22,002 // ORBUCEN
Richard flew, more or less, straight to the government building. He did what he could on the way, with Worldminds constant nagging in the background. Save a couple of people from falling buildings, and move them in the direction of the ships. In the distance, he could see the rioters outside protesting the Central Authority.
Good for them, shame it came right at the end. Richard really had no notion to move in and help them, but considering the fact that these officials held the lives of everyone aboard the ships in their hands he had no choice. If he couldn't save everyone, he had to save
someone.
Without pomp or ceremony, he crashed through a window and into the center of a room. There were screams of panic, guards sprang into action before a very well-dressed alien came forward raising his hands.
"Hold your fire! This is a Nova Centurion!" The being approached him, Richard extended his hand and it was grasped by both of the aliens' hands.
"I am glad to be seeing you now. We had hoped that our planet could have been saved, however with you here now we can maybe save what is left of our people. The disturbances within the atmosphere have prevented our evacuation, and the protestors have prevented our land transports. You must see us to our ships."Richard pulled his hand back.
"I'll see you to your ship, but first give me the codes to launch the ships-"Caution Richard Rider, adrenal spike detected in many of the occupants of the room."That way if you don't make it the ships can still lea-""Unacceptable. You will take us, and then we shall supply the codes.""I only mean it to make sure your people survive.""Either we all survive, or none of us do. This is the way of things. If you do not help us, none of us will survive and that will be your burden to bear.""But your people will die.""Only if you fail to save us."Richard had to refrain from physically frowning, it cost all his focus to stop the rage from translating into his eyes.
"Fine lets go, but no-one gets hurt."Without offering a chance for any rebuke Richard led the group of five out of the room, through the council halls, and out into the public. As soon as they appeared the crowd surged forward, and objects came flying at them. Thrown from protestors.
"Graviton shield to full strength, full coverage."There was a flash of light as the field expanded, objects bouncing harmlessly off. As they moved into the crowd anyone that attempted to stand in their way was pushed aside. Richard could see the pain in these poor people's faces, the anguish, and the anger. The rage.
Richard had never felt more ashamed in his life, all these people wanted was a chance to survive. He could be doing something, and yet here he was. A chaperone to the powerful.