Hyoga
Newcomer
PL: 19,250
Brute Form (x2P) Monster Form (x4P) True Form (x6P)
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Post by Hyoga on Sept 26, 2020 7:03:59 GMT -6
SHIP IN DISTRESS
Hyoga watched the pod, drifting silently past in the blackness. He himself was sat, reclining on a chunk of rock. The rock was, in turn, part of a vast belt of debris that made up one of the many rings of a yellow gas giant. If he looked over his shoulder, the planet would fill his entire view. He’d spent almost the entire previous day watching its swirling clouds of varying yellow-and-green hues. There was a large electrical storm that had caught his interest, but the planet’s rotation had taken it to the dark side. Now, there was little to do but wait.
There was no sound in space. He couldn’t click his tongue, or hum, or listen to music to pass the time. Occasionally he allowed himself a bite of emergency rations, as a sort of reward for managing to sit still for 12 hours straight. Beyond that, he had little to do. The rum was all gone, and he was having to strictly ration what food and water he’d managed to stow in the pod before his escape.
He didn’t have to stay there, of course. The pod still had fuel, but it wasn’t programmed with navigation charts. It had originally been part of a lot of junkers he’d acquired. The intention was to refurbish them but those plans had been cut short by the Galactic Patrol raid on his headquarters. He was fortunate to have gotten this one at least basically functional. However, wandering til his fuel eventually dried up in the hopes of accidentally finding a habitable planet wasn’t too appealing. Hyoga would’ve preferred a civilised world where he wouldn’t end up stranded, if possible.
With that in mind he’d devised this little lure. He’d set a distress beacon to broadcast from the pod, and put it in orbit, just beyond the rim of the gas giant’s outermost ring, where he could 'comfortably' keep an eye on it from his rocky perch. With any luck, the beacon would attract the attention of another ship. One he could either hijack, or negotiate with for navigational data.
Unfortunately for the down-on-his-luck Arcosian, the plan required a great deal of sitting around doing not very much at all.
All he had to do was wait. But that was growing increasingly difficult after more than a week of it. He'd amused himself by carving rocks with crude drawings, flinging them out of orbit and even down into the gravity well of the gas giant. He'd run in place atop another large rock to see how fast he could make it spin until eventually he lost his footing. He feared he would slowly go mad out there.
His one consolation was the hope that he'd be found soon. A passing ship would surely happen upon his beacon and give him an opportunity to abandon that forsaken star system. He often daydreamed about what would happen then, what kind of ship he might encounter and how that would change his plans. He reminded himself, however, that such fantasies could never account for every possible scenario he might encounter when finally somebody did arrive.
One thing he knew for certain is when they found the pod and opened it, whoever 'they' might end up being: They would find a little note in the seat, containing a brief message and a crude drawing. It read "Thanks for the rescue! Prepare to be boarded!" Above the words was a very simplistic drawing of an Arcosian making a rude gesture.
He chuckled to himself, though it made no sound in the void. It was an amusing thought at least that a crew would discover his presence by that little note. He often occupied himself thinking about how it would be received. Would it be met with bewilderment? A creeping sense of panic? There was no way to know for sure, yet he found himself envisioning what might be. It would be especially fun to be able to jump out on his would-be rescuers right as they read the message, though in truth probably not so easy to execute. Childish, perhaps, but a thought that kept him entertained nonetheless.
Maybe he really was losing his mind…
Hyoga has left his pod drifting with an active distress beacon, while he lies in wait for any ships that choose to investigate!
Who will answer this S.O.S?
Ticoga |
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Post by Ticoga on Sept 26, 2020 19:35:22 GMT -6
Ticoga stands silently in the bridge of the Direption, staring out into the dark void of space. The vessel had refueled while on Beppa, and now Ticoga intended to take the chance to sort things out for himself.
Recently, between Arcose and Beppa, Ticoga had managed to scrounge together a skeleton crew. They were by no real means warriors - only beings with technical prowess and mechanical capability. Ticoga could not maintain the Direption's daily operations, even with Marma, as there was simply too much to keep track of. Six of the crew were Beppans, ten were Brenchian, and the rest were of various races that originally served the World Trade Fleet and Arcosians, before the Saiyan Kingdom took power.
Marma sits quietly at the Direption's controls, her eyes squinting for a moment.
"What's this..?" Marma murmurs to herself. Something was showing up on the console screen - but nothing besides a location was being shown. Marma looks up from her console and at Ticoga. "Mister Ticoga? I believe we are receiving a general purpose beacon."
Ticoga's crimson eyes tear away from the dark void, and over to Marma. He calmly walks over to Marma and looks at her console.
"What do you make of it?" Ticoga asks, the question sounding more like a test than an interest.
"Hmm, I'd say its an emergency beacon." Marma replies. "When a ship is disabled, sometimes a transmission isn't possible. Emergency beacons run off an isolated power source, making it possible to request aid even if the ship's main generators and power are disabled."
"Well then, far be it for us to ignore a derelict traveler." Ticoga replies, sounding satisfied with Marma's response. "Set course for those coordinates, Miss Marma. Good work catching this."
Marma flushes a bit, but nods emphatically and begins reprogramming the navigation computer. Without slowing, the Direption alters its course seventy eight degrees to starboard and rockets through the void towards its new destination...
From the depths of space, just beyond the asteroid ringed world's gravitational field, a massive starship seemingly explodes into view of the planet on the sun-covered side.
The ship, following the beacon, quickly moves into position under the space pod. The massive hanger doors atop the Direption split open, and an invisible force seems to pull the space pod through the hanger doors. Once the pod settles down on the clean sheen floor, the hanger doors slide closed, and the hanger vents hiss as a breathable atmosphere stabilizes the hanger.
Once the hanger was pressurized, a set of doors slide open, and a number of aliens of various races enter the room, lead by Marma. Marma stops a ways away from the space pod, and crosses her arms over her chest.
 
"Alright tech team! Let's see what we have here!" Marma tells the aliens gathered.
If the aliens present were tested for power, they'd be seen as rather weak, with not one of them exceeding a battle power over four hundred. Marma, on the other hand, would be detected at a much higher power, five thousand exactly. The aliens throw looks at each other, muttering to each other what they needed to do first.
"Fella's, let's just scan it for explosives, and pop the hatch." Marma suggests, to which the tech team agrees. It takes a few minutes, but the team determines that nothing is immediately dangerous, and so go about remotely connecting to the pod's onboard computer, hoping to override the commands. Upon success, a strange drawing is brought over to Marma. "What's this...? ...Prepare to be boarded?!"
Marma crushes the paper in her fist.
"Tech team! Get out of the hanger immediately! Contact Mister Ticoga and warn him that we may have pirates to deal with!" Marma shouts.
From the bridge, however, Ticoga's scouter bleats in warning, drawing the Arcosian's attention.
"Hm? A reading... battle power... oho... nineteen thousand and a quarter." Ticoga grins. Just as he finishes those words, his scouter beeps with an incoming transmission. Ticoga listens to the panicked tone, and smiles. "Not to worry, let's see what the apparent boarders have in mind. They may find themselves in a situation they could regret. Begin closing off blast doors leading to the engines and weapons caches; funnel the possible boarders to me directly - I can deal with them myself."
With that, Ticoga turns and waits in the bridge, staring through the massive bubble-like green viewport at the ringed planet. This rescue seemed to be a trap. How silly to have been taken in so easily. But if the boarders had any inkling for violently taking the ship, they would find themselves well outmatched.
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Hyoga
Newcomer
PL: 19,250
Brute Form (x2P) Monster Form (x4P) True Form (x6P)
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Post by Hyoga on Sept 27, 2020 8:03:52 GMT -6
Hyoga was sat, using a rudimentary ki blade to carve rocks with faces. He'd already set up three of them opposite him, watching him work. One was long-snouted, with a jagged grin. Another was drawn with a frown and a heavy brow. He was just adding the finishing touches when a shadow suddenly whipped across the ring of debris he was hiding in.
Looking round, he spotted a shape, decelerating from interstellar space. A ship!
He would probably have said something in a suitably menacing voice to mark the moment, but he was in space. So he settled for grinning, kicking his little sculptures off into the void and jetting off towards the vessel.
His arc brought him beneath the ship, staying concealed in the shade of the rings for as long as possible, til he could approach unnoticed. The ship in turn made it easier by quickly swooping in to capture the pod. He had no doubt it would shortly be in their cargo bay. Hyoga, however, would not get in the same way.
The ship was a design not uncommon in the World Trade Fleet, though with a few unique characteristics. With that in mind, he scanned the ship's underside for service hatches. They were used all the time in ship maintenance and their defenses would be down to bring the pod aboard. He spotted one after a few moments, tearing it aside with some gusto as he boarded the ship. Within moments, he breached the final hatch, granting him access to one of the ventral service corridors. With atmosphere around him, he could hear again, but the only noise was the constant rush of that same atmosphere flooding out into space behind him.
Hyoga whipped his head round, scanning the corridor for crew. None were in sight. With a heave, he slammed the hatch closed behind him, stepping fully onto the deck in the same motion. He took a moment to pause, and just listen to the hum of the engines and the sound of his own breathing. He clenched his fists, drawing in a great breath that puffed out his chest. Muscles tensed, and he unleashed his ki.
Purple flames surrounded him, sparks crackled and the deck plating shook. The transformation was taking hold, his body twitching violently as he began to grow. Bones thickened, horns lengthened and every muscle and sinew stretched as he settled into his new shape. His ki calmed somewhat, and he suppressed it further, focusing on dimming that inner fire.
Satisfied that his ki was now barely registering, Hyoga took off down the corridor. Many doors were closed to him, but that didn't matter. Judging by the deliberate absence of crewmen along his route, it was obvious he was being funneled towards the bridge, but he’d have been heading there anyway. It was, after all, the most likely place to find the ship’s Captain. The layout of these ships was always similar, and the bridge was always situated at the fore, beneath the main observation port. Finding it was no problem, but his mind was awhirl with possibilities as he tried to figure out what he’d do when he did reach the bridge.
This ship was a design well-used by the World Trade Fleet, and he was of course a wanted criminal in their eyes. He might end up having to fight his way out. Alternatively, he might find them to be a pirate crew, or traders. Or this could be the personal ship of an Arcosian noble. He decided the best approach would be to hide his true strength and try to bluff his way through this encounter for as long as possible. Having made his decision, he sped up his march, drawing upon the doors to the bridge. They slid apart, and Hyoga brashly stomped inside.
“You have been boarded by the Dread Pirate!” He announced loudly, scanning the room to find it empty save for a single Arcosian, back turned towards him as he gazed out of the great glass viewport. Hyoga leveled a finger at him. “I assume this is your ship. Now, prepare to discuss the terms of your surrender!”
Hyoga has activated Brute Form (x2P)
New PL: 38,500
Energy Suppression [UT1] is also active, making his ki undetectable for the time being.
Ticoga |
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Post by Ticoga on Sept 27, 2020 12:49:35 GMT -6
Ticoga stood motionless, calmly gazing when he heard the doors slid open. A brash voice calls to him, prompting Ticoga to turn quizzically to the source. Seeing that it was an Arcosian, Ticoga grins.
"Welcome aboard the Direption, Dread Pirate. I am Ticoga." Ticoga replies in mock friendliness. He turns fully to the Arcosian, not bothering to fluctuate his own power in the slightest. Interestingly, the scouter no longer properly could read this pirate's battle power. "Hmm? Ahhh... so you are another of the kind who can fluctuate their battle power. I suppose my scouter won't be of much use then. I should probably consider learning that little trick."
Ticoga grins - this invader failed to initially suppress their power beforehand, so it didn't take much imagination to know that whatever number his scouter did say, would be incorrect. This Arcosian had chosen to assume their second form - likely as a means to intimidate the crew. But Ticoga was not intimidated.
"So then, you want to discuss my surrender? Ohoho... very well, let's hear what leverage you think you have." Ticoga continues, his voice maintaining that mock friendliness. "Do make your conditions sensible, otherwise I will have to question your capablilities in negotiation."
Hyoga
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Hyoga
Newcomer
PL: 19,250
Brute Form (x2P) Monster Form (x4P) True Form (x6P)
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Post by Hyoga on Sept 27, 2020 14:19:38 GMT -6
The Arcosian captain maintained his calm exterior, welcoming him aboard and identifying himself as Ticoga. There was no mention made of the World Trade Fleet, though that didn’t necessarily mean they weren’t affiliated in some way. Hyoga remained on his guard as he strode closer across the deck. He noticed the presumed captain check his Scouter for a moment, noting quickly that Hyoga could conceal his true strength.
“Nothing slips by you, I see.” Hyoga quipped in response, a smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth. He came to a halt a few metres away from his would-be victim, listening as he continued in his faux-friendly tone of voice. He laughed, mocking Hyoga’s invasion of the ship, demanding to know what leverage he had. Hyoga stroked his chin, considering what direction to take things next. After a moment, he determined not to be too unreasonable. This fellow Arcosian could well be his equal in power, and besides, he had a crew he could call upon if needed. Hyoga was confident in his own abilities, but not so much so that he would blindly take on any odds.
“My demands are not excessive, Ticoga. I have no intention of taking your ship, nor of harming its crew on this occasion…” He allowed the veiled threat to linger a moment before continuing to list his demands.
“I only ask that you provide me with a complete copy of your ship’s navigational records, and submit to an… Interrogation. I have some questions that need answering.” He spread his hands, gesturing to the ship around them.
“It is a simple request, and it would be such a great shame to damage this fine vessel.” He lowered his hands, along with his gaze, looking down at Ticoga, still in his diminutive first form. “Why risk a battle with an enemy whose strength is a mystery, when the cost of peace is so low?”
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Post by Ticoga on Sept 27, 2020 22:14:27 GMT -6
Ticoga smiles at the much larger Arcosian.
"A greater shame would be having to destroy you for being foolish enough to threaten me aboard my ship." Ticoga replies, still feigning a polite tone, but the hostility was there. "In fact, if you truly did not intend my crew harm, nor that you had a desire to steal from me, then you should have just sat quietly in your ship until you were retrieved. If you wanted a peaceful discussion, then you should have chosen a better tactic."
With that said, Ticoga lets his arms hang loosely at his sides. If that initial reading the scouter gave was any indication, then this Arcosian's battle power...
"You have taken on your second form, I felt the reverberations from here, and my scouter detected a spike in power. Unfortunately, it did not catch the reading." Ticoga says slowly rising off the floor, and hovering at eye level with the invader. "I would estimate your power to be around... forty thousand in that form. A battle power I am well capable of dealing with, even in this form. My own power exceeds fifty thousand in this form, I should warn you."
Ticoga's eyes narrow, and his crimson pupils glare at the invader.
"Now then, I believe I told you my name, yet you still have not given yours." Ticoga says to the invader. "So then, I will now offer my terms, for your surrender. You will revert to your Restricted Form and tell me your name, you will ask questions in a none interrogative manner, and you will wait patiently for my technicians to repair and refuel your ship. Perhaps you can even rest in the cafeteria if you answer properly."
Ticoga smiles.
"Alternatively, you can certainly try to attack me. It wont work, but it may be amusing for the moments before I obliterate you." Ticoga threatens. "And if so, do try not to damage my ship. It is difficult to collect debts from the dead."
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Hyoga
Newcomer
PL: 19,250
Brute Form (x2P) Monster Form (x4P) True Form (x6P)
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Post by Hyoga on Sept 30, 2020 15:47:42 GMT -6
Ticoga was quick to retort with a thinly-veiled diatribe of threats and demands of his own. He deconstructed Hyoga’s intent from his actions so far. It was a fairly logical piece of deduction, but inaccurate. Of course, Ticoga was ignorant of the particular context of his situation. He also correctly estimated Hyoga’s battle power, asserting that his own was far greater. Unfortunately, Hyoga had no way of confirming that. If his claims were accurate, however, all hope of maintaining control through physical force had gone out the proverbial window. That was something Ticoga was clearly aware of, starting to take on a more assertive manner as he continued to laying out his counter-demands.
First, he wanted Hyoga’s name and for him to revert to his suppressed form. And then, Hyoga found himself taken aback. Ticoga offered pretty much everything he’d wanted, but on the condition that he be polite, more or less. He’d not expected such an accommodating response, but perhaps he’d not done himself any favours on achieving such in hindsight. And besides, a rest in the canteen wouldn’t go amiss. He found himself reconsidering his approach.
Ticoga finished up with a promise of death if they were to come to blows, but Hyoga had already made up his mind.
“Well, I must say I hadn’t expected you to be so accommodating,” Hyoga said, stepping back a little. “I’ve learned not to trust unfamiliar space travellers after a history of… Unpleasant encounters.” He spread his palms in a peaceful gesture.
“My name is Hyoga. Formerly lost in space, and grateful for your offer of hospitality. Though, if it’s all the same to you, I’ll keep my current form. I find the totally suppressed state a little… How did you put it? Restricted?” He gave a disarming smile. “If it makes you feel any more secure I’ll stop suppressing my power. If what you say of your own strength is true, my current form isn’t much more of a threat to you than the weakest.” With that, he allowed his ki to burst forth, restoring his power to its true levels. Not giving Ticoga much time to be a stickler on that particular demand, Hyoga plowed right on ahead with something he hoped might pique the other Arcosian’s interest.
“Perhaps you’d be interested in a business opportunity? Consider the offer an apology for this little… Misunderstanding, as well as payment for your ship’s services.”
Hyoga deactivates [UT1] Energy Suppression, revealing his true power level.Ticoga |
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Post by Ticoga on Oct 1, 2020 19:52:09 GMT -6
Hyoga had gall, Ticoga would give the self proclaimed Dread Pirate that much. Ticoga mentally brushes off Hyoga's refusal to revert to his first form - it ultimately didn't matter. It would only have served to test how confident or afraid the pirate Arcosian was. And it would seem that the pirate was indeed still confident in some manner.
When Hyoga releases his power, Ticoga's scouter bleats as it registers and calculates the new, sudden reading. As Ticoga surmised, Hyoga's battle power in this form was more or less roughly forty thousand.
"There, proper introductions have been made. And you are correct not to trust in those you encounter - trust is often a fragile thing." Ticoga replies after Hyoga had finished speaking. "Please make certain not to take my accommodating behavior for granted - I give many beings the benefit of a peaceful first contact. How those individuals fare afterwards depends entirely on their etiquette, but you so far have shown that you are capable of a proper conversation."
Ticoga clasps his hands behind his back - a show of confidence in the situation.
"You may indeed remain in that form; as you said, it poses little more threat to me than your first form - but don't think I am overconfident, I am quite cautious." Ticoga says with finality. "Now then, a business proposal, was it?"
Ticoga looks at the floor for a moment, pondering the offer.
"Very well, if you have a proposition you would like to make, then by all means we may discuss them." Ticoga answers, smiling friendlily. "But before that, you said that you have questions you would like answered. So, ask away, and I will answer to the best of my knowledge and understanding."
Ticoga's battle jacket seems to be well maintained - even recently buffed and cleaned. But interestingly, over the left pectoral, the symbol of the World Trade Fleet can be seen etched into the material.
Hyoga |
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Hyoga
Newcomer
PL: 19,250
Brute Form (x2P) Monster Form (x4P) True Form (x6P)
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Post by Hyoga on Oct 1, 2020 20:28:10 GMT -6
To Hyoga’s carefully-concealed relief, Ticoga seemed willing to de-escalate things. He didn’t even make much of a fuss about his choosing to remain transformed, which pleased him. Hyoga wasn’t lying when he said he didn’t much like his totally-suppressed state. It had always felt a little cramped to him, and he much preferred the ‘breathing room’ afforded by the more bulky stage 2.
Ticoga also seemed amenable to discussing trade. Things were going better than he might have hoped, though Ticoga seemed keen to get the questioning portion of things out of the way. That, too, was ultimately to his benefit, though he had gotten so caught up in the confrontation he’d not really devoted much thought to what he’d actually ask this other Arcosian. Hyoga drew in a breath, taking a moment to compose himself and think. As he did so, he took a look around the chamber, his eyes scanning around til they fell on Ticoga once again. He noticed something he’d missed before: A familiar symbol etched on his battle jacket. It was the emblem of the World Trade Fleet.
It felt like icy daggers had punched into his innards. He realised he’d walked straight back into the arms of the Fleet, who’d forced him into exile at the fringes of the galaxy in the first place. Thinking quickly, he flitted his gaze away from the symbol, not wanting to make it too obvious. They hadn’t recognised him yet, and he might be able to maintain that long enough to make his getaway. He forced himself back to a place of relative calm, deciding an approach of neglected truths might be the least suspicious way forward.
“Well,” he started. “I’ve been away from the core regions for many years now. Pursuing some rather unique business opportunities on the galactic fringe.” It wasn’t entirely untrue, though he omitted the exact nature of how he came to be there or what those business opportunities were.
“My ship ran into some trouble and was, unfortunately, destroyed in a nearby asteroid field. Being Arcosian, I survived and managed to salvage a pod. Unfortunately, it wasn’t loaded with any navigational charts. As such, I’m rather lost as to my present location and the state of galactic affairs.” He searched around the room with his eyes, not entirely sure where to begin.
“So I suppose I will start with a fairly general question. I’ve been away about twenty years. What have I missed in all that time? Did the Lords of Arcose finally convince the Fleet to destroy the Saiyans? I know they’d been talking up that idea when I left.”
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Post by Ticoga on Oct 2, 2020 19:51:38 GMT -6
Ticoga notices Hyoga's gaze rest on him for a moment, only to quickly snap away. Rather than address it, the crimson Arcosian chooses to ignore it.
"Away for twenty years... yes, I can see how you would want updating. I assume you must have lost contact, or contact was sparse, in these recent years." Ticoga replies, considering the question at hand, "The answer to that particular detail, is both yes and no."
Ticoga seems to mull something over for a brief moment before continuing.
"The World Trade Fleet indeed attacked, and successfully sacked Planet Vegeta." he tells Hyoga. "The Saiyan King fell, and the Saiyan army was routed. Those that could still fight, fled the planet to a world called Earth, where the Fleet followed and summarily attacked that world as well, though I was not present for the latter battle."
Ticoga again places his hands behind his back.
"To make a long story short - the World Trade Fleet folded in on itself. Perhaps it was a lack of external enemies, perhaps it was blatant stupidity. But in the end, the leaders of the World Trade Fleet turned on one another, and infighting began. Betrayal had become strategy." Ticoga explains. "Everyone with a decent battle power thought themselves worthy of taking charge; would-be Emperors, Generals, Commanders of all sorts. And while they fought amongst themselves, the Saiyans recovered. Under the leadership of Queen Kayen, I presume, the Saiyans brought the fight back to the Fleet, and ultimately defeated it."
Ticoga lets that sink in for a moment.
"The World Trade Fleet is no more. Defeated and humbled by their hated foe." Ticoga says with finality. "Now, what vestiges of the Fleet still exist, are scattered as the Saiyans were once scattered. Each, no doubt, believes themselves the rightful rulers. Arcose itself suffered the near annihilation of the Noble Clans as well."
Ticoga smiles.
"Erstwhile, I, a lowly slave of a disgraced Clan whose name has been stricken from all record, stand as a slave no longer." Ticoga tells Hyoga with some pride. "I have renounced Arcose and its society, renounced the old World Trade Fleet and its infighting, and currently serve the Queen of the Saiyans herself, directly."
Ticoga's eyes narrow slightly.
"I hope that answer satisfied your curiosity. Have you another question, Mister Hyoga?" Ticoga asks, still smiling.
Hyoga |
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Hyoga
Newcomer
PL: 19,250
Brute Form (x2P) Monster Form (x4P) True Form (x6P)
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Post by Hyoga on Oct 2, 2020 20:57:10 GMT -6
Hyoga listened intently as Ticoga answered his question. It turned out to be quite an answer. He unfolded a story that began with the conquest of Vegeta and the scattering of the Saiyans, yet somehow came full circle to see the Fleet dismantled and the Arcosian nobility decimated. He felt a mix of thoughts and feelings churning as the information was fed to him.
On the one hand, there was relief that the Fleet could never again pursue him. On the other hand, disbelief that Arcose and all its wealth and power had been felled by the Saiyans, who had surrendered much of their former empire to become insular and vulnerable last he'd heard.
His own family - father and siblings alike - were probably dead; the society they were once a part of irrevocably changed. Yet that didn't bother him as much as someone might have expected. He'd never been terribly attached to anything about the homeworld or his kin. Yet still, somehow, the realisation left a hollow feeling.
As he digested this world-changing series of events, a lingering doubt came over him. Was Ticoga lying to him? Was this some kind of trap? He said he'd thrown his lot in with the Saiyans, escaping slavery. Yet he still bore the insignia of the Fleet. It was difficult to accept such a tale readily. He had to be sure, he needed more information. More details, then perhaps it would be easier to discern the truth if it all.
"Quite the tale," He finally said. "But I do indeed have more questions. Questions raised by these revelations you've presented me with." He stroked his chin for a moment, considering his words carefully.
"I'm surprised to hear that the Saiyans managed to best the Fleet after suffering such a blow," he began. "When I left they were a decaying power in the galaxy. Innately powerful as a species, but not on par with our own kind. Add to that their total lack of an empire or allies and I find it somewhat difficult to accept." Hyoga began to pace a little as he turned it over in his head. "How did the Saiyans manage to turn the tables? What power did they possess that allowed this to happen?" He ceased his pacing for a moment, eyeing Ticoga again.
"You said the Fleet and the Arcosian nobility was decimated. And while I can certainly believe they fell to infighting, they must have suffered some great defeats for things to reach that point. The Directors were amongst the strongest beings in the known galaxy. How could they be defeated?" He returned to his pacing, laying out his final thoughts before giving Ticoga a chance to respond.
"I had no love for the Fleet or our stuffy, antiquated society," he said, almost spitting out the words with visible contempt. "Yet I find it interesting you'd choose to throw in your lot with the Saiyans after all they've apparently done, serving this… ‘Queen Kayen’. Particularly since you wear that badge." He pointed to the emblem on Ticoga's breastplate. "I don’t mean to be distrustful, but you can understand how I’d require a little more information to accept what you’ve told me, yes?”
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Post by Ticoga on Oct 2, 2020 23:54:07 GMT -6
Hyoga's reaction was interesting, and his disbelief typical of their shared people. Hubris that they were untouchable, that they were the supreme race in the universe, that no power could conceivably challenge them. Hyoga challenges Ticoga's words, pointing out the Fleet symbol emblazoned on his armor. Ticoga smiles and closes his eyes for a moment, and then opens them, smiling at the fellow Arcosian.
"Belief and opinion have little to do with fact, Mister Hyoga. The truth does not require your acceptance, it simply is truth." Ticoga counters calmly. "But I don't believe you to be ignorant. Not completely. The Saiyans, as it turns out, have begun to dig quite deep into their heritage."
Ticoga shrugs briefly.
"Two hundred years ago, the Saiyans surpassed our people, just as they had two thousand years before that." Ticoga continues in a matter of fact tone. "The fact of the matter is that we were led to believe that the Directors were the mightiest - but this turned out to be quite untrue. When the Super Saiyans stood up from the ruins we left behind, we were naturally unprepared. That hubris is the legacy of our people. The Saiyans simply did what comes naturally to their species - they adapted, and grew."
Ticoga turns away from Hyoga, and stares out the giant viewport.
"I personally do not believe in any race's claim to be the mightiest in the universe, much less the Saiyans and their claims, nor the claims of our own people." Ticoga muses. "There is no such thing as a supremely powerful race. There are, however, supremely powerful individuals. Queen Kayen herself is one such Super Saiyan; she showed me the power first hand."
Ticoga turns back to Hyoga.
"As I said before, I am a slave; a weapon - Fleet, or Kingdom, the only thing about that truth that has changed are the hands that command my efforts." Ticoga continues. He looks down at the symbol and grins. "I continue to wear this symbol for several reasons - to mock the Fleet first and foremost. With the World Trade Fleet's defeat, all that they possessed is gone; I find it poetic that the last vestige of the Fleet is a slave who renounced them, who renounced the Arcose Nobility. I wear this symbol to remind myself what I rose above, when all else fell."
Ticoga looks at Hyoga proudly.
"I serve Queen Kayen, simply because I choose to do so. I am a weapon, a slave, and yet, I am in my own way more free than any other." Ticoga smiles broadly, though it appears sinister. "I have no love for the Saiyans, I have no love for the Arcosians; I no longer view the universe in terms of racial prejudices. If someone is worthy of my respect, they deserve my power. Queen Kayen deserves my power, and as a slave to my destiny as a weapon, that is just fine. Perhaps someone more worthy will appear, and I will serve them."
Ticoga's expression softens.
"Until the day comes that my power surpasses my masters, be they Saiyans, Arcosians, or otherwise, I will always be serving the will of those with more power. If I possess any freedom, it is the freedom to serve whom I choose." Ticoga finishes. "The Fleet fell, because it deserved to fall under the weight of its own failure - and those who fought for authority they did not earn, also deserved their fates. Yes, truth is truth, no matter how you or I perceive it."
Ticoga sighs.
"I went off on a tangent." he admits ruefully. "I doubt I even answered your question through all of that."
Hyoga
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Hyoga
Newcomer
PL: 19,250
Brute Form (x2P) Monster Form (x4P) True Form (x6P)
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Post by Hyoga on Oct 3, 2020 12:04:09 GMT -6
Ticoga's explanation filled in some gaps, to be sure. Hyoga was gratified at least to have some confirmation that he wasn't being lured into some sort of Fleet trap. He wondered if perhaps he was growing too suspicious as he aged. Regardless, Ticoga seemed earnest as his guard came down and his true emotions began to show through.
He had an unusual perspective to be sure, but Hyoga certainly found some common ground in their viewpoints. He was beginning to feel a little more at ease with his fellow Arcosian now, as he admitted his tangent.
"So the stories of the Super Saiyans were not merely myths," He mused aloud. He'd heard the tales of course, but there'd never been any tangible proof in his lifetime. "I'd be curious to know how they unlocked such powers. Saiyans must respond well to adversity." He took a deep breath, scrutinising his host once again.
"Well, it seems I'll have to figure out how to reach the same heights. It just wouldn't do for a pirate; to be so comparatively weak. Nobody would take me seriously…" He nodded to Ticoga. "You've apparently surpassed many of our race's renowned fighters yourself. Perhaps we all have the potential to become supremely powerful. It's just a matter of determining how best to accomplish that." Hyoga had an air of positivity about him now. He was beginning to see a little light in the situation.
"I share your belief that no race is supreme. No species innately has the right to rule. In fact, I'm not much into the idea of conquest at all. It's a part of the reason I left," he said, telling another partial truth. "Don't mistake my words. At the time I left, the Saiyans were the weaker ones. Our people were always blessed with naturally high battle power. But perhaps that was a curse, the root of their arrogance." Hyoga began to pace again, back and forth in front of Ticoga.
"I'm glad to hear you denounce the Fleet, since they were enemies of mine once." Again he hinted at the truth. "But I'm all about freedom. All your talk of servitude doesn't sit right with me. In fact," He stopped pacing and turned to face Ticoga, leveling a finger in his direction. "You're selling yourself short as I see it. You've got the potential to be more than a weapon. There's a lot more to the universe than just power. It's a tool we use, to be sure. But what's it worth without a purpose?" He gave Ticoga a sidelong glance, before stepping back dramatically.
"The galaxy is full of things to do!" He said, spreading his arms wide to emphasise the scope of his point. "There's entertainments and luxuries from countless cultures to experience! Innumerable stars to visit, spatial anomalies to see... Oh, the things our people have been missing out on," he said with a wistful tone, lowering his arms and taking on a sober expression. He leaned closer to Ticoga, speaking in a more hushed voice.
"Isn't there something more to your life than playing this role? Are you really content to be a tool for somebody else's purpose?"
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Post by Ticoga on Oct 4, 2020 22:44:38 GMT -6
Ticoga smiles at the other Arcosian's words and display.
"I accept my current place - but I did not say I intended to remain this way." Ticoga replies after listening to all Hyoga had to say. "I share your belief that power is a means, and not an end. That said..."
Ticoga looks back through the viewport.
"It is my intention to wash away the shameful history that is the World Trade Fleet. And, eventually, Arcose and its insufferable society." Ticoga grins. "The longer I play the role as a tool for another's advancement, the sharper my edge grows and more efficient I become. What better way to forge oneself, than in the forge of titans?"
Ticoga turns back to Hyoga.
"My life has always been servitude - to the Fleet, to the Arcosian Nobility, and now to the new galactic rulers." Ticoga repeats. "But, like you, even my new lords have shared the opinion that I should break my shackles and aim for a personal goal. And I have slowly begun to form something, though I have much more time to consider my options."
Ticoga closes his eyes briefly.
"But I have no interest in joining the galactic game for dominance - instead, I hope to one day take advantage of those who do hunger for power." Ticoga opens his eyes. "I have encountered a number of titanic individuals already, and each that I took an interest in, took an interest in me in turn. I plan to use that for an eventual business venture of my own. Harken back to older, simpler days before the old Arcosian Empire, and before the foolish infighting and posturing of the World Trade Fleet."
Ticoga takes a step towards the viewport, grinning.
"Power... is indeed only a means to an end, and my intent... my ambition... will bring me beyond the reach of this one galaxy. Beyond the Saiyans, and beyond the Arcosians." Ticoga says, eagerness he'd not felt until now, until he'd put his thoughts into words, began to come forth. "Why be restricted to one place in the cosmos, when there is an entire universe to explore..? Why create a feeble, temporary government, when I can build a universe spanning business that will never fade?"
Ticoga looks back at Hyoga.
"Money makes the universe turn, so to speak. And the universe, so vast, is an endless source of business opportunities." Ticoga continues. "I needn't stop at enjoying what one galaxy has to offer for entertainment, for enjoyment, when I can experience a universe of possibilities, and make money doing it."
He smirks maliciously.
"Why conquer worlds that you then have to defend and waste resources on, when you can find and sell planets to eager colonizers?" Ticoga says, still eager. "I will tolerate my servitude now, so that my exploration and exploitation of the rest of the universe can offer my freedom with so much sweeter an experience. That... that is freedom. The universe beyond, and its riches... A Force to conquer, buy, and sell the universe itself. Kingdoms, Empires, and Alliances will rise and fall, but there will always be a need for new land - and money to acquire for it."
Hyoga
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Hyoga
Newcomer
PL: 19,250
Brute Form (x2P) Monster Form (x4P) True Form (x6P)
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Post by Hyoga on Oct 8, 2020 16:37:22 GMT -6
Hyoga listened to the response with some interest. It seemed he was not as submissive as he’d first appeared. He found himself agreeing with the Arcosian captain’s sentiments on the foolishness of trying to dominate the galaxy as the Saiyans and Arcosians at large so often were. It didn’t seem to be yielding any meaningful results. Instead, everything simply changed hands - power, control, strength - it was all transitory in the end.
He didn’t have long to contemplate that as Ticoga moved on to the subject of his own ambitions. He dreamed of money, exploration; things that Hyoga could definitely get behind. He wanted to get back into the planet-selling game it seemed, on an extragalactic scale. The exact nature of his business plan wasn’t necessarily one he’d invest in, but he admired the ambition and the attitude behind it. He felt a smile creep across his face, unbidden. Finally, an Arcosian with his priorities straight.
“The World Trade Fleet had a similar plan originally as I recall; selling planets and the like. They got it twisted up in Arcosian politics pretty quickly, though. I wish you luck on that front.” He chuckled briefly. “Still, it really is very nice to find an Arcosian who isn’t consumed with heritage, influence and all that blue-blooded pretention. You get it: Money is the universal language, and it can open any door if you push enough of it in front of you.” Hyoga found himself inadvertently clenching his fist, the excitement getting to him a little.
“I understand your plan: keep a low profile til you’re in a better position. Makes sense,” he said, relaxing a little. “But an operation like that isn’t going to be cheap. You’re going to need a looot of startup capital.” He sucked in a breath as he said that, emphasising the sheer expense Ticoga had ahead of him. He idly dusted off his bracer as he moved back into negotiating mode. “So, if you’d indulge me, we can discuss that business proposition I mentioned.” He took a brief pause, considering his options for a moment. Against his better judgement, and the World trade Fleet badge he wore, he found himself taking a liking to Ticoga. Trusting him might just be worth the risk.
“I wasn’t lying when I said I was a pirate, nor when I told you about what happened to my ship. One detail I did not include initially, however, was that there were other incomplete pods on my ship. When the situation started looking bad, I loaded what loot I could into the rest and buried them along my route out of the asteroid field to here, where you found me.” He decided to keep the exact number of pods unspoken for the moment, in case Ticoga still turned out to be an enemy.
“The contents are varied, from luxury goods to tech. I’m sure we could find a buyer for the lot on Knutts or Raiti-Zacro and I’d be more than willing to split the payment 50/50. It’s not going to buy you a new mothership or anything, but it’d be a good startup. And who knows?” He gave another smile. “This could be the beginning of a lucrative business relationship.”
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