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better.","count":"12","submission_right_submission_id":"2224597","submission_right_file_name":"3233153_Caligon_life_in_beta_testing_ch.9.doc","submission_right_thumbnail_url_huge":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/3233/3233153_Caligon_life_in_beta_testing_ch.9.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_large":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/3233/3233153_Caligon_life_in_beta_testing_ch.9.jpg","submission_right_thumbnail_url_medium":"https://nl.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/3233/3233153_Caligon_life_in_beta_testing_ch.9.jpg","submission_right_thumb_huge_x":"300","submission_right_thumb_huge_y":"300","submission_right_thumb_large_x":"200","submission_right_thumb_large_y":"200","submission_right_thumb_medium_x":"120","submission_right_thumb_medium_y":"120"}],"description":"aaaand next one! this chapter is the longest so far. i couldnt help it, but hope it worked out well! i would have the choice to take a break here, but i wont! this story ... its my return to form. i will finish it. \njust the few followers i gained so far already showed me just how much i have been missing this work.\n\nthanks to everyone who bothers with my chapters!~","description_bbcode_parsed":"aaaand next one! this chapter is the longest so far. i couldnt help it, but hope it worked out well! i would have the choice to take a break here, but i wont! this story ... its my return to form. i will finish it.
just the few followers i gained so far already showed me just how much i have been missing this work.

thanks to everyone who bothers with my chapters!~","writing":"“Life” in beta testing.\n\nChapter 4\n\nIt was a bit of a realization for me to see how gladly Tarry was spending time with me. Games, music or just chatting. The fox really started to respect me a lot more after that encounter in the town.\n“Hey, Percy? Ya gotta upgrade my stuff once you get the hang of things that could become useful for me.” he said in a teasing fashion.\nI just scoffed at the demand, cocking a brow at the sniper as I replied: “I need to get rid of this collar first. But I gonna see what I can do.”\nWe really got along very well. I began to feel like I was not just a burden to these guys.\n\nEventually though, my clothes problem had to be addressed. So far, I just used the showers to wash out these clothes I have and blow-dry it after. Not exactly the best way to go about it. Once back in my room, I began to screw around on the scraps and machinery. I could be glad to have this screwdriver. It has many functions that made the need for more tools near none-existent. Of course, there still were some things I couldn't do. Specifically welding and such.\nShortly after I began working on my idea, Jey and Rorik returned from their mission. Unharmed by the looks of it. Tarry gave them a bit of a update on what happened. Though I caught him twisting the events a little. I didn't single singlehandedly defend myself with just a screwdriver! Of course, I corrected his attempt to make me look better than I was. Nice gesture, but I rather be honest with these guys.\nOnce we got back into space, I focused right back on my work! And this would be the last event worth mentioning for a good bit.\n\nOver the following week, we made stops at various space-stations and planets. Primarily just to relax and have a good time though. Well, that's what they did. I rarely joined them, preferring to work on my tech. Sure enough, while we had stopped by a space station around some random desert-planet, I was finally done with my idea! Of course, it took a few failed attempts, but eventually, my “clothing-replicator” was done! … Its not a invention of mine. Many clothes get mass-produced this way. You simply let the thing scan in a piece of clothing, give it the materials and it will replicate copies of it near perfectly! … With the options to change color and materials used.\nAt first, I used materials that ended up looking the same as my current clothes, making it look the exact same as before. It took me, pointing it out, for Jey and Tarry to even realize what I did. Though they didn't quite buy it and told me to change it up. … I know these were revealing, but at least I had more than just one boxers and shirt! Though I did give in and … made a mistake that I didn't realize for a good while. I used white materials to make a white version of my outfit. Though when I wore that into the kitchen for lunch that day, Jey just straight up spit her coffee all over the table in surprise. Tarry hardly keeping his laughter back as I just starred at them.\n“... What?” I asked, mildly displeased by their reactions.\nCleaning up the coffee, Jey replied as the Fox was too busy containing himself: “Dude, … white? … Really? Percy! Your fur is fucking white! … You look like you are naked! … Just … without fur.”\nI blinked in mild shock, finally realizing my mistake. … She was right and just when Tarry failed to contain himself and laughed out, I just grumbled and moved over to the table to take care of lunch first. \n\nThough the fox, as much as I liked Tarry, was testing my patience. Midway through my lunch, I picked my plate and headed out through the door.\n“You know, I may just focus on finding only clothes that sit this tight, just to fuck with you guys...” I said as a sort of threat. Really, I didn't care about how tight these clothes were. They didn't have THAT kind of interest in me, yet it clearly worked in a … perhaps useful way. I probably was going to have myself some proper pants and stuff soon, but I can still get a bit of revenge on them for teasing, cant I?\n\nOn one of the shopping trips, I did indeed pick up some more average shorts. … Nothing else, though. I primarily wore these when going out of the ship, rather than when I stay on it. Jay also got me a mechanic-belt. Used for tools and all that. Though my next real priority was the collar, I still took breaks from trying to figure the damn thing out. It was very complicated to deal with, since I needed a mirror, as well as had to mirror my movement because of it, as well as examine the thing in that unusual fashion. Instead of doing that forever, I fiddled around with the shield generator some for the time being! Getting more and more into things again, my understanding of the generator was increasing way faster than anything before it! Soon, I decided to improve it. Though this would take a notably longer time. It was yet another step of learning, which was very good for my progress. Normal portable shield-generators were not suited to handle more than energy based dangers. Solid weaponry would quickly break it. The bubble shape also made it bad for close combat. Imagine a rubber ball surrounding you. Not very useful for attacking or defending against a enemy, is it?\n\nAs I kept working on it, we approached another desert-planet. I was wondering why we were landing somewhere in the middle of nowhere though. But I should find out soon enough, since Jey called us all together in the gathering-room.\n“Listen up, we got another job. This time, its about eliminating some bandit leader. We need to be stealthy, so I will pick Tarry to come along with me and keep an eye out for possible dangers, while I try to sneak in and get rid of their leader. Its a safe distance away, so our ship should be fine. More than two is gonna be hard to keep track of and draws attention more easily. Rorik? Protect the ship. Percy? … Well, just stay here. And get along!” she explained thoroughly, after which Tarry salutes again, but more serious this time around and headed for his room to get ready.\nI briefly peaked over to Rorick, who just gave me a displeased eye-roll before heading to the big screen and activating the radar. Having no real choice, I just accepted it and once the two headed out, I was left alone with the guy who couldn't stand being around me.\n\nOf course, there was nothing to do about it. Rorick went out, setting up some defenses and even placed a few remote controlled detonators. Me on the other hand? I didn't bother watching for long. Soon I returned to work on the shield generator. Not long after, I found out just how much potential this thing could have...\nTrying this and that, I soon added a second layer of shields! But then the many options grew too much and I decided to think about what to do with this later. There was another piece of technology I wanted to work on... a very personal one. My Prosthetic.\nTo understand me with this one, let me explain these. If a person needs a prosthetic, because a limb has gone missing for one reason or another, or some crazy people who simply prefer a replacement over the real deal, they get one of these machines installed on the end of their stump. These devices project solid energy fields that replace the missing limb near perfectly, better than any entirely mechanical appendage ever could.\nNow, USUALLY, said devices come with a multitude of configurations! The chips installed offer alternatives to just a arm. Depending on the person in question, they vary greatly. Some have sharp weaponry configurations of all kinds! Others have utility, like tools. You may wonder: “But this must take a lot of energy from somewhere!” That is … a half true assumption. The energy storage is small, but effective. It stores plenty of energy to form whatever configuration you go for multiple times. As it is in use, hardly any energy gets used up in the process. Though there is a inherent energy production too.\n\nNot only body-heat helps with it. No, the ends of your limb's blood circulation is integrated into tubes that lead through the device. Your very own heart-beat sets some nano-tech in motion that gradually generates energy constantly. Excess is simply used up by wasting it.\nAnyway, all that stuff that probably no one really cares about aside: my case is different. Of course, those monsters couldn't let me have access to tools that could hurt them, the facility or myself. So they made sure to block every configuration other than the standard arm setting. … Blocking is not removing however.\nWith a bit of fiddling, I should find out what chip I have, and reactivate the other functions! Perhaps I could even learn how to program some myself in the process.\n\nSitting in the gathering-room, I went right to it. Strange to fiddle with this thing honestly. It was, for all intents and purposes, part of me myself... Since this was a prototype, unlike the other tech I stole, it wasn't the easiest to decipher. You know, I should have stopped there by the looks of it too... \nTrying to connect one of the ship's computers to it and change the coding and programming of the chip that was installed, lead to a short circuit! It sure sent a shock through my arm too, leaving me to gasp in the pain of it. Moments later, I could tell. … I fucked it up! My arm was broken! Technologically at least... On the verge of panicking, I removed the plugs and checked the hardware. In my haste, I may have overlooked something, but there was no visible damage to be seen. Perhaps it was not that badly damaged. Regardless though, my mind was all over the place!\nPutting everything back together, I got up and ran out to the only person that was around. Failing to get my left arm to work again, I just needed a person to … calm me down.\n\nShould have used a mirror or something though... Approaching Rorick, I began calling out for his attention in panic: “Hey! Rorick! Please tell me you know what to do...”\nHe just turned to look at me, visibly confused, but also displeased: “What do you want?” Once I reached him, I stopped. Breath a little heavy. “I … don't know, I tried to unlock some functions for my arm, and now it broke! I cant turn it on again. Are the computers protected? Outdated? What could have caused that reaction?”\nHe raised a brow, quickly loosing patience: “The fuck? Why the hell do you think I give a shit?! Besides, aren't you the oh so clever mechanic here?!”\n“I didn't program or build your guy's computers! I cant know if they have some … protection or defect!” I returned growing notably distressed.\n“Well, bad luck then, eh? Next time, dun mess with stuff that isn't yours!”\nBy now, it was quite obvious that this guy gave no shits about how I felt, what happened to me and so on. Though what really pisses me off, is that made it overly clear, how much he tried to make sure I would not feel at home.\n“Hey, the ship belongs to Jey! By that logic, you shouldn't touch anything on it either!” I said, expressing my anger quite clearly. One emotion I had no trouble conveying. He suddenly bursts out in his own anger too however: “Shut the fuck up! Jey, Tarry and me know one another since before this ship was even fucking built! It is as much mine, as it is theirs! That cant be said about you! A kid, no matter your age, that is hardly competent enough to even get some proper clothes! Throw any of us into a fight! Even if we were outmatched, WE know how to survive, how to make it out. WE know how to fight, how to do our job as god damn mercenaries. YOU though? One fucking blaster bolt and I bet you die from the fucking shock alone! No need to even hit you.”\nWow, that was … a lot of shit from this guy. He didn't know me, what the fuck is wrong with him?!\n“Jey gave me that room! She never told me I HAVE to leave! I am part of you all until I don't want to be anymore!” I returned, “No matter if I am weak, if I may not have combat experience... I am here and I do MY thing.”\n“YOUR thing?! Like taking up the room of a fucking legend that you couldn't hope to dream of getting close to!? Listen here you little shit. If you have to want to leave, then maybe I just gonna give you a reason to! I gonna make your time with us annoying as hell if that means I don't have to see your dumb face anymore! Now fuck off...”\nAll that hate... it made me speechless. I didn't do anything to this guy! But … it wasn't just anger I felt. Also sadness... From the both of us for some reason. Though I didn't let that show.\nWithout any further words, I simply just grumbled and turned, walking back to the ship and into my room.\n\nOver the rest of the day, the words Rorick threw at me rang in my head. While harsh and rude, some of it was not entirely wrong. I was incompetent. … Not just in their field of work! Combat is not something I'm very suited for. But now? … I fucked up my own arm... How competent am I, that the first time my tech matters, I cant deliver? \n… But at the same time. … That means I have to do better! … I have to do better, not just for myself and to fix this Prosthetic, but also to prove that ass of a Hyena wrong.\nThe entire remaining time of the day and even into the night, I fiddled and poked around in that prosthetic. Eventually, after a long time of nothing, I finally found the problem! One of the connections got severed from the short-circuit. Something that was easy to fix! Once done, I also noticed how I tried to connect the computer to the wrong part, leading the device to draw power, rather than to connect to the chip.\nNow that I fixed, and frankly, cleared up that mess of a prototype, it worked again! … And I got to unlock its functions. Turns out it had a few random ones. Nothing specifically specialized. Presumably yet another prototype in form of the chip itself. But one of them was a welder! Perhaps that could be useful.\nThe other two were … rather badly designed tongs and a extendable ruler. … I mean, at least I could control the tongs similar to my hand! Purely with my mind. And they worked, so whatever. \n\nTaking a rest, I was hoping Tarry and Jay would get back soon. In the morning, I just flipped him off from afar with my now repaired arm, before returning to the gathering-room's table and … work on a few ideas I had for the shield generator. Rorick didn't even care that I did that. Guess he didn't want to risk trouble with Jey and Tarry after all. Still, what he said hurt regardless. But instead of having it drag me down, I will use it to motivate me and prove him wrong!\nScrew this collar for now. This shield generator will be my main focus. I will make the most useful shield generator out there! Lemme call it force-field actually. Just sounds better. \n\nMy determination growing stronger than ever, I continued working on the thing. Though as much progress as I made, I eventually just happened to gaze upon the radar. … I realized that Rorik was still working on the setup outside. … That was some horribly ineffective stuff if he takes this long. Or perhaps he was just relying on his own senses. Though when I looked, I saw people approaching. … About a whole squad of unidentified individuals! Now, I may hate him, but this was as much about his safety, as well as my own, so I couldn't just ignore it!\nOnce up and at the ramp of the ramp that lead outside however, I could see he already had manned his turret and was firing away at the distant attackers! It seemed to be raiders or bandits, just like what I would expect from those who Jay and Tarry should be taking care of. Of course, just to be sure, I hid away and watched from cover. Didn't wanna end up making a easy distraction.\nRorick proved his point about experience more than well... He shot a bunch of them, outright blew up those that ran into his traps and stayed in cover from any returned fire. The free open area of the desert left little cover for them. The dust and sand from the explosions was all they had going for them and with the hyena's equipment, he could still see their heat signatures regardless thanks to a specific scope. I didn't know if cloaking devices were a portable thing nowadays, but it certainly came to mind. So to be prepared for everything, I went back inside and grabbed myself a simple energy-bolt handgun to keep on my belt, just in case. Though … my fears were perfectly justified! …While I wasn't in danger, In the distance, from a angle Rorik just cleared and didn't have a need to check anymore, someone popped out from the dunes! Not exactly through cloaking, but just hiding in the hot sand! They were where hidden rather well at first and then pulled out a RPG! A straight up rocket-launcher. Just when the hyena cleared out the rest, he finally noticed the sneaky enemy, just about when they took their shot.\nRorik was quick. He instantly leaped away from the turret, which took the full force of the rocket as the projectile hit right next to it. The explosion dusting up the place and sending off all the surrounding traps Rorik had laid out, as well as blasting him away. Dizzy from the concussion, he was deemed helpless!\n\nThe attacker couldn't take the next shot just yet. They couldn't see Rorik and presumably wanted to steal the ship, so it would be a waste to just send a rocket blindly into the clouds of dust. However, eventually, said dust would clear out, revealing the dizzy mercenary on the ground, just slowly starting to get back up. Now closer to us, the bandit took aim again! He had a target once more and probably wanted revenge for his fallen companions. Rorik was out of options. No guns ready for him to use, no cover to protect him. Nothing that could hope to stop the attacker. … But, I could do something... And it did not take me even a moment of hesitation! Seeing the hopeless situation, I quickly sprinted out down the ramp and over to my companion nearby and just when the next rocket was about to reach him, I blocked the explosion for this hyena. … My improvements were not pointless after all, now where they?! The shield was just barely strong enough to block such a explosion, failing second after impact. But I was fine and so was Rorik. Thinking fast, my right paw already grabbed the gun I picked up earlier and just by memory of their position, I shot into the newly swirled up dust. Be it luck or actual skill, just two quick shots and suddenly a cry of pain could be heard from the distance! Just when the dust settled once again and I saw I hit the guy in the right shoulder, rendering him unable to shot in time, Rorik pretty much ripped the gun out of my hand and took another few shots at them! He didn't miss and just when they tried to take another shot, they got overwhelmed by the barrage of bolts Rorik unloaded onto them. He did not survive it as one hit them right in the face. Finally, the danger was gone.\n\nNow, one could argue: “That was not a necessary kill”, but … I honestly cant blame the hyena for that. He was dazed from the concussion and the stress and fear of death... it was the outcome of a gunfight, there was nothing to be said about it. \nOnce it was over, I took a deep breath, turning to face Rorik, who was panting and kneeling. That explosion took a toll on him. Though just when I wanted to head back to the ship, he grabbed my right arm … awfully gently and shaky...\n“W-wait... a minute...” he began with heavy breaths, and so I did just that, “You … saved me...”\nIt was true, I just did. I saved a guy that would have … probably not done the same judging by his words. Why did I do this? … Well … I guess, even after these years, I still am a good guy in the end, eh? … It doesn't matter if I hate this guy or not. … Leaving him to die would be wrong either way. One cant let their emotions cloud their judgment.\n“... You are a asshole, but still a person. … And no matter what you say, we ARE partners in the end.” I explained to him.\nRorik scoffed, a smile appearing on his face for the first time since I got to meet the guy. “Fucking hell... you are annoying...~” he said, taking yet another deep breath before he finally got back up. Even though he stumbled a little left and right. I couldn't even just watch and had to offer him support. Though he denied it. … Again … awfully politely considering his attitude so far.\n“Watch it, dude. I cant repair living things...” I just commented with a shrug.\n“... Percy … shut up for a second...” Rorik began, though for once, his words didn't seem hateful. It appeared more like he was trying to say something himself and before I knew it, he held out his own paw to mine. “... Thanks. … I mean it! … And I … admit. That was more than impressive, little guy. So take my apology, will ya?”\nI just starred at the offered paw. Was he for real? … Suddenly, he apologizes, just because I bothered to help him? … I didn't believe him, I gotta be honest.\n“... You wanted to get rid of me. … You would not have done the same thing for me if I was in danger! … And now you suddenly want me to buy that you changed your opinion just like that? You fucking hate me, dude!” I said, sighing in frustration and walking past him, “Got to make sure the generator works still...”\n\nHeading back onto the ship, I could tell Rorik was looking after me, but I didn't care. Changing like that, just because I happened to safe him … it was not believable to me.\nThe radar didn't show any further threats. The generator was fine. The energy simply was used up from that blast. Portable shields had nowhere near enough energy to sustain prolonged explosive blasts. The fact I got it to even survive that one was already a impressive feat on my part. But … my heart was racing. … Slowly the situation began to come back to me. … I was in serious fucking danger and … I just ran in! If the tech was defect or delayed for whatever reason … I would have been a bloody paste... Fear, I could still feel it. Even if it was not controlling me, I felt it all hit me at once. For a second, I could feel myself hyperventilating, but … it was fine. I was fine. Leaning back in the chair, I simply took a few breaths, closed my eyes and relaxed...\n\nNot much later, I suddenly heard a certain someone's steps, but he didn't just walk past me. … And then the noise of a lot of metal hitting the table ripped me right out of my relaxation. Rorik … was back. Sitting on the other side of the table. … The table full with devices and scrap that was left from those bandits. He just … starred at me.\nI didn't know what to say and simply starred right back. Gaze growing more and more amused, until he eventually sighed: “Percy, look … I know. … I am sorry, ok? Fucking take as long as you want, but … I was wrong. You proved literally everything I said wrong even. But hear me out, will you?” he asked, looking at me with a much more sincere look. … Would you expect me to not let him just say what he wants to say?\n“... Go ahead I guess.” I replied with a shrug.\n“Ok, look. … I … know I been acting fucking shitty towards you. And it cant be excused either. But I want you to know why. … You heard a few times now that there was a member in our crew before you. His name was Manny. … The guy was a fucking saint... Nicest person in the world, even more than Tarry at the time back then! He distinctively used none-lethal weaponry and always bought all sorts of tech that could protect us, rather than to dispatch of enemies like literally all three of us do. Manny was no technician though. Instead, he was tough too. If someone pissed him off, piece was over! He had a huge ray gun for emergencies, that could outright blow a space ship like ours straight out of the sky! Only one shot in a long time, as the energy required was extreme every time. He of course had your room before … the incident...\nWe were out on a mission. Just some normal shit, no one was expecting anything bad. We were tasked to destroy a rouge space station, that was taken over by some criminals. The thing was mostly fucked already. Me and Manny went in there. … But turns out, this was not as it seemed. It was a trap. And because of MY dismissal of his suspicions of such, we set off the trap, causing the whole place to fall apart and self-destruct! Manny could have easily made it back to the ship, but I couldn't. Because of some ruble, I got stuck! … Instead of leaving me behind though, he came back to safe me. Just when the shutter to the hangar was closing, he forcibly threw me through it just in the last second, trapping himself on the station. With no choice but to make his sacrifice count, Tarry dragged me onto the ship and with some hesitation, Jay got us out of there.”\nHis telling of that story was long, and it gave me MUCH more of a insight, but I could also tell just how rough it was for Rorik to relive the moments through his memory. He even paused for a bit before eventually continuing, voice shaky: “A-Anyway, we … took a long time to recover from that. ...I still see his waving goodbye before the door shut completely... No doubt, I guess I took it the worst. He was like a brother to me! … When Jey brought you on, shield generator on your arm and stuff … it reminded me on him right away, but to be honest … any person would have been some random fuck to me that just tried to replace a person that can never be replaced.”\n\nIt was a rough tale to be sure. … Of course, I had to ask Tarry for if it was all true later, but for now, with how this guy was struggling to hold back his tears … I was willing to believe it. Certainly … I would never match up to someone like that indeed, but I didn't want to either. I wasn't a replacement, nor a hero. “... Rorik, I am not here to replace anyone or anything … except perhaps broken machinery. Fuck, I would never dare to pretend I can come close to … Manny was his name? … I am someone else. … And I just want to help you guys in my ways, with my skills. … But if it really feels like I am trying to replace a person you honor like that, I will gladly ask Jay to find me a peaceful place. … Perhaps even my home-planet if its not too far. And I can even pay you guys for getting me there.”\nRorik then proceeded to shut me up with his hand: “Shut it, Percy. … You can leave if you want, but you wont because of me, you got that!? … Of course you aren't here to replace Manny. I projected, I fucked up. Not you. … And now you saved me like he did. You saved that very same idiot that he gave his life for, so his sacrifice was not for nothing... Do you see why this means more to me than you may think is reasonable?”\nSure enough I began to understand, just nodding affirmatively as he still kept my mouth shut, before he let go of it eventually.\n\nThere was a moment of silence, during which I just looked over the bunch of devices and scrap the hyena gathered up from the battlefield. I could tell Rorik was starring at me, but I wasn't sure what to say. Eventually though, he got up and walked to his room.\nWhile he was gone, I checked out some of the stuff. There sure was a lot to experiment with and learn from, or build things with. Perhaps I could even put together another shield generator so this guy doesn't rely on me like that again.\nSoon after, he returned, standing behind me. “Percy? Do me a favor and lower your head. Don't move if possible.” he said, leaving me wondering what was in his mind. Of course, I didn't trust him very much with how our relation went so far. “What? Why?” was all I replied, looking back at him.\n“Stop questioning me and do it. … I want to help you with something.”\nRolling my eyes, I didn't quite imagine just what he was planning. If I knew, I probably wouldn't have waited a second to comply...\nEither way, I did somewhat reluctantly give in and leaned my head down a bit. I could tell Rorik was messing a bit with my fluff and hair, seeming pushing it away. What I didn't know, was that he had a small bottle with him. Using it, he applied a thin trail of the substance within onto my electrical-collar. Of course, I didn't feel that, so I was still left without any idea.\n“Ok, this may sting a tiiiny bit...” he began, pulling out a lighter, that he used to light a small wooden stick on fire, before leading it against the trail he applies.\nAfter a moment of this, suddenly: a notable crackling of a minor explosion. A sting was sent through my neck indeed, but … it was just a sensation. It made me jump of course, so I was left a little displeased: “Ow, what are you...” Before I could finish though, the hyena grabbed on to the collar and straight up bent it apart, the back of it being cleanly cut by that tiny explosion he caused and moments later, it fell onto the table to the other scrap. … Had Rorik just solved my collar issue?\n\nI was left shocked and surprised. Rubbing my own neck in disbelieve as I looked back at Rorik. For once, a different expression on my face. Genuine surprise. I was free of this annoyance for good!\n“... Did you just...? I been trying since I am with you guy and you just … do this and that's it?!” I asked, unable to believe it.\nThe hyena laughed, cocking a brow at me: “What? Smarts and stuff don't always solve a issue the easy way. High-precision explosives can do wonders, bud. … And before you get any ideas: No … you do not have to repay me. You saved my life, that alone is gonna be hard for me to repay.”\nI just blankly starred at them for a good few second, until I crossed my arms, letting out a amused scoff: “... You got awfully close to making me smile just now...” … That was not a lie, I felt it! … The edges of my maw were probably twitching even now.\n“Hehe, nice! … Dun mind me though, because I need to lay down. My head is killing me after that hit... Keep an eye on the radar and if something shows up, wake me.” Rorik said, before heading off to his room once again. All I did, was watch him leave with a nod in agreement.\n\nI really got the hang of these guys... Ironically, Jey is the one I'm the most distant towards at this point. Maybe on our next stop at a bar, or whatever, I can get to know her some more too. … Then again, I may be a little busy with all the learning and work I bring upon myself...\nSpeaking of the devil though: A call came in through! I flipped up the screen in front of me and answered the call. It was Tarry, seemingly walking next to Jay in the desert: “Oh! Percy! We are on the way back. Hope things are ok over there, but since you are there, I guess it must be.”\n“Uhm, mostly.” was my reply with a straight face.\nSuddenly Jey took over: “Mostly? … What happened?”\nI didn't know how to explain it and just shrugged: “Hard to explain. Come back and you will see.”\nWith that, I ended the call.\n\nAbout an hour or so later, Jey and Tarry got back as I was sitting on the ramp of the ship's entrance, waiting and just screwing on some devices. Of course, they could see the result of the battle earlier. Once at the ship, I put the stuff away I had in my hands, knowing they would be talking to me again. “Damn, seems like you got ambushed quite a lot. … Wait, where is Rorik?” Jey asked, quite understandably worried.\n“He is napping. Had a headache after nearly getting blown up by one of those guys.” I explained to her, leaning back onto my arms.\n“Oh, ok. I was worried for a second. … You should take that more serious, Percy! Hes the one protecting you after all.”\n“... Somewhat true, but I take it serious. I just know he is fine.”\nSuddenly, Tarry interrupted: “Ohhhh! You managed to get rid of that collar! Nice!”\nI felt out my freed neck once more: “Rorik did that actually...”\n“Wait, … you two really need to tell us details. This sounds a little confusing, considering you two can't stand each-other's guts. Anyway. Tarry? Mind getting the broken turret in? Maybe that can be fixed. Time for us to leave this planet.” Jey said, heading inside.\nThe Fox just salutes and gave me a quick pat on the head, before he did what he was told.\n\nHeading inside, I went to my room as well, taking a good portion of the scrap with me. It formed quite a pile in my room, but I didn't mind. My job required a lot of stuff to work with after all.\nWhen Rorik was up again, we were told to explain in detail what happened while they were gone. … Sure enough, I left it up to Rorik to decide just how much he wanted them to know, but … I soon had a arm around me as he explained in detail how I saved his life. No exaggeration, no low-balling. He said it exactly just how things happened. Clearly I earned myself some respect by Tarry and Jey for that. … I truly was getting a part of these guys … and I liked it. … Perhaps a little more than I'm willing to admit.\n\nFrom now on, I was only traveling with genuine friends. … Rorik didn't act much like a dick anymore, Tarry always had accepted me and even Jey was growing to see my strengths very clearly. All of them stopped to underestimate me at this point and I could not feel more satisfied with it. These people accepted me. As shady as the job of a mercenary may be, camaraderie was written big with these ones. I could FEEL I was part of them now. My quirks didn't bother them at all either. It was just the way I was! … And soon, I began to let them see that I had the ability to smile too~\nMy soul healing, my skills honing and my knowledge growing, to be sure I can be the best I can be as the crew's mechanic and technician! Because that is what I am. Not a Lab-rat. Not a failed student. I am the technician of these mercenaries. I AM a mercenary. … And proud of it too.","writing_bbcode_parsed":"“Life” in beta testing.

Chapter 4

It was a bit of a realization for me to see how gladly Tarry was spending time with me. Games, music or just chatting. The fox really started to respect me a lot more after that encounter in the town.
“Hey, Percy? Ya gotta upgrade my stuff once you get the hang of things that could become useful for me.” he said in a teasing fashion.
I just scoffed at the demand, cocking a brow at the sniper as I replied: “I need to get rid of this collar first. But I gonna see what I can do.”
We really got along very well. I began to feel like I was not just a burden to these guys.

Eventually though, my clothes problem had to be addressed. So far, I just used the showers to wash out these clothes I have and blow-dry it after. Not exactly the best way to go about it. Once back in my room, I began to screw around on the scraps and machinery. I could be glad to have this screwdriver. It has many functions that made the need for more tools near none-existent. Of course, there still were some things I couldn't do. Specifically welding and such.
Shortly after I began working on my idea, Jey and Rorik returned from their mission. Unharmed by the looks of it. Tarry gave them a bit of a update on what happened. Though I caught him twisting the events a little. I didn't single singlehandedly  defend myself with just a screwdriver! Of course, I corrected his attempt to make me look better than I was. Nice gesture, but I rather be honest with these guys.
Once we got back into space, I focused right back on my work! And this would be the last event worth mentioning for a good bit.

Over the following week, we made stops at various space-stations and planets. Primarily just to relax and have a good time though. Well, that's what they did. I rarely joined them, preferring to work on my tech. Sure enough, while we had stopped by a space station around some random desert-planet, I was finally done with my idea! Of course, it took a few failed attempts, but eventually, my “clothing-replicator” was done! … Its not a invention of mine. Many clothes get mass-produced this way. You simply let the thing scan in a piece of clothing, give it the materials and it will replicate copies of it near perfectly! … With the options to change color and materials used.
At first, I used materials that ended up looking the same as my current clothes, making it look the exact same as before. It took me, pointing it out, for Jey and Tarry to even realize what I did. Though they didn't quite buy it and told me to change it up. … I know these were revealing, but at least I had more than just one boxers and shirt! Though I did give in and … made a mistake that I didn't realize for a good while. I used white materials to make a white version of my outfit. Though when I wore that into the kitchen for lunch that day, Jey just straight up spit her coffee all over the table in surprise. Tarry hardly keeping his laughter back as I just starred at them.
“... What?” I asked, mildly displeased by their reactions.
Cleaning up the coffee, Jey replied as the Fox was too busy containing himself: “Dude, … white? … Really? Percy! Your fur is fucking white! … You look like you are naked! … Just … without fur.”
I blinked in mild shock, finally realizing my mistake. … She was right and just when Tarry failed to contain himself and laughed out, I just grumbled and moved over to the table to take care of lunch first.

Though the fox, as much as I liked Tarry, was testing my patience. Midway through my lunch, I picked my plate and headed out through the door.
“You know, I may just focus on finding only clothes that sit this tight, just to fuck with you guys...” I said as a sort of threat. Really, I didn't care about how tight these clothes were. They didn't have THAT kind of interest in me, yet it clearly worked in a … perhaps useful way. I probably was going to have myself some proper pants and stuff soon, but I can still get a bit of revenge on them for teasing, cant I?

On one of the shopping trips, I did indeed pick up some more average shorts. … Nothing else, though. I primarily wore these when going out of the ship, rather than when I stay on it. Jay also got me a mechanic-belt. Used for tools and all that. Though my next real priority was the collar, I still took breaks from trying to figure the damn thing out. It was very complicated to deal with, since I needed a mirror, as well as had to mirror my movement because of it, as well as examine the thing in that unusual fashion. Instead of doing that forever, I fiddled around with the shield generator some for the time being! Getting more and more into things again, my understanding of the generator was increasing way faster than anything before it! Soon, I decided to improve it. Though this would take a notably longer time. It was yet another step of learning, which was very good for my progress. Normal portable shield-generators were not suited to handle more than energy based dangers. Solid weaponry would quickly break it. The bubble shape also made it bad for close combat. Imagine a rubber ball surrounding you. Not very useful for attacking or defending against a enemy, is it?

As I kept working on it, we approached another desert-planet. I was wondering why we were landing somewhere in the middle of nowhere though. But I should find out soon enough, since Jey called us all together in the gathering-room.
“Listen up, we got another job. This time, its about eliminating some bandit leader. We need to be stealthy, so I will pick Tarry to come along with me and keep an eye out for possible dangers, while I try to sneak in and get rid of their leader. Its a safe distance away, so our ship should be fine. More than two is gonna be hard to keep track of and draws attention more easily. Rorik? Protect the ship. Percy? … Well, just stay here. And get along!” she explained thoroughly, after which Tarry salutes again, but more serious this time around and headed for his room to get ready.
I briefly peaked over to Rorick, who just gave me a displeased eye-roll before heading to the big screen and activating the radar. Having no real choice, I just accepted it and once the two headed out, I was left alone with the guy who couldn't stand being around me.

Of course, there was nothing to do about it. Rorick went out, setting up some defenses and even placed a few remote controlled detonators. Me on the other hand? I didn't bother watching for long. Soon I returned to work on the shield generator. Not long after, I found out just how much potential this thing could have...
Trying this and that, I soon added a second layer of shields! But then the many options grew too much and I decided to think about what to do with this later. There was another piece of technology I wanted to work on... a very personal one. My Prosthetic.
To understand me with this one, let me explain these. If a person needs a prosthetic, because a limb has gone missing for one reason or another, or some crazy people who simply prefer a replacement over the real deal, they get one of these machines installed on the end of their stump. These devices project solid energy fields that replace the missing limb near perfectly, better than any entirely mechanical appendage ever could.
Now, USUALLY, said devices come with a multitude of configurations! The chips installed offer alternatives to just a arm. Depending on the person in question, they vary greatly. Some have sharp weaponry configurations of all kinds! Others have utility, like tools. You may wonder: “But this must take a lot of energy from somewhere!” That is … a half true assumption. The energy storage is small, but effective. It stores plenty of energy to form whatever configuration you go for multiple times. As it is in use, hardly any energy gets used up in the process. Though there is a inherent energy production too.

Not only body-heat helps with it. No, the ends of your limb's blood circulation is integrated into tubes that lead through the device. Your very own heart-beat sets some nano-tech in motion that gradually generates energy constantly. Excess is simply used up by wasting it.
Anyway, all that stuff that probably no one really cares about aside: my case is different. Of course, those monsters couldn't let me have access to tools that could hurt them, the facility or myself. So they made sure to block every configuration other than the standard arm setting. … Blocking is not removing however.
With a bit of fiddling, I should find out what chip I have, and reactivate the other functions! Perhaps I could even learn how to program some myself in the process.

Sitting in the gathering-room, I went right to it. Strange to fiddle with this thing honestly. It was, for all intents and purposes, part of me myself... Since this was a prototype, unlike the other tech I stole, it wasn't the easiest to decipher. You know, I should have stopped there by the looks of it too...
Trying to connect one of the ship's computers to it and change the coding and programming of the chip that was installed, lead to a short circuit! It sure sent a shock through my arm too, leaving me to gasp in the pain of it. Moments later, I could tell. … I fucked it up! My arm was broken! Technologically at least... On the verge of panicking, I removed the plugs and checked the hardware. In my haste, I may have overlooked something, but there was no visible damage to be seen. Perhaps it was not that badly damaged. Regardless though, my mind was all over the place!
Putting everything back together, I got up and ran out to the only person that was around. Failing to get my left arm to work again, I just needed a person to … calm me down.

Should have used a mirror or something though... Approaching Rorick, I began calling out for his attention in panic: “Hey! Rorick! Please tell me you know what to do...”
He just turned to look at me, visibly confused, but also displeased: “What do you want?” Once I reached him, I stopped. Breath a little heavy. “I … don't know, I tried to unlock some functions for my arm, and now it broke! I cant turn it on again. Are the computers protected? Outdated? What could have caused that reaction?”
He raised a brow, quickly loosing patience: “The fuck? Why the hell do you think I give a shit?! Besides, aren't you the oh so clever mechanic here?!”
“I didn't program or build your guy's computers! I cant know if they have some … protection or defect!” I returned growing notably distressed.
“Well, bad luck then, eh? Next time, dun mess with stuff that isn't yours!”
By now, it was quite obvious that this guy gave no shits about how I felt, what happened to me and so on. Though what really pisses me off, is that made it overly clear, how much he tried to make sure I would not feel at home.
“Hey, the ship belongs to Jey! By that logic, you shouldn't touch anything on it either!” I said, expressing my anger quite clearly. One emotion I had no trouble conveying. He suddenly bursts out in his own anger too however: “Shut the fuck up! Jey, Tarry and me know one another since before this ship was even fucking built! It is as much mine, as it is theirs! That cant be said about you! A kid, no matter your age, that is hardly competent enough to even get some proper clothes! Throw any of us into a fight! Even if we were outmatched, WE know how to survive, how to make it out. WE know how to fight, how to do our job as god damn mercenaries. YOU though? One fucking blaster bolt and I bet you die from the fucking shock alone! No need to even hit you.”
Wow, that was … a lot of shit from this guy. He didn't know me, what the fuck is wrong with him?!
“Jey gave me that room! She never told me I HAVE to leave! I am part of you all until I don't want to be anymore!” I returned, “No matter if I am weak, if I may not have combat experience... I am here and I do MY thing.”
“YOUR thing?! Like taking up the room of a fucking legend that you couldn't hope to dream of getting close to!? Listen here you little shit. If you have to want to leave, then maybe I just gonna give you a reason to! I gonna make your time with us annoying as hell if that means I don't have to see your dumb face anymore! Now fuck off...”
All that hate... it made me speechless. I didn't do anything to this guy! But … it wasn't just anger I felt. Also sadness... From the both of us for some reason. Though I didn't let that show.
Without any further words, I simply just grumbled and turned, walking back to the ship and into my room.

Over the rest of the day, the words Rorick threw at me rang in my head. While harsh and rude, some of it was not entirely wrong. I was incompetent. … Not just in their field of work! Combat is not something I'm very suited for. But now? … I fucked up my own arm... How competent am I, that the first time my tech matters, I cant deliver?
… But at the same time. … That means I have to do better! … I have to do better, not just for myself and to fix this Prosthetic, but also to prove that ass of a Hyena wrong.
The entire remaining time of the day and even into the night, I fiddled and poked around in that prosthetic. Eventually, after a long time of nothing, I finally found the problem! One of the connections got severed from the short-circuit. Something that was easy to fix! Once done, I also noticed how I tried to connect the computer to the wrong part, leading the device to draw power, rather than to connect to the chip.
Now that I fixed, and frankly, cleared up that mess of a prototype, it worked again! … And I got to unlock its functions. Turns out it had a few random ones. Nothing specifically specialized. Presumably yet another prototype in form of the chip itself. But one of them was a welder! Perhaps that could be useful.
The other two were … rather badly designed tongs and a extendable ruler. … I mean, at least I could control the tongs similar to my hand! Purely with my mind. And they worked, so whatever.

Taking a rest, I was hoping Tarry and Jay would get back soon. In the morning, I just flipped him off from afar with my now repaired arm, before returning to the gathering-room's table and … work on a few ideas I had for the shield generator. Rorick didn't even care that I did that. Guess he didn't want to risk trouble with Jey and Tarry after all. Still, what he said hurt regardless. But instead of having it drag me down, I will use it to motivate me and prove him wrong!
Screw this collar for now. This shield generator will be my main focus. I will make the most useful shield generator out there! Lemme call it force-field actually. Just sounds better.

My determination growing stronger than ever, I continued working on the thing. Though as much progress as I made, I eventually just happened to gaze upon the radar. … I realized that Rorik was still working on the setup outside. … That was some horribly ineffective stuff if he takes this long. Or perhaps he was just relying on his own senses. Though when I looked, I saw people approaching. … About a whole squad of unidentified individuals! Now, I may hate him, but this was as much about his safety, as well as my own, so I couldn't just ignore it!
Once up and at the ramp of the ramp that lead outside however, I could see he already had manned his turret and was firing away at the distant attackers! It seemed to be raiders or bandits, just like what I would expect from those who Jay and Tarry should be taking care of. Of course, just to be sure, I hid away and watched from cover. Didn't wanna end up making a easy distraction.
Rorick proved his point about experience more than well... He shot a bunch of them, outright blew up those that ran into his traps and stayed in cover from any returned fire. The free open area of the desert left little cover for them. The dust and sand from the explosions was all they had going for them and with the hyena's equipment, he could still see their heat signatures regardless thanks to a specific scope. I didn't know if cloaking devices were a portable thing nowadays, but it certainly came to mind. So to be prepared for everything, I went back inside and grabbed myself a simple energy-bolt handgun to keep on my belt, just in case. Though … my fears were perfectly justified! …While I wasn't in danger, In the distance, from a angle Rorik just cleared and didn't have a need to check anymore, someone popped out from the dunes! Not exactly through cloaking, but just hiding in the hot sand! They were where hidden rather well at first and then pulled out a RPG! A straight up rocket-launcher. Just when the hyena cleared out the rest, he finally noticed the sneaky enemy, just about when they took their shot.
Rorik was quick. He instantly leaped away from the turret, which took the full force of the rocket as the projectile hit right next to it. The explosion dusting up the place and sending off all the surrounding traps Rorik had laid out, as well as blasting him away. Dizzy from the concussion, he was deemed helpless!

The attacker couldn't take the next shot just yet. They couldn't see Rorik and presumably wanted to steal the ship, so it would be a waste to just send a rocket blindly into the clouds of dust. However, eventually, said dust would clear out, revealing the dizzy mercenary on the ground, just slowly starting to get back up. Now closer to us, the bandit took aim again! He had a target once more and probably wanted revenge for his fallen companions. Rorik was out of options. No guns ready for him to use, no cover to protect him. Nothing that could hope to stop the attacker. … But, I could do something... And it did not take me even a moment of hesitation! Seeing the hopeless situation, I quickly sprinted out down the ramp and over to my companion nearby and just when the next rocket was about to reach him, I blocked the explosion for this hyena. … My improvements were not pointless after all, now where they?! The shield was just barely strong enough to block such a explosion, failing second after impact. But I was fine and so was Rorik. Thinking fast, my right paw already grabbed the gun I picked up earlier and just by memory of their position, I shot into the newly swirled up dust. Be it luck or actual skill, just two quick shots and suddenly a cry of pain could be heard from the distance! Just when the dust settled once again and I saw I hit the guy in the right shoulder, rendering him unable to shot in time, Rorik pretty much ripped the gun out of my hand and took another few shots at them! He didn't miss and just when they tried to take another shot, they got overwhelmed by the barrage of bolts Rorik unloaded onto them. He did not survive it as one hit them right in the face. Finally, the danger was gone.

Now, one could argue: “That was not a necessary kill”, but … I honestly cant blame the hyena for that. He was dazed from the concussion and the stress and fear of death... it was the outcome of a gunfight, there was nothing to be said about it.
Once it was over, I took a deep breath, turning to face Rorik, who was panting and kneeling. That explosion took a toll on him. Though just when I wanted to head back to the ship, he grabbed my right arm … awfully gently and shaky...
“W-wait... a minute...” he began with heavy breaths, and so I did just that, “You … saved me...”
It was true, I just did. I saved a guy that would have … probably not done the same judging by his words. Why did I do this? … Well … I guess, even after these years, I still am a good guy in the end, eh? … It doesn't matter if I hate this guy or not. … Leaving him to die would be wrong either way. One cant let their emotions cloud their judgment.
“... You are a asshole, but still a person. … And no matter what you say, we ARE partners in the end.” I explained to him.
Rorik scoffed, a smile appearing on his face for the first time since I got to meet the guy. “Fucking hell... you are annoying...~” he said, taking yet another deep breath before he finally got back up. Even though he stumbled a little left and right. I couldn't even just watch and had to offer him support. Though he denied it. … Again … awfully politely considering his attitude so far.
“Watch it, dude. I cant repair living things...” I just commented with a shrug.
“... Percy … shut up for a second...” Rorik began, though for once, his words didn't seem hateful. It appeared more like he was trying to say something himself and before I knew it, he held out his own paw to mine. “... Thanks. … I mean it! … And I … admit. That was more than impressive, little guy. So take my apology, will ya?”
I just starred at the offered paw. Was he for real? … Suddenly, he apologizes, just because I bothered to help him? … I didn't believe him, I gotta be honest.
“... You wanted to get rid of me. … You would not have done the same thing for me if I was in danger! … And now you suddenly want me to buy that you changed your opinion just like that? You fucking hate me, dude!” I said, sighing in frustration and walking past him, “Got to make sure the generator works still...”

Heading back onto the ship, I could tell Rorik was looking after me, but I didn't care. Changing like that, just because I happened to safe him … it was not believable to me.
The radar didn't show any further threats. The generator was fine. The energy simply was used up from that blast. Portable shields had nowhere near enough energy to sustain prolonged explosive blasts. The fact I got it to even survive that one was already a impressive feat on my part. But … my heart was racing. … Slowly the situation began to come back to me. … I was in serious fucking danger and … I just ran in! If the tech was defect or delayed for whatever reason … I would have been a bloody paste... Fear, I could still feel it. Even if it was not controlling me, I felt it all hit me at once. For a second, I could feel myself hyperventilating, but … it was fine. I was fine. Leaning back in the chair, I simply took a few breaths, closed my eyes and relaxed...

Not much later, I suddenly heard a certain someone's steps, but he didn't just walk past me. … And then the noise of a lot of metal hitting the table ripped me right out of my relaxation. Rorik … was back. Sitting on the other side of the table. … The table full with devices and scrap that was left from those bandits. He just … starred at me.
I didn't know what to say and simply starred right back. Gaze growing more and more amused, until he eventually sighed: “Percy, look … I know. … I am sorry, ok? Fucking take as long as you want, but … I was wrong. You proved literally everything I said wrong even. But hear me out, will you?” he asked, looking at me with a much more sincere look. … Would you expect me to not let him just say what he wants to say?
“... Go ahead I guess.” I replied with a shrug.
“Ok, look. … I … know I been acting fucking shitty towards you. And it cant be excused either. But I want you to know why. … You heard a few times now that there was a member in our crew before you. His name was Manny. … The guy was a fucking saint... Nicest person in the world, even more than Tarry at the time back then! He distinctively used none-lethal weaponry and always bought all sorts of tech that could protect us, rather than to dispatch of enemies like literally all three of us do. Manny was no technician though. Instead, he was tough too. If someone pissed him off, piece was over! He had a huge ray gun for emergencies, that could outright blow a space ship like ours straight out of the sky! Only one shot in a long time, as the energy required was extreme every time. He of course had your room before … the incident...
We were out on a mission. Just some normal shit, no one was expecting anything bad. We were tasked to destroy a rouge space station, that was taken over by some criminals. The thing was mostly fucked already. Me and Manny went in there. … But turns out, this was not as it seemed. It was a trap. And because of MY dismissal of his suspicions of such, we set off the trap, causing the whole place to fall apart and self-destruct! Manny could have easily made it back to the ship, but I couldn't. Because of some ruble, I got stuck! … Instead of leaving me behind though, he came back to safe me. Just when the shutter to the hangar was closing, he forcibly threw me through it just in the last second, trapping himself on the station. With no choice but to make his sacrifice count, Tarry dragged me onto the ship and with some hesitation, Jay got us out of there.”
His telling of that story was long, and it gave me MUCH more of a insight, but I could also tell just how rough it was for Rorik to relive the moments through his memory. He even paused for a bit before eventually continuing, voice shaky: “A-Anyway, we … took a long time to recover from that. ...I still see his waving goodbye before the door shut completely... No doubt, I guess I took it the worst. He was like a brother to me! … When Jey brought you on, shield generator on your arm and stuff … it reminded me on him right away, but to be honest … any person would have been some random fuck to me that just tried to replace a person that can never be replaced.”

It was a rough tale to be sure. … Of course, I had to ask Tarry for if it was all true later, but for now, with how this guy was struggling to hold back his tears … I was willing to believe it. Certainly … I would never match up to someone like that indeed, but I didn't want to either. I wasn't a replacement, nor a hero. “... Rorik, I am not here to replace anyone or anything … except perhaps broken machinery. Fuck, I would never dare to pretend I can come close to … Manny was his name? … I am someone else. … And I just want to help you guys in my ways, with my skills. … But if it really feels like I am trying to replace a person you honor like that, I will gladly ask Jay to find me a peaceful place. … Perhaps even my home-planet if its not too far. And I can even pay you guys for getting me there.”
Rorik then proceeded to shut me up with his hand: “Shut it, Percy. … You can leave if you want, but you wont because of me, you got that!? … Of course you aren't here to replace Manny. I projected, I fucked up. Not you. … And now you saved me like he did. You saved that very same idiot that he gave his life for, so his sacrifice was not for nothing... Do you see why this means more to me than you may think is reasonable?”
Sure enough I began to understand, just nodding affirmatively as he still kept my mouth shut, before he let go of it eventually.

There was a moment of silence, during which I just looked over the bunch of devices and scrap the hyena gathered up from the battlefield. I could tell Rorik was starring at me, but I wasn't sure what to say. Eventually though, he got up and walked to his room.
While he was gone, I checked out some of the stuff. There sure was a lot to experiment with and learn from, or build things with. Perhaps I could even put together another shield generator so this guy doesn't rely on me like that again.
Soon after, he returned, standing behind me. “Percy? Do me a favor and lower your head. Don't move if possible.” he said, leaving me wondering what was in his mind. Of course, I didn't trust him very much with how our relation went so far. “What? Why?” was all I replied, looking back at him.
“Stop questioning me and do it. … I want to help you with something.”
Rolling my eyes, I didn't quite imagine just what he was planning. If I knew, I probably wouldn't have waited a second to comply...
Either way, I did somewhat reluctantly give in and leaned my head down a bit. I could tell Rorik was messing a bit with my fluff and hair, seeming pushing it away. What I didn't know, was that he had a small bottle with him. Using it, he applied a thin trail of the substance within onto my electrical-collar. Of course, I didn't feel that, so I was still left without any idea.
“Ok, this may sting a tiiiny bit...” he began, pulling out a lighter, that he used to light a small wooden stick on fire, before leading it against the trail he applies.
After a moment of this, suddenly: a notable crackling of a minor explosion. A sting was sent through my neck indeed, but … it was just a sensation. It made me jump of course, so I was left a little displeased: “Ow, what are you...” Before I could finish though, the hyena grabbed on to the collar and straight up bent it apart, the back of it being cleanly cut by that tiny explosion he caused and moments later, it fell onto the table to the other scrap. … Had Rorik just solved my collar issue?

I was left shocked and surprised. Rubbing my own neck in disbelieve as I looked back at Rorik. For once, a different expression on my face. Genuine surprise. I was free of this annoyance for good!
“... Did you just...? I been trying since I am with you guy and you just … do this and that's it?!” I asked, unable to believe it.
The hyena laughed, cocking a brow at me: “What? Smarts and stuff don't always solve a issue the easy way. High-precision explosives can do wonders, bud. … And before you get any ideas: No … you do not have to repay me. You saved my life, that alone is gonna be hard for me to repay.”
I just blankly starred at them for a good few second, until I crossed my arms, letting out a amused scoff: “... You got awfully close to making me smile just now...” … That was not a lie, I felt it! … The edges of my maw were probably twitching even now.
“Hehe, nice! … Dun mind me though, because I need to lay down. My head is killing me after that hit... Keep an eye on the radar and if something shows up, wake me.” Rorik said, before heading off to his room once again. All I did, was watch him leave with a nod in agreement.

I really got the hang of these guys... Ironically, Jey is the one I'm the most distant towards at this point. Maybe on our next stop at a bar, or whatever, I can get to know her some more too. … Then again, I may be a little busy with all the learning and work I bring upon myself...
Speaking of the devil though: A call came in through! I flipped up the screen in front of me and answered the call. It was Tarry, seemingly walking next to Jay in the desert: “Oh! Percy! We are on the way back. Hope things are ok over there, but since you are there, I guess it must be.”
“Uhm, mostly.” was my reply with a straight face.
Suddenly Jey took over: “Mostly? … What happened?”
I didn't know how to explain it and just shrugged: “Hard to explain. Come back and you will see.”
With that, I ended the call.

About an hour or so later, Jey and Tarry got back as I was sitting on the ramp of the ship's entrance, waiting and just screwing on some devices. Of course, they could see the result of the battle earlier. Once at the ship, I put the stuff away I had in my hands, knowing they would be talking to me again. “Damn, seems like you got ambushed quite a lot. … Wait, where is Rorik?” Jey asked, quite understandably worried.
“He is napping. Had a headache after nearly getting blown up by one of those guys.” I explained to her, leaning back onto my arms.
“Oh, ok. I was worried for a second. … You should take that more serious, Percy! Hes the one protecting you after all.”
“... Somewhat true, but I take it serious. I just know he is fine.”
Suddenly, Tarry interrupted: “Ohhhh! You managed to get rid of that collar! Nice!”
I felt out my freed neck once more: “Rorik did that actually...”
“Wait, … you two really need to tell us details. This sounds a little confusing, considering you two can't stand each-other's guts. Anyway. Tarry? Mind getting the broken turret in? Maybe that can be fixed. Time for us to leave this planet.” Jey said, heading inside.
The Fox just salutes and gave me a quick pat on the head, before he did what he was told.

Heading inside, I went to my room as well, taking a good portion of the scrap with me. It formed quite a pile in my room, but I didn't mind. My job required a lot of stuff to work with after all.
When Rorik was up again, we were told to explain in detail what happened while they were gone. … Sure enough, I left it up to Rorik to decide just how much he wanted them to know, but … I soon had a arm around me as he explained in detail how I saved his life. No exaggeration, no low-balling. He said it exactly just how things happened. Clearly I earned myself some respect by Tarry and Jey for that. … I truly was getting a part of these guys … and I liked it. … Perhaps a little more than I'm willing to admit.

From now on, I was only traveling with genuine friends. … Rorik didn't act much like a dick anymore, Tarry always had accepted me and even Jey was growing to see my strengths very clearly. All of them stopped to underestimate me at this point and I could not feel more satisfied with it. These people accepted me. As shady as the job of a mercenary may be, camaraderie was written big with these ones. I could FEEL I was part of them now. My quirks didn't bother them at all either. It was just the way I was! … And soon, I began to let them see that I had the ability to smile too~
My soul healing, my skills honing and my knowledge growing, to be sure I can be the best I can be as the crew's mechanic and technician! Because that is what I am. Not a Lab-rat. Not a failed student. I am the technician of these mercenaries. I AM a mercenary. … And proud of it too.","pools_count":1,"title":"\"Life\" in beta testing. ch.4","deleted":"f","public":"t","mimetype":"application/msword","pagecount":"1","rating_id":"2","rating_name":"Adult","ratings":[{"content_tag_id":"4","name":"Sexual Themes","description":"Erotic imagery, sexual activity or arousal","rating_id":"2"},{"content_tag_id":"5","name":"Strong Violence","description":"Strong violence, blood, serious injury or death","rating_id":"2"}],"submission_type_id":"12","type_name":"Writing - Document","guest_block":"f","friends_only":"f","comments_count":"0","views":"48","sales_description":null,"forsale":"f","digitalsales":"f","printsales":"f","digital_price":""}