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At 1/25/05 04:37 PM, Lysaer wrote:

*Syrus notices their reactions, and feels their holiness equally, and is not as surprised as he was already aware Lawrence served the Authority. He held up his hands in defense*
"I know we wouldn't necessarily work together, as our superiors are practically opposites in almost every aspect. However, I think we can both agree that the return of the Dark Avatars would benefit no one. Not God, and not the Devil. Believe me, Satan is pissed. But I'm more scared than pissed, and I've not only received orders to try and stop this, but I'm on an extreme rogue mission here. I shouldn't be dealing with you in reality, but I have to face the facts. Besides Navcom, you've studied the ruins and artifacts of the Avatars for centuries. You know what may be coming, I know you've seen, and possibly possess, some of the tablets. I mean no harm whatsoever."
*He lowered his voice, as if being listened in on*
"Im in some serious shit if I get caught, by either LeChuck or Beezlebub. So please, can we put aside our differences and consider working together to stop something we both don't want in this universe?"

*Lawrence shakes his head*
Lawrence: We still don't know enough about the dark Avatars to try and stop them. As far as I know they have supporters in this galaxy, most likely the ones who created the tablets, but they themselves cannot yet bridge the gap between this existence and whatever accursed place they reside in.
We won't truly know what they are capable of until we discover the current state of the light Avatars. But seeing as these tablets have only been created in the last few hundred years I fear the worst...
*Jabitha comes forward, still keeping her distance from Syrus*
Jabitha: If the dark Avatars can enter our universe then there will be nothing to stop them. The only thing that has been known to kill an Avatar is another one of their kind... And even then we don't know if the effects are permanent.
*She cocks her head to one side*
Jabitha: And what is it you know about these matters anyway?

At 1/25/05 04:55 PM, -TheDoctor- wrote: *She cocks her head to one side*
Jabitha: And what is it you know about these matters anyway?

*Syrus smiles*
"Well, I'm not exactly an 'Authority' on the topic...."
*He paused for possible laughs. Seeing no one laughed, he simply continued*
"But I do know that the mention of the Dark Avatars to Satan made him almost fearful, if you can imagine Satan being afraid of something. I also stumbled across an area littered with OWCA corpses, obviously where they had attempted an excursion and failed miserably. I don't know what they may or may not have found, and I really don't know much more than that. All I do know for certain is that thes tablets are bad news, and if anything, they should be destroyed. If not that, than at least sealed awayy with loads of magic so that no one may tamper with them. I fear the OWCA may have some in their possession, after seing the carnage in that cave."
*Syrus suddenly twitched slightly.*
"Oh no.....I have to go. I may be back for later discussion. Just consider what I've said. If you need to contact me without going through LeChuck, who is quite upset with you at the moment, use this."
*He removed a small, blood-red crystal from within his pocket. He noticed them not eager to get it, so he slowly placed it on the floor.*
"It's a direct line of communication to me. I'll be in touch."
*Syrus walked over, pressed the rectangle, hopped in the Dart, and departed. He shot into hyperspace to return to Tortuyga as soon as possible,*

*As the Instigator moved into position Eli grew more and more nervous. This was his first ever political adventure. He had always wanted to be more into the talking with leaders and things but Jean never let him because of his appearence. Basically he looked like a janitor of a high school who got in a fight with his car. But now he looked like a real soldier. Now he left his room and moved to the docking bay where he could see two fighter type ships flying towards his ship. Pontius joined him and he boarded a transport vessal to begin his desent to the planets surface. Pontius talked to him through a mind link.*
Don't worry sir. I'll make sure you don't say anything stupid.*Eli shot him a glance and Pontius winked.

At 1/25/05 04:47 PM, MasterBlaster500 wrote:

Gattsu looks at the blackness of space outside the ship through the cockpit window, " It's not like that... I mean... She reminds me of someone I once knew."
Karn bows his head in acknowledgement.
"The reason I'm here is because of that person. It seems that I am also stuck here." Gattsu confessed. " In the other timeline, the other version of Josephine...." Gattsu's voice trailed off. He took a deep breath and turned away from everyone and moved into the back of the ship to be alone.
Karn glanced at the two confused immortals, "The parallel version of Josephine was his wife. She was killed during the war against the Netherrealm. He promised her that he would protect the Josephine from his realm whatever the cost. It was her dying wish..." Karn sat staring off into space as if horrible memories had just came flooding back.
"I also gave my word to her as well..." Karn looked to Josephine, "You are so much like her, well your personality is alittle different, and your fighting styles are completly different. But your spirit is very similar. I think thats why this is so hard for him. I see alot of her in you."

*As they arrive home the tension is just as think but of an entirly diffrent nature.*
Josephine: You mean, that's why, and now he's, oh damn.
*she goes to the back to try to talk to him. Jean is left talking to Karn.* It has been many years since I have seen a situation which could fluster her. Gattsu is a good man and I have no reason not to trust him, as of yet. *looks back at Josephine trying to talk to a seemingly reluctanat Gattsu* She has so much of her mothers mercy in her.You say their styles of combat differ. How is this so? I ask because the slight arterations between one dimention and another often spell the answers in life and death situations.

At 1/24/05 12:15 PM, Lysaer wrote: "So what's doin on Jovia II?"

*Atomicus looked around the room for a moment, pleased that LeChuck had gone to the trouble of getting the various (and usually quite pricey) Jovian dishes. After a few mouthfuls of the wonderful food, he got to business.*

"First off, whatever formality you might feel necessary... forget it. You can call me Atomicus. I prefer the name my grandfather held. Especially as of late, when the name Malikus seems to be losing it's popularity..."

*His voice trails off and he looks down at his plate for a moment in thought.*

"As you may know, with my father's death and the loss of our greater warships our economy suffered terribly. Added to trying to move to a new planet made Mortis quite unpopular. However, the laws of the Jovian people make it so that the only way the Rex of Jovia can be replaced is when they die. Of course, Mortis dying would be quite difficult, as his physical ability made him the greatest warrior any challenge he might've experienced would have been in vain. And any other means of death would be murder, and punishable by death and loss of the throne. But that doesn't stop politics, meaning that although Mortis holds the title Rex, he doesn't hold all the power. The religious following, of which I am chief, has taken most of the power under the guidance of our deity, Lord Atlas Meridian."

*Atomicus pulls out a datapad and hands it to LeChuck.*

"This datapad shows statistical analysis of Lord Atlas' following since the war. It has increased tremendously over these many years, causing Atlas to gain great quantities of power. You might know that the only power a deity can have is based on how much faith is placed in the deity. He is more powerful than he has been in many years. However, I do not believe all his intentions are of a good and noble purpose. He has appointed my sister as "Savior to the People" a position meant to be a sign of upcoming prosperity and happiness. He also has Mortis only living son under his thumb. I say living, because the elder son killed the younger. Unfortunately the death was through a challenge, a perfectly legal practice in Jovian laws. Atlas is making a move of some kind... and Mortis has asked me to determine what it is. Unfortunately, Atlas normally has quite a hold over me, being the Chief Jovanite of the religious following. And that brings me to why I've come to you."

*Atomicus pulls out a handwritten note, on a royal scroll. He hands it to LeChuck. It reads:

Dear friends,
It has been some time since I have been able to call to you with the crystal. I am no longer strong enough use it, and I can no longer hear the beautiful ringing it produces. I have given it to my cousin's son, Atomicus as a show of faith. You can trust him, for it won't be long before I am no longer here. I am dying, albeit slowly, by the hand of my own son. It is my last wish that you help me stop Lord Atlas' evil plan. I hope that you might visit me before I die, and lose the throne to my traitor son. The tablet I last sent you has ancient text describing a kind of weapon capable of stopping Atlas, but I cannot decipher it, nor could I find other information on where it might be. I hope to speak with you again soon.
-Mortis Malikus, Rex of Jovia

Atomicus looks at LeChuck and waits.*

At 1/25/05 05:55 AM, Tacitacial wrote: Arcturus Responce.

*Raze looks at Lion. He couldn't believe the sucker is falling for it. Lion now realized what Raze was up to, knowing his past schemes. Raze looked at Lion once more who had a distressed look on his face and seemed to be having a little bit of the shakes.*
Raze: Deal! I will contact you in the next 48 hours.
*Raze smiled broadly as he diconnected the link and and re-contacted the man who wanted Arcturus dead.*
Voice: Raze, have you thought over our deal?
Raze: Yes.
Voice: And?
Raze: I want to meet you, the information i have is too important to speak of over such a way of contact. You said yourself, nothng is secure now-a-days.
Voice: You will meet my accomplice. I am uploading the co-ordiantes. Early tomorrow morning. I think this may have become bigger then we both thought.
*Raze held back his little chuckle.*
Raze: More then you know.
*Raze disconnected the link and looked at Lion.*
Lion: You are crazy. They will both kill you.
Raze: Not-
*His voice trailed as Lion interrupted him.*
Lion: I know, no need to say it.

At 1/26/05 10:12 AM, Atomicus wrote:

It has been some time since I have been able to call to you with the crystal. I am no longer strong enough use it, and I can no longer hear the beautiful ringing it produces. I have given it to my cousin's son, Atomicus as a show of faith. You can trust him, for it won't be long before I am no longer here. I am dying, albeit slowly, by the hand of my own son. It is my last wish that you help me stop Lord Atlas' evil plan. I hope that you might visit me before I die, and lose the throne to my traitor son. The tablet I last sent you has ancient text describing a kind of weapon capable of stopping Atlas, but I cannot decipher it, nor could I find other information on where it might be. I hope to speak with you again soon.
-Mortis Malikus, Rex of Jovia

Atomicus looks at LeChuck and waits.*

*LeChuck stops chewing as he reads the note. As he finishes, a sad look comes over his face. He puts the pad down as he stares off into space.*
"Betrayed by his own son..." He muttered. He takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly. He turns back to Atomicus.
"I am sad to hear Mortis is being betrayed by his own flesh and blood. 'Tis the worst form of treachery. I am glad Mortis at least has you to trust and confide in."
*LeChuck gets up and begins pacing. He produces a cigar and lights it. He puffs a few moments as he stands still, facing the wall. He turns back to Atomicus.*
"We've begun work on deciphering the tablet, but it will still be some time before we are able to fully understand and make use of it. However, in the mean time, it would be an honor for us to visit an old friend."
*LeChuck takes a few grapes from the platter and sips a bit more wine as he grabs his jacket (he got some clothes). He snaps, and the trays of food disappear. From the ground, the solid silver, engraved cane comes out of the floor. LeChuck grasps the handle and taps it firmly on the ground once. The cane seems to make a noise, but it can't be heard. More felt. LeChuck is ready.*
"Shall we leave immediately? Or is there more news to be heard? I would like to visit Mortis as soon as possible, as it sounds he does not have much time."

At 1/25/05 05:05 PM, Lysaer wrote: *Syrus suddenly twitched slightly.*
"Oh no.....I have to go. I may be back for later discussion. Just consider what I've said. If you need to contact me without going through LeChuck, who is quite upset with you at the moment, use this."
*He removed a small, blood-red crystal from within his pocket. He noticed them not eager to get it, so he slowly placed it on the floor.*
"It's a direct line of communication to me. I'll be in touch."
*Syrus walked over, pressed the rectangle, hopped in the Dart, and departed. He shot into hyperspace to return to Tortuyga as soon as possible,*

*Lawrence picks up the crystal and examines it*
Jabitha: Do you believe him?
Lawrence: Hard to say. I find it hard to believe that the Devil could be threatened by the Avatars. Just as the Authority was omnipotent in the world of the living, the Devil should be equally powerful in the world of the dead. But then again, who knows what his motives could be?
Jabitha: I don't like that Syrus one bit... He is a slave to evil, we cannot trust him.
Lawrence: And trust him we shall not.
*He pockets the crystal and turns back to Jabitha*
Lawrence: But if what he is saying is indeed true then he could prove useful.
*Jabitha lets out a sigh*
Jabitha: Well then, if we are going to keep an eye on the Fate of Kindler should we call Eli back?
Lawrence: No, I still want to find out what it was in that system Kindler wanted so badly. Anyway, we don't need firepower to monitor a situation.
Jabitha: What if it's a trap?
Lawrence: Then better to endanger two ships than three.
*He comms the bridge and gives the pilot their new set of coordinates*
Lawrence: And now, we wait.

*Raze paces his quarters in the small vessel he had dedicated 100 years to. The Eqagon was his dearest love for he faught and won many battles with it.*
Raze: Lion, What are you working on?
Lion: Integrating Josphines tracking into a sub-program to maintain watch for me. I assumed she was no longer of use to you, so manual eyes i felt were not needed. The Eqagon is keeping watch now.
Raze: I can assume the AI is up again?
Lion: Yes. It seemed that someone had tried to hack past my security locks and firewalls, but failed, in chance, knicked something on their way out.
Raze: EQ, are you fully updated.
*The Eqagon spoke. Its voice soothing and gentle, that of a kind woman. However, of course, was simulated and created by Lion.*
EQ: Fully updated Raze. I missed you.
Raze: You would. Do a search for me.
EQ: Who?
Raze: The name is LeChuck, you have my past records of him on file. I want them updated, for they are nearly 300 years old.
EQ: Will do.
Raze: And hibernate until awaken while searching.
EQ: Yessir.
*Raze sat back down into his piloting chair and looked back at Lion.*
Raze: Didn't your life just get easier.
Lion: I designed her to be faster and just smart as me.
Raze: Then why do i need you?
*Raze spoke with a smile.*
Lion: I maintain her, without me, she is only a voice.
*Raze smiled and as the EQ-System went into hibernation, Raze took control of the ship, piloting to his desried location.*
Raze: How do you think this is going to work out?
Lion: In your death.
Raze: Heh, blunt.
Lion: Truth.
Raze: What if i told you that i had a change of plans.
Lion: I'd say that i knew, and that you are still going to die, but this time you are going to get me killed also.
Raze: Then why are you still here?
Lion: Because the fall of evil is a prosperous thing... if these people you have tangled up somehow are all naive and fall for your scheme.
Raze: Money hungry?
Lion: No, i don't need money. I need amity.
*Raze's face grew broadly with a smile. Lion was like a brother to him. They had been the closest of friends for nearly 300 years. Lion was an immortal too, but only about 500 years old. Still young, in Raze's eyes.*

Is it really worth all this death? Can this finally lead me to the answers i have saught for hundreds of years?

*Raze slouched back as he piloted, steering off-course.*
Lion: Where are we going?
Raze: We have until tomorrow morning, i thought we could visit your mother.
*Lion smiled, though, he did not really want to see his mother. He knew it would comfort Raze just as well; for she was like a mother to him too.

At 1/26/05 01:29 AM, stafffighter wrote: *As they arrive home the tension is just as think but of an entirly diffrent nature.*
Josephine: You mean, that's why, and now he's, oh damn.
*she goes to the back to try to talk to him. Jean is left talking to Karn.* It has been many years since I have seen a situation which could fluster her. Gattsu is a good man and I have no reason not to trust him, as of yet. *looks back at Josephine trying to talk to a seemingly reluctanat Gattsu* She has so much of her mothers mercy in her.You say their styles of combat differ. How is this so? I ask because the slight arterations between one dimention and another often spell the answers in life and death situations.

Karn looks back to Jean, "In that dimension you were a much different person then you are here. You were the leader of a rebel force. You had lost your power in the Empire that flourished in that galaxy and realized that their methods of ruling over the people of the empire were... unnacceptable. The Josephine of that realm grew up much differently then the Josephine of this realm. She had different instructors, different allies, etc.
Heh, believe it or not that Farlander guy was on our side during the war. There was so much that differed from this realm. As you said there were many little differences in choice and history that changes everything from one dimension to the next. Gattsu and I have seen some very strange situations over the years." Karn smirks remembering the realm where inertia didn't exist... That was a strange time.

Gattsu sat in the back of the ship, he knew that the truth would come out eventually. But he was hoping that he could avoid it. It was only going to make his mission harder for him...

*Raze and Lion slowly walk towards room 397. They loo kthrough the window that onlooks the patient and she knowingly waves them in with a smile.*
Lion: Hi mother.
Clara: Hey love, i have missed you.
Lion: I know, i know.
Clara: And Mattox, you scoundrel. Oops, sorry, thats right, you're Raze now.
*Raze smiled and bent over to kiss her on the forhead.*
Raze: How are you?
Clara: Well, according to me, or according to the dim-witted doctors.
Lion: Mo-
Clara: I was kidding boy. I feel great, but the doctors have said there has been no progress.
*Raze felt his throat dry out a little. He wanted her out of there. She had been there for months and it was obvious she was going to die.*
Clara: Or you two, you have treated me well And have given me a lifetime of grand memories. Even an immortal runs out of time.
*Raze then thought in his mind the dreaded day she lost her immortality. It was so long ago that it was not clear in his mind, but was painful to think about.*
Lion: You are not going to die, mother.
Clara: Shush, boy. What are you two working on now? I saw that... you know, on the news.
*She winked playfully.*
Raze: We don't do that anymore. We have applied for ligit jobs.
Clara: Really, going straight again Matty?
Raze: Was i ever straight?
Clara: You know now-
*Raze interupted.*
Raze: Different times, times we don't speak of.
*Clara let out an exhale of breath and her body slumped back i nexhaustion.*
Clara: Fine, you two are so damn stubborn.
*Both Raze and Lion smiled as they left her some flowers and headed back out. Just as they closed out, Clara yelled out sarcastically.*
Clara: Don't let this old bag die alonesome you two scoundrals. Take care of you mother.

*Once again, airborne Raze and Lion got their mind back in the game.*
Raze: EQ online.
EQ: Yes?
Raze: What did you find?
EQ: Only slight variations in change to the original records, but the can is only 68% done.
Raze: Good, rest until it is finished then.
*Raze sat back down in the piloting seat and took control of the vessel once more. He was heading to meet this accomplis (spell?).*

In another part of the galaxy...

Planet Icarus 4- Halas Dukedom territory- Sector 5 Fusion reactor and weapons lab.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The gigantic reactor's core was spewing flame and sending shockwaves though the compound. The bomb planeted in the fusion equator system had detonated and sent the reactor into meltdown. Within 10 to 15 minutes the compound and everything within a quarter mile would be "glassed", the fusion explosion would destroy everything it touched, including the team of immortals who set the bomb.
Grifter moved over to Zail who was crouched behind a small steel box. The security had found their position once the bomb detonated.
"How long, Zail?" Grifter asked, his blue eyes taking on a serious glare.
"By my guess we got about 10 minutes to get to the "dust-off" point" Zail replied yelling over the sound of gunfire and explosions.
Grifter looked to Orca, she was holding off the security forces with her repeating plasma rifle. She glanced at him, he swooped his hand across his forehead and pointed to an open blast door across the engineering deck. She nodded in acknoledgement and continued her suppressive fire.
Grifter slapped Zail on the right shoulder and ran out from his cover toward the blast door. Grifter fired out his grappling hook toward the top of the door frame and zipped across the room to the door where he drew his dual laser pistols and gave cover fire for Zail.
Zail crossed the open area and reached the door. He tossed a neural grenade into the door where the security forces were emurging and signaled to Orca to cross the open room. Five soldiers went down bleeding from their ears, nose, and eyes. The neural grenade was something of a new weapon created by a small weapons company on the outer rim of the galaxy. The grenade forces the brain of anyone within range to fire synapses and neural messages so quickly that the brain pretty much overloads itself, usually killing anyone who is hit by one. The blast has a 15-foot range and can incapacitate an immortal for several hours.
The trio charged though the large hallway until they reached a sealed blast door at the end.
"Orca get this open" Grifter ordered.
Orca smirked and activated her highly concentrated plasma claws. The claws easily sliced though the door's hydrolic locking system and forced the door to open.
The trio ran through the opening only to be met by 3 security enforcers.
Grifter tossed three anti-personnel shirukens at their foes, one hitting each of them in the heart. The enforcers dropped to the ground instantly. The team continued their escape.

The three escaped to the hostile desert environment of Icarus 4, the never ending sandstorm that covered the planet's surface raged around them. Their ship "The Silencer" sat about 30 meters away from the installation which was now beginning to fall apart.
Grifter ran behind his men, he saw their pilot Raven waiting at the access hatch. Orca and Zail entered the craft first. Grifter stepped onto the ship, but he stopped. He quickly turned around and dodged a laser coming from the gun of the installation's commander, Mortimer Frost; also immortal.
Frost drew his broad sword and charged after Grifter.
The ninja in the flak-material trenchcoat flipped off of the ship's flooring and landed in front of the commander, Grifter drew his prized falchion from his waist and parried two strikes from the attacker.
Grifter spin kicked Frost in the face and yelled back to Raven, "Warm up the ship, get her ready to fly!" Raven nodded her head and ran back toward the cockpit.
Frost assaulted Grifter's defenses mercilessly. Grifter found an opening in his form and sliced the enraged commander across the chest.
"How'd that feel son? Sting a little?" Grifter said with a smug grin. He backflipped over a low slash and tossed a shiruken into Frost's left shoulder.
"Ooh! Now that was a stinger wasen't it!" Grifter taunted.
Frost was now swinging wildly, Grifter gained some distance from his foe and launched his grappling hook into Frost's stomach. The hook sliced through flesh and bone and came out the other side, quickly latching onto it's target and reeling the shocked immortal toward its source.
Frost dropped his sword from the impact of the attack, he was now face to face with the current leader of the Dauthi ninja clan.
"Well, it's been fun Frosty, but I gotta' jet." Grifter said with a laugh.
Frost dropped to his knees and smiled, "You can't stay hidden forever fool." Grifter smiled at his words.
"We don't plan to Frosty! Today marks the return of the Dauthi!" Grifter replied, "And now here's that song thats reached the number one spot on the charts, 'There can be only one' sung by me to you!"
With that Grifter decapitated the commander. He retracted his grappeling hook (Which works alot like Daredevil's if you have ever read the comic). The ninja sheathed his sword and raised his arms to the sky.
"Here comes the juice!" Grifter said to himself.
Frost's body lifted off the ground, electricity (quickening) surrounded the body and shot off into random directions. The quickening found its way to the victor. Grifter clenched his teeth as Frost's memories flooded into him. The pain of the quickening flared through his body. Jolts shot into his eyes and into his heart then he dropped to the ground.
The harrowing sound of the sandstorm became as comfortable as silence for a moment to Grifter. Then he came to the realization that he was in a hurry. The blast would cover the area in nuclear fire, an explosion that not even an immortal could survive. Grifter stood up and took a deep breath, he then took one look at the installation which was now an inferno on the verge of overloading and ran into "The Silencer".
His crew mambers, Orca, Zail, and Raven were waiting for him, "Lets get outta' here. This system is gonna' get real unfriendly really quick. Lets get to another system on the double." His pilot nodded her head and proceeded to calculate a new nav point.
Grifter sat down as the ship took off, "He knew who we were, babe." He said to Orca.
"How? We have been hidden for centuries." Orca replied taking hold of his hand.
"I don't know, the memories are still just a blur, but there is something about Master Gattsu. I can't tell what it is yet." Grifter replied.
"Master Gattsu disappeared over 2000 years ago Grift..." Orca replied.
Grifter looked into her green eyes, " He's alive Orca, I know he is; but where?"

"The Silencer" escaped orbit just as the installations went critical and exploded, the explosion burnt the ground and heated the ground into glass, the clouds parted and radiation signatures in that area spiked. The ship carrying the last members of Gattsu's ancient elite ninja clan the "Dauthi" sped off into hyperspace to an unknown destination in the never ending sea of stars.

At 1/26/05 05:23 PM, Myst_Williams wrote:

accomplis (spell?).*

(Here Myst, I'm pretty sure it's spelled- accomplice, although it doesen't look right to me lol, plus my dictionary seems to be lacking it.)

*In the system where Lawrence is waiting with his ships, two HACS-class cruisers and a battleship move away from behind a moon towards another. None of the ships have any signs giving away their identity, no logo, no transponder code, nothing. They simple move, ignoring everything and not transmitting any messages.*

*Arcturus was on the bridge, with his hands folded together on his lower back and staring out the window like he had done on many occassions in the past, when Malder walked to him and stood beside him, also looking outside the window.*
Arcturus: "An assassin came today. Said he was hired to kill me. The assassin was Mr. Raze. He demanded a position within our ranks along with the usual riches and power."
*A small smile graced Malder's face.*
Malder: "I assume he's dead now?"
Arcturus: "No. I told him I'd give him what he wanted if he gives me information about who sent him and why."
*Malder turns his eyes towards Arcturus, but still keeping his face in the same position, as if still staring outside.*
Malder: "You won't actually do that, will you?"
*Arcturus' mouth forms into a small grin.*
Arcturus: "You know, that actually depends on how well he does. Of course he won't really share in our power, but I suppose I can put a cruiser or two under his command. Hell, if he wants his life back so badly then he'll get a part of it back."
*Malder's eyes had turned to the window again, once more staring into the cold void of space that was graced by stars, nebula's and the Great Barrier itself.*
Malder: "His life back?"
*Arcturus waved the words away with his left hand as he spoke.*
Arcturus: "I don't really what he means exactly. Maybe he just wants to be in command of a better ship and stop being an assassin. Maybe he means something else. I don't care what he wants or meant by it. He'll probably die in the end. Like he should."
*The two men remained silent for a few seconds until Malder spoke of work, interrupting the peaceful silence.*
Malder: "Construction of the jump accelerator and it's defences are going well. We've already been able to gather a small fleet around it and have positioned our other forces at their specified locations as well. It won't belong before we can make our move."
Arcturus: "Good, good. Kindler's little invasion fleet will soon be crushed by Dorian. When he finds out that he won't get Navcom. and that his fleet has been obliterated, he will most likely panick, especially if he doesn't know what happened. He won't find out. He would cornered and weakened. Moving in for the kill won't be difficult."
Malder: "I take it that Fenning has kept you aware of the work of our operatives within Miller's food corporation?"
Arcturus: "Yes, he has. With Jim Miller, their economic genius dead and replaced by someone even younger and less experienced, it shouldn't be hard to cause chaos within their ranks. Once that's been done, Jacob Miller will be killed as well and followed up by someone who is very loyal to the DefTech. corporation. Until then, I'll just let them reorganize to improve what little they can."
Malder: "I know Claris Hackman's Corporate Mercenary Guild won't be too hard to bribe, but she is a cunning and sometimes headstrong woman. Will she go over to our side as well?"
Arcturus: "She might. It would be nice if she would. If she doesn't it would be a lot more troublesome to take control of her corporation, but it can certainly be done. Maria Veronica is more dangerous though. Although she is weak in space, she does have a strong hold on several planets, especially those where she studies the ruins."
Malder: "We will have to isolated her forces. It can be done."
Arcturus: "She will put up a hard fight. We will have to fight her and the other corporations, but James Virren isn't much of a threat. He's only the head of Luxury Incorporated and supplies all kinds of household items and the like. He doesn't have much military muscle to pound us with. But I would first like to get to Earth. There's something there we could put to very good use. A program and coordinates for the jump accelerator. I reckon it would lead us to very interesting places."
Malder: "Dorian will also put up a big fight. Should we not try to weaken him now?"
Arcturus: "Yes, he will, but I need the corporation's full military strength to assault Earth. That place is a fortress, but it isn't it's defence fleet or all it's other defensive gadgets in space that worries me. What worries me is that Earth is a giant city and that we can't just obliterate it. We must first capture the ECWA high command as a signal that we have indeed won the war. They're too important to be left alive, but we can't make martyrs out of them either. And don't forget, there's something there that I want. What worries me is that conquering Earth could lead to an enormous guerrilla war of somekind. Something along the lines of Stalingrad, only a thousand times worse."

At 1/26/05 10:55 AM, Lysaer wrote: "Shall we leave immediately? Or is there more news to be heard? I would like to visit Mortis as soon as possible, as it sounds he does not have much time."

"I'm afraid that's all I can tell you for now. Mortis doesn't have much time, we should leave immediately. I recommend we take my shuttle, as it has diplomatic immunity. I believe the captain also recently installed a turbo-hyperspace relay, so that the trip doesn't take quite as long as it took me."

At 1/27/05 11:08 AM, Atomicus wrote: "I'm afraid that's all I can tell you for now. Mortis doesn't have much time, we should leave immediately. I recommend we take my shuttle, as it has diplomatic immunity. I believe the captain also recently installed a turbo-hyperspace relay, so that the trip doesn't take quite as long as it took me."

"Grand. Shall we?"
*Atomicus lead the way to the ship, where the three boarded. They took off immediately, and once cleared of Tortugan space (Certain magnetic fields and beams make it impossible to go into hyperspace within Tortugan boundaries), they blasted into hyperspace off towards Jovia II.*

At 1/27/05 10:02 AM, Tacitacial wrote: *In the system where Lawrence is waiting with his ships, two HACS-class cruisers and a battleship move away from behind a moon towards another. None of the ships have any signs giving away their identity, no logo, no transponder code, nothing. They simple move, ignoring everything and not transmitting any messages.*

*Lawrence leans forward in his command chair*
Lawrence: There we are.
Navigator: Should we change position sir?
Lawrence: No. Power down all systems other than life support, we should be out of their sensor range, but best to be sure they don't detect anything.
*The lights fade out, being replaced by the dim blue glow of emergency lighting*
Lawrence: And now we wait for something to happen...

*Once the ships have reached the moon, a science ship joins them along with a few fighter wings. The ships proceed towards the edge of the system, cloak and the capital ships make a jump to a distant system, their precise destination concealed and leaving behind only the fighter wings that return to the moon where they came from.*

At 1/27/05 12:12 AM, MasterBlaster500 wrote: (Here Myst, I'm pretty sure it's spelled- accomplice, although it doesen't look right to me lol, plus my dictionary seems to be lacking it.)

(Thanks.)

*Raze and Lion traveled across the system in silence, then he grew impatient.*
Raze: EQ, online.
EQ: Yes?
Raze: LeChuck?
EQ: Uploading data to your personal files. May i ask why this is so vital?
Raze: Revenge.
*Lion looked at Raze confused.*
Lion: Revenge?
Raze: Yes, he ended the life of a man who saved mine and who taught me more about myself in the little time i knew then i had learned my whole life.
Lion: Who?
Raze: Its no matter.
*Lion looked away, for he knew when Raze was not in the mood to speak. Raze leaned back and commanded the Eqagon to travel to the desired destination.*
Lion: Second thoughts?
Raze: Maybe.
Lion: I can't help if i don't know.
Raze: If i work for the new employer, i will end up giving my life for targets. No assassination is worth my own life, though, every assassination is worth that risk.
Lion: If you don't.
Raze: I will never have the trust of any institute and my future focus will never be fully accomplished.
Lion: What about your father?
Raze: I don't know. So much space out here, i will never find him.
Lion: Do you like working with me like this?
Raze: Of course.
Lion: I mean, do you like this job.
Raze: No, but every dollar we make, takes us a little further to my father. He is alive, i am just uncertain where.
Lion: How can you be so sure he lives?
Raze: A lifetime of clues and experiences.
*Lion nodded and looked down at the floor.*
Lion: How does working for Arcturus help the eternal goal?
Raze: It doesn't. I don't actually plan on working for Arcturus indefiently. Just a short while.
Lion: I don't understand?
*Raze let out a long, hard sigh.*
Raze: You know what... neither do i.

***Later***
*Raze walked through the thin alleyway and towards the furthest wall and made a quick right. His coat blew up nhind him as the vents in the alleyway let off its sickening heat. Raze noticed a large silhouette leaning against the wall aside a large steel door. Raze appraoched as did the other, and they met each other half way.*
Man: Raze?
Raze: Yes.
*The man tilted his head in the direction of the door and Raze began to follow close behind As they walked through the hallways, the stank was subtle, and the building was unkept. The hallways soon led to a lounge where music played and men and woman lay forlorn couches and along the floors.*
Man: Rough night.
*Raze nodded and then finally, the man opened another door, in which Raze entered. The door was slowly closed behind him. Raze noticed six men sitting around a table, playing poker. The man named Ceroos waved Raze over.*
Ceroos: You know Texas Hold'em?
Raze: Little.
*Ceroos showd him his hand*
Ceroos: What do you think i should do?
*Raze noted the Jack-Ace off-suite and eyed the flop: Jack, King, three. Raze looked at the other six players. It was a rouch crowd. Some faces Raze had recognized fro mthe news and drug lords and crime bosses. A few of them just looked stone-cold scary. Even Raze was a little uncomforatble.*
Raze: Seeing as poppy here has pocket snowmen, cigar has low pair, scarface over there has flush draw, big man is folding next raise, and the spooky guy across from you has got a Queen-Six... no Five. I'd say, raise it big. Raze noticed the pot was already quite large. Ceroos raised big and the other men slowly folded out muttering slight vulger insults. Although, the one Raze called Scarface, seemed to have a smile on. (Just a little peice from one of my fav movies. ^_^)*
Ceroos: I like you already.
*Raze nodded.*
Ceroos: So, yes, right to business you are. I was asked to give you this package and this note to credits as of next week. If you don't complete the task, the note is cancelled.
Raze: Got it.
Ceross: I understand you have have had a conversation with a freind of ours.
*Raze suddenly felt uneasy.*
Raze: Friend?
Ceroos: Don't play stupid. What was it about.
*Raze pulled a chair over and swung the back infront of him as he sat down on. He leaned his arms crossed on the chair back and looked at Ceroos.*
Raze: It was part of the job. Tell you goon to put his gun away.
Ceroos: Excuse me?
Raze: Tell hi mto put his gun away.
*Raze looked over at the man to his side. Ceroos just sat and stared as if to say 'or?'*
*Raze suddenly swung the chair to one side and as it spun he placed his foot upon and and grabbed the gun in mid air. Swinging his body he twisted the gun and as he landed on his feet aside the goon, he pulled with all his might and the goon went flying over Raze's shaulder and into the wall. Raze stood there facing him and then turned around with the gun in his hand, handle towards Ceroos.*
Raze: He was making me uneasy.
Ceroos: Good. I will contact you i nthree days, for progress purposes.
Raze: Fine. And stop keeping tabs on me.
*Ceroos smiled and Raze left throug hthe door. Raze knew that they would come after him if there was one slight slip. He already knew too much.*

Unknown part of the galaxy- 5 hours after the destruction of the Halas Dukedom fusion reactor and weapons lab.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
-

Grifter sat in the co-pilot seat of "The Silencer" staring at the stars sweeping across the viewscreen. The ship was in auto-pilot in hyperspace. The memories of Mortimer Frost kept sweeping through his mind. He realized that there was something bigger under the serface of the Halas Dukedom. True they were a rising empire in the galaxy. They had always stayed clear of the ECWA and the OWCA. But it seemed that there was something much more sinister was lurking underneath their facade.
Orca walked into the cockpit and sat down in the pilot's seat.
"How are you doing?" She asked looking at Grifter with concerned eyes. Orca and Grifter had been husband and wife for centuries. They knew that whatever happened they could always turn to each other for support. They were able to do the same with thier teammates. The Dauthi clan had become a family over the long time that their master had been away. They had lost many members. One to evil- Moloch. (Gattsu slayed him 200 years ago).
But the prospect of finding their long lost master had become much bigger to them then anything. (In feudal Japan, a man would kill himself if his master asked him to, and the fact that thier master has been missing for so long has left them all lost in some ways.)
" There are some memories that have surfaced, one was about Master Gattsu. Apparently Frost had seen a file of him that dated back 200 years. About him working with some rebel force on Earth. Then it says that he just disappeared." Grifter replied.
"I don't understand, there was a file on him?" Orca asked.
"Yes, this guy Frost has seen files about millions of immortals, including us!" Grifter said seriously.
"Us? How? We have been in hiding for centuries." Orca asked suprised.
"I don't know there is a fuzzy memory about something called the 'Alpha-immortal' program and a scientist named Harold Geyser. The memories are still fuzzy, you know how it can take weeks for the memories of a fallen enemy to clear up. I do know that there was alot of talk about someone named... Jean? Something about territory. I'm not sure yet." Grifter sat rubbing his temples.
"It seems like the Halas Dukedom has great interest in immortals. But why?" Orca asked sitting back in the seat.
"I don't know, but I am sure we are going to find out" Grifter said with a hint of dread in his voice.

High orbit of Icarus 4- Halas Dukedom flagship "Soaring Hunter"
--------------------------------------------------------

On the command deck of the large Halas flagship man stared off at the desert planet. His black cape matched his black and grey uniform. The marks designating him as a Grand Admiral donned his shoulders and his purple bladed no-dachi sat in its sheath. His eyes glaring at the planet, he was deep in thought, and even deeper into madness.
The ship's captain Remuu, stepped behind him. "Grand Admiral Nobunaga, sir. Scanners indicate that there is no more evidence of our research in the ruins of the installation. There is a hyperdrive trail leading close to OWCA space. That is where the infidels have escaped to."
Nobunaga Oda turned to face the captain. The ancient immortal stood at 6'3'' in height, slightly muscular build. His eyes glowed orange with demonic evil.
"That's not good enough captain. You are to power the main reactor core and glass that planet." Nobunaga ordered.
The captain looked at him as if he were insane. "But, sir there are over 2 billion people living on Icarus 4. Not to mention the millions of our own employees and civilians."
Nobunaga glared at him, "Your predicessor was much like you, I trust I don't have to remind you about what happened to him?"
The captain did know what happened to his predicessor, he disobeyed Nobunaga for not destroying a planet that had a rebel colony on it. Nobunaga gutted him on the bridge and then skinned him. He was then hung in the mess hall as a reminder for what happens to those who don't obey orders.
"Y-Yes, sir." The captain sat in his chair. "Weapons: Charge up main reactors." The reactors began powering up on his command.
The fire team and weapon's commander looked at him, "Charged and ready, sir."
The captain looked to Nobunaga who turned his gaze to the planet, "Commence bombardment!!" He yelled.
The "Soaring hunter" launched an onslaught of plasma, laser, and a large beam of negative energy at the planet. The negative energy penetrated the crust of the planet and shot into the planet's core. Instantly the balance between negative and positive poles in the core was disrupted causing the planet to super heat itself.
"Sir, within one hour the planet will be a molten fireball. Nothing will survive." The captain said.
Nobunaga's face lit up in an evil sneer, "Good captain, Now... I want that ship!" Nobunaga walked off the bridge, no one would screw up his plans this time!

*The transport vessal came down to a large beutiful looking city. There was plant life everywhere, and kids were running around in the street. Some stopped and stared as a jeep came to the docking bay in order to get Eli and Pontius. About 4 armed guards stayed with both of the immortals all the way to the biggest building in town. When at last, after about three grav lifts, they came to the top of the building. They then had to take about two sets of stairs to reach the roof where a man was standing surrounded by about two dozen armed guards. Here the other four guards stopped and stayed at the doors. The man looked about in his late thirties but still very political looking. He wore a normal buisness suit and carried a brief case. His black hair was combed straight back and jelled to stay there. HIs face was grim as if he was watching a convict being sentenced to death. The guards all seemed on edge and Eli had a bad feeling.*

Eli: I am Elijah Moishe of the-
Man: I know who you are Eli. But allow me to introduce myself. I am Joseph Pilate. I am the president of this system. What I don't understand is what you want with me.
Eli: I am only here to talk to you about your position in this war and-
Pilate: We have already told your commanding officer that we will have nothing to do with your war. We will not be bullied into either side.
Eli: I am not here to try and bully you into joining our side, sir. But you have to realise there is no riding the fence. Someday you will be forced to join one side or the other. I just want you to know that the winning side is standing right in front of you asking you to join them.
Pilate: How do I know your side will be the winners?
Eli: I guess you don't. You could believe me now and join us, or take your chanses with the others. I can tell you now they won't be any where near as polite as us.
Pilate: Let me tell you something Eli. The reason we don't want to join either side isn't because we are scared of losing people. It's because we're afraid of losing out resources. We arn't very strategic and we arn't very that strong of a military force. But we are one of the richest systems in the milky way. We don't want to lose that.
Eli (more to himself and Pontius than a statement): Maybe that's why Kindler wanted us to visit this place. I must immediatly return to my ship and speak to my commanding officer. I will keep in contact with you.
(The ambush idea sounded like fun so I'm gonna do that. If you think it would be better to change to something else just say Eli went back to the ship.)

Pilate: I'm sorry Eli. But I don't think you telling your commanding officer about how much money we have will be too good for us. In fact you should have never come here. We won't be allowing you to leave. We have been asked to eliminate you and any of your friends. We will be seizing your ship and putting you in arrest.
Eli: Who wants us dead?
Pilate: Like I'm telling you.
Eli: Fine.
Pilate: You will be coming peacefully then?
Eli: Ha, no.

*Pontius then grabbed the two nearest him and completely crushed their bodies under his massive arms. Eli picked two up and launched them over the edge with two dark arms protruding from his own arm. He then used his light abilities to melt all the guns. After that he picked up Pontius with surprising strength and jumped over the edge and from his arms a black wing and a white wing formed onhis back. He started to make his way to the docking bay.*

At 1/27/05 11:24 AM, Lysaer wrote: "Grand. Shall we?"
*Atomicus lead the way to the ship, where the three boarded. They took off immediately, and once cleared of Tortugan space (Certain magnetic fields and beams make it impossible to go into hyperspace within Tortugan boundaries), they blasted into hyperspace off towards Jovia II.*

*The shuttle rockets toward Jovia II, nestled amongst its five moons and four neighboring planets. The twin red suns essentially orbit Jovia II, making it the coolest planet in the Draconis system. The planet is mostly jungle, then ocean, then desert. The Jovians have built their first cities over the deserts making the planet appear a dark green-blue from space. The palace of the royal throne, although not old in comparison to the rest of the capital city of Utala, seems decrepid. The shuttle touches down on the landing pad outside the palace. As Atomicus leads the way into the palace, it is possible to see in the distance the massive temple where Atlas holds his power. Atomicus stops outside a large wooden door and stops.*

"I must leave you momentarily to check in with Atlas, or he will suspect me treasonous. Mortis is inside."

*Atomicus walks off.*

"Aye, do what ye must, Atomicus. It was good to meet ye. Hopefully we'll be seein' much more of ye in time. Good day."
*LeChuck and Zanzibar bade him goodbye and watched him walk off.*
"He reminds me very much of Lizordium." Zanzibar said quietly, still watching Atomicus walk off. LeChuck turned his eyes from Atomicus to look at Zanzibar.
"Really? He seems more...rigid, although not by much. I s'pose that's because he's only heard of us from Mortis and possibly others. Perhaps, and hopefully, he harbors good feelings and intentions towards us. I can only assume this is this case, bein' he's riskin' his neck for Mortis with us. I hope he doesn't suffer the same fate as Lizordium..."
*LeChuck's voice trailed off into silence, and the two exchanged a look before mutually deciding it was time they headed in to greet an old friend. They walked up the palace steps and inot the grand doors as they were opened for them.*

*A rather short Jovian armed with nothing more than a staff, used to carry his weight, and wearing blue silk clothing greeted them. He explained briefly that he was Mortis' caretaker and that Mortis had just been informed of their arrival. He lead them into a smaller chamber where Mortis lay on a bed. When Mortis saw his friends of old he tried to rise, but after a coughing fit, the caretaker made him lay back down. Off to the side of the bed was Mortis' tail, since he had lost his even before he had met LeChuck and Zanzibar, his cyborg tail was quite necessary. And removable. Mortis easily looked more like 1200 than his actual 800 years of age. Though still of sturdy build, his frame seemed sickly compared to how he had been. As they approached he greeted them with a raspy voice.*

"Old friendsss... thank you for coming to see me, I feared you might not make it in time...."

*Lawrence sits slumped forward in his command chair, his chin propped up on one hand. The wait has lasted several hours so far, with little activity in the system since the departure of the ships*
Lawrence: Navcom, are you ready to begin downloading from the OWCA archives?
Navcom: Yes sir. I have been granted full access, as was agreed.
Lawrence: Then get everything you can that might possibly be of use, references to the Avatars, artifacts, alien worlds, and the rest.
Navcom: Affirmative.
Lawrence: And transmit our sensor readings to Arcturus, he might be interested in those ships we saw.

Wow you must of been bored to sit there all that time talking about RPG's i find them boring so i jsut read a few sentences and replyed lol

At 1/28/05 11:36 AM, Atomicus wrote: "Old friendsss... thank you for coming to see me, I feared you might not make it in time...."

*LeChuck gave a warm smile as he came to stop at the side of Mortis's bed.*
"We came as soon as we could, mate. We wouldn't miss this for the world."
*LeChuck accepted a chair that a soldier offered him, and took a seat as Zanzibar came and stood next to Mortis*
"We would never allow an old friend to pass without seeing them first. May you live many decades more. Lord knows you're one old tought sonuva bitch." Zanzibar smiled. He then took a seat next to LeChuck, both pirates very near to Mortis's bed, as they both knew his hearing had been failing him over the years. LeChuck placed his cane betwen his legs and rested his hands on the handle. As he did so, the cane gave off a brief glow, and a low ringing could be heard. LeChuck sighed.*
"Since this is my first time on Jovia II, and my first time within these walls, I apologize, but I felt it necessary to create somewhat of an illusion."
*LeChuck tapped the cane with his finger*
"This was something we found on our journies when the Ancients once lead us back to Earth in the lower sections. It possesses the shadow powers an...old colleague of ours once had. I don't use it often, since I'm not a huge fan of magic. But it has proved itself invaluable over the years."
*He shifted in his seat.*
"You're soldiers and caretaker see us now as having a joyous conversation about old times. Everything is as it should be, and only an Immortal might sense the veil. Since we know you have enemies close to you..." LeChuck didn't need to say 'your son', since all three knew..."I just figured better safe than sorry. You can say anything you wish without fear that someone other than ourselves might hear."

*Arcturus receives the sensors readings from Lawrence.*
Those ships aren't unknown to me. Neither is that system. They're mine and I have a lot of influence in that system along with a few useful production facilities. It is one of many systems in which I hide my secret fleet, ready to strike when the time comes. If Kindler sent Lawrence to that system to investigate, perhaps he wanted him to find more than just a possible ally. Kindler might be more aware of my plans than I suspected.