In the 1980s, the race of sentient spider creatures known as The Spider Guild overran the Vega star system, quickly conquering all 22 planets.
Without the assistance of the vanished Omega Men, the inhabitants of the Vega planets were encased in the coma-inducing webs of the Spider Guild to be used as nourishment for the unstoppable voracious monsters.
Hundreds of years passed, and eventually the planets of Vega were drained dry while the numbers of the Spider Guild reached the hundreds of billions.
It was then that the Spider Guild turned its attention toward Sol and the planets of our star system.
In the year 2957-- one full year before the events that would have spawned the LEGION of SUPER-HEROES could occur-- the Spider Guild arrived en masse and began spinning its webs on the United Planets...
This is the story of what took place after the UP was conquered by the Spider Guild...
Posted by MLLASH on :
Commander Tangleweb surveyed the latest reports from his Guild brethren.
Things looked quite good for the Spider Guild.
Though the planets of this system were unlike any other in the recorded history of the Guild, they would eventually all fall... no matter what kind of seemingly-impossible power the humanoid inhabitants of these worlds possessed.
Tangleweb's mandibles seemed to contort into a smile as he surveyed the list of planets that were completely overrun by the Spider Guild--
Titan-- whose telepaths apparently found the minds of the Spiders too frightening to comprehend, much less control.
Durla-- although the race that was known to dwell on this wasteland of a planet had somehow hidden itself... for now.
Khundia-- though not without considerable effort.
Zoon-- conquered with ease.
Rimbor-- conquered with ease.
Winath-- conquered with ease once those 3 electrical humanoids were encased within the dream-webs.
Cargg-- how delighted the Guild was! 3 meals in every single humanoid!
Elia AKA Dominion Homeworld-- although the inhabitants of this planet were more vegetable than meat to the Spider Guild.
Earth-- despite resistance from the fabled earth-giant, the elusive martial artist and the solar-powered humanoid.
Daxam-- quite the victory for the Guild. It is extremely fortunate the inhabitants of that planet never leave it-- or the Guild wouldn't have stood a chance.
Talok VIII-- conquered with ease.
Naltor-- conquered with ease.
Starhaven-- conquered with ease, although the young female Starhavenite who escaped capture during that battle was still a source of irritation for Captain Fleb. Mentioning her was a sure-fire way to enrage him!
Commander Tangleweb's eyes grew weary. It had been another long day, but he was responsible for billions of Spider-Brethren and he had no intention of letting them down.
Which meant tomorrow, he would decide on what to do about the planets that had thus far escaped Spider Guild infestation....
Posted by Invisible Brainiac on :
Very intriguing, Lash! I love the return of Tangleweb as a major bad-ass! So I guess you plan on forming a new Legion of your own? Will Tenzil be a founder, since Bismoll has escaped? And will Zoe show up? I can hardly wait!
Posted by MLLASH on :
THANKS, IB! This idea has been brewing in my head since I read 'Binger's Legion 35C story that featured some races of Vega... (so a shout-out to 'Binger: thanks, babe! You inspire me!)
I'm going to be dealing with about 25 or so of the established Legion planets (I had to draw the line somewhere!) and unfortunately Aleph isn't one of them.
Bismoll, however...
the Guild is there, but have they managed to conquer the planet? Check back tomorrow!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Commander Tangleweb awakend to the latest reprorts from his Spider Brethren...
Lallor-- Considered conquered despite the efforts of the humanoid lad who appears to have Daxamite powers...
Xanthu-- The seige continues although the massively-powered gravity-controlling humanoid has gathered a collection of Xanthi quote-unquote "freedom-fighters" to stand against the Guild.
Imsk-- Conquered with ease-- until the rebellious Imskian shrinkers began to fight back with their cowardly powers-- Spider-Brethren have been temporarily driven from the planet until the sneak-attacks of the Imskian natives can be countered.
Commander Tangleweb considered those worlds to already be food for the Spider-Guild.
The next report, which listed the planets the Spider Guild had thus far been unable to conquer, held Commander Tangleweb's attention for several minutes. These were the planets that would taste the deadly kiss of the Spider Guild's atmosphere-venom bombs...
Posted by MLLASH on :
Braal-- The humanoid inhabitants were able to easily repel the Spider Guild invasion. They would be less easily able to deter the venom bomb the Guild planned to release in the Braal atmosphere.
Orando-- What seemed to be quote-unquote "easy trappings" for the Spider Guild instead turned out to be a monolithic task, as all physical evidence of planet Orando seemed to vanish shortly after the Spider Guild entered its orbit. The planetary coordinates calculated for Orando would suffice for the venom bomb the Guild planned to released, Commander Tangleweb thought.
Bismoll-- The humanoid savages of this mudball have thus far escaped entrapment in the dream-webs as they appear to be able to consume the webs before the numbing effects can take place... additional reports seemed to suggest these ravenous savages can physically consume the very metal our ships are made of. Though it is entirely possible the Guild could overrun this planet, an Atmosoheric Venom Bomb is recommended to keep loss of Spider-Brethren life at a minimum.
[ January 11, 2004, 12:34 AM: Message edited by: MLLASH ]
Posted by MLLASH on :
Deep Space:
No one could outrun her in space, this she knew already.
The Spider Guild ships had no possible way to capture her. Her mutant powers saw to that.
She was beyond capture. Her powers made it impossible.
Though in her early teens, she was an accompished mercenary, bounty hunter, tracker, and hero to her planet... she had seen the worlds of the United Planets several times over in her travels.
And Dawnstar knew what she needed to do to survive.
"A Daxamite" she thought to herself. "These arachnid monsters would burn from the gaze of a Daxamite!"
Posted by Abin Quank on :
Okay, Mikey, I'm officially Hooked... Now when will more be posted? No pressure or anything! Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Oh.... LASH
I WANT MORE!!!!
Posted by Sonnie Bloke on :
Very nice Lashie, though I'm surprised Naltor is over-run so easily....
Just me being picky, never mind, keep it coming please....
Posted by MLLASH on :
Wow, Abin, Danny, Sonnie-- THANK you.
I'll have another chapter up as soon as I post this note.
Sonnie-- Commander Tangleweb & the Spider Guild may be in for some surprises.
Posted by MLLASH on :
Commander Tangleweb looked at the faces of his war council.
Captain Fleb returned his gaze, but Captain Flederweb looked distraught. Captain Venomna would not return his gaze at all.
"WELL?" Commander Tangleweb demanded as much as asked.
"These cowards don't want to tell you what you MUST need know, Commander." Fleb replied. "But we have lost thousands of Guild Brethren to the Trommite transmuters. And thousands more to the disgusting disease-spreaders of Somahtur."
"Unacceptable." Tangleweb replied. "And Dryad-- is it a total loss?"
Captain Venomna spoke up now. "The silicone-based life of Dryad is poisonous to the Guild Brethren. Dryad must indeed be considered a total loss."
"I'll be the final judge of that, Venomna, but thank you for your input. What of the planet of Mages?"
"Zerox" Fleb gently specified. "The terrain seems to change as if at will and the race of mages has hidden itself like the cowards they are. Very little loss of Guild-Brethren, but very little in the way of progress either."
Commander Tangleweb did not look happy. "I already know that Bgztl has phased permanently into their dimension to escape us. And we have no way to follow them... yet. But I must know... has ANY progress been made on Colu?"
Flederweb spoke up. "When the Coluans look to their sky, they see nothing but thousands upon thousands of Spiders... but the Guild is still unable to penetrate the force-field that surrounds the planet."
Tangleweb slapped Flederweb with 3 of his arms. "FIND A WAY!"
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
IT will be very interesting to see all of these freedom fighters unite.
I wonder if the rest of Dryad's population (ie the humanoids) are being protected by the silicones. Or are you just saying that Dryad is silicon based only?
But LASH, this is going to be awesome! I'm loving it already...
Posted by MLLASH on :
Thanks, Danny!
(and yep, I'm working with the post-boot notion that Dryad life is all silicone-based. No humans on the Dryad of this story)
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Thanks for cearing that up!
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Lash, this is totally awesome so far! I can't wait to see where you take this, the possibilities are endless! Keep it coming, you have so much that you can get to!
Nice job, I'm hooked!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Bless you, Cobie-- I don't even know where this is going yet-- although I have a general idea-- so I'm kinda along for the ride too! I'm thrilled you are enjoying it!
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
This story look to be huge in scope! LASH I always look forward to your next installments.
Of course I am most anxious to see the Xanthu Freedom Fighters...
Posted by Star Boy on :
As am I...
Nice start, LASH!
[ January 12, 2004, 04:44 PM: Message edited by: Star Boy ]
Posted by MLLASH on :
DEEP SPACE
She would race to the surface of Daxam, snatch a cocoon and would be on her way to Sol within 5 seconds of entering Daxam's atmosphere.
Such is the speed of Dawnstar.
She smiled to herself as Daxam became visible and drew nearer with each second.
The monsters would never even know she had been there unless they were keeping inventory of their captives. She shuddered despite the fact that her nigh-invulnerable body was unable to feel chilled.
She activated the immensely powerful tracking powers that were hers alone and had served her so well since she began her work at age eight.
Once Dawnstar wanted an object or a person, there was no way it could be hidden from her. And what she wanted now was a BIG Daxamite---
The cocoon would keep the Daxamite safe in suspended animation until the yellow rays of Sol could activate his or her unstoppable powers.
Her tracking powers sought out the largest cocoon on Daxam that was in her flight trajectory.
Four seconds later, Dawnstar-- with the large cocoon in tow-- was on her way to Sol.
She had underestimated herself.
Posted by MLLASH on :
Danny! Wayne! You guys' encouragement will certainly keep me trying to do the best I can!
And fear not, Danny-- I envision a pretty important role for Xanthu and it's champions!
Posted by MLLASH on :
After dileberating all through the night, Tangleweb issued his next command to the Spider Guild.
"All Spider Brethren currently assigned to Trom and Somahtur will leave the surfaces of those planets at once.
The murderous meat of those planets will become examples to the rest of the worlds in this system.
Prepare the Venom Bombs!!
Perhaps the meat of Braal, Bismoll, Imsk and Xanthu will fall into line once we broadcast the fates of their meat-brothers!"
Posted by Arachne on :
What a place to leave us hanging.
More! More!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Thanks, Arachne-- I'm elated to have so many of you enjoying this-- and more is indeed coming tomorrow evening -- soon as I figure out what happens next! Posted by Greybird on :
{[...] She had underestimated herself. }
That's my sister! Always too modest {g} (... he says from one of the resistance outposts)
Compelling stuff, Lash LaRue, keep it up!
(Though I do think some of the planets wouldn't have been conquered with quite that much ease. Still, that also limits the planetary "cast" effectively to help in focusing your story.)
I wonder who's in the cocoon ... and if my own spun *ahem* tale gave the author any ideas ...
Posted by MLLASH on :
I dunno, Grey, I figure the United Planets were pretty unprepared to be attacked by billions and billions of giant spiders! And I think I've had a fair number of planets that have escaped full spider infestation thus far. An explanation for Naltor's capture is forthcoming...
I hoped you would like the Dawnstar of my tale- I'm kinda kicking her established powers up a notch here and using her to what I consider her full potential. I always felt like she was a powerhouse.
Posted by MLLASH on :
DEEP SPACE NEAR SOL
Dawnstar's comm-interceptor had picked up Tangleweb's latest orders.
Damn them!! Trom and Somahtur were going to be her next visits after she secured the aid of a Daxamite! She knew from previously intercepted comms that the spiders were powerless as the Trommites turned their hairy flesh to jelly and the Somahturians released the bacteria that ate the spiders from the inside.
The atmoshperic venom bombs would be released tomorrow-- although she had never witnessed the effects of one and had never even heard of it until these monsters entered UP space, she had intercepted enough comms to know its purpose--
The Spider Guild preferred to encase living meat in their cocoons, but the freshly dead would suffice...
and the venom bombs would turn the atmospheres of Trom and Somahtur into poison. And then the spiders would swarm in with the bodies still warm... she shuddered again.
Closer to Sol now... close enough for its vitalizing rays to begin to affect the Daxamite in the cocoon she tugged behind her.
But she had to rest.
She had flown nonstop for days with nothing but the rations in her pouch to keep her going.
She decided to touch down on the one place she knew the Spider Guild had no interest in... Shanghalla.
[ January 13, 2004, 05:37 PM: Message edited by: MLLASH ]
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
HMMMM...
And I have to wonder what she will find there...
Great job, Lash!
Posted by MLLASH on :
As Dawnstar approached the cemetary planetoid, she activated her mental radar...
She sensed nothing but monuments... but wait!
Sentients! All too small to be of the Spider Guild-- these were humanoids! She counted 5 with her radar.
She would leave the cocoon on the far side of Shanghalla facing Sol and she would get as close to these sentients as she dared to learn who they were before she made her presence known.
Posted by MLLASH on :
Dawnstar watched and listened.
She recognized the scantily-clad woman as a member of the Khund race, albeit one of their very rare and highly-prized feminine women.
There was what appeared to be a man in a kind of space-suit, but she could make out no face behind the visor. She found herself lingering on the winged-star insignia on his chest.
The green-skinned man-- A Coluan! A Coluan OFF-PLANET?!!? She was amazed. Colu had sealed itself off completely within its force-field as the very first broadcasts came in about the Spider Guild.
The short man wore the distinctive furred garb of a resident of Tharr. Dawnstar knew the ice-casting powers of the Tharr natives was deadly to the spiders, making it a prime candidate for a future venom-bomb.
The final sentient was almost too beautiful to look at... the woman's hair shifted from auburn to black to white to scarlet at random... there was little doubt that this was one was a sorceress from the mage planet Zerox.
Dawnstar watched and listened a bit more, and it quickly became obvious they shared her goals.
She couldn't wait to inform them that a Daxamite was on Shanghalla!
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
NIce work yet again, LASH!
Posted by Sonnie Bloke on :
And then......?
more more more please....
Posted by MLLASH on :
The sound of the Coluan's voice rising a few octaves startled Dawnstar momentarily.
"If the young Starhavenite lady would like to join us all over here rather than continuing her excellent but-not-quite-excellent ENOUGH attempt to spy on us?"
Dawnstar could not help but smile at the Coluan's tone. She might actually like him!
She flew over and was quickly introduced to her new allies... Brainiac 5, Veilmist, Wildfire, Brek and Mysa.
She could not resist-- "You certainly are the trustworthy sort, Brainiac 5."
"Nonsense" he replied. "If you aren't of the Spider Guild, then you are an ally. There's not a sentient in the United Planets insane enough to disagree with that sentiment right now."
Isn't he the unflappable one, she thought to herself. But what Dawnstar said next made all five of them gasp aloud: "I have a Daxamite with me."
Posted by Invisible Brainiac on :
And it looks like the Legion is born, in yet another incarnation. You've got me watering at the mouth for more, Lash!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Dawnstar led her 5 new allies to the cocoon.
"This changes everything!" Brainiac 5 stated. "A Daxamite-- this will tip the balance of power ever so slightly in our favor! Enough to make a difference quicker than we had planned!"
Dawnstar spoke up quickly, sensing the Coluan's plans for the Daxamite might conflict with her own: "This Daxamite will be the salvation of both Trom and Somahtur. The Guild is planning to destroy both planets in mere hours!"
Brainiac 5 did not change his expression. "We shall see."
"The cocoon!!" Mysa exclaimed, "It's opening!!"
The 6 watched as the Daxamite ripped the cocoon apart. None were quite prepared for what emerged... TWO Daxamites!!
The girl was only a teenager but she was nearly 6 and a half feet tall... the little boy that clung to her leg screamed, "Laurel, where are we??? This isn't home!!"
The statuesque blonde Daxamite's face contorted into a mask of panic. "Off-planet!! Ol-Vir, we're off-planet!! The lead-- we're going to DIE!!!!"
"NOT likely, young lady." Brainiac 5 intervened. "The myth that Daxamites die if they leave their planet was created hundreds of years ago to keep your race from reaching its true potential. Take a breath, both of you. Feel the power invigorting you as I speak. The two of you are quite likely the most powerful beings in the entire United Planets now."
The panic Laurel and Ol-Vir had felt slowly began to subside as they felt the draining effects of the Spider Guild webs vanish.
Finally Laurel spoke. "Those spider-monsters... they must die if I have to squeeze the life out of each of them with my own hands!!"
Dawnstar and Brainiac 5 smiled while the others just looked at Laurel and Ol-Vir in awe.
Posted by Sonnie Bloke on :
I don't think it is a Daxamite, I do believe it's none other than VALIDUS!!! He was on Daxam for gene -corrective surgery....
Am I right? Am I right?
more more more....
<edit time > I hadn't read that last post when I wrote this, I'm not a total basketcase y'know... honest!
Loving your thang there Lasher, Ol-vir and Laurel!! Great stuff!
[ January 18, 2004, 01:51 AM: Message edited by: Sonnie Bloke ]
Posted by MLLASH on :
Sonnie-- I was hoping Laurel and Ol-vir in a cocoon together would be a surprise (I guess Lar Gand is still trapped in the Phantom Zone since there wasn't a Legion to set him free).
And rest assured-- THIS Laurel isn't the squeamish wuss of the post-boot...
Posted by Invisible Brainiac on :
And notice how little Ol-Vir just won't let go of Laurel's leg! That little sneak...
Nice twists, Lash!
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Hmmmmm. Ol-Vir? Will we see a traitor in the Legion's midst?
Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
I think we might!
I'm excited about the inclusion of Veilmist, a character I've always loved! I love it Lash! Off the bat we get Dawny and Wildfire! Things are picking up already!
Posted by MLLASH on :
"Now then, if everyone's quite calmed down now...?" Brainiac 5 glanced to Laurel and Ol-Vir. "Good. As we were discussing before our sudden influx of new allies, Brande wants us to go to Xanthu next to help tip the battle against the Spider Guild."
Dawnstar's eyes widened. "BRANDE? RJ Brande...?"
Brainiac 5 sighed. "Yes, RJ Brande. As fate would have it, he was doing business on Colu when the Spider Guild invasion was announced. I imagine I would still be safe within the confines of my force-field technology had he not had his teleporting Khundish ward with him." Braniac 5 waved his hand in the direction of Veilmist.
"She's a teleporter?" Dawnstar asked, surprised.
"Not just any teleporter, Mistress Dawnstar... I can easily 'port planetary distances." the beautiful Khund flashed a stunning smile.
"Stargods!" Dawnstar breathed. She was beginning to see a light-- no matter how tiny and far away-- at the end of this horrific tunnel. She turned to Brainiac 5.
"You will allow me to communicate with RJ Brande, Coluan. I wish to inform him about the Guild's plans for Trom and Somahtur."
"Nonsense. We are already getting behind schedule for our arrival to Xanthu."
"HOLD it, Brainy!" Wildfire spoke up now. "As I understand it, Xanthu is still holding their own against the Guild. But the populations of Trom and Somahtur are about to be victims of genocide! We HAVE to help them!"
Brainiac's face grew stern. "Drake, I've no wish to argue with anyone here, but you know Veilmist will not deviate from Brande's orders."
Veilmist interjected, "That doesn't mean Master Drake can't accompany Mistress Dawnstar and the Daxamites to those planets." and again she flashed that smile.
Brainiac 5 rolled his eyes.
[ January 18, 2004, 05:35 PM: Message edited by: MLLASH ]
Posted by Greybird on :
Sis stopped by the Consulate to note a compliment to you for the dialogue, before she took off for a mission at Vega Six. She said, "I wish Brainy would take such notice of me otherwise *sigh* ... formal but ferocious! I love it!"
Posted by MLLASH on :
Danny & Cobie-- I'm not spilling any beans about traitors OR the lack thereof! But keep in mind, THIS Ol-Vir has never felt the evil influence of Darkseid!
Cobie-- Veilmist has been a favorite of mine from her first on-panel appearance, and I love teleporters anyway! She was a must for me here.
Grey-- THANK you! I was a bit concerned about the dialogue, but you have helped ease that concern! Brainy's is *especially* fun to write!
I'm going to attempt another entry (they're not really long enough to be called "chapters") in a few...
Posted by Harbinger on :
quote:Originally posted by Sonnie Bloke:
I'm not a total basketcase y'know... honest!
LIAR!!
I'm enjoying your story here Mllasher, very stripped and stark but still conveying the characters personalities. Not an easy thing to do convincingly!
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
ohhhhh... they are splitting up?
It does make groups easier to write, I must admit. Plus, now we get to see Drake and Dawny together! WoooHoo!!!!
Hurry up and get to Xanthu! Posted by MLLASH on :
After a little coaching, Laurel and Ol-Vir were ready to accompany Dawnstar and Wildfire.
Dawnstar supplied the 2 Daxamites with telepathic plugs from her pouch. "Mmm hmmm" Brainy said coyly, "What other illegal items might you have in that pouch?"
"Tools of the bounty hunter trade!" Dawnstar replied as she turned to Brainiac 5. "And my right uppercut should be illegal!"
Brainy rolled his eyes again. "I've no doubt." he said. He turned to his departing companion. "Drake, you realize you're placing the entire mission to Xanthu in jeopardy?"
"Do you doubt those of us going WITH you, Brainiac 5?"
Brainiac hesitated... "Of course not, Mysa Nal."
"GRIFE, Brainy!" Wildfire threw his hands into the air in exasperation. "Do you think Brande would WANT us to abandon Trom and Somahtur to the Spiders...!!?? Those races are incredibly powerful!"
"This debate ends now, Master Brainiac." With that, Veilmist leaned over and kissed Ol-Vir on the cheek. A split-second later Dawnstar, Wildfire, Ol-Vir, Laurel and Veilmist vanished.
Another split-second later, Veilmist reappeared... alone.
"VELIMIST...!" Brainiac sputtered, "Where did you...!"
"Trom." she interrupted. She turned to her other allies. "Mistress Mysa, Master Brek... are you ready to 'port to Xanthu?"
Mysa and Brek were too busy trying to stifle their laughter to reply.
Posted by Star Boy on :
Yay! Keep it going... And like DB says - can't wait till we hit Xanthu! Posted by Invisible Brainiac on :
Agreed! And even without Zoe, I am enjoying this a lot!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Dawnstar was disoriented. She felt as if she might throw up. "What did she...?"
"You're feeling a little queasy from Veilmist's planet-hop. It'll pass." Wildfire reassured her.
Dawnstar glanced around her. She knew this planet. She had been here before. The lush green countryside reminded her of home... home... best not to think about her people, trapped within the webs of the Spider Guild, waiting to be eaten. She would aid them soon enough, but for now she was on Trom, and Trom needed assistance.
"SPIDERS!!! SPIDERS!!!" Ol-Vir screamed. He and Laurel were looking to the sky.
Dawnstar saw nothing but clouds... and quickly realized Ol-Vir and Laurel were using their enhanced Daxamite vision to look into the atmosphere of Trom.
"GO!!" she prompted, "Get up there!! They're going to detonate a venom bomb! Stop them!!"
Laurel and Ol-Vir lifted off and flew straight up. Dawnstar watched until she could no longer see them. She prayed these Daxamites... only hours out of their cocoons and with powers they didn't fully understand... could stop the Guild's monstrous plan.
"We have a visitor."
Dawnstar looked where Wildfire was pointing. A young blonde lad had exited one of the huts that were scattered about.
"Greetings to you!" Dawnstar offered.
"You MUST get off planet at once!" the boy said, panicked. "The spiders mean to kill us all! I saw you appear and left my family's prayer-circle to tell you... GO! GO NOW!"
"We're here to try to thwart the Guild's plan..."
Dawnstar's explanation was interrupted by an incredibly loud explosion from above.
As Dawnstar, Wildfire and the lad looked up, they noticed a black mist begin to spread out and blot out Trom's blue skiy....
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Oh no...
It's the end of Trom as we know it...
Posted by MLLASH on :
Dawnstar was horrified. "Stargods! They failed! The Daxamites failed!"
The young blonde lad spoke with a stern voice. Dawnstar could sense that it was an effort for him to do so.
"I hope you haven't ruined everything!! The spiders will NEVER take Trom!"
"LOOK!" Wildfire exclaimed.
Dawnstar saw that the Trommites had exited their huts. As one, they lifted their arms skyward. The black mist began to vanish, replaced once again by the serene blue skies of Trom.
The Trommite lad spoke again, arms outstretched, "The people of Trom are united against this menace. WE are in no danger, but I understand that isn't true elsewhere. Go where you are needed, for you are surely not needed here."
Dawnstar smiled. "What's your name?"
"Jan. Jan Arrah."
"Well Jan Arrah, I can see Trom doesn't need our help after all. But so many other worlds do. I have a proposition for you..."
Posted by Sonnie Bloke on :
more more more....
in your own time Lashtastic
Posted by Povvin the Martian on :
Good stuff!
(edited because those bastards at smileycentral.com changed my linked smiley form Elvis to teh Backdoor Boyz... )
[ January 29, 2004, 06:46 PM: Message edited by: Povvin the Martian ]
Posted by MLLASH on :
Thanks guys, and rest assured I haven't forgotten about this story.
Just letting it kick around in my head a bit before we move on...
I believe I have the next 2 sections worked out in my head, so look for them soon...
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Lash, this is great! Keep it up!
Posted by Star Boy on :
More!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Jan could not believe what his eyes were seeing-- it was almost too much for the young Trommite to take in. He had never been off-planet, and suddenly here he was being escorted at super-speed-- wearing one of those mythical trans-suits-- by an equally-mythical super-powered Daxamite through space. Planets and stars whizzed by at speeds his brain could nearly not comprehend.
He looked to the side of the blonde beauty that held him protectively and saw the young Daxamite that sped beside her. Beside the child was the energy-man called Wildfire and beside him was the stunning Starhavenite named Dawnstar.
He could not resist her request for assistance, and indeed his parents had blessed his journey with them to the mysterious planet of Somahtur in an attempt to prevent the genocide the Spider Guild planned there.
His thoughts were broken by the hollow sound of Wildfire's voice...
"Somahtur dead ahead... and it looks like the Spider Guild is already there!"
Posted by MLLASH on :
"They've already detonated the Venom Bomb in Somahtur's atmosphere." Laurel stated matter-of-factly.
Dawnstar looked at her, puzzled... "How can you possibly know that?"
"I can hear them, I can see them, I can smell it..."
"Me too!" Ol-Vir interrupted.
Laurel continued, "They have released the bomb and it is absolutely worthless. The disease-controllers of Somahtur have easily metabolized the poison. The spiders dare not make planetfall as the Somahturians apparently can rot the spiders from the inside with some sort of disease..."
"Thank the Stargods..." Dawnstar replied, "As we would have been too late to stop this otherwise."
Laurel began to slow down her flight-speed. "Well, I for one have had ENOUGH of this foolishness. The people of Daxam lie trapped in webs! My family! Ol-Vir's family! We have flown around on a wild klanth chase attempting to assist planets that don't NEED assistance while MY planet is about to be eaten by these monsters! I'm going home and ripping the eight legs from each of those spiders. Then I'll let MY people eat THEM!!!"
Dawnstar slowed her speed to match Laurel's. "THINK, Laurel... remember what Brainiac 5 told you. You'll never make it to Daxam's surface alive. Daxam's red sun is what prevents the activation of your powers!"
Jan Arrah was still being held by Laurel and he spoke up during this brief moment when neither Laurel nor Dawnstar knew what to say next. "You will need allies to free Daxam, Laurel Gand. And Daxam WILL be free. This vow I make to you!"
Jan's calm demeanor seemed to soothe Laurel somewhat. "But when...?" She was near to tears.
"I wish I knew what to do next!" Dawnstar replied. "I'm tired and I'm worried about Starhaven as well!"
Wildfire and Ol-Vir had by this point rejoined their allies, after having flown ahead of them somewhat. Drake heard Dawnstar's last statement and spoke, trying to keep everyone encouraged. "Well... we could always hook back up with the gang on Xanthu. Strength in numbers and all that. Check in with Brande on Colu, see what's going on. For all we know, Brande's paid the Spider Guild to leave!"
Dawnstar could not help but smile. "You are quite amusing, Drake Burroughs... thank you for that. And I agree we should be united to tackle the Spider Guild from here on. Jan?"
"I look forward to meeting these allies", the Trommite lad responded.
"Laurel? Ol-Vir?"
Laurel glared at the Starhavenite for a split-second, then said, "Just a moment..."
She flew straight to the Spider Guild ships orbiting Somahtur. The ships were as monstrous as the giant spiders inside, as they were made in the Spiders' own image.
Dawnstar, Drake, Jan and Ol-Vir watched as several silent explosions illuminated their faces.
When Laurel rejoined them minutes later, not a Spider Guild ship was left orbiting Somahtur. "NOW I'm ready to rejoin the others on Xanthu" she said.
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
very nice
Posted by Fat Cramer on :
As Tenzil would say, "Arthur! Arthur!"
What a delight, Lash! This story was a great way to start the morning.
I liked to see that Somahturians could cause disease in other creatures than humanoids - I don't know if that had been specified before. Great to have Daxamites victims of scare tactics, not lead poisoning, to keep them on the planet. I thought Trom was going to get wiped out there, but it survived - YAY! Shifting hair colours on Mysa - lovely! Brainy's not all geeky computer talk - YAY! Dawnstar is kickin ass - YAY! R.J. has a personal teleporter - makes absolute sense for a rich businessman - and she's a Khundian, and my favourite Khundian to boot - HOORAY!
Posted by MLLASH on :
*blush!* Thanks, Cramey, and to all who have commented!
I kinda like those shifting hair-colors for Mysa as well. Made sense to me as she's been every shade there is. And it's nice to see Veilmist has some fans out there!
Next section coming soon...
Posted by Invisible Brainiac on :
All right! Just wondering, though, do you have plans for Drura soon? But anyway, great story!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Hey, IB, and thanks.
re: Drura-- originally I DID intend to feature her heavily but then decided that everyone who knew me would be expecting that.
So to answer your question-- no AND yes.
Posted by MLLASH on :
Tangleweb crouched on the deck of his ship, surveying the planet below him the humanoids called Earth.
Earth made a fitting home-base for the Spider Guild, as it was situated so nicely in the middle of what was known as the United Planets, and it's population was mostly devoid of irritating abilities such as those possessed by the meat of Braal, Imsk, Tharr and Bismoll. And the population was plentiful, offering sustenance to millions of the Guild.
The Spider Guild Commander pondered the rumours that rogue Daxamites had destroyed the Spider Brethren orbiting Somahtur and then had later taken over a Spider Guild ship, ejecting all Spider Brethren aboard into space unprotected.
He knew it could not be the Lallorian that possessed Daxamite-level powers, because that youth had finally been captured in the dream-webs on Lallor.
Fear was beginning to form within the Spider Guild, and Tangleweb would not have that. These rumours of Daxamites at large had to be halted.
He spoke to his reflection in the view-screen which showed what was once Metropolis strangled with webs and crawling with Spiders... "They will not fear the Daxamites once we feast on them."
[ February 21, 2004, 06:10 PM: Message edited by: MLLASH ]
Posted by MLLASH on :
DEEP SPACE APPROACHING XANTHU
Dawnstar attempted to rest but found that sleep eluded her.
It was nice to rest her wings, though. Fortunately, the energy being called Wildfire needed no rest and his piloting skills were enough to work the Guild ship they had easily overtaken.
She peeked in on her allies. Ol-Vir and Jan Arrah slept the sleep of the innocent. Laurel was awake. She answered Dawnstar's unspoken question. "I slept for who knows how long in that cocoon. I rest but have no need for sleep right now."
"I can certainly understand that." Dawnstar replied.
She approached Wildfire at the navigation console. "Drake...?"
"Approaching Xanthu, Dawnstar... and not a sign of Spider Guild ships!"
"It was my understanding the planet was under siege."
"Mine too. Unless they've all made planetfall. And if they have, we are in for a rough time."
Dawnstar nodded.
"We'll find out soon enough, I suppose..." Drake continued. "...Entering Xanthu's atmosphere near the coordinates Brainiac 5 supplied me...."
Posted by MLLASH on :
Drake and Dawnstar could not believe what they saw as they landed their Spider Guild ship on Xanthu.
There was no sign whatsoever that Xanthu was under attack or ever had been.
Laurel, Ol-Vir and Jan joined them and they exited the ship together.
"Stargods-- look! It's business as usual here..."
Suddenly Veilmist appeared before them. Beside her was a grinning lad with a star logo plastered across his chest.
"Master Drake, Mistress Dawnstar! You have joined us at last!"
"What's the situation, Veilmist?"
"I shall let my companion answer that question, Master Drake... this is Star Boy, leader of Xanthu's Amazers."
The smiling Star Boy was obviously pleased to meet his new allies. "You may have already noticed Xanthu hasn't fallen to the Spider Guild..." Star Boy chuckled. Dawnstar frowned. Star Boy's face suddenly took on a serious look in response. "Ummm... right. So... maybe it would be better to show you why rather than tell you... Veilmist?"
"At once, Master Thom."
And the 7 were gone.
The Spider Guild ship was already being taken apart by the Xanthu Sci-Police.
Posted by Star Boy on :
Yay!!! Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Lash, this just keeps getting better and better! Thom's here with the Amazers!
I love the way you write Dawnstar and that she has such a central role! Laurel too! And I can tell that you're having a blast writing Veilmist!
We crave more when you get the chance!
Posted by Varalent on :
First chance I've had to read this Lasher...WOW! This is awesome! Wish it had been Mon but I think Laurel and Ol-Vir will make it much more intersting and unique. It's also great to see Dawny back in action and sweet Jan back to his old self.
Can't wait for more!
Posted by MLLASH on :
THANKS Wayne, Cobie & Vee! Next section coming up this weekend... just how DID Xanthu escape the Spider Guild...?
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
YAY! This is sooo good!
Posted by MLLASH on :
The 7 reappeared in a vast metallic chamber.
Star Boy continued his explanation. "When the Guild first appeared on Xanthu, we were somewhat ready... The Amazers were able defeat the initial invaders. And we quickly learned that one of our teammates could keep the entire planet safe-- for a while, anyway..."
"He's talking about ME."
The assembled freedom fighters turned at the sound of the girl's voice.
Thom grinned with pride. "My allies, meet the Amazer we like to call Insect Queen."
Dawnstar had never quite encountered a being like this in any of her travels... from her chest up, she was a rather attractive redheaded humanoid female. From the torso down she was not that different from the Spider Guild race. Dawnstar also noticed 8 of the Spider Guild race that stood behind the girl. They stood motionless, as if in a trance.
Insect Queen approached Star Boy and put a finger directly in his face. "You can smile ALL you LIKE, Thom Kallor!! But I TOLD you, I have a LIFE! WHEN will I finally be able to shift back to normal??!! I swear, I'm about to go insane!!"
Star Boy looked nervously at his new allies, then faced Insect Queen. "Lana, sweetie, please. The time is coming soon. Brande is just about ready for us to make our move..."
"SAVE the sweetie CRAP for your Star Girl Zynthia! Do you know how long it's been since Atmos and I have had a moment together? Sometimes I wish I had never known that this damned Braalian arachnoid body could emit pheremones that placed other arachnids in thrall. FOR WEEKS I've been like this, Thom!! I tell you, I'm going mad! I need to be HUMAN again!! I don't know how much longer I can keep this form...!"
"You've been indispensible to Xanthu, Lana, a hero to every single person on the planet. We shall go contact Brande now and get an update. I'll send Atmos to fill you in."
"Just get the hell out, all of you!! Leave me with these repulsive slaves of mine!" Insect Queen turned and began to scuttle away. The Spider Guild thralls followed closely behind her.
Star Boy turned to Veilmist. "We'll have to tell Brande and Brainy. She's cracking. The disinformation she's had her Spider-slaves send Guild Command has kept Xanthu safe long enough. It's time to make that move we've been discussing."
"Indeed, Master Thom!"
"And what move would that be?" Dawnstar asked.
"Probably better to show you, once again..." Thom turned to Veilmist. The beautiful Khund tittered and the 7 were gone a split-second later.
Posted by Juan on :
Wow, Lash, this is so good! One surprise after the other!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Thanks, Juan... qualifying this as an ELSEWORLDS gives me lots of liberty to play with both pre & post-boot concepts, which is nice leeway to have.
FOR THE RECORD DEPT.:
This Insect Queen is indeed meant to be the post-boot IQ that is an Amazer, not Lana Lang. I just took the liberty of changing her name to Lana.
Posted by Mystery Lad on :
This is lots of fun, Lash!
I had a feeling Insect Queen was going to be instrumental in a story featuring a Spider Guild. I *love* the 'voice' you've given her! And I like 'Lana' over 'L'onna' as a name anyday.
I was sorry you thought it'd be too obvious to include Infectious Lass, as writing characters you love is a *good* thing.
As is reading them... so a big 'thanks' for an Element Lad I can enjoy. Now just give him a big part!
Er-- in the story, that is
TN
Posted by MLLASH on :
Toddkins! Jiminy Jillikers, I didn't know you were reading-- I am so glad you are!!
re: Infectious Lass... she'll be popping up before the end of this story... I do think I've challenged myself a bit more by focusing on characters such as Dawnstar and Laurel, characters I never really considered writing before...
re: Insect Queen... without her, Xanthu would surely have fallen to the Spider Guild! She hasn't been used a WHOLE lot postboot, so I'm kinda going by the seat of my pants with her personality. I tried to put myself in her shoes, sorta, and write her the way I might react if I were her and in her position.
re: Jan Arrah... my original intention was to follow Legion Lore and have Trom be destroyed by the Venom Bomb, with only Jan surviving... isn't it kinda kewl to have Trom still be around and thriving?!? Not sure how much bigger a role he'll have in this particular tale, as the end of it is approaching... but he sure has been fun to write in the few scenes he's had...
Posted by MLLASH on :
The 7 appeared in a large room filled with monitors. The visage of R J Brande was on each screen. Dawnstar recognized Brek, Mysa and Brainiac 5, but there were many in the room she did not know, including a large green female behemoth the likes of which she had never seen.
Star Boy whispered, "Sssh, everyone... we've appeared in the middle of a debriefing..."
R J Brande was already speaking. "...and am pleased to introduce our volunteers from Braal, code-named Cosmic and Magno; Our volunteers from Imsk, code-named Violet and Micro; Our volunteers from Bismoll, code-named Hunger and Calorie; and our volunteer from Somahtur, code-named Malady. And unless my eyes fail me, I see Star Boy and my ward Veilmist have arrived with the rest of our Legion of Spider-Slayers. Welcome, lad and lass! Be quick, introduce your friends!"
Veilmist shyly looked down, but Star Boy quickly replied. "May I present Dawnstar of Starhaven, Jan Arrah of Trom, Drake Burroughs-- also known as Wildfire-- of Earth and the Daxamites named Laurel and Ol-Vir!"
"Welcome back, Drake!" Brek called out.
"My stars!" the large green female creature exclaimed. "What an assemblage! Surely those awful spiders don't stand a chance!!"
"I pray that you are correct." Dawnstar said.
Posted by Abin Quank on :
Lash you've created a Monster(ess) with this story. I love it!!! At first I didn't think that Tangleweb's people were really up to the task of being an opponent that could force the creation of the Legion. But, you've overcome my doubts and spun a fine story-web.
Keep it coming!
[ February 22, 2004, 07:36 AM: Message edited by: Abin Quank ]
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
LASH, thank you for not having Xanthu heroes play the victims as they usually do. Im really enjoying this!
MORE MORE MORE!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Abin, thanks for giving it a chance! To anyone curious about the actual DC COMICS appearances of the Spider Guild, hit those back-issue bins for OMEGA MEN-- iirc, starting with issue # 26. Some pretty horriffic stuff...
Danny, as far as I'm concerned, the AMAZERS = Xanthu's JLA, and that is how I intended to treat them. 'Course, it looks like the Amazers might be absorbed into a much larger group shortly...
Posted by Star Boy on :
This. Is. So. Cool.
More. NOW!
Posted by MLLASH on :
THE STATE OF THE UNIVERSE
Legion Roll Call
Code-Name/Home planet
R J Brande of Earth, co-leader Brainiac 5 of Colu, co-leader Icestorm of Tharr Mystic of Zerox Wildfire of Earth Veilmist of Khnudia & Earth Dawnstar of Starhaven Andromeda of Daxam Spaceboy of Daxam Element of Trom Cosmic of Braal Magno of Braal Violet of Imsk Micro of Imsk Hunger of Bismoll Calorie of Bismoll Malady of Somahtur Star Boy of Xanthu, co-leader Star Girl of Xanthu Insect Queen of Xanthu Atmos of Xanthu Monstergirl of Xanthu Kid Quantum of Xanthu
Brainiac 5 set aside his mini-Omnicom. "Spaceboy..." he scoffed under his breath, "...Children. So silly."
"I can hear you!!" Ol-Vir called out.
"I know." Brainiac 5 replied. "And now that the tedious task of making sure everyone knows everyone else is out of the way, may I please get on with the meeting? Or don't you want to know how we're going to save the United Planets?"
"Leash your sarcasm, Brainiac 5. It ill becomes you. You know very well we are ALL ready for action."
"Very well, Mysa Nal. Or should I call you 'Mystic'?"
"I shall answer to either. Now get on with it, please!"
"And get on with it I shall indeed..." Braniac turned on the vid-screen behind him. "This is Colu, my home planet. As most of you know, the Spider Guild is unable to penetrate the force-field that surrounds the planet. A force field that is my invention, might I add."
"We're certain you're a planetary treasure back home." Dawnstar said. Her comment was met with scattered giggles throughout the assemblage.
"Never doubt that." Braniac 5 replied. "Now, if I may proceed without further interruption...? Good. As our recruits from Braal, Imsk, Bismoll and Somahtur may be aware, my force-field technology is being installed on you planets as we speak. No longer will the Spider Guild be able to touch the ground of your planets."
Cheers from the assemblage.
Brainiac 5 pointed to Star Boy. "Star Boy, inform Insect Queen that she will need keep her thralls no longer. The force-field technology is also being placed here on Xanthu." More cheers from the assemblage at this comment.
Brainy continued, "Tharr and Dryad will also receive the technology."
"How is Colu shipping out this technology?" Wildfire asked. "How are you avoiding the Spider Guild in transit?"
Brainiac 5 pointed to Veilmist. "Because she has been the source of transportation. No space travel has been needed."
Everyone in the room looked at Veilmist and applause broke out. Veilmist looked down and stated, "I merely do what I can do."
"Enough, people!" Brainy interrupted. "There's still the matter of the many planets already overrun by the Spider Guild. And that is where the rest of you come in..."
Posted by Abin Quank on :
Okay Lash, I admit it! I love this story and everything you've done with it so far. The completely revised Legion origin is incredible!
However there is just one minor detail...
Spaceboy???????
ROTFLMAO!!!!!!!!!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Brainy agrees with you. Ol-Vir still thinks it's kewl, though!
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
Hmmmm. Star Girl?
Posted by MLLASH on :
Star Girl = Star Boy's first girlfriend Zynthia from way back when. In this ELSEWORLDS, she has gravity powers like his.
Posted by MLLASH on :
DAWNSTAR
She felt comfortable enough with the plan and comfortable enough with the people she would be fighting alongside, but she still was disappointed that Starhaven was such a low priority on the agenda. Overrun planets like Titan, Naltor and Cargg-- whose natives had natural powers that might help the battle-- had top priority. And Dawnstar was unique among her people.
MYSTIC
Mysa levitated trance-like in her quarters. Reaching out to her sister, calling, calling... trying to let her know help was coming. Damn Beren the High Seer anyway! He would not listen to Nura when she tried to warn him. He had seen nothing but peace and calm when he dreamed. Little did he suspect it was the peace and calm induced by the webs of the Spider Guild... after several hours, Mysa gave up. She could not reach Nura's mind, so she contented herself with checking in with her friends on Zerox, who were having quite a good time making the Guild soldiers stationed there completely miserable.
ATMOS / INSECT QUEEN
Atmos entered the vast holding cell where his girlfriend had been for the past few weeks. Though he had enjoyed his time away from her and the girls he'd had during those weeks, he couldn't deny it would be nice to have his steady back. "Babe!" he called out, to annouce his presence. "Your loverboy's here, and have I got news for..." He trailed off as he heard the faint sound of sobbing. He took flight at this point, all the way to the back of the cell.
There he found Insect Queen on the floor, in full human form, crying with her face in her hands. What was left of her Spider Guild thralls was scattered all about the area. "Babe...?" She ignored him. He grabbed her by the shoulders and shook her with more force than was necessary. "Lana! What happened?"
She seemed to come back to reality. Her sobs ceased and she pushed him away from her roughly. "I happened. And I'm leaving here now." She started walking toward the exit. Atmos simply stared in awe. She had pushed him. He could not believe it... maybe he should have visited more these past weeks...? "Are you coming...?" Insect Queen called back, "...or do you LIKE sitting amongst my handiwork?" Atmos stood and followed her to the exit.
Posted by MLLASH on :
STAR BOY / STAR GIRL
They bounced from wall to wall, from floor to ceiling in the throes of their passion. Making love in zero gravity... could ANYthing be finer? Objects floating at random inStar Boy's bedchamber could sometimes become a part of their play... "Tell me it's all going to be alright." Zynthia said. "Ssssh..." Thom answered, and kissed her. The force of his kiss sent their naked bodies downward from the ceiling. Zynthia giggled as they gently bounced from the floor.
ICESTORM / WILDFIRE
Brek was very glad to see his friend again, he had really missed Drake when he had left for Trom. But there was something different about him now. He seemed more melancholy than ever. Brek slammed his Spaceopoly money on the table. "Crap, Drake! Why should we play if you can't keep your sprockin' mind on the game? What's your deal anyway?"
"Dawnstar..." Drake replied. "I can't get her off of my mind..."
Brek rolled his eyes. "Oh, geez...! JUST what you need... NOT."
Drake zapped Brek with a tight, mild beam, enough to flush his cheeks. "Shut up and roll the stupid dice!"
MONSTERGIRL / ANDROMEDA / SPACEBOY
"What a cutie you are, yes, a cutie-patootie!" Ol-Vir giggled as the green-skinned gentle giant called Monstergirl tickled him. Laurel was quite glad to be free of him for the nonce. Little did she suspect when she took on the babysitting job that night the Guild ended up invading Daxam that she'd be babysitting him THIS long.
But Monstergirl seemed to have a real affinity for children. Laurel considered herself lucky to have met her.
"Ms. Candi...?" Ol-Vir looked up at her, his eyes widening. "I miss my Mum and Dad..." Tears welled up in Monstergirl's eyes. She hugged him close and choked back the tears, "Oh dear one... I know you do, I know you do. But I want you to promise me, you'll NEVER give up hope. Promise!" "I promise." Ol-Vir replied.
Laurel continued to look on, and choked back a tear of her own.
Posted by MLLASH on :
KID QUANTUM
James Cullen examined himself in the mirror. Flawless as always. He was ready for whatever those repulsive hairy spiders had to dish out.
MALADY
The girl named Drura sat alone in her quarters. She could not blame the others for being uneasy around her. Her people were feared and loathed United Planets-wide, but were tolerated with grace because of the many biological advances their science had discovered. Plus Somahturians were right up there with Daxamites about going off-planet. While Brande had to turn away hundreds of volunteers from Braal, Imsk and Bismoll, Drura had been the only volunteer from Somahtur to answer the call when Brande made it. "They'll love me" she said aloud, "given time."
HUNGER / CALORIE
Hunger strummed an ancient string instrument. "That guy from Braal-- Cosmo?-- he calls this a 'benji'." He began singing... badly. "Jimmy crack pluberries and I don't care, Jimmy crack pluberries and I don't care, Jimmy crack..."
"Shut UP, Tenzil!!" Calorie screamed. "And it's called a 'banjo', you idiot."
"Oh, lighten up, Taryn." Tenzil continued strumming, and began singing again... worse than ever. "It'll be coming 'round the mountain when it comes... sing along, everybody!"
Calorie let out a huff of exasperation and exited Hunger's quarters. Hunger giggled as she walked out.
Posted by MLLASH on :
ELEMENT
Jan Arrah marveled at his luxurious quarters. Nothing like back home on Trom, although the natural beauty of Trom outshown Xanthu by far. He feared the others took him for a yokel, but he could not help but be amazed by the incredible sights he was seeing and the fascinating people he was meeting. He knew he was in on something destined to be very, very special...
COSMIC / MAGNO
"That little twerp!" Cosmic yelled.
"What little twerp?" Magno replied.
"That Bismollian! That Bismollian made off with my banjo!"
"What the sprock's a banjo?"
VEILMIST / RJ BRANDE
Veilmist sat in her quarters alone. She closed her eyes and when she opened them she was on Colu, at the office RJ Brande had taken over for his extended stay. "Father...?"
RJ Brande whirled his chair around. "Daughter! My baby girl!" The two embraced. "I'm so proud of my girl, so very very proud!"
Veilmist melted in his arms. The man had saved her when she was a little girl from a life too wretched to even contemplate on Khundia and she would never-- ever-- let him down.
"I just wanted to see you, Father."
"I'll inform Star Boy and Brainiac that you are staying on Colu tonight, daughter. Don't we have some catching up to do!"
Posted by MLLASH on :
VIOLET / MICRO
Micro approached Violet as she walked the halls. She hadn't seemed the overly friendly sort, but maybe it was because she was shy. "Hi there, fellow Imskian!" He smiled. Violet frowned. He chuckled weakly. "So, ummm... I thought you might like to hit the Omni-Deli or something?"
"You thought wrong." Violet responded. "Get the sprock out of my way." She shoved Micro aside and continued down the hallway.
"HooooKAY" Micro thought, "It's not that she's shy. It's that she's Witch Wolf in disguise."
BRAINIAC 5
The sooner this was done the better, and he could be back on Colu.
But he had to tread carefully. Not even Brande knew about the last transmission Insect Queen's thralls received from Guild Command before their demise. Only Brainiac 5 knew about Daxam...
Posted by Danny Blaine on :
uhoh
I knew everything couldnt be peaches and cream...
Posted by Star Boy on :
Keep it comin'!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Didn't know it had been peaches & cream thus far, Danny!
Will do, Wayne, but not until this weekend probably!
Posted by Star Boy on :
In your own time, sir. Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Oh yeah! Just caught up again on the story, and I'm still lovin' it!
Starboy as co-leader with Brainy and Brande? Love, love, love it! And Zynthia as Star Girl too!
Veilmist and Dawny are still my favorites, although the quick Tenzil/Taryn and then Rokk scene was great! I kind of like the idea of you exploring a Rokk/Tenzil friendship (I trust you Lash more than most with Tenzil )!
And things look gloomy now, although I have a feeling they're going to get worse. Although I also have a feeling that it's going to be in a way I won't expect. More when you get the chance please !
Posted by Varalent on :
Still awesome Lasher! Love your choices of characters. One question though. Who is Magno? Pol? Dyrk? or Kort Grezz (Magno Lad of the LSV)? Did I miss the answer somewhere while in the thrall of the tale?
Posted by MLLASH on :
Cobie, to be honest, I was absolutely clueless what to do with Rokk in his scene, so I decided to play him off against Tenzil. Glad you enjoyed it! I think I enjoy writing him as straight man to Tenzil's shenanigans. They'd make great buddies.
Vee, I had originally intended Magno to be Dyrk, the post-boot (now powerless) Legionnaire. But the more I think on it, the more I like the idea of Kort Grezz and Calorie Queen (--not to mention Micro Lad, that's half the Super-Rejects!) finally getting into the Legion together.
So let's consider him Kort, long hair and all. I'll try to make his identity apparent in the story itself. XXXs for the idea!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Report from LEGION co-leader Brainiac 5 sent to LEGION co-leader RJ Brande via Omnicom
The victory on Titan was fairly swift. It was a good choice for our first strike. Titan is rather small. Our resident Daxamites and Braallians probably could have liberated Titan on their own.
No Legion casualties. Only minor injuries of Legionnaires reported.
Of course, the Guild soldiers notified Guild Command the moment we struck. The leaders of the Spider Guild are now fully aware that there is organized resistance against them. Our advantage of surprise is gone.
I seriously doubt our next strike will go so smoothly.
Star Boy and I have selected a powerful Titanian volunteer to join the ranks of the Legion. Pending your approval, of course.
Loss of life on Titan to the Spider Guild is minimal as we expected. As you recall, we knew through reports to Insect Queen's thralls that Earth is the primary feeding ground for the Guild.
The Legionnaires as a whole seem heartened by this victory. Some worry expressed, primarily from Dawnstar and Andromeda, about their own conquered home planets.
I trust you & Veilmist are well, and that she continues to deliver the force-field technology on schedule.
I am as well as can be expected while dealing with 20-odd lesser intellects and living with the odd odor that permeates the Spider Guild ship we are using.
Best,
B5
Posted by MLLASH on :
SPIDER GUILD COMMAND
In silence, Tanglweb trained his eyes on Fleb, Flederweb and Venomna for what seemed like hours.
When at last he spoke, he showed no emotion in his voice.
"You realize for the first time in Spider Guild history, we are faced with the possibility that we will have to negotiate. Negotiate. I am not certain I even understand the concept."
"The meat of these worlds is incredibly powerful and more diverse than any we've encountered in our history." Fleb rationalized.
"Don't state the obvious to me." Tangleweb replied. "I will not leave our Brethren captured on Titan to starve to death. Open communications to Colu at once. I will speak to the leader of this so-called Legion of Spider-Slayers personally."
Posted by MLLASH on :
RJ Brande stared at the large image of Tangleweb on the monitor.
Tangleweb stared back at RJ Brande.
Tangleweb spoke first. "You will order the release of the Spider Brethren held captive on Titan."
"I will order that once the Spider Guild agrees to leave the United Planets in peace."
"Incorrect. You will do it NOW-- or we will detonate venom bombs over Imsk and Bismoll. Just as we did one hour ago over Braal. Even now, the Spider Guild is making planetfall there to harvest."
RJ's mouth went slack. "Y... you're bluffing...!"
"Am I? Attempt to contact Braal."
"But... the force-field..."
"One similar to what the cowardly Coluans and yourself hide behind? Obviously not set up yet."
Brande put his head in his hands. "No...!"
"And I tell you this, human meat. Your force-fields aren't yet working on Imsk or Bismoll either."
Posted by Star Boy on :
Urk!
Nice cliffhanger.
(PS Thought I'd put another comment here: MATTER-EATER LAD: THE SERIES is AWESOME!!! The ME-LAD thread seemed to under editorial control (heh), so I thought I'd post here instead... )
[ March 17, 2004, 10:00 PM: Message edited by: Star Boy ]
Posted by MLLASH on :
WOW, Wayne-- I'm thrilled to hear you are also enjoying M-EL:TS! I can't speak for Eryk, but it's the most fun I've had writing anything in ages!
And as for THIS tale-- thanks! I kinda liked that cliffhanger myself! More coming THIS WEEKEND!!
Posted by Star Boy on :
Yeah - dunno how I'd missed catching ME-Lad all this time! EDE & you have sure got a great synergy going on... Posted by MLLASH on :
I thought so too! I hope HE thinks so!
I actually think we're good enough to see print*, but that could be my wishful thinking!
*I think we could see print if DC ever decided having a Matter-Eater Lad monthly was a necessity for them! Posted by Eryk Davis Ester on :
I think we make an awesome team! I know it wouldn't be going nearly as well if I were trying to write it by myself.
I've actually been kind wondering what it would be like if we tried our hand at writing the regular Legion...
It's funny that we're writing it tag team style, without really communicating about what's going on except by waiting to see what the other one posts. Imagine if we were actually bouncing ideas off one another before we wrote them down!
Posted by MLLASH on :
Yowling Yeti! We'd be UNSTOPPABLE!!
Speaking of unstoppable-- aren't you kinda overdue for your next page of MEL:TS? *wink wink, nudge nudge*
And now, I'm on to the next section of THIS tale, which is also a bit overdue.....
Posted by MLLASH on :
Veilmist appeared with Star Boy and Brainiac 5 in the office of her father.
"Thank you, daughter. I know you are weary, go rest."
Veilmist exited Brande's office on foot. Brainiac 5 noted to himself that he couldn't recall seeing her walk out of a room before.
"What's going on, RJ?" Star Boy asked.
"We seem to be at a bit of an impasse, Thom. I need the input of the co-leaders. I'm afraid we have some difficult decisions to make. We hold the fate of worlds in our hands. We must be very, very careful."
"Let's get to it then." Braniac said impatiently.
"First..." Brande hesitated. "...I'm afraid you will have some... very bad news to pass on to Rokk and Kort, our volunteers from Braal..."
Posted by MLLASH on :
1 WEEK LATER
DAWNSTAR
She prepared to depart Xanthu for Starhaven. She wanted to be there for the first few days post-Spider Guild. Her parents and brothers-- her entire planet-- were going to be awakening from weeks-long sleep and she would offer them guidance and explanation. But she would return to Xanthu when all was sorted out. Brande's offer was far too important to turn down.
MONSTERGIRL / SPACEBOY
Monstergirl held the sobbing Daxamite child. Only she could-- the force of his sobbing might cause injury to anyone else.
"Miss Candi..." the boy choked out. "Yes, sweet one?" "Do... do you think she'll come back? Will Laurel come back one day?"
Monstergirl held the boy even tighter. "Sweet boy! I... I just... don't know, Ol-Vir. But I promise you... I'll never leave you willingly. You will always have me."
Ol-Vir's crying abated somewhat as Monstergirl rocked back and forth.
STAR BOY / STAR GIRL
"I just don't know what to say."
"We had little choice, Zynthia! Would you rather we had sacrificed Imsk and Bismoll?"
"Thom, you know I'd follow you anywhere. I'm not questioning what happened. I'm just saying... I don't know what to say."
"Let's not talk about it then."
Posted by MLLASH on :
ATMOS / INSECT QUEEN / KID QUANTUM
"So, what's your opinion of this whole thing, James? You've been an Amazer a lot longer than Lana or I."
"Hey! I'm cool with the whole thing. Really, nothing's changed for any of us except we've got more teammates now and are using a new name. No changes for us. Pretty sweet deal if you ask me."
Insect Queen stared at Atmos. "Oh, there's going to be changes." she said. "They're just not all apparent yet."
Atmos turned away from her gaze.
Kid Quantum stood up. "Whatever. Just as long as they don't cause me any hassle, I don't care." He exited the room and left Atmos and Insect Queen sitting in silence.
COSMIC / MAGNO
Kort felt almost guilty. His own parents had died years ago and he had no siblings. At least Rokk's breakdowns were becoming less and less frequent with each passing day.
"We thought Braal was safe...!" he sobbed.
"I know..." Kort replied.
"I never would have left them if I'd had any idea..."
"I know..." Kort replied.
"Everyone we knew... everyone we loved..."
"Well... not quite everyone..." Kort replied as he placed his arm around his friend to offer support.
HUNGER / CALORIE
"So, whatcha going to do, Cal? You staying or leaving?"
"I haven't made up my mind actually. But I'm leaning toward staying."
"Yeah. Me too. I figure this Legion gig would beat anything I've got going back home."
"Yeah."
"Hey! You wanna walk with me down to the Braal-Boys' quarters? I think I'll return Cosmo's benji. Maybe I could strum out some tunes and cheer him up?"
Calorie smiled despite herself. "I'll walk there with you. But you are NOT going to 'strum out some tunes'. The poor guy feels bad enough already."
Posted by MLLASH on :
ICESTORM / WILDFIRE
"Be well, Drake."
"Hey, this isn't forever, ya know. But Earth's going to need a LOT of assistance recovering from the Spider Guild."
"I know, I know, it's cool."
"Everythings always cool with you!"
"They don't call me Icestorm for nothing! And I'll be sure to com-link when Dawnstar gets back."
"Do that, buddy. And be well yourself."
MYSTIC
Mysa considered this a victory for herself, anyway. Zerox emerged unscathed and there was no life lost on Naltor. But there was certainly going to be a lot of work ahead for her birth-planet. Though Mysa never developed precog abilities herself, she felt she could foresee the High Seer coming under heavy fire for letting Naltor fall prey to the Spider Guild. And she couldn't wait to burst Nura from the cocoon she had slept in these past weeks.
ELEMENT
Jan was so happy to be back on Trom with his family. He knew his parents were concerned because he wouldn't discuss what happened, but he just wasnt ready yet. And he didn't know if he ever would be ready. He would never be able to accept the decision Brande, Brainiac 5 and Star Boy made. There HAD to have been another way... but there he went again, dwelling on it.
Posted by MLLASH on :
MALADY
Drura was grateful for the opportunity Brande had provided her. But what pleased her most was that she had inspired her home-planet so much. It could be nothing but good for her people that they assist the United Planets in restructuring post-Spider Guild. Lots of worlds needed help, and thousands of Somahturians were shipping out to provide that help. "Me. An inspiration." she said aloud. "Imagine that!"
RJ BRANDE / VEILMIST
"A leader must make all the tough decisions."
"That doesn't give him the right to doom millions."
"Is it right to doom millions if trillions or more are saved?"
"It doesn't feel right, daughter."
Veilmist leaned over and kissed Brande's cheek. "Never doubt that you are a good, decent, caring man. Be strong. Recovery is going to be a long process. The United Planets needs you. The Legion needs you."
"I will be strong, daughter, for you."
BRAINIAC 5
The air of Colu never tasted so sweet. And this situation could not have turned out better if he had planned the Spider Guild invasion himself. Daxamites were no longer a possible threat to the Universal Order and Colu remained untouched during the entire affair.
Brainiac tried to blot the thoughts of Andromeda out of his mind. Obsession would ill become him.
Posted by MLLASH on :
VIOLET / MICRO
Micro saw Violet round the corrider. "Crap!" he thought. She'd seem him... it was too late to duck out.
She approached him and placed her face inches from his own. He broke out in a nervous sweat.
She spoke with just a hint of menace. "I've accepted Brande's offer to remain on Xanthu with The Legion. You, however, have decided to reject it and return to Imsk."
"Yes ma'am."
"You will be leaving for Imsk right away."
"Yes ma'am."
"I'm glad we agree."
The woman called Violet walked away. Micro stuck his tongue out at her back. "I saw that!" she called out without ever looking around.
Micro ran quickly to his quarters to pack.
ANDROMEDA
Deep space should be enough to soothe anyone, but Laurel Gand's rage would never subside. Never!
How could they have done it?
Negotiated with those monsters.
Traded her planet-- like its people were frelling commodities! GAVE her planet to the Spider Guild!! To keep their OWN planets safe!
She didn't care about what Brainiac 5 had said about Daxam's red sun. She'd reach Daxam in hours. She'd destroy each and every monster herself. She HAD to-- no one else would, obviously.
She was invincible now! She could do it. She WOULD do it!!
Moment by moment, Daxam drew ever closer...
[ April 03, 2004, 05:11 AM: Message edited by: MLLASH ]
Posted by MLLASH on :
THE END.
Comments pro & con appreciated.
Posted by Mystery Lad on :
I didn't want it to end, Lasher.
I wonder if there could be an espionage unit on Daxam in place to thwart the Spider Guild...
... though Andromeda as a villainess (temporarily, I'd hope) with the motivation you've given her would be pretty interesting. *Especially* if a Legionnaire had an impossible-to-ignore crush on her!
I'd forgotten how much I liked Kort before he became an out-of-nowhere villain. I wish the power-that-were had named Magno Kort, as I've always *hated* the idea of a Dyrk (as in Magno) and a Dirk (as in Morgna) coexisting as characters in the same comic.
The 'real-life- coincidence isn't worth the very real confusion.
So thanks for the glimpse of a heroic Kort. Now, what rejects are left? Phantom Lad, Esper Lass and... and... I'm blanking. Was the sixth reject a Durlan?
Y'know-- the super-rejects are a pretty neglected bunch of potential, aren't they?
I hope you return to this 'universe' for more stories some time.
Thanks for sharing this one.
TN
Posted by Sonnie Bloke on :
Did enjoy it Lasher just didn't understand the ending...
Okay, I'm the first to admit I'm thick!
Posted by MLLASH on :
I didn't want it to end, Lasher. ***Very kind of you to say, Toddkins.
I wonder if there could be an espionage unit on Daxam in place to thwart the Spider Guild...
... though Andromeda as a villainess (temporarily, I'd hope) with the motivation you've given her would be pretty interesting. *Especially* if a Legionnaire had an impossible-to-ignore crush on her! ***I can't see Andromeda as a villainess here, myself. More like a freedom-fighter, maybe. The Legion would probably call her a villainess, though.
I'd forgotten how much I liked Kort before he became an out-of-nowhere villain. I wish the power-that-were had named Magno Kort, as I've always *hated* the idea of a Dyrk (as in Magno) and a Dirk (as in Morgna) coexisting as characters in the same comic.
So thanks for the glimpse of a heroic Kort. ***More XXXs to Vee for sparking the idea. I loved Kort as a kid-- that HAIR! those LEGS! I kinda like the unique situation he and Rokk have found themselves in-- last survivors of Braal (as far as they know).
I hope you return to this 'universe' for more stories some time.
Thanks for sharing this one. Maybe someday, now that everything is in place. Thanks, Todd, for reading and I'm loving DDD thus far!!
[ April 05, 2004, 09:19 AM: Message edited by: MLLASH ]
Posted by MLLASH on :
Did enjoy it Lasher just didn't understand the ending...
Okay, I'm the first to admit I'm thick!
In my haste to wrap things up, I may have not made things as clear as they should have been.
Brande, Brainiac 5 and Star Boy gave Daxam (and the already decimated Braal) to the Spider Guild in exchange for the safety of Imsk & Bismoll, (and the Guild's exodus from the other UP worlds they had conquered).
Which explains why Andromeda is flying to Daxam despite the fact that she will likely lose her powers and die in airless space before making planetfall. Posted by Cobalt Kid on :
Lash, I finally had a few moments to read this. I loved it! I'm only sad to see this end, I really enjoying reading your writing. Your style is just so enthusiastic about the characters, I can't help but get drawn in.
I want you to return to this story and these characters for part II! You've created your own cool world, and I want to read more about the Lash/Spider-Guild-verse!
And I really liked the way you wrote Dawnstar, Star Boy and a variety of other characters. I think there's a ton of potential for Rokk here now, especially with Kort and Tenzil--a friendship I never really considered until you wrote it on the last page.
Posted by MLLASH on :
Thanks for the kind words, Cobie! You're always my most enthusiastic fan and I appreciate you!
I admit to being intriuged by a Kort/Taryn (considering their preboot history together)/Tenzil/Rokk clique.
I very well might return to this Universe for a "Chapter Two" sometime.
There's tons of unanswered questions that could be explored.
Posted by MLLASH on :
Thanks to Cobie for reminding me about this story recently; I'm kicking around some ideas for a Part Two right now!
Posted by Language Arts Lad on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
![[lol]](graemlins/lol.gif)
![[Razz]](tongue.gif)
![[StarBoy]](graemlins/StarBoy.gif)
![[Wink]](wink.gif)
![[urk]](graemlins/urk.gif)
![[Embarrassed]](redface.gif)
> I hadn't read that last post when I wrote this, I'm not a total basketcase y'know... honest!![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
![[yes]](graemlins/nod.gif)
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)![[Roll Eyes]](rolleyes.gif)