What in the actual fuck just happened?
Did she just learn English from kissing me?
I… No, no, not the time for this. Escape first, complete mental breakdown later.
I shook my head and blinked as I took in the control room once more. The colour scheme was a garish combination of black, yellow and green, with a hexagonal tile pattern marking the walls. The various consoles lining the room were lit up by the monitors and various smaller, holographic green screens and interfaces. I let out a sigh as I removed one hand from the console and rubbed my temple before I turned my head back around towards my own console and—
I went completely still save for my eyes widening at what I saw. I was so preoccupied with the room and its contents and trying to get out of this place that I hadn't noticed that there had been windows. And out of the nearest one, I could see a blue star burning bright through the slow wisps of a white and golden nebula, with the black void of space filled full of stars.
It was…
So beautiful. Had space always been like this and I never noticed?
I stared at the sight before me for a few moments taking it in fully before I forced myself to tear my eyes away from it. I needed to focus. I looked down at the console I had my hand embedded in.
Ok, let's take stock. I thought to myself even as I felt the back of my mind continue to pick apart and analyze the alien computer. And it was alien. Well alien in the sense that the Galvanic Mechamorph nanites were unfamiliar with it. Which was odd; sure the nanites didn't have any trouble melding with the machinery, but it just felt... different from the type of technology that they were used to and pre-programmed.
Not to mention that my mind has been reeling in pain as it forcefully tried to remember where I recognised my ally from. She felt so... familiar. And yet, I just couldn't place it. As if something was blocking my memories.
Which was all well and good, but it didn't help me with my current goal of finding a way out of the ship. And I sure as hell wasn't going to let my saviour just go away with repaying her. Though I needed to figure out where would I or we even go, I was in an unknown sector of space. First things first though, I had to solve this damn computer and this situation.
I felt the systems become more stable as my nanites spread further into the console's systems, allowing the information to become far clearer in my head. I started to make out functions, relations, and concepts. Ok. I thought while cracking my neck. Moving through Security then Alarm systems I came across a few connected functions, those being Resistance Off, Shutdown and Release.
A slight meddling with said function moment later, the sound of the alarms shut off, and I grinned. All right, now what? A way out would be nice, but to where?
Well, barring any better ideas, I guess I should try to get to Earth. At least then I would know where I was in the universe. Though I doubt I would find Galvan B anywhere. At least given a weird suspicion my human side is telling me, which is most likely connected to my orange-skinned ally.
Structure/Layout/Schematic. I mentally commanded the console.
A rough map of what I now identified as a space station formed in my head, giving me the image of a thin needle-like spire with a bulging disk partway up the length. An impression of a spot towards the top of the spire made me think that was where I was located. But it wasn't enough.
Hangar/Transport. Once more, I command my nanites to get me the required information.
This time it took a few seconds, and I felt things start to muddle slightly as my attention was directed to a larger room on the outer part of the disk, not far from my current position. Most likely where I can find escape pods or ships given its structure. I took a moment to memorize the route though such a thing didn't take long. Naturally.
But what about my ally? I can't just leave her and this sister of hers here.
Flying a ship or escape pod, is of no inconvenience for me but the most important thing is to know to which star system have I been taken too. If it was one that I didn't know of then that increases the chance of me being in a completely different universe. Not something I am unaccustomed to but it would be a problem as I'm not sure if I could find my way back to my original universe.
Vega huh? I arched a brow at the name as my nanites brought the requested information. That certainly rings a bell, if I'm not mistaken, and I'm often not, that system is also located in the Milky Way. Roughly 25 light-years away from Earth if my maths and memories are correct.
Universe/Stars/Navigation. I felt a massive amount of data start pouring through my head as the navigation system automatically began to do the calculations. Speed of a Photon over 86,400. The amount of seconds in a day. Multiply the result by 365. The number of days in a year. Multiply that result by 25. The number of light years away from Earth.
Everything blurred a little more, but the data resolved itself into 4 distinct points in the galactic map in the console. Most likely my mental conception of the distance wasn't as precise as it could have been. Great, I now have a one in four chance of getting the right planet and I rather not leave it up to that as possible. Is there anything else that these lizards would know about that I could relate to Earth, something universal? But what the hell is universal here? Or at least a widespread organization?
...
...
! ! !
I stood up a little straighter as it came to me. As a sudden twinge recoiled across my brain. Buckling me to my knees.
The... Guardians...? Who- Another spark of pain coursed across my mind as an image became clear in my head.
The Guardians... of the Universe... I thought with a hurried breath as I held my head in one of my hands. A small cold sweat began to form as I did so. I tried to refocus my mind on to something, anything that would stop whatever was causing the pain. But, unfortunately for me, two more words flashed into my head.
"Green... Lantern..." I repeated as my headache started to calm itself down slightly.
"Green Lanterns?" I repeated once again as I rubbed my eyes, trying to distract myself from the lingering pain.
I breathed in and out a few times to calm myself down while recomposing myself.
I recognised, no, I knew those names. I knew where I was now. And I now know who had rescued me.
Was this my own fault for pushing down and repressing my human side?
...
...
Maybe, but I'm not going to start self-reflecting now.
But that now begs the question of who captured me. I don't recognise the reptile's species, but something tells me that it has something to do with Koriand'r. Regardless, any self-respecting space civilization would have to know about the Green Lantern Corps.
Especially one as shady as these ones. I may not remember fully but I'm sure that the Green Lantern Corps has rules and regulations against sentient test subjects; Even if it was only to keep tabs on and avoid them.
The image of the Green Lantern insignia flashed through my mind as I added it to the search.
And just as I did so three of the points blinked out, leaving just the one left. I gave a victorious grin through the softening pain. God, how long was this going to last?
The next part would be tricky, assuming the system was built to do this. Plot Course/Download/Prepare Vessel.
It took several seconds but I managed to get the impression of a ship from the console. A cylindrical type ship that tapered into flat hammerhead-like structures at both ends of its sides, with a trio of rings around the fuselage otherwise known as the main body.
Now this is all good and all but I needed to get rid of any information on myself. Mainly any information on my biology. Don't need mini me's running around doing god knows what.
/Database. Now, with my superior Galvan intellect, I was easily able to find the location of their servers. Not too close yet not too far away from the hangar, secluded in its own little cut away.
Well, that's good to know.
One last thing before I finish up. Locate Tamaranean. I instructed the console to bring me the location of my jailbreaker. My mental map of the station revealed a pair of dots relatively close to each other, and conveniently located in a tunnel on the way to the hangar.
Using my nanites I began to dismantle the console before I ripped my hands out of the computer. Was it necessary? No, but it would slow them down a little. And I was going to destroy the rest of the consoles.
Turning my arms in hammers via the use of my still Galvanic Mechamorphic arms, I started to rip apart and demolish the other machinery.
Now could I just dismantle them along like with what I did with the first console?
Yes, yes I could.
But this was more fun.
_________
Alright, I've gotten that out of my system, not out of the woods yet, but I have a proper goal and plan: Pick up Koriand'r, get to the ship hangar; then get on a ship and leave for Earth. Then, after we get to good old terra firma we can—
...
Wait...
Wait a second, didn't she say something about rescuing her sister?
I stood where was for a second longer as I remembered that there were two dots on the map before I started running. "Shit shit shit shit!"
I trusted the map I had committed to memory as I ran down the corridors, my body shifting into my Citrakayah form, what Tennyson calls Fasttrack, as I put on speed. Sure, they weren't as fast as a Kineceleran but they were vastly more agile and suited to heavier gravity environments such as this one.
Sleek and slicked greyish-blue fur grew on my body ending in blade-like spiked fur at the ends of my forearms and calfs. My hands and feet once more changed; my fingers were reduced to only three, and my feet shifted into a sleek, slightly pointed three-pawed configuration, perfect for running. Not too dissimilar to human shoes.
My ears enlarged and elongated, moving up higher to the top of my head, resembling the ears seen on Earth cats. Only the ones of this species were on the sides of the head and curved upwards slightly, covered in black fur along with the sides of my face. Two smaller pointed ends of fur jutted out of the lower sides of my face, with a sharp red pointed W-shaped visor covering my eyes.
A black and dark red suit with sharp white lines pointing downwards covered my chest, upper arms and legs. The suit opened up at the back for my... tail? Odd.
Stopping in my tracks with a confused look on my face, I turned my head over my shoulder to check if what I was feeling was accurate. I had no reason to think otherwise, but I just had to make sure.
And... well... sure enough there it was. Lightly swaying side to without a care in the world. As it had been there all its life. Well... whatever, nows not the time to wonder about such an implication right now.
Back to my original track of thought; While most people would be happy to be rescued from weird, sadistic, lowgrade aliens by their sister, Komand'r otherwise known as Blackfire, was not one of them.
If my memory served correctly, which it may not be, It could probably have something to do with how she betrayed the Tamaranean people to a... conquering star empire which I believe she did out of jealousy, though at the moment I couldn't remember why she had done that. Which I had to admit was odd, Galvans were known for their superb information retention and yet here I was, unable to make proper use of it for my human side.
At least not well enough to remember something like this with 100% accuracy. Which annoyed me a little more than I'd like to admit.
Sigh. Well whatever, that doesn't change the situation.
Though I do wonder if the reason for her betrayal was that Koriand'r was next in line for the throne for some reason…? It didn't matter. The important thing was that. as the story went, when Starfire staged her escape from her now captors, which I believed she had been traded to from the conquering empire, and went back to save her sister against her better judgment, Blackfire shot her in the back for her efforts and restrained her.
Naturally, Starfire escaped, but I couldn't remember if it happened immediately or sometime after. So she could have been here for anywhere from a couple of days to weeks to months.
As I wondered if my presence had already mucked things up as I turned round another corner, a thought occurred to me. Then again, who says this universe has to perfectly match my memories? I thought. Seeing as how the multiverse is real, what are the odds that I happened to land in one that my side's universe is familiar with? Crucial details could be completely different and this is only taking into account the comics and shows.
My momentum carried me into the wall as I rounded a corner, forcing me to wall run for a few seconds as I came to the sight of what I assumed to be a lab at the end of the hall, where I had last seen the two dots. Maybe in this universe, Blackfire isn't a complete ass-
My thought was cut off when I saw a massive flash of magenta light followed by Koriand'r flying out of the lab and smashing into the other side of the hallway before she collapsed onto the ground in a heap. And staking out of the door, her fists glowing with power and her face twisted in rage, was Komand'r.
…Well, never mind then.
Koriand'r lifted her head weakly. "Dela… kelsa?"
"Bolr'az Ikar…" Blackfire seethed as the purplish energy writhed on her hands before she aimed one at her sister. "Kir'resh sur marlak!"
Before she could do anything else, I slammed into her at top speed, already going into a high run as she started to aim at her sis, knocking us both to the ground as I slashed at her with electrified claws.
...
...
Huh? Looking down at my hands and sure enough my claws were electrified, along with the middle of my back. Fascinating... What else do you plan to surprise me with?
I only managed to slice open the black skinsuit she was wearing and put a few scratches on her before she threw me off with a scream while I was distracted; sending me crashing into a wall. I just barely managed to get my feet back under me in time to dodge a volley of starbolts hurled my way, and I was forced to keep moving as she didn't let up.
I couldn't retreat with Koriand'r incapacitated nearby, and my claws had just proven ineffective against Tamaranean toughness. Though... that didn't mean they were resistant to electricity. I thought as a crafty smile found its way onto my face. I can look into the cause of my sudden electrical ability after I subdue her.
Shifting up into another gear I sped up. Easily avoiding and evading her blasts and getting in to deliver Blackfire an electrically charged fist directly into her exposed flesh. To which she, justifiably so, shrieked in pain as she keeled over, holding her stomach.
Good, now we just need to- AARRG!
A starbolt struck me right in the abdomen, and pain exploded through me as I felt a good chunk of my fur and flesh burn. I collapsed to the ground, and Blackfire smiled viciously as she lined up a glowing fist with my head.
Before she could fire though, a green starbolt exploded against the side of her head, and she snarled as she turned to see Koriand'r feebly holding her arm out towards her while still on the ground, a strained expression clearly visible on her face.
Blackfire, as any sibling would, simply strode over and kicked her sister hard enough to send her crashing into the wall again.
I bared my teeth in anger and pain, trying to channel it into my transformation. The problem wasn't with the Citikayrah species, not at all. In fact, all things considered, they were a pretty physically durable people. The problem was that I had gotten blasted with a high-energy, recently developed and still-developing volatile energy—ultraviolet energy, to be precise.
And while the burns were bad enough I was more so concerned with the possibility of me accidentally getting some kind of skin cancer.
Unlikely? Sure. But when you're exposed to such a thing for long swofts of time that chance increases, 'like how Lex Luthor got cancer from having Kryptonite on him 24/7. Such a great idea by the way Lex, yeah, let's keep a radioactive useless rock on ourselves just in case Superman shows up at my house or nearby, what could possibly go wrong?'
As my body started to change a thought came to my head. 'Why am I bothering with this? I was testing out the limits of my DNA altering for situations like this.' I mentally cursed myself for getting into this situation. I was so used to just transforming that I completely forgot about the thing I was just testing not even 3 hours ago.
The structure of my hands and forearms changed all at once. My fur was replaced with sleek and shiny black skin; in place of my fingertips were instead silver plug-like conductors. This new skin had a slightly rubbery quality to it, most likely to help contain the energy that the conductors absorb. My new forearms were a bit larger than the ones of a Citrakayah given the Contoid race's larger size, but it wasn't anything that encumbering.
As I stood back up I felt new strength flood my limbs as the conductors absorbed the residual energy on my chest. Blackfire turned back to me as I charged her with a Big Cat-like roar, 'didn't know they could do that', and this time I was able to ignore the lessened pain from any of her starbolts that weren't immediately absorbed into my hands and slugged her across the face with my now supercharged fist that was loudly surging and crackling with energy as she got a mouthful of her own power.
And while this did send her flying backward, her body twisting for the sudden application of force and energy, unfortunately, she was not knocked out. Instead, taking a second to recognize what had just happened to her, she whipped her head back around and leaped from the floor, shattering it in the process, and started trying to hammer into me with a series of punches of her own.
This was a lot more preferable to her slinging hundreds of those blasts at me. I could dodge and I could endure her strikes far easier than her bolts. And be easier, I meant barely an inconvenience. I was faster than her after all. You try hitting someone who can move up to the speed of sound. It's not easy, is it?
I ducked under another punch and stuck back as best I could with enough power to hopefully stagger her and not do anything that would mess with her mental capabilities, but it would have been a lie to say I gave as good as I got. Even with this new addition the Tamaranean was still stronger than me and had far more combat training than a simple programmer or scientist such as I, regardless of my experience with Tennyson.
It quickly became clear to me that I wasn't going to be able to beat her with the amount of effort and power I was using right now. And that it wouldn't be long before she realized that a physical confrontation with me would only get her bruises and she'd move on to something more effective, something more powerful, like her starbolts.
I needed to get her out of the way without breaking a limb or outright killing her. I myself don't feel too comfortable with doing such a thing, it would cascade into Primus knows how many variables anyways and Koriand'r would probably not like it, even if her sister got them into this situation. But that begged the question again... how?
Wait... my body was constantly charging with electricity as I was moving... conductoids absorbed and redirected energy...
If I could rub my hands together and cackle evily right now I would.
I started to intentionally slow down, giving her the impression that I was tiring. I let her push me back to the wall and pin me there, one hand gripping my throat as the other pulled back, readying to smash my face into tiny bloody chunks.
I weakly grasped her arm as I let my other fall to my side, and I faked choking noises as I squirmed in her grasp.
The energy that was surging from my body slowly diminished as the electricity, along with all the energy I had absorbed up until now was absorbed and moved into my fallen arm. Contributing to the impression that I was losing consciousness.
Blackfire paused for a moment before she smiled wickedly, and her fist started to glow with magenta energy. However, that hesitation was all the time I needed as I suddenly whipped my other arm back up and pointed my fingers at her chest, causing her to look down as energy quickly surged to life in the plug-like conductors I had for fingertips.
By the time her face had turned down to notice the sudden intrusion into her personal space, I had already finished preparing the energy flow and shot her point-blank.
She screamed as the red beam hit her in the chest, launching her back into the other end of the hallway leaving her body spasming as she slumped down. I quickly stepped forward and grabbed her, spinning her around once before I hurled her back into the lab she and Starfire had come out of earlier and watched her smash into the operating slab. I then moved to the door and stabbed my hand into the door controls, using the plugs to interface with and order the door to slam shut and lock. I had no illusions that it would hold her for long, but hopefully, it would be long enough for Koriand'r and I to escape given that it would be quite a while for her to recover from the blast.
That hit a small snag when I looked at Koriand'r though and saw that she wasn't moving. I rushed over and knelt down, brought my hand to her mouth, and much to my relief she was just unconscious. Bruised, but alive. Her breath was slow and a little rough, but steady.
'No time to wait', I thought as I quickly scooped her up into a princess carry with my unchanged arm before I started my mad dash to the hangar.
The next few short minutes were a blur of corridors, elevators, doors, and the occasional Psion that happened to spot me. I didn't bother giving them much mind as I was usually out of sight a split second later, and there was no way in hell I was going to slow down when an enraged Blackfire was probably on my tail if my luck was anything to go by. Granted, I was far ahead of her but you never know when it comes to these things.
As I ran down another hallway, I came across the little hidden exit that would lead to the server room. This naturally meant that I was close to the hangar.
I ran full speed into the little alcove. It was a little strange to have such an important room so close to the hangar but then again, if the schematics were correct, then the server room door would have some kind of lock on it.
'And what do you know,' I thought as I slid to a halt as I found myself in front of a large steeled most likely multi-layered, shutter door before me. On its side was a keypad in the same style as the one I hacked into earlier.
I could stick my still Conductoid hands into the sides of the keypad, sending a large amount of energy into its circuitry, frying them and forcing the door open.
Or... I could simply type in the code for the door into the pad. And thus, I did.
Gently laying Star down I began to type into the machine. It wasn't a particularly long code, at least not like the ones us Galvan would make but it seemed to be plenty secure given how many characters this race had for what I could only assume to be their numbers and letters.
Despite their technological might they seemed to have forgotten a key thing about security systems... Never let them show what the password is only that the correct one was imputed.
The sound of multiple locks uncoupling as machines pushed and pulled in the wall as one by one the doors opened up to the server room. And- 'Woah,' I thought as I gazed up at giant rows and rows of machinery and wires.
"This is..." I stared in wonderment at the large servers that filled out the dome-like room. Tons of tiny drone-like machines moved around the places, pulling out and putting in wires hanging from the ceiling and ones which laid on the floor coming from Primus knows where, into ports and maintaining the servers.
My arms spread out in astonishment at what I was seeing as I yelled in pure bewilderment.
"An absolute mess!"