A mirror in a dark room begins to glow ominously and a man steps out of it. Instantly the room is a buzz of furious activity. Three dark fae detach themselves from ornamental hangings and streak out to alert the castle. A single wraith rises from the floor and faces the lone arrival then bows low and steps aside.
Zardi has returned to the Castle in the Sky.
“Master...” A confused Carrie is the first of his four lieutenants to arrive, her black bat-wings carrying her to the customary perch to the left of his chair, “We were not aware of your intentions. There was no time to prepare the feast or to alert the...” A wave of his hand silenced the eldest daughter of the Queen of Darkness.
Barley Horn arrived next clad in full battle armor. The minotaur silently bowed his head to his master and took his place at the table, two chairs to Zardi's right.
The Eldest of Zardi's Dragons, Brightbody Blackheart, entered in his human form. He alone showed no awe of the master magician. “I hope young Dmitri is up to the task of maintaining your masquerade for the next few weeks, Master. It would be a shame to lose the advantages we've gained thru this ploy.”
“You trained him yourself, did you not Dragon-Sire?” Zardi Replied “Dmitri will be passable as Jose Jiminininez for the foreseeable future. The spells I've laid on the Security Office personnel will hold. Now be seated. We have serious decisions to make.”
“My counsel has not changed. Rip the Cackle Tree out of the ground and replant it inside the castle while you have the opportunity. I'll take a wing of Dragons and raze Legionopolis. Let the so called heroes of the LMBP return to find their precious world a ball of ASHES!!!” Flames snorted from the human appearing nostrils of the dragon as he spoke and smoke curled from his mouth with every word.
“And when Candle appears in your path of destruction flanked by her dragons what will you do?” the Queen of Darkness's voice came from a shadow just beyond the doorway of the room.
“There will be no path of destruction.” The edge in Zardi's voice cut off the impending argument. “I have given my word to Mearl Dox on this matter. With respect to the Cackles and Legion World the original plan holds. The Cackles must decide of their own free will to join us. And they will make the choice to join us. When they do, Blackheart, You will be free to ensure that there is no Legion World for them to return to...”
“But until then we must ensure that the status quo is maintained.”
-------------------- Just an Old, Broke-Down, Drunk, Bum!!
With a Power Ring...
From: Westerly Rhode Island | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged |
Elsewhere, in a dark torchlit sanctum that few have ever visited (save in their nightmares), the Dark Lord peers into His all-seeing Orb.
Across its surface flash the faces of His pawns, some knowing and most unwitting.
He sees Romaltus, Mala and Titus. His closest operatives and the only three sentients aware of His true nature. They know what is expected of them and are prepared to lay down their lives in His service. They are precious to Him.
He sees the Bird Emperor and his spouse. They are very useful in their own way but ultimately little more than a means to His end. They and their Emissary will serve their purpose very, very shortly.
He sees the Insect King. This one is of the same blood as Him, but is ultimately too petty and too shortsighted to be the Chosen. But he will have a chance to prove his worthiness against his brother very soon.
He sees Zardi. Zardi is an Old One such as He is. The Dark Lord will test this Zardi very shortly when His forces reach Legion World. He will see then if this Zardi is truly a force to be reckoned with.
He sees Lucifer Lass. He smiles. This daughter of Una has misread the portents as He intended and passed on false information to the Fellowship. She has unwittingly doomed her mother as the balance of ultimate power will soon topple, once and for all, in His favor!
Finally, He sees the Fellowship. Everything they have done, and will do, is exactly as He has foreseen. They do His work...and they always will. He touches the Orb where the image of Lard Lad lies.
My Blood approaches, ever nearer! Come to me...and prove yourself worthy of your Birthright!
The Dark Lord laughs and toasts His inevitable triumph with the sweet blood of the innocent.
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
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The recycled atmosphere in the back corridors of Webber's World stank of deceit, lies, and back room deals, the lighting was dim, casting shadows deep enough to hide the sins of thousands of politicians, and the decor of those out of the way places in the political center of the United Planets reminded her of Rimbor at it's seedy worst. In short, it was her kind of place. A place where lives were routinely destroyed.
Of course those lives were usually (but not always) ended in a figurative rather than factual manner. The victims, often rising young stars on the U.P. Political scene, lived on in obscurity, their once promising political careers brought to an abrupt end by scandal, a deal gone horribly wrong, or the back room machinations of their political enemies.
But Today would be different. Today one of the longest burning, brightest stars on the U.P. Political scene would burn out in a pool of blood and the galaxy would be thrown head first into the maelstrom of terror. She would succeed where her brethren had failed.
The young woman pacing the corridor outside the Earth ambassador’s private quarters looked unremarkable. She was a little over five foot tall with mousey brown hair and a slim build. She wore a military attache’ uniform that identified her as an official U.P. Currier. Attached to her left wrist was a small briefcase and on her right hip was a standard issue low energy plasma pistol, the type that could fry most life forms without breaching the hull of a spacecraft. She also wore what appeared to be standard issue protective goggles designed to shield her eyes from the debilitating effects of the handgun’s discharge. They were currently flipped up in the standby position. She looked every inch the model of a junior staff officer waiting semi-patiently for her next Currier mission.
In reality she was an assassin. The true owner of the uniform and equipment she wore lay in the darkness of a supply locker two decks below staring lifelessly at cartons of dehydrated N’soy milk and reconstituted Banth eggs. It amused the assassin to think that it was even odds as to whether the cooks for the T’Jar delegation were more likely to serve the luckless junior officer’s corpse as a special dinner for their ambassador than report finding it to the Webber’s World Security Force.
Despite her relaxed appearance her enhanced senses were keyed up, hunting for anything out of the ordinary, anything that might indicate she or her mission had been compromised. A veteran of more than two dozen such missions she knew well the price of failure. Her superiors didn’t care how many extra bodies she left in her wake but the punishment for leaving even one of her team’s designated targets alive would be severe. Conversely should her team successfully complete it’s murderous mission her reward would be extravagant by Dark Oval standards.
She heard a soft bamf of displaced air. Without thinking she stepped to her right into an alcove she’d verified a few moments earlier and drew the plasma pistol. Flipping down her glasses she began an infra-red scan of the passageway. When her results turned up nothing out of the ordinary she cursed softly and stepped out into the passageway her weapon still raised in the ready position.
“You’re facing the wrong way, Missy.” The hissing, guttural, voice came from behind her, where it should have been impossible for anyone to be. “Keep your weapon where I can see it and turn around.”
She turned toward the voice and made a show of lowering her weapon. As her right arm came down she tensed a muscle and a six inch long sliver of razor sharp iridium steel alloy erupted from the launcher implanted in her forearm. Even as her blood splattered the bulkhead next to her she was hurtling forward in a tuck and roll maneuver designed to give her a clear shot at the blue furred figure who had called her out. She never completed the action.
Two more muffled bamfs of displaced air sounded so close together as to almost be one noise and the blade she had launched at her target sliced into the back of her left thigh. Hamstrung, the maneuver designed to bring her up with a clear shot at her target became a face first slide across the deck to the far bulkhead. She twisted in mid-slide attempting to bring her weapon on target but another bamf sounded, this one much louder and closer, and a purplish silver cutlass clove her plasma pistol in twain, barely missing her fingers. “An Inertron Blade,” she whispered the thought aloud, as she tried to roll away, only to find her bleeding arm pinned to the deck by a claw-like, three-toed foot wearing what appeared to be a glove of white leather.
“Just be glad I missed on the first cut, Missy, “ the hissing, guttural voice came again. “I wanted to take your hand off and save that nice pistol as a souvenir.”
She twisted slightly in an attempt to get a better look at her opponent but her world turned first green, then black.
“How many is that? I’ve lost count.” Nightcrawler asked Abin as they walked towards the Earth Ambassador’s quarters with the assassin floating behind them encased in solidified green energy, like a fly in amber.
“Twenty-six, only fourteen left if Ambassador Mirenna Helene's Intel is accurate.”
“Nightcrawler, Abin, we’ve go a situation outside the Pysonian embassy.” Saturn Girl’s voice erupted from both men’s Omnicoms.
“Now what?” Nightcrawler and Abin replied in unison.
“Reporters, dozens of them, with more arriving by the second. Somebody in Earth-Gov let it slip that we’re here providing security to the U.P. Council and they all want interviews. The focus seems to be our reaction to Cobalt’s “alliance” with the Khunds.”
“Great!,” Nightcrawler let out a disgusted snort. “Tell Crujecki to give me Cobalt’s location and I’ll bamf them right to him. Let him answer for the mess he’s created.”
“She says he’s out of the range of their telepathic bond. And from the number of holo’s of him she’s destroyed… “
“QX, We’ll be there in five. Have the embassy staff set up a podium at the edge of the secure zone. Tell them to ensure that the reporters stay out of the secure area. You, me, and Abin will address the press. Put out the word that the Princess has the vapors or some such nonsense like that, then leave a few holo’s of the carnage in her quarters where some reporter will just happen to stumble over them.”
“You’re going to put Abin in front of the holo-vids?”
“Yep!” Nightcrawler answered with an evil chuckle that sent chills up and down Abin's spine as he pictured himself completely nonplussed by even the simplest of questions.
“Is that a smart idea, Bal?” SG asked in a bemused tone.
“Maybe not... But I'll get a chuckle out of it.”
“Hey! I’m right here you two!”
Prime Minister Maya adi Lva and Ambassador Mirenna Helene both jumped when a loud BAMF sounded in the Pysonian Embassy Reception Area and Nightcrawler appeared. The two women instinctively ducked behind their Secret Service Bodyguards, a mixed quartet of massively muscled men and heavily armed women wearing the black & silver jumpsuits of Kent Shakespheare's A.S.T.R.A. Corps. The smaller of the two women stepped to the front of the group and leveled a lethal looking hand weapon at Nighty's chest.
“Miss Bond, your charges are in no danger,” Nightcrawler smiled at the dark haired beauty. “but to be honest, we weren't expecting company.”
“We?” She replied without turning, “And I believe I've asked you to address me as Commander Bond at least a dozen times.”
“We.” Abin's voice came from behind the group. “My ring detected your presence but could only identify you. And since we didn't know the identity of your companions...”
“You set up a crossfire.” She finished for him. “Sweet Ass Sweet, as my boss likes to say. But not for us. Stand down lady and gents, I've verified these two.”
The three remaining agents stepped away from the President and Ambassador.
“What can we do for you Madame President?” Nightcrawler asked in his most guttural tone. He and Prime Minister Maya adi Lva had known and (despite the fact that they shared a mutual but unspoken respect) disliked each other for many years.
“You can start by explaining why you felt that little charade to be necessary, when the Ambassador and I are here to keep you from making a fool of yourself on the Galactic Newscasts.” She snapped. “And why in space do you refuse to simply address me as Maya, instead of constantly mangling my title?”
“Why would you be concerned with me making a fool of myself? I suspect you'd enjoy it immensely if I did.”
“Bal, please... Nothing could be further from the truth. You and I rarely see eye to eye on anything. But, right now I need you as much as you need me. And even you will admit that I have always had Legion World's best interests at heart.” She looked over at Abin, “Mr. Quank, I'm very pleased to finally meet you. Cobaltus always speaks very highly of you. Perhaps you can help me make this hard headed fool see the opportunities we have sitting right in front of us.”
“The opportunities?” Saturn Girl's voice cut off any possible reply from Abin. “The opportunities to do what? Watch a few million sentients die? To lay waste to a hundred planets? What opportunities are you speaking of Prime Minister?” Saturn Girl strode into the room with Princess Crujectra following silently in her wake.
“No Caroline, The opportunity to bring lasting peace to the Galaxy by ending the threat of the Dark Oval.” Maya replied wearily, “Really, peace and prosperity for the United Planets is a worthy goal, wouldn't you agree?”
As the argument raged in the antechamber a pair of assassins made their way through the ventilation ducts and electrical conduits feeding the Pysonian Embassy. C'LAC'Nal, a marmoset -like being from the planet Ichoria flexed his venom tipped claws as he watched the humans in the room below. His target, the Pysonian Princess, remained on the edges of the group, too far from his planned entry point for him to be certain of reaching her before the seasoned veteran warriors in the group could react to his attack.
His plan was simple, the thought shield he wore would keep him from being discovered by either of the telepaths before his precision strike incapacitated Princess Crujectra and LAR Rall's arrival would cover his escape. LAR Rall would of course be lost in the process but the vat which had produced LAR Rall would soon birth MAR Rall.
In the electrical conduits feeding the Pysonian Embassy the gelatinous blob called LAR Rall waited patiently for C'LAC'Nal's strike. It knew nothing about the war or galactic politics or even who the life forms it sensed in the adjacent chamber were. It only knew it was HUNGRY! And that it's master would only allow it to feed after he had taken his prize.
In the room below the two assassins Commander Jamelle Bond, agent 007 of the Legion World Office of External Affairs elite A.S.T.R.A. Corps was doing her best to ignore the argument raging between the Founders and the Prime Minister of Earth as she watched her three agents move surreptitiously to maintain a protective triangle around the two women they were charged with protecting. Satisfied that her team was doing their job efficiently she turned her attention to their surroundings. The Pysonian Embassy was luxuriously furnished and designed to give the illusion that it was a palace rather than a chamber in a massive space station. She looked around, noting the lavish detail and the indirect lighting which gave the impression of sunlight filtered through the ornamental windows. Flickering Sunlight...
“Solo! Kuryakin! Shields Up!” The order barely escaped her lips before the two male agents looked each other lovingly in the eye and raised their arms. Instantly a lavender sphere of energy appeared encasing the entire group with the exception of her and Abin. As the energy sphere appeared a small furry humanoid burst out of a ventilation duct in the ceiling and launched himself claws extended at Princess Crujectra.
-------------------- Just an Old, Broke-Down, Drunk, Bum!!
With a Power Ring...
From: Westerly Rhode Island | Registered: Aug 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Even the tiniest glow can be a blazing sun, given time.
Invisible Brainiac watched the silent starscape streak past as the ship he was on made its way deeper into Hive space.
Had this taken place a year ago, he would have been shaking in his boots. The enormity of the mission didn't escape him, nor did the odds stacked against them.
A year ago, he would have questioned his place in the Fellowship, too.
Yet here he was, standing alongside luminaries Cobalt Kid, Lard Lad, Tempest and Power Boy. And he was calm. He was ready. And he would make sure he had plenty of fun.
A mischievous smile crossed his lips as he remembered the looks on the Dominator's faces when he'd blasted through their ship. That was one thing he liked about his "big bro" Cobalt Kid - their cavalier personalities got along perfectly well, and they could see humor in even the darkest of situations.
"If only to mask the pain and the burden of responsibility," a small voice echoed in his head.
Frowning, IB glanced up and around. Lard Lad and Cobalt Kid were manning the controls, though they didn't really need to. Precautions were always wise, though, and he knew Lardy and Cobie were likely planning their next move while they were piloting the craft. Power Boy was resting, though IB wondered if gods really needed to. From the smile on his lips, IB thought Power Boy was reliving some of his greatest battles instead. Tempest was nowhere to be seen; she had probably retired to the small quarters on the ship reserved for her.
Satisfied that he wouldn't be missed, IB turned himself into light and phased through the craft's window.
Settling himself in space near the energy backwash from the ship so he wouldn't get lost, IB focused himself through the prism on his neck. A rainbow of light shot through space and coalesced into seven identical figures, save for their colors.
"I don't see how you can find this funny," said Blue. "Des had to betray the trust of the Fellowship to bring us along. You know it's eating him up inside."
Yellow settled back, arms behind his head. "Whatever. They understood the need to keep us and Cleome secret. Besides, he did worse by bringing the Khunds in."
"I'm more worried about our own reaction to this." Indigo folded his arms, right hand cupping his chin. "We should be more concerned about the implications of our mission, rather than just having fun."
Orange snorted, punching his "brother" in the arm. "We agreed to this long ago. And we're helping the universe. If there's any time to have fun, it's while doing good, right?"
"But... everyone else here is so powerful, so experienced. How can we..." started Purple, before being cut off by Red. "We can stand toe to toe with them, Purple. Just let anyone try to tell us we can't hack it."
"That's not what I mean," said Purple. "We're as powerful as they are, but are we really warriors? We're not killers. And we may have to do that while we're here!"
Green sighed, and settled himself for a long talk.
It wasn't often his selves disagreed; not lately, anyway. His experiences with the LMB had made him comfortable and confident in himself. His seven selves' personalities had slowly pieced together. Crujectra had told him that his personalities were probably borne out of inner conflict. They were a way for him to sort out his thoughts in real time, by pretending he could separate them. He was better at dealing with mixed feelings now, like his old crush on Lolita, which had thankfully faded; or his old fear and awe of Shark Lad, who he now saw as a good, respected friend and ally.
But then, things like this didn't happen every day.
Green spoke, causing the other six to shush. When Green spoke, it was known he was speaking for all. They shared one mind, after all; just divided into seven light constructs.
"This Dark Oval mission is many things. A chance to prove ourselves; a chance to have a rocking good time with the members of the Fellowship; a chance to repay Cobie and the others for their trust; and a chance to do a lot of good for the universe."
"It also means putting ourselves into danger, questioning our values, and facing all our fears about ourselves and about the unknown."
"Right now all our opinions are valid. But, we all agreed to go through with this when Cobie brought us in. Now... let's just enjoy the emptiness of space. It won't be long before we'll be in the thick of things. Catch a break while we can."
All six of him nodded, and space was quiet once more, punctuated only by seven floating figures and the dim glow of the nearby ship.
Green stared into the distance at the Hive homeworld. His powers allowed him to magnify the light coming off it, and what he saw made him shudder. He steeled himself for the task at hand.
He was ready.
There is little a man can control, but one thing he can is his spirit.
In a place where few can roam freely, a door opens and what comes through is beauty beyond words. In his true form, any who--beyond these others--viewed him now would blinded by the Glamour. He sees he is the last to arrive and it amuses him. “Or perhaps not,” he says out loud, noticing at least one of their number is missing. “And here I thought I was making the most dramatic entrance,” says Lucien Lad, the Legionnaire whose level of cosmic comprehension surpasses all others.
“You are indeed, Lucien Lad,” replied the Phantom Stranger, “for the other is not coming. It is only we, three.” The Phantom Stranger, as ever, remained hidden from those who could not see, though his true power was his ability to grant, for the briefest moments, looks. Only Lucien Lad knew the true secret of the Phantom Stranger.
The two turned to the third presence. “Then we’ll get right to the point, I suppose,” said Lucien Lad. “Why have you summoned us, Mearl?”
Before them stood Mearl Dox, the Supreme Ruler of the Universe. Though a longtime friend and even once member of the LMB, most dared not think too abstractly about her nature. For she was the structure that held together all that is. “I summoned you here, friends, because the Legion of Message Board Posters has reached a turning point. What happens now, and plays out in the coming days, will shape the future of the LMB for all time.”
“Yes,” said the Phantom Stranger, “I’ve gazed far into the future and it remains suddenly vague and unclear. These coming events will change what lies ahead. The LMB will need every ally.”
“They will indeed,” said Mearl, “but I’m afraid they won’t have them.”
Lucien Lad looked annoyed at the comment because of its vagueness but the Stranger understood immediately. “You would forbid our participation in this event?”
“I must, dear friend,” she replied. “We cosmic powers cannot solve all the problems for the LMB when things are at their hardest. What comes now must be addressed by those who do not see the true structure of the world, for only then do their actions have true meaning and true consequences. I know you both love them, but you must let them handle this on their own. Both the glory and the suffering.”
The Phantom Stranger bowed his head, accepting, but Lucien Lad was displeased. “Mearl, dear,” he began, “I appreciate your grandiose manner and find it terribly amusing, but I will not stand by and let these sentients, whom I’ve grown quite attached to, suffer.” As always, his wicked smile proclaimed his charm for all the world to see, but Mearl Dox did not smile back.
They stared at one another for some time, and in the space in-between, Mearl Dox showed Lucien Lad the truth. At last, the silence was broken, and Bevis relented. “Alright then,” he said sadly, “I will observe.”
The three turned their far-seeing gaze back upon the United Planets and Dark Oval; however, the Phantom Stranger spoke once more. “Mearl, what of our intended fourth? What of the LMBP Spectre who did not answer your summons?”
Mearl replied casually. “She saw through the deception and made her decision to carry on among her brethren. Even now, her actions go unnoticed among her allies and enemies, though they will have far-reaching effects on the outcome of this war.”
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
Power Boy walked forward in the cruiser, joining Lard Lad and Cobalt Kid, who were co-piloting it. He was growing bored and his warrior spirit yearned for more battle. “What is that ahead? It doesn’t look like a Hive planet.” Ahead of them was an obvious conversion point of activity. Thousands of manned cruisers were flying in and out and from space you could see a vast technological city planet-side.
“That’s Haven,” said Lard Lad, “the last known area of the Dark Oval we’ll be going to before we’re really on our own.”
Cobalt Kid added to the description: “Haven is a planet conquered by the Hive centuries ago; however, its been designated as a common area among the five powers of the Dark Oval. Technically its between the borders of all the five powers. I’m not sure what’s its called but Lardy and I are referring to it as the “common area”. It’s like an outpost where traders, bureaucrats and military personnel touch base with one another. It’s a good place to restock up on supplies and such and switch cruisers. Probably our last opportunity to do so.”
“Military personnel?” said Power Boy, focusing on what he really wanted to hear.
“Subtly is the key here,” said Lard Lad with a smile. That made Cobalt smile too and Lardy was glad. For hours he had been trying to comfort his friend with some encouraging words and getting him to focus on the mission at hand, since he knew that was a good way to ease Cobalt’s angst. “The General Elite Militia, which is the military arm of the Dark Oval that answers to no one power has a major headquarters here. We don’t intend to disturb them and have to be careful.”
“General Elite Militia?” said Power Boy. “Isn’t that what Helena Handbasket served in?”
“Yes,” said Cobalt. “What we know about it comes directly from here. We assume the GEM answers to a higher power though how they do so remains a mystery.”
By now, Invisible Brainiac and Tempest had joined them. They had not see Tempest for some time and wondered where she’d gone off to. “Seems risky to go there, then,” she said.
“It is,” said Cobalt. “We’re not only restocking, but we’re meeting someone there. Our contact who will hopefully have some intel on how to proceed into the Hive, because we’re going to need it. I suspect he’ll join us for awhile too.”
“He?” said Lard Lad. “A hint, at last? Honestly Cobie, you can tell us who it is.”
Cobalt smiled again. “It’s a surprise, and a good one,” he said. Faraway Lad and I have utilized this ‘spy’ for many years now but you’ll recognize him from the old days.”
The five of them looked out the cruiser window as Lard Lad gained authorization to land using secret codes provided by Kalla Hrykos. They could see from the banners that the cruisers included fleets of GEM cruisers, as well as Hrykosian ships and even ships from the Epilson sector. “No Dominator ships,” said Power Boy with a laugh. “Deployed elsewhere, I suppose,” he added.
“No Hive ships either,” said Invisible Brainiac, wondering why.
“They don’t play nice with others,” said Lard Lad seriously.
They soon landed as the next stage of their journey began.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
The modest cruiser carrying the half of the Fellowship bound for Earth-4 navigated its way unimpeded deep into the Lin-Dak Nebula and to the center of the Hrykosian Empire, the homeworld of Hrykosia. With the leader of Clan Hrykos, the ruling family of Hrykosia, aboard and her complete access to all security codes, the act was pure simplicity.
As the majesty of her homeworld filled the viewer, Kalla Hrykos was overcome with emotion. It had been well over a year since she had last seen it. She was unsure if it had become more beautiful in her absence or if it was just her missing it so much. She didn't care. She was home and it was still the most beautiful sight she'd ever seen. As tears filled her eyes, she grasped Lon's hand very tightly into her own.
After Kalla transmitted the landing codes, their cruiser was escorted by a pair of Honor Guard fighters directly on to the landing pad of Castle Hrykos. As the occupants prepared to debark, Kalla paused for a moment and reverted to her "Hot Chick" glamour. Lon was about to ask why, but she gently placed a finger on his lips and squeezed his hand as they descended down the ramp.
Lon's answer came almost immediately as the group was welcomed by none other than...Kalla Hrykos! After being momentarily startled, he remembered that "Kalla Hrykos" had never left Hrykosia for Legion World. Kalla's close advisor Phe'Be Kyeatz had stayed behind and woven a complex spell that enabled them to trade appearances and even personality traits. Kalla's half of the spell made her semi-amnesiac for a period of time until she had accomplished her mission to contact Lard Lad.
For a moment the two groups regarded each other. In the foreground of the visitors were two who weren't whom they appeared to be. Kalla, the Honor Guard recognized as long-unseen Phe'Be. The other was an unknown caucasian humanoid who was actually Rockhopper Lad in holographic disguise. This was a pure necessity as he would easily be mistaken for his otherdimensional twin and despot of fellow Oval power Earth-4. Behind them, all heavily cloaked to avoid recognition, were Shark Lad, Lolita, Time-Teller Lad, Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle, Helena Handbasket and Timber Wolf. Lon had decided to fall back with the other five to avoid any confusion if "Phe'Be" had any relationship peculiarities that his presence might contradict.
"Welcome, my friends!" said the feaux Kalla. "Join me in the Castle's great banquet hall for a feast!"
She turned and the Honor Guard accompanied them all to the great door just beyond the landing pad. As they all arrived in the great banquet hall, the woman they all recognized as their leader dismissed the Honor Guard from the hall. As the last of them departed and the great door closed behind him, the two women wearing faces not their own smiled and embraced. Before the eyes of all that were gathered, the appearances of the two shimmered, and they seemed to switch sides but with different clothing. At that point, the spell was ended, and neither would be able to appear as the other again.
"Oh, I've missed you so, Phe'Be!" said Kalla as fresh tears formed.
"And I you, my liege," Phe'Be replied and hugged her friend tightly.
They embraced for a good minute until Kalla broke it. "What about Juj? Has he made it yet?" Kalla suddenly noticed their Durlan co-conspirator and mutual close friend Juj Rinold was absent. He had impersonated the Dominion's Pinnacle Commander on Hul, his subterfuge being a key to their successful operation there before the Breaking of the Fellowship.
"My liege, he escaped successfully but found that the Khund invasion of Hul had cut off his escape route toward Hrykosia. On his last transmission, he informed me that he would head for Haven instead. He will try to contact us if he can get a secure channel there."
"If anyone can...it's Juj," Kalla said with a smile. Underneath it, though, she was worried about him. Phe'Be was as well, Kalla noted from her eyes.
Kalla then introduced all of the Fellows she had accompanying her. Rockhopper Lad turned off his imager and introduced himself. Phe'Be was startled for a moment before Kalla explained he was not exactly the despot of Earth-4.
Kalla saved introducing Lon for last. Phe'Be had heard of this great new love of Kalla's life and was struck by how different he was from Kalla's deceased lover Huldnaf. But when she saw how Kalla beamed in Lon's presence and how he looked at her with such devotion, Phe'Be knew that they were meant for one another.
"Let's eat before it gets cold, my friends!" Kalla finally announced. "I think you'll find Hrykosian cooking well beyond field rations and anything the Space Knights Templar served us in their mess hall!"
After a long, satisfying feast (though Hyvvie was enjoying gnawing on the bones of his leftovers), the LMB leader stood up and spoke. "This was indeed a fine repast, and you are gracious hosts," Rocky said as he raised a glass. "But I fear we must get down to business. May I suggest we adjourn to discuss our plan of action?"
"Most definitely," Kalla agreed. "Phe'Be?"
Phe'Be rose. "This way my liege and honored guests..." She gestured as a door opened on the far side of the hall, and all nine satisfied diners went in. (Hyvvie took his bone with him, though.)
[ October 05, 2011, 01:25 AM: Message edited by: Kalla Hrykos ]
Registered: Oct 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
The events depicted here take place before the Fellowship members land on Haven.
You can't face certain death with a group of people, and end up neither loving nor hating them.
A sweaty Invisible Brainiac stumbled out of the cargo room. His chest heaving, he thought about how thoroughly Power Boy had tired him out. And in the cargo hold where they kept their supplies too!
Truthfully, he'd been surprised when Power Boy had approached him. He didn't think the young god was the type to offer a helping hand. Still, at least the workout would let him sleep soundly later. He headed for the showers to freshen up.
He was mentally reviewing the things he'd learned from Power Boy when he almost bumped into...
"Tempest!" IB stuttered as he jumped back. "Sorry, I..." he cut off, annoyed at how jumpy he sounded, and at the amused look on the Sorceress' face. He stood up proudly, trying not to think about his shirtless chest, or the revealing evening gown barely hiding Tempest's striking figure.
"It looks like you've been busy," Tempest said with a knowing smile. "With Power Boy, I presume?"
"He offered it."
"And you took it. I may have to rethink my opinion of you." Tempest reached out and ran a finger down IB's chest.
"Which is?" IB tried to keep his voice steady, though he doubted it would make a difference. Tempest had a way of making him feel naked all the time. He tried to remember her lying helpless in his arms while they were fleeing from Titus, which only made him even more nervous.
"That you are such a young innocent boy. Yet, looking at you now, I can see you are entering your prime." She looked him up and down. "I would have wanted Lard Lad, Cobalt Kid or Power Boy, but you'll do for now. Come." And without another word, she turned around and walked into her room.
IB gulped, and followed her in.
*********************************************
"You'll have to do better than that."
"I'm trying!" IB could barely get the words out. He was sweating all over, and Tempest was only tiring him out more.
"Anthony would not have given up so easily."
"YOU would know that!" IB tried to keep from snapping, but it wasn't easy. "It's hard to concentrate, alright? Plus, I'm tired out."
He shifted his position to keep his balance, and pushed harder and harder.
posted
The events depicted here take place before the Fellowship members land on Haven.
IB leaned back and admired his handiwork. "There, your room's as good as new."
Tempest smiled approvingly. "Nobody would know that I had just been conjuring some items we would need later on. Since I have no idea what will become of this ship, it seemed like a wise precaution."
"So why did you have me push all your cauldrons and stuff into a portal, anyway? Couldn't you just have magicked them?"
"I was tired. Divining takes quite a bit of energy, and I need to conserve it for what we'll face in the Hive."
IB nodded, but he didn't really believe it. Someone as powerful as Tempest not being able to levitate a few cauldrons? Didn't sound right.
Tempest smiled again. "Magical implements are enchanted against most common spells, so I could not have simply levitated or teleported them away. And I also wanted to get to know you a little more." IB gulped again. Talk about feeling naked - Tempest seemed to be able to read his mind.
Her tone turned serious. "I need to have a sense of who all of you are, so I can cast my spells much more quickly on the battlefield. In the Hive, we five only have each other to depend on. And I would not want to lose an ally."
IB nodded slowly. He knew Tempest had feelings for Lardy, but he was touched that she also cared for the rest of them. He hadn't really thought she was capable of doing so.
"Thanks."
Tempest smiled again, a much warmer one this time.
*************************************************
A thoroughly exhausted IB came out of Tempest's room. His hand fingered the pendant around his neck, newly enchanted by the sorceress. It was a prism shaped in a crescent moon, with a smaller globe inside the curve. Tempest had laid a small protection charm on it, in thanks for his help.
On his way to the showers, he ran into Cobalt Kid. The older LMBPer raised an eyebrow. "Ordinarily, I'd say you'd been having some naughty fun, but with only 5 of us on board this ship, I kind of doubt that's it."
IB grinned. "You know me too well. Nah, Power Boy offered me a training session. Said he liked my moves on Hul, but I needed to loosen up a bit. So he put me through one of his "god of war" type sessions." IB winced as he fingered the bruise on his side. "He hits hard. But he taught me a lot about knowing when to hold back, and when to let loose. Didn't burn any holes in the side of the ship though, don't worry."
"Then after that, Tempest asked me to help her with her cauldrons and stuff. She's been working hard, preparing some magical mumbo that should help us out later."
Cobie nodded. "I wondered what she'd been doing..." A momentary frown crossed his face, and vanished in a flash. Clapping IB on the back, he said, "You're preparing hard! Good, we're going to need you at your best when we enter the Hive."
"I wouldn't want to let you down in there. Not after you specifically asked me along on this mission." He paused for a moment, then continued. "I know you're a bit worried about what else we'll have to do to succeed - but I know everyone will understand. They may not agree, but they'll know you had the right intentions. Even Lolita. And the Princess."
Cobalt still smiled, but his eyes were serious. "I hope so. And you feel the same way?"
"Well... part of me's conflicted about it. But I completely agree that our actions will ultimately lead to the greater good."
"That's good enough for me. Thanks, IB." His frown turned into a grin. "And after all this is done, let's toast a job well done with lots of silverale."
"And scantily-clad women dancers, of course." IB winked. "No more sneaking me into the clubs invisibly, like when I first came to Legion World!"
With a laugh and a high five, the two parted. It was moments like this that made the long journeys through space, and towards an uncertain future, a little less lonely.
It takes inner strength to laugh out loud while leaping into the jaws of danger.
posted
The events depicted here take place before the Fellowship members land on Haven.
"Lardy?" IB laid a hand on the shoulder of his sleeping teammate. "Don't you want to head off to bed?"
Lard Lad woke up with a start, arms flexed and combat ready. He only relaxed after he'd scanned the area.
"Sorry, IB. Force of habit. Hope I didn't startle you." Lardy looked exhausted, and IB could tell he felt the same way. He tried his to hide it with a grin. "I'm usually very lovable when I'm asleep, as many women would attest to."
"I must be talking to the wrong women, then." IB's grin was quickly replaced by a look of concern. "Are you alright, though? I know you haven't been sleeping much lately..."
"Thanks for worrying, but I'm used to it." Lard Lad paused, emphasizing those last words. "But seriously, thanks. Don't worry, I need to keep awake so... so I can fine-tune our plans."
IB decided not to press Lard Lad on his real reasons. He didn't really know the older LMBPer all that well, but he and Cobalt Kid were best friends, and that was good enough for him. Sure, Lard Lad had made some questionable decisions in the past, but he'd owned up to them at the start of the mission.
Now was not the time to start doubting his teammates.
"Well, I'm sure you're doing a great job making it idiot- and evil counterpart- proof, but you know us LMBpers love to improvise. Besides, you'll do better when you're fresh, right?" Lardy's mouth opened, but IB continued on firmly. "Look, why don't you take a nap? My grandma taught me this awesome cream soup recipe that'll have you sleeping like a baby."
Lard Lad paused for a moment, taking in IB as if seeing him for the first time.
"I didn't know you knew how to cook. Guess that's why all the ladies love you, like Des says."
"And the men too. I found that out the hard way when I wore my "Kiss the cook" apron to a barbecue."
Lardy laughed, a sound IB hadn't heard in a while. "I bet you wore that on purpose, huh? Nice tactics there."
IB put a finger to his lips in a ssshing motion, and gave Lardy a wink. "Hey, don't give me away! So, wanna help me chop up the veggies?"
Lard Lad nodded, and the two began rummaging through their supplies.
Later on, when the others woke up, they would find a large pot of steaming soup, and two Legionnaires sleeping peacefully beside the potatoes and squash they'd brought along.
A burst of light in a gloomy day can go a long way.
After the planning meeting had adjourned, Kalla and Lon walked together in the courtyard located in the center of Castle Hrykos.
As the two took in the sights and smells of the courtyard's luscious garden, Kalla asked, "do you like it, Lon?"
"Well, hon," he said thoughtfully, "I'm not much for gardens and such, but I've got to admit that this is pretty beautiful. The scent from the flowers is really pleasant to my sensitive nose, too. Sometimes, they irritate me, but not here. I'm also intrigued by how all of the foliage here and all over Hrykosia is purple. I haven't seen its like in all of my travels."
"Hrykosian botanists say it's because of how the light from our binary star interacts with the Lin-Dak Nebula and, in turn, our atmosphere."
"Hm. I hope when all this is said and done that I can return and explore the wilderness here. The things I sense out there have me really curious."
Kalla went into his arms and said, "I certainly plan to spend much more time here with you when we complete the mission." Then, they kissed.
Lon broke the embrace after a moment. "Yeah, about the mission..."
"You don't like our infiltration plan, do you?"
"Well, on the contrary it seems like our best option--except for one part."
"It's about me going to see the Emperor without you in tow," she asserted.
"Well, yeah, obviously! That is one sick, sadistic bastard! The thought of you going in with just you and your Honor Guard is--!"
"--the only safe thing to do, Lon," she interrupted. "This is a routine, scheduled visit between two ruling Oval powers. I've done these many, many times...one of which was the occasion when I met the Earth-4 resistance. The visits went fine and without incident. The opportunity is golden for my ship to drop the cloaked escape pod with you, Rockhopper Lad and the rest of the team over the site the resistance will be expecting you as it approaches the imperial palace."
"I know, damnit, I KNOW!" he yelled, "but I should be among your security detail!"
Kalla smiled a little and rubbed his cheek to calm him. She loved how protective of her he is. "Lon, the Oval knows who you are. The Emperor is a sorceror. And I know for a fact that he has spells woven throughout his palace to detect any deception. Holograms, disguises and such won't fool them. In any case we've worked damned hard to conceal my treachery from the other Oval powers! They have no reason to suspect anything. I'll be in and out in NO time!"
"And besides..." She willed her hands to glow. "...I can take care of myself!"
"I...I know you can, Kalla. I just--okay, I'm not going to argue, any more. I trust you."
"Thanks, Fuzzy," she said affectionately. "Oh," she said looking up, "looks like the suns are going down, and we're leaving first thing in the morning. We'll need to get our rest. Why don't we go upstairs, so I can show you my--our--bedroom..." She winked with a wry smile.
He grinned back at her. "Sounds good--I could go for some...sleep."
"Well big boy, I think I'll change into something a little more comfortable. I've got some numbers in my wardrobe that I've been dying to wear for you! Wait about ten minutes and have a guard show you where my room is."
He sniffed loudly for emphasis, "no need, babe...I can find you anywhere." He knew her scent was one that he would know anywhere and would never have trouble following.
"See you soon, then, stud!" She giggled and half-ran toward the courtyard's exit.
He laughed loudly for a moment but frowned as she disappeared from sight.
"I trust you, babe," he said softly to himself, "but I don't trust that maniac. I'm going to follow you to that palace after the drop. I'll make damned sure you're safe..."
A few minutes later, he took in the sights and smells of the garden one last time and joined his lover for a memorable evening.
Registered: Oct 2003
| IP: Logged |
“Even with all our advantages,” said Kilrain, “it’s still some damn bloody fighting.”
“It’s glorious,” said General Belisarius, looking at the holo-vids at the battling raging across Dominion space. United Planets naval fleets were continuing their progress through the Dominion, slowly but surely overtaking the Dominators. Ever since they’d gotten the signal to move in, the UP had been able to overtake any resistance they’d come across and push forth the boundaries of UP space. The Dominators were simply too out of sorts and had been unable to mount any type of coordinated counter-resistance. They were an arrogant, malicious Empire and would continue to try subverting the UP’s efforts, but Belisarius was growing increasingly confident the Dominators would keep failing. The grand ole’ Dominion was falling at long last after so many millennia. “We’re finally doing it,” added the General. “We’re finally paying back these disk-heads for all the harm they’ve done.”
“Aye General,” said Kilrain, “that we are. But no victory is total,” he added, knowing the General wasn’t listening. Kilrain was growing older now and he couldn’t help but consider all those that were dying for the UP to make sure this victory was won.
For a moment silence overtook them as Belisarius concentrated on the different theaters of war ongoing, which were still largely confined to open space. Kilrain watched him, taking his measure very closely. The General was a good man, who clearly believed that what he was doing was right for the United Planets—indeed, the whole galaxy. He did not take the loss of life for granted. But despite his best efforts at hiding it, Belisarius was consumed by the idea of achieving eternal glory. And Kilrain knew that was dangerous.
“Have you any word on that other matter?” asked Belisarius without turning back to look at Kilrain.
“Nothing yet, General,” replied his lieutenant. Belisarius had ordered the capture of the LMBers in Dark Oval space if they were found. Specifically, he wanted Cobalt Kid arrested—and his notorious cohort Lard Lad—but the arrest warrant extended to all of them. General Belisarius remained furious about Cobalt Kid’s side deal with the Khunds and felt he’d had his glory robbed from him. Now he intended to make the LMBer pay, by putting him on trail. Kilrain knew this was nonsense because Prime Minister Maya adi Lva had already condoned the actions of Cobalt Kid, claiming they were her own plan. These arrest warrants were illegal. But in times of war, the law held little sway; the law was what the conquering General wished it to be.
Kilrain had met Cobalt Kid and several other LMBers over the years, although only briefly. Regardless, he liked what the LMB stood for. He hoped the UP military would not find them and would focus on the real enemy: the Dominators.
------------------
Korvic-2, formerly part of the Dominion, The Dark Oval
“What is that fascinating noise?” asked Kid Vudoo, no longer able to hold back the question. It had been bugging him for over ten minutes. Everywhere they went, they heard the same buzzing sound in the background, as if it was occurring all at once throughout the planet.
A wide smile erupted across the face of Knightress. “Those are horns,” she said, feeling immense pride. “Tutulo horns; its their ancestral form of music here on Korvic,” she added. “For decades the Dominators had outlawed them, believing the noise was a subversive form of revolt. One of the first things that happened after we kicked those bony yellow asses out of here was the horns starting sounding again. And it was beautiful.”
“Yes,” said Crusader, as majestic as ever. “It is beautiful.” He stood upright and soaked it all in, feel his eyes well up a little with tears. His longtime consort, Maxx the Sorcerer, knew him too well and put his hand inside Crusader’s. Crusader was one of the most powerful telepaths in the galaxy and what he felt right now was so overwhelming that it was perhaps the most beautiful moment of his whole life. An entire planet full of people so happy, so full of joy and so full of love. Every single one of them was now experiencing for the first time in their lives the feeling of no longer being under the Dominion yoke. They had been set free—and the last generation free of the Dominators was long dead. Crusader felt every emotion telepathically and it flooded his senses. It was beautiful.
“This was one of the first ones we came to,” said Knightress. She was a member of the Space Knights Templar, the warrior-monk organization headed by LMBers Eryk Davis Ester and Cobalt Kid. Their role in these galactic events was to infiltrate the planets within the Dominion that had been crushed by the Dominators tyranny and to help augment the rebellions on those planets. The sentients themselves would win the victory, but the Knights would make sure they had the tools needed to do so: supplies, strategy…hope.
“Where are you off to next?” asked Dedman to Knightress.
“Not sure yet but I’ll know by the end of the day. Karic-2 had been officially liberated. So the Knights here are off to the next planet to try to do the same. And I, for one, can’t wait.” Knightress had a conviction about her that was very endearing. Dedman couldn’t help but smile.
While they talked, Crusader looked over at Cleome, whom he had recently helped rescue from Dominator clutches, and smiled to see she was enjoying exactly the same thing he was. Her connection with the sentient fauna in the Dominion—previously used as slave-technology and liberated—was giving her the same exact vibes.
“I’m glad we stopped here,” said Crusader. They were under orders to return to the United Planets and then get new orders from there—likely to split up and be sent throughout the UP to assist in any way they could. This global war was causing all kinds of problems basically everywhere imaginable and there would be no lack of things to do. But Crusader suggested they resupply on Karic-2 although they all clearly knew he wanted to get a situation report on what was occurring. He was a Prince of Psynoia and experienced diplomat. The politics of the world were his concern. “I feel better about what’s going on.”
Cleome looked up, still smiling from her conversation with the vegetation. Suddenly, the words came out before she could think about them. “I’m considering staying in the Dark Oval,” she said.
This caught Crusader by surprise.
------------------
United Planets Space
“Where in tarnation are we going?” said Raging Bull. He was getting bored looking at stars.
CJ Taylor piped in, so make the question more gentle. “It has been a bit long to be on the road without knowing our destination. You guys have already explained why you came to get us, so why the secrecy in our destination?”
My Whee Fem looked at Space Ranger as if to see if she had permission to answer the question. Space Ranger didn’t make a motion one way or another but somehow My seemed to get a read off of him. “Because we really don’t know ourselves,” she said matter of factly. “Otherwise we would have told you already. Obvi,” she added.
“Yessir, ‘cuz that makes a lot of sense…” said Raging Bull in annoyance, turning back towards the stars.
“What she means,” said Space Ranger, “is that we don’t know where you’re going ultimately. But we’re bringing you towards someone who does. The man who is going to take you there.”
Now CJ Taylor raised his eyebrow. He knew already that his possible pedigree—being of the same bloodline of Lard Lad and Eryk Davis Ester—was causing him to be an important player here. Somehow this was important to these galactic events. But up until now he was not aware he’d have to actually be going somewhere. “So we’re going to somebody in particular,” said CJ. “A man. Well, where is he? I mean, he must be somewhere and if we’re going there, then where is it….?”
“I told you, we don’t know…” said My Whee Fem frustrated by the question.
“ENOUGH,” said Space Ranger suddenly in a loud voice. “Look ahead. That answers all questions. We don’t know because we’ve been going in a single direction waiting to be picked up. Until now, we’ve been waiting to hear those infamous dragon war drums that people dread on Legion World.”
“But there is no sound is space…?” said CJ quietly.
“Not true pard,” said Raging Bull right back.
“What I mean is,” said Space Ranger as suddenly a gigantic warship came into view, “is that I’m taking you to Hrun the Barbarian. And then, I’m afraid, I have no idea where he’s taking you next.”
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
As the sun started to go down, Lolita realized she better take in the sights and smells of this amazing land as much as possible because soon their brief stay here will have come to an abrupt end. It was a shame really; she had expected Hrykosia to be barren and almost a wasteland—probably because of her feelings towards Kalla Hrykos. She was pleasantly shocked at how beautiful the planet was. The Hrykosians had a deep respect for nature and its power and had done an amazing job preserving it. Very few planets had ever done such a good job preserving their natural beauty (Legion World, the relative newcomer was one). It just smelled so fresh.
Suddenly she felt a huge splash of water hit her feet. It was deliberately placed. In the pond below her with a wry smile was Shark Lad. “Stop thinking so hard,” he said with a laugh, “you’re giving me a headache.”
“Oh, so sorry,” she said sarcastically, “sorry to cause you any discomfort!” she added, kicking water at him.
He let it hit him with a smile. Shark Lad couldn’t wait to enjoy the lush ponds nearby and she was glad to get away with him and take in the beautiful scenery.
She dived into the water neatly. She was amazed at how much time she spent in a bathing suit now that she was dating a shark hybrid. She emerged from the water and looked around and Shark Lad was nowhere to be found. She immediately knew what was coming.
Shark Lad all at once grabbed her in his arms and breached the surface, causing everything remotely close by to get soaking wet. It was so much chaos all at once, even though she knew it was coming, that she couldn’t help breaking out into laughter at the top of her lungs.
Her genuine, innocent laughter caused Shark Lad to laugh right back. There was something very fragile about the laugh.
The laughter began to subside and she put her arms around him and kissed him deeply. She then hugged him against his chest and sank into a comfortable position there in the water leaning against him. She had no idea what else might be in this pond but knew it would be nowhere close to them—when an apex predator like Shark Lad entered the waters, everything else went running. Except her.
“You’re finally relaxing,” he said, picking up on it.
“Thanks to you,” she said with a smile. It was true. Following her uneasy parting with Cobalt Kid at the breaking of the fellowship, she had remained uneasy thereafter. She didn’t trust Kalla Hrykos and worried that splitting up the group would remove all the possible impediments against her doing whatever she wanted. Timberwolf was, in her mind, obviously going along with what Kalla wanted. She would have to trust Rockhopper Lad would know what to do if Kalla showed her true colors.
But there was something else. Until now, every part of this plan had partially been crafted by her. Cobie always included her in the planning, listened to her counsel and adapted his plan to work in her ideas. Now that he was no longer here, this was basically Kalla and Rocky’s show. And they didn’t know her that well, and were not going to include her in the important planning stages. The data analysis, strategic assumptions and planning element were what she did; that was how her powerset worked. If they didn’t include her in the plans, what good was she? What role did she really have to play? And all of those doubts she always harbored once again felt like they were bubbling towards the surface.
Sharky finally gave her some perspective. “Everything you’re feeling…is what every one of us is feeling,” he said. “You think I’m not concerned I’m out of place here? Or Helena? Or Time-Teller Lad? Everyone one of us had doubts about even coming here. What we can offer. If our usual skills on Legion World will be any use. All you can do about it is face these things head on and see what happens. Maybe you’ll use those skills or maybe you’ll find yourself in a situation where a whole new set of skills you barely ever use will save the day. But don’t think so little of yourself that just because you’re stuck in an undefined situation that you won’t be fantastic.”
The thought of those words, spoken to her a few hours earlier, made her want to kiss him even more. His protection of her extended to even her own securities.
“It is so serene right now,” she said as a brisk gust of wind swept past them giving her goosebumps on her bare skin. “Maybe we can return on the way home.”
“Sure,” said Shark Lad, trying to make his words convincing. He still wasn’t convinced they’d ever see this place again.
From: Right by Cobie's Side | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Never lose your sense of wonder. For when you lose your ability to be amazed, the world also loses its ability to become interesting.
Invisible Brainiac soared up through the clouds above Haven, taking care not to change out of his light form.
The fumes around him were thick, and decidedly unhealthy. IB couldn't remember ever being on a more ironically-named world before.
He zipped around the spaceport, taking mental notes of the numbers and types of spacecraft present. Nothing unusual; still no Hive or Dominion ships, as it had been when they first arrived.
Glancing around, IB decided to hover for a while. He knew it was important he report right away, even if his observations were routine. But he wanted to take a small souvenir of Haven while he was here. Who knows when he might come back, right?
Shielding his eyes, he looked towards the clouds. Dirty though they may be, they were still amazingly beautiful. The pollutants of different types of craft mingled with each other, and with the smokestacks of the planet below, to create a multi-colored swirling fog above the planet. Particles of different kinds of trace metals glinted in the that cloud. When the sunlight hit it just right, it reminded him of colorful bubbles trapped in crystal.
Taking a piece of film out of his pocket, IB focused his light powers. An instant later, a picture formed. He smiled, satisfied. This would make for a great story back home. He couldn't wait, he already missed M...
He barely had time to finish his thought as he heard a whistling sound behind him.
Instinctively, he turned back to light as a fist punched the air where he had hung just a millisecond ago.
"Who...?!" IB yelled as he fired a burst of light where he had been. It was intended as a warning, though whoever was fast enough to sneak up on him was probably powerful enough to take a hit.
"Excellent dodging." Power Boy said calmly, arms crossed over his chest as he sidestepped the blast.
IB relaxed a bit, but not much. "Aw man, I thought we were done training for now. You wiped me out on the way here."
"Better me than one of our enemies, right?" Power Boy smiled, and added, "Besides, aren't you getting bored? I thought you'd like a little fun."
"If you think getting injured is fun," IB retorted. "The only injuries I enjoy getting are hickeys on my neck."
Power Boy laughed. "I keep forgetting, you're no longer the innocent "youngest LMBPer ever". Not innocent, anyway." He flew closer to IB. "I'm serious, though. Even in the best of times, we make tantalizing targets. And here, in Dark Oval territory, we are as tempting as a golden goose left unguarded. You have to watch your back. You won't be able to enjoy your hickeys if your head is separate from your body."
IB sighed. Power Boy was right, and there was no getting around that. He had to take care of himself, since someone was waiting for him back home. "All right, all right, you win. I have to keep my head in the game. So... Are you done scouting your part of the terrain? You still have some time before Tempest's concealment spell fades."
Power Boy grinned. "I'm very efficient."
"I can tell - it only took you a couple of hits to bruise my entire left side."
"And since we're not supposed to engage the GEM while we're here - so you're the only chance I have to spar."
"Great. Just great." IB hung his head a bit, before turning away from Power Boy. "I don't suppose I could have a little bit of peace first? The sky just looks so wonderful."
Power Boy floated beside him. "It does, at that. I knew a new god once who..."
The words never left his mouth, as a fist came smashing into his kidney. Power Boy doubled over, more in surprise than in pain.
"Gotcha! Now, catch me if you can!"
Power Boy looked up to see a trail of sparkles where IB was.
With a grin (and while rubbing his side), Power Boy set off after his younger ally.
15 minutes later, they would both arrive back at the ship with several new bruises on their arms and backs, and several useful estimates of the Dark Oval's military strength.
And lungfuls of polluted air from laughing and taunting each other all the way back to the ship.
"I've been here before, you know," Lardy said as he and Cobalt walked amidst the expansive commerce area of Haven's major city. Both were dressed in their elven cloaks, which both had received as gifts on an adventure several years ago, to walk among the masses unnoticed.
"Yeah, you've alluded to this before, Lardy. I assumed it was when you were after Mordra a while back."
Lardy frowned a moment at the memory. "Yes, it was," he replied. "Back in our first year, after Mordra killed LeeLee and escaped from custody, I hung out in disguise in a lot of dives all over the U.P. and established underworld contacts in hope of finding out where she'd disappeared her. Years passed with nothing ever turning up, but I kept touch with all those contacts."
"Then, years later, as you know, Mordra popped back up and stole my powers before nearly destroying Legion World. She escaped capture again, but this time my contacts were able to follow some breadcrumbs that suggested she was in the Dark Oval, as I'd long suspected."
"That's when you left us," Cobalt pointed out.
"Yes, it was," Lardy admitted.
"You know something, Lardy?" Cobalt said in exasperation at the memory of the pain he felt when he found Lardy's letter explaining he had gone after Mordra. "I would have gladly gone with you! It really hurt that you didn't let me come along!"
Lardy shook his head. "I know...I know, Des. But she had hurt me in a very personal way--twice. I was in a bad way. I knew, even then, that I was gonna kill her. I couldn't make you an accomplice to that..."
"Well, that happened anyway, didn't it?" Cobalt asserted.
"Yeah, it did. But that was never my intention."
"I was determined to find you, Lardy, and I did. But there's no sense in rehashing that crap. We're way past that."
"Yeah, we've moved on to a whole 'nother level of war crimes since then."
Both chuckled, though Cobalt's was more uneasy with the Dominion affair still weighing on him.
"Anyway," Lardy said continuing his original thought, "after I left Legion World, I got one of my contacts to get me a job aboard a smuggling vessel as a laborer. They were actually smuggling some fissionable material for nega-bombs."
"Nega-bombs?!?!" Cobalt gasped. "You should have busted them and found some other way!"
"Shhh!" Lardy said looking around sheepishly. "It's okay...I secretly rendered the material inert with some of the ship's safety protocols. It all ended up being useless for them. I was never that far-gone!"
"That's a relief," Cobalt sighed.
"Anyhow, the ship brought me here on Haven. Once off the ship, I spent months blending in with the local scum finding out all I could about where Mordra was. Eventually, I traced her to Hrykosia, hitched a ride with a group of mercs to one of the Hrykosian outposts and eventually met up with Huldnaf, an underboss with Hrykosia's government-sponsored organized crime cartels."
"Huldnaf. That was Kalla's old lover," Cobalt recalled from the files.
"Yes," Lardy affirmed, "he was a good, trusting guy, actually. By then, Morda and Damyen Hrykos knew what I was up to and manipulated Huldnaf to bring me closer. They killed him for his service." He paused for a moment in reflection of all the mistakes he made.
Finally, he continued. "But while I was on Haven, I met a lot of G.E.M. They're good people, Des. Conquered peoples of all the five powers conscripted to fight on the front lines, so that their worlds will be spared from total destruction. You know what they do to subjected worlds that rebel or refuse to fall in line?"
Cobalt shuddered, hoping that his hunch wasn't right. "What happens to them, Lardy?"
"They feed those worlds to the Hive, Des."
Both of their faces darkened as the enormity of the task in front of them weighed heavily.
"Come on, Lardy," Cobalt finally said. "Let's find those supplies we're going to need."
"Over there," Lardy said, pointing. "That's our best bet."
The two entered the shop and did their best to not look as if the weight of the galaxy were on their shoulders.
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