Roll Call: Faraway Lad; Quislet, Esq.; Spellbinder; Stealth
Weber’s World The Capital Planet of the United Planets, Weber’s World is an artificial planet designed to function as the diplomatic hub of all of the United Planet’s membership, as well as other sectors of space that have relationships or problems with the United Planets.
“Good morning citizens of Weber’s World! Today special guests Spellbinder, Quislet, Esq. and Faraway Lad of the Legion are arriving to help the continuing peace process taking place here on Weber’s World in regards to the Long Three Way War. As reported for the last ten months, serious negotiations are in place to finally end the war, after 87 years of non-stop aggression by all three sides. Neighboring planets Ggrrgg, Kerissia and Wynathia have pitted their own small-scale empires against one another without abandon, culminating two years ago when Ggrrgg extended its aggression towards Psyonia—and the United Planets effectively had all three planets kicked out of its membership unless they complied with the peace agenda set forth.”
“Two of the galaxies most famous Ggrrggians have been engaged in the peace process these last few months, as the famous holo-actor Bevruck Jespers has lended his name and credibility to the cause, calling for his home planet to pursue peace. His tireless crusade is only outmatched by heroine and ally of the infamous Legion, Antiquated Forms of Communication Lass, who has promised she would not leave Weber’s World until her sector of space finally knows peace. The third most famous Ggrrggian, Cobalt Kid, has remained silent throughout negotiations and has not commented on the matter publicly.”
The omni-remote clicked, and the news feed was suddenly cut-off. A lovely hand with red-colored finger nails discarded the remote to the side, sighing at the holo-screen. Twenty feet away, Faraway Lad chuckled quietly, as he poured himself a glass of port. “They love to bring his name into, don’t they?” he asked, smiling.
“Yes,” said Spellbinder, shaking her head, “and he wants nothing to do with Ggrrgg…and I don’t blame him.” Princess Crujectra of Psyonia knew first-hand what sort of temperament was common on Ggrrgg, as memories of the war-masters that controlled Ggrrgg's populace had pursued war with Psyonia with absolutely no cause were still fresh in her mind--for their cruelty and their arrogant sense of superiority over the rest of the universe. “I cannot say I think this will be the easiest, or the most likely diplomatic mission Darden,” she said, “but all we can do is try…”
“Yes Princess, I agree,” he replied, sitting next to her, “but perhaps our friend here can at least confuse them enough into thinking they're right when they sign on for peace.”
Quislet, Esq., smiled back at them, replying “they’re long three way war has been in violation of intergalactic law for decades, and I’m sure there’s a clause somewhere that lays out exactly how arbitration involving an exchange of currency can settle what bloody war obviously can’t…”
“Well, this sounds like a boring mission if I’ve ever heard one…” said a fourth LMBer, unnamed on the news, as Stealth joined them. “I don’t know why I bothered to sign up for this one…”
“Unfortunately Stealth,” said Princess Crujectra, “With this group…we’ll most likely need you…”
“Perhaps sooner than you think,” said a Science Police officer walking in. “LMBers, if you’ll forgive the intrusion, I think we’re going to need your help. The public is currently unaware, and Ambassador Relnic though it might ruin public sentiment and disturb the peace negotiations—“
“Spit it out officer,” said Spellbinder, “What’s happened?”
“There’s been a murder,” said the Officer. “One of our own—a fellow Science Police Officer. He died saving one of the Kerissian ambassadors...”
“Then we may already be too late…” said Faraway Lad.
[ February 27, 2007, 03:09 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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“This is unacceptable, Legionnaires,” came the voice from the Omni-screen, “Though I fail to see how the LMB is going to take this matter seriously. You’ve already proven time and time again that you care little for our culture—I find it hard to believe you would care now.” This was Princess Tarina, the reigning authority on Kerissia. Tarina was beautiful and had an intricate and smart political mind. But she was also highly emotional and subject to being enraged, and she hated the LMB, specifically Cobalt Kid, whose hate was an extension of her natural hate to all things Ggrrggian. She had total control over the powers of light, which made her an effective nemesis in battle as well.
“We take murder very seriously Princess,” said Quislet, before Stealth, Crujectra or Faraway Lad could respond to her with more biting words, “and we understand your anger. One citizen of the United Planets has already given his life to defend one your own…how many more do you think it will take before you see that we’d rather there be no further deaths at all. Trust us when we say this, we will do everything in our power to bring the assassin to justice and ensure these negociations continue unabated.”
Princess Tarina was silent on the other end, likely shocked that she had not encouraged the shourting match that she expected to happen. “See that you do,” she said finally, “or perhaps I should come there myself!” she added, as she suddenly cut-off the omni-cast.
“Ooh, threatening", said Stealth, “how cliché.”
“What do we know Officer?” said Faraway Lad to Weber’s World Science Police Chief.
“We know a lot, actually,” said the Chief, “which is some relief. Security cameras caught this assailant at the scene of the crime, and notice that her blaster is still smoking…” The LMBers looked on at the viewscreen and watched as the female assailant, dressed in blues and white fired her gun into the Science Police Officer as the Kerissian ambassador cowered in fear. The murder was cold and quick and she ran off. “We’ve identified her as a wanted criminal known only as Déjà Vu, who we know little to nothing about, especially why she would be connected to these negotiations in any way. There is no doubt that she still must be on Weber’s World. You have our full support and can use whatever you need.”
“Thank you Chief,” said Spellbinder. “Stealth, this looks like it will be right up your ally,” she began, “and we need to continue to keep this quiet. It will be better if Quis and Far get down to the peace talks before our absence begins to become a topic of conversation. I’ll join you all shortly. Time is not on our side here…”
As the LMBers began to go their own separate ways, Crujectra noticed that in the room there was not only Science Police Officers, but members of the UP military, some that she recognized. As she walked over, she noticed that some members were dressed differently, and actually wore the colors of the Armies of the Legion World Triumvirate, which in recent months had ceased to exist. She turned to the soldiers, who greeted her with a salute. “Ma’am,” they said.
“Are you soldiers of Legion World?” she asked, knowing that almost 95% of the former soldiers were now a part of Eryk Davis Ester and Cobalt Kid’s Space Knights.
“We were,” said one, “though not anymore. Forgive my disrespect your majesty, but your lover Cobalt Kid, and the noble Faraway Lad who was just here betrayed us—FAILED us.” Crujectra was caught off guard suddenly and immediately was annoyed. “The Khanate of Sol Invictus murdered a large contingent of our soldiers and instead of claiming vengeance, we threw down our arms. For that, we could be soldiers no more.”
“Enough Marcus,” said a UP military officer, coming over. “You are speaking completely out of turn, and I’m going to have your ass for this. My apologies Princess.”
“It’s…alright, Colonial,” she replied.
“Marcus here thinks it would be wise to invade the Khanate of Sol Invictus and assassinate all their leadership. Perhaps some day, when this young man is older, he’ll realize that human life is not to be so easily discarded so he can have his personnel vengeance.”
She turned to Marcus, who was no older than nineteen years old, obviously human. “I hope he does…” she said, and walked out.
[ February 27, 2007, 03:13 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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Discussions lasted all day among the diplomats and it was not long before Quislet, Faraway Lad and Spellbinder realized how difficult this would be. It was no longer a matter of political maneuvering between these neighboring empires, it was now a matter of complete and utter hate among the three races. Knowing that such bitter hate still existed in the universe was like a blow to the chest of the heroes, and it was disheartening in the worst.
“How…?” was all Faraway Lad could think of as he returned to his quarters that night, and he opened up his omni-com to tap into the LMB’s enormous catalogue of historical information. It was settled in his mind right then and there, that he would learn all he needed to about these three cultures and why they hated each other so much.
It surprised him little, of course, to find that the three neighboring planets had been not only on friendly terms, but incredible allies one hundred and fifty years in the past. The three planets had an alliance with one another, and in the decades before the United Planets was formed, they often banded together in times of need, both in defense and in economics.
Ggrrgg was always renowned for its warlike prowess, being a civilization that prided itself on outward expansion, military glory and mastery of war. It expanded in the opposite direction of its neighbors, however, taking other planets under its rule and subjugating them, arrogant in their belief that Ggrrggian culture was supreme. Ggrrgg was ruled by an oligarchy of ancient families that dominated the culture politically and religiously. The patrician and equestrian classes, though a sliver of the population, actually controlled almost all of the wealth and land.
Kerissia was a planet completely enamored with technology and the advancement of technology to the point that it was incorporated into even the most mundane or routine function. They were immensely intelligent, and willingly spread this technology to their two allies, in return for Ggrrgg’s military protection. Kerissa was ruled by an Ancient Royal Family.
Wythania was a harsher planet in terms of climate, and was populated by the Mind-Flayers, a race of tentacled beings that had complete mastery of psionic powers, such as telekinesis and telepathy. They were an off-shoot of a much larger empire far away, most likely the descendents of a colony from long ago. Their psionic abilities were extremely useful and they willingly offered to use them for their two allies in exchange for Kerissia’s technology and Ggrrgg’s military protection.
And this was setting that would one day lead to one of history’s longest and most brutal wars. For first there was peace…and then there was the Three ‘Spears of Power’. History was not kind in recording what they were, though the obvious assumption that there was one for each planet is generally made. It is known that there were two lesser spears for day and night, but their lord was the third and greatest spear, the Psionic Spear. This was the greatest of them all, and led to the downfall of the three power’s alliance.
It is said that the Kerissian’s, with their technology, found a way to harness the power of the Mind-Flayers in the form of one single spear, so that they could use the Mind-Flayer’s abilities without needing the Mind-Flayer’s themselves. However, it became apparent that in order to do so, the spear would drain the Mind-Flayers of their abilities, effectively crippling them and stealing away their greatest functions. As strife came between the two planets, it was the entrance of Ggrrgg into the fray that altered history.
Ggrrgg was able to steal the spear and use it in war, as their outward expansion continued. As tension began to mount, Ggrrgg soon became enamored with the idea of expanding to the west now, to their longtime allies and neighbors. As one planet mobilized, the others did in kind, as the animosity between all three was now so pure that neither cared who struck first.
Those first few skirmishes are lost to history, and who began them matters little. For all three planets became embroiled in war 87 years ago, and not one of them has ever stopped their aggression. The spears have long ago been lost, thought to be destroyed in battle. But the reasons for the war are hardly ever recalled anymore, for too much blood has been shed and too much vengeance is called forth.
Faraway Lad closed the omni-com and rubbed the bridge of his nose near his eyes. He had read many stories like this in his days…and unfortunately, he knew he would read many more…
[ February 27, 2007, 03:17 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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Deep Space, border of the United Planets and Khanate of Sol Invictus
“Jeepers!” said Eryk Davis Ester, and immediately his pet luck-lord appeared. “We’re going to need to figure out someway to cloak ourselves, or there’s going to be a pretty large battle!” His luck-lord gave him the usual ‘one eyebrow tilted’ look and suddenly the ship Eryk was flying in became invisible to all who might see it.
“Interesting,” said Cobalt Kid in reply, as they looked out the window. “Mind-Flayers, very far out of their territory, almost on the edges of UP space. That’s beyond odd—you’d think they were preparing to rout one of their enemies.”
Cobalt Kid and Eryk Davis Ester looked out across space, as their cruiser flew through a small asteroid belt, hoping to maintain stealth and silence. They were traveling along the UP borders, near where the Dark Oval, the Khanate of Sol Invictus and the United Planets met, deciding to take the ‘long way’ home, to further investigate the political and military state of the universe. They were surprised to see a cadre of Mind-Flayer cruisers, seemingly hovering still in space, as if waiting for something.
“This is not good Eryk,” said Cobalt, “especially because peace-talks are supposed to be going on.” Earlier this week, Eryk Davis Ester and Cobalt Kid, the last two Triumvirs and now the founders of the Order of the Space Knights Templar, had taken a long detour to the now-infamous “Contested Territories”. These were the territories won by Cobalt and his combined Triumvir and UP armies’ months earlier from the Dark Oval, who now had their own section of space as they finalized their induction into the United Planets. The Contested Territories were now personally protected by the Order of the Space Knights Templar, as they were one of the most dangerous areas of known space, complete with Dark Oval forces and other subversive elements continually attempting to undermine UP relations and force the Contested Territories back into the Dark Oval. Of course, rumors persisted of another, secret agenda of the two LMBers, but those remained strictly rumors.
“So many ongoing wars and conflicts in this universe,” said Eryk, “…we seem to leave one only to find ourselves surprisingly knee-deep in the next. At least our latest visit to the Contested Territories was quiet.”
“Yes, but quiet is something that the Triangle of Death has never seen,” replied Cobalt, referring to the sector of space housing Ggrrgg, Kerissia and Wynthia (Mind-Flayer World) by its slang name, which usually inspired anger and offense. “They’ll always be at war, and I doubt hostility will ever cease. Still…Crujeckie and the others try so hard to bring peace to the universe…I wish there was a greater chance for their success.”
“You haven’t seen her in awhile Cobie,” said Eryk to his friend. “Why don’t we take a detour to Weber’s World. This Mind-Flayer armada is reason enough.” Eryk turned to his Luck-lord. “You’re sure that they cannot read our minds, right? The last thing we need is a hostile race learning about the Order of the Space-Knights Templar.”
“I’m sure,” said his luck-lord.
Cobalt turned to his friend. “Yes, let’s go to Weber’s World. I don’t like this at all. Mind-Flayers never venture this far out of their territory. I hardly see the a way we can stop them from fighting each other, but just like I fought my own people of Ggrrgg with the Psyonians, I’ll fight them all if they dare expand into the UP.”
“Cobie, Cobie” said Eryk laughing, “hopefully there won’t be any fighting at all! You’ll be able to see your lady, and besides, Weber’s World has some of the best noodle places in the galaxy!”
The two laughed, as the armada sat there quietly.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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“I’ve missed you,” said Cruejctra telepathically to Cobalt, as he walked over and put his arms around her.
“The feeling is mutual,” he replied, kissing her softly.
“Jeepers!” said Eryk in a whisper to himself, “I better make myself scarce!” as he walked on, joining Faraway Lad and Quislet, Esq. up ahead. “How’s it going guys?”
“Its been better,” said Quis, adding “the attempted assassination is causing a stir, and now accusations are being implied across the board. You can say things have been *bumpy* since.”
“Eryk, meet Bevruck Jespers,” said Faraway Lad, as the three walked towards a smaller group of people. Eryk extended his hand to a very handsome, slim but well-built man, who shook it back.
“A pleasure,” said Bevruck Jespers, “it seems you LMBers are in the headlines more than us holo-stars these days…” he added with an almost smarmy but likeable air, “…with a fair balance of heroic acts…and scandal.” He grinned and Eryk could see why he was so popular. He was very…”Ggrrggian”. Eryk wasn’t sure he liked him.
“And this, my friend, is the lovely Antiquated Forms of Communication Lass, whom I believe you are already acquainted with,” he added, as she extended her hand out. She was absolutely stunning, with curly blond hair and a simple but exquisite white and powder blue costume.
She smiled at him, adding “good to see you again, Mr. Ester, you’ve grown into quite the LMBer since our last meeting,” referring to when she helped Eryk and the LMB battle Pornis and the One Called the One.
EDE blushed slighty and took her hand, obviously meant to be kissed, and shook it. “Er, good to see you again too,” he said, as Faraway grinned at Quis. “So, I, uh, guess I better meet the delegates and stuff…”
Thirty or so feet back, Spellbinder and Cobalt walked hand in hand through the halls, the Ambassadors and officers looking on as one of the universe’s most famous couples walked among them. They spoke through their telepathic link, so to all that beheld them they appeared regal, silent and driven. Many admired that, and many more were unnerved by it. Their telepathic link, however, allowed them to joke secretly with each other as they traded stories on what they’d been up to and how their closest friends were doing.
“Mykel is good,” said Cobalt, “I just saw him a week ago. We’ll all be on Legion World at the same time soon enough. I thought Stealth was with you?”
“She is,” replied Crujectra, “and I’ll tell you more in an instant. You were right about this never being a bloodless affair. But that can wait a few moments,” she smiled at him, “how was your trip?” she asked, teasing him about going into his Space Knights.
He wouldn’t take the bait. “Well, Eryk needs a girlfriend,” he joked, “so put in a good word with AFC Lass, but other than that, he remains one of the most learned and interesting of all of us. But its generally just been the two of us and some additional knights…”
“Triumvir,” said a voice suddenly, breaking the apparent silence caused by their telepathic dialogue. “A pleasure to see you,” added the soldier, who Spellbinder immediately saw as Marcus, one of Cobalt’s former soldiers, who was obviously being sarcastic and rude, though he spoke calmly and very cold.
Cobalt stopped and turned to him, and immediately all of the UP Military personnel and Science Police present were enraged at this affront, worrying that it would make them all look bad. “Marcus, correct?” he asked, continuing before the young man could reply, “one of Scipio’s men. We could have used you among our knights. You were always one of the superior spear-men of our Triumvirate armies.”
“Yes, sir, but I felt I had a duty here in the UP, battling the Barbarians,” replied the young man, showing an utmost disregard for cordiality. “Of course, I was never as good as the Triumvir himself,” he added, his implications explicit: that Cobalt was a fierce enough warrior to have headed into the Khanate of Sol Invictus himself if he wished, but choose not to.
Cobalt’s face remained stoic, though his insides grew hot with anger. He let it pass, smiled plainly and added, “not many are,” and then continued walking as his joke, when founded in such tension, gave cause for all of the soldiers and science police officers to laugh heartily. Marcus fumed, and Cobalt walked on with Crujectra.
“You make so many great friends for us,” said Crujectra telepathically with a laugh.”
Cobalt said nothing, but replied telepathically with a sigh. “And enemies apparently…”
[ February 28, 2007, 08:28 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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“We’ve got to move fast,” said Spellbinder to Cobalt, who still lied in bed, getting ready to dose off. She had just gotten out of bed to answer her omni-com, when suddenly the information came pouring in. “Its Stealth. She’s in hot pursuit of the assassin, and still here on Weber’s World. The others are across the city, and we’re closest,” she added, telekinetically dressing herself in her costume.
“One hot pursuit following another, eh?” Cobalt smiled, throwing on his own costume and boots, as he moved across the room to follow Spellbinder, who was already moving out the door. He magnetically pulled his trench coat on him and ran after her.
Many embassy’s away, Stealth closed in her pray. She had been tracking the criminal Déjà Vu for three days and had now closed in on her before she could slip away. Now the female assassin stood twenty meters away and Stealth dampened all the sound around her so she could approach from the shadows. Déjà vu was younger than Stealth had thought, a pale green-skinned female dressed in blues and whites with a mysterious look to her. In her hands was a Qwardian anti-matter gun, which was no small feat in smuggling into the United Planets. She now moved quickly across the open ally between two embassies, as Stealth came upon her.
Suddenly, Déjà vu moved wildly as if she sensed the danger to her approaching, and turned towards Stealth’s direction, pulling out her blaster. Stealth reacted in kind and an exchange of lasers ensued, as the two females moved about one another looking for the upper hand. “She’s good,” thought Stealth, “but I’m better…”
Déjà vu smiled at Stealth and turned away, running, seemingly knowing that something was about to occur. “There!” said a voice from the side, far enough away so that Stealth’s powers didn’t dampen the sound.
“I guess I know what her power is now…” said Stealth, turning towards a small group of armed assassins moving at them. They had spears in their hands, made of some type of adamantium metal complete with electric pulses moving up and down their length. Stealth leapt into the middle of them, kicking one in the face, and then grabbing another and hurling him into yet a third. About a half-dozen remained, as they closed in.
“Foolish female!” said one, “six Ggrrggians can take down any one opponent any day!” as they prepared to fire their spears at her.
“That’s where you’re wrong, dear,” said Spellbinder entering the fray, and yanking two towards her telekinetically, then smashing them together. “Not any one LMBer,” she added.
“Especially when she’s not just one,” said Cobalt Kid, flying above them and pulling two up magnetically. “Hello Ggrrggians,” said Cobalt, letting them drop back down to the ground, as one yelled, “race traitor”.
Stealth turned to the other two, kicking out ones legs, and then grabbing the other’s head and smashing his nose with her knee. She turned now, annoyed. “She got away…” she said angrily. “…because of this little distraction…” she added, kicking one that was trying to get back up.
“Ggrrggians…” said Cobalt. “…so they’re probably in on this too in some capacity. Great.”
“Nothing you could do Stealth,” said Spellbinder, telekinetically wrapping them in the metal of their spears. “You did get to take out five.”
“That’s not all,” she added with a smile. “I placed a tracker on Déjà vu. We should be able to follow.”
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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“We’re going to follow,” said Spellbinder to the rest of the LMB (now assembled) and the Science Police Chief of Weber’s World. “On the surface it’s obvious that this is the traditional politics of the Long Three Way War, but we have to be sure there’s not more going on. Especially in light of what Eryk and Cobie told us about the Mind-Flayer armada.”
“What about the peace talks?” said Antiquated Forms of Communication Lass.
“Faraway and I will stay,” said Quis to her, reassuring her.
“Right, and that should be more than enough diplomatic might that the LMB can add to the mix,” Spellbinder added. “Cobie and I will follow with Stealth,” she said, turning to Eryk, “would you like to accompany us, Eryk?”
“Sure!” he said, feeling the adrenaline of the night’s events, as AFC Lass looked disappointed. “We should move out soon then, as its always much easier to navigate in and out of Weber’s World at night.”
“And we can’t lose much time,” said Cobalt, joining them. “We’ve got a lock on where she’s headed, and at first look its not too different from what we expected…”
“Right,” said Stealth, holding the tracking device, “the Triangle of Death. But look at the specifics,” she said to Cobalt.
“Kerissia. Very odd,” he added. It was obvious Déjà vu had Ggrrggian help, so it appeared extremely odd that she would be going to Kerissia, Ggrrgg’s great enemy. The Mind-Flayer armada made it a further confusing conundrum.
“We’ll move now then people,” said Spellbinder, as the officers scrambled to prepare the LMB’s ship for them.
“Er, nice seeing you again!” said Eryk to AFC Lass, who although disappointed, responded in kind.
“Looks like that glass of port will have to wait,” said Faraway Lad to Cobalt.
“I have no doubt we’ll fit it in soon,” he said back laughing, then turning to Crujectra, “a little adventure for us Princess?” Cobalt asked Spellbinder with a smile, and she smiled back.
As the four prepared to board the cruiser, one other figure quietly moved closer, slipping in past security, as he was part of the security detail. Marcus, the former Triumvirate soldier and current UP soldier stationed on Weber’s World deserted his post, still enraged by Cobalt’s comment to him earlier, and stowed away on the small LMB cruiser.
END CHAPTER ONE
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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Deep Space, ’The Triangle of Death’ ’Triangle of Death’ – an offensive description of the Yyngig Sector of Space, which houses Ggrrgg, Kerissia, and Wynthia, and all of their colonies, usually referred to as such because of the growing resentment by the rest of the United Planets toward the never-ending state of warfare in that sector. – Encyclopedia of Slang Terms, 3006 edition
“So her moniker is fairly descriptive of her powers,” said Eryk Davis Ester, “…Déjà vu has some sort of ability to see moments into future, which effectively eliminates all hope of surprising her. That would explain her ‘danger sense’ during her fight with Stealth.”
“All the same, we better not announce we’re coming,” said Spellbinder. “Since all three of these planets have been thrown out of the UP, we won’t be welcomed. And Kerissia in particular has no love of the LMB, ever since a small group of LMBers ended up there and almost tricked their leader into marrying one of them…” she said with a raised eyebrow to Cobalt.
He laughed. “Well, it was to get another out of marrying her…ah, it sounds a lot worse than it was. Reboot, Actor, Vu, Miner, me and…Space Ranger…” he said, trailing off for a second and remembering his friend, “…it was one of our more fun missions. But it wouldn’t matter if that never happened. Kerissians have an outright hate for all Ggrrggians, including me, despite my distance from my homeworld. So even knowing I was approaching means they would attempt to blast us out of the sky. They hate me that much.”
“Pity for them,” said Spellbinder, putting her hand on his.
“Say, where is Stealth?” said Eryk suddenly, as if just realizing she had been gone for awhile. He got up and moved to the back of the ship. “Stealth?” he asked again.
He heard a voice. “In here, Eryk,” she replied from a compartment below. “And I have my eyes on our own stowaway. It appears that while we rushed out of Weber’s World in a hurry, someone decided to join us.” As Eryk opened the compartment, he saw Marcus down below, under a pile of things.
Moments later…
“Enough is enough,” said Cobalt in a loud, piercing, but unemotional voice. “You may hate me, and that’s alright, I don’t care. But you’ve abandoned your UP post and now have stowed away illegally on a Legion ship, which carries a very serious crime here in the UP. What were you thinking, Marcus? Have you let your emotions taken such a strangle hold on you, that you abandon the code by which you’ve sworn to live by?!” he said, raising his voice even higher. “I expect better of a former soldier of the Triumvirate,” he said, standing next to Eryk now. “Much better.”
“Do you now?” said Marcus, growing angry, though his face was twisted with emotion and he looked to be on the verge of a breakdown. “Well I expected better from the Triumvirs themselves!” he yelled back. “Instead of abandoning our battle with our enemies after some of our most loyal and greatest soldiers were laid to waste by the Khanate of Sol Invictus! Scipio was your friend! Why haven’t you taken vengeance on them?! All of my friends were slaughtered, and you let them get away with it! I may be too emotional, but you have no emotions at all!”
Spellbinder immediately came between them and put her hand on Cobalt’s chest, although he made no move at all after hearing the words. Both he and Eryk Davis Ester were silent, and now Marcus was too. She spoke firmly, but softer. “Listen Marcus,” she began, “the world has done you a great wrong, and the Khanate of Sol Invictus has done you a great wrong. But things move on a larger scale than you are aware, and your personnel vengeance is not above the chance for peace between entire galaxies and empires. What you suggest means outright war between the Khanate of Sol Invictus and the United Planets, when we are still recovering from a war with the Dark Oval—which is still the largest concern of the former Triumvirs. They do not expect you to understand, but it is what it is.” She walked over to him, and she truly did feel for his pain. “I’m sorry for all you’ve been through,” she said softly, putting her hand on his arm and letting her telepathy ease his mind slightly. “But you cannot carry this rage in you forever, unless it destroys you.”
Eryk nodded at her words, though Stealth wondered about their implications towards herself. Even more, Cobalt did the same as Stealth and wondered exactly who Crujectra was speaking to. She turned to Cobalt now, and walked over to him.
“Its too late now, Marcus,” he said, “you’re coming with us, whether we like it or not, or whether you do either. But you’re treading thin ice, and could very well end up hurting a lot of people if our mission goes awry. I hope you keep that in mind,” he said, turning back towards the monitor. Stealth was already doing the same.
Spellbinder walked over to Cobalt, as Eryk continued to look at Marcus, who stood there, looking confused and hurt, unsure of what he truly felt or what he had hoped would happen. Eryk handed him some food. “Here, eat this, you must be starving.” Marcus took the food, as he was indeed starving. “We never know when we suddenly won’t be able to have a decent meal again, so we have to do our best to eat well,” finished Eryk, and Marcus took note of the true meaning of Eryk’s words.
[ March 05, 2007, 09:22 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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posted
Kerissia Recently thrown out of the United Planets, Kerissia is known for its technological advancements, as well as its continued war with neighboring planets Ggrrgg and Wynthania. The royal family of Kerissia continually has a genetic power passed down from heir to heir (with no natural explanation for which heir is chosen or when the power moves down the line) that gives that heir complete mastery over light.
The LMBP cruiser quietly moved forward into the capital city of Kerissia, as Stealth focused her power to hide any noise from its engines, and the LMB used its image-inducer tech to hide its presence. They would not be welcome here, and they had little time for explanations.
“We’ll have to move fast,” said Eryk Davis Ester, “and luckily Stealth placed the tracker on Déjà Vu so we can locate her, or at least get a general idea of the vicinity she’s in. We’ll go in pairs…Cobie and Crujeckie naturally can be together and Stealth and I will go.” Eryk looked at Marcus, their stowaway, unsure of how to proceed. At last he said “Marcus will come with Stealth and me,” putting up his hand to stop Marcus’ obvious objection, “…you shouldn’t be here Marcus, but you are, so get used to taking orders from us again.” As they waited for Marcus to loudly object again, they were surprised when he did not. Eryk knew full well that keeping him away from Cobie was essential.
“Be careful,” said Crujectra, “I can’t help but feel there is so much more going on here. Anything suspicious should carefully be noted.” With that, the LMBers split into two, moving in on where Déjà Vu was located. She and Cobalt walked on now, both with image inducers on, holding hands. Her telepathy picked up stray thoughts all around her, although she attempted to filter them out, not liking when she read other’s thoughts without meaning to. But the thoughts were clear, and even without the presence of their enemies, the intense hate the Kerissians felt for Ggrrggians and Wynthians was all around her. She looked at Cobalt and knew they hated him for being a Ggrrggian, and once more it discouraged her to know such a hate existed.
As Stealth, Eryk Davis Ester and Marcus walked in the other direction, Stealth kept a careful eye on the young man called Marcus. Any false moves by him would be met with a firm response. Eryk turned a corner, and immediately saw hundreds, if not thousands, of Kerissians walking around their market place, and suddenly realized how difficult this might be. “Jeepers!” he said, “how are we going to find suspicious activity on Kerissia with all these people?”
Suddenly, a bemused Luck Lord appeared before them, and yawned. “I believe if you follow this ultra-violet path created so only that your eyes can see it, you should find something…” it said.
And so the three ventured off into the market place, until finally coming towards what looked to be a local thrift-shop, if such a thing could be found on Kerissia. Inside was old technology that was still light-years ahead of what most of the universe was used to, obviously on display to be taken apart and used for their spare parts. The three entered the shop and saw a room full of people browsing, although one small contingent seemed to definitely be a group together to the trained eye looking to find these things. Oddly enough, they were not at all similar, some appearing to be different races, ages, etc.
“Image inducers,” said Stealth to Eryk, as they began to get closer and keep an eye on them. “They’re moving out back in a few minutes, lets follow,” she added, using her powers to dampen the sound around them as they moved closer.
“Hardly a warrior people,” said Marcus looking around naively.
“One doesn’t have to look like Khundians to make war,” said Eryk to him. “C’mon Marcus, follow us,” he added.
They moved out back to see them loading some supplies on a cruiser, as more came and joined them. It was a scouting mission of some sort, to see the various markets in the cities main sectors. As they moved the greats, Eryk focused in on any symbols he could discern, or anything familiar. At last his eyes settled on something.
“Willikers,” he whispered, “these are all Ggrrggians. Ggrrggians here on Kerissia, doing some sort of recon. And during the peace talks too…” he added, still watching. “Something tells me this is going to be important,” he said to Stealth. “I think we should follow them.”
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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Cobalt Kid and Spellbinder walked through the crowds, hoping to catch a glimpse of the mystery assassin known as Déjà Vu. “Any luck Crujeckie?” said Cobalt to her via their telepathic link.
She was concentrating on the crowds, hoping to find some odd thoughts, something strange and different from the rest. Finally, she focused in, believing she had found something. “Yes…up ahead. Its definitely a female, and an off-worlder. She’s in a rush, and must know she’s being tracked. Let’s follow…”
They moved faster up ahead, annoyed that they couldn’t glide above the crowds with their powers of magnetism and telekinesis. They saw a figure ducking into an ally up ahead, with a white shawl over her head and face that could only be Déjà Vu. They followed suit, turning the corner, to see nothing. “Its her power,” said Cobalt, “she knows we’re here,” he said, his voice speeding up, then adding, “DUCK!”, as he pulled Crujeckie to the side, so he landed on top of her, as a blast of energy nailed the wall behind them. As he lay on top of her, Cobalt smiled quickly adding, “as much as I hate having to leave this position,” and then got up, to hear Crujeckie’s smiling sigh, then looking ahead to see Déjà Vu moving up the alley. He ran after her.
Spellbinder followed, picking up stray thoughts from their assailant. “Psionic Spear? She’s interested in the Psionic Spear...? The one we learned from the legends of this war…?” Suddenly she noticed something: Cobalt Kid now appeared as Cobalt Kid, the image inducer no longer working. It must have been destroyed in the blast. She looked down to see she too was clearly shown as Princess Crujectra. She hurried after him, although he was now gliding magnetically to try to grab the female assassin.
“Not so fast,” came a voice, as suddenly Cobalt was blasted backwards by an extremely powerful blast of pure light energy. “You’re trespassing on Kerissian soil Cobalt Kid, and you are now under arrest…Ggrrggian scum.” Before Cobalt stood Princess Tarina, Lightbringer of Kerissia.
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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Cobalt was nailed backwards by the light energy, slamming against the wall, as Princess Tarina hovered above him, with a squardron of super-tech Kerissian police officers. “You’re trespassing Cobaltus,” she said angrily, “and that is not allowed on Kerissia.”
Cobalt cleared his head, as Spellbinder rushed up to meet them. She was still a bit behind. “Tarina,” said Cobalt, “you’ve got to let me go! I’m chasing an assassin, here on your planet! She has to be stopped—she’s the one from Weber’s World! She’s right up ahead—c’mon, you can help!” He yelled, flying into the air, and getting ready to move down the ally. “We’re losing time.”
“NO!” yelled Tarina back at him, blocking his way. “Not today! We’ll get the assassin, but you won’t go any further.”
“Tarina,” said Cobalt more calmly now, which Spellbinder knew was not a good sign, “she’ll know their coming…its her power…you’re officers don’t stand a chance.” He looked at her, regal and beautiful, but brash and arrogant. “So I’m sorry,” he added, suddenly whipping his arms against her side, using the full force of his magnetism to brush her into the side of the ally, as well as knock back all of her officers, so their weapons flew into the air. “But there is no way I’m allowing you to take me into your custody,” he added, flying after Déjà Vu.
“Not so fast!” she yelled, rolling with the magnetic blast and rushing after him at light speed. She was on him immediately, blasting light into his back so that it seared his skin. “I owe you for our last meeting,” she said, “when you embarrassed me in front of my army!”
“Yeah?” said Cobalt, turning around in mid-flight to face her, “well I owe you for that Ggrrggian scum comment,” he added, ripping her cape off her back and covering her face with it, so he could push her into the side of the wall. She was a fierce warrior and tremendously powerful, but Cobalt had the experience in fighting another flyer, where she did not. “Oh, and sorry about that whole hoax marriage thing,” he said, knowing he would have to keep her extremely angry and un-focused, “but know that Actor Lad and Reboot were just as mad as you…”
She suddenly let loose a cascade of power that ripped him against the wall, tearing up his costume and disintegrating his trench coat. “Enough!” she yelled, as he fell back.
“Not quite sweetie,” said Spellbinder sarcastically, as she was suddenly upon Tarina, laying a right hook across the fellow princess’s face. “But asserting your power on your home planet is one thing, trying to murder someone because of their race is completely different,” she said, telekinetically knocking Tarina backwards. “And now our trail is completely cold, and we’ll have no luck finding the assassin who went after your ambassadors. I hope you’re happy,” she adding, flying over and grabbing Cobalt, who was now fully functional again.
“Guess that means its farewell to our welcoming reception,” said Cobalt, as the two suddenly flew off, both using their powers to knock back a fresh cadre of police officers. “Dammit…” said Cobalt. “…that was a bust,” he added, then looking at his love, “…but thanks for the save,” he smiled.
She smiled back. “You’re welcome…but we’re not out of here yet…”
Further into the back allies and side streets of Kerissia, Déjà Vu made her way to her destination…
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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Déjà Vu entered a side building through a very non-descript door, knowing full well via her powers of foresight that no one had seen her enter, and no would be coming any time soon. She moved forward, throwing her cloak to the side, so that her pale green skin and blues and white costume showed clearly again. She moved forward with confidence and determination, clearly a master at what she did best.
She entered yet another hallway, this one with a secret entrance, and followed it to a secret room. There, the door opened, and she could see a wide spaced laboratory, with various tools and tables around, as well as a stealth-cruiser. She saw her allies ahead of her.
“You failed to kill the ambassadors, and were caught in the act,” said a voice. “Perfect. Precisely as planned—your reputation precedes you. Did you accomplish what you needed?”
“Of course,” she replied with a half-smile. “I’ve gotten more information on the Psionic Spear, and I was close enough to the mark to keep our ally thinking it was a genuine assassination attempt.”
“Good.” The man stepped forward, and it was clear who he was: The Trumpeter, the most brilliant evil mind of Universe-4, who had come to Universe-1. He was widely recognized as one of the greatest villains of the SMB and of Unvierse-4 itself. Now he had a cold, calculating look on his face, that showed he likely had a definitive plan for this universe he was now in, and it was proceeding accordingly. “Then our allies will think our role in encouraging this war continues, while we secure information for ourselves on the Spear. Where do we go next?”
“Ggrrgg. There is storage of historical documents there, absent mindlessly tossed aside as nothing more than useless intellectualism, which the Ggrrggians have little use for. That is where we’ll find what we need,” she finished, pulling off her gloves and pulling her hair into a ponytail.
The Trumpeter looked at a third ally, who joined them. “Excellent. We already have a meeting on Ggrrgg anyway.” This was Salad-Tosser Lord, one of the leading scientific minds of Universe-1, whose new alliance with the Trumpeter was a dangerous secret unknown to the LMB as of yet. Their partnership would likely be something that would cause great pain for all parties involved. “A shame,” he added, “I would very much like to dissect this Princess Tarina and learn how her powers work. Perhaps we can revisit Kerissia one day to do so.”
“Indeed,” smiled the Trumpeter, “light powers prove to be a mighty weapon,” he added, reminded of how he showed the Thora of his Earth how to use Invisible Brainiac as a weapon—which ultimately killed the young hero.
And at last the fourth member of their quartet of villains joined them, though she was a mystery to them all: Middlefinger VIII, the latest in a line of villains to hold that moniker, though she was the first to be female. None knew her identity other than the three villains before her, as there were hardly any at all who yet knew of her existence. But they would—soon. “Let us leave this pitiful planet then,” she said, moving towards the cruiser. Covered in high-tech armor, with power emanating from both hands, she moved forward, as did the others.
“To Ggrrgg,” said the Trumpeter, “and one step closer to our gaining an immense weapon that can shatter this universe…”
[ March 05, 2007, 09:30 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
“We can’t wait much longer,” said Spellbinder, looking at the omni-clock. “Where could Eryk and the rest be?” She said.
“Hold on, I’m getting a signal,” replied Cobalt, as the two waited in the LMB cruiser. “Its Eryk…its in code…” Immediately, Cobalt ran it through the LMB’s space-decoder and it transmitted clearly: Eryk, Stealth and Marcus were following a group of Ggrrggians back to their home planet, via stowing away on their ship. “Looks like we’re out of here…” said Cobalt, firing up the cruiser. “And not a moment too soon…” he adding, their energy detectors showing Princess Tarina in hot pursuit.
“And back to your home planet…” said Crujectra. Cobalt had not been to his home planet in almost eight years, since he was officially banned there in the LMB’s first year. This would not be easy for him.
He held her hand. This would not be easy for her either. Ggrrgg had attacked Psyonia without any cause two years earlier, and did a great deal of damage. It was only through the power of the House of Jectra, along with Cobalt’s own army taking the side of Psyonia that stopped the invasion. “As long as we’re together…” he said to her, as they gripped each other’s hands tight.
Deep Space
“So,” said Stealth slightly annoyed, “now we’re pulling a Marcus?” She, Eryk and Marcus were stowed away in the storage compartment of the Ggrrggian’s ship, which was a bit tightly packed.
“I’m never going to live that down, am I?” said the young soldier.
“No,” Stealth replied.
“At least we’ll be there quickly…” said Eryk, not knowing if that was a good thing.
Legion World
Matlock, Super Detective of the LMBP!
Jailbait Lass
Jailbait Lass entered Matlock’s office at the Office of Security, interrupting him. “Cobie sent me a latest update, and I think you’ll be interested. There’s a lot going on at Weber’s World, and now with the Triangle of Death,” she said. There was a quiet concern on her face.
Matlock looked it over. “You’re right. Better get me Kid Marvel and Rockhopper Lad, Lolita. Most likely we’ll need a squadron of LMBers out there…”
END CHAPTER TWO
[ March 05, 2007, 09:32 AM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
| IP: Logged |
Ggrrgg Ggrrgg is widely known among the galaxies as a conquering empire that truly believes that the destiny of Ggrrgg is to conquer all of known space. In that respect, the Ggrrggians war-masters have honed their military and war skills to a point where they are widely considered the most proficient at waging war and conquering an empire. The expansion of the Ggrrggian Empire was ceased 87 years ago when it became embroiled in the Long Three Way War with Kerissia and the Mind-Flayers. – Encyclopedia Galatica, 3007 edition.
Ggrrgg proclaims itself to be a democracy, with elected counsels as the acting executives and a Senate of 300 controlling policy. However, in truth it is an oligarchy, as the same twelve to fifteen families have controlled the political and military fate of Ggrrgg for the last three hundred and fifty years. – On Politics and Government, Alton Relnic.
Although heavily armed with great technology and modern weaponry, the Ggrrggians take great pride in the use of the spear, an ancient weapon from Earth’s ancient past. This is a further reflection of Ggrrgg’s basis for their empire on that of Ancient Rome, of Earth lore. All Ggrrggian soldiers are proficient in the spear to the point where Ggrrggians are sought out across the universe to teach other armies; for example, Khundia has no less than twenty Ggrrggian teachers at all times in regards to the use of the spear. – Galactic Weaponry, 3006
”Although Ggrrgg has many excellent spearmen, and many heroic figures in their lore, there can be no doubt that the greatest Ggrrggian spearman of this era is known other than the one that Ggrrgg hates the most, Cobalt Kid. After his amazing display of the use of the spear against the Naturals and the Barbarian Hordes, there is no doubt this cannot be so. Of course, this is because his magnetism allows him to guide his spear with the utmost precision and use it to inflict the deadliest amount of force. Though the Ggrrggians no doubt call this ‘cheating’, it matters not in war if one cheats or not.” - Admiral Cornwallis of the United Planets fleets to the general assembly (famous insult to the Ggrrggians), 3004.
”It has now become clear that there is a new emerging force on Ggrrgg, a new warrior that has not only the love of the people, but the respect and loyalty of the Patrician class that rules the Senate. This is the young Ggrrggian known as Pillum, also a Patrician, but not because of that reason, but because of his mastery of the Ggrrggian spear. They say he is undoubtedly the greatest spearman that the galaxy has ever seen, and Ggrrgg already takes a tremendous amount of pride in him. He apparently has one of the greatest tactical minds in military history as well, and is renowned for his nationalism, his pugnacity, and his intellect. Truly, this will be a political figure to watch.” – Modern Politics & Government, February, 3007 edition
[ March 08, 2007, 04:30 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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“So, this is where Cobalt was raised,” said Marcus, as he looked around. The architecture all looked very grand, and there were military personnel and symbolism everywhere one looked. There was a certain amount of efficiency and arrogance among the Ggrrggians.
“Yes,” said Eryk, “and if you ever heard his story, you knew it was a sad one,” he finished. “Whatever we do, we can’t be mistaken as non-Ggrrggians, or else they’ll think we’re slaves. Slavery is part of what keeps the Ggrrggian Empire so well provided for.”
Indeed, the difference between the slaves and the free Ggrrggians was plain for all to see. Ggrrggian females were carried in magnificent silk carriages, while their slaves tirelessly and dirtily walked along carrying it. Ggrrggian free men were well-armed and well-armored and move through the crowds with an authority about them. Harder to differentiate was the difference between the plebian free-Ggrrggians and the Patrician free-Ggrrggians, the latter of whom truly lived in lavishness and opulence.
“Up ahead then,” said Stealth, “there’s our contingent. We were right, they’re Ggrrggians alright, and high-ranking military officers at that.” They followed the small contingent, obviously a secret regiment sent out to scout ahead on Kerissia. Already she was ready to leave this place, the arrogance of the Ggrrggians leaving a bad taste in her mouth. She had seen this type of arrogance before, as the universe had no shortness in those who believed they were superior to all others.
As Eryk walked forward, it became more and more clear exactly how he felt about such military societies—in that he hated them. That was why he was more pleased than ever about the Order of the Knights Templar and its focus on being both monk and warrior, as well as the encouragement of intellectual thought among the Order. To live strictly by military culture alone was not productive to the spread of life and thought, which Eryk believed in more than anything.
Marcus walked through the streets with a sense of wonder in being in so grand a place, although he too felt a sense of sadness and sickness at how little life was measured on Ggrrgg. He could see why Cobalt Kid had grown so weary of it and turned his back on his own culture, which made it all the more odd that Cobalt would then one day form his own army and become a general, when that is what he did not want to do that made him leave Ggrrgg. It was the sense of guilt and the sense of vengeance, no doubt, that drove him to those decisions, and it was those to things that drove Marcus now. He had no idea what he hoped to accomplish, but only knew that one day he’d have his revenge on the Khanate of Sol Invictus.
Up ahead, they saw more Ggrrggian troops gathering, and then stopping suddenly. They quickly moved into formation, as if to put on a showing for whomever they were going to meet. These shows of force were common among Ggrrggian troopers to give a sense of the commonality of warfare on Ggrrgg. The three followed up ahead and saw that they were marching to a specific open area that was filled with soldiers and high-ranking Ggrrggian Senators and Counsels. They quickly climbed into a secluded position high up in the coliseum.
Seated with the Patrician Ggrrggians were apparently a new set of allies, and Eryk Davis Ester recognized them immediately: the clergy of the Black Sun. At their center was their spiritual leader and the leader of his entire sector of space, the High Priest Caracalla. This was the leadership of the Khanate of Sol Invictus, here on Ggrrgg, here on the borders of the UP.
Caracalla
[ July 20, 2007, 04:58 PM: Message edited by: Cobalt Kid ]
From: If you don't want my peaches, honey... | Registered: Sep 2003
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