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

=Caroline’s Room=

Thomas could barely breath, he couldn’t move, blood dripped from his mouth. Of all things he didn’t expect to die like this. He gritted his teeth, the only thought going through his head was how ironic the situation was. Thats when he smiled and slowly twisted his head to look at Caroline.

‘So I have to protect her. Talk about a twist of fate here, to die by the one I’m supposed to help. This is fraked.’

Though painful he lightly chuckled as she began her story.

=Chancessa=

The Imperium forces around Chancessa held on for as long as they could but were eventually overwhelmed. The Omegas ships were just to powerful. Still some Imperium Loyalist ships did escape. Whether they would make it or not was not Lord Rameses concern. The old Bull sat brooding over the current events in his head. For untold generations his family has always served the Imperium, no matter who was on the Throne. But still the way Jacob took over just seemed wrong. For the first time the Imperium was fighting a Civil War. These weren’t break away colonies or some rebellion on another planet. These were the sons and daughters of the Imperium he was killing. He wandered how it came to this. He looked at the star charts. Reports of a large number of Loyalist ships escaping into some old pirate system was troubling. Something was going on out there and he was going to find out what. He pressed a button on his chair.

“This is Lord Rameses to all ships. We’re heading into zone twenty one, move out.”

=Vordoon=

Morris stood in the same clearing like before, waiting for R1 to return, hoping to convince him to aid them against Jacob... and praying that he wouldn’t be eaten by R1 at the same time.

=Thor’s Hammer=

Forbes looked over the reports and sighed. It was now or never. With the mine filed up he couldn’t help what was left of the Star League. Looking over the data he collected he just shook his head. In all he had a force of over five hundred ships. All had been repaired and upgraded. Now they were just standing by, waiting. Sighing he began to make preparations to leave and head towards Imperium Space. He took one last look over the Star League data and shook his head.

‘Stubern fools! We’ve could have helped them. Now... its not my concern.’

=The Nomad=

The Star League ship was slowly moving through a small opening in the mine field. Fleet Admiral Reily just smirked. They didn’t need the Concordant now. Though he hated to admit it but thanks to the upgrades that Forbes gave them the small task force he assembled was more the enough to defeat the Imperium that was attacking his home world. He received word that other SLM ships had escaped and where also upgraded. Soon the might of the Star League would descend upon the Imperium and when the Field Marshal was dealt with then Jacob would feel their wrath. Still he would have to convince what was left of the SL leadership not to attack the 9th or Rim Concordant. After all they did fix his ships.

The Admiral looked at the star charts and grinned. There was still a lot of SL ships out there and were coming in to defeat the Imperium. The Star League would be free and they would lead the Rim to a New Age.

=The Morbius=

Colonel Moonberg didn’t like the reports he just received. He punched a few buttons on his data pad and sent a transmission out.

Moments later the Field Marshals face appeared.

“Colonel Moonberg, what is it?”

“Sir I’m afraid we might have a problem. I’ve checked over some information and it seems that of all our forces, Imperium, 9th and the rest, there are no Star League ships at all helping us out. Seems they just packed up and took off when the alliance was formed.”

“So what, why should this be a problem?”

“Sir *Sigh* I just compiled the number of ships the League still has. At least one hundred and twenty vessels survived and most of those where not only repaired but upgraded by 9th or Praxian repair crews. Because of this their ships are now powerful enough to take on even our troops...”

“Wait, wait, wait... you’re not saying that they are going to attack me especially with what’s going on with Jacob right now? That would be stupid.”

“I know sir but the League never joined the alliance so it is a possibility that they might attack. Which is not good if they do. Most of our forces have pulled out and are preparing to launch attacks against Jacob’s forces. We don’t have many ships or troops in place to protect our assets. Sir, if they attack we’ll be fighting a two front war, one we can ill afford right now. Sadly I don’t have any agents amongst them to clarify where they might be at so...”

“And why don’t you have any agents amongst them Colonel?”

“Sir you never allowed Colonel Reno to place agents within the League saying they weren’t needed.”

Fleshjaeger just grunted.

“Very well then. Colonel find out what the Remnants of the SLM forces are up to. However, don’t let this be your primary mission. We need to know what Jacob is doing. Get your operatives into Imperium space and get me as much information as possible.”

With that the screen went black.

Phil growled and looked over at Rockwell.

“Now I see why my uncle was so frustrated by this man.”

“So what now Phil?”

“We need to find out what the Star League is up to. If they are going to attack we could be in serious trouble.”

“Hmm, you know, I’ll take care of this Phil. I have a few loose agents here and there. I might have an easier time finding out what the SLM is up to.”

*Sigh* “Thanks Rock.”

=Imperium Throne Room=

Jacob smiled looking over the reports. Oh how the Field Marshal thought he was so smart. He knew all about the fail safes and in truth he wasn’t going to use them. As more and more people fought and died it didn’t matter to him. The more ships the better. He lightly laughed when he read a report that he been waiting for. Several of his ships had been busy secretly destroying some of the mines that surrounded the Star League. Wasn’t easy but now that it was done it would allow whatever force to attack the Field Marshals troops would keep the Imperium Loyalist busy. In the mean time he would plan an all out assault on the Rim Concordant.

Suddenly his ears perked up. He stood up and left the Throne Room. After a bit of a walk he made it to a secret location and walked down a flight of stairs. A few minutes later he bowed before some strange statue.

“You summoned me Lady Frejayah.”

The eyes of the statue seemed to glow a deadly green and a malevolent voice seemed to speak into his mind.

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

Let me tell you a story. A story of the great Lady Lenneth, and her most vile foe, the Giant Muawijhe the Dreamer.

Giants. Great creatures of mountain and ice. The Giants fought against Lenneth since the beginning of time. But Lenneth was the most powerful of warriors, and no Giant could match her skill with sword, bow, or spear. Yet the Giants were clever, devious, and intelligent. They tried to outrun Lenneth, to tire our unquenchable heroine. But no Giant could match the speed and endurance of mighty Lenneth, and many Giants died of exhaustion trying to outrun her. The Giants tried to escape Lenneth’s anger by climbing high into the mountains. Lenneth was undaunted, for she could climb so high, she could touch the very heavens themselves. And the Giants were cast down.

The Giants watched as their numbers dwindled. So they had a gathering. Every Giant King and Queen, and their vassals and thralls came to the gathering. The assembly sat at a thousand times a thousand great tables. They knew they were no match for Lenneth, yet they stood defiant. Unwilling to accept her superiority. So the Kings and Queens of the Giants called for counsel. They thought that there must be some way to defeat the Undefeated Lenneth. It was then that the Giant Muawijhe came forth.

Muawijhe the Dreamer. Muawijhe the Seer. The Prophet Muawijhe. Muawijhe the Dream-Walker. The Bringer of Visions. Reader of Dreams. The Giant Muawijhe stepped forward.

While the giants are villains, cruel and malicious, they are awesome in their abilities. Foes worthy of Lenneth’s anger and scorn. None was as intelligent as the elder Giant Muawijhe. So Muawijhe stepped forward, and with a chanting lilt, he addressed the assembly.

“Kings and Queens, your majesties, I have a plan that will enable us to defeat Lenneth. A plan that will cast Lenneth out from her spot in the sun, and again bring us to be the true rulers. But, I need your permission.”

So the Great King of the Giants spoke, “And what do you need, Muawijhe?”

“I ask to be let talk to the Great Tree.”

And the gathered assembly became silent. Even monsters of darkness have that which is sacred to them. For the Giants, it was the Great Tree. The Great King of the Giants then spoke. “Muawijhe, you are the most venerable amongst us, and your counsel has always been a boon to my Kingship. But why do you wish to invoke the anger of our gods by speaking to the Great Tree?”

“I am certain that if I speak with the Great Tree, it will bestow upon me a vision that will let us defeat our hated enemy Lenneth.”

The Great King of the Giants knew to speak with the Great Tree was dangerous. Even the Giants knew that some things are better left unknown. That some knowledge is so powerful, it is damning. Yet he had no other recourse. So he granted Muawijhe the Elder the right to talk to the Great Tree.

And so the Giant Muawijhe went to talk with the Great Tree.

An unholy storm, that rocked the foundation of the heavens themselves, befell the day that Muawijhe went to talk to the Great Tree. The day Muawijhe would evermore be known as Muawijhe the Mad… Muawijhe the Terrible… Muawijhe the Bringer of Nightmares… Muawijhe the Twisted… The Lost Visionary… Muawijhe the Dream-Stealer… He-Who-Twists-Dreams-to-Nightmares… Muawijhe the False… Muawijhe the Blind… Muawijhe the Illusionist… He-Who-Cannot-Separate-Dreams-From-Reality… He-Who-Undoes -the-Fabric-of-Fate… Muawijhe the Seer of the End...

And nothing has been the same, since.

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

White studied the unknown wolf who said he was there to help, and the Guardian. Keeping her face as placid as she could, she told the story of Muawijhe, and she figured out exactly what she needed to do.

An unholy smile crept across her face as her story ended. In a sing-song voice, White began an old children’s rhyme, “All around the mulberry bush, the monkey chased the weasel. The monkey thought it all was in fun…” The Yuki Onna paused, licking her lips. “Pop… goes the weasel.” And she crushed Aaron’s heart, letting him slide to the floor.

Step.

She blinked behind Kyle, and grabbed one of his Battlestoppers out of his holster. Before he could swing around, White slammed the butt of the pistol against the back of the Guaridan’s unarmored head, stunning him.

Step.

Not wasting any time, White blinked in front of the second wolf, phasing her fingers into the two main arteries in the neck. The wolf attempted to stay standing, and deliver a counter-blow, but without blood, he blacked out within seconds. White let him slump to the floor as well.

“It seems to day you have earned your freedom, Diva. I will let these two decide who gets to take you next.”

White moved over to her closet, and dressed. She strapped the scabbard of the Tallos blade on her baldric, and picked up the rifle-safe containing her Malinkov. Closing the closet door, the Yuki Onna put on her helm, letting her visor stay up. She looked at the body of Aaron. It was a crumpled heap. His dark-red blood oozed everywhere. She could taste the iron in the air from all the blood. “But this one is mine, Diva.”

White picked up Aaron, holding the limp body close to her. “I’m not through with you yet,” she whispered in his ear.

Step

She had no idea where she planet-walked too. Her eyes could not focus on anything. The ground beneath her felt spongy. The air was thick with mist and vapor. All she could hear was an obnoxious buzzing in her ears. Her scar-tissue had become a burning shade of red, and throbbed with pain. Her right paw had become twisted and broken. Blood and sweat tricked down her fur, soaking through her armor. The pain was unbearable, and she fell to her knees. Oddly, she had managed to cradle Aaron’s body, so that it would not fall into an inglorious pile. As best she could, she laid the Soldier down onto the marshy soil, trying to keep him on the one patch of dry soil she could locate.

White curled up next to Aaron, and began to mumble, “Eridiani were never meant to be heroes. We’re farmers, blacksmiths, storytellers, and hunters of rabbits. If we are lucky, we may have the honor of carrying Lady Lenneth’s helm or shield. But we are not heroes. We’re people of the earth.”

White placed her one working paw on the wounds on Aaron’s heart, and began to feed her life essence into him. She really didn’t know why she did it. Her other paw only half-worked. She struggled with it to close her visor. White began to weep as she mumbled, “It must be nice to be a hero.”

She closed her eyes, and prayed, “And Lenneth looked down upon her visitor. And she saw that even amongst the armies of the damned, one was willing to atone.”

“It must be nice to be a hero, Child of Tallos,” she muttered before she fell unconscious.

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

Kyle didnt know what happend he felt a white pain on the back of his head and came to with white and Thomas gone again. Kyle yelled in fury and slammed his fist into the ground that cracked the whole floor. He got up and turned to the diva and tried to calm down "well at least your here so i can get you back to your people" he turned to the uncouncis wolf and decided to leave him to the solders out side. "come with me diva kyle took the divas hand and escorted her out of whites base. he turned to one of the soilers "white escaped with the son of tallos one of her allies is uncouncis in the room just ahead do what you will with him" the soilders nodded and went in to retrieve wolf. Kyle escorted the diva to his comendeerd ship and took off. After he set his coordinates to auto pilot he walked into the passenger deck where the diva was "i need to ask yuo a queston. Why did white keep you alive what makes you diffrent from everyone elses shes mercilessly killed?"
_________________________________________________

The Imperiouum Fleet was defeated at the battle of the orion cluster with the combined might of the praxis ships and te rouge imperioum ships they were forced to surrender to the gaurdians.

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

Vordoon

So, the Beast did return to the clearing of meeting bearing the sprig of peace. For upon the one named, "Morris", much dependence was to be placed. The sea of stars held that thing called, "destiny", so sought by the Beast, as well as a nemesis greater than death. Such were the risks to be taken in the face of fate.

From the savage land, the savage thing strode forth.

"Soldier called Morris..." He spoke. "I am ready to negotiate."

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

Wolf attempted to counter, but the loss of blood had made him black out shortly. His eyes felt heavy as he landed on the floor with a heavy thud.
As he began coming to, 2 soldiers were dragging him off towards their ship.
He wasn't one to kill without need, so he looked up, as his legs dragged on the cold metal floor.

The man on the left was overpowered with a strong tug of the arm at lightning quick speeds. Wolf pushed him back and fell to the floor with a strong thud. The loud bang that was heard, was from his head hitting the metal floor.

The other attempted to hold him down as he drew his knife. His knife dropped to the floor as he was met with a strong blow to the solar plexus. The blow made him gasp for air as he kneeled down unconscious. One of the guards that carried him, held Aaron's Sun Tzu blade. Wolf took it and placed on a black cloth he had, since it had no sheath.

Wolf stood up and looked back at the Guardian.

"My mission doesn't involve you. Steer clear, or i might be forced to kill you......."

Kyle loked back and before he could take a good look at him, Wolf was gone.

He ran back towards his fighter at great speeds and jumped in the cockpit. Inside, he pulled out a small PDA with a cone like object inside. He pulled then the laser knives that the Yuki Onna was suspected to use and eyed them thoroughly. He finally had found what he needed. Stuck near the handle, was a loose thread of her fur. His gloved hand reached for it and slowly let it go on the cone like object.
The machine beeped loudly as it sent a signal.

Aboard the Nameless frigate

The crew and soldiers onboard were in disarray. They had lost both Wolf and Dante, so they were left without a CO. They were steering towards a nearby 9th base to receive upgrades and see if they could get new orders.
It was then that they received a signal. The signal had been trailing off old satelites and mirrored asteroids. It was a DNA sample detector and it was requesting for a check on the DNA trace. The machine berped a few times before it found a matching sample. It seemed White left a rather faint DNA trace as she jumped from planet to planet. The match was very faint, but it managed to track it into the molten planet of Desin. After the match was complete, it replied the signal back.

Aboard Wolf's Falken

The signal had taken a good 45 minutes to arrive as he had already taken off the planet. When the tracer showed that she was in Desin, his fighter made a sharp turn to his right. Drsin was no more than 5 minutes away on standard flight, so he reached it with ease.

As the fighter began breaking into the atmosphere, the sudden heat wave buffeted the fighter like an oven. The heat was already exceeding 300 Celsius, but the fighter's strong alloy kept it from tearing itself apart.
He landed his fighter near a small zone that seemed to have the best survivable conditions. As the Falken landed, temperature had dropped to a much better 187 Farenheit.

Wolf got off with his Five-SeveN in hand. The dirt was soft and full of sink holes that looked like normal dirt. This in turn made walking in Desin very dangerous. Climbing up a tree, he vegan moving around and looking about for the Yuki Onna. He had jumped a good 15 trees when he spotted someone slumped on the ground. He wasn't sure of who it was, or wether it was a trap or not.

The blistering hot winds blew as Wolf leapt from the branch he was in and landed in a nearby patch of dry land. That is also when he saw Thomas on the ground, seeping blood from all the wounds White had caused.
The feeling hung heavy in the air as neither of them moved.
Wolf was now convinced that this wasn't a trap.

First, he approached Thomas and pressed his gloved hand to his neck, to check for a pulse. His nexk line was stiff and cold as there was no beating.
He decided to honor the soldier by covering up his wounds with a protein strap that melded like skin to the touch over his wounds.
He knew it was useless, but at the very least it was what Wolf could do.
Finally, he jammed his Sun Tzu blade next to his lifeless body.

Turning to the other who was slumpep on the ground, he approached with caution. As he lifted the visor on her helmet, she saw that it was
White.
His first instinct was to check for a pulse. It was a miracle as to how she was still alive as her BPM were at a low 43.
If Wolf was yo save her, he didn't have much time to do it. In his medical kit, he pulled out a syringe with a red liquid. The liquid was a special mix of Adrenaline with a stabilizer drug that helped keep the heart beating, by separating its muscle stress from the rest of the body.

He dragged her body over to a nearby tree and began taking note of her physical condition. One of her paws was broken, so he slowly twisted it into shape as he looked down upon her face.
He intended on saving her.

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

=Unknown=

Thomas was floating, the stars streaming by him. Everything was a blur and yet this didn’t feel like death. It felt... different. Suddenly, he stopped moving. He opened his eyes and a large Wolf was standing in front of him. Thomas knew this wolf, he knew the face.

“Tallos!”

Tallos smiled and held out his hand. Thomas grabbed it and stood up. He looked at Tallos and then his surroundings.

“Am I dead?”

“Yes... and No. Your soul has been released for a time. Time enough to for me to show you what you’ll be dealing with. First though can you tell me if you ever heard of Frejayah?”

Thomas cringed at the name.

“Only enough to know I don’t want to know.”

“Heh thats fair enough I guess. Frejayah is the the Corrupter! The one who turns son against father, who brings war and devastation to all around them. No one knows who or what the Corrupter is. Only that that the Corrupter is pure evil. Come, there is much to show you before you go back.”

With that the two traversed the stars till they came to the Imperium capital itself. Slowly they entered a secret chamber and there they saw Jacob bowing before a large statue. Thomas looked at the statue and was amazed at its beauty. It was completely flawless, no chip marks or anything. Shaped as a beautiful Vixen. But when he saw the statues eyes and drew back. From the eyes came a deathly glow and Thomas knew.

Tallos gently placed his hand on Thomas’s shoulder.

“Yes son, this is one the Corrupters many forms. Jacob is nothing but a tool for her. Slowly she has corrupted Jacob’s line, leading up to this very day when her minion would take over. Now, the Galaxy will suffer for it. Come, there are other things I must show you.”

“Wait, what of the Czar? I mean is he also...”

“The Czar is dead. Jacob now controls the Imperium. Now come and follow me.”

They left the room and traveled to a secret dry docks. There Thomas’s heart sank. He saw a massive ship, larger then anything ever built. Nearly five miles long and weapons jutting out nearly everywhere the ship would be able to decimate any opposition.

Tallos just sighed and shook his head.

“This is The Legion. The most powerful warship ever. Even your new Battlestars will not be able to stand against it. Come...”

They moved to other areas across the Imperium. All over Thomas saw the power that Jacob controlled. Massive fleets, huge armies, strange mutations and other horrors. Suddenly, Thomas collapsed and began to cry.

“Its hopeless then. All Jacob has to do is send wave after wave till we’re completely worn out. How can we stops this?”

He looked up at Tallos, tears flowing down his face. He was in complete despair.

Tallos smiled and helped him on his feet.

“There is still a chance...”

They traveled into Warp Space and there Thomas saw what he thought was an impossibility. Near two hundred ships with the Aros symbol on them were slowly moving.

Tallos smiled and gently patted Thomas’s back.

“House Aros is almost completely restored. One day this force will return and reclaim their home or be destroyed. The time is slowly drawing close. One of the main battles of this war will be fought on Tallos and you will lead them to their destiny.”

“ME... but I’m just a soldier...”

“HAHAHAHA yes but you are also one of my direct descendants. When you return to your body you’ll be known not just as Thomas Aaron but as Tallos. That name will be the new title to all those who will rule our people. You will lead house Aros and bring the Reckoning to our enemies. Know this though. Your world will no longer be named Tallos once this is over. I can not tell you what new name will be given but in time you’ll know what to call your world.”

The two continued on and came to the Rim. There Thomas heart lifted even more. The Imperium and the Rim worlds stood united. He saw the Guardians defeat an Imperium task force, Forbes moving his armada towards Imperium space and the Praxis ship yards where almost done completing the new ships.

“You see, there is still hope. However, as long as Legion exists there can be no victory. That ship must be destroyed for any of you to have a chance. There is only one ship capable of doing that. Excalibur!”

Thomas was shocked and looked at Tallos.

“Excalibur, but that ship is over one hundred years old and has been lost for over eighty of those years. How can...”

“Old she may be my son, but she is still more then a match for any ship out there. The Galactic Union knew how to build them back in the day. The Excalibur is still advanced enough to take on Legion. Hell, she’s as big as Legion and has the same amount of fire power. She will be your flag ship. You must find her. Sadly I can not tell you where it is. I can only show you what is going on and advise. That is all. It is up to you and everyone else to decided the fate of the Galaxy.”

Thomas was lost in thought for a bit and then sighed and looked at Tallos. He smiled and nodded his head.

“Thank you my ancient father. I’ll do what I can.”

Tallos smiled and put both hands on Thomas’s shoulder.

“I know you will. Now follow me.”

With that they traveled to an unknown world. There Thomas saw his limp body and grunted when he turned and saw Wolf and Caroline. Tallos just laughed.

“I know you don’t like the fact you have to protect her but she is key to stopping the Corrupter. For you see the Corrupter can summon many old demons and demigods. One in particular is being summoned right now. The other one that you saw in her room is also vital. Each of you will have a challenge and if either of you lose, all could be lost. There will be others and each one will shape the destiny of this Galaxy. You will find them... or they’ll find you. Now... time to go...”

With that Thomas slowly drifted down and then...

*Cough, cough, cough*

Wolf looked up and was amazed at what he saw. Thomas slowly stood up and felt around his body. He found where Wolf patched him up and sighed. After looking around a bit and steading himself he then picked up his blade and walked over to Wolf and Caroline. He knelt down and looked at Wolf. His eyes that once shined blue had been replaced by a liquid silver color. Thomas sat down on the other side of Caroline and sighed. He looked at Wolf and grinned.

“The Fates are moving now and we’re caught up in it. I never did get your name.”

Thomas reached and and began to slowly caress Caroline’s head.

“I’m Thomas Aaron, Tallos, Lord of the Clan Aros. Believe it or not I’m here to protect this one, heh whether we both like it or not. Darkness has come and we must stand as one or fall divided. I’m sorry to say but the Czar you served is now dead. A madman now rules the Imperium. I’ll explain later.”

He bent down and gently kissed her head.

“Sleep now Fallen Light, we’ll do what we can to help you.”

Thomas looked at Wolf. After a moment Wolf nodded and explained what needed to be done. It would take some time but they would patch her up. When they finished Thomas just sighed and sat there. Watching over her and praying that Tallos was right. He felt his wound and softly grunted.

‘Definitely don’t want to go through that again,‘ he thought.

He looked down at Caroline and sighed. The hope of the Galaxy rest in their hands. He would have to find the Excalibur and soon.

=The Vengeance=

The crew soon locked on to the signature that White left behind. Moments latter they were heading out. Soon they would be over the planet that White had teleported to.

 =Vordoon=

Morris jumped a little and quickly looked up at R1.

“Man you made my heart jump a little. Anyway, what can I help you with?”

=Orion Cluster=

Admiral Cobalt was finishing up his report. The battle went well for them but he knew that Jacob would not stop. The Guardians were one of the few threats out there that had a chance at slowing him down. No he wouldn’t stop. Orion Cluster was slowly filling up with ships. It was decided that the Cluster would be a staging area to launch attacks into Imperium space. Many non-Imperium forces really liked the idea of going into Imperium Space and causing havoc. Still Cobalt knew that it wouldn’t be that easy. He had a very bad feeling about what was coming.

=Eridani Prime=

The Imperium garrison never knew what hit them. One moment they getting ready to send another ship full of supplies to the front the next they were fighting for their lives. Star League ships jumped right on top of them. With the upgrades that they got the Imperium forces stood no chance. In short order the Imperium troops had to surrender or but wiped out. Days later Admiral Reily was standing in General Jugenmar’s office. The old General had been freed from his prison when the Imperium troops surrendered. Jugenmar was finishing reading the report and nodded.

“Very good Reily. This is very good indeed. I’m amazed at this report... and a little shocked. I always thought the 9th was still working for the Imperium... Gah how stupid of me. I still can’t believe though that they would dare to ally themselves with the Field Marshal. It doesn’t make any sense.”

“I know sir, but its true. However, now that the Field Marshals attention is elsewhere we can hit his forces and break them before he has a chance to regroup. Soon sir the Star League will be free, the Field Marshal will be dead or captured and the Rim will soon recognize our leadership. I’m sure once Fleishjaeger is dealt with the others will come around, even the 9th. Sir, give me the order and I’ll sweep through and cleanse Star League of all Imperium filth.”

Jugenmar looked over the report one more time and then just nodded. With in an hour the SLM Fleet was off to attack another Imperium held world.

=Morbius=

“WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU CAN’T REACH THE FIELD MARSHAL!”

The young ensign was sweating bullets and almost in tears. For over two days they’ve been trying to get to get in contact with the Field Marshal but were unable to.

“I... I’m trying sir. But something seems to be jamming us. I don’t know what’s going on. We’ve been unable to contact anyone.”

For several days the Morbius had been going all over the Rim trying to figure out what the Star League remnant was up to. After a bit of searching they soon learned of the attack. However, something had been jamming their censers and try as they could they couldn’t get the word out. Now SLM forces were attacking the Field Marshals troops and winning, thanks to the upgrades that the 9th gave them.

Moonberg was about to explode again when they were finally able to get through.

Moments later Fleishjaeger’s face was on screen.

“Colonel what can I do for you?”

“Sir... *sigh* you’re not going to like this but the Remnant of the SLM has regrouped and has attacked our forces on Eridani Prime. By now the planet has been liberated.”

The Field Marshal just looked at Moonberg.

“And you didn’t use the shut off codes because...”

“You never gave them to me sir. My uncle had them remember.”

Fleishjeger just growled and looked at Moonberg. Before he could speak something hit the Morbius.

“SIR! Censers show an Omegas destroyer right behind us. They must of been the ones jamming us.”

“When it rains it pours. Field Marshal, even if you send to codes to me now I don’t have time to use the shut them. I’m afraid you’re on your own. I have some business to deal with right now. I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.”

With that the transmission was cut and Moonberg was sitting in the captains chair. After receiving the damage report he ordered a jump out. Moments latter the two ships were slugging it out in normal space. After a thirty minute battle the Morbius was victorious, though it sustained heavy damage and its long range communications was down. With a sigh Moonberg ordered the ship back to Vordoon for repairs.

=Planet Fawks=

Fawks was a dead world. During the many wars that lead to the Galactic Unions collapse a new weapon was tested on the planet. Sadly instead of destroying a several cities at once it wiped out the entire planet. No one, not even the research staff, escaped.

Now Forbes and his armada was near its orbit facing a large force of Imperium ships commanded by Lord Rameses. Yet instead of a massive battle the two sides decided to meet face to face.

Now Forbes and Rameses were sitting across from each other on a shuttle. Each one starring into the others eyes, waiting for the other to speak. After a bit Rameses sighed and leaned forward.

“So Vice Admiral Forbes, here we are. You have a very large force behind your back, compared to mine. But mine are extremely powerful. Your 3rd fleet ships can take me on ship for ship but you only have three with you. The others I will tear through, but we both know it would do none of us any good. We’ll kill each other and there is nothing we can do about it. So we are at an impasse.”

Forbes nodded and sighed. He leaned back on his chair and looked at Rameses.

“This is messed up Lord Rameses. Heh here I was thinking that a surprise attack would work but now... I take it I can’t convince you to join us, can I?”

“HEH no Admiral I can not. In truth I just wanted to see the face of the one leading this armada. I am happy to see that there is someone here who stands for what is right and just.”

Before Forbes could move Rameses quickly stood up and shook his hand.

“Take care of my ships and crew now. I will not fight the Imperium, but I’m not stupid. Jacob is pure evil and needs to be taken care of. Know this though. Even with these ships you’ll be hard pressed. Jacob has many ships and many troops. More importantly he wants you to fight him. I don’t know what he has up his sleeve but it can’t be good. Be careful.”

With that Rameses took his leave. When Forbes returned to his ship he looked at the hundred or so ships he just acquired. He smiled and shook his head. Believing with this force he would be able to take on Jacob’s forces with no problem.

=Secret Ship Yards=

Grand Admiral Yates smiled as his ship slowly left orbit. The time to build her was worth it the forty five Komodo Dragon thought. Now the horror of the Rim has been unleashed. A massive fleet of over two hundred ships awaited him. Slowly this massive force heads to the jump point and to war. Legion and its host have risen and nothing will stand in its way. 

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

**Planet Yagmoth, HKM Field Research Site: MALCOPS**

It was raining. It always rained in Yagmoth. Large, warm, heavy, soaking rains that fell from dark grey, solemn clouds. "It's been a long time, since I've been home," Fleishjaeger said to himself as the rain seeped through his overcoat.

As he made his way through the HKM campsite, he realized that HKM was putting a lot of effort and money into what they had found. The dig site was packed full of high-tech equipment, mapping devices, diggers, laborers, private security. It was an impressive operation. Valerie Cairns, CEO of HKM, had told Fleishjaeger of the HKM discovery, an old, locked, Galactic Union era cache. It had taken his techs a while to figure out the locking mechanisms, but they had finally done it. And what a treasure-trove was inside. Fleishjaeger looked into the cyclopean ship's tomb, and just stared at the immense Galactic Union ship inside.

"No wonder this place was a postal hub," the old badger said aloud.

"What is it?" asked Valerie when she joined the Field Marshall.

"A ship."

"I can see that, Vectin."

"I think it's a Redemption Class skywing, it might even be a dragonwing... one of the final ships that the Galactic Union developed before the Succession Wars."

"How much is it worth?"

"It's priceless, Valerie. They don't make ships like this anymore."

"Will it work?"

"It should. It'll need a lot of work, and the fission generator is going to need replaced. My techs are also telling me that we'll need some sort of... machine fairy to actually get the computer to work."

"A machine fairy?"

"Yeah... the Galactic Union actually had... people who basically melded with the ship, and became it. The ability to actually produce the tech was lost with the Wars."

"Will it work without one?"

"Doubtful... the Galactic Union had some... odd technologies. How long till we can exhume the old carcass?"

"It'll take my team some time to be able to pull the ship out of it's tomb," began Valerie. "And, I don't know if the shipyards we have in orbit will be able to handle repairing a ship like this. And... it might all be for nothing, if we need this 'machine fairy' of yours."

"How long?"

"Three weeks... possibly more. I'm having... a bit of trouble convincing my employees that the thing isn't cursed. I've already lost over three million Standard in this operation, two ships, and thirty-four pieces of equipment... plus some fifty-two employees. This whole site is littered with Galactic Union traps, which we're still finding."

Fleishjaeger chuckled, "You haven't changed, Valerie."

"You have to be cut-throat when you're an ironmonger," the husky dame replied.

"Well, I hope you can find a way to make them work quicker. I don't think my friends in the 9th, the Imperium, or the SLM renegades are really going to give us three weeks, Valerie. They'll probably blow the planet up trying to liberate it."

"You will have to make me an offer," smirked the husky. "I hear you are an excellent deal-maker."

The old badger smiled and laughed, "That I am. That, I am."

**Planet Yagmoth**

"They've unlocked the Blade. Instructions?" asked the metallic voice.

"Permission granted to use Project: Pandora," crackled the reply.

"Understood."

**Planet Desin**

For several hours White was in a semi-coma state while her body healed at unnatural speeds. She felt the pinch of a needle, and immediately her mind when to its little room. She knew Dr. Fuchs wasn't trying to hurt her, but the needle never meant anything good. In her room she was still Caroline Wellwater, and had done none of the actions that had pulled her away from Lenneth's ever vigilant watch. In her room she hadn't undergone the awful things required to become a Yuki Onna. In her room, she was still herself. After a while, White twitched the fingers on her right hand, and found that they were back to being in working order. She opened her eyes. They quickly focused, and she realized she wasn't in Dr. Fuch's medical theater.

The ground beneath her was marshy and spongy. Damp air filled her lungs as she breathed. Buzzing mosquitoes echoed in her ears, and she could feel several itchy welts on her legs and arms. Spring onions sharply stung at her nose. It was then that she noticed Aaron petting her, as if they were close friends.

Jerking upright, she swatted at him screeching, "Don't touch me!"

White noticed that the other wolf was with them as well. She lowered the visor on her mask, and asked, "So... what now?"

"We have to work together," began Aaron. "Czar Jacob has been tricked, and we have to stop him... to save everyone."

"I'm no hero," mumbled White.

Half listening, White wandered around the small camp as Aaron explained his vision to her. She could not Planetwalk, yet. She still had her Malinkov, and the Sun Tzu scabbard, but little else. She picked up the safe the Malinkov was in, and opened it. It always made her smile to see how large the rifle was. White pulled out the weapon, and slung it over her back. Opening up another bin, she counted out the rounds that were inside. "Fifteen," she mumbled to herself.

Her stomach was cramping up. She had not eaten in days. Realizing she was stuck with the pair for now, she asked, "Do you have anything to eat? I haven't eaten anything in days. If I'm going to have to listen to you drone on about saving the universe, I'm going to need something to eat."

Quietly, the other wolf handed her a small box of emergency rations, and a squeeze-bag of drink.

White took the box, opened it, and began to munch down on the food-sticks inside. They tasted like an awful blend of sawdust and oatmeal. The squeeze-drink didn't taste any better. Face stuffed with the food-sticks, she looked over at the wolf and said, "Thank you."

White looked over at Aaron, and mumbled to herself, "I'm sorry about... swatting at you."

Uncomfortable between the two wolves, White continued to half-listen to Aaron, as she calculated ways to get away.

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

Self-Diagnostics Complete. System Offline Due to Extreme Electrical Trauma. Self-Repairs Complete. System Rebooted.

Ginger woke with a start. She had no idea how long she had been offline. Her system chronometer had reset to zero. She looked around, and noticed that the room she was in was unfamiliar. It was a child's room, painted in bright, vibrant colors. Toys lay scattered around the room. Drawings were tacked up onto the walls.

Ginger climbed out of her bunkbed, and jumped down to the floor looking around. She smiled and giggled as she picked up one of her favorite stuffed animals. She hugged him, and greeted him with a loud "Pompous!"

She heard the door to her room open, and a husky dame stepped in. A large smile broke her face and she greeted Ginger. "Good morning, Ginger. How did you sleep?"

"I slept well, mama... but... I had some kinda weird dream."

Crouching down next to her daughter she asked, "What sort of dream?"

"It... was about some guy in a green suit... like... like a spaceman or something. And we were on this big ship... And we were flying around space, having all these big adventures. And then I got caught. And then he was coming to rescue me... and then I woke up."

The mother smiled and laughed, "That sounds like a big adventure, indeed. Are you hungry? I made strawberry pancakes."

Ginger's eyes shot wide open, "I love strawberry pancakes, mama." She rushed past her mother, out the door, and began clomping down the stairs.

Valerie stood up, and watched her daughter out. She whispered to herself, "You are a very good negotiator indeed."

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

Kyle heard the reports about the SLM falling and the gaurdians where on the move engaging the new imperium leadership. He turned to the diva
"i have some bad news the SLM are defeated and Eridina Prime has been taking i have knowhere to take you"
The Diva looked at him and smiled "i knew it would happen its just destiny running its course but for now you must take me to caroline"
Kyle looked confused "how can i take you to white when i do..." kyle looked down and saw one of his battlestoppers was missing "she has one of my weapons thats it all my guns have a tracking device on them in case the owner loses it."
kyle quickly accessed his Rolex that was converted to show a map of the galaxy and let him track down missing weapons he found it. "here we go" he quickly said and set a course to its location withen a hour he was on the planet his ship hovered over head white and the two wolves he saw earlier. His ship hoverd passed them and set down 50 yards past them.
Kyle got out of the passenger entrance escorting the diva.
kyle looked at the diva"are you sure about this she kidnapped you and held you hostage."
The diva just smiled"and if it wasnt for that i would probly be in imperioum hands."
Kyle just shook his head and walked her over to the group.
_____________________________________

The Gaurdians began there run President Lai had orderd to deal heavy damage to the imperioum the orion cluster wasnt enough. all fleets were mobilized. 3 of them were combined into a armada and jumped into imperioum space to attempt to deal damge from the inside out.
General Angel a vixine and her Flagship Hope. Was the head of her Angels Fleet
General Gaz a a male Fox and Angels Husband and his Flagship Texas. was the head of the Rangers Fleet
Commander Scorpion a Bat and his Flagship Cross was the head of the Lacross Fleet.
There jump brought them to one of the imperioum Supplies planets Solar system each planet was ritch in raw mmaterials needed to aid the imperioum losing this solar system would be a heavy blow to the imperioum warmachine.
the size of the armada overwhelmed the defensive positions of the Imperioum army protecting it and the Gaurdian armada had captured the whole solar system withen a day with there shock and awe tactics.

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

"Something... or someone is calling me... out there." The Beast looked skyward. "I've been alone for too long. Tell me of your war... of how it can be ended..."

Chaos sat partially concealed within the brush, not yet ready to let Morris see him as he was. It did not take a genius to realize his own version of evolution wasn't quite the same aesthetically as the rest of the universe.

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

The instant Wolf heard coughs from behind him, he turned around quickly with gun in hand but let out a slight gasp to see Thomas.

"I pronounced you dead........."
"Guess I'm not dead yet then."

Thomas slowly stood up and felt around his body. He found where Wolf patched him up and sighed. After looking around a bit and steading himself he then picked up his blade and walked over to Wolf and Caroline. He knelt down and looked at Wolf. His eyes that once shined blue had been replaced by a liquid silver color. Thomas sat down on the other side of Caroline and sighed. He looked at Wolf and grinned.

“The Fates are moving now and we’re caught up in it. I never did get your name.”

Thomas reached and and began to slowly caress Caroline’s head.

“I’m Thomas Aaron, Tallos, Lord of the Clan Aros. Believe it or not I’m here to protect this one, heh whether we both like it or not. Darkness has come and we must stand as one or fall divided. I’m sorry to say but the Czar you served is now dead. A madman now rules the Imperium. I’ll explain later.”

He bent down and gently kissed her head.

“Sleep now Fallen Light, we’ll do what we can to help you.”

Thomas looked at Wolf.

"My name is Wolf Stride. This means my employer should also be dead........"
"Employer?"
"Reno......."
"Nonetheless, what can we do to help her?"

After a moment, Wolf explained what needed to be done. It would take some time but they would patch her up. When they finished Thomas just sighed and sat there. Watching over her and praying that Tallos was right. He felt his wound and softly grunted.

"Does it still hurt?......"
"Yes. Quite actually."

Wolf silently passed him a syringe with a green liquid inside. Thomas only eyed it a bit before taking it in his hands.

"What is it?"
"Painkillers........"

He hesitated a few seconds before finally taking the shot and handing the syringe back to Wolf. Thomas only began petting White once more.
It was then that she woke up as well.

Jerking upright, she swatted at him screeching, "Don't touch me!"

White noticed that the other wolf was with them as well. She lowered the visor on her mask, and asked, "So... what now?"

"We have to work together," began Aaron. "Czar Jacob has been tricked, and we have to stop him... to save everyone."

"I'm no hero," mumbled White.

Wolf began thinking only on how was the frigate and everyone else while he was away. He only looked at White as she fiddled with her safe and took out a large Malinkov. This is turn, picqued Wolf's curiosity as he began eyeing the rifle. When she turned around, a slight gurgle came from her stomach.

"Do you have anything to eat? I haven't eaten anything in days. If I'm going to have to listen to you drone on about saving the universe, I'm going to need something to eat."

Wolf slowly protruded his emergency box of rations and and a squeeze bag drink. Even if they tasted terrible, they were guaranteed to never go stale and had all the vitamins needed to keep the metabolism working.
White took the box, opened it, and began to munch down on the food-sticks inside. They tasted like an awful blend of sawdust and oatmeal. The squeeze-drink didn't taste any better. Face stuffed with the food-sticks, she looked over at the wolf and said, "Thank you."

White looked over at Aaron, and mumbled to herself, "I'm sorry about... swatting at you."

Then, a giant ship appproached and landed near they're position. Kyle and Diva dismounted of the ship and approached them.

"And now what are you 3 doing here?"

Thomas began explaining the situation, from when White planetwalked him, to when Wolf arrived and upto when he saw his vision in death.

"That...makes no sense whatsoever."
"I can't say much myself there Kyle. I do know we have to work together."

Wolf remained quiet as White mumbled something to herself.

Dive then walked over to the middle of the group.

"It seems that one of you have seen the truth of what goes on."
"Again, you ramble on things. What do you mean?"

White asked her.

"I mean that a war is not necessarily fought on the frontlines. It mostly matters most on what happens in that which is shrouded from view."
"Which means?"
"It means that something is happening behind the scenes and that if we are involved........."

It was then that Wolf's comlink received a signal as it pinged on his ear. He tapped it with his right hand and began receiving a transmission from the nameless frigate.

"Come in Wolf!"
"What is it?.........."
"You are needed ASAP! Many things have changed since you're departure and without Dante, we have no current course of action!"
"Dante? What happened to him!?......"
"He....We lost him during the Czarina's escape...."
"Dante died? Damm!!!!......At least he died honorably.........."
"Nonetheless sir, we have absolutely no CO. You are desperately needed in Nameless."
"I see.......Plan a course for Voordon. We also will be bringing some other people with us........."
"Understood! Should we await for you sir?"
"Yes.........."

With that, Wolf cut off the transmission as the others looked at him.
Kyle was the first to come up and ask.

"Who was that?"
"My crew. Plan a course for Voordon and take them if you wish........"

Thomas walked over to Kyle and the Diva but White didn't move.

"I would rather go with this one if what he says is true. No offense."
"None taken. The crew in the ship would most likely be terrified of you."

Kyle shot back at her. Wolf only stood quiet as Thomas, Kyle and Diva walked back to their ship. Wolf and White began their small trek towards Wolf's Falken. Wolf mounted inside and opened up the co-pilot seat.

"It's cramped, but its the best i could do..........."

White didn't answer as she slowly got inside.

It quickly sped off as Kyle's ship followed shortly.

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

=TOF: Katmir’s RECORD 4=

=Rim Concordant War Vessel Peleg=

Years ago, Ssoris, a planet dominated by flora and ‘flying’ scalies, underwent a cataclysmic change in its environment in which the ground split in many places. It was Captain Aeva who spearheaded the rescue and reconstruction efforts within Ssoris. It was also during that time that she met a grieving ssorian named Mwanza Kerala. He was one of the few religious leaders in the known galaxy, and he was now a shaman without his people. They had prayed for a mighty wind to hold them aloft as they escaped for safety. The Gods answered “no” this time, and the Great Mountain became five volcanoes that took many ssorians back into the earth they spawned from.

When Captain Aeva gave a personal visit to Mwanza, he was feverishly using his medicinal knowledge to stave off a sickness that had arisen among soldiers and ssorians alike in the aftermath. Later, he was given a medal in recognition of his selflessness and bearing by the Concordant. Having consulted with the Ancients, he offered his services to Captain Aeva, who reinstated the office of Chaplain to Mwanza. He was well-liked by those serving with him, especially Aeva, who became a believer because of her increased faith in the Ancient Ways. Chaplain Mwanza and Captain Aeva fell in love and were married aboard the Rim Concordant War Vessel Peleg almost a year thereafter.

Tonight, the ssorian was disturbed in his trance-induced meditation by visions of death. He arched his scarlet head and body upward, using a breathing technique to lower his energy and allow the gods to convey their message. Mwanza tensed the muscles of his dark blue extremities and relaxed as a revelation was made to his mind’s eye. His spirit soared across his motherland of Ssoris towards the remains of Great Mountain. Then the continents moved, releasing Agamis, the primordial god of the ssorians! Mwanza’s spirit form cowered before the Great Lizard. Agamis was made of the elements; His heart was like the sun, the rushing tides flowed though him, his limbs are of the firmament, and violent hurricanes held him aloft; the very things which made ssorians alive. Only in his spirit form could lowly Mwanza withstand Agamis’ presence. And his voice was that of roiling magma and the tempest:

“Heed my words, child Mwanza. Who is the one who turns child against parent, the thing that brings devastation to all across the void?”

“Agamis-hu, Akbar! What brings pain of doubt and hunts for destruction is - the Corruptor.”

“Among these stars, you are chosen and charged with these warnings of death. All souls expire in due season and all else is murder, the will of corruption. Even now, the servants of the Corruptor seek the destruction of all life in this galaxy. They will not send themselves to Oblivion until they first murder The Corruptor’s, or Frejayah’s, enemies. Warn your new family, that life may prevail here. See what may yet be…”

As an ssorian shaman, Mwanza is a mediator, a medicine man, and often a warrior. But never had he seen such negative energies overcome so many communities that the darkness of it was palpable. The Corruptor would engulf the galaxy, fur after fur, planet after planet, army after army. The death of a corrupted soul strengthened Frejayah, and worship stronger still. There were others whose relationship with Frejayah made them twisted from the inside-out. Their evil made these animals into monsters, the demons of old, they whom historically became tyrants and demigods. Mwanza’s heart defied them, and Agamis showed him many ships flying towards the darkness with weapons of light blazing before them. The light and the darkness were like two furs whose images reflected in each other’s eyes. They hurled themselves at each other like primal forces, biting and tearing at each other in a dizzying, spinning cycle of vengeance and bloodthirst. Only a blade of justice can separate the two and bring mercy to the galaxy. Else, the mortals would die, and the Corruptor would reign supreme as the physical manifestation of murder and endless misery… Then, there was nothing.

“It’s photons and darkmatter, my love. Even podlings can understand that.” Aeva remained positive despite the consequences Mwanza spoke of as they exfoliated each other in their ample shower.

“Yes, my heart. But it is not that simple for bureaucrats and generals to understand that this cannot be resolved with mere machines! What is a piece of steel compared to the arm that wields it? What good is a shield to a man who will only cower behind it? The answer is ‘nothing’, because everything could be lost!”

Aeva took a step back to enjoy the view of the warm water running down her husband’s naked muscular body. The way she looks at him makes him relax, sigh, and smile.
“Aeva, you’re my Heart.”
“I love you, too. Let’s make haste. The Captain is waiting.”

=The Hephaestus=

Katmir adjusted the bola tie on his white dress shirt. The metal design was that of a winking sun. He brushed the fur on his face quickly, straightened his shirt again, cracked his neck and winked at himself. The fur on the right side of his head was then struck off kilter by his flung hat. Katmir’s demeanor sunk a bit.
“You green furred asshole! Why the hell am I not invited?”

“Artemis, this is a business meeting with some of the most influential military leaders in the FUCKING WAR WE’RE IN!! The things we’re gonna talk about ain’t meant for your ears. It’s just gonna be HexPoint, Dr. Gallo, Cmdr Fu, and yours truly.”

“You’ve got a pet name for, her??”

“Damn it, no! It’s just easier t’say, ai-ight? Don’t blow a fuse!”

“Unbelievable. Did you fuck her?”

Katmir grabbed his formal dress coat, and let out an exasperated breath. Putting it on, he made the unintended fashion cross between a cowboy and a navy captain work quite well. Artemis repeated herself again and again.
“My stars and stripes..! When is my dick not within your reach?”

“It was last week, in the turbolift just outside the Heal Bay. That was enough time for you to-“

“That tears it, Arite! You’re either paranoid or lookin’ for an excuse to cheat on ME. An’ I wanna see neither hide nor hair of you ‘til tomorrow. You need to seriously chill out. Oh, and get out of my quarters before you-“
There was a loud crash.
“… piss me off. Artie, what was it?”

“A mimir.”

“What color?”

“I don’t know. Pink?”

Katmir took a deep breath, and turned to face Artemis. The modified color change that Cmdr Fuertespalda rigged into her shower had washed off the day before. But right now, Katmir couldn’t help but still see the word ‘whore’ pop up all around her fur still. He shook the thought off again, as it just wasn’t true. “The pink one was my music collection. I’d better be able to recover that obscure data, Artie.” Katmir tied the leather strap at the bottom of his gun holster around his right thigh. His room door slid open.

“Are you expecting a gunfight over dinner?”

“Goodnight, Artie.” said Katmir, as he walked out.

The turbolift door opened before Katmir, and he found his Kommando Leader HexPoint inside. The white stag wore a similar outfit as Katmir, except the brim of his Stetson was rolled in to allow for his antlers. Although he packed a pistol he only used on the firing range, he had his trusty broadsword slung over his shoulder.
“Captain, I was coming to pick you up. Your outfit is dapper, but your eyes look like shit. Artemis?”

“Yep.”

“Dump her yet?”

“Nope.”

“Sir, there are more people that would take a shank for you than you can keep enemies.”

“What do you mean, stag?”

“Damn, I hate these formalities, Kat. We grew up together. Your parents and mine took us on dozens of adventures. How many times have we saved each others’ lives?”

“…Hex…”

“Brother, that woman is taking you down into whatever her pit of misery is. The sex can’t be worth it, is it?”

“What are you, psychic? She’s my girlfriend, you scan it?”

“Yeah. Emphasis on no one being committed enough to be more.”

“Fine, so she makes my rifle go off like a volcano and I’m freakin’ addicted to it.”

“Well brother, if it makes you happy, then why do your eyes betray you?”

Katmir rubbed his eyes and rounded his shoulders at HexPoint’s words. He knew his brother was right about his relationship being based on sex. It cannot last. He also knew that he had only moments to switch back into professional mode. Katmir turned to HexPoint but words failed him.

“I love you, too you fuckin’ furry.”

The turbolift door opened to Central Level, which serves as the hub of Hephaestus. Katmir’s crew chiefs and techies went about their business, including a handful of his militia standing in formation along three opposing turbolift ramps leading to docking bays. Dr. Gallo and Commander Fuertespalda were there as well.

Dr. Gallo dressed the same as his comrades, sans the hardware. The rooster put his feathered arms on their shoulders and raised his eyebrows twice, motioning his head in Cmdr Fu’s direction. “Hello, Captain, K-1. Is it hot in here or is it just her?”

The commander was hardly ever seen wearing anything but her standard overalls and lab coat. Tonight, the pink armadillo wore her black hair loose and wavy over a conservatively designed silver off-the-shoulder, knee-length dress. A necklace bore the crescent moon design the men wore on their hats. She blushed at the men’s stares.

Katmir took his hat off and stepped forward, saying “Consuelo, you look so pretty, you must be the one makin’ the stars shine tonight.”

Cmdr Fu smiled warmly and enjoyed her captain’s eyes for that moment. “Thank you, sir. You’re a handsome man. Well, you all look very handsome, too.”

They laughed a happy laugh, as this was the first time since being contracted by the 9th Legion that they were together dressed up for dinner. Just then, Katmir’s militia clicked their heels together as the three doors on their respective sides opened.

It had been two days since the Hephaestus came out of hyperspace and happened upon a three-way battle in Concordant territory which was stopped shortly after General Reaver’s message was transmitted. A truce had been made in the middle of the War, and for tonight, in this part of the galaxy, three military leaders from three historically opposing armies were taking time to have dinner at the same table. Katmir had made it a point to serve everyone their favorite comfort food at his chow hall. Despite the truce and circumstances, he was not at all opposed to the carrying of weapons to this meeting. He honestly believed that this time, even if symbolically, could only honor the memory of the recently departed.

<HEPH> Attention on deck! Officers on board: Admiral Aeva, General Nybbas, Colonel Jirafa, and their distinguished guests!

<Capt.KM> Hephaestus, provide a copy of all this to anyone who wants one.

<HEPH> Affirmative, sir. Also, supply and demand estimates for repairs are on target with exception to certain Imperium weapons caches.
<Capt.KM> Good news, Heph. We’ll figure it out.

The four groups meet in a kind of circle as the crewmen return to their duties. Katmir steps forward as he and his men remove their hats.
“Good evening, officers. It’s good to meet you in person. This is Commander Fuertespalda, or Commander Fu, my Science Officer. Doctor Gallo is the Ship’s Doctor, and together we three serve as Chief Engineers. And this is HexPoint, Leader of my Kommandos and private militia. Welcome to the Hephaestus! We’ll go this way…” said Katmir in relation to the order of introductions, shaking their paws accordingly.

“I am Admiral Aeva of the Peleg, and this is my husband, Chaplain Mwanza Kerala. Our finest warrior, Gridrunner GojirAnnie joins us.” Katmir noted the Admiral holstered a Concordant standard issue blaster at her side. No doubt there was a heat bayonet tucked away on her person. The rather large chaplain and lithe female iguana did not carry blasters at all. Mwanza had a scimitar and a medium sized shield with the Concordant insignia on it, although there were strange markings all along the rim of it. The gridrunner wore an orange Mohawk and carried what seemed to be the spiked bone of a huge beast on her back. It was definitely more than a conversation piece.

The Imperium stallion and his two companions stood at attention for their introduction. “General Nybbas of the Balseraph; Commander Mallard and Warewolph, reporting.”

Katmir couldn’t help but ask, “Commander Mallard, and Werewolf?”

The green duck spoke after an almost invisible nod from his general. “Yes, my genealogy can be traced quite far back, Captain.” A fact he was quite proud of in his face.

The dark purple wolf relaxed his stance a bit and explained his name. “Actually, it’s pronounced W4r3w0<ph. I’m a Special Ops Gridrunner for the Imperium.”

Katmir and Warewolph traded squints in an open challenge of sorts. They’d have to keep an eye on each other.

“Colonel Jirafa of the Perseus. I have with me Major Yun-Fat. You already know Gridrunner Krieg, Captain Mahal.”

Major Yun-Fat was an older hound with bags under his eyes but a strong presence in his pressed 9th Legion uniform. Krieg, a red bull, wore white and silver armor styled like a samurai’s, but vastly more durable as are his swords. Being gridrunners, furs have an innate ability to work within computerized frequencies like people live in the real world. As a rare consequence of their mental and martial prowess, some gridrunners have a tendency to resemble ancient warriors in technique and attire. He wore Katmir’s insignia on his belt.

“Captain Mahal! It’s been a while.”

“What the heck happened, Big Red? The 9th lost their shit out there!”

“Someone threw a snowball in Hell, and I was outclassed.”

“I’m damn ashamed to admit we both were.” said Warewolph, still at attention.

“Rightly so, especially because you two got beat by a girl.” was the response from the smiling Concordant gridrunner. Warewolph smiled back.

“She doesn’t fight dirty, either, sir. It is an honor to meet you in realtime, Gojira-Annie.”

“Mine as well, Krieg.”

“Well!” Katmir puts his hat on and cracks his neck with a smile. “Let’s get this meeting underway, then. Please follow me to Hephaestus’ well-reputed chow hall, also known as “Margaritaburgh.”

Colonel Jirafa allowed herself a quiet laugh.
General Nybbas shook his head. “Humor? I don’t quite understand the reference.”
Warewolph laughed, too. “It’s in reference to an old song about being drunk. There’s a play on the name…”
The General snorted, “Imperium officers do not get drunk. Ever.”
Katmir spoke over his shoulder, “I know we’re in a strange event in this War, Officers, but at this time you’re authorized a glass or two. My ship, my rules.”

The pseudo military entourage spoke with their body language, as relaxing wasn’t something otherwise afforded with their comrades-in-arms actively engaged in battle across the stars. Double doors slid open meters away from the group. Katmir was satisfied with the single table arrangement and small decorations. Commander Fu thought of the table cloths and artificial flowers, so as not to incur an allergy yet keep the atmosphere on a friendly, “neutral zone” level. Still, it was two days of starfighter repairs and impromptu funeral services versus years of skirmishes and battles for supremacy. The ssorian Chaplain broke the uneasiness in the air as they entered the ship’s spotless cafeteria.

“We may all consider having a drink after what essential information I must share with you. Thankfully, recent events have put us on the same side. I assure you, it is good news for everyone.”

Captain Katmir had already taken a good chug of liquor at the head of the table before everyone had taken a seat by their meals.
“Damn straight, padre’! I’d rather have a bottle in front of me than a frontal lobotomy. A toast! To the halftime presentation, good news, and a happy future. Cheers.”

=End Katmir's Record 4=

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

=Thor’s Hammer=

Forbes grinned and stood up to greet his guests. It had only been a few hours since his force jumped into Imperium space. Now standing before him was Generals Angel and Gaz and Commander Scorpion. He shook each of their hands and asked them to sit down before speaking.

“I’m really impressed. I’ve heard of the Guardians and I must say your reputation’s precede you. Its just unbelievable that you took a whole system in such a short time. I would tip my hat to you, if I had one.”

Everyone had a nice chuckle from that.

“Thank you Vice Admiral Forbes. Now then, its time we got down to business. My wife and Commander Scorpion are planning to use this system as a jumping point to enter deeper into Imperium space. Combined with your Armada we should be able to defeat anything Jacob sends at us.”

Just then one of Forbes orderlies came in and gave him a report. Forbes grinned after reading the report.

“Well, looks like Jacob has launched a sizable fleet. My scouts report they’ll be here in a few hours. What say we give them a warm welcome?”

They others returned to their ships and the combined armada prepared themselves.

Hours later the Omegas ships jumped in. Forbes could already see something was up.

“Sir! The Imperium ships don’t match any known configuration. I’ve never seen these type of warships before. I can barley pick them up on scanners. Scans do indicate thought that a fighter screen has been launched. Sir! They’re... not moving! Its like they’re waiting for something.”

Forbes stood up and looked at the view screen. The Omegas ships were divided into two groups, leaving a large gap between them. Forbes thought it was stupid to divide a force up so soon. Something wasn’t right.

“What the hell are they up to? Scanners, is this all of them or are there more coming out of warp?”

“Sir, scanners are picking up... something...but, it can’t be a ship. Its too... Big!”

They all looked at the screen as a massive warp gate opened up and a large ships jumped out between the Omegas ships.

Forbes sat down, his eyes wide, his heart beating very rapidly. Throughout the armada all ship commanders and their crews were stunned by the monster that just came through. Thor’s Hammer was soon being hailed by the Texas. General Gaz was soon on the screen his face completely in shock.

“Admiral, what the hell is this thing? I’ve never seen a ship that large before.”

“I don’t know General. Looks like Jacob pulled a fast one on us. *Sigh* Well the good news is we outnumber them. The bad news is I’ve never seen these types of ships before. I don’t know what their capabilities are. Also, are your scanners having a hard time picking them up?”

“Unfortunately, yes they are. We can’t seem to get a proper lock on them. Still, we’ve pushed the Imperium out and defeated them on their own territory. I think we can handle this force. As you said, we outnumber them. What do you think?”

Forbes nodded and ordered his armada to move in and engage, launching their fighter screens. The Guardian Armada did the same.

Moments later the battle had begun. First the fighters screens came in contact first. If the Omegas fighters were normal Imperium fighters then they would have been torn to pieces by the Guardian and 9th fighters. But these weren’t normal fighters. The Omegas fighters were zipping in and out of the Guardian and 9th formations. For every one Omegas fighter destroyed five Guardian and 9th fighters were taken down. Realizing they’re normal tactics were not working Forbes and Gaz ordered their fighters to change their tactics and improvise as best they can. Now, the cruisers were in range.

Forbes’s Armada may have outnumbered the enemy but the Omegas ships were a lot more powerful then anyone had ever thought. Forbes watched in horror as his force was slowly being torn apart. Even when ganged up the Omegas ships were more then a match for anything that the Armada could throw at them. The Thor’s Hammer and the few 3rd Fleet ships that Forbes had where holding their own but where badly being mauled. Forbes watched as a few of the Omegas ships where destroyed, but only a few.

The Guardians were fairing a little better, but not by much. They’re ships were a lot more powerful then any normal ship. But the Omegas ships proved to be even more so. General Gaz watched as several of his frigates where completely destroyed. He ordered his crews to concentrated on the Omegas Battlestar that destroyed one of the frigates. Firing everything they had the Battlestar was soon destroyed. It was a small victory, but did little good. The Texas alarms were going off as Gaz watched the massive Omegas ship come into view. A massive barrage came from the ship, striking the Texas. The last thought going through Gaz’s mind was his wife and children.

Forbes watched in stunned disbelief as the Texas was obliterated. Guardian ships and fighters swarmed in, trying to destroy the monster and avenge their fallen leader, but none got through. Forbes watched as the Hope was hit several times and disabled. The Cross was slowly pulling away, badly damaged. Other Guardian ships where doing the same. Before Forbes could give anymore orders the Thor’s Hammer was hit. Forbes was knocked senseless for a few moments. When he stood up and got back into his chair, he couldn’t open is left eye. Worrying about that latter he ordered a complete retreat. While falling back he ordered some ships to grab the Hope and Cross. He took in as many Guardian fighters that he could carry and headed to the jump point. To his surprise the Omegas ships did not pursue. As the battered remnant of two massive Armada’s fled, the Omegas ships powered down most of their weapons.

One jump latter the survivors were safe for the time being. Forbes ordered a full damage report and wanted to know how many ships made it. To his horror he learned that out of the five hundred and sixty seven ships that went with him, only two hundred and forty remained, all were badly damaged. That was over fifty seven percent of his force wiped out. Before he could morn the loss of so many a transmission came in. The screen changed to General Angel, her eyes red from crying. Her face was down and so she didn’t see his face.

“General Angel, are you alright?”

“No Admiral I’m not, but I will be in time. I lost my husband today. Most of the Armada has been completely wiped out. Goddess, we were only able to destroy maybe six of their ships. When did they get such powerful warships? And that monster, my crew intercepted a transmission from the enemy before we jumped out. They called that thing Legion. I just don’t...”

She then looked up and saw Forbes face. She put her hands over her mouth and began to cry again. They crew of the Hammer quickly turned around, wandering what she was looking at, and was shocked. Some began to weep uncontrollably. Others just looked at Forbes, the mouths wide in disbelief.

Forbes didn’t know what was going on till Angle spoke.

“Admiral, your face... oh no you entire left side of your face.”

Forbes didn’t know what they were talking about. He turned to a blank screen and there his right eye went wide.

The left side of his face was scared. Massive cuts that went deep, his left ear had some holes in it, thought not enough to keep him from hearing properly. But what was most troubling was his left eye. It explained why he couldn’t open it, because it was gone. Completely torn out from when the Hammer got hit. Forbes then sat down and looked at Angle and his crew. He only said one word before passing out.

“Damn!”

He slumped in his chair. Moments later a med team came rushing in and took Forbes to the med bay. Less then an hour later messages were sent out and the word quickly spread about Legion.

=Star League Space=

The SLM forces had crushed another of Flieshjeagers forces and another Star League world was free. The victory was even sweeter with the capture of seven Imperium warships, including a Battlestar. Everything was going their way.

=Kandar=

Kandar was a small colony with over ten thousand people near the border with the Rim. When Czar Simon was killed the colonists declared their loyalty to the Czarina. Days later an Omegas ship dropped out and dropped hundreds of canisters and just waited. The people just looked up as these canisters fell to the surface. Since no one was killed it was thought that the Omegas ship was just trying to scare them. Sadly this wasn’t a scare tactic, especially when the canisters opened up.

By the end of the day everyone in the colony was dead. Their bodies mutilated, torn to pieces and devoured. An Imperium science team landed in the center of the colony wearing hazmet suits. As they stepped out one of the creatures came into view. It stood at about ten feet in hight. Its body lean and muscular. Its arms reaching down to its knees. Its fur short and scraggily. Finally its eyes completely devoid of any thought. What once was a tiger now stood a monster.

The head scientist came forward and chuckled. The creature stood their as he checked him over and then turned to his colleges.

“Inform Czar Blue that project Grendaal was a success. He can launch when ready.”

He reached up and gently patted the creatures back.

“Good boy, a very good boy.”

Hours later the Omegas ship left orbit and headed to its new target. There was nothing left alive on Kandar.

Moments later Jacob would order a transmission be sent out explaining what happened on Kandar. He made certain the images of his Grendaal’s tearing apart the citizens of Kandar were also broadcasted, to give the message an extra affect.

=Vordoon=

Reaver hadn’t slept well. News and reports was coming in from all over. All of it was bad. First was the attack by the SLM, then came the surprise attack by Legion and to top it all off Jacob was using some strange mutations called Grendaal’s to fight. His spies had also learned of the Field Marshal find on Yagmoth. Whatever that ship was could turn the tide of the war, if it could be fixed. Reaver made certain to send a message to Flieshjeager to let him know that the Praxis ship yard might be able to fix the ship. This was not the time to keep secrets from each other. Sadly though Reaver was starting to realize that his old friend was truly gone. He just sat there and wandered how it came to this.

=Praxis=

Czarina Fauna Blue sat there drinking some tea. She looked around at her protectors and smiled. There was the two surviving Royal Guards, always ready to die for her. She looked across the table at Chenn and Rameses. The two had become her confidants in this harsh time. But what really got her attention was the Vanguard that watched over her. The Vanguard stood at the ready, their orders where clear. Protect the Carina at all costs. Fauna stared at Cheen and Rameses and set her cup down. She gently caressed her swelling belly and spoke.

“I don’t know about you two but I think we should start a Vanguard program when we retake the Imperium. They are truly a marvel. Don’t you agree gentlemen?”

Rameses nodded

“Oh yes you grace. I’ve read the reports on them. They’ve proven themselves time and again. Heh I would hate to be caught trying to stop them from completing their mission. This of course leads to a conversation we had not to long ago. What are your plans for the Rim?”

The Czarina just sighed and looked around. Praxis was a very beautiful planet. Its people so kind and caring. When she was on Atlas she was treated poorly and disrespected by the people of the Rim Concordant. To them she was still the evil monster that wanted to enslave them all. Things were different on Praxis.

The people didn’t see the Czarina as a monster but another victim of war. Since the start of the war refugees had been fleeing to Praxis. It was on the very edge of the Rim and had formidable defenses. It would take the entire might of the Imperium to take the Praxis system down. Even with Rendar still fighting a Civil War the Praxis System had more then enough military assets to hold off an attack.

The Czarina sighed contently and picked up her tea cup.

“I don’t know what to do about the Star League, Rim Concordant and the other independent systems. But I’ve decided that the Praxis System should stay independent. They treated me well here, no disrespect and well... I just can’t stand the thought of destroying such a beautiful world and such kind hearted people. They could have turned us away but instead they welcomed us, gave us shelter and have done nothing but aided us in our time of need. No gentlemen I’m not going to try and retake Praxis. In fact, I’m going to publicly announce that Praxis is a free and independent system forever more... after the war that is. If I announce it now that could cause tension between the 9th and the rest of the Rim. We can’t afford that at this time.”

The two nodded in agreement and Chenn offered her some more tea, which she gratefully accepted.

=Morbius=

Phil finished reading the report and just sighed.

‘So much for attacking the Imperium on their own turf,’ he thought.

Phil sat up and looked over some recent data he received. Most of it was information on Jacob’s forces, the Star League and other military matter. One thing was troubling him though. He saw an Imperium transmission was sent out and it went directly to the Imperium Royal Palace not long ago. It took him a bit of doing but he saw it was a high profile message. It was so well encrypted that even with all the tech at his disposal he would never be able to crack it. One thing was for sure though. Whoever sent the message was high in the command structure. He began looking at the commanders that might be traitors working for Jacob Blue.

He knew General Price wasn’t it, he had already shown his true colors when he sided with the 9th.

General Horn was dead, the 9th Vanguard killed him when liberating a world.

General Alexander had just resigned when he heard of Jacob’s coup, not wanting to fight his own and fearing for the safety of his children who were serving in the Imperium Military.

Colonel Reno had been killed saving the Czarina’s life.

Colonel Maxwell was still missing when the Star League began their attacks, but the message never came from his location.

That left only three individuals.

General Braxton Maldune, commander of the 11th and 14th Legions.

General Collin Jersey, commander of the 8th Legion and defense of one of the SL worlds still under their control.

Finally there was Colonel James Monk, who commanded the Imperium Military Police.

These three were likely but Phil knew they were to loyal to the old Czar. In fact Monk and Jersey had bowed and declared a blood oath in front of the Czarina to do all that they can to defeat Jacob.

Maldune might have betrayed them but that was still unlikely.

Then it just dawn on him. It was a long shot but it was still possible. Field Marshal Flieshjeager might have done it. From what his uncle told him, the Field Marshal was not above making deals, to anyone.

Phil sighed and started making his report. He knew he couldn’t trust any of the four so he would send it to the Czarina’s confidants, Rameses and Chenn. He hoped he was wrong but he couldn’t take any chances. Later he ordered his teams to monitor all transmission that Maldune, Jersey, Monk and Flieshjeager sent and to investigate anything that might point at betrayal. If any of them were traitors, he would find out and deal with them.

=Praxis Senate=

The fifty person Senate was in session at this time, discussing the economy, health care, conservation projects, and many others. The Senate comprised of four parties, the Liberty, Helm, Forest and 9th. Each one had their own agenda and strived to out do the other. No one party was ever allowed to have full control of the Senate. As of now the Helm party controlled twenty four of the seats, giving them the most votes. The 9th had control of fifteen seats, making them the second strongest party. The Liberty controlled six and the other rest belonged to the Forest party.

For any laws, reforms, new taxes and new regulations to be passed thirty two out of fifty must approve. With no one party in full control this forced all sides to work together, otherwise nothing would get done. As of now the Senate was discussing the war. Word had come about the Star League offensive and Jacob’s new ships. This was troubling to say the least. The Praxis ships stood a good chance at taking on the Omegas ships one on one and the Guardian ships where slightly more powerful. But the Senate was not convinced. So they were discussing on a vote that would improve their ships and give them a better chance at fighting the Omegas ships.

There was also Legion to worry about. The massive ship and its large fleet tore through the Guardians and Forbes Armada’s like it was nothing. Even the new Ultra Class Battlestars, Aries Wrath and Reckoning wouldn’t stand a chance taking on Legion. Though the report from General Reaver about the Field Marshals find sounded good it was a long shot at best. Things seemed to be falling apart rather quickly. There was even some within the Senate that wandered if they shouldn’t cut their losses and pull out. Thankfully the overall majority didn’t think that.

After several hours it was decided by a vote of forty seven that the Praxis and 3rd Naval Forces would be overhauled. Those ships not engaged, protecting convoys or conducting other missions were to report back to Praxis for retrofitting. Once the vote was passed the bill was sent to the President and was quickly signed. Meanwhile the Rim Concordants new ships were ready and were on their way.

=Atlas Royal Throne Room=

Princess Mary was listening to her advisors drone on and on. With all the bad news coming in from the front the Royal Council was clearly divided. One group wanted to completely surrender, better to be alive and controlled by a madman then be dead. Another wanted to continue the fight, a couple of battles didn’t mean the war was over. Yet another was thinking that they should pull all their resources back and put up a defense, if they could bleed Jacob’s forces enough then he would have to call a cease fire and then they could work something out.

As they argued she turned to the two individuals that kept quiet. One was Ambassador Conner Fritz of Praxis. The other was Major Tom Holden, a 33 year old Tabby Cat. Holden was sent by the Field Marshal as the envoy of the Imperium. Though she wasn’t fully comfortable with Holden she soon started to respect his judgment. In time all three had become very close friends and she trusted them.

She quietly asked them to come over and she held a whispered conversation.

“So my friends, what shall we do about this? I refuse to surrender to that monster but how should we go about doing this?”

“I think we should just hold on your highness. My people have just finished your new ships and they’re on their way. Maybe we should just continue to hold our positions and prepare. So far Jacob has only sent one fleet. Formidable that they are, they’re going to have to stop and resupply. I think if we continue to build up our defenses and hold the line we may have a chance. I just got word that the Praxis Senate has passed a bill to overhaul all they’re ships to make them as powerful as these Omegas ships. What do you think Major?”

“I agree with Conner here your highness. We need time. Praxis is making more ships and if we can hold the line long enough then we stand a chance at beating Jacob.”

“But what of these Grendaal’s, who do we stop these monsters?”

Both quietly chuckled.

“Don’t worry your highness. Me and Conner have been discussing this when we got the word about these things. The Vanguard is being suited up with powerful new weapons that should be able to kill these things. Again, all we need to do is buy time. Also I don’t think we’ll have to worry about the Star League. If I know the Field Marshal he has something up his sleeve to stop them.”

She thanked them and then stood up. The room went quiet as she spoke.

“My councilors, I know that fear has gripped us all, but we must not waver. The people of the Concordant are depending on us to stop this evil from crushing all that we hold dear. We will not surrender. Nor will we retreat. I have decided that we shall build up our defenses. New ships are on the way and equipment are on the way, with more to come. Time, we must by time. I’ve talked with our friends here and they have convinced me that we must Hold the Line. Send out orders to all outer worlds. If Jacob want’s the Rim he will have to take it, one world at a time. We shall bleed his forces. For every one of our soldiers killed we shall take three or more of theirs. For every ship destroyed we’ll take two or more of theirs.”

She pressed a button and a hologram of the Rim was shown. She took out a pointer and drew a line.

“That is the line. These worlds will be reinforced. Remember that many have fallen to this monster. Remember the brave Guardians that attacked the Imperium in one of their own systems, Poren. Remember the brave warriors commanded by Forbes who never wavered and gave their lives. Remember the brave fighters that held the line at Chancssa, who knew they were going to die but Held the Line for as long as they could. Remember their Sacrifice. Remember their Courage. We, Shall, Not, Fail Them or our People!”

The room exploded into cheers and orders were quickly sent out. Her words were broadcasted throughout the Rim. Everywhere people cheered, even the Imperium Loyalists were moved by her words. Fleishjaeger had listened in and sat back and nodded his head. Even he had to admit it was an impressive speech.

On Praxis the dry docks went into overdrive. Upgrades needed to be done and new ships built.

Everywhere, worlds were building up and preparing. The thought going through the defenders minds was to Hold the Line, Hold the Line!

=Vordoon=

Morris sat down and started to explain the war and what he knew about it so far. Once completed R1 sighed and looked up into the sky.

Morris looked up as well and sighed.

“I don’t know if I can get you a ship but I can try.”

That’s when R1 chuckled.

“No need now. I can feel them coming.”

He looked at Morris.

“You will take me to your commander. We have much to discuss.”

With that they were leaving the Jungle.

=The Vengeance=

They came out of warp only to see several ships leave. Reading the signatures the Vengeance quickly followed. It was the only ship though.

The Omegas destroyer Devil’s Sword quickly followed. Their mission was simple. Kill White, the Guardian, Diva and anyone else and Capture Thomas Aaron alive.

=Warp Space=

It was going to take some time to reach Vordoon so Thomas decided to take a nap. But his dreams were troubled. He saw images of his people living peacefully, massive armies saluting their Emperor, grand armadas as far as the eye could see. The Galaxy was at peace and everyone was looking at a great figure, the one that brought them this rein of harmony. To his shock it was him. Thomas was the Emperor. The massive armies and ships were his to command. All this belonged to him. Then he heard a voice and quickly turned.

Before him floated a beautiful vixen, her long raven hair flowing down to her knees, her eyes an emerald green. She wore a flowing white robe and her voice was sweet and alluring.

“All this will all be yours. You will lead the people to a new glory and all your enemies will fear and flee from you. All you have to do is come to me my love. Come and join your brother, he is waiting for you. Your people will join us and together this Galaxy will soon know peace.”

She reached out to him. All he had to do was take her hands and succumb to her. To join her mind, body and soul.

“As you have become the vessel of Tallos Reborn I to shall have a vessel that will create a new line of rulers.”

She slowly changed into a beautiful Wolfess. Her hair had changed to a liquid silver and her fur had become a grey. Her eyes were the only thing that didn’t change. She again reached out to him. Smiling sweetly, almost begging him to come.

Slowly he walked forward, his cloths all but vanishing. With each step he drew closer to her. He soon touched her and gently laid her down, his eyes closed. She reached up and gently caressed his face. Then he opened his eyes. Gone were the liquid silver and in its place was an obsidian black.

Thomas gasped as he woke up. He was shaking all over, tears slowly flowing down his cheek. Diva suddenly embraced him and gently caressed his face.

“It’s alright, the dark one is gone. She is very strong and will tempt any and all. You must not worry though. Just relax and and do not fear.”

Thomas didn’t say a word. The only thing going through his mind was what he saw. He knew it to be a lie. But why would the Corruptor want him. Why had she tried to claim him. What was even more frightening was that he was enjoying her touch. Deep down he almost wanted it. The power to rule so many worlds. To command so many troops and ships and the people would love him or they would be ground to dust. He began to shake at the thought. He came close to giving into temptation.

=Imperium Palace=

Jacob smiled at the image that his Goddess showed him. She had come close. It didn’t matter to him though. He would either kill Thomas Aaron or he would bow and declare Thomas as his new lord and master. Either way, he thought, Frejayah will win.

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

**Planet Yagmoth, HKM Field Research Site: MALCOPS**

The old badger was tired. He was getting to old for playing war anymore. He hadn't slept well in days. He never slept well while in the field. Even with the makeshift headquarters HKM set up at their dig site, his mind raced and he could never relax enough to fall asleep or even doze for a few moments. Sitting at the small, travel-desk, Vectin again read the missive from Conrad. Fleishjaeger, the orbital shipyards around Praxis have the facilities to repair the ship you and the HKM found on Yagmoth. If you need assistance, we are ready to help.

Shaking his head, the old badger said aloud to himself, "I'm not going to give up my find that quickly, Conrad. I need you and your fleet to suffer a couple more defeats, while weakening Jacob's little armada. Just keep believing in Mary's daydream of independence, and the Czarina's offer of autonomy a bit longer so my technicians can figure out what this... mummified corpse is..."

The dim light from the fluorescent bulb glimmered off something in the corner of Vectin's eye. Turning, he realized it was reflecting off his knights gorget. He walked over to the relic, and picked it up. "I haven't seen you in a while, old friend." Vectin turned the gorget over, and read the inscription, "To Knight Vectin Fleishjaeger. May this badge of honor let all who bear witness to it that Knight Vectin is hereby ordained a Knight Gallant, by order and divinity of the Czarina Blue. May his blade always slice true, and may his heart never waver in the face of darkness."

Looking around on the dirt floor, Vectin found the sash of shame. He re-pinned the black silk across the gorget. "It's been a long time since anyone has called me honorable. It's been a long time since I've been a knight. If you make it through this, Conrad, I hope your honor is restored. Mine never will be."

Nomad, Primary Command Bridge

The remnants of the SLM had gone to calling themselves "The Survivors." The rag-tag naval armada, had coalesced around the refit pride of the Star League Navy, the Nomad. While it was no where near the size of many of the other fleets in the Rim War, the Survivors had learned to fight... the hard way. They had managed to perfect a pirate tactic of "jump-chuck", launching rockets and missiles before warp-gates had fully opened. They had become masters at hit-and-run, and used these harassing tactics to liberate a number of Star League planets. But today, a black cloud hung around the fleet. News had arrived from Praxis.

General Jurgen was in a foul temper. He paced back and forth on the bridge of the Nomad, as he ground his teeth. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. General Jurgen growled, and scratched at the one antler he had remaining. "So, the Czarina promises independence to the Praxis, and we're left to be crushed first by that bastard Fleishjaeger, and now by the new Czar's personal army. And, to add insult, now the 9th is working with Fleishjaeger's corps? The Guardian's seize our land! And, they still hold hostage our Rim deligates at Atlus. I knew the whole offer of assistance was too good to be true. I can't believe I bought into their treachery. Damn backstabbing vipers. I thought the Imperium was bad... they've got nothing on these slimy politicians out here in the Rim. So Praxis wants to sell us out, so they can secure their own independence will they?"

The moose turned to his senior flight officer and asked, "How close can you jump to the orbital docks at Praxis?"

"Well, sir, I suppose we could jump within... 500 meters of them?"

A cunning gleam sparkled in Jurgen's eye. "Good. At that range, they won't be able to react in time. I want all my Survivors to jump within 500 meters of the orbital docks around Praxis. I want the largest "jump-chuck" we can do. Use every, last, rocket, missile, and smart-plasma we have."

"Everyone?" asked the Senior Gunner.

Slamming his fists into the podium in front of him, Jurgen screamed, "EVERYONE! They hung us out to dry. Watched as our Stables burned. Taunted us when we asked for aid. So, now it's our turn to stab them in the back. I'm through being their patsy! And, if we can't get our vengeance upon the Imperium, we'll get it from those who sold us out to those Imp bastards! Let's see how they like it when they watch their lands burn, and they're the one's who are helpless."

The Senior Gunner stood from his computer consol, and preached, "And every Giant felt Lenneth's rage, as she burned the High King's stables."

The crew on the bridge of the Nomad finished the litany, "And Lenneth had no mercy. Lenneth had no compassion. Lenneth had no forgiveness. The Giants had burned her land. They had burned the land of her people, the Eridani. She would tear the land of the Giants from the very fabric of fate itself. There is no anger equal to Lenneth scorned."

==== Vordoon, Captain's Quarters ===

The holoscreen blinked on. It turned from black to bright red in and instant. Speakers blared out a warning siren, waking Reaver from a rare sleep he was taking. He looked over at the screen, and read "Emergeny SOS? Play message."

The message came across broken, garbled, choppy and partially scrambled. Reaver couldn't make heads or tales of it. "Computer, repair, reconstruct and replay message."

"Repairing and reconstructing message will take approximately fifteen minutes. Shall I let you know when the message is ready?"

"Yes. Where did the Emergency SOS relay from?"

"Praxis."

"When did it first arrive?"

"The message has been repeating itself since 0025 standard-galactic-time. Message strength and quality has deteriorated since transmission one."

Reaver glanced over at the digital clock on his desk. It read 0415. "Why the hell didn't you wake me four hours ago?"

"I tried. I believe the ships physician slipped you a mild tranquilizer to help you sleep."

"Dammit! Computer connect me to the bridge."

"Ensign Butler here, sir. How can I assist you?"

"Have we gotten any messages from Praxis?"

"Yes sir... a distress call of some sorts... for about four hours."

"And why was I not made aware of this?"

"Ah... the doc gave you a sedative, sir... we... couldn't rouse you."

"Then what in the bloody blazes have you jackanapes been doing?"

"Making our way to Praxis to investigate... ah... sir, you're going to want to see this."

"See what, Ensign?" muttered Reaver as he slung himself out of his cot.

"The... docks... "

"What about the docks, Ensign. I don't have time for twenty fraggin questions."

"Sir... they're... what's left of them... they're... on fire..."

===== ===== Yagmoth, Chateau Carms ===== ===== =====

"Mama, isn't selling guns bad? Don't they hurt people?" asked Ginger, as she lazily kicked her feet on the swing.

"The weapons mommy makes are for protection, honey. People use them to scare off bad men." Valerie walked behind her daughter. Giving her a little push on the swing, she continued, "Without them, men with mean hearts would take advantage of those who want to live a peaceful life."

"Well, why can't we just teach the bad men what they're doing is wrong? Couldn't we just put them in the corner, and make them wear a Dunce cap or something?"

"Sometimes that works, sweety... but sometimes, some men are so bad that they just won't listen."

Looking over her shoulder towards her mother, the fruit-bat girl asked, "Are only men bad, mama?"

Valerie shook her head. "No, sweety. Women can be bad too."

Ginger turned back around, and faced forward. She kicked her feet in rhythm to her mother's pushes. The momentum carried her higher and higher on the swing. Wind rustled through her hair, and she giggled as the sun peaked up from behind a tree... and then sunk back behind it... only to peek up again. "Mama, I don't wanna be a bad girl. I wanna be a good girl."

Valerie froze, and stopped pushing her daughter on the swing. Noticing that her mother had stopped, Ginger began to drag her feet into the sawdust, slowing her down to a stop. The little fruit-bat then got off the swing-seat, and turned around to face her mother. "Mama?"

Valerie crouched down, and hugged Ginger close to her. Ginger returned the embrace, nuzzling her head into her mother's chest. The husky dame whispered into her daughter's ear, "You'll always be a good girl, Ginger. Mama will make sure of it."

===== ===== Folken ===== =====

It was cramped and hot inside the crew-box of the Folken. The fighter was designed with efficiency in mind, not comfort. White's delicate nose could smell the scent of man-sweat, and it nauseated her. White didn't like the fact she was in the same ship as the new wolf; however, she knew she would have to be patient. The time would present itself when she could use her powers again. Until that time, she would just have to play along, and see where the river took her.

She slid the face-shield of her mask up and asked, "Well, now that you have me, you should at least tell me your name. Why do I need to work with you? I was doing perfectly fine working solo."

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

Captains Quarters of The Flagship Hope of the angels fleet
3 hours before The Battle against Legion:

General Matthew Gaz looked down at his lovely wife of 8 years and smiled he was happy. He was a good Husband and a Great Father to there 2 children who were just starting the first grade. it Pained Both Gaz and Angel that they couldent see there children but it was to dangerous to bring them to the frontlines. Angel looked up at him "what are you thinking about sweetie."
Gaz "About us and our children. I do miss them baby"
Angel "i miss them to but think once this war is over the president promised to let us retire early so we can grow old with each other and watch them grow as well."
Gaz" I hope your right my love." Gaz kissed her on the head when Justin Scorpion appeared on the holo moniter. "sorry to interupt my friends but Forbs would like a Audiance with us about a joint Operation here."
Gaz "yes Lets go meet him." He turned to his Wife "Here take this" He removed his necklace of a Cross and put it on her "It will bring you luck"
Angel " Matthew This is your lucky charm you where it through every battle.'
Gaz "I want you to have it i want my love. Your my lucky charm now."
Angel was Touched by his words and gave him a passonate kiss " I love you to Darling."

(72 hours later)
Angel was couped up in her room and locked it so know one could disturb her. Forbes was the last person she talked to and he was now in hopes med clinic since Thores Hammers was destroyed. She layed in her bed crying having a death grip on Gazs Lucky charm while she shed her tears in his favorite lounge jacket. It still had his scent on it. "Gaz why ht did you have to go and give me your lucky charm you would still be her if it wasnt for that." She continued to wheep heavily "That Ship Legion ill take it down gaz ill destroy that Damned ship or die trying." She kept crying loudly and the whole ship could here. They all reached out for thhere leader in her time of need
_____________________________________________________________

Kyle Commenderd ship heading for vordoon

Kyle walked from the cockpit after setting it to auto pilot "i need some Sleep if im not awake in a few hours Thomas im taging you in to pilot"
He layed down on the Fluffy couch they were using the first class section of the ship as a Joint Bedroom. The Second kyles head hit the pillowed arm rest he was out. He was in a trance like world like he was when the diva called him. bu instead of the diva he saw White completly nude she walked towerds him and began to speak but it wasnt her voice and she had diffrent eyes"Young gaurdian do you not seek power and glory" she reached out and touuched his face" If you want it all you have to do is serve me' it changed shape and it was now in the form of a crying vixine in her room kyle recognzed Angel immediatly but he couldent talk even if he tried. "She Yearns for her fallen lover put her out of her misery so she could join him. and you will bring her peace." It changed back to White in her battle suit minus her helmet"So will you serve me or will you die." the images disturbed kyle the figure transformed into many things but the eyes stayed the same. In the real world kyle started to wimper in his sleep like he was having a Nightmare.

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

The beast simply followed Morris, for he was about to enter foreign territory. So far, all he had done was kill and devour, now he had to deal with others on a different level. For the first time, he felt apprehension.

"What kind of person..." He muttered. "Is your leader?"

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

30 minutes after departure. Aboard the Falken's cockpit.

In the midst of space, Wolf's cold stare didn't change a bit. He slowly slid the heater of the fighter to lower conditions to allow the cold of space to surround him and her. He was sure she wouldn't mind/
It was then that White talked.

She slid the face-shield of her mask up and asked, "Well, now that you have me, you should at least tell me your name. Why do I need to work with you? I was doing perfectly fine working solo."
"My name is Wolf Stride.....I used to have orders to assist you, but i am sure that it won't apply. We need to meet up with a CO, hopefully in Voordoon..........."

Wolf kept piloting at a slow speed so the others wouldn't lose track of his signal. It ws then that a strange signal had hit the Falken's cockpit. It was an Imperium ship, but it wasn't one that Wolf had seen. Suddenly, a warp point opened out and 3 Omega Ships came out with a fighter screen of at least 50.

Aboard the Vengeance

As they looked at the incoming screen of fighters, they sent a signal to Kyle's ship. A monitor slid down and showed Kyle at the helm. The captain of the Vengeance was Cpt. Harvey, a54 year old grey wolf.

"This is the Vengeance, do you copy?"
"Yes, this is Kyle Stingray, Guardian."
"My name is Cpt. Harvey Spire. We have encountered 3 unknown ships and a huge wave of fighters to boot. Should we engage?"
"What's the remaining time to reach Vordoon?"
"Scan's show 20 more minutes. The ships are unknown, but an Imperium fleet is normally 5 times as big. I am certain that they are a scout group."
"Or an ambush. We might be able to find out some Imperium trick and they are small........Ready up all the weapons."
"Yes Sir"

The Vengeance's hangar doors slowly slid open as a small fighter screen of 15 billowed out. The pilots aboard, were Aros warriors and the were on Wyvern X-06's, a later model of fighters that was discontinued for its high maintanence cost but it's power, speed, agility and maneuverability earned him a spot within the Vengeance hangar doors. It's main weapons consisted of the versatile Minigun that fired heavy plasma rounds and the wings were made of a special alloy that let them stretch out and slice head on fighters or ship platings in space. It also had a good payload of missiles and were outfitted with cluster charges that when they were thrown at the target, they would split off and blow up several times, which would be usefull for both large and small targets.

The Vengeance hangars then began throwing a smaller unit of 10 fighters, all of them were Gripen Customs. The Gripen was a small fighter that was known to be quite fast and its small size permitted for faster turns and easier dodges. This version was a customized form of the old Gripen with much more stronger alloy and is much lighter. It carries a payload of missiles but it's real shine was the Lightning Generator it had. By causing friccion with the particles in space, it could create a small force field around itself and shoot out the lightning foward. It also had Twin Vulcans with armor piercing rounds.

Wolf's Falken contained the same Solar Laser as Dante's Falken, but his more customized for speed and evasion. Besides the laser, it had Twin Miniguns in its underbelly, a large amount of tracer missiles and finally a radar scrambler.

The enemy fighters approached head forth as the Vengeance prepared its side cannons. The 25 fighters formed up in formation behind Wolf's Falken as they sent signals to stabilize the formation.

"This is Guard 1. Enemy fighter screen consists of 50 fighters. We are arely at half."

One of the Wyvern's pulled next to Wolf's falken and sent a signal. A doberman was at in the pilot as his eyes glowed blue.

"This Falken 1.........Make sure that each has one wingman to use Hit and run tactics........."
"Copy that Falken. You are without a wingman you're self, do you require assistance?"
"Hmm...........Yes, i am in need of a wingman. You shall be codenamed Falken 2 for this op. Make sure that the other fighters do the same."
"Copy that. All units are to re-arrange positions and use Hit and Run tactics. One wingman per squad. Falken 1, that would leave us with 13/2 man squads."
"Exactly. One backs up the other........"

The fighters began moving back and forth until they formed up in a formation where one was in front and the other was behind. The enemy fighter screen approached and a small balls of fire were made at the xplosions of missiles and gunfire that began folding across. The 2 ships began nearing the battle field, staying just far enough that the fighters wouldn't break from formation and the enemy fighters wouldn't go for them. The Omega Ships approached as well and began preparing their foward cannons.

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

TOF: Katmir’s RECORD 5=

=The Hephaestus, Command Center=

Katmir sat in his command chair playing random strings of music on his old guitar, scanning the data on several viewscreens. His engineers and medical team, combining their work with the Big Three’s own resources, had a total recovery of ships and crew of 87%. The Peleg’s Polaris Weapon had done the most irreplaceable damage. Katmir’s salvage droids helped pick up whatever material was left for appropriate funerals and Hephaestus’ future endeavors. Now he waited for the Perseus and the Balseraph to get into positions with their remaining ships and prepare for a long jump through hyperspace. The Rim Concordant’s flotilla was ready, too. Led by Admiral Aeva on the Peleg, their united force would go straight to Praxis and remain there until further notice from appropriate channels. General Nybbas was the most difficult one to deal with, even though he understood what Fleishjaeger had done concerning Jacob. Nybbas had openly lost respect for the new czar, and so he grudgingly agreed to assist the 9th and Concordant Officers on this mission.

<HEPH> Perseus, Peleg, and Balseraph are ready, sir. Industrial Complex locked. Engines are hot.>
Katmir eased his seat back and stopped playing; realizing the pain on his brow came from a frown he’d been holding for a while now.
<Cpt.KM> Rock the convoy.>

The unified galactic navies burst through hyperspace towards Praxis, followed by a thin swirling dark mass.

Another shadow moved through the corridors of the Hephaestus, even undetected by Cmdr Fu’s gridrunners and protocols. It slithered along the walls, past the Captain’s quarters and down to a nearby door. Hephaestus’ electric eyes only saw that door slide open then shut. With a crewman already inside, the software ignored the incident.

=The Peleg, Admiral’s quarters=

Though officially known as Chaplain Kerala, the flying lizard shaman Mwanza had returned to his scriptures immediately upon return to the Concordant BattleStarship. His spirit was now as troubled as before the cataclysm that changed his home planet of Ssoria mere years ago. He knew many would die, but not so much from political intrigue and military duties as the occult motivations behind the War. Societies were always willing to kill to defend their sovereignty, but what kind of creature would kill its own kind? It was rather unfathomable for the shaman to consider how such things could be, but the Imperium’s new Czar Jacob Blue proved otherwise. Was he ever so thirsty for power? Or had his passion become his madness, allowing him to be possessed by an evil ghost? Just as Mwanza shifted his mindset to implore the gods upon the matter, he noticed movement out of the corner of his eye.

“Who’s there!?” he exclaimed, thinking he had just seen a podling’s tail dart behind an armoire built into the wall. He heard two knocks behind him, coming from outside his port window! The black mass lingered for another second then vanished. Mwanza drew his scimitar and held his left hand up in a sacred sign. “A shadow demon! Agamis-hu akbar! Let thy light confound the darkness!” His sword gradually became a bright thing, making the internal lights of his cabin seem dim in comparison, and he closed his eyes. A third eye split open on his forehead and he saw three tendrils of darkness; at the window, the armoire, and the third one held its distance to his left. That one, he swung at, causing it to split and disappear in the white of his sword’s core. Mwanza felt a burn across his back, and he slashed expertly in that direction, dispatching the black thing that had scratched him. He turned to the window, and although he didn’t hear it, he felt he was being mocked. Then it was gone. His third eye closed, and all was back to normal. The danger had been abated, and his sword was still nothing more than three feet of metal. He walked to Aeva’s full-length mirror and looked at the three gashes on his back.

He hissed, “This is madness..!” Now, Mwanza had an epiphany. He recalled his studies and considered current events. An ancient word came to mind, but he dared not utter it. The revelation he received from his god Agamis was not coming to pass. It was ongoing. The Corruptor had already gained the advantage. The details of his vision had been lightly received by the others during dinner, but he was not ashamed. He feared for what they would have to suffer in order to believe and endure. With that, the shaman sheathed his sword and prayed for the galaxy.

=The Perseus, virtual space=

The samurai bull named Krieg charged through the virtual corridors of the 9th Legion starship as if he normally would in real-time. The advantage in this profession is in the speed at which the gridrunner reacts to anomalies in the starship’s artificially intelligent computer. Their unique focused thought process, in addition to the Cyber Command servicemen, strengthened the software. Currently, several Legionnaire soldiers were also in hot pursuit of what they dubbed a “black worm” back in real-time. However, Krieg is also seeing it in the Perseus’ binary structure. He spoke aloud there, his message coming through the soldiers’ commlinks. “I am sure it’s going straight for Col. Jirafa’s quarters. Keep your EMF detectors and FLIR sights on! Perseus, adjust sensors in like fashion and help us corner this worm!”

<PERS> Anomaly, designate “worm” in rapid trajectory towards Col. Jirafa’s quarters. Security alerted. Room is sealed. Note the ambient temperature change in its wake.>

“I see it!” Krieg had drawn his virtual sword, surmising this to be an enemy gridrunner’s avatar – though he couldn’t begin to explain how it was also detected in Perseus’ actual corridors. It noticed Krieg and two advancing guards, and then halted.

<PERS> Guards detect anomaly, but are unable to deter it.>

The “black worm” backed against a guard’s avatar when Krieg sliced into it. A bad feeling overcame the bull when the guard’s avatar fell and the worm disappeared into Col. Jirafa’s doorway.

<PERS> Sergeant Gupta, deceased. “Worm”, inside. C.O. is unresponsive.>

Krieg shoved the virtual door aside and ran towards his CO’s avatar, which fired a pistol at the second guard. The black worm was not in sight. Then Jirafa aimed at Krieg and black tendrils whipped out from her pistol and wrapped around his neck and limbs.

“I will not be dishonored!” He relented, letting the worm fully exit out of Jirafa’s image just as more security avatars entered the room and surrounded their CO. Then Krieg focused his “chi”, causing the worm to loosen its grip. And with one quick slice of his sword, Krieg split the dark monster in half. It disappeared from his view.

“Perseus, report!”

<PERS> Anomaly has been destroyed from my systems and is no longer emanating physical readings throughout my shell. Colonel Jirafa has suffered a minor heart attack and is being taken to Sick Bay. Sergeant Gupta cannot be revived.>

Krieg snorted in disgust, logging out of Perseus’ systems grid.

He opened his eyes and sat up from his modular station seat, a technician standing by his side. He told him, “Continue the investigation into the guard’s death, but do not transmit these incidents to 9th Legion HQ yet!” He pulled a cyber-monocle from a pocket in his armor and placed it over his right eye. “Perseus, when you locate another worm’s signal, transmit the grid visual and take me to it.”

=The Imperium’s Balseraph, Gymnasium=

The gym was presently occupied by four guards and General Nybbas, whose dress jacket and shoes were thrown to the floor. They kept their rifles at the ready by the door while he kick-boxed between three large punching bags. The general was known for his brutal strength and master martial arts skills. The guards took note of his change in style and attitude tonight. He was being uncharacteristically crude in his stances, and savage in his delivery. They dared not look him in the eyes. Also, it seemed like he had the thermostat turned far below normal. The gym doors slid away with a beep, and Commander Mallard burst in. The horse did not pause at all, striking the bags hard enough to make them heavy pendulums.

“General Nybbas! Why has Lieutenant Warewolph remained on the civilian starship? He’s a gridrunner and can hack their systems easily from our encrypted command center. Sir? Sir, with all due respect I must insist on being informed on any black ops due to-“

The general turned and charged the officer, letting the punching bags slam into each other. With a feral neigh, his fist shattered Cmdr Mallard’s beak and crushed his feathered skull. The guards were startled at the fatal punishment but remained at their posts, except one who asked “What the fuck!?”

The black horse had tasted the gore on his open hand and cocked his head at the trembling fur. His breath like theirs was visible.

“Do I know you?”

=The Hephaestus=

The ships had automatically come out of hyperspace to a terrible sight above the planet Praxis. The green fox took a deep breath and shook his head in disappointment.

Katmir had switched his guitar from acoustic to electric and was strumming it in a harsh, continuous heavy metal riff. His smirk was replaced by a snarl. Dr. Gallo’s voice came in over the intercom. “Yo, Cap! You’ve got check out your mecha’s nasty upgrades. Come on, you have to test her out, first!”

Katmir misplaced his fingertips and caused feedback that made his ears twitch back. “Gimme a sec, Doc!” He kissed his guitar and put it gently into its case. “Goodnight, Sally.” said the fox, and he locked the case gently as if tucking a cub into bed. Then he hopped to his door and made it open.

Dr. Gallo stood with his right hand by his beak in his street style greeting. “Cappitty Cap!”

“Doc Cock you finger li-OWW! Shit!” Katmir thumbed the palm of his paw. “Did you just hypo me?”

The rooster showed Katmir the tweaked joy-buzzer ring in his hand. “The mild sedative is absolutely necessary for you and the crew. You’ll see why in a minute. Please have a seat. Come in guys.”

Katmir backed onto his desk and was surprised to see Cmdr Fu and HexPoint walk in as well. “Et tu, HexPoint? Seriously, ya’ll explain yourselves and make this cool. And please tell me my mecha didn’t implode or somethin’.”

HexPoint spoke first, “Nah, the big robot is bad-ass enough. We’re here on official business as your furiends. Consuelo…”

The pink armadillo held her fingers up in the air and pulled a holoscreen in front of her crush. She whispered, “No audio needed.”

This near-perfect holographic live video made all of them reel back. Katmir’s paws went to his face and he let out a very sad noise from his snout.

Consuelo explained, “I didn’t break my promise, K. There was a glitch in Hephaestus’ system that he ignored and I didn’t. Gridrunner Shears is looking into it, but this is what I found and I think there’s more going on than that.”

Katmir made the same whine again. “Nooo… Damn it, nooo… Wanna kill ‘em… Arrrtiee…”

Gallo put a hand on his friend’s shoulder. “Believe me; I know how bad this is. Being betrayed is awful. I know a therapist that-“

“Therr.. ahh... pee.. pee..haaah…”

HexPoint coughed. “Bro, did you just make a joke?”

Katmir’s sad face contorted and a frown took over. His paws dropped from his face.

Dr. Gallo looked him over and raised an eyebrow. “Well, hell. I should’ve used a tranq dart instead.”

Consuelo gasped. A familiar trot was heard outside the captain’s room, followed by a feline yelp. Their eyes turned to the holoscreen.

Although he had been sedated to the point of slumping on his desk, Katmir was still able to activate and unleash his personal combat droid. The chrome green android lycanthrope grappled with the nude Warewolph in Artemis’ room just next door. Artemis wrapped herself in a blanket and backed up against her large window. Warewolph’s claws lit up and extended. Warewolph cut off the droid’s right arm with his left, but it countered by stabbing his right foot up into it and kept it there. The combat droid then gripped Warewolph’s right forearm tight enough to shut off those claws as well. Warewolph growled at the droid, which breathed out a freezing gas directly into his maw. The combat droid let go of the wolf, whose head and torso were now a block of ice and with its left arm it threw him out of Artemis’ room. Then he left.

The door slid closed and a loud clank was heard just beyond it. The room lurched, prompting Artemis to sit in the chair just in front of her window. The seat then spun to face the window, where a large but simple control panel folded out from underneath it and jutted toward her. She flailed about, holding a belt. Then the image changed to one from an outer camera on Hephaestus’ hull. A trapezoidal block jettisoned from the starship past the horrible wreckage of the docks towards Praxis down below. The holoscreen turned off.

Katmir’s body lay down on his desk, his face turned to where the live feed was played. Drool and slow labored laughter escaped his mouth while tears ran down his gold eyes.

<HEPH> Captain Mahal says that you’d better make sure you kayo him into a coma next time, or else he’ll not like you anymore. Now get him up so we can make more money from the Praxian government. And HexPoint, your fly is open. Enquote.>

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 05 Apr 2009 Posts: 1023

“For the last time I will not get involved in your war as a charity! If you want me to kill someone then pay me for it!” the mercenary yelled into his headset.

The Star League Lieutenant, at the other end of the connection, was begging at this point, “But we’ve already paid you more than anyone here makes in a decade. We can’t keep paying your rates. Please we-”

The mercenary cut him off, “If you try to recruit me one more time I’ll find you and kill you!”

“I thought you didn’t kill for charity.” The lieutenant retorted sourly.

“Maybe I’ll get a tax write-off for it.” The mercenary told him, clearly not amused by the Lieutenant’s comment. “I’ve learned that choosing a side in a war really cuts into the profit margin.”

The silence from the lieutenant told the mercenary that he finally realized what was going on.

“Yes, I was the one that eliminated an entire patrol of yours last week.”

“But… but… all of those times you’ve helped us…”

“Someone paid the bill. Oh don’t be so surprised. If it makes you feel any better I charged the Imperium the same rates that I charged you.” The mercenary had heard enough of the conversation and shut down his communicator.

He was sitting in the cockpit his heavily customized fighter just staring out into the stars.

“Must you always be so mean?” a female voice asks from behind him.

He sighs. “I’m not doing it to be mean Krystal, its just business.”

She leans over the top of his seat to look him in the eyes. Her long blue hair draped down and blocked the rest of his view like a curtain. “I know you’re not that heartless Shadow even if you do get paid to kill.” She gives him a long passionate kiss.

“I’m just trying to make sure we cover our expenses. All of these weapons, armor, and upgrades aren’t cheap you know.”

She laughed, “Yes I do know. I do the accounting remember?”

“Just another reason for me to love you.” He smiles as he kisses her again.

The fox and vixen were rather intimate for mercenaries but not very many noticed. The pair were lethal enough doing freelance work before they teamed up and now it was as if they were death incarnate.

She sat back down in her seat, “Hey are you sure these are the right coordinates? It’s not like the Imperium to be late.” She looked back at the navigation equipment. “Not that I mind having you to myself while we wait,” she adds giving him a devious smile. She climbs onto his lap and starts disrobing him.

They were very different from each other in many ways and that’s what made them so effective. He preferred to be heavily armored and well stocked with a variety of assault weapons keeping him most effective at medium and close ranges. His custom armor was engineered to withstand most weapon classes and was even able to survive being dumped into the vastness of space, as long as its power systems were working. He colored it to match his fur with a black basecoat and red accents. However she stuck with a lone long-range sniper rifle and minimal armor. Even her fur was the opposite of his consisting of a light blue basecoat and snow-white accents.

“Here they are.” He says as their scanners indicate an incoming Imperium cruiser. “Time to suit up.”

She voiced playful objections about him putting his clothes back on.

As Shadow put his armor he sighed as he started thinking to himself. “It is always the same old song and dance with these Imperium types. Every time it goes the same way:
-suit up
-dock with the cruiser
-stand aside while the search crew checks my ship
-find the highest ranking paper pusher
-get paid
-leave”

“Why can it never simple with these guys?” he asked himself aloud.

“How can it get any simpler?” Krystal was standing next to him with a smile on her face, “You’ve done this so many times that I could blindfold you and you’d still be able to do it.”

He looked at her and paused for a moment. She looked so vulnerable in her armor compared to him.

She noticed the way he was looking at her and knew what he was thinking, “we’ve already gone over this. I don’t want a heavier armor.”

Without even thinking he started to argue, “but you’re too exposed. The armor doesn’t even cover your whole body.”
She placed her hand on his shoulder and looked straight at his face, “I’m a sniper. This suit is all I need. I’m still surprised that you were able to talk me into adding any armor to it.”

Accepting defeat Shadow sighed and checked if they had successfully docked with the cruiser before approaching the airlock. It took unusually long for the cruiser to respond, “Mercenary craft. You have successfully docked with airlock bridge A27. Please wait for clearance to board.” Usually he completed the entire process unarmed but this time, for some unknown reason, he subconsciously grabbed his “Scimitar” rifle and waited at the door for clearance to cross the ramp……

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

=Vordoon=

It took a lot to anger General Reaver but the destruction of the ship yards was to much. He looked at the representative from the Star League, one of many that were left behind when the mine field went up.

Carl Joel, a 34 year old cheetah, was sweating. It wasn’t because it was hot in the office. It was the look Reaver gave him.

“Look General I know you’re angry and all but Jurgen, well he...”

“Shut up you fraking mother of a space slug. Do you know what he has done. Without the dry docks there wont be any new ships till they’re rebuilt. That is going to take time. In the mean time Jacob’s Omegas ships are going to tear through the Rim. My god man half the Praxis 1st and 2nd fleet where in those docks. Most of those crews are now dead, DEAD! Worst of all, are the untold thousands of civilians that were killed.”

Carl had a confused look on his face.

“What do you mean untold thousands of civilians? I thought the military controlled the dry docks? True there might have been some...”

“YOU IDIOT! The docks are privately owned. The government of Praxis doesn’t own any of the docks nor does the Military or the 9th control them. All our ships are built by civilians. Did it even occur to your military why the docks and yards were taking out so easily? Why the hell do you think none of them had any military defense systems or fighters on them?”

Carl was shocked when he heard this. For many years he and most of the Star League had thought the 9th had full control of the dry docks and ship yards. It was believed that the military would have heavy weapons and defense fighters protecting them.

‘No, gods no it can’t be...’

“I’ve had it with your peoples arrogance. I’ve had it with the Star League. To attack civilian targets in such a way is unforgivable. I could have forgiven you if your military had destroyed the launch bays or some other main part of the docks that would have forced us to repair the docks or abandon them and rebuild, but to completely destroy the installations without even thinking of who was on them... *Slams his fists on his desk* I’ll show no forgiveness. Tell me Carl, have you ever heard of the Ragnarok Protocol?”

Carl’s eyes widened when he heard that name. It was a scorch earth policy in where no courter was given to anyone, where ships, industry and agricultural facilities were attacked. Cities power was destroyed and anyone who picked up a weapon was given only once chance to surrender or be killed. The Protocol was used very rarely, the last time it was used was over a hundred years ago.

“General you can’t be serious?”

“I am very serious and it is done. You’re General has left me no choice. I need to end the fighting in the Star League as soon as possible. The entire might of the 9th Legion is coming to the Star League. In each battle your people will be given one chance to surrender. After that, there will be no survivors.”

Reaver then stood up and began walking out of the office. Carl turned to him.

“Where are you going?”

“To see someone who used to be a friend.”

Carl Joel just stared as General Reaver left, tears forming at the thought of the slaughter to come. Even the Field Marshals forces were lenient. From what he saw in Reavers eyes, there will no mercy.

=Planet Vorious, Star League Space=

Vorious had been recently liberated and the people were celebrating. There were eight Star League warships in orbit to watch over them. It seemed like nothing could dampen their mood.

Then multiple jump gates opened up and the 3rd Fleet and the Praxis 4th fleet jumped out. Word quickly spread about the recent arrivals. Everyone turned toward the sky as a live transmission was sent out.

“This is Vice Admiral Miles Contier of the Star League to 9th Forces, explain why you are here.”

Moments later.

“This is Admiral Dowdy, you are to stand down and surrender your ships effective immediately.”

This caught everyone by surprise but Contier just chuckled.

“I’m sorry Admiral but I can not authorize that. I’ll just get in contact with the Gener...”

Contier never finished as the 3rd and Praxis ships fired. The eight ships never had a chance to put up any defense. Once out of the way Dowdy ordered the planet to be bombarded. All industrial, agricultural, and military facilities were destroyed. Power installations were also hit. The entire 9th Legion was sent down. The Star League ground troops tried to stop them, none of them would be coming home. When Admiral Dowdy ordered a pull out, Vorious was decimated. The people had lost everything. They looked up, many of them wept. Before leaving Dowdy made certain the people knew why they were attacked in such a way. A message was planted on all vid screens.

(This is what you wanted, wasn’t it? You have possibly doomed the entire Rim by attacking the only place that could build the ships needed to attack Jacob’s forces. You have killed untold thousands of innocent civilians. Now, thanks to the slaughter your precious military has committed, the entire Star League will pay the price. This is Ragnarok!)

Less then a day later another Star League world suffered the same fate.

On the other side of the Star League the 1st Durase fleet began their attacks as well, fallowing the Ragnarok Protocol.

Princess Mary and all of the Rim Concordant was stunned by the attacks but were angered by the attack on the Praxis dry docks even more. She ordered all contacts with the Star League to be cut off. All other Independent worlds did the same. The Star League was no on their own, they would get no help. Orders were sent to all military commands that if any Star League ship entering their territory it would be seen as a threat and was to be immediately ordered to either surrender or be destroyed. Even the different Pirate and Raider groups would not give shelter to any Star League ship, for fear of being hunted down.

When Jacob heard of this he laughed so hard he collapsed on the floor. Once he calmed down he sent word to all military commanders to kill any Star League that they saw, why should the Rim have all the fun he thought.

=Imperium Throne Room=

Jacob continued to chuckle at what the 9th Legion was doing.

‘I still can’t believe Reaver would enact Ragnarok. Oh, I would love to see the faces of the Star League Commanders when they hear of this.’

He picked up a data pad and smiled at the information he was reading. As of now Legion and its task force was ready to launch its attack against the Guardians. There was also seven other fleets standing by. Yes, the true war was about to begin. He decided to wait though. There was still five other fleets moving into place. Once they were in place he would give the order.

He chuckled evilly at the thought of battles to come.

=Planet Kara=

Fleet Admiral Reily read the reports coming in and shook his head. He couldn’t believe the General would do something so stupid. The Praxis ship yards were vital to the war effort. Now there was nothing to stand in Jacob’s way. Time was needed more then ever. He pressed a button and his data screen showed all recently liberated worlds. He knew what was coming. The 1st Durase fleet would be heading right to him. They had already taken down two worlds already. Since the General took the more powerful ships for his attacks Reily was left with only a small task force. He had objected on attacking the ship yards. Instead of going with the General he was ordered to protect Kara. He knew they stood no chance against the Durase ships. He soon sent word to the Durase Admiral that he and Kara surrendered.

When Reily told the people of Kara about the surrender he thought they would hate him and would want to have him court marshaled or worse. Instead of distain they celebrated him as a hero. Several hours later three more worlds would also surrender. In the coming days the leaders of the four worlds came together and declared their secession from the Star League and would from the new Galactic Confederation. Kara would be the Capital world for this new Galactic body. Fleet Admiral Reily was named the supreme commander of the Confederate Forces.

Reily would soon learn that Kara and some other worlds were planning on leaving the Star League before the war started. With everything that going on they saw this as the only option left. Whatever the case the 1st Durase Fleet bypassed the Confederation. Realizing that General Jurgen would not stand for this, Reily immediately ordered his force to prepare for an attack. He would get a wonderful surprise though. The planet Varns had secretly built several dry docks. They had been in contact with some business owners on Praxis before the war and was able to get several designs for ships. Though they would only be able to build up to date modern frigates, for Reily it would be enough. Already three new frigates were launched. He also heard that Kara was nearly done completing several ship yards of their own. These ones capable of producing both frigate and destroyer class warships. The more ships and equipment he had the more the new Confederation had a chance of surviving. He also began to make plans. The Confederation didn’t have the recourses like the Praxis system has, but they did have enough. It would take time but he thought if they could keep the dry docks a secret for a little while longer then maybe the Confederation could supply the Alliance with ships till Praxis repaired there own. All he needed was time.

=Yagmoth=

When Fleishjaeger got the news about the attacks he couldn’t believe his old friend would order such a move. The Ragnarok Protocol was used a last resort to quell large uprisings. It was brutal and many civilians would be harmed in the long run. So many worlds were hit as Dowdy’s forces continued its onslaught.

‘Connie, my old friend, I can’t believe you would do such a thing. You would have never give such an order when we still were Knights. Why now? What was on those dry docks that would fill you with such rage that you would order Ragnarok?’

Before he could think of anything else a transmission came in, high priority. He pressed a button and Jacob’s face appeared.

“So, how’s the war coming Field Marshal?”

“Fine your highness, every...”

“Oh lets cut the crap Fleishjaeger. Do you really think I’m going to play your games. I don’t think so. What, you think I’m going to restore your honor after all this is done? I don’t think so. In fact, I think I might leak out to the entire Rim about the shut down codes. Heh, can you imagine everyones reactions when they learn that with a push of a button I can shut down over three fourths of their ships. HAHAHAHA oh it should be wonderful to see them try and rewire the systems. Oh don’t worry, I won’t tell them it was you who gave me the codes, it would be bad manners.”

“But your highness, that means there will be more ships for you to handle. Even with the Legion you’ll have a hard time...”

“Yes, so much death and destruction, so many people suffering. Such is the life of war Field Marshal. In truth I have no need of you. It was fun, pretending that we needed each other but I’ve grown board with all this. Heh tell me, how you precious Yuki Onna doing. Eh don’t tell me, there is no need. I know where she is and she won’t be making it back, alive. Now, you go ahead and play in the dirt, I’m sure you’re very busy right now. I’m not sure what you’re looking for on that planet but I don’t care one way or another. Do take care and have fun.”

The transmission was cut and Fleishjaeger just sat their lost in his own thoughts.

He heard a knock on his door and an orderly came in.

“Yes?”

“I’m sorry to disturb you sir but General Reaver’s ship has just arrived. He’s making his approach right now. Umm I saw the transmission personally sir, he seems to be very pissed off. Also sir, the Aries Wrath has showed up as well and Princess Mary is also landing. She doesn’t seemed pleased either. There’s also a several large ships that are unloading something over...”

Fleishjaeger just sighed and stood up.

“Thats enough, I get the picture. I’ll go greet my old friend and her highness.”

“But sir there’s one more thing.”

“What?”

“It seems that Reaver has ordered several battle platforms to be built. Also I just read some scans on some ships landing. It appears that Reaver has brought machines and supplies to build a improvised dry dock. I guess he’s not playing around anymore and wants whatever that massive ship is repaired as soon as possible.”

“Why hasn’t our defenses kicked in?”

“Umm sir, the thing is the Czarina just landed as well. Its seems she gave the order not to attack. She’s already looking at the ship. She also wants to see you as soon as possible.”

Fleishjaeger just sighed and wandered how this could get any worse.

=Morbius=

Moonberg’s operatives had homed in on where the transmission was sent. He sighed and turned to Chenn.

“It seems it was sent to Yagmoth. There are only two people on the planet that it could have been sent to. Either Colonel Monk or the Field Marshal. So we can scratch off Maldune and Jersey from the list.”

Chenn just nodded and looked at the heavily coded transmission.

“The Czarina is not please by this Colonel, not pleased at all. She wants you to continue your investigation into this matter. To that end you are here by promoted to the rank of General, that should give you more leverage to find the information you need. Good luck.”

With that Chenn disappeared. Moonberg just smiled and shook his head. It was a new piece of technology that was being tested. The Holographic Imaging Receiver System, T.I.R.S. So far it seemed to work out pretty good.

Phil just sighed and ordered his teams to continue to monitor all transmissions. Whoever the traitor was, he was going to find him.

=Vordoon=

Morris looked up at R1.

“Well General Reaver is a good leader. He’s never steered us wrong. I’ve only seen him angry one time. That time some pirates attacked a civilian vessel, killed everyone on board.”

R1 looked at Morris.

“What did he do?”

Morris sighed, “He tracked them down and well he took no survivors. The one thing no one should ever do is attack Praxis civilian shipping or the ship yards. To him every Praxis civilian is precious and the ship yards is dear to the people of Praxis. As for us soldiers, Heh he will bend over backwards to help even the lowest rank of us. I would kill for him... I would die for him if need be. He’s honorable and worthy of all our respect.”

R1 just nodded and looked up into the sky. They were coming, he knew this. All he had to do is wait.

=Warp Space=

Lieutenant Sandra Armain, a 22 year old Red Wolf, lined up beside her wingman. As the fighters closed in her eye’s glowed a dark blue. She got a lock on one of the Omegas fighters and fired. The battle had begun.

“This is Falken 4, got one. Aquiring new target. Falken 5 keep me covered.”

“Copy that Falken 4.”

She found another target and moved in for the kill. After maneuvering behind the Omegas fighter Sandra fired and destroyed her target. Once destroyed she began scanning for a new target.

All over the Wyvern’s tore through the the Omegas fighters. For the Omegas pilots this was something new. For some reason the Wyvern pilots seemed to able to anticipate their every move. It was very frustrating. The only thing going for the Omegas pilots was that they out numbered their opponents.

“This is Falken 5, I’ve got four boogies on my six, need some help back here.”

Falken 4 slowed her fighter down till all five ships passed over her. She then sped up and targeted the first fighter. After taking it down she went and took out the next. Sadly by the time targeted the third fighter Falken 5 was destroyed. She quickly took out the other two. Suddenly she was being fired upon and had to take evasive action. As two Omegas fighters moved in for the kill.

“This is Falken 4, I’ve got two on my six. I need some assistance here.”

“Falken 4 this Thomas Aaron on board the Guardians fighter, are you alright?”

Sandra blushed after hearing his voice.

‘By Tallos, so thats Thomas Aaron. He sounds very handsome... Wow hold up there girl, lets not start thinking about what he looks like. We still have to survive this fight.’

Thomas targeted the fighters. Luckily the controls were easy to follow and he was able to take the fighter off auto pilot. He fired the weapons and destroyed the Omegas Fighters.

“I'm fine thank you. I've lost my wingman and need some backup.”

“Roger that but unfortunately this is only an armed transport. I got lucky and they didn't see me.”

“No problem. Sir I recommend that you take your ship back a ways so that you won't get caught in a cross fire.”

"Affirmative, be careful out there Falken 4."

"I will."

Sandra checked her censers and saw that the Vengeance was now engaged. Quickly moving in, Vengeance and two Wyvern’s moved in and began taring apart one of the Omegas destroyers. Before the other two could come to its aid they were suddenly attacked from the rear. A frigate suddenly appeared and sent a signal to the Vengeance.

“This is Nameless to Vengeance. We’ve been monitoring the situation and thought you might need some help.”

“Nameless, Vengeance, you guys came at the nick of time. Glad for the assistance.”

Nameless continued to attack the destroyers rear while Vengeance pounded away at the other.

All around the Omegas forces tried to regroup but the Wyvern’s and Wolf’s Falken continued to cut through them. Every now and then a Wyvern would cut through and its wings would slice into a cockpit.

Sandra sighed and began to target the next fighter, they may just survive this yet. She checked to see where the transport was at, making sure it wasn't caught in the fight.

With that Sandra fired her weapons and another fighter was destroyed.

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

**Planet Yagmoth, HKM Field Research Site: MALCOPS**

There was a time, and a place, for everything. Normally, the old badger would have actually been hospitable to the arrival of a noble, let alone a royal. But... not this time. Instead, he sat across from her and General Reaver, smirking, and looking as unprofessional as he could. Yagmoth was still a free-planet, and Fleishjaeger still had moves he could perform on this chessboard.

"Your grace," patiently explained Fleishjaeger, "The docks in orbit here are HKM property. I cannot seize them, due to the non-aggression pact they've signed with both you and the Imperium. A pact, you in fact ordered them to sign some thirteen years ago. Not only that, I have given HKM my word that they would remain neutral in this conflict. So, you'll have to look elsewhere to make repairs on your beleaguered fleet. Perhaps, if your General Reaver would revoke his "no-quarter" order I could persuade HKM to allow you to use their facilities."

"One will not ask General Reaver to rescind his order."

Standing up, the old badger pushed his chair in, "Then these proceedings are over."

Princess Mary smiled, waving for General Reaver to stay still, and said, "No they are not. You are to instruct HKM to hand over the ship they've found, as well as grant us full access to their naval facilities here. If HKM fails to co-operate, they will be seized by force. Star League had its chance to ally with us, and they launched a terrorist attack against an unarmed station. You are lucky One is choosing to grant you this opportunity."

The old badger smiled and laughed. Downing his glass of vodka, he toasted the Princess. "Ah, I love it how the new guy always knows how to fight out here on the periphery. My dear Princess Mary. Out here, you need to be ruthless."

Reaver knew something was about to happen, and stepped to shield the Princess. Yet his brave move was too late. For as old as he was, Fleishjaeger drew his brace of pistols blindingly fast. Before anyone even realized what was going on, several staccato bangs from the pistols rang out. For several moments the sound echoed off the wall. Mary's eyes were wide with surprise, and a hint of fear. She looked around, and realized that the badger had just slain all of her entourage. Even Reaver lay on the floor, his blood oozing out from underneath his body. She looked at Fleishjaeger, and tried to say something. Only stammers came out.

Fleishjaeger shrugged and holstered his smoking pistols. "Well, haven't had to do that in a while. I am a Field Marshall for a reason. People seem to just think... I bought the job. That I'm incompetent or something. I hate that. I really do. Now, being as that you are my guest, and the tables suddenly seem... more balanced, maybe we can come to some understanding."

The cold mirth from Fleishjaeger's face melted. He walked over, and nudged Conrad with the tip of his boot. He redrew his one pistol, and shot twice more into the back of his old acquaintance. "Connie has no idea what he's just done. The Eridani are not heroes, true. And they are not warriors, either. But you know what they are? Stubborn believers in the Lady Lenneth. And the one thing they do have from her, is her hubris. Let me tell you a story, Mary."

The old badger went back to his chair, pulling it away from the table. Sitting down, he kicked his boots onto the table, and began to lecture the Princess. "The Stables around Eridani Prime were a symbol to them. That, while they are not warriors, they can defend themselves. The loss of the Stables was a huge blow to their morale. The Eridani survivors attacked your precious ship yards at Praxis because they watched their own planets burn while you stood by doing nothing. So, to them, you all are little more than followers of the Giants. I might have been able to convince them to work with us. Especially if the rumor is true that Diva is still alive. But now... now my dear, you've cut open a festering sore, and it's pretty damn polluted. So, they attacked the Praxis Shipyards. And boo-hoo if a few civilians die. Apparently they were helping the war effort, which, to even this jaded badger, means they are combatants. This is war, your Highness. A lot of people die."

"They were innocents on this shipyards. Refugees from the war who hadn't been given the opportunity to resettle yet."

"Well, sucks to be them. Don't get all self-righteous with me, Mary," taunted Fleishjaeger. "You're a spoiled child. You've never had to deal with want or need or anything. You have no idea what horrors war can cause. And your champion, Conrad Reaver, has pretty much unleashed them. The remnants of the Star League Navy are now an uncontrolled, chaotic force."

"How can you say such things? How can you be so cold? You're a Knight Gallant of the Order of the Sun? I've read about you too, Vectin. You were the epitome of chivalry and nobility. How... how can you say... no... how can you believe in such debase things?"

The old badger refilled his glass of vodka. He offered the bottle to the Princess, but she refused. Looking over the top of his glass, he answered her question, "Was... I was a Knight Gallant, in case you missed the Sash. Because, in this reality, light eventually loses. Suns fade, and hope dies a miserable, lonely, meaningless death. There is always something more evil over the horizon. Something else to snuff out the dreams and hopes of everyone. I gave up trying to be a hero. Why? Because you can't win against the darkness. Eventually you become what you're fighting. So, I stopped caring. I decided that, as long as I had my skin in one piece, I would do whatever it took to keep it that way. I'm Eridani, Princess. Born and raised right here on Yagmoth. We're not heroes. Useless fact, your Majesty, Yagmoth was the name of the Gremlin Tinker-King."

The old badger pushed himself away from the table. It was his turn to ask a question. "Now, my dear, innocent, naive Princess. What are you going to do to keep yourself alive? I've got nothing left to lose. My family and children, long since gone. My honor, also lost trying to do the right thing. And now that I've been left to hang by your brother, Jacob, I really have no need to work for him either. What I do have, though, is a very, high profile negotiation piece. Your inaction has already stained your hands red, Mary. Your innocence and purity is gone. What cruel, malicious, self-serving thing are you going to do, to save your own skin."

Fleishjaeger raised his hands to stop Mary from saying anything. "And, before you say something heroic like 'you can kill me if you want', blah-blah-blah, you're a symbol to the rebellion and to the Rim. If you die, so does the rebellion. If you die, the infighting amongst the states will return, and Jacob will mop up everything. You've got no idea what a monster your brother is, Mary."

He paused to take a sip of his vodka. "Now, Mary, what are you going to do with your stained hands?"

==== Warp Space ====

The Yuki Onna watched impassionately, as Wolf maneuvered his fighter-ship into the maelstrom of combat. The space-combat meant nothing to her. White could feel that her wounds had healed. She could feel her power having returned to her. Closing her visor, she smirked. The Yuki Onna wondered if Wolf had even noticed the fact she siphoned off a bit of his life essence to heal herself. She waited, patiently. Wolf was not the old predator in the cockpit. Once the pilot's full attention was on the enemy fighters, the Yuki Onna closed her eyes.

Step

She knew where she had stepped to this time. To her Master's office. It had changed little, since the last time she had seen it. A space heater still cooked under the desk. She recognized the room's vodka drenched smell. The Yuki Onna even afforded herself a small smile, as she listened to the clock tick. She dragged her fingers along the wooden desk, and looked at them. Not a speck of dust. It was like she hadn't been gone but a day. The only thing obviously new was that the dress reds weren't hanging in the corner like they normally were. It had been a while since she had met with Vectin Fleishjaeger. That was the only thing missing in the room. The old badger who owned it.

White stalked over to the office door, and listened. There were guards outside. The old badger never had guards outside his door. She would have to eliminate them. The planetwalk left her a bit weak, so White decided on a different course of action. Closing her eyes, she focused on the life essence of the guards standing outside. Her scar-tissue lost its color becoming necrotic looking. She opened her eyes, and took in a deep breath.

Drink

Odd, gurgling and suffocating noises emanated from past the office door. The noises silenced themselves. White then heard bodies slumping to the ground, and weapons rattling on the stone floor. Opening the door, she walked outside, and smiled at her handiwork. Seven husks lay on the ground. Infused with the soul drain's effects, she no longer felt weak. Tilting her head up, White sniffed at the air, searching for the old badger's scent.

She began loping off in the direction the scent was the strongest. It was good to be home.

==== Chateau Carms ====

It was still early in the morning, and there was a bit of time before Ginger would have to head off to school. Her mother had waited for several minutes in the breakfast nook. Seeing as her daughter had not arrived yet, Valerie decided to see what was keeping the little fruit bat. Sneaking upstairs, she quietly opened the door to her daughters room. Ginger, still in her pajamas, sat at her desk with her back to the door. Valerie could not help but think of how adorable Ginger was, sitting at the desk coloring, with her wings folded over her shoulders like a big, warm, blanket. For a moment she watched, as her daughter furiously worked the crayons on her desk. Using the soft-pads of her feet, the husky dame snuck behind her daughter. Looking over her daughter's shoulder, the husky dame asked, "What do you have there, sweety?"

Beaming a smile from ear-to-ear, the little fruit bat twirled around, and presented a crayon drawing to her mother. "I had a dream about this girl, mama! See! She's all pretty, and has a blue space suit!"

Valerie smiled to hide her concern, as she accepted the drawing from her daughter. "Is this the same space-man you had the adventure's with?"

Ginger frantically shook her head no. "Nuh-uh, mama. That was a boy. He had a green space-suit. This was a girl. Her's is prettier because it's blue."

"Do you know who this is?"

Again, Ginger shook her head no. "Nuh-uh, mama. I just saw her in my dream. She was all huge and beautiful and powerful and she flew around a bunch."

"Really? That sounds like an amazing dream!"

"It was, mama, it was. She was all like... heroic and stuff. Way cooler than that green space-man."

Valerie crouched down and smiled at her daughter. "I wouldn't say that about the green space-man. I'm sure he's pretty heroic too."

"Nuh-uh. He's nothing like she is. She's... amazing. When I grow up, I want to be her."

Placing the drawing back on her daughter's desk, Valerie said to her daughter, "I'm sure she was, Ginger. But sometimes a dream is just a dream, honey. Well, did such a big dream give you a big appetite?"

"Yes mama!"

"Well, hurry on downstairs. Breakfast is already ready, and you'll be late for school if you dawdle anymore."

Ginger jumped up from her desk, and rushed to the door of her room shouting, "Race you, mama!"

Standing back up, the husky dame laughed and said, "You better run fast, or I'm going to get all the good cinnamon rolls!" as she chased her daughter out of the room.

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

Warp Space
Kyle laid asleep stuck in a nightmare by something in his mind. The diva sat next to him using her lap as his pillow . She Stared at him talking"kyle you need to fight this creature in your head its trying to control you." She repeated.

In Kyles Dream he was running from the yokki onna the shape the corrupter chose for this segment of his nightmare. She steped ahead of kyle he stopped ad fired two shots from his battlestopper but it steped again and again. Kyle swong around but the corrupter steped and caught kyles arm and forced it behind him breaking it in two places."You will bend to my will weither you like it or not." she whsperd into his ear.

Kyle used his other arm and punched her in the face. then his self in the groin that forced him to awaken from the imaginary pain. The corrupter screamed at losing her prey in her territory but she knew they all had to sleep sometime and she would break one of them to submitting to her will.

Kyle awoke and shot up from his nightmare and relized the ship was rocking from the battle out in space. "whats going on he thought to himself."

he immediatly activated his comwatch to establish a link with ginger but it was dead. "someone must have disabled her systems"
he thought to himself

____________________________________________

==== Chateau Carms ====

Ginger was eating her cinamon rolls when she heard a loud white noise go off in her head. She sarted screaming 'AHHHHHHHHHHHHH" she put her hands on her head trying to force out the sound and started to cry "momma make it stop Please momma its making my head hurt Really bad."

The Husky Dame Immediatly took ginger into her arms. She was sure she disabled all forms of transmision programs in her so why was this happining now. "Dont worry honey we will take you to the doctor right now." She Cooed into gingers ear.
When the sounds in gingers head stopped she could still kinda hear a ringing "momma can we go now i dont want that to happen again." She wisperd before falling asleep into valries arms from the exhauston and pain.

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

Vordoon: Extraction Point

The beast had been doing a lot of thinking as of late. Who was responsible for his existence? Why didn't he die when dropped that planet so long ago? So many questions and no answers.

'I liked it better without the brains...' He thought to himself. 'At least I didn't have all these competitive thoughts fighting in my head.

He refocused on the task at hand, trying to shut out the internal noise.

"Morris, my appearance may be startling to others..." He stated. "I may need a uniform or something."

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

[TOF: Katmir’s Record #6]

=The Hephaestus, Captain’s Cockpit=

The small but spacious cockpit seemed rather empty without Katmir in his glorified orange easy chair. The artificial intelligence software named Hepahestus assisted the ship’s crew with the new mission above Praxis. A concerted effort with the Praxian government had allowed Katmir to gain access to their orbital factories’ schematics. With his industrial mecha they were able to rebuild one of them to full operational capacity. Most of the new fighter armor forges within the hulls withstood the Star League’s dastardly attack and explosive chain reactions, as was hoped. Although the dead numbered in the thousands, their legacy remained in those structures and the consequences of their products’ use. Thanks to Katmir’s resourceful ideas, their work and purpose continued in mere days despite his contract was with the 9th Legion. Admiral Aeva’s liaisons were quite helpful in this endeavor, but the Imperium Warship Balseraph had been relatively quiet. It seemed that General Nybbas decided to patrol their sector just beyond the base of operations instead. They were not hailed frequently as a result. This Imperium General was quite adamant concerning Czar Jacob Blue, and since he halted all hostilities, they were somewhat trusted from their maintained distance.

Above the captain’s chair, a wide framed monitor slid down and automatically turned on to a music video site. Hephaestus changed the channel to a menu screen where he visibly accessed the Grid. A particular signal was found and the screen fully displayed the transmission. An iridescent butterfly is sitting on top of a tropical flower. A voice resembling that of a rock and sock ’em robo rally announcer speaks. “And now, for a little bit of R and R…” The butterfly takes off, and the camera pans out to a beautiful shoreline on the planet Ballena, showing the rotting carcass of a red humpback whale beneath the sun. “… but not like you think.”

Then the whale’s massive head turns up to the camera and says, “If you smell something fishy, you’re damn right it is!” Heavy metal music begins to play. The video then shows a lightning-fast slideshow of photos depicting sex and violence, pop culture and politics, and many scenes of feral beasts in stampedes across the known galaxy.

The disembodied voice speaks again through this, the letters “XRNR” blinking mid-screen. “Live, from beyond the grave, beyond the reach of colonial encroachment, beyond the abysmal pit that is your regularly scheduled brainwashing… I mean, “programming”… Here is Red Gale the Whale on XRNR, Xenomorph Rebellion News Radio!”

The loud music continues as a spinning red dot in the middle of the black screen grows big enough to make details on it. It is the low-level computer graphic avatar of Red Gale’s anthropomorphic head, his eyes and teeth peeking through the screen menacingly. He shouts, “:RRRclickclickclickclick-hhhHOOOOOooh..! Click… click… rrr-click… HrrrrROOOOOooOOoh!: In my native language that means, how many military dictatorships does it take to make the pain stop? Answer: Minus zero to infinity! This crappy life we live is nothing but someone else’s gang turf war, and everyone's getting pissed on! Me? I'm just pissed off..!”

The door to the captain’s cockpit slides and stays open. There’s the sound of hard running boots building up, then Katmir executes a perfect forward flip over the headrest and onto his seat. He changes his seating position to meditation style, getting his tail out of the way. Banging on the armrests opens them up, and out pop two bottles of “Feer Beer”™ on the right, and a packet of candied cheese in the other. He flicks one bottle open with the claw on his thumb, and takes a swig. “Louder, Heph!” he commands before tearing the top part of the junk food packet open with his teeth. Katmir starts eating the bits two at a time with a grin on his snout and a frown on his brow. He tries to rub the frown off, as he’s been having headaches since launching Artemis into Praxis. “Gimme four feeds of our work in progress. When’s my new escape pod gonna be ready?”

<HEPH> It’s ready, if not unfurnished sir. It will be put in place shortly. Dr. Gallo and Cmdr Fu are also ready to present your new combat chassis when you are.>

Katmir gives a thumb up while taking a long chug from his favorite imported beer. “Back to my suck-ass show.”

The screen split three ways, with Red Gale’s floating avatar in the center and a guest’s face on each side. Scrolling marquees on the bottom of the screen displayed the shows’ statistics on the lower left; marketing propaganda on the bottom right; and the audience’s ineffectual opinions below on two separate lines.

“Now, I hate pointing out the obvious to the audience, but I know that sooo many furs, scalies, avian, and what-have-you have been raised on pure ignorance that it compels me to come out of my sepulcher and get in your face about it. But don’t take my word for it, because my guests today will surely drive another nail in your coffin. And you should be so lucky to get one! My guests are putting their lives on the line because hell, who has a choice nowadays? They will prove how bad things are! To your left, this lovely otter lady is Sergeant Fleetwood of the Star League. To your right is the dapper Master Sergeant Reznor of the Rim Concordant. Are they enemies? NO! These two are husband and wife ‘til death do they part. Ladies first, Sgt Fleetwood.”

“Thank you Gale. I need to make this clear: My duty has nothing to do with my personal life, although you may think otherwise. We met by chance while on leave and it was love at first sight. ”

“Now how could that be when you’re on opposing sides?”

“Well, we were out of uniform, so-“

“Yeah, I bet you were. MSgt Reznor, why did you marry a member of the Star League?”

“Love is love, Mr. Gale. And be that as it may, we believe that we will be together even after our respective authorities find us and execute us for it. Love conquers all.”

“Am I to understand that after years of servitude-“

“Service to the Concordant, Mr. Gale.”

“You say tomato, I say tornado. Look, years of serving under the gauntlet and in one moment it’s all, “let bygones be bygones, baby. Say! We should make babies!” Am I right?”

“So to speak. I have no personal quarrel with the Star League. It’s simply my job.”

“Same here. And I am happy to announce that we are with child.”

“So you two have no true opinion as to the recent massacre of thousands of Praxians executed like a megalopolis drive-by, by the Star League??”

“Mr. Gale, what are you talking about?”

“Oh, don’t tell me you don’t know about that! It’s all over RNN and the grid! Miss Fleetwood, your response?”

“You must understand, the people of Eridani Prime had just recently suffered the most heinous murder! Let me tell you a story…”

“Stop! Now wait just a moment madam. Everyone knows about Eridani’s tradition with telling ghost stories. Fine. But for someone who’s just ditched their military duty over a so-called magic moment, I mean come on! I didn’t ask for Eridani mythology. I asked for your opinion on your leaders, or employers, whatever you want to address them as. I want to know what you think about the Star League killing members of the Rim Concordant society, AND I want to know how this affects your relationship to Sgt. Reznor, the father of your child.”

“How dare you speak to me that way? Don’t try to turn anything around on me because-“

“Well, you did agree with your husband that you have no quarrel with the Star League.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Mr. Gale, please. All we want to do is-“

“Then what did you say, Sgt. Fleetwood? I will play back the audio.”

“But I didn’t say that I had a quarrel of any sort. Although you seem ignorant of what happened to Eridani Prime, and that’s despicable!”

“Despicable? We’re still waiting for your opinion on what your peeps did to your husband’s family!”

“Mr. Gale! Do not attack my wife! She was not involved!”

“Pan out, camera two and three. Sir! Your wife is in full Star League dress uniform, and you’re wearing sweats. What’s the matter, otter? Whipped, or creamed? Or, have you always been a sympathizer with the enemy? The ball is in your court.”

“You don’t have the right to accuse anybody of anything, whale. The fact is that despite our jobs, we-“

“E-e-excuse me, Sgt. Reznor. Your wife is saying what?”

“Lady Lenneth and her children have been scorned, and she will be vindicated!!”

“Honey, what are you saying?”

“Damn you! Our people will never be ripped out of the pages of history! Lady Lenneth-“

“Sgt Fleetwood. Sgt. Fleetwood, baby-momma, look. Your history applies only to your culture and community, not the galaxy, alright?”

“Mr. Gale, do not attack my wife’s spirituality or genealogy. This interview is over. Let’s go.”

“Rez, I don’t need you to save me from anything. I – NEED - to propagate for The Lady. For the triumphant return of the Eridani!”

“Wow! You see people? You’re all crazy! Romance can’t undo the brainwashing! What..? What!? Get out of there, Mike!”

“THIS is the STORY of the ERIDANI!” She shouts, emptying her pistol on Red Gale’s camera crew. The mad otter steps over to the camera. “Rez, darling, I love you. But I just cannot raise this baby in such an ignorant galaxy. It must be purged before it can become the New Eridani. I love you.” She puts the pistol to the lens.

“Miss Fleetwood, you mean the WHOLE galaxy, or just..? Aw, barnacles. MSgt Reznor, you’ve just become the proud inheritor of a hellacious bill. My crew and equipment are priceless and not very cheap.”

“Baby? Love? What did you do to my wife and child you bastard?”

“I’ve done nothing but hold a mirror to you both, and the audience. And I’ve exposed you for exactly what you are! I mean, your pregnant wife just murdered my employees for no other reason than a hissy fit! I am aghast and appalled! Oh… Oh what now!?”

The second camera shows a horned fur with Red Gale’s logo on the back of his shirt wrestling furiously with Master Sergeant Reznor. This one shouts, “For the Czar! And the Imperium!”

“Unbelievable, furs. This is outrageous. And what are YOU doing? I don’t give a week’s worth of plankton about my ratings! This is who you are! You’re nothing but a bunch of feral beasts engaged in territorial pissings! You’re all selfish jerks! Where is the selfless honor? Where have cowboys and the knights and samurai gone? Where are the justice and the mercy? Oh, I know! When you’re done destroying your cousin, try the medicine cabinet! This is Red Gale the Whale for XRNR, saying ‘make me happy and prove me wrong’. To the families of my beloved, brave, traveling crew, I send you my sincerest condolences. I know exactly what it’s like…” The red whale’s image spins into a tiny dot and disappears with the loud music and the second camera fading out. MSgt Reznor snapped the Imperium fur’s neck before the screen went black except for the XRNR logo.

Katmir sat with his bag of candied cheese rolled up in his paw and his head on the other, with the shittiest look on his face.

“Hot-damn, that was shitty. Oh, well. Dysfunction is a function! Plus, no typical surprise secret tranny lover furniture fights. <Fu? Gallo?>”

<“The Doctor is in.”>

<“Yes, my Captain?”>

“I’m gonna go vent my frustrations on some drones. I’m on my way.”

=The Hephaestus, Cargo Bay 03=

Captain Katmir, Cmdr Fu, Dr. Gallo, and Hexpoint stood looking at a special video of the “big robot project” they’d been working on. In the video, there is a monster so big it could grab a fur in a liftmech with one paw. This skinless amalgamated creature had a canid body with tentacles for extremities, it’s head area looking more like the business end of an octopus. It thrashed about, seething in a high pitched scream akin to a cub’s yelp with an electronic reverb. That video was then placed in the upper right hand corner of the screen, showing five other video replays of its different stages simultaneously. Katmir gave with a hearty laugh. Cmdr Fu and Dr. Gallo bumped knuckles. HexPoint cracked his knuckles and smiled, saying “You three are scary put together. When do the Kommandos each get their own, so we can kick some ass out there?”

The black rooster put a feathered hand on the white elk’s armor plated shoulder. “Not anytime soon, unfortunately. We would need to capture more of the Imperium’s weaponized mutations. At least one for each of you, including a combat chassis suitable for space vacuum. Also, please choose a more… menacing design.”

“It’s real nice an’ purty, ya’ll!” exclaimed Katmir. He pressed his paws and snout to a large window. “It looks just like my person. Let’s rock.” A gigantic black feral paw thudded against the other side of the window, it’s metal claws gleaming in contrast to the thick fur. Huge golden eyes with pitch-black oval slits peek into the window, meeting Katmir’s own. The big robot resembled the captain as if he were a pre-evolution emerald vulpine. Its appearance hid perfectly the biomechanical mutation beneath, except for the nozzle built into its tongue.

Soon, Katmir stood in a form-fitting exoskeletal suit that covered him from head to tail in the colors of an oil slick. Commander Fuertespalda looked over a rather grotesque helmet of the same design as Katmir’s suit and handed it to him. It looked like a skull, and made a pressurized sound when he put it on. Katmir extended his arms outward.

“Yiffy-ki-ay, mofo!”

The giant fox then stands on all fours, fur covered double doors opening from its underside. A star-shaped suction-cupped tentacle intertwined with cables whips out from underneath the biomech and latches on to Katmir’s helmet, arms, and legs. Then it yanks him upwards into the compartment. The doors shut quickly, and his HUD displays a view as good as peripheral vision, with enhanced data input. The giant fox turns its head towards the lab window and zooms in on HexPoint. The computer not only identifies HexPoint with Hephaestus’ databank info, but also as food.

“Awesome, guys. Pure genius. It has indefinite energy resources like the old EATR series droids. It’s barbaric and beautiful! Now, I can still control this thing from remote?”

A headshot of Cmdr Fu’s pink face appeared off to the left side of his screen. She was wearing makeup, which was quite unusual for the armadillo. Her small breathy voice came in as clear as if she were next to him. “It recognizes your voice, and as long as you can transmit, it will receive. However, all its capabilities are enhanced by direct interface with your energy. The photovoltaic suit meshes with the biodroid’s biotech programming to effect response time just a bit faster than normal, as you can see.”

Katmir was causing the robot undergo a Yang-style Wu-Tang combat tai-chi regimen. “I love its werefox transformation application. Tail and digitigrade’s balance ain’t too bad, either. Manual dexterity seems fine…” The biomech’s hands retract into paws then back again, the claws extending with a noticeable vibration to them. The ears twitch to small repair droids hovering and skittering in the cargo hold. “Yo, HexPoint! We jettisoned Warewolph’s Imperial cyberpunk-ass out with Artemis, right?”

“Affirmative, bro. Those cold Imperialists didn’t even bother to pick up his carcass. You ready for this, or what?”

“It’ll be like a video game. Okay, Kommandos! First flatline buys the beers. Whoo!”

The cargo bay door s open, and Katmir’s biomech leaps out into Praxian space. He circles around the Hephaestus’ industrial complex and follows a trail of repair droids and fur-piloted mechs working on the second stardock for Praxis. He noted the armored fighters coming out of the assembly line and flying towards the Rim Concordant’s War Vessel Peleg. He switched to an external camera that gave him a greater point of view from the tail. He darted around in zigzags, loops, and corkscrews, and laughed. Five enemy blips appeared in one spot then split up just beyond his peripheral vision. It was Katmir’s Kommandos out to test the biomech with remote fighters salvaged from the destroyed stardocks. They moved into the area designated by Admiral Aeva for their weapons testing.

“Impulse propulsion feels good! Let’s test speed and reflexes with shields on.” Katmir’s helmet hid the view from around his body, as he was cocooned in a bioluminescent jelly-like organ with thousands of internal feelers reacting to his suit’s output. A chemical reaction firing electrical impulses through its body was amplified by cybernetic generators. These sparks exit through areas in its internal armor, charging the outer mutant epidermis, then releasing at the tips of the fur. This creates a controlled burst of energy which thanks to fiber optics, looked like a soft green force field. “Fire away, Kommandos.”

As salvo after salvo of rockets hit the speeding biomech, Katmir feels the impact as very light taps on respective parts of his body. The electromagnetic flux centered in on the rockets as they got closer, generating an arc of energy that caused them to explode on range, not contact. “Shields off! Fire!” This time he felt the hits as thumps, but nothing more. Balkan guns on his underside tickled the captain and made him laugh. Four more rounds from the other fighters in the same area began to feel like pin pricks into his stomach. The computer sent this info to the Hephaestus for later study.

“Shields on! Activate solar sails!” Commanded Katmir. Fins of green energy extended from the biomech’s shoulders and tail, tripling his speed. Praxis and the stardock operaions disappeared from visuals, except by location on star charts. He turned around when he reached The Balseraph’s flotilla. They didn’t hail him, so Katmir didn’t hail them, either. Distant stars shot by him on his approach. “I’m coming in hot, baby!” He turned off the solar sails and used momentum to attack the Kommandos’ remote armored fighters. Having charged the main weapon on the way, he fired a laser out of the biomech’s mouth that incinerated the incoming fire, and one of the fighters. He swatted at one fighter with is right paw’s vibro-claws when it came too close, destroying it. The third, he had to spin in place then bite it in half in a mousing technique. The jolt from the resulting explosion vibrating violently around Katmir’s actual jaw was unnerving but exciting to him. Katmir held out his hands and pointed them like pistols at the remaining two fighters. They were damaged but still charging like a joust. Balkan guns fired from the biomech’s head at one of the fighters as it flew by releasing chaff. Katmir executed a spin kick that destroyed the fourth fighter’s cockpit, rendering it useless.

A blip comes in and out faintly in his HUD. Katmir laughs and flies full-throttle at it with his shields and solar sails on, laser weapon charging as well. He felt a tug on his helmet, then he suddenly found himself floating in outer space, no tether to hold to, and no life support system except but for mere minutes of oxygen. The biomech floated in the distance. Katmir saw a black shadow mass threaten him even though he was calling in the biomech to attack. He was tackled by four of these shadow things when the large one took Katmir’s helmet off.

The black shadows disappeared, leaving Captain Katmir to hold his breath in outer space.

=END of Katmir’s TOF Record #6=

Royal Member of BonBon Joined: 05 Apr 2009 Posts: 1023

Shadow opened the airlock and proceeded across the connecting bridge with Krystal right behind. He always hated airlock bridges; it was too easy for him to get sucked out into space. Why cant I just land in their hanger? he thought to himself as the Imperium search team walked past him to inspect his ship.

“Hey Shadow. I was looking at our accounts and found that one of them was missing a rather large sum of Standard currency. Do you know anything of this?”

He kept looking forward as he answered, “Are you sure that you didn’t just add something wrong?” His tone seemed very uncaring and she knew he was up to something.

Probably bought himself a new toy to blow something up with. She thought, looking up at him.

They reached the cruiser’s airlock and when it opened they were greeted with an uncommonly warm welcome. Shadow glanced around minimizing his head movement to keep everyone from knowing exactly where he was looking, a useful trait. The corridor was lined with armed guards. “Must be a new unit. I see an entire platoon here to greet us.” He said aloud. He was connected to Krystal via their own private comlink and with his helmet on she was the only one that could hear him.

A nervous looking officer in his dress uniform approached them and shakily started speaking, “Commander Larwassa is waiting for you in the briefing room.”

Larwassa? Never dealt with him before.

Shadow realized how intimidating he must have looked to these new soldiers in his full armor and AR-548 in hand.

They arrived at the cruiser’s briefing room and an Imperium High-Officer was waiting for them. He offered Shadow his hand and introduced himself, “I am Commander Larwassa and it is a pleasure to finally meet you face to face Shadow.”

Shadow looked down at Larwassa’s outstretched hand and then back at Larwassa.

Larwassa cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable, “right then.”

Krystal stepped out from behind Shadow and shook the officer’s hand, “pleased to meet you.”

Larwassa continued, “Down to business.” The trio sat down at the table. “May I offer either of you a drink?” They just sat there looking at him. He looked down at some information that was on the table in front of him, “I see that your missions with the 9th, the Star League, and the Guardians were successful. Well done….”

Shadow cut him off, “I know it’s not my place to ask but why have you, an Imperium officer, paid me to help your enemies fight against your allies? A hidden agenda maybe?”

He cleared his throat again, “smaller sacrifices must be made to move toward the greater war picture. Anyway here is your payment for each completed mission.” He slid the currency across the table. Krystal took it and started counting out the amount.

“Do you have another task you would like us to take care of or are we free to leave?” Shadow asked impatiently.

“I do in fact. Through your travels I’m sure that you’ve heard of one called the Yuki Onna, have you not?”

“I have but I was under the impression she worked for the Imperium as well. Or is this going to be like my other missions?” Shadow asked accusingly.

“Some… …complications have arisen. What do you know of her?” suddenly the officer’s entire demeanor changed. His voice was cold and his stare wasn’t much different.

The mercenaries were unaffected by his change. Doing their job for as long as they have it took a lot for them to be shaken.

“Not much, why?” Shadow asked calmly.

“huh, Ok. Tell me then, what do you know about a wolf known as Thomas Aaron?”

With working for both sides Shadow learned a lot about many aspects of each side. He also knew that either side would do anything for that information.

“I’ve heard of him.” Shadow continued.

The officer was growing impatient, “Can you tell me o-”

“LOOK, I DON’T SELL INFORMATION!” Shadow yelled as he slammed his fist into the table cutting off the officer once again.

“But what does it matter to you if you give me this information?”

“I MAY NOT HAVE AN ALLIGANCE BUT I DO HAVE HONOR!”

“Why do you think we’ve hired you to help those deviants in the first place?”

“Maybe you should reread the contract.” Shadow told him coldly “You paid me to kill your own soldiers not to give you information on your enemies’ troop strength. This is a time of war, I will not give information about one party to another. Now if you don’t have a real mission for us we will be going.”

Larwassa looked at them in silence for a moment before standing up, “if you will excuse me for a moment I will go and find out for you.” And he walked out of the room leaving the two mercenaries alone.

“I don’t like this Shadow” Krystal finally said to him.

“It’s nothing new sweetheart. It’s war and both sides will do anything to gain an advantage on the other.” He paused “This one is clever though I must admit. Hiring us to help his enemies in an attempt to gain information. I know that wasn’t approved by his higher command.”

“Do you really know anything about those two he asked about?” Krystal knew that the room was bugged and they were recording everything that was said. But they still couldn’t hear what Shadow told her so she didn’t really care.

“I’ve only heard rumors about White but this Thomas Aaron character is new to me.” His use of the Yuki Onna’s adopted name suggested that he knew more than he was letting on.

In another room Commander Larwassa was talking to someone unknown.

“Yes, he completed the missions flawlessly…”

“No, he said nothing of the Yuki Onna or of Thomas Aaron…”

“I did not get a chance to ask him…”

“Are you sure??? That’s suicide…”

“My apologies I forget my place…”

“Why don’t you just influence him like you did the others?”

“What?”

“Thank you…”

“Commander Larwassa, out.”
Back in the briefing room.

Larwassa walked back into the room, it looked like someone/something had spooked him, “I do have a mission for you. Here is all of the information we have. You only have one target and we want it eliminated by any means. It is a failed experiment that is on a rampage somewhere on the planet Vordoon. You’ll know when you find the target it has been heavily mutated. It should be an easy mission for you.”

Shadow could tell he was lying, “If its such an easy target why haven’t your armies eliminated it?”

Without missing a beat Larwassa continued, “Our forces are busy fight the rebels in that area and can’t spare any units to go look for it. We will pay you your standard fee upon completion of your mission. That is all.”

With that he dismissed the mercenaries and they were escorted back to airlock A27. The show of smoke and mirrors was over and done with. This time they were escorted by a lower enlisted soldier and the corridors on the way back to his fighter were empty. They waited for the airlock door to open.

Larwassa was still in the briefing room when a communicator was brought to him.

“They are no longer of use to us. Eliminate them.” the voice told him.

Confused Larwassa asked, “What about the experiment?”

“That was just to placate them. Now eliminate them!” and with that the connection went dead.

Larwassa grabbed his radio….

The soldier escorting the mercenaries back to their fighter places his hand on his earpiece and responds, “Yes sir it will be done.”

Both Shadow and Krystal look at the soldier.

He turns to them and with a chuckle, “I need to clean the freshers near the mess hall after you depart.”

Shadow laughs “Ah the beauties of the enlisted life.”

An electric signal notifies them that it is safe to cross the connection and the door opens. They start across the connection and as soon as they passed the door’s threshold it slams shut and seals tightly.

They continue walking across the connection. “If that search party messed with any of my equipment I’m adding it o the Imperium’s bill.”

Krystal chuckled aloud and smiled at him.

The platform shuddered “What the-” Shadow started to yell as he found himself floating, no longer held down by the connection’s artificial gravity. The lights in the connection go dead leaving the mercenaries bathed in darkness. Then an explosion throws him aimlessly into one of the connection’s clear walls.

Dazed and confused he coms Krystal, “You alright? What was that?”

There is no answer as he tries to regain his bearings, “Krystal?” there is still no answer. He tries again hints of desperation in his voice, “Krystal?!?”

He activates his suits optic enhancers.

“NO!!!! KRYSTAL!!!!” he shouts as he sees her motionless figure floating near a massive hole in the connection’s structure. Tears stream down his face as he struggles to get over to her body. In the back of his mind he knew it was already too late but he needed to hold her at least one more time.

The Imperium had disconnected the airlock and blew a hole in the side of it in an attempt to eliminate the pair by throwing them into the vacuum of deep space.

With Krystal in his arms Shadow looks up just in time to see the cruiser disappear into a warp gate. Crying he cursed the Imperium and committed Larwassa’s name to memory.

He was then abruptly brought out of his emotional state by his suit informing him that its emergency environmental reserves only had fifteen minuets remaining.

Thinking quickly he used the recoil from his “Scimitar” to propel him towards his fighter. After gliding through its open airlock hatch he very carefully strapped Krystal into her seat before moving over to the main controls to reengage the environmental control systems. The first one fully online was the artificial gravity generator. There was a racket as everything that wasn’t secured clattered to the ground. The atmospheric generators still had yet to come online as the rest of the systems came to life.

He looked down at Krystal, eyes burning, with his hand balled into a fist. The lump in his throat made it nearly impossible for him to speak but he tried anyway, “I’m so sorry it took me so long to finally do this but-” he takes a deep breath as he opens his hand revealing a delicate and beautiful ring. Fighting through he forces the words out of his mouth as he slides the ring onto her finger, “Krystal…w-will…you…marry me?”

Shadow fell to his knees crying because he knew that he would never hear her answer.
A few weeks later…

Shadow was trying his best to keep going after loosing the one thing that actually cared about. His heart was dead and one word ran through his mind revenge.

“Larwassa” he growled to himself.

But then he remembered something Krystal had told him and he calmed down, “She’s right. I need to stay rational and avoid doing something rash.”

He dug through his com records and finally found the one he was looking for. He activated it, “Lieutenant Steffen. Lieutenant Mark Steffen are you there? I’ve had a change of heart.” For Krystal. “Where do I sign up?”

Someone else’s voice came through the line, “This is Sgt. Kron of the 9th Legion! Lieutenant Steffen was executed for his connections with Star League. You are to cease farther communication with this contact!”

With that the signal was cut off. “Damn it! Now what?” he got up and started pacing in the small crew area of the fighter. He looks at the assortment of weapons on the wall rack and stops when his eyes rest on Krystal’s ISD-V4 “Vanguard” sniper rifle at the end of the rack. It had gathered a thin coating of dust because he refused to disturb it since her death. He was always amazed by how well she could use it. The rifle was longer than she was tall. It was then that something in his head clicked, “White!” he’s heard stories about the damage she caused with just a lone sniper rifle. A small smile flashed across his muzzle. If Krystal wasn’t next to me when it happened I would have suspected that she did it.

He swiftly went to his computer and started looking up his contacts and researching his new targets: White, this Thomas Aaron, and his mystery individual on planet Vordoon.

But this time he didn’t want to kill his targets he wanted to join them. He didn’t really know who they were but he knew that the Imperium wanted them dead for some reason or another. And that was good enough for him….

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

=Yagmoth=

Princess Mary knelt down and silently wept as she gently closed the eyes of the dead general. She looked up and shot the Field Marshal a deadly Glare.

“He is not my brother. I have no relation to him. I may have been naive Field Marshal, I’ll except that. But I’m not blind and you’re not the only one who’s lost. Do you think I wanted this position? I wanted to join the militia and learn to fight. But because of who my mother and father were I wasn’t allowed to. As for the Star League, I listened to much to my advisors. ‘After all,’ they said, ‘the Eridani would never help any of us. They’re arrogance no know bounds.’ They told me that we can hold our own. I wanted to come to Eridani’s aid but I was convince not to. I haven’t slept for days when I got the word. But you, what have you done to help matters dealing with Jacob? You have hundreds of ships at your disposal but instead you send only a few here or there. Just giving only that much to help. You’re just as guilty as I am for your own inaction and lets not forget that it was you who destroyed the Stables, not me or anyone else. I wonder what your family would think to see you now? You’ve done nothing but smear your honor and your families name. You’re not even Eridani anymore.”

Fleishjaeger stood up, his pistol in his hand, but before he could say or do anything a shot rang out from the doorway that had been silently opened without anyone noticing. Fleishjaeger fell back into his seat, completely paralyzed.

General Moonberg then stepped in with eight Vanguard. He walked over to Mary and knelt down sighing.

“I’m sorry I didn’t arrive sooner your highness. I’m sorry I couldn’t stop this madman.”

He gently place his hand on her shoulder and then stood up. He walked over to Fleishjaeger and looked at him. The Field Marshal tried to move but couldn’t.

“I was hoping my uncle was wrong about you. I’ve looked up to you for a long time. I thought, ‘Nah the Field Marshal would never sell us out.’ But, I was naive to think that. Now a good man is dead. As for the Ragnarok Protocol, the Star League has completely surrendered, particularly when they heard that four of their worlds seceded from the League and form a Confederation. To my surprise several other League and even non-League worlds have joined this Confederation as soon as it was announced. Seems someone’s been planning this move for a long time. Anyway, what was left of the League couldn’t stand to lose another planet. Once they surrendered Praxis announced it was sending aid to the worlds that were hit. The only person that hasn’t surrendered is Juger. He’s been branded an outlaw by what is left of the Star League and the entire Rim. He won’t live long though. Before my Uncle sacrificed himself to save the Czarina he dropped off a special cargo. A surviving Yuki Onna. I’ve sent her to track him down.”

Moonberg started to chuckle.

“I caught a good portion of your conversation and I thought how naive are you.”

He leaned down and looked into the Field Marshals eye’s.

“You should have paid closer attention to your transmissions. I wouldn’t have known of your communiqué with Jacob if you had paid better attention.”

Suddenly someone called from the doorway.

“Thats enough General, let me see his face.”

Moonberg stood aside and the Czarina walked up, her belly continuing to swell with life.

“There is another reason that the Protocol was reversed. I just informed the Star League that I am relinquishing all claim to their territory, as well as the rest of the Rim. I was going to save it as a surprise after the war but for the good of all I decided to tell the League leaders a little early. In a few hours a message will go across the Rim and everyone will know. So you see, their is still hope Field Marshal. But you will not see it. I could have you executed right here and now, but I’m not. There is going to be a trial. You will go in front of a judge and jury and there you will be held accountable for your treason to not only me but to everyone in the Rim.”

She then looked down at the body of General Reaver and she leaned down and placed a hand on Marry’s shoulder. She looked up and unable to hold back she embraced the Czarina and wept.

“Shhh, its Ok my dear, just let it all out. He was a good man, a honorable man, a Knight of the Order of the Sun. I hereby declare in front of you all that his knighthood has been restored. I wish he was alive to see it.”

She stood up and gently walked Mary out of the room. Several Vanguard picked up Reaver and took him out.

Moonberg walked over and retrieved the Field Marshal’s sidearm and looked at it.

“Nice gun, I’ll make sure it’s melted down and turned into something useful. As for you...”

In one swift move he punched Vectin Fleishjaeger and knocked him out.

When the Vectin woke up he was laying on a cot in a cell. He looked around stood up, feeling groggy. He then noticed someone was watching him on the other side of the bars. He couldn’t see his face but could see he was wearing an 9th Legion Officers Uniform.

Vectin sat down and sighed.

“So are you my interrogator?”

“No, I just wanted to see your face. When I was told you were brought in I rushed over to see you. You know, my mother was wrong about you. You’re nothing that I envisioned. She told me you were gallant and strong and wouldn’t stoop to evil ways.”

Fleishjaeger lightly laughed and looked at his guest.

“I’m so sorry to disappoint you. So if you’re not here to interrogate me, what are you here for?”

The Officer stood up and walked into the light. For the first time in a long time Fleishjaeger was stunned. Staring before him was almost a younger version of himself, down to his very eyes. Growling he stood up and rushed the prison door.

“Who are you?”

“You don’t know me but you knew my mother. She kept me a secret from you, not wanting you to know and ruin your career as an officer. Maybe if you survive this ordeal you’ll think twice about getting drunk from a party. My mothers name was Maia Young.”

Fleishjaeger had a confused look on his face, the name sounded familiar. He raked him memory till he remembers a young badger that he had sex with when he made Colonel. It was stupid but he didn’t care. He was drunk and she was so pretty. They made love and in the morning he had to leave. He needed to get back to his wife and kids before his next assignment.

“I thought she said she was protected?”

“She forgot to take the pill when it happened. She came back to Eridani Prime and when she found out she was pregnant she was disowned from her family. Yet she decided to do what she can to live and then I was born. She told me much about you, so much. I always wanted to grow up to be like you, maybe even meet you one day. *Sigh* it isn’t easy being a bastard, let me tell you. My mother went through so much hell. Finally she couldn’t take it anymore and we left. We arrived on Praxis and things changed. It didn’t matter to them who we are. We made a new living on Praxis. When I was old enough I joined the 9th Legion. I quickly rose through the ranks as you can see. Becoming the youngest General in the 9th. When I learned we were going to fight your forces, I wanted to beat you and then, when it was all said and done, we would meet and talk. I wanted it to be a happy moment.”

Tears began to well up in his eyes.

“Then I learned the truth about how you’ve forsaken your people, your honor, everything. For what? Tell me father, why did you kill Reaver? He was your friend wasn’t he? Why did you turn on us and consorted with Jacob? Where is your honor? Where is your Eridani Blood?”

He slammed the bars and yelled.

“WHERE IS IT?”

He quickly reached in grabbed Vectin by the throat but didn’t squeeze. After a tense stand off he let go and knelt down, weeping.

Fleishjaeger just stood there, stunned and unable to move. He looked at this young General and gently placed his hand on top of his head.

“The Rim has ways of changing you boy. I’ve lost my honor long ago. There is nothing left for me.”

Fleishjaeger knelt down and looked at him square in the eyes. For the first time in many years tears flowed down his face. He saw a younger version of himself. The honor and pride he used to have. He reached out and gently grabbed his son’s shoulders.

“What’s your name.”

“Ve *Sniff* Vectin.”

He quickly pulled him to the cage and embraced his son. At first Vectin Young didn’t move, but slowly he returned the embrace. Fleishjaeger whispered in his ear.

“Don’t lose yourself out here. Don’t become what I’ve become.”

His voice began to crack as he began to weep uncontrollably.

“Don’t lose your honor.”

The two didn’t move. They just held each other for a while longer. Slowly they separated. The two looked at each other, father and son. No words needed to be said. They stood up and Vectin Young slowly walked out. When he was alone Fleishjaeger laid down and did something he hadn’t done in a long time. He began to pray to Lenneth for guidance.

=Reckoning=

General Young was in his office just reclining in his chair, remembering his encounter with the Field Marshal. He would be taken somewhere remote for his trial. It hadn’t been decided yet. Suddenly his data screen lit up and a Praxian Senator was shown.

“General, how are you?”

“I’m fine Senator McConner. What can I help you with?”

“With General Reaver dead and his second in command getting killed when the Star League attacked we need a new supreme commander to lead. After discussing it with the rest of the Alliance it was decided that you should lead.”

Young was stunned by this.

“Why me sir, surly there are others...”

“Yes but you’ve proven yourself time and again. Every mission you’ve lead has been a success and well you’re Eridani. That alone might help convince that last Star League hold outs to come out and help us. Jacob is amassing a large force to strike us. Its only a matter of time. In truth you’re the best that we have. What do you say, General? Want the job?”

After a bit of thinking General Young sighed and nodded.

“Very well mister Senator, I’ll do what I can.”

Moments later a broad band transmission was on. The Czarina’s face was seen throughout the entire Rim.

“Citizens of the Rim, you know who I am. For many years my husband has wanted to reclaim your territory. We turned our back to you when you needed it most. When we invaded we thought that we could bring order and peace. We were wrong. Through my short stay I’ve seen how the people of the Rim have lived on without the Imperium. From the might of Praxis to the power of the Concordant, even the Star League has shown me how far you all have come. So it is with great pride that I declare the Rim free and independent. No longer will the Imperium hold sway over you. All territories that the Imperium has taken by force will be freed.”

She then sighed and smiled.

“To you my loyal soldiers, we have a cause truly worth fighting for. Not only are we fighting to keep the Rim free we are also fighting to free the Imperium from a terrible advisory. From here on let no Rim nation conspire against another. Let us all stand united like never before. Princess Mary has drawn the Line and we shall hold it. Once the line has been held and Jacob’s forces halted we shall push back and defeat his evil once and for all.”

When she was done everyone from all over began to cheer and celebrate. For the first time since the start of the war there was hope and a chance.

=Imperium Throne Room=

Jacob slightly growled when the transmission ended.

‘Crap, this will give them more hope then I wanted. Ah well it will make it that much more sweeter to take them out and crushing whatever hope they have.’

He looked at a recent report and grinned. The last fleet was in place. He pressed a few buttons and said a few words. Moments later the Omegas fleets began their advance. The Invasion had begun.

Jacob looked at the information at his disposal and grinned. There are three worlds that, once taken, would split the defense's in half.

=Meldovia=

The people of Meldovia are a hardy bunch. Most of their world is a lush and beautiful wet lands. Their homes were built on stilts to keep them out of the water. Its main source of income coming from the spices that they grew. Life wasn’t easy though. There are deadly predators that could eat a person whole in one gulp. Poisonous vipers and plants, that could kill in a matter of minutes. Even in the shallows there were drop offs that could send you to a watery grave and no one would be able to find you. Yet with its dangers the people have mad a good living here. Now they had to fight for it.

When the invasion came to Meldovia the Omegas troops thought they would just be able to sweep through without any problems. They soon learned otherwise. Once their ground troops hit the surface they were instantly attacked. Mines, booby traps, bunkers, ambushes left and right and Improvised Explosive Devisees met them on the surface. For every inch of ground they took the Meldovians exacted a heavy toll.

When the people were not the problem the environment was. Massive croc’s were scarfing up troops left and right. Many were succumbing to the deadly vipers and plants. Worse of all there was the drop offs. One moment you’re talking with a friend, the next there’s splash and he’s gone.

Due to the terrain heavy equipment could not be used. Instead light armored or hover craft had to be utilized. These vehicles were vulnerable to all types of attacks.

Meldovia is a beautiful planet, but it was going to be the death of many an invader that strives to take it.

=Venerious=

Venerious is a waste land like no other. On the surface there is no water, no plants, no nothing. Life on this world is harsh, the very air you breath burns your lungs. Yet, there is life on this god forsaken world. Below the surface the people have massive mines of silver, copper, zinc and other metals. For untold generations Venerious has traded its goods with the Rim.

The Omegas troops land on the planet and start to drill into the surface. What they find below though is not frightened and bewildered natives, but well armed and determined soldiers. Omegas forces strive to break these strong defenders but are unable to. Instead the Veneriousians keep the the enemy on the surface where they are subject to the harsh surface. Many Omegas soldier die from dehydration and heat stroke. It would not be so easy to take Venerious.

=Tala=

Between the Venerious and Meldovia systems lys Tala. Unlike the harsh climates of its neighboring system worlds Tala is very Earth like. There are four oceans and five continents with a variety of climates. From the Arctic conditions in the north and south, three massive desserts, large tracks of forest and wet lands and multiple fresh water lakes and rivers. Over five hundred million people live on this world. It had stayed out of much of the fighting that went on in the Rim. That would change.

With no major defenses the Praxis 1st and 2nd Medium Infantry Legions, 3rd Durase Heavy armor Legion and the 4th Rim Concordant Fleet took their positions to defend the planet. The plants populace also stepped in. With 9th Legion trainers and engineers Tala quickly built up its defenses. And not a moment to soon either. The invading force had jumped and and began their attack. Yet like other invading forces Tala would not be that easy to take. The Rim ships held the Omegas ships at bay for as long as they could before having no choice but to pull out. On the planet, anti-ship defenses kicked in. Before being taken out nearly a quarter of the invader’s ships where destroyed. On the planet the defenders were waiting. In a few days only a small fraction of the planet was under Jacob’s control. The defense was holding.

=The Rim=

All along the Line the Rim worlds that are being attacked are holding. Legion had just jumped in and began bombarding one world, but its defenders would not yield. Yet, even though the Line held, it still faltered. The defenders couldn’t keep the Omegas troops off their worlds and had to slowly give way to them. Even so the invaders soon learned that this wasn’t going to be as easy as they thought.

=Imperium Throne Room=

The first reports came in and Jacob scowled. The Line was holding strong against his forces. Even the might of Legion was not enough to push these defenders out. He sighed and leaned back some.

‘So much for an easy blood bath. Wish the Star League hit Praxis a lot sooner, that way the Rim wouldn’t have received newer weapons systems. That and I guess the speeches from the Princess and the Czarina were enough to boost their moral. Heh still they can’t last forever. In time I will bring them to their knees, even if it takes me a hundred years.’

=Vordoon=

Morris led R1 out of the jungle and quietly made their way back to base. When they arrived Morris called in General Price. Minutes later Price was looking up and R1.

“Holy crap, so this is the creature that everyone has been going on about. I’m impressed.”

“Sir, R1 says he needs a uniform or some type of power armor to cover him up. Do we have anything that might work?”

Price thought for a moment and then smiled. He motioned them to follow him. They arrived at a hanger. Once inside they noticed all types of old power armor.

“No one wears these anymore. There’s nothing wrong with them, they all work perfectly. But with the new power armor that isn’t so bulky and easier to move we don’t need these anymore.”

He turned to R1.

“You can take you pick of whatever you want. Morris I want you to help him if he needs it. Once he is suited up both of you come and find me. Something major has happened and I’ll need to brief you.”

Price then walked out and closed the doors, leaving them to find something that would fit R1’s size.

Meanwhile...

Captain Reid, a 34 year old Coyote, looked at the individual sitting across from his desk. After listening for some time Reid nodded and stood up.

“I’m sorry for the rude reception mister Shadow...”

“Please, its just Shadow, no mister.”

“Yes well, anyway, its just that with everything thats been going on recently we couldn’t take any chances. I’ll have your ship returned to you immediately. As for your request, Captain Aaron is not here nor is White, but we do have reports of some strange creature on the planet. From what I understand its been found and is at one of our bases right now. I’ll give you the clearance to land as soon as you’re ready.”

Shadow thanked him and headed out to his ship. Moments later he was making his approach towards Vordoon.

=Warp Space=

Thomas continued to watch the battle unfold. The Omegas ships were getting sorely beaten, but they also got a few good hits in. Thomas winced when he saw the Vengeance’s docking bay get struck. Yet, thanks to the arrival of the Nameless the battle quickly turned in their favor. It wasn’t long before the surviving Omegas ships had to withdraw. Breathing a sigh of relief Thomas sat back a bit. He then heard the door open. Kyle and Diva walked in and sat down.

“Kyle, you look like crap.”

“I feel like it. What happened?”

“Omegas ships attacked, but luckily for us they didn’t expect a 3rd fleet ship to arrive. Still it was a close thing.”

Suddenly the communication system was sounding off. Thomas pressed a few buttons and a young ferret popped up on the screen.

“This is the Nameless to Captain Aaron, do you copy?”

“This is Captain Aaron, we ready you loud and clear.”

“Good, since the Vengeance’s docking bay is down we’ve agreed to take you and all surviving fighters on board. We’re headed to Vordoon for some upgrades.”

“Sounds good, we’ll be their in a bit.”

Later, on board the Nameless...

While Wolf listened to the crew’s report Thomas busy looking over the Arosian’s as they docked. He soon spotted the fighter that he helped and, once the ship landed, he quickly walked over. He saw the pilot step out and called out.

“Hey, that was some incredible flying back there. You’re pretty...”

Thomas stopped when she removed her helmet. Thomas’s mind was completely blank. Standing before him was the most beautiful Red Wolf he’d ever seen. No matter how he tried he couldn’t form a single word.

Sandra was no better. She didn’t know what to expect when she first heard his name but not this. She couldn’t say anything.

They both looked at each other for some time before they finally snapped out of it.

“As I was saying... you’re a very pretty pilot... I’m mean your a pretty good pilot. I’ve never seen such flying.”

She quickly averted her eyes and blushed.

“Thank you my lord, you’re to kind. I’m just glad we got to you in the nick of time.”

Before they could continue Wolf walked over to them. He stopped to look at Sandra and was a little taken back by her beauty.

‘Hmm I think I’ll like working with this one...’

He turned to Thomas.

“I have rooms for you and everyone else. It’ll be cramped but it won’t be permeant. When you’ve settled in come down to the bar and we can talk. There are things we must discuss.”

“Very well Wolf, thank you.”

Wolf nodded to both and walked off.

Thomas turned back to Sandra and lightly grinned.

“So, I guess I’ll see you later then.”

“I believe so my lord.”

“Please, just call me Thomas.” 
“Alright, Thomas.”

The two went their separate ways, lost in their own thoughts.

‘Holy crap she’s amazing, I’ve never felt this way towards anyone before.’

‘OH Gods, I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone quite like him before. My heart is going a thousand miles per hour.’

Thomas found is room, for some reason he was in a room to himself for the moment.

He shrugged and laid down, closing his eyes... and began to dream again.

Once more he saw the Wolfess as she reached out to him.

“Come to me my love. Come and let us rule together.”

His eyes were slowly glowing black when suddenly a new form appeared. He turned and saw Sandra wearing a flowing robe that barely covered her body. Thomas just stood there as she reached out for him. He didn’t know what was going on. He just closed his eyes and randomly reached out... and woke up.

‘What was that? First this strange woman and now Sandra. What does it mean?’

He rubbed his temples a little before standing up and moving towards the direction of the bar to talk to Wolf.

=Raider Space=

General Jurgen sat in the command chair brooding. He got the word of the Star Leagues surrender and was annoyed. He looked at the recent report he received. First four of the League worlds break away and form a new government. From what he read several space docks had be secretly built and were now building warships. Then came the word of the surrender. That really aggravated him to no end. True the 9th was cutting across the systems almost uncheck but still there would have been revenge. But what really killed any plan of attack was when the Czarina declared the entire Rim, including the Star League, free. After a brief communication with the civilian government the Star League decided they couldn’t be isolated anymore. When Jurgen refused to back down he was declared a renegade by his own people. Slowly his fleet began to disintegrate around him till he was left with just the Nomad and four other ships.

‘How did it come to this,’ he wandered.

“Sir, I’m sorry to disturb you but we have a communication coming in.”

“Put it on screen.”

What greeted him made his eyes almost pop out. On the screen was a young Tiger surround by several beautiful women. Yet it wasn’t the women that made his eyes bulge out, it was how the Tiger was dressed. All over the Tigers clothing was a multitude of colors and it almost appeared that he was wearing a dress and skirt of some type. The Tiger took a sip from a cup and looked at the screen. His eyes a deep yellow, with what appeared to be some type of mascara. The Tiger finally spoke up, a slight lisp coming from his mouth.

“AH General Jurgen, its so nice to finally meet you. My name is Jemseen. I’m sure you’ve heard of me or at least my cousin Jesmin. Oh he was such a cad don’t you agree.”

“Uh wha... huh?”

“Oh silly me, just listen to me going on about my dead cousin. Anyway, I’ve heard that you’re now an outcast. Oh you poor dears, its such a shame. Well then I have a proposition for you. What do you say, want to hear it?”

The only thing going through Jurgan’s mind was, ‘How did it come to this.’

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

**Planet Yagmoth, HKM Field Research Site: MALCOPS**

It always rained on Yagmoth. It rained in the spring. It rained in the summer. It rained in the fall. And, even in winter, it rained. Heavy, cold, drops of rain that soaked through even the best of plastics and oiled cloth. Even the well designed tents of the dig team were of little use, once Yagmoth decided to rain. Winds shook the canvas sides of the tent, as water leaked through in over a dozen spots. The floor had been churned to a mucky mess of mud and straw. Dr. Eisenhorn huddled close to the vidscreen on the field desk, so he could hear it over the storm outside.

"General Moonberg, sir, we're getting nowhere fast with this Galaxy Union ship," briefed the white rhino Eisenhorn.

"What about the Technicians that Fleishjaeger had working on it. What can they tell you," the vidscreen crackled in reply.

"They're Techno-magi, sir?"

"What can they tell you, doc?"

"That's what I'm saying, sir. They're Techno-magi. They will only report to Fleishjaeger."

"They're freaking machines! Hack into them, and find out what they know."

"They're blends, technically, sir. I've... lost five of your soldiers trying to hack into them. They're... un-hackable. And they'll only report to Fleishjaeger."

"Well, can't you shadow them or something?"

"Tried that too sir... for some reason, while they cannot power up the ship, they are able to avoid the ships anti-boarding mechanisms. I've lost fifteen of your soldiers trying to shadow the Techno-magi."

"DAMMIT! I swear that freaking badger would stab at us from his grave!"

"It looks that way, sir. The only thing I have managed to piece together from their weird... echo-talk... is that even if they are able to fix the ship, it still needs a... machine fairy or something."

"And what the hell is that?"

"I don't, sir... but... it's one of the few times that their echo-talk actually has... emotion in it."

"How long till your own team is able to unlock the ship and figure it out?"

"Do you want a conservative estimate?"

"Just answer the flipping question."

"Six months. We need Fleishjaeger to grant us access to the techno-magi."

"Oh you gotta be kidding me. I swear, that badger... keep working, doc. Let me know when you have an update."

The vidscreen winked out, leaving Eisenhorn alone.

=== === ====

General Moonberg was in a foul mood. Even in prison, that stupid badger was like a festering boil that erupted at the most inopportune of times. Whatever it was that the HKM found on Yagmoth, the Rim needed for the war. But that stupid badger, yet again, was blocking the rebellion's attempts to defend itself. "I'm going to wring that infuriating badger's neck!" Moonberg growled through his teeth.

Moonberg stormed from his office down towards the holding cells. Despite his suggestion that Fleishjaeger be taken off-planet for the trial, enough of a frenzy had formed that the local governments, Neo-Star League, the Praxian Delegation, and even the Rim Concordant had decided to put Fleishjaeger on trial at Eridani Prime. Fleishjaeger had already been moved to the capitol planet of Neo-Star League, and the trial was to start in a week.

Not waiting for the guard to usher him in, Moonberg stormed into Fleishjaeger's cell. "Finding our hospitality, accommodating?"

"Most definitely. I'm actually enjoying this impromptu vacation," the badger replied, while reclining on the wall-cot.

"Still scum and defiant, aren't you, Vectin? You should have never been knighted, let alone given the title Gallant."

"I'll be sure to let the Czarina know the next time I see her, considering the fact she was the one who knighted me Gallant."

Moonberg pounced, and ripped Fleishjaeger off the cot. "Give me access to the techno-magi."

"No."

"That wasn't a request."

"Oh, well in that case... no." smirked Fleishjaeger as he replied.

"A flipping war's going on, you bastard! Once Jacob tires of playing, he'll send the Omega's to annihilate us. We need that ship. Don't you care about anything other than yourself?"

"I care about a good game of chess... and some good vodka... oh! And a nice, mutton, lettuce, and tomato sandwich. Where the mutton is nice and crisp, and the lettuce fresh... mmm... just makes the mouth water thinking about it."

Moonberg tossed Fleishjaeger back onto his cot. He noticed that, somehow, the badger had gotten a chessboard. A half-finished game was on the board, and the white side was clearly winning. Moving a white rook to take one of the black pawns, Moonberg taunted Vectin, "Checkmate. I've wanted to say that for a long time. You've got twenty-four hours to give us access to the techno-magi... or I'm going to ask hard. Good luck getting yourself out of this one, Vectin."

Fleishjaeger watched from his cot as Moonbrook left. "I would have told you this, if you had asked, Moonberg," mumbled the old badger. "But that's not chess."

Scooting off the cot, Vectin went over to his chessboard, and studied it again. As he puzzled over the game the room turned cold. Squishing noises, like huge bags bursting, came from outside the door. Fleishjaeger moved one of the black pawns to the promotion row, and replaced it with a queen.

As White phased into his cell a devilish smile leaked onto Fleishjaeger's face, "Well, it looks like one of my pawns has been promoted to Queen. Welcome home, Caroline."

=== ==== ====

Moonberg stormed back into his office. Clicking on the vidscreen he spoke, "Secure channel. Call, you know, Dad."

"Ah, Moonbrook, how goes Project: Pandora?"

"It goes well, Czar Jacob. Moonberg has been effectively replaced, and continues to gain support for his actions amidst the rebellions various factions. I have also been successful in slowly removing Guardians, and replacing them with your Omega operatives."

"And the ship?"

"I regret to report this, but Vectin Fleishjaeger continues to be a problem. He has not given access to the techo-magi that are currently interfaced with the ship."

"...I am disappointed, Moonberg. You know what that ship means to us, don't you?"

"Yes, your Grace."

"This is twice now you've fallen short. You still have not captured the one called White, and now, this... Sword of the Martyr, still is not in my possession."

"I will fix it, your Grace."

"See that you do. I am not a patient man."

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

"Are you certain?" asked White.

"Yes. I'll be fine. This isn't the first time I've been arrested, and sent off to a kangaroo court. There is something... I don't like about Moonberg. I can't put my finger on it, but... something's out of focus."

"So, Moonberg is my target?"

"Yes, and quickly."

White pulled down the visor of her suit, letting the high-focus optics come into play. Moonbrook was in his office. No guards. And only a plexi-window between him and the outside world. She could have shot at him with the Malinkov, but only having fifteen rounds left, she didn't like the idea of having to use three or four to break through the plexi-window. And the noise would have attracted attention. Instead, she closed her eyes, and focused her mind.

Step

The pain was excruciating. She couldn't focus on anything. Her hears rang with deafening screeches. White collapsed to her knees, convulsing uncontrollably. Frothy, pink foam coughed up from between her lips. She could feel her scar tissue tearing and stretching. Blood seeped out of her from a dozen wounds. She had no idea what was going on. Phasing had never done this too her before. For the first time in a long time, White was terrified. She fumbled to get the Malinkov off her back, but her hands and arms moved like they were jello. Her eyes focused on a pinpoint, and saw the face of Moonberg as he looked down upon her. "So... do you like my displacement field? We figured out how to make one when we... eliminated your sisters. You're lucky. The others were just butchered like cattle. You have the honor of meeting Czar Jacob in person. He wants to see what makes you so different from the other Yuki Onna. Time to sleep."

And with that, White blacked out.

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

The Nameless

Kyle sat at a table with wolf and Aaron the next morning after they arrived on the allied ship.
"So whets the plan Mr. Son of tallos"wolf told Aaron
"I don’t know yet well just have to wait and see what happens. Kyle you got any ideas" Thomas Responded.
Kyle looked at the two"Ya im going to get my ship back and then my PM."
Thomas and wolf responded in unison” we will go with you."
Kyle "no thanks ever since ive been around you guys ive been captured, Pistol whipped and now im being haunted by some Weird ass nightmare so im going to go solo for abit. Yawl stay here they need a good ace like you wolf and a good leader like you Thomas. Im just going on a light recovery mission."
Thomas” your right me and wolf will stay on vordoon and help them the best we can."
With that Kyle nodded his head and took off towards his temporary ship.
_____________________________________________________
Planet Yagomoth (72 hours later)

Kyle flew under the radar nobody suspected a civilian transport vassal a threat and he had tracked his ship towards this planet. Kyle landed a few clicks north of the HKM Field Research Site and saw his ship with an imperium priority logo on it. Then he saw something he thought he never would a strange man walking onto Kylie’s ship with two guards carrying a sleeping white onto it he heard vaguely what was being said.
"All right place her on the cot and be careful we don’t want Jacobs prize injured any more then she is."
Kyle slowly snuck up onto the ship the guards never noticed him and Kyle didn’t want to draw attention to himself. He opened the secret entrance to his ship and crawled in as it was taking off and heading into warpspace.
_________________________________________________________
Flagship hope
Angel sat in her commander chair she sent scorpion back to regroup and upgrade a new armada she stayed but she picked up the guardian personal ship Redking heading deep into imperium space.
Angel was instructed to recover the guardian Kyle stingray who was on loan to the former SLM. "Kyle can you read me"
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Red king
Kyle was in the Redking observing moonberg threw his upper compartment above his cot where the sleeping White was laying. Kyle was about to make his move when he heard angels voice." angel is that you"
Angel yes its me why are you heading into imperium space."
Kyle "im getting my ship back its currently under imperium control of a high officer im going to see where this guy is going disengage for now but keep a good distance from me I may need your help later." Kyle arm slipped from under him making a loud noise moonberg immediately took notice and fired his gun at the source.
Kyle popped out and assaulted moonberg quickly disabling him and knocking him out. He tied up the uncouncis moonberg when he felt the ship being tugged.

Legion activated its tractor beam pulling in the ship at its rendezvous point to take the ship moonberg and whit to see lord blue.

Kyle quickly started to shake white.
"Hey wake up I need you to take us out of here with your weird step thing.
White “I can’t im afraid I will get caught in another one of those fields besides I don’t have enough energy to do it.
Kyle removed his shirt not thinking clearly he put her hand on his left arm where his nanoblast tattoo was. "White im like you I have a special ability that requires me to absorb energy by taking damage take the energy ive absorbed for the jump."
The Redking was on the hanger of the legion troops surrounded it ready for it to open.
White” and if I say no"
Kyle put a Battlestopper in her hands and upholstered the other in his "We have one clip each make them count...."

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

The beast walked amongst the out-of-date suits. Each one had been the top of it's line... once. The dust that lightly covered their exterior gave a hint of their now uselessness. Old soldiers who never got the chance to fight.

For one of them, that chance would come again.

"I'll need a chance to make alterations..." He muttered to Morris. "No sense wearing a second skin without making it fit right."

---------------------------------

What was once a Viking-750 shock troop suit, was now under heavy refitting. The glow of a plasma torch and the banging of metal on metal echoed from within the hanger. The beast was constructing more than armor, it was to be a presence.

"The pounding hooves of ancient tribes... hurling headlong into the fray. Fearless. Primitive gods delivered demands of blood and conquest. Now shall I..."

The armor went from a piece of soldiers equipment to an effigy of violence. Horned and spined, like the armor worn by warriors of old. A torn banner tied about it's neck, it would surely whip in the wind as it's wearer slaughtered all that stood before it.

"Feel the wrath of the ancient world, the hammer returneth, pounding the sky! Faithful I serve, faithful I'll die, I'll never surrender in this fight! I am berserker... I am destroyer!"

From the hanger, thundering steps. A moutain walked or marched...

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

=The Nameless=

Thomas and Wolf where busy talking for a bit after Kyle left.

“Once we reach Vordoon I’ll find out what the current events are.”

“Hmm sounds good. In the meantime this’ll give the Nameless and Vengeance time for repairs and upgrades...”

Suddenly Thomas’s eye grew wide. Wolf looked puzzled at first then turned around. His face having a shocked look.

Walking into the bar was Sandra. Gone was her flight uniform and instead she was now wearing some civilian cloths. A tank top that barely reached down, exposing her stomach, with a pair of shorts that reached above her knees. She walked over with an embraced look on her face.

“Sorry for not being in proper uniform but all my cloths are on the Vengeance. One of the crew let me barrow some of hers. I hope you don’t mind, Sirs?”

Wolf stood up and moved a chair over for her to sit.

“No Lieutenant, I don’t think I mind at all. You look rather fetching really.”

Blushing even more deeply Sandra sat down, thanking Wolf. She then felt a gentle touch on her hand and looked at Thomas. He looked deeply into her eyes, a gentle smile on his face.

“How are you this fine evening Sandra?”

“I I’m fine Sire, I mean Sir. Thank you.”

She was completely flustered. She looked between both Wolves and was taken aback by them. Thomas, Heir to the Tallos line. Wolf, commander of the Nameless. Both handsome in their own right. Both born leaders. Both...

‘Oh wow I don’t know what to say to them... I’ve never felt this way before.’

After a time Wolf asked her what she would like to drink. Once her order was placed they began to talk. After a while all three were hitting it off like old friends. It wasn’t long before the bar was filled with the Nameless crew and Vengeance Pilots. Each one talking about the adventures and what they planned for the future. For a time no one cared that there was a war going on. They just wanted to relax, even for just a little while.

As the hour grew late the bar was slowly emptying. Sandra walked out, a little flushed and a whole lot drunk. She wasn’t the only one. On her left was Wolf and on her right was Thomas. Both as drunk as she. Slowly they made their way down towards the rooms. Once they reached to the room where Sandra was staying the two males bid her good night and slowly made their way towards their own respectable beds.

“I tell yah Wolf *Hic* Shandrah ish da most beeutiful chreachur I’v ever sheen. *Swallow* I’ve been haveing thesh strange dreamsh *Swallow* lately and I don’t like shem. But ever sinch I saw her. *Hic* its like she comesh to my rescue. I think I’m in love. Oh heresh my room *Swallow*. I’ll see you in the moorning. Good night.”

Thomas walked in and collapsed on the bed.

Wolf just grinned and slowly staggered his way to his room.

All three were having wonderful dreams. Thomas and Wolf dreaming about Sandra while Sandra dreamed about Thomas, but every now and then Wolf would show up. She just murred in her sleep and the thought of both males.

=Vordoon=

Morris watched and as R1 built his armor. In a very short time it was done. Morris watched in awe as R1 moved in the new armor. A sight like none other.

‘Holy crap, I’m glad I convinced him to join us. I would hate to take this guy on.’

Just then a ship was heard outside the hanger. Morris stepped outside to see what was going on. As the ship landed a Wolf stepped out of the cockpit and headed towards the hanger.

=Unknown Location=

The real Moonberg slowly woke up, his head felt like an asteroid crashed through it. He also felt strange. He looked up and saw his reflection in a large mirror. He was so stunned he couldn’t even scream. Staring back at him was a large Raccoon. Ten foot in length, well muscular, thick black claws coming out of his hands. He felt around his mouth and was rewarded with sharp teeth.

Suddenly a door opened and what looked like a doctor came in, smiling.

“Ah good day subject 1203. I see you’re awake. I know things are confusing right now but not to worry. Once we wipe your mind everything will be alright.”

It was then that it dawned on Moonberg. He had been turned into a Grendaal. He was going to be turned into killing machine subservient to Jacob Blue.

‘No, I can’t let this happen...’

“I WON’T LET THIS HAPPEN!!!”

With all his might he broke through his restraints. The professor didn’t know what hit him before he was lying on the ground, half the foxes muzzle was gone and so was his left eye, but he was alive.

Before long Moonberg had escaped. He didn’t know where he was but he had to get back to the Rim, as soon as possible.

Several days later, after stowing away in a cargo ship, he was on Legion. He left his hiding place and started to quietly move through the ship. He had to find the next supply ship heading to the Rim. Thats when a ship dock and a large number of Legion personnel surround the ship. Whoever was on the ship wouldn’t stand a chance.

Thats when Phil smiled.

‘Might as well test my new strength.’

He crept up quietly and then began his attack. A quarter of the personnel was dead by the time they knew what hit them.

=Pirate Space, Planet Darkon=

General Jurgen and his staff was walking through the hall of the Pirate base. He had just recently arrived with what was left of his force and was about to speak with Jemseen.

‘God’s I hope I know what I’m getting myself into.’

Just then he heard what sounded like horns coming down the halls. Suddenly, Jemseen, with what looked like a septer in his hands, slides to a stop and quickly turns to face the General. Jurgen couldn’t help but noticed the strange outfit he had on.

“GENERAL JURGEN! There you are and I’m happy to finally meet you face to face!”

Jemseen quickly walks over and wraps his arm around the General and leads him down the hall and out into the base. Once out Jemseen starts explaining all the different area’s on the base.

“As you can see my sweet General we have all modern convenances. From dry docks and repair yards, capable of building and fixing any ship.”

He quickly turns a corner and leads them to another part of the base.

“Here we have our medical bay where we can fix all your injuries and over here...”

And so it went. Jemseen would show them where everything was and how the base was set up. Some areas where dedicated for military purposes, but most of the base was set up with bars, rooms, casino’s and brothals. Nearly everyone was packing a weapon, but Jemseen’s guards made certain to keep the peace. As the tour ended Jemseen lets go of Jurgen and turns and faces him.

“So General... what do you think?”

“Umm... its very... uh big.”

“Fabulous, I knew you would like...”

Jemseen then looks at one of the Generals secretaries, a 24 year old Chipmunk female named Miranda. Quickly Jemseen slides over and starts whispering something in her ear, making her blush. Quickly he grabs her by the hip and starts to walk off.

“General, make yourself at home. In the meantime, I have some business to attend to.”

With that they were off.

Moments later a Gecko showed up and grinned at the stunned look on the General’s face.

“Heh you get used to his antics. Trust me, he might be an eccentric but I’ve seen him kill without hesitation and he can lead a fleet like no one else. Hell sometimes I wander why he hasn’t tried to take over the whole system yet, he has the man power and ships to do it. By the way, name Mariden, I command the frigate Chester.”

The next morning Jurgen was walking to the mess hall when suddenly a female Chipmunk, barely wearing anything, was walking by. Jurgen’s eyes widened as he turned to watch Miranda continue to walk down the hall, a very satisfied smile on her face.

‘What have I gotten myself into,’ he thought.

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

Eridani Prime: Neo-Star League

It was a gloriously sunny day in Capitol City. The sky was a brilliant shade of blue. Sunlight beamed from all over. Warm winds greeted those who walked along the city streets. Sharply-scented scallions permeated through the air. Capitol City buzzed with people outside, enjoying the delightful weather. Spring had arrived in full force. A more perfect day could not be asked for.

The grounds surrounding the federal courthouse had become a mob scene. Temporary barricades and riot police barely kept back the throng that had besieged the brick-and-stone building. High-pressure hoses had already been used against the mass of people, to drive them away from the barricades. Violent shouts of "Hang him!" could be heard all over Capital City. The Eridani citizens wanted blood. They had whipped themselves into a chaotic frenzy. Today justice would be meted out on the gallows. Today, the monster Vectin Fleishjaeger would appear in court. As the armored van carrying Fleishjaeger arrived at the courthouse, the mob pushed against the walls again. Several threw bricks and eggs at the vehicle while screaming vicious, scathing remarks. With a full bodyguard of police and Neo-Star League soldiers, Vectin was escorted into the courthouse.

Inside the courthouse things were quieter, but no less dangerous for the accused badger. The imperial officer was met with dozens of reporters and cameras, all trying to get his attention. Standing tall, Vectin simply walked past the news crews with a caviler smirk on his face, saying nothing. If it's a show they want, it'll be a show they'll get. The reporters shoved microphones and tape recorders into his face while camera crews snapped hundreds of photos of him. The old badger soaked in all the attention with his cocky grin.

The courtroom was packed. Not a seat could be found. Even with the size of the room and the ceiling fans, it was hot. Vectin could feel himself begin to sweat a bit. The jury box was filled with people scowling at him. On the prosecutors bench, another team of well-dressed military lawyers was standing. The defense bench was the only place no one was sitting. The bench itself was empty. Not even a legal pad or pitcher of water had been placed in courtesy. Vectin smiled at the irony.

The old badger took his place behind his bench, and stood at attention. "Your honor, I have arrived."

The judge, a bull elephant whose tusks were as long as the nappy, curled wig he wore, narrowed his eyes at the arrogant humor. "The court is not amused, accused." Banging his gavel on the podium, he continued, "Vectin Fleishjaeger, you are accused of high crimes against the Rim Concordant. Crimes that carry the punishment of death. How do you plead?" asked the senior judge.

"If it's a show they want, it's a show they'll get," mumbled Vectin to himself.

"How does the accused plead?" the judge asked sternly.

Vectin straightened his uniform a bit. He looked at the judge for a few moments, saying nothing. The courtroom echoed his silence. Everyone in attendance wanted to hear what the badger would say. Content that enough time had elapsed to be dramatic, a smile formed across his muzzle. Smirking, as only he could, he answered, "Not guilty."

The courthouse erupted into bedlam.

***** ***** ***** *****

Communications channel open: CDR of the Leviathan to His Grace, Czar Jacob Blue.

Saluting into the vid-com, the commander reported. "Sire, we have neutralized the beast. Damage to the Leviathan is minimal. We have lost approximately 20% of her current crew."

"Did you destroy it?"

"Yes, sire. We jettisoned it from the airlock. Nothing can survive the vacuum of cold space."

"That is a shame. Moonbrook would have made an excellent Grendel. I have new orders for you, and the fleet. I tire of this game. I hereby authorize the use of the Black Sun Generators."

"Are you certain, your Grace? There is much mineral resources that can be strip mined from those planets."

"Yes. I'm done playing with such debase creatures. It is time to cleanse the galaxy of such filth. Use the Black Sun Generators."

"As you wish, your Grace. There will be no survivors."

"Prep the ship for my arrival."

"Sire?" asked the commander.

"Prep the ship for my arrival. I have decided to lead this cleansing myself. I tire of this festering sore that is the Rim. It is time for a new, galactic order. I will crush this rebellion, and begin a new age of law and order."

"It shall be done, sire."

***** ***** ***** *****