
“Anyway,” said Cornel, “How are you doing, Jie Shan? Still sparking on occasion? Dad got you pushing papers?”
Jie Shan shook his head, “Sparking? Yeah. Pushing papers? I’d rather die. No, he’s got me training. Needs me strong, he says.”
“Strong, eh? Well, every Saiyan wants to be strong. I’m sure even halfbloods like you wanna be.”
“I do,” confirmed Jie Shan.
“Of course you do. You’re a Saiyan. And your dad is old school. Pre-Alliance, like me. There’s no doubt that you feel that way. Now, your kids? Maybe they’ll feel different. And their kids? Probably. Things change, Jie Shan. A hundred years for now, Planet Natto might look very different, especially since the Alliance doesn’t seem set on doin’ much conquering. And I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
And neither was Jie Shan. Jie Shan liked to fight. He loved it even. It was almost biological. It probably was biological. He could not imagine a world in which Saiyans did not seek strength. But Cornel seemed sure of it. Maybe, just maybe… A hundred years was a long time for most.
“Maybe you’re right,” admitted Jie Shan, “That’s a strange thought.”
“Yes, it is. But that’s a far way off. For now, let’s enjoy our society for what is,” said Cornel with a final shrug, “Speaking of which, you should swing by and train with the squad again. For old time’s sake. And I’m sure Potana would like to see you again.”
Jie Shan laughed. Potana… The last time they’d parted, she’d shouted him out for follow his father’s orders like he was some sort of saibaman. Still, he was fond of her. Perhaps they could work things out before she left again.
“That sounds fun. I think I’ll take you up on that. Let me know when you start, yeah?”
“I will,” said Cornel as he stopped in the middle of the street, “But for now, I think I need to get going. Promised a buddy I’d meet him for some drinks.”
And with that, they said their goodbyes and Cornel burst up in the air and away from Jie Shan. Jie Shan smiled as he watched him go. How nice, he thought. It was good to see old friends again. If only he could be reunited with all the people of his past, he might be a great deal happier. But for now, he was simply left with his memories.
The Soy Capitol. The largest settlement on Planet Natto, by far. It was a young settlement, especially by galactic standards. There were cities on Earth that were hundreds and hundreds, maybe even thousands, of years old. And humans were not even a particularly long lived race. It staggered Jie Shan’s mind to imagine how old the cities and civilizations of the more long lived races might be. Like the Kold Demons. Though, he supposed that the Kold Demons had had incredible losses in recent years, so perhaps even the oldest things did not survive for an eternity.
Still, thought Jie Shan as he walked down the streets of the the Capitiol, it was impressive. Perhaps the Soy Capitol itself might number among the ancient and prestigious cities of the universe one day, given time. That was assuming that no one destroyed it, as the various peoples of this world were often wont to do. And it wasn’t as if the city had a strong backbone, ready to defend their home. No, it only had counselors. And they wriggled like a snake without a head. Yes, that was apt. They lacked an Overseer. Ever since the last had died, they’d lacked the guidance on one. They needed strong leadership. Anybody. Anyone to take up that mantle. Somebody to unite the counselors and take charge. Hell, thought Jie Shan, even he could do it. Maybe he should… No, perish the thought. he lacked the strength. If he tried to sieze control, he’d be struck down. Dozens of Saiyan would rush to destroy him. And knowing his father, that man would be chief among them, like some kind of opportunistic bird of prey.
But still, it was an entertaining thought, a fantasy. A halfblood becoming overseer? The ultimate way to prove oneself, the best way to rub it in the faces of all those who would look at them with an unfavorable eye. He sighed as he stepped around a corner. He was getting stronger for such a reason. That’s why he was wearing this damn armor. He was always wearing it. The weight of it was an ever present burden on his shoulders, and body at large.
Still, it was just a pipe dream. Just like being given an off world assignment. So long as his father was his commanding officer, that might never be. He supposed that he could simply go off world. His father could not truly stop him. Hell, he thought, his father had even personally freed him of his previous duties. Just maybe…
No. There were still plenty of opportunities for him on Natto, even if he would like to travel. He might not feel any particular loyalty to his father, but he did have some loyalty to the Alliance. They meant well, and Jie Shan could appreciate that. And besides, working with them allowed him opportunities to fight in a sanctioned scenario. And he, for his mixed blood, did love a good fight. Even since he was a child, doing mercenary work with his mother, he found a certain joy in fighting. It was an art, his art. Everyone had something that they took joy in.Jie was simply lucky to find his in his youth.
As he continued to walk down the street, blade bouncing against his back, Jie Shan almost felt as if he were being followed. Though he lacked the ability to sense the innate life force of beings, there was still that natural instinct born into all beings that cued them into these sort of things for their own survival. And perhaps he was just imagining things. The Soy Capitol was a large settlement. Chances are, there were eyes on him at most times when he was in the public eye. In fact, it was entirely likely that he was just being paranoid. Who would do him harm? A Saiyan purist, a half blood hater? But would even they be so bold as to attack him in public? Or at all? Jie Shan was unsure. He felt as if he could handle himself in case of an attack, that common confidence that was often a fatal flaw of the Saiyan race. If Jie Shan was being followed, it was likely that his stalker had the same unfounded confidence in him or herself. This he was sure of. Jie Shan, for all his years of travel and being away, knew one thing about Saiyans. They were as predictable as they were unpredictable. Most had certain traits in common, and he wasn’t thinking solely of physical traits. They were violent, often crude, and arrogance was a hallmark of their personality. And even as a hybrid, Jie Shan shared some of those traits.
On a physical level, the similarities were close enough that Jie Shan had an instant plan of action should be attacked: go for the tail, and hope that their tail was as undisciplined as his own. His father had taught him the pain and paralysis that came with, damn him for it. Jie Shan needed to take care of that, and the sooner the better.
Jie Shan ducked around a corner, into an empty alley, attempting to see if he was being followed in truth. Jie Shan’s eyes narrowed slightly as he saw that the alley ended in a dead end, a wall. If he was being stalked, his only means of escape would be flying into the air. And then everything would kick off at once. Though, thought Jie Shan as came to a stop in the alley, he might welcome a little action.
Jie Shan felt a shiver down his spine, and slowly he turned his body. His eyes landed on a figure, tall and bulky, silhouetted against the light of the outside world and the darkness of the alley.
“So,” said Jie Shan suddenly, “I was right. I was being followed.”
Slowly, his hand went to his blade, his jian. Would they fight? Time would tell.
“You know, if you’re looking for a fight, you’ve found one. Just make sure you’re ready for it, because I sure am.”
The figure laughed. A deep, rough sound, like their vocal chords were fashioned from rawhide. Jie Shan smirked. Confidence? If it were, Jie Shan was right about that. And he loved being right. Almost as much as he liked to fight.
“What’s the matter?” Asked Jie Shan, already slowly beginning to draw his blade, “Did I say something funny? Did I slip a joke in there? Something tickle your funny bone?”
Jie Shan stepped closer to the figure, his own confidence and blood rising. If he sensed danger, his blade could clear its scabbard in less than the blink of an eye. It was, ironically, like lightning.
“Or,” continued Jie Shan, his own voice becoming harsh, “Maybe you’re just stupid. If you think this is a frickin’ joke, you’re wrong. Potentially, dead wrong. You’d have to be stupid and wrong to want to pick a fight with me.”
And the figure laughed again. Jie Shan’s eye twitched. He’d heard laughs like that before. There was something strangely familiar about it. Something, nostalgic?
“Man, you’re going to have to cut that out,” said Jie Shan with a smirk, “Or should I cut it out for you?”
The figure was shaking its head now, as if dismissing him. How strong was this guy? Jie Shan didn’t have a scouter. He was loathe to carry one around, so that his father could not contact him whenever and wherever he was.
“You haven’t changed a bit, Jie Shan,” said the figure, finally speaking, “Still a bit jumpy, still a cocky lil’ sonnovabitch.”
That voice, thought Jie Shan. He knew that voice, and he knew it well. His hand dropped from his blade. He’d have no need for it now.
“Is that really you?” Asked Jie Shan, “I haven’t seen you in years.”
“It is. What can I say? Off world assignments can keep a guy busy. Maybe we would have been home sooner if we had you with us,” said the figure with a laugh.
“I wish I had been there, captain,” said Jie Shan, his voice low, “But my father-”
“I know, I know,” interjected the figure, “Bigwigs always have to have their way. Especially when it concerns their kids.”
The figure stepped closer, and now Jie Shan could see him in full. Jie Shan’s eyes flew to the face. It was him. His old captain, Cornel. On reflex, Jie Shan’s hand flew to his head in a salute. But Cornel simply shook his head and spoke, “There’s no need for that, Jie Shan. I’m not your captain anymore.”
“A shame,” said Jie Shan with a small laugh, “I’d much rather be in your squad than under my father’s command.”
“I’m sure you would,” said the older Saiyan with a fierce smile, “Come on, let’s get back to the street and catch up a bit.”
And so they did, taking the streets and the light of the sun. They walked in silence for a few moments, and a strange feeling of nostalgia washing over him. How long had it been? Two years? Too long, by Jie Shan’s point of view. He missed the whole squad.
“So, how’s the team?” Asked Jie Shan, eager like someone asking after long last seen family.
“They’re doing well. Good to be home. Carota is a bit sour. He found a woman he was fond of on the planet we were on, and he didn’t want to leave her. For a time, I thought he was going to desert over her, but thankfully, his sense of duty won out over the heart.”
“Heh, he always finds a new woman, though. How is Potana?”
Cornel smirked and chuckled to himself, “Somehow, I knew you were going to ask that. She’s doing alright. I take it you’re going to go see her before we’re inevitably sent off world again?”
“Perhaps,” laughed Jie Shan, a small smile on his face, “When are you guys leaving again?”
Cornel frowned, thinking to himself for a moment, before ultimately shrugging. “I dunno,” he admitted, “Whenever command gives us another assignment. Maybe you could get your pops to pull a few strings for us. Send us somewhere tropical, maybe, where the natives don’t want to stab us most of the time.”
Jie Shan frowned and shook his head. Cornel was joking of course, but Jie Shan was still not even fond of the idea. To ask his father for anything… Not while he still had some small semblance of pride.
“If only it were that simple, captain,” said Jie Shan, his voice forlorn.
“If only,” agreed Cornel, “Knowing my luck, we’re gonna be shipped off to some frozen little planet in the corner of space, for ‘peace keeping’ and they’re gonna keep us there for another two years. I’m going to be a damned snowman.”
Jie Shan snorted. Entirely likely, he thought. Especially if they upset someone, as Cornel often did. He could be… abrasive, especially with the brass.
“Anyway,” said Cornel, “How are you doing, Jie Shan? Still sparking on occasion? Dad got you pushing papers?”
Jie Shan shook his head, “Sparking? Yeah. Pushing papers? I’d rather die. No, he’s got me training. Needs me strong, he says.”
“Strong, eh? Well, every Saiyan wants to be strong. I’m sure even halfbloods like you wanna be.”
“I do,” confirmed Jie Shan.
“Of course you do. You’re a Saiyan. And your dad is old school. Pre-Alliance, like me. There’s no doubt that you feel that way. Now, your kids? Maybe they’ll feel different. And their kids? Probably. Things change, Jie Shan. A hundred years for now, Planet Natto might look very different, especially since the Alliance doesn’t seem set on doin’ much conquering. And I’m not sure how I feel about that.”
And neither was Jie Shan. Jie Shan liked to fight. He loved it even. It was almost biological. It probably was biological. He could not imagine a world in which Saiyans did not seek strength. But Cornel seemed sure of it. Maybe, just maybe… A hundred years was a long time for most.
“Maybe you’re right,” admitted Jie Shan, “That’s a strange thought.”
“Yes, it is. But that’s a far way off. For now, let’s enjoy our society for what is,” said Cornel with a final shrug, “Speaking of which, you should swing by and train with the squad again. For old time’s sake. And I’m sure Potana would like to see you again.”
Jie Shan laughed. Potana… The last time they’d parted, she’d shouted him out for follow his father’s orders like he was some sort of saibaman. Still, he was fond of her. Perhaps they could work things out before she left again.
“That sounds fun. I think I’ll take you up on that. Let me know when you start, yeah?”
“I will,” said Cornel as he stopped in the middle of the street, “But for now, I think I need to get going. Promised a buddy I’d meet him for some drinks.”
And with that, they said their goodbyes and Cornel burst up in the air and away from Jie Shan. Jie Shan smiled as he watched him go. How nice, he thought. It was good to see old friends again. If only he could be reunited with all the people of his past, he might be a great deal happier. But for now, he was simply left with his memories.
