Power Boy climbs step after dusty step, the Wolf only a few paces behind.
He felt a sense of urgency, afraid this Evil Lord that was hunting the ‘New’ gods to extinction had something to do with the troubles of the LMB.
Finally at the top, a great plaza opens up before him. Across the plaza he sees a gateway and shadowy figures moving through it. One figure stands apart, watching the rest.
In the next moment, the watcher is next to Power Boy.
A tall female figure takes shape. “After all this time Wolf, you found him, you found my son.”
The Wolf smiles proudly. “I fear too late. So many of us are missing or … (he looks to the portal) .. leaving”
She replies “It was inevitable. Our time is over, it is time to move to the next existence. We move along to the abstract.”
The Goddess looks into Power Boy “Will you come with us, my son.”
PB felt himself waver, he didn’t know if it was the heat of the place or the stare of the Goddess. He wanted to go, more than anything. That moment lasted for what seemed like a lifetime, as if the decision was a great contest, taking place across time.
The Goddess spoke again “Come home with us my son”
PB mutters as if poisoned “ … home?” “my home, my friends …” PB shakes his head “ … the LMB, my home, …”
PB snaps to “ Stay. Help us. Fight with us!”
The Goddess releases her hold, sighing sadly, “You have spent too much time with the humans ... the battles of this dimension are not for us to interfere with.”
The Wolf BARKS! “The Dark Lord threatens all reality, what happens in this place will affect the others. An ‘Old’ god of evil reborn will not be content with one dimension … he will devour dimension after dimension ….”
A glare from the Goddess withers the Wolf. “I see, you have not brought my son to me but, I to my son.”
“maybe … dear Wolf, maybe you are right.”
SHHHRREEEIIIKKKKK!!!!
Her contemplation is broken by a powerful blast of darkness that shatters the portal, striking down several ‘New’ gods trying to pass through the portal.
A horrific wailing booms from all around as insectoid tendrils of darkness smash and pollute the city. Power Boy is crushed to his knees.
The Goddess howls "NOOOO!" and faces the enormous darkness. Power Boy‘s mind reels when he tries to focus on the darkness. A golden music begins to oppose the infinite darkness as the Goddess stands proudly. Even in its glory the music is small in comparison with the screaming darkness.
Only a handful of the ‘New’ Gods remain, the ones not fast enough to gain passage through the now shattered portal. A few become blurs as they speed away, others wink out as the teleport or become invisible, and a smaller few turn and raise their battle rods … joining the Goddess in fight.
It will not be enough. The ground shakes and walls tumble.
The Goddesses head swings toward Power Boy.
“FLY!”
The Wolf deftly snatches Power Boy up from the neck of his costume, and pounces away. As the Wolf transports them through dimensions … Power Boy looks back and sees the kingdom of the ‘New’ Gods shatter like glass, and after, only oily darkness.
-------------------------------------------------
Power Boy wakes, floating in space, the Wolf licking his face.
“We made it, but the gods …”
The Wolf smiles “Gods are not so easy to kill young one”
“I must find the LMB, the chaos happening must be related to this.”
The Wolf nods "They are here, near Webber's World, I brought you to them." (The Wolf has obvious difficulty pronouncing Webber)
"You are dependable, for trickster"
The Wolf laughs "Few can understand my intelligent ways ... so they say I trick them, to me it is easy hahaha"
“Wolf ... one more favor, assemble the ‘New’ Gods … there must be some alive, that did not answer the call to flee, that the shadow has not yet got.”
“I will … try … young god of power.” And with that the Wolf fades away.
Power Boy floats for a moment sick to his stomach overwhelmed by the events.
Then he heads for the LMB.
[ April 21, 2011, 04:23 PM: Message edited by: Power Boy ]
From: Ninja Land | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
The merchant ship sailed through space, as the rest of the universe reacted with anxiety and paranoia to the grandiose events. The ship went mostly unnoticed, as the Legionnaires intended, and for the next (48) hours gradually left the United Planets, coming ever closer to its boundaries.
There was one who followed, undeterred by the deception. Wearing a hoodless cloak of the most vibrant purple, he was overwhelmingly beautiful to behold, causing some to turn their eyes, less shimmer of his radiance burn out their eyes. Around his head he wore a simple golden crown in the shape of a thin band with a fig leaf on either side. A sword hung by his belt and a spear over his shoulder.
Though he was the ideal model of beauty, his penetrating blue eyes and wolfish smile quickly made evident he was the epitome of cruelty. Yet those who simply looked at him could not fathom the extremes of that cruelty.
Though a millennia earlier he was the Emperor of a vast Empire, who lived a long life where his authority exceeded all others—and made sure he tested those boundaries on every occasion he could—it was in this secondary existence where he submitted to the authority of one greater that he truly felt alive.
His name was Titus. He was the Dark Lord’s most favored servant. There were three things he held as his sacred right to do in the Dark Lord’s service: Robbery. Rape. Murder. And he followed the Legionnaires, watching…and waiting…
--------------------
The Contested Territories – Once former conquered planets by the Dominion, the planets making up the contested territories have a very recent history of exploitation and abuse. Their poor fortunes changed in 3006 when Legion World Triumvir Cobalt Kid led his army into the Dark Oval and liberated the planets. Additionally supported by the United Planets Naval Fleets, the planets formally rejected their Dominion overlords and applied for membership to the United Planets, which they were quickly granted. Though now free and under the protection of the Space Knights Templar, the Contested Territories remain a center of violence, terrorism and war between the Dark Oval and the United Planets.[/i]
“At last,” said Lolita, piloting the merchant ship alongside Time-Teller Lad, who also made a surprisingly excellent pilot. “We’re entering the very borders of the UP now. Soon we’ll be at Antioch, where we’ll be able to get rid of this ship.”
“It will be quite a relief,” said Time-Teller Lad with a smile, “as I feel like I’m getting to know everyone a bit too well!”
Lolita couldn’t help but smile at Tim’s good-heartedness and leaned forward to pet Hywvie. “Antioch is the most dangerous of all the contested territories, because it contains sections held by both the UP and the Dominion. And therefore it makes the perfect entry point,” she said to Tim, but then looking at her omni-com again.
“Any updates?” he said, “it’s only been 131.3 seconds since you last looked at it, after all.”
“No,” she said, realizing he was right that she was checking it constantly. The news from the UP was too engrossing—it was an incredibly complex series of planets flexing their political muscle, but she was beginning to sense a pattern developing. Alas, it wouldn’t matter much longer. Once they got far enough into the Dark Oval, their communications would gradually fade out and then cease all together. Dark Oval technology prevented communication out of the territory.
Hywvie lifted his head up, sensing someone was coming and the door opened as Shark Lad joined them. “I’m getting stir crazy,” he said plainly, with a gravel in his voice that made Hywvie back up a little near Lolita’s legs. “I don’t care if it doesn’t sound possible but I think the ship is getting smaller,” he added. Time-Teller Lad couldn’t tell if he was kidding or serious, though Lolita smiled.
“The sexual tension back there is annoying enough,” she said, “come join me up here and we’ll make our own,” she added and Shark Lad finally smiled.
“Er, maybe I should see how everyone is doing” said Time-Teller Lad about to get up when he suddenly looked out the view-screen and saw an approaching presence! “Wait! What’s that?!”
Lolita turned and instantly felt a wave of panic, thinking they were under attack. She moved to stand but suddenly felt Shark Lad’s large, clawed hand push her back down. “Funny I’m telling you to calm down,” he said. “But no worries. That’s Power Boy.”
“Power Boy?” said Lolita suddenly feeling upbeat. She, like Lard Lad, was very disappointed to learn that Hrun was not joining them. But if Power Boy was—that would be a huge power boost! As they got closer they saw the seriousness on his face. “He looks grim,” she said.
From: Right by Cobie's Side | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Timberwolf sat in a corner of the cargo hold and meditated. It was a better thing for him to do to pass the time than sleeping was for the others. Everyone else seemed to be antsy, or plagued with restless attempts at sleep. Meditating for him was a way to rest his body and excercise his mind at the same time.
He was going over the plans in his head. Over and over he went through them. Trying to imagine anything that would go wrong, going wrong in the most horrid way possible...and then coming to a satisfactory way to deal with that situation. For him, it was the ultimate form of relaxation.
After a few hours he heard his Omnicom beep. He blinked and was wide awake without making a sound. He grabbed his Omnicom before it went off again and disturbed anyone else. They were getting close to where they would stop being able to receive any basic transmissions, even ones on open channels of the United Planets. THe fact was, that this transmission was probably close to a half hour old and bounced off of numerous random satellites before it got to them. He had set his to alert him of any that conatained only a few specific names. His brother, Dev Em, was among the few names on the list.
He listened to the transmission from his brother several times before finally shutting the Omnicom off.
He removed his earpiece, hung his head and wished for a brief moment that he had some god to pray to. But he just grinned and thought, I could hear it in his voice...he's on the verge of becoming very dangerous to whomever it is that is attacking Daroon. I'd hate to see him pushed past his limits, although...whoever it is would most definitely deserve it if it happened.
He thought about the implications of who was on Daroon with him, and that worried him and made his worries fade just as fast. Sure, Lardy's kids were there, but so was Kar. Lon and Dev's father. God help the poor bastiches that messed with the old man.
He turned and looked at Lard Lad, who had just awoken with a start. He was around some boxes from him, so Lard Lad could not really see that he was also awake. He watched him for a short time and finally went back to meditating.
From: Doing the things that need to be done | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Power Boy stepped across the threshold of the airlock the same moment Lard Lad woke with a start. As if he brought a great darkness to them.
Lolita, Shark Lad, and Time-Teller Lad were there to greet him. This Power Boy looked stoic. Usually Power Boy was nonchalant ... even in battle, so used to battle and confident in his prowess. This Power Boy looked as if a great weight were on his shoulders. and more surprisingly ... he looked .... hunted?
'Gather everyone. We need to talk. The Dark Lord lives.'
From: Ninja Land | Registered: Nov 2004
| IP: Logged |
It’s times like this when I think, ‘I shoulda been a lawyer.’ I mean, sprock, now we gotta deal with the Dark Lord?
I look at Lolita. She’s trying hard not to react. The kid likes to act like nothing gets to her, but even she doesn’t like the sound of what Power Boy is saying.
Well, at least now maybe I’ll get to see some action. I’ve been dying to sharpen my teeth on something ever since Hrun let me spar with a couple of his men before we got loaded onto this tin can of a ship. That was fun. Lolita thought I should be saving up my strength, but I feel like I’ve got energy to spare.
Lolita’s a good kid. She’s giving something I needed, but… there’s still something in the way she looks at Cobie. She definitely didn’t like seeing him with the Princess. When this is all over, Lolita and I are gonna have to have a long talk.
Anyway, I guess I should be paying attention to Power Boy…
-------------------- Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water...
From: The waters off eastern Long Island | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
At long last, after two full days in cramped cargo space on a non-descript merchant space ship, the Fellowship arrived at their destination. They were now in the Contested Territories, renowned for its danger and violence, and specifically were on Antioch, one of the most devastated of all the Contested Territory planets. Antioch was once a thriving center of commerce and culture but centuries under the Dominion yoke, several civil wars and at last the war of liberation, had devastated the planet. There were still several oasis cities where the citizenry tried to regain a semblance of civilization but the vast majority of Antioch was now a barren wasteland.
“At last,” said Helena to herself, though nearby, Cobalt Kid heard her. Her words echoed what everyone was thinking: they could finally get out of that damn ship and stretch their legs.
“You’ll all have plenty of time to stretch your legs,” he said to them all, “since we have quite a journey ahead of us…on foot,” he added.
“This gets more fun by the minute,” said Timberwolf sarcastically to Cobalt.
“The planetside has been devastated to the point where journey by automated tech won’t work. And there are no fueling stations for miles, much less any navigational coordinates to move through the various sectors filled with poisonous gases. So flight travel is also out,” said Lolita to them, reviewing her own notes on their journey which she kept.
“Lovely,” said Shark Lad to her.
“What about the merchant vessel?” said Time-Teller Lad to them, considering something none of the others had.
Lard Lad shrugged. “Leave it. Maybe one of us will need it on the way back,” he added, thinking that was highly unlikely.
They all stretched their legs and unpacked the items they were bringing on the quest. Each one of them had different packs and pouches containing various items, including rations of food. The packs were heavy now, but Cobalt knew it would be really disheartening when they became very light…and the rations were almost gone.
“Here comes our escort,” Cobalt said with a smile, looking out in the distant barren wasteland. The others turned and saw five figures approaching in the distance. Though hard to make out at first, it was clear all five had various weaponry in their hands, either swords or spears, and were wearing some type of armor.
“The Space Knights Templar,” said Kalla Hrykos, though whether she said it with disgust or curiosity was well hidden. The Space Knights Templar had been formed out of the remnants of the Legion World Triumvirate Armies in 3007 following the war between the Dark Oval and the United Planets. By that time, of the three Triumvirs, only Cobalt Kid still kept his army active; Grey Birdboy had long since retired with his army to Starhaven, and Eryk Davis Ester retired with his army—made up of his native Toustonians and former citizens of Legion World—on Greg Evignan Island, embracing a life of peace and spiritual self-actualization. Eryk Davis Ester’s army effectively became monks. On the opposite end, Cobalt Kid’s army was the leading force in the war against the Dark Oval and was responsible for liberating all of the planets in the Contested Territories from the Dominion. In 3007, Cobalt Kid and Eryk Davis Ester held a secret meeting in which they decided to formally disband the Triumvirate armies once and for all, ending the institution completely; because the Triumvirate armies were loyal to them, their generals, and not Legion World, the two former Triumvirs then set about transforming the armies into something much more. Combining the spiritual mentality of the monks on Greg Evignan Island and the warrior prowess of Cobalt’s soldiers, the two melded into a form of warrior-monks, or using the old term reclaims by Cobalt and Eryk, knights. The Space Knights Templar arose out of the old Triumvirate under the direction of co-founders and leaders Cobalt Kid and Eryk Davis Ester. Their mission was one of peace, prosperity and justice and they sought to bring these things to planets everywhere, specifically planets once devastated by dictatorial nations or suffering great times of troubles.
The Space Knights spent most of their time on the borders with the Khanate and Dark Oval, often assisting the UP army not as a military force but as a force of peace & order, protecting the liberated peoples from the great armies looking to reclaim them. Their number one mission was to protect the Contested Territories, and thus, that is where the majority of the Knights spent most of their time. They acted as a military and police force, protecting pilgrims to the Contested Territories and the liberated peoples there.
There were, however, some rumors that spoke of a secondary, more secret mission of the Space Knights. According to legend, when the Triumvirate Army of Cobalt Kid liberated the Contested Territories, they uncovered ancient ruins and temples, and within these ancient structures they found a vast treasure—what it was, exactly, remains a mystery. But the treasure was so great and of such importance, that Cobalt Kid called off the war, dissembled the Triumvirate and immediately met with Eryk Davis Ester in a secret meeting. He was able to convince Ester to agree to the end of the Triumvirate and to ordering his monks to take up a new life as Knights. Thereafter, the Contested Territories remained essentially a territory under the control of the Knights. No one other than Cobalt Kid or Eryk Davis Ester understood why such drastic action was needed, or what secrets and treasure were found, though one phrase did somehow manage to escape into rumor: holy grail.
“I thought there was five of them?” said Power Boy as the Knights now came more clearly into view. They now saw them in their full glory: the first, a fierce looking yet pretty female warrior; the second, a smiling, incredibly dashing looking raven-haired man; and the third, an Xundarian warrior of a grim disposition.
“Hile, Cobalt Kid!” said Xundarian. “It gives us great honor to great you and your Fellows, and we bid you welcome to Antioch, as grim as it is.” Xundarians were an orange-colored race notable for their fins on their heads and large eyes. They had a history of many noble galactic noble heroes, such as Tomar-Re, the Green Lantern 1,000 years earlier.
“Hile Space Knights,” said Cobalt Kid formally, “and we thank you for your welcome. Do not feel you need to maintain rigid discipline in my presence. We have a long journey ahead of us and a degree of informality is needed.” At those words, the three of them eased their stance but still maintained a very disciplined formation. “Allow me to introduce our fellowship,” he said, and then began making formal introductions. For most of them they were very courteous, though they showed a special degree of courtesy to Rockhopper Lad due to his royal status as a Prince. They seemed to know both Lolita and Timberwolf already. And finally, it was plainly obvious they could not hide their contempt for Kalla Hrykos.
“Thank you, General,” said the female, “for allowing we three to take on a mission of such importance.” She had a very tough sensibility to her voice, noticed Rockhopper Lad, but yet her words were very genuine. She was a lot like Helena Handbasket.
Cobalt turned to his friends. “Allow me to introduce three of our finest Knights, who obviously are among the most trusted and honored for Eryk and I to have chosen them for this mission.” He spoke of each knight in the order of their stance: “The first is Lady Winterhawk, though we commonly call her Knightress, because she is the most decorated female in the entire Space Knights, as well as the Triumvirate before them.” At the usage of “Knightress”, many of the LMBers such as Shark Lad and Lard Lad suddenly realized who she was, since they had heard of her numerous times before. Not only was she a Legion World War hero, receiving the Legion World Medal of Honor years earlier, but she was actually a bit notorious among the LMB. This was because it was widely known that she was in love with the LMBer known as Reboot, whose often abrasive and cold, calculating outlook on life made him a person many Legionnaires did not see easily falling in love. Cobalt once explained to Lard Lad that she “had the cruel fate of loving the man known as Reboot”. To look at her now, however, you’d think she’d love a good fight, with two electro-magnetic swords hanging by her side.
“’Tis an honor,” she said.
“This is Sir John the Carggite,” said Cobalt, and then turning to him said, “it’s alright John, all three of yourselves can join us.” At that, Sir John triplicated and two other of him appeared, explaining how the approaching Knights went from five to three. Sir John was one of those rare Carggites where each body had a separate personality. He was incredibly handsome and very dashing to look at, with raven black hair and a moustache and small beard on his chin. Of the three, one body indulged in a love of the female form; one body indulged in a love of the male form; and the third body was ironically chaste, taking a vow of celibacy. The three of them were known to be highly amusing when they shared drinks with others.
“Greetings,” said Sir John Prime, flashing a smile.
“And lastly, this is Tomar-Te, one of our high-ranking commanders,” said Cobalt. Tomar-Te nodded and did not say anything. He was not as widely known to the LMBers but amongst the Knights themselves he was considered a hero of great magnitude.
Tomar-Te spoke now. “Will you need to rest first, or shall we begin our journey?”
“I think its safe to say we’re ready to move,” said Lard Lad. “The exercise will refresh us and we’re all feeling very anxious.”
“Very well,” said Tomar, “it’s a long way but the path will be safe and far away from the poisoned areas. Knightress will lead the way,” he added, and at that, Knightress turned and began walking into the distance.
Lolita noticed the Knights did not even take some time to rest themselves after what must have been a significant journey over. She began walking by Shark Lad, hoping the lack of water for some time would not be a problem. She noticed Tomar-Te waited at the back for Cobalt Kid, who also went last, so the two could talk about various matters.
“Have the Dominion made a move yet?” said Cobalt.
“No General, its been very quiet. Too quiet,” said Tomar-Te. “Some battles here and there, but no outright war in the Contested Territories,” he added.
“I suspect they hope to flank us,” said Cobalt, “using the routes the rest of the Oval have established. Meaning they’re stretching their resources too far.”
“They’ll regret that mistake then,” smiled Tomar-Te.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
Dev raced over the surface of Daroon. He flew over wave after wave of bugs. he was using his heat vision to destroy as many as he could. He had made one stop before leaving though. His LMB Cruiser. Aboard, there had been a duffle bag left with all sorts of 'presents' left for him bt his brother, Timberwolf. Weapons of all kinds that could do some damage to the type of attack they werre experiencing...not enough to turn the tide by any stretch of the imagination, but enough to make at least a dent in the numbers they were facing. The only other thing that he found with it was a note the said,
Dev,
Just in case you need them. I know it's not your style, but use them anyway.
Lon.
His mind reeled at the devistation that he saw as he passed the towns and villages. The people of Daroon lived a relatively simple existance. They were mostly raised crops and herds. They supplied most of the food for Xyler 7, by request of Queen Ayva. She had been very fair with them and relations had been at an all time high since she had taken power.
Dev saw another village under attack, and banked hard in front of the advancing army of bugs. His heat vision tore a trench in the ground that he made larger with his strength and speed. The bugs had to stop advancing for a moment and that gave the villagers enough time to actually launch their weapons.
Dev flew back and joined them in the fight, and combined, they beat this wave of bugs to a standstill. There was no slaughter here, and the villagers fell back to join forces with the next village. Dev led them through some hostile terrain, and when they arrived at the next village, they came up behind the attacking wave of bugs. The two sided approach threw off the bugs and they were victorious again. They broke into units and ran as fast as they could to the nearest villages. Some were successful, others suffered devestating losses.
Dev went from village to village helping stave off devestation where he could. Vowing to the people of Daroon that he met that he would fight to his last breath to save as many of them as he could. The people were thrilled to have a hero of the LMBP amongst their Royal Family. There were cheers for him everywhere he went.
Dev was exhausted and revitalized with every battle he entered. There was a plan to his travels though. He knew where his family, and that of his teammates were going to end up and he was fighting his way there. Another part of the plan was working too. As he went on, the bugs began to scatter when he appeared. Skittering away to fight other areas where he was not.
He encouraged people to go help out others. The more of a stand they could make together, the better thier odds. he also encouraged them to head for the Castle to help with the battle there. he could see inthe distance, using his vision powers, that the Castle was barely keeping from being overrun at any moment.
All at once, his head shrieked with a sound that he had never heard before...at least not in his head. It was his daughter screaming to him that they needed help now.
I'm coming sweetheart. He thought back to her and powred on the speed to get to where they were.
He hit the ground in a seemingly randon spot and burrowed underground. He emerged in a tunnel behind a group of bugs that were quickly dispatched. The King was holding his left arm, and Dev could see a huge gash on his bicep. One of the bugs had taken a bite out of his arm. Several of his Royal Guard lay dead on the ground around them. Dev quickly glanced back and saw a trail of dead bugs and guards . the battle down here had beeen fierce, and deadly for both sides.
Dev moved to him and said, "this is going to hurt...a lot."
The King nodded and the women moved the children back, around a corner and out of sight. the few guards that remained escorted them and blocked any view from what was happening from the children.
The King screamed in pain as Dev cauterized his wound with his heat vision.
Dev was impressed that the man was still conscious, let alone standing after he was finished. "That stopped the bleeding," he said looking at the wound.
"Thank you son." The King said in short rapid bursts of speach, in between breaths as he regained his composure, "I thought we were done for."
Not while I am able to stand and fight sir," Dev said. "The bugs are all over Daroon, and they are taking women and children hostage. To be honest, we really do not stand a chance here. There are just too many of them. Our only hope is that help arrives soon."
We need to keep them safe," the King said jerking his head towards where their loved ones were.
"Agreed," but we may want to think about trying to get them off planet as soon as we can. I'm sure I can get a few Daxamites to help out.
"A good a plan as an..." he started to say before he was but off by a new batch of bugs burrowing in above them.
Dev pushed the King back as the bugs fell right on top of him. "GET THEM OUT OF HERE!" he yelled as he tore into the bugs to keep them from advancing on his family.
The King stabbed the one that got past Dev with his sword, killing it. He turned and gathered those that remained down here in the tunnels and led them away from the sounds of Dev fighting the bugs.
Dev Finally was able to position himself between the advancing bugs and the group and continued to fight with everything he had...knowing that being cut off from the sun for too long would be a dangerous thing.
From: Turn around... | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
Tempest had basically just been going through the motions since her time on Weber’s World. She was being their good little solider, following orders and focusing with the tasks at hand. But as often, she has found herself bored. Tempest detested the horrid ship she had to travel on and now she finds herself on a wasteland of a planet. She met and smiled at the Fellowship’s guides and walked the same path as her group.
She observed her group, all of them prepared as possible for what lie ahead. She was the only one not carrying tons of gear, well, none that they could see. She has everything condensed into her robe so that it would not weigh her down. She kept her mind as open as possible, though this place was not the easiest place to use magic for sensing her surroundings. A planet this far gone has more issues than the human eye can detect. Still, being who she was, she was good at multi-tasking, and she saw one task the really needed some attending to.
Prissy princess, Kalla…hmm…well, I can do my job and hold on a conversation.
Tempest walked over to Timber Wolf.
“Hello, Lon.” She touches his back for a quick second to grab his attention. “You don’t mind me calling you Lon, do you? We are friends, right?” She smiled at him and tilted her head.
Lon turned his head towards her, and had a slight confused look onhis face for a fraction of a second. "Yeah, Lon is fine. Something on your mind Tempest?"
“Nothing much I suppose. There isn’t really a lot going on this dead planet. I really can’t recall to ever being to such a devastated place. What about you, you’ve traveled?”
Before Timber Wolf had a chance to respond, Tempest’s eyes widen. She put her hand up to him so he would know that she was all right. But in reality, Tempest’s mind was on fire. Her mind was put through a small hurricane of mental pains and visions. She saw five glowing lights being shrouded in darkness, then a hand grabbing the lights, hiding them from her view. The hand swirled and waved until it took the form of a large eye.
It was only a flash but the pain was strong and message vivid. She knew that those lights were important and that the eye was…doom.
Goddess! What was that? Whatever it was, it will lead me to what I was destined to do here.
Tempest composed herself, her face stern and focused, her playtime with Timber Wolf and Kalla would have to wait for now.
posted
The Fellowship continued their journey on foot through the once proud planet Antioch, as minutes became hours and the hours soon became numerous enough to hold little meaning. Many of them had been itching for a chance to flex their muscles and work out some of their anxieties. Hours later, they regretted ever feeling such foolishness.
As members of the Legion, most of their number was in the finest physical condition one could achieve. But even the finest specimen not used to non-stop walking would feel the initial weariness of the road set in. At first there is elation, feeling the muscles work and exert themselves. Eventually that gives way to a numbing tiredness, until that becomes overwhelming as to reach the point of pain—at first large pockets of pain and later sharp pinches. But even the pain eventually fades and a constant, road fatigue sets in that is manageable yet ever-present. And if one travels the road long enough, even that fades.
For the Legionnaires, they dealt with the tiredness as best they could and without complaint but it was compounded by the realization of the sheer scope of their coming quest. There would be many more roads of all sorts to come. If any of them were on their own, they would be at risk for overwhelmed by it; but through the sense of brotherhood that comes with being in battle together, they quietly leaned on one another for support and could therefore bare the weight of the quest.
At the front, Knightress led the way, with Helena Handbasket quietly taking up by her side. They spoke little to one another but sensed a kinship and thus enjoyed each other’s quiet company. The rest of the Fellowship walked either single file or in pairs and at the very back, Cobalt Kid walked with Tomar Te. Lard Lad had slipped back to speak to Cobalt.
“I can’t believe we’re finally doing it,” he said firmly at one point.
Cobalt nodded. He shared the feeling. It was the great weight of the quest, though tempered by the relief of at last taking action to address a great problem. “We’re making good time,” he replied. “In a way, it’s good that we come here first—so everyone can see firsthand what happens to planets that fall under the Dominator yoke.”
Lard Lad agreed with a somber nod as the two looked at what they saw. Antioch had once been a vibrant bastion of culture and commerce. Now, while some sections held onto this fading glory, vast portions of the planet had turned into a barren wasteland. Only the cities had any sense of civilization anymore, while the countryside had been abandoned. The citizens had little choice in the matter: biological weapons used by the Dominators two hundred years earlier had rendered huge portions of the planet uninhabitable, with the very air poison. This eventually polluted many lakes—and thus rivers—which ravaged the botanical life on the planet, and eventually, ravaged the gene pool of many of the inhabitants. Those who chose to remain behind, not going to the cities, had gradually been mutated into monstrosities over the decades. These Bio-Mutants now roamed the countryside, hideous in appearance and in mind, as the mutation had infected their very souls.
The Space Knights Templar knew how to navigate beyond the reach of the Bio-Mutants, and beyond the Poison Zones. But the danger was ever-present.
Up ahead, Knightress came to a stop as the rest of the Fellowship caught up. “We’ll break here,” she said, opening up her water canister, taking a small sip and handing it to Helena. The others walked into the clearing and put down their backs, some finding a place to sit, others squatting to stretch their legs.
They were in a large clearing now with heavy growth of trees and weeds all around, though the middle remained open. A further look along the perimeter revealed a cement foundation, though the cement was very, very old. Curious, Lolita looked at them further, and then followed it to a pair of trees with a heavy growth of leaves and branches. She pushed the branches aside and revealed beyond the trees there was a much more complete structure of the same primordial cement.
Shark Lad and Power Boy followed her and Shark Lad asked “what is this place?”
“I feel a power here,” said Tempest, calmly concentrating in the middle of the clearing.
“As do I,” said Power Boy.
“You’re in the ruins of an Ancient Temple,” said Sir John the Carrggite. “The civilization is long gone,” he added, “this is a little over a thousand years old.”
“Fascinating,” said Lolita. She had heard of these ancient ruins in the Contested Territories but had never seen any.
“We’ve found many places like this,” said Sir John. Suddenly Sir John looked up and caught the gaze of Tomar Te who was staring at him. Evidently, he was speaking out of turn and said nothing further.
“General, lets talk,” said Knightress to Cobalt Kid. Cobalt nodded and moved to the side, and without any one inviting him to, Timberwolf joined them.
Knightress looked at Timberwolf and then at Cobalt, waiting for his go-ahead to proceed in front of the master of espionage.
Timberwolf saved her the time. “I think she’s going to tell you what I have to tell you,” he said. Knightress looked at him in surprise. “We’re being followed,” he added. He then looked at the female knight.
“Indeed,” said Knightress, impressed. “For the last several miles now its become more evident. But he must have sensed we were on to him.”
“He did?” said Cobalt, surprised. It was hard enough realizing you were being followed, but realizing someone knew you were following them was impressive.
“Yup,” said Timberwolf, answering for her again. “I think he’s going around us. Trying to get in front of us and cut us off.”
“Which means he can move pretty quickly,” said Cobalt, and Timberwolf nodded.
“It means more than that,” said Knightress gravely. “It means he can somehow wander through a mountain pass where the air is poisonous. No one goes in and ever comes out again, not even the Bio-Mutants. Whatever is following us, its no ordinary man.”
Cobalt nodded. Someone of that power level was not unknown to him. But to be followed by one like that so early in the quest? That was a bad sign. “By the way you’re both talking, it’s just the one then, and it’s a male?”
“Yes,” said Knightress. “Male, though I doubt it’s a man considering what he’s walking through. Beyond that mountain pass are mutants and plant life that would gladly swallow up anything resembling a living creature. When ‘he’ emerges along our path, we should be ready for him.”
“We will be,” Cobalt replied, then adding, “we’ll move out in ten minutes, then.”
Knightress nodded and rejoined the others as Cobalt sighed and looked at Timberwolf. “I’ll keep an eye out,” said Timberwolf, anticipating Cobalt’s next words.
Some distance away, Tempest had joined the group looking at the ruins, also curious. “The eye seems to be the recurring theme,” she said.
“Yes,” said Lolita, “I’ve noticed it too. Tim has been counting for me the number of times we’ve seen it. Tim?”
“Six,” said Time-Teller Lad, nodding.
“Seven,” corrected Tempest, pointing to the clearing they were just in. Now alerted to it, it became clear to them that the clearing, when viewed solely with the concrete foundation, was in the shape of an eye.
None said it out loud, but all wondered if this was a temple to the rumored Dark Deity that was worshipped by the leaders of the Dark Oval.
------------------------------
The LMBers did not loiter too long at the ruins, planning to use as much of the daylight as they could. Cobalt Kid did not tell any of the others about the mysterious figure trailing them but it was clear a sense of urgency existed that previously did not. Already quiet, the Legionnaires became even more silent as a gradual foreboding overtook them.
As the long day transitioned to dusk, the foreboding became increasingly intense until at long last at the forefront of the column, Knightress and Helena Handbasket again came to a stop. As Rockhopper Lad and Time-Teller Lad came up behind her, Helena said sharply, in her command voice: “everyone halt!”
Immediately, Rockhopper Lad was alarmed. Helena had never been anything but courteous to him, and to address him to vehemently meant something was wrong. As LMB Leader, he quickly moved to the front of the column. “What is it?” he said firmly.
“It’s not good,” said Knightress, a look of pure horror and disgust on her face.
Rockhopper Lad moved forward and saw what had stopped them. “Merciful Dwyh…” he said, horrified of the sight ahead of them. “Tim, come no further. Take Hwyvie and go get Cobie and Lardy. Best the others don’t see this,” he added, wishing he did not.
Soon, as the commotion moved through the Fellowship, the rest of the Legionnaires came forward, deciding they could handle it, no matter how grim it was. Shark Lad, Timberwolf and Kalla Hrykos came forward and Shark Lad immediately came back, to ask Lolita to please not go any further, a genuine sincerity in his voice. She nodded and did not.
Cobalt Kid and Lard Lad joined the front of the column and soon saw the horror. All those who saw it would forever regret laying eyes upon it. Before them were five bodies, laid out wickedly in a ceremonial fashion, while off to the side a wagon once full of their belongings was now reduced to embers, engulfed by flames. Each body had been ravished beyond understanding.
The Legionnaires would eventually deduce that these five sentients were travelers trying to make their way from one city to another, bringing with them all of the belongings they had. They were all adults. Somewhere along the way, they meant another traveler, who recognized them as an opportunity to give the approaching Fellowship a sign of what awaited them.
The five bodies were gruesomely displayed, all murdered in a brutal way. The first had his entrails spilled out over the middle of the pentagram in a way that suggested they were carefully placed. The next, a woman, had been brutalized sexually, and the next, a man, had also been done so. Both were decapitated and their heads were missing. The next was crucified to a large tree, and not far from him, the last, was hung, the killer purposely making these two witness the horrors performed on the others. The horror was enhanced by the ceremonial nature of it all, as it was obviously done with a very measured approach.
“Bury them?” said Timberwolf at last, breaking the silence.
“Conflagration,” said Cobalt Kid in reply before anyone else. Cobalt knew burying the would not only take too long, it would also make it all the more difficult for the Fellowship to deal with what they’ve seen.
“I might be sick,” said Sir John the Carrggite, at last saying what the all felt.
Shark Lad and Timberwolf took care of the bodies while Helena built the pyre. “Where are the two heads?” said Shark Lad to Timberwolf under his breath so no one else could hear.
After the bodies were put in the fire, they began again, but this time with some deliberation. Tomar Te spoke for the other two knights when he approached Cobalt Kid. “We can’t continue on this path,” he said firmly. “Whatever did that to those people is waiting for us. Even with all our numbers, it isn’t wise.”
“But won’t going off the path create all kinds of other dangers? Killer fauna? Bio-Mutants?”
“Yes,” said Tomar Te. “But nothing like that.”
Cobalt took a deep breath. “This is about to get a lot more difficult.”
-----------------------
Up ahead, Titus waited for them, though he suspected they would not come. He had carefully deliberated how to send his message and ultimately chose a very old method of sacrifice he had practiced many, many times before. Robbery. Rape. Murder. With this act, he had performed a ceremonial prayer to his Deity, asking for a blessing on the quest to come.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
As the Fellowship moved along their altered path, they came along another set of ruins. The centerpiece of this one was a single raised platform. Lardy examined it and saw that there were many red stains on it. Dried blood, he knew. Some of it relatively fresh.
"A sacrificial alter," Tempest said from his side, startling him slightly but echoing his own thoughts. She shook her head and moved on.
At the base of the altar was an engraving of yet another eye symbol. Lardy couldn't help but recall his vivid, prophetic-feeling dream he had had aboard the merchant vessel. He thought of that burning single eye that seemed to sear his soul.
Seemingly unable to help himself, he reached his flesh and blood left hand out and touched the engraving. As he did so, his hand glowed purple. Startled, he jerked his hand away. The purple glow was gone as quickly as it had appeared.
Gods, he thought. My Lard Force manifested itself as a purple or blue glow whenever I used it...
Concentrating, he tried once again, as he had after having the dream, to express his longlost power. Again, nothing happened.
His hand shaking, Lardy reached out and touched the engraving again...
...In an instant he was back. Back on the torchlit stone path in the realm of absolute darkness from the dream. He looked around. He was alone again. The Fellowship had disappeared. But the altar had appeared with him. And there was someone on the altar now, unmoving. A woman. Lardy recognized her.
"L-Lucy?" he stammered. It was indeed Lucifer Lass, the same woman who had given him the necklace he was wearing. She also was someone he'd long come to believe was his sister.
He walked up and looked at her. Nothing was binding her to the altar. Her eyes were blank as if she were in some sort of trance. This was keeping her docile for an apparent sacrifice.
Before he could even think about getting her out of there, he saw the Eye hovering above her. It looked at him and, somehow, it spoke.
"Do it! KILL HER!"
To his horror, Lardy suddenly realized he had his sword raised, ready to deliver a killing blow to Lucifer Lass. Looking down, he saw he was wearing a brown robe with that Eye symbol emblazoned upon it.
"KILL HER!," the Eye insisted again.
"NO!" Lardy screamed and dropped the sword. "I won't do it!" With all of the courage he could muster, Lardy defiantly yelled, "You cowardly bastard! If you want her dead, you'll have to go through me! Who the hell ARE you, anyway?!?!"
A horrible laughter boomed through the void, so loud that Lucifer Lass roused from her trance. Lardy rushed to her side and started to pick her up.
Before he could, the Eye descended and blasted Lardy back from the altar. As Lardy watched helplessly, the Eye burned Lucy on the altar as she screamed.
Lardy screamed as well, but the sound was drowned by Lucy's dying cries and the Eye's booming, deafening laughter.
As it finished her off, the Eye approached Lardy.
"Who am I?!?! I am Death! I am Carnage! I am...YOU!"
Lardy screamed as the Eye turned into a fiery image of himself and resumed the booming laughter...
...Back on Antioch, Lardy withdrew his hand from the engraving and watched a purple glow again recede from it.
He stared at his hand for a long moment until suddenly a voiced roused him.
"Lardy?" said Cobalt. "Buddy, you're lagging behind here. Something wrong?"
Lardy considered not telling his friend for a moment. Considered pretending nothing was wrong.
No, he thought. No more secrets from him!
So Lardy told him about what just happened and about the dream he had aboard the merchant vessel.
When he finished, Lardy said, "Des, I think this Dark Lord is real, just like Power Boy said. Gods help me, Des--what if it somehow really is ME?"
Cobalt consoled his friend. Eventually, they caught up with the group.
They both had a lot to mull about as they awaited the dangers lurking in the dark wilds of Antioch.
-------------------- "Suck it, depressos!"--M. Lash
From: The Underbelly of Society | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
Faraway Lad
Senator of the UP. Permanent Ambassador to the Court of Saint James
posted
Webers World Command Centre 1 day ago
“hold on” snapped Faraway Lad “what was that that about an attack on Daroon”
He rushed over to the small computer bank where a flustered comms officer was trying to keep pace with a host of messages coming in from the various parts of the UP.
“Play that message again” said Faraway
This is Dev Em of the LMBP. If anyone can hear this message, the moon Daroon is under attack and we need help. We are barely keeping ourselves from being overrun. There are Bugs of all sizes coming at us, and we are losing men with every wave. Please send help as soon as possible...we are cut off. They are taking the women and children prisoner, I'm going to try to find out where they are holding them."
“What is it Far” asked Crujectra moving to his side.
“Daroon, it’s under attack, I need to know how serious it is”
“But Daroon will fight them off. Dev Em is there and last we heard he had a pretty impressive guard of Daxamites on Daroon as well.” said Crujectra.
“I know” said Faraway, “but Dev’s kids and Lardy’s are on Daroon and I want to make sure they are OK. We’ve already had one attack on Helen, Helena and Hugh..
His hands flew over the computers, pulling information from various reports, at first they seemed unconnected but pretty quickly they started to bring a co-ordinated picture into existence.
“Well it looks bad” said Faraway pointing to the information he had recovered. Daroon is suffering heavy attacks but they appear to be fighting back” I don’t understand why they are attacking this small moon and leaving Xylar 7 alone though” He straightened up, his face grim, “I don’t think the UP has any more reserves left to go help them though, they may have to hold out for a while longer”
Across the room Mirenna had caught a look on Faraway’s face, and was worried.
“Well” continued Far, “we’d better go and wake the General, after all we promised we would let him know when the next attack went in” Mirenna gestured and an orderly ran off to fetch the General.
Crujectra turned to Faraway, “I’m worried about Cobalt and the rest Darden, do you think they are ok?”
“I’m not sure Princess” came the reply “I have all of my best men looking out for them, and if they can help them along the way they will.”
“As do I, your Highness” said Mirenna, “We who are left behind can only do what we have always done. We shall fight our battles as and where we can, and if by our small efforts we can distract the enemy and help our fellows then we will have done all that is needed”
“Sir” said the comms officer’s voice, “you wanted to know if any there had been any communication transmissions in the sub isengaurdian field, well I don’t know how you knew to look all the way down there, but we have found this”
A strange noise filled the command room, although hissing and distorted by the ultra low frequency of the isengaurdian field, they could all hear the series of clicking, chirruping and hissing that made up the Hive language.
Mirenna looked at Faraway, they had discovered messages hidden in this way before. It was a long time ago but the memories were etched in to both of their minds, and would never be forgotten. “Far” she said quietly so the others could not hear, “it’s not going to be the same, they wouldn’t I’m sure”
But Faraway’s face was now a set mask, barely concealed anger burned behind his eyes. “If it is, I swear to all the gods and devils that ever were that I’ll……..”
His words were interrupted by the arrival of General Maximus Bellasarius. “Gentlemen” he said as he took up his seat, “thank you for your help, but now I am back I need to know what is happening”
As the officers started to report to their general, Faraway turned back to the Comms officer, “I need those broadcasts translated” he said “and quickly”
“I cant sir, they are using a rotating genomic matrix to change the coding every 0.3 seconds, it’s almost unbreakable”
“Well try” said Faraway “I need to know what’s going on on Daroon”.
After minutes of work the comms officer looked up, “I’m still trying sir” but not a lot is translating”
“Well just tell us what you have got son” said Crujectra soothingly, “a little information is better than non”
“Sir, there are only two things I can say for definite” continued the officer, “one is that Daroon is under attack from two Hiveworld ships, the other is that Khanate, Hierarch ships are expected to make planet fall soon”
At this news Faraway staggered back a little. Mirenna reached forward to steady him, “its happening again Mirenna, you know what these Exarchs are going to do. It explains Dev’s message about the women and children”.
Faraways hands shook slightly as he steadied himself, and then turned to Bellasarius.
“General” he said, “I am afraid I am going to have to leave now, I have pressing business elsewhere, I’m sure Ambassadors Helen and Crujectra will be of great assistance to you in the next few weeks”
As he turned and activated the Faraway force he felt someone grab onto his neck, then he was gone.
-------------------- Faithfull
From: Newcastle upon Tyne England | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
Faraway Lad
Senator of the UP. Permanent Ambassador to the Court of Saint James
posted
Space Leaving Webers World Fast
Instantaneously Faraway was somewhere else. A large comfortable wooden panelled room, with rich tapestry hangings, good solid wood dressers, and bookcases ranged along the walls, in the centre of the room, fine leather chairs were flanked by small tables.
Unbalanced by the extra weight around his neck Faraway fell to the ground, for a second he was disoriented but quickly recovered and rolled away, was this an attack by the enemy.
But no, he looked over as Mirenna slowly got to her feet.
“Mirenna” said Far, “what, …Why did you do that”
“Because we need to,………Because I need to talk to you” Mirenna had stood back up by now and was getting her dress smoothed down and had started to brush her hair, already turning her self back to that poised, immaculate persona she showed on Webbers World.
As she did this Faraway thought back some 30 years to the last time he has seen her brush her hair like that. He thought back to a perfect moment, a moment when he had looked up from the bed they had so recently shared, and, as she had stood in the window of the small hotel room they had lived in for the past week he had looked at her naked body silhouetted in the morning sunshine and thought his life was perfect. They were both career diplomats, both high flyers and both so very much in love with each other. Faraway grimaced as he also remembered the rest of that day, and the long lasting fall out from the events he and Mirenna had seen and endured.
“Penny for them” asked Mirenna as she turned from fixing her self up, and looked at Faraway.
Faraways face hardened again, his voice took on a low modulation, calculated and clam, “you know exactly what I’m thinking Aphri” he said,
Mirenna blushed slightly as she heard him using his old nickname for her. “you haven’t called me that in a long long time Darden”
She looked around and noticed the surroundings almost for the first time, “so this is the infamous study?, where are we, on a pod on the outside?”
Faraway shook his head, “nope Aphri, we are travelling inside a dimensional warp space held in place by the biological excretions of the ambergris of the Dragonus Galaxian Supremisis. The same ambergris that allows this particular space whale to travel many many times the speed of light”
“So you’re going to Daroon then” said Mirenna, “despite the fact that we need you with us on Webers World”
Bellasarius is a good general” replied Faraway “I won’t be missed. Anyway, My friends are in trouble, and as I am no longer working for the UP I can go help them if I want to” even to himself it sounded petulant, Faraway hadn’t wanted Mirenna here, and now she was she was stirring up so many memories he had hidden away for nearly 30 years. “Anyway, you said you wanted to talk to me, well here’s your chance”
Before she started Mirenna moved to look at the books lining the walls, she wanted some time, she knew that she would only have a slim chance; she had to choose her words carefully.
“Darden” she began slowly, not turning to face him, not yet. “Daroon is well protected, it has Daxamites and it has Dev Em to add to the Kings own forces. There are other planets, other sectors that need help; that will need a hero to inspire them to fight back against the darkness”
She turned and took a step towards him.
“What happened all those years ago in Corycus Darden, we’ve learnt from that, it won’t happen again”
It was the wrong thing to say, it was too soon and she knew it, she saw his face harden again, the anger back behind his eyes. “Your right in one respect Aphri, it won’t happen again. I’ll make sure it never happens again, no matter what it takes, no matter what I have to do”
As they stood looking at each other a message came in from Webers World.
“Sir” said the comms officer “ I have managed to break a bit more of the code, just a bit. It’s coming in from off planet”
“Let me have what you’ve got” snapped Faraway.
Sir” the officer continued, “we know its addressed to Exarch Phillipus, and it has a lot around it that we cant crack but the message seems to say, ‘instigate the Mameluke Protocol’ I’m sorry sir, that’s all sir”
The study was silent, Mirenna knew she’d lost.
Faraway looked at her, “so they wont do a Corycus will they” he smiled but it was not a pleasant smile. “well you were wrong, just as you were back then”
Mirenna stepped forward again; taking his hands in hers she knew she had just one more chance to change his mind, she moved closer towards him, she held him closely and without thinking his arms wrapped around her slim waist. Her hand reached up and tenderly stroked his cheek, tears formed in her eyes. No more dissemination, no more half truths, just tell him. ‘Tell him’ she thought ‘just tell him why you don’t want him to fight this particular fight’.
“Darden please don’t do this, it is so obviously a trap. The only passage in the whole message we can translate and it just happens to be the phrase guaranteed to get you to drop everything and go there”
“Of course it’s a trap” say Far, “but the Khanate is going to learn a very special lesson soon, and one it won’t forget in a hurry. I won’t be trapped on Daroon with them; they are going to be trapped on Daroon with me”
Mirenna continued, holding on to him even more tightly, “Please Darden, don’t walk into this trap, please don’t, this is more dangerous that you can imagine you could die, I cant,……..I cant bear the thoughts of loosing you”
Faraway Lad gently disengaged her arms from around his neck, kissing her tenderly on the forehead, he stepped back. “you lost me a long time ago Aphri remember, after Corycus. You and I have moved on, heck I’m very happily married now and you have got what you wanted. Head of the UP Central Security Committee, chief of the Diplomatic Corps, you got what you wanted didn’t you and back then, well I guess I wasn’t what you wanted then, was I.”
“Now” he continued, “I have a job to do on Daroon and I think it would be best for all if you let me get on with it”
Turning to a computer terminal, he smiled, “Ah good in a few seconds we’ll be in range of Legion world you can get off here and return to Webers World”
“And how am I supposed to leave the study on my own” said Mirenna already recovering her composure and becoming the consummate diplomat again, a face as serene and unreadable as a marble statue
Faraway gestured with his hand to a door in the far corner, “go through that” he said, it connects to the tesseract system of legion world, you can easy get from there to the space port”.
Stopping as her hands rested on the simple round brass door handle Ambassador Mirenna Helen, looked back at Faraway, “Darden” she said, “please be careful, I have a bad feeling about this, we don’t know who has set this trap, nor what they really want”
Far looked up, seeing the genuine concern on her face he softened, just a little, “I will Aphri, I promise, and when I get back you will come and visit us as old friends should” he hesitated, “and Aphri, if,….if I don’t come back, please, remember the way we were, remember the good times we had together, not the arguments, not………” his voice trailed away.
“I will, I promise” she said, then she walked thorough the door and was gone.
Faraway sat down at the large leather covered desk and started to work on the terminal in front of him.
Telepathically he sent a message. “Horace old bean, full speed for Daroon”
-------------------- Faithfull
From: Newcastle upon Tyne England | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
Faraway Lad
Senator of the UP. Permanent Ambassador to the Court of Saint James
posted
Daroon Now
In a few short hours the Dragonus Galaxian Supremisis had flashed across the dark deep wastes of interstellar space. As it entered the orbit of Daroon it came under attack from small Hive patrol ships. Although their small guns could not harm the majestic beast, they could sting and irritate it. Faraway could sense its pain and prepared himself as quickly as he could.
“Horace, old friend” he called telepathically “once I am gone leave as quickly as possible, they are going to bring up bigger ships soon and you could get hurt”
“No” came a vast ancient booming voice in his head “Friend Faraway needs help to go home”
“Not this time” thought Faraway, “on the surface below I either succeed or die, I am not leaving until the kids are safe. Now please go, I don’t want to have your suffering on my shoulders as well”
“I go” came the booming voice in his head, “you need me call I come”
Gulping deeply Faraway activated the force and landed on Daroon.
Looking around him he thought to himself “damable stupid powers, this is not the Kings Palace its miles away from it”
Then his next thoughts as you look around trying to figure out exactly where he had landed was
“Bugs!!, hundreds of them and they all seem to be coming this way”
-------------------- Faithfull
From: Newcastle upon Tyne England | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
Dev was tired. t was a different kind of tired than what happened to himduring the battle against the Red Bee. Then, he was nearly suicidal, although he had had a plan to survive...and by some miracle, it had worked. This was something that tore at his very soul. It was a mental tiredness from fighting wave after wave of bugs.
He continued to fight though. His family, along with Helen and her children were safe for the moment. The attacks had tapered off. Dev know that this was both a good and bad thing. They had lost all but one of the Royal Guards that had come with them, and he was injured rather badly. He would survive...if they could get him to help in time. The King was barely conscious, and the Queen was doing everything in her power to comfort her husband.
Helena was being kept occupied by Han Em. She was telling her stories of what animals really think about. She knew this because of her powers that were growing as she aged towards adulthood. Jon slept in the Princesses arms, and she simply gazed at Dev, worrying about him pushing himself to far, yet again. Helen held Hugh, as he slept as well.
Dev was at the opening of the cavern that they had found. There was a small pool of water that gathered from an underground stream that ran through it. He was listening. Listening to the chattering of the bugs. They were avoiding them at the moment...but Dev worried for how long.
Dev was also looking for a way out of the underground. They were sitting ducks down here, and he could only hold off so many of the bugs. Daxamite or not, he needed rest...and sunlight. Neither was available to him at the moment. He finally saw something that looked promising. A tunnel that lead up and out. It was blocked in a few spots, but he would be able to manage through that without too much of a problem.
He pulled out his Omnicom and tried to get a signal. Nothing. He slipped it back into it's pocket and walked over to the King.
The King eyes opened a bit wider as Dev knelt next to him. "It's bad. Isn''t it."
"That would be one way of looking at it."
The King coughed. "Can you get them to safety?" He said as he looked to Helen, the Princess and the children.
"I won't leave you here."
The Queen smiled a shallow smile. "It's not your decision Dev Em," she said and looked at her husband. "He isn't going to make it long enough to get the proper treamtment. His wound is already infected, and whatever those bugs have in their bites is working faster than anything than I have ever seen."
"I can take you as well though..."
She shook her head. "I won't leave him like this alone...not to face what he will do. Not when I can be by his side until the end. Besides, I got bit by several of the smaller nastier ones along the way." She lifted her dress enough for him to see several welts on her legs that were showing very bad colorings to them.
Dev looked away from her for a moment. "I can get them out of here, but I don't think there is a safe place to take them on all of Daroon. Plus, if I leave you here..."
The Queen lifted her right index finger to his mouth and placed it over his lips, like she was quieting a child. "We know full well what it means my son. It is our decision to make, and we can buy you some time."
"How? What can you possibly do against them?"
The King smiled. "I know...what you're carrying with you...in that pack."
Dev had almost forgotten about the 'gifts' that his brother had left him. He reached behind his back and fingered the explosives in it.
"I..."
"Take care of them. Protect them. She will need you more than she ever has before. Daroon will need you. To rebuild from this," the Queen said to him in something just barely above a whisper.
"What about her? How will you tell..."
The King stood himself up. "She knows already," he said and motioned towards her.
Princess Alyson was looking at them. Tears rolling down her cheeks. She forced a smile to her parents, and clutched her son a little tighter.
The last remaining member of the Royal Guard stood as well. "They will not be alone." He stumbled ever so slightly as he walked toward them.
Dev sighed. "Alright then. Here's what we're going to do..." he said, and proceeded to lay out his plan.
[ April 26, 2011, 05:57 PM: Message edited by: Dev Em ]
From: Turn around... | Registered: Jul 2003
| IP: Logged |
Hyperpath: Email this page to someone!
Printer-friendly view of this topic | Subscribe To Topic
