A Sudden Turn of Events
#1 of From The Sky
A young man stumbled out to the sidewalk and sat on a curb. His bed the previous night, a piece of cardboard under a bridge, was just a little better than what he was used to. Even though he had no home, he was still informed through his connections and the panic that was steadily increasing. Spaceships, presumably armed to the teeth, were on a direct course and would arrive no later than a week from today. Grocery stores were emptied, many people quit their jobs and stole guns and supplies, others simply gave up and waited for doom.
What did the young man care? He hasn't felt the warmth of someone who cared, bathed, or even eaten fresh food in over a year. If aliens wanted to wipe out all of life, then more power to them. All he would do is wait for someone to drop some food, maybe some liquor, and then let the aliens do what they want. It wasn't all doom and gloom though, even the most uptight and reserved people were scrambling about and stealing anything of value. Some still hoarded jewelry, but most stuck to stealing things like weapons and barricade material. All because of some stars in the daylight.
But the amusing sight wouldn't last long today. Some of the stars turned red, and the panic in the streets stopped. Everyone focused on the sky, curious and frightened. Their fears came true when the red dots grew larger and soon a piercing whistle echoed from every direction. Those that scrambled for shelter didn't know where to go now, if these aliens could attack before even getting close then what use is a shelter?
A loud boom followed by a shockwave knocked everyone down, including the young man. When they were able to look up, massive metal spaceships were hovering in the sky. Then dragons poured out. He wanted to rationalize it, the fight or fight reflex was kicking into overdrive, but he couldn't. His heart raced as the mighty creatures roared out and swooped down at the people. They were about as long as an articulated bus and came in all colors.
One in particular landed on the road and swiped at a group of people before spitting fire into the sky. A smaller dragon person was riding on the large creature. They wore metal armor with black trim and carried a long, complicated spear.
The dragon's eye was at the young man's level as it stared down several police officers that happened to be in the area, and that's when he snapped. He punched the dragon's eye, sending it reeling. When it flailed it's massive claw, he dove out of the way just in time and rolled to his feet, though still in a crouched position. He didn't know why, but his body knew just how to roll to avoid pain. He turned his head as the dragon's fire was released towards the officers and saw the butt of that complicated spear a second before it crashed into his forehead.
The pain radiated for a bit, then he opened his eyes, wondering when the sharp end was coming. Instead, he was in a dark room with a single light hidden behind a clear panel in a ceiling. The dragon person that hit him was standing in a corner with their arms crossed, "About time." A gravelly voice, but feminine. When it took off its helmet, the young man was still unsure about the gender. Faded green scales, two lines of short tan horns ran along the edges of the top of it's head, but the red eyes stood out the most. The dragon's face had a snout, but it was stunted and not too long. Overal, the dragon was at least seven feet tall, "I am Grand Inquisitor Mirabelle. You, an unarmed human, struck my mount. Why?"
The young man's head was still in a swirl, "No idea."
"You attack something that large on a whim? What kind of madman are you?"
"I'm not mad. Not yet. Just wondering when you're gonna kill me."
She grumbled, "How did you know I wouldn't kill you on the spot?"
"Didn't think that far ahead, though I was pretty sure you planned on killing all of us there."
She stepped forward and leaned over the table that he suddenly noticed. The bump on his head must have been worse than he thought, "You know nothing about us, do you human?"
"You have dragons and spaceships. That's about it."
"Blunt and honest? But dumb all the same." She paced back and forth, "However, you showed a bravery I haven't seen in some time. A citizen striking something that could eat you as a snack. I don't know what to do with you." She paused, "Tell me your name."
He couldn't remember his name. It had only been a year, but it was a rough one and having a name was nothing more than a luxury, "I might as well be dead, so call me a ghost."
"Fine, Ghost. I have a proposal, if you're interested." It wasn't an 'if' scenario, "You join us as a guide of sorts, and in time you will be granted citizenship and freedom. Until then, you have to follow my orders." Ghost shook his head, sighed, then nodded, "Very good. You will be provided a room and proper attire. Do you have any questions?"
"Considering humanity has done nothing but make my life a living hell time and time again, I don't have many objections to dragons yet. So no, I don't have questions."
"Not even curious about the language. Interesting." She touched a tile on the wall, "Collar." A wall opened and another dragon person brought in a metal collar, "Just in case you defy my orders." Mirabelle casually walked over and snapped it around Ghost's neck.
"So what now? I'm your pet?"
She smirked, "Something like that. Now stand and follow. I wouldn't defy me, that collar isn't for show."
"Lady, I've been beaten to within an inch of my life, I've gone for a week without so much as a scrap of food, and I've lived through the worst winter in fifty years. A shock collar won't hurt me that much."
Mirabelle glared, "A homeless rat eh? Grooming will be necessary before I can use you. Follow." Dark corridors lit up by bars of neon blue lights at the corners really drove the point home that this was where interrogation rooms were located. Mirabelle stepped inside a perfectly hidden elevator, leading Ghost to think that dragons may have night vision. Or really good memory.
She was quiet during the rapid ascent, "Where am I?"
"This is Protheus. One of several bases we have established on your planet. It will be our base of operations and your home from this point onwards. As our original attacks eliminated the primarthreat of military retaliation, it will serve a mostly administrative purpose."
Ghost waited for the doors to open, but in spite of the speed of the elevator, they were still going. Protheus must be massive, "Why do you need a guide? Can't you just fly around, kidnap a politician or something? I'm just a bum."
"I have explained myself briefly, but perhaps a further explaination is necessary. We do not care for political leaders and those in power. They will lie to save themselves while attacking their own enemies in the process. Some believe we will give them power and leave their planet, making them kings and queens. But, someone like yourself has no reason to lie, no reason to doom countries, no reason to advance your own position. You are unique in that you understand the true order of things, and by rewarding your service, you will likely remain honest."
Ghost's stomach growled, "I want to poke holes in that idea, but you're the one with the fangs."
"Are you hungry?"
"I haven't eaten anything but trash for three days, so yeah, I am."
"Very well. I will see to it that food is prepared while you are groomed. I won't have you starve under my command."
"Kind of you, seeing as how I don't really have a say here."
Mirabelle shut her eyes slowly, as though she was trying to calm herself, "I don't wish unnecessary pain upon any species. Starvation is a great pain, and I truly feel you will be an asset here." The doors opened and she walked out. Ghost kept close, a little delirious and worse for wear. Down a few brightly lit halls, past countless doors, and they ended up in what appeared to be a salon of sorts, "Marqu."
"Ah, Grand Inquisitor. How may I help you?"
"This human needs to be groomed and clothed."
"Right, right, never worked on a human before. Let's take a peek." He was about an average human's height, and about the same build as well. Mirabelle was probably just really tall, "Dirty all over, messy hair, unkempt facial hair, nails, teeth... you're a right mess."
"Short hair on top, remove the facial hair, and you know how to handle the rest. I will go and get him some food. Take your time." Mirabelle left the salon as Marqu gently pushed Ghost to a chair.
He took another look to measure his task in his own mind, "Mirabelle is a good woman, too good for that piece of garbage rich kid she's married to." He grabbed a pair of scissors and started cutting. His speed and accuracy led Ghost to believe that he was a master, "Lean back, I just cut away some excess."
Ghost wasn't sure he remembered what it was like to get his hair washed, but it was enjoyable enough, "What is her husband like?"
"Ugh, don't get me started. Rumor has it she was forced into the marriage from some sort of back-room deal. He's a real freak too. Not much of a secret about that part though. Hell, Mirabelle was a great soldier, always cheerful and friendly. Until that bastard... bah! I don't want to get all bothered by that. Tell me human, why are you such a mess?"
"Homeless."
"Ah, poor dear. Sit up." Maybe it was the lack of nutrition, but apparently the hair washing and shave was complete and Ghost didn't realize, "I hear that sort of tale all the time. Let me guess, they picked you up knowing you'd be grateful for a warm meal and a roof over your head?"
Ghost wasn't entirely sure how to respond, but honesty was working so far, "I punched Mirabelle's dragon in the eye..." Marqu burst out laughing, "Something funny?"
"You sound like the person she'd pick up all right!" He smeared some lather on Ghost's face, "Hell, at least you're interesting. Most slobs that are picked up were just begging for their lives. Mirabelle is really earning that promotion."
"How do you know how to cut hair? None of you dragon people have hair. Or beards."
Marqu shrugged, "This ain't our first invasion kiddo. I get a lot of practice." He looked at Ghost's face a few times, "Alright, get in the shower and follow the instructions. You know, arms up, turn, that sort of thing." Ghost stumbled up from his chair and into a white vertical tube, "Come on, don't be afraid. I'll look away if you're shy."
Ghost stripped down and stepped inside. A monitor not only display directions in English, but even had a generic body model to show what to do. Bursts of hot water and soap would shoot out, and within a few minutes he was completely cleaned. It was strange, but effective. A robe decended from the ceiling, but Ghost didn't need instructions for that.
"Good, good. Let me get a few..." Marqu measured a few spots on Ghost's body, "Good. Sit back down, we're going to fix up those teeth and nails."
"What am I expected to do?"
"Well, open your mouth first," He shined a warm light into Ghost's mouth, "Mostly a culture guide, some gestures, landmarks, like an interpreter I would say. Hands on the rests and feet on the stool."
Interpreting wouldn't be difficult for Ghost. He knew more about the city and the surrounding areas than most people did, and though he didn't want to admit it, he didn't stay a nice guy for long. Those that lived in the shadows and spent more time in the underground than in civilization feared him for his rash behavior and ruthless tactics, "That sounds easy enough."
"Already have experience then?"
Honesty would have to wait, "I know the big picture and the small details." Marqu looked curious, but thought better about asking questions, "Smart man."
"What was that?"
Ghost may have said too much, but Marqu already had some idea, "Between you and me, being homeless and being naive are two different things. You get tough and smart or you get dead."
"Doesn't leave the room champ." Mirabelle entered the salon, "Oh look, and I'm just about done here."
"Local meat and vegetables. This should be plenty." She set a circular plate on a nearby counter, "After you eat, I will show you to your living space and inform you of your duties here."
It was more food than he was used to eating, but he wasn't going to complain now, "I'm just gonna be telling you stuff about this place, it's not that hard." He grabbed the plate and began eating with his newly cleaned hands, "The way you sound, it's like I need to be a scientist."
"I will wake you at dawn. You are expected to be dressed and ready within ten minutes of waking. At the end of each day you will be paid in our currency, the amount will vary but will always be generous. You will have two days of rest, a 'weekend' in your vernacular. During those days, you will also have a period of time in which you can roam freely. Your pay can also be spent in the various stores in Protheus, implants are always popular."
A ding echoed from somewhere in the salon and Marqu stood up and walked to it, "So where will I be able to get more food?"
"A meal will arrive at your room for dinner, and twice during your time of work. During your time off, three meals will be delivered." Marqu returned with a robe. A deep purple with red lining on the wrists and neck. There was even a hood attached, "That will be your uniform, you must wear it at all times. The shoes are temporary, you may buy your own later."
Ghost finished up just as Mirabelle's patience waned, "I'm moving I'm moving." He took the clothing and followed her down various halls and staircases, and for a moment he thought about how easy it would be to get permanently lost in the mess, "Room 134-254-23. Cozy name."
The door opened. Inside was nothing more than a cube. One corner had a tiny bathroom with a door, the bed was in another, a table with two chairs in the third, and a desk in the fourth. Simple and effective, "Get some rest Ghost, I'll need you awake and ready to function tomorrow morning." She saluted, "Welcome aboard."
"Sorry, I don't have the energy to really be happy. My life hasn't been that good."
She nodded, and if Marqu was right, it was possible that she understood his suffering to a degree. Ghost felt a bit of a connection to this dragon lady, but all the same she could have entered into her suffering willingly, "That is quite alright, you don't have to speak of the horrors you've seen. I won't ask that of you."
He nodded in return, "I appreciate it."