Ultraya: Origins

Chapter 21: Drama

27/05/4013 AD – 17:50 – Iceikco – Protyice City – City Streets

Protyice was a city that was directly next to the Headquarters of the Ultrayan Alliance. Its proximity to the base made it an ideal place for soldiers, engineers, and other personnel to live; although, due to the nature of war, not many of these people chose to raise a family here. Those that did, however, were in no way hindered in everyday life: the relatively low number of children made it so teachers could interact with singular students more, people could enlist in the reserves very easily, shops sold a variety of equipment and due to the U.A.'s research labs being essentially on their doorstep, and the city was first to get new inventions from the base. Night life was also a big part of the culture; the strong magnetic fields of the planet resulted in many auroras providing much needed morale and sights for soldiers and civilians alike. Restaurants were often open late as well to make the most of the night sky. Hyperzio paraded the streets in his metal armour, admiring his recently restored arm. Wyperian forms negated the effects of the extreme temperatures, so it was crucial that he repaired himself in a modification pod before going out to find his friend. He was often being stopped by the general Wyperian public to be given thanks and/or asked for autographs.

'It hasn't taken long for word to get around, I see', he thought. Hundreds of people gathered to witness the return of, and to meet, an Ayratulia. Hyperzio found it bothersome, but it did allow him to gather information in order to quickly locate Sollikarr; he was in a bar about half-way towards the centre of the city.

Hyperzio arrived at the bar and found Sollikarr. He was sat at the front of the bar drinking alcohol; by the looks of things, he had been drinking quite heavily. Wyperians cannot eat nor drink in their metal forms, so he had been forced to reveal his Human form. Sollikarr was an older Wyperian, at the age of sixty-four, grey hair, grey eyebrows, and a saddened, barely shaven face. He was sat in thin casual clothing, demanding another beverage.

"So that was an interesting bit of drama back there", Hyperzio stated, inviting himself to sit next to his comrade. He sat on a barely-cushioned stool as he looked around the old, run-down building. "Is this styled like this on purpose? I doubt this would live up to code if this wasn't decorative".

"Shut up", grunted the researcher.

"But seriously, what's the matter?" Hyperzio dropped the casual façade and got straight to the point.

"I do not want to talk about it", Sollikarr spat as he took another swig of his drink.

"Come on!" Hyperzio commented. "The cool atmosphere is so lively outside! If you need cheering up, let's go there rather than just sitting here getting drunk".

"Outside is exactly the problem!" Sollikarr shouted. "YOU are exactly the problem".

"I don't follow", Hyperzio didn't understand what he had done wrong.

"Everyone is having a big parade and all anyone talks about is how you, an EX-Ayratulia is back on the battlefield!" Sollikarr shouted.

"Well I can't exactly control what people do and say", Hyperzio backed off.

"Oh, you can't?!" Sollikarr became more even aggressive, even activating his Wyperian form. "Well everyone seems to THINK you can! Already giving orders as the new General of the Alliance!"

"What? Do you want to be in command?" Hyperzio waved his arms about in a panic. "Because I agree! It should be someone else; I just got here!"

"No, I don't want to be in charge", Sollikarr stated as he dug his claw-like finger into Hyperzio's chest. "I just don't think you should be, nor Staruthia, nor Crystrx and definitely not any of your Human friends! We SHOULD be looking for Novaran!"