NationStates Jolt Archive

It had begun as a simple walk down the coridoor, and then through the teleporter from the Conference Hall, and into the Palace Tree. The reason given was genuine enough, as he had completed the full Gaian versions of their offer to The Humankind Abh and The Planet Federation. The Padds were quite detailed out for trade, cultural and military concessions and topics. All he had to do was get them and return...

...the problem...

He entered the chamber, and passed the office table by. He then stopped, looked around, and asked himself one question. Normally it would have been squashed. But with the mess he'd mentaly created by Mind-Link orders and impetuous messages sent with a tone he 'despises' to use, in too open a manner, no matter what the reason, that had nearly caused a situation to grow out of control.

The Deatharons had been temporarily abandoned, even for a few hours, because he had 'told' the Mind-Link to hold back on trying to outdo the Draconis Federation. As a consequence, a coup attempt took place, and whatmore, his presumption that the Deatharons were not strong enough to handle their own crisis, precipitated a sudden 'crash' of his spirit.

Having conducted such anger, and then been too overconfident, and underestimated of a charge he felt 'too' attached to. No matter how convulted the details, the end result was clear to him. He had become too attached to the power he commanded, and was too willing to push the bondries of the moral bounds of honor and good essence to justify 'far' less such ideals.

The 'good' was being replaced by 'neccessary power'.

In the end, he suddenly was shaken by far more than just simply events. It was a down to the cores of why he feared being a Power, and a leader of a nation in the first place, and he 'knew' within that he had crossed a line he personally had set at the Founding. In essence he was acting on a private flight reflex. One he hoped would reset his moral compass, and 'maybe' return to be the leader he felt inside was supposed to have been for his citizen souls.

What could be called cowardice for one, was a decision for another that was afraid of having the power he held, overcome his ability to be a good leader. He held a 'high' standard for himself, dependant on the fact that he 'never' wanted this power in the first place. Having had it forced onto him forced him to also 'rewrite' what he felt deep inside was good and just 'as' a leader, and a Power even more. Hence why he suddenly made some quick packing of a few minor bits, and then headed to a private Family chamber teleporter.

It was a simple matter to then use discression and a few light orders to divert attentions while he went to his personal XGP privatier starvessel. He then put in the proper access codes to then shoot the vessel out of it's private dock upon the Ascendant Dock Yards Complex. The grey and silver lined vessel then is verbal ordered to activate it's alternate codesets, and even create a sensor emination of a different vessel.

He then pilots the vehicle to head out from the local planetary well and then shoot at sublight from there past the orbit of Emerald before passing the Emerald Gate-Shield Grid and then up towards the upper portion of the System for a relatively traffic free area. When he passed the Grid, he activated his vessel's sensor cloak and piloted the XGP to a lightly traveled area to a MO-Resource Field. There he sets Fold Jump coordinates.

All the way meanwhile, he mentally was making a speech to be sent to a special Padd that his wife Tsunami just got. (..and hence her horrid tone.)

When the message was mentally pinged for sending, he was already puting the last commands for the jump. By the time the message was read by Tsunami and then passed to the others near her, Aleaic had Folded his vessel from the White Diamond System.

He had only one destination in mind.............

---

((OC- Message tomorrow, bed time tis now.


..and the Exile begins... ))

~ :: Official Communicae, Excellency One Priority

Subject: Exile from the First Throne, and further commandments

Indeed this is a shock, and I will barter no words for any other effect. As of the local System hour, even at risk of many consequences, I hereby remove myself as the Lord Excellency of the Gaian Ascendancy until further notice.

My reasons are my own, and will endure all manner of criticism adherent to this matter. But I have to obey my long held instincts of which I regard as my safeguard to prevent myself from becoming the monster I feel I have suddenly become.

The reasons lie in the recent invasion of the Deatharon realm, and the subsequent occupation, and tertiary events related to the Draconis Federation's decision to blockade our forces for the same purpose we 'thought' was just and proper. The liberation and safety of the Deatharon people. By my commands, I had ordered our forces and capabilities to first liberate the Deatharons, and then teach them by our word and hand the chivalry and society we as Gaian citizens hold so deeply, as such that we are often accused of idealism, a standard I have no problem with.

But the problem I 'do' hold personal, was the idea that what we were doing, instead of helping the Deatharons to become better citizens of their own realm, that we instead were trying too hard to make them into our own vein, even so much to think it was proper to force our ideas, no matter how noble, upon them. This was a mistake. Forcing anything is wrong, and by my command this has occurred.

But worse, is the treatment of diplomatic messages to the leaders of the Draconis Federation, put in such a way, as we ended up being the only ones that saw ourselves as anything but a fascist like, imperialistic entity. Our messages by my command, ended up becoming of such a degree of harshness, that a war was nearly inflamed as a result. Worse, by my commands, the forces in the area of the FACAF Allied Commands and Toumans, ended up deploying in far too much force, and worse tried too hard to defend a situation that we didn't recognize as a 'non' invasion. I personally felt too impressed upon to listen to reason, because of two factors:

~ A lack of trust
~ An invasion of a personal matter.

A third factor comes into light as well:

~ Lack of trust in the Deatharon people.

And a fourth most damming factor:

~ That we thought we could be the good guys along. That we were the only ones that understood the trials and tribulations needed to be the Guardians against the evils of the Existence.

The third factor is where my decision regarding all this lies. The Deatharons are still indeed a people that have trouble listening to their own leaders, and tend to disregard the chain of command, and worse seem to have trouble letting go of civil inequalities that would make 'any' external onlooker wonder what is wrong with them. It was by my command, and the blood of my warriors spilled, that the Deatharons would be taught to find a more moral and noble compass, as well as understand the need to respect elders and most of all, stability, to give them a life that was full of much more promise than their kept in place leaders were giving them originally.

And in the course of a year leading up to the Draconis Federation intervention after the Treaty of Snyggast was signed, we endeavored to flood their society with both resources and ideals to present them with more opportunities and more freedom on both political and civil fronts, than they had ever experienced before. But in doing so, we took 'too much responsibility in the recovery and upbringing of the Deatharons, and in doing so, I allowed myself, and by extensia, my family and friends of the Holy Council, to treat the Deatharons as children.

When the coup attempt by Lord Alfred was conducted, after the Draconis Federation blockaded our forces too effectively, the Deatharons demonstrated far better prowess in upholding the new Imperial Republic than we had given them credit for. Needless to say, it was like a parent that had no confidence in their own adopted child, suddenly prove themselves in a high stakes game with far better capability than given credit for. The parent, Us in this case, and me moreover, felt shame as a parent should, and me even more did not see what was in front of my eyes, due to the power of the moment the entire situation impugned upon my mind. All the messages and more of such ill intent were followed too readily by my subordinates with 'too' much trust given to me, due to many decades ion my position.

Worse, we haven't honored the final portion of our contract with the Woodian nation, as they are 'far' more than ready to become a self-sufficient star faring nation, yet we haven't honored our part by the final cutting of the strings, for more than likely the same reasons as done to the Deatharons. We have become the surrogate parents that give no trust to their siblings adopted in one format or another.

As a total result, the power of the station I held has become more about prestige and power, than what the Ascendancy was founded upon in the first place. To exist along side other nations among the stars as a beacon of light, and a nation of hope for others to look to. We cannot be like that, if we are too consumed by petty greeds like prestige and more. No nation of 'proper' knights can act like this, and think of themselves as noble.

The power of my position, has begun to turn me into what I feared the most when I was forced into it. A tyrant. It becomes of me, that military power and impressing others was upon my mind 'far' too much, and in doing so, nearly sent my people into a war that would have killed many souls. Even with our technologies and the Power of Hikari as our ally, it still would have become reduced to my citizen souls, dying in my name, for a set of events 'not' worth fighting for.

Defending the Deatharons was noble, but was the invasion 'really' so in the first place? Standing up to show we meant to stand by our word of honor in the face of Draconis aggressive acts was also so, but should we not have listened more to them? Or do we hold no other nation capable to uphold the standards of honor that we hold for ourselves among the Five Core Values. Did we have a right to ask other nations to the Trade Conferences, only to foster trust? Or did we foster our own image moreover?

Did I cross a line that I set of myself from the moment I acknowledged the Great GrandFather's call for me to replace him as the Representative Power?

Yes.

I failed to trust. I failed to hold honor. I failed to even 'see' past the trappings of my Throne.

As such, upon my own demands of such, I punish myself by placing myself into exile, until such a time that I can return, and trust both myself 'not' to become a monster, and at the same time, give that trust to other nations that deserve it, without hesitation. I am not stupid, I realize what this will mean for my citizen souls.

But for me to remain in my capacity, at this present time, is a crime. My citizen souls do not deserve a leader that conducts himself like a...

...a.........

...a dictator.

Henceforth as a consequence, I place my powers into the hands of the 'entire' Council, to conduct with as they see fit. The health of the Ascendancy Sphere, and conduct between this nation and others, will be maintained as properly as possible, based on the wisdom of the elder Council members, and the open mindedness of the younger ones.

The Deatharon Theater forces will begin to 'fully' withdraw from the Deatharon realm, and restation within the colony Systems we hold in that Antaries Galaxy, shared with the Deatharons, and many other races. The diplomatic, humanitarian, and civil aspects will remain, but phase out over the remainder of the ten year agreement by which is the standard from the Treaty of Snyggast. Diplomatic avenues will be 'fully' pursued to establish an allied interim council to help govern Deatharon during the period of the Treaty, until after which the Deatharon Imperial Republic will become the full and in place government recognized by the Ascendancy, and given preferential trade status, as well as alliance defense compact status. Until then, the allied Council will give more and more power back to the Deatharons, with the people the highest priority for this. It's hoped that the council will govern with wisdom, and give the Deatharons the chance the deserve, for which we invaded in the first place.

Furthermore, the realm of Evil Woody Thoughts is given it's blessing for 'full' independence as a star faring nation, and the same accord will be given to them as well. Alliance and trade preferential status will be offered, and by the grace of Lady Creation our goddess, they will show us the trust we failed to give them. Further diplomatic conduct with the alliances with potential with The Humankind Abh, and The Planet Federation, will be made effective so in as long as they wish it.

As for my own former nation and citizen souls, I call for a period of Isolation, and call all Gaian and allied souls to return to within the established FACAF and Ascendancy Sphere, to begin a period of reflection and reassessment of everything we hold dear as Gaians. I feel that my citizen souls followed me too blindly, and as a result, the events of late have taken a course 'not' in the vein I had in mind upon Foundation of our civilization. This period will last at least six months, and it is hoped that the very self-sufficient nation I helped wrought will find it's own path.

To my family and friends, I ask that I am not followed for now. I.... don't feel I did you all justice. You are all worthy souls for what you hold by position, probably far better than my own was. If not for you all, I would have 'never' become the Excellency I have failed to become in your eyes. Worse, I've made decisions that led to the endangerment of you all. Worse as of late. Moreover, my lack of trust led to several of you to be hurt, both before and after my gained the Hikari Power as my own. Before that moment came from my own fear and indecision, after from overconfidence and self absorbed greeds. (..and for me, 'any' greed is horrid.)

To my wives, as much as you are my soul, and control my heart, it occurs to me worse that I places your children in danger as well, and as a father, I feel abject genocide within my soul for doing that. How can I conduct myself in this way, and the results become such evils? In all good conscience, it would become even greater harm to continue on this way.

I am no better than a gilded wolf, in the sheepish cloth of humanity, and my actions have led to ill results. This cannot be allowed to continue.

To you all, I ask, that if I 'ever' have a chance to return to my former station, that it has to be done after I rape my soul and question everything I thought was good and proper of myself. I have to almost become utter barbaric in my own treatment to ensure that I cannot be a danger like I have been anymore. Only after this, can I consider myself 'safe' to be a proper leader again.

In doing this, I must ensure that my absence, even at the risk of the dangers inherit of my departure, is a far less danger than me simply remaining where I was. In the end, I am the final judge of my wretched soul, and no matter what else happens, I have to find my way again. A true path that says that what I was, is 'not' what I fear of myself.

I am not a good leader at this point, and if I ever return, i will return having addressed that to the utter core of my soul. My own consequences will be the harshest I can endure of myself, and when that limit is reached, I will burn past that with harsher tests.

I cannot afford to make this mistake again. I cannot be such a horrible person again. Ever..........

As such, I have already left the Homeworld Star System of White Diamond, for a location of my own choosing. I will not say I cannot be found, but that only my wishes be respected. When the time is right, fate will decide when I will return, if ever.

I am sorry my citizen souls, but I found my worst fears confirmed.

I am a poor leader.

I am sorry.

Final Regards,

Aleaic Saloam Kerensky
Broken Human ~::

--

The message was sent in a staggered transmission effect. The message Padd that his wives read was slated to be read only by them for the first half hour. After that, HPG Class-A Stations were temporarily hijacked by the former Excellency's own codes to then send the message in sound only, no picture, for all eyes to see, both within, and external of the Ascendancy Sphere.

If the shock Aleaic's wives felt was harsh, the such felt by the entire Ascendancy was like their guts being shot, and then ripped open by a rampaging creature of evil. About the only ones that didn't feel an emotional horror of this shock, were the droid and Persocom citizens..

..and even 'they' exhibited visible shock even still.

The Ascendancy was leaderless, and 'no' one saw this coming. They had no reason to suspect their own leader felt this way. There was no way to anticipate how the other nations would react, but Aleaic’s orders were adhered to. In Deatharon, the military arms began to prepare for the long and methodical withdrawl from their Republic. Unsaid was the fact that the Protectorate was essentially over. The Deatharons were only expected to abide by the Treaty of Snyggast, so in as to enter diplomatic negotiations for an allied council, as well as to not engage in aggressive acts.

The Woodians were indeed their own nation again. They were allowed to conduct themselves as they wished, but still had free reign of Ascendancy resources until they were self-sufficient, and also would be assisted to begin colonization of Systems outside the Core Republic Worlds.

The Humankind Abh and TPF were given preferential rights and accords to become full allies, no strings attached. All that was asked for was that they help defend the Ascendancy while they entered this period of Isolation. Considering the massive depression that set in over much of the populace, the request was genuine enough. For the other nations from the Trade Conference, they were given preferential trade rights as well, so that if nothing else, the Ascendancy could keep itself busy, and avoid atrophy from the Isolation. In the end, the Ascendancy for the short term was a hollow shell of what was before the message, a nation filled with overflowing optimism.

The Gaians had a ways to go to find their path, as Aleaic had asked. For the immediate term, there was a 'lot' of questions as to why this happened. Above all, the question they asked mostly was..

..what now?

--

Meanwhile, the destination was reached very easily. OF all the coordinates the Ascendant Star Maps offered, there was only one place he knew of, that he could go to, to find his supposedly lost soul again.

...he Folded into the Sol System under heavy sensor cloak, and was doing as damned good a job he could to approach, avoiding his own assets by a 'wide' margin, as he approached the Motherworld itself. The place that he was born, the place was where he turned from a child into a man, and then into a Power, all thanks to the help of a family that once lived there too. It was interesting, that of all the growth the Ascendancy had accomplished in a relatively short time period, not even the blink of an eye in comparison to the lifespan of his predecessor, The Great GrandFather, that the Ascendancy had assets 'back' in the Sol System.

Three StarBase Observation Posts, a bevy of Solar Arrays that fed them from critical station keeping orbit over Sol itself, and finally, three brand new embassy and cultural centers, in the three places that meant the 'most' to him, all having been operational for only a few months. All full circle for his citizen souls.

..and now for him, one would become the place that would determine if he even felt proper of having the 'right' to ever return to his enforced position. He felt no small chill of fear of having suddenly going cold turkey of his responsibilities, his powers, and everything he was used to. He even felt deep shame of his cowardice for his sudden escape from his empire.

...his... 'empire'...

..such what he felt at the base what was wrong with his whole being. He couldn't feel comfortable of seeing everything in the Ascendancy, as tracts of land to own like a Realtor.

..such made him feel sick.

He knew of only one place to help straighten his soul back out, and thanks to the technology of his own nation, they were still 'alive' to be around to possibly help him figure his ugly soul out.

...thus, when he achieved parking orbit over the north pole of Terra, as to help cloak even further in the magnetic field, that he finally left the piloting deck, and headed to a teleporter unit in the cramped vessel.

He only took a single backpack (a basic, MT looking one even, along with clothing.) and another item of cherishment. A Katana that Arashi had given him for a birthday, wrapped with a teal sash that Tsui had put upon, was the only items he took with him.

He made a quiet teleport, unto the mid-morning day of the place he had chosen, where a ranch was that he used to live... ages ago. He materialized near a deserted gas station in Big Timber, Montana Province, there where he would simply walk a good twenty-three mile distance out from town, avoiding too many eyes, as he headed for his former home.

...and a nanny that he knew still lived there. (Funaho is good like that... course so was his own Father Terrai.)

It was only a five hour walk across the rough terrain. His physique and good form helped in the speed of the matter. Waving off any neighborly lifts, he simply used the initial time to just... let go.

..and remember ancient memories as he walked.

--

((OC- I felt it was time to turn to a core element of where Aleaic came from, as well as several other details that being a leader of a nation usually doesn't allow.

..it's still open FT, and even MT, but interactions will be on Earth for the time being, as well as with a certain family member not mentioned yet.

Call it the search for a core element of what made this leader in the first place. Bear with moi, it's deep stuff for me to rp out. =^^=

Enjoy the ride. =^^= ))

ooc: Check your TG please.

As Bill was walking in from his coffee break he noticed a little light on his console was flashing, "Hey Joe, how long has that been flashing?"
"It started sometime shortly after you left on your break."
"Why didn't you page me or something?" He asked as he took his seat.
"You were on your break, so what is it?"
"A teleporter signal."
"I guess you'll have to check it out then, sucks to be you." A smug look on Joe's face.
"Why does this shit always happen on my shift?" Bill asked with a look of annoyance on his face.
"Maybe you'll get lucky and they'll be bunch of teenage nymphos."
"I wish, with my luck it will be some boring old dude."
Joe let's out a laugh, "Get going, and bring me back a jelly filled and coffee on your way back."

Bill headed out from the office and headed toward the location of the teleport signal.

((OC- Noted, congrats on your 3,000th post (whereever it ends up..) ))
------

He looks at the Padd for a long, few moments..

..then suddenly, he takes the Padd, and shatters it in the Council table, with the sound and spread out shards making many of the other Council members hop/jump back. Lord Makoto even has to block a shard from hitting his head.

"That.................. shit."

Lady Seto looks over at the less than amused Lord Azusa and nods. "Not one of his better moments."

Another copy is being looked over by each of the Councilors, some shared in mutual shock. Belldandy looking at one with Keiichi comments.. "Did he really think of himself 'that' bad a leader?"

"Sometimes we're our own worst enemy." Lord Tenchi says from afar. Near him is Lady Ayeka and (Lady?) Ryoko, as they, and in fact many other non-Council members are in the chamber as well. Aleaic's family, and many relations to the Council members that have had 'anything' to do with the existence of this body.

Lord Kosihito, a former headmaster at the high school center Aleaic and most of the younger members in the chamber once attended at the same time as the self-deposed Excellency, was sharing a Padd with Lord Yosho, Azusa's son. Kosihito, now a member of the Education council with Yosho, comments. "We do have to ask ourselves, did we blindly follow him too much, as he suggests?"

Azusa SLAMS a fist on the council table, nearly cutting his fist on a Padd shard. "HELL no. Where he got that idea that we were blind in anything is preposterous. As much as I respected his decisions, he did 'not' control a damned thing I ever did for him."

Lady Ifurita mentions. "He's correct about out involvement in the Deatharon matter. I'm still uncomfortable with it all. It may be that we did treat the Deatharons too inferior."

"NO!" Ryoko suddenly barks back! "We were asked. With everything else we did, we were asked to liberate the Deatharons. Hell, I still think we should have kicked the Draconis Federation's asses for what they pulled on 'our' ground. WE shed the blood for doing what we did. And what about the souls we lost 'here' when the Dominion attacked!?! Does all this mean we had no right to make our own decisions, even 'after' we lost so much in conducting the invasion!?

If we're 'really' that low in other nations eyes, then screw them! Aleaic did 'nothing' wrong!"

"I hope you aren't still going to try and challenge the Draconis Federation to a duel or soemthing Ryoko." Ayeka chips over, and Ryoko just flusters it off with her dry characterisms. "Nah, no need to punch a weak punching bag anyway." ...the last meant to boost her 'very' flat ego at present.

No one else feels similar. Between anger and confusion, the only thing really shared by them all at the moment, is remorse. "Did he have to punish himself like 'this'? Someone please tell me what made him hate himself so much all of a sudden?" Lady Yurika asks from another section of the council table. Akito next to her is no less constipated facial wise.

"Who ever really knew." Lady Washu says, even her usual cracking demeanor dead on the tounge.

Then.. "He was always like this. Harsh on himself, trying too hard to be honset with himself in a world that he lived that was anything but. He'd even shut himself away at times when he had a bad test for any reason." ..comes the voice of Aleaic Father..

...and Terrai adds.. "...I thought at the time, and this is despite knowing my own heratige. that he was doing it all to best himself, since he once harbored the want to be in the Terran space program for that NASA organization. It was never depression, but just such a harsh line he toed for himself.

My grandfather was the same, during the time I existed with him at the height of his existence as a Power. I should have realized better at the time, but since I had shuttered out 'all' when I had ran away from being the next Power..

...heh... runs in the family after all." Terrai puts, and Jeain acknowledges that by rapping her husband on the melon.

"Must have been magnified when he...." ...Tsutsumi starts, then stops from adding the obvious. It was well known by too much and by too afar, that Aleaic 'never' wanted what was thrust unto him. It was such, that it was for Aleaic, what a criminal has to endure with a sentience of death forced onto em.

While no where near as dire on the outside looking in. From the inside, Aleiac felt no less. When the Hikari Power was opened up, the inherit Mind-Links became more pronounced with this feeling, whenever Aleaic thought about it. Of those that knew him best, out of those that willingly decided to join him to help build a realm that dreams barely could consider, the one theme that ran the throngs of this fated existence, was that it was the Council that held Aleaic in check.

But Aleaic himself never really knew why they 'all' joined him. His eventual wives were one thing. His family by blood another, but.... 'all' of them? But this was excacerbated by even 'more', as almost a community of like minds would answer a call that led to Founding. This all lent a pressure onto a leader that for decades did his best to resolve it all.

"Maybe he couldn't handle it." Lady Skuld says, and is almost lambasted for saying what was expected. "No... way... For everything that has been done, the fact he couldn't handle it is also ludicrous." Azusa strangely mettles out.. "...he was handling it even in the middle of a blasted war. I even saw him take pride in everything that was erected. I even caught him smiling at times during heated council sessions, and could tell he was 'loving' his job. Even an old ass like me could feed off of that.

..no, this was more than just a matter of the job." Azusa then looks over at Terrai. "You're probably more right than you know."

"A vacation?" Yurika pegs in. "Why not just say he needed a vacation? It'd be far less stressful than 'this'!"

"Too melodramatic." Caladeni says, as Aleaic's eldest sister sighs. "...wondered if that role as Aragon in the play all the way back would get to his head. Or just simply make him take things too seriously like this."

"Did that have a point?" Ryoko says over, and Caladeni just stares back.

"Actually yes..." ...Tsunami finally speaks, after having listened for awhile. "...strangely enough, it all makes too much sense, if you compare the two, the real and the character."

"A king that never wanted to be a king, but forced to anyway." ..Arashi adds.

For a moment, a long silence, that then leads to... "Where did he go?"

"Only one place he would in his state of mind quite bluntly." Tenchi responds to Makoto's query.

Tsunami looks at Arashi. "I don't think this is permanent. I think it's his way to clean out the pressure on his head. We'll get him to come back." Arashi nods. Skuld however asks.. "What about the citizens? If we're as shocked about this..."

"We can handle it. This 'can't' be permanent. His touch is over almost everything in one way or another. Even if it was only offered by the rest of us, in the end, he said yes to 'everything' that became what this realm. I think though, it overwhelmed him to a degree, and the recent stuff just pushed him over an edge he usually wouldn't have gone over.

..maybe it's a test by something greater than us all that's causing this act." ...comes from a rather insightful Peorth. Seto adds.. "The citizens will understand in time. No one is flawless, and any falw can go too deep if the improper circumstances occur.

It's hurtful right now, and not the right way to do this. But then, he didn't simply do 'anything' rationally at times. The universe is anything but logical in the end. It just gets that way with events beyond normal control. Logic comes from nothing in the end, but that same chaos is it's own order in equal measure.

So it will be so now. We have to learn to live and meld with it. After all, he said we were open minded."

"Speak for yuorself.." Tsutsumi suddenly jabs back at his wife.

Arashi and Tsui though still keep glancing at each other. They already have their own plan.

*Somewhere in the Etherial Plane*

The thongs of the moment were not simply limited to the Mortal Planes. The focal of the moment even went so far into the beyonds not seen by mortal eyes.

...two were watching the events of a test they themselves didn't see coming.

It made one of them rilled no less than Azusa was. "(( :: ~ You chose him. Now see what a pathetic amount og time under such pressure has done? ~ :: ))"

The other, still quite immortal, but now nowhere near as downtrodden by the anceint responsibilities once held by him. "(( :: ~ Do not be so hasty for once with your level of patience.

..it was expected. No one can truly lead without questioning themselves at some point. Only the worst leaders refuse to do that. ~ :: ))"

The Guardian of the Alcove looked at the Predecessor and only sighs in tone.. "(( :: ~ If it were anyone else by family, this wouldn't even be discussed. Still think he was too afraid for his own good of something that was anything but. ~ :: ))"

The elder Power beyond ancient years only replies back. "(( :: ~ You forget your own history then, if this is the case. As have I at times. ~ :: ))"

She looks back at the elder Power and sighs to herself.. "(( :: ~ Aye...

...how events can mirror so much over Eons and Anges, and even between Existences and Dimensions, and despite all that..

..can end up the same way. No wonder I hated it all. ~ :: ))"

The elder chuckles... "(( :: ~ No... you once loved it. ~ :: ))"

The Lady Goddess only slits her eyes at the Predecessor.

As the sun rose over the Jedi Academy in the Jurai system, former Prime Minister Jacob Whitfield didn't quite feel right. Something felt...empty.

Nothing on the standard newsfeeds seemed to explain the feeling. Nor could it be corroberated amongst other students at the Academy. Upon further reflection, he checked the Gaian newsfeeds...

...and found that Lord Aleiac Kerensky had exiled himself.

He immediately knew where he would have gone. Sol, the system that the Gaians essentially worshipped. And to Sol Whitfield would return...

Kerensky's mind was in turmoil that Whitfield sensed a galaxy away. Whitfield headed for his X-wing.

(OOC: Consider this an IC tag for now.)

Prime Minister Hanekamp was in his morning robe when a senior aid came in to the Libary.

"Hello Jack what ya got for me today" The prime minister said

"Not good news sir heres the outstanding issues" With that Senior aide Jack Thompson took out a small device that looked like a caculator and began reading things off a list.

"The number one issue sir is the Dominions are still in Federation Space and have not responded to our hails. Also the Prince sex scandal is leadingthe news. So we will have to make a statement."


"Crap i hate that statement crap"

"Yessir and i found this one to be interesting it seems Lord Aleiac Kerensky was on a Diplomatic mission to The Planet Federation to try and get us to resume our table at the Gaian Trade confrence. But insted he shifted course. Its seems hes exiled from the Gaian."

With that the Minister spit out his coffee. "What do you mean he exiled???"

"Well sir we decoded a message from the ship carring Lord Aleiac Kerensky to the Gaian homeworld. It seems he was upset and that he feels the gaiais have lost sight of there fundemental values. So he quit his post as supreme chancellor and is now in exile."

"Any word on where hes going?"

'no sir we have some people trying to get in contact with Lord Aleiac Kerensky but the ship isnt responding we have another team working on where he might be going."

The Prime Minister got up from his seat and started pacing in front of the fireplace. "Dammit Jack this man was there for the federation when we need him. Hishole goddam nation was there for us. Without the Gaian fleet we would be buring the Royal family right now........Hell they constructed about 80% of OUR current STARFLEET. Get in contact with this man see if theres anything we can do to help him. and send our regards to the Gaians."

"Im on it sir"

Although I'm not going to get involved with this, I must say that the first two posts were simply brilliantly written.

Bill, onboard one of the ranger and border control, MULE 3010 4x4 ATVs headed out to the point of touchdown from the teleporter, while listening to a mix of heavy metal, gypsie traditional and techno-pop music. As he pulled up to the spot and looked around, he realized who ever was there had split and needed to be tracked down. "Why do these people insist on making my life harder by moving before I get to them?" He asked an uncaring deer that was nearby. He pulled out on of the gizmets used for tracking tele-people, waved it around to get a trail and headed off after the, most likely old dude, most hopefully teen nymphos.

OOC: Nice first two post.

IC:Lady Jessica got word of the events as they unfolded. The first thing that came to her mind was if The Gaian Ascendancy would become unstable. That would be the worst thing that could happen with the Dominions eye always looking for a weakness. She thought of sending a message to the gaians but knew right now they had alot on their minds.

Sensui however knew this was his moment with Jayces friend and ally in this state Jayce would be weakned...

A few more rocky steps past, and a another good view of the Montana landscape. Aleaic stops to wipe some sweat from his brow. "Nice to be in a natural atmosphere without the Climatizers to control the heat.

I think I messed this." ..he said to himself, quite openly. He looked around at the rustic landscape and the clear skies. Many memories were flowing as a consequence, and he kept feeling like he was still the kid that grew up here long ago.

The rolling brown hills with a river heard in the distance, and a small road nearby, but not quite in sight, as Aleaic took the unothridox route. In fact he was beginning to close in on an old walking route he'd take either by himself or with his family, one that led to his chosen destination.

Aleaic stood for bit and looked around like a tourist of sorts. However he caught himself looking up a couple of times reflexively. Finally a third time, and he sighs.. "Bet they're wondering if I went mad." ..and looks down. A moment later he shakes his head and picks up back onto the route he was meandering on.

For the next half hour he began to move through the dry brush, broken ground laden with rock and weeds, and spotty areas where trees managed an impossible existence in this arid land. Still, with the early spring, there had been enough rain and snow melt off to make large portions of the hills look green, as the wild grasses also managed their way in this climate. The broken rock cliffs however attested to the rocky landscape.

As Aleaic managed over a small rock ledge, he finally reaches a height that holds a good suprise in store for weary eyes.

"There we are..." ..Aleaic chimes out past small gasps of air. In view as he looks easterly, he sees to the north the Crazy Mountains, the beautiful, not to mention singular mountain chain that poke out from the earth into a majestic chain. Snow was still very heavy up the Crazies and was like a pure white icing upon a gray and slightly green under tone. Aleaic knew that by summer the mountains would be a dull gray with all the snow rennet off.

But even with this sight, as majestic as it is, there was one other that was 'far' more important to him. "..and 'there' we are."

A single dirt road led to a rather large looking cattle ranch. In the distance from about five kilometers away, the dust of cattle being moved around, and the other normal duties of such a place. However the dust was light, and Aleaic could see other structures of a ranch, and in there, was where all those old memories originated, up to his three years in Coral Springs after his first year in high school in Montana. Despite those three life changing years in Florida, the majority of his life was here.

Aleaic reflexively whispered.. "Home."

He then began the last three hours of the walk. The distance was misleading, and the hills liked to fool senses along the same lines. It was late in the afternoon when he reached the dirt road to enter the ranch. But for a good part of this, he was hearing a motor in the distance not to unlike...

"Eh?" ..he finally look behind him on the dirt road. "...sounds like an ATV...

..that's a sound I've not heard in forever." He notes it's coming closer, but simply decides to keep going and wait for it to come closer. Many ranchers had em and it'd be interesting to see who it was.

In any case, he'd be at the ranch house in a short while.

--

"You packed?" ..one sister-wife asked the other. "Just about."

Ifurita and Belldandy were in the chamber that Al, Tsui and Arashi shared, just watching as the two wives prepared to hunt down their wayward charge. "If you are gone, then who's in charge of the Ascendancy?"

Tsunami looks up at Ifurita. "Tsutsumi is the elder present, and the most collected about this all. Between him and Seto, things should run well enough. With that dope Al declaring Isolation on us, we'll be doing things a bit more quietly for a short while."

"How long will you be gone?" Belldandy asks next. Arashi responds to this one with.. "Hopefully not too long. But then there's not precedent for this, so..."

Ifurita sighs, and Bell twiddles her fingers. "Let's not dwell on the worst. No one has died, and it's essentially a break from the job. Just get that guy to come to his senses."

Tsunami looks up with a low key smile. "We'll be counting on ya all too to handle things while we prove to that dope what he means to us."

Bell half key smiles too. "Give him a good smack for me, since I'm not the type to do it anyway." Tsui giggles. "I'll do more than that." Arashi then announces. "Ready.."

The four trade glances.

--

A single bright pip shows where the GXP had been piloted, as the rest of the Council watches.

Misaki frets in character. "Hope they will be safe."

"Hope they hit him upside the head." Azusa adds, suddenly turning away to cover his feelings. No one else does the same however, as they watch the Ladies Excellencies head off on their chosen mission.

At that moment, no one could know the tests coming that the Ascendancy itself was about to endure. The dark tunnel that led to the light was still very dark.

..very lonesome to travel, whence the Gaians stood, as the family watched helplessly for now.

--

The messages sent by he TPF and others were taken with a muted regard. Nothing against anyone, but this was the only response given by the Foreign Advisory.

~ :: Even though by his own name and amission of his actions, we of the Ascendancy still hold true to our vows. We will not abandon any agreements, nor disuade from our assistance to help others.

However by declaration of Isolation, our activities for the short term will be very limited at times. Apparently if his Excellency was this concerned about our moral compass, then it should be something we need to take into serious regard.

It's double talk, but we are in spirit, closed at this time. Without out leader, we are hollow. Only until he is returned to us, we only hope, will we return our spirit to where it was.

And be the proper nation we hoped for his Excellency to be proud of. Right now, we are not sure where or what to be proud of. Bear with us during this time.

Regards,

Lady Seto Kamiki
Gaian Foreign Advisor ~ ::

The Emperor Akarth Von Antheron and his Imperial Council were debating the situation this would indeed greatly influence Deatharon. For good or bad would remain to be seen. The Imperial Republic was closing all its borders except to allies this allies are:

Gaian Ascendancy
The Humankind Abh
Neo Zeta (blue cosmos not welcome still angry about the mass murder on Deatharon Prime.)
The Planet Federation
Dracnois Federation

The End result was to send a Imperial Intelligence Core agent to this Dimesional Terra and find Aleric and keep tabs.

Elsewhere, on Earth:

"He's really gone?"

"Looks that way. Any idea where he went?"

"Oh yes."

"Where would that be?"

"Think about it. The Gaians just recently asked for three locations for new 'embassies'."

"So he's on Earth. Not surprising. But which of the three locations?"

"Not Japan - we'd know for sure. Of the remaining two, which has a lower population density?"

"Montana."

"Then the Ascendant Aleaic is in Montana. Not a bad choice, all things considered."

"So what does that mean for us?"

"While the cat is away...you remember those five systems we were talking about earlier?"

"Of course."

"Begin the annexation immediately, before we're all subjected to more lectures on idealism."

"Diplomatic or military?"

"I'm having this conversation with *you*. What do you think?"

"Diplomatic it is. We'll need support, though, if only to hasten the process."

"I'll patch Kiv in on the conversation. Get going, and let me know if I'm needed for any part of this."

"Sure thing, Raijin." The young man left quickly as the Commander's vision returned to the schematic. Five neutral systems, almost dangerously close to both Gaian and Deatharon territory, yet decidedly outside their borders. Trade had been initiated almost two years earlier, and the economies of the systems had been carefully disentangled from one another and a reliance on Krioval set up. They were just past the normal halfway point for a seamless assimilation into the Armed Republic, but the recent situations in both Deatharon and the Gaian Ascendancy might be turned against the easily spooked rulers of those five systems, and with Deatharon closing its borders, the fears might be played up sufficiently to force treaties of annexation to be signed. If not, the pressure would mount until something gave way - Aleaic could return prematurely, Deatharon could reopen its borders, or possibly even Krioval could attempt to seize the independent systems by force.

"Delicate balancing acts are most definitely not my strongest suit," Raijin groused, as he turned off the holographic display and began shuffling through a stack of documents sent by the Senate for review.

OOC: I'm not trying to start a war, but I like to inject a little suspense into these sorts of things from time to time. In any case, it's not a huge deal, and it can resolve without much fanfare. Consider it my way of saying "I'd love to RP with all of you, but I seem to get sidetracked far too easily sometimes".

As the ATV neared the ranch, Bill took his earphones off and hit a small speaker on the ATV and began calling out, "If anyone heres this message please come here." While he was doing this he thought, I hope they decided to co-operate.

The agent sent to Earth was special agent Kamel Meizon (he is part of the Noble meizon family controls the Skarr system.) He was on board an old Merchant vessel equiped with cloaking tech and a wormhole generator. Once in orbit of this Earth he began scanning the large landmass of Asia looking for Aleaic.

((OC- Deatharon, don't forget the Dracnois Federation since they butted in this deeply.

And Krioval, Deatharon and The actual Ascendancy are two seperate galaxies, though the Gaians have colonies in Antaries Galaxy as a result of the war we had. The new planets taken should reflect being in another galaxy, if it's meant to keep the same effect. FYI.. =^^= ))

------

Aleaic looked back at the bullhorned voice and considered replying. But if he wasn't quite seen yet, then he decided that descretion and secrecy was the better part of the day for now.

Aleaic moved on in the dusk and waning light of said day, and into the outskirts of the ranch.

------

For normal Gaians, these were days of pure uncertainty. They all had grown under the eyes of a Council they had come to see as noble and just, if a good bit unorthadox and even wacked out at times.

There was that time many remember, duing a holo-message to the Ascendancy Sphere, that the scene was one of one moment Aleaic praising many new advances of Gaian technology and expansions into space, and the next, a pie was suddenly in Aleaic's face.

The rumor was a practical joke pulled by two wives and a sister (Tsui, Arashi, and Luriena it was later said of under hushed tones.) The scene then turned into a food fight for all the Republic to see. The funniest part was that Aleaic managed after a five minute pie fight, that he sat back in front of holocameras, pie laden all over, and finished his message.

Things like that tended to give an idea that life in the Ascendancy wasn't meant to be taken too seriously, when possible.

The 'when possible' apparently couldn't be achieved this time, and Aleaic's decision was having an impact on Gaian outlook, and thereby performance. Within a few days of the exile message, Gaian commerce was down thirty-seven percent, and progress on just about every endeavor was flattened like a balloon with no air. Spiritually however, the Ascendancy, partially thanks in part to the Power of Hikari covering all, was rising swiftly. All over, Gaians would go to Shrines, Temples, Mosques, even simple prayer circles, as they began to do just what they saw the Excellency himself doing.

Introspect on the mass level. Thus the Isolation took it's real effect.

Both Military and Civilian sectors took time out when capable, to simply stop their activities and ask themselves hard questions, the type that tended to be avoided due to either pain or embarrassment. Gaian of all types did this..

...Angel Gods, Ascendants, Krysallians, Energon, Angelics, Inner Spherics, Grecians, and adopted foreign nationals that came to live in the Ascendancy Sphere, these and more, and even to the types like Steel Angels, Droids, Androids, and sentient automated systems even considered themselves. Gaian technology was at such a level, that the organic and inorganic where such existed, were doing the same thing..

..introspect and understanding.

Wre the Gaians really no better or worse than other nations? Did they go too far in their polocies meant to protect The Balance and foster trust, honor, and compassion among a universe filled with dissent and avarice? Did the Gaians go too far in thinking themselves as the Guardianship suggested, a soul breadth that were the 'only' capable of understanding and protecting the vast cosmos from great evils that too many didn't see?

Did the Gaians err is presuming themselves superior in 'any' way? Did they set themselves to become too arrogant of who they were, that they would become blind to mistakes that doomed even the most magnanamous of nations?

Did the Gaians have deep fears of being looked down upon, and were too hard in pushing themselves to prove to other nations of something that they themselves didn't need to do? Did they simply need to trust who they were, and let their natual tendancies take over?

What were their natural tendancies? Did they interfere in anyway with their goals? What the heck were their goals? Just what were they trying to accomplish in the Guadianship? What did the Guardianship really mean in context with their normal lives, and did it impune too much on those that did not want such? Did they know what the Guardianship meant for their future?

Did their living existences go far enough in understanding their placed existence among the stars, and was the stars the only place for them to go, both to learn and expand? Did they forget themselves upon only one facet of the cosmos, and not seeing the fathomless others that existed out there, even beyond the comprehension to understand?

Did they in the end, get too greedy in things equatively measured by material greeds other nation's souls exploited? Were they seeing their gains as physical greeds of their own? Were they simply worrying to much?

Where did their Five Core Values fit into all this? What about events not even conceivable? Could they prepare for events worse than imposed by events currently being experienced. If this made them crumble, these events now endured, what of evils and events greater than not just only any one nation to endure, but even for 'all' nations to endure.

Did a custard have to taste tart? Or did it need more sweetening?

Well, as can be shown, a Gaian would think of a lot of things by the time Isolation was considered complete. But in fact, this began a ritual of introspections over the coming Eons and Ages, of when the Gaians ensured that their moral compass was in line with the Existence as it was around them. It was the breakwater that they hopeed that would one day look in the mirror of truth, and any expectaion of flinching be 'gone'.

On that day, they would know they had achieved a goal for themselves, as a civilization. The Guardianship could then be justified in their souls, and no other could tell them otherwise for any ill effect.

That day, was still a long ways away.

For the moment, they only wanted to know if they still had a leader to love and look up to.

As they still did in their hearts.

----------

*Three hard rapps on a door*

"*Inside... I'm coming, hold your horses."

He stood there, having had slipped through the ranch in the dusts of the stirred up winds that blew through of ol time past and present. Hence he reached the door with little fuss.

..other than what his beating heart told him. He wasn't sure 'what' was about to occur.

He heard the clanking of silverware on plates, and a few voices of a normal family meal.

He was feeling a warm memory flowing, when the door opened. A tuft of brown-copper hair was then joined by the rest of a face that Aleaic knew 'very' well.

..as soon as their eyes met, a dead silence took the air. For a long moment, one broken by.. "Who is it dear?" ..another voice inside, just as familiar.

Aleaic looks with a broken smile at a face that is stunned by the obvious of something not meant to be happening. She finally cracks out in a similar tone.. "Al? Is...... is that you?" ..said with a graze of eyes of inspection. A moment later, a few other heads that Aleaic knows suddenly appear.

Al, for his part, then says. "Sorry for my timing. It's good to see you again Nanny."

The only glance returned is of remaining suprise.

..joined by.. "Timing my ass. It's been forever!" ..she then embraces a semi-suprised Al, who just pats a friendly hug back. "Aye.. too long. Hi guys," He says behind him, and is soon swarmed by suprised faces he knows too well.

Just a good warm Montana greetin one guesses. =^^=

--

*White Diamond*

At about that time, a second GXP vessel, along with three Prowller Class Privateers then Fold from the System.

..and head to the guessed of place.

Sol......

After about half an hour, Bill grumbled to himself, "They always make me do it the long way." He then revved the engine and pulled up to the ranch house. Once there he got off the ATV and headed to the door, he pulled out his ID card and badge and knocked on the door.

A lone X-wing dropped out of hyperspace into the Sol system.

Whitfield reached out with the Force, seeking to locate the self-exiled Lord Aleaic Kerensky, as Earth loomed ever larger in the cockpit window.

Without even realizing it, he set a course that would lead him to the mountains of central Montana. Whitfield activated the X-wing's energy shield for atmospheric entry...

...and started a broad-spectrum transmission to any interested parties.

"This is former Prime Minister Whitfield of the nation of Evil Woody Thoughts seeking permission to land in the Crazy Mountains of Montana. If any space traffic authorities claim jurisdiction over this territory, please respond. Lack of response will be interpreted to mean that no space traffic authority exists for this airspace."

Whitfield hated the ten million different fragmented space traffic systems on Earth...

The Cloaked Deatharon Merchant vessel had no luck with Asia and decided to scan Europe. The Wait was a killer on Kamel.

"Mr. Whitfield, you are permitted to land, we would appreciate if you would transmitted vital statistics, a copy of a valid passport as well as a currant photo. Should you choose to decline, you are still permitted to land, thought keep in mind should you violate the law you shall be prosecuted far more harshly then otherwise." The message was sent to Whitfield's ship.

ooc: will deleate ooc posts.

Whitfield acknowledged the passport requirements, and transmitted the information contained within his diplomatic passport from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. "Your requirements have been acknowledged. I am transmitting the information contained within my passport now. If I need to display a paper copy, please let me know where I can do this before I depart your territory."

He then set course for the Crazy Mountains. admitting to himself that a streak of orange across the sky would be hard for Kerensky to miss.

At around twenty thousand feet altitude, the flames engulfing the X-wing's shield died out as the craft slowed to normal atmospheric speeds. Whitfield found himself flying over a small mountain chain. The Crazy Mountains. Kerensky is not far.

Whitfield found a small, reasonably level clearing to land the craft on. Subtle his entrance was not. Whitfield could sense Kerensky's presence a few miles away, but nothing more, for his mind was blocked off to the world. If it was complete solitude Kerensky sought, Whitfield would leave. Nevertheless, he remained by his ship, patiently waiting to see if Kerensky had other ideas. He stayed in the ship, waiting for any additional transmissions by ATC.

The Imperial Republic Merchant vessel (Cloaked) starts scanning North America and gets a reading in the Montana area. Kamel now thinks here is the fun part he scans Mountana for anything that could detect a cloaked merchant vessel.

Air Control Tower
"We are getting sensor readings off something, it appears we're being scanned."
"Can we tell what it is?"
"As is, no, if it drops down to mid-atmospheric, then we'll be able to burn throught any cloaking there is."
"What's with the sudden interest in Montana all of a sudden, enh if no problems come up will let it sort itself out."
"There appears to have been another teleperson, at least Bill in already in the area."

To Whitfield
"That is satisfactory, enjoy you visit."

Kamel decides to use the transporter to beam himself into Montana near the largest reading of were Aleric was. The beam dematerialized him and sent him down in 10 miles from his ranch.

Whitfield replied into the comm, "Acknowledged and thank you." He then left his X-wing to go for a little hike.

But something wasn't quite right. He sensed someone else hunting Aleaic. Or at least that's what it felt like from a distance. Fingering his lightsaber, he headed in the direction of the perceived threat, hoping to put himself between said threat and Kerensky.

Kammel use's a cloaking device to hide from the man with the light saber and runs towards Aleric's direction he hoped he could avoid a fight if possiable.

The cloaking device made Whitfield's quarry visually invisible, but Whitfield could still sense his presence through the Force...

This person obviously did not want to be seen. Whitfield observed through the Force as he passed him. Whitfield disengaged his lightsaber, at least for the time being, and followed quietly about a hundred meters behind this...dark and nebulous presence.

Whitfield sensed the mysterious man's anxiousness to avoid a fight. Whitfield didn't care for that possibility either, but Kerensky might be in danger...

Kamel halted after the exhausting run and turns on his communicator: "Lady Aluria of the Imperial Intelligence Core, I have found Aleric in Montana Earth. I am attempting to see him visually and make sure he is alright." Lady Aluria responds, "remember the Imperial Republic's borders are closed until he returns so stay there until he returns to the Ascendancy. Kamel replies, "Yes, my lady."

((OC- Mind not getting too far ahead of moi? ))

--

The door is opened and a ranch hand this time answers the door. "Aye? Can we help yal?"

--

Meanwhile, the visitation had moved from the dinner table, and became a good time party of sorts.

After all, it's been almost a half century since Aleaic was last here. Nothing less than a drinking party was no getting into full swing. Meanwhile, Aleaic was getting to reknow his Nanny, one that except for Gaian tech that had been brought in over the years, with so little noise of anykind.

Don't bother looking, the tech isn't there anyway.

What is, is a meeting that shoudln't be. In retrospect, Lady Jennifer Victoria shouldn't be living past her 134th year. But then, the rest of the hands were not much off either. But then the younger hired hands didn't know that.

Part of the ranching contract, though those that found out were 'forced' become part of the act.

Hence about 56 hands that Jennifer led were beyond adept at their work. It was their life and love. For Aleaic it's more, since his father founded the ranch decades before. between this place and the town of Coral Springs, they were the two most important places in his life.

..but above all that, was stuff not discussed over the years since the moment of Founding. The stuff wasn't going to be easy to even discuss.

"You want to talk about... whatever... brought you back here? The last time you came, it was your senior year at that high school center you went to. You look so different from back then.

..I'm not sure you're the same person." Jennifer asked and commented. Aleaic did the same in reverse. "No, I'm not the same. And it's worse than anything from those days. I'm not quite ready to talk about it.

..but rather just drink it away for tonight, and do some hard work with my own two hands tomorrow. I think my hands need the therapy. Can I count on ya to give me hell?"

Jennifer looks at the far older looking version of the kid she used to help take care of, along with Al's other brother and sisters. She smiles.. "If you want it, I can arrange it."

Aleaic takes a mug of beer and takes a swig.

--

"Where to?" Arashi asks.

Tsunami answers from her own console seat. "The Observation Luna Outpost. I want to get some answers there first."

Arashi, piloting their GXP, sets a plot and the four vessels make the two hour journey from Neptune's orbit to Luna. They did this to give Aleaic time since they had a feeling where he went.

..they were following the hints being left behind by the Hikari Power. But more later on that...

Whitfield stopped when his quarry did. He listened very carefully to the transmission.

It appears we have a spy. Well, so much for keeping quiet.

Still not wanting to interfere unless Kerensky's safety was endangered, he decided to conduct his business as quietly as possible. Remembering the Force telepathy he had used to communicate with Kerensky when he had first found out about the Force, he decided to use it once more. It would be suitably...confidential.

While the Hikari Power was not identical to the Force, it was close enough for this sort of communication.

Lord Kerensky, this is Jacob Whitfield. You are being spied upon. I am following the agent right now. He just sent a transmission to 'Lady Aluria of the Imperial Intelligence Core' of the 'Imperial Republic.' Republic of what, I am not yet able to ascertain.

"I'm sorry if I've disturbed you, but I'm on goverment buisness to find a person who entered this area without registration. Would you either know where I could find this person or permit me to search the building?" Bill asked after making sure the person at the door got to see the badge and registration.

"I'm sorry if I've disturbed you, but I'm on goverment buisness to find a person who entered this area without registration. Would you either know where I could find this person or permit me to search the building?" Bill asked after making sure the person at the door got to see the badge and registration.

OOC: Who is Bill talking to? I can't really tell.

ooc: the ranch hand that answered the door.

The ranch hand just replies. Oh, we got some Florida boy that decided to show up late today. He's getting a good dressin down if you get my drift. Not a purty sight.

...and.." ..and he 'somehow' comes up with an ID card. "..here's his life on plastic." ..as the hand hands over a card with the name Aragon Kerensky. The picture looks like an all too dirty blond headed yokle that looks like a dumb kid.

..never mind that it's a picture of Al when he was fifteen after a 'bad' day of cattle wranglin.

"I could show em, but he's just some stupid kid that doesn't know his butt from a bullhorn."

"Unfortunatly I have to talk to him personnally to ensure he understands what he is risking by not registering and to give him a chance to register, also this is insufficiant for registry. As he's from Florida, it counts the same as if he were from halfway across the universe. So could you either get him or bring me to him." Bill replied

ooc: He most likely won't recognise him, 1/6 chance, and even if he did he wouldn't care.

Kamel moved swiftly and silently toward the Ranch and jumped the fence. The cloaking shields made him invisable to sight.

Whitfield followed the apparent spy, using the Force to increase his endurance. While Whitfield couldn't see the spy visually, he followed the presence of the spy's mind.

When the spy jumped over the ranch fence, Whitfield got some very uneasy feelings. He jumped over the fence as well, to follow.

The lack of response from Kerensky was most disconcerting; perhaps it was time for a reminder, through Force telepathy, of course. Lord Kerensky, the spy has jumped over a fence on your ranch. He is now on your property and using some sort of cloaking device. He is visually invisible, but I can still feel the presence of his mind through the Force. This has become too urgent to ignore, I'm afraid.

The hand shakes his head and says. "Fine, but don't say I didn't warn ya." The hand then takes the registrar and takes him to see the wayward guest.

When they get there, Aleaic and the others are in the middle of another (only the fifteenth this past hour.) toast. Jennifer sees and moans. Aw geeze, not again.

What do ya want, you're messing up a good party." Aleaic sees, and recognizes. "Hmm..."

To Aleaic
"I'm guessing your the one who teleported without registry, I've come to get you registered or if you choose not to, to inform you of the potential consequences."

To rest of people
"I apologise if I have interupted your party, I will be out of your hair shortly."

Kamel was a master at this he stayed near the edge of the fence and then started to move towards the door quietly as possiable. The cloak shields still in effect.

Whitfield followed the spy to the door, using the Force to keep aware of his whereabouts. Growing increasingly nervous, he fingered his lightsaber again...

Kamel halts and smells into the air he then turns in the direction where Whitehall is and fire two silence shots from his disrupter pistol. (Stun)

Kamel halts and smells into the air he then turns in the direction where Whitehall is and fire two silence shots from his disrupter pistol. (Stun)

OOC: Whitfield, not Whitehall.

IC: Whitfield sensed imminent danger and ignited the lightsaber. Before he could think of much else, the purple blade moved, nearly automatically, to deflect two stun shots.

Whitfield pointed his lightsaber at the cloaked spy and demanded, "Decloak and drop your weapon."

OOC: sorry my mistake

IC: Kamel ran away from Whitefield his training was not in fighting Jedi that was the Pyskers job and he was not paired with one. Kamel keep fireing shoots while decloaked.

Aleaic hears the rummblings of the others, as well as feels the invasive and discontent both inside and out.

Aleaic would use a power to fix the mess, but he didn't come here to bring up matters not easily explained away. The ranchers here, and even Jennifer didn't fully realize who Aleaic was. The tech was delivered with effects, under anonimity of a party that Aleaic 'knew'.

The full truth wasn't entirely told, since he didn't want to draw attention where not needed. He still felt... ashamed... for some reason of who he was. It never really went away.

Aleaic just raises a hand, and doesn't realize that the hands all quiet down simply because of it. "Okay, what do I need to do about registering? There should be no problem."

Jennifer just looks at Al. "Careful, the ID system is kinda invasive."

Aleaic chuckles. "Not exactly new to moi." ..he says as he pops out a mental message. ":: I think I will be fine. No worries. ::"

--

*Luna*

The small flotilla arrives over the dark side of Luna and over the Observation Post. The six kilometer wide outpost looks like a city more than an outpost. (Gaian do things big, and think of them small...)

A few coded laser-comm transmissions, and the Ladies Excellencies land their ship, and the escorts dock as well to deliver some cargo.

Efficency is the key....

--

((OC- Don't go away, I got a little suprise for anyone that poped into the topic and is near Al right now. =\/= ))

OOC: Another mistake. Whitfield, not Whitefield. His name only has one 'e.' :D

IC: Whitfield pursued the spy, using his lightsaber to deflect disruptor bolts as necessary. At least the spy had decloaked. Whitfield, desiring to capture rather than kill the spy, reached out with the Force in an attempt to knock away his weapon...

"If you don't mind, I need to get your vital statistics, a copy of a valid passport as well as a currant photo. I hope that it won't be too much trouble to get this sorted out." Bill replied

Kamel watches in surpise as his weapon flies away so he decides to recloak and jumps for the disrupter as he does this he kicks out at Whitfields mid section (meant to knock the wind out of him)

Whitfield dodged the kick, saying, "I could have sliced you in half with this lightsaber for your stupidity." Using the Force again, Whitfield drew the knocked-away disruptor pistol into his free hand. "Decloak and surrender and you will not be harmed."

Kamel backs away cloaked and decides to move away slowly and then hits a button, The Merchant vessel in orbit fires one Phaser beam on stun right on the location of the ranch any one unshielded will pass out. Kamel included.

Kamel backs away cloaked and decides to move away slowly and then hits a button, The Merchant vessel in orbit fires one Phaser beam on stun right on the location of the ranch any one unshielded will pass out. Kamel included.

OOC: I'll wait for Gaian Ascendancy to respond before deciding whether to accept or ignore this. That's one BIG phaser beam. Besides, I'd think it would pretty much destroy, rather than stun, everything.

OOC:
you must have never seen startrek because if you had you would know the Enterpise was cable of fireing a stun phaser that could stun a city block plus i forgot to add it only hits the outside thus meaning only your character and mine were effected. The button acted as an instant targeter.

As the merchi fired it's stun beam, two corvettes and one cruiser* moved into combat position with the cruiser in the center and the corvettes to the side.
"You have fired upon Theao territory, prepare to stand down and be boarded or risk destruction. You have 5 minutes to comply, failure to respond shall be reguarded as the same as opening fire."

ooc: corvettes=smallest, non shuttle craft, cruiser=second smallest

OOC:
you must have never seen startrek because if you had you would know the Enterpise was cable of fireing a stun phaser that could stun a city block plus i forgot to add it only hits the outside thus meaning only your character and mine were effected. The button acted as an instant targeter.

OOC: You're right; I'm a rabid SW fan and not that familiar with Trek technology. ;) So I'd be willing to accept it then; we just need to figure out who wakes up first...

I guess the easy way out would be for both to wake up at the same time.

The Ship followed standard protocols deletes all computer memmory on the Imperial Republic and record logs the shields go up and the ship quickly tries to flee out of Theao space.

This was definitely not the kind of thing knayale had been expecting when he signed on with the Thra defense agency, but, here he was, the orders still in his hand:

In regards to recent developments in Acendancy space, the Navigable
spacial anomaly commonly known as "Thra-Diamond nexus" is declared off-limits
until futher notice. Thra defense force captains are advised that Gaian citizens
may desire use of the nexus to return home, such use is to be permitted, once
the identity of such persons is verified. defense force captains are authorised
to use their discression in dealing with any other vessels

"sir, we have completed transit.'
"Establish a perimiter, I don't want anything getting within 15 light-seconds of here without my permission."

OOC: I vote same time makes it much easier

((OC- Still has a focal beam. That Star Trek bit was good, but nothing's perfect in the end.))

--

Aleaic looks at the registar, and nods. "Give me a second. I have one in my backpack in the other room."

With excusing himself, the other hands suddenly have at the Theaoan again, with lots of beer still about.

Meanwhile, as soon as Aleaic enters a seperate room, he feels the events outside getting out of control.

"What nice guests."

Just as the stun beam approaches, Aleaic then just sighs and mentally projects a dimensional destabilization field that lasts long enough for the stun beam to get absorbed in and dissipated. It happens at around 50,000 feet well away from ground bound eyes.

Aleaic just shakes his head, and considers using an excuse to head outside and have at them blokes getting too nosy over him.

He then 'returns' somehow holding an appropriate passport with the appropriate 'photo', and hands it over to the beer swilled registar. "Here, happy?"

As the merchant attempted to flee, the cruiser* as well as corvettes* each fired a warning shot at the vessel.
"This is your final warning, stand down or be destroyed."

Bill while accepting a beer, did not get drunk, those who did on duty tended to wind up in shit deep and dire, took the passport and photo, matching the pictures against the man in front of him and finding them acceptable. "Now I just need to take your vital signs."

ooc: technically sol space in neutral territory
* two missles from cruiser, 1 from each corvette
each missle equivilant to a 5 megaton nuke.

Kamel realizes the beam has not hit and just thinks for a minute on what to do. He decides to decloak and challenge his adversary on one on one combat. Kamel is visable but he decress, "Try fighting me without weapons coward."

Whitfield, using the Force, took Kamel's disruptor pistol and threw it to the side; it landed a few hundred meters away. He then did the same to his lightsaber, tracking it carefully so he would find it easily later.

Whitfield replied, "I accept your challenge on the condition that you do not use your cloaking device. If you do, I reserve the right to retrieve my lightsaber. For that matter, the cloaking device should be cast aside as our weapons have been."

He then searched Kamel with the Force to verify that he did not have more weapons he was not disclosing.

OOC: Mom is trolling for me to go to bed...*sigh*

Kamel agrees he takes off the Stealth body armor which holds cloaking device, flash bang grandes, and plasma granedes. Kamel was totally unarmed but was still the top student in martial arts in his agent classes back in the core. He would not hold back and yes he wore just a plain old jacket, with jeans and a T-shirt.

The Merchi vessel fire back with it Phasers at the cruiser.








OOC:
same here. :)

And while Whitfield's martial arts training mostly concerned lightsaber combat, his reflexes were strongly enhanced by the Force. Using the Force, he threw Kamel's armor and armaments into the same pile that the other weapons had started.

Whitfield waited for Kamel to make the first move.

"You have chosen destruction, so be it."
As the message was sent, the corvettes opened up with a full missle barrage*, while the cruiser opened fire with three plasma cannons and eight missles.

ooc: * 15 missles each same caliber

Aleaic asks. "Vitals? If this get's 'personal'...." ..he says with a less than amused tone.

--

Tsui and Arashi finally arrive at the Obvservation StarBase Command center. The Gaians in the area were a little more than suprised, and were considering among themselves what this meant.

Tsui comes up, just as the commander they are seeking gets information of a space confrontation over the upper hemisphere sector of the North American continental zone.

The commander sees and smiles. "Ladies Excellency." ..he says with a reverant bow. Lady Tsunami then responds with a nod. "Lord Goro Mutsumi, you're busy we see."

The young commander nods. "Looks like a tiff between two nations vessels."

Tsui rolls her eyes, Arashi shakes her head, the rest are just trying to avoid being nervous in front of the two.

The large stadium sized command center has holoscreens and all the rest of best of Gaian tech on display, but the roof done is clear glasssteel and transparent aluminum, with glorius views of the stars and the lunar scape, cloaked in shadows of the lunar dark side.

Many holoscreens and vid wall screens however showed enough of earth from many angles and more from around the Sol Sector, as well as comm screens from ther two other outposts and three embassy centers.

Tsui took a look at the Montana center, and commented. "Keep an eye on the embassies and inform us if anything pops up."

Goro looks over and asks. "Should I wonder what for?"

Arashi responds. "Oh, it's personal."

Goro knows better than to ask. Having twelve 'subordinates' along the same 'lines' tended to get the message clear. He just nods and does as commanded.

--

((OC- I won't be around tomorrow much, at best late tomorrow night.

Finally get a chance to see Ep. III. Kinda a good reason ya'll think? =^^= ))

Kamel is in fighting position with his fist up leg spread apart. Kamel is thinking how do you fight a guy who can strangle you with the force? Kamel then decides to attack the legs He Swipes low with his right leg attempting to trip Whitfield. as he does this he attempts to grab Whitifields left arm.

The Merchant ships point defense cannons take out the missiles but the plasma cannons destroy the shield and cripple the ship.


OOC:
last post tonight

Just then, a pair of ranch hands suddenly ride up from late work, and see the extrodinary battle taking place. They also aren't amused at the trespass. As they ride up, one shouts harshly.. "HEY! What the heck you two doin here!!?" ..with the other hand circling to block any path towards the house.

..as a result, several hands inside the house finally take note and are looking as well.

..and worse, it's all making the cattle very restless.

..and in a ranch with hundreds of cattle, it gets suddenly dicy. One of the nads looks around and.. "GREAT!! They about to startle and trample the heck out of this place!!"

"No, nothing invasive, just height, weight, hair and eye colour, heart rate, pulse, blood pressure and that's about it. So is that acceptable?" Bill asked "Oh wait, blood type is also prefered thought not needed."

Aleaic finally decides to 'draw a line, knowing going that far was just 'asking' for a trail of data for those he was trying to avoid at the present. Aleaic though considered this, and with little offer, he takes a few moments to offer the samples in various ways. Combs and other items that have such 'material', and he even uses a knife to cut his hand and drip blood onto a piece of paper, and then has all the details encapsulated in a clean bottle he got from somewhere.

He then has the stuff given to the registrar. "Will this all do?"

..he never indicates that the 'data' is a bunch of genetically reforged forgeries that he conducted by changing parts of his DNA structure and such at the points of material extracted. Even skin cells and such were 'changed' using his minute use of power.

For some reason during this, an uneasy situation keeps 'occuring' with each change, but not enough to gain note for the drunken crowd. He offers the bottle over in time just as a hand shouts up from outside.. "GET OUT HERE! THE CATTLE ARE ABOUT TO STAMPEED!!"

The hands then suddenly rish past the registar, giving him no chance to wonder about the contents.

The rumbling sound being felt in the ranch house is rather stark! =@@=!?!?

Feeling the rumble and having been a farm boy for at least part of his life, he knew the sounds and followed fast on the heels of the rest of the farmhands.

ooc: you wouldn't have had to worry anyways, Theao goverment wouldn't care who he was as long as he didn't cause problems. Also he has the option of requesting political asylum that will most likely be granted. Basically as long he doesn't cause problems, he could be 'hitler' and the goverment wouldn't care.

Whitfield simply used the Force to vault out of the way of Kamel's attack.

Upon landing, he noticed that the two were no longer alone. Whitfield used a Jedi Mind Trick against Kamel to keep him from taking advantage of the distraction, then turned to face the two ranch hands. "Hello, there. I am Jacob Whitfield, a Jedi and, perhaps surprisingly, the former prime minister of Evil Woody Thoughts. My opponent in this little duel seeks to spy upon one Lord Aleiac Kerensky; I have been tracking him for the last two hours. At present, we are both disarmed."

OOC: Kamel is not weak minded but the Jedi power really seems to put him in a disadvantage.

IC: Kamel is finally able to breaks free from the Jedi mind trick and tries to run away from the cattle that is chargeing at them. (He grabes his stealth armor while he does this.) but forgets the disrupter pistol.

((OC- ooc: you wouldn't have had to worry anyways, Theao goverment wouldn't care who he was as long as he didn't cause problems. Also he has the option of requesting political asylum that will most likely be granted. Basically as long he doesn't cause problems, he could be 'hitler' and the goverment wouldn't care.

Good thing Aleaic's anything but. =^^= ))

--

Aleaic also rushes outside, and witnesses a bad situation about to get worse. The hands near the two combatants have to ride off to help stop a probable tragedy, one that seems all too ready to get out of control and destroy most of the ranch with it.

A Jedi and Intel Operative fighting with all those fancy powers isn't a normal sight for a bunch of libestock. The thick dust of the rattled cattle trying more and more to break out of their pens gets the domino effect rolling.

The hands try their best, but the situation is too rampant to keep in control.

"Crap! If they bust, we're busted!" Jennifer yells, trying to swat dust away as she breathes through a bandana.

Then it happens, as a loud crack tells the tale of a fence run finally breaking under the stress of tons of fearful cattle. A few shadowed trees in the heavy dust and dusk environs begin to crumble, and Jennifer sees this and shouts. "They're heading for the house!!!"

Aleaic is about five meters away when Jennifer spins to run, and crashes dead into Al! The two tumble and skid to a lousy stop a meter away. "OW! Dang it kid!"

"Same to you gir........ CRAP!!"

The cattle come so fat, Aleaic has no time to think. Jennifer sees this and suddenly clenches onto Al, prepared to die. Aleaic reflexively does the same, and does something 'else'...

..for a moment, they wait for the impact...

..which never comes. After a slow realization, and a slower opening of the eyes, Jennifer looks up and... "Eh? ..................wha?" ..she whispers out, and looks around...

..and then looks up to see a bunch of cattle all of a half foot away from them!! "EEP!"

..as she wonders what is going on, she catches the sight of a heavy glow, and WIDENS her eyes. "Kid... why is your head glowing like that?" Aleaic meanwhile has his eyes closed, expecting the same thing. When Jennifer asks the question, Aleaic actually shakes out of this, and opens his eyes to look around.

He then realizes better.

All around him, the cattle have been halted cold. It's a bit tough to note, but a wierd shimmering force is surrounding the edge outlines of all the cattle. Considering the hundreds of cattle that 'were' moving, on top of the fact that there's no sound all of a sudden, makes for wondering of what just happened.

The hands are all looking around, when Aleaic reflexively tries to cover his forehead Sigil. He then stutters out.. "Um, must be the beer huh?" Aleaic tries to joke away, but the effect falls short on the amazed eyes looking at him.

"Yeah, sure it was. Light beer my ass.

...what just happened?"

The hands meanwhile try to understand it all by poking at the cattle, and find nothing more off key than cattle at a dead stop. Apparently still alive, just... stopped.

OOC: As I'm on a public computer right now, I am EWT's non-UN puppet. Due to a trip to Seattle, I may be unable to post until 4 June. If I do post, I will do so sparingly because my internet access will be sparse at best.

IC: Whitfield let the operative run away. If he came back, he would have to have any weapons he picked up cast aside again. Whitfield summoned his lightsaber, just in case Kamel tried any tricks from afar, and it flew into his hand.

He then turned to the formerly stampeding cattle.

Using the Force, Whitfield sensed that the cattle were strongly disturbed at suddenly being forcefully stopped by something they could not see. He used something akin to a mass mind trick to calm the cattle down, so they would do little more than graze if released from the spell.

Aleaic felt the calming of the minds of the cattle, and noted the direction, and familiarity. Aleaic though had 'another' problem to deal with.

"Since when did you get surgery to put a headlamp in your head like that kid? What's going on 'exactly'?"

Aleaic could only blink, as he quickly shifted time-space to pop cattle back in their pens, away from the damaged one. Each one made the Sigil strobe like disco ball (of sorts..)

Aleaic makes a bad attempt at an explanation as a few hands come closer. "Oh you know. Those new European fads they do. You thought those off color hair styles and S&M thing was bad? This? *pointing to forehead* ..this is nothing girl! You know that there are guys that have metal planets put under their skin just to have metal points jut out of their heads like a mohawk? Huh? ...huh? Come on, this is nothing that bad? Come on right?

.................................right?

....

....

....*cricket chirping* ..."

The lack of a compliance acknowledgment kinda makes Aleaic sigh thickly. "You guys are no fun."

"I got a cousin that did that metal plate thang and..."

Jennifer just shouts back at the ranch hand.. "Oh SHUTUP!"

Aleaic meanwhile wonders if a mindwipe is required here. He thinks better of it for the matter of honor.

------

*Luna Outpost*

Arashi is walking along a corridor to head for a cafeteria for a drink, when she stops and 'feels' it occur.

Arashi looks out at the large viewports of the half-stadium wide corridor at the equally wide glasssteel ports, at the stars, despite the Earth being completely out of view.

..she knows, and smiles all the same. She continues on to the cafeteria.

-----

*General situation*

The Ascendancy was beginning to feel the cramps of the situation it was under. Already flare-ups were occurring within TPF territory between allied and Dominion Alliance forces, and another within Gelfland space with a incident at the wormhole junction that led to within Ascendancy Core Republic Worlds space.

The Abh were we good on their word and alliance talks were occurring without a hitch, and the Conference still hummed along.

But a general 'hollow' feeling pervaded the lay Gaian of this mighty realm. And they didn't feel 'mighty' as a result. More and more they were feeling a lack of a drive to do their jobs, and even though still only a tiny flake of sand from the mountain, the flakes were getting more pronounced with erosion.

What this meant, was unclear.

..nor for the trials yet to come.

------

*Terra, that ye ol ranch...*

"Wh.... wha?"

...that was the general pervasive thought train that ran through the present minds, when after the stamped was halted, and for the next two hours, Aleaic literally told the truth.

...and quite a truth at that....

Jennifer, having been Aleaic's and his other sibling’s Nanny for most their childhood, and old family friend of Terrai and Jeain, had come to know much of the Kerensky family over a long period of time, and felt comfortable knowing what she knew of them...

..until now. The thread that ran through The Great GrandFather to the Enforced Powerment Aleaic took as his heritage, and the Founding all the way through the Dark Wave Event and the Deatharon War, as well as the fact that the kind Jennifer thought she knew, was in fact the mast of several galaxies, and more worlds than her laptop could easily calculate, tended to do the effect Aleaic was trying to escape from in the first place.

"Dear 'god' kid! Is that why we got all those strange devices to extend our lives a few years back?"

Aleaic looks at the gathered, whom are looking t him now with a mix of fear and awe. He wondered when hate might enter the process, but didn't dwell on that. Instead he simply said. "Aye. I see they installed them correctly into the walls. I can feel the regeneration fields still at work as designed."

'Is 'that' what thar all that stuff was they brought? I thought it twas that new fangled computer thingy stuff they'r string up in the walls." ..one of the senior hands quips. Aleaic replies with a shrug. "Hey, if you didn't feel a need to know. But I bet you 'had' to have wondered that you weren't all old and grey by now."

"Thought it was all that new fangled health stuff they put in the food nowadays." ..another hand replies. Aleaic almost chuckles.

Jennifer however is less than amused. "Nice to know were just lab rats to ya I guess." ..and Aleaic stabs back quick. "It's stuff that was used in the Holy Palace itself before it ever came here. In fact I volunteered myself to ensure a stable field would not do any side effects. Considering that was ten years before it ever got here, if there was an ill with it, 'I'd' have been the first to know."

"What about that immortality thing kid?" Jenniffer continue to interrogate, and Aleaic spats back.. "Not even close. That was before I inherited the Power of Hikari you saw me use out there."

"Thar what you call it?" ..the senior hand asks, and Al nods. "It's what 'it' calls itself, something such done well before 'this' universe existed, that I can tell ya."

"Cute." Jennifer only seethes back, and Aleaic starts to feel a bit of resentment coming from her. Aleaic equates this to both shock and the 'alien' factor to it all. If it's not easily explained, humans tend to either look at it open minded, or close minded.

..with far too many results than can be counted.

Aleaic suspected the closed mindset taking hold, and he sighed. "I didn't ask for this. Hell, I was ready to do nothing more than go to NASA after a stint in a college, and work my way up to a Mars mission or something.

...not........ this....

I'm.... still not sure of why things happened the way they did, even things done well before I was ever born. If anyone's the lab rat here, I am. Been one for over an Eon from the sounds of it, before I was birthed."

Jennifer sorta is taken aback. The tone she just heard, was sounding a 'lot' like the introverted kid she tried all her might for years to break him out of. It was starting to sound even 'worse' if she heard it right.

But Aleaic continues unabated... "....and then my family 'willingly' drag themselves into the mess, and from there a reality I still don't think is real. Some half century later, and I sit atop a realm that I at once time didn't want. And then on top of all that, I was finding myself...

..liking the whole bastard thing. I was getting careless with the gifts I was given, and nearly getting everyone killed because I think there's only one way to govern a universe out of chaos, and don't listen beyond my own damned ego.

What the hell is wrong with me?!" ...the tone grows more and more dark. And the beer he drank isn't the cause, nor even an effect unto. Jennifer starts to blink more and more as Aleaic become more and more self loathing.

Aleaic though suddenly stops to his credit, and looks up at the half worried, more confused filled faces around him, and then realizes something else. A light wisp of smoke from his right hand..

..where an empty beer can was squeezed so hard, it melted in his hand in places. "Peachy...." ..he remarks softly and then suddenly stands and says.. "I'm sorry, I'll be gone in the morning." ..and suddenly walks out in the midst of further stunned ranchers.

After a moment, his footsteps take him back outside to the porch area, and a moment later, Jennifer follows to catch up.

One hand remarks to another.. "Dang... glad I don't have his job."

Another more compassionate hand just kloncks the less one with a beer can on the head.

Kamel quickly gets dressed with the Stealth Armor and cloakes again he goes back looking for his disrupter pistol.

Jennifer managed to get to the porch, just as Aleaic faded away some from the porch light. She still saw him easily enough though, having been used to the light for a long time now. The annoying swarm moths, flies, and other nocturnal bugs attached to the light, didn't stop Jennifer from stepping out and letting some night vision get better detail.

..all she saw, when she saw enough of this detail, was Aleaic just standing rather straight, and looking dead up at the stars. A few clouds partially obscured sections of the moonless sky, but more than enough starlight was notable. A long swath of the Milky Way galaxy, one of the arms, was also very much visible.

..the southwest saw a light glow from the city lights several kilometers distant, and a slightly larger version to the east for Billings, was not enough to pollute light to obscure the panorama. The cool evening spring air also didn't deter from a blank and dour mood within the soul, standing there, looking up at infinity above.

"You okay?" ..Jennifer only asked softly, yet reserved somewhat. Aleaic meanwhile continues to look up. "I can't see it."

"See what?" Jennifer reflexively asks. "My homeworld. It's out there, but the sky isn't right to see it. Heck, I don't know what angle it actually might be.

..never thought about that until now." Aleaic sighs. "Things should be so simple as a simple question, but it isn't. It's always the question that leads to two more, and then an answer to three other questions. So on and so, ever and ever by the mind of things not meant for a simple mind to deal with."

Aleaic looks out at the horizon in front of him, the low murmur of the settled cattle off the side of hearing. "So why 'must' I do it?"

Before Aleaic can try to darken his mood once more, Jennifer steps in. "Hey kid. This is no time to act petulant."

Aleaic side glances at Jennifer. "Petulant?"

"You heard me. You sound like the ten year old I had to kick in the ass to get out of that same shell you're speaking from right now."

Aleaic blinks. "I don't think..."

"No I don't, and from the sounds of it, you wanted 'just' that. It sounds like you came here to escape from thinking too hard about stuff even 'I' don't want to understand. Honestly, part of your scares the hell out of me.

..the rest came here to heal something damaged in a way that was no different than dealing with those bullies at school. You still remember that right kid?"

Aleaic just looks on for a few seconds, then smirks. "What ever did happen to Danny and Shaun?"

"Went abroad into the military, came back and are running a trucking business together. McKay Bros. Trucking I think it was."

Aleaic all but laughs out loud. "Sounds like something they'd do." ...and then becomes retrospective. "...bet the other classmates from that class did well like they promised they would.

..wonder if...." Aleaic trails off, but Jenniffer has none of that and flicks Al in the ear. "Will you quit that already?" Aleaic winces verbally and turns around to stare back while rubbing his right lobe. "Not if you don't flick me that way."

Jennifer just rolls her eyes. "What a wuss! You never could take pain!" Aleaic however responds by sticking his semi-artificial right hand and arm back at his former nanny. "Yeah, tell that to the Khan that took my arm up to my shoulder."

Jennifer sees the hyper advanced look of the arm, then sighs.. "Kay, I stand corrected. Not even going there. But if were to ask me, were not here to talk about physical wounds."

Aleaic stops, and pulls his arm away with... "Never as simple to heal." Aleaic then walks over to a hitch post near a fence and leans on it. "And if it were as like a physical wound, it'd be like my entire chest was blown away.

...and I've been trying to reconcile it for over a year now. It all just... just wasn't happening, no matter how good my people felt." ..Aleaic stops, musing to himself a bit about the 'people' bit, rather than 'citizen souls' that decades had retrained his mind to think of the Gaians.

All that gone in a span of an evening. "I think I wasn't doing the job right that I expected of myself. I kept sending my people to die for me too often, and I wasn't able to steer the course that I wanted everything to go." ..and Jennifer listened, and realized slowly that it was a matter of a simple expectation, taken to the extreme level.

"....and I just couldn't live with myself as their leader and expect them to look at me, and myself at myself, in the same way. I just..."

Jennifer says it simply. "No one can control everything. It's impossible."

Aleaic suddenly droops his shoulders, and turns a very gloomy tone. "But that was expected of me. Why else would I be forced to be a near god?

...why else would I be forced like a cow into a meat grinder? Why.... why else........................?"

Jennifer prods in. "You're not a god. No one can be. And even so, then what is the point of living, if everything's perfect and orderly? Wouldn't be much fun would it?"

Aleaic blinks towards the ground, but looks up and meets Jennifer's gaze. Aleaic sorta fights it for a second, then responds.. "No.... I can't do it, can I?

"...then what...?"

Jennifer stops this.. "Hold it there fella. I didn't realize the beer was supposed to start a debate. You can't, it's done, deal with it. And you're 'not' going to leave in the mornin.

..and the beer ain't an excuse either. Tomorrow we got a small cattle drive to move a heard to another feed area in the valley up yonder to the west, and then get settled for a camper night while they feed the fields there.

..and we need an extra hand kid." Jennifer puts rather strikingly. Aleaic knows the tone too well, and fighting it is pointless. In fact, it was 'exactly' what he was looking for. "Kay, kay.. I get the hint." ..and finally smirks. "Hope you don't mind me being rusty."

"That can be changed quick. You get to be part of the lead."

Aleaic BOINKS his eyes. "HUH!? But..."

Jennifer shakes a finger. "No buts. No better way to get back into the game. And you 'better' still know how to lasso kid. Or I'll ride ya up and down the valley."

Aleaic is beside himself with his blinking eyes.

Couldn't be happier actually. =^^=

--

((OC- Respond quick, because my next few posts are advancing the story quick. =^^= ))

Whitfield, vaguely sensing Kamel's desire for rearmament, quickly drew the disruptor pistol and Kamel's grenade belts to himself. As long as Kamel only has the cloaking device, he won't be much of a threat, Whitfield thought to himself. Especially if Aleiac has cattle around.

Now, to destroy the weapons or keep them? Choices, choices...

OOC: Don't advance too quickly now, because I may not be able to react to it until after I return home 4th June...I can't ask local family for a ride to the library every day. :p

I'll probably only be able to access the Internet once or twice until then.

OOC: to contradictory orders which one to choose.

IC: Kamel realizes he is un armed if only he could get a knife or Axe that would even the odds. He decides to sneak inside the ranch to the kitchen to get an butcher knife. He quickly and quietly stalks his way inside the house and attempts to make it to the kitchen.

((OC- Actually it's going to become more and more fanfic in feel, rather than participating thread over time, because the end of it all when Aleaic finally decides to return to his position, is going to hopefully be very poignant and (if i do it right..) possibly even a minor tear jerkier.

..so just mold the posts as it goes on. But do note that what's happening here, 'is' affecting my other posts in other threads.))

--

*Next morning...

...0430...*

The quiet night is chirping lightly away with a minor amount of cricket and some small creatures that rule the dusk hours..

..one place however destroys this calm rather fast.

"GET YOUR BUTT OUTTA BED AND INTO GEAR YOU BEER JERKIN WHIMPS!!!!"

...that, is how the latest cattle drive begins for the Kerensky Family Ranch, and with it, thirty hands and one rusty noob is waken from slumber, to a waiting breakfast that was prepared for them by Jennifer and a few other of the female hands. Hence it's the Boss that gets them outta bed, and for Aleaic, he readily awakes just as Jennifer busts into his old house room.

"YO! Wake up ya noob! It's time to saddle up!"

Aleaic though looks up through his eyes, winced semi-closed thanks to the light that is shot on in his eyes. "Nice to know you're still the same."

Jennifer just winks and then goes to the next room to HOLLAR like a hell B**** at the more lazy hands. Aleaic though just takes a moment to reminisce his younger days with this 'very' thing.

"Well, time to get my hands dirty again." ..and he finishes dressing in the cowboy fashion of modern mode and heads to get some early grub.

--

"Well, at least you've found him."

Tsunami nods to her Mother, Misaki. "The Power of Hikari betrayed him. He's at his old family ranch." Misaki sighs. "Too predictable is his fault."

"Aye, but he didn't seem to think that a hazard. But you know, being stoic has it's good points." ..Tsui though sighs and looks down.. "...most of the time."

Misaki nods. "Well, you're going to get company, about as we expected, though one 'wasn't'. They wanted you two to stay until they arrive. It'll give him a day or two to let go, and then we can get after him and remind him we still love him."

Tsunami nods. "I already have that in mind myself." Misaki notes this, and leans in on her end of the holoscreen. "Don't worry. It was there from the moment I saw you two stand at that food court stand with that cookie place there, that day in the mall.

..he loves you too much to leave you behind. I just think those idiots from the Draconis Federation just rattled him too much, and he needs to reestablish his tolerances. This all can be a chance to review everything we've done, and what we still do, to justify our trust, based on a trust 'you' two created in the first place."

Tsunami looks at her near mirror twin, though years and demeanor are a bit different. She smiles.. "I just love him so much, I don't know what I'd do without him if he was gone. What if he had.........." Tsunami stops herself and changes her words.. "No, he 'won't' abandon us like that. He just needs time to remind him what he chose to do."

Misaki sighs on her end of the holoscreen. "That was poor words daughter. Just say what you mean to say, and nothing else."

Tsunami looks up with a glazed look in her eyes. "That I love him. That 'that' is the only thing that matters at the moment."

Misaki smiles for her part, as Tsui finally fails to hide her tears, the same that were there at their shared wedding day, the two pen pals and their chosen mate and partner, the same that she still chases after now.

Nearby, Arashi is listening and truly feeling no less. She even wipes her own tears away, and thanks the privacy of the moment in the side chamber they both are in, while Tsui informs her mother of the search for the exile. The sadness in her heart is being replaced slowly by the nascent feelings she held with no waiver, the day she 'did' meet Aleaic in that mall, just after he and his family had moved to Coral Springs, Florida, from Big Timber, Montana.

Finally, Tsui replies back. "They had better come soon. I don't know how long I can wait if I keep feeling like this." ...the off key, tear jerked, giddy voice is replied back with a more level tone of a mother. "I'll tell them to hurry then." ..and at that, the screen is shut off.

..and for a long time, with only the dark view from the stars outside a large viewport pane with only a single beam to bisect the vast viewscape of the same darkness, was the only company for two souls as they made their souls drunk on the memories of a lone that was still there, just buried under the load of their positions.

..for once, they just sat a bit separated from each other and felt the ecstasy of the memories they brought up. After a time, they spoke to each other, and dug up yet more.

They did this for hours.

They also made some plans.

OOC: Popping my head into a library again...

IC: Whitfield sensed Kamel's disappointment when he failed to find his weapons and smirked to himself. However, Kamel didn't seem to be deterred from the task of looking for weapons. He sensed Kamel's presence returning to the ranch...

Short of an armory, which Whitfield doubted the existence of on this property, the place most likely to contain deadly objects was...Whitfield thought for a moment. Lots of axes or long, sharp knives. Either a workshop or the kitchen. As for which location to go to, Whitfield simply used the Force to keep tabs on Kamel's location. In time, it would reveal his course.

Whitfield had come to speak with Kerensky, but this spy-hunting had become a major distraction from his objective. He would have to end this quickly...

Kammel had gotten inside through a window and was still cloaked he quickly got to the kitchen and grabed a Butcher Knife. He heads off looking for a gun.

Kamel is in the kitchen.

Whitfield ran off, looking for Kamel. He is leaving the kitchen...he probably found something. Shit. Nevertheless, a few kitchen knives would pose little threat to an alert Jedi. However, it was the safety of the ranchhands that Whitfield was most concerned about.

Kamel looks for a gun and thinks were would ranchers keep guns? He looks into the main bedroom.

((OC- Always on the move.... =^^= ))
-----

It was uncertain where Kamel hid, hence he was somehow never discovered as the hands literally gorged on breakfast, with Aleaic enjoying a far less elegant meal then what he had been used to previously.

Sometimes an crappy meal tastes better than a perfect one.

When the meal, laden with greasy eggs, bacon, sausage, pancakes, and other accouterments of a meal more meant for a greasy spoon than a ranch home, but it all was high calorie and high everything else, for a bunch about to conduct a heavy day of work.

Just as the once semi-neat table is turned into a mess made by men on a ranch, Aleaic also gets his fill. "*BURP!* oopsie.. must mean I liked it."

"Works for me kid." A hand responds. Aleaic slightly chuckles, as being called a 'kid' felt just right as well. He then turns his head as Jennifer and a few of the female hands come in, also noting the sky outside is getting brighter. "Okay guys. We saddle up in about an hour. Get those dishes cleaned up and everything ready by then, or expect your pay docked as usual you bums!"

A bunch of whiny talk comes from the males, but Aleaic just laughs and stands to gather his plates and head to the kitchen sink. It's been forever since he did simple plates as well. A few of the more mature hands take note and follow suit. The younger ones have to be brow beaten into complying, but being told a 'kid' was showing them up tended to get their egos 'moving'.

Aleaic however is about to start his part, when one of the female hands takes his load. "Eh? Hey?" Jennifer however yanks Al by the sleeve. "Comin kid. Got something else ya can do." Aleaic sorta follows in response to his former nanny's 'inertia' from the yank, and follows her outside to the stables.

Aleaic sees and.. "Ah, shoveling the dung I see. Guess I can do.."

"No ya dope! Over here already." ..Jennifer says with an annoyed tone, and take Al to a far stall. Aleaic sees and.. "That your horse these days?"

Jennifer nods. "Yup. Thought you'd wana see it up close." ..and Al nods, coming closer in the dusk shadows of the stall to gingerly approach the horse. The horse notes, and whinnys a touch at him. However he shows no jitteriness as Al approaches. After a few moments of uncertainty, he smells Al's hand and body, and Aleaic gets to pat him on the head, as Al remembers his old lessons on how to treat a horse.

Aleaic does this for a bit and the horse responds more friendly like, until Aleaic realizes. "Hey... it's this..?"

Jennifer nods. "Stargazer.. you named him the last time you were here."

Aleaic looks at her and blinks. "But that was over thirty years ago.. how?"

Jennifer giggles. "Those techs you sent had those fancy gadgets installed in here too. I think your ma and pa wanted the horses to have long lives as well. It's tended to double the lifespan of the horses too."

Aleaic chuckles pretty well. "So they do keep secrets behind my back. Not that I mind in this case." Jennifer and Aleaic have a good chuckle for a good bit.

Somewhat anticlimactic, Aleaic is shown his own horse, and after a bit of 'relearning the bicycle' of sorts, manages to ride like an old pro. (Wait till the end of the day and the saddle sore that goes with... =xX=;;; )

By the time morning is in full swing, the initial roundup of a few cattle to take out to the herds out in the valley, and with that, the weekly move of cattle begins. Wherever Lord's Whitfield and Kamel are, they are essentially left behind. However order is left to look out for two 'stragglers' Aleaic knows are still around.

---

*Mars orbital plane*

Three JumpShips are escorted in with two ISDs of the Gaian Republic StarFleet. They approach Luna from a wide curve approach to avoid prying eyes as they head for their Observation Outpost.

...and a minor family reunion of sorts is starting to be enacted upon.

Kamel fails to find the gun and decides to leave he heads out a different window and sends a message to Aluria, "I failed to spy effectively on his Execellancy. " Aluria yells, "Why did you fail?" Kamel responds, "The Jedi interfered." Aluria responds, "understood sending a psyker to assit you."

If Aleaic had known what he was leaving behind due to his own selfishness, the events unfolding in the Ascendancy, he himself would have been the first to offer the events now taking place. The Council and their Excellency were very much of one mind, and it was showing in active events..

...the difference was that Aleaic still wasn't sure of himself that he was a good leader.

For two days, the ranchers and their wayward helper moved the cattle across a long series of valleys, with the Crazy Mountains well in view the whole way. The second day however brought the Boulder Mountains nearer, as they crossed under I-95 west of Big Timber, and moved into more fertile feeding areas that the herd hadn't eaten through yet.

Which meant for two nights, they roughed it under the stars. The cool air of the spring bit pretty good a time and it made the fatigue ever the harsher, and the camp food that much more tasty, due to the hard work. The coffee was good with the whiskey that floated around the camp. And at night, the cowboy blankets and rough ground made sleep more for the broken in type, rather than the casual camper.

Aleaic for two days and nights, was home.

On the third, he again, and this time with more skill and experience than the first two, led the train of cattle as they finally reached a deep, three kilometer wide gully that was well lit with sunlight and saw a good amount of valley rain, enough that made the grasses grown long, and with enough nutrition to hold the cattle for a good month at least.

That evening, as they spent their last night there before heading back with a smaller herd that was ready for the markets (what, McDonalds and Burger King come from somewhere ya know..) There, Aleaic was simply laying on his blanket and had his cowboy hat, now well worn in from sweat, grime, smacking his horse and waving in the air to other hands, now covered his eyes.

..he never saw the small streak of light that...

"Hey kid."

Aleaic looked up and saw Jennifer look down at him. She was holding two cups of either, Aleaic thought, coffee or whisky. For some reason he wished it was sake`.

"Allo there. Come to tuck me in and read a story of ye ol on the range?" Jennifer giggled and sits near her former charge, who she was seeing in a slightly 'different' light. "Here, the thing to warm ya up kid." Aleaic takes the cup offered, and expecting the usual two, his sniff before sip patter picks up a suprise. "Eh? Is this...?"

Jennifer nods and takes a deep sip herself. "Remember that stuff you sent me from Kyoto? That fancy stuff? Demon Sake I think ya called it." Aleaic looks amazed, and then takes a good drawl of the burning fluid that irritates his throat rather deeply. "Heck, I thought you'd have drank that up by now! Dang that's still strong."

"Aged it four decades at least. It even tastes batter now, ya know." ..and she takes another sip. Aleaic does the same, and with a few shared stories of ancient tales on the range when they used to be Nanny teaching a snot nosed young brat named Aleaic. The stories included narrow escapes from rampaging stray cattle, and even a few rattlers that they came across. These and more mixed in with the sake`, which left more and more 'freedom' of words.

"Ya know. If it weren't for that last drive when you put me in lead for the first time, before I left, I wouldn't have felt as confident when I went to Coral Springs. Even if it meant a good smack to the head ya know."

Jennifer starts giggling a bit too much, and seems to have little of her 'defenses' up. "Ya. Sometimes when you need something in your face, you get it in the face."

They laugh a bit more, but something in the tone is different. It also is stopped by Al with a thick sigh. Jennifer senses an 'opening' to learn more of Aleaic's feelings. "Why are you 'really' here? It sounded like you had anything and everything you could ever want. You could make decisions and do commands that make people do whatever you wanted. And more, they respected you for it. It's like you used to tell me of your imaginative dreams.

If you had the chance, you'd make a nation of knights, and teach the world the true meaning of honor and valor. Even now I can sense you're all this and more."

Aleaic low key pegs in. "Reality is never like a dream. Sometimes reality is better than a dream. Sometimes it's worse. And no matter what you think you can control, you really have no real control at all.

Those commands I give? I have no control on how they are conducted in the end. The respect i supposedly get? It's done by souls I cannot control either. In the end, I cannot really control anything. It's the will of my citizen souls that in the end, make the 'control' part work.

Without them, I am nothing. An individual is the sum of those around the person that makes things actually happen. For decades I've tried to reconcile that ideal into the way I tried to be a good leader. None of that however equates to sending people to die for you.

..I.... I can't just do that, and accept that it is simply a control mechanism. If I keep letting myself go on that way, I'll have my people dying for me for anything, and even my dreams of such ideals isn't worth that.

I just can't........... can't.........." Aleaic looks down with no thing to look at, except his own soul. "...I can't lead knowing people are dying when I issue a command for any reason. Not if I can't look them in the eye afterwards and apologize for doing it."

Jennifer looks on, and sighs..

..and then takes her hat, and whaps Al on the head hard. "Eeyooww!!"

"You're over doing it. You're punishing yourself too much. And you know what?" Aleaic looks simply up. "Aye?"

"...you're 'exactly' what you said you'd be. You made your dreams come true. You really did. I have no right to judge you, and more, I can't understand your world.

But honestly speaking? You are 'more' of a good leader to question yourself for what you do, as most people 'won't' do that. You're here to validate this, because you 'want' to be that good leader, and simply know that making your decisions are in the end, good ones.

If your people love you for who you are, they 'can' make the decision to die for you if they want. But you know what's more important? You don't look like the Warhawk type. You never did.

How... how many wars 'have' you been in anyway?"

Aleaic looks down... "Two... well, one actually. That Trial against the Ravens was more a controlled battle than a real war. Actually our experience with war is rather meager really."

Jennifer blinks. Considering the bits and pieces over the past few days she'd managed, with her own cognitive abilities, she has suspected that Aleaic's military was huge.

"...one war, and that's it?"

Aleaic nods.. "And we had to be asked really. The Deatharons were in dire need of a moral shift anyway, and it didn't sit well with me knowing a people were suffering, and we could do something about it, and do nothing." ...this, and the explanations that the war was done as non-lethally as possible, makes Jennifer’s heart flutter for some reason.

In the end, her words hit home. "What have you to be ashamed of? Any other leader with less standards would be waging wars left and right. You do everything to 'avoid' war. Why the heck are you questioning yourself for?

You're even better a leader than what I expected of you, even in my wildest dreams!"

Aleaic has to bite his cheeks from a silly flush therein. He manages... "We... well.. it wasn't easy making a war machine that went against every convention out there 'about' war. I just wish other nations would take our standard.

There's be far less death in the end run. More life. More...."

Aleaic's words become more hopeful sounding, and it shows on a certain face that suddenly leans in. Aleaic only senses this when Jennifer’s face draws dangerously close. Aleaic finally notes and... "J... Jeni...."

The shadows hide well, the long, warm kiss that was long held back. Longer than ether ever guessed ever existed.

A new Merchant ship jumped into this system(cloaked) and beams two cloaked Psykers from the Imperial Intelligence Core. The orders they had elieminate the Jedi at any cost. Kamel Sneaks into the Ranch with the Psykers and watches to see what is going on.

The next day started a bit off key... so to speak.

..or more 'not' spoken of.

The hands all gathered themselves up and prepared to separate out the more mature cattle ready for the run to the waiting cattle haulers that would be in position tomorrow morning just at the edge of Big Timber, where a cattle pen area at the north east part of the town lay. They had to be there by that night and held no punches as the hands conducted their rounds.

Aleaic meanwhile kept his distance, not only during the forming up, but the entire journey back from the cleft, and into town. With the smaller cattle herd, the distance was quicker to pass. It didn't however make the distance any 'less' for Aleaic, who kept getting eyed from afar by Jennifer. Worse, even with the 'afar' as much as he could get away with, he kept hearing whispers from other hands about 'that night'.

It all didn't end soon enough as they made the otherwise less than eventful trip to the pens. As the cattle were loaded onto the three trucks waiting and Jennifer haggled the negotiations between the hands and the truckers, Aleaic just kept 'well' away from it all, on his horse, looking at the Crazies afar.

Something in his mind was nagging at him. It wasn't 'that night', but rather mindful thoughts on his 'attachment' above his head. He was suddenly feeling a bit more than remorseful of his actions. Other than 'that night', the words spoken made Aleaic look more 'outward' of what he was feeling the previous few days. It was settling in that he was more than just a bystander to his own orders. He did admit to himself that he didn't subject his people to anything more than what he did to himself.

A pat to his hybrid right arm was a constant reminder. The electronic-mecha hum was more to the same. It kept poking reminders, and those reminders flooded memories of the years spent making a nation out of a dream. The only problem was one nagging question he could never console himself with..

"*whisper to self* ..why did they join me like that? I never even asked them. I didn't... di....." ..he can't finish a truth in his mind, something key to his character and soul.

"Well kid..." Aleaic SWIPES his head back at Jennifer from an over reactive defense mechanism, and the subject smirks on her own horse. "I don't bite... well, actually..."

Aleaic bites his cheeks and hides an embarrassed blush by turning away. "I wouldn't know..."

Jennifer cocks an eye. "You can't avoid that forever. It was something I 'can't' forget either." Aleaic still looks away. "...and it shouldn't have happened. I already have enough on my mind."

Jennifer sighs, and then hands a envelope to Al. "Eh? Wha?" He says as he looks back. "Your cut of the pay. Still hope you know how to use a paper check in a bank these days, considering all those fancy things you must use."

Aleaic looks at the semi crumpled, folded in one corner, envelope and sighs himself. "Actually 'pay' isn't a Gaian term we use. Our economy is self feeding and recycilic of itself. Resources mean more in quantity than money does."

"That a fact." ..and Jennifer shoves the check into Al's right hand. "Well, it still works the same on this planet. Might as well spend it for once in our 'old' fashion."

Aleaic blinks between the check and her, and then nods. "It'll be different, that's for sure."

Jennifer smirks again. "Gee, 'now' you talk more openly again." ..and Aleaic turns his horse around, he barely holds himself from riding off, but being too honor of his own word, he comments.. "I'm more ashamed of myself."

..and then rides off.

Leaving a 'rather' miffed Head-lady behind.

--

Meanwhile............ *Several panned shots of cowboy boots exiting a large SUV from below the wheelbase*

((OC- Hope this thread has been fun to read. =^^= ))
-----

*The Hikari Alcove*

An attendant was walking around, checking the Trees through her goggles (It's a bright place to work...) and ensuring the floating platforms were in good working order. Water was kept ultra-clear, and special soil was continuously cultivated and nurtured.


She also kept tabs on her Tree 'level', of any new Partnerships, as well as ensuring new Partner Users were healthy and safe while the meldings took place. Of these, only three today.

She was in the early part of her shift, doing yada yada...

...until a scream from above ended the 'yada yada' atmosphere. A bevy of loud yelling and some pointing at a Tree made the attendant cock her eyes. Until she notes a strange sound from a nearby Tree.. "Wha?" .and she looks, and her own shocked yelp rips along with a few others. One melding Partnership is suddenly broken mid trance and the User flops to a dead sounding fall, one that makes the attendant panic more and more.

"What's going on?" ...is her question, with a tone of pure dread.

The cause of concern, is the fact that many of the Trees are suddenly 'graying' at the leaves. The leaves start too look like they're being burned from out of thin air!

As it starts to slowly escalate, the effects will become more than just dire.

It'll force an issue utterly.

------------------

*Day five*

They are finally coming to the end of their run, and for the hands, Jennifer and Aleaic, the sight of the homestead ahead is a welcome sight. For them, a few days to take it easy, and do light chores, and to work back up to regular duties.

For Aleaic however, he suddenly knows time is up, as, even several kilometers away, he 'sees' the last thing he wanted to see, and the first the back of his mind was expecting anyway. As the large group crest over a hill rise, the exile stops his horse. Jennifer notes this to her left and doubles back with her horse to Aleaic's. "What's up?"

Aleaic just stares at the ranch. "Company."

Jennifer looks at the ranch too, but doesn't see it. "Who and what 'company'?"

Aleaic however adds.. "And they see me now too. Aw 'man', not the glare girl..."

Jennifer looks back and forth twice more between Al and the ranch, before it sinks in. "You mean?"

Aleaic sighs... "Wonder if I can escape to an empty nebulae next."

Jennifer just eyes Al, but then notes he 'jerks' his head away like he was hit in the head or something. Just as she is about to ask, Aleaic jabs out generally.. "I'm comin, I'm comin..." ...and starts his horse off at a gallop.

Jennifer just wonders if she should stay out of it all. What she thinks is going to happen ain't far off.

When they draw terribly close to the ranch, Jennifer realizes.. "The whole family. Heh, this should be fun."

Aleaic hears this with his enhanced hearing and groans.

---

*The Ethereal Planes*

"(( :: ~ As I told ye. The Power cannot be away from his sworn duty. If he does... ~ :: ))"

Around her, several other equal entities are musing the fact that a major disturbance in the Power Landsrad is starting to make waves into 'other' Representative Power enclaves.

Other universes and some external dimensional realities, and even a sliver of time-space is getting 'wash effect' of what is happening. Hence Lady Creations words are less than appreciated. "::: ~ Your new 'child' is not realizing the state of his emotion, and the potential damage it is causing.

If you do not find a way to resolve this, we must consider a Severing of dimensional ties. ~ :::"

Lady Creation takes this with no small amount of personal anguish.

She knows time is running out, as the other Powers and Entities depart from view, that she has to force her hand.

She sighs thickly, one that could dump a small pocket reality into existence. "(( :: ~ How could one kinseth cause 'this'. It's time to remind him of his duty. ~ :: ))"

This are about to get ugly before they get better.

OOC: Popping my head into a library again...Deatheron, you know I've been away from home; slow down a bit. GA, nice work :)

IC: Whitfield sensed the arrival of two Force-sensitive individuals a few miles away with murder on their minds. Apparently they were able to detect Whitfield's Force probe, for their minds immediately closed to outside influences.

But Whitfield had other ideas to deal with them...

He had played with fire during training at the Jedi Academy, and he would do it again should circumstances require it.

But this time, there was lots of brush, far drier than the jungles in the Jurai system, to play with. Before setting out to intercept this new threat, he decided to run a small test.

He eyed a shrub a hundred meters or so from the ranchhouse, eyeing the concentration of flammable material. Using the Force, he broke the covalent bonds that held the sugars stored within the plant together...

...and successfully ignited it in less than a second.

Perfect.He extinguished the fire by reversing the process by which he had started it and headed out in the general direction of the threat, ready to start a little brushfire if need be.

(OOC 2: Will not be able to respond until approximately midnight CST on 4 June. Deatheron, please post accordingly.)

OOC: ok last post untill woody responds

IC: The two Psyker agents attempt to find the Jedi via senseing his thought patterns. (They are trained to feel thoughts) The Pskyers have a hard time feeling for the Jedi. seems the force has some intresting effects agiasnt psyker power. The Psyker continue to guard there minds from force probe. The problem they faced was guarding Kamel's mind from it.

((OC- Actually Woods, if ya replace sugars with wheat, it gets the same effect, since wheat dust is about the same as coal dust in explosive power in an enclosed area, believe it or not. =^^= ))

--

They saw them coming from the same distance at first, and their 'own' enhanced vision was no less than Aleaic's. hence when the exile and his company drew into the ranch grounds, Aleaic has to finally look into the eyes of those he abandoned.

The hands see who's here, and make themselves scarce as Jennifer stays behind to watch the probable carnage. Aleaic however can't run anymore.

On one side, the exile.

The other, Lady Tsunami and Arashi, Lord Terrai and Lady Jeain, Ladies Caladeni, Luriena, Alusair, and Lord Ashar. Wives, Father, Mother, Sisters and Brother, respectively.

..and all looking at Aleaic in as drypan a manner as one can be subjected as such. Aleaic notes the 'less' than warm welcome, and Aleaic comments to himself with a sigh. "I knew I should have hid in the Serengetti."

"Woulda still found ya hon." Tsui quips back, and Al winces. Al then is nudged by Jennifer who then is noticed by the others. "Well, been awhile girl." Jeain comments, and Jennifer tips her dusty hat. "Same back at ya lady gal."

Aleaic just sighs again. "Vacation's over."

--

For the next hour, the group lightly chats, though Al makes a conscious effort to try and hold the coming conversation back by helping with drinks rather than conversing. Some of the elder hands and Jennifer discuss stuff about cattle and ranching with their true owners. The ranch is still Terrai's own property, though these days Jennifer is the one who runs it all.

Arashi, the least used to ranching life, asks more questions about such details as red and black Angus, the timing of moving cattle, and even comments that Al looks 'good' all dusted up from a cattle run.

Al was in the kitchen when he herd that.

Finally... the matter comes to a head, as Jennifer notes Tsunami and Aleaic trading something in between of concerned looks, and mixed ones from a worried/annoyed Tsui and a complacent and overmindful Aleaic. She decides to spark the powder keg by first asking the hands to leave and help finish up settling matters from the trip. Once they leave, Aleaic senses the tension in the living room skyrocket.

..and his flight mechanism becomes terribly hard to control.

But then, he hears... "We're glad you're alright. At least you didn't goof off." Tsunami says, and Aleaic responds too hastily. "I didn't leave to goof off. I left to stop having everything done for me, and get my hands very dirty again."

"Son... you ran away. That 'is' the whole point." Terrai suddenly stabs in, and Aleaic grinds his teeth. "Dad.. please don't start."

"Do you realize how shocked our people were when you left like you did? Everyone's was questioning themselves so bad, it just unfair to them." Jeain also scolds. Aleaic wilts some more..

"Gee bro. I didn't think you'd be the type to bail out like that." Ashar bluntly puts in, and Jeain flicks Ashar's ear. Aleaic though tries hard to look away. Jennifer senses the top about to burst. She decides the remedy is flat out piling it on.

..if she had known, even with the information learned, of what would be the result. "I was told he ran away because he didn't like sending his people to die." Caladeni looks over at Jennifer.. "That's preposterous! Death in the Ascendancy is almost a fairy tale. Even the dead in battle can be revived even with a few cells from a host." Jennifer blinks. "Sign me up."

Aleaic actually holds up well for a few more jabs like this, until.. "..and what about the Council? They have to almost double their load of work to keep the Ascendancy afloat. Did you ever think about them when you ran off? Well? What about the military and..."

"WHAT ABOUT WHY I'M A LEADER WHATSOEVER IN THE FIRST PLACE!?!?" Aleaic finally snaps back at his own father's latest chide, and that returns a harsh. "It was what was EXPECTED from the Prophecy! How DARE you think you..."

"HOW DARE YOU running away from YOUR position! It was supposed to be YOU that was the next Power! Did you at all ONCE wonder if I was even going to be GOOD as a damned Power?

Did it EVER occur to anyone that being forced like I was, was a mistake!?! Do any of you know how many times I wanted to run away just once from it all!? How many times I felt overwhelmed by it all? And on top of that, WHY did you all follow me like that? HUH!? Why did you agree with it so damn fast? So readily? Didn't any of you think that it should have been the other way around? Why didn't anyone think openly I was going to be bad as a leader!?

..and bad as a Power beyond that! Heck... I still don't know what all this 'Power' crap is supposed to be about. It's like I'm supposed to be something more than I can understand of myself to be, and because of it, I'm failing everybody." Aleaic can't look at them in the eyes as he trails off... "That I'm getting people killed, and that is causing me to actually go mad.

...that.... I'm going to get you all killed for blindly following me."

Aleaic finally stops, his mind a torrentious maelstrom in his mind, emotions running rampant. After a moment of silence, Aleaic then feels a feeling of a warm hand on his shoulder. He soft-jerks his eyes at the hand that behelds one of the wedding rings, and sees the teal and blue stones around the diamond 'leaf'. He knows who's it is then.

"Tsu...i.."

"Nothing was done blindly. I thought you already knew that."

Aleaic looks at his First Beloved, and half assumes.. "That I knew..." Tsui continues.. "...we didn't blindly follow you. And we sure didn't agree like we did, without being shown what was in store for us."

Aleaic looks fully at her again, and blinks from confusion. "What... what do you mean?"

Tsui blinks, then looks back at the others, and back again. "You mean you didn't know?"

Aleaic continues the confused blink bit, and.. "Know what?"

Tsunami realizes the last thing she expected. "You mean, after all these years, you were 'never' told by The GrandFather?" Aleaic's reply starts off.. "I was told that I was the forced successor of my father, that if I didn't become the Representative Power, that the universe was going to actually decay. All this time, I thought it was just a speech to scare me. I didn't like the sound of being the center of things too big for one person to affect, even far less the idea the universe would die if I didn't listen to The GrandFather.

That other souls that had nothing to do with me, nations that detested, even loathed who I was, would be affected by one person that, quite bluntly, am still 'not' ready to understand everything I'm supposed to be as this fracus Power.

.........why did I get forced? I not only didn't have a choice, I could have never been mentally prepared for being responsible to the true aspects of being this Power. When the Dark Wave attacked us, and I learned you and the others were harmed by Skeith, I felt my worst fears were being shoved into full light.

My closest family were being killed by forces I was supposed to fight, and also by the fact that I can't fully comprehend what all that really means. That the Wave was forcing my nightmares in my head to full life. And on top of that, I get that Hikari stuff, and end up playing with it like it was a flashy anime trick scene.

All this, because I was forced........... how the **** could I be forced to be this bastard that can't understand what a Power is supposed to BE?!?! I felt... suffocated by that... I felt so terrible that it, and my recent actions, were showing me to be the horrid monster that was inevitable to show up.

I ran to prevent that monster from making a mistake that our sciences can't fix. That would kill millions of us. That................... that....."

Tsunami sighs and pats Al's shoulder. "Then He never told you what He told us that night after you accepted the position."

Aleaic sighs himself.. "Is there a better word than 'position' to use? It just kept feeling like I accepted a forced position in some company. Being a nation's leader was one thing, but everything added that's happened....

...maybe Draconis Federation was right... I'm just fascist..."

Tsunami smacks Al across the face out of pure reaction! Aleaic holds his left cheek in shock, as he sees the tears stream down from Tsui's eyes. "Dammit Al! Don't EVER call yourself that! Please don't beat yourself up like that!!! It's what He told us to stop you from doing! Don't you know how much we love you and want to see your dreams succeed!?

...that's why.... that's why He came to us that night after your Meeting, and asked us to ask ourselves if we would help you."

"Wha?" Al ekes out. Tsui continues.. "That night, The GrandFather came, and told about all the good things that would come with you being something we ourselves couldn't understand."

"Honestly, I couldn't either son. It's just that 'big'." Terrai adds in from behind, and Aleaic looks on, as Tsui gloms deeply onto his chest. "My own Father said that so many important things were going to happen, not just between nations, but on larger scales most people can't fathom, that it would take a unified mentality to survive and deal with things even He himself never encountered.

That there would be a time that we could do things like make our own civilizations to call their own, become creators like gods, but still have to deal with powers that could destroy whole universes with a mere extension of it's will.

...that being a Power was tantamount to ensuring that outside power greater than any other being or force could understand or deal with, and that mind would have to be beyond open minded to deal with them.

There would be a time that all imagined boundaries of the mind were torn down, and there could be no hiding from the consequences, no matter where and when they were. Space-time, Dimensions, Realities, actual time itself, and even the threat to the Beginning and the End of Existence itself, would become pawns of the final question of if reality would survive.

That He knew what you felt right now 'would' occur. The GrandFather predicted that it would all end up like this. That you would cave in and escape from it all, and that it would take the most kindred of minds to help you realize how vast and extensive your destiny would become."

Aleaic tries to stop this. "Do you realize if you tried to explain that to other nations, other minds, that they would think this was stupid fancy to make me look good, that my ego was the only one that mattered."

Terrai sighs very thickly. "If that were the only worry, I would welcome it. Then your GrandFather wouldn't have put his warning with such an entropic tone of dread.

He knows something is coming in the coming eons, something that down the eternal timeline that could risk all of us all to an End that no Genesis could ever repair. The GrandFather even spoke of it, as such a threat, that deities dread to whisper it. That even Evil and Entropy themselves fear it so. That Good alone would be powerless and The Balance would be sundered in the wake of.... whatever this is.

He knew it, and warned us that The representative Power would be the one to help ensure that the entire Balance and Existence could be saved, that something would occur one day, that would make good, evil and neutrality as one mind, and all souls ready to sacrifice for everything, FOR everything, at the voice of a mind that all 'could' trust.

The GrandFather told us so deeply, so eternally of this, that our minds still quake a singular mind among us all, and that we knew that when we agreed to tell you that we would help build your nation, that we were doing it for more than just a normal leader of a nation.

..that we were ready to give our lives to ensure that that One moment occurs, and to help live to see that moment in one format or another, and know that there is a reason that the Powers exist at all.

Me personally, as the only other being here that understands what a Power can be, it all was far more than just the Prophecy.

To me, it was my son that was taking my place, and becoming far greater than I could have ever tried. When I first learned the Prophecy, I knew that my abdication of my responsibility was the only way to ensure that that One day will ever occur.

I sacrificed my son, to become the One Power."

Aleaic is half entranced.. and half BESIDE himself! "Are... you SERIOUS!!??! Do you think I'm some chosen one crap? What made anyone think that I'd be this savior of all existence!? That's not only stupid, it's beyond criminal!!!"

"It all is also a truth." ...Aleaic stabs a look at Jeain. "Yeah Bro. I wouldn't have even agreed to leave Earth for some alien planet, if not for that Prophecy." ..and then to Luriena. Caladeni and Alusair both nod.

Aleaic then grumbles and asks. "If you knew I was going to run away, why..."

"It's expected that we chastise ya Bro. You 'did' act like a baby by just running away. If you simply said you were going to go on a leave of absence, it could have been accommodated." Luriena's words hit home, but Al quips back, feeling Tsui's body press ever deeper into his. (..he also notes Arashi squirming to want to do the same.) "You think it was simple for me to just dump my duties officially without any less difficulty than the choice I took?"

"You're a bonifide leader. You 'can' do whatever you want. Just stop beating yourself up so much and thinking you can do everything alone, and worrying about who is hurt by your decisions.

Your people love you. Yeah we're all miffed, but if there's a possibility of a nation acting like one ridiculously large family, our nation is 'it'." ...Jeain responds. "..and your GrandFather saw that as well. When we began to believe his words by actual example, we knew that your dreams were more than just a framework.

It made us proud as Family to have fostered such a mind, and the scale of it all in reality was so incredible to experience in all end. Every new day feels like were becoming a younger universe, that like the pride we feel is never false, that things like cynicism, hatreds, greeds, and other ills of normal societies, cannot find a place to fester.

..that was, until you left. Now the Ascendancy is starting to decay, and it's time to you to face your destiny, and accept that above everyone else's opinion and appraisals, that you love who you are, and that you can look in the mirror and say you ARE a good leader.

Son... you are good at what you do. Not perfect... just good.

No one who knows us can expect any more or less. Those that do are being greedy and judgmental, and cannot understand our ideals as tantamount to gospel for us, and that is because 'you' are the framework that made a nation feel this way.

We are great, powerful, and have a grander destiny than we ourselves were ready to accept, because you said you'd work hard to make the best nation from what was best of all mortality."

Aleaic starts to feel too self-absorbed from the long series of complements, from his Mother no less. The tone of the words were not hiding any pride, and while a mother can praise a son, this was going further than that.

He looks at the others present in the room in the eye finally, and that 'glint' in the eye that he looked with was starting to return. "So.. you all agreed to follow me because of my GrandFather? I thought he never left his realm."

Arashi comments.. "You were asleep, and it was in the middle of the night that He called us to discuss it all. Apparently we took a long time, and He had stopped the flow of time in the room while you slept, so that he could tell the whole story.

The young members among us were going to follow you no matter what. The elders here decided to follow because of the Prophecy. The Prophecy goes so much further than just the words. It's like a living spell that was cast Ages ago, and it's power effects the flow of literally everything in one fashion or another.

..they're not words. They're an imprint upon the voice of the living Existence, and that Existence is made by us all. Even forces outside our Universe affect it, and that is what makes the Prophecy so real.

When we saw the Angelic for the first time, we knew the Prophecy would occur. We had no doubt.

And we willingly accept that destiny. For no one else could we do that for. It just go so far deep, it can't be ignored or avoided. Therefore we consciously accepted following it.

That kind of terror that leads to that kind of salvation can't be helped by seen through to the end. We'll all be there to see it no matter what happens. No matter where we are.

..it can't be avoided. It can't."

Aleaic sighs and feels Tsui by now in a total body embrace. He knows that just about every aspect of his fears just got addressed. He knows that his Family followed him for their 'own' reasons, and not just to blindly follow him.

..and that they were doing it all, their job and all, of their own whims and accord, regardless of what Aleaic felt otherwise, and that it was all for something even greater than he himself could hope to understand.

"What if I can't understand..."

"You 'will'.... He said you would when the time was right." ..a muffled voice from Tsunami says. And Aleaic for some reason, believes it. Jennifer, a total bystander to all this, looks on and goes from trying to understand, to stopping. It's way beyond her now.

Aleaic though looks at Ashar and asks with a pointed finger. "How come not him? Why the youngest kid? I thought the elder child was supposed to inherit the family farm?"

Terrai and Jeain look at each other, and both shrug back at Al, Ashar just quips. "Heck no I want any part of this. You do too much work already Bro." ..and that nets him a few seat cushions from the couch.

Aleaic just grumbles. "I hate prophecies."

"Seconded.." ...about everyone else, minus Jennifer, reply back! Even a deeply nestled Tsui says. Arashi finally gives in and walks over to do the same to Al, and Al's arms start to get a touch strained.

..then he nodes Jennifer's reaction and cagey smirk, and knows there's something else to deal with.

Then all of a sudden.. "LUNCHTIME!!!!" ..a heavy ringing of a dinner call metal triangle sounds like an alarm bell. No other sound like it. The other's suddenly jump and start commenting to themselves how hungry they are.

This starts a chain that sees the group inside, head outside, dragging Al along by his two wives, and Jennifer from behind, to a sight they hadn't seen in ages.

A ranch style outdoor picnic lunch. You want a robust table full of rustic food, then welcome to it!!

The next few hours are 'far' less stress filled, and more food filled. It's more a joyful time had now.

...for the moment.

The Black Wilt. It was nothing less than the suddenly collapse of the Power of Hikari, without any known reason to speak of. All over the Ascendancy, hundreds of Users, and then thousands, with their thousands more Trees, all being to show the burned char on their Leaves, and the black viscous sap that seeps out the opening cracks of the once beautiful Trees, ones that were brilliance upon themselves, now shone scars of an ill that was killing the Ascendancy cold.

It had started literally at the moment the Exile began, and it was having a far more horrendous effect than any could have sensed. It was not the act of a spiteful being behind the scenes, or overuse of the Power by any entity.

It was a misunderstood mistake that was cascading out of control.

--

*White Diamond, Holy Palace Tree*

The very surface of the Tree was showing the same charred wilt, and the titanic trunk was suddenly scarring and boiling over with the black sap, as the Tree was seemingly disgorging itself with no signs of halting.

Many souls within and external, saw, and or experienced what was unlike any equal. Many who saw, panicked, and others either prayed for those that suddenly fell unconscious, or prayed for an understanding or salvation of any kind.

It's hard to put into words, but it's something that only the Trees themselves could describe properly, and that their User Partners could experience with a total rape of their lifeforce. It was like the entire Hikrai Lansdrad was being gutted open.

Outside and within. On planets, moons, stations, vessels, shuttles, more and more over, whether human, Four Races, Colony Galactic, even some droid and genetic constructed beings. All were falling unconscious, as the wail began to grow so loud, that other psychic minds could hear it.

*Council Chamber*

Lord Akito and Lady Skuld were doing simple reports, when the horrid dull chill sturck them, the same it stuck Peorth on Clan Home, Seto near Emerald, Washu and Belldandy on the southern continent, Tenchi, Yosho and Kosohito on Luna-Sien-III, and all the rest from space station, mech factory, command center, and even in their bed chambers, all were being sucked of their very life essence from literally out of nowhere!

Skuld and Akito feel it, and only have a moment to look at each other in horror, before their bodies fail to respond collapse.

Skuld can only exhale out as she falls unconscious..... "....Sen....taro...."

But worse, the Wilt doesn't stop with simply claiming life force...

....they 'all' begin to visibly age.

They're dying.....

*Sol System*

The wave of ill was about to crest even here...

...and in it's wake a terrible choice.

----

*Ranch homestead*

The party had wound down into the late evening, and was beginning to turn into a drink fest. The lunch picnic had turned into an evening BBQ, with the guests of honor, the entire Kerensky Family, the center of the celebration.

For hours they had let go of concerns, and had fun, though one mind still wasn't 'ready' to accept things just yet. Around Aleaic, the family had been joshing and swapping stories of all kinds, even those from the stars, now that the hands knew better. The party was dwelling into the late evening, and Aleaic finally had decided on at least one thing proper to do.

He left behind a group of young hands, still somewhat away from his wives, and was heading for the one like minded person in the entire area. Probably all of known space.

He found him in sitting on a fence with some elder hands and Jennifer nearby, and walked up to him deadeye. "Hey dad."

"Son..." Terrai nodded down. Aleaic just came out with it. "I'm sorry for what I said. The pressures just got to me. And you know how I hate to be chastised."

Terrai nods. "Never your strong suit. Both a strength and weakness for us both."

Aleaic sighs. "Ran in the family huh. The.... thing..."

Terrai senses the introverted voice and looks up at the crystalic stars above. "They're just another place you live. Not much else. The scale is larger, but the rules are not so overbearing, if you let your mind be open to the idea of scale.

But.... I.... I didn't come to chastise you." Aleaic cocks an eye at his Father. "Dad?"

"...I came to hear my own voice, and know why I didn't become what you are now. Son...

...you've been far braver than I was at your age now. When I saw what the Power was, I was too terrified, and I think it was expected. Everything has a script, and I apparently followed mine all too plainly." ...he stops, and Al hops up onto the fence next to him. From afar, some eyes are catching wind of this.

"I only followed the prophecy, because I was too blindly fearful of trying to be like my own Father. Your GrandFather was a great soul. Greater than I could compare to. The Spark in his soul he carried, could do things that terrified me. I saw whole realities constructed and destroyed, entire civilizations made, and many watched unto their own ruin, knowing that in the end, my Father was the one that fostered them.

I understand how you feel about many others dying in your name, because I saw my Father do it far more in the same fold, for those that had 'nothing' to do with Him. I learned to be afraid of taking responsibility for a people I didn't know. To worry if they would destroy themselves.

..to wonder if I'd crack from it all. So it's no small amount of understanding that lets me know what you are feeling. You're not the coward my Son.

...I am."

Aleiac however puts a strong hand on his Father's shoulder. "No. No one can be a coward, for things they can't handle. As for me not being a coward. Tell that to my people. I 'do' have to know who they are. I have to face them in the end for all this."

Terrai looks at Al and responds back. "So you are going back?"

Aleaic looks at the ground, and then looks for a sey of eyes that alreaqdy have his. The pink eyes tressed with teal curls over them, make him solidfy his mind. "Yes..

...as long as I know I'm not some monster getting people killed needlessly, and that the ideals are true, then what I stand for is enough to allow me to lead 'my' people.

All mistakes can be learned from. This can be no different."

Terrai smiles at his Son., and places his own strong hand on Al's shoulder. "Just don't forget, you're not al...............o...."

Aleaic senses it, 'just' as the others of hus family are HIT by it. In seconds, the Black Wilt finally stabs through them all! The hands and Jennifer suddenly see, and are shocked equally when Aleaic's family and wives suddenly react horrendously, and crash to a lifeless form onto the ground. Aleaic is only about to cathc his own Father in reaction, when he feels it!

Aleaic would have subcumed but something 'breathes' life into him with just as a swift effect. He's rising from the ground himself when Jennifer rushes up, with the other hands looking at the other fallen Kerenskys. She demands in a shit scared out voice. "KID, What's going ON here?!?!?!"

Aleaic is about to ask the same, then senses the Link, and blurts out in a terrified voice. "Oh dear goddess... the Link is collapsing!" ...Jennifer just replies.. "The 'what'??"

All of a sudden, Aleaic's sight sees the last thing he was expecting, "What.....??..??..??"

In his sight, the sky is starting to act like it's being 'burned' white! There also seem to be actual 'cracks' that phase in and out in places, randomly. What he senses is far worse. "Why is the sky doing that?"

Aleaic looks at Jennifer, the author of that cracked voice. "You can 'see' all this!?" Jennifer only nods barely. The other hands around her are looking all about wildly, and by now, it can be noted across the globe!

...and across much of space itself!

Aleaic looks around and can't help but ask. "What the hell is..."

"(( :: ~ It's all your damn FAULT!! ~ :: ))"

Aleaic is shocked to see... "Lady Creation!??!"

The Goddess stands in plain sight of everyone, as reality starts to crumble.

"(( :: ~ Damn you child. Look around you, and see what your need to escape caused everything!? Thanks to all this self-loathing, the need to question yourself. ~ :: ))"

Aleiac looks on at Lady Creation, the goddess, bonifide and total, as she rips into the kinseth she helped in becoming the first Hikari User, because she was 'told' that she would help this brat..

..one that was unknowingly using that power to cause 'all this'. Jennifer looks on from afar as her sight is filled with things not meant for mortals to witness.

Yet.....

..for Aleaic however, he rips back. "How could this be my fault?!?! After everything I've learned about being a Power, and more that I ran away from, what has any of that got to do with THIS!!!??"

Creation strikes back in words.. "(( :: ~ The Trees gave a power that amplified your own. No matter how much you want to avoid it, no matter how much you think it is too much for one being to affect, you have to realize this is the truth of what a Power is.

The GrandFather, your GrandFather, warned you what would happen if you tried to leave. ~ :: ))"

"Okay, you know what. I stopped trying to understand long ago why 'I' of all people am so damned important to the very well being of all existence. A non-god having that much effect on all existence CAN'T exist. HOW can I be doing all then?!?!

I have no right or capability to do all this, so WHY do you say I do? And what exactly IS going on!??!"

Creation looks level. "(( :: ~ By not understanding your place, the same that all beings have their, you have allowed this very situation. To explain in words is impossible to a mortal mind. These are things that shouldn't be. Why the world 'you' of all people were chosen as a Power, when you are TOO attached to the Mortal Plane! ~ :: ))"

Aleaic obviously asks.. "What does 'that' mean?"

Lady Creation says it plain. "(( :: ~ No power ever before has been allowed to remain on the Mortal Plane. A Power is meant to conduct matters above all other matters whatsoever.

You are a Power, that chose to be human first. Your mind said it once you accepted it all, and if not for your wrethced GrandFather, you would BE a god, NOT a mortal!

A Power isn't supposed to interact on this Plane, you are the literal FIRST to do so! ~ :: ))" Aleaic seems not to react. "A god? Why would I want to be a god?"

Creation STABS a finger at Aleaic. "(( :: ~ THAT! THAT RIGHT THERE! That is why it's all come to this, all reality torn down like this.

You're mortality is too strong. Damn mortals! Your evolution is wretched and weak. If not for all that emotion, things mortals decry and take for granted, it wouldn't have reacted with the Existence like this! You ARE as a singlular person, affecting everything!

If you were a God instead, this WOULDN'T be happening!!!!!!!! ~ :: ))"

Aleaic stands there shocked. If he heard right..... if he really heard right, he heard...

...prejiduce. "You mean to tell me, because I'm a mortal, I 'can't' handle what is occuring, simply because I'm not evolved enough?

This is a matter of BIGOTRY!?!?"

Creation suddenly looks shaken. "(( :: ~ If there must be a cause...

...so be it. ~ :: ))"

Aleaic suddenly turns away. For a moment he stands still, but then realizes he can't avoid the truth. "That, cannot be."

"(( :: ~ Mortals, cannot interact with the Infinite Planes, due to the fact that too many equations are affected, by just more than simply physical laws that mortal minds create to limit themselves with.

It's those limitations that they impose on themselves, that prevent them from learning things they cannot handle. The Infinite Planes are more than just accepting what is in front of you. It's accepting 'every' aspect that can exist, and there's too many such things impossible to fathom, that exist.

If your damned GrandFather had realized that and told you the 'real' rules, you would have been a god instead, and none of this foolish mortal matters like a nation, emotional attachments and rejections, nor the need to depend on a fanciful notion of a family, would have been needed. ~ :: ))"

Aleaic blinks... "So, I would have been forced to become the worst idea in my mind, and leave behind everything I hold dear, with NO chance to turn it all down?

...THAT is you IDEA of what a Power is supposed to BE!?!?"

Creation blinks herself.. Aleaic then adds.. "And I suppose that I STILL would have not been allowed to turn it all down. Is that right? No matter WHAT was said or done?

Period?"

"(( :: ~ Would you not have been better off 'as' a God? Mortality is so weak after all. After trillions of Eons, I've learned no less. ~ :: ))"

Aleaic responds with as pure a response he has for himself.

"I will NEVER be a God. For the reasons you think Mortality is so weak, I think is so strong. Gods can't learn beyond themselves. They reach a limit of themselves by just BEING a god! Worse, you live forever, knowing that everything you care for, dies away, and not just the short lives, but ALL of them!

Tell me Lady, when was the last time you cared for anyone? Was there a time to felt differently as a mortal? After all, there is NO god that is 'ever' begun as immortal. The Existence itself says so. Trust me, I looked. I LOOKED.

That means you were as mortal as I, and at some point, you felt that you lost something that made you feel this very way. That means you're not a bigot, you're hiding your OWN pain, and trying to drag me into it as well!!"

Creation suddenly has little to say. What she can say is.. "(( :: ~ Damn Him, how could you be right about this. ~ :: ))"

..the next voice is not Aleaic's... ":: ~ Because there is a time that will come.... ~ ::" ...from out of a phasic entrance comes the GrandFather Himself, the one that made Aleaic His successor. ":: ~ ...that even the line between mortal and immortal will dissapear.

..that time is coming far too fast to avoid, even in our scales of time. We cannot avoid it. This event shows how much things are intertwined anyway. ~ ::" Creation rebuts, stabbing a finger at Aleaic. "(( :: ~ You think you can be calm when HIS emotions are about to tear all reality apart!?!?! ~ :: ))"

"Um, why exactly is my emotional state a PART of this anyway? I thought the universe was too damn complex for such a thing this singular!?"

And then, in the midst of the wail, the rendering of space, and the tragedy of the moment, The GrandFather just laughs. ":: ~ Well said. You can't actually.~ ::"

Both goddess and mortal look at him with a bland eye. Creation the spouts.. "(( :: ~ THEN WHAT THE ETERNAL BLAZES IS CAUSING ALL THIS!??!?!?!?! ~ :: ))"

":: ~ The sympathetic factor. ~ ::" ..the blank stares all around gives Him pause to continue. ":: ~ Think about it. The atom that joins others to create all reality. Without that atom, the others wouldn't form around it.

..and so on and so until you reach the Existence, and even further. The Infinite Planes have no limit. And too many things in Existence depend on many other factors.

The Power exiles himself, the family falls into dispair, the civilization does the same, the Hikari Trees were Linked to them, the Link came from a subspace link that could affect all reality. It happens. Remember the Frin`al Wave about two Universe Existences ago?

..it's not a big deal really. ~ ::"

Aleaic and Creation just look at each other. "He's being plain about this."

"(( :: ~ You get used to it. But what I want to know is, why did you allow this to occur? If you hadn't left that Seed with this brat, then the Hikari Trees wouldn't have entered the equation! ~ :: ))""

":: ~ Then the Dark Wave would have had no counter, as was foretold would occur.. And beyond, tell me not that you don't like being a part of the Guardianship. After all, 'you' were the one that missed being part of a mortal existence.

..All that 'prejudice' is just a bunch of mortal... whooey.. as they say. ~ ::"

Aleaic just eyes Creation, and Creation about goes Naru all over Aleaic!

"I knew it.." ...Al still quips.

The GrandFather than looks at Aleaic. ":: ~ It also is interesting that you are not panicking at the sight of your Family, and everything you care for, being destroyed.

..I know you sensed it all, even though you never 'looked' at the disaster occuring. ~ ::"

Aleaic sighs and looks down. "It's all a matter of relative effect. I simply need to accept it all finally, and I mean accept my destiny... as it were.

But.... am I really going to know what to do with it all? What if I run away again?"

The GrandFather sighs and replies. ":: ~ It runs in the family. ~ ::" ...and he stops there. Aleaic blinks, and realizes a truth in those words, and for some reason, takes heart in it.

"Then I'm not alone after all."

Creation looks between the two, and shakes her star studded mane and head. "(( :: ~ Never will I understand these things you mortals dwell upon. ~ :: ))"

":: ~ But you once did. ~ ::" Creation just looks away. Aleaic though asks. "So, am I the only mortal Power? And the first to boot?"

":: ~ It's what your mind wanted. I cannot force more onto you, other than what was required. You have turned out well, and it does not matter how long it takes to understand it all, you have the core needed to be a good Power..

..and a good leader. Your own Family believed in you from the moment I asked them to help you. I knew all too well the burden on your mind, as well as the unfair situation forced upon you. I was no different.

..and now, I am justified in the Final Test of myself. Your own Final Test however is at hand. You hear the void and the wail, even Entropy cries at the pain the Existence endures.

..All you need show, is that you have the basic ability of a Power. After that, you may live your life as a Power as you see fit. From this moment forth. But obviousloy to do that, you have to prove your Power to the others watching. ~ ::"

Aleaic sighs. "The other Powers, and readers watching this huh. I never liked being under pressure you know."

"(( :: ~ Like that stopped you from that kiddy Ring theatric you participated in. ~ :: ))"

Aleaic replies back. "I liked playing Aragon in the plays. For some reason, it was me. It really was.

..and.......... it's an extension of these days, of who I am. The true me."

Aleaic sighs and nods. "Yes... from this day forth. I renounce my fear of my destiny, and take to heart the true being I now am. With that, I will be the Power and never run away from that destiny again.

GrandFather, please let me demonstrate."

Jennifer, witnessing this from afar, never noticed that reality had been 'calming down' ever since the converse drew on. The stage had to be 'set' after all.

...the Final Test was meant to be big in the end.

((OC- Yet again, hope this has been a fun ride. =^^= ))
----

What a day it had been. First you wake up in a dirty, dusty encampment, take a horse ride, meet up with your parents, and then you end up having a snazzy picnic the rest of the day..

...before you end up saving the universe. Hey, it's a living. =^^=

Lady Creation watches, as The GrandFather assists the first few moments, by talking Aleaic through for 'what' to look for. Aleaic stands there motionless, his breathing calm, all this while the hands and Jennifer look on, so beyond into the spectator mode. This all while He speaks into Aleaic's mind with his voice. ":: ~ Look at the Infinites with a mind no different in reality. A Mind can be infinite, and an infinite, open mind, can see so much more.

The Existence is no different. The mind has layers, the Existence has layers. Everything in varying degrees of good and evil, life and death, essence and entropy, the neutralities of all balancing dimensions, layers, realities, and more.

The stars are different singularly than an atom. As I said, they all interact. That it the leyline among all things. They interact, or have an effect to cause that interaction, or prevention from interaction. Those are the borders and boundries between all things.

The Existence itself has more that it interacts with. There are little boundries here, except in scale, placed to put logic in all things. That Logic is it's own interaction, both of itself, and of everything around it. Chaos runs the same way, and all these interactions helpd build the Existence all live in, in one format or another.

That interaction, continues, and will always continue. That symetry is one of the major lynchpins that continues all things. An Existence without interaction, is no Existence at all.

Yes the normal rules you learned still apply, those that are accepted by some, and not by others, and more the opposite in infinite variaties along other paths and choices, and those rules are also in effect. In the end, it still has interaction to create catalysts. Some don't happen, but others do, and they cause others.

Enough that help create everything you know of. Of what All know of.

If you open you mind to accept that, no matter at what scale, then you can learn where to interact just right, and make 'any' effect desired, and 'that' goes as far as creation is.

..no offense milady. ~ ::" ..Lady Creation just shrugs.

Aleaic meanwhile, with the talking, is shown mentally the threads that link all things. The small to the larger, and larger still, more and more. It's akk a matter of accepting the scale, and applying the proper 'interaction' to conduct an appropriate effect.

..those effects are preshown in Al's mind with a flood of such information during this 'teaching session'. With his entire time rejecting who he was, even when he thought he had accepted what he was, he had never allowed his mind to really accept being a Power. Now that he had, the flow of knowledge into his mind was far more easy to accept as well than he ever dared realize.

When this is complete as much as the knowledge of a Power can be given, Aleaic then finds it suprising to simply apply that knowledge, with the powers he already knows well. He knows that the Existence has been hit hard by the emotional waves from the Hikari Partnerships.

He decides to use a combination of space-time reversal, a metodical application of Foundation energy, and sooth the Hikari Trees back to a stable state, to allow the healing to settle it's own affairs.

That is the framework.

The application becomes far extravagant. Not for the author, but for the Existence at large. Aleaic just stands there, and concentrates with his entire being. Not a single visible effect shows from him.

..the otherwise is shown unto the visible scene. This is what causes the Users to start glowing, as they and the Trees they are linked to are slowly healed enmasse. The entire process is slow, but resolute. From the repair of the subspace layers, the repair to the malestroms, though nothing can be done for the destroyed galaxy, and even simply making the starts glow six times their brilliance as they are briefly connected to the Foundation layer. This is the same for the other damaged layers, the subspace layer the Trees feed off of more prominently.

The words here are insufficnent, and can be most felt by the Powers watching themselves, and the entities of the celestial also sensing.

In the Ascendancy, the damage is reversed. The torrential events undone, and stability reestablished. The Council members whereever they are, are healed first though their Tree, and extensia, the Tree is healed back to brilliance, the wilt removed as if never were.

All over then, Users are then glowing, and a 'monicer' of a Tree is blossomed above them ethereally, the symbol of the reestablishment of the Great Link. Of course, the wail ends, and the Users all begin to recover. (Feels like a lousy hangover, but it also feels better than death....)

On Earth, the effect causes Aleaic's family to glow enmasse in everyone elses arms. The same monicer effect blossoms above them each, and that soon turns into signs of life once more..

...within an hour, the damage had been undone. Aleaic is so deep in his trance, that he never feels the eventual hands of his wives on his own hands once more.

"Dear me and all my..." Jennifer finally whispers out. Lady Creation and The GrandFather only trade looks when this happens.

Lady Creation finally admits. "(( :: ~ I will 'finally' admit acquiecense. It seems time I let go my overall distaste for mortals..

..or at least 'some'. ~ :: ))" The GrandFather just nods.

But then Aleaic takes one step further....

A mental message to all parties.

...everywhere

(( :: ~ Those that hear my voice, know this now. Know this truth, as I have accepted it.

I am Lord Excellency Aleaic Saloam Kerensky. And what all have witnessed this day, are both my own mistake, and my redemption unto all else and all everything beyond that.

Know this now. I 'am' the Representative Power of this Dimensional Existence. All that lies within it, know of my power to protect it. Those that know me as Lord Excellency of the Gaian Ascendancy, my nation of a family made of all our own. Know that my Exile is at an End.

I hereby fully reclaim my powers and commandments as the First Throne of that realm, as well as the First Link of the Power of the Hikari. To this I add the Representative Power, to fully lead my realm into a Golden Age of peace and prosperity, no matter what the cost may be.

My mind and it's state, are no longer existant. My personal fears and discord are finalized, and I know my place now.

Among my citizen souls, among the citizens of the Cosmos, and as the leader of the Guardianship, to a time that none present can imagine, but one I can still see.

A time of glory for ALL souls everywhere. With this, I am Returned.

All Ascendancy Commands, Advisories and Aspects are removed from Isolation, and all Nominal commands reenacted above all others in my absence. Return to the duty we created the Ascendancy for.

The Five Core Values

The Four Alliances

The FACAF

The Guardianship

The hope and prosperity of all souls we can reach and touch.

I am your Excellency, once and for eternally all. ~ :: ))

--

At the end of that, Aleaic opens his eyes again. The first thing he hears.

"Welcome back kingy."

...actually two... appropriate from his eternal loves beside him.

Aleaic just quips. "Thanks."

Kamel watched most of this via hideing by cloak and mind shield thanks to the psykers. He then recorded what he heard to Lady Aluria via communicator.(he got her answering machine)

((OC- Actually Woods, if ya replace sugars with wheat, it gets the same effect, since wheat dust is about the same as coal dust in explosive power in an enclosed area, believe it or not. =^^= ))


OOC: I thought coal had about twice the energy density as biomass, but meh. Biomass still has plenty of energy to release if done right. :D

Oh, and I should mention that I'm back to my regular internet connection in all its glory. Yum yum.

-----------------------------------

Whitfield continued to track Kamel and his two escorts across the plains and hills, but when he came to within three kilometers or so, something made him...stop. Whitfield sensed something important was about to happen...

He hid in the underbrush, making sure that there were a few hills between him and the psykers, not wanting to be sniped off while observing whatever was about to occur.

The withering in the Hikari Power created a disturbance in the Force more powerful than Whitfield had ever felt before. Including the disturbance when Jedi Master Daniel Masaki had died during Whitfield's first few days at the Jedi Academy.

Seperate the Force and the Hikari Power were, and Whitfield's Force abilities did not diminish as those of the Hikari users had. But they were still intertwined in a manner that neither Whitfield, nor any Jedi, nor any Hikari user, would ever fully understand. For both were universal.

Therefore, when the Hikari Power withered, the cry of hundreds of thousands of Hikari users, terrified at the sudden loss of their power, their destiny, their very identity, resonated throughout the Force. Fear, Whitfield sensed. Much fear there is in the Ascendancy right now. Fear of loss.

Much fear and chaos there is, even in Aleaic's family.

Then, as Aleaic accepted his destiny, the Hikari Power gradually regenerated itself. Whitfield sensed the gradual transition from turmoil to relief in the minds of the hundreds of thousands of Hikari users scattered throughout the galaxy.

And, after listening to Aleaic's message for Hikari users, he had his own addendum, more like warning, to add. The mass fear and panic across the Gaian Ascendancy had gone unaddressed.

Careful those who use the Hikari Power must be. Much fear and panic was there--fear that you would lose your power. Jealous of your power many of you are, especially now that its existance threatened has been. Jealosy is the direct precursor to greed. Greed leads to suffering, war, and a host of other evils.

With great power, great responsibilities come.

Whitfield closed his eyes as he used the full power of the Force to transmit his corollary to Hikari users anywhere, preferring to remain anonymous. However, Aleaic would know who had done it...

...Whitfield realized he now had to turn his attentions to Kamel's little raiding party, still three kilometers away. Whitfield closed to one kilometer, keeping a hill between himself and Kamel and his psykers...

...Now the time had come to expel the spies so Whitfield could accomplish what he had come to do. If he hadn't just done it, that is.

Reaching out with the Force, Whitfield sensed the underbrush, shrubs, and grass that characterized the Montana landscape. Seems a bit thick--could use a controlled burn. Whitfield grinned to himself as he used the Force to look for trampled vegetation.

He found six shoe prints, characterized by trampled grass, with weight upon them. Those six prints marked the location of Kamel and his two psyker escorts quite well.

Whitfield selected a few shrubs about twenty meters in front of the party for ignition, using the Force to tear apart combustible sugars and starches inside the plants...

...and flames leapt fifty feet or more into the air as the new brushfire ignited, spreading from shrub to shrub with ease, within seconds.

Whitfield had let the genie of Montana wildfires out of the bottle.
-------------------------------
OOC 2: Sorry for teh Yodaspeak, I just got back from seeing Star Wars...again :D

Aleaic sensed the 'addition' into the message, and made a mental note to resolve that misconstrued thought.

He however looked back at his wives, and family behind them, and focused on the next immediate process. "Well, ready to head back home?"

"Not yet." Arashi says, and Aleaic is caught mentally flatfooted. "Pardon?"

Tsunami then puts in. "I think you forgot something when you fled the Throne. Something very important."

Aleaic blinks several times, but for the life of him can't figure out what that means. "What, I packed my undies before I left."

Arashi and Tsui just trade deadpan glances and throw eye daggers back at him. "Not that you twit." Tsui 'replies'.. "...something of what it meant most importantly of the monent that seperated Aleaic the normal mortal, to Aleaic the Power.

....if you'd like, we can show you what that means."

Aleaic blinks. "Yes please, confusion aleviated would be a nicety."

Jennifer then suddenly walks up. "Mind if I tag along?" Everyone starts trading looks, and Aleaic reconsiders that escape to a nebulae again. Arashi and Tsui look at Jennifer and then realize in her eye something is different. They recognize that look for one their own from years past, and still afresh even now.

The two stab looks at Aleaic and ask in simult chime. "What happened dear?"

Aleaic bites his lip, then mentally teleports two shovels into his wives hands. As they look in bewilderment, Aleaic literally sighs it all out.

"Um.. well, to be honest. Something happened between us two nights ago." Aleaic unconsciously itches his left chin, as looks are traded between the involved parties, and the others watching. Tsui then asks with a light voice. "You didn't.... Al... you..."

Aleaic sighs and nods.

"Yes...

.....we kissed."

Tsui nods.... and waits... "Uh, kay...."

Al.. "Uh, yeah..." Jennifer blushes nearby, Arashi looks between the supposedly adulturous Excellency, prodding... "...yeah and?"

Aleaic looks back... "That's it."

Tsui/Al ~ "Huh?!"

Everyone else ~ "Huh?"

Jennifer ~ "HUH!?!?"

Another round of trading looks, as Jennifer looks around swiftly. "But.. but I thought."

Tsui adds.. "But we thought."

Aleaic realizes, then informs. "It was only a kiss. I used my power to knock out Jennifer before it went too far, which it 'would' have if allowed. I knew better..."

Tsui and Arashi just nod, and the others around just look either confused, or impressed. They end up just watching as Jennifer suddenly bellows.. "WHAT DO YOU MEAN KNOCKED OUT!??! We're about to roll the bones and you knock me OUT!?!?

Then what was all that... that..."

Aleaic just bites his cheek and replies back. "I implanted a 'memory' to... um... fool you."

Jennifer blinks alot. "That was all just a dream? All of it?

...dang nabbit, it felt so good too."

The bevy of rising chuckles makes Jennifer turn around and shout hoarsely. "HEY! HEY YOU THERE! SHUT YA YAP!! SHUT IT! HEY YOU TWO OVER THERE! YOU WANT THAT PAY DOCK I WARNED YA ABOUT!! HEY!! HEY!!!!!"

Tsui and Arashi though look at Al with an impressed look. Aleaic just continues, looking back at Jennifer as she starts to look hurt. Genuinely so even... "I'm truly sorry, but I didn't come for that. And giving in to that moment would have been a mistake. Honestly I never knew you had those feelings for me.

I came here to escape issues that got settled nonetheless. Having done more than that was not my goal. And.... believe it or not, I have 'some' morals about marriage that says no... um... hankypanky behind my wives backs.

I'm sorry. But it was the wrong time for the wrong reason. I didn't also want regrets and distrust that would have occured in such an aftermath.

But... well, I didn't want to leave you such a cold shoulder, so I 'assisted' in your dreams a touch, but left the 'details' to your own mind. In the end, it was a no win scenario, and I took the sympathetic way out..

..so to speak."

Arashi and Tsui just look neutral, and Jennifer suddenly rather introverted. Tsui then askes over at Jennifer. "You want a shovel too girl?"

Jennifer glumly replies. "My boot works just as well."

Aleaic gulps and prepares mentally for a Naru of a butt-whippin.

Then all of a sudden, a hand shouts. "FIRE!!! FIRE NEAR THE GRAIN SHEDS!!!" ..this causes everyone else to suddenly look the same direction, and all the hands and Jennifer instantly rush to fetch pails for water QUICK!

Terrai shouts. "If that fire get to the grain, and the cattle spook, this place is done for!"

Aleaic replies.. "Again!?" ..and then rushes to the same objective as everyone else!

Kamel watch the shrubs nearby burn in front of him. One of the Psykers was caught right in it. The Other surrived and got out of the way. The Psykers had suffered while the whole thing happened now the Jedi attacked them right when they were starting to recover. The Rage Kamel felt for the lost of comrade knew no bounds. To hell with the mission this Jedi is going down. The psyker nodded after reading his thoughts time to get the Jedi. The Psyker focused a massive amount of energy to form a barrier around himself and Kamel. The problem was the Psy energy negated the cloak. The two walk towards where the think the Jedi towards the hill (The Psyker felt a massive amount of energy from the location before the attack)

Whitfield immediately sensed the panic among the ranchhands, as well as the rage within Kamel and the remaining psyker.

But he had used the Force to create this fire; he could use the Force to contain it...

He backed off from the hill, seeking to get away from Kamel and the psyker. He would need a relatively undistracted mind to do what he had in mind.

Meanwhile, seeking to trap the raiding party, he ignited everything at the base of the hill, seeking to trap his enemies at the top and render them impotent.

After this, Whitfield activated his lightsaber in case the psyker got any long-range ideas, and used his respite, however brief, to sense where the grain barns were. He had learned to manipulate individual molecules in the air to find combustibles for spontaneous fires...now he would have to conduct reverse-engineering of sorts, using the atmosphere to smother that part of the fire in carbon dioxide, water vapor, and nitrogen, while removing oxygen. Insanely difficult, but not impossible...at least not for a pyromaniac Jedi.

(OOC: Gaian Ascendancy, I would like for you to wait until Deatharon posts if possible.)

The Psyker was amazed this Jedi was burning everything around. The Psyker and Kamel were safe from the fire while the Psy barrier was around them they decide to attack. The Psyker focuses his energy into part of the fire and forces it into a massive floating fire ball and throws it at the Jedi's location. (He senses everytime the Jedi uses the force) Kamel prepares for a hand to hand fight.


OOC: Fire Ball will explode on impact.

Whitfield sensed the fireball's approach and jumped out of the way before it hit something to explode on. He ran to a nearby stand of trees, used his lightsaber to cut one down, and hurled it at the psyker, using the Force to set it afire along the way.

He sensed the Force barrier the psyker had created. He hoped that once the Douglas fir hit the barrier, kinetic energy would do the rest...

OOC: You are fighting a highly specialized Jedi. Unarmed hand-to-hand combat is not his specialty, as you might be able to tell.

The Psyker sensed the fireballs faliure and then felt a powerful amount of energy comeing right at Kamel and himself. He decides to use his own Psy energy agiasnt it. The Tree is being pushed away by his own power towards the Jedi. (In short think a battle of the Jedi's abilities and this Psykers)

Whitfield sensed the burning tree's redirection...

He closed his eyes and held out the palm of his hand, as if telling the tree to stop. And stop it did, the trunk of the tree about twenty feet short.

Using the Force, Whitfield slowly turned the tree around, and it stayed suspended in the air for a few seconds.

Then, releasing an explosive burst of Force energy, Whitfield shot the tree forward, back towards the psyker, at a little more than a hundred miles an hour. Whitfield had to stagger backwards a few feet to keep his balance as the recoil was more than he had expected.

The Psyker was powerful but not a Elite Psyker or a Grand Master Psyker. The Tree hits the barrier before the Psyker could do any thing. The Psyker and Kamel hit into the barrier on all sides. In the end they end up near the burning fire both knocked out and hurting badly.

OOC: I do not know if your Jedi can sense this but the Psyker is still okay to fight he is hopeing to strike when the Jedi is not prepared. Kamel however is down for the count.

Whitfield used the Force to push back the brushfires so he could get to the psyker and Kamel, and frisked them for weapons, removing any he found and destroying them with his lightsaber. Thankful that he would now have at least a few minutes of relative solitude, he left the two injured enemies, or possibly now prisoners, for the moment to do what he had to do.

The northern boundary of the wildfire was now less than a hundred feet away from the grain sheds. Reaching out with the Force, Whitfield found concentrations of nitrogen molecules, carbon dioxide molecules, water vapor, anything that would tend to smother, rather than feed the fire.

Devoting only cursory attention to those who had sought to kill him (as he now knew the limitations of their power), to make sure they did not regain consciousness and mount another attack, he started moving the molecules he had suggested. While he was not powerful enough to control weather outright, by using the Force to move individual molecules of atmospheric gases, Whitfield had learned to create small-scale winds. This ability was a necessity in environments with few combustible solids, allowing Whitfield to burn atmospheric hydrocarbons such as methane instead.

But he blew the methane from the cows and oxygen away from the fire, while directing other gases to it in order to smother it and stop its spread. A slight northerly breeze developed near the grain sheds...

...and the fire stopped advancing, as if an invisible firebreak had been erected.

Meanwhile, his heightened state of alert concerning the atmosphere led him to notice something else--downdrafts. He looked up to see a few clouds that would become thunderstorms in a couple of hours.

Reaching into his pocket, he retrieved the caller for his X-wing and directed it to move to his current location. There was a first-aid kit in the cargo compartment--if his new prisoners were cooperative.

The Psyker senses the fool fell for the ruse and attacks. He sends a wave of Psy energy at the Jedi with the intent of hiting him from behind. The Psyker then gets up and raises the Psy barrier around Kamel and himself.


OOC: Psy wave like Force Push.

The psy wave knocked Whitfield back about thirty feet. He used the Force to will the pain away.

Well, guess they don't want mercy.

Whitfield quickly retreated to another tree stand, using his lightsaber to cut himself another missile. He oriented the tree, held it firmly in place, and prepared to fire using the same procedure as his successful attack before...

This time the Psyker was ready he willed that his barrier turn into a wall to protect himself. He also "Throws a cow" at the Jedi. Let see if this fool will try to save this animal instead of killing us. Thought the Psyker. Poor Kamel was still unconsuies and could not defend himself. The Psyker did not care.

Sensing the psyker's improved defense, the Jedi released his missile, this time with a launch velocity of about a hundred and fifty miles per hour, being sure to ignite it and adding a spin to improve accuracy. Of course, he could always correct its course through the Force if need be...

As he staggered backwards, he noticed the endangered cow. Diverting only a slight amount of his focus, he quickly used the Force to lift and move it out of the way, a relatively minor task for him.

Of course, it scared the cow, but Whitfield couldn't concern himself with such niceties at the moment...

The Psyker boost the wall with most of his might. The tree splinters off the wall but the psyker is winded. He falls to the ground panting for air. Kamel is still knocked out.

Not wishing to waste time retreating to the trees, Whitfield used the Force itself to uproot one. The roots and soil that came up with the tree nearly doubled its mass. The Jedi brought the tree to himself and aimed it, building up the necessary Force energy to fire it...

He pushed it with all its might, adding spin for accuracy, igniting it midflight. As it arced through the air at a hundred thirty miles per hour, Whitfield fell backwards about twenty feet. He used the Force to will the resulting back pain away--he could tend to that later.

The Psyker decides to send all he got at this guy. The Psyker litterly is tired and upset at this turn of events he decides to hit the Jedi with an earthquake. The Psyker taps into the very core of the earth a focuses a major Earthquake at the Jedi's location. The land litterly starts cracking around him.

(OOC: What became of the tree?)

IC: By the time the psyker initiated the earthquake, Whitfield had been able to get on his feet. He sensed it coming right as the ground started to crack between his feet, and he Force-vaulted out of the way. He jumped from one safe spot to another, as each safe spot gave way to a crumbling Earth.

The earthquake also felled several trees, all of which Whitfield aimed at the burdensome psyker. Six trees arced towards the psyker, with an average speed of about a hundred and twenty miles per hour, igniting midflight.

Whitfield, knowing he couldn't afford to knock himself down with Force recoil, was careful to launch them from a safe distance this time.

OOC: darn forgot about the tree. Lets just say The Psyker forced it away.


IC: The Psyker was forceing the trees away with his power which was running on empity if this guy kept this up both Kamel and the Psyker would be dead. He decides to make a run for it. He tries to drag Kamel with him which is slowing him down.

Whitfield sent a telepathic message to the fleeing psyker through the Force.

I would have had mercy on you had you given me half a chance, but you blew it.

The Jedi then picked up another four earthquake-downed trees with the Force, ignited them, and released them as missiles, attaining the same velocity as before. He sensed that the psyker's power was nearly spent...

The Psyker sends a Telepathic message back to the Jedi:
(Sorry just following the orders of my Government.)

The Psyker continues to retreat he thinks he could save Kamel by leaving him behind and distracting the Jedi in a battle of Psy energy and the Force.

(OOC: The four trees...again :rolleyes: I'll redirect them this time.)

IC: Whitfield disregarded the response from the psyker and, when the four trees fell to the ground, Whitfield resurrected them, directed them at the psyker's new course, and fired them off again. He did believe in recycling, after all.

The Psyker was spent that message took the last amount of energy out of him. He closes his eyes and prepares to die like a man and not run like a coward.

Kamel was left on the ground about 20 feet away from the psyker. The Pskyer hopes Kamel will be left alone considering him being unconiues and unarmed.

Whitfield watched as the first flaming tree struck the psyker, who had stopped to accept his fate rather than retreat in disgrace, and the other three trees pile on.

It was then that he heard the sound of X-wing engines, and he watched as his craft selected a landing site and touched down. He quickly opened the canopy and dug around the small cargo compartment, reaching for stuncuffs and a first-aid kit.

After using the Force to clear a way through the raging flames to Kamel, he frisked him for any weapons and comm equipment he might have acquired from the psykers, only to find him unarmed. However, he did find a commlink which he promptly used his lightsaber to destroy. He then applied the stuncuffs, ensuring that Kamel wouldn't be highly capable of a fight when he awakened.

It was then that the Jedi opened the first-aid kit, drawing out biofoam that would seal his badly burned skin until he could be given more proper medical attention. He would leave his ultimate fate for either Aleaic or Gaian courts to decide...he couldn't decide which. Expediency seemed to demand that Aleiac decide.

As Whitfield applied the biofoam to Kamel's skin, it started to rain...

(OOC edit: Gaian Ascendancy, you're prolly OK to post now. I rped what I needed to rp. ;) )

...that rain was caused by Aleaic's family, (Pop, Ma, Bro, and Sis(s) ) ..as they decided there wasn't enough time otherwise to save the ranch from the growing fire, so they themselves go beyond norms and dump a heavy sqaul.

..course they have to build up enough clouds that turn a crystal clear sky over most of western Montana into a temporary monsoon. This encompases an area that affects Big Timber, over an effective area over the western half of Montana and part of Idaho adjacent.

So much rain over a ten minute period, for a fire of only a few hundred feet.

During this, Aleaic, Tsui and Arashi finally show up just as the X-Wing lands and Whitfield begins his work. Aleaic terses out. "I thought I was the unwise one here.

..had enough fun tearing up my ranch Jedi?"

"Jedi?" Arashi quips out, looking at the former Prime Minister.

Whitfield flashed a wry grin. "Hey, wildfires are a natural part of this ecosystem. I wasn't doing anything that wouldn't eventually happen anyway. Besides, I have a prisoner...the person who attempted to spy on you. He is outside, unarmed, without communication equipment, and in need of medical care. His fate is yours to decide.

Sorry about the mess. He had escorts...but he no longer has them.

Oh, and I should mention that the ash will make the soil that much more fertile."

Aleaic looks less than amused. "Um, if it's a natural thing, let 'nature' do it. Already did enough 'damage' today without worrying about any else. That cow that was tossed better be well, or we'll take triple it's worth out of both your treasuries.

..and for him, send him to the Theaoan center in town, and then report back for a day of labor to make up for the messes of the past few days. You're just lucky you got out of the run I would have made you both do if you had been caught."

Aleaic then adds.. "...and have the ash collected into a container and sent to the Luna Observation Outpost, there's a Genetic Refab Center there that can 'recover' them. Aleaic then turns and looks at his wives.

..but then looks back. "By the way. I care little for power. It's the prime reason that I exiled myself. Power is corrupting, and I feared it. Until now that is.

Oh, and welcome back to Terra Master Jedi."

Kamel awakens from his long slumber and notices he is cuffed. Kamel calls out for the Psyker for help and realizes he is trapped.

Tsui and Arashi sense this and snap at Kamel. ":: Don't even think of it! ::"

Aleaic even jumps.

Whitfield replied, "I'm not a Jedi Master as I do not have enough experience. I've only been a Knight for a few years. And the corrupting influence of power is why I decided I could not be both a politician and a Jedi. Do you have any transportation into town for our uninvited guests? My X-wing only has room for one."

He then turned to Kamel, who was making guttural noises trying to call out to his fallen escorts. "You will go ahead of me, as soon as I can arrange transportation for us..."

Aleaic responds. "Just contact the JumpShip that's still in orbit that acts as our liaison to Terra. They can send a shuttle to collect the remains 'you' will be so kind as to find.

..after, you may conduct yourself as befit a rancher hand for a day, and then depart."

Just then, Terrai walks up. "Found the match heads I see." Aleaic has to keep himself from laughing.

Kamel laughs and saids, "It won't be long before an Elite Psyker is sent to rescue me after all I am related to a nobleman."

Aleaic just growls back. "Knock it off. That's an order." ..said both into Kamel's face, and deep into his mind very loudly. His Sigil glows from his forehead as well to show the effect."

Kamel was having a bad day his comrades were wiped out and his body ached from the flying tree missiles and this guy was forceing him to shut up!! Kamel was about to tell him off when he thought wait a minute I should try to escape and get help like I was trained to do.

OOC: Last post for tonight

Aleaic just starts to walk away. "Well, since he's awake, let him go home. There's been enough for one day." ..and Aleaic starts to walks past his Father, with wives in each hand atow.

Terrai sighs himself. "Indeed there has. But when you are both ready, meet me in the morning by the horse shed and you can work your day of work off starting there. That is, if you both have honor like my son expects from all beings."

Aleaic however is towed back to deal with a personal issue, one interrupted by the hijinks abrest.

Whitfield nodded. "Well, never mind then." He blindfolded Kamel and used the Force to carry him about twenty kilometers, then released him to do as he wished.

Of course, Kamel had no weapons, no commlink, no ship, and probably no money to hire one, not to mention his physical injuries...Whitfield hoped that by the time he would be able to summon reinforcements, both he and Aleaic would be long gone.

If Aleaic didn't leave...well, he could only stay so long to thwart Kamel's espionage attempts. Hopefully, by the time this became an issue, the ranch would have better internal security measures.

Whitfield returned to the sight of the fight, and started to use the Force to draw grains of ash towards him for consolidation, as Aleaic had requested.

Kamel was alone and slightly out of his element thrown so far and unable to get home. Man this sucks he thought and rembered the Psykers had to come from a cloaked ship. The key would be to get the materials to have the ship reconginze him as Kamel and beam him up. Kamel heads to the nearest town using his knowledge of the world around him plus some training instructions from the Intelligence Core.

When the threesome nears Jennifer, Aleaic thinks he knows what's coming. But then he sees Tsui ask Jennifer to come to a private area, as Arashi asks Aleaic to stay for a moment.

The fact both asked rather calmly, even serenely makes Aleaic wonder, and Jennifer worried, as they head off to a dusk area of the ranch. Aleaic just stands there and wonders what this is going to transpire into.

"Is the boss going to live?" ..one hand suddenly asks Aleaic from behind. Al just says. "If she does, I might die instead."

The hand shrugs and then says, walking away... "Sucks to be you then."

Al just growls a bit at the hand, then watches, squinting his eyes, trying to figure out what's going on in the shadows of the night.

Kamel finally got to a town. He tries to blend in which is not easy for a guy with bruises and wearing what looks like a black jump suit. He falls to the ground near the inner part of the town. He rest there till morning.

Aleaic stands there for a good half hour, and starts to worry, when he hears the off key giggles and rising agreeing sounds, that it's turning into a male's worst nightmare.

..or best dream, depending on ego. Aleaic is standing there, trying to listen in with any degree, and instead gets zilch. Just then.. "Hey Bro, here." ..as he looks over to see Caladeni, the eldest child of the Kerensky Family, Eldest Sis too.. (Al's the young runt of the litter...) ..and sees her holding acan of brewsky to him.

Al takes is, and nods. Cal then asks. "So they doing the talk?"

Al looks over and looks glum, bitting a cheek. "If it's not that, it's worse than even I suspect."

Cal nods and slurps down a guzzle of her own can. "Yeah, uh.. *urp* ..scuse me. Um, might wana make the bed a bit bigger then." Aleaic is taking a swill when Cal says this, which makes him SPEW out of pure reflex! "THAT'S NOT CUTE!"

Cal just eyes Al back. "Bro. You kissed her. I had a hunch that..." Aleaic stops her right there, and then blurts back. "I told ya I wasn't here for that! Heck, she kissed 'me' first. Don't I get a right to say anything in my defense?"

Cal just looks dryly at Al. "Not against us females you don't."

Aleaic looks at Cal, and then slumps his head dead down towards the ground. "You're right. I'm dead."

He misses the small flash of light from the dusk distance, but he 'senses' something on the Link a mere moment later. Cal sees 'and' feels also, and comments. "Can I have that stereo now Bro?"

Aleaic almost smacks Caladeni with his beer can.

Kamel manages to steal a radio and some batteries from a local store (not to hard for a guy who was trained to be an agent of the Imperial Intelligence Core) He also "takes" certain tools and parts bits from the local hardware store. In the end he start building what he hopes will be a very primitive singal device to the cloaked ship in orbit.