Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Mission Monitor Board Lardy's Lair

Okay, I've got a few people in mind--some outsiders inside, I think. I'm at a bit of a handicap without my memory, but I think I can make do.

Do what you can--I'll do my part.

<a message appears in the Legion World Classifieds>

Are you dissatisfied with the status quo among the hierarchy of the LMB? Do you think someone who may be culpable for genocide should go free without even getting his day in court? Do you feel like an outsider? Are you Royally ticked off about it?

If so, come to the Lair and meet with like-minded individuals interested in justice--not business as usual!

Mr Lard Lad, I wonder if you could spare me a few moments please. If you could contact the leadership secretariat to arrange an appointment that would be most appreciated.

I am here, Lard Lad. I was at first greatly pleased to hear about your return, though I can see by the look in your eyes that you truly do not recognize me. I can tell you the two of us never had much interaction, though I've become close with your friend Clive.

Your proposition perplexes me and causes me much anxiety. You say you do not remember your past life, and if that is the case, you assuredly will not remember that I too have my own past with Cobalt Kid. In truth, he was one of the handful of Legionnaires I once called my sworn enemies...and one of those I took many steps to destroy. Part of me, I believe, still harbors some ill will towards him, while another part...perhaps feels guilt. More guilt piled on top of an already extraordinary amount.

If I were to join you, I can say that it would not be out of the justice I now dedicate myself, but out of vengeance, which was what my old life was entirely dedicated to.

And that…that is not right. Because I believe you are leading yourself down the wrong path. No matter what ill feelings I have towards Cobalt Kid, I know in my heart he was never a murderer.

I took a pledge to change my ways and pursue justice.

<smiles, thinking of Rockhopper Lad and Hrun the Barbarian>

And that is what I must do now. I cannot join you, because that would be wrong, and I will not let myself succumb to feelings of vengeance any longer.

Good luck, Lard Lad. I hope you can look deep into your soul and be sure you know what you are doing.

Sir Roy...you are correct in that I don't remember our past affiliation, nor any of my life before a few weeks ago, truthfully. I have absolutely no memory whatsoever...and yet the only reflexive thought I had was that there was something wrong about the man who everyone told me was my best friend--an absolute certainty, actually.

I had weeks to research him while in hospital, and what I found was horrifying! Genocide on a planetary scale perpetrated by one of his own Captains! Cobalt claims no knowledge of what happened, but isn't any commander of a great army ultimately responsible for their actions...particularly one so heinous?

That one instinct I have left from my old life tells me that there needs to be an accounting for the travesty that happened. From what I can tell, Cobalt Kid received not so much as a slap on the wrist for what happened, much less a trial!

I'm not interested in vengeance, good Sir...I just want to see him held accountable by a legal body. That's all!

But I don't believe that can happen thru the current hierarchy of Legion World and the LMB. It is up to myself and a few brave souls to investigate the matter and present it to whatever just authority will listen. We OWE it to those millions and millions of souls who died!

Show the galaxy how much you've changed your ways, Roy...and if at any time you find me to be anything less than honest, you may take my head with your axe!

So...what say you, now?

I say you are misinformed my friend. The United Planets cleared Cobalt of any wrongdoing, as you know well from your research. It was a rogue Captain, not only acting without Cobalt’s say-so, but against the orders of his second-in-command, Scipio Taltarus. You see, I too researched the matter before I came here.

I’m worried about you.

You see, we did have one meeting shortly before your death, and before my…change. You were chasing me, believing me to be criminal. You were relentless. Enraged. Almost ruthless. There was something wrong with you. I know, because I used to feel it myself, constantly.

It doesn’t exist in you anymore. I’d hate to see it come back into your eyes.

Cobalt Kid is not my friend, and I don’t wish it to be so. The reason I talk to you now is because I worry about my friend, Clive. I worry about what will happen to him if something happens to you when you pursue this. Slim is a maniac, and a villain, and its he that needs to be stopped should he ever return.

If the United Planets will not hold another hearing for Cobalt Kid, and the LMBP has cleared him, what would you propose? Surely anything further would be something that could potentially divide Legion World...into Civil War.

That's not my desire, Sir Roy...to divide Legion World into Civil War. Yes, he was cleared of wrongdoing, but he never had his day in court. I daresay the United Planets is either afraid of him or too reliant on his Knights Templar for its defense.

I mean, what of Cobalt's actions after the Invasion of Legion World? When he took unsanctioned aggression into Dark Oval territory? One could argue that his aggression spurred their increased hostilities that resulted in the Oval's annexation of Epsilon Sector! What of his (and apparently my own) incursion into the Hrykosian sector of Oval space that started this all?

Who was Cobalt Kid accountable to? Who, my friend watches the watchman?

Don't you see, Sir Roy? He's recently disassociated himself from the Office of Security? Is he truly in search of peace and love?

NO!! He's preparing for his next move...removing all accountability from his actions! Sir Roy, I don't know what it will be, but it's probably the most aggressive move yet!

Someone's got to reign him in before it's too late!!!

Is there no wisdom in this reasoning? You've known despots in your time--hell, you've been one! In hindsight, don't you wish someone had intervened for you before you went over the edge?

Your thoughts are curious, I admit. I know many LMBers were horrified at Cobalt's relentless pursuit of the Dark Oval forces despite other LMBers and the majority of the UP following his lead. He's always been accountable to UP military high-command, but its safe to say they consider him one of their own.

<thinks on it>

No. I'm too tempted to see evil in him, as I would Fat Cramer or the Emerald Empress when she lived. And I'll never have the chance to do right by the Empress, now that she's gone. But perhaps I can do right by Cobalt Kid.

I think this "feeling" you have, Lard Lad, is leading you to a dangerous place. As much as I wish someone had intervened for me, I daresay it might not have done much good. In the end, I had to find my own path. As does Cobalt...as do you.

I'll give further thought to your words, as I owe you that much. But please give more thought to mine.

I must leave you now, as I'm off to reunite with some friends here on LW.

Good luck, Lard Lad.

<exits>

<after Roy leaves>

Gods, I thought I had him there! It seems like Roy craves redemption, but fears it at the same time! Maybe he'll reconsider. If not, it's just me and Gary...

What would Cobalt have to do for people to see him the way I do?

<later that night, Lardy wakes up in a cold sweat>

*gasp*

I...I remember something!

Cobalt Kid...he---he KILLED me!

*down in streets below*

Hey, keep it down up there! Some of us are trying to keep up with the story over a warm glass of milk.

<gathers himself>

I-I've got to tell someone...maybe my 'son' Clive!

<reaches out with the Lard Force>

There--got 'im!

<'ports over to Security Office>

<sends message>

Gary. Lard. Meet me at the Lair ASAP. Much to discuss.

You need to be patient Lard Lad.

There are things happening behind the scenes that will shed a new light on Legion World and on Cobalt Kid.

Let things play out...

I'll contact you soon.

I'll continue to trust you on this, Gary, but we've been stymied at every turn by Cobalt's good ole boy cronies--my patience for bringing him to justice is wearing thin.

This Space Ranger reappearance...it means something! I just don't know whether it's to our advantage...or our disadvantage. And I'm not likin' the uncertainty at all!

<enters, holding flashlight and clutching trenchcoat tightly>

Hm, this place has been closed down for some time. A little dark in here...

<hears noise>

I knew I should have brought back-up. So what do I know about this place? Lardy's original 'location / business' on Legion World when most of the original LMB were creating them. Was destroyed during the Invasion, but since restored. Since then, there were many rumors of back-handed dealings going on down here...Lonestar Ranger for one though he finally did get what was coming to him. (Poor Frio).

And of course, Lardy's continued threats and accusations against Cobalt. But do I really think he tried to kill him? Maybe. But probably not. I could see his shock at my accusations when I was... in a different state of mind...

<flashes light around the Lair>

How did Lardy survive his battle with the Computer Tyrant? I always suspected he was the Tyrant itself in disguise but Cobalt said he didn't think so...Clive was the more likely suspect, which is why he made himself closer to Clive...

<picks up manilla folder thick with information>

What is this?

<'ports in>

Halt! Who goes there? Gary is that--

--Lolita? What are you doing here?

<pulls blaster from her holster on pure instinct>

GET BACK!!! I'm not afraid to--

Lardy?

<she goes quiet for a second and then notices she's once more aiming a blaster at Lard Lad>

Oh. That's twice now, I guess.

<puts blaster down>

Three if you count when I aimed it at both you and Cobie. What are you doing here, Lardy? I thought you weren't leaving the Rookery?

You set off my proximity alarm, Lolita. I came to investigate...thought you might be someone else, actually.

<eyes folder>

Whatcha got there?

<rueful smile>

You tell me? Either its yours, or someone left it for you--someone like Gary Concord.

I'd like to think its more than just dirt on Cobalt Kid. I was hoping it might have some answers to a question that should have been answered some time ago. Just how in the world did you survive the battle with the Computer Tyrant?

I'll be frank Lard Lad. I've been angry with you for several months now. For what you've been accusing Cobie of, when I know he's innocent and you've been hurting him. But I don't think you tried to kill him. Not willingly at least.

Maybe we can figure out some of these answers together.

<opens up manilla folder>

Tell me, what *do* you remember about when you died? Or more importantly...when you came back?

Well, right before I died, I remember reigniting the main fusion powersphere, thinking I was going to die...hollering "Sweet Ass Sweet"...but then, I sensed a window where I could 'port out just in time. But then--Cobalt's voice was in my head--telling me he wasn't going to let me live. Then, the window suddenly closed, and he said he was doing it. Then...his laughter...horrible, maniacal...

<pauses to keep his composure>

Then, suddenly--I was burning--the pain, excruciating for what seemed like forever--then nothing. I was dead.....

....then suddenly, I wasn't. I was there with Clive and I couldn't remember who I was.

I...don't remember anything in between. It's like I was dead and then I wasn't. That's all I've got for ya there, Lolita...

<gestures at folder>

I don't know what that is. Why not open it?

What can it hurt?

But Lardy, before we do, let me say this: Cobie didn't do it. And I think you're maybe starting to see that. He needs you now Lardy...he really needs somebody to be there for him. It could have been mind control, shape-shifting, a whole plethora of those things.

<opens folder, reads through first pages>

This...this isn't what I was expecting at all...

Lardy, why is there a dossier on time/space travel, and why are there notes written for you...from Dr. Mayavale?

Mayavale? I've never really been one of his flock, so to speak--barring anything that may've happened during the two years my memory's fuzzy on. Somehow, I don't think that was any different during that period. I dunno, maybe me and him are too much alike in some ways.

Basically, Lolita...I'm mystified. Anything specific in there?

Something else else about a "Traveler". This is a pretty intense dossier. Do you mind if I analyze this a bit more, Lardy. This is what I do best--its what Cobie always had me do when he was saving everyone.

<glancing through it>

What the heck is a 'Traveler'...something about moving through time and space...what does this have to do with the "Second Shooter"?

<turns to Lardy>

Lardy I have an idea. But before I tell you, I need to know.

Do you honestly think Cobalt killed you still? Can you give him the benefit of the doubt?

I...am more inclined to believe him than I was before, but--<grimaces>--it ain't easy, hon...it feels just as real to me as you and me talking.

But him calling out to me after he'd been shot--it got to me. I just don't see how he would go that far to deceive me. I've always loved him like a brother...

...I, yes...I can give him the benefit of the doubt.