NationStates Jolt Archive

Katalyst watching Erszebet leave the room she shortly followed in pursuit, after making sure that DFD was alright. Not knowing where Erszebet was leading her to but having a slight idea to where they might end up.

As she seen Mathias stop and Erszebet along with him she ehld back in her pursuit seeing that there was a room behind what looked like a window.

I was in this hallway before. How could I have missed that kind of decoy?

Katalyst watches Mathias slid down the wall.

Nows my chance!

She runs through the opening past Mathias how had an awkward looking, look on his face and Erszebet who looked like she was showing some compassion to the seemingly upset Mathias, running through the passage constantly looking back to make sure she wasnt followed. She runs into someone at the entrance of the one place in this nation worth visiting.

After Katalyst rushed past, Erzsebet posed the question again to Mathias. "There are people in there, and now she's in there, too. Do we go in? Nod for yes, shake your head for no."

Mathias, with his head down, and his mind filled with past failures did not hear Katalyst rush past him, nor did he hear Erzsebet's inquiries. Instead, he focused on maintaining deep breathing to keep from fainting and to control the nausia, as he remembered the horrible past he faced.

OOC:
The Dante scenerio takes place in other time line, just so you know where this is coming from.

IC:
Within a few days of intense focus and concentration, Dante regained partial mobility. He was capable of lifting small objects again, move his legs, but not walk, and sit up. He spent his days reading, enjoying the life of fine literature.

He spent evenings, conversing lightly with this lady he had never met before. He became a more animate person, despite the fact that no memories remained from before.

Their relationship began to grow. The nurse caught herself occasionally stealing a lingering gaze over Dante. She felt drawn to his presence there. Sitting in the corner reading herself occasionally, she found her focus drifting toward the mysteriously appealing man laying sleeping or reading himself.

Least did she know that Dante himself was also attracted to her. The way she lingered over him when fluffing his pillow stirred in him a yearning to reach out and touch her. He had never met the lady before, but he felt deeply attracted to her.

Within the next few days, Dante began the insensity of beginning to function on his own again.

Noskalenaeuroph looked to the soldiers that entered then to Alex and Destiny. Trying to maintain control in obviously a very confusing and potentionally dangerous situation, he escorted the soldiers toward the dining hall.

Opening the doors to the massive dining hall he allowed them to choose whichever seat they would prefer. He ordered a maid to prepare dinner and sat down with the soldiers.

Keeping a straight face, showing of seriousness, he spoke softly, "Now, what is it you want? Currently our leaders are unavialable, but I can try and assist you in your inquiries."

General Farkas took seat. Some of the men and women also took seats, others remained standing. General Farkas answered Nos's question. "Well, it depends on what whoever makes the war plans wants, really. The navy plans to commence operations against the coast of Whitecastle soon, with possible hit and run landings by the berserkers, I guess you would call them marines. My 5th Tank Guards were sent down to take part in future operations. Are there any offensives planned?"

Erzsebet looked around nervously. "Aw, fuck it," she said, and then pulled Mathias up and ran into what she discovered was a lab with him in tow, her gun at the ready.

Whoever is in here and they would not like to be found out, I would suggest hiding fore any moment we shall have a visitor.

Katalyst stands up and watches the enterance for Erszebet and Mathias waiting to see if they would just say to hell with it and enter into one mans self made madness.

Mathias pulled back. He did not need to see what had been here, as he very well knew what was within the room. Breaking from for Erzsebet's grip, and unyeilding to Katalyst's statement, he turned back, leaving the area. He began back down the stairs, but was unable to finish when he sat down exhausted.

His physical ability was weakening. He struggled to catch his breath. He would never get older, he was aware of that when his body ceased aging a long time ago. However, he felt the strains and tolls of the wounds left on him. He layed back uncomfortably on the stairs, his head dizzy, as the room around him spun.

He wanted nothing more then to just be in bed, in peace......to be left alone without this situation.

Erzsebet let Mathias go as she burst into what she saw was an extensive lab. She had loaded the shotgun on her way there. Heavily armed, she also carried her AK-103 and axe. She saw a couple other people in the room.

C9 turned around, facing Erzsebet, an evil grin spread across her face.

"Hi! Pleasure seeing you here. I have noticed you have a thing for pedophiles. Very sick.......very sick indeed. Would you like to investigate," she asked stepping to the side of the enterence allowing passage.

Perry stood aside her, still baffled at the sight before his eyes. Behind them stood Katalyst. No one had yet entered the labortatory and seemed to be a dare for the first person to step inside.

Meanwhile, Der Fuhrer awoke. She felt the feel of paper within her hand, and saw the message written (OOC: Callisdrun, fill me here). Angerily she stood up quickly and left the room.

Loud and demanding she yelled, "Get back here at once."

Angry that everyone had ran off to a place secret and dangerous within The Dictatorship, she narrowed her eyes. Thinking to herself, "They are purposely trying to expose this nation."

She stepped back, leaning against the railing along before the grand staircase. Coldly, without hestating, she spoke alittle above casual talk, "Red Queen, Protocal 38, Intrusion within Secure Premises."

Erzsebet did not laugh. She didn't fully know what the English word "pedophile" meant, but the way C9 said it, she knew it was some sort of crack at her character. "You're not authorized to be here," she said simply, with a cold clarity that her kind was especially good at. The threat in her voice was obvious, but at the same time, she somehow sounded so polite that any protest would sound grossly unreasonable.

C9 was taller than her, but Erzsebet still managed to look far more fearsome. It had always been said that she had a savageness about her. The fact that she couldn't stand sensing C9's blatant hunger for power probably had something to do with it, too. Erzsebet would blow her brains out if she got the chance. She couldn't stand people like C9.

Mathias heard Der Fuhrer yell, struggling to stand back up. He rested his body against the cold wall as he walked back toward her, walking slowly and painfully.

Maids, serverts, and guards were making their way to him, in an attempt to investigate the shattering glass. He made it not far from them before he collapsed again, his wounds reopened.

The faded vision of servents and guards standing over him was the last thing he remembered before passing out. The guards ended up carrying Mathias back to his room, finding Der Fuhrer standing there looking rather perplexed and concerned. She ordered the servents to pack their bags immediately.

Der Fuhrer knew she needed to get Mathias out of here, this atmosphere was killing him. The stress, guilt, and fear of this place was making his condition worse, and she knew he needed to get him away before C9 launched another malicious assualt on his character.

tag: I've come to the firm decision that I will read this monstrosity from cover to cover. :D

tag: I've come to the firm decision that I will read this monstrosity from cover to cover. :D

OOC:
Have fun! I tried reading backward today to find out where my character was at a given moment, it was nearly impossible.

You will be glad to know though, that I have cleared my characters, they are preparing to leave. I kept my word; I said tomorrow yesturday. Now, if only my region can follow that example.

OOC:
Have fun! I tried reading backward today to find out where my character was at a given moment, it was nearly impossible.

You will be glad to know though, that I have cleared my characters, they are preparing to leave. I kept my word; I said tomorrow yesturday. Now, if only my region can follow that example.

All will be well Dysz, don't dispair. I look forward to your character's arrival at the summit. This is going to be fun. :)

OOC:
Speeding this up a bit, but I need to.


IC:
Within the hour, Der Fuhrer left, accompanied with a few guards who only came to assist Mathias to Presgrief.

A few minutes after they left they were on their way to Presgrief.


OOC:
I know this post sucks, I am falling asleep while writing it.

Katalyst stared at Erzebet wondering why she pretended to put ammo in the shotgun when everyone could see she had no ammo in her hands.

Katalyst stared at the entrance to this hidden area.

Dare I go in there a place where the owner himself could not bare to enter? Have I made a mistake in wanting to come to the one place that can bring the Reich crashing down.

Katalyst hears the order that DFD gave the Red Queen and suddenly a feeling like she needs to leave in a hurry comes like wave crashing on the shore.

Echoing from seemingly everywhere and nowhere at the same time, a little girl's voice sounded throughout the mansion giggling.

"Have come to play have you?"

C9 laughed at Erzsebet, "Not authorized! Not authorized! And I suppose you are? You have no idea what you're dealing with do you child?

C9 stepped inside the base, her barefeet pressing against the cold floor. Her menacingly eyes, deviant and malicious stared straight back into the eyes of Erzsebet. Silhouetted by the dark, she slowly immersed herself in the darkness, her figure becoming less recognizable as she stepped further into the darkness.

From deep inside the darkness of the laboratory she beckonded Erzsebet to enter. "What? Scared of the dark."

Katalyst stared at Erzebet wondering why she pretended to put ammo in the shotgun when everyone could see she had no ammo in her hands.

Katalyst stared at the entrance to this hidden area.

Dare I go in there a place where the owner himself could not bare to enter? Have I made a mistake in wanting to come to the one place that can bring the Reich crashing down.

Katalyst hears the order that DFD gave the Red Queen and suddenly a feeling like she needs to leave in a hurry comes like wave crashing on the shore.

OOC: She picked up the ammo when she picked up the gun (there's almost always extra ammo where guns are). I thought that was assumed

Erzsebet's patience was quickly running out. Not just with C9, but with most of the other guests. She was tired of not being taken seriously. "As a matter of fact, I am authorized to be here. Do not toy with me, or call me 'child,' or I swear by the gods there will be Hel to pay. Remove yourself from the lab, or I will not hesitate to shoot you." With that, she lifted the gun to point directly at C9, who was partially obscured by dark. However, this did not matter to Erzsebet, for she could see easily.

When C9 hesitated to follow her order, she added "C9, the game's up. Your power grab will go no further. I am issuing an order. There is no negotiation possible. There are only two choices." She looked quickly to Perry and Katalyst, then back to C9.

OOC: The forum ate my last post!

IC: Katalyst looks at Erzebet.

What are you looking at me for? I dont even talk to that woman in there!!! Meh, the heck with this im leaving! I'm not going in there after what I heard.

Katalyst heads down the stairway away from that group of people. She yells back.

Good Luck!

C9, calling out to Katalyst, yelled, "I suggest staying missy. You are going no where."

She stepped forward, in her hand a tiny vile, filled with an ominious looking black fluid. Her eyes gleaming with mischeif and malice, as she shook the vile slowly back and forth, the black liquid, looking like a small sea of absolute horror.

In a voice that seemed to state matter of a factly, she walked closer into the light, speaking, "You know what this is Miss Erzsebet? That little pedophile of a man you have been defending made this. You know what it can do? Let me tell, when this solution hits the air, it instantly creates a gaseous, inescapable, death. The chemical, when breathed, is the fastest means of agony to endure. In other words, the preferred quickest death by it. Resisting inhalation just means a slow and more agonizing death, as it destroys your body from outside inward. Once it enters you bloodstream though, you can be sure to die an almost instanteous and agonizing death. No one immune at all. Mathias claimed several lives of humans, beasts, imbreds, you name it, to prove its infalliability. It is the perfect weapon......and created by a man who was assumed to have, what's that word........dignitiy? You all fooled yourself with your blind beliefs, eating the shit DFD shoved down your throats. Oddly, she knew all about these henious experiments and tests, but had she stopped the vileness and wasted lives, no! Secretly, with her air of ignorance, she endorsed this inhumane action. Your precious DFD and Mathias aren't the angels you all made them out to be. Mathias proved that......raping a child. And DFD, we barely know of the skeletons she has in her closet. And furthermore, was it not Mathias, himself, who issued the release of this chemical in the beginning of Reich, the beginning of the reign of the infamous Dante and his Elites? What a vile man he was.......and yet, sadly, all you pathetic riff raff endorsed that son of a bitch!"

C9! Put that back! you know as well as I that if you slip the region and its inhabitants are gonners! Now I may not be as high up as you but I have been informed highly about that solution. I plead with you to put it back in its protective position.

A scared looked is seen on the face of Katalyst fore she knows even if she does run there is no place to go.

Erzsebet rolled her eyes. What a fucking moron! she thought. "C9, you are an ignorant and naive bitch. What the fuck does it matter if it's a vile chemical? It's war, you imbecile! Why would I care if Mathias made an inhumane weapon? Do you think Callisdrun has no abominations to use against people? Ha! there are some in the magazines of my ship!" She laughed for quite a while.

"As for your reference to angels, it is worthless, as there is no such thing as an angel, in my belief. Have you ever heard the saying, 'people who live in glass houses shouldn't throw stones?' Have you, C9? You're hardly one to talk. You have no morality, just blind ambition. Every other word you say is a lie. Every single thing you do is part of an attempt to grab power. Everyone must be blind and deaf in this country not to notice. Put that down, for it will do no one any good if you drop it and it breaks. Except perhaps me, Mathias, Dyszel, and those in my country, because you'll be dead." Erzsebet was extremely hard to intimidate, and was completely unfazed by C9's handling of the chemical.

She took out her military phone with her other hand, she had General Farkas, who must be here now, on speed dial. She spoke to him in their incomprehensible native language. "Hello Istvan. Do any of your men have a flamethrower? Can you send them in? My coordinates are such and such. Thanks." She resumed scowling at C9.

MAN! This still going on?

Katalyst regains her usual stern look and says

Um, Erzebet are you not infact one of those creatures stated to not exist, or is that just some useless nonsense as well? Dont you think since your kind exist there is a resonable doubt that Angels may in fact exist or do you think i am being childish here as well?

Katalyst then grabs her cell phone and dials a number you can her her say to whoever was on the phone. "Yes, I have it in my sights. There is in fact some here, implement the next phase in the master plan" With that said she snaps the phone shut and throws it back into the pocket of the coat she was wearing.

Erzsebet answered Katalyst's question without taking her eyes off C9. She answered with another question. "Katalyst, what religion might you be?"

"Um, I'm a non-practicing Catholic," she said, a little thrown off by the seemingly random question.

"Well, to put it this way, I don't believe in angels any more than you believe in valkyries. I'm a pagan, you see. And what fool says that Moroii don't exist? Unlike either angels or valkyries, we are as tangible as the floor we're standing on. And I'm not part of a religion, except maybe my own, which the vast majority of my comrades also believe in." Erzsebet said all this in a very different tone than she used with C9.

OOC:
Remember a certain Flex is still in the building......he might just have to make a guest appearence.


IC:
C9 laughed, the foolishness of the others amusing her. She held the vile within her hand loosely.

"Erzsebet, oddly, your attempted insults and pointless rambling is not fazing me. You see, if there is one thing you missed about this place, is that right now, I have control. There is a reason why I am not being eradicated right now......perhaps, I should really show you what I mean, but then, what would be fun of taking away the guessing from you. And bring in your support and make your little plans. With The Red Queen on protocal, can you even be so sure that both your phone calls made it to whomever you thought you were talking to? Inferno tested the cellular interference that the Red Queen can manipulate already. You should ask him her capabilities. I think you've all undermined one of the greatest inventions this region has."

She waited a bit, contemplating, then seriously shot back a glare at Erzsebet and Katalyst.

"You think you've got me. I know what you're up to! Red Queen initate Laboratory lock down of Lab base 3.G1 nation Dictatorship location Konigsreich der Mathias in Stadt des Meeres. Verification.......C9........Lady Bortniansky."

A few awkward moments of silence ensued, one which made C9 feel a bit uneasy somehow. But after five minutes, a little girl's voice spoke seriously somewhere within the laboratory, or so it seemed, right next to everyone.

"Verification confirmed. Lab/base lockdown initating. Please refrain from smoking within the building......thank you."

The doors to the base began to close, large heavy metal doors, impenetrable. C9 walked deep into the laboratory, being invisible in the complete darkness as she traveled deeper and deeper.

Least did anyone know, she exited the lab from a hidden exit and was about to commence forth an operation not even she was sure of the outcome. She suspected that Katalyst and Erzsebet would assume she was still in the base, being she barely made it out in time, and no one, besided Mathias, knew of that exit. She knew she could have not been seen exitting due to the wall that seperated the exit from their vision. But she was still unsure her plan. She knew she was free to complete it at hand, being no one knew she was here, but she felt unsure.

She held the small vile in her hand still, thinking about how deadly this solution actually was.........

And screaming voices filled her head.

OOC: You know my guys are completely surrounding the mansion, right?

Alex and Destiny are still talking to others within the room.

OOC: You know my guys are completely surrounding the mansion, right?

OOC:
Correct, I am aware of that. Just remember that the mansion is vast and incorperates more then just a building. But yes, I am aware of that.

Katalyst looks around confused as to what was happening. She shrugs her shoulders and takes a seat on the steps.

I guess we will be here awhile. We can wait all day for her to come out of there!

C9 leaned against the cold wall, her hands trembling and her chest rapidly raising. She reached inside her uniform jacket and removed a small silver case. Flicking it open she removed a cigarette and a lighter, lighting her cigarette. She inhaled slowly on it, letting the addicting feeling ruin through her. Slowly exhaling, she continued to smoke until her hands stopped shaking.

Finding she still had half a cigarette, she removed another one and lit it, discarding her last one without extinguishing it. She walked down the narrow dark corridor slowly, remembering vaguely were it ended. A cold shiver ran up her spine as the corridor descended.

"Where am I," she whispered to herself as the walls seemed to be narrowing and the temperature becoming much cooler. She was completely emersed in darkness, and she could no longer see in front of her. She felt along the wall with left hand, as she held the light of her cigarette in front of her, hoping to see somewhat where she was heading.

The walls became cold and damp, a chilling shiver seemed to past through her.

Trembling, she murmured, "Where......where am I?"

Perry was aggrivated as he too painfully leaned against the wall. He felt uncomfortable among the others. He grabbed his chest in pain and collapsed, his broken ribs hurting terribly.

Perry reached out in pain on the ground, clutching Erzsebet's leg. Weakily, with the remaining bit of his energy, between gasps of air, he spoke to her, "It's too dangerous.......it's too much to....risk. You cannot....can.....not....let her get do it........ She betrayed him.....She betrayed him....."

He took a deep breath and rolled onto his back, staring up at the ceiling.

Erzsebet looked down with pity at the poor man clutching her leg. Though he could probably no longer hear her, she sadly whispered "There's nothing more I can do. I'm sorry. I have failed."

She called up the ship, and told them they would be setting sail very soon.

ooc: Tag and read for eventual participation. What would the abreviation to that be? T.A.R.F.E.P....meh. :rolleyes:

Drip.......drip......drip

Dante gasped for his breath, his arms shaking to hold up his weight, sweat dripping from him.

Painfully he gasped, "I can't do it!"

Demandingly the nurse yelled, "Do it!"

He lowered himself painfully, intensely struggling to lift himself again, clenching his jaw tightly, "Fifffffty."

He collapsed to the ground breathing heavily and passed out.

Perry stared up at the ceiling still, looking at nothing in particular. He winced in pain and spoke more or less to himself although all could hear, "She betrayed him........ She is evil...... She is going to kill us all...... I am going to die....."

C9 continued down the cold damp narrow corridor, her hands sliding along the walls, feeling the dampness and the cold stone beneath them. She shivered again as another cold chill rushed through her. Her lips were trembling and her skin pale as she descended lower and lower.

She heard screaming, faint, but there. The agonizing screaming and moaning of people suffering. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, forcing herself to move forward just another steps.

A blood shattering scream of intense agony sounded. C9 dropped her cigarette, feeling a cold rush flow through her again. All was silent then, too silent.

Five minutes passed and C9 opened her eyes. She was laying on the ground, the cold and ominious feeling still looming far in front of her. She felt her pocket; the vile was still intact. She tried to remember how she got on the ground, but she could not. The screaming she heard, was it all just in her head? She shivered as she stood up.

No longer feeling bold or confident, she looked up to the ceiling and spoke clearly, "Red Queen, status on current postion."

She waited a few minutes, growing impatient and shivering. The dark aura that seemed to loom farther down the corridor seemed to be moving closer, becoming even more ominious. Impatiently she spoke a second time, "Red Queen, status on current position. Now!"

Again, silence. Feeling the darkness move closer, too close for her comfort she took a few steps backward staring down the dark corridor, feeling as if some force were heading her way. Fear enveloped her. Horrified she screamed, "Red Queen! NOW! What that hell is that? RED QUEEN!"

No response was made, but the intense fear within her continued. She stepped back some more, staring into the darkness, expecting something to leap out in and seize her. Trembling she stepped back some more. Her back pressed against the corridor wall. She felt the cold dampness seep in through her jacket and shirt. The feeling startled her as she let out a blood curdling scream; one which probably anyone within the mansion could have heard.

Erzsebet heard the scream clearly. Judging from both its direction and its tonal characteristics, it was probably the voice of C9. Erzsebet inwardly laughed, sadistically, satisfied. The fact that C9 had a vial of some horrible chemical weapon worried her. Perry's pitiful form on the ground moved her, so she called General Farkas to have him send a team of medics instead of the flamethrower, which now would do no good. They arrived shortly, and carried Perry out of the hall on a stretcher.

After this, Erzsebet walked out of the building. She called her fleet, and said one word... "Helvete." This was the code word for the planned operation to commence. By the time she arrived back on Varghona, the fleet was preparing to sail.

Richard arrived at the mansion with high hopes that this could be the day he met with DFD and began talks of an alliance.

Upon arrival to this enormous compound that could be called anything but a 'mansion,' Richard immediately asked for an audience with DerFuhrer.

"Im sorry sir, she has departed and will not return for some time. Would you like a room?"

"Yes, I will need a room for the night, I may decide to stay for a while longer; but need a night to think on my situation. Thank you"

As Richard moved into this tremendous compound, he couldnt help but smile a bit.. 'so THIS is what you can get with a little bit of stability.'

After settling in the suite provided him and realizing that he had very little to do, he decided to take a stroll around the area and learn about his surroundings.

Sighting the mansion off in the distance, Darla activated the air quality sensors. Regional enviornmental officials have detected strong odors eminating from this area. Test wells just west of the massive grounds have detected high concentrations of solvents and PCBs. And geiger stations just four miles further recorded sparadic radioactive plumes recording levels ten times normal.

She slowed the GH400 to a crawl, then to a stop just outside two massive gates. Awaiting orders from Interpol, Darla begin to think about her last mission. Though relieved her project was finished after eight months of investigation and intelligence gathering, Darla had grown close to one young man whose aspirations was to actually lead the nazi cell he just was a figurehead of.

Sighing heavily, Darla tried to block out the sight of a 19 year old British White Nationalist. But his features reverberated back into her mind.

Just then a fatigued-clad figure began rapping on her window.

The soldiers surrounding the mansion took note of the GH400 and one Magyar-1 tank was dispatched to check to see who it was. This particular tank was almost black, so dark was its grey paint. Its commander peered out from atop the turret. Its sides were emblazened with several runic messages, that probably no one but a Callisdrunian could read. However, in addition to the standard oak tree emblem, it carried a universal symbol: the hammer and sickle. The crew of this particular tank was made up of members of the Callisdrunian Communist Party. All the writing was within bounds of military restrictions on "vehicle personalization."

A lone infantrywoman, who had been riding on the tank, hopped down after the Magyar-1 stopped, right in front of the GH400. She strode up to the driver-side window, her long black hair glistening in the moonlight. "Who goes there?" she asked classically, her accent coming through slightly.

The sound of the motion outside easily was heard within the mansion. Within this desolate wasteland, sound traveled easily. The slightest patter of a mouse's foot could even be heard if one listened closely in the day; at night......no one dared to make a sound, for sound traveled clear and loudly.

The breeze blew in, slightly chilly and ominious. The sound of the lapping of the ocean began to pick up; the lapping becoming crashing of waves which seemed only to become larger, pulling heavier. Within the distance, dark ominious clouds were rolling in. A storm was coming; heavy and furious; fast and fearless.

Noskalenaeuroph left the large dining hall and entered the foyer again after being informed that another guest has arrived. Heading to the guest's room, he knocked lightly, just barely loud enough for someone inside to hear. After a few moments of silence from the room, he knocked slightly louder. Again, nothing.

He turned the knob, and much to his surprise the door was unlocked. He peeked inside calling out, without an answer. Curious, he looked through the room, peering here and there for the guest of inquiry. He looked about the room, nothing out of the ordinary seemed to be visible from his perspective. He next headed to the large bathroom. He knocked again, and without a response moments later, he slid in to if the guest was there. Finding the guest no where within the room, he slid back out, wondering just where to look for him.

He began to walk down the corridor, quietly and deep in thought.

As Richard roamed the halls of this one massive building, he began to get bored. Being the adventurous type and thinking that there would be things of interest on his way, getting lost wasnt his perogative. Going down a wide hall he came upon a man strolling down the corridor.

"Hello good sir; I was wondering if you could direct me back to my room, I just arrived earlier and thought I would go for a stroll. It seems that I have gone and got myself lost though. My sense of direction is usually excellent, but this building is massive."

The man muttered something incomprehensible while continuing to stroll past looking as if in a bit of a hurry. But, as if he had been poked, he halted abruptly.

"You wouldnt happen to be Richard would you? I was just looking for you, my name is Noskalenaeuroph, but most just call me Nos."

"Its nice to meet you Nos, I am indeed Richard."

Noskalenaeuroph smiled.....his job had become much easier now that he had found Richard.

Businesslike Nos spoke clearly, "Richard, you are new here, correct?" After receiving an affirmative nod of the head, he continued, "Do you mind helping me with something? You see, I am not on good terms with a said person, and I was kind of hoping you would go and bring them back here for me. If someone new to her finds her, she will be more willing to accompany them then she will someone like me. I kind of pissed her off earlier here...."

He trailed off remembering his previous drunkeness and beating from Mathias. He grimaced, as if feeling Mathias's fist connecting with his fact again.

Richard has never liked trusting people he doesnt know, but he decides to go out on a limb for this man; after all, making friends in DerFuhrer Dyszel's household is a good idea.

"Yes, I will accompany you till we get to where your 'friend' is supposed to be; but you should know that you will owe me a small favor in return."

Nos looked inward thoughtfully for a second before replying, "Yes, but I always have the option of saying no if the favor looks inappropriate."

"Alright then Nos, lead the way, but if anything amiss happens to me, myself, or I; the peoples who know back in Adyndril will be recieving this message by satellite from the recorder I have here in my pocket. You will be hunted down and killed. I have nothing against you, but I am a careful man."

Nos, instead of being upset at the news, seemed pleased at the ingenuity.

And so they were off, to meet this unknown.

General Istvan Farkas and his officers remained waiting at the table after Nos had left, waiting for someone to discuss strategy and tactics with them. Istvan grew concerned. His unit was a disciplined group, but soldiers could get unruly if they didn't have anything to do for too long.

The oncoming storm did not concern either the men and women on the ships or those surrounding the mansion. Indeed, it made it seem more like home to them.

Nosklenaeuroph led Richard to the labratory; after making a few wrong turns and having to retrace their steps a few times, they finally reached the labatory. The only one there was Katalyst, whe was sitting outside the base.

Nos clearly spoke to her, "Hello Miss Katalyst. I assume you are waiting for her?"

Katalyst angerliy nodded, despising C9.

"Well then, I will leave Richard, this is Richard here," she said pointing to him, "to you. Keep him entertained while you both wait. And as for C9 I want her brought back here unscathed, if possible, please."

With that said, he turned around, heading back to his previous engagements.

The storm rumbled in closer to Stadt, dark black clouds stretching along the coast, dark thick and heavy clouds. The ocean waves became stronger, crashing alongside the ocean with a furiousity unseen in Stadt for ages.

Within the mansion, Nos reached the foyer, stopping before the large doors outside, listening to the storm coming closer. To himself, he muttered, "Shit, Inferno is out there somewhere." Instead of heading to dining hall, he ran up the grand staircase running toward a destinationi unknown. He called out loudly, "Flex! Flex! Where are you?"

After a few minutes of running and calling, Nos stopped at the beginning of a corridor. At the end, stood a figure, clad in a long blood red cloak. Intrinsic gold designs lined the cloak, as a hood completely covered the figure's face. The figure appeared to be hunched over, a hump of a back. He walked toward Nos slowly as Nos took in a deep breath, fear filling him. Slowly he spoke, "Flex, I need your help."

The figure nodded, confirming it would assist Nos. Nos opened the front door, taking notice to the tanks surrounding the place. "Shit! How the hell are we going to slip past those," he cursed aloud.

Flex grasped his shoulder and pulled him back, closing the door. Leading the way, he guided Nos to the top of the mansion. Nos looked down, in fear as the tanks on the ground looked so small from their current heighth. The darkness of the sky hindered their visibilty. Nos was transfixed in astonishment at the heighth, oblivious to Flex, who had removed his cloak. Flex shoved his heavy cloak into the arms of Nos, who stumbled from the thrust. Before he could turn to face Flex, they were plummitting toward the ground.

"Shit," Nos mouthed as the fell fast. But the jolt of ceasation of falling stirred him again. Soon, they were watching the town pass below them as they headed toward the coast. Ships were preparing to leave in the distance, and Nos thought of Inferno, his old friend. He heard the sound of a massive beating of wings, and he knew that Flex had really been what he was said to be.

Approaching the ships, Flex gave orders, "I am going to drop you. Find Inferno, I will be there in a few minutes. I cannot be seen. Do not look at me once I release you." Over the ship in which Inferno was carried to, he released Nos, grabbed his cloak from Nos out of midair, as he continued to fly away from the ship.

Nos followed his orders, and mumbled a final "shit" as he hit the deck of the ship with a thud. He knew he did not have much time left, so he made haste in standing up and getting a move on it. His only thoughts were on Inferno and The Red Queen protocal; for he too heard the orders of DFD.

OOC:
This post is going to be done through my nation because I am too lazy to log onto two different nations and make five seperate posts between the two nations, so everything will be done through this nation. Be aware though the different scenes.


IC:
Within Mahanoy a little girl sat in a rather large chair for her size. He raven black hair shined in the bright light of Mahanoy sun. She wore a light dress, black in color. Her skin was very pale, showing she had not been out in the sun much. Her eyes were deep and mysterious. She laughed as she gave the order into a handheld phone, it's line secure. "Initiate operation White Tiger," she demanded, giggling and hanging up the phone when the the order was confirmed.


Within The Dictatorship, the skys became such an intense black, impossible to see through, as they heavy dark clouds hung low rolling in fast. They reached the shore. Thunder rumbled, flashes if intense lighting lit up the sky, striking the ocean in the distance. Rain had yet to unleash on The Dictatorship.

The thunder became louder, reverberating through The Dictatorship and especially Stadt with a furious intensity.


The pilot, in one quick command, ordered over their network, "White Tiger" Within moments later a V line of nine Blackbirds descended through the clouds, hidden by the darkness of the clouds. Their movements were visible if one looked close enough, for nine speeding Blackbirds really were not that hard to see.....maybe to identify precisely, but not to see the movements as they stirred the rolling black clouds.

The lead pilot, racing toward the city, the rest in persuit, spoke one quick command again, "benedicali."

When the man (Nos) hit the deck, several enlisted men and women ran over to him, very confused. They looked up into the sky, to see where he could possibly have come from, however, all tbey could see, besides the blackbirds that had suddenly appeared, which could obviously not be what had dropped him, was a shape in the distance, which they assumed to be some sea bird, probably a large pelican. A couple of them helped the man up while babbling away in Callisdrunian.

Meanwhile, Erzsebet had assumed the bridge. "Radio Andersen that we're ready to leave," she commanded. Within a couple minutes, they got a reply that ordered all fleets to move out. Out the window she could see the battleships of Andersen's fleet moving out. She went over the intercom "All right sailors, we're moving out, I'll tell you the mission once we're in the open sea. The storm shouldn't be much of a problem, it should remind you of home. No more waiting around, let's get moving."

Speaking to the helmsman, she said simply, "all ahead three quarters." She could see what would be her new flagship out the window, the Ithtyr. It had come with the battle fleet, but like the other new battle cruisers, it was joining First Cruiser Squadron. It certainly was larger than the 70 year old Varghona, and was already painted black, as Erzsebet had specified. It had practically been designed for her.

On board the battleship Telemark Captain Knut Tveitan made a similar little address to the crew as his friend Erzsebet had on her ship. "All ahead full," he said to the helmswoman. The battleship was far slower, but way better armored than its battle cruiser contemporaries.

Richard saw something he didnt like in Katalyst's eyes when C9 was mentioned, 'at least I know who we are waiting for now,' he thought with anticipation.

Richard was a man who moved with the grace of death itself, and most people simply scattered in front of him; but for some reason, all of the people he had met since reaching the mansion have had little fear of him.. which wasnt a bad thing at all, he liked to be underestimated. Though, maybe that was because he had kept his sword hidden. It was a primitive weapon, but something he could use with devastating effectiveness in close quarters combat. He dearly wished he had it now.

While waiting for this C9, Richard tried to find a distraction; he rarely was bored and didnt like being indoors for too long, 'I might have to explore the grounds after meeting this C9 and bringing her.. is it a he or a her?.. I suppose ill find out.."

Then, he took a look outside and saw something he didnt like.

After being helped up by a man speaking a language he barely knew anything of, he tried to walk. His leg hurt from the fall; perhaps he had fractured a bone. He winced, but forgot about the pain as he trained to do on the battlefield.

Speaking to the man who helped him up, he ordered to be taken to Erzsebet. "Sir, I need you to take me to a Miss Sorvik; Erzsebet I believe it was. It is really important that I see her."

His eyes pleaded with the men; as he looked out and saw the ships were moving away from The Dictatorship, farther and farther away.


In the meantime, Flex landed in the ocean as the sudden appearence of the Blackbirds caused him to take refuge in the only place he was capable of doing so. He doned his cloak, despite the fact that the extreme heaviness of the wet material caused him to struggle to stay afloat. The ships were moving closer in his direction, but the intensity of the waves prevented him from trying to get away. A large waved formed, crashing down on Flex, psuhing him under. He struggled to reach the surface, using his massive wet wings to try and thrust him upward. He could barely reach the surface due to the weight of the cloak and the additional weight his soaked wings brought. His hand broke the surface following his head, the ships moving closer in his direction. The under current pulled harder, and as he felt himself being pulled under a second time, he muttered a prayer that was drowned by the water. He frail form lost consciousness, as the strong waves knocked him about like a rag doll, his cloaked figure bobbing up and down in the waves like a piece of drift wood......a rather blood red large piece of driftwood.

The leader of the Blackbirds noticed that an object plummitted into the ocean; assuming it was a a large bird, they thought nothing more of it. They also noticed that a fleet was moving out and that the mansion in the distance and the city was filled with tanks. They recorded the exact positions of everything within the city and on the sea. In one quick manuever they transmitted over their network.

White Tiger......Sparrows southward.....Jackels surrounding prey......Jackels in the jungle.....

C9 stumbled back up the stairs and noticed oddly that the door had not been locked down that she exitted from. She slipped back into the lab, falling to her trembling knees, the dark aura seemed to follow her down the corridor.

Panicked, she begged in a loud cry, "Red Queen, please save me! Open those doors!"

The doors immediately opened with a rather loud rumble. C9, unable to stand, crawled along the floor. She saw Katalyst sitting outside the doors and took notice to a new man standing with them.....she thought perhaps it was Perry, but it could not have been, Perry was too injured to stand like he did.

She reached the doors, barely able to make it. Half way out she collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily, the floor cold against her perspiration soaked skin.

In the mean time, within the safety and security of European Free States, Dante was finishing his physical therapy. After some mild corrective surgery to fix some of his withered structures, he was back on his feet. He was capable of walking now, although with the use of crutches to aid him in far distances.

He took to morning and night walks. Walking around the large yard that the nurse had. During his walks, he gained a rather passive mien. The serenity of nature calmed him, as he became rather found of listening to the sounds of nature. He slowly became aware of nature's call.....the shifts in the behavior of nature that premensced events. The calls of birds when a storm was going to hit; the shifting of the winds, the dampness of the air; subtle things that others barely noticed.

He continued strength building; incapable of lifting a coffee mug weeks ago, pushed him to continue and continue until he regained what he thought was the full mobility he had before he was unconscious in the coma.

Dante began his morning walk. The sun was rising and he felt the soft grass beneath his bare feet. He was just in pajama pants, as he knew that no one would be in the area to see him. The walk, about a half hour, drained him of his energy. When he entered he barely noted that breakfast was made, and the nurse was sitting at the table, ready to greet him. He sat down, his vision blurring, as the nurse came over worried.

"Sweetie, here, drink this," she offered as she leaned his head back and tipped a glass of ice water she had been drinking. Dante drank without fusing; he knew better not to argue with her and to accept her generous hospitality.

After a few moments passed, he regained vision and the ability to stand, although he shook as he tried to stand. She escorted him to the table and they began a hearty breakfast of eggs, ham, biscuits and gravy, and orange juice.

The Man who had helped him up was not fluent in English (otherwise he would have been an officer). So he summoned another enlisted sailor, who did speak English. "What is your business with our admiral?" she said, eyeing Nos cautiously. Nos said something about a Red Queen and some sort of protocol and incineration, so they collectively decided that it was probably something important. Soon, some Bersekers (marines) showed up and they escorted Nos to the bridge, weapons out. They would not tolerate any funny business. Nos seemed too genuinely concerned to be any trouble, but it didn't hurt to be too careful. The whole thing took about 5-10 minutes.

When they got there, they didn't bother going through the chain of command as was standard practice. Rear-Admiral Erzsebet Sorvik, or Erzsy, as their commander was sometimes affectionately known, had instructed them to bypass the chain of command if it was something very important. The man that had dropped on their deck (Nos), had, after all, used the word "incineration" so they decided it was probably important. Two Berskerkers excorted the man through the door and in front of Erzsebet.

Erzsebet was sitting, looking very small in the ornate commander's chair, crosslegged, appearing to be pondering something. She looked rather like some sort of mystic, actually, with her trenchcoat draped around her like a blanket. Looking up, she quietly exlaimed "Noskalenaeuroph?!" Cursing in her native tongue out of confusion, she then asked "What the hell are you doing here? How and why are you on my ship?"

By Katalyst's reaction to this new face; Richard knew immediately that it was C9. Katalyst had the same look on her face that she did when the name was first mentioned without a touch of concern for this poor being crawling on the floor. There were a few tense moments before Richard decided to break the ice.

"Do you need any help?" he asked with genuine concern spreading on his face.

"Perry?" She mumbled in confusion. It was obvious she was delusional.. from what was a mystery.

Richard helped this attractive woman stand, but it was quite the effort. She was more like a sack of potatoes than a human, 'I wonder what would have this effect? Some sort of drug it would seem..'

"Madam," he said, not wanting her to know he knew anything at all about her yet, "have you had anything to eat or drink in the last couple of hours? I believe you have been poisoned, though I may be wrong."

"No," she said quickly, a bit too quickly for Richard to believe it was truth, but he let it drop.

"OK," he said, choosing not to admit he was sent by a man who may or may not be her enemy, "we had best go and find you a bed to rest in."

Then she took the time to really take a look at Katalyst, and the same look of hatred shared between the both of them nearly took his breath away. He was then glad that he hadnt mentioned Nos and his task. Richard picked C9 up without introductions, and hastened to find her a place to recover.

Noskalenaeuroph winced at her exclamation, remembering his not so polite introduction before, after his brutal beating by Mathias. Standing at attention, despite the pain in his leg, he slowly and calmly, as if being a completely different man that what she had met at the party, he spoke, "I am begging you.....stop these ships right now! The Red Queen is under protocal. I heard Der Fuhrer make the command. I remember what it means and it's not good. No one can enter any secure area within The Dictatorship without aurthorization and no one can leave the nation at all, unless of course you are a superior Reich member and have access to The Red Queen commands. The protocal states that anyone or anything entering secure areas or leaving the nation will be eradicated; more then likely by her primary weapon system. I'm begging you, stop your ships now! You're going to die if you leave here!"

To himself, quietly and sadly, but clearly audible by Erzsebet due to her exceptional hearing, he whispered, "I don't want her to die......"

Erzsebet raised an eyebrow. She then said, sharply, to Katarina, who was present on the bridge "Get me Grand Admiral Andersen on the phone, now!"

"Sir, there's a man on board my ship, I don't know how he got here, he has yet to explain that, but that's not the point. He says that the Red Queen, which is some automated weapons system, I suspect of significant power, will 'eradicate' us if we leave the dictatorship. Yes, that's right. I don't know how, apparently it's powerful enough to do so. Yes, I'll see. Hold on."

Turning back to Nos, she said "And how would Red Queen go about this eradicating business? If the issue really is as important as it sounds, make it short."

Turning to the helm, she said "Decrease speed to one half." After saying this, she looked back inquisitively at Nos.

C9 glared at Katalyst, but felt to weak to move on her own. She felt the dark aura emminate from within the lab and she quickly spoke with a panick, "Quickly! Get out of here! Red Queen! CLOSE THOSE DOORS NOW!"

With that said, the massive doors closed with the same rumble in which they opened with.

Stammering he spoke quickly, trying to think of the quickest way to put this, "COSP G1 more then likey. A program used for selective destruction. It was employed against our own nations a long time ago, so it is proven to be a rather very efficient and effective weapon. It can take out entire cities and even nations.....please don't hesitate! This is not something to screw with! The Red Queen was designed by Der Fuhrer; Inferno modified it.....it's a terrible weapon of destruction."

Erzsebet listened attentively, and then repeated what Nos had said to Andersen. She then asked "Shall I order my squadron to stop, sir? All right. My apologies sir, I was not aware of the problem before we departed. Over and out." She then turned to the other officers on the bridge. "Have the squadron stop. Helm, all stop."

As the ship decreased in speed, ever so slowly, but surely, Erzsebet eyed Nos with an ambivalent look. "Thanks for keeping us from getting killed, but I wish you had told me a lot sooner so I didn't have to embarass myself talking to my boss. I may answer only to the King on issues of foreign policy and diplomacy, but that is not the case with military operations."

"Sorry Miss Sorvik, my apologies. I was not aware of your intentions to leave until you were already gone. I was barely lucky enough to actually make it here......."

Nos traveled off, remembering Flex. He thought to himself, "Shit! Where is he? He was going to help......."

His worry was evident through his facial features, as he tried to think of what was taking him so long. Nothing seemed to explain his hestitation. He knew that Flex did not want to be seen in that form, without being cloaked, but it was taking far too long to put on a cloak.

Richard gingerly carried C9 around the maze of hallways with Katalyst's help; working his way to the medical wing. His mind was slowly developing a map that he knew would be useful in the future. Finally reaching a place where he could find some help for this striking woman, he suspected that Katalyst had taken him the long way, but he said nothing.. only made a mental note to find out exactly why these two were at odds.

Before leaving the room where she would be staying till she made a full recovery, Richard turned back and took a good look at this woman.

"I think I may have forgotten to tell you, my name is Richard."

After he gently laid her on a cot there, awaiting to be seen by a nurse or doctor, she turned to him, listening to his introduction.

Softly and weakly she spoke, "Hello Richard. I am Lady Bortniansky, but please call me C9. I do not want my name associated with that vile pedophile anymore. He raped my little sister you know. She was only 15....."

She trailed off, as if remembering what had happened. She spoke slowly again, "I thought you were Perry......"

Erzsebet sighed slightly. The small group of sailors who were watching from outside still stared, wide eyed. Erzsebet just now noticed them. "You fellows go back to what you were doing. Due to the delay, there'll be a movie tonight." Pointing at the two Bersekers who had escorted Nos in, she said "You two, stay here."

Just then, from outside, someone was heard to say "what's that?" and before anyone knew what was happening, someone had thrown a life preserver on a rope to whoever/whatever it was that they saw struggling in the water.

Nos stood at attention still, confused beyond belief and worried to no extent. He looked into Erzsebet's eyes intently; something deep inside him stirring. Whispering again to what he thought was just himself, "God, she's beautiful," was just barely mouthed by him.

Embarrassed he turned his gaze downward to stare at the floor, but he did not move, for he was not dismissed by this young lady.

"Holy shit! -- What the fu--! Do you want?!" Darla shouted.
She realized she had nodded off momentarily.
Darla looked out the windshield of her GH400. A towering stormy-night colored Magyar-1 was parked less than two feet away. The hulking vehicle, known for quiet engine and fuel efficency, was emblazoned with the markings of the Callisdrunian Communist Party.

"Who goes there?!" replyed an insistent infantrywoman. Her fatigues cut a striking fit to her curvasive body. Darla couldn't help noticing the hammer and sickle emblem atop one breast and the standard oak tree emblem atop the other.

"Um, Darla Environmental! Here are my papers."
Feeling a little at ease, Darla stepped out of the GH400.
The wind just then picked up considerably, sending the long black-haired intantrywomen's hair into Darla's face. "Hmm... Smells like camphor oil."
The black-haired infantrywomen studied the papers. "You are my counterpart from environmental school!" The infantrywoman embraced Darla.

"What the hell are doing here in the realm of Callisdrun? I thought they sent you over the the isles to bust up the neo-nazis!" Darla studied this woman's face intently. She began to slowly remember. "I thought YOU were on the fast track towards emmissions weapons tracking," Darla shouted back, above the howl of the winds. "Why the hell are you driving a Magyar-1 and only standing guard duty out on this windswept God-forsaken place?!"

Just then the radio in the Magyar-1 crackled. The infantrywoman lept up to hatch and silenced it. "I will have to go, Miss Darla. But I see you are upto some good, as usual." As fast as the infantrywoman hopped up the tank, she dropped down with some documents, and handed them to Darla.

"These will get you through our perimeters at all times," the woman said, beaming. "I'm just pulling my duty here before labs. I didn't want my scientific studies interrupted any further."

The two women embraced passionately. "Thanks," said Darla. "Nice to know another is in the wings." She then winked at the budding weapons investigator docent underneath the combat clothing. "I will see you back at school then."

But first Darla had to get into the mansion, and find out about this dreaded weapon of mass destruction dubbed, "The Red Queen."

'Perry?' He thought. Richard had quite the list of names that he wanted to associate with faces, and a bigger list of people he wanted to find more about. Including this beautiful woman, C9.

"Its nice to meet you C9, I hope we can talk another time. You seem like a woman who could interest a man in so many ways," Richard said, immediately regretting being so forward to a woman he barely knew who looked like she would take offence to the indication of attraction.

Instead of looking upset, she was already drifting off to sleep, albeit with a small smile on her face, as soon as the doctor stepped in.

"She may have ingested poison, or a drug of some kind; take care of her doctor."

And so he left, off to find out more about C9, and find another adventure so that he could learn more about The Dictatorship and its peoples. But first to get his sword and make a call to Adyndril..

"Um... thank you" said Erzsebet. To break the moment of awkwardness, she asked "When will we be able to proceed?"

Meanwhile, the crew hauled someone, or something in out of the water. He/it was gripping the life preserver, but he was fairly large, so it had taken several of them to drag him/it in. The poor crewmembers, already confused by the sudden appearence of Nos, were further befuddled by this strange person. No matter, they thought, so they put him on a stretcher and carried him down to med-bay, where several nurses got the water out of his lungs. After doing so, they put him in one of the beds to recover from his ordeal, though still no one knew what to make of him.

OOC: Good Children, could we discuss this... interesting... twist... through IM? My screen name is BassistSartori

The doctor looked down on C9. She was instantly recognized. "What the fuc.... No way in hell. What is she doing here," he asked himself.

Taking off her uniform jacket and placing it aside of her, he noticed that she had been sweating heavily. She had a temperature no doubt, higher then the norm. Her heart beat was too fast, and her breathing irregular.

He retrieved other doctors for additional help. Blood tests would need to be run. He stayed with C9, monitoring her vitals every few minutes to note any changes, as the other doctors withdrew blood for testing. She was given an IV of saline solution to keep her hydrated.

The doctor felt his head spin a bit. His vision seemed to momentarily distort itself. He looked to the now sleeping C9. She suddenly opened her eyes, blood red they were, her lips curled back in evil grin, teeth wicked and sharp gleaming at him. She hissed and snapped at him. He jumped back, and looked to her, but she was just laying there, unmoved, appearing to be sleeping.

After talking to Richard, Kahlan needed to sit down. He infuriated her beyond her own wits and didnt have a clue how much she hated him. His call came right in the middle of an encounter with a good looking man whom she had never bothered to find out the name of, but she masked her flusteredness by pretending that a bomb had been dropped near the palace. Kahlan knew that Richard couldnt leave The Dictatorship thanks to her loyal intelligence service, quickly becoming the best that she had personal knowledge of.

After calming down, Kahlan made the call to have her 'terrorists' drop another bomb near the city just in case Richard tried to verify her facts. She really hated harming the city she would one day rule over, but it was all necessary to distract Richard from her own plans. Her constant sabotage of his air-defense programs must be drawing attention from the Richard himself, perhaps pointing in her direction. Despite her hatred of Richard, she had to admit that he was remarkably curious and good at finding out whatever info he needed. In his quest for information he could be as ruthless as she was. Too trusting by a hair though.

As she gave a knock on her bedroom door, the man reentered, 'now, back to having fun,' she thought with pleasure.

Richard began walking to his room and almost immediately thought he saw Kahlan out of the corner of his eye; she had a knife and it looked like she was killing a copy of himself. Richard took a step back and remembered to blink; doing so seemed to make the image dissipate, but not the feelings it brought, 'I know Kahlan doesnt like me much, but she wouldnt go that far would she?'

After realizing how rediculous he sounded to himself, he then got to another point, the shock being over he came to the logical step of wondering what the hell just happened and why he had a hallucination.

"Damned headache," he said out loud when he got an odd look.
'I guess ill need to give her a call and see how Adyndril is doing, see if I can read anything in her voice,' he thought simultaneously.

Nos, wondering if C9 had heard him with her response, turned bright red, embarrassed that she may have actually heard him. He wondered what the commotion outside was about.....finding someone. Maybe it was Flex? Maybe something is happening? Did a war break out? Random questions raced through his mind.

He still stood at attention though, trying to think of a response to her question.


Meanwhile, below them somewhere within the ship, Flex remained unconscious......inside his head visions of multiple Angelicos and Angelicas surrounding him filled his thoughts. They pointed fingers, condemning him.....blaming him for the attack on Ruth. Cast out of Eyrie by his own kind......condemned for trying to save the woman he was sworen to protect. They had misunderstood the situation, but because of the misunderstandind he was condemned to hide in the shadows of Eyrie and the human realm.

And there was also another storm, dark clouds, an evil man trying to kill him......a heroic white rider.....a gleaming cold castle and comfort.....a beautiful Angelica who made him blush and stirred deeped emotions when she smiled at him.

The memories faded to black as he lay in recovery.

Erzsebet watched Nos closely with her piercing eyes. "Well? Do you have at least a guess at how soon the fleet will be able to depart? It's kind of important. And there's no need to be embarassed about what you said, Nos, I'm flattered." Looking outside to see what all the commotion was, she sent one of her officers. "Leif, see what's going on out there."

In a few minutes he returned. "It appears they've recovered some strange manlike creature from the sea and put him in med-bay. He appears to have wings."

"Oh. Well, that's very strange, but fortunately not too pressing a concern right now. Thank you, Leif."

Nos impatiently shuffled his stance, wanting to turn to this Leif person and ask him where the man was. Nos felt sick suddenly. Was that being Flex that he was talking about? Is Flex alright? Was he going to die?

Nos tried to remain at attention, but found he could not. Stumbling forward, he working his way to chair and sat in it, steadying his head in his hands.

Saddened and worried, he dejectedly responded, "Until they get that protocal down, but only Der Fuhrer can reverse it. Someone's trying to get in touch with her now....."

Nos did not finished, instead, grotesque images of what Flex may have looked like, and in this current condition filled his head.

"Good." Erzsebet spoke simply. "The sooner she gives the ok, the sooner we go, correct?" While waiting for his response, she turned back to Leif. "Leif, what is the condition of the person or thing, whatever, that was recovered from the water?"

Leif was quick to report. "He was drowning when hauled in, but is now unconcious after the nurses got the water out of his lungs. He appears to be stable, though it's hard to tell with such a strange creature."

Erzsebet nodded acknowledgement.

Nos sat up straight. The thought of Flex being alright, if that had been Flex lightened the sickening feeling in his heart. Jumping up without realizing it he blurted out, "Can I see him? It? Whatever?"

Erzsebet, rather surprised by his request, paused in thought for a moment and then said "Yes... as long as you behave yourself." She turned to the two Berserkers "Soldiers, I want you to take this man down to the medbay to see the... person with wings. Make sure he behaves himself."

OOC: out for the night

Noskalenaeuroph was led down the medbay area. Laying in recovery was indeed the form of a man with massive blood red wings, spread awkwardly beneath him. The man appeared to be breathing slowly. He looked at content; at peace with himself within this chaotic world. He had dark hair, the color of his eyes were unknown being they were closed. His skin was paler, with an olive tint to it. He looked so passive and peaceful.

He wondered if this is what Flex really looked like.....it had to be Flex though; he was the only rumored "odd" one in The Dictatorship; not even Nos was suspected of his oddities. Flex was covered with a white blanket; no cloak was visible though. Had Flex lost it in the ocean? Had they removed it to dry? Was this really Flex? Again, more questions filled his head, and it began to spin with confusion.

He spoke to the resting figure, "Flex, is that you? Hey Flex, you with me? Flex? You awake at all? Please answer me."


Nos's voice was perceived as a figment of his imagination to Flex. Flex ceased dreaming, and became aware and conscious of the world around him, although he remained sleeping, perceiving everything said as figments of his imagination.


Nos looked down at Flex and the awkward position of his wings. He slowly struggled to pull the one out from beneath him. Succeeding, he was astonished at the massive size and weight of just one. He noticed also that he had accidently pulled out some of Flex's feathers in his attempts. He ran his hands along the wet feathers, amazed at the wings of Flex. "Why does he hide such beautiful wings?," he asked himself. He folded the wing neatly infront of Flex, and struggled with the other wing, which seemed to be trapped beneath Flex's body.

Finally succeeding in pulling it from beneath Flex, he too examined that wing. The wing seemed to be bent awkwardly.....and upon closer observation he concluded that it may have been broken. Since he was unfamiliar with Flex's kind's body structure, he did not make an direct assertions. Instead, he gently folded that wing as best as possible in front of Flex as well.

When he finished he looked down at Flex, who appeared to very peaceful still. He looked remarkable like a familiar emblem he had seen somewhere.....but where, he could not remember. He also noted that the man's wing span had to been near fifteen feet or more.....they were massive.

He ran his hands over Flex's wings one last time, before leaving. He met the nurse and spoke to her, aware that she may have vaguely understood what he was saying. "Take care of him for me please. He is a good man.....a good friend."

Nos headed back to the bridge with the soldiers accompanying him, making sure he did not do anything absurd. Back inside the bridge, he took a seat again, feeling more relaxed that he knew Flex was safe now, had that been Flex in the first place. He removed his sword and sheath from his back and sat back comfortably.

"Miss Sorvik," she spoke after a few moments of silence. "You wouldn't happen to have Inferno on here by any chance would you?"

"Yes, actually we do. After our mission we're going to take him to Callisdrun to recover." Looking at Nos with slight suspicion, Erzsebet added "Why do you ask?"

As she was saying this, she was also scribbling something on a notebook. She said something, Nos couldn't tell what, as he didn't speak the language, to an aide, and in a few minutes, a tray with crackers and cheese was brought before them.

Meanwhile, on board the battleship Telemark, Captain Knut Tveitan paced back and forth. He didn't like this unexplained delay, it probably meant trouble. He looked out the window to see the battle cruiser squadron ahead in the distance.

Noskanlenaeuroph stood silently for a moment, trying to place the right words. "We need to bring Inferno back to the mansion. Since he may be our last hope of lifting that protocal, we need him back. His is a superior Reich member, and is one of the few who have say with that beast. I hope you understand Miss Sorvik."

Erzsebet was somewhat confused. "But if Dyszel is returning, can't she lift it? And we are still in the dictatorship, so why could he not do whatever needs doing from here?" An aide then asked Nos "What would you like for lunch?" They already knew what Erzsebet wanted. Erzsebet continued "You can bring him back to the mansion, but we really advise that you let us take him to our country to treat his injuries, which I am most regretful of causing."

In the mean time, Flex slowly awoke, the light becoming brigther and brigther. It took him a few moments to make out the image of the ceiling above, as his vision slowly came back to him.

He felt rather warm, and noticed that he was somewhere unfamiliar. Panicking, as a common reaction to whenever he felt threatened, he quickly jumped up. Extending his massive wings he tried to fly, but with one beat of his giant wings he fell forward stricken in absolute pain. He clenched his jaw in pain as he kneeled, hands and and knees on the floor, breathing heavily from the pain. He looked to his wing and saw how bent it was.

A broken wing......this was not good. He thought to himself as he slowly regained the ability to stand. Half naked, clothed only in long white pants, he looked around for his cloak. His wing throbbed, and he did his best to try and comfort it, but he knew would not be able to. He laughed at his luck.....having the ability to cure others, but his own self.

Nos thought for a moment. He debated telling her the full reasons on why he needed Inferno back. He so much wanted to tell her....something inside him just longed to tell her it all, but there was just no way he would be able to explain it all to her in so little time. His thoughts were disrupted when he was asked what he would like for lunch.

Nos was not used to such hospitality. He looked questioningly at Erzsebet and the aide. "Lunch? At this time? Are you crazy?"

Several of the nurses and medics in the room saw what the strange creature was doing, and rushed over to him. They lifted him off the floor (it took several of them, since he was not small) and put him back in bed, being careful about the obviously broken wing. While adjusting his pillows, one of the nurses said, in English, "Don't worry sir, as soon as the doctors have figured out exactly how to do it, they'll see to that wing of yours."

The med bay was probably the cleanest place on the ship. It was spotless, and painted white, also unlike most of the ship, which was light grey on the inside. As the ship hadn't been in battle recently, it was mostly empty. It was fairly warm, much warmer than the rest of the ship, and the rocking of the ship seemed to be like the gentle rocking of a cradle.

Erzsebet was baffled by Nos's reaction at being asked what he wanted for lunch. "Well, yes, as it is lunch time. It's a bit late for breakfast, don't you think? Now just tell the sailor what you want to eat for lunch. I assure the cooks on board are quite good at their job."

Nos eyed her suspeciously, it was dinner time in their nation, although during this time it was custom to eat only light meal rather then a large meal, he felt awkward that they referred to such time of day as lunch.

"I'll take a glass of water if you don't mind please."

He smiled softly, feeling oddly relaxed and at home within this ship of complete strangers.

Flex laid back down, feeling as comfortable as possible with a badly broken wing. He looked to the ceiling again, feeling ashamed at his exposure. His secret was revealed; no longer was he in the shadows of the realm he hid so much from.

He closed his eyes, preventing anyone to read his emotions through his eyes, as it was very simple to do with Flex.

Within European Free States, Dante regained for of his ability to function. He could walk without the aide of crutches for long distances now. His physical ability almost back to it's previous potential.

The nurse was happy at his progress, and taking a bold step, she took him back out into the world. She knew he needed to meet people; he needed people in his life, but she had to be sure they did not find out who he really was.

The aide returned with a tall glass of water, which he handed to Nos, and a small ham sandwich, which he handed to Erzsebet. He also handed her a tall glass of something dark red, with about the consistency of cream. There was little doubt what it was.

Inside the medical bay, doctors and medics examined x-rays of Flex's wing and debated the best way to fix it.

Nos turned from Erzsebet upon seeing the glass filled with a red substance. The smell of it he knew all to well, and he turned his back toward her as he stared off at the wall. He held his glass of water tightly, taking a small sip of it. Trying to regain composure was awefully hard for him, and he winced slightly at the thought of her lips parted drinking from the glass.

Deep within one of the callisdrunian ships Inferno is seen tossing and turning in his pain madication induced sleep. (Not like that has ever happened to him before. Huh DFD?) A nurse is seen cleaning some of the dried blood off of him as he sleeps. she stops cleaning and leans in close to whisper "What is it that troubles you so much you cannot rest even while you sleep?"

As the nurse is leaning in Inferno becomes dead still his eyes burst open startling the nurse. Inferno looks at her and whispers FLEX! just before he passes out again.

Katalyst waits at the door for the doctor to finish the tests they were running on C9. She did not want to let her out of her sights. Katalyst slides down the wall she decided that she needed alittle rest. Katalyst is sleeping for only moments when she wakes and screams

I THOUGHT YOU LOVED ME!!!

realizing what she did, she left the room to get a drink.

In the mean time, Flex awoke from a sleep he absent-mindedly fell into. The soft rocking of the ship, the warmth, it felt too relaxing, and he drifted off without being aware of it.

He was awake now, the pain throbbing from his wing bringing him back to reality. He felt ashamed again. There was no way he could hide his massive wings in here. He tried to desperately to conceal them with the sheets of the bed he had been lying on, but to avail.

He closed his eyes again, trying to think desperately of what was going to happen now.....his exposure in the human realm may bring down all of Eyrie.

Katalyst walks to the kitchen and grabs one of the chilled drinks and takes a large gulp. A second goes by, she makes a face as if she were just punched in the gut. "Whew, that is some strong stuff! I havn't had stuff this strong since I raided Inferno's secret stash in his room." A smile replaces the drink enduced frown on her face.

I love that reckless bastard. But why does he have to always mention those women?AAAAAAAGH

In front of Katalyst is the hanging corpse of Inferno. "NOOOO, but how?" Katalyst falls to the ground holding her head and sobing. She lifts her head and he was not there anymore. "What, where did he go? Oh no, it cant be!" Katalyst jumps up and runs to the medical facility to check on C9.

Few world leaders knew of this particular weapon of unparalleled power.
Fewer still knew that its development would be tucked inside a palatial mansion from the era of chariots and castles. Yet local officials began worrying aloud of the strange odors often realized during overnight hours.

Then were the wild reports of flying men with batwings.
When they were first filed local authorities chalked such to teenagers overdosing on the wild mushrooms that adorned the hillsides nearest the mansion complex. Still for an area largely known for its rural tranquility, these reports raised the spectre of implications which could no longer be ignored.

Darla was told that previous operatives had entered the complex -- yet have not returned contacts. She was proceeding on this mission rather blindly; yet Darla remained intrigued by the record numbers of women having come and gone from this site. This was quite uncommon for the region given mores that largely place women into the realm of exclusive child-rearing; or simply housekeeping for the well-to-do.

She shut off the GH400 and left it with the sense of foreboding she had not felt since she first took on this type of investigational research (seemingly innocous settings that morph into international incidents).

Outside the massive steel doors Darla stood contemplating her next move.

Few world leaders knew of this particular weapon of unparalleled power.
Fewer still knew that its development would be tucked inside a palatial mansion from the era of chariots and castles. Yet local officials began worrying aloud of the strange odors often realized during overnight hours.

Then were the wild reports of flying men with batwings.
When they were first filed local authorities chalked such to teenagers overdosing on the wild mushrooms that adorned the hillsides nearest the mansion complex. Still for an area largely known for its rural tranquility, these reports raised the spectre of implications which could no longer be ignored.

Darla was told that previous operatives had entered the complex -- yet have not returned contacts. She was proceeding on this mission rather blindly; yet Darla remained intrigued by the record numbers of women having come and gone from this site. This was quite uncommon for the region given mores that largely place women into the realm of exclusive child-rearing; or simply housekeeping for the well-to-do.

She shut off the GH400 and left it with the sense of foreboding she had not felt since she first took on this type of investigational research (seemingly innocous settings that morph into international incidents).

Outside the massive steel doors Darla stood contemplating her next move.



OOC FOR MODIFICATIONS:

Yet local officials began worrying aloud of the strange odors often realized during overnight hours.

If you are referring to C9's chemical theft, it is an odorless chemical. Thus, C9 does not realize she is slowly being poisioned to death. Furthermore, the chemicals of Mathias's lab are heavily secure, and therefore impossible to isolate, hence his lab went unnoticed for so long.

Now, if by chance you are referring to a definate XGN chemical, released a hell of a long time ago, then that might be acceptable, but you would have had to read the entire thread to know about that; plus, the side thread known as Memiors. Being that few known and have read Memiors, that is not probable.



Then were the wild reports of flying men with batwings.

Again, not probable. Very few actually knew of Flex's existence in The Reich. Moreover, furious storm.....dark, low, rolling clouds.....not probable for anyone to have seen his initial flight. Furthermore, the only ones who know of Flex's appearence are those on Erzsebet's ship. Since few know English well, and no one outside Callisdrun understands their language, there is no way anyone outside the ship can know of his appearence. Unless, of course, a pawn was on his ship, but then, Callisdrun would offer the reasons why that can not have been possible.



When they were first filed local authorities chalked such to teenagers overdosing on the wild mushrooms that adorned the hillsides nearest the mansion complex. Still for an area largely known for its rural tranquility

Well, everyone knows that those teenagers within the nation are only there because they are soldiers. Everyone in my nation are soldiers, or else, they get the boot. Mathias removed all civilians way back in the old days, and since the nation has never been cleared for reacceptance of them, there are no civilians. Since Dictatorship military is very strick, it is not probable anyone is volunteering doing drugs.

As for tranquil..............enough said. The Dictatorship and tranquil cannot even be put in the same sentence.



Darla was told that previous operatives had entered the complex

Unless her information is completely wrong, that is not possible. Besides have to slip past Callisdrun's tanks which surround the mansion, you need to get past the foyer, which is heavily guarded. There is no chance in hell that anyone other then superior Reich members can enter the mansion without being seen. That mansion has so many guards watching it because it is one of the few enterences to The Depths of Hell; and there is no way in hell an enterence into The Depths of Hell is not heavily guarded. Furthermore, Red Queen Protocal......says a lot.



This was quite uncommon for the region given mores that largely place women into the realm of exclusive child-rearing; or simply housekeeping for the well-to-do.

Whoa.......saying a lot there. The Dictatorship.....women child-rearing.....you are kidding, right? Most of my women are high officials in the military or government. Men are more likely to take care of children. The few children we have in The Dictatorship are cared for by the men. And housekeeping.......what houses? This is war.....a giant battlefield, keeping a house in shape is the least of our concerns.

Deep in the operations headquarters of Ultimate_apocalypseIII a man is seen hurridly walking after a much stronger looking man the type of person that has seen more war then any person should and his emotional state shows the same. They are seen entering a room the small man with a palmpilot is heard saying "Sir there were a number of people arrested for stealing from a local store. What do you want to be done with them?"

The battle worn man with an emotionless face says "Torture them, then kill them and their families!" The small man has a shocked look on his face. "Bbbbut Khaos sir? they di..." Still without emotion. "You dare question my orders?" with a sigh "No sir." the man is heard giving the final orders that will kill about 20 some people.

Khaos walks by as a few of the poeple are lined up then shot. He lets out a slight laugh and then continues on his way.

Nos turned from Erzsebet upon seeing the glass filled with a red substance. The smell of it he knew all to well, and he turned his back toward her as he stared off at the wall. He held his glass of water tightly, taking a small sip of it. Trying to regain composure was awefully hard for him, and he winced slightly at the thought of her lips parted drinking from the glass.

Erzsebet took small sips from her glass between bites from her sandwich. She could tell she was making him uncomfortable. She took another sip and asked again "So, why exactly, do you need him back? Can't he do whatever he needs to do from here? And how do you suppose we're going to bring him back, assuming we actually will?" She waited patiently for him to turn around.

In the mean time, Flex awoke from a sleep he absent-mindedly fell into. The soft rocking of the ship, the warmth, it felt too relaxing, and he drifted off without being aware of it.

He was awake now, the pain throbbing from his wing bringing him back to reality. He felt ashamed again. There was no way he could hide his massive wings in here. He tried to desperately to conceal them with the sheets of the bed he had been lying on, but to avail.

He closed his eyes again, trying to think desperately of what was going to happen now.....his exposure in the human realm may bring down all of Eyrie.


In a couple ours, the doctors had figured out from x-rays of the man/creature's (Flex's) other wing how it was supposed to go. Once they knew what they were doing, they went quite quickly, euthanising him so he would not feel the surgery. They carefully set the broken bones back into place and stitched closed his wing. Then they braced with a specially made splint it so that it would not be damaged while it healed. Before the euthanasia wore off, they had adjusted the wing's position so that he would not be in pain when he woke up. The entire operation took less than an hour, and the ship's doctors considred themselves to have worked at a moderate pace. Battle cruiser medical crew had to be good, for more were wounded on such ships than any others in the navy.

Nos turned partially to his side, barely facing Erzsebet to talk to her. He slowly began, "Miss Sorvik, I am afraid I cannot reveal that information. His presence is needed back within the mansion. There is not much more I can discuss upon the matter."

He turned his back to her again, "I am sure I can arrange his flight if need be. Mathias's mansion is not far from here, and I know there can be found a small fleet of air crafts, helicopters included, there."

Within the next hour, Flex slowly stirred away, feeling oddly tired and drained of energy. He groaned as he tried with no avail to roll onto his side. Sliding off the bed, he slowly tried to walk from the room, but his lack of energy distorted his senses.

While she was in his field of view, Erzsebet sipped from her glass in a very slow, almost seductive way. When he turned his back to her again, she said his name in a very calm voice, adding "When we talk, I'd appreciate it if you would look at me." Not giving him a chance to respond to that comment yet, she continued "I'm afraid I cannot allow him to be transported unless I know the actual reason why. Even if it is classified information. If you want, I can send everyone else on the bridge who understands English away while you tell me. I can't just let people take greviously wounded to who knows without purpose. If when I get back, and my superior asks me a question, the answer I give had better not be 'I don't know.' All I need is a good solid, factual justification for taking this man, Inferno off the ship. If you can provide me with that, I'll let you take him. In fact, we'll even transport him ourselves."

She continued drinkng from her glass. Sipping really, quite slowly.

The very moment Darla was to enter what she thought was the mansion foyer, her pager vibrated intensely, almost to the point of losing her balance -- placed as it was in her hip pocket.

"Damn -- EIA calling. What the hell do they want!"
She steps back from the entryway. Darla then is speaking on her wireless.
"What is up? I was just about ready to enter the mansion."
The male voice from EIA replied, "Abort mission immediately. Abort mission immediately." At this turn of events, Darla begins shaking in a rage.

"Whatever for?! You guys sent me out here. What is REALLY going on here?"
"Abort mission immediately. Get into your vehicle and leave the mansion complex," the male voice said. "We need to talk without prying ears."

Darla rips off her pager and throws it at her GH400. Knowing however that maybe some new information has arisen troubling enough to affect her mission, she retreats to her car. Driving outside of the grounds and then three miles south, Darla pulls into a hollow hidden from the road, which she had detected via the GH400's on-board lateral depth topographer.

Darla beeps into EIA's Alert Centre. "Okay what the hell is going on?"

The male voice still unidentified to Darla responds. "Now that you are safely out of range, we wanted to tell you that you were about to be set up for a fall -- erroneous information on a scale heretofore unfathomable in this agency."

"Oh, you mean like on the scale of the GWB era?" Darla said.
"No", said the bass-level voice. "That was outright deception to support a policy. What is happening here is that our intelligence division has failed to comprehend the very situation you were entering into. Certainly the Red Queen is a WMD. But nearly everything else of your understanding of the situation is grossly incorrect."

"Oh-kaaay," she sighed. "Tell me just what is wrong here."
"For starters, the supposed environmental hazards / odors supposedly emminating from the mansion complex have never been monitored conclusively. Indeed, any noxious smells could simply be explained by sea breezes picking up decomposing algenic blooms colliding with upper level downdrafts, producing atmospheric conditions unusual for the area. They are not easily monitored, but such currents have been implicated in a few air disasters in similar locales."

"That wouldn't even warrant investigation!" Darla fumed. "My documents say something about a *XGN chemical accumulation*. Is this even remotely related to that?"

"No it isn't. EIA isolated those reports almost a year ago. That subject has been closed," said the male voice; expressively relieved that at least Darla was no longer shouting at him. "And there are other inaccuracies you need to know about. Those reports of "batwinged men flying about" the region. They are simply untrue. And I know you have probably been wondering why there are so few people on the roads in this region; and the ones you do see are in uniforms. This is a closed military zone and has been for sometime."

"So no chance of halluscigenic teens frolicking on area hillsides, high on mushrooms, right?" Darla clearly perturbed, yet relieved to be away from that creepy mansion complex, spoke now sardonically into her wireless.

"That is correct. No such reports have been substantiated. Indeed, I had to recheck your orders just to see the fantastic claims mission portended. I'm sorry Darla Environmental, but this project should have never left the analysis room."

Darla realized that she has parked too long. And she might be in the middle of yet another Callisdrun military maneuver.

Moving away down the rough track, Darla wondered just whom would've set her up for such a fall.

Three hours later and now beyond the Callisdrun zone, nagging doubts about the mission have crept back into Darla's consciousness. She dialed up the EIA Alert Centre as the rough track has yielded to a highspeed expressway.

"Yes Darla?"
"I think I'm clear about everything now and why I needed to abort this mission," she replied. "I just have one unexplained matter. What of the Red Queen and this C9 notation?"

Silence was the reply. Darla states insistently again: "What or who is this C9?"

Nos turned back to Erzsebet. Feeling anger sporadically well inside him, he glared at her. Coldly speaking, a side not common for a man of usual reserve, he began, "Miss Sorvik, you are dealing with The Reich, you better get used to receiving and giving the answer 'I don't know.' This region's intelligence is centered around a few superior members and is well hidden and protected by their lines of communication. I am no more authorized at times then a mere civilian in this region to know information.....it's the way things work here."

Walking toward her again, placing his glass of water down on the table and staring at her harshly, "If you want a reason, tell him the lines of communication are currently insecure. Inferno is needed back to receive information that cannot be received by any other means then person to person."

Feeling offended, he turned from her and went to leave the room with rage beginning to form. The soldiers watching him closely blocked his path, preventing him from leaving.


OOC:
Not sure if they would do that, if not, then just tell me and I will modify it. As for Nos, he is not mad at Erzsebet, more then he is angry with himself.

OOC:
I must say Good Children, that is by far the best cover-up post I have ever seen in this thread. I am rather impressed how you went about doing that post, and I believe, with time, you have great potential in this RP.

Erzsebet hated it when they acted like this. As if for some reason, they couldn't trust her. She didn't mind that he was mad at her, she was used to people being mad at her. But she was only doing her job this time. However, she hid it well, masking her wounded emotions beneath an odd sort of calm. "Thank you Nos," she said, addressing him by his nickname, "That's all I needed." She said it in that kind of forgive-but-not-forget tone, that if one was listening hard enough, one could hear the slightest pang of hurt in. She then looked up at him. "I wish it was as simple as being able to honestly say that I don't know the answer to a question, Nos, but it's not. It's part of my job to know."

Noticing that the guards prevented him from leaving, Erzsebet said "You'll be able to leave in a minute." After sipping her... beverage, she continued. "In diplomatic matters, I am answerable to two entities: King Haakon IX and the citizens of my land. I am expected to know everything relevant that the king knows, and often more, as I am sometimes his source of information. You must understand my concern of course? If some catastrophe happened, and cought us completely out of the blue, it would be my conscience weighed down by the guilt." For some reason, though physically she hadn't changed at all, her appearence was different. Somehow, she now looked quite fragile.

Realizing she had gone way off topic, she spoke quickly. "My apologies for the digression, I will arrange for the transportation of Inferno via helicopter. Should I come along?"

OOC: I know Nos isn't mad at Erzsebet, but she thinks he is.

OOC:
I must say Good Children, that is by far the best cover-up post I have ever seen in this thread. I am rather impressed how you went about doing that post, and I believe, with time, you have great potential in this RP.

Thanks for the complements.
Reading this whole thread just once isn't enough -- Fortunately it makes enthralling reading :)

"What or who is this C9?!"

After repeated requests of a response to her query, Darla realized that more that just a royal screw-up of analysis happened in the EIA Alert Centre. Their silence spoke volumes. Yet she was intrigued that much as she hadn't really understood about this mission, Darla somehow was able to enter a closed military zone -- and begin to enter a complex more elaborate than an old world mansion on a hillside.

"Why was the Callisdrun forces surrounding the grounds?," Darla asked herself. "And were they on guard mode or invasion mode? Obviously somebody wanted me to investigate this matter -- yet how can such a significant project escape scrutiny for so long?"

"The only parts of the EIA dossier that remain unanswered or not debunked were this character embodied in C9; and this "Red Queen" WMD device. Yet there is nothing here but bit references." Darla now spoke aloud: "Why was EIA unwilling to answer my query on C9?"

She realized however that if she was to return to affect any positive outcome, Darla Environmental would have to conduct the investigation herself, without the EIA or even her traditional sources usually able to provide intelligence on the DL.

Boarding the 10:55 flight home, she chose a window seat and buckled in.
"I just hope I'm not too late."

Nos sighed aftering listening to Erzsebet; his shoulders sagging and his demeanor dejected. His mind wondered back through a maze of mishaps and complicated missions.

"I too have to answer to people Miss Sorvik; and it's never easier telling Der Fuhrer I have failed her strict orders. I too have answered 'I don't know' to Mathias many times during the prime of his wrath of vengence. I too have been the independent source of information coming into this region. I am just sworn to secrecy, unable to ever tell a sole about what I have done or have seen. And so here I am telling you this all without you hearing it......my monologue to myself. I want so much to tell you of how I silently slit the throats of national leaders. I want to tell you how I drove my sword into the hearts of many possible threats. I want to you that I covertly entered the highest ranks of Dante's military and took out many of his superior officers and almost him until he woke up and I was forced to flee without being seen. I want to cry as I tell you about the little child I killed to save her of a life of misery in the world I live in. I want you to know that I was ordered to kill you," he thought to himself sadly, masking the intensity of his sorrow with a sigh.

"Understood, Miss Sorvik. You may accompany us if you would like," was all he said.

OOC:
Good Children I am going to bring you back here, to get you involved, unless you really want to leave, but you are aware you cannot cross the national boundaries until the protocal is lifted.



IC:
The silence of The Dictatorship, through the on-coming storm, still prevailed dominately over sound. The sound of the Blackbirds racing above was heard, as well as the plane that Darla had departed on. Receiving word that a plane had left the nation under protocal, the guards in the mansion quickly dispatched an order to the pilot, ordering the plane to return. The informed the pilot that the mansion would play host to all aboard, so long as they returned immediately.

Seeing that the plane quickly advanced the national border, the desperate pleas cried out for the plane to quickly respond and come back. If they left the nation under protocal, they would be destroyed, eradicated from the skies by The Red Queen.

Erzsebet looked down for a moment, as if deep in thought. She did not trust Nos, she did not know him well enough. As a matter of fact, she really couldn't trust anyone in these affairs. Still, it would probably be best to go with them on the helicopter.

"Good. I will accompany you back with Inferno then." She then told an sailor to send word to the medbay that Inferno needed to be ready to be moved in a few hours and resumed eating her lunch. However, she could not eat for long, she felt like she was missing something important.

"Are you all right Nos?" Erzsebet asked, calling him by his nickname, as she supposed she would from now on, as it was easier. "It seems there is something troubling you. Are you angry with me? I'm not trying to be a bitch, I'm just doing my job. If there's something more than my anal retentiveness bothering you, you can tell me."

The silence of The Dictatorship, through the on-coming storm, still prevailed dominately over sound. The sound of the Blackbirds racing above was heard, as well as the plane that Darla had departed on. Receiving word that a plane had left the nation under protocal, the guards in the mansion quickly dispatched an order to the pilot, ordering the plane to return. The informed the pilot that the mansion would play host to all aboard, so long as they returned immediately.

Seeing that the plane quickly advanced the national border, the desperate pleas cried out for the plane to quickly respond and come back. If they left the nation under protocal, they would be destroyed, eradicated from the skies by The Red Queen.

"Well that is the answer I was looking for," Darla said to herself. Getting up out of her seat and walking to the flight deck, she summoned the pilots. "You are turning this flight around, right?"

"Yes maam! We just had to await your word. The EIA is in disarray, so we could only rely upon your orders, Commander."

"Whoa! Nice to hear of my promotion. Thank you sir. Let's get this plane back to the Mansion."

And with those words the jet flew an arc rightward back. Its external sensors, originally detecting unexplained radiological interference, now showed nothing. The caution lights it once shown now are off.

"Great timing there Commander. Looks like we would've been blown out of the sky had we kept going."

Darla returned to her seat, pondering the text message from the Mansion guards to return immediately -- but giving no further explaination.

"Well! This is still alot more information to go on than I received from the EIA." Chuckling at the thought, she braced herself for what lie ahead.

"I wonder if this C9 influenced this turn of events," Darla thought.

Nos turned to Erzsebet again, a look of subtle regret filling his face. He opened his mouth to speak but nothing came out. Standing there for a while, dumb struck and grasping for words, he slowly closed his mouth.

He stared at her for a bit, wondering what she currently thought of him, and wonder what she would think of him if she knew about him.

Slowly he spoke, "Erzsebet.......I..... Actually, I do have something I really need to tell you. I..... you are really pretty you know that?"

He swallowed and took a deep breath, "Miss Sorvik, actually.......I really have no idea how to tell you this. You will not understand. It is just.....well, you know that man they found earlier? Well, he is my friend. We call him Flex; he is an exiled angel. Yeah, I know, angel......can you believe that? But, he is.......he is here to help Inferno. But, well, I am not sure the extent of his injuries and how these things effect him. He is a rather quaint man......"

Nos cut off, realizing he was rambling. He looked to Erzsebet and offered a weak smile, but by the look in her eyes, he felt a pang of depression and turned away quickly.

Not long after the message was delivered to the plane, the plane landed on Mathias's personalized airport. Those aboard the plane were greeted by large men in black suits and mirrored glasses; each with a small insignia of an eagle carrying a molotov cocktail tattooed aside of their right eye.

The men grinned as a woman stepped off the plane. Walking up to her, the largest man of the bunch extended his hand and smiled, revealing an impeccable set of white teeth. In a deep voice he spoke to her, "Ma'am, would you please follow me? Waste no time; these birds are planning something," he referenced to as he nodded his head toward the sky. "Right this way Ma'am; hurry now," he finished as he took her arm and guided her toward the mansion.

Though slightly confused at the wording of his statement, Erzsebet gave Nos a slight smile when he complemented her appearence, and listened to the rest of what he was saying. She did in fact know that she was pretty, or supposed to be anyway. Others said she was. She was often percieved as the most prominent "naughty girl" in the military, though the events that had earned her that reputation had taken place years earlier.

She raised an eyebrow at the word "angel," however, her face somehow gave away that she knew that whatever he was, the creature/man she now knew was named Flex was not a normal human being in the slightest.

"Thank you for the compliment, Nos." Addressing the issue at hand, she said "I do not know whether I can believe he's an Angel or not, at least not the kind traditionally described in Christian mythology. He is an extraordinary person, or creature or whatever, though. He has been operated on to correct his broken wing, which is now healing."

Nos turned to her, confused that she mistakened Flex. Correcting her, "Oh no Miss Sorvik, you have it all wrong. Flex and Christainity......hell no. Christ does not exist to Flex. I made that same mistake. He believes in this God of their's. The creator of the realm of Angelicos. Flex was a mishap though, something gone wrong. He never told me that story, but he is now forced to hide from both the realms he knows; the land of his kind and our kind."

Sounding like some mythological preacher, he quickly apologized. "Sorry Miss Sorvik, my apologizes. Yes, um, Flex is just unique."

Erzsebet laughed sotfly "Yeah... It's just that when I usually hear about Angels, it's in the context of Christian mythology, so that's why I was doubtful, not because I questioned the fact that he's... unique." Pausing for a moment, she recalled something Nos had said. Wanting to make sure, she cautiously asked "Nos... did you just say 'our' kind?"

Was Nos more than he seemed? Was he somehow related to Erzsebet's fellow creatures of the night? Or had she heard wrong? Or had Nos simply mispoken? Questions and possible scenarios raced through her mind. If Nos was somehow related to vampires, or even more fantastical, to Moroii similar to, or even of the Callisdrun type, why hadn't Erzsebet picked up on it sooner?

Nos quickly realized his subtle mistake, but acting naturally on how he had reacted before on such details, he looked at her questioningly.

"Yes, our type, the human real.......oh shit, that is right," he interrupted himself. He gently smiled at her, "Sorry Miss Sorvik, my mistake. I rather let trivial matters slip my mind time to time. Feel not offended, no attack on your character was meant. What I simply meant was that Flex is not welcome in the realm of the angels nor the realm of the humans, but in your case, your kind as well I suppose. Flex hides from pretty much everyone."

Erzsebet's agile mind analyzed each possibility. Nos could have, as he said, simply mispoken. However, he could also have let slip something and then decided he wanted to keep it hidden. She suspected that this was more likely, however, since she was not completely sure, she would play along, though not completely.

"I see," she said cheerfully, though unlike her normal way of speaking in foreign countries, she did not restrain the hissing sound of some of her consonants, namely "S." Nor did she work at all to conceal her fangs, as she normally did to some extant. Returning to her more constrained speech, she continued "Well, he need not hide from us. In Callisdrun, relations between humans and abnormal beings has been going on for more than a thousand years, partly out of necessity. He is, just as anyone else who is somehow percieved as abnormal," here was the big hint, she thought, "welcome among us. Callisdrun has had humans living side by side with vampires for so long that strangeness doesn't really bother anyone."

Nos turned from Erzsebet immediately, feeling the need to leave the room again.

"I will inform him of such."

Without looking at her nor anyone else, he turned quickly, leaving the bridge. He stepped outside, disregarding any odd looks from anyone, and worked his way back toward Flex. He felt compelled te be away from it all.

Deep in the med bay Inferno starts to stir.He wakes up ans says in a whiny voice. "I'm bored, and my back hurts"

"I wish he'd stay," Erzsebet said in English, not realizing the language until she'd already said it. She then repeated it in Callisdrunian.

Two Berserkers followed behind Nos as he left the bridge. They were only there to make sure he didn't go somewhere restricted, though they would also answer his questions if he had them, provided they knew the answers.

Flex heard a familiar voice somewhere in the distance; a voice that he not only heard, but felt, deep inside him. He lifted himself from the wall with all his force; the effects of the anesthisia still strong. He felt weak and tired as he used his hand to guide him along the area.

He followed the feeling he had toward that voice, stopping in front of a curtained area. Sliding the curtain back, he found Inferno laying on his stomach. He slowly walked over to him, falling to his knees before the man.

He looked up to Inferno; his wings sagging, spread across the floor.

"You're hurt," his soft passive voice calmly stated.

"I wish he'd stay," Erzsebet said in English, not realizing the language until she'd already said it. She then repeated it in Callisdrunian.

Two Berserkers followed behind Nos as he left the bridge. They were only there to make sure he didn't go somewhere restricted, though they would also answer his questions if he had them, provided they knew the answers.

Realizing he had been followed, Nos continued to walk, but decreasing his pace slightly. He did not know who was following him or for what purpose, but in one quick movement, he withdrew his sword and turned around, running toward those following him. His sword stopped at one of the soldier's throats.

Angerily, he vehemently shot at them, "What the hell do you want?"

Inferno looks up and sees that it was a winged guy. "Woah, either they have me really doped up or im dying now wich its it? wait your that guy that put that symbol on my head aint you?" Inferno puts his forehead back on the table.

Deep in the med bay Inferno starts to stir.He wakes up ans says in a whiny voice. "I'm bored, and my back hurts"

Nurses quickly gathered around, as he wasn't supposed to wake this soon. The doctors would commence an operation on his back to make it more safe for him to be moved shortly. It was fairly simple, but precision was required. The nurses administered fairly powerful painkillers to Inferno to tide him over before the surgery.

Flex was instantly flooded by nurses. Panicking, he tried to stand up, but could not. Using his leg, he pushed himself back into the corner quickly. Feeling the need not to be seen, he croutched into a tiny ball, grabbing his knees and resting his head on them. Extending his undamaging wing, he hid, as best as he could, himself from sight of the nurses.

To himself, he murmured a barely audible prayer.

Realizing he had been followed, Nos continued to walk, but decreasing his pace slightly. He did not know who was following him or for what purpose, but in one quick movement, he withdrew his sword and turned around, running toward those following him. His sword stopped at one of the soldier's throats.

Angerily, he vehemently shot at them, "What the hell do you want?"

The Berserkers thought this was a rather odd question to ask. "Sir, we are merely making sure you do not enter a restricted area, as our duties dictate we do with any person on board who is not a member of the crew. We'll also answer any questions you may have, provided that we know what the answers are, of course. There's no need to draw weapons, this is routine." Indeed, it was apparent that they thought of their guard duty as very ho-um, regular business, for neither had drawn a weapon of any sort.

He slid his sword back into it's sheath and glared at them, even more insulted. "Go to hell and leave me alone. I am getting my friend. I don't care about going anywhere else."

Flex was instantly flooded by nurses. Panicking, he tried to stand up, but could not. Using his leg, he pushed himself back into the corner quickly. Feeling the need not to be seen, he croutched into a tiny ball, grabbing his knees and resting his head on them. Extending his undamaging wing, he hid, as best as he could, himself from sight of the nurses.

To himself, he murmured a barely audible prayer.

A few nurses noticed. One went over to the hunched over form to deliver the traditional sort of "you need rest" admonishment. "Sir, we think it would be best for the healing of your wing if you rested a bit. We don't want the bone to be damaged further."

Inferno tries to swat the nurses away. "I dont want painkillers they will ruin everything I have disciplined mybody to work for." He feels flex dissappear form near him.

He slid his sword back into it's sheath and glared at them, even more insulted. "Go to hell and leave me alone. I am getting my friend. I don't care about going anywhere else."

Confused by this aggressive statement, one Berserker said "Sir, you needn't be angry. We really, given the choice would rather just leave you alone, as you're not doing anything wrong, but we would be reprimanded and charged with dereliction of duty. It's the Navy sir, we didn't make the rules." They were both completely baffled by his angry outburst. They had done nothing that they didn't normally do with someone new on the ship.

Inferno tries to swat the nurses away. "I dont want painkillers they will ruin everything I have disciplined mybody to work for." He feels flex dissappear form near him.

One nurse spoke to him. "Well, if you really don't want anything for the pain, then we won't give you anything. The doctors are going to perform surgery on you pretty soon to make it safe to move you, though you'll be anesthestized for the operation. Are you sure you don't even want any aspirin?"

Flex cried to himself; these people were different, that fact alone bringing back upsetting images of the angry faces of humans, a building with no escape......he felt the terrible sharp pain pierce his back again, and he gasped out in horror, his wing dropping limply in front of him.

He was still croutched in the corner holding his knees. He looked to the nurse near him, but could say nothing. Feeling powerless to do anything, he just nodded, but made no attempt at standing.

"No my doctor told me I cant have that, somthing bout making blood come out of my ass. I stoppped listening after he said good mornign sir ready for some tests."

Nos stood there, unwilling to move. His fight suddenly over. He lowered himself to the floor of the deck and sat there, in a much similiar position as Flex below him somewhere.

He said nothing, but stared ahead, resting his head on his knees and looking out before him.



Meanwhile, the storm unleashed, and a heavy pour seemed to instantly be released from the sky. However, Nos remained there, his apparel being soaked through slowly as the rain picked up.

Loud thunder broke with a flash of blinding light seemingly right next to the ship. But none of this fazed Nos; he sat there being drenched.

OOC:
Keep posting guys, I am still here, bastard AIM cut me though.

Flex cried to himself; these people were different, that fact alone bringing back upsetting images of the angry faces of humans, a building with no escape......he felt the terrible sharp pain pierce his back again, and he gasped out in horror, his wing dropping limply in front of him.

He was still croutched in the corner holding his knees. He looked to the nurse near him, but could say nothing. Feeling powerless to do anything, he just nodded, but made no attempt at standing.

The nurse did not know what to do, because she needed to get this guy to rest, but she didn't want to exacerbate his injured wing. "Would you like me to help you up, sir? I don't think that is the best position for resting. You should at least sit in a chair or something." She didn't know exactly what to do for him, as he was a strange one, possibly the strangest ever treated on a Callisdrunian ship. She supposed that the basics of medicine, that rest was good for the recovery from almost any ailment, still applied.

"No my doctor told me I cant have that, somthing bout making blood come out of my ass. I stoppped listening after he said good mornign sir ready for some tests."

The nurse could barely restrain her laughter. "Well, all right then. We won't give you aspirin. Maybe an ice pack or something would help, though?" She didn't want to not do anything for the pain.

Not long after the message was delivered to the plane, the plane landed on Mathias's personalized airport. Those aboard the plane were greeted by large men in black suits and mirrored glasses; each with a small insignia of an eagle carrying a molotov cocktail tattooed aside of their right eye.

The men grinned as a woman stepped off the plane. Walking up to her, the largest man of the bunch extended his hand and smiled, revealing an impeccable set of white teeth. In a deep voice he spoke to her, "Ma'am, would you please follow me? Waste no time; these birds are planning something," he referenced to as he nodded his head toward the sky. "Right this way Ma'am; hurry now," he finished as he took her arm and guided her toward the mansion.

"Friendly and forthright," thought Darla as she welcomed being led away from the plane towards the mansion. "Please see to it that the pilots and crew are taken care of -- they no longer need return their plane however..."

Sensing that those birds were no ordinary creatures, Darla thought it best to get the crew also off the plane. Walking towards the mansion, Darla felt amazingly at ease. "Come what may," Darla thought, "This C9 could hold the key..."

"Thank you sir for your fine assistance."

Flex looked to the nurse, and in the same voice he spoke to Inferno he softly spoke, "Thee che aiuta i angelicos sarà benedetto."

Standing slowly, with the aid of the wall, he stood up. He did not smile, nor did he frown. He remained emotionaless as he stood there.

Nos stood there, unwilling to move. His fight suddenly over. He lowered himself to the floor of the deck and sat there, in a much similiar position as Flex below him somewhere.

He said nothing, but stared ahead, resting his head on his knees and looking out before him.



Meanwhile, the storm unleashed, and a heavy pour seemed to instantly be released from the sky. However, Nos remained there, his apparel being soaked through slowly as the rain picked up.

Loud thunder broke with a flash of blinding light seemingly right next to the ship. But none of this fazed Nos; he sat there being drenched.

The two berserkers started leaning against a wall when Nos sat down. They looked up for a moment and cursed when the cloud burst, but then started talking about something or other in Callisdrunian. It was mostly just random things. Since they were both guys, 19 year old guys at that, the conversation drifted to the fine looks of their commanding officer. Their talk would be incomprehensible to Nos, since their native tongue was so confusing, but Rear-Admiral Sorvik's may have been recognizable.

Flex looked to the nurse, and in the same voice he spoke to Inferno he softly spoke, "Thee che aiuta i angelicos sarà benedetto."

Standing slowly, with the aid of the wall, he stood up. He did not smile, nor did he frown. He remained emotionaless as he stood there.


"What the hell was that?" after a moment Inferno started yelling in pain he used his arms to throw himself from the table. The nurses lay witness to Inferno slapping himself in the head, where it seems an odd symbol has started glowing.

The man smiled, more or less grinning to himself at simple this ordeal had gone. Before reaching the mansion, the man stopped.

"Good night Darla," he spoke, as he injected her with a tranquilizer. He hoisted Darla up onto his shoulder and carried her away from the mansion; away from everyone else.

The other men turned to those left in the plane. "You are of no need to us, so follow or die," they demanded as they trained withdrawn weapons at the remaining people's heads.

Flex looked to the nurse, and in the same voice he spoke to Inferno he softly spoke, "Thee che aiuta i angelicos sarà benedetto."

Standing slowly, with the aid of the wall, he stood up. He did not smile, nor did he frown. He remained emotionaless as he stood there.

She observed him stand, offering her hands to help if needed. "I'm sorry sir, but I don't know that language." She wished she did.

"What the hell was that?" after a moment Inferno started yelling in pain he used his arms to throw himself from the table. The nurses lay witness to Inferno slapping himself in the head, where it seems an odd symbol has started glowing.

The nurses quickly put Inferno back on the bed, taking care so as not to distress the back wound. They were dismayed by his seemlingly random act.

Flex smiled softly. He slowly walked out of the room; looking to Inferno one last time. Changing his mind he stooped beside Inferno. Holding his chin gently, Flex spoke softly and calmy again. "Let them help you. I need to rest. If I help you now, only you shall walk out of here."

Flex stood up again, walking away from Inferno.

Nos randomly pointed to the sky, at a seemingly undistinguishable black sky. After a few moments of muttering to himself he looked to the guards. He stood up, dripping wet from the downpour.

"Nine, son of a bitch," he said, unsure of what to do from this point on.

He looked back to the guards. "Tell me right now. How many ships are out here? And what forces do you have in the city, and how many of those as well? Now damn it, do not hesitate."

"Well I guess these guys haven't been informed," the First Captain of the plane said. "Anything we can provide you boys it is yours."

Just then the flight navigator came from the stateroom, carrying two briefcases. He set them down and opened them in full view of the black-clad gunmen. Inside one were several satellite phones and battery packs. Inside the other briefcase was bundles of Callisdrunian currency, neatly arranged.

The second pilot in command emerged from the cockpit. He handed the men holding them captive their personal weapons sans magazines. He then pointed to a compartment above the galley, opened its door and exposed were the magazines for the weapons. Then all the men onboard the plane and off applauded and embraced one another. "That went rather smoothly, I must say," said the First Captain.

"Before we depart please unload the cache in the luggage department. We'll need to have it clear for the next flight." With that the pilots returned to the cockpit. The navigator assisted the black-clad men with the cases of weapons and provisions, moving them via conveyor to a waiting truck. "Glad to help."

Within moments the plane was sealed up and began its departure down the taxiway, anticipating take-off.

A little taken aback, the more outspoken berserker did his best to answer Nos' questions. "Eleven heavier ships just in First Cruiser Squadron, battle cruisers and heavy cruisers. The battle fleet has far more ships, and those are mainly battleships and heavy cruisers. Plus each fleet has a bunch of smaller ships. I'd estimate between sixty and one hundred ships altogether. I don't know too much about the land forces, but the 5th guards is a big force, and I do know they field more than five hundred tanks and tank destroyers. Mostly T-98's and Magyar-1's, but there's a few S and S2 tank destroyers." After finishing he asked, "Why, is it something about those things flying up there?." He could see quite well in low visibility conditions. This was like summer at home.

Nos ran quickly back into the Bridge, dripping water from the outside storm in.

"Miss Sorvik, prepare to leave now. We really need to leave soon. I don't have a good feeling about this."

The men spoke clearly to the rest of the crew.

"You will follow him. Anyone so much as thinks of doing anything they will be shot instantly. You will not look back at any time during the march. And you will remain hidden. Now go, before we get caught."

One of the men walked over the plane and radioed the pilot. "You cannot leave this nation right now. Stay here, fall asleep, but do not move from here," he demanded. Tempted to kill the pilot to maintain secrecy, he aimed his gun at the pilot. However, thinking on ther mater, he lowered it and turned away, watching the rest leave quickly in persuit of their leader.

Erzsebet looked up, surprised to see Nos burst in the way he did, and also at his apparent reversal. After looking down to collect her thoughts, looking like a mystic again, she looked back up at him.

"I thought you said we'd be incinerated if we left? Has something changed? There are some unidentified aircraft flying around in the clouds over there, do they have something to do with this? They are spy planes, if I see them correctly."

Flex allowed the nurse to guide him back to his bed. Needing assistance to get into the bed, the nurse helped him up. He laid down, and rested his head into the pillow. His broken wing hung over the bed, brushing along the floor; his other remained neatly folded in front of him.

He looked to the nurse, his eyes pleading for assistance with the damaged wing. He looked like a young vulnerable child, at the mercy of someone else. His eyes were tinted with fear, but spoke of needing help. He tried to smile, but found it not possible, instead he stared into her eyes, pleading with her.

Erzsebet looked up, surprised to see Nos burst in the way he did, and also at his apparent reversal. After looking down to collect her thoughts, looking like a mystic again, she looked back up at him.

"I thought you said we'd be incinerated if we left? Has something changed? There are some unidentified aircraft flying around in the clouds over there, do they have something to do with this? They are spy planes, if I see them correctly."


"NOW," he yelled as he slammed his fists down on her desk. "Get us out of here now! Get Inferno back to that mansion now!"

He had no time to waste on explanations; they would come later. He breathed heavily, knowing those wasted seconds would cost them dearly.

The nurse saw what he needed and helped him into bed, adjusting his damaged wing very gently so it would not cause discomfort while he layed down. She was fairly new, but very skilled.

She was not a gorgeous woman, but fairly pretty in her own way. Her nurse's dress fit her well. Callisdrunian naval nurses still wore a practical style of dress, though it was not white. They had changed it to a color that was between red and brown during the last war. Photographs of the horrific wounds and carnage visible in medical bays of warships in the last war gave away the reason. The floor was painted red for the same reason. However, for now, the room was clean, and the only patients there besides Inferno and Flex were a couple sailors with the flu.

Just as the plane approached the runway, the First Captain announced over the intercom: "Oops -- forgot to get that clearence from the Dictatorship. We're gonna have to spend the night here." He then guided the plane towards a hanger at the far-end of the airfield. "I guess you guys can breakout the liquor stash now afterall."

With that announcement a svelt flight attendent unlocked a wood-paneled cabinet on wheels and rolled it from the galley into lounge area of the aircraft. He proceeded to fold up and stow most of the remaining seats. The ones that remained became recliners, with sidetables, individual playstations and headphones. He then retracted a few screens from the ceiling. The navigator sat down first, joined moments later by the Second Captain.

Just then the plane taxied into the hanger. Its outer doors silently lowered shut. Then the First Captain emerged from the cockpit and sat down in the remaining recliner, oblivious to the two gunmen accompanying them.

"Grand Theft Auto San Andreas Gentlemen?"
The flight crew in moments shed their plane for the virtual realism of land pursuits...

Soon after laying down, Flex was out fast, the anesthesia still effecting him, causind extreme tiredness. He slept deep inside, but if one looked at him they would merely think he was calmly resting his eyes.

Once again he looked like he was truely at peace with the world as he lay there sleeping.

Erzsebet knew that to panic in a dangerous circumstance only brought one closer to death. So, calmly turning to the helmsman, she said. "All ahead flank." Turning to one of her commanders, she said "Order the squadron to assume anti-aircraft formation. Contact Andersen and recommend he follow our lead."

The ships started up again, and shifted course back towards the city, to shorten the flying distance. Erzsebet made another order "Have the doctors start surgery on Mr. Inferno, or so they refer to him, so that he may be moved very very soon." Moving him before the operation would be disasterous, so hopefully the operation could be performed quickly.

Separated from the plane they came on, the back-up mechanic and the galley master snuck looks back at the runway. The chef sighed in relief and turned to her captors and whispered: "No need to hold the guns to us. We will follow your commands to the letter." Then just as one of the men was about to jerk her back forward the chef looked away from them and followed the man that was carrying Darla like a sack of potatoes, off into the shadows and away from the mansion.

The leader led them to an abandoned house, taking them all into the basement of the building. After have them all move to the back of the large basement facility, they spread out in front of them weapons drawn.

A man, not their leader, but probably by an educated guess, second in line stood before the, removing his mirrored glasses, the tattoo extremely visible.

"You are probably wondering why you are here. I will tell you. We are The Reich Freedom Fighters, an elite and noble group within the region. Few know of our existence, we are more or less, a forgotten urban legend to these pathetic people. You probably wonder why you have been chosen. You have not, but someone has. Your reason here is merely because you saw us. You will not speak of our presence here; we are ghosts in a region of dead bodies. You will not see us, but you will feel our breaths on the back of your neck as you walk the streets. Fear us indeed. We do not fail."

The leader of the group took Darla into another room. Secluded from the rest, he laid he gently on the ground and stood in the nearby corner, awaiting for her to awaken.

Nos was exasperated. He sulked back out of the bridge. He stared out at the water, the rain hitting him like pelting hail. He closed his eyes; he hated dealing with others; hence his profession was a sole one.....no one to stand in his way.

He took out his sword, running his hand along side of it. The blade was sharp, tempting him greatly. He held it out before him, examining it like a priceless treasure.

His thoughts traveled to distorted places, the rain chilling his skin. Lighting flashed, a loud rumble presummed. To himself his mind raced, "I should have just killed her back there in the mansion."

"Errr aughhh!!!"
"What the f---"
The man with the bright smile gently but firmly covered Darla's mouth to muffle the shout. Then he released his grip just as quickly.

"Where am I? Am I in the mansion?" Darla replied.
She tried to rise, but collapsed under her own weight.
"Wow -- I've got quite a dizzy spell here!"

Exclaimed as she might, Darla was now whispering, sensing that the men that greeted her somehow valued her descretion.

Apathetically the man spoke to her. "You have not suffered a dizzy spell. You were drugged to prevent resistence."

Giving her just a moment to digest that information he continued, "I have no name, so I cannot give you one to call me by. I am the leader of The Reich Freedom Fighters though. I head an organization that has monitored this region and everything about it an it's inhabititants for longer then one can imagine. It is my job to see to it that those who come in the way of what we desire as the outcome is to be eliminated. You have been chosen because I picked up a little conversation you had with the head of your intelligence, and it seems that their information was wrong. I can give you the information you need, but at a price, and costly perhaps."

He stopped a brief moment then continued, "You will offer your services to our organization and preform those tasks we demand of you. You have the option to decline, but we will be forced to kill you then. As I have said, we monitor this region; few times do we interact with these pathetic fools."

As the ship picked up speed, the rocking due to the heavy seas became more noticable and violent. Erzsebet didn't know why Nos had left the bridge, it was more comfortable inside.

In the medical bay, the doctors put Inferno into a numb sleep while they operated on his back, bracing the damaged spine with metal alloy rods, to make the area totally immoblie. Skilled nervous system surgeons, they managed to partially fix together the severed spinal cord, though not completely. He would be able to be moved fairly soon after they closed him back up.

A helicopter was readied from the ship's tiny hanger, to be used soon.

Nos took his blade, running the blade across his hand, slicing the skin open, and deeply. He opened his cut palm, allowing the blood to drip from his hand, the rain washing the steady little stream onto deck.

I bleed.

Nos held the sword looking at the ornate blade. I am the same as the rest of them.

He took the blade, thrusting it into his own chest, piercing his own heart. He let out a loud gasp and moan before he fell forward, huddled in pain. He felt the blade within him, the cold blade through his heart.

I couldn't do it. I am no better then them.

He grimaced as he expelled another breath of pained air, passing out, falling unconscious to the dark oblivion.

Apathetically the man spoke to her. "You have not suffered a dizzy spell. You were drugged to prevent resistence."

Giving her just a moment to digest that information he continued, "I have no name, so I cannot give you one to call me by. I am the leader of The Reich Freedom Fighters though. I head an organization that has monitored this region and everything about it an it's inhabititants for longer then one can imagine. It is my job to see to it that those who come in the way of what we desire as the outcome is to be eliminated. You have been chosen because I picked up a little conversation you had with the head of your intelligence, and it seems that their information was wrong. I can give you the information you need, but at a price, and costly perhaps."

He stopped a brief moment then continued, "You will offer your services to our organization and preform those tasks we demand of you. You have the option to decline, but we will be forced to kill you then. As I have said, we monitor this region; few times do we interact with these pathetic fools."

"Hmmm I see; though not so clearly."
Darla's head now throbbed. "Is this the place to rest for a bit? I will offer you what I can."

Darla looked around the spare, musty room. Her environs felt more like a barn than a mansion. She continued talking in a low voice, "I am not at all sure what you heard from the EIA -- except that probably the information they gave me was pure bunk! I do have a few questions; but frankly they are rather disjointed, as I'm having a hard time making sense of anything."

The man with the perfect smile no longer was. He quickly held up his hand to indicate that Darla should be silent. Given that she was alive and somewhat relieved not to have entered the mansion, Darla closed her eyes and tried to clear her mind of expectations. "Maybe if they come to trust me I can find out alot more about this Red Queen and C9 than if I fire off a bunch of queries," thinking to herself.

OOC: I definitely need to think on this one

Richard began walking down the sterile hospital wing hallway after the odd vision he had.

'Was it a hallucination,' he thought intensely. 'Maybe I should go back and talk to the doctor.. no, that would make me appear weak; perhaps it would be best if I went to my room and took a nap. I just arrived and have had no time to rest after the long journey, besides, I need my weapon. This place gives me the jitters.'

As Richard left the hospital wing, he bumped into a person he had never seen before and decided to ask for directions and learn about this new person. Its never bad to know your 'housemates'. He would learn the currents of politics in this house and become a player.

After realizing that this person was nothing but another doctor, Richard sighed and decided to ask an oblique question concerning his hallucination.

"Hello, good doctor. Would you mind it greatly if I asked you a question?"

"Why sir, you have already done so havent you? HA.. (clears throat). Sorry about that, sometimes my sense of humor overcomes my good sense. Yes, please ask."

"There is a woman in the wing who has been having hallucinations in the wing. I was wondering where these might be coming from. Has there been a leak of any chemicals in the area, or do you think it might be simply psychological."

Richard, not knowing about the vial in C9's pocket, had thought he only reassured himself that the woman would be looked over as well as possible.

'Why can I not get her out of my mind..'

The doctor replied, "It must be psychological then, I havent heard of any chemical leaks from the lab. Is this woman a new addition to the wing?"

"Yes."

And with that, he left, remembering how very tired he was.

"Oh, and tell her when she wakes up that I said hello. Tell her to stop and see me sometime. My name is Richard."

The doctor went to investigate; he noticed the woman to be a prominant Reich leader, and quickly made note not to screw anything up. He took notice to her uniform jacket; wondering precisely her rank, for many Reich officials wore their rank on their jackets. He lifted the jacket to inspect, feeling the weight of the tiny little thing. Finding only Reich insignia, but no rank, he dropped the jacket back aside of her disappointed.

When the jacket hit the metal bar on the side of the bed, it made a small klinking noise, like glass hitting off of metal. Curious he picked up the jacket again and searched it's pockets. Inside the jacket, the right breast pocket, he found a small glass object. He played with it in his hands before pulling it out, determining if it was broken. Finding it was not, he removed the vile.

His eyes curiously widened as he stared at the unknown vile in his hands. It contained a dark black substance, and his eyes were transfixed on the vile. His mind went back to the person he had just met......."There is a woman in the wing who has been having hallucinations in the wing. I was wondering where these might be coming from. Has there been a leak of any chemicals in the area, or do you think it might be simply psychological."

"He knew," the doctor muttered to himself as he raced out of the room to find the man he had just talked to.

Richard collapsed on his bed and began drifting off to sleep. Almost immediately, he heard a knock on the door which woke him up instantly. Slightly irritated by the disurbance, he ambled toward the door; grabbing his sword on the way.

Cracking open the massive oak door, he peered outside and saw the doctor that he met earlier. He flung the door open wide and asked about C9 a bit too enthusiastically.

"Is she OK?" he inquired, then thought, 'Damn, I shouldnt have asked so quickly.. not smooth.'

"No, but I had a couple of little questions for you."

Richard's hackles raised immediately, telling him to be cautious.

"Sure, go right ahead; but I dont have to answer if I dont want to."

"How did you know about that woman's hallucinations? Did you find the vial in her pocket?"

"No, I didnt find the vial; but knew she was having some kind of problem. I assumed they were hallucinations, they.. seem to go around."

Privately, he thought, 'so, it was a poison.. not good.'

"Will she be OK, or does this vial contain a deadly poison? I was the one who found her and carried her into the wing, and I cant help but be a little worried about my own health."

The man opened his mouth to speak, preparing to saying something, but stopping. He pressed his hand to his ear and held up his hand to silence Darla. He listened intently for a few moments.

"Well, it appears that we are going to get a little rumble soon. Hope you like bombing runs Miss," he spoke apathetically as he looked into her eyes coldly.

He stared at her harshly for a few moments before continuing in the same apathetic voice that he always spoke in. "You can rest here if you like, although in not long you will not be resting at all. If you have any questions, ask now, we will not be moving for awhile. This is strategically the best place to be during the bombing runs; the old abandoned building was made long before Stadt was established. It's purpose was to test bombing runs; and it has lasted through each run time after time. This building, appearing to be a random shack, is a hell of a lot more safer to be in then any other place here. And this building is definately on their target list."

He continued to stand, staring at her sharply. "So, any questions?"

The doctor looked at the vile, unsure of what could be in it. Perhaps the young woman drank some of liquid in it, causing the hallucinations......some modern drug or something.

He fidgeted with the vile for a bit before he finally removed the cap that sealed it. He swooshed it around the vial a little before bringing it to his nose and taking a wiff.

He frowned, his brow forrowing deeply. "No smell, that is really peculiar."

His head spinned and he stumbled back a bit. "Whoa, got a little dizzy there."

He fidgeted with the cap a bit, sealing the vile. He twisted tightly a final time and heard a little clicking, showing the cap was rightfully in place. Looking to the man he grinned.

"Well, I guess this a new drug out on market. Can you take this to Admiral Hunny*Dew for me and have her look at it? I am going to ask that young lady some questions. If you can, meet me back with that young lady when you are finished."

Without letting Richard respond he walked away from him.



Somewhere down the corridor, out of Richard's sight, the man's head spun again. He felt to the gound, the floor spinning wildly. His body gave a tight wrench as he curled into the fetal position. His muscles tightened and wrenched, spasming continuously. He clenched his jaw tightly, his muscles tightening even more. He let out a scream of pain as his body wretched and constricted. Fewer then two minutes later he laid there on the floor, unmoving, blood dripping from his mouth.

Richard took the vial and made sure it was well sealed.

Before he took a trip to see Admiral Hunny*Dew; he wanted to check up on C9 to see if she had awoken.

Upon reaching her room, he knocked on the door. When no one responded, he opened the door and strode in finding C9 stirring.

"Why hello, its nice to see you again," Richard said, happy that she was OK.

"Hmm? Do I know you? I remember you from somewhere.. not Perry, but.."

"Richard. Its nice to see you again. I carried you from the lab area to this hospital wing. You were poisoned by the liquid in this vial. I hope it isnt a drug that you willingly took, I wouldnt like that you lessened yourself in that fashion."

Upon seeing the vial, her eyes twitched a bit involuntarily; he knew he had something important.

Nos held the sword looking at the ornate blade. I am the same as the rest of them.

He took the blade, thrusting it into his own chest, piercing his own heart. He let out a loud gasp and moan before he fell forward, huddled in pain. He felt the blade within him, the cold blade through his heart.

I couldn't do it. I am no better then them.

He grimaced as he expelled another breath of pained air, passing out, falling unconscious to the dark oblivion.

Within seconds after he hit the ground, Callisdrunian sailors rushed forward and picked him carefully up. They were well trained on carrying wounded. Rear-Admiral Sorvik was famous for brutally rigorous training of her crews.

In less than a minute they had him in the medbay, where any doctors not involved with Inferno immediately tended to him, first stopping the bleeding. The blood got all over their clothes and those of the nurses as well, and the floor, but did not show much. They would have to do surgery quickly, though.

C9 grasped out at the vial, snatching it, wrapping her fingers defensively around it.

"This is mine," she said horrified that it had left her pocket.

"What are you doing here? Why.....wait.....you saved me? Why," C9 inquired, feeling an emotion she long since had felt.

Inferno is in a medication induced sleep so that the crew can work on his back.

But what the doctors did not know was that over the years that he was subjected to so many chemicals to knock him out that they hardly have an effect.

During the course of the operation no one noticed a single tear slide down Infernos cheek.

'Odd, this vial means a lot more than I suspected it did; Ill need to probe for details.'

Richard responded, "Yes, I suppose I did," choosing to leave out details.

'Dammit, why does she have to be so good looking.. I dont have time to persue a woman. Here I was hoping to catch DerFuhrer's eye, but there is just something about this C9. Im having trouble focusing on my goals.'

He said casually, "A doctor found it and came to see me, he was supposed to meet me here, but I suppose im a bit early. Do you mind if I have a seat while we wait?"

She responded, "No, take a seat."

'Should I mention the Admiral??'

Richard clears his throat then speaks, "The doctor told me to give that vial to Admiral Hunny*Dew before I came here. I hope there isnt a problem with you having it, then again, I dont see why there would be."

All she said was a mumbled 'good,' while continuing to give Richard that odd look which he couldnt read.

Nos remained unconscious, unaware of the immediate danger he was in over a hasty decision he had made. His mind sporadically reflashed images of his past, but they soon died into the black oblivion.

His life was slipping quickly with each drop of blood that spilled from his body.

C9 sat up and grabbed her jacket; sliding it back on and slipping the vial within the pocket again. She smiled and spoke to Richard, "Richard, I am not feeling to well. Can you find that doctor for me?"

She looked into his eyes, transfixed by his look. "Oh, and, um, oh, say nothing to the Admiral about this. She worries far too much for her own good at times. She is a sweet lady, but she is rather worrisome over small matters. And you can trust me with this vial. After all, I know precisely what to do with it."

She smiled a friendly smile rather then her usual malicious smile.

The doctors quickly went to work on Nos, making all the necessary preparations for a very vital operation. Nos was anesthetized and they began as soon as that was done. They had to be precise, for he required heart surgery. It seemed like the medbay's staff had needed to be precise often of late. It was stressful work, as they knew even the slightest mistake could mean total failure. However, all went fairly well, and they had him wrapped up in little time. He had lost a lot of blood, but still had enough, by a little bit. All the doctors agreed that it would be better to get him some more, if only they knew his blood type.

The operation on Inferno also went well, though, in their haste, sewed him back up in a way that was almost certain to leave a nasty scar. His spinal column was now very strongly braced in a method that appeared crude, but the Callisdrunians had found quite effective. Alloy bars held the damaged portion portion rigidly in place, keeping the spinal cord from from being further damaged. However, the downside was, though Inferno would be albe to be moved, he would not be able to bend that portion of his back at all until the bars were removed.

Nurses cleaned the blood on the floor from both operations while the doctors took a bit of rest.

Richard was getting a bit tired of running errands. After all, he was a rather powerful man and he needed some sleep. But how could he say no to a smile like that?

'I hope none of this is clouding my judgement,' Richard thought with a measure of irritation, 'I may have a weakness for this woman, but I have no clue what I am getting into. I really, really need to find out more about her.'

And thus his mind was set on finding out about C9. He only wished he could find someone weak who he could really drill for information. It might be slow in getting and may be too late once found. He felt guilty at being so irrational. He had a nagging feeling that this Admiral would be someone he should talk to, but he let it go.

"Ok, Ill go and try to find this doctor. I suppose Ill just retrace my steps back to my room and ask around."

Right before he left, he involuntarily bent over and kissed C9 on the forehead. Surprised, he left quickly before seeing what he thought would be fury on her face and had a private smile.

The man opened his mouth to speak, preparing to saying something, but stopping. He pressed his hand to his ear and held up his hand to silence Darla. He listened intently for a few moments.

"Well, it appears that we are going to get a little rumble soon. Hope you like bombing runs Miss," he spoke apathetically as he looked into her eyes coldly.

He stared at her harshly for a few moments before continuing in the same apathetic voice that he always spoke in. "You can rest here if you like, although in not long you will not be resting at all. If you have any questions, ask now, we will not be moving for awhile. This is strategically the best place to be during the bombing runs; the old abandoned building was made long before Stadt was established. It's purpose was to test bombing runs; and it has lasted through each run time after time. This building, appearing to be a random shack, is a hell of a lot more safer to be in then any other place here. And this building is definately on their target list."

He continued to stand, staring at her sharply. "So, any questions?"

Rising from what seemed like a full day's rest, Darla found the man who first greeted her, tranquilized her and now held her captive oddly comforting. Still trying to take in everything about this seemingly bungled intelligence mission, she thought there wouldn't be much of a chance to ask minor questions. So she went for the few that her own EIA unit commander were left speechless when she quizzed them.

"Sir, What do you or your group know about this WMD known as The Red Queen?"

"And is this C9 operative one of yours or an enemy of yours?"

The man shifted his weight, preparing himself for a stance that he knew he would be in for a long time.

In his same apathetic voice he began, "The Red Queen is an artificial intelligence spread throughout this entire region. It can be a weapon of mass destruction. It's primary function is information. It is a large storage base of collected data and keeps tabs on everything that occurs in the region. They only problem is, it needs to be updated, and since no one has been able to make it to her primary station to update her, she is lacking important information. Her defense mechanisms are numerous and include the use of satellite weaponary, operation of bases and machinery, self detenation of the region, and such forth. She is a superior AI, having the ability to transmit herself to any perferrable location, mainly within The Reich. She is run by voice command; by those of higher positions in The Reich. However, the only one she ever answers to or follows orders directly from is Der Fuhrer Dyszel; the original creator of her program......however, Inferno modified her making her The Red Queen she is today."

He stopped, regaining his thoughts. Continuing slower, as if thinking, he began, "C9........interesting character she is. C9 goes by Lady Bortniansky; the mistress of the man himself. Her acts are tainted for a power lust these days. She is not with anyone but herself and is not to be trusted.....ever."

He ended with an almost forewarning hint, staring hard at Darla.

"Well that certainly explains alot," Darla replied.
Picking up on his hint of forewarning, she positioned herself in the same stance as his; while simultaneously trying not to appear threatening.

"Just so you know, there has been repurcussions far beyond this dictatorship with regards to this Red Queen." Darla continued slowly, "You don't suppose that the mansion I was about to enter yesterday houses the CPU of the Red Queen does it?"

She studied his face. It seemed almost expressionless except for a brief twinkle of his eyes when he disclosed what information he was going to share about this C9. Though Darla had more questions about her she immediately cast aside them -- awaiting her question of proximity of the Red Queen.

"No, The Depths of Hell is home of The Red Queen. An enterence to The Depths of Hell can be found within the mansion, but my reports show that it had recently been destroyed by The Red Queen herself."

He remained standing, preparing to answer any questions she had, regardless of the information that he would be giving out.

The man's earnest reply eased Darla ever so slightly. She sat down once again so she could remain as non-threatening as possible. Plus, she mused to herself, "We might be on the move pretty soon."

"Well it certainly makes sense that the CPU of this Red Queen could replicate itself even beyond its original source," Darla said, as to preface her next question.

"I'm rather confused about this C9 person. Is she a defender of the Reich or an opponent?" She did not want to push much further in this direction -- but the stunned silence of her own intelligence operations division left her wanting to learn more.

Just in this moment Darla was beginning to scratch at the surface of a much larger query facing herself: Was she here for the Reich or against it?

The leader of The Reich Freedom Fighters thought about the question she had asked slowly and long, almost too long.

"C9 acts for her own. She is against Der Fuhrer Dyszel. Our information ascertains that she is opposing The Reich, but I believe it is a personal grudge against Der Fuhrer rather then the entire region."

Captain Knut Tveitan paced back and forth on the bridge of the battleship Telemark. Questions raced through his mind. Why had they been ordered to stop, and then reverse course?

He was told that this was on recommendation of "the diplomat," who he knew to in fact be his old friend/lover Rear-Admiral Erzsebet Sorvik. What does Erzsy know that we don't? he thought.

Knut looked out over his old battleship. The massive 14" gun turrets lay silent, inactive, whereas there was bustling activity near other armaments. They had also been told to assume anti-aircraft formation, and the bristling AA guns were all ready or being readied, pointed belligerantly at the sky. Were they about to be bombed? Knut didn't know, nor could he say. He looked across at the battlefleet, at the flagship, Transylvania, where he knew Grand Admiral Andersen was probably also going through mental questions. Then, the Captain looked out at the new behemoths of the Callisfjord class of battleships. They were almost twice the size of his old, but formidable battle-wagon, and were truly imposing. He wondered what the future held in store for the fleet, and its ships. He wished they were in battle on the high seas, he couldn't stand this waiting around to be bombed.

The leader of The Reich Freedom Fighters thought about the question she had asked slowly and long, almost too long.

"C9 acts for her own. She is against Der Fuhrer Dyszel. Our information ascertains that she is opposing The Reich, but I believe it is a personal grudge against Der Fuhrer rather then the entire region."


"I appreciate you answering my questions," Darla said. She struggled internally for more questions to ask -- yet she felt uncomfortable about just where these questions might lead.

"Thank you for your forebearence of me. The more I learn about this situation the less I really know about anything..." Darla's voice trailed off, dejected. She had hoped to find out enough information to afford some negotiating space for The Reich and the rest of world's nations to reconcile the awesome power of The Red Queen. Yet Darla was beginning to learn that the World's security was resting upon this AI force under command of one woman whose own creation seemed imperiled for want of computer upgrades -- not to mention its original center being inaccessible.

Darla let her face rest in her hands atop her knees.

Seeing she had asked no more questions, the man walked toward the door. Turning to her, again in the same apathetic tone, he slowly spoke, "Remain here. I will be back in a moment."

As the leader of the Reich Freedom Fighters departed the room, Darla straightened herself up and leaned back against a wall of the room. Thinking to herself she realized that she was absolutely alone on this mission. Yet she begun to feel an odd sense of comfort in being with this man -- even as she figured that those who had accompanied her on and from the plane faced dire consequences of having even seen these shadowy resisters.

Darla's intelligence and psi-ops training came into full awareness now. "How else can they remain effective resisters in this Reich with an AI that is potentially even beyond the reach of its seemingly despotic creator?"

At this moment Darla thought she knew which side she was on; yet being at the mercy of both sides left her no choice but to simply be ready for the moment of the third choice, however improbable it appeared to be now.

Inferno wakes from his slumber, he can still feel the cutting of his skin, muscle, and the exposing of his nerves to the stale warship air.

As he sits there and thinks about what was just done to him he feels almost violated. and anger surged in him. Making an silent oath to himself, he vows to make them suffer like they made him.

He still cannot believe that Flex left him there to suffer by the hands of these madmen.

OOC: So you know, the doctors weren't aware that the anesthetics weren't working as intended on him. They didn't know he was suffering.

After the operation, Inferno's vitals were monitered on several screens. There was a guy in a bed near his alcove. He started talking to Inferno, as he knew how to speak english.

"Why the scowl, man? You don't know how lucky you are." He was smiling at the cieling, semi-propped up by pillows. "I love sleeping in the beds in medbay. If you think this is bad, you'd hate the actual crew bunks. This is like a four star hotel, here."

Inferno looks towards the man talking to him and says "Why the scowl? Well I will tell you why I have a scowl on my face. Those doctors didnt take my history into account before the decided to operate on me. I have been in war and seen many battles evidence by many many battle scars." Inferno proudly shows the man the scars that cover his body.

"So you see with this many sever wounds, I have been put under so many times that my body started to get immune to the effect of the medicine. During the surgery I could feel everywhere that they had cut or touched, all the anesthetic did was make it so I could not cry out for them to stop hurting me. So now you know why I have a scowl on my face! And this bed I cannot even feel that I am on a bed."

The leader of The Reich Freedom Fighters walked over to his remaining allies, leaning over and whispering in the ear of the closet one to him, he straightened himself and turned to the remainder of the people within the room.

Apathetically, without another thought, he spoke to the men. "You have been chosen to die today. Do not bother escaping, you will not live. You have seen what few actually believe; you know of an actual existence of people that all regard merely as legend.....a story to tell at a campfire by eight year boys to scare the girls. For this reason alone, you have served your purpose in this life.... Goodbye. May your God take you in now."

Immediately upon finishing, the men accompanying the leader fired upon the group, aiming for their heads. Turning back to their leader they asked, "And the woman?"

His eyes flashed sharply and warningly. "I am taking care of her," he spoke in that same apathetic voice, turning his back to his allies and re-entering the room.

Darla had fallen fast asleep for what felt like days.
The stress of this interaction with the Reich Freedom Fighters she thought has all but evaporated.

Then she was awoken by the muffled sounds of bullets fired from a handgun.
Darla quickly came to realize that this leader of the Reich Freedom Fighters had silenced forever those who had escorted her back to the mansion grounds.

She then fell back into a sleeping position.

Inside of Ultimate_ApocalypseIII Khaos is seen sitting on a thrown that seemed to have a few arts of it missing. He is on the phone with someone that had just called him and it seems like they have just started screaming at him.

"Alright, calm down I dont give a shit that Inferno likes other women! Is there and actual reason that you called me or are you just going to be all bitchy and complain about Inferno? Im hanging up!"

Khaos is seen slamming his phone shut and throwing it across the room. a man in the corner is seen leaping and catching it before it hit the wall. "Saved it, Sir!"

A smile crosses Khaos's face. " Thank you soldier."

"No, dont hang up on me! Hello hello? Dammit!" Katalyst is seen hitting the wall. "Why does every guy keep hanging up on me? Why cant I get that a-hole Inferno on the phone. We get our service through The Red Queen, so we should have coverage anywhere on the planet. Maybe I should check in on C9? There maybe something I could learn."

Inferno looks towards the man talking to him and says "Why the scowl? Well I will tell you why I have a scowl on my face. Those doctors didnt take my history into account before the decided to operate on me. I have been in war and seen many battles evidence by many many battle scars." Inferno proudly shows the man the scars that cover his body.

"So you see with this many sever wounds, I have been put under so many times that my body started to get immune to the effect of the medicine. During the surgery I could feel everywhere that they had cut or touched, all the anesthetic did was make it so I could not cry out for them to stop hurting me. So now you know why I have a scowl on my face! And this bed I cannot even feel that I am on a bed."

"Well, that does sound like the shits. I guess I'd be scowling, too." He looked up at the ceiling for moment. Looking back to Inferno, he said "Unfortunately, it would be quite impossible for them to take your history into account, they don't know the entire medical history of every soldier. You should have told them before they drugged you up."

"Well, that does sound like the shits. I guess I'd be scowling, too." He looked up at the ceiling for moment. Looking back to Inferno, he said "Unfortunately, it would be quite impossible for them to take your history into account, they don't know the entire medical history of every soldier. You should have told them before they drugged you up."

"I couldnt do that since prior to that I had a boot lodged in my back stimulating most of my nerves back there. I could barely think straight how am I supposed to...to...to...Achoo aaaaaaaaaagh!"

A small trickle of blood is seen going off the side of the bed.

"SHIT," Nos yelled as his eyes shot open, bolting into a sitting position abruptly.

Without warning, he abruptly walked out of the room, unclothed in his garments from the operation. Running, he raced past soldiers back to the bridge, where he burst through the door.

His vision blurred, black spots rushing past him like a swarm of thousand flies. He grasped at an invisible support in the air before collapsing do to the weakness and blood loss he suffered.

As Inferno lies in his hospital bed unable to move from the metal bars in his back. He begins to choke on his now starting to foam saliva, unable to yell for help he lies there choking from his saliva like he watched so many smother in his hands.

A nurse walks in "How are we to...Oh no!" she looks upon Inferno witnessing his aganizing moment the leader of Ultimate_apocalypse blood pouring from his body foamy saliva spurting from the mouth, She runs screaming for a doctor to come quick and to rush it!

All Inferno could do is lie there and think. "Is this what I have been doing to people? What does life mean if I there is nothing but pain in this world?"

Meanwhile, within the borders of Ultimate_apocalypseIII a cell phone starts to ring. "Uh, Sir its..." Cuts the soldier off and is said in an outward breath."If it is her, im not here!" "Uh yes, he is not here. Yes his is phone he threw it at me earlier and left the room Maam." Khaos walks up to the soldier on the phone, the soldier looks up at him and starts to become nervouse. Khaos reaches for the soldiers neck grabs the phone and hangs it up. He then tells the soldier to go get him the reports on how the manufacturing of the new tanks and battle armor are coming along.

Entering the room once again, the leader of The Reich Freedom Fighters noticed that Darla was sleeping again. He sighed, removing the jacket to his suit, and placing it over her sleeping figure.

Removing one of his guns from the holster, he inspected it, noticing the small personalized engraving on the trigger. He held it to Darla's sleeping figure, aiming right at her head.

He could not pull the trigger......

He stood with the gun aimed at her for a few moments before sliding it back in it's holster with a sigh and sitting down himself.

C9, feeling a wave of nausia spread over her, stumbled out of the hospital wing of the mansion. Cutting a few corners, walking down corridors, she tried to navigate herself to some place she even forgot where she was heading.

It was not far down the one corridor when she tripped over something large in the middle of the corridor. Her head spinned and she grabbed her throbbing head as she tried to stand again. Looking down, her vision slowly focused on the curled up figure of a man.....no, a doctor.

Stumbling backward she hit the wall hard. A doctor was dead; no doubt a doctor who had assisted her. Someone was planning to kill her. Was Noskalenaeuroph back in duty? Was someone else there? Or.....was it that man?

Panicking, she raced back down the maze of corridors and wings until she found herself running straight into Mathias's bedroom. Closing the door, she locked it from the inside breathing heavily. She could not believe someone was out to kill her....and getting close.

Someone had slipped past her nose, her plots, her strategies.

Richard roamed the hallways looking for this doctor, though he was completely exhausted and thought he should just go take a nap and look later.

'Its not like C9 will be going anywhere.. but I dont want to let her down,' he thought groggily while roaming the maze of hallways that he should already know well.

And so he continued to roam until he happened upon something he didnt expect.

Katalyst slammed her phone shut. "Now even Khaos doesnt want to talk to me!"
an image of Inferno appears in front of her and tells her to stop her complaining and finish her work. "Thats it, I must find C9 she is the key that I need to finish my mission. Katalyst heads towards that medical wing, on the way she finds a body on the ground shrugging it off as normal Reich goings on she continues on her way. She reaches the medical wing after having to back track a few times, only to find out that C9 was not there. "She was here when I left. How long have I been gone? Great, now I have to find her. This is officially the worst day of my life!"

She continues on here way on the search for C9. She makes her way back to the party. "Maybe someone there has seen her recently!"

Distances away, in the land of European Free States, Dante went out for his early morning walk. He attempted a jog, but the exhaustion put him down sooner then he had expected. Sitting by a small pond surrounded by plant life, he looked into the water.....looking into the reflection of the man he was.

He looked closer, bending over closer to the water's surface. The man he saw was tired looking, almost battleworn.....he supposed from the jog. His eyes were of a defeated man.....he assumed the coma he had apparently been in had done that to them. He looked aged, but yet young. His reflection seemed to show on old man in a young man's body.

He leaned back from the water, no longer desiring to look upon the appearence of a man he saw. His pants soon soaked through from the morning dew, and he stood up slowly to finish his walk. He made it a few more feet when he realized that something about his reflection was not right.

"SHIT," Nos yelled as his eyes shot open, bolting into a sitting position abruptly.

Without warning, he abruptly walked out of the room, unclothed in his garments from the operation. Running, he raced past soldiers back to the bridge, where he burst through the door.

His vision blurred, black spots rushing past him like a swarm of thousand flies. He grasped at an invisible support in the air before collapsing do to the weakness and blood loss he suffered.

The nurses and doctors quickly brought him back to his bed and made sure he hadn't damaged himself too much. When they were certain that it was not serious, they had a couple watch him to make sure nothing further happened.

Erzsebet, having left Katarina on watch, came down to the medbay to check on the patients. She paused by Nos' bed.

As Inferno lies in his hospital bed unable to move from the metal bars in his back. He begins to choke on his now starting to foam saliva, unable to yell for help he lies there choking from his saliva like he watched so many smother in his hands.

A nurse walks in "How are we to...Oh no!" she looks upon Inferno witnessing his aganizing moment the leader of Ultimate_apocalypse blood pouring from his body foamy saliva spurting from the mouth, She runs screaming for a doctor to come quick and to rush it!

All Inferno could do is lie there and think. "Is this what I have been doing to people? What does life mean if I there is nothing but pain in this world?"

The doctors rushed in and remedied the problem. After the Great war 70 years before, Callisdrunian naval doctrine called for the most competant medical service possible on warships. They worked quickly, precisely, and quietly.

The doctors rushed in and remedied the problem. After the Great war 70 years before, Callisdrunian naval doctrine called for the most competant medical service possible on warships. They worked quickly, precisely, and quietly.

Inferno is set back in his newly covered bed. He is passed out from what had just happened. While sleeping he starts to dream about the days before he was a leader of his people to the days when he was nothing but a lowly worker under the rule of an incompetant king.

C9 sat on Mathias's bed, breathing heavily, letting her headache settle before getting up again. A few minutes passed as she sat there, head in hands, her mind devoid of thinking. She stood slowly, checking the room for anyone. Seeing the room was cleared of unwanted people, she walked to Mathias's chest of drawers and opened the drawers.

She rummaged through his under garments, his socks, and white shirts. Finding nothing, she continued through even more drawers, finding nothing more then guns, ammunition, and alcohol. She took a bottle out, realizing it had been the one they both drank from so long ago. She continued routing through his belongings, looking for anything of interest.

She stopped by the couch in the far corner of the room, in a small conjoining room away from the main bulk of the room. She noticed a little red folder laying on the ground. But how? I took that with me......or.....did I?

She grabbed the folder off the floor and sat on the couch. THE THIRD PROTOCAL was written across the front just like the folder she had. She no longer had her folder though, in the confusion of the events during the party she had lost it. She skimmed through the maps lightly, they were currently of little to no interest. She found a paper of commands next.....her interest increasing tenfold.

"Oh, this is too good," she whispered, smircking at the unknown knowledge she now possessed. The Red Queen has a match. There was a research team within The Dictatorship that had never returned. The Red Queen was equipped with COSP G3.

This was too much for her, as she grinned with pleasure. She continued through the pages until she noticed a small misplaced book on his book self in the far corner of the room she had been in. She stood up and went to it, picking it up and sitting back at the couch with it.

She opened it up and quickly took notice to Mathias's familiar handwriting.

By now, the great, dark grey hulls of the ships were within sight of the city again, though the view was partially obscured by the storm. There were many of them, and upon closer inspection, their anti-aircraft armaments made them appear to bristle with weaponry.

OOC: just trying to keep the thread alive

Inferno sits in the medical bay thinking. "Why didnt Flex help me? He started to, but then he just stopped." He continues to wonder what would have happend if no one had entered the room. "I could have died! Would I have gone to heaven or would I have gone to hell? Is there a place for me to go to? There has to be with all the death and miraculous things that I have seen. There has to be!" Inferno keeps wondering this as he passes out.

Entering the room once again, the leader of The Reich Freedom Fighters noticed that Darla was sleeping again. He sighed, removing the jacket to his suit, and placing it over her sleeping figure.

Removing one of his guns from the holster, he inspected it, noticing the small personalized engraving on the trigger. He held it to Darla's sleeping figure, aiming right at her head.

He could not pull the trigger......

He stood with the gun aimed at her for a few moments before sliding it back in it's holster with a sigh and sitting down himself.


Darla heard the leader of The Reich Freedom Fighters reenter the room.
Yet she had not stiffened in his presence -- even when she felt him lay his jacket over her body.

Thinking to herself, Darla thought "I wish I knew his name. Not that I really need to know it to carry on my mission -- whatever it has become..."

She chuckled silently. Meanwhile this man she wondered about had removed one of his guns from his holster, imperceptively undoing its snap. He stood with the gun aimed at her head for a few moments before sliding it back in it's holster.

Darla strangely felt at peace. Yes she thought she might be killed at any moment. Yet she felt comfort from a man for whom while appeared to be superficially emotionless, began stirring for her deep passions she had not felt in ages.

When he sat down and audibly sighed, Darla gently pulled down the top of his jacket that had covered her face.

"Thank you for your care of me. Please let me know just when I can be of assistance to you."

"Darla, do you know the reason we do not use names, besides the fact we have none? We do not use names because giving a name to a person is labeling some form of attachment to that person. You people use names to become attached to someone. In my field of work, attachment is not acceptable. Attachment is an emotional feeling, and on the battlefield emotions are not needed. With us, you must let your spouse, child, sibling, or parents die to ensure your own secrecy. We avoid names because it brings an emotional attachment to our fellow brothers."

The leader was firm, almost harsh in his speaking. He leaned back against the wall, staring at her as if he were nothing more then an emotionless statue. His facial features seems to be etched into marble, unmoving, and unchanging.......cold and hard....forever the same.

A slight grin sprung across him though, changing those marble features for just a moment. "However, Darla, if you must call me by a name, call me Damon."

Nos did not stir as Erzsebet paused by the bed he was in. He felt her presence there, but he found himself too weak to stir despite his desire to look upon her and speak to her. His blood loss was effecting him, as he felt the cold sink into him despite the warmth of the medbay. He struggled to open his eyes, but he could not.

"I am going to die," he told himself as he lay there incapable of moving. "I am going to die and no one is going to be able to save me. I should be dead now though. That blade pierced directly through my heart. I should be dead, but I am not. I should be dead........ I think I am dying........ It is getting really cold in here; they should turn up the heat......... Am I still breathing? I can't feel my chest rise or fall? My.......no.......I can't breathe. I'm not breathing. Shit! I.......can't.......breathe..... It's so cold and dark........................."

I thought that was the last breath I would ever take. The last breath I would take and it was struggled, gasped, with blood pouring into my lungs filling them, drowning me. Drowning in my own blood.....what an undignified way for me to die. I felt the bitter cold air pierce my exposed neck, chilling and drying the blood that poured from my lacerated neck. My enemy standing before me, clearly in my sight. He wanted to be the last thing I would see. He wanted those eyes and that grin of his to be the last thing I would know and see. I knew him. How could I not know him? But he was my enemy now.....despite everything. He wiped the blood from his hands as he stood before me; slowly wiping each hand, as he grinned with pleasure. I struggled to breathe, but I could not longer breathe. My eyes became blurred, but they were still open. I could not see him with my opened eyes. I thought that was the end.

However, it was not my last breath. Some woman saved me; insisted to my enemy that I was more important alive then dead. She cared for me like I was her child or maybe more like I was her dying father. I was unaware of how long it was since my opened eyes stopped seeing, but I found myself opening my eyes one night and seeing again. The first sight I saw during what I guess would be my second life was this beautiful lady with red orange hair. Her eyes were peircing green, and her touch was so gentle. She smiled pleasently at me, happy I was finally awake. She asked me how I was. This would be the worst second of realization in my life. I opened my mouth to speak and said (what I heard in my head) Who are you? I realized that I did not hear my words though. I heard her words......I was not deaf. I could not her mine.......I was mute. She realized it too, as a shocked and horrified silence fell between us, one that I would never be able to break. It turns out that when my enemy slit my throat, he destroyed my ability to ever speak again.

I soon discovered my cuts too. I felt tight places over my body, and found that upon inspection I was covered with stitched wounds. Long twisted and crooked cuts littered my thorax and abdomen, running to my back, which I was incapable of seeing what damage was done there. A long and thick mass of stitches ran the entirety of my neck. I could never touch these though, nor can I still. I find myself paralyzed in fear when someone touches my neck. The feel of that cold blade cutting into my flesh, cutting deep and cutting everything that fell in it's path as it traveled along my neck. The sound of the gurgled gasps. The feel of my warm blood pouring down my opened throat and pouring down my chest, soaking my clothing. This few seconds seemed like ages. All these memories cross my mind when someone or something touches my neck.

I am deathly afraid of knives anymore. I do not want to remember what should have killed me. I do not want to feel that agony ever again. They are reminders of my pain; reminders of my disabilities; reminders of my failure.


C9 dropped the book, her hands slightly trembling; out of horror or complete joy it was too hard to tell. The book landed on it's spine, the pages open. Mathias's neat clean script like handwriting ran across the pages; pages which seemed old and wrinkled.......and brown; brown from the blood which previously soaked the pages which has now long since been dried.

Erzsebet had a chair brought over. Nos looked to be in bad shape. She sat down and put her hand on him ever so gently. She caressed him slightly. She did not know what to think of some of her allies. She still did not understand them very well. However, she could tell that Nos' condition was most severe as she bent over, her hair brushing him slightly, as she looked on with concern. Erzsebet was a woman of many dimensions. She could be caring, as she was now, or horribly cruel. She had broken a sailor's ribs for cowardice before. She was both loved and feared by her crews.

Nos stirred from near death, but remained unconscious to the world around him. He started to breathe again, feeling pain begin to pierce his heart and chest. He felt Erzsebet's presence, but was incapable of making out how close she was or why she was there.

Visions came to him.....like hallicunations from drugs. He stood in the bridge with Erzsebet. She was beautiful; and he fought the thoughts that sprung into his head. She took a sip from a glass.....he walked to her. The stared into each other's eyes for a long time. He took the glass from her, taking a sip and savoring the taste he longed for. He stared into the eyes of Erzsebet again. He moved closer to her, reaching out for her.....

Nos struggled to breathe, gasping for breath again, his heart beat slowly fading.

"Darla, do you know the reason we do not use names, besides the fact we have none? We do not use names because giving a name to a person is labeling some form of attachment to that person. You people use names to become attached to someone. In my field of work, attachment is not acceptable. Attachment is an emotional feeling, and on the battlefield emotions are not needed. With us, you must let your spouse, child, sibling, or parents die to ensure your own secrecy. We avoid names because it brings an emotional attachment to our fellow brothers."

The leader was firm, almost harsh in his speaking. He leaned back against the wall, staring at her as if he were nothing more then an emotionless statue. His facial features seems to be etched into marble, unmoving, and unchanging.......cold and hard....forever the same.

A slight grin sprung across him though, changing those marble features for just a moment. "However, Darla, if you must call me by a name, call me Damon."

Darla thought for a moment, "This is where I am -- a battlefield."
Then she spoke softly but directly at this freedom fighter. "Nice to become acquainted. I do agree that emotions and attachments can complicate things."

Darla sat up and neatly folded his jacket he had laid across her while she laid resting and placed it beside her. While longing for a calm place beyond a warzone, she knew her life has been only truly lived on the battlefields fighting for justice and liberation.

"I take to heart what you said, Damon. Thank you for sharing it."
Darla then rose and handed Damon his jacket. "Thanks. Whenever we need to go I will be ready. And if you need me to be a part from you then make it so."

"I just hope we can overcome what the Red Queen has wrought," Darla sighed.

"We must wait here. Genocide, leader of the forces of Mahanoy has decided to attack Stadt today. She has ordered a decoy of Blackbirds to scout the area, finding the targets to send coordinations to the Spirits above, out of sight, hidden from the eye of The Red Queen herself. Genocide tapped into the resources within one of the former ruler Dante's nations. He had developed an arsenal so advanced and disguised that not even The Red Queen could detect them. Furthermore, using the on-coming storm for camouflage, they are capable of maintaining low visibility by those on ground, so the likelihood of a command going to The Red Queen is little to nil.

"Their scheduled bombing run is timed in just a few moments. Brace yourself for impact. In the mean, need a drink?"

He relaxed his shoulders for the first time, resting, and becoming relaxed; feeling comfortable in the small room below the ground.

"Yes, a drink would be splended."

Darla undid her retractable hood on her collar of her shirt and pulled it over her head. She then put on a pair of clear glasses. Darla also pulled out a hankerchef and wrapped around her neck, ready for any dust kickup caused by any bombardment above them.

Then she offered Damon another hankerchef.
"I like to keep my dust allergies at bay."

Erzsebet felt sorry for Nos, as it was obvious that he was in great pain. She, however, didn't know what else she could do for him. She did not want to lead him on to false conclusions. But if only there was some way... no, she thought, I can't do that again, it didn't turn out right last time. But what could she do? Perhaps, a smaller gesture would help him. Erzsebet squeezed his hand and bent down to lightly kiss his lips.

OOC: Going to further this post later; hence I deleted it.

Lightening struck with Godlike force upon The Dictatorship's barren wasteland. Deep powerful thunder rumbled ominiously following each piercing strike, while the waters vengence collided into the ships and the shore. Darkness filled The Dictatorship, making day undistinguishable from night. Visibility only was offered through the intermitent bright flashes.

The Blackbirds ascended into the clouds again, losing all visibility and whereabouts.


White Tiger


Lightening flashed again, the thunder rumbling the ground beneath Stadt. Instantly, the main street of Stadt lay beneath rubble, claiming the lives of many ex-soldiers of The Reich Army who loyally supported Der Fuhrer through campaign after campaign.

Another flash revealed the damage, burning remains, despite the intense downpour. The light of the incinerated and destroyed main street slowly faded into the dark, as faint cries of injured people could barely be heard by their dying comrades aside them.

The storms intensity increased, and within another piercing bolt, the left border of Stadt suffered the same fate. A few more explosions sounded as the right border of Stadt diminished as well.

Despite the devastation, few were capable of isolating where the attacks were coming from. Had The Red Queen turned on them? Such devasation would take an enormous force.....

Another brillant flash revealed no less the twenty Spirits descending from the ominious hell, heading toward the mansion.

Erzsebet looked up as she heard the rumbling explosions from the city. It sounded like an aerial bombing. She had been right to change the fleet's formation to its anti-aircraft configuration. She got up, speaking softly to Nos first. "I'm sorry, I must go do my job now."

Within a couple minutes, she was back on the bridge. "Do we know who's bombing the city?" She asked. Leif replied "No, but I'd say it's safe to say they're not friendly. We can only very faintly see them up there. There's more than ten aircraft, but less than thirty. What do you want us to do?"

Erzsebet thought a moment. "Open up on them with everything the fleet's got. They apparently haven't noticed us yet and if we don't act, they might see us before we do anything." The thought that the bombers hadn't noticed the ships was entirely possible. They were painted a dark color that in this light was similar to that of the water, and, being rather cold, except for the medbay, would not show up well on infrared. Without the delay of more than a few seconds, orders were given, and Admiral Andersen was radioed of the intended course of action.

Metal storm erupted into the clouds in blazing fury, a maelstrom of hot metal and explosives hurtling towards the bombers. The few SAM's on the ships were launched. Timed almost as if intended to deliberately confuse the pilots, the larger battle fleet hurled its anti aircraft ordinance upwards about thirty seconds after the barrage from First Cruiser Squadron had begun, and from a totally different angle, so the bombers were caught in a cross fire. The noise sounded a million bulls stampeding.

In Stadt, men and women of the 5th tank guards died as the world seemed to crumble around them. For so many dying, not many screamed. Casualties were substantial, but not debilitating. As soon as local commanders knew it was an air raid, the anti aircraft units assigned were moved into place and began blasting away in the direction of the bastards, as they had immediately decided to call them. Such a small battery was nothing compared to the awesome fire of the ships, but it was better than nothing. It was at least an additional irritation for the pilots of the bombers to think about, for they'd be just as dead whether hit by the Metal Storm of the ships or by a lucky hit from a land unit.

The assualt on the mansion began, as the formation of Spirits continued on their path, despite the loss of many of their planes. The released their assualt as bomb after bomb struck the mansion and it's perimeter. Each bomb hitting causing the manison to rumble slightly, as if experiencing an earthquake.


But White Tiger was far from over......


Descending from the black hell, a second formation of Spirits prepared for an assualt. With previous positions marked and identified, they released their assualt on the ships off the coast. Bomb after bomb dropped, targeting ship upon ship.

Furiously, the storm and assualt raged on, ruthless and unheeding.

The Spirits ascended back into the clouds, preparing for another run. Shielded by the clouds, the positioned themselves for another descent.....another target...... But where?

With Stadt's borders eradicated, and the main street nothing more then a pile of rubble and dead bodies, the battle seemed over......or was it?

Within the mansion, C9 sat bolt upright when the first bomb struck the strong foundation. She stood up, looking around the room, wondering what was happening, when the mansion shook again with vehement furiosity. She stumbled to keep her balance as the bottle slipped from her hand and crashed on the ground, spreading shards of glass in every direction.

She stuffed the small book into her pocket, walking toward the door of the bedroom. Each bomb caused her to stumble as she struggled to keep her balance in the shaking mansion. Her hands fumbled on the lock as she fought the shaking to open the door. Once the door was open she wondered down the corridor, using the walls for support.

Everyone's expressions were the same....confusion and horror were painted onto their faces, much as clown paints on a smile or frown. Many were taken back to pain-filled days on the battlefield......days where their brothers and sisters lay beside them, sheding their blood together as they fought for a nation now in ruins.

The war they had faced was devastating, unlike anything others have seen. The duration of their war had passed day to day for time unending, and yet, they faced the war with fresh renewal each morning, for the coming of time. Neither one ever gave up hope though, despite the futileness of their war.

But now, as they stood within the mansion, bomb after bomb striking them hard, they wondered if it all had been worth it. They wondered if everything they had fought for was in vain. Stadt des Meeres, the last city remaining within The Dictatorship was suddenly under an aerial barrage, and they were powerless to stop it.

Everyone began to gather in the foyer; each searching among each other for the answer of the source of this attack. It did not make sense.....who would attack them?

Alex and Destiny stood together, Alex defensive of his sister. He watched everyone gather as he tried to piece together the information. Talk of possible suspects floated through the room. C9 stood above them working her way down the staircase.

Her voice, serious and angry, sounded above the rest, "Callisdrun is attacking us. Don't you see it? Isn't it rather ironic that their representative leaves and we are suddenly attacked out of no where? And for being a city that no one knows about....it's rather quaint that we are the target of this so called "random" attack. And, if you listen closely, you can here them....it's barely audible over the storm and bombing, but you can hear it if you listen close enough."

C9's eyes flashed with anger and rage. "That bitch was bad news and I knew it," she mumbled to herself, few which heard her mumbling. Loudly, she continued, "They have been trying since the second they got here to take us out, but with Der Furher here they were powerless. With Der Fuhrer gone; they were clear for this assault. And what about trying to break into private facilities of this nation? Snooping around the mansion; ending up in places that was none of their business......they befriended us to set us up for an attack. And what's worse.....we actually believed them!"

Alex stood there, shifting his weight slightly, taking in all of her words. He knew C9 from back in his training days. She was a respectable, attractive, young woman, who had a natural ability at leadership. He grimaced as he fought himself. His sister was all in his life; she did not know of the path he had taken in his life, but now.....no he couldn't tell her. She could not find out.

Slowly he spoke, cold and ruthlessly, despite his will of hiding the truth from his sister. "C9, are you sure it is them attacking?"

C9 looked to the voice that had spoken to her. She had recognized it, but when she looked down, and caught of glimpse of Alex standing firmly, in his uniform, she could not believe her eyes. Overcoming the initial shock of seeing him here, she nodded, more in disbelief then a response.

Taking C9's nod as an affirmative, he nodded in response. Taking a step away from Destiny, he bid he sister a farewell and told her to go to the basement of this mansion's complex.

C9 realized then what she had done. Alex was not a normal soldier; he never played any jokes. His entire life was nothing but the seriousness of war, revenge for his father, filling his father's shoes, and the protection of his sister....fun, games, and most of all, love were not on his agenda. She tried to say something, but the words were lost in her throat. Alex would kill them all if he had to.....and above all, he had the power to.

Alex stepped up onto the first step, gaining a slight advantage of height to the rest of the crowd. Firmly, he spoke, "There is a protected basement within this complex. I urge you all to go there.....it will offer you protection. You are advised not to leave your positions until I give you the consent. If this is a deliberate attack, then I shall engage a war upon our enemies. You will be safe there. Now, hurry, go there."

Admiral Hunny*Dew, among the crowd, understood Alex's full intentions. Calmly, a reassuring breeze on a warm day, her voice sounded, "Follow me, I shall guide you to safety."

And with that, she led them to underground lairs of the complex.

Destiny, horror in her eyes, pleadingly looked to Alex, who deliberately turned away from her. She reached out for him, struggling past the crowd to get to him, when she was seized, dragged to protection. "Ma'am, you must follow; he knows what he is doing," was all she heard, as the vision of her brother blurred beneath the tears.

Der Fuhrer, en route to The Dictatorship, stopped by a familiar land, taking a rest in European Free States to meet up with some old friends. She met up with some old faces, deciding to spend the day in a quiet beautiful city. The sun was warm and the spring air rushed by, invigorating her. She really did love this nation most of all.

They worked down the small cobblestone streets, smiling and greeting friendly faces all the while.


Meanwhile, Dante and his nurse too prowled the same street. She had decided it was time for Dante to be resocialized. Although he had regained most of his physical strength, his ability to walk far distances faltered. He needed outside assistance to take the strain off his weakened legs from the gunshot wound he suffered prior to his coma. With the assistance of cane or crutch he found that support. He used the cane in public only because it was much easier to maneuver.

They had bought some small groceries: eggs and milk. Dante walked along the streets though, amazed at the items in the windows......objects lost to his memory. He was not paying attention were he walked, and neither did his on comer as she smiled and talked merrily with her friends.


They collided, Dante and Der Fuhrer. Der Fuhrer, strong and capable of maintaining balance remained standing, but the force knocked Dante backward onto the ground. His hip hit hard and pain seared through his damaged leg from the wounds inflicted before. He winced, incapable of standing back up.

He struggled, finding it futile to stand after falling. The nurse dropped quickly to her knees, trying to help him stand, but found she was not strong enough either. Dante winced more. She looked to Der Fuhrer who stood staring down, confused.

The nurse shouted to her angerily, "Well, don't just stand there. Help me! You're the one who knocked him down!"

She turned to Dante, "Dante, are you alright? Just relax, I know your therapy did not really cover this."

Dante

All noise ceased to Der Fuhrer, as she gazed upon the all too familiar face. He looked different, but it was unmistakable that it was indeed Dante. Almost mechanicially, without thinking, she stooped down, assisting him in standing.

They stared at each, eyes locked.......unmoving.

The assualt on the mansion began, as the formation of Spirits continued on their path, despite the loss of many of their planes. The released their assualt as bomb after bomb struck the mansion and it's perimeter. Each bomb hitting causing the manison to rumble slightly, as if experiencing an earthquake.


But White Tiger was far from over......


Descending from the black hell, a second formation of Spirits prepared for an assualt. With previous positions marked and identified, they released their assualt on the ships off the coast. Bomb after bomb dropped, targeting ship upon ship.

Furiously, the storm and assualt raged on, ruthless and unheeding.

The Spirits ascended back into the clouds, preparing for another run. Shielded by the clouds, the positioned themselves for another descent.....another target...... But where?

With Stadt's borders eradicated, and the main street nothing more then a pile of rubble and dead bodies, the battle seemed over......or was it?


The first warship to be hit was the destroyer, M-37. The little vessal's armor could not even hope to withstand the bombs, and the ship immediately exploded, sending wreckage skyward and quickly sinking with all hands.

The second to come under attack was the light cruiser, Malmo. There was a short delay after the bomb hit, before the cruiser, too, suffered a cataclysmic magazine detonation. It sank more slowly, allowing some of the crew to jump off and put their strong swimming skills to good use.

As the bombers neared the center of the battle fleet, more destroyers and light cruisers suffered fates similar in destruction and carnage. Several heavy cruisers were hit, but only a couple blew up. Some sank slowly, and others were damaged in varying degrees.

However, to get to the core of the battle fleet, the aircraft had to fly through what was virtually a wall of anti-arcraft ordinance. Exploding ammo was everywhere in the skies, sending heated shrapnel flying in all directionthere was simply no way around it. Grand Admiral Andersen watched calmly from the flagship, the battleship Transylvania. "Soon they will feel the heat themselves," he said.

Aboard the battleship Telemark, Captain Knut Tveitan was not as calm. The light from the exploding ships was bright and distracting. The formation of bombers was headed straight for his ship. Pacing quickly, he racked his brain for ideas. And then he stopped, and made his order.
The old battleship's twelve 14" guns quickly turned to face the oncoming bombers. The unorthodoxy of using main battleship guns to fire at aircraft was unheard of. However, they were loaded with incendiary shrapnel rounds, and at this close range, the bombers would not have much time to turn away from the blast. The air seemed to explode as the battleship fired a full broadside and then the shells detonated, looking like nothing so much as some deadly form of fireworks directly in the path of the bombers.

Though the barrage was intense, some bombers of course, got through, and many of their bombs hit, as the battleships were too slow to dodge them. Telemark was hit near the bridge, sending bodies and slag in all directions. Knut and the rest of the bridge crew ducked as the windows were blown out. The heavy armor, however, held fast, though there was a fire where the bomb had hit and minimal flooding.

Transylvania got off easier, with only a glancing blow to starboard. Several crew members were killed by splinters, but the ship's fighting capability was not compromised.

Some of the newer battleships were hit harder, as their size probably led the bomber pilots to believe that one of them was the flagship, which was not the case. Callismark being hit by three bombs, and some others by two. The former was slowed significantly and took on a list to starboard. Counterflooding, however, saved the ship. Damage control had always been important on Callisdrunian warships.

First Cruiser Squadron, being a bit farther away than the battle fleet, was already rushing to prepare as the bombers arrived. All ships were moving erratically, and the destroyers laid a smokeskreen before crumbling under the relentless aerial attack. All in all, 10 destroyers were destroyed themselves, though not all exploded in the horrific fashion seen before. Three light cruisers could not get out of the way in time, and were sent to the bottom. Somewhere else, an older heavy cruiser suffered a magazine explosion. Erzesebet's flagship darted under the smokeskreen, narrowly avoiding a flurry of bombs that shook the ship.

The battle cruisers were far less armored than the battleships, but were faster, and most were able to escape too much damage. But not all. Ithtyr, what was to be Erzsebet's new flagship, was hit and strained to hold together as she trembled with the force of the explosion. Mjolnir suffered two turret explosions, but fortunately did not sink. A near miss caused flooding on Isten Kardja. They did not let the bombers get off without a price, howerver, as throughout the raid, anti-aircraft guns strafed the sky, sending a concentrated hail of metal and fire towards the bombers.

Erzsebet listened to the battle raging all around from aboard Varghona. Even she could not see much through the thick fog of the smoke screen. Then, one final gargantuan explosion was heard and it was over. Somehow, the black ship had come through it unscathed.

Within European Free States, Dante and Der Fuhrer stood, eyes locked into one another. Der Fuhrer reached back, his hand grasping her rifle.

Dante did not move, he stared the the unfamiliar figure in front of him, reaching for a gun. Had he upset her?

Der Fuhrer watched as Dante did not budge, nor did he act like he was fazed at all. He simply stood watching her without so much as a wink. Was it really him? Yes, but he had not attacked. Had he changed?

Dawning on the nurse was the subtle knowledge that this stranger knew Dante. Hastily, she grasped his arm and pulled him along.

"Sorry, we really ought to be going," she spoke quickly in hopes of saving Dante from a memory lapse.

Dante, unsure of what had happened, followed in persuit. He walked painfully, using his cane much like a crutch now. He did not glance back at all, as Der Fuhrer watched them cross the road and leave her.

Turning to her friends, Der Fuhrer whispered, "Find me her house. I want to know what is going on here."

The bombers lost an entire squadron during the bombardment of the ships. Countless bombers sunk to the bottom of the ocean as the storm raged on; thunder rumbled as loud as the exploding bombs, lighting brighter then the plums of fire they sent to the air and beneath the raging waters.

The remainder of the second wave ascended, just in time to see the descent of the third wave.

And with that, the third wave struck the airport that lay on the outer grounds of Stadt, annihilating the entire place in one quick sweep. They ascending, as a fourth wave swept over the length of Stadt, random bombardments, with no intentional targets.

As they ascended, a few moments passed, the storm raged, but a fifth wave did not come. The people braced themselves for another wave, but was it bond to come?

Within the mansion, Perry stumbled his way down the stairs of the labratory, stepping over broken glass as he finally realized that he was free once again.

He listened closely to the bombing, and knew well enough where those planes came from. They were discovered by Nye and himself. And now, they were being used by another force.

"Who could have taken over," he mumbled to himself. He knew that their chain of command was strong.....unless......but that was impossible. Was it Nye? No, he had been dead. Then it hit him.......their ace.

He grinned with pleasure, boldly walking toward the exit of the mansion.

Raining from the skies, unseen by any, the final assualt fell likes fallen angels to Earth. Launching a high altitude ( ;) ) attack, the Spirits attacked the ships that lined the shore a final time and brung their assualt inward like a magnanimous wave crashing into the mansion.

The Spirits then left as silently as they came, the Blackbirds leading the way home. The deadly assualt over before anyone really knew what the hell had happened.

The all too familiar sound of a bomb crashing within the city awoke Richard from his slumber; a sleep filled with dreams of this intoxicatingly beautiful young woman. Richard hurried up, strapped on his sword, and rushed to the window to see a scene that made his jaw set with resolve. Richard rushed out to the hallway to see people streaming by, some running; others, Military men woken up Richard believed, walking more slowly, yet all looked worried and scared.

One man caught a glimpse of his sword and face and seemed to recognize him; Richard, still too groggy after the nap thought he might recognize the man as well, but the face was gone as soon as it had popped into view.

Richard worked his way down the hallway, following the soldiers, who seemed to be going in a direction opposite those of the citizens and livery. Richard dearly wished that his men werent locked outside of the protocol zone. Richard sighed, and continued to follow the soldiers till he spotted a face he thought he might never see again; C9, in all of her glory, the woman he vowed to learn more about, standing there with a look on her eyes that Richard thought he would never see.. fear. Fear masked and small, yet there was still a fragment of it in her expression. Richard was good at reading emotions when he wanted to, and his head had cleared up since his nap.. but after the circumstances that led to their meeting, Richard was sure a few bombs wouldnt be enough to break her rock hard facade. There must have been something greater going on.

Richard walked up to C9, and gave her a warm, unexpected hug as greeting, "Whats wrong?"

Katalyst is nearly at the staircase when a large blast takes out the wall behind her "Holy Sh..." Katalyst is thrown to the ground by the shockwave of the blast. Her body is seen sliding past the top of the stair case. Her body stops she is only out of breath from the fall. " I need a new job." Katalyst calls Khaos again to tell him that stadt was under attack, she only recieved a busy signal.

4000TH POST


This one is for Dante. RIP love.