The Actor and The Pacifist. Part I

wo-the-wolf:

Inspired by a user under the name of FlamingFoxNinja, in regards to human actors and the what if scenario that they are the only ones capable of holding in emotions, faking certain things, and as we in the acting profession like to call it, “Bullshitting,” our way through things. I am a freelance professional voice actor, theater actor, and so on so forth. Hopefully I capture this right in my tired state.

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Derrick had been on many a vessel with his traveling companion, Emma. The differences in humans was well cataloged throughout the galaxy, though it was rare to see a female towering over a male. Derrick didn’t mind as he was the voice between them both, considering Emma was quite the shy person despite her behemoth like size at 7 feet tall. This alien Merchant ship was their next vessel to board themselves upon, for their adventures took them farther towards the outer rim, aimed at Algolis V, a hub world for trade and entertainment though notoriously dangerous. “We are going to make such a profit! I tell you this my friend,” Derrick began, “I can just smell it, the credits rolling in will ensure we can make our way back to the Citadel as cultural heroes! Or at least very notable scoundrels.” The last part her mumbled, though his eyes flicked towards a crew member that reacted, thus causing Derrick to grin ever so slightly. 

“Hm,” Emma shuffled in the lounge as they watched the non-human crew go about their business, uncomfortable and pulling her armor closer to her. Between the two of them, she was a beast covered head to toe in thick power armor, though her shyness was a quirk she could not be rid of. Derrick took a more modest and light attire with notably flashy colors on his garbs. The prime piece of his attire was a notable black eye-patch with gold inlays protecting his right eye, resting atop a vicious burn scar beneath it. “Me?”

“Well of course I need you here, my big bad bodyguard and old friend, you are the dashing good looks and muscle of our voyages!” He proclaimed loudly with pride, causing any prying eyes to look away at last. 

“I don’t like violence,” she muttered through the helmet, the voice becoming partially distorted to sound more fiercer than it probably was. 

“Ah but you LOOK like you do,” he whispered and then gestured to her armor, it was far from shiny, and she had always protected her reckless companion well over the profitable years. Despite his attitude, he had a number of connections she used regularly to handle her own personal manners. “That is the beauty of it, of what I learned as an actor,” he took a stand upon his chair, looking as prideful as a man of his 5′3 stature could look without coming off as comedic. “For where we as humans shine is many a specialization.” He leaned forward and grinned, “Mine in its entirety is my powers of hogwash and subterfuge. For even in the army during my time in raids all across the galaxy, battling pirates and bandits, I learned the art of silver tongues is something of masterpiece only we can create! With my skills we will go far in the galaxy!” Derrick was careful in using human slang for lying, seeing the crew around them appearing confused by his jargon caused him to chuckle softly. 

“Excuse me, humans?” one of their alien crew members curiously questioned as he spotted them. “I was requested to bring you before the Captain of the ship, something regarding your,” the avian based sentient gazed down, ruffling some of the feathers on its neck, “Your papers? Specifically the documents you provided regarding your legal status to be here?” 

‘Rules,’ Derrick thought to himself. “The Sarkian always love their rules,” he cleared his throat before opening his arms and smiling, forgetting at times it could still be considered a threat. “My fine feathered friend we would be more than happy to meet your Captain! A Sarkians’s hospitality is legendary among the inner rim, and I am sure we will be happy to make her friendship.” Emma shook her head and sighed, there he went again attempting to make friends in the worst of ways. 

As they passed by a multitude of different species aboard the ship, it became obvious they caught more than a few stares. The rumors of humans being battle hungry Demons was well known, and their survival instincts were something respected and feared. Once they reached the bridge, Derrick adjusted his eye patch and straightened his clothes, “Look presentable, smile, er actually,” he looked up at Emma’s helmet and mask covering the entirety of her face, and she too looked down at him. Even without the mask it was obvious she had raised her brow in confusion. “Better just … Be yourself,” he stated nervously. 

“Nervous?” She questioned. What could it be now? Of all things? He was usually good with hiding such things even from her. 

“Always nervous before a good performance.” He could tell she was confused still. “I… May have fudged some of our papers so we could get on this ship. It was the fastest way to our destination.” Her heart practically plummeted. They were lying about being here? Oh this was going to be a disaster. 

“You are an idiot,” she grumbled. 

“I know, but hey … When in doubt, bullshit your way through.” He straightened himself up and smiled as the doors finally opened. “Greetings and most respectable salutations!” Derrick stated as they walked in. She was already stressing by his sheer stupidity. “We have heard that there was an issue with our papers? A clerical error I’m sure!” He stood proudly, absent of the nervousness that riddled him previously. Emma however was becoming upset and discomforted as so many eyes were on them. 

“Human,” The Captain started. Her feathers were a brilliant fiery red and orange, with touches of green above the head. Her four eyes blinked together as she raised her three clawed hand in a sign of formal greeting. “You have some explaining to do. First, your names.” 

“Why, I am Nathaniel T. Laz’fre, and my companion here is Ulrich Von Xer. We are simple travelers heading towards Algolis V to entertain an extended visit to one of my cousins as she and her wife bear their first child. It is a most momentous occasion for human culture!” His movements and voice boomed with energy, enough to overwhelm and captivate any audience. 

But the Captain seemed to be anything but entertained. “Allow me to clarify. Your REAL names.” she demanded with a stern glare. 

“I do not follow?” Derrick continued to play the game before him, resolute and unflinching. 

“Answer the question, or I will have you put in the brig, without hesitation.” The Captain hissed as she ruffled her feathers in a threatening manner. 

Derrick finally broke character and took on a more serious face, an aura of cold surrounded him as his eyes suddenly changed to that of a thousand yard stare. The smile was like glass, and small, showing no teeth as he stared at the Captain. His gazed caused a shiver up her spine, “Ah, I see. Perhaps you were unaware then.” He put his hands behind his back, standing upright and walking along the consoles of the bridge. “We are on an important mission… A bounty if you would,” he sniffled and gazed at the Captain again, standing much closer than was usually allowed. 

‘Liar,’ Emma thought as she saw him once again spin a tale of epic proportions, detailing how they had been sent out this far to catch a dangerous foe, responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands. He created a name, place, origins of attacks on human colonies they would not know of. It was a masterpiece that caused the Sarkians’s to believe him, or at least become worried enough about who they were dealing with on their ship. “As for our names, my real name is of no concern. To tell you would be a breach of security I, nor my companion, can accept.”

“I-” the Captain was taken aback by this knowledge, and believed it to some extent. She had heard the stories some humans were good liars, taking the truth and telling anything but it. However his demeanor plus his hulking companion caused her to fear for her crew. “Suppose you may stay… Having a human or two of such caliber as you both would surely be a boon of some kind. I do not wish to cause any sort of diplomatic incident, I am just a merchant after all.” She stated with a reserved posture.

“Thank you, my fine feathered friend,” Derrick smirked, his voice a low gruff growl as the words coldly dripped from his tongue like poison. “We will be no trouble… The Terran Republic thanks you for your assistance.” 

With that they left to their newly assigned rooms. “By the Great Mother, what in all four hells are we transporting in those two?!” One of the navigators responding after finally breathing normally again. 

“Humans are terrifying … Tens of thousands dead and they send just those two? They must be exceptionally ruthless.” Another rubbed her beak nervously. 

“Well… Having them aboard could be safe for the crew.” The Captain tried to reason a positive into the mix, but failed to convince even herself. 

Once they were in their shared room, Derrick sighed with relief and began to hyperventilate once he had laid down on one of the two beds, “Oh by the skin of my teeth,” he finally caught his breath. “I was certain they had us made… Good on you my friend, looking as imposing and intimidating as always. You are a natural!” He laughed as Emma sat down on her bed. 

“You lie well.” She stated, finally removing her helmet as it was only them. 

Derrick paused for a moment and smiled, though his eyes were somber. His companion had been with him for years, a decade maybe. Seeing her suffering first hand was still difficult to watch. Her face was burned horribly, eyes replaced by cybernetics from injuries long in the past, and beast claws had left a nasty scar across her face. Though her short raven black hair complemented her bronze skin well, it was clear such scars still made her uneasy when they were looked at. “I do my best,” he responded finally, though his tone was much like his eyes now. 

“Do not stare,” she simply replied before laying down in her armor. 

“Apologies,” he sighed before laying down as well. “We will make it there my friend… I know you wish to see your brother back on the Citadel.”

“Is it wise to speak the real truth here?” She inquired without turning too him. She merely stared at the ceiling above them, the titanium was a bland color, but these merchant ships of the Sarkians’s were never aesthetically pleasing at first. 

“The walls have no ears this time… Trust me, I know,” he stated. Their true intentions. Her dearest friend, a brother by bond, was recently injured. Holovids were one thing, but being there when he woke up in the hospital was another. 

“They say he will be receiving a new arm. He cannot afford it.” 

“I heard,” Derrick sighed, “I heard… We will get to him, and help remove that obstacle of petty debt. I promise you, my friend.” He said the last word with a sincerity she knew could only be given once in a blue moon. “Now… Rest … It will be at least another 5 rotations before we arrive.” With that, Derrick flipped on his side and fell asleep.

Little did they know, on the horizon of their next jump lay a predator… The predator born not of hungry by survival but the hunger of greed. Three pirate frigates lay outside the next hyperspace exit lane, eagerly waiting for another trade ship to pounce upon. Their blackened ships and twisted designs meant for intimidation and boarding. It would be a terrible tragedy… Or would it?

To Be Continued Tomorrow because it’s late AND I’M TIRED AS FUCK.