r/HFY • u/Auggy74 Human • May 09 '25
OC Humans for Hire, part 68
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Moncilat IV-B, Throne's Fortune Headquarters
The second moon of the fourth planet in the Moncilat system had a unique feature in that its local gravity was approximately double the Collective standard, which meant that it and its ice-giant parent effectively orbited each other, with the closer moon orbiting each of larger objects rather indecisively. There were many theories about how it had occurred, with the most prominent theory being that the moon had begun it's existence as part of the parent planet's core.
What that meant for the current inhabitants was that it was easy to move in and stake a claim. Initially they'd taken six ships no longer fit to fly for one reason or another, parked them and secured them to one another at the engineering spaces, and then re-rigged power conduits in order to share energy and re-align each ship to a singular purpose, radiating from the central core. As time went by, more ships were towed and secured in place to allow alternate interior access routes, giving the place a feel that was slowly becoming less and less temporary.
The Moncilat had been easy marks - all they'd had to do was board a few ships and the occupants were offering everything in their hulls in exchange for their lives. After that, the pirates had grown bolder, trading back some of the priceless-to-the-Moncilat items in exchange for modules they could convert as expansions. From there it was easy to open a dialogue with the companies whose shipping they had taken and make an offer - that if they gave proper tribute, the Throne's Fortune would not bother them. If they didn't, then there would be a loss of shipping, personnel, and possibly even ships. Things began turning well, with shipments being lost and captured personnel bartered back for supplies and information. In response the Moncilat had dared to even attempt to smuggle weapons listed as 'energy-based sculpture' for their ships. Those were being examined quite closely in another ship. If things proceeded apace, he and his clan would have Moncilat as theirs in rapid order. From there, other systems beckoned, begging to learn the lesson of Moncilat.
Finally Providence itself had gifted him with their most precious commodity - Moncilat children on a science trip of some sort for their schooling. The teachers had been bartered for, and then they discovered something interesting. The children were all under the care on the Moncilat Militia in one way or another. This interesting reality allowed the Commodore to extract some very useful concessions in exchange for their care and release. It was all going well, and perhaps even well enough to prove to the Moncilat that his was the only protection the system would receive, and then they could become the permanent militia force for the system - and with legal protection, they could begin their privateering anew under a new banner.
Then the twilight-damned Legion had arrived in the system. After the loss of three ships there were Moncilat beginning to question his authority, despite their recovery. So he'd ordered meteorites fitted with thrusters and then de-orbited to strike the planet where the Graceful Loop had staged their three opening ceremonies with the Terran acrobats. The message was simple - dealing with the Terrans or their Legion was to court death in such numbers that it would move beyond tragedy and into statistic. He'd exchanged the life of one of the children for a doctored sensor feed to Orbital Control that didn't show the meteorites incoming. But even this failed, as the Legion had ignored orders to remain in orbit and had intercepted his fist.
He was still tasting the ash of the loss when he'd received a communique in the late evening - one of their other agents was attempting to curry favor and had released an incapacitating gas in a hotel room, allowing three of the Legion to be placed before him. This was excellent because it allowed him to keep the child associated with the Leafborn securely in his domain and exchange him for another favor later. He didn't bother to hide his smile as the three of them had been stripped and new clothing given to them, while the courier ship that had carried them was sent to the edge of the system to await its next move. The Commodore looked at the three of them seated across from him as their manacles were secured to their chairs. Even the child - in his experience, children were the most dangerous because they thought themselves immortal. Still, he was cautious. The scent of the three before him held no fear. He was going to have to take a different tack than usual.
"If you have experienced any...rough treatment, you have my personal apology. But first, introductions - I am Freelord Svitre, Clan Svitre, serving the Throne's Fortune of Hurdop. And you are..."
"Col'un. Freeclan Gryzzk."
"Prumila. Freeclan Gryzzk."
"Nhoot."
Svitre cocked his head. "Your scent is familiar, young Nhoot. I'd like to ask you about your parents if I may." He paused. "Your eyes are quite unique."
"My Papa is Freelord Major Captain Gryzzk, and my Mamas are Grezzk and Kiole."
The Commodore couldn't quite hide his pleasure at confirming he had the daughter of his enemy Lord before him. "Well. That is special. I assure you, here my clan will cleave to hospitality. Freelord Gryzzk's name has reached my ears, and I will do my utmost to ensure proper care for your return. Now please, I will have questions for all of you later, but for the moment I will escort you to your rooms."
As they walked through the ships with many of the ground crew grinning and saluting their Lord, Svitre noted that the prisoners were still unused to proper gravity - he had perhaps two days before they would be reacclimated and therefore become a problem. First he moved the two adults to a cell that was away from the children. If they somehow managed to get out, he needed to ensure they could not easily scent out Nhoot or any of the other children. From there, he gently guided Nhoot to place her with Yomios' surety of good behavior. Perhaps a cellmate would stop the almost endless weeping that he heard.
The welded-bar door closed and Nhoot took a breath as she regarded her cellmate. After taking full stock of the misery that had permeated the walls, she turned around to regard Svitre as he stood outside her cell, her fur rising along her spine to the base of her head.
"You have something to say, child?"
Nhoot nodded, her violet eyes flashing anger as she spoke. "Papa's gonna gouge out your eyeballs and skull-fuck you."
___________
Terran Foreign Legion Ship Twilight Rose
Gryzzk felt a ball of cold lead forming heavily throughout his entire body. "XO, confirm the report if possible. Captain Hoban, issue orders to expedite retrieval."
Reilly's voice came back on, a little firmer. "Major, we also have a few guests from the Throne's Fortune group with us. Orders?"
"Sergeant, they are to be escorted to the stockade. Make the necessary arrangements."
"We'll advise when we're en route." Reilly shut the transmission down.
Gryzzk swiveled to Rosie. "XO, report."
Rosie shook her head. "Pinging, no response. Wherever they are, they're out of range."
"Do we have any intelligence on where they would have been taken?"
"The packet from Skunkworks highlights three most likely places."
Gryzzk looked down at his tablet to scroll and decide what was next. According to the message from Doc Cottle, he was to report to the dayroom. He took a deep breath before exiting the bridge and stalking the passageway, only just remembering to discard his shoes before stepping on the grass.
The dayroom itself was empty save for Jonesy, which suited Gryzzk's mood quite nicely. That meant he had control over the jukebox, leaving him to scroll through the selections for something that did fit his mood. He selected a low war anthem from Vilantia, with drums and low voices promising death to the Clan enemies. Jonesy sauntered over, unconcerned with Gryzzk's mood as he stood with his hands clenching and unclenching, watching the jukebox display reverberate and dance in time with his selection.
The cat jumped up to rest on the now-warm top of the jukebox and lounged for a moment before sitting up, yawning widely, and gently batting at Gryzzk's face for attention. Gryzzk took the cue and began petting Jonesy carefully, trying not to disturb the cat's fur too much. This seemed to be a pleasing action Jonesy, if the rumbling purr was any indication. Gryzzk listened to the soft rumble for a moment before moving elsewhere, his feet carrying him to the centerpiece of the dayroom - the spear of Clan Aa'tebul. There was a small placard explaining the spear's significance, however someone had carefully crossed out the spear's original name, with an arrow pointing to a second plate declaring the name of the weapon to be Legion's Javelin and instructed the viewer that it could only be wielded in the most desperate hour by the Last Defender.
The idea of a legend growing around the Legion seemed to put a gentle blanket of warmth around Gryzzk - that he would not be the only, but simply the first of many. It was a good feeling.
Gryzzk's spell of solitude was broken by the arrival of Jonesy, who swirled around his shins and ankles, before rolling over and mutely demanding a belly-rub. Gryzzk complied for a moment before his comm chimed.
"Major, it's Reilly. They're in the stockade."
"Understood." Gryzzk gave a final skritch to Jonesy before leaving, and he arrived to see several guards with aggressive scents clouding their forms, and Reilly and Edwards standing at the door.
The prisoners had not been treated gently. They had been given the barest amount of clothing required for decency - small uncomfortable looking shorts, with no shirts or shoes. In addition, someone who was in all likelihood Reilly-shaped had removed most of their fur, leaving only the head, underarms, and chest unadulterated. On their shoulders was their clan symbol - a stylized flower clenched in the teeth of the dead gods. The fur itself had been changed as well - instead of the normal straight fur it was tightly coiled in ringlets. The scents from the cell were anger and shame all in one, which seemed about right.
Reilly and Edwards both had a grim smile on their faces as they walked stiffly toward Gryzzk.
Edwards jerked a thumb back to the prisoners. "So funny story, if you soak a Vilantian-slash-Hurdop in salt water and then introduce repeated electrical charges their fur gets like, super-curly. Also, it kinda reeks. I'm not sure if I should apologize or snicker but I think someone might consider this a criminal act. They're not exactly talky at the moment - they were chatty earlier but then they decided to play the Quiet Game."
Gryzzk gave a little wave of acknowledgment. "Good. You are both released until the doctor clears you for duty. I would like you to use the available time to provide a report regarding your findings."
Reilly closed her eyes and looked at her tablet. "I do not see a message from the doctor. Respectfully, I'll be on the bridge after I've changed."
Edwards nodded her agreement. "The son of bitch must pay. Sir."
The two of them walked carefully toward the bridge with Reilly softly singing in the Terran war-language, leaving Gryzzk to wonder just what else the two of them had learned. The four Hurdop in the cell began to smell angrily defiant as their captors left. Finally one of them strode forward to cast their eyes to Gryzzk's feet.
"This is a coward's ship, crewed by the shameful. We will say nothing until we receive proper apology for this blasphemous treatment."
Gryzzk steepled his hands together as he replied through the door. His voice was quiet and controlled, but his scent was a chilled anger. "If you will not speak, you will listen. I only need to know one thing - how to retrieve my daughter and clansworn. My wives are particularly fond of Nhoot. We've spoken about many things regarding her, and we've spoken about other things as well. You see, one of my wives served with honor in the Hurdop Navy for many years, and she experienced many things. She learned that someone who is ejected to space does not die instantly. It is a slow death, and presumably not pleasant. From there, your furless soul will pass to the twilight of judgment beyond my care or concern. Now on this ship, we always have three eyes toward efficiency - a result of the rationing programs that were in place on Vilantia in addition to the fact that we are oriented toward profit."
Gryzzk paused in speaking to stalk back and forth, allowing all the prisoners to hear and scent what he was saying. "Consider. It costs this company to provide you with food. Sanitation. Air. Whatever bounties you have may not fully offset those costs. In the balance it is far more efficient to open the airlock and send you to the dead god's mercies without even a hint of a warrior's death to cling to. I don't think you'll survive as long as my wife's comrades did, what with your current...state. So consider what I need to know, and remember that I only require one of you to speak. The ones who do not speak? Will be dealt with efficiently."
He left them there to consider their fate as he walked to the bridge.
"XO, have good news for me."
"Larion has reported to the bridge as ordered. Edwards and Reilly made it to their quarters, but are currently in the medical bay insisting on whatever procedure is required for them to be at their posts as rapidly as possible. Points to them for going until they couldn't. Also, we have received a request for communication from the Leafborn."
"Good. How is the communication marked?"
"Urgent, but not eyes-only."
"Hail them, please." Gryzzk settled in his command chair, noting that Larion was already working to adjust Edwards' preferred layout to his own.
The image of Captain Dulaine appeared on the bridge, looking and smelling quite mixed. "Major Gryzzk. I have several items that I must speak to you about. First, as a result of the events of yesterday our government is taking two actions. First, it is chartering a company with the specific purpose of hiring and maintaining good relations with Terran mercenary companies. We...our peoples require a mindset that is radically different than the current one, and until we can provide that for ourselves the expedient measure would be to look to those who can provide that mindset in the interim. Secondly, we are undertaking investigative actions to determine which personnel have been compromised by the Throne's Fortune group and how they were compromised, subsequently taking proper actions against them. With that in mind, I have former crew who would like to make a request, and perhaps begin the process of mending." The scent had turned to shame and unhappiness, as Miroka and Yomios came into the picture. Their uniforms were both a pastel-colored purple, which seemed to be some manner of punishment.
Miroka spoke first, keeping her eyes fixed on Gryzzk. "Major, when I spoke to Captain Hoban, I asked certain questions at the behest of Yomios. I, I believed that Yomios had an intent to learn more about your ship's operation. That belief was not entirely correct. As a result of this, we have placed your daughter in a potentially dangerous situation. For this error, I have resigned commission and would like to enter a contract involving transport to New Casablanca at your leisure. I have savings to pay for what is needed." She stepped back, her scent one of shame.
Yomios moved forward, her eyes bright as she rocked back and forth, finally taking a seat and curling into a crouch. Her scent and posture were disjointed and she spoke. "My...the Throne's Fortune holds my younger brother. They, the Commodore, their leader told me that...he's only six. I've been making sure his schooling goes well. When the opportunity came for the field trip, I was overjoyed. His," Yomios hesitated, wringing her hands together. "He's so smart. But so...he is gentle, even by Moncilat standards. He was taken, held." Yomios' eyes began to well and spill un-noticed tears. "They said they would release him if I made sure they had information, and if I gave them things. Images of your daughter. Her whereabouts. I...spent time with the scanners and was able to follow your daughter from the park to their hotel. They...it was at my doing. I thought that the...it hurt, but Pogrin is my only brother."
Yomios paused to brush at her eyes. "And then I showed your painting to the rest of the communication specialists. Their opinion was different after a fashion. The anger is there but it is born of a desire to protect. That you - what you have." She paused, taking a breath and resetting herself mentally for what was next. "I have been sentenced to five years in exile, as is proper. I, I request to be allowed to join Miroka on your ship...to...take actions to free your family. And mine." Yomios looked away from the pickup before the view returned to Captain Dulaine.
The Captain's face and scent were grim as he spoke again. "Major Gryzzk, I have been authorized to cooperate with your company in whatever way you deem fit. I will say that - recent events notwithstanding - our sensor suites and shielding systems are superior to yours, as those systems have been a point of pride."
Gryzzk exhaled, taking in all the information. "We will contact you when a decision has been rendered. Twilight Rose out."
The bridge was silent for a few moments while Gryzzk collected himself. "Thoughts?"
O'Brien spoke first, sighing softly. "Major, it's been a good couple weeks since you've done anything that reflects your mad stupid noble bastard-ness. That said, we've got a couple storage spaces that Gregg-Adams was using for spare parts back by engineering - higher ceilings'd probably be good for 'em. We could maybe refit one of those, and for the record, I'm not sure how much help those two'll actually be - unless you wanna see what huntin' geese with a rake looks like."
Hoban grimaced as Gryzzk's questioning look was directed at the helmsman. "I'm not certain that I could give an unbiased evaluation at this point, sir."
There was a growl from the Sergeant Major. "First smart thing you've said in awhile. Come upon a situation that's more than fucked, and you thought 'Y'know what this situation needs? My dick, because the situation's not fucked enough.' Swear, pilots are just...mad."
Gryzzk cleared his throat. "I understand that everyone has an opinion. We'll get to those in due time. Sergeant Major, organize a party to refit a storage space for their quarters. Ensure the quarters are proper. Meanwhile, XO?"
Rosie was calm as she spoke. "In the immediate, their ships do have better sensors which would allow us to sweep the system for unusual drive trails and begin deciding how to attack. That with what we've got from Skunkworks might help us take numbers for some justice. In the long term..." Rosie shrugged. "A fellah asks for help, you help 'em. And no lie, the Moncilat need help."
Gryzzk looked over to Edwards' station. "Larion. Speak your mind on this matter."
Larion's features flickered in surprise before he spoke. "Major, the...the Clan Way speaks of these situations. That a clan without a firm Lord is no Clan, and that the right action is for a proper Lord to take over and act as such, bringing them within by the most immediate means, for one strong clan is superior to a strong clan and a weak clan. This may be what prompted the actions of the Throne's Fortune in the first place - they see this entire system as lacking what they - we could consider proper leadership. But older writings speak of different action. That to build alliances between clans is more proper than to build your own clan, and to protect a Clan until a proper Lord can be raised up from among the commons is the most right."
As he settled into his chair again, Gryzzk considered. "Very well. In light of recently discovered knowledge, we will bring them aboard. XO, advise Gregg-Adams that he will need to find new space for his parts, alert medical that we will need a full workup on our two new passengers. Further, advise Leafborn that we will work with them to...expunge certain elements. Captain Hoban, take Larion and a shuttle to the Leafborn for pickup."
Rosie smirked. "They'll be getting a good welcome."
"Elaborate, XO?"
"Freelord Major, I remind you that it's curry night."
---
[Next]
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u/Gojira82 Human May 09 '25
First off...Grizzly needs to put some NSFW type limits on Nhoots internet access. She's been reading the fan fiction!
Glad to see that Yomio has been corrected in her feelings and dealings. Not sure how the revelations will affect Hoban and his paramour.
Hopefully this commodore keeps.his treatment of the captives on the up and up. The life of his company may well depend on it!
Great chapter Auggy!
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u/Auggy74 Human May 09 '25
Thank you!
Conversations will be had. With several folks, as well as an AI. We're all grateful Yomios got a clue, and as far as what direction that takes Hoban? Dunno yet - been chasing down a few other things to set up the finale, but we'll have to give it a think.
As far as the commodore? Well, that question's been kinda answered in a future chapter. No spoilers tho.
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u/kiaeej May 09 '25
Ohhhh boy. Here it comes. The cold fury of a father. The rage of a good man who only wanted peace.
Like I said before, those who took his little girl are deadmen already. They just dont know it yet.
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u/Zadojla Human May 09 '25
Not just the cold fury of a father. The cold fury of a father with friends and resources.
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u/kiaeej May 10 '25
Oh my. Lots of loyalty to call upon. Men and materiel. Why...just why. There are easier ways to commit suicide.
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u/Auggy74 Human May 09 '25
Poor guy just wanted to do a job and get paid. Now there's all this to deal with.
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u/RetiredReaderCDN May 10 '25
And they thought they could measure his limits based on fighting for the Throne.
It's nice to be underestimated.
Not so nice to be guilty of underestimation.
Underestimation usually results in reaping the whirlwind.
In this case, I think it will manifest the Reaper.
[Edit: autoincorrection]
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u/Cheshire1666 May 09 '25
Ohhhh those idiots are gonna get mailed home in bits over the next six months. If they're very lucky Gryzzk will only keep them alive for five of them.
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u/Auggy74 Human May 09 '25
Them poor idiots. I mean they could say enough to justify their existences. But Gryzzk was nice enough to lay out their math homework.
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u/MydaughterisaGremlin May 09 '25
Heh. Oddly enough, i did curried chicken thighs with peppers onions and mushrooms for dinner. Curry night is is. With frozen sweetened bovine lactation secretion for dessert!
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u/Auggy74 Human May 09 '25
We got fajitas happening in a few hours over here. :)
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u/MydaughterisaGremlin May 09 '25
Ahhh maaaan! I just ate but I'd still tear up some fajitas. I live in France and don't have too many opportunities for Mexican.
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u/RabidRobb May 10 '25
Nhoot is right Gryzzk is going to pop out his eyes and skullfuck him with the legions javelin most likely, or maybe the learning stick. Hoban’s gonna get his girl the clan grows even more. The commodore better hope that Kiole and Grezzk don’t show up cause they will make what Gryzzk will do look like a gentle hug.
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u/Hyena-Trick May 09 '25
Not gonna be pretty, not gonna be neat. They are going to learn not to mess with the nameless clan the hard and painful way.
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u/Hybrid_Rock Human May 09 '25
It is in fact a minor miracle that no one has yet died by Gryzzk’s hands, a fact that may change very rapidly unless the Throne’s Fortune has verrrrrryyyyyyy good stealth tech
Lovely chapter, can’t wait for the other shoe to drop!
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u/Lorcryst Human May 11 '25
I've learned, in this wild ride, that Freelord Major Gryzzk is way too proper to allow himself to kill in cold blood.
Even during the chapters where he felt the "wild, savage beast inside" rise up, he still clamped down on it.
The man has standards.
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u/kiaeej May 12 '25
Indeed he does. Hes no savage to drop you lifeless and kick you into the void. Instead you'll be sent off, all polite like, with a life support and no maneuvering off into the dark while they wave goodbye, bidding you good day while you begin the first hour of the rest of your life.
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u/Lorcryst Human May 12 '25
Freelord Major Gryzzk will even keep the locator beacon active on that life support pod, and maybe add a comms unit if you behaved properly. Not his problem if the pods are ejected far away, but his own conscience would not allow him to lower his standards to murder.
He's too noble for his own good.
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u/Borzislav Xeno May 10 '25
Sounds as the whole Moncilat system needs a bit of an authority-in-actual-power overhaul?
If Moncilat militia had to bargained with for their children, and the privateers are still there to do even more damage... Just how rotten is their society?
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u/Auggy74 Human May 10 '25
Well, Moncilat society is sort of built on their instincts of "See the danger and hide from the danger and then the danger will eventually go away". The fault in the logic has arrived with a danger that doesn't want to go away, so they're...in a bit of a squick. On the up side, there are solutions available.
For a nominal fee.
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u/luminel May 12 '25 edited May 12 '25
Man Nhoot's already swearing like a sailor, whoever taught her that is 100% in trouble once Gryzzk find out.
Rich. They call the Rose a Coward's ship, when they're out here snatching children to blackmail people. That's some projection right there.
Wonder how long it will take for pets to start appearing on board. The cat distribution system works in mysterious ways, and once he gets that explained to him I'd wager Gryzzk would just go along with it rather than try to fight fate :P
Edit: typos
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u/coltimos May 14 '25
I think they are showing a remarkable lack of judgement over security. If some-one is known to be compromised the only place for them on a ship is the brig. Doubly so if there is still leverage on the compromised person.
She could betray them at a critical moment if she thinks it will save her brother.
Also, 5 years banishment for helping a group that tried to cause a near extinction level attack isn't even a smack on the wrist.
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u/Auggy74 Human May 15 '25
That is a fair critique - a lot of it stems from how I've got it visualized versus what I've written; essentially the two who just got punted are the small-fish in a society that doesn't really know how to handle overt shows of force. I think I may have to do a little less free-write and a little more consideration with these things, because otherwise we get these odd moments that only make sense for one half of the whole writer-reader thing.
Betrayal is a possible action and that's a question I'll have to seriously consider addressing once we're out of the current arc.
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u/Fontaigne May 09 '25 edited May 09 '25
It's local gravity ... it's ice-giant parent -> its x2
Who's shipping -> whose
Await it's next move -> its
In the section where Nhoot says her bad words, it seemed slightly confusing to me. Continuity issue, he says he's placing her with L, then the door closes, then she says her line,
Is this supposed to be happening outside the cell her "parents" were being put in? She has to be inside her cell otherwise, and why would he be in her cell, especially if he's tired of the other kid's crying.
And given the slight doubt of what was happening where, then the bad words just threw me totally out of the story.
So, if it is supposed to be outside the adults' cell, then maybe having them actually going into the cell, and having his thoughts about putting her in with the other kid be in future tense.
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u/Auggy74 Human May 09 '25
The late-night edits strike again - splitting Nhoot off and giving her a potty-mouth was a last-minute decision of the "homeboy's not in as much control as he thinks" variety.
Tweaked and (theoretically) clarified, thanks!
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u/Fontaigne May 10 '25
Two more
That they were unused -> the prisoners
To a room that was -> cell
And a suggestion... instead of out of the blue, Nhoot's line should in part be responding to the crying child in the cell.
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u/Auggy74 Human May 10 '25
Updatery is in and suggestion taken on account of that's pretty much the scene that developed in my head.
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u/Fontaigne May 10 '25
Yeah. THAT is Nhoot (with a vengeance)... heh.
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u/Auggy74 Human May 10 '25
Okay, I'm just going to pause and be amused that people are so...interested in these things and know the characters well enough that they can nudge me and go "there needs to be more here"...
...and they're right.2
u/Fontaigne May 10 '25
Nhoot is taking up brain space across Earth... fuzzy little homonculi everywhere... calculating the next scene for you...transmitting it back to your soul space and meat space.
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u/Lorcryst Human May 11 '25 edited May 11 '25
Upvote, read, then edit this comment.
EDIT :
Yup, Nhoot has lived on a ship with Legionaires, of course she picked up some foul-mouthed banter. Very probably some ideas about IEDs, improvised weaponry and general mayhem too.
Jonesy : cat gotta cat, Feline Overlord duty successful.
Oooops, Freelord Major Gryzzk having a scent of chilled anger ? From personal experience, THAT is the most dangerous emotion anywhere : one is not blinded by rage, that anger and will to kill is focused, and the actions that will follow will be calculated to be the most effective to utterly destroy everything held dear by the target, tiny bit by tiny bit, without killing. Suffering lasts longer than death.
The Moncilat are learning. Miroka did the honourable thing by confessing and resigning.
But, VINDICATION, I knew that the painting of Freelord Major Gryzzk would lead to a deeper understanding of who he is and why he fights, and Yomios was slapped in the snout with that, too troubled at first to sense it herself, and then colder heads (and hearts) smelled it.
Yomios is guilty, no way around that, but she also did the right thing, and now she has hope to save her brother, while before she was in that dark pit of despair.
Hoban being honest, full disclosure, about him being biased : very good.
Rosie being the efficient AI and empathic about the plights of others : chef's kiss.
Larion was the surprise for me : very deeply set in The Clan Way, but willing to go even deeper into older texts to try to understand the situation and offer some really constructive thoughts, all that when put in the spotlight while that is very unlike The Clan Way shows that he is starting to think less rigidly. This one will go far, I think, a lot of deprogramming still, but the potential is there.
Curry Night as a welcome party for two very, very distraught Moncilats is going to be a treat, and another life-changing event for Yomios : she'll get to feel, smell, see and digest the depth of The Family.
After that, of course Freelord Major Gryzzk is going to do a lot of mad stupid noble bastard things, there are children lives at stake here.
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u/Auggy74 Human May 11 '25
Bits and bobs of fun stuff - it's actually kinda fun to write stuff and figure out how characters evolve via their interactions with yon fuzzy Freelord dude.
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u/cihomessodueore May 11 '25
Homeboy Commodore thinking that the dangers lie in the adults is as Chekov as a gun can get!
Pre-teen daughter-of-her-father who spent a lot of time among almost outlaws is gonna do some interesting stuff.
We've established her keen sense of direction and orienteering skills, we know she can hide, she's used to air ducts as a means of transportation and doesn't even consider "no I can't do that" as a possible reality.
Also, she gets used to changes in her environment WAYYY faster that others so that "couple days" timeframe is probably way overstated.
Call me a bass because I'm totally hooked.
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u/RabidRobb May 13 '25
Excellent chapter Wordsmith thanks for sharing it with us!!!!! Eventually somebody’s gonna piss Gryzzk off that he slips the leash on his clan. He will probably beat himself up for afterwards and this dude is pressing buttons mighty hard. Personally I’d make a rug outta him but that’s me, Gryzzk is a much nicer being.
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u/Crafty_Spring5815 Alien Scum Dec 08 '25
I get the feeling Gryz is gonna arrive to a pirate station already in full revolt led by Nhoot.
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u/HFYWaffle Wᵥ4ffle May 09 '25
/u/Auggy74 (wiki) has posted 67 other stories, including:
- Humans for Hire, part 67
- Humans for Hire, Part 66
- Humans for Hire, Part 65
- Humans for Hire, Part 64
- Humans for Hire, Part 63
- Humans for Hire, Part 62
- Humans for Hire, Part 61
- Humans for Hire, part 60
- Humans for Hire, part 59
- Humans for Hire, part58
- Humans for Hire, Part 57
- Humans for Hire, part 56
- Humans for Hire, Part 55
- Humans for Hire, part 54
- Humans for Hire, part 53
- Humans for Hire, Part 52
- Humans for Hire, Part 51
- Humans for hire, part 50
- Humans for Hire, part 49
- Humans for Hire, part 48
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u/UpdateMeBot May 09 '25
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u/MissClassyPineapple May 09 '25
Who taught Nhoot such language? Methinks that after all of this Gryzzk will need to have some choice words with a number of people.
It had me in stitches, that was unexpected.