Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Mission Monitor Board Cobalt's Office of Security - the 80's Power Years

{Time Teller Lad walks over to Clive}

Hey, Clive! I'm glad to see you again.

{smiles nervously}

I had a great time with you the other day. If you don't mind--that is--would you like to get together again some time soon?

'Tis wonderful indeed! Far better circumstances for us all to gather than the last time. Hopefully Everyday Girl shall join us too.

I've had many adventures in the galaxy recently in the service of Legion World. Did you know an entire planet worships Caliente and Frio as Goddesses? I'll have to tell you about it, over a nice glass of cider.

Ohmygod! Sir Roy! Hrun! Like where have you guys been?

And before I like forget, Daddy Hrun, you throw that axe anywhere near Gramps again and I'll like kick your big ugly butt!

Now get over here and give me a hug!

And hi to you too Time Teller!

<to Time Teller Lad>

I'd...like that, Tim, but I've got something weighing on my mind...

<tells him what Lard Lad's up to>

Isn't that crazy? Cobalt Kid's Legion World's greatest hero, Tim! Isn't it beyond ludicrous to even entertain the thought that he has something to answer for?

Hrun grabs Everyday Girl in a huge bear hug.

“so pleased to see you” he belches mead fumes into her face.

“We have to fight...much to discuss. time to save” He says then slides down the wall and start to snore. A small rodent runs out from beneathe his chain mail and stops for a second twiching its wiskers at Sir Roy before scuttling off into a darken corner of the office

<'ports in, in the midst of the gathering>

Clive!

<takes him aside but speaks loudly, unable to lower his voice in this frantic state so everyone hears>

<Clive appears to be humoring him>

Clive--I remember something now...as clearly as if it just happened!

I was at Legion World's core, ready to give my life to reignite the powersphere...and it was working! I gave her everything I had, yelled "Sweet Ass Sweet"--but then a window opened...an opportunity to 'port out in time before I died--but then it suddenly closed!

As I struggled to reopen it, I realized a magnetic field was blocking my escape! And then a message was somehow channeled through the field--it was Cobalt's voice! He said, "Lardy, old buddy, you're too powerful--and too smart--to live. Can't let you be here to stop me when I...expand my influence! Hey, at least you died a hero...like you wanted."

<shaking>

The last thing I heard was him laughing uncontrollably. And then...I...died.

<rolls eyes>

Are you sprocking through, 'Dad'?

<turns to everyone else at the gathering>

Do any of you need any further proof that my old man's off his rocker?

<faces Lardy again>

Cobalt would never do that to you! You've either completely lost your mind, or you're somehow a sprockin' imposter!

<turns back to the others, who watch in shocked silence>

What do you think guys? Should we take him to the looney bin or lock him up here in a cell?

<looking shattered>

You're supposed to be my son, and you treat me like THIS?!?!

<looks at the others>

Won't someone here listen to me?

Ohmygod! Mr Lard Lad... We were all like there when Mr Cobalt sealed the power-sphere...

It didn't like happen that way... the way you say. He tried to save you... He really like did try to save you...

We like need to get you some help. Maybe Doc One can give you something.

I trust you Lardy, but I trust Cobie too. And, quite frankly, that doesn't even sound anything like something Cobie would say.

Lardy, you've been through a lot. Perhaps you need to take it easy for a while. Britney has a good idea. Dr. One might be able to help.

<calms himself>

Look, Rocky--is it okay if I call you that? I know I used to when I was...well, me and all but...

<Rocky nods>

Thanks. You are one of the ones who has been most kind to me since I came back. So please, hear me out before you call the head-shrinkers.

How well do you really know Cobalt? I know you feel you know him and that he's a friend...I get that. But how well do you know him--his heart, his soul?

Surely, you've noticed that he's always holding something back...that he's never totally upfront with what's on his mind...that there's always some facade that he never totally peels away?

Okay, maybe you can make that argument about everyone, but it's not everyone who wields the kind of power he does! Have you not once questioned the extreme actions he's taken, the decisions he made? When he launched a huge offensive into Dark Oval territory after the Invasion, did you think that was a peaceful move? Was that the right thing to do right after hostilities ceased that could've destroyed Legion World? Wouldn't the Head of Security first be most concerned with bringing order to his planet after it had been threatened?

I've read up on Cobalt and have an instinctive feel about him I can't explain. Are you aware that after his first couple of years with the LMB he was kidnapped multiple times by beings so evil their names are rarely even whispered? Have you not researched and seen how the audacity of his aggressive acts have escalated since he returned from those long periods of captivity? Am I the only one whose eyes are open wide enough to see this? Doesn't anyone suspect that the torture he experienced from those beings put a dark mark on his soul?

If he isn't answerable for his actions, then what are the limits of what he will do? How far will he go before it's too late?

Rocky, I swear to you that I speak the truth also about what he did to me. Cobalt Kid killed me, and he did it so I wouldn't interfere in his plans.

If you will agree to at least take my claims seriously and look into them, I will believe you. Give me your promise, and I will gladly submit to whatever medical attention you think I need. I trust your word, Rocky. I know if you say so, you will do it.

What do you say--have we a deal?

Lardy, have you read the Security Files on you?

There's a few thousand pages of the things you've done and the stuff that's happened to you. You and Cobie have a lot in common.

<Throws a computer disk on the table in front of lardy>

You say you've lost your memory... Try reading some of your history. Maybe it'll bring some of your memories back.

In other words Lard Lad, back off! Cobalt stuck by you when everyone, including many of us present, thought you had crossed the line! He's never professed to be perfect, and in fact enjoys when his friends remind him so, but he's never been anything less than good!

And to bring up Dr. Hoffman and the Dark Conan...you truly must have flipped your lid.

<breathing heavy, trying to calm down>

<bows head>

I have read it. ALL of it. Every single thing I could get my hands on. I don't remember any of it. Sometimes...I hope I never do.

I know I'm not without sin, Miss, uh, Wee Fem--I never claimed I was. But I never wielded the political and military power Cobalt does.

I simply want him held accountable.

And Miss Jailbait Lass....I'm aware there is no one more loyal to him on Legion World, probably moreso than Crujectra in your own way, but have you ever really thought about your boss's actions? Have you never thought he went too far? In your heart I think you have felt that way at times.

<turns back to Rocky>

Well, Rocky? Do you have an answer for me?

{Rocky is quiet for a moment}

Lardy, we Pyngwynyy value peace and have a history of neutrality--rather like the nation-state of Helvetia on your world. It took many years for us even to join the United Planets. You and Cobie are both my friends and I will not violate the trust either of you has given me.

On the other hand, I know he would never do anything to hurt you. He considers you his very best friend in the whole universe.

I've also learned to trust Clive's instincts. Your "son" is a fine young man and if he feels something is amiss, I have to take that seriously.

But, if it will get you to submit to treatment, I'll talk to Cobie myself.

Now would you please see the Doctor, Lardy?

In my heart I've always known that at the end of the day he had a plan. And everytime I doubted him, he proved me wrong.

Accusations against him have become so common he scarcely takes them seriously anymore. But I won't let you or anyone drag him through the mud again.

I...<pauses>...I think I've said enough.

There's more that should be in that security office file that isn't, Lardy. Stuff Cobalt withheld on purpose, perhaps stuff he only suspected or knew in his heart. But I know it too, because he's always told me everything. The fact that you don't remember it right now is a tribute to how he still cares for you.

I'd watch your friend Concord. The last one of us to spend time with him, Frio, turned into a killer for having done so.

<leaves, embarrassed at outburst>

(Stoooopid Lolita...go ahead and make a fool of yourself...)

Ohmygod! You like want someone else held responsible????

Responsible for like What?
Ending a war you started?

Protecting Legion World after you like endangered it?

Trying to save your worthless butt?

Tell us Mr Lard-Butt what do you want him held responsible for?

<turns to Britney>

Enough with the accusations already, okay? I've gotten what I wanted and will leave in peace!

<back to Rocky>

Rocky, I'll check myself in as I trust your word.

You'll see, though...whatever tests they run, there's nothing wrong with me, other than my memory loss.

<looks around>

Do all of you trust me to check myself in...or do you need me to be escorted?

<puts hand on Lard Lad's shoulder>

You're questions come in mixed company, Lard Lad. Many of these people are those whom Cobalt Kid has stood by in times of dire trouble. You must understand their reaction.

I'll accompany you to the doctor, if you'll let me. Not becuase its required or because anyone mistrusts you, but because you may need a friend.

Rocky, Tim, Clive, Hrun, Brit...everyone else...lets move this over to SHAKES and let the Security Officers have some peace, or at least as much as they usually have. I'll meet you all at SHAKES.

<a look of relief comes over his flushed face>

Thank you, Sir Roy...thank you, so much.

<to the others>

Listen for one moment, please. I know you all trust Cobalt Kid with all your beings...I know you do, as i did too. It's very clear in my one lone horrific memory I have from before my 'resurrection'...the pain I felt at his betrayal hurt more than actually dying. It still hurts. If you ever valued anything about the man I was, just re-examine your friendship with him and separate what is real about it from what is your perception.

And please tell Lolita that I'd appreciate it very much if she would stop by and talk to me...give me a few moments of her time...while I am in hospital.

<turns to Roy>

I'm ready now, friend.

<they exit>

<stumbles over to old desk, clearly inebriated>

<span style="font-size: 9px;">just need to find some files here...</span>

*sniff*

<crying>

<span style="font-size: 9px;">i...i just wish for once he would know...

keep Lardlad away from him...</span>

<hears door open, looks up>

you? no...

<runs off in a hurry>

anybody home?

Just some stupid, smelly humans.

What happened here?

The Security Office is Deserted??

Except for a very pregnant Sentient Disco Ball??

How long have I been Gone??


(Hi Gladys.)

<huh? wtf?>