Legion World Forums LEGION OUTPOST Bits o' Legionnaire Business Legion Worlds (fanfic - Finished 23 April)

Gear was stood over the ambassador’s foetal form, Quislet circled above strangely silent.

The Bismollian former Legionnaire was curled up, his speech was erratic switching between cursing and crying and singing in a childlike manner, his arms were tightly wrapped around his knees as they pushed into his chest. It was his eyes that worried the Linsnarian the most. His eyes were those of someone looking at somewhere else, somewhere that no one else could share. His eyes shone with the undecipherable light of insanity.

Dream Girl sat on the floor next to him and gently stroked the senator’s head. She had seen Tenzil Kem in this state before and had prayed she would never see anyone suffer like this again. She put her face down close to his ear and whispered that she would do everything she could to bring him back to them, bring him back to those who loved him. Gear could see her eyes were filling with tears.

“What happened to him?”

Gear took a second before he replied. He knew immediately who Dream Girl was and chose to be entirely honest. He knew that there would be many questions about today and the truth would not necessarily be what everyone wanted to hear, but this was a Legionnaire famed for her intellect and compassion.

“I’m sorry but I don’t know. My sensors told me we were all dead and now we are alive again. Everyone else seems to be in perfect health apart from him. I can only speculate that he somehow affected this outcome but this was the cost.”

Quislet continued, “Kem saved us all. Those villains even stopped Quislet!” There was a definite feeling of awe in the tinny voice from the extra dimensional ship.

Nura looked a Gear for a long second before nodding and turning back to her fallen comrade. “Can you help me get him to a medical bay, I think it’s best we sedate him for a while until he can receive the correct treatment....” She nearly added “again.”

Over the next standard day many interviews and discussions were held to discover exactly what had gone on.

The official story was much as the Dead Brain had speculated to various representatives the day before. The Llorn had attacked Weber’s World and the Khunds Battle Brigade, The UP’s Legion of Superheroes and the Psion Chief Scientist from the Nu-Vegan System had between then defeated the odious invaders through the use of high magicks and multi-strand cutting edge technology. There had been fatalities on the United Galaxy’s front, 213 staff on several Khund ships, 67 United Planets personnel and 17 from independent or affiliated worlds. None of the ambassadorial representatives or Weber's World staff had died though sadly Senator Kem from Bismol had been seriously injured. The Llorn were defeated before their blood thirsty lust could be expanded to any nearby worlds.

Queen Projectra, Brainiac 5, Quislet, the Dead Brain and Sentinel, Proty iii, Oodoo Shanair of Lallor and the Tamarean Princess Shoordel were in a small conference room at an ornately polished table. Gear walked into the room and stood at the head of the table.

“Before we start I want to reassure you that there will be no recordings made today. Anything said will only be shared on a need to know basis.” He sat down as he finished. Brainiac 5 gave a quick glance towards Projectra who nodded her agreement. They were not being recorded.

Initially they discussed the event that had brought them together, no one mentioned Tenzil Kem directly for several minutes before Sentinel’s frustration got the better of him and he exclaimed “So what really happened?”

Brainiac 5 took a deep breath and explained about the gift a rogue Controller had given the Legion many years ago, the Miracle Machine. He skirted around the reason why Tenzil Kem had eaten it but explained in detail the effect it had on the former Legionnaire.

“The Miracle Machine was operated by will. A strong thought would be translated into reality instantaneously. After Tenzil consumed it the energies within could not be dispersed through the normal Bismollian digestive process...”

“So if he had that energy why didn’t he do anything? Defeat Mordru or...” Oodoo Shanair’s interruption brought him a serious stare from Queen Projectra that stopped him short. Brainiac 5 continued without registering the Lallorian ambassador’s rudeness.

“... I’ve always speculated that, despite his protestations somehow he was still linked to the now bodiless energies of the machine. Once his mind was returned to us we did everything we could to put mental blocks in his subconscious to keep it from driving him insane again. Professor Aven of Titan and the Legion’s Imra Ardeen worked extensively with him. I think the sight of seeing everyone die around him broke those barriers and the Miracle Machine’s dormant energies took over again.”

“Fascinating! So you are saying that your Matter Eater Lad can change reality with a thought now?” The Dead Brain had steepled his stubby fingers under this chin, his eyes focused intently on Brainiac 5.

“He always could, only it would cost him his sanity.” Queen Projectra looked sad as she said it. Proty iii reached out a pseudopod and gently tapped her shoulder in empathy.

“So why are you telling us this?” It was the first time Brainiac 5 had heard the Tamarean speak and he was pleasantly surprised by how rich her voice sounded.

“We have a suggestion.” Queen Projectra smiled at Princess Shoordel. “The Legion have been called to Weber’s World several times in the last two years and we think it’s past time that, much like on Takron Galtos, we have people stationed here permanently. We know that politically we can’t be seen to interfere directly so that’s why we asked you here. We would like to offer you the opportunity to join us.” She smiled at the stunned faces around the table.

It was Brainiac 5 who continued, “Oodoo is from an Affiliated World and it's a happy coincidence he can read people like no one else. Proty here is from an independent race...."

"Who can read minds and change shape, ha!" It was Oodoo who interrupted again, the Lallorian Ambassadors glee as he realised what Brainiac 5 was proposing.

"Indeed," Querl Dox had an eyebrow raised at the ambassadors lack of manners as he continued, "Sentinel here has magnetic abilities that would give our Cosmic Boy a challenge as well as a being a renowned Khundian battle arena champion, Princess Shoordel would represent Nu- Vega’s interest..."

"And I have advanced combat skills after training under the Okaarans." She added, a slightly mischievous smile on her face as she took turn to interrupt the Coluan Legionnaire.

"Yes, of course. *ahem* anyway, Quiset is the only one who can access the dimensions the Llorn sprang from and has a Legion comm in his ship of ever you needed any more help.”

“Sentinel has a Battle Brigade communicator too. In case you Legionnaires are busy.” The Dead Brain smiled at Brainiac 5 as he spoke.

Querl Dox's expression lightened finally as he finished, "...and Gear... you are simply vital to the running of this planet." Brainiac 5 finished with a reciprocal smile at his Khundian counterpart. There was a moments silence before Quislet said what everyone was thinking.

“Hoo-Boy! We will be awesome!”

Marya Pai and Salu Digby both progessed through to the second day of combat.

Ayla Ranzz had been showing off for the crowds, her back to the dozen opponents that she thought were all unconscious when she was felled by a sonic boom created by a huge hammer an old warrior representing the Crystal City Forge weilded. Her unexpected defeat had almost caused a riot amongst the spectators. Violet had laughed as the shocked Lightning Lass regained her feet and petulantly kicked the ground in frustration as realization dawned that she would be out of the competition. She had blushed furiously all the way out of the arena to the Green Rift Forge’s encampment. When Ayla got there Salu vigorously ribbed her about the schoolgirl error. Ayla sulked for quite a few hours though the two were seen dancing amongst the crowds later in the evening.

The 25 warriors of the Forest People who had expected to be involved in the ritual combats alongside their squires and supporters were to a man disappointed that their armours and weapons had been confiscated by the Science Police. Also to a man they were relieved that they no longer had any contact with the lethal radioactive substances that they had unwittenly been spreading throughout this sacred site. It was this relief that they focused on as they used the unexpected freedom of not having to prepare for battle to do what people had done since time began when they no longer had to fight an expected battle, they partied like wild things.

The Green Rift Forge had never been a major force within the heirachy of planetary weapon smiths. Yet it now became the place to be seen. Their reputation as welcoming, generous and often amorous hosts who happened to have real live Legionnaires fighting for them spread quickly. The encampment was full of over-stimulated and not very sober Talokeans that spilled over into the communal market areas. Dragonwing and Chemical Kid were seen dancing and drinking with as much gusto as the locals for several hours each night, both drawing a lot of personal attention, at least some of which was reciprocated according to local chatter.

There were no arrests and no murders reported, in fact no real trouble to report which a local Science Police officer told the Legionnaires was a minor miracle.

Hadru Malik had spent the day with Grev Mallor, Kahnya Natahlie and two local medics.

As far as Tasmia Mallor was concerned it was the morning after the day that her blessed ancestors had spoken to her and Grev in the ancient cave shrine and shared their hereditary shadow abilities. She had no memory of the twelve years in between. She did not know her father had died. She couldn’t say who was currently politically relevant. She didn’t recognise any holo’s of the majority of her Legionnaire comrades.

Hadru marveled at the courage she showed. He seriously doubted that he would have had a tenth of the dignity she showed as test after test came back with negative results. The young Talokeans resolution to deal with the problem was absolute. Shadow Lass didn’t doubt that she was being told the truth. She only doubted that she wouldn’t get past this and resume her life as it was before the Priest of Memory had tampered with her mind. Marya Pai had popped in after winning her challenge, the new Legionnaire had spent a lot of time in combat tactic classes with Shadow Lass in the last year. Lady Memory had shared these recollections, Marya’s frustration as the more senior Legionnaire had upped the ante time after time and pushed beyond what Dragonwing expected was her limits. Marya Pai had a strong respect for Tasmia Mallor earned over countless hours of physically and mentally exhausting training and this shone through with every memory shared.

The medics refused anyone else entry after that saying they didn’t want to overload Tasmia Mallor. They very nearly received a shocking retort from Ayla Ranzz though the next morning Lightning Lass was the first person waiting to see her fellow Legionnaire. The medics knew they would not be able to turn her away a second time so brought her in with a show of gratitude for her giving her friend peace the day before. Ayla sniffed as she acknowledged them.

Ayla told the group that she planned to spend several hours with her friend Tasmia before going back out to cheer on Salu Digby. Tasmia had made a tentative joke that after yesterdays results and Vi’s laughter maybe Ayla should cheer their teammate’s opponent. Ayla laughed and gave Tasmia an impulsive kiss on the cheek before saying that she would consider it an order from a Talokean Planetary champion. Although smiling Lady Memory reminded them they had some work to get on with and gently rested her hands on the two legionnaire’s heads. The memories she shared were deeper that those shared by Dragonwing the day before as they revealed time spent over the years both as a friends and a comrade in arms. Quality time spent together where bonds that had been built would never fade. Ayla was crying openly as almost an hour later Kahnya finished. Tasmia held her chin up and shone with pride and contentment. She took Ayla into her arms and hugged her fiercely before she too finally cried at the realisation of all that she had lost.

The day before there had been free for all battles involving over a dozen warriors in each from all Nine Forges. Today it was the quarter- and semi- final rounds before tomorrow’s final. Marya Pai’s first battle was against a young woman from a rival Forest People Forge. The warriors armour was marked with stylised lightning bolts. As the ceremonial flag was dropped they both waited for it to touch the ground before they acted. As it did Marya took to the air and flew directly above her opponent. There was a clap like distant thunder and, as Marya expected, a flash of lightning zoomed past her. Her opponents armour didn’t give the Talokean woman the level of control that the Ranzz’s exhibited. The young legionnaire took the opportunity to swoop down and punch the armoured warrior firmly under the chin. The punch hurt Marya’s knuckles tremendously but it had the desired effect as her adversary flew into the air and landed with in a bone crushing heap. Dragonwing blew on her aching knuckle as she stepped over and checked her foe was unconscious. The two red garbed referees also joined her and held up both her arms like a prize winning boxer when they agreed the warrior would not regain her feet in time to continue.

Salu Digby was also facing a representative from a Forge of the Forest People.

This Talokean stood over eight feet tall and had a long beard dyed yellow and green – a local custom that was seen as a serious insult to ones enemies. The Legionnaire was looking forward to kicking his ass. She hated rude tall people and always found pleasure in reminding them that they may be physically bigger than her but that did not necessarily mean that they were superior. The fight was over within ten seconds as her opponent stood his ground and tried to goad the Legionnaire into attacking him. He didn’t expect her to coyly walk over to him mimicking the perfect picture of meekness that he taunted her for, playing up to the thousands of spectators with his jeers and over confidence, right up until she roundhouse kicked him solidly into a slumber. The crowd were on their feet within a heartbeat roaring their approval.

Dragonwings second battle involved a much scrappier encounter and ultimately it was only that her opponent made an error and didn’t take advantage as she rolled out of the way of a blow to finish her off. Marya’s Dragon acid ruined that opponent’s armour beyond compare very quickly after that to further screams of the crowds enjoyment. Her Legion comrade wasn’t as lucky as Salu Digby fought against a rival with a force field generating armour that influenced neural pathways, effectively paralysing anyone who came within three feet of them for more than a couple of seconds. She did manage to connect two solid blows but the warrior got up quickly after both and she was knocked unconscious soon after. The crowd cheered and yelled as yet another Legionnaire was felled by a local warrior.

Grev Mallor had never left Kahnya’s side and after two days of his over protective attitude on the third morning, the day of the Final Challenge, she told him firmly that she had important work to do and so did he and that it was not the same work. She would try to coax something from his cousin’s memory vaults while he would go out into the great outside and mingle with the people of their fabulous planet as they too were worried and needed reassurance from a Champion. By this time the Science Police had brought in two telepaths from their Psi-wing from a neighbouring system. They all hoped that the combination of the shared memories from her comrades and the telepathic therapy that she would receive that day would help Tasmia further along the road to recovery. They all knew that by the end of the day the populace would expect to hear some result. The stories and speculation that were currently running rampant around the Decade Challenge needed to be put to rest before the many peoples present returned to their own clans and cities.

Grev knew he could not justify another day spent in this place with Tasmia, as much as he wanted to be here, he had duties that would not wait so with hunched shoulders he went into the open market. It was those same duties that had made Tasmia stay here, she could be on Medicus One already but could be taken to trial by planetary law for not being present. All Champions had to be here as historically these competitions had a nasty habit of spilling over into real battles between rival Forges. Grev had heard that Milnak Hortensai had already been stripped of his title and the forest Mystics would strip him of access to the Green Soul they believed granted him his shape changing abilities.

The ram-shackled market was full of bustling traders and canny shoppers, children and pets running and playing between stalls as warriors showing off their armours traded boastful tall stories. Excited calls and expressive chatter exploding from the Brownian motion of the many folks as they circulated, desperate gambling on today’s outcome seemed to be everywhere. All the chaos that went with having several thousand people together in one huge melting pot of thrills and competition would come to a head this day. Today was the Final Challenge and everyone knew that it would be another Long Decade before this would happen again. Very few expected to live long enough to see a similar event again.

There was only one battle today as one representative of the City People, one from the Desert Clans and one from the Forest Folk met to decide for another 93 standard UP years which would hold the Challenge trophy.

The Forest Folk, for the first time for any Forge in recorded history were being represented by an off worlder – the Legionnaire Dragonwing. This alone was creating a buzz around the amphitheater that was unlikely to ever be repeated. It was only since just before the last Decade Challenge, almost a standard century, that Talokeans had accepted offworders on their planet and in quite a few areas of this world there were still places that it was not safe to be seen outside if you were not immediately recognisable as one of the Three Peoples. The Legionnaires who had joined Tasmia here knew intellectually what this meant but none of them truly understood the paradigm shift that the Forge allowing an offworlder to represent them represented.

The City People had the warrior called Ferni Vu Hartchas who wore a force field creating armour that affected neural activity. Vi had quietly asked Marya to make an example of him. Marya had studioed footage of this opponent and picked out eight small beacons built into his armour that she realised were the source of his force field, she would target them one by one and then see if he was quite as tough as his reputation made out. The Desert Clans had an apparently invulnerable contestant called Wasar Jeurinos. This warriors head to toe armour was strangely blank, as if presenting a challenge to his opponents to try to mark him,. Marya doubted the forge that had built his supposedly indestructible armour had made it invulnerable to her acid and thought that one serious blast of it should leave him screaming to get out of it.

She knew the crowd wouldn’t appreciate a quick result today. Today was the day to see an event that they could repeat to their children and grand children.

With that in mind Marya Pai intended to have some fun.

As tradition dictated the day started with several non combat events.

The crowds slowly took their places as these shows of strength, speed and skill happened before them on the circular arena floor. They applauded lightly at the appropriate parts but everyone knew that these were not the events they had come to see. It was two hours past the High Sun when these secondary competitions finished. By then the amphitheater was full.

The excitement was a palpable force in the air.

Almost a full hour later, after the arena floor had been swept meticulously clean by hovering automatons Wasar Jeurinos of the Desert Clan was the first to stride out to the mighty roar of the crowds. He strode around the circumference of the circular arena jeering the crowd. Just when it seemed impossible that they could shout any louder, Marya Pai walked out for the Forest Folk. Those not already on their feet jumped up and the decibel level rose even further. She followed her opponents path and walked around the arena. Every twenty yards or so she would look upwards and dramatically release a small burst of emerald Dragon fire to the delight of those nearby. At one point she completed a quick cart wheel before remembering that she had been told it was the warriors way to hold onto their decorum at this point and not show of any physical attribute. Well the crowd loved it so she wouldn’t feel too guilty at her breach of etiquette. She had almost completed a full circuit when Ferni Vu Harchas of the City People nonchalantly strode out. The crowd were jumping with excitement and it was almost impossible to believe the noise they generated. Dragonwing could feel it against her ribs like a physical wave.

The two red garbed referees summoned the three warriors into the centre of the arena. The final battle of the Decade Challenge was about to start.

As soon as the starting flag had landed her two opponents charged her simultaneously.

Both hoped for the opportunity to take out the interloping Legionnaire, she knew. Dragonwing focused on them as they charged and at the final moment sprang into the air over the head of Ferni Vu Harchas spitting a small glob of Dragon acid with pin point accuracy at the small beacon on his left shoulder that partially transmitted the neural dampening field. She could defeat him easily but that didn’t mean she would do it quickly. As she landed and rolled dramatically the crowd once again bellowed out it’s appreciation. Wasar Jeurinos had turned as she jumped and, opportunistically punching Ferni Wu Harchas quickly in the face as he sped after the Legionnaire, he jumped towards her back. Marya Pai was street wise enough to know that having her back to an opponent made her an apparently easy target and had been trained by the best combat instructors in the United Planets so anticipated the attack with lightning reflexes. Wasar of the Desert Clans had an elbow land squarely on his nose for his effort. While it didn’t do him any real damage it did stun him for a split second allowing Marya the chance to roll to his side and kick him firmly on the back of his knee causing him to stumble. As Wasar started to crumple Ferni, who had followed him back towards the agile Legionnaire, jumped onto his back forcing him face first onto the arena floor. Marya Pai stepped back as the two rolled across the arena and turned towards the crowd and raised her arms imploring them to shout more. As the screaming rose again she turned back to find her opponents had both regained their feet, Wasar appearing a little dazed but otherwise unhurt. Both were moving towards her.

Marya Pai knew that whatever the outcome this day despite the opportunistic attacks they threw at each other she wasn’t going to be lucky enough to have her opponents deal with each other. She was simply too credible a target for them to ignore.

As the battle continued Marya spat more acid at the small beacons on Wasars armour. His force field was next to useless and he knew it. His tactics changed and he hung back from direct combat waiting for his chance to strike while trying to avoid allowing the other two combatants the chance to take advantage of his vulnerability. Ferni picked up on this and while apparently walking around the circular edge of the combat zone jeering the crowd pounced on his fellow Talokean warrior and gave him a teeth smashing blow to the face. While the two fought it out Marya took a second to catch her breath. Bent over with her hands on her knees panting she decided how she had to act next. The combat had been going on for over thirty minutes, most of it she had to admit was theatre for the cheering crowds benefit but still all three of them were tired and battered. Her beautiful cloak had been ripped off of her and an earlier blow from Ferni had hurt her back. Although she was still able to function she knew that she would pay for this in the days to come.

Even including all the adventures she had been on and sights she had seen since becoming a Legionnaire Marya Pai had to admit she was having the time of her life!

Neither combatant saw her until it was too late as she jumped feet first at them. Aiming at their torsos, the collision send them all spinning and once again the crowd erupted it’s approval. With an athletic flip she landed on top of the supposedly invulnerable Ferni Wu Harchas she unleashed a tremendous blast of Dragon fire before springing off. The Challenger from the City People struggled as the mystic flames melted his armour in a cloud of emerald sparks. As he attempted to stand up it was obvious that the joints at his armour's shoulders and neck were fused restricting his movement.

Taking advantage of this moment of drama Marya pounced towards Wasar Jeurinos. As he backed away she cartwheeled and kicked him firmly on the shoulder knocking him to the ground with a tremendous thud! The Desert Clans warrior tried to stand but Dragonwing was on his back with her hands on his throat. She bent her face towards him and hissed:

“Violet is a friend of mine. You don’t think I’m going to let you get away so easily do you?”

And with a grunt she flipped him heels over head onto the floor with a crash. The plates of armour across his left shoulder and thigh sprung out, damaged beyond repair. As he tried to stand Marya Pai stood up and walked towards the smoking shape of Ferni Wu Harchas. The warrior in the supposedly invulnerable armour backed away from her, his arms and head unmoving. The sparks still popped across his torso were her fire had fused the armour in place. The crowd could see the vicious smile on her face on the huge screens above as she walked up to the warrior and said:

“Boo!” and with that a great gout of Dragon acid splattered on his body, dissolving his chest plate with a slurping hiss. Unable to move his arms to remove the armour he fell face first onto the floor trying to somehow wipe of the acid before it burned him too badly. Dragonwing bent over him and asked if he was ready to submit. As he screamed his submission the two referees in red rushed towards him calling for medics and someone from the City Forges to help get his armour off of him quickly.

Marya turned towards the crowd and bowed flamboyantly. As she started to stand a blow from behind glanced off the top of her head knocking her ungraciously onto the ground. Even as she landed she rolled out of the way, regaining her feet easily. Wasar had struck her from behind while she was showing off to the crowds! Well she wasn't going to let that happen again. The warrior from the Desert Clans stood with difficulty, his armour was split down the left side and blood streamed from several cuts on his arms and ribs. Marya realised that he could die if medical help wasn’t on hand soon so, despite the urge to taunt and play with her opponent, she dove towards him, rolling just before she reached him and sprang into a kick that sent his spinning over the arena and into a heap. She knew that traditionally many warriors would rather die than lose in this final battle but she had no need to let him bleed to death to prove his worthiness as a warrior. All she had to do was knock him out cold.

One punch to the soft spot under the Talokeans jaw and it was over.

The crowd went ballistic.

Marya sat down on the arena floor and breathed heavily. Her ribs ached, she knew she would be bruised across her back and her muscles would protest for several days but she had done it.

She had done it!

That evening, after she had spent three hours recovering in the SP’s medic tent she had an unexpected visitor who would change her already strange life.

As was tradition the Forest Folk had sent twelve of their most respected warriors to stand as a honour guard around her until she fully recovered. Marya had found this hilarious but didn’t want to cause any further problems so assented to them being in the tent with her on the grounds that they did not come between her and her friends.

Her Legion comrades had all been in to see her of course, Hadru making a drama of her bruises and cuts and offering to help speed her metabolism if she wanted to hurry along the healing. She had declined but gave him a hug for thanks. The normally stand offish Phlonite hugged her back tentatively. Violet had promised her a night out in Metropolis to remember when they got back to Earth and Lightning Lass had freely hugged and kissed her head in gratitude for thoroughly dismantling the armour of the warrior who had defeated her Vi.

Shadow Lad and Lady Memory had bowed ceremonially as they entered. As the Champions of the two people’s whose warriors Dragonwing had defeated they were politically astute enough to know that their actions would be scrutinized afterwards so they pretended an air of reserve that all three knew was false. They informed her that Tasmia was physically fully recovered from her ordeal, the look of subdued concern on Grev’s face alerted Marya to what was being left unsaid. There would be an official statement at the Darkest hour to close the Decade Challenge and they would want to see her there, as was tradition. Grev gave her a quick wink as he said it and Marya smiled and replied that she would be privileged to stand beside such honourable Champions as they closed the event.

The visitor that surprised Marya was a young Talokean man with the mauve skin of the Forest Folk who wore a white and balck costume striped in the organic lines like zebra skin and a patchwork cloak of many colours. As was customary with high ranking Forest Folk the right side of his head was shaven clean. This was the Heir to the Green Rift Forge. The one who was in training to take over as the Forge’s armour maker. With the murder of their current Smith by the Persuader the young man was be confirmed as the new Smith in the morning. He would become the youngest Smith in Talokean history.

“worthy warrior, most blessed Champion of the Decade Event I humbly...”

“Stop there please.” Marya smiled as she spoke. She didn’t want to offend the young man but she had reached her limits of propriety for the day and she felt that if he continued any further she may have to punch him squarely on the nose. “Heir to the forge, can we talk as friends, today has been too tiring for such.... formality. Call me Marya, what is your name?”

The young man smiled as he replied, “Hethuk Bran Drommsi... Heth to my friends.”

“Heth, would you mind if we spoke as we took a stroll? I’m beginning to feel a l’il bit claustrophobic in here.”

Outside the partying had reached a new height in exuberance.

The twelve ceremonial guards formed a ring around them and they walked slowly through the crowds. As they were recognised the cheers once again erupted and this applause drew more spectators. Within minutes they were surrounded by hundreds of excited revelers.

“I have an idea Heth, if we ever want to have a chat follow me. “

As they ducked into a small tent she grabbed a full length gray cloak of the back of one of the ceremonial guard. Inside the small tent she quickly threw the cloak over the young Heir and then said, “Watch this!” and pushed the control on her Legion Distorter. The holo of the man she had impersonated to gain access to the barracks where Tasmia Mallor had been held sprung around her.

“What?” The Heir backed away.

“It’s a holo Heth, let’s go now.” Pulling the newly cloaked Heir by the shoulder they pushed out into the crowd outside. The crowds were beginning to dissipate and the mingled with them and casually wandered away.

Once they reached the edges of the huge amphitheater they found a place to sit where they wouldn’t be heard while looking over the mass of people below.

“Marya, you are quite amazing!”

“Only quite?” She teased, switching off the Distorter holo.

He laughed and they began to talk. The Heir to the Green Rift Forge was, Dragonwing thought, incredibly personable. He described the life of the Forest Folk, not quite as barbaric as they had been made out and certainly not as xenophobic or backwards as she might imagine. He spoke with great pride about their traditions and culture, even reciting some poetry that had them both laughing, Finally, he became a little bit more serious as he described the probable problems the Forest Folk would face in the years to come as the Mystics who granted their Champion the traditional abilities found and trained another to replace the disgraced Milnak Hortensai.

“So, are you asking me to take his place as your people's Champion?” her bluntness caused the Heir to laugh.

“Well, yes, I guess I am.”

Hadru hugged her one more time before stepping into the Legion Cruiser’s grav lift.

Marya saw the tears in his eyes as he turned away. Violet and Lighning Lass had already boarded with Tasmia Mallor. Dragonwing knew that they had not fully understood her reasoning but both had respected her views enough to not argue. The Legion was still missing seven members somewhere in the time stream and with Shadow Lasses memory loss they would need every member they had until either those lost returned or new members were inducted. Still Marya believed she had made the right choice, here was the chance to help a planetary population and she wouldn’t be here forever, only until the next Forest Champion had been chosen and trained. It was an opportunity that she knew she would regret if she didn’t take it. An adventure she needed to have. She hadn’t told them but after the announcement to formally close the Decade Challenge two nights before the then Heir, and soon to be Smith of the Green Rift Forge and her had become close. Closer than Marya had ever been to anyone before. They had shared the next day and found that they were surprisingly similar in so many ways. She had never laughed or argued, or conceded so much in her life with any one person before. Marya Pai had never felt truly as if she belonged but when she was with this young man she understood why people said their stomachs felt full of butterflies. She struggled a little with it but knew that this was a feeling that she had to explore further and wouldn’t be able to do that if she returned to Earth.

As the cruiser rose into the air before her Grev Mallor and Kahnya Natahlie walked up and put their hands on her shoulders as a show of support. They knew that the new Forest Folk Champion would have a difficult time ahead of her as she tried to get to grips with her position. They had told her in no uncertain terms that would be there for her if she needed it.

Hethuk Bran Drommsi, the new Smith of the Green Rift Forge was waiting for her at the control tower.

“Are you sure Marya, it’s not going to be easy....”

He laughed as she replied, “Heth, shut up already. We have work to do.” Marya Pai gave the young Smith a peck on the lips and a cheeky pat to his backside before turning and walking towards the waiting shuttle that would take her to her new home.

Hey there reader, so, I reckon I mistimed the last two sections - really it would have been better having the team on Weber's World coming together just before this final post from Talok viii but I had completed the WW section several weeks ago and was struggling to complete the fight scenes from the Decade Challenge so went ahead and posted that sections finale a bit prematurely. Apologies, I'll try to exercise a bit more self control in future.

Still, that's it for part one of my Legion World's fanfic. More coming soon(ish) though until then I hope you've enjoyed this.

Wow, I have to admit when I saw what you were doing with Tenzil I thought I was gonna hate it but I think because the aftermath has been given appropriate gravity it comes off instead as very interesting!

Also, way to make Marya Pai against all odds a thoroughly likeable character! Good job!

Thanks Raz, when I first thought of the Tenzil plot line I almost didn't use it as I expected a lot (well two or three) negative posts, but it just made perfect sense both from a historic and realistic point (He ate the Miracle Machine and all that energy must go somewhere). The whole Weber's World storyline was one of those synergistic moments that Set mentioned in Critics Corner where there were lots of separate ideas (bringing back the Llorn, re-introducing Vegans, introducing the Khund Battle Brigade, returning Quislet, Danielle etc etc) that all fell together. Glad you liked the outcome.

Like a lot of people I didn't like Dragonwing to start with but she has grown on me and I found the idea of bouncing her street wise personality off Hadru's more academic mindset fun. And it's always strangely therapeutic to write about a good ass kicking and she seemed the perfect person to do it

Thanks again Raz, am thoroughly enjoying your Legion Lost btw. Good job you too!

I was going to leave this here and maybe start another thread with ongoing adventures as and when I'd written them but as I hate writing a what has gone before blub I'll just add more here.

as ever please let me know what you think of this if you read it, feedback is always appreciated.

Hope you enjoy!

Jo Nah sat quietly at the Comms station in the quarters he shared with Tinya Wazzo as he watched the holo-feed intently.

He had been with Lar on the way back from the Dominion nearly two months back when the then leader had given Chuck and Lu their hardest challenge as teachers at the Legion Academy. Lar Gand had told the two ex-legionnaires that as the team was currently at its weakest in several years he hoped to have the Academy present half a dozen potential members within the next twelve weeks to try-out. Chuck had puffed up his cheeks before almost exploding at Lar with reasons why that sort of intensive training would not work. Lu had been cooler, quietly asking Mon-El if instead of his anti-lead serum he was on happy medication.

Lar Gand stood by his edict. As a compromise he offered a scheme whereby every month every full time member of the team would give up a day to help train the new recruits. As soon as he had returned to Earth the Legion’s Daxamite Leader informed every member that a rota would be drawn up and he would not take any excuses. They needed new blood and the team had better get to know their new members before they got themselves in a life or death situation with them in tow. It hadn’t been popular but so far, as far as Jo was aware, everyone had fulfilled their obligations at the Montauk Point academy training facility.

And it was as a result of this push to fast track potential members that had inadvertently led Jo to be sat here now watching the holo-feed.

There were six members of the so-called Alpha team and one had come from his gang filled homeworld Rimbor. She carried two Trenthuaser pistols, as her profession dictated, that scanned their opponent before blasting them so they always got the result programmed into them; incapacitate, stun unconscious or kill. It wasn’t her marksmanship that had gained her entry into the Academy though, she was strong, agile and very smart, and had the added bonus of being a short range teleporter. What Chuck and Lu may not have known though when they allowed her to jointhe Academy though was that as one of the Rimbor Government sanctioned Repo’s she was more than a muscle for hire debt collector, far more than just a jobbing bailiff.

No, this Sade was a bounty hunter and Jo Nah had a feeling that could spell trouble in the month’s ahead.

A week later and Tinya Wazzo had only been elected as leader for 48 hours but already she was wondering if it was too early in her tenure to call for an election in the hope that someone else could take over.

The meeting she had come from with Mon El as an official hand-over between the ex- and current team leader had been interrupted by Brainiac 5. Tinya had always gotten on well with Lar so their meeting had been a lot less formal than many perhaps expected. They had spoken mostly about Tasmia Mallor. The Talokean shadow casting Champion had rejoined them after a mission to her home world a few weeks back missing ten years worth of memories. Her transition back into the team had not been easy. Lar and Tasmia had called off their long term relationship six months before on less than friendly terms yet all that, the good times as well as the bad, was now gone for good. Their mutual history had been a difficult thing for the normally private Daxamite to share but when he had she had hugged him so fiercely that for a moment he thought he had triggered the return of her own memories.

Querl Dox’s holo rudely cut intro the two friend’s conversation.

“Phantom Girl, have you given the offer we received from The Dead Brain and his Khundian Battle Brigade any more thought? I am due to converse with him in 3/48ths.”

“Brainy!” she exclaimed with an uncharacteristic amount of vehemence, “Not now, Lar and I are in a meeting.”

“It’s okay Tinya, I need to get back to Panoples to relieve Jan. You and Querl need to sort this out.” And with that Lar gave his new leader a quick peck on the cheek and was gone from the room in a blur.

“Okay Brainy, so your dead smart Khund friend wants to trade team mates to learn and foster good relations. I know you suggested two people but I just don’t know if they are up for it. I’m sorry Querl they haven’t gotten back to me yet and I don’t want to send them on a three month mission against their will.”

“We have heard that the Khunds have already dispatched their volunteers Tinya,” Querl said with resignation, “I don’t need to remind you of the opportunities this presents.”

“Okay, I’ll get onto it now.”

Two days later she hugged Rokk Krinn for several seconds longer than social etiquette expected but she didn’t care.

Phantom Girl had asked Rokk and his new fiancé Lydda Jath if they wanted an adventure. The logistics were terrible. The Academy was under increased pressure to develop potential Legionnaires but for this mission to succeed these two Legionnaires were both essential. Tinya promised she would find a suitable replacement for Night Girl at the Academy if she said yes. And today here they were, saying good bye to their friends and family before heading out to take up a place as Legion Ambassadors to their Khundian counterparts, the Battle Brigade. Lydda’s darkness induced strength would be perfect for the twilit world. Khundia Prime sharing a synchronistic orbit with a sister world that eclipsed it from much of their home stars light. With the magnetically powered Sentinel joining the Weber’s World Ambassadorial team Brainy had set up two weeks ago Rokk’s Braalian abilities would be a good fit into the team. Khundian’s had far more metals in their biological make up than Terrans so his abilities would be particularly potent.

Tinya held back her tears though she couldn’t stop thinking how Rokk was the only active Legionnaire left who had been on the team longer than her. He was one of the few people she naturally deferred to and knew she could always rely on him. And here she was, at the start of a term as leader she had never wanted sending him away for three months.

Most of them team stationed on Earth had turned out to wave them off and Lar and Jo flew up to the Polyscreen that surrounded the Earth alongside the two Legionnaires shuttle, Jo making faces and Lar giving a poignant salute as they reached the North Western exit port.

And they were gone.

Luornu Durgo was currently scanning the application board.

In the last six months the Academy had had over 3,000 eager potential Legionnaires contact them. Currently there were ten students here with a further eight joining soon. Her darling husband Chuck Taine had gone through the eighteen successful applicants with her and they had split them into three teams of six. The Alpha team would be the group they saw the most potential of becoming Legionnaires quickly. Chuck was personally taking control of their training program. The Beta team, they estimated, would need a further three months intensive training to get them in shape and the Gammas while having also shown their worth to be offered their place here would have the easiest ride of the three groups.

Ha! She laughed to herself thinking it would not be easy for any of them if she had anything to do with it.

The Alphas were a mixed bag. All six had shown their usefulness, either like Otaki and M’Windaji as students already on the course, or in their lives prior to being accepted and taking their places here. Luornu hoped that all six would get through the try-out scheduled to take place in four weeks time. Until she had left yesterday Lydda had helped Chuck train that group though Luornu wasn’t sure what the Academy could offer them now as additional support. Yes, the full team members had been honouring their promise to help out here but to her mind the trainee’s needed consistency as well as guest tutors.

A bleep from the Comms channel alerted Duplicate Damsel to the incoming message from Legion HQ.

“Hi Lu, “Tinya looked especially happy with herself, “I have two new tutors coming to you. It’s taken me a day or so to get their schedules sorted out but you’ll have them by nightfall.”

“Thank the triple suns!” Lu smiled at her old friend, “So who have you got lined up?”

“Well... do you remember Jenni Ognats? XS from the alter reality? She’s keen to help out, I think she’s finally finally settled on this world and feels it’s time to start integrating.” Tinya was obviously very happy that she had managed to encourage the young speedster to help out. Lu nodded in agreement as from the little she’d seen of her she thought XS was a great choice; young, positive, approachable, full of courage and blindingly effective in most situations. Tinya’s smile wavered for just a second before she continued. “The other person I’ve arranged to help you is an old graduate, you remember Bbob Khan? Well he wanted posting off Talkon Galtos so I thought as he knows his way around the Academy and would help newer students setlle in....”

Crystal Kid!

Lu knew the smile on her face was fixed there more through politeness and respect from Tinya Wazzo than genuine happiness. Bbob was an extremely powerful transmuter who unfortunately was also, perhaps it would be kindest to say, a bit of an airhead. Oh well, maybe he could shepherd the Gammas until they were ready to move up the pecking order...

Day six of her term as Leader and Phantom Girl stood on the landing deck on the roof of HQ with Sun Boy, Brainiac 5, Polar Boy, Glorith, Chameleon Boy, Lightning Lass and Ultra Boy.

The Khundian disc shaped cruiser was landing before them. Querl had kindly erected a force field that stopped the winds from blasting dust at them. As the cruiser powered down an opening iris-ed and two Khundian warriors floated gently down to the roof. They had been quarantined on Medicus One for the past 30 hours until Dr Gym’ll had given them both a clean bill of health. Tinya hoped the diminutive doctor hadn’t been too rude to the two Khunds. She didn’t want their time with the Legion to start this off on the wrong foot.

Brainiac 5 recognised Deathstorm immediately. They had met on the UP fleet command ship several weeks before as they attempted to defeat the Llorn invaders. Querl knew this warrior was surprisingly scientifically educated and had shown a strong independent streak. He had already briefed Tinya on his suggestions how best to integrate this young Khund warrior into the team. Deathstorm’s impulsiveness alongside his ability to assume an energy form could lead to trouble further down the line unless he was, to quote an old Earth saying, put on a short leash. The second Khund was a female with pale skin and spiky red and orange hair. She introduced herself as Garshzz’l. It was Jo who suggested they shorten it to Gazelle. The Khund explained, rather formally, that her name came from one of the most fierce natural predators on her home world, renowned for its agility and strength. Brainiac 5 coolly said that the name gazelle was also shared by an animal famed from its agility. Seeming quite pleased by that she agreed she could be called Gazelle by Legionnaires.

Tinya and Querl gave their two new members a whistlestop guided tour of HQ, paying particular attention to the huge gyms and Mission Monitor Board. The two warriors remained formally stiff throughout, until they came to Brainiac 5’s lab. There Harmonia Li was running tests alongside Invisible Kid and his younger sister Danielle. The Khund called Deathstorm called out to the ancient elemental, his pleasure at seeing her again was obvious. He virtually ignored Jacques and Danielle, both of whom had met the Khund previously, as he walked towards Harmonia with a hand outstretched. The newly renamed Gazelle looked confused. Tinya cringed slightly as she feared what may be about to happen between the Khund and the Legionnaire.

The newly elected deputy leader was surprisingly welcoming, offering her hand to shake to both Khunds and reassuring them that if they needed anything they could always call upon her. Tinya felt momentary relief until, as the two warriors were turned to leave, she saw Harmonia roll her eyes before returning to her experiment.

“Interesting times....” she said to herself as she led the two Khunds to their personal quarters.

The alarm went off just as they approached the Dorm area.

“Tinya, raiders reported in the Oort cloud attacking a religious retreat...” Dirks holo had startled the Khunds as it popped up before them without warning.

“Okay, Send Ayla, Jo and Reep.” Phantom Girl turned to the Khunds, “Deathstorm would you like to go too? Your energy form may be useful in deep space so get up to launch bay 2 and join Lightning Lass and her team if you fancy....” She could see the momentary flash of excitement on the young Khund’s face and the disappointment on Gazelles.

The air buzzed and he was gone in a flash of radiation.

“So,” Tinya smiled at the remaining Khund, “as you heard we are quite informal in HQ, everyone here calls me Tinya, we leave Phantom Girl for our missions. What should we call you?”

The Khund warrior was silent for a moment before replying, “My birth name was Jiz’l. I’d quite like it if you could call me that....”

“Okay, Jiz’l, are you hungry? We have the best chef in Metropolis working here and I could murder a Therapod burger with parsnip fries about now.” Gazelle gave a broad grin and joined Tinya to the Grav-lift.

Brainiac 5 excused himself saying he was needed in his laboratory.

Deathstorm was silent for most of the flight.

Ayla Ranzz had skilfully piloted the Legion cruiser out of the Polyscreen and hit warp almost immediately. They would be at the co-ordinates in the Oort cloud within 20 minutes. Although he had met Chameleon Boy before during the events on Weber’s World and knew him to be intelligent and sociable Deathstorm found that he felt uncomfortable around the shape changing Legionnaire. The Durlan race’s reputation outside of the liberal United Planets made them unwelcome on most planets. Within the centrally controlled Khundian Empire a bona fide Durlan skin would fetch a high price on the open market. As Jo Nah seemed focused entirely on scanning the small planetoid that they had been called to the Khundian thought it best to sit back and enjoy this moment before the battle started.

Ultra Boy finally split the silence, “It’s Starburst Bandits. Got them on the scanner, twelve of them.”

“May I see?” Deathstorm looked over the Rimborian’s shoulder. “Eshamemch! We know of them too. They are opportunistic thieves. What do they want so far from their home star?”

“Eshamemch? We call them the Starburst Bandits. Did you just say you know where they originate from?” Chameleon Boy asked.

Deathstorm didn’t look at the Durlan, instead focussing on the scanner, “When the Khund Empire finally fought out from Dominion rule fourteen centuries ago these beings were also freed. The Dominion created them millennia ago as their vanguard to attack. Do you not even know that? They have a system with a rare blue heart star on the edge of the dominion where their flamin’ mounts can breed. They are scavengers that steal raw materials for themselves. The Empire pays a bounty for their scalps.”

Reep Daggle pursed his lips and nodded, he had noticed how uncomfortable the Khundian was talking to him so was not going to cause any friction by asking anything else right now though knew that when they got back to HQ there would definitely be questions asked.

“We’ll be there in three minutes guys,” Ayla cut in, “Jo take Deathstorm and give those ass-wipes something to think about.” She looked directly at the Khundian warrior, “No killing, you understand? We’ll want to question them later, okay?”

Deathstorm nodded his head in a solemn manner, his eyes kept low.

“Okay you two, go knock some heads together.” Ayla pointed towards the airlock. Ultra Boy and his new Khundian ally jumped in and where gone.

“That Khund boy will be trouble.” Reep said quietly as the airlock registered the two had left the ship. Ayla looked at him and smiled her agreement before adding, “We need to see what’s going on at this retreat. What would the Bandits want here?”

Jo Nah flew at Ultra-speed with the glowing energy form of his new Khund ally at his side.

The twelve starburst Bandits didn’t stand a chance as the two swept through their ranks knocking them off their horses like a scythe chopping through dried wheat. It was under five minutes later when Jo, six unconscious Bandits easily slung over each shoulder, flew down towards the planetoid where they had so recently attacked. He had left Deathstorm above with the harder job of corralling their fiery mounts. The Khund had not appeared too happy with the task but spun into an ultraviolet form and chased after the scattering animals.

Landing in a courtyard that appeared to be at the centre of a large palatial building he dumped the Starburst Bandits ungraciously in a heap. Quickly scanning the area with his Pentra-vision he soon found Lightning Lass. She appeared to be speaking with a thin elderly woman wearing an ornate robe. As he expected the Bandits to remain unconscious for a while Jo let himself into the airlock that led into the warren of passageways that riddled the planetoid, slipped into Ultra-speed mode and zoomed through the passageways towards his teammate. He arrived with a blast of air that blew dust along the corridor before him, momentarily causing Ayla Ranzz to cough.

“Ah, Jo, meet Sister Olivia De Manne Ping, chief Matron of this site.”

“Hey sister, I’ve just dumped a dozen Bandits on a courtyard above, do you have a security detail that could take them into custody?” Wiping a strand of hair from his face he smiled at the older woman as he spoke.

“We are a pacifistic movement, as I was explaining to your comrade here this is a retreat for those weary of the violence that is so rife out there so please take those brutes and your team away. This site is sanctified!”

“Oh, okay. But you might think of getting some sort of security...” Ayla interrupted Jo before he could finish his sentence.

“Hang on Sister Olivia, we need to make sure there are no injured that might need aid. We have a fully fitted up to date Auto-Doc on our cruiser. Are you sure we can’t help you any further?” Jo knew from her tone that Ayla was stalling for time. Chameleon Boy was off somewhere investigating something. Things didn’t quite add up here, if this was the quiet peaceful retreat that it claimed then why would the Starburst Bandits attack? They were scavengers, just as Deathstorm had said, so what would have attracted them here?