NOTE - for those that would like to editoralize, or converse with other LMB authors about plot developments and where they would like subplots and stories to go, Critic's Corner is available. It also is useful for comments on various posts and stories.
A. The Office of Security
Jailbait Lass rushed past Matlock’s office, noting that his own administrative assistant, Bonita Bundin, now had to actually carry him around the room and change his diaper in between conference calls and security strategies he was setting up. With Abin Quank in orbit cleaning up the debris left over from the war, and Cobalt Kid in space pushing his army into the Dark Oval’s territory, Matlock was effectively the acting security chief on Legion World, stuck in the body of an infant or not.
The only other high-ranking officer was her best friend Britney, known as Everyday Girl, who she hadn’t talked to in days. But that was all well and good, because she had to deliver this package immediately. Lolita ran across the halls, not noticing the young interns taking a look at her slender and young figure (which she had grown to be very annoyed at).
“Stoopid Cat!” she burst in to the cats office, “Cobalt said give this to you ASAP…” she noticed he was nowhere to be found. That was odd. Cobalt had said Stoopid Cat would be hear this exact time. Actually, this exact minute of this exact day. What had gone wrong? He must be running late, so she decided to wait.
Hours passed. Stoopid Cat was nowhere to be found. And in her hands was a package of immense importance to the political future of the entire universe…
B. The Gate to Earth-4
Rockhopper Lad gave Rockhopper Lass a tight hug. He was actually really going to miss her. Funny, how she was from another Earth, felt so much like his beloved sister Adelie. Inter-Earth travel mattered little: she was his sister.
“Travel safe Adelie,” he said, having already said everything to her in private.
“You too,” she said back with look of concern, but tempered with a smile.
Faraway Lad coughed in the background with his own smile. He was there, because after all, only the Faraway Lad’s of each Earth could effectively transport people from Earth to Earth. “Whenever you’re ready my dear,” he said with a slight bow of the head.
With that, she stepped back, and Faraway used his powers, concentrating as best he could. Things began to hum in and out of existence, when suddenly, a large sonic boom went off above them—something unexpected! Faraway and Rockhopper were knocked backwards off their feet and looked up to the sky, where it came from. Nothing. Whatever it was that blasted them back was gone.
“Are you okay?” said Faraway, dusting himself off.
“Yes, you?” Faraway nodded. “Adelie! What happened? Did she make it back to Earth-4?”
“I…I’m not sure…” Faraway responded…
C. The Streets of Legion World
Helena Handbasket felt like an outsider more than ever. Her men continued to work, helping the relief effort, while she took charge with an amazing veracity that ensured the clean-up was moving fast and efficient. But besides her men, she couldn’t help but feel incredibly guilty on Legion World, feeling that the ordinary citizens neither trusted or liked her. How could she have been so mislead?
“Poor woman,” said Quislet, Esq., who was walking by to Kent Shakespeare, the deputy leader of the LMB. “She defended Legion World with amazing heroism, and stood up to the Dark Oval. Even now she’s doing all she can to make amends. But the guilt she feels…”
“I guess it’ll all depend on these next few weeks for her,” replied Kent. “I wonder…will she fit in like many have in the past,” he continued, remembering the Emerald Empress, “or will never really be able to find her place?” he finished, thinking of the Royal Inquisitor. He suddenly realized who he was talking to and was glad he did not mention the Inquisitor by name. After all, Quis hadn’t seen his fiancé since the Invasion forces freed him from Takron-Galtos.
Helena continued to move through the rubble, glad to see that at least progress was ahead of schedule.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” said a young girl. This was Sarah, the counter girl at Café Cramer. “Ms. Cramer knows you like your coffee with cream and no sugar, and wanted me to give this to you. Thanks for all your hard work.” As Sarah walked away, Helena felt good for the first time in a long time. Even the thoughts of her new mechanical arm (she had lost her arm in the Invasion) were suddenly gone for a brief second. She sipped the coffee and then noticed a piece of paper was wrapped around it underneath the napkin.
On it read the following: “Long live the Sun-Eaters. Long die the suns”
Her eyes went very large and she looked for Sarah again, but couldn’t see her. The Black Sun? On Legion World? She choked back her coffee…
And so it begins! I hope we can have some fun with a tag thread! Pick up one of these stories or start your own! Lets get started and see where this takes us
[ January 31, 2007, 12:35 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
The Gate to Earth-4
"You're not sure?" The penguin prince shook his head. "Is she all right, Faraway? Can you find her?"
"Rockhopper Lad, I'm sorry," Farway put a hand on Rockhopper's shoulder. "I'm sure she's fine. I'm just not sure where she is. The--whatever that was--knocked me out at just the wrong time."
Rockhopper Lad, still hurting from the recent death of Openly Gay Lad, began to cry, "O Dywh, please let Adelie be all right."
Elsewhere on Legion World, Rockhopper Lass appears. "Where am I?"
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
Legion World Detention Center
Quislet, Esq. approaches. There is evidence of some damage to the building, but it has remained standing and intact. As always, Quislet, Esq. goes to the warden's office first.
"Good morning Warden! It seems like you weathered the invasion very well. I hear that no prisoners escaped in the chaos."
"Ah Quis! Good to see you! We did have a little trouble. The Red Bee tried to stir up the other prisoners. Get them to break out. But Roy stood up and gave a very inspiring speech about how much Legion World means to all of us and how they could never enjoy Legion World again if they were constantly worried about recapture. Then he gave a roundhouse knockout to the Red Bee. A few Dark Oval soldiers came in, but Roy helped my men deal with them."
The warden and Quislet, Esq. walked to the visitors area. Waiting there was the Royal Inquisitor. "QUIS!!!!" The large prisoner rushed up, grabbed Quislet, Esq. in his arms and twirled around. "I was so worried that you had been hurt."
The Streets of Legion World
Former Commander now just plain Helena Handbasket was in a quandry. The Black Sun was a serious threat. But this scrap of paper only told her that the Black Sun was here. Being new to Legion World, Helena would need some help in finding out just how serious a threat to Legion World this was. She also knew how deeply the Black Sun could infiltrate. Who could she trust her on this strange new world? Although the sun was shining warmly, Helena shivered a little.
[ September 16, 2006, 04:06 PM: Message edited by: Quislet, Esq. ]
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Streets of Legion World
On the steps of the Supper Club Tamper Lad confronted the accountant, lawyer and press representatives of the Stage Actor's Guild. Collectively these three were known by their last names of "Dewey, Cheetham and Howe".
Sorry Gentlemen the club has no money to pay for the 'Comedy Stylings of Thora' because we had no revenue during the Invasion. I believe a certain Barbarian was responsible for that. Thora should take it up with him. Now excuse me I do believe that I have to file a report about my war losses to the Insurance Bureau here. And then I'm off to watch Nova Girl at Quislet's Table for some announcement about all the space orphans left from the recent invasion.
Posted by Bevis on :
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
Lucien Lad steepled his fingers and looked at the monitor screens in front of him. His absence during the Invasion had been conspicuous, but it had been unavoidable. Recent events had meant that he'd had to take a step back and reassess his role on Legion World. Since the events of the Gay of Vengence his powers has been fluctuating, changing and warping things. Most of the Legion Worlders hadn't noticed that for three days a week ago it had actually been July 1853 before Lucien Lad had noticed what he was doing (he'd been busy redesigning Jupiter at the time). But if what he had been told was true then he needed to take a step back so that when the time came he would be ready. He needed to control the urge to go evil if someone annoyed him (currently sparrows, mobile communicator devices and teh colour pink were liable to throw him right to the edge of evil supergenius-hood) or he wouldn't be ready.
He turned to the person sat next to him in the shady monitor room.
"You're sure?" he asked.
"Very sure," said the other LMBPer, "I asked you to not get involved in the Invasion for a reason. I was needed myself but it wasn't the time for you. That's coming, and soon. Legion World had to live without you for 52 days for a reason. Believe me, what I've told you will come about soon enough."
Lucien Lad frowned, then stopped quickly in case he caused any needless wrinkles, and turned back to the screens. So far everything he'd been told had been true and if he couldn't trust his friend then who could he trust? It didn't mean he had to like it though...
Posted by LARDLAD on :
LW Underworld
A female figure entered the Hootchie Hut for a clandestine meeting. Since the Invasion, this area of Legion World had become a haven for the homeless. Busy as it's been with rebuilding after the war, the Security Office had been so shorthanded and overextended that this area, known as Old Town, had very quickly become a nest for the criminal element.
In the woman's hands she grasped an Omnicom. Checking to make sure the agreed-upon table in the darkest corner was available and that no one observed her, she took a seat.
hmmm...he's not here yet. Typical. she thought.
She then took out the Omnicom and studied the holo-announcement it was set on for, what seemed like, the thousandth time. The announcement in the Legion World Enquisitor said, "Lard Lad and Whordru of Rudlab to Marry!"
The woman put her hand to her forehead, thinking, I can't believing that murdering, whoremongering filth is having a high-profile wedding! He should be rotting in Takron-Galtos Prison for all he's done! I still can't believe that idiot Space ranger exonerated him of all charges...and now he's marrying that...that evil bitch! I swear to God I'll--Oh!!
"Good evening, my dear. How do you do?"
She looked at the cloaked man and said, "about time you got here!" Then she pointed at the holo-announcement and says, "I'm mad as hell is how I am! Look at this!"
"Yes, yes my dear...but it will make our revenge that much sweeter!"
"So, how soon 'til we kill them?" she practically growled.
"Now, now, dear Hummer Lass," he assured her, "what better day than their wedding day?"
[ September 18, 2006, 10:08 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Quislet's Table
Nova Girl stepped down from the lectern as the Ken Clarkson of the Daily World newspaper scribbled down the notes on the announcement concerning the construction of a new home for the Legion World children orphaned during the invasion. Tamper sat next to the bespectacled reporter with a bemused look upon his face.
"Bah Clarkson, I can't believe that the Barbarian gave my war profits to Nova Girl of all people. What does she know about nurturing orphans? Why she wont even pimp them out to work long hours in the Legion World sweatshop district."
"Gee Mr. Tamper she's been really spreading the wealth these past few weeks. First the Medical Center and then the Schools, the kitten shelter, now the Orphanage and the Retirement Home."
Tamper's face soured as as he thought of his former capital wasted on social good.
"Bah. It's like she's running for election. She's up to something big. Something political is in the air."
Evil Genius Club, Grand Hall
Caliente watched as the preparations were being made for the fast-approaching Lard Lad/Whordru wedding. Invasion had damaged many of the establishments around Levitz Plaza and had left the Art Deco-styled Genius Club one of the few remaining places on LW that could host an event of such a size. Caliente fumed as Tamper was nowhere to be seen and problems piled up.
"I don't care if she has a valid argument, I want Thora's picket line removed from the front entrance before the ceremony. I can't believe Tamper allowed the wedding to be hosted here. Everyone knows that LW weddings cause only mayhem and destruction."
The clerk hurriedly ran off to complete Caliente's instructions so that he could go hang out with the coffee girl at Cramer's.
[ September 16, 2006, 05:23 PM: Message edited by: Tamper Lad ]
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
Cafe Cramers
Sarah wiped the counter and smiled as an order for a double shot mocha espresso rang out. She made doe eyes at the young lad and he sneaked a quick kiss as she handed him his coffee. "Hey honeypot! It looks like I'll be working some overtime tonight at the Supper Club. Come by after 2 and I'll treat you to a fine dinner of leftovers!" "Now what kind of girl do you think I am - going to an Evil Genius' Club that late?" Come on Baby! We're young and you never know when the world will be invaded next." Looking at the line starting to form, Sarah replied "OK. But just to get rid of you. Now let me get to my customers."
Helena sipped her coffee as she observed the lovers banter. The young man turned in the doorway "Remember 2 o'clock!" Was it a waste of time to keep watch on Sarah. She might not have known about the note. She seemed like a typical young person. But then Helena noticed the cloaked figure following the young man. Clumsily too.
Stepping out of Cafe Cramers, Helena cut down the alley and doubled back down the street. She smiled at the young man as she passed him. The cloaked figure ducked into another alley. "Good" thought Helena. With 3 quick steps, Helena was at the alley and turned in. The cloaked figure was startled. Helena grabbed the figure, her robotic hand covering the figure's mouth, pushing the figure down and further into the alley.
"Let's see who you are!" Helena removed the hood. Underneath was the face of an older woman with stern features. "If you scream, I'll crush you head" said Helena squeezing a little tighter with her robotic hand before removing it from the woman's mouth. "Who are you and why were you following that boy?" The woman scowled and hissed "I am Winema Wazzo and you are interferring with MY investigation!"
Meanwhile - Elsewhere
Non Sequitor cleaned his room.
Posted by Faraway Lad on :
THE GATE TO EARTH 4
Hesitating a little and after a few false starts, Faraway Lad put his arm around Rockhopper in that slightly embarrassed yet very British way he has.
"Look RH I may not know where exactly Adelie is but I do know she got there safely. Its part of this Faraway thing I have. If there had been a problem at the other end I would have felt echoes of it here. What I do know is more worrying than that. Adelie has not returned to Earth 4."
Rockhopper looked up into Faraway face, tears ending and joy filling his face. “but if she’s alright and if she is still here on Legion World then everything is fine” he said.
“no everything is most certainly not fine”said Far grimly “there is major trouble here, major trouble and we need to get hold of the Legion World scientists to help”
Rockhopper, still happy over the fact that his “sister” was alive continued
“But Faraway all we need to do find Adelie and then bring her back here and you can do that, you know faraway thing, and zip she’s back in her rightful dimension”
Faraway looked worried and Rockhopper Lad could see the concern in his eyes.
“that’s the problem Rocky, don’t you see. I couldn’t send Adelie back through the gate because the gate is not there anymore, its gone. that sonic boom has done something to the gate at the very least. Indeed for all I know the Entire Earth 4 universe is gone, I have also lost my connection that Dimensions Faraway Lad” Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
The Gate to Earth-4
Rockhopper Lad shook his head, his crest-feathers flapping slightly. "The whole universe??? You mean the SMB--Infra-Red Lass, High-Density Kid and the rest--all just gone?"
Faraway sighed. "I don't know. That's why we need help."
In another part of Legion World... Rockhopper Lass stumbled through the streets of this strange city. She didn't recognise anything. No buildings, no roads, no people, nothing looked familiar. She tried to remember something and she realised she didn't know her name. She also noticed something odd about the people around her. None of them had feathers, and all were wearing clothes. "What odd people these are!" she said.
From behind her she heard a young voice cry, "Look, Mommy, it's Rockhopper Lad." She turned around to see a boy and his mother. "Rockhopper Lad doesn't have a beard any more!" The boy exclaimed, as there are few physiological differences between Pyngwyn males and females and he just picked up on one.
"No, sweetie, this lady is from Rockhopper Lad's planet, but this isn't Rockhopper Lad." The mother said gently. "I'm so sorry, miss."
Rockhopper Lass looked at them and began to accept the woman's apology, but before she could get a word out, she collapsed on the ground.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Streets of Legion World
Jailbait Lass hurried through the streets, but at the most leisurely pace she could fake. She did not want to appear rushed. It wouldn’t have mattered anyway, she realized, as most of Legion World’s streets seemed distracted by some sort of Taltarian picket line in front of the Evil Genius Supper Club and what appeared to be a wedding announcement. “LardLad and Whordru?” she giggled, “there’s no way that could be true. I wonder if Cobalt knows anything about this…” But before she could continue the thought, she realized that she needed to stay focused. No time to get distracted on the everyday gossip of Legion World.
“Lolita? What are you doing out here—not working I hope?” It was Dedman, one of the ranking security officers of Legion World that worked close with Cobalt Kid, which meant she knew him slightly. “Cobalt doesn’t have you working while he’s away does he?”
Jailbait Lass, being naturally shy around almost anyone other than Cobalt Kid or Everyday Girl smiled shyly. “I’m always working Deddy,” she said, which was indeed true. It was a matter of pride for her that she worked long hours with no vacations. Despite her unusual willingness to actually talk to people, she kept the package hidden in her chic black overcoat, which was a present from Cobalt on the previous Administrative Assistant’s Day. It also turned into silk black pajamas, but that was neither here nor there.
“Hm…” said Dedman, noticing all the ruckus in the streets. “I’m getting an odd feeling that I usually get when someone is about to tear me in half. Like there might be trouble on the horizon…after the invasion, things tend to get loud and rowdy on the streets in the evenings these days. I’ll make sure you’re okay on the way to where you’re going.”
Jailbait Lass nodded. Dedman’s presence actually comforted her a little. After all, she *knew* they were in actual danger. “Thank you Deddy,” she said. “I’m not going that far. In fact, the tent is a few streets over.”
“Tent?”
“Yes,” she replied. “You see, I’m going to one Cobalt’s most trusted advisors and friends. I’m going to Dr. Mayavale.”
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
-------------Interlude-----------
Having a blast so far! If anyone feels like discussing the story though, remember, there's always Critic's Corner to do so!
--------------End Interlude----------
Posted by LARDLAD on :
LW Underworld
The meeting at the Hootchie Hut went on a little longer. Hummer Lass and her ally talked in general terms for a while longer about their plans but saved specifics for future encounters. They had nearly two months until the wedding and would need to learn more details about the wedding plans before they could plan out the asassinations.
Careful to avoid any possible tails, she eventually made her way back to her small apartment. Taped all over the walls were printed copies of holo-articles, all dealing somehow with Lard Lad. One article read, "Lard Lad Saves Legion World from Massive Dark Oval Nuclear Attack". One near that one read, "Candlelight Vigil Held for Dying War Hero". Nearby was, "Lard Lad Lives! Miraculous Recovery for War Hero".
A large article read, "Victory Celebration!" with a huge picture of LMBers at a victory parade, Lard Lad featured prominently in the center.
The biggest article of all read, "Lard Lad Exonerated! Space Ranger, formerly of Dark Oval Sector, provides indisputable proof that LMB founder was framed by Hrykosian-doctored vids!" A very small article hangs nearby that was buried near the back pages of the same edition titled, "Reboot calls exoneration a sham".
An entire section of the wall consists of dozens of Inquisitor articles dealing with gossip surrounding sightings of Lard Lad out and about with Whordru, complete with numerous candid photos.
A series of the most recent articles from the Legion World Herald focus on Lard Lad's push to have Whordru granted Legion World citizenship. The paper's guaging of public opinion shows that the overwhelming majority of the Legion World general populace supports his stance, based on his heroic status and her defending their world during the invasion at great personal cost. But the resistance of elements of Legion World leadership continually blocks her bid despite angry protests of its citizenship.
As she posts the most recent article, Hummer Lass skims it again. The highlighted quote is from Lard Lad: "I'm marrying Dru purely out of love. The fact that marrying a Legion World citizen guarantees her own citizenship is just icing on the cake!"
Hummer Lass stares at that article for a longtime and then slumps down into her cot. She mumbles to herself, "to think I threw myself at him...thought he was a good man...doing some evil tramp all along...make them pay..."
Then she falls off into a fitful sleep.
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Offices of Daily World Newspaper
"What's the meaning of this Clarkson" said Nova Girl pointing at the editorial column of the evening edition of the paper.
The article finished with a flourish "So Legion Worlders though we face difficult work in rebuilding our economy, we must be wary of fly-by-night philanthropies that serve only to make us beholden to mistresses with mysterious intent."
From the content of the article Nova knew that the paper making an thinly veiled attack on her efforts.
"Well miss Nova, you're reading too much into this" said the meek Ken Clarkson shrinking into his chair.
"I don't know what this is Clarkson but everyone knows that this paper is just a front for those arms trading millitarists that meet at the Supper Club think tank."
Clarkson was stung by the accusation the World was known as a propenent of free enterprise but ever since the exposure of the Talarian slavery ring operating from their embassy it had enjoyed a great for its investigative journalism.
Nova Girl walked out muttering curses about reforming laws on transparency in media ownership.
Legion World Sweatshop District: Some time Later
"Ohmygod, where are you stoopid?"
Everyday Girl glanced up at the advertising boards which were displaying photos of the missing Stoopid Cat, when there was a flash of light.
"OHMYGOD" she said as the Print Works which printed all newspapers and magazines including EDG's favorite series 'DragonMon Digital Card Legion ZZX' disappeared in a flash of light.
[ September 18, 2006, 11:45 AM: Message edited by: Tamper Lad ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Dr. Mayavale’s Mediation Tent
The Wheezing mists of lalakoolaza whirled around Jailbait Lass and Dedman, and neither could help but inhale them. They smelt very natural and despite the smokiness of it, the sensation was highly enjoyable. Jailbait Lass thought she smelt cookies for a second, while Dedman could have sworn it was pine or the outdoors during autumn. The sensation only increased.
“Cobalt told me about this place so many times”, thought Lolita, “but I still feel overwhelmed. How funny that Mayavale is such an import advisor to Cobalt…the majority of the LMB are almost completely unaware of that fact. Cobalt insists the good doctor is just a tad eccentric and actually very wise.”
Dedman saw a collection of old holo-vids casually tossed aside, most likely the result of some former patron of the Mediation Tent ‘forgetting’ they were there. He saw an update on the war with the Dark Oval. “How the war going Jailbait Lass?” he asked her. “You must have some inside information the rest of us don’t.”
Usually Jailbait Lass would go into her shell, as she usually did, when asked questions about such things. But she was feeling much more relaxed in the tent. “It goes very well. They’ve just about pushed the Dark Oval back, and are coming up with strategies to enter the Dark Oval. I’m worried about them though. Cobalt says Disaster Boy seems distant and traumatized, and Shark Lad and Hrun are in a rage. Even Cobie is angry like I’ve never seen…” Suddenly, she realized she was saying too much. She should not have spoken about her own fears regarding the invading forces.
“Ah child, it is alright to discuss your loved ones,” said a voice, “but loose lips sink ships! Which reminds me of the time my Gregor told my doctor he thought me mad. I had them both executed was forever after named Ivan the Terrible!” With that, Dr. Mayvale entered the room. His long arms seemed to move in such an odd way it was hypnotizing, even as one lift his hat above his afro and tipped it in there direction. “But I see you are talking about my dear friend Cobalt Kid, or as I once knew him in ancient times, Brutus! Now, what can I do for you.”
Dedman looked at Jailbait Lass wondering what exactly they were doing there. Now that she met Mayavale for the first time, she was wondering the same thing.
“I-I need your help Doctor,” she replied. “You are aware of the partnership of Hrun the Barbarian and Stoopid Cat, yes?”
Mayavale moved closer to her and she continued to be unnerved. He spoke in a calmer, softer voice. “Yes child, I am. Calm yourself now. Mayavale was there at its forming, in fact, it was here in this room. Hrun the Barbarian, the Tiger God Avatar, Cobaltus and myself. We made a sacred oath to protect Legion World and the Alt ID population, even if it included a bloody war with our enemies and even our allies!” Dedman looked horrified. “Or maybe that last part was added by me. Ten thousand lifetimes can often jumble the memory.”
“You are close enough to the truth,” said Jailbait Lass. “Stoopid Cat and Hrun work for the Security Office, that’s true. But the truth is they are Cobalt’s special agents in the field, often carrying out unsanctioned diplomatic and military efforts on his behalf for the security of the United Planets and Legion World. Even now, Hrun wages war on the Dark Oval at Cobalt’s behest. The fact that the United Planets granted them temporary control of United Planets fleets is convenient, but was not necessary to them. But that’s not why I’m here. I’m here because I was supposed to deliver something very important to Stoopid Cat…but I cannot find him.”
Dedman saw for the first time how terrified Jailbait Lass was. He put his arm on her shoulder to calm her down, but it seemed to make her more nervous.
“I see,” said Mayavale with an easy-going breath, as he inhaled an intriguing substance from a long pipe that had some sort of water bong on the end. He handed it to Jailbait Lass. “This, my dear, will allow you think clearer.”
She took with it some trepidation. “Do you know where Stoopid Cat can be found Doctor?” She smoked it and coughed. Dedman noticed a lovely tray of mushrooms near them. He took one.
“I do not,” Mayavale replied. “But you are in grave danger child. Even now, traitors and enemies close in on you.” Mayavale’s eyes seemed to glow red. Perhaps it was the odd lighting of the room. “Mayavale knows the story, but you do not know it all. You must learn it yourself. Take a mushroom as your ally did, and use it when the time is right. It will allow you to see where your eyes cannot.” And suddenly, Mayavale closed his eyes, and fell quickly asleep.
Dedman looked at her strangely. She was calmer, but Mayavale’s proximity kept her ill at ease. She looked at the package that she had hidden so well so far. Inside was a metal canister, which from first glance, had no possible way that it could be opened. On it read in black magic marker “Stoopid Cat’s Alt ID files” in Cobalt Kid’s hand-writing. But underneath, she could clearly see, was writing indented into the metal that Cobalt Kid apparently wrote over. It was hard to make out, but she could read it: “Security File #247: World War VII”.
Posted by Spellbinder on :
The Psyonian Embassy
< The Royal Family stands within a communications room. Technicians move about them, intent on their work and trying not to intrude on the royals. It wasn't every day that the King and Queen of Psyonia appeared in their workplace, so it was hard not to be awestruck. >
[King Hrold]: Things go well with the reconstruction efforts, Daughter.
< They all look at the holographic images cycling before them > Well, with the Psyonian accounts reopened, the Legion World Bank is operating much more normally once again. The influx of funding has proven most beneficial.
[King Hrold]: Well, with things progressing so well here, your Mother and I have decided it's time to return home. Granted, we only sustained minimal amounts of damage from the Dark Oval, but still our people need us home.
< Crujectra hugged her parents tightly >
I'm going to miss you both. I'll never forget how you fought by our side during this ordeal.
[King Hrold]: You will never stand alone so long as we are alive, Daughter.
< King Hrold pressed a button on his belt, and suddenly the King and Queen of Psyonia shimmered and faded from sight as they teleported up to the Battlestar Galaxia >
[King Hrold telepathically]: Do not forget your mission, Children [/King Hrold telepathically]
[Spellbinder/The Crusader/Maxx the Sorcerer telepathically] We won't, Your Majesty. We will be keeping an eye on certain individuals here on Legion World [/Spellbinder/The Crusader/Maxx the Sorcerer telepathically]
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Streets of Legion World
Tamper walked past the Mayavale's Mediation tent as the sweet scents of incense and more illicit aromatic substances wafted throught the air.
"Wait a minute, shouldn't be that be MEDITATION TENT?".
Either way he thought that he might partake of the good Doctor's services the next time he was in negotiations with the Stage Actors' Guild, Hrun, or Nova Girl who he remembered was quite succeptable to the giggles when inhaling the stuff he was wafting.
Surmising that Doc Mayavale had been in the tent a littling too long when he was making the sign for his establisment Tamper smirked revelled in the sight of hourly rate motels and 'massage parlours' in this sketchy part of town.
Strangely this morning there were no newspapers on the newstands this morning. In the distance in the industrial park Every Day Girl could be heard exclaiming.
"OHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGODOHMYGOD! Some Oldie stole the printing company. Theres not gonna be any Digi Card Legion ZZX for months."
The security alert rang out and officers could be seen converging on EDG's position to investigate.
[ September 19, 2006, 10:35 AM: Message edited by: Tamper Lad ]
Posted by Spellbinder on :
Princess Crujectra Center
< The marquees above the main entrance advertise: "FREE ADMISSION TO ALL SHOWS FOR LEGION WORLDERS ALL THIS WEEK" >
In order to give a moment's reprieve to our beloved citizens who are struggling to overcome the property and emotional damage done to them during the Invasion, the Princess Crujectra Center is opening it's doors to all. These free shows feature the United Planets' most famous theatrical draws, including the family-friendly Cirque de Solaris.
There will be door prizes for all as well, including all expenses paid resort vacations for 100 lucky winners.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
chocolatte – One of the first establishments created on Legion World, this small café specializes in chocolate treats, including the famous ‘chocolatte’. It is co-owned by long-time LMBers STU and Cobalt Kid, though neither has taken an active hand in running it for some time. Currently, Legion World’s last remaining Supergirl Robot is the café’s manager.
A hooded figure enjoyed sipping some chocolate delight that he had never encountered before. After all, they didn’t have this back where he was from. Indeed, many of these small and subtle wonders of Legion World could mesmerize an outsider for hours on end. What a strange and wonderful place this Legion World was here.
But that would be heretical to think that way. One must never accept the notion that enlightenment could be found here, among false prophets. No, one must accept that there could only be one source of truth, Sol Invictus. And all other suns must perish. Such was the way of the Black Sun.
The Dominion and the Hrykosians started something that now had to be finished. There was no turning back now, and things must be fixed properly…
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
THE LOVE SHACK
Jailbait Lass had sent her regrets that she would miss the biweekly meeting of the Matchmakers, a group of five of the LMBPU's classic romance characters who got together weekly to discuss the ongoing trevails of their love lives.
Kid Gender Stereotype Reversal II had missed several recent meeting of the Matchmakers herself. Having recently ended her relationship with the all too often absent Eryk Davis Ester, she was in no mood for the "I told you so's" that she knew her fellow club members would offer.
Well, at least she knew that Dormant Damsel wouldn't judge her. The permanently comatose Matchmaker, who was also the heart and soul of the Light Brigade and who had nearly been elected President of the United Planets during the last election, was KGSR2's best friend. It delighted KGSR2 to see DD lying there on the couch as she entered the Love Shack. Apparently, they were the only two there so far.
To the surprise of KGSR2, Dormant Damsel suddenly opens her eyes and speaks!
"52!" she says.
Posted by The Red Bee on :
Takron-Galtos
Two guards stood there, bored out of their skulls of another long night of standing in the same position. They were not allowed to move, because they were guarding a very important guest. They were guarding the Red Bee, one of Takron-Galtos’ most famous prisoners. He had broken out once before and went on a murderous killing spree, ending the life of the beloved Space Ranger. He had almost gotten free again, if not for the Royal Inquisitor during the Invasion.
Or, did he actually get away?
One of the two guards noticed something was wrong. The Red Bee was pacing back and forth in the room. He never paced, never moved in anything other than a casual, easy-going way while he was imprisoned.
“Sit down Bee, that’s enough,” said one. The Red Bee said nothing.
Slowly, the Red Bee smiled. As his smile began to fade, they noticed his face began to turn a sickly shade of green. His whole body began to swirl around in a horribly disgusting way. And in his place, suddenly, was a Durlan. Madrox, the Multiple Durlan.
Flashback Dark Oval invaders break into Takron-Galtos. A tremendous battle ensues. Madrox the Multiple Durlan, mercenary for hire, emerges, ripping apart the Red Bee’s prison cell. “You’re free Bee…one of the cruisers will take you to the Dark Oval. An enemy of the LMB is an ally of the Dark Oval.”
“And you?” said the Red Bee, his famous grin coming over his face.
“My job is just getting started,” replied the Durlan, and suddenly, he transformed into an exact replica of the Red Bee.
As the Red Bee left Legion World (for good?), Madrox the Multiple Durlan was beaten by the Royal Inquisitor and imprisoned in Takron-Galtos, where he now remained.
“A Durlan!” said the guard, pulling out his taser.
“Not any Durlan,” said the other guard, smiling, as he turned his arm into a large sword and stabbed him through the back. “The Multiple Durlan.” The second guard revealed himself to be a clone body of Madrox and freed his alpha self. The two merged. “One job finished with the Bee, and now a second begins for my real bosses…” he muttered, turning into a miniscule Winathian Hydra-Moth, and floating out through the vents, into deep space and onwards, towards Legion World.
The Dark Oval
A score of bodies floated endlessly in space, occasionally exploding, as bodies are apt to do in the deadness of space. Far off, the Red Bee flew on in their cruiser. “Foolish,” he thought, “the Red Bee has no friends.”
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
An alley near Cafe Cramers
"Your investigation? Are you a member of the Security Office?"
"ME! A member of Cobalt Kid's hedonistic buffoons? Don't make me laugh. I told you, I am Winema Wazzo. I should be the rightful Leader of Legion World. These fools don't even know that the Black Sun is trying to infiltrate Legion World even now. They think that because the Invasion was driven off and their precious Cobalt Kid is launching a counter-invasion that they are safe. Now if you'll excuse me..."
With that, Winema phased into intangibility and out of Helena Handbasket's grasp.
"Wait!" Helena tried to grab hold of Winema's shoulder, but her robotic hand went through the middle aged politician. "Please, you mentioned the Black Sun. What do you know about them and their being on Legion World?" Winema turned around and looked intently at the former Dark Oval commander. "And who are you? I know most of the people here on Legion World and I don't know you." "I'm Comman.. I'm Helena Handbasket. I've..I've only recently come to Legion World, but I have been taken by the hospitality of this world and your people." Winema's eyes narrowed. "Were you going to say 'Commander'? You are one of those Dark Oval troopers that turned traitor, aren't you?"
Helena is stunned by Winema's words. "I..I guess I am a traitor." Helena thought. "Yes, I was with the Dark Oval, but my eyes were opened to the injustice they were inflicting upon this world and the people. I am now dedicated to the protection of Legion World and her people." "Are you now? And what do you know about the Black Sun?" Helena looked around. "Do you have a place where we can talk privately? It isn't wise to talk about the Black Sun in the open, especially if they have infiltrated Legion World." "You are right. Come with me!" Winema strode back into the street and headed of to the residential district.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
The Medical Center
Rockhopper Lass lay unconscious in her hospital bed. Her inter-dimensional "brother" spoke with the doctors, who despite their relative unfamiliarity to Pyngwyn physiology, had been able to diagnose some kind of head trauma. "We'll know more when she comes around," explained Dr. Avis Wasser, shaking her head.
Just then, Rockhopper Lass began mumbling.
"Adelie!" Rockhopper Lad cried, "are you all right?"
"What's going on?" she asked in Pyngwyny.
"There was an accident transporting you to your world," he explained, also in their native tongue. "You were transported to another city here on Legion World, and then you collapsed. Since there aren't many Pyngwynyy on this world, they contacted me immediately."
"All right. But I have one question."
"Sure."
"Who am I?"
Posted by LARDLAD on :
LW Underworld
The cloaked man who met earlier with Hummer Lass enters a secret location in Old Town. At the flip of a switch a huge display of vid-monitors lights up. On different screens appear various Legion World venues.
Looking particularly at the Takron-Galtos monitor, the man is pleased to see Madrox effecting his escape.
"Good!" he says. "The replicant fooled all the prison's sensors! Hopefully, Madrox will have no trouble freeing the prisoner I need him to free."
"Hmm...what else? Ah, yes...the Pyngwyn female's memory is erased--excellent! I felt it better to go this route, rather than kill her after what she accidentally found out during the attempted transport to Earth-4. Her death or prolonged disappearance might have presented...problems."
"What else--the Love Shack--No! She awoke, if only for a moment? I might have to have Dormant Damsel killed. If she awakes again and says more....hmmm, I'll get that one taken care of very soon."
"Mmm? Why is Helena Handbasket's vid offline? Technical failure, perhaps? I'll look into that."
"All the other scenarios are going apace. It should be very rewarding to see the Hummer Lass scenario play out. And, of course...there's always the little secret I have in this container!" <pats a metallic urn-like container> "I still can't believe Lard Lad hasn't missed it yet!"
<and the man laughs and laughs, apparently very satisfied with himself.....>
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Evil Genius Club
=============================== Table d'Hote
Green Salad
and
Roast Talokian Game Meat au jus served with Purple Potatoes and seasonal vegetables
and
Cabbage Pudding
=========================
Winema Wazzo glanced across the table at her guest Helena who looked disturbed by the menu at the club.
"People eat this?"
"Just pretend to eat it like everyone else does, Helena. The food is free here but that's not why people buy memberships."
"Why's that?"
"The club is the only place in all of LW certified to be free of electronic monitoring. Not that I, Winema Wazzo have anything to hide of course. "
"So this is where Legion Worlders come to air their dirty laundry."
"Dirtier than the Hotels frequented by Cobalt Kid in his bachelor days, my dear. Now lets talk about the Black Sun...."
Elsewhere in the Club "Well it's about time you got back here this wedding stuff is outta control and Thora's people have got me smoking hot." said Caliente as she glared at Tamper.
"Any guests of note this evening, Cali?"
"Just Winema Wazzo."
"Fine then let's get to work on this wedding morrass."
[ September 19, 2006, 06:25 PM: Message edited by: Tamper Lad ]
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
"Robert Green Ingersoll was known as the Great Agnostic." said Non Sequitor to no one in particular.
[ September 20, 2006, 02:08 PM: Message edited by: Quislet, Esq. ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Streets of Legion World
Jailbait Lass and Dedman walked quietly down the streets of Legion World, taking in the brisk air. The sun had started to set and the day had gotten darker. Soon it would be nighttime.
"Should we take these mushrooms?" said Dedman, after a brief silence. No stranger to mind-altering experiences, Dedman had no reservations about testing out that type of method to get further information.
"I...I don't think so. Not yet. I think we'll know when the time is right."
"How very...LMB of you," he smiled. Despite her long-standing ties to the LMB, Jailbait Lass was no LMBer. Just an ally and friend.
So far Dedman had asked few questions, out of his trust for Cobalt Kid and the rest of his LMB brethen. But there was little to tell. Cobalt had confided in Jailbait Lass how important this cannister was, but told her only that it needed to be delivered to Stoopid Cat.
"Maybe...you should just take it to Actor Lad and Kent Shakespeare?" said Dedman finally. "As LMB leaders, they could probably help."
Jailbait Lass shook her head. No, that was the last thing they should do. She wouldn't be responsible for any of her friends being seen as 'conspirators' or such nonsense.
"There's one more place I think might work," she said suddenly. "I didn't even think of it before. Its in the seedier parts of town though."
"Ok..." said Dedman, following her.
Unseen by either, a Winathian Hydra-Moth flickered in the street lights.
The Green LMB Archive Entry #2121: "Following our mission I've entitled "Journeys and Destinies", I can confirm the existence of the long rumored magic pathway known as 'The Green'. Moving in and out of various planets, dimensions and planes of existence, this pathway made completely of forest connects all of these places together through magical means. I also judge it to be too difficult to travel in and very unreliable." - STU, LMB Leader, 2/6/3004.
She walked through the Green at a steady pace, eager to get off the path as soon as possible. She'd been away so long that she was used to it, but now being so close to Legion World made her hunger to get home. 'Home'? Ha. Not really. But the place where her friends were and where her sister was. Spending all that time in enemy territory made her forget about all those people...
Enough, she told herself. Get off the green and get to Legion World. Find the girl and get her off planet. Scipio and Shark Lad had been very specific about her instructions. And Danger Damsel took pride in completing the missions given to her by Cobalt Kid, both proficiently and in complete secret.
"Danger Damsel" Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
Medical Center
Rockhopper Lad blinked in disbelief. "You're Adelie, Princess of the Pyngwyn Colonies, also known as Rockhopper Lass."
"And who are you?"
"I'm Eudyptes, Prince of the Pyngwyn Colonies--Rockhopper Lad."
"Are you my brother?"
"Well, not exactly." The Pyngwyn Prince explained to his "sister" about her unique state.
"I'm not from this universe?"
Rockhopper Lad shook his head sadly.
"And I've lost my memory."
"I'm afraid so."
Rockhopper Lass began to get up.
"Your Highness," Dr. Wasser cried, "You must stay in bed! You're not well!"
Rockhopper Lass, having lost the ability to speak Interlac looked at the doctor with great puzzlement, but, assuming it was regarding her health, shouted in Pyngwyny, "I feel fine! I'm going to find out what's going on!"
"Adelie, please, relax," Rockhopper Lad pleaded. "At least let me help you."
She sighed. "I guess you have to. No one else here seems to speak Pyngwyny and these creatures--I don't know--what are those things they have on their bodies?"
"Clothes. Most humanoids...I'll tell you later. Dr. Wasser, I'd like to take Adelie home with me."
"She's amnesiac and she doesn't speak the language. I don't see how..."
"Please, doctor. I think she needs to be in more comfortable surroundings."
After several weary minutes, Rockhopper Lad convinced the doctor to allow him to take Adelie. "Where are we going?" the puzzled princess asked.
"To the Rookery. You need to be around other Pyngwynyy right now."
Posted by LARDLAD on :
LMB Underworld
Down a dark alley in Old Town a woman made homeless during the Invasion flees for her life as a street gang gives chase. She runs as hard as she can but makes a wrong turn into a dead end.
"NO!" she cries.
She whirls around to see the 12 gang members have cut off her exit.
"Please! I have nothing!"
"Oh...I think you do!" says the Talokian who leads this bunch. "Yes, yes you do. I think we are about to have a good time!" Flanked by the others, he approaches her, laser scalpel in hand. "I think we'll start with your top, yes?"
"I don't think so."
Startled, they look up and see a female figure in garb resembing a bat looking down from an adjacent roof.
"Who are you?" the Talokian sneers. "Some LMB reject?"
"No, I'm unaffiliated. It seems the LMB and the Security Office have no time for Old Town. I'm here to protect its innocents!"
And with that, she swoops down and plows into the gang. She's too fast and too skilled for any of them and takes them all down brutally within two minutes.
"Are you all right?" she asks the homeless woman after the last gang member goes down.
"Y-yes...thank you! Wh-who are you?"
"I'm Bat-Fem. Please be more careful in the future. These streets are rough." She gestures toward the bangers. "They'll help spread the word on the streets about me--those that aren't about to go in traction, anyway. Good night."
And she flies up behind a line fired back up to the rooftop.
"ummm...bye..." stammers the homeless woman, and then she quickly runs out of the dead end and toward the flophouse which was her destination before the night became so complicated.
Posted by Seth Gaterra on :
Seth Gaterra's quarters... not much in size, and even less in furnishings. Just a cot, a light, and storage space for his few clothes and other belongings. But he didn't need much; everything had been rationed on Angtu... and the various cells he'd been caged in had even less to offer. And considering the damages done to Legion World, it was best to ask for as little as possible.
There weren't many people Seth knew here yet; most of them were still strangers even after all this time. Which helped matters, in a way... better to face strangers, than see people that he'd remembered as friends and allies. And then he'd have to remember again that those familiar faces didn't know him, hadn't met him; the friendships were elsewhere... elsewhen.
But while Seth didn't know who'd made him remember different lives, different versions of himself -- the doctors had cleared him as sane. The mental tampering was there, but there wasn't anything like commands to go kill people or spy on them; the usual reasons for such manipulations. So he worked on the reconstruction efforts... actually, the deconstruction efforts. It was easier in some regions to just clear out the debris and start over, than try to repair the remains... and a disintegrator came in quite (ahem) handy, for that task.
Seth's crystal children were slightly upset over this; he'd held his power back for them exclusively for so long, they didn't appreciate the smaller "meals" now. So he rested on the cot, directing his thoughts toward soothing them...
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Evil Genius Supper Club(or rather, the back alley behind it)
Jailbait Lass and Dedman walked through the dimly lit area. It was now evening. “The Evil Genius Supper Club, Lolita? Why didn’t you call ahead and ask Tamper Lad or Caliente for their help?”
“Tamper Lad might be an LMBer Dedman,” she replied, “but there’s no doubt he has his own motives for everything. Cobalt has warmed up to him…I’m still not so sure.” Dedman was surprised that Jailbait Lass was so opinionated about various inhabitants of Legion World. “We’re going here to see if one person in particular is dining tonight, though she wouldn’t be inside. Her people are picketing the place now…”
“Thora?! We’re going to see Thora of Taltar?!” he said surprised. Thora had a long history of being in opposition to the LMB and Legion World, despite her continued presence planet side after all these years. “She’d never agree to help, even if it was just to give us information.”
“I don’t know…” said Jailbait Lass, “…her and Cobie seem to get along…well, not really ‘well’ per se, but interestingly…”
“I know Cobalt took Thora’s side in getting her temporary citizenship and diplomatic status here, but I’ve read the file, and its pretty clear that its because she was a former lover of his and mother of one of his children…”
“Yes, but don’t forget that he has had many former lovers and mothers of his children, and most aren’t people he’s fought to keep on Legion World. And he once went to war with her people…his top lieutenant is even named ‘Scipio Taltarus’. No…its more than that. After all this time, I’d say Cobie actually thinks of her as a…friend. And like Mayavale, her status as a Legion World citizen that is not part of the LMB means he might have traded information with her before.”
They saw a Taltarian femi-nazi up ahead. “Excuse me,” said Dedman to the woman, hoping to get her attention. “Would you be able to help---?”
Suddenly, he was cut off from finishing his sentence. The woman’s arms had turned into steel blades, long and sharp, and extending far off her torso. She turned around and plunged them into Dedman’s chest, then pulled them sideways, ripping him apart!! “I’d love to,” yelled the femi-nazi, now turning shape, “the pleasure would be all mine!” she/he finished, revealing ‘herself’ to be Madrox the Multiple Durlan! “Jailbait Lass, I take it? You really shouldn’t be walking in back alleys in the evenings, you know. You could end up getting hurt…”, he smiled. Suddenly Madrox leaped across the alley onto Jailbait Lass, knocking her backwards. “Could you have fallen into that trap any easier?” he cackled.
Jailbait Lass did not scream, and rolled to her side, clutching the canister in her pocket to make sure it was still there. Memories of the Red Bee burying her alive flashed in her head. She fought those memories off, harder than she fought Madrox. A lone tear fell down her cheeks, not because of the Durlan, but because that day would never leave her. Dedman faded from existence mere feet away, his body ripped apart, dead behind the alley.
“Get off her!” yelled a female’s voice, as a large sword came plunging through Madrox’s back. Jailbait Lass did not recognize the voice, or the face of the girl—it was Danger Damsel, a former resident of Legion World. She kicked back Madrox. “No victories for villains on Legion World this day,” she said with a righteous anger in her voice. However, in her attack, she had hit Madrox so hard that it had created a duplicate—now she fought two Durlans head on. Both smiled. One lunged at her, and she did a back-flip, kicking him in the face. The dupe used his abilities to make his arms reach around her like a snake coiling around its prey.
The other, real Madrox, turned towards Jailbait Lass. “Where is it?” he said.
“Got to hell,” she responded. The Durlan had lost his patience, and reached down.
“NO,” said another voice. “You’re on Legion World pal,” the voice continued, stepping out of the shadows. It was Lightning Lad, LMBer and Legion World founder. He did not look happy. “…you should know better than to think there isn’t an army of us waiting for idiots like you. I’m just glad I’m here for this one,” he finished, blasting a bolt of lightning towards the alpha-Madrox, knocking him back. The electricity pulsated throughout the Durlan’s body, and the nature of it did not create another dupe.
A few feet away, Danger Damsel hacked the duplicate into two. Living or not, she was no LMBer, and did not follow the LMB code—she had no qualms about killing an enemy.
Lightning Lad blasted him back harder, and the Durlan tried to regroup. “Hello Anne,” he said to Danger Damsel, “welcome home. Its okay Lolita, we deal with this idiot all the time…he never learns…”
Jailbait Lass ran over to Dedman. “Deddy…” she said.
Dedman smiled. He was fading. “Its okay Lolita. I’ll be back in no time…but I’m taking this Durlan for a ride.” As Dedman died, as was the power of Cannon-Fodder Kid, he entered the poltergeist zone and pulled Madrox in with him. Madrox, distracted by Lightning Lad, was an easy target, and suddenly, disappeared with Dedman, to a place he would very much find terrifying. The Durlan screamed an odd epitaph in his native tongue.
Lightning Lad helped both women up to their feet. “Ok,” he said with a look of grimness, though he was smiling on the inside. “Whose going to tell me what the hell this is all about?”
Danger Damsel looked at Jailbait Lass, who looked sheepish. She was about to speak, when Scott added, “not here either. Who knows whose inside. Don’t worry ladies, its not far from here…
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
Evil Genius Club
"I found this under the napkin to my coffee from Cafe Cramers." Helena slid the note to Winema. "Hmmmm.. And you say you got this at Cafe Cramers?" "Yes" "This complicates things." "In what way?" "I was sure that Tamper Lad himself was behind the Black Sun's infiltration of Legion World. He may have fooled everyone else with his 'Hey I am a villian who wants to control all the money. Look at me.' routine. But I wasn't fooled."
Helena began to have doubts about Winema's intelligence. Why go to discuss possible wrongdoing right in the place of business of the person you suspect of wrongdoing. Helena shook her head.
"Yes, I see you agree with me. It is hard to believe, but it might just be possible that Fat Cramer is a Black Sun sleeper agent." "Tell me Winema, where did you get your information regarding the Black Sun?" "From Dr. Mayav..." Winema gives Helena a suspicious glance.
A waiter approaches the table. "Ms. Wazzo?" "Yes!" "A message for you Ma'am." Winema reads the note and turns around. Helena follows Winema's eyes and beholds a large man with a white afro haircut. He has six arms, one of which is tipping his Steton hat at the two ladies. Helena wondered who Ike was and why this strange man felt the need to tell everyone he liked him. Winema turned back and handed the note to Helena. The note read "My dearest Cleo (at least that is how I best remember you Winema) Please bring my darling Eleanor whom you are dining with to my Mediation Tent (I have gotten out of the meditation game and now am in the alternative dispute resolution game) I believe that I have some information and some help for you in your investigation into the Jacobians (I think they call themselves the Black Sun now. It is so confusing. Why can't people just stick to one name?) Tell Eleanor that Lucy Mercer won't be there. (I already gave her a mushroom).
Yours Dr. Mayavale"
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Psyonian Embassy - Monthly breakfast meeting of the Legion World Women's Entreprise Society
Princess Crujectra sipped on the Cafe Cramer brew as she exchanged gossip Cramer at the back of the room. At the podium Nova Girl was speaking about the need to reform the lax business laws that had made Legion World a center of the galactic weapons trade and a target for criminals and invading armies.
"So Cramer, its been announced that our speaker is being appointed to head the commission to end criminal trades on Legion World." whispered Crujectra.
"Sounds like Cali's boss won't be happy. Though it's about time. These invasions are bad for the breakfast trade and customers cant even enjoy the crossword over coffee anymore. "
"I know, Everyday Girl's beside herself over not having new comics. She's been storming all over looking for clues."
"Say Princess, where are Winema and Thora this morning? They never miss these breakfasts."
Streets of Legion World
The air was filled with smoke as the Everyday Tank rumbled past the low rent hotels known as 'Cobalt Row'. Several of the establishments had closed in the past year as business was down in the wake of Infinite Crisis and more importantly Cobalt Kid entering a stable relationship.
The tank rolled over some vehicles damaged and abandoned in the Invasion as it rolled past the Mediation tent and towards the Industrial district.
In the cockpit Ken Clarkson rode along taking notes for a feature article about the investigation that would see print when the lost printing company was found.
"Ohmygod, Mister Clarkson. When I find the baddies that stole my comics, ima gonna blow them a new hole."
"Um Miss Everyday, violence doesn't really serve justice" offered the reporter.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Lightning Lad’s Secret Bunker
“In here,” he said, walking into a shabby little corner of another alleyway, that could not be seen from the street.
“This isn’t on any map,” said Jailbait Lass. Most did not realize that Jailbait Lass had the entire city of Legionnopolis memorized, including every secret passage, nook and cranny. Cobalt Kid had hammered into her head how useful such information was.
“Of course not,” said Scott. “And its not the only one either. Don’t forget who you’re speaking too,” he said with an easy-going smile. “After all, I’m a Legion World founder.” The trio walked in, to see a bunker, covered with various equipment, books and tools. It was slightly covered in dust, as if no one had entered in months or possibly even years. “Welcome to the back corner of Gruertis Nyebif Street, or, as I’m now referring to it since you’ve given me the idea, ‘Lightning Lad’s secret bunker’”.
“Nice,” said Danger Damsel, with a bemused expression on her face. “Why the secrecy though, Scott?”
“Why not? We Legion World Founders have our secrets—we must. The LMBers made us proud repelling the Invasion, but we had our own jobs to be accomplished, and worries that needed to be addressed. There is a great deal going on at Legion World that most have no clue about. Its not secrecy per se, we just don’t feel like indulging the information to the general public. You should know that Anne,” he added with a smile, “people sleep better at night when they left in the dark a little.”
Lightning Lad was familiar with Danger Damsel, as he helped train her. Her story was well-known among the LMB: a counter girl at Café Cramer’s that had the bad luck to be on a date with Cobalt Kid when Legion World was attacked. She almost died that night, and then again, on another totally unrelated night, when she was attacked simply because Invisible Brainaic was on a date with her sister. It was that night she made a promise to stop being a victim and start being proactive in her life, ensuring she was in control. She enrolled in the LMB academy and did such a good job that some LMBers, like Lightning Lad, Harbinger and most of all Numf-El, trained her personally. She could never join the LMB as she had no powers and was too green, but she became so proficient in her fighting and espionage skills that she became one of Cobalt Kid’s secret agents out in the dark corners of the galaxy. No one knew much about her after that, as she hadn’t been back on Legion World ever since. But Lightning Lad was immersed in the community he helped found, and he didn’t forget a face—or a friend. And he was one of the teachers that was nice to her and patient, and she always quietly thanked him for that.
“We’re getting side-tracked though,” said Lightning Lad “Jailbait Lass, you were attacked. By Madrox the Multiple Durlan, of all people, here on Legion World. And Anne, excuse me, Danger Damsel, you seemed to know something about it. I think you’ll both agree I deserve an explanation.”
Jailbait Lass hesitated. She felt a little intimidated, but Lightning Lad’s presence was more heroic and impressive than stern or condescending. “I’m…doing something for Cobie. I need to deliver something, but…now I’m getting attacked and I hardy know why. I-I know a great deal about secrets here on Legion World. Cobalt Kid made me privy to many I probably should not be But I only know half the story.”
“You need to be off-world,” said Danger Damsel to her suddenly. “Stoopid Cat isn’t here, and neither is anyone else that can help. Cobalt sent me back here to get you, and bring you into space.”
All got quiet suddenly.
“You’re in luck,” said Scott. “I’m going into space. To get supplies for Legion World’s computer systems. Only Nightcrawler and Saturn Girl know where I’m going, so you can hitch a ride with me. Trust me…no one will get out more under the radar than I will.” With that, he pulled back a tarp, revealing a small hatch. Below them was a sleek, black ship, obviously made for stealth and quiet. “I can drop you off and on the way, you two can stop talking in circles and get to the damn point…” he said, half-joking, half-serious. He smiled, and leaped down into the hatch. He wasn’t one to wait around and talk the night away when work was to be done. “You both can start packing my supplies,” he yelled up, “Saturn enjoys my chivalry, but insists we all do our share of the work…” he trailed off.
Danger Damsel shrugged and started loading. Jailbait Lass followed. “We won’t get a better deal getting off Legion World than this…” she said, grunting while she picked up what appeared to be old parts to space-bots.
“You’ve seen him?” she said, referring to Cobalt Kid.
“Briefly. He didn’t look good,” said Danger Damsel. Cobalt had been hurt by Superboy Prime badly, and then woke up in an uncharacteristically awful rage, before leading the armies into war. The LMBers who joined him, Shark Lad, Hrun and Disaster Boy, were even angrier and terrifying. They had been noble in their war endeavors thus far (or so reported), but there was a worry among those closest to them, no matter how much the Legion World citizens and general masses of the UP thanked them. “But I spent most of my time communicating with Shark Lad and Disaster Boy, and Scipio, Cobalt’s top lieutenant.” The finished loading the ship. “They looked worse…” she muttered, hopping in.
Jailbait Lass held onto her canister. “What a night this has been…” she thought and hopped in.
LMB Plaza, LMB Headquarters
Monitor Duty: Polar Boy, Monkey-Eater Lad. Ranking Leader on Duty: Actor Lad, LMB Leader Instant Message from Nightcrawler: Please be aware that Lightning Lad is now currently off-planet, and will be for an unspecified period, per Clause 5.7A (Legion World Founders Clause). Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Evil Genius Club
Nova Girl waited until she heard Tamper enter the office where she had been made to wait.
"So there was yet another disturbance outside your club last night."
"Yes and the Security Office took care of it. I should charge them a commission based on how much easier i make their jobs. Now what can I do for you, help you build a socialist paradise perhaps?"
"Don't get too cocky Mr. Evil Genius. My sources tell me you're being investigated by Legion World's counter-intelligence organization. It would behoove you to co-operate with me."
"That is ridiculous. Who is leading this farce might I ask?"
"Winema Wazzo."
"That old crone, surely you jest. She's as competent as Cobalt Kid. I only allow her in the club because she might bring her daughter the holoactress with her one of these days."
"Always looking for a date Tamper, trust me Tinya's outta your league."
Nova Girl batted her eyes as she made a flirty jesture mocking Tamper's almost Pavlovian response to such behaviors.
"Regardless, I suppose I should congratulate you on your appointment Veronica. Shall I call Betty with the news?"
Tamper passed an envelope to his guest.
"DONT CALL ME THAT! And if you call my mother I'll shut this place down. And what's this now? A bribe is it?"
"Nothing so dramatic, its your Club Membership. Feel free to investigate any activity you wish here, subject to the house rules of course. And stay away from the gaming tables, I know you cheat."
Posted by Hrun the Barbarian on :
DARK OVAL SHIP - FLAMING DEATH
On the Bridge of the star slayer class warship a low ranking communications officer nervously approaches the brooding figure of Adaptus Magi Kort.
“Sir” he starts nervously.
“You dare to interrupt an Adaptus do you” says Kort as his foul slime covered tentacles move his fat, bloated, pustule filled body to look at the communications officer. Behind him the ships Commodore looked on in fear and relief.
“A thousand pardons wise one” continues the Hrykosian officer his face visibly blanching. “But you did give orders to be informed immediately should the attacks of the LMB cease”
“Well then, continue with your report” said the Adeptus, the membranes on his 5 eyes opening and closing with a cold calculating intensity. Behind him the Commodore who so recently had been the subject of the Adeptus’s wrath audibly relaxed. As She did so a tentacle shot out from beneath the Adeptus loose fitting robe and grasped the Commodore by the neck. A face appeared at the end of a second tentacle and spoke quietly to the Commodore, “oh no my dear, it is not that easy”
“WELL FOOL, CONTINUE” Kort shouted at the startled junior,
Gulping the communications officer started to give his report.
“sir, we have bad news, the one known as Cobalt Kid has now left the attack, after destroying all of our fighter support”
“But that is good news” started the Commodore, “we can leave now and regroup if he has gone”
There was a soft ‘snick’ as the Commodores neck was broken and a thud as the body was thrown across the Bridge. “Fool” spat Kort. “All hands to the main batteries” it shouted, “the main assault is about to begin”
DEEP SPACE Near the Flaming Death
A fleet of Dragon ships from the Northern Barbarian Hordes were awaiting orders.
A holoscreen flickered into life, on the screen an image of Cobalt Kid, tired but grimly determined.
“OK Hrun, I have cleared the fighter screen its up to your boys to board and destroy that star slayer. I have to get over to the, well you know what are plans are. Good luck noble warrior. Fight well”
As the image faded Hrun the Barbarian turned to his House Ceorl. “Grima, let the drums roll, ramming speed”
[ September 22, 2006, 10:07 AM: Message edited by: Hrun the Barbarian ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Deep Space, the East Bismollian Trading Route
“This is delicious Scott,” said Danger Damsel, ripping into a piece of chicken as if it were the last bit of food in the multiverse. “You have no idea how long it’s been since I’ve had a decent meal. The gruel they eat in the Barbarian Hordes is…well, let’s just say it isn’t the most pleasant cuisine.”
“You’ve been to the Barbarian Hordes?” said Jailbait Lass. “So that’s who you are…” she added, “I know ‘Danger Damsel’ and ‘Anne’ of course, but you’re Agent-Y. Cobalt Kid’s top agent in the Barbarian Hordes.”
“Correct,” replied Danger Damsel, paying little attention and continuing to eat. “But I had to leave, to come find you. Not that I wanted to…” she added with a bit of a bite to her words. Jailbait Lass wasn’t sure if she liked Danger Damsel yet. She really wasn’t all that pleasant to be around.
“Why then? Why leave your long-stationed post just to come find me? I was doing fine without you…”
“Well, not exactly fine,” said Scott, handing Jailbait Lass a cup of hot soup. She nodded thanks to him. “But you have friends on Legion World Lolita, so I see your point. Why leave it?”
Jailbait Lass shrugged. “I have something of great value to Cobie, though I’m not sure what it is. The only people who do know are Dr. Mayavale, Hrun, Stoopid Cat and Cobie, and it has something to do with some sort of secret or conspiracy of their own.”
“I know of it,” said Scott quietly. Both females were surprised. He shrugged them off. “There is little I don’t know about, girls. But I don’t know what’s inside of it, only that it exists. Stoopid Cat’s Alt ID files. And you say Stoopid Cat was supposed to pick it up and is no where to be found and Mayavale was of no help. So you’re returning it to Cobie?”
“I hope to. It says ‘Stoopid Cat’s Alt ID files’ but the real name is ‘Security Iniatitive #247: World War VII’. There hasn’t been a galactic war in two centuries…not the type that incur the name ‘World War’. I’m not sure what this is about…Cobie never told me…”
“Don’t worry Lolita,” said Scott, comforting her. “Cobie confides more in you than his lifelong friends and most trusted allies. But he never gives anyone person the whole story. That’s part of his Ggrrggian upbringing—he can’t help it. It’s a political tool that has become a social norm for Ggrrgg.” He turned to Danger Damsel now. “And how do you fit in?”
She was quiet. “I was in the Barbarian Hordes, as you know. Working for Cobalt as one of his secret spies he’s allowed. The usual—reporting, finding out information, etc. The Barbarian Horde is of course a misnomer. There is no such thing as a Barbarian Horde. It’s the biggest part of space that is not part of one sector…its all filled with unaffiliated planets and people, yes, but its not one united kingdom or empire. The Barbarian Horde got its name decades ago as a sector of space with various kingdoms, peoples and empires. All are at war with the UP (almost all), and most are at war with each other.”
“Yes, this is common knowledge,” said Scott. “In the fourth year of the LMB, while the LMB was lost in another dimension and Earth ceded from the UP, the universe went to shit. Its been called ‘The Time of Troubles’ by historians because various Barbarian Hordes attacked the United Planets. They invaded all over the huge intergalactic border and penetrated deep into other places. It took three years to fight them back. Three years of genocide, rape, pillaging, theft and murder. And I’m proud to say, the main reason they actually were fought back to their borders, because the UP military isn’t worth half a damn, is the LMB Triumvirate.” Lightning Lad had never spoken about the Triumvirate in public before. “They used their armies to beat them back and eliminate their presence in the UP. Now they hold them on their borders.”
“This is true,” said Danger Damsel. “And the true nature of the ongoing war with the Barbarian Hordes and the LMB Triumvirate, which basically is now a stalemate at the borders is this: the LMB Triumvirate does not hold the borders to keep the Barbarians in. They hold them to keep others out..”
Lightning Lad nodded. “I see. A good strategy. Example?”
Jailbait Lass knew this too. “Earth has continually tried to contact the Barbarian Horde since it ceded from the UP. It never has. Pirate ships often take their cargo. If a ship does reach the Barbarian Horde, it will never enter it.”
Lightning Lad chuckled. “If only all of Legion World knew this…” He sat back. “So Cobalt, and lets face it, the other two Triumvirs have retired their armies for now, does not allow Earth to communicate with the Barbarian Horde? And these pirates…I bet they usually get by the UP and other security forces just barely. You’d almost think they were on someone’s payroll.”
“It would be a good strategy of ensuring the Barbarian Horde remains short of good technology and allies. The point, you must remember, is disunity. The horde must not be unified. That is Cobalt’s greatest fear,” said Jailbait Lass.
“Anne, Anne, Anne,” said Scott suddenly, turning from Jailbait Lass to Danger Damsel, looking at her with new eyes. “I’ve just realized what it is you do there. You don’t just gather information and spy. You actively encourage the disunity. I can only imagine what it is you’ve done. Your mission is so simple: you do whatever you can to make sure they are not united.”
“Correct,” said Danger Damsel. “Call me what you want…spy, terrorist, subversive. Its what I do now.”
[ September 22, 2006, 04:33 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Deep Space, East Bismollian Trading Route
“Correct.” Danger Damsel was unapologetic. “And, as you know, there is no single entity within the Barbarian Horde the controls it all. One of the greatest allies of the LMB, an LMBer himself stems from the Northern Territories of it.”
“Yes, Hrun the Barbarian, one of Cobalt’s best allies,” said Jailbait Lass. This is noted by his name beginning with a ‘Hr-‘, like the ‘Hyrkosians’. They both are examples of the disunity of the Barbarian Hordes. The Hyrkosians betrayed the hordes to join the Dark Oval decades ago, and Hrun has in recent years allied with the LMB and Legion World*.”
“Right. They’re not unified. There is one large entity though, that is, and has been trying to amass a large force for sometime. The Khanate of Carthac.”
“What does this have to do with Lolita’s secret item, though?” said Lightning Lad. “You’ve given me plenty of story—now tie it together. I’ve been aware of many of these things for some time. Here’s what you both don’t realize: Cobalt keeps Nightcrawler and myself informed of all his dealings, and always has, without our ever asking. His Office of Security, his army, all of it. Should I be concerned?”
A flash of sadness went of Jailbait Lass’ face. “No,” she said finally. She had doubts about Cobalt’s anger, but trusted him. “No, you shouldn’t. But, things have changed.”
“I’ve been in the Barbarian Horde for two years,” said Danger Damsel. “When Legion World was invaded, everyone knew of it and watched to see how it could benefit them. And then suddenly, the Dark Oval attacked the Barbarian Horde! It was unthinkable! They apparently were trying to take over all of space.” She had their attention now. “But the truth is, they were not. The Dark Oval never did such a thing. They are too smart. The Dominators, despite their arrogance, are too calculating. They would never invade the UP and the Barbarian Horde at the same time. They were set up. Somebody crashed two Dark Oval ships into the Barbarian Horde, destroyed their outpost and kicked off a war. Indeed, the fact that the Dark Oval had a two front war made it much easier for Legion World to win their war and continue to win ever since. But I’m telling you, the Dark Oval would never have done it…”
Lightning Lad looked at her and his eyes creased. He certainly knew nothing of this. And he didn’t like it. He understood the way the world worked and compromises would be made. But he believed in truth. Justice. Doing what’s right. He was a true hero. He looked at Jailbait Lass.
“It wasn’t Cobalt sir. He knew nothing about it, and was comatose.” Lightning Lad showed some sign of relief. Jailbait Lass was processing the information. Suddenly a thought occurred to her. Her eyes went wide with horror. “Oh no!!” she said, almost yelling.
Danger Damsel was waiting for it. “Oh yes,” she said quietly. “Cobalt would never do it, because its his greatest fear. The Barbarian Horde, ideally, are a disunited, backwards conglomerate of enemy kingdoms. But now they have a common enemy, and a horrifying one: the Dark Oval. By giving this enemy to them, whoever it was, that person set into motion the Triumvirate’s greatest fear. They’ve given them cause to unite, under one banner, to carry out a war with their common enemy. That’s why I left the Barbarian Horde. Because they are a united front suddenly, and have been mobilizing for over fifty days. They are on the move and they are ready to go to war with the Dark Oval.”
Lightning Lad shifted. “It would seem as if it would be a great boon to us,” he said, “with the Dark Oval having another enemy. But someone created a possible monster. As long as they are at war with the Dark Oval, they’ll only grow stronger as a kingdom. Let me guess—this Khanate of Carthanc has taken hold of much of the Horde?”
“Yes,” said Danger Damsel. “Not all of it, of course, but a great deal of it. They march under one banner, under one King. He calls himself Dominus and he’s formidable. He’s a half-Barbarian/half-Khund, and was personally trained on Ggrrgg with the war-masters there. He’s an excellent strategist, and his people are anything but Barbarian. They are technologically sound and encourage intellectual thought. Dominus and the Barbarians are a great enemy and they are on the verge of being unleashed.”
“Why didn’t you tell Cobalt?” said Jailbait Lass, growing angry. “Or anyone else? What about Eryk Davis Ester? He’s a great hero and he has an army?”
“Calm down Lolita,” said Scott quietly. She did.
“I did tell Cobalt,” said Danger Damsel back. “And you know what? He’s so consumed in his rage towards the Dark Oval that he said and did nothing. He just looked grim. He didn’t see me again, and had Shark Lad and Scipio talk to me. They said ‘change of plan. Go to Legion World and collect Jailbait Lass. She has an item that will help us finish this war.’ That’s all he said. Nothing about Stoopid Cat, nothing about the Barbarian Horde and nothing about Dominus. So here I am.”
“So, you’re bringing me to Cobalt?”
“No,” replied Danger Damsel. “I’m going to the Barbarian Horde. I didn’t spend two years of my life to watch all my work go to hell. We’re going to the Barbarian Horde for one last bit of intel. And you’re coming with me.”
The ship came to a sudden, but gradual halt. “That’s my stop ladies,” said Lightning Lad. He looked at them both soaking it all in. “Looks like you’ve got some decision making to do…”
*This ‘Hr-‘ idea was developed by LardLad, and it really kicks ass!
PS - Sorry for the long posts guys! I got carried away. My next few posts will all be much smaller and more fitting to the style of the tag thread!
[ September 22, 2006, 04:37 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by Faraway Lad on :
MEDICUS TWO.
Faraway strode determinedly through the corridors of Legion Worlds main medical facility. As he walked he saw but barely noticed the long rows of cots filling the rooms and corridors on either side of him. Cots full of the injured and dying inhabitants of Legion world. All around the medical staff worked a small dedicated group who were doing their best to heal and save the injured of the late invasion. Turning into a small nondescript room, Faraway looked quickly around and then locked the door.
“well?” said the figure sitting behind the desk.
“It begins” said Faraway,. “the brothers must be recalled, the fate we have striven across the multiverse to prevent may be upon us”
“is there no other choice” asked the figure
“I fear not” replied Faraway “Earth 4 may already have fallen to the enemy”
“I know” said the figure,” very well, do what you can here and I shall gather the brotherhood”
There was a small sound and a faint, very faint whiff of sulphur, Turning Faraway saw Deadman appearing.
“Hi Far” said Deadman, “What I am doing here on Medicus Two?
Suddenly 6 arrows appeared from no where and pinned Deadman to the wall of the office.
“ergh, that hurt” said Deadman looking down, before his body died and was returned to the Poltergeist Zone.
STREETS OF LEGION WORLD - COBALT ROW In the Everyday Tank, Ken Clarkson blinked in surprise as Faraway Lad suddenly appeared.
“Now that’s funny” Said Far, “I should have been faraway from here”
“Likeohmygod, OHMYGODohmygod MR Faraway sir what are you dong here do you want likeany help I am good at helping” said Everyday Girl in a rush as she spun around from the driving seat Guns in hand
“More importantly Eveie what are THEY doing there” said Faraway as he pointed at the three Ken Clarksons now sitting in the tank, notepad in hand but staring in puzzlement at the other two. As they watched two Clarksons faded from view.
“Wow, …that was mega weird” said Everyday Girl
“Look out” Shouted Clarkson and Faraway together.
“what why?” asked Everyday Girl
“There, there" the two men spluttered pointing out of the tanks forward view screen
Spinning back around in the seat “OHmygod. Ohmygod,” she shouted as she frantically tried to avoid the Digi Card Legion ZZX printing press building that had suddenly appeared hovering 6 feet of the ground in front of the tank. It was too late the tank smashed into the building just as gravity took over and the building crashed down on top of it……
Posted by Hrun the Barbarian on :
DARK OVAL SPACE - THE FLAMING DEATH
Faster and faster the Dragon Ships flew towards the star slayer.
On board the ship the Adeptus Magi was giving orders to the crew.
Huge planet destroying plasma cannon tried, in vain, to lock on to the fast swarm of small piratical vessels that flew in dazzling bewilderment around the ship. Mid range multi phase lasers fired their deadly light rays outward.
As the Dragon ships closed on the space behemoth their own weapon fired, splashing death dealing energy against the force shields and ablative plating of the star slayers hull.
“Lord Adeptus” said a weapons officer, “they do not appear powerful enough to damage our hull, but as long as we are moving we are too swift for our planetary bombardment weapons to track the enemy. It is a standoff Lord”
“No” said the Adaptus Magi “this is but a distraction or a ruse,. They have another plan of that I am sure”
“Lord” continued the weapons officer “if we stop we may be able to target the Dragon ships with our smaller gun batteries”
“Do it” commanded the Adeptus.
On the leading Dragon Ship Hrun was fretting, “Grima, do they show signs of stopping yet”
“No my Yarl. No wait, they are powering down engines, they are stopping” he continued.
“By the Gods, this is it” shouted Hrun “all Dragon ships board them, destroy them. Warriors you may sack the vessel for three days”
As if under one command all the Dragon ships stopped their evasive actions and turning towards the slowing enemy ship headed at speed straight towards it.
From the front of the dragon ships a ramming beak extended and the ships crashed into the sides of the enemy creating shock waves felt all the way onto the Star Slayers bridge. Immediately the hull was breach Barbarian warriors raced across the grappling tunnels and into the belly of the beast.
Hrun was at the forefront of battle singing joyously many songs of death and glory.
In a corridor a barricade had hastily been set up. Behind it stood heavily armed Dark Oval troops. Blasters in hand they felt confident., after all these were but barbarians. But they had taken ship after ship of the Oval and the troops moral was starting to weaken.
Hrun and the warriors of his household reached the corridor and faced the barricades. The bright light and hideous whine of laser based weapons mingled with the salty tang of fresh blood as three warriors were cut down. A small cheer started from the Oval troops but it was short lived as Hrun and the remaining warriors unshipped their shields and charged at the barricades. Blaster fire bounced harmlessly off the highly polished light reflecting shields and all too soon it was bloody hand to hand combat on the barricades.
Hruns axe swung at a blaster pointing at faithful Grima removing the blaster, the hand and half the arm.
“Onwards my children onwards” he sang as he fought. “remember Dark Oval make excellent slaves,. Kill them if you must but take many alive so you may have the profit and the pleasure of them”
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
Rockhopper's Rookery
A very weary Rockhopper Lad (and Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle) brought a very weary Rockhopper Lass to her room.
"Are you sure none of this rings a bell, Adelie? You spent the last two weeks here."
"No, I'm sorry, Eudyptes. I don't remember a thing."
"Well, maybe you'll remember more after a good night's sleep."
"Now that sounds good. Thank you, Eudyptes--and you too, Hyvvie."
"I've left you a language learning device here. You should have a working knowledge of Interlac within half an hour," the Penguin Prince said, wishing his "sister" a good night.
Rockhopper Lass tried to sleep, but, tired as she was, she was so anxious about her situation, she could not. After an hour, she got up and snuck out of the Rookery. "I've got to find out what happened to me!" She was so careful and quiet that no one in the Rookery--least of all her very sound-sleeping "brother"--heard her. No one, that is except for Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle, curled up at the foot of Rockhopper Lad's bed. Hyvvie tried to no avail to wake Rockhopper Lad. Rockhopper Lad just muttered, "Mmm. My good boy. Good Hyvster." and went back to sleep.
Determined to find Rockhopper Lass, Hyvvie hopped out of bed, opened the door and scampered down the hall and out of the Rookery. Once he was outside, he contacted the other Super-Pets. "Rockhopper Lass must be found!" he told them as he began pursuing her trail.
[ September 25, 2006, 09:56 AM: Message edited by: Rockhopper Lad ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Hrykosian Fortress, Lin-Dak Nebula, Dark Oval
Collus Hrykos's Ready Room
Collus Hrykos grimly examines the reports of the war with the Barbarians.
Lord Hrykos! Vice-Regent Zyrnyn has arrived.
"Let him in," says Hrykos as he rubs his temples.
Zyrnyn walks into the Ready Room glancing about nervously.
"Report, Zyrnyn," Hrykos says.
"Yes, my Lord. We have finished our analysis of all data regarding the rogue Night Raven that bombed the Barbarian outpost of Rrraahhm," begins the Hrykosian Vice-Regent.
"And?" prompts Hrykos impatiently.
"And the only Night Raven unaccounted for is one we've found missing from the Hronmire Shipyard that was awaiting repair. Hronmire's Chief of Operations, Kazon, only recently realized it was missing. But that has to be the ship that was used in the attack."
"Why in Great Hrxes's Name had this gone unnoticed!!"
"Chief Kazon explained that the Night Raven was earmarked at a low priority as we had 2 warships with severe warp core issues. These problems diverted Hronmire's resources considerably with so many engineers relocated for the war effort. Repair schedules for Fire Hawks and Night Ravens were pushed back with such a drain in manpow--"
"ENOUGH!!!" shouted Hrykos. "So who stole the Night Raven, Zyrnyn?!?!"
Zyrnyn recoils a little and says, "ah, that is, ah, unknown at this point. But we are certain that it had to have been a traitor from within, Lord. Only Chiefs and Supervisors could've gained access to the holding tesseracts under that high level of security. And all of our Chiefs and Supervisors are--"
"Hrykosian," Hrykos finished his underling's thought. "This is an outrage, Vice-Regent! A traitor within the Hrykos Cartel is entirely unprecedented! Find this traitor, Zyrnyn, or I will be finding a new Vice-Regent to replace the one who has become deceased!"
"Y-yes, my Lord!" And Zyrnyn practically runs from the Ready Room to carry out his Lord's orders.
Left alone, Hrykos muses, "a traitor. My dead idiot brother allowed this to happen with his lack of focus and discipline! I'll find this traitor...more importantly, I'll find out who the filthy mongrel is working for and make them PAY!"
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
the upper room at Quislet's Table
Helena had parted with Winema, agreeing to meet in the morning to visit this Dr. Mayavale. She climbed the backstairs to avoid the crowd as she normally did. She gave a silent thank you to Quislet, Esq. for letting her have this room. He was also employing several of her former troops at Legion World's newest watering hole. Helena pressed the light switch, but the room remained in darkness.
"I prefer that you don't see my face just yet my dear." "Who are you?" replied the former commander. "What do you want?" "What I want is your help. We have been monitoring you. You have broken away from the Dark Oval just as the Black Sun will soon be. We are kindred spirits. Join us. Keep watch of the Wazzo woman. She is a fool, but her pathetic investigations may reveal us before the time is right."
"So the Black Sun has infiltrated Legion World. How many of our...brethern are here?" Helena slowly advanced on the shadowy figure. "Sorry my dear, but the time for secrecy still remains." Unseen by Helena, the figure pulls out a small gun. With a quiet "poof" a small dart strikes Helena. Helena continued towards the figure for two more steps before falling to the floor unconscious. The shadowy figure crouched over Helena, opening up her robotic arm. "There! Now I'll once again be able to see what she sees and hear what she hears."
Posted by Seth Gaterra on :
Seth Gaterra's Quarters...
Seth's crystal children finally calmed down, once they had some uninterrupted time to feed. But Seth himself wasn't calm; he'd mourned for Dal in private, though the loss of the link between them still hurt. What hurt him more was that while he had Dal for only a few weeks before he was taken from her -- that was the luckiest any of his lives had been at love. Most of them didn't even have an opportunity; a few longing glances at some lady, before either she revealed that she didn't share his feelings... or they were separated.
After a restless night, he woke early in the morning. "This isn't working..." Seth muttered to himself, then continued in more normal tones. "That doctor I'd heard about... Mayavale. He seems to be an expert with memories. And if nothing else, those who go to him seem more relaxed afterwards?" Seth nodded to himself, decision made. And after a small breakfast, Seth started out toward Dr. Mayavale's Mediation Tent...
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Cobalt Row
Jann Ittorr swept away the chalk outline from the carpet in the of the Secret Retreat Hotel. Fortunately there were no guests to see the crime or subsequent security office investigation. Business was slow.
They did have one guest who had rented a room for a week. A strange hooded fellow he was. In fact there seemed to be hooded cloaked people running all over Legion World lately.
His wife told him that it was just the latest fashion. Because of the popularity of Durla Hold'em Poker on the Holo-net. Many would be competitors wore a costume like the best Durlan players on the circuit.
Still all the cloak and dagger stuff was getting to be too much for the regular joe on Legion World's streets to bear. Maybe this Nova Girl and her promise of a utopian socialist economy free of the root causes of crime was right.
CRASH.....
A building appeared out of the sky and crashed into the street crushing one of the Security Office's brand new patrol vehicles. Within moments a Security Office Team was on site.
"As if things could get any worse for business" she thought.
Under the Rubble of the Legion World Printing Company
"Ohmygod. I think we're like okay"
Glancing around the to the other occupants of the vehicle Everyday Girl decided to take a vote.
"Mr. Faraway Like, Should we wait for help or should I just blast our way out with the big gun?"
"Young Miss Britney, lets wait. I think Mr. Clarkson has had all the excitement he can take. He seems to have fainted."
"Phooey"
Evil Genius Club
"No Caliente, I don't think that wining and dining her will help resolve the Thora crisis."
"It's just a thought. You should try Dr. Mayavale's mediation tent. He offered to help you with your girl troubles last night."
"Absolutely not. I cannot abide that man. Unless I take three doses of his medicine first. Besides, He was refering to my troubles with you."
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Evil Genius Club
Sometime later...
A cloaked man (the one who'd been conspiring with Hummer Lass ) arrives and is greeted by Tamper Lad.
"Welcome to the Club, sir! Do you have reservations?"
"Yes, I am Harold R. Wyandotte. I have booked a private meeting room at your establishment."
Tamper looks at his registery. "Yes! Mr. Wyandotte! I see you put down a sizable deposit for--"
"Is something the matter?" Wyandotte asks, noticing Tamper Lad staring at him.
"What are you doing here? This is hardly a place I would expect--"
"Ah, I look familiar to you, do I Tamper Lad?"
"Well, of course you do...you're--!"
"Careful, friend. I understood that your establishment offers complete confidentiality. And..." Wyandotte flashes a jaw-droppingly large credit voucher in front of him, "...I would expect that this will help ensure things remain so, despite my..familiar appearances?"
Visibly drooling, Tamper Lad responds as he snatches the voucher, "never seen you before in my life! I'll show you to the room you reserved. Follow me!"
Tamper leads Mr. Wyandotte to a secluded room. "Here you are--state of the art privacy technology! Your guest hasn't arrived yet, but I'll show him in as soon as he does!"
Wyandotte is about to enter the room when he turns to Tamper and says, "appearances can be deceiving, you know! Or perhaps they aren't?" He grins at Tamper, then closes the door.
Still drooling and reading the voucher, Tamper Lad heads to his office, mumbling, "Whatever! As long as these creds are good, my lips are sealed Mr. 'Harold Ryan Wyandotte'!"
[ September 25, 2006, 02:36 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. Back Alleys.
Bat-Fem prowls the rooftops. But then...the sonic enhancers in her ears pick up a disturbance. Following the sounds, she determines exactly which alley they are coming from and swoops down.
She finds a lone man in a bright costume lying in a pool of his own blood. Looking around, her infra-red lenses see no sign of his assailant. The man is awake but blood is pouring profusely from his mouth, just as it is from a large wound in his chest.
"Hold on," she tells the man, "I'll get you to the hospital!" Even as she says this, she ponders the logistics of it. He's a very large man, and her hovercycle is parked blocks away.
The man tries to speak, but he's choking on his own blood. All he can manage is to clutch at the chest of her costume and look at her pleadingly. He doesn't want to die, but he's losing his hold on life.
In the next instant his eyes stare distantly, and he releases his grip. He's gone.
Sadenned, she assures the departed, "I'll find your killer. I prom--!"
She's startled. She suddenly recognizes the man. His features. His costume. She knows him.
"Oh gods!" She jumps up and backs off in disbelief. She puts her hand over her mouth and whispers, "Lard Lad! Someone has murdered Lard Lad!"
[ September 19, 2007, 12:34 AM: Message edited by: Lard Lad ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Deep Space, Pillars of Herkhundules
“Wow, there they are,” said Jailbait Lass. “We’re really on the outskirts of the United Planets,” she added plainly. She did not seem thrilled.
“You know,” replied Danger Damsel, “for someone with friends so famous for exploring faraway places, you sure haven’t been all that far from Legion World, Jailbait Lass.” There was a hint of annoyance in Danger Damsel’s voice.
Jailbait Lass gave Danger Damsel a dirty look, though no one was there to see it. They had parting with Lightning Lad seven solar cycles ago, in a remote sector of a remote trading route, and had taken their own ship this far. Jailbait Lass did not want to be there. But here she was—not far off from the oft-referenced and only whispered sector of space called ‘The Barbarian Hordes’.
“What did you expect? Another half-day’s journey and we’d be besieged by ravenous, cannibalistic savages, mounted on space-dragons, pillaging all they see?”
Jailbait Lass remained quiet, peering out into space. Finally she spoke up. “What do you hope to accomplish Anne? Out here, the two of us alone?”
“Well, Lolita,” she replied, annoyed at the use of her real name, “we need to find out what this Dominus fellow is up to. Where he intends to go. What he wants. Is he rallying the Barbarian Hordes to one banner, to invade the Dark Oval? Is he preparing to amass a force so strong that we have our own reasons to fear it?”
Jailbait Lass rolled her eyes. Yes, she understood all that. But what did that actually mean? Go into the Barbarian Horde and lurk in the shadows, from town to town, nation to nation, planet to planet, scouting for intel? That could take years! There was a real danger, here and now, and she had to get this package to Cobalt Kid…
“That’s odd,” said Danger Damsel, “our scanners are going off. There’s a craft approaching. But the Triumvirate armies are not for a thousand leagues off, on the border. This is still UP space, but there’s no trade routes…”
Jailbait Lass checked her belt, and felt the familiar feel (becoming all too familiar) of a blaster that she’d armed herself with. Lightning Lad was kind enough to give it, but now she wished she paid attention when Brittany (Everyday Girl) would enjoy her target practice.
“INCOMING!” yelled Danger Damsel, and suddenly a large ship came into view, spinning in their direction. Danger Damsel went into evasive action mode—apparently, Jailbait Lass thought, she was an accomplished pilot. The enemy ship seemed large and clunky, built for intimidation and girth. Stupid…picking a masculine look to a star-ship when a sleeker, more agile ship would suffice. It was firing on them.
**Incoming Transmission** ‘Unidentified ship—surrender yourselves and prepare to be bordered.’
“Go to hell,” Danger Damsel said back to the ship, shooting off a missile in its direction. It dodged the missile, but the missile went on into the blackness behind it and suddenly destroyed something else. It was another ship—cloaked. Suddenly, many ships began to un-cloak. They were outgunned and big time.
“Shit!” yelled Danger Damsel.
“I hope you’re happy,” said Jailbait Lass, jumping into the co-pilots seat, “lets take a little trip to the Barbarian Horde and get ourselves killed!” she yelled at Danger Damsel. She began punching numbers into the computer.
“What are you doing?”
“Calling for back-up. Invisible Brainiac can make it here if he just tries…he might be able to save us…”
“Wait,” said Danger Damsel, looking out the windows, “there’s no need. Look.” She was pointing, and they could see in the distance a fleet of ships coming into view. It was a small fleet, but obviously a military force, and by the length of the quick and devastating route that followed, a veteran force.
Fifteen minutes later, the commanding cruiser flew beside the smaller ship the two ladies flew and boarded it. They could hear the captain speaking as he walked. He was very terse, slightly brutish and colorful in his language. “Barbarians here? In the United Planets? Evidently, every two bit empire and kingdom thinks they can invade the UP and not pay the price. We should have left some alive so they can go crawling back to their backwoods sector of space and tell them they a true army.” The other soldiers were talking to him, but there voices didn’t carry like his and could not be heard. His was much more commanding and had a hint of anger that Jailbait Lass could tell probably never went away. “Well, now we have to be ready for a second war, although I think they’re probably testing the waters. We have a common enemy after all.” He turned the corner. Jailbait Lass had never seen him before, but instantly knew who it was. Scipio Taltarus. The most decorated military officer in all the armies of the Legion World. He heroically fought and won a series of battles over the last few years that made him a hero to common folk, one of the few non-LMBers to have done so. But, the life of a solider being how it was, he had never had the opportunity to set foot on Legion World and actually see what he was defending. Cobalt spoke of him with great affection and respect.
“Ladies,” he said with a slight nod of his head. He was garbed in bronze like some ancient painting would depict a warrior, and had a flowing red cape. “Lucky for you we were in the area,” he added.
“We would have managed,” said Danger Damsel with no small degree of venom in her words. ‘What was her problem?’, thought Jailbait Lass.
“Yes Anne, I’m sure you would,” replied Scipio. They had met before. “But the Legion World Triumvirate sent a small squadron to check the Barbarian Hordes’ borders and ensure the UP had not been pierced. It seems like that was a wise decision…” he continued, falling quietly into thought. “Why would they do it though…?”
“Scipio?” said Jailbait Lass, speaking up. “Cobalt sent you? I must see him.”
Her demanding tone suddenly made Scipio smile. “Yes, my young friend, I know that,” he replied. “But the road to him is far. I’ll take you to him, but not yet. It appears the entire galaxy is on the brink of a world war.”
Legion World, the Coastal Jungles
Invisible Brainiac’s omni-com blinked red. He noticed it, but could do nothing right away. He was far from the capital city, along the coast of the lower continents, where the Jungles ruled. Here, nature knew no master and Invisible Brainiac respected it. In fact, he was actively trying to put out some fires that seemed to be ravaging the area. The grasslands to the south were burning, as they always did this time of the year, and despite the moisture the jungles had, they couldn’t risk losing what was inside. Also, the gorilla tribe of Legion World, strong allies of the LMB and Legion World Gov., had asked for assistance. As one of the most powerful LMBers, Invisible Brainiac volunteered. He found a quick minute and checked.
“That’s not good…” he said reading the message, “poor Jailbait Lass…I could probably make it, but not until this is done. Hm who’s probably close by...?” he thought, checking the roster of active members of the LMB.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. Hummer Lass's Apartment.
Hummer Lass showers as blood, not her own, streams down into the drain. Her bloody, disgarded garments lie in a nearby trash can.
"I did it!" she practically sings. "I-I know I wasn't supposed to yet, but there he was stumbling out of the Hootchie Hut. I couldn't help myself! I hope Wyandotte won't be too angry; at least now, he and I can be together without that filth coming between us!"
And she hums her favorite Space Banshees song as she washes the rest of the blood off....
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Dark Oval Space, the Planet Epicus
In the great hall of conquering star-ship ‘Leonidas’ the gathering of officers, centurions, United Planets representatives and the ‘Companions’, had now reached a moment of silence. All night victory celebrations had raged on, although a great deal of strategy had been planned and many administrative duties completed. The fleets of the United Planets, led by the LMB Triumvir Cobaltus Primus Augustus, had been victorious this day in battle against the Epicureans, one of the major vassal-states subservient to the Dominion. Despite their status as a vassal-state, the Epicureans were renowned for their cruelty, particularly for their use of theft and slavery as a means of maintaining control of their own subservient planets. One such planet was Antares VII, the home planet of the Proteans, which had been conquered ages ago and cruelly and gradually seen its civilization destroyed. Many past Presidents of the UP had fought for the cause of the Proteans, but to no avail. Thus, Cobalt Kid ensured that this would be one of the first victories, to symbolically show how serious the United Planets and Legion World forces were—while truly being a means to rally even more support to the UP cause.
The Epicurean King was led forth, covered in robes with his hands tied behind his back. He was filthy, and his royal robes and crown had been replaced by dirty rags and sheets. Bringing him forward was Shark Lad, the ferocious LMBer, massive in his stature and terrifying to behold. Shark Lad’s rage had become so horrific in this war, that soldiers often used it sparingly as a reference point for how angry they had become. “If I don’t get a hot shower today, I’ll be as angry as Shark Lad…” was an example. Truth to be told, no soldier, on either side, would willingly witness Shark Lad in battle.
In front of the King, who was pushed to the ground, was Disaster Boy. A grim look was on Disaster Boy’s face. Where had he been all those months? What happened to him? None knew. But something had happened. For he had an edge to him now. Neither cruel nor outright angry, but grim and gritty. “Here now,” he said out loud, and all the officers became quiet, “is the King of the Epicureans. Scourge of the Proteans. Murderer of the 87th United Planets fleet.” He moved to the side.
Now before the King stood Cobaltus Primus Augustus. Indeed, the hero known as Cobalt Kid was nowhere to be seen. Here, instead, was the Triumvir widely reported on these days. Covered in bronze armor with a flowing red cape. Upon his head was a fierce bronze helmet, with red hair parted down the middle. His entire face was covered, with only a slit for the eyes horizontally, and another vertically, forming a ‘T’. His widely renowned handsome features were nowhere to be seen. Only the horrific war armor he now wore. He had a sword in his hand. “King of the Epicureans,” he began, his voice calm to the point of almost uncaring if not for the harshness of it, “in the name of the United Planets and Legion World, I hereby commandeer the Kingdom of Epicus, and all of its conquered nations. Those nations are now free from your rule, and welcomed into the United Planets. Epicus itself is no longer a part of the Dark Oval.” He moved forward. Using his sword, he cut ropes binding the Kings wrists.
“I strip you of your kingship, and name you simply a common man. Your people are free from your rule, whether they desire it or not. You are now a prisoner of the United Planets. However, your entire planet is complicit in the horrible subjugation of the Protean race. I hereby rule that Epicus must spend 50% of all of the planet’s finances to repair the damage done to Antares VII, until the planet is repaired and the Protean race has been repaid for all of the atrocities you have inflicted on them. I also demand 10% of all of your planets resources will be taken by the armies of the United Planets and the Legion World Triumvirate.” His voice was harsh to the point of a sword scarping against metal. “Such is now law.”
He turned and walked away, leaving the once-king on his knees. “Whose law…?” the king said, overwhelmed by his defeat. “Legion World’s? Your own?”
Cobalt looked at him with utter anger and rage, memories of the invasion still moving through his mind. ”Is there any other?”
They soldiers cheered.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Evil Genius Club
Tamper Lad shows another cloaked man into Wyandotte's private room.
"It's about time, Ord," says Wyandotte. "Did Tamper Lad recognize you?"
"Nah. I doubt anyone would recognize this badly burned puss!" And as he pulls off the hood, Ord displays what he's speaking of. His face and every visible part of bare skinned is covered with scar tissue as if someone had taken a torch to him.
Wyandotte flinches slightly at the sight of him despite himself. "Yes," he says, "it is quite a shame too see such formerly handsome features destroyed."
Ord says distantly, "I wonder what the LMB would think if they knew I lived?"
"Oh, I suspect you'll get to see that reaction eventually. Did your mission regarding Earth-4 go well?"
"Completely as planned. The other elements involved in that did their bits as well, rather smoothly. But why meet here, Wyandotte? Doesn't it concern you to have Tamper Lad see you here?"
"Actually, he doesn't realize what he's truly seeing. But this will sow the seeds for building a business relationship with him after Phase Three of our plan starts."
"Yes," Ord muses, "I suppose that will help. Where's the third member of our little conspiracy?"
"Oh, he's little more than a pawn, isn't he? He doesn't need to know everything."
"No," Ord smiles, "he doesn't."
And their conversation continues into the night's wee hours....
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. A Back Alley.
A contingent led by Lil' Matlock, Frio and Polar Boy arrive at the site of a murder they've been tipped off to. Many uniformed Junior Officers get to work securing the crime scene as the three examine the body.
Frio gasps and says, "it is him. Oh my god...Cobalt will--"
"Easy, Frio," Lil' Matlock says assuringly, "appearances can be deceiving, you know."
"Well, that 'Bat-Fem' seemed pretty convinced when she called in the tip. In fact she was pretty darn emotional over it," Polar Boy responds.
"Maybe she did it?" Lil' Matlock muses. "Have some of the J.O.'s find out where 'Lardy' was before he got here." And Polar Boy departs to carry out his superior's orders. "Frio, weren't Lardy and Whordru supposed to be vacationing offworld until next week?"
"Yes," she says reviewing her Omnicom. "And there's no record of them returning early. Of course with their powers..."
"...they could've returned unnoticed? Yes, perhaps there was a lover's spat? We'll definitely have to find Whordru for questioning, assuming this is Lardy. Meanwhile Frio, go ahead and release this information to the press as soon as we've finished with the crime scene. That could help us with tips. However--"
"Yes?" Frio asks awaiting Lil' Matlock's next thought.
"Do not inform Cobie yet. Make sure the others and Spellbinder don't either. I don't want to bring this down on Cobie until we know this man's identity for sure..."
"Yes, sir," she responds and starts to compose a draft of the press release.
"One more thing, Frio?" Lil' Matlock interrupts. "Could you get me my sippy cup, please?"
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. Wyandotte's Secret HQ.
Well, that was productive, Wyandotte thinks as he secures the entrance, and turns on his display board, let's see what's going on...
"What?!" he screams aloud as he sees monitor after monitor lit up with news of Lard Lad's death. "No, no, NO! He can't be--not yet!"
Angrily, he flips a remote button to Hummer Lass's apartment. He sees she is asleep, but something catches his eye. The waste basket. The bloody clothing stuffed into it.
"NO! THAT FOOL! She killed him TOO SOON!"
In a fury he throws his cloak on and prepares to leave.
"She'll rue this day!" he yells and storms out of his secret base.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. Hummer Lass's Apartment.
"You've ruined everything, bitch!" Wyandotte screams as he shakes Hummer Lass by her shoulders.
"I'm-I'm sorry, darling...when I saw him there, I flew into a rage and--"
"You want to see a 'rage'? How's THIS?" And Wyandotte hits her full-on in the face with his clutched fist, sending her reeling against her bed. "I'm going to make you pay dearly for this!" He pulls out a laser blade.
"N-no, p-please don't...I-I love you..." she cries as she backs away weakly.
"It's okay, Wyandotte. That won't be necessary," says a voice from behind the assailant.
Wyandotte turns around and sees the familiar, hideously-scarred man he'd been talking to earlier. "Ord? Don't you know what she's done?"
"Yes, but it's not what you think," Ord says calmly. "All is, most certainly, not lost."
"Oh? How is that?"
And Wyandotte finds himself smiling again within a few moments.....
Posted by Spellbinder on :
Levitz Hall, LMBP Plaza
< Maxx moved along the corridor, his outstretched hands manipulating the spell he was using to move the crate ahead of him. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: You know, hon, just because you're a Prince and all doesn't mean you have to own the world.
< Crusader moved along behind his husband, his telekinesis carrying twelve suitcases, which floated in the air around him. >
[The Crusader]: Ha ha. I'm not the one who requested two suites for us, even though we're sharing living space.
< Maxx looked back over his shoulder, one eyebrow raised >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: I just want to make sure that you don't turn my workroom into extra closet space, sweetie.
< The couple entered their new living suite. The floor was covered in unpacked boxes and furniture that needed to be arranged. Setting their burdens down, the two leaned against each other and smiled. They had lived together when they were reservists living at the LMBP Outpost, but this would be their first permanent home since getting married >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Welcome home, husband.
< The two shared a quick embrace before turning to start their unpacking >
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Border between the Barbarian Horde and the United Planets
Jailbait Lass felt a rising frustration despite trying to remain calm. But her she was again, stuck in a place she did want to be when she had a mission that was contingent upon begin completed as quickly as possible. As soldiers walked around her, doing a variety of jobs, both administrative and artisan, she paid no heed to how many of them took an extra few seconds to soak in her presence. She was attractive to many of them. It wasn’t that the armies of Cobalt Kid never saw women, as many females were actual soldiers and even heroes of Cobalt’s Legions, it was that she had a certain youthful vulnerability to her that many found attractive. It was her most hated quality.
In a nearby room, Scipio Taltarus continued to give orders and keep his fleets running in an orderly fashion. This was where he excelled as a leader, as his men followed his orders without question, never thinking to second guess him. The fleets under his command continued to move ever closer to the borders of the Barbarian Horde. Danger Damsel stood off to the side, waiting, growing ever impatiently.
“Good, we’ll be upon the borders shortly,” Scipio continued, close to finishing his administrative duties. “The borders are vast and the Triumvirate armies still have stations throughout. But with the retirement of the Starhaven contingent and the semi-retirement of Eryk Davis Ester’s army on Greg Evignan Island, we are far more short handed these days than before. Especially with the majority of the UP’s military might with Cobaltus in the Dark Oval,” he finished, aware that he was speaking for his own benefit at this point. The soldiers trusted he saw the big picture—they were last for dinner. “Dismissed. Strength and honor.” At last they left the room.
Danger Damsel glared at him.
He looked back, showing no sign of emotion. He had a hardened look about him at all times, no matter how he felt at the moment.
“Well?” she said.
“Well?” he repeated.
“Well, is that all I get? You come in, fight a battle, and move on to the Horde without a word? No comments on where we stand these days? Are we going to war? Are the armies coming here? What about my work?”
“Yes,” he said. She looked at him funny. “Yes, Anne, that’s all you get. You disobeyed orders. Cobalt wants Jailbait Lass with him ASAP, but you came here. You don’t trust him to do what’s right. He’s got a plan.”
“He’s losing his mind!” she yelled at Scipio, becoming infuriated. “And you’re following orders like its business as usual! The Barbarian Horde is on the move! And you come out here,” she continued, “and completely ignore me. I know whats in there…” her voice began to get quieter. She was right in his face, but began to back off.
“My duty is to the army,” said Scipio, calm and cold, with no apology in his voice, “and we realize the danger. And I think your letting personal feelings cloud your judgment. We’re doing all we can. I’m doing all I can.” He came up close behind her, as she had his back to him. “You’ll have to trust someone Anne,” he said softly.
Suddenly, she turned around and kissed him. She kissed him hard, and two years of emotion ran through her. She loved this man, whom she barely ever saw, and she knew he loved her back. But he infuriated her, with his arrogance and calm demeanor. And she knew she infuriated him, with her impatience. But neither could resist the other.
Now many floors over, Jailbait Lass entered a small pod, and quickly hacked into the system. “Let them have their lover’s quarrel,” she thought, “while I slip out of here for good. Looks like I’m on my own in the deepest parts of space. Off to the Dark Oval.”
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
SECURITY OFFICE
Rescued from the tomb underneath the Print Works the heavily damaged but still operational everyday tank rolled back into the garage at the Security Office under its own power.
Disembarking the tank crew stretched their legs and breathed easier than they had for the past few hours. The reporter Clarkson quickly excused himself from the company of Everyday Girl and Faraway Lad who were analysing the strange chain of events.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
The Rookery Road
Using his Nose of Wonder, it didn't take long for Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle to track down Rockhopper Lass. Rockhopper Lass turned back to see him running after her. "Hyvvie! Let me go!" She turned in the other direction and there standing in the road were some of the other Super-Pets: Jinx, the Calamity Cat; Piddlin' Pup; Blok, the Pet Rock; Buzz, the Giant Bee; and Old Dutch, the Super-Cow.
Seeing this menagerie, combined with her stress and exhaustion caused Rockhopper Lass to collapse.
"This one sure faints a lot!" remarked Blok.
"Who is she again?" forgetful Old Dutch asked.
"Old Dutch, can you remember anything?" Buzz returned.
"Sure I can! I remember when I used to be able to fly and when I fought crime with Ajax, the Super-Goat and Bon Ami, the Super-Chicken. I remember when I had heat vision, instead of lukewarm vision..."
"Is she starting that again?" Buzz shook his head.
"To answer your question, Old Dutch," Jinx purred, "She's Rockhopper Lass from the Earth-4 universe. She's that universe's double of Rockhopper Lad's sister."
"Whose sister?" Old Dutch asked, putting a hoof to her forehead.
"Rockhopper Lad! My master!" Hyvvie answered.
"She looks just like him too!" Piddlin' Pup added.
"So what do we do with her now?" asked Blok.
"I guess we take her back to the Rookery," offered Hyvvie.
"Where?" asked Old Dutch.
"Rockhopper's Rookery," Jinx said, slightly impatiently, then asking Hyvvie "Won't Rockhopper Lad have woken up by now and noticed she's missing?"
Hyvvie sighed. "I love Rockhopper Lad, but I swear he could sleep through World War VIII!"
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Deep Spacesomewhere along the edges of the United Planets, the Barbarian Horde and the Dark Oval
Jailbait Lass’s stomach ached harder than ever and she cursed herself for being so naïve. How she thought she could ever make it through space to a place hardly even explored by UP geographers was beyond her at this point. She had brought what she thought was more than enough food. She was wrong. She was starving, and she was running out of time. ‘Please…’ she thought, praying to the only source of justice she knew existed—the Legion of Message Board Posters.
Jailbait Lass looked out the window, and thought she was hallucinating. But no, there was a teenage boy, dressed in odd clothing with spectacles on. He knocked on the window. “Lolita, right? Please let me in. My 19th Century technology will only allow me to survive out here in space for so long. And these telepathic earplugs are LMB standard—but only from your early days.”
“Who?” she whispered, letting him in. At this point, she was ready to trust anyone.
“Its me, Time Boy!,” he said, “my records indicate that you would need someone to stop by and give you some food, or you’d starve to death! So I have what I consider one of the greatest inventions of a millennia ago, though it would not be created until after my time. It’s a peanut butter and jelly sandwich,” he said, pulling one out for her.
She thought she might be losing it, but her analytical mind would not let her. Of course: Time Boy. An honorary LMBer. Known in the 19th Century as the great writer H.G. Wells, who would essentially create the genre of Science Fiction. But when he was younger, as a child, he would go on time-traveling adventures, known as Time Boy, and battle along-side the LMB. He usually showed up at odd times, like now.
“How did you know…?” she said, in between bites.
“Stoopid Cat told me,” he replied. “He told me I’d screwed up his adventure, so I became curious about these couple of weeks and read up on them. Lots of crazy things going on—what is about to happen to the LMB will altar everything, set the LMB on a whole new course. I saw that at some point someone made their way to you in order to fend off your starvation, so I took a chance, hoped it was me, and decided to get involved in the adventure, even if only for a cameo.”
“Wait, what?” she said, perplexed. “Back up. Stoopid Cat?”
“Yes, Stoopid Cat. I’ve had more adventures with him than anyone. In our latest, well, my his latest relative to you at this time, depending how you look at it, I took him back to the 1950’s to fight alongside his buddies in the JSMBP. Unfortunately, he was supposed to be meeting you, and I screwed that up, and set you on your course. I could have sent him back to the time I took him out of your century, but at some point we separated, and while he was still in the past, I came here to feed you. So I can’t take him back here now, until I leave after feeding you, otherwise, I’d screw up the fabric of time by being in two places as once. So, I have to feed you, then return to retrieve him, and deposit him back here at a time later than my departure from this meeting. Its all about time travel, you see?”
Jailbait Lass finished her sandwich. “No, not really. But do you have a drink?”
“Yes, here,” he finished, handing her a glass of milk, “fresh too, not like that stuff you guys have here in the 31st Century. They tried to take out all the bad stuff in the 25th century and accidentally took out all the good. But I really must apologize about Stoopid Cat. I’m sure he’ll be back before this is all done to play some part. In fact, I’d wager on it.”
Jailbait Lass nodded. She didn’t understand the details completely, but understood that Stoopid Cat got sidetracked via Time Boy, but because of time travel, could not come back until after this meeting between Jailbait Lass and Time Boy. “Well, thanks for the save,” she said, her usual shyness coming back now that she realized she just devoured the food her offered her.
“My pleasure! Tell everyone I said hi, and don’t forget about your mushroom from Dr. Mayavale!” he yelled, getting up and preparing to leave.
She *had* forgotten about it. “Thanks again!” she said, waving. She wanted to talk more, but he seemed ready to go.
“Its off to the Prehistoric era for me! I’ve been waiting years to see if someone else defeats Hitler’s Nazis there, but I guess it’ll probably just be me—!” he continued, letting his sentence trail off as he disappeared.
Heh, she thought. What an odd boy, although fascinating. A shame though, the one day he would be killed by Lucifer Lass, in front of Eryk Davis Ester’s eyes. Apparently, he would be an old man by then at least.
Suddenly, an immense blast of green light exploded into her view! It was a scouting blast of energy and immediately, its owner was upon her.
“Jailbait Lass!” said the voice, “what in Sam Hill are you doing out here?” he finished. It was Abin Quank, Green Lantern! “Invisible Brainiac got your message and sent me. You’re pretty off the beaten path, you know…”
At last, she thought, we’re getting somewhere…
[ September 26, 2006, 11:27 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by Seth Gaterra on :
Outside Dr. Mayavale's Mediation Tent
Seth came within sight of the tent, a structure unusual to his sight. Then again, he was used to ferrocrete bunkers... so maybe it was just him? What caught his attention more, however, was who was also approaching the tent.
"Helena..." Seth, not realizing he was doing it, gave her a shy smile. Then he cleared his throat abruptly, drawing himself up to a more formal stance as he saw her companion. "My greatest apologies, Madam Ambassador; it was not my intent to slight you." Seth offered Winema a formal bow, hoping that she'd be mollified. Winema (as he remembered) was known for crushing the careers of those who opposed her; she could possibly cost Seth his sanctuary at Legion World.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Office of Security Sub-basement. The Morgue.
Frio, carrying Lil' Matlock in her arms, enters the Morgue, where Dedman has been performing an autopsy on Lard Lad. It's not often that the Security Office has to conduct forensic investigations, but when they have to, no member of the team is more qualified than Dedman.
It's not a job he relishes, however. For a man who cannot die permanently, nothing hurts more than losing people he cares about because they do not share his gift/curse. He finds that still feeling the pain of loss after all this time is a mixed blessing. True, it keeps his human compassion intact, but he's doomed to lose everyone he cares for eventually. He often wonders in these dark moments if retaining his humanity is really worth it.
This is one of those moments. Lard Lad was one of the most prominent LMBers at the time Dedman entered their ranks. Lardy and several others helped make this natural outcast feel like he had a family for the first time in ages. Seeing him lying there dead really hurts. Damn his humanity!
"How...how does it go, Deddy?" Frio asks, snapping Dedman out of his morass.
"Slowly," he says wearily. "Maybe I shouldn't have done this one--I'm too close to..to the subject. I'm getting nowhere fast."
"You can do this, pal," Lil' Matlock says, pulling the pappy out of his mouth.
"No, I don't think I can! You two, and most of the Security Officers, have some detachment here--you don't really know him, he'd been away so long. But this was a really good friend..and a good man."
He rubs his eyelids and continues. "Also, I can't remember what happened the last time I died for some reason. And I think it was very important. It's driving me crazy...my head's just not in the game!"
"Deddy," Lil' Matlock says calmly, "you've got to do this. You're our best guy. We can only hold this back from Cobalt for so long...we need to know if it's him and everything about how he died. If you're his friend, you'd do it for him! I believe he'd want you to. So...can you proceed?"
"I..." Dedman begins and hesitates,"...yes. Yes I can."
"Good, good. We'll leave you to your work. Notify us as soon as you're ready to report."
Frio exits carrying Lil' Matlock as Dedman dives into his task with renewed vigor.
"Um, Frio?" Lil' Matlock says outside the Morgue door. "I, uh, made you a present in my diapy..."
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
The Rookery
Rockhopper Lad awoke early from his deep slumber. "Mmmboy! There's nothing like a good night's sleep!" Noticing the Wonder Beagle on the floor by his bed, Rockhopper smiled at him. "Good morning, Hyvvie. Already up, I see. Oh, you have your friends with you. Good morning, Super-Pets. Why are you all looking at me like that?"
"Because I ran off in the night and they found me and brought me back here," Rockhopper Lass answered.
"What?"
"I'm sorry, Eudyptes. I panicked. I don't know anything about myself beyond what you've told me and I..." She began to cry.
"Oh, Adelie, I'm sorry," he held his "sister" close. "It'll be all right. We'll find a way to restore your memory and get you home. I promise. I'll have breakfast prepared and then we'll go to headquarters and see what the other LMBers have found out." Turning to the Super-Pets, Rockhopper Lad smiled and said, "Thank you all for bringing her back. You're all invited for breakfast as well. Is there anything in particular you'd like?"
Old Dutch, the Super-Cow, scratched her head with her hoof again. "I'd like it if I had super-speed again instead of super-walking. I'd like it..."
Blok interrupted, "He means to eat."
"Oh. Sorry. Super-hearing's not what it used to be."
Rockhopper Lass, leaving her "brother"'s embrace smiled and started to chuckle.
"What's so funny?" Rockhopper Lad asked.
"You're sitting here having a conversation with five animals and a rock as if it were just something that people do every day."
"Legion World is a very special place, Adelie."
"I don't see what's so amazing," Buzz piped in. "That's nothing compared to talking Penguin People!"
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Dark Oval: De Facto Headquarters of the Armies of the United Planets and the Legion World Triumvirate
“It’s uglier”, said Jailbait Lass, taking in all of the scenery, as they flew through Dark Oval Space. If it could be called that anymore. No one was sure what it was, now that the United Planets and the Legion World Triumvir Cobalt Kid had actually invaded the Dark Oval and had begun conquering their territory.
“No, its not,” replied Abin Quank, “you’re just biased. Its beautiful out here…” he mused. Abin had seen far corners of space that very few ever had. They flew through the Dark Oval and approached the base, and Abin used his ring to see far off into the blackness of space, revealing the various ‘nations’ and ‘cartels’ that existed in the Dark Oval. The Dark Oval was run by (5) cartels, each one having their own vassal-states beneath them, some more powerful than others. Out of the five, only three had ever had any interaction with the LMB: the Dominion and the Hrykos Clan, who had invaded Legion World, and the Black Sun, which had been a subversive element in the UP before.
Out of all of the LMB, Abin was perhaps the most adept at interstellar travel, as he was the universe’s last remaining Green Lantern, as well as the patron of the House of Quank, a prominent family on Legion World and among the LMB. When he received Invisible Brainiac’s message, he quickly flew out to find Jailbait Lass. Mainly, because he had a soft-spot for her, as the best friend of his granddaughter, Everyday Girl. But also, because he wanted to see how things were progressing in the Dark Oval. The war had been raging for months now, and had taken a sharp turn. Not only were the Dark Oval forces driven out of the UP, but the UP now pro-actively was conquering the Dark Oval. And this, he knew, was the will of the LMBer Cobalt Kid. Ironically, these days there was a calm trust between Cobalt Kid and Abin Quank, which the newer members did not realize was something new. Indeed, in past years, many had considered Cobalt Kid and Abin Quank to be rivals. Not enemies, since they were comrades and often battled alongside each other, but not friends. It was Space Ranger, Abin Quank’s brother that was friends with Cobalt, who had helped create the Security Office with him. Both Abin and Cobalt had a tremendous amount of respect and admiration for Space Ranger, and his devotion to truth and justice. Upon his death during the Infinite Crisis, something strange happened. Abin and Cobalt seemed to lay aside all the rivalry and begin working together more often, having a mutual understanding that their goals were the same. They had become friends. Now, Cobalt firmly trusted in Abin Quank and his wife Pagan Lass, and they both ran the Security Office with him. Mere weeks ago, Cobalt had named Abin co-Chief of Security with Matlock while he was reforming the Security Office in the wake of the Invasion.
They arrived, at last. Disaster Boy hailed them as they flew down, and the various army leaders took note. In addition to UP military, there was Cobalt’s own Triumvir officers, as well as Rockhopper Lad’s Penguin Army, Lucien Lad’s army of Brads, Psyonian forces and an array of other military allies.
“Wow, he does look grim,” said Abin, who obviously had heard the rumors that Disaster Boy seemed remarkably different after his time away for those many months. Jailbait Lass took note.
“Thanks Abin, for seeing to Jailbait Lass’ safe arrival,” he said. He turned to her. “Lolita, Cobalt would like to—“. He shouldn’t have wasted her breath, she had already run off to find him. He turned back to Abin. “Ever been to the Dark Oval before?” he asked.
“I’ve been just about everywhere,” replied the Green Lantern.
Jailbait Lass ran through the crowd, and as she caught sight of a podium upon a hill, she realized that is where Cobalt must be. She was very affectionate towards him, but knew plainly his arrogance would have him planted firmly upon an elevated position. She ran forward and suddenly saw Shark Lad take notice of her. He seemed different—ferocious, agitated. He suddenly tensed up, as if to snatch her away before she could reach the podium, which she could now see was a chair.
“No, Sharky,” said a voice, which she barely recognized, “let her pass. Control your anger here, among friends…”
As she ran up, she knew it was him. She was glad to see him—but suddenly so angry. Fire pulsed through her veins. She couldn’t help it—she was tired of long journeys, tired of his lack of communication. She was yelling, she realized, yelling! She hardly ever spoke, let alone yelled. “Where have you been?!” she yelled, “what’s going on?! Why are you still here? No one wants a war, yet, why are you still fighting?” She was shocked at herself, shocked that she had such political convictions and would voice them.
Finally, she saw him. Sitting down, his red cloak around him, and covered in armor. He had a centurion’s helmet on. What she did not know, was that the men had not seen him whithout a helmet since that day they left Legion World’s orbit. He had refused to take it off. But now, in front of all of them, with Jailbait Lass looking at him, he did. “You see Lolita,” said Cobalt Kid, revealing his face, and pausing. He face was a brutalized, horrific mess. Superboy Prime’s punches had smashed it into pulp, and ripped it apart. Deep cuts went through is nose and another over his eye, scaring the eye badly. His ear had been smashed and his face had been burned badly on the left side by heat vision. His once legendary handsome features had been scarred. But the real scars, she now realized, were all internal. “You see…,” he continued, “...I have been extremely busy, and not all has been well.”
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Office of Security Sub-basement. The Morgue.
A couple hours after his last visit, Lil' Matlock scoots into the morgue aboard his baby walker and finds Dedman inputting info into his Omnicom.
"You called for me, Deddy?"
"Yeah, Matty, I'm about through here."
"What do you have?"
"Well, first of all, he was definitely killed from the multiple stab wounds to his chest. The organ damage was extensive. I doubt anything could've saved him..."
"Any ideas about the weapon?"
"Yeah," Dedman answers, checking his notes, "my wound analysis program suggests the weapons may have been sais, common daggers/short swords from Earth's Japanese region as a martial arts weapon. They are rarely used over the past millenium, but are not unheard of."
"Do you have an image of this 'sai' weapon?"
"Yes. Here." Dedman taps his Omnicom and hands it to Lil' Matlock with the image onscreen.
As he studies the image, Lil' Matlock says, "our officers and cadets have retraced the victim's steps. Seems he'd been at the Hootchie Hut quite a while before the murder."
"Not surprising," Dedman muses, "he loved the Hootchie Hut a lot. With his own place destroyed a couple months ago, he'd logically go back there. I remember this adventure we had there way back when. The backroom was inexplicably linked to parallel--"
"Sorry, Deddy," Lil' Matlock interrupts, "but that's not relevant to the investigation."
"Oh! Sorry. Please...continue."
"Anyhow, he's there getting wasted, but it's like he doesn't recognize anybody. Lots of the staff and patrons talk to him like they always did, but he just looks confused. Like he'd never seen any of them before. They say his posture was different--kind of hunched over. And he's being all awkward with the ladies. All shy and not flirtacious at all. Oddest of all was the drinking. Everyone we talked to says he's been a hundred percent sober since he returned after 2 years. But there he was drinking like the old lush he used to be!"
"Well," Dedman offers, "if he and Whordru were on the outs, it could explain all those behaviors. Everything I've heard suggested that the two were pretty lovey-dovey. A breakup or falling out could've hit him hard."
"So, I guess you're saying, Deddy that this is him?"
"Well, nothing suggests otherwise. Genetics match up. Dental records show no differences either. Lardy's bottom front teeth are a little crooked, see?" And he lifts the corpse's lower lip to show him. "These are exactly alligned like Lardy's. Unfortunately, I don't have any records of Lardy's birthmarks, moles and scars, so it's hard to be definitive."
"And we've been unable to confirm Lardy's whereabouts in our search initiative we took based on the possibility that this was not. Gods, I'm going to have to contact Cob--"
"There are two oddities, though. It appears that Lardy's recently had some minor cosmetic surgery."
"Cosmetic surgery?"
"Yes. My laser scanner showed microscopic incisions around his pectorial area...and his navel..." And suddenly, Dedman is lost in thought.
"His navel?" Lil' Matlock wonders. "I can see maybe thinning the fat out of his boobs, but his belly-button? How--?"
"Shit!" Dedman interrupts. "I should've thought of this earlier! This isn't Lardy! And I know who it is!
[ September 28, 2006, 11:33 PM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by The Crusader on :
Legion World University
< Two young men step out of the dormitory turbolift, each one carrying pieces of luggage. They walk down the corridor, and then step into one of the dorm rooms. There are several boxes already there, and on the desk there is a large box wrapped in gift wrap >
[Alternative Boy 7]: Hey look, CA Boy! Someone left us a present!
[Chips Ahoy Boy]: Cool beans, Sash! Must be from one of our lovely lady admirers.
< Alternative boy 7 removes the card stuckt o the top of the box while Chips Ahoy Boy opens the box. From inside he pulls a large wall hanging emblazoned with the LMBP logo >
"To Sasha and Tyler as you enter college, Know that even as you pursue your dreams, you will always have friends in the LMBP. Love always, Crujeckie and Des."
[Alternative Boy 7]: Awwwww... I'm gonna get all moist.
[Chips Ahoy Boy]: Pull it together, ya big dork
< Chips Ahoy Boy hangs the banner on the wall in the center of the room so that it can be seen from both their beds and desks >
[Chips Ahoy Boy]: Unpack your art supplies, and I'll make us some cookies.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Dark Oval: De Facto Headquarters of the Armies of the United Planets and the Legion World Triumvirate
Jailbait Lass was stunned. She had stood there in total silence after seeing his face, and realized the entire crowded area near Cobalt was in silence too. His mangled face had shocked and appalled them just as much as it did her. He simply stood, put his war helmet back on, turned to Shark Lad and said loudly “the whole universe has suffered because of the Dark Oval, and now they’ll remember who they’re fighting.” The crowd erupted in cheers and screams, growing louder and louder, as hysteria swept through them. The anger, the bloodlust, was tempered by the notion that they were fighting for justice.
She followed him now, as he walked forward, obviously for the two of them to be alone. Tears were running down her cheeks and she wiped them away. She had total control of herself again at this point, except for those damn tears. Finally, he stopped. “I’m sorry Lolita, for being so mysterious. Things have…moved quickly.” He seemed more comfortable but still so distant. Again, he would not remove his helmet and armor. “But you’ve delivered something very important to this war, and I greatly appreciate it. I’m sorry Stoopid cat wasn’t there for you and you were side-tracked.”
“Cobie…” she said, moving closer to him. “…you don’t need to do this. You and the others have won back the UP from the Dark Oval, and have beaten off the invading armies. We’ve won.”
“Winning isn’t what this is about,” he said plainly.
“You don’t need to keep pursuing them. The war can end. It doesn’t have to be one of those long wars like in centuries past. It’s been almost a half-year now of constant war.”
“We’ve liberated subjected people. We’ve crippled the Dark Oval’s economy and been able to use their resources for the UP and Legion World’s benefit. We’ve destroyed a number of horrible sentients that care only about inflicting their darkness on the world,” he said looking her face, “think of what we could accomplish in another six months.” His face was inches from hers now, but his metallic helmet made it hard to see into his eyes. She was forced to keep a distance. Her anger from before had subsided completely, and she had grown quiet again.
“Cobie, no,” she said, quietly. “You’ve unleashed Hrun in a way you promised the LMB would never happen. Shark Lad is as ferocious as he was at his worst. Disaster Boy needs help, not someone to incite his anger. You must stop this…the UP supports you, but that doesn’t make it right. It doesn’t make the war right. You’re the driving force now. You can stop us.”
Cobalt looked at her, but said nothing. Their relationship was one that was scarcely understood by any of their mutual acquaintances. She felt a bond to him that she could not put into words…but here, at this moment, she felt it breaking. She put her head on his chest and held him close, but his demeanor was as cold and metallic as his armor.
“I do not know if I could stop it,” he said. “But I know that I won’t.”
A few hundred yards away, Abin Quank finally caught up with Shark Lad and some other rank and file troopers that he had seen before. He was still taking everything in. “I don’t get it,” he said to everyone around him. “Cobalt has healing abilities. He can easily heal the scars on his face and return to normal. I’ve seen him do it before to others.” Shark Lad shrugged and the others said nothing.
Finally, a rank and file grunt, whom no one paid attention to, answered. “It’s not working. It’s the guilt. He’s not letting himself get healed, because he feels guilty about the invasion of Legion World. It’s the guilt.”
Posted by Liberty Monkey on :
LMBP Plaza, the Great Debating Stone
“…And that dear friends, shows beyond a shadow of a doubt why the lurking class must not be blamed for lack of activity among the declining fossil fuels market, but instead must be catered to! They must have a stake in it! Why should they have an invested interest in something that gives them no benefit? I say, if it means toppling an economy to bring light to the plight of the lurkers, then so bet it!”
Great applause and cheers echoed throughout the grassy area known as the Debating Stone. It was famous for common, ordinary citizens expressing their interest in matters that often were extremely complicated and analytical. Thus, it was where one might find the sentient known as Liberty Monkey, espousing his radical beliefs to the common people. Usually it involved issues appealing to lurkers, Alt Ids, felines and the rare disembodied conscious, but occasionally he would hit upon a current event, such as his denunciation of Whordru as a citizen of Legion World and his support of the Taltarian picket line outside of the Evil Genius Supper Club. Recently, he had used this very place to post his now famous missive ‘On Cobalt’ that in his mind completely exonerated Cobalt Kid for his actions in the events leading up the Invasion (which basically worked), and then used it the following day to deliberately denounce Cobalt Kid, Hrun the Barbarian and others are warlords, and demanded they take ‘reasonable action’ and end the war.
One young female had been fascinated by his speeches, believing him to be a great orator, if not right all the time. She now approached. “Excuse, Mr., er…” stumbled Kid Gender Stereotype Reversal II. She smiled. “I’m not sure what to call you.”
“Greetings Kid Gender Reversal Stereotype II! You may call me Liberty Monkey, though I have taken the full name Cicero Chomsky Ester!”
“Well Liberty Monkey, I have a mystery that involves a good friend and I can’t seem to find anyone else at the moment. Tell me, what do you know about ‘52’, other than today marks the 52nd day after the Invasion? Because I have this friend, Dormant Damsel, and…” as she told him, he curiously listened, and both were unaware of someone listening.
“Interesting,” thought the Space Ranger of the Dark Oval…
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
quote:Originally posted by Seth Gaterra: Outside Dr. Mayavale's Mediation Tent
Seth came within sight of the tent, a structure unusual to his sight. Then again, he was used to ferrocrete bunkers... so maybe it was just him? What caught his attention more, however, was who was also approaching the tent.
"Helena..." Seth, not realizing he was doing it, gave her a shy smile. Then he cleared his throat abruptly, drawing himself up to a more formal stance as he saw her companion. "My greatest apologies, Madam Ambassador; it was not my intent to slight you." Seth offered Winema a formal bow, hoping that she'd be mollified. Winema (as he remembered) was known for crushing the careers of those who opposed her; she could possibly cost Seth his sanctuary at Legion World.
"Yes, Yes, Yes!!! Now if you will excuse me, I have somewhere I have to be. Come along Helena!" With that Winema strode into Dr. Mayavale's tent. Helena looked at the strange young man. "You'll have to forgive my companion, she can be quite rude."
"HELENA!" came a call from inside the tent. Helena smiled at Seth and entered the tent. Seth decided to wait outside in hopes of seeing the former Dark Oval commander again.
inside Dr. Mayavale's Mediation Tent The wheezing mists of lalakoolaza whirled around Helena Handbasket as she entered. Winema was sitting on a cushion already. "Ah my dear Eleanor!" Dr. Mayavale reached out and grabbed Helena's hand, kissing it.
"Alright out with it Dr. Mayavale! What did you want to see us about?" inquired Winema. "My darling Cleo, straight to business this time around, eh? Well I am going to help you in your investigation into the Black Sun." "How did you know I was investigating the Black Sun?" Winema focused her stare at the engimatic figure. "My dear, the mist. The mist tell me much. But to be sure, I must make contact with both of your auras." The Doctor takes both their hands in his (leaving him two free hands) Helena feels him slipping a piece of paper into her hand.
Dr. Mayavale breathed in deeply of the mists of lalakoolaza. His eyes closed. "Yes, yes, it is true. The answers you seek can be found in two places. First you must go to the old Ice Cream Parlol. And then I see your path going to Ggrgg. Or is that Ggrgg coming to you?"
"Parlol?" whispered Helena to Winema. "It is what you might call an ice cream parlor."
Suddenly Dr. Mayavale's eyes opened. "The mists have revealed what is hidden. You may go now."
outside Dr. Mayavale's Mediation Tent Helena and Winema exited the tent. There waiting was Seth. Helena looked at the young man and smiled. He smiled back to her. "Do I know you?" Helena inquired. Meanwhile Winema seemed to be preoccupied with opening up a note.
back inside Dr. Mayavale's Mediation Tent
From a fold in the back of the tent, a figure stepped forward. Dr. Mayavale turned to face the figure. "I have done as you asked Hamilton. Our karma is back in balance." "Well, let's get it out of balance." The figure pulls out a small gun. With a quiet "poof" a small dart strikes Mayavale. His eyes roll into his head and he falls, striking his head on a small table. The figure pulls the unconscious Mayavale through the back of the tent. "Now you can't betray me and warn those two."
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
MEDICUS EIGHT
"Well, that's it. I can't help you. According to all of my scans, there seems to be no medical explanation as to why your powers are malfunctioning. Perhaps it's something psychological..."
"Thanks, Dr. Orbal, but I tend to doubt that. I went through a lot of counseling after arriving in this universe, but my therapist says I'm doing better than ever."
"Still... it must have been rough on you, being the sole survivor of an entire reality..."
"Many worlds died during the Crisis on Infinite Message Boards. Mine was but one of them. I've been able to do a lot of good here for this universe. My team is still together, and functioning better than ever, with a whole slew of new members. Plus, I've got the hottest new boyfriend..."
"Hmm... it does sound like things are going well for you, other than this."
"Yeah. In fact, this is about the most inopportune time for my powers to be malfunctioning. My team doesn't need a leader whose abilities are only at half strength..."
"I... I'm not sure what to say, Captain. I mean... every time you've been in for a checkup before, the giant lightbulb on your head has generated the equivalent glow of an 100-watt bulb every time you have an idea. Now, for no apparent reason, it's down to a mere 52 watts. But it seems to have nicely leveled off. Why could that be?"
"For once, Doctor, I have no idea!"
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Office of Security Sub-basement. The Morgue.
"Well, don't keep me in suspense, Deddy," Lil' Matlock prompts impatiently.
"The keys here, Matty, are those incisions and where they are," Dedman answers while running a scanner over the body's pectoral and navel areas. "Yes, just what I thought...there's some scar tissue around the pectorals. He's had major deconstructive surgery on them, not just lipo. This is akin to a woman having her breasts removed. Judging by the incisions and the scar tissue, they were very big."
"So...this is a...woman?" Matty says while peeking under the sheet around the body's groin area. "If so, she's had some pretty impressive work done."
"No, no, no, Matty...it's definitely a man, but one who had large, feminine breasts."
"So...he's some kinda freak?"
"Well, I suppose you could say so, but look--" and he shows Matty the read-outs on the navel.
"Okay, what does this mean?"
"It means that this man didn't have a navel at all before the surgery. It was constructed for him."
"So we had a man who used to have no belly button and huge knockers? Is this supposed to mean something to me?"
"Well," Dedman says with some impatience, "the lack of a navel means this man was a clone. A clone of Lard Lad who used to have large breasts. Ring a bell?"
"er, no."
"As one of the commanding Security Officers, I'd advise you to start boning up on the files! In any case this man must be the clone of Lard Lad known as HUGEMANBREASTS."
"Never heard of him," Lil' Matlock admits. "Pretty mean moniker, though."
"Yeah. 'Hugh', as Lard Lad called him, was a little slow. He was very childlike and easily manipulated by the LMB's enemies. Last we saw of him, he was with the Titty Trio. He'd turned against the other two, but accidentally hurt Space Tart while trying to protect her. He fled, and we hadn't seen him since. Gods, Fiona is going to be devastated! She loved him like a brother. Lardy did, too."
"I guess the question would be, then," Lil' Matlock says, "was he the intended victim, or was he mistaken for Lardy?"
Dedman thinks for amoment, then comes to a decision. "I may be able to learn that directly from the source. But someone's gonna have to kill me first!"
Posted by Seth Gaterra on :
quote:Originally posted by Quislet, Esq.: outside Dr. Mayavale's Mediation Tent Helena and Winema exited the tent. There waiting was Seth. Helena looked at the young man and smiled. He smiled back to her. "Do I know you?" Helena inquired. Meanwhile Winema seemed to be preoccupied with opening up a note.
"Seth Gaterra, of Angtu. We'd met briefly during the battle against Metternich." he told Helena. "While technically mine was the killing blow against him, it wouldn't have worked except for your courage..." He brushed his left hand's fingertips against the upper part of her cyberarm. "And sacrifice."
quote:back inside Dr. Mayavale's Mediation Tent
From a fold in the back of the tent, a figure stepped forward. Dr. Mayavale turned to face the figure. "I have done as you asked Hamilton. Our karma is back in balance." "Well, let's get it out of balance." The figure pulls out a small gun. With a quiet "poof" a small dart strikes Mayavale. His eyes roll into his head and he falls, striking his head on a small table. The figure pulls the unconscious Mayavale through the back of the tent. "Now you can't betray me and warn those two."
After his conversation with Helena, Seth headed into the tent. The scent of lalakoolaza, to Seth, reminded him of the chemical mists of Angtu... but according to his crystal children, they sensed the ocean sprays of Klirn instead. Must be magic at work; I know I've survived near-omnitoxic conditions on too many worlds for a mere hallucinogen to affect me? he thought to himself.
"Dr. Mayavale?" Seth called out, not seeing any sign of the man yet. When there was no reply, he headed back further into the tent... still no sign of him. "This doesn't make sense; if he wasn't here in the first place, the ladies would have left immediately. If he had to leave after their appointment, then Helena at least would have been kind enough to warn me?"
He looked around again, his eyes finally focusing on the crooked table. Seth started to reach out to straighten it back up -- then paused at the stain on its edge. A stain that looked suspiciously like blood... Seth pulled out his Omnicom; a quick scan confirmed his suspicions. He quickly called the emergency channel to summon the local authorities.
Seth felt a familiar twinge of fear that he'd be accused of this; he was far too used to being condemned and punished without even an attempt at a trial. But if he left the scene of the crime, it would probably go far worse for him...
OOC: I know Legion World has its own security force. But is its composition mainly military, paramilitary, or police?
Posted by LARDLAD on :
quote:Originally posted by Seth Gaterra: OOC: I know Legion World has its own security force. But is its composition mainly military, paramilitary, or police?
OOC: mostly, a police force, I believe. The military-type things Cobalt is up to is his own separate army unrelated to the Security Office. It is comprised mostly of LMBers, its membership specifically listed on the latest pages of Cobalt's "Office" thread on the MMB. There are lots of non-LMBers employed also as beat officers (especially in the post-INVASION chaos)and such, so you don't have to use specific LMBers. You could make up some guys. Hope that helps!
(BTW, might be better to ask the OOC questions in Critic's Corner in the future! )
***Cobalt EDIT - guys, feel free to use This Thread for OOC posts!***
[ September 29, 2006, 08:31 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by SharkLad on :
THE ISLA LARGA PLANETOID
A cloaked figure sits before an array of monitors, watching scenes of destruction from the invasion of Legion World. Image after image flashes across the screens, leading up to the final battle in orbit.
"Stop!" shouts the cloaked figure.
The image of a LMBer is frozen on the center screen.
"So, he survived. This complicates matters a bit."
From the shadows comes another voice. "Are we still going ahead with our plans?"
"Of course!" answers the cloaked figure, turning away from the monitors, "The invasion couldn't have come at a better time! They're distracted and therefore weak. They won't realize what we're up to until it's too late!"
The cloak figure turns back to the image on the screen.
"And, as for him, I'll make sure he suffers before he dies."
[ October 02, 2006, 03:33 PM: Message edited by: SharkLad ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Dark Oval: De Facto Headquarters of the Armies of the United Planets and the Legion World Triumvirate
Abin Quank saw three soldiers huddled together against a make-shift tent, slightly shaking. He thought it might be their nerves, but upon closer inspection, realized they were just cold. This planet evidently rotated much slower than other planets and did not get much sun, and these poor alien’s physiology could not handle it. “Poor souls,” he said, warming them up with his ring. “This whole war is a mess. I’m wondering if it should be continued. We’ve made our point and driven the Dark Oval out. Should we now invade their own territory too? It certainly doesn’t seem like the heroic ideals of the LMB…”
The Barbarian Horde
“I have plenty of jobs that I need to attend to, Anne,” said Scipio, “and the fact that Jailbait Lass slipped off while you and I played ‘kissy’ will definitely be cause for some sort of reprimand.”
She turned to him, lying in his bed with him, comfortable to be lying on his chest. “Please. You’re the hero of the Triumvir legions. Can’t you play ‘kissy’ some more?” she laughed. “Really…who says ‘kissy’…” she continued to giggle.
He smiled, and got out of bed. “Well, what to do today to make ourselves useful?” he asked out loud, getting his thoughts in order. “The armies have fortified the UP border, but the main thing we need to investigate is the Dark Oval border with the Barbarian Horde. That, of course, will be where all the fighting is.”
“We need to find out why a Barbarian Horde ship was here in the UP,” she added. “They should be focusing on the Dark Oval. After all, they’ve now got your biggest fear: a common enemy. A uniting force.” She said, strapping her sword over her shoulder.
“Its worse,” he sighed suddenly, as if reminded by something. “I forgot you’re a few weeks out of date. New intel has continued to come in. Not only are the Barbarians rallying to Dominus’ cause against the Dark Oval, but there appears to be a whole other unifying force we never considered in the Barbarian Hordes.”
“What could that be?” she said, “I was there for two years. I should know.”
“And you probably do a little, but in the last few weeks things have progressed at a rapid pace unlike anything we’ve ever seen. Its religion. A common religion is spreading through the Barbarian Hordes at an incredibly rapid pace. And its giving them more reason to unify. Worse, Dominus himself, the leader of the large Khanate they’re all rallying to, is a devout follower of this religion, and many are taking it on for themselves now, as part of their show of loyalty to his cause against the Dark Oval. No matter what reason they are following the religion now, once they become immersed in it, they will likely remain devoted to it long after the Dark Oval war is over. Religion is an even more dangerous tool.”
“What religion is it?” she asked perplexed.
“The Black Sun,” he replied.
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Moon of Taltar Spa and Resort
Many women across the galaxy have yearned to go to one of its the finest resorts. The resort on Taltar's moon was reknowned for its exclusivity with the number of off-worlders visiting each year severly restricted.
On this occasion two LMBers found themselves in a luxuriously appointed room illuminated by flattering soft light. In the background the relaxing sound of a solar magnetic storm hitting an idle communications transmitter could be heard. Exotic essential oils drifted through the air providing mental clarity, rejuvenation and relaxation as the scents drifted down onto Nova Girl and Caliente lying in prone position on ajoining massage tables.
Caliente peered upwards sneaking an admiring a peak at her attendent Lars, a rather strapping Taltarian man that had Cali burning warmer than usual.
"Cali don't bother, none of the males in quality Taltarian establisments would be interested in us. They're all batting for the other team."
"*sigh* I knew it was too good to be true. Still it was nice of Thora to give us this trip."
"Well we did resolve that nasty pay dispute. Ooooo Look at the butt on that one, Cali."
"Ahem, gay remember?"
"Doesn't hurt him or us to look."
"No it doesn't."
Nova Girl drifted off but not before she getting into the spirit of the place. Turning to her attendent she sneered, "Put your back into it like you mean it. You cretin."
Shopping District, Capital City Taltar - Later
"Look up in the sky"
Cali and Nova Girl turned in the direction of the crowd standing agape looking to the sky. In it was a huge group of angry looking Taltarian men who definitely didn't resemble the docile well-behaved males the two tourists had seen on this trip.
Cali pulled out her LMB scanning device to get a reading.
"Weird, definitely Taltarian but defintely not from around here. Parallel universe maybe."
"Yep i'm getting that those guys have never heard of Taltar where a superior matriarchal system exists'"
"Faraway and Everyday mentioned some weird multiple universe flashes when the comic factory reappeared."
"Great. A transdimensional invasion by smelly, beer drinking Taltarian males. Lets lend a hand before they wreck Taltar."
Nova and Cali flew into action flying directly towards the front of the formation of beer swillers.
"Halt, by order of the LMB. The government of Taltar is under our protection."
"Nay, I am Thor of Taltar and in our time in your universe we've seen our Taltarian brethern denied the pleasures of watching football and swilling beer till we pass out at Sunday dinner. Begone wenches, we fly to the Matriarch's palace."
With that the weapons fire began as the angry men began firing their weapons at Nova and Cali. Cali responded in kind, by shooting flames at the attackers picking off the flanks of the formation.
"Take that. How's that for a woman cooking?"
Nova flew directly into the formation allowing herself to be surrounded by the men. An uncomfortable position but one that she often allowed to happen.
"Mmmm Boys, don't you always like it when girls push back?"
As they closed in on her she ignited in a ball of energy causing the surrounding air to explode in a ball of concussive force. The shockwave blew the attackers in all directions knocking most of them unconscious.
Far below Cali could see female Taltarian police supervisors ordering their male muscle squads to retrieve the downed male liberationists. Nova and Cali slowly floated down to the surface.
"So much for vacation. Lets report to the authorities here and get back to Legion World."
[ September 30, 2006, 06:37 AM: Message edited by: Tamper Lad ]
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
COBALT ROW
Clarkson hated himself. Since his paper had shut down he had been forced to make ends meet by freelancing stories for the LMB Inquirer under a various pen names. Clarkson had actually begun his journalism career working for a scandal rag. Although he had been on features, mostly health related as opposed to the front page exposées.
He hated this part of the job most of all. To feed Legion World's insatiable desire for scandal, preferably sexual in nature, Clarkson had staked out Cobalt Row for the past two nights. Unfortunately there was not much sex to be had on Legion World these days. Since the invasion it seemed that the whole planetary elite was not in the mood.
Several hours trundled by ever so slowly as Clarkson passed time by listening to war news coverage from the Dark Oval all the while his gaze was fixed upon the deserted streetscape.
Just after midnight a lone figure strode through the empty street. Striding boldly Clarkson could tell that this was a person of some importance and was without a doubt one of the super powered individuals of Legion World.
"You would have to be to be brave enough to walk in this neighborhood this late at night." thought Clarkson trying to zoom in to identify the face of the person with his imaging device.
Clarkson reeled slightly as he caught the face of the woman as she walked past a street lamp and towards into the Secret Retreat Hotel.
"For crying out loud it's WINEMA WAZZO"
Clarkson waited in anticipation waiting for an individual to arrive and meet Ms. Wazzo for in his experience no one ever checked in alone to Cobalt Row. Although it was customary to arrive and depart individually.
He did not have to wait long as several minutes later another figure appeared. This one was male to be sure. Clarkson prepared the camera, aiming it at the same spot under the street lamp where he was sure to catch a glimpse of his face. Underneath the light Clarkson caught the unmistakable face of Tamper Lad as he too entered the Secret Retreat.
"Damn," said Clarkson. Everyone knew Tamper was attracted to power but to say Winema had been around the block a few times was an understatement.
"Why would they meet here?" he asked remembering that there was a perfectly good Genius Club where Tamper was every night. Even the Secure Undisclosed Location might have been a better spot because even though everyone knew about it, it was boring enough to escape notice.
By the time the two guests departed the Hotel on Cobalt row separately just before dawn, Clarkson had already prepared an innuendo filled piece that would pay his rent for two months.
Posted by Vee on :
The Villa
"It's been over a month, we really need to..." Cabana Boy was saying when he was interrupted by his companion.
"What we need to do is keep the Villa functioning smoooothly, exactly as he would want it so that everything is in order when he returns." Pool Boy countered. "He's had a very difficult year, remember. Not only did he lose the companionship of his long time partner, Semi...he also suffered the loss of two dear friends, The Empress and Space Ranger during the Crisis. And now, losing Queen Connie so unexpectedly...well...he really is entitled to disappear for a while if he so chooses, Cee."
"I'm not saying he isn't entitled to, Pee. It's just that it's not like him to be gone for so long. He's had more than his share of tragedy over the years and he always bounces back quickly and is ready to face the future. Something must be wrong. I'm sure of it."
"I see you two are at it again," interjected a third voice. Kid Towel moved to join them as he added, "but it seems that Cee has been right to worry, Pee. We've just received a sublight message from the Variable Realm asking to speak with Vee on a matter of some urgency."
"But Tee..." Pool Boy said as he and Cabana Boy looked at Kid Towel in dismay.
"Yes, I know...Vee left for the Variable Realm four weeks ago to arrange for Queen Connie's Royal Funeral. He never made it there although it only should have taken a few days at most. Something or someone prevented him from getting there."
"We need to call the Office of Security and let Cobalt know," Pool Boy decided.
"Cobalt isn't there, Pee," Cabana Boy reminded him. "And most of the LMBPers are either off with Cobalt fighting the Dark Oval forces or too busy dealing with the wreckage left here on Legion World from the Invasion."
"Cee is right, Pee. There is no one we can call that can be of any help right now. We'll need to figure this out for ourselves," Kid Towel concluded.
"Guys, this won't be easy," Pee commented. "Whatever kept Vee from reaching the Variable Realm had to be enourmously powerful or extremely important. Vee is one of the most potent LMBPers, especially since he inherited the Emerald Eye. I can't imagine what could have stopped him from getting where he was going."
"Well, I guess it's time we tried to find out," Tee said.
[ October 01, 2006, 09:19 PM: Message edited by: Vee ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
The Poltergeist Zone
Dedman finds himself drifting phantomlike in the foggy dimension between life and the afterlife that he always goes to temporarily after his body is killed.
He remembers that it was a struggle to convince his friends at the Security Office to kill him. He had thought it was quite silly since they knew he'd return. But he always admires the consideration his friends give him and how they value his life. There was still an innocence in them despite all their trials. Dedman often envies that innocence.
In the end, though, Frio performed the necessary business. The tactic Dedman used on her was to egg her own about her fling with Cobalt Kid. For a woman with cold powers, Frio's temper can be awfully fiery if one knows what buttons to push! Oddly, it was the first time he'd been killed by flash-freeze, or was it? It was getting difficult to keep track!
Recently, Dedman had been remembering more and more about his time spent in the Poltergeist Zone, about the other spirits he encounters their between his deaths and resurrections.
Toward the end of his examination of HUGEMANBREASTS, he realized that part of the unsettling feeling he had had was caused by the fact that he was sensing Hugh's spirit. Dedman could sense it's presence but couldn't communicate with it. But maybe if he went into the Poltergeist Zone.....
In an instant, Dedman suddenly is knocked from his musings and feels Hugh's presence calling to him like a beacon. He wills himself to float toward the source of that feeling. There he is!
"Hugh!" he yells. "I'm here! Stay where you are, friend!"
As he gets closer, Dedman sees that Hugh is floating near a tremendous source of light and appears to be fighting a gravitic pull from it.
As Dedman gets closer, he feels confusion because there's absolutely no force pulling on him as he nears Hugh.
"Glad you finally made it, Deddy! I can't fight this much longer!"
"Hugh? I don't understand--I don't feel anything, and you're so..."
"Lucid? Intelligible? Yes, the afterlife seems to have cured me of my mental...deficiencies. And apparently Heaven or Nirvana or whatever wants me pretty badly, but it doesn't want you, I'm afraid. That's why you don't feel its pull...it's not your time."
"Yeah," Dedman says,"I guess it'll never be my time..."
"Well," Hugh says, "you never know. Anyhow, I need to give you something before I go. I have to be quick about it!"
"What..what is it, Hugh?"
"Knowledge, my friend! Come closer please."
Dedman drifts closer and Hugh's transparent finger enters Dedman's transparent skull. Dedman is stunned as the events of Hugh's last days flood into his brain.
"It's too much to process all at once," Hugh says. "It'll take time. But try not to be too hard on the woman who killed me. I believe there's more than--Ahh..!"
The Light's pull is too strong now. And Hugh let's go and starts to let the Light take him. But before he's completely enveloped he yells back to Dedman, "please, when you see Fiona...tell her I love her, and that I'm better off, now--"
And in an instant the Light vanishes and takes with it the man known as HUGEMANBREASTS.
Though still reeling from the information overload, Dedman manages a smile and says, "goodbye", before feeling a pull of his own.
"Back to life, I guess," he sighs and a moment later, he's no longer in the Poltergeist Zone.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
LMB Headquarters
Late in the morning, when the Rockhoppers and the Super-Pets arrived at LMB HQ, there was not a large number of the membership present. Most were off on various missions.
Interestingly, one new member was on monitor duty: Time Teller Lad. He could tell at an instant what time it was anywhere in the universe and he could tell exactly how old an object was.
"Rockhopper Lad!" TTL called out. "How is Rockhopper Lass doing?"
"I'm fine," she replied for herself. "I've learned Interlac again. I just can't remember anything."
"I'm hoping there's something here that can help her," Rockhopper Lad added.
"You'll be back to normal in no time," TTL smiled. "And then you'll feel just like any other Pyngwyn would at age earth-standard twenty-five years, three months and fourteen days!"
Rockhopper Lad shook his head. "That can't be. Adelie is just over a year younger than I. She should be--let's see--earth standard twenty-four years eleven months and twenty days."
"Maybe she was born a few months earlier in Rockhopper Lass's universe?" TTL asked.
"No. Both Adelies have the same birthday."
"What does this mean?" Rockhopper Lass asked.
"Apparently, Adelie, when you disappeared, you aged four months that he rest of us didn't!" Rockhopper Lad replied grimly.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Origin of Dominus
As far back as his people could remember, they had always been Barbarians to the United Planets, and they had always been barbarians to their neighbors. Living far away from a natural sun, they developed slowly and used only technology that had been given to them by accident. Their people had no name, native only to one planet and limited to the livable areas on such a barren planet. But that had all changed with Carthac. Either the legends were true and Carthac was born smarter, larger and crueler than the rest of this people, or perhaps he was just lucky, but he somehow amassed an army renowned for his mercilessness and its proficiency in the art of subjugating another people. He created fleets out of centuries old technology, and he created a kingdom out of nothing. In three decades, he created the most magnificent, and the most horrific barbarian kingdom his sector of space had ever seen.
His son, Carthac II, grew up knowing he would be King, and had one goal throughout his youth and beyond: to outdo his father and grow the kingdom thrice over, and to subjugate triple the amount of people his father had, so that all who heard his name knew that one day they would pay him home. It was Carthac II that established the Khanate of Carthac was the most potent force in the sector now commonly referred to as ‘The Barbarian Hordes’. And it was Carthac II that massacred his neighbors and the other Barbarian tribes for decades, until finally realizing that beyond their borders, there was a whole universe of planets ripe for the plucking.
Carthac III was born thirty years earlier. Before the Barbarian Hordes even thought of crossing into the United Planets, they had their first great war with the Empire of Khundia. It was relentless and ruthless on all sides. Carthac II glady wasted the lives of his allied barbarian kingdoms and even his own people, to continue such a glorious war. When peace was finally established after twenty years of brutality, Carthac II demanded a Khundian high-born princess to be part of the terms. The Khunds cared little for this small point and awarded it to him. Thus, Carthac II married a Khundian Warrior Princess, whose stature left Carthac’s citizens in awe and horror. And further thus, Carthac III entered the world a half-Khund/half-Barbarian, twice the size of a normal tribesman in the Barbarian Horde, and horribly ugly to those he grew around.
Carthac III’s childhood was unique as well. His father knew that his son must outdo him, as he had outdone his father, and thus wanted him prepared. So he sent him to Ggrrgg, the most famous planet in the universe for breeding conquerors and warlords, so that he would be schooled in the disciplines of making war upon the universe and conquering other planets until they submitted to their will. On Ggrrgg, Carthac III trained and learned about strategy, tools, morale, and the cold arts of waging war without emotion. He also learned that the greatest value the Ggrrggian war machine instilled was that it could conquer a people and make them willingly submit to the glory of Ggrrgg. This was most commonly exemplified by the title ‘Dominus’, which a conquered slave would use as a term of respect to their Ggrrggian master. Lacking any subtly, Carthac III thus returned to the Barbarian Hordes with a new name, and was crowned Dominus I. When his father died, he quickly became Khan of the newly reformed Khanate of Carthac, and renewed the wars with great vigor. It was he who encouraged the massive Barbarian migrations a few years ago. Some believe his father died in his sleep, some believe his father died with Dominus’ blade through his heart.
Dominus believed in three things now: (1) the domination of the Dark Oval, the United Planets and all other planets not subservient to him. (2) The unification of the ‘Barbarian Hordes’ under his banner, so that his empire might stretch across this entire sector of space as one great people loyal to him. (3) The complete devout belief in Sol Invictus and the religion of the Black Sun.
Dominus could hardly remember how the Black Sun religion had become such an important part of his life, only that it had. It began among his soldiers when he was much younger, spreading among them like wildfire. The belief that Sol Invictus, the unconquered sun, would come down from heaven one day and be a new beacon of light for them, after all the other suns and other peoples were eliminated from the world, was one that he believed in strongly and did not question. His devout faith in Sol Invictus reinforced his desire to overtake the rest of the universe. And his soldiers shared faith gave them an even greater loyalty.
And now Dominus was ready to begin.
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
IN ROUTE TO THE PLANET ORVILLE
No ordinary man could've have travelled to Orville hidden in the twisted and narrow spaces in the ventillation shafts between the cargo hold and passenger section of United Planetes Space Flight 52. But Dak Arthu was no ordinary man, for he was... The Living Pretzel!
The Popcorn People of Orville seemed peaceful enough, but the Light Brigade had a tip that something big was happening on the planet that soon might affect the very course of the Universe. So he, Mascara Man, and Coma Lad had all used their unique abilities to secretly board the regular round trip flight to Orville.
Suddenly the starship was shunted out of hyperspace by a giant explosion! Damaged and out of control, with the pilot unconscious, the ship plunged straight into an asteroid belt! Mascara Man converted from Mascara to human form and rushed toward the cockpit, only to find it locked. Fortunately, such barriers were no obstacle to Coma Lad's ability to teleport to the scene of danger, and so the comatose body of the Light Brigader exchanged places with that of the pilot, and slumped over the controls of the space ship in such a way that it changed course away from the asteroid belt. As the ship approached a nearby planet, it jarred on impact with the atmosphere, causing Coma Lad arm to flail into the autolanding sequence control.
The ship landed safely... but where?
Posted by Vee on :
Galicia 5 ~ New Iberian Cluster
Who would have thought I would end up here, in the middle of this mess, when I left the Villa for home? thought Vee as he looked out the third story window of the small loft he was currently using as a base of operations in Nueva Cordoba, the capital city of the planet.
Four weeks earlier while enroute to the Variable Realm, he had picked up a faint distress call on his ship's communicator. Though it was very weak, he was able to trace it's orgin to this sector of space, a desolate corner of the galaxy, far from any major trade routes. This portion of the universe was neither UP, Khundian, Dominion, nor Barbarian territory, though it sat right smack dab in what could only be called the "Four Corners" ... bordering all, yet beholden to none.
Sadly, upon his arrival, Vee quickly discovered that the distress signal had reached him way too late for the humanoid sentinents that had broadcast it. The hull of their small ship had been torn asunder in multiple places and all 5 inhabitants of the ship had quickly died from explosive decompression. From the looks of it, whoever had attacked the ship had scoured every inch of it searching for something. It appeared they had not found what they sought because of the grotesque mutilation they had inflicted on what must already have been ice cold corpses at the time...or maybe they had found what they sought. What else could explain that all five of the corpses had been decapitated!
Vee could have simply offered up some prayers for their souls and given them each a decent space burial then continued on his way but something had caught his eye.
Carved on the left forearm of one of the corpses were some barely distinguishable words...words that had sent a chill down his spine! Not only because of what they said but because they were obviously self inflicted. The carvings had small streaks of blood running from them. They had to have been done prior to the hull being breached. The humanoids had been trying to leave behind a message.
N.I. Inquisitors ~ Make them pay!
Vee had downloaded the small ship's logs and poured over them for hours after doing what he could to give the ship's inhabitants a decent burial. He had discovered that the five people killed had been fleeing for their lives for quite some time. Their last planetfall had been on Galicia 5 in the New Iberian Cluster and they had left there hurriedly just 5 days before the attack.
Using his omnicom to cross reference the info in the databanks, Vee had concluded that their final message had to be a reference to a fairly new group of religious zealots that had arisen in the New Iberian Cluster within the past year. Calling themselves "La Nueva Inquisición de la Luz" in the ancient Terran Spanish language that was the origin of the native New Iberian tongue. This translated into "The New Inquisition of the Light" and was commonly refered to simply as the "New Inquisition" or simply, the Inquisition.
Beyond that data, the rest was wild supposition. Some claimed that this group had arisen to combat the influence of another quasi-religious group, the Black Sun, which was making huge inroads throughtout the Barbarian sector of space and beyond. Others claimed it was simply an even more stringent branch of the same group. Still others claimed it had nothing at all to do with the Black Sun, yet everyone agreed on one thing...The Inquisition had powerful connections and should be feared by everyone.
What made no sense is how these five sentinents , fleeing across space had so quickly run afoul of the Inquisition. They had barely been on Galicia 5 for three days! Either they had stumbled onto something very big by mistake, or it was interrelated to their original cuase for flight.
Either way, the answers could only be found on Galicia 5 and Vee felt duty bound to search them out. After all, he had been the recipient of their message from the grave. He could do no less.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Dark Oval: De Facto Headquarters of the Armies of the United Planets and the Legion World Triumvirate
In his quarters, Cobaltus saw to his unending string of military duties, maintaining the army’s progress in all of its facets. Disaster Boy and other generals silently followed suit. Outside Shark Lad grew restless. Somewhere deeper in the Dark Oval, Hrun moved ever deeper into enemy territory. Business proceeded as usual.
“No change,” said Abin Quank, suddenly appearing besides Jailbait Lass.
“No,” she said quietly. “Nothing. I-I’ve tried to talk to him a few more times…but he barely says anything. Its like just being in my presence makes him cold…”
“Its not you, Lolita,” said Abin, now putting his hand her shoulder. ‘Its himself that he’s wrestling with.” Now Jailbait Lass saw a side of Abin Quank reserved only for those that were known to be in the House of Quank: Pagan Lass, Abin’s wife, Stoopid Cat, her familiar and oldest friend, Everyday Girl, Abin’s granddaughter, and once Space Ranger, his brother. It was the side that showed he understood when it was time to be a father, grandfather, and someone that knew when and what to say. “You’ve given him some time, but its all so sudden,” he continued. “But I know we don’t have time. So I think you’ll be happy to know that some friends have come here to talk to him…” With that, Abin stepped away, and walked into the fort. Jailbait Lass seemed unsure of what he meant, but then heard a ship landing near her. She looked and saw two figures exiting it. And there she saw: Spellbinder, the royal Princess Crujectra of Psyonia, the love of Cobalt’s life…and Space Tart, his former wife and first true love. Here they were…together?
Spellbinder approached Jailbait Lass directly. “Lolita, we’ve come to save him. Whatever your reasons were for coming here, you must realize that your goal now is the same as ours. I must save him…we must save him.” Jailbait Lass only nodded. Spellbinder had a confident, beautiful and regal look on her face, but Jailbait Lass had seen her enough times to recognize that she also was concerned, and was terribly sad. She turned to see Space Tart, surprised to see her here. She too looked sad, and her exotic features could not hide that. That these two women made the trip all the way to the Dark Oval together, which must have been completely uncomfortable, was surprising to Jailbait Lass. The tension between them, no matter how they tried to conceal it, was evident to anyone paying attention. And here now stood two of the most renowned beauties in the universe, two of the most celebrated heroes and admired leaders, preparing for what could end up being the most painful intervention of their lives.
“Come on Lolita,” said Space Tart, and they moved forward. Both she and Crujectra had called her Lolita now. Usually only Cobalt or Everyday Girl did that, the rest just called her Jailbait Lass. As they moved forward, every soldier in the jam-packed headquarters moved to the side, not hiding the fact that they were staring and gaping at the trio approaching. The woman walked confidently, but at an easy pace. All of the soldiers in Cobalt’s tent quickly filed out. Shark Lad nodded at the two women, as Space Tart smiled at him, and Crujectra quietly patted his shoulder. Disaster Boy filed out silently, wondering what this all meant. And finally, the tent held only four people: Spellbinder, Space Tart, Jailbait Lass and the person they’d come to see, Cobalt Kid.
Silence pierced the air, and Jailbait Lass wondered what Cobie must be thinking. Was he mad? The way he’d been acting, it’d seem likely. But she had never seen him mad at Crujectra before ever, and never anything but faux-anger with Spacey. “Well,” he said at last, “I’ve had this dream a lot recently, so I must have dozed off…”, and although they knew he was smiling underneath, they felt it being forced.
“Cobie,” said Crujectra, “we’re here for you. I’ve asked Spacey to join me, and you know I wouldn’t if I didn’t think it was necessary. It’s time, love. It’s time.”
“Please Cobie,” said Space Tart now, “none of us here want to see you do this to yourself. We know what you’re thinking and what’s happened. We don’t need to go over it all. It’s alright. You can come home. You’ve made amends, and you’ve made things right. You can stop now, before you go too far.”
He continued to be silent, still covered in his armor. He looked at all of them—all three, including Jailbait Lass to her surprise, but said nothing. “What I’m doing,” he said softly, “is finishing something that should never have begun on my watch. I’ve let you all down. You three most of all. But I need to make it right.”
Spellbinder stepped forward. She put her soft hand on his cold armor. “Cobie, take off this mask. Please.” She stared into the dark opening for his eyes. “For me.” Slowly, he picked up his helmet and tossed it to the ground. His horrifically scarred features were plain to see. Jailbait Lass, having seen it before, couldn’t help but stare at him. Space Tart gasped, and moved closer. A single tear went down Crujectra’s face. She looked into his eyes. “Beautiful as the day I met you,” she smiled, more tears flowing.
He stared at her. “But I’m not, Crujeckie,” he said. “I’m no longer. The man I am on the outside is what I am on the inside.”
“No Cobie,” said Space Tart, putting a hand on his other shoulder. “You’re not. And you never will be. We’ve always known that. You are who you are. But you’re a good man, and a hero. Always.”
He looked at her now. He said nothing. “Thank you, Spacey,” he said quietly, then looked at Crujectra. “I’m not worthy enough for you,” he said softly, his features betraying nothing. Long ago, Dr. Albert Hoffman had taken away his ability to cry, when his torture had pushed him far over the edge. “You deserve far better than I,” he finished.
Her smile had gone, and her tears stopped. She put her hands on his cheeks. Crujectra spoke softly, but firmly, “but I’ve chosen you. Now you have to be you.”
And now silence was louder than ever in the room, and no one said anything. Jailbait Lass knew that outside, every soldier waited eagerly. Finally, Cobalt backed away, his face no longer inches from Crujectra’s. Then slowly, he pulled a metallic bracer off his right wrist, and then the other bracer off his left wrist. His cape fell off and he removed the armor on his torso, revealing his naked chest to be full of more scars. His armor was gone. He stared at them. A small smile, slowly crept back across his face.
“Thank you,” he said quietly, stepping forward. “For all of it,” he finished, embracing Spellbinder tightly, feeling her check against his. Space Tart moved forward and joined them. Both women wept quietly.
“Thank heavens,” thought Jailbait Lass. “At last, Cobaltus Primus Augustus is gone…and I’ve finally found Cobalt Kid…”
Later
“Come on in, Lolita,” said Cobalt, as she entered his tent. He had called on her moments before, and it was suddenly now, she realized that he sounded normal again. His triumvirate armor was off him still, and she saw that he had put on his old LMB costume. His face remained heavily scarred. He motioned to his chair. “Sit.”
She did. He looked at her for along while, and she couldn’t tell what he was thinking. A small smile was across his lips, and she could swear his eyes looked misty. “I’m glad you’re okay, Cobie,” she said, with a shy smile. And she was—she felt like on the verge of everything being broken, things had been mended in the nick of time.
“Lolita,” he began, but stopped. “I owe you a great apology. I…I, I’m sorry.” He seemed like he was grasping for words, which was unlike him. “You’ve been a great friend to me—no, more than that. You’re one of my best friends. You’re one of my closest confidants. I know…” he seemed unable to get the sentence out. She leaned closer to him, putting her hands on the table. “I know you care a great deal about me. Well, I want you to know I care a great deal about you.” He put his hand on hers. “I love Crujectra. And I’ll always love Spacey…” he continued. “…but I’m ending this war. And I’m doing it for you,” he finished. And then she saw something she’d never seen before, as one single, solitary tear-drop fell down his cheek.
She held his hand tightly and continued to sit with him, and neither said anything anymore.
[ August 10, 2007, 03:58 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
All Across the United Planets!
PEACE!!!
affiliated press
Reports continue to pour in from the outskirts of the United Planets, where the borders meet the sector commonly referred to as the Dark Oval. For months now, war has waged on between the Dark Oval and the United Planets, with the famous planet Legion World leading the charge. Well, today, on a day that will live on a time when sentients across the universe could exhale, the war is finally over!
The head of the UP armies, Cobaltus Primus Augustus, the legendary Legion World Triumvir and LMBPer who had been commissioned to be the lead general in the assault on the Dark Oval has agreed to a cease-fire and an end to open hostilities. While there was widespread support across the United Planets for Cobaltus and the military, there was some criticism among his own peers in the LMB on Legion World in his continued attempts to invade the Dark Oval. Today, with Cobalt’s ceasefire, the Dark Oval has agreed to open negotiations to end the ongoing war, and experts say they should not last long. The Dark Oval is currently at war with the sector we call the “Barbarian Hordes” and despite its unmeasured but commonly believed to be superior military power; it cannot fight a war on two fronts.
With peace at hand, Cobaltus has stepped down from his position and allowed the military leaders and ambassadors of the United Plants to resume their control of diplomacy with the Dark Oval. It is believed that the borders will be the same as they were pre-Invasion, with the exception of a small cluster of planets ‘liberated’ by Cobalt now being inducted into the United Planets. Now referred to by the free press as the ‘Contested Territories’, they have received full-UP status as planets.
Citizens will recall that once the Invasion began six months ago, there was a period of two and a half months of intense invasion by the Dark Oval into the United Planets, until the armies of Legion World led an offensive assault that drove them out, and then went a step further, invading the Dark Oval itself for three more months. Finally now, it appears peace has been somewhat restored. One must wonder, however, if it will last.
Greg Evignan Island, Legion World
FROM: Cobaltus Primus August TO: Eryk Davis Ester
“Eryk Davis Ester, noble brother at arms and my good friend, I am writing to inform you that peace is here at last. I have been persuaded that the best course of action is to cease the invasion of the Dark Oval and give diplomacy and peace a chance, and that is what I have done. With the small Contested Territories now part of the United Planets, the war is over. Given that our fellow Triumvir from Starhaven has retired himself and his entire army, there now leaves two of us Triumvirs left, ipso facto, there is no Triumvirate. However, you, yourself, have chosen to live in peace and harmony on Greg Evignan Island. I will keep my armies here, on the border of the Dark Oval, as a border force, to live in peace while it lasts, and to rise again if war rises first. However, I will follow your suggestion from the last time we spoke and speak no more of the Triumvirate for the time being, allowing it to lapse from the public eye, where we can revisit the topic another time.
There is one other item. I am sending Shark Lad to Greg Evignan Island. As you know, his ferocity is legend, as is his tendency to rage and to do terrible things. I have done him a great disservice in encouraging his rage and anger, and I have betrayed his trust in me. I now do the only thing I know best, to send him to you and to the culture of Greg Evignan Island, where I hope he will be cured of any ailment I encouraged and know peace once more. Treat him well, and give him peace and solemnity.
Best Regards, Cobalt
The Dark Oval
He slipped out quietly, so no one would notice he was gone. That wouldn’t last he knew, but he had ways of moving unnoticed when he needed to. He had come for answers and he still wanted them. So once more, Disaster Boy would try and find them, and once more, he would hope he got back to Legion World soon
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Evil Genius Club
Tamper Lad sat in the board room nervously watching the news reports on the millitary front. The price of Evil Genius Inc. was sufferring on the market in the wake the weekend's events. Apparently the LW populace believed the Inquirer's outrageous innuendos despite the denials of two upstanding LW citizens.
EG Inc. had lost its squeaky clean image. Amazingly enough, a company with Evil in its name had a squeaky clean image. It was a credit to the brilliant marketing campaign showcasing bunnies with pancakes on their heads.
"This is terrible news. Now our war division will face a whole bunch of cancelled orders. CALIENTE!!! I'll be gone for the rest of the week. Take care of the guests."
With that Tamper took off in his personal transport for a trip off of LW.
Posted by Dru the Sorceress on :
Planet Raisa. A Spiritual Retreat.
Lard Lad and Whordru lie in bed, sharing postcoital bliss.
"Dru..that was amazing! I-I can't express how much--"
"Shh, Anthony. This is the latest breakthrough in our relationship. Just...let's just bask in it for awhile, darling."
"No, honey. What you've done for me..."
"No," she corrects him. "It's what we've done for each other, my love! I lost my entire planet, but you've helped heal me through your love and by teaching me what it truly is to love and be loved. Love's power is greater than any magic I can conjure!"
"Dru, before I found you, I was on a dark path. Sometimes, I believe your sister Mordra was onto something when she told me how her 'Church of the Eternal Void' thought I would destroy everything someday..."
She uncurls off his chest and looks him in the eyes, "never let her bullshit poison you anymore, Anthony. In all my days no one has ever shown me the kindness you have." Tears well up in her eyes. "All I ever used to care about was controlling people. All those years wasted..."
"Hey, baby," he says holding her more tightly, "it's okay. This wasn't one-sided, you know. Mordra left me a mess. Her mental and physical rape of me left me impotent. But you were so understanding...suggesting this retreat. I'm at peace with myself. I'm also able to express love physically again--and it means more now than it ever has!"
They embrace tightly and exchange a passionate kiss.
"Gods," he says after they kiss, "I did so much that was just plain wrong while in that state. I'm not sure everyone would forgive me if they knew what all I--"
"Shush!" she says putting her finger over his mouth. "The two of us need to put the darkness in our pasts behind us. That's a big part of what this retreat was for, I've come to realize. I think it's enough that we've acknowledged our mistakes and will not be repeating them again, don't you?"
"Yeah, you're right, baby. I know now that as long as we have each other, we're gonna be alright."
"Damn right!" she says and snuggles on his chest.
"So," he says as he runs his fingers through her hair, "when do we return to Legion World?"
"Soon, I think, to prepare for the wedding. But nottoo soon!"
"I'm not in any hurry, either, Dru. I'm sure things are quiet over there as the rebuilding goes along. Still, for some reason I've been thinking about Hugh alot lately."
"He's like a brother to you, Anthony. Maybe we can try to find him after we leave?"
"Yeah, I guess. I haven't had much luck since the last time I saw him."
"Things are different now, my love...you've got me!"
"Yes...yes I do!" And he embraces her tightly again. "mmmmm....ready for seconds, Dru?"
She answers by kissing him very hard, and soon enough, they are discovering each other all over again....
[ October 02, 2006, 11:02 PM: Message edited by: Dru the Sorceress ]
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
LMB HQ
Upon hearing that she had "lost" four months, Rockhopper Lass stood stunned.
"Is she gonna faint again?" Blok the Pet Rock asked.
Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle snarled in Blok's direction.
"Adelie," Rockhopper Lad said, putting his arm around her, "Are you all right?"
"I wish I could remember something," muttered Old Dutch the Super Cow. Hyvvie snarled again.
"I--I was someplace else," Rockhopper Lass continued. "Someplace I didn't understand."
"What else do you remember?"
She knitted her brow. "I'm sorry. That's all. I was somewhere I'd never been before--but then everyplace feels like somewhere I've never been before."
Rockhopper Lad sighed. "I guess we know a little more now."
Old Dutch muttered "That's true." She paused. "What do we know again?"
[ October 03, 2006, 10:03 PM: Message edited by: Rockhopper Lad ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Matlock's Office. Legion World Office of Security.
Lil' Matlock sits strapped into a booster chair behind his desk. "Ah! There you are," he says as he looks up and sees Dedman standing in front of him. "Back from the dead, eh? Did you find him?"
"Yes. Yes I did," Dedman replies wearily.
"And--?" Lil' Matlock prompts.
"And he put the memories of what happened in here," and Dedman points to his head. "But I can't access them. They're, I dunno, locked or something. It may be a reflexive defense for me because the pain of them being put in there was pretty bad! No telling what having them flood into my brain at once would do."
"Yes," Lil' Matlock says as he thinks aloud, "we may need a psychic to extract or interpret them." He looks at his Omnicom and taps it. "We currently don't have any psychic adepts active currently in the Office...hmmm, gotta rectify that soon...but..." He taps it further and his eyes dance over a list of names crawling before him, until they suddenly stop. "...YES! I think she could help us, if she will..."
"Who?" Dedman asks.
"Candace Ames. Shadowplay in Candlelight Lass."
"Shady?" Dedman responds wistfully. He always had a special fondness for her. "But she's pretty much retired from the LMB and isn't even on Legion World."
"No," Lil' Matlock acknowledges, "but she's never retired from being a great person! And I know she'll want to help us find out who killed poor Hugh."
"Yes, you're probably right. But...where is she?"
"She's back on Earth. Metropolis. So...road trip?"
"Road Trip!" Dedman exclaims with a grin.
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
GREG EVIGAN ISLAND
"Of course Cobie knows that I am deathly afraid of sharks. Especially ones that can run around on land."
"I would be happy to take charge of his training, sir."
"Would you, Soho? That would really be great! He's full of a lot of rage, though. It's not going to be easy."
"Is he that much different than I was when I first arrived here? Besides, I know you have more urgent matters to deal with, Mr. Ester."
"That's for certain, Soho! That reminds me that I've got to check on Lucy! If you'll excuse me..."
"Of course, sir... and as for you mighty Sharklad, we begin the process of getting your great rage and propensity for terror under control... under my control that is! For little does Eryk Davis Ester suspect my true identity is that of his old enemy Porta-John!"
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Contested Territories – formerly the Dark Oval area conquered by the Triumvirate and now a part of the United Planets
“Well, that looks like the last of the armies, heading back home while Cobie’s border force digs in and keeps their ‘peace-keeping’ force here,” said Abin, looking into space.
“I’m glad,” said Spellbinder, with an evident look of relief in her eyes. “Now we can move forward. Thanks for agreeing to give me the ride to Weber’s World, Abin,” she added.
“No problem. Where are you gals off to again?”
Space Tart smiled. “Top secret,” she said, “but don’t worry, I’ll call if I need someone to lend me their hands…”
As Spacey turned to Crujectra, the Princess replied “I’m meeting Actor and Kippers and although its more ceremonial than anything, its still important.” And under her breath out of Abin’s ear range she added “…and so was this…” with a smile, as she thought about the last two days she’d spent with Cobalt Kid here and the change it had on him.
The Dark Oval
“I don’t get it Cobie,” said Jailbait Lass, “you just made this hugely dramatic showing—one might say overly dramatic—of leaving the Dark Oval, and now we’re going in deeper?”
He smiled, and his old features almost seemed to come through his horrifically scarred face. “You said you wanted answers Lolita, and well, now you’ll get them. At last you can understand what this is all about…conspiracies, wars, mushrooms, canisters and all…”
S.H.A.G., Cobalt Kid’s artificial hip-hop robot sidekick chimed in, “dag playas! And off we be to the Black Sun quadrant of the Dark Oval!”
The Borders of the Barbarian Hordes and the United Planets
“Good,” said Dominus, the grotesquely large half-Khund/half Barbarian Khan. “Peace between the Dark Oval and the United Planets,” he replied, throwing the holo-news to the ground, “means it’ll be us, their so-called Barbarians, that will let them know what an enemy truly is.”
Posted by Joe-Boy Harvestar on :
Who are the 52?
[ October 06, 2006, 02:03 AM: Message edited by: Joe-Boy Harvestar ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Border of the Barbarian Hordes and the United Planets
“I’ve alerted the United Planets General Assembly, per Cobalt’s instructions,” said Scipio. “All we can do now is wait.”
“Wait. That’s all we ever do,” said Danger Damsel. She was antsy, and she was ready for action. The Barbarian attacks were days ago, and nothing had been done. “We still have no idea why the Horde would attack the UP, when they’re at war with the Dark Oval. Especially when we’re at war with the Dark Oval.”
“We were at war,” said Scipio. “Not anymore.” It was hard to tell whether he disapproved. “But it doesn’t matter. The attacks happened before we were aware of the peace out here on the outskirts. I’m still trying to figure out Dominus’ strategy. Was he simply using UP space to find a hole in the Dark Oval defenses, and pierce through from the side? Its an old tactic, not using your own borders but pushing through someone else’s…”
“Maybe he thinks he can take on the UP and the D.O. both at once?” she said, now fiddling with her sword. As she swung it, she smashed through a statuette in the corner of the room.
“Anne, please,” said Scipio, annoyed. “And no, he wouldn’t think that. That’s the reason the D.O. so gladly accepted their peace. For all we know, they have a superior fighting force, but couldn’t fight a multi-front war. No…it must have been another reason.”
She leaned forward and wrapped her arms around him. She couldn’t help but smile. This much older man’s presence had been invigorating to her, and she was enjoying every moment possible with him. She leaned near his neck and whispered in his ear. “Maybe you’re just too distracted to think…”
He couldn’t help but smile. Despite her tenacious attitude, she was soft and petite, and she made him feel young. And she smelled so wonderful. But suddenly—it hit him. “Of course!” he said, jumping away, out of her arms. “It was a distraction! So simply…how didn’t I see? They were distracting us…but why? To keep our attention here, while something else was going on at the borders elsewhere. Some fleet getting out? No, no, we’d know that…” Danger Damsel rolled her eyes as he continued to think outloud. “Someone getting in. Which is what we’ve always tried to stop. Not Earth, or Ggrrgg, or Khundia…they’re too far off from this sector of space…someone snuck into the Barbarian Hordes while we were distracted. A UP force? Someone from…the Dark Oval?” He was moving faster now, walking down the hallways. Any playfulness was replaced by the soldier spirit he exemplified. “Come on, Anne, we’ve got work to do. The Barbarian Hordes have an ally, and we need to know who…”
“Great,” she rolled her eyes a second time. “Sounds like a blast…”
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
Six Years Ago
Fred was excited. Ever since he'd discovered his superhuman abilities three months earlier, he'd dreamed of using them to earn a spot in the LMB. And today he had his chance. Open tryouts. He was excited. And he was first in line.
The second in line was a squat, portly young man who introduced himself as "Hash". Hash was nervous. He was boiling over with a power he could barely control. Fred tried to keep his distance from Hash as best he could, lest he end up getting accidentally blasted by him and spoiling his own chances at LMB membership.
Soon, it was the moment Fred was waiting for. The LMB called him in to show his stuff. There were all his heroes: Lash Lad, Cobalt Kid, Shadowplay in Candlelight Lass, Lardlad. He was excited. And so thrilled to demonstrate his power when they asked him to.
He could tell by the looks on the faces of the LMBers that his tryout had not gone as well as he hoped.
Cobalt Kid was the one who told him the bad news: "We're sorry, Fred, but while your ability to remove the clothing from other sentients is impressive, I'm not sure how practical it would be in a fight. Especially since many of our villains are already naked."
Lardlad added: "Plus, if you use your powers on someone really HOT, it might distract us as much as our opponents!"
Shadowplay in Candlelight Lass tried to console him: "At least you get this consolation walking stick..."
Just then Loser Lad rushes in: "Guys, come quick! We've got an emergency outside! The next applicant just lost control of his powers and turned everyone else in line into countries of the former Soviet Union! I just barely missed getting turned into Kazahkstan!"
As the LMBers rushed out, Fred stood there heartbroken.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Candlelight Mental Health Clinic, Metropolis, Earth.
The woman who was known galaxy-wide as ‘Shadowplay in Candlelight Lass’ listens intently to her visitors.
“So that’s what’s going on, Shady,” Lil’ Matlock finishes. “We could really use your help.”
“Oh, sweeties, you have no idea how rough the past few days, heck the last few months, have been for me since that awful invasion of Legion World!”
“Well,” comments Lil’ Matlock, “it hasn’t exactly been a spacewalk for us, neither.”
“Oh! I didn’t mean to imply otherwise, sweetie--oh, you make such a pretty baby,Matty--but you know what a worrier I am! When it was announced that Lardy was murdered--and then, it turned out to be poor Hugh instead, well I’ve been beside myself. The galaxy really appears to be a much darker place these days…it‘s why I had to get away and help people my own way.”
“Well,” Dedman speaks up for the first time, “it’s always less dark if you have a little candlelight, Shady.”
“Oh, that’s so sweet, Deddy! But…I’m holding things back. Of course, I can help you. Once my powers consisted only of a kind of morale boost, but over time, I‘ve been able to delve into people‘s psyches to help get at the root of their problems. I think I can access poor Hugh’s memories. Deddy, sweetie, please lie down on this couch.”
He does as instructed and then closes his eyes when Shady prompts. She moves behind the couch where Dedman’s head is resting and massages his temples. She reaches out with her mind into his and finds the memories floating and visually represented as a safe. She touches the lock, and it dissolves. Dedman lets out a momentary gasp as this happens, but with Shady’s steadying influences, he begins to channel the memories and speaks as if he were the man known as HUGEMANBREASTS.
“I…I am Lard Lad. I am protector of the universe...am Lard Knight! I don’t understand why everyone acts like I’m not. Treat me like I am clone. It was clone who hurt Fiona, not Lard Lad. Enemies trick me. Make me think I am clone. Make me look like clone! Must have these boobies removed and belly-button put back, so friends will know I’m Lard Lad, not clone!”
Dedman pauses for a moment as Shady accesses another memory.
“Hmmm…” Lil’ Matlock muses, “Hugh was so traumatized by how he accidentally hurt Space Tart that he became delusional and convinced himself that he was Lardy.”
Dedman speaks again: “Nice man, Mr. Drall. Ugly man, but nice. Helped Lard Lad get surgery he needed. Lard Lad is Lard Lad again! No more boobies and have belly-button back! YAY!”
“Shady,” Lil’ Matlock interjects, “can you see the man Hugh’s talking about in his memories?”
Eyes closed, she answers, “Yes, sweetie, I see him, but I don’t know who he is. He looks like a burn victim, his features hideously scarred. I don’t recognize him. I’m not sure his own mother would, frankly. I can tell he’s Caucasian, medium height, wearing a hooded cloak, intense brown eyes--gosh, they look familiar, somehow, but I can’t place them. Maybe this will help…”
Having been silent for a while, Dedman speaks again, “Mr. Drall has mission for me! Needs me to go in fake Lard Lad’s house and get something for him. Put it in canister. Security will think I am fake Lard Lad. I will rescue friend held captive by fake Lard Lad!” And Dedman stops.
“Well, what did he take from Lardy’s place?” Lil’ Matlock asks. “And who did he rescue?”
“I-I don’t know, Matty. The memories I’m getting from Hugh are very spotty. The poor thing was mentally handicapped, you know. But I get the sense that he succeeded in whatever objectives he was given. He felt so heroic like all his dreams had come true.” And tears begin to stream down her face. “That’s all he ever wanted to be, Matty. A hero…”
“I know, Shady,” Lil’ Matlock says soothingly, “but I need whatever else you can give me…”
“Of…of course,” she says in a measured tone, trying to calm herself back down. Then, she closes her eyes again.
And the inert Dedman begins to speak again: “I am success! I will do what I always do when I save day…drink beer and make love to ladies at Hootchie Hut!”
“Yuck! This not taste too good. Makes head swim. Ladies all over me…what do I do? Got to…got to get out!”
“Hoo! That was weird. Why did I ever go there before? Did I ever go there before? Ooh…hard to walk! Am…dizzy.”
“Who’s that? Hummer Lass! My girl! I love her so much! She’s running to me! Why she have big knives? She make me dinner?”
“OW! Oh, Gods! Hummer Lass hurt me---why? OOOoooooowwwwWWW!!! Gods, it hurts so much {sob} Why she do this to me? Why…why…won’t she…stop….”
“f-finally, she stop. She--she leaves. {sob} hurts…who that? is…bat lady? Oh, please, bat lady…please make the pain……..*”
With that, Shady breaks the connection and, crying fiercely, embraces Dedman who is frantic as he tries to transition completely back to himself. A bright glow emits from her and engulfs the two for several moments. When it subsides, the two are moderately composed.
“Shady?” Lil’ Matlock finally says. ”Are you too, alright? Did-did Pru really do this?”
“Yes,” she says wiping tears away, one hand still on Dedman’s shoulder, “that memory was quite clear.”
“Well, then,” Lil’ Matlock says, “guess we’d better get back to Legion World. We have an arrest to make.”
[ September 19, 2007, 12:38 AM: Message edited by: Lard Lad ]
Posted by SharkLad on :
The Isla Larga Planetoid
A dark antechamber is filled with the sound of growling animals. More than one bone is broken as a frenzy breaks out.
"Can't you keep them quiet!?!" bellows a cloaked figure from within the chamber.
"They're hungry, sister," answers a large, fur-covered creature, "we haven't allowed them to feed for quite some time."
"Soon enough, soon enough. What of that transmission you intercepted?"
"He's been moved. To a place called "Greg Evignan Island."
"Excellent," replies the cloaked figure, "though I had hoped to take out some of the others at the same time, particularly that pudgy one, they'll have to wait. Prepare the ship."
The sound of laughter fills the chamber.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Dark Oval, Black Sun Sector
“And here we are,” said Cobalt, flying through space with Jailbait Lass in his arms and S.H.A.G. following closely. “Helios Nocturnos, the home planet of the Black Sun. I’ve always wanted to see it, but never have been this far into the Dark Oval. No army could make it this far of course…only a spy or singular force.”
“You sound like you know a lot about the Dark Oval, Cobie,” said Jailbait Lass. “I wish you’d shared it with me. I collect information for you, that’s my job. I don’t see why you’ve held any of it back…”
He smiled at her. The problems of before seemed to have vanished in the last few days. Now she jabbed him like usual, and he knew there was honesty in her words, but she wasn’t as hurt as the words sounded. “And now you’ll get your answers. You know I have agents here, have had various ones in the past. Even Lardy, Spacey and others have worked in the D.O.”
“Of course,” said Jailbait Lass. “But how does that relate to conspiracies, mushrooms, canisters, intergalactic war, religion, the kitchen sink—“
“I get the picture,” he smiled. “Here, lets sit on this asteroid and take a look at the planet. We can view it from here where it’s beautiful. Because once we’re planet-side, our view of it might be different.” They sat on a large asteroid, floating in space, and Jailbait Lass marveled at the use of their transuits and how they survived in space. “It began a few years ago, though I’d always known about the Dark Oval and have tried to learn its secrets. Make no mistake, they are our enemies. And there *is* a lot of secrets and a lot to learn. Some still so raw that I can’t even talk about them without sounding crazy. But there are some that I’m now sure of. But a few years ago, a mission happened that completely changed my life. A young boy was found on Legion World, that had the power to completely change the world. A ‘nexus of magic’ Stu called him, and the boy was exactly that. By far the most powerful entity we’d ever encountered this side of the Anti-Moderator or Ekron. But he was only an eleven year old boy. His name was Elagabolus.”
“I know this story,” said Jailbait Lass. “You named it ‘The Price of Security’ in our archives. That’s an ominous name.”
“I know,” he said with a sigh, “and I’ve had to deal with my guilt of it ever since. We had to get him off Legion World because people were dying, as various forces tried to collect the boy. In our mission to stop them, he was lost along the way. He disappeared, unable to take the pressure any longer. You see, I have these spiritual powers that allow me to heal, because he transferred them to me. By giving me his ‘good magic’, he kept only his ‘bad magic’. Its much more complicated than that—I hate magic, you know that, and don’t feel like trying to understand it. But that might have sent him on a horrible path. Because the red magic in him might have begun to corrupt him. And its worse. The reason it was such a problem was that I had become aware of a Legion cadet, named Esk, who had the power of prophecy. She’d been having nightmares and I talked to her, and she described to me in vivid detail the prophecies she had—about the destruction of the LMB, and the horrible fate of the UP. She said the reason the LMB would split, was a horrible madman named…Elagabolus.”
“Yes,” said Jailbait Lass. “I remember. I remember you believing that fate isn’t predetermined and the boy had a chance to change his destiny.”
Cobalt looked at the stars. “I believed that once. I hope I still do. But that was part one of what was to come. Months later, another mission went awry and it took even more months to make the connection. Stoopid Cat, as you know, travels back in time occasionally to fight alongside his friends in the JSMBP. On one such mission, he had traveled back with Time Boy, who I know you’ve recently met. Upon their return, they were supposed to land back here. For some reason for another, Time Boy is never allowed to travel beyond the current rate of our time moving forward. What I mean is, and I don’t get it, is that there is an iron curtain of time that does not allow him to travel into our future. He must age as we age, never moving forward too far. He couldn’t reveal our fates to us if we wanted is what I mean. The curtain doesn’t allow him to travel in the space of time between ‘x’, our current continuous forward moving time, and ‘y’, which is 14.24 years into the future. We’ve been able to measure the number. It’s exactly 5,200 days into our future. We’ve never been able to figure out why.”
“I never knew that,” said Jailbait Lass.
“No one does. Only Faraway Lad and Lucien Lad are aware of it with me, because of our investigations into the time stream. But for some reason, and we don’t know why, they were able to this time. They landed exactly five years after the LMB had disbanded, in a horrible period of time where we had fallen into disarray and the UP was doing badly. The exact date was too hard to figure out. They were only there briefly, but tried to learn about what happened. The information was too much to comprehend—wars, deaths, assassinations, dictators, etc. But they did hear one name that was loathed—Elagabolus. And so on their return, I met with Stoopid Cat, and we began making plans.”
Jailbait Lass’ attention was drawn to him now, and he continued. “You know Stoopid Cat and Hrun were once the deadliest of enemies. To say they disliked each other was beyond understatement. Nowadays they are known as one of the most effective duos in the LMB, one of the most ferocious and beloved teams. Well, this is how they became that way. Stoopid Cat and I began making plans, and in an attempt to curb their rivalry, I brought Hrun aboard. Hurn has always been an ally and friend of mine, and I’ve stuck up for him many times despite his bad behavior. He reveres my warrior spirit he says, and the feeling is mutual. Well, we presented our case and the three of us planned on what to do. I decided to bring in one fourth party into our ‘conspiracy’ to get his opinions—because frankly, I respect them greatly, and think the man is brilliant, horribly misunderstood by Legion World at large.”
“Dr. Mayavale,” said Jailbait Lass.
“Correct. Mayavale knows things Lolita. Remember that. Mayavale has some important wisdom that is often lost in the shuffle. He predicted the Dark Stu Saga, did you know that? Anyway, I brought in Mayavale and we decided to work together to do whatever it took to prevent that awful future. All three being alt IDs, the notion that the group secretly protected alt IDs occasionally came up between the four of us, but was never really a part of it. It did factor into my suggestions of building the Giant Squid Memorial Alt ID Center though, but that’s neither here nor there. But we decided to go back to Esk, and to find out what we could. So we approached Esk finally and had her join us at Dr. Mayavale’s Meditation Tent. There, we wanted to know more about her prophecies. The problem is that they are often brief and uninformative. But with the help of Mayavale’s mushrooms and wheezing mists, I believed we could get Esk to tap into her potential and reveal to us a great deal more than normal.”
“And?” said Jailbait Lass.
“And we did. Esk, after hours of wheezing mists and mushrooms, went into a prophesizing state, which lasted for hours. And the four of us looked on, as she began to write down the vivid things she saw. And it was then that she explained to us, that one day soon, we would be on the verge of World War VII.” Now Cobalt hesitated, and took the canister from Jailbait Lass. “So here, in this secret canister, which we falsely nicknamed ‘Stoopiod Cat’s Alt ID Files’ to throw people off, is our big secret.” He opened it up, and pulled out an old document, nothing more than a few pieces of paper, sealed tight. The canister he tossed aside as if nothing. “Not much is it?” he mused.
“What is it?” she said.
“This, I’m afraid, is Esk’s prophecy. 52 steps that will be taken that will lead us to inter-galactic war—and the end of all of us.”
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Dark Oval, Helios Nocturnos
“This, I’m afraid, is Esk’s prophecy. 52 steps that will be taken that will lead us to inter-galactic war—and the end of all of us.” Cobalt looked at it, and there was no smile on his face anymore.
Jailbait Lass looked at Cobalt’s face and saw his horribly disfigured features shine in the sunlight. Actually, they looked different. Better. Still horrible—but better. He must be healing, she thought. “Go on,” she said.
“This document contains the secrets to possibly saving the universe,” he said, now folding it up. He put it in the pocket of his overcoat, which he had just put on. “…but its impossible to read. Its jumbled and out of order and makes little sense. Its too hard to comprehend, too complicated to crack and then use to our advantage. So the four of us have done what we can, various things here and there, to see if it will help. But there are things happening now that directly relate to it, as if we’re on the verge of another turning point. The Dark Oval. The Black Sun. Dominus. Caracalla. These names are all on their, among riddles and notes. It can’t be coincidence. I think we’re at a crossroads.” He was silent now.
“The world changes Cobie,” she said. “And we must change with it. How can we proceed?”
He smiled at her. “I know. Here’s what we’ve deciphered. A new power arise that connects to the Barbarian Hordes and the Dark Oval. All the current players on the board are connected. And it somehow relates back to Elagabolus. He’s the destroyer of the LMB in this. And if we can’t change his destiny by helping him grow into someone else, we can at least stop those trying to put him on his path. This man, Dominus, seems like he could be a central figure to all of this. Half-Barbarian. Half-Khund. Ggrrggian trained. Worshipper of the Black Sun. He must be stopped.”
“Why wait until now then?”
He hesitated. “I…I lost my way. But thanks to you, Crujeckie and Spacey, I’m back. But, it doesn’t matter. Despite it making total sense, I can’t help but feel I’m overstating Dominus’ importance. He feels like a bit player, as arrogant as that sounds.” He looked at the planet. “But here, now, at the Black Sun, we might be able to get some more answers.”
They were quiet now. Jailbait Lass spoke up after a time. “What ever happened to Esk?”
“I hid her from the rest of the LMB and the rest of the world. She was too dangerous a figure, and if our enemies ever learned of her, they’d probably come after her. She still trains at the LMB Academy, but has no desire to join the LMB. She has a different codename now. Some know of this whole thing, you know. The Legion World Founders know—I had to tell them, otherwise I’d never get over the guilt of Legion World being in trouble. That’s about it actually. Crujeckie knows of course.”
“But no one ever gets the whole story,” said Jailbait Lass. “That’s the wrap on you Cobie. And you know what? Its right. What aren’t you telling me?”
He looked at her, getting serious. “Very good Lolita. Stay sharp always—never let emotion cloud your search for answers,” he added, meaning it. “Down below is the Black Sun planet. The Black Sun is a religious sect that grows every day. They attempt to bring new people under their spell. Some say they are a cult, and the things they practice, they sound like it. They want nothing less than the annihilation of all the suns in the universe, and all the people other than them, so that their deity, Sol Invictus can come down and be the final, unconquered sun, giving the true believers paradise. I say with no small hesitancy, they are our enemy. They’re coming for us one day, that I know. I’m quite sure they’ve begun already. Their Head Priest is a man named Caracalla. I’ve never met him, but I know of him. He’s a devout follower, a truly gifted leader, and has a keen intellect matched only by our wittiest and most intelligent. And he’s also a craven killer, and master manipulator and an excellent strategist that knows how to get others to follow his desires. I secretly suspect he’s not just a ‘man’, but someone with immense power. I also secretly suspect that although he believes his religion, he has his own agenda that he pushes, whether it fits his holy doctrine or not. And I’ve recently become aware that he has a young apprentice that follows him everywhere. The apprentice has become a holy figure among the Black Sun, and is revered as Caracalla’s favorite. The young man’s name, as he is no longer a boy, is…Elagabolus.”
[ October 07, 2006, 05:40 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
The old Ice Cream Parlol
This was the part of town that sustained the least amount of damage during the invasion. And Helena could see why. This area had once seen better days. There were quite a few boarded up windows and not a lot of people around. Helena was by herself. Winema stated that she had urgent business at the medical center.
Turning a corner, Helena saw the pink and white building. Over the enterance was the sign "Ice ream Parlol", the "C" having fallen in front of the door. Helena continued to amble along as she scouted out the area. She did not notice anything or anyone that appeared out of place. But that didn't mean there wasn't. She saw that there was a side door into the Parlol down the alley. Helena walked around to the back street and enter the alley from that direction. The door was locked, but her robotic arm allowed her to twist the knob off.
To the left was the storeroom. The only thing left on the shelf were two industrial size cans of marachino cherries. To the right was the main area of the parlol. On both walls were a series of booths. About 5 wrought iron tables were in the middle of the floor with 3 chairs at each. A fine dust had settled over everything. Helena was not sure exactly what she was looking for. She wasn't even sure if she should be trusting the strange Dr. Mayavale or even Winema. Behind the counter was a door marked "office". It was the last place to look. Helena opend the door and was blinded by a flash of light.
Helena rubbed her eyes and blinked several times. There were still bright stars of lights dancing wherever she looked.
"Are you all right, honey?" Helena felt an arm going around her shoulder. "I told you that you didn't need to use the flash, dear. Are you ok honey?" Two shapes came into focus for Helena. "Mom? Dad?" Helena squinted, then closed and opened her eyes. Yes, it was her parents. And she was in her old house. She could smell the roast of lightning beast coming from the kitchen. "Dinner will be ready soon." said Dad as he put down his camera and headed back into the kitchen. Mom steered Helena to the couch. "Oh I am so glad you could make it back. You must be tired after your long trip. Sit down and rest. I'll put on some music and during dinner you can tell me all about college." Helena did feel tired and the couch was so soft. It wouldn't hurt to close her eyes for a few seconds, would it?
Posted by Seth Gaterra on :
Outside Dr. Mayavale's Mediation Tent
Seth had finally been released from his questioning by some of Legion World's security force. So far, it didn't look like he was being accused of the disappearance; a bit of a surprise to Seth. What worried Seth now was that Helena would be unjustly hunted down for this... she'd done so much to make up for her past, but it could still be a weapon against her.
He wandered away from the tent, not sure where to go now...
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Hrykosian Fortress. Lin-Dak Nebula, Dark Oval.
Collus Hrykos's Ready Room...
"What news, Vice-Regent? Speak."
"I won't mince words, Lord," Zyrnyn begins, "I now know who betrayed the Hrykos Clan. It was Kalla Hryl, the Chief of Reclamation at the Hronmire Shipyard."
"Kalla?! I know of her--excellent service record! Are you certain?"
"Yes, my Lord. Her department specializes in refurbishing damaged warships. The Night Raven was allocated to her. She personally logged it out days before the attack on Rrraahhm. And she's been AWOL ever since."
"Why haven't I heard of this before now?"
"Lord, there's been chaos in the entire Dark Oval sector ever since the Barbarians retaliated, and the United Planets, under Cobalt Kid's commission, almost simeultaneously led their assault. Most of what I've done since...our last talk...was to reestablish our internal communications network. The U.P.'s withdrawal helped as well. With only one (though considerably huge) front to manage, it's been somewhat easier to rebuild the net. Having rebuilt, finding Kalla's duplicity was simple."
"Why would she do this, Zyrnyn?" Hrykos shouts, his face turning red. "Why would she cast aside the loyalty that is ingrained within every Hrykosian?!?!"
"A search of her quarters revealed nothing in the way of specifics, but she left this note." And Zyrnyn hands it to Hrykos.
Hrykos reads it: "I commit no treason. The treason was committed against me when my lover was executed by High Command. He served them faithfully but was manipulated by them. His life was thrown away when they were done using him. Hrykosian High Command use and throw away 'inferior' races as they see fit, though without them the Clan would wither and die. My hope is that my actions lead to the cleansing of a corrupt hierarchy and to a new enlightenment. Until that time, I will seek a new home that embraces and celebrates diversity and will do whatever I can there to remakethe galaxyinto a better place!"
He finishes reading the note and angrily tears it to shreds. "Ridiculous! Where is she, Zyrnyn?!?!"
"Uh--unknown, Lord."
"Find her! And find out who this 'lover' was!! I don't believe at all she was in this alone. If we know her lover's name, we'll be that much closer to finding out who precisely she conspired with and where she's gone! GO!"
"Y-yes, my Lord!"
[ December 29, 2006, 10:56 PM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Dark Oval, Helios Nocturnos
During the daytime hours, the sun beat down furiously, hot upon the heads of the public. So much so, that they were forced to hide from the sun. In the nighttime, it was cool and breezy, a wonder to behold. During the daytime, the Black Sun spent the entire 12 hours in prayer. They had to, as it was divine doctrine to do so. During the night, they carried on with their lives and it was then that things moved as they normally did. They were refreshed in the night, having been so connected to their deity, Sol Invictus, during the day. Every person on Helios Nocturnos was a member of the Black Sun. It was the capital planet of the religion, and where it had begun to spread. Since then, it was an active religion throughout the Dark Oval, and many Hrykosians and other vassal-states were devout followers. But the Black Sun itself had its clerical arm, which was its most important administrative and governing force, and here was where it stayed. At the top the top was the High Priest, Caracalla. Despite his age he looked youthful, although covered completely in black, and his face often hidden. The high-ranking clerics were after him in the pecking order, and below them were the priests in general. To live on Helios Nocturnos, you must be a priest—common believers in the faith that were not clerics lived elsewhere. The city itself was a wonder to behold, but it was often dusty and in somewhat disarray. The clerical buildings, particularly the most religious, however, were exquisite.
On Helios Nocturnos, you’re identity did not matter. You were a devout follower of the Black Sun and you believed in Sol Invictus, and gladly awaited his return to this world, so he would destroy all the suns and all the non-believers, and relight the skies, bringing peace and comfort. You practiced rituals to show your obedience and love, including the spilling of your own blood, to bring the fiery pain that emphasized the divinity of that sensation.
The emergence of Caracalla was undocumented and thus had the feel of a mystery. But it was well known that the Black Sun religion had been in existence for a brief time, following the devotion to Sol Invictus, when one of the clerical oligarchs, Caracalla, emerged as the High Priest and true, singular power-controlling presence among the Black Sun clerics. From there, his power in the order grew exponentially and he eventually became a religious icon himself, though he was smart enough to always underplay this and reinforce his role was out of duty, something he did not because of desire, but because he was compelled. He, alone, was at the top of the pyramid that reached up into the heavens, and he alone heard the voice of Sol Invictus the loudest.
“They’re all praying…” whispered Jailbait Lass to Cobalt Kid, both now heavily cloaked, as to hide their features.
“I know. That seems to be all they’re doing. I wonder if that’s just today, or everyday?” replied Cobalt.
Caracalla and the other high-ranking priests were protected by the Black Sun Honor Guard, a militant order of armed clerics that were stoutly devoted to Sol Invictus and the religion of the Black Sun. They were faithful to Caracalla and took great monastic virtues. They were so extreme that their vows of chastity, poverty and obedience were highlighted by the self-inflicted lives: they were all willing eunuchs, all had no possessions and lived in the villa of Caracalla, and all followed the every whim of the high-ranking clerics.
“Anything S.H.A.G.?” said Cobalt to his hip-hop robot sidekick, who was floating around his head. They now stood on a rooftop, attempting to discern if anything out of the ordinary was occurring here—which was impossible, since they’d never been there before. But all they saw was the entire capital city kneeling in prayer, praying all day for 12 hours until the sun went down, where they would then go to work and *then* act out their normal lives. But as long as the sun was up, they would be in prayer. The buildings were simply, if a bit in decay, although the clerical buildings, churches and monasteries were on the opulent side.
“Na, G, no luck,” said S.H.A.G. in reply. “All seems to be routine. Except the big poppa ain’t around dis week.”
“Caracalla? That is odd. Where is he?” S.H.A.G. did not know the answer.
Three years ago, Caracalla carried out a subversive attack into United Planets space, using Black Sun religious extremists to distract the UP, so he could accomplish a smaller goal. While the UP, and by proxy, the LMB, had their attention elsewhere, Caracalla’s spies were able to find and ensnare the young boy Elagabolus, and bring him to the Black Sun. Although this revealed to the LMB the existence of the Black Sun, of which they had only ever heard rumors, it was far worth it. For Caracalla was aware of Elagabolus and the true nature of the boy, though no one knew how. And he knew what the boy could mean. And so he brought the boy to Helios Nocturnos and indoctrinated him into the order of Sol Invictus. As years past, the boy’s role grew in importance, as he became the apprentice of Caracalla. The boy was a young Priest who was in touch with the divinity of Sol Invictus in a way no other was—how else could one explain his immense power? So as the years past, rumors circulated that he was a young deity reborn, and that Caracalla would one day reveal him to all publicly. The devotion to the boy, though unspoken, grew among the religion.
“At last,” said Cobalt. “Caracalla’s villa.”
“And nothing,” said Jailbait Lass. They had been through it a few times, doing their best not to be seen. It wasn’t hard—there was no one there. “They’re gone Cobie. The High Priest. The Honor Guard. The boy.”
“Elag…” Cobie couldn’t help but whisper.
“They gone playa,” said S.H.A.G. “I don’t detect none of them. Wherever they be, it ain’t here…”
“Where then, Cobie?” said Jailbait Lass, but the answer already formed in her mind.
“The Barbarian Hordes,” he replied, knowing now they were too late.
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Cafe Cramer
Caliente and Nova Girl waited at the bar waiting for the green tea sitting in the proty shaped teapot to steep for the proper amount of time. Behind the bar Sarah the barista steamed milk and mixed in a shot of vanilla syrup.
"So he just up and left you running the Club?"
"No idea where he is and when he'll come back."
"He's done this before. He could be gone a while."
"I think the Winema innuendos drove him up the wall."
Caliente looked exasperated from two days of running the Evil Genius Club without support. Though the computer system helped the system could not handle the customer aspect of the business.
Behind the bar an egg timer announced that the tea had steeped. Sara leapt accross her workspace gliding gracefully picking up the teapot and pouring the green liquid into two travel cups smartly stenciled with the Cafe Cramer logo.
With a thump the door to the cafe opened and Everyday Girl stepped hurredly to the bar. Sara quickly poured the hot vanilla steamed milk into Everyday Girl's travel mug.
"Ohmygod, no time to talk Sarah. There's like an emergency. Something just made the Legion World Fashion district disappear and reappear floating over the Comic factory. Then it got smashed."
Nova Girl and Caliente stared at each other outraged at the implications. The loss of the LW fashion district meant something too horrible to contemplate. It meant that there would be no place to go shopping.
COBALT ROW
Frio climbed over a pile of ruined shoes as the Invisible Brainiacs secured a crime scene perimeter around the site for the second time in just the past few days. Fortunately all the store employees were unhurt though stunned to see their businesses disappear around them.
Frio grimaced as she turned over a particularly sexy pair of boots crushed and ruined by the debris. Now she knew how Everyday Girl had felt when the comic factory was destroyed. Without the fashion district where would Frio pick up the sexy gear that she'd use to snare a man for the weekend.
On the perimeter the Invisible Brainiacs finished putting up the cordon and proceeded to go into a scanning pattern. Abin Quank inspected the mobile command center set up to control the scene.
He was confronted by a distraught Harbinger who tossed a horribly scuffed patent leather pump into his chest.
"Abin this is an attack on our very way of life."
"Calm down Harbi, we'll get to the bottom of this."
Abin was concerned about the pattern of attacks on LW businesses. However he did not believe the situation as serious the nearly hysterical Harbinger was taking it.
Suddenly every keg and cask of beer and whisky on Legion World appeared over the crime scene and began raining down on the Security Officers. Frio and Invisible Brainiace protected who they could with their powers as kegs smashed open on impact flooding the area with booze.
Abin looked at the devastation and suddenly found himself agreeing with Harbinger. An attack on their way of life indeed.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. Hummer Lass's Apartment.
Hummer Lass lies on her bed, sobbing and applying a cold compress to her badly bruised and swollen face.
"why.." she moans. "Why would my love do this to me. I've-I've got to do better in the future...make sure I do what I'm supposed to. I killed that horrible imposter! I hope my love will come back and hold me..."
Then she's shocked by a loud thump against her door.
"My love--?" she whispers in a voice simeultaneously exultant and fearful.
But the door is smashed open and several armed men come in.
"Prudence Goodwyfe...Hummer Lass?" one of them shouts. "You are under arrest by authority of the Legion World Security Office!"
Her eyes dart around for her sais and she leaps out of her bed. But she is felled by a stun blast from one of the officers who'd had his gun trained on her.
Lil' Matlock is strapped to the speaking officer's back. "Put her in the transport, boys, and take her to a holding cell at the Security Office," Matty orders.
His eyes take in the scene. "Confiscate the clothes in that wastebasket...and those knives. I think you'll find they are called sais. Go over every inch of this place, and bring your findings to me! I'm leaving immediately to question the prisoner. Ralph?"
And the officer Lil' Matlock is piggybacking dutifully heads toward his boss's cruiser.
[ October 09, 2006, 11:09 PM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
Quislet's Table
After spending several hours going through the LMB's records and files trying to find something that would jog Rockhopper Lass's memory, she and Rockhopper Lad decide they need a break. With Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle and Old Dutch the Super Cow, they go to Quislet's table for a late lunch.
Sitting down to two sushi boxes, steak tartare and a bushel of grass, the four silently pondered what to do next.
"Eudyptes," Rockhopper Lass sighed after many minutes, "I'm sorry to be so much bother."
"Adelie, don't worry about it for a second."
"I just wish..." Perhaps it was the wasabi, perhaps it just came to her, but Rockhopper Lass's jaw dropped and she held her head.
"Adelie, what's wrong?"
"I--I remember something."
"How wonderful!" Rockhopper Lad smiled.
"What do you remember?" asked Hyvvie, his tail wagging.
"I remember something that happened while I was away. Or rather someone. I think it's a name. Eudyptes, do you know anyone called Blaine Fey?"
[ October 10, 2006, 12:04 AM: Message edited by: Rockhopper Lad ]
Posted by Joe-Boy Harvestar on :
INTERLUDE : EARTH
Joeboy ran through the streets of Old Newcastle, Newspaper over his head to shield him from the torrents of rain that were falling. The Rain turned to hail and He ducked underneath an awning, cursing to himself as he checked his watch.
"Sprock it! if Im late again Ill never hear the end of it." The hailstorm died down and he ventured back into the street. within a few minutes he came upon a cafe, the Sundollar. Throwing the wet and fastly deteriorating newspaper into the nearest bin he entered Sundollar and was greeted by an irate looking young man, Nathan. "You're late" Said Nathan "Again" Getting up from his seat. "I know I know...I got caught up in that hailstorm." Joeboy smiled, pulling a konobar out of the small bag that he was carrying. "But I brought you candy!" Nathan chuckled and the two embraced before sitting down in the booth that Nathan had been waiting in. The booth had a window on one side, facing the street. breathing on the window Nathan traced a little heart in the condensation "Bloody Hell its coming down out there." "Tell me about it. Climate Control's been stuck on Tsunamie since Ooograh the slightly frightening tried to take over the world again last month." "F***ker" "Heh. Yeah...Giant Monsters are Gay" "Hate Crime!" Outside, Lightning struck and the storm increased in intensity. "So what do you think?" Said Joeboy "Its been so long since you had the night off...I want to do something special." "Meh...I dont know..Im not to fussed. Maybe Gaybar (tm)? I totally feel like spilling drinks on Drag Queens" "Ooh thats SUCH a good Idea. We havent done that in so long." "Yeah...Im thinking Ouzo with Coke. That sh*t never comes out. they'll be stinking of licorice for days." Outside Lightning struck. Nathan continued talking but Joeboy wasnt really paying attention, lost like always in Nathans beauty. He was still getting used to the idea of being in love. of the way his heart jumped at the mention of Nathans name. Of every kiss being just like the first. Joeboy was usually a loner when it came to matters of the heart but Nathan had changed all that. The past year had been the happiest he'd ever had. "And so I said Bantha? I hardly even knew her!" Joe chuckled, snapping into reality. Outside Lightning struck again. Nathan continued the conversation in that special way of his that doesnt really need a second person. Joeboy was distracted, looking out the window at the storm outside. Lightning struck, this time right outside the window, leaving a small ring of fire on the tarred road. Nathan jumped. "Bloody Hell that Lightings getting close!" "Bloody Hell you say Bloody a lot" "Bloody Oath" Lighting struck. Joeboy began to stand "You know I dont think thats lightning" "What do you mean it's not lightning?" "Trust me...I know a bit about Lightning" With that Lightning struck again and the Ground began to rumble beneath their feet. Outside the people on the streets were being forced to move back as the ground began to splinter and crack, "Sprock it!" The ground heaved. People were scattered everywhere, Cars crashing into each other as buildings and trees began to be torn apart. Then, almost as abruptly as it had started, the commontion ceased and the rain stopped. People slowly got up, inspecting the damage Suddenly, the street outside Sundollar heaved and sunk, leaving a huge pit. "No...No no no no no" Yelled Joeboy "Im on a Date here Dammit" Nathan looked at Joeboy, bewildered "Whats going on? Was that an Earthquake? We havent had one of them since 2097" "No...No it wasnt" Joeboy sighed. Something huge was a emerging from the pit, A large Tripod like machine. For a minute it just stood there, the people around it bemused. Then letting off a hideous, Alien scream it began to fire...Blasts of energy that turned whatever they hit into dust...cars, people, buildings. "Holy Hell!" Nathan gasped, moving towards the door to get a closer look "No! just stay back. this is going to get ugly" "Ugly like yo' Momma" Joeboy grinned. "Same as always. Even in the face of certain death you've gotta crack a yo' Momma joke. Anyway..." He sighed, holdong Nathan by the shoulders "I wanted to wait for the right time to tell you this but it looks like Im not going to have a choice." "Tell Me what?" "Just...just stand back" Joeboy stepped outside, eyes on the Tripod. "CAPTAIN MARVEL!" This time the Lightning struck him and Joeboy was gone. in his place, smoke coming off of his Bright Red and Yellow costume, Stood Kid Marvel. Nathan stepped towards him, plaing a hand on his chest and tracing the shape of the yellow thunderbolt with his finger. He looked up into Kid Marvel's eyes. "You...You're a...Superhero?" "Ummm..Yeah. You could say that." "Thats so..." Nathan grinned "Hot." "Really? you arent weirded out or...wait a minute...getting off topic...Tripod...outside." Looking back at Nathan "Ive gotta go" "Go get em' Tiger. But next time we do it you're wearing the Costume." "Deal"
***
[ October 10, 2006, 09:33 AM: Message edited by: Joe-Boy Harvestar ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Barbarian Hordes, the Khanate of Carthac
They cheered loudly, overcome with emotion and faith. And soaking up that emotion, he walked through the streets and greeted them all, being not a hero, but a beacon of hope and unity. And so Caracalla entered the Khanate of Carthac for the first time. The “Barbarians”, a people who had known little besides war and their lusty lifestyle, had become immersed in the religion of the Black Sun over the last few years. They had begun to believe in something different and the impact of this belief had greatly effected their way of life. But now, with Caracalla among them for the first time, the true impact of the Black Sun could be felt by each and everyone of them.
Caracalla smiled at them and waved, moving ever closer to the capital, to conduct the business he had come there for. By his side was his apprentice, the young fourteen old Elagabolus, by now a very tall and thin young man. Elagabolus was bald, and covered with tattoos, and had an odd, exotic look about him that intrigued each and every citizen that gazed in his direction. But the true sight for them to behold was the High Priest Caracalla, who had received such an outpouring of love and affection from the populace, that one might think he was the new head of state.
The Barbarian Hordes – the border between the United Planets and the Barbarian Hordes
“So someone has snuck into the Barbarian Hordes,” said Scipio Taltarus, “and we better learn what—and fast.” The pilots edged ever closer to the borders between the United Planets and the Barbarian Hordes, with the rest of the fleet following close behind them. “We probably should not enter the Hordes,” he added, “but what other options are there. It’s a lot to consider…” he said quietly, evidently talking to himself.
By his side, his lover, Danger Damsel shared his trepidation on what to do next. “Somewhere beyond this meteor shower is Dominus,” she said, “so no matter whose in there, we can’t lose sight of that.”
Scipio nodded at her, and she put her hand on his forearm, showing him a soft sign of tenderness, subtle enough to Scipio’s men, who revered him as being void of any emotions other than a warrior’s wrath, could not see.
“Sir, you better come look at this,” said a pilot, prompting Scipio to walk over. “I think we’ve found our rogue fleet. Look at the immense size of it! That has to be Dominus…” Scipio viewed it now with him, and took it all in. It was a massive array of cruisers and dreadnaughts, far more firepower than the UP had believed any single army in the Barbarian Horde to have.
“Great Rao…” said Scipio, “they heading this way…their beyond the borders and they’re about to attack us!” He quickly tensed up, sensing the looming battle. “Quickly men, everyone to their stations. Alert the other ships. I want evasive action taken, and the cruisers to get into formation. We’re ten seconds away from a massive battle, and no one in the United Planets ever believed this would truly happen again!” The entire ship, and indeed the entire fleet, went into a frenzy. This small portion of the Triumvirate army of Cobalt Kid prepared to defend this small pass between the United Planets and the Barbarian Hordes, suddenly aware of the very real danger they were in. Images of battles past suddenly went through Scipio’s mind, and he recalled all of them: Taltar, the Stu-Bot war at Legion World, The Dark Oval, Ggrrgg, and even the days before, when he was a younger man, before his family was butchered.
Before anyone had truly processed what was happening, the battle was underway. Dominus entered the UP again and began his assault, leaving no quarter. Danger Damsel ran next Scipio, pulling out her sword and realizing she could be of little help. Although she was beyond reproach when it came to hand to hand combat, this was dog-fight in space, and battle on a much larger scale than one where her or Scipio could make a singular difference.
It continued on now, minutes passing by, growing longer and longer. No one said nothing other than orders being given, diagnostic checks being made and deities being cursed. Before she realized what was happening, she noticed that he was holding her hand. He was calm, but not cold.
Dominus’ forces moved farther in, showing the full force of their might. They began to encircle the small fleet, and overtake both flanks. The Barbarian forces were simply too large.
Scipio picked up his omni-com. “Soldiers! They outnumber us ten to one! They plan to overtake us and frighten us into defeat! I say, no thank you! We are soldiers of the Legion World Triumvirate, and we fear nothing! Be brave now my friends, and show them who they are fighting! I’m proud of all of you! And I will always be with you! Lets give them one last reminder of whats in store for them if they continue this folly!” It had all happened so quick, that Danger Damsel stood in shock at that small speech, seeing Scipio now squinting his eyes out the viewing screen, and taking it all in once more. He turned to her, and a smile went across his face. “Its over, Anne,” he said calmly, “I’m sorry that you’re here for this. I truly am.”
She knew it. But she suddenly was calm too. Hers was not an easy life, and it had never gotten easier. All that had ever made her truly happy was this gruff older man that she loved more than any other. So here, in the end, she’d prefer to be with him in his final moments. She grabbed him in a fury, both arms around his neck, and pulled him in furiously, for one final, passionate kiss. He returned in kind, with a fire that he had once thought he’d lost many years ago. As they pulled apart, and the cruisers in the sky above them continued to explode, he held her hand tightly and looked up into the sky. She held it and rested her body against his arm.
Scipio Taltarus. Once a simple hard-working family man, driven by the pain of seeing his family butchered into becoming one of the most revered warriors in all the galaxy. He didn’t fight for truth and justice; he simply fought for Legion World and his fellow soldiers. He was the most decorated soldier ever among the Legion World armies. He would receive one last Medal of Honor for this battle, albeit posthumously.
Danger Damsel. Driven by a fear over events that she could not control, and then later by the realization that only she could prevent herself from being the victim, she grew into a great fighter, a great friend, a woman of passion and most of all, a woman of action. She too, fought for the LMB, and did so because she trusted that when it came down to it, they would make great wrongs right. She experienced fear and hate, anger and sadness, and finally, at the end, she had experienced love.
And now, holding each other’s hands, the two took comfort in each other, which gave the other soldiers comfort. And finally, the killing blows began, and Scipio and Danger Damsel held onto each other, as they finally passed on to another lifetime.
RIP
[ October 10, 2006, 10:08 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by Joe-Boy Harvestar on :
Hovering inches above the ground Kid Marvel kissed Nathan and looked into his eyes. "Just remember...whatever happens stay down." "Will do babe" Nathan adjusted the collar on his Red Shirt and Kid Marvel drifted into the street outside. Picking up a Car he hurled it at the tripod, hoping to draw its attention away from the crowd. The tripod fired a blast at Kid Marvel and he was thrown back, smashing through the window of the Sundollar. "Owww...ow ow ow." To noone in particular "That really really hurt." Picking himself up and brushing the broken glass from his uniform Kid Marvel flew back into the street. "Looks like Ill have to take the more direct aproach." He flew at the tripod and tore at one of its legs, ripping it from its metal socket. The tripod toppled over, unable to balance on just two legs. It let off another scream and fired at Kid Marvel, though this time it missed, the energy blast shooting off harmlessly into the atmosphere. Kid Marvel landed ontop of the fallen tripod and punched through its shell, reaching deep inside its metallic depths until he was rewarded with an admittedly very satisfying squelch. Ripping the inards out of the machine Kid Marvel looked into the eyes of the Aliens true form. "Not on my planet." he shrugged and threw the Alien, launching it into space. He flew back to the partially destroyed Sundollar to where Nathan was waiting. "That was so butch! Ive gotta say Im loving this side of you." "Gimme some sugar baby." The two began to kiss passionately and the ground heaved again. Lightning started to come down every where, striking again and again with a determined ferocity. Tripods were emerging from craters that had formed wherever Kid Marvel looked. "Bloody Hell. We're going to need a bigger boat." "You know you're not funny right?" Said Nathan, and he ducked behind an overturned car.
***
Kid Marvel held his right hand out in front of him, pressing a small button hidden on a ring on his index finger. "Online" A series of holographic screens appeared over his right hand and wrist. He selected the largest screen. the screens dissapeared and were replaced with a three dimensional representation of a young girl in a purple costume. "Mission Monitor Lass...whats the trouble?" "Monny..Its Joe" "Hello gorgeous! havent heard from you in awhile. How's Tricks in the Sticks?" "Not good...Ive got Tripods." "What? thats not possible...The Tri-Martians have been extinct for years" "do they look extinct to you?" Kid Marvel held his arm up for Mission Monitor Lass to see. "like I said. tripods. and theyve been here awhile from the looks of it. Im going to need anyone you can spare for this one." "No love Joey. Im the only one here. everyone's off on some mission or another. After all that mess with the Invasion and the Dark Oval nigh on the entirety of the LMBP are helping mop up the mess." "God Dammit." "Oh Wait...Lester's hanging around somewhere." "Lester? Lester who?" "Spiffany." "LESTER SPIFFANY? who in gods name gave him a flight ring?" "Tamper." "Oh. Right then." "Should I send him in? Ill try hailing who I can but I dont like your chances." "Fine. Good. Send Him. maybe he can throw enough money at them to topple a few" "Hailing him now"
***
A threshold opened and Lester Spiffany stepped out onto the street. Kid Marvel looked at him, extending his hand in greeting. "Hey Lester. Long Time." The Tripods all turned to look at Lester. "So...here's where you really earn that flightring." the Tripods resumed their firing, destroying everything within sight. Lester looked on in Horror. "Eep." the threshold still open, Lester turned on his heals and ran back through it. As it closed behind him Kid Marvel could hear a distinct cry of "Stupid! all of you Stupid!"
***
It took him the better part of an hour, but Kid Marvel managed to gain the attention of the Tripods allowing the terrified people of Old Newcastle to escape. Nathan though, unbeknownst to Kid Marvel, had stayed behind, taking cover behind and overturned bus. Kid Marvel had managed to take 3 of the Tripods down but 15 still remained. His Ring beeped. "Online" "Joey...Its Monny. Good news...Im sending in a few of the Cadets." "Praise be! I need all the help I can get." "Thresholding now"
***
High above the Street a threshold opened and three figures emerged, A Purple Haired woman and two men. They landed near Kid Marvel. "Hi" Said the first of the two men. "Heard you could use a hand. Im Hardshell the Turtle Boy." "Mess" said the second, covered in Dust. "Virus" Said the Purple haired woman. "And what can you do?" "I can make things go really really slow." "Riiiiight." "I can control Viruses, Sicknesses. That sort of thing." Something was at the back of Kid Marvels mind though he couldnt for the life of him remember what. "How about you?" he said, Gesturing to the Man covered in Dust. "I can control dirt." "Right. Usefull" "Actually it is pretty useful." Mess clenched his hand, making a fist. The dirt around him started to Swirl. He thrust the fist forward, pointing upwards to one of the tripods. A Wave of Dirt particles flew at the Tripod, percing its shell and sending it falling to the ground. "Nifty. 1 down. 15 to go. " Nathan had been listening from the Sidelines. shaking his head he emereged from behind his hiding place and approached the quartet. "God...you know they did publish books before the year 3000. War of the Worlds? You've never read it?" "Nope" "No" "Nah" "I saw the Holovid." Nathan sighed "And what happened in the end of the Holovid?" "Oh it was pretty Lame. Tom Cruise didnt die and then they just up and ended the movie and they were all 'and this is how the Aliens died.'" "And how did the Aliens Die?" "I dont know...some Earth Virus wiped them out apparently." I took a moment but Nathan swore he see the instant that Kid Marvel clicked to the point. "Oh Yeaaah. Virus." He looked at the purple haired Girl. "do you think you could do something" "I can give it a try. activate you're trainsuits." "Whats a transuit and where can I get one?" asked Nathan "Damn." said Virus "I cant risk infecting him..whoever he is...with whatever I throw at them." "Dont worry" Said Kid Marvel " In this form Im pretty much invulnerable. he can wear mine." "Here" he said, handing over the thin see through material.
Virus held her hand to her mouth, as if to blow a kiss. She coughed. immediately the Tripods began falling to the ground.
"Lame." Said Kid Marvel. "You coughed on them and they Died." "Anyway. We won. Yay." Hardshell began to scream. "Gawd. Dont get to excited. do you want a Xanax or something" Nathan began shiffling around in his bag. "52!" cried Hardshell "52 FiftytwoFIFTYTWO! they're coming!" "Who's coming?" said Mess "The Fifdeeee Toooooooo"
***
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. Wyandotte's Secret HQ.
Viewing his huge vid-display board, Harold R. Wyandotte is unsurprised when his associate Ord suddenly appears in the room behind him.
"You summoned me, Wyandotte?" Ord says, a hint of annoyance in his voice. "I am pretty busy, you know!"
"Yes. Quite," Wyandotte answers in an offhand manner, his eyes never leaving his precious display. "I have news."
"Well?"
"Hummer Lass has been captured."
"What?!?!" Ord cries in frustration. "She'll lead them to us!!"
"Oh, don't be daft, Ord," scoffs Wyandotte as he swivels his chair to face Ord. "What can she possibly tell them? If anything, it'll just confuse them. Her understanding of what's happening here is, shall we say, very limited."
"She knows we plan to kill Lard Lad and Whordru at their wedding!"
"When they hear her version, Ord, she's going to sound like a raving lunatic! What will she have to offer them in the way of concrete information? She doesn't know how to find us! And what kind of description can she provide? A hideously scarred man? And me? How much sense will her description of me make to them? It'll either lead them after the wrong person or confirm that she's lost her mind! I made sure that her mind is not firing on all cylinders when I began manipulating her. We're safe."
"Okay," Ord says calmly, "but what of our plans for her and the wedding?"
"We'll alter them somewhat. The most important thing at the moment is that Lard Lad's still alive...for now...until our plan is set into motion."
"Yes, I suppose that's fixable enough."
"Indeed," Wyandotte says smiling. It is definitely an entirely unpleasant smile.
Posted by Liberty Monkey on :
"Very sure," said the other LMBPer, "I asked you to not get involved in the Invasion for a reason. I was needed myself but it wasn't the time for you. That's coming, and soon. Legion World had to live without you for 52 days for a reason. Believe me, what I've told you will come about soon enough."
Lucien Lad frowned, then stopped quickly in case he caused any needless wrinkles, and turned back to the screens. So far everything he'd been told had been true and if he couldn't trust his friend then who could he trust? It didn't mean he had to like it though...
quote:Originally posted by Liberty Monkey: “Excuse, Mr., er…” stumbled Kid Gender Stereotype Reversal II. She smiled. “I’m not sure what to call you.”
“Greetings Kid Gender Reversal Stereotype II! You may call me Liberty Monkey, though I have taken the full name Cicero Chomsky Ester!”
“Well Liberty Monkey, I have a mystery that involves a good friend and I can’t seem to find anyone else at the moment. Tell me, what do you know about ‘52’, other than today marks the 52nd day after the Invasion? Because I have this friend, Dormant Damsel, and…” as she told him, he curiously listened, and both were unaware of someone listening.
“Interesting,” thought the Space Ranger of the Dark Oval…
“Greetings Kent Shakespeare!” said Liberty Monkey, as he entered the room. “Allow me to introduce Kid Gender Stereotype Reversal II, if you have not met her already.” The sporty young lady nodded at him and Kent smiled back with a nod.
“What can I do for you Liberty Monkey? I’m not sure if you know this, but I’ve got a ton of things going on…” he added, hoping Liberty Monkey would get the drift as to how busy he was. Currently, he was the ranking member of the LMBP on Legion World just days before his term as Deputy Leader was set to expire. To make these final days more enjoyable, he mused, time/space appeared to fluctuating, there were various disturbances in the streets (tanks?), the clean-up of Legion World continued with its massive bureaucratic undertaking as well, and now there was an apparent murder that the security office was investigating. Yes, he had his plate pretty well full. “…but I’ve always got time for you,” he added with a smile.
“Thank you,” said the Calamity Monkey. “Perhaps KGSR II would like to continue?” he said, leaving them both stunned that he was said ‘KGSR II’.
“It involved the ‘52’, whatever that is…” she began, and continued on.
Twenty minutes later, the two left Kent’s office disappointed. Disappointed that despite wishing he could help, Kent could obviously not set aside any time for this mystery, and disappointed that he had no additional information. Kent did have high connections though (albeit secret ones) and promised to follow-up. “Back to square one,” said KGSR II, a little let-down. “Maybe my power might come in handy on Tamper Lad…”
“A welcome thought,” said Liberty Monkey, “and I will accompany you!”
As they walked on, one more the Lonestar Ranger of the Dark Oval followed on curiously.
Unknown to him however, he too was being watched. Lucien Lad looked at his friend, catching a look from afar of what was happening on Legion World. “And so it truly begins?” said Lucien Lad, watching Liberty Monkey and Kid Gender Stereotype Reversal II walk off.
“And so it begins…” said his friend…
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Legion World Office of Security. Interrogation Room.
Seated in a booster chair, Lil’ Matlock narrows his eyes and faces Hummer Lass who is seated opposite him on a narrow wooden table. Above them in the dark room shines a single light source burning hotly and tilted toward the subject of the interrogation. Behind Lil’ Matlock and at the door stand two uniformed guards holding shock sticks. Observing from another room via a vid-monitor is Candace Ames a.k.a. Shady.
“Ms. Goodwyfe,” Matty begins, “you’ve been read your rights, and you’ve declined an attorney’s service at this time. Do you understand that anything you say here can be held against you?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll ask you one more time, Ms. Goodwyfe: Do you wish to proceed without an attorney?”
“I have done nothing wrong, sir,” she says calmly. “I have nothing to hide.”
“Okay, then,” he continues and holds up a holo-card, “are you responsible for this act?” The card displays a still of the crime scene and HUGEMANBREAST’s lifeless body.
“Yes, I killed that imposter,” she states, showing a look of satisfaction.
“Imposter?” Matty says with a hint of shock. “Then…you knew the victim was not who he appeared to be?”
“Yes, that’s why I killed him. I knew he wasn’t my Lardy, but a heartless conniver attempting to usurp his identity.”
“You think the victim was attempting to take Lard Lad’s place?”
“Oh, yes!” she exclaimed. “He’s been masquerading as Lardy for months!”
“Months?”
“Oh, isn’t it obvious? It was that horrible deceiver who committed murder in the Dark Oval! It was him who sowed the seeds of war between them and Legion World and created all this unease here. And it was him who…rejected me…when I reached out to him…professed my love for him. He was a horrible bastard manipulator who’s played everyone on Legion World and beyond for fools! I am so proud to have ended his reign of terror! I can’t believe you’re thinking of pressing charges against me, since you obviously know he was an imposter!”
“Are you seriously saying HUGEMANBREASTS could’ve done all the things you’ve described, Ms. Goodwyfe?”
“Hugh?” Hummer Lass says confused. “Of course not! That’s ridiculous! Why in the world would you bring Hugh’s name into this? What does he have to do with anything?”
“Ms. Goodwyfe,” Lil’ Matlock says, “don’t you realize that the imposter you killed was Hugh?”
Her mouth agape, Hummer Lass stands up, shouts and slams her fist on the table. “Ridiculous! That wasn’t Hugh! It was a shape shifter, a Durlan or something, not Hugh!”
Seeing her getting more aggressive, the guards hold up their shock sticks poised to activate them.
“Easy, boys,” Lil’ Matlock says waving them off. “Ms. Goodwyfe…Pru…please sit back down. I don’t want them to use the shock sticks, and neither do you, okay?”
Silently, she sits back down, showing signs of tearing up. “I would never hurt Hugh.”
In response Lil’ Matlock withdraws another holo-card and shows it to her.
“See this?” he prompts. “This is a vid of the autopsy on the man you killed. See these scars on his pectoral area? This is where the victim had breast reduction surgery. See the navel area? The victim had navel construction surgery. A clone has no navel, you see. After we did an intense study of the victim’s DNA, we were able to identify the cloned alleles and the adjustments that were made to give him the large breasts. We were also able to determine his relative age as less than ten years since he was cloned, and his brain had defects that account for his mentally slow nature. All of that and the fact that Dedman was able to contact his spirit in the afterlife lead to the unmistakable conclusion that the victim you killed was, most definitely, HUGEMANBREASTS, not a shape-shifter or some other hypothetical clone.”
In tears now, Hummer Lass cries, “no, NO! This is some kind of sick trick!”
The door opens, and Shady enters. Despite the tacit warning of the guards, she goes right to Hummer Lass and takes her into her arms. “It’s true, Pru…it’s true.”
Seeing Shady and feeling her embrace, Hummer Lass breaks down as she accepts the truth. “…no…you have to believe me…I never meant to hurt poor Hugh…you’ve gotta…” And words fail her as the tears flow freely and fiercely. Her cries are deafening.
“I believe you, sweetie,” Shady says soothingly and tries to calm her with her powers.
After the tears slow down a little, Lil’ Matlock decides to press her more, “Pru…why were you so convinced that someone’s been impersonating Lardy all this time?”
Catching her breath a little, Pru whispers, “b-because the real Lardy escaped from where he was imprisoned. H-he came to me and t-told me all about it.”
Matty and Shady gave each other a surprised look that tacitly said, “huh?”
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Weber’s World – Capital Planet of the United Planets
Outdoor Miner teleported in to Weber’s World with great proficiency, so that the landing was soft and smooth. With him was Spellbinder, Princess Crujectra of Psyonia, who was glad to be done with the journey through space from the Contested Territories to Weber’s World. He had picked her up from Abin a few days ago not far from here, as he himself had been at Weber’s World with the small away team sent there, and this would allow Abin to get back to Legion World. Spellbinder already missed Cobalt Kid, and she missed Legion World even more. This was important though, even if it was largely ceremonial. Every year, the LMB renewed their alliance with the United Planets, a ceremony more out of protocol, but also an opportunity for both sides of the equation to show the tremendous amount of mutual respect they had for one another. This year, the small contingent on Weber’s World represented the LMB well: Actor Lad, the outgoing LMB Leader, who was wrapping up the end of his term*, Legion World Founders Kid Prime and Saturn Girl, who represented Legion World itself, and Spellbinder herself, who although a Legion World Founder as well, represented the LMB Founders. Also in attendance were the LMBers Poverty Lad, Yellow Kid and Fat Cramer.
“Thank you Miner,” said Crujectra, “that’ll make things easier if I get here on a timely fashion. You might as well join the rest of us for the festivities—its generally a lot of food, socializing, drinking and dancing that go on every year. Of course, in the old days it used to be Lash, Cobie, Lucien, Lardy, Far, Lou and the rest that represented us, so you can say its calmed down slightly,” she grinned. “Maybe your legendary drinking will get it back to that…”
“A relatively peaceful LMB event?” said Miner, “I’ll believe it when I see it…”
Weber’s World, Actor Lad’s Quarters
“Looks like things won’t be so peaceful after all,” said Actor, turning to Fat Cramer and Kid Prime. “The Barbarian Hordes have apparently just decimated a small contingent of Cobalt’s army within UP territory. Its all everyone is hearing about, and you can bet the ambassadors on this planet will want to discuss.”
“It looks like the very end of your term is as interesting as the rest of it,” replied Fat Cramer with a sigh, noting that Actor Lad had one of the roughest terms in LMB history, with a series of events, wars and other things that could have been disastrous. He had led the LMB quite well and avoided them all.
“The more things change…” said Kid Prime with a half-grin that most experienced LMBers wore more often than not.
The Dark Oval
“Say goodbye Lolita,” said Cobalt as he flew at top-speed, Jailbait Lass in his arms, “I can’t say this parting is a sad one.”
Jailbait Lass looked once more upon the Dark Oval, before crossing back through the borders in the United Planets. “Me either.”
“I’m sure we’ll see the Dark Oval again,” he continued, “but I hope it won’t be for awhile. Exit the Dark Oval to stage left, and lets move on to the next act…in the Barbarian Hordes…”
“Its about time too!” said S.H.A.G., hovering above Cobalt’s head.
*This tag thread takes place shortly after the election of the new LMB leader and marks the very end of Actor Lad’s term Posted by Tamper Lad on :
The Planet Google
Two men in millitary uniforms sat at a meeting table in a meeting room in Database City on the planet Google.
"Legion World remains a threat to us. Their love of characters too obscure for us to index remains unchanged."
"You have failed Captain Metadata. Do you realize what this means. It costs us billions to index and maintain indices on the likes and ."
"I will prepare the contigency."
"Yes the Barbarian Horde may give us our opportunity"
Nova Girl's Apartment
Nova Girl's apartment was a modest space in a quarter of Legion World popular with professional types who fancied themselves artistic and Bohemian but were every bit as pretentious as the young professionals who dined nightly at the Evil Genius Club.
She had furnished the space with antique reminders of her varied roots. On the mantle was a collection of ancient Taltarian man-taming gear including several whips and spurred riding boots. The furniture was eclectic, collected from the many worlds she had visited. Her latest pieces were classic chrome plated pieces from Earth's space age.
Nova Girl herself was lounging in the main room attempting to catch up on the overwhelming number of briefings papers she had ordered on corruption on Legion World. She had just settled on a hefty one concerning Khund infiltration in the janitorial supply market when the door rang.
"Hmmm Maybe it's Thora." thought Nova Girl as she remembered the Taltarian Ambassador's earlier promise to bring antiques that she might be interested in for her collection.
Opening the door...
"VERONICA, my you look thin dear. Have you been eating right? And put on some clothes you know those skimpy outfits attract nothing but the wrong type of man."
"MOTHER! How nice to see you. What brings you to Legion World?" she said fake smile etched firmly onto her face, as she thought of the many ways she would hurt Tamper Lad.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Legion World Office of Security. Interrogation Room.
Later...
Hummer Lass, head bowed, is being lead out as Lil' Matlock and Shady look on.
"So," Lil' Matlock says as the trio disappear from view, "what do you think?"
"I just don't know, sweetie," Shady answers with a thoughtful look in her eyes, "it can go two ways. She's either the victim of an elaborate conspiracy..." She pauses, thinks and says, "...or she's totally psychotic and has lost her hold on reality!"
"With your abilities, can't you tell which is the case?"
"No, not without giving her intense therapy. I've decided to stay on awhile to do just that. I've always been concerned about the poor girl. I think she's had some major trauma in her past to make her have her particular...proclivities. And now this!"
"Sounds like you're leaning toward the 'psychotic' theory."
"No, Matty, I'm not. But either way, she needs my help."
"That was all some really 'out-there' stuff, though," he says. "Lardy comes back from being imprisoned somewhere, minus most of his power, and convinces Pru that Whordru and a fake Lardy (who are both responsible for his imprisonment) need to die at their wedding, so he can take back his rightful place?"
"Yes," she acknowledges, "it's very elaborate. If she's not psychotic, the story's either somehow true with Lardy having been impersonated all this time. Or this 'Wyandotte' she speaks of is using Lardy's appearance and this story to manipulate her for his own ends."
"Just to be safe," Matty says, "I'm gonna try to track down Lardy and Dru. If that version is true...well that's just scary!"
"Yes, it is," Shady says, "and it would explain some things. But I don't think the real Lardy would ever do anything to hurt Pru--or drive her to murder anyone."
"But just in case--?"
With a serious look on her face, she answers, "find him, sweetie."
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
“Alright everyone, lets get started. We need to move fast and this call was the quickest way to get things in order.” Actor Lad’s voice was strong and direct, and came through quite clearly on the omni-coms. It would after all, given his powers of super-acting.
“Our very own LMB Conference Call,” said Abin Quank, and that he was grinning came through quite clearly.
“Yes, you could say that,” replied Actor, “everyone sound off so we know who’s online.
Weber’s World
“Spellbinder, LMB Founder and Legion World Founder, here with Actor Lad on Weber’s World.”
“Kid Prime, Legion World Founder, same.”
“Saturn Girl, Legion World Founder, same. With us also but not on the call is Poverty Lad, Outdoor Miner and Yellow Kid.”
“Abin Quank, Chief of Security, same, though I’m not a part of this mission.”
Unknown??
“Lightning Lad, Legion World Founder. I’d rather not say where.”
The Barbarian Hordes
“Cobalt Kid, LMB Founder. Somewhere causing an international incident.” Cobalt was also grinning. Jailbait Lass stood next to him, on another asteroid, and held his omni-com, patching him in through the call.
“Okay, good. I was going to call in Legion World too, but there’s no need right now. I’ll log an official leader’s report following the call. But for the moment, as we’re all out here in this part of the UP, or close enough, it should just be us. Between Kent Shakespeare back home, as well as Nightcrawler, Matlock, and a whole host of other LMBers, Legion World will be in good hands,” Actor Lad finished.
“Agreed,” said Lightning Lad. “What’s the situation Actor?”
“We’ve got a problem,” replied the LMB Leader, “the Barbarian Hordes have begun an assault on the UP border force along the western border contingent, in what looks to be an aggressive attack by the army on its way to the Dark Oval. It appears to be unprovoked, and an attempt by its leader, Dominus, to show that they are not to be trifled with.”
“Well…” said Kid Prime, “…now that was dumb.”
“Cobalt, your army sustained heavy losses. We have found no survivors at this time,” finished Actor Lad. “I’ve asked UP military forces to continue to scout for survivors.”
Cobalt remained silent on the other line. “Thank you”, he finally said.
“Apparently, the D.O./Barbarian Horde is underway,” said Spellbinder now, “and if any UP planets or forces are caught in the middle, neither side cares much about it. Unless Dominus had a more sinister plan for entering UP space?” she added.
Cobalt knew she was talking to him. “It’s possible. I’m currently investigating something that I think is somewhat related, concerning the Black Sun. I think there may be a connection between them and the Barbarian Hordes, and this may be a smoke-screen. But given that lives were lost and the army is proceeding violently without a care towards the UP citizenry, the problem stands no matter what the motivation…” Cobalt continued, his words drifting off as he was considering what was happening.
“How do you plan to proceed, Actor?” asked Scott. Whatever Lightning Lad was doing, there was a sense that he didn’t have much time to spare.
“I’m considering the options. We can let the UP military handle this with LMB back-up or make this an LMB priority matter ourselves. Although this has international politics written all over it, we can’t risk more lives being lost.”
“I agree with Actor,” said Saturn Girl. “We have a good contingent of LMBers close by.”
“And I can lend some added firepower,” said Abin, knowing full well the power his ring would lend to tipping the scales.
“I agree with Actor also,” said Cobalt. “I’m sending on what I know about Dominus. While clearly his main objective is the Dark Oval, he’s doing this as a show of force to the UP, which he one day plans on invading. It would be prudent to nip that in the bud now.”
“While we’re waiting for Jailbait Lass to send your files Cobie, what can you tell us out-right?” said Kid Prime
“That he’s the worst of the Barbarian Hordes, Ggrrgg and Khundia combined. If he could, he’d subjugate us all, the UP and Dark Oval included. There’s more motivations going on here than just that, but that’s the initial threat.”
“Actor?” said Kid Prime
“We’ll cut him off. The seven of us will go in and push him back into the Barbarian Hordes. So long as they are in the UP, they can’t contest our right to do so. Cobie, Scooter, can you join us?”
“Unfortunately no,” said Lightning Lad, “I’m farther away than you think.”
“Neither can I,” said Cobalt. “In fact, I’m going to get to the root of the problem. I’m currently in the Barbarian Hordes and I’m going to the head planet of the Khanate of Carthac, where Dominus lives. I’ll learn what I can there and make a full report.”
“Bloody Liberty, Cobie,” said Abin, “and someone once told me I don’t respect international borders.”
“I said I’d be more honest about this stuff,” replied Cobalt. “Security Chief, Triumvir, etc., none of those titles matter. This is very much an LMB matter and it’ll help us understand this threat. Besides, Jailbait Lass is here and she’ll keep me honest,” he laughed.
“Do what you need to do,” said Actor Lad with an air of annoyance, “you will anyway. But intergalactic war better not arise out of this. We heard the Dark Oval/UP war is finally over now, lets not get involved in another. Maybe after this you’ll stay away from hostile territories for awhile, or at least be another leader’s problem…” he finished. “But enough. We have a job to do. We’ll cut off Dominus.”
“Good luck, Actor,” said Cobalt, “and for what it’s worth, it’s the right decision. No more military battles. The LMB can handle this one.”
“Shall we say it?” said Kid Prime after a second, before the call ended. “I mean, there are a bunch of us on the phone.”
“You bet,” replied Lightning Lad. “Go get ‘em LMB—Sweet Ass Sweet!!!”
Posted by Maxx the Sorcerer on :
Levitz Hall, LMBP Plaza
< It had only seemed like minutes since Maxx the Sorcerer had wearily crawled into bed next to his husband. The unpacking was finally finished, and the couple were settled into their new home. The unpacking wasn't so bad, but Maxx had also spent the majority of the afternoon casting shields over his new Workroom, the place where he could cast his spells in relative safety. It wouldn't impress the neighbors to have their suites damaged from mystical spillover. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Hmmmmm? Didju say smthing, Mykel?
< Maxx pried open one eye wearily, then both eyes opened wide in surprise. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: What in the...?
< Maxx was floating in midair, several feet above the bed. He looked around the room, and every single thing in the room, from the bed itself to the smallest comb, was also floating in the air. With one exception. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Honey? Are you awake, or possessed or anything?
< Sleeping soundly in the bed below him, Prince Mykel of Psyonia didn't stir. Frowning in concern, Maxx gently reached out through the soul-link that he shared with his husband. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer (telepathically through soul-link)]: Mykel, sweetie, is there any particular reason that you're levitating the bedroom?
< Instantly awake, Mykel sat bolt upright in bed. Unfortunately, his conscious didn't seem to take it's cue from his subconscious, and everything that was floating in the room... stopped. Maxx let out a manly scream as he suddenly fell to the bed. >
[The Crusader]: Honey, are you all right?
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Peachy, dear. The question is are YOU all right?
[The Crusader]: What happened?
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: I'll take that as a "I don't remember sleep-levitating the whole room."
< Mykel put one hand to his head, struggling to remember. >
[The Crusader]: That's so weird. I haven't unconsciously used my powers since I was a kid and just learning to control them.
< Maxx looked at his mate with his MageSight. Typically, Crusader's power signature was visible to his MageSight as a light blue aura glowly around him. Now, however, it was a deeper blue, and was pulsing. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Pretty. I could be mistaken, but it looks like your powers are spiking. Is it possible that they are getting stronger?
[The Crusader]: Well, it's not unheard of for an adult Psyonian to gain a new power, or even have his power levels increase spontaneously, but it's rare. We typically fully come into our powers by the time we reach 16 or 17 years of age.
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: I think we should drop by the Medical Center in the morning. Maybe Doctor One should run a few tests. Just to be sure. In the meantime...
< Maxx raised his hands above his head, and softly said a short incantation. The air about the bed began to shimmer, and then thickened slightly, just enough to remain visible. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: This cocoon should keep you contained in case your subconscious gets restless again.
[The Crusader]: Hmmmm... I wonder if this is happening to Crujectra as well?
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Offices of The Legion World Herald. Legionnopolis.
In the office of editor Jonah White sits ace reporter Clark Marlowe waiting patiently for his tardy boss to arrive for the scheduled meeting. Clark passes the time rereading Jonah's editorial on the mysterious new Old Town heroine Bat-Fem. Jonah alluded to this meeting somehow being about her, so Clark sits admiring the old man's skill at prose. Clark is a little envious of the old man's unparalled gift.
But his reverie is rudely interrupted as Jonah suddenly bursts in. "Marlowe! Glad to see you made it--thought you'd never get here!"
Clark pushes back the urge to roll his eyes and says, "so where's the fire, Chief?"
"It ain't about where it is, Marlowe, it's about where it needs to be--up your butt! And don't call me Chief!"
"Alright, Ch--Mr. White. Why do I need a fire lit up my butt this time?"
"It's this Bat-Fem, Marlowe! She's the hottest news on our artificial planet, and we don't know squat about her!"
"Beg pardon, Chief, but aren't the Barbarian threat, the HUGEMANBREASTS murder and that weirdness at the comic factory much bigger news?"
"I said, don't call me--oh, nevermind. Listen Marlowe...this Bat-Fem is busting up crime all over Old Town like no one else has been able to since the Invasion, and no one knows who she is! Further, she's a masked vigilante who is totally unaffiliated and independent of the most powerful peacekeeping force in the galaxy, which also happens to be based on this world. And she's doing her thing right under their noses and doing it better! Now, that's a sexy sprockin' story!"
"But--"
"No 'buts' about it--it's the sexy stories that sell news-holos here, not necessarily the most important ones! You're my best reporter here, Marlowe, and this is the story I want you on! Find out who she is and what she's all about--and I want it yesterday! Any questions, Marlowe?"
"No, sir," he says, knowing it's useless to argue with the old man. "I'm on it!"
[ January 03, 2007, 11:33 PM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
Earth, Offices of the Dynamic Corporate Management Board
"Sir, we have received reports that our corporate partners on Google may have plans to acquire Legion World."
"Impossible! They wouldn't dare without consulting the other members of The Web... Or would they? Keep me abreast of this situation. And schedule a conference call with the Amazon Dot-Command."
Posted by SharkLad on :
Greg Evignan Island
Two figures skulk outside the walls of Eryk Davis Ester's sanctum.
"So, where is he?" asks a small cloaked figure, "We've traveled all this way! I need to finish this!"
"Easy, my sister" answers a larger fur-covered creature, "You need to control yourself. If you act too rashly, you'll ... ARRGH!"
"Quiet, Woodchuck! I'm running the show! Now, go get the others!"
"Now?"
"Yes, now! We'll storm the walls! Our brother dies tonight!"
The sound of laughter fills the night.
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Levitz Plaza
The finance market opened to yet another invasion force arriving on Legion World. This one was different in that it looked decidedly nerdy. Disembarking was the newly arrived representatives of the planet Google.
"I am Captain Metadata and I have come on behalf of the DataLord of Planet Google to save Legion World from the Barbarian Horde. My assistants B-tree and BlackBerry the Binary Wonders will provide details via push e-mail."
Message from the Googlian DataLords ... Google Offers 180 Trillion to rebuild Legion World. Additionally we will eliminate the barbarian menace. In exchange all references to obscure characters will be replaced by pointless debates about Wolverine and Batman.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Barbarian Hordes
Cobalt Kid flew through space in silence, Jailbait Lass in his arms and S.H.A.G. following closely. Little had been said since the call, and the full impact of all that happened weighed down on them. “Scipio…Anne…” Cobalt has whispered after the call and Jailbait Lass knew he was thinking of his dead friends. More dead friends. But that was all the emotion he showed and he continued on more determined than ever. That wasn’t good—she knew that. After all the trouble they just had in the Dark Oval and his relentless military pursuit of them. How would he react this time to the Barbarian Hordes? She knew some plan was forming in his head that would be payback tempered by enough progress to incite little speculation towards his intentions.
“Cobie, take a look at this,” said Jailbait Lass, as she read her omni-com. He flew on through space, smiling at her in his arms. These last few days had been especially harsh, and she showed no signs of fatigue, though he knew she must be exhausted. Even with her hair messily in her face she still looked beautiful. It had always amused him to see her ‘all business’ attitude upon such a petite little figure. “It’s a message from Dr. Mayavale.”
“Oh?” he said intrigued. “What’s the good Doctor have to say?” replied Cobalt, as he shifted his trench-coat over them some more. The trench-coat Cobalt wore was designed by Mystery Lad himself, one of Cobalt Kid’s oldest friends, and was one of his most effective espionage weapons. It cloaked him from all technology.
“Let’s see…” she said, pausing to reread it all, “…something about Eleanor Roosevelt, a powerful being that was once a great evil in past lives but a force for good now…(man, this guy is weird sometimes)…”
“What did I tell you, Lolita? The LMB would do well to listen more to Dr. Mayavle.”
“Here, we go,” she said, ignoring him, “something about the Black Sun on Legion World. That can’t be good, especially with all you’ve told me.”
“No…it can’t,” he replied, then getting quiet for awhile. Finally he spoke back up. “There’s little we can do about it. Whoever is investigating them on LW is on their own. Let’s hope he or she is up to the task…” he trailed off. Jailbait Lass looked up at him now, and noticed Cobalt’s features. They were still scarred, and she still had to force herself to look at them, but upon closer inspection, she realized they appeared to be getting better. Yes, she thought, they definitely were—the burn marks had all but faded, and the damage to his eye sockets appeared to be repairing. That huge scar across his forehead appeared to not be budging however. But she was glad—he was healing himself. That spoke volumes about his state of mind. “What else, Lolita?” he asked.
“You’ve got tons to catch up on, Cobie. I better read it all to you while we’re traveling. Matlock has various reports on small items that Abin or Crujectra wouldn’t have mentioned. You’re not going to believe whose getting married…”
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Levitz Plaza - Google Hospitality Tent
Captain Metadata stood in a media scrum challenging the Legion World leadership to put Google's all-cash offer to a referendum.
Beleaguered citizens of Legion World waited in line waiting to use the wonderous Google search technology that allowed whatever the user searched for to appear before them.
Though B-tree and Blackberry were restricting the use of the Search Engine to practical necessities of life, they demonstrated the truly amazing capabilities by allowing Daily World reporter Ken Clarkson to enter 'date with Tinya Wazzo' into the engine. Clarkson and his date made a quick exit after promising a feature to on the date in the Sunday Edition of the World.
The assembled crowd including Winema was dazzled and amazed. High above the Plaza in the Psyonian Embassy the Legion World Leadership looked on worried.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Border of the United Planets and the Barbarian Hordes
“There,” said Dominus, calm in his self-confidence. “That planet there. One last attack before we move into Dark Oval territory, to remind the United Planets that we aren’t held so easily in check by our borders. We’ll take a small contingent there while the army moves to the Dark Oval borders. Kill any soldiers or resistance and enslave the rest. We’ll need servants to do our daily work during this coming Dark Oval campaign.”
“Yes my Khan, we head for Bismol” said the warrior to his side, a large female Barbarian with a double-horned helmet on her head. “Victory is close.”
“Yes,” he replied, “I can taste the metallic nectar of spilled blood.”
The Border of the United Planets and the Dark Oval
“We make our stand at Bismol,” said Saturn Girl. Holding Spellbinder’s hand, the two LMBers combined their telepathic might to reach out across space and hone in on the Barbarian army walking dangerously close to UP territory. The power of the two strong females was underestimated by even themselves, and they had no problem learning the direction of the army.
“Bismol it is then,” said Actor Lad to the rest of the LMB, upon hearing the confirmation. “I’ve got an idea on how to proceed. I’d prefer no loss of life at all, but Bismol is our main priority. Our heavy hitters, Abin and Pov, will move in on their own to flank, while the rest of us follow my lead.”
Interlude: The Dark Oval
Though recent join partners in the war on Legion World and the United Planets, it was very rare for the Dominion and the Hrykosian Clan to have their highest ranking political heads meet face to face. Despite being a united front, the Dark Oval cartels were allowed to act on their own or in joint ventures without the other members, so long as those plans did not hinder the rest of the Dark Oval. Only on less than a half-dozen times had all five members of the Dark Oval have their heads of state meet in one place.
Thus, it was unusually rare that the Lord Hrykos and the Dominion Patriarch would meet, and do so in secret, without making an ordeal out of it. There was plenty of reason: the oncoming war with the Barbarian Hordes, the failed invasion of the United Planets and Legion World, and the perceived loss to the United Planets military and the forces of Cobalt Kid. These were all reasons to lobby to bring the entirety of the Dark Oval down upon all of the universe, no matter what the consequences. But this was something else entirely.
“I find your news most displeasing and most distressing,” said the Dominion Patriarch. “It appears your recent house-cleaning in search of traitors has incorporated the entire Dark Oval.”
“Yes,” said Lord Hrykos, “and with the results I never expected. Traitors in our organization are unprecedented! We take pride in our own willingly dying for us before they’d turn. But this—THIS! This is unacceptable, and must be dealt with accordingly.”
“Agreed. We have been your ally throughout, and we continue to be so, as it suits our needs as well. We cannot tolerate betrayal in the Dark Oval, no matter how high is ranks. The entire Black Sun has betrayed us.”
“Yes. They worked against us even during our invasion and war. They sent subversive elements to Legion World to hinder our abilities. We must seek retribution. We must punish them.”
Both now, turned to a larger view screen. Only the two of them were in this most secret of places, in this room. A voice spoke, and the power of it echoed loudly, even through the monitor. “The other two-fifths will agree, as do I. Seek out your retribution. The Dark Oval prevails.”
“The Dark Oval prevails!” they replied. The Dominator Patriarch simply nodded and moved on, its analytical mind now calculating the multitude of ways this could be used to their advantage. Lord Hrykos allowed a blood-thirsty grin to glide over his face for a brief second, and then he prepared to get his revenge.
[ October 16, 2006, 09:59 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by The Crusader on :
Medical Center, LMBP Plaza
< The Crusader had lost track of how long he had been strapped into the scanning device, using his telekinetic powers against the weight press above him. Doctor One was seated nearby, going over the data coming in. And although he couldn't see him, he was picking up Maxx's thoughts from the waiting room down the hall, and his worry was broadcasting loud and clear through the soul-link. >
[Doctor One]: Okay, Crusader, I want you to give me one last push, with everything you've got.
< Turning his head upward, the Crusader gathered his will and then pushed. Suddenly, the weight press buckled and twisted, and then flew upward through the ceiling. The the ceiling above that. And the one above that. They could just make out the crash as the mangled machinery landed in the trees that encircled the Medical Center. >
[The Crusader]: Errrr... oops.
< Doctor One looked up from his clipboard. >
[Doctor One]: Oops, indeed, Your Highness. I guess I should have been expecting that.
< As the straps unbuckled themselves, the Crusader stepped down from the scanner and put his shirt back on. >
[The Crusader]: So, what's the verdict, Doctor?
[Doctor One]: Well, I have compared the data from your last check up with the data I gathered today, and as near as I can tell, your power levels are showing a 50% increase. And I'm not even certain if they are done rising.
[The Crusader]: I'm not going to go all evil and attack Legion World am I?
[Doctor One]: Are you feeling evil?
[The Crusader]: Well, I've got the munchies, but that's from fasting before this appointment.
[Doctor One]: Well, unless you decide to mutilate something for breakfast, I wouldn't worry too much about it. < He crossed the room to stand next to the prince. > To be honest, Psyonian physiology is not one of my stronger areas. This could be completely normal, or could be a symptom of some other problem. My best advice to you would be to talk to a physician back home.
< The Crusader shook his head to clear it. >
[The Crusader]: Well, I think I'll do that sooner, rather than later. I can work around moving the furniture when I'm not paying attention, but I'm having trouble blocking out other people's thoughts, and there are some minds I would just as soon stay out off, you know what I mean?
< Doctor One frowned, and wondered if the Crusader meant him. >
[The Crusader, sighing]: No, I didn't.
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Amazon dot Command
A large planet full of millitant Amazon women who just happened to be experts in information technology.
"Sisters! The Googlian Patriarchy has betrayed us. They intend to take Legion World for themselves."
Posted by The Crusader on :
Levitz Hall, LMBP Plaza
< The Crusader sat in his living room, staring incredulously at the hologram before him. Maxx the Sorcerer, seated next to him, whistled softly as he sank back into the cushions. >
[The Crusader]: You want to run that one by me again, Dad?
[King Hrold (sheepishly)]: We thought it was for your own good, son. Every 6 generations or so, a Psyonian is born with mutated genetic potential. Their gifts are manifested at power levels far exceeding their ability to control them. More often than not, the result is madness, or even death.
When your mother and I learned that you and Crujectra were born with mutated potential, we took steps to… control that.
[The Crusader]: What exactly does that mean, father?
[King Hrold]: Your mother and I, along with a few trusted advisors, constructed psionic barriers in your minds to limit the amount of psionic power you could access. We had planned to gradually remove these barriers as you got older, and allow you to gain control over them slowly.
But then you two ran off to join the LMBP, and the barriers seemed to be holding, so we decided to leave things as they were.
[The Crusader (sarcastically)]: Good plan, dad. It was much better to just wait to tell me until after I tossed my husband around the bedroom as I slept.
< As furnishings around the room began to vibrate, Maxx leaned forward and placed a hand on his husband’s arm. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Easy, honey. Keep yourself calm… it will make it easier to stay in control.
< The Crusader closed his eyes and counted to ten. The furnishings ceased their trembling. He slowly opened his eyes again. >
[The Crusader]: So, exactly how powerful are we?
[King Hrold]: Honestly? I don’t know. Your power levels were off the scale when we first discovered your talent. The best guess our doctors had was that you and Crujectra were the strongest psionics to be recorded in nearly 400 years.
[The Crusader]: Swell.
[King Hrold]: What can I do to help you, my son?
[The Crusader]: Father, at the moment, I think you’ve helped enough. From here on out, I’ll trust my LMBP family to see me through this.
[King Hrold]: Son, please… this was done for your own good…
[The Crusader]: Good bye, Your Majesty.
< The Crusader deactivated the holo-communicator and sank back into the couch. Maxx leaned close, putting his arms around his husband. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: We’ll get through this, Mykel.
< The Crusader sighed and closed his eyes. >
[The Crusader]: I hope Crujectra is all right. I won’t be able to contact her until she returns from her mission. I just hope she can stay in control long enough for us to deal with this.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Clark Marlowe's Office. The Legion World Herald.
Ace reporter Clark Marlowe dictates notes into his Omnicom....
"Omnicom, create new file entitled 'Who is Bat-Fem?' and transcribe the following..."
acknowleged. file created. proceed.
"It's been a week since Mr. White assigned me to this case, and I'm not much closer to discovering her identity. However, I've compiled an intriguing list of suspects in my research. There's no way to know at this point if I'm on to anything, but here are my best shots at this time:
1)Hummer Lass. Yes, she's been arrested in connection with the murder of HUGEMANBREASTS, but my source in the Security Office says her mental state has been demonstrated to be highly erratic and unstable. She may be psychopathic and/or have multiple personalities. Bat-Fem hasn't been sighted since Hummer Lass was arrested, so--? Maybe one half of her is a psycho and the other half thinks she's a hero? Odder things have happened!
2)Jada Konti. Most people have never heard of her, but I believe she was the green woman implicated with Cobalt and Lard Lad in those holos the Dark Oval provided as 'evidence' of their crimes. No one supposedly knew who she was, but I'm not the galaxy's best reporter for no reason! She's an outstanding hand-to-hand combatant, and none of my sources have been able to locate her since she fled the Hrykosian district with Lardy and Cobalt. Bat-Fem has been described as caucasian-complected, but skin-dyeing or holographic disguise could explain that.
3)Kalla Hryl. My source at Vee's Villa says this is the name of an ex-patriot Hrykosian who is hiding out there. Apparently, she's the first-ever known Hrykosian traitor and did so because of some sort of conscientious objection to her government's practices. As yet, I don't have anything more specific on her.
It should be noted that I pursued Invasion arrivals Rockhopper Lass and Helena Handbasket as suspects as well, but I feel safe in eliminating them based on reported alibis provided by some reliable sources of mine.
So why these three? Well, they're all I could come up with so far. I'm using the working theory that the Dark Oval Invasion may have been a catalyst for Bat-Fem somehow based on the timing of her first appearances. Konti and Hryl fit that bill. And all the furor over Lard Lad and his alleged crimes could've pushed Hummer Lass, who many believe has long been obsessed with Lardy, over the edge of insanity.
I also considered that Bat-Fem works without the sanction of the LMB. These three would definitely be outsiders in that regard.
Does Bat-Fem have a connection to Lard Lad? A source says when she called in the tip upon supposedly finding his dead body, her voice seemed distraught, as if she was grieving over him. If that intuition is accurate, it strengthens the first two theories as those suspects have some proven connection to him. There's no reason to believe the third suspect has ever even met him. Of course, Bat-Fem could simply be a fan of Lardy's--who knows?
So is Bat-Fem one of my three best guesses? Honestly, probably not! But they are starting points in my investigation, at least. My next step is to go undercover in Old Town and try to dig deeper, possibly catch her in action (if she's not Hummer Lass, that is!). Old Town is really dangerous these days, but I didn't get my 'Ace' reputation by playing it safe!"
[ October 30, 2006, 02:43 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Barbarian Hordes, the Khanate of Carthac
Quietly, they flew into the planet, doing the best they could to not be caught no radar or omin-com. Despite the moniker ‘Barbarian’, the Hordes were anything but. They had able technology that could detect intruders easily. The LMB’s tech, however, was just that much better. And so Cobalt Kid and Jailbait Lass descended into the Khanate of Carthac for the first time, and Cobalt was the first of all of his agents to have ever done so. Not even Danger Damsel would willingly have risked it, given that this was the center of UP hate in all of the Barbarian Hordes. Even S.H.A.G., Cobalt’s robot hip-hop sidekick was quiet now.
The Khanate of Carthac was in a way what they had expected it to be. It was highly militarized, with the daily protocol of the military evident in all that worked in a city: traffic adjusting accordingly, food served at specific times, etc. There was also statues and monuments built to great battles. Slavery was rampant and there was an obvious split between the ruling class and the common class. There were some that held onto the old ways and did not clean themselves, but most were somewhat cleanly, if also garishly dressed in overly technological armor.
But there was one striking difference. Both the citizens and the military seemed in tune with the proceedings taking place in the center of the city. The proceedings of the Black Sun. Evidently, Cobalt and the UP under-estimated the influence of the Black Sun in the Barbarian Horde.
Bismol
Loudly Dominus arrived, flying towards Bismol and blasting apart the satellite stations that surrounded it. Like all UP planets, Bismol had a Grand Central Space Port, and Dominus focused a large portion of this small military unit towards it in a trident formation, to blast it apart and proceed downwards toward the planet-side.
“Dominus,” said one his chiefs, “we’ve received the distress call from the Bismollian ambassador! He would like to open negotiations.”
“Ha! Tell him when I drink out of his skull as if it was a wine glass, our negotiations can begin.”
“My Khan…” said the chief again, now feeling nervous at continuing this conversation, “…it appears to be a Khund. He says he has some things he’d like to barter. Two members of the Legion of Message Board Posters.”
Dominus hesitated now, and all were silent. A Khund? Here on Bismol? Had Khundia attacked the UP and he did not know? After all, Dominus himself was half-Khund. Khundia might be a welcome ally in the planned multi-front war against the Dark Oval and the United Planets. If they had pre-empted Bismol, this could work out well. At last, he realized he must decide quickly—it was too interesting to ignore. “Tell him I’ll speak with him.”
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Legion World Office of Security. Outside the Detention Area.
"Shady?" Dedman says as he walks up to the legendary Shadowplay in Candlelight Lass. "What's up? Why did you need to see me?"
"We've got to find, Matty!" she answers.
"Isn't he searching for Lard Lad, like the two of you agreed?"
"Yes, sweetie, but I have reason to believe Hummer Lass has been manipulated, as she claims."
"Oh?" Dedman says, his interest peaked.
Seeing he wants to hear more, Candace decides to tell him, "probing through her memories, I saw something very disturbing, something I saw in poor Hugh's memories."
"Well?"
"Deddy, I saw the scarred man that Hugh called 'Mr. Drall' in the background when this 'Wyandotte' was beating her. It was the same man Hugh remembered! He had those same, familiar eyes!"
"Oh my," Dedman pondered, "this could be big!"
"What's more, sweetie, is that I now know where I'd seen those eyes before--they're Lardy's eyes!"
"Huh?" he replied as he pondered that both the apparent bad guys seemed to be Lard Lad from appearances. "Sounds like we need to account for some Lard Lads..."
"Definitely," she replied, a haunted look in her eyes.
[ October 18, 2006, 10:04 PM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Seth Gaterra on :
Near Dr. Mayavale's Mediation Tent
Seth came to a halt in his wanderings as he felt agitation from his crystal children. What's wrong? he thought to them, as he started looking around to see what might have set them off. No danger was in sight, but as his head turned the crystals sent a surge of concern... and an image of Helena.
He blinked. "Helena -- you want me to find her? Why?" They answered as best they could, with her image and a sense of fear. Didn't know you could do this... Seth sent to them, as he followed their lead through the city to a less desirable section. He knew that he'd often shared telepathic contact with Dalnaturi, whether through the Witchblade or the link between their crystal children -- but Helena didn't possess either of them. After some jogging, he finally came to a pink and white building in disrepair. Down the alley at its side, a door stood open; its knob was broken off. Tensing, Seth carefully made his way inside...
Inside the old Ice Cream Parlol The place was silent, but the footprints in the dust made it clear that someone had been through here. Seth followed the trail; at its end was Helena standing stock-still before a desk. "Helena?!" he asked, as he moved forward to check on her. Past her, Seth spotted a boxlike machine topped with a large glowing sphere; then the sphere flashed and...
Seth blinked, trying to focus his eyelets. <<Even if you're on leave, that's no excuse not to train!>> said someone before him; a male voice, strong and familiar... Another couple of blinks, and the figure came into focus. He was yellow-skinned, with a salt-and pepper crewcut; the left eye was faceted blue, but the right was a silver sphere in the midst of burn scars that covered that quarter of his face. The outfit was a simple gray sweatsuit, appropriate for the small gym they were in.
<<Father..?!>> Seth asked, starting to step forward -- then he halted. In his mind, he heard the fearful screeches of his crystal children... but he couldn't see them on his body. Seth shook his head rapidly. <<No, father... you're dead; I watched you die! I watched the world die -- time after time! And I couldn't ever stop it from happening! No-one ever listened!>> A red haze swam before Seth's eyelets as he snarled, <<How dare you -- you damned mindtapper! HOW DARE YOU?!>> Seth's now-glowing right hand lashed out at the image of his father; he felt the contact as his hand slammed onto something hard and flat, then felt it shatter under his palm...
And Seth was left standing in the office -- the few remaining bits of the desk scattered on the floor. Behind him, he heard a thud; turning, he saw that Helena had collapsed to the floor, stunned. The crystal children's coos of concern helped bring Seth down from his rage; he'd forgotten that he had been here to help Helena. Concern on his face, he moved to her right side and knelt down to check on her; his left arm supporting her shoulders to lift her up from the floor. "Helena? Helena... speak to me?"
Posted by Liberty Monkey on :
Streets of Legion World
“Despite sensationalizing by the media, the streets remain relatively calm and safe, my friend,” said Liberty Monkey, “such is the workings of the LMBP.”
Kid Gender Stereotype Reversal II nodded. The spunky young lady walked past the mobs of people, and noticed a rather large looking ruffian ogling her and blowing a kiss at him. “Hey pal,” she said, “back off!”, using her power to suddenly make him start screaming like a little girl! Running through the streets, he turned around and pointed, screaming about the Dark Oval and the Invasion. “That should do it,” smiled KGSR II.
“Look at who he was pointing at,” said Liberty Monkey, as the two turned to see an incognito Lonestar Ranger (formerly Space Ranger of the Dark Oval) following them! “Greetings Space Ranger! I do not believe this to be coincidence!”
KGSR II leaped forward suddenly grabbing the Ranger, although the larger man didn’t make a move. His blaster sat calmly in his holster, and he looked at her. “I don’t want any trouble,” said the Ranger. “I want answers. In the last twenty-four hours I’ve heard three separate incidents refer to a mysterious ‘52’, the most ominous being Dormant Damsel’s outburst. Since I’m persona non grata around here, I want in on this case. I’m not going anywhere soon and I need to get in Legion World’s favored side—and quick.”
“Right,” said KGSR II, “or maybe you want to find out what the mystery is and use it to your own advantages. Eryk told me about the Dark Oval, and how its lawman couldn’t be trusted.”
“Well,” said the Ranger, “your boyfriend Eryk isn’t here, is he?” he smiled. “And I’m coming with you.”
“…not my boyfriend anymore…” muttered KGSR II.
“Very well, Ranger,” said Liberty Monkey, “since you’ll be following us anyway. We are going to find Tamper Lad for his help on this. Reboot appears to be in the anomaly still, although his help is not guaranteed anyway.”
“Good, Tamper Lad will know what to do,” replied the Ranger. “And he’s usually up for cutting a deal to get me some glory…”
Elsewhere
Lucien Lad and his friend watched on, curious to these developments. “Booooooring,” said Lucien Lad. “I’m supposed to watch this for *how* long?”
“For awhile still, I’m afraid,” said his friend, “but this look will help you later. After all, haven’t you come to trust the Phantom Stranger?”
Lucien Lad smiled, pouring another glass of wine for both of them.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Bismol
“Foolish Khund, how dare you!” yelled Dominus in rage, pulling out his techno-sword! “For that you die!”
Minutes earliest the Khundish ambassador of Bismol had entered Dominus’ ship with the LMBer known as Kid Prime in tow. The latter was completely bound and chained, and the former, who was an oddity, stepped forward. “I am Ambassador Gharlak urkurik il-arvarick NakTorvik!” he said, “of the Royal Khundish Fleets. This is my war feline,” he added, pointing to the small cat besides his feet. Dominus and his crew did not know whether to laugh or scream in bloodthirsty rage. What was a Khund doing here on Bismol? “I have one request,” continued the Khund. “Lay down your weapons, dock your ships, and pay homage to the greatness that is Bismol!” And that’s about the time Dominus screamed in rage.
“Ah,” said the Khund, his voice suddenly more whimsical. “Put that is where you are wrong!” He smiled now and paused for dramatic effect. “Not the dying part, which I personally think will also be wrong—but the Khund part! For you see, I am not a Khund at all!!” he added and the Barbarians gasped. So much so, that Kid Prime began to giggle a little. Suddenly the Khund ripped off a mask—so perfect that none had been able to realize it was indeed a mask. Underneath was the face of Actor Lad. “I’m actually Actor Lad, Leader of the Legion of Message Board Posters…and you’ve just fallen victim to my powers of super-acting!”
As rage perculated in each Barbarians throats, they had an instant to react before everything sprang into action! The cat, who was Fat Cramer, grew in size and instantly leaped upon Dominus, knocking him backwards and clawing at the massive figure. Actor Lad turned and punched the nearest Barbarian in the face, as Kid Prime revealed the chains to be nothing more than robot extensions of himself, and moved forward. “I’ve got the ship” he yelled, running off.
“Three against an army? You are foolish then,” said one of the soldiers, as Fat Cramer leapt off, moving backwards so her back was to Actor Lad.
“Oh, we are more than three,” said Saturn Girl, revealing herself and Spellbinder, who had remained invisible to them via Saturn Girl’s telepathy. “A little tele team-up?” said Saturn Girl.
“Love to,” replied Spellbinder, clapping her hands forward that sent a telekinetic burst knocking all the warriors backwards. “Dominus dear, do us a favor and call all your soldiers to this room, so we don’t have to go looking for them.” Scores of troops fell backwards and Saturn Girl gave Crujectra a playful inquisitive look. “That’s odd,” thought Crujectra, “a little more power in that one than I’d meant…”
Outside in space the rest of the armada waited for word from the main ship, not knowing what was happening. A soldier would have to have excellent eyesight to see the small teleportation hole open up above one of the ships as Outdoor Miner brought Yellow Kid into the middle of the fleet. “I don’t know how exactly wind powers work in space, but then again, my old drinking buddy was a 40’ giant robot lesbian, so what do I know?” said Miner as they arrived.
Yellow Kid grinned. “Don’t worry. Back when I was the leader of the villainous Primary Colors Gang, this was my specialty.” Using his powers he began to move at super-speed in a tornado fashion and suddenly the ships began being ripped apart. Crashing and colliding with each other, the soldiers were now aware of what was happening.
“How’s our flank?” said Outdoor Miner into his walking ring.
“Call it a rout,” said Abin Quank, moving forward at top speed with a giant green shovel scooping ships into a small space. “Welcome to the United Planets fellas.”
By his side, Poverty Lad moved at super-speed through space, smashing through ships with his super-strength. His Martian abilities allowed him to change his size accordingly, using enough mass to destroy the ships fighting abilities but keep the soldiers alive. In his head he could hear pleas from the soldiers and bribes being offered up to him, ‘the Martian Devil’. “Save your Barbarian currency,” he replied, “even Poverty Lad only takes the good stuff.”
By now Kid Prime had reached the lead ship’s control consuls, easily making short work of anyone in his way. He transformed his fingers into electrical wires and plugged himself in. Within an instant, he had seized control of the ship.
Dominus lunged forward at Actor Lad and Fat Cramer, looking to take off both their heads. Actor Lad moved to the side, while Fat Cramer shrank down to cat form, ran under his sword arm and up his side. Clawing at his eyes, she made him drop his sword, as Actor Lad swept out his feet. Around them everywhere, men fell from the technological assault.
“Barbarians! You have declared war on the United Planets with this act! In doing so, you have violated countless treaties and years of diplomacy!” Spellbinder’s voice echoed in all their heads. “For that, you should get no quarter! But you can end this now, by taking your ships and returning to your borders! Leave only your leaders, who will stand trial for their crimes!”
Technological silence ensued. But it was evident the Barbarian fleet, although a fraction of the Barbarian army, was not prepared to fight a host of LMBers if there was legions more of them. A few ships flew off quickly, followed by many others.
And so it was over before it even began. “That wasn’t so bad,” said Poverty Lad, flying down to join the others.
“It could have been,” said Actor Lad, “we’re trying for the diplomatic way out. We can’t be in every battle and that small fleet could have done serious damage—it could have razed Bismol. And that’s only a small portion of the military might beyond those borders.”
“Yeah,” said Pov, “but we’re here. And we’re not allowing damage. Let the Dark Oval and the Barbarian Horde fight it out. We’ve sent our message: leave the United Planets alone. They didn’t—and now we’ve got Dominus.”
Posted by The Crusader on :
Legion World Mall, Legionnopolis
< The Crusader and Maxx strolled along through the mall, stopping before storefronts from time to time. To the casual observer, they could be any celebrity couple out for a shopping expedition. They were not in the mall today to shop, however. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Mykel, are you sure that this is the easiest way to do this?
[The Crusader]: I know it probably sounds strange, but learning to control telepathy is different than learning to control telekinesis. With telekinesis, for example, you are typically working your way up, slowly increasing your power levels as you get stronger. With telepathy, however, the trick is to block everyone out, and then learn to let them back in one at a time.
Right now, my problem is keeping people out of my head. And believe it or not, coming to a crowded place like the mall will help me out.
< Maxx was skeptical, but his face showed nothing but support. Under control again, the Crusader began to move down the promenade again, letting the thoughts of hundreds of sentients flow over his shields as though they were nothing. It took a great deal of concentration to do this right now, but as his control over his increased power levels grew it would become second nature again. >
[Unknown female]: Stop! Thief!
< The two Legionnaires turned toward the shout, and saw a middle aged woman nearby, her packages dropped to the floor. She was shouting at a young man running away from her, a purse held in one hand, its broken straps whipping around wildly as he ran.
< Maxx prepared to cast a spell, but sensing Mykel’s power build-up, he hesitated. One hand reaching out, the Crusader instinctively surged out with telekinetic force, his goal being to detain the fleeing thief. The results were… not altogether unexpected. Suddenly, every shopper ranged out before them stopped in their tracks, unable to move. Luckily, of the eighty people now held immobile, the thief was one of them. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Well, on the bright side, you stopped the thief.
[The Crusader (scowling)]: Your commentary is not required, dear.
[ October 19, 2006, 03:34 PM: Message edited by: The Crusader ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
An isolated, overgrown graveyard in a remote section of Legion World.
The scarred man known as Ord Drall completes an Omnicom conversation with his ally Wyandotte…
“Yes, Wyandotte, I’m clear about the next step in our plan, and I will execute my part at the agreed-upon time. Ord out!”
Ord turns off his Omnicom and tosses it aside.
“Enough of that rubbish! I grow tired of playing the pawn to that idiot! As soon as he’s outlived his usefulness---”
He cuts his sentence off as a particular gravestone catches his eye.
“Ah. So there it is. What a pitiful memorial! I suppose ‘villains’ don’t get suitable burials in this place. They will pay for this.”
“I was as close to death as humanly possible, burned from the inside out by that traitoress who was supposed to be on my side.” He runs his hands over the horrible burn scars that cover his face, ”But she underestimated the greatness of my power…it regenerated me even as I lay in this pauper’s grave. In time I teleported myself out and continued the healing process…it continues to this day, as I have yet to recover my full power. That’s why I must tolerate that fool Wyandotte! For the time being…”
He looks around him and at the stars above.
“This artificial planet is quite remarkable. There’s nothing like it in my dimension. I think I shall enjoy destroying it someday when I am whole again. Ah…when I am whole, I’ll return to my home and kill all of those fools who opposed me and betrayed me, starting with the traitoress who burned my flesh. And I will reclaim my wife as my own again, whether she likes it or not!”
“And then…I will fulfill the destiny mapped out for me by the Church of the Eternal Void by destroying my entire dimension to remake it the way it is supposed to be. After that I will return here and do the same!”
“My foolish counterpart…how he fights his destiny! And his choice of mates is so richly ironic--HA! Well, I’ll gladly relieve that fool of his life and his burden, and I’ll be the savior of two dimensions!”
“But for now, I’ll have to be patient and bide my time, hard as it will be to do so. It will all pay off in due time. And when it does, two universes will tremble at the sound of my name, as it should be!”
And with purple energy loosed from his fingertips, he blasts the gravestone and teleports away.
Moments later, a woman arrives at the gravesite dressed in strange garb with a bat motif to it. Carefully, she assembles the pieces of the gravestone so that its words in Interlac can be read. Looking at the words, the woman known as Bat-Fem is overcome with emotion.
“It is him!” she whispers and then flees, as if she were running from the Devil himself.
The reassembled gravestone lies where she left it. It’s epitaph: ‘Here lies Lard Lord of Earth-4’
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
Quislet's Table
Rockhopper Lad stared across the table, dumbfounded.
"Eudyptes, you look as if you've seen a ghost!" Rockhopper Lass said.
"I--I--Adelie, Blaine Fey was Openly Gay Lad."
"Who?"
"I guess you don't remember him. He was from your universe and a member of the SMB." The Pyngwyn Prince began to tear up. "He was--that is...he and I..."
"They were in love" finished Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle.
"What happened to him?" Rockhopper Lass asked.
"He was killed in the Invasion. He was a real hero. I've never loved anyone as I loved him."
"Oh. I'm so sorry."
"I appreciate that, Adelie, but what do you remember about him?"
"I'm not sure. He--he was there I think."
"But he died before you disappeared."
"I wish I could tell you more. He was there. And--and someone else too."
"Who?"
"I'm sorry, Eudyptes. That's all I know."
Old Dutch the Super Cow looked up from her grass and said, "Maybe it was the Blaine Fey of this universe."
The Rockhoppers and Hyvvie looked at her, shocked.
"What?" Old Dutch asked. "I'm old, not stupid!"
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Barbarian Hordes, the Khanate of Carthac
Caracalla conducted his ceremony, truly a master at holding the attention of his audience and ensuring their complete and utter love for him and his beliefs. The mere presence of Caracalla meant a continued infectious growth of the Black Sun. His hold over the ‘barbarians’ was undeniable. They were fierce, independent and prone to divisiveness. But he had given them faith and something to believe in. They now had a common cause in the war with the Dark Oval, and a common ground to stand on in the Black Sun.
Cobalt watched on with Jailbait Lass next to him, S.H.A.G. staying look-out outside. They had gathered a great deal of intel on the Barbarian Hordes, the Khanate of Carthac and the Black Sun. Now it was time to see the face of the enemy. So at last, Cobalt had finally seen Caracalla after all these years. The rumors, the searches, the secrecy—he finally had confirmed his suspicions that Caracalla did indeed have plan to take over, and to use Elagabolus to do it. Cobalt seethed with anger, and did his best to calm down and let it leave his system. Focusing on his spiritual powers he tried to filter it out. But he kept thinking of Scipio and of Danger Damsel. Both dead. Two more of his friends.
Caracalla preached on, and Cobalt went through his head. LardLad engaged to be married to Whordru? What was Lardy thinking? He hadn’t spoken to Lardy since he’d punched him in the face right before the full invasion kicked off. They’d saved each other’s lives, but hadn’t spoken one word. What did that mean? Legion World was still being cleaned up, but a mere two months later and things had fallen back to normal. A murder in the streets? And Matlock still a baby? Reality disruptions—again? The last time there were reality disruptions he’d lost two more of his best friends, Space Ranger and Emerald Empress. How many, he wondered, were doomed to die in the next crisis?
Jailbait Lass put her hand on his forearm and gave it a light squeeze. He stopped thinking and looked at her. She could pretty much read his mind at this point. He knew it was time to calm down. The world changes, she said. We must change with it.
Caracalla had finished his holy sermon, the room filtering out. The High Priest entered the back rooms of the Church sending his guards away with his hands. He sipped a chalice filled with ice-cold water and a smile came over his lips. His lifeless black eyes stared forward at the walls.
Cobalt stepped out from the shadows. Caracalla did not turn to face him. “High Priest Caracalla.”
“Yes,” replied the High Priest, “at last we meet.”
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. Wyandotte's Secret HQ.
With the words, "--Ord out!" Harold R. Wyandotte's conversation with his ally abruptly concludes.
"What?!" Wyandotte rages. "How dare he cut me off like that! He'd better keep that appointment with our ally! Why, without me he'd probably be begging on the streets! I ought to--"
He pauses and calms himself. "Hmmph...I suppose I'll let him think he has the upper hand--for now. That simpleton has no inkling of the mind he's dealing with...and it's better he continues not to until he's outlived his usefulness."
"Ah, yes...great intellects are continually underestimated by those with brute strength and flashy powers. True power resides completely in the mind! Certainly, the LMB wrote me off as a simple killer all those years ago. Killing people was merely an afterthought for me as I was more interested in the exercise of outwitting other sentients. Having proven myself in that area, I've moved on to killing key players, as on a chessboard in order to further the larger goal. Ah, yes, some day the LMB will come to rue the day they wrote off the man they crudely nicknamed 'Se--"
Wyandotte's soliloquy is interrupted as something on his massive vid display catches his eye. "What's this? I believe I lipread an interesting snippet from the Security Office! Hmmm....I need to rewind that feed---how stunned they would be if they knew I had complete surveillance of their vaunted--ah, I shall start there..."
The feed he reviews recounts a conversation between reserve LMBer Shadowplay in Candlelight Lass and LMBer/Security Officer Dedman. He watches and listens intently.
When he finishes examining it, Wyandotte grins a little. "So," he says, "they've already figured out that Hummer Lass isn't psychotic, eh? Ord was the icebreaker between her memories and the ones Dedman obtained, as I predicted."
"Hmmm...this 'Shady' of theirs is quite adept at what she does. I didn't anticipate them bringing her into it. That sped up my projection by weeks, at least. I shall have to consider taking her and Matlock off the board soon, I believe."
"In any case they are still very far from the truth. If anything, they'll be chasing their tails even more. There will be more than enough time for me to kill their Lard Lad...and then move into the next phase of my plan!"
As he utters those last words, his hands move toward the mysterious canister which rests on a table close by, and he taps it softly.
Posted by dedman on :
BISMOLL
Antacid lass looked to the skies. Somewhere up there were her hereos, the LMB. She had travelled to Legionworld once, in hopes of joining them, but her control over her powers was far to limited at the time. Things were different now. She could eat anything and make anyone else feel the effects of eating it....instant stomachaches. How could they reject her now? She turned to the holo-vid......."Bismoll saved by the LMB" said the newscaster. Antacid lass smiled, she knew her heros would save the day. Now to somehow meet them and show them how powerful she had become.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Barbarian Hordes, Khanate of Carthac
The High Priest Caracalla turned around and faced Cobalt one on one. Quietly, Jailbait Lass slipped out of the room, per Cobalt’s instructions—Caracalla was far too dangerous. The High Priest’s eyes were black, and lifeless. He was younger than Cobalt suspected, and was tall and thin.
“Odd to see a high-ranking officer of the Dark Oval in the Barbarian Hordes,” said Cobalt Kid.
“The Barbarian Hordes. What a name to give a sector of space. I do not care for it. I do not care for the Khanate of Carthac either truthfully,” replied the High Priest. He grinned now softly. “What did you expect to find? There’s nothing you can do here.”
“I expected some kind of answers,” said Cobalt calmly, “some kind of explanation as to why so many people have to die for you and the Black Sun. For the Barbarian Hordes. For the Dark Oval.”
“That’s it?” said Caracalla smiling. “I thought you were here for the boy. My ‘young’ apprentice,” he added sarcastically. “He’s not young anymore. Not since you’ve last seen him. When you and your friends failed him. But the Black Sun has taken care of Elagabolus. And he will repay us kindly.”
“You haven’t answered me.”
“You know the answer! I want it to end. ALL of it!” he proclaimed in a raspy voice. “This world has lost all of my love and it must be cleansed. The fires of life must be tempered and put-out for a time, leaving only a small ember. That ember will grow into the new world—and we will be that ember. Long live the Sun-Eaters!, ‘Cobaltus’, and long they *shall* live,” he said loudly, then adding softly“ Long die the suns.”
“You want to wipe out the universe? You really think that’s possible?” said Cobalt, growing angrier. “Many have tried you know—and none ever have. It’s a ridiculous concept. So you’re holy church can lead the next generation? Its outrageous,” he said, gaining his composure. “And you know it. You always have. You don’t believe Sol Invictus is coming to destroy the universe, so you’re setting up Elagabolus to do it. Your using a young boy to fit into your religion, taking the parts of it you like and leaving the rest out. That makes you a murderer.”
“That makes me beyond you,” replied Caracalla. “There is nothing you can do here. I’ve come to this dismal sector of space and shown the Barbarians the light. They join us more and more each day. And those who do not worship will be left in darkness and death. And you can do nothing about it.”
Cobalt’s thoughts went to a million places. He should just end things right here. He remembered Lardy with Hrykos, and what Lardy might do here. Or what would Space Ranger do? Haul him in? But no…he could not commit murder and he had nowhere to bring Caracalla.
Caracalla smiled again, and this time, a black light emanated from his hands. “A wise decision,” he said. “I am not a helpless priest sworn against violence.” The energy appeared to be flicker wildly, as if a black-fire.
Cobalt walked forward to him, now only three feet away. “Call off your army’s against the UP. Stop any plans to invade or make war with the border planets. And end all Black Sun activity on Legion World.” Cobalt’s words were hard and cold, and had no more emotion in them.
Caracalla smiled no more. “They aren’t my armies…” he replied. Cobalt went to interject, but Caracalla stopped him. “…yet. There will not be anymore attempts on the UP this warring season,” he continued smiling, “we’ve accomplished all we wanted to. And Black Sun activity on Legion World…I know nothing about it.”
Cobalt stared at him, attempting to gain the measure of the man, but it was impossible. He was too hard to crack. What did he mean by those statements? Was he telling the truth? He obviously couldn’t take him at his word.
“Goodbye Cobalt Kid,” said Caracalla. “Take your female friend and get off this planet. And if a member of your Legion ever sets foot on this planet again, they will be executed along with some other close to them, as is our way.”
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Back alleys of Old Town.
An old bum drags an antiquated shopping basket near the same back alley where HUGEMANBREASTS was killed over three weeks ago. He peers around each corner and at the rooftops cautiously as if looking for something or someone specifically.
Soon he arrives at the exact spot of the murder. He stops and fiddles with a switch or something under his woolen cap. Whatever he pressed, a small lens pops out over his right eye, and a tiny microphone extends near his mouth. The apparent vagrant then begins to speak to no one in particular.
"This is Clark Marlowe. Entry number 10. Day Three on undercover assignment.
Well, I've spent many hours combing these back alleys where Bat-Fem's been sighted, but so far, no Kono Juice. In fact it's been extremely quiet. Either she knows I'm looking for her, she's Hummer Lass and locked up behind bars or maybe she's dead?
Getting a little tired of these grimy clothes and this itchy fake beard--and I believe I'm now majorly infested with fleas! It's a good thing I'm dedicated to my craft, or I'd ditch this assignment for a long, steamy bath in a Metropolis min--?"
"Who you talkin' to, old-timer? And what're you doin' out in a dark alley all alone? It ain't safe here, ya know?"
Marlowe gasps as he realizes a dozen gang bangers have surrounded him. He looks around and sees that some of them look a little worse for the wear. Two are on crutches, some have their arms in slings and the man who spoke, a Talokian by his looks, is missing several teeth. All of this makes Marlowe feel no less terrified because they still look like they could kill him twenty times over!
"So," the Talokian says as he moves closer to Marlowe and brandishes a laser scalpel, there was this Bat Chick protecting the streets for a while. Messed us up pretty bad. She musta lost her nerve or somethin' because nobody's seen her for a while." He brings the scalpel near Marlowe's throat, so close that the heat from it forms blisters on his neck skin. "Guess we'll have to take out our aggression on you, huh?"
As Marlowe closes his eyes and prays to whatever deities he believes in, a figure leaps from no where and kicks the Talokian back. She looks at the other bangers and screams "BOO!", and they run (or hobble) off as fast as they can.
"Are you all right?" she asks Marlowe as she helps him up after he'd collapsed in fright.
"Bat-Fem?" Marlowe manages.
"Yes, I'm--"
"LOOK OUT!" Marlowe yells.
The warning comes nearly too late as the Talokian, who had not fled, connects almost full-on with a surprisingly powerful blow to her face, knocking her mask off in the process. Marlowe gasps as she responds with a sweeping kick that knocks the Talokian to the ground. In the instant that response buys her, she finds the mask and puts it back on.
"You like that, Bat-Whore?" laughs the Talokian. "I was ready for you...had some MHGH ready...little extra oomph to my punches, huh?"
Marlowe thinks, Meta-Human Growth Hormone? If Bat-Fem's a norm like my sources say, she's in trouble! But, damn, I'm so sprockin' freaked, I can't move--probably couldn't help anyway...
"Power isn't everything, Mallor," she says and starts methodically maneuvering around him and applying strategic jabs all over him.
"Stay still, Bat-Whore! I'm gonna break your sprockin' neck!"
"Forgive me if I don't oblige." In one fluid motion, she leaps toward him and extends a collapsable bo staff. Mallor runs at her full-speed, and she hits him square in the kneecaps with the staff as she dodges his advance. With a sickening crack he falls on his face and is squealing in pain.
"Little weak in the knees?" she quips, then knocks him mercifully unconscious with a tap on the head.
"Power's not everything, Marlowe," she says, suprising the reporter. "Remember that." And then she shoots a line into the air, disappearing as suddenly as she came.
His jaw agape, he says blankly into his still-extended microphone, "she knew who I am?" It is only then, as he hears his words reverbed into his earpiece, that he realizes he was recording the entire encounter.
"Shit!" he says. "That means my holo-cam was recording the whole thing...including when her mask fell off!"
Unbidden, visions of a Galactic Pulitzer begin to dance in his head. "Chloe Lane's going to have to notice me when I win it!"
[ October 30, 2006, 01:08 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Dru the Sorceress on :
Planet Raisa.
In their suite Dru puts the finishing touches on her hair and makeup as her fiance Lard Lad sits quietly on their made-up bed. They are preparing to head home to Legion World after over a month well-spent on the planet known for spiritual healing.
"Honestly, honey, I don't know what we'll do for a honeymoon after this!" Dru says as she tweaks some stray strands of hair she's spotted while looking in the mirror.
Lard Lad remains silent, apparently not hearing her.
Noticing he didn't respond, Dru turns and faces him. "Anthony? Honey, what's wrong?"
"Huh?" he says and looks at her. "Oh! Baby, you look absolutely stunning as usual!"
"Well, thanks," she says with a grin and then walks over and sits on his lap, "but I was wondering where you were, just now!"
"Oh, that," he says wistfully while putting his arms around her. "I...I guess I'm a little nervous..."
"Nervous? About going home?"
"Yeah, babe...I guess I'm afraid of losing the piece of mind I've found here."
"I know what you mean, honey...but we can't hide forever."
"Can't we?"
Her response is to give him a gentle kiss. Then she says, "no, we can't. Legion World needs us...and we need it! We have a lot of things in our pasts that we need to redeem. We need to be heroes!"
"Yes," he answers knowingly, "yes, we do."
"And no matter how dark it is there, we'll always have each other...don't forget that!"
"Of course not!" he answers feeling such joy that his eyes well up a little.
"Tell ya what, though," she adds with a new inspiration in her eyes, "there's nothing that says we can't take the scenic route back, right?"
"Right!"
With childlike glee, the two stand up and take each other's hands. Dru utters a spell, and they and their belongings vanish in a glittering cloud of smoke.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
In a place between the worlds
Two male figures, one human, one Pyngwyn, float weightlessly.
"Soon, my darling," said the human. "Soon it will all come to pass."
The Pyngwyn nodded, "Yes. Allying yourself with those two humans was a master stroke. They have no idea you aren't a follower of theirs."
"Yes. And soon, you will reign over not one, but two universes. And I at your side."
"Oh, yes."
"Fortunately, we don't have to worry about my double from your world, but yours..."
"He's mine! He took it all away from me! My throne! My empire! My sister!"
"Ah, yes. Your sister. She has been convenient."
"My stupid, goodie-goodie double doesn't suspect what she will do!"
"And then it will all be ours!"
The Earth-1 Blaine Fey and the Evil Emperor Penguin embraced passionately.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
(Elagabolus, years ago...)
The Barbarian Hordes, Khanate of Carthac
Jailbait Lass waited for Cobalt to join her, shifting her stance in the hallways close to Caracalla’s room. She was supposed to go to S.H.A.G. outside, but decided to wait for him. It was a bad move, she realized, when she heard someone coming down the hall.
“Who goes there?” said a voice, and she realized it was a younger man. A deep voice, but definitely a young man—younger than her. As the figure moved closer, she realized exactly who it was. The young man was fourteen or fifteen. He was very tall and incredibly thin. He had no shirt covering his torso and was covered in weird, exotic tattoos. His head was bald, and his eyes were very dark. There was something alarming about him. Something in the way he walked. She felt almost a low buzzing in her mind as he walked closer, as if there was very real raw power coming off of him. This was Elagabolus.
“I-I,” she began, but fumbled her words, “I’m waiting for someone,” she said.
“Waiting?” he asked, and his voice was crisp. “You aren’t one of the Khanate of Carthac. Your skin is far to pale,” he moved closer to her. “Who are you? he said, raising his hand to her arm and pulling her closer as she meant to walk away.
She almost screamed at his touch, thinking he would kill her. He didn’t—she felt no change to her bare skin. “Stop! Please, let go. I-I don’t like to be touched,” she said looking at him more closely. He stared back, waiting for a reply. “Why are you here?” she said to him finally.
“What?” he said, taken aback. “I’m with the High Priest.”
“Yes,” she replied, “why are you here? Why are you with them? I know your story Elagabolus. Why are you with the Black Sun?”
He brow creased and his mouth became a paper thin line. “I’m here because I believe in Sol Invictus,” he said. “But you know me, and I don’t know you,” he continued now growing angry. “How?!” he finished, pushing her back.
“Leave her alone, Elag,” said a voice, and both he and Jailbait Lass turned to see Cobalt Kid. Cobalt walked forward and in seconds took in every aspect of Elag’s appearance. Jailbait Lass knew it broke his heart. “How could you…?” he said softly, moving closer to Jailbait Lass and putting his coat around her. “Not a scared little boy anymore, I see?”
“No, I’m not,” said Elagabolus, apparently shaken up by this encounter.
“Liar,” said Cobalt, moving closer to him. “Elag, let me take you away from here.” Though they spoke, much more was said in their silence and their eyes. Elag had slept next to Cobalt for weeks once, and had trusted him and the rest of the LMB completely. They were his guardians, his friends. His family. “It’s alright,” Cobalt added, extending his arm. Elag desperately wanted not to be touched by Cobalt, but simply could not get the words out. Cobalt’s hand was on his shoulder suddenly. “It’s okay,” Cobalt repeated.
Elag looked at him and remembered when he saved him. He remembered holding a dying man. The healing energies of Cobalt existed in the LMBers hands and Elag was suddenly aware of it. He didn’t notice at first, but when he did, he felt them. And they burned. Softly and slowly they burned. “No,” whispered the boy. Cobalt looked at him with a sad look. “NO!!” yelled Elagabolus pulling away, the boy’s flesh burning Cobalt’s hand and vice versa.
“You’d have me hide somewhere?” said the boy speaking quickly. “I will not. The whole world will know who I am and I’ll never hide again.”
“Elag, the whole world could benefit from you!”
“No. You’re the healer now, you and your friends. I’ll be the destroyer…” he said, walking away towards Caracalla’s quarters, his words trailing off.
Cobalt and Jailbait Lass walked away. “Three years, Lolita,” he said to her quietly, “three years of thinking of that moment, and its not how I thought it would turn out at all…”
[ October 27, 2006, 10:19 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by Maxx the Sorcerer on :
The Morning Glory Starliner, en route to Legion World from Psyonia
< Margurita Thal looked up at the display screen above the refrigeration unit and frowned. The passenger in Cabin 14 wanted something. Again. She closed her eyes and sighed. She couldn’t face him again. She looked over at the new kid, Babeet. It was her first flight. The captain said to take it easy one her, but… >
[Margurita Thal]: Hey, Babeet, could you do me a favor?
[Babeet Prak]: Sure thing, Margurita! I’m happy to help!
[Margurita Thal]: The passenger in Cabin 14 is asking for milk. Would you mind running some down to him?
[Babeet Prak]: Not a problem! < looking around > Where are the glasses again?
[Margurita Thal]: Errr… actually, this passenger requires a bowl of milk. Special needs.
[Babeet Prak]: Cool beans! I’m on it!
< Realizing that she was most likely going to hell, Margurita watched as the young stewardess poured some milk into a bowl, placed the bowl on a serving tray and bee-bopped her way down the corridor. Margurita hated perky twenty year olds. >
[Babeet Prak (ringing door buzzer)]: Stewardess!
[Voice from inside Cabin 14]: Come on in!
< Babeet opened the door and entered the private cabin. The room wasn’t one of the ship’s larger cabins, but it was comfortable enough. A pair of lounge chairs were set before the viewscreen panel in the far wall, and there was a double-size bed on the opposite end of the room. Sprawled out in the middle of the bed was a cat, taking up far more space than seemed possible. The cat opened one eye as the young girl approached. >
[Babeet Prak]: Well, hello there, little fella! I’m betting that your daddy had this ordered up for you!
< Unable to resist the impulse, Babeet set the tray down and began rubbing the cat’s fur, scratching along his underbelly. She assumed it’s owner was in the bathroom. Slowly the cat wiggled around, enjoying the attention. He lazily opened both eyes and seemed to wink at the stewardess. >
[Bob the Cat]: A little lower and you can join the Mile High Club.
< Babeet screamed. >
Posted by Maxx the Sorcerer on :
Embassy Row, Legionnopolis
< Bob the Cat sauntered along down Embassy Row, humming a bad 70s porn track as he passed the walled embassies. He thought that the young stewardess had overreacted, considering she was the one who had made the first move. It wasn't like he had actually planned to go through with anything. Humans made great can openers, but they really didn't know what they were doing, you know, sexually. >
< Bob stopped before the huge double gates at the end of Embassy Row. High inertron walls stretched off on both sides, and the gates themselves were emblazoned by a stylized "L" symbol and starburst design. He began to move forward, and then suddenly stopped as a mounted scanner emerged from a hidden compartment in the wall. >
[Computer Voice]: Warning... the property that you are trying to access is designated as restricted. Please identify yourself, and state your purpose at LMBP Plaza.
< Bob the Cat turned his eyes upward, a cat-like look of distain on his face. >
[Bob the Cat]: Call me Bob, sweetheart, and my business is none of yours.
[Computer Voice]: Please stand by. A security team will be with you momentarily.
[Bob the Cat]: As if.
< Bob the Cat moved forward toward the gate. Suddenly, detention coils snaked up through the pavement, slinking out to grab the feline intruder. Annoyed, Bob leaped gracefully about, dodging the cables as they tried to detain him. He resisted the urge to spray them as he slipped through the gates and moved across the compound. >
[ October 27, 2006, 02:06 PM: Message edited by: Maxx the Sorcerer ]
Posted by Maxx the Sorcerer on :
Levitz Hall, LMBP Plaza
< Once again, Maxx the Sorcerer could tell even as he was waking up that something was… different. He knew immediately that he wasn’t floating again, but there was a strange pressure on his chest. He slowly opened his eyes, and gasped in surprise to see two green eyes looking back at him. >
[Bob the Cat]: It’s about time you woke up, kid. I was just about to slip a mirror under your nose. < Bob begin to lick his paw. > A cat could starve to death around here, waiting for someone to wake up and feed him.
< Maxx thought about sitting up, but with the cat sitting on his chest, he figured that might not be a great idea just yet. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Ummm… who exactly are you, and what are you doing here?
[Bob the Cat]: You can call me Bob. As for what I’m doing here, why don’t we talk about that in the kitchen? I’m fairly certain that you have some leftovers in the fridge that need eating.
< The Crusader began to stir in his sleep, slowly awakened by the voices next to him. Even as he started to open his eyes, his power began to surge, and objects in the room began to quiver. Bob looked over at him, and one paw shot out to slap down on the Prince’s bare arm. Suddenly, the quivering stopped. >
[Bob the Cat]: Let’s have none of that, princeling. I’m not fond of being shaken about on an empty stomach.
[The Crusader]: Who in the…? How did you just do that?
< Bob jumped down from the bed, and began walking purposefully toward the door. He didn’t bother to look back, confident that the humans would follow. It’s what humans did. >
[Bob the Cat]: You know, if we’re going to be working together, you kids need to start paying attention.
< The young couple scrambled after the cat, catching up with him as he was passing through the kitchen door. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Sorry, but you haven’t really said much.
< Bob leaped up onto the counter, turned to face them and sat down, his eyes narrowing slightly. >
[Bob the Cat]: Allow me to repeat myself then. Feed. The. Cat
Posted by Maxx the Sorcerer on :
Levitz Hall, LMBP Plaza
< Maxx and Mykel waited patiently while Bob the Cat ate his meal. They were more than a little astonished that such a small creature could put away so much food. Finally, the cat finished dining and proceeded to clean his whiskers. The pair began to grow annoyed, and then the cat looked up at them. >
[Bob the Cat]: Okay. Let's talk business.
[Maxx the Sorcerer (sarcastically)]: Are you sure you've had enough? We could always run out and slaughter you something.
[Bob the Cat (mockingly)]: Stop it... too funny... my sides are splitting. Now if you're done, shut up and pay attention.
< Maxx opened his mouth to reply, but Mykel's hand on his arm stopped him. The cat, apparently certain of his audience's attention, continued. >
[Bob the Cat]: I'm a familiar. For all intents and purposes, I am able to channel energy, typically mystical energy, but in a pinch any energy will do. I am here to help you.
[The Crusader]: In what way, exactly?
[Bob the Cat]: People are under the false impression that mystics choose their familiars. In reality, the familiar chooses the mystic. We go where we're needed, and frankly, you guys are needy.
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: I do NOT need a familiar.
[Bob the Cat]: Tough, because you've got one. And you're not so much in need as the prince here. He's got powers that are beyond his control, and he needs to learn to control them fairly quickly. That's part of why I'm here. As a familiar, I can not only channel power through me, but I can block power. Working through my mage, which is you, sunshine, I will be able to keep his powers in check as he gets a handle on them. And at the same time, I will be doing the same thing for his sister. And while I'm doing that, I am also planning to teach you a few things, my little mage. You've got power, but you're a little rough around the edges. I'm going to give you a little polish.
< Bob looked around the kitchen, his eyes narrowing slightly.
[Bob the Cat]: First things first, though, why don't one of you point me toward the little cat's room. Daddy's gotta make a pit stop.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. Wyandotte's Secret HQ.
The man known as Harold Ryan Wyandotte sits, as he often does, in front of his giant vid monitor display, his fingers entwined. He glances down at a hard copy of some recently-obtained information. He untangles his hands, picks it up and reads it again.
"Hmm..." he contemplates, "...I wonder if Marlowe is on to anything with this Bat-Fem? She has been quite a thorn in my side as her nocturnal activities here in Old Town have often clashed with my operations. This transcript I obtained of his initial notes indicates three main suspects. This first one seems ridiculous. Perhaps I'll check on her anyway..."
The largest monitor goes black for a moment, then displays:
Hummer Lass. Holding Cell. Legion World Office of Security.
Shady is with the detainee trying to help her sort through her memories. Hummer Lass's platinum blonde hair with its pink highlights is disheveled, her eyes haunted.
"And what happened after you...assaulted...Hugh, sweetie?" Shady asks.
"I don't know...I guess I blacked out for a while...there's missing time. The next thing I know, I'm in my apartment--oh god--I was celebrating wha-what I'd done...oh god..."
"Please continue, sweetie."
"Then...then I took a shower...w-washed all the--all the--b-bl--"
As Hummer Lass weeps, Shady holds her and tries to restrain her own tears.
"Why Shady? Why did I do that? I would n-never hurt someone like that! All those memories are fading--can't remember much about the man who told me he was Lardy--can't remember why I believed in him. So much missing time...oh god!"
Wyandotte relishes the sight of her breaking down for a while, then says, "absolutely ludicrous! Marlowe wasquite off-base with that half-baked theory! Still, I love to see her suffer! Hmmm...how about this 'Jada Konti'? It took some doing, but I've found that she is indeed on Legion World. Let's see if she's at her usual haunt--Ah, yes!"
The monitor shimmers for a moment before showing:
Jada Konti. Cobie's Midnight Exclusive Lounge.
She sits alone on a barstool, her features holographically masked so that she appears as a sumptuous dark-haired caucasian, rather than the sumptuous green-hued beauty she actually is.
No sign of them. Either of them. Again, Jada thinks. I've got some of the most important sprocking intel ever to pass on to them, and Lardy and Cobie are both MIA indefinitely! Damn! Well, for awhile there I thought, like everyone else, that Lardy'd been stabbed to death, but, luckily, it wasn't him. I was pretty upset for awhile...he's a pretty decent guy--and not a bad lover! It was just a one night stand, but we had a connection. Guess he's still off galivanting with the evil sorceress though...hmmph!
She finishes her Silverale and motions for the barkeep to bring her another.
Been stuck her for weeks, so I had to keep busy somehow. Old Town's a pretty interesting place! Good thing I've got the image inducer. I used to have complete anonymity with just my green self, but not since the Dark Oval released that holovid with me in it, nuh-uh!
A waiter arrives with a new Silverale for her. She admires his butt as he walks off.
hmm...nice! Aw, he's probably gay! and she chuckles aloud, some of her Silverale spraying out of her mouth. Ooh--guess'm overdoing it,here! Better stop with this one. Man, sure hope Lardy or Cobie get back sometime soon...
"Well, nothing new there," Wyandotte says, clearing the largest monitor again. "She's been there often, trying probably to find her allies. She's an excellent suspect, though, with her considerable fighting prowess. I haven't caught her yet, however. Let's check up on Kalla Hryl..."
The large monitor shimmers again, showing:
Kalla Hryl. A suite in Vee's Variable Villa.
As she often does, Kalla holds a holo-picture and stares at it mournfully. She's a beautiful brunette with dark, penetrating eyes. But the sadness in her eyes is abundant.
I miss you so, my Huldnaf, she thinks. It was so unjust that you were executed by Damyen Hrykos after he and Mordra used you for their own evil purposes. But that's what my people do, now...they use other races, then chew them up and spit them out. That's why I had to do something. I don't see myself as a betrayer when my people betray and use everyone they can for their own purposes. Maybe through all this strife, my people will someday recognize the Light of true justice.
Now, I'm here where justice is supposed to be the rule, but have found excessive misery in the wake of the invasion my people launched on this world. I've not sat idly by since I've been here, though. My co-conspirator has been nowhere to be found since I arrived, but I shall continue to work, as I have, to make sure Legion World sees the Light as well!
But I'll always miss you, my love...
"This one is certainly a wild card. Nothing new with her, though. Perhaps, I should check on Marlowe?" The screen shimmers again, and Wyandotte's eyes widen. "What's this? Marlowe has vid footage of Bat-Fem? Now, this may be interesting!"
And Wyandotte finds as he watches on that it's interesting indeed.....
[ December 29, 2006, 10:40 PM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by The Crusader on :
Combat Simulation Room, LMBP Academy
[Bob the Cat]: Pay attention, princeling. You’ve losing it.
< Prince Mykel of Psyonia scowled at the cat, sweat dripping up his face. It was dripping up because Bob had insisted he do this exercise while doing a handstand. So here he was, upside down, levitating at least fifteen different objects of varying sizes and weights, including one mouthy cat on a crate. >
[The Crusader]: If you’re not happy with the ride, Yoda, you can always park it someplace else.
[Bob the Cat]: Don’t be such a baby. My gran could do this in her sleep. Just concentrate on adjusting the level of power flowing through you.
< Gritting his teeth, the Crusader focused. Levitating this many objects wasn’t the problem. The problem was that the objects were in anti-grav fields, and the simulator was constantly adjusting the amount of gravity around them. It was Mykel’s job to keep the objects levitated in the exact same spot, which meant constantly manipulating his telekinetic fields to compensate for the gravity shifts. He grudgingly accepted that it was a good exercise, but it was a lot harder than it looked. >
<Maxx watched the session from the control booth overhead, shifting his attention between the monitors before him and the scene on the floor. Once the couple had checked into the cat’s credentials, they had accepted his help. Mykel definitely needed help getting his powers under control, and he supposed that if the cat could refine his magical abilities at the same time, then it was a good deal. Although that attitude of his was going to cause some friction.
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: If you think this is fun, Bob, just wait until you meet Crujectra.
< Bob the Cat rolled his eyes upward to look scathingly at the mage seated behind the viewport of the control room. >
[Bob the Cat]: I agreed to let you watch this session in order that you might pick up a few things. Watch… don’t commentate. This isn’t a sporting event.
< Maxx leaned back in his chair and grumpily crossed his arms. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer, thinking]: Oh yeah, I can’t wait until you meet Crujeckie…
Posted by Tamper Lad on :
Evil Genius Club
"Hello Cali. Miss Me?"
"Hah, You wish loser!"
"I trust things are looking up for the club, no investigations?"
"Um the monkey left his calling card in your office. The janitor wouldn't clean it up cuz of the union work rules and all."
"Liberty Monkey?"
"That's him, he seemed all traumatized by something and also Nova Girl is pissed and sort of told her mom that you two were an item to avoid having to go on a blind date Saturday."
"Oh thats just wonderful."
"Nova left you a nice kissy message on the machine too, just for effect."
"The horror."
"So where'd you go Mr Genius?"
"Have you ever heard of the Pudding Fields of Google?"
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Dark Oval
“Pinnacle Command, we are requesting permission to proceed.”
“Permission granted. Use of negation bombs approved. All recording and transmitting equipment is in place.”
“Science Units viewing sir.”
“You bet your disks your viewing. This will be an opportunity you may never see again. Negation bombs have not been used since the genocides of the 27th century. You scientists better make good use of this opportunity and what we can learn.”
---------------------
“Lord Hrykos, the Dominators would like to proceed. What should we tell them? We’ve hardly had the chance to inflict our own vengeance.”
“That is true, but an acceptable side effect. Our forces entered Helio Nocturnos two nights ago and at this time have encountered no resistance. The Black Sun simply refuse to fight back! All they do is pray. If they desire to be so week, then we will eradicate them and be done with it. Have our forces pull out and exit the Black Sun’s portion of the Dark Oval. We won’t be returning anytime soon with the radiation levels that will be left there. I take it we’ve gained enough booty this time.”
---------------------
“Proceed,” said Pinnacle Command. “Unleash the negation bombs.”
“Done, sir.”
--------------------
The Barbarian Hordes, the Khanate of Carthac
Caracalla closed his eyes and the intensity of his prayer brought him tremendous pain—and tremendous pleasure. He reveled in his true power. When a Black Sun worshipper kneeled in prayer and worshipped the name of Sol Invictus, Caracalla became aligned with the worshipper. He could gain access to the person’s thoughts, soul and actions. Caracalla could tap into a person’s inner self and understand and dominate them. Willingness to pray to Sol Invictus granted him access to do so. Prayer en masse empowered him beyond belief.
And now, he could feel the entire planet of Helios Nocturnos praying out to him. Calling for Sol Invictus to liberate them. But no, no one would come. He held firm in his grip on them, holding them against their will. Allowing the atrocities against them to be committed. Forcing them to continue to pray in the face of complete subjugation and horror, as their world was razed around them. NO. He needed to make his point on the world. The Black Sun was growing as a religion, but it had no focus. It had no martyrs.
-----------------------
The Dark Oval
“Have you ever seen anything so beautiful in your life?” asked Pinnacle Command to his soldiers.
On the screens before them was the scene they had been ordered to create. Two dozen negation bombs were launched into Helios Nocturnos. Each bomb was strong enough to wipe out a continent or eradicate a people. And now, they descended downward into the planet, and erupted in a blaze of horror.
And so Helios Nocturnos, and its six hundred billion inhabitants were gone in an instant. Melted away by the heat and radiation, lost to the realms of statistics and history. The Dominion and the Hrykos Cartel had cleansed the Dark Oval of its traitors and completely destroyed and wiped out the Black Sun.
Genocide had been brought down swiftly.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Everywhere Across the Universe
Horror.
Pure, utter, unadulterated horror.
From the Colonial Sectors of peace and vacationing right to the very borders of the United Planets and the Dark Oval, every telepath and empath felt the sheer pain, fear and despair of six hundred billion sentients being completely obliterated.
Weber’s World
Saturn Girl screamed suddenly, as Kid Prime rushed to her side without hesitation. Using all of her discipline, she fought back the urge to buckle and fall to the florr.
Three rooms down, Spellbinder felt the same surge, immediately bringing her hands to her head to try and calm the influx of emotions being shot into her mind. The recent feelings that her power was increasing were proved correct, as the horrifying results flooded her thoughts without mercy.
And three levels away, Actor Lad and Abin Quank were present with the Weber’s World ambassadors when word of what had happened began to trickle in…
-------Transmission----------
Breaking news!!! Genocide in the Dark Oval!
Story still developing—appears the Black Sun cartel, one-fifth of the ruling forces of the Dark Oval, has been completely obliterated by the Dominion and the Hrykosian Clan! Reactions from across the UP to follow as leaders and citizens alike react to the horrendous butchery!
---------------End Transmission-------------
The Barbarian Hordes, the Khanate of Carthac
Silence. Prayer.
Millions of citizens in the Khanate of Carthac. Billions of citizens throughout the Barbarian Hordes. All silent now, gathering in prayer to remember the capital planet of the Black Sun. The home planet—the Holy Land. Destroyed. Murdered.
Caracalla’s sermons began quickly after news reached the Barbarian Hordes. Beloved members of the clergy that he had worked with for years, some even having power within the Black Sun close to his, all wiped out.
Now the Barbarian Hordes, common every day soldiers and citizens, who believed deeply in the religion of the Black Sun, came out to pray and show their horror and sorrow. They prayed to Sol Invictus to deliver his divine protection to them, who the Dark Oval also hated. And to deliver his divine wrath to the Dark Oval.
The Long 24 Hours, historians called it years later, as the Barbarian Hordes reacted to the news that the Dark Oval had destroyed the Holy Land of the Hordes’ greatest religion. It had to be divine intervention that somehow allowed Caracalla to be there in the Hordes with them, and not on the home planet itself when the genocide began. Certainly, it was divine intervention—Caracalla, after all, was divine himself.
And so, the unity of the Barbarian Hordes that was forged in fear and anger had now been tempered in sadness and remorse. The Holy Land was gone, but it lived on in their hearts forever. It had given them Martyrs.
-------Transmission----------
Breaking news!!! Caracalla to speak directly to the Barbarian Hordes this evening!
Broadcast will be available for residents of the United Planets and the Dark Oval!
---------------End Transmission-------------
Legion World
“Good Lord,” said Nightcrawler shaking his head, “what an era we live in where an entire planet can be laid to waste…”
The rest of the small gathering of LMBers said little. The LMB was currently dispersed throughout the universe, and what was left on Legion World was dispersed throughout the planet. But here, a small gathering of whoever was around had begun, for people to weigh in with their emotions and thoughts. After all, the LMB had always been about friendship first.
“I pity you the most Numf,” said Kent Shakespeare to the Ghost of Numf-El, who was right beside him. The Ghost of Numf-El, usually flagrant, humorous and loud, was now quiet and saddened. Kent was equally somber, and finished, “you won’t be able to have a drink tonight in their honor. I’m sorry for that…” he finished, pouring a glass for Numf, so that the Ghost could do with it what he wished, knowing it would mean a great deal to him.
Weber’s World
“What simple creatures we all are…” said Fat Cramer, watching on somberly as various politicians reacted.
“Princess,” said Abin, “I haven’t been able to get ahold of Cobalt in the last few hours. He did make it out of there right? He said he did during our call recently?”
“He did,” said Crujectra, remembering her ‘chat’ with him not more than ten minutes earlier via their telepathic connection. She was thankful for that, and she knew he was alright via their soul-link. But she wished he was there with her now.
“I didn’t realize until right now,” said Yellow Kid, “just what the Dark Oval was capable of.”
“On a planet without a Spectre, or Reboot, or LMB in general,” added Outdoor Miner, “I’m sure that same reaction must be one hundred fold…”
Weber’s World, Dominus’ Holding Cell
“We’re going to have to alert him,” said Actor Lad to the guards, “but we need to do it easily. There’s no way to judge how this will affect him, since we don’t know for sure how religious he is. But his people are at war with the Dark Oval, and it’ll be important to gage his reaction so we have an idea of what the Hordes will do. Alert me when he wakes up.”
In the cell, Dominus slept peacefully, blissfully unaware for a moment, that he had failed and was a UP prisoner. Soon though he would awaken, and then would pray.
Posted by Maxx the Sorcerer on :
Maxx the Sorcerer’s Workroom, Levitz Hall, LMBP Plaza
[Bob the Cat]: As you know, magic users are able to manipulate mystic energy in order to achieve various effects. Most mages are only able to tap into ambient mystic energy, and channel that through the use of spells and incantations. A far fewer number of them are able to tap into leylines, which are a sort of other-dimensional rivers of power. Leylines are a much purer form of energy, and so can be used for far greater acts.
< Bob moved slowly along one wall of the workroom, pacing back and forth like a lecturer. Maxx almost felt as though he were back in school. Although this was the first teacher he had ever had that had to stand on his hind legs to reach his knees. >
[Bob the Cat]: When a mage bonds with a familiar, he is able to process the magical energy more quickly and in far greater amounts. We also can increase a leyline wizard’s range, allowing him to tap into leylines that are quite far away.
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: So, basically, you want me to try to pull my rabbit out of your butt.
< Although he wasn’t sure if it was possible, Maxx could almost swear that the cat scowled at him. >
[Bob the Cat]: I’d check your shoes before getting dressed tomorrow, mageling.
Posted by Dru the Sorceress on :
Winath.
"Lardy, hon, it's okay..." Dru says, hands on her fiance's shoulders, "...it's not in any way your fault."
"Isn't it?" he answers, his hands to his face, his elbows propped up on a table, his head and shoulders slumped over. "Can you say without any doubt that my actions in the Dark Oval didn't lead to this--this genocide?"
"Honey, if it was in the equation at all, it was only an excuse for them to do something they probably would've done anyway."
"Maybe," he says, now sitting up straight, "if I weren't taking this extended retreat, I could've--"
"Done what?! Saved them?" she says, looking him in the eyes with fiery intensity. "You're still not up to full power, yet. Even if you were, could you have destroyed two dozen negation bombs? Are you precognitive? How would you have known to be there to protect them? Honey, this was a senseless, horrifying act of butchery--it is the gods-damned fault of those sprocking evil Hrykosians and Dominators, not yours!!"
She pauses for a moment as her fiance takes in what she's said and then her voice softens as she caresses his face softly with her hand. "Honey, please don't toss aside the peace we've found these past few weeks. We're in a different place now."
Caressing her hand with his own, he responds, "you're right, baby. I'm not going to throw that away. But we've got to get back to Legion World--now. I-I can't hide any longer."
"Yes, we need to do that, my love, with no further delay." She kisses him gently on the forehead, then prepares the incantation. He uses that moment to wipe his eyes. The next moment, the couple disappears in a puff of smoke.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Barbarian Hordes
Caracalla sipped his ice water and soaked in the pleasure of its coldness on his cracked lips. He’d been giving sermons all day and he was growing tired. But things were moving swiftly now. And years and years of planning was reaching its crescendo.
Throughout all of the Barbarian Hordes, and far beyond those borders into the United Planets and Dark Oval, citizens prayed to Sol Invictus for the martyred Holy Land. And each prayer was funneled through him, giving him a charge that was beyond description. Now he only needed one more to do so.
Weber’s World
Dominus began to stir, finally waking up for the first time since the LMB had brought him in hours earlier. Suddenly, the memories of the battle began to come back to him and he lashed out in rage, hoping someone was close to him—but no one was. He’d been tricked and beaten by a handful of Legionnaires. A handful! When his army had been so victorious before. He should never have taken so small a contingent. That was a prideful mistake, and it cost him dearly. He knew better than that though. How could he have made that mistake? It almost felt like he’d been duped into that in the first place. Like he had lost control of his will.
Outside he could hear commotion and he knew the guards were aware he was awake and alerting their superiors. Fine. He’d have fun with them too.
He kneeled now, and began his morning prayer. Sol Invictus would get him out of this. Somehow he’d be free.
The Barbarian Hordes
Yes, thought Caracalla. He has come to me once more. And once more, the mighty Dominus, feared and reviled in countless galaxies, will be dominated by Caracalla’s will!
Caracalla focused his mind and allowed the far away sentients prayers to reach him. By offering up his utter devotion Dominus was giving access carte blanch to the High Priest. And so Caracalla reached in once more, as he had so many times, and the will of Caracalla forced Dominus’ hand.
Weber’s World
“He must be quiet,” said Actor Lad, rushing over to the cell, “I don’t hear a scream or yell or anything. I had him pegged as the type that likes to get loud when he’s confused or afraid.”
Actor Lad rushed over with the Weber’s World guards only to be halted by Outdoor Miner’s words, who had teleported in front of them instead of walking. “Quiet…” said Outdoor Miner softly. “…or dead. He’s stabbed himself in the chest with the metal box-spring of his bed.”
“What?” said Actor Lad rushing over. “Suicide? Without even a word to his captors?”
“Apparently the mighty Dominus has called it quits…” said one of the guards.
Posted by Maxx the Sorcerer on :
Levitz Hall, LMBP Plaza
< Maxx the Sorcerer moved quietly out of the bedroom, sealing the portal behind him. He walked solemnly out into the lounge. Bob the Cat sat quietly on a table near the windows, his head bowed slightly and his eyes closed. >
[Bob the Cat]: How is the princeling?
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: He's resting. The psychic deaths of the Black Sun Cartel hit him hard.
< Bob opened his eyes, turning to look at the mage. >
[Bob the Cat]: Genocide is a terrible thing, regardless of the provocation or the target. Slaughter on such a grand scale does something to the cosmos. The Universe cries out against such wanton destruction.
You know what you should do now?
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Feed the cat?
< Bob chuckled a moment, then his expression became serious again. >
[Bob the Cat]: You're learning, mageling. However, what I was going to say is that we should take a break today. Go and be with your husband. Death is difficult for a telepath, and this most likely hit him harder than he is letting on. We can always resume our lessons tomorrow, when we're all in better shape.
< The cat turned back toward the window, and bowed his head once again. As Maxx walked back toward the bedroom, he stopped a moment to regard the cat. Perhaps there was more to this creature than met the eye. Maybe they could work together after all. >
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
LMB Headquarters
The Rockhoppers and the Super-Pets had arrived back just in time to hear the news about the Black Sun.
Upon hearing the news, Rockhopper Lass began weeping, her head in her hands.
Time Teller Lad looked at them puzzled. "I didn't know Pyngwyns were telepathic."
"We're not," Rockhopper Lad said, trying to comfort his "sister". "Adelie, I know this is horrific news. What can I do to help you?"
"Eudyptes. I'm not sure, but I think this has something to do with the time I was away."
Between the Worlds Blaine Fey and the Evil Emperor Penguin looked on at what was transpiring.
"Those fools!" Eudyptes XXIX roared. "Don't they see what a gross display of force is going to do?"
"Still, my love," Blaine cooed, "All will be well for us. We will still be triumphant."
[ November 04, 2006, 11:05 AM: Message edited by: Rockhopper Lad ]
Posted by The Crusader on :
Kitson Park, Legionnopolis
< Maxx the Sorcerer and the Crusader walked along hand-in-hand, enjoying a break away from LMBP Plaza and the training sessions they’ve been enduring. Today they were just another young couple in love, walking along the pond that was situated in the center of the park. Children were playing nearby, and there were even some families enjoying a picnic on this warm autumn afternoon. >
< That, of course, was when the other shoes decided to drop. >
< Warned by a precognitive flash, the Crusader looked up at the sky. A transport shuttle was passing overhead, carrying its passengers across the city. Suddenly, there was an explosion, as one of the impulse nacelles burst apart, showering down debris as the shuttle lurched to one side, quickly losing altitude. >
< The young Legionnaires rocketed upward, formulating a plan through their telepathic rapport. It was risky, but in theory it should be attainable. >
< Maxx soared up beside the shuttle, his hands weaving in an intricate pattern as his voice rang out with an incantation. Sorcerous energy weaved out from his hands, snaking up to the broken nacelle bracing, which was leaking radioactive energy. As Maxx’s spell began to take effect, the radioactive fallout began to curb, trapped behind the spell. Confident that his containment field would hold, Maxx dropped back as the Crusader flew under the shuttle. Without stopping to question his ability, the young prince wrapped the falling shuttle in a huge telekinetic field, simultaneously bracing himself with a second field. With a surge of power, he began to slow the ship’s descent, straining to keep the dead weight from dropping down on the people in the park below. >
< Even as the crowd below began to heave a sigh of relief, they screamed once again as the other nacelle exploded, and wreckage again began dropping down. With the Crusader’s attention focused on the shuttle, Maxx moved to intercept the shrapnel. He figured his best option would be a transfiguration spell, but to affect all of the bits of shrapnel would be difficult. His spell burst forth, and suddenly the bits of twisted metal and wiring began to change, instantly becoming balloons and feathers. >
< One lone piece of metal got through, however, and as luck would have it the shard was falling straight toward the playground. Seconds before impact, however, a small black and white cat leaped out of the sandbox. He hissed at the piece of shrapnel, and suddenly the shard was deflected away as though bouncing off an invisible barrier. >
[Bob the Cat (to the children nearby)]: I wasn’t here, and you never saw me. (moving toward a nearby bush) Oh, and I would stay away from this end of that litter… I mean… sandbox. I’m just saying…
< The Crusader gently lowered the shuttle to the ground, panting from the effort. It wasn’t that long ago that he might not have been able to pull this off. He swayed a little when he landed, but Maxx was right there to support him. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: That was great, Mykel! You did great!
[The Crusader]: You too, Maxx. I kinda saw your transfiguration spell. Very spiffy.
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Well, I have to admit that I did miss one piece, but luckily we had some unexpected backup. (The Crusader raised an eyebrow) It would seem that we had a fuzzy little stalker. Bob was following us, and seemed to have set up some kind of shield to deflect the piece that I missed.
[The Crusader]: I thought he could just channel energy?
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: I’m beginning to suspect that there’s more to Bob the Cat than meets the eye.
< Further discussion was put aside as the area was suddenly filled with Science Police and grateful bystanders. >
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Barbarian Hordes
“I speak to you now as a High Priest of the Black Sun. But I also speak to you as a human man, as a normal, living, breathing sentient. Equally and utterly appalled by the actions of the Dark Oval and the United Planets.” Caracalla paused briefly, allowing his audience to get comfortable so he could truly begin.
“My home. My friends, my brethren. Destroyed. All that is left is you, my children. All that is left for all of us is each other—and our beliefs. We must have faith in Sol Invictus, and we must have faith in each other. No longer can we be disunited and disjointed. No longer can we easily turn on each other! We are all the children of Sol Invictus! And we have real enemies. Let those non-believers, those that would easily murder and kill us, be the ones we turn a sharp sword to. We must no longer allow one of our brethren to harm another! That is not the way of the Black Sun. That is not what those six hundred billion holy citizens died for!
They have persecuted us! They are vile and villainous, and we must now make our stand against them. The Dark Oval had declared an act of religious war upon the believers of the Black Sun, and has murdered a number too large to comprehend. And the United Planets, who talk of peace and diplomacy, react by murdering the leader of the largest Black Sun-believing population in the universe! Murderers! Everywhere, they surround us.
All of us, each brother and sister among you, now share the same goals. You have common beliefs and a common faith in Sol Invictus. And you have common enemies—those that would destroy us all. They named and still name you as the ‘Barbarian Hordes!’. I say that is a false moniker and we will not accept it any longer! I would like to be a citizen of this great sector of space, with noble believers of the divine faith, but I will not allow you to be dehumanized as Barbarians any longer.
The ‘Barbarian Hordes’ are dead! In its place, now lives ‘The Khanate of Sol Invictus!’ A holy monarchy that will be a beacon of light in this dark universe! A home to our shared beliefs and a sanctuary to escape our enemies!”
All across the Barbarian Hordes now, the people cheered. The love they felt for this man was emotionally transcending. At last, they had something and someone to believe in.
“The process will not be easy. We are a confederation of states and we are on the cusp of war even now. But you must trust me my children and I will always be with you. And by my side will be the divine son of Sol Invictus. The holy war-bringer that was sent here to protect us with his immense might. In his dying words, Dominus named him as the heir to his throne, and I say he make for us a great fighting Khan! Elagabolus will stand with you as I do! And he will smite down any non-believer that ever threatens us again.”
And once more they cheered, their love for Elagabolus pouring out in waves.
It was at that moment that the process truly began. The Barbarian Hordes were truly no more. Out of their ashes, and the ashes of Helios Nocturnos and Dominus himself, rose a new world power the likes of which had never been seen. The Khanate of Sol Invictus. Whose belief in their faith was only outmatched in the faith in their right to wage brutal holy war.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
The Morgue Room. Offices of The Legion World Herald.
Ace reporter Clark Marlowe personally examines the digital video he obtained during the Bat-Fem encounter with the vid-analyzing computer they keep in the morgue. He's still dressed in the tatters of his vagrant costume because he rushed here directly after the encounter. It's so late that even the cleaning droids have finished their shifts.
"Sprock! It's taking forever to clean up this frame where she's lost her mask! I only looked at her at that moment, so the lens-camera only caught her for less than a second...it's so blurry."
In frustration Marlowe rubs his eyes for a moment as if struggling with something.
"Alright--alright, Chloe'd probably do the same for a scoop in my situation, so..." From a jacket pocket Marlowe pulls a microdisc and examines it. "Chloe Lane's prized image-cleaning program...her own invention, the best such program I've ever seen. I sneaked a copy of it tonight. Sprock, if I use it and she finds out, I'll never have a chance with her...."
Dreams of them getting together, marrying, having kids, all that stuff, go through his mind. He's been secretly in love with her from the moment he first saw her--the way she attacks a story, those dark, lovely eyes and hair, that razor-sharp wit, the shape of those glasses--almost noone wears glasses anymore, especially not the ones that have those thingies on the sides that stay on by resting on your ears!
Gods, he loves her, but the Galactic Pulitzer? The ultimate achievement a reporter can have? He wonders what Chloe must have sacrificed to get hers....
At once, he inserts the disc into the vid-analyzer. He hopes his and Chloe's would-be children will forgive him if this nullifies their existence. The program works wonders and delivers a perfectly cleaned-up image of the still frame within a minute.
[Elsewhere, simeultaneously, Harold Wyandotte sees the image via his surveillance and immediately gasps. "Her? How is this possible? I've got to take care of this at once!" He turns off his screen, dons his cloak and immediately heads out of his secret HQ.]
Marlowe studies the image of the raven-haired, dark-eyed woman. "My! She certainly is beautiful! But she doesn't match any of my suspects, dammit...hmmm...could still be Jada Konti or one of the other two with a portable holo-imager...but if so, why the mask? I wonder if publishing the picture will be enough to get me my Pul--"
Suddenly, something about her image strikes him.
"Y'know...she looks familiar somehow. Where have I seen that fa--?" Then his eyes widen. "No! No way! It can't be..."
Fighting the thought that has struck him in his mind, Marlowe nonetheless pulls up an image familiar to him. "If I remove Bat-Fem's flowing hair and replace it with this..."
Bat-Fem's hair is replaced with the second photo reference's dark hair worn up in a bun.
"...and put these on Bat-Fem..."
Marlowe cuts a pair of glasses off the second image and drags them over to Bat-Fem's face. Marlowe looks at the result and the complete original image, and his jaw drops. Involuntarily, he places his right hand over the agape mouth.
"Sprocking HELL! Bat-Fem is...Chloe Lane?"
[ November 07, 2006, 12:53 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Dru the Sorceress on :
Lard Lad's Penthouse Apartment. Legionnopolis.
Lard Lad and his fiancee Dru the Sorceress materialize in a puff of smoke, moments after they had left Winath.
"Well," Lardy says, looking around, "here we are...home, sweet home?"
"Of course we are, honey," replies Dru. "I feel like a shower--care to join me?"
"Of course, babe...go ahead and start it up, and I'll join you in a couple minutes. I want to browse the Security updates for a moment first, okay?"
"At it, already?" she says rolling her eyes. "Better hurry!" And she undresses quickly and strolls by him to make sure he knows what he would be missing.
He grins and watches her until she disappears from sight. Then he reaches out with his senses, searching for any signs of a familiar presence in the penthouse. "Hmmm...not here, right now. Probably for the best, given what Dru's got in mind!" Then he shifts his attention again and moves into his study. "Omnicom. Access most recent general Security files. Access code: Lard Lad-Delta-zero-nine-omega-twelve."
working. access granted.
His eyes skim the Security Office entries until they stop dead on one particular file. Lardy's jaw drops.
"NO!" he yells. And in the next instant he teleports himself away.
A moment later, Dru enters the study area, draped in a towel.
"Honey? Anthony? I thought I heard--?" She goes silent as she sees the omnicom. "Oh, no! Hugh has been murdered? Oh, my poor Lardy! I've got to--"
She goes silent again as she sees another item on the Omnicom. "Oh, Hells! Caracalla?" And she sits there for a long while reading everything she can on Caracalla and his activities with Black Sun.
Legion World Office of Security. Matlock's Office.
Lil'Matlock is stunned to see Lard Lad suddenly appear in his office. He's not so surprised, however, that he would forget to press a silent alarm on his desk near his knees.
"Matlock!" Lardy yells. "Is it true? Hugh's been murdered? And by Pru, of all people?"
"Yes," Lil' Matlock says calmly, "but it appears she was manipulated by someone..."
And at that cue, a dozen Security Officers enter Matlock's office, lead by Frio and Caliente.
"...someone who looks a lot like you, Lardy."
"What?" Lardy says with hurt and indignance in his voice. "What in the Hells is this about?"
"I told you, Lardy," Matlock replies. "Everything points to you being behind this, so we have to rule that possibility out. I don't personally believe you did it, but I have to make sure...both that you didn't and that you're you in the first place. If you're Lard Lad, then you will cooperate with the investigation as all Security Officers are required to do. Well?"
For a moment something within Lardy begs to be set free and to lash out at these idiots for this obscenity. But only for a moment. He's come a long way these past few weeks, after all.
"Okay, I submit to arrest," he says and holds his arms outward and together, "you may put dampening shackles on me if you wish."
"That won't be necessary, I think," replies Lil' Matlock. "Ladies, escort the Officer to Interrogation Room 3, please."
Silently, the guard detail heads out.
When they're all out of the room, Lil' Matlock activates his communicater. "Shady, it's Matty. Please meet me at IR3. Lardy is here!"
Posted by LARDLAD on :
The Morgue Room. Offices of The Legion World Herald.
Clark Marlowe has sat in his chair staring at his discovery in stunned silence for what seems like an eternity. Finally, he puts words to some of the thoughts swimming through his brain. "Sprock! How can Chloe be Bat-Fem? Can I somehow be mistaken? Should I put this in the Herald? Gods...maybe I should confront her wi--!"
"Ahem."
Clark is so stunned by this intrusion that he falls out of his chair. Looking up, he sees: "Chloe?"
"Yeah, Kansas...it's me." (Chloe often addresses Clark as 'Kansas', mocking his small-town upbringing on Earth's only-remaining farm district.) "Nice picture there," she says, gesturing toward the holo-image Marlowe'd been studying. "Guess my IC program came in handy, huh?" Her dark eyes twinkle as she offers a sly grin.
Marlowe blushes for a moment, then takes the offensive, "you're her, aren't you, Chloe?"
"Yes, Kansas, I am."
"Well....why?"
"Why? Because Old Town needs someone to look out for them. The LMB is spread too thin lately. Old Town has become crime-ridden,and I knew I could make a difference, Kansas."
"But, Chloe, you're a reporter. How did you learn to fight like that?"
"I wasn't always a reporter, Kansas. In fact I wasn't always 'Chloe Lane'."
"What? You're not--?"
"Well, I am, but not before I created the identity for myself a couple of years ago."
"Then...who are you?"
She contemplates her answer for a moment, then says, "I think it's better that you don't know right now, Kansas. I've done nothing wrong, but if people on Legion World knew about me, they would definitely draw the wrong conclusion."
"People like...the LMB?" Marlowe presses.
"Quite possibly. Look, Kansas...Clark...please keep this out of the Herald, and don't publish this picture. It would mean big trouble for me--big trouble."
"What would you do in my situation, Chloe?"
She looks at him affectionately, smiles and says, "honestly, I'd probably hang you out to dry--but I'd feel really, REALLY bad about it! Seriously, Clark...I won't stand in your way if you publish this, but I hope you won't."
Marlowe turns to the holo, looks at it for a long, long moment---and deletes it.
Then he looks at the woman he's adored so much and takes her hand. He says to her, "Chloe, I'd do anything for you."
She looks at him with deep understanding and replies, "I know, Clark. I care about you, too." Then she releases her hand from his. "But I was married to someone I loved deeply. And recently, I discovered that I'm not a widow, as I'd thought for so long. So, basically, I'm still married."
"You're...married?"
"Yes, Clark," she says and looks him right in the eyes, "I am. So if you're burying the story to win me over, you know that's not going to happen. Do you want to change your mind?"
Without hesitation Marlowe replies, "no. The story stays here." And he points to his head. "You saved my life...and Old Town needs you. Even a world like this one can't have too many heroes, Chloe."
Despite herself, she tears up a little and kisses Marlowe on the cheek. "Thank you, Kansas."
Then she takes off her glasses, lets her jet- black hair down and pulls her blouse apart to reveal a large bat emblem.
"I've got to go find my husband."
Within moments Bat-fem is gliding out the window, her clothing tucked inside a pouch in her cape.
Marlowe stares out the window and waves. He feels that he is more in love with 'Chloe Lane' than ever.
[ November 28, 2006, 02:12 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Khanate of Sol Invictus
Cobalt Kid and Jailbait Lass sat quietly on an asteroid, over-looking the vastness of space. Planets, stars, meteors and other assorted things were in their view.
“I still can’t believe it,” said Jailbait Lass. Cobalt said nothing, nor did his hip-hop robot sidekick S.H.A.G. “I mean, it doesn’t look any different now.”
“Oh, it is Lolita. Believe me, it is. I always feared this would happen, but never in the way it has. This is going to be a long, long saga and it will not be a good one. But at least right now, you can say you’re leaving the newly christened Khanate of Sol Invictus. You’re its first emigrant.”
“Wait a minute—just me? What about you? What are you talking about?”
“I’m staying,” he added, turning to her. “I have to. We can’t let a new enemy, no matter how many old ones it used to be, suddenly burst onto the scene. I need to learn more, come up with counter-plans. Besides,” he added with a smile, “you’ve already done for me what you came to do.” She looked at his face and she could see that she was right. He was completely healed. His healing power slowly but gradually been kicking in since the meeting back in the Dark Oval. He had finally allowed his guilt to go away and was no longer torn. He healed himself and now only one scar, shaped like an ‘x’, remained on his forehead.
“I’m glad you’re better,” she said. “You scared me. You scared all of us.”
“I know. Thank you. For everything. But I have to finish up here. It might be time for me to do some…’state-building’ of my own,” he smiled. She looked at him quizzically. “Never mind,” he added. “But I need to see Crujeckie. And Vee. And Matlock. And Lardy, definitely, to find out what that’s all about. So I won’t be long. I’m sure I’ll pop back up before your little story is over.”
“My little story?”
“Yes! What you came to see me about. World War VII and all that. You must realize this wasn’t it? It’ll take years now for a World War VII to happen. In a way, it’s almost been averted for a brief period of time. The Dark Oval and the Khanate of Sol Invictus will be at war, but it won’t be an all-out battle. Both will have to judge how strong the other is, while the UP is on the sidelines. Believe me, this will not be World War VII. Too many mega-political moves have been made and now there will be a period of consolidation. You’ll see.”
“But…but then what will?”
“That’s for you to figure out Jailbait Lass,” he said with a smile and accent of faux-authority. “But its safe to say that while the Dark Oval and Khanate of Sol Invictus will assuredly be a part of it, they will most likely be on the periphery. You can almost say you’ve weeded them out because now all their cards on the table. It’ll be up to me now to figure a plan on how to deal with them. A new threat has emerged for us to deal with, but unfortunately, I know now that it’ll be one that will be here for the long haul no matter what their immediate plans may be. Caracalla told us he’d make no more moves against the UP, and strange enough, I believe him right now, though I know one day that will change. You need to find out what else exactly you need to do now, if anything else needs to be done.”
“Where should I go then? Legion World? I figured we’d return.”
“I’ve gotten you a ride. And I see him approaching right now…”
They watched as a cruiser got closer. Upon closer look, it was actually red and had a convertible glass ceiling on it. Jailbait Lass smiled widely—she knew who this was. “OhmyGAWD Cobie,” said the voice, “could you *be* any farther away?” Lash Lad stepped out of the cruiser.
He and Cobalt greeted each other with a hug and pat on the back. They were two of the oldest friends in the LMB and close confidants of each other. For the next two or three hours they caught each other up on stuff and talked about a variety of things, most of which were not politics, war, LMB missions or other things. Finally, Lash Lad told Jailbait Lass to hop in. She turned to give him his trench-coat back, but he waved her off telling her to hold onto it. She smiled at his generosity.
“Willikers girl, you have *GOT* to fix yourself up in the back,” said Lash. “No offense, but you look awful! And that white streaky thing in your hair would be all sexy and stuff if you did your hair right.”
She smiled and went into the back, as the cruiser drove off. She could see Cobalt waving and turning and she mouthed ‘bye’ to him. It was probably the most personal few weeks she’d ever spent with him. Little did she realize that because of her, intergalactic war had been averted. She meant to move the jacket off when it suddenly hit her! She reached in, and searched the pockets, and quickly found it. The prophecy, written on the paper that Cobalt had hid in the canister! How could she have forgotten? She smiled. Of course, she forgot the other thing she’d been carrying. The mushroom! Dr. Mayavale had given it to her weeks ago, and she completely forgot about it until now. She even had Dedman’s mushroom too that he unfortunately couldn’t keep once he was killed by Madrox. Her mystery wasn’t over yet after all. She opened up the prophecy and saw a note on it:
J – Let the intergalactic politics exit stage left, while your mystery goes forward. Remember that sometimes where you start is where you finish. Oh, and have a good ‘trip’. – Cobie
Smiling, she folded the prophecy back up. “Have a good trip?” she said, wondering what that meant. She went to put away the mushroom, when it suddenly dawned on her…
Posted by The Crusader on :
Sub-basement of Swan Hall, LMBP Plaza
< Bob the Cat moved quietly along, not so much stealthily as just basically cat-like. Few people even knew this sub-basement existed, let along how to bypass the intricate security arrays that guarded it. Oddly enough, though, Bob moved through the security checkpoints as though he didn’t exist. When he approached, cameras suddenly pointed away. Laser grids flickered off just long enough for him to pass through them undetected. >
< Was it magic? Maybe. Most likely it had to do with his being a cat. Laws that applied to other sentients didn’t seem to apply to cats. >
< He stopped before a large metal door. It appeared that to open it, one must place their hand upon a palm plate located about five feet off the floor, just to the right of the door. Sitting down before the door, Bob slowly looked down at his palm, and then up at the palm plate. >
[Bob the Cat]: Yeah, right.
< Bob placed his paw against the door, and suddenly the door swung inward. Bob then moved casually through the entryway and into what appeared to be a small garage. The room was empty except for one thing: a sleek personal cruiser, cobalt blue in color, with lightning bolts painted along the sides. Tilting his head in interest, Bob moved across the room to stop before the small ship. >
[Fred, the Cobalt Cruiser]: Warning! This is a restricted area. Unauthorized personnel are not allowed.
[Bob the Cat]: Yeah, yeah, don’t get your pistons in a bunch. I’m just looking.
[Fred, the Cobalt Cruiser]: But… you aren’t supposed to be here.
[Bob the Cat]: Don’t sweat it, Herbie. I’m a cat. We kinda make our own rules.
[Fred, the Cobalt Cruiser]: Oh… I wasn’t aware of that. Ummm… how can I help you?
[Bob the Cat]: Well, you could start by opening up. My paws are killing me, and I’m betting you have nice upholstery.
[Fred, the Cobalt Cruiser]: I really don’t know… I don’t believe that I’m supposed to do that…
[Bob the Cat]: It’ll be fine, bub. You can trust me. I’m a cat.
[Fred, the Cobalt Cruiser]: So you said…
< Silently, the cockpit canopy slid back, and with a graceful leap Bob jumped in behind the wheel. His eyes moved slowly across the control panels. He began to purr softly. Suddenly, the stereo system came to life, filling the garage with music. >
[Bob the Cat]: Sweet.
[Fred, the Cobalt Cruiser]: You really shouldn’t be playing with that. Mister Cobalt hates when people play with his presets…
[Bob the Cat]: Herbie, you worry way too much.
< Suddenly, Bob’s paws beat across the control panels. The canopy slid shut over the cockpit and the twin engines roared to life. Fred the Cobalt Cruiser lurched forward, rocketing down the access tunnel leading to the outside. A loud “meow” echoed in the tube as the cruiser shot out of sight… >
Posted by Dru the Sorceress on :
Lard Lad's Penthouse Apartment. Legionnopolis.
Dru sits in front of her Omnicom and contemplates whether she should actually send the message she's prepared.
"It's a bold move," she says, "and I might fall flat on my face. But...knowing Caracalla the way I do, the LMB are really going to need me in the inevitable conflicts that lie ahead. If nothing else, win, lose or disqualified, maybe they will acknowledge me and be more willing to listen to me if I demonstrate my sincere interest in their politics and best interests."
She hesitates for a moment, then a look of determination steels her Omnicom-lit gaze.
"Omnicom. Send message to addressee 'Election Tyrant'."
acknowledged. sent.
"Well, for better or worse, I've opened Pandora's box! Now, I've got to find my fiance!"
And Dru disappears in a puff of smoke.
The message she sent still shows on her Omnicom screen:
Citizens of Legion World, I have decided to run for LMB Leader, even though I'm currently neither a citizen of this world, nor an actual LMBer. I don't know if that automatically disqualifies me, but I sincerely want to demonstrate my commitment to be there for this great civilization I've made my new home.
I was once a scourge to the LMB, but I have truly changed my ways. I hope you will all allow me to demonstrate this to you. Posted by dedman on :
BISMOLL
Antacid lass stood before the Mater-eater Lad Tribute Statue in Pepto Square. She stared up at it with tears in her eyes. She had missed her chance to meet with her heros, the LMB. She really thought she had a chance to join thier ranks this time. And she no longer had enough money to pay for passage to Legionworld. Suddenly there was a tap on her shoulder.
"Hi there Antacid Lass!!" "Do I know you?" Standing behind her were three stangely clad people. The first was a young lady of about 18 dresses in red and black leather with *#$@!^%!! emblazioned across her chest. The second was an older girl of about her own age in a irredesant green costume with a cloud on the front. The third was a somewhat overweight man, dressed in a flesh coloured bodysuit with a mustache on the front. "No, but we know you....you tried to join the LMB and didn't make it, you want to try again. Well we want to go to" "who are you guys?" "Well I'm 'Geez Louise'....My superpower is that noone can swear in my presence" said the woman in red and black. The lady in green said "and I'm Gas Lass. I'm from here on Bismoll. Everything I eat is converted into poisionious gas." "any relation to polar boy boy? smirked Antacid Lass "Ha Ha, very funny" The man in the body suit spoke up. "And I'm 'Ron Jeremy's Mustache'. Its best I don't reveal my power right now as it is a superduper secret weapon" "thats all well and good" said Antacid Lass "but I have no way of getting to Legionworld" "Don't worry about that. We'll provide the way there, you just introduce us to the right people. Are you in?" "Well......OK you can count on me"
With that the four set of to the Spaceport.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
Rockhopper's Rookery
Exhausted from a grueling day, the Rockhoppers and the Super-Pets took the shuttle back to the Rookery. Unlike the previous night, Rockhopper Lass had no trouble getting to sleep.
The Pyngwyn Princess soon began to dream. In her dream, she saw Eudyptes, only it wasn't the Eudyptes who had taken so much time and energy in trying to help her regain her memory. This was a different Eudyptes. One she knew. This was her brother.
He was with a human male and they were looking at something, but she couldn't make it out.
Down the hall, Rockhopper Lad was reading all he could about amnesia in Pyngwyns. Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle was nearby, so he came up to his master and turned his tummy up for him to rub.
"Not now, Hyvvie," Rockhopper Lad said, giving his faithful dog a pat. "I think I may have found something. Whatever caused Adelie's amnesia, it was supernatural. There is no recorded case of a Pyngwyn having amnesia this complete.
Between the Worlds Blaine Fey regarded Evil Emperor Penguin. They may have been from different universes, but they complemented each other so well. His own reality-warping abilities and the arcane magic that his Pyngwyn partner had mastered combined into a potent combination. They had taken the memories of Rockhopper Lass and they had convinced others that they were in partnership with them.
The Emperor's magical abilities weren't common to his race. He had learned them, building on his inborn ice powers--something his doppelganger Rockhopper Lad had not done.
The Emperor smiled at Blaine. "My double. He thinks he can save Adelie. He is so weak. He will not be a threat."
Blaine looked past the Emperor and said, "As you say, my dear."
The Rookery Rockhopper Lass awoke screaming. This time, her "brother" was awake himself and came running. "Adelie, what's wrong?"
"They're watching us!"
Posted by Spellbinder on :
Levitz Hall, LMBP Plaza
< Princess Crujectra walked wearily down the main corridor in the penthouse level of the dormitory. She had just arrived home after her deep space diplomatic mission, and the only thing she wanted now was a bath and sleep. However, she knew that both would have to wait, for she could sense thoughts in her suite. She raised a hand to place against the palm plate scanner next to the door, but suddenly the door slid open and she was quickly embraced. >
[The Crusader]: Welcome home, sis!
[Spellbinder]: Gently, brother dear. I’m feeling a little fragile at the moment, and I don’t really feel like falling over.
< Maxx moved out into the corridor to retrieve the Princess’ bags. >
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Sorry, Crujeckie. We’ve just missed you.
< The trio moved into the apartment. They entered the lounge, and there, seated in the middle of Crujectra’s favorite chair, was Bob. He looked, if possible, rather annoyed.
[Bob the Cat]: Well, well, well… Look who decided to make an appearance. Finally.
[Maxx the Sorcerer]: Errr… Crujectra, you haven’t officially met my new familiar, Bob the Cat. Bob, this is Her Royal Highness, Princess Crujectra.
[Spellbinder]: <one eyebrow raised> Well, you’re certainly not what I expected. From the stories I’ve been getting from the boys, I expected you to be ten feet tall.
[Bob the Cat]: From the dents I found in your mattress, I expected you…
[The Crusader]: <shocked> Bob!
[Bob the Cat]: Spoilsport. In any case, I was expecting you to return to Legion World much sooner than this. Perhaps you were underestimating the importance of the message I sent you regarding your powers?
[Spellbinder]: Not at all. I simply had more pressing matters to attend to.
[Bob the Cat]: I think you need to learn that when I say something, I expect you to listen.
[Spellbinder]: I think you need to get over yourself, hairball. I’m a busy woman, and I make my own priorities.
[Bob the Cat]: <eyes narrowing> Believe me, there is nothing going on at the moment that is more important than what I have to teach you.
[Spellbinder]: I have every intention of paying close attention to what you have to teach. However, I am not your “beck and call” girl, so you’re going to have to wait your turn.
< Bob the Cat remained quiet while he regarded the young princess before him. She was definitely going to prove challenging, but he enjoyed a good challenge. He quite deliberately focused his eyes on her ample cleavage. >
[Bob the Cat]: While I’m waiting my turn, perhaps someone could feed the cat?
Posted by dedman on :
Legionworld, Spaceport
A signal light started to flash on the control panel...."This is Legionworld spaceport control, please Identify yourselves"
Antacid Lass - This is Antacid Lass from Bismoll, being accompanied by Gas Lass, Geez Loiuse and Ron Jeremy's Moustache.
Spaceport Control - Antacid Lass!!! Welcome back to Legionworld.
Antacid Lass - You Remember me?
Spaceport Control - Its our business to remember everyone.....please prceed to Spacedock 420.
In the rear of the cruiser, Antacid Lass' three companions were huddled togther.
Ron Jeremy's Moustache (whispering) - See I told you she could get us on world.
Geez Louise (whispering) - You were right, now to see if we can carry out the rest of our plan!!!
Posted by SharkLad on :
Greg Evignan Island
"I can't believe we've been waiting all this time? When are we going to attack?"
"Oh sorry, I've been distracted"
"By what?"
"Too complicated to get into here ... alright, gather round my siblings! When I give the signal, storm the walls. Kill everyone you find, but save SharkLad for me!"
"That's it?!? We waited weeks and weeks for that?"
"Give me a break, alright ... so now, ATTACK!"
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. Wyandotte's Secret HQ.
The enigmatic man known as Harold Ryan Wyandotte returns after having taken a long walk. The walk helped him clear his head greatly after his initial shock at learning Bat-Fem's true identity.
"Hmmm..." he thinks aloud as he removes his cloak, "...I almost acted rashly after learning what I did. I must remember that every move I make must be thought out fully, lest I compromise my whole plan! But cooler heads prevail, and I know now what I must do..."
He pulls up the image of Bat-Fem unmasked and then casually hacks into a particular database.
"Hmmm...that seems a rather boring headline for the Inquisitor--all that election hogwash! What if they, instead, feature the scoop of the year?"
Methodically, he moves the image of Bat-Fem to replace the montage of leadership candidates. He pauses a moment, thinking of the perfect headline.
"Oh, let's not spell it out for them...the ones who need to know will get it!"
The new headline reads: "Bat-Fem Unmasked! Who is she?"
"Yes, yes...that should suffice! This will take care of two problems I have with one blow. Bat-Fem will face the wrath of the LMB, thereby eliminating her threat to me...and, at the same time, it will draw out my scarred, unstable ally! The time is nigh to rid myself of that self-proclaimed 'Lard Lord'---he's definitely outlived his usefulness!"
"It's always particularly gratifying to manipulate the LMB into doing my work for me! HA-HA-HAAAA!"
He completes the article and sends it into the Inquisitor's database. But the unnerving, maniacal laughter continues for quite some time.....
Posted by Dru the Sorceress on :
Legion World's Office of Security
Dru the Sorceress appears in a puff of smoke in the Office Building's lobby area.
"Where is he? Someone take me to my fiance, now!!"
Lil' Matlock responds as he enters the area carried by PolarBoy. "Easy, Dru...Shady's talking to him in another part of the building."
"Talking?" she says with sarcasm. "Don't you mean interrogating him? I won't stand for that! Anthony was with me the whole time--there's no way he could have killed Hugh! And he loved him like a brother! I--"
"Dru," Lil' Matlock interrupts speaking reasonably, "we don't think Lardy killed him, but whoever coerced Hummer Lass to do it, looks just like him! We're absolutely obligated to rule him out as a suspect...we're just following procedure. And maybe he can help us figure out who's impersonating him. We're on his side, and if you know anything about Shady, then you can count on her to do right by Lardy!"
"Okay, Matlock," Dru replies calmly, "we'll play it your way, if only to clear my fiance's name. But I want to see him within the hour."
"Done!"
Interrogation Room Three
Their eyes closed, Lard Lad and Shadowplay exchange their thoughts, as they have been doing for nearly three hours. Lard Lad normally guards his thoughts fiercely, but he's known this woman a long time and trusts her completely. At Shady's insistence, this session is completely private and will only be shared with the senior officers through her firsthand account.
Through Candace's thoughts, Lard Lad learns all about the investigation into Hugh's death, and, most painfully, relives Hugh's final days through the memories passed from Hugh to Dedman to Candace.
Exploring Lard Lad's thoughts, Candace gets more than she bargained for. Beyond confirming his innocence in Hugh's murder, she unwittingly unleashes a floodgate within him of anger and pain. In the process she discovers recent darkness he went through, mostly centering around a woman she is very familiar with: Mordra the Harlot. When Candace reaches the memory he guarded most fiercely in his mind, she is taken aback so much that she has to break the mindlink.
"Ohhhhhh," she manages and faints as the link is severed. Lard Lad braces her before she can hit the floor.
"Gods!" he says. "Shady, are you alright?"
"Y-yes, sweetie," she says, regaining her wits. "What I saw in your mind...overwhelmed me."
"I'm...I'm okay, Shady. I'm past all of that."
"How...how can you say that, Anthony? All you went through...and what you did?"
"I've got Dru, Shady. She and I are working through our issues...together."
"But, Anthony...I couldn't have accessed all of those memories if you hadn't let me." Sweetie...it's a cry for help!"
His jaw quivering, Lard Lad says, "I guess I wanted someone to know. I mean, Dru and Des know pretty much everything, but-but it's not the same as this. It's kinda like, I dunno..."
"...giving your confession to a priest?" she offers.
"Yeah, kinda like that. I've had to lie a lot lately, and it makes me feel like shit, y'know?"
"You, realize, sweetie, that I can't absolve you of your sins, right?"
"Yeah, Shady, I know. But...are you going to tell them about all of this and about what I did to end the Invasion?"
"No, sweetie, it's irrelevant to the case. While I can't offer absolution, I will keep your confidence. I only hope you'll seek therapy for your troubled mind. While you've made some progress with Dru, you are also dependent on her to some degree. True mental wellness should be built from within, not without."
"I will get more help, Shady. I promise!"
The two share a tight embrace until Lard Lad's eyes suddenly widen, and he breaks it.
"Shady!" he exclaims. "Those men from Hugh's memories--I know who both of them are!"
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
United Planets Space, en route to Legion World
“GAWD—this flight is taking forever!” said Lash Lad, throwing aside his calendar of hot comic book creators from the 21st Century.
Jailbait Lass said nothing and looked out across the stars. She was a little unsure of what to do these last few days and what to do once she got to Legion World.
“Oh come on,” said Lash Lad. “Unsure of what to do? You know what you’re supposed to do so just do it already.”
Jailbait Lass looked at him quizzically. It was like he could hear her thoughts or something.
“I can’t hear your thoughts if that’s what your wondering. Cobie told me all about what needs to be done,” he smiled, seeing her surprise. “Weeeell, I have known him longer than most. And besides, you know his fears of hallucinogenic after that incident with Dr. Hoffman, and you also know my love, er, scientific study, of them.” She smiled a little. “Come on now Jailbait Lass,” he continued, “he trusts you implicitly on this mission. So the question is: are you going to remain this shy, introverted behind the scenes LMB ally, or are you going to step up and get involved?”
She wiped the curly hair in front of her face back behind her ears, a smile coming out. “I guess when you put it like that…,” she said, pulling out both the prophecy and Dr. Mayavale’s two mushrooms. “Mushroom?” she asked Lash, handing it to him.
He giggled. “This is like doing drugs when I was a wee-teen!”
She hesitated. “You know,” she said, “I’m not sure what will happen here. Are you supposed to see things? What if I see things I don’t want to?”
“You have no control over that no matter what high you’re on,” said Lash. “But hopefully this will let your mind expand a little and understand those words with fresh eyes. And maybe you’ll see something you don’t want to and understand what it truly is for once.”
She held the mushroom in front of her. “Fine,” she said at last, “let’s do this.” She put the mushroom in her mouth, (which incidentally tasted horrific) and began to chew.
“Bottoms up!” said Lash Lad, throwing back the hallucinogenic substance. Finally the two stopped chewing. “Heh,” said Lash, “…crazy Dr. Mayavale. I’ll be with you now Jailbait Lass, at least til I start zoning out and going on my own path. After all, I’ll probably end up existing outside of continuity or something…”
Jailbait Lass had no idea what Lash meant, but was a little annoyed at effects of the mushroom. There were no immediate ones. She began to look at the prophecy, the 52 steps that would lead to World War VII, which would cause horrific genocide, war, famine and the eventual subjugation of most of the universe. They were all out of order, and most were just odd references to things that were too abstract to make any sense. Some she understood now: “Rise of the Khanate of Sol Invictus.” Yes, that had happened. “Legion World at war with Dark Oval,” yes, that also had happened during the Invasion. “Reality broken, Hypertime chugging fix-up, restoration of enemies and friends”…that she wasn’t so sure of, but it seemed awfully similar to the Infinite Crisis two year earlier. The restoration of enemies and friends she wasn’t too sure about. “Reboot in the Anomaly”…no clue. “Conspirators among conspirators.” “The watch isn’t fixed yet.” “The Tailors are of a Higher People.” “The fiery promises of Elagabolus.” “Legion World is missing?” “Death of our leader.” “Tears fill our rivers.” “The music of Kent Shakespaere.”
It was all too much…she was having trouble taking it in. The words seemed to be leaping out at her. She wanted to turn away and throw up, but could not stop looking at the prophecy. The words now began to slide off the page, in a slow trickle, like water sliding down a leaf. The black ink had a glow about it, and inside it, she swore she could see a divine presence.
No. That was the mushroom. Or was it? She turned to Lash Lad finally, knowing he too was in the full throws of his hallucination. But all she saw was light coming out at her, in a beautiful rainbow. At last she could make out the shape of his hands and face, and he was smiling widely and she thought for a second his fingers and hands were a keyboard. “What we create, can be changed and altered,” he said with a smile, “but not un-created. We can explore endlessly the continuities and retcon out retcons with new retcons. I can eat it all. Hah! Retcon-Eater Lad!”
She turned away, now very sweaty all of a sudden. She felt embarrassed…suddenly she felt very horny, something that was a little unusual for her when in front of others. She was too shy for that sort of behavior, no matter how much Cobalt Kid tried to bring it out of her. She felt hot and wanted to lie down, but the ink from the prophecy had now latched on to her and she felt as if she was a living Rorschach. She was part of the story after all, and now she could change it. Stop, she thought, and was angry that the ink did not form quotation marks around her thoughts. “Stop”, she said out loud now, and it did.
“Some of these things have happened and some are very far into the future,” she said aloud to herself. “But some are happening now, and can be stopped. The future can be altered of course,” she said, her analytical mind thinking again, “which is why Time Boy cannot go so far ahead at times…most likely because it is in the process of being altered by someone or something. Probably the LMB itself, constantly changing the time-stream or continuity stream, or whatever Lash Lad is having for dessert.”
“Something is happening on Legion World…” she said aloud, seeing ‘conspirators among conspirators’. “Caracalla did not know about Black Sun activity when we have a report that there is Black Sun activity on Legion World. Ergo, the Black Sun activity on Legion World is being directed by other malcontents with other malcontentions.” In the throws of her trip, she suddenly felt fiery pride at the making of her new word, another emotion she preferred not to be so obvious in public. “Something that ties the Crisis to the Invasion…some sort of rip in the universal frabric…” The prophecy sat beside her now, an inky form of Everyday Girl. It spoke:
“Ohmygod! ‘Lita, you have to get past the obvious! See?” and Everyday Girl’s inky torso formed the words ‘the watch isn’t fixed yet’.
“The universe isn’t fixed yet?” said Lolita. “Something is off…enemies and friend restored, so perhaps one enemy has been restored that should not? But…it can’t be the Anti-Moderator…”
“Oh please,” said Lash Lad, “not that tired old plot. Its been done to death,” he said with a sigh, “the LMB needs to get over the reboots and crisis and all that stuff and find a new allegory to fight it. I mean jeez, some goofy moderator as the linchpin for all the bad things DC did over the years?”
Lolita turned away, as to look at Lash now was to look at a beautiful but horrifying sight, a many headed hydra of keyboard keys, comic books, life experiences with a torso of complete humor and understanding.
“Then who?!” she shouted at the ink, who suddenly turned into Space Ranger. (The Real One) she thought to her self.
“Stop shouting,” said Space Ink-Ranger, adding in a grumble, “its someone in that power range obviously, sentient. Ekron and the Time Mouse Trapper, while viable candidates because of their connection to the overall themes here, just don’t fit. So that leaves one option, which only someone completely involved in the data of the LMB could ever guess…”
“You’re right!” she said.
“Of course! Truth and Justice Prevail!” Space Ranger now melted down and began crawling back to the paper. The words began to form again.
Jailbait Lass suddenly throw Cobalt Kid’s trench coat on her, as she became very cold. “So conspirators on Legion World covering a variety of bases, an enemy attempting to punch its way back into the universe. How though?” The ink suddenly formed “52”. “Yes, of course! 52 points of the universe that when punched will allow the universe to collapse. The watched isn’t fixed yet. Hm…there are no coincidences. 52 conspirators on Legion World, I’d wager…” She smiled now, her pretty hazel eyes turning away from the prophecy, and looking out into space. “The mushroom must be wearing off. I’ve pieced together some of this prophecy, but I realize now that its not worth doing the rest. Why bother figuring out years and years of potential steps to destruction, if it’ll just end up being a hindrance to the ever-expanding creativity of the LMB? To move forward would be to destroy Lash Lad and others, and he would no longer be the light that I see him has. A horrible price to pay for Time Boy to be able to appear in our future, cementing it down as cannon. No…I will do this one act and then destroy the prophecy, and random acts of violent creativity will be rampant once more.” She breathed deep. “I’m ready for this trip to end now.”
“I’m sorry then, Lolita,” said a very seductive and very wry voice. “But you’ve forgotten your own story,” he continued and at once Lolita could fear the tear-ducts in her eyes begin to well up. “Please turn around and look at me. You know you’ve missed me.” She began to tremble and began trying to call out for Lash to help her. But it was to no avail, as her mouth became dry and she could no longer form words. She turned at last and saw him, and he was grinning, as he always did. “Come now Lolita, choose. Choose life, or choose death,” he said with a grin, and at once Jailbait Lass came face to face once more with the Red Bee.
[ August 28, 2008, 06:01 PM: Message edited by: Cobaltus Primus Augustus ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
“What’s a matter little one?” smiled the Red Bee, “cat got your tongue?” At once she saw him and she felt the burning hatred in her once more that made her sadder than anything else in the world. And she felt the fear. Pure, utter, unending fear. She trembled, unable to speak, unable to breath, and unable to look away. He grinned, and she saw that he was still very handsome, still very heroic looking, and thus still very exotic. She hated him.
He stepped forward as tears rolled down her cheeks, and he wiped them away. “Please, you missed me. Don’t deny it…” he said, putting his hands on her face. They were soft and comforting. But she knew what they could do—and of course, they burnt her badly, flaying the skin to a boil, and she knew in her heart she deserved the pain for being such a coward and not fighting back.
“Do you hate me, Lolita?” he asked.
“Yes,” she finally spoke.
“Liar,” he said. And she remembered. It was called ‘The Good, the Dark and the Dead’ and was a tragic LMB Saga that brought great pain. One important aspect of it was this: The Red Bee finally revealed himself to be the LMB traitor, having been among them for ten months. He shot Eryk Davis Ester and Cobalt Kid in the back, and kidnapped her. She thought she knew fear then. She was wrong. Slowly and cruelly, he buried her alive, deep beneath the Earth in a coffin. As she was suffocating she prayed for death and cried at her own cowardice.
And she remembered more. It was called ‘LMB: Infinite Crisis’. The Red Bee had broken out, and to prove that Legion World wasn’t safe while the LMB battled cosmic, reality-altering villains, he locked her in a refrigerator. Finally, Space Ranger freed her and saved her—only to be murdered before her eyes by the Red Bee and the Riddler. She felt the shame once more. How she hated this man. How hated him!!!.
He looked at her with his evil grin and smiled again. “Are you afraid?” he said.
She said nothing.
“ARE YOU AFRAID!!!” he yelled, slapping her across the face.
“Y-Yes!!” she said back with a scream. “I hate you!” she screamed.
“No,” he added, “you must learn to love me. If you are going to do this, if you are going to save Legion World, you must learn to love me.”
“Never!” she screamed, attacking him with her fists, pounding at his chest. “Never! I hate you! You bastard! You could you?! How could you do it?!” she said, as tears poured out of her cheeks and she swung away, trying to kill him with her hands. Never had she been so hysterical in her life, never had she felt so much shame. Never had she thought so clearly! And it was then, that in thinking of the very thought that she was thinking very clearly, did she think it would be now that an epiphany should occur. And it did: “Aren’t I hallucinating after all?” she said to the Red Bee.
“You are.”
“And then you are…?”
“You know already,” said the Red Bee. “And you need to love me if you’re going to save the LMB.”
She began to cry harder. “No…no, I can’t. I can’t…I’m so sorry…I failed…”
“You must,” said the Red Bee, putting his arm on her shoulder. “You must.”
“Alright,” she said at once. Looking into his eyes, she leaned forward and understood, and she kissed him for a long time. And she knew she was loving herself. The Red Bee became Invisible Brainiac. Then Cobalt Kid. Then finally, she was kissing herself and hugging herself.
All of the shame, all of the embarrassment for fearing such fear, for being a coward, for inadvenertantly causing Space Ranger’s death…she hated herself so much…she hugged herself and the world grew misty, her hot tears fogging up the cold air of the cruiser, and she began to cry softly now. Not the tears of anger or hate, or fear or sadness, but the tears of finality, or completion. Of progress.
“Omnia mutantur nos et mutamur in illis,” she said at last to herself, “yes, I know. People must grow and must adapt and I’m ready now.” Reality began to fade back, and she saw the outline of Lash once more. She turned and began to see the inside of the cruiser again, and she looked around. At last she caught her reflection in a window, a sweaty, tired mess in Cobalt’s trench coat, her hair matted with sweat. But she smiled, and she wiped away the last remants of tears. Looking at herself she breathed deeply. “I forgive you,” she said. “And I love you.”
She slept in Lash Lad’s arms that night as he piloted toward Legion World and he smiled, the whole way. She had not slept that well since she was a little girl. Now she could get the rest she needed at last to help save Legion World and the LMB.
[ November 30, 2006, 12:57 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by Dru the Sorceress on :
Legion World's Office of Security. Lobby area outside interogation rooms.
Lil' Matlock, Dedman, Abin Quank and Polar Boy are huddled together looking at something. Dru stares anxiously, her gaze alternating between the hallway leading toward the interrogation rooms and the clock. The hour that Matlock promised her when she will be able to see her fiance is almost up.
"You think the picture is real?" PolarBoy says.
"I dunno," Dedman replies, "I mean, it is Legion World's very own gossip rag...it's probably a fake, though."
Abin adds, "she sure looks familiar, though. Where've I seen that face before?"
Suddenly, Shady and Lard Lad rush in from the hallway. In their surprise the Security Officers drop their copy of the Inquirer, and the old-fashioned, faux-paper tabloid falls to the floor face up.
"Oh, baby, are you alright?" Dru cries with relief and throws herself into her fiance's arms.
"I'm okay, Dru. Candace has cleared me."
"She has?" Lil' Matlock says, his eyes on Shady.
"Yes," Shady answers, "and Lardy says he knows who those two men are! He insisted on coming out and telling us all together!"
"Well," Abin prompts Lard Lad impatiently. Abin has had little patience for him since that whole Invasion mess started.
Lard Lad explains, "It took me awhile to process the images Shady showed me from Hugh's memories, but---" He stops as his eyes notice the tabloid on the ground.
Silently, he walks over and snatches it up. Shady feels a strong psychic backlash as his eyes glaze over with a fierce anger that takes everyone in the room aback. Then wordlessly, he disappears with a pop of Lardforce. The copy of the Inquisitor floats silently back to the floor in his wake.
"What the hell?" PolarBoy says. "He was supposed to tell us who the bad guys are!"
"Let me see that tabloid!" Dru demands, beside herself with worry and confusion.
But before anyone can oblige her, she casts a simple spell that makes it fly to her hands. She takes one look at it and drops it.
"Great Mordru!" she screams. "My sister Mordra...she's alive! How?!? I'll make sure she stays dead this time!"
Then Dru disappears in a fiery red puff of smoke.
Abin looks picks up the tabloid and examines it again. "Yep!" he says grinning. "Thought she looked familiar!"
[ November 30, 2006, 05:24 PM: Message edited by: Dru the Sorceress ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. A rooftop.
Bat-Fem's Mission Log: I'm currently staking out this old, supposedly-abandoned building. My sources and my own investigations finger this place as the possible HQ for the mysterious crimelord known as Harold Ryan Wyandotte. I've been dogging his operations for months, learning bits and pieces along the way. I hope this isn't another dead end. Moreso, I hope it takes my mind off my husband...
Crouching and looking through her visi-hancers, Bat-Fem is startled by a faint pop coming from behind her. Batarang in hand, she spins around and is startled to see...
"Anthony?"
"How dare you call me that, you bitch!" Lard Lad yells. "I don't know how you're alive and what you feel you can gain posing as some vigilante, but I'm not giving you a chanced to hurt my friends and loved ones again, Mordra!"
Sprock! she thinks. It's Lard Lad! But how does he---?
As if he's reading her mind Lard Lad says, "I never would have suspected, but when I saw the picture of you unmasked in the Inquisitor..."
Sprock! her mind races. Did Marlowe--?
"...it was easy enough to detect your aura, especially when I knew to start looking in Old Town! You must've gone through some effort to mask it from me, but your aura's still recognizable! But enough talk..."
And purple energy crackles out of his hands as he fires a salvo of deadly Lardforce energy at her. But Bat-Fem jumps off the ledge and fires her grappling cable to latch onto the adjacent building, even as the force of the blast pulverizes theledge behind her. Her momentum carries her though a window in that building. (Luckily her boots are sonically-enhanced to break through them because 31st century windows are very strong!)
Before she can even get her bearings, Lard Lad 'ports in front of her.
"Nice one, Mordra," he taunts, "you've developed skills beyond seduction and manipulation since we last met! It won't save you, though!" And his fists begin to crackle with the purple energy.
"Wait, Lard Lad! I don't want to hurt you!" she cries.
"As if you could anymore!" he sneers as another deadly blast fires at her.
She barely avoids the blast with a rolling flip to her right.
"Please listen, Lard Lad! I'm not the woman who brought all that horror into your life! I'm not from--!"
"Lies!" he interrupts. "You're trying to manipulate me as you do all the men you come into contact with! I sometimes felt regret about killing you,but now, all I want to do is kill you again!"
As he fires up the Lardforce for another blast, Bat-Fem hurls a Batarang at him. It emits a loud hypersonic scream that causes him to grasp at his ears in pain. Pressing her advantage, she throws another one that releases a cloud of knockout gas that surrounds him.
I've got to get the sprock out of here, she thinkss to herself and fires another grappling cable to a nearby building.
But before she can swing from the line, she collapses. Suddenly she feels as if she's starving, and she can't move. Weakly she looks back toward Lard Lad and sees him approaching slowly, a purple energy bubble surrounding him.
"Nice trick, whore, but it only worked for a second," he mocks. "Soon as I put up this Lardforce shield, those boomerang-things were useless. No need for it now, though, eh?" And he drops the bubble.
"Do me a favor, and stay dead this time!" He raises his right hand, and the purple energy starts to build again. "Back to hell with you!"
Bat-Fem lies helpless and silently prays to whatever deities she believes in. Then, the death blow comes...
...but it's blocked! She's surprised to see a purple energy shield surround her and deflect the deadly blast. Almost simeultaneously, she suddenly feels healthy and not starving as she had been.
Before Lard Lad can fully comprehend that this was another Lardforce shield deflecting his blast, a voice blasts from behind him.
"YOU WILL NOT HARM MY WIFE!" screams the voice, which Bat-Fem and Lard Lad see belongs to the hideously scarred man known as...Lard Lord.
[ December 01, 2006, 12:35 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Before Lard Lad has a chance to fully react, Lard Lord hits him with a powerful blast and sends him flying across Old Town. Only his basic survival instinct erecting a Lardforce shield in time saves him from instant death.
Lard Lord lowers the shield that had protected the woman he calls his wife. He walks toward her almost timidly, amazed that his investigation of Lardforce power being used in this area would lead to this discovery.
"Mo?" he whisperss with a gentleness that belies his gruesome appearance. "Is-is that really you?"
"Yes, Tony," she answers softly while removing her mask, "it's me."
"By the Void...I thought you were dead...that you died when..."
"...when you went on your 'righteous' rampage and turned on the SMB? No, I didn't die, Tony...not that you didn't try. Wish I could say the same about our dear friends, Des and Bill, and the others who didn't make it."
"Mordra...Mo," he says as tears run down his face, "I honestly didn't mean to kill anyone! When the power of the Void swept through me, I-I lost control...I've always, always loved you so much."
And he holds out one of his horribly burnt hands out to her. Sobbing, she begins to reach out with her own hand until...
BOOOOOOM!
Lard Lad slams into him, and the two go barreling through several derelict buildings before landing two blocks away in another one. Bat-Fem is not hit, but the force from the proximity of the impact knocks her unconscious.
"So 'Lard Lord'...shacking up with that harlot, now, are you? Only a whore like her could pretend to like that scarred mug!" Lard Lad yells as he hits his opponent with an upper-cut to the jaw, using Lardforce-enhanced strength.
"My wife is no whore!" Lard Lord shouts and wipes some blood from his chin. Before Lard Lad can make another move, Lard Lord charges his Earth-1 counterpart, and knocks him down into the alley below.
A disturbing smile crosses Lard Lad's mouth as he stands up to face his foe who has 'ported down. "To think I attended your burial..felt sorry for you," he taunts. "But I recognized you from poor Hugh's memories despite how you lost your formerly good looks--your posture, the way you use your power and, especially that rotten aura...same things that helped me I.D. this 'Wyandotte' of yours! Poor Hugh never hurt anybody, but you killed him!"
"Whatever," Lard Lord responds dismissively. As his hands glow purple, he shrieks, "now, TAKE BACK WHAT YOU SAID ABOUT MY WIFE!!!"
"Uh...nope! Still a whore!" Lard Lad laughs.
A moment later, the alley and several nearby buildings erupt into a fiery mushroom cloud.
As the cloud disperses, two figures are lying on the ground,but begin to stir.
"N-nice one <huff>, handsome...th-that the..best you got?" a clearly shaken Lard Lad manages. "R-ready for...Round 2?"
"<gasp> I'm...ready..." Lard Lord replies shakily.
Just as they struggle to their feet, though, a Security cruiser hovers directly above them.
"Cease all hostilities, or we'll fire!" trumpets an amplified voice from the cruiser, just as several more come into view.
"H-HA!" Lard Lad laughs weakly. "Guess they gotcha now, pretty boy!" But as he glances over to look at his foe, he sees that his scarred counterpart is gone. "Aw, sh--!" But he passes out before he can finish his profanity.
Posted by Dru the Sorceress on :
Old Town. A rooftop two blocks away from the explosion.
Elsewhere, Dru appears in a puff of smoke at the spot where Bat-Fem still lies unconscious. "Wake up!" Dru incants.
Bat-Fem abruptly opens her eyes, and the first thing she sees is, "Dru? You're alive."
Looking into the disoriented woman's eyes, Dru comes to an instant realization. "Yes, I am, last I checked...but I'm not your sister, anymore than you are mine. I knew your aura was wrong, but I had to look in your eyes to be sure. You are Mordra...but not the one from this dimension."
"No," Bat-Fem responds, her disorientation lifting, "I am from the dimension Legion Worlders call 'Earth-4'."
"I'm aware that not all people are the same in other dimensions as their counterparts...but I have to be sure. Will you willingly submit to questioning at our Security Office? You have my word that you'll be treated fairly."
"Yes," Bat-Fem answers with very little hesitation, "I submit."
And the two fly under Dru's power toward the Security detail at the site of the explosion.
Posted by dedman on :
The Security Office
Antacid Lass - Well guys this is the next stop on our tour of LegionWorld...the security office
Ron Jeremy's Moustache - cool, big place.
Geez Louise - so, what happens here?
Antacid Lass - Well, all the security staff have their offices here, as well as security transports and cruisers. The holding cells are down the wing to the left, and the interogation rooms are 2 floors above that. To the right are the meeting rooms, kitchens, rechalls an such. And Down in the Sub basement is were they keep the forbidden weapons.
Gas Girl gives RJM and GL a knowing look - Forbidden Weapons?
Antacid Lass - Yeah, stuff deemed to powerful to be allowed into general circulation but yet to important to destroy.
Gas Girl - Oh....well how about this Cafe Cramer I keep hearing about?
Antacid Lass - Cafe Cramer? Oh it's a great place, I'll take you all there now.
As the foursome leave, Geez Louise looks back with a devious grin as if memorizing the layout of the building for a future occasion.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Previously in 'Omnia':
quote:Originally posted by Eryk Davis Ester: MEDICUS EIGHT
"Well, that's it. I can't help you. According to all of my scans, there seems to be no medical explanation as to why your powers are malfunctioning. Perhaps it's something psychological..."
"Thanks, Dr. Orbal, but I tend to doubt that. I went through a lot of counseling after arriving in this universe, but my therapist says I'm doing better than ever."
"Still... it must have been rough on you, being the sole survivor of an entire reality..."
"Many worlds died during the Crisis on Infinite Message Boards. Mine was but one of them. I've been able to do a lot of good here for this universe. My team is still together, and functioning better than ever, with a whole slew of new members. Plus, I've got the hottest new boyfriend..."
"Hmm... it does sound like things are going well for you, other than this."
"Yeah. In fact, this is about the most inopportune time for my powers to be malfunctioning. My team doesn't need a leader whose abilities are only at half strength..."
"I... I'm not sure what to say, Captain. I mean... every time you've been in for a checkup before, the giant lightbulb on your head has generated the equivalent glow of an 100-watt bulb every time you have an idea. Now, for no apparent reason, it's down to a mere 52 watts. But it seems to have nicely leveled off. Why could that be?"
"For once, Doctor, I have no idea!"
United Plants Space – Medicus Eight
“Excuse me boys, but maybe you could lend me a…hand” said what the science police officer believed to be the sexiest female he had ever laid eyes on before. And the way she just spoke to him…he couldn’t help but blush.
“I, er, sure could M’am!” he replied, and led her down the hall personally. She put her arm around his, and he led her through Medicus Eight, giving her a brief tour of the facilities.
She smiled at him and laughed at his jokes (which weren’t funny), and soon she was where she needed to be. After all, she was Space Tart, famous LMBer and the United Planet’s very own bastion of femininity. “Thank you officer,” she said smiling, leaning in to kiss him on the cheek. “It’s always a pleasure being led around by a man in uniform,” she said with a *tee hee* and turned to the room in front of her.
“Do you always get what you want so easy?” said her companion with an air of annoyance.
“Please Freddie, there’s no need to be so grumpy the *whole* time,” she replied to Turns You Into a Country Fred. On her way here she surprised the young man known as TYIC Fred at a local public house known as ‘The Lazy Asteroid’. Traditionally, Fred wasn’t the greatest ally of the LMB, but he had become more friendly in recent years. Still, he was still bitter about his rejection years earlier, both his personality of Clothes Fall Off Fred and the body he inhabited, Turns You Into a Country Kid. But Space Tart said it was a mission of the most dire importance, and to be perfectly honest, TYIC Fred had felt, well, bored for some time. “Ah,” she said to him now, and he couldn’t help but stare at the very short micro-skirt that was just about covering the least bit of skin possible, “here is our good Captain.”
Before them was Captain Lightbulb, [former] leader of the Light Brigade! He looked up, the giant lightbulb on his head buzzing only slightly, and his muscles tensing at seeing his visitors, which showed off well, considering his outfit consistied of his cosmic-speedo. “Space Tart! To what do I owe the pleasure?” he said, being familiar with the LMB for some time.
“Business unfortunately you little he-minx,” she said running her finger nails along his bicep, “and we need your help. Something grave is happening and the LMB is spread so thin lately that we might be too late. We only have one chance—if you’re willing to pitch in.”
“I-I’d love to,” said Captain Lightbulb, “but my powers are malfunctioning. I don’t think I’ll much use to you at all.”
“Hey, don’t tell us that man,” said TYIC Fred, “we came all the way out here to get you. You’ve gotta come join us.”
“He’s right Captain,” said Space Tart, now sitting on Captain Lightbulb’s lap, “we need you. I know all about your powers. But things are moving quickly now, and like I said, the LMB is spread so thin that they aren’t even aware of it. So that cute little tush of yours will join us, and as for your powers—I’m sure some idea will pop into your head…” she giggled.
Legion World, Grand Central Space Port
“Well, it looks like we’re back Jailbait Lass,” said Lash Lad, yawning and stretching. “And not a moment too soon. A boy can only sit in space traffic for so long.”
She smiled at him. “Thanks for the ride, Lash,” she said, “and well, for everything. For just being you. I feel…better now. Better than I have in awhile.”
“See what a little *teehee-ing* will do for you?” he smiled, docking the cruiser. She hugged his arm while he did so, and was glad that she spent this time with him. She really hadn’t known him well before, although she of course know who he was—probably the most famous of all of the LMB. But more than that, he was the most beloved of the LMB, and she now realized why. “Our paths will probably cross again soon enough,” he added. “Where are you off too now?”
Jailbait Lass looked at her omni-com, which had a variety of updates from Matlock, Abin Quank and a few others that were directed to Cobalt Kid. “I’m off to find a few new faces here on Legion World. Have you ever heard of them before? Helena Handbasket and Seth Gaterra…”
Posted by Liberty Monkey on :
Greg Evignan Island
“Why I ever let you talk me into coming here…” grumbled the Lonestar Ranger, annoyed at the turn of events.
“Silence Ranger, for you know not what you speak of!” replied Calamity Monkey. “Tamper Lad was no in service and the tone of Nova Girl’s voice suggested he would not be for some time! Still, we must address our concerns over this ‘52’ and I believe our best bet would be here, on Greg Evignan Island.”
“Riiight,” said Kid Gender Stereotype Reversal II, “and this has nothing to do with you once being the personal Calamity Monkey of this island’s owner, Eryk Davis Ester? I’m not sure what Eryk will do to help us…” she trailed off, looking around at the cotton fields.
“Perhaps your comments have nothing to do with your recent publicized break-up with the great Eryk Davis Ester?” replied the monkey, but before she could respond, “but it matter not! For here on Greg Evignan Island there are a variety of scientific devices that may be of use to us. I believe the consol of Eryk Davis Ester will be of some use.” With that, Calamity Monkey trailed on towards Eryk Davis Ester’s pavilion.
“Great…” said Lonestar Ranger, rolling his eyes.
“Yeah, great,” whispered KGSR II, “me and my big mouth. For all I know, Dormant Damsel was just having a bad dream…”
Elsewhere
“Now can I get involved?” asked Lucien Lad, bored out of his mind and changing the scenery in ‘Elsewhere’ to reflect a more festive spirit.
“Soon,” replied the Phantom Stranger. “Its all coming together, whether they are ready for it or not…”
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Legion World Medical Center. Emergency Room.
Lard Lad opens his eyes to find himself on a hospital bed.
"Honey?" Dru says noticing he's awakened. "Are you okay?"
"Yeah...yeah, babe. I'm fine. How long've I been out?"
"About an hour."
His eyes widen and he sits up. "Damn! Lard Lord and Mordra--!"
"Bat-Fem's at the Security Office. Lard Lord escaped."
"We've gotta get to the Security Office, Dru! They're in danger over there! Mordra can charm her way out of anyth--"
Dru interrupts him, "honey, it's not my sister."
"Of course it is! I don't know how she survived, but--"
"It's not her, Anthony. I knew it the second I looked in her eyes. That evil bitch who was my sister is dead! This Mordra, she's Earth-4's version, and I think she's nothing like my sister."
"How can you say that? Are you stupid?!? Even if she's not the woman who took my life and raped it, I have a hard time believing that there's a Mordra in the entire multiverse who isn't rotten to the core!"
"I'm no fool, Anthony!" she shouts angrily, making him flinch slightly. "She's in custody being interrogated by Shady as we speak! I'm taking no chances here! But in my gut, I know she's good!"
There is a long pause as both calm down and stare at each other.
"Look," Dru finally says, "I've had prophetic dreams all my life, some of which make no sense to me until the moment they come true. For example, years ago, I had a dream of you and me being together. I rejected it, thinking I was destined to be with Cobalt. But it came true, and I thank the gods for it."
Another pause.
"All my life, I had this insane recurring dream in which Mordra and I fight together side-by-side for the forces of good. Knowing how much I hated her and how both of us fought separately for our own dark purposes, I thought I'd go mad trying to understand it. But here I am, fighting with the LMB and running for their leadership position. And here she is, Earth-4's Mordra, a hero calling herself Bat-Fem, who fights for those who can't fight for themselves. We will fight together, and for my part, I'll be glad to do it!"
Her words hang in the air for a moment. Then he answers, "gods, I hope you're right, Dru. I trust you with my life; now, I'll have to trust your instincts. I love you so much, Dru."
He puts his arms out to her. She steps into them, and they kiss.
"Can we go to the Security Office, now, babe?" he asks as they break the embrace.
"Sure...let's g--"
"Pardon the interruption," Abin Quank says as he enters the room. Emitting from his ring is a makeshift energy construct of a playpen. Inside it is Lil' Matlock.
Lil' Matlock says, "with no further delay, since we now know the identity of the scarred man, we need to know who this Wyandotte fella is!"
Posted by Dru the Sorceress on :
Inside Legion World's Office of Security, in one of its Interrogation Rooms, the woman known as Bat-Fem, Earth-4's Mordra, has just sat down with Candace Ames,the LMBer called Shady.
"Sweetie," Shady begins, "before we start, I want to assure you that you can trust me completely. I just need to confirm that you're one of the good guys."
"Oh, I do, Candy. Our Shady was one of my best friends before she...died. You're just like her, I can tell. I trust you."
Touched by Mordra's sentiment, Shady squeezes her hand before instructing her, "now, close your eyes, sweetie, so that we may discover...."
The Secret Origin of Bat-Fem!
In the Earth-4 dimension Mordra and Whordru were daughters to its version of Mordru, as were Earth-1's. Mordru was every bit as evil and twisted as one would expect, but their mother, Klea, was kind, and not at all the religious fanatic that this dimension's version was.
When Mordru left them for other pursuits, Klea instilled in her daughters the kind of morality and values that most parents try to achieve. While Dru pursued mastering white magic, Mordra, finding herself ill-suited for magic, was more interested in honing her body into peak physical perfection and her mind to razor-sharpness through the study of various forms of martial arts.
When the two reached their late teens, both decided to seek out the SMB, the news of whose heroic exploits had reached the far corners of the galaxy, to try out for membership. Dru was accepted immediately, but Mordra was rejected because their by-laws forbade inducting members without super-powers.
But Mordra didn't let that keep her down! When the SMB opened a training academy, she was given a teaching position for honing hand-to-hand fighting skills. In a year's time she became the SMB Academy's Director.
But before she achieved that high position, she became acquainted with the noted SMBer called Lard Lad. They fell deeply in love and their wedding in the SMB's first year was the first such among the SMB.
They lived happily in wedded bliss for nearly four years, but all that began to change after the induction of a new SMBer called Dazzle Lass. This woman named Leelee was secretly a follower of the Church of the Eternal Void and had her sights set on Lard Lad, whom many in the Church believed was their messiah. Though she presented her power to the SMB as light amplification and manipulation, it was actually much more extensive to the point where her light could generate tremendous heat and, more importantly, manipulate minds.
She used the latter hidden ability to seduce Lard Lad and condition his mind to the Church's purposes. Under Leelee's influence he left Mordra and started living with her.
While Mordra was devastated, Dru was suspicious and began secretly researching Leelee's background. Dru discovered Leelee's connection to the Church and observed Leelee exerting her power over Lard Lad. Impulsively, Dru confronted Leelee but the latter murdered her with the use of the full extent of her power. Leelee then covered up what happened and convinced the SMB that one of their enemies was responsible.
For a while, this ruse worked and bought Leelee more time to condition Lard Lad for her purposes. But that world's Cobalt Kid and Loser Lad (the latter having been Dru's fiance) pieced together what Dru had been investigating and rallied the SMB with Mordra to confront Leelee at her and Lard Lad's apartment.
But Leelee saw what was happening and initated her plan's final stage. Performing a Church ritual, she transferred all her light into Lard Lad, killing her in the process.
Lard Lad became engorged with power and was consumed by madness. He went on a rampage and immediately killed Cobalt and Loser who were leading the assault and decimated the rest of the attacking force. Mordra was buried under some rubble and was presumed dead.
When he finally came down from his power high, Lard Lad grieved over what he'd wrought, especially since he believed he'd killed Mordra. Seeing he could never go back to the SMB and guided by his implanted beliefs, he went off for parts unknown to immerse himself in the Church.
After a week buried under rubble, Mordra managed to scrape her way out. Her life ripped to pieces, she chose not to return to the SMB, nor to even let them know she'd survived. Instead, she chose to track down her husband and either save him or, if necessary, take him down.
Her search eventually brought her to the stronghold of a group of villains led by the Trumpeter. Her husband, she discovered, had joined this alliance as 'Lard Lord'. She got there just as Lard Lord and several of the others were going through a portal to another Earth through the SMB's Faraway Lad, who was their captive.
Getting Faraway Lad's attention, he discreetly helped her get through the portal unbeknownst to any of the villains. On this 'Earth-1', she witnessed a huge battle between her husband and this world's Cobalt Kid and Loser Lad, among others. Before she's able to intervene, Mordra witnesses her husband's apparent murder by a powerful energy beam sent from his supposed allies via another portal created by her world's captured Faraway Lad. She would later find out that her universe's Thora fired the beam to exact revenge for her lover Cobalt Kid's death.
Now grieving and believing there was nothing left for her on Earth-4, Mordra chose not to reveal herself to the LMB or SMB and instead find a new start for herself on this strange new Legion World. She soon found that she would have to to guard her identity carefully here. This universe's Mordra was high on the list of the LMB's Most Wanted, and deservedly so.
She created the identity of Chloe Lane and built herself a career in journalism at the Legion World Herald, winning many distinguished awards in less than two years.
But when Legion World suffered major disarray after the Invasion by the Dark Oval (which, ironically, had as its catalyst the murder of her Earth-1 universe counterpart by its version of Lard Lad), Mordra felt a calling within her to fight for the innocents in a particularly devastated sector of it known as Old Town. Knowing she'd still have to hide her identity, she became a vigilante and chose to honor the name and costumed motif of a legendary hero on Earth-4 called Batwoman who fought crime a millenium ago.
Dubbing herself 'Bat-Fem' and using her extensive knowledge of the martial arts (along with some cool gadgets), Mordra did everything she could to make a difference for the better in Old Town.
--------------------
Breaking contact, and satisfied with her findings, Shady gave PolarBoy a 'thumbs-up' and embraced her new friend.
"Oh, you poor dear," Shady said and teared up as the two maintained the embrace for quite a while.
[ December 13, 2006, 12:20 AM: Message edited by: Dru the Sorceress ]
Posted by Spellbinder on :
Combat Simulation Chamber, LMBP Academy
[Bob the Cat]: You're not trying, Princess.
< Spellbinder looked through narrowed eyes at the cat, sitting atop one of the training robots that were currently standing motionless around the room. She absently tucked a loose strand of hair back behind her ear. >
[Spellbinder]: I am trying, Cat. This isn't as easy as it looks.
[Bob the Cat]: Rubbish. I could do this with one paw tied behind my back. There are 12 battle droids in the room. They are trying to subdue you, either with pulse beams or detention cables. All you need to do is avoid them long enough to touch me, and the session is over.
[Spellbinder (glowering at the cat)]: Yes, dear, I managed to get all that the last four times you explained it to me.
[Bob the Cat]: Well, then, maybe 5 will be the lucky number and you'll get the hang of it this time.
< Spellbinder clenched her fists as the cat leaped down to the floor and began circling the room. >
[Bob the Cat]: Let's try this again, boys.
< In the control room above them, Maxx and Mykel sat up straight enough to show that they had heard, and then quickly slouched down to prevent Crujectra from seeing them through the viewport. It was going to start getting very ugly, very soon. >
[Bob the Cat]: Go!
< Suddenly the droids sprung to life, lumbering forward with pulse cannons blazing. Spellbinder reached out with her telekinesis, grabbing debris and paraphernalia from around the room to fling into the cannons' path, all the while looking for the cat. >
< She saw Bob, darting behind one of the battle droids, and she moved forward to follow him. Her movement was stopped as a detention coil wormed its way around her waist, and she was forced to stop and deal with it. >
[Bob the Cat]: C'mon, Princess... pretend you're at a sale and I'm some hot new outfit that just perfect for you, but someone else is reaching for me.
< Scowling, Spellbinder loosened the coil from around her and rose up into the air, only to find herself in the path of a pulse cannon. The concussive force of the blast knocked her to the ground. >
[Bob the Cat]: Pathetic, Precious. My grandmother could have seen that coming. Are you sure you've done this before?
[Spellbinder (thinking)]: All right... enough is enough!
< Standing up, Spellbinder gathered her will, and with a single thrust released it. A wave of psionic force exploded outward from the slim form of the Psyonian Princess, slamming into everything in it's wake. Battle droids, debris, paraphernalia and cat were all hurled backward into the walls of the chamber. The resulting impact shook the entire Academy building. >
< Tucking the loose strand behind her ear again, Spellbinder walked purposefully across the room. She smirked as she stopped before the stunned cat, who like everything else in the room was held immobile by Crujectra's power. Reaching out with one hand, she not-so-gently patted the feline's cheek. >
[Spellbinder]: I trust that this session is now over, correct?
< Taking the muffled sound coming from the cat as an affirmative, the proud princess turned and walked toward the exit, simultaneously releasing her hold on her captives. Everything quite suddenly fell to the floor with a loud crash and an annoyed yowl. >
[Spellbinder (stopping before the exit)]: Oh, and Bob? Call me "Precious" again and I'll be wearing cat ball earrings.
[ December 07, 2006, 01:04 PM: Message edited by: Spellbinder ]
Posted by dedman on :
Security Office - Later that night
Three figures creep up the steps and in the front door. They pause for a moment. The one in green lifts her leg and a noxious sigh is heard.
Gas Lass - There, that should short out the security cameras.
Ron Jeremy's Moustache - Pheww!! Its shorted out my nose for sure!!
Geez Louise - Silence! Quickly this way and down the stairs.
The threesome quickly head to the steps and down to the sub-basement. They come to a heavily secured door. RJM tries to open the door but it won't budge. A female computer voice activates - "Access Denied. Please try again or come back later with proper security clearance"
RJM - A girl computer eh? I wonder if my power will work on it.....
with that RJM wriggles his upper lip and sticks out his tongue. The computer sighs and moans then opens the door
Geez Louise - Good work RJM. Now lets get what we came for.
They enter the room and spend a few moments looking around. From the deepest, darkest corner of the room a cry comes out - "I've found it!!!"
Gas Lass comes out of the corner holding a small translucent box filled with translucent machinery.
RJM - The Mini-Miracle Machine...the Black Sun will pay us handsomely for this.
"I'd put that back if I were you"
The trio whirl towards the doorway to discover Dedman standing in the entrance.
Dedman - I don't know what the sp...sp...spit you three are doing here but you're all fr...fr...freaked out now. What the he..he..heck, I can't swear!!!!
Geez Louise - That would be me. Take him Gas Lass!!!!
BBBRRRAAAAAPPPPPPPPPPPPP
A cloud of poisonious gas envelops Dedman who falls to the floor in a heap. As the skin starts peeling from his body the three step past him and out the door.
Posted by Joe-Boy Harvestar on :
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Legion World Medical Center. Emergency Room.
Lard Lad's eyes glaze over momentarily as he comprehends Lil' Matlock's words. In all the excitement he'd forgotten about his discovery.
"Well?" Matty probes again impatiently as he stands in Abin's makeshift playpen. "Who is this Wyandotte? We need to know!"
His face looking haunted, Lardy says, "he's one of the scariest men I've ever met. He's...me."
"Huh?" Abin, Matty and Dru react comically, as one in their dumbfoundedness.
Lardy sees their confusion and corrects himself. "Well, he's not really me, but he's a version of me from an alternate universe."
"Like Lard Lord?" Abin presses.
"Yeah, but his dimension hasn't been charted by us yet."
"When did you encounter Wyandotte?" Matty asks.
"Back in...yeah, year two of the LMB. During the first of Cobalt Kid's long absences, back when we were still based in Metropolis, me, Far, Loser, Dev-Em and one or two others were in the Hootchie Hut and explored the backrooms. For whatever reason, the rooms lead to other Hootchie Huts of other dimensions that night, though they haven't before or since. Through each doorway we found an alternate version of me. And each version of me--get this--was evil! Can you believe it?"
As he utters that last sentence, Lardy lets out a big, hardy laugh. Strangely, the other three, including Dru, suddenly look a little nervous and uncomfortable. Matty and Dru finally manage a half smile to humor him, but Abin's face shows only concern.
"Anyhow, there were, like, five of them. Loser came up with nicknames for them, like Lounge Lizard Lardy, Gay Disco Lardy, Punisher Lardy...but one of them was really scary..."
"Wyandotte?" Dru finished for him.
"Yeah, he didn't call himself that, but it was the same man who's aura I read from Hugh's memories, definitely. After I figured out who he was from those memories, I realised that the full name he goes by, Harold Ryan Wyandotte, is a perfect anagram of my full name: Anthony Edward Taylor. Either it was his way of being clever, or in that dimension that's really his name. For whatever reason, I tend to think it is his name--probably because it doesn't seem his style to use pseudonyms."
"What scared you so much about him, Anthony?" Dru asks, her curiosity needing to be sated.
The haunted look returns to his eyes. "His Hootchie Hut...it was filled with bodies, many...cut to shreds. He...murdered the whole staff of that Hootchie Hut. Even worse, he'd done so without benefit of the Lardforce. I sensed no connection between him and It at all."
"He was powerless?" prompts Abin.
"No, he wasn't powerless, not at all. It was his mind--I think he had some way of controlling people, like with hypnosis. He used it to subdue all of us. He...was going to kill us, but...."
"But what?" Matty presses.
"I...I don't know what happened next. It's like...it's like, all of us felt satisfied we'd won the day, but I can't remember how it ended for the life of me. It's like there was no ending! Hell, I'll bet if you asked Far, or any of the others who were there, they won't remember either! I...I never thought about it 'til now--bet the others haven't either."
Matty searches his Omnicom. "Hmmm...this must be this "Origin of the Hootchie Hut" *** Cobalt mentions briefly in his History files. He has even fewer details about this adventure than you do, Lardy. Do you think Wyandotte put a hypnotic whammy on all of you?"
"Yes," Lardy ponders, "yes, I think he did....probably to cover his tracks while he entered our universe to do Gods knows what!"
Abin remarks, "certainly fits the profile of this Wyandotte. Imagine a serial killer refocussing his talents toward manipulation and subterfuge."
"Exactly!" Lard Lad exclaims. "Loser dubbed him 'Serial Killer Lardy'! I remember that, now!"
"Now..." Matty says, "we need to find him before he can do any more harm. Any suggestions, Lardy?"
"Yeah," Lardy responds, a look of grim determination now dominating his features. "He's working with Lard Lord." Closing his eyes, Lard Lad's head jerks slightly. "I can sense Lard Lord on Legion World still." He reopens his eyes. "I can take us to him. We find him...we'll find Wyandotte!"
***scroll down to the fifth post on this linked page to see the entry referred to.
[ December 21, 2006, 02:22 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. Wyandotte's Secret HQ.
Wyandotte strokes his beard as he contemplates the vid screen. "Hmmm...so much for that. I'd hoped to remain here a bit longer, but they're hot on my trail, now. It was a close enough call when Bat-Fem was staking out my lair. Luckily, the battle between Lard Lad and Ord took her out of play. Though when the building my lair is located within collapsed during their battle, I was thankful for the extra reinforcement I'd built into the lair's structure. In any case it's time to go."
Manipulating the keys on his board, Wyandotte downloads all of his files into a small chip which he places under a hidden fold of skin in his arm. Afterwards, a blue energy crackles over the huge display, wiping it clean of any usefulness at all.
"Wyandotte!" barks a voice from behind him.
Smiling, Wyandotte says before he turns around, "Ord, old friend!"
"There's no need to call me that anymore. 'Ord Drall' as an anagram for 'Lard Lord' isn't going to fool anyone anymore!"
"Ah, yes," Wyandotte contemplates wistfully, "it was a bit of fun on my part to make your cover name an anagram while mine is an anagram of yours and Lard Lad's name coincedentally by birth! So...what brings you here...'Lard Lord'?"
"Surely, you know?" responds a bruised and battered Lard Lord. "I'm revealed, Wyandotte! I know that one such as you couldn't have missed the events that caused your building to collapse?"
"Yes, of course! And you've done exactly what they wanted you to do by coming straight to me after licking your wounds! This world's Lard Lad can track your Lardforce energy, you fool!"
"But...my wife...she's alive!"
"So she is. But the two of you are fundamentally at odds in case you've forgotten!"
Lard Lord rubs his temples. "I don't know, Wyandotte. I'd do anything for her..."
Scowling, Wyandotte walks up to Lard Lord and slaps him hard across the face. "Fool! My personal plans are ruined because of you! I was going to manipulate Hummer Lass into killing Lard Lad and Dru before their wedding, so that I could take Lard Lad's place--a ruse I could've pulled off with what's in this canister!" He gestures toward the mysterious canister, the contents of which Lard Lord acquired for him. "Can you imagine what I could have accomplished here if everyone thought I was him, especially with the status he'd gained post-Invasion? In return I helped you and your Black Sun movement's agenda..."
"We're NOT Black Sun!"
"Whatever. And I lead you to HUGEMANBREASTS so you could drain his power to replenish your own. But you helped him in return and let him walk the streets of Legion World! His murder lead to all of this falling apart!"
"Hey!" Lard Lord screams. "You're the one who programmed her to want to murder someone she thought was an imposter! That's NOT MY FAULT!"
"Sure it is! At the time Lard Lad was offplanet! If you'd killed HUGEMANBREASTS quietly, or at least kept him under wraps, my plan wouldn't have fallen apart! Luckily, for me, this whole Lard Lad business was a secondary plan I came up with. My primary agendas have always been about information gathering and Earth-4!"
"That's my cue," Wyandotte says grinning as he picks up the canister. Speaking into a handheld comlink, he says, "activate transmatter beam if you will, my Insect Queen."
"Where the hell are you going?!" Lard Lord shouts.
"Away," Wyandotte responds as his person begins to shimmer. "Consider this the dissolution of our partnership."
"Noooo!" Lard Lord screams as he fires a force blast at his erstwhile ally. The blast passes right through Wyandotte's faded visage, a satisfied smirk on his face. "No, dammit!"
"Ahem."
Lard Lord whirls to see this world's version of him smiling back.
Lard Lad says, "I believe you owe me a Round Two?"
[ December 21, 2006, 12:45 PM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
quote:Originally posted by Seth Gaterra: Inside the old Ice Cream Parlol The place was silent, but the footprints in the dust made it clear that someone had been through here. Seth followed the trail; at its end was Helena standing stock-still before a desk. "Helena?!" he asked, as he moved forward to check on her. Past her, Seth spotted a boxlike machine topped with a large glowing sphere; then the sphere flashed and...
Seth blinked, trying to focus his eyelets. <<Even if you're on leave, that's no excuse not to train!>> said someone before him; a male voice, strong and familiar... Another couple of blinks, and the figure came into focus. He was yellow-skinned, with a salt-and pepper crewcut; the left eye was faceted blue, but the right was a silver sphere in the midst of burn scars that covered that quarter of his face. The outfit was a simple gray sweatsuit, appropriate for the small gym they were in.
<<Father..?!>> Seth asked, starting to step forward -- then he halted. In his mind, he heard the fearful screeches of his crystal children... but he couldn't see them on his body. Seth shook his head rapidly. <<No, father... you're dead; I watched you die! I watched the world die -- time after time! And I couldn't ever stop it from happening! No-one ever listened!>> A red haze swam before Seth's eyelets as he snarled, <<How dare you -- you damned mindtapper! HOW DARE YOU?!>> Seth's now-glowing right hand lashed out at the image of his father; he felt the contact as his hand slammed onto something hard and flat, then felt it shatter under his palm...
And Seth was left standing in the office -- the few remaining bits of the desk scattered on the floor. Behind him, he heard a thud; turning, he saw that Helena had collapsed to the floor, stunned. The crystal children's coos of concern helped bring Seth down from his rage; he'd forgotten that he had been here to help Helena. Concern on his face, he moved to her right side and knelt down to check on her; his left arm supporting her shoulders to lift her up from the floor. "Helena? Helena... speak to me?"
Legion World, Outside the Old Ice Cream Parlol
*Cough, cough*
Helena Handbasket cleared out her lungs and let her eyes come back into focus. Whoever had attacked her in the Ice Cream Parlol had gotten away by now, she was sure, but not before attacking her mind. That alone was enough to get her angry. “Seth?” she said to the person next to her.
“I’m here Helena, and I’m glad you’re alright,” he replied, “though I have no idea what attacked us. I destroyed it, whatever was used to jar our memories like that.”
“Well, I’m not sure what it was, but I’m fairly certain who is playing games with us here. The Black Sun. I heard you cry out to your father in your delusions, and I also saw my own parents…”
“I…yes, I did,” said Seth, wishing that Helena had not seen him ‘seeing’ his father in the delusions, “its what made me realize it was only a hallucination. But how do you know it’s the Black Sun?”
“Because that’s part of their recruitment process when they get kids to join. They make you relate to them like you would your parents. They try to make you think of the Black Sun as filling a hole that your parents created or the loss of your parents created. I never approved…” she said, letting her sentence drift, as the guilt that haunted her because of the Invasion now came back to her like a wave.
“No, it is not the Black Sun,” said a voice, and Seth and Helena turned to see a young girl walking towards them. She was very young, with pretty black hair with a white stripe down the front, and she had on a black trenchcoat. “It’s related to the Black Sun, but its something different.”
“Who are you?” said Seth Gaterra defensively. He did not know many on Legion World, but he had seen enough strangeness lately, and especially tonight, to know that enemies were coming out of the woodwork. He power emanating from his hands was a quiet but potent reminder that he would tolerate no more.
“The LMB call me Jailbait Lass,” replied Lolita, as the wind blew against her back and she gripped the jacket tighter.
"Jailbait Lass? Who…? Wait, don't you work for Cobalt Kid?" said Helena, glad that her sharp memory came back to her.
"Yes, I do. And he sent me here most urgently to stop this--and I'm going to need both of your help.”
"Hm...Dr. Mayavale isn't so crazy after all..." thought Helena, “Ggrrgg has come to me.” She turned to Seth and Jailbait Lass. “You need to tell what you know,” said Helena, “and I think I can help. But strange things are happening tonight, and I can’t help but feel things are building to an explosive conclusion.”
“Its not the Black Sun,” said Jailbait Lass, “Cobie and I confirmed that. But it has something to do with them, that we know. Something to do with Black Sun members here on Legion World acting without official consent. A smaller off-shoot or something. Caracalla said none on Legion World were acting on his orders, but if something awful were to happen here he wouldn’t weep. But some group is planning something big here…and it involves an off-shoot of the Black Sun. It also most likely has extra mercenaries and villains working with them, who do not subscribe to their religion, which would explain the early appearance by Madrox the Multiple Durlan. This is an alliance to bring down Legion World and the LMB.”
“I’m sorry,” said Seth, “but I have no idea what any of that means. It will take me quite awhile to get used to this universe’s worldscape.”
“I think I do,” said Helena suddenly. “The group here on Legion World…the off-shoot of the Black Sun. Its The Church of the Eternal Void. And whether there here by their lonesome or working with some larger group of enemies, that means we’re in trouble.”
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Old Town. Wyandotte's (now, not-so) Secret HQ.
"But before we start, you filth," Lard Lad continues, "where's the brains of this operation...where's Wyandotte?"
Grimly, Lard Lord replies, "you just missed him. He 'beamed up' to parts unknown. Seems he had little use for me. Now, where's my wife? If you've harmed her, I'll--!"
Lard Lad cuts him short. "She's safe from you, you murderer, don't you worry! It's time, now, for you to answer for the death of my 'brother' Hugh!"
Lard Lord yells, "I didn't kill him, you idiot! That whore killed him after Wyandotte drove her crazy! I...tried to help him. There was a version of him on my world. He died long ago in an accident. I gave your Hugh what he wanted so desperately...to be more like you."
"And in return, you drained all his power for yourself, left him defenseless against Pru's attack!" Lard Lad cries.
"Enough! Where's my wife?!? Bring her to me NOW!"
"Sure! I'll bring her to see your dead body!" Lard Lad mocks. "Together, we'll have a toast to celebrate! HA!"
Anger flows through Lard Lord as he draws his sword from its sheath on his back and charges his opposite number, its blade glowing with the purple fire of Lardforce energy.
"Ah!" Lard Lad laughs, "wanna fight like men this time, eh?" And he draws his own sword with gunslinger-like speed, lights it aglow with its own purple Lardforce, then stands his ground and deflects Lard Lord's blade with such tremendous force that Lard Lord stumbles backwards to the ground. "Get up, 'Lordy'! Don't make this too easy for me!"
Lard Lord gets his bearings, then shakily stands, his blade held up defensively.
"You know?" Lardy taunts. "You make me sick! You're me in almost every way, and look what you made of yourself--you're a thug and a murderer...pathetic! When you were thought dead, I found out about some of the things you did. I went back as far as when you killed your two best friends...your Earth's Cobalt Kid and Loser Lad. I couldn't believe it! I'd never turn against my friends--NEVER! You not only did that, but you killed them? Unbelievable! What kind of sorry excuse for a Lard Lad are you, huh?"
"Shut UP!" screams Lard Lord. "You have absolutely no right to judge me! Wyandotte showed me evidence that you've murdered in cold blood, you hypocrite! You murdered your dimension's Mordra and that Damyen Hrykos! And what you did to help bail out your Legion World from the Invasion? Unconscionable! More and more, 'Lard Lad', I see that you and I are not so different! Perhaps you're even worse than I am--I was perfectly good until that Leelee harlot started brainwash--"
"How DARE you bring Leelee's name into this!" Lard Lad shrieks. And this time it's Lard Lad who charges. Though Lard Lord is in a more weakened state because he'd had no medical care after their first battle, egging his opponent into a mindless rage has evened the odds as Lard Lad's attacks are now sloppy.
------
Elsewhere, all available Security Officers and support troops form a large, several-block perimeter around the scene of the engagement.
Lil' Matlock mans the command post accompanied by Abin Quank. "Maybe we should go ahead and move in, Abin?" Matty says.
"No, Matty, you told Lardy we'd give him a half hour. It's a matter of honor for him. I'm monitoring the fight's progress with my ring--it'll let me know if we need to move in before that time runs out."
"What about the buffers? Are they in place?"
"Yeah, Matty, Lard Lord won't be able to teleport out of our perimeter...but neither will Lardy."
Showing obvious concern, even on his infantile features, Matty asks him, "how much longer?"
Abin's answer doesn't come immediately. He's distracted as his ring silently alerts him to a breach into the perimeter. Identifying the culprit, Abin decides to let the intruder proceed for reasons unknown. Then he answers the Security Chief nonchalantly, "oh, about 15 more minutes."
------
The fight continues to go Lard Lord's way as his opponent begins to exhaust himself trying to bash his way through his defenses. As Lard Lad stops to gasp for breath, Lard Lord presses with his own offensive. With a mighty blow, he forces Lard Lad's sword from his grasp, and it goes flying across the room. Then, Lard Lord goes for a sweeping slash toward Lard Lad's torso. Lard Lad jumps backwards to avoid the blow, then trips on some debris, falls and lands on his back.
Lard Lord stands above him, sword pointed down. Lard Lad is cornered with a wall directly behind him.
"I'm about to do your universe a favor, 'Lardy'," Lard Lord says grimly. "Killing you now will spare it from what will someday be an evil that would eclipse anything it's ever seen...one that would make me seem rather tame by comparison. My threat is ended...all I want to do now is be with my wife. But this I do as my last violent, but ultimately righteous, act. Farewell, my dark reflection."
And with that last sentence, Lard Lord delivers a blow intended for Lard Lad's head. But it hits the floor instead. Lard Lad has dissappeared.
"What?!? Where--?!?!" Lard Lord exclaims just before he's kicked in the back of the head. Dazed, he falls forward to the ground and feels someone's foot turn him over. The foot is now pressing on his ribcage, and Lard Lord dizzily makes out the features of his opposite number.
"Gotcha!" Lard Lad mocks.
"H-how?" Lard Lord stammers. "E-earlier, I c-could feel some kind of sp-spatial buffer field keeping me f-from teleporting. Sh-should have same ef-effect on you."
"'Should have' is true, Lordy," Lard Lad grins, "but I'm more powerful than you...more powerful than my fellow Officers know! But my allotted time's almost up, Lordy, so..." And his right hand crackles with the purple energy. "This is for HUGH, you bast--!"
"NOOOO! STOP!"
As Lard Lad turns to see who's screaming, Lard Lord already knows. "Mordra," he manages.
"Why?" Lard Lad says with indignance. "Why should I spare this low-life?"
"Because," Bat-Fem pleads, "he can help us find Wyandotte and make sense of all this crap going on around Legion World. And," she adds, her voice softening, "I love him."
As he looks in her eyes, at her expression, he sees what Dru was talking about. Though she looks exactly like the woman who ruined his life, this Mordra is nothing like the one from this universe. The woman he killed knew nothing of love and selflessness. This Mordra does, and he sees echos of the woman he first loved, and still loves to this day...his Leelee. All of that, just from her eyes.
He turns to the helpless, hideously scarred man wedged below his foot and sees tears leak over the man's charred eyelids. Lard Lad asks the man, who suddenly seems less the monster, "will you willingly submit to arrest?"
"Yes...yes, I will," Lard Lord whispers in response.
Within moments the Security detail arrives to take their prisoner into custody and secure the scene. Bat-Fem is allowed to accompany him in the armored prisoner shuttle.
Lard Lad stays at the scene contemplating everything he just went through, but mostly his own actions. Hadn't he gotten past his lust for vengeance? Hadn't he found inner peace? Suddenly, he's not so sure Lard Lord was entirely wrong in his assessment--and it scares him.
His mind is eased somewhat as Dru arrives and embraces him, but his doubts stay with him, nonetheless.
[ December 22, 2006, 02:18 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Legion World – the Secret Gorilla Tribe of the Legion World Jungles
“You move fast Space Tart,” said Turns You into a Country Fred
She giggled, “you don’t know the half of it,” adding in a naughty smile.
“Well,” he replied a bit flustered, “we’re already back in LW space and now we’ve completely passed by Legionnopolis to Rao knows where?”
“I wish I could figure it out,” said Captain Lightbulb, “but frankly, I have the faintest idea.”
“Don’t be so dim,” said Space Tart, “look right over there! A giant statue of Middlefinger II, aka Large Handsome, right smack dab in the middle of the jungle. Surely you’ve heard Eryk Davis Ester and Cobalt Kid go on and on and on and on and on about how funny it is that the secret gorilla tribe lives in the statue of Large Handsome that fell into the jungles when the LMB moved here. I’ve never really found it that funny.”
The trio quickly pulled in to the secret gorilla tribe’s jungle dock, using the passwords only given to LMBers (Space Tart being the only one of the three that is an actual LMBer). “And now for our mystery last pick-up?” said Turns You Into a Country Fred.
“And I’m fast?” tee-heed Space Tart, as the Captain moved forward.
“HALT!” said a booming voice suddenly, as Captain Lightbulb looked up to see the Gorilla Sentry’s aiming their electricity spraying spears at them above the giant wooden doors into the bottom of the statue. “State your names and intentions, or be blasted where you stand!” said the sentry.
“Hmph!” said Space Tart, “some manners to treat guests!”
“She’s right,” said Captain Lightbulb, “what’s the bright idea?”
“They are right my friends,” said a gorilla jumping down to them. “For I am M’Baku, traveler of the Gorilla Tribes of Legion World! And I know LMBers and their allies when I see them! Let them pass, for they must have dire tiding indeed, most likely relating to the recent cosmic disturbances felt around Legion World these past few weeks. Though the gorilla tribes pride themselves on their warrior society, I, M’Baku the traveler, am a scientist here and perhaps my super gorilla science may help?!” he finished grasping Turns You Into a Country Fred and Captain Lightbulb in a tight gorilla-hug.
“Er…okay…” said Fred
“This gorilla hair will never get out of my speedo…” said Captain Lightbulb.
Later… “It is as I feared,” said M’Baku. The Crisis of two year’s ago is still being felt and the universe is at its weakest. Even now I can see how those who would destroy Legion World would like to exploit those weaknesses to do so. You say you have a plan Space Tart?”
“Well, sorta, but Cobie wasn’t too keen on *all* the details. But Eryk will have some ideas,” she added, swooshing her hair in the jungle winds for no reason at all.
“In other words, bring along those gadgets boys, and let’s make way for some explanation at last…and to Greg Evignan Island!”.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Lard Lad's Penthouse Apartment. Legionnopolis.
Hours after the battle in Old Town.
Dru lies awake in her and her fiance's bed. She strokes his sleeping head lovingly but can't sleep herself.
He's resting comfortably, now, she thinks. He doesn't know I cast the Peaceful Sleep spell on him. His mind's been in such turmoil since we got back that I had to do something for him, however small. Hells, I'd use it on myself if that were possible.
She slides out of bed, slips on her robe and looks again at her Omnicom.
He doesn't know I lost the election, yet. By a landslide apparently. Kid Marvel and Rockhopper Lad are the new leader and deputy. I tried every tactic I could think of, but I was only a blip on the radar.
She puts the Omnicom down.
I figured this was the best thing for both me and Anthony, as well as a chance to be active on the galactic political landscape again. I just can't stand by politically powerless while the galaxy's in turmoil, especially with Caracalla in the picture.
She picks up her Omnicom and rereads the official message she received right before the LMB leader election started its campaign phase.
There's no choice, now, really. I'm going to have to accept this offer. But will Anthony leave his beloved Legion World to be with me?
Soon Dru snuggles back into bed with her lover, but she has a long, sleepless night ahead.
Posted by Liberty Monkey on :
Greg Evignan Island
“Greetings Shark Lad!” said Liberty Monkey, as he entered the main Pavilion, which housed a healthy den for recreation, a beautiful patio for reflection, and an extravagant scientific lab for continuing discovery of scientific principles.
Shark Lad grumbled at him. His mental wounds were still too fresh from the War with the Dark Oval and he did not want to mince words with the monkey—especially since it looked so delicious.
KGSR II and Lonestar Ranger followed. “Will we ever actually see Eryk Davis Ester?” said the Ranger. “I mean, jeez, we’ve been walking around for hours.”
“I’m afraid you probably will not,” said the man known as Soho, “he is a little uncomfortable around our fearsome friend,” he whispered then to Liberty Monkey. “I’m Soho,” he added.
“Ah, his intense fear of sharks…” replied Liberty Monkey, “…greetings Soho. You must be a new addition here.” Soho nodded.
Suddenly, the skies above them erupted in a calamity of lights as it looked like the stars were falling down upon them! Quickly, it disappeared. Shark Lad let out an awful growl, while the Ranger pulled his weapon.
KGSR II jumped back in surprise, landing right into the arms of—“Jeepers!” said EDE, realizing he just walked into a room full of people he knew from Legionnopolis. “That, er, was sure some Calamity in the skies—great irony!”
“It’s been happening all over Legion World,” said Liberty Monkey, “and greetings my friend!”
“Oh, ENOUGH ALREADY!” said a voice, and all turned to see a majesty of lights and colors, as if an angel had come down to visit them. They quickly faded away and they all saw a very annoyed Lucien Lad before them. “These introductions are booo-ring me to tears! Everyone, a crisis is at hand, etc., etc., and its time to get some answers. EDE, take me to whatever room is most fitting for scientific do-das, long explanatory narratives and looking fabulous.”
“Er, sure thing!” said EDE, motioning to his retired army officers to bring them there.
“You can let go now Eryk,” said Kid Gender Stereotype Reversal II, as she was still in his arms. He turned a little red.
Lucien Lad led them down the hall, and as he walked, little snowflakes began to rain down on them all. Lonestar Ranger looked at Liberty Monkey wondering what that was all about, but Liberty Monkey just shrugged.
“The universe is in peril,” said Lucien Lad, “and although Legion World has all these enemies on it right now, there is one big enemy that is about to join the battle, which means you all need to get it together and be ready.”
---------------------
Legion World, Elsewhere
Faraway Lad took a break from helping the citizens of Legion World deal with the various disturbances occurring, as he sipped some port and tried to figure out why these disturbances were making his powers feel…well, funny. As if his ability to travel to faraway places in the time/space continuum were itching. He sipped his port and turned, to see The Phantom Stranger beside him. Faraway Lad simply smiled, no longer startled by such things. ‘What brings you here, old friend?’
“The usual. The universe, and Legion World, are in grave danger, and the time has now come to act. Will you follow me again, my friend, and attempt to stop this? Our path will diverge from your fellows and you will not be able to help them, but I can give you a look into an alternate way of defeating the universe. The time has come for explanation and for secret planning of our own.”
“Of course,” said Faraway Lad, “let me finish my part and I will be right with you.”
----------------------
Greg Evignan Island
As they all sat around a large table, while Eryk Davis Ester’s scientists gathered around their equipment. Lucien Lad turned toward the doorway, as if expecting a visitor.
“Well,” said Lonestar Ranger, getting impatient. He was still very new to Legion World and had not been accepted by the LMB, so he was unaware of how these things usually proceeded. “What’s happening and how do we stop it?” Lucien Lad gave no answer. KGSR II gave EDE a dirty look and he looked away. Liberty Monkey ate a banana. “Ahem?” repeated the Lonestar Ranger. “Is the universe going to explode? Implode?” Lucien Lad still looked at the door, although he checked out his nails for a brief second. “Well?!” said Lonestar Ranger. “Who is our enemey?!” his voice growing louder.
Suddenly, Space Tart, Captain Lightbulb, Turns You Into a Country Fred and M’Baku entered through the door! All looked like they were about to speak, but it was M’Baku’s growling voice that spoke up. “Our enemy, my friends, is of great power and a dire threat to this world! He is known other than---!”
“Sol Invictus,” said another voice, and they all turned to see The Phantom Stranger and Faraway Lad. “The deity himself is returning, and he is going to wipe us all out of existence.”
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Streets of Legion World
“Look out!” yells Kent Shakespeare, as he dives across the street and pulls a kid out of the way from falling debris. “People, you must clear the streets! Time and space are screwed up—AGAIN! These other-Earth distortions continue to worsen, and we’re none the wiser…”
Helena Handbasket, Seth Gaterra and Jailbait Lass run past him, around the corner. “Shouldn’t we tell Kent Shakespeare?” asked Seth, knowing full well that the LMB Deputy leader would be useful right now.
“No time,” answered Helena. “We’ve got to find the Church of the Eternal Void, and we need to do it fast. Something is happening here…”
“The 52,” said Jailbait Lass. “It has two meanings. One, I’m not so sure on yet. The other, is the conspirators on Legion World. Its an alliance…the Church of the Eternal Void, an off-shoot of the Black Sun, and a gathering of the LMB’s enemies. They’re putting something into motion tonight.” The three run around the corner, following Helena’s lead, as she now turns it into a full sprint. “Whatever it is,” says Jailbait Lass, “It has something to do with these other-Earth distortions. We need to find out what…”
Suddenly, they stopped. There, in front of them, was The Evil Genius Supper Club. “Wha--? Why here?” said Jailbait Lass. “There are picket lines by the Taltarian women everywhere. We’ll never get in.”
“I know,” said Helena. “But you’ve been off-planet Jailbait Lass. For weeks now Tamper Lad and Nova Girl have been at odds with one another, though many have thought it was the natural bickering of two longtime friends. It wasn’t until the arrival of Nova Girl’s mother, Veronica, that someone could be clued in. You see, I’ve met her before.”
“You have?” said Seth, a little confused.
Helena flexed her metallic fist. “Yes. She lives on Earth. And despite constant attempts between the Dark Oval and Earth to meet up, we’ve—I mean, they, have never been successful, because the Legion World Triumvirate secretly has blockades around the UP and Earth. Only one group has ever been able to travel back and forth—the Google Company. One of Earth’s most powerful companies and controlling shareholders of Earth culture.”
“Google!” said Jailbait Lass. “Of course! They’ve been trying to gain a majority share in Legion World’s economy for months! Its no doubt that they’re interested in Legion World, and its no doubt they would have joined up with our enemies if it served their purposes!”
“And Betty, Nova Girl’s mother,” said Helena, “is on the Board of Directors at Google.”
Now Seth spoke up. “So Nova Girl’s mother was sent here as Google’s emissary to this alliance to do what exactly? To create friction between Tamepr Lad and Nova Girl?”
“Yes,” said Jailbait Lass now. Her computer mind was working a mile a minute. This was where she excelled—this is why Cobalt Kid relied on her. The pieces were coming together. “Google must have learned of the Church’s plans through their various spies and alliances, and wanted in. They sent Veronica here to cause friction between Nova Girl and Tamper Lad, and undoubtedly encourage this picket-line long before her actual arrival, to make it much easier for one thing: to get access to the Evil Supper Club. They need to get in there for something. But what?” she now asked herself.
“Time to find out,” said Helena, a grim look of determination coming on her face. “Seth?”
“Love to,” said Seth, as Seth and Helena dashed across the Taltarian picket line, throwing the women into a daze, and rushed forward at the club entrances. Helena pulled her metallic arm back, and was thankful for it for the first time, and punched through the door, turning it into little metallic toothpicks. Seth immediately blasted the expected robot guardsman with intense power, knocking them back. “Ahead!” yelled Seth.
“Of course,” said Jailbiat Lass, thinking as she ran forward. “That’s why Cali has been on all these vacations. Someone is making sure she is off-planet too!” She followed Helena and Seth.
At last, they ran past all the diners into one of Tamper Lad’s many laboratories, where were scattered around the entire place. “You,” said Helena Handbasket.
Before them was Ken Clarkson, reporter for the Daily Sun. He smiled back at them with a grin. “Sniffed out a good story?” he said.
“What are you doing here, Clarkson?” asked Helena. She had met him right after the Invasion when he was reporting on the post-invasion clean-up. She didn’t care for him.
“What’s it look like? You didn’t think that military forces were the only part of the invasion did you? Never forget the power of the media, my dear Helena. Black Sun? Dark Oval? Ha. Long live the Church of the Eternal Void!” he said, and then they saw what he had in his hands: a small device, metallic, but with a rusty yellowish color, small enough to be hidden in one’s palm. But knowing Tamper Lad, it could be anything. He squeezed it and suddenly all of the air was sucked out of the room. “And that should make it the final point.”
“No!” said Helena, leaping at him, and knocking him to the floor. Seth ran over and picked up the device, trying to surmise what it was. Jailbait Lass ran to him. “Bastard!” said Helena, “we’ve had enough of these games. What have you done?”
“I’ve doomed Legion World for starters, now that he’s coming. You better rally your new friends Helena, because they don’t stand much of a chance.” Suddenly, the ground began to shake lightly, as if a small earthquake was passing by. Helena turned back to Clarkson, to see him foaming at the mouth.
“No…” she whispered. Obviously, he had bitten down on a pill hidden under a fake tooth, and poisoned himself. He was a suicidal enemy, often the worst kind. She shook him again, as the last bits of life were leaving him. She grinned slightly. “Look to the skies…” Clarkson whispered and died. The three stood there next to his body, as suddenly dozens of robots guardsmen burst in holding various weapons.
“What the hell is going on in here?” said Tamper Lad walking in. “Hm…I should have suspected. Spies everywhere.”
“I’ll explain Tamper Lad,” said Jailbait Lass, “but we need to go outside and see what’s happened. Something has just been sent into motion, and it does not look good for us…”
Minutes later… Jailbait Lass, Helena Handbasket, Seth Gaterra and Tamper Lad looked out from the porch of the Evil Genius Club above into the skies of Legion World. Now they were not only red and flashing with lightning, they were becoming transparet, as if the clouds were parting and one could see strait into the blackness of space. And it looked like space was bending. It would be seconds apart, but there would be a ‘BOOM!’. As if someone was punching the space/time continuum, and trying to rip it open.
Tamper Lad looked at his LMB walking ring and a half-smile went across his face. He still couldn’t believe he was part of this group. He grabbed hold of it, and turned the ‘L’ symbol. LMB ALARM CODE RED. “Well, I should probably put on a clean costume,” said Tamper Lad.
[ December 29, 2006, 10:02 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Legion World's Office of Security. Lobby area outside Interrogation Rooms.
Wearily, the LMBer known as Shady exits Interrogation Room 1. Having spent a lot of time in the I.R.s recently, her telepathic mind is extremely taxed.
Looking aound the lobby, she doesn't see who she expected to meet her. Instead she sees: "Abin?"
As if roused from sleep, the Green Lantern LMBer and co-Chief of Security starts, then says, "yes, Shady, it's me. Matlock wished to go investigate the LMB ALARM CODE RED that's been set off. As co-Chief of Security, I'm assuming this case in his stead. So...what's the verdict, Shady Lady?"
Stretching her arms and stifling a yawn, Shady answers, "not a whole lot of details, I'm afraid. It seems our friend Wyandotte modified Lard Lord's memories quite a bit, so that he didn't remember many of the details of the big plot. It's quite a jumbled mess involving something called the 'Church of the Eternal Void' and somehow ties into the Dark Oval...and even Earth-4."
"Earth-4?" Abin says. "Funny. One of the first precursers to all this strange rot had to do with when Rockhopper Lass was being sent back there. Seems there was an attack or something when Faraway Lad transported her."
"Yes," Shady said, "I learned that Lard Lord was told to provide that distraction for reasons unknown to him."
"Considering she later turned up suffering from amnesia, they may not've wanted anyone to know what was going on on Earth-4," Abin conjectures. "And, by the by, we've been unable to contact them since. Faraway's been unable to connect to his 'brother', and he also feels his memory has been modified somehow...as if he'd discovered something but had it taken away."
"Again," Shady nods, "possibly the work of Wyandotte. But there were some snippets of information. For one, I believe that Earth-4's Evil Emperor Pyngwyn and someone named Blaine are the primary ones in charge of the Earth-4 end to this plot."
"Interesting," Abin responds, "and what of this Church of the Who-zits?"
"Eternal Void," Shady corrects. Thinking of the psychic link she recently shared with Lard Lad, she continues, "they're a cosmic death cult, Abin. They have this doctrine that lays out prophecies detailing events that will lead to the coming of their Messiah, whom they refer to simply as the Destroyer. His purpose will be to wipe the cosmos clean of all life, so it may be remade into their idea of Heaven. They believe the time is very near and that...well, let's just they have some interesting theories as to the identity of this 'Destroyer'."
"Damn!" Abin reacts with surprise. "I've never heard of them! How do you know so much about them?"
Respecting the confidentiality of what she and Lardy shared and, more importantly, their friendship, Shady replies, "oh...one hears things..."
Not buying it, Abin nonetheless decides not to press her. "So did Lard Lord head up this arm of the conspiracy?"
Unnoticed at first by the pair, Lard Lad quietly enters the lobby.
"No," she continues, "he was lead to believe this was his role, but he now realises this was actually being carried out by a Priestess of the Church he and Wyandotte had met with frequently..."
Suddenly, she notices Lard Lad and makes eye contact with him. The look she gives tells him that she's about to deliver a bombshell. He grits his teeth in anticipation.
"...a woman recently arrived to Legion World...named Kalla Hryl***."
Lardy's jaw drops agape. Standing frozen in his spot, he wonders how absolutely everything he's done lately has consistently been coming back to bite him in the ass!
[ December 29, 2006, 10:50 PM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Hykrosian Fortress. Lin-Dak Nebula. Dark Oval.***
"You have news of Kalla Hryl, Zyrnyn?" inquires Lord Collus Hrykos of his Vice-Regent.
"Yes, my Lord. I have learned quite a bit."
"Well? Where is she?"
"She is on none other than Legion World, my Lord!"
"Legion World?!" screams Hrykos. "Is there no end to this woman's treachery?!?!"
"Apparently not, Lord," Zyrnyn concedes. "We've learned that the 'lover' she avenged through her traitorous act was one of your late brother's sub-lieutenants, an alien named Huldnaf."
"Hmmmph!" Hrykos scoffs. "Yes, I gathered that she was a race-traitor from that note she left. Disgusting!"
"More importantly, Lord, we've learned that Huldnaf unknowingly was used to bring Lard Lad into a trap that your brother Damyen and his wife Mordra had set for him ***. As a backhanded 'thank you' to Huldnaf, your brother had him executed after Huldnaf had brought Lard Lad into the fold. This happened while Lard Lad was still being held captive...before everything backfired on Damyen and Mordra when they were murdered by his hand."
"So," Hrykos thinks aloud, "Lard Lad knew this Huldnaf, and Huldnaf was..."
"...Kalla Hryl's lover..." Zyrnyn prompts.
Hrykos continues, "could Lard Lad and Kalla have met through this mutual acquaintance and had reason to come together to avenge him?"
"Yes, my Lord, we believe Kalla and Lard Lad conspired together to attack the former Barabarian Hordes and incite the conflict between us and them. For her part, this would avenge what she felt was the unjust death of her mate and, she hoped, possibly incite profound Hrykosian cultural change through strife-ridden times. For him..."
Hrykos slams his fist against the table and shouts, "...it would divert our attention back to our borders and away from his precious Legion World! Of course! This tactic helped turn our Invasion around to their favor! DAMN HIM! He and that traitoress have in one act caused us to suffer tremendous losses against Cobalt kid's Triumvirate Army and the forces of the erstwhile Barbarian Hordes--not to mention all the weaponry we and the Dominion used to destroy Black Sun! And now we're too busy licking our wounds and defending our borders to even think of retaliating! DAMN IT!!!"
"If I may, my Lord, there is a silver lining for us."
"And what could that possibly be?!?"
"Well, my source for most of this information, a Mr. Wyandotte, says that he worked with Kalla Hryl on Legion World. Apparently, she's not quite the ally Lard Lad thought she was. While not serving our Holy Clan, apparently she has some extreme religious views...views that are compelling her to orchestrate a plot that Wyandotte says may very well spell the end of Legion World as a blight on our galaxy!"
Hrykos smiles ironically, "let's hope she's as successful in that plan as she was in her utter betrayal of her own people."
[ January 01, 2007, 02:11 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
recent entry from Kalla Hryl's personal journal:
Dearest Huldnaf,
Ah, yes...things are going very well, my Love. Though I still miss you to the deepest core of my being, I take comfort in knowing that I will soon be joining you, our souls entwined in the Eternal Void, as we await reincarnation in the World To Come.
The man you knew and befriended as 'Lars' has inadvertantly provided our Church with the opportunity to make reality one of the Sacred Prophecies of our Faith. I refer, of course, to the one which referred to the annihilation of the Great Neutral Power. As you know, the Faithful have come to believe this Power is Legion World. It's removal as a buffering force in galactic politics is said to be one of the crucial steps towards hastening the onset of The Great Galactic War. From the ashes of this War will rise our Messiah, the Destroyer. He will consume all that remains of existence, so that it may be reborn into Perfection, as it was always meant to be! And all conflicts, including ones over such trifles as skin color, will be rendered meaningless!
Ironically, many in our Church believe your 'Lars', or 'Lard Lad' as he is more widely known, to be the man who will become the Destroyer. I am unconvinced as yet, but I can't deny that our meeting him was fortuitous!
Some time after you were murdered, Lard Lad contacted me after he completed a diplomatic mission to Rudlab. I agreed to help him with a backup plan to bail Legion World out of their Invasion by my people by giving them another war to fight. Sure enough, he gave me the signal, and the desired results came almost immediately. In return Lard Lad provided me with safe harbour here on Legion World where I've been able to quietly, but quickly, organize a band of our Church's Faithful, a feat made all the more easy in the post-Invasion chaos.
When the man known as Wyandotte discovered our conspiracy, I was afraid our mission was doomed. But instead, he helped us, as our goals were similar. He combined a force of mercenaries with our Faithful and enabled us to move our timetable up considerably. Altogether, we are 52 conspirators. As you know, '52' is a sacred number in our faith!
What's more, he provided us with intelligence that helped us locate, and the means that will soon free, a mysterious and powerful threat from another dimension to distract the LMB while we lay waste to Legion World in their absence. Though it's possible that the threat we release will be able to destroy Legion World on its own, we will insure its destruction, regardless of that outcome, by unleashing the Seed of Destruction planted by one of our Faithful during Legion World's recent Invasion.
Oh yes, my Huldnaf, I will be joining you soon in the blessed Void, but not before I show the Great Neutral Power my Light of Truth! Yes, it will definitely know Truth before it's consumed by the Great Plague, my love!
[ December 30, 2006, 03:09 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
The Rookery
The Rockhoppers, having realised there was little they could do to figure out the mystery without driving themselves insane, channeled their energies into Rockhopper Lad's political campaign. Rockhopper Lass found some purpose in being the hostess of the Rookery during the campaign and coordinating the parties. They were both quite pleased when he was elected Deputy Leader.
But the question remained. What was going on with the Evil Emperor Pyngwyn and the Earth-One Blaine Fey? With Eudyptes' new status as Deputy Leader-elect, he was privy to information to which he had not been previously. Abin Quank had shared Shady's report about his own evil double and his late lover's evil double being connected with the Church of the Eternal Void's plans.
"What I don't understand, Adelie, is why Lard Lord would have disrupted your transport. Did my double and Blaine arrange that?"
"I guess that makes sense."
Time Teller Lad, Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle and Old Dutch the Super-Cow sat around a table with them. The two loyal super-pets had been awarded positions in the Deputy Leader's office, as had the new LMBer whom Rockhopper Lad saw as a sort of protege.
Time Teller Lad asked. "Have we been able to determine exactly what this Blaine Fey's powers are?"
"Not really," sighed Rockhopper Lad. "My Blaine--Openly Gay Lad--was a reality warper. He could channel energies to teleport, change things around him, give himself super-strength--but it taxed him. That's how he died. It took so much out of him to save the others. The Emperor, on the other hand, is my double. There don't seem to be any real differences between the Pyngwyns of the two worlds."
Rockhopper Lass grabbed her head as if in great pain.
"What's wrong, Adelie?" her "brother" asked. "Is it another of your headaches?" Hyvvie placed his head in Adelie's lap to comfort her.
"No. I--I remembered something." She began stroking the Wonder Beagle's head. "Eudyptes, I am, in nearly every way, the double of your sister Adelie. The Empress Maryss of this world is in nearly every way the double of my mother. The same for Uncle Krestor, Cousin Makarona, and, until my father was killed, our fathers. But there is a difference between you and the other Eudyptes."
"Well, of course. He's evil."
"Well, it's related to that. Our ice powers are based in magic. That's true of the Rockhoppers of both worlds, but the Eudyptes of my world--he did something else. Remember how he had mother, Uncle Krestor and me in that spell?"
"You mean?"
"He uses magic in a way we don't."
"Adelie, most of that is forbidden. Remember the caste system of our society. Only the priestly caste, the Vl'Zyr--the Blue Fairy Clan in Interlac--have anything to do with anything like that. And they have very strict rules as to what can be done and what can't."
"He killed his--our--father. He usurped the throne. He had no respect for laws, custom or anything other than his own power," she replied.
"From everything you've told me," Time Teller Lad added, "that would sound totally in character for him to take that kind of opportunity."
"So, what are his limits? What can he and Blaine do together?" Rockhopper Lad asked.
"Isn't that a bit personal?" Old Dutch asked.
"That was a rhetorical question," he replied, slightly annoyed. "We can't sit on this. I'm the Deputy Leader-elect of the LMB now. I have to tell Actor, Kent, Kid Marvel and the Security Office."
Just then, an energy blast appeared and, in the next instant, the Rockhoppers were transported away.
"What the?" Time Teller Lad was astonished. "Hyvvie, Old Dutch, we have to tell the others!"
[ January 02, 2007, 10:13 AM: Message edited by: Rockhopper Lad ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Streets of Legion World
“The LMB General Alarm…” said Jailbait Lass, “…a lot of LMBers are going to be here in a matter of minutes.”
“Yes,” said Tamper Lad, “and you better run for cover. Whatever this is, its going to be rough. Anyone that is not an actual member of the Legion should get out of harms way. Ah, I hear Monkey-Eater Lad calling me now…”
“But if they’re all going off to fight whatever is going on up there,” asked Seth to Helena, “then what about this Church you’ve been talking about? Aren’t they on Legion World?”
Mission Monitor Board, LMBP HQ, LMBP Plaza
“How’s it look MEL?” said Kent Shakespeare, taking charge as deputy leader. Monkey-Eater Lad was in front of him, as he had been on monitor duty when the time/space rip began to manifest. “Any clue what is going on or why things have heated up all of a sudden. This has been going on for weeks, but in the last hour you can feel the heightened danger.”
“Not really Kent,” said Monkey-Eater. “Tamper has some basic ideas but he doesn’t know the whole story. He’s on his way to LMBP Plaza where we’re all meeting per your instructions.”
“Kent,” said Arachne suddenly, as she was on another monitor. “It’s Actor Lad on the line.”
“Actor,” said Kent, putting him through, “glad to hear from you. Its looking pretty ugly.”
“I heard,” replied the leader of the LMB. “Helluva a way to end a term, eh? I’m en route and Pov is giving us an added boost to get to LW in time. We’ll be there within the hour and you can have the troops assembled in LMBP Plaza.”
“I figured you’d say that. They’ll be ready. And yeah, helluva of a way to end a term…”
“Kent,” said MEL now, “it’s Eryk on the line. He says you better listen up…”
The Orbit around Legion World
Time and space smashed against and from one another as a rift suddenly became apparent. Blackness was sucked in and replaced by intense white, the white light of the enemy, pouring into Legion World’s reality once more. He was here.
Deep Space
“Can anyone read me? Anyone?” asked Cobalt into his omni-com, but with no luck. He flew across space as quick as he could using his magnetism, but it wasn’t fast enough. He had to get across the universe from the Khanate of Sol Invictus back home to Legion World, and at this rate it would take him days. “Dammit!” he yelled out loud to know one.
“Need a lift?” said a voice, highly amused by this predicament. It was Reboot, and power emanating forth from him. He was in his full armor and the change of the time he spent in the anomaly was more apparent than ever. “Though I’d rather not, I believe Legion World will need you, and that’s always been my greatest concern.”
Cobalt smiled. “’Boot, you know, I’m telling you we make a great team, but…” he let the sentence drift.
A grin slightly came across Reboot’s face. “Hardly…” he replied, “but as usual, our paths cross no matter how far away from Legion World we are. Come on then,” he added, and the two made their way to Legion World.
Mission Monitor Board, LMBP HQ, LMBP Plaza
“Bloody Liberty,” said Kent Shakespeare quietly as he got off the omni-com with Eryk. Arachne and Monkey-Eater Lad turned to look at him with their eyes raised. Kent stared at the screen overlooking the area of Legion World orbit where things were acting so strangely. “MEL, I need you to get Kid Vudoo here immediately,” he said, adding, “perhaps his eyes can help,” referring to RTVU.
“What is it, Kent?” said Arachne.
“Arachne, inform all LMBers they are not to talk to the public or to anyone other than the current LMB roster. We’re dealing with a problem far more complex than we thought.”
“Do we have a name for it?” she said, with her eyebrow still raised.
“Yes,” he replied. “Sol Invictus.”
NOTE – To make it a little clearer, this period is the transition of leadership b/t Actor Lad and Kent Shakespeare to JoeBoy and Rockhopper Lad. However, at this point, the two new leaders have not officially begun their terms, although they are now in preparation to do so. This is similar to the outgoing government completing the final month of office in preparation for the new government’s inauguration. Posted by Liberty Monkey on :
Greg Evignan Island
Minutes earlier the Phantom Stranger had shocked them all by uttering the dreadful truth: “Sol Invictus, the deity himself is returning, and he is going to wipe us all out of existence.” Now, they knew, they had to deal with it.
“Deity, eh?” said Lucien Lad, “I’m not impressed.”
“Waitaminute,” said KGSR II, “Sol Invictus is a real genuine being? Is this like the end of times? Ragnarok? Doesn’t this mean he’s come to destroy all life?”
“Well, if the Black Sun find out about this, that’s what they’ll sure think!” said Eryk.
“Excuse me,” said Soho, removing himself from the room. Things were moving too fast for him. These people should not have figured this out by now.
“Sol Invictus is indeed real,” said the Phantom Stranger, adding, “…and some of you have even met him before, although most would not remember it and never have heard about it. And he has come now to destroy the world, as the Black Sun prophecize. That is our enemy.”
“But,” said KGSR II, “what about the ‘52’? What does that mean?”
“And what about the enemies on Legion World?” said Space Tart. “We know something funny is going on, but we don’t know what.”
“I think what they’re saying old friend,” said Faraway Lad to the Phantom Stranger, “is that its time for explanations.”
“I believe I can explain the science,” said M’Baku the Super-Gorilla, “but I have no idea who Sol Invictus is.”
“I do,” said Eryk quietly, as a shock went across the table. “I’ve met him before. So has Cobie,” he said to Space Tart. “Bevis too,” he said motioning to Lucien Lad.
“Yes,” said Lucien Lad, “but his origin was kind of depressing and dull so I’ve forgotten it,” he added, as a large rainbow suddenly was across the table.
“Hold on,” said the Lonestar Ranger. “I was once an inhabitant of the Dark Oval, as you all know. A large portion of the Dark Oval believe in Sol Invictus as their deity, as their belief system. You’re honestly saying that some of you have met him? That’s insane. And that’s too great a secret too keep!”
“The Ranger may be right,” said Liberty Monkey.
“Unfortunately Cicero,” said Eryk, “it doesn’t matter. We do know who he is. Sol Invictus, I’m afraid, is no deity, no divine spirit. Sol Invictus is just a man, although he’s a man with power enough to end the entire universe. There are only two as powerful that we’ve ever seen: the Anti-Moderator and Ekron himself. Sol Invictus is that powerful, and he’s dangerous. Because he is mad. You can tell them Stranger.”
“Very well, and I will be brief for the sake of haste. Over a three hundred years ago, when Sun-Eaters were rampant in the galaxy, planets became crazed with hysteria in dealing with them. However, this was a terrible time for the United Planets, and it offered no aid. One planet, Dora, stood out and attempted to learn more about the Sun-Eaters and what they were, to see if there was a sentience or purpose for them. Mathias of Dora was their leading scientist, and he developed a way to approach these creatures without being destroyed by their intense heat and radiation, and through a series of experiments, believed he had come up with a way to generate enough faux-sun energy to attract them into the far corners of space. Feeling that he had gone too far in his science and broken many laws, the then United Planets General Council voted that his experiments were illegal. Feeling that he was running out of time, Mathias attempted to hurry his experiments before the Science Police could take them away—and there, he made his greatest error. For the devices went off accidentally, tragedy struck. For now Sun-Eaters from all over the universe came forth to eat the energy he had created.”
The Phantom Stranger paused and his audience looked on quietly. “It was instantaneous. The sun that Dora used was snuffed out by a host of Sun-Eaters and the entire planet was laid to darkness, except for the light generated from Mathias devices. It was then that they struck the planet Dora itself and consumed the faux energy, and the greatest, most hideous destruction and degradation occurred. And thus, it was then that not only did Mathias witness the entire death and destruction of his people, but he then was not consumed by the Sun-Eaters—for it was then that the energy combined with the sentience of the Sun-Eaters in an explosion of energy that he had never foreseen, and the ensuing blast destroyed the Sun-Eaters, pouring their immense power into him. Thus, Mathias was destroyed, and a new Pro-Mathias was born, with the power of a million Sun-Eaters. His anger at the UP was mighty and he had been driven mad by the tragedy, by the pain, and now by the power. He attempted to destroy all of space, but had burnt himself out in the process, still too weak from the calamity that had created him. He disappeared somewhere, though known new where, but in his wake left a following among the sentients of various cultures, who referred to him as ‘Sol Invictus’, or ‘the Unconquered Sun’. It is from here that the belief system has grown.”
“Yes,” said Eryk Davis Ester coming in now, “and it was in our dealings with the Black Sun, that Cobie and I discovered a plot by Caracalla, their leader, to reawaken Sol Invictus, as he had found out where the sleeping ‘deity’ now lived. Sol Invictus’ power has grown one million-fold, and he has enough pure sun-energy to consume galaxies. Cobie and I called on Lucien Lad, the LMBP Spectre and some others to do what they could, but we had only found out in the final hours when it was almost too late. Only by using the remaining emotions of what was once Mathias, were we able to trick him into burning a hole out of the universe itself, so he would exist between worlds and universe and earths, no longer a part of our world. Only someone like he had the power to do so, and Lucien Lad and the Spectre were able to repair reality so that the hole remained closed. That is the one time Sol Invictus has ever crossed normal people, well, er, if you consider us normal.”
“Normal enough,” said the Stranger, “for one like Sol Invictus.”
“So the Dark Oval never learned about this?” said Turns You Into A Country Fred. “Pretty good cover-up. That could have began a pretty crazy Holy War,” he added nonchalantly. Everyone in the room suddenly gave him an odd look.
“We think Caracalla knows,” said Eryk, “since he now has other plans for the Black Sun. But that’s neither here nor there. We now have the problem that he’s somehow almost able to pierce his way back in. And there is no way there is any humanity left in him, it is almost certainly all burnt out. He’s a being powerful enough to kill the entire LMB and Legion World, and he barely has enough mind left to do anything but want to destroy us all. Only Lucien Lad or the Spectre have ever been strong enough to even look at him.”
“How did he come here?” asked Space Tart. “Is that what the Conspiracy was? A Black Sun thing?”
“No, not a Black Sun thing,” said Eryk. “We know that now, though we don’t know much else,” he added, not knowing that miles away, Jailbait Lass, Helena Handbasket and others were coming ever closer to the truth.
“I believe I can explain his return,” said M’Baku, “though I do not know the motivation. It was what you call the ‘Infinite Crisis’. When it reset the universe, it created a weakness in the fabric of reality. The weakness is here, above Legion World, at the epicenter of that crisis. Fifty-two points in time, space and reality now are all that separate the universe and ‘outside of the universe’, and Sol Invictus is punching them.”
“The ‘52’…” said KGSR II.
“Yes, the ‘52’,” said M’Baku, “the 52 weakest points in the universe. He is reentering it, and the last Crisis has allowed him to do so.”
“These are interesting times,” said Captain Lightbulb, “and its time we get an idea for why.” Suddenly, the dim lightbulb on his head began to brighten, for the first time in months. “There are enemies on Legion World,” he added, “all reports lead to that assumption. They have conspired to bring Sol Invictus into this world, undoubtedly to destroy us. Who and what they are is irrelevant to us, for they have completed their goal.” The Lightbulb began to grow brighter.
“Your bulb,” said M’Baku, “…its’ glowing again Captain. Undoubtedly, because you yourself are from another universe, your powers somehow are related to the fabric of reality itself! Perhaps as Sol Invictus is reentering, you’re regaining your power?”
“Perhaps,” said the Captain, “because I’m beginning to think normally again. The conspirators plan to use Sol to eliminate us, that is for certain. Most likely fifty-two of them, symbolic of their mission, as these religious zealots always are, have entered Legion World and used the various devices here to their benefit. Something used as a weapon during the Crisis, if not here on this island, or in the gorilla tribe, then in one of the LMB genius’ labs. It was the extra punch to make the weakness clear to anyone trying to look for it.”
“Bloody Liberty…” said Space Tart, “…this is pretty big! We need to get everyone together!”
“Oh Spacey honey, they’re already doing that. They’re on their way to fight him now I’m sure. We need to figure out how to beat him.”
“He’s right,” said Faraway Lad. “I can feel my powers fluctuating. He’s entering our universe. He’s above us now, in Legion World’s orbit.”
“And that, LMBers, is a look into what you must do. Good luck my friends,” finished the Phantom Stranger, and slowly faded out.
“That’s it? Tell us we’re doomed and then exit?” said Lonestar Ranger.
“I love it when he gets all mysterious like that,” said Lucien Lad. “So like him!”
“Now, it’s on us,” said Faraway Lad.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Legion World Office of Security
Lard Lad sits alone quietly in the lobby outside the detention area.
"Gods," he mutters, "will I ever be anything but a screw-up? I can't believe I alligned myself with someone who turned out to be one of those Eternal Void whack-jobs! Gods..."
"Anthony?" says a familiar voice as she enters the area. "There you are, honey! We've got to get going! That General Alarm is about a major threat in Legion World orbit!"
Barely looking up, he replies, "Dru, babe...they're better off without me...I have this tendency to make bad situations worse."
The powerful sorceress who is his fiancee takes a seat next to him. "Look, Anthony...this is no time for a pity party! We're talking a threat akin to the Anti-Moderator or Ekron! They need us!"
"Dru...don't you know what I've brought to Legion World?"
"Yes, Anthony. Shady told me about Kalla Hryl's secret." She grabs his chin and forces him to look at her. "Look--you thought you were helping out someone who helped you! I know you still feel guilty about that tactic you used to draw the invaders away from Legion World, and learning what you have about your co-conspirator in that action isn't helping. But you'd do anything to protect this place--and it's in HUGE danger right now! Don't turn your back on it, now!"
"You're right Dru," he responds and stands up, "I've got to do what I can. Let's go!"
But before Dru can conjure them away, two voices shout, "Wait!"
Puzzled at first, Dru then identifies, "Mordra? Lard Lord?"
Holding her husband's hand as they rush toward the first duo, the woman known as Bat-Fem implores, "please wait, Dru...my sister." And she points to her husband, "you've got to take Tony with you--he wants to help!"
Lard Lad is speechless, but Dru takes this woman's hands who is every bit as good a person as this universe's version of her sister was evil. "You want us to take Lard Lord with us?"
Mordra replies, "I do...and I don't. But I've read the report on what the LMB faces in orbit. My physical skills wouldn't help, but Tony is about as powerful as your fiance. He could help make a difference...and he desperately wants to redeem himself for all the evil he's wrought."
They're all silent for a long moment before Lard Lad speaks up. Addressing his scarred Earth-4 counterpart, Lardy looks him in the eye and asks, "Is this what you want? Do you really want to fight with the LMB...even if it means you might not make it back to your wife."
Without breaking eye contact, Lard Lord answers, "yes...even if. This is what I want to do. I helped bring this evil about. I want to help end it."
Silently, Lardy regards his counterpart and sees the irony in what they both hope to redeem this day. "Alright. You're in. We're ready when you are."
"A moment," Lard Lord says and turns to his wife. Dru and Lardy give them some space. "Moe," he says tenderly and takes her into his arms, "my love. If this is the end for me, I will die happily, knowing I got to hold you again...knowing, once more, the power of love."
"Oh, Tony...I never stopped loving you. My life before I met you and while we were apart was empty. With you, I am whole. Whatever happens, we'll never be apart again...not in our hearts"
Tears streaming from both their eyes, husband and wife embrace until, reluctantly, they let go.
Lard Lord walks slowly to Dru and Lardy, and Dru begins her incantation. Interrupting the process briefly, Dru says, "Mordra, if I don't come back...I just wanted you to know that it's been a pleasure having you for a sister!"
Mordra smiles at her, then she turns to her husband. He's smiling at her just like he used to...before the scars...before Leelee. Mordra smiles back and waves until her husband's figure disappears with his companions.
Mordra reaches for a cloth to wipe her tears when she sees a falling motion out of the corner of her eye.
"What the hells?" she says as she spins to face the object, her body in a defensive pose.
She's surprised to see that what fell was actually a person, a woman in fact.
"Uh, hi?" the woman says. "I had to break in because the guards wouldn't allow me to see Lard Lad! Uh...is he around?"
"No, he's not," Mordra says. Then, with a start, Mordra realizes she recognizes the woman. "Jada? Jada Konti?"
[ January 03, 2007, 10:01 PM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Legion World Orbit
At once, the foundations of reality began to give way, but not without struggle! For the universe had faced many crisis in recent memory and it was strong—strong enough to defend itself and repair itself. But two score and twelve points were weak still, a bruise from a recent struggle, and now they tore and ripped, and light poured into the blackness of space, as the being Sol Invictus emerged once more upon the universe, no longer trapped in the void between existences.
His hand was massive, a blazing inferno of white hot flame, fingernails of dark blue fire. The power of one million suns and sun-eaters beckoned forth and he consumed the last vestiges of the two score and twelve weak points of the universe and his entrance was complete.
Legion World, down below, who girth was that of an entire planet, was now completely immersed in the daytime, as the light of Sol Invictus penetrated into even the deepest, darkest corners of the planet. But this was not a beautiful light, filled with beauty and majesty. This was a light that burned, that was of chaos and of pain. The light of Sol Invictus incited rage and anguish, and it brought with it the tyranny of pure illumination.
LMBP Plaza
The light in the skies came down upon them from space, and hit all of the Legionnaires like a cacophony.
“We won’t have much time,” said Actor Lad to Kent Shakespeare, looking up at the skies. “We’ll have to confront it in space, to at least try and keep Legion World free from its grasp.”
“I’ll alert everyone to fly up. We should all stick by one another,” he said, squinting. Kent Shakespeare and Actor Lad were in front of the crowd, gathering with Abin Quank, Nightcrawler and Lightning Lad.
“It’ll be easier to look at him up there, without the skies reflecting his light. We’ll have to use the blackness of space to our advantage, as well as anything we can possibly use to keep our eyes from burning out of the sockets.”
“I’ll do what I can with my ring,” said Abin. “This should be one of my greatest tests, the light being shades of yellow and such. But I won’t let you down…I don’t fear this, and I’ll protect our eyes with the green lantern’s light.”
“Let’s do it then,” said Actor Lad, and he turned to the gathered LMBers. More were shuffling in, but close to every LMBer that was currently planet-side had answered the summons, and were gathered in LMBP Plaza. “Legionnaires, you’ve been briefed on what’s ahead of you. More of our number will be joining us, but we can wait no longer. This will be one of the most dangerous threats we’ve ever faced. The power of Sol Invictus is enough to wipe us out completely, and it intends to do just that.”
They were all quiet now and completely focused on their leader. More shuffled in, as Beagle Boy entered and nodded at Spellbinder and Crusader, joining them with Poverty Lad.
“But we’ve been on suicide missions before,” said Actor Lad now, and a smile came across his face. The smile was slow and gradual, and his super-acting was perfect in its execution. “What have we said to suicide missions before?”
Lash Lad, in front, raised his fist in the air. “SWEET ASS SWEET! Let’s go LMB!” The group of them roared and cheered, and took to the skies.
As they flew off, Matlock, in the arms of a low-ranking security officer watched them go, counting their number. “Hm…it seems off. We’re missing too many. Where in the Sam Hill did they all go?” In baby form, he would be no help to the group in facing a threat so grave.
“A lot of them are missing, spread thin across the UP,” said a voice. It was Nightcrawler. He had not left them.
“Not going with them, Gary?” said Matlock. “Seems like just the type of swash-buckling thing you’d be doing.”
“It would be,” said Nightcrawler in a grave voice, “but there is something more happening here, and I intend to find out what.”
The Skies above Legion World
“I see you’ve made it home Cali,” said Tamper Lad sarcastically, “…I guess we all have to end vacations sometime.” He was flying next to Caliente and Frio.
“Oh stuff it Tamper,” said Frio, who was next to Cali. “C’mon sis, let’s go check out the tush on your fiancé,” she added, and the two flew off.
“Women,” said the Ghost of Numf-El next to Tamper Lad, “…I suppose I should add something funny, but I got side-tracked by those lovely pairs of—“
“Ahem,” said Harbinger to Numf-El.
Up ahead, Kid Vudoo and Invisible Brainiac and Enigma (CJ Taylor) flew on. “What do you see Vu?” said IB. “Can you get a good look at him with your eye?”
Kid Vudoo was already looking ahead with his powerful third eye, piercing past LW’s atmosphere into space. “Yea,” he replied, “and Sol Invictus is huge. This is soooo going to suck…”
“I suppose you could just fly up there ahead of us, IB…” said Enigma, referring to Invisible Brainiac’s massive power, then adding, “…but please don’t even think about it.”
Outdoor Miner ported next to Fat Cramer and Arachne suddenly. “I hate when we do this whole ‘fly together as one big team’ thing,” he said, “no one ever thinks of the bug and how his powers work…”
“If you were back off the wagon Miner, you could just port to SHAKES for a quick drink and then meet us up there,” bemused Arachne.
“Actually Miner, I think I left the stove on at Café Cramer,” said Fat Cramer, “and Sarah, my counter-girl, has been so distracted lately. I hope she turns it off.”
“Oh, why not?” said Outdoor Miner. “I’ll put a quarter in the mellotron so it plays us a nice ‘off to war’ anthem,” he finished, and then ported back planetside to LW, as Fat Cramer an Arachne giggled.
Sketch Lad flew on as little drawn fairies swirled around him. A closer inspection revealed them to be divas of various venues: music, fiction, serialized art.
“Deeeeeean,” said Lash Lad, flying next to him, “I could use a little pre-fight motivation you know,” he smiled.
“Here Lash,” replied Sketch Lad, drawing a mini-Jungle King so it circled Lash, maybe this will help. As Lash tee-heed, Sketch Lad drew a mini-Lester Spiffany to fly around Leap Year Lass too.
Behind them, Quislet, Esq. and the Royal Inquisitor flew on, seeing Lightning Lad and Saturn Girl holding hands as they flew. “I’m glad you came with you on this mission Roy,” smiled Quis.
The Royal Inquisitor nodded. “They were pretty adamant about not letting non-LMBers join them,” he said, “but for me the rules don’t apply. I’ll always have to make amends…” he added, knowing that many might think his being on a suicide mission defending Legion World was a fitting irony.
“There,” said Mattropolis to He Who Wanders, “we’re just about there now. Good luck everyone…”
The Streets of Legion World
“Well,” said Jailbait Lass, “there they go.” She did not look happy about it.
“This is bad,” said Seth Gaterra. “Almost the entire LMB has just left Legion World to fight whatever has been unleashed. Legion World is almost undefended now!”
“Yes,” said Helena Handbasket, “and the Church will probably make its move soon. We need to find out where, ASAP, and then put a stop to this. Let’s go,” she added, and the three ran off.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Legion World Office of Security
"So you're the Mordra of Earth-4?" Jada Konti puzzles.
"That's correct," Bat-Fem answers, "though those of us who call it home aren't exactly crazy about that name...to us, it's Earth-1, y'know?"
"Yeah, I think so, but...how do you know who I am? To most sentients other than Lardy and Cobie, I'm pretty much just some nameless green woman from an infamous vid that helped ignite the recent Invasion."
"On my Earth, you were one of my closest friends, Jada. We both trained the SMBers and trainees in hand-to-hand combat at the SMB Academy. But..."
"...she's not alive any more, is she? I can see it in your eyes."
"Yes, my Jada was killed a while back when a crazed failed ex-academy trainee named Shadowlight attacked us out of revenge for his rejection. Jada didn't survive his attack."
There is a long pause before Jada changes the subject. "Look, you say the LMB has been called into orbit. I've had a line on this Church of the Eternal Void they've been hearing about. I've been trying to contact Cobie and Lardy for weeks about it. Finally, Lardy got back a few days ago, but he's been so wrapped up in fights and intrigue that he's been impossible to catch! But now...I've learned the Church is responsible for releasing whatever threat they're facing, and while the LMB are off fighting, they're gonna attack Legionnopolis! I haven't been able to determine the exact objective of their attack yet, but I'm pretty sure it's a big deal! Is there anyone left to go to Legionnopolis, Bat-Fem?"
Alarmed, Bat-Fem thinks quickly, "no, they're all gone except for..."
On cue, Shady walks in holding Hummer Lass's hand. "There's the two of us, sweetie," Shady says, "as well as the two of you. Any idea about how many we face?"
Dejectedly, Jada says, "at least 40, most with powers."
"Well," Shady says, "I'll alert the uniformed Security forces. They are largely unpowered, but their numbers will certainly help us. And I've a feeling we'll run into others who will help. Legion World's civilians are pretty battle-hardened of late, so they'll be an asset to us as well."
"What about Hummer Lass?" Bat-Fem says. "Is she ready for this after all she's been through?"
Taciturn until now, Hummer Lass lifts her head and answers for herself. "I'm ready."
"All right...I was hoping for some bigtime firepower here, but if we're all Legionnopolis has, I guess we'll have to do!"
And the brave quartet of women run off to the Security Office's hanger area. If will alone were enough to win the battle to come, the Church would indeed be in trouble.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Clark Marlowe's Office. The Legion World Herald. Legionnopolis.
Ace reporter Clark Marlowe gets all his gear together, anticipating a major story.
"Gods," he says into his recorder, "all Hell's breaking loose as Legion World's being lit up by some threat in orbit, but one of my snitches says there's another story to be reported...a threat right here in Legionnopolis. 'Fingers' had been keeping an eye on Kalla Hryl from back when I had her pegged as a Bat-Fem suspect. Seems she's actually involved with some kind of death cult, and they're going to strike while the LMB's occupied. Guess I had her pegged wrong, huh?"
Then, a stray thought filters in.
"I hope Chloe's okay. She's been M.I.A. since The Inquisitor somehow got hold of and published my picture that unmasked her as Bat-Fem. Luckily, no one's connected Bat-Fem to Chloe since the pic was published. But there are rumors that Bat-Fem was involved somehow in those recent tussles between Lard Lad and Lard Lord. Hopefully, she wasn't hurt if that's true. Or maybe she found that husband she was talking about?"
Having gathered everything he'll need, he gets something out of his desk drawer. It's a necklace with a three-inch long crystalline object hanging from it.
"My lucky crystal," he says, regarding it. "I might need you today. I've had you since I found you out in the fields of the farm I grew up on in Kansas. If 'Fingers' is right, I could be in considerable danger reporting this one. Hopefully, this scoop will net me that Galactic Pulitzer I've always wanted." He puts the necklace around his neck and tucks it underneath his shirt. "I'll need all the luck I can get, then!"
Donning his vintage Fedora, Clark then rushes to the Herald's turbolift. His heart beating with anticipation, he doesn't notice a slight warming sensation radiating from the crystal as it begins to glow faintly.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
Between the Worlds
Rockhopper Lad and Rockhopper Lass appear in a strange place void of all but odd swirls of almost psychedelic colours floating about.
"Eudyptes!" cried Rockhopper Lass, "This is where I was!"
"Where is here?"
"This is where we have been, my dear duplicate!" came a voice that sounded eerily like Rockhopper Lad's own. Suddenly, the Evil Emperor Pyngwyn and the Earth-One Blaine Fey appeared before them.
"That figures!" Rockhopper Lad sighed. "Why have you brought us here, Eudyptes and--and..." Upon seeing the double of his lost love, Openly Gay Lad, Rockhopper Lad began to choke on his words. "Blaine?" He began to tear up.
"Yes, I am the Blaine Fey of your world. My double in the other world called himself 'Closeted Boy' and the 'Openly Gay Lad'. What twaddle! What silliness!" Clearly, this Blaine was as different from Openly Gay Lad as Rockhopper Lad was from the Evil Emperor.
"The Blaine I knew was a hero! He gave his life saving members of the LMB and SMB during the Invasion!"
"You were right, Eudyptes," Blaine turned to EEP. "He is a simpering fool."
"Yes, but, among other things, he is with my sister!"
"I am not your sister! Not any more!" protested Rockhopper Lass. "This is my brother now!" She grabbed Rockhopper Lad's arm. "He is a thousand times the Pyngwyn you'll ever be!" Turning to Rockhopper Lad, she said, "I remember it all now Eudyptes! These two kept me here trying to convince me to join them! They're in cahoots with the Church of the Eternal Void and they're trying to take over!"
"Take over what, Adelie?"
"Everything! They had me trapped in a spell like before. Only this time I figured it out and they held me!"
"Yes, and finally we sent you back to Legion World with your memory wiped. We knew that somehow you would get him and bring him here!" the Evil Emperor grinned.
"What are you going to do to me, Eudyptes! I'm not afraid of you or this ersatz Blaine! I beat you before! I can do it again! No Rockhopper has ever had the control of the ice that I do!"
"I know. You really are the greatest, Eudyptes," the Evil Emperor said with an almost sickeningly sweet tone. "Oh, I wanted to take my revenge on you! You cost me an Empire! But then, after my defeat, I met Blaine. I had found him in my scrying glass. I knew of your love for the Blaine of my world. So I sought him out. The two of us bridged the gap the between our worlds and came here. I still wanted revenge. In fact, that's why I first sent sweet Adelie to you, but, perhaps it's the love I have found that has given me a change of heart!"
"You don't want to conquer the universe any more?" Rockhopper Lad asked.
"Of course I do! Now I want you to join us!"
"Join you?"
"Of course," Blaine answered. "I would have two Eudyptes," he caressed Rockhopper Lad's face, "and you would have a Blaine again." Rockhopper Lad felt torn. This seemed so much like his Blaine, but it wasn't.
"Perhaps two!" EEP smiled. Who knows what the three of us together could do?
"What do you mean?" Rockhopper Lad asked.
"Think about, Eudyptes. Where do our ice powers come from?"
"It's magic."
"Right. Now Adelie here is pretty good with the ice--one of the best, in fact--but can she created a blizzard? Can she turn a hurricane to a snow flurry? Can she freeze 1000 people at a time?"
"No," Adelie shook her head. "I can't do any of those things."
"But Eudyptes can and has!" Blaine cried.
"Now, Eudyptes, my dear boy," EEP continued, "You are my double, so I know you're pretty intelligent. If you're able to do all that with your powers, which are based in magic, then obviously you have some talent for manipulating magical energies."
"The House of Rockhopper can only use magic for our ice powers," Rockhopper Lad stated firmly.
"Is that we can't or we don't?"
"Only the priestly House of Blue Fairy--Vl'Zyr--uses magic in other ways and they have very strict rules."
"Rules! Custom! Tradition! The Pyngwyns are so bound by such ancient foolishness!"
"Has the Church of the Eternal Void done this to you, Eudyptes?" asked Rockhopper Lass.
"Have you forsaken Dywh and Pyngwypalia?" Rockhopper Lad asked.
"I have as much use for the Church of the Eternal Void as I do for that silly religion you call Pyngwypalia!"
"Now I really don't understand!" Rockhopper Lad shook his head.
"Are you sure he's your double?" Blaine asked.
"Let's put it this way, dear double. I have learned to harness my powers in ways that you can't imagine. I had already done that some when I ruled the Pyngwyn Colonies. Blaine has taught me more. And now, with my magic, Blaine's reality-warping and your magic combined, we would be unbeatable!"
"And what about Adelie?"
"Our dear sister can stay. I'm sure we'll find a way for her to be useful!"
Rockhopper Lad was silent for a moment or two, then he turned to the his double and Blaine and said, "Are you crazy? Do you know how few people can handle that kind of power without it driving them insane? Don't you see what it's done to you? To both of you. I'm content with my powers as they are. I don't need to be able to do more. I am Crown Prince of the Pyngwyn Colonies. Soon I'll be the Deputy Leader of the LMB. Does Pyngwyn society and Pyngwypalia have a lot of rules and customs? Of course! But they are what I live by. The LMB may not be perfect, but they've given me a purpose I never would have known had I stayed at home. I would never join you! I have my friends and my family," he took Adelie's hand. "I don't need you!"
"We don't need you either!" EEP roared. "We'll continue with our plans with our without you! And I do mean without you!"
Rockhopper Lad closed his eyes and held his breath. He held firmly onto Adelie's hand. Then they disappeared.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
The Hive. Dark Oval space.
Harold Ryan Wyandotte climbs out of a plush bed and slips a robe on to cover his naked form. He glances over at the bed's remaining occupant, a beautiful gray-skinned humanoid woman with aquamarine hair and two small antennae protruding from her forehead. He looks at her not with love, or even lust, but as a prize he had won. In a way her other form, one that many would be repulsed and afraid of, is much more beautiful to him. But that form would be impossible for human sexual purposes, and the Queen must mate with her King.
His domination of this 'Insect Queen' has landed him a position of great influence within one of the five Dark Oval powers. The Hive is currently unknown to the galaxy at large. It's one of the two hidden powers, a colony of insectlike sentients that literally share a hive mind dominated by their Queen. Once Wyandotte was able to bend her will, that hive mind began to answer to him through her as their figurehead. His influence over her is so total that his months spent apart from the Hive on Legion World did nothing to lessen it.
"I suppose she was glad to see me return," Wyandotte mutters with a wry grin as he secures the robe and enters an adjoining room. The room looks remarkably similar to the one he'd occupied at the abandoned warehouse in Legion World's Old Town. As that one did, this room features a sprawling display of vid screens.
"Ah, it's good to be back," he says. "I return armed with more knowledge and in a greater position of power. Black Sun is gone, and the Dominion and the Hyrkosians are weakened. Black Sun will soon be replaced within the Oval with a world that will owe me a considerable debt. And the other power will probably remain as docile and uninterested in politics as they always have been. Then, I will be second only to Him within the Dark Oval! In the meantime I need to see how things progress with the three initiatives..."
Wyandotte removes a small chip from a fold of skin on his arm. He had taken this chip from the computer at his Old Town base before it self-destructed. He inserts the chip into a receptacle, and the sprawling vid display suddenly comes to life.
His eyes darting around from monitor to monitor, Wyandotte grins widely. "Ah...so the Church has released Sol Invictus as planned--excellent! My instruments show that some of the energy released from his breakout is being channeled into Earth-4's dimension as planned. It will only be a short time until our initiative there is complete!"
He concentrates for a moment on the LMBers flying up to challenge their nigh-omnipotent opponent. He laughs aloud as he sees Lard Lord among their number. "HA! Absolutely priceless! That fool never ceases to amaze me! Hopefully, Sol Invictus will finish what Earth-4's Thora failed to accomplish!"
"Still, it's imperative thst the LMB defeats Sol before he can destroy the universe. I do have plans for it after all." He glances at another feed, "hopefully, those fools on Greg Evigan Island will figure out how to defeat Sol soon. If they don't, it will be too late for me to stop him. Luckily, those fools tend to luck their way out of impossible odds."
He then turns his attention on another monitor. "Kalla Hryl! You, on the other hand I definitely want to succeed. Once I realized my plan to replace Lard Lad was derailed, I did everything I could to help you to succeed in your mission to eliminate Legion World. You have a high probability of success here, Kalla...don't waste this opportunity!"
Finally, he turns to another set of monitors. "Even if Sol Invictus fails to destroy the LMB and Kalla somehow is thwarted, victory will be mine regardless. My initiative with Earth-4 is a definite success, and if the LMB and Legion World survive, it will be too late for them to do anything about it!"
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Legion World Orbit
“There he is LMB, look alive!” yelled Actor Lad, as the heroes moved farther from Legion World space and into extreme peril.
Before them now was Sol Invictus, and upon seeing him close up they understood the share size of him. They were like insects to him, and he stood before them now, his light illuminating all in his path, so nothing was left secret from him.
“Nothing…” said Saturn Girl, grimacing in pain, “…all I feel is fury…there’s no mind left in there. Just hate. He plans on destroying us all.”
The LMBers swirled about in space, fanning out and keeping a distance. Abin Quank used his ring to create goggles for the LMBer’s eyes and the resistance he felt from Sol Invictus’ power was immense. Pagan Lass held her hand on his shoulder lending him strength. “Be strong, my love,” she said quietly for his ears, “focus and the pain shall pass.” Sweat trickled down Abin’s face.
“Ok LMB,” said Kent as the various LMBers approached Sol Invictus from various distances, “let’s see what he’s got!” At once Invisible Brainiac was the first to enter the battle, unleashing a cascade of hard light energy upon Sol. Invisible Brainiac was one of the most powerful LMBers by far, his moniker being a complete misnomer more related to his personality than his powers. In truth, he was a beacon of light energy and had to actively work hard to hold back and control he light energy, lest he hurt those around him. Now was one of the rare times in his life that he could truly cut loose. The energy poured into Sol Invictus and at once Invisible Brainiac thought he might be able to overload Sol Invictus. It was to no avail.
“Nothing,” said Actor Lad, watching on, “I was afraid of that. Numf?”
The Ghost of Numf-El was as close as anyone could be to Sol Invictus, and the sheer fact that he was already dead was all that was stopping him from being burned out completely. He spoke back to Actor Lad, “it’s just a big flaming fella really,” replied Numf, “I can’t see how you’re gonna even be able to approach him. The asteroids floating near him are actually burning up and catching on fire. Its bollocks for all ya,” he added.
“Let’s give it a try, Frio,” said Caliente, stepping forward, as she unleashed the full fury of her fire powers. “Maybe the extreme hot and cold of our powers might be able to do something to throw off his temperature…”
“Worth a try to me,” said Frio, joining her and unleashing her ice powers.
“Count me in too,” said Drake, who now flew in between them and unleashed his anti-matter energy. They were soon joined by Lightning Lad and Ultra Matt, who let loose lightning and flash vision respectively. The power at once poured into Sol Invictus and for the first time, he took notice of them. Invisible Brainiac now joined their side, and the power was amplified.
A bit off, Yellow Kid and Actor Lad now saw Sol Invictus looking at the cluster of LMBers, and a rush of anxiety hit them. “Oh no…” said Actor Lad, “…he’s noticing them!”
“Scott!” yelled Saturn Girl, as a surge of anger overcame Sol and the feelings rushed to her mind, “get out of there!”
Sol Invictus turned suddenly with a speed unparraled, and his precision was surgical. A blast of intense heat and fire suddenly went forth from his hands and the rawness of it created waves of blue and silver ripping forth. The LMBers had no chance and at once knew their days where numbered, when suddenly, “…no!” yelled Beagle Boy running into the fray and grabbing Lightning Lad and Ultra Matt. Even he, the fastest of all the LMBers, was no match and as his heroism ensured that the other LMBers would be safe, his legs were caught in the blast!
“Beagz!” yelled Crusader and others.
The rest of the flaming death-knell came meters from Caliente and Frio when Yellow Kid leapt into the fray, using his power to create a whirlwind to send it sideways into orbit, melting all asteroids and satellites that it came near, continuing on unending into space. But he, too, felt the fury of Sol Invictus as the slightest touch had burnt his arms and torso. Drake, however, was unluckier, as almost immediately his costume was consumed and his anti-energy came forth into the universe, rendering him powerless for the time being.
“Dammit!” yelled Kent, leaping towards Beagz, who Crusader had pulled off to the side. “Someone give me an anesthetic and get Dr. One!” he yelled. In addition to being a super-powered hero in the LMB, Kent was also an excellent field medic, and now that was what he would have to focus on. “Someone get me Yellow Kid over here,” he said. “We’re not going to let Sol Invictus pick us off one by one…”
But now the battle had begun. Moving with intense speed and mass, Sol Invictus came forth, burning across orbit and unleashing his fury down upon them.
Poverty Lad flew down next to Spellbinder, Crusader and Lash Lad. They all nodded, as various LMBers moved forward and around the battle. Even now, Abin Quank was using his strength to not only protect their eyes, but to shield Blacula from Sol Invictus’ sunlight, lest he be completely destroyed. Kent Shakespeare kept his back completely to Sol, trusting his fellow LMBers to fight on so he could save their friends. Beagle Boy and Yellow Kid had their LMB-issued Omnicom’s out, acting as a communication hub, despite being on the verge of passing out. “To the end, LMB” said Crusader, “the battle is calling us.”
Sol Invictus continued to move forward and the darkness of space continued to shine in chaotic, horrible light.
[ January 04, 2007, 06:45 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Streets of Legion World
“You heard me!” said the squealing voice of Matlock to the uniformed low-ranking security officers around him. “Shady just sent the intel in! Something big is about to go down, and we better be ready!” Security Officers swarmed everywhere through the streets, yelling at pedestrians to get inside immediately.
One pedestrian, a women with short-cropped red hair, smiled at one of the officers. But it was not the nice, interested smile of a possible lover—it was the harsh, uncaring smile of a predator seeing its victim for the first time. She followed him.
Nightcrawler suddenly bamfed away.
Embassy Way
Jailbait Lass, Helena Handbasket and Seth Gaterra walked the streets slowly now, their need for haste gone and trepidation flowing everywhere in their bodies. “I-I’m unsure what to do now,” said Jailbait Lass. She was not used to this—her greatest asset was her ability to be clairvoyant in these matters.
“Stay by my side,” said Helena, the Commander coming to the fore once more. “No matter what happens Lolita, I’ll be here with you.”
“And I, you,” said Seth Gaterra to Helena. There was no doubt that the two had formed a bond by now and neither could deny it, though neither could guess at what that really meant. Power pulsated from Seth’s hands and Jailbait Lass felt relieved that he was with them. “Up ahead,” he said now, “there’s a group up ahead…we, I mean I, can feel them,” he finished, still unsure of how much to reveal about himself, especially in front of Jailbait Lass.
“Where are they going?” asked Helena, looking up ahead.
“Oh no,” said Jailbait Lass suddenly. “I know we’re they’re all heading. It’s right up ahead. It’s—“
*BAMF!* Nightcrawler suddenly appeared next to them. “—The Dark Oval Embassy. That’s where some of them are.”
The Streets of Legion World
The red haired woman moved forward following the science police officer. Yes, he’d do. He turned a corner, but felt her presence—turning back, he saw no one.
Unknown to him, she was an Imskian woman and had shrunken to microscopic size. Also unknown to him, she was a member of the Church of the Eternal Void, and months of planning had finally begun to pay off for her group of ‘52’. Unknown to him, the chaos on Legion World was about the begin. The LMB was off-world and the universe was distracted. Sol Invictus had arrived and would hopefully kill the LMB. And now, the ‘52’ would destroy Legion World itself.
The young officer felt something land on his shoulder. He never had a chance to check it. The Imskian woman, codename ‘Virus’ exploded through the side of his face, growing back to normal form and killing him instantly.
It had begun.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
Embassy Way
Just after Nightcrawler appeared, the sound of ten feet came trotting up after Seth, Helena and Lolita.
"Time Teller Lad! Hyvvie! Old Dutch!" Lolita said. "How did you all find us?"
"Hyvvie's Nose of Wonder, of course," TTL smiled. "I'm glad we found someone we know! Where is everyone?"
Nightcrawler filled them in on the LMB's mission to stop Sol Invictus.
"Okay," TTL sighed. "What I came to tell you was that Rockhopper Lad and Rockhopper Lass have disappeared. I think it has something to do with the Evil Emperor Pyngwyn."
"It does all right," said a somewhat harried looking Rockhopper Lad, who was being licked by an elated Hyvvie. Rockhopper Lass stood at his side looking quite confused.
"What happened, Eudyptes?"
"I needed to get out of there, Adelie! My double may have been influencing me in some way, but the temptation to accept his offer was--it was very difficult. So I took a chance that he was right. I tried channeling my powers to teleport us. I focussed on the one being on Legion World who loves me more than any other," he patted his faithful beagle. "Oh, but, it was awful! The pain--it was just awful! I don't think I could ever do anything like that again! Nor do I want to! As I said, I'm happy with my ice powers as they are. I'll leave the other magic to the people who can handle it!"
"That's all great, Rocky," Seth said, "but I think we may need to concentrate on them!"
[ January 07, 2007, 03:47 PM: Message edited by: Rockhopper Lad ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
The Streets of Legion World
From a rooftop overlooking the ruins of the Dark Oval Embassy from a block away, Kalla Hryl, dressed in a formal white bridal gown, plans the movements of her insurgent forces with two of her lieutenants.
"Very well," Kalla says, "it appears the authorities have been alerted to our plans, as the Security Office has set up a guard near the ruins. It's only a trifle, though, as our loyal plant among their uniformed guards has confirmed that the entire LMB is engaged with the threat we've unleashed in orbit. Without their powers this token security force will crumble easily before our might."
"Yesss, missstresss," says the serpentine creature to her left. "But the light the power in the sssky emitsss isss quite blinding. Might the propheciesss have been wrong? Hasss the Dessstroyer already come?"
Kalla frowns, "I told you, Fury, this is the False God whom those of the Black Sun worship! As a keeper of the Sacred Scrolls I am privy to ALL the prophecies! They face Sol Invictus, but he is NOT the Destroyer! He is a false prophet foretold in the Scrolls. He won't succeed in destroying the universe, and probably not even Legion World! Insuring the destruction of Legion World, the Great Neutral Power, is our sacred duty, and ours alone! The False God is simply the distraction we need!"
"My apologiesss, missstresss. I wasss weak."
"You will have the opportunity to prove yourself, Fury...when you give your life with the rest of us, this night! I have dressed for the occasion in the dress I'd been saving for my wedding to my dear Huldnaf. Tonight, I will be a bride after all, Bride to the blessed Eternal Void!"
"All we have to do is reach the Temple, my mistress?" says what appears to be a sentient shadow to Kalla's right.
"Yes, Wrath," she grins, "the Temple beneath the ruins of yonder Dark Oval Embassy houses the Great Plague, an ingenious techno-biological contagion engineered by the Dominators! Stolen and planted there months ago by a true devotee of the Church during the Oval's Invasion of this world, the device that contains it lies in wait now. The contagion has to incubate on its targeted world for a time for it to be effective. It analyzes the world and adapts itself to do whatever it takes to not only obliterate a world's population, but to also make that world completely uninhabitable to any conceivable form of life for all time! In Legion World's case I'm certain it will fulfill the latter part of its purpose by adapting the ultimate computer virus to permanently crash the ultimate artificial planet's operating systems!"
"It will be glorious, mistress!" shouts Wrath.
"Yes! Let's delay no further! Virus and her group have paved the way--it's time for the rest of our army to charge in and take the Holy Temple! The Bride shall wait no longer for her wedding night!"
Kalla Hry's entire body begins to glow a bright white, and she rises from the building fists held up toward the sky. Fury slithers down the building, and Wrath floats behind their mistress. In their wake dozens emerge and charge in the same direction.
The Streets of Legionnopolis will soon run red with innocent blood.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Above the Streets of Legion World. Near the center of Legionnopolis.
The foursome of Bat-Fem, Shady, Hummer Lass and Jada Kont are hovering in their Security Office cruiser, for the moment observing the chaos below.
"Gods!" Jada exclaims. "It's really hitting the fan down there!"
Shady nods, though her attention is divided as she communicates with Security Officer Ralph via comlink.
Bat-Fem methodically scans the area with her Batnoculars. "They all seem to be headed east, and they're killing everyone in sight!" she yells. "We've got to get down there and help!"
"I'm with you, Mordra," Jada agrees.
"Just one moment," Shady says to them as she continues to communicate, "Ralph is giving me some major intel, here. Please hold on one moment longer, ladies!"
"All right, Shady," Jada says, "but we can't just watch this much longer."
Bat-Fem presses her device once again to her eyes and impatiently switches its focus from one point to another until she sees something unusual. "I think I see some friendlies, Jada! Looks like...that guy who can disintegrate things with his hand...whatsisname..."
"Seth Gaterra?" Hummer Lass offers.
"Yeah...him and several others...yes! The Rockhoppers...and that ex-commander of the Invasion forces with the robot arm...and--"
"Ladies!" Shady shouts suddenly. "Ralph says they're heading for the ruins of the old Dark Oval Embassy! We've got to--"
But she stops, and her eyes widen. She sees something frightening.
Bat-Fem sees it to and yells, "ground-to-air missle! Everybody BAIL!"
And within a moment the cruiser explodes in a ball of fire.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Legion World Orbit
“Maxx, a word please,” said Pagan Lass, flying over to the Sorcerer, who looked annoyed that he’d be pulled away from his husband during such a dangerous moment. Realizing it was Pagan Lass, whose husband was also in danger, he quickly gave his attention. “Our magics may be useful here,” she continued, “or they very well may not be. We both know that. But I think there might be something we can do that will help, that can free up my husband and protect the ones we love,” she finished, looking at the hurt Beagle Boy and Yellow Kid, who were quickly being joined by Invisible Brainiac and others.
“Yes,” said Maxx, “…I think you’re right.”
Not far off, the LMB scattered, as Sol Invictus sent his rain down upon them, which came down in hot, black, piercing ash, burning their skin and emitting fumes into the faces that burnt their insides. “I don’t know if it’ll work,” said Tamper Lad to Dr. One, “we haven’t had much time…”
“I know,” replied Dr. One, “…but it’s all we’ve got right now. If we can try to convert this being into something more carbon-based, we might just have a fighting chance…”
“It doesn’t matter boys,” said Stealth, “we ran out of time the minute we entered orbit. Give me what you have and I’ll see what I can do to make it happen,” she added, taking the device.
“Not alone,” said CJ Taylor, the LMBer known as Enigma, “we’re in this together.” By his side were Kid Prime and Harbinger.
“I’ll show that thing where he can stuff that device…” said Harbinger.
“Looks like we have a fifth partner,” said Kid Prime, nodding to Everyday Girl, joining them.
“Ohmygod,” she began, “if my gran or grandpa catch me I’m in so much trouble, but, I, like, have to help, so lets just go and do this,” she said, cocking the triggers on her two 9mm pistols.
“I like your style,” said Stealth with a wicked grin, and they were off.
Closer to Sol, Kid Vudoo carried Monkey-Eater Lad, joining Quislet, Esq. and the Royal Inquisitor. “It’s no use,” said Vu, “we’re racking up injuries too fast and Sol Invictus seems unhindered.” He looked over to see Poverty Lad, Blacula, Ultra Matt and Lash Lad doing their best, but having no effect. Not much farther away, fire rained down up on Suddenly Seymour, Fat Cramer, Lard Lad and Mystery Lad, protecting only by the LardForce and the additional help of Leap Year Lass. Vu carried MEL, Quis and Roy to Kent thinking quietly…“we’re losing…” he thought.
“Let go, Abin,” said Pagan Lass some distance away, “Maxx and I will protect them now. No LMBers will perish in this fight, you have my word.”
“She’s right,” said Maxx. “We may not be much help against Sol, but our magic will keep you all living…” he added, holding her hand.
“I’m here for you too,” said Dru the Sorceress, and she also extended her hand. “I know neither of you trust me, and you have little reason to, but there are people out there that I love as well, and I want to protect them.” Maxx and Pagan Lass looked at her hand with some hesitation, and finally, Pagan Lass grasped it. All three were there for the same reasons.
Abin Quank let go, and a tremendous strain was released. He had no time to enjoy it. “I’m joining them,” he said, immediately flying off.
“Magic works better in threes,” said a figure, smiling, as the two suddenly saw Iron Rat, aka STU, aka the LMB’s resident magic-user and longtime member, “but this is one fourth that I think you’ll welcome”. He had not been seen in sometime. “The LMB doesn’t go out in a blaze of glory without their most famous mage,” he smiled, and grabbed Pagan Lass’ other hand. “Follow my lead,” he said to them, “and we’ll protect our friends.” At once the three began to hum, and a subtle purple aura began to glow around them.
Near Sol Invictus, Crusader and Spellbinder unleashed a torrent of telekinetic energy, Crusader’s being the prime source. With their powers boosted, the blast was greater than even they predicted, but it still had no effect, throwing them backwards.
“Mykel!” yelled Crujectra, spiraling back, as Crusader took the brunt of the backlash of telekinetic energy.
“Okay Bob,” said Crusader out loud, “I’m sure you’re laughing now…”
Spellbinder suddenly felt the arms of someone grab her, and she turned to see a familiar smiling face—one that she had not seen unscarred in many, many long months. “Miss me?” said Cobalt Kid, as he held her. “I’ve brought help,” he added with a familiar smile, and nodded towards Reboot and Emerald Varalent, who were by his side.
“Quit goofing off, Cobalt,” said Reboot, moving towards Actor Lad.
“Well Cobie, what do you say?” added Vee with a smile. “You interrupted my mission for this, so now I get to show you something I’ve been thinking about doing…”
Closer to battle, the small group of Stealth, Kid Prime, Enigma, Harbinger and Everyday Girl moved forward, making no noise and with great haste. “C’mon…” said Dr. One watching from a distance. “…that’s it KP, keep up your shield around them…”. But it was to no avail. Without hesitating, Sol Invictus sensed their lack of heat and felt a void that must be filled—and so he issued forth a flame so great, that it came close once more to penetrating the confines of space, time and reality. “No!” said Dr. One, one voice among many who witnessed it. In almost slow-motion they saw the flame burst forth, and knew their friends were dead. And in one instant, a familiar mini-gate opened, and the figure of Outdoor Miner appeared, effortlessly taking them away, milliseconds before their death.
“Miner!” said Dr. One. “Thank Rao!”
“Was that a beer in his hand?” said Tamper Lad, “one of those imported ones that are costing me a fortune?” further thinking to himself.
As some LMBers cheered, Reboot looked to Actor Lad with no smile. “I don’t know they’re cheering,” he told the leader, “that might have been our greatest chance, and its gone.”
[ January 09, 2007, 12:55 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Embassy Row
The battle had begun, and in full fury. Before the gathered motley crew on Embassy Row stood at least two score of the enemy, though they appeared to be ragtag themselves. In truth they were not…they were united for a single purpose, some believing steadfast in the teaching of the Church of the Eternal Void, some wanting profit and some purely there for their hate of the LMB and Legion World. But they knew their plan was brilliant, and it was in the eleventh hour of its completion.
“We need to get past them,” said Helena Handbasket, “and make our way into the old Dark Oval Embassy.”
“Well, my social reform of Legion World certainly won’t work if they succeed,’ said a voice and they all turned to see Nova Girl arrive, with a horsewhip in her hands.
“Welcome Nova Girl,” said Nightcrawler grimly. “…it appears that we’re all that is left between these 52 and Legion World. I will not let them bring harm to my planet.”
“And we’ll defend it by your side,” said Jailbait Lass, stepping forward. Up until now, she had been in the background, letting Helena and Seth take the forefront. Now she let the black trench coat she borrowed from Cobalt Kid ripple in the wind, and she pulled out her Security Office issued pistol. She remembered her hallucinations about the cruiser flight home. She was ready for this…she was ready for a fight.
Nova Girl smiled at her. “Well, well…the surprises never cease…” she said.
“INCOMING!” yelled Hyvvie, as suddenly the various heroes scattered.
A giant meteor landed smack in the middle of them, destroying the street around them. They all rolled with the impact and got in position for a battle, as the meteor suddenly shifted shape to form that of a bi-pedal being. It spoke, with lava flowing from its mouth. “The streets of Legion World will be long gone!” yelled the Church of the Eternal Void member, “and our glory will be renowned in the new world!”
“Save it!” yelled Seth, leaping towards him with arms outstretched, unleashing a torrent of power. The other heroes turned to the rest of the two score enemies. They charged.
Legionnopolis
All around the city, various members of the 52 wreaked their havoc and begun the final assault on Legion World. Once more, the streets were littered with battle.
“Alright, keep yer cools!” yelled baby Matlock. “fan-out, and find a partner to tussle with!”
Suddenly, one of the security officers saw a streak of black and yellow fly by at maximum speed, hurtling off into orbit. “Look, up in the sky!” said the security officer holding Matlock. “What the hell was that?”
“Looks like the incoming LMB leader is about to make his entrance up there…” said baby Matlock.
The Jungle Kingdom of Legion World
Though the LMB was the main threat the ‘52’ took no chances. As the pacifist, science-based Gorilla Kingdom of the Legion World Jungles prepared to aid their Legion World cousins, they too felt the fury of the ‘52’ as Project Codename: Validus marched towards them. He was all that was needed of the 52 to keep them busy, while the other 51 did their job.
Greg Evignan Island
“And now”, said Potty Mouth Master, secretly posing as Soho for all these months, “we’ll shut down this little gathering before they think they can stop Sol Invictus from destroying their friends…”
“At last,” said Psychotic Beaver, “I get my revenge on Shark Lad!” With a ferocity unseen on Greg Evignan Island throughout its existence, Psychotic Beaver and Studly Woodchuck were unleashed on Greg Evignan Island.
Embassy Row, Legionnopolis
Helena and Nova Girl ran forth as Nightcrawler bamfed ahead, taking on whoever they could. Though some of the Church members were unpowered, they were still ferocious and armed with Dominator-tech, the origins of their existence showing the connection to the Dark Oval, despite being so secretive. However, it became apparent that the 52 chosen for this mission were not just Church-believers looking to be martyrs. They were specifically chosen by race. Almost every member was of a home-planet, whose people had specific abilities that could be considered ‘super’.
The woman known as Codename: Virus leapt off of another Security Officer, smashing in his head, adding another kill to her list. Virus smiled, shrinking back down to microscopic size. The Dominators had experimented on her, and given her something that many would envy: Kryptonian DNA strands, embedded in her own. A boost in strength and invulnerability combined with her own super-shrinking made her a deadly assassin—even if the experiment caused great damage to her mind. Now she set her sights on Jailbait Lass and smiled.
Not far off, a Bismollian, Codename: Cannibal, ran forward into the fray, his eyes spotting Helena. He let out a war-scream, in an attempt to unnerve her. “We will devour you all!” he screamed, “starting with you!”
Posted by Spellbinder on :
Hangar Bay, LMBP Plaza
Bob the Cat ran across the hangar deck, zigzagging gracefully around cargo bins and machinery. He ran up the gangplank of the nearest LMBP Cruiser. Once inside, he looked up at the airlock controls on the wall, four feet above the floor.
"Stupid humans," he muttered, and began leaping upward, trying to reach the controls. Finally, after nearly 8 tries, he reached out his hind leg and managed to connect with the control panel. As he stood there panting, the airlock hatch slid closed, and he could hear the airlock pressurizing.
He turned to run through the passenger section, and then down the access corridor to the cockpit. He leaped up into the command chair and looked at the consoles and panels arranged before him.
"Errrrr... right, then," Bob said, eyes squinting to read the displays before him. Interlac might be them preferred language of sentients across the United Planets, but in honesty it was mostly gibberish to him. He was sure he knew enough to get through this, though. After all, he WAS a cat.
He leaped up onto the control panel and began walking across it, paws triggering controls as he moved. Suddenly, the ship's engines roared to life, and the cruiser began to rise up off the floor. "Ha! Piece of cake!" A few more controls opened the hangar bay doors.
"Now to just ease this thing out, and then it's off to join those ungrateful kids who decided to leave without me."
Suddenly, the cruiser lurched backward, ramming into the wall behind it. Teeth grit against the impact, Bob hopped back up on the counter again. "Okay, so maybe my Interlac isn't all it's cracked up to be."
The LMBP Cruiser drifted forward, and Bob could hear the scrape of metal on metal and the cruiser didn't quite clear the hangar doors. Regardless, he was now outside.
The LMBP Cruiser began to rise slowly up into the air. Bob sighed and sat back in the command chair. He wasn't going to get there fast, but at least he was more or less heading in the right direction.
Hopefully someone up there would be able to tell him how to brake...
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Legion World Orbit
Seeing five of his friends nearly get flash-fried set something off inside Lard Lad. It made him very, very angry...made him want to end this right here, right now before they lost someone for real.
Moments earlier, it had taken all he had with some help from Leap Year Lass to save himself and some of the others from a blast. But as the anger within grows, he feels power well within him, power such as he's never wielded before. His eyes glow purple, and he points his fists in Sol Invictus's direction. He feels an absolute clarity then...that he's about to save the day singlehandedly. He smiles broadly.
Elsewhere, Lard Lord has been with a contingent of LMBers whose assignment it is to protect Legion World from Sol Invictus's stray blasts. Tirelessly, he's deflected more than his share.
But suddenly, Lard Lord feels a surge of Lard Force unlike any he'd felt since he had gone berzerk on Earth-4...when he'd killed his two best friends, among others. A feeling of terror overcoming him, Lard Lord looks around and spots his counterpart from this dimension, Lard Lad, aglow with such a bright purple glare that it almost rivals that of Sol Invictus.
His jaw drops as he watches Lard Lad focus his power buildup into a potent blast that hits Sol Invictus with its full force. The assembled LMBers are stunned to see their foe actually taken aback slightly. Effective or not, Sol Invictus definitely felt that one!
Unfortunately, Sol Invictus regains his posture almost instantly and looks to swat this mosquito that caused him a momentary discomfort. Lard Lord looks at his counterpart and sees that he looks winded. Then he sees the godlike deity zeroing in on the one who dared annoy him.
"Come on, Lard Lad! Teleport out of there!" Lard Lord 'yells' through the telepathic plug.
"C-can't..." Lard Lad manages to think back.
In horror Lard Lord sees the killing blast being fired. In the longest split seconds Lard Lord has ever known, he briefly hesitates, then decides on a course of action.
Seeing his death coming for him, Lard Lad tries to concentrate on a 'port, or at least to get a shield up, but to no avail. "Dru..." he whispers and closes his eyes.
But before death can reach him, Lard Lord appears next to Lard Lad, positions himself in front of him and in the blast's path and puts up the strongest possible Lard Force shield he can muster. Hot, molten flame, hotter than any fire imaginable, washes over the shield, and Lard Lord screams.
Opening his eyes at the sound, Lard Lad is shocked to see the flame being deflected harmlessly away from him. He could feel the heat--it was uncomfortable, and he could feel blisters rising all over him--but he was alive. Within moments the fire from the blast was completely gone. He wondered who had saved his life and where the scream came from.
Then he saw someone floating limply several yards in front of him. "Cobalt?" he said tentatively, more than a little afraid that he was right. He willed his flight ring to move him forward, and he was shocked to learn the identity of his savior.
"Lard Lord!" he shouted and flew over to help him. Lard Lord was alive, but he didn't look good at all. Though he'd deflected most of the blast, he had taken a huge dose of radiation at ground zero. If it was possible for him to look worse than he had in the wake of the assault by his Earth's Thora years ago, Lard Lord indeed looked even more badly burned. "Hang on, pal--I'm gonna get you down to the Medical Center. They'll fix you--"
"No need, Anthony," Lard Lord said weakly. "It's too late for me..."
This shocked Lard Lad, making him feel a combination of disbelief and anger. "No! Don't talk like that, man--you've got a lot to live for. Leelee--I mean, Mordra--she needs you! You've got to pull through for her!"
"Moe and I...we're at peace with each other. She'll...she'll be sad...but she'll make it...listen..."
"Lard Lord...Tony...you can't die! Not for my stupid mistake!" and tears start to sting his eyes. "I acted rashly. You--you should have let me die!"
"I'm...glad you see your mistake, Anthony...that path is one...you need to steer clear of. You--you don't have to be a hero, Anthony. It can be a noble calling...but it also can cause great vanity...quit the LMB and just--just learn to be Anthony. Y-you've got your whole life ahead of you...it's a gift...my gift...to you.....don't.....waste........."
And with those words, Lard Lord passes into the afterlife. Lard Lad closes his counterpart's eyes and bows his head.
After a long moment, Lard Lad raises his head and says, "I won't waste it, Tony. I won't."
And Lard Lad reluctantly leaves the body to help his living friends however he can in this desperate hour.
[ January 08, 2007, 10:38 PM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Liberty Monkey on :
Greg Evignan Island
The various heroes were gathered around the table, some LMBers, some friends: Eryk Davis Ester, Kid Gender Stereotype Reversal II, Lonestar Ranger, Liberty Monkey, M’Baku, Space Tart, Captain Lightbulb, Turns You Into a Country Fred, Faraway Lad and Lucien Lad.
“It’s brilliant,” said Faraway Lad to Captain Lightbulb, M’Baku and Eryk Davis Ester, adding “…and it just might bloody work.”
“Thanks,” said the Captain, “it’s good to be back to normal. I figure if we’re going to do this, we probably have little to no chance, so we might as well make it as far out as possible.” The giant lightbulb on his head was burning bright.
“As far out as possible is the LMB’s speciality,” said Lucien Lad with a smile, “and its about time things got off-kilter, or I was liable to go evil.”
Suddenly one of Eryk Davis Ester’s Triumvirate soldiers ran into the room! “Sir! We’re up shits creek! It’s—“ BLAST! Suddenly, he fell backwards in pain as he was shot through he back!
“You’ve by now guessed,” smiled Potty-Mouth Master, entering the room, “that you’re all screwed.” Psychotic Beaver and Studly Woodchuck suddenly leaped onto the table, tearing it to shreds!
“No!” screamed Shark Lad in a rage. “Not here! Not now! How can you still be alive…?” he said, looking at them.
“Ha!” yelled Pscyhotic Beaver, “too bad dear brother, that no matter how we still are, you’ll be the one to suffer!” she yelled, slicing him across the face. And suddenly, that was enough. For months now, Shark Lad had suppressed his ferocious rage, only to almost let it come spilling out in the UP/Dark Oval War. Coming to Greg Evignan Island was enough to hold it off—but no longer.
“AAARRGH!” screamed Shark Lad he charged forward at them.
“Sharky, no! Be smart!” yelled Space Tart leaping after him, as Lonestar Ranger fired at Potty-Mouth Master and Liberty Monkey and KGSR II joined the fray. “We’ll hold them off,” said Spacey, “you guys do what needs to be done!”
“Jeepers!” said EDE, turning, “Sharks sure scare me!” Suddenly, his magic Luck Lord appeared by his side.
“Perhaps I can help,” it said, then turning to Faraway Lad, “you were going to make an exit?”
“Yes,” said Faraway, “but you know my powers are not so precise.” He smiled. “With a little luck though…” The Luck Lord grinned.
“Let’s go Fred,” said Captain Lightbulb, “You’re essentially to the plan. M’Baku and I are joining our LMB friends here, and we need you.”
“Me?” said TYIC Fred, “uh, sure, I guess. Generally I’m here for comedy relief,” he added.
“Honey,” said Lucien Lad, “you’re all here for comedy relief,” and with that Faraway Lad used his powers on himself, Lucien Lad, Eryk Davis Ester, Captain Lightbulb, TYIC Fred and M’Baku, as the Luck Lord added in his own touch.
Legion World Orbit
Dr. One, Mystery Lad and Tamper Lad scattered farther off with their flight rings, hoping to get a moment to come together, while the LMB once more tried a few last ditch efforts to defeat Sol Invictus. Nothing had worked so far, and the results were blatant: LMBers hurt, injured and out of battle, while the remaining few were exhausted and weakening.
“Bah!” said Tamper Lad. “Together we should be able to not only stop him, but use this to our advantage!”
“I know Tamper,” said Dr. One, “but everything we’ve tried so far…”
“Jeepers Doc!” said the voice of Eryk Davis Ester, as the six heroes suddenly appeared around them, “looks like you guys are exactly where we need you!”
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Legion World Orbit
“Hang back for a second Crujeckie, you and Mykel must be exhausted,” said Cobalt, as he held her close.
She smiled at him. “You’ve been gone too long dear,” she said, “I wouldn’t worry too much about Mykel and myself these days…”she added, referring to her power boost. They were still a bit far off from the battle, though Reboot had flow in closer.
“C’mon Cobie,’ said Vee, near them with Crusader, “let’s give Sol Invictus a little taste of what we’ve been cooking up…” Cobalt smiled, and used his magnetism to quickly fly by his side. Vee’s Emerald Eye gave them a boost and the two were suddenly approaching Sol Invictus at an incredible rate. Cobalt and Reboot had been making their way back to Legion World when they became aware that Vee was on a secret mission. The three now had their own theory—that Vee had purposely been led away from Legion World because of how powerful he had become. Whoever was causing this trouble wanted him off-world. And now that he was back, he’d show them why it was a good plan.
Up ahead, they saw Lash Lad and Poverty Lad fighting on, while various LMBers scattered, as Sol Invictus launched yet again another burst of flaming light down up on them. Rhino and Saturn Girl scattered, as Suddenly Seymour and Umber were almost consumed—only saved at the last minute by Outdoor Miner, who continued o do what he could to keep the LMBers alive.
“Damn…he’s bright Vee,” said Cobalt as the two moved forward.
“I know,” said Vee, but he was concentrating too hard. He used his power to focus on the molecules in front of him, all the microscopic building blocks between him and Sol Invictus. Gradually, he began to enlarge them at an incredible rate, as Cobalt used his magnetism to push them forward with great force. The Emerald Eye focused in on them, and gave them needed fire power to move forward without hesitation, as Vee and Cobalt used their combined powers to create a mass of accelerated, growing hard-body molecules acting as a wedge of pure force. In an instant, they exploded down upon Sol Invictus, and fire and light shot forth around them.
BOOM!
For the first time, Sol Invictus faltered back as if he might fall, while Vee and Cobalt found themselves covered in the horrible fire of one million suns. “I’ve got you!” yelled a voice as Poverty Lad pulled them out, although is martian skin was specifically vulnerable to fire.
“Thanks Pov,” smiled Cobalt, as Pov flew them to safety, as the Emerald Eye quickly repaired Vee.
Vee was not pleased however. “We did little damage,” he said. “…damn, and it was such a good plan too. We simply can’t beat Sol by force,” he added.
“Correct,” said Reboot, rejoining them with Actor Lad. “We’re sure of that now. Something needs to be done. I’ve had Glitch analyzing ways to reboot him, although its not quite as easy as it sounds.”
A bit far off, the magic-users sat in silence, focusing away from the universe and on the spell they were weaving together. Iron Rat (STU), Pagan Lass, Maxx and Dru the Sorceress continued pressing on with their complicated incantation with one sole purpose. To stop any more lives from being lost. The effects could be felt. In order to do so, they must make themselves vulnerable the pain that Sol Invictus inflicted. Though far off from the battle, the magic demanded a price—each magic-user was now covered in burns. It was worsening.
Dr. One and Tamper Lad turned to see Outdoor Miner depositing Suddenly Seymour and Umber near Kent. Seymour looked unhurt, but Umber was badly burnt. “Like…that totally sucked…” she said quietly, as Miner handed her off to Kent. Miner turned to see LardLad holding the dead body of Lard Lord, and shook his head. This battle was taking quite a toll on them.
Dr. One turned to the people who had just arrived near him. “I think, my friend,” said Dr. One, “that you arrived just in time.” He and Tamper Lad turned now to Eryk Davis Ester, who stood by them with Faraway Lad, Lucien Lad, Turns You into a Country Fred, Captain Lightbulb and M’Baku.
“I sure hope so!” said Eryk. “By the sound of our plan though, we’ll only be able to try this one time, so I, er, guess, we’ll know soon enough!”
“Oh please,” said Lucien Lad, “let’s just get this over with! I’m too fabulous to be on the sidelines any longer!”
“Agreed,” said a voice, as they saw a flash of black and yellow, and Kid Marvel suddenly flew down next to them. “It’s time to end this. What is the plan EDE?”. He was the incoming LMB Leader, and Kid Marvel was ready to assume command. Eryk smiled. Actor Lad’s leadership in the field and Kid Marvel’s willingness to be the point man with this plan proved that the LMB Leader was still a job that encouraged worthy LMBers to exemplify the role.
“Call over Actor Lad and Reboot,” said M’Baku the Science-Gorilla, “now it is time for a reckoning.”
[ January 09, 2007, 12:54 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
The Streets of Legionnopolis
As the fireball the Security cruiser was turned into begins to burn itself out, two figures shakily begin to regain their footing on the streets below.
Looking around, Shady first spots Hummer Lass dusting herself off. "Are you okay, dear?" Shady asks her.
"Yes, I'm fine," she responds. "Do you see the others?"
Guided more by her telepathy than anything else, Shady looks east. Concentrating on the mental signals from their compatriots, Shady tells Hummer Lass, "they're both alive and about...one hundred feet that way. Bat-Fem...managed to swing them off the cruiser while you and I flew...but something's wrong with Bat-Fem. She's in some kind of distress! We've got to--"
But she's cut off as a mob of panicked citizens run by and block her intended path. Looking at where the mob is coming from, Shady sees they have good reason to flee!
--------
As the mob run by, Jada Konti searches for the woman whose quick thinking saved her life. "Bat-Fem...Mordra? Where are y--?" Her sentence falls incomplete as she spots Bat-Fem crouched nearby, hunched over as if in pain.
"Gods! Mordra--are you hurt?"
Moving closer, she sees that the vigilante is apparently uninjured but is sobbing fiercely.
"Mordra? What's wrong?" Jada says as she bends down and places a comforting hand on the woman's shoulder.
Gasping for breath, Mordra manages to speak. "He--he's gone! I f-felt him die..."
Bewildered, Jada looks around to see if she overlooked a body. Seeing nothing, she asks, "Who, Mordra? Who died?"
"Tony," she bellows, "my husband...I...I just felt his death."
"I...I don't understand, hon...I thought you didn't have any powers. How can you know?"
"I don't have any, Jada, but my husband did. However he did it, he reached out to me as he was dying...he's..gone."
"I'm so sorry, Mordra," Jada comforts, "I truly am."
Suddenly their moment is interrupted as they see what Shady and Hummer Lass saw chasing the frantic crowd.
Wiping her eyes, Bat-Fem's gaze hardens at the incoming threat. "War-Bot," she concludes, having sized it up. "You picked the wrong moment, machine!"
Embassy Row
Ace reporter Clark Marlowe observes all the chaos around him and finds it hard to maintain his objectivity.
"Damn!" he curses. "It's like the sprockin' Invasion all over again! Galactic Pulitzer or no, I can't just watch all of these people get slaugh--ARRRGGH!"
Suddenly, he's floored by a blinding pain. It's so piercing that he's barely aware that the pain radiates from his 'lucky crystal' as it hangs from his necklace. Though obstensibly clear with no coloring, the crystal radiates an increasingly brighter yellow light which engulfs him. If any in the chaos around him had time to notice and didn't also have the brighter distraction in the skies, they might think he was a small yellow sun.
Writhing on the ground Clark feels the crystal burning into his skin, but he's in too much pain to try to stop it. He manages somehow in desperation to climb to his feet and stumbles out of the alley he'd been observing from. He gets about 10 feet into the street and collapses into unconsciousness. The moment he falls, the yellow glow fades completely.
The next moment a panicked, stampeding mob fail to notice someone's in their path as they trample right over his limp form.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Embassy Row
Cannibal, the Bismollian member of the ‘52’, ran forward at Helena Handbasket, screaming forth from the top of his lungs profanities and vulgarities. He was trying to unnerve her, trying to get her to fall backwards, giving him the upper-hand. He had a shaved head and black sunglasses on, but the most striking feature was that he had chiseled his teeth to look like fangs—a gesture that ensured all who saw him knew that he was a cannibal. He looked forward to eating the flesh of his enemies. But the woman he was attacking was not a regular citizen of Legion World, brave as they may be. She was a former Commander of the forces of the Dark Oval, and she had looked death and fear in the eye and spit back at it. She had known horrible pain and scars before, and her mechanical hand testified to that. She did not budge and did not shrink back, but simply allowed her instincts and her mind to take over. She moved at him at an equal pace, and now he was unnerved, but before he had the slightest chance to fall back—she was on him. And she crouched low and reached for his leg with her normal arm, she powered up her mechanical one and she knew she had him. *CRACK*! With an electrical pulse on top of it, her blow came right up into his chin, knocking him backwards. “Cannibal, eh?” she said with a smile, the heat of battle bringing her a comfort that she hadn’t felt in quite awhile. “You’ll have to work for this one,” she added.
Nova Girl, Nigthcrawler and Set Gaterra headed up closer to the oncoming 52. The Meteor-Man that had fallen in front of them was a few feet away, and he braced himself to take them out. He wouldn’t get the chance. Nightcrawler bamfed so he landed on top of the Meteor-Man’s head, and the smoke and brimstone threw off his senses, long enough for Nova Girl to take her bull whip and crack it along the creatures’ legs. Already going down, the creature had little chance to save himself as Seth let loose a cascade of power into his body, instantly knocking him unconscious.
“Would that they would all were so easy,” said Seth as they looked forward. Before them now were at least two score enemies, each one as dangerous as the next. Slowly the marched forward, blasting away and shooting a variety of powers into the fray. Unnamed Security Officers dropped like flies around them.
“I fear nothing,” said Nightcrawler, pulling out his rapier from its sheath, “…and I’m still unimpressed!” With that, Nightcrawler bamfed forward into the oncoming enemy, as Seth and Nova Girl once again moved forward.
Nova Girl yelled up to them, “Any who surrender would be wise to do so on my watch, as I will take that into careful consideration when I announce my plans for prison reform in the springtime!” They laughed back at her, although some let their anger at her words be known. They had no idea she was serious.
A little farther back, Jailbait Lass tried to keep up, her security-office issued blasters in both hands, firing into the fray, aiming at whatever she could. Cobalt’s trenchcoat flapped in the wind, and let it protect her from stray debris. She felt a presence to her left, and saw a member of the 52 leap at her. She was quick, dodging it, and throwing him to the side. She’d been on a long journey at this point and instinct had taken over. As the young man turned to her again, she was upon him, and she smacked him across the face with the butt-end of her blaster, breaking his nose instantly. She had lucked out. This was one of the powerless members of the Church of the Eternal Void…her fury in battle had an easy first test. She felt herself quiver in fear but held it back, and she remembered her hallucination of the Red Bee. This was it…victim or survivor…which was she?
The black jacket suddenly went fiery red, as the self-activating defense systems kicked on. Cobalt was no fool when it came to his own protection. Some sentient had landed on her person, and she knew was in serious danger! Jailbait Lass immediately tossed the jacket to her side, not knowing what was on her, Imskian, Durlan, something far worse? It fell and she tumbled away, her blasters ready, sweat trickling down her back and neck and fear everywhere around her. She heard a female laugh, as the enemy began to grow—she was right the first time, Imskian. Virus looked at her with a mocking expression. “Scared? You should be. You’re about to die…” she smiled, and she leapt at Jailbait Lass, growing small once more…
Posted by LARDLAD on :
The Streets of Legionnopolis
As the stampeding mob rushes by, Bat-Fem, Jada Konti, Shady and Hummer Lass step out on the streets in their wake, putting themselves between the mob and the pursuing War-Bot. The War-Bot is a Dominion model about twenty feet in height, though most of that height consists of long tentacle-like legs. At the top of the legs is a metal sphere around five feet in diameter. The sphere's lone feature is a single rotating red 'eye' that fires powerful laser beams at anything that moves or has a heat signature.
The other three heroines stand behind Hummer Lass as she uses her recently-developing sonic powers to create a solid-sound barrier to deflect the Bot's death rays. These abilities have slowly manifested ever since Salad-Tosser Lord kidnapped her over two years ago and activated a dormant gene within her DNA helix. He released her immediately afterwards, explaining to her that he did this to help her protect herself in "...these increasingly dark times".
So far, she's been able to use her sonic manipulation to create shields like this one and to hover in the air. Oddly, she's developed empathic sensitivity which she used to help pull Lard Lad out of a catatonic state he'd fallen into during the Invasion.
But the War-Bot's rays were pushing her shield to the limit. "Ladies," she yells to the others, "do something quickly! I can't hold this up much longer!"
"It's okay, Pru-sweetie," Shady assures her, these two have a plan! Hold it just a bit longer...I'm going to use my powers to try to calm down the mob." Using her flight ring, Shady flies after the mass of frantic sentients.
Bat-Fem takes a cluster of small items out of her utility belt and gives half of them to Jada. Jad nods, and the two spring into action. Moving in front of Hummer Lass's shield, they get the War-Bot's attention.
The eye of the War-Bot focusses on them and fires. But Jada and Bat-Fem cartwheel in opposite directions before the beam can reach its mark. It slams harmlessly into Hummer Lass's shield though the impact on it makes Pru wince.
The eye is momentarily confused as it tries to choose which woman to target. Making it more difficult, Bat-Fem and Jada have perfectly synchronized their movements on opposite sides of the street. Another cartwheel here. A backflip there. A zig-zag run. The eye settles on short bursts to either side, trying to anticipate their movements, but none of the beams connect.
Finally, when the duo gets close enough to the War-Bot, as one, they throw the small items at the War-Bot's tentacles. The items stick to the mechanical appendages, courtesy of powerful magnets built into them.
Jada and Bat-Fem then perform a series of backflips in a retreat pattern. A second later, the devices explode, and the sphere atop, with its deadly eye, smashes into the pavement and is destroyed.
For a moment Bat-Fem and Jada, rejoining Hummer Lass, admire their handiwork. Finally, Bat-Fem scoffs, "obviously, it's one of the cheaper models."
Jada, more impressed than Bat-Fem, turns to her and exclaims, "we make quite the team, Mordra. That was...exhilirating!"
Bat-Fem smiles a humoring smile and places her hands on Jada's shoulders. "On my world...my Jada and I used to do that kind of thing before breakfast!"
Jada smiles and the two share an embrace. For Bat-Fem, this bonding at least momentarily takes the edge off of her grief.
As the two break their embrace while Hummer Lass catches a breather, Shady returns. "I've managed to calm that mob and got them to seek shelter. But there's no time for a rest, ladies. We've got to go to the ruins of the Dark Oval Embassy immediately!"
Wearily, but no less determined, the foursome head east to their destiny.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Legion World Orbit
“Alright,” said Actor Lad over his omni-com, “all LMBers currently not helping with the finale, I need you to make a hit at Sol right now. Keep him busy and keep him preoccupied. But please, above all else, be safe.” Actor Lad turned to Kent, who was finishing up bandaging Umber. He laid her next to Beagle Boy and Yellow Kid who were still hurt. The other hurt LMBers were up, however, refusing to not be a part in the final battle. Actor now turned to Kid Marvel. “I know you want to be out there, leading them, but remember we’re going to need you for the final battle.”
“I’ll be there,” said Kid Marvel, confidently.
“Good luck then,” said Actor Lad, giving him a pat across the shoulder blades. Kid Marvel flew off, and immediately, a flurry of LMBers flew on after him towards Sol in all directions, attempting to keep him distracted: Lash Lad, Arachne, Fat Cramer, Monkey-Eater Lad, Quislet, Esq., the Royal Inquisitor, Saturn Girl, Lightning Lad, Sketch Lad, Leap Year Lass, Rhino, Suddenly Seymour, He Who Wanders, Caliente, Frio, the Ghost of Numf-El, Gigglebot Girl, Kid Prime, Stealth, Engima (CJ Taylor), Harbinger, Everyday Girl, Homecoming Queen and recent arrivals Icefyre, Dev-Em and Loser Lad, who had traveled all the way from the Earth-front to join this battle.
All about Sol Invictus they flew now, getting closer and closer to them, attempting to confuse and befuddle him, as he rained down upon the righteous flame of his wrath.
The magic-users concentrated again, and the four of them issued forth another spell of protection, hoping it would be successful in saving their loved ones.
Now Actor Lad turned to the think-tank operation they had going. Before him was the LMB’s smartest and most savvy: Tamper Lad, Dr. One, Reboot and Mystery Lad, along with the Science-Gorilla M’Baku and Captain Lightbulb, who had created this crazy plan. “Will it work?” he said. They all looked at each other with some skepticism.
“We’ll make it work,” said Reboot.
The LMBers scattered around Sol Invictus, inviting the pain of the pure blinding light of his essence, and the hot, blue flame upon their skin. They were exhausted.
“This is almost too much to comprehend,” said Spellbinder to her brother, “but then again, that’s been the story of our lives since we met this little group,” she added with a smile.
He smiled back. “Well, looks like Bob the Cat entered our lives at just the precise time Crujeckie,” he replied. “I was always the one more telekinetically inclined, but this will take both of us. “Who would have thought we’d be tearing open a hole in the universe itself?”
“I guess its along the lines of rebreaking a bone to get it back in the correct position to heal right. We need to reopen the 52 weak points of the universe per that Science-Gorilla’s coordinates. And Lord help us what happens then.” She added, looking on valiantly. Behind, Cobalt Kid put his arms around her but said nothing. He was just so glad to have her in his arms again, fighting along side her—the bravest women he’d ever met. He kissed her cheek. ‘Be careful my love’ he whispered, though Crusader could hear the words said to his sister.
Cobalt flew off now, and dropped back down next to Emerald Vee, Star Boy and Mattropolis. He turned to see LardLad talking to Eryk Davis Ester. He had not seen either in some time. “I look at it like this Lardy,” he said loudly, interrupting the conversation between Eryk and Lardy without a care, “the destruction of the universe means the destruction of the Hootchie Hut…and I won’t have that on my watch,” he grinned widely.
LardLad turned, and a giant smile came over his face. They’d both been through hell for the past few months, with many ups and many downs, but had not seen each other in some time. “I never did care much for pansy battles myself,” he replied “…I like it much better when the universe itself is at stake. I’m a performer at heart you know,” he added, his implication referring to his libido.
“Jeepers!” said Eryk, “you guys aren’t going to trade one-liners all battle are you?”
“Only when it involves your hat Eryk,” said Vee, joining them, as Mattropolis, Star Boy and Invisible Brainiac laughed. “Let’s get down to business boys,” said Vee with a smile.
Near them, the ‘think-tank’ and Actor Lad looked on, watching as Sol Invictus was maneuvered farther away from Legion World, ever closer to themselves and the 52 weak points of the universe. “Almost…” he said over the omni-com to the assembled LMB, “…a little more.”
“Step forward Fred,” said Faraway Lad, as he and Outdoor Miner looked on. Now, Turns You into a Country Fred came forward.
quote:Originally posted by Eryk Davis Ester: Six Years Ago
Fred was excited. Ever since he'd discovered his superhuman abilities three months earlier, he'd dreamed of using them to earn a spot in the LMB. And today he had his chance. Open tryouts. He was excited. And he was first in line.
The second in line was a squat, portly young man who introduced himself as "Hash". Hash was nervous. He was boiling over with a power he could barely control. Fred tried to keep his distance from Hash as best he could, lest he end up getting accidentally blasted by him and spoiling his own chances at LMB membership.
Soon, it was the moment Fred was waiting for. The LMB called him in to show his stuff. There were all his heroes: Lash Lad, Cobalt Kid, Shadowplay in Candlelight Lass, Lardlad. He was excited. And so thrilled to demonstrate his power when they asked him to.
He could tell by the looks on the faces of the LMBers that his tryout had not gone as well as he hoped.
Cobalt Kid was the one who told him the bad news: "We're sorry, Fred, but while your ability to remove the clothing from other sentients is impressive, I'm not sure how practical it would be in a fight. Especially since many of our villains are already naked."
Lardlad added: "Plus, if you use your powers on someone really HOT, it might distract us as much as our opponents!"
Shadowplay in Candlelight Lass tried to console him: "At least you get this consolation walking stick..."
Just then Loser Lad rushes in: "Guys, come quick! We've got an emergency outside! The next applicant just lost control of his powers and turned everyone else in line into countries of the former Soviet Union! I just barely missed getting turned into Kazahkstan!"
As the LMBers rushed out, Fred stood there heartbroken.
He remembered those days long ago, from both of his lives. The rejection he felt, the years of inadequacy he felt. Now was his big chance.
Reboot put his hand on Fred’s right shoulder. “Glitch…reboot this sentient to power level A.1, with focus on maximizing the body’s abilities, while minimalizing the personality effects…” At once, a power surged into Fred’s shoulder and he flinched, falling forward and clenching his stomach. Reboot stood there and squeezed harder, holding him up.
Now Lucien Lad stepped forward, and placed his hand on Fred’s left shoulder. The grandeur of Lucien Lad shined bright, and a grin, both beautiful and mischievous came across his face. “I remember the grand ol’ days of the LMB,” said Lucien Lad loudly, “when we could come up with cockamamie plans at the drop of a hat and figure out ways to defeat close to anything. “I’m feeling nostalgic dear Freddie,” he added, “…and I’m holding you accountable.” A bluster of purples and blue seemed to transmit fro Lucien Lad to TYIC Fred, and the effects were more visual to see: immediately, the glamour force of Lucien Lad was a visual highlight to the unseen change via Lucien Lad’s nostalgia powers. TYIC Fred suddenly had a new costume, complete with purples and yellows, and his black hair was changed in style, to reflect a newer, more glistened Fred.
Reboot and Lucien Lad held Fred up, and suddenly, he opened his eyes. He was different.
“Get out of there now, LMB!” yelled Actor Lad into his omni-com, and on the drop of a hat, the LMB scattered! Fred moved forward, next to Actor Lad, with Reboot and Lucien Lad by his side and power sparkled in his eyes.
“Captain Lightbulb beamed with pride. “It worked I think!” he said, “Fred, I now name you: Turns You into a Planet Fred!”
“Now Fred,” said Tamper Lad, “aim it at the monster, and shoot for the stars.”
And so Turns You into a Planet Fred aimed at Sol Invictus and let forth a blast from his hands, and all at once, the matter and energy in orbit outside of Legion World erupted in a cataclysm. Where once the sentient Sol Invictus was, now stood a growing, destructive body of energy and heat, a gigantic sun exploding forth, ripping apart the universe, as the sentient being Sol Invictus faded away and a giant planet-sun stood in its place.
“Ten seconds,” said Mystery Lad, “…until this destroys everything in this galaxy…”
[ August 29, 2008, 09:05 AM: Message edited by: Cobaltus Primus Augustus ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Legion World Orbit
Before them now as the giant planet-sun that was once known as Sol Invictus, and the energy and heat of one million suns and sun-eaters issued forth from it, threatening to consume not only Legion World, but the entire galaxy and galaxies beyond, perhaps the entire United Planets itself. Whereas they had time before, the LMB now only had seconds.
“NOW!” screamed Actor Lad into his omni-com and the House of Jectra responded. For weeks now, the being known as Bob the Cat had trained them in harnessing their powers, which had increased exponentially. Now it seemed so much clearer, as if the universe itself had foretold they would need the increase and would need the ability to use them with precision. Crusader and Spellbinder stood by each other and combined their telekinetic might. The universe was weakened here by fifty-two points, and had allowed Sol Invictus to re-enter it. The House of Jectra now pulled at these fifty-two points telekinetically and with great concentration…ripped it back open. A large rift in the universe began to open, as the strain began to tear at the minds and bodies of Crusader and Spellbinder. A single trickle of blood ran down Crusader’s nose. As the sun-planet of Sol Invictus threatened to destroy the galaxy, the rift in the universe threatened to destroy all that is.
“We’re up!” yelled Emerald Varalent, as those assembled by his side moved forward. Mattropolis and Star Boy were first, issuing forth all the power they could muster, increasing the mass of what was left of Sol Invictus to points they had never previously been able to reach. With great speed, the mass of the star known as Sol Invictus began to increase. Now, Cobalt Kid and Vee stepped forward, each preparing the unleash their powers upon the ball of light and energy. Cobalt Kid concentrated and focused his magnetism upon the powerful mass, attempting to keep it afloat along the electro-magnetic spectrum, keeping in tact as one complete mass, before it exploded. Varalent used his powers to grow the size of the molecules being emitted and contained by Cobalt’s magnetism, so that they were not only increased in mass, but also in a manageable size. Without a doubt this was too great a strain for any one man—but Varalent was not any one man, but a man of great power who controlled the Emerald Eye of Ekron, which guided him during this task, and allowed him to spread his power entirely around the mass and throughout it.
Now LardLad, Eryk Davis Ester and Abin Quank stepped forward. “Jeepers!” said Eryk, as the luck lord came forth, and moved toward the giant mass. Abin concentrated hard and encircled its massive frame with his green lantern’s ring, the strain almost unbearable, as the lucklord guided the combined powers of Star Boy, Mattropolis, Cobalt Kid, Varalent and Abin so that there powers were balanced throughout. Lardy used the Lardforce to drain the giant planet-sun so that it pulled the giant super-dense molecules forward in an orderly fashion, giving it a flight path that led it forth from where it currently lay on the verge of exploding to the rift in space created by the House of Jectra.
“Bloody Liberty,” said Kent to Actor Lad as he looked on. All of the rest of the LMB now looked on from the sidelines, watching in great awe, as the rippling power of the LMB was on display before them. “Now I see why we might be so feared in the universe,” Kent added. The sheer magnitude of what was happening before them was overwhelming.
Invisible Brainiac forth towards Sol Invictus now and joined alongside the Lardforce that was pulling it. Invisible Brainiac used all of his power to unleash a torrent of hard light energy, creating a visible flight path for all to see, so that the giant super-mass of what was once Sol Invictus could now focus on the light energy before it.
“LMBers!” yelled Kid Marvel. Not far off from the others, a small group had gathered with Kid Marvel: Poverty Lad, Blacula, Ultra Matt and Dev-Em. It was the LMB’s strongest members, and they prepared to follow his lead. “It’s touch is going to burn us. But our objective is clear. It’s up to us now, to push it through into the void between universes. Follow my lead!” Suddenly, Kid Marvel flew forth at top speed, gathering force and acceleration as he moved forth, crashing down into the side of the gigantic planet-sun, like an ant against it. But the power of the other LMBers held up, and what was once a burning mass of energy and light was now a solid, mobile mass of matter. Kid Marvel slammed into it and the rest of the super-strong LMBers followed suit. At all at once, it began to budge.
All at once, the LMBers began to move Sol Invictus out of the universe once more.
“Great Rao,” said Cobalt Kid to Mattropolis, “…the strain is incredible…”
“I can feel myself breaking…” said Mattropolis
“Just have to hold on a bit more…” said Vee to the rest of them.
Kid Marvel carried the mass as best he could, with Ultra Matt by his side and the others nearby. It burnt his hands with a pain he’d rarely felt in his existence. It was the planet-ized form of one million suns and sun-eaters, held together only by the other LMBers, before it could explode outwards. In order to do so, they made it the heaviest mass that ever existed in the multiverse. And finally, at once…it began to budge. “That’s it…” said Kid Marvel, leading them now, “…follow my lead…we can…do…this…” The super-strong LMBers gave it their all, each one pushing forward in painful silence.
“Unbelievable,” said Reboot to those around him, as the rest of the LMB gathered. “I never expected this to actually work…”
Not far away, the four magic-users sat in complete concentration, focusing on their friends. “Guys, guys, it’s okay…” said Actor Lad, interrupting them. “…we’re alright right now, we’re safe. There’s just a few more of us that need to be protected…”
Slowly, the five super-strong LMBers moved the planet-sun forward and began to pick up steam, as Lard Lad and Invisible Brainiac pulled it. Emerald Vee, Cobalt Kid, Eryk Davis Ester, Mattropolis, Star Boy and Abin Quank were now locked in their wills—they would not break.
And at last…it began to go through.
Once it began, it happened so quickly, that the haste of it created a new strain. A gigantic planet-sun, on the verge of erupting into a flaming mass that could be the be-all, end-all of the universe entered a hole in the universal fabric, and the vacuum it caused was felt. The LMB had little chance. All at once, each and every one of them were sucked into the mass, first the five super-strong LMBers, Kid Marvel at the front, then the rest.
“Now Miner,” said Faraway Lad, as Outdoor Miner ported to the very entrance to the hold in the universal fabric and grabbed the five LMBers, saving them. Faraway Lad turned to Crusader and Spellbinder, and now was the time the twins took their lead.
“What we’re about to do Crujeckie…” said Crusader, “…its so big, so insane…”
“It is Mykel,” said the voice of Bob the Cat, “…but this is who you were born to be. You can do this. Remember what I taught you.”
And all at once, it became clear that the Jectra Twins had been given a tremendous increase in power, and now they would be required to use it for the common good. The universe had been ruptured and then shoddily repaired so that a weak spot existed and was exploited. They were forced to recreate the wound, and now the Jectra Twins would repair it. Now they would perform telekinetic surgery on the universe and fix it, with Sol Invictus long gone. But the strain was incredible, and it would break them in two.
The LMBers continued to be pulled into the rift, and without knowing it, Crusader began collecting them, and pulling them back. Soon, the entire LMB was gathering around the two Jectra Twins, gradually being sucked ever closer into the rift, but now as a team, now as one unit of power. They gathered together and Crusader held them there. Abin Quank used his ring to create a platform for the entire team and the vacuum continued to pull them forward.
“The strain, Mykel,” said Crujectra, focusing on the telekinetic surgery they were performing. It was enough to shatter the two, save their wills would not let it. They had to follow the ‘surgery’ with precision, with directions from the greatest assembled minds in the universe, who were by their sides.
“Let me share it with you Crujeckie,” said a voice in her mind, and she knew it was Cobalt Kid. He had a telepathic link with her and their minds were open to each others. Now he sensed her pain, and he felt a splinter of the burden she and her brother bore. “Let me help you…” he pulled forth some of the burden and was overwhelmed with pain. Physically wrapping his arms around her as she concentrated, he let his mind completely be a rock for hers.
“Let us all do it, Mykel,” said Beagle Boy quietly. “We all owe you that.” And suddenly, each and every LMBer laid their hands on one another, and let their minds open up. And as Crusader and Spellbinder focused on their telekinesis, they let their telepathy unite the entire LMB as one, and let their greatest friends and allies share the horrible burden of pain that clenched them, so they could concentrate on their work. Even as a mass of LMBers, they could barely stand the strain. But they did anyway.
And now they came to the very brink of the hold in the universe and finished telekinetically repairing it, all with their eyes closed. All, save one. Lash Lad did not open his mind to the rest, though they were in too much pain to notice the most beloved of all posters was not among them. But his reasons were the true nature of that moniker—he loved them most of all. He turned now facing the possibility of the end of all things, and summoned in him a secret that none were aware of, a gift and a burden that known could ever know, and he used it to fix what he could, aiming at the rift.
“Let me guide you,” said one last voice, and he turned, surprised to see known other than Mearl Dox, former LMBer and Supreme Ruler of the Universe. “Use the retcon to help the Jectra’s Lash,” she said quietly, “…let me guide you,” she smiled quietly, and her role of Supreme Ruler of the Universe showed him calculations in the fabric of time, space, reality and continuity that would destroy the minds of most others. But as Jailbait Lass learned earlier, Lash Lad was the burning light of the LMB, the creator and the one who held the power, and together, Lash Lad and Mearl Dox tipped the scales, to aid the Jectra Twins.
And now the universe was repaired.
As the rift closed, the LMB huddled together, letting the burden go, exhausted, and they realized that they were too late, that they had moved too far ahead into the rift and were now too outside of the universe. They had micro-seconds to the end…and Faraway Lad smiled slightly, and used his power to send them very far away.
Micro-seconds later…
And so the universe was repaired, and the 52 points no longer existed, erased with great telekinetic precision, so that the universe could be equally balanced and strong again.
Sol Invictus was no more, never to trouble the LMB again. The planet-sun he had become exploded forth in the void between worlds, unable to contain its energy any longer, and with it lit a new fire and a new light in that portion of outside of the universe, setting it aflame. So horrifying and so beautiful it must have been, that it may have created the one thing that encompasses both adjectives, life.
Mearl Dox giggled, the sole person left in Legion World Orbit. Her friends had did good. Sad that only Lash Lad had seen her, but that was alright. They had done so good.
Legion World
Far below in the streets of Legion World, a bloody battled raged. And now, the LMB were no where to be found...
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
Embassy Row
Rockhopper Lad was not having a good day.
The escape from his evil double had drained him of a great deal of energy. There were times when he could have stared at the 52 and cryogenically frozen every one of them.
This was not one of those times.
He, Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle and Rockhopper Lass had managed to find a little corner to catch their breath, but they both knew their friends needed them.
"Eudyptes, you really need to rest up. Let us handle them!" Rockhopper Lass told him.
"No, Adelie. I have to do my part."
"Well, well! We found the birdies!" said an ominous voice.
Three figures stepped out of the shadows:
A Tharrian male: Code name Glacier A Dryadian female: Code name Ignea And one other, still shadowed.
The Tharrian continued. "I've always wanted to go head to head with one of you Pyngwyn types. You'll see who freezes best!" He shot a bolt of cold.
Rockhopper Lass, knowing her "brother"'s weakened state jumped in and countered with a blast of cold of her own. She and Glacier were soon locked in a battle of cold versus cold.
The Dryadian stepped forward and said "I'm going to enjoy this! I actually get to finish of one of the LMB! This..." She never finished that sentence. Rockhopper Lad had sprayed a fine, very slippery sheet of ice on the street in front of Ignea, causing her to lose her footing, and, owing to her extreme body mass, sent her crashing through the ground, where she quickly sank into a pit and was soon as helpless as a tortoise on its back.
"What's that old Earth expression?" Rockhopper Lad wondered aloud. "Something like 'The greater their mass, the more devastating their landing' or some such."
The third figure stepped forward out of the shadows. Allowing all parties to see its form: It was a bunny rabbit.
True, he was sentient and was a super-pet who had never even seen the Earth from which his ancestors came, but centuries of breeding still weighed heavily on the Wonder Beagle. Rabbits and hares were what beagles were bred to hunt.
Hyvvie took off after the bunny. He caught up to him pretty quickly, but, to the surprise of anyone who would have been there to see, he jumped at the rabbit's ears and bound them with his teeth and paws. His Nose of Wonder could easily tell a real rabbit from one who was not quite right. The rabbit ears began to change into antennae which Hyvvie held fast. He had subdued a Durlan.
Meanwhile, Glacier and Rockhopper Lass continued to their battle of cold.
"Isn't your brother coming to your rescue, Penguin Girl?" Glacier taunted.
"I can take care of myself!" Rockhopper Lass replied and, in her fury shot back an extra burst of cold with such force that she knocked Glacier off his feet and he stumbled over Old Dutch the Super-Cow, who had just walked around the corner.
Together, the Rockhoppers managed to seal their three opponents cryogenically.
"If you're through here," Old Dutch said, "There's a lot more work to be done."
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Embassy Row
Amid all the chaos, the quartet of Shady, Hummer Lass, Bat-Fem and Jada Konti edge nearer to their destination of the Dark Oval Embassy site. As close as they are, they see that the 52 are slowly surrounding it. A thinning garrison of uniformed Security Officers are rapidly losing their defense poition. They catch glimpses of some other potential allies, but it's impossible to get their attention.
Shady surveys the situation and says to the others, "I think our best bet is to approach from--!" Suddenly, one of their number bolts without a word. "Bat-Fem? Where is she going?"
The three stare as their ally approaches a man lying limply on the street, and they follow behind her.
"Oh my gods--Clark?" Bat-Fem says, kneeling next to Clark Marlowe who is her friend and fellow reporter at the Legion World Herald in her civilian identity of Chloe Lane. Methodically, she searches for a pulse and finds one. She turns him over and searches for signs of injury, but finds none save for a burn mark below his Adam's apple. In the center of the burn is a small crystal, glowing slightly and adhered to his skin.
"Uhnnn," Clark groans, "I feel like sh--Chloe?"
"You feel like me, eh, Kansas," she retorts. "You better be feeling pretty good, then!"
"What...what's going on, Chl...I mean, Bat-Fem?" he corrects, suddenly clear-headed and aware that he might be compromising his friend's identity.
"Don't worry, Kansas," she grins and gestures toward the three ladies flanking her, "they know who I am better than you do! But 'what's going on' appears to be that you've miraculously survived being trampled by several dozen panicking sentients by the look of those footprints on your back. You been holding out on me, Clark?"
"No," he replies and sits up, "I just remember...feeling like I was burning up...and then...nothing."
"Hmmm, I wonder..." she thinks aloud and withdraws a knife from her utility belt. Then she attempts to make a small cut on Clark's forearm.
"Hey," he quips and then flinches. But surprisingly, he sees no cut has appeared on his arm, and he felt no pain.
Bat-Fem holds up the knife and shows him the teeth on it are now mangled. "Seems you've acquired some degree of invulnerability, Kansas! Maybe that crystal burnt into your neck has something to do with it?"
Absently, he touches it and confirms it's imbedded. "My lucky crystal?"
"Looks like it's got some surprises, eh?" she adds. "We've got to go, Kansas. Take care of yourself!"
She squeezes his shoulder slightly and the foursome begin to head deeper into the lion's den.
"Wait!" he shouts after a moment and runs behind them. "I want to help!"
"Better hurry up, then!" Bat-Fem yells back.
And suddenly, their odds against success go from impossible to just extremely overwhelming.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Embassy Row, Legionnopolis
“Whatever it is they’re planning, its in the heart of the Embassy!” yelled Nova Girl to her allies, as the ‘52’ charged forward without mercy, hoping to kill them all where they stood. Security Officers, Helena Handbasket’s former squadron and brave Legion World citizens fell instantly.
“Then that’s where I’ll be,” said Nightcrawler, instantly *bamfing* forward, rapier swinging around him in his hands.
“Not without back-up,” said Seth Gaterra, as he unleashed a cascade of power into the street in front of him, instantly sending a shockwave of power that knocked back a plethora of enemies in front of them. It was no use, there was too many of them. But the close quarters of the street were working to Seth and the other’s advantage—they were too clustered ahead of them.
“Pretty thing!” said one of the mercenaries serving the enemy, as he jumped out the shadows to cowardly grab Nova Girl from behind. “And tough with that whip of yours too! But you don’t seem so tough when you can’t use it on one of us…” he smiled. His breath smelled like scrap metal, and he stank horribly of filth.
Nova Girl, gave a mean laugh, “I’ve never met a man yet who thought he was tougher,” she said angrily, though still trying to get out of his hold. She did not need to much longer.
BLAST!
Nova Girl turned as smoke from the body of her assailant and the blaster used slowly went into the air. The mercenary had been shot in the back, and before her was the one who helped: “Greetings Nova Girl! Thora of Taltar finds it annoying that so many cretins flood the streets of Legion World. I will try to save some for a flogging, but their cretinous nature caused me to prefer them dead.” Nova Girl smiled. Thora was here now, and she’d be a worthwhile ally.
Blocks away in the streets of Legion World
“Move, move!” said baby Matlock, as a Security Officer ran forward with him in his arms, “We need to get to the Dark Oval Embassy, that’s where everything is going down! Officers, regroup and move there together, in a formation. We can’t have you being picked off!” Despite his tiny nature, he still managed to give our orders and run a very tight ship.
BANG! But all too soon, it was over. The officer holding Matlock was suddenly shot through the neck, and blood squirting out everywhere, as he fell forward onto the floor. In baby form, the fall to the ground was especially harsh, as he scrapped against the pavement and was instantly in pain. “Dammit…” he said quietly, trying to struggle free. It was little use. As he struggled to get to a sitting position, he looked at the sky and noticed something strange. Unknown to him, the battle with Sol Invictus had taken a turn for the better and at this instant, the LMB had become victorious, although they soon disappeared. As the never-ending sunlight began to fade above him, as Sol Invictus’ radiance was now gone, he noticed a strange, orange-colored energy rippling across the sky. It looked blurry and as it passed things, it seemed to accelerate its age or de-age it, but then return it to normal. Finally, Matlock realized it was coming strait for him…
Ka-zap!
In an instant, the rippling effects of time travel were felt, as the walls of time burst open to allow two travelers to enter Legion World: Stoopid Cat and Time Boy! In doing so, the cascade of orange energy poured into baby Matlock, smothering him in its embrace.
Stoopid Cat turned to Time Boy, “well genius, I’m about two months too late, but better late than never I guess,” he said, leaping across the streets. “Seems like you got me here for the battle…”
Time Boy smiled, unable to hide his enthusiasm. “You mean, in the knick of *time*!” he said, pulling out a 45th century photon blaster, “I guess we should help out!” After leaving Jailbait Lass weeks earlier, no one could tell where Time Boy had been, whether he had gone to the Pre-historic era as he planned, simply returned to the 19th century, or came here right away. But he had gotten Stoopid Cat and returned him to right now. Though Stoopid Cat had been missing early on to help Jailbait Lass, he was here now—time travel was odd that way.
“Matlock?” said Stoopid Cat, looking for the baby.
“He should be right here…” said Time Boy. "Ah..." he said. "I'll be back..." and with that, he crawled underneath the rubble, to grab onto Matlock. Reaching backwards, he grabbed hold of his time machine, which was now shrunk down to smaller size. And suddenly in a burst of power they were gone.
Stoopid Cat leaned in close, but before he could react, a second similar burst of energy and power erupted beneath the debris!
Suddenly, under the rubble, Matlock began to emerge. Time Boy had worked his trick! Through the mechinations of time travel and Matlock's own strange aging, the great hero emerged: no longer as an infant, but as a 25 year old male! “Great,” he said outloud, “finally back and it had to be right in the middle of the battle?" And with that, the two heroes ran into the fray.
Embassy Row
Cannibal rolled away from Helena Handbasket attempting to get his bearings, and bumped into another fray going on, between a Security Officer and a member of the Church of the Eternal Void. Knowing it would anger Helena, he turned, and *chomp*, took a bite out of the security officer arm, taking him unawares. Blood sprayed everywhere, as the gnawing of human flesh sickened those around him. Cannibal smiled. “Tasty…” he said, chewing the bite, “…I wonder if it I’ll enjoy your flesh or your metal better?”
That was enough—Helena charged. But Cannibal did not account for her fighting skills, or her ability to maneuver in a tight battle. She was a former Commander of the Dark Oval and had been in situations like this hundreds of times before. This was no ordinary fight, but one skirmish in a sea of them—and Cannibal was not prepared for it like she was. Immediately she was on him, positioning him against the rubble nearby, and he began to fall backwards. There was no quip, no funny comment, no comeback to give him. Helena would have none of that. Just pure, utter focus, and determination to get the job done and move on. She cocked her arm slightly and let loose a firm jab to Cannibals chin, letting the force of her punch combine with the impact of the metal arm, and instantly, Cannibal’s lights were out. Now his blood sprayed the nearby debris. Helena ran forward.
Not far off, Helena did not see Jailbait Lass hurling her trench-coat away as Virus leaped out, and then leapt back at her in microscopic form. Virus had already amassed half a dozen kills and she was ready to add one more, especially this tiny little scared girl. Jailbait Lass ducked to the side, not knowing if Virus would hit her or not—she was now too small to see, so she tried to focus harder on what was moving near her. Not only could Virus shrink like other Imskians, but she had the Dominators-enhanced gene sequence that gave her semi-Kryptonian abilities. At once, panic began to subside in Jailbait Lass, as she realized there was little she could do in this battle, hardly anyway to win. The fear began to slip away. And she once more remembered her acid trip and the feelings she felt, and she realized if she were to die this day—so be it, it would be on her terms. She turned again, looking to see the little enemy, and suddenly felt the most miniscule feeling on her shoulder, knowing full well Virus had landed on her. Without hesitation, she slapped at her shoulder as hard as she could, hoping to flick it away like a fly—and she suddenly felt contact. Virus must have punched back, because Jailbait Lass instantly felt her fingers being broken—her three middle ones in her left hand.
But Virus had felt the impact too, as the hand came crashing down, and while the Kryptonian DNA helped absorb the impact, the loud sound of being caught in a vacuum between the hand and the shoulder created a tremendous sonic boom—instantly knocking her off, as pain soared into her head and dizziness took over. Alright, if she wanted to play that way, it was on. Virus grew normal sized again without hesitation, as Jailbait Lass turned to see her, and Virus leaped on her, punching the young female to the ground, and leaping on top of her.
[ December 21, 2012, 11:30 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by Spellbinder on :
Legion World Orbit
The LMBP Cruiser moved slowly into orbit, finally having left the planet's atmosphere. Bob the Cat sat in the command chair, his eyes narrowed in irritation.
"Where the heck is everyone? I swear, the first thing I'm doing when this is all over is getting me one of those stupid flight rings. I am all over using public transport."
Resisting the urge to spray something, he leaped up onto the control panel and looked from side to side.
"Okay. So how do you turn this heap around?"
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
Embassy Row
As the Rockhoppers, Hyvvie and Old Dutch headed back toward the Dark Oval Embassy, they came upon Time Teller Lad in a fight with a member of the 52 from Zwen. Although Time Teller Lad's ability to tell the time anywhere in the universe or the exact age of an object could be useful, they weren't particularly helpful in a scrape.
As Rockhopper Lad saw his younger friend being easily bested by this foe who kept turning to stone every time TTL attempted to hit him, he became quite upset.
"Leave him alone!" the Pyngwyn Prince shouted.
As if on an instinct he couldn't explain, Rockhopper Lad puffed a breath in the direction of the Zwenian. In the next instant, the Zwenian was knocked over by a hurricane-force wind.
As Rockhopper Lass put the Zwenian on ice, she, the Wonder Beagle, the Super Cow and Time Teller Lad all turned to Rockhopper Lad who was standing there looking as surprised as they were.
"Eudyptes, when did you get super-breath? Have you always had it?"
"I don't think so, Adelie! It just came out!"
The always-practical Wonder Beagle offered, "Perhaps we can figure out how and why later. Let's find the others."
Posted by LARDLAD on :
The ruins of the Dark Oval Embassy
In front of the building that had been destroyed months ago by Superboy-Prime during the height of the Invasion, Security Officer Ralph and ten others under his command valiantly defend their post from a horde of attacking hostiles.
"How's that force field generator holding out, Williamson?" Ralph shouts.
Williamson shrugs, "she's holdin' together, Ralphie, but she cannae handle much more!"
"Just hold 'er awhile, longer, Willie! Shady says she's on 'er way and---what the hells?"
Looking up, Ralph and the others see a bright light shining in the sky. They wonder at first if the blinding light that had shone from orbit for a time had somehow reignited. But with mounting horror, they begin to realize that this new light is slowly moving toward them.
As his eyes try to adjust to the new light's brightness, Ralph thinks he can make out the form of a human woman in its center.
But as he tries to squint, he hears Williamson shouting, "Ralphie! That light--it's shorting out the force shield!!!"
As Ralph begins to contemplate the implications of Willie's warnings, it's too late. The forceshield is down and hostiles numbering at least triple their rag-tag security detail quickly overwhelm and slaughter them. As he dies, Ralph hopes that Cobalt Kid, Matlock and Abin won't be too disappointed in him.
Moments after the slaughter is completed, the mercenaries and zealots back off, and the living light that is Kalla Hryl descends and lands in front of them. Her glow subsides a bit, and she is quite stunning in her bridal gown as she addresses her flock.
"You've done very well, my 52! We are nearly at the moment of our triumph! Soon we shall all receive the reward we've earned!"
The response from those assembled before her is a raucous cheer. The Church zealots among them know exactly what she means; the mercenaries think the reward is a large financial one.
"Wrath?" she says to the shadowy creature to her right. "Find the entrance to the Holy Temple at once!"
"Yes, mistress. But what of the pockets of resistance still remaining in the city that our agents are reporting?"
"It's no matter, Wrath. There are too few of them to make a difference! And with over three-fifths of our 52 guarding the Holy Temple--they have NO chance!"
"Very well, mistress." And the creature known as Wrath disappears into the rubble of the former Dark Oval Embassy.
"Soon," Kalla whispers as a look of ecstacy paints over her face.
Posted by LARDLAD on :
Embassy Row
With some ground still to cover to reach the garrison of 52 guarding the site of the Dark Oval Embassy, the quintet of Bat-Fem, Jada Konti, Shady, Hummer Lass and Clark Marlowe are blocked by Fury, the serpentine lieutenant of Kalla Hryl.
The five of them scatter as the 15-foot long alien swipes her tail at them. Clark, the least battle-seasoned of the five, takes the full brunt of the powerful blow and is sent crashing into the nearby Talokian Embassy.
"Clark!" Bat-Fem yells, but she has to recover quickly in order to dodge, matador-style, a lunge by their foe. The dodge saves her life as Fury's venomous fangs come within a foot of injecting her with liquid death.
Hummer Lass floats above as Fury prepares for another lunge. Before the giant serpent can spring again, Hummer Lass lets an ultrasonic scream from her throat that sends Fury reeling.
"Keep it up, sweetie!" Shady yells to her floating ally, but sweat is pouring from the screaming woman's forehead; she won't be able to continue for more than a few more seconds.
Bat-Fem thinks fast and pulls something from her utility belt. She gives Jada a meaningful glance, then runs right in front of the writhing snake. Just as Bat-Fem gets in position, Hummer Lass falls from the air, and her sonic barrage stops.
"Come and get it, worm!" Bat-Fem taunts, and the snake alien, consumed with blood-lust and now embodying her name, obliges with a lightning-quick charge, fangs bared.
At the last moment, Bat-Fem tosses something into the creature's open mouth, and before Fury can claim her prey, Jada swings in her path, grabs Bat-Fem and gets them both safely out of danger. Fury looks back, appearing as confused as her expressionless face can appear, and suddenly goes limp.
Jada and Bat-Fem smile at each other, then they walk to the felled giant, joined by Shady.
"What did you do, sweetie?" Shady asks Bat-Fem.
"I fed her a fast-acting nerve toxin. She's alive and conscious, but she won't be able to move for a while. Luckily, Jada saw what I had in mind!" Looking toward Fury, she says, "Shady, this is our chance...maybe she knows what's so important about the Dark Oval Embassy!"
"Way ahead of you, sweetie," Shady answers and closes her eyes. She touches Fury's unmoving head and delves into her still-conscious mind, then sees something really disturbing. "A bomb!" she shouts and opens her eyes. "There's a bomb underneath the ruins somewhere--one that will release a techno-biological agent that's adapted to kill all life on Legion World and make it uninhabit--AAAARRRGGHH!"
Shady falls in pain. Fury had managed to somehow overcome the toxin and bit Shady on the arm.
"Shady!" Hummer Lass screams and runs to her friend.
"Shit!" Jada yells, examining the now-limp Fury. "She was able to release a suicide capsule under her tongue! The death throes she had from that agent must have enabled her to overcome her paralysis for a split-second before death!"
"Easy, Shady," Bat-Fem whispers calmly. Bat-Fem grasps Shady's right hand with one of hers while the other holds a small bottle. "This antitoxin from my belt will give you a chance." She pours some on the wound, and the rest goes in Shady's mouth. Then she looks at the worried face of Hummer Lass. "You've got to fly her to the Medical Center, Pru! This will keep her alive for the moment, but she will die without immediate treatment! Can you do it?"
"Yes, I will!" Hummer Lass responds and takes her ailing friend into her arms. Previously, Pru had only been able to do little more than glide, but her determination pushes her to achieve astonishing speed.
For a moment the pair watch their friends become small dots in the sky, then they turn to each other. Bat-Fem puts something in one of her belt's compartments.
"Well, that doesn't help our odds," Jada admits.
"No, it doesn't," Bat-Fem responds, "but we'll have to do. Maybe we can find Seth, Rockhopper and the others, or maybe not. In any case we now know the stakes, and there's not much time!"
And as they look toward the site of the Dark Oval Embassy, something moving from the Talokian Embassy catches their peripheral vision. Turning around, they see Clark Marlowe dusting himself off.
"Did I, uh, miss anything?" he queries.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Embassy Row, Legionnopolis, Legion World
“Up ahead,” said Nightcrawler to Seth Gaterra, “within the Embassy. There’s a certain amount of enemies not leaving the entrance to the rubble…they must be guarding something.”
“It seems that we’ve stumbled upon their real plan,” replied Seth, “…and can finally put a stop to this.”
“Go ahead,” said Nova Girl, joining them with Thora. “Thora and I will cover you.”
“These cretins will soon learn that Thora of Taltar is not one to be trifled with.”
“Looks like we’ll have some additional coverage too…” added Nova Girl, as she motioned to the west, where Statue Way created an intersection with Embassy Row. Making their way up the street was Matlock (now clothed in a blue suit, white shirt, black tie and blue fedora hat), Stoopid Cat and Time Boy, running at full speed and taking down agents of the 52 as they came. Stoopid Cat sped ferociously through them, as he now assumed the form of the Tiger God Avatar!
Matlock smiled, “Hell, I haven’t been this age in quite awhile! I might be renowned for my detective skills, but I can still show off my pugilistic skills when I need too…” he smiled, smashing a coffee pot on someone’s head.
As the heroes began to converge on one spot and Seth and Nightcrawler moved forward, Helena Handbasket made her way across the rubble and battle grounds, seeing a cluster of enemies up ahead. “ENOUGH!” she yelled grabbing her robotic arm and putting to the ground in front of them. There was a puddle there, where a water main had obviously broken during the fray. She let loose a shock of electronic energy, knocking them back, and then ran forward. Ahead of her, five agents of the 52 fell to the ground, and she saw a familiar body among them—Dr. Mayavale, obviously taken prisoner earlier when all of this madness started. “I’ve got you doctor!” she said running to him.
“Not yet, you don’t,” said a voice, as a yellow clawed hand ripped across her back. Helena turned to see a female Dominator, complete with large, sharp teeth and a oozing yellow skin. All that was missing was a red disk on her forehead, obviously stripped away. “Helena Handbakset…” said the voice, “…I too have long since broken ties with the Dark Oval…but they are still smart enough to be wary of an Unkillable!” she added, ripping her hands across Helena’s chest.
Back a block or so, the struggle between Jailbait Lass and Virus continued to intensify, as Jailbait Lass ducked and ran forward, attempting to do anything—anything—to avoid being the victim of Virus’ micro attacks. All it took was one second for Virus to land on her unnoticed, and the little Imskian could unleash a wave of Kryptonian might on her. But now Virus was full-sized, determined to teach Jailbait Lass a lesson and beat her to death with her bare hands. She dove after her and leapt on top of her. Jailbait Lass could feel the pain of her already broken fingers in her left hand. Virus came down hard with a backhanded slap across Jailbait Lass’ face and the pain was instant—hot, tin-flavored blood filled Lolita’s mouth and her face ached with horrible pain. “You’re nothing, you witch,” smiled Virus with her hand around Jailbait Lass’ throat, “…I’ll be doing you a favor killing you, you coward…”
As the warm blood filled her mouth, Jailbait Lass felt a wave of nausea and once again, she felt panic rise up in her body. This was it…this would be her end. There was no way she could defeat this enemy. It was the Red Bee all over again, the Khund Warriors from her youth, all over again. But no…she had to focus, she had been over this before…she could do it, she could survive…she had to survive! Struggling, Jailbait Lass tried to pull off Virus’ hand from her throat, but the Kryptonian enhancement on the little Imskian by the Dominator’s was too strong. She could not budge it. Air was no longer coming in and out of her lungs and she was gasping, as the blood ran down her cheeks and Virus’ hand was crushing her throat. No…this was not for her…this was for Legion World. She reached up, and grabbed Virus’ face, and the Imskian witch laughed at her. But Jailbait Lass would do what it took for herself and Legion World, and she reached her thumb forward, and stuck in far deep into Virus’ left eyesocket, and instantly, she knew there was no Kryptonian DNA protecting that. The sickening softness permeated her thumb and she pulled out, as Virus screamed at the top of her lungs a scream that echoed death and vengeance, letting go of her throat. Jailbait Lass rolled to the side, gasping for air, as Virus fell backwards.
“My eye! My beautiful eye! You witch! I’ll kill you! I’ll kill you!” she was screaming, as Jailbait Lass could not respond or even rise to her feet. She turned, and suddenly saw Virus had shrank once again—and was coming to kill her.
Posted by dedman on :
Embassy Row, Legionnopolis, Legion World
"Did I hear something about Unkillable?" asked Dedman as he reappeared The dominator turned but before she could do anything Dedman grabbed her. In a cloud of darkness smelling of brimstone he vanished back into the Poltergiest Area, taking the female dominator with him. Seconds later he reappeared alone. Turning to Helena he said "Hi, I'm Dedman...I've read your file. Need some help?"
The ruins of the Dark Oval Embassy
Three figures step out of the shadows. Kalla Hryl looks at them and says "Ah, I see you've finally arrived." Gas Lass, Geez Louise, and Ron Jeremy's Moustache walk towards her. "We have the device you wanted mistress" says Gas Lass. "At last. The last piece of the puzzle" declares Kalla as she takes the mini-miracle machine from the trio. "You will recieve your reward we we've accompished our goal."
Posted by LARDLAD on :
The ruins of the Dark Oval Embassy
"Ah yes," Kalla says, admiring the prize given to her by Gas Lass and her peers, "your reward will be sweet indeed!"
"Mistress!" Wrath exults. "I've found the entrance to the temple!"
"And I now have the key! You three," she commands Gas Lass, Geez Louise and Ron Jeremy's Mustache, "join the rest of our throng in guarding the entrance to the Holy Temple! If any resistance remains, they must be repelled so that thay can't interrupt us!"
"Yes, mistress!" the trio answer in unison and then join the rest of the 52 that are stationed around the embassy.
"Now, Wrath...lead the way!"
Minutes later, Kalla Hryl and Wrath are deep within the hidden chamber and facing their goal in its center.
Her eyes dancing and showing utter euphoria, Kalla cries, "this is it, Wrath--the vessel of the Great Plague! And with this powering it, the countdown will begin, and it can't be stopped!" She places the mini-miracle machine into a slot, and the device begins to hum and glow.
As a digital display blinks to life, Kalla reads it and announces, "just 15 minutes, Wrath--then we'll be dead, and so will the Great Neutral Power known as Legion World!"
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
a dark corner of Legion World
Non Sequitor mailed fruit to various heads of state.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
The Dark Oval Embassy, Legionnopolis, Legion World
*BAMF* Nightcrawler teleported directly over a cadre of Church of the Eternal Void devotees and leapt on top of them, punching and kicking. “They’re everywhere over here, Seth!” he yelled, “there’s definitely something more going on at the old Dark Oval Embassy!”
Seth Gaterra ran forward, letting loose his power on the surrounding enemies, knocking them backwards. “But what…?” he thought outloud, trying to move closer to Nightcrawler.
“Its worse than you think,” said a voice, as Bat-Fem suddenly, leapt into the fray, kicking an assailant in the face that was inches away from pounding Seth on the back of the head. “Much worse!” she added.
Seth pulled back and got in a defensive position. “And you are?” he asked, unsure of if this was an enemy or friend.
“I could say the same to you, only we haven’t got enough time. I’m a friend, just like you, and I want to help.” Seth could sense the sincerity in her voice, as well as the urgency.
“She’s right Seth,” said Clark Marlowe and he and Jada Konti ran forward to them. “I might be the only one that would recognize us all, considering my knowledge via the Legion World media, but I can tell you we all want the same thing.”
“There’s Nightcrawler,” said Jada cutting Clark off, “let’s move up to him and explain, he’ll need to know. He’s probably the last LMBer left on the planet!” she added.
“Not quite…” said Seth, as about thirty yards back, he could see some more allies gaining on them.
Rockhopper Lad and Rockhopper Lass, joined by the Super-Pets, ran forth at the intersection between Embassy Row and Statue Way, which only moments before Seth and Nightcrawler had pushed through. Rockhopper once more tried his super-breath on his enemies, amazing himself and his companions at its use.
“Nice trick, Mr. soon to be Deputy,” said a voice, as Matlock joined him by his side. “Looks like its you, me, Nighty and the rookies,” he smiled, punching a mercenary in the face. With him was a motley crew of LMB allies: Time Boy, Nova Girl, Thora of Taltar.
Stoopid Cat joined them with a hmmph. “Silly humans, forgetting me…I’ve been an LMBer almost longer than most…” he said, crawling through the rubble, accidently knocking a large piece of debris to the side and knocking out an enemy of the 52. “I see some more allies up ahead, but they’re surrounded on all sides. Let’s do what we can to cover their back from this direction…”
Up ahead, Jada, Clark, Seth and Bat-Fem made it to Nightcrawler. The Legion World Founder stood in front them, his sense of authority and leadership firm, so that very briefly they felt a sense of awe before this highly respected LMBer.
Bat-Fem spoke up. “It’s inside the ruins of the Embassy. There was a series of secret rooms underground and that’s what the 52 is going for. In one of the rooms is a techno-biological plague, hidden in a canister. It was originally here as a last defense in the Invasion, but now our conspirators hope to use it on the population of Legion World, to get what they want.
“Techno-biological plague?” said Nightcrawler. “What does it--?”
Before he could finish, Jada answered him, “Its bad Nightcrawler. Its one of the worst Dominator inventions of them all. Its sole purpose is to wipe out all life on a planet, and it would likely achieve that within hours once it was unleashed, maybe even less than that. It kills all life: sentients, flora and planet-life, everything, and there’s a technological agent within that acts as a super-virus on all omni-computers and the like. The intent would be the destruction of Legion World entirely, with almost nothing left. Genocide in its most complete form, erasing everything.”
Clark, thinking through what had been said, added, “…but that would mean they wouldn’t survive it either. Suicidal martyrs…I bet half of them don’t even realize what this means. They’ve been duped or are plain religious fanatics…”
Nightcrawler looked at Seth suddenly. “Seth, I’ve read your file,” he said, making a rare reference to the fact that there was little on Legion World that Nightcrawler was not aware of, “you’re immune to almost all diseases, aren’t you? This might not effect you.”
“Not almost,” said Seth, sure of himself, “I am immune to all diseases, and I will be to this plague. I can try and destroy it…I’ll just need a path inside.”
“It’ll be a suicide run for us for sure,” said Bat-Fem, “but there’s no time left for anything else. The leaders of our enemies are inside and we need to stop them and destroy this plague. We’ll be by your side Seth and try and get you to the plague as best we can…”
“So be it,” said Nightcrawler, grabbing Jada by the arm and putting his other hand on Seth’s back, pulling them all close. “Its up to us then, and every sentient on Legion World is counting on it. Good luck my friends…you’ll make the rest of the LMB proud, I promise you, for your bravery…”
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Embassy Row, Legionnopolis, Legion World
Jailbait Lass tried to breathe in deep and get air into her lungs, and she rubbed the raw skin around her throat, still trying to regain her sense of where she was, after the brutal attack by Virus. Virus’s blood was still on Jailbait Lass hand, and Lolita felt no regret in ripping out Virus’ eye to survive. At last, she began to regain her composure but immediately realized her mistake. She turned her back on Virus, and despite the injury she’d given the Kryptonian enhanced Imskian, she knew she was still in danger. Virus’ screaming stopped and her last words suddenly registered in Jailbait Lass’ head…’I’ll kill you.’
It was immediate. Jailbait Lass could see the smallest piece of matter leaping through the air towards her, impossible to see by the untrained eye that had been fighting an Imskian for the last fifteen minutes. It was coming at top speed and when it landed, Jailbait Lass knew it would tear her in two. She tried to move as far away as she could, and leapt to the side, but it was of no use—she was dead tired and had barely any strength left. She did not get far. Virus landed and immediately leapt again, this time in a straight line, like a bullet about to strike its pray. But Jailbait Lass’ analytical mind realized suddenly that she had given herself a great advantage: that small space she had moved, though a mere two or three feet, had positioned her 54.5 degrees to the right, putting a series of rubble between them, including a large pile of debris that must have contained some flammable material, as a small fire had grown on it. Virus was approaching now at top speed and the seconds were turning into milliseconds. Jailbait Lass quickly reached for her belt…
quote:Originally posted by Cobalt Kid: ”Willikers girl, you have *GOT* to fix yourself up in the back,” said Lash. “No offense, but you look awful! And that white streaky thing in your hair would be all sexy and stuff if you did your hair right.”
Upon her return to Legion World, one of the first things she had done was clean herself up, wash her face and fix her hair. In her belt, she had a small canister of hairspray that she used, and had kept with her, since she was such hurry, it never occurred to her to discard it. “Always look good saving the world” is what Lucien Lad told her once before. She was no longer thinking, feeling the sense that everything that had happened was falling into place. Before she realized it, her hand had pulled the hairspray from the belt. Virus was less than three feet away, the tiniest Imskian warrior about to land on her. The fire between them flickered low, almost too low, but the angle was just right. She pressed the release button, and the hairspray fired into the air before her, permeating around, reaching the fire…and exploding outward. It was almost infinitesimal. A small fire blast, hardly noticeable. But to an Imskian with no means to stop, it was the end. The fire burst forth, soaking Virus completely, burning her head to toe, ripping away at her clothing and melting her skin instantly, sending forth a cascade of pain and unbearable misery that only one who had murdered many people can truly have ever guess at quantifying, which Virus had.
Her limp body fell, and hit the pavement, and she began to enlarge once more, almost by instinct. Unconscious, her left eye gone and her skin burnt badly, she lay there, defeated. Jailbait Lass, exhausted, walked over and her legs began to quake, and she was shaking. She reached for the hand-cuffs she always had one her, and grabbed Virus’s arms and cuffed her, the Imskian enemy still very much alive. She didn’t realize it, but small tears rolled down her cheeks as she did so, and she could not stop the shaking her body was doing. Her analytical mind thought about it and she recalled Hrun speaking of the ‘Warrior’s release’, when after a battle warriors of even the most stoic or hard nature would cry, laugh or become emotional for no reason. But despite her knowledge of that, she had no way to stop. She began to cry softly, but stopped and wiped her eyes. She forced herself to stand and look forward, the battle all past her now.
The Dark Oval Embassy (in ruins)
Another female Dominator Unkillable tore her claws across Helena’s torso, attempting to shred her in half, and Helena dropped Dr. Mayavale to the side, turning to fight her enemy. The Dominator positioned herself to spring into attack—but Helena had no time for positioning or strategy. She now relied on pure instinct, on the knowledge that she had fought tougher, in tougher situations, and would end this NOW. Helena grabbed her by the throat and threw her to the side, following up with a quick right hook with her metallic arm, sending a billowing exchange of force. Unkillable yes, thought Helena, but one can feel a lot of pain before death sets in.
“My dear Eleanor,” said Dr. Mayavale suddenly with a smile, “how good of you to come to my rescue,” he added, suddenly plunging a horrifically large piece of debris into the Dominator’s back with one of his large extra arms. The momentum was such that it knocked the Dominator to the ground and pinned her there, and Helena gladly accepted this interlude to add a finishing punch across the Dominator’s face and knock it unconscious.
Helena smiled, the thrill of battle combined with a new sense of doing something she believed in 100%. “I figured I owed you one for a past life Doctor,” she smiled, surprised at herself for cracking a joke.
“Or a future one…” said Dr. Mayavale to himself, dusting off his clothes.
[ January 25, 2007, 10:58 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
The outskirts of the Dark Oval Embassy site
As Nightcrawler and his group of heroes prepare to make a suicide run into the throng of 52 surrounding the site, a huge explosion rings from behind them.
Nightcrawler looks back and sees that the Winathian Embassy is engulfed in flame. "Verdammt!" Nightcrawler yells. "A lot of citizens are taking refuge in there!" He struggled for a short moment with what to do. No, I can't allow them to die even if it means decreasing our odds of success against the 52! Ignoring the cries of those in peril is not our way, whatever the cost, he decides.
"Seth! You, Bat-Fem, Jada and Marlowe are with me! Rockhopper Lad--take the rest and save those people! When you finish, come back to the D.O. Embassy and help us!"
Rockhopper Lad obeys without hesitation and leads his group to save lives. He feels comfortable, despite his new role as LMB Deputy Leader, in following Nightcrawler's wisdom. In any case he couldn't bear to leave those sentients to be burned alive.
"Onward, friends," Nightcrawler shouts to the four still with him, holding his rapier high.
Bat-Fem holds back Clark for a moment. "Look, Clark," she says calmly, "we need you to use your full potential, right now!"
"Huh? Chloe, what are you talking about?"
She points to the crystal embedded near his Adam's apple. "That crystal is Kryptonian, Clark. On my world, there was a great hero who lived a millenium ago named Superman. We have a museum dedicated to him on my Earth. And there are crystals just like that one in the museum that were taken from his Fortress. I believe that crystal has potentially given you all the powers of a Kryptonian. It's not just invulnerability, Clark--Kryptonians possess nearly limitless strength, flight, speed, vision powers...all under a yellow sun."
With dawning realization Kent says, "that burning yellow energy that engulfed me?"
"Yep," she says smiling, "and we need you to use those powers if we have any hope whatsoever."
"But...how?"
"Just do it, Kansas!" and she kisses him on the cheek.
A determined look on his face, Clark runs and suddenly becomes a blur. The blur zips around the barrier of sentients surrounding their goal, and several suddenly start to fall.
"There's our opening, guys!" Bat-Fem yells, and she, Nightcrawler, Jada and Seth advance through the fissure Clark has created.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Deep Space, The Rave at Asteroid Zero
“This is where you take us?” said Arachne with a laugh, as Faraway Lad shrugged his shoulders.
“I keep telling you all…I don’t have the most specific control over my powers…” he laughed.
The Rave at Aseroid Zero was an ongoing never-ending party that had begun sometime in the 23rd Century. At some point 4,758 Billion years in the future, this gigantic asteroid would collide with a series of planets that would effectively destroy the entire universe. Given that this seemed like such a long time away and so large scale a problem, nothing had been done about it, but teenagers across the galaxy often traveled here to party constantly, and had done so for seven centuries. Drugs, sex, booze and antidisestablishmentarianism were rampant here.
“Well, after that battle,” said Actor Lad to Kid Marvel, “I think we’re all way too tired to do much of anything, let alone gather the strength to make our way home.”
“It’s a long way away,” said Kid Marvel, “and you’re right. Everyone is exhausted and our powers are depleted. We need time to rest.”
Cobalt Kid put his arms around Crujectra as they watched teenagers partying and dancing and Toustonian Disco music blasting through soundless space. “Aw…” he smiled, “…that isn’t so bad…”
Lash Lad smiled at them. “This is the LMB after all,” he added, “…we’ve been in worse places...”
Greg Evignan Island, Legion World
Psychotic Beaver lunged forward, slicing Liberty Monkey across his torso with her claws and hurling him to the side.
By her side, Studly Woodchuck leaped on top of Lonestar Ranger, choking him down and preparing to bite down on his neck.
It did not look good, and Kid Gender Stereotype Reversal II knew it. But what use was her powers right here? The answer…not much…but she knew what she could do. She ran to Shark Lad, who had been tossed aside in the opening acts of the battle, and was now rising to her feet. “Shark Lad!” she screamed, “…this is it! We need you! You have to unleash yourself on them!”
“No…” said Shark Lad, who had come to Greg Evignan Island to escape doing exactly that. “…I can beat them without doing so…”
KGSR II turned and saw the sheer savagery of the Shark Lad’s siblings. “I’m sorry Sharky…” she said sadly, as she slapped him across the face as hard as she could. He turned to her stunned, and grabbed her by the throat, rage beginning to take hold. Blood trickled from Shark Lad’s own mouth. KGSR II looked at him, shaking slightly now at the ferocious figure in front of her, and took a droplet of his blood on her finger and pressed it to his nose.
“Take hold of your rage Sharky,” she whispered. “Use it on them…” she pleaded. Moments passed, which seemed like an eternity. Finally he dropped her. He lunged at Psychotic Beaver and Studley Woodchuck.
A little far off, Potty Mouth Master unleashed a torrent of laser blasts on the monks of Greg Evignan Island, laughing as he did so. “How the @#$% you like that?!” he smiled. “Huh? How the #$%$ you like that?!” Never before did his resemblance to Kevin Federline become more apparent.
Space Tart was not amused. She rolled her eyes at a Greg Evignan Island who couldn’t help but notice when she bent over to duck from fire. “*tee hee*, looks like I better end this…” she said, and she suddenly leapt into the line of fire. But Space Tart was a longtime LMBer, trained by the greatest warriors in the galaxy and comfortable in the most dangerous situations. She was the unbridled beacon of femininity, but also the exemplification of its rage. She leapt across the line of fire—checking her reflection out in the mirror as she did so—and landed a brutal kick across Potty Mouth Master’s face. He fell to the side and instantly, she was upon him, using her power on him, pulling out a small device that was renowned technology on Greg Evignan Island.
“Hey!” said a solder, “isn’t that a discomogrification device?”
“Yes,” replied another, “But how in the world was it up his a—“ he was cut off, as Space Tart suddenly activated it!
“Sorry Potty Mouth,” said Spacey, “but that’s no way to talk in front of a lady,” then adding a *tee hee* as she blasted him and instantly turned him into a human-shaped disco ball.
The Office of Security, Legion World
As the Security Officers of Legion World scrambled around the city, no one was around to see Dedman lying on the floor, gasping for air, his life force slowing leaving his body, after the attack by this three assailants: Ron Jeremy’s Moustache, Geez Louise and Gas Lass. Now, he thought he heard footsteps, and suddenly knew they were returning—to finish the job they started. They were all laughing at his plight.
“I told you,” said Ron Jeremy’s Moustache. “Kalla Hol paid us handsomely for the miracle machine. Now we can tie up this loose end and no one will ever be the wiser.”
“Wrong,” said a voice and they all turned to see Antacid Lass standing before them. “I brought you here, and you think you can make a fool of me? Dupe me and destroy the greatest place in the universe?” The smiled at her, outnumbering her three to one. “Not on my watch…” Suddenly, she moved to the side, instantly grabbing hold of Geez Louis and hurling her into Ron Jeremy’s Moustache, back in the Room of Forbidden Weapons. The impact was enough to push them into the side of the room, ultimately activating ‘Security Office Evidence #301’, otherwise known as Project Spinach. Instantly the two were covered in the super-dense endless spinach, covering them from head to toe. This techno-made spinach once was used to battle the actual Entropy Spinach, though it proved useless. All it did, was keep people stuck and unable to move, and give them horrible indigestion.
Gas Lass tried to maneuver herself for another blast, but it was too late. Antacid Lass had her, and grabbed her close for a sleeper hold. “Here,” said Antacid Lass, “maybe I can help you with that…” she said, using her antacid powers on her enemy, ipso facto, rendering her useless.
The Jungle Kingdom of Legion World
The bodies of the brave fallen lay among the rubble and debris, as the Gorilla Tribe of Legion World was not without its heroic dead. However, the warriors stand tall and proud, exhausted from a battle, as the fallen Validus also lays in front of them—an enemy until the end, but a beaten enemy now.
A Gorilla Warrior looked out over the smouldering plains and sighed deeply. He turned to an elder, and the elder knew he understood. “What does it matter, these little battles here, if the fate of all of Legion World rests in the hands of so few, with so slim a chance of survival?” said the elder. And their thoughts turned to what the knew must be a terrible battle, raging in the capital city…
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
Winathian Embassy
Rockhopper Lad led Rockhopper Lass, Matlock, Hyvvie, Old Dutch, Time Teller Lad, Stoopid Cat, Time Boy, Nova Girl and Thora to the blazing embassy.
Thora, cooperative, though still unused to accepting a male in authority, asked "What do we do now, ma--ah, Rockhopper Lad?"
"The sentients in there need to get to safety and that fire needs to be put out," the Pyngwyn Prince replied.
Bravely, Rockhopper Lad and his team rescued about 200 sentients, using their various powers to lead them out of the blaze.
Upon all arriving outside safely, Matlock put his hand on Rockhopper Lad's shoulder, "Care to show us your new power again?" he smiled.
"I think that might work," and, with as much effort as it would have taken him before to blow out a candle, Rockhopper Lad used his newfound super-breath to extinguish the flaming embassy.
Among the first people out of the embassy was Dr. Avis Wasser, who had earlier treated Rockhopper Lass when she first loss her memory. She and her nurse, Ben Gué had the forsight to bring their medical kits with them. "Some of these sentients will need medical care," Dr. Wasser said. We'll need a safe place to treat them.
"Allow me!" Rockhopper Lass said, as she created a large igloo. "It won't start melting for a day or so."
"That'll work, Rockhopper Lass," Dr Wasser smiled. "I'm glad you're doing better."
Rockhopper Lad faced his team, "Good work, folks. Time Teller Lad, you, Hyvvie and Old Dutch stay here with Dr. Wasser. The rest of us need to get back to Nightcrawler and the others."
Posted by Spellbinder on :
Deep Space, The Rave at Asteroid Zero
Maxx the Sorcerer stood with his husband, the pair relaxing as they looked at the writhing ravers.
"You know, I realize that you and Crujectra are stronger than you used to be, but isn't repairing the universe a little... bigger than the both of you?"
The Crusader smiled. "Honestly? Yeah, it was. I'm not entirely sure how it all came down, but we had some Celestial Help with that. Crujectra has acted as a conduit for the LMBP Spectre, if you'll remember, so she kinda thinks that might be how it went down. We felt power flooding in from somewhere..."
Maxx relaxed, a little relieved. "Well, that's good. Not that I mind you being powerful, but that was a little more powerful than is healthy, I think."
Crusader laughed and hugged his husband a little tighter. "You've got that right. I was happy with my old power levels. I have no interest in getting any stronger than I am now."
Posted by LARDLAD on :
The Ruins of the Dark Oval Embassy
Bat-Fem, Jada Konti, Seth Gaterra and Nightcrawler advance amid the chaos that their ally Clark Marlowe has created. They have to fight off a few strays, but the majority of the 52 are preoccupied by Clark and returning members of Rockhopper Lad's group.
Soon, the foursome find a doorway partially concealed by rubble. They find that the doorway is sealed by an opaque energy field.
Bat-Fem says, "this must be the way in!"
Nightcrawler agrees and turns to Seth. "Can you destroy this barrier?"
Seth's tacit response is to remove the glove from his right hand. He reaches out to the energy barrier but recoils as it reacts to the proximity of Seth's nimbus with an electrical backlash. Seth is hit dead-on by this energy and is sent reeling several feet back.
Getting back to his feet gingerly, Seth gasps, "not...going to work on it...defense mechanism..."
"What about the areas around and above the door?" Nightcrawler suggests.
"Negative," Bat-Fem's responds before Seth can reluctantly attempt the new strategy. "The infra-red lenses on my mask are showing that energy signature extends around, and probably below, a large area. I would guess it protects the whole bunker where their bomb is located.
"Might that contain the explosion?" Jada posits.
"They're crazy, Jada, but not stupid," Bat-Fem scoffs. "I'd bet the field is in synch with the bomb's timer, so it deactivates when the bomb's ready to explode."
"Maybe Clark can get through it?" Seth suggests.
"Perhaps," Nightcrawler says, "but I'll bet physical attacks will have the same effect on it as your energy attack. And besides, we don't have time to try to extract Clark from that melee." He motions toward a mound of sentients pig-piling on someone, most likely Clark.
"For all we know, it may already be too late," Bat-Fem adds, her gaze fixed on Nightcrawler. "Maybe we could teleport in."
"We might," Nightcrawler admits, knowing that Bat-Fem's statement was directed squarely at him, "but it would be a blind 'port. I can't see anything that's behind that energy field. To teleport safely, I have to see where I'm going. Otherwise, we might rematerialize inside a wall!"
"Got any better ideas, elf?" Bat-Fem challenges. "Legion World's running out of time!"
"Ja," Nightcrawler decides, "it's our best option. But I can't ask the three of you to take this risk with me."
"I am willing to take the risk," Seth says. "After all, my power is crucial to our plan!"
Bat-Fem and Jada look at each other and smile knowingly.
Bat-Fem says, "we're in, too, elf. Whatever happens, we're all in this together!"
"Alright, then, come close to me, my friends. If this is our last moment alive, I will consider myself privileged to have died with such brave comrades!"
The four come together and bunch in tightly. Nightcrawler concentrates on the barrier and imagines where he needs to be. Then he says a silent prayer and goes for broke.
BAMF!
[ January 28, 2007, 02:03 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
A bunker beneath the Dark Oval Embassy
"AAAAAARRRRRGGGGHHHH!"
The quartet arrive the next moment at the top of a small stairwell. Immediately, they are startled by the sound of someone screaming.
A millisecond later, the other three are horrified to see that Nightcrawler's left hand has been phased into the adjacent bunker wall. The pain for him is beyond unbearable, and it is his screams that echo through the alcove.
"Nightcrawler!" Bat-Fem cries. "I'm so sorry for pushing you into th--"
"F-forget about it, f-fraulein. G-get Seth to that bomb! Sh-SCHNELL!"
Knowing he's right, Bat-Fem turns to the other two, "there's no time! Let's go!"
Somewhat reluctantly, Jada and Seth follow Bat-Fem down a flight of stairs and enter a chamber at the bottom.
Kalla Hryl and Wrath, her shadowy lieutenant, are poised as the trio enter, having been forewarned by Nightcrawler's screams. Kalla recognizes all three immediately from files provided by Wyandotte in her preparations. Her eyes widen particularly at the sight of Seth Gaterra.
"Wrath!" Kalla screams, "subdue that male! He may have the power to destroy the Great Plague!"
"That won't happen, mistress!" Wrath responds, and he charges Seth.
Seth can't do anything to stop him as he's suddenly being grappled from behind by the shadow creature. Seth's arms are locked in such a way that he can't extend his hands to make contact with Wrath.
Jada and Bat-Fem try to pry Wrath off their friend but find their hands passing right through the creature. Somehow, the creature can simultaneously remain solid enough to exert physical force on Seth but be completely untouchable to Jada and Bat-Fem.
"This wraith has total control of its mass," Bat-Fem assesses. "Let's see what we can do with the bomb!"
But the one who has been annointed Bride of the Void by the Church's followers stands in their way, surrounded by a white glow and looking oddly beautiful in her bridal gown. There's nothing beautiful about her maniacal smile, though.
"Distract her Jada," Bat-Fem shouts. "I've got to get to that bomb!"
Wordlessly, Jada charges the Bride, and the two fall to the ground, grappling. Kalla's energy powers don't work well in close quarters, but she's not at all unskilled at hand-to-hand. Jada notices immediately that Kalla's strength is well above average, possibly enhanced by her powers.
As Jada connects with a right cross to Kalla's head that sends the latter's veil flying, Bat-Fem has already reached the bomb.
The first thing she notices is its power source. "Sprock...a mini-miracle machine--there's no way to stop this from going off!"
Trembling slightly, Bat-Fem looks at the digital counter. Two minutes left. In exactly 120 seconds Legion World will die.
119...118...117...116... Posted by LARDLAD on :
115..114..
Bat-Fem thinks frantically as time starts running out. She looks at Seth, still struggling with the living shadow. She observes Kalla and Jada wresting. Can Kalla stop this? If so, how do you coerce a fanatic into countering the one thing she wants most? Maybe if she can reach Clark, he can fly the thing out of here with his Kryptonian powers. But could she reach him in time? Then, there's that force shield surrounding this bunker...how could she even get to Clark through the shield and extricate him from that brawl he's in with so little time remaining?
She looks at the counter...
100...99...98...
Then Bat-Fem remembers something and removes an item from her utility belt. An LMB flight ring. Shady's. She removed the ring from Shady's finger even as she administered Shady the anti-venim for the snakebite. At the time she felt a little guilty removing it, but thought it might come in handy. Now, a germ of a plan unfolds in Bat-Fem's mind.
Bat-Fem suddenly barrels past the four combatants and charges up the flight of stairs.
Nightcrawler still lies there, now moaning softly, his left hand still phased into the wall. Seeing her, he manages a, "Wha--?"
Methodically, Bat-Fem removes two syringes from her utility belt, one containing adrenaline, the other an anaesthetic. She injects the adrenaline into his neck, and the anaesthetic into his left forearm.
"There's no time to explain, Kurt," she says to him while tightening a tourniquet near where she injected the anaesthetic, "but I need you if Legion World is to survive."
He nods as she picks up his dropped rapier and raises it above her head. She brings it down with sufficient force to sever his forearm below the tourniquet.
"AAAHHHHGGG!" he screams, but as much as it hurts, the anaesthetic and adrenaline take much of the edge off.
Helping him up, they stumble down the stairs and dodge the flailing combatants. When they reach the bomb, Bat-Fem glances at the counter.
40...39...
Looking Nightcrawler directly in his glowing yellow eyes, she says, "Kurt, I need you to teleport us and the bomb as high up into Legion World atmosphere as you can manage!"
"J-ja," he agrees, and they both touch the bomb.
"NOOO!" Kalla screams, seeing what they have planned. But Jada holds her back.
Bat-Fem makes brief eye-contact with Seth, then focusses on Jada. Bat-Fem mouths, "goodbye", and then...
BAMF!
...suddenly Bat-Fem and Nightcrawler are miles above Legion World's surface.
"Please, give this to Jada," Bat-Fem whispers to him as she puts something in his remaining hand. Then, she lets go and puts all her will into Shady's flight ring.
Nightcrawler grasps the object she gave him, but begins to freefall as all his strength has left him. Tears flow from his yellow, pupil-less eyes. Tumbling to his apparent death, he whispers, "Al-alf wiedersehen..."
Bat-Fem's will proves strong indeed. Within seconds her transuit activates, and she breaks Legion World's atmosphere.
She glances at the counter...
12...11...
...and pushes her will that much harder. She's got to get this bomb as far away as possible to be absolutely sure no harm befalls the world below. She could let go of it now, letting the momentum built up carry it the rest of the way and possibly save herself, but she knows that carrying it herself and pushing her will further will put more distance between the bomb and Legion World. So she presses on, hoping the time left will be enough.
4...3...
It was a good life, she thinks. I got to be with my Tony again before we died. And there are worse ways to go than this!
2...1...0......
BOOOOOM!
Bat-Fem opens her eyes and sees a bright light. But the light doesn't hurt at all. It's...comforting.
Ahead, she can make out some figures coming toward her. And to her left, she notices, there is a cloaked man next to her.
"I am the Phantom Stranger," he says. "Welcome to your reward!"
Tears stream down her eyes as she recognizes those coming toward her. Her sister, Dru. Her Earth's Cobalt Kid and Loser Lad, as well as its Jada. Many others long gone. But behind them...
"Tony!" she cries as she sees her husband. But all those horrible scars are gone; he's as beautiful as he was the day she married him. Husband and wife embrace as all their departed loved ones surround them. Together, they all move into the light source.
"And so," the Stranger whispers, watching with his penetrating eyes as they disappear into the Light, "the Source has reclaimed the last of its souls on this day." He waves his hand, and Nightcrawler suddenly feels a burst of energy within him. Grasping Bat-Fem's gift, he concentrates on a specific destination, and bamfs out of one dangerous situation back to another.
[ January 28, 2007, 02:10 PM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by LARDLAD on :
A bunker beneath the Dark Oval Embassy
BAMF!
Nightcrawler returns to the scene to find Seth still held in check by Wrath and Kalla straddling Jada and about to deal an apparent killing blow, her fist aglow with energy.
"Nein!" Nightcrawler yells and runs toward Kalla and Jada. Kalla suspends her blow to see where the cry came from. But before she can fully comprehend what's happening, he has already arrived and delivers a powerful right cross square on her nose. She falls backward and loses consciousness.
"I don't normally hit ladies," he says to Kalla's unconscious form, "but you don't really qualify, do you?"
"Mistress!" Wrath cries and loosens his grip slightly on Seth.
It's the opening Seth has been waiting for. The sudden slack Wrath gives enables Seth, in one fluid motion, to remove the glove from his right hand and make contact on his opponent's mercurial form. Wrath manages to let out a scream before Seth's nimbus disintegrates him. Seth's 'children' feast well indeed.
Jada gets up gingerly with help from Nightcrawler. "Mordra...she's..gone?" she asks.
Suddenly overwhelmed with emotion, Nightcrawler's only response is to embrace Jada tightly, his whole body trembling as he cries. Tears well in Jada's eyes as well, but her focus right now is to try to comfort him instead.
Long moments later, he breaks the embrace and opens his fist, unclenching it for the first time since Bat-Fem put something there.
"She...she wanted you to have this," he says to Jada, and she takes it. Staring at the object, she realizes it's a pass-key.
"But what is the key to?" she wonders aloud.
But suddenly, a commotion is heard from the stairway. Seth, Nightcrawler and Jada steel themselves for the worst, but are pleasantly surprised to see the faces are friendly ones. The Rockhoppers, Jailbait Lass, Helena Handbasket, Clark Marlowe and even Hummer Lass and a revived Shady, along with Nova Girl and all the rest. Behind them swarm in a number of field medics who take a particular interest in Nightcrawler's injury.
"Get the de-phaser!" one medic shouts. "We can unphase this forearm out of the wall and have a shot at reattaching it to Nightcrawler's arm."
Nightcrawler smiles at that, then faints. All the trauma has caught up to him.
"I've got his forearm!" another medic shouts gleefully.
"Let's get him to the medcenter STAT!" the lead medic commands.
And within moments Nightcrawler is evacked out of the bunker.
The others remain in the bunker where they mingle sharing war stories and receive medical attention for various injuries. Together, they have overcome the odds and defeated the remaining 52.
Soon, Shady, Clark and Hummer Lass make their way to Jada.
"Where's Bat-Fem?" Hummer Lass asks the taciturn Jada.
Looking up at them, Jada's tears come out full-force. Her reply: "She...she gave her life. She saved us all!"
Within moments all four seek tearful solace in each other's arms.
[ January 29, 2007, 10:57 AM: Message edited by: LARDLAD ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Legion World, Medicus Two
The medics and staff swarmed in and out of various rooms, attempting to finally reach a point where everyone who had been hurt or injured in the attack on Legion World was in stable condition. And they were getting closer to their goal, no matter what the continuous string of odd visitors, intense moments and close calls brought. But in one section of the hospital, they all gave some specific leeway in letting the heroes that were visiting do pretty much anything they wanted without being told to get out of the way. For afterall, these were the heroes that had saved Legion World from disaster—or, in truth, what was left of them.
In the room housing Nightcrawler, the founder of Legion World and a true hero of the LMB, a small group gathered now, feeling the camaraderie of having gone through hell and coming out the other side, and in the process saving everything and everyone they held dear. Or close to it. Gathered around Nightcrawler’s bed were Shadowplay in Candlelight Lass, Hummer Lass, Jada, Seth Gaterra, Helena Handbasket, Clark Marlowe, Jailbait Lass, Nova Girl, Time Boy, Stoopid Cat, Rockhopper Lass, Rockhopper Lad and Matlock. They were all strangely quiet, feeling both the sting of sadness over all the was lost, and the feeling of warmth and happiness that comes in knowing that something great was accomplished.
Finally, Matlock looked up. “Well, Legion Worlders…” he smiled, “…you did good. You should be proud.”
Rockhopper Lad smiled, first looking at Rockhopper Lass and then them all. “Most of you aren’t members of the LMB, but you’ve been true friends to us for a long time,” he said, holding his sister’s hand and squeezing it, “I’ve never felt more proud of any group of people in my life. Thank you,” he said.
“I think what he means,” Seth said, looking at Helena, “is that you’ve made amends now,” he said with a smile.
Helena had the same stoic look on her face she always did, but it subtly began to melt away into a smile as she looked back on him. There was a tremendous amount of relief in her eyes, and the guilt she felt visibly began to lessen.
Nova Girl smiled too and then turned to Clark. “I assume you’re going to be writing a story about this in the late edition?” she asked, somewhat sarcastically.
But her words, although joking, did not have the intended effect. “I am,” he replied, quietly, and they knew in a second that he was thinking about Bat-Fem.
Jada put her hand on Clark’s shoulder and he turned to her. “We’re all going to miss her,” said Jada. “I hardly knew her, but in those moments that I did…I felt she was like a true sister to me…”
Hummer Lass wiped a tear from her eyes, and backed away so she would remain unnoticed. These last few weeks had been an emotional rollercoaster for her and she felt an intense sadness. But Shady saw her and put her arm around her, holding her tight. “You’re among friends Pru,” she said softly, “and you can let it out. Its alright now…it will be alright.”
And then suddenly Jailbait Lass spoke up for the first time, approaching Jada, whom she never had the chance to talk to. Jailbait Lass, although quiet, seemed sure of herself and confident, as if she finally seemed at piece. “We have all lost a great deal in these last few weeks,” she said, “some more so than others,” she continued. “But we’ve all gained a great deal too, whether through experience or just a realization that we are not alone out there in the world. Things change constantly, but we can hang on to our memories and we can move forward.” Jailbait Lass smiled now and hugged Jada, and Jada hugged her back.
Jada looked at Nightcrawler and Shady who was directly to his right, and Rockhopper Lad and Matlock, who were on his left. “Shady,” she said quietly. “Perhaps you could say a prayer…for all those that we lost? And for Legion World?”
Shady looked at them all, finally landing on Nightcrawler, who nodded to her. “I think it would be fitting,” he said, as he held out his recently reattached hand to her, and she grasped it.
The all held hands now, and were silent, as Shady began to softly say a prayer for all those that had fallen and all those who made a great sacrifice. And most of all, for all that they had done these things for, and for all the dreams that made sacrifice a worthy and powerful thing. Her words were beautiful although brief, and none in the room ever forgot them. Jada cried softly, as Jailbait Lass did too, and even Clark and others sniffled. Even Helena, as strong as any of them, was moved by those words.
Shady began to conclude…”Who we are and why we are here ultimately comes down to one thing in this lifetime: the decisions that we make. Will we stand up for what we believe in, and dream things beyond ourselves? Will we stay true to ourselves and our dreams, and stay true to our friends and our loved ones? It was these decisions that allowed sacrifices to be made, and give us reason to continue on in to the future. God Bless all those that we lost,” she finished, “and God bless us all too.”
“Amen,” they all said softly.
Deep Space, Fleet of LMB Cruisers
Making their way home through space aboard a variety of LMB cruisers, and some flying in space itself, the LMB crossed through the universe to return ultimately to Legion World. They were all there among the group, all ready to return to their lives, victorious over a great enemy. They were united and they were strong.
But they had now heard the story of the battle on Legion World, and of the bravery and courage of those that were not even members of the LMB—but displayed the valor and the heroism that each LMBer hoped to strive for everyday. And they knew of the sacrifice and the pain that each had endured defending Legion World in the LMB’s absence.
“It almost doesn’t seem right,” said Faraway Lad said to a small cluster of LMBers aboard one of the ships. “We were absent and so many citizens and innocents were forced to defend our home for us,” he added. The majority of the LMB felt this sense of melancholy.
“It isn’t right,” replied Kid Prime. “But despite all the horror in the universe, and all the suffering, I don’t think I’ve ever been more proud of the citizens of Legion World than I am now, at the tail end of its darkest moments. I’ve never felt a stronger sense of privilege to be returning to my home than I do now. I only hope that we continue to serve Legion World, being its protectors, as bravely as its everyday citizens do. They have given us an example of what heroism truly means—and we will never forget it.”
THE END
Epilogues to follow…
[ August 29, 2008, 10:33 AM: Message edited by: Cobaltus Primus Augustus ]
Posted by Quislet, Esq. on :
Non Sequitor closed the book, looked up, and smiled.
Posted by Lard Lad on :
EPILOGUES SECTION I: ONE WEEK LATER Posted by Lard Lad on :
1: A Farewell to the Fallen
Nightfall. Above the rubble of the former Dark Oval Embassy, a platform stands. Surrounding it in the streets of Embassy Row and filling out the balconies and open windows of neighboring embassies are thousands of sentients. Every single sentient present holds a single lit taper. Their flames create a tapestry as majestic as that of the stars themselves. They are here to honor those that sacrificed their own lives so that they, and this very world, may persevere.
They stand in silence comtemplating this great gift and remain so as Lightning Lad, co-founder of this artificial bastion of freedom, takes the stand.
"Fellow Legion World citizens," he begins, "we have come here this night to mourn and celebrate the lives given freely and selflessly last week to avert a crisis that would have destroyed us and our home if not for their heroism. It was, perhaps, Legion World's greatest challenge ever, and we have come through stronger than ever before. Let us now hear the names of all the lives lost, so that we may reflect on them and know that none of their names will be forgotten..."
Tirelessly, Lightning Lad begins to read the names of every single citizen who had fallen during the assault of the 52 and the attack of Sol Invictus. No name is given more importance than the one before it. Legion World has heard all of their stories over the past week and knows who did what; but all who died are heroes and deserve equal recognition in this ceremony. All of their holos are on display on the streets of Embassy Row, none more prominent than the other.
"...Anthony Taylor, Lard Lad of Earth-4. Hugh Taylor..."
At these names, Legion World's own Lard Lad sobs. The 'villain' who taught him so much about himself. And the 'brother' he loved but was never able to help. In a very real way, two parts of Lardy's own soul died with them. He feels an indescribable emptiness at their loss. But he also feels a deep compulsion within to honor their memories and to make them proud.
Near the back with Shady, Hummer Lass is inconsolable at the mention of Hugh's name. Whether she was mentally compelled to or not, it makes little difference. She killed this poor innocent man, and his death will haunt her the rest of her life.
"...Chloe Lane..."
Dru, holding Lardy's hand tightly, grasps it even tighter at this name. For a brief time Dru had the sister she'd always wanted, and just as quickly, had her taken away. This Mordra who'd taken the civilian name of 'Chloe Lane' and the costumed identity of 'Bat-Fem' was every bit as heroic and noble as her own sister Mordra was evil and manipulative. The tragedy of this suddenly washes over Dru, and she buries her face in her fiance's chest, even as he holds on to her for dear life, trembling with his own grief.
Closer to the podium and standing with Jada Konti, Clark Marlowe mourns the woman he knew as Chloe Lane. She was the best reporter Clark had ever seen, but she was an even greater heroine. He hopes he can find a way to honor her memory properly.
He started doing that, he knows, by honoring a promise she asked him to keep after he joined her and the others in their crusade. "If I die," she said, "don't reveal that I was Bat-Fem, okay?. Trust me, I have my reasons. Promise me!" He did just that. He knows now that keeping a friend's trust is more important than any Galactic Pulitzer could ever be.
For her part, Jada feels a hollowness inside. For a day or so, she had found the best friend she could ever hope for and an inspiration unlike any other, and then she was gone. She looks at the passkey her friend left her and knows that she will be using it to unlock a mystery very soon.
Nightcrawler, standing behind Lightning Lad and back to full health, will never forget Bat-Fem's noble sacrifice. He knows, more than any other, this woman's full nobility.
Matlock and the other Security Officers stand at attention as the massive loss of life within their junior ranks is listed. They all swell with pride at the outstanding job hese fallen heroes did laying down their lives to give Legion World a chance. They were brave souls and will be very hard to replace indeed.
Standing near the Security Office contingent, but still separate, is former Security Chief and LMBer Cobalt Kid. Flanking him are, to his right, his soulmate Princess Crujectra, and to his left, Jailbait Lass. Cobalt mourns the devastation done to the Office he founded in his own tearless way.
But even moreso, he remembers two names that won't be called during this service, those of his good friends Scipio and Danger Damsel. This service is focused on the Sol Invictus/52 Affair, so their losses are not part of the ceremony. But he will remember them always and miss them often, he knows.
Physically, unable to cry, Cobalt instead closes his eyes and bows his head while Crujectra is overwhelmed by his emotions and effectively cries his tears for him.
Jailbait Lass, however, is resolute. She has found her own inner strength these past weeks. She squeezes Cobalt's left hand firmly, and somehow, feeling her newfound strength radiating through him eases Cobalt's pain.
Not far from Cobalt, stand Helena Handbasket and Seth Gaterra. These two have found comfort in each other which they had never known in their troubled pasts. Helena particularly has struggled with the guilt of having been part of the invading force that set all of these dominoes in motion. But the release of fighting for this world and the friendships she's made have eased her pain considerably. Indeed, both she and Seth begin to feel that they've finally found a home.
Soon, Lightning Lad finishes reading the names of the fallen, and he brings the service to its conclusion.
"Fellow, Legion Worlders, I charge you all with the sacred duty of remembering these people always. If not all their individual names, we must always remember their sacrifices. Never take them for granted, and if necessary, be prepared to make your own sacrifice if we are threatened again."
"Starting tomorrow, the ruins of this tainted embassy will be cleared out completely. In its place will be constructed Peace Gardens, a place of tranquility that will be the centerpiece of Embassy Row, where children will come to play and life will be celebrated. The ideal purpose for embassies is primarily to promote peace and understanding between disparate cultures. What better way to symbolize this ideal than a beautiful, perfect place around which all the embassies are centered? What better way to reimagine and reshape the site of such unimaginable evil?"
"And," he concludes, "the centerpiece of Peace Gardens will be an Eternal Flame, so that we will never forget...our heroes!" And he presses a button that causes a statue to rise from the rubble. It's a tall podium with a bright flame shining atop it and a marker that reads, "Never Forget!" with all of the names of the fallen below it.
Thunderous applause rings from the crowd in response. The feeling is palpable that better times are to come.
[ February 04, 2007, 12:28 AM: Message edited by: Lard Lad ]
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
2: Transition
A few days later was the day of the Inauguration of the new LMB Leader and Deputy Leader. Kid Marvel and Rockhopper Lad were soon to be sworn in. Thousands of Legion World citizens crowded the Plaza to celebrate the day and witness the change in leadership for their heroes. There had been some talk about postponing the ceremony or making it more private, but Kid Marvel and Rockhopper Lad both insisted it be held on schedule and on the Plaza where all who wanted to could participate. After all, the people of Legion World proved themselves heroic in their own right. They belonged at this celebration and this celebration belonged to them.
The entire membership of the LMB stood closest to the centre of the Plaza. Standing with them were Hummer Lass, Jada Konti, Helena Handbasket, Clark Marlowe, Jailbait Lass, Time Boy, Time Teller Lad and the Super-Pets.
Outgoing Deputy Leader Kent Shakespeare began his remarks. Outgoing Leader Actor Lad would make his after Kent.
As Kent began to speak, Rockhopper Lad, standing to the side with Rockhopper Lass and Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle, surveyed the scene and thought about all they had been through recently. He then thought back to a conversation he had with Kid Marvel the day before at the Rookery:
“So, Rocky, tell me about this new power of yours,” Kid Marvel said.
“Not much to tell. After we escaped from my double, I discovered I had super-breath when I was trying to protect Time Teller Lad from a member of the 52.”
“That can be a very useful power. Even we Marvels don’t have it. How did it manifest itself?”
“I puffed out a breath and there it was. My medical exam didn’t reveal any physical change to my lungs or any other part of my body. It would seem this isn’t physical.”
“And?”
“I had Maxx give me a metaphysical check. I figured a sorcerer could find an answer. He said maybe it’s because I held my breath when I teleported us. The magic focussed on my breath and lungs and expanded what I already had.”
“I’m very impressed.”
“Thank you. I’m still exploring the limits of this power. It’s already come in handy on several occasions. It feels as natural to me as my ice powers do.”
Rockhopper Lad sighed. “Kid Marvel–Joe–I may not be able to serve my term.”
“Excuse me?”
“First, I fled my double. I didn’t try to stay and fight...”
“And if you had, he probably would have put you under his spell.”
“And then there’s the fact that I used magic in a way forbidden to me.”
“Forbidden? You mean your super-breath.”
“No. I don’t think there’s a problem with that.” He paused. “I teleported. That didn’t feel natural to me. The House of Rockhopper only has the ice magic. Only members of the Blue Fairy Clan are allowed to use magic for things like teleportation and the rules they have to follow are so strict that only those in monastic orders ever try it. This could bring shame on the House of Rockhopper. I may even lose my right to succession.”
“Is that a Pyngwyn law?”
“It’s more a part of Pyngwypalia, our religion.”
“Pyngwypalia has lots of rules, does it?”
“I guess it does. Pyngwyn society is very regimented.”
Kid Marvel stroked his hand on his chin. “What would have been the greater sin: teleporting yourselves to safety or allowing yourself and Adelie to become dominated by the Evil Emperor Pyngwyn?”
Rockhopper Lad was silent for a moment. “I see what you mean.”
“Rocky, what do you know of Solomon?”
“He’s the source of your wisdom, right?”
“Yes. What do you know about him?”
“He’s the only one of your benefactors who isn’t a god or demi-god. He was an human king thousands of years ago.”
“Right. Do you know what the wisdom of Solomon tells me right now?”
“I wish I knew.”
“It tells me that a very brave young Pyngwyn did what he had to do to save someone he loves very much. It tells me that he fought temptation. It tells me that he knew better than to throw his lot in with a tyrant.” He placed his hand on Rockhopper Lad’s cheek. “It tells me he is going to make an excellent Deputy Leader. Someone I can trust to lead the LMB in my absence. And someone who will make an excellent Emperor Pyngwyn someday.”
“I guess that means you’re not accepting any resignations.”
“Nope. You’re stuck with the job, Rocky!” Kid Marvel winked.
“Eudyptes!” Rockhopper Lass’ voice broke her “brother”’s reverie. “It’s time.”
The Rockhoppers stepped forward into the very centre of the plaza. Hyvvie stood by Rockhopper Lad’s side. Kent Shakespeare, as outgoing Deputy Leader would administer the Oath of Office.
Rockhopper Lad approached Kent who greeted him with a broad smile. Rockhopper Lass stood between them, holding a copy of The Silver Pyngwyn. Rockhopper Lad placed his left hand on it, raising his right hand in the air, as Kent prompted him in the Oath. Normally, Rockhopper Lad would allow his given name to be transliterated to the more Interlac-friendly “Eudyptes”; however, for his oath, he had chosen to use his full name and title in Pyngwyny:
I, Yy’dyptyyz Krysokom ky Rokk H’por kep D’zant L’yal ky Ollurem’yy Pyngwyny, Rockhopper Lad, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of Deputy Leader of the Legion of Message Board Posters, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Legion of Message Board Posters and Legion World, so help me Dywh.
There was much cheering and clapping. Rockhopper Lass embraced her “brother”, “Eudyptes, I’m so proud of you!” Kent likewise embraced Rockhopper Lad, “Good job, Rocky, you’ll be great!”
Musing on the length of Rockhopper Lad’s name, Lash Lad whispered to Lad Boy, “Now I know why Rocky doesn’t have monogrammed luggage!”
And then it was Kid Marvel’s turn. He and Marvel Maid came forward and stood before Actor Lad. Marvel Maid held a small piece of the Rock of Eternity upon which Kid Marvel laid his left hand. He then raised his right hand and took his oath:
I, Joe-Boy Harvestar, Kid Marvel, do solemnly swear that I will faithfully execute the Office of Leader of the Legion of Message Board Posters, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the Legion of Message Board Posters and Legion World, so help me Solomon, Hercules, Atlas, Zeus, Achilles and Mercury.
Actor Lad addressed the crowd, “Gentle Sentients, I present to you the new Leader and Deputy Leader of the Legion of Message Board Posters!”
There was more cheering and shouting. The last several weeks had been a very difficult time for everyone. The LMB had changed. Legion World had changed. Many of the nearby buildings had sustained damage, but that was not reflected in that day’s celebration. It was time for a new beginning: For Rockhopper Lad, for Kid Marvel, for the LMB and for Legion World.
[ February 03, 2007, 01:31 PM: Message edited by: Rockhopper Lad ]
Posted by Lard Lad on :
3: Separate Ways
Two hours after the Inauguration, Hummer Lass is in her one-room apartment in Old Town packing all her things.
A knock comes on her door. She doesn't answer. And after a long moment, she hears a...
pop
"Pru?" inquires a familiar voice.
"I was afraid it was you, Lardy," she says solemnly, keeping her back to him.
He takes in the room and realizes what she's doing. "You're leaving?"
"Yes," she answers simply.
"But, why? Pru, I came here to tell you I want to sponsor you for LMB membership! You've gotta stay!"
She turns around and faces him eye to eye, for the first time in months. Her eyes are red with and swollen from continuous crying. "How can you expect me to stay? Don't you know what I've done?"
"Yes, I do," he says evenly, then approaches her and puts his hands on either of her shoulders. "And I know it wasn't your fau--"
"Oh, stop it!" She screams and swats his arms aside. "Everybody is so quick to exonerate me because of Wyandotte's mental powers, but I killed an innocent man, damnit!" Renewed tears burn her already ravaged eyeballs. "And I enjoyed it! I thought I was killing the heartless bastard who rejected my love! I thought i was killing YOU, and, oh gods..it-it felt good!"
Lardy is taken aback by this and says, "I...I knew I hurt you when I rejected you, Pru. But I thought I was sparing you greater pain. I was scared, and I still am, of the terrible things I've done and that I'm capable of doing. You're the last person in the galaxy I'd ever want to hurt, Pru. Though I wanted to be with you desperately, I thought hurting you then would be better than destroying your life irreparably down the road."
"The sad thing, Lardy, is that, even then, I knew on some level that that was exactly what you were doing. But it didn't matter. I went down a self-destructive path, the same one I always go down...turned a few tricks doing what 'Hummer' Lass does...until Wyandotte found me. I found it all to easy to believe he was the 'real' Lardy, the one who would never reject my love, and that you were some vile pretender--who killed people, was jockeying for political ascension and would soon marry one of the galaxy's most notorious villainesses. We determined I would assassinate the pretender and his foul concubine on their wedding day, so the 'true' Lard Lad could take back his rightful place as a galactic hero with me as his wife!"
"One night," she says, her body trembling, "the 'Pretender' happened to cross my path. I was overcome by a mad lust to kill him right then and there. And I...slaughtered him...and bathed in his blood..."
"Please...just stop, Pru...It's more than I can bear..." And he hangs his head, fighting back the red hot tears as hard as he can.
This time it is she who approaches him and embraces him tightly, whispering, "then you know the guilt I'm struggling with, Lardy. I can't bear to be on Legion World any longer."
His head on her shoulder, he asks, "but where--?"
"I'm going with Shady back to her practice on Earth. I..I want to help her help people...and maybe--maybe I'll get the help, I need in the process, too."
"That...sounds good, Pru. I know Shady will take good care of you...like I never could."
"And I hope Dru will take good care of you, too. I...can see the two of you are good for each other."
"Yes...yes we are." And he breaks the embrace. Looking her square in the eyes he asks, "will...I ever see you again?"
Smiling at him, she says, "somehow, I think you will."
Overwhelmed with emotion, he succumbs to the urge to kiss her. She kisses him back. A moment later, their lips reluctantly part.
"Goodbye Pru--I...I'll miss you."
"Goodbye, Lardy..."
And with a pop, he's gone. Just like that.
"...I love you, too," she whispers.
And the next day, she's gone. And history will show that she never will set foot on Legion World again.
[ February 04, 2007, 12:34 AM: Message edited by: Lard Lad ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
4: The Streets of Legion World
“Well, the Taltarian Picket Line has finally desisted,” said Tamper Lad with a ‘hmmph’ to Caliente. “I figured the spring rains would drive them out.”
“Don’t be foolish Tamper,” said a voice, as he and Caliente turned to see Nova Girl walking with a contingent of Taltarian female warriors. “They simply have better things to do, including Thora. If some of those things happen to be the insistence that the Evil Supper Genius Club be taxed extra to make way for universal medical care not only for pregnant females on Legion World—but the entire United Planets, then well, I guess that’s something you’ll find out in time…”
Nova Girl moved on and Tamper Lad fumed, while Caliente had a laugh.
Not far away, a few others walked by, as Liberty Monkey led Lonestar Ranger and Kid Gender Stereotype Reversal II. “As I said officer, you should be able to find Eryk Davis Ester up around this corner, as he is most likely viewing the Super Playground of Space he donated many years ago…”
“He better be there Monkey…if I have to hear you speak anymore…”
“Great Rao!” said KGSR II, “I’m going to kill Eryk for this! Stuck with these two for days trying to find him, but he’s never in one place…”
Not far off, Varalent laughed to himself, as he shrunk EDE back to normal size. “There you go Eryk, they’re too far away now,”
“Jeepers Vee! Thanks! I hate to do that to Calamity—er, Liberty Monkey, but KGSR II is pretty mad at me!” Vee laughed, glad to help his friend. “What about you, Vee? What’s next?”
Vee thought about it for a second, and remembered all that had happened in the last few months all of the pain he had been through. He flashed back to earlier, when Cobalt Kid and Reboot sought him out before the big battle and interrupted his mission. He talked with Cobie on the way to the battle, knowing Cobie had been through similar experiences, and before he knew it, the two were laughing like old times. ‘It might be time to restart some of those old parties that the Festive Five used to throw at the Villa’ Cobie laughed, and Vee remembered adding ‘well, we better start at SHAKES and dust off the old triple antique marine varnished doors’. Vee smiled. “A little of the same old,” he said, ready to get the Villa and SHAKES back up and running, “but there are always new adventures around the corner, literally and figuratively,” he smiled, adding, “…and I can’t wait for them.”
Down the street around Statue Way more towards Future Road, Space Tart had similar thoughts, as she bid farewell to a motley crew of travelers: Captain Lightbulb, M’Baku the Sciene-Gorilla and Turns You into a Planet Fred—the last of which still seemed to maintain some semblance of that massive power. “Do you think you’ll really keep all that power, Fred?” she asked with a giggle, “its so manly!”
“Well, I don’t know,” he said with a smile, “…but I’ll tell you, I finally had my chance to step up in the big leagues…and well, now I know what people mean when they say they need a vacation! So old Gorilla-breath over here is taking me with him,” he smiled as M’Baku moaned over Fred’s not so funny joke.
“And you captain?” she asked Captain Lightbulb.
He smiled, as the lightbulb on his head grew brightly, and he flexed his muscles, which looked good in his speedo. “I have a few ideas…” he said quietly, and they all laughed at this one, as Spacey gave them all a hug goodbye and they all went on their way.
“Hey, move it along!” said Matlock jokingly to Space Tart, as he walked over, his twenty-five year old self now fitted with a slimmer version of his classic 1930’s costume. “We can’t have space-cruisers taking off in the middle of the streets,” he smiled; glad to see that the streets of Legion World were tame once again.
“Well Matlock!” said Spacey with a big smile and seductive voice, “Ms. Matlock must be *so* glad to see you when you get home each night! What a cutie you were at 25…” she smiled, rubbing his chest.
“Huh?” he said befuddled, “just what I need,” he thought, “Ms. Matlock will have something to say about this…”, as he suddenly pointed towards the sky to draw Spacey’s attention away.
Up ahead a large contingent of LMBers, waving down below, some landing around them, some moving on to their own personal lives. Poverty Lad played a joke on some security officers, while Fat Cramer landed at Café Cramer to see how business had done for the night. And around the corner, a larger crowd began to gather. Lucien Lad stood before them, looking at some of the debris with a hand on one hip, evidently not too pleased with what he saw.
“What to you think, Bevis?” said Sketch Lad to him.
“I think,” said Lucien Lad with an annoyed smile, “that I’m sick of all this reconstruction here on Legion World,” he finished, then closing his eyes. He giggled to himself, obviously thinking of something risqué, and when he reopened his eyes, the Legion World before him was much better. All of the debris was gone; all of the destruction had vanished. Buildings were restored, streets were cleaned, and Legion World was whole again. There would be no reconstruction this time….Legion World was once more fully complete and completely beautiful.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
5: Beginnings
Time moved once more, often swiftly, often slowly, but always moving. The sun rose each morning, but left in the evenings, and the eternal sunrise of Sol Invictus, though not forgotten, was not something the daily inhabitants of Legion World thought of often. On one such evening soon after the battle at the Dark Oval Embassy, as the sun sank into the West, Helena and Seth looked over the streets of Legion World from on top of a building, amazed that only days before, they had fought innumerable odds and defended the people down below.
Helena smiled at them, but stopped when she immediately knew Seth was looking at her—and then she smiled again.
“You must feel some relief,” he said to her, looking at the final vestiges of a clean-up on Legion World. “That was you a few weeks ago, feeling an incredible guilt.”
“The guilt has not gone away completely,” she replied looking down again, “…but at last I have figured out a way to temper it. I really like it here Seth, and I believe in this place. I’m honored to defend it.”
He now moved to her side. “I know,” he replied. “I feel it too. We’re both odd around here, with our own dark pasts, full of regrets and bad decisions. But a new day dawns tomorrow, and I’ll be glad to meet whatever challenges, whether new or from the past are there.”
The brisk evening air began to pick up around them and it felt refreshing, although colder than they would have wished. It would be spring soon though, and that would bring a whole new air.
She looked at him now, in the eyes. “I feel something different now,” she said, “something subtle, but it gives me hope. Acceptance,” she said, “and I know you feel it too. But you were the first to accept me, and I won’t forget that. I’ll be glad to meet those challenges too, and I’ll be glad to be by your side to help you meet yours.”
The both looked on now at the sun descending and Seth reached out his hand and took Helena’s hand in it.
Things were changing for both of them, and it would not be easy, as one can never escape his or her past. But they would change with it, and they would do the best they could.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
6: Where the Heart Is
Rockhopper Lass sat in a wingback chair in the Deputy Leader’s office, waiting for Rockhopper Lad. So much had happened to her lately. She needed some purpose. Faraway Lad had told her there was still no way for him to reach the Earth of her universe or any other planet in it. The SMB was to be her new start. Now she had no idea what would be next for her. She felt like a person without a country. Did she have a home anywhere?
Presently, Rockhopper Lad entered his new office. “Adelie, I would like to formally introduce you to my staff!”
She stood and smiled. Eudyptes could always make her smile. He was so enthusiastic about his new role as Deputy Leader of the LMB. If only “her” Eudyptes could have–no, she mustn’t think that way.This was her Eudyptes now.
“My Scheduler: Time Teller Lad,” Time Teller Lad entered the office with a big grin on his face.
“My Press Secretary: Old Dutch the Super-Cow.” Old Dutch entered, got a rather confused look on her face and then went to stand next to Time Teller.
“My Chief of Staff: Hyvvie the Wonder Beagle.” Hyvvie bounded in and ran up to Rockhopper Lass, licking her, and then stood with the others.
“And my Personal Secretary: Lad Boy!” The scantily clad LMBer walked in with a steno pad in his hand.
“Lad Boy?” she smiled and shook her head.
Rockhopper Lad shrugged. “He was promised a cushy government job if either Kid Marvel or I got in and, well, what could be cushier than being a fairly superfluous secretary? TTL, Old Dutch and Hyvvie take care of most of the business I can’t handle myself.”
Lad Boy smiled. “I essentially get paid to sit around and look cute!”
“Which you do quite well,” Rockhopper Lad grinned.
Rockhopper Lass chuckled. “Oh, Eudyptes, everyone, you make me feel much better.”
“I’m glad, Adelie. So what do you have planned?”
She sighed. “I don’t know. I can’t go home to my Pyngwyn Colonies or to the SMB. I thought about going to your Pyngwyn Colonies, but, well–they already have a Princess Adelie. She’s wonderful, but I don’t want to make her uncomfortable.”
“You really are just like her,” Rockhopper Lad said. “She would probably say the same thing. Always thinking of others first.”
“So, Boss Man,” Lad Boy smirked, “What do you have for me to do?”
“At the moment, nothing.”
“Well, that’s exactly what I’m going to do. If you need me, I’ll be at SHAKES.”
“SHAKES sounds awfully good,” Time Teller Lad said. “I think I can spare the 12 minutes 13 seconds it takes to walk there, then the twenty-one minutes it takes...”
“Why don’t you come with, TTL?” said Lad Boy, rolling his eyes. “Anyone else?”
“I could use some refreshment,” Old Dutch said. “Where were we going again?”
“We’ll catch up to you,” Rockhopper Lad smiled. “Adelie and I need a moment.” Hyvvie nuzzled his master. “Of course, you can stay, precious.”
After the others left, Rockhopper Lad sat in a chair next to Rockhopper Lass. Hyvvie lay down between them.
“Adelie, I have a proposition for you.”
“What’s that, Eudyptes?”
“Now that I’m Deputy Leader, I’m not going to have a whole lot of time to take care of the Rookery. I’m going to need someone I can trust to run the place and make it a centre of Pyngwyny culture here on Legion World.”
Adelie smiled. “I’d be honoured, Eudyptes. I think that’s just what I need.”
“I hope you’ll at least consider reserve status with the LMB as well.”
“Of course. Anytime you need me, I’ll be glad to help out.”
“That’s really great. I’m glad you’ll be staying, Adelie.”
“Well, of course I’m staying,” she smiled. She thought for a moment about Eudyptes, the LMB and all the friends she had made and realised that for the first time in ages, she felt like she belonged somewhere. She smiled again, “After all: Legion World is my home now!”
Posted by Lard Lad on :
7: A Mutual Acquaintance
Offices of The Legion World Herald
Clark Marlowe stares blankly at his Omnicom screen. He has a deadline to meet for his retrospective piece on the 52 affair, and he hasn't written the first word yet. Time is running out.
He's at a standstill. He's gotten a lot of praise from his peers and readers alike for his firsthand accounts, but it all rings very hollow to him. He's embellished so many details in order to honor Chloe's wishes, but also to hide the true role he played.
Yes, he reported Chloe's sacrifice, but not as Bat-Fem, as per her wishes. Because of him, the public record shows that Chloe Lane, who he revealed was actually a heroic Mordra from Earth-4 all along, carried the bomb outside of Legion World. Various witnesses reported seeing Bat-Fem fighting on the streets. His account confirmed that but claimed that she survived, as far as he knows.
And what of the "human whirlwind" observed clearing the Dark Oval Embassy site of conspirators? Marlowe characterized him as an anonymous samaritan.
Some hero, he thinks, hiding from what happened. Even if my powers hadn't totally disappeared right after the crisis had passed, I still would've probably taken this tack. I'm a writer and a reporter. As much as I did to help while I had the Kryptonian powers, I'm not even a fraction of the hero Chloe was as Bat-Fem. Not even close.
I was invulnerable. Fast. Incredibly strong. She had nothing more than a few gadgets, the body she was born with and skills she honed every single day the hard way. If I hadn't lucked into those apparently one-shot powers, I would've continued to hide in a hole and just watched as untold numbers of sentients died in agony. If I wasn't pretty sure I couldn't get hurt, I would've continued cowering...and taking notes.
He touches the crystal still imbedded near his Adam's apple that granted him temporary bravery. He recently went to a specialist who told him there was absolutely no way to remove the crystal from its home. It was unbreakable, as was its connection to Clark. "Damndest thing I've ever seen," the specialist said.
Funny thing is, Clark muses, those looks Chloe gave me...she didn't see me as a coward at all. She had complete faith in me to do what was right. And I've never known a better judge of character in my life. Somehow, I fooled her...or maybe she was right after all. Gods, I miss her...
And as he wipes his eyes as they begin to tear up, he suddenly knows what his article's focus will be: he's going to tell everything he knows of Chloe Lane and her heroism, minus the small detail of her costumed identity. They will know the truth about this remarkable woman, and he'll do everything he can to make sure this woman is never forgotten. In short he'll tell (almost) the whole truth, and it'll write itself.
He turns the article in just before the deadline and feels a catharsis like no other. The tears he cries then cleanse his mind like never before. And, unnoticed to him, the crystal glows slightly for little more than a second before returning to normal.
And months later, when the Galactic Pulitzer is awarded to him for this article, he knows, wherever she is, that Chloe is proud.
A Derelict Building in Legionnopolis's Old Town Borough
Jada Konti finds a hidden flight of stairs leading to a basement.
Took some effort to find out what this passkey you left me goes to, Mordra. Had to enlist Matlock's help to analyze it and trace the subharmonics of the lock it's meant to open. Definitely was no easy task.
The stair leads to an area cloaked in total darkness. Luckily, she has a glow torch with her and ignites it. The hallway she finds herself in is totally bare except for a single door at its far end.
"Guess that's the door, Mordra!" she says aloud, and her words echo slightly in the dark hallway. "I have no idea why you want me here. Is this where you keep your memorabilia from your marriage or something?" She shakes her head, "damn, Konti...you expect her ghost to answer or something?"
Finally, she reaches the door and inserts the passkey into a small console. After a moment the receptacle flashes a green light, and the door opens.
Suddenly, the room's lights flash on, and Jada is blinded. Instinctively, she shields her eyes, but only sees red fireworks for several seconds. And as her vision clears, she's startled as she sees the outline of:
"B-Bat-Fem?"
But it's not. A moment later she sees that the fuzzy outline was that of a featureless mannequin wearing one of her friend's costumes. Looking around the largish room, she sees more spare costumes hanging up, weaponry, utility belts, a hover cycle, grapple guns and much more. This was obviously where Bat-Fem made her base of operations.
Momentarily dumbfounded, Jada stutters, "b-but why would she want me to come h--?"
And realization hits.
"She wants me...to take her place?"
Her mind boggling at the implications, Jada has to sit down a while.
[ February 06, 2007, 01:05 AM: Message edited by: Lard Lad ]
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
8: Exhaling
As the things grow more routine and a normal pace begins to set in on Legion World—well, as normal for Legion World that is—the Office of Security once more delves into shuffle of non-stop traffic and intrigue. Its odd then, when My Whee Fem notices that Jailbait Lass has not shown up for work. She checks the time clock to be sure, and there it is: Jailbait Lass has actually taken a vacation day. Her first ever vacation day since she began working!
“But…” said My Whee Fem, “…this is Lolita. She never takes vacation days! Its like against her religion!”
“Omygod!” yelled Everyday Girl, “its about time! But what’s she going to do all day?”
“Oh, leave her alone,” says Matlock walking past with a smile, “I think she deserves a day off…” he finishes turning the corner, then adding under his breath, “…after all she’s been through…”
Across the city, at the Legion World Cemetery, Jailbait Lass stands before a familiar tombstone and smiles as the spring air blows through the cemetery. There are flowers all over the graves, freshly put there, and it makes the cemetery look beautiful and fitting. The grave before her says ‘Paula Shultz’, though Jailbait Lass has no clue who that is. She knows this grave because this is where the Red Bee buried her alive. She used to visit it all the time, as if she should say something, but the fear would choke the words up inside of her, and she would barely be able to stumble home.
But today she was smiling. She placed a bouquet of lilies (her favorite) on the grave. And now she spoke aloud, to the cemetery, to Ms. Shultz and to herself. “Well Ms. Shultz,” she began, “I feel I owe you an apology. But I’m here to tell you that I won’t be bothering your resting place anymore.” The breeze picked up again and she continued to smile. “The grave is yours again, to be buried in. And anything related to me is no longer buried, but simply gone. Good bye,” she smiled, and turned around, and walked out.
As she got to the entrance, she saw a familiar face, as Cobalt Kid was waiting for her. He had his old trenchcoat back on, given back to him by Jailbait Lass. His face was completely healed, all that remained of the scars was a scarred ‘X’ above his right eye. He looked at her with his cool eyes, unsure of what she was feeling. “I thought I might find you here,” he said. She smiled at him, and he knew. So he smiled back. They started to walk, quietly, enjoying the silence. “C’mon,” he said, putting his arm around her, “let me buy you a cup of coffee at Café Cramer…”
“Cobie,” she said laughing, “cups of coffee are free.”
He laughed back. “Then how about we just hang out for a little while? That’s free too,” he added.
“I know it is,” she replied, and hugged him tightly.
Posted by Lard Lad on :
9: Precipice
Lard Lad enters the penthouse he shares with his fiancee and finds her sitting at their dining table, her head propped on her elbows.
"Babe?" he asks her tentatively. "What's wrong?"
Raising her head from its support and straightening her posture, she puts on her bravest face.
"Anthony, there's something I've been putting off talking to you about for a while. But I can't do that any longer."
A look of concern painting his face, he sits next to her and takes her hands into his. "What's wrong, babe...are you all right?"
"It's nothing like that, honey. But it's difficult to talk about it."
"Just talk," he assures, "I'll listen."
"O-okay," she begins, "well, you, of couse, know that I ran for LMB Leader a few weeks back..."
"Yeah," he smiles, "that may've been a bit premature, y'know."
"Yes, I know. But it was something I felt I had to try. You see, I'd just lost my world a few months ago. When I ruled Rudlab, I had the authority to make a difference in the galaxy. But then, the Dark Oval destroyed Rudlab, and I was left with nothing..."
"Yes, you were, Dru. But then we found each other!"
"Yes, and that means so much to me! I-I never had a clue what real love was before we discovered each other. And it fulfills me in so many ways..but when I look at the mess the galaxy's becoming--just the threat that Caracalla and his Khanate pose alone--I know that if I still had political power, I could make a difference!"
"Dru, you are making a difference! You helped save Legion World twice recently!"
"But, Anthony, even today, walking through Legionnopolis, I got the looks, the ones that don't even bother to hide the fact that they still don't trust me! All they see is the wicked witch who terrorized them on many, many occasions. Even most of the LMBers still have that look! If I could read minds, I'd bet you anything that they think I'm just playing the hero, waiting for them to drop their guard before I unleash probably the most dastardly plot yet! They may never trust me...and deep down, I can't blame them."
"Dru, just give them more ti--"
"More time, Anthony? Honey, out of all the LMBers, I got exactly one vote--YOURS! Can't be much further away than last place, huh?"
"But that was before the 52 affair and--"
"What did I just tell you? I'm still getting all the looks, honey, from everyone! And at this moment I still haven't been given LMB membership, or even been granted Legion World citizenship! They'll be forced to after we marry, but that still won't equal acceptance...I'll just be let in on a technicality, and that's not what I want."
"So what is it, Dru? What alternative do you have?"
Taking a deep breath, she rustles up the courage for what she has to say next. "Anthony, just before the election process started, I got an offer."
"An offer?" he says amping the volume of his voice considerably as he stands up and gesticulates. "You got an offer over a month ago, and you're just now telling me about it? What kind of offer?"
Looking up with resolve in her eyes, she answers, "it's from the Sorceror's World, honey. They've offered me a chair on the ruling Council of Seven. They've monitored the changes I've made for the better, and they feel my experience is needed to help with the changing galactic landscape. They're accepting me unconditionally and giving me the opportunity I crave to make a difference, Anthony."
"Why are you telling me now, Dru? Why not a month ago?"
"My first idea was to try running in the LMB election. If I could somehow win, or at least have a good showing, I could have something as good here. But we know how that turned out. And almost immediately afterward the whole 52 affair hit the fan. Things are only now starting to settle down. So--"
"So, just like that...you're going to take it?!?!" he almost yells.
"No," she says calmly, "not 'just like that'. I don't want to sacrifice what we have. I... I want you to come with me. I want us to make the Sorceror's World our home...as husband and wife."
"You..you want me to leave Legion World?!?! Dru--you know this is the only real home I've ever had all my life! This is where I belong--I can't just-just..."
She walks to him and gently strokes his chin. Her eyes begin to tear up as she says, "look, Anthony, this is not an ultimatum--no matter what, I'm not walking out on us! If you can't bring yourself to leave Legion World, I'll decline the offer, and we'll stay here. As you said, maybe things'll get better over time. Maybe I--"
"Maybe you'll resent me forever, Dru!" Lardy almost screams as his own tears begin to flood out. For a moment the conversation--the kiss--he had with Hummer Lass flashes through his mind, but he shakes it off. "Don't you see the position I'm in! You just poured your heart out to me about what it's been like for you here! I can't guilt you into staying here--it would eat us up inside and tear us apart! I can't do that to you...and-and I don't think I can leave Legion World, either!"
He screams in an anguish that comes from his soul and suddenly disappears with a pop of Lard Force.
"A-Anthony? Honey?" Dru cries. Then she collapses to the floor in a fit of sheer heartbreak.
[ February 07, 2007, 12:53 AM: Message edited by: Lard Lad ]
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
10: World's End
Dr. One looked at those the had called to a special meeting. “I suppose you’re all wondering why I’ve asked you all here,” he said to Faraway Lad, Kid Marvel, Rockhopper Lad and Rockhopper Lass.
“The thought did cross my mind once or thrice, Doctor,” Rockhopper Lad noted.
“As an early Terran holo character would say,” Kid Marvel added, “ ‘What’s up, Doc?’”
“I think I may have at least found a way to contact Earth-4.”
“Oh, that’s marvellous!” cried Rockhopper Lass.
“I’ll need Faraway Lad’s help,” Dr. One added. “Faraway, if you’ll just allow me to put this helmet on you, thank you, I’ll show you what I have.”
Dr. One produced a device that looked like an early ancestor of a holo-vid viewer that would have been used around the mid-20th Century on Earth.
“This device can channel Faraway Lad’s powers to at least get an image from another universe. We may not be able to make actual contact, but we’ll be able to see what’s going on.”
“You’re a bloody genius, Doctor,” Faraway smiled.
“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s try it!” Kid Marvel said, rubbing his hands together.
Dr. One pushed some buttons and threw some switches. The machine made a high-pitched noise, rather like a theremin. Faraway Lad closed his eyes as the machine used his powers to peer into Earth-4 universe. After about two minutes a picture appeared on the viewscreen.
A planet appeared in view. The picture was fuzzy at first, but slowly it became clearer and clearer.
But this couldn’t be Earth-4.
Instead of the familiar oceans and continents of an Earth, this planet seemed little more than a lifeless hunk of rock, much of the surface of which was scorched.
“Doctor, what’s wrong?” Rockhopper Lad asked. “Is it the machine?”
“It checks out fine! Faraway’s fine It’s–it’s the planet.”
They all stood silently for a moment as what appeared before them sank in.
Rockhopper Lass began sobbing in Rockhopper Lad’s arms. Rockhopper Lad looked to Kid Marvel. Even the wisdom of Solomon was at temporarily at a loss.
“Are you sure that’s Earth-4, Doctor?” Kid Marvel asked at last.
“It’s in the correct space for Earth-4. It’s the right size and mass,” the doctor answered as detached from the situation as he could be.
“That’s why I couldn’t contact my doppelgänger,” Faraway said.
“The SMB! And all those billions of beings!” Rockhopper Lass wailed.
Kid Marvel looked at the screen. “There’s some sort of writing on the surface. Doctor, please increase resolution.”
As the letters that were carved into the surface of the planet came into view, both Rockhoppers’ jaws dropped, the red bills inside their mouths very clearly showing.
“That writing is Pyngwyny!” Rockhopper Lad gasped.
“What does it say, Rocky?” Kid Marvel asked.
“This planet was destroyed on the whim of his Imperial Majesty, Eudyptes XXIX.”
“That’s your name, Rocky.”
“Eudyptes is my name, KM. Eudyptes XXIX will be my regnal name when I ascend the throne. My dad is Eudyptes XXVIII.”
“My brother was Eudyptes XXIX,” Rockhopper Lass sobbed. “When he usurped our father’s throne, he became Eudyptes XXIX.”
“Does this mean the Evil Emperor Pyngwyn destroyed Earth-4 and all the people on it?”
“It would appear so, Faraway,” Rockhopper Lad sighed. “I wouldn’t put anything past my double. He is one of the most vile beings I’ve ever met.”
The Rockhoppers and Kid Marvel all held each other close and all began weeping openly for the sheer horror of the situation. Dr. One and even the usually stoic Faraway began to tear up as well.
The image stayed on the screen, almost taunting them. The SMB was gone. A whole Earth was gone. And they could do nothing but cry.
And they did.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Epilogues Section II: One Month Later Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
11: No Checkmate in Sight
The Dark Oval One month had passed on the intergalactic calendar, and though the war remained fresh and horrific in the memories of the citizens of the 31st century, the blurriness and haze naturally caused by time casually began to filter the collective memories in regards to the Dark Oval/Legion World War. But there were those that would never see it with anything but crystal clarity despite any passage of time.
Pinnacle Command of the Dominion and Lord Hrykos of the Hrykosian Cartel met for one last time before parting ways and going back to their respective sectors of the Dark Oval, knowing that they would need each others support in the future to survive whatever political struggles would follow. They were alone now, and no one was allowed within hundreds of yards from them. Both were grim, and both had an air of arrogance, but also dead seriousness.
“Never before have the Dark Oval forces suffered such a loss,” said Pinnacle Command. “Though we annihilated the Black Sun and were able to negotiate our treaty, there is no doubt that we lost, Lord Hrykos.”
“Do not speak of things I already know of,” said Lord Hrykos calmly, “and I swear I will have the blood of the LMB running like a river throughout the streets of Legion World one day. It was that damnable traitor that started a war with the Barbarian Hordes, and that arrogant LMBer Cobalt Kid, whose double-standard I shall not forget.”
“Yes,” said the Dominator, “we will have our revenge. And plans are being set I motion as we speak, to enact it. But where outright war failed, subterfuge we will have to settle with—for a time. Then we will march on them again. But now we must be alerted to the struggles here within the Dark Oval.”
“Yes…” said Hrykos, “…him. He’ll have his new favorites now, with the Black Sun replaced and the other rising to power. They’ve prospered while we have not, and I do not like being anywhere other than on top of the food chain. We’ll play it carefully now and await what he wishes.”
“Agreed,” said Pinnacle Command. “He ever moves closer to his goals while we move towards our own. But he may call us to him soon, and we will answer. And if somewhere along the way, the United Planets, Legion World and the LMB cross our paths…”
“…they will not live to regret it,” finished Lord Hrykos, neither laughing nor smiling. Both parted company and went back to their sectors.
The United Planets Eryk Davis Ester and Cobalt Kid faced the monitor screen, as the Admiral of the United Planets fleets looked back at them. He was the highest ranking military figure in the United Planets.
“So, Admiral,” said Cobalt Kid, “I’m handing back all control of the UP military to you, and I thank you for your help, and indulging me with my requests for troops a few months ago. I hope that…something…was accomplished,” he said, hesitating as he spoke.
“Nonsense, son,” said the Admiral, “the Dark Oval invaded the UP and Legion World, and you did what needed to be done. We had to show our strength and we did. And you were able to free so many planets from their grasp. We now have a whole slew of new candidates for UP membership. You Triumvirs have come through for us again. I never look forward to war, but I look forward to working with you again soon.”
“Thank you Admiral,” said Eryk Davis Ester, “and we appreciate your compliments, and share your sentiments.”
“Good day to you then,” said the Admiral, in response, signing off.
“The Legion World Triumvirate, out,” said Eryk. He turned to Cobalt. “Well?” said Eryk, “how do you feel? It’s finally officially over, this Dark Oval War, and some people thought it might go on forever.”
Cobalt didn’t smile or laugh, but looked at his friend. “I can’t help but feel I was on the verge of making some terrible decisions Eryk. It was like when I first formed my army…I was uncontrollable…savage…I was…”
“Ggrrggian?” said Eryk. “Yes, I know. But the Admiral is right Cobie, in that you did some good. Whether you conducted yourself to the standards you hold yourself to, or the standards of the LMB, well, that’s up to you.” Eryk put his hand on Cobalt’s shoulder. “But we have to move on now. I’m sure the Dark Oval will be planning something, and you’re the only one with an active army now guarding Legion World.”
Cobalt looked up with a half-smile, and appreciated his friend’s ability to move on. He wasn’t sure if he was quite as ready yet, remembering how he unleashed Hrun and Shark Lad, and deposed kings as if his own law was the rule of all....but no, he’d deal with it in time in his own way. “Legion World is safe, Eryk,” said Cobalt, “the Sol Invictus battle proved that, and even more so, the citizens of Legion World did,” he added, remembering the forces that fought the 52 at the Dark Oval Embassy. “I’m wondering about the Contested Territories on the edge of the Dark Oval, recently won over by our armies and now part of the UP. They’re in grave danger…and they’re on the cusp of a lot of knowledge that you and I have been searching for…for a long time.” Now Cobalt looked at him and smiled.
Eryk cocked his head quizzically. “If only everyone else could see the wheels turning in your head,” he said smiling, but then stopped. “But I think I know what you mean.” Now Eryk was silent. “But the Triumvirate, we can’t…we hardly even function anymore.”
“The Triumvirate is long gone Eryk,” said Cobalt, “and we did a great job. It was all worth it to destroy the Naturals back in the beginning. But we’ve built something great here and it can change with us. Let the Triumvirate come to a close.”
“And in its place?” said Eryk. “You know my armies aren’t soldiers anymore. They’re monks. Science and self-actualization, spirituality, and so much more.”
“Not soldiers Eryk,” said Cobalt, adding “…but not monks either…”
Eryk suddenly laughed. “Tell me, loyal brother,” he said in a mock voice mimicking Cobalt’s, “…how do you feel about Knighthood…?”
Cobalt smiled.
To be continued…in an LMB Event coming soon near you!
Posted by Lard Lad on :
12: Rebirth
Old Town
In a back alley Grev Mallor and his gang of two-bit thugs are unloading merchandise from the back entrance of a pawn shop they've broken into. The gang has seen better days. Grev himself is wearing leg braces to help him walk since he suffered massive knee injuries a month and a half ago during a skirmish with a certain vigilante.
"Easy does it, guys," Grev sneers confidently, "there's no sign of Bat Bitch this time! Seems those reports of her bein' offed during that 52-thing last month were true--Old Town's ours for th--"
*ahem*
Grev looks puzzled for a second but refuses to look up. "W-was that you, Shil?"
Grev turns to his gang and sees them running away.
"It wasn't Shil, Grev," answers a voice from above.
His heart pounding he looks up, and there she is. His worst nightmare. "Aw...sprock..." He's angry but frozen to his spot with fear.
"Language, Grev! As you can see, 'Bat Bitch' is still very much alive. And you...you are never going to learn, are you?"
"I...please don't hurt me, Bat-Fem! I'll...I'll change my ways...I promise!"
"Yours is a family with a very heroic legacy, Grev. And you're putting them to shame!" Bat-Fem emphasizes as she slowly lowers herself down her line, so that she's hanging upside down looking him in the eyes. As far as he's concerned this is the same dark-eyed, raven haired creature of the night he remembers, thanks in part to a handy image inducer.
Tears stream down his face. "I-I know!" he cries. "I've literally been in Tasmia's shadow all my l-life!"
"It's time to be your own man, Grev! Turn yourself in to the Office of Security right now, and I'll put a good word in for you as a candidate for their criminal rehab program."
"I-I will! R-right now!"
"Then what are you waiting for? RUN! As fast as those leg braces will carry you!"
And he does, as awkwardly as a bipedal robot made by a child.
As he does so, she yells back at him, "don't even think about breaking your word--or I'll break more than just your knees!"
And he picks up the pace that much more.
Oh, Mordra...that felt so good! Your files are going to be invaluable to me, I can see. she thinks. Being a spy in Cobalt's network was a worthy undertaking, but it didn't do much for my soul. Street crime took my parents from me when I was young, and doing this feels like I'm beginning to heal that old wound. Starting tonight, Bat-Fem's back, and she won't rest 'til the streets of Old Town are safe for everyone!
And then, Jada Konti, the second Bat-Fem unbeknowst to Legion World at large, charges off as she hears a distant scream.
And somewhere in the afterlife, Mordra of Earth-4 is smiling.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
13: The Khanate of Sol Invictus
The citizens prayed, as what was once known as the Barbarian Hordes now expressed their loyalty to the religion of the Black Sun, showing in full force how the emergence of the Khanate of Sol Invictus had been completed. At the center of this massive empire was the former Khanate of Carthac, now the home region of the Black Sun’s highest ranking members of the clergy. This clergy was all but new, however, as all but one of the old clergy had been killed. That one, the High Priest and some believed a divine presence himself, was Caracalla, who now stood before the masses and offered his prayers to them, and to Sol Invictus.
The masses responded by praying in turn, and Caracalla felt their prayers funnel through him, and he felt his power grow ten-fold once more. All throughout this sector of the universe, other planets prayed in unison, and their prayers reached Caracalla on the capital planet. He was like a divine messiah to them, Sol Invictus’ servant here in the living world.
They would never know that Sol Invictus himself had returned weeks earlier to battle the LMB, and Caracalla would make sure of it. He knew, of course, and he’d always known. But things had a tendency to work in his favor.
He finished his prayer now, and turned to the young boy who sat by his side, and lifted him up, as if to present him to the crowd. They knew now what Caracalla had been preaching for years, that this boy was indeed the living vessel that would herald the return of their deity, to strike down the enemies of the Black Sun, devour the suns, and ignite a new era upon the world. It would be Elagabolus who was the deity among the living, and they cheered him on and visibly cried in his presence. These great warrior nations, collectively called the Barbarian Hordes, because of their infamous ferocity in battle, now wept before what they perceived as a divine message to them that a higher power was now here for them.
Now Elagabolus prayed before them and they followed suit, and Caracalla walked over to the altar and picked up a silver crown, with a star at its forefront. This had been the crown of Dominus, the former Khan of the Carthac Empire, and Caracalla had ensured that before Dominus committed suicide (though in truth, he had been murdered), Dominus would name Elagabolus as his heir. And so Elagabolus now was officially coroneted as the Emperor of the Khanate of Sol Invictus, a new title bestowed upon the leader of a new Empire, but with the legitimacy of the old Kingdoms giving him a justifiable claim to this new throne. The people cheered as their young Emperor rose before them, his new title evident in the crown he wore, as well as in the physical appearance of him, which was truly exotic: fearsomely tall, a shaved head, and covered in tattoos. Caracalla had been preparing for this for a long time.
Caracalla would be his regent, ruling the Empire until the boy—young man—was ready to do so, on his own. And the people had confidence in this arrangement, and looked forward to future years of prosperity, and to expansion, and to the complete obliteration of their enemies and the spread of the Black Sun religion.
They finished their prayer now, and cheered: “Long Live Caracalla, Long Live Elagabolus! Love live the Sun-Eaters! Long Die the Suns!” Posted by Lard Lad on :
14: Good to be King
The Hive. Dark Oval Space.
The man known as Harold Ryan Wyandotte, an evil double of Lard Lad from a parallel dimension, has just completed a vid conference call with some allies of his.
"Ah, yes," he remarks, "things could have gone better with my well-laid plans on Legion World, but I really can't complain, can I?"
Satisfaction oozing out of his pores, he takes a moment to survey the scene displayed on one particular view among his countless screens.
"With Hrykosia and the Dominion severely weakened by their vendettas, Black Sun gone and replaced with a new power of my choosing and the other one remaining as blissfully isolationist and neutral as ever, it's all too clear that this Hive I control is holding all the trump cards in this game."
On a particularly large screen, he watches with pleasure as millions of the insect drones under his power (through his domination of their Queen) work tirelessly under their mandate to build quite possibly the most formidable armada of warships this galaxy has ever seen. He doesn't have to worry about such hindrances as free will and labor unions in this position of absolute power he wields over his subjects. Soon, he knows, with this armada at his command his umbrella of power will cast an ever-increasing shadow over more and more sectors.
"Still," he adds as an afterthought, "there are challenges ahead. Legion World has survived once again, and the Master of our Dark Oval remains atop the food chain here. However, He still appears to be content to have the Oval as His powerbase and seems more a figurehead (though one known only to the five leaders) than anything else. Should He some day decide to take a more active role, though, I must not stop working on my plans to take Him down as a contingency."
Looking again at the monitor showing the shining blue and green planet that is the replacement for Black Sun he helped install, Wyandotte says, "oh, the irony!" And laughs for a disturbingly prolonged period.
Calming back down, he turns his attention to a monitor displaying Legion World. "And I haven't forgotten you, either. When I was there, I had me a canister, the contents of which I had a specific purpose for. Well, my plans changed due to the bumbling of an ill-chosen ally, but I found a new use for it, oh yes! Freed of its entrapment, I have left it on Legion World where it will be a sleeper agent of mine. And when the time is right, it will be activated--and the LMBP will rue that day!"
And the disturbing laughter is renewed and won't die down for quite some time.
Visible on the floor of his study is an open canister inscibed with the words: Caution: Protoplasmic Contents Unstable! Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Epilogue: Destination Blurry
The Time Institute Developed by Dr. One during the first year of Legion World’s creation, the Time Institute remains a major center of scientific study in the United Planets.
Jailbait Lass walked up the steps to the Time Institutes rooftop laboratory, amazed that she had never bothered to visit this place before. At the top of the stairs, she saw who she was looking for up ahead, the LMBer known as Stoopid Cat, and the LMB ally called Time Boy. Time Boy was starting up the time-cube transporter as he prepared to return to his home in the 19th Century. The two were chatting, as old friends as Lolita approached.
“Ah, our space traveling heroine,” said Time Boy with a smile. “I hope you enjoyed those peanut-butter and jelly sandwiches!”
She blushed. “I did, and thank you,” she replied, “what an odd sort of food that was.”
“Its better with milk,” said Stoopid Cat plainly, then transitioning the topic without hesitation, “but I take it that’s not why you’re here. We figured you’d come to your own conclusions so we never bothered to ask…” he started to say.
She hesitated, as if trying to figure out how to put into words what she meant to say. “Well, I believe I have. The 5,200 days into the future, moving at a constant in equal acceleration to our own time…you should never be able to travel back there again. At least, that’s what I hope I accomplished…”
“And you probably have, in your own way,” said Time Boy with a smile, “though that is a decision and a struggle that many more will have to make, and continually make, for a long time,” he added. “Destiny is something we all struggle with, Jailbait Lass, and there is no easy answer.” He smiled now, and Jailbait Lass felt bad that he would one day die helping the LMB, though he did not realize it yet. At least it would be when he was an old man.
“Well, I believe in firm easy answers,” said Stoopid Cat. “And no, we should not be able to return. But one day, we probably will, as man and science are inclined to learn all the secrets of the universe and set us down a path that we cannot break away from. So long as we move forward without thinking things through, we eliminate decisions before they can be made, and we ultimately put up walls that cannot be broken. But what do I know,” he said, stretching and yawning, “I’m just a cat.”
She smiled at him, and remembered tearing up the prophecy. “I’m glad I did it…” she said, “…even though so many of the things have come true. But we have to hope that we’re free.”
“Exactly,” said Time Boy, “we need chaos, we need creativity. But I think it will all work out for us all,” he added, stepping into the time-cube transporter.
“How can we ever know?” she asked, even though she already knew the answer.
Stoopid Cat leapt into her arms, as Time Boy smiled at her. “Only time will tell,” he said smiling, as he disappeared.
[ August 29, 2008, 11:18 AM: Message edited by: Cobaltus Primus Augustus ]
Posted by Lard Lad on :
16: A Loose End Knotted Up
At Cobalt's Midnight Lounge a special intimate ceremony is taking place. One of the original LMBers is being married to one of the LMB's original antagonists. Lard Lad and Dru the Sorceress are exchanging vows.
Presiding over this small service is Cobalt Kid. As the commander of his own army, this is one of the more pleasant powers having that status authorizes him to do.
In attendance are only a handful of witnesses: Loser Lad, Faraway Lad (serving as best man), Eryk Davis Ester, Shady and a delegation from the Sorceror's World. Also present and serving as Maid of Honor is Princess Crujectra. Though she still has major issues with this couple, Jeckie knows that doing this means the world to her Cobie.
Months ago, this impending union was all over the tabloids in anticipation of what was believed to be the social event of the millenium. But Lardy and Dru have learned a lot about each other in the weeks past. Their love is their own, and staging their wedding as a media event didn't feel right. Such fineries seemed inappropriate after all Legion World andthey themselves have just been through in the last month.
Lardy wanted to run away, as far as his formidable powers could take him after their argument a month ago. He stayed away from her for a week, but the pain he felt in her absence was overwhelming. Finally, he went back to her and poured his heart out. He had learned much about himself during all his recent turmoil.
He was through running. He'd been running for what seemed all his life. From bed to bed. From bottle to bottle. From responsibility to irresponsibility. It was time to be a man. More importantly, it was time to be Anthony as someone recently told him. He loved Dru with all his heart, and he would do anything he could to keep that love alive and in the process, grow as a person.
They decided to marry and begin their lives anew. And here they are.
"I now pronounce you husband and wife!" Cobalt says grinning. "Well, Lardy? Kiss her already!"
Anthony smiles and lifts his wife's silvery veil and does just that to the applause of the wedding party.
Later, Cobalt catches up to the groom as he's sharing a cocktail with his new bride.
"I can't believe I just married you off, Lardy!"
"Yeah," Lardy laughs, "I bet you had money on 'not gonna happen' in the betting pool, eh?"
And all three share a laugh.
"Excuse us just a minute, okay, babe?" Lardy prompts Dru, and he and Cobalt step aside.
"So," Cobalt laughs, "where's the honeymoon gonna be?"
"Well," Lardy shifts, "there's not exactly gonna be one--that's something I need to talk to you about, man..but not right now. Can we--can we meet tomorrow night and have a drink?"
"Yeah...sure," Cobalt replies with a hint of concern. "Can I Omnicom you tomorrow, after I've a chance to check my agenda, with the time and place?"
"Sounds good! Meantime...I really appreciate you agreeing to marry us. It means a lot!"
"Anything for you, man. You know that." They exchange a quick hug.
"Tomorrow!" Lardy says and gives his friend the old thumbs up.
Moments later the newlyweds depart for a night of more private celebration.
Posted by Rockhopper Lad on :
17:Coronation
A few days later was the day of the Coronation of the new Emperor of Earth.
Thousands of citizens crowded the frigid Plaza to celebrate the change in regime, for they had been so ordered. There had been some talk about postponing the ceremony or making it more private, but the Emperor and his Consort both insisted it be held on schedule and on the Plaza where all they wanted to could participate. After all, the people of this world had been defeated. They belonged at this celebration because they now belonged to the Emperor.
As one of his lackeys began to speak, The Emperor, Eudyptes XXIX, known in some circles as the Evil Emperor Pyngwyn, who standing to the side with his consort, Blaine Fey, surveyed the scene and thought about all they had done recently. He then thought back to a visit he had paid to certain would-be enemies the day before in the dungeon of his Ice Palace:
The entire membership of the SMB were in these miserable little cells. This was their Earth, but now it was his. The Emperor approached the Faraway Lad of this Earth, known as Earth-4 by LMB.
“So, Faraway Lad, tell me about this lack of power of yours,” the Emperor sneered. “Oh, not much to tell is there? I have all of you fools trapped and powerless.”
Faraway said nothing.
The Emperor continued. “Still, I imagine you’re wondering what happened, especially since I used your powers to do some of it. Fine. I’ll tell you.
“Some time ago, Blaine and I were contacted by a man called Wyandotte. The Dark Sun planet was destroyed. There needed to be something in its place to fill that void. He suggested an alternate Earth. The Earth of my own universe was the obvious choice. But how to cause two whole planets to switch places in different universes! Quite a challenge! But our friend Wyandotte had a nifty little device that might have been able to handle the job, given the right amount of power. And so, with the help of your own Faraway powers, my magic, Blaine’s reality-warping and some of the energy released when a being called Sol Invictus entered this universe, we were able to affect the change. Oh, it would have been easier if I’d been able to convince my goody-goody double, Rockhopper Lad, to join our cause, but he refused. The fool!
“I carved a little message on that scorched hulk so that all who gaze upon what they think is your Earth will know that my power is supreme. And now, this world is mine! I have reached forth my icy hand and made this Earth a frozen land, like my native world. And soon everyone will kneel before me! The Emperor of Earth, the once and future Emperor of the Pyngwyn Colonies and someday, Emperor of All.
“And what do I see before me right now? A group of idiots who, thanks in part to one of your own, were defeated so easily that I barely had to blink. And you will be joined by your friends the LMB and my stupid double.”
Faraway stood silent then turned away to cry as the Emperor laughed.
“Eudyptes!” Blaine’s voice broke his husband’s reverie. “It’s time.”
The Emperor and Blaine walked to the centre of the Plaza where a young human man, the Time Teller Lad of Earth-Four, who had betrayed the SMB, stood holding a cushion with two crowns.
The Emperor raised one crown and placed it on his own head. “I crown myself Emperor Eudyptes XXIX, Emperor of Earth and the Pyngwyn Colonies.”
He then raised the other crown and placed it on Blaine’s head. “I crown thee Consort Blaine of Earth and the Pyngwyn Colonies.”
Addressing the crowd, the Emperor shouted, “My subjects, behold your new ruler!”
There was much cheering and shouting. If they hadn’t done so, those gathered would surely have faced the emperor’s wrath These next months would be a difficult time for all of them. The SMB was gone. Their world had changed beyond all recognition. Many of the nearby buildings had been razed to make way for architecture more to the Emperor’s liking. It was time for a new beginning: For Emperor Eudyptes, for Blaine Fey, and, sadly, for the SMB and for what had been Earth-4. And as for the SMB and the people of Earth-4 , they could do nothing but cry.
And they did.
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
18: Cheers
SHAKES
A quiet Sunday afternoon brings a sense of calm to SHAKES, as various Legion Worlders go about their business, paying little attention to everyone else around them. Time has passed, and although memories are as potent as ever, a sense of ‘business as usual’ is returning.
Cobalt Kid raises his glass to Lard Lad, the two being two of the oldest friends in the LMB.
“Cheers,” says Cobalt with a grin.
"Cheers," Lardy responds, returning the smile. He then takes a sip of his virgin Winathian ale. He had quit drinking alcohol after the whole affair with Mordra and the Hrykosians, but had gotten off the wagon during the week he had separated from Dru…an all-night bender with Dedman and Caliente at the Security Office. It was one slip, but it’s made every day since a little more of a struggle. After letting the bitter, somewhat unsatisfying beverage slide down his throat, Lardy begins, “Des, thanks for agreeing to meet me today. There's so much to talk to you about that I don't know where to start…” He thinks for a moment and says, “well, I guess I do know--today I got an encrypted Omnicom message from Helen. Long story short, I'm a dad--and it's a boy!"
Cobalt stares at him in disbelief. At first, he has a look of panic, but that quickly subsides to a wide grin. “Another baby? Lardy, I don’t know what to say…hell, forget that—congrats buddy! Quite a lot of changes in your life recently…”
"Yeah, I know...just married Dru, and here I've fathered a child with Helen! Well, it's a long story...you remember Mordra's kid that I took after I...well, you know?" Lardy has trouble making eye contact with his friend with that last part.
”I remember…”
Re-establishing eye-contact, Lardy continues, "I think you guessed this on the cruiser from Hrykosia after you rescued me, but Mordra's daughter, whom we call Helena, was fathered by me over two years ago when she stole my powers by tricking me into sleeping with her. And then nine months ago, when she, you know…raped me…she had used a spell so that I impregnated her again. After Mordra...died...I was able to remove the baby's lifeforce from her with my powers. Helen agreed to take the life within her and carry it to term."
”That’s good Lardy, Helen is a terrific person. She’ll make a great parent,” adds Cobalt, although a small hint of sadness is in his words, an underlying hurt over his own doubt about being a parent.
"I know, Des.” Then Lardy bites his lip to reign his emotions in. “So I've left Helen, a woman who adores me through and through, with two children to raise on her own while I married the woman who hurt her all those years ago! Helen would do anything for me, and I’m using her. I feel like shit, Des, and I do love Helen--but there's so much darkness inside me...I'm not ever going to risk hurting Helen and our children. Dru and I…we understand each other, you know? We both have our demons. But Helen's just so innocent and pure to her core. I will support Helen and our kids financially for the rest of my life, but I just can't be with them! Does that make me a monster, Des?"
”No Lardy, I don’t think it does. I think it makes you human, and I’m glad you’re acting like one. You need to be able to recognize that you can’t save the world and everyone in it every single time something goes wrong. I think you’re being responsible. Maybe one day, you can be with them. It couldn’t have been an easy decision…but I think perhaps you made the best one.”
"Appreciate that, man, even if I don’t deserve it.” And then Lardy’s face brightens a little. "By the way, our son's name is Hugh Desmonius Taylor!"
A small smile goes across Cobalt’s face, and a genuine sense of warmth comes over him. “Lardy…I’m…honored…” Instantly, a plethora of the last ten month’s of memories come over him, as he remembers both the times they’ve stuck together recently, as in the Dark Oval, and the times they disagreed vehemently, as both had punched each other in the face. But through it all, their friendship was never in question. Cobalt smiled wider. “Thank you.”
"What can I say? You're the best friend I ever had? Funny thing is, this is the first time we've really talked the way we used to since you socked me on the chin!"
Now Cobalt laughed, and Lardy laughed too. “I figured I owed you one for the left hook you threw at me…”
"Yeah, you did.” Lardy’s expression darkens significantly then, and he says, “I want to apologize for all I put you through before, during and after the Invasion. It was flat-out wrong for me to do that, Des! A friend shouldn’t do that to a friend…”
“Its okay Lardy, we all went through some conflicting emotions and crazy times because of the Invasion,” he said, reflecting on his own incredible rage that caused him to lead a UP military force into Dark Oval space. Though the UP cheered him on, many on Legion World were dismayed by his actions, and he secretly was too. “I pushed too far at one point…” he said.
“You tried to defend the UP, Des,” said Lardy, “remember that. And you stopped before you went too far.”
“I stopped because of Crujeckie,” he replied. A smile went across his face. “Its odd Lardy, but I never thought I’d feel this way. I’m happy with her—complete.”
“I’m glad for you,” said Lard Lad. “In a way, you two being together was a long time in the making. You complement each other nicely.”
“Spacey was there too. She’ll always be there for me, and I for her. I wish things could have worked out better, but we’ll always have all the fun times we had,” he said, and Lardy nodded. Few knew better the relationship between Cobalt and Spacey than Lardy. “And Jailbait Lass,” said Cobalt with a smile, “her most of all. I ended it for her, because her opinion of me means so much.”
“Its an odd relationship you have with her,” said Lard Lad matter of factly, “but it seems like a really good one.”
“It is,” replied Cobalt, “although most don’t get it, presuming me to be robbing the cradle. I’ve been telling her she’s my sidekick lately, to annoy her. Although history will show that Cobalt Kid left the Dark Oval on his own accord, no one will ever know that it was because of a young girl named Lolita that a horrendous war was averted,” he said. Then, after a moment, he added “…if war is truly averted. Two grave enemies are at war now, and will want to include us as the spoils…”.
Suddenly, Lardy wishes his drink had some alcohol in it, “About that…there's something I have to tell you about what I did during the Invasion that I'm not proud of…" Come on, Lardy, he thinks, just say it! He has every right to know! “…I…I helped instigate the Barbarian Hordes attack on Hrykosian space."
Now Cobalt’s faced changed completely, and a serious, wide-eyed look took over. “What?” he asked calmly. “You did what…?” he asked again, even more coldly, looking at his beer and letting his thoughts come together. He looked up. “But why?”
Breathing deeply and staring at his drink, Lardy explains, "to help take the pressure off Legion World during the Dark Oval's Invasion when things were looking really bad. I worked with Kalla Hryl to use a Hrykosian ship to attack that Barbarian outpost. I..I never dreamed that your army would get caught in the middle of that conflict…or that you'd lose Scipio in the process…or that Kalla was a sprocking psychopath who would try to destroy Legion World! Nothing can justify the pain I caused doing that--nothing!” He looks Cobalt in the eyes again. “But I was in a different place back then, desperate to protect Legion World from my own mistakes. And I came up with a dirty solution, with even dirtier consequences."
”Yes…even dirtier,” said Cobalt, although he grew quiet. What he did not say was that Lardy had sent events into motion that he had been trying to prevent for years—the consolidation of the Barbarian Hordes under one single banner, which was now the Black Sun, under the form of the Khanate of Sol Invictus. The Khanate might end up being one of the greatest threats the United Planets would ever see…but…at the same time, Lardy had dealt a serious blow to the Dark Oval Invasion of Legion World and the United Planets, and helped ensure their victory. And Lardy and Cobalt knew full well that the Invasion had little to do with them, but everything to do with conquering the UP. And then there was Scipio and Danger Damsel—Cobalt blocked that out of his mind for now. “Your actions have changed the course of many things…” said Cobalt now, trailing off again. “…everything is going to be different now.”
"I know, Des," and Lardy wipes a rogue tear from his eye, “and, I--I hope some day you can forgive me for that. But the main thing I came here to tell you about is that you won't have to worry about me anymore. I won't be a problem to Legion World, the LMB or anyone after tomorrow."
”What do you mean?” replied his friend. Despite everything, despite all the good and bad decisions, these were still two best friends, and Cobalt would not want Lardy to leave.
"I'm leaving, Des. Dru has accepted a position in the Sorcerer’s World's Council of Seven. And I'm going with her to live there."
”Wait Lardy, you don’t have to do that. You just came back to us.”
Angry at himself, Lardy yells, "yeah, and look at all the good that’s done Legion World!” He gathers himself for a moment and continues calmly, “I'm resigning from the LMB and giving up my Legion World citizenship. I'm not even going to be on the LMB Reserve--'Lard Lad' is history! I'm going to concentrate on being the best husband and the best Anthony I can be! Thing is, I'm not good enough in the head to wield these powers responsibly. If I keep trying to be a hero and keep abusing my power, I'm going to turn into something people will fear some day! I think the universe will be better off without Lard Lad in it than it was with him."
”But think of all the good you can do! We’re going to need you—I’m going to need you. Things are moving at an accelerated pace…I’m going to need you with the Khanate and the Dark Oval. And Eryk and I, we’ve got things moving quietly on other fronts. Lardy, we’ll need your power, and we’ll need your camaraderie.”
"Look, Des, I owe you, so I'm here to tell you there is one exception to all I‘ve said. If you need my help for something, whatever it may be, I will help you. Any time. No argument. All you have to do is ask! In any case, though…I think the LMB and Legion World is going to be in good hands,” he added, and raised his glass to some people down the bar. It was Rockhopper Lad, deputy leader of the LMB and his ‘sister’ Rockhopper Lass, sitting down to enjoy a drink together. They both raised them back with a smile, the mutual respect, love and camaraderie one LMB feels for another present above all else.
“I know it will,” said Cobalt as if Lardy had cemented his argument in that gesture, “and we’ll be ready for anything the universe throws at us. As long as we stick by each other,” he said, nodding to Semi-Transparent Fellow, who poured them both another drink.
“Amen to that,” Lardy says.
They raised them up slightly to toast one another silently, and took a sip.
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[Meglaro]](graemlins/Meglaro.gif)
and ![[Lester Spiffany]](graemlins/LesterSpiffany.gif)
."
