Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Mission Monitor Board Every 10 Years Forum INVASION Tie-In: Dark Oval Embassy - smouldering rubble

<Inside the tesseract system, Stoopid Cat and Hrun watch the ambassador's actions.>

Methinks the fair Pagan Lass spoke truely. The Hykrosians do indeed "Play Rough."

<Silent Cat Laughter>

Yeah, Hrun they do... What do you say we keep her mad at her own people for a while? She'll thin out their ranks better than we ever could.

<Silent Cat Laughter>

[in Embassy Dining Room]

Well! I shall not be ignored by that foul creature!

You!

[gestures to Metternich's associates]

I demand you bring this "Angra Metternich" back in here at once...lest I pledge my considerable forces to Legion World's defense! I will NOT be ignored!!!!

<flying in>

I'm back Crujeckie. I've done all I can at the rubble that was once Lardy's Lair, but Actor Lad has taken over and is cleaning it up now. Its not pretty...and I can't help but feel this Ambassador knows far more than she/he's saying (can Durlan's have a gender?). Abin is manning up the Space Port and the rest of the LMB are searching for the 'blurry image' and this Space Ranger...but I feel that we're still being spread too thin.

<eyes Whordru>

Whordru. I've meant to contact you, but I've been busy, as you know. My duty is to Legion World first, and the immediate security needs of the people, which is why I generally leave the diplomatic efforts to more able Legion Worlders. I appreciate your efforts, and that one of our own LMBers has vouched for your help. You'll understand, of course, that the last seven years of constant conflict between yourself and the LMB leaves me a little...skeptical. But you say you have a favor to ask me?

<suddenly uncomfortable, as if realizing something>

I...hope its something I can provide without problems? Excuse me...

<walks away>

*Transmission*--Stoopid Cat and Hrun: you're my aces that I'm counting on, so stay in position. As usual, we're going to need you guys when things get out of hand all of a sudden, which I feel is quickly coming. Stoopid Cat, I know you and Pagan Lass are not on the best of terms these days as you once were, but be mindful of her need for you when casting major spells. Her strength is already waning and we will most assuredly need her.

<back to Crujeckie>

Thank the stars for you, Vee, Kent and Actor, Crujeckie...I'm uncomfortable in this embassy and would prefer to be back out on the streets helping with the search...

[aside]Ha! I saw the way Cobalt looked at me! It's the first time he's seen me without the beard--he can't help himself..he's attracted! Still, with his trollop around, it will take some time to make him mine. I suppose this will need to be a longterm stay on Legion World. Now, how can I work that out? Hmmmm....[/aside]

<Crujectra reaches out to take Cobalt Kid's hand, wishing that there was something she could do to help him. She would do anything for him.

Suddenly, something within her "clicks", as if falling into place>

Ooooh!

<her eyes open wide in wonderment>

Legion Worlders, I return.

Ah, I see the famous assassin Cobalt Kid is here. Perhaps you've come to confess and end this madness?

<notices the glare from Spellbinder at these words>

Perhaps that was out of line. Let us get back to the problems at hand. It appears one of our ships, Stardeath, was destroyed in orbit around Legion World. Now apparently a terrorist has blown up a brothel on Legion World in an attempt to discredit the Dark Oval. I am becoming concerned for my safety here on Legion World.

I would ask that you allow me to bring planet-side a small bodyguard to protect us humble ambassadors.

I also ask that the third party Whordru promise to consider the Dark Oval's interests in all negociations.

We've beat around the bush far enough. I would like to establish a Legion World-Dark Oval non-aggression pact that does not include the United Planets. Likewise, this non-aggression pact would not include our allies of Ggrrgg, Khundia or Avalon. I'd like to also open up trading routes between Legion World and the Dark Oval, specifically in the science industries. These mean far more to me than the charges against Cobalt Kid and LardLad, but those too are things I cannot ignore. LardLad must be punished via Dark Oval laws.

While we discuss these things, I would ask that the security detail of Legion World be kept to a minimum in this embassy and all non-diplomatic parties leave the premises <looks at Cobalt Kid>.

Now please, let us finish our meal. I've had the cook add extra 'salt' as you of Terran decent desired.

My dear Ambassador, you must realize that although Legion World acts as a neutral party in inter-United Planets disbutes, we are still considered as part of the United Planets. As such, no non-UP treaties or trade is possible. For us to enter into any sort of agreements with you without UP consent would result in severe consequences for us.

However, you are more than welcome to put your case before the United Planets Council. If you reach some form of treaty or trade arrangement with the UP, then of course Legion World would be willing to discuss trade routes.

<glares at Spellbinder to see if she's through>

Ambassador, I am glad that you have wisely chosen to stop ignoring me! That is definitely to everyone's benefit!

<glances at Cobalt>

Now, as a third party, it appears the two sides are at an impasse. I would ask, then, Princess--in the interest of good will- what exactly can Legion World offer the Dark Oval at this moment?

Although we are not able to accept the Ambassador's requests for trade and treaty agreements, we can however give our serious attention to the charges against Lardlad, which we have already agreed to do. Our investigation into these charges have already begun.

The Ambassador will have to forgive us if things are progressing slowly. Legion World has been subjected to terrorist attacks which have been diverting our resources.

Oh, and Whordru dear, a word of advice, woman to woman: beard or no beard, glaring is not an attractive look.

<glares again>

Then you should keep that in mind when you do it..."dear".

<grins>

And you might want to advise your beau that my eyes are up here!

<stifles a laugh as she turns back to Metternich>

So, Ambassador, are you satisfied with the Princess's promise to investigate the charges completely?

Oh it quite does not. We will of course have to stay on Legion World until such a decision has been reached. But our evidence is fairly conclusive regarding LardLad and Cobalt Kid’s guilt.

It is unfortunate that you have chosen not to ally yourselves with us, as we had hoped to ensure the relationship between our two galaxies was a mutually beneficial one. But it seems that we’ve made our sides quite clear.

<turns to Whordru>

And you, opportunist, have no place here. You so-called moderation of these talks is useless and serves no purpose. You believe you have enough power to do whatever you like. But you have never seen the power that the Dark Oval has amassed. And you can be sure that when the United Planets is nothing more than a series of provinces paying homage to the Dark Oval, that we will readily march into Rublab and install our own ‘monarch’.

Legion World has 24 hours to produce terms to us that we find acceptable. Then, I will know that diplomacy has failed.

Ambassador Metternich, I think you would do well to remember that you are a guest on Legion World, and that we have already pledged our full cooperation in this investigation. However, you'll find that ultimatums and veiled threats will not serve you well here.

[telepathic link]Cobie, I know this is a difficult situation for you, but we're running out of time. Unless you or Lardlad come up with a solution soon, I fear that diplomacy will fail.

I know that he is your friend, but considering the evidence against him, I don't know if Legion World is prepared to enter into a full-out war to save him[/telepathic link]

<holds Crujeckie's hand>

(That's my girl. Give 'em hell Crujeckie)

<feels a sudden rush, as if being rejuvenated>

(that's odd! Almost euphoric...its definately coming from Crujeckie...I feel so much better...)

<smiles at her>

(I feel sure of myself for the first time in days. I'm just exhausted...but I know whats right and I know I've done nothing wrong. The Dark Oval has no ground to stand on to make me go back with them, and the LMB will see that. In the meantime, I'm only getting in the way here and I don't like how Whordru is looking at me. I know what she wants...the thing about me I hate the most...)

[telepathic link to Crujectra] I know, something has to happen soon. We haven't talked about this yet really, but I know you can see into my mind and soul. I'm innocent, as I'm sure you know. Its...complicated with Lardy. But he's not a murderer. He's not exactly innocent, but he doesn't deserve this. I won't let him be executed by the Dark Oval. But I fear that it doesn't really matter. I'll heard from my intel is that the Dark Oval planned on invading anyway, never really anything about a true investigation into LardLad and myself. I feel like this is a farce, that the Invasion has already begun. But how can I convince the rest of the LMB? Actor Lad has close ties with Reboot, whose never really trusted me. There's only one thing to do now, I guess...[/telepathic link]

<sneaks off for a second and flies back into the streets of Legion World>

And I might add, the sovereign planet of Rudlab, (say it right you jerk!) takes great offense at what you have said. I would advise you not to underestimate our power! Should you attack Legion World, Rudlab will consider it an act of war against us as well!

Now! Will you drop your self-righteous ultimatum NOW and continue these talks as any real diplomat would?!

Faraways Hologram appears.

Cobalt Kid, I need help. It looks like I am being moved from this general holding camp at the end of time, to a newer, more specialised area this weekend.

I am not sure if i will be able to communicate for a while.

Looks across and see Whordru and smiles. I tell you what Cobie old friend I never thought I would be happy to see that bearded face again. Looks like you got my message about the Therod protocol. Hope Whordru is up to it.

[annoyed half-smile]

Faraway, dear...what you see here must be as fuzzy to you as your holographic image is to me, for I am no longer the "bearded lady" you remember!

I'll forgive the indiscretion, this once, though and help you with the lifeline you need. However, Cobalt Kid will owe me one for this!

[chants incantation and fires mystical energy at Faraway's hologram]

Bah hand over Cobalt Kid and Lard Lad to the intergalactic fascists, I say. And why we're at it lets hand them the command codes to the LW Defense Forces.

Appeasement always works when trying to prevent war.

A small black and white grainy image of Faraway Lad appears. He seems to be standing on the steps of an ancient means of Transport, once called an aeroplane. In his hand is a small piece of paper, he is waving it at an unseen crowd.

A small voice is heard saying.

“….peace in our time. Today at 22.30. Baron Metternich and I had had our final meeting and we agreed to a full and lasting peace. We signed our names to the communiqué and here” waves paper again. “here is that paper which signifies a lasting and final peace between our two great nations”

The image fades and is replaced by a scene of total devastation, gaunt starving women and children sit in the ruined streets of Legionworld as flames consume the buildings and overhead the unmolested warplanes of the invader fly freely dropping gravity bombs and firing phase cannon into the continuing horror.

[pauses firing her mystic blasts]

What the hell was that?

Alright, Faraway, I'm upping the power of my incantation. It's now or never! Hope you grab this lifeline!

[Resumes chanting, faster this time. The brightness of her magical energy blinds everyone in the Embassy]

There is a massive ball of blinding light Inside the ball standing with her arm outstretched is Whordru. She is held by the enchantment.

Slowly in the room before her a strange portal opens.

Shielding her eyes from the light Spellbinder looks into the portal. With a shriek she falls back in agony. Holding her hands before her eyes.

Cobalt kid feels her pain and immediately flies back to be by her side.

“Cru! He cries “what have they done to you” tears running down his face.

As he tries to comfort the unconscious Spellbinder, the light around Whordru sparkles and breaks into many many colours

From within the portal a hand appears reaching out towards….

....a copy of The Legion World Weekly News.

"Hmmm, says a disimbodied voice, seem's like I've arrived just in time. Nobody would expect my return so soon."

What do you mean, nobody would expect your return! I've just rescued your ass!

"Wha-? Whordru?" said the formerly disembodied Faraway Lad as he began to achieve corporeal form. "Sorry, all these alternate realities and time periods I've been in...so I'm home?"

Yes...and my magic shows you are indeed this reality's Faraway Lad. So once again, I've proven my superior skills at sorcery!

And by the way...

[winks at Spellbinder]

...your lover owes me one!

Still disoriented, Faraway says, "would someone please tell me what the deuce is going on here?!?!

<Rises to her feet with Cobalt Kid's assistance>

I'm all right, Cobie dear. The light just gave me a much better look at Whordru than I needed... it wasn't pretty.

<to Whordru>

Goodness, Elvira, just how old are you, anyway? There must be a sorcerous equivalent to Botox, isn't there?

And don't worry, dear. I'll see to it that you get what's coming to you.