NationStates Jolt Archive

Scuffle in Noctisdivu space over Merchant cargo!

Now, as I'm sure all of you know, cloning humans has been declared illegal by the Moralite Senate a few years ago. It was declared an offense to human rights, and opened itself up to far too many abuses, such as genetic altering. However, a small armed Merchant vessel carrying at least forty cloned human "replacements", cloned organ donors. A fleet ship was sent to stop them and relieve them of their cargo, but was stopped by a threat to open fire. Three long hours later, the Moralite Fleet ship, The Robin decided that it was getting no where with words, warned the ship one last time, and opened fire. This resulted in a brief battle between the two ships until a lucky railgun shot hit the engine and blew the entire ship to bits of floating space debris. This has lead to a large outcry from the Inner Planets, who have suffered the most from the Cloning ban and have had rampant black-market clone sales as of late-Continued on page A2

"Dammit, we can't afford any more losses! First the Propesita incident, then the bust in Raven city, and now this!" Vincent screamed, slamming the Newspaper down on the desk, a small, quivering man siting in front of him, trying to sink into his chair. "S-Sir, I swear to you, I'll take all the blame for this, I'll pay for the clones myself! I will!" Marcus squeaked out, his voice getting higher with each word. Storming across the room, Vincent continued "Gambino technology has a reputation to keep, and I can't risk that reputation! We're making record profits both on and off the books, and then I lose billions of Tiosles in a single blow!" Suddenly, a large Oak door squeaked slowly open. "Sir, there are some visitors here to see you. They say it's a private matter." He nodded "Send them in Clarence." Turning to Marcus, he said with but a hint of Malice in his tone: "I'll deal with you later." Gratefully scrambling out, Marcus muttered a quick apology as he brushed past several shady looking men in business suits.

Waiting for the door to close, one of the men, a tall, and somewhat overweight man spoke up. "I am Arthur. Just Arthur. No last name, at least not one I would share here." Taking a look around him, Arthur lowered his voice somewhat "We've been following your work for years, and we believe that you have been doing the right thing, although probably not in the eyes of the Senate." At this, Vincent sat up. Were they talking about what he suspected they were? "The senate has been choking the lifeblood of the inner planets, pandering only to Noctisdivu. They get police armed with modern BSBA-V10's. The inner planets are lucky to get uniforms. And then there's cloning. On Noctisdivu, they don't have too much radiation. Too far away, the atmosphere blocks most of it." Arthur sneered "On the inner planets, organ transplants are almost a necessity, but willing organ donors, or even sellers are often in need of one themselves. The unemployment rate has skyrocketed as the Senate strips the planetary governments of every Tiosle, watching, with glee I imagine, as crime runs rampant, extorting the few honest businesses left." Arthur leaned forward, supporting himself on the desk. Staring straight at Vincent, he said "Now is the time. We're going, and the Senate won't be able to do a damn thing about it. You'll know when it happens. Everyone will know." Taking a step back, Arthur finished with "Make your choice wisely." With that, all six of the men filed out, leaving Vincent slumped in his chair, lost in his own thoughts...

"No, no, no! Tilt the rifle towards the target! I want that gun to fire at least in the general direction of the target!" Ptolemy wrenched the gun away from the Nestlings hands quickly. "THIS is how you fire one of these." Switching to fully automatic, Ptolemy fired an entire clip into the target, not missing a shot. "Now, were you watching? Hmm, put your leg back a little more, raise the gun a bit higher..." As Ptolemy continued to drill the new recruit, a tall man, about sixty began to stride down towards him. Looking up, he nodded slowly, patted the Nestling on the back, and walked over to him. "Lucius, good to see you! Why so grim? I haven't seen you in years!" Lucius shook his head slowly, a tired look in his eyes. "This isn't a happy reunion Ptol. The Senate has ordered the Raven's Blood to form up again." Ptolemy's bright smile turned to a deep and serious frown. "We agreed that after the slaughter back home,we could never go back. We agreed to stay away from that accursed name, and let it lay in the deepest sections of the Senate's classified files." Lucius took out a paper from his raincoat. "When you see this, you might have a different opinion on this. Reading over it, Ptolemy's expression turned to one of shock. Looking up at Lucius, he said with much hesitation in his voice "Is this all true?" Lucius nodded "I was there myself." Placing his hand over his face, Ptolemy muttered quickly "Then there isn't any choice. Let's go."

"... And so, with over ninety-percent of the Raven's Blood dead, we had no choice but to do a complete reorganization of the squad, with you two as squad leaders." Senator Brutus looked at them all. "I hope you'll serve honorably, and complete your mission. Good luck." Closing the prerecorded video, Ptolemy looked around at his new squad. The only one he knew was Lucius, the rest had either died in that catastrophe, or had died for various reasons afterwards. No refusals were accepted. Lucius stood up in front of them all. "I expect each and every one of you to do your duty today. Most of you I don't know. Most of you I probablt won't want to know. That's because today, we're going into a mission that means nothing less than death or success. If we die, we will have doomed billions of innocents to their deaths. If we succeed, chances are no one but the senate will ever hear about it. There is no glory in this, only duty. Now prepare for insertion!"

Loading into their capsules, Ptolemy felt himself weightless, yet falling for but a brief few seconds. Then the gravity of the planet below him began to pull down on him, and continue pulling until an unexpressed pain was on his chest. Having been years since his last drop, he blacked out...

Ptolemy woke up on the ground, his suit undamaged and his squadmates around him. "He's awake!" Lucius whispered to the rest of them. Looking around, Ptolemy noticed that less than half of the squad was there. "what happen-"
"Most of them weren't Blood material. Cracked up as soon as they saw what we were up against. We got what we came for though. Holding up a small capsule, Lucius frowned. "Our worst fear. Let's go." Piling into the Hovering HAWC, every last man was silent. Only Ptolemy didn't know, and he was in no mood to talk.

"The inner planets have officially seceded! It's a madhouse here! Even Gambino Technology has sent troops! I-I can't take it! Turn off the camera! Turn it off!" *At this point the camera man fall down, blood splatters onto his camera. Only gunshots and explosions can be heard in the distance*

OOC: So then, I decided that it was about time for another Moralite Civil war. Just RP whichever side you support, if you support a side. Propesita is cleaned up (For the most part) Noctisdivu is as dark as ever, and Feversit is still abandoned for those wondering about it.

Bump for RPers.

To: Conserative Morality

From: Head of office, Roef

We just want you to know, you can always ask for help. If you want soldiers to help yours, we will be there. Just say it, thank you.

A civil war, chaos and destruction, everything the Forbidden Ministry could ever want or hope for. This was a perfect time to gain some new technology and information. Ah information, a drink best gained through questionable means and then never shared with anyone else. This would be perfect, but the Forbidden Ministry couldn't just rush in, they'd take their time and be painfully slow about it, all the while getting everything they needed. For such a job, only a single unit was needed, more powerful and much rarer than a Drone could ever be. No, this job required an elite, someone who couldn't be stopped through normal means... it was time to deploy that unit to the field.

Human Noble Garret Bulkin was laying under a medical table when the avatar of his Urbane class frigate manifested itself floating above him. The hologram as that of an androgynous angel, with a flattened nose and feline eyes. "Noble, I've been picking up some interesting hails."

Bulkin winced as one of the nerves in a cauterized stump seemed to catch fire. He had earned his nobility facing a Chazrakian royal guard in single combat, and had gotten his exo bisected in the process. Luckily for him, though, the exo's torso was the cockpit, so he had only lost most of his legs, which were being replaced by mechanical prosthetics. "A summary, if you'd be so kind. I'd like to return to the painkillers sooner rather than later."

The avatar nodded, smiling sympathetically. "A well established power in the galaxy is facing civil war. From what I understand, the dispute is over the legality of cloning. Normally we would be opposed to such violations of the sanctity of life, but apparently the use of such technology is neccesary in the rebel worlds to treat the diseases caused by their proximity to... the galactic core or their sun, it hasn't been specified."

Bulkin sighed, closing his eyes. "The old 'means to an end' argument. I suppose we could assist these rebel worlds, provided they carefully regulate the use of the technology."

The avatar nodded, but arched a brow. "And if they aren't willing to do so?"

Bulkin sighed. "Then we sit on the sidelines, as it becomes too morally ambiguous for my tastes. Interfere only if one side starts commiting atrocities against the other. How long will it take us to gate there?"

The avatar began to fade, allowing the return of painkillers. "You'll be on your feet when we arrive."

OOC: To clarify, an atrocity is a lot easier to commit in Golugan's eyes than the eyes of the usual galactic power.

To: Conserative Morality

From: Head of office, Roef

We just want you to know, you can always ask for help. If you want soldiers to help yours, we will be there. Just say it, thank you.
Message from the Senate to Roef:
We thank you for your support, any help will be appreciated.
The Senate, the will of the people manifest in a government body

Message from Gambino Technology:
We thank you for your support in our time of need, thank you for any help that you send. May Concuxis shine down upon you.

A civil war, chaos and destruction, everything the Forbidden Ministry could ever want or hope for. This was a perfect time to gain some new technology and information. Ah information, a drink best gained through questionable means and then never shared with anyone else. This would be perfect, but the Forbidden Ministry couldn't just rush in, they'd take their time and be painfully slow about it, all the while getting everything they needed. For such a job, only a single unit was needed, more powerful and much rarer than a Drone could ever be. No, this job required an elite, someone who couldn't be stopped through normal means... it was time to deploy that unit to the field.
OOC: Oh, goody :tongue:

Tagged for post. I'll do an IC one later.

"So then, I suppose it's high time you met the few of your squad that's left." Lucius calmly said to Ptolemy as he walked in front of the squad. "This here is Artie. He's a quiet one, but I've never seen a man hold his nerve like him." Patting him on the back, Artie, still in his armor, nodded. "This is Julius, he isn't much of a gunner, but he's one hell of a pilot, and a nice hacker too." Julius, typing on a computer, smiled and nodded at Ptolemy before returning to the monitor. "And finally, Gaius. He'll talk your ear off, but he's no fool with explosives. Of course, after losing what he did..." At this point Gaius smiled grimly and removed his left arm. "A prosthetic. I was young and didn't know how to handle X2." Gaius Stroked his beard thoughtfully with his right hand.

"So, has it really happened? A civil war, of all things... And Gambino Technology went with them?" Lucius nodded. "Indeed. But MI is still with us, thankfully. All I can say is that the next few months, or years, will be a living hell for all of us."

A gate jump short of one of the Inner Planets, the Urbane came to a pause in its series of gate jumps. It used its gravitic systems to adjust for local stellar motion, then the AI began deep scans of the target entry area for interdiction systems, as well as military vessels in-system.

On board, Noble Bulkin briefed the troops as to what limited information that they had. Unlike most Noble frigates, the Urbane actually carried small contingents of fightercraft. The avatar, meanwhile, handled the technical work.

A gate jump short of one of the Inner Planets, the Urbane came to a pause in its series of gate jumps. It used its gravitic systems to adjust for local stellar motion, then the AI began deep scans of the target entry area for interdiction systems, as well as military vessels in-system.

On board, Noble Bulkin briefed the troops as to what limited information that they had. Unlike most Noble frigates, the Urbane actually carried small contingents of fightercraft. The avatar, meanwhile, handled the technical work.

In most civil wars, there would be much fighting in space, especially with a military like CM's. But here, all was quiet. Not even merchant vessels passed between the planets...

A small, cloaked FM vessel appeared in the system, near the inner planets. It immediately set a course for the Gambino Tech HQ, that was the first place of interest for the agent aboard the craft. Without wasting any time the ship was on its way.

A small, cloaked FM vessel appeared in the system, near the inner planets. It immediately set a course for the Gambino Tech HQ, that was the first place of interest for the agent aboard the craft. Without wasting any time the ship was on its way.

"Sir. We think we've got something, I think it's an asteroid. It seems kind of blotchy on our radar. What should we do?" Leaning over at the screen, Vincent shook his head in scorn. "That's no asteroid, I think we've got something on the radar." Looking pointedly at the aide, Vincent said markedly: "ON the radar." The aide cocked his head for a moment, than nodded quickly and muttered "Yes sir, I'll get someone to clean it right away sir!" As he left, Vincent shouted after him "And get some soldiers down here too! I don't like being so unprotected!"

OOC: A description of the HQ layout would be nice so I'm not flying blind here

OOC: A description of the HQ layout would be nice so I'm not flying blind here

OOC: maybe I want you to be flying blind...:p

Okay, the HQ is an older Moralite building, at least in structure. It consists of mostly Granite stone walls, but has a light shield over it. There's a few heavy bunkers underneath, and a few thousand guards. There are a total of three "Void" sensors around the area, and twenty light anti-aircraft cannons. In the hangar there are twenty Airborne Insurgency Platforms. The halls often twist and turn, with several dead ends, but well lit. Guards regularly patrol the hallways in one-squad patrols. Around the building is a small stone wall, more for decoration than any actual purpose.

That good?

OOC: Exactly what I needed...
IC:

The ship, while still in cloak, went onto autopilot and the single passenger inside literally feel through the floor to the HQ below. This was not a normal FM soldier, it was one of their finest creations, a Wraith. The creature was completely invisible to the eye and the other senses and fell like a stone to the ground below. Suddenly, its body would become slightly visable and a black cloud would come from it, as if it was made of ash. Without so much as any resistance the being fell through the shield and then re-engaged its cloaking. Of course, such a fall wasn't going to be easily surviveable, even for a being of its skill. It activated its Cryptic abilities and slowed itself to the point that it landed softly on the ground. It was a new breed of soldier, and a rare one at that. There was a good reason why the FM only sent one unit, that was all they needed. Still in cloak, the Wraith looked around...

http://img32.picoodle.com/img/img32/3/9/27/f_logo120m_e2dddc4.png

To the Government of Conserative Morality,

In the spirit of maintaining goodwill towards countries who so graciously agreed to maintain an embassy in the Immortal Lands, Imglot is willing to dedicate three of its currently inactive fleets to police action in your realm. Please, I beg of you, allow us to help end this insurrection.


http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/3/10/2/f_sigm_0aea064.png

James Yunos

Prime Minister

Immortal Lands of the Great Lord Tiger

Not detecting any trouble, the Urbane gates into the system over the inner planet, listening to local broadcasts to try to get an idea of what the situation was in-system before transmitting. Although a Golugani vessel, it was still just one frigate, and didn't want to reveal to potentially hostile forces their intention to join the side not them.

***Hoffnungschimmer***

Reports had been circulating for a short period of time now about civil unrest in the nation of Conservative morality. Apparently the inner worlds had seceded over ban's to cloning and genetic engineering. Considering the nature of Tannelornian society and its embracing of genetic engineering over thousands of years, to say that the Celestial Council of the Celestial Republic looked at this with interest, was an understatement.

The Council chamber was in an uproar, many members advocated direct intervention in the war, to guarantee the sovereignty and rights of all beings to modify their bodies as they choose [even with...cybernetics.] Others advocated limited involvement, aiding the secessionists in return for good relations, trade and mutual defensive alliances. In the end, the House of Lords, the science council and the people's parliament could not make up their minds on what, if anything they should do. In the end they submitted all relevent information to Grahfsberg, who's dictatorship government would have a much easier time making up its mind, and agreed to send one Vessel.

The vessel chosen was a Skoffnung class battleship, one of the new Knight ships, awesomely powerful on its own and carrying a compliment of Eight Algol HMAF's, Four of the massive Lionbreaker HMAF's, and nearly three hundred VMF's of all description.

The particular ship that was currently being called to action was the DCN Durandal currently engaged in a long range patrol sweep. At last contact the crew was engaged in an "urgent diplomatic mission."

Grahfsberg immediately responded with a pledge to send half of its now meager navals forces to aid the secessionists of the inner worlds. Fifteen Knurwhal class Bio-mech drone cruisers, Thirty Schwertwhal Bio-mech drone destroyers, Fifteen Grendel class escort carriers [Five of which contained docking berth's for Lionbreaker HMAF's] and ten Woglinde Escort monitors.

Though the ships of the GFN were tiny, barely nearing two hundred meters, they were equipped for stealth and speed. Also the Knight crew's manning the Kernschatten and Morgenstrahl VMF's were second to none in training, all being veteran's of the second secession war.

They would leave immediately to aid the Conservative secessionists, while awaiting heavy support from the Durandal, they would offer what aid they could to the secessionist navies.

++++

Transmission start.

Greetings, citizens of the inner worlds of Conservative Morality, and congratulations on seceding from your current despotic rulers. We of Grahfsberg recognise your plight and offer our whole assistance. The celestial republic of Tannelorn shall also send aid, as soon as they are able to. We wish you well in your endeavour, and require coordinates to wherever you may need us most.

***Hoffnungschimmer***

Reports had been circulating for a short period of time now about civil unrest in the nation of Conservative morality. Apparently the inner worlds had seceded over ban's to cloning and genetic engineering. Considering the nature of Tannelornian society and its embracing of genetic engineering over thousands of years, to say that the Celestial Council of the Celestial Republic looked at this with interest, was an understatement.

The Council chamber was in an uproar, many members advocated direct intervention in the war, to guarantee the sovereignty and rights of all beings to modify their bodies as they choose [even with...cybernetics.] Others advocated limited involvement, aiding the secessionists in return for good relations, trade and mutual defensive alliances. In the end, the House of Lords, the science council and the people's parliament could not make up their minds on what, if anything they should do. In the end they submitted all relevent information to Grahfsberg, who's dictatorship government would have a much easier time making up its mind, and agreed to send one Vessel.

The vessel chosen was a Skoffnung class battleship, one of the new Knight ships, awesomely powerful on its own and carrying a compliment of Eight Algol HMAF's, Four of the massive Lionbreaker HMAF's, and nearly three hundred VMF's of all description.

The particular ship that was currently being called to action was the DCN Durandal currently engaged in a long range patrol sweep. At last contact the crew was engaged in an "urgent diplomatic mission."

Grahfsberg immediately responded with a pledge to send half of its now meager navals forces to aid the secessionists of the inner worlds. Fifteen Knurwhal class Bio-mech drone cruisers, Thirty Schwertwhal Bio-mech drone destroyers, Fifteen Grendel class escort carriers [Five of which contained docking berth's for Lionbreaker HMAF's] and ten Woglinde Escort monitors.

Though the ships of the GFN were tiny, barely nearing two hundred meters, they were equipped for stealth and speed. Also the Knight crew's manning the Kernschatten and Morgenstrahl VMF's were second to none in training, all being veteran's of the second secession war.

They would leave immediately to aid the Conservative secessionists, while awaiting heavy support from the Durandal, they would offer what aid they could to the secessionist navies.

++++

Transmission start.

Greetings, citizens of the inner worlds of Conservative Morality, and congratulations on seceding from your current despotic rulers. We of Grahfsberg recognise your plight and offer our whole assistance. The celestial republic of Tannelorn shall also send aid, as soon as they are able to. We wish you well in your endeavour, and require coordinates to wherever you may need us most.
Message from Gambino Technology, temporarily appointed government of CM:
Thank you for your assistance. Our co-ordinates are 3.55426711.1236737997.758264.338. Please send any help that you can afford immediatly. May concuxis shine down upon you.

OOC: Exactly what I needed...
IC:

The ship, while still in cloak, went onto autopilot and the single passenger inside literally feel through the floor to the HQ below. This was not a normal FM soldier, it was one of their finest creations, a Wraith. The creature was completely invisible to the eye and the other senses and fell like a stone to the ground below. Suddenly, its body would become slightly visable and a black cloud would come from it, as if it was made of ash. Without so much as any resistance the being fell through the shield and then re-engaged its cloaking. Of course, such a fall wasn't going to be easily surviveable, even for a being of its skill. It activated its Cryptic abilities and slowed itself to the point that it landed softly on the ground. It was a new breed of soldier, and a rare one at that. There was a good reason why the FM only sent one unit, that was all they needed. Still in cloak, the Wraith looked around...

Several soldiers began to wander out and spread across the area, the shield having reconized something passing through. "Ah, they send us out here for no reason." One of them muttered "Every single time they tell us to rush out here and investigate, it's some kids throwing a rock, or a bird, or something els-" Kneeling down, the soldier picked up a burnt corpse of a bird "You see? This kind of thing should be left to the janitors. We aren't being paid to clean up this place..." The other soldiers began to shake their heads and file back inside. "I keep telling you, nothing is stupid enough to try and attack this place! Nothing! We should be out there helping the men doing all the actual fighting!"

The Wraith smiled at this response, so far so good. The being began t move forward with silent steps not too far behind the soldiers. They would be the key into the interesting areas of the structure, and then the Wraith could really see what was so important about this technology and what would be worth stealing. The soldier was wrong, there were people willing to break into this place, and they possessed the skill to do so. Soon, this place would reveal its secrets... but the Wraith was following a strict set of orders too, no killing unless necessary.

The fleet immediately jumped to the given coordinates, drone ships in the lead. As soon as they entered the system the drone ships fanned out, HMAF's and VMF's launched. Then the manned ships went to full stealth protocols.

Only after a proper battle order was in place did the Grahfsberg aid fleet contact the Conservative secessionists. Knight-General Harmendacil contacted the nearest listening post.

"Greetings, Secessionists, or do you have a name for your faction. We of the Grahfsberg are here as promised, where do you need us most, send us forth and I assure you we shall reap a bloody bounty of your enemies." The Knight-General smiled through his greying beard. It was always good, in war to promise much to allies, especially if one could deliver on them. The force now in place consisted of two distinct combat groups. One the bio-mechs would act as the fleet scale forces, preparing ambushes of convoys, as well as out and out battle.

However the smaller manned ships, would wage an entirely different kind of war. Moving swiftly and silently they would crush enemy shipping and ambush enemy forces before they ever engaged in battle.Thus ensuring that when the fleet forces did come to battle in the inevitable conclusion of this war, the secessionists would be in better shape then their foes.

The Knight-General sat waiting on the bridge of the Radiance, the only Stealth cruiser included in the group, which was also unofficially there in the first place. The terms of surrender did not allow the ten or so Stealth cruisers that remained in the Grahfsberg's hands to be used for anything short of defense.

He hoped they would reply soon, it had been too long since they had a good battle under their belt.

OOC: Thread isn't dead, just kinda hectic problem in RL. I'll try to get an IC post in tomorrow.

The Wraith smiled at this response, so far so good. The being began t move forward with silent steps not too far behind the soldiers. They would be the key into the interesting areas of the structure, and then the Wraith could really see what was so important about this technology and what would be worth stealing. The soldier was wrong, there were people willing to break into this place, and they possessed the skill to do so. Soon, this place would reveal its secrets... but the Wraith was following a strict set of orders too, no killing unless necessary.

As they continued through the twisting corridors, the soldier who had found the bird continued to complain. "We all know Vincent is paranoid beyond all belief! He shouldn't be in charge of us, you can't win a war by defending!" Continuing his rant, several soldiers joined in from time to time. Finally turning towards a large wooden door, the man in front moved forward and typed in a long and complicated password. A voice buzzed out from behind the door "Enter." A prerecorded message. The soldiers marched in towards Vincent and all began shouting at once. After a fwe minutes of yelling and screaming, Vincent managed to calm them down. "Now, what do you want?"
"We want to be out there, fighting and making a difference! Not just wandering around some impenetrable fortress!" Vincent chuckled and nodded. "I'm sure I can find many men willing to trade spots with you. One moment, and... Yep. I'll have a HAWC pick you up outside in ten minutes. Your replacements will be there." The soldiers looked rather shocked. "Well...Uh... Thank you sir!" The men began to file out again, starting to shut the door behind them.

"Are you sure this will work Lucius? What if they recognize us before we get in?" Gaius muttered nervously. "It'll work. Just act calmly, try to look relieved." Ptolemy chuckled "How are we supposed to look relieved when we've got masks covering our faces?"
"You tell me Ptolemy, I was the one who voted for an all out assault."

The fleet immediately jumped to the given coordinates, drone ships in the lead. As soon as they entered the system the drone ships fanned out, HMAF's and VMF's launched. Then the manned ships went to full stealth protocols.

Only after a proper battle order was in place did the Grahfsberg aid fleet contact the Conservative secessionists. Knight-General Harmendacil contacted the nearest listening post.

"Greetings, Secessionists, or do you have a name for your faction. We of the Grahfsberg are here as promised, where do you need us most, send us forth and I assure you we shall reap a bloody bounty of your enemies." The Knight-General smiled through his greying beard. It was always good, in war to promise much to allies, especially if one could deliver on them. The force now in place consisted of two distinct combat groups. One the bio-mechs would act as the fleet scale forces, preparing ambushes of convoys, as well as out and out battle.

However the smaller manned ships, would wage an entirely different kind of war. Moving swiftly and silently they would crush enemy shipping and ambush enemy forces before they ever engaged in battle.Thus ensuring that when the fleet forces did come to battle in the inevitable conclusion of this war, the secessionists would be in better shape then their foes.

The Knight-General sat waiting on the bridge of the Radiance, the only Stealth cruiser included in the group, which was also unofficially there in the first place. The terms of surrender did not allow the ten or so Stealth cruisers that remained in the Grahfsberg's hands to be used for anything short of defense.

He hoped they would reply soon, it had been too long since they had a good battle under their belt.
Message from Gambino Technology:
We need all the help we can get. However, the Senate's ships have been engaging us in Wormholes, so it is advised that you have the needed engine to enter a Wormhole, unless you can handle lightning-fast hit and run raids on every ship in your fleet.
Temporary government of the secessionists of CM,
Gambino Technology.

The unstoppable bitching of the guards was annoying, but the Wraith knew it wouldn't have to deal with it too much longer. A system inside its suit kept track of the hallways the Wraith proceeded down. It was always good to have an escape route mapped out. So there was a war of some kind going on, that much the Wraith had confirmed. Very useful knowledge, especially if the chaos of said war made the Wraith's job easier. The Wraith didn't enter Vincents office but instead waited outside, listening closely to the shouting and talking inside before walking away from the door and continuing down a seperate hallway, time to do a little looking around.

The unstoppable bitching of the guards was annoying, but the Wraith knew it wouldn't have to deal with it too much longer. A system inside its suit kept track of the hallways the Wraith proceeded down. It was always good to have an escape route mapped out. So there was a war of some kind going on, that much the Wraith had confirmed. Very useful knowledge, especially if the chaos of said war made the Wraith's job easier. The Wraith didn't enter Vincents office but instead waited outside, listening closely to the shouting and talking inside before walking away from the door and continuing down a seperate hallway, time to do a little looking around.

"Boy, I'm glad you guys are here. No more marching down endless halls for THIS one." One of them said, climbing into the lowered HAWC. The Raven's Blood smiled and nodded as they began to jump out of the HAWC, one by one. As the walked through the now open shield, they heard six quiet shots from inside the HAWC. Then the mechanical whirring of the legs twisting around and moving away from the building. Ptolemy's confident stride set the pace for the rest of them. As Lucius walked up beside him, he bit down on his fourth wire. "We're in."

"Aw, dammit, I despise this place! Nothing but dead ends!" A soldier quickly walked past the Wraith, throwing up his arms in disgust, and periodically shouting several names. The only response he got was one "Fuck off, I'm trying to sleep!" and his own echo.

"Sir! Open wormhole spotted! Far side of Noctis!" Captain James nodded grimly. "Cut them off with a missile, detonate it at the entrance, and move at full speed towards it. If we enter it at the right time, we can cut them off."
"Yes sir! Full speed! Pump in the anti-matter at six PPH! Hurry you Indacore, or Noctis will be nothing but dust when they've finished with it!" The missile sped across the planet, it's simple AI using the gravity to speed up to the mouth of the wormhole...

"Captain! We've an incoming explosive device at our entrance!" "You fool! I told you not to open the exit until we were closer! Set us to a full stop, we'll have to fight our way through."

"Hmph. The Black Crow." Captain James hissed the name, each syllable filled with scorn. "So they'd thought they'd try another bombing run... Pull hard starboard! Full Railer volley, and follow it with a LAS sweep!" "Erm... Sir? The volley will send us spinning out of control, shouldn't we do the sweep first?" Captain James looked upon Decimus with scorn. "I've been in service for years longer than you have, I've fought the Crow before, I know what I'm doing." Decimus bowed "Yes sir. Full starboard volley! Pour in the Nitrogen! Let them see the Senate's might!"...

It was time to get to work, the Wraith looked around, avoiding bumbing into anyone and anything. It looked through the halls, its nav system recording the halls it walked down. This structure was certainly large, it also didn't look like a lot of planning had gone into it. There was no real reason to have so many halls and dead ends unless one was hiding something. The Wraith was beginning to wonder if anything interesting was in this place or if it was just supposed to be a maze.

It was time to get to work, the Wraith looked around, avoiding bumbing into anyone and anything. It looked through the halls, its nav system recording the halls it walked down. This structure was certainly large, it also didn't look like a lot of planning had gone into it. There was no real reason to have so many halls and dead ends unless one was hiding something. The Wraith was beginning to wonder if anything interesting was in this place or if it was just supposed to be a maze.
OOC: Shh!:p

"Alright men, you know the drill. Get the prisoners over here." Three heavily armed soldiers quickly pushed forward a few ragged prisoners. "Now, you'll get to see what you'd be up against before you die." Walking up to one of the many dead ends, one of the soldiers removed his helmet and began to open small ledges, typing in pass codes and verifying fingerprints and using retinal scanners. Finally, he stepped back as the wall slid open quietly to reveal a deep ledge. "Move them forward." As the prisoners were pushed forward, they saw a gigantic, writhing mass of liquid. "What the hell is that?" One of the men responded in a dull, monotonous voice: "Nanites. By consuming your bodies they will learn how to best deal with other humans, as well as fueling them and allowing them to create more of each other." ONe of the prisoners gasped in fear "B-but-but you can't do that! According to law 1102-AB33, no prisoners of war may be killed without due reason!" One of the soldiers scoffed. "We have a reason. It's all in the name of science." At this, he motioned to one of the soldiers, who moved forward to push them in. Bringing the butt of his rifle up, he smashed one of the prisoners nose, sending him over the edge. As he moved to the second prisoner, he met an unexpected strength in the prisoners arms. "I'm not going down like this! I can't!" The other three joined in, grabbing ahold of the man's rifle, trying to push him in. "Dammit, they were starved for so long, I thought they wouldn't resist. Shoot them." Gunshots rang all throughout the chamber as all four men tumbled off the edge, their haunting screams falling on deaf ears as the wall closed behind them...

"Sir! W-we can't get a good sight on them! The LAS sweep will hit Noctisdivu if we (oof) try to sweep them!" Captain James grabbed onto a support beam as the ship flailed around wildly , a result of the full volley. "Try to override the cooling function, rapid bursts at .3011 second intervals!" Turning a bit, his hands still gripping the support "And tie the pilot to his seat! We may need him soon!"

"Captain Spurious, the volley's broken down our shields, but hull integrity is still at 98%! They've broken into a spin, so our LAS blasts will almost certainly be reflected. Suggestions sir?" Spurious nodded, a feeling of satisfaction coming over him. "Yes. Launch our nukes, do it slowly so we maintain maximum control."
"But sir, then we won't be able to use them for our bombing run."
"We have other weapons for that. Right now, it's life or death..."

The Wraith followed the guards and their prisoners, taking everything in. With only a thought, the map was updated to mark this area as a point of interest. The Wraith would most likely come back later, but those nanites would definately be something of interest, something to steal, and then something to destroy afterwards. But all that would come later, for now, the Wraith made sure to stay out of the guards' way and looked for anything else of interest.

The Wraith followed the guards and their prisoners, taking everything in. With only a thought, the map was updated to mark this area as a point of interest. The Wraith would most likely come back later, but those nanites would definately be something of interest, something to steal, and then something to destroy afterwards. But all that would come later, for now, the Wraith made sure to stay out of the guards' way and looked for anything else of interest.

"Good. Remember men, this is an assassination mission. DON'T go around searching for trouble. Just follow your map, and kill the target."

"Yes sir." Lucius said as they passed through the door, unchecked by several guards. Striding through the long halls, Lucius always kept an eye on the map in his helmet. Lucius hesitated for a moment, stopped and said "Here it is. Get ready..." The Raven's Blood took up positions on either side of the wall as Lucius slowly opened the door. "Hello there. Thought you could fool us, didn't you?" Vincent smiled. "Kill him." Gunfire rang out from the room, Lucius stumbling backward, blood spurting out with every shot. Ptolemy could do nothing but stare in horror, each second burned into his mind. Something that would give him nightmares for years to come. PTOLEMY! A voice in his head seemed to say Get him out of there! Ptolemy suddenly dashed over, tackling Lucius out of the way. "Pto-Ptolemy... The mission... Please..." Lucius' arm went up to Ptolemy shoulder, holding a tight grip, his eyes unreadable under his helmet. And then, his hand went limp. Ptolemy began to cry, in short, quick sobs. The rest of the team looked shaken as well. Gaius was sitting against a wall, his head looking downwards. Julius was sitting next to Lucius, still shaking him, his voice repeating "Get up Lucius, you can't leave us now!" The only one that seemed unshaken was Artie, who was still looking around the wall. Artie's voice buzzed out with an almost mechanical tone, a space between each syllable and in a total monotone "Hurry, hostile troops coming this way. Ptolemy is in command now, Lucius life signs reading zero." Ptolemy flared up, anger burning through his words "Can't you give us just a damn moment?!" Artie shook his head, strangely enough, he had worn his BSBA-V10 under the Gambino Tech guards armor. "No time. Hurry up, or you'll be joining him." At this, Artie dodged out from behind the wall into the middle of the doorway. Without a word, he let out a deadly laser stream, sweeping it across the room, soldiers going down everywhere, searching for cover. As several bullets pierced into Artie's armor, he once again hid behind a wall. For the first time, Ptolemy noticed something.

Artie didn't bleed. "Damage at maximum capacity." Artie buzzed out. "Our target was not in the vicinity in which we were ordered to eliminate him in." Ptolemy glared at him. "Come on, we have to leave. Gaius, grab Lucius' legs. I've got his arms. We won't leave him here, he'll have a proper service back on Noctis..." Doing as ordered, they quickly made their way outside, up into the HAWC. Shoving the dead bodies out of the HAWC, Ptolemy yelled to the pilot "Get us out of here!! NOW!" The pilot nodded, staring at Lucius' body in shock. "Uh, yes sir!" he muttered as the HAWC began to shift, breaking into it's familiar gait...

The Wraith heard some commotion but didn't stray from its task. It pushed on through the dark halls, looking for anything else of interest. Very soon, it might be time to just grab a guard and beat some information out of him. But that time was not now.

The Wraith heard some commotion but didn't stray from its task. It pushed on through the dark halls, looking for anything else of interest. Very soon, it might be time to just grab a guard and beat some information out of him. But that time was not now.

"Have you got the new soldiers?" A young man in a long leather jacket asked a guard, who seemed like he really didn't care about any of this. The guard nodded and tapped a few buttons, and another dead end opened up, several hundred soldiers marching out. "Genetically modified to follow orders without question, and have nothing even resembling a concious. Careful what you tell them to do." The young man smiled. "Excellent, with the kind of losses the Senate is taking, soon they won't be able to keep this war up. At least not without going to the very thing they condemned." He clasped his hands together while the guard shook his head. "Whatever you say kid. This won't end well. This sort of thing never does." The soldiers marched forward, and continued out of the maze-like fortress.

"Careful boys, we've got three incoming HAWCs, Gambino stock, nothin' serious. Still, better flip your visors down, can't have any shrapnel damage here." The pilot said, pulling over as hard as could, and slamming several Light Assualt HAWCs, sending them flailing to the ground. "Ha-hah! that's whatcha get for messing with the Senate!" The pilot smiled, pumping his fist in the air. Ptolemy, however, was in no mood to cheer. Placing a hand on Lucius' cold forehead, he let out a quiet sob. "Lucius..." He whispered "You were like a father to me. Permissum polus rector vestri phasmatis."

The Wraith found this interesting, looked like the head of this place wanted to make some Drones. Of course, these things were more like carbon copies, nothing that could really be seen as impressive. The way that other man had spoke of being careful, the Wraith wondered if commanding the soldiers to kill everything in the facility would get an interesting result. If this were any other mission, it might have been funny to try, maybe even just throw a grenade into the crowd and see what the reactions would be. The Wraith used a camera inside its suit to take video and still pictures as well as capture some audio so that the FM would know exactly what he soldiers were. S much technology... in such a small area. Many of the things so far looked easy enough to recreate, but even so, there was a lot in this place worth stealing. The Wraith, fully documenting this, pressed on.

The Wraith found this interesting, looked like the head of this place wanted to make some Drones. Of course, these things were more like carbon copies, nothing that could really be seen as impressive. The way that other man had spoke of being careful, the Wraith wondered if commanding the soldiers to kill everything in the facility would get an interesting result. If this were any other mission, it might have been funny to try, maybe even just throw a grenade into the crowd and see what the reactions would be. The Wraith used a camera inside its suit to take video and still pictures as well as capture some audio so that the FM would know exactly what he soldiers were. S much technology... in such a small area. Many of the things so far looked easy enough to recreate, but even so, there was a lot in this place worth stealing. The Wraith, fully documenting this, pressed on.
Onwards, there were several guards, arguing amongst themselves. "Didja hear all that? I'm tellin' ya, there aren't enough guards here! We need more men!"
"Bah, the only reason you're saying that is 'cause you like to savor the moment before someone meets you before they begin to despise you."
"Shut it Marius. Anyways, I say we get outside. I'm getting a little dizzy from all these twisted corridors."
"Count me in." The soldiers marched outside, leaning against the wall and observing the clone's marching out to their doom. There was really nothing of interest left in there for them..

The Wraith was truly loving this, so much knwledge in this place. The Wraith wanted to learn everything that could be learned about this place. The FM would be very pleased with the report the Wraith would be sending. Now, could the man who owned this place outdo himself and show the Wraith something even more spectacular? Alright, so no one even knew the Wraith was here but that aside.

The Wraith was truly loving this, so much knwledge in this place. The Wraith wanted to learn everything that could be learned about this place. The FM would be very pleased with the report the Wraith would be sending. Now, could the man who owned this place outdo himself and show the Wraith something even more spectacular? Alright, so no one even knew the Wraith was here but that aside.

Vincent sat behind his desk, humming to himself. When there were so many corridors in here, it was easy to slip from one into another, without even the guards knowing you were there. "Men. Leave me. I have some business to take care of." One of the soldiers saluted. "Yes sir!" opening the wall for a mere fraction of a second, the guards slipped out of the room. "So, 1314 thought he was the last one. He thought he eliminated the secret ones. What a fool." Taking out a small syringe, he thrust the needle into his wrist. "They called me 1313. they said I was 'inferior'. Well look who's survived the test of time now?" He smiled. "But of course, if I keep talking to myself like this, I might go insane." Smiling, he brought up a computer, one installed inside of his desk. "How I love a game of 'CM: Total War'."


OOC: This is not the same Vincent that helped 1314 out every once in a while.

"Captain! We've detected three nukes heading for our ship! What should we do?" Captain James smiled. "Is the pilot in? Ah, good. Tell him to pull us starboard." Decimus stared at him "But sir? That will only increase the speed of our spin!" All it took was a single glare from the Captain to incite Decimus to shrink away, with nothing more then a "Yes sir..." James gritted his teeth as the first nuke hit, shaking the entire ship...

"Captain, our nukes, they've-they've STOPPED THEIR SPIN!"
"Oh god... They've got a Nova..."

"Fire the Nova bomb, and take emergency positions!" Captain James roared, as sirens went off all over the ship. If this didn't work, his entire ship would be sold for scrap.

"Any chance of evasive maneuvers?" His aide responded in a dull, hopeless voice. "No sir, it's already gained a lock-on..."
"Very well. Turn on the viewscreen." He waited as the small light flickered green, signifying that they were sending an active transmission to the Feather. "Well, James, I guess now we finally know who's the better Captain. It's all fun and games until someone launches a Nova Bomb. Especially if two launch one..."

Captain James' response to this was quick and simple: "Oh, shit..."

The Wraith kept moving through the seemingly endless halls, looking for anything else to mark on its map as a point of interest.

OOC: There really isn't anything else...

Senate orders soldiers to carry SWORDS!
In what can only be described as a move shrouded in incompetence, the senate has ordered that all soldiers must carry a large, sword-like weapon. They've made many excuses, 'There isn't enough ammo to go around!' they say! yet there's enough metal to create what can only be described as a sword? Really, folks, swords are for the middle ages, it's not like- Continued on page 5C

"Sir, why are carrying these around again?" Sargent Gant glared at the young man. "Remember when Ferversit was declared a neutral zone, so we wouldn't blow the entire system to pieces? Well, we're running out of X2. Without X2, we can't use any of our ammunition. Now stay quiet, here they come." As a small patrol marched forward, a shout rang out "FOR THE SENATE!" As the entire squad charged, swords held high. Of course, a sword made in this day and age cannot just be a piece of sharpened metal, as the Secessionist Moralites soon found out. Namely, they found out when those 'Swords' clove through their armor (And subsequently their flesh) with just a single stroke...

The Wraith looked around, didn't appear to be much else here to look at. Now then, for the next part of the mission. Stealing, and possibly slitting up tons of *possibly* evil soldiers. ANd why not, if the FM wanted tech, they got tech. And they always had some special way of doing it. This is where the Wraith thought about its arsenal, which included mostly melee weapons with the pistols... it couldn't remember if it had brought a rifle or not. But no matter, with all the guards around, there had to be an armory somewhere. Pehaps some explosives could be acquired? No one would notice the thief when an entire section of underground fortress was in flames... or would they? Only one way to find out. The Wraith set off to go back to the nanite area, and while it was at it, it looked for an armory along the way.

The Wraith looked around, didn't appear to be much else here to look at. Now then, for the next part of the mission. Stealing, and possibly slitting up tons of *possibly* evil soldiers. ANd why not, if the FM wanted tech, they got tech. And they always had some special way of doing it. This is where the Wraith thought about its arsenal, which included mostly melee weapons with the pistols... it couldn't remember if it had brought a rifle or not. But no matter, with all the guards around, there had to be an armory somewhere. Pehaps some explosives could be acquired? No one would notice the thief when an entire section of underground fortress was in flames... or would they? Only one way to find out. The Wraith set off to go back to the nanite area, and while it was at it, it looked for an armory along the way.

"Alright men, prepare yourselves." A tall, dark-haired man commanded, as he paced back and forth in the lines of unarmored soldiers. Hooking each one up to an unbelievably large machine, he switched a few levers, and typed in a short password. Shortly afterward, the tube running under the wall and into the machine began to funnel a gray liquid, flowing right into the soldiers. "Alright men, activate your armor." As each one began to shake, the same gray liquid reformed itself, coming out of their skin, and forming over their bodies. As the liquid began to solidify, each soldier was fully equipped in a bright, new suit of armor and several firearms. That's when it all became clear to the junior officer on duty. They were being "equipped" with nanites...

A message came across the Wraith's visor, the nanites had just become an object. A sample was needed for FM research, and the Forbidden Ministry didn't feel like paying for this kind of tech. The Wraith began to scan the possible enemies, they were probably strong, but not too strong. Modifications like this one always had a weak spot, the FM had learned to go further than simple nanites. The Wraith looked on the ground for possible other nanites that may not have a host.

A message came across the Wraith's visor, the nanites had just become an object. A sample was needed for FM research, and the Forbidden Ministry didn't feel like paying for this kind of tech. The Wraith began to scan the possible enemies, they were probably strong, but not too strong. Modifications like this one always had a weak spot, the FM had learned to go further than simple nanites. The Wraith looked on the ground for possible other nanites that may not have a host.

"Erm.. Sir? Should I remove those nanites there? See? that little puddle? Never mind sir, i'll just put them back in the transference machine..." As the junior officer bent down to retrieve them, his commanding officer shouted, with a mixture of fury and fear "DON'T!" Quickly recoiling the junior officer stepped back. Taking a deep breath, the officer began to explain. "Anything that those nanites come in contact with, they'll destroy, utterly and completely. Eventually, they'll make their way back to the Nanite pool (We have a constant signal going out to unassigned nanites), but if you touch them, I kid you not, they will DEVOUR your flesh in seconds."

Dangerous... thought the Wraith, and exactly what it needed. Though the beacon might be an annoyance. The Wraith certainly couldn't have this treasure running off. Of course, this is why it brought the special container, it was no secret that nanites were used extensively, that was a bit of lovely knowledge for ya. Seemed like that wild mercenary, Redemption, had been able to dig something up after all. Now then, if only those fools would leave so the Wraith could get on with what it had to do.

Dangerous... thought the Wraith, and exactly what it needed. Though the beacon might be an annoyance. The Wraith certainly couldn't have this treasure running off. Of course, this is why it brought the special container, it was no secret that nanites were used extensively, that was a bit of lovely knowledge for ya. Seemed like that wild mercenary, Redemption, had been able to dig something up after all. Now then, if only those fools would leave so the Wraith could get on with what it had to do.
"So, uh, Sir... What are we supposed to..." The Officer smiled. "They're all in a coma-like state right now. It's just the nanites adjusting for the first time. They'll be back up, smoking and bitching in a few hours. Just don't touch them. If you do, well, sometimes the nanites will lash out, and destroy the disturbance before returning... But hey, my shift is over in a few minutes, care to join an old man for a bite to eat? i know a great place down the road."
"Sure, just give me a few minutes to check with my commanding officer..." They both began to walk off, as the small pool began inching towards the soldiers standing in front of the wall...

A container, much like a lunch thermos, materialized in the Wraith's hands. The Wraith opened the container and moved to the pool of nanites, both agent and item were still in cloak. Inside, there was a faint glow of Lightning element cryption, the inside of the container was also heavily magnitized, and coated with a material no biological or machine could process. The inside of the container was lined with actual, solid, dark-element cryptic energy. Such a material was beyond rare, and incredibly hard to make or get ahold of. But the Forbidden Ministry was good at aquiring such things. The entire container was made to be nanite proof, but the Wraith made sure to take all precautions. He held the container in one hand, facing the nanites, and held its other hand out. The nanites began to lift off the ground as the Wraith concentrated an invisble cryptic energy around a small group of them. It then moved the ball of nanites to the container and slowly dropped them in. The container was only half full as the Wraith intentionally didn't pick up all of them. Without any thought, the lip was put back on and secured with multiple locks while the Cryptic energies inside suppressed the tiny machines. The Wraith knew that the nanites wouldn't be able to eat through solid Cryptic energy, so that was no concern.

A container, much like a lunch thermos, materialized in the Wraith's hands. The Wraith opened the container and moved to the pool of nanites, both agent and item were still in cloak. Inside, there was a faint glow of Lightning element cryption, the inside of the container was also heavily magnitized, and coated with a material no biological or machine could process. The inside of the container was lined with actual, solid, dark-element cryptic energy. Such a material was beyond rare, and incredibly hard to make or get ahold of. But the Forbidden Ministry was good at aquiring such things. The entire container was made to be nanite proof, but the Wraith made sure to take all precautions. He held the container in one hand, facing the nanites, and held its other hand out. The nanites began to lift off the ground as the Wraith concentrated an invisble cryptic energy around a small group of them. It then moved the ball of nanites to the container and slowly dropped them in. The container was only half full as the Wraith intentionally didn't pick up all of them. Without any thought, the lip was put back on and secured with multiple locks while the Cryptic energies inside suppressed the tiny machines. The Wraith knew that the nanites wouldn't be able to eat through solid Cryptic energy, so that was no concern.

The nanites, unable to deal with the substance, began to shut down, one by one, to conserve energy. For now, they were little more then a puddle of parts and metals, until introduced to a new energy source...

[Sample aquired] Came the response on the visor as the Wraith did this. Joy, at least no one was around or the Wraith could have been in some trouble. So that was one thing done, now to go find those odd soldiers... the Wraith probably wouldn't go for samples of them, but they did seem like the kind of interesting thing to watch from a safe distance. The container dematerialized and the Wraith pushed on, before long, the Wraith began to look for a dark, or at least unlit, corner to take shelter in for a minute. The suit's camo setting had been running for a little while... it might be best to let it recharge just a bit.

[Sample aquired] Came the response on the visor as the Wraith did this. Joy, at least no one was around or the Wraith could have been in some trouble. So that was one thing done, now to go find those odd soldiers... the Wraith probably wouldn't go for samples of them, but they did seem like the kind of interesting thing to watch from a safe distance. The container dematerialized and the Wraith pushed on, before long, the Wraith began to look for a dark, or at least unlit, corner to take shelter in for a minute. The suit's camo setting had been running for a little while... it might be best to let it recharge just a bit.

Yet, corner after corner was always brightly lit... And a camera carefully monitoring each and every square inch. One might think that whoever made this maze was paranoid. They'd be right. Every few steps, there'd be a new latern, burning brightly, or a camera. No matter where you went, there would be some sort of surveillance....

The Wraith just noticed the cameras and hoped one hadn't caught the image of nanites floating in midair and then disapearing. That might raise a few eyebrows.... So now it was time to find the central, or at least even a sub, powerstation for the facility. That might give the Wraith some peace and dark. The Wraith knew the suit was made to last in these kinds of conditions, but even if something is made to do something, that doesn't mean it should be pushed to its limit.

The Wraith just noticed the cameras and hoped one hadn't caught the image of nanites floating in midair and then disapearing. That might raise a few eyebrows.... So now it was time to find the central, or at least even a sub, powerstation for the facility. That might give the Wraith some peace and dark. The Wraith knew the suit was made to last in these kinds of conditions, but even if something is made to do something, that doesn't mean it should be pushed to its limit.

A ring of beautiful woven curses, in at least three languages arose from a not-so-far off hallway. "Quiet down now! Is the backup generator fixed?" A heavy sigh echoed across the hallway. "Aye, almost finished. Why in the world do ya need SIX back-up generators? One'll do quite nicely."
"Don't question Vincent. Did your relock it?"
"Yea, all six locks. By the time anyone's done picking 'em all, the nightly patrol will find 'em. So Vinny sez at least."
"Just go off. You payment will be transferred to you before the night is over."

Six bloody back-up generators... obviously, this man was very smart... or straight up paranoid. The Wraith waited until the two had left and then tried the door. Six door locks... this guy liked six... The Wraith looked around for nearby cameras. It was time to cause some trouble.

Six bloody back-up generators... obviously, this man was very smart... or straight up paranoid. The Wraith waited until the two had left and then tried the door. Six door locks... this guy liked six... The Wraith looked around for nearby cameras. It was time to cause some trouble.

Several cameras glanced back and forth. Programmed to deliver to smell too, thus allowing dogs and other tracking animals to find their scent. Of course, this meant that even a small jolt could knock them completely offline...

The Wraith didn't need to worry about odor, the suit took care of that much, thankfully. However, there were so many damned cameras around... The Wraith began quickly climbing the walls and crushing the cameras in its hands. This would get attention quicly, so the Wraith was sure to get all the cameras in the area very quickly before doing something a little different. The Wraith, after handling the nasty little cameras, dropped cloak and activated 'ghost mode,' allowing it to pass through the door to the generator room. It looked around before dropping ghost mode as well. Any cameras in the room would only see a completely black figure. The Wraith held out its hand, letting a small device material in it. It then threw the device before leaving the room the way it got in and reactivating stealth mode. The Wraith then proceeded to get out of the area, very fast...

The Wraith didn't need to worry about odor, the suit took care of that much, thankfully. However, there were so many damned cameras around... The Wraith began quickly climbing the walls and crushing the cameras in its hands. This would get attention quicly, so the Wraith was sure to get all the cameras in the area very quickly before doing something a little different. The Wraith, after handling the nasty little cameras, dropped cloak and activated 'ghost mode,' allowing it to pass through the door to the generator room. It looked around before dropping ghost mode as well. Any cameras in the room would only see a completely black figure. The Wraith held out its hand, letting a small device material in it. It then threw the device before leaving the room the way it got in and reactivating stealth mode. The Wraith then proceeded to get out of the area, very fast...

"Wha??? Hey, Calig, ya gotta come see this!" Caligula strode over to the screen. "Eh? It's completely blank..."
"It just cut out on me!"
"Probably some punk who thinks he's funny. I'll go down there to straighten him out." Caligula quickly unlocked the six doors in his way and marched down towards the broken cameras, searching with his rifle at his side...

The Wraith didn't stick around to see the result of what it had done, this place was going to be a hive of activity in a few moments, especially considering what the Wraith had left in the generator. It was an 'Impact Grenade,' a modified one at that. They were once used when Greywatch was still experimenting with PSR and how to use it as a weapon but it had been banned some hundred years ago. The Forbidden Ministry never let things like this go, however, and the abomanation that was the Impact Grenade had been furthered by their research. The device was about the size of a baseball and this one responded to proximity alerts, anything that got close after it has been triggered would suffer the consequences.

The Wraith didn't stick around to see the result of what it had done, this place was going to be a hive of activity in a few moments, especially considering what the Wraith had left in the generator. It was an 'Impact Grenade,' a modified one at that. They were once used when Greywatch was still experimenting with PSR and how to use it as a weapon but it had been banned some hundred years ago. The Forbidden Ministry never let things like this go, however, and the abomanation that was the Impact Grenade had been furthered by their research. The device was about the size of a baseball and this one responded to proximity alerts, anything that got close after it has been triggered would suffer the consequences.

OOC: How close would someone have to be for the bomb to go off?

OOC: In most cases about a 25 foot radius... for very good reason.

OOC: In most cases about a 25 foot radius... for very good reason.

OOC: Good, good...

"Ah, dangit. Damn mechanic left the last lock off again." Walking over the the sixth door he began to fiddle with the lock. Of course, that would be the last thing he did before the bomb went off...

OOC: letting you decide the consequences, since I don't know how powerful it is.

The grenade made a beeping noise before pulling everything within a 35ft radius of it into a gravational rift. It was almost like a small black hole, violent amounts of gravity distorted and ripped away at everything surrounding the device. Thing were crushed, compacted, smashed together, and held in place around the device before a massive and devastating explosion sent everything flyign outwards again at high speed. The Wraith actually tensed from the sound the grenade made, it could guess why Greywatch had banned such a weapon.

The grenade made a beeping noise before pulling everything within a 35ft radius of it into a gravational rift. It was almost like a small black hole, violent amounts of gravity distorted and ripped away at everything surrounding the device. Thing were crushed, compacted, smashed together, and held in place around the device before a massive and devastating explosion sent everything flyign outwards again at high speed. The Wraith actually tensed from the sound the grenade made, it could guess why Greywatch had banned such a weapon.
OOC: I want one!:tongue:

"Did you hear that sir?!?" The sergeant quickly bit down on his seventh wire. "We're under attack, I repeat, we're under attack! Explosion type 4403, impossible to be electrical failure. PLEASE respond!" Silence. Then "This is Raven-Eagle 990, who is this?"
"This is Black Crow 122, what should we do?"
"Black Crow, your orders are to hold at your current position until reinforcements arrive."
"Yes sir." The sound of hard metal boots clashing against the granite echoed across the hallway. Looking to his second in command, he muttered "That was quick"

Th forty or so men began to search the area of the generator. "Holy shit, Vinny's gonna be pissed..."

OOC: Impact Grenades... one of the multiple reasons the Forbidden Ministry is called 'Forbidden.'

IC:

The Wraith knew the place was about to become very hectic, but at least it was out of the area. Also, the explosion was a damn good distraction. Now to find the other generators.

[Tokyoni Embassy, CM]

"Get me the hell out of here!" Nami screamed in a rage almost befitting that of her clandestine lover the Premier, "I didn't come to a foreign nation to get killed in some civil war that has absolutely nothing to do with the concerns of our own nation! If I must die, I want it to back amongst my own people, with Raito at my side! I am NOT dying in another nation's conflict!"

"M-miss Matsuda," an armed bodyguard stuttered, choosing his words very carefully. In his few weeks here, he'd seen exactly how difficult of a task it could really be to be placed under the direct authority of Council Secretary Matsuda. Only recently having been given the position of People's Republican Guardsman he had assumed a post at a foreign embassy to be one of the easiest, non-eventful duties possible. But with his luck, Raito had sent Nami of all individuals here, and so he was stuck dealing with her angst, and borderline narcissism at times now that power had gotten to her head with her "personal connections" to the Premier. "Your safety is my utmost concern... But I really doubt either side in this conflict has any real motive to specifically attack an embassy of a neutral nation. That would only serve to make the nation detest that faction... I'm sure that you could request a transfer if desired..."

"Yes it's f***ing desired!" Nami exclaimed, "Do you have any idea who I am? I'm the Council Secretary to the Women's Juche Council, the third most powerful woman in the nation, not some expendable pawn like the typical ambassador. I only accepted this post with the understanding that I would be safer for it, but it seems it's become much the opposite."

"Well, you can petition the government, it might be a few weeks to process though..."

"A few weeks?!" Nami demanded, whipping out her luxury cellphone "I won't stand for that! I'm calling Raito... now!"

Dialing a series of numbers, she pressed the "send" button, turning away from the bodyguard for the moment, as she waited impatiently for the Premier to pick up at the other end.

[Private Soundproof Room, Ichiban Hibachi to Sushi, Downtown Tokyo]

"I do apologize for my reaction last evening, Minister Suzuki..." Raito began. "I've been under a lot of stress lately, with the looming threat of war from ... those fascists!" he paused for a moment and sighed, "But I am truly grateful for all the support you've given me throughout these past two years. My father couldn't have picked a better friend than you."

"My Lord, I'm deeply honored by such words." Suzuki replied graciously, "I am sorry if I have ever caused you trouble. You truly are your father's son. I only wish Soichiro would have lived to see the great deeds you have performed. Yet thankfully his death at the hands of that animal Lawliet was avenged due in no small part to your own intuition."

"Yeah, though I'm not really sure if the British exactly appreciated me taking out their greatest detective..." Raito joked as his cellphone rang.

"Sorry..." he said, pulling it out. Seeing the name "Nami Matsuda" on the caller ID, he quickly pulled it out.

Raito: Hello Nami, how are you?
Nami: Don't 'Hello Nami' me, you bloody liar! You sent me away from Tokyoni because you guaranteed me I would be safer in a foreign nation. I've been here for barely a month, and already a f***ing civil war breaks out! What the bloody hell were you thinking? Get me out of here now, or I swear I'll never forgive you for this!
Raito: Nami, just calm down... I'll get you out of there. You'll be safely in Tokyo with me in 24 hours, I promise. I obviously had no means of predicting this turn of events...
Nami: Yeah, well call me insane, but I'd rather not die, especially in a conflict that isn't even ours. What's to guarantee that some fool won't shoot down my plane or something of the sort? If the government here can't even defend their own people from violence, how are they going to be able to protect me?
Raito: I'll send in a reinforcement from the Air Guard. You'll be fine.
Nami: I'd better be... Now Raito, promise me I'll be safe. -pouts-.
Raito: I would do anything for your safety, Nami. You'll be safe my love. The Air Guard will be dispatched immediately and should be arriving in around five hours. You can hold out that long for my sake, can't you?
Nami: Well, I suppose... I guess on the positive side, I'll get to see you sooner this way.
Raito: Yes, but only until I transfer you somewhere else.
Nami: Just do me a favor, please... make sure it's -actually- safe this time.

[Tokyoni Embassy]

Nami hung up her cellphone and sighed softly, Raito's words giving her some level of comfort.

"Matsuda has to be the only person on earth who can use abusive language towards the Premier and live to tell of it..." the guard thought silently, "I swear, in any other society, this woman would not survive."



Premier's Personal Communique
The People's Republic of Tokyoni

TO: Any military forces in the present CM conflict, regardless of faction.

Due to recent occurrences in your nation, fearing for the safety of Ambassador Matsuda's life, I am for the time, withdrawing her, along with all embassy staff from your nation, until such a time as political stability returns.

I will be sending a small detachment of Air Guard units to escort these members back peaceably to their homeland. I would wish to remind all factions that the PRT represents a neutral force, and that this units have been given strict orders not to interfere in any means by military actions of either faction. They will be landing as close to the embassy itself as possible, and will depart immediately upon picking up their intended passengers.

At present, I am neutral in this conflict, and have no real interest of changing that status; however, know this - any attacks against Ambassador Matsuda will be met with one millionfold retaliation. Anyone who causes her harm will meet my undying wrath.

Sincerely,
Raito Yagami

Premier's Personal Communique
The People's Republic of Tokyoni

TO: Any military forces in the present CM conflict, regardless of faction.

Due to recent occurrences in your nation, fearing for the safety of Ambassador Matsuda's life, I am for the time, withdrawing her, along with all embassy staff from your nation, until such a time as political stability returns.

I will be sending a small detachment of Air Guard units to escort these members back peaceably to their homeland. I would wish to remind all factions that the PRT represents a neutral force, and that this units have been given strict orders not to interfere in any means by military actions of either faction. They will be landing as close to the embassy itself as possible, and will depart immediately upon picking up their intended passengers.

At present, I am neutral in this conflict, and have no real interest of changing that status; however, know this - any attacks against Ambassador Matsuda will be met with one millionfold retaliation. Anyone who causes her harm will meet my undying wrath.

Sincerely,
Raito Yagami
Official message from the Senate:
The Raven Fleet shall be informed of this. We advise you to come heavily armed, as many pirates have taken advantage of the fleet absence to make regular raids. We would like to apologize for this, but wars as these are fairly common. We can only hope that the less loyal parts of our society follow suit.

The Senate, the will of the people manifest in a government body.

Message from Gambino Technology:
We shall inform all combatants under our command, or who have contact with us of this. Also, it is advised that you do not come unarmed, as elements of our society have taken advantage of the preoccupation of our fleet to raid our space. may Concuxis shine down upon you.

Gambino technology, temporary government of the secessionists of CM.

Artie leaned against the sharp metal walls of the transport as he faced his team. "Alright, the Senate is sending us into Propesita. Apparently, there is a heavy Ion Cannon being constructed around here." Artie pointed to a small spot near the equator of the planet. Gaius rubbed his ears lightly. He still hadn't gotton used to Artie's annoying buzzing. It wasn't Artie, it was just his voice. "Our job is to go in with a brigade of troops, and secure our forward position." Artie tapped a button on the holo-projector as it showed their destination. "We must secure that hill. From there, we can call in reinforcements." Julius shook his head in disgust. "Why can't we just bomb them from here?" A gigantic rumble shook the entire ship, throwing the entire squad off their feet. Slowly getting up, Artie nodded toward their newest member. "You're on sniper duty. Helmets on. Prepare for deployment."

Artie stood at the hatch door as it opened. Checking his EDS, he leaped out into the sky below. Gaius moved up, pushing Julius out of the way. "Age before beauty." Gaius smiled as he spread his arms out, and fell backwards. Julius nervously fidgeted with his EDS for a moment. "Ah, what the hell. If the old man can do it, so can I." Running forward, he dove as if off a diving board. The young man, who had failed to introduce himself, nervously muttered. "Step one, conquer your fear, step two, look down at your target, step three, fall forward, staying face-up." He continued to repeat this before stepping to the edge. "Hey, hurry it up would you? We need everyone we can get!" He looked over to see if anyone else was jumping. As he looked over, he saw hundreds of men leaping from the other sections of the ship. His fear subsiding, he prepared to fall forward. Wait a minute, where'd the ship go? He looked up just in time to see the transport blow up in a magnificent fireball...

OOC: Forgetting my last post?

OOC: Forgetting my last post?

OOC: Erm... Uh... Look behind you! A three-headed monkey!


IC: Of course, the path was clearly marked. Several signs on the wall, said, quite clearly, Backup generator>. How else would anyone find ANYthing in this horrible maze? Soldiers were still running in and out of the area, trying everything they had. A few soldiers began to snoop around the wreckage, trying to find some clue as to what caused the explosion...

As soon as the coast was clear, the Wraith repeated the same process it had done before. As soon as the grenade was down, the Wraith left the area. It was not going to risk getting caught in the destructive power of the illegal weapon. It still had a mission to accomplish.

As soon as the coast was clear, the Wraith repeated the same process it had done before. As soon as the grenade was down, the Wraith left the area. It was not going to risk getting caught in the destructive power of the illegal weapon. It still had a mission to accomplish.

"Sir! We have attacks on two back-up generators! Th-" Vincent scowled. "I know. Leave me." Vincent put a call through his PM system. "All men, report outside. Begin patrol number 440. Keep anything from getting in or getting out." Vincent pulled open a drawer and removed a revolver. "Looks like I'll have to take care of this myself."

Now the Wraith was getting somewhere, the fortress was obviously in chaos. As soldiers went by, it moved calmly and quietly. It wanted to make sure the other generators went down as well, then this place would be nothing more than a treasure trove. There didn't seem to be any elites or anything, no one who would actually know what they were doing. The brains of this place was probably locked away, hoping his men would do everything for him. The Wraith wasn't worried, when it wanted something, it would get it.

Now the Wraith was getting somewhere, the fortress was obviously in chaos. As soldiers went by, it moved calmly and quietly. It wanted to make sure the other generators went down as well, then this place would be nothing more than a treasure trove. There didn't seem to be any elites or anything, no one who would actually know what they were doing. The brains of this place was probably locked away, hoping his men would do everything for him. The Wraith wasn't worried, when it wanted something, it would get it.

Moving out into the hallway, Vincent loaded his revolver. Six bullets. Six. Just like me. Marching out into the hallway, he carefully made his way around, searching for the disturbance that had caused him so much trouble...

Gaius felt his EDS burst him out of it, and into the air a few feet above the ground. Hitting the ground in a roll, he connected his helmet with Artie and the rest of the squad. Running up to the small hill, men massed all around him, their armor shining in the bright sunlight, he radioed to his squad. "Hey, where is everyone?" A familiar buzz came over the comm. system. "X-2 19843389-134N14ARD, squad leader, is present. I am connected to you, Julius, and the new recruit, Decanus. All members are here. Are you having trouble linking Gaius?" "Yes s-" "EXPLOSION TYPE 4403 INCOMING!" Gaius felt himself thrown into the air, Artie's buzzing voice echoing in his head as he blacked out...

The Wraith, being ignorant to Vincent's pursuit or even his existance, was busy wiht other things. It wouldn't of matter anyway, the Wraith was already in a different location of the facility and chances were it wouldn't run into its unknown pursuer anytime soon. All the Wraith needed wa sto find one more backup, that would probably leave enough of a dent for it to move a little easier.

The Wraith, being ignorant to Vincent's pursuit or even his existance, was busy wiht other things. It wouldn't of matter anyway, the Wraith was already in a different location of the facility and chances were it wouldn't run into its unknown pursuer anytime soon. All the Wraith needed wa sto find one more backup, that would probably leave enough of a dent for it to move a little easier.

Vincent suddenly realized something. These generators were using X2. A efficient gas, but if even the smallest amount of was inhaled... "SHIT!" Vincent yelled as he ran for the exit. Even less then a pictogram would be enough to kill him. Bursting through the outside door, Vincent yelled to the troops, staring at him rather strangely. "HURRY AND SEAL UP THE DOORS YOU FOOLS! THOSE GENERATORS USED X2!!" A few mutterings of "Oh, shit!" and "Where's Caligula?" were heard as the soldiers began to seal up the doors. "Sir, what about the... experiments?"
"Those nanites can get out on their own. they're small enough."

The Wraith hardly noticed the lack of people, nor did it really care all that much. As soon as it found the third backup, it would repeat the same process before looking for anything else of interest. It had the nanites, the soldiers would be too difficult to take back. Perhaps the office of whoever ran this place? That must have all kinds of useful secrets in it.

The Wraith hardly noticed the lack of people, nor did it really care all that much. As soon as it found the third backup, it would repeat the same process before looking for anything else of interest. It had the nanites, the soldiers would be too difficult to take back. Perhaps the office of whoever ran this place? That must have all kinds of useful secrets in it.

"Sir, all the doors are sealed, and the nanites are accounted for." Vincent glared at the soldier. "All of them?"
"Sixty-four pounds of nanites sir."
"There's still more. Send the signal again." Vincent looked up, his eyes wide with fear.
Damn! I forgot to close my office door! If anyone got in there... Snapping his transmitter across his knee, he put his head in his heads and muttered quietly: "Goddammit..."

The third backup was ifnally located, and the Wraith repeated the process once more before leaving the area. It looked at the memory map and began looking for anything that might look like an office. It took some doing, wandering down empty corridors and facing dead ends, but eventually, the Wraith foudn something... promising. Open door? In a place like this? I wonder... The Wraith began scanning and looking around for traps that might be set up.

The third backup was ifnally located, and the Wraith repeated the process once more before leaving the area. It looked at the memory map and began looking for anything that might look like an office. It took some doing, wandering down empty corridors and facing dead ends, but eventually, the Wraith foudn something... promising. Open door? In a place like this? I wonder... The Wraith began scanning and looking around for traps that might be set up.

The room was completely bare, except for the desk and chair sitting near the back of the room. Several labeled buttons were on the desk's surface, standing out against the polished wood of the desk. A few old metal shells were lying on the desk, as if left there in a hurry...

The Wraith proceeded, slowly and cautiously, into the room, towards the desk. It analyzed the buttons, there was really no telling what they would do. Shells, someone was using old school weaponry. The Wraith took each one and carefully placed then in a container like the one from before. Two things collected. The Wraith looked for a computer, data was more useful than anything else, but if need be it would just begin pressing buttons until it got a desired result.

The Wraith proceeded, slowly and cautiously, into the room, towards the desk. It analyzed the buttons, there was really no telling what they would do. Shells, someone was using old school weaponry. The Wraith took each one and carefully placed then in a container like the one from before. Two things collected. The Wraith looked for a computer, data was more useful than anything else, but if need be it would just begin pressing buttons until it got a desired result.

There was a small indentation on the desk, but it appeared to have no wway of lifting up. A few geometrical creases in the desk suggested it was more then it seemed...

The Wraith paid little attention to the desk design, glancing over the well hidden area at first. It was much more interested in seeing what the buttons would do, chances were they would set off security systems, self destruct protocols, and such. It was dangerous, but the Wraith wanted to give it a shot. Of course, after trying to decided what button to press first it then noticed the odd creases and indentation. Something hidden? The Wraith simply smashed down on the desk give a great amount of force.

The Wraith paid little attention to the desk design, glancing over the well hidden area at first. It was much more interested in seeing what the buttons would do, chances were they would set off security systems, self destruct protocols, and such. It was dangerous, but the Wraith wanted to give it a shot. Of course, after trying to decided what button to press first it then noticed the odd creases and indentation. Something hidden? The Wraith simply smashed down on the desk give a great amount of force.

The desk did nothing but give out a loud creak when the wraith smashed on it. It obviously wasn't about to break.

The Wraith couldn't be bothered to do more now, instead pressing one of the button on the desk and seeing what it would do.

The Wraith couldn't be bothered to do more now, instead pressing one of the button on the desk and seeing what it would do.
The button let out a small beep, and began blinking. After a few seconds, the desk began to fold out, a large computer monitor rising out where the indentation was. The keyboard folded out from the desk's foremost drawer, and a dull voice droned out from the computer: "Hello 666. How may I serve you?"

Well this'll be fantastic. The Wraith took to the keyboard and began trying to access any files it possibly could. Computers were nothing more than wealths of information, and this might be useful for the FM.

Well this'll be fantastic. The Wraith took to the keyboard and began trying to access any files it possibly could. Computers were nothing more than wealths of information, and this might be useful for the FM.

Every time a file was clicked on, a small animation came up, a small demonic looking creature, staring at the screen. The computer would then restart. A muffled voice came from the doorway. "Get out from behind there! You'll never get through the safeguards. And you'll never get through me..."

OOC: Is there anyway that the wraith could be detected?

OOC: Most likely through listening to footsteps, cloak is good to fool the eyes but nothing else.
IC:

Huh, looks like I'll have to cut my losses on this one. I think I've got plenty... When the Wraith heard the voice at the door it knew it was time. Without second thought another grenade went towards the door and the Wraith changed into its signature Wraith mode. A cloud of darkness formed at it became visable again; of course, in this form it wouldn't matter too much.

OOC: Most likely through listening to footsteps, cloak is good to fool the eyes but nothing else.
IC:

Huh, looks like I'll have to cut my losses on this one. I think I've got plenty... When the Wraith heard the voice at the door it knew it was time. Without second thought another grenade went towards the door and the Wraith changed into its signature Wraith mode. A cloud of darkness formed at it became visable again; of course, in this form it wouldn't matter too much.
OOC: Impact grenade, or a more normal one?

OOC: Frag

OOC: Frag

OOC: OK

Vincent dove behind the door, pulling out his revolver as he adjusted his gas mask. Leaning over through the door, Vincent leveled his gun at the Wraith. "Say goodbye..." He muttered as the revolver fired, the massive amount of energy shoving the revolver out of his hands, and against the wall...

The Wraith moved forward, unphased by its aggressor. "Is that... all?" Wraith form was engaged, there was little in the physical realm that was going to hurt the Wraith. It was odd Vincent hadn't picked up on the Wraith not even using cover as the grenade went off. Thw Wraith knew it had plenty of advantages, now to just figure out the enemy. The gas mask would be an obvious choice for an area to attack, but it would require the Wraith to drop Wraith form. One way or another, this situation wasn't goign to end well.

The Wraith moved forward, unphased by its aggressor. "Is that... all?" Wraith form was engaged, there was little in the physical realm that was going to hurt the Wraith. It was odd Vincent hadn't picked up on the Wraith not even using cover as the grenade went off. Thw Wraith knew it had plenty of advantages, now to just figure out the enemy. The gas mask would be an obvious choice for an area to attack, but it would require the Wraith to drop Wraith form. One way or another, this situation wasn't goign to end well.

Vincent stood up, rubbing his right hand tenderly. "So, you aren't easily killed. I can relate." Moving forward, he stood directly in front of the Wraith. "Go ahead, do your worst." Vincent ground his teeth in anticipation. He knew that this was going to hurt...

An idea forme din the Wraith's mind, it took a battle stance, as if it could attack at any moment. Then it did, lunging forward with a great amount of force.... while still in Wraith form. It moved straight through Vincent before returning to normal cloak and quickly tossing a grenade at the man who confronted it. Within the same movement, it took out a pistol, hoping it wouldn't come to this but, the Wraith fired off shots. It wasn't firing at Vincent, it was firing around him with the intention of keeping him from dodging the real problem. The grenade only had a three second fuse, and the Wraith quickly disengaged cloak to regain Wraith form. The second of lag between switching forms was annoying but the Wraith had no choice. It watched as the grenade exploded, awaiting the outcome.

An idea forme din the Wraith's mind, it took a battle stance, as if it could attack at any moment. Then it did, lunging forward with a great amount of force.... while still in Wraith form. It moved straight through Vincent before returning to normal cloak and quickly tossing a grenade at the man who confronted it. Within the same movement, it took out a pistol, hoping it wouldn't come to this but, the Wraith fired off shots. It wasn't firing at Vincent, it was firing around him with the intention of keeping him from dodging the real problem. The grenade only had a three second fuse, and the Wraith quickly disengaged cloak to regain Wraith form. The second of lag between switching forms was annoying but the Wraith had no choice. It watched as the grenade exploded, awaiting the outcome.

Vincent gasped as the Wraith passed through him, and heard the light clink of a grenade hitting the ground, turning around, he shook his head. Not as bad as I tho-" The grenade threw a few pieces of shrapnel into him, throwing him to the ground. A deep chuckle resounded across the room while Vincent tore the shrapnel from his skin, the wounds healing almost immediately, leaving just a small white scar. Waltzing towards the Wraith, arms outstretched, he began to mock the Wraith. "Is that all? You came into here, and all you have are a few cheap grenades and that little thing? You're either incredibly arrogant, or unbelievably stupid!" A grin was plastered across Vincent's face as he stood in front of the Wraith, showing no fear.

The Wraith didn't say anything, the arrogant one was staring at it. High speed regeneration. The Wraith had its own nasty abilities, far beyond this man's imagination. It hadn't recieved the name 'Wraith' by chance, or because it sounded cool. It was called a Wraith because it was very similar to the actual creature. The Wraith disengaged Wraith form and returned to normal. Before Vincent had any time to react to this the Wraith began to break apart into black pieces which then moved like a cloud around Vincent. He was now playing the Wraith's game.

The Wraith didn't say anything, the arrogant one was staring at it. High speed regeneration. The Wraith had its own nasty abilities, far beyond this man's imagination. It hadn't recieved the name 'Wraith' by chance, or because it sounded cool. It was called a Wraith because it was very similar to the actual creature. The Wraith disengaged Wraith form and returned to normal. Before Vincent had any time to react to this the Wraith began to break apart into black pieces which then moved like a cloud around Vincent. He was now playing the Wraith's game.
Turning around with the dark blocks, Vincent scoffed. "What are you going to do? crush me? Try it. Go ahead! I can take anything you throw at me." Smiling, he glanced at the camera in the corner of the room. After he got through this, he would be able to figure out how to kill this thing. That is, if he didn't kill it before that.

In only a few moments, the room faded to black. Complete black. There was no sound, no light, nothing. Just a void of blackness. The Wraith was at home here, in this blackness. If Vincent didn't begin taking the Wraith seriously, th Wraith would end this in one strike. However, what and where that strike would come from was unknown. There was no way of telling where the Wraith would come from.

In only a few moments, the room faded to black. Complete black. There was no sound, no light, nothing. Just a void of blackness. The Wraith was at home here, in this blackness. If Vincent didn't begin taking the Wraith seriously, th Wraith would end this in one strike. However, what and where that strike would come from was unknown. There was no way of telling where the Wraith would come from.

Vincent scoffed. "You think I'm afraid of the dark? Go ahead. The longer you keep this up, the more I learn about you, the more I learn about your strengths, your weaknesses. And then, when you least expect it, you'll feel a nice cold blade between your spine. Or whatever you have."

The Wraith didn't bother responding, this man was the typical idiot, thinking himself a god among men. Too bad what he was dealing with was no longer altogether human. The darkness wasn't just for show, it was a tactical advantage, something Vincent probably didn't understand. I will silence you quickly. If this next move doesn't kill you, it will only prove that you are one of the chosen few who will see death itself, the Wraith thought. From the blackness came dark spears, unseeable because they matched the surrounding enviroment perfectly. There were dozens of them, all heading for Vincent, seeking to impale him.It would be impressive but impossible for him to avoid all of them if any of them. They came from every direction, all focusing on his one area. Each one was silent and swift, like the Wraith itself.

The Wraith didn't bother responding, this man was the typical idiot, thinking himself a god among men. Too bad what he was dealing with was no longer altogether human. The darkness wasn't just for show, it was a tactical advantage, something Vincent probably didn't understand. I will silence you quickly. If this next move doesn't kill you, it will only prove that you are one of the chosen few who will see death itself, the Wraith thought. From the blackness came dark spears, unseeable because they matched the surrounding enviroment perfectly. There were dozens of them, all heading for Vincent, seeking to impale him.It would be impressive but impossible for him to avoid all of them if any of them. They came from every direction, all focusing on his one area. Each one was silent and swift, like the Wraith itself.

Vincent let out a small gasp as the spears pierced through his body, blood spilling out onto the ground around him. Dropping to his knees, Vincent reached for a syringe in his pocket. Jamming it into his arm (Which was, coincidentally, right next to one of the spears impact points) and jammed it into one of his veins. As his vision began to blur, he pulled the spears out one by one, his skin instantly reforming after each one. Slowly standing up, he nodded. "Very... Impressive..." He gasped. "But... You'd have to do more then that to kill me..." Suddenly, his body swarmed with nanites, forming a protective armor around him. "Much better." His voice echoed, filtered through the helmet.

Too little too late, human. I have already obtained what I needed, and no armor will protect you from what I have in store. The spears pulled themselves away from Vincent and melted into the darkness, taking Vincent's blood with them. The Wraith prepared for the final strike.

Too little too late, human. I have already obtained what I needed, and no armor will protect you from what I have in store. The spears pulled themselves away from Vincent and melted into the darkness, taking Vincent's blood with them. The Wraith prepared for the final strike.

Vincent quickly coughed as the spears flew away from him. Taking a slow breath, he reformed his armor without hesitation, and tensed himself for another strike...

Do you understand sacrifice? Thought the Wraith. A sound could be heard, the sound of blades stabbing into flesh. No one... ugh, no one ever expects what comes next. You don't understand yet.... why I am what I am. Nor will you ever. The Wraith's preparations were almost complete, "Tell me human," it said, "Have you ever thought about your own death?" The darkness couldn't be pierced, and the voice seemed to come from everywhere.

Do you understand sacrifice? Thought the Wraith. A sound could be heard, the sound of blades stabbing into flesh. No one... ugh, no one ever expects what comes next. You don't understand yet.... why I am what I am. Nor will you ever. The Wraith's preparations were almost complete, "Tell me human," it said, "Have you ever thought about your own death?" The darkness couldn't be pierced, and the voice seemed to come from everywhere.

"Too many times to count. Usually when I'm lying in a pool of my own blood, and several guns pointing at me." Vincent smiled under the helmet. "But I make it through. Every time. For the past one-hundred and thirty years."

"We have a man down!" Decimus yelled over the communications system, almost deafening every Moralite soldier in the area. "Keep your voice down. We can all hear you when you whisper. His suit is offline. The explosion was a 4403, and a few dozen feet away. Chances of survival: 93%." Artie buzzed. Julius touched the sides of his helmet. Artie's voice always annoyed him. He made a mental note to install a new voicoder on Artie the next chance he got. "We still have to fortify that hill. Let's move up and find Gaius. Decimus, you're on sniper duty. Julius, set your GUR on 9." Julius pushed forward a new X2 capsule into his GUR-V12. "Done sir. HAWC duty?" Artie buzzed, sounding somewhat annoyed. "Yes. Ignore Light Assault HAWCs. Focus on Tactical defense, and Heavy Assault HAWCs." The trio moved up the hill, pushing past the mass of Moralite soldiers, some already fighting with the Secessionist Moralites. Standing at the top, Julius began to look around for the engineers.

And then he saw how the battle was really going. "My...God..." He muttered. "It's a slaughter." Anything less would have been an understatement. Anti-air weaponry was decimating the incoming troops before they got out of their EDS. On the ground, the Moralites were doing fine up close, using their 'Swords' as a huge advantage against the bayonet of the Secessionist rifles. "Report in Julius! Any sign of the engineers?" Sinking to his knees, Julius began to talk, an emotionless, and almost helpless tone piercing his voice. "It's over. It's all over. The engineers aren't coming, the enemy AA's taken care of them. Just look over there. You'll see." Rushing up to the top, Decimus realized what had happened. "Dear god..."

A dark and foreboding voice boomed over every Moralites Communication system. "How do you like it, Senate scum? Two point five million men, to your measly thousand. We have billions more, ready to charge in at any time. But we prefer to give you the choice of surrender." The mass of Moralites began to make their way to the hill. Seeing the true numbers, many of them began throwing down their weapons, in surrender or disgust. "If you are surrendering, we will follow the Moralite rules of combat. March into our ranks, helmets off, and weapons on the ground, and we will spare you. Anything less means total annihilation." Almost half of the Moralites began to take their helmets off, exposing their heads. Weapons on the ground, almost half of the force marched into the thick ranks of the Secessionists, herded away to the very back of the fighting. Decimus quietly noted the roar of the AA guns, destroying the incoming reinforcements, the battlefield strangely silent otherwise. "Well? Is that all? Very well then. Total Annihilation." The gunfire and shouting began anew, explosions on all sides. Decimus decided that Artie's commands were null, and set his GUR to ten: the equivalent of a small tactical nuke, without the radiation. As a bullet hit his chest, blood spurting out from the armor, Decanus lifted his GUR, and fired a single shot. The GUR exploded in his hand, unable to take the massive amount of force left by a ten power shot. Watching as the explosion wiped out a small fraction of the Secessionist force, Decanus fell to the ground. Unable to take the pain, he blacked out.

"One hundred and thirty years, huh? And how much longer do you say you'd have? If you lived out a more or less natural life."

"One hundred and thirty years, huh? And how much longer do you say you'd have? If you lived out a more or less natural life."

"Who knows? Who cares? I live life, not observe it."

The darkness soon faded, and the Wraith came back into view. Six stakes protruded from its back and it stood in the middle of a complex rune circle drawn in blood. Its arms were stretched out and it palms face Vincent. There were gaping maws on each of its palms as well as its stomach. Two frag grenades sat next to Vincent, both of them wating to go off. "Life Transfer Ritual complete." The two grenades exploded and soon after Vincent would feel his life quickly leaving his body as the Wraith performed its deadliest art.

The darkness soon faded, and the Wraith came back into view. Six stakes protruded from its back and it stood in the middle of a complex rune circle drawn in blood. Its arms were stretched out and it palms face Vincent. There were gaping maws on each of its palms as well as its stomach. Two frag grenades sat next to Vincent, both of them wating to go off. "Life Transfer Ritual complete." The two grenades exploded and soon after Vincent would feel his life quickly leaving his body as the Wraith performed its deadliest art.

Vincent quickly shielded himself from the grenades, his nanites flexing out with him, forming a shield around him. Unfolding and looking at the Wraith, he dropped to his knees, gasping for breath. Flipping around to his back, he took slow, steady breaths. "Nanite...Command...550..." Vincent gasped out. Suddenly, his Nanites sunk back into him, and Vincent stopped breathing. His heart stopped, all of his body functions shut down.

The skill didn't stop until Vincent's life 'ended;' even so, the Wraith had been close enough to drain off at least a good five to ten years. It was a good amount to recieve from the skill, even if it could've pulled a little more. But then again, the Wraith knew full well Vincent wasn't 'dead,' at least it wouldn't make sense if he was. He muttered a command, which meant he had a final card up his sleeve. The Wraith removed the stakes from its back and decided it time to finish this. It already had a little sample of Vincent's blood, so that took care of that. The Wraith pulled out an impact grenade, setting it to five seconds, and tossed it at the desk. It left the room quickly, engaging cloak as it did so. As it left the area, it listened as the Impact Grenade made short work of the room and its contents, the Wraith had finished its mission and it was time to leave.

The skill didn't stop until Vincent's life 'ended;' even so, the Wraith had been close enough to drain off at least a good five to ten years. It was a good amount to recieve from the skill, even if it could've pulled a little more. But then again, the Wraith knew full well Vincent wasn't 'dead,' at least it wouldn't make sense if he was. He muttered a command, which meant he had a final card up his sleeve. The Wraith removed the stakes from its back and decided it time to finish this. It already had a little sample of Vincent's blood, so that took care of that. The Wraith pulled out an impact grenade, setting it to five seconds, and tossed it at the desk. It left the room quickly, engaging cloak as it did so. As it left the area, it listened as the Impact Grenade made short work of the room and its contents, the Wraith had finished its mission and it was time to leave.

After the Impact grenade went off, Vincent felt the Nanites start up his heart again. Gasping for air, Vincent tried to sit up, but felt one of his bones break as he did. "Goddammit!" He yelled as he rolled onto his sides. Groaning, Vincent decided not to do anything. He knew he had every bone in his body broken, and that would be if he was lucky. With every breath came incredible pain, and the worst part was that he couldn't do a thing about it.

"Vincent hasn't came out yet sir. Uh, you think we should send in-"
"That X2 could still be in there. We haven't tested our nanite masks with that. Besides, he's survived worse. I'll give him another ten minutes."

Vincent making it from the Impact Grenade would have to be more than luck, technology and chance held no grounds here. His body was being pulled into the center of a massive gravatational distortion along with every other object in the room. This mass would begin to spin and heat up, beign curshed into a area about the size of a human head. And as if that wasn't enough, after a short while, it would all be blown back out again with an explosive amount of force. The Impact Grenade had originally been used by Greywatch to eliminate large groups of enemies in short periods of time and the FM used it for that very same purpose. But the Impact Grenade could also be used to take out anything thnat needed taking out; obsticles, armor support, equipment caches... anything that needed to be utterly destroyed could and would be by the impact grenade. The Wraith proceeded to the way it had come in, it had to make an escape now or never.

Vincent making it from the Impact Grenade would have to be more than luck, technology and chance held no grounds here. His body was being pulled into the center of a massive gravatational distortion along with every other object in the room. This mass would begin to spin and heat up, beign curshed into a area about the size of a human head. And as if that wasn't enough, after a short while, it would all be blown back out again with an explosive amount of force. The Impact Grenade had originally been used by Greywatch to eliminate large groups of enemies in short periods of time and the FM used it for that very same purpose. But the Impact Grenade could also be used to take out anything thnat needed taking out; obsticles, armor support, equipment caches... anything that needed to be utterly destroyed could and would be by the impact grenade. The Wraith proceeded to the way it had come in, it had to make an escape now or never.

Vincent began to reflect on how bad his situation was. His spine was beginning to feel numb, and he couldn't move any part of his body. Even his advanced regenerative powers wouldn't be able to keep him through this one. Of course, nanites have their uses. The nanites essentially held a replica of his memories, his personality, the 'coding' so to speak, of his brain. As long as there was some tissue left, his nanites could reconstruct it in a matter of minutes. His room, he now noticed, was no where to be seen. The grenade probably damaged his eyes beyond his natural ability to repair them.

"Sir?"
"Alright, send in squad number 009."
"Yes sir."

The soldiers quickly marched through the rooms, finding their way through the twisting corridors to where Vincent's office was. Entering the room, they were shocked by the destruction... And the state of Vincent's body. Little more then a crumpled mess, his spine sticking out, curled up into a ball less then one square foot, he was a sorry, and gruesome sight to see.
"Get a medic in here!"
"Sir, he's already dead-"
"No. Vincent isn't dead. I can't say he's survived through worse, but he'll make it through. Trust me. Even if we have to clone another body of his."

"Where am I?" Vincent croaked, his voice weak. "Sir, we've managed to quickclone parts of you. Your nanites were carrying your neural information, so we managed to transfer it to a new brain. Your conciousnes-"
"I know, I know. Transferred to a new body. This isn't the first time. How long until the next full clone?"
"Two days sir."
"Damn."

The Wraith was out, it had snuck out right past the soldiers and had used Wraith mode to leave through the forcefield unhamred. Within a few minutes, it had blinked to its ship and left the atmosphere and, eventually, the system. Cloak technology had saved it many times, but now it was time to report to its masters. Once it got back, it would be able to sleep once more.

"Look!" Julius yelled, gunfire everywhere. "It's the Yellowjackets!" Sure enough, the distinctive Yellow Raincoats of the First Battalion flew behind their specially created EDS. Skillfully evading the AA fire, the First Battalion quickly landed in the middle of the Seccesonists. "Came just in time to save your asses, eh?" The sound of a Orbital Railgun bombardment boomed throughout the battlefield, the ground shaking beneath the feet of every soldier like a 9.0 Earthquake. Julius began a withering spray of fire to clear a path for the First Battalion troops. As one of the squad's made it to the hill, the last Moralites making their stand there, Julius slapped one of them on the back. "What took you so long?" The First Battalion troop burned out an advancing group of secessionists with his wrist flamethrower. "We're pulling out." He said grimly. "The Senate has deemed this mission impossible, the intelligence was faulty from the start." Turning around, the Yellow Jacket emptied his entire clip into another secessionist behind him. "Don't waste ammo junior."
"Yes sir. Sorry sir." Julius grabbed the Yellow Jacket. "Don't you understand? We've lost too many men, we can't pull out now! Everything these men have died for will be lost!" The Yellow Jacket gave him a heavy blow to the helmet, his vision blurring as he fell to the ground. "We're pulling out. That's it."

Artie sadly shook his head as the HAWC began to pull into the dropship. "This is a truly horrible day." He buzzed "Never again will that American general's words ring truer in my decoder: 'War is Hell'."

"Hey, Sexta! Come read this! The invasion of Propesita failed!" Sexta walked over and shook her head. "The Senate doesn't know a damn thing about invading a planet. If they had any sense, this war would've been won by now."

Senate Casualties: 12,553 soldiers KIA. 4000 MIA. 4 First Battalion members KIA.
Secessionist Casualties: Aprrox: 15,000 casualties.
James Peer KIA
Arthur Peer KIA
Gaius Secondus MIA
...

Wraith Tomb, unknown location:

"How was the trip?"
"Interesting."
"That's all?"
"I managed to add a good five or so years to my lifespan."
"That's good, and?"
"Blood samples, nanites, information. Here's my storage unit."
"Very good, I'm sure we'll get all the information we need from this."
"I'm going to sleep now."
"Very well."

Wraith Tomb, unknown location:

"How was the trip?"
"Interesting."
"That's all?"
"I managed to add a good five or so years to my lifespan."
"That's good, and?"
"Blood samples, nanites, information. Here's my storage unit."
"Very good, I'm sure we'll get all the information we need from this."
"I'm going to sleep now."
"Very well."

OOC: Anything else?

Oh, and to anyone who's reading this thread this far in, you can still tip the scales. It's still fairly even in terms of military power.

OOC: Nope, that pretty much ends my participation. Gather info and leave.

OOC: Nope, that pretty much ends my participation. Gather info and leave.

OOC: Okay.

Gaius felt himself being roughly yanked to his feet, his senses returning to him once more. His vision still blurry, he tried to figure out what had happened. The smell of burning bodies surrounded him, a cold, mechanical hand holding him up. "Where.. Am.. I?" A voice responded with a touch of arrogance. "You're on Propesita. You are a member of the Raven's blood, no?" Gaius weakly nodded, still trying to figure out who was speaking to him. "I...Am... Did...We...Win?..." The figure in front of him grimly chuckled. "What's with this 'we' stuff? Last time I checked, you were still with the Senate." Jerking his head up, Gaius realized who he was speaking to. "You rebels...You won't win...May you all burn for your treachery..."
Gaius felt a heavy blow land on his stomach, knocking his breath out of him. The hand keeping him up suddenly let him drop to the ground, coughing and gasping. "Ah, such harsh words to one who was regarding us as comrades just a moment before. A true shame. But one that can be remedied." Vincent lifted Gaius up again. "I can give you unimaginable wealth and power. Help us, and I promise you, governorship of any planet you want, and my second-in-command within the company. What say you?" Gaius gazed up at Vincent, his eyes piercing through him, almost making Vincent ashamed of ever offering such a deal. "I say...You can go to hell."

Vincent nodded. "A man of honor. Too bad war doesn't make exceptions for honor and chivalry in these days." Nodding to the guard next to him, Vincent kept talking as the guard dragged him away down the long winding corridors. "I feel sorry for you. I really do. But, without your knowledge of the Senate's plans, we can go no where. You're fighting a losing battle Gaius, and you'll soon find that every man has his breaking point."

"Alright men. This is what we've been waiting for. The past four months of fighting top off here. A single strike into the heart of the secessionists. Here, in the city of Norrium. This is where Gambino Tech, the temporary leaders of the secessionists, is. If we manage to capture the city, the Senate will begin negotiations for reuniting us. If not, this war might drag on for another few months, a few hundred-thousand more lives lost. The entire First Battalion will be accompanying you." The High Senator nodded to the men in the back, leaning against the walls in full combat gear. "The fate of the nation rests on your shoulders. Good luck."

"What do you mean Ptolemy isn't back yet?" Hissed the High Senator. Artie coldly retorted "You would have known before us, Senator. We can't go into battle with only three of us." Julius stepped forward "I won't go in without Ptolemy. We've suffered enough, especially back at your little fiasco you sent us in last time." Decimus put his hand on Julius' shoulder. "And if they aren't going, I'm not going either. I pledged my oath to the Raven's Blood, and I'll stick by them through thick and thin." The High Senator pointed an accusing finger at them "You'll be charged for treason for this! You'll all be hung!" He growled viciously. "And as a class 5 squad, we have a right to trial by the Senate. None of whom know about how you sent Ptolemy off on some mission in someone else's nation, in the middle of our civil war. None of them know.... Yet." Julius' cold stare met the High Senator's enraged face. The Senator quickly turned away and marched off.

OOC: Bump for any last minute joiners... I'm thinking of making this the final killing blow for the secessionists if no one else comes.

Or if I don't get some crazy, last minute idea.

"This is Yellowjacket 544, requesting Orbital Rail Strike at co-ordinates 544.01, city of Norrium." The Yellowjacket leaned against the wall, signaling to his comrades that he had called in the support. A bullet chipped the brick wall he was leaning against, a flurry of bullets flying back and forth between the Moralite and secessionist lines. "Rodger that Yellowjacket 544, Orbital Rail Strike inbound." The Yellowjacket smiled as he felt the ground shake under his feet. Leaping out, he noted how the strike had landed right where he wanted it to. Striking behind the Secessionist line, he had forced them forward into the Yellowjacket squad. Flaming the entire front line, and causing the rest of them to flee in panic, he took cover once more as the Moralites ran forward, spreading out on the roofs and in houses. "3rd street has been secured, over and out." Using his Powered Exoskeleton, he leaped to the rooftops, his squad following suit, dashing forward to the next street...

"We can't get anywhere! We're PINNED DOWN! Do you understand? The entire 5th brigade is pinned! Where are those goddamned HAWCs?" Suddenly thrown to the ground, the Decanus felt a piercing pain in his left arm, the wall he was leaning against a pile of rubble. "Shields offline. Minor puncture in area 5." The computer droned, showing the exact point of impact on his HMD. Flipping open his wrist panel, he tapped a few times on it. "Pain killer reserves empty." Glancing at his wrist, he realized he had sprung a leak. "Sir, are you all right?" One of his men ran over to him, and started to drag him behind another wall. "We can't hold out any longer. The company's down to four squads. We have to pull back." A shout rang out: "GRENADE!" The Decanus' head fell back, his body went limp. "Sir? SIR! Get up! Damn!"

"Vincent. We can't hold out. There's been Yellowjacket breaches all over the city. We've had a few minor victories, but at this point, there's no point in fighting. We're finished. Perhaps we should start negotiations with the Senate...?" Vincent stood up. Scowling, he began to walk off. "Tell the board to do whatever they want. Eliminate all prisoners, we can't have anything getting out about our 'Experiments'." His aide shouted at him as marched down the hall. "But sir! Y-you can't leave us here!" But by then, Vincent had already left...

General update from the Moralite Navy:
All enemy vessels destroyed or disabled. Our guns are freed up.

"This is acting Decanus Caligula. We need a strike at co-ordinates 440.01. City of Norrius." Without waiting for an answer, Caligula grabbed his former commanders rifle, and ran out right into the Secessionist line of fire. Before getting a chance to fire his rifle, several bullets pierced his armor, and sent him down in a bloody heap. Glancing back, one of his comrades noted grimly: "There is a thin line between bravery, and foolishness."

Sitting around a small bonfire, Secessionist and Moralite alike sat around it, passing around a single pack of cigarettes. "I hate it when these crates burn up on entry. You'd think that they'd put more plating on it, make sure what little we get is safe!" One of the soldiers smiled. "Ah, quit your bitchin' John. At least we have something." One of the secessionists chimed in "And aren't shooting at each other."
"We could be ordered to start up again at any minute."
One of the Yellowjackets in semi-circle smiled. "Then let's enjoy what time we have, eh boys? And speaking of enjoying our time..." He brought out a bottle from the back of his coat. "Johnny, you sly dog! How'd you sneak that in?" The Yellowjacket shook the bottle. "They never check you in the two minutes before deployment." Passing the bottle around, one of the men grabbed the bottle. "Boys, I have good news! I propose a toast! To brotherhood, and peace!" A general cheer echoed out, the bottle lifted high! And slipped out onto the ground. "Damn. I paid good money for that stuff."

The war has ended!
The final days of the war are over! Negitiations with Gambino technology resulted in a compromise, cloning has been legalized, although genetic engineering is still banned, and once again we Moralites can rejoice and return to our lives, whether from Perspoctis or Noctisdivu! Long live the Senate!