NationStates Jolt Archive

San Diego, California, Earth SSR

Jack Cortes, head of the Commissariat for National Defense, looked at the reports coming in over the JRCCC's feeds. The Communications Center had comms feeds from all over the Workers State, as well as from commanders abroad (although these were made intermittent, with a myriad array of challenge words, passwords and Q&A things to block incoming enemies). As such, they knew about most of the business that was occuring in their military's activities.

However, one came into sharp focus. This happened to be at New Munich, the capital of the Reformed CIS. There, the commander of Dornalian forces, Admiral Shoemaker, was patching in reports every few hours or so. It seemed that for the moment, the enemy was beginning its attack, and orbital bombardment was being deployed against them.

However, a curious factor had appeared in the mix. Shoemaker, in his report so far, indicated the presence of new Abh troops guarding what seemed to be the highway leading to New Munich. Grainy photos from orbit and the ground were sent, and their appearance was, needless to say, interesting. Jack Cortes looked at the photos, smiled, and then wandered over to the JRCCC Databanks. Browsing through them, these troops were compared to Space Marines, as used by a myriad of nations, both in their good form, such as the Huntarian Alliance, and by their dark form, the Chaos Marines used by the Chronosians. But how did the Abh develop Marines so quickly?

Cortes was reminded of the project New Dornalia once did to make Space Marines. Red Dragon. An old attempt to create Space Marines, the attempt was largely an expensive failure, creating supersoldiers that were too overly specialized with their regiments ultimately disbanded and dispersed among Marine Commando and Army SpecOps units. However, the Dornalians still had plenty of Marine materials; geneseed, the necessary specialized organs needed to make Space Marines and appropriate surgical equipment and data and materials, etc. Thus, Cortes then sent a message to the Abh. An inquiring one, and one they hopefully weren't too offended at.

"Dear Esteemed Colleagues--

We notice you are using some new, specialized infantry units that may or may not be similar to the legendary Space Marines. If interested, we have materials from our own attempt to make Space Marines that may prove useful in your endeavors.

Sincerely,

Jack Cortes
Commissar of National Defense
WSND"

"Your majesty, we have received a message from the Dornalians. I believe you should take a look at it."

Emperor Debuesec grabbed the glass pad as it was handed to him and set the image alight. Flowing through the air was the translated version of the message sent to them concerning the new Imperial Marines. "It would appear that Imperial Admiral Gaf'ton's work is receiving some appreciation. Perhaps I will keep that bit of news from him. No need to allow that Abriel's pride to soar even higher."

The attendant at waiting quietly bowed his head. "Highness?"

"Yes very well. Inform the Dornalians that we will be interested in seeing the materials they have to offer us. Give them permission to enter the Delmaav System and inform the garrison forces there to be prepared to lower all FTLi in the area for allied entrance. It will be raised one minute after they enter the system."

"Right away your Majesty."

Your proposal does indeed interest us and we would be pleased to see what materials you might have that could be of use to us. The Delmaav System will suffice for any transactions that you wish to make and it will be secure from prying eyes. We look forward to the encounter.

The Abh Empire~

IC:

The response was picked up in Los Angeles, and before long, a lone small ship was sent to the Delmaav System. It was a civilian vessel, and onboard were some of the Marine materials, along with a couple of subjects, one from the former "Sons of the Acolytes" division and another from the kung fu division.

Besides all of these things, which were stored in sealed, climate controlled containers guarded tight for safety, there was one eccentric scientist aboard. Clutching her hands to her chest, wandering about with her head down and wearing a disheveled sundress, with disheveled black hair, she was accompanied by a young man, presumably her assistant.

The woman then mumbled in Argentine Spanish, "Ahhh....Eeedeeelmiiiira dosen't want to be here! Edelmira doesn't want to be here!" as she flailed about, mumbling the words "No desea" over and over again incoherently. The assistant simply sighed, and held Edelmira's hand, saying, "Edelmira, calm yourself. You're going to meet some nice people. You know about that Marine project? Well, these nice people want to know what we created; you're one of our top experts on the subject and therefore you have to come--"

Edelmira then snapped back, like a spoiled child, "NO! Not until Edelmira gets into her happy place! Edelmira needs her happy place!" Glaring at the assistant, Edelmira stuck her tongue out and pouted like a little kid. Who knew that Dr. Edelmira Tennenbaum, one of the most brilliant scientists out there, could be such a brat?

The assistant sighed, and simply said, "Right. When we meet the Abh, you will get your happy place."

As the two debated, the ship approached Delmaav, and the Dornalians gave the appropriate signals for entry.

Alerts about the arriving Dornalian ship had already been received ahead of time so they were allowed into the system promptly. The Delmaav System was basically uninhabited thus making it the hive for Abh scientific experiments and testing grounds for ships. Aside from an orbital station around the second planet which housed workers mining the gas giant, there was no one else.

Well at least not apparent anyways. This was the original construction point of the Third Space gates so the very first artifact floated in the system as an instant link to the rest of the Empire. There was still some debris from the fight that had ensued after opening the gate as not all of it had been cataloged for study. There was also the occassional burnt husks of material from testing weapons systems aboard ships or testing experimental engines, drives, and power cores.

There was however one other thing on a moon orbiting around the furthest planet of the system. Burried deep beneath the surface as a research laboratory that held the birth ground for the construction of the Abh Clone troopers. The original work on their genetic makeup had been done at the capitol of Lakfkallae but it was here that the army had been born. With little threat of attacks looming at their borders, the Abh had allowed the facility to slow in its production of clone troops.

This was the destination of the Dornalian vessel as a timed beeping signal was sent directly to the ship only guiding it towards the moon. Once it was closer, great metalic doors under the moon's crest began to slide open which was large enough for a decent size shuttle to traverse.

The civilian vessel held an orbit of sorts around the moon, following the Abh beeping signal to the facility. All the while, Edelmira's assistant, Juan, was busy prepping Edelmira for her presentation. She was quite a bother to get cleaned, her hair had to be combed, she needed a new set of clothes....goddamn.....

Juan sighed, as the commander of the mission, General Graves walked up to Juan. Juan turned to the General and gave him a glare simply replying, "Not yet. Edelmira has to be ready."

Graves folded his arms, and curtly replied, "Well, make it quick; your charge has to get on the fucking shuttle along with the equipment. And for God's sakes. Does she need to stand in that paraffin wax tub?"

Juan did a facepalm manuever, and simply replied, "You know that General. If she's not in her happy place, she won't give the presentation." At that point, General Graves replied, gritting his teeth, "Fine. Just--get her over to the shuttle with the personnel in it. There will be another with the materials."

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

The two Gagarin II shuttles, one containing the personnel and the other containing the materials traversed through the metallic doors that opened.

Great metalic doors slammed shut behind the shuttles and the moon's surface returned to appearing rocky and undisturbed as pressure and atmosphere were returned to the inside. Once enough oxygen had been pumped back into the room and the seals appeared to be stable, a number of pressurized doors opened up at the far end of the hangar. A number of people filed out to greet the new arrivals.

Some were military by their uniform styles and others were scientists. Two Abh appeared to be leading the group, one scientist and one soldier, as the procession stopped and lined up on either side facing each other. The scientist and officer simply stood staring at the shuttles waiting for the cargo to depart.

"So what do you think we can expect from this?"

The Abh scientist merely shrugged at the female officers inquery. "Most likely two or three Dornalian scientists and a couple of their aides. Possible that even some military personnel have come along to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Otherwise I am sure it will be what is common when dealing with the Dornalians. The scientists will be professional and able to help us progress."

Great metalic doors slammed shut behind the shuttles and the moon's surface returned to appearing rocky and undisturbed as pressure and atmosphere were returned to the inside. Once enough oxygen had been pumped back into the room and the seals appeared to be stable, a number of pressurized doors opened up at the far end of the hangar. A number of people filed out to greet the new arrivals.

Some were military by their uniform styles and others were scientists. Two Abh appeared to be leading the group, one scientist and one soldier, as the procession stopped and lined up on either side facing each other. The scientist and officer simply stood staring at the shuttles waiting for the cargo to depart.

"So what do you think we can expect from this?"

The Abh scientist merely shrugged at the female officers inquery. "Most likely two or three Dornalian scientists and a couple of their aides. Possible that even some military personnel have come along to ensure that everything goes smoothly. Otherwise I am sure it will be what is common when dealing with the Dornalians. The scientists will be professional and able to help us progress."

The Abh were initially not going to be surprised much when the shuttles landed. A Dornalian Naval Marine commander, made distinct by his Tan and OD Green uniform, walked out to meet the Abh military men and women. He stopped, stood ramrod straight, and then saluted the assembled Abh. He then extended his hand, saying, "General Oliver Graves, People's Navy Marine Corps. I am in charge of the Dornalian military mission."

He then motioned to the other shuttles. Two giant men, both at least 7ft tall and in their Dress Uniforms, walked out of the shuttles along with hands and stevedores moving crates marked with Biohazard symbols and warnings in English, Cyrillic, and Spanish marked, "MOST SECRET!"

He then said, "Gentlemen, Ladies, those are the goods were bring today in those crates. We also bring Major Leonid Nemenkov and Lieutenant MacQuarrie of the Marine Commandos. They were products of our previous project."

Then, Graves winced. The Abh were about to get a surprise, and not a pleasant one. A woman with a strange looking overcoat covering a Navy uniform, head looking downwards at the ground mumbling to herself, stumbling slightly with a towel on her head, occasionally struggling with the young man who seemed to be her assistant, was walking towards the Abh. After some time, the woman wandered over to the place where General Graves stood. Graves grimly introduced her, saying, "Ladies, Gentlemen, this ragamuffin is Dr. Edelmira Tennenbaum, of the Autonomous University of Buenos Aires. She's New Dornalia's resident all-around genius. She's also, as you can see, somewhat eccentric. She is, however, one of the best people we have, and a veteran of the Red Dragon project."

The young man looked up, saying in English colored with an Argentine accent, "I am Dr. Tennenbaum's assistant, Javier Farrell Diaz. I apologize in advance for the Doctor's eccentricities. She was the victim of an unfortunate childhood accident; the medical assistance she recieved was an experimental procedure that produced unexpected effects."

Edelmira looked up at the Abh after being shaken by Javier gently, and surveyed them. She then said only, in Argentine Spanish, holding her hands to her face like a scared child, "Edelmira...wonders why these people are blue?! WHY ARE THEY BLUE!? EDELMIRA MUST KNOW!"

Javier then shushed her, and said, replying in Spanish also, "Calm yourself, Edelmira..."

Graves just frowned, and facepalmed.

The Abh studied the contents as it passed them by assuming that it contained the genetic material for breeding a superior specimen. Every Abh in the room snapped a salute in greetings back to Graves as he introduced himself. Then all heads turned to see the ragged figure that stumbled onto the ramp.

The female officer leaned over to the scientist and whispered in Baronh "This is the best the Dornalians have? No wonder the experiment was a failure..."

Give it some time. The gap between genious and insanity is paper thin. The are opposite sides of the same coin."

The Abh officer looked disdainfully at the man. "Well you should know."

Looking to Graves now, "I am Commander Lameila and I oversee this installation here. Beside is my Dr. Noline Bebaus of the Bebaus family. He will be the head researcher in this field and is also responsible for the same of the breakthroughs in the genetic reconstruction of some subjects. We'll escort you to some rooms to store your materials and any personal effects you might have then we can head down to the labs."

The Abh studied the contents as it passed them by assuming that it contained the genetic material for breeding a superior specimen. Every Abh in the room snapped a salute in greetings back to Graves as he introduced himself. Then all heads turned to see the ragged figure that stumbled onto the ramp.

The female officer leaned over to the scientist and whispered in Baronh "This is the best the Dornalians have? No wonder the experiment was a failure..."

Give it some time. The gap between genious and insanity is paper thin. The are opposite sides of the same coin."

The Abh officer looked disdainfully at the man. "Well you should know."

Looking to Graves now, "I am Commander Lameila and I oversee this installation here. Beside is my Dr. Noline Bebaus of the Bebaus family. He will be the head researcher in this field and is also responsible for the same of the breakthroughs in the genetic reconstruction of some subjects. We'll escort you to some rooms to store your materials and any personal effects you might have then we can head down to the labs."

Graves nodded in acknowledgement of Lameila's declaration, and then motioned for the crews--as well as Edelmira and Javier--to follow him to the rooms, saying in a loud voice, "You heard the lady. Let's go!"

As they followed the Abh to the storage areas, the workers carrying the goods via antigrav cart, Graves took Javier by the arm and whispered in his ear rather angrily, "Mr. Farrell. You will contain your charge. I will not have her embarass me in front of our allies. Comprende?"

Javier then nodded, and then they arrived at the Storage Rooms. Placing their personal effects and the Marine Making Materials in the Rooms, Graves and company proceeded to the labs.

As this occurred, Edelmira mumbled to herself, "Edelmira's not a bother...Edelmira's not a bother...Edelmira's a good girl, who needs her happy place." She then turned to Javier and looked at him with pleading eyes, like a scared child, asking him, "Javier, when will I get to be in my happy place? These blue-haired people are scary."

Javier then said, in a comforting voice, "Edelmira, you will be in your happy place in time. Okay? I need you to be good. These people are our friends, Edelmira. They will not hurt you. They seem mean, but they're not. They're just focused on the project you helped do. They are focused on business."

Edelmira nodded and said, "Oh! You mean the project with the soldiers?" Javier nodded and said, "Yes. They have soldiers too. But they can't benefit from our knowledge--your knowledge--and eventually help us if you don't behave. So behave, okay?" Edelmira nodded, and said, "Okay, Javier. I will."

Javier then patted Edelmira on the shoulders, and then ran off and pulled out a quick-heat tube of "Beauty Haus Hot Wax." Several of them in fact. He then pulled out a small plastic tub, not unlike one used for washing dishes. He smiled. Javier would need these things in time. Graves then coughed, and then Javier quickly packed up his things, grabbed Edelmira by the hand, and then ran to the lab.

The Abh company headed back the way they came as the pressurized doors opened up before them. The halls catacombed the inside of the moon's core as metalic halls stretched for a great time. There was even an intense battle training ground for full grown soldiers down in the depths. But for now the company would remain on the upper levels.

Eventually the workers and other followers broke off to their own stations or quarters leaving Noline and Lameila to guide the Dornalians the rest of the way. On their left, a series of doors opened up to reveal spartan living quarters that would do for the Dornalian group. There were enough beds, desks to work at, and showers to make sure everyone was comfortable during their stay. Otherwise there was not much else to see aside from the standard Abh painting decorations dotting the walls here and there. Most depicting landscapes from far worlds.

"Hopefully these quarters will be to your liking. If you will stow your belongings, we will lead you to the labs where much of the genetic engineering work is at."

The Abh company headed back the way they came as the pressurized doors opened up before them. The halls catacombed the inside of the moon's core as metalic halls stretched for a great time. There was even an intense battle training ground for full grown soldiers down in the depths. But for now the company would remain on the upper levels.

Eventually the workers and other followers broke off to their own stations or quarters leaving Noline and Lameila to guide the Dornalians the rest of the way. On their left, a series of doors opened up to reveal spartan living quarters that would do for the Dornalian group. There were enough beds, desks to work at, and showers to make sure everyone was comfortable during their stay. Otherwise there was not much else to see aside from the standard Abh painting decorations dotting the walls here and there. Most depicting landscapes from far worlds.

"Hopefully these quarters will be to your liking. If you will stow your belongings, we will lead you to the labs where much of the genetic engineering work is at."

General Graves and the team looked into the rooms and acknowledged Lameilia's words with a nod. Stepping in and examining his room, Graves smiled and said, "Reminds me of my old officer's quarters. They'll do nicely for now." He didn't the accomidations so much, obviously. He then put the rest of his belongings onto the bed, and his men did the same, quickly stowing their belongings in their rooms.

Javier and Edelmira did the same. Edelmira unzipped the pockets on her raggedy overcoat, revealing what looked like a worn out scrap of blue cloth, a bundle of index cards which were scribbled upon and held together by a fraying rubberband (and were quickly taken by Javier), some lint, what looked like some old napkins, and other odds and ends from her pockets. She then sat down on the bed, and looked about the room. Pointing to the Abh painting in it, Edelmira said, "Javier, looky! It's pretty, Javier!"

Javier, as he unzipped his backpack and satchel, taking out his toiletries and gear along with Edelmira's, saw Edelmira pointing to the painting. He only replied, "It's beautiful, Edelmira. But we can't get distracted. You need to present your presentation, yes? Get up." Edelmira then got up, and Javier handed her the index cards, then said, "Let's go. Don't drop them." Javier then picked up his backpack with the disks and the "happy place" items--hot wax and a tub--and moved with Edelmira to the labs, along with everyone else.

The path to the labs was down a few flights of stairs and pass a number of security checks with armed guards and encrypted key pads. Once they were through all that, then the Dornalians and Abh could venture into the lab section of the moon complex. As they entered the central room they could see a number of Abh artificial wombs to incubate embryos before it was ready to be introduced into classification files of the main facility.

At the end of the lab was a great machine that contained varying sizes and shapes of glass tubes. Presumably where the infants would be stored during their growth cycles and before they were ready to begin their training as Abh soldiers. All of them were empty as the facility was not currently being used.

Still, that did not mean there was no research being conducted in the labs. There was plenty of instruments available that were used for genetic alteration and reprograming. A scientist simply needed to find it.

Noline smiled with pride as they entered the lab. "Welcome ladies and gentlemen. I hope you will find this laboratory to your satisfaction during your stay."

The path to the labs was down a few flights of stairs and pass a number of security checks with armed guards and encrypted key pads. Once they were through all that, then the Dornalians and Abh could venture into the lab section of the moon complex. As they entered the central room they could see a number of Abh artificial wombs to incubate embryos before it was ready to be introduced into classification files of the main facility.

At the end of the lab was a great machine that contained varying sizes and shapes of glass tubes. Presumably where the infants would be stored during their growth cycles and before they were ready to begin their training as Abh soldiers. All of them were empty as the facility was not currently being used.

Still, that did not mean there was no research being conducted in the labs. There was plenty of instruments available that were used for genetic alteration and reprograming. A scientist simply needed to find it.

Noline smiled with pride as they entered the lab. "Welcome ladies and gentlemen. I hope you will find this laboratory to your satisfaction during your stay."

Graves examined the large number of genetic engineering equipment. True to rumor, true to form, the Abh possessed keen examples of the technology that made Dornalian genetic experimentation seem crude. Tubes of all shapes and sizes, in vitro....an entire forest. The others marveled at the width and breadth of it all. Edelmira found the place spooky, going close to Javier.

Similar such tubes were used in the genetic modification process of Red Dragon, though they used live human inductees, similar to the more orthodox Space Marine production process, and not clones. Indeed, they had been more like Coredian Bacta tanks, their tubes. Graves then said, nodding, "This will be to our satisfaction. Right, Dr. Tennenbaum?"

He then turned, and Javier then said, "One moment." He then did something the Abh would find strange. Javier pulled out a small plastic tub, and a tube of hot wax. Breaking the tube, he poured out the contents into the tub, filling it up. Javier then motioned for Edelmira to get into the tub, and she nodded, taking off her shoes and stepping in.

Edelmira then would seem to undergo a transformation. She lost her childlike demeanor, and then grew a fierce expression that echoed with focus. She took off the raggedy overcoat, handing it to Javier. The Navy uniform underneath was for the most part, pristine, with some spots here and there. Checking her uniform, she straightened out her tie and her hair with a comb and cleaned up with a handkerchief.

Then, the newly changed Edelmira said, in English that was in a perfect Virginian accent, "Why General. It is. Not a bad facility. I'm not used to using clones; the procedure I was taught to use involved human volunteers of high martial quality. Still, I will use the clones. The chambers themselves will also be useful for replicating copies of the vital Space Marine organs, used in the Red Dragon project. I approve."

The transformation was a bit startling to the Abh officers. It wasn't everyday that you saw a complete whackjob transform into a sophisticated scientist all thanks to a tube of wax. Maybe she had a contract with the wax company or something. They waited for the sales pitch but it never came.

The scientist in Noline wanted to examine the woman further to find if there was some sort of behavioral relation to her attitude and the wax or something but he kept himself in check. "Well we hope this process will go beyond cloning but this will help ensure that no lives or lost in the process should the procedure go wrong. In time we hope to adapt it so that we can take already serving marines and simply reprogram their genes. For now we have a number of specimens standing by for experimentation. Where would you like to get started Dr. Tennenbaum?"

The transformation was a bit startling to the Abh officers. It wasn't everyday that you saw a complete whackjob transform into a sophisticated scientist all thanks to a tube of wax. Maybe she had a contract with the wax company or something. They waited for the sales pitch but it never came.

The scientist in Noline wanted to examine the woman further to find if there was some sort of behavioral relation to her attitude and the wax or something but he kept himself in check. "Well we hope this process will go beyond cloning but this will help ensure that no lives or lost in the process should the procedure go wrong. In time we hope to adapt it so that we can take already serving marines and simply reprogram their genes. For now we have a number of specimens standing by for experimentation. Where would you like to get started Dr. Tennenbaum?"



Tennenbaum pumped her fists as she looked around the room, and said unemotionally replying to Noline, "I would like to get started with the existing samples of Space Marine organs we brought with us to the facility."

Tennenbaum then looked at the good Doctor and said to him, in a tone that almost seemed to issue an order, "Doctor, if possible, I would like to issue a warning. I would like these organs to be handled as carefully as possible and checked for any possible Chaotic mutations and taint before the cloning and replication process begins."

Her eyes narrowed, as she explained the following: "Project Red Dragon admittedly modified the geneseed behind the current generation of Dornalian samples using materials from our "Primarchs," they being the 12 subjects used as genetic templates for Red Dragon thus minimizing the initial risk of a taint.

However, the origin of the organs and samples were Chronosian, part of a technology transfer made long before the rise of present hostilities. The resulting People's Guardians created are stable, oddly enough. None show evidence of mutation, extreme insanity, bloodlust, sadism, cannibalistic tendency or anger management difficulties so far as typical with the servants of Chaos. The other equipment we did recieve from them, such as lascannons, Plasma Guns and chainswords has generally been scrapped owing to budget cuts or otherwise only untainted copies remain in service, locally produced in New Dornalia and thus avoiding the usual Chaos incantations which would make the weapon harmful to its user and its enemy.

However, as both of our parties now find them a mutual foe, I would like you if possible to find a way to ensure these organs do not induce a "Manchurian Candidate Effect" in our future soldiers where our best weapons turn on us. I am willing to provide my notes on the Organs, they are with the samples themselves. If possible, search out any other non-Chaos aligned factions that use Space Marines. Once this is done, I am willing to proceed with the Implantation Procedures with the subjects."

She then ended with, "But until then, I insist the taint be removed."

It was a bit impressive with all the details that went into these geneseeds. Considering that there were subjects that had not been effected by these bizarre alterations, the Abh scientists were fairly confident that something could be done to purge this mistake. The Abh did not hold to religious or superstitious beliefs like other races and nations did. Most of the time everything was plausibly explainable in their minds. This case seemed to be no different. There was most likely a logical genetic coding that caused the specimens to react violently to the implantations.

It was the same with the chromosome 24 procedures and all the fear behind it. Now there were several Abh clone divisions that were infused with the genetic reprogramming. Such reworkings would be brought with these geneseeds.

"A slight inconvenience, nothing more." Noline Bebaus walked over to a lab station with a glass computer screen. Powering up, he filed through a number of drives to find their work on genetic programming, and just general information about the Abh breeding process.

"I will need your notes if we are to find a way to fix this 'Chaotic' problem."

It was a bit impressive with all the details that went into these geneseeds. Considering that there were subjects that had not been effected by these bizarre alterations, the Abh scientists were fairly confident that something could be done to purge this mistake. The Abh did not hold to religious or superstitious beliefs like other races and nations did. Most of the time everything was plausibly explainable in their minds. This case seemed to be no different. There was most likely a logical genetic coding that caused the specimens to react violently to the implantations.

It was the same with the chromosome 24 procedures and all the fear behind it. Now there were several Abh clone divisions that were infused with the genetic reprogramming. Such reworkings would be brought with these geneseeds.

"A slight inconvenience, nothing more." Noline Bebaus walked over to a lab station with a glass computer screen. Powering up, he filed through a number of drives to find their work on genetic programming, and just general information about the Abh breeding process.

"I will need your notes if we are to find a way to fix this 'Chaotic' problem."

"They are, as I have said, with the samples themselves." Tennenbaum explained to Bebaus in a slightly impaitent tone. "But, I will bring them into the room. JAVIER!" The assistant ran out to get the notes, and several minutes later, ran back with a stack of papers that were ruffled, torn in bits, hastily scribbled, and in bits seemingly stained with some sort of sauce. Tennenbaum motioned with her head for Javier to hand the notes to Bebaus, and then they were thrust into his hand. Tennenbaum continued, saying, "Doctor, I apologize for the condition of the notes. Often many times, I composed them whilst in the middle of gustation. What the little people call eating, in that awfully normal way. Argentine steak with chimichurri sauce does not clean easily, though it is quite tender and delectable. Better than American steak."

Noting the almost casual way Noline seemed to brush off the threat of Chaotic mutations and violence, Tennenbaum then replied somewhat sternly, "Doctor Bebaus. I trust your judgment, but the problem is not just biological. That is easily dealt with. As you can see in the notes, you will find the problem is not just genetic and biological, it is also spiritual. As hard as you might find that to believe, we had to work with the People's Acolytes to contain the taint as much as humanly possible in this regard, psychically--it is as if there is almost a pervasive essence there that can drive a man mad if handled incorrectly, much like stains on a shirt that are unwashed, or the stains on that paper. Even then, we did not completely eliminate it. That is why I am so concerned, Doctor."

Noline could already tell that the notes would not be of much use to him. Sauce or no sauce, they appeared unorganized and hard to read at times. Perhaps with some time, he could more carefully go through them and find an overarching theme to the notes that would help unlock what this transitional scientist was contemplating and to see where they went wrong.

When the mention of spiritual reasons came, the Abh frowned at the woman as if she had just embarrassed herself. Instead of denouncing the notion that there was anything spiritual involved, he decided to humor her. "Alright doctor. If it will put you at ease, we will have a . . . 'specialist' see to the cleansing of this chaotic aspect of the geneseeds. Unfortunately he is not currently at this facility. We did not expect to encounter these kinds of problems. If you want, we can have a shuttle go and fetch him now and in the mean time try to work on something that is plausible at this time."

Noline could already tell that the notes would not be of much use to him. Sauce or no sauce, they appeared unorganized and hard to read at times. Perhaps with some time, he could more carefully go through them and find an overarching theme to the notes that would help unlock what this transitional scientist was contemplating and to see where they went wrong.

When the mention of spiritual reasons came, the Abh frowned at the woman as if she had just embarrassed herself. Instead of denouncing the notion that there was anything spiritual involved, he decided to humor her. "Alright doctor. If it will put you at ease, we will have a . . . 'specialist' see to the cleansing of this chaotic aspect of the geneseeds. Unfortunately he is not currently at this facility. We did not expect to encounter these kinds of problems. If you want, we can have a shuttle go and fetch him now and in the mean time try to work on something that is plausible at this time."

Tennenbaum frowned back at Bebaus with an icy, imperious glare. In what seemed to be a battle of the egos, Dr. Edelmira Tennenbaum Orrozco, Ph.d, J.D., Masters in Quantum Physics, Genetics, Astrophysics, Biology and Chemistry and all other sciences was locked in a matter of debate with Dr. Bebaus over just how bad things could get. And to Tennenbaum, it was obvious this man didn't know just how bad Chaos could get.

Tennenbaum thanked the Virgin that she wasn't as pigheaded as this man was--like most men, he seemed inclined to be stubborn and nasty, for reasons unknown and trivial. More importantly, his scientific skepticism, which was otherwise perfectly acceptable in this line of work, was rubbing Tennebaum the wrong way and striking her as arrogant. Obviously, he had no experience with these sorts of things.

Good thing she was the Wunderkind From The Pampas, and he was not.

She replied simply holding her stern expression, "Thank you, Dr. Bebaus. Please send a shuttle to fetch the specialist so that we can fully exorcise the Taint and get on our merry way."

Her tone then grew dark, as she whipped out a scrap of paper and made notes on it and continued to speak: "And one more thing, Doctor Bebaus. I can see that in your rush to overapply Occam's Razor and embrace the principle of emperical discovery, you weren't totally blinded to my judgment. For that, I thank you, and in the future I will thank you not to waste any more time, Doctor. After all, I am the one with the knowledge and materials needed to decipher those notes and improve the quality of your Imperial Marines. This is serious business, and do not think I don't notice your arrogant attitude towards me and my work."

Her voice then took on a furious, angry tone, as she said, "Kindly keep it in check, for it is, as I have said, serious business. I did not work to hold a Juris Doctor, Doctorate of Philosophy, and numerous Masters degrees from Universities all over Earth such as Harvard, University of Connecticut, Stamford, Oxford and the Autonomous University to which I am now based, to be treated as if I was a naive child, fearing the darkness. I am the Wunderkind From The Pampas. Show some respect."

Noline smiled in kind. Humans always had a tendency of letting their emotions get the best of them. It was what made them rash and often times dangerous. Tennenbaum was proving the point remarkably as she seemed to be desperatly defending a wounded pride that Bebaus could not even begin to figure out how it was wounded in the first place.

"Commander, have a shuttle sent to D'Hara with the purpose of picking up First Wizard Zedd. He should be instructed to bring any belongings he might need and report to this station."

Lamiela was less than optimistic about this whole business and ready to write it all off as a bad idea. Instead of voicing her opinion, the Abh officer used her clyuno to call for a calicke to depart for D'Hara and retrieve the civilian.

Noline in the mean time returned his attention to the doctor that was ranting and raving about stars only knew what. Some Abh would find nothing more boring than an individual ranting passionatly about their achievements or the prestige of a planet that was about to fall. To Noline, he was a little more tolerant to it. Perhaps it was a gift with people he had.

"While I do appreciate the time and effort you have taken out of your day to come out here and lend a hand in improving military personnel. We appreciate the ketchup stained napkins you have as notes." The Abh gestured to the mess piled on his desk.

"We honestly do. But if you believe that the only reason you are here is to simply further Abh interest and not your own or that list of colleges from your planet means anything to me at all considering that I have most likely lived three of your lifetimes, then you are sadly mistaken. Yes I am quite sure that those titles and institution names carrying meaning back on Earth where you are from, but we are not on Earth Dr. Tennenbaum. Remember that little fact."

"Now if you are done measuring the length of your Ph.dihood, then perhaps we can get down to work. The marines you have seen are not breed from some special genetic makeup. Instead they are enlisted men from all reaches of the Empire that undergo genetic reconstruction to bring out more favorable traits. It is not our decision to start putting cloned Imperial Marines into use. We plan on bringing more out of our enlisted personnel but first we may have to resort to cloning experiments. So is there anything important you can tell us? Something that might be necessary for this decontamination process?"

Noline in the mean time returned his attention to the doctor that was ranting and raving about stars only knew what. Some Abh would find nothing more boring than an individual ranting passionatly about their achievements or the prestige of a planet that was about to fall. To Noline, he was a little more tolerant to it. Perhaps it was a gift with people he had.

"While I do appreciate the time and effort you have taken out of your day to come out here and lend a hand in improving military personnel. We appreciate the ketchup stained napkins you have as notes." The Abh gestured to the mess piled on his desk.

"We honestly do. But if you believe that the only reason you are here is to simply further Abh interest and not your own or that list of colleges from your planet means anything to me at all considering that I have most likely lived three of your lifetimes, then you are sadly mistaken. Yes I am quite sure that those titles and institution names carrying meaning back on Earth where you are from, but we are not on Earth Dr. Tennenbaum. Remember that little fact."

"Now if you are done measuring the length of your Ph.dihood, then perhaps we can get down to work. The marines you have seen are not breed from some special genetic makeup. Instead they are enlisted men from all reaches of the Empire that undergo genetic reconstruction to bring out more favorable traits. It is not our decision to start putting cloned Imperial Marines into use. We plan on bringing more out of our enlisted personnel but first we may have to resort to cloning experiments. So is there anything important you can tell us? Something that might be necessary for this decontamination process?"

Tennenbaum sighed. These people just didn't get how smart she was, did they? Stubbornness notwithstanding, Doctor Bebaus was doing what she asked, and that was getting to the point. Tennenbaum was satisfied with this well enough. Though she was irked that the Abh had the audacity to equate Argentine chimichurri to ketchup. That stuff. She hated ketchup, it was disgusting and generally bland to her. And where did he get the idea she didn't like using volunteers? Javier and General Graves, meanwhile, were just facepalming and sighing. Sometimes, they liked Edelmira better when she was a gibbering idiot who wanted nothing more than candy and her happy place, and not a total bitch who insisted on pulling rank.

Rolling her eyes, she then said, "As you wish, Doctor. But know I am no glory hound, just someone who happens to know a lot about what she is talking about with an IQ of 200 plus."

She then proceeded to soften her tone somewhat, going, "Doctor, those ketchup-stained napkins (glaring as she spoke the words), as you call them, actually mean something. If you bothered to read them..."

Coughing, she then continued with, "...they would say common deformities involved with Chaotic mutation in Space Marine organs include genetic deformities normally associated with schizophrenia, multiple personality disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder, and all known psychological illnesses that affect humans and related types, such as Dornalian Elves and Dornalian Gentegata.

They may also include violent and otherwise unstable modifications to the hox genes and other parts of the genetic code to produce unnatural increases to senses and strength, resistance to disease and other modifications to biological endurance and unpleasant mutations such as the development of extra limbs, appendages, heads, fingers, toes, genetalia, tentacles and even animal parts such as wings. This was gained through resarching reports of other Chaos-related incidents, and from tests conducted during Red Dragon on simians and some of the initial volunteers for the project. The Dornalian incidents themselves were minor. The other reports we have read are not.

Correction of the potential corruption on a genetic scale would be a feasible first step for now. Our task would be to stabilize the unstable mutations in the genetic code and eliminate any extra chromosomes and aberrancies in the geneseed samples and organs that may lead to trouble. If you look among my notes, there is a readable chart with a number of the deviant characteristics listed. Naturally, I worked to have many of those corrected initially. However, there are still some major ones that need addressing and given the nature of Chaos, we may naturally we may find a few more as we begin modification. But its nothing we can't solve."

She concluded with, "I trust you can do that?"

Noline smiled pleasantly now as it seemed everything had been worked out for the best. Tennenbaum had finally calmed down somewhat and got back to the matter at hand. Bebaus could only assume that it was all thanks to his charming personality and dashing good looks. He always seemed to have a way with people.

"Schizophrenia, multiple personality disorders, and ADD is easily handled on the genetic level by our scientists. Now dealing with appendages, wings, and other such unwanted qualities in an organism will take a little more work but it can be done. We will have to isolate specific codings in the genetic makeup that tells the organism to respond in such a way and remove it or rewrite it. But yes, we can handle it."

In the mean time while the doctors had their love affair of words. A shuttle tore through space time and arrived at D'Hara. The cargo the pilot was picking up would not be pleasant as they would be dragging a very old, cranky, and powerful wizard out of his home on a space journey. Zedd hated space flight.

Noline smiled pleasantly now as it seemed everything had been worked out for the best. Tennenbaum had finally calmed down somewhat and got back to the matter at hand. Bebaus could only assume that it was all thanks to his charming personality and dashing good looks. He always seemed to have a way with people.

"Schizophrenia, multiple personality disorders, and ADD is easily handled on the genetic level by our scientists. Now dealing with appendages, wings, and other such unwanted qualities in an organism will take a little more work but it can be done. We will have to isolate specific codings in the genetic makeup that tells the organism to respond in such a way and remove it or rewrite it. But yes, we can handle it."

In the mean time while the doctors had their love affair of words. A shuttle tore through space time and arrived at D'Hara. The cargo the pilot was picking up would not be pleasant as they would be dragging a very old, cranky, and powerful wizard out of his home on a space journey. Zedd hated space flight.

Tennebaum nodded and then, in her twitchy way, said, pulling out another wad of paper and writing down some notes, "Dr. Bebaus, remember that there's all sorts of mental illness factors in there. Extra chromosomes, extra helixes, missing chromosomes, defects of all sorts mentioned in the notes." She didn't know if he remembered that, but just for her sake--her neuroses tended to include completion--she insisted that she repeat herself.

Tennenbaum pounded hand on top of hand in a fidgety manner, and said, "Now, Dr. Bebaus, I like the sound of what I'm hearing....Abh geneticists should lecture with me at the Autonomous University of Buenos Aires sometime. I'd be happy to have you there. Self-promotion aside, I believe we can get started. Javier, go with the team to fetch the samples."

Javier nodded, and moved to get the samples. Meanwhile, Tennenbaum said to Bebaus, "Now, what does what around here?"

Noline could almost break his arm as he patted himself on the back. Like he always said, a little Abh charm went a long way. "A lecture or two might not be out of the question but that will have to be for another time."

Bebaus walked over to the oval machine that dominated the space of one of the far walls. "This is an artificial womb, or yarnyu, where traditionally a young Abh embryo is incubated here so we can monitor the genetic and physical growth. Later, the mother may decide if she would like the embryo replanted in her own womb for the unique birth experience. Otherwise we monitor the fetus throughout its developmental stages to make sure no defects develop."

The Abh scientist walked over to a unique looking combination of instruments and sat down. "This is where most of the magic happens. The data crystal takes the DNA coding of the embryo it reads in its incubation tank. From here we can see any potential deffects that might develop and correct them. By using the data crystal, DNA mapping is rewritten either by reworking the strand itself or inserting artificial compounds that will negate the deffect. The rest of the equipment is for preparing specimensm choosing characteristics that you desire in a child and bringing it all together to form one perfect being of your choice."

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

The person they were bringing to the station was a handful though he hadn't come alone. There were two others with him that the old man had asserted were instrumental for whatever errand he was needed on. The shuttle plunged back into space time and headed for the station.

The Abh scientist walked over to a unique looking combination of instruments and sat down. "This is where most of the magic happens. The data crystal takes the DNA coding of the embryo it reads in its incubation tank. From here we can see any potential deffects that might develop and correct them. By using the data crystal, DNA mapping is rewritten either by reworking the strand itself or inserting artificial compounds that will negate the deffect. The rest of the equipment is for preparing specimensm choosing characteristics that you desire in a child and bringing it all together to form one perfect being of your choice."


Tennenbaum nodded, listening to Doctor Bebaus speak. The instruments were interesting indeed; the Abh had in vitro fertilization and cloning perfected to a razor's edge, just as rumored within the scientific community. Indeed, the capacity to peer into a strand of DNA as it developed in real time was certainly something of wonder, and though Dornalian scientists could manipulate DNA, they didn't have the sophistication or the will to do so the Abh seemed to possess.

Tennenbaum raised her finger and asked, "Question. These seem to be perfectly good at making complete newborns. What of tissue samples and organs only?"

"There are other lab rooms dedicated to studying how organs work. Tanks and electrical wiring will simulate a functioning body while sensors will allow us to study how the organ will react with its host. Should there be any problems with the organ being rejected or malfunctioning, we will be able to tell.

Tissue samples are slightly easier as we can study them much the same way we look at the genetic coding through the microscopes and data crystals. We'll be able to break it down to the cellular level as well as replicate more of the tissue."

Noline reached over for a data crystal and punched it into a reader which brought a up an image of the underground lab. "As you can see, our facility contains many labs which can potentially specialize in certain aspects of this project from genetic engineering to monitoring fully engineered specimens."

"There are other lab rooms dedicated to studying how organs work. Tanks and electrical wiring will simulate a functioning body while sensors will allow us to study how the organ will react with its host. Should there be any problems with the organ being rejected or malfunctioning, we will be able to tell.

Tissue samples are slightly easier as we can study them much the same way we look at the genetic coding through the microscopes and data crystals. We'll be able to break it down to the cellular level as well as replicate more of the tissue."

Noline reached over for a data crystal and punched it into a reader which brought a up an image of the underground lab. "As you can see, our facility contains many labs which can potentially specialize in certain aspects of this project from genetic engineering to monitoring fully engineered specimens."

Tennenbaum then nodded, as Javier came in with the samples. He then spoke to Bebaus and Tennenbaum, "Doctors? These are the samples."

With that, Tennenbaum held out her hand, and said, "Javier, Dr. Bebaus has informed me that these materials should more properly go into the rooms marked for organ experimentation and for studying tissue samples. Would you kindly bring those there?" Javier looked around, confusedly, before saying, "Doctor, I'd like to but I don't know where they are..." Turning to Bebaus, he then said, "Do you?"

Tennenbaum then tried to move forward slightly, an orderly moving the tub of wax forward with her to keep her functional. Everybody knew that if Dr. Tennenbaum fell out of the wax tub, she'd be a gibbering idiot again, and the experiment was all for naught. She then turned to the orderly, and said, "Sergeant, get me a wheelchair if you're going to do that. I am neither a baby nor a mongoloid." The man nodded, and fetched her a Segway-looking device. Sighing, she then said, "I suppose this will have to do. Put me in there." Lifting the Doctor into the Segway, she then tilted it forward slightly and adjusted the handlebars to get the motors working, and then she said, "Ready when you are, Doctor."

bump for Abh.

The constant care that Tennebaum required simply so that she could maintain a logical state of mind was astounding to Noline Bebaus and the rest of staff surrounding him. He thought about offering the possibility of a form of Abh genetic reconstruction for the Dornalians that would help eliminate such mental problems. Against his better judgement, he simply nodded his head and got up from his seat to lead the way.

That was until he was interrupted by a beeping from his clyuno. "Yes? What is it?"

A voice from the other end of his wrist communicator replied back. "The specialists you requested have arrived."

There was a momentary lag between communication then followed by short bursts of "BAGS!!" or "Why am I here?!" or even more colorful "I swear I'll tear this place apart and banish it to the Keeper if you do not answer me!"

Noline sighed and finally got in touch with the individual he had originally conversed with. "Send them in."

A pressurized door at the far end of the room opened and in strode three figures. One appeared to be an old man in simple rough, brown robes and wild white hair. Two women flanked him with one being entirely dressed in form fitting red leather and a brunette braid falling past her shoulders. The other women was tantalizingly beautiful dressed in a black dress that hugged her curves with blond hair that fell to midback.

Noline turned to Tennebaum. "Doctor. May I introduce the specialists. This is First Wizard Zedd, Sorceress Nicci, and Mord-Sith Rikka."

Zedd narrowed an eye at the Abh. "What do you mean by...'specialist'?"

The old man then turned his attention on the Dornalian doctor and his eyes went wide. "Dear lady. Do you realize you are standing in a tub full of wax?"

Noline turned to Tennebaum. "Doctor. May I introduce the specialists. This is First Wizard Zedd, Sorceress Nicci, and Mord-Sith Rikka."

Zedd narrowed an eye at the Abh. "What do you mean by...'specialist'?"

The old man then turned his attention on the Dornalian doctor and his eyes went wide. "Dear lady. Do you realize you are standing in a tub full of wax?"

At this, Tennenbaum's eyes narrowed to razor's edges, and she steered her segway to meet this "Zedd." Putting it in park and putting on the brake, Tennenbaum sized up the old man. He seemed to be the very definition of wizard, something the Grimm Brothers would know. She glared at him and then said sternly, with an occasional facial tic: "I do, First Wizard, realize I am standing in a pool of wax. However, said pool of wax is necessary for me to maintain my mental composure. Without it, I am a first-rate gibbering mongoloid with little to offer but pleas for mother."

She then said, as she looked at Zedd's retinue then returning to Zedd, "And, First Wizard, since you introduced myself, I will do the same. I am Dr. Edelmira Tennenbaum Orrozco of the Autonomous University of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Earth SSR, Ph.-" Javier then motioned for her to stop, upon which she glared at him. Still, Edelmira knew that this man was important, so she had to behave. As such, she put on her best face, and said with a smile, "Of course. My mistake. I do tend to ramble a bit sometimes. Anywho, you can call me Dr. Tennenbaum; the naming traditions of the Argentines drop the third name. The point is that we have some samples that may carry daemonic taint that need cleansing. We heard you were an expert."

Graves, meanwhile, quietly asked Bebaus, "Do you have anything that could make this woman less embarassing!?"

Zedd simply pulled his lips back tightly and nodded his head. "Well as long as we are clear on the whole matter."

Noline leaned over to Graves. "Short of genetic reconstruction...a paper bag and duct tape."

When he hear about daemonic materials that were to be dealt with, his eyes narrowed at Noline. "Daemonic? You Abh are playing with fire here. Bags! Can't you just leave well enough alone?! Why are you doing this anyways?"

Bebaus rubbed his chin for a moment. "It is for enhancing the Imperial Marines that Imperial Admiral Gaf'ton have created. The good doctor here believes that some daemonic infection has corrupted the basic genetic makeup. I had you brought here to see what you could do."

Zedd thumped his hands on his bony hips then waggled a finger at Noline. "I might have known that Abriel was behind all this. You Abh have no respect for matters such as this. You should not be messing with this."

Tired of the lecturing, Noline cut him off. "Can you fix the problem or not?"

"No! I don't have Subtractive Magic only Additive."

Now Noline was confused. "What does that have anything to do with it?"

Sighing, Zedd was obviously not in the mood to explain the basics of magic from his world. "You want me to remove something that is contaminating your sample? That requires me to either create something out of nothing, or to turn something into nothing. If you take your typical Jedi, Sith, pyker or whatever you want to call them, they use objects that are already present in the world around them. We simply call that Additive Magic, which is what I possess. Now, the oppostie side of that is the negative where there is completly new creation or utter destruction where there is no trace of once what was. That is Subtractive Magic and that's what you need. Perhaps if you had not been so busy with your science experiments and put more effort into rescuing my grandson, you would have what you need for this."

The Abh pushed his blue hair back as he thought over what Zedd has just said. "So then we've completely wasted our time in bringing you."

"Not so. While I do not possess Subtractive Magic, Nicci does. It is not natural, but it will suffice for what you need to accomplish here."

The blond headed woman remained quiet and unreacting to what was going on around her. Noline looked to the woman in black now. "Can you do it?"

Nicci took on a superior posture for a moment while she took into account what was needed. "It can be done. That is if I am allowed the proper time and no interruptions. Preparations will have to be made for this to work and I will need the material that is to be cleansed."

Nicci took on a superior posture for a moment while she took into account what was needed. "It can be done. That is if I am allowed the proper time and no interruptions. Preparations will have to be made for this to work and I will need the material that is to be cleansed."

Tennenbaum nodded and turned to Nicci. Looking at her with a smile, she said, "Excellent." She then yelled, "JAVIER!" motioning furiously for him to bring the samples over to the side of Nicci and the magical specialists. The poor lackey had to drag the crate full of samples and Space Marine organs back from the other side of the room to the front of the retainer, and he was huffing and puffing all the way. Javier only muttered to himself under his breath as he rolled the heavy cart, "No woman can make a wise man out of a fool, but every woman can change a wise man into a fool.....why didn't I listen to my mother?!" Tennenbaum then clapped her hands, saying, "Chop chop! Without the sound effects, or not at all!"

The supplies then brought in front of Nicci, Javier stood up and leaned against the wall, dead tired from all the work. Tennenbaum then said, "Now--Nicci, was it? Javier here can deliver the samples to a secluded area for you to begin the procedure while you prepare for it." Javier's eyes widened in horror, and Graves said, "I think Javier's done enough. Corporal, assist Ms. Nicci by carrying the samples to the area, thank you." To that, Graves turned to Bebaus and said, "What's a really secluded area here where our new guests can work withoutus bothering them?"

Noline thought for a moment then made the image of the lab's layout focus in on a specific area. "The training arena. There are no drills currently in progress and there are none scheduled for some time. You will not be disturbed there."

Nicci nodded slowly. "Zedd, Rikka, please come with me. I'll need both of you for this."

"Of course." Zedd turned to the Corporal. "Well lead the way son."

Noline thought for a moment then made the image of the lab's layout focus in on a specific area. "The training arena. There are no drills currently in progress and there are none scheduled for some time. You will not be disturbed there."

Nicci nodded slowly. "Zedd, Rikka, please come with me. I'll need both of you for this."

"Of course." Zedd turned to the Corporal. "Well lead the way son."

The Corporal then saluted Zedd, replying, "Aye, Comrade-First Wizard!" Like most regular New Dornalian military types, he added Comrade to the officer's title out of habit. Of course, Zedd wasn't a Dornalian officer, nor in any way remotely military. But the Corporal didn't realize that until a bit later as he took command of the cart and began moving it to the specified training area, following the signs and leading the fellows to the training area.

As this occurred, Tennenbaum fidgeted on her segway, playing with a small rubik's cube as she began humming an old song she knew from ages past. She didn't care that Graves disliked her; he was some Red Army asshole and she was the Wunderkind of the Pampas. She didn't have to take his crap. Then, growing bored of the cube, she threw it at Javier, who sighed and caught it with his left hand. Turning to Bebaus, Tennenbaum simply said, "Now, in the meantime, what do we do?"

Noline simply shrugs at Tennebaum's question. "That is entirely up to you dear lady. If you have something you would like to analyze, perhaps a hole in your notes or research, then we could take a look at it. Or if you prefer, we could simply look in on this cleansing experiment."

Zedd, Nicci, and Rikka followed the corporal into the training room. It was a wide open chamber with lights up in the rafters. Typically reserved as a holographic training ground that could mimic any field of battle, this room would have to do for the removal of daemonic and chaotic taints within the geneseeds.

The Mord-Sith took up a position at the side of the door, more as a personal body guard than anything else. The kind that could make you shrivel up and die with one glare, and the kind you really didn't want to piss off. Zedd and Nicci went about the floor with pouches they had brought along and dumped out white sand.

Nicci was murmuring to herself as they worked. "We should really be at the Wizard's Keep or the Garden of Life for this."

Zedd nodded and whispered back. "I grabbed as much of the sand as I could carry. This will have to do for now."

Grunting and not at all pleased with the turn of events, Nicci knelt down in a pool of sand that was now taking up a good portion of the center floor. Settled, she began drawing arcane symbols in the sand. Before she was done, the symbols would most likely take up the entire floor.

Noline simply shrugs at Tennebaum's question. "That is entirely up to you dear lady. If you have something you would like to analyze, perhaps a hole in your notes or research, then we could take a look at it. Or if you prefer, we could simply look in on this cleansing experiment."

Tennenbaum stroked her chin, and then raised her finger up, declaring, "We could observe the First Wizard in action. I am eager to see how this Subtractive Magic handles Chaotic Taint; the Forces of Chaos have proven to be testy to many. I fully trust our specialists' abilities, and can only hope they succeed. However, observation for ourselves might be justified."

She then turned her segway to follow the Corporal's steps to the Room, just as the Corporal himself stood off to the outside of the Training Room and kept silent, hoping too, that whatever was in there would be purified, or whatever was the case. The arcane ritual was fascinating to him, but being neither Force-sensitive nor inclined to magic, he had some difficulty understanding it all.

OOC: Is there glass she can look through? I'm not inclined to have Tennenbaum bother Zedd.

"Of course. There is an observatory one level up where we typically grade how well our soldiers are developing. Makes it easier to pick out leaders and assign ranks as well as see what strategies need greater work."

Bebaus headed over to a sealed door and pressed the glass panel. It opened to an ascending walkway. "Follow me please."

Noline headed up to lead her to the observatory deck.

In the mean time, Nicci had finally concluded her intricate drawings as pentagrams covered the sand and connected with one another. Nicci knelt down in one clear area. "Rikka, hand me the first crate."

The Mord-sith grabbed one of the organs in question and carried it over to the sandy area. Not really a fan of magic at all, the Mord-sith quickly gave it to Zedd for him to put it wherever was necessary. Zedd being First Wizard knew what Nicci was about to do. Opening the container it was carried in, he placed it on a section of intersecting pentagrams which was supposed to represent where the world of the living and the underworld met. This section of the spell would be vital as it was to take the taint from this world and put it in the underworld where every demon belongs.

Tennenbaum steered her segway onto the observatory deck, as she navigated the ramps and the ascending walkway to follow Bebaus. She had a little trouble with the machine, but it worked as she got to the deck just fine. Rolling it to the glass, she put it in park and looked at the floor below. She could only marvel at the intricate signs the Wizard and his assistants were constructing to purge the organs of the Taint. It seemed like something out of a fantasy novel--sand, designs, wizards.....Tennenbaum could only stare.

With everything in place, Zedd and Rikka both stepped back to let Nicci do her work. It wasn't wise to get caught up in a Sorceress's spells, especially one like Nicci. She closed her eyes and placed her hands on her knees then called upon both sides of her gift.

Using the Additive side of her gift, she felt for the life force coursing through the organ down to its very genetic makeup. Now came the tricky part as the veil between the world of the life and the world of the dead were opened with Nicci's subtractive magic.

The white sand that Nicci had been kneeling in was instantly turned black as the world of the dead made its grand entrance. Lights dimmed and the temperature in the room grew cold. Now that the world of the living had been pushed aside, the taint of chaos within the organ had been brought out.

It pulsed inwardly as the two essences fed off one another. Nicci would have to work like a surgeon to remove only the taint in the organ. Subtractive magic coursed through the organ hunting for the infestation and removing it. This form of magic worked in such a way as then once something was removed, there was no trace of it left. Unlike Jedi and even psychers, they used matter that is already present around them. Subtractive magic required no such stipulations. Something could be created from nothing and matter could be erased completely from existance. Extreme measures of this case were used sparingly and the consequences were frightening.

With the chaotic taint gone from the organ, the under world was sealed back away and the world of the living was whole once more. Nicci breathed a heavy sigh of relief. To Tennebaum, it would have most likely been boring as most of the work involved was invisible to her eyes. Nicci didn't sweat, moan, or feel the worse for ware after her works was finished. She simply wiped a wisp of blond hair away and stood up.

"It's clean."

Tennenbaum looked around the room. Fidgeting about the instruments, she eventually found one item she could possibly talk into, and then recieved a call on her communicator. It was the Corporal below, who said, "Doc, our specialists cleaned out the Taint. At least the spiritual side of it all. We can now begin the genetic side."

Tennenbaum hung up, and began moving down to the floor of the room itself, navigating the halls and ramp. Entering the room, she sneezed slightly at the sand in it, and the drove up to Nicci. Putting the awkward looking segway into park, she leaned on it and smiled, saying, "Thank you, Sorceress--Nicci, was it? You've done a rathe excellent job." She then called the Corporal, saying, "Corporal, move these crates to the tissue and Organ Experimentation areas." Calling Dr. Bebaus, she then said, "We can begin Phase 2." Turning to Nicci, she then said, "Can you do live subjects?"

Nicci wasn't exactly sure how to take the compliment. Neither she, Zedd, or Rikka were entirely comfortable with this whole experiment. "Um, thank you."

Noline wasn't far behind Tennenbuam as she navigated down the walkways and out onto the training floor. The Abh scientist took a quick look at the arcanic drawings in the sand, snorted, then simply dismissed them. "Experimentation labs are back near the main facility where you originaly were."

Nicci stepped forward slightly. "Excuse me but what is phase 2 in all this?"

Nicci wasn't exactly sure how to take the compliment. Neither she, Zedd, or Rikka were entirely comfortable with this whole experiment. "Um, thank you."

Noline wasn't far behind Tennenbuam as she navigated down the walkways and out onto the training floor. The Abh scientist took a quick look at the arcanic drawings in the sand, snorted, then simply dismissed them. "Experimentation labs are back near the main facility where you originaly were."

Nicci stepped forward slightly. "Excuse me but what is phase 2 in all this?"

Tennenbaum straightened herself up. But, as she did so, she accidentally tipped over the Segway, causing herself to fall out of the tub of wax.....and turning her back into a kid again. As the Corporal called into his comms, "We need assistance. Bring that Javier guy here, NOW! And that wax!"

Looking around frantically, she began to get agitated. Hyperventilating, she began scurrying about, mumbling in Argentine Spanish again, "Where is Edelmira!? Where is Edelmira!?!! This isn't my happy place!"

Looking at the spilled wax, her face took on an expression of immature disgust, like a kid touching a slug. She then muttered, "What's this gunk!?" Looking at the magicians, she then pointed to them and asked the Corporal, "Who are these strange people!? Especially the Old Man!? Is Edelmira in the Witch's Candy House?" Looking down, she sifted her hands through the sand, saying, "Ooh, sand. Edelmira loves sand. It's good for making fun sandcastles for all the sandpeople and sandkings and--"

With that, Javier came in and picked her up off the floor, saying, "Edelmira, are you alright?" Tennenbaum looked at Javier and said, "Not really. Edelmira got lost in the Witch's House." Javier then looked at the Magicians, and prayed none knew Argentine Spanish. He didn't want to get sued. Javier then said, "Let's get you to your happy place, okay?"

Edelmira then nodded and said, "Okay, Javier."

Retrieving the tub, Javier had it cleaned out by the Corporal as he whipped out a fresh one, cracked open a new wax tube, and had Edelmira step in it. Then, she stiffened, and looked down at herself. Returning to her old Virginian accent, she dusted herself off and said, "Look at this mess. Oh Lord. I do apologize. I had a childhood accident that rendered me rather helpless." Turning to Nicci, she then continued, saying, "Anyway, Phase 2 is where the Doctor and I take over. We know you've removed the magical, spiritual taint. Now, we will work to permanently correct any genetic abnormalities in the organs and tissue themselves."

All three shared of the D'Harans shared a look of silent wonder. Mostly wondering what the heck had just happened. Nicci leaned in over towards Zedd. "You understand what in the name of the Spirits she is saying?"

"I casted a translate spell when she started, to listen in. Mostly childish babble and some fairy tale nonsense. It would seem that she believes us to be magicians and this is some sort of candy house."

Rikka crossed her arms causing her skin tight red leather armor to creak. "I can put her to sleep if you want."

Zedd thumped his hands at his side. "Bags girl! She is harmless."

Nicci smoothed her dress out. "Well no matter what, they should be out of the clear for now."

"Good."

It was an interesting transition from whack job to sane scientist all thanks to a tube of wax. The catalyst for the change was not lost on Zedd though he simply filed it in the back of his mind.

Tennenbaum's seemless transition to answering Nicci's original question caused her to frown. "I'm afraid you don't understand then what just happened. The art of Subtractive magic is complete. Spiritual taint might be gone but so is the genetic infestation of darkness. All sides of the taint were removed in the spell and I can't really do the same for people unless you want me to kill them."

Slightly taken aback, Tennenbaum was pleasantly surprised with the thoroughness of the procedure. It seemed not only the Daemonic Taint's spiritual effects had been cleansed, but also the physical was gone. She let out a simple, "Oh." Somewhat dissapointed she would not be able to put her genius brain to work, Tennenbaum then extended her hand to Nicci with a grudging smile and a simple, "Thank you, Nicci. You've just made my job much easier; I am very grateful for that." Turning to Bebaus and the Corporal, she said, "Corporal, Dr., change of plans. We take the materials directly to cloning and experimentation, No need for cleansing!" Scooting away on her Segway, she smiled cheerfully at them, making sure to keep her balance up.

No one in the Abh group knew what to make of Tennebaum's random mood changes or her cheerfulness. It just seemed odd to them to be coming from a woman that lived in wax. Noline was the only one among them all that seemed to be unphased by this whole thing.

"Cloning is just one level up and experimentation is back the way we came. There is a turbolift at the end of the hall that will take you up to the appropriate level."

Bebaus lead the way towards the elevator schute that would take them up to the great clone facility. (Think Kamino in SW)

Nicci and the Rikka on the other hand looked to Zedd for what to do next. The old man simply shrugged his bony shoulders. "I guess we should go with them and make sure they don't get into trouble."

The trio from D'Hara were the last ones out of the training floor to follow the scientific procession.

No one in the Abh group knew what to make of Tennebaum's random mood changes or her cheerfulness. It just seemed odd to them to be coming from a woman that lived in wax. Noline was the only one among them all that seemed to be unphased by this whole thing.

"Cloning is just one level up and experimentation is back the way we came. There is a turbolift at the end of the hall that will take you up to the appropriate level."

Bebaus lead the way towards the elevator schute that would take them up to the great clone facility. (Think Kamino in SW)

Nicci and the Rikka on the other hand looked to Zedd for what to do next. The old man simply shrugged his bony shoulders. "I guess we should go with them and make sure they don't get into trouble."

The trio from D'Hara were the last ones out of the training floor to follow the scientific procession.

Tennenbaum followed forthwith, scootng about on her Segway and marshaling Javier and the Corporal. The latter two, by now, were moving the organ samples from place to place, and both were wondering just how long the battery on that cooling mechanism was going to last with all this passing about. They sighed as Dr. Tennenbaum glared at them to get moving. Thus, the Dornalians entered the elevator, and Javier muttered, "It's beautiful..." when he saw the complex in earnest. Tennenbaum said nothing, only wondering how much funding from the MacIntyre Administration would be needed to get her one of those.

Tennenbaum was surprise the D'harans followed; she raised her eyebrows and said, "I thought scientific matters weren't your speciality."

Zedd furrowed a brushy brow. "It's not but I doubt some of the things you are messing with here are a specialty of any of you. You are tampering with life here and we are here to make sure you don't create demons instead. Unless you have a way of dealing with them through science."

Noline cleared his throat and headed over to the balcony overlooking the massive cloning foundary. A glass screen was at the railing that would basically run the whole operation. Pressing a few of the holographic buttons, a small robotic flyer and a few companions were summoned. "These will handle carrying the samples from now on. The rest of the process is virtually automated but we can monitor it from here."

Zedd furrowed a brushy brow. "It's not but I doubt some of the things you are messing with here are a specialty of any of you. You are tampering with life here and we are here to make sure you don't create demons instead. Unless you have a way of dealing with them through science."

Noline cleared his throat and headed over to the balcony overlooking the massive cloning foundary. A glass screen was at the railing that would basically run the whole operation. Pressing a few of the holographic buttons, a small robotic flyer and a few companions were summoned. "These will handle carrying the samples from now on. The rest of the process is virtually automated but we can monitor it from here."

Javier and the Corporal breathed a sigh of relief, leaning on the walls. Tennenbaum glared at them, and the men stood at attention. There would be no rest for them.

Meanwhile, Tennenbaum pointedly told Zedd, frowning, "First Wizard, I may be a scientist, but unlike Dr. Bebaus I am fully aware of the dangers of daemons and other parapsychological and paranormal phenomena. I do not think them unkillable, but I also do not treat them as if they were mere sandcastles to be toyed with for sport or as mere shadows to scare children into doing their chores."

She then finished with, "Do know that, before you jump to conclusions. I may need wax to live, but the wax has not hurt my judgment. And besides, one of your colleagues assured me that their use of the Subtractive Magic--if I am calling it by its proper nomenclature--cleansed said objects of daemonic taint throughly, on the physical and spiritual level."

Looking at Nicci, she then said, "Am I correct?"

Zedd was confused on why she would throw in the part about the wax but it didn't really matter to the old man. "If Nicci said she has cleaned the samples then I believe her. However, you are mistaken if you believe that I simply refer to the demons of children stories. Demons come in many forms whether they be paranormal or human makes no difference. Playing Creator does not excuse that fact."

Noline shook his head. "Yes yes. You're supersitions are all well and good but with the genetic capabilities we have, we can simply ensure that none of these soldiers will ever aspire to be something more than what they are created for. We have already experimented with such creation in the past in the clone soldiers, so we do know how to manipulate the genetic code properly."

Zedd was confused on why she would throw in the part about the wax but it didn't really matter to the old man. "If Nicci said she has cleaned the samples then I believe her. However, you are mistaken if you believe that I simply refer to the demons of children stories. Demons come in many forms whether they be paranormal or human makes no difference. Playing Creator does not excuse that fact."

Noline shook his head. "Yes yes. You're supersitions are all well and good but with the genetic capabilities we have, we can simply ensure that none of these soldiers will ever aspire to be something more than what they are created for. We have already experimented with such creation in the past in the clone soldiers, so we do know how to manipulate the genetic code properly."

Tennenbaum fumed. "This son of a bitch doesn't know when to quit, does he?" she thought. Letting out an exasperated sigh, she turned her segway 180 degrees and sped towards Noline. She then leaned forward on the handlebars, and glared at him. About to lose her cool, Javier then stepped in to calm things down, saying as he glared at both of them with a forceful emphasis on "yes," "Doctor Tennenbaum, Doctor Bebaus--matters of religion can wait later, yes? We must finish the experiment."

Tennenbaum returned to her normal position, and moved the segway back, as she said, still harboring some stern resentment, "Yes. Let's." She then asked Bebaus, "Do you still have my notes, Doctor Bebaus?"

Noline kept completely calm during Tennenbaum's rant though he wasn't sure what exactly had gotten her so riled up all of a sudden. He simply stood there with his hands behind his back and looked at the woman rolling around on a segway. "Sure. We can table the discussion on religion for now. I will be happy to return to the subject whenever the good doctor feels inclined to discuss it some more."

The Abh goes back to sifting through the expanses of his mind remembering tunes to classical songs and complex formulas. He is snapped back to attention when Tennenbaum calls back to him for his notes. Noline walks over to an assistant to retrieve the notes. Once he has them, he hands them over to the Dornalian doctor.

Noline kept completely calm during Tennenbaum's rant though he wasn't sure what exactly had gotten her so riled up all of a sudden. He simply stood there with his hands behind his back and looked at the woman rolling around on a segway. "Sure. We can table the discussion on religion for now. I will be happy to return to the subject whenever the good doctor feels inclined to discuss it some more."

The Abh goes back to sifting through the expanses of his mind remembering tunes to classical songs and complex formulas. He is snapped back to attention when Tennenbaum calls back to him for his notes. Noline walks over to an assistant to retrieve the notes. Once he has them, he hands them over to the Dornalian doctor.

Tennenbaum took her notes, and said, "Right." She began mumbling to herself in a mix of Spanish and English, saying, "Hmm.....let's see....creation of a Space Marine requires several methods and stages and takes a good deal of time...duh...implantation goes hand-in-hand with chemical treatment, psychological conditioning and subconscious hypnotherapy. All of these are essential if the Marine is to develop properly, and acquire full use of the implants...BIG DUH...Chemical Treatment...Hypnotherapy...Physical training stimulates the implants and allows them to be tested for effectiveness...Indoctrination..."

Tennenbaum then let out a cry of "AH! Here we go! Implantation!" She then began reading, in an excessively proud and authoritarian voice: "According to my sources (OOC: Source : http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/mediawiki/index.php?title=Space_Marine&redirect=no#Creation_of_a_Space_Marine)

'The 19 implanted organs are very complicated, and because several of them only work properly or work at all in the presence of another of the implants, the removal, mutation or failure of one organ can affect the exact functioning of the others...Listed below is the complete set of implants used:

Phase 1 - Secondary Heart- This simplest and most self-sufficient of implants allows a Space Marine to survive his other heart being damaged or destroyed, and to survive in low oxygen environments. Not just a back-up, the secondary heart can boost the blood-flow around the Marine's body.

Phase 2 - Ossmodula - A small, tubular and complex organ, The ossmodula secretes hormones that both affect the ossification of the skeleton and encourage the forming bone growths to absorb ceramic-based chemicals that are laced into the Marine's diet. This heavily alters the way the Space Marine's bones grow and develop. Two years after this implant is first put in the subject's long bones will have increased in size (along with most other bones) and the rib cage will have been fused into a solid mass of bulletproof, interlocking plates.

Phase 3 - Biscopea - This small, circular organ is inserted into the chest cavity and releases hormones that vastly increase muscle growth throughout the marine's body. It also serves to form the hormonal basis for many of the later implants.

Phases 1-3 can be introduced at the same time, ideally between 10 and 14 years of age.

Phase 4 - Haemastamen - Implanted into the main circulatory system, this tiny implant not only increases the haemoglobin content of the subjects blood, making it more efficient at carrying oxygen around the body and making the subject's blood a bright red, it also serves to monitor and control the actions of the phase 2 and phase 3 implants.

Phase 5 - Larraman's Organ - A liver-shaped organ about the size of a golf-ball, this implant is placed within the chest cavity and connected to the circulatory system. It generates and controls 'Larraman cells' which are released into the blood stream if the recipient is wounded. They attach themselves to leucocytes in the blood and are are carried to the site of the wound, where upon contact with air they form a near instant patch of scar tissue, sealing any wounds the Space Marine may suffer.

Phases 4 and 5 can be introduced at the same time, ideally between 12 and 14 years of age.

Phase 6 - Catalepsean Node - Implanted into the back of the brain, this pea-sized organ influences the circadian rhythms of sleep and the body's response to sleep deprivation. If deprived of sleep, the catalepsean node cuts in. The node allows a Marine to sleep and remain awake at the same time by switching off areas of his brain sequentially. This process cannot replace sleep entirely, but increases the Marines survivability by allowing perception of the environment while resting. This means that a Space Marine needs no more than 4 hours of sleep a day, and can potentially go for 2 weeks without any sleep at all.

Hypnotherapy normally begins at this point in the process, ideally sometime between 14 and 17 years of age.

Phase 7 - Preomnor - This is essentially a pre-stomach that can neutralise otherwise poisonous or indigestible foods. No actual digestion takes place in the preomnor, as it acts as a decontamination chamber placed before the natural stomach in the body's system and can be isolated from the rest of the digestive tract in order to contain particularly troublesome intake.2

Phase 8 - Omophagea - This implant allows a Space Marine to 'learn by eating'. It is situated in the spinal cord but is actually part of the brain. Four nerve bundles are implanted connecting the spine and the stomach wall. Able to 'read' or absorb genetic material consumed by the marine, the omophagea transmits the gained information to the Marine's brain as a set of memories or experiences. It is the presence of this organ which is responsible for the various flesh-eating and blood-drinking rituals for which certain Marine Chapters are famous, as well as giving names to chapters such as the Blood Drinkers and Flesh Tearers. Over time, mutations in this implant have given some chapters unnatural craving for blood or flesh."

Tennenbaum added, "Since Nicci has stabilized it and Dr. Bebaus possesses advanced equipment, we and and have engineered the insanity out of that, so the cannibalism--or chances of---is much less."

Tennenbaum continued, "Phase 9 - Multi-lung - This additional lung activates when a Space Marine needs to breathe in low-oxygen or poisoned atmospheres, and even water. The natural lungs are closed off by a sphincter muscle associated with the multi-lung and the implanted organ takes over breathing operations. It has highly efficient toxin dispersal systems.

Phases 7 to 9 are normally introduced simultaneously, ideally at a point between 14 and 16 years old. The following series of organs are also ideally implanted between the ages of 14 and 16.

Phase 10 - Occulobe - This implant sits at the base of the brain, and provides hormonal and genetic stimuli which enable a Marine's eyes to respond to optic-therapy. This in turn allows the Apothecaries to make adjustments to the growth patterns of the eye and the light-receptive retinal cells - the result being that Space Marines have far superior vision to normal humans, and can see in low-light conditions almost as well as in daylight.2

Phase 11 - Lyman's Ear - Not only does this implant make a Space Marine immune from dizziness or motion sickness but also allows Space Marines to consciously filter out and enhance certain sounds. The Lyman's Ear completely replaces a Marine's original ear. It is externally indistinguishable from a normal human ear.

Phase 12 - Sus-an Membrane - Initially implanted above the brain, this membrane eventually merges with the recipient's entire brain. Ineffective without follow-up chemical therapy and training, but with sufficient training a Space Marine can use this implant to enter a state of suspended animation, consciously or as an automatic reaction to extreme trauma, keeping the Marine alive for years, even if he has suffered otherwise mortal wounds. Only the appropriate chemical therapy or auto-suggestion can revive a Marine from this state. The longest recorded period spent in suspended animation was undertaken by Brother Silas Err of the Dark Angels, who was revived after 567 years. It should also be noted that Talonmaster Zso Sahaal of the Night Lord's legion spent nearly ten thousand years in suspended animation when his ship was entombed in the warp by the Eldar, however time in his ship may not have passed at the same rate as in normal space.

Phase 13 - Melanochrome - This implant controls the amount of melanin in a Marine's skin. Exposure to high levels of sunlight will result in the Marine's skin darkening to compensate. It also protects the Marine from other forms of radiation.

Phase 14 - Oolitic Kidney - In conjunction with the secondary heart this implant allows a Space Marine to filter his blood very quickly, rendering him immune to most poisons. This action comes at a price, however, as this emergency detoxification usually renders the Marine unconscious while his blood is circulated at high speed. The organ's everyday function is to monitor the entire circulatory system and allow other organs to function effectively.2

Phase 15 - Neuroglottis - This enhances a Space Marine's sense of taste to such a high degree that he can identify many common chemicals by taste alone. A Marine can even track down his target by taste.

Phases 14 and 15 may be introduced at the same time, ideally between 15 and 16 years of age. The remaining series of implants are then ideally introduced to the recipient between the ages of 16 and 18.

Phase 16 - Mucranoid - This implant allows a Space Marine to sweat a substance that coats the skin and offers resistance to extreme heat and cold and can even provide some protection for the marine in a vacuum. This can only be activated by outside treatment, and is common when Space Marines are expected to be fighting in vacuum.

Phase 17 - Betcher's Gland - Consists of two identical glands, implanted either into the lower lip, alongside the salivary glands or into the hard palette. The gland works in a similar way to the poison gland of venomous reptiles by synthesizing and storing deadly poison, which the Marines themselves are immune to due to the gland's presence. This allows a Space Marine to spit a blinding contact poison, which is also corrosive enough to eat through iron bars.

Phase 18 - Progenoids - There are two of these glands, one situated in the neck and the other within the chest cavity. These take time (5 years in the first case, 10 in the latter) to mature into gene-seed. The gene-seed can then be extracted and used to create more Space Marines. Being that the Abh possess advanced genetic modification capacities, we can speed that up some.

Phase 19 - Black Carapace - The most distinctive implant, it resembles a film of black plastic that is implanted directly beneath the skin of the Marine's torso in sheets. It hardens on the outside and sends invasive neural bundles into the Marine's body. After the organ has matured the recipient is then fitted with neural sensors and interface points cut into the carapace's surface. This allows a Space Marine to interface directly with his Power Armour and use all of the additional features on the armour, such as medical information.'"

Tennenbaum looked at Bebaus and said, "So those are the organs we deal with. We can adjust accordingly, since we use clones and possess genetic modification technology in advance of that of the Imperium of Man--or at the very least, equal to its sophistication but with more experience. And Nicci has cleaned these organs."

Noline folded his fingers together before him and listened to the long list of implants that would be needed for this to work. He nodded his head as each one was read to him along with the quick memory he had of briefly skimming her notes and what he could decipher. Most of what was being described to him would not be terribly difficult to construct like organ implantation.

What required the most detail would be the new cell types themselves. Organs could be replicated on a whim and even graphing a second heart was not all that complicated even given that the circulatory system would have to be reworked to support the increase of blood and oxygen.

"It is a tall order that you ask for though not an impossible one. It would almost be easier to write up a genetic coding for all of this and breed the beings completely from scratch. Unfortunately, we do not have any subjects between your ideal age of 10 and 14. I am confident in our current subjects to survive such a treatment especially with the added support of our friends from D'Hara."

Zedd scowled across the room. He was not in favor of these events and he was not pleased with how lightly they were taking the existance of life.

Noline folded his fingers together before him and listened to the long list of implants that would be needed for this to work. He nodded his head as each one was read to him along with the quick memory he had of briefly skimming her notes and what he could decipher. Most of what was being described to him would not be terribly difficult to construct like organ implantation.

What required the most detail would be the new cell types themselves. Organs could be replicated on a whim and even graphing a second heart was not all that complicated even given that the circulatory system would have to be reworked to support the increase of blood and oxygen.

"It is a tall order that you ask for though not an impossible one. It would almost be easier to write up a genetic coding for all of this and breed the beings completely from scratch. Unfortunately, we do not have any subjects between your ideal age of 10 and 14. I am confident in our current subjects to survive such a treatment especially with the added support of our friends from D'Hara."

Zedd scowled across the room. He was not in favor of these events and he was not pleased with how lightly they were taking the existance of life.

Tennenbaum nodded and said to Bebaus, "My previous statement was to that effect. We can adjust our clone treatments and possibly the organ implementation process accordingly; perhaps make clones of either 10-14 years of age biologically or adjust the organs themselves to suit the subjects. Your choice." Fortunately for the good Doctor, she was in favor of modifications to the procedures.

She then glared at Zedd, and greeted his scowl with the full fury of a proud woman who wasn't going to let some old man out of some neckbeard's Dungeons and Dragons roleplay mess up her game. She then said sternly, "If you have something to say, First Wizard, then do so. May I remind you I have ears?"

Tennenbaum had not made the wisest choice to exchange words with someone considering that all three of the D'Harans were vastly intelligent in their own way and extremely deadly. Two of them had no problems killing her simply because she annoyed. Fortunately for her, Zedd was more of the level headed two.

"I can see that you have ears and I am sure you hear me but you do not listen. I find this entire procedure disturbing considering how lightly the sanctity of life is being taken. But you already know all that since I have said this before. Now I would kindly ask to you to use your eyes from now on since I normally wear a scowl and one especially for the Abh."

The comment was hardly a concern for Noline being an Abh and use to constant criticism. Unfortunately for Tennenbaum though, Bebaus was growing tired of all this bickering.

"Doctor, I can appreciate your concerns but if you continue in this manner we will be on the first stage of our experiment until the end of time. Now I can live that long, but I know you and your terran friends here will not live half of a life time of an Abh. Time is short for you and your kind so I suggest you use it wisely and stop wasting it in useless arguments. If you are serious about getting back to work, then I suggest modify the organs to fit the age of our test subjects."

"Doctor, I can appreciate your concerns but if you continue in this manner we will be on the first stage of our experiment until the end of time. Now I can live that long, but I know you and your terran friends here will not live half of a life time of an Abh. Time is short for you and your kind so I suggest you use it wisely and stop wasting it in useless arguments. If you are serious about getting back to work, then I suggest modify the organs to fit the age of our test subjects."

General Graves, who by now had followed the group into the room, muttered, "About friggin' time somebody told that bitch to shut up."

To that Tennenbaum glared, but she knew when she was defeated. Anger management issues aside, she had a job to do, and Javier eagerly steered her back to the console, sheepishly saying to Bebaus and Zedd, "Apologies, apologies...."

Tennenbaum paused for a moment, and said, "Very well. We will modify the organs to match the age of our test subjects. No hard task. JAVIER!"

The assistant then said, "Yes, doctor?"

"Move the organs into the cloning area, I want to begin modification and cloning as soon as possible. I'll work from my end to begin modifications." Javier nodded, and moved the organs to the proper area. Meanwhile, Tennenbaum turned to the Abh, and said, "Dr. Bebaus, which of these accursed controls does what? My fluency in Baronh is rather rudimentary at best."

As Noline had always said, it was his charming personality and his way with people that always them back around. For the Abh scientist, it never ceased to amaze him how easily he could resolve situations.

When Tennenbaum asked to have the controls manned, Bebaus made a simple alteration. "Computer, display all commands in Galactic Standard."

The glass computer controls all switched from the alphabet of Baronh over to English. Tennenbaum could now work easily at the stations but Bebaus figured he should help out a little. Once Javier had the organs moved onto platforms to be taken away, Noline punched in the controls that activated the little flying droids. As soon as the commands were entered, the "maids" of the cloning facility responded promptly by taking the organs away to their designated regions where they could be modified and cloned.

"Well Doctor, now we sit back and wait for the first batch to be completed."

As Noline had always said, it was his charming personality and his way with people that always them back around. For the Abh scientist, it never ceased to amaze him how easily he could resolve situations.

When Tennenbaum asked to have the controls manned, Bebaus made a simple alteration. "Computer, display all commands in Galactic Standard."

The glass computer controls all switched from the alphabet of Baronh over to English. Tennenbaum could now work easily at the stations but Bebaus figured he should help out a little. Once Javier had the organs moved onto platforms to be taken away, Noline punched in the controls that activated the little flying droids. As soon as the commands were entered, the "maids" of the cloning facility responded promptly by taking the organs away to their designated regions where they could be modified and cloned.

"Well Doctor, now we sit back and wait for the first batch to be completed."

Tennenbaum then nodded and said, "Yes, we shall. I am eager to see how this project turns out. These modifications are certainly novel, and I will not lie when I say the Space Marine manufacturing process has not often been tinkered with in the time it has existed. The progenitors of the program, the Imperium of Man, tended to be quite ritualistic in their technological practices and quite conservative."

She then turned to Bebaus and said, "You hungry?"

The organs were off running through the massive cloning machine that the Abh had constructed many years ago when the Galactic Empire was a threat and Star Forces needed a ground force that was sizeable enough to take on the Storm Troopers. Now with little threat looming for the Abh, they had the luxury of improving their ground military and make what troops they had more suited for quality rather than quantity.

It would only take a few minutes for the proper modifications to be made then they would be ready for implementation. Noline had not thought about a meal but the fascility had all the comforts of home built into it so a meal was not completely out of the question. "There is a mess hall not far from here if you are hungry."

Bebaus brought up his clyuno to file through the list of foods available to them this day. Luckily enough, the kitchen was in full force. "It seems there is just about anything you could desire cooking now. Shall we head down?"

OOC: Leave it to you what you want Tennenbaum to order, just assume it's there. Also feel free to do whatever you want with the organs that are being messed with.

Bebaus brought up his clyuno to file through the list of foods available to them this day. Luckily enough, the kitchen was in full force. "It seems there is just about anything you could desire cooking now. Shall we head down?"

OOC: Leave it to you what you want Tennenbaum to order, just assume it's there. Also feel free to do whatever you want with the organs that are being messed with.

Tennebaum nodded, and smiled as they went down to the Mess Hall. She then said, "I must complement you and the management, you have been very gracious to me despite my..." She then added with a touch of delicacy and nervousness, "...delicacies."

When they arrived, Tennenbaum ordered a mug of yerba mate, some steak and chimichurri sauce, and a mess of steak fries, with a milkshake. Javier, following to ensure his charge and mistress wasn't going to fall over or mess up again, ordered a simple personal pan pizza and a glass of water.

As this occurred, the organs were being cloned and massproduced at an astonishing rate. Not much in the way of modification was made to their design, time-tested and honored by legions of Imperial Genetors. However, there were some alterations made to adjust for the increased metabolism and bodily functions inherent in the older clones used for the procedure--just a few tweaks here and there that didn't totally compromise their use, and would leave them useful for standard implantation as well. Such was the deft skill of Abh gene manipulation an D'Haran magic that the organs were moving quicker than planned, prepped for storage for the next phase.

Noline came back to set down next to Tennenbaum and Javier with a dish that the Abh called Orton Fimferma, which were sea turtle flippers boiled into a broth. Off to the side, he had a Rop and a surgu for caffeine. The Bebaus scientist picked up his chopsticks and picked away at the flippers. In his other hand, the Abh pulled out a glass datapad and went through the specifications that must be met by these new soldiers set out by the Imperial Admiral. They were even to have a specific look which wouldn't be difficult to form but Noline was a patient Abh, more so than normal, and he was willing to take the time to make sure this new breed of soldier was perfect.

At the other end of the mess hall Zedd, Nicci, and Cara were picking out foods that appeared normal by most human standards. They had decided not to sit near the Abh but rather a table behind. Zedd talked on at length about simple things that had very little to do with what their work was on.

Suddenly his talk was interrupted as Cara dropped her tray, food and silverware going everywhere, and hit the floor. The Mord-Sith clutched her chest as if something just hit her like a ton of bricks. The blond woman's chest rose and fell in quick breaths.

"It...can't be..."

Nicci was over her friend in a second. "Cara?! What is it?"

"It's...the....Lord Rahl. He's...returned..."

Nicci looked at Zedd whose face had lost all its color. "Dear Spirits... My boy?"

Tennebaum heard the words of the magicians, and looked up. She then put her food down, and wheeled herself to the Mord-Sith with some urgency. Javier was going to follow, and he did, running shortly behind. Applying the parking brake, she then asked, in a curious voice "Excuse me, First Wizard, Nicci, may I ask what is going on, and who is this Lord Rahl you fine gentlemen and ladies are asking about? It must surely be of some importance."

Cara had finally regained some of her senses as time slowly passed. Air came easier to her lungs as the bond between her and the Lord Rahl became familiar once more. A Mord-Sith's explanation would have left the scientist wanting and Cara was not in any mood to respond to her questions anyways.

Zedd helped Cara back up to her feet. "Richard Rahl, my grandson. He is the Emperor of D'Hara and the first human ever that has been accepted into the running for the Jade Throne of all the Abh Empire. We thought he was still captured by the Kanuckistani army but he is back, somehow."

Nicci came up on the other side and helped the Mord-Sith to the table where she could sit for a while. "That, and he is the first War Wizard to have been born since before the age of space walking. He commands a power greater than any of us here can wield."

The two broke off and gathered Cara's tray and some more food to replace the spoiled stuff on the floor.

Cara had finally regained some of her senses as time slowly passed. Air came easier to her lungs as the bond between her and the Lord Rahl became familiar once more. A Mord-Sith's explanation would have left the scientist wanting and Cara was not in any mood to respond to her questions anyways.

Zedd helped Cara back up to her feet. "Richard Rahl, my grandson. He is the Emperor of D'Hara and the first human ever that has been accepted into the running for the Jade Throne of all the Abh Empire. We thought he was still captured by the Kanuckistani army but he is back, somehow."

Nicci came up on the other side and helped the Mord-Sith to the table where she could sit for a while. "That, and he is the first War Wizard to have been born since before the age of space walking. He commands a power greater than any of us here can wield."

The two broke off and gathered Cara's tray and some more food to replace the spoiled stuff on the floor.

At that point, Tennenbaum became lost in thought, wondering who it was.....and then she remembered. The name came from the old days, the old books she used to read, passed down from the 20th Century. They spoke of a man named Richard Rahl. And how dashing, and handsome and.....strong......

At that point, she swooned, not just lost in thought over that, but in awe that these people knew somebody who was just that awesome. Javier picked her up before she could fall out of the tub, and she then said, gasping for breath, "My dear....friends...."

She perked up and went, "This calls for a celebration! Such an honored personage's return cannot go uncelebrated! It would be a crime to let that happen!" Tennenbaum then called to Javier, and said, "Bring hither the bottle of whiskey marked "Johnnie Walker." POSTHASTE!"

Javier nodded, and ran off to fetch the spirits. He came back with two tall red and black boxes, tall, with approprate proof marks. He then opened them and presented glasses and revealed the bottles within.

The three D'Harans were not sure what to make of this turn with Tennenbaum. Certainly Zedd and Nicci were rethinking their opinion of her but obviously the weird factor remained. Still, Zedd was glad to hear that his grandson was alive and back. Where ever in the Empire that was.

Unfortunately none of them were all cheers when the drinks came around. Cara took hers down in one gulped and only winced slightly showing the slightest burning as the liquor went down. Zedd and Nicci nursed theirs for a moment though.

"The boy will want to know what has been happening since his absence."

Cara nodded her blond head. "Of course but Lord Rahl always has a means of knowing everything. That is why the Lord Rahl is Lord Rahl. I am more concerned for his safety when he sees the Mother Confessor again. She will not pleased that he has been gone for so long."

Zedd smiled. "I'm sure she'll forgive him of his long vacation though I wouldn't disturb them for a while."

Nicci just sort of stared at her glass then raised it for a toast. "To Richard and hopefully a return to normal times though I don't know if anything is ever normal when Richard is around. It will certainly be interesting. Though all will be glad at the return of the Lord Rahl and Seeker of Truth."

Nicci just sort of stared at her glass then raised it for a toast. "To Richard and hopefully a return to normal times though I don't know if anything is ever normal when Richard is around. It will certainly be interesting. Though all will be glad at the return of the Lord Rahl and Seeker of Truth."

Tennenbaum then raised her glass, and said in a cheerful voice, "To a return to normal and to the Health of Lord Rahl! Salud!" She then proceeded to drink it down in one go, nobly and with speed.

She then said, somewhat embarassed, "You will have to excuse me for earlier....Lord Rahl sounds like such an impressive fellow...."

Zedd nodded as he took a sip from his glass. "That he is dear lady. Certainly one of a kind."

There was a somber mood in the mess hall as silence filled the air. The three D'Harans were inwardly debating on what they should do but no one was willing to speak for now. Only the clearing of Bebaus's throat broke the silence.

"I hate to break up this happy reunion, but we have a task at hand. If I could ask the good doctor to keep ahold of her fluttering heart, we may move on whenever you have all finished your meals."

Zedd nodded as he took a sip from his glass. "That he is dear lady. Certainly one of a kind."

There was a somber mood in the mess hall as silence filled the air. The three D'Harans were inwardly debating on what they should do but no one was willing to speak for now. Only the clearing of Bebaus's throat broke the silence.

"I hate to break up this happy reunion, but we have a task at hand. If I could ask the good doctor to keep ahold of her fluttering heart, we may move on whenever you have all finished your meals."

Tennenbaum, at that last word, drove straight to Noline and said, with some disappointment, "I see we have no respect for the recently returned, Dr. Bebaus. Charming as you are, I sure you have a heart under that handsome, macho exterior of yours."

She then turned about and said, mocking his command, "Javier, since the good Doctor wishes for us to get back to work, and we are duly finished with our meals--at least mine and Javier's--deliver them to the appropriate place and take us to the production area, so we may please his Abhship and begin work once more."

She then drove out, leaving Javier to sigh and clean up. In the meantime, Tennenbaum checked in on the progress of the organs. Things were moving smoothly, as there were enough SM organs to supply about 3,000 clones. She smiled, saying, "You Abhs are some work" as she surveyed the console. Indeed, within a few hours, they had made enough organs to supply three Chapters of Space Marines. An achievement not done in a while, or ever.

Noline had nothing but a smile to greet Tennenbaum as she wheeled around on him. "'His Abhship' is not necessary at all doctor. The 'wonderful doctor' or 'his greatness' will do just fine in the future."

After the good Dornalian doctor left the mess hall, Noline pulled out a small glass pad and updated his notes. The genetic factory was streaming through his small hand held computer which kept him abreast on the progress of the cloning procedures. Everything was going according to schedule which brought a genuine smile to his face. On the same data pad, he switched over to the Star Forces networked and accessed their high clearance network. It was time to begin moving the marine project into its next phase.

The planet of Delmaav would need to be secretly terraformed so it would be breathable for the soldiers without the hassle of an aperatus. Resources would also be needed to construct a weather pattern stabilizer so that they would be exposed to all forms of weather during training. Above all, this needed to be kept secret. Since this system was written off as an experimental ground, there was no problem with that.

The final phase would come from picking candidates that would lead the Imperial Marines in battle. Estas was a fine choice by the Imperial Admiral but they would seen need someone that was not so... mentally unstable.

Bebaus put his data pad away as he joined Tennenbaum later on. "Ah yes. Centuries of genetic art and reconstructing does have its advantages. I trust everything meets to your satisfaction?"

Back at the mess, the three D'Harans concluded on what they were going to do. Zedd nodded with a good measure of acceptance. "Then it's settled. Cara and I will return to D'Hara while Nicci remains behind with the Abh and Dornalians to make sure there are no problems."

Nicci looked a little disappointed but nodded her agreement. Cara wrapped a reassuring arm around her shoulders. "Don't worry, we'll let Lord Rahl know you have been thinking of him."

She smiled appreciatively. "Thanks Cara."

Zedd and Cara gave their goodbyes then headed up to catch a ride back home while Nicci finished her meal and headed out to join Noline and Tennenbaum.

Noline had nothing but a smile to greet Tennenbaum as she wheeled around on him. "'His Abhship' is not necessary at all doctor. The 'wonderful doctor' or 'his greatness' will do just fine in the future."

After the good Dornalian doctor left the mess hall, Noline pulled out a small glass pad and updated his notes. The genetic factory was streaming through his small hand held computer which kept him abreast on the progress of the cloning procedures. Everything was going according to schedule which brought a genuine smile to his face. On the same data pad, he switched over to the Star Forces networked and accessed their high clearance network. It was time to begin moving the marine project into its next phase...

Bebaus put his data pad away as he joined Tennenbaum later on. "Ah yes. Centuries of genetic art and reconstructing does have its advantages. I trust everything meets to your satisfaction?"

...Zedd and Cara gave their goodbyes then headed up to catch a ride back home while Nicci finished her meal and headed out to join Noline and Tennenbaum.

OOC: Anybody can detect the "Streetcar Named Desire" references/direct quotations, wins a cookie.

IC:

Tennenbaum said, looking at the controls and then at Bebaus, "Hmm, hmm, hmmmm.....beautiful, absolutely beautiful, Doctor!" She then turned to face him and softened greatly, saying with a cheerful smile as she placed her hands on his shoulders in celebration and gestured wildly to the consoles just as Nicci came in, "Oh look, my dear Doctor! We've made enchantment!"

She then leaned back, shocked at her giddiness. She then said, laughing nervously, "Well, let's cut the rebop, shall we?" Straightening up and resuming her normally serious manner, she then said, "Oh, pardon me, my dear Doctor. I'm really ovejoyed. For as the instruments indicate, we have enough for several thousand Marines. The Imperium of Man took weeks to make this many!" She moves to the console, and says raising her arms up in a messianic manner, "Now, all we need are suitable recruits!" Turning to Dr. Bebaus, she then said, "Now then, how do we proceed? We still cloning or shall we recruit suitable youths?"

The outburst from Tennenbaum was a little unexpected by the good doctor. He wasn't really sure that he liked this side of her but it soon faded as she regained her senses, much to Noline's relief. Bebaus straightened his clothing and looked at the same readings that the Dornalian doctor was and smiled at what he already knew to be fact.

Recruiting youths was indeed on Bebaus's list of things to do but with the reappearance of Nicci and the feeling of her eyes boring into his back, he dismissed the possibility immediately. For now at least. "We will use the clones. I believe that should make all parties content."

He made a mental to note to possibly invite some of the Dornalian brass a few years down the road to see how the Marine project was advancing once real recruits were "enlisted".

Recruiting youths was indeed on Bebaus's list of things to do but with the reappearance of Nicci and the feeling of her eyes boring into his back, he dismissed the possibility immediately. For now at least. "We will use the clones. I believe that should make all parties content."

He made a mental to note to possibly invite some of the Dornalian brass a few years down the road to see how the Marine project was advancing once real recruits were "enlisted".

Tennenbaum then said, enthralled with the controls, "Hmm...you have a point. We should make a test batch of Imperial Marines before we commit ourselves in earnest. I wouldn't want the amazingly fast progress to reveal itself to be in haste, now."

She knew Nicci had a hand in making him choose the clones, but he humored her disdain and allowed the Clones to go forward. Still, she could agree with the Doctor on one thing, and added, turning to the Doctor and noticing the glare and challenging Nicci with her tone, "Oh, but we are recruiting--er, doing that part eventually are we?"

Noline tapped a finger on at the edge of his lips as he feigned deep contemplation. He was not about to let the D'Haran in on every little secret op that the Empire was planning on running. Some things just had to remain secret. "Once we have perfected the art of creating the Imperial Marines, I will have some of our best scientists work on breaking down the process to a series of genetic altering injections. We will then open it up to enlisted men and women that wish to volunteer for the procedure once it has been deemed safe. All possible side effects will be given to them so that they are fully aware of what they are getting into."

Nicci didn't exactly trust the Abh, but she was not exactly well versed in the medicine field so had no way of knowing if such a claim was possible or not. Being from a time period such as D'Hara, she was not exactly in the know. The Sorceress relaxed slightly as she took a spot off to the side so as to not interfere with the doctors' but close enough so she could observe everything.

Nicci didn't exactly trust the Abh, but she was not exactly well versed in the medicine field so had no way of knowing if such a claim was possible or not. Being from a time period such as D'Hara, she was not exactly in the know. The Sorceress relaxed slightly as she took a spot off to the side so as to not interfere with the doctors' but close enough so she could observe everything.

Tennenbaum continued to monitor the console, saying, "Progress is as expected, as expected...."

She stroked her chin and then said, "When can we begin phase two?"

Noline checked the readings on the cloning procedures. He slowly nodded his head and brought up on a holographic screen the freshest clone troops training in a holographic simulator. The virtual battlefield in this case was a lush jungle and the company was divided into to small fire teams to hunt out the enemy and kill them. Looking much like something out of an old video game, their green armor and golden face plates worked like a light ballistic armor. Its original function was hardly worn by anyone considering it weight. Only a few wore the full suit of armor.

"No better time than the present." Noline pressed a button to interrupt the simulation and project his voice into the room.

"Commander, you and your men are to report to the medical bay for bio-inspection and upgrades."

A click in the comm channel registered as an acknolwedgement. Doctor Bebaus turned around to Tennenbaum, let's head to the operating facility. The organs will be delivered to us by the keepers of the genetic factory."

A click in the comm channel registered as an acknolwedgement. Doctor Bebaus turned around to Tennenbaum, let's head to the operating facility. The organs will be delivered to us by the keepers of the genetic factory."

Tennenbaum nodded, and followed Bebaus to the operating facility. She definetly recognized those persons from somewhere before--or at least their armor.....

By the time the group arrived at the medical bay that was designated for their experiments, the twelve man fire team was already in the room and working on stripping down their armor. Eventually it was piled up on racks designed to support the weight and be carted off for repairs. Besides the armor, perhaps most surprising about the clone troops was that they all looked like Abh with typical blue hair and the froch in the center of their foreheads.

What the difference was, they were much larger and thicker in muscle. Abh were typically not geared for life on planets. These clones were alterred to accomodate the need for ground warfare but kept the advanced qualities of an Abh. Nothing like having the ability to see behind you at all times which made their reflexes just that much quicker.

"Please lay on the tables."

Every soldier obediently complied as they eased down onto twevle metallic tables and were locked into place with ankle and wrist harnasses. Noline moved through the room with determined steps, going from soldier to soldier sticking needles on their arms and updating their bio signs to his data pad. IV's were filled with sleeping agents for the benefit of the soldiers. No one really wanted to be awake for this operation.

It wasn't long before they were all unconcious and ready for surgery. A team of doctors rushed in at the doctor's beckoning call. "Alright, I want every soldier monitored at all times for any abnormalities while the organs in infused. Do we have our titanium alloy ready for skeletal graphing?"

One of the doctors nodded her head. "Yes Dr. Bebaus."

"Good. Sorceress, we'll need your help to make sure they survive the surgery. Even with your talents, we will likely lose some. Unavoidable but we shall continue on."

Noline stepped back just as a number of drones descended from a hole in the ceiling carrying containers filled with the enhanced organs. A number of surgery drones followed and began their work on opening up their patients.

Bebaus made his way back to Tennenbaum's side. "Now we wait and hope."

By the time the group arrived at the medical bay that was designated for their experiments, the twelve man fire team was already in the room and working on stripping down their armor. Eventually it was piled up on racks designed to support the weight and be carted off for repairs. Besides the armor, perhaps most surprising about the clone troops was that they all looked like Abh with typical blue hair and the froch in the center of their foreheads.

What the difference was, they were much larger and thicker in muscle. Abh were typically not geared for life on planets. These clones were alterred to accomodate the need for ground warfare but kept the advanced qualities of an Abh. Nothing like having the ability to see behind you at all times which made their reflexes just that much quicker.

"Please lay on the tables."

Every soldier obediently complied as they eased down onto twevle metallic tables and were locked into place with ankle and wrist harnasses. Noline moved through the room with determined steps, going from soldier to soldier sticking needles on their arms and updating their bio signs to his data pad. IV's were filled with sleeping agents for the benefit of the soldiers. No one really wanted to be awake for this operation.

It wasn't long before they were all unconcious and ready for surgery. A team of doctors rushed in at the doctor's beckoning call. "Alright, I want every soldier monitored at all times for any abnormalities while the organs in infused. Do we have our titanium alloy ready for skeletal graphing?"

One of the doctors nodded her head. "Yes Dr. Bebaus."

"Good. Sorceress, we'll need your help to make sure they survive the surgery. Even with your talents, we will likely lose some. Unavoidable but we shall continue on."

Noline stepped back just as a number of drones descended from a hole in the ceiling carrying containers filled with the enhanced organs. A number of surgery drones followed and began their work on opening up their patients.

Bebaus made his way back to Tennenbaum's side. "Now we wait and hope."

Dr. Tennenbaum wandered about the room as Noline made the process happen, stopping long enough for him to stop by her side. She was amazed at the willingness of the Abh soldiers to comply with the procedure, especially as it took some cajoling for the Dornalians to do their portion. The anesthetic was new, but then again, the Abh weren't the Imperium of days past. For that matter, these weren't ordinary individuals, but Abh. "Homo Sapiens Astralensis," as UCLA dubbed them now.

Tennenbaum retorted to Noline's statement, "Yes, wait and hope. Personally, I never heard this tried with Abh before. Homo Sapiens is one thing, but Homo Sapiens Astralensis, the mongrelized name given to your people by the University of California at Los Angeles's rather busy Anthropology Department, is another. Still, I have faith we will carry through..."

She then mused, "...we will need Marine armor, though."

Noline smirked at the classification. "Astralensis...that is a new one on me. I must remember that term for a later date. Interesting that they have decided to classify us in such a way. Ah, but times have not changed it seems."

As the doctors conversed with one another, the operations progressed with the first stage being titanium alloy graphed to the skeletal structures of every clone soldier. Even as the first soldiers suffered through the struggles of undergoing a new body, Nicci's talents were already needed as the metal alloy began to crush one soldier's bones. If she had not acted quickly enough, the poor clone trooper would have turned into a blob with no bone structure to speak of.

Bebaus pondered on Tennenbaum's remarks about armor. "Yes, I must agree. The current clone trooper armor is hardly adequate for their needs and the standard Imperial Marine armor requires updates. Something that enhances their abilities."

The Abh waved Tennenbaum over to a holographic pad for viewing. Up popped a holographic representation of the Imperial Marine armor along with all its specs. It looked like the Space Marine armor only that the skull emblazoned on the breast plate was replaced with the eight headed dragon of the Abh Empire.

"What do you recommend?"

Noline smirked at the classification. "Astralensis...that is a new one on me. I must remember that term for a later date. Interesting that they have decided to classify us in such a way. Ah, but times have not changed it seems."

To that, Tennenbaum muttered, "Well, blame the University, not me. Human beings that perform genetic engineering extensively on one another and have their origins in past human societies apparently to them are considered still human."

Bebaus pondered on Tennenbaum's remarks about armor. "Yes, I must agree. The current clone trooper armor is hardly adequate for their needs and the standard Imperial Marine armor requires updates. Something that enhances their abilities."

The Abh waved Tennenbaum over to a holographic pad for viewing. Up popped a holographic representation of the Imperial Marine armor along with all its specs. It looked like the Space Marine armor only that the skull emblazoned on the breast plate was replaced with the eight headed dragon of the Abh Empire.

"What do you recommend?"

Tennenbaum then reached into her left breast pocket, only to glare at herself. "Curses. My reading glasses." Turning rapidly, she screamed, "JAVIER!!!!"

With that, the assistant ran up to her, and said, "Yes, Doctor?"

She ordered Javier, sternly, "Find my reading glasses. I seem to have misplaced them."

Javier then poked about her Segway, her coat pockets--to Tennenbaum's angry mutterings of, "If you touch me in any inappropriate manner, you will pay"--and eventually left to examine their quarters. Eventually, he found the missing glasses, and several minutes later ran into the room, presenting a well-worn hardshell case.

"Thank you, Javier."

She then took out the glasses, and put them on her face. She then said, "I cannot make recommendations unless I get some data."

Looking at the armor and examining its holographic form, she asked Bebaus inquisitively and in the manner of an interrogator, "Tell me, Doctor, is this power armor made of ceramite? (http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Ceramite) Is it hermetically sealed against the outer environment with appropriate Nuclear, Chemical, and Biological Weapons protections? Does that backpack have the environmental life support and control mechanisms, power plant and extra stabilizers? Does it have the full suite of functions? Sensors? Status interface informing the user about his medical condition? Communicators? Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera? Marine suits have a full suite of functions needed for each marine to function on the modern battlefield. I have these functions in my notes.

I know it does not have, at present, the interface with the Black Carapace, but that must be amended. Otherwise, the suit's efficency will be reduced dramatically."

She then motioned for Javier to present the notes to Bebaus, and help him read them.

Noline flicked his forehead lightly as if just remembering something. "My apologies doctor."

He punched a few keys next to the holographic screen to translate the script detaling the armor's properties from Baronh to English. Bebaus then lefted his clyuno to find someone that could better explain this part of the operation than he. "Commander. We need you down stairs immediately please."

Noline let his hand fall back to the side as the holographic image of the armor continued to spin before them. Eventually pressurized doors opened to reveal the same female officer that was there to greet Tennenbaum and the others.

"Yes Doctor?"

Noline smiled and tilted his head towards the armor. "Could you translate this for the good Doctor?"

The Abh officer walked around the holographic image taking it all in before continuing on. Not all of this was for her eyes to see. "The overall armor is encased with a metal alloy hybrid that is used on Star Forces vessels. It will stop small rounds fire and take a number of energy attacks before scarring and eventually melting. The inner mesh working help with movement to accomodate with augmented speed and reflexes along with a second layer of ballistic gel. This layer helps regulate the inside temperature of the suit for both space and planetary actions.

It is hermetically sealed to protect against any changes in the environment. Suit systems help to protect against radiation poisoning while the suits helmet is equiped with breathing purifiers to keep out biological and chemical pathogens. Besides this, the helmet is equiped with a targeting display, communication equipment with multiple frequencies, and biosign registration of team members."

The Abh officer walked around the holographic image taking it all in before continuing on. Not all of this was for her eyes to see. "The overall armor is encased with a metal alloy hybrid that is used on Star Forces vessels. It will stop small rounds fire and take a number of energy attacks before scarring and eventually melting. The inner mesh working help with movement to accomodate with augmented speed and reflexes along with a second layer of ballistic gel. This layer helps regulate the inside temperature of the suit for both space and planetary actions.

It is hermetically sealed to protect against any changes in the environment. Suit systems help to protect against radiation poisoning while the suits helmet is equiped with breathing purifiers to keep out biological and chemical pathogens. Besides this, the helmet is equiped with a targeting display, communication equipment with multiple frequencies, and biosign registration of team members."

Tennenbaum nodded, listening to the officer and examining the suit. The suit seemed a good analog to the classic Space Marine Armor, if not exactly. The question of an inner mesh confused her though.

"Tell me, officer. This suit looks rather good so far, but I do wonder about Am I to understand from your description that this 'inner mesh' replicates the user's movement? And this gel regulates the temperature and absorbs impact? I had expected a computer or mechanical system in the backpack."

Commander Lameila magnified the imagery around the marine helmet. "We rely more on a neural interface connected through the helmet along with a built in computer, so you could say that the computer system is in the brain and the suit. There is a back up system in the backpack.

Along the same line, the inner lining of the armor is connected to the suits on board system to coordinate with the movements of the soldier. It's more of our subject thinking about moving instead of actually doing the moving. The same as the gel lining. It all works in sych with the neural network."

Commander Lameila magnified the imagery around the marine helmet. "We rely more on a neural interface connected through the helmet along with a built in computer, so you could say that the computer system is in the brain and the suit. There is a back up system in the backpack.

Along the same line, the inner lining of the armor is connected to the suits on board system to coordinate with the movements of the soldier. It's more of our subject thinking about moving instead of actually doing the moving. The same as the gel lining. It all works in sych with the neural network."

Tennenbaum got up and then put away her spectacles. She then pronounced the suits without looking at Lameila, "Fascinating, fascinating. A rather wonderful analog to the real thing. I would say this is a case of convergent evolution, whereupon we have approached many of the features of the Space Marine Mark Six Aquila Armor without outside input. Good, good--now, let's make this thing interact with the Black Carapace and we'll really be in business."

Being relatively new to the Imperial Marine project, Lamiela was not entirely familiar all the intricacies of the bio-augmentation. She left that up the brains while she focused on the military aspect of it all. Black Carapace was new to her.

"Pardon doctor, but Black Carapace? What is it and how is it supposed to interact with their armor?"

Being relatively new to the Imperial Marine project, Lamiela was not entirely familiar all the intricacies of the bio-augmentation. She left that up the brains while she focused on the military aspect of it all. Black Carapace was new to her.

"Pardon doctor, but Black Carapace? What is it and how is it supposed to interact with their armor?"

Tennenbaum winced, and was ready to explode upon the Abh officer for her ignorance. But, Javier looked at her, and she became more polite. She turned to Lamelia and spoke, saying, "Ah yes. The Black Carapace is one of the organs we are trying to grow." She then turned to Javier and motioned for him to bring the notes. She then snatched them from his hand, and read the description out loud.

"'Phase 19 - Black Carapace - The most distinctive implant, it resembles a film of black plastic that is implanted directly beneath the skin of the Marine's torso in sheets. It hardens on the outside and sends invasive neural bundles into the Marine's body. After the organ has matured the recipient is then fitted with neural sensors and interface points cut into the carapace's surface. This allows a Space Marine to interface directly with his Power Armour and use all of the additional features on the armour, such as medical information.''"

Tennenbaum then continued, "This means that the systems will have to be rewired to link directly with the Black Carapace. The gel is fine, and may serve as an additional shock absorber, provided we can shift its location and turn it into an additional layer of armor. But, the neural feedback system and all associated functions, the HUD and all associated data on said interface, and most, if not all of the suit's functions that currently function via neural feedback and gel interface system will have to be routed into the Carapace to allow for a more direct link to the Marine. Otherwise, what did I clone those organs for?!"

The commander was obviously not up to speed on everything going on in the lab. She replied with a simple, "Oh."

Luckily Noline was a little more in the know. "Reconfiguring the armor should not be a problem. It may take some time but it is nothing that we cannot handle. I trust you have enough notes to assist our technicians?"

The commander was obviously not up to speed on everything going on in the lab. She replied with a simple, "Oh."

Luckily Noline was a little more in the know. "Reconfiguring the armor should not be a problem. It may take some time but it is nothing that we cannot handle. I trust you have enough notes to assist our technicians?"

Tennenbaum nodded and said smiling proudly and arrogantly. Bebaus's question, to her, was an challenge that would prove no great issue for her skills.

She then proudly put her hands on her hips and said, with the tone of an all-conquering hero: "Yes. In fact--I can even assist your technicians myself! I am a genius after all; those numerous doctorates and degrees are not for show or for my ego!" She then smirked at Dr. Bebaus and said, "And don't you forget it."

Noline Bebaus quirked an eyebrow at Tennenbaum's unusual emotional outburst. It was not something he had become accustomed to seeing from the good doctor. He had to wonder if she was actually doing this for her ego or simply trying to impress him.

"If the you feel like getting your hands dirty, then we can begin discecting a suit of armor immediately. The commander here is our overall resident expert on the equipment we have. Perhaps if you put your minds together, the designs will be improved."

Noline Bebaus quirked an eyebrow at Tennenbaum's unusual emotional outburst. It was not something he had become accustomed to seeing from the good doctor. He had to wonder if she was actually doing this for her ego or simply trying to impress him.

"If the you feel like getting your hands dirty, then we can begin discecting a suit of armor immediately. The commander here is our overall resident expert on the equipment we have. Perhaps if you put your minds together, the designs will be improved."

Tennenbaum met Bebaus' eyebrow with a frown. She was about to respond, when she sighed, knowing that it would be futile to persuade the stubborn Abh to see the fact that she was quite utterly, deeply, and powerfully, a genius unparalleled in all of New Dornalia. He was a genius too, and geniuses, her father, a wise Argentine Jew, had explained--"Geniuses never usually get along."

She then continued with, "Very well. However, I will require an exoskeleton to be flown in from Buenos Aires, to enable me to work. You are, I am sure, familiar with what happens when I cannot stably rest in hot wax, yes?"

Bebaus smiled at the recollection. "Would you like to ship or shall we have it delivered for you?"

Not really waiting for an answer, Noline leaned over to the commander just in case they were needed to ship the exoskeleton. "Warm up the Thrird-Space gates."

Bebaus smiled at the recollection. "Would you like to ship or shall we have it delivered for you?"

Not really waiting for an answer, Noline leaned over to the commander just in case they were needed to ship the exoskeleton. "Warm up the Thrird-Space gates."

Tennenbaum indicated, "You may deliver the exoskeleton to me, the work is too important for me to leave."

She then began speaking rapidly, making Javier write down everything, "Here are some things about it. One: it is located at the Autonomous University of Buenos Aires Ciencias Naturales Department. That's Natural Sciences for those of you who don't speak Rioplatanese Spanish. Go to the Physics Wing, look in the large building marked "Lab 12-A." There should be a big angry red sign denying entry."

She then made Javier hand over a paper, and scrawled out a note as she said, "This note will let you inside, otherwise Antonio, that old salt, will come after you with a broom and a mouth filthier than a sewer. Show it to him. He will understand and help you. His mother was a Scot and his father was a Gallego fisherman with a lisp, so he can speak English with some fluency. Weak fluency, but he can speak."

She then called up something on her Segway, and printed out a small Polaroid sized picture of the exoskeleton (http://www.battlecorps.com/catalog/images/2670.gif). "This is what the item should look like. It should be marked, 'E. Tennenbaum Orrozco,' with all sorts of instructions and marks indicating it is the property of the University."

She then passed both the note and the polaroid to Dr. Bebaus and said, sternly, "Handle it with care, or else I will have the University bill the Bebaus Family personally for damages."

Noline smiled as he received the instructions. "That's why we'll be borrowing your assistant. Who else better to know the necessary precautions with your equipment besides your aide?"

There was a brief conversation through Commander Lamiela's clyuno as she conversed with another in Abh in baronh on the other end of the line. It was a brief talk followed by the Commander looking to both doctors. "The shuttle is ready and the gate is open with a clear jump to New Dornalian space."

Noline smiled as he received the instructions. "That's why we'll be borrowing your assistant. Who else better to know the necessary precautions with your equipment besides your aide?"

There was a brief conversation through Commander Lamiela's clyuno as she conversed with another in Abh in baronh on the other end of the line. It was a brief talk followed by the Commander looking to both doctors. "The shuttle is ready and the gate is open with a clear jump to New Dornalian space."

Javier sighed, before Dr. Tennenbaum glared at Bebaus. Offense permeated, seemingly in an aura around her as she drove her segway close to Dr. Bebaus and leaned into his face, so close he could smell her breath--which was actually kinda pleasant, considering her lunch. She then said angrily, pacing her tone with fury, "I need Javier here, with me. Mr. Farrell stays, lest I become uncontrollable. I cannot do my research without him!" Tennenbaum was really scared of not having Javier there, and it showed in her eyes and pleading, frightened, angry tone which seemed to morph from Virginian Southern American to the rough semi-Italian-Spanish accent of Buenos Aires, and back again.

Before anything worse could occur, Javier, concerned about the Doctor's safety, walked up to Dr. Bebaus and Commander Lamiela and began apologizing heartily to him, saying, "I am sorry, sir, ma'am. Deeply sorry. Doctor Tennenbaum does not usually do this. I don't know why she is so angry....please."

He then said to the Doctor: "Doctor Tennenbaum, I think you will be all right. They will not be taking me away for long. Besides, I will make arrangements in the meantime when an accident occurs. You are an adult, and you do have a memory, yes?"

Tennenbaum then said frantically, turning to Javier, "But you're the only one besides Dr. Bebaus who's witnessed the Procedure. How can--"

"It's a simple procedure involving hot wax and a tub, Doctor. I'm sure I can get someone to do it. Especially with babysitting experience." Javier smiled as he said that, seemingly mocking his bosses's paranoia and unusual reaction. Tennenbaum let out a harumph, falling back and said, "Go, then. I will be waiting here."

Javier then called for the unfortunate Corporal from earlier, who marched in and saluted. Javier whispered instructions in his ear, and passes him his small gig bag with the wax, kids' toys and scientific stuff. The Corporal looked inside, and couldn't resist laughing. He made a quip of, "Where's the daycare?"

He was then greeted by a slap on the face by an angry Tennenbaum, who held him by the scruff of his collar and said, holding him with strength seemingly out of proportion to her frame, "I. Am. Not. A. Kid." She then let him go, leaving the man scared stiff. The Corporal sighed, and said, "If you say so, Doc."

Javier, meanwhile, bowed and said, taking his main gig bag, "Right. Let's go," as Dr. Tennenbaum began making Bambi eyes.

Pleasant breath aside, Noline was finally beginning to piece the jig-saw puzzle that was Tennenbaum together. While intelligent and often times appearing irrational, she was quite simple to understand if one could get passed all of her special needs and that charming personality. Noline really didn't need her assistant for the suit but he was curious as to what her reaction would be. It was not disappointing.

Like a typical scientist, he was always calculating and anaylzing the data that was presented to him even if it came from other people. It was good to see a more human side of her, even if it was vulnerability. "Commander, how many soldiers do we have here on training exercise?"

Lamiela paused for a moment as she ran the figures through her mind. "At least a full batallion. Why?"

"Have ten report to the armory for equipment and be ready to leave for New Dornalia in one minute. They will help Javier aquire the suit and bring it back."

Nodding her head, the commander issued the orders through her clyuno. Once Javier reached the docking bay for the calicke, there would be ten soldiers dressed in the similar green armor ready to leave. Doctor Bebaus had a turbo lift opened for Javier to transported straight to the docking bay. "The shuttle and everything is ready for you. We'll be in contact should you need anything."

Once Javier left, Noline stepped up beside the doctor and spoke to her quietly. "Don't worry. With our advanced travel, he'll only be gone as long as it takes to load your suit on the shuttle."

Nodding her head, the commander issued the orders through her clyuno. Once Javier reached the docking bay for the calicke, there would be ten soldiers dressed in the similar green armor ready to leave. Doctor Bebaus had a turbo lift opened for Javier to transported straight to the docking bay. "The shuttle and everything is ready for you. We'll be in contact should you need anything."

Javier nodded and then said, "Adios, doctor." He then saluted and walked straight into the lift, his face displaying some relief that he could get a break from his testy, volatile, yet wonderful charge to anybody but Doctor Tennenbaum as he turned around and walked into the elevator. Turning about, he then waved as the lift took him to the bay.

Upon entering, he walked forth and saw the warriors in front of him. "So this is whom they sent to aid me? Not bad, though you look better suited to a video game than the battlefield, my friends. It is alright, though." He then saluted them, and walked into the shuttle, saying, "Let's go," motioning for them to follow and for the pilot, once the soldiers got on, to begin the journey to Buenos Aires.

Once Javier left, Noline stepped up beside the doctor and spoke to her quietly. "Don't worry. With our advanced travel, he'll only be gone as long as it takes to load your suit on the shuttle."

"I would hope so....plus, we do have extensive Hyperspace Expressways which make travel easier....."

Tennenbaum looked like a little kid who had to say good bye to her mother for good, and it was obvious she was suffering some form of seperation anxiety. She just stared at the lift for a moment, then shook her head and said, "Yes, you're right," as if trying to persuade herself that Javier was going for only a little while.

She then muttered, speaking with a tremor, "Promise you won't mention this outside the room, but.....but...." Tennenbaum looked at the Abh around her and said testily, "Don't laugh!" before continuing with, in a softer voice, "It's just...for the longest time, I've always had numerous assistants wait on me, because of my condition. It was at the behest of my parents, two Argentine Jews who had made a comfortable living--one a physics professor and another a classical violinist. They were wonderful people who regretted the procedure I had undergone, and wanted to try and make it up to me always.

She thought about things, and then spoke wistfully, looking into some unknown horizon, ".....first there was Marta, the maid when I was a girl who volunteered after the ill-fated surgery. Then, Hernan, the social worker when I was in secondary school. Then, Matilda, the Scottish woman, who helped me in college. Then, in my years in graduate school, I met and befriended Javier, who proved to be as smart as I was, and also even smarter at me admittedly in dealing with intelligent life. I picked him to become my research assistant and life assistant when I became Professor Tennenbaum, professor of physics, the first of many degrees. He had initially proven to be reluctant, but also proved to be the best of the assistants, and it really did shock me to see him go, even for this little trip....I dunno, I guess I had even grown fond of him, if only in a friendly sort of way."

Whether she was being overly melodramatic and exercising in purple prose, or just letting out some steam, was unknown--maybe she was doing both.

Noline smiled at the doctor's unveiling emotions as she recounted bits of her life. "Don't worry doctor, we'll take good care of him. For now, I propose to help ease your mind but shifting focus from your absent assistant to the work at hand. Perhaps we begin working on the holographic design for the new armor to help boost our start when the proper materials arrive."

Bebaus walked over to a computer terminal and pressed one of the many blinking buttons. "This is Dr. Bebaus, how is their progress."

Nicci's voice came back on the other end of the comm line. Her voice sounded weary. "The bone graphing phase has been completed. No deaths...so far."

The Abh scientist nodded then clicked off the link. "Alright then doctor, it's our turn now to enhance our soldiers."

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

The soldiers returned crisp salutes to Javier as he walked by and boarded the shuttle. As soon as he was aboard, the soldiers followed behind and secured the hatch which signalled the pilot that they were ready to take off. Rising out of a crater in the hollowed out moon, the shuttle made its way to the Third Space artifact as the great pylons slid into formation.

Energy hummed as runes began to glow with the continued power build up until a vortex of white hot energy spiraled inwards. There was plenty of seats open for Javier to take with the pilot and ten soldiers being the only crew on board with his choice of seats in the cabin or in the co-pilot's seat. The Abh pilot took readings from the artifact straight before him registering nominal levels of energy and a stable dimensional field.

"Scanning for signs of hostile alien life..."

"Scans negative."

Smiling, the Abh moved the ship into proper jump alignment then hit the accelration. The ship plunged into Third Space in a blinding flash. Behind them, the dimensional tear closed and the artifact resumed its normal dormant state.

On the other end, a brilliant light flashed as if a new star had just been born. A lone shuttle hurled from the light's center as it hovered into orbit of a nearby planet. The Abh pilot blew a sigh then worked at his controls. "Checking bearings...."

"Looks like New Dornalia space," finishing with a smile. He moved to the communication controls and punched in a message asking for permission to land and rechieve valuable equipment for an intergalactic mission.

Nicci's voice came back on the other end of the comm line. Her voice sounded weary. "The bone graphing phase has been completed. No deaths...so far."

The Abh scientist nodded then clicked off the link. "Alright then doctor, it's our turn now to enhance our soldiers."

Tennenbaum looked up and said to Bebaus with a weak smile, "You healthy prettyboy without a care....." She stared blankly, and then shook her head and went, "Yes, Doctor. Let's." The Doctor seemed eager to move on, and thus pulled out a pen and paper and began furiously sketching designs and plans to improve the mech.

On the other end, a brilliant light flashed as if a new star had just been born. A lone shuttle hurled from the light's center as it hovered into orbit of a nearby planet. The Abh pilot blew a sigh then worked at his controls. "Checking bearings...."

"Looks like New Dornalia space," finishing with a smile. He moved to the communication controls and punched in a message asking for permission to land and rechieve valuable equipment for an intergalactic mission.

Buenos Aires, Argentina, Earth SSR

The Abh signal was recieved well enough, and both Border Patrol and Buenos Aires International let them through with only a token trip through customs. Javier waved his Dornalian passport though, and explained his mission over the phone to the head of the Natural Sciences Department. The head secured motor transport, though he wondered what Tennenbaum was up to now.

Javier used said motor transport to take the squad through the Paris of Latin America--the well-deserved nickname for Buenos Aires, owing to its decidedly European archetecure which seemed more akin to the French than to its sister Latin American neighbors or to Spain itself. The busy streets were teeming with people, and as they got close to the university, Javier smiled.

The Autonomous University would prove to be a sprawling complex, massive in size and scope, and made of several small campuses networked into one. Unlike UCLA, the Autonomous University was more spread out. It was composed of several networked campuses--a nod to the founders' Anglophilia, though each was merely a home for an individual department. Javier parked the van at the school lot and led the soldiers through the campuses, turning heads as they moved. The students shrugged; they figured it was probably one of Tennenbaum's crazy experiments again--and they wouldn't have been too far off in this case. Still, where was the Mad Doctor?

Javier led the soldiers to a large complex of buildings marked Departamiento de Ciencias Naturales. Javier said, "This is it." He led the soldiers through the area, approaching the building marked 12-A. He swiped his card, and punched in a few numbers to enter.
----------------------------------------------------
Inside, the soldiers would be greeted by, sure enough, the old man Tennenbaum had warned Bebaus about. A scruffy fellow in a janitor's coveralls, he glared at the group and marched up to them with a slight limp and a mop. He looked at them angrily, and screamed in Spanish to Javier, "Javier! What are these men doing here? You know that these people aren't certified to enter this facility!"

"Antonio, old man, these people are with me; we come for Tennenbaum's Exoskeleton," Javier replied. Antonio raised an eyebrow and said, "Oh? What witches' brew is she cooking now?"

"Old man, she's working on something fierce. I can't tell you though. It's a secret," Javier said, with a sly smile and a laugh.

"Humph! That old Jew's always working on something crazy that's secret. Probably another energy machine or wonder drug or medical substance or even how to turn lead into gold! Humph." Antonio then spat on the ground, and Javier rolls his eyes, disgusted at the old man's filthy habit. Antonio then sighs and mops up the stain, going, "Happy?" Javier impaitently continued with, "Well, what is it, old man?" Antonio muttered to himself in Gallego, and then said to Javier, "Hmm...I guess you're okay. The witch needs her stirringspoon. Go."

He then looked at the soldiers and said in very rough English, pointing at them and gesticulating to a unusual looking power suit, "You! Go! This not a museum! GO!"

Javier said to the men, "Let's go, then. Antonio can be a beast..."

Noline looked over her shoulder as he studied the growing design that Tennenbaum was working on. He wasn't quite sure what to make of her comment earlier so just decided to let it go. Bebaus headed over to grab the a portable holographic projector to help mold the new battle armor as Tennenbaum laid out the plans.

At the same time, Bebaus knew that increasing muscle mass was going on in the medical lab to help the new marines accomodate their denser bone structure. There were several new chemicals that would have to be injected into their bodies and days would go by before they were completely healed and ready to awake. Those that survived that is.

As Tennenbaum worked, Noline used the holograph to scrap old parts of the suit and place the new parts where they belonged. Together they sculpted a new model of battle armor that would hopefully be an improvement over the rest.

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

The ten soldiers shouldered their rifles as they touched down on the planet. The pilot stayed behind as they marched off to deal with this special suit that was so important to the doctor. Students and their stares were ignored behind the face plates of the clone troopers as the sun light glinted off their green armor.

As they entered the campus, sensors in their armor scanned the area checking out signs of life and threats while the teams status were displayed in the HUDs. Everything checked out alright until they came across an old greasy janitor.

Some wanted to draw their weapons, unsure if he was a threat or not but one stood and used a green light on their HUD to show that everything was still alright and to stand down for now. As they were allowed to pass, they followed Javier's instructions with dealing with Tennenbaum's machine.

Noline looked over her shoulder as he studied the growing design that Tennenbaum was working on. He wasn't quite sure what to make of her comment earlier so just decided to let it go. Bebaus headed over to grab the a portable holographic projector to help mold the new battle armor as Tennenbaum laid out the plans.

At the same time, Bebaus knew that increasing muscle mass was going on in the medical lab to help the new marines accomodate their denser bone structure. There were several new chemicals that would have to be injected into their bodies and days would go by before they were completely healed and ready to awake. Those that survived that is.

As Tennenbaum worked, Noline used the holograph to scrap old parts of the suit and place the new parts where they belonged. Together they sculpted a new model of battle armor that would hopefully be an improvement over the rest.

Tennenbaum witnessed Bebaus's holomanipulations, and suddenly acted as if her outburst never occurred. Throwing herself into the task at hand, she moved her segway close to Bebaus, muttering and making complex calculations at the drop of a hat. She can heard muttering to herself alternately in Rioplatanese Spanish, English, and even the occasional German phrase learned from her parents as she tells Bebaus how to modify the suit to her specifications.

The armor itself would be interesting to modify. Indeed, for the ambitious Tennenbaum, merely hooking up the Black Carapace to the existing suit and modifying it so it would function "as usual" with the canon Space Marine parts was not enough. Tennenbaum wanted it to behave exactly and as good as the original. A good analog was not enough--it had to be, gel inserts and some differences aside, for all intents and purposes a Mark 7 Aquila Space Marine battlesuit as the universe knew it. She thus made her modifications in mind, even perhaps making a few efficency modifications to make the suit a little better than usual. All the while, she made the poor Corporal assigned to her run all sorts of errands.

The ten soldiers shouldered their rifles as they touched down on the planet. The pilot stayed behind as they marched off to deal with this special suit that was so important to the doctor. Students and their stares were ignored behind the face plates of the clone troopers as the sun light glinted off their green armor.

As they entered the campus, sensors in their armor scanned the area checking out signs of life and threats while the teams status were displayed in the HUDs. Everything checked out alright until they came across an old greasy janitor.

Some wanted to draw their weapons, unsure if he was a threat or not but one stood and used a green light on their HUD to show that everything was still alright and to stand down for now. As they were allowed to pass, they followed Javier's instructions with dealing with Tennenbaum's machine.

Javier then began instructing the soldiers, "Alright. I need one of you to get the hoverplatform. There should be a big square platform with switches and a panel on it. Dial it to level six when prompted, pull out the handles, hold the buttons down, push it forward to us. You there, bring the two men next to you. The exoskeleton should be in its rack. Detach the rack from its holding area; when our man with the hover platform arrives, here's what is to occur."

He then continued with, "Once that occurs, power down the over platform, and lift the exoskeleton and rack onto it and secure it down. All of you do it--no broken backs! Antonio hates injuries in his domain! I'll fill out the forms in the meantime, so wait until I return. Then, once I come back, power up the platform and bring the exoskeleton to the designated area. Understood?"

Bebaus and Tennenbaum fell into a synch of sorts as each complimented one another with the Abh scientist making the appropriate modifications as fast as Tennenbaum could throw out the calculations. Noline was there to fill in any missing gaps that the doctor might have trouble adjusting due to the already in place Abh marine armor.

Together they worked tirelessly as parts of the old armor were thrown away and new parts were put into place. The holographic armor went through a virtual reconstruction as they worked near to its completetion.

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

Many of the soldiers barely waited for instructions from Javier. As soon as he gave orders, their team leader flashed hand signals getting his men into motion. Each soldier followed Javier's instructions exactly as one activated the hover lift on level 6. Arriving where the exoskeleton was on ract, the team of soldiers hoisted the contraption onto the hoverlift and secured it into place while Javier filled out the forms.

Bebaus and Tennenbaum fell into a synch of sorts as each complimented one another with the Abh scientist making the appropriate modifications as fast as Tennenbaum could throw out the calculations. Noline was there to fill in any missing gaps that the doctor might have trouble adjusting due to the already in place Abh marine armor.

Together they worked tirelessly as parts of the old armor were thrown away and new parts were put into place. The holographic armor went through a virtual reconstruction as they worked near to its completetion.

Eventually, Tennenbaum spat out the last bit of calculations, and shouted, "EUREKA!" Thrusting her arms in the air and exalting in her joy, she once again fell over from her segway, a look of horror on her face as she cried, "Not again!"

Having fallen flat on her back, Doctor Tennenbaum rubbed her head. She then sat up with a confused look on her face, and looked around the room. Tennenbaum had a look of childlike curiosity on her face, and as she focused on Commander Lamelia. Thrusting a finger out at the Commander, her eyes widening with surprise, alarm and cheer, she exclaimed, "It's the blue lady! Edelmira sees the blue lady!"

The Corporal, who was walking back into the room with some supplies, put them down when he saw Doctor Tennenbaum like this. "Shit," he muttered to himself. He began rummaging around the gig bag, wondering how that assistant brought the Doctor back to normal.

She then walked up to Commander Lamelia and began tugging like a little kid at her uniform. "Wow. You look pretty! Like one of Edelmira's nasty little brother's toy soldiers. Oh yes. Edelmira can't play with them because her brother says she'll get cooties on them. Humph!"She then chuckled as she looked at the uniform up and down. "Why is this blue? Why is this shiny? Why is this so soft? Why is your hair blue? You're pale, you look like you've gone to heaven, oh dear Edelmira didn't mean to think you were dead, she's sorry. Mommy told her never to assume!"

The Corporal pulled out the tube of wax, and tried to pour it into the tub. That was easy enough. Harder was calming Edelmira Tennenbaum, now the mental age of eight, down.

"Uh....wow, I can't speak Spanish all that well....." He then tried some broken lines. "Um.....you sit? You quiet? Please, child, be quiet. Wow, this is not working."

Doctor Tennenbaum grumbled and said to the Corporal, "You're not Javier! Edelmira doesn't know you. Edelmira's mommy told her there's bad people out there, strangers, so she can't talk to them!" She stuck her tongue at the Corporal, who was then greeted with the call of, "Go away, bad man!"

The Corporal sighed and called on his comms, "Can anyone here speak Spanish? The Doctor took a spill, and is not being receptive. Repeat, she is NOT being receptive, over."

"Sergeant Marcos can speak Spanish, Bob. I'll get him up there ASAP."

That done, all they could do was wait, as the Corporal tried flashing some chocolate at Doctor Tennenbaum to get her away from the Commander, to whom he apologized profusely.

Many of the soldiers barely waited for instructions from Javier. As soon as he gave orders, their team leader flashed hand signals getting his men into motion. Each soldier followed Javier's instructions exactly as one activated the hover lift on level 6. Arriving where the exoskeleton was on ract, the team of soldiers hoisted the contraption onto the hoverlift and secured it into place while Javier filled out the forms.

Javier completed the paperwork, and then returned to the soldiers. He motioned for them to get the platform up, and follow him to the loading dock. There, there would be a truck to take the thing back to the Airport, and from there to Delmaav.

Noline made the last corrections as Tennenbaum took a fall from her segway. The Abh could only groan and shake his head. There was no telling what to expect now that she had lost most of her mind to the age of eight.

Lamelia looked at Bebaus wondering what she should do. He could only answer back with a shrug as he tried to hide a smirk. The commander did not understand a word of Spanish so whatever Tennenbaum said came out as gibberish to her. All there was, was to humor the good doctor with smiles and nodds until she was back under control.

Dr. Bebaus wondered if next time they worked together, should he bring toys or something for her in case this happens again.

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

The soldiers hoisted the suit up onto the truck and rode in back to guard their cargo as if it were a weapon to end a long war. Once they were back to the shuttle, they pilot would be there to take them back to Delmaav and it would seem in not too soon either.

Noline made the last corrections as Tennenbaum took a fall from her segway. The Abh could only groan and shake his head. There was no telling what to expect now that she had lost most of her mind to the age of eight.

Lamelia looked at Bebaus wondering what she should do. He could only answer back with a shrug as he tried to hide a smirk. The commander did not understand a word of Spanish so whatever Tennenbaum said came out as gibberish to her. All there was, was to humor the good doctor with smiles and nodds until she was back under control.

Dr. Bebaus wondered if next time they worked together, should he bring toys or something for her in case this happens again.

The Corporal, meanwhile, began doing just that. Javier had thought of bringing toys to calm little Edelmira and her childish whims, and this was a time that called for those toys. Sergeant Marcos had also arrived, and the Corporal handed the gig bag exasperatedly to her and said, "You do this!"

Sergeant Marcos sighed, and Edelmira's sudden fright and crying fit at the Corporal's shout. The Corporal looked at Edemira and said, waving his hands embarassingly, "Um....don't cry?" Marcos held him back, and then she said, "Let me handle this."

The gruff Puerto Rican woman then kneeled down and spoke to Edelmira in a gentle, kind, maternal tone. Smiling, she then took a teddy bear out of the gig bag and waved it in front of Edelmira. Edelmira's eyes widened, and she tried to snatch it from Sergeant Marcos. Marcos held it firm, and said, "No, no, Edelmira. Not until you calm down."

"But Edelmira was yelled out by that mean stranger! And that Blue Lady won't answer my questions. And that tall lady over there won't tell her to talk. And where's Javier?" Edelmira looked around the room confusedly as she spoke pointing out all the persons she named--the Corporal, Lamelia, and Dr. Bebaus (whom the eight-year old Edelmira thought was a woman) respectively.

Marcos then said, wagging her finger and pulling Edelmira's arm down, "That man wasn't yelling at you, he was yelling at me. Don't point, only monkeys point. Edelmira isn't a monkey, yes? She's a girl who needs to calm down. If she calms down, she can get her binky!"

Edelmira replied, frowning in jest, "That's not what it's called. I named that bear Mr. Baba. Ba-ba." As she said the last bit, she poked the bear and giggled. "He has a family, you see."

"Well, Mr. Baba's waiting paitently for his family. Can Edelmira wait for Javier?" Sgt. Marcos waved the bear again, and pointed to it. Edelmira nodded, and seemed fixated on her words.

After five minutes, Edelmira then scratched her head and said, "Edelmira guesses if Mr. Baba can wait for Mrs. Baba and his son Scratchy, she can wait for Javier." She then turned to the assembled and said, "Edelmira's sorry, everybody. She's scared, but she's been a bad girl and overreacted."

The soldiers hoisted the suit up onto the truck and rode in back to guard their cargo as if it were a weapon to end a long war. Once they were back to the shuttle, they pilot would be there to take them back to Delmaav and it would seem in not too soon either.

By the time Javier returned to the area with the exoskeleton, he was greeted with chaos. When Javier radioed in, with the words "I have arrived with the exoskeleton," the Corporal and Sergeant Marcos replied, "Get your ass down here, now. Your tyke's on the loose again."

Javier sighed. Didn't the Corporal witness him do the wax procedure? Then again, Edelmira never trusted anybody but Javier. He then rushed in to the office and found Marcos and company. All he could ask was, "Please tell me I'm not witnessing what I am witnessing."

The Abh in the room were completely lost by this point in time. None of them spoke Spanish and while they understood mental problems, none of them knew how to handle Tennenbaum's particular condition. For now it seemed that the Dornalians were beginning to bring her back under control and in good timing.

With Javier arriving shortly, they hoped everything would return to order in short timing. The soldiers that had accompanied Javier on the run stopped and saluted when they entered the room.

Commander Lamelia returned the salute. "Mission status?"

"Mission complete ma'am."

Lamelia nodded her head. "Leaving the cargo by the hatch and you may return to the training grounds."

"Yes ma'am." The ten soldiers in their armor spun around and headed back out the door.

The Abh in the room were completely lost by this point in time. None of them spoke Spanish and while they understood mental problems, none of them knew how to handle Tennenbaum's particular condition. For now it seemed that the Dornalians were beginning to bring her back under control and in good timing.

With Javier arriving shortly, they hoped everything would return to order in short timing. The soldiers that had accompanied Javier on the run stopped and saluted when they entered the room.

Commander Lamelia returned the salute. "Mission status?"

"Mission complete ma'am."

Lamelia nodded her head. "Leaving the cargo by the hatch and you may return to the training grounds."

"Yes ma'am." The ten soldiers in their armor spun around and headed back out the door.

Edelmira was by now comforted by the sight of Javier, who was the recipient of a forceful hug and cries of, "Thank God, thank God!" Javier then promptly had Sgt. Marcos prepare the wax solution that would bring Edelmira back to normal. That done, he shoved the jublilant mental child's feet into the tub strapped to the segway.

The result was the transformation seen before. Tennenbaum rubbed her head, and muttered, back in reality and back to her Southern accent and forceful manner, "Ugh.....what happened....." She gasped and slapped her forehead, and immediately began talking with renewed focus and urgency.

"Ah yes! The armor! Javier, you've returned--I assume you brought my exoskeleton. I want you to begin prepping it for my entrance. Set it to mode two. I want to be in there when I have to get the dirty work done. Dr. Bebaus, if those calculations are done, follow me to the exoskeleton; once I suit up then we can get started. Commander Lamelia, I assume you have to get down to the men being worked on, yes?"

Javier nodded, and ran to prep the suit.

There was an air of relaxing that flooded the room as Tennenbaum returned to her "normal" state as she was placed back upon her segway. Once she regained her composure, Noline folded up the small holographic projector and stepped in line with the Dornalian doctor.

Lamelia set her shoulders straight and stood tall for a moment. "I am afraid there is very little that I can do for them now. For now we must hope in the knowledge and technology we have created to see to their safety. The rest lies in their own determination to live."

There was an air of relaxing that flooded the room as Tennenbaum returned to her "normal" state as she was placed back upon her segway. Once she regained her composure, Noline folded up the small holographic projector and stepped in line with the Dornalian doctor.

Lamelia set her shoulders straight and stood tall for a moment. "I am afraid there is very little that I can do for them now. For now we must hope in the knowledge and technology we have created to see to their safety. The rest lies in their own determination to live."

"Then do what you must," Tennenbaum said, as she led them to where the suit was. She looked at the mechanical contraption with pride, smiling and then motioning for Javier to get it ready. He nodded, filling a pair of boots with the wax solution and then slowly and carefully moving Tennenbaum's feet from the tub to the boots. She then was lifted into the suit.

The suit then deployed clamps onto her person, and safety straps kept her in. A hermetically sealed front opening closed, and a HUD closed in front of her face. Armatures with joysticks and buttons of all sorts flung to her side, ready for use. She wiggled them, and then the arms wiggled too. Through the viewing port, Javier could see the Doctor smile evilly. It was a smile of gratifcation, a smile of power.

And one Javier knew.

"Doctor Bebaus--you might want to step aside." Leading the Doctor aside, they were then greeted with the suit revving to life and then rushing to the site.

Lamelia nodded and headed off with the rest of the group along with Noline. Once they entered the room holding the suit for Tennenbaum, they were a little surprised at its magnitude.

"Well this is impressive."

Both the Abh commander and doctor watched as Tennenbaum melded into her new suit and saw a new transformation of sorts. It was kind of startling for them. Bebaus leaned over to Javier. "Does she normally get like this when she's in that thing?"

Then they were forced to rush out after her.

Lamelia nodded and headed off with the rest of the group along with Noline. Once they entered the room holding the suit for Tennenbaum, they were a little surprised at its magnitude.

"Well this is impressive."

Both the Abh commander and doctor watched as Tennenbaum melded into her new suit and saw a new transformation of sorts. It was kind of startling for them. Bebaus leaned over to Javier. "Does she normally get like this when she's in that thing?"

Then they were forced to rush out after her.

As Javier rushed after his now power-crazed boss, he proceeded to grab Bebaus and Lamelia by the forearms, and dragged them along with all due speed. He tried to have the group keep up as Doctor Tennenbaum began quoting great authors, with some unhingededness and a clear sign she was on a power trip.

"'With a fierce action of her hand, as if she sprinkled hatred on the ground, and with it devoted those who were standing there to destruction, she looked up once at the black sky, and strode out into the wild night.' Thus sayeth Charles Dickens! 'The original is unfaithful to the translation.' Thus speaketh Jorge Luis Borges! Know these words well! HAHA!

Keep up, Javier! Keep up, Doctor Noline Bebaus! Keep up, Commander Lamelia! Destiny and glory await! AVE, AVE!"

Javier frantically said to Doctor Bebaus with much in the way of embarassment and with shortness of breath, "She does do this sometimes. As for the quote....well, she does have a degree in Literature. English and Latin American literature. She wrote a famed doctorate on Jorge Luis Borges and British Culture!"

The Abh were completely in their element moving through light artificial gravity. Everything rushed passed them with sealed off bulkheads that contained top secrets projects and experiments along with state of the art security to make sure all of the secrets were protectively locked away.

Noline didn't even bother to glance in their direction as they rushed on to keep pace with the babbling Dr. Tennenbaum. "Does she even know where she is going?"

The Abh were completely in their element moving through light artificial gravity. Everything rushed passed them with sealed off bulkheads that contained top secrets projects and experiments along with state of the art security to make sure all of the secrets were protectively locked away.

Noline didn't even bother to glance in their direction as they rushed on to keep pace with the babbling Dr. Tennenbaum. "Does she even know where she is going?"

Javier would then look at Noline with a sense of horror, as Dr. Tennenbaum's exoskeleton skidded to a dead stop. Javier slammed into the rear, and fell back with a simple, "Ow." Rubbing his head, he could barely get up and try to answer Noline's question before the good Doctor did it for him.

"I think it's a little further on this way....huh." She then screamed, "AARRRGGGHH!!!!" and turned to the Abh. Picking Noline up by the scruff of his neck with one of the exoskeleton's giant claws, she then asked him politely, "Um, which direction do I turn in to get to the lab? I seem to be lost."

The Abh commander nearly drew her sidearm when it looked like Dr. Tennenbaum had completely lost her mind when reaching for Noline. Luckily Bebaus managed a quick shake of his head and the woman relaxed.

Shaking his head to regain some bearings now that he was hoisted up by a woman who was half crazy. Noline looked around to see what doors were nearby then figured out the true course. "Head back three passageways then follow the catwalk to the end and make a right. Second door on the left."

The Abh commander nearly drew her sidearm when it looked like Dr. Tennenbaum had completely lost her mind when reaching for Noline. Luckily Bebaus managed a quick shake of his head and the woman relaxed.

Shaking his head to regain some bearings now that he was hoisted up by a woman who was half crazy. Noline looked around to see what doors were nearby then figured out the true course. "Head back three passageways then follow the catwalk to the end and make a right. Second door on the left."

Tennenbaum proceeded to put on a very embarassed expression, as she said, "Oh, dear. Thank you." She then proceeded to walk to the area, following Bebaus's directions. She did so sullenly, and joylessly, with a pallor of embarassment and sheepishness at having led the crew on such a wild ride.

Javier walked up to her side and tapped her suit, saying, "It's okay, Doctor. We make mistakes all the time. No need to become despondent."

"No need? Javier, you say that, yet I feel a need to. I suppose it is due to my own judgment of myself, my own awareness of how those Abh see me now. No doubt as the mad woman, the babbling mongoloid, the homicidal maniac in a robot suit." She seemed rather despondent now...

Glad to be walking on his own two feet again, Noline adjusted his suit and followed after Tennenbaum and Javier. The catwalk lead over a series of thick glass panels showing more training areas for the soldiers as well as an extension of the cloning factory letting them know they were heading back in the right direction.

Bebaus could tell that the doctor was upset about something so he figured he would use more of the Bebaus charm to win her back over. "So doctor, tell me about the interesting suit of yours. Is it of your making?"

Glad to be walking on his own two feet again, Noline adjusted his suit and followed after Tennenbaum and Javier. The catwalk lead over a series of thick glass panels showing more training areas for the soldiers as well as an extension of the cloning factory letting them know they were heading back in the right direction.

Bebaus could tell that the doctor was upset about something so he figured he would use more of the Bebaus charm to win her back over. "So doctor, tell me about the interesting suit of yours. Is it of your making?"

Tennenbaum turned her face to Dr. Bebaus, and shook her head. She seemed rather depressed, and sighed. Spitting out the words as if they were a tired, sad routine and looking considerably deflated, Dr. Tennenbaum smiled weakly and said, "The suit is of my own making. I built it to assist me in my numerous experiments. I took a basic Mark I Kurosawa skeleton, and modified it extensively with my own parts and ingenuities to build a suit which has significant strength and capacities. Though it obviously didn't impress your fellow officer much."

"The commander is just a bit protective, that's all. She was not aware of how extensively the modifications ran."

Noline continued to study the suit as they walked towards the labs until they stopped just outside the pressure door. The doors eased open to reveal the labs they had previously been in.

"You should be proud of the accomplishment and enginuity."

"The commander is just a bit protective, that's all. She was not aware of how extensively the modifications ran."

Noline continued to study the suit as they walked towards the labs until they stopped just outside the pressure door. The doors eased open to reveal the labs they had previously been in.

"You should be proud of the accomplishment and enginuity."

Realizing that Doctor Bebaus was talking about the Space Marine suit and not her exoskeleton, her eyes opened wide. "Oh my. I thought you were referring to my exoskeleton, you silly man. The Marine suit was modified based upon the known specifications of standard Mark Seven Aquila Armor, as used by the Imperium of Mankind years ago. Your suit was somewhat analogous, but needed a few adjustments to get on track."

She then began sighing and fretting violently.

"Lord...I can't even keep my conversations straight!"

Javier sighed, and tried to comfort her as best as he could, saying, "No, no....that was what the Americans call a 'brain fart.' We all have them."

Now it was Noline's turn to look confused. "Maybe it is me that has my conversations backwards. I was referring to your exoskeleton. Perhaps my Galactic Basic is off and I mispoke."

They walked into the labs together to see the updates over the marines undergoing muscular reconstruction and later organs would be remodled as well. "Well Doctor, where would you like to start?"

Now it was Noline's turn to look confused. "Maybe it is me that has my conversations backwards. I was referring to your exoskeleton. Perhaps my Galactic Basic is off and I mispoke."

They walked into the labs together to see the updates over the marines undergoing muscular reconstruction and later organs would be remodled as well. "Well Doctor, where would you like to start?"

"Yes, perhaps it is. Try and use proper subject-verb agreement when trying to cheer someone up; we are not making a modern art masterpiece and not writing an experimental novel." That was all Tennenbaum had to say as they walked into the room. Viewing the environs around her, she clomped towards a particularly finished Marine, who was undergoing the last of the implantations.

"Hmm...I thought we'd be making the suits by now....when this one is done, I want him to be fitted for a suit. I also would like to inspect said suit before it is fitted onto him. Then, I would like to have him undergo a series of brutal trials to prove his battleworthiness. I have several scenarios in mind. This one will be the first of many, and I want to make sure we're getting this right."

Noline and Lamiela shared a look at Tennenbaum's remark. Both shrugged and decided it best to ignore her remark.

As they entered the lab with the marines undergoing reconstruction, Nicci was collapsed in the corner with eyelids shut and her head sunk in her hands. Energy had been expended on a numerous occassions to save their lives but it had paid a heavy toll on Nicci. The Sorceress was exhausted and wanted nothing more to do with the experiments.

Even Bebaus was a little hesitant to move at the pace Tennenbaum was demanding. "Doctor, I am afraid you don't appreciate what these soldiers are going through. Their body is being pushed to the very brink of death and they still have more to go through. It will take a great amount of time for them to recover. These soldiers will need rest and care if they are to be ready for your trial unless you have some miracle recooperation facility. All we have to offer here on Delmaav is an Abh technologically enhanced bakta tank."

Nicci on the other hand was even grimmer with a streak of grey going through her blond hair. "One is already dead. The bone graphing was too much for his skeletal system and his spine shattered."

Bebaus grunted at the news. "I see. That leaves only seven."

Even Bebaus was a little hesitant to move at the pace Tennenbaum was demanding. "Doctor, I am afraid you don't appreciate what these soldiers are going through. Their body is being pushed to the very brink of death and they still have more to go through. It will take a great amount of time for them to recover. These soldiers will need rest and care if they are to be ready for your trial unless you have some miracle recooperation facility. All we have to offer here on Delmaav is an Abh technologically enhanced bakta tank."

Nicci on the other hand was even grimmer with a streak of grey going through her blond hair. "One is already dead. The bone graphing was too much for his skeletal system and his spine shattered."

Bebaus grunted at the news. "I see. That leaves only seven."

Tennenbaum then paused, absorbing the grim news. She then pulled out a notebook, flipped to a page, and began scribbling in it. As Tennenbaum did so, the woman explained, "Doctor Bebaus, you have a point. And I am sorry to hear about the death. However, I have come prepared."

She tore out the page, and handed it to Dr. Bebaus.

Tennenbaum began speaking matter-of-factly.

"I have written up a series of instructions to allow the men to rest. Most are commonsense post-surgical measures. Specially formulated nutritious diets, tailored for each stage of healing. Liquid and solid. Plenty of bed rest. Mild entertainment, nothing too exciting. And a good supply of thought-provoking books and literature for their use. Along with some television. The bacta tank will be necessary, in case of further problems.

I have complied the list here. Both Abh works and works by people on my world. I started them easy, with Shakespeare, Mark Twain, Dickens, and some poetry by Borges and Basho.

As for the dead man, I would like him to be interred with honor. As much as the secrecy of this project will allow. I am not a monster, he may have died for science but he was a man nonetheless."

"Good, then we are in agreement. Once all operations have been completed, we will allow them time to recouperate. In the mean time, I suggest we take this lull to go over notes and prepare for the last leg of this experiment."

It would take a few weeks before the soldiers would be rested enough to begin any sort of physical exercises and they were not completely out of danger yet. One more would fail to make it pass this test as a new heart was being surgically implanted to deal with the new body modifications, the soldier's body rejected the heart and the doctor's aides, healing drones, or Nicci's power could save the soldier or make his body cooperate. At the weeks end of the enhancement, Noline and Tennenbaum were left with only six soldiers to test their experiment on. In the mean time Noline had distributed a number of literary works to their bed side so they had something to distract them while they recouperated. An impressive side effect was that there mental abilities had increased as well and the engulfed themselves with knowledge as if their minds were starving.

While the soldiers progressed, the research fascilities staff were left to themselves. There were other Abh aboard the moon base and they were social enough when approached freely talking about how they wound up here in Dalmaav and what part of the Empire they came from. The few Abh soldiers besides Lamiela had their regular routines with checking the defenses of the system and other military experiments that were common in this system. At the end of the day, they would head off to a zero-g court where they would engage in a game of joust to relax and enjoy the freedoms of space. Occassionally they would invite the Dornalians to come along to watch or try it out.

Bebaus was a different creature all to himself. He was hard to catch in the following weeks as he ran about the interior of the moon moving from one research project to the next. All of which were kept very secret which made it difficult for anyone to find him unless they saw him in the mess hall or in the hallways. Nicci on the other hand kept to her room and secluded herself for the longest of times. Tired from the exertion of keeping so many soldiers alive and feeling overwhelmed as a D'Haran in a place with so much technological advancement. In the end, she ventured out of her quarters a few times to take food and to walk so her muscles would not go lax but she seemed to be the one that was most secluded even when she was out among everyone.

Noline walked through the halls to the enhanced soldiers' barracks whistling as he walked. He pressed a few buttons on a glass panel and walked in to see how they were fairing.

"Good, then we are in agreement. Once all operations have been completed, we will allow them time to recouperate. In the mean time, I suggest we take this lull to go over notes and prepare for the last leg of this experiment."

It would take a few weeks before the soldiers would be rested enough to begin any sort of physical exercises and they were not completely out of danger yet. One more would fail to make it pass this test as a new heart was being surgically implanted to deal with the new body modifications, the soldier's body rejected the heart and the doctor's aides, healing drones, or Nicci's power could save the soldier or make his body cooperate. At the weeks end of the enhancement, Noline and Tennenbaum were left with only six soldiers to test their experiment on. In the mean time Noline had distributed a number of literary works to their bed side so they had something to distract them while they recouperated. An impressive side effect was that there mental abilities had increased as well and the engulfed themselves with knowledge as if their minds were starving.

While the soldiers progressed, the research fascilities staff were left to themselves. There were other Abh aboard the moon base and they were social enough when approached freely talking about how they wound up here in Dalmaav and what part of the Empire they came from. The few Abh soldiers besides Lamiela had their regular routines with checking the defenses of the system and other military experiments that were common in this system. At the end of the day, they would head off to a zero-g court where they would engage in a game of joust to relax and enjoy the freedoms of space. Occassionally they would invite the Dornalians to come along to watch or try it out.

Bebaus was a different creature all to himself. He was hard to catch in the following weeks as he ran about the interior of the moon moving from one research project to the next. All of which were kept very secret which made it difficult for anyone to find him unless they saw him in the mess hall or in the hallways. Nicci on the other hand kept to her room and secluded herself for the longest of times. Tired from the exertion of keeping so many soldiers alive and feeling overwhelmed as a D'Haran in a place with so much technological advancement. In the end, she ventured out of her quarters a few times to take food and to walk so her muscles would not go lax but she seemed to be the one that was most secluded even when she was out among everyone.

Noline walked through the halls to the enhanced soldiers' barracks whistling as he walked. He pressed a few buttons on a glass panel and walked in to see how they were fairing.

Tennenbaum whiled away the time trying to get Bebaus to work on the notes and prepare for the last leg, thinking of some regimens for the men. She grew somewhat fond of the Abh scientist; yes, he had a somewhat arrogant manner and could be quite abrasive and deaf to one's complaints, but she grew to love his intelligent mind and his charm.

When that didn't suffice, she was also busy working on another paper. In this case, it was a paper on literature, and it was appropriately ponderously saddled with the title of Señor Borges, meet the Pal Lepenew: Comparing the Poetry of Jorge Luis Borges with that of the Abriels. Volumes of books, commentary on said books, and well-worn-and-ever-lost-reading glasses accompanied her as she did so. She even commandered a Baronh-English Dictionary and occasionally one of the soldiers who invited her to a joust to translate as she did so.

Javier, meanwhile worked on his own things. Playing video games. Eating the food. Chatting up the soldiers. He was awkward around women, so he only tried it once and failed miserably. Still, he got along with people well enough, and he was amiable and friendly. Not limited by Tennenbaum's unique issues, he even jousted.

But back to the main present.

Tennenbaum had put aside her essay for now and drove over to the same barracks as Bebaus was performing his checks on. She arrived with Javier in tow, and said, "Good day to you, dear Doctor. How are the men doing now?"

Noline squatted near the bunk of one of the marines as Tennenbaum entered the room. He was checking on the right leg of the marine laying down when she asked her questioned.

Bebaus turned around to her with a small smile. "Doing much better these days. There is still some soreness in the muscles and joints but that is to be expected. Nothing that can't be worked out at least. It would seem that they have also enjoyed your literature as well. Most of the favorites seem to be from an author of yours called Shakespeare."

Noline squatted near the bunk of one of the marines as Tennenbaum entered the room. He was checking on the right leg of the marine laying down when she asked her questioned.

Bebaus turned around to her with a small smile. "Doing much better these days. There is still some soreness in the muscles and joints but that is to be expected. Nothing that can't be worked out at least. It would seem that they have also enjoyed your literature as well. Most of the favorites seem to be from an author of yours called Shakespeare."

"Ah yes. The Bard himself. Some of the finest plays in the galaxy were by his hand. I should know, I've done essays on him when I haven't done lab reports." At that, Tennenbaum beamed proudly; her co-creations were not only stronger physically, but also mentally as well via the infusion of culture. It was one reason why the People's Guardians hadn't turned; she had mothered them with fine literature.

Skittering up to one of the recouperating Marines, she then smiled and said to the Marine, "How are you doing, soldier?" Nodding at his inevitable reply she then began quoting Shakespeare. In particular the first lines of Richard III.

"Now is the winter of our discontent...."

The soldier laying on his back while the doctor checked on the knee, propped his hands behind his head so he could better see Tennenbaum when she began speaking the opening lines to Richard III.

"...Made glorious summer by his son of York."

Rolling onto his side, the marine sort of shook his head. "I have yet to come to a conclusion on my opinion of this particular character. Causing mayhem wherever he goes at first then becomes King and is swallowed in self-doubt."

The soldier laying on his back while the doctor checked on the knee, propped his hands behind his head so he could better see Tennenbaum when she began speaking the opening lines to Richard III.

"...Made glorious summer by his son of York."

Rolling onto his side, the marine sort of shook his head. "I have yet to come to a conclusion on my opinion of this particular character. Causing mayhem wherever he goes at first then becomes King and is swallowed in self-doubt."

"I see." She took notes on the soldier's mental health and physical health, as she began to reply to his comment. Like she would speak to a Freshman English student in one of her college lectures, she pulled out her own copy of Richard III from out of a corner of the segway and began examining it. It was clearly well-worn, and highlighted to death with notes in the margins, evidence of its use in many lessons.

"I will admit, I have never found Richard one for excessive self-doubt, but I do agree with the Mayhem. According to scholars, Shakespeare's version of Richard the Third was both a critique of dispassionate and self-interested power politics as popularized by Niccolo Machiavelli and a propagandized version of the man himself designed for maximum disparagement.

When you think of it, its rather obvious. Why else would he so blatantly murder relatives in a vat of Malmsey and seduce Lady Anne without blinking? Why else would he kill? If there is any self-doubt I see, it is the kind of self-doubt totalitarian dictators foster due to their inherent insecurities. To quote my favorite author, Jorge Luis Borges, 'I have known uncertainty: a state unknown to the Greeks.' Richard must have known this well, with the nobles arrayed against him.

That is what I believe Richard is about."

Tennenbaum then caught herself and said to the soldier, "Oh dear. Did I ramble again? When I get started on a piece of fine literature....well, I do love to talk about it."

Amazingly, she did all this as she whipped out a scanner and worked with the tests being done by Bebaus.

The marine listened to the doctor's words then nodded his understand as he grabbed his own copy of the book and made some notes of his own to consult later. "Not at all doctor. Maybe we can finish the discussion another time."

Looking down at Noline, the Abh scientist gave the soldier a slap on the knee and stood up to his full height. "Nothing serious here just some muscle tension from the body augmentations. All he needs is a long session of stretching and some light running and it should feel as normal as it ever will.

What do you have doctor?"

The marine listened to the doctor's words then nodded his understand as he grabbed his own copy of the book and made some notes of his own to consult later. "Not at all doctor. Maybe we can finish the discussion another time."

Looking down at Noline, the Abh scientist gave the soldier a slap on the knee and stood up to his full height. "Nothing serious here just some muscle tension from the body augmentations. All he needs is a long session of stretching and some light running and it should feel as normal as it ever will.

What do you have doctor?"

Tennenbaum looked at her scanner, and nodded. "I would have to agree. Get him on a daily regimen of light calisthetics to keep his muscles loose, and he'll be fine. He's rather healthy otherwise, so I wouldn't be afraid."

Tennenbaum then scooted over to another Marine, and did scans. She then muttered, "He looks fine so far--similar muscle tension, some scarring on the skin from where the implantation took place. Otherwise, he's fine too." Then, curious to know about her subjects and/or charges, Tennenbaum asked the Other Marine, "So, did you read anything good? See any good movies? You've had plenty of rest, I'm sure you've had time to build up your mind."

Noline read other similar physical check ups with the rest of the marines and came to the same conclusions that Tennenbaum had. It wouldn't be long before these marines were ready for training and the final molding with their new Imperial Marine armor whenever it was completed.

The Marine shot up from his bunk and snapped a salute when Tennenbaum walked over to him. "Ma'am. I was just finishing reading some of your history books ma'am. Particularly on General Patton and Rommel, ma'am."

Noline read other similar physical check ups with the rest of the marines and came to the same conclusions that Tennenbaum had. It wouldn't be long before these marines were ready for training and the final molding with their new Imperial Marine armor whenever it was completed.

The Marine shot up from his bunk and snapped a salute when Tennenbaum walked over to him. "Ma'am. I was just finishing reading some of your history books ma'am. Particularly on General Patton and Rommel, ma'am."

"Don't strain yourself, dear Marine, you've still got a little--emphasis on little--convalescing to do." Tennenbaum returned the salute snappily in the British style, and then said "I myself have always been fascinated by martial culture and ways, though I will admit my unique condition has prevented me from active service. I do bear rank as a Lieutenant in the Naval Home Guard, though."

The woman then said, taking notes on the mental health of the men, "Now, that has not stopped me from understanding the finer points of how to fight."

Thinking for a moment, Tennenbaum then began meditating openly on the personalities of each of the soldiers.

"Patton was a stern man, an unusual man. While there was a legendary film that made too much of his belief in reincarnation--which could have easily been historical sympathy for the ancients and their battles--he was known for instilling strict discipline in his troops, a charismatic and outsized image that inspired his men.

Rommel was a career soldier. Emphasis on the soldier. Whilst his superiors were racist, horrid monsters with pretensions of being supermen who were busy sending the Jewish people--my people--to the death camps, he was a chivalrous man who treated his prisoners honorably and fought with only the best of behavior. To his credit, he killed no Jews specificially, though he was told to many times.

Both had their flaws. Patton had a distinct lack of tact, and had some beliefs about his allies and specific ethnicities that could become problematic. Rommel was known for being so much of a risk taker some popular histories have dubbed him a 'gambler.' Both certainly were unpopular with their men; Patton's strict regimen of discipling earning him some resentment among the rank-and-file and Rommel's unwillingness to suffer fools and his aforementioned tendency to take risks causing consternation among his staff.

What is admirable is that Patton and Rommel understood the finer points of moving heavy armor--in this case, the tanks of their day--and men in fast, decisive mannerisms that won the day. Patton outmanuevered the foe in Normandy. Rommel kept several British generals outgunned in North Africa. Indeed, both were only hampered--and in Rommel's case, stopped--when supplies became a problem.

The best lessons from those two in terms of character and tactics are what I expect the Imperial Marines will learn, among others, in the future."

The marine still managed to snap a salute. "Yes ma'am. We'll learn it and do our job well."

While Tennenbaum studied how much the soldiers had learned in their down time, Bebaus was running diagnostics on their bodily systems. Metabolisms were high all around and their bodies carried nearly double the blood allowing more oxygen to flow freely through their bodies. They would have to consume a great deal of food to keep up with their bodies or at least have nutritional supplements ready to take the place of food when necessary. Despite that, everything looked good.

To Tennenbaum, this was not only apparent, but also applied to their mental health. They seemed sane, healthy, and rational individuals. The appropriate lessons they learned from the fine literature they were exposed to, the Marine's negative reaction to Richard....it proved they were still people. And that was good.

"So far, our charges seem mentally fit and physically fit. I am sure you noticed they will need more food than usual, but this is expected." The Doctor then turned to Bebaus, and said, almost eager to move to the next step, "So, when do we begin putting them through their paces?'

Noline ran through a few more notes on his PDA before answering Tennenbaum. "All training facilities have been set aside for us today. We are free to start at any level and any intensity."

There was another message on the same screen that he neglected to mention. Something about planetary equipment on its way for atmospheric reconfiguration.

Noline ran through a few more notes on his PDA before answering Tennenbaum. "All training facilities have been set aside for us today. We are free to start at any level and any intensity."

There was another message on the same screen that he neglected to mention. Something about planetary equipment on its way for atmospheric reconfiguration.

"Excellent. We'll start with a basic exercise." She then poked her chin with her pen, and said smiling, "I just got the funniest idea. Let's make them split into two teams, and play capture the flag using a simulated woodland environment."

"If you believe that to be best."

Noline stood up and moved over towards the only door in the room. "Marines, stand at attention!"

Almost as one, the soldiers leaped out of their bunks and bolted to a spot a few meters from where Bebaus was standing. Once all were there, their backs straightened and they stood tall and proud.

"Report to training zone alpha and await for further instructions. Sweats and t-shirts only. Fall out."

The marines snapped and saluted and double timed it out of the barracks as they headed down to the appropriate level. It would take them a good couple minutes to make it so Noline and Tennenbaum had plenty of time to make it the observatory deck.

"Doctor if you will follow me, I'll show you where the observation platform is."

The Abh scientist held his arm out for the doctor to take.

"If you believe that to be best."

Noline stood up and moved over towards the only door in the room. "Marines, stand at attention!"

Almost as one, the soldiers leaped out of their bunks and bolted to a spot a few meters from where Bebaus was standing. Once all were there, their backs straightened and they stood tall and proud.

"Report to training zone alpha and await for further instructions. Sweats and t-shirts only. Fall out."

The marines snapped and saluted and double timed it out of the barracks as they headed down to the appropriate level. It would take them a good couple minutes to make it so Noline and Tennenbaum had plenty of time to make it the observatory deck.

"Doctor if you will follow me, I'll show you where the observation platform is."

The Abh scientist held his arm out for the doctor to take.

Doctor Tennenbaum giggled, and smiled. "Oh my, Dear Doctor. Ever the gentleman, aren't we?" She then reached out, and kissed his hand gently and somewhat teasingly, with an "Enchanté, monsieur." Javier coughed and pointed to the door, and Tennenbaum said, "Where are my manners? Lead on, Doctor Bebaus."

The gesture by Tennenbaum was somewhat surprising though not unappreciated. Noline walked the scientist through the door and over a series of catwalks passing a number of locked doors along the way. Finally they arrived on a balcony with glass windows surrounding the otherwise open air platform.

Below them, the surviving soldiers had gathered in basic clothing reserved for physical training. Bebaus escorted the doctor to a glass panel that quickly changed to english characters. The Abh pressed a series of buttons causing the holographic emitters to change the plain metal room into a woodland environment. Being top of the line holographic technology that the Abh possessed, the holographs actually had a bit of consistancy with them so that they could actually interact with the environment.

Noline held his hand out to the marines and the controls. "Perhaps you should explain the rules to them."

The gesture by Tennenbaum was somewhat surprising though not unappreciated. Noline walked the scientist through the door and over a series of catwalks passing a number of locked doors along the way. Finally they arrived on a balcony with glass windows surrounding the otherwise open air platform.

Below them, the surviving soldiers had gathered in basic clothing reserved for physical training. Bebaus escorted the doctor to a glass panel that quickly changed to english characters. The Abh pressed a series of buttons causing the holographic emitters to change the plain metal room into a woodland environment. Being top of the line holographic technology that the Abh possessed, the holographs actually had a bit of consistancy with them so that they could actually interact with the environment.

Noline held his hand out to the marines and the controls. "Perhaps you should explain the rules to them."

"Right." Tennenbaum pushed a few buttons and took command of a microphone used to speak to trainees below. She then leaned in, tapped the microphone, and spoke.

"Ahem. Is this thing on? Ah yes. This is Doctor Tennenbaum, and I will be your master of ceremonies for today.

This exercise is to get you into a competitive mindset and exercise those muscles without getting too overly strained. You're going to be playing a little game I used to play as a kid. It's called capture the flag. Some of you may have played it as youths, some may have not. For those who haven't, here's how it works.

There are two teams. Red And Blue. Each team has a flag of their respective color; red team has a red flag for example. Each team will try to grab their opponent's flag. For example, Red team seeks to try and grab blue's flag from their side of the arena, and blue tries to take the Red flag. The player who siezes their opponent's flag then tries to take it to their side of the arena, and place it at their flag in order to score a point.

Naturally, each team is to try and defend their respective flag, and are to try and take back their flag using all available measures without causing undue injury to their opponent if it is siezed. Being the Marines you are, you may use tackles and close combat moves that do not break bones, draw blood or cause excessive suffering to the opponent to defend the flag and take it back. You are also encouraged to use strategy; this is a simulated forest environment and it is not the easiest to navigate.

Those are the rules. Any questions?"

Noline stood off to the side nodding as he listened to the rules of Tennenbaum's game. Being an Abh, Bebaus had never played the game personally but he did approve of its objectives. "Quite the interesting game, dear doctor. It should be interesting to see how our children perform."

The rest of the marines on the floor stood staring back and answered as one. "No ma'am!"

Tennenbaum then smiled and said, "Good. Form up into two teams, and choose team leaders and members." Tennenbaum then backed away from the mike, gulping. She then held her hand up and said, "Javier, see if you can find some red and blue cloth. I want these two teams to know who's who." The assistant nodded and began searching his gig bag and the other places they were at. As this occurred, she then turned to Bebaus and said, "Do you know where we could find some red or blue cloth? Or at least mark them as different?"

Noline scratched his chin for a moment trying to think of a way to accomodate Tennenbaum's plan. He snapped his fingers when he came up with a solution. "Javier, find the commander and get her to open up the armor storage area. We'll need suits that are from Star Forces and those representing the United Mankind. Take them down to the marines once you have them."

Bebaus walked back over to Tennenbaum's side. "That should make it a clear enough distinction and it will give them a chance to experiment with armor resistance."

Noline scratched his chin for a moment trying to think of a way to accomodate Tennenbaum's plan. He snapped his fingers when he came up with a solution. "Javier, find the commander and get her to open up the armor storage area. We'll need suits that are from Star Forces and those representing the United Mankind. Take them down to the marines once you have them."

Bebaus walked back over to Tennenbaum's side. "That should make it a clear enough distinction and it will give them a chance to experiment with armor resistance."

Tennenbaum smiled with a Cheshire cat's grin, and she nodded in assent. Wagging her finger, she then continued with, "Excellent idea, Doctor. Excellent, excellent. I could not have thought of something better myself." She then turned to her long suffering assistant and clapped, saying, "Well? Get a move on, Javier, you heard the man." Javier then ran out, and attempted to find Commander Lamelia. Upon finding the good officer, she then said, "Commander? Doctor Tennenbaum and Doctor Bebaus require access to the armor storage area. They need Star Forces and United Mankind standar armor suits for our exercises."

Lamiela walked Javier to the appropriate door which required a wave-crest key to access. Once scanned by the computer, a series of clicks and hisses sounded as the pressurized door opened. The door swung open to reveal a sort of walkway armory though these units were mostly for study than anything combative.

The commander found what Javier was looking for on a rack that hung a number of suits. She pulled off a few of the United Mankind suits and handed them over to Javier. Lamiela then walked to the end of the stretch and pulled out another key. This one happened to be for the armory with Star Forces equipment. Unlocking that, she pulled out a couple suits of Star Forces armor.

"Anything else?"

Lamiela walked Javier to the appropriate door which required a wave-crest key to access. Once scanned by the computer, a series of clicks and hisses sounded as the pressurized door opened. The door swung open to reveal a sort of walkway armory though these units were mostly for study than anything combative.

The commander found what Javier was looking for on a rack that hung a number of suits. She pulled off a few of the United Mankind suits and handed them over to Javier. Lamiela then walked to the end of the stretch and pulled out another key. This one happened to be for the armory with Star Forces equipment. Unlocking that, she pulled out a couple suits of Star Forces armor.

"Anything else?"

Javier then looked at the vests, saying, "I might need several more of those Star Forces suits. Otherwise, I'm fine." The difference between the two was rather pronounced; the Abh equipment always having a grace to it and shades of blue, versus the United Mankind's preference for field-gray and rugged shapes.

Lamiela flipped through a few more hangars then grabbed a couple more suits of the Star Forces armor. After she handed over the suits of armor, she looked at Javier curiously. "Do you need any weapons?"

Lamiela flipped through a few more hangars then grabbed a couple more suits of the Star Forces armor. After she handed over the suits of armor, she looked at Javier curiously. "Do you need any weapons?"

"No, I'm perfectly alright. This will be done with solely close combatitives. Thank you, Commander." With a bow, he was left to call the Corporal and lug the suits back to the arena, where Tennenbaum was waiting. Her eyes brightened, and the scientist replied, "Ah yes."

"Change of plans people. We have requisitioned Star Forces and United Mankind suits for use in this exercise. When you form up into teams, use these to distinguish one another. Thank you." With that, Tennenbaum smiled, and finished her announcement. She then sent Javier below to distribute the suits...

The soldiers all strapped on the appropriate armor for their teams. When all was finished, half of them were dressed in Star Forces standard issue while the others were in what used to be standard issue for the United Mankind. All was set as the last pieces were strapped on along with padded gloves for protection.

Even helmet gear was distributed to prevent any blunt trauma. With all in place they were ready to begin. Bebaus stepped up beside Tennenbaum for the start. "They look ready for your orders and perhaps a time limit. Almost like a mission clock of sorts."

Tennenbaum spoke into the mike then.

"Alright! You get five minutes per round. Begin on the sound of 'mark.'"

She then screamed into the mike.....

"Three....TWO.....ONE....MARK!"

At that, she grabbed a squeaky stress ball and squeaked it into the mike as she turned up the volume, getting things started.....

At the sound of Tennenbaum's "mark", the marines dashed off into the forest holograph. One soldier on each side remained at their fort to guard the flag while the rest of the team fanned out. The first pass went quickly as each team managed to over power the loan guardian and retrieve the flag.

The second went differently where one side kept two team members back to guard the flag while the others went out quietly. Using the cover of their surroundings, the few marines were able to pick off the larger squad of marines one at a time. With the one force sedated, the opposing side struck out and easily took down the lone defender.

After the exchange, one team was now up a score. Thinking that the opposing side would be ready for a similar stunt, the Star Forces team only left one behind this time to defend so that they would have additional help to pick off a more alert enemy. Instead, the Star Forces team found no one around. They crept quietly towards the United Mankind base but found no one inside the base. They took the flag and quickly headed back.

There appeared to be no sign of the United Mankind team until a couple of the signatures from the Star Forces team went blank. From Noline and Tennenbaum's vantage, they could eventually see that the United Mankind team was up in the trees hiding from the Star Forces side until they passed underneath where they quickly grabbed them and secured them up in the tree boughs.

Once everyone was secured, the United Mankind team ran off for the Star Forces base after returning their own flag. After it was all over, the score was tied at 2 each.

Bebaus scratched his chin and looked at Tennenbaum. "What do you think?"

Tennenbaum nodded, marveling at the prowess of the fighting men she saw in front of her. Already, they had demonstrated a grasp of tactics, quick movement, and cunning that led to a stalemate. Leaning into the mike, she said, "Good show, gentlemen. I especially commend the United Mankind team on their cunning. The Star Forces would do well to watch their surroundings better, to break the stalemate. Otherwise, all have performed admirably."

She then coughed and said, "Now, we begin round two. Begin on mark. Three....TWO.....ONE....MARK! LET'S ROCCKKKK!"

The next was for more interesting with the Star Forces team feeling that they had been slighted by the Dornalian doctor. In this round they came out much like they had all other times though with more energy and determination. What followed next was both surprising and entertaining to see. The United Mankind team came in hard off their latest victory trying obtain a quick score.

Star Forces team was waiting for them, betting on their overconfidence. The Abh armored team popped out of the trees close to their own base and took down the small attack squadron sent out by the United Mankind. With a few members of the opposite team out for the match, the Abh armored began taking off their own armor and started wearing the United Mankind armor. Once fully outfitted, they walked out calmly towards the United Mankind base.

The other remaining team members looked confused as members of their own team were returning to base without the flag. Their heads turned to follow the four imposters as they walked into the base. What they didn't see was the other remaining team members of Star Force rush up behind them and quickly dispatch the remaining guards. The four imposters easily took down the lone flag guardian and brought the flag back to their base.

"Interesting."

Noline an arched an eyebrow Tennenbaum's way. "It appears they are learning a bit of infiltration as well. How long should we continue on with this? I would prefer it if they didn't kill each other."

The next was for more interesting with the Star Forces team feeling that they had been slighted by the Dornalian doctor. In this round they came out much like they had all other times though with more energy and determination. What followed next was both surprising and entertaining to see. The United Mankind team came in hard off their latest victory trying obtain a quick score.

Star Forces team was waiting for them, betting on their overconfidence. The Abh armored team popped out of the trees close to their own base and took down the small attack squadron sent out by the United Mankind. With a few members of the opposite team out for the match, the Abh armored began taking off their own armor and started wearing the United Mankind armor. Once fully outfitted, they walked out calmly towards the United Mankind base.

The other remaining team members looked confused as members of their own team were returning to base without the flag. Their heads turned to follow the four imposters as they walked into the base. What they didn't see was the other remaining team members of Star Force rush up behind them and quickly dispatch the remaining guards. The four imposters easily took down the lone flag guardian and brought the flag back to their base.

"Interesting."

Noline an arched an eyebrow Tennenbaum's way. "It appears they are learning a bit of infiltration as well. How long should we continue on with this? I would prefer it if they didn't kill each other."

Tennenbaum and Javier stared at the spectacle of covert psuedo-operations and counterattacks. This was much more creative than even she had anticipated at this limited stage.

With a confident grin, the Argentine smirked at Bebaus and wagged a finger. speaking in an almost rhythmic, maddened staccato as she leaned in close, "I would do what I pleased, and doing what I pleased, I should have my will, and having my will, I should be contented; and when one is contented, there is no more to be desired; and when there is no more to be desired, there is an end of it!"

Pausing for a moment and breathing, she leaned back slightly, she finished with a much calmer, "Thus sayeth Don Quixote de la Mancha. To put it more plainly, we hold one more round to decide the winner, and then that will be the end of it. We then let them rest, and try another challenge. From that, we see what happens."

Turning on the mike again, she let loose with, "'For 'tis the sport to have the enginer/Hoist with his own petard, an't shall go hard/But I will delve one yard below their mines/And blow them at the moon.' Good show, Star Forces, good show! Clever tactics have meant many a victory."

She then continued with her long dissertation, evidently possessed by the desire to demonstrate her classical knowledge, "Now, my boys, one more go. One more go to determine the winner. United Mankind, learn from the Star Forces. Star Forces, stay smart and keep on the alert. 'There is a tide in the affairs of men./Which, taken at the flood, leads on to fortune,' and don't be afraid to take when the flood comes!

Now....THREE.....TWO....ONE! GOOOOOO!!!!!!!! "

Noline smiled as he hooked an arm around Tennenbaum's shoulders and leaned in close enough so that only she could hear him. "What a shame. I find that some desires are rarely satisfied so easily. Often they require more than one encounter before someone is truly satisfied and that only lasts until the next urging."

With Tennenbaum's last "Mark", the marines threw themselves at one another. It now became a matter of pride for who would win. Each side became more creative and brutal in their attempts to win the match. More than one nose was broken and a few drops of blood stained the holographic forest floor as neither side was willing to admit defeat.

Noline smiled as he hooked an arm around Tennenbaum's shoulders and leaned in close enough so that only she could hear him. "What a shame. I find that some desires are rarely satisfied so easily. Often they require more than one encounter before someone is truly satisfied and that only lasts until the next urging."

With Tennenbaum's last "Mark", the marines threw themselves at one another. It now became a matter of pride for who would win. Each side became more creative and brutal in their attempts to win the match. More than one nose was broken and a few drops of blood stained the holographic forest floor as neither side was willing to admit defeat.

Tennenbaum had been observing things calmly until Noline decided to hold her close and whisper into her ear. His words rang in her ears. The scientist liked the way they sounded, and normally would have been enchanted by them with a witty retort of some kind. But, she was admittedly rather uninterested in hearing such honeyed nothings at the moment. Especially when she was refereeing a game.

Tennenbaum leaned back out of Bebaus's arm and merely smiled. With a sarcastic tone of voice, she said, wagging her finger, "Au contraire...I just found a desire that can satisfied easily." She then grabbed Bebaus's arm and lifted it up, pinching the wrist in just the right spot to make it hurt as she said, "It's called, 'I want to save it for later'" before letting go. Although not as hard as it could have been were she truly angered, it was a clear message that left no doubt as to where he could and could not go for the moment. The scientist then whistled as she turned to face the game, shouting, "Easy on the brutality....we want you all in one piece when this is over!"

Noline rubbed his wrist as he brought back down. He gave a small smile to Tennenbaum. "I like a woman that knows what she wants."

The enhanced marines down below heard the warning whistle and eased back a little so that the bumps and bruises would be lessened. Still, the fighting was intensifying with no one truly scoring this time as they battled out in the middle of the forest for control. The only thing holding them back from all out war on one another was the lack of actual objects to use as weapons.

"It's a good thing this was not in a physical environment. The outcome could have been greatly different. Far more blood I imagine."

Noline rubbed his wrist as he brought back down. He gave a small smile to Tennenbaum. "I like a woman that knows what she wants."

The enhanced marines down below heard the warning whistle and eased back a little so that the bumps and bruises would be lessened. Still, the fighting was intensifying with no one truly scoring this time as they battled out in the middle of the forest for control. The only thing holding them back from all out war on one another was the lack of actual objects to use as weapons.

"It's a good thing this was not in a physical environment. The outcome could have been greatly different. Far more blood I imagine."

Tennenbaum, looking at the action solely and facing front, nodded curtly. She was somewhat sore at the Doctor for his pass, and it was understandable she wouldn't want to do much talking to the eminent Abh scientist. With some irritation, she countered his comment on women with an, "Indeed."

The latter observation was greeted with a softer, if still businesslike tone. Evidently glad that the Doctor had decided to get back to work and stop hitting on her, Tennenbaum replied with a simple, "Yes. However, they seem to be rather stalemated. Scrapping in the middle of the forest with nothing to break the deadlock...."

Tennenbaum leaned in and mused, "How should we break it?"

Noline scratched the side of his cheek for a moment as he was fully back into his analytical mindset. Tennenbaum would have to get used to the Bebaus flare for things since their family had a reputation for what citizens of the Empire had come to call, "spectacular insanity". Unfortunately it was almost always impossible to tell which member of the Bebaus family was insane in which ones were sane. Most just gave them their distance feeling it better safe than to be sorry.

"Hmmm. Introduce stun weapons? It would force them to change their tactics and would bring an end to this stalemate. That or we could turn the training room's defense system on with similar rounds where the auto turrets would target each squad indiscriminately."

Noline scratched the side of his cheek for a moment as he was fully back into his analytical mindset. Tennenbaum would have to get used to the Bebaus flare for things since their family had a reputation for what citizens of the Empire had come to call, "spectacular insanity". Unfortunately it was almost always impossible to tell which member of the Bebaus family was insane in which ones were sane. Most just gave them their distance feeling it better safe than to be sorry.

"Hmmm. Introduce stun weapons? It would force them to change their tactics and would bring an end to this stalemate. That or we could turn the training room's defense system on with similar rounds where the auto turrets would target each squad indiscriminately."

Tennenbaum, if it wasn't obvious already, had more than enough insanity to match the Bebaus Family's "spectacular insanity." Indeed, there was a reason why she was generally regarded as not only one of New Dornalia's most brilliant individuals, but also easily one of its most arrogant and insane individuals. And that was in a society that had grown to appreciate the value of "crazies." There was a reason why the word "tennenbauming" had entered the lexicon of the Red Army's Armored Cavalry to describe modifying one's weapon in an illegal and hazardous fashion.

But back to the story. Tennenbaum's reply to the offers was to muse over them, contemplating what to do first. She eventually blurted out, "Give them stun weapons" as she stared at the environs below. She then added, "Make them distance and short ranged."

Noline keyed in a few commands on the glass panel which promptly put in a request for weapons to be delivered to the training room. It wasn't long before a group of Star Forces personnel walked into training room wheeling weapons rack next to the flag of each time. The racks were loaded with a variety of sniper and assault rifles to fulfill Tennenbaum's request.

"Excuse me my dear." Bebaus excused himself as he walked over to the microphone, not wanting to upset the Dornalian doctor by taking away the comm for a second.

"Attention marines, weapons have just been delivered. All rounds are set to stun so it will not be lethal but a shot will act like a regular round where a killing shot will stop you."

With the new update, the soldiers broke from their engagement and rearmed themselves. Now the battle took on a whole new tempo. The brawling was abandoned for a more tactical approach as snipers took cover in the trees and brush causing those on the ground to move more cautiously and mind their surroundings.

"This should be interesting."

Noline keyed in a few commands on the glass panel which promptly put in a request for weapons to be delivered to the training room. It wasn't long before a group of Star Forces personnel walked into training room wheeling weapons rack next to the flag of each time. The racks were loaded with a variety of sniper and assault rifles to fulfill Tennenbaum's request.

"Excuse me my dear." Bebaus excused himself as he walked over to the microphone, not wanting to upset the Dornalian doctor by taking away the comm for a second.

"Attention marines, weapons have just been delivered. All rounds are set to stun so it will not be lethal but a shot will act like a regular round where a killing shot will stop you."

With the new update, the soldiers broke from their engagement and rearmed themselves. Now the battle took on a whole new tempo. The brawling was abandoned for a more tactical approach as snipers took cover in the trees and brush causing those on the ground to move more cautiously and mind their surroundings.

"This should be interesting."

Tennenbaum smiled. Gone was the raw brutality. Now here were soldiers. Real soldiers! Something within her stirred, and the smile seemed to enjoy the battle a little too much for Javier's taste. She then began nodding and taking notes of the action in a manner with a strange mix of clinical detachment and a sportsman's delight. Javier sighed and whispered to Bebaus, "Like she said...she adores Martial Culture."

She then said, reviewing the action like a sports commentator, "They are adaptable. Real soldiers now, not the thugs we saw earlier. They think, they outflank, they use REAL strategy. Not the strategy of a gang rumble, but the strategy of an honest commando force."

Javier wondered when it would end....he sighed, and Tennenbaum said, "Training takes time."

Down below the soldiers moved with quick precision as they made their push. The lead stealer came when the Star Forces team systematically flanked around the assault teams and quietly removed the other teams snipers. With that threat eliminated, they circled around for a rear attack on the United Mankind's position.

Once they were stunned and out, the removal of the flag was rather a simple matter for them to return to their own base.

Bebaus looked down at all with an approving nod. "It looks like we have our winner."

Down below the soldiers moved with quick precision as they made their push. The lead stealer came when the Star Forces team systematically flanked around the assault teams and quietly removed the other teams snipers. With that threat eliminated, they circled around for a rear attack on the United Mankind's position.

Once they were stunned and out, the removal of the flag was rather a simple matter for them to return to their own base.

Bebaus looked down at all with an approving nod. "It looks like we have our winner."

Tennenbaum shook her head in concordance. "Indeed," was all she had to say. She then leaned in and turned on the microphone, saying to the assembled, "Great job, everybody. The Star Forces have won the day. You may now all take a break. After all, those who work hard must play as well."

Leaning back from the mike, the scientist wiped off her brow, saying, "Well then. What should we test them on next?"

Bebaus looked down at the marines as they stripped off their armor and returned everything back to the waiting racks. They had done well in their early training, but this was mostly a game right now.

"How about muscular and cardiovascular training? It would allow us to see how far their bodily reconstructing has come."

Bebaus looked down at the marines as they stripped off their armor and returned everything back to the waiting racks. They had done well in their early training, but this was mostly a game right now.

"How about muscular and cardiovascular training? It would allow us to see how far their bodily reconstructing has come."

Tennenbaum nodded, examining the dials and switches and diagnostics panels that dotted the parts of the control room. So far, the personnel seemed to be in good health. Examining them with her trademark "mad woman" style, she then said, "Right. Give them an hour to rest, then a physical fitness test. Maybe something involving weights and calisthnetics?"

Noline nodded his agreement. "There is a exercise facility not far from here."

Turning to the comm switch, Bebaus flipped it up and looked down at the marines. "Well done soldiers. You have earned an hours worth of rest. Afterwards, you are to report to the gym for strength and conditioning."

Finished with the orders, the Abh scientist turned back to his partner. "Well we have an hour to ourselves. What would you like to accomplish in that time?"

Noline nodded his agreement. "There is a exercise facility not far from here."

Turning to the comm switch, Bebaus flipped it up and looked down at the marines. "Well done soldiers. You have earned an hours worth of rest. Afterwards, you are to report to the gym for strength and conditioning."

Finished with the orders, the Abh scientist turned back to his partner. "Well we have an hour to ourselves. What would you like to accomplish in that time?"

Tennenbaum put her finger up to her mouth, and then smiled. "My dear Doctor, there is something with which I need assistance. Come, follow me."

The scientist marshaled the two and led them to her stateroom. There lay a massive pile of papers, several books with sticky notes jutting every which way out of the linings, endless drafts of a paper and a laptop of some sort. The desk was an absolute disaster area, and to top it all off were no less than three mugs of yerba maté. The good Doctor rummaged about, Javier preventing the mugs from spilling and keeping everything upright as she did so.

Then, she found a series of papers and presented them to Bebaus. To the Abh's possible surprise, they would be far from scientific. Indeed, they would look like several lines of a poem in perfectly good Ath script, annotated until they were more ink than poem. To the side was a rough English translation, crossed out, blotted with stains and the odd tea stain.

Eagerly, the Doctor said, "I figured I can trust you with this. I was trying to translate some Abh poetry into English; it's for a comparative literary essay I'm doing as of the moment. I need some help creating a good translation--what I have there is rather rough and ready, and doesn't read like the work of art it should. Can you do that? I figured a man of your wit can provide some assistance."

Somewhat surprised, not only by the work place, but also by Tennenbaum's work on Abh poetry; Bebaus took the manuscript from her hand to look over it. It was more of a mess than anything else with constant scratch outs and rewrites. The page looked to have been used as a coaster more than any writing material.

Still, there was no need to criticize someone for taking an interest in Abh poetry. "It looks like the typical problem that people have when trying to translate poetry into another language. You either keep the poetic style but some of the words lose their meaning or you translate verbatim but lose the style.

Where are you stuck, my dear doctor?"

Somewhat surprised, not only by the work place, but also by Tennenbaum's work on Abh poetry; Bebaus took the manuscript from her hand to look over it. It was more of a mess than anything else with constant scratch outs and rewrites. The page looked to have been used as a coaster more than any writing material.

Still, there was no need to criticize someone for taking an interest in Abh poetry. "It looks like the typical problem that people have when trying to translate poetry into another language. You either keep the poetic style but some of the words lose their meaning or you translate verbatim but lose the style.

Where are you stuck, my dear doctor?"

Tennenbaum poked at this one line and said, "It's these accursed conjugations. With Deutsch, Español, and English, it's rather simple. Even the Deutsch. But this is a rather confusing thing. For example, this phrase..."

Haltingly, she mangled the words, "'F'a flare rycmal gereulacr." Poking at it, she said, "The dictionary I have is so far of no use in trying to conjugate the words in this sentence. Whoever wrote it needs to be shot."

Noline studied the passage and read the Baronh closely. He was more intrigued with why Tennenbaum was studying Abh poetry than with the poem itself but all things in their proper time.

"Hmm. The Baronh has been copied correctly. If I were to translate it directly into English, it would read I am wandering among the stars.

Now, Fe flare rycmal gereulacr is I wander among the stars.

If you don't mind me asking, why are you studying Abh poetry in its Baronh form?"

Noline studied the passage and read the Baronh closely. He was more intrigued with why Tennenbaum was studying Abh poetry than with the poem itself but all things in their proper time.

"Hmm. The Baronh has been copied correctly. If I were to translate it directly into English, it would read I am wandering among the stars.

Now, Fe flare rycmal gereulacr is I wander among the stars.

If you don't mind me asking, why are you studying Abh poetry in its Baronh form?"

Tennenbaum winked at the good doctor, and put her finger up to her mouth playfully before suddenly snatching some papers from a pile. Wagging them in the air, she then said with unexplainable enthusiasm, "This is why, good sir. Comparative literature. I've always found it helpful to understand poetry in its original language! So many things are lost in translation--idioms, concepts, et cetera--that one culture finds necessary for its enjoyment of a poem when it is put into another tongue."

She then commanded, "Observe." Tennenbaum proceeded to, learning from her last attempt at pronunciation, say "Fe flare rycmal gereulacr" again in a flowery, dramatic fashion. Pronounciation mistakes aside, the woman bowed, and said, "I find it's lyrical, marvelous. In contrast--"

Tennenbaum then coughed and said in the same manner, "I wander among the stars...." She then shook her head and said, "It doesn't work. Doesn't flow, lacks the linguistic impact of the original."

More seriously, the woman continued, "It is little things such as this that drive me to seek poetry in its original tongue. It also helps that academia requires one translates their own documents, and I am a notorious polyglot--mistress of multiple languages, if you will, marshal of many tongues, ready to make the indecipherable known to me, if only in its roughest form." Motioning to Javier, Tennenbaum indicated, "Javier's been good in terms of helping to cover any languages I don't know. Asian, mainly."

She then flirtatiously poked Bebaus in the nose, going, "Sprechen sie Deutsch? Habla Español? Y'all speak English as they speak it at the University of Virginia? Shabbat Shalom?" before proceeding to fall back, chuckling. Javier merely shook his head and caught her; he knew she was just showing off again.

Bebaus smiled as he listened to Tennenbaum delve into her personal delights. It was refreshing to hear the woman's interests and to know a little bit more about her. "Well good doctor, I do enjoy a good poem or literary piece every now and then.

However, between Earth's multiple languages and the Empire's; it is rather difficult to keep up with them all. Though, je parle francais un peu. I am learning to habla espanol as well. Perhaps one night we could spend time delving into some of our favorite literary works."

Bebaus smiled as he listened to Tennenbaum delve into her personal delights. It was refreshing to hear the woman's interests and to know a little bit more about her. "Well good doctor, I do enjoy a good poem or literary piece every now and then.

However, between Earth's multiple languages and the Empire's; it is rather difficult to keep up with them all. Though, je parle francais un peu. I am learning to habla espanol as well. Perhaps one night we could spend time delving into some of our favorite literary works."

Tennenbaum squealed with joy and hugged Bebaus, exclaiming, "Aha! My dear doctor....you understand! 'A book is not an isolated being: it is a relationship, an axis of innumerable relationships.' AHA!" Letting go, she bit her thumb with the sudden realiziation she probably overreached herself, and said, "Right. But yes, I am sure we could have a reading together. And worry not about the language barrier--you have capable translators and language schools to guide you along."

Looking at her watch, she then muttered, "OH! Yes, I almost forgot." She then produced a pen and paper and said, "What's your full name? I might need it for citations and acknowledgements; academia frowns upon the unknown and uncited."

Noline gave Tennenbaum a little smile after she regained control over herself. "All time for such pleasantries later I imagine since we will need to be getting back to work. I feel we are almost finished here. At least with the preliminary testing phase of the soldiers."

It was peculiar to the doctor that his name was needed for some citation. Academia was done slightly different in the Empire where knowledge was a shared thing and not necessarily cornered by one or a few people. Still, the doctor was willing to humor her. "The full name is Bebaus Loreel Noline."

Noline gave Tennenbaum a little smile after she regained control over herself. "All time for such pleasantries later I imagine since we will need to be getting back to work. I feel we are almost finished here. At least with the preliminary testing phase of the soldiers."

It was peculiar to the doctor that his name was needed for some citation. Academia was done slightly different in the Empire where knowledge was a shared thing and not necessarily cornered by one or a few people. Still, the doctor was willing to humor her. "The full name is Bebaus Loreel Noline."

Scribbling down the necessary information, she smiled and put the information down. Like an Energizer Bunny on Powerthirst, she immediately shouted, "To arms! TO ARMS!" and raced out the door on her segway to her next goal. In fact, she went so fast that Javier rushed after her with some items she needed, saying, "Wait! Senora! Your things!"

If there was one thing that was constant during this whole operation, it was Tennenbaum's spontaneity. As if in her right mind, the woman went flying through the hallways on her segway shouting out a war cry. Noline could only shrug and shake his head.

There was little else to do but hurry after Tennenbaum and Javier to see what her next goal was.

If there was one thing that was constant during this whole operation, it was Tennenbaum's spontaneity. As if in her right mind, the woman went flying through the hallways on her segway shouting out a war cry. Noline could only shrug and shake his head.

There was little else to do but hurry after Tennenbaum and Javier to see what her next goal was.

Tennenbaum arrived in the gym, screeching to a halt. Javier, in the meanwhile, rushed directly after her. Huffing and puffing, he put his hand on Tennenbaum's shoulder; an icy glare made him take it off. The scientist proceeded to say, "Javier, prepare the weights."

Sighing at the fact he would never get to rest, the tired assistant proceeded to prepare the equipment, ensuring it was properly set up. Tennenbaum, in the meantime, called the Marines, saying, "Come in at anytime, gentlemen. Break's over and there is much to be done." Then, when Noline finally arrived, she turned to him and said, "I see you managed to arrive....we begin physical training for these men, using weight training, et cetera. Keep them fit, and in fighting trim."

Noline was in no particular hurry to arrive. Perhaps it was because he was an Abh and lived more than twice as long as a human, or maybe he felt his importance warranted patience from the others. Whatever it was, Bebaus arrived and took quick stock in what Tennenbaum was doing.

Every muscle training equipment conceivable was thrown into the gymnasium for the marines to use. Noline scratched his chin though as he observed everything and the marines filing into the room and moving to their stations.

"If standard weights prove too easy for them, we could always have the soldiers lift in the increased gravity sections."

Noline was in no particular hurry to arrive. Perhaps it was because he was an Abh and lived more than twice as long as a human, or maybe he felt his importance warranted patience from the others. Whatever it was, Bebaus arrived and took quick stock in what Tennenbaum was doing.

Every muscle training equipment conceivable was thrown into the gymnasium for the marines to use. Noline scratched his chin though as he observed everything and the marines filing into the room and moving to their stations.

"If standard weights prove too easy for them, we could always have the soldiers lift in the increased gravity sections."

Merely nodding in reply, she waved her hand and said, "Right. Go and set those up, will you? I need to manage things over here, and..."

*CLANG!*

"...it seems my assistant is having issues with the weights." With a frown, she pushed a few buttons and her segway exposed several arms, before moving forth. Tennenbaum proceeded to lift the barbells that had fallen and harangue Javier on the importance of paying attention, focus, the danger of laziness and the value of these items all at once in fast, furious English.

As soon as the weights were all squared away, Bebaus waved the newly augmented marines forward to begin their workout. They set about in quick order in teams of two as they moved to bench press, squat, dead-lift, power clean, push press, arm curls, punching bag, and other machines.

Noline walked up and down the rows with his glass PDA and took notes on how they were shaping up. It wasn't long before most of the barbells began groaning from the excessive weight.

"It looks like it won't take long for them to outgrow the conventional weights."

Tennenbaum merely acknowledged Bebaus's statement with a nod and a muttering of, "So it would seem." Quickly turning to her colleague, Tennenbaum quickly asked, "Did you set up those enhanced gravity sections yet? They would seem rather obvious, given the fact that our subjects will likely power through the regular machines, so to speak. And, I'd hate for them to be a step ahead of us."

Javier ran up to Tennenbaum and replied, "Doctor, I can set them up."

"Hardly. You could barely handle the weights, so I doubt you can be trusted with complex equipment as of this moment." Tennenbaum's insult didn't go over well with Javier, who despite being subjected to such abuses on a daily basis found that a little gratuitous. Relenting, Tennenbaum sighed and said, "Go with Doctor Bebaus and set them up. You drive a hard bargain."

Bebaus lead Javier over towards the machinery though there was hardly much to explain. He was just glad to give Javier a chance to be a way from Tennenbaum and prove himself useful.

"Don't tell the doctor this but there is hardly much to control with this extra gravity stations. There is a panel on the wall that allows you to input your preferred AU. Otherwise it is constantly set at twice the standard force of gravity. So don't worry, you can tell Tennenbaum that you programmed the computer in short order."

Bebaus lead Javier over towards the machinery though there was hardly much to explain. He was just glad to give Javier a chance to be a way from Tennenbaum and prove himself useful.

"Don't tell the doctor this but there is hardly much to control with this extra gravity stations. There is a panel on the wall that allows you to input your preferred AU. Otherwise it is constantly set at twice the standard force of gravity. So don't worry, you can tell Tennenbaum that you programmed the computer in short order."

Javier nodded, smiling and saying, "Good." Looking about and whispering, he said to the Doctor, "It'd be nice to pull one over on the old hag. Sometimes, she gets to be a bit much." The assistant then rapidly manipulated the switches, and then set it to Tennenbaum's preferred setting before going back to her.

"Finished already, Javier?"

"Well, Doctor, it was not too long to do. A short order job."

Tennenbaum smiled and said, "Good lad. Now, I want you to do something for me. Spot those men."

Javier nodded, and began watching the Marines. Tennenbaum nodded, and nodded, and then said, "Actually, fetch me my violin."

"But I thought you hated it?"

"DO IT!"

"Alright."

Javier rushed out of the room, and reappeared several minutes later with a violin. Tennenbaum picked it up, and then prepped it before proceeding to begin playing a tune--a rather nice one, at that.

Noline smiled as there seemed to be no lasting pleasing of Tennenbaum. It didn't talk Javier long to receive more yelling for the doctor. Ah well, such was the way of some people at times.

Bebaus continued to make his observations as the Marines worked with the weights and the equipment. He stopped all of a sudden when he heard the Dornalian's violin play.

"My dear, I did not know you were a player of the musical arts. Had I known, I would have brought my own instrument to perform with you."

Noline smiled as there seemed to be no lasting pleasing of Tennenbaum. It didn't talk Javier long to receive more yelling for the doctor. Ah well, such was the way of some people at times.

Bebaus continued to make his observations as the Marines worked with the weights and the equipment. He stopped all of a sudden when he heard the Dornalian's violin play.

"My dear, I did not know you were a player of the musical arts. Had I known, I would have brought my own instrument to perform with you."

Tennenbaum replied as she continued to play, "My mother and father--I may have mentioned this in one of my moods--were both musicians." She then looked at Bebaus, hitting a few good notes as she said, "Filthy rich, but then again they were well paid musicians that played in the Buenos Aires Symphony, and even cut a few records as soloists. They wanted me to follow...."

Her playing became frenzied as she then fumed over the past.

"The only trouble was, my mother was a controlling old hag who insisted that I be an artist. My father supported me, and even paid for my tuition to the sciences! But my bitch of a mother...oh, she never understood why I loved playing with my brother's chemistry set, and why I decided to pursue a science degree and not a musical one!"

Then, her music finally reached a climax, as the violin seemed ready to break. She slipped into German and Spanish curses as she played with abandon. (OOC: The Arial font is German language text.)

"We talk, but our talks on the subject of music grow considerably chilly! The audacity! The stupidity! The Horror!"

Then, she slowed up again, her music becoming pleasant again. Speaking apologetically, she said "But, enough of that. I came here to serenade, not to berate." Turning to Noline, she asked, "Bring your own instrument--I'm eager to listen to what you have to bring."

Noline could understand the reasons for Tennenbaum's anonymity towards her childhood upbringing. In the Abh society, the parent rarely discouraged a wide range of talent within their children though not for the sake of supporting their child. It was more for the purpose of keeping their child unique and more enjoying for the parent to raise.

He listened as Tennenbaum's violin slipped through a number of notes and continued onto its final climax. The Abh scientist clapped as she finished her performance. "I'm afraid my own is not here with me but I do have a recording of it on file. It allows me to enjoy my instrument when I am away with it."

Bebaus punched a few glass keys on his clyuno and a sound began drifting through the air. It was obviously a wind instrument of some nature though its make was yet to be determined. The music was a gentle and calming sound as it ranged through a variety of notes but transitioning ever so softly. It continued on as Bebaus had designed it to be a relaxing melody for the mind and the body during stressful times or when a great problem presented itself.

Bebaus punched a few glass keys on his clyuno and a sound began drifting through the air. It was obviously a wind instrument of some nature though its make was yet to be determined. The music was a gentle and calming sound as it ranged through a variety of notes but transitioning ever so softly. It continued on as Bebaus had designed it to be a relaxing melody for the mind and the body during stressful times or when a great problem presented itself.

Tennenbaum leaned on her segway, listening to the music and closing her eyes. She began to hum along with it, and then began wagging her finger to keep in time. Javier breathed a sigh of relief, as he was glad his boss wasn't berating him for once. Then, he went back to work, as Tennenbaum said, "'If music be the food of love, play on.'" listlessly to herself.

Without looking at Bebaus, the scientist said, "Tell me, Doctor. What do you call this piece?"

"Fal Nege Gereula, or translated to My Lovely Star."

Noline clicked off the recording and the room silent save for the continued work of the marines in the background. "I recorded it a few years ago while traveling on a deep exploration vessel. Long hours in plane space can draw on a person's mind if they do not keep themselves occupied. Most of the crew had their everyday tasks while I was left with little but my instrument until we reached our destination.

What about you? Does your piece have any particular name?"

"Fal Nege Gereula, or translated to My Lovely Star."

Noline clicked off the recording and the room silent save for the continued work of the marines in the background. "I recorded it a few years ago while traveling on a deep exploration vessel. Long hours in plane space can draw on a person's mind if they do not keep themselves occupied. Most of the crew had their everyday tasks while I was left with little but my instrument until we reached our destination.

What about you? Does your piece have any particular name?"

Tennenbaum replied with a smile, "An Ode to Brownian Motion. I've always found the chaotic world of quantum physics and its ilk akin to the chaotic world of the arts. Both have uncertainties that are expressed, but in ways that can become rather fluid and powerful in their own ways. And, the rules of quantum physics do change often."

Tennenbaum then continued with, "Normally, I don't write many pieces. I prefer selections from the classical masters myself, I find I ape them too much when I write music."

"Nonsense. You just need some sort of inspiration and it appears that your scientific mind does precisely that. The chaotic piece was quite noteworthy."

Bebaus pulled his datapad free and prepared to jot down a few more notes on the continued work of the Marines. "Perhaps we could play together one day and compose our own music."

Noline clicked the glass screen on then moved on to take a second round of tests.

"Nonsense. You just need some sort of inspiration and it appears that your scientific mind does precisely that. The chaotic piece was quite noteworthy."

Bebaus pulled his datapad free and prepared to jot down a few more notes on the continued work of the Marines. "Perhaps we could play together one day and compose our own music."

Noline clicked the glass screen on then moved on to take a second round of tests.

Tennenbaum nodded and then followed her Abh counterpart to the second round of testing. She was pleased with the results she had gotten so far, and Noline was given her copy of the notes. As she moved to the second round, she motioned for Javier to take custody of the violin, and said, "Right. I think we need to prove to amp up the regimen."

She then motioned to Javier and said, "Javier, increase the gees to something challenging." The assistant nodded and ran to do so.

Javier would have no trouble in adjusting the settings as Noline showed him how. The dial could be cranked to nearly any setting imaginable though he would have to be careful not to turn the intensity up so high that it crushes the marines' skeletal structure.

Bebaus observed the difference in the marines' body functioning as the force of gravity was increased. He jotted down the increase in pulse rates and the rest of their bio signs. Once he made an adequate representation of the difference from the start of the work out to now, he handed a copy over to Tennenbaum.

"What do you think?"

Tennenbaum eyed the results, and then double checked them with her own statistics. She nodded merely, and said, "Good, good. I like these results. Results are what we aim for." She then handed the results back, and began humming Noline's song as she kept on monitoring the Marines. She then said, "Such a lovely tune. I can't get it out of my head...."

Noline turned and smiled at the doctor, silently thanking her for her compliment. The Abh continued his circuit of observations until he finally made it all the way back to Tennenbaum.

"If you liked that particular composition so much, I do have others recorded that we could listen to."

Bebaus cued his clyuno and sent his many recordings through the speaker system in the workout room. Most of the tracks were quite calming playing slowly through the air. A few did come across that were tumultuous and hurried.

"Perhaps I could locate a piece of music that you are familiar with and we could play together."

Bebaus cued his clyuno and sent his many recordings through the speaker system in the workout room. Most of the tracks were quite calming playing slowly through the air. A few did come across that were tumultuous and hurried.

"Perhaps I could locate a piece of music that you are familiar with and we could play together."

Tennenbaum also followed on, observing the Marines as she listened to the music. Humming along gleefully, she then was confronted with Noline's proposition. Putting her finger up to her lips, Dr. Tennenbaum pondered it, before she said, "Perhaps. Do you have Antonín Dvořák's Violin Concerto in A minor, Op. 53?"

Bebaus thought about the request for a moment then cued up his clyuno. He scrolled through the extensive list of music files and eventually clicked on one recording. Music began drifting up through the air followed by a holographic image of the sheet music to the particular score.

"Is this what you were referring to my lady?"

Bebaus thought about the request for a moment then cued up his clyuno. He scrolled through the extensive list of music files and eventually clicked on one recording. Music began drifting up through the air followed by a holographic image of the sheet music to the particular score.

"Is this what you were referring to my lady?"

Hearing the music, she squinted as she looked at the holosheet in front of her, before smiling. Turning to Noline, she muttered, "Yes, that's the one." Motioning to Javier, she added, "I must commend the Abh Empire on their musical taste."

Turning to Javier, she asked him for her violin, and then he returned with it. The Doctor picked up her violin, and then just as she was about to play it, looked it over suspiciously. She then asked Javier, "Javier, can you please retrieve the rosin? The violin's gone scratchy."

The assistant retrieved the rosin, and then the Doctor began to grease up her instrument, adding, "Thank you."

"Every civilization has something they are fond of. We happen to prefer the arts so we collect as much of it as we can."

Bebaus was without his own instrument but he did have a number of back ups should the mood strike him. While he did prefer his own personal flute structured instrument, he did have another invention that resembled Tennenbaum's violin. He had a guard run to his quarters and retrieve it. Once in his hands, he hefted the instrument to his shoulder and drew the bow across the multiple strings bringing forth a large variety of notes in a single stroke.

He smiled at the good doctor. "Shall we?"

"Every civilization has something they are fond of. We happen to prefer the arts so we collect as much of it as we can."

Bebaus was without his own instrument but he did have a number of back ups should the mood strike him. While he did prefer his own personal flute structured instrument, he did have another invention that resembled Tennenbaum's violin. He had a guard run to his quarters and retrieve it. Once in his hands, he hefted the instrument to his shoulder and drew the bow across the multiple strings bringing forth a large variety of notes in a single stroke.

He smiled at the good doctor. "Shall we?"

Tennenbaum nodded, and thus began to play. She motioned for Javier to begin taking down the information, and she programmed her computer to do thusly, as she began to play. She had a small soundboard on her computer that was able to recreate most of the other instruments that the two didn't have. They were, however, duly kept at as low a volume as possible, so the Argentine and her Abh duetist could play to their utmost.

Javier couldn't help but smile. Though his boss overworked him and tended to treat him as little more than a slave, it was moments like these that somehow made it bearable. Well, it was as his mom said. "Geniuses aren't quite right up there."

Two worlds became one as the Dornalian and Abh scientists plied their talents beyond the empirical realm and made sweet harmonious music. Noline's instruments struck a series of multiple notes all in one stroke thanks to its complex design but it was no less powerful than Tennenbaum's own work as she played her violin masterfully.

Their music drifted through the room hauntingly as they played on for a time.

Two worlds became one as the Dornalian and Abh scientists plied their talents beyond the empirical realm and made sweet harmonious music. Noline's instruments struck a series of multiple notes all in one stroke thanks to its complex design but it was no less powerful than Tennenbaum's own work as she played her violin masterfully.

Their music drifted through the room hauntingly as they played on for a time.

Eventually, it got to the point where it was impossible to ignore. General Graves, walking through the halls, picked up the strains, and sighed. While it was nice, wasn't Tennenbaum supposed to be working? Momma Dornalia wasn't paying her to make sweet music with her new Abh co-star. He then walked in, and then Tennenbaum greeted him with a snarky, "General Graves, welcome. I could hear your uncultured feet plodding their way into our concert."

Graves chuckled and said, "Funny." He then turned to the Marines and said, "How are they doing? Is Dr. Bebaus satisfied?"

Noline ceased his own playing when the General took interest in their own side track. The Abh scientist simply nodded at the general's question. "I am quite pleased. If all tests prove as successful as these, then I believe we will be ready for the armor implantation sooner than expected.

How is everything on your end General?"

Noline ceased his own playing when the General took interest in their own side track. The Abh scientist simply nodded at the general's question. "I am quite pleased. If all tests prove as successful as these, then I believe we will be ready for the armor implantation sooner than expected.

How is everything on your end General?"

General Graves smiled, pleased that his charge was actually getting something done. "Everything's fine. As long as Dr. Tennenbaum doesn't get too crazy and actually uses Dornalian and Abh money wisely...I think I'm happy."

HE then looked at them and said, "Can you fiddle?"

Tennenbaum frowned and said, "Fiddling? Hardly. I don't abuse my instrument like that."

Graves replied, "Suit yourself."

"Already I can see that our money is being well spent and a return is already blossoming. One mere distraction for a minute or two will not be seen as offensive to the Emperor."

Bebaus returned the bow to his side as he strummed his fingers along his own instrument. "Perhaps there is something the General would like to hear. Is there anything we can play that would entice you?"

"Already I can see that our money is being well spent and a return is already blossoming. One mere distraction for a minute or two will not be seen as offensive to the Emperor."

Bebaus returned the bow to his side as he strummed his fingers along his own instrument. "Perhaps there is something the General would like to hear. Is there anything we can play that would entice you?"

General Graves shrugged. If the Doctor--who seemed to be prettier than Dr. Tennenbaum was, and that was hard, considering that she was a striking woman in form--wasn't befuddled or angry at Doctor Tennenbaum's behavior by now, then he evidently had gotten used to her. Graves never could, frankly, and he wanted to ask the Doctor how he did it.

But, now was music time. So, Graves coughed and asked, "Any of you folks know the song Lorena? Classical's not up my alley...and despite the Doctor's admonition"--he swiped a quick glare at Tennenbaum for her comment on the fiddle--"...not everything on a violin has to be so damn formal. It can be a folk tune."

"Afraid not but I can see if my personal archives has the sheet music stored away."

Bebaus turned back to his clyuno and went to work filing through his personal records. Eventually a string of baronh words floated up before him. Noline fingered through the various file names and subcategories until he found what he was looking for.

Music scores danced around the Abh doctor as he picked up his bow. "Odd. I didn't realize I had saved any folk music."

Noline drew his bow across the strings and began playing the introduction melodies to the General's request.

"Afraid not but I can see if my personal archives has the sheet music stored away."

Bebaus turned back to his clyuno and went to work filing through his personal records. Eventually a string of baronh words floated up before him. Noline fingered through the various file names and subcategories until he found what he was looking for.

Music scores danced around the Abh doctor as he picked up his bow. "Odd. I didn't realize I had saved any folk music."

Noline drew his bow across the strings and began playing the introduction melodies to the General's request.

The General then began humming, as expected, along with the music. Eventually, he began singing out loud, in a surprisingly good voice.

The years creep slowly by, Lorena
The snow is on the grass again
The sun's low down the sky, Lorena
The frost gleams where the flowers have been
But the heart throbs on as warmly now
As when the summer days were nigh
Oh, the sun can never dip so low
A-down affection's cloudless sky.

Tennenbaum merely nodded, and strummed along. Eventually, after several minutes of him singing, she then tactfully but loudly, said, looking at her watch, "Oh my! Look at the time...we must be off." She then poked Graves with her bow and said, almost comically but with a subtext of jealousy, said, "Begone, we have business to do. Go, shoo!"

"Now wait a second. I was--"

"Go on now! Shoo!"

The General sighed, and walked off, facepalming and saying, "Alright, alright. I'll leave you two to your devices." He then muttered cuss words as he walked out.

"Well, that settles it. Let's get to work now, that man ruined playtime. Besides....we have science to do." Tennenbaum could be seen frowning, in one of her "Moods" again......

Bebaus nodded as Tennenbaum quickly slipped back into one of her moods. The Abh scientist realized that he had to step carefully now since his companion could quickly turn on him with her turbulent temper. Noline put his instrument away and grabbed up his glass PDA.

Walking around and gathering more results, "It looks like their physical development has come a long way. If the rounds in capture the flag were any indication of what they'll be like on the battlefield, it should be interesting to see what they look like when they are fully outfitted with armor and weapons."

Bebaus nodded as Tennenbaum quickly slipped back into one of her moods. The Abh scientist realized that he had to step carefully now since his companion could quickly turn on him with her turbulent temper. Noline put his instrument away and grabbed up his glass PDA.

Walking around and gathering more results, "It looks like their physical development has come a long way. If the rounds in capture the flag were any indication of what they'll be like on the battlefield, it should be interesting to see what they look like when they are fully outfitted with armor and weapons."

Still miffed at the fact Graves was allowed to be there for so long, Tennenbaum merely said curtly, "Very well, then. Let's get the Marines kitted out with the armor and the appropriate armaments. Will they be Imperium of Man-standard kit, Bolters, heavy bolters, plasma, et cetera, or did you have something else in mind?"

She then added incisively, "And also, are you aware that General Graves is an uncultured bumpkin? His people aren't like the Virginians I studied with...cultureless hillbillies, the lot of them, with unkultur and an ignorance of how to treat women outside of high society. And he presumes to interrupt a meeting of minds with his folk-ballad nonsense. Ruined the mood, ruined everything." Predjudices aside, it would be easily seen she didn't get along with General Graves, and it seemed that his presence at the meeting disturbed her.

Noline was not quite as blind to people's emotions as he often led on to believe. He could see that Tennenbaum was uneasy with the whole situation and so it was time to get her away from the General to refocus on the task.

"I believe the standard outfitting should do for now. There is always time for upgrades later. We will most likely upgrade it to the Imperium of Abh at the least.

Would you mind running through the schematics again with me in the cloning center? We can leave the General and his men to watching over the marines while we attend to more important matters."

Noline was not quite as blind to people's emotions as he often led on to believe. He could see that Tennenbaum was uneasy with the whole situation and so it was time to get her away from the General to refocus on the task.

"I believe the standard outfitting should do for now. There is always time for upgrades later. We will most likely upgrade it to the Imperium of Abh at the least.

Would you mind running through the schematics again with me in the cloning center? We can leave the General and his men to watching over the marines while we attend to more important matters."

"I'm sure his degenerate crew will take good care of them," Tennenbaum sneered, as she followed Noline to the cloning center. Once there, she then returned to a somewhat more professional manner, pulling up the schematics on a small holoprojector and asking, "Well, I don't see any deficencies with the Armor itself. The accoutrements, namely the Bolters, the Bolt Pistols, the Krak and Frag Grenades, plasma guns and pistols, Melta Guns and Multi-Meltas, et cetera shouldn't be to hard to make either. Why do you ask?"

Bebaus smiled slightly. "Why do I ask? Dear woman, I could see the pain and annoyance on your face from being around the general. I figured some place more quiet would put you more at ease.

Study the schematics of the new weapons and armor, never hurt either."

Bebaus smiled slightly. "Why do I ask? Dear woman, I could see the pain and annoyance on your face from being around the general. I figured some place more quiet would put you more at ease.

Study the schematics of the new weapons and armor, never hurt either."

Tennenbaum then sighed; she then muttered, with a hair whip and a smile at the end, "Your benificence is welcome...and rather appreciated...." The way her voice trailed off, it seemed she liked the attention. Pleasant again, Tennenbaum then added, pleasantly, "The schematics themselves are rather basic. Time-honored and tested designs, really. They should be of ease to manufacture."

She then began looking them over and nodding, and making notes about the items, as she then asked, "Tell me a little about yourself. I have said so much, about myself--what about you?"

Noline was studying the specifics of the armor and the weapons when Tennenbaum hit him with her question. It caught him off guard a bit since he was not expecting so personal coming from the doctor. He took a moment to fiddle with a few notes before formulating an answer in his mind.

"Well let me see... I am the uncle of two officers within the Star Forces. Perhaps you've heard of Admiral Nereis Bebaus and his Chief of Staff Nefee? Well they've been around for a while though not as old as some of the other Admirals.

Anyways I've worked on mapping undiscovered sords in plane space as well as studying spacial anomonalies that occur. Some have been on the rare cases where two black holes merge together along with improving our faster than light travel with creating the Third Space gate system.

Otherwise I spin my days in the Bebaus mansion working on musical scores and experimenting with new forms of holographic art."

Noline was studying the specifics of the armor and the weapons when Tennenbaum hit him with her question. It caught him off guard a bit since he was not expecting so personal coming from the doctor. He took a moment to fiddle with a few notes before formulating an answer in his mind.

"Well let me see... I am the uncle of two officers within the Star Forces. Perhaps you've heard of Admiral Nereis Bebaus and his Chief of Staff Nefee? Well they've been around for a while though not as old as some of the other Admirals.

Anyways I've worked on mapping undiscovered sords in plane space as well as studying spacial anomonalies that occur. Some have been on the rare cases where two black holes merge together along with improving our faster than light travel with creating the Third Space gate system.

Otherwise I spin my days in the Bebaus mansion working on musical scores and experimenting with new forms of holographic art."

Tennenbaum pushed a few more buttons, and then said as she began making 3d mockups of the weapons and preparing them to be sent to their proper production facilities, "I had heard of your uncles, but rather indirectly, I'm afraid. I had heard rumors from some of the Navy personnel that served in Torusumi's War--I mean, the war against the United Mankind--of some rather eccentric individuals in the Star Forces. Perhaps those were the uncles you meant.

There was also a scholar of Abh politics and history, some rake at the University of California in Berkeley named Kung, who had mentioned them--I read some of her materials for some research before I came here--a good scholar, if her command of the English language can descend into high-density academic claptrap. She noted the Bebauses were given the quality of Spectacular Insanity--a clumsy translation no doubt, from the original Baronh. But, I suppose it was apt."

As she worked further on, she found Bebaus's work on black holes fascinating, along with his artistic achievements.

She then asked, "So, do any of your other relatives practice the arts and sciences, military or civil? After all, surely your family must be well known for something else either than eccentricities."

Bebaus gave her a blank stare when she brought up the Spectacular Insanity aspect of the Bebaus family. Clearly it was not talked about with others outside the family. Still, the Abh scientist seemed to take little to no offense.

"My nephews have always been intelligent boys and have served Star Forces well. They may appear different at times or eccentric but not much else can be expected from one of the only groups of twins in amongst the Abh. But I can see where some of your military officials would come up with such reasoning. Their methods were always a little unorthodox.

As for the rest of the family, there is a long line of inventors and scientists. The Bebaus family has been on the leading edge of research on all fields throughout the Empire from war time technology to the genetic construction used in artificial births. I would venture to say that you could name a subject of interest and I would be willing to bet that a Bebaus has been involved somehow."

"My nephews have always been intelligent boys and have served Star Forces well. They may appear different at times or eccentric but not much else can be expected from one of the only groups of twins in amongst the Abh. But I can see where some of your military officials would come up with such reasoning. Their methods were always a little unorthodox.

With a raise of her eyebrows, she replied, "Au contraire. We find no such thing eccentric. My colleagues in regular service find that whatever works, works. I personally am likewise, although I am possessed of more grace and personality than the average Naval Home Guard officer."



As for the rest of the family, there is a long line of inventors and scientists. The Bebaus family has been on the leading edge of research on all fields throughout the Empire from war time technology to the genetic construction used in artificial births. I would venture to say that you could name a subject of interest and I would be willing to bet that a Bebaus has been involved somehow."

"Fascinating...an entire family consisting of concentrated genius....I am rather envious...and inspired." Tennenbaum tapped her chin, and as she passed the blueprints with her approval to Noline, she muttered, "One could write a novel about it, yes. A novel....if only...."

It was obvious Tennenbaum found it a little impressive to believe, but she was also willing to believe it.

"Well it is not that the entirety of the family is comprised of geniuses. Like every family we have our shares of ups and downs. Some experiments and inventions are not appreciated by others or looked on with approval.

There is also the balance in all things that must be observed. While we have plenty of intelligent minds in our family's history, there are also those that lacked the proper grip on reality. I believe that is where we often get our reputation for the term you so eloquently stated as 'Spectacular Insanity'."

"Well it is not that the entirety of the family is comprised of geniuses. Like every family we have our shares of ups and downs. Some experiments and inventions are not appreciated by others or looked on with approval.

There is also the balance in all things that must be observed. While we have plenty of intelligent minds in our family's history, there are also those that lacked the proper grip on reality. I believe that is where we often get our reputation for the term you so eloquently stated as 'Spectacular Insanity'."

Tennenbaum looked at her companion and replied merely, "True. People are people, no matter if they're born terrestrially or created in vitro." She then wryly commented, "However, I find it helps to loosen one's grip on reality. Helps when dealing with the quantum sciences. To me, not so much a science as an art. I prefer not to think of it as Spectacular Insanity, my dear Doctor--but as merely another tool in the scientific toolbox. My enemies call me La Bruja Judia--the Jewish Witch. Perfectly anti-Semitic, but it denotes how some people with little minds cannot understand genius."

She then handed a giant stack of documents over to Bebaus, and said, "Here you go, Doctor. These are prepared for production. Parts from the Frybarec and New Dornalia are on the materials list."

Noline smiled at the doctor's comments. "It's nice to see a woman of your intelligence so understanding. There are few too few people of your stature in the universe I'm afraid. What ever enemies I've managed to accumulate have kept themselves secret nor have they given any public names. Probably terrified of what possible torture device I would devise to punish them."

He took a look at the files and flipped through them briefly. Everything looked to be in top notch condition. "I'll have these put into production immediately."

Computer scanners went to work on the files and had them shipped to appropriate sections of the compound for manufacturing on a small scale. With the automation taking over, Bebaus turned around to the doctor one more time. "It has been a pleasure working with you my dear lady. Truly you have been inciteful and a refreshing presence during all this."

Computer scanners went to work on the files and had them shipped to appropriate sections of the compound for manufacturing on a small scale. With the automation taking over, Bebaus turned around to the doctor one more time. "It has been a pleasure working with you my dear lady. Truly you have been inciteful and a refreshing presence during all this."

Tennenbaum blushed, and muttered, "Well...it was a pleasure for me as well." Acting coy, she was in one of her moods again--though it was clear she ate the praise up.

Then, clearly overwhelmed with a cocktail of emotions, she then paused, and breathed in and out, nearly swooning in the presence of a fellow genius who also happened to look as good as he thought. Nobody would know why she did so, or what possessed her at times like this.

"Phew. Oh my. You'll have to excuse me..."

She then moved her segway forth, and extended her hand, as she said, half-introspectively:

"Yes, pleasure indeed."

The rest of the operation went on like clockwork as the improved Marines were introduced to their new armor and weapon mods. Extensive training quickly followed suit as Noline and Tennenbaum worked side by side on modifications to improve the Imperial Marine output. While the Abh and doctor drew closer together, other creations were happening in the Delmaav System. For the longest of times, the system had no habitable worlds nor was it seen as profitable to turn any of them into a habitable planet.

Delmaav IV had been requisitioned for military purposes not far from the moon that Bebaus and Dr. Tennenbaum were staying. Imperial terra formers were brought into to turn the poisonous planet into something livable. In order to properly train the Imperial Marines in all forms of planet warfare, the planet had been reconstructed with several landscapes and land masses. Everything from endless deserts to polar regions were created in several years time.

Bases of operations were established in every form of terrain with a main complex on a river delta. In time, more units were added to the arsenal of the Imperial Marines as Phantom Tanks were created for support. Raptors filled the skies as the marines practiced aerial combat and Whirlwinds became the staple for artillery. No matter the weather or time of day, Marines were constantly training for war. The one purpose they were bred for, they would become masters of it and make any that stood against them tremble with fear.

The Marines would be the Emperor's instrument in routing out chaos and enforcing the will of the Abriels on others. Even with Tennenbaum no longer around to oversee the daily operations, Bebaus was quite proud of his accomplishment as they marched on parade with the banner of the eight headed dragon held high. Wherever there was war or rebels, his children would be there to sink their boots in the muck of combat.