Samus x Nova Crossover Teaser

Just thought I'd post a snippet of the poll winner that I've been working on. I'd definitely like to share teasers or works-in-progress more often in the future, so keep an eye here if that's something you're interested in.

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The Koprulu Sector. What a backwater.

Samus couldn’t resist the smirk that tugged at her lips. Even when he was alive, the man whom her ship’s AI was modeled after never shied away from expressing his disdain for the Terrans and their little corner of the galaxy. A sentiment that was shared by much of the Federation. Which was just as well because intelligent lifeforms in this area were not known for being… Friendly, to say the least. There were the Protoss of course, whose entire foreign policy could be summed up as “glass the whole planet and ask questions later.” The Zerg, whose brutality and monstrousness were only matched by their appetite. And then of course the Terrans, who proudly boasted they possessed more nuclear warheads in their armament than marines.

It had been a long time since anyone from the galactic core had traveled into Dominion territory. Even though both it and the Federation were primarily human-centric governments, they couldn’t be further apart in ideology. Though admittedly, rumors had circulated recently that the Dominion was a much different beast than its original inception under the banner of Arcturus Mengsk. It seemed as though the tyrant’s past had finally caught up with him, leaving his son and heir Valerian to assume the throne. But even so, not everyone was suddenly rushing to re-establish relations with the Terrans. Not unless circumstances deemed it necessary.

‘And thus, I find myself here,’ mused Samus as she brought her gunship closer to Korhal IV, capital world of the Dominion. Something foul was afoot in Koprulu, and since there had been word in the wind that the space pirates were somehow involved, that meant Samus was the best person for the mission. And besides that, the Federation always paid well. They had a vested interest in keeping all of Koprulu’s weirdness contained, even if it meant sending their best hunter to do the job for them.

A signal came in over the com system. “Incoming ship, identify yourself.”

Silently, Samus punched a button that beam her identification code to the airspace controller.

“Samus Aran,” said the voice after a brief pause. “You’re late. Proceed to Platform 11, docking bay 47. Keep your weapons powered down or we will not hesitate to fire upon you.”

Typical Terrans. Always with violence on their minds. Do they really think we came all this way just to shoot at them?

“They’re just being careful,” said Samus aloud. “Can’t say I blame them.” She had been briefed on the Zerg already. Though Samus had never encountered them personally, she could safely say there weren’t many alien species in the galaxy more reviled, and for good reason. Samus didn’t fear them, but she’d be perfectly happy to never encounter a Zerg if she could help it. “Any updates from the Federation.”

Nothing new. Your orders remain unchanged. Rendezvous with the ghost operative and utilize your combined resources to locate the Space Pirate facility. Evaluate any potential threats and eliminate them with extreme prejudice. On a personal note, I suggest you refrain from divulging too much information to the Terrans unless absolutely necessary for the sake of the mission.

As paranoid as it sounded, Samus had to admit ADAM had a point. It was the Terrans who had reached out to the Federation with intel about a supposed joint Space Pirate-Zerg operation, and it was they who suggested a co-operative venture. Combing their resources made sense – the last thing the galaxy needed were two of its most despicable alien species joining up – but it wasn’t the Dominion’s style to ask for outside help. Perhaps, as had been suggested by Samus’s Federation handler, this was just part of the new Dominion for a new era. Or maybe they had a more secretive motive. That certainly sounded more like the Terrans that total cooperation. Either way, Samus wasn’t about to go in with blind trust. That wasn’t her style either.

The gunship docked at the orbital platform hassle-free, despite the surly controller who guided her in. “Think I’ll leave the suit here,” said Samus, standing up from her pilot seat. “They seem jumpy enough already.”

Is that wise? What if you need to defend yourself?

Samus grabbed the paralyzer pistol from its cabinet and holstered it on her zero suit. “Oh please. I’m anything but helpless.”

Of course. I’ll be standing by if you need me, Lady.

As she descended her gunship’s ramp, Samus was greeted by two men in military uniform – who stood so straight that their spines may as well have been made of titanium – and a woman. “Miss Aran,” said the man with the most medals pinned to his chest, “Glad you could make it.”

However, Samus’s attention was entirely on the woman, for good reason. She looked the most capable out of the three Terrans, and that wasn’t just because she bore a striking resemblance to Samus herself. She sported long blonde hair, tied up in the same style ponytail as Samus, with a similar complexion of skin tone and matching skintight body suit. Though while Samus’s zero suit was electric blue, the Terran woman’s was a light grey with reinforced pieces around her chest, arms, hips, and legs. She also wore a high-tech visor pushed up on her forehead and a sniper rifle slung over her shoulder. The blonde stranger even had the same striking blue eyes as Samus, possibly even the same age by estimation. It was like looking into a twisted mirror, one that showed an alternative version of Samus if perhaps her career had taken a different course.

The military officer noticed Samus’s curiosity and cleared his throat. “Ah yes, allow me to introduce one of our top operatives. Nova Terra.”

Nova nodded politely, though her blank, stoic expression did not change. “Samus Aran. I’ve heard a lot about you.”

Normally, Samus was more than happy to let everyone else do all the talking, but there was just something about Nova that made her want to break her usual silence. “I guess my reputation proceeds me.”

Nova’s face broke into a thin smile. “Your reputation? You’re practically a legend at the academy. There’s not a ghost alive who isn’t aware of your deeds. Nor one that doesn’t yearn to surpass you.”

Samus returned the smile. “Good. That tells me none of you have done so yet.”

“Yet.” The ghost’s blue eyes twinkled mischievously. “We’ll see where the record stands after this is over.”