Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Bits o' Legionnaire Business Legion Worlds Eight (end 19 Dec 22)

First Base, central medical suite:

Cosmic Kid - Po Miman, Justice Legionnaire of alternate dimension Mars - energy manipulation and flight

Support Staff on Legion World First Base:
Gloriana Crestellen of Grighshtall iv - Glory - medical support - awareness and manipulation of bio-auras


Henry's warp opened straight into the medi-bay on First Base.

Cosmic Kid flew through carrying the unconscious Cecelia Becks and gently placed her on one of the floating bay beds. Glory was on hand and rushed over to assess the unconscious deputy leader. Behind them, rain and small pieces of debris flew through the warp before it shut abruptly.

"I need to get back." Po said angrily into his flight ring, expecting Henry would re-open a warp.

<Cosmic Kid, I'm taking another team to help with the evacuation. We're leaving in two minutes. Get yourself to the warp control room> Lightning Lass sent across the telepathic matrix. The monitor board was clearly watching the situation in the South China Sea and had alerted the rest of the Legion on First Base that the team had run into difficulties.

"Go." Glory said as she placed her hands on either side of the unconscious woman's head, "Cece's only asleep, she'll be fine in a bit." The new member of the medical team started to glow faintly as she concentrated on supporting the unconscious Legionnaire's human form.

Cosmic Kid said his thanks as he flew out of the door and raced up two levels to Henry's control room.

.................................................


Dragonmage - Xao Jin of Earth - dragon magics
Southern Lights of Starhaven - spaceflight, magic user

Tellus - Ganglios of Hykraius - telepathy and telekinesis
Otaki - Bina Nawoti of Earth - mindsense
XS - Jenni Ognats of an alternate dimension Aarok - phenomenal speed
Spoiler ii - Gord Eno of Naltor - precognition, specialising in short range visions for combat situations

Newly promoted from Academy student to full membership (Mentor in brackets):
Triple Nova - Elthur Mundo of Carggg - split into three separate bodies, each with either enhanced strength and durability, increased speed and reflexes, or laser vision (Thunder)

Science Police meta-squad seconded to Legion World First Base:
Replicator - Science Police Officer Tarev Jusool of Talok viii - can mimic meta-abilities of those nearby for limited periods of time

Interns:
Imp Master - Dorrolo Capicca Redsail of Zerox - Elven strength, speed and senses, minor mystic specialising in summoning and controlling imps
Shadowsurfer - Walyed Reeaz of D-1457H234 - strength and durability, teleport through shadows or darkness
Thunderbolt - Ness Strakinos of Gardenhome - assumes electrical energy form


Dragonmage and Thunderbolt lowered themselves carefully through the dark cloud back towards the coastline.

The beach that they had arrived on had been washed away by the fearsome waves and wind. It was only their flight rings that stopped the Legionnaire and the intern from being blown into a nearby building. They could see broken windows and smashed shutters from the raging winds. The wide raised boulevard between the sea and the city had been swamped and had obvious cracks and pits from the force of the storm.

"You need to find our teammates and give them your support." Dragonmage shouted above the roaring winds to the intern.

"Okay," she replied, her eyes were wide as she took in the scene around them, "...what will you do?"

"I need to find some assistance within the spirit realm and finish this."

"Good luck." She replied, clearly not wanting to know any details about the mystical nature of whatever the young mage had planned before vanishing in an arc of electricity.

<master...?> Xao hoped that the spirit of the Eternal Jade Dragon would give him assistance.

<what you want to ask is impossible. I cannot get directly involved, as any battle between the Dragon King and I would have dire consequences. There is a task you must do... Szenlong needs you. Our young dragon is still unaware of its true nature, its birth right. You need to show it that it has a uniquely grand destiny>

<will that help stop this storm from destroying the city?> Xao, usually so calm and thoughtful, sounded exasperated.

<that is not our path Xao, you must let Szenlong know the truth about their destiny>

Dragonmage muttered to himself though quickly got his emotions under control before casting a spell that would hopefully locate their missing young Spirit-Dragon.

............................


XS and Replicator had packed another airbus with people desperate to get away from the increasingly violent weather.

There was six inches of water on the street and this was being blown around by the strengthening winds. Both had taken to run along the walls of the buildings around them. The water on the ground was mixed with the sand from the beach and shrubs and loose earth from residential gardens being whipped about by the incessant wind. Even at their supersonic speeds it would be dangerous to run upon the surface of it.

Otaki had guided them to apartments where the residents were either asleep or unable to flee. It had been decided that the infirm and elderly would be placed in a near-by gymnasium until the local authorities could arrange an appropriate centre for them. Once the Legion had been told it was ready Henry would warp them to safety. So far, Jenni estimated they had moved over a hundred residents though the wind and rain were making it increasingly difficult. Officer Jusool had slipped and crashed into a wall though thankfully had quickly gotten to his feet, given an ironic bow and embarrassed smile to Jenni, and carried on. Though they had trained extensively together, he simply didn't have the instinctive skills that the natural speedster had. XS doubted they would be able to do much more if the weather got any worse.


Tellus had joined Imp Master in the temporary shelter in the local school's gymnasium where they tried to calm the residents while they waited for transport to take them away. Neither were enjoying the experience. The crowd of about two hundred were mainly the elderly and infirm and their emotional state was frantic. Tellus fought against the urge to flee as the minds around him were filled with great anxiety and fears. The pods across his back rippled in red and violet, cues to his own emotional state as he tried to telekinetically keep the doors to the gymnasium closed against the storm while broadcasting soothing thoughts to the terrified residents all around him. He found it exhausting!

The Imp Master was not generally renowned for his inter-personal skills but at least knew enough to bite his tongue as several of the scared residents crowded around him screaming for help. His imps had set up barriers against the windows in case they were blown in and had found furniture from within the school complex for the more infirm to sit upon. The Zeroxian mystic concentrated on the job at hand and tried hard not to think of the destruction happening outside, though with every loud boom of thunder or crash as the hurricane force winds tore and smashed the buildings around them the crowd would scream.

Henry materialised amongst them, causing another round of screams before he apologised for the delay in getting to them and announcing that he would open a warp to a more secure location approximately thirty klicks to the north. The local government had set up a centre with food and medical assistance for any refugees from this city state. The spinning warp materialised and Tellus informed the crowds that they would be safe if they walked through it.


Spoiler had taken Triple Nova out into the streets.

Gord's precognition had saved them from being struck by flying debris several times while Elthur's laser vision had cut through an uprooted tree that blocked their way into a building.

As they were being guided by Otaki, they quickly found a family huddled in a slowly flooding basement and called for a warp from Henry to take them out of the danger. The warp spun into existence before them and Triple Nova smiled as he picked up the elderly grandmother in her chair and flew through with her whooping as they went. He returned seconds later and asked if anyone else needed a hand. The family were packing up their belongings and rushing through within seconds.

"Good job Elthur." Gord Eno smiled at the new Legionnaire as they asked Otaki where to find the next group that needed assistance.

<three minds are above you; I'd say on the sixth floor. Two are unconscious, the third is a child> She replied.

<Okay doke, let's go save more folks> Spoiler sent as he took to the air and led their way out of the basement into a stairwell that ran up the side of the apartment block.

.....................................................


On an astral plane:


Southern Lights could feel the chains bite into his skin.

The winged mystic had his eyes closed as he repeated a simple mantra to stop the pain from hurting too much. Despite this being a purely astral event, he could feel each link as it appeared to press and dig into his flesh.

<<Southern Lights, this is not your reality, why do you allow it to proceed?>> The voice of the extra-dimensional essence asked.

<the Dragon Lord's mind is far beyond mine so I have been unable to escape>

<<that is unfortunate as you pain is troubling. Perhaps...>>

Southern Lights could feel the chain around his neck tighten.

<what do you propose?> The Legionnaire asked the inter-dimensional hitch-hiker that resided within him. The chains were biting into him within an increasing force and despite his best efforts he could not stop the pain from jabbing into him like electricity.

<<perhaps this Dragon King will listen to me?>> there was a pause as the mystic considered his options: he wanted this to stop but handing over control felt like a violation.

<I... please do try. I would be grateful for your help. Do what you need to...you have my consent to take control> As Southern Lights sent this thought he felt as if his own sense of self had grown to a gigantic size, encompassing far more than just his physical form.

<<Dragon King!>> The statement echoed through the astral plane. This psychic voice was filled with confidence and strength.

><You have a courage that surprises me. Are you not aware that if the winged mortal's spirit dies here, he will be no more? And if you continue to annoy me...><

<<there are billions of these carbon meat sacks that could share their small existences with me, what do I care?>> there was a cold dismissal in the tone, as if the Dragon King were being stupid for overlooking this simple fact.

The Dragon King roared with laughter.

><perhaps we have more in common than I first believed><

.................................


Lightning Lass led her team through the warp into the storm just behind the coastal apartment blocks..

The heavy rain wasn't so much falling as blasting along a horizontal trajectory; they were all soaked within moments of flying through.

<Ayla? Boy is it great to see you! You and your team could really lend a hand here...> Otaki's message across the telepathic matrix included images that pinpointed where there was a moderately large pocket of the local populace that still needed assistance as they holed up against the relentless elements.

<Okay Bina, we'll get right onto it> And with that Ayla Ranzz led her team through the soaked and battered city streets towards the buildings where the traumatised and terrified residents were sheltering.

<Okay, this is crazy! Polar Girl and Cosmic Kid, I want you to go to the shore and stop the waves if you can. Freeze them in place, neutralise their energy. Do whatever you can. Let's see if we can ease up the pressure here. Actually, Polestar...> she indicated one of the interns, <you join them too, see if you can create a barrier. The rest of you are with me> And with that the electric Legionnaire flew in the direction of the plaza Otaki had suggested

Below them they could see XS and Officer Jusool race across the walls of the city, dodging debris as it swirled around, doing as much damage as the powerful winds. The pavements and walkways were flooded and there were clearly strong waves pushing more water inland into the city. Jenni waved up to Cosmic Kid as she raced by, though as they were on a mission they knew that they would wait to get reunited afterwards.

As Ayla's team flew towards the location Otaki had suggested a bolt of lightning flew overhead before swerving and stopped right before them, transforming into the intern Thunderbolt. She looked scared.

"Am I glad to see you! There's a real-life dragon in the clouds up there... Southern Lights is still there somewhere with it. " She took a breath and gave a small embarrassed smile before adding, "What do you need me to do?"

"We prioritise saving everyone we can." Ayla said, her expression grim. "Once the area is clear we'll find out if the dragon is willing to leave without a fight..."

.............................


As the conversation was happening between the Dragon King and the essence of the other dimension, Southern Lights could feel the presence from the distant reality rummage through his memories.

The young mystic had tears building up in his eyes as the thought struck him how stupid he had been going against his own cultural beliefs and that by allowing it to have control he had probably signed his own death warrant. He had the urge to scream! This was his greatest fear; the loss of control of everything that that made him, well, him...

At the back of his mind was a small voice, quiet and gentle, urging him to remain calm... have faith it whispered, have faith.

<<this astral plane is a figment of imagination, is it not? Held together by force of will. A construct from within your consciousness This is how you perceive your reality, is it not? From this being's memories I understand that you are a living aspect of the magical life force of the globe you inhabit given the form you hold>>

There was a coolness about the voice from the other dimension, almost dismissive in tone.

><and you? What are you that you believe talking to the Dragon King in such a way will bring you any benefits?><

Southern Lights felt the chains dig into his astral self even further and he cried out in agony.

<<I am very different from the individual beings that occupy this realm. I only seek to understand you. Perhaps you would like to experience my reality?>> The question was asked so casually that the experience of the astral plane they were in changing seemed almost nonchalant.

Southern Lights floated in a reality that seemed devoid of sensation other than a sense of proximity; a closeness of a presence that seemed to fill the endless space around him. As he opened his eyes all he could see was a milky orange colour that seemed both immediate and far away. There were no horizons to give a perspective to the depths around him. The chains around his limbs and throat, and the pain of their tightening, were gone.

<<are you comfortable>> The voice emanated from outside of Southern Light's mind and the winged mystic smiled as he replied.

<this is incredible, your ...home is not how I pictured it>

<<your senses would not comprehend it... this is my artifice>> There was a sense that the presence was joking, something that the Legionnaire had never felt from it before.

<where is the Dragon King?> even as he asked Southern Lights became aware of a small buzzing disturbance close to his right ear. He turned to face it and saw a miniscule red dragon, no bigger than a bee, writhing and spinning around as filaments of milky substance held it tightly in place

<<the Dragon King does not appreciate it when it is not in control. It is so overly confident it was easily distracted while I created this plane. It is but an aspect of the life energies of one small globe spinning in the vastness of your reality. I am this reality in its entirety>> There was something quite smug about this assessment that alarmed Southern Lights.

<uh huh... and while it deserves to learn that there are beings of more power than it even amongst the humblest mortal frames there is still the damage it is doing to the people and city on Earth. We should not humiliate it so; the lesson has been learned>

<<I treat it as it treated us>>

<yes, I understand, though there is an ancient saying from Earth that explains why we cannot always act like this, "an eye for an eye leaves the whole world blind", do you understand?> Southern Lights could feel the presence as it gently read his mind to fully comprehend the metaphor.

<<ah, yes, I appreciate there is some wisdom in that. There is so much regarding you individual beings that I find ...unexpected>>

And with that thought they found themselves back in the storm. The Dragon King was again huge amongst the dark skies it had summoned, swimming amongst the currents of the air around them. The dark clouds spun around in a violent circuit, crackling with lightning, yet where Southern Lights floated the air was clear and calm.

><Leave>< the voice of the elemental being known as the Dragon King felt tired.

Around them the storm still spun, yet the ferocity was gone from the winds and the clouds began to dissipate into the skies.

<great Dragon King, Ruler of the Seas and Storm, we thank you for this mercy. We shall tell tales of your might and righteous ferocity and I swear we shall trouble you in your demesne no more> Southern Lights sent respectfully as he slowly floated back down towards the ruined beachfront.

By the time the winged mystic from the distant world of Starhaven had touched down upon the ground the storm had gone.

..................................


Xao had summoned an emerald dragon-form to locate Szenlong.

It flew north out of the city and the young Legionnaire followed it as quickly as his flight ring could carry him. Behind him, he could hear the storm rage as thunder boomed and the winds howled. Ahead of him the sky cleared and sun shone down onto a more suburban setting as estates and farm land spread out towards the distant horizon.

"Szenlong! Where are you?" His voice was starting to crack as he shouted.

The air around the Legionnaire started to sparkle and the little dragon materialised beside him. It yelped and spun in the air, clearly motioning for Xao to flee with it. The young sorcerer took the dragon in his arms and floated down to the ground. Szenlong twisted and pushed against him, still he held on tightly though Xao was happy it did not try to claw him to escape.

"I know why the Dragon King was so upset when you arrived... it is not threatened by you but instead it is jealous. I'm sorry it took so long to figure it out but you shouldn't be here. I don't believe the sea is actually your natural element. Spirit-dragons are the living manifestation of their element... as your egg was patterned as the sea dragon's I assumed... but those are not the currents you are to follow. And that was why the Dragon King was envious and got angry."

Xao let go of Szenlong and allowed it to fly free. The young dragon swam around the Legionnaire, its scales reflecting the sunlight in iridescent waves.

"You should have hatched in the waters where you would remain and grow, assuming your powers as you learned the secrets of the elements around you but... Szenlong, I believe you are something even more magnificent than one of the keepers of Earth's seas, you are the first of a new breed of Spirit-Dragon."

Szenlong gave a curious meowl and tilted its head as it listened to the young sorcerer.

"I realised while searching for you that even the Eternal Jade Dragon that resides within me needs a host to travel out into space away from Earth's biosphere, but you... my magics, and probably those of Mysa Nal, allowed you to hatch while in the depths of space and I believe that is where you belong. You are the first spirit-dragon to leave Earth without assistance from a host to carry you. That is why the ancient Dragon King is angry, you can travel where it cannot. Your destiny is to learn secrets it will never know, even after its long life you will see and experience far more than it could even imagine. The currents you need to follow and learn from are those that exist between the stars themselves. I believe you are a Spirit-Dragon... of Space!"

The young dragon whooped as it danced in the air, before suddenly stopping and giving a startled yelp. It stared at the city behind the Legionnaire. Xao turned around and watched in wonderment as the storm that had so ruthlessly smashed the coastal area dissipated and vanished into the air.

Xao smiled for the first time in what felt like a long while as the sun broke through the last wisps of cloud to shine down upon the battered city on the coast.

So, that brings this story to a close and the Szenlong little revelation is a tip of the hat to Silver Age silliness - but will have some impact later on.

Next up, it's leadership vote time again and hopefully there'll be a surprise or two for you all.

Thanks again,

C

More great stuff, Harbi! I really admire your ability to pack so much emotion and characterization into a couple of lines -- from Tellus' exhaustion at dealing with all the negative emotions, to pointing out that Replicator may copy powers but lacks experience and instinct, to Thunderbolt not wanting to know any more about magic than truly needed.

Dragon King to entity, I like it! I also like how this essence essentially pretended to act like the Dragon King, callous and arrogant... only to turn the tables so quickly, teach a lesson, and act fast to help Southern Lights and the innocents on Earth! well done! And wise of Southern Lights to act all humble once the storm stopped too

interesting bit re Starhaven and control. maybe that is also why Dawnstar tended to act so aloof, and also to hold herself to a higher standard so to speak?


ooh another nice bit. the Dragon King was ENVIOUS! whooo, what a great destiny for Szenlong...

ah, what a nice and satisfying wrap=up, Harbi!

Seventy two hours after the return of Captain Tuk Shir, main meeting room, First Base:


Dream Girl, Tyroc and Thunder stood upon the dais.

The entire team from both First and Second Base, the current student interns, all of the support staff as well as the teaching staff from the academy were present in the large tiered horseshoe shaped seats overlooking them. The only exceptions were the team with Element Lad, and each of them were represented by their holo-avatars.

"Legionnaires." Nura said, stepping forward. While the majority turned to give her their attention many remained in conversation with those around them.

"She said LEGIONNAIRES!" Tyroc's voice reverberated around the room, "we'd appreciate y'r attention now." While his mouth showed a smile it was clear from the rest of his expression that he wasn't impressed. Thunder crossed her arms and raised her chin, as if in challenge. The amassed Legionnaires gave their three colleagues on the dais their immediate attention.

"We have a couple of announcements to make and thought it best to do it in person."

There were mutterings from those watching though no-one interrupted Dream Girl as she spoke.

"First off, I've foreseen Tinya returning so don't worry, she will be back. Not for a while... but she is returning home to us."

Several asked when but Nura shook her head.

"The Senior Team spoke with Henry this morning as well. He may not know all of the details but he is certain that Tinya's career will extend for quite some time so we have that reassurance as well. And, thankfully, the Dominators will not be joining her so we don’t need to worry too much about them in the foreseeable future."

This seemed to set off further questions. Thunder stepped forward.

"Before any of you ask, Nura's visions don't always contain a time stamp and Henry's from the 75th century folks, even with their extensive technology in the future they don't have complete historical records, and just think... can any of you give the exact time and date that Superman was killed by Doomsday and say exactly when he was resurrected? No? Well, that was a pretty major historic event and we can't tell you when that happened so we need to accept that his knowledge is just as general as ours... the exact details are unknown though Henry has an overview we can work with."

This seemed to quieten down those that had started asking questions. Thunder gave a smile as she continued:

"We have enough to work with for now so please ...please settle down. We're positive that Phantom Girl will return, though until then we have matters to deal with."

Nura smiled up at the team.

She didn't say that she had actually foreseen the time and place that Tinya would reappear. She also knew it wasn't important right now as they needed to get on with the other more pressing matters. Certain changes were necessary for the team to implement if it were to develop in ways Nura knew they needed to.

........................


Nura gave her hair a small flick.

She knew better than to tell anyone that Henry had told her that Tinya would never again be the leader of the entire team. And with what Nura had proposed at the Senior Team meeting earlier she intended to make sure of that little nugget of information being guaranteed. She wanted to secure the team's future as she had foreseen it by ensuring no one person was ever solely responsible for the Legion going forward - the team was simply too large now and had dealt with enough mind controlling enemies to see how flawed that concept could be.

Nura smiled again as Cece continued to address the group.

"We had a meeting earlier and decided it's time to revamp our management structure." Thunder saw several of her teammates begin to look bored already but she didn't care, they needed to hear and understand what was away to happen so she continued talking, "So with that in mind, today we'll open up the votes for our next team leaders though there will be a difference from how we previously ran things. The three bases that actively take missions will have a team leader and deputy, and there will no longer be a single person in charge of the entire operation of all our bases. The Legion is becoming too big and too spread out and it's ridiculous to think that one person should be kept aware of everything that happens on all our missions. So... we've developed a plan."

There were questions being asked by her assembled teammates but Thunder didn't reply directly.

"Our suggested plan is simple: we will devolve authority out to the team leader of each base. If there is a mission that requires a combined action, like that attack on Talok viii, then the team leader of the base that initiated the mission will take charge. All missions will be logged centrally and evaluated at joint Senior Team meetings to ensure a cohesive approach is kept between the bases."

Several of the team started to speak again, but they were ignored.

"The Senior Team will of course be in regular contact with each other, regardless of which base they are on so will be able to support any strategic decisions. And, from the academy, Rokk and Lu will remain as advisors involved with the Senior Team. We also still have our colleagues from the Science Police to help advise us as well. With that in mind... we want to have someone in place on each base as soon as we can, so we're giving you three hours... from now until 2000 Earth Standard Time to decide and vote. The polls are open for voting immediately after we close this meeting."

Again, there were several questions asked but Cece only smiled before she carried on.

"You are all asked to make three votes; one for the team leader on First Base, one for Second and one for Hope World. Whoever gets the most votes will lead their base as of tomorrow, with the people in second place taking on the deputy roles. Now, before we go any further there's an obvious question; does anyone want to put their name forward for team leader of their respective base?"

The suddenness of this leadership vote, just three days after Tinya had vanished seemedto stun the assembled Legionnaires... Several of the team started talking and many were clearly surprised and, in some cases, upset by this announcement.

Mon El stood up.

"I have something to say." His voice was loud enough to cut through the chatter, "I'd like to announce I will gladly stay on in Senior Team capacity but have no urge to lead the team so please don't vote for me, it'd only be a waste." Several of his teammates scoffed and joked, though a few were clearly disappointed.

"Thanks Lar," Tyroc said with a smile, "an' anyone else wanna add anyt'ing?" There was muttering from the assembled Legionnaires but no-one came forward. Tyroc waited for half a minutes before ending the meeting, reminding the team they only had a few hours to vote, they could only vote for Legionnaires that had been full members for a full year or more, and if they missed the 2000 hours deadline then they would need to wait until the next leadership election to have their say.

The three senior Legionnaires left the dais and the meeting room slowly emptied.

...............................


Three hours and five minutes later, First Base, Shakes Bar:


As had become something of a tradition, a large group of the team met in Shakes Bar on First Base to hear the results.

"I was thinking of voting for you." Zoe said to Gahaji as they sat down at the table. Beside her, Laurel said 'hi' to them both before continuing to talk with Brin, Bina and Nel, and Grava and Drinchnar. Meanwhile, Babbage, Sylva, Denal, Glory and Elthur sat on the other side. Backlash, the Simballian Tigerram lifted his head above the side of that table to smile and nod to Zoe and Gahaji before dropping back down again. Zoe smiled as she realised that the great horned cat was taking one of his legendary naps while waiting for the results to be announced. Gord, Dann and Solstin were on the next table, obviously part of this group though discussing Naltoran politics so had shuffled off to the side.

Triple Nova looked up and said, "Y'know, I wish I'd thought of that, you'd be great Gahaji. Denal told me that you got him off the Dominators base in one piece and brought Sa Lok back to face justice."

"Yeah, Denal would've been fine without me, and I don't want to be a leader so am glad you didn't. Thanks anyway." Gahaji looked a little miffed at the conversation.

"So, what are the odds that Gazelle's giving?" Officer Nel Duwi asked, more to change the topic as she could see the tracker wasn't impressed and didn't want this evening's atmosphere to be disrupted.

"I'm sure she just makes them up so she can make a profit." Laurel said. Brin laughed as he agreed.

Strobe went over to MWindaji's side and put a hand on the trackers shoulder and spoke.

"I should have thought to vote for you Gahaji, but I just went along with what we discussed..."

"Did you all vote like we decided?" Laurel said. Several of her teammates nodded.

"Decided?" Elthur asked, clearly surprised that he didn't know what the team had been speaking about earlier.

Glory nudged her boyfriend in the ribs and laughed, "Were you not listening earlier...?"

"Oh... we were saying that Troy and Cece are doing great and they need someone cool to work with, y’know we don't want our Bases to get too stuffy." Atom Girl said, "So, we all agreed we need deputies who knows how to have fun. So..."

“So not Luornu, have you heard about how rough Mindbender 's having it?" Zoe pulled a face as she said it.

Laurel looked up, "Yeah, poor boy, she can be a tough old bird. Bet she won't make it easy for him. Anyway, Elthur we all agreed on who we would want to get in before we voted, you were there...."

"Is that allowed?" Elthur asked.

"Back in the day everyone would talk with their friends to try to get their favourite in, it's a Legion tradition." Brin replied. Laurel rested her head against his shoulder and he wrapped an arm across her shoulder before turning his head to lightly kiss the top of her head as she nestled against him.

"It makes sense that the pack follow a leader they want to lead them." Backlash's rumbling voice emanated from under the table.

"This unit calculated the teammate with the appropriate level of life experience, intelligence, and charisma to excel in the role... and necessary inter-personal skills so as not to stifle any social element within team dynamics. The advice was as follows..."

"Buckethead suggested Brin for the pinnacle star role but he said 'no!' So instead..." Drinchnar said.

"So this unit calculated the next most likely candidate to fulfil our criteria..." The Robotican Legionnaire sounded almost proud but before it could continue Comet Queen interrupted.

"Sshhh!" Grava hissed as a holo of Cosmic Boy appeared before them.

..............................


"Friends... the results are in. Do you want to hear them?" Rokk smiled coyly as he asked.

Several of the team shouted "Yes!" While many more laughed as they said 'no'.

"Okay, First Base, your new leader is... Thunder. Well done Cece, I know the team's in safe hands with you at the helm. And your deputy will definitely be an asset as she's one of the most supportive and compassionate people I've ever met... Lightning Lass. Well done and way overdue, you're up Ayla."

"Yes! Ayla got it!" Atom Girl said as the group at the table congratulated themselves. Triple Nova smiled as he looked around at his friends; they had clearly got the result they had hoped for.

Cosmic Boy's holo continued: "Second Base... Tyroc you're not off the hook there buddy as the team have spoken and you're staying in charge. You're deputy is ...Retro, so your base is going to be fine with these two gents at the helm."

"Deen's in, we did it!" Laurel hugged Brin tightly, her face wide with an infectious grin.

"Yeah, I wasn't sure if we'd pull it off..." Atom girl said.

"Who else was there really?" Laurel asked.

Rokk Krinn's holo smiled as he completed reading the list to the assembled Legionnaires: "And finally, Hope World... well, no surprise that Dream Girl is taking the leadership spot on our newest base and Nura you now have Titan as your Number Two. Congratulations Nasir, you'll be great as the new deputy."

"Three out of three.... this is great!" Laurel said.

"Told you it would happen." Gord said with a smile, raising his glass towards her.

"Yeah... Sometimes you precogs take the fun out of things, y'know?" She replied as Brin laughed.

"Poppin' Planets, y'know Gazelle gave me stellarific odds so I'm in the money now, haha, drinks are on me!" Comet King exclaimed.

"Ah, Drinchnar, you know it's a free bar, right?" Elthur said wryly.

"Really? Aw well, maybe next time..."

yay! more great stuff, Harbi! I am also commenting as I read, so I may answer my own Qs sometimes

Nice seeing everyone - including the interns and support staff. I like this inclusivity, and it makes sense that the support staff should have a say as they DO have to follow the leader too!

also LOL at Tyroc and Thunder sternly calling the group to order, hah! even adults can be unruly sometimes

Oooh, is Nura's head-shaking not knowing, or just now wanting to say? I do get it, there are good reasons for not saying more perhaps... "Tinya's career will extend for quite some time," ooh. nice and somewhat reassuring, it IS nice to have someone with future knowledge give some comfort eh?

ah, good of Thunder to answer some Qs I like how she explained things and even gave an analogy, well done (and you sure picked a good one, the (first?) death of Superman!

aha! I knew it, Nura just did not want to say... I wonder if Thunder knew that, and just said what she did to quiet things down...? It might be WISE to do it after all

oh, interesting! I like this bit re the team is too large to have just ONE leader. huh! now I am super curious. I also like how you make Nura smart and wise, instead of just seeing the future and going "well I saw it, so that's that." you show Nura actually thinking about WHY something must be so. well done!

ooh, wait, three leaders and three deputies? that IS a great idea considering how big! span of control and all that.

go Mon! I respect him - if I were in his shoes, I also would NOT want to be leader. (also like the "needs to be a member for a year" rule, it makes sense, don't wanna throw anyone into the deep end...)

wow, you do have a lot of Naltorians! but each is quite unique, well done for fleshing each out so well!

ooh I am pleased you referred to the Mindbender/Lu issue! it's really good to see outside perspective on this.... so there IS something to poor Mindbender's greivances!

LOl at Elthur being completely oblivious even though he was there! we all know people like that!

and yes, Legion traditions, it makes sense in a group that large... heck, even in a group as large as the time when Brin joined

oh, Babbage suggested Brin as leader, that's surprising at first glance BUT it does make sense - though he's a lone wolf, he's still a wolf. I like it, and it's a nice harkening back to when Brin became Deputy at the very end of v3, nice reference!

oooh I love how you are unveiling this! Nice that Thunder gets to stay, she deserves it. And Ayla! An inspired choice, and I had a similar reaction to Atom Girl's! well done! you've certainly put her in situations where her potential showed!

Yay, Tyroc and Retro! good choices again! Retro's name didn't cross my mind immediately, but after you said it I was like, yup a good one!

Also, really nice of the gang to get together and spread the word, voting as a bloc. hallmark of democracy, and also shows tons of interest and their own leadership in steering their own team!

and of course, Nura and disciplined Nasir! another good pairing!!


this was extremely well done Harbi, lots to get excited about for sure! I am super looking forward to it - first time for Ayla, and also Deen and Nasir stepping up! (and I gotta say, 3 guys and 3gals too!)

Starting with the Magus - kind of a neat coincidence that I'm starting the Sandman series, which of course has a Magus character.

So Jan is no longer a sole survivor?

Love that your flight rings have scanners built in. I may have to nick that idea

Poor Atom Girl!

------

Your scene with the Green Lanterns was really fun - I love cool sci-fi concepts like you're introducing here. And the asteroid belt holo that shows the planetary nursery kind of reminded me of Magrathea in HHGTTG, and I'm here for it.

Jo has a kid! And not with Tinya! Awesome!

------------

Kent's soliloquy is a great read that really helps in the exposition department and gets into his head a lot. It's also making me thing that not all is as it seems here.

The fleshing out of Trommian sociology is interesting; I'm not sure I've seen it done this much. Its really great worldbuilding.

These Khunds are pesky buggers, aren't they?!

Atom Girl seems to be in a lousy mood since she got konked out!

Interesting that Luornu is upset about Jo's kid. I was wondering if you were going to go the An Ryd angle.

Also - really enjoying you pulling the Wanderers into this.

Legionnaires can never get any real time off, can they, without something ruining their downtime!

This Worldsmith is pretty bad-ass, like a true force of nature. Love how Jazmin just dives in.

---------------

I really like reading your Dragonmage. I didn't like the reboot version on the page and we barely got to know the SW6 one. I very much like the relationship between him and Southern Cross.

Who just got swallowed whole!

But the mystic stuff with the dragons seems like it must be fun to write!

--------------

I'm sorry to read the seas of the future are still polluted

Man, that Dragon King is FIERCE! I love it!

--------------

This is a nice changeup here - I had expected Dragonmage to be the main character to confront the Dragon King, but it looks like you're going in an unexpected way.

The situation seems desperate with the typhoon. Great use of Tellus!

Looks like Southern Cross to the rescue!

Neat that Szenlong is a "space dragon" - any relation to the Imskian creatures?

----------------

What happened to Tinya?

Nice idea to break up the leadership of the team. With it being as big as it is, it only makes sense.

The last election story is a nice in-between breather.

And I'm caught up! Whew! :_

First Base

Thunder sighed.

When the announcement arrived, she knew what it was about and wasn't looking forward to dealing with it. Soddam Yat had turned up four minutes before asking to speak to Phantom Girl. They had been establishing a relationship over the last few months and Cece was aware that Tinya was trying to keep it discreet. She also knew that unfortunately the ancient Green Lantern had a lot to learn regarding tact so it was doubtful that it would remain a private matter between the two for long... unless she dealt with it immediately.

The Daxamite hovered in space, three hundred metres from the southern docking bay.

Thunder flew out and smiled as she came to a stop two metres from the emerald energy bubble he had created around himself, waiting for him to invite her in. He scowled as the bubble expanded, flowing around the Legionnaire.

"Tinya was supposed to call me two days ago, and she has not answered any of my attempts to contact her; where is she?"

"Soddam, she's not here..."

"So, I ask again Legionnaire, where is she?"

"If you'd allow me to finish, I'll tell you what I know." Cece gave a small smile and waited.

"... go on then." The ancient Daxamite gave a forced smile in return as he spoke, though clearly wasn't impressed.

"Tinya led a mission into Dominion space several days ago and in the escape, it appears she was sent to another dimension. We are..."

"What? Why wasn't I informed?" Soddam puffed out his chest in sudden anger, and fear.

"Let me finish."

"She is your leader, why aren't you..."

"No, and no. Listen to me please Soddam." Though Thunder had replied softly, it was clear she was not impressed with his interruption.

"Tell me what happened." He floated towards Cece, his expression was hard.

"Of course, I will but only if... You... Stop... Interrupting... Me!" Thunder stated emphatically, her posture unchanging despite the obvious intimidation technique on display.

Soddam took a deep breath, not losing eye contact and nodded.

"Tinya will be back..." Soddam let out his breath in relief as Cece said this, "Though we are unable to pinpoint exactly when or where that will happen. Nura Nal and our AI Henry are working on it..."

"I will assist."

"No. No, you won't Soddam. You are one of the most powerful beings alive but this requires a deft touch. Something you ...and also, I don't possess. Let Tinya's friends on the team that do have the necessary skillset locate her. The appropriate Legionnaires are collaborating on finding her. If we need any assistance, I will personally ensure you are contacted."

"I will hold you to that." And with that he turned away. The emerald energy bubble shrunk back until it encased him in its glow and he vanished in a blink.

"Oh, okay, bye then... great chat, do please hurry back." Cece muttered to herself as she turned to fly back towards First Base.

After reaching the docking bay Thunder used her flight ring to call up the intern called Zero. The student from the academy was empowered with trans-dimensional abilities. Cece thought it would be prudent to include them in the search as Nura and Henry were both busy so couldn't give the task their full attention. Perhaps the intern's powers would give them the edge they need to locate Phantom Girl quickly.

............................


Second Base

The Vegan cruiser materialized as if out of nowhere into a synchronistic orbit 300 klicks from the northern docking bay of Second Base.

The Huntress and Dr Kabbo were on monitor duty, or at least the Amazon was monitoring the many security feeds while the counselor was flipping through an historical holo-novel, when suddenly the alarms went off. The initial scans confirmed that the craft had no defensive screens up and its weapon systems were currently not locked on anything, which Noah breathed a sigh of relief over: it wasn't here to start a fight!

As Amynta called through to the Senior Team and alerted teammates that were on the rota for active duty to be prepared for potential action, she noticed that Dawnstar and Atomsmasher were already approaching the space ship. They had most likely been flying exercises around the base. Behind the winged tracker and the Wraithcat, Mon El was racing to join them. Amynta estimated that between them they had enough experience and power to deal with any potential threat the ship might pose. She felt frustrated that she would be unlikely to join them in this fight.

Dr Kabbo meanwhile had swiped across the control panel and asked the monitor AI what its projected odds were in a confrontation - it ran through scenario calculations and came to the conclusion that there was only an 2.75% chance of the Vegans causing any real damage with this single craft. Both Noah and Amynta were acutely aware that as their sensors had not been able to track the Vegan ship's movements here or capture any trace of a warp signature, there could easily be a whole fleet out there and they would never know until they revealed themselves. The Amazon set a yellow alert warning on the Base that would alert her teammates of potential trouble, as well as inform the other Bases that they currently had a situation that required active monitoring.

Mon El approached the craft and, once he was within a hundred metres of what appeared to be the front of it, he broadcast through his flight ring a message requesting they identify themselves. While he received a response almost immediately, it did not really clarify who they were or why they had approached the base in stealth.

<Princess Daheenisha is requested to attend>

...........................................


Retro - Deputy Leader - Deen Toro of Ventura - limited reversal of personal timeline
Duplicate Girl - Senior Team member, Luornu Durgo of Carggg - creation of multiple identical duplicates
Lexikon - Princess Daheenisha of Tamaran iv - enhanced speed, strength, durability, flight, omni-linguist
Thirteen – Dann Hortra of Naltor - line of sight probability manipulation
Kid Pulsar - Neel Koduah of Earth - incredible strength, invulnerability, projection of explosive blasts

Newly promoted from Academy student to full membership (Mentor in brackets):

Mindbender - Marmud Illic of Titan - alpha-level telepath (Duplicate Girl)

Science Police meta-squad seconded to Legion World Second Base:

Power Lass - Science Police Officer Nel Duwi of Daxam - incredible strength, speed, stamina, senses, laser vision, space flight, invulnerability


Twenty five minutes later, after the Vegan craft had docked at the Nothern Docking Bay. Dawnstar, Atomsmasher and Mon El were still close-by in space to monitor the situation while a team went on board.

Lexikon led the way, with Retro close behind. The Tamaranean princess had her Sphere floating alongside her. The cannonball-like creation had been taken from her homeworld when she had applied to join the Legion. While the majority of the team knew that these were created by the Psions in the billions to patrol and protect Nu-Vega Oort cloud, they were unaware that members of the royal families were each given one that acted as their tutor, guide, confidant, protector and keeper of their private journal. The controlling AI was attuned to the princess and would act to further her needs. Lexikon had used it a year ago to spy on a build up of military personal on a Fringe World, which had supplied the team with information alerting the team to the alter-dimension Psyche recruiting members of the UP armed forces to stage a coup.

"Remember, Tamaraneans are sensitive to telepathy so they'll know if you read their minds."

Luornu said to Marmud Illic as they stepped up the steep stairs that led onto the Vegan shuttle. The young telepath resisted snapping back that he knew damn well about a multitude of races sensitivity to his abilities. Instead, he turned away and offered a hand to Power Lass as she stepped up behind him. The Daxamite SP officer had a surprisingly neutral expression that made him think she had overheard Lu's comment and understood his frustration. She said thank you, smiled and hovered up the remaining steps. As she landed she gently put a hand on his shoulder in solidarity.

Ahead of them Retro sent a message across a personal bandwidth of the team's telepathic matrix to Duplicate Girl.

<have a bit more faith in the kid Lu, he's not stupid or we wouldn't have him in the team> Retro's tone was gentle while it was clearly a reprimand.

<he's no Imra> Lu responded flatly.

<that's correct; Marmud's an active Legionnaire and Imra isn't> This time the tone of Deen's message was firm. His message was clear; he was not impressed by her attitude towards their telepathic colleague.

Luornu Durgo took a deep breath as she followed Lexikon into the Vegan ship. Retro, as the new Deputy Leader was leading this mission so she wasn't going to argue with him. Not at this moment anyway, the Cargggite felt a blush rise on her cheeks a she walked into the Vegan craft. She couldn't put her finger on exactly what it was about the young telepath that annoyed her so; he was powerful, determined, reasonably hardworking, well liked amongst his peers... but just too damn smug for her liking. If he was this cocky when a new member getting mentored, what would he be like once he was a full member? She had no doubts that he had rubbished her name across the bases by now but she had enough experience to know that if she just kept on being herself his true colours would begin to show. Her doubts about his credibility would be vindicated...

Thirteen and Kid Pulsar brought up the rear of the group. The two young men had become friends, often playing chess together in their downtime. Both had been asked to keep an eye out for technology that might have cloaked the ship - it was beyond anything the Legion had so of course the Senior Team were interested in acquiring it. Neither Neal nor Dann was particularly happy about this task but both had data vampires ready to use in pouches on their belts.

The Legionnaires found themselves in a small waiting area, unsure what was expected from them next. Deen commented that the air smelled of nutmeg which prompted Neal to say he was hungry.

Mindbender asked Lexikon why they were waiting here.

"In part my people are ...wary of those of the other galactic empires, and there is tradition to follow so we must be patient." The Tamaranean princess said, appearing quite happy to wait.

"Should have brought a chess board." Kid Pulsar said to Thirteen as the two young men sat down on a small couch.

"I assume we're being scanned to make sure we're not carrying weapons ... or viruses aboard, right?" Retro asked.

"Maybe, though it's more to show status as the longer we wait the higher ranking our host is." The golden princess smiled as she replied.

"Oh, so we may be here a while then? How long is expected?"

"A few hours is standard, though if it's the Chief Psion we may be here for several days."

Thanks IB and GL for your kind reviews above, glad to hear you're still enjoying this.

IB - adults are just as bad as kids for misbehaving usually, though have longer attention spans so it looks like we're more polite And glad you like the new management structure, I felt it was time to let the bases go off and do their own thing. There will be one tweak to it before the end of LW8 though nothing major.

GL, I haven't read the Hitchhikers Guide since I was in my twenties but have an urge to look it up now, thank you for that Khunds are indeed pesky buggers and we haven't seen the last of them, more planned for LW9. Szenlong s a spirit dragon - a magical mystical beast that embodies a natural element, not a thing to hunt for scales

More soon as we meet a friend of our favourite Tamaranean Legionnaire, we learn a bit more about Retro's past and will close off LW8 with an invitation... though to what?

Thanks again guys, more, more, more coming soon.

C

I really liked the confrontation with Yot and Cece, Harbi. You really captured the push/pull of the attempt to intimidate each other, especially Yot.

I'm very curious as to the Vegan/Tamaranian end goal here. Also liked Luornu's indignation towards Mindbender. It makes sense with her being an OG.

more good stuff, yay!


good old Cece, and gosh is Yat annoying. I am impressed with Cece for keeping her calm. thank goodness Yat listened to reason in the end.

Amynta has good tactical sense, but I expected nothing less

ah, poor Marmud... I am glad he resisted snapping, as this particular comment of Lu's was very neutral.. of course, he is already primed to be frustrated and to interpret any action of hers in the worst possible light, so...

oooh, Retro standing up for Marmud, very nicely done. And yes, finally, hard evidence that Lu is indeed being a tad too much re Marmud. If Retro thinks so... also, "he's no Imra", that is patently unfair! that is an extremely high bar to hold someone to! oh goodness, well Lu is self-aware enough to know that she's doing this on purpose, and what impact it has on her standing with the others... sigh. Well, I am very eager to see where you take this, as it does seem like many are supporting poor Marmud

and yes, waiting as a diplomatic tool, lol. ooph, several days! well, would have been nice of the rest to know that before...! I hope their physical needs at least will be met, though I expect they will! what a cliffhanger!

and I agree... adults do need reining in from time to time

Thanks again GL and IB.

Soddam Yat is such a sulky bully but Cece is the perfect foil so it was fun to write that scene. And who knows what Tinya is going through so he should be careful what he wishes for... just saying.

Yeah, IB, you're right that Lu's comment was fairly neutral and Marmud is now looking for things to pick at, so it'll be interesting to see how he reacts when things do get tough.

We'll get to know what the Tamaraneans are up to quite quickly. This was originally going to be the opening story for LW9, but as the one I have ready to go involves a team taking on a mysterious angry tree it was too much like Raz's current storyline with Ivy and the Green so it'll stay parked for a while and I'll post it later.

After all the action in LW8, I'm planning on covering a lot smaller, more personal stories in LW9, including a focus on newer teammates. The way it's turning out, it'll be a different pace to this so fingers crossed it works out.

More next week, thanks again guys

C

I am super curious indeed as to what Tinya is doing!

re Lu and Marmud, I have to praise you again for writing it so balanced - there's enough here that neither of the two is completely right OR wrong. At least, there is enough doubt that I can’t condemn Lu right away. You balanced out Lu's neutral comment with the reactions from not only Marmud, but also Deen - Power Lass' reaction was up to interpretation BUT Deen's reprimand, and Lu's own thoughts, clearly showed that there was something up with Lu as well... and taken with earlier scenes, including Marmud ‘s visit to Anje… And I have to say I am SUPER invested in this subplot as it does bring up personal memories

as always, I'm hooked and looking forward to more more more!

Retro - Deputy Leader - Deen Toro of Ventura - limited reversal of personal timeline
Duplicate Girl - Senior Team member, Luornu Durgo of Carggg - creation of multiple identical duplicates
Lexikon - Princess Daheenisha of Tamaran iv - enhanced speed, strength, durability, flight, omni-linguist
Thirteen – Dann Hortra of Naltor - line of sight probability manipulation
Kid Pulsar - Neel Koduah of Earth - incredible strength, invulnerability, projection of explosive blasts

Newly promoted from Academy student to full membership (Mentor in brackets):

Mindbender - Marmud Illic of Titan - alpha-level telepath (Duplicate Girl)

Science Police meta-squad seconded to Legion World Second Base:

Power Lass - Science Police Officer Nel Duwi of Daxam - incredible strength, speed, stamina, senses, laser vision, space flight, invulnerability


The team were kept waiting for a little under three and a half hours.

In that time, Retro, Duplicate Girl and Power Lass had all taken the opportunity to gather as much discreet information as they could.

Retro sat alongside Lexikon and gently questioned her about what the team could expect. The Tamaranean princess was polite but evasive, claiming that she was unaware of any formal reason for the Vegan's to summon her. Deen tried to get information about who she expected to see but again the princess was unwilling to give him much in the way of useful data. He then tried telling a story from his own life involving being unexpected called to meet someone in the hope that by opening up she would do so in return. Princess Daheenisha smiled and asked polite questions though did not give anything in return. Deen had met people like that many times before, usually politicians, and he found it frustrating but smiled and tried again to elicit information from her but without a useful result.

"Do the times we are asked to wait mean anything?"

"Of course, every passing sarc... equivilent to approximately a standard hour and eighteen minutes, would represent the status, while prime number multiplications indicate familial bonds and non-prime are for ...working relationships. One sarc would be for immediate family, and so on. It is all very formalised amongst the Great Houses so we understand what the circumstances are of the meeting."

"So... ah, you'll get a heads up of what we can expect by how long we wait? Make sure you let the team know, okay?"

Lu examined the fixtures and furnishings around them, certain that the team would must be monitored. All she found was comfortable seats and glass topped tables with jugs of iced fruit juice that small robotic staff would refill once a Legionnaire poured some into a glass. She was even more certain that they were being scanned by this apparent normality and civility. She didn't take any of the juice herself, though both Thirteen and Kid Pulsar did and said it was delicious.

At first, SPO Nel Duwi had used her microscopic vision to examine the surfaces around them, checking if any devices had been implanted. She also casually checked the furnishing and the juice that Dann and Neel were enjoying. She didn't find anything suspicious so switched to her x-ray vision, making sure to merely skim across surfaces and not intrude too far into the vessel. Again, there was nothing suspicious. She gave Lu a nod, letting her know that her initial scans had not discovered anything suspicious and decided that rather than spy she would sit down and wait for their hosts rather than intrude any further.

When the door finally opened, a Tigorr clone - usually reserved as servants for senior politicians or military staff, politely asked them to join him. The clone then suavely bowed as each Legionnaire walked past. Retro and Lu both noticed that Lexikon had almost pounced at the doorway, eager to meet whoever had summoned her. They knew then that she expected it was someone that she wanted to see and both felt a little relieved though confused why she hadn't said anything to them.

The team followed Lexikon as she hurried along the corridor. There was a small ball of light in front of her, obviously guiding her as she turned corners before walking up a ramp to a large set of golden doors. They opened slowly and in front of the Legionnaires, in a formal room with holos of the solar system spinning in the air, stood a tall Tamaranean male wearing a black chainmail uniform. Lexikon flew at him, wrapped her arms around his broad shoulders and they kissed passionately.

After several long seconds she turned to the team.

"Legionnaires, I'd like you to meet Sky Lieutenant Annach’ha of the Tamaranean Sun-Corps... my fiancé."

..............................


After proper introductions had been made, Sky Lieutenant Annach'ha invited the team to join him for a meal.

<It is a great honour and compliment to be offered a meal so soon after meeting> Lexikon sent, giving her teammates a rare warm smile as she glanced at over at them. The two Tigorr clones entered from behind the Legionnaires and announced that a meal was being served in the galley.

The table was cramped but the Legionnaires were treated to a range of exotic foodstuffs, some of which they found delicious. Kid Pulsar and Thirteen both asked a lot of questions about what they were being served to the waiting staff. As they ate heartily, Retro and Duplicate Girl both had questions for Sky Lieutenant Annach’ha.

"You will have to excuse our surprise," Deen began, "we were unaware that Princess Dahineesha was betrothed." While he had spoken towards their host it was Lexikon that answered, her expression serious.

"It would be unbecoming for a member of the Royal household to discuss their relationship status unless they had interest in..."

"Dallying?" Retro finished with a small smile.

"Ah, yes. that word suffices." She smiled at him before turning back to her fiancé. The Sky Lieutenant had a neutral expression, part quizzical, part smiling. He was clearly intrigued by the colourful characters sat around the table.

"We would be grateful if you could share why you are here?" Lu asked, the Sky Lieutenant gave a small smile though didn't answer. "We have made a lot of enemies over the years so you must understand that your sudden appearance was ...startling."

He remained silent as Duplicate Girl stared at him.

"You must forgive their lack of manners; they do not understand our culture." Lexikon said to her fiance. The silence that followed was not unexpected as the Legionnaires all turned towards her. It hung in the air for several seconds before she continued, "under Tamaranean tradition, Annacha'ha will not speak until the meal is completed. It is seen as rude to interrupt the refreshing of guests. I can assure you that my beloved is treating us with the utmost respect." After saying this to her teammates she turned and smiled towards him, which he warmly reciprocated.

While the Legionnaire ate the rest of the meal in relative silence, Lexikon and the Sky Lieutenant leant in towards each other and shared many happy glances and warm smiles. None of the team had seen their Tamaranean teammate look so happy before. She had developed a reputation of being focussed while on missions and at training but otherwise she was felt to be relatively stand-offish with inter-personal interactions.

"That's what you and Bina looked like the other night in Shakes, it's great isn't it?" Thirteen said softly to Power Lass. She didn't look round at him or reply but smiled contentedly to herself.

The meal continued for another twenty minutes or so as more dishes were presented to the team. In this time it was obvious that Lexikon was becoming more and more happy. Retro wondered if the length of the meal denoted something to the Tamaranean as well. Or perhaps the order of food being presented... he realised he knew almost nothing about Lexikon or her people and their culture. Deen accepted he would need to research much more. In his century of life, that he could remember, he had only met one other Tamaranean and that had been Lexikon's sister on Weber's World. The vast majority lived within the Nu-Vega cluster where they had no contact with the galactic empires around them. It was only in the last three years that they had opened up to trade arrangements, though still there had only been very restricted contact between these ancient peoples and either the United Plants or the Khunds who controlled the vast reaches odfspace around them.

After the meal finished and the Tigorr clones had cleared the room and left the Legionnaires with the Sky Lieutenant he stood up and smiled broadly.

"Legionnaires, thank you for joining us in our humble meal."

Several of the team smiled; if the twenty odd course they had just enjoyed was humble to the Sky Lieutenant then they realised he was used to an entirely different standard of life.

"I would like you all to bear witness..." He held a hand out towards Lexikon and smiled. She took his hand and gracefully stood up. "Princess Dahineesha of House Tahil, most fierce warrior of Okaaran and X'halkin blood and steadfast companion to the Imperium, I have come to claim the right of marriage as agreed by our most noble parents on our naming days. Will you accept my proposal?"

"Yes!" She replied before they fell into a tight hug.

"Guess I'd better buy a new hat." Nel Duwi muttered with a laugh.

..............................


HOPE WORLD, specialising solely in disaster relief.

Dream Girl- Team leader - Nura Nal of Naltor - precognition


Nura had arranged the team meeting for 1600 hours standard.

As the group who would be joining her on Hope World arrived, she was cuddling her daughter Mathilda, before putting her into a floating crib as they all took their seats. Dream Girl knew it was time to tell her team what she had foreseen... or at least enough of it to encourage them. Southern Lights was still assisting Dragonmage with the little space dragon, but Nura had foreseen that the winged mystic would return in an hour and after that he would be a fully committed member of this team whether or not he knew of her dreams, so she was happy to continue without him.

"Everyone, hello."

Nura beamed her brightest smile as she spoke. Sitting around the table were the group she had foreseen would do so much to help the most vulnerable and needy. She loved them all already!

"Hope World will be leaving in two hours for our first mission." The group around her all smiled as she announced this and SPO Droo Vri cheered which made several of his colleagues laugh. While Nura knew his enthusiasm was a definite asset, she also knew she would need to keep an eye on the Daxamite as he could easily react impulsively or over-extend himself... though, she realised. his tightly bunched muscles were a bonus as she watched him; it wouldn't be the worst task she gave herself over the next few days.

"We're just waiting for the Q-Drive to be signed off by Brande-Tech. I've been told they'll be finalised at 1730, so we'll leave shortly after that. Our first mission will take us to the edge of the Wilderness of the Sassanaboan Nebula where there is considerable resource mining and the like... you've been there before, haven't you Sister?" Nura nodded towards Sister Eclipse.

"Why, yes, several years ago there was a flare from the nebula that tore through several satellites leaving many in difficult circumstance. The Sisterhood visited, sharing medical support and food. It was... it was quite bleak when we arrived, the local population are fiercely independent and live on a group of satellite settlements with only a trade and non-com status agreement with the United Planets so aid was delayed getting to them."

"I'm sure your Sisterhood were a tremendous help." Nura said, "So, while the settlements are just recovering from that disaster, there's been an outbreak of Daluvonnian Red Eye Plague... Drura, have you ever encountered it before?"

Infectious Lass blinked a few times before replying, "...no, it's extinct, isn't it? There's not been a case in over a century. Are you sure Nura?"

"It seems so, and in case you didn't know..." she looked around the table at the assembled team, "it's particularly nasty. The first sign is it attacks the primary sensory organs, driving it's hosts to become incredibly sensitive to light and sound, before affecting the brain, driving its hosts into killing rages. It has resulted in the plague sufferers committing horrible acts of mutilation, cannibalism..."

"So, it's the Zombie Plague?" Thom said, looking particularly unimpressed. Nura nodded before continuing.

"It has been called the Zombie Plague before, you're right Thom. It ravishes the body of the host even as it drives them to spread the infection through physical contact - usually biting or clawing. It's particularly unpleasant though I'm quite certain we will get through this. There is a cure, though it's not too pleasant either. It's best to inoculate folks before the virus gets into them as the cure can also be rather unpleasant, especially in aerosol form which we'll need to use as I don't want any of us getting too close to one of the infected - you got that?" Nura looked around the table, her expression making it clear that this was not a point that she would take any arguments on.

"...And we all need to take a vaccine shot before we go, as it will take an hour or two to go through our systems... and I mean all of us Groovy." she gave her Daxamite SP colleague a smile, "Amazingly, this virus will even affect you and it wouldn't help anyone if there's a Daxamite with this horrid disease out there." Nura's expression was serious and everyone around the table understood that this was not going to be the easy feel-good mission they had hoped to start off with.

"There's one other thing that we need to be aware of..." Nura called up a holo as she said this, "there have been sightings of the Squids of Infinity outside the nebula. No-one knows what they are doing, if they are the cause of the infection or not..."

"I thought they were a myth!" Mama Tank exclaimed. The cybernetic soldier sat forward and stared at the holo before them. It showed a mass of long, slim burning tentacles with a small ball-like head at one end.

The Squids of Infinity were one of the largest life forms ever discovered, growing up to excesses of three thousand clicks long, No-one had ever managed to get a biological sample from them, or form any link in communication. These enormous beings had been spotted within half a dozen of the nebula within the United Planets and no-one knew how they got there as the distance between their colonies was truly, and quite literally astronomical. As the environments they inhabited were some of the most dangerous known there had been little enthusiasm in doing anything other than monitoring these enormous and mysterious creatures safely from outside of the cosmic clouds they appeared to live within.

Nura asked if there were any questions and the few that were asked, she couldn't give direct answers to so she quickly wrapped up the meeting.

"So... I'd like you all to take the next hour to prepare yourselves, get vaccinated and we'll meet again at 1700 hours... okay? The Legion will give us a send-off but I'd like to get us all ready before the other teams arrive at 1730. And don't worry, it may not be a simple mission but I know we will be amazing."

Two hours later, Hope World left on their maiden mission with less fanfare than most of the team expected.

The Senior Team and a dozen or so Legionnaires and interns warped over and wished them luck before Nura announced it was time to turn on their brand-new Q-Drive and fire up their engines. There was a couple of bottles of non-alcoholic champagne opened and shared though within half an hour everyone had been and gone and the team were left to get on with it.

"It'll take us just over three hours to get there so I'd advise getting yourself prepared." Nura still had a glass of bubbly in her hand as she addressed the team. She told them that once they got there, they would need to act quickly on three satellites so she would lead a team to the first satellite of Star Boy, Groovy and Orion. While they were dealing with that situation, Titan would lead a second team of Southern Lights, Magnetix and Dragon Lass,
to the agri-domes and Harmonia would take Sister Eclipse, Mama Tank and Tesseract to the shipyard satellite. Everyone else should remain on Hope World under Invisible Kid, and get ready for a stream of refugees. Nura's expression faltered for a second as she told the team that she had foreseen a thousand or so arriving. The team looked slightly aghast as she said this so Nura gave a bright smile.

Strategic Analyst Graq Maurus of Colu spoke up, announcing that he had informed the UP Disaster Relief and Refugee Aid Departments that they would require assistance, so they could expect help with the refugess. The Coluan smiled as he added that he had made it clear to them that they were not to set foot onto any of the affected satellites until they had the all-clear due to the nature of the virus. He had received responses that drones would be available to assist the team if required while medical support would stand by until it was safe to approach.

"I appreciate that Graq, thank you." Nura gave a smile and nod in his direction before addressing the entire team, "I get that you might feel that we are being thrown into the crucible with this mission but these people need our help before their crisis becomes a full-blown disaster, and believe me when I say that I know you are all going to perform magnificently!"

yay! more good stuff!!

Power Lass seems really competent - besides Retro and Lu, she was the only one who made it a point to gather intel

Bless Deen, he's so polite and likable and in control. I wonder if there is anything more to Lexikon's reticence...

Lu's experience is showing, she's been in enough traps to be on her guard I found the "not taking juice" bit brilliant: and of course, she would hesitate to warn the others outwardly as it might be perceived as suspicious...


also love Power Lass' careful surface scanning without being too intrusive. these diplomatic games require a tight balance eh!

a Tigorr clone! hah! what a nice throwback to the Omega Men!


her fiance! well! that explains a bit of why Lexikon was so reticent!

ah, Deen is very sharp indeed, I like him more and more. And I love how rich a picture you are painting of Tamaranean culture

also, the lack of speaking is interesting. and ties in a bit to the physicality of Tamaranean culture, if I remember how Starfire was written back in the day...

aw, Bina and Power Lass, nice nod to their budding relationship

a marriage proposal!!! wow!! well, I love Legion weddings, so... this is cool, I bet the actual wedding will be quite a feast!

oh Nura, Nura, Nura, lol. Droo Vi sounds like quite the hunk. I love anything Hope World related, I've often thought a real-life Legion would be best used attending to various ecological concerns, disasters, refugee crises, that sort of thing

an extinct plague, oh! I love how Nura is leading the briefing, turning to relevant team members so they can share their expertise and experience. But also making it clear which points are non-negotiable. I always wished Nura had had more chances to show her leadership, so am VERY pleased you have her leading Hope World

A Zombie Plague, whoo!


Giant Squids! And like wow, these are humongous!

a thousand refugees, whoo! team has their work cut out for them!



yes, I'm super eager to see how this mission goes!

Hi Harbi...I realise I have missed quite a bit so here's some thoughts as I go!

- Dragonmage losing his cool momentarily is a good way to show how outgunned he must feel

- Southern Lights' spooky pal can sure be cold when he wants to be!

- I like again the excellent description of the extreme weather, and how normally incredible superpowers are humbled against debris-filled flood waters and sheets of driving rain

- ooh I like this development for Szenlong! A SPACE dragon!! I didn't even think about the Imskian dragons till GL mentioned it, but by the law of comic book similarities I'm sure there's a story where he went back in time to father the species or something

- Thunder's speech about how future people don't necessarily know specifics of what happened in their past was a nice way to gently explain why these types of characters aren't just fixing every little thing before it happens

- this new leadership structure is very interesting! I'm glad Ayla got in there, she deserves it! And Tyroc as well! I do wonder how Tinya will react when she gets back though, especially considering she was already a little put out by certain people challenging her authority...

Haha Comet Monarchs are good for a laugh in every continuity it seems

- Is it wrong that I kinda wanted Thunder to give Sodam Yat a good knuckle sandwich? That guy is a real dick!

- Interesting to see some of Lu's inner monologue about Mindbender...seems like maybe she really does have a chip on her shoulder about him after all!

- I like all the diplomatic etiquette and such around Lexikon's fiance, it's cool seeing aliens with alien customs

This was an interesting line, and makes me wonder...how would Naltorians go about approaching new relationships with people? Would it be like when you have a dream that someone did something annoying and then you have to remind yourself not to be annoyed at them the next day? (except I guess in Nura's case it would be justified lol)....it makes one re-examine some of her catty remarks to Wildfire and such in the 80s, maybe she was just mad because she knew Wildfire was gonna spill oil on her new outfit in an hour's time or something

- The Squids of Infinity sound awesome!!

The Tamaranian timespans and cultural aspects are neat - is that documented elsewhere for tamaranians, or did you make that up? Its very cool, but I'm not as versed on that world outside of Starfire in the Titans.

A lot of good foreshadowing here too - I'm assuming we'll be dealing with these plague Zombies before too long, as well as the space squids. Can't wait to see!

Also, is Nura drinking on the job?

Can't wait to see more!

Second Base

Otaki - Bina Nawoti of Earth - mindsense

Otaki monitored Power Lass on the Vegan craft.

The young psychic had joined Spy and the Huntress at the monitor board while Mon El remained close by, keeping a five click distance to the docking bay where the Vegan craft was now docked. Dr Kabbo and Amynta were both very focussed on monitoring the Vegan craft that had entered their docking bay while sweeping the general area around the team's base for any other potential intruders.

Bina hadn't meant to intrude and felt sort of, almost, kinda guilty about it, but that hadn't stopped her as she focussed her psychic senses on the Daxamite Officer that had literally swept her off her feet the other night. She felt comforted by sensing Nel's mind... the Daxamite was focussed and happy, a nice combination while on a mission Bina thought.

The team had been on board for over four hours. Their flight ring data feeds had shown that after the initial excitement the team's heartbeats had settled to regular rhythms and their other bio-rhythms indicated that the team had just finished a meal. As mission statuses went these were decent results that the three in the Mission Monitor Control Room were all slightly impressed and even jealous of. It appeared that whoever their host was, they were taking good care of the Legionnaires.

Lu had sent a brief message forty minutes before stating that they should shift the base alert down to an Amber alert status as this was, apparently, a friendly visit.

When the second Vegan ship appeared it at least used traditional warp technology so the team were alerted before they materialised 40 clicks from the northern docking bay. Within half a second Mon El was flying beside it.

"Sky Lieutenant Annach'ha, the Prime Auditor demands your presence. You have twelve Alcs to attend."

The announcement cut across all communications and was heard by virtually everyone on Second Base.

"Yeah, so, I'd say it's time to go to Red Alert right about now." Dr Kabbo said dryly as his hand flicked across a hard light screen to activate the alarm.

................................................

Mining Platforms 4Bravo, 4Delta and 4Epsilon, on the edge of the Wilderness of the Sassanaboan Nebula

Hope World

Team One:
Dream Girl- Team leader - Nura Nal of Naltor - precognition
Star Boy - Senior Team member, Thom Kallor of Xanthu - stellar mass transference
Intern:
Orion -Science Police Cadet Tw'gg of H'lven - tracking skills, agility, enhanced senses and awareness of flaws or weaknesses
Science Police Liaison:
Groovy - Science Police Officer Droo Vri of Daxam - incredible strength, speed, stamina, senses, laser vision, space flight, invulnerability

When Hope World arrived, the satellites that made up the bulk of the settlements appeared at first glance to be peaceful.

There were three main satellites: proto-planets that had been mined for necessary elements and then built upon, connected by a spaghetti like mass of tubes. On closer examination there were large areas that had no lights and several of the connecting tubes from the furthest satellite had been disconnected. The central of the three was the largest and the holo-data that Thom had called up stated this was where the majority of the residential areas were.

"This is our mission," Nura said pointing towards it. It had obviously once been an enormous crude lump of space rock that over the decades or even centuries had been carved out and built upon. Nura signalled for the holo to enlarge and focus in on a central area.

"As well as accommodation for the two and a half thousand people that live here, the central satellite is a mega-mall - workspace - general recreational satellite; restaurants and holo suites and the like. We 'll find most of the survivors in there. While the rest of us look after them, Orion, you need to find the central ventilation pump so we can distribute the cure throughout the three satellites. It's not what's showing on this schematic..." The fox-like intern looked confused but before he could ask, Nura added, "ha, the joys of precognition, you're just going to have to take my word for it, sweetie. I'm sure some of the locals will help. We'll give you a couple of canisters with concentrated doses of the cure and you'll need to make your own way there as we deal with the crowds." She gave him a big supportive smile as he gulped. His first adventure with the team would be a solo mission where he'd need to avoid killer zombies and find a pump that could distribute the cure... "Ah, that's not how my tracking skill works but I'm sure I'll think of something... no pressure then!" he said with a cheeky grin.

They could all see the intern's nerves but so as not to add to them the team laughed along with him. Thom gave Nura a harsh side glance which she ignored with her typical aplomb.

"What do you need me to do Miss Nal?" Droo Vri asked as he examined the holo.

"Call me Nura, for one... We'll need barriers and the like, oh, once we get there you'll see, don't worry. So... are we ready? You know what we're doing, yes?" Once again Dream Girl looked around the team though this time her expression was more serious, "I have to warn you that we're going to see some pretty horrid stuff in there, I'm sorry but we will need to push through it to get the job done. So... Groovy, go collect the supplies and we'll go."

In a blur the young Daxamite vanished and returned seconds later, carrying twenty backpacks full of medical supplies.

"Henry, a warp please."

...............................


Team Two:
Harmonia - Senior Team member, Professor Harmonia Li of Earth - manipulation of the natural environment
Sister Eclipse - of Rhoohanisett iii - durability, heightened senses, physical possession of any living being
Intern:
Tesseract - Sar Jerash Mor Toark of Mars - access to intra-dimensional space
Science Police Liaison:
Mama Tank - Science Police Lieutenant Lolla Grayfrau of Badenhoff vi - cybernetics giving incredible strength, invulnerability, AI manipulation

The satellite that Harmonia led her team to held the engineering heart of the settlement.

This was where the majority of the resources that the settlers used and manufactured for sale were taken from the rich dust expelled from the edges of the nebula. There were two power spheres, several large storage facilities and many workshops and engineering bays. In a typical day there would be in the region of a thousand beings expected to be working here at any one time.

The Hope World scan had initially shown almost five hundred beings, though once they had filtered out those with elevated temperatures and high metabolism rates that showed they were infected, there were only one hundred and sixty-seven. Other than about a dozen scattered around, these were all in the main engineering block.

"I'm sure we can find plenty of tools to help keep them safe." Lolla Grayfrau said.

"Indeed, though remember, those infected haven't lost their intellect, only their rational thought processes." Harmonia replied quietly.

"I have twenty-three medi-packs, will that be enough?" Tesseract asked. She looked around the group. The young woman had been at the back of the room where the supplies were stored for this mission. She reached across and put her hand on top of another which promptly vanished as she placed it within her intra-dimensional space. "Twenty-four now..."

"That will be fine, thank you Sar Jerash." Harmonia smiled coolly as she replied. "So, we will warp over there in a minute and I want you to aid Sister Eclipse while Lieutenant Grayfrau and I...."

"Aww, come on..." Tesseract muttered loudly. Her mild antipathy towards her teammates was well known, though in particular she had exhibited a strong dislike for Sister Eclipse.

"If you do not like this assignment I have two options for you: you either leave us and we will have another intern or student take your place on the team, or you can show a level of professionalism that is expected amongst Legionnaires and get on with the task in hand. The choice is entirely yours, though while we wait for you to decide people are being hurt unnecessarily so I'd like an answer now."

"Ah... yeah, of course I wanna help people." The young woman from Mars looked embarrassed at Harmonia's directness.

"Good, this discussion is over. Henry, a warp please."

...............................................


Team Three:
Titan - Nasir N’Cube of Titan - alpha-level telepathy
Southern Lights of Starhaven - spaceflight, magic user
Intern:
Dragon Lass - Mari Baertling of Rimbor - enhanced strength, durability, echolocation and flight
Science Police Liaison:
Magnetix - Science Police Officer Jooli Esra of Braal - manipulation of magnetic fields

The satellite they warped into was an inter-connected series of farming domes.

As the infected had a sensitivity to light it appeared that one of those sick had switched all of the illumination in the settlement off meaning it was dark inside, with only the glow of the nearby nebula giving a warm russet sheen through the semi-transparent dome above. Titan quickly telepathically scanned the dome and found sixty people at one end. It confirmed the scans from Hope World. He also picked up enough surface thoughts to realise that they were armed with blasters and desperately attempting to create barriers.

<We are from the Legon, here to help. Are any of you injured?> Titan's telepathic voice was silky smooth. His science police training from before his time in the Legion showed as the message had enough tone of authority to be listened to though carried no sense of threat. At the same time, he activated the searchlight on his belt buckle and pulled it from his outfit and held it above his head to shine down on the team; were they infected they would not be able to tolerate the light.

Dragon Lass and Southern Lights took to the air. The mystic closed his eyes and muttered a spell which gave him enhanced vision that would allow him to spot illness in others; his role would be in helping the locals as his teammates went to collect any others they could find. Meanwhile, the intern had been tasked to protect the settlers as the other Legionnaires got the others they found safely to this spot ready to warp across to Hope World. With the dark forest of crops around the spot where the settlers had congregated it meant Dragon Lasses echo-location abilities would prove essential if she were to discover any of the infected trying to sneak up.

Titan and Magnetix would leave Southern Lights and Dragon Lass with this group of settlers as they searched through the linked domes for other uninfected survivors.

....................................


On Hope World:
Invisible Kid - Jacques Foccart of Earth - personal and tactile invisibility
Intern:
Army of One - Ashia Servito of Luzonus Prime - self-replication
Support Staff on Hope World:
I.Z.O.R. - Gear iv – infrastructure manager - nannite collective being, technomorph
Drura Sehpt - Infectious Lass – medical officer - containment and control over bacteria and viruses
Henry – Anti Lad – Spatial warp controller
J2351 of the Dominion - Ivy - bio-manipulation of Hope World's chloro-technology
The Bludgers - clone-grown Dominion workforce with enhanced strength and durability though with 28 hour lifespan
Science Police Liaison Team:
'Smart Boy' - Senior Team liaison, Strategic Analyst Graq Maurus of Colu - 10th level intelligence specialising in disaster relief scenarios


Jacques looked at the hard light screen before him.

He had found that he had some skill in tactical and strategic planning so was ensuring that the thousand refugees they were going to receive would be adequately provided for. Drura was ready in the warp room - she had said she would tell immediately if any of the settlers were carrying the damned Daluvonnian Red Eye Plague but weren't yet showing symptoms, and had set up several dozen floating auto-docs to assist with any other ailments they might have. Ashia Servito - the Army-of-One, had summoned twenty replicas and tasked them with assisting in medical duties for the refugees alongside the auto-docs, while another twenty were to guide refugees to quarters that they had prepared. Jacques smiled to himself as he thought that Army-of-One could probably handle this all by herself if she were more confident.

In the warp room Graq Maurius was waiting alongside Drura. The Strategic Analysis would be monitoring each team and giving advice as they progressed. Jacques hoped he had enough oversight to keep their teammates safe. Drura had meditated while they had travelled here, stating that she needed to prepare her containment of the virus they expected to encounter. Drura had once told him that viruses had their own personalities so finding compatible neighbours within her to hold any new ones she encountered was always a bit of a task in itself. She had explained that a lot of her mishaps earlier in her career were due to this simple error and therefore more 'angry' or 'excitable' viruses leaked through when she tried to direct a specific one. Jacques didn't understand exactly what she meant but trusted her completely to be as ready as she could possibly be to help.

Gear had ensured his nannites were creating large, clear signage for the settlers so there would be minimal confusion. They also upped the number of monitors within communal spaces as an added security feature. Dream Girl had assured the team that the settlers would not pose any major risk for the team, but the Linsnarian wanted to ensure that any minor inconveniences were known about before they could blow up to anything larger.

Ivy had produced thirty clone grown Dominion staff they had taken to call the Bludgers; these were short, stocky, immensely strong and would follow orders perfectly. Nura had assured the group that these were no more than programmable walking sacks of chemicals with no real life of their own. Jacques found them a bit alarming; they appeared so life-like that he did wonder if even in their pathetically short lives that they did have an inkling of their own existence. After 28 hours - a length of a standard day on the Dominators home world, the Bludgers would break down into the basic amino acid compounds that Ivy had used the Dominion tech to build them from.

As far as Jacques could see they were ready. Resisting the urge to triple-check his work, he sent the message:

<Teams, zis is Hope World, we are ready to receive ze settlers>

folks, finally here's the next section. Sorry for the delay but I had a family matter to deal with that meant I ws away for the last month or so.

I have time tomorrow and Friday to catch up on the other fics so IB, Raz and GL I will get to you soon

yay more good stuff!!

LOL when I read vegan, I think of the people who eat nothing animal-based... it makes me giggle thinking of Tamaraneans being all "soy milk only please!"

also nice having some of the crew monitoring their teammates for safety

"Prime Auditor" eek! well, this is a curveball!

also good of you to define Orion's tracking skills. Indeed, tracking means following, but if something does not leave a trail...

also LOL at Thom being annoyed at Nura. but I suppose she would not send Orion alone unless she was sure he would be fine and I also like Nura turning serious and adding an extra warning. I always loved this duality to Nura, and you do it so well.

yeah, go Harmonia, good job telling Tesseract like it is!

also love: Jacques showing tactical skill (nice nod to his 5YL evolution); and Drura being able to diagnose people. also love the explanation re Drura's viruses having their own personalities!

love it, also like the classic 4-team split up, which will give everyone a chance to shine (whether powers/abilities or personalities!) really looking forward to seeing Hope World in action!

Thanks for you review, greatly appreciated IB, and for the PM, have edited that mistake now... phew!

A couple of things to pick up from previous reviews:

Raz, Southern Lights little friend isn't cold really, just not used to 'others' so treats these strange things the same way they treat it. Its going to have a long learning curve ahead of it.

GL, Nura was on the non-alcoholic fizz, though with what's ahead it wouldn't be a surprise if she had a swift one prior to the mission.

IB, Tesseract is another that needs to experience a learning curve, it'll be interesting seeing her first steps alo g the way.

More next week, thanks again for your support, I'm very grateful.

C

re Tesseract, definitely - it is always nice to see characters grow, and I hope she does... of course, the experience of some others shows that not everyone is ready to grow!

and happy to Harbi, I am a big fan of your writing so always eager to read and review ! and we writers have to support one another re catching small errors

Thunder called Tyroc to check on the current situation on Second Base.

With the appearance of the second Vegan craft she had felt a growing unease at the situation. Troy, of course, was almost dismissive of the thought that this might be the start of something serious. Cece smiled at his easy confidence and was away to cut the call when he asked if he could discuss something else with her. Of course, she replied, suddenly curious.

Tyroc told her that he had spoken with Monica Sade the night before and she had agreed to his idea and that had helped him make his mind up. That said, Monica was not a member of the Senior Team so he decided that perhaps it would be best if he had a chat with another teammate.

After he told Cece his idea there was a moment's silence.

"What's wrong with the Mentor scheme Troy? You must accept we've had great results..."

"Oh, I totally get it Cece, it's just ah feel the latest crop are good enough t' not need nannying anymore. Ah mean, really, d'y'think Non is learning much from followin' Lar aroun'? Poltergeist's a good kid who's only mistake was havin' a mindbuster screw with him while he was with his crush... and we all knew how he felt about Jan an' still put 'em together. Ah think he and the others don't need another month o' being extra-numary to our missions is all ah'm sayin', is that so bad?"

"No, perhaps you're right. You really should speak to the rest of the Senior Team as they'll have their own thoughts on the newest Legionnaires progress."

"Y'know that's a good point... ah'll give the team a call and arrange a meeting for soon as... though there's gonna be push-back but you do agree, right? So, it's jus' a case of letting them know."

"Well... in principle I agree, though if the other Seniors bring up any valid points, we'll take them on board. Okay? Which kind of reminds me, I was thinking of stealing one of your Senior Team as we're short of team leaders. Captain Shir will need a few more days to fully recover and..."

"Ahh... so, hear me out but ah think Lu's your best bet... you mussa heard how she's ruffled a few feathers over here with the 'this is how we do it in the Academy and back in the day' routine. Ah don't want to talk badly of her as she's, like... a legend but if ah'm bein' frank she has been a bit unnecessarily hard with Mindbender and as a result is losing respect from the team by the day as we all see it happenin'. The mentor scheme is to build bridges no' hammer our new teammates into submission. A lot of the more junior team are not... ah, impressed with her attitude towards them generally and, well, ah gotta agree." Troy looked embarrassed as he said this but he knew Cece fully understood.

"Okay, I'll ask for a volunteer from your Seniors and let's hope she agrees. If not, I'll volunteer her myself, okay? But we're not forcing Lu out, she's got more experience than anyone else on the team."

"Oh, totally agree! I've no real problems wit' her but team morale... well, y'know."

"Is it that bad?"

"Well, I'm gonna hafta talk with her pretty seriously if she stays here and don't soften her act... her hardass attitude is not working over here on Two. I wonder if she... ah, Cece this is terrible to say but I was thinkin' o' tellin' her to book in with Anje Falkner for a few sessions. I'm worried that she's got no outlet for whatevah is goin' on in her head tha's pushin' her so hard."

"Okay, Troy whatever you think is best, though if you like I'll talk to her. Perhaps a woman-to-woman chat...?"

"She's my team Cece, I'll do it, though thank you."

"Let me know how it goes. Good luck."

..........................

Retro - Deputy Leader - Deen Toro of Ventura - limited reversal of personal timeline
Duplicate Girl - Senior Team member, Luornu Durgo of Carggg - creation of multiple identical duplicates
Lexikon - Princess Daheenisha of Tamaran iv - enhanced speed, strength, durability, flight, omni-linguist
Thirteen – Dann Hortra of Naltor - line of sight probability manipulation
Kid Pulsar - Neel Koduah of Earth - incredible strength, invulnerability, projection of explosive blasts

Newly promoted from Academy student to full membership (Mentor in brackets):

Mindbender - Marmud Illic of Titan - alpha-level telepath (Duplicate Girl)

Science Police meta-squad seconded to Legion World Second Base:

Power Lass - Science Police Officer Nel Duwi of Daxam - incredible strength, speed, stamina, senses, laser vision, space flight, invulnerability


"It appears I have somewhere else to be. Would you like to join me?" Annach'ha said with a smile to the Legionnaires as the summons unexpected cut through his on-board comms system.

The Tamaranean stood up and offered his hand to Lexikon. She gracefully rose from her seat with a smile and placed her hand affectionately over his. The Legionnaires all scrambled out from their seats and started asking questions. The Sky-Lieutenant ignored them all and turned to walk out from the small galley.

"We have several ship-to-ship transmatter pods. If you are unused to them, they oft-times leave one feeling disorientated."

"That's okay, we've got out own transport." Retro said as he lifted his hand up to his face to speak into his flight ring, "Henry, we need a warp..."

"Of course. To the second Vegan craft, I assume?" The holo-man's voice was calm though the Legionnaires were momentarily startled by the news that there was another craft nearby. "Where on this vessel would you like me to open a warp to?" Henry asked.

"Well...?" Retro asked the Sky-Lieutenant, "is there somewhere we need to be?"

Annach'ha smiled warmly as he responded. "The Prime Auditor will have their office within a sealed vault, there will be a waiting area outside of that."

"Will we need to wait f'r hours again?" Kid Pulsar asked, inwardly sighing at the thought of another few hours twiddling his thumbs.

"We shouldn't be kept waiting for long as this is a purely business transaction." Annach' ha replied.

<Is everything over there under control Deen?> Tyroc's message reached the team.

<We think so, I'll let you know if we need assistance, thanks Troy> Retro replied, ending the conversation.

Henry's warp opened before the team and Sky-Lieutenant Annach'ha and Lexikon coolly led the way through to the Vegan craft, followed by the rest of the team.

Mindbender gave a cursory telepathic scan as he stepped through the warp and immediately regretted it as the psi-screens in this craft were crude and quite oppressive, causing painful feedback. Okay, he thought, person to person telepathy only it is.... As he walked behind Kid Pulsar, who was both taller and broader than he was, Marmud did not see the small being that was waiting for them until the team all came to a stop. They each moved to the side, forming a semi-circle around it.

It was only knee-high with three stalks growing from the thin frame of its torso. On the end of each stalk was a small circular mouth with a ring of pointed teeth. Annach'ha and Lexikon both lowered the heads in respect to it.

"Sky-Lieutenant, why have you brought these..." It used a word that none of the team recognised though Lexikon visibly stiffened. She obviously found it offensive that this creature would call her teammates such a word.

"They are ...." Again, another unknown word,.though a small smile appeared on Lexikon's face.

"We are..." Retro began though as quickly silenced.

"Quiet, guests of a traitor." The being almost spat the words.

"You test my patience. I am no traitor. My tithe is paid and I have sought out my betrothed as royal custom dictates. Custom also dictates you show my guest's appropriate respect. If you were to give honour to your ancestors, you should apologise." The Tamaranean gave a small smile as he said this, his voice calm though there was an edge of anger beginning to show.

"You have taken leave of your senses Sky-Lieutenant!" The three small mouths all spat in return.

Marmud glanced around the room, aware that this was just posturing before Prime Auditor said, or did, whatever it was going to say or do. The room they were in was surprisingly beautiful: the walls appeared to be made from a green quartz that had iridescent streaks, while the floor and ceiling were a creamy white colour. The furnishing was sumptuous looking, more comfortable than that onboard Annach;ha's vessel anyway. The Prime Auditor obviously looked after its guests in normal circumstances.

"Come!" the voice came from an unseen speaker as the wall behind the small three-stalked being appeared to dissolve.

Before the Legionnaires was a dark chamber with a smoky glass wall. Behind it sat a Psion. There were tubes running from points all along the Prime Auditor's neck and shoulders that fed into the immense chair he sat upon. Two glowing balls of what appeared to be a luminous mist were hanging in the air at each side of him.

"Sky Lieutenant Annach'ha, you are not authorised to enter the ..." A word that again the Legionnaires, other than Lexikon, didn't recognise. "You have brought technology that we have not authorised for trade, are carrying cargo of an Ambassadorial level while in these reaches without having said status, and are most-likely in breach of several Articles of Conscription and Protocols of Family Tithe. We seek answers..." The Psion scooped some of the green mist that swirled at his side and took it to his face to breathe in.

"Prime Auditor, with the most humblest of respect, my family tithe has been paid and my conscription has finished, and I am only here to fulfil the vows made on my Eighth Yearday to ask Princess Daheenisha of the noble House Tahin if she would consent to our marriage. The craft used is personal property of my House and any Ambassadorial property taken here was an oversight in my zealousness to meet with my betrothed..."

"Hmmm..." A hard light screen appeared before the Prime Auditor and he scrolled lazily through it.

<what's goin' on?> Kid Pulsar sent out. The feedback the screeched across the telepathic matrix caused all of his teammates to flinch.

"Psi-buffers...hardcore ones. I'll set up mind-to-mind if anyone needs it." Mindbender whispered loud enough for everyone to hear. Duplicate Girl gave him a stern look for speaking, though Thirteen and Kid Pulsar both nodded their thanks for the warning and offer.

"Sky Lieutenant, it appears everything you have said is honest, to a point..." The Psion looked at the Tamaranean soldier as the hard light screen dissolved, "though you have created a treaty violation by bringing staff and your craft. In doing so you are not .."

"If I may Prime Auditor." Retro stepped forward, "my name is Deen Toro, though sometimes I'm called Retro. I am the current deputy leader of the team based on the planetoid you are currently circling. The Sky-Lieutentant has at no time shared anything other than a meal with us. It is clear his intent, as inappropriate as it may seem to expected Vegan conduct, was in no way to breach a treaty or fall foul of your laws, merely, as he said, to ask our colleague to marry him. Young love pushes even the most regimented soul to make mistakes..."

"Retro of the Legion, we know of you and your teammates. It is said that your organisation is a great force for stability within your part of the galaxy. We will overlook your breach of protocol for interrupting and let you know this: The Vegans are not interested in 'young love', only duty and service will suffice. Sky-Lieutenant Annach'ha has no legal reason for approaching you before seeking the necessary permissions..."

"He was fulfilling a Life Vow, We know that where he not to, it would be an indelible stain on his character." Lexikon's voice was surprisingly firm as she spoke up.

"Princess, you cannot..." The Psion started to respond angrily but before he could Lexikon interrupted him.

"You should address us as Your Royal Highness Princess Daheenisha, Prime Auditor, as we are the daughter of the Eternal Light that is our Most Beloved Queen, long may she reign, a true descendant to X'Hal and heir to Family Tahin. We are of most royal birth and will be treated appropriately, especially by functionaries and staff of the court." The was a tense moment of silence before she continued, though this time her tone was far friendlier. "Mistakes do happen though when passions are raised, as I'm sure you now realise. We expect your records will agree..."

"Your Royal Highness, my apologies but we cannot allow the property of Vega..."

"My fiancé and I shall leave now. Take all that does not belong directly to either his House or mine and leave once you are satisfied. Please ensure it is noted in your records that we take personal responsibility for everything you leave behind."

She took Annach'ha's hand and turned to walk away.

"We are done here Legionnaires. We will retire to our operational base now." Lexikon's voice held just a hint of satisfaction as she said this over her shoulder to her fellow Legionnaires.

None of her teammates immediately reacted; all were too stunned!

Lexikon was known as a resourceful teammate on missions though she had not opened up to any of her colleagues in any significantly interpersonal way in the twenty months since she had joined the team. Her reputation socially was of being aloof and distant. This show of political strength and fortitude to support a suitor was both surprising and exhilarating.

"Henry, we need a warp back to Second Base please." Lu said in a quiet voice.

Sorry, I ran out of time today, so this is all for this week, but it does mean that next we get to drop in on Dreamy and a horde of zombies - admit it, it's the storyline you've all been waiting for

GL, I will have time on Friday to review your latest posts.

C

Some thoughts on the above!

Tyroc and Thunder's discussion was a good way to touch on the situation with Lu - and we get some more confirmation that Mindbender wasn't just overreacting! I am kinda hoping this leads to Lu getting therapy actually, I think there's a lot to touch on with everything she's been through!

Lexikon giving the Prime Auditor a verbal slapdown was a good fistpump moment, though the thing that stood out more there was finding out she's been with the Legion twenty months...I always try to avoid locking myself into specific timeframes, it's interesting seeing how other people manage the passing of time with their writing!

And yes, I am definitely looking forward to this Zombie Plague!

Harbi, more great stuff, will read in chunks as I am on holiday,

I love how you are taking an idea you introduced and exploring pros and cons. Love Tyroc even more, considering he brought up some great points re building bridges in the team, observations re Lu and Mindbender, and that it is indeed not only all in Mindbender’s head. Nice nod back to Poltergeist too, as I recall Tyroc saw the results of the manipulation firsthand. Really looking forward to seeing where this goes next!