Newgrounds.com — Everything, By Everyone.

At 11/4/04 03:34 PM, MasterBlaster500 wrote:

Karn turns to face his pursuer, sensing him as he lifted himself to the rooftop.
"I must say I'm impressed, I have not seen telekenesis power like that in centuries." Karn observed, his steel tail flicking at the air. The razor sharp claws closing and shutting instinctivly.

Church manages to catch up with what he was chasing. Once he reaches him he is stunned by his appearence. Again the voice speaks up.
Whats with this freak, he's made of metal. thats just stupid.
~Shut up damn it. If you wanna keep talking at least tell me who or what you are.~
hehehe, maybe later boss
Church returns his attention to that thing. "Ah, I see you are knowledgeable of the Psy arts." He takes a step closer to the thing. "Not to be rude my good.....man.....? But You kinda seem to be in a rush somewhere, jump across the rooftops and all, so I'd like to know who/what you are, where your going, and what you plan on doing when you arrive. You'll have to forgive my bluntness, but I also have the power of forsight and I don't see anything to pleasent in your future, no threat intended."
Quite it with the formalities and lop his frigging head off!
~Hey, what did I just tell you, you don't get to talk till I get a name.~

At 11/4/04 08:58 PM, Taelyn wrote:

Where's your player Jean? This disk is what I've come to show you.

(lets pretend that conversation works in a time line) I have several players. The most secure would be in the labratory. Feel free to bring your drinks but do not spill anything. *Jean leads the group into one of the controled areas of the lab with variose computer screens displaying imformation so varied you would need hundreds of years of training to understand it all. Thjat of course is the point. he then opens one of the drives for a disk*

At 11/4/04 09:25 PM, Witch_King wrote:

At 11/4/04 03:34 PM, MasterBlaster500 wrote:

Karn turns to face his pursuer, sensing him as he lifted himself to the rooftop.
"I must say I'm impressed, I have not seen telekenesis power like that in centuries." Karn observed, his steel tail flicking at the air. The razor sharp claws closing and shutting instinctivly.

Church manages to catch up with what he was chasing. Once he reaches him he is stunned by his appearence. Again the voice speaks up.
Whats with this freak, he's made of metal. thats just stupid.
~Shut up damn it. If you wanna keep talking at least tell me who or what you are.~
hehehe, maybe later boss
Church returns his attention to that thing. "Ah, I see you are knowledgeable of the Psy arts." He takes a step closer to the thing. "Not to be rude my good.....man.....? But You kinda seem to be in a rush somewhere, jump across the rooftops and all, so I'd like to know who/what you are, where your going, and what you plan on doing when you arrive. You'll have to forgive my bluntness, but I also have the power of forsight and I don't see anything to pleasent in your future, no threat intended."
Quite it with the formalities and lop his frigging head off!
~Hey, what did I just tell you, you don't get to talk till I get a name.~

Obviously the phy artists had had enough and was losing pacients. "Maybe now is a good time," he thought. He lunged over the egde drawing both curved daggars in the air, forwards in one hand, bacwards in the other. He landed low next to the phy artist, dust unsettled around him. He turned to the phy artist, "I have been follwing you and your........friend," he looked at the metal beast before him. "Thought u might need some help, beware.....i sence great evil about him....." His pendant once agian started to glow a light yellow.....eyes glowing a faint green through his hood to where it was the only thing in the hood you could see.

At 11/4/04 09:32 PM, stafffighter wrote:
(lets pretend that conversation works in a time line) I have several players. The most secure would be in the labratory. Feel free to bring your drinks but do not spill anything. *Jean leads the group into one of the controled areas of the lab with variose computer screens displaying imformation so varied you would need hundreds of years of training to understand it all. Thjat of course is the point. he then opens one of the drives for a disk*

Gattsu puts his sword away and gives an apologetic nod to Taelyn. " I apologize, I am rather new to all this..."

At 11/4/04 09:25 PM, Witch_King wrote:

"Ah, I see you are knowledgeable of the Psy arts." He takes a step closer to the thing. "Not to be rude my good.....man.....? But You kinda seem to be in a rush somewhere, jump across the rooftops and all, so I'd like to know who/what you are, where your going, and what you plan on doing when you arrive. You'll have to forgive my bluntness, but I also have the power of forsight and I don't see anything to pleasent in your future, no threat intended."

A slight grin crawls across Karn's face, "I said I was impressed with your skills, I never implied that I would explain my purpose in this timeline. " Karn looks off to the distance, " We are not alone" Karn raises his right hand pointing towards Merik's location. "We have an evesdropper in our midst, as I am sure you can sense him as well..."

(player, disk, whatever they are... no matter the time frame, people need to make backups on something. Just imagine a really small, highly advanced DVD or something, I didn't want to work out the details of something that trivial.)

*Taelyn places the disk into the drive, from a nearby projector a perfect holographic image is displayed before the group. At first there is the syndicate's logo, followed by the image of a camera moving through a lush jungle. It changes to an old forest, and then finally rolling grasslands covered in heards of running deer from an arial shot, much like footage from a helicopter. Crystal blue streams wander through lush valleys. The camera zooms in, showing schools of small fish. Taelyn looks to the others with a his full grin again.*

What do you two think? Pretty cool huh?

At 11/4/04 09:46 PM, Haloman wrote:

Obviously the phy artists had had enough and was losing pacients. "Maybe now is a good time," he thought. He lunged over the egde drawing both curved daggars in the air, forwards in one hand, bacwards in the other. He landed low next to the phy artist, dust unsettled around him. He turned to the phy artist, "I have been follwing you and your........friend," he looked at the metal beast before him. "Thought u might need some help, beware.....i sence great evil about him....." His pendant once agian started to glow a light yellow.....eyes glowing a faint green through his hood to where it was the only thing in the hood you could see.

Karn's tail flicked at the air as Merik revealed himself.
"Heh,heh. Oh, don't be simple, you are no threat to me, BOY!" Karn's tail extends swiftly to a length of 17 feet long. The blades at the end of his tail extend to the length of a katana's blade.
" We were having a conversation and you have interrupted, manners are apparently not your fotre..." Karn's tail flicked yet again at the air.

Signing off for the night guys, I'll continue tommorrow.

At 11/4/04 09:46 PM, Haloman wrote:

At 11/4/04 09:25 PM, Witch_King wrote:

At 11/4/04 03:34 PM, MasterBlaster500 wrote:

Karn turns to face his pursuer, sensing him as he lifted himself to the rooftop.
"I must say I'm impressed, I have not seen telekenesis power like that in centuries." Karn observed, his steel tail flicking at the air. The razor sharp claws closing and shutting instinctivly.

Church manages to catch up with what he was chasing. Once he reaches him he is stunned by his appearence. Again the voice speaks up.
Whats with this freak, he's made of metal. thats just stupid.
~Shut up damn it. If you wanna keep talking at least tell me who or what you are.~
hehehe, maybe later boss
Church returns his attention to that thing. "Ah, I see you are knowledgeable of the Psy arts." He takes a step closer to the thing. "Not to be rude my good.....man.....? But You kinda seem to be in a rush somewhere, jump across the rooftops and all, so I'd like to know who/what you are, where your going, and what you plan on doing when you arrive. You'll have to forgive my bluntness, but I also have the power of forsight and I don't see anything to pleasent in your future, no threat intended."
Quite it with the formalities and lop his frigging head off!
~Hey, what did I just tell you, you don't get to talk till I get a name.~

A slight grin crawls across Karn's face, "I said I was impressed with your skills, I never implied that I would explain my purpose in this timeline. " Karn looks off to the distance, " We are not alone" Karn raises his right hand pointing towards Merik's location. "We have an evesdropper in our midst, as I am sure you can sense him as well..."

Obviously the phy artists had had enough and was losing pacients. "Maybe now is a good time," he thought. He lunged over the egde drawing both curved daggars in the air, forwards in one hand, bacwards in the other. He landed low next to the phy artist, dust unsettled around him. He turned to the phy artist, "I have been follwing you and your........friend," he looked at the metal beast before him. "Thought u might need some help, beware.....i sence great evil about him....." His pendant once agian started to glow a light yellow.....eyes glowing a faint green through his hood to where it was the only thing in the hood you could see.

"Sorry, i was woried u might be overwhelmed with this guy." He looked to the metal monstrosty. "It would be easyier to take him together you know, i sence he is very powerful."

Karn's tail flicked at the air as Merik revealed himself.
"Heh,heh. Oh, don't be simple, you are no threat to me, BOY!" Karn's tail extends swiftly to a length of 17 feet long. The blades at the end of his tail extend to the length of a katana's blade.
" We were having a conversation and you have interrupted, manners are apparently not your fotre..." Karn's tail flicked yet again at the air.

Marik watched as the tail shot out longer. "Maybe i AM in over my head," he thought, "but no matter, i may have never seen anything like him, but i sure he is managable......hopfully." Marik crouched into a stance with his forward blade out to his front and his backwards blade out to his side. "Arithos ami..." He muttered under his breath. A sliver araura shined about him. This incantation acted as a shield, but could only absorb so much damage, too powerful attacks are absorbed only to its withholding point and the rest Marik takes himself. "Obvioulsy i am not made of....metal like this man, so i'll be using this." His robes offered little to no protection to close incounters.

Also heading out, we can contuine tomorrow, see ya then

Marik watched as the tail shot out longer. "Maybe i AM in over my head," he thought, "but no matter, i may have never seen anything like him, but i sure he is managable......hopfully." Marik crouched into a stance with his forward blade out to his front and his backwards blade out to his side. "Arithos ami..." He muttered under his breath. A sliver araura shined about him. This incantation acted as a shield, but could only absorb so much damage, too powerful attacks are absorbed only to its withholding point and the rest Marik takes himself. "Obvioulsy i am not made of....metal like this man, so i'll be using this." His robes offered little to no protection to close incounters.

Also heading out, we can contuine tomorrow, see ya then

nvm, time for one more entry
"Yea, sorry, i never really learned proper manners," Marik said looking to the ground in his stance. "I usually don't even make eye contave either." He looked to the steel terror with his eyes, glowing a rediant green. "Tends to scare little children." He said with a smirk, his silver araura glowing briliantly.

heading out, continue this tomorrow, see ya then

At 11/4/04 10:00 PM, Taelyn wrote:

What do you two think? Pretty cool huh?

It is a picture of the marvels that once were. Are you here to say there is a way to restore this?

*Taelyn laughs and points at the projection*

Jean this is no stock footage of Earth, this is real and this is out there right now! This film was taken at the syndicate's headquarters, one of the companies little secrets they have yet to show the universe. I went to visit auntie and check up on the company, she showed me this in person, and gave me this early promo tape. You two were the first humans that popped into my head, and you're the only people outside AUS to have seen it. What you are seeing is live holographic phootage of New Eden.

*The camera slows down behind Taelyn, zooming down to a white sand beach by a calm ocean of small rolling waves. In the water is Taelyn, clothes off and up to his neck in water, waving to the camera as the real Taelyn turns to wave back at himself in the footage.*

We added that part in while I was there, like I said, pretty cool huh?

Very much so. How did you make a rapid growth matrix stable? Remember young man, perfection is an illusion.

I dont know how that could really gel out.... but anything is possible... but it only takes one person to mess everything up and then BAM! Locked thread!

At 11/4/04 06:19 PM, Atomicus wrote:
M: "Anything you need?"

*Cromwell stands up and raises his head from between his hands. There's a new sparkle in his old eyes, as if he knows something and found a new task.*
"There might be.... I remember that, from one of my trips to the surface, I found an old computer terminal. It was built just before the pollution began, yet it still seems to function. During my first encounter with the object I attempted to gain access to its databanks, but it gave odd reactions. I was unable to retrieve the data within, but I do believe this computer is of use to me. You see, just before I left the meeting I transmitted all my collected data on random frequencies in all directions. I suspect that this old computer terminal still has some connections with other terminals, other computers and it could have picked up my transmission. If so, then this computer terminal is now in possession of my research data and my best option to retrieve my research. If I can get it to work, that is. I would have spent more time studying the terminal were it not for the fact that the pollution required my full attention, but now I can take a closer look at it besides just retrieving my data. I don't think anyone knows about its existance, who expects a still functional computer on the surface? We should go there immediately, but we must be careful. Someone could follow us. Let's go, time is of the essence."
*Cromwell rushes out of the laboratory with Mortis behind him and heads for a nearby elevator. He enters it, shows his clearance and pushes a button. The elevator begins its rapid descent to the surface and into the thick, foul toxic cloud. Cromwell puts on his protective mask, his gas mask and his visor.*
"I hope you can stand the pollution. Even though I'm immortal I often found myself to be greatly hindered by the toxic fog without any protection. I don't know what Jovia was like, but I do know this will be far worse. And if you see anything liquid, it probably isn't water."

*Taelyn turns back and smiles at Jean.*

New Eden isn't my project, its overseen directly by my aunt. I don't think I even know all the details, as you know I never was very involved in the family business. I know a few things, for instance some of the plants there came from Earth, as did many of the animals, or their ancestors. I think what really makes it possible isn't so much the technology, but the ones behind it. You see my friends, perhaps because I never liked talking about the syndicate much until this, you were perhaps left in the dark about how it works. I'm sure you've heard some of the rumors about the employment practises it has, how the work produced seems inhuman or even impossible... the company has never had a strike, never hires new people, and you'll never meet anyone who used to work there.

*Taelyn laughs softly, for a moment sounding uncannily like his father.*

Perhaps now that I've said all but the answer, you two have worked it out.

*He looks back to the now still image of himself in the water.*

The Arian Universal Syndicate is a company owned and operated entirely by the Fae.

A fierce labor union to be sure. With the ways of the fae it is possible this project has no roots in science but rather in magic. *Jean inspects the image closer. The images were undoubtibly those like the jungles and forests his early life had been spent on. He takes a few moments to devote the geography to memory. It may later come of use.* Still, the resources and processes for a project this large must be carefully monitered.

But of course. This project, I discovered, has been in the works for a very long time, since the founding of the syndicate truth be told. The thing is, most of the plants and animals inhabited ark ships in orbit around one of the outer planets, shielded and undetected by humans. What makes this exciting is the fact that the AUS has spent the last five years or so perfecting a method of terraforming previously unihabitable worlds. New Eden my friends is not on one of the massive stations at all, it is one of Jupiter's moons. You may notice that the sky was never shown in the film. That is a security measure, for even durring the day the red giant looms in the sky.

*Taelyn turns off the projection and puts the disk away again.*

The problem is the method has yet to be fully tested. But, I believe in time it may be part of the answer to not only restoring this world, but breathing true life into Mars, the moon, and countless other planets as well. It's amazing what can happen when you merge magic and technology.

*He lifts the cigarette that has been patiently waiting in his left hand to his lips and takes a long slow inhale.*

Now, there are other matters as well I'm sure you know of. I saw the news the same as you did I'm certain... you never were one to miss it. That meeting where there was to be the talk by the lizards and the pollution experts. Something happened out there and it wasn't done by humans. This city is buzzing with activity.

*Taelyn turns and starts walking back out the lab.*

Perhaps it's a coincidence that this is all happening at once, or perhaps another gathering is comming. If it is the gathering, then this time I'll be there from the start in dad's place.

At 11/4/04 05:37 PM, Baderact wrote:

"... good point." he two smiled and shook hands. "If your really LeChuck's friend you would probably enjoy a drink. And if your really a pirate, you'd enjoy a lot of drinks..."
Zanzibar stood up and picked up the cannon. He turned around and walked over to the door behind them. "Common, this pub serves good beer." Syrus started walking toward the open door.

"Great! I'm parched"
*The three march into the pub which is extremely run down and only serving 3 customers at the time. They take a seat at a table in the corner. The owner looks over in their direction with a snarl on his face, but at the sight of Syrus his face suddenly changes to one of surprise, and then instantly to one of humility. The man nods his head in recognition. Syrus nods back. He holds 3 fingers up and the barman nods again, calling for the serving girl. He turns back to LeChuck and Zanzibar*
"I used to come hide out in the basement here back in the day when I was still a small-time arms dealer. Now I own it"
*Syrus accepted the 3 beers and gave thanks as he passed them out and sipped his....through his bandana. Zanzibar raised his eyebrows and was about to say something when LeChuck kicked him under the table. Zanzibar shot him an angry glance, but LeChuck's eyes were clearly set in an expression of "Don't ask..."*
*Food was placed on the table as well, but none of the men touched it. They simply had their mugs refilled and drank. Syrus put down his empty mug for a refill as he casually spoke*
"So LeChuck, whats brings you to the underbelly of high society"
*LeChuck moved around in his seat as he cleverly stole a cigar from Zanzibar's pocket. LeChuck giggled as he lit it and spoke*
"Well, 'tis like this, mate. Zanzibar an' I 'ave been cruisin' the universe for some time now, an' we were..."
*LeChuck sudddenly stopped, his face turning to one of complete and utter disbelief. He pounded the table*
"Wait a minute! Blimey! I'm a damn fool! How'in th'hell ar' ya still alive?!"
*Syrus chuckled quietly to himself, his shoulders slightly shaking as he sipped his beer*
"I was wondering when you might ask me that. It's a long and complicated story. But I'll give you the short version."
*Syrus set his mug down and his eyes set on LeChuck in dead seriousness*
"After our last run, I was a first mate aboard The Sea Demon. We ran a tight ship, and the rewards were plentiful. But one night, after we had raided a trade ship from India that was laden with fine silks and crafts, I was betrayed. The captain had his throat cut in his sleep, and from there it was me against the rest of the crew. They tied cannonballs to my feet and made me walk the plank. As you can imagine, I was furious. As I was quickly sinking to my doom I prayed to God or the Devil, whoever may have been listening, to give me the chance to get my revenge."
*Syrus accepted another beer and began drinking it, again through his bandana. A dripping sound could be heard, and Syrus certainly noticed. He immediately put the beer down and wiped his bandana and face with his sleeve. The dripping ceased. he continued*
"Unfortunately, the Devil had his ears open for vengeful sinners that day. So he made me a pact. I sold him my soul in exchange for the chance to get my revenge. I caught up with the men and slaughtered each and every one of them. It was glorious. Not to my surprise, I was killed soon after I had finished my wish. As promised, my soul shot down the Hell. But the devil wasn't finished with me."
*Syrus's eyes burned red. Zanzibar now listened intently, and LeChuck got a strange feeling from the man*
"He said he had never seen a man with as much passion and drive for killing as I had. He compared me to his demons. So he gave me powers and ordained me...."
*LeChuck practically shot out of his seat, eyes wide*
"A demon?!"
*Syrus calmly sipped his beer, shrugging the firm accusation off*
"Hmm...more of a reaper of sorts. I work for him either way, and my soul isn't released into Heaven until I complete"
*He raised his fingers in the air to do quotes. LeChuck also noticed he had gloves on*
" 'A great deed', whatever that means. I've been trying 'great deeds' all over the place for hundreds of years now, and I still haven't been able to get rid of this curse. Anyway, that's my story."
*Syrus reached for his beer, but quickly pulled his hand back and produced a throwing knife. He began twirling it in the air, toying with it. Zanzibar's eyes narrowed*
"Syrus....I've been noticing some things about you. The dripping, the gloves...what are you hiding?"
*Syrus laughed*
"I was wondering when one of you might notice. I was fairly sure LeChuck would never pick up on it, so I'm glad his companion is more aware than he. Forget the gloves. I'm surprised you picked up on the dripping. You see, since I made that pact and all I was never really alive."
*Syrus slowly lifted his bandana, and the two men cringed. Beneath the bandana was a rotting mass of flesh, practically decayed entirely, leaving little amounts over his lips and one cheek. Everywhere else his skull was quite visible, white and gleaming. Syrus spoke in an extremely low tone*
"Hard to keep flesh on a dead man"

At 11/5/04 04:11 AM, Tacitacial wrote: "I hope you can stand the pollution. Even though I'm immortal I often found myself to be greatly hindered by the toxic fog without any protection. I don't know what Jovia was like, but I do know this will be far worse. And if you see anything liquid, it probably isn't water."

M: "Jovia used to have a great deal of pollution. We found some ways of controlling it though. We managed to turn it into a kind of fuel. Not very efficient... but that wasssn't the idea. No worries though, I always come equipped."

*Mortis pulls a semi-circular device and slips it around his neck. Only momentarily does he open his miniscule gill slits.*

M: "We're both land and water adapted, this will last me for quite some time."

*The elevator comes to a halt and the opening of its doors reveals a thick mist which slowly floats into the elevator. Cromwell steps outside and heads off into the thick fog with steady pace and Mortis behind him. After some time of walking around, Cromwell stops near the remains of an old, crumbled building. He removes a large rock in front of a gap and enters it.*
"Here it is, the computer terminal I've been telling you about. The first time it didn't really respond to my commands, let's hope today is different."
*In the darkness of the ruin and in the middle of a bunch of rubble there stands a flickering computer screen. Cromwell starts typing on the keyboard and tapping the screen, but to little or no avail. Sometimes a few screens pop up at random, sometimes the screen just goes blank for a second or two.*
"This damn thing won't accept my commands. I know it can still function."
*Cromwell looks at Mortis and opens a box with which the computer is connected. There are various wires and computer chips inside. Cromwell shines into the box with a flashlight and notices that a few parts are broken.*
"Do you have any computer parts on you?"

*LeChuck shuddered as Syrus replaced the bandana over his face. He quickly reverted to his normal self. A grin spread across his face as he clapped Zanzibar on the back and Syrus on the shoulder. LeChuck was a mixture of surprised and not surprised to feel nothing but bone under the clothing Syrus wore.*
"Well knock me down an' call me Sally! Looks like we got us an undead crew so far! Hey Syrus, have you heard anything from Limey Pete? Or maybe Hagris?"
*Syrus sighed* "We didn't all make pacts with the Devil, Chuck. Those men are long dead."
*"Oh..."
*LeChuck hung his head in sadness. Moments later he was bright and joking again*
"Oh well, we'll see em' at th'pearly gates someday. Fer now why dont ya join us on our quests an' we fin' ourselves a crew?"
*Syrus nodded*
"It would be an honor to sail with the infamous Sea-King LeChuck again. Count me in"
"Grand!" Lechuck exploded. "Now let's find us some more mates!"
*As LeChuck moved to get up he found Syrus's hand on his shoulder restraining him. LeChuck was confused*
"What ya doin', Syrus? We're leavin'!"
"Not yet, friend. We have company. Directly behind me. 4 men dressed in black. They walked in about 3 minutes ago and have been listening in."
*Zanzibar nonchalantly sipped his beer as his eyes quickyl glanced over the men. He saw 3 eating as if they were minding their own business, but one closest to the wall was most definitely staring at Syrus. Zanzibar grunted* "Friend's of yours?"
*Syrus snorted* "Hardly. Bounty hunters. I've got quite a price on my head, what with being invincible and all. There aren't many ways to kill me, and unless your an angel or a demon directly from Heaven or Hell, you can't do much to hurt me. Needless to say I've killed many man over 300 years, and my bounty is nearing 1 billion credits."
*LeChuck's eyes practically popped out of his head*
"One bill---Blistering barnacles!"
*Syrus remained unmoving as he finished his beer*
"They'll be coming over here soon enough, attempting to claim their bounty. Thing is I'm getting nicer. I warn them what they're up against before I attack. Give them a chance to repent, so to speak. Some listen, some don't. Let's give these ones a shot at living past today"
*Syrus disappeared from his seat. LeChuck and Zanzibar looked around, trying to see where he would reappear. Suddenly there was a commotion at the table of bounty hunters across the room. One man got up from his seat and crossed his chest. LeChuck caught a glimpse of Syrus's head sticking out of the wall, his eyes glowing red. The men appeared to be frozen as they listened to Syrus' captivating voice as he spoke of what the consequences would be for trying to kill him. The man standing up cursed and reached to his waist to reveal a small plasma pistol. Syrus shot him a glance and the man froze. He started shaking slightly, then progressively more and more violently. Blood began bubbling out of his mouth as his eyes rolled back into his skull. He collapsed on the ground, transfixed in a look of pure terror. The other men slowly looked from their dead companion back to Syrus. They quickly got up and ran out of the bar, shoving and pushing to be the first ones out of the door. Syrus's head vanished into the wall and he reappeared moments later back in his seat with a sigh*
"Well, at least I saved three of them."
*Zanzibar lit a cigar as he kicked back in his seat and put his feet up on the table*
"That was pretty nifty. Learn that from the Devil?"
*Syrus drained his mug, and most of the contents spilled down onto the ground. He wiped his bandana once more as he looked at Zanzibar*
"You know it"
*The three men got up from their seats and the serving girl went to clear their table. As the three stepped back out into the fog Syrus stopped. He put his arm out and opened his palm. A small fireball appeared. It burned furiously for a moment, then slowly died down. Miraculously, in it's place was now a pack of cigarettes. Syrus packed them and withdrew one to light it with his finger. LeChuck was amazed*
"What was that?"
*Syrus took a drag as he thought to himself*
"Consider it a personal general store of Hell. I've got a bit of a debt there. I pay it with souls. 1 soul is worth 3 cartons of cigarettes." *He glanced back at the two*
"Kinda makes life sound pretty cheap, huh?"
*The pair nodded. Syrus exhaled as he motioned them to follow him*
"Come. I know where we can recruit a few good men."
*They set off once again into the smog, looking for more members that would join their crew*

At 11/5/04 10:23 AM, Tacitacial wrote: *Cromwell looks at Mortis and opens a box with which the computer is connected. There are various wires and computer chips inside. Cromwell shines into the box with a flashlight and notices that a few parts are broken.*
"Do you have any computer parts on you?"

*Mortis reaches into his chest armor and pulls out a long flat box. He opens it and reveals a data relayer, usually meant for ground combat.*

M: "I haven't used this in quite ssssome time, and there are plenty more aboard the ship."

*Syrus led the men through a maze of rundown, makeshift houses, made of plywood and sheet metal and whatever else they could tack onto it. It seemed as if they were wandering aimlessly, but eventually Syrus stopped outside a random house that looked like all the others. He whistled a tune, accompanied by a series of knocks and scratches. After a moment of this the door opened. Syrus put his finger to where his lips would've been and motioned them inside. LeChuck and Zanzibar went in, and Syrus followed, shutting the door and gazing through a slit to see if they had been followed. When he determined the coast was clear, he closed the peekhole and turned to the two*
"Well gentlemen, we're here"
*Zanzibar and LeChuck gazed around in the darkness, the only small amount of light coming from the boarded-up window that showed a dirt floor. After a moment Syrus cursed*
"Oh right, you guys can't see in the dark. My apologies"
*Syrus produced fire from his hand, and the room was illuminated sufficiently so that Zanzibar and LeChuck might be able to take in their surroundings.*
*There wasn't much. They were in one very small room. Even the roof was low, so that Zanzibar and Syrus had to duck their heads, but LeChuck was fine. Suddenly Syrus's eyes began burning red. His bandana covering his face almost glowed underneath, and moments later, after it faded, a trapdoor in the ground became visible.*
"I keep it hidden from the authorities like that. Very helpful"
*Zanzibar and LeChuck made way as Syrus opened the door, revealing a ladder that went down, where voices and sounds of metal on metal could be heard. Syrus started down and motioned them to follow*
"Come, down here"
*LeChuck scoffed*
"Ya takin' a ladder? Bah humbug"
*LeChuck touched Zanzibar's shoulder and the two men passed through the ground into the chamber, landing directly on top of a table where men had been fiddling with various weapons of sorts. In an instant they were all up, and the weapons were at their throats. LeChuck and Zanzibar were motionless as they looked around the room. A moment later Syrus was all the way down, waving the men off*
"No, they're friends. They just don't use ladders."
*The men eyed the pair suspiciously, but quickly went back to talking. They were quite a surly bunch, with plenty of scars to show they had proved their worth. There was also a wealth of appendages missing: eyes, arms, hands, legs, ears, some even missing noses. These were true pirates. LeChuck smiled.*
Syrus called to them from across the small, dimly lit room, standing in front of a door, "Come, in here"
*The three walked into the room, and immediately LeChuck and Zanzibar stopped in their tracks. What was presented in front of them was....was......really fucking weird looking. The creature was easily 10 feet tall with massive shoulders spanning 8 feet across. It's arms were as thick as LeChuck's gut in the fattest part, which was quite large. It's skin was a reddish-yellow tint, and it had markings and scars all over it's body. It turned to face it's visitors, and it's face wasnt pretty either. With 2 small slits for eyes, almost like a serpent, and a small pig-like snout. It had a mouth like a boar, with two sharp teeth protruding from the bottom sticking out over the top lip. It had small ears and no hair, but something similar to hair, more like dreadlocks extending from the back of it's head down to the middle of it's back. This was held back by a tie of leather. It grunted at the arrival of it's guests. Syrus stood beside it, his gloved hand on it's arm*
"Gentlemen, meet Kray"

*The next day Farlander is out on the streets of the lower city again, flanked by 20 enforcers, and 10 hulking Jovian warriors, dressed in full battle armour and carrying wrist-mounted PRG cannons along with personal plasma blades of various types. They stand half as tall again as the enforcers, who carry plasma beamers and are clad in regular combat armour. They reach the bar recently visited by the pirates, four of the Jovians smash down the door and pin down the customers and owner, once the people have all been identified as criminals, the warriors break their necks, and throw the bodies into the waste disposal chute*

At 11/5/04 12:02 PM, Lysaer wrote: *The three walked into the room, and immediately LeChuck and Zanzibar stopped in their tracks. What was presented in front of them was....was......really fucking weird looking. The creature was easily 10 feet tall with massive shoulders spanning 8 feet across. It's arms were as thick as LeChuck's gut in the fattest part, which was quite large. It's skin was a reddish-yellow tint, and it had markings and scars all over it's body. It turned to face it's visitors, and it's face wasnt pretty either. With 2 small slits for eyes, almost like a serpent, and a small pig-like snout. It had a mouth like a boar, with two sharp teeth protruding from the bottom sticking out over the top lip. It had small ears and no hair, but something similar to hair, more like dreadlocks extending from the back of it's head down to the middle of it's back. This was held back by a tie of leather. It grunted at the arrival of it's guests. Syrus stood beside it, his gloved hand on it's arm*
"Gentlemen, meet Kray"

Zanzibar walked up to the beast and smiled. Zanzibar slowly circled Kray slowly and then stood up in his face.
"Your one of those being who live on that volcano planet, right? So Syrus believes your good enough to be part of our crew... He has shown us his abilities, lets see if you can match up."
Kray looked down at Zanzibar as Zanzibar curled his hand into a fist.
Kray laughed, "Little man, with arrrrms as smallll ass yoours, you'llll never hurrrrt me." He sounded like we was groaning the words out. He smiled as he puffed his chest out.
Zanzibar grimaced as focused his wisps around his fist. He struck at the center of Kray and drove Kray directly into the celing with the strike. Saliva rocketed out of Krays open mouth as he grabbed his now bruised his stomache. He grew very angry as he stared down Zanzibar.
"You shouldn't underestimate a man because he is small. The funny thing... is I didn't ever touch you... I only used my fist so you'd know where I was going to hit." Zanzibar exhaled a mouth full of smoke and quickly the wisps spinning around his hands became visible.
LeChuck began laughing out loud. This only angered Kray more, as he raised his open palm. He struck down on the top of Zanzibar's head. Zanzibar smiled and took a last drag out of his cigar. Suddenly Zanzibar's body was crushed by the blow and crumpled under the extreme force of Kray's huge palm. Smoke exploded out of Zanzibar's sleaves and pants as Kray's palm finally made contact with the earth, totally flattening Zanzibar. Syrus looked worried, but LeChuck just laughed. Kray lifted his hand to see just a pile of clothes, 12 swords and a smothered cigar.
Slowly the smoke that filled the room started coming back into Zanzibar's clothes. The clothes filled back out and Zanzibar appeared back in them, unharmed. He lifted the swords and began placing them back in their places. "Congratulations you pass your test. Your welcome to join us if you so feel." Zanzibar smiled as he reached into his pocket for his last cigar. Zanzibar looked stern as he turned around and walked over to LeChuck.
"You traitorous son of a bitch." Zanzibar quickly unsheathed his sword and lopped off LeChuck's head. "Buy your own fuckin cigar's you bilge-rat."
LeChuck smiled as he placed his head back on his shoulders.
One of the men in the other room busted in and said "Syrus... some action iss going down in your bar..."

*Lizordium recieves word that Farlander has taken command of some of his troops. He is nervous about the whereabouts of Mortis and Cromwell. Not yet knowing if Mortis was any aid to the poor scientist. He had tried communicating with Mortis using the communicator, unfortunately the reception of wherever Mortis was, must not have been blocking the signals*
_________
-TheDoctor-
wouldn't you mean twice as tall? or nearly twice as tall? Average height for a Jovian is between 7'6" and 8'... I'm assuming that enforcers are human...
_________

*Lizordium calls one of his assistants and has them prepare a message for Farlander asking about the whereabouts of Cromwell and Mortis, suggesting sending any aid if they have not returned*

At 11/5/04 12:50 PM, Baderact wrote: One of the men in the other room busted in and said "Syrus... some action iss going down in your bar..."

*Syrus turned to the mention of his bar*
"Hmm....must be that government lapdog Farlander. He is of no consequence. Although I would take great pleasure in taking his soul..." Syrus thought to himself as to what their plan of action would be. "Okay. We should leave here immediately. I can cloak all 4 of us so we can move undetected past their patrol, and from there we'll---"
"Hol' on jus' a minute" LeChuck interrupted. "If it's tha' bastard Fatlander I wanna piece ov 'im. Zanz, you should use yer magic an take Kray back to Tortuga unharmed. Me an Syrus can follow easily, we'll steal a ship er somethin. But we should move..."
*Again they were interrupted by one of Syrus's men*
"Syrus, this aint no normal patrol. Tryke said he saw Jovians in full battle gear, 10 of em." Syrus nodded and the man withdrew.
"Hmm....the Jovians helping out Farlander's patrols of the lower city? That is unexpected. They must've reached some sort of agreement. I just hope the Jovians aren't going to trust that conniving bastard too much. He's notorious for sneaky shit. He's tried to infiltrate my lairs with spies frequently. Luckily they never know the code so they never get in. But that's never stopped him."
*Syrus continued as the group followed him out of the wide double-doors and to the ladder*
"His patrols could never find these spots. But he's killed some good men of mine who were just out doing normal things, like getting food for their families. Just yesterday a man named Hugo was shot while walking back to his home with some scavenged plants and other edibles. Shot right dead. His kids are starvin' now."
*Syrus's eyes lit up as he clenched his teeth. LeChuck sensed time was sensitive and so urged his companion on*
"Right, right, we'll be gettin' ta that mate. Let's jus focus on gettin outta here fer now"
*Syrus composed himself and complied. They climbed up the ladder and back out the trapdoor. Zanzibar had been wondering how Kray would fit through the trapdoorway, which couldn'tve wider than 3'x3'. His question was answered as Kray shape-shifted into a much smaller and thinner version. He slipped through the door with ease. When they were all out Zanzibar spoke*
"So you're a shape-shifter as well? That was a surprise"
*Kray looked at Zanzibar*
"Kray nooo normal Phhhangar. Heee have some maaagic too. Shhhape-shifffting is one ooof abilitiiiies."
*Syrus signaled for silence as he closed the trapdoor and it once again disappeared from view. He looked out the door to see if the coast was clear. When he determined it was clear they moved out in single file, silent as night. LeChuck didn't say anything, but he was eager to confront those Jovians and maybe just even talk to them. He knew they were an incredibly prideful race, and therefore if he ever attacked one he would probably be on their bad side for a very long time. He made a mental note to not engage with the Jovians at any cost. He spoke quietly to the group*
"I'd 'preciate it if no one was to attack the lizards. Jus a personal favor. We can all 'void em easily. Jus kill Farlanders men an maybe Farlander hisself."
*Once again they wound through the maze of houses, and when they reached a certain crossroads Syrus stopped. He turned to face the group*
"Okay, here's where we split up. Zanzibar, I want you to take yourself and Kray to the elevator in secret. Use whatever you do...magics...or whatever. LeChuck and I are going to say hi to Farlander. Head straight that way and you'll hit the elevator after about 5 minutes. See you on Tortuga."
*LeChuck winked at Zanzibar and a faint smile crossed Zanzibar's face. Then Zanzibar looked at Kray and said, "Don't panic. This is gonna feel weird, but you'll be fine. Just relax."
*Zanzibar dematerialized himself and Kray into a similar yellowish smog like the air was. It would be impossible to see or find them. Syrus poked LeChuck*
"Come, we have work to do."
*The two men took off in the fading light, Syrus speeding ahead, a blur, with LeChuck following right behind. They stopped when they had come within Farlander's sight. Syrus bent down and picked up a rock. "Watch this" He whispered to LeCHuck. Syrus was still for a moment. Then he reached back and threw the stone. It sped across the gap of no more than 30 feet in milliseconds, and it first hit a soldiers helmet, then ricocheted to another soldiers helmet. It continued it's ricocheting until it had hit every helmet. Each soldier was unharmed, but briefly stunned and a little shaken. Syrus spoke.
"And there's more where that came from. We have no quarrel with you, Jovians. Our fight resides with Farlander and his cronies."