Waiting Shapeless

Chapter 36. Deep space, unknown location

It was bright inside, bright with dirty yellow light. It made Hud miss the natural light from the stars.

The floor of the ship was covered with a thin layer of ominously swirling mist that kicked up as Hud walked through it. It subtly reminded him of walking through the dunes on Gnumus.

The creatures floated right over the sickening mist, letting it flow undisturbed.

The room he emerged into was large and spacious with tools and technology lining its edges. It looked like an abduction room to Hud. All it needed was a big table in the center where they could tie him down and do experiments.

"Please sit." Commanded the head being, turning its hooded head around to face Hud.

Hud looked around. "What, do you want me to just sit in your creepy mist?"

The creature motioned towards the center of the room. Hud looked just in time to see a simple seat materialize out of the mist.

"In a way, yes." Smiled the hovering being.

Hud grunted and trudged over to the chair, looking it over quickly before sitting down.

"Excellent." Said the creature contently. It made a gesture with its hand and the guards from the entryway moved into the room and lined against its walls, surrounding Hud at a distance.

After all the armed beings floated in, the door behind them silently closed, cutting Hud off from his ship.

"Now to business, Hudaryous." Said the creature, folding its spindly arms behind it's back.

Hud grunted, eying the alien guards silently lining the walls.

"We have been watching you, Hudaryous."

"Gross. Why would you do that?" He frowned.

"Our organization was enlisted by the Rhaa, a faction I'm sure you are more than familiar with." Spoke the being, ignoring Hud.

"The Rhaa hired you?" He said hesitantly.

The hooded being nodded with a slight dip of its head. "We've noticed the intentional delays in your mission, Hudaryous. Your commanders are displeased."

He sat in silence.

"We will be keeping an even closer watch on you to ensure that your objective is achieved as promised. But that is only a portion of what we wanted to discuss with you, Hudaryous."

Hud frowned. He didn't like hearing his name said so frequently, especially by this creepy being. "What are you going to do to me?" He growled.

"This is a simple chat, Hudaryous. Remember? A simple chat." The creature smiled. "We have full confidence in your ability to complete the task assigned to you."

Hud snorted. "Good. Because I will."

The hovering creature frowned, it's dark round face expressing displeasure under its thick hood. "We are aware of your plan to revolt against the Rhaa with the one, 'Gaunth'."

Hud's heart skipped a beat.

"Calm yourself, Hudaryous." Said the creature patiently, observing Hud's anxiety. "You are in no danger. That is, not unless you refuse to comply to our... let's say, redemptive requirements. Although your planned action is treasonous and punishable by your immediate dispatch, your lead commanders have deemed your service valuable and irreplaceable. You are good at what you do, and they like that."

Immediate dispatch they said. With the Rhaa... it was death or worse. Thought Hud.

The being looked away as it continued. "No, the Rhaa are much more interested in the punishing of your accomplice, Gaunth."