Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Mission Monitor Board Rockhopper's Rookery: Annual Holiday Party in Progress

Come on in, YK. I'm guessing you mean Lardy and Cobie. They're here. We're about to sit down to breakfast. You're welcome to join us. We've been expressing concerns about the Security Office as well.

<waves> Hey, YK!

I overheard you and Rocky talking--I'm glad this isn't all sitting well with you.

Tell me...<looks YK in the yes>...are you feeling rebellious? If so and you have an open mind, we'd like to share some info with ya!

It's in my nature, chunky. Of course I'm a rebel. I have some thoughts too but I'm dying to hear someone else's and get a chance to brainstorm.

Listen, about that coffee, I don't use my transport powers often they're so energy intensive, I want to sit down for a bit.

Breakfast is ready, so please let's sit down and discuss.

<as they scarf down breakfast, Lardy and Cobalt summarize to YK and Rocky everything that Cobalt revealed to Lardy "in-between places">

So we're up against this Traveller...this "Justin Thyme", if you will--but at the same time we've got the Security Office breathing down our necks!

Thoughts?

Ah..the coffee's good. I should have come here earlier. Thanks.

Look guys, I've put us out on a limb defending both of you lately. It won't hurt the PCG as a whole, we're pretty independent but personally I don't really look forward to having a Daxamite after my old scrawny butt. This better be worth it.

Not to ignore you Rocky. You live for controversy it's your bread and butter. I hope this is just a little internal disagreement that got out of control but if it's as big as I fear your butt could be on the line too.
Mmmm..bread and butter, is that blackberry jam?
Oh yes, to die for.
Delicious.

Oop.
-wiping flakes of biscuit from chin-
S'cuse me.

I rarely do it but I showed off that I can use that Spin power to time travel. AND..my staff is a lot better than I've ever let anybody know. I think this Justin character is a pawn of a bigger opponent. Somebody manipulating time lines and trying to get some of us either wiped out or changed into a different version of ourselves.

We need to be certain we have a base line that's untouchable.

Sounds like we're really lucky you've landed on our side, YK. Having someone who has some time powers on our side will be invaluable. <gestures at Rocky> Rocky's magic could help as well.

As for the Security Office...Des, I think we could use a member of the Quank family in our RMB if you can convince one. Maybe, Abin? He, or one of the others, could run some interference for us since the big S.O. movers against us are the Quanks. Think about that one.

<turns back to YK>

So...pretend I'm a dumb guy [yeah, big stretch ]...what do you mean by a "base line"?

Well, they can't touch me without changing a massive amount of history. My origin goes way back, I'm the oldest Legionnaire of all, I was born before Superboy even. But you guys are modern. You do know you have dopplegangers in the Pocket Universe don't you? I've met them.

Cobie's one of our Time Trappers. It's "above my pay grade" so I don't know exactly what he can do but...

The Legionnaires board is long gone, we can't depend on it for a fall back but Crujectra's brother created a home for us even before that board fell to the "white out". Thats just an idea of course. What I mean is we need is a "safe" time line that a time manipulator can't affect. just in case.

Moving forward is a different task.

I've placed an operative in the Security Office. Not to betray them mind you, that's not the point. He's there to help direct their efforts toward a resolution but..believe me he won't back down from a fight with us if it comes to that. When Bob takes on a job he's very serious about it.

Yeah, don't mess with a guy who can go all Godzilla on us Bambis!

<thinks>

But all is going well. We've got the pieces in place, and our RMB is growing by the minute! We might just lick this crisis, yet.

<and so, the four of them digest and ponder the ponderous kinds of thoughts that must be pondered in crises like this one>

<and on top of this, Rocky and Lardy ponder ponderous subplottery things unrelated to the other things they ponder>

<as Cobalt eats, he takes in all of their words, showing a rare side of him that only his most trusted and beloved friends know: that he is an excellent listener and not just a blowhard; naturally, he makes this part of him a big secret from the public>

<Cobalt also eyes the very close “friendship” between Lard Lad and Rockhopper Lad and cannot help but smile>

Hm, I always said mushrooms go good with anything, particularly omelets.

Now, as to some of your points. Matlock will definitely helps and indeed, he is helping right now. He’s been helping me all along and he was the first person I went to when I left Abin Quank’s office. But joining an RMB? That’s not really his style. He won’t take a side and he doesn’t need to; he’ll solve the case. But I consider on my side nonetheless—you won’t see him arresting us.

Getting one of the Quank family on our side…let’s just say I’m working on it. <grins, then sees all three rolling their eyes; he holds up hands> Okay, Okay, I know, I said no more secrets. Abin and Pagan Lass are deeply involved in this entire plot. In fact, I believe they crucially connected to what is going on and what Justin Thyme is trying to do. You see, Justin Thyme is trying to use the natural energies of Legion World’s power of time/space to transport himself forward in time and across space here to LW, and in doing so, cause a sacrifice so someone switches places. Thus far, he’s been successful in doing that temporarily with some of our consciousness only.

But I believe that someone else is trying to do the same exact thing. Bear with me—I think Pagan Lass and Stoopid Cat, following the debacle at Slim’s bar, were lost in space and time. In fact, I know they were. Their history is long and complicated. YK, you say you’re before Superboy’s time, and that’s true. You are indeed, the ‘first’ Legionnaire. But there are heroes that go back much farther than that. To Pre-history, and Pre-Egypt, and that is where Pagan Lass, Stoopid Cat and even STU originate from (see LMB History in the Encyclopedia forum for this much complicated and awesome backstory). I believe either Pagan and Stoopid Cat were sent back there or are plain lost in time/space.

And now I think Abin is trying to get Pagan Lass back to Legion World…but somehow use her magics to stop the sacrifice. And somehow, Numbnuts the Semi-Incomprehensible is involved. I know who he is purely because I’m the official LMB Historian and Chief of Security and well, I deal in secrets on a daily basis. Numbnuts was the chief concubine of Bast, the Goddess of Pre-Egypt. Bast is the goddess whom Pagan Lass channels her magicks. So this Numbnuts character is who we have to find. That’s why he’s vitally important. By the way, I think he’s a eunuch, which is always weird and gross and a little funny.

<eats bacon>

What, I can’t say ‘eunuch’ while we eat?

So we have three jobs: (1) find Justin Thyme, or who is controlling, (2) find Numbnuts, and (3) find the ‘agents’ helping Justin Thyme on Legion World, as we know there is at least one. And all the while, avoiding the Security Office and potentially recruiting some help in this ‘RMB’.

By the way, YK, you're presence here is invaluable. Don't think I've forgotten how we 'met' you.

<to Rocky>

Yellow Kid was one our biggest super-villains during our second and third years. Ultimately, he joined the LMB. So if anyone knows what its like being on the run, or being a 'rebel', well, its him.

I'll be honest, I'm not used to being a "rebel". I know when a cause is right, though. And besides, Lardy nee--that is you and Lardy need me.

<grins>

Lardy does need you, Rocky, I agree. He's been through a lot. And so have you...so its good that you can both be there for each other.

<hand on Rocky's shoulder>

In other words, I'm happy for you both if you can trust one another and be there for one another like that.

<without forcing Rocky or Lardy to talk about something they might not want to, Cobalt feels satisfied he got his point across>

Now then, if Space Ranger isn't banging down the door yet, that means he's planning something. He's one tough opponent...he is not weakened by arrogance or cockiness. He knows he can't beat Lardy and I together, so don't think he'll try for a round two the same way. He'll bring help, I know it. So Lardy, I think splitting up would not be a good option.

<happy to change subject from him and Rocky> Agreed. <looks around at them> Y'know, I've been all about guilt lately...is it wrong that I'm feeling more alive than I have in years while we're in this dire situation? <smiles>

Anyway, beyond his leadership in the Security Office, should we be looking at Ranger as a possible accomplice to Thyme? I mean, far be it from me to cast suspicion on guys back from the dead, but there's still so many questions about him.

No, I don't think so. I'm almost positive he's the same Ranger and his death seems to be coincidentally timed around this thing. I think it might be the real deal.

And if so, the Ranger is definitely not working with Thyme. He's in fact acting completlely like himself right now. Damn useful as a friend...<rubs ribs>...but stubborn to the bitter end. He makes an art out of being stubborn and only seeing things 100% in black and white.

But look at the news, guys:

<news has been on non-stop since Space Ranger declared Cobalt Kid and Lard Lad public enemies #1 and #2 on Legion World>

Exnihil's tobacco shop is burning down. We know Ex has been used by Justin Thyme in the past. We really need to get out there and find out what's going on.

Are we ready to risk life and limb and leave the Rookery? We need to play this smart. I know the first thing I want to do right now is find Jailbait Lass and then contact the Princess across the galaxy, but we need to be smart.

Shall we start looking for this Numbnuts guy?

Alright, let's go find him. YK, I think you may have teleportation powers...but Rocky, Des...the two of you will need to stay close to me in case we need to 'port on short notice. The Rookery should be our default place to retreat to.

<looks to Cobalt>

Where do we start to look?

<haunted look comes over face>

Uh-oh....

<farts>

...ah, that's better! Always wanted to make my Time Trapper post really significant!

<lights match to diffuse odor>

So, Des...where to?

Jeez Lardy! Aw man!

<covers face>

You really are feeling more alive than you have in a long time!

Dammit, I was too until a minute ago...

By the way, congratulations Time Trapper. Well done, indeed

Lardy, you need to bring us the last place Numbnuts the Semi-Incomprehensible was seen . And we'll go from there. Hopefully this will work and we'll find him and get some answers.

<looks at screen and his face turns to horror>

Bloody Liberty...Jailbait Lass was in there...it says so at the bottom of the screen...

<breathes deep>

Okay, it says she was the first one out, and the one who alerted them. Thank Lao.

I need to get ahold of her...

Okay, lets roll Lardy.

Aw man. That's horrible.
<cough>

You're right Lardy, it's not exactly teleportation. I can use it that way but it's really a lot more complicated. I'll explain some time when we have the time.
Just keep me in your field, I'll take the bus.

Awrighty...here we go!

<all 'port to above-linked locale>

STU?

<Glances at book, gestures, Vanishes...>