NationStates Jolt Archive

Davarda lay on the floor, bleeding.

Her weight was great enough that the kick only sent her sliding halfway across the room on her side...were it one of the Drow, it would have been crushed, but it wouldn't have even budged her mate.

Her world was pain and images of red and black...red and black...and she was still.

Mercarius disregarded Davarda for the moment and moved in to finish off Lysander. He'd kill the cat later, he would need to move quickly now.

Pain...secondary heart...primary lung...bone fragments sent every which way.

Iram'Davarda'Oschiva knew she was as good as dead...the primary and tertiary hearts and her three remaining lungs would only let her battle a little more.

But battle she intended to.

The mortally wounded cat picked herself up from the floor when her enemy had turned away, making little more than a wheeze that a dying animal would make. Then she launched herself once more at him...this time, moving to clamp her jaw around his knee, using her front paws to force the parts of his leg in opposite directions. Six hundred pounds of crushing power were in those jaws, and almost a cumulative of five hundred pounds of prying force would be applied...if he didn't hear her and couldn't react.

If he could, he'd have to bend over, so her tail with its armor spike was poised to lash out and catch the enemy in the eye if she didn't manage to get in a good bite.

The Cyborg's motion sensors informed him that Davarda wasn't finished yet.

Is this thing ever going to stay down? As the cat creature lunged at him, Mercarius did a series of back-flips to put several meters between himself and his foe. Once he had his footing again, he threw his energy blade at Davarda and drew another one.

As he went flying, Davarda planted her feet and jumped, teeth clamping hard onto the leg, yanking. She bit down with all her might, twisting to attempt to dislocate a joint, and slamming outstretched claws toward back or belly, depending on the way her opponent had fallen.

Mercarius saw the creature coming towards him has he went airborn, but couldn't do any sort of effective dodge. Instead, he brough his blade to bear and cut into Davarda's skull as her teeth sank into his leg.

Her eyes closed and her ears flattened against her skull as the blade slashed down, but she took a death-grip on the leg anyway. Her momentum should carry the claws into his abdomen, however much good that might do. This abberation was a threat, a threat to her employer, her goddess, and the hosts of them both. She had done her best to protect them, and in honor she would die.

The closed jaw of a Roharanhan is extremely difficult to open, even after death. The blade cracked through two layers of bone and deep into cranial material, but it would not be easy for Mercarius to rid himself of the long and sharp fangs of his now-dead opponent.

The creature's teeth sank deeper into his flesh, but did not break any bone. His bones, like many space marines, were coated and reinforced with various strong and structurally sound materials.

Now that Mercarius no longer had to worry about not being detected, he activated the rest of his cybernetic enhancements, making even him stronger and faster. Then with the strength that had been used more than once to rip open armored vehicles, the cyborg pried Davarda's jaw from his leg with a single motion.

He turned to the Space Marine. It was time for him to be finished off. Mercarius clutched his energy blade and walked quickly towards Lysander. His wounds and damages were already healing and repairing themselves. The cyborg was about to bring his blade down onto the Space Marine Captain, when Lysander, only pretending to be unconscious, un holstered his bolt pistol and emptied several rounds into Mercarius. The force of these unexpected shots send the Cyborg assassin back a few steps. Some of the rounds bounced off, others exploded on impact, and a few even penetrated his armor and detonated, leaving a few reasonably sized holes. (these, too, quickly began to heal and repair themselves) Mercarius reacted quickly and threw his energy blade into the marine's chest. He knew that this wouldn't be enough to kill the hardy Lysander, but it would take him out for a while. Besides, his primary target was coming--actually, it had just arrived.

---

Kalgar found himself running at his top speed through the Citadel. It seemed as though only a moment ago, he was attempting to finish up his training for the day. Conrad had shown up to the hall and told the Lord-and-Master of the situation, though not much was known at the time.

Then, he saw it: a human form covered in skin-tight shiny blue armor that left most of the muscle structure visible through this odd carapace. Kalgar knew that hesitation could mean death. He charged at Mercarius just as the energy blade flew into the captain of his guard. The Lord-and-Master hit Mercarius full forces with his elbow, sending him sprawling backwards. Kalgar followed up with several hard punches, forcing the cyborg back even further.

For that moment, time seemed to slow to near total stillness. Kalgar became aware of every detail in the room: chunks of rubble, spent shell casings, blood, the dead Davarda, the wounded Lysander...Lysander's power sword. That was it! Time seemed to speed up again and Kalgar darted to the side where the stray sword was.

---

Mercarius was hit harder and more quickly than he had anticipated. He composed himself quickly and prepared to take out his primary target.

Primary Target, Lord-and-Master Kalgar...exceptional strength and speed...specialized skills...Threat-level: High to Unknown. He stood and watched as Kalgar grabbed Lysander's power sword. If his face was visible, a smile would have been seen. He was going to enjoy this.

---

Kalgar launched a new attack on Mercarius. The Cyborg didn't have his blade, but dodged and defended himself anyways. Kalgar's newly found sword flashed with each fluid movement...which were dodged by the equally fluid movements of Mercarius. This deadly dance didn't last long, however. Kalgar finally landed a strike, thrusting the sword into the Cyborg's gut.

The fight was far from over, though. Mercarius grabbed Kalgar's hands and the handle of the sword and drove it deeper in, bringing kalgar closer to him. At that moment, with a movement almost too quick to see, the blue Cyborg's head hit Kalgar's face with terrifying power. Kalgar let go the of the sword and stumbled back several meters, dizzy. Seconds later, the sword came flying at him, thrown by Mercarius. He barely dodged out of the way by diving to the right. The sword kept flying and stuck into the wall. He tried standing up when Mercarius's foot connected with his side, sending him back several more meters. This was followed by a punch to the gut when Kalgar once again tried to regain himself. The Cyborg them grabbed him by the hair and delivered several more heavy blows and tossed him against the wall like slab of meat.

The Lord-and-Master of this Citadel was still not prepared to give up yet. He picked himself up yet again and attempted to fight back. He had already taken a severe beating, unfortunately and was not nearly at full strength. Mercarius defended Kalgar's counter attacks and struck him several more times. Following this, he grabbed Kalgar by the throat and slammed him against the wall. There was a punch to the gut, causing Kalgar to spit up blood, followed by several sickening cracks as Mercarius pounded Kalgar's head and face with his fist. Kalgar's bones were also coated and reinforced, but they could still be broken with enough effort.

The four Drow and lone Roharanhan had been listening throughout.

When they'd heard the beating Kalgar was taking, the Valsharess turned to Nokaata. "Go check on your two little ones. Do not argue, just go."

When he'd left, she turned to the other three. "We move."

They followed the noise, and were there within minutes. The Valsharess raised her hand, but Talraena stopped her.

"Cousin d' Maril, allow a d' Kestal the use of the spell bearing her family's name."

When the other nodded, Talraena held her hands cupped and upwards, so that her fingertips almost touched her chin, and breathed a word.

A white light, like a sheild, formed around Kalgar, and then Rildorath and Haldosir charged forward with their blades. Therew as no hesitation, and their dance was deadly. Two blurs of dark skin, armor, and sharpest sowrds swarmed in on Mercarius, as well as over a thousand yesars each of practic and skill...and team-work. These two would rip into Mercarius if he wasn't at least as good.

Haldosir, Warmancer, noted how quickly Mercarius's wounds were healing, and charged his sword with a poison spell...a spell to slow or stop convelescence. He sharged directly, while Rildorath went off to the right. Meanwhile, the Valsharess spotted Lysander's pistol, and called it to herself, before handing it to Tal. The d' Kestals, after all, had very little combat magick training, and much less physical combat training than she'd had. the Valsharess stood unarmed...for now. Although perhaps it was she that needed to be feared more than the other three combined.

Mercarius let go of Kaglar and turned to size up his new opponents. They were both armed; he was still unarmed. Slender humanoids; high agility and unknown specialized skills...Threat level: High and high. Combined Threat level: Very high. He would need to engage this new threat until he would be able to finish Kalgar off. He saw Lysander's power sword and quickly pulled it from the wall. He was familiar with the design and activated it quickly.

His new foes were closing in, on to his left and other coming at him directly. Holding the stolen sword with a skillful hand, he moved to deflect and parry the attacks of the two drow, using wide, fluid motions.

Haldosir charged in to capture Mercarius's attention and continued with a series of dizzying blows, leading the cyborg toward his left.

All were meant to strike, although the swordmaster didn't over-extend himself, and he didn't expect any to hit.

Rildorath held back and ducked to his opponent's right, unleashing both his blades with speed and power to his opponent's right.

Mercarius kept on the defencive, waiting for the attack from Rildorath that he knew was coming. He was sure that he could fight off both of them, but he had little to prove and honorable fighting was of little value to him. Mercarius continued to fight off Haldosir with his sword in one hand while, with the other, he produced a small explosive charge and threw it directly and forcefully at Rildorath as he moved in to attack. The explosive wasn't as powerful as the one he used to ravage the hallway where he had faught Kitt, but it wasn't weak either. It also had a highly sophisticated explode-on-impact feature which was combined with a timed charge detonator.

The Valsharess lifted her hand, and the explosive shot toward her. A small bubble formed around it, containing its destructive power.

Rildorath's double slash went ahead, unchanged in its course or intentions, while Haldosir continued powerful frontal attacks. If Mercarius wanted to defend himself from Rildorath, he would shove Haldosir back...and then he would face the power of a full-fledged Warmancer.

With his explosive foiled and Rildorath still advancing on his flank, Mercarius did the only thing he could perform at that moment. The blue-clad cyborg used his superior strength to force Haldosir back. He exchanged hands with his sword and prepared to defend against Rildorath. He would also need to consider the other threat...
Female of same species...strange phychic or more specialized powers. Threat level high to unknown. He was already formulating a plan to take her out as soon as possible.

Rildorath exchanged a few blows with Mercarius before he jumped back.

Haldosir had left his friend to fight for a minute while he gathered a spell in his hands.

Blue flame shot out from his hands, to envelope itself around Mercarius, its design to consume him utterly. It remained blue-hot for thirty seconds, fading down over the course of another minute or so to nothing.

Mercarius was completely engulfed in the flames. He began flailing around in a manner that looked far more chaotic and random than it actually was. His attacks were directed at Rildorath. After a few seconds, the flames swirled from his body, powered by his psychic abilities, focused in front of him, and surged at Rildorath.

Talraena made a sound of derision at this motion. "Dalhar."

Even Rildorath, unfamiliar with much magick, had a defense against this.

His blades whirled in an unbelievably fast motion, over and over again, like a fan, directing the flame away from his face and torso.

His pants were made of spider-silk...while he would have heat burns on his legs after this, the silk would resist the flames sufficiently to not catch on fire.

Mercarius moved to take advantage of Rildorath's momentary distraction caused by the flames. The blue Cyborg took his stolen power sword in two hands and took two hard steps forward, getting ready to charge. As he prepared to swing the sword, he was tackled from the side and sent sprawling to the floor. After a brief moment of confusion, Mercarius realized that the attacker was Kalgar. He threw the lord and master off of him delivered a swift kick to his face. Kalgar stayed on his feet and began grappling for the sword. After several exchanged blows from feet and left fists, Kalgar let go. Mercarius raised the glowing blade up and was about to bring it down when several bolter rounds impacted his head.

His personal energy shielding prevented his head from exploding, be there were several large cracks and dents in his head armor and he was knocked back further. Quickly scanning the room, he saw several squads of Honor Guard Marines closing in on him. Gronde elite space marines...potent weapons and training...threat level when combined with other foes: terminal...course of action: flee.

With that, Mercarius turned and ran off at top speed, bolter rounds shooting after him.

Talraena moved to create a barrier so that Mercarius could not escape, but she was restrained.

"More would die if you did, perhaps needlessly."

The Valsharess's left hand was circling slowly, and the air directly around Mercarius began to as well, before it pulled away from him entirely for the area of about a meter in diameter, leaving in its place nothing but a vacuum.

Mercarius was designed to fight in space; in a vacuum. However, with several holes in his armor, he was not in an air-tight environment and it would only be a matter of time before his flesh was basically sucked out through the small holes. He kept his poise and braced his foot on the floor. Using the leverage, he propelled himself out of the vacuum and continued to flee. Kalgar tried to get back up and pursue, but grabbed his side and fell back to the floor. His hand was covered in the blood from a wound that Mercarius's sword delivered during their struggle. He hadn't even noticed it before.

The vacuum followed Mercarius, but dropped abruptly so that he was suddenly faced with full air pressure again.

The Valsharess went to Kalgar's side. "Remain still. Now, let me see."

Talraena meanwhile turned to the other Space Marines.

"Don't just stand there, send for medics!" it was a command, given without looking at them. As her cousin was attending the Grondian leader, she went to see how badly Lysander had taken a beating...she already knew that there was nothing to do for poor Davarda, save to send the body back to her family.

She knew Nokaata would want revenge...but she did not know how well he could do so.

The force of the change in air pressure sent Mercarius to the floor. He jumped up again just as fast, however, and sprinted away.

Kalgar was still struggling to get back up when the Valsharess arrived at his side. Something about her voice made him stop straining to move and keep calm. Lysander was slightly concious, but pretty much out of it at the time.

The Valsharess placed her hand on Kalgar's chest, palm flat with her fingers fanned out.

A bluish glow (a healing spell) wrapped itself around her hand and forearm before funneling into him, designed to heal the worst of the cuts. Bone would have to be dealt with later, by someone else. She knew too little of human physiology, especially when it had been modified.

"You should feel a bit better in a few moments."

Talraena analysed the problems present with the sword sticking out of Lysander's chest, and she placed her hand on the blade's hilt, the other hand creating and maintaining the same spell that had blocked Kalgar from any further damage from Mercarius's attacks. This time it would prevent the blade from doing any further damage to the Space Marine.

She funneled a different spell through the blade, designed to repair muscle and flesh as the Object in Contact passed by it...thus, the same blade that had wounded him would heal him.

Mercarius was darting from hallway to hallway. He'd need to find a way out soon.

Meanwhile, Lysander and Kalgar were still both silent. Conrad had appeared and walked to the Valsharess.

"That's amazing..." said the advisor. "I've never seen anyone get him to stop struggling in such a manner. I'm impressed."

The Valsharess looked at the aged advisor. "It shouldn't be too impressive...even with this treatment, he's really in no condition to be standing in the first place."

Talraena set the sword down and, sure that she'd done what she could for Lysander, went over to look at Davarda's corpse.

She'd taken an amazing beating...and had died fighting.

Conrad raised his eyebrow slightly, looking as though he was making an effort to not laugh slightly. Almost as if on cue, Kalgar moved to get on his feet again. Whether or not he was physically capable of it at the time, the Lord and Master of Gronde seemed determined to accomplish it on pure will.

"Be still, lest I re-open that wound for you."

The Valsharess's tone brooked no argument or disobedience, not even from the leader of a foreign nation.

Kalgar sank back down to the floor and ceased from struggling. Conrad let out a soft chuckle.

"Very impressive indeed," said Conrad softly as we walked off. Kalgar finally spoke up.

"So...why is it that every time we meet, I end up bleeding?"

Meanwhile, Conrad went to Lysander, who was currently sitting on one knee, as if deciding whether or not he was going to give standing a shot. "How are you making out, Captain?"

"Well enough, I suppose," replied Lysander. His usual mildly smug expression was nowhere to be found, replaced by a much more somber one. Even his voice's tone was much more subdued. He looked over to where Talraena and the dead body of Davarda were. He hung his head. "It should have been me."

"What are you talking about?" asked Conrad, even though he already knew exactly what the marine was getting at.

"I should be the one lying dead on the floor, not her," Lysander explained. "This wasn't her fight, she didn't deserve to die in it. At least Davarda put up a fight..."

"I don't know what else you could have done, my friend," said Conrad consolingly. "Mercarius was equiped and trained to fight space marines."

"I should have done something...anything...to have saved the life of a fellow warrior who should not have died. I'm the one sworn to defend this place with my life."

"That's what you did, Lysander," replied Conrad. "Do you see that hole in your armor? That blade was meant to kill you. Further more, you didn't flee. You didn't surrender. You did your duty and so did Davarda. I'd wager that everyone else feels that way as well." The captain's eyes went back to Talraena.

"I hope so..."

Talraena heard Lysander's exchange with Conrad, but made no reaction.

The Valsharess raised an eyebrow at Kalgar. "I'm quite sure I don't know what you mean."

"Well," Kalgar began to explain, "Sure, I could have just remained in my room when the Valshanth was attacked...and while nothing exploded at Snake Eater's, I am pretty sure that I got a paper cut at one point...and now this. You must be cursed or something." Kalgar smiled slightly and began to laugh, only to realize that it was extremely painful to do so with most of his ribs broken. "Ow...."

She looked at Kalgar without humor, and not even a trace of a smile touched her lips as she answered him.

"Of course I am cursed. I am d' Maril."

Kalgar looked Anna in the eyes, his expression was half that of being concerned and half of being confused. He decided that it was not the time or place to ask about it, however, so he remained silent.

Talraena had been arranging Davarda's body in accordance with Roharanhan funary customs before crossing to Lysander and seeing that he wasn't going to bleed to death any time soon.

When she had made sure that that was the case, she looked down into his face.

"They have no grief at their deaths...in life is suffering, and they believe that those who lived and died valiantly and honorably will have no more suffering in the world beyond. Your guilt is wasted at her death, Captain. She would even see it as insulting."

IC: Snikkit knew his time was now at hand. They doubted him! But finally the rebels he had been pursuing had revealed their hideous traitorous face!

“Kitt, you’re sure they’re coming down this hallway!?”

Snikkit was half jogging down one long corridor, his warplock pistol at the ready.

“Uh…yeah, I just seen them and decided to leave the glory to you.”

Snikkit grinned at a chance to prove Lysander wrong finally.

“And what the hell was that loud noise a few minutes ago!?”

There was silence over the radio for a few seconds.

“Uhh…I tripped in the kitchen and knocked over a bunch of pans. Yeah, damn explosive pans…”

Snikkit switched off his radio as he leaned against the wall, he could hear fairly quick-paced footsteps coming down the next hallway.

The faint sound of the flintlock pistol being clicked into “armed and ready ta kill” mode echoed out.

Lysander's eyes met those of the ambassador and he nodded.

"Space marines have similar views involving death in battle," Lysander replied. "I can't help but feel that she could have died for a worthier cause...but I will spare my feelings of guilt to honor your wishes and her death."


Meanwhile, Mercarius came around a corner and found himself face to face with what could quite possibly have been the most ridiculous humanoid form that he had ever seen. Rat-like humanoid form carrying a decorated piece of wood and wielding a primitive firearm...bio-hazards present...threat-level = low. Such was the appearance of the Rat-man, the cyborg could not help but laugh.

IC: Snikkit was taken back for a second by Mercarius’s actions before he joined in and laughed.

Then he extended the pistol before pulling the trigger on the warplock pistol…

The round from the pistol impacted Mercarius's chest with greatly unexpected force. He was caste into the wall behind him, a chunk of glowing green rock embedded in his chest. A low-pitched cry of pain could be heard from the Cyborg and green tendrils of energy radiated from the warpstone. With significant effort, Mercarius ripped the chunk out of his chest and threw it down the hallway towards some pursuing space marines.

***

Meanwhile, Kalgar sat up slightly on the floor. He spoke to the Valsharess again.

"I'm sorry you got caught up in this," said Kalgar softly. "If you had known that some insane cyborg was going to attack this citadel during your stay, you have likely reconsidered accepting my invitation."

"And had you known my husband was going to attempt an insurrection during your stay, you likely would have reconsidered coming to the Valshanth when you did. What if's don't do us any good, Kalgar. What will do is finding solutions to this problem as expediently as possible. Now, be still until the medics arrive."

"Fair enough," Kalgar replied. "I should be all right, though. I just need to sleep it off." Kalgar stood up and grabbed his forhead. His head was throbbing. He began to walk off when Conrad grabbed his shoulder.

"You'd best sit back down and do as the lady says, friend."

OOC: Kay says she's got nothing, so I'm just gonna slide on in here...

IC:
Nokaata padded into the room, surveying the damage done before dropping down to look at his mate.

He nudged her cheek with his nose with as much concern as a woman touches a sickly infant, and then, sure she was dead, touched his nose to hers with infinite tenderness.

Roharanhan are trained from birth to not develop too much dependency or affection for any one being. Life is far too uncertain. To love is to be sure to lose...over and over and over again. Attachment is weakness.

Still, when Nokaata pulled up from this final farewell to his mate, he let out a cry -- a thunderous roar -- of anguish and rage.

Then, standing, he approached the Valsharess, lowering his head almost to the ground and speaking to her in his own language, making the most sacred request any Roharanhan could ever think to make, in the most sacred manner...and even to the most sacred being.

He requested that she arm him for revenge. He accepted that he might die in his endeavor, but he desired his rightful chance at vengeance.

The Valsharess shook her head.

"Currently he is being hunted down from within this place. Unless he escapes or the situation becomes more dire, I have to insist that you think to your other responsibilities...the care of the ambassador and of your children."

Kalgar turned to the Valsharess after Nokaata and she finished speaking. He couldn't understand the large cat-creature's language, but he was quite sure of what he was asking.

"What is he asking?" inquired Kalgar, even though he already had a good idea.

"He is asking to seek revenge on the creature that killed his mate."

The answer was simple and to the point.

"It is an instinctive desire that, I believe, all beings of honor have," said Kalgar, with a slight nod. His words were that of a man who knew this from personal experience. He grabbed his side suddenly and grimaced ever-so- slightly. "Anyway...I just need to get to my room....I should be able to sleep it off." Kalgar stumbled foward as two medics grabbed his arms. One held him up as the other scanned his injuries.

"Good lord, Master Kalgar," said the medic with the scanner. "I don't even know how you are concious, let alone standing and trying to walk. We'll take you to the medical center."

"I'll be all right," replied Kalgar. "I can get myself to my room." The medic shook his head.

"Sorry sir, but you don't pay us so well for us to let you wander off and die."

"That's the last time I let Conrad handle the training of my staff," murmured Kalgar. The Lord-and-Master groaned and allowed himself be hoisted up.

The Valsharess and Ambassador watched as the two Space Marines were carted off to be treated, and Talraena looked at her cousin, pulling her off to the side.

"Anna...you must leave here. If this thing gets you, it could spark international war...not to mention a civil war within Kaymiril. Aris is not yet of age to take the throne, and there is no way she could hold power long, even if her faction was victorious. Leave here now...my place is here now, but go!"

The Valsharess shook her head. "I will remain. We can save many lives here, Talraena...and though the future is murky, I feel that perhaps everything will turn out for the best, in the end."

"Ussta Valsharess!" But the Kaymirilian monarch cut her cousin off.

"Peace, Talraena. We remain. All of us, until this has past."
__________________________________________________________

To allow the Valsharess and Ambassador their chance to speak, Haldosir turned to Conrad.

"What was that, and why did it attack?"

Conrad had been anticipating this question. He turned to face the warrior.

"Nothing has been confirmed," Conrad explained. "We will know more when it's captured. I have a theory, however...but it shouldn't be possible. Kalgar made sure of it years ago..."

"Give us theories, man. Anything you have."

Conrad paused for a moment just as another explosion echoed through the citadel. What in the hell is going on? though Conrad. The advisor looked around.

"Perhaps we should move this conversation to more private and secure quarters."

Haldosir looked at the Valsharess and Ambassador, who were speaking in Drow now, and shook his head.

"They must decide our course first, and then we must take it without hesitation or error."

Suddenly, a Space marine ran up to Conrad.

"Sir! The intruder has escaped!" said the Marine, urgently. "One of Snikkit's weapons exploded and made a hole in our outer walls. He is being pursued by speeders and Thunderhawks right now."

OOC:
I'm sorry to have to do this, but personal circumstances beyond my control dictate I leave NS on a permanent basis.

I'm leaving my nation and characters to Kay, she knows the Roharanhan almost better than I do, and I'm sure that whatever she does with them from this point on witll be brilliant.

So, goodbye, and thank you for the fun times. Sorry I couldn't stay for more.

Aluve' ulu l' elggor.
Aluve' ulu l' elghinyrr.
Udos alu pholor udossta z'hind delmah,
I'nik wun udossta zha'trassen,
Lu' roesor wun udossta vesdrac,
Xuil mayoe natha lotha ta'ecelle a l' kku.

OOC: Okay, sorry I've taken so long, let's get this rolling.

IC:
The Valsharess turned to Nokaata, but before she could speak, he bent his head.

"I accept all consequences of this action, Valsh'aress."

He'd used the intonation his people had adopted for her title...and they held that title in high esteem.

She looked at Talraena and nodded.

"Extend your armor, Deris'Nokataa'Oschiva."

The bone armor seemed to ooze out from various collections of pores along the Roharanhan's body, creating a natural sort of armor. It served his kind well among their own, but now he'd need something more.

The Valsharess put her two tiny hands on the felinoid's head and closed her eyes.

As the rest of the room watched, his color went from bone and tan to a deep gray and silver.

This was due to a metal alloy in the Inain sands. It got into their skin and systems, and explained (partially) why they tended to die so young. It was toxic to them -- to anyone, really. It was also the alloy that Kaymirilians mined to create both their armor and weaponry.

The Roharanhan's claws and armor took on a shine, and even the visible fur was harder, stronger...reinforced.

After that was done, different spells crackled through the Valsharess's hands. One to enhance speed, one to double and triple his strength. A third for endurance, a fourth for stealth. A fifth for alertness and a sixth for clarity, a seventh to add poison to his bite and scratch.

The eighth was a ward to absorb half the impact of all blows coming at him.

At this point, Talraena stepped behind him, holding out her hands, palm up. A little glowing sphere of light appeared in front of her. It grew, taking a form for a very brief moment before entering the Roharanhan. It didn't interfere with the Valsharess's spell or seem to affect the being it was cast upon.

Finally, as the Valsharess stepped back, Haldosir stepped up and touched his sword to the Roharanhan's side. A reddish glow ran along the blade and became faintly visible around Nokataa, but when the warrior removed the blade, there was nothing.

Nokataa bowed to the Valsharess again, and she nodded. "Bwael al, zotreth sarnor."

The cat took off running, letting his challenge ring out as soon as he'd exited through the same hole that monstrosity had taken.

Conrad watched as Nokaata departed to hunt down the cyborg. He had a feeling that he'd never see the cat-creature again, but he had always been pessemistic.

***

Mercarius stood in an enclosed square between four buildings, surrounded by several dead marines, some land speeders, and a crashed Thunderhawk. The Space Marines certainly did not give up a chase easily. They were assuredly still after him, but, for the time, he had some reprieve. He quickly patched an encrypted communication through to an unknown source. There were a few quietly exchanged words which had the feel of both giving instructions and receiving information.

After he finished speaking, Mercarius turned to a reinforced metal door. The Cyborg pointed his hand on it, focused for a split-second, and smashed the door from its frame without even laying a hand on it. His psychic powers were coming back again. They seemed completely non-functional while in the citadel, but now that he was out in the open, they were back to normal.

Stopping for a moment, Mercarius created a small holographic map from his palm and confirmed his location and destination. It was time to move.

Nokataa had been travelling silently...his new coloring went better with the surrounding area than his fur and armor had previously.

He could smell him...he was close...the scents of death, fire, and ozone mingled with that scent...the scent that had so recently mingled with Davarda's blood...and her blood was still on him.

There.

The machine man punched through a door. His back was to the Roharanhan, though, and Nokataa flattened as though he were on the hunt.

He slid, snakelike, through and around the rubble, coming ever closer to striking distance...

He froze as the being projected something, and then began gathering his muscles for the fatal leap...

Mercarius closed the map suddenly. Well, it was sudden to him, but any observer wouldn't know the difference. The point being, he spotted something, a combination of a heat signature, a movement, and a mental projection. He was being hunted.

But is the subject of who is the hunter and who is the hunted based on point of view? If the cyborg's face was visible, a sly, smug smile would surely have been seen. Pinpointing the exact location of his new challenger, Mercarius hoisted up one of the land speeders, which was at least 7 times larger than himself, and hurled it at the new threat.

Nokataa curled up swiftly, and the landspeeder glanced off his armor. He barely felt it, through the armor and wards.

He leapt up, throwing the machine off him and facing off with this opponent.

Mercarius hadn't expected the flying land speeder to do the job (after all, they wouldn't have sent just one warrior after him at this point unless they thought it could actually stand a chance), but he definately hoped that it would be a little more effective. He didn't have all day to mess around, after all.

Large feline-humaniod creature...unfamiliar enhancements, high agility, strength, and resistance...threat level: High.

Mercarius stood poised and waiting. He was ready. He would not hold back.

Nokataa had seen the damage this creature was capable of...and he knew he likely would come out as his mate had.

Little bits of red showed through at the corners of his eyes, and the tip of his tail twitched twice.

In the Oschiva clan, there was a weapon built into the tail armor...not a spike like the Rata, but a row of spikes, gradually increasing in length to the tip of the tail...and these too had poison tips.

He saw his opponent was waiting, and he leapt at him, sailing straight toward him.

Mercarius remained still for the time being. Expected reactions would have been to either dodge out of the way, or jump into a counter attack. He was not going to take either action, however. Instead, the Cyborg abomination focussed...not on his attacker, but on the space just in front of him, sending a powerful force, not too unlike a flying stone wall, into it with his potent mental abilities.

The protection ward crackled, and Nokataa flicked his tail left, which turned him right, leaving the 'spell,' as he would think of it, to graze past him.

He landed not far from the cyborg's side, and lashed out, powerful jaws snapping at the nearest hand while six-inch claws slammed towards the face as the cat assumed a 3/4 standing position.

Mercarius reacted quickly--too quickly. He jumped backwards a few times, bouncing off a space marine's chest once. More strange and unfamiliar sorcery was at work on this cat creature. He wanted to keep his distance for now. If he were to leap into a mindless brawl, he would not come out unmaimed.

Mercarius used his psychic powers again. This time, he wasn't about to let Nokataa have a change to evade. He focused on the cat's tail, grabbing it with his mind and jerking it harshly upward.

Nokataa snarled in pain as his tail was yanked up, but this creature had underestimated him.

His tail tip twitched a little bit, and he activated the design of the poison glands...they'd shoot poison several meters...and it was caustic.

He aimed straight for the wound at the Cyborg's left side, also redirecting the stream so that it would travel both to the cyborg's right and left, up and down a bit...he would get this creature.

With lightening fast perception and recognition, Mercarius let his grip on Nokataa's tale go and switched his focus to the poison flying at him. The substance stopped in midair, and flew back at the cat creature.

He could tell already, this was going to give him a huge headache the next day.

Nokataa slipped under the poison as he was released, coming back up as the cyborg's telekinesis took effect and lashing at his face and shoulders with jaws and claws.

Attempting to refocus his psychic hold again so quickly was not an option. Instead, he prepared to defend himself. He parried the creatures clawed hands at their wrist with his forearms. At the same time, he moved and leaned backwards to evade the initial biting. Finally, Mercarius brought his head forward in an amazing fast and devestatingly powerful headbut aimed at the creature's face.

A Roharanhan's mouth is both sensitive and strong...and the being moving at his face had underestimated Nokataa.

He snapped, and as the being's head flew at his face, he opened his mouth again, snapping down on his helmet with what would ordinarily be six hundred pounds of crushing power.

With the Valsharess's spell...it was closer to eighteen hundred, and his jaws dripped the corrosive poison.

He flicked his wrists, gaining a hold on the beast similar to the one it had on him...but he let his claws sink into the armor...poison-tipped claws.

Nokataa had played himself right into the Cyborg's hand. Indeed, the creature's jaw was mighty, but Mercarius's head was able to repel bolter rounds. Granted, a sustained pressure might cause his metal reinforced, armored, and shielded skull to buckle slightly if given enough time, but that wasn't a luxury that the Cyborg was about to allow.

As soon as he drove his head towards the creature, he could tell what was going to happen by the subtle initial movements made. It was a more sophisticated level of a skill he learned during his training in various assassin temples. In preparation for the bite that he knew was coming, several tiny holes opened up on the top of his head. These served as energy conduits. Once his head entered the cat's mouth, he sent an electrical current into the creature...one probably even stronger than was used to blow apart the interior systems of the crashed Thunderhawk gunship.

At the same time, he began pumping his legs, driving forward while locking his arms and bracing them at the creature's elbows before the claws were able to enter the equation.

The Valsharess's seventh spell not only served here to not only take half of the damage...but to turn it back on the sender.

Haldosir's spell activated too...the realm of the Warmancer is the Destruction of the Physical, and red glowed around Nokataa, shooting mostly through his mouth as his powerful jaws continued to apply their deadly pressure.

Then he used his opponent's strength against him, letting his claws and hands grasp hold of his enemy's, he brought his feet off the ground and planted them against his enemy's knees, pushing backwards on them with all the strength his legs could muster, and finally, his tail shot up, wrapping around the assassin's neck and squeezing, the adamantine spikes pressing against his neck or neck armor.

Pain ripped through his body, his vision began to darken...Mercarius felt himself falling to the ground, his head still in the vice of the infernal cat's jaws. Whatever venom he was facing would have likely killed a marine twice over by now. Was the battle over? No. He hadn't come this far to get beaten by an abnormally large feline. But, alas, this creature's enhancements went beyond technology. He felt his mind slipping away from him...into darkness, into the void.

But the cyborg's body would not find rest. The vacuum in his mind was soon filled with something else. The cyborg's eyes changed from burgandy to green and a new presence came alive within his battered form; one that was not ready accept defeat.

In a fraction of a second, the cyborg's body went from limp and dormant, to every muscle contracting and every ounce of psychic force straining to force the hulking creature off of him with amazing, an likely unexpected force

As the cyborg's muscles began to go limp, the Roharanhan switched tactics, shooting his arms toward the cyborg's throat, and trying to rip his head from his shoulders while still keeping his jaws clamped...it was almost two tons of pulling power that the cyborg's body was being subjected to.

As Mercarius stiffened again, he locked his arms, forcing the cyborg's body to help him in his task, continuing to push his legs against his opponent's knees.

The cat creature still wasn't off of him. And now, Mercarius's head was being ripped off. The new presence in him analysed the situation and decided to go on the attack. Using psychic strength to increase the force of the attack, Mercarius rammed his right arm into his opponant's side, aiming for the heart.

The pain made him curl tightly as the heart was crushed, but after the initial spasm his deathgrip started to loosen.

At last, the cat's infernal grip began to loosen. With all of his strength, the cyborg used both hands to open the cat's jaws from around his head while using his legs to kick the creature off of him.

He fell to the ground and tumbled a short way, blood trickling out of his side.

"Rrrr..."

With an effort and a grunt, he brought himself back to his four feet, turning back to face the cyborg and snarl.

Mercarius stood back up and his own conciousness took over again for a moment.

"What the hell? How are you still alive?" But within a second, the other presence was in control again, using telekenesis to bring one of the fallen space marine's swords to his hand.

"I should ask you the same," growled Nokataa, coughing up some blood.

He grabbed a sword as well, as it was just in reach of his tail, and stood to his full height, tossing the sword from his tail to his hands.

He barely felt the pain, so clear was his purpose.

"You've lasted long...long enough to deserve an exchange of names, as is proper between opponents. I am Deris'Nokataa'Oschiva."

The cyborg laughed. It was a cruel, cold laugh; it's voice was entirely different from what is was just a moment ago. His eyes had, once again, changed to green.

"I am one with no name, foolish creature," replied the voice. "The form you see before you, however, goes by the name of 'Mercarius.' And I am sure that name might actually matter to him were he in control right now. It's almost a pity...though I am sure that I will enjoy killing you far more than he would."

Nokataa's eyes narrowed, and he snarled, ears flattening.

Machine or man, this thing was going to DIE.

The cyborg's stance, poise, and demeanor was completely different now. Whatever had taken over him obviously had a different fighting style. Mercarius charged forward, sword in both hands, and swung vertically, down, at Nokataa.

A bright white light shone above Nokataa's head as Talraena's gift to her bodyguard kicked in.

It looked like a star, completely washing out the area, and was as good a barrier for the sword held by the AI unit in Mercarius as a boulder would have been for an old-fashioned knight with a broadsword.

It also served to leech rage out of anyone protected by it and restore clarity unto their thoughts.

This was Kestral, the spell unique to the d' Kestal family or their near descendants. It served to protect, calm, and give hope. It had been called a balm to the soul by many outside the family.

While Merc's hands were otherwise occupied, he lunged forward with his sword, using all available power he had to try and thrust it into the area similar to where the assassin had taken out his secondary heart.

The sword penetrated his armor right below his rib cage. He felt no pain, however. At least, he didn't show any signs of it. Luckily, Mercarius's downward attack was only meant to be a clever feint. He was already bringing his sword down and around. With a small amount of redirecting, and stepping forward into the blade impaling himself further, he brought it around and swiftly sliced at Nokataa's wrists.

One hand was severed, and the other dug into, but Nokataa didn't care.

He lunged forward just a little more, jaws clamping hard around Mercarius's throat, and he growled as he twisted and pulled, trying to tear out the most vulnerable and lethal spot he could see.

Nokataa's teeth were digging into vital tissue quickly. His entire head could be bitten off if he does not act quickly. Drawing on every ounce of strength left in his host body, he points the sword towards his foe and stabs into the creature repeatedly, each thrust slower and more strained, until he callasped backwards.

With each stab, Nokataa dug his teeth in deeper and deeper, locking his jaw tighter and tighter in a grip that would hold even when he was dead.

It took several stabs into vital organs, but finally the giant felinoid hung limply from the cyborg's neck. None of his hearts beat...none of his lungs took in or expelled oxygen...between two worlds there were now four cubs orphaned.

And the job had not been completed.

Kestral, in its last fading remnant, entered the cyborg, drawn to the organic matter within it.

Its purpose was not to attack...but it would remind the human part what it was to be...

Alive.

Mercarius forced the dead creature off of him, before callapsing on the ground again. Soon, the human Mercarius took control again...only to find himself competely spent after a day of...well, getting his ass kicked. He was no longer in combat mode. He just wanted to rest. To his dismay, he heard several armored boots comming closer.

Great...more damn marines. Then he blacked out. He would wake up in the care of his partner. He didn't know this, and at the time, he didn't have the strength to care.

***

Meanwhile, Kalgar was also asleep in the medical recovery room. Most did not know, but the Lord-and-Master also posessed potent psychic powers. And for a moment, their minds both wandered the psychic plain as they slept. It was then that they truly met...and Kalgar finally knew.

He awoke with a start, covered in sweat and breathing heavily.

"This is going to be a BIG problem..."

The Valsharess was in the infirmary, along with Haldosir, seeing if there was anything they could do to help the injured and make the aftermath easier for the Grondian medics.

She looked over as Kalgar sat up, and signaled Haldosir to move on while she took a cold compress and moved to the Lord-and-Master's side.

"Lie back down. And if you're speaking of the attack as 'going' to be a big problem...you've chosen the wrong verb tense. It is a big problem."
__________________________________________________________________

Talraena and Rildorath remained just outside of the area that had seen the battle with Davarda, the Ambassador sitting there, contemplative.

Nokataa had gone off to his death...no telling whether or not he'd do anything against that creature, although she hoped he could.

Her head turned at a couple of crying noises.

Davarda's infant cubs had made their way out of the room they'd been in, braved an environment they perceived as cold, and had smelled their way to their mother's side to try and suckle.

They could smell death on her...Talraena knew that, and their cries were partly from hunger, and partly in mourning.

Lacking their mother, they started to yell out the 'father call,' to get their father to come take care of them in the absence of their mother.

Talraena closed her eyes, drawing in a deep breath, and conjured a bottle, handing one to Rildorath.

"We have more important things to do than sit here in silence."

She picked up one, holding it just below the bottle, feeding it. She was somewhat clumsy at it, as she'd never had much to do with children before, but the cub was hungry, and she was doing her best.

As both cubs began to drink from the bottles that had been conjured from them, she started singing...softly. It was a Drow lullabye, sung just to try and help the little orphans calm down.

"Yes, indeed the attack is a huge problem," replied Kalgar. "But there's going to be another big problem soon if I don't do something about it." Kalgar tried getting back up, only to realize that he was still in considerable pain. At that point, he felt more inclined to obey Anna instead and sank back into the bed.

She took the cold compress and got to work with it, gently dabbing the sweat off the Lord-and-Master's face and torso. Her touch was extremely gentle...a mother's touch, rather than a warrior's.

"You took a beating...not surprising. I guess the question now is: what are we going to do about this big problem of yours?"

Kalgar propped himself up a few inches so he would no longer be laying completely flat. He hated being seen like this. Sure, Conrad and Lysander occasionally saw him get beaten pretty badly, but this was a foreign leader...perhaps more than that. Besides, those had always been victory wounds. These were a result of Kalgar being, as his glider would often put it, "pwned." On the bright side, her touch proved more soothing than he had expected. Fortunately, as for his injuries, they would likely be healed soon. The metal plating on the bones would need to be mended, but the tissue was already putting itself back together.

"It is an issue that I hoped to never face again," Kalgar replied after a moment. Taking a reletively painful deep breath, he continued. "The Fallen Wars are said to be the only time that Gronde was involved in an internal civil war. This is not entirely true. About 75 years prior to that, the Gronde 4th Space Marine Chapter was fortunate to have one of the greatest warriors and commanders that our program has ever seen leading them. His name was Mercarius." Kalgar spat the name out as though it tasted like bile on his tongue.

"He lead his forces to countless glorious victories during our wars against the Galactic Empire and in our wars of expansion. Sadly, he suffered from the greatest and most tragic...cliche...of mankind: he was always hungry for more power. He even began expanding his Chapter, allowing it to grow to nearly 8 million members. In a stunning move, he attacked my command fleet as it docked on the capital world of the Antiga III system after returning from war. He brought all of the marines that were loyal to him, about 6 of the 8 million. To make a long story short, my command ship crashed on the planet's surface and my remaining soldier's and I waged a land war along side the PDFs for months before help arrived and Mercarius's forces were finally wiped out." Kalgar paused again, preparing to recite a part that he was not proud of.

"He should have been executed as soon as he was captured. I could have done so myself. Instead, I allowed the remaining command structure of the 4th Chapter to take him. Years later, he was handed over to our black-ops program to be used as a test subject for our new weapon experiments. And judging by what he did to me, this fortress, and both of our warriors, I am guessing that it must have been a success. I still don't know how he escaped. That doesn't matter right now anyway." There was just one last detail.

"I also sensed another presence in him as I drifted in the psychic plain. I don't yet know what it was, but it worries me. As for what we are going to do about it...'we' are not going to do anything. This is my problem; I need to deal with it," Kalgar looked at the Valsharess. "And I...you...Anna, I don't want you to get hurt because of this. And this goes beyond simply my honor."

"Your sentiment is appreciated, Kalgar."

She set the compress aside.

"However, things being as they are, I am already involved. I have an ambassador assigned to this nation. This being has already killed both of her body guards, and knowing her she will refuse to leave her station, now that it's been assigned. She is our very first full-time Ambassador to a foreign nation, and as you can imagine, it is a great honor. By helping you, I assure her safety as much as I can, and appease my uncle."

She picked the compress back up, rewetting it and continuing to tend to the Lord-and-Master.

"Something you should consider as well -- we are Drow. We think differently from you...and he, being formerly one of your men, knows how you think. A change in perspective now will do you more good than ill."

She stood.

"Lie back down and rest. There are others here that require medical attention, and the medics here are running around in circles."

Kalgar allowed himself to sink, once again, into the bed. For the time, he didn't see any point in arguing with her. Aside from possibly Conrad or High Marshal Nicholai, this Valsharess was likely the only person he's met that could be as stubborn as he was. The difference being, she hadn't just gotten beaten to a pulp. Choose you battles, Kalgar, he said to himself before drifting off to sleep. Choose your battles...

***

Deep in the city, a small, unmarked transport craft landed in one of the sectors of the city that had been abandoned since the Fallen Wars. Inside, there was a large circular tank filled with a greenish fluid containing Mercarius's battered form. At the pilot's seat, a figure with straight dark hair and a black trench coat sat guiding the ship down.

A few hours later, Mercarius felt himself waking back up. He was lying atop several crates in an otherwise empty warehouse. He saw his trench coat wearing partner, Malachai, pacing back and forth nearby.

"What happened?" the cyborg's voice resonated from behind his armor's mask. "Where did you bring me this time?" Malachai chuckled slightly.

"Well, you got yourself into a little trouble and I had to bail you out," replied Malachai with a humorous glint in his eyes. "As for where you are, I picked you up just before more Space Marine got to you and flew you to the abandoned warehouse district. Hopefully we'll have some time before the Marine find us again. I love big cities sometimes."

"I don't remember everything that happened," said Mercarius. "I blacked out for a little while. It's strange because that never happens to me, especially with all these enhancements."

"That must have been the suit's combat AI taking over," explained the dark figure. "I rewired it directly to your brain the last time I tinkered with your bionics." Mercarius groaned in annoyance.

"Lovely..." said mercarius with obvious sarcasm. "Next time, just make sure you warn me before you merge my brain with a bloodthirsty, psychopathic AI!"

"Look who's talking," Malachai shot back. "I take it you failed to kill Kalgar."

"He had guests there...troublesome and exceedingly dangerous guests." This response caused Malachai to look at the cyborb quizzically.

"For a guy like you, I don't see how anything could have caused that much trouble, short of a dozen war-walkers," said the Cyborg's partner.

"Upload my sensory records and see for yourself," the Cyborg snapped. "And while you at it, see if you can figure out a way to deal with it."

***

Back at the Citadel, Conrad had finished quelling the chaos that the attack had left behind and finally arrived to the medical rooms. Kalgar was currently having his skeletal plating mended and the advisor took a seat to wait.

Haldosir approached the advisor and took a seat across from him.

"I've spoken to the Valsharess and been to the battle site where Nokataa was killed. The creature known as Mercarius has sustained injuries...and was lifted from the site just before your Marines could get to him. My Valsharess is determined that we are here until the threat is dealt with...and anything you know would be helpful."

Conrad replied by explaining the situation to the best of his ability. This consisted of passing on the same information that Kalgar did.

"Other than that, I'm not sure what our course of action will need to be yet," Conrad concluded. "What do you make of it?

"Personally, I'd rather take the Valsharess back to Kaymiril...but this is not the first time she's placed herself in danger for another...and something tells me that after she leaves this country, my Valsharess will see your Lord-and-Master again. If fate has something in store for the two of our nations, I would not stop it by allowing your leader to be killed now."

"Yes, I get that feeling as well," replied the advisor with a nod. "However, I think that the situation with Mercarius will get ugly. I'd feel much better having the Valsharess return home, telling Kalgar to stay in the citadel, and hiring some assassins to take out Mercarius. Unfortunately, I doubt that there are any assassins powerful enough to take him out who would be willing to take the job...and given how stubborn both of our masters are, I think we'd have a better chance of seeing a week go by without Snikkit blowing something up than either of them listening to us." Conrad sighed and chuckled.

"I would call her willful, rather than stubborn...and powerful. Not since the first Kaymiril have I seen such power in any of her line...nor such courage. She told me that the Lord-and-Master told her not to get involved...and that she told him she would. It is for the best perhaps, for the Ambassador's sake."

But for that of the Valsharess...we will see.

"I can certainly imagine," said Conrad. "To her merit, I've traveled with Lord-and-Master Kalgar to countless other worlds, your Valsharess is a particularly impressive ruler. And...well, willful and couragous, stubborn and crazy: perhaps it's mearly a cultural difference."

"If any other Valsharess had attempted even so much as half of what this one has done, the Marils would no longer be in power. And for cultural differences...perhaps...or perhaps it is the difference in gender. What the Valsharess does with grace, the Lord-and-Master does with force."

"Yes...perhaps. And interesting combination, wouldn't you say?" said Conrad as he stood up. "It'll be a while before Kalgar will be ready to talk to me. I'm going for a drink. You are welcome to join me if you wish." With that, the Advisor began to head off.

Haldosir stood and went with the old Space Marine. Nothing else to do for the time being.

Kalgar's skeletal plating was finally mended and the leader rested for the night. The next morning, he was already walking around; just about all of his wounds were healed. With little time to waste, Kalgar called a meeting on the current situation. Lysander, Conrad, Talraena, and the Valsharess and he gaurds were all summoned to his control room.

The four Kaymirilians showed up, the Ambassador still carrying the two Roharanhan cubs, this time in a basket.

Conrad and Lysander were already present in the room. Kalgar arrived soon afterwards.

"If everyone would please be seated," said Conrad formally. "Now, onto the matters at hand..." Conrad took a few moments to explain the current situation before giving the floor to Kalgar.

"Fortunately, thanks to the heroic efforts of Nokataa," Kalgar began, taking a somber tone when mentioning the fallen warrior. "Our Space marines have been able to track Mercarius to his hiding place. As for yet, we have haven't sent in any more marines. For now, their numbers are better served to keep track of his movements rather than being sent to their deaths." Kalgar took a pause and allowed for the others to comment.

Haldosir looked around the table, catching the Valsharess's eye. When she nodded, he looked at Kalgar.

"What is the layout of the area he's hiding in? And, if possible, what is the layout of the building?"

Lysander responded to the warrior's question while pressing some buttons on a small pad.

"We are not sure what building he is in right now," replied the Captain while a holographic diagram of the area appeared. "We know where the ship ended up, but he may have moved to another warehouse by now. Also, we don't know how many people he has helping him."

"And now he and his accomplices are not at full strength. To attack would be like trying to attack a wounded animal...they become all the more dangerous, and they know their lair better than we do."

The Valsharess paused long enough to meet everyone's eyes, ending with the Lord-and-Master.

"I am no d' Drasdera, to be highly skilled in the art of war, but I do know this: Mercarius is a tenacious and highly skilled enemy. He will come back to try and finish his job. My guess is that his intentions were to assassinate you, Kalgar. Thus, when he is strong enough, we will find him where you are. His helper, for Haldosir only found one in his Hindsight of the area, will surely wish to be there to make certain the job is completed if Mercarius fails again. Is it not logical?"

Conrad responded this time.

"Perhaps, though Mercarius could still have many tricks prepared," said the advisor. "He could have simply one accomplice, or a few dozen. As of yet, we don't know and I am sure that the cyborg will try his hardest to make sure that we wont be able to find out beforehand. No doubt he is prepared for a strike against him."

"Which means he would never expect it," said Kalgar suddenly. "Chances are reasonable that he thinks we will try to wait him out, waiting for him to make the next move. That's not to say that he wont be prepared for a strike, mind you. However, given the choices, I think it would still be better to take the fight to the enemy instead of risking more collateral damage and loss of civilian lives. I suppose the question his, how do we go about doing this?"

Rildorath looked toward the Lord-and-Master.

"You have vermin on this planet, do you not?"

Kalgar looked over, slightly confused.

"Excuse me?"

The Valsharess nodded.

"Vermin. Like rodents, insects, or arachnids. Even birds or snakes can be used as spies. In this scenario however, rodents or insects would work best."

Talraena looked up from dealing with a fussy cub to explain.

"In Kaymiril we often use the "lower forms" of life to see what others are up to. The d' Drasdera use serpents, the d' Maril use spiders, and the d' Kestal use songbirds. Haldosir is capable of bending the will of almost any lower life form to do his bidding...and now we just want to know exactly where Mercarius is, and how many are with him."

Kalgar raised his eyebrow slightly. "An interesting skill," he said. "They are probably looking out for technological means to spy on them. I get the feeling that they wouldn't pay much heed to a random rat or insect." The Lord-and-Master turned his attention to the Valsharess. "However, I do believe the advantage of suprise that your magic had before may be diminishing. Mercarius and whoever he is working with know at least a little of what to expect and are surely doing more research as we speek. Are you sure there is no way that I could convince you to not get involved?"

"There is no record of these abilities being used. Each House knows the ensign of the others, but it is a secret kept from the masses. All he would be able to find is a little information on our Elemental magicks, and some on the projects our scientists and yours have been doing on ships weaponry. A bit more on Mithdelmar, our city of healers. They may not be surprised any longer, not as much...but they will still need time to prepare...time which they lack."

The Valsharess smiled.

"Aside from that, I remember you being quite instrumental during the attack on the Valshanth during your visit...it seems Fate has granted me a chance to settle that debt."

"And elequent point...fair enough,"replied Kalgar, returning the Anna's smile. He then went to address everyone. "Very well, our first step will have to be to locate Mercarius and get a count of their numbers and equipment. Once we do this, we can plan our next course of action."

Haldosir nodded.

"If we can be provided with the necessary vermin, they can be enchanted and released immediately."

"We shouldn't have to look very far," said Lysander. "Snikkit's ship is still...parked...in the courtyard. It shouldn't be difficult to pilfer some rats from it." Most deligates would have though the captain to be joking. Ironically, the most amusing part was the fact that he was, in fact, serious.

Haldosir looked at Lysander, not knowing whether to be amused or disgusted by it.

On the Valsharess's ship, there were a few spiders...and only ones that the Valsharess had personally brought aboard. Nothing like rats.

"That would do perfectly, then."

About 20 minutes later, Lysander returned with a cage full of rats under his arm.

"What took you so long?" asked Conrad.

"I'd prefer to not get into it," replied Lysander with a shudder. "I think I'd rather never have to go into his ship again..." With that, Lysander handed the cage over to the Drow.

Haldosir took the cage and set it on the table.

He didn't bother with gloves, just reached in and grabbed a rat.

"Tcha, tcha..." He took the time to soothe the animal before hypnotizing it and bending it to his will. The process took about ten minutes per rat, so he was done when he was done.

The Valsharess set up scrying pots for each rat, so that they would see what the rats saw.

As the rats scurried to their destination, Lysander and Conrad worked together to record the numbers, positioning, and equipment of their enemies into their hollographic model. There were 35 criminal operatives occupying three abandoned buildings. They appeared to be armed with a variety of illegal weapondry. Mercarius and his trench coat wearing partner were on the ground floor of the largest building. Lysander, Kalgar, and Conrad took note of the positioning of everying between the three buildings.

At the end of the day, everyone had something to do.

It fell to Kaymiril and Kalgar to start on the basics of planning.

"Obviously our first move is to divide them. They must be divided physically, meaning once we move in, no one leaves or enters buildings, and they must be divided tactically, which means a communications block must be utilized. The building with Mercarius and his accomplice must be deemed the highest threat, as the others seem like they'd be no match for a highly trained unit of soldiers. We send only a few into the building he's in, and only the most highly trained -- the least likely to be cannon fodder for your wounded opponent.

"For the time of attack, you want a time when the bases will be the least active...for a human, this time period is generally in the early hours of the morning, when everything is slow. Any attack must be hard and fast, giving them as little time and warning as possible and preventing them from rallying and attacking back."

She was no Drasdera...but her life had taught her a few lessons in strategy.

"Sounds like a logical plan," Kalgar replied, reviewing the diagrams. "Each building has two entrances, so we should attack from both sides to keep them from fleeing." Kalgar then pointed to the streets between the buildings. "They could try to jump out of the windows, so I'll have my marines set up weapon platforms to cover these streets. At the very least, that will keep them in the buildings where we can systematically wipe them out. As for their ship, there is an hanger on top of the center building where Mercarius is in. We have recieved some images from the rats, so we know it is there. That will be their most likely escape method. I will make sure that we have missile batteries covering the exit from the roof-top hanger." Kalgar paused, entering in the positions that his troops will be taking.

"The only other way for Mercarius to escape would be to get on the roof and jump to another building and proceed to make a run for it. I don't know if he has support elsewhere and I would prefer not to take that chance. Therefore, I will use my glider to get up on the roof as soon as the battle starts. At that point, I will eliminate any of the roof sentries that the snipers have not and prevent the Cyborg from escaping."

"Sounds like a good plan. Haldosir and Rildorath have already volunteered to enter the central building, which means I'll be going with you."

"If you wish," said Kalgar. "However, I have a feeling that Mercarius wont have many of his injuries left. Judging by how fast I healed, it wouldn't suprise me if he is in even better shape than I am right now, despite the severity of his injuries. Other than that...Lysander will be commanding the Space marines and Conrad will stay back and coordinate the attack from the forward command center."

"If he is in better shape than you are, Kalgar...it isn't going to hurt you to have some help."

"Oh, don't worry about me," kalgar assured her. "I'll be as good as new by tonight."

***

Meanwhile, Mercarius and Malachai sat across from eachother, a large diagram laying flat over a few crates.

"Our scouts have spotted a few groups of Space marines in this sector," said Malachai. "When do you think they will make their move?"

"It seems unlikely that they will attempt an attack any time soon," Mercarius replied. "They know that I will just kill more of their marines and make my escape again. As it is, they think they have us trapped. I want them to keep thinking that. In the mean time, we need to keep preparing for our next move."

"We actually have one of those now?"

"We are going to capture one of the spires," explained Mercarius. "If we can do it with the proper stealth and are able capture it's nova cannon before Kalgar's battle barge's next take off, we will be able to shoot his ship out of the sky."

"Sounds interesting..."

"I'm sure you'll be better prepared for combat than you were last time, but you will be facing a cunning enemy in his own lair. As we say in Kaymiril: Draa hiranen xal elgg weth byr, drill natha hiran fre'slaar nau mayar qua'laen natha hiran xuil biu abban. That translates to: two giants may kill each other, but one giant has no chance against a giant and an ally."
_________________________________________________________________

A little rat was scurrying around the room during that time.

Rildorath, sitting with the scrying pans, took care to write down everything said.

"A wise proverb," Kalgar replied. "I will gladly accept your help. Just, for my sake, be very careful. Don't get the wrong idea, this isn't about me going through an 'alpha-male' routine and looking for a rematch. Mercarius will be ready for your magic this time. As you said, he's a cunning foe and will surely find ways to deal with it. But what really worries me is that he may try to use you against me somehow."

The smile this time was knowing, if secretive.

"I will be cautious."

Caution. Without it, she would have been many times dead.

The two completed their planning in the next 30 minutes and for the next several hours, preparations for the surgically precise mission were being made. During that time, Kalgar had slipped away to his room.

About 10 minutes prior to the departure time, Kalgar and everyone else who would be going from the citadel to the battle sight would arrive at the thunderhawk hangers, prepared to head out. Conrad was the first to arrive.

The Drow arrived together.

Haldosir and Rildorath hadn't changed in either clothing or demeanor -- they were warriors, and this battle didn't worry them too much.

The Valsharess had changed into a pants suit, black with a scarlet ensign, instead of scarlet and black, but she still radiated a serenity and control that most diplomats could never boast of.

The Ambassador had likewise changed -- the spider silk would deflect the bolts decently well (she hoped), but there was a nervousness about her that she tried to mask, with only limited success. She was a diplomat, not a warrior, and could only hope she wouldn't get in the way.

Conrad walked up to greet the two Drow when they arrived. "Ah, you promptness is commendable," said the aging advisor with a smile that seemed out of place given the current situation. "Were I only born of your nation and assigned to councel you instead of my ever-tardy charge. But I digress, we should be departing any moment."

Lysander was the next to arrive. He was clad in full silver power armor, carrying his helmet under his left arm. He acknowledged those present with a nod and departed to see to the Thunderhawk.

The last to arrive was Kalgar. He was wearing all black, including the familiar feature of a trench coat. There was something different about the Lord and Master, though. He looked the same, but there was a certain power there that hadn't been present before. Even the most unskilled onlooker could feel it. The Drow would likely be able to practically see it.

Rildorath stepped forward, handing the Lord-and-Master the information he'd written down earlier.

"It is good to attack tonight...you forestall their own attack."

Haldosir looked at Kalgar, narrowing his eyes for a moment, then nodded, turning to his Valsharess.

"I admit, I had my concerns about leaving you in the care of a stranger. But you are d' Maril, and powerful...and I believe you will be in good hands."

The words were softly spoken, and in Drow, and the response to this was "have no doubts."

Kalgar nodded to Rildorath. "I agree," he replied. "You have my thanks for your aid. Men of honor such as yourself and Haldosir are rare to come by." Turning to the rest of the group, he addressed them in a manner a little more casual than usual.

"All right, is everyone ready?"

A slight smirk crossed the Drow's faces at almost the same time -- lesser for Talraena, of course. They had come prepared. But it was the Valsharess that spoke.

"If we are not prepared now, we have the journey and the journey only to become prepared."

"Elegantly put," said Kalgar with a slight smile. "Ok then, let's move."

Within a few minutes, the thunderhawk was loaded up and taking off. Kalgar felt at home in the rough military craft; it was his prefered transport. He only hoped his guests didn't mind it too much. Either way, they would arrive in a few minutes.

The Valsharess and her bodyguards were adaptable enough to be unphased...but the poor Ambassador...it can be said that her nerves became slightly visible during the ride.

The ride only lasted for about 10 minutes before they were dropped off. The Thunderhawk landed on the roof of a nearby building afterwards. Compared to the number of logistical and support personel, the number of marines that would be going into combat was quite small; 30 tactical marines, 15 light marines, and 5 Terminators. The number of enemies had risen to 55 inside the three main buildings and several more were hiding in many of the surrounding structures.

Once the communications were jammed, the light marines would move into the surrounded buildings, engaging and eliminating any enemies they found while the rest of the force moved in to encircle the central buildings and infantry set up gun platforms to cover the streets.

The left and right buildings would each be attacked by 12 space marines. Lysander would lead the attack on the left personally, as it was more heavily gaurded. The center building was assigned to the terminators, a squad of six tactical marines, and the two Drow warriors. They would enter from both doors at once and eliminate the enemies on the ground floor as quickly as possible. Kalgar and the Valsharess were to fly up to the roof, neutralize the 7 sentries, and prevent Mercarius or his partner from escaping. The operation was about to begin and everyone started taking up their positions.

The two Drow warriors were ready, and the Valsharess was standing on her glider, ready to ascend. She hadn't summoned her weapon quite yet, but it was a simple matter.

Talraena was going to hang back for now...staying with Conrad.

Kalgar took his position next to Anna. The attack started suddenly and moved quickly. As soon as the gun platforms were set up and providing cover fire, he would recieve the signal to go.

The light marines quickly moved from building to building, clearing out he surrounding areas. The rest of the marines assaulted the buildings, taking advantage of what cover they could find to prevent themselves from being cut down by enemy weapons firing from the window. The doors on all three buildings were blown at the same time and the marines moved in. They imediately came under enemy fire, but kept their composure, shot back, and covered eachother as they moved through the doors.

Haldosir and Rildorath moved through the building as a unit, dodging enemy blasts and moving forward to slice them down.

With the enemies' attention spent on the space marines, the gun crews moved in to set up their weapons. Then Kalgar got the signal.

"It's time," said kalgar to Anna before flying off to the roof on his glider. Landing on both feet, he cut down two crouching sentries with his short blades and prepared to eliminate the next threats.

On the ground floor of the center building, 7 of the 16 enemy units had already been eliminated by marine fire and the two Drow. One of the tactical marines was down, but the rest of undamaged. It was then that two figures appeared, hanging on the ceiling, and dropped down, rappidly attacking the two Drow with their energy blades. It seemed that Mercarius had hired rougue assassins.

The Valsharess lifted off the ground, summoning her weapon on her way up. It was a long staff with two blades...one was a crescent, and detachable, letting it be swung by a chain, and the other blade was roughly pendulum shaped. Glittering spell-runes covered the staff, and as the Valsharess stepped onto the roof, the crescent blade lashed out, headed straight for the nearest enemy's neck.

The two Drow grinned...this was a challenge. Haldosir cast a spell to protect both of their weapons from damage by the assassins' weapons, and so began a battle worthy of song...

The firefights were slowing down as each side entrenched themselves behind what cover they could find. The Space Marines had superior training, armor, and physical abilities, but Mercarius's men had numbers, the home field advantage, and heavy weapon enplacements.

Lysander's team was having an especially difficult time. His building contained a Goliath Class War Walker that had been hidden under a stealth field.

On the roof of the center building, Kalgar spotted Mercarius. This is too soon, Kalgar though. Indeed it was, Anna had just landed on the roof and the Cyborg was already making a run for it, jumping to the next building. He would need to act quickly. He ran after Mercarius and called to Anna.

"Cover me, I'm going after him!" Kalgar reached the edge of the building and his glider was already waiting for him.

"Very welll."

The Valsharess twirled her weapon.

"Alu ulu uns'aa." Her mouth turned up in a grin most Kaymirilians prayed earnestly they'd never see.

The Valsharess was 'good,' yes...but she was still a Drow.

"Come to me...come to me to die."

_______________________________________________________

Rildorath and Haldosir were working as a unit against the two rogue assassins. It had been a long time since they'd had that much fun.

Haldosir teleported behind the opponents, letting Rildorath and his double scimitars occupy both assassins for the moment. Rildorath was fast...he probably could have taken them both at once and still come out alive.

But now the team was split...one on one side...one on the other...and both capable of great carnage...

The sentries were torn for the moment between firing at Kalgar or the Valsharess. In the end, they decided to attack the current threat, rather than the "fleeing" one. The five remaining men took up their positions and opened fire on the Dark Elf queen.

Meanwhile, Kalgar was chasing Mercarius on his glider. He would not allow the cyborg out of his sight. If he escaped now, they may never catch him. Mercarius jumped to yet another building but kalgar had caught up and dropped down on him from above.

Swift movements brought her out of the way of most of them, and she struck at one's head with the pendulum blade as the chain extended to let the crescent at the head of a second.

She raised her forward hand, casting a fireball at the remaining three. If it didn't work, it would at least blind them long enough for her to do something else.
_________________________________________________________________

...The second assassin wheeled as Haldosir's blade slammed into his armor, and he was forced to focus on this powerful warmancer while his partner got the ambidextrous warrior.

Little did they know that Haldosir and Rildorath were merely enjoying the challenge...

All but one of the sentries were destroyed in a display of flame and heat. In the mean time, the small ship had emerged from the hanger and was now opening fire on the Valsharess with it's 4 plasma cannons as it began to fly away.

Several blocks away, Kalgar and Mercarius were battling on the roof-top. Kalgar had fallen upon the Cyborg quickly and delivered a series of powerful kicks that forced Mercarius back. The Cyborg quickly drew his two energy blades and charged the Lord and Master. Kalgar was ready this time, he snapped together his staff and activated the energy field.

She snapped up a deflection sheild in time, and her eyes narrowed irritably.

Grabbing the remaining sentry in a telekinetic grip, she tossed him, slamming him into the ship, then switched her focus to the ships engines. Her hand squeezed, bringing immense pressure to them. If they crumpled, she'd let the ship down for the others to deal with.
__________________________________________________________

Rildorath caught Haldosir's eye. While this had been fun, it was time to move on.

A vortex of flame shot up from under Haldosir's opponent, and the other assassin's head snapped around just long enough to watch as it started to consume him. Rildorath slammed his right blade against the sheild and sword, using his left to decapitate the assassin.

It was done.

The ship slowed and stumbled in its flight, but kept going...at least for a moment. A salvo of about 15 missiles shot towards the ship reducing it to a hulking ball of flame crashing to the earth.


Kalgar and Mercarius battled feircely. Neither was armed any more, but that did nothing to cool the fight. After exchanging blows for several moments, they began to grappel with one another. Mercarius put his hand around Kalgar's throat once again. This time, the Lord and Master used his left and and punched the cyborg hard in the gut. The strength of the blow was actually much greater than it appeared and Mercarius fell back from the unexpected force. The cyborg examined his foe. The energy swirling around Kalgar was actually slightly visible now. Mercarius took a step back and drew a third energy blade. He needed to end this.

The Valsharess sighed.

"Ka nindel inbalus tlus jala mzild rescho, ol orn'la inbal tlus nrunnin."
If that had been any easier, it would have been boring.

Still, she had to go find the Lord-and-Master and make sure he was all right. She guestured to her glider.

"Dos, doer pholor."

They took off.

"Locate Largo and take us there."

The glider veered, going.

Mercarius charged Kalgar with the fury of a bull that had just been released. Kalgar stood still, only moving to form a smile on his face. Just outside of the Cyborg's range, the Lord and Master finally moved, pointing an open palm at his opponant and delivering a vicious blast of energy.

The cyborg never saw it coming. One moment, he was charging and about to finish his opponant off, and the next he was several meters away, his body literally embedded into the wall of a roof-top storage room. His anger began to build and he felt a similar presence form in his mind again and he was no longer Mercarius.

It didn't take more than a second for Kalgar to realize that the battle had just changed. Mercarius's eyes were now a shade green and his stance was completely different. His foe charged again, but darted to the left instead and threw his blade at the lord and master at a vision-blurring speed. Kalgar had no time to dodge. He jumped backwards, catching the flying blade by the handle, and hitting the floor of the roof. The crackling energy weapon was about three inches into his chest. He would have no time to ponder his injury.

Mercarius hadn't even waited for his blade to reach its target before lunging at kalgar. Victory was close, he could almost taste it. Then, he felt Kalgar's eyes on him and a strange force hit him. He slowed down in the air, just a tiny bit, but that was all Kalgar needed. The Lord and Master was on his feet and the captured energy blade ran up the Cyborg's torso. With another swift movement, the head of Mercarius was rolling at Kalgar's feet.

Kaymiril VII set down on the roof just in time to see the cyborg's decapitation.

She ran over to the Lord-and-Master, putting her hands on his arms.

"Looks like you didn't need help after all. Are you hurt?"

Kalgar mearly shook his head at her question. He was still short of breath. The fight, though short, had taken a good deal out of him. The wound on his chest was already clotting and his bones only suffered a few fractures.

Not that he had any spare attention to pay to his injuries. The sun was just beginning to rise over the massive city's skyline and the light reflecting in her eyes held his gaze quite effectively. It was then that, without even really thinking about it, he kissed her.

It took her a moment to react...his action was completely unexpected. But she didn't think about it either, and she returned his kiss, black eyelids slowly drifting shut over blue eyes.

The two of them were lost in the moment. It proved to be the perfect opportunity for one of the few surviving "rebels." It was Mercarius' partner, Malachai. He dressed similarly to kalgar; black trench coat and clothes, but was lighter, had straighter hair, and a younger face. His sniper rifle was zoomed in on the Drow. She would need to go first.

Even while completely absored, something of Kalgar's space marine training stayed with him. He saw the movement out of the corner of his eye. Somehow he knew...he knew that it wasn't aiming for him. At the last second, Kalgar pushed the Valsharess forward forcefully, but ended up bringing himself forward as well, taking the shot from Malachai's rifle directly in the chest.

Anna's eyes opened at the forceful shove, and she saw the shot enter Kalgar.

Her head turned, and her eyes narrowed as she saw the attacker.

A glow surrounded her as she lifted off the rooftop, and she floated slowly -- menacingly -- toward Malachai.

Crap crap CRAP!! Not only did Kalgar see him, but he also had to pull some stupid noble-honor stunt. The sharp shooter whipped out two automatic gauss rifles and opened fire onto the angel of death flying towards him.

The shots dissipated as they hit the corona around the Valsharess, and by the time his guns were empty, she was standing in front of him.

"Give me your name that I know who I send to hell."

Her normally tranquil blue eyes had taken a furious tinge of red, just at the edges.

Malachai had faced death many times, but never as certain of death as he now saw in this Drow.

"My name is Malachai," the sniper said, dropping his guns. "I guess you've won."

What looked to be ribbons of light formed behind the Valsharess, and she didn't even acknowledge the sniper's last statement.

The razor-sharp 'ribbons' sped around their creator, engulfing and slicing through Malachai's flesh like a living nest of snakes, leaving behind only a few scraps of flesh.

Anna turned around, floating swiftly back to Kalgar to see if he was still alive...and see what she could do to help him remain in the realm of the living for just a little bit longer.

Kalgar was on his back, perfectly still. Smoke was coming from the gaping, sizzling hole in his chest. He was not breathing. The only movement was from the gentle morning breeze washing through his hair.

"Wael..."

It was like a burning pain, seeing him like that...and she didn't even know why.

"Usstan kat ssrig'luin natha or'shanse...ele xunus dos doera uss?"
I didn't need a sacrifice...why did you become one?

She knelt down beside him, gently placing her fingertips along his temples.

She wasn't worn out...the fight hadn't taken much toll on her at all.

There was a Maril spell...no...Maril training included medical training. She let it begin within her, like Aras had taught her before she'd died, and let it flow out through her arms and fingers, into him. If there was so much as a little life left in him, it would begin to heal him.

Healing was a painful process. Normally the pain was allowed to remain with the injured person, a reminder.

Kalgar couldn't afford any pain, it might send him over. It meant she'd channel the pain from him and into her.

"Dro, Kalgar."
Live, Kalgar.

Suddenly, Kalgar's eyes snapped open. Anna's magic didn't bring him back, but it certainly made his return a little less painful. The Lord and Master gasped for a breath, filling his lungs and exhaling before finally relaxing into a steady breathing pattern. He looked up at Anna, sighed, and sat up.
"Don't worry," he told her softly. "I'll be all right. My second heart shut down for a moment...but it's ok now." It was finally over.

The rest of the battle had gone reasonably well. The battle for the left building turned when Lysander neutralized the Goliath with an explosive charge and a few stabs with his power sword. The center building was taken easily with the help of the two Drow warriors. The building on the right, however, was still partially in enemy possession. About a dozen of them were holed up on the second floor and had formed defensive positions.

"Lie back down or I'll inflict enough damage to make you."

Kalgar may not have known Anna too well...but he'd be able to tell she was dead serious. "We'll wait here for medical support for you."
_________________________________________________________

Talraena looked over the battlefeeds and stood.

"Looks as though there was a reason for me to come. If I'm not back in...say an hour, send in the heavy artillery, will you, Conrad?"

With that, she exited the Thunderhawk and walked into the third building, headed toward the pocket of resistance.

"Send out your leader, I would negotiate your surrender with him."

Kalgar went back down, he didn't have the strength to protest. He even allowed himself to drift off to sleep, something that he had never done in the open, let alone in the company of someone besides Conrad or Lysander.

Back at the Thunderhawk, Conrad barely had a moment to bid Talraena good luck before she made her way to the pocket of resistance. The commander of the remaining enemy units climbed warily down the stairs, stopping about halfway. The man was of a large build wearing an out of date infantry uniform. He had several scars and an eye patch on his face and his hair was half gray and half black.

"What is it that you want?" the man asked in a tired, but stern, voice.

Anna sighed, lifting his head gently and settling it softly in her lap.

"Glider...go tell Conrad we need some medical support over here. I'll stay here with him and keep an eye on his vitals."

Her glider -- so named when maybe a handful of Kaymirilians only spoke the Common language for intellectual reasons -- sped off back toward 'base,' and the Valsharess looked back down at the human whose head was cradled in her lap, gently stroking some of the hair out of his face.

"Why...are you such a hard human to understand?"
_________________________________________________________

Talraena set up a table and two chairs, taking the slightly higher one for herself.

"Your side has lost. The battle is over. I am here to negotiate your surrender, and we only have forty-five minutes before Captain Lysander and his team arrive to wipe you all out. I am willing to listen to your reasons you do not wish to surrender before I tell you why you should, so if you would begin..."

The rebel commander sat down cautiously and faced the Drow. When did Gronde resort to using foreigners to negotiate surrenders?

"It doesn't matter," the commander replied frankly. "If we surrender, we are just as dead as if we fought to the death with honor."

"Not so. If you were just hired guns without a clue what you were doing, then instead of a direct execution, you and your men might find an alternative. As it is, even if you all fought to the death, you would merely be traitors to your nation and leader. It would not be an honorable death."

The man thought for a moment. In reality, he really didn't hold much loyalty to the nation or its leader...but saying so might ruin any chance of coming out alive. He still wasn't satisfied yet, though.

"How can I be sure that I can trust you?"


Meanwhile, a team of medics arrived to aid kalgar.

"I'd give you a complete list of my acheivements and all...but we're running short on time for that. I'll simply say this: if you don't trust me, you will all die. If you do trust me, some of your men might stand a chance at living. It will be a changed style of living, but it will be better than dying in some hole for reasons that aren't nearly good enough to merit such a death."

The man nodded grimly. "I suppose that I don't have much choice, then?" There was little else he could do, so he returned to his men and told them what they needed to do.

Hope is a wonderful tool...

Tal waited so she could exit the building with the remnants of the rebel army.

Lysander watched Talraena exit the building followed by the remaining enemies, all unarmed. He turned to Conrad.

"It's a good thing that she's on our side," said the Captain. "Lest she talks us into slitting out own throats..." Conrad laughed.

"So you are saying that you would do so if she told you to?" the advisor asked. Lysander grumbled.

***

The medics tended to Kalgar's wounds and moved him to a medical ship that was hovering nearby.

The Ambassador went back to the Thunderhawk, letting the military handle the rest of this. "Basically, our terms were they get a hearing and you think about not killing some of the ones that would be good for cannon fodder later."
_______________________________________________________________

The Valsharess sighed, standing up and teleporting back. It had been a long couple of hours.

A few hours went by and everything was going back to normal. The remaining enemies were taken into custody where they would be dealt with later. Wounded we being taken care of. Kalgar was back in the medical center. He had been awake for a little while and Conrad had just left him.

Talraena was working on moving into her Embassy...there were things to organize yet, though, so it would be a little while before she was ready.

In the mean time, Rildorath and Haldosir were preparing for the return to Kaymiril, but they'd wait until the Valsharess was ready.

She herself went in to check on Kalgar.

Kalgar was sitting up in his bed and looking over some papers when Anna arrived. He turned to her and smiled, setting the papers to the side.

"Hello again. We seem to be making a habit out of meeting this way."

"Only because you're making it a habit of getting yourself hurt."

She came in and sat down.

"Feeling better?"

"I am now," Kalgar replied with a chuckle. "Just don't tell Conrad I said that. He'd never forgive me for using such a cheesy line."

"And why would you need to resort to a 'cheesy' line when you've already been forward enough to take a kiss?"

"Hey...cut me some slack. I still have a fairly large hole in my torso."

"Yes...in place of the one that should have been in mine. For that I'd like to thank you...and ask you why?"

To keep her hands busy while he spoke, she brought out two packets of herbs, a vial of some liquid, and a bowl and mixer, beginning to mix something.

Kalgar shifted slightly, straightening his sitting postion. "Well, there were several reasons," the Lord and Master replied. "Logically speaking, I knew the sniper was aiming for you, therefor hitting me instead would likely alter his plan, not to mention the fact that I knew I was more likely to survive the shot. Granted, I think we both know that logic only played a very small role."

"At the time, it didn't seem so."

She mixed whatever was in the bowl before handing it to him.

"Here, drink this. It's bitter, and your wound will be a torment unequal to any other you've ever experienced for a few moments, but it should be completely healed within half a day."

Kalgar looked up at Anna again. "I guess what I mean to say is, I just didn't want to lose you," he said at last. "I don't know what it is that has made me care so much for a foreign leader that I barely know, hailing from a world that I know even less." With that, the lord and master took the bowl and drank its contents.

"Nind telanth naut ulu wa'tani xuil ap'za. Translated...they say not to argue with fate. But fate is also a matter of choice, at some junctions."

She stood. "The pain will begin shortly. I will leave you now and return in an hour."

She leaned forward a little, touching Kalgar's weathered cheek gently, before leaving him to endure his pain privately.

Kalgar watched her go and proceeded to endure the pain that her mixture caused. He wasn't quite sure why he drank it, his space marine abilities would leave the wound healed in about a day anyway. All in all, it wasn't unbarable; he'd dealt with worse before. With that, he drifted off to sleep for a while.

She returned promptly in an hour, and was mildly surprised to find him awake.

"How does it feel?"

"Oh... like someone rammed a burning blender into my chest," Kalgar replied, smiling slightly. "Hopefully your strange potion combined with my space marine healing abilities will see this wound closed up soon."

"It should. It already looks better...and if it feels like a burning blender now, it means the pain is beginning to subside. Within an hour or so it should just feel like you've been stabbed by a dull blade."

It was said with a smile, to lighten the tone, and she retook her seat at the Lord-and-Master's side.

Kalgar laughed softly...quickly realizing that laughing brought the pain level up to "just got run over by a tank." He reached out with his left arm and brought her gently over to him.

She could have reprimanded him for a number of things...touching her when they barely knew each other, lifting her when he was injured as he was...but he picked her up so gently, and the movement seemed so natural...and so natural to continue. So as he set her down right by him, she leaned in, just a little, bringing her lips once more to his.

The kiss, though unexpected, was not unwelcome. He allowed it to linger for a few moments, taking advantage of the fact that it would not be interrupted by a random sniper this time. When their lips parted, he held her close to him. After a moment, he murmured softly into her hair. "Hmm...I think the pain has subdued down to 'thousands of burning needles' now..."

"Smart aleck."

Kalgar grinned. Good old Drow hearing...
"I think I'll be quiet now," said Kalgar before kissing her forehead and closing his eyes.

She smiled slightly.

"Content, or just in pain?"

"Both, Anna. Both," Kalgar replied with a barely audible chuckle, his eyes still closed.

"Both is a sufficiently functional response."

"If it makes you feel any better, I am marginally more content than I am in pain."

"Should it? That swiftly-closing hole in your chest was meant to be a hole in my head...whether you are in pain or you are content, or how much you feel of either is entirely up to you."

Kalgar's eyes opened, their dark green centers looking into her blue ones.

"This wound isn't you fault," he said softly. "You didn't pull me in the way of the shot, I took it willingly." He paused. "It's a trade that I would make again without hesitation."

"It isn't a trade I would ever ask of you or anyone."

Her death would have caused political chaos in Kaymiril, but for his nation to experience political turmoil because of her unwillingness to stay out of affairs that technically didn't concern her would have possibly been the worst outcome for her.

Kalgar smiled and ran his hand gently across her face. "I know," he said. "It's one of the things that I love about you."

She smiled. "And to think...we've only just met."
______________________________________________________________

Tal was in her temporary chambers...she was already all but moved onto the estate adjoining the embassy, and she was finishing what texts she could before she finished moving.

It was a trying time. Her bodyguards -- (slightly) ceremonial as they were -- were both dead, and had to be sent back to their tribe for their funerals, and she had to bring their older two cubs -- yearling males -- there, as well as take care of the two infants.

Then there were texts to read, customs to learn, maps to memorize, and last minute worries that were crowding her.

Talraena d' Kestal was quickly becoming irritable.

With things settling back down, Lysander took to his regular routine of walking various corridoors through the fortress and keeping the staff in check. Everything seemed to be in order for once. With his primary duties taken care of for the time being, he set out on more secondary tasks. Taking an indirect rout, the Captain reached the new Ambassador's temporary chambers.

"Enter."

The Ambassador's voice held a slight edge...a warning to the wise, her brothers said. And a harbinger of death to fools.

The Space Marine entered cautiously. The Ambassador's voice sent him more on edge than the bulk of flesh eating alien's he's come face to face with. (At least he could just shoot those)

"Good afternoon. I would like to commend your fine performance in negotiating the enemy surrender, it was quite a display," said the Captain. He paused for a moment to collect himself, as if in fear that he was making a fool of himself...his fears were likely well founded. "Anyway, I didn't stop by just to compliment you. I have something that may prove useful." Lysander produced a sleek, palm sized computer. "This machine contains a detailed map of the entire city. Normally, when such devices are used by space marines, the data is fed directly to the brain through neural uplinks. However, since I doubt that you'd want me ramming this into your skull, I requisitioned one than can project a holographic of the city, as well as more detailed maps of every district. It also marks your current location."

She reached out to take the small computer/map.

"Thank you, Captain. This will prove most useful. Was there anything else you wanted, while you are here?"

She was stressed, and maybe a little irritated at the interruption, but the Captain had gone out of his way to do her a kindness, and until and unless he stepped beyon his bounds, he deserved her courtesy.

"Well, if there is anything else I could assist you with, I would be honored," replied Lysander, smiling slightly. "Things seem to be more orderly than usual and I really don't have anything more important to do anyways."

"I thank you for the offer, but I prefer to organize things like this myself. It saves me some anguish later."

"Very well. Quite understandable," said Lysander as he began for the door. "Let us know when you are ready. I will be escorting you to the embassy, as to Kalgar's orders. He likes to make sure that I'm kept occupied when I'm not off shooting aliens and the like. In the mean time...I think I will try to figure where Snikkit ran off to. We've had quite enough explosions lately."

"Very well. I will seek you out when I'm prepared to leave. And good luck with finding that rodent...I think I prefer the non-sentient kind."

Conrad's Blog:

What a week!
Current Mood: Contemplative. ;)
Category: Life

Wow, what a week it has been. Actually, it's only been a couple days, but it most certainly felt like an entire week. So where should I begin?

It started when Lord and Master Kalgar, the man whom I am charged to advise in all things, arrived home with two guests from a foreign world. Two rather impressive Drow women, to be specific. It was actually nice. They were certainly better guests than some of the drooling aliens that the Lord and Master has brought here.

Everything seemed normal until the citadel was attacked by a bloodthirsty Cyborg assassin. Two of our guest's bodyguard were killed in the fight, along with several Space Marines. Kalgar took quite a beating himself. Fortunately, if there's anything I can credit that man with, it's that he always gets back up. His other guest, the Valsharess (queen) of her nation, and he planned a counter-attack. Long story short, there were plenty of explosions but the Cyborg was slain.

Speaking of explosions, Snikkit seems to have vanished since Mercarius blew his way out of the Citadel. It's a strange phenomenon, but I think I have formulated a theory: Snikkit must have some sense of the balance of chaos, destruction, and order...etc... When Mercarius (the Cyborg I mentioned before) showed up, the balance shifted sharply to the destructive and chaotic side, meaning that Snikkit's "services" were no longer needed for the time being. I'm sure he'll pop up with a home-made exploding toaster soon enough.

To my amusement, I passed Kalgar and the Valsharess cuddling in the medical center. They didn't see me, as usual. This turn of events, unlike everything else, did not come as a supprise to me. Even Captain Lysander saw it coming! All in all, though, I have to say that those two make a very cute, albeit, a rather mismatched couple.

Now, speaking of mismatched couple...what in the seven planes of Hell is going on between our Captain and the new ambassador?! That woman gives him more crap than a Tyranid digestion pit...(figuratively, of course) Yet the poor boy keeps going back for more. He must be a masochist or something. I'll bug him about it later.

Well, I think that's everything. I need to be signing off now so that I can see Kalgar's guest off. It's a shame to see such a polite guest leave, but I am sure that the Lord and Master will be much more unhappy her go than I.

Good night!

~Conrad.

It was true. The Valsharess was leaving.

She'd stayed just long enough for Kalgar to get back on his feet after the attack before heading back to Kaymiril. She had other responsibilities, not to mention a daughter who wasn't even old enough for knowledge of her life to be revealed to the general public...or even most Noble Houses. That the d' Kestals alone knew (officially) was a circumstance that had never before happened.

Two days after the attack, all was in readiness, and the Valsharess bid her cousin goodbye, bidding her to report weekly, about anything, and receiving the Ambassador's promise of frequent communication.

Finally, it was time to depart, and Kaymiril VII was to board her departing shuttle on her way to her Flagship momentarily.

Both Kalgar and Conrad were present to see the Valsharess off. Captain Lysander was also there, having given up on finding Snikkit for the time being. Conrad was the first to bid the Valsharess fairwell.

"It has been wonderful hosting you in the citadel," said the Advisor with a bow. "Come back and visit anytime; you are one of the best guests we've had in a long time."

"I'd be more than happy to visit, or to host the Lord-and-Master and some of his staff again at some point. Until then, bwael al."

Be well.

Conrad stepped aside and bid a simple goodbye to Haldosir and Rildorath. Kalgar stepped forward afterwards. He bid a silent goodbye in the form of a kiss, partially just to mess with Lysander...not that kissing one such as Anna needed any other reason.

The kiss was brief, but she smiled at the end of it.

"Let me know when you wish to visit again. Until then...don't let any more insane cyborgs into the Citadel."

With that said, she stepped into the shuttle, followed by her guards. They got clearence to depart, and the shuttle lifted smoothly into the atmosphere.

Kalgar watched the shuttle depart, waiting for it to vanish from view before returning to his room. Lysander's eyes went wide at the kiss, but he composed himself as quickly as was possible. No display was put on such as what was provided when Kalgar left Kaymiril. Passing the orbital platforms would be more than enough, especially for a first time visitor.

The Flagship opened its bay to welcome its Valsharess back, and began its journey back home.

With the shuttle out of site, the three returned to their duties at the Citadel. For Kalgar, that meant catching up on his papers. For Lysander, that meant to keep the guards organized and find Snikkit. For Conrad, it meant to bother Lysander some more.

As the Captain patrolled the halls, searching for the rodent of explosions, Conrad popped up.

"Good evening." The advisor wore his usual devious grin. Lysander jumped slightly.

"Good lord, Conrad. Do you always have to do that?" The advisor laughed.

"Only when I'm bored," Conrad replied. "So...I hear you are escorting the ambassador to her embassy when she is prepared."

"You hear correctly, Conrad."

"I'm suprised that you didn't request the job."

"Why would I do that?" asked Lysander, with insincere confusion. "I have enough work to do already."

"Come now, Lysander...who do you think you are talking to? I've been watching you. You've been going out of your way to talk to the ambassador, so matter how much crap she gives you." Lysander gave a weary and frustrated sigh.

"What are you getting at?"

"Well," the aging advisor began, "you are either a masochist, or you really do have a thing for the ambassador."

"Stop being a fool," said the Captain, irritated. "You make too many assumptions."

"I only make conclusions based on what I observe," countered Conrad cooly.

"I only do what I'm ordered to do, Conrad," Lysander snorted. "I can't even stand the sight of that witch!" With that, Lysander stormed off, feeling a bit stupid. But he just wanted Conrad to leave him alone.

Talraena had been seeking out Lysander at that moment as she was ready to leave, and having heard his voice, went in that direction.

Unfortunately for the Captain, the only thing she heard clearly was "I can't stand the sight of that witch!"

She stopped, hearing him stomp off in the other direction, and stood erect, before turning and heading back to her chambers. Everything was in readiness to leave, she just had to get the Roharanhan cubs and start out.

If he couldn't stand the sight of her, then he wouldn't escort her.

A show of muscle was pointless...even a d' Kestal could take care of herself.

She went down to the transport and ordered its immediate departure. "Something came up and the Captain couldn't make it," she explained to the driver, "so we will go to the Embassy without him."

Lysander walked around for a few minutes and then remembered that he had been ordered to escort the ambassador, and it should have been about that time. He checked her room; she wasn't there and all of her belongings were gone. He asked one of the sentries in that hallway and was informed that she left to look for him about 25 minutes ago. Slowly, the captain put the pieces together and realized what had happened. The Captain was sulking away when Conrad popped up.

"Didn't kalgar order you to escort the ambassador to the embassy?" asked the advisor. Conrad nodded in response and Conrad spoke again. "Then why aren't you doing so?"

"Apparently, because she hates me," the captain replied, his voice holding a cynical edge.

"I see..." replied Conrad. "I think you should go and make sure she made it to the embassy intact."

"But why--" asked Lysander before being cut off.

"Go to the embassy and make sure that everything is in order." Lysander understood what the advisor meant this time, and departed to make his own way to the embassy.

Lysander would find the Ambassador's staff bustling to complete the final arrangements.

It was a sensible plan, and the staff were efficient at their respective tasks. The Ambassador herself would be starting the first official work her job offered. And more likely than not, it would be a lot.

The Space marine made his way to the embassy. For once, he wasn't wearing any power armor, only a very light carapace that barely even looked like armor. He arrived in good time, displayed his security clearance, entered, and knocked on the ambassador's door.

There were many little interruptions to be expected the first few days, mostly by staff.

"Enter," was heard through the door, as the ambassador continued her work.

With that, Lysander opened the doors and walked in, preparing to speak.

A growl sounded from a few meters away, and the male cub launched himself at Lysander, scratching and snapping at his ankles viciously.

The ambassador glanced up at the sound, and her eyes narrowed.

"Captain, I can see no business here for you, nor can I understand any desire to be in the same building, much less room, as a 'witch' whom you cannot 'even stand the sight of.' I spared you the trouble, so spare yourself the trouble and leave now."

Lysander didn't have a chance to reply at first. The little ball of fuzz proceeded to climb his leg and attack his face. The Space Marine took a few steps back, not realizing that he was walking right into a chair. He tripped and hit the floor with a satisfying thud.

"It was--OW--a misunderstanding!" said the Captain as he pulled the cat away from his face and attempted to restrain its paws. "and I came to apologize."

The little fuzzball yowled as he was restrained, and bit down on the Space Marine's finger.

The female, hearing the excitement, went over and started batting at the Space Marine's face also.

"Somewhat difficult to misunderstand, having heard you yell it loud enough for the whole city to hear clearly."

She sat back down.

"I ask you to leave the building only once more, Captain, and then I will summon security to escort you out."

Lysander grabbed the female by the scruff of her neck and got back on his feet. The male's bite hurt, but not too badly.

"Please, listen. I'm sorry. OW!" The male sunk his teeth into the marine's thumb. "If you insist that I leave, then fine. But could you at least give me a chance to explain myself."

"You have two minutes, Captain, and two only."

There was hostility in her tone...only very thinly veiled.

Lysander placed the two cubs on the chair he had just tripped over and turned back to Talraena. The captain quickly found himself in a more unsettling position than he'd dealt with when face to face with huge drooling aliens.

"I didn't mean what I said...I just said it to get Conrad off of me and--" Lysander paused and realized that the way he was going was not going to cut it. "Ok, screw it. I shouldn't be making excuses; there is no excuse for what I said. It was rude and thoughtless..." The Captain paused one last time. "...and very inaccurate. And I apologize for saying it."

"You've said your piece, and I bid you good day, Captain."

It was an obvious dismissal, and the male cub was still snarling and bristling.

Lysander sighed and bowed. "Have a pleasant evening, ambassador." The captain turned and left.

The female cub returned to Talraena, while the male continued to make threatening noises at the door.

Lysander made his way back to the citadel and sulked around for a while. He had hoped the ambassador to be slightly more reasonable. He passed by Kalgar and Conrad. His uncharacteristic quietness bought him ackward glances from both of them.

The female cub looked at Talreana.

"Krrrrow?"

"I wouldn't worry about it, Asari. He was probably only here to apologize because he was ordered to. Any semblence of sincerity was caused by your brother's attack...some apologies work to get an ambassador to call off her guards. And he was so rough with you...I doubt we'll see him back, unless the Lord-and-Master pays us a visit."

IC: No, apparently the berating Lysander suffered at her hands was simply not enough. The space marine captain must’ve killed 28 Buddhas in a previous life to get the bad luck he seems to get.

And now those vengeful fates threw Snikkit at him once again…

Strolling down the corridor Snikkit was alone and missing the butt-plug of a deathvermin. Oddly enough he was also lacking his navigations officer and some handcrafted explosive device.

He slowed for a second next to Lysander before snapping a swift salute and comment before passing on,

“Good to see you Captain Lysander”

Probably just too much time away from Plank, or the disruption of the chaos-balance is still not level yet, or maybe Lysander finally paid his titanic jinx-debt?

Lysander looked at Snikkit quizically. Ok, what is he up to?

"Er...ok. Good to see you too?"

IC: He smiled slightly while half turning so he could still speak directly to Lysander.

“Couldn’t be better today! Well unless I found all that ‘lost gold’ from the early wars”

He winked and breezed on down another of the twisting corridors…

The Space Marine just sighed and allowed Snikkit to wander away. He wasn't in the mood to play games with a sentient rat.

Meanwhile, Conrad set off into the vast city to pay a visit to the new embassy. The aging advisor looked far less out of place than Lysander had as he entered the building. He flashed his clearance card and knocked at Talraena's office door.

"Enter."

There was a weary tone to the Ambassador's voice, as if the day had already been far too long and would only get longer before the day was finally over.

The gray haired man entered the room quietly, carrying a small try with tea.

"Ah, Ambassador Talraena," said Conrad pleasantly. "You are already working too hard. I stopped by to make sure that everything was going well. You appear that you could use a break anyway."

"Please, Advisor Conrad, have a seat. And the first week or so of setting up an embassy is somewhat difficult, so your concern is appreciated, but unfounded."

The young Roharanhan cubs likely would have given Conrad the same greeting as they had Lysander, but they were both asleep, curled up together with their heads on each others' backs.

Conrad poured two cups of tea and tooks his seat. He spotted the two cubs and scatched them behind the ears.

"So you're taking those two in, then?"

The male batted briefly at Conrad's hand, and the female didn't stir.

"It's really the least I can do. I'm also sending for their older brothers. If I didn't take them in, they'd be sentenced to wandering their native deserts, trying to survive...none this young have survived. Davarda and Nokataa deserved better than their fate...so I'll give thier children the best fate I can."

"Playful little guy," Conrad laughed, petting the male under the chin. "It's good to see that you made it here well enough on your own. Did Captain Lysander stop in? He left a while ago and Kalgar and I haven't seen him around yet."

"He was here for a few minutes."

Her tone was cooly neutral, but her ears twitched back, just a little bit...a sign to the observant that even his name irritated her.