The 42nd Brigade by James Picard

[Kheren]

The 42nd Brigade
By James Picard



Warning!
The story you're about to read was written by a geek/nerd, and contains numerous references to other sci-fi and comic book works. Proceed at your own risk!

Well, it all really stemed from a creative writing unit in Language Arts class. I thought to myself, 'Wouldn't it be cool to do a story like the Marvel 2099 line, but with Star Trek/Wars technology?' Thus, I created, with some help from my sister, the story you see before you. So please enjoy The 42nd Brigade!


One Day, the Galaxy would be Free.


A lone, white, sterile station stood in space. It was essentially square, with several towers sticking out from the sides. It was on this strange, alien structure, that the fate of the galaxy would be changed forever...



Part One



Chapter One
DFH-1138 was led down a long, white hallway by two Malkerion guards. The Malkerions were ugly beasts, formed like something from humanity's worst nightmares. DFH had no idea why he was at this place. It seemed like a prison, but he had never done anything wrong. He was always obediant to his Malkerion masters. In fact, no one had dared defy them since the Riker rebellion, which was 80 years ago! The only abnormal things about himself that DFH could think of were his spotless medical records, peak physical condition, and Connor... But he was still marched on through the strange building. He had originally thought it was a prison, but now he wasn't so sure. The doors to the cells didn't have any guards. And the cells had no way to see outside. They were all enclosed and solitary. DFH wondered for the umpteenth time just what was happening. Suddenly, the guards stopped, opened a cell, and threw him in. As soon as DFH recovered from the hard landing, he noticed that the entire room was so dark, it was a tring chore to see even the light that slipped under the door.
Out of nowhere, a deep, gravelly voice said "So, the scientists decided to take you in, huh?"
"What are you talking about?" DFH asked "Where am I? What is this place? Why am I here?"
"You're on Station X-42, kid." The voice said. "Ever heard of it?"
DFH suddenly remembered a time back when he was a slave, working on building ships for the Malkerions. Some of his co-workers had talked about it. It was said to be an aweful place, where heartless Malkerion scientists twisted their poor human test subjects into utter monstrocities. Simply thinking about it made DFH's skin crawl. "So, I'm a test subject here? That's why I was brought here?" He asked.
"Bingo." the voice said. "All those times we were told it was a myth and urban legend? They lied. It's been real the whole time. Most of the people here don't survive these experiments, and those that do, well, use your imagination."
DFH couldn't beleive what was happening to him. He wished he could escape, but X-42 was known to have some of the best security systems and guards in the galaxy. No one had ever gotton away. He was doomed to be another helpless victim of the scientists cruel experiments...



Chapter 2



Eventually, the Malkerions did arrive. They opened the door, grabbed him very roughly, and hauled him out. After what seemed like ages, they finally reached their destination: a chrome, shining lab. DFH immediatley noticed an intercom, and knew that this was not going to be a routine exam. He looked up, and saw two antennae attached to the ceiling. Obviously this room was very important. But for what exactly, DFH did not know. The two Malkerions left the room, and a metal sheet suddenly appeared behind the door. DFH was trapped, with nowhere to go. The intercom whirred to life, and a strange, revolting voice spoke out of it. The Voice said "What is your designation?" "DFH-1138," DFH replied. "What year did the glourious Malkerion Empire, whose reign must and will never end, conquer your insignificant planet?" "2159." "Who led your worlds pitifull armies against our great might?" "Connor Paris." "Was he your ancestor?" DFH hesitated to answer. He had always been worried. that his ancestry would come back to haunt him. With a great effort, he answered "Yes." "You have passed the physical and mental examinations." the voice said. But something worried DFH: it sounded, of all things, happy, and triumphant. He knew at once that he would soon be dead, or victim of a worse fate. The Voice continued, "The experiment will now commence." Out of nowhere, a table shot from the floor, moved over to DFH, restrained him, tilted horizontally, and stopped. Then a mechanical claw came out from underneath the chair, removed DFH's shirt, attached adhesive plastic discs to him, connected wires to the discs, and went back into the chair. The anttenae at the top of the room grew so bright, that DFH had to shut his eyes to avoid being blinded. And while he could not see this, wispy, white energy began filling the room. It covered the entire room. DFH could feel its heat. But what he didn't know, was that the energy did much more than make the room hotter. It also seeped into his body, and began altering his genetic structure. Soon, DFH's body was forever changed. Then, the energy dissapated. DFH opened his eyes, and looked at his body. He saw his shape, but it was diffrent than before. It was covered in silver metal. DFH had no idea what had happened, but he knew one thing: he wanted to get out of that labratory of nightmares. Suddenly, he broke the restraints, and darted for the door. But he never reached it. The room suddenly filled with tranquilizer gas, and DFH collapsed into unconciousness.

[Kheren]

Okay, here's the updated Part 1. Part 2 may be a long time in coming, The Traveler has really gotten me, That's going to be dominating my writing for now, I'm hoping I'll remember to pick up with this when I get done. Anyways, here's the revised Part 1!The 42nd BrigadeBy James PicardOne day, the Galaxy would be Free...
* * *

A lone, white, sterile station stood in space. It was essentially square, with four towers sticking out of each of the corners. It was on this station, that the next defining moment of galactic history began...

* * *[bold][underline]Chapter 1[/underline][/bold]DFH-1138 was led down a white hallway with black, marble-like floors, and windows that led out into the cold, barren void of space. He was led by two large, green, razor-blade-covered Malkerions. He wasn't sure where he was, or why he was on this strange station. All he knew was that he had been working on the Malkerion supply lines with his fellow human slaves, when two Malkerions came up and seized him, brought him to a ship, and headed for parts unknown. He wasn't told where they were going, nor did he incline to ask. It was not his place to speak in the presence of Malkerion soldiers. So he remained silent through the trip, and when they docked at the station. After that, he was taken from the ship, and the guards began leading him down the hall.
At first, he thought the station was a prison. But, he had never broken any laws, and the Malkerions were known for being ruthlessly efficient. A mistake like this was impossible. And they would never simply put a worker with his capabilities in jail out of pure spite. The Malkerions knew he would be too valuable. So, he was led down the hall, pondering his situation, when the guards stopped. They activated a door, and threw DFH in. The room was dark, so dark that he saw more light when his eyes were closed than opened. Suddenly a deep, throaty voice said “So the Malkerions have brought in another victim”.
DFH could not discern where the voice had come from, and was left to wonder who, or what, was speaking. The voice spoke again, asking “Do you know where you are?”
DFH replied “No,”
“You've been brought to Station X-42. Have you heard that name before?”
DFH had heard the name mentioned fleetingly by some slaves who worked near his post, but knew nothing about it. He told the voice this.
“Station X-42,” the voice said, “is the Malkerions biological testing ground. Essentially, we come here to be experimented on, so they can see if they have any means of being able to use genetic manipulation, robotics, and other methods to increase their capabilities. The experiments rarely work though. Most die in the process. Those who live, well, they would be better off dead.”
DFH was horrified. Now he knew why he was here: his medical records were spotless, his physical condition peak. He would be the perfect test subject for whatever the Malkerions wished to experiment on. And if he did survive, whet new horrors would he be faced with?
[bold][underline]Chapter 2[/underline][/bold]Hours later, the Malkerion guards arrived. They grabbed DFH and led him to a strange, chrome room. The room was mostly bare, with only a metal table occupying it. The table was set up vertically, and had restrainment straps on it. One look at it, and DFH knew the purpose of this room: he was about to be altered. The guards strapped DFH to the table, and left the room. Suddenly, the thin, raspy voice of a Malkerion scientist spoke “What is your unit designation?”
“DFH-1138” said DFH.
“What year did the Malkerion Empire conquer Planet designation 42563, known to your species as Earth?” asked the scientist
“2159 A.D.”
“Who led the Riker Rebellion in the year 2264?”
“Connor Paris.”
This question was the hardest for DFH to answer, but not because he was ignorant. He wished that the Malkerion had never brought up the subject, but DFH knew he could not escape his past. The shadow of his grandfather would always hang over him, and cause him to question himself. Then the scientist said “Your mind appears adequate. We shall proceed as planned. Begin Experiment 1, Project Marko.”
Then, hatches began to open in the upper ceiling, and the room was filled with wispy, white light. DFH had to shut his eyes to avoid being blinded. While all this was happening, a chemical reaction was happening in the room, altering DFH's genetic code. After five minutes, the process stopped.
DFH waited until he heard absolutely nothing, then opened his eyes. He saw the room as it had looked before, as if nothing had changed. Then he looked at his body, and gasped: he was covered in a silver, metallic coating. He then realized that his body felt harder. He had no idea what horrible changes had come over his body, but he knew that it was imperative he escaped the lab. He struggled against the restraints, and found they snapped off easily. He then flew quick as lightning for the door. He never made it there. The room filled with tranquilizer gas, and DFH was forced to watch as the world went dark...
[bold][underline]Chapter 3[/underline][/bold]DFH awoke in his cell, unsure what had happened. He saw his skin was back to normal, and he felt lighter than when the experiment had ended. He began to wonder just what he had experienced. The voice from earlier said ”So you did survive. I thought you seemed tougher than most. Doubt it will do you any good though. Most likely, you're too mentally unstable to understand what I'm saying. Happens to every one who survives. Well, except for a select few.”
DFH said “I guess I'm one of those select few. As far as I know, I'm fine. What exactly did they do to me? Will the changes kill me? What happened?”
“You've been a part of the Malkerions most important experiment here. They've only manged success in this venture with you. What they did, is they altered your genetic structure, combining it with a sub-dermal silicon armor. You can now manifest it at will. During that time, you will be impervious to all physical assaults, have larger strength and endurance than the average human, and any one who punches you will shatter his entire arm. It is the experiment that the very fate of X-42 depends on. Now, they'll be examining you night and day, in an attempt to determine what alterations to the process need to be induced to ensure that Malkerions can survive the process as well. This could help lead the Malkerion army to conquering the galaxy. You are the most important figure in the galaxy right now. What's your name, kid?
“DFH-1138. And yours?”
The voice paused. It seemed unsure about answering DFH's inquiry. Finally, it replied “THX-1492.”
DFH didn't know what to say after that. He wished he could find some way of escaping. He then asked “Has anyone ever escaped X-42? Surely someone must have. No prison is inescapable.”
“Keyword being prison. X-42 is a science station. They've taken all precautions they can. It's completely locked down. No one can escape, do you understand? No one.”
“But-” DFH began.
“Ssh. The rooms are wired. It isn't safe to talk about this here. Just keep quiet.”
DFH didn't know exactly what THX meant, but something gave him the impression that he was implying something dangerous. So he kept his mouth shut and waited for when they would be let out for whatever time he would be released.
[bold][underline]Chapter 4[/underline][/bold]Eventually, DFH and THX were let out for their lunch. This was the first time DFH had actually seen what THX looked like. He was an average height, and wore a gray jacket with long sleeves, and a hood that covered his face. DFH was about to ask why he was so intent on keeping what he looked like secret, when they reached the cafeteria. DFH saw many humans gathered in line, waiting to receive their meal. After they had received theirs, THX led DFH to a table where two other humans had been sitting. The left one was a blonde male, a little skinny, with long arms. Then DFH looked at the other human. She was a female, with short black hair, green eyes, and a gorgeous smile. Once they were there, THX whispered “The Sand Man has been revealed. Operation Q has been commenced.”
The human on DFH's left replied “Termination sequence shall be set for 42 hours.”
“What are you talking about?” DFH asked.
“You, of course. Keep your voice down,” THX whispered. “Operation Q is code for what the Malkerions are coming here to do to you. You are the Sand Man. Termination sequence means the termination of our captivity here. We're leaving in 42 hours. You will be coming with us. And before you ask why, I will tell you: the Malkerions scientists will eventually begin studying you, and they will find a way to replicate their experiments effects on humans, at which point they will kill you.”
“But why are we attempting an escape? I thought this place was impregnable?” DFH asked.
“I only told you that because our room was wired. I couldn't risk revealing anything to you in there.”
“Then why are we speaking here? Wouldn't they have monitors here as well?
“Yes, but the Malkerions have grown overconfident. They believe the guards here will dissuade anyone from planning escapes, and that it is only important to monitor our conversations in our cells. They also think that the stations reputation will discourage others.”
“So X-42 is escapable?” DFH asked.
“For us, yes.” replied the human on DFH's right. “We have an advantage that the Malkerions didn't consider: we're the only people that who's sanity has survived the alterations.”
“So that means...” DFH began.
“Yes, you're talking to people who have endured this torture for many months. We survived, and our minds came with us. If we combine our abilities, we might have a chance to escape.”
“But what about X-42's security systems?” DFH asked. “How will we get past them?”
“We have an ally inside,” THX answered, “who can help us. He is a Malkerion who was altered as well, but something fluked, and the Malkerions saw no use for his abilities. He's managed to create a false identity, and became a security worker here. His real name is Kreemzeek-lop-5 We can trust him with our lives.”
“One other thing,” DFH said. “If we're going to escape, who are you? And what are your abilities?”
“You already know my designation.” THX said. “I was altered so that I'm a cyborg. I've managed to figure out that by altering the flow of electricity in my body, I can create energy bolts.”
The human on DFH's left stated “I am QPR-1262. My DNA was altered so that it allows my body parts to take the shape of other life forms, specifically, Earth fauna.”
The person on the right said “I'm LMF-2147. I have the ability to use telepathy, telekinesis, and other abilities that involve use of the mind. I also specialize in several forms of martial arts.”
“Alright, but how do I know I can trust you? How do I know you're not pulling my leg with these so-called 'powers'?” DFH asked.
“Ah, I was wondering when he'd get to that query.” LMF said. “How does this work for you? You've spent the past ten years of your life working at the shipbuilding plants of Argos IV, you were only on Earth when you were born, and you have a birthmark in the shape of a kidney bean on your right shoulder.”
“Alright, so you do have telepathic powers. But the question still remains: Can I trust you?”
“Kid,” THX said, “Do you want to get out of here or not? And either way, you will come. We will bind and gag you if it is necessary to keep the Malkerions from discovering how to recreate their success.”
“Alright. But have the Malkerions learned anything from you?” DFH asked.
“They decided that our alterations would not increase combat effectiveness, so they left us here, forced to spend the rest of our lives on this nightmare city.” QPR answered.
“Alright. That answers all my questions. I'm in. Let's blow this joint.” DFH said.
Then they began to talk louder, about things of little consequence, so that they could ease the suspicions of the guards, if they had any. But while they were talking, each was thinking about the freedom they would soon attain.
[bold][underline]Chapter 5[/underline][/bold]Eventually, the hour came. THX heated the door with his energy bolts, and DFH knocked it down. They began running down the hall, and made a left. After running past several corridors, they saw QPR and LMF. They joined each other, and proceeded through the station.
“Be careful,” LMF said. “Kreemzeek may have deactivated the security systems, but the guards make regular patrols. There will also be a lot of them in the docking bay. We may have several fights on our hands.”
Sure enough, they did eventually encounter a patrol. DFH activated his armor, and began to pound the guards. QPR turned his right arm into that of a bears, and knocked several Malkerions unconscious with it. After hiding the bodies where they could escape when they woke up several hours later, they proceeded to the docking bay.
When they reached it, THX motioned for them to duck behind a window. “This is it. Kreemzeek will be here soon. Judging by the fact that an alarm hasn't been raised, he must've succeeded in deactivating the stations inner and outer security systems. Now we just need to dispose of the Malkerions, and we'll be on our way out of here.”
DFH donned his armor, QPR turned his arms into a bear's, and THX opened the door. Then the battle began. THX did massive damage, knocking people into the ships, while LMF used her telepathy and martial arts skills to force foes to their knees. QPR and DFH simply bashed their fists on the guards heads, defeating them instantly. Soon, it was all over. After a few minutes, Kreemzeek walked in, and opened the hatch to a ship.
“Get in,” he said.
The group boarded the vessel, and Kreemzeek leaped at the controls. He began piloting the vessel out, and the group took their last look at Station X-42.
[bold][underline]Chapter 6[/underline][/bold]DFH stared out his window into the empty space. “I just can't wrap my head around it.” he finally said. “How could the Malkerions do such terrible things to humans?”
“They've always been like this,” THX replied. “They just kept it secret. They wanted us to be obedient slaves. But while they may have some use for us, they have always ultimately believed that all forms of life but there's are inferior. That's just what they've always known. Or at least, thought they known.”
“Well, we can't let them do this to us. We can't let them win. We have to let humanity know that we will not stand for these injustices!” DFH exclaimed. “We have to fight this. We have to convince the humans to free themselves of this nightmare. We're already wanted criminals. Why shouldn't we be the ones to form a new rebellion? Why shouldn't it be led by...” his voice trailed off. “By the 42nd Brigade!” he cried.
“I like it.” LMF said. “It's just like the groups of individuals from the twentieth century Earth graphic novels. And if we're going to be superheroes, we'll need names. I can be PsyWave,”
“Well, I suppose I could call myself Silicon Man.” DFH said.
“Dark Hood,” THX stated.
“I call Tech Master!” Kreemzeek shouted.
“I've always been partial to the name SemaShifter,” QPR said.
“Alright then,” Silicon Man stated. “Now we need to find a safe place to hide out. Tech Master, do you know of any place where we could do that?
“I think I can find something.” he said. “Strap yourselves in!”
[bold][underline]Chapter 7[/underline][/bold]The Commanding Officer of Station X-42 walked into the communications room, and activated the holoscreen. “The test was a success, o mighty emperor. The humans escaped without the slightest difficulty.”
he said.
“Good,” said the Malkerion emperor. “Did you leave a tracking device on their ship?”
“Of course, my lord. We know their exact location. It should be a simple matter to bring the controller device to their landing site.”
“Excellent. If that does not work, commence Operation: Omega.”
“Yes, my lord. It shall be done as you have said. We will not fail you.”
“Yes, but they are most undoubtedly a spirited and resourceful group. If they do escape, they may try to form a rebellion. And a group of rebels led by them, at the same time we are at war with the Abergons could destroy us. You would do well to remember that.”
“Yes, my lord. We will bear that in mind every waking moment.”
“Good. See to it, you succeed.” And with that, the emperor terminated the communication link.
The CO left the room, and looked out the window, knowing the humans would join them, or face annihilation...

Hope you enjoyed it!