kristinawood.com ~ View topic

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 28 Oct 2009 Posts: 4247

kyle was on a strange panet but a strange force had guided him there. he was asleep on the hijacked ship he had stolen he kept a grip on his battlestoppers just in case"Kyle wake up kyle" kyle woke up but he wasnt in his ship he was in a kindof spirtual plan and standing before him was the diva.
"good youve awoken kyle im pleased to see you have arrived im am on this planet along with the son of tallos and White i want you to come to us but not in violence but in assitance "
Kyle was confused by the request the diva had given him "you want me to help white after all she has done to you"
Diva"Se is slowly reganing her councis but only around people with good intentions can she truely see the light again. That is where you and the son of tallos come in both of you are white knights in yalls own way"
Kyle "all right tell me what you need me to do"
Diva"I do not need you to do anything but guide white out of the darkness along with the son of tallos you three will need each other to live past this war so come to us my child and in return you ill be able to recover what is lost to you"
kyle saw white and his vision was cloudy and he suddenly was in his cockpit again "that was weird " kyle got out of the transport ship and felt the same strange force pull him towerds the east."well i dont know where im going but appaerntly my instincts do" kyle fallowed his instincts and a few hours later arrived at a strange building he enterd the building and ventured through it and stumbled into a room where the diva was sitting
Diva 'So you have fallowed your instincts here young gaurdian. since this is the first time weve met in the physical plan i bid you welcome Kyle i am the Diva"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
General Jugenmar was heard yelling in his office'WHAT DO YOU MEAN KYLE WAS CAPTURED!!!" the mooses face was read with anger it was burning hotter then the cigar in his mouth.
Captain Jordon "well since general steele was in charge of kyle while he was on loan he sent him on a mission to capture the yokki onna alive, and he wouldent disclose any proff of how he got that knoweledge we recieved a short video from the gaurdians PM Ginger though it was cut short it was enough audio and video to prove that Steele was a traitor and was giving our secrets to the Imperium"
Jugenmar was absolutly livid"what am i sapposed to say to President Lai of the Gaurdians. Uhh thanks for loaning us your top gaurdian oh where is he uh funny story our trator Cololnol steele sold him out. There gonna want answers Jordon"
Captain Jordon "uh sir about that President Lai is here with there divin Maiden to address the senate on the current situation on our war if they find out kyle went missing they would certanly aid us in the war and having the gaurdians on our side would boost our mens morale along with some much needed reinforcments"
Jugenmar sat in his chair and calmed down"you haave a point lets go to the senate meeting we dont want to be late."

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307

Mercenary Ship: Vul Hydra

What have I done so far?' The fiend ran a claw-like hand over his face.'Killed and eaten and killed more, like some beast.'

The ship, claimed by conquest, was on a course for the jungle planet, Vordoon. The hotbed of Imperial and Resistance violence was like a beacon to the discarded bio-weapon.

Am I man or am I just a club with no hand to weild it? The bout of blood-lust had abated, leaving his rational mind to ponder. Unwanted by Father, a discarded child, an outcast from hell...

Purpose. Such a simple word, but yet, so overwhelming. A concept that makes or breaks rulers, armies and even empires. Purpose. A reason to live, a reason to exist. What of those who lack it? What possible purpose could a mutated cannibal have in a universe already over flowing with strife.

'Why my maker, did you mold me man?' He ground his teeth together. Why, from the dust and mud, promote me?'

The war-torn planet appeared on the long range sensors. He activated the Hades Mark IV module, rerouting any sensor frequency that would happen to bounce off his new vessel. No sense ruining the combatants incoming surprise.

The Vul Hydra sat itself down in a remote section of especially harsh jungle. A new creature was about to be introduced into the native ecology.

Gawd help us all.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

Asteroid Florez: During the marine assault

Kyle helped Wolf tie up Jesmib up and they both stood up.

"Thanks for ripping off the shackles. Didn't expect that you were so strong from you're arms. What's you're name? Mine is Kyle Stingray."
"Wolf....."
"Wolf, huh? What do you say we get out of here?"
"........."
"Silent type aren't we."

Before the conversation went any further, an explosion rocked the asteroid.
The alarms around began blaring off as Wolf rushed to the door.

"What's going on!?"
"........."

Jesmin groaned a bit as he began opening his eyes. What he managed to get glimpses of was Wolf opening the holding cell doors and Kyle following behind. He couldn't say anything else as they left his vision.

"Where should we go?"
"Armory...."
"Why do you talk like that?"
".........."

Wolf sped down the hallway before Kyle couldn respond.
He began running behind him, trying to catch up.

"Hey wait up!!"

Running down the hall, they came across a door. Behind the door, heavy cursing along with guns loading could be heard. Multiple footsteps were approaching on the other side. Wolf had to think fast. Looking at his surroundings, he spotted a hollow part in the wall and an open air duct in the roof. The hollow was big enough that a grown man could fit through, so he quickly shoved Kyle inside.

"What are you doing!?"
"Keep quiet....."

The sounds acumulated on the door, enough that Kyle would hear. Hearing the noises, he willingly entered the hole and Wolf turned back around. He ran towards the wall and kicked jumped into the roof, holding on by extending his arms and legs on the narrow space. The wall he had kicked had a rather large bump. He pried out the panel with his hands and got inside. At almost the same time, the door opened and a large number of pirates ran by.
They cursed heavily in the air as suddenly one stopped to look at the bump on the wall.
He turned to look up, but saw nothing out of the ordinary as the even the screen of the duct was in place. Should his eyesight been keener, he would've noticed the slight glove tips at the top of it.
The pirate ran off and a series of gunshoys and explosions were heard up ahead as 9th Legion Marines were seen farther ahead, fighting against thd losing pirates.
Wolf threw the screen down and Kyle began coming out of the hole in the wall.

"What now? Those are Marines, we can get out with they're distraction!"
"Not without our weapons....."

They walked inside and just as thought, was an armory.
Many weapons were of the illegal kind.
Hades MK.III's, Pierce guns, PLS 500's and even a few H.A.N.D. Bunker Buster's were hanged up neatly in piles on the wall.

"These guys have serious equipment..."
"........."

Wolf stepped inside, looking for they're confiscated weapons. The room was fairly big, with a few aisles to the left and right. Finally, at the very end of the room was a small unlabeled box was near the corner. The box was slightly open as Wolf approached it. There wasn't anything guarding it as he opened it and found what he wanted.
He found his Five-SeveN and his knife. His knife was at the botton and left a rather large mark of it. Kyle's weapons were inside as well. Wolf grabbed the Battlestoppers and the Blackbull with his hands and passed them yo Kyle.

"You found them? Im still missing a few."
"Here..."

Taking the Apocalypse sword, he also passes it to Kyle.
Once the sword was out of the way, he noticed that the Sun Tzu blade wasn't there. He did notice the laser knives and grabbed them.
-These must belong to that girl.-
Looking at them with further inspection, he noticed that they were heavily modified and bore a bit of Imperium ingenuity within.
-So she was the Yukki Onna. She must've taken the target somewhere else.-
He hid the knives within the jacket and motioned for Kyle to follow him.
As they walked back at the entrance, a pirate entered within without a weapon.

"Fraking Marines!!!"

He hadn't noticed the 2 as they stopped. The pirate grabbed a Hades rifle and began running back to the entrance. The pirate was too concentrated on the battle that he didn't spot neither Kyle nor Wolf.

"Follow him...."
"I read ya."

Kyle ran behind the pirate, keeping the distance long so he woukdn't see them.
The hallway tgey took led them away from the holding cells
By the time he had reached the hangar, the marines were comandering the Nomad and were blasting they're way out.
The Vengeance and the Nomad were quickly leaving as pirate corpses were all around.
The pirate ran foward only to be met with a residual explosion from one of the fuel cells.

"Dammit....I better get on the Yuki Onna's trail and fast. Diva, please watch over me."

Kyle ran around the ships as many were either too shot up from the attack or were receiving the necesary repairs. Finally nearing the end, he found an old cruiser that didn't take much damage and was flyable.

"Well Wolf, don't know where you are but good luck."

Kyle said as final words on the asteroid as he entered the cruiser, made his way to the helm, blew open the hangar doors and made his way out.

Asteroid Florez: After the marine assault and Kyle Stingray has left

Wolf ran about, looking for a control station where he could request a Tactical recovery of himself and the illegal weaponry.
He ran back to the holding cells with the intention of questioning Jesmin.
Halfway through, he noticed something was amiss. He would expect Jesmin to be shouting loud enough that it would be heard from the hallways.
Once he had reached the cell, he didn't enter it immeadiately. Instead, he barely peaked his head by the corner to see that Jesmin was dead.

-Something's wrong here. Someone or something was here. I beyter find a way out and fast.-

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 3215

(Not as long as one this time.)

=Atlus=

“This is Eos Broadband News bringing you up to date information twenty four seven. I’m Jack Hughes. Well it seems the war has taken a turn for the best, all thanks to the 9th Legion. With their 3rd fleet and other ships from the Praxis system the Imperium has faced nothing but defeat. Of the twenty seven worlds that have fallen nine have been reclaimed. Sadly the war for the Star League is not going to well as the Imperium has pushed them back to only a few jumps from their home world.

Before we get into more detail about the war we at EBN have been getting questions from our viewers as to where the 9th got their equipment. To answer that we go to Planet Praxis where James Overt is broadcasting live. James Can you hear me?”

Screen turns from the Beaver to a fox.

“Sure can Jack, loud and clear.”

“So James can you tell our audience about how the 9th acquired such powerful weapons, ships and other equipment.”

“Well Jack believe it or not the 9th Legion and the Triumvirate build everything. I was just given a tour of their Dry Docks where they’re building more ship even as we speak. Praxis also has its own weapons manufacturing and produces its own power supply.”

The screen turns showing two massive ships near completion.

“This should surprise everyone. These massive ships here are a brand new design of Battlestar. These are the new Ultra Gama Class. Stronger, faster, and carring more fire power then any other Battlestar these ships are going to be the new flag ships of the 3rd fleet and RM 1st fleet...”

“Wait James, what do you mean new flag ship for... *Gasp* are you saying...”

“HAHAHA you better believe it Jack. Look most of our ships came from the Star League and since they activated their mine fields we’ve been unable to acquire new ships. So Praxis has decided to manufacture ships for us. The RM new flag ship has been named Aries Wrath while the other the Reckoning, in dedication to the Son’s of Tallos and the Reckoning Rebellion. In any event these are not the only ships being built. Though it will take some time the RCM will soon have a fleet of top of the line ships. This is a good day for Princess Mary and the Rim Concordant.”

“That is incredible James. Is there anything else that you can tell us?”

“Thats about it from here Jack but it is enough.”

“Well thank you James, I’m sure you’ll keep us well informed of any new information.”

“Will do Jack, this is James Overt from Praxis, signing off.”

“Well people of the Rim Concordant there you have it. Once again the 9th is coming through. Now I’ve just received some information about massive pullout by Imperium forces. At this rate the Rim will be free from Imperium control. Heh we may not even need those new ships.”

=Reno’s Command ship=

Reno just watched and shook his head.

‘This is going to be a problem. We may be able to shut down most of the Rim ships, but with Praxis now the new supply hub things could go wrong in a heart beat,’ he thought.

“Colonel Reno, General Price is online.”

“Patch him through.”

His screen changed to Price’s image.

“General how are faring against the Resistance?”

“Fine actually. But I’m having some difficulty dealing with the Resistance here on Vordoon. It appears that some Vanguard snuck in and are playing havoc with my troops. But not to worry, I’ve just sent for some special shock troops. They’ll be here in a bit.”

“Very good General, I’ll make sure the Field Marshal knows. Is there anything else?”

“No thats about it.”

“Very well, good luck General. Colonel Reno out.”

The view screen went black.

“Patch me a secure line to the Field Marshal.”

“Yes sir.”

Moments later Fleishhager’s image was showing.

“Report Colonel.”

“Everything is going according to plan. However I’ve been unable to draw the 9th Legion and the 3rd Fleet out. All I’ve been dealing with so far is Rim Forces and some Triumvirate troops. Also it seem Praxis is building a massive amount of ships to give to the RCM and they’re built from the ground up using they’re own design. Heh luckily by the time those ships are operational... *Evil Grin* well you know.”

“HEHEHE yes Colonel I know. Still it worries me that the 9th hasn’t shown it self. No matter though, soon it will be all over. Now have you heard anything about the location of the Thor’s Hammer?”

*Frustrated Growl* “No sir. I’ve been exhausting all my resources to find that ship but nothing yet. Still it shouldn’t be long till we find her, don’t worry.”

“I never do Colonel, I never do.”

=Vordoon=

“Major Dante, ma’am. We’ve lost contact with another patrol in sector 19.”

“What! Thats five patrol’s in less then a week. What the hell is going on out there?”

Outside sector 19...

Morris didn’t know what was going on but he wasn’t taking any chances and pulled out all Vanguard and Resistance fighters and moved them into different areas. He made certain to hack into the Imperium communications system and sent out a warning. Something evil was loose on Vordoon.

=Imperium Royal Guard Barracks=

Jacob opened his eyes and looked around his room. Something wasn’t right. Whatever it was he didn’t like it. He got up and looked out his window at the Imperium Capital.

‘The fates are moving again. Whatever they’re design I’ll be ready for it.’

He quickly got dressed and went out to the training yard to practice. Hoping for the day he would exterminate all Yuki Onna.

=Caroline’s room=

Thomas sat up up and smiled at Caroline, his eyes glowing a deadly blue.

“You know what’s nice about being a wolf, we have good hearing. So go ahead and do it. I’m wide awake now. But I won’t be easy to take down. Kind of funny really. I always wanted to die on Tallos. But...”

He got off the bed and continued to stare at her. His shirt was off and many scars could be seen. Not even realizing that Kyle was in the room with them.

“This is as good as place as any. Just tell me, who are you?”

Before she could speak he began talking again.

“I know what you’re not. You are not, anything. You’re a nothing. Tell me, how many have you killed? Did you enjoy it? To take someone's life and feel joy in it means you are nothing more then hollow. To not feel remorse for your dead enemy, no pity for them, no thought to what family he/she had left behind, nothing. That means you are nothing. Just a weapon and when you break, as all weapons do, you’ll be cast aside and forgotten. Me, I’ll die knowing who I am, what I am and where I’m going.

“I am Thomas Aaron, son of Charles Aaron, descendant of Matthew Aaron who was cousin to Marcus Aros of House Aros. I, am, a, Son of Tallos. Remember that name Carline the Fallen. For I’ll be the only one to pity you in the afterlife.”

His eyes glowed so bright that it almost looked like liquid come out of his eyes. He got into a fighting stance and prepared himself.

“So come Fallen One. I’m no match for you in you’re full state but at the state you’re in now we are more or less equal. I’m ready to see my family again in the hereafter. I’ll make sure to find yours and tell them you said hi, though it would be a lie.”

“STOP!”

Both turned to the Diva. Thats when he noticed Kyle.

“That is enough Child of Tallos. Fate is moving and all of you will be needed before this is over.”

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173

The Yuki Onna smirked, and replied out of the corner of her mouth. “You are correct, half-breed. I am a weapon. I am White. No more. No less. It does not bother me to know I am a weapon. A tool whose whole purpose is to kill. Does that bother you? Does it upset you that a simple weapon caught you, half-breed? That must sting your heroic pride… that a simple, common, weapon captured a mimic of Tallos. I bet you had already come up with epic tales of powerful villains who you slew and brought to justice. It must burn that alpha-male pride of yours to have been beaten by a weapon… or is it more that you’re bothered that a girl beat you. Who says I can’t fight.”

The Yuki Onna smiled. “But, being as this weapon gave its word, I will not kill you today. Now, as weapons need maintenance to stay sharp, I am off to take a shower. Unless you have something to say about that as well? Perhaps all your bravado is because I’m in my small clothes? Is all your blood rushing to your brain at seeing me out of my armor? Think you’ve conquered yet another woman into your bed because you have sharp ears and blue eyes? You already have slept in my bed. Perhaps you wish to sleep with this weapon, since you cannot get a real girl? Boys do like playing with dangerous things.” Grabbing a towel, the Yuki Onna continued, “Being as since you’re such a man of honor and truth and justice and heroic bloodlines, I really don’t feel any need to guard you, or put you under chains. Feel free to run away while I’m gone, hero.”

“If you’re here when I return, I will kill you.” And with that, the Yuki Onna left her room.

Thomas moved to stop White; however, Diva grabbed his shoulder and said, “Let an old story-teller earn her keep.”

“Let me tell you a story. A story of great, Lenneth, and her people, the Eridani. Lenneth was a mighty warrior. A powerful hero, whose passion for combat and lust for blood could not be quenched by her enemies. No one could match her skill with bow, spear, or sword. She was unrivaled. No one could out run great Lenneth. And none could climb higher than Lenneth.

“In the beginnings the Eridani saw Lenneth, and wished to be hers. Our great, great, great ancestors looked up at Lenneth, and saw the immense drive She had. So they wished to be Her. So they tried their hand at spear and sword and bow. They ran as fast as they could. They climbed as high as they could. All to win the approval of the Lady Lenneth. But they were no Lenneth. And Lenneth looked down upon the Eridani, and scowled. How dare they ape her great prowess? How dare they try to imitate Lenneth? It insulted the great Lenneth, for her warrior’s pride is strong, and she would not let such underlings defile her great combat abilities.

“But the Eridani were so impressed so enthralled with Lenneth that they still wished Her blessing. So they continued to try. They fashioned rock to stick, to make their spears better. They chipped blades out of flint, so they could pierce the hides of animals. They glued feathers on their arrows to make them fly like birds. The Eridani ran with the great beasts of the plains so they could run faster and farther. They watched goats climb mountains, and learned how to scale great peaks of rock. All this was done, to win great Lady Lenneth’s Valkyrie approval. Yet Lady Lenneth still was not impressed. The Eridani were simply people of the earth, while mighty Lenneth was divine. And She would hold them to the same, high, standards She held herself.

“However, even Lenneth knew, at some point she would need allies to fight against her mortal enemies, the Giants. Great beasts and powerful enemies of mountain and cold. Who defy Lenneth, and defy Her righteous place as Divine. So, Lenneth called the Eridani together for a great metting. So they flocked to her in droves, filling the valley with their tents and their campfires. A thousand times a thousand they came. So many Eridani wishing to hear what the powerful oratory of Lady Lenneth Valkyrie.

“Lenneth came down to them with a voice that could be heard across the horizon. And she said, “I need warriors! Who amongst you is brave enough to walk with me to the great fortress of the giants and do battle!”

“And for all the Eridani practiced, they knew they would not stand up against the giants. The Eridani knew of the giants. Merciless beasts of cold and stone. Ancient horrors that the Eridani had no powers against. And Lenneth looked down at the Eridani and said, “You wish to be my people! And yet you cannot stand with your great Being!”

“She scowled at them, and scorned them. With harsh words she chided them. For they had failed at her first test. But the Eridani had learned one thing from Lady Lenneth. They learned pride. And amongst the sea of Eridani who came to bear witness to Lenneth, four stood up.

“Martin, the hunter of a thousand hares.

“Carlos, the farmhand.

“Platina, teller of stories.

“Horn, the blacksmith.

"Amongst the millions at the gathering, four stood to answer Lenneth."

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 28 Oct 2009 Posts: 4247

Kyle’s presence was masked somehow by the diva so white couldn’t sense him as she went off to take her shower. Kyle fallowed the diva "diva I have orders to bring you back, and capture white."
Diva "I know you do young guardian but first come with me and listen to the story I will tell you and the son of tallos."

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307

Vordoon: Jungle Planet/ Midnight, Somewhere in the Darkness

Eat. Devour. Grow. Learn. EVOLVE.

With each enemy devoured, the fiend changed. As the flesh of intelligent men was devoured, his mind became sharper... clearer. As the creatures of the jungle lashed out, so to their flesh was consumned. Horrid pain rendt his frame as his cells altered themselves.

When he tasted the mighty Xmoec, those beasts who were naught but muscle and bony armor, so too he became muscle and bone. His vital organs were now encased, pieces of calcified matter jutted from his hide. The power armor had been beaten to pieces, but he no longer needed it. His flesh was now stronger.

The blades he claimed from the Imperium soldiers were too weak for him now. Broken by his now greater strength, he needed something new. Something stronger. His evolved mind did what those primitive beings of our past did. He made a weapon.

The heat of a fiery, makeshift forge glowed amidst the night black. The sound of metal on metal wrang throughout the jungle. Time and time again he struck the metal. He shaped and cooled and pounded it relentlessly. Chaos chose a strong, twisted tree and took from it a great branch. From these pieces of the earth, who shaped a great weapon. A hammer. A symbol of justice. A tool to forge a new destiny.

"Now, the world shall tremble..." Chaos smiled.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

Wolf walked down the hallway, keeping a close eye on his surroundings.
Further in, the hallway's were rended with multiple claw and slice marks around. The stench of blood was heavily in the air as bodies layed strewn around like old toys.
Body parts and organs were also lying about as the middle of the floor was beginning to amass a pool of blood.
Wolf took out both his weapons and held his Five-SeveN and held it in hands as he walked down the hallway, he kicked a head out of the way as it rolled towards a dismembered body who had his right lung cleaved in half.
Something didn't make sense. All of the bodies around were clawed to death, almost like a ferocious and blood crazed animal.
He kept walking down the hallway as his boot stepped on an eye, causing it to squish out the remaining liquid out.

At the end of the hallway was a door with 2 bodies were slumped against the wall. One was completely covered in its own blood while the other was left without a chest. The chest was torn apart so heavily that the only thing left inside was the remains of the broken rib cage with pieces of muscle and flesh attached to it.
The door was crackling bits of electricity as it tried to open, but couldn't because something was holding it down.
Walking upto it, he noticed the cause of the jam. A red tissue like object was stuck through the mechanism. Something was on the other side and the only way to know what it was, was to confront it head on, but right now he had to get out. Insticntively, he placed his ear on the blood smeared door. He could hear the sounds of the mechanical door whirring, what sounded like a spazzing body, heavy breathing and finally some radio static. Wolf now had no choice but to go through.

He stood back a bit and began breathing. As he inhaled, he pulled back his right leg As he began exhaling, he threw as much strentgh as he could on his kick, smashing the door foward. The object that held back the door was another body. The strentgh of the hit had caused the body's chest area to rip off, leaving part of it hanging from the door while the other barely clinged to the body. The pirate seemed to have been alive until a few minutes, but the door release caused him to be ripped to shreds as the door mechanism ripped the skin off.
His body gurgled up some blood as he head leaned to the side, dead.

The room was dark and cold. It felt like a trap.
Wolf cautiously entered, aiming his gun to the roof, awaiting for whatever awaited him. The roof had nothing but a few flickering lights.
He could still listen to the heavy breathing inside the room. For any ordinary person, the room was deserted. Taking a few more steps inside, he noticed that the room itself was left intact, except for the dead body on the door. He walked towards the control center where a radio gave off the sounds of static.
Letting his guard down slightly, he gripped his gun and knife both with his left hand and began working the interface with his right. The interface turned on quickly and showed the transmission logs. It also showed the coordinates of the last signal sent to.
Moving his hand, he changed the signal and began calling.

On the nameless frigate, a signal was received and was patched through to the helm.
The ship was now leaving Voordon and was heading off.

"Major, incoming transmission for you sir!!"
"Hmm? put on the screen."
"Sorry sir, signal is audio only."
"Patch it through then."

Major Dante placed a small headsrt that was hidden within the confines of the seat. All he could listen was heavy breathing along with static.

"This Major Dante of the Imperium Spec Ops 3rd division. Who is this?"
"Dante, its me Wolf...."
"What!? Operator, begin tracing this signal immeadiately!"
"Im in a Raider cell of sorts. Encountered both the target and the Yuki Onna. Currently uncertain wether friendly or not. She has already escaped with the target..."
"Never heard you talk so much Wolf. We shall be heading off shortly to pick you up."

The operator at the helm sent the coordinates to the main system, rerouting the original destination towards the Asteroid.

"Stay in the signal. Pur current position for a jump leaves us with some time."
"Give me an ETA....."

As they spoke, Wolf felt a presence approaching. No footsteps were heard as it apprpached Wolf from behind.

"ETA is 30 minutes from our next jump...Stay there unti-"

The conversation was cut short as a giant claw smashed down onto the radio, originally aimed at Wolf's head. He had rolled to the side at the last second as the large figure moved quickly and quietly.
The creature was very large and was bathed in blood as it's heaving breathing echoed throught the room.
Wolf stood up in guard, aiming knife and gun at him.

"Impressive. Not only have you detected my presence, yet you also have dodged my attack with ease. You aren't one of them by the looks of it either."
"............"

The creatures gruff voice befitted it's gigantic form as the lights on the roon flickered on and off. The slight instant the lights flickered off, Eolf jumped backwards, narrowly escaping a giant claw.
Wolf didn't leave unscathed as a slight line traced under his chin and blood began dripping off.

"Not bad. Usually all i have faced have never reached this far and by the looks of you, you aren't ordinary Imperium either."
"What are you?....."
"My name is of no importance. But should you know, i have been named Proyect 21-21-7."
"The proyect sent to sabotage the 9th......"
"So you know. Yet, raiders got to the ship before they did and i ended up returning the favor to their troops and Leader.
"So you killed Jesmin...."
"He wasn't much of prey. He died rather quickly compared to the other soldiers."

The giant moved as fast as the darkness. Almost as fast as Wolf as the lights flickered again and loud ringing was heard with some slight sparks lighting up the semi darkness. When the lights returned, The creature and Wolf had switched positions and a few blood drops were spilled.
Wolf's black jacket had a small rip that cut through the special plating that could deflect any laser shot at it and had cut upto the grey skin underneath.
The proyect was also cut as it's gigantic arm had a slight gash in it a began dripping blood.

"Not bad...."
"You're pretty good you're self."

The lights flickered off again as the darkness was met with even more sparks and twice the ringing noise.
Both opponents could see in the dark as good as they could see in the daylight and both were as equally fast. This time when the lights returned, there was a far more significant amount of blood on the floor.
Wolf had now taken a few cuts across the chest and arms, causing his suit to get stained in his blood. The proyect was also injured as his arms had now bigger and deeper cuts, causing blood to flow off inmmensively.

On the frigate, Maj. Dante had freaked out slightly as his headset emmited a loud high pitched sound. As he jumped from his seat, he threw his headset to the floor.

"What the hell happened!?!?"
"Sir the transmission signal has been cut off sir!!"
"Something is wrong. Make haste!!!"
"Yes'sir!!!"

The frigate made it's jump to hyperspace as quickly as it could.

"Wolf is strong, so he should hold out until we arrive. Even if it's that bastard Jesmin the one after him. Hell a whole raider army could be after him and he would make it look like a game."
"Sir! ETA is currently 15 minutes sir!!"

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 3215

=Destroyer Vengeance=

Something seemed to be guiding them. Whatever it was the Vengeance was joined by a small contingent of Aros warriors. They jumped out in Imperium space. Unable to stay long before being sighted the Vengeance dropped off a small force of Marines and Arosian’s and jumped back into warp space. The drop ship quickly landed on the planet and the team slowly moved to where they hoped the Thomas might be. One Marine was carrying Thomas Aaron’s sword sword.

=Caroline’s Room=

Thomas sighed and sat down shaking his head.

“Thats all well and good Lady Diva, but I don’t see how this relates. What is she? If she came to Tallos thousands of years ago she would have been torn apart. For my people something like like that deserves to be killed.”

Then he starts laughing.

“And as for being captured, if I’m not mistaken she was caught by the pirates just like me. Hell this isn’t even a prison. No she didn’t capture me, she freed me.”

Then he scowled.

“What burns me is she thinks I don’t believe she can fight because she’s a woman. If she looked back into Tallos’s history she would see that there were many women warriors. Some of our greatest leaders where women. Hell over forty percent of those who fought during the Reckoning Rebellion were women. There is a belief in our society. If you can use a pitch fork, spade or scythe then you can use a sword, ax and spear. Man, Woman it doesn’t matter. All are excepted to fight. She knows nothing about me or my people.

*Grins* “As for being a half breed I’ll take that as a compliment. There is no such thing as a pure breed. We accepted all in the clan. No matter where they came from. We are a clan of half breeds and orphans and we wouldn’t want it any other way.

“Now tell me Diva why should I protect something like that? She is not Eridani, not any more. She is not Martin, Carlos, Platina, Horn or even Lenneth. What is it about this Fallen One that is so special? She is a mockery of her people. She has forsaken her people to slavery to the Imperium. For what? What is she trying to prove?”

Thomas shook his head and got up. He looked around for a bit then went to her locker and retrieved his things. He buckled the bardic back on and sighed at the empty scabbard.

“Humph if she thinks I’m letting her keep this without a fight is got another thing coming. *Grunt* I hope I can find my fathers sword one day.”

He sat down on the bed again.

“Let me tell you a story Diva. Before Tallos died he had a vision. Told in the Annals of Fate. ‘One day, a day that may never come, there will be a great war and Darkness will cover the land. The Clan will be broken and scattered. Worlds will suffer from a great sickness. When all looks to be at peace the Darkness will claim its prize. Multitudes will die and demons unleashed. When all seems lost a great host will come to fight the Darkness but it will fail if the Lights Chosen do not rise. The Fallen will break her shackles and become the Hope of Worlds, the Last Lord will lead his Army against the Corrupted One, the Guardians will bring death to its foes, the Assassin will hunt the wicked and the Beast will devour the unjust. On the fields of Lore will be decided if Darkness shall prevail or Light will break through.’ So it is written in the Annals of Fate. *Sigh* And so much has come to pass. First the Aros Clan was defeated and the survivors scattered all over. Second came the plague that killed so many. Many years later the Imperium returns to reclaim its lost territory. Finally the 9th Legion and the entire Praxis System goes to war.”

He scratches his head.

“Now here I am and what do I find. The Fallen. Right here in flesh and blood. I was expecting maybe an Imperium Officer or someone but not this. How can she help us. She’s nothing but a...”

He looked at Diva and grinned.

“So what now my lady? The fates are moving and I no idea what to do. Where is the Lord, Guardian, Assassin and Beast? There is supposed to be a great battle on the Fields of Lore. When is the battle and what will forces will gather? I just don’t know. I’m not ashamed to say I’m scared. If the Darkness wins all is lost. So again, what now?”

Thomas turned and looked at Kyle.

“And who are you? You’re not Imperium, I know that now. But still who are you?”

=Vordoon=

The reports that Morris was getting was starting to worry him. Whatever was out there was killing Imperium patrols left and right. Not knowing what else to do he ordered his second to keep up with the attacks.

Later in the jungle...

Morris sat and waited. He didn’t know what was going on but he hoped he could at least talk to this creature, if it was sentient that is. Or at least know what he was dealing with before it tore him apart.

“I know you’re out there. I know you can kill me any moment now. I just want to talk to you. Please come out.”

And so he waited, knowing the creature was more then likely watching.

=Flakier Astroid Dockyards=

More and more ships where arriving. By now Forbes had over three hundred warships and transports. Enough to push the Imperium out of the Star League. Yet with the Mine fields still up he couldn’t make a move. He hoped that with their home world almost within the Imperium range they would have called for assistance by now. But still they did not.

“God’s please let those stubborn fools call for help, please don’t let them fall.”

A transmission came in and he hoped it was the SLM finally caving in... but it was only word about another ship that was being brought in for repairs and upgrades.

=Planet Orvis Orbit=

Yuki Onna 21-22-3 looked at the sword in his chest before his eyes clouded over and slumped backwards. The Imperium Royal Guardsmen picked up his transmitter and sent the word to his Lord.

=Planet Yakama=

Yuki Onna 21-45-1 and 21-21-18 were dead. Their weapons exploding and killing them instantly. The four Guardsmen sending out a single.

=Planet Ontario=

Yuki Onna 21-34-5 walked over the dead bodies of the enemy troops. As she turned a corner she stopped to see Royal Guardsmen standing in her way. They drew their swords, their eyes glowing yellow. She drew her laser blades and waited for them to charge...

Five minutes later.

“Send word to lord Jacob that the target is eliminated.”

As the Guardsmen left one of them kicked the the Yuki Onna’s head.

=Unknown Location=

Jacob just smiled at the news. By now only four Yuki Onna where left. True if the Czar ever found out that Jacob gave the order to exterminate the Yuki Onna then there would be hell to pay. But Jacob didn’t care. His loyalty was to the Imperium, not the Czar and his family. Unlike his predecessors who protected the Czar he was not stupid. To allow these things to do what the Guardsmen or even Commandos should be doing was unforgivable. To allow the Czars to continue was not an option either. The Imperium would have a new order to rule over them very soon. One that would keep dissidents and mutations under control. He began to chuckle evilly and looked out at his Omegas Force. Five full Legions and a Armada of ships of his own making. All loyal to him and him alone. Each Legionnaire trained by him in the art of Tallos. Instead of blue their eye’s glowed yellow. Never questioning his orders.

The door to his office opened and he looked at the officers that came in. Jacob made certain that the purge would get rid of those most loyal to the Czar.

“Well General’s, is it done?”

General Clay, a Gecko, answered.

“Yes lord Blue. By now you have full command of the all Imperium Forces. Except those that are deployed in the war. Czar Blue or his wife have no idea.”

“Good. We’ll make our move soon. Then a new order will rule the Imperium and nothing will stop us.”

“What about the Sons of Tallos my...”

“Children, General, Children of Tallos. Its a misconception. There are many daughters of Tallos as well. I know of their numbers. Yes they’re a lot larger then we thought. I never would have believed so many survived the orbital attack let alone raise so many children. I’ll worry about them. You sir, have the Field Marshal to worry about. Make no mistake, he is no fool. You’ll have your work cut out for you. Heh but you’ll have the full might of the Imperium on your side. The Field Marshal will have to either surrender or join with the dissidents. Either way he’s as good as dead.”

Jacob sat down behind his desk, smiling. He beckoned the officers to sit as they got busy planning the remaining stages of the coup.

=Planet Corveanious=

Imperium Trooper Datalus held the Yuki Onna close as the Guardsmen walked passed. He didn’t know what was going on. One moment they were training the next they were attacked. He stumbled upon the Yuki Onna, who was badly wounded. She was very beautiful squirrel. She was severely wounded. He patched her up as best he could, picking her up and slowly made it to the transports. He got on one and took off. Not trusting the communications he headed on a random heading, hoping to get as far away as possible.

He didn’t get far when Major Phil Moonberg’s ship showed up and brought them on board.

=Reno’s Command Ship=

“Gah I can’t believe he ordered me to dispose of the body. I swear if I didn’t make the agreement with him I would...”

“Sir, transmission coming in. Its from Major Moonberg.”

“Hmm wander what my nephew wants? Put it through.”

“Sir!”

Moment later Phil’s image was on the view screen.

“Major, what can I do for...”

“Uncle I’m sorry but you’re not going to believe this, but I just picked up a 22nd Legionnaire, his name is Datalus. His entire unit was wiped out on Planet Corveanious.”

“What? But Corveanious is deep in Imperium Space. How the Hell...”

“Sir it wasn’t any enemy force. It was the Imperium Royal Guardsmen.”

Everyone on the bridge looked confused.

“Eh? Are you sure? Why would the Royal Guard attack one of our own Legions?”

“I don’t know Colonel. But trooper Datalus brought on board a Yuki Onna. She’s badly hurt, but healing. I don’t know what the hell is going on. All attempts to make contact with the Imperium Capital have been jammed. Whoever is behind this doesn't want anyone to know what’s going on. Sir, I think you should inform the Field Marshal about this.”

“I will Major, thank you for bringing this to my attention.”

Once Moonberg’s transmission ended Reno ordered his ship to make a new heading.

‘What the hell is going on? Why would the Royal Guard attack one of our Legions? I don’t like this.’

=Atlus Orbit=

A small fleet had gathered around Atlus. These ships where built by the Praxis Shipyards but were not for the Rim Concordant. The symbol of Aros was imprinted on all fifteen ships. Jordan Arain looked at the assembled fleet. Each ship carried over two thousand clan warriors. These ships were made before the war as a gift for the Children of Tallos. Jordan gave the order for the fleet to set out. It would take some time before they reached their destination. More then enough to train all thirty thousand warriors. There would be more though. Much more. Their destination, Tallos.

=Atlus, 9th Legion Command=

General Reaver sighed as he saw the fleet leave. Then he turned back to the map of the Rim. The Rim Concordant was doing well on its own. Too well. He knew the Imperium was up to something but he couldn’t figure it out. Even Princess Mary was nervous and had ordered the offensive to slow. This made him smile. She was becoming quite the tactician. Whatever the Imperium was up to it wasn’t his concern right now. His forces were all in place. All he had to do was wait for the word to be given and the 9th would move in for the kill. He smiled. This plan always seemed to work and so far no one knew about it. Still the hard part was waiting for the signal, but there was no hurry. In time he’ll make his move.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173

===== ===== =====

The fall of Eridani Prime

“Lady Lenneth, save us,” the SLM soldier prayed, as he watched the heavens.

The Imperium had done the impossible. The stalled offensive of 2nd Corps had gained new life, and was blitzkreiging its way through the grim Star League Militia. A lightning attack launched by Colonel Reno had punched through the satellite defense network orbiting Eridani Prime. In doing so, the Imperium had seized control of the great star-fortress Mjollnir. And now, Star League’s mighty guardian tumbled from the sky. Its powerful weaponry scything arcs of deadly plasma and lasers across the horizon. Its rockets and missiles showering upon any target it could lock onto. Red-hot, the enormous comet burned across the sky like a mad Apollo intent on smashing his sun chariot upon the planet below. The star-fortress would make planet-fall within the hour. The mighty Hammer of the Gods would crack the planet asunder. And the SLM was powerless to stop it. General Jugenmar had ordered an immediate evacuation. Any ship capable of aero-space travel was seized by martial law, and packed full of as many civilians as it could carry. The evacuation was rapidly turning into a chaotic mess, as the few SLM left planetside could not control of the flood of panicking civilians.

To make maters worse, sharks waited in the heavens for easy prey. Imperial hunter-killer fighters shot at anything that tried to escape from Eridani Prime. The planet was becoming ringed with the debris of destroyed ships. Scattered Star League Fleet ships valiantly attempted to protect the evacuating civilians. But the hunter-killer fighters outgunned the outdated Fleet ships. Civilians watched in horror as their escort ships were torn apart by plasma cannons and missiles, knowing they would be next in the cross-hairs.

It was the end of days. It was ragnarok on Eridani Prime.

===== ===== =====

Reaver looked at the video feed on the technicians desk. The file arrived to him corrupted and almost unrecoverable. It had taken the technicians over eight hours to even get this bit to work. And still, the video was grainy, blurred, and often cut out for several seconds at a time. No sound accompanied the video, giving it an eiree, out-of-touch feel too it. “What am I looking at?” Reaver asked.

“The best we can figure is that it is a video-file from one of the SLM combat androids. We think it’s from Eridani Prime,” answered the senior tech.

“What’s that?” asked Reaver as he pointed at an orange-yellow blur on the screen.

“I think it’s Mjollnir.”

“Isn’t that the Star Fortress around Eridani Prime?”

“Yes, sir.”

“Then why is it yellow?”

“I don’t know, sir. It’s been quiet from the SLM front.”

“Quiet?”

“Yes, sir… quiet.”

“Too quiet?”

“Yes, sir… too quiet.”

“I don’t like it. Find out what in the galaxy is going on with those stubborn SLM troops, and what the abyss this feed is showing us.”

===== ===== =====

Fleishjaeger smiled, as he read the report. Smiling an honest smile was a luxury to the old badger. One he rarely used anymore. Almost his entire Legion had made its way through the old Galaxy Union gate. Thus far, they were undetected, and only a days travel from the capital city of Eos. The fall of Eridani Prime was going to occupy the attention of the Traitor Legion, and most of the RCMS. Leaving them open to his coup de grace. “Keep it up for just a bit longer, Reno, and we’ll both be heroes in the eyes of the Czarina.”

===== ===== =====

Ginger looked around the science lab she was locked in. All sorts of wires and couplings bound her. The sterile-green walls, and poor lighting frightened the PM, causing her to unconsciously chew on her lower lip. Antiseptic smells flooded the room, making her dizzy and disoriented. An incessant humming was all she could hear. Ginger had given up trying to match the sound with anything in her databank. She just knew that when the sound was louder, it was best to just fall asleep. While only Kyle could operate her, it did not stop Fleishjaeger’s techno-magi from attempting to unlock her secrets. Kyle might be the only one she could take commands from; however, she knew the techno-magi were trying to find what secrets about Guardian protection codes and deployments she knew. The Nova-Black ICE the techno-magi hammered her with was steadily breaking her own firewall protections. She wasn’t sure how much longer her software protections would last.

Ginger put on a brave face, and said aloud to herself, “I hope Master Kyle is doing better than I am.”

===== ===== =====

Diva looked at Thomas and smiled a motherly smile, “Well, apparently you’re not much for story-telling, child Thomas. I was just about to get to the telling of the Four’s test. But, I suppose that is for another time.” It was the first time Thomas actually looked at the high potentate of Star League. She was healthy, but he could see her clothing hung loosely from her frame. She had lost a lot of weight being White’s prisoner. And yet… for as frail and thin as she looked, something about her made him feel in awe. She could have worn rags, and be covered in mud, and he would follow her to the abyss and back. Diva smiled, as she watched Thomas study her. “There is a reason my children look up to me so, child Thomas. I am Diva.”

Diva moved next to Thomas, and his heart skipped a beat. For all the anger and confusion the veteran soldier had bottled up, something about her made him feel like a schoolboy with a crush on his teacher. Diva unbuckled the belt around Thomas, and looked at him with a scolding glance. “Be that as it may, child Thomas, she did earn this from you in combat. Not all battles are done with spear and bow. Sometimes, you have to run. Sometimes you have to let go. It would be… ignoble to take her prize back without properly challenging her for it. Not to mention, it is usually considered bad taste to rummage around a lady’s boudoir. One might consider you a bit of a pervert for doing such a thing,” the Diva teased.

Diva turned and smiled at Kyle, “It is good to see you, traveler. I have heard tales of the Guardians, but have never actually lain eyes on one. Do forgive my lack of hospitality. I have no food or drink to offer you, and I am certain you are exhausted from your ordeal getting here. I was not expecting to entertain,” said the Diva in a joking manner.

“As to your question, Thomas. I do not know. I am a story-teller. No more. No less. The gift of foresight is something only Muawijhe the Chained possess… and his tale teaches us not to look too much into the future for insight. If you wish, I could tell you the story of Muawijhe the Farseer, Mystic to the Giants… perhaps an innocent listening to the tale could grant us an epiphany.”

Diva placed the scabbard back into the closet. “In the mean time, child Thomas, child Kyle, the better question, would be, how do you play with a broken toy?”

===== ===== =====

White let the hot water cascade over her. Even with the water able to boil skin, she never felt warm in the shower. The only time she felt warm was when she Planet-walked. White missed home. She missed having people around. Even, aggravating people like Diva at least listened to her, and talked to her. She wasn’t sure what to do about Thomas Aaron. She had given her word she wouldn’t kill him… yet. And he did deserve to die. Pretending to be some legendary hero-race. What non-sense! Every Eridani knew the only hero was Lenneth, and the Diva was mighty Lenneth’s sheath. What arrogant pride. Some random, watery, tart gives a two-bit soldier a sword, and now he thinks he’s some legendary hero of lore! The Four Walkers had to prove their worth to Lenneth. And even then, they were just allowed to carry Lenneth’s helm and shield. “Just because you luck upon some sword does not make you a hero. It makes you a graverobber," growled the wolverine-girl.

White punched her fist into the tile wall of the bathroom. She looked at her arms, and traced the medical scars. She had tried to count all of them, but there were just too many. Unhealthy, swollen, red, scar-tissue that never quite healed. Dr. Fuchs said it was a side-effect of the process, but White was not stupid. She knew what it was. It was plague tissue. You don’t grow up a carrier and not know what plague tissue was. White had long since figured out that the reason she hadn’t died like most of the other Yuki Onna who went through the process was because she was the carrier. In an odd way, it protected her from the process, and actually enhanced the gifts being a Yuki Onna granted her.

Hot steam filled the bathroom, blurring everything in its haze. White turned off the shower, and stepped over towards the mirror. She wiped her paw across the silvered-glass, brushing away the steam into smears. She shook the water off her paw, and let it rest against her side. Looking into the full mirror, she saw what she had become. What she had given up to be a Yuki Onna. Tears dribbling down her cheeks, White whimpered, “Please, Lenneth, make him run away.”

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 1661

(Awesome story, people. I have my first entry ready to go as soon as Wolf Stride enters his. I'm assuming the storytelling cycle starts with Aaron and has ended with Wolf Stride, right?)

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

(Bingo. The posting order is like this.
Aaron_Thom
Caroline
The Adept
Chaosengine
Wolf Stride
Katmir
When i post uo then you can post you're intro and get in the story.)

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 28 Oct 2009 Posts: 4247

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

(Deleted.)

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307

Aboard The Nomad

The monster who stood before the wolf shimmered for a moment, only to suddenly fade away. All around him, the gore and blood disappeared, although the bodies remained. A look of absolute terror was frozen on the faces of the pirates.

The lights in the room went from flickering on and off, to a constant, grotesque red. A presence could be felt all around the chamber, though the wolf was alone. The sound of laughing children could be heard all around and a voice appeared in the soldier's mind.

"Hello, Mr. Man..." The voice was small and innocent, but held a level of malignance that could freeze blood.

"The pirates thought the monster was real and, like Father says... the mind is the King of the body. What the mind says, the body does."

The presence felt closer, but the wolf was still alone.

"The pirates thought the monster was killing them... so they died. You didn't die, I like playing with you." The young voice seemed to draw closer, like a whisper in his ear.

"I'll tell you a secret... when I was asleep, I dreamed of an angel..."

A slight hint of cold air, like a demon's breath crossed the wolf's cheek.

"She had no wings, but was SO pretty. I wanted to hold her and hug her and..."

The voice filled the wolf's mind, like a needle shoved into his ear.

"I wanted to KILL her. Father says if I eat her..."

The presence gave off an overwhelming sense of pure malevolence, unrelenting evil.

"I'll become... GOD!!"

All at once, the scattered pirate bodies instantly caught fire. The sound of distant screams was plainly heard, as each cadaver burned away to nothing. The presence seemed to rapidly fade.

The wolf was alone again.

21-21-7 was now loose.

Things are never what they seem.

Planet Vordoon: Morris' Position

From within the jungle, a shadow stepped. Like a walking mountain, the beast had gained in both size and strength. He had fed from the land and it changed him in so many ways.

"Tell me soldier... what do you know of this thing called 'Destiny'?" Chaos stood directly behind the man, concealed in the brush. "What is your purpose... in this existence of ours?"

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

The speaking voice felt restless within his mind.
-Is he a child? How does he do this?-

The coldness of the pressence felt like snow to him as the screams made him turn around. The gore was gone and incredibly small piles of ash were noticed were Wolf had last seen the bodies. Not a single drop of blood was on the floor as he looked at his body.
His suit was ragged and torn from his previous battle with the proyect but there wasn't any blood. His body didn't bleed and his wounds seemed to have healed.
He turned around and walked towards the hallway, were he was met again with nothing but ash. Not a single drop of blood was around.

The nameless frigate had finally jumped out of Hyperspace and reached its destination.

"Sir! I am detecting a huge energy reading within the base, along with Wolf's vital signs!!"
"What the hell could it be? Get some troops down there to investigate!"

The frigate turned around to face a port of entry and saw 3 huge holes that were made during the Marine attack.
Wolf had walked down the hallway and looked inside the holding cell and saw nothing but bits of ash strewn about where Jesmin was shackled.
By the time the frigate began enterring the hangar, Wolf had already began walking in it.
The lower platform below the ship opened as heavy geared shocktroopers began boarding the Asteroid. Major Dante was among the ones who boarded the Asteroid.

"Wolf! What the hell happened!?"
"A little encounter with 21-21-7...."
"With WHAT!? You really are a crazy son of a bitch!!!"
"And?..."
"*Sigh.* Well then, what did you find?"
"There aren't any more pirates aboard. By the holding cells you will find ash traces. Ask the scientists to take a sample. Also prepare quarters for an unexpected guest....."
"You don't mean?"
"Yes...21-21-7 is coming aboard."
"You do realize that he can kill us right?"
"Not if you leave him alone......"
"What about that thing you said about the pirates and the ash?"
"Part of the Proyect's abilities...."
"Dear god....those 9th would have gotten what was coming to them."

Shocktroppers investigated about, looking for any trace of blood or corpse, but the whole base was empty. All they could find were traces of ash all about.
When they reached the armory, they radioed in.

"Major Dante. We have found some illegal high level weaponry. Do we have authorization to commandeer?"
"Authorization granted."

The shocktroopers returned with many rifles, grenades and multiple other equipment of high level caliber.
A small group of men in lab coats left the frigate and returned with multiple ash samples.

Then, a group of shocktroopers screamed as a Giant creature passed them.
The creature smiled while it passed by.

"You will take some space so the cargo hold shall be modified for pick up and drop."
"I see..."

As the proyect walked on by, Major Dante shuddered. He signaled to a few men as they ran inside, weary of the walking creature.

"Stay away from the proyect.........."
"What?"
"Tell you're men to stay away........."
"I see. If it's a warrning from you, then it's something that i must take word for."

Less than a few minutes later, The nameless frigate left the Asteroid with all possible items of interest. Weapons, Wolf, Jesmin's DNA and now Proyect 21-21-7.
The proyect took sheltering in a cargo box as they had placed enough food and water supplies to last a month. No slodiers approached it as they heard voices and screams within they're heads when they did. They were terrified of the proyect.
Wolf had made his way to the helm again.

"Something doesn't feel right.........."
"What's wrong Wolf?"
"Something is calling me out. I can't tell what it is.........."
"Well, tell us where and we can send you off."

Before they continued they're talk, an Emergency S.O.S. signal had arrived. There was a Escape Pod drifting across space with some heavy damage done to it.

"Sir!An Imperium Yuki Onna is aboard the Escape Pod sir!"
"What the hell!? Bring it in!!"

The frigate extended a small cable towards it and brought it upto the cargo hold.
The Escape Pod had been shot with some heavy firepower as it had many holes and was considered a miracle that it could still send a signal.
Inside was female fox that was severely injured with many plasma burns around her.
She barely wore her oxygen mask as she lost consciousness not so long ago.
The Medical team were on standby as they brought up the Yuki Onna to the Medical Bay as fast as they could.
Wolf and Dante made there way to the hangar to see what had happened.
Wolf looked at the Escape Pod with intention.

"Something is wrong...."
"I can tell. Those weren't neither 9th, SLM or Raider gunfire. They were Imperium's..."
".........."
"I will call Jaeger and Reno to warn them of the situation."

Wolf nodded as he looked at one of the small fighters onboard.

"You have someplace to go, don't you?"
"........."

His silence answered Dante's question.

"Take the fighter and keep the comlinks on."

Wolf sliently jumped on the fighter and turned on the engines.
Dante walked back towards the Helm.
By the time he had reached his chair, Wolf had already left.

Reno's Command Ship.

"So you have another wounded Yuki Onna in custody? Is she the Field Marshall's?"

"No sir. She is another one, but....she was-"

"Under attack by Imperium forces?"

"Yes...How did you know?"

"Because we have one as well. We can't reach HQ and something is not
adding up. All communications with them have ceased, meaning that something is going on. By the way? What happened to my hired gun?"

"He has reurned along with something else. He has recaptured Proyect 21-21-7 and is currently in custody."

"We might need it for something else. Keep it under storage for now. As for him, he is still to capture the Son of Tallos. The main fron is turning into our favor, but something seems out of place. Keep you're guard up and if something happen, you answer to me."

"What happened with General Jaeger?"

"Oh him? He was in HQ last i heard. That old grizzly has been a little too suspicious so keep and eye on him for me, will ya?"

"Yes sir."

Reno closed his panel and thought on the situation.
"Things are going right off the fringe and we are in the middle of it. Hopefully bringing back the Son of Tallos might shed some answers."

Unknown space.

Wolf flew for a few hours without idea of where he went. Eventually he reached a small planet.

-Come to us, noble one. Come.-

The voice was kind and gentle as the voice wafted through his head.

-Who are you? You're voice is kind and gentle.-
-Come to us and you will know.-

Wolf wasn't one to normally trust someone at the drop of a hat, but for some reason this voice felt familiar and trustworthy.
As he entered the atmosphere, he noticed another ship nearby. He landed the fighter and got off, wondering where he was.

-To the east. Come forth and you will know the truth.-
-Of what?-

The voice didn't answer.
He felt impatient so he ran as fast as he could to the east until he stumbled upon a small building.

-Come inside.-

He felt many pressences inside, as he approached the doors.
He gave them a slight tap with his knuckles twice.

"Come inside."

The Diva spoke as the doors opened and Wolf entered the room.
His cold stare and cold miasma surrounding him quickly filled the room.

"You called me forth...."
"Yes. We now miss one more."
"?........"

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 3215

(This isn't my post. Katmir was unable to post so he asked me to put this up for him. This is his intro.)

>_<Cpt.KM>*halt.music = Jaghnny Cash / start.music = Panthera>

>_<HEPH> music = Panthera:Cowboys From Hell>

:Under the lights where we stand tall,
Nobody touches us at all.
Showdown! Shootout! Spread fear within, without.
We're gonna take what's ours to have.
Spread the word throughout the land:
They say the bad guys wear black.
We're tagged and can't turn back.

You see us comin' and you all together run for cover.
We're taking over this town.

Here we come! Reach for your gun!
And you better listen well my friend, you see
It's been slow down below.
Aimed at you, we're the cowboys from hell
Deed is done! Again, we've won.
Ain't talking no tall tales friend
'Cause it's high noon, your doom.
Comin' for you, we're the Cowboys from Hell..."

<Cpt.KM> cockpit.lights = dim>

":giggle: Yeah, Captain... Like that..."

<Cpt.KM> hell = +(babe) / tastes = + @ (()).*!>

<HEPH> command.error

<Cpt.KM> HEPHlink = off>

The cockpit of the starship Hephaestus seats only one pilot, its Captain - Katmir Mahal; a seasoned green fox whose ship and crew are currently under contract with the 9th Legion as a combat repair frigate. They are en route to their first official duty sector, where a major battle has recently taken place. In the meantime, Lieutenant Artemis Absynth is "briefing" the Captain as well as taking "dictation". However, the dark grey striped feline is neither a lieutenant nor conducting official 9th Legion duties... Especially with her orange uniform around her ankles.

She knelt on the captain's chair, her head resting on her arms. Brushing aside a lock of her bright magenta hair, she faced the blinking control console and the twinkling stars beyond the cockpit windows. "You like the new panties, Captain?"

Katmir took a good look at the material he had partly pulled aside while still lapping at her pinkish palate, her tail almost taut along his snout. The underwear was made in two shades of blue: transparent, but for the shiny hems and a bow just above her tail. He nipped at a bowstring and loosened her panties down to her knees. Katmir unsnapped the cord to his white cowboy hat from off his neck and let it drop. Roughly grabbing Artemis' tail with his left paw and stretching her right asscheek with the other, he began sliding his his hard-on along her moistened cleft.

"Oh, by the gods, stop torturing me. Just stuff my cunt and flood it, man!"

"Insubordination, huh? That's forty tongue-lashes, lieutenant!"

"Mrreeow! Mother! Fucker! Yeah! Eat me... Eat me, foxy..."

Thirty-two lashes and seven hard spanks later, Artemis squirts so hard it leaves Katmir's snout and chest fur practically soaked. "Yeiif-haw! That's mah pussy! Whoo, gurl!"

"...gawd... Stop feeding your ego and come inside me already..."

The hard fox shuffles into position when in a split second -

<HEPH>*= !

<Cpt.KM>*= ? / oh... "...shit!"

The cockpit turns crimson as a "red alert" commences. The cock goes flaccid at the pink pit's cummings.

"Fucking shit, Katmir!"

"Stow it, Artie. If we're about ta die, I ain't goin' pissed off."

"Aw, YOU piss off, asshole!"

Suddenly sprinkled with a dash of urine, the cat permanently scars the fox's right side of his snout with her claws. Katmir stays put, head trembling, penis shrinking, starship alarm blaring. Wincing, he holds up an index finger at Artemis' now remorseful countenance. What an incredible moment, he thought.

<Cpt.KM> [SitRep](situation.report)

<HEPH> Combative alien cargo onboard. Unable to jettison. Override options inaccessible. Droids deployed to outer hull to compensate.>

"What's happening, baby?", she asked.

"Heph, why the red alert?", Katmir voiced aloud.

<HEPH> Cargo Bay 10, onscreen.>

Ambient screens appear around the cockpit. A cacophony of screams, alphanumeric commands and weapons discharge ensues. Crewmembers are persistently flanking a large metal box, which is roughly the size of a liftmech suit used to load such size items. There were three dark red tentacles flailing out of it, and it also seemed to struggle with hovering around.

Artemis scanned the screens with a smirk, saying, "Well, someone's getting some tentacle action today."

Katmir notices, "It's glowing. It's gonna fire!"

They watched as a brave crewman ran full-tilt in a liftmech at the box when a glittery white flash fans from the glowing tip of a tentalce at him. The liftmech fell hard face first to the cargo bay floor, white frost and a heavy mist building around it instantaneously.

<HEPH> * ! = Liftmech Engineer, J. Rosado / Critical injuries. Hypothermia. Broken ribs. Internal blee->

<Cpt.KM> Heph, activate Hugh.Heph.Zero / [Alpha_Protocol]

Katmir's bioware reacts to his brain's electrical impulses, causing his sight to become a split-screen between his actual viewpoint and that of his custom-made combat droid. It emerges from a storage bin three times the size of a typical fur, but clad in gleaming emerald metal. Resembling more like the ancestral weres of yore, the hulking robot leaps into action with a speed belying its size towards it's alien quarry down the corridors of Hephaestus. The red alert alarm shuts down, being replaced by the Captain's voice. "Clear the halls! Zero Droid unleashed! Non-combat personnel: evacuate cago bays 8, 10, and 12. Militia: reflec armor and chem rifles only! Don't look at it directly! Get my engineer outta there!"

<HEPH> Droids on outer hull of Cargo Bay 10 are not responding. Access denied. Rerouting. Access denied. Rebooting. Access denied...

Artemis's face comes into Katmir's bottom screenview. ":sigh: Have fun playing feral superhero, baby. I'm going to take a hot bath and prep a bucket of ice for your green ass and your damn head."

The negative vibe hit him hard. "Go fuck yourself, Artie."

"Maybe I will. Or, maybe I'll invite a friend." He hated when these things happenned, but not as much as the way she shook her head to finish spitting her venom.

Then, two doors opened simultaneously in Katmir's enhanced sight: The one Artemis exits with her middle digit extended, and another where a large monster orb's cyclopean eye widens before both screens go black.

"Oh, and my ass is white, ya blind - shit! Shit. I'M blind, Heph. SitRep on the alien."

<HEPH> Enemy alien has been severely eviscerated by Hugh.Heph.Zero. Enemy has ceased all energy signatures. Enemy is deceased. Engineer Rosado being taken to sick bay. Lifesigns are positive. Doctor Gallo has been dispatched to your location. Warning, Captain: Bioware adversely affected and vision severely impaired. Your facial wounds are infected. No other life-threatening injuries to report.>

"Hey, no kiddin', Heph? Damn. Now if only I had someone on board that could tell me what the hell it is I see in that woman..."

==End Record 1==

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 3215

(This is my post)

=Caroline's Room=

“Sorry Kyle but I don’t run. Not from the nightmare. Don’t get me wrong, I want to live. But I’m not going to giver her any sport. If she wants me dead, then here I am. I hope you can convince her. I really do.”

Just then there came a knock on the door.

Diva smiled and called out.

“Come inside.”

The door opened and a Wolf with a bandana over his eye walked in.

“You called me forth...”
“Yes. We now miss one more.”
“?.......”

‘Ok its starting to get a little crowded in here,’ thought Thomas.

At the same time something slid between the wolf’s legs in and came to a stop by Thomas’s foot. Thomas looked down and unwrapped the the cloth and saw it was his sword. He picked it up and looked passed Wolf. Several 9th Legion Marines and Aros Warriors stood by the door. The Marine that threw the sword nodded and they slowly moved back and down the hall.

Kyle, Wolf and Diva were a little taken back to the swords appearance and the fact that their were several troops now outside.

Kyle looked at Thomas and asked, “So what are you going to do now? It seems you have backup. I take it they’ll come barging and try to kill her before she’ll kill you?”

“No Kyle. I have to do this alone. They will not interfere. I will not fight her.”

He crosses his legs and gently holds the sword in his hands, careful not to grip the blade to tightly.

He looked at the shower door and waited for it to open.

“Let her come and let the Fates decide. I have a feeling we’ll have to start working together here soon. *Sigh* The Corrupted One’s rise is about to begin.”

=Vordoon=

“My purpose?”

Morris smiles and looks up into the night sky.

“To do what is right. To bring justice and peace to the oppressed. To find a wife one day and maybe have children and pass my knowledge to them. I know I can die at any moment. I’m a soldier after all. Its the soldier’s lot. Yet if I survive this war, who knows. I hope one day to return home to Praxis.”

A tear rolls down his cheek.

“Have you ever been to Praxis? The forest is alive with so much life, the people welcoming to all, and there is peace there. Wonderful peace.”

He turned and looked up at the creature, smiling as tears flowed down his face.

“I’m afraid to die right now, I’ll admit it. Yet, one way or another. We all pass on and our memories remain and a hope for a better future. That is my purpose.”

Morris continued to look up at the creature and for some reason he wasn’t afraid.

=Imperium Capital, Royal Bedroom=

Simon woke with a start and sat up.

‘Was that an explosion,’ he thought.

Lady Lorna Blue stirred awake.

“Hmm honey what is it?”

“I don’t know my love. Go back to sleep, I’ll check it...”

Just then the door flew open and Phil Moonberg and several Royal Guardsmen came bursting through. Phil had a nasty gash running down the left side of his face.

“I’m sorry to barge in like this my lord Czar but we need to get you and your wife out of here.”

“What is the meaning of this?”

Just then a massive explosion was heard outside.

Both the Czar and the Czarina looked shocked. Simon turned back to Phil with a questioning look on his face.

“Its a coup my lord. Jacob Blue has launched an attack on the Royal Compound. Even as we speak all those loyal to you and your family are being wiped out. I’m sorry my lord but... we couldn’t get to the rest of your family in time.”

Tears began to form in the Czar’s eyes.

“Dead, my mother, cousins and sister... they’re all dead?”

“Yes my lord. Please hurry and put something on. We have to get you two out of here.”

Moments later Phil, the two Guardsmen, the Czar and the Czarina were making their way down the hall.

“Major Moonberg, where are we going?”

“I have a ship my lord. Its in the Royal Garden. Once we get on board we’ll head to my frigate, the Morbius. Then we’ll get to some place safe.”

It took them several minutes but they were soon in the Garden. The sound of fighting could be heard everywhere. Just before they reached the ship, Omegas Troops showed up. The Guardsmen that were guarding the ship where soon engaged. Czar saw that they were to few. Realizing that time was needed he drew his sword. The Czarina looked shocked at her husband.

“My lord, what are you doing?”

He reached over and kissed her.

“Take care of our child when he or she is born my love. You, Major make sure my wife reaches safety.”

With that he roared and charged into the fray.

“NOOO, my love no!”

Phil quickly held onto the Czarina. The Guardsmen were stunned by the Czar’s move and were about to join him when Phil called out to them.

“Come on you two, there is nothing we can do. We have to get the Czarina out of here.”

All four made it to the transport. Thirty minutes later the Morbius went into warp space.

Back on the planet...

Jacob looked at the dead Czar, tears flowing down his face. He looked about the Garden. The Czar and what was left of his Loyal Troops had killed many but in the end they were overwhelmed.

He turned to his men.

“This is how a warrior dies. Let it be known that the Czar died a heros death. Take him to the Royal Tombs and burry him with honor.”

The Czar’s body was picked up and slowly taken away.

Jacob made his way to the throne room and sat down. It was done. The only obstacles left was to take care of the few holdouts, the Czarina and the Field Marshals forces. Then he’ll concentrate on the Rebels. The Imperium will be whole again and he will rule it all.

=On the Morbius=

Phil made sure the Czarina was comfortable in his room before heading to the bridge.

He sat down and sighed. His face and been patched up.

“Sir, scanners show a small force of warships on our tail.”

“How long before they catch up?”

“Several hours.”

“Send a message to Colonel Reno. Make him aware of the situation.”

=Reno’s Ship=

When Reno got the word he was stunned. There would be no more support for the operations against the Rim. The final offensive against the Star League was going well but was still taking a lot of recourses to accomplish. With the Imperium now under Jacob’s control there would be no resupply. Yet the worst of it all was the death of the Czar. Tears were running down his face. All those loyal to the Czar where either dead or captured. Only the Field Marshals Forces and a few others that escaped the Coup where left. He pressed a few buttons and waited. He didn’t have to wait long when Fleshjaeger’s face appeared on the screen.

“This had better be good Re... what the?”

Fleshjaeger sat up straight and looked at Reno.

“Reno are you alright? What’s with the tears? Aww did the poor baby get a little hurt or something? HAHAHA but seriously why did you call...”

*Sniff* “The Czar is dead.”

The color seemed to leave Fleshjaeger’s face.

“Wha... what? Explain yourself? What do you mean the Czar is dead?”

*Sigh* “Jacob Blue launched an attack, a Coup. As we speak he is now in full control of the Imperium. Save for a few that escaped and our forces. My nephew has escaped with the Czarina. However they’re being chased. I’m taking the few ships that I have under my command... and I’m going to try and slow the pursuers down. We have been bitter rivals Field Marsha. We’ve hated each other. I wanted to kill you and you wanted to kill me. But there is one thing I never questioned. You are a loyal subject of the Imperium and so am I. Heh I doubt you’ll see me ever again. May whatever god you worship watch over you.”

With that he cut the transmission. He quickly made it to the bridge and ordered an intercept course. They had to reach the Morbius before it was too late.

=Field Marshals Head Quarters=

He couldn’t believe it. How was it possible. After a few hours he finally got the word from the last supply ship about the Coup. The entire Imperium Military was completely under Jacob’s control. He had ordered all supplies to the Field Marshal to be suspended.

Fleshjaeger stoop up and looked at the star map. The Star League capital was on the verge of collapsing. He had plenty of recourses for the campaign but... not enough to take on the entire Rim. Not enough to take on the full might of the 9th Legion and the Triumvirate. He needed fuel for his ships, charges for his weapons, parts to make repairs. He began to scan the area he now controlled. He could use the HKM facilities but it will take time to upgrade the systems for Imperium use. And time was not on his side. There was only one other place that had the capabilities to supply him with what he needed, Praxis. But that would mean making concessions. He sat back down and shook his head.

‘How did this all go wrong? We are so close. True to take on Praxis would have cost me much but it was still possible... but now...’

He leaned back in his chair and brooded.

“Save her Reno. Save the Czarina.”

=Hours Later near the Rim Border=

The Morbius jumped out, its hall badly damaged. For the last few hours it had been fighting a running battle. Now the Frigate was on its last leg.

“Damage report!”

“Sir damage to ninety present on all levels. We can’t take much more of this.”

“Can we still jump?”

“Yes sir, but its going to take some time. The warp drive has been damaged in the last fight. Once we came back into normal space the drive went down. Engineering reports the drive will be up and running in ten minutes.”

“We don’t have ten minutes. In less then two the enemy will be right on top of us.”

Just then two warp signatures came up. One opened up and seven Omegas Ships jumped out. From the other gate came five Imperium Ships.

“Sir its Colonel Reno, he’s on board the Thermopile. We’re receiving a transmission. Text only. Colonel Reno reports that he’ll cover us and that we need to move it.”

Major Moonberg looked at his censers. Reno’s task force had two destroyers, one of them being the Thermopile, and three Frigates. His heart sank and tears began to form when he looked at the Omegas ships.

The Omegas task force had three destroyers, one heavy cruiser, two frigates and a Battlestar.

With no choice Moonberg gave the order and made his run.

Reno looked at the force task force coming at him. He looked at his crew and they all nodded. They knew what needed to be done.

“All ships turn to port now. We’ll use all our starboard guns. They’ll have to get in range first, which means they’ll have to come right at us using only their forward weapons. This’ll give us an advantage.”

Reno’s task force quickly moved into position and waited for the enemy to make its move.

The Omegas ships quickly moved in, their weapons charged up. Once in range they began to fire.

“This is Colonel Reno to weapons control. Target the Batttlestars main forward batteries. OPEN FIRE!”

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173

Let me tell you a story. A story of great Lenneth, and of the Four Walkers.

The fight was over. Muwahjie had been chained, and was banished. But Muwahjie the Nightmare Walker left a cruel blow to great Lenneth. A blow so merciless that mere words of mortals cannot describe it. Muwahjie did the one thing Lenneth could not beat. He gave her a vision. A vision so terrifying, that it blinded and confused the powerful Lady Lenneth. His final action was a great strike from the abyss which caused Lenneth to stumble, and fall.

Lenneth awoke from her dream, and looked down upon her hands. They were covered in blood. Stained with the thick, crimson liquid so deeply, she wondered if the color would ever come out. So much blood that it could fill oceans. Her armor was battered and broken. Her winged helm lay cracked, and discarded. Her strong shield lay next to her. She could feel her flesh having been pierced and torn in a thousand places. And she fell. She fell to her knees. Great, divine Lenneth, fell to the earth, collapsing into a broken pile. It was then that the Four Walkers came to her.

The Four Walkers looked at Lenneth, and despaired. The Giants had beaten their mighty heroine. And they were pilgrims in an unholy land. And Lenneth was no longer there to battle the cyclopean monstrosities of mountain and cold. But they could not leave Lenneth. They could not leave their Champion on the field of honor in such an inglorious state.

Martin, hunter of a thousand hares, offered a cooked rabbit to Lenneth. “Here, eat this,” he said. “Its speed will make you healthy again.” And Lenneth ate. Slowly, painstakingly, Lenneth ate.

Horn, the blacksmith, returned to Lenneth her winged helm, and said, “I am no craftsman, worthy of such armor as yours, Lady Lenneth, but I have fixed your helm.” And Horn placed Lenneth’s helm upon her head, fitting it around Lenneth’s long, platinum-colored hair.

Carlos, the farmhand said, “Place her on her shield, and I will take her home.”

The Four Walkers lifted Lenneth onto her shield. Martin said, “I will keep my eyes open, for vultures may come to take away our Lenneth.” And the Hunter-of-a-Thousand-Hares drew his knife to protect his Champion.

Carlos, lashed a rope to the shield, and with all his might tried to drag Lenneth. But, a mighty warrior needs a strong shield. A powerful shield with which to stop the onslaught of villains and foes. A great shield, worthy of Lady Lenneth’s skill with sword, bow, and spear. So immense was Lenneth’s shield, that Carlos, try as he might, could not even drag it. Horn, back and shoulder powerful from long hours at the forge, went to help Carlos. And the two of them could not budge the armor.

And Platina said, “Let me tell you a story. A story of great Lenneth, and of her people, the Eridani.”

And Platina’s story lifted the hearts of the Four Walkers. It filled them with courage, determination, strength, and most importantly hope. Slowly, gruelingly, painstakingly, step-by-step, the Four Walkers dragged the shield of Lenneth, with her on it.

And from her shield, Lenneth looked down upon them. And, for the first time, the great Lenneth smiled. She smiled, and the action warmed her heart. The Eridani were not warriors. They were never meant to be. They were weak of skin and muscle. Slow of step, and short of stature. They were not warriors. But they were mighty in their own right. And Lenneth looked down, and smiled. The Eridani were Her people.

==== ===== =====

Fleishjaeger had commanded on the frontier for several decades. An inglorious task given to those who the Imperium wanted to die, but didn’t want to kill themselves. Wars on the frontier were always different. Chaotic… underhanded… treacherous in their own ways. You had to be willing to make deals with the Locals at times to get what you wanted. You had to convince the Locals to fight amongst themselves, letting you take what you wanted. Fleishjaeger had become a master in making such deals. You didn’t live long on the frontier if you didn’t learn the art of making a deal.

Field Marshall Fleishjaeger and General Reaver sat at the desk on Fallout, under the flag of truce. The two parities arrived three days prior to the planet that lay one hyper-jump between the Praxis System, and Star League. Little more than a zero-g rock, the poor, mining planet had little to offer either of them, other than a place to put a table where the two dragons could talk. The office was quiet, as the two generals sat across from each other.

“Vectin,” greeted the 9th Legion commander.

“Conrad, I see you’ve lost weight.” greeted the old badger. “Well, now that we’ve gotten the pleasantries out of the way, let’s get down to business.”

“What do you want, Vectin?” asked Reaver, none-to-pleased.

“A lot of things. One to get off this rock.”

“I can arrange that very quickly. Surrender.”

“Not in my nature, Conrad. I came to make a deal with you. It might suprize you, but there has recently been… a new government installed at home.”

“What does that have to do with me, Vectin?”

“Well, let’s just say that we can’t go home.”

“You couldn’t go home if you wanted to, Vectin. Neither of us can.”

“Perhaps not now, but we might be able to work out a way where we both can.”

“I’m not into making deals with the Imperium. Not after they abandoned this whole quadrant to the Plague, letting billions die.”

“Oh, quit being so melodramatic, Conrad. Look, Simon is out. Jacob is in.”

Reaver slammed his fist onto the desk, rattling the water glasses. “That insane demagogue? What did you do?”

“Me, nothing. I’ve here been here with you and your wondrous welcoming team, Connie.”

“Get to the point, Vectin. You’re lucky I’m still honoring this flag of truce.”

“That’s what I always liked about you, Conrad. Always willing to be the knight. Even if you’re just as fallen as I am. We both earned our Sash that day. We’re both fallen Knights of the Order of the Sun. In fact, if memory serves, I was the only knight who actually agreed with you. Got both of us sent to the rim. Thanks for that, by the way.”

Fleishjaeger let the old memory sink percolate in Reaver. Fleishjaeger then continued to speak, “Neither one of us chose to be out here, Conrad. Now we have a chance to change all that. I’m offering a truce. You know as well as I do, Jacob is a military genius. And, alone, neither one of us stands a chance. Not with the rabble we have out here. And yes, Conrad, no matter what paintjob you give it, you’ve got irregulars. They aren’t true soldiers. Not like the one’s Jacob is bringing.”

“Shouldn’t you be calling him Czar Blue?” taunted Reaver.

“Not until my deathbed. Czar Simon was a lot of things, and deserved a lot of blame. He did not deserve to die at the hands of a murderous zealot. So, I’m offering a truce. I’ll stop attacking you, if you stop attacking me. Once Jacob and his armada are dealt with, we can go back to punching each other in the face.”

“How do I know you’ll keep your end of the bargain?”

“You don’t. But what choice does either of us have? I don’t know the full extent of his armada. What I do know is that he has Black Sun generators. Enough of them to make every star that has colonized planets undergo supernova. He doesn’t want to conquer us, Conrad. He wants to remove us from existence completely.”

The old badger stood up, and offered his hand to Reaver. “So, what do you say, Tallos-boy. Care to make a deal? Or shall we both die ingloriously to each other, only to have the devil claim his prize?”

===== ===== =====

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 28 Oct 2009 Posts: 4247

:Gaurdian Operation Bunker Drop
Mission Deal heavy losses to the new Imperium Regime:
Location Orion Cluster :

Jacob Blue sat in his chair in the war room his first order of official buissness after Clearing up the remnants of the old regime was to imeidatly declare war on the gaurdians. this was there first Engagment

The Two Fleets were facing each other Firing there main cannons as fast as there ships would alow them. as there space fighters danced in space almost looking like a well organized balley and the first wrong move would be there last.
Svaltus 1 "target locked Fox 2 Fox 2" the gaurdian Fighter fired two of its missles at the imperioum Shipp both direct hits the ship exploded "Hit and destroyed"
Edger 3"good kill svaltus one" his ship took a turn to the left and was hit directly by a imperioum Cruiser Plasma Cannon.
Svaltus 1 "edger 3 come in i repeat Edger 3 come in"
Mobious 1 "svaltus 1 hes gone" mobious 1 the only survivng SLM ace on eradinie prime shoot foward and aimed at the starship Cruiser that took out his comrad "Firing Blue Foxes" Three missles shot at the Cruiser one penetrating the Control deck before exploding "Dead in the water we disabled a Imperium Cruiser" Chatter shoot through the radio full of cheers "thats how we do things Mobious 1 good kill"

The imperioum Cruiser was disabled
Gunnery Seargent Grills a Hawk was tthe new highest ranking officer in the whole ship every one who out ranked hm were in the Control room or viewing deck both were now destroyed by the fighters lucky missles. "is the ship operational"
PFC "no sir were dead in the water we need to evacuate now before the ship is completly destroyed"
Grills "Allright" he got on the radio "atention all crew of the Imperioum cruiser Goliath we are going to evacuate the ship head towerds the nearest allied cruiser you can find"

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307

"Fear not, soldier, for I have eaten enough of your kind." The beast replied, flatly. "Gluttony would avail me not."

Chaos took a few steps back, allowing more of the jungle foliage to conceal him.

"As to who or what I am..." It's voice dropped an octave. "R1.18, I am he that liveth and was dead; and behold, I am alive for evermore; and have the keys of hell and of death."

With those words, the beast was gone, leaving Morris to his thoughts.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

Battlefield near the Rim Border

The nameless frigate neared the shooting battleships as its pressence was unnoticed.
Its back hangars opened and showed a jet black fighter, moving at great speeds. The pilot was none other than Dante himself.

"This Falken 1 Commander Reno come in!"
"This is Reno! Dante? You here to provide backup as well!?"
"Yes sir! Our best pilot has gone off on a separate mission, i will assist you!"

The ships were shooting at each other as the Jacob Loyalists closed in on the Morbius was badly damaged as the Termophile provided support.
The morbius wouldn't last long under attack as Dante noticed that one of the enemy cruisers bridge had exploded.
Looking as the Termophile shot attheir currently biggest threat, Dante decided to lend a han in the assault. The fighter he piloted had been equipped with a prototype radiant laser that could recharge itself on sunlight and the laser was strong enough to cut through an entire cruiser in half if enough sunlight energy was absorbed.
Dante flew his fighter at incredible speeds aa multiple AA guns aimed down it. Dante had tricked the guns in truth. As he flew so close yo the cruisers, the guns ended shooting themselves. Once the battlestar was within the laser's range, a small compartment under the cockpit opened and a small cannon appeared. Light particles concentrated on the tip as a flash of light suddenly broke out and sliced the Battlestar's main artillery off as a chain of explosions followed wherever the laser had hit.

"Battlestar artlliery disabled!"
"Good work Dante, now concentrate on proecting the Morbius, the Czarina is on board!"
"What!? Prioritizing the protection of high priority target!"

The fighter turned in a loop as the remaining guns the battlestar had attempted to shoot down the fighter. It weaved back and forth between the cruisers as they began retaliating with missiles. The missiles were short lived however as the fighter left them behind.

Aboard Battlestar Flagship Frontier

General Jaeger barked orders left and right as the situation was turned upside down with appearance of the black fighter. The old Grizzly was rather angry as the same fighter had taken out the main foward batteries.

"Switch to the side batteries! I want that ship blown out of the frakking universe!!"
"Sir, hull damage has risen to 30%!"
"Damm!! Get me a secure link to that fighter!"
"Yes'sir!"

A panel lowered itself from the expanse roof as the exploding rounds were clearly seen bouncing off the bridge's shields.
The panel connected itself and presented the black vat with an angry expression.

"Dante!? You are our quarry!?"
"You're the quarry you jerk!!"
"And here i thought that i could've brought such a powerfull ally to Lord Jacob's side, you will die a dogs death like the rest!!"
"You don't have any foward cannons and you're own ships are tearing themselves apart as they attemp to shoot me down!"
"Don't worry Dante, we still have a trick up our sleeve!"

With that last remark, the aged grizzly cut of the feed.

"Get me the C.H.A.I.N. controls!!"
"Yes'sir."

Aboard the Morbius

Major Moonberg ran through the hallways as other crew staff ran about. Red emergency lights blared off as repairmen attempted to cover up the holes in the windows to control the oxygen leaks.
The Major had reached inside the room the Czarina was in. He opened the door briskly as she looked up.

"You're highness, we have to get you to the escape pods! We aren't sure for how long our ship will hold out."
"I.....I can't..."
"You're highness, i understsnd snd we are sorry for you're liss but he gave his life to save you'res! He wouldn't want you to throw away you're life like this!"
Phil placed his hand on her shoulder as she let a few tears drop.
She stood up and wiped away her tears.
"Lets go!"

As they ran by the hallway, an announcement was heard, along with another explosion that rocked the ship.
"Artificial gravity module has been disabled! Gravity has been disabled!! 5 More minutes before we jump to hyperspace!!"

The message of gravity loss was quickly seen as the Czarina, Phil and many other repair crewmen suddenly began to float upwards from the ground. Levers from the wall, suddenly appeared as a railing creased to life to move the levers. These were used greatly when artificial gravity was unavaible for movemrnt around the ship. Phil took the Czariba's hand as he grabbed unto a lever.

Aboard the ADF Falken 1

Dante trained the sights upon one of the 2 destroyers up ahead as the laser shot out once more and creased the bridge, making it explode after a few short seconds. The situation finally seemed to turn in their favor. Dante made a proper loop through the cruisers again as their AA guns now began tearing through their armors and blowing holes within the ships. The Falken did not have a single scratch on it as it flew at high speeds.
Everything seemed to turn out in good form as something began changing on the Battlestar. The locations on where the main cannons were suddenly pulled back and to the sides as something huge appeared between them.
A giant xannon with the size to match it appeared.

"What the hell is that!?"
His question was answered as General Jaeger appeared on his comlink.
"That is one of Lord Jacob's pride and glory! The C.H.A.I.N. cannon!! Combining the speed of a gatling laser with the power of an Ultra class cannon of the Royal Guard, it can tear through the Vordoon defenses like a knife through butter!"
"But...what the hell kind of ammo does it use!?"
"Haha!!!Figure it out in hell!! but first...."

The Battlestar began turning towards the Termophile as the giant barrel began lighting itself up in a blinding red light. As the Battlestar turned, Dante attempted to warn them.

"Commander Reno, get out of there!!!"
"We can't! Our job is to protect the Czarina!"
"She can make it out if you live!!"

Aboard the ship, lights blared heavily as crew members rushed towards the escape pods. Many pushed and shoved as other knew that it was too late to escape.

"So be it..."

The Termophile rushed foward as it shot all of its cannons foward. The giant cannon would cause the instant destruction of the ship, no matter where it would hit. Dante's connection was cut off as he cursed in the air. Then he came with an idea. If he managed to destroy the bridge, the cannon would most likely shut down.
It was a race to see who would get to who first as Reno's ship began dealing significant damage.

"Fire the cannon!!"
"Noooooo!!!!!!"

The cannon fired as its blinding red light desintegrated the frigates front bow. Reno only saw a red blinding light as his body and those aroumd him died instantly. The other half of the ship exploded shortly as it it first listed and then explodrd in total. Dante was too late as he presses the button and the small laser tore through thd bridge's shield and lit it up in a chain explosion. The giant xannon kept on firing as the battlestar began listing sideways and moved it towards the Morbius and the Omega ships. The laser varely passed over tge Morbius as a nearby cruiser was quickly eviscerated in the powerful blast. The Falken was not fast enough to rscape the laser as the back of it was destroyed and sent it spiraling of course.

"Gwaaaaaaaaaaarrggghhhhhh!!!!"

As Dante's fighter flew off in space, the Morbius managed to escape off into Hyperspace.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 1661

==TWIST OF FATE: Katmir's RECORD 2==

Dr. Gallo, a rather robust black rooster, stood patiently at Katmir's bedside in the Heal Bay looking at the dials on his antique chronograph. He prefers to use ancient holistic methods to cure - not treat - his patients, rather than injecting nanites into them. But the prevalency of bioware such as in Katmir's case leaves him little choice. He also prefers to be called "Doc Cock", in reference to his one and only infamous pornvid character, as opposed to Science Officer. After many years, the movie is still providing the ship's doctor with some extra income which he uses for his personal medical research. He smiled and snapped his fingers close to his captain's head.

"And, you're done, Captain. You are whole and healthy, and your implants have been repaired. Lastly, I encourage a good shower. You smell like hoo-hah, sir. Oh, and the crew is cured."
"Doc Cock, you're a helluva man!"
"You're damn right, sir."

"Here's your hat, Captain..." The small voice belongs to Commander Consuelo Fuertespalda, a young black-haired pink armadillo woman. The fact that she held Katmir's hat meant that she'd hacked once again into the restricted cockpit. Fuertespalda is not only the ship's resident tech genius, she's officially the Chief Science Officer. There is a rumor among the minority of the crew who know that Fuertespalda is madly in love with the Captain. They say "madly", because Artemis has openly displayed her contempt towards the CSO. But Fuertespalda's lack of professional bearing concerning the Captain can be traced back about a year, after a heated officer's meeting revealed a new hire's plan for mutiny. He and his cohorts attacked the crew, kidnapped Officer Fuertespalda, but were beaten and defeated by Katmir and his "Kommandos". Being rescued by the Captain caused her to blurt out on more than one occassion that all she wanted to do was live up to her namesake and be Katmir's confidant and comfort. Unfortunately for both furs, the man simply cannot reciprocate that. Not so much from loyalty to Artemis or the logic of ending the pain - but because Katmir knew that he was not in love with anyone except himself. And that was, after all, the ultimate pain: loneliness. He also had to deal with addressing Consuelo for what was at first a matter of convenience turned into a term of endearment in her ears.

"Commander Fu: outside, now." Katmir rushed Cmdr Fu out of the Heal Bay, past the immediate intersection and into a transtube. He had Hephaestus stall the unit as the door slid shut - for privacy - and put on his hat.

"I like how you put your Stetson on, sir."
"Wh-what?"
"You always buff the crescent moon buckle with your left thumb first. Then you pull on the chin strap, slide your hat on, cinch the strap, and give with a back head roll from right to left to crack your neck. Oh! If you'd like I could - "

Katmir holds an index finger near her snout and takes a step back. "Ma'am? If the crew of this starship needs a masseusse, I'll hear it from Dr. Gallo first. What is imperative for you to do, Cmdr Fu, is immediately function as Hephaestus' Chief Science Officer. That way, we can all continue to collect our Praxian checks, help the 9th Legion do their thing, and we can all go back to our intergalactic adventuring for fun and profit. Emphasis on the profane fiscal superiority of this establishment. I am your Captain, and as such our relationship is expressly professional! You copy, Commander?"

"Yes, my Captain!"
"Then git'cher paw offa mah crotch b'fore I chuck yo pink ass outta th' nearest airlock."

Cmdr Fu's glossy eyes locked with the Captain's cool stare. "I'm sorry, Kat - Captain. It's just that... Lt. Absynth is a very pretty cat, but she's an ugly person and it's making you mean. I guess I don't understand why... Why won't you just let me love you? Maybe then... you could love me, too."

"I'm not the man for you, Cmdr Fu. It ain't me. Now, since Hepahestus cannot replace a science officer's intuition, you must tell me why it malfunctioned with the droids and the 'tractor beam that could've handled the monster in the cargo bay?"

Cmdr Fu's eyes never left his as she sighed deeply and took an empty swallow. "The abandoned Imperium scout ship we took in for salvage was rigged for this attack. My team of gridrunners are almost done destroying the enemy code that masked the traps and jammed our droids. The crate containing the illegal mutation clone proves another approach the Imperium is using to establish their dominance in this sector. Dr. Gallo and I are going to use its remains for R&D. Diagnostics on your personal droid will help us improve our crew's armor. Five other lifesigns were detected within a nanosecond of the mutation's emergence. I immediately dispatched your Kommandos to locate them, as well as Hephaestus once we upload the new coding. That is my report, Captain."

"Congratulations, Commander. You are still an asset to this ship, it's crew, and our current employers, the 9th Legion. Dismissed."

The transtube door opened on the opposite side on the command level, and Cmdr Fu walked off to her post. Katmir's bioware lit up, meaning that Hephaestus was now optimized. What happens next occurs between brains and bioware in a rhythm of time just slower than the speed of thought.

<K#4> Captain, I have good and bad news for ya.
<Cpt.KM> In that order, Nimhrod.
<K#4> I flatlined an infiltrator in a crawlspace, but he -
<HEPH> * = ! Damage sustained to main engine via thermal detonator by enemy. Enemy is deceased.
<K#4> ... and there you have it. Looks like Heph's back to normal. I'm gonna assist the others.
<Cpt.KM> You're one badass rat, Nimhrod.

<Cmdr.CF> I've got the engine, Captain. My gridrunners have the swarm virus contained. Repair droids deployed.

<HEPH> Firefight/melee in engineering
<K#2> Good furs die hard! :zooWEEE!... snort: Two aholes down, Captain!
<HEPH> Firefight/melee at lower decks towards R&D
<K#1> They moved between the walls like they know our ship!
<K#3> Get prone, HexPoint.
<HEPH> Rerouting damaged lifelines in Deck 2. Enemy deceased. Melee at Deck B1. R&D 80% secure.
<K#1> Thanks, Rainbow. I got this one.
<K#3> Imperium H/K Cyborgs, Cap. A mutineer was surely behind this.
<Cpt.KM> No time for prisoners, babe. Lemme see Deck B1, Heph.

Katmir enters his cockpit as two screens come into view. HexPoint, a very masculine albino stag and leader of Katmir's Kommandos, was in a heavy blade fight with a pitch-black armored intruder. Though his dark grey jumpsuit showed signs of wounds, he moved gracefully around and between the ship's pipes and backup generators, parrying the intruder's arm blade with his broadsword. This cyborg moved deftly, striking hard with his armored arms and legs; he was indeed determined to make as much damage to Hephaestus as possible with his remaining weapons while keeping HexPoint's sword from dealing the killing blow.

<K#1> If he detonates something, it ain't on me!
<K#4> Throw 'im, HP!

HexPoint feints by tucking his arms in and extending them outwards, bashing the black cyborg's own arms away. He kicked the enemy square in the chest hard enough to make him land several yards away by a generator. The cyborg landed on his feet but was suddenly impaled, throat and groin, by HexPoint's antlers. The stag swiftly maneuvered in such a way that lifted the cyborg and hurled him high into the open space they had entered.

Katmir saved an image of his Kommandos' fatal finishing moves. Before the Imperium cyborg hit the floor, his left arm and right leg exploded at the ball joints by an arrow and a laser beam, respectively. That was the purple vixen Rainbow's "saw-rrow" arrow and Nimhrod's modified spear. Not a second after the cyborg got up on his one arm, Tuscan's great club crushed the enemy as he landed solidly on the battle-damaged deck.

<HEPH> Danger abated. * = ! Captain, you are being hailed through 9th Legion protocols. General Reaver is standing by.
<Cpt.KM> Onscreen. "Howdy, Gen-"

"The timeline has accelerated, Captain Mahal. We need the Hephaestus at these coordinates immediately. By the time you arrive, our forces will be engaged in battle. The enemy has unleashed new weapons into the field, and as such you are encouraged to defend 9th Legion assets by any means at your disposal. You will report to Colonel Jirafa on the Perseus."

"We're as good as there, General."

"Stand tough, Captain Mahal. We're counting on you."

<HEPH> Transmission over.

<Cpt.KM> * = ! "Battlestations! We're jumping off to hyperspace and into the fryin' pan!" [comm.switch = Cmr Fuertespalda + Dr. Gallo] "How's Hughe Heph's upgrades doin', people? And tell me it's big."

<Cmdr.CF> It's big, sir. We've incorporated the mutant's biological offensive capabilities into your mech, but...
<Cpt.KM> That's too long a hesitation, Cmdr Fu.

<Dr.G> But, we're still regulating the biomechanical virus so that it will not invade your central nervous system upon accessing it's higher performance modes. We wouldn't want your brain to permanently download into the mechanical warrior chassis, now would we?

<Cpt.KM> Hell, no! Just make sure it's purty like yours truly.

<Dr.G> The forces of evil everywhere are shaking in their boots, sir.

<Cmdr.CF> It won't be ready to launch until after we've arrived, Captain.
<Cpt.KM> Just do yo thang, people. Let's go kick that ass.

<HEPH> Slowing down from hyperspace, Captain. Shields at 100%.

Katmir spins in his chair to the sound of his door opening. Artemis steps through the doorway and lets her jumpsuit fall around her ankles. Her feline striped gray coat and magenta hair has been completely replaced by a solid shocking red hue and what seems like a random placement of a single word all over her body in white.

"It says, "whore"! It reeks of that fucking armadillo, Consuelo! I told you she was gonna be trouble, and so you know, I'm gonna fucking SOLVE her!"

Just as Katmir begins to form some choice words of his own, the scene through the window behind him changes from streaking stars to speeding battle cruisers and exploding military starships.

=END RECORD 2=[/b]

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 31 Dec 2007 Posts: 3215

=Fallout=

Sighing heavily Reaver stood up and shook Fleishjaegar’s hand.

“Alright, a truce this time. HEHEH its a good thing for you though. Believe it or not I had over half the 9th infiltrate Vordoon. I was just waiting for single and then I would have moved in.”

Fleishjaeger laughed when hearing this.

“You were always good at things like that. Tell me how did you do it?”

“I still have allies in the Imperium Military. General Price had always resented the Hierarchy and wanted to bring it crashing down. Hell in truth all those conscripts on Vordoon and thirty-seven of the warships, including two of the five Battlestars, are also on my side.”

Though a little stunned Fleishjaeger laughed so hard he had to sit back down.

“You rotten little sneak. HEHEHE well since we’re making confessions here, believe it or not I have an entire Legion on Atlus ready to attack the Royal Palace.”

It was Reavers turn to be stunned and laugh. After they cooled down Reaver looked at Fleishjaeger and sighed.

“Vectin, what’s happened to us? We were friends once. Now look at us.”

“I don’t know Connie, I really don’t know. Times change and so do we.”

Just then an Imperium officer came in and handed Fleishjaeger a data pad. He read the contents and sighed heavily.

“Did you know Colonel Reno?”

“Heh he was just a young ensign when I saw him last. Though he was a sneaky bastard I still saw a lot of potential in him. Why do you ask?”

“He’s dead. Gave his life for the Czarina.”

Both were quiet for a moment before Fleishjaeger spoke.

“When he last reported to me he sent be a coded transmission. In it he stated that Praxis is the only place that is safe enough to protect the Czarina and that like it or not we’ll need the 9th support to win against Jacob. So I need to know Connie, is it safe?”

Reaver looked thoughtful and nodded.

“Its far away from the front. In truth Jacob will have to take all of the Rim Concordant and the different independent system before he reaches Praxis. Also, I didn’t pull all my assets out of the system. There is several sizable fleets still stationed in and around the system. Then there’s the planetary defense forces. If he wants to take Praxis he’ll have to get through all of that first. Thats not including the defense grid that surrounds the planet. Hell he’ll have to send everything at his disposal to break through.”

“Or, he’ll just use the Black Sun Generator’s.”

“Heh, yeah he could, but I don’t think so. Praxis has a lot of untapped natural recourses. Most of the Core worlds have used up majority of theirs. Hell it was the reason the 9th was sent to deal with the Rebellion in the first place. No, he won’t destroy Praxis unless he has no choice.”

“I hope your right old friend. I’ll be sending the Czarina their right away. Also, now that we are cut off from the Core we need...”

“I’ll place the orders in to get you the supplies needed Vectin.”

“Thank you, old friend.”

=Chancessa Orbit=

Vice Admiral Caladen looked at his forces. It wasn’t much. He was only able to gather thirty seven ships. He looked at his data screen and punched up the recent military strength.

“Sir, Captain Acaba reporting. As of right now we have eighteen Frigates, seven Destroyers, seven Heavy Cruisers, two Star Carriers, four Blockade Runners and the Battlestar Anubis. We also have over five thousand Star Fighters at our disposal. This is a strong force sir. The enemy will not break us...”

Caladen ended the report and shook his head. He knew it would not be enough. He read the report from his scouts.

“Sir, Scout Commander Melgo reporting. As of now over one hundred enemy ships are approaching. From what I’ve been able to gather the enemy force has: Thirty Frigates, twenty eight Destroyers, twenty Heavy Cruisers, five Star Carriers, twenty Heavy Assault Ships and the Battlestars Falcon’s Cross and Lorenz. Sir I recommend we pull out. We don’t stand a ch....”

He shut the report off before it finished. Over one hundred ships against his thirty seven. He had no ground troops, no Legions, nothing. His only advantage was his Carriers. Again, it wasn’t much. Both Carriers had lost over half their fighters and were damaged. There was no way he could stop the force coming at him. But he would not abandon Chancessa. He would hold the line till the end. Time was needed for other commanders to rally support. Time for the Field Marshal to prepare his own troops. Time for the Rim to unite with the Imperium to stop Jacob. Time... he was buying everyone time. He would hold the Line.

=Thor’s Hammer=

Word quickly spread about the coup. At first everyone was pleased, thinking that with Simon Blue out of the way the new leadership would be more reasonable. Till they heard who was now in charge. For Forbes this was bad. Realizing he had no choice he ordered all his scouts to locate any Imperium ships and bring them here. This didn’t sit well with some of the Captains. The Star League ships pulled out, bringing with them as many ships that wanted to come. Yet most knew they had to combine their forces or face defeat. Now he was looking at the three officers sitting across his desk. One of them a full Admiral.

“Admiral Chenn its good to see you again. Its been, what ten years?”

The older panda nodded.

“Yes Forbes, ten years have passed.”

Chenn smiled.

“And I’m very proud of you. You’ve come far, to see you now as a Vice Admiral and to command so many ships *sigh* truly you make your family proud.”

“Thank you sir. Though I wish we can continue this conversation, I need to know how many ships you have.”

Chenn nodded and place a data pad in front of Forbes.

“I have forty seven ships with me. All are badly damaged and need repairs. Can you help with that?”

Forbes picked up the data pad and nodded.

“Sure, won’t be any problems with that. I’ll have them fixed up in no time.”

“Good, then I leave my force in your command.”

*Cough, sputter* “What? But I don’t...”

“I’m too old for this shit Toby. I request to be taken to Praxis, I’ve heard its very beautiful. I think its time I retire. Good luck.”

With that Chenn walked out. The other officers looked at Forbes and he nodded.

“Alright then. If you’ll contact your commanders I’ll start repairing your ships.”

=The Morbius=

Five days have past since their escape and though badly damaged the newly promoted Colonel Phil Moonberg was able to get the Morbius to Vordoon. He sat at his desk looking over as much information as he could. Jacob had full control of over ninety six percent of the Imperium now. There were still a few hold outs, including a large force of ships around Chancessa. The commander there reported that he would hold the line as long as he could. Phil just sighed when he got the report. Jacob would not leave such a force behind his lines. He would deal with this last hold out and soon.

Things were moving a lot faster then he anticipated. Jacob was no fool that was certain. Moonberg would have to figure out a way to sneak his operatives in some how. There was a light knock on his door. He looked up from his work, asking whoever was out there to come in.

The door opened and a 9th Legion Colonel walked in. Since there was now a truce the 9th Legion was aiding the Imperium. One of those aids came in the form of their Military Inteligence. Phil just smiled, stood up and held out his hand to the Colonel.

“Colonel Andrew Rockwell, a pleasure.”

They Raccoon shook Phil’s hand.

“Colonel Moonberg, the pleasure is all mine.”

The two then sat down.

“So tell me Colonel Moonberg, how do you like your new post.”

Phil just sighed and shook his head.

“It’s alright, I just...”

He leaned back and wiped his eyes.

“Sorry, *sigh* I just didn’t think I would get this job. Not like this.”

“I’m sorry Moonberg, I take it you and Reno were very close?”

“Yes, he was my uncle. Now he’s dead. Heh you know everyone always called him a sneaky bastard behind his back. He never showed his feelings. Always made himself look tougher, crueler... in truth he was kind and gentle. When my parents died he raised me. Taught me everything I know.”

He sat up and looked at Rockwell.

“Now everyone calls him a hero. The Czarina wants to place a monument in the Royal Academy for his bravery. He fought so hard to give us a chance at escaping. Anyway thats not now. Colonel, we have to get our operatives in the Imperium Capital as soon as possible. We have to keep our forces updated at all times on Jacob’s movements. There can be no mistakes.”

Colonel Rockwell nodded and the two got right to work in figuring out a plan.

=Orion Cluster=

Admiral Tobias sat back and grinned. He was warned of the Guardians but to him it was of no concern. By taking out a Heavy Cruiser they more then proved how tough they were. Still, the fun was over.

“All ships, move in.”

Two warp gates opened. From one came two Carriers, the other a Battlestar and its support ships. The Carriers launched over two hundred fighters against the Guardians. They also launched fighters to screen the carriers, incase the Guardians attacked.

Tobias smiled evilly.

‘Soon High Lord Jacob Blue will rule this Galaxy,’ he thought.

Suddenly three warp gates opened up and the 2nd Praxis Fleet and a contingent of Imperium ships jumped in and started firing on Tobias ships.

Tobias stoop up with a start

“WHAT? How is this possible? Where the hell did those ships come from?”

His ship was suddenly struck from a couple plasma bolts from the Praxian Battlestar.

‘Damn, it looks like this isn’t going to be as easy as I thought.’

Meanwhile on the Battlestar Gloria’s Rise...

Admiral Cobalt of the 2nd Praxis Fleet sat in his command chair observing the battle. The Lynx stood up and went over to communications.

“Alright, send word to the Guardians that the 2nd Praxis Fleet and 4th Imperium Battle Squadron is here to support them. Nows the time to send Jacob a little message.”

The ships moved in. Fighters from the two Praxian and the Imperium Carriers were launched.

For the Guardians this was a strange twist but they weren’t going to complain. The combined forces started to drive into the Omegas Ships and fighters.

Tobias then called in his reserves. Hoping they would be enough to turn the battle back in his favor.

=Vordoon=

It had been several days since Morris ran into R1.18. He didn’t know what to expect when he encountered R1, but for the most part he was pleased. He would try again to contact R1 and hope to convince him to join the 9th.

Then word came of the Coup. Now Morris looked over the camp. The Resistance was reluctant at first to side with the Imperium but eventually came around. Vordoon had become stronger then ever.

When word came of the truce the 9th showed itself to the Imperium garrison. Morris chuckled when he remembered their reactions. General Price was given full command of Vordoon’s defenses. Days later the 3rd Fleet and 1st Durass Fleet had jumped in.

Vordoon was to be one of a few staging areas to launch an attack against Jacob’s forces. It wasn’t going to be easy. Morris knew this. There was still some Imperium holdouts but once those were dealt with Jacob would turn his full attention on the Rim. Already the Guardians were under attack. The 2nd Praxis Fleet and an Imperium Battle Squadron were sent in to support the Guardians.

Morris sighed and then headed back into the Jungle. When Price heard that Morris was able to contact and talk with the creature he gave Morris orders to go back and try and convince R1 to help them.

=Praxis=

Major Calvin looked at the nearly completed Ultra Gamma Class Battlestars. In all his years of military service in the 9th he had never seen ships of this size and caliber before. Once completed the the Aries Wrath and the Reckoning would be near impossible to stop. It would take a fleet to take on just one of these ships. He smiled and crossed his arms.

‘I can’t wait to see Jacob Blues face when these babies come online,’ he thought.

=Imperium Ship Yards=

Jacob grinned at his almost completed flag ship. It took him years to construct it in secret but in the end it was worth the wait.

‘So what that the Czarina escaped and that the Field Marshal had to unite with his enemies to take me on. It doesn’t matter. Soon, very soon they’ll all bow to me or die.’

He turns back and leaves the docks. The builders continue to construct the massive Juggernaut.

‘Once completed none shall stand in my way.’

Jacob mentally laughed at the thought as he made his way back towards the Royal Palace.

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 22 Dec 2008 Posts: 2173

Ten out-of-tune, dings sounded from the clock on the desk. The old clock was getting up in years, but Fleishjaeger kept the antiquity. Few clocks were analog anymore, and fewer still were crafted with actual gears. Only on the Rim could such relics of bygone days be found. Field Marshall Vectin Fleishjaeger stood at attention in his dress reds, as he chatted with the 3-d hologram. The old badger was in audience with the recently crowned Czar Jacob Blue.

“You have some nerve, Vectin. I have been informed that you are in alliance with the Rim Concordant,” scowled Jacob.

Bowing in half, the old badger replied, “Your Grace, stories of my collusion with the enemy are greatly exaggerated.”

“Then to what do I owe this call, Vectin?”

“Your Grace, I bring you gifts about the Rim Concordant that you will find most useful.”

“Such as?”

“First, my Lord, the Battlestar Nomad. While she is an older ship, and currently in the dry-docks orbiting Praxis, my commandos have placed a most devious booby-trap in her hull. An EMP generator. One capable of discharging its EMP pulse for a solid, seven minutes. I have uploaded the activation codes to you, your Grace. While the new Praxis Shipyards ships are improved against laser, plasma, and missile defenses, they are poorly equipped to defend against such a weapon.”

“Interesting, but not necessary. Is that all you bring me?”

“No my Liege. I also bring you an interesting discovery. During the capture of Eridani Prime, we came across a serious of maps. Detailed maps of the plague quarantine mine-fields set up decades ago.”

“You try my patience, Vectin.”

“Do forgive an old storyteller, your Grace. Now these minefields were designed to keep the Rim colonists from entering Imperium space, and spreading the plague. Apparently, over the years, Star League has been busy. They actually mapped routes through the minefields that can be used to launch surprise attacks against the gather fleet at Praxis. In addition, they also detail safe routes through the Grey Star Cloud, allowing for more areas to launch surprise attacks from.”

Vectin watched and studied the holographic projection of Czar Jacob. Like his father, the new Czar was often angry and jumped to conclusions. After a moment of decision, Czar Jacob spoke. “Interesting, Vectin. I do hope you are not lying. Continue your charade of alliance with the Rim Concordant, and when victory is mine, you will get your just reward.”

The image blinked out. Fleishjaeger sighed and smirked. He walked over to his desk, and picked up his vodka glass. Swirling the ice around the cup for a moment, the old badger watched the light shimmer on the clear liquor. “Well, Conrad is upgrading my fleet… Jacob has taken the bait of using the goat paths. And both sides will pummel each other in the face. All I have to do, is feed enough ships to Connie, so he won’t wonder… and enough information to Jacob, so he’ll be none the wiser.”

He toasted his glass, and drank deeply from it. “And whichever side actually wins, I still come out ahead.”

Wars were different on the rim. You needed to make deals, and no one was as good as making deals as Fleishjaeger.

“Now… if I knew how my little girl is doing…”

==== ===== =====

White decided there was little reason left to linger in the bathroom. Her fur was still damp from the shower, and clung to her. The scar-tissue had gone back to its pallid, unhealthy color. The air in the room had begun to cool, and the warm mist had dissipated into nothing. Even the scent of her lavender shampoo had become just a faint shadow of its former aromatic strength. She thought to herself by now, either the wolf had run like the coward and imposter he was… or he had stayed, intent on receiving his own death. Either way, he would be out of her life, and the only confusing thing would be Diva again. Turning the doorknob, she stepped out of the bathroom, and into her small, quarters.

White ground her teeth. The wolf had not left. In fact, he had apparently brought friends to die as well. Aaron had already taken a combat stance, and held the blade he stole in front of him. She clenched her hands into fists at her sides, and locked her gaze upon the wolf. She glared at him, and studied her target at the same time. This one was confident in his abilities. And had the trained potential to match.

“So, this is the honor of the Tallos? To fight an unclothed, unarmed girl. Are you pleased with your prize? Should I simper and beg for my mercy, as a good Tallos girl would, hero? And I’m the one that is a villain in this. Funny how you boys seem to be able to rationalize anything.”

She smiled a mirthless smile, and walked past Aaron towards her dresser. She passed close enough that a single lunge from him would kill her. Without her armor, his knife would be able to easily plunge through her heart, killing her. And, yet, as she expected, he stood there, confused. The wolf taunted her, “So, wasn’t I supposed to die, once you came out of the shower?”

White did not answer. She slowly turned around, letting him see her in her entirety. Her scar-tissue becoming an inflamed shade of red. She traced a finger-tip along one of the surgical scars on her stomach. “Yes, you will. But first, being as I do not want to be accused of being a bad hostess, who are your friends?”

“He is Kyle Stingray, a Guardian.” answered Aaron as he shrugged his shoulder in the direction of the Guardian. “The other, I do not know.”

Still not bothering to even cover herself White asked, “Well, did they come to aid you in your duel? I always thought a duel was between two people. I guess as a Son of Tallos, you can gang attack anyone and call it a duel.”

Aaron subtlety changed his grip on the hilt of his blade and replied, “They are not here to aid me. This duel is still between us.”

White walked towards Aaron. The wolf rose slightly up on the balls of his feet, anticipating her attack. Instead, she placed herself so the tip of his blade was against her sternum. The scar-tissue indented slightly as the impossibly-sharp tip touched it. Dark red blood dribbled down the center of White’s chest. Drops began to drip splatters onto the floor. “So… then why do you hesitate? I am your enemy, kill me.”

His nostrils flaring, Aaron knew something was amiss. She was trying to bait him into something, and he couldn’t tell what. But, he wouldn’t bite. He knew stabbing her was exactly what she wanted. So, instead, the wolf tried to counter-move the check White had positioned him into. “Well, I did expect a fair fight. A fight where I’d at least have to break a sweat. I guess I overestimated your abilities. You’re little more than a cowardly thug who can only fight someone who is defenseless. I’m not going to fall for your trick.”

“Then you’ve already lost.”

Step.

The pain on Aaron’s chest was excruciating. He fell to his knees crying. His Tallos blade rattled next to him. His hands went to try to stop the blood seeping from the wounds she made. She was behind him. He could feel her fingers inside his chest. Two piercing his heart. Two piercing his right lung. The tips of her fingers were thrust all the way through him. The palm of his hands felt her fingertips, as he helplessly tried to staunch the blood. What a fool he was. He should have known that if she can step between planets, she can blink around short distances too. It fit all the battle descriptions he read of her. Her fingers flexed an infinitesimal amount inside his chest, and Aaron’s eyes went wide from the violent agony of the action.

White raised her other hand, and growled at them through her teeth, “You two move, and I’ll tear him completely open.”

White crouched down behind Aaron, and placed her mouth next to the wolf’s ear. “And you move to kill yourself, and I’ll butcher Diva.”

“Now, let’s have a little chat. Just the five of us.” The grin on the wolverine’s face was as vicious as a snake’s. “Let me tell you a story,” White began.

===== ===== =====

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 28 Oct 2009 Posts: 4247

Kyle looked at Thomas his hand allready on his sword hilt in case things went bad"Thomas you have your mission and i have mine to capture white and return the diva" kyle watched aaron took a stance towerds the door and they watched as the wolverine walked out of the bathroom her scars coverd her body this was white. When kyle first arrived at this place and relized white was a female . He had trouble imagining a fight with her he had to put his Morale aside. she was still the same white he had tracked from the battelfeild to the divas ship to the royal barrecks each time he had gotten closer and now there she was. Kyle stood and watched as She talked with aaron and suddenly was behind fim with her fingers coming out of his chest. His sword was immediatly drawn but he listend and complied with her orders to not move. Kyle wasnt about to become responsable for the death of a son of tallos. "very well i wont move white but you should know its me who you should have incapcitated since i was sent to capture you"

White began her story
_________________________________________________________-
Ginger aoke in the labs the cables were disconnected form her and the laab techs were awaing over the computer screen she alllready knew they had broke through her frewall and got everyting they wanted. "i cant let them send out that data" ginger thought to herself she tried to call one of her weapons but they had maneged to disable it so she quitly got down and began to sneak towerds them and disarmed one of the scientists.
R&D"what the hey what are you doing awke ..." ginger shot both the scientists she heard the alarm go off and got out of the lab her traking beacon to the redking as operational but her link to kyles com link was not.
"kyle where are you " she thought to herself
she continued to make her way towerd the hanger where the redking was located. she stopped suddenly her power source was acting up her vision began to flick between all the vision modes she was equiped with it suddenly went black noo this cant be happening not now her motor functions failed and she collapsed on the ground all she could se was the red blinking message WARNING ALL SYTEMS FAILING PLEASE REBOOT THE SYTEM.
______________________________________________________-
orion Cluster
General Oiler of the gaurdians was the commander of the titan fleet that was engaging the imperioum enemies when more showed up he knew this was a up hill battle but when the other ships showed up and aided him he was shocked"what the hell is going on tin the imperioum." he thought better of it when he got word that the other ships were here to back him up he opend his co links to all squads "Gaurdianwe got our back up and they have theres not lets send Jacob a message he cannot forget" the gaurdians all fired all there main weapons as acknoweldment to the response the projectiles few towerds the enemy and exploded as 3 more Heavy cruisers and 4 medium cruisers exploded and began there slow burning decent toweds the astroids manetic pull. The Gaurdians were here and with the aid of there new friends they wernt planning on losing this battle.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2008 Posts: 3307

Vordoon

Chaos stomped the remains of his fire out with one foot, sending plumes of smoke into air. He had begun cooking the meat he was eating, a practice he hadn't even considered until now.

The feeling of rapid evolution was difficult to describe. A feeling of euphoria combined with horrible pain comes close. Most troubling was the feeling of awareness that kept drawing his attention elsewhere. This nagging sensation that drew him to stare at the sky.

The decision was an obvious one. In his current state, he could do nothing to aleve this distraction. He had to find the soldier again. He needed to cut a deal with Morris.

The beast slowly headed towards the compound closest to where they first met.

Somewhere, Out in Space

A tiny figure sat rocking back and forth in what appeared to be a cargo hold. The mutation remained in the shadows, practically invisible.

"It won't be long now..." It muttered, in a sing-song voice. "My angel will see me soon..."

A hollowed out gaurd uniform lay on the ground nearby. A disturbing lack of blood and remains of any kind was the only trace of it's former meal.

"I'm getting... smarter..." The tiny voice said, wracked with malevolence.

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 18 Dec 2009 Posts: 7678

White's Room

As the scene of blood and gore unfolded, Wolf didn't even flinch. Wether he could save the target and go after White or be it the other way around, he wasn't sure. It was as strange as it was miraculous that he saw White's completely, from the moment she sidestepped behind Thomas, to the indtant her hands entered his body and ripped his flesh with ease. His hands did 2 things. His left one reached inside his jacket, while his right was placed over his ears.

"Target Tallos: Status Critical. Death Inminent...."
"I thought i said, move and i tear him apart."
"Relax, i was supposed to assist you....."

Expertise in the medical field told him that he could've survived, but her order of not to move proved to seal his fate. Kyle had a surprised expression as he changed his sight to Wolf.

"You were working with the Imperium!?"

Wolf didn't answer as he awaited White's story to be told.

Unknown Space

Dante's fighter sailed aimlessly through space. It was hours later that he discovered that his oxygen supply was low and the cause of it. The cockpit, not only had jammed itself, but it also began cracking up. The systems inside were frozen and not a hint of heat was inside. Dante was trapped inside like a can. He shivered and held himself down as he was on the verge of giving up any hope left. His radio died shortly because of the power outage and the only thing keeping him alive was short, deep breaths, followed by holding himself to attemp to stave off the near sub-zero cold that crept all around him.

-Is t-this how i am g-going to die?....Now i know why W-wolf enjoys the cold so-o much......-

The oxygen was nearly emptied as he held himself one more time and closed his eyes. He hoped for someone to find him....before it was too late.

Imperium Headquarters

Imperium Engineers worked night and day on Jacob's prize ship. What many didn't knew was that some Imperium engineers there were actually still sided with the late Czar. They managed to take pictures and copies of information specs in to FleshJaeger. Then, some of the Royal Guardsmen came upon the outer workings of the hull and pulled away an engineer.

"No wait! What are you doing!?"
"Eliminating traitors."

The Guardsman that held him, threw him to the floor before he cpuld answer. Before the could even take another breath, their swords pierced most of his vital organs as their swords tore his flesh wide.
The other engineers stopped to watch at the murder that ocurred before them, when a voice broke the silence and was heard through the speakers.

"The man you see before has been leaking information about my prize. He was a traitor to the Imperium and to you're selves. I shall not tolerate any insubordination of any kind, so let his corpse be a reminder of what should happen, should any of you think to go against me. Let this be a lesson to all...."

As the speakers died down, the Guardsmen began dragging away the mutilated corpse as blood marks were dragged on the floor. The rest if the engineers that saw the scene began working again but with a slight tinge of fear. They weren't sure for how long they could keep leaking information.[/i]

Rank: Super Veteran Joined: 20 Jan 2010 Posts: 1661

=TWIST OF FATE: Katmir's Record 3=

The day of "the truce", near the planetoid Concord's orbit.

=Imperium BattleStarship Balseraph=

Several turbolift doors open to deploy many Imperium fighter pilots onto one of its hangar bays. Two of the males, an older, white and red coated goat, and a mottled grey squirrel step side by side in cadence to the farting electric alarms in preparation to yet another skirmish within the Rim Concordant star system. The goat fiddles with his recently replaced plasteel right horn, turning to the young squirrel who's triple-checked the part of his surplus uniform that sheathes his tail. "Well, good whatever passes fer mornin' to ya, Mister Lieutenant Terry Hisk."

"Good morning, indeed, Mister Lieutenant Samuel J'Flo! That new batch of moonshine you gave us the other night was truly phenomenal!"

"Why, thank you kindly. But that wern't moonshine this time. That was hooch."

"Hooch? Moonshine, sunshine, what-ever! That was some good drunk-on!"

"Yeap, yeap... Sometimes I swear if'n it wern't fer me, we'd lose a whole chunk'a history. This is an art form, dammit! So! Ya'll ready ta die b'fore supper, lootenant?"

"Hayyyl - no, mister J'FLo! I ain't goin' til I'm gone!" The now frowny squirrel emphasised by thumping his curled left bicep with his helmet.

Bleating a laugh uniquely his, Lt. J'Flo gave his young comrade a hard swat on the ass and a thump to his arm. "Now there's a man with guts 'n gumption! Let's start pre-flight, Lt. Hisk."

"Let's go and do, Lt. J'Flo!", exclaimed Lt. Hisk as he sprung halfway up the ladder to his fighter and hopped into the cockpit like one would slip into a flight suit. Lt. J'Flo peeked under the chassis and gave a stern eye and finger of warning to the crew chief before climbing his way into the adjacent fighter. "Lieutenant, would you sing that conscript song again for me?"

The veteran goat smiled wryly as he sealed his helmet on, the fighter systems lighting up to his command. "Ahem. Oh-h-h-h-h-h...!
Hell, it's tough to be - a conscript
for the Im-pe-ri-um.
The M.I.Bee - got no lip from meee,
cuz it's, "Fight or die now, son."

So's they launched my ass - inta outer spaaace
I gots defaced inna god-forsaken place.
I wuz trained ta kill - one thousand wayyys.
Learnt th' sun gives life and laser death rays.

Oh, I sure do miss mah kids 'n wiiife.
Til the last payday - I'll survive.
The Rim Concordant's a rim-job!
Th' 9th can suck - m'thingamabob!

Yeah, I'm a tough as hell conscript -
for the Im-pe-ri-ummm!
Yeah, I'm a tough as hell conscript!
Now - step - up - and - GET SOME!"

"Yee-hawww!!", was the general respone over the commlinks that cared to agree with Lt. J'Flo's notions. They rocketed through their hangar and almost immediately engaged in battle for the Imperium, and a safe return to their personal liberties. This of course would never happen for some, starting with Lieutenant Samuel J'Flo. His fighter was double-teamed by 9th Legion pilots using what was obviously improved rapid-fire weapons technology. It was as if their fighters had sliced through his from opposing directions, also showing the Imperium formation their armor strength. Lt. Hisk did not react until his mentor's identification blinked out of his HUD forever.

"Damn you Legionnaire motherfuckers to HELL!" Hisk tightened his grip on the flight controls, swerving through both enemy and friendly fire to exact revenge on his friend's killers. Realizing he'd just broken a rule taught to him by Samuel, being driven to murder by hatred, the young squirrel shook his head and focused on his duty as a fighter pilot for the Imperium. He noticed the difference in colors, tactical signatures on his computers, targeted the fastest incoming one, and pulled the trigger. One Legion fighter's cockpit exploded before and beneath his. Then another he dodged banking to the left. And yet a third fell to his deadly marksmanship. "It's all about the head shots! Bash 'n dash. Shoot 'n scoot!" Just as a fifth seemed to close in on him like a joust, the Legion fighter's engines jutted beneath it to hit retro and unleash a swirling barrage of rockets at him. "Holee nasty nuts!"

Lt. Hisk executed his training fluidly. He fired forward chaff and guns, weaving out of harm's way and diving when three rockets struck his fighter topside. Raising his eyes, the attacking Legionnaire fighter looked as if it sought to impale him in slow motion. Hisk ejected, the momentum thrusting him fatefully towards his quarry. He reached out with his gloved left paw, gliding centimeters over the nose, his torso now pressing against a semi-reflective surface, and his helmet's jaw guard tapping against it. Hisk looked into eyes that were not his for another brief moment. There were sharp pains in his chest which caused Hisk to hold his breath as he gripped the oval cockpit window. The multicolored lights blinking just off his peripheral vision brought his consciousness back to real time. He took another painful breath and held on for his life, marking the amount of oxygen the suit and seat backing provided. Lt. Terry Hisk was bewildered.

=Concord's orbit: The Battle Space=

A deadpan female voice breaks the silence of space. "Uh, paging Wing Commander Dar. This is Lt. Kopodo, over."
A small screen just between the control stick and the blocked view from the lady ferret's cockpit window shows a live feed of Lt. Sharak's falcon beak suddenly pushed towards the camera and back. A visor slides down over the falcon's eyes, indicating he's switched to 50% a.i. controls. "He's kinda busy commanding our Fighter Wing, Lieutenant! And why the frak are you leaving the sortie!?"

"There's a live Imperium fighter pilot clinging to my windshield, and I can't shake him off. Consider me officially jaded as I have now seen everything and therefore feel nothing."

"This is Cmdr Ruh. Cmdr Dar, I'm breaking formation and bringin' back our girl. Here's a parting gift for ya." The husky black tiger maneuvered his armored Legion fighter around the enemy starship like the parkour professional he was. His parting gift to their "silent" wing commander was successfully destroying the forward cannons on the port bow of the Imperium's Balseraph. Then, he punched on his thrusters to cut between Cmdr Dar and Lt. Sharak's fighters towards Lt. Kopodo.

<WCmdr.BMD> * = ! Follow my lead, Sharak. This one's for my cow of a mother.>
"Word is born, Commander."
Ignoring the damage sustained by Imperium lasers, a heavy cannon underneath their fighter's hulls fire a solid blue ray into the damaged areas left by Lt. Ruh. When explosions ensue from within that side of the enemy starship, they loop back towards their wingmen.

"Smeg! He's got a serious grip on me, Ruh. I don't want to open the canopy and risk a melee attack."

Lt. Ruh flies through with all guns blazing and pawful of rockets. He forced a trio of Imperium fighters to break formation, though two of these became casualties. "Let me get that bug off your windshield..."
"Wait! He's pulled a pistol on me!"
"I've got this, babe.", said Ruh with one feline eye shut and a quick tap on the trigger. Several bolts arced slightly accross Lt. Kopodo's nosecone, startling the slippery enemy. "I missed!?"
"Shit, Ruh! That was too damn close for comfort! And he's still here!"
<WCmdr.BMD> Zap him, Ruh. We've got you covered.>
Cmdr Dar and Lt. Sharak executed defensive maneuvers above the small Concordant planetoid.

The tiger circled around and brought his fighter to a relative stop. "Get off my girl, asshole!", he exclaimed, unbuckling out of his seat. The Legion fighters made orbit around each other about two dozen feet apart, canopy to canopy. Growling, Lt. Ruh fired his pistol. The beam struck the enemy's helmet, who returned in kind a shot that ruptured Ruh's visor.

=9th Legion BattleStarship Perseus=

A battle-hardened giraffe sat cross-legged upon her command chair. The cartilage on her hands made her fists look like the hooves of her primordial ancestors. Colonel Jirafa surveyed the information on the screens, both framed and holographic, accessing data her deep purple eyes demanded from beneath the brim of her hat. She focused on a particular incident now, which enlarged the view and made it audible. Another of her highly decorated pilots had been killed in action. But his armored fighter was now comandeered by a clearly wounded Imperium fur. Wing Commander Dar, who was nearly beheaded by an Imperium Officer's sword in a battle cruiser, spoke through his bioware.

<WCmdr.BMD> Oh, this guy's an Ace. I can't get a lock on him. But the Imperium won't get their tentacles on our tech.>
Lt. Sharak cawed. "I wish I could just tackle this scumbag and bury my fist in his face!"

Col. Jirafa noted they couldn't get around the new armored fighter's booster engines with their general issue ones. And she knew what Sharak refered to. The big robotic war machines had been phased out of military use for far too many years to count. In the end, they were considered far too costly, financially and socially, to be used for more than strictly licensed industrial purposes. The private starship Hephaestus employed many of these scaled-down vehicles for repair services. General Reaver had sent for them when the Imperium attacked. The Hephaestus was needed and therefore contracted for its capabilities to conduct in-battle repairs. But would they arrive soon enough to make a difference in the War? A viewscreen alerted her to a hailing signal coming from hyperspace. The Hephaestus? No. It was the Rim Concordant's old War Vessels, Peleg and Idumea.

Outside, the Perseus and the Balseraph moved further away from each other as two more colossal starships entered the fray.

=The Balseraph Bridge=

A large, dark equine with a bluish mane stood with his muscular arms folded across his chest. He proudly wore the uniform of a high ranking Imperium Officer, though he scowled at the notice onscreen. A mallard officer stepped up to him. "General Nybbas, shall we answer their hails? All their weapons are armed, and they also address the 9th Legion BattleStar..."

The General stood motionless but for his deep bass command, "Onscreen."

A live hologram displayed a triple-split screen with identification fields beneath three commanding furs' snouts. The first showed a stoic Colonel Jirafa. The third was Captain Petrovich, a wolverine stifling a snarl, from the Rim Concordant War Vessel, Idumea. The center screen finally displayed Admiral Aeva of the Rim Concordant War Vessel, Peleg. The golden female 'king' cobra flicked her tongue, seemingly causing both the Perseus and Balseraph to be jolted.
"General Nybbas! They're firing everywhere! Shields at 83%!"
The black stallion grunted. "Ready all O.R.B. cannons. On my mark..."

Admiral Aeva's hood flared. "I! Am! Authority! Neither of you have rights in my star system!"

<PERS> * = ! Shields at 74% and deteriorating. Unable to compensate. Colonel Ji$#$#W%>
Another sublte tremor was felt throughout the Perseus and Balseraph. Simultaneously, the lights flicker in all fighters, destroyers, frigates, and support vessels, including the BattleStarships. Then they experience a massive systems failure, controls not responding save for the receiving end of the Rim Concordant's Superior Officers. The wolverine now spoke.

"I am Captain Petrovich of the War Vessel Idumea. The Rim Concordant recognizes your illegal entry into our star system and therefore declares every single foreigner as prisoners of war." As if on cue, more of the RC's military entourage arrives from hyperspace. Their end positions are in a tactical claw formation around the 9th Legion and Imperium forces. "We infiltrated your numbers some time ago and hacked even your emergency protocols. You will be dispatched as we see fit."

Col. Jirafa and General Nybbas' bridges were scrambling with activity. Their crews did their best to circumvent Capt Petrovich's threat, but all for naught. The two viewscreens allowed for these two leaders were witness to a baffling attack. A large radius in the center of the battle space of ships' lights and engines turned on, and then slammed into the core of it as if a black hole had pulled them in to their deaths. If commlinks worked, they would have been filled with the noise of fear and defiance.

A squirrel winces in pain and coughs up blood into his helmet. His stolen fighter drifts just below a hangar deck on the Balseraph. The grimace on his face purses then turns into a smile.

Just beyond the grip of the Rim Concordant, a woman in a Legion fighter cowers in horror at an empty uniform rolling slowly along the canopy.

=RC War Vessel Peleg=

The same triple-split screen hovered before Admiral Aeva’s command chair, her visage still and calculating. But the real admiral sat hunched with her face in her soft white palms. Admiral Aeva shed no tears, but she was sorely disappointed in her plans becoming a grim reality. Her station was hard-earned, mostly for maintaining a record of incredibly minimal casualties on both sides all the while accomplishing victories for the Rim Concordant. She wondered at the destruction their latest weapon had caused. She wondered how her career would end; as the most pacifistic military leader in recent history, or one of the most devastating admirals in the annals of interstellar warfare? She stood and paced to the right side of her command chair. Aeva found herself staring into her reflection in her great grandmother’s mirror. She decided.
“Peleg…”
<PELEG> At your command, Admiral.>
“… Annihilate.”
<PELEG> Raising weapon to maximum capacity. There is a hailing signal coming from hyperspace, ma’am. It’s a civilian vessel. Firing.>
“Abort command!”
<PELEG> Reversing polarity, ma’am.>
“Onscreen…”
A near-perfect holographic image of the anomaly in the void caused by a starship’s reentry from hyperspace played for the Admiral. It revealed a huge amalgamated machine with an accidentally transmitted on-board disturbance. Aeva surmised it may have been for the best that only she was receiving it.

“Whaddaya MEAN, ‘don’t touch a hair on that sweet girl’?? How would YOU know?”
“Watch the dashboard, yo! Get the fuck OFF me, you insane-“
“Choose your next word carefully, fox, or I’ll-“
“-kitty?”
“Ah, go suck your own dick, bastard!”
“Now hold on! Whoah, whoah, whoah!”
“...Yeah?”
"That’s a bad thing?”
“Mrrr-OWRR!!”
“YIIF!”
<HEPH> Captain, we are being hailed by Admiral Aeva of the Rim Concordant War Vessel Peleg. Transmission line is already open.>
“Snap out of it, Artie! I’ve got work to do! Heph, repeat?”
<HEPH> Captain, we are being hailed by Admiral Aeva of the Rim Concordant War Vessel Peleg…
“Ow! Tee-hee-hee!”
<HEPH> …Transmission line is already open.>
“You’re cra- WHAT!?”
“Meow?!”
<HEPH> Only audio, sir. Your tail keeps hitting the override.>
“Sunnuva... :shuffle:... Buiscuits and gravy! It’s a goddam massacre!”
<HEPH> We’re safe sir. Admiral Aeva is awaiting our official response.

Katmir chucked Artemis her jumpsuit and pushed her new graffiti head down behind his glorified orange easy chair. He turned around and pinched his chest fur zipping up his suit. Still clenching his teeth, he sacrificed a tiny and painful tuft in the name of his tarnished adventuring businessman credibility and said in a grinding falsetto, “Onscreen..!”

The Admiral lost her military bearing for a second and snorted a laugh upon seeing the man who accidentally stopped her from killing thousands of Legionnaires, Imperium, and her own soldiers who were willing to die if necessary. The transmitted image still had her war face on.

Katmir absent-mindedly went to tip his hat, which wasn’t within eyesight. “Howdy ma’am. Katmir Mahal of the Hephaestus. Would ya’ll believe me if I told you it ain’t exactly what yer thinkin’?”

“What are you doing in my star system, fox?”

“Were just a private company here to provide repair services for our client.”

“And who is that, Mr. Mahal?”

“Well, I’ve got the right coordinates but I’ve lost the transponder signal, sooo… ain’t this a rotten pickle?”

Artemis peeked from behind Katmir’s chair to see what was outside. There were too many derelict military vehicles for her to count, as they all strangely converged slowly into each other – a few resulting explosions were visible. She tried to make herself small and curled her painted neon red tail around her legs.

Katmir recognized the Perseus on his left port, then pointed at the incredible damage and asked, “So! Admiral… Ya’ll keepin’ those?”

She began speaking, but Katmir was paying more attention to Hephaestus and Cmdr Fu’s gridrunners’ work in hiding a live high priority message from General Reaver. That way, he could keep his own alive and escape to a place beyond the most current star charts. That is, after He was done coordinating a death-defying rescue attempt for as many Legionnaires as they could bring on board. The gridrunners would have to trick the Rim Concordant’s computers into ‘thinking’ they reacted normally to this action as they went into hyperspace. But then, the message was delivered.

<Cpt.KM> Very nice, you sexy ass-kickin’ momma-jammerz! “Hephaestus, replay message for the Admiral.”

“Captain, surely you realize whom you are dealing with here, and the consequences of disregarding our laws.”, said the frowning cobra.

“True, Admiral. I also know that even in your star system, we as civilians are afforded our say; so here’s one for your next birthday party!”

Hephaestus and Peleg agreed on the file-sharing, and relayed the message of the truce between Reaver and Fleishjaeger; how Jacob’s megalomania is driving his forces to attack the Rim Concordant and run them through to get to Praxis; and of the Black Sun Generators at his disposal; a hint of the life-altering weapons being created in this war; and of the “dire need for unity in the face of imminent extinction.”

Admiral Aeva’s image transferred to the live one, with honest concern in her eyes. “Captain, you may have saved us all.”

Artemis handed Katmir his hat offscreen. “Well, ma’am. It’s like my grandpappy used ta say: War ain’t about the wages of sin, but the preservation of life.” He tipped his hat then put it on, cracking his green furred neck.

Hours later, a tube separated the main long polygonal part of Hephaestus many meters above the lower and greater half of the ship, which was shaped like a trapezoid pointing upwards. A painted sign with Katmir’s winking facial likeness in a circle was in the center of this forward area. Above the face it read, “Hephaestus”, and below it, “The Big Hammer”. That lower part then expanded, the panels revealing a complex grid that became twenty times its original compact size. It was more impressive when the lights were turned on, revealing adaptable areas large enough to fly a destroyer through; robotic arms and mechanized crewmen swarmed the ship with its needed parts, so that, when it emerged battle-ready from anywhere, the closest panels served as a magnetic catapult, helping to launch the repaired ship back into the fight.

<HEPH> Perseus and Balseraph, docked and ready.>

The BattleStarships were side by side below Hephaestus’ engineering framework.

The Rim Concordant armada assumed other positions in their star system, Peleg remaining behind with a flotilla to guard the new army.

The green fox and red cat assumed other positions and made up as well as only they knew how.

=END Katmir’s RECORD 3=

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 28 Oct 2009 Posts: 4247

(Like Dang this is a long page we got here)