NationStates Jolt Archive

Senator Avitus strode down the abandoned streets of Raven City, his overcoat trailing behind him. The Senator had a lot of things on his mind, or at least, that's what most people would say if they saw him. But in reality, he was only thinking about a single, life-shattering event. A scrawny man grabbed ahold of his coat as he turned a corner. "Please sir! He's coming back! The man with the red eyes! No! Please, don't leave! Oh god! No! Not again!" Avitus shook him off and continued on his way. Turning into a cathedral, he marched to the confessional, his boots clicking against the hard stone floor. "Father..." His voice wavered "I have sinned..." A single tear dropped from his eye. "I know." He knew the voice that came back. It was the entire reason he was here. "Decimus. I know you can't forgive. I don't ask you to. You have every right to do this." Decimus' scornful voice came back. "You think I give a damn about what you think I can and can't do? Everything you have, everything you had, was forfeit the moment you condoned what happened to Ptolemy. To Artie. To Julius."
"I swear, I didn't know that-"
"That what? That I would survive? I'm sure you didn't plan on that. 'Revenge is mine' saith the Lord. Well, now he has a little help." A gunshot echoed through the Cathedral, shattering the peaceful silence filling it before. Blood seeped through the confessional, staining the wood red. Decimus quietly exited the confessional, and calmly walked out of the Cathedral. Looking around at the peaceful night of Noctis, he muttered to himself "If only the day were as peaceful as the night." And with that, he disappeared into the winding streets and alleys of Raven City...

"Hey Quintus! Come take a look at this!" Quintus frowned. Titus was always getting himself in an uproar about everything, and Quintus was already late. Quintus was about to wave him off, when he noticed what he was pointing at.

Wanted: Decimus Valerius
Crimes: High treason, Murder.
Reward: Twenty Million Tiosles, or Ten Million Credits

Quintus fell to the ground, sobbing quietly. The small crowd reading the poster paid him no mind. "Decimus, son... What have you gotten into?"

High Senator Tullus quietly lit up a cigar, the quick light illuminating the air around him. "Sir, you do know that can kill you." Tullus glared at his assistant. "Don't rag on me about it. Once you get to be my age, you realize you're going to go soon, so you might as well enjoy yourself." The assistant gave a heavy sigh. "Sir, why are we here again?"
"There's going to be a new set of foreigners I heard. Come down to help us with killing that lunatic, Decimus."
"You're a High Senator! Don't we don't have anything better to do than to greet them?"
Tullus seemed to consider this for a moment. Placing his hand on his chin, and subsequently releasing it, he smiled and turned back to his assistant. "Nope."

Kinda using my imagination to imagine your location.

A foreigner, indeed. Shiv's eyes, if eyes they were, stared out from under a beret of the Imglotian Special Forces. It wore large shoulder guards with fabric trailing from either side, just barely missing the ground as the being walked quickly down the hallway. There was a distinct stomp with each step, like the sound of combat boots mixed with a hammer on an anvil, not loud but heavy-sounding. A twin-barreled plasma pistol sat holstered in its side, but that was not where its power lied; but let these humans think that. Indeed, a number of apes that it passed cowered from its presence, whether because of its weapon or sheer inhumanity.

Ever since landing on this planet in a 'mercy mission' refugee flight, Shiv had stalked the streets, leaving terror everywhere it went, despite doing nothing. Already, authorities had spoken with it once, having been contacted by the fearful populace. Fools. Only those who it chose to kill would die.

Raising a hand, Shiv knocked, like one of these pitiful flesh-creatures, on the door, finally breaking its silence. "I am here to seek out the fugitive, 'Decimus Valerius', as specified by your public notices." Its voice was in no way human; it was roughly equivalent to a synthesized voice combined with a monotonic hum. "I request entry into your chamber, so that we may discuss the finer details of the situation."

OOC: has the planet with Raven City on it got a name?
With a flash of light the COSSaphia Flame jumped into the system. On its Bridge its captian Josh was thrown forwards by the sudden loss of momentum.
"OWW! Son of a bitch! That's the 5th time thats happen! What is wrong with our FTL drive?" Josh asked the Pliot.
"I dunno. Go ask your girlfriend, she would know," replied Samuel, the pliot.
"For the last fucking time: KARA IS NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!!" shouted Josh, who was contimplating shooting Samuel.
"Whatever you say boss. But still, go ask her wants wrong."
"Fine"
******
As he was walking though the ships slepping quarters Akkon stuck his head out his door and ask: "I was you guys would stop arguing. It will get us kill one day."
"At the rate that the ship is falling apart, i dobnt think we will have to wait much longer for death," Josh replied as he kept on walking towards the engine bay.
When he got there he saw Kara trying to put out a fire.
"Whats wrong with the FTL drive?" Josh asked
"The same thing thats wrong with everything else on this ship: ITS OLD! I'm not joking this time Josh, if we do not get new parts the Flame will be in FLAMES!" Kara shouted back.
"I would get new parts but new parts mean we have to BUY them, and that means we need MONEY!! And we have no money. Hell, now that i think about it, i think we have no food!" Josh replied, almost to himself.
Walking out of the engine bay, he went back to the bridge, where Samuel was looking at the navigation display.
"please tell me there is an planet with an atmosphere in this system," asked Josh.
"There is, problem is its not coming up in the database..." replied Samuel.
"Wait a minute, I know this system...."

With the ever so pradictable grav disturbance, The Dragon appeared in orbit, over Raven City. A white haired figure sat upon the command throne, giving orders to the officers around him. "Will someone get father ready, please? He and mother must get to the surface ASAP." Anofficer looked up from his console, "I'll get them now."
-----
Leona stoked Red's chest as she next to him in bed. She growled softly, "It's been awhile since I've been on this ship... and it's been far too long since the last time we made love." Red glanced to her, "I suppose." He sat up, "I feel we've come to a stop, we might want to get ready." Leona gave him a devious look before pulling him closer to her, "C'mon, you may act all serious but you enjoy this just as much as I do." Red laughed, "Very well, I will give you that." His smile disappeared, "But seriously, let's get ready. If I get the cash from this gig, I won't have to work for awhile." Leona smiled, "Oooh... sounds promising..." A chime went off to let both know someone was at the door, a man's voice followed, "Captain, we've arrived. Everything is ready." Red pulled away from Leona, "Alright, we'll be there in a few moments." He looked back to her, "C'mon Leona, we got some work to do."
-----
Red stepped onto the bridge, his two Dragoncry pistols at his sides. The figure in his seat looked back, "So, father, you're finally ready." Red lifted an eyebrow, "Such manners, who'd you pick up those from?" The figure looked forward at the holoscreen which depicted the planet below, "I got my attitude from you, father. I hope you and mother are ready. The Crimson League needs the money, and I'd rather not keep our employers waiting." Red smiled, "Right, right. Alright people, keep everything nice up here. I'll be back soon enough." With that, Red left the bridge.
-----
A moment later, a small tansport touched down in the desinated area, delivering Redemption and Leona to the surface. Leona stood tall, her golden fur shimmering in the light, her flowing white dress blowing in the breeze. Ahe was a truly beautiful sight to behold, something that could easily distract one from the weaponry she had with her. one would say she didn't appear to be much of a fight, it was obvious she had quite a bit of physical strength but sure as hell wasn't dressed for the part of battle-hardened mercenary. However, with Cryption on her side, she was something to be respected and feared. Her husband was aware of this fact and brought her along for that reason. Red was dressed in some camo pants, a sleeveless white shirt, and some grinding boots. He also had a small pack on his back and several pouches around his waist. The cargo pockets on his pants were certainly full of something, no telling what. Red ran a hand through his brown hair as he began walking forward, "Well, let's go find our employer. No doubt he'll be hanging somewhere nearby so we can get an update." Leona nodded in agreement, "Plus, they should recognize you. I heard how you destroyed that 1314 character." Red shook his head, "Doubt it. I'm a merc, simple trash, expendable, bred to fight and die." Leona placed her hand on his shoulder, "Oh fuck that, Red. You're way too negative. You've changed, and I'm sure your friends will all agree. Now then, you killed 1314, that was a big deal if I remember correctly. You should have some kudos with these people, they owe you that much." Red chuckled, "Not really. I got payed, they don't owe me anything..."

Suddenly, through a rip in space-time, three strangers emerged. They all seemed to come from the same country, not that it mattered. What did matter was the fact that only one of them seemed to be armed. The other two were simply wearing a light armor. The one in the middle had an odd glow about him, as if he was charged full of power. Which he was, as you could see little sparks playing across his hands. The armed one on the left didn't seem to have anything unusual about him. He was wearing standard armor, and an assault rifle. The one on the right seemed to be engrossed with a communications device.
The one in the middle started walking forward, and the other two followed.
The doors openned before them, and they walked to the secratary.
"We have an appointment with a Senator Tullus." said the middle one.

Kinda using my imagination to imagine your location.

A foreigner, indeed. Shiv's eyes, if eyes they were, stared out from under a beret of the Imglotian Special Forces. It wore large shoulder guards with fabric trailing from either side, just barely missing the ground as the being walked quickly down the hallway. There was a distinct stomp with each step, like the sound of combat boots mixed with a hammer on an anvil, not loud but heavy-sounding. A twin-barreled plasma pistol sat holstered in its side, but that was not where its power lied; but let these humans think that. Indeed, a number of apes that it passed cowered from its presence, whether because of its weapon or sheer inhumanity.

Ever since landing on this planet in a 'mercy mission' refugee flight, Shiv had stalked the streets, leaving terror everywhere it went, despite doing nothing. Already, authorities had spoken with it once, having been contacted by the fearful populace. Fools. Only those who it chose to kill would die.

Raising a hand, Shiv knocked, like one of these pitiful flesh-creatures, on the door, finally breaking its silence. "I am here to seek out the fugitive, 'Decimus Valerius', as specified by your public notices." Its voice was in no way human; it was roughly equivalent to a synthesized voice combined with a monotonic hum. "I request entry into your chamber, so that we may discuss the finer details of the situation."
OOC: They're out in the open of Noctisdivu, a planet enshrouded in constant darkness. I suppose I should've mentioned that. :$ They're near a spaceport.

Tullus glared at Shiv, nodding to his assistant. The assistant nodded back and strode up to Shiv. "Sir, we are the ones who set up the notice, or rather, the representatives thereof. I suggest if you have any questions, you ask High Senator Tullus, and not the officials of the spaceport."

OOC: has the planet with Raven City on it got a name?
With a flash of light the COSSaphia Flame jumped into the system. On its Bridge its captian Josh was thrown forwards by the sudden loss of momentum.
"OWW! Son of a bitch! That's the 5th time thats happen! What is wrong with our FTL drive?" Josh asked the Pliot.
"I dunno. Go ask your girlfriend, she would know," replied Samuel, the pliot.
"For the last fucking time: KARA IS NOT MY GIRLFRIEND!!" shouted Josh, who was contimplating shooting Samuel.
"Whatever you say boss. But still, go ask her wants wrong."
"Fine"
******
As he was walking though the ships slepping quarters Akkon stuck his head out his door and ask: "I was you guys would stop arguing. It will get us kill one day."
"At the rate that the ship is falling apart, i dobnt think we will have to wait much longer for death," Josh replied as he kept on walking towards the engine bay.
When he got there he saw Kara trying to put out a fire.
"Whats wrong with the FTL drive?" Josh asked
"The same thing thats wrong with everything else on this ship: ITS OLD! I'm not joking this time Josh, if we do not get new parts the Flame will be in FLAMES!" Kara shouted back.
"I would get new parts but new parts mean we have to BUY them, and that means we need MONEY!! And we have no money. Hell, now that i think about it, i think we have no food!" Josh replied, almost to himself.
Walking out of the engine bay, he went back to the bridge, where Samuel was looking at the navigation display.
"please tell me there is an planet with an atmosphere in this system," asked Josh.
"There is, problem is its not coming up in the database..." replied Samuel.
"Wait a minute, I know this system...."
OOC: Yeah, the name of the Planet is Noctisdivu (Usually shortened to Noctis) and the system name is Concuxium Plagerius, named after it's star.
With the ever so pradictable grav disturbance, The Dragon appeared in orbit, over Raven City. A white haired figure sat upon the command throne, giving orders to the officers around him. "Will someone get father ready, please? He and mother must get to the surface ASAP." Anofficer looked up from his console, "I'll get them now."
-----
Leona stoked Red's chest as she next to him in bed. She growled softly, "It's been awhile since I've been on this ship... and it's been far too long since the last time we made love." Red glanced to her, "I suppose." He sat up, "I feel we've come to a stop, we might want to get ready." Leona gave him a devious look before pulling him closer to her, "C'mon, you may act all serious but you enjoy this just as much as I do." Red laughed, "Very well, I will give you that." His smile disappeared, "But seriously, let's get ready. If I get the cash from this gig, I won't have to work for awhile." Leona smiled, "Oooh... sounds promising..." A chime went off to let both know someone was at the door, a man's voice followed, "Captain, we've arrived. Everything is ready." Red pulled away from Leona, "Alright, we'll be there in a few moments." He looked back to her, "C'mon Leona, we got some work to do."
-----
Red stepped onto the bridge, his two Dragoncry pistols at his sides. The figure in his seat looked back, "So, father, you're finally ready." Red lifted an eyebrow, "Such manners, who'd you pick up those from?" The figure looked forward at the holoscreen which depicted the planet below, "I got my attitude from you, father. I hope you and mother are ready. The Crimson League needs the money, and I'd rather not keep our employers waiting." Red smiled, "Right, right. Alright people, keep everything nice up here. I'll be back soon enough." With that, Red left the bridge.
-----
A moment later, a small tansport touched down in the desinated area, delivering Redemption and Leona to the surface. Leona stood tall, her golden fur shimmering in the light, her flowing white dress blowing in the breeze. Ahe was a truly beautiful sight to behold, something that could easily distract one from the weaponry she had with her. one would say she didn't appear to be much of a fight, it was obvious she had quite a bit of physical strength but sure as hell wasn't dressed for the part of battle-hardened mercenary. However, with Cryption on her side, she was something to be respected and feared. Her husband was aware of this fact and brought her along for that reason. Red was dressed in some camo pants, a sleeveless white shirt, and some grinding boots. He also had a small pack on his back and several pouches around his waist. The cargo pockets on his pants were certainly full of something, no telling what. Red ran a hand through his brown hair as he began walking forward, "Well, let's go find our employer. No doubt he'll be hanging somewhere nearby so we can get an update." Leona nodded in agreement, "Plus, they should recognize you. I heard how you destroyed that 1314 character." Red shook his head, "Doubt it. I'm a merc, simple trash, expendable, bred to fight and die." Leona placed her hand on his shoulder, "Oh fuck that, Red. You're way too negative. You've changed, and I'm sure your friends will all agree. Now then, you killed 1314, that was a big deal if I remember correctly. You should have some kudos with these people, they owe you that much." Red chuckled, "Not really. I got payed, they don't owe me anything..."
Tullus turned his attention to the figure walking towards him. Eyes straining in the low-light of midday Noctis, he strode towards him to get a better look. As his old, tired eyes began to focus on Red's face, a shock went through him. He knew that face, back when he was a paymaster for the Senate's bounty jobs... "You're him... The one who claimed the bounty for 1314's suicide, aren't you?"
Kagetora;14327527']Suddenly, through a rip in space-time, three strangers emerged. They all seemed to come from the same country, not that it mattered. What did matter was the fact that only one of them seemed to be armed. The other two were simply wearing a light armor. The one in the middle had an odd glow about him, as if he was charged full of power. Which he was, as you could see little sparks playing across his hands. The armed one on the left didn't seem to have anything unusual about him. He was wearing standard armor, and an assault rifle. The one on the right seemed to be engrossed with a communications device.
The one in the middle started walking forward, and the other two followed.
The doors openned before them, and they walked to the secratary.
"We have an appointment with a Senator Tullus." said the middle one.
The secretary looked up, low-light goggles on even though she was inside. "The Senator is down at the spaceport" She muttered in a dull monotone "He's there answering questions from foreigners, as yourselves." Looking back down, she went back to sorting files and scribbling unreadable notes.

"Got it covered Ziyo." said the one on the right, tapping away at the communications device.
"I know Niko. I hate doing this." said Ziyo.
Another rip in the space-time continuum openned up and the trio walked through, emerging at the spaceport. Up ahead of them they could see some figures talking to each other. There was one who was clearly not human, or a heavily altered human, who was wearing a white dress and had lots of fur.

"Thats it! Thats Noctis! I remember my commanding officer saying something about it when i was still in Basic," said Josh.
"Who said what now?" ask Kara, walking into the bridge.
"Nothing. OK, here's the plan: We land down there, Find a rich looking place and steal everything that isnt nailed down." said Josh.
'man, you know i hate stealing." mouned Kara.
"Its either that, or we go pillage some poor backwater world for all its worth. Your choice" replied Josh.
"I would rather rob rich people then some poor farmers" said Samuel.
"Fine then. Stealing from the rich it is" said Kara.
"Alrighty then. Samuel, take her down." said Josh, sitting down in the command chair.

Leona gave Red a glance, smiling in a smug manner. They didn't need to say anything to each other, they were practically reading each other's thoughts as soon as they made eye contact.
Told ya.
Okay, okay...
Mmmhmmm, I should bet you next time.
That's entirely up to you.
Red nodded to Tullus, "Yes, I was the man who hunted 1314. Certainly has been awhile... but apparently I'm back here once more. So," Red shifted his weight, "What can you tell me about this latest assignment?" Leona's smile suddenly vanished as she turned to face the direction of the rift; both she and Red detected it but only she chose to respond. Despite the lack of light, her eyes allowed her to see the three-man group clearly. Only one of them looked truly dangerous, but it was best to be careful. She turned away from them, focusing back on Tullus.

Tullus glared at Shiv, nodding to his assistant. The assistant nodded back and strode up to Shiv. "Sir, we are the ones who set up the notice, or rather, the representatives thereof. I suggest if you have any questions, you ask High Senator Tullus, and not the officials of the spaceport."

Fixing the assistant with an eyeless stare, Shiv contemplated killing him then and now. It would escape, of course, destroying anything these beings sent its way -- but it wouldn't be very good sport. Better that they had warning.

"Very well then," Shiv responded with nothing in his voice -- no fear, no anger, no embarrassment, no joy or sadness -- absolutely no emotion whatsoever. "Tell me where I can find this ostensibly High Senator, fleshling, or else get out of my way."

Ugly little world, isn't it?

What, you're asking me? I'm you. Of course it's ugly. Too many clouds, too far from the sun. Still, the plan sez we come here.

Yes, yes. We all know that much. It's step one thousand six hundred and three, as detailed by the mission statement. Vital research and all that, plan won't work without it. Hurry up and launch the Avatar, Prime.

Fine, have it your way. Launching Avatars now.

My way?! It's all our way, dammit! We're you!

Bah. Semantics. Talk to you in a few minutes.

Spiralling down through the atmosphere, a trio of quenchgun shells smacked into the surface at several times the speed of sound. Emerging from the curiously small dust clouds and impact craters- not even half a meter deep- a trio of rotating black orbs orbited the gathering.

Chirping in stereo, the Avatars cheerily introduced themselves. "Hi! I'm ORV Gave Peace a Chance. I hear you have a job for me?"

Leona gave Red a glance, smiling in a smug manner. They didn't need to say anything to each other, they were practically reading each other's thoughts as soon as they made eye contact.
Told ya.
Okay, okay...
Mmmhmmm, I should bet you next time.
That's entirely up to you.
Red nodded to Tullus, "Yes, I was the man who hunted 1314. Certainly has been awhile... but apparently I'm back here once more. So," Red shifted his weight, "What can you tell me about this latest assignment?" Leona's smile suddenly vanished as she turned to face the direction of the rift; both she and Red detected it but only she chose to respond. Despite the lack of light, her eyes allowed her to see the three-man group clearly. Only one of them looked truly dangerous, but it was best to be careful. She turned away from them, focusing back on Tullus.
"Not much I'm afraid." Tullus inquisitive stare quickly turned to an upset, hopeless frown. "I wasn't in the Raven's Blood project. It was both before my time and out of my realm of expertise. All I know for sure is that they were, at one time, part of the Moralite Shock Force, and were reformed around our last civil war. Now, everything about their members has been wiped from the books, except that this Decimus character was one of them. He's killed three Senators already, and I fear that his mission won't stop there." He glanced over at Shiv. "I'm afraid my assistant's mouth is about to get him killed-or worse. So, if you'll excuse me..." Tullus gave a polite bow, and hurried over to Shiv...
Fixing the assistant with an eyeless stare, Shiv contemplated killing him then and now. It would escape, of course, destroying anything these beings sent its way -- but it wouldn't be very good sport. Better that they had warning.

"Very well then," Shiv responded with nothing in his voice -- no fear, no anger, no embarrassment, no joy or sadness -- absolutely no emotion whatsoever. "Tell me where I can find this ostensibly High Senator, fleshling, or else get out of my way."
The assistant sighed, as if his entire life was futile. "Goddamn. Do you see anyone else wearing a toga around here? Or did you forget your goggles at home?" The assistant sarcastically ushered his way to the Senator, who looked rather amused as he hurriedly made his way to Shiv.
Ugly little world, isn't it?

What, you're asking me? I'm you. Of course it's ugly. Too many clouds, too far from the sun. Still, the plan sez we come here.

Yes, yes. We all know that much. It's step one thousand six hundred and three, as detailed by the mission statement. Vital research and all that, plan won't work without it. Hurry up and launch the Avatar, Prime.

Fine, have it your way. Launching Avatars now.

My way?! It's all our way, dammit! We're you!

Bah. Semantics. Talk to you in a few minutes.

Spiralling down through the atmosphere, a trio of quenchgun shells smacked into the surface at several times the speed of sound. Emerging from the curiously small dust clouds and impact craters- not even half a meter deep- a trio of rotating black orbs orbited the gathering.

Chirping in stereo, the Avatars cheerily introduced themselves. "Hi! I'm ORV Gave Peace a Chance. I hear you have a job for me?"
Kagetora;14327713']"Got it covered Ziyo." said the one on the right, tapping away at the communications device.
"I know Niko. I hate doing this." said Ziyo.
Another rip in the space-time continuum openned up and the trio walked through, emerging at the spaceport. Up ahead of them they could see some figures talking to each other. There was one who was clearly not human, or a heavily altered human, who was wearing a white dress and had lots of fur.

"Christ, why do the damned mercs always get here at the same time?" Tullus muttered. "I'll be with you in a minute!" Tullus shouted, pointing at Shiv...

Red gave a respectful nod to Tullus as he moved away. "So Leona," he started in a quiet voice, "What do you think?" She looked back at him, her eyes showing a mix of excitement and worry, "Dunno. There are two challenges, the first would be finding our target-" Red finished the statement, "And the second would be handling the others if they get in our way." Both of them knew full well that having so many mercenaries and bounty hunters going after one target was going to be a problem. Most of them, if not all of them, were in it for the money and Red knew from experience that mercenaries were some of the most untrustworthy people in the galaxy. He sighed, "We'll move out in a few minutes." Leona knew what that little phrase meant, she gave a glance back to the others, her blue eyes looking over all of them. The person they were hunting would be easy enough, but these other people worried her. One of them was giving off quite a bit of energy, visable energy at that. There was also the other one that seemed to have a unfriendly attitude and mirrored a Drone in its speech. Odd group indeed; meanwhile, Red was making sure everything was good both on the ground and on his ship.

"I'll be with you in a minute!" Tullus shouted, pointing at Shiv...

Shiv's gaze shifted to the traditionally-dressed individual, the being realizing that its presence was being primarily ignored as just another one of these peons. Had they the power to level this city at a whim? Granted, it was essentially guaranteed nonexistence if it performed that feat, and the oblivion beyond the being was not something which Shiv wished to experience -- not yet, anyway. Its purpose had not yet been served.

Inclining its head a millimeter, Shiv watched the Senator with its orange eyes. "So long as this delay is of necessity, and not convenience," it said robotically. Closing its hand, a plasma bolt began pulsing in its grip, arcs stretching to reach the metallic ground. "I would hate to think that I am being ignored because you wish to establish superiority."

Shiv turned and met the gaze of the blue-eyed woman, its eyes blazing in that moment with energy. Yes, it would kill them all, if need be.

Landing at the nearest spaceport, the crew of the Saphia Flame left their ship and started making their way through the crowd in the port.
"Hold up," said Josh, looking at the notice board on 1 of the walls.
"HA! Who's up for a bounty hunt?" asked Josh.
"Sure whatever. Anything is better then stealing," anwsered Kara
"Ok, I need to shoot something," replied Akkon.
"Whatever," said Samuel.
"Ok then. Lets go back to the ship and get our guns" said Josh

"Niko, run a cross check on the mercs here." said Ziyo. "Hawado, go talk to all of them, get names, it will help speed up the cross check."
"Alright." said Niko, tapping away still. Quickly, the small screen began to show hundreds of screens.
Hawado, using the atmosphere, made a clone of himself for every group he could see. One walked over to Red and Leona, another to Shiv, and the other to the glowing orbs.
"Hey, how's it going!" the copies all said in unison.
(Hawado is the one with the armor and weapon)

Shiv's firey gaze would be met with Leona's calm expression. She had no care for him and showed no fear of him. She thought the being was disgusting and pathetic, though one wouldn't be able to get that from looking at her. Leona looked back at Red, gaze meeting his, their thoughts were one once more.
Big guy, might be a problem.
Meh, ignore him.
You sure that's a good idea? Leona looked at the arcs of energy.
Nothing more than a immature child that wants to prove he has the biggest penis. Lower than dirt. Not our target, not our concern.
You think you can handle him?
I've ended worlds by snapping my fingers, he won't be half a problem if I need to take it there. Keep yourself out of trouble, I don't need my time to be wasted.
True, true. So just ignore him? I think we could learn a little about him, Don't you?
Point taken, we'll learn what we can and then move on.
Their moment was broken when Leona picked up someone talking about a cross check. Well, that was to be expected in a place like this. Everyone wished to cover their bases. The pair watched as the clone approached them, an interesting ability to say the least, something they'd both keep an eye on. Unfortunantly for the group o' three, neither Red nor Leona had much of a reputation outside of Greywatch. Red did plenty of odd jobs and high-level, un-documented missions for all sorts of people and just getting in contact with him was a difficult task; people didn't *typically* come to Red, he went to them. Leona, on the other hand, didn't venture outside Greywatch unless she had to, this just happened to be one of those lucky times.
"Who are you?" Red said to the clone, turning his gaze to the being. His red eyes focused on the being, conveying a sense of neutrality.

Shiv's own eyes were shifting to its own interviewer, an artificial avatar. The questioner pleasantly asked it its current condition, or the sentimental equivalent thereof. "I am beyond your comprehension, fool," Shiv said in a low-volume, but still mechanical, voice, glancing over to the pair of Greywatch beings; it sensed that at least one of them had The Manifestation, as it did. Perhaps this wouldn't be nearly as easy as was thought.

Speaking, Shiv addressed the avater. "I have no interest in speaking with you, even if it weren't a shallow and obvious attempt to gather information from me. However, in the interest of niceties, I will answer your insipid question: How am I doing?" it repeated droningly. "I currently am channeling the energies necessary for a low-yield nuclear explosion, and would gladly -- only a turn of speech, as I have no emotional center -- obliterate this place in a moment. I assure you, you would be best advised to stay clear of my vicinity."

Again, Shiv found itself watching the man and woman. The Manifestation was a gift given to a select few, whether by some cosmic coincidence or synthetic manipulation of the laws of nature. The powers of the heavens should never have been wielded by mortal beings, yet here Shiv was -- and these two humans. Yes... this was a much more difficult situation than it had anticipated.

"Who are you?" Red said to the clone, turning his gaze to the being. His red eyes focused on the being, conveying a sense of neutrality.
"I'm merely a replica of someone else. No way, you aren't the 1314 guy are you? Man, that story has been circling for years!"

The original Niko said to Hawado
"Check the background of 1314's killer. I think this is who it is. If so, these guys won't be easy to overcome."

Speaking, Shiv addressed the avater. "I have no interest in speaking with you, even if it weren't a shallow and obvious attempt to gather information from me. However, in the interest of niceties, I will answer your insipid question: How am I doing?" it repeated droningly. "I currently am channeling the energies necessary for a low-yield nuclear explosion, and would gladly -- only a turn of speech, as I have no emotional center -- obliterate this place in a moment. I assure you, you would be best advised to stay clear of my vicinity."
"Screw you too buddy." said the clone, before dissappating into the base elements again.

"No word on the weird guy over there." said Niko to Hawado

Shiv's gaze shifted to the traditionally-dressed individual, the being realizing that its presence was being primarily ignored as just another one of these peons. Had they the power to level this city at a whim? Granted, it was essentially guaranteed nonexistence if it performed that feat, and the oblivion beyond the being was not something which Shiv wished to experience -- not yet, anyway. Its purpose had not yet been served.

Inclining its head a millimeter, Shiv watched the Senator with its orange eyes. "So long as this delay is of necessity, and not convenience," it said robotically. Closing its hand, a plasma bolt began pulsing in its grip, arcs stretching to reach the metallic ground. "I would hate to think that I am being ignored because you wish to establish superiority."

Shiv turned and met the gaze of the blue-eyed woman, its eyes blazing in that moment with energy. Yes, it would kill them all, if need be.
"Believe me, the delay was one of necessity. Have you already heard the briefing I gave the others, or...?"

"The fugitive in question has removed three of your peers from this plane of existence," Shiv said in reply, voice droning somewhere around low C. "And you have concerns that this individual may not yet be finished with his task." It studied Tullus for a moment. "Tell me, human -- are you fearful of your own life? Is that the reason for this mercenary mission? There is almost a wave of paranoia detectable from you."

"The fugitive in question has removed three of your peers from this plane of existence," Shiv said in reply, voice droning somewhere around low C. "And you have concerns that this individual may not yet be finished with his task." It studied Tullus for a moment. "Tell me, human -- are you fearful of your own life? Is that the reason for this mercenary mission? There is almost a wave of paranoia detectable from you."

"I have no fear for my own life." Tullus said, sounding somewhat insulted. "I was never involved in the Raven's Blood project. So far, Decimus has only targeted those involved in the project. Unfortunantly, there are still three more Senators who were involved." His assistant tackled him without any warning, sending him to the ground as a bullet lodged itself into the ground beside him. A small figure could be seen in the distance, kneeling on top of a rooftop. Tullus pushed his assistant off of him. "Damnit!"
"Sir it's..."
"I know! What I don't know is why the hell he's coming after me!" As he spoke another short flash lit up the rooftops and briefly brushed up against Tullus. "Well? What the hell are you mercs waiting for!? Take 'im out!"

Shiv merely watched the flashes of light come as the Senator was attacked. This wasn't its fight. At least, it wasn't -- then, a bullet slammed into the being's chest. Shiv had armor, but that just wouldn't do.

Clenching its right hand, it summoned energy, coalescing it into a fiery sphere of plasma. Its eyes glowed a furious orange, lighting up the landing platform almost as much as the energy ball in its grasp. With its left hand, it pulled the would-be assassin from the roof using its kinesis, his or her limbs flailing wildly as he or she was launched into the air. The figure accelerated toward the mercenaries, gaining speed; when it was mere meters away, Shiv released the bolt of plasma into the abdomen of the oncoming silhouette, releasing its psychic grip. The attacker fell to the ground, perhaps dead, perhaps not; Shiv did not care.

"Will you question it, human?" Shiv asked the senator emotionlessly, as always.

Shiv merely watched the flashes of light come as the Senator was attacked. This wasn't its fight. At least, it wasn't -- then, a bullet slammed into the being's chest. Shiv had armor, but that just wouldn't do.

Clenching its right hand, it summoned energy, coalescing it into a fiery sphere of plasma. Its eyes glowed a furious orange, lighting up the landing platform almost as much as the energy ball in its grasp. With its left hand, it pulled the would-be assassin from the roof using its kinesis, his or her limbs flailing wildly as he or she was launched into the air. The figure accelerated toward the mercenaries, gaining speed; when it was mere meters away, Shiv released the bolt of plasma into the abdomen of the oncoming silhouette, releasing its psychic grip. The attacker fell to the ground, perhaps dead, perhaps not; Shiv did not care.

"Will you question it, human?" Shiv asked the senator emotionlessly, as always.
Tullus dashed up to the limp figure. Standing up, Tullus shook his head. "It's a Automated Warrior. What I don't get is why it didn't hit me. A good model like this could have hit me at twice that distance, unless..." He looked at his assistant. "... It's a warning."

"Hey, how's it going!" the copies all said in unison.
"Not bad. Just sitting around, waiting, performing the billions of calculations every second that keeps my drives from forming a singularity and eating the planet, my shields from bathing this half of the world in gamma rays, and my quench guns from warming up and sending gigaton level cee-bombs down on all of our heads. In fact, it's quite fun, I even- Oh god! It stopped working! We're all going to die! We're-"

The Avatars' panicked aerial waltz was interrupted by the sudden crash of the automaton crashing into the ground next to it. Pausing, one of the orbs bobbed over to the thing. "Huh. Probably should have been paying more attention. So anyway, disregarding our impending doom for a moment, who are those senators you want protected? I have some spare Okashimashos I can put on guard duty. Very discrete. And more data on this whole Raven's Blood thing would be nice, too."

"Not bad. Just sitting around, waiting, performing the billions of calculations every second that keeps my drives from forming a singularity and eating the planet, my shields from bathing this half of the world in gamma rays, and my quench guns from warming up and sending gigaton level cee-bombs down on all of our heads. In fact, it's quite fun, I even- Oh god! It stopped working! We're all going to die! We're-"

The Avatars' panicked aerial waltz was interrupted by the sudden crash of the automaton crashing into the ground next to it. Pausing, one of the orbs bobbed over to the thing. "Huh. Probably should have been paying more attention. So anyway, disregarding our impending doom for a moment, who are those senators you want protected? I have some spare Okashimashos I can put on guard duty. Very discrete. And more data on this whole Raven's Blood thing would be nice, too."

Tullus, still examining the Automated Warrior, responded, while clearly his mind was elsewhere. "With all truth, the Senators names are classified under the Senator Protection Act of 22. In other words, we can't be sure who was involved until after their death, until they give permission for their names to be revealed, or until they resign." He sighed. "I'm sorry I can't give you any more, but I can't reveal what I don't know."

Red sighed, "I asked who you are, not what you are. Even if you're a clone, your original has a name. What is that name?" It annoyed him that his story of the 1314 hunt had been getting around. The last thing he needed was people asking around about him. Still, he knew that his secrets were safe; no one ever saw him use his abilities and survived, unless they were on his side.
As soon as the attack went down Red drew his pistol but didn't shoot. Shiv wanted to take care of it, and so he let the creature do so. All the more information for him to gather. Interesting, such a familiar ability. He thought to himself, something else to watch out for. Joy.
Either way, with everything that had happened, it was time for things to begin. Leona walked over to the fallen automated warrior and tapped her ear, "Control, get me a clean up crew and some techies." She looked to Tullus, "Hope you don't mind." Red jumped to a nearby rooftop and began surveying the area, looking for anything else that might be suspiscious.

Red sighed, "I asked who you are, not what you are. Even if you're a clone, your original has a name. What is that name?" It annoyed him that his story of the 1314 hunt had been getting around. The last thing he needed was people asking around about him. Still, he knew that his secrets were safe; no one ever saw him use his abilities and survived, unless they were on his side.
As soon as the attack went down Red drew his pistol but didn't shoot. Shiv wanted to take care of it, and so he let the creature do so. All the more information for him to gather. Interesting, such a familiar ability. He thought to himself, something else to watch out for. Joy.
Either way, with everything that had happened, it was time for things to begin. Leona walked over to the fallen automated warrior and tapped her ear, "Control, get me a clean up crew and some techies." She looked to Tullus, "Hope you don't mind." Red jumped to a nearby rooftop and began surveying the area, looking for anything else that might be suspiscious.
He shook his head. "It's fine. I've checked her over, it's just a standard X-1 Unit. You might want to go over it, but I was an engineer back in the day." Standing up, he nodded to his assistant who rapidly chattered into a small phone. "I'll be leaving now, I'm sure the other Senators would love to hear about this." A large hovering vehicle swung up and around the Senator, as a Moralite Soldier opened the HAWC's door. "Sir, we're ready." The Senator climbed in. "If you need anything else, just ask for directions to the Senatorial Chambers."

"I need nothing," Shiv said simply, watching the Senator enter the vehicle and pull off. "I will find this target of my own accord. Without the assistance of these." The being looked at the rest of the mercenaries. It watched them for a moment, before striding over to where the female stood over the body of its victim. Shiv felt the energy coming from the woman in waves; yes, that was definitely the Manifestation.

"I can sense you, human," it buzzed at her, quietly so that only the two of them could hear. "Perhaps you wish to keep yourself -- selves--" Shiv added, sweeping its gaze the male, "-- concealed. I can detect your powers, though." It stepped back, watching her impassively. Perhaps its species wasn't granted emotional expression -- but that was compensated by raw power, both physical and Manifestational. "I, for one, do not wish to have for an enemy, beings of genuine danger to myself--" as if it couldn't annihilate them in a nuclear fireball at a whim "-- and thus, I propose a... partnership." The inflections that a human would have made, any speech intricacies, were lost from Shiv's voice because of its nature.

A large hovering vehicle swung up and around the Senator, as a Moralite Soldier opened the HAWC's door. "Sir, we're ready." The Senator climbed in. "If you need anything else, just ask for directions to the Senatorial Chambers."

Detaching itself from an Avatar, a small, pen-shaped object arced into the interior of the HAWC as it closed. Bouncing into the Senator's lap, the thing twittered joyously, a toothy cartoon grin spreading in front of it.

"Hi there! Gave Peace a Chance here again, this time in an Okashimasho. Say hello! Anyway, figured someone ought to keep an eye on you, just in case, and give the lot of us some way to stay in contact with you, tell you if we have any leads, warn you if someone is about to blow up a city, that sort of thing."

"OK, so we KNOW about the hunt, so how do we get in?" asked Kara, looking nothing like a techy with her Maginate SMG.
"I guess we get in contact with the hunt organiser. The question is how..." replied Josh.
"Heres an idea: Why dont we just go kill the guy, then bring his head to the organiser. Saves us having to go through some red tape." said Akkon, with his IH 645 rifle across his back.
"Yeah but that just might be a little illegal," replied Samuel, caresing his Knarler shotgun.
"Sam, stop that, you look like a nutter with a gun. And i surpose you're right," said Josh, before continuing:" Why dont we ask the police or whatever they have here..."

Detaching itself from an Avatar, a small, pen-shaped object arced into the interior of the HAWC as it closed. Bouncing into the Senator's lap, the thing twittered joyously, a toothy cartoon grin spreading in front of it.

"Hi there! Gave Peace a Chance here again, this time in an Okashimasho. Say hello! Anyway, figured someone ought to keep an eye on you, just in case, and give the lot of us some way to stay in contact with you, tell you if we have any leads, warn you if someone is about to blow up a city, that sort of thing."
"Christ, why do these mercs always assume I'm the untrustworthy one? How do I know that they're trustworthy?" He sighed. "Fine, tell them not to blow up the city. The city goes, Decimus takes out every Senator in CM and thirty million innocent people."
"OK, so we KNOW about the hunt, so how do we get in?" asked Kara, looking nothing like a techy with her Maginate SMG.
"I guess we get in contact with the hunt organiser. The question is how..." replied Josh.
"Heres an idea: Why dont we just go kill the guy, then bring his head to the organiser. Saves us having to go through some red tape." said Akkon, with his IH 645 rifle across his back.
"Yeah but that just might be a little illegal," replied Samuel, caresing his Knarler shotgun.
"Sam, stop that, you look like a nutter with a gun. And i surpose you're right," said Josh, before continuing:" Why dont we ask the police or whatever they have here..."
Sure enough, even on the outskirts of Raven City, thousands of people strolled along the Spaceport, resting on Benches, walking tame-looking Lizard-like creatures, and even the occasional dog. There was only one problem: The police were no where to be seen, and every other person seemed to be carrying a gun. From the sweet old granny with a pistol butt hanging out of her purse, to the war veteran still wearing his uniform and carrying around an assault rifle.

Red sighed, "I asked who you are, not what you are. Even if you're a clone, your original has a name. What is that name?" It annoyed him that his story of the 1314 hunt had been getting around. The last thing he needed was people asking around about him. Still, he knew that his secrets were safe; no one ever saw him use his abilities and survived, unless they were on his side.

"I, or maybe I should say we, have many names. Codenames, government agency names, more than a few names on death certificates too I might add."
Noticing the annoyed look on the man's face, he finished by saying
"But most commonly we're refered to as Niko."

After the quick assault by the X-1 Unit and Shiv's dispatch, Hawado quickly found what he was looking for.
"Damn. Nothing on that guy over there. That X-1 could be potentially a danger for me. As a whole this crew looks pretty dangerous. That guy over there that Niko is talking to is nicknamed Red. Most of his abilities are unknown, but I do see some high-value targets on his list. That Shiv guy I have nothing on, and the weird orb things appear to control a ship of some kind."

OOC: Time shift back a little...

IC:
"But most commonly we're refered to as Niko."
Red smiled, "Cute. Nice chat, but you'll have to excuse me..." it was then that the X-1 unit attacked and after it was quickly silenced by Shiv, Red took to the rooftop.

OOC: Time shift to now:

IC:
Leona didn't respond right away, taking more interest in the machine in front of her. It was then that another figure appeared; it made no fancy entrance, it simply appeared next to her and began looking over the machine. It was dressed in a dull gray robes and wore a mask. The figure looked to Leona, "Mother? Is this what you called me for?" Leona nodded and the figure looked back to the machine. "Very well," it simply touched the fallen machine and both were gone. Leona turned to Shiv, "No. You lack certain... qualifications, and I don't believe a partnership between you and us would yield any... desired results." Leona was quite blunt about this and began to walk away, "But my husband's in charge, so you'll have to talk to him." She gave another quick look to the group before realizing Red was beckoning her. "Gotta go." With only a slight push off the ground, she launced herself into the air and landed next to her husband. Red looked to her, "Ready to move?" Leona shook her head, "Big boy down there want's to talk to you about something. Some kind of partnership."

Shiv watched the woman blow it off, gracefully soaring over to where her mate stood in a feat of acrobatics. The being stood straight, watching the couple passively. Were it a more organic being, it would have sighed; as things were, it followed the female to where the other Manifested being stood -- there was no doubt there; something boiled beneath the surface, incomprehensible to Shiv... it realized with some surprise that there was a sort of polarity opposition in the male's energy, like the couple were two halves of the same coin.

"I will ask you, since your... partner... refused my offer. I would that we work together in the apprehension of this fugitive, for the sake of our mutual interests. I will tell you now that the capture of the criminal is currently my highest priority, and if someone were to attempt to deny me -- suffice it to say," it ended the same way it began, "I would be forced to remove any opponents to my goal."

Hawado tapped Ziyo on the shoulder
"Ow, you shocked me!" he said
"I know. What do you want?" replied Ziyo
"Things are getting more dangerous. If those two *pointing at Red and Leona* accept that guy's *points at Shiv* offer, I don't think we would be able to overcome them."
"How do you know that?" asked Ziyo
"I accessed all the security in the area through my comm device. They have surprisingly good audio." said Hawado smiling.

This is really godmoddy. Whose suits did you alter? It ain't mine, and you have to talk to Greywatch about the others.

Kagetora;14332066']Hawado tapped Ziyo on the shoulder
"Ow, you shocked me!" he said
"I know. What do you want?" replied Ziyo
"Things are getting more dangerous. If those two *pointing at Red and Leona* accept that guy's *points at Shiv* offer, I don't think we would be able to overcome them."
"How do you know that?" asked Ziyo
"I made a few alterations to the suits their wearing. They're transmitting audio to my comm device right here." said Hawado smiling.

This is really godmoddy. Whose suits did you alter? It ain't mine, and you have to talk to Greywatch about the others.
OOC: I'm going to second that, Kagetora, don't godmod.

"Leona judges character..." stated Red quietly as Shiv spoke of her denial of its offer. Red listened to what Shiv had to say without a change in expression, he found Shiv's closing statement to be somewhat meaningless. "Please save me the 'eliminate all those who oppose me' crap, it gets so tiresome hearing that after awhile. You act like you're the strongest one here yet you seem reluctant to fight me or, for that matter, simply slaughter everyone here and move on unopposed." Red turned to face Shiv now, "I see you as an equal, not a superior; and if you wish to work with us you may want to consider adopting the same view and learn to respect us, as we will respect you. Other than that, you're in." Leona sighed, her tail flicking from one side to the other, Dammit... well, I suppose that's one less future obstical in our way. She thought as she looked at the two of them, "Okay boys, what's the plan?"

"I choose not to remove innocents from the plane of existence," Shiv said in response. "It is only when I am defied that I will resort to combat. And, indeed, we are equals. Whether you realize it or not, you have hypersentient qualities, so much so that I can perceive their existence. I know not what you are capable of, but for the interest of maintaining something approaching an assumed Mutually Assured Destruction scenario, you will be viewed by me as a being capable of manipulating the strong nuclear forces of atoms to cause a catastrophic chain reaction."

Shiv paused, unnecessary for it, but intended to give its speech pattern a more organic quality. "Naturally, such power commands respect, and likewise, I will serve only our combined purposes, and only those so long as they do not cross your intentions."

Turning then to face Leona, Shiv met her eyes, attempting to force its way into her mind -- if only the surface -- as it had with Tullus; the woman, as Shiv expected, was unyielding, and the question of whether this was a quality of her Manifestation -- whatever it may be -- quickly came and was answered in the neural processes of the being. "You use the colloquial sentient term, 'boys'. I would have you know that Shivati don't have genders, not as flesh-beings do. Nevertheless, I will answer your question with a will: access must be gained, legally or otherwise, to all classified information on this Raven's Blood Project."

"Very well, glad we have an understanding." Said Red simply before follwing it up with, "Oh and I'm quite aware of my power. I wouldn't be where I am right now without it." Leona returned Shiv's glare with her own, her blue eyes showing she too was not something to be tested. She rolled her eyes at Shiv's explanation of not having a gender, "I'm obviously not a human, though that didn't stop you from calling me one." Red sighed, this was going to be an interesting mission. "I agree about information gathering, though. I say we head to the Senatorial Chambers first and then go from there. Agreed?" Leona nodded, "Good a place as any."

Gave Peace a Chance was bored. Surely research was to be more exciting than this. But all its subjects did was bicker, and engage in dickwavery with one another, futilely attempting to establish some sort of pecking order. There was some silly talk of an alliance between a few of them, which amused the ship for a few nanoseconds as its drones idly listened in.

Turning the brunt of its concentration away for a moment, the ship began a deep probe of the planet's networks, sifting through the past few decades of news and records, as well as sending tendrils to subtly worm their way through the more secure of the world's data. It worked cautiously, routing itself through dozens of proxies and dummy corporations as it went. This slowed its work remarkably- the local network certainly didn't operate at his native processing speeds- but it would prevent reprisal by the local authorities.

"Christ, why do these mercs always assume I'm the untrustworthy one? How do I know that they're trustworthy?" He sighed. "Fine, tell them not to blow up the city. The city goes, Decimus takes out every Senator in CM and thirty million innocent people."
The thing's smile inverted itself, the drone suddenly aghast. "No no, I trust you! Well, mostly. It's just that I don't entirely trust soldier boy down there not to take a pot shot at you again, maybe with a wee bit better aim next time. I'll relay the message to the rest of the children down there, though. Oh, and I'll just hitch a ride in your pocket, shall I? Saves superfluid, and I'm a bit less conspicous."

The long, thin drone began to shift colors, an opalescent sheen coating its body, while the expressive mouth was replaced by a simple clip stemming from its side. The drone, now obviously an antique writing instrument, deftly floated into the pocket of the Senator, sighing contentedly as it secured itself in its new home.

"There we are," the ship's voice coo'd from his left ear. "Rest assured, Senator Tullus, you're in safe hands! Oh, and don't be worried about where my voice is coming from, I'm just using my effectors to quake the air molecules by your ear: Same way I was speaking before, just a teeny tiny bit more discrete. You'll be the only one to hear me, and you can subvocalize if you'd like to talk unnoticed: I've got very good hearing."

______________

The Avatars bobbed contentedly, following leisurely after the herd of mercenaries. An almost invisible shimmer of air, like the faintest of heat mirages, formed itself in the midst of each clutch of hired killers as the air came alive with sound.

"Hello, ladies and gents! Hate to interrupt just as we all start to get to know each other, but I'm popping in as a friendly reminder from his Holiness the Bossman, Senator Tullus! Excessive collateral damage will result in a breach of contract, rendering all previous negotiations void. In layman's term, you blow stuff up, you don't get paid. So play nice, and don't squish the local meat!"

"That seems a logical proposition," Shiv said in response to Red's suggestion. "I will follow where you lead."

Going to bed, be back in 8. Feel free to control Shiv, so far as coming with you to wherever.

OOC: Guys, he's a technopath. He can change technology as he wants to. But ok then, I'll alter it. There, he hacked the area's security. Better? I would imagine so. Now he can't listen to you no matter where you are.

IC:
"Hmm. I agree with that Shiv character. We need background info before we start." said Hawado.
"Well, you're the one to do it." said Ziyo
"I know." said Hawado, tapping away. Suddenly he twitched.
"What's going on?" asked Niko
"Protection systems. He contracted a virus I'd imagine." said Ziyo
Hawado stopped twitching.
"You ok there?" asked Ziyo
"Better. That was a pretty good defense system there. That looks like the best thing they had. Alright, password protection, no problem. Encryption lock, decoded. Alright, I'm in."

Kagetora;14332472']OOC: Guys, he's a technopath. He can change technology as he wants to. But ok then, I'll alter it. There, he hacked the area's security. Better? I would imagine so. Now he can't listen to you no matter where you are.

IC:
"Hmm. I agree with that Shiv character. We need background info before we start." said Hawado.
"Well, you're the one to do it." said Ziyo
"I know." said Hawado, tapping away. Suddenly he twitched.
"What's going on?" asked Niko
"Protection systems. He contracted a virus I'd imagine." said Ziyo
Hawado stopped twitching.
"You ok there?" asked Ziyo
"Better. That was a pretty good defense system there. That looks like the best thing they had. Alright, password protection, no problem. Encryption lock, decoded. Alright, I'm in."
OOC: There aren't any files kept on the Raven's Blood. Only a select number of Senators even knew about them before this.

OOC: TG for you, CM.

"well that sucked," said Josh, who was flicking one of his throwing knifes around.
"Maybe we should just go and rob people now," surgested Akkon, who was cleaning his rifle.
"Nah. I know! Samuel, does this planet have some form of the internet?" asked Josh, putting back his knife.
"Umm....Yes it does," replied Samuel, as he typed at a computer that was on the brink of exploding.
"Search it. Find out where the hunt was started and who's running it. If we cant get them to comw to us, we go to them."

Let's see... Forty Senators on the planet, not counting the dead ones. Going to dispatch a 'kashi to each of 'em.

Make it a pair. One at home, one at work. Don't know exactly where they are, after all.

Not quite true, actually. We can track 'em through the local comm network, the ol' cell phone trick. Anyway, sending the little dudes out now.

Alrighty then. Sending out a flight of drones from this Avatar too, I want to keep an eye on the rest of the group, stay in contact and all that jazz. We'll pick this back up if we find anything interesting. Ciao, mes.

The nanosecond internal monologue finished, the three Avatars seemed to shatter, the whip crack of fifty drones going hypersonic enforcing the illusion. Okashimashos gone, the Avatars settled back into their comfortable dance, happily orbiting the group of miscreants.

The scattered drones were rather more industrious. Upon finding their charges, the tiny things bobbed cheerily before the Senators, the scene repeating itself across the city.

"Hi there! I'm a drone of the ONV Gave Peace a Chance. I've been contracted to apprehend a certain criminal currently targeting Moralite Senators. Given your professions, you're on his list! Congratulations! Worry not though, you couldn't be safer with me on security duty! I'll just hang around here, keep an eye out for the guy, make sure you don't get lead poisoning. Alright with you?"

Josh was snoozing in his command chair when he was awoken by a beeping console.
"Please tell me thats a missile. I need a missile," Josh asked Samuel, who was taping the keyboard back onto the computer.
"Umm...No it isnt. Its some thing better," Sam replied.
"A horde of missiles?" asked Josh.
"No, a Captial ship. Hold on....Got it! its the ONV Give Peace A Chance," said samn, who was starting to look worried.
"AKA No More Chances. God that ship is funny. Didnt it paint an entire fleet pink for 2 months?" asked Josh
"yeah it did. it was in the pirate boardcast remember," replied Sam, who was powering up the guns.
Josh noticed what he was doing.
"why are you turning on our MAHC cannon?" he asked.
"Where that ship goes, the place ends up in ruins. and I like being alive. it means I can DO things!" replied Sam.
"Power down the cannons. If it DOES start raining laser beams we will just FTL jump to outside of the atmosphere. In the meantime, hail it. see what its up too."

OOC: please dont blow my guys up if you DO start raining fire on the city.

Red and Leona rolled their eyes at the immature, Navi-esque nature of the ship's reminder. As if they needed it, any respectable merc knew that during a manhunt, you avoid killing civilians and causing property damage. At least they'd found a new friend in Shiv, chances were their mission would be much easier now. Red looked to Shiv and then to Leona, "Alright then, let's move." He didn't bother responding to GPaC, he didn't feel like wasting his words on the being. Red and Leona were off in a second with Shiv closely behind them. It wouldn't take the group long to reach the Senatorial Chambers, Red and Leona were more than capable of running at 50mph comfortably and Shiv was obviously more than capable of keeping up with the pair. Red figured the best thing to do was to find some Senators and ask them about the Raven's Blood Project in person. As soon as the group arrived Red began looking around for anyone that would talk to him. Chances were there would be other Senators that would recognize him, and hopefully be willing to talk to him.

Red and Leona rolled their eyes at the immature, Navi-esque nature of the ship's reminder. As if they needed it, any respectable merc knew that during a manhunt, you avoid killing civilians and causing property damage. At least they'd found a new friend in Shiv, chances were their mission would be much easier now. Red looked to Shiv and then to Leona, "Alright then, let's move." He didn't bother responding to GPaC, he didn't feel like wasting his words on the being. Red and Leona were off in a second with Shiv closely behind them. It wouldn't take the group long to reach the Senatorial Chambers, Red and Leona were more than capable of running at 50mph comfortably and Shiv was obviously more than capable of keeping up with the pair. Red figured the best thing to do was to find some Senators and ask them about the Raven's Blood Project in person. As soon as the group arrived Red began looking around for anyone that would talk to him. Chances were there would be other Senators that would recognize him, and hopefully be willing to talk to him.
As they reached the Senatorial Chambers, a small squad of soldiers marched up to them. The foremost soldier put out his hand. "By order of the Senate, you are ordered the halt at this point." The swinging lightbulb overhead gave the armored man the look of an interrogator. "They are in a closed session at the moment, and none are allowed to go in or out-" A loud smashing sound resounded through the long hallway as a short, old man in a toga came crashing through the door. "You call that an argument Gaius? Huh?!? I'll show you an argument, my fist up your ass!" The soldier shifted uncomfortably, rubbing his hands over each other. He Motioned to his snickering men, who picked up a door from a small, prepared pile next to the smashed door, and had the smashed door removed and the new one put on within seconds. The shouting was quickly muffled, and the soldiers returned to their position behind the nervous leader. "Well, uh, you'll have to come back later. The closed session will be over in three Earth hours and five minutes. You're free to wait here until then." He motioned to a set of chairs and wanted posters, most of them for small time crooks and conmen.

Let's see... Forty Senators on the planet, not counting the dead ones. Going to dispatch a 'kashi to each of 'em.

Make it a pair. One at home, one at work. Don't know exactly where they are, after all.

Not quite true, actually. We can track 'em through the local comm network, the ol' cell phone trick. Anyway, sending the little dudes out now.

Alrighty then. Sending out a flight of drones from this Avatar too, I want to keep an eye on the rest of the group, stay in contact and all that jazz. We'll pick this back up if we find anything interesting. Ciao, mes.

The nanosecond internal monologue finished, the three Avatars seemed to shatter, the whip crack of fifty drones going hypersonic enforcing the illusion. Okashimashos gone, the Avatars settled back into their comfortable dance, happily orbiting the group of miscreants.

The scattered drones were rather more industrious. Upon finding their charges, the tiny things bobbed cheerily before the Senators, the scene repeating itself across the city.

"Hi there! I'm a drone of the ONV Gave Peace a Chance. I've been contracted to apprehend a certain criminal currently targeting Moralite Senators. Given your professions, you're on his list! Congratulations! Worry not though, you couldn't be safer with me on security duty! I'll just hang around here, keep an eye out for the guy, make sure you don't get lead poisoning. Alright with you?"
The Senator waved the thing off, hurriedly wrapping his light jacket around him. "Bah! I'm already late for a closed session! No electronics, in or out!" The Senator hurried into the chamber hall. "Ah, Manius! How'd it start?"
"Well sir, Gaius started it all by comparing all these secrets to poor Mark's mother, how they were laid in the closet..."
"Oooh. How did he respond?"
"Friendly debate coupled with a bloody nose."
"Hand me the pain-relievers." Taking the small bottle, he stared at it for a moment. Disregarding the three visitors, he gave a heavy sigh. "I"m getting to old for this crap." Twisting the cap and swallowing a few pills, he took the heavy bolts off the door, unlocked it, and rushed in swearing up a storm. The men bolted the door behind him, one of them holding his wallet, the other holding his all-purpose phone.

The drone stopped short, a few millimeters from the now-shut door. A frown crossed its holographic face. "How rude! This is a drone, not some filthy bit of electronics! Not even a centigram of the stuff in it! Electronics..."

Turning slightly, it glanced at the small retinue of ne'er-do-wells in the room. "Oh, hello. You're all still following me, then?"

A second drone flitted up to the guards, gracefully pirouetting in mid-air. "Salutations! I'm the Gave Peace a Chance. I apologize for the intrusion, but I do have a matter of some urgency to present to the Senators, regarding their collective security. With you at the door, I'm sure they're currently out of harm's way, so I can wait for them to recess, but I'm afraid that any delay may further jeopardize their lives as the villain responsible refines his plans. The choice is yours, of course."

_____________

Wonder if we can listen in through the door?

Awfully thick, Primus. Probably sound-proof, by the looks of it. Could rig up a gravy-mike, or just laser the door and use it as an ear.

You see the rigs on the meat guarding the door? The visor's pretty advanced, probably would snoop anything our drones can do. Would be pretty dicey if they caught it, major diplomatic incident for sure, and I can't do anything undetectable without anything a bit bigger than three Avatars.

We wait then.

So we do... Anyone up for some Unreal?

The drone stopped short, a few millimeters from the now-shut door. A frown crossed its holographic face. "How rude! This is a drone, not some filthy bit of electronics! Not even a centigram of the stuff in it! Electronics..."

Turning slightly, it glanced at the small retinue of ne'er-do-wells in the room. "Oh, hello. You're all still following me, then?"

A second drone flitted up to the guards, gracefully pirouetting in mid-air. "Salutations! I'm the Gave Peace a Chance. I apologize for the intrusion, but I do have a matter of some urgency to present to the Senators, regarding their collective security. With you at the door, I'm sure they're currently out of harm's way, so I can wait for them to recess, but I'm afraid that any delay may further jeopardize their lives as the villain responsible refines his plans. The choice is yours, of course."

_____________

Wonder if we can listen in through the door?

Awfully thick, Primus. Probably sound-proof, by the looks of it. Could rig up a gravy-mike, or just laser the door and use it as an ear.

You see the rigs on the meat guarding the door? The visor's pretty advanced, probably would snoop anything our drones can do. Would be pretty dicey if they caught it, major diplomatic incident for sure, and I can't do anything undetectable without anything a bit bigger than three Avatars.

We wait then.

So we do... Anyone up for some Unreal?
"I'm sorry... Uh... Sir? A closed session is considered of the utmost importance to Moralite liberty and life. This is maybe our... Hey, Flavius! How many have we had since we've landed?"
"Three, no, wait, four. Four closed sessions."
"Yeah. Four closed sessions in thirty-three years. Whatever it is, it's important."

Five mio to seven mio, Prime. Wanna call it?

Hell no, you cheat. Let's keep going.

News for you, Prime: We're ALL cheating. Same aimbot as both of you.

And suddenly, all becomes clear for Prime... Oh, would you look at that, the meat's started talking.


"I'm sorry... Uh... Sir? A closed session is considered of the utmost importance to Moralite liberty and life. This is maybe our... Hey, Flavius! How many have we had since we've landed?"
"Three, no, wait, four. Four closed sessions."
"Yeah. Four closed sessions in thirty-three years. Whatever it is, it's important."

Five mio to twelve mio, Prime. Did you make a copying error on my Unreal subroutines or something, because I'm seriously kicking your ass.

Har har har. Anyway, let's not be rude and keep the meat waiting.

It hasn't even had time to finish that last consonant yet. And it's not like we can't keep playing while we talk. Eat Redeemer!

The drone did its best approximation of a polite bow as it responded. "Of course. Merely alleviating potential guilt on my part. We'll just wait then.

Seventeen mio. Seriously man, what the hell?

I hate you so much...

Turning slightly, it glanced at the small retinue of ne'er-do-wells in the room. "Oh, hello. You're all still following me, then?"

"I'm assuming you're not talking to me seeing as I arrived here before you, both to this planet and to these halls. If anything, I'd say you were the one tailing me," said Red quietly, more interested in the commotion coming from the senators than the machines. He gave a glance to Leona who stepped outside and began to explore the area around the halls. If there were any secret passageways or weak areas that could be exploited, she'd need to know about it. Then she, Red, and Shiv could form a decent plan of defense in case the baddie came looking for blood. Red meanwhile sighed and took a seat, fine with waiting until the meeting was over.

"I'm assuming you're not talking to me seeing as I arrived here before you, both to this planet and to these halls. If anything, I'd say you were the one tailing me," said Red quietly, more interested in the commotion coming from the senators than the machines. He gave a glance to Leona who stepped outside and began to explore the area around the halls. If there were any secret passageways or weak areas that could be exploited, she'd need to know about it. Then she, Red, and Shiv could form a decent plan of defense in case the baddie came looking for blood. Red meanwhile sighed and took a seat, fine with waiting until the meeting was over.

The hall was incredibly bare for being one of the most important centers in all of CM. A red carpet was rolled out in front of the door, and the two walls were exceedingly thin. The only light was a single swinging lightbulb at the end of the short hall, lighting up only the smallest portion of the room. Near the end of the hall, it tapered off into two small waiting spaces, filled with chairs and old magazines, as well as the occasional wanted poster. As Leona was searching the hall, A tall figure, wearing a suit, completely identical to the guards, strode in, ignoring the Mercs just as everyone else had. "Hello Faustus. Remember me?" The leader of the guards carefully examined the man. "I recognize your voice... But I can't quite remember you..."
"We graduated from the third Legion's boot camp together."
"Uh, still don't remember, there were ten thousand people in there..."
Click. The man simultaneously removed his helmet and pulled a pistol to the squad leader's head. "Decimus! You're, you're-"
"Sorry Faus. Your loyalty was always to your country first." Four sharp, resounding shots rang throughout the small hall. Nodding to the bounty hunters, unaware of their purpose, he apologized. "I'm sorry you had to see that. It was needed, I assure you." Folding his hand out, his rifle formed itself in his hand. Blowing away the heavy lock on the door, he stepped inside the now-silent Senatorial chambers. Quickly recognizing one of the Senators, he grabbed him and shoved him out the door as several Senators began to shoot at him. Practically carrying the Senator now, he ran out the hall, four or five Senators in pursuit...

Leona looked over the halls, they sure as hell didn't seem to be made with protection in mind... or much else for that matter. For a planet so dark, she expected a building so seemingly important to be well-lit and well-furnished, but that obviously wasn't the case. Red squinted a bit as the man walked in, not yet aware of who he might be, thinking him somewhat odd. There was an air of hostility, something that made him feel uncomfortable. As soon as the helmet came off and he heard the name, he realized what had just happened and smiled slightly; his target had come to him. He tapped his ear and whispered, "Leona, target is here. Return to my location, I'm making contact now." With that, Leona turned and bolted back to her husband. By the time Decimus was out of the inner hall, Red was already standing in his way, pistol aimed at Decimus's head. "Sorry, but I don't intend to let you go." Red's had a strange smile on his face, like he was intending to enjoy this battle. His red eyes focused on the man in front of him, he knew his opponent was strong and that he'd have to be careful. But at the same time, he also knew that he was about to have some fun.

Leona looked over the halls, they sure as hell didn't seem to be made with protection in mind... or much else for that matter. For a planet so dark, she expected a building so seemingly important to be well-lit and well-furnished, but that obviously wasn't the case. Red squinted a bit as the man walked in, not yet aware of who he might be, thinking him somewhat odd. There was an air of hostility, something that made him feel uncomfortable. As soon as the helmet came off and he heard the name, he realized what had just happened and smiled slightly; his target had come to him. He tapped his ear and whispered, "Leona, target is here. Return to my location, I'm making contact now." With that, Leona turned and bolted back to her husband. By the time Decimus was out of the inner hall, Red was already standing in his way, pistol aimed at Decimus's head. "Sorry, but I don't intend to let you go." Red's had a strange smile on his face, like he was intending to enjoy this battle. His red eyes focused on the man in front of him, he knew his opponent was strong and that he'd have to be careful. But at the same time, he also knew that he was about to have some fun.

Decimus sighed. "Please, let me go. I have no quarrel with you." Still holding the Senator by the back of his toga, Decimus stared at Red. "You can shoot me now, or you can let me go. If you shoot me, it won't make any difference. I'm going to die whether I get what I want from this lutum or not. If you let me go, I won't stop until I have my revenge." Decimus lifted up his arm, a timer on his wrist ticking away. "And if you shoot me, this suit is rigged to go off in twenty seconds. Thirty yard blast radius, antimatter explosion. Either way, I get my revenge. Even if you escape, forty-one lives, thirty-eight of whom are innocent, are on your hands."

"I put a bullet through your head, grab your corpse, tell my ship in orbit to lock onto my life signature, blink us both into space... you take out no one but me." Red gave a sweet, almost fatherly smile, "Try again." It was then that Leona appeared, stopped a few yards away from Decimus. "Situation?" Red nodded to her arrival, "Suit rigged to blow if I kill him." Leona sighed, "That all? Simple but tricky." Red shrugged, "No kidding."

"I put a bullet through your head, grab your corpse, tell my ship in orbit to lock onto my life signature, blink us both into space... you take out no one but me." Red gave a sweet, almost fatherly smile, "Try again." It was then that Leona appeared, stopped a few yards away from Decimus. "Situation?" Red nodded to her arrival, "Suit rigged to blow if I kill him." Leona sighed, "That all? Simple but tricky." Red shrugged, "No kidding."

"You can do that in... Seven seconds. Or you can-CHRIST!" Decimus yelped as a bullet dug deep into his armor, blood spurting out. Picking the Senator up again, Decimus dashed out the door, tapping his wrist console, the four senators hot on his trail.

OOC: Before me? Someone needs to double check post times and relative velocities...

So, whaddaya make of this?

He's carrying one of the senators, four in pursuit. If we stop the Senators, I can burn him clean, only one Moralite casualty if he explodes.

Not a bad idea. Go for it: Drop some effector walls and put a couple grams worth of light through his head. Easy math.

The Avatars seemed to shatter again, hundreds of pin-sized missiles and dozens of drones deafening the crowd of senators as the entire swarm of Avatars and munitions bolted past the fleeing Decimus, surrounding him in a cloud of mirrors. The chasing senators, meanwhile, were greeted with the sudden appearance of a sheer black wall millimeters in front of their noses. As the pursuers crashed into the mercifully soft barrier, another wall blinked into existence directly in front of him, this one purposefully less soft.

Watching the soldier rebound from the ebon block, the sole Avatar trapped inside the chamber with Decimus and his prize sighed.

"For a SpecOps soldier, you're remarkably poor at reconnaissance. That hard-light eidolon you’ve just finished smacking your face against is rated for a few megatons, so you’re little bomb isn’t going to be hurting anyone, besides my superfluid tanks and the planet’s collective atmosphere. So are you prepared to give up, or am I going to have to shine a flashlight through your head?”

On opposite sides outside the bubble, the other two Avatars and most of their drones dropped to the ground, gravitics temporarily disabled as they poured energy into their effectors. The few Okashimashos remaining aloft busied themselves by flitting between the bystanders, reassuring them that everything was safe, but to evacuate to a safe distance anyway.

OOC: Before me? Someone needs to double check post times and relative velocities...

So, whaddaya make of this?

He's carrying one of the senators, four in pursuit. If we stop the Senators, I can burn him clean, only one Moralite casualty if he explodes.

Not a bad idea. Go for it: Drop some effector walls and put a couple grams worth of light through his head. Easy math.

The Avatars seemed to shatter again, hundreds of pin-sized missiles and dozens of drones deafening the crowd of senators as the entire swarm of Avatars and munitions bolted past the fleeing Decimus, surrounding him in a cloud of mirrors. The chasing senators, meanwhile, were greeted with the sudden appearance of a sheer black wall millimeters in front of their noses. As the pursuers crashed into the mercifully soft barrier, another wall blinked into existence directly in front of him, this one purposefully less soft.

Watching the soldier rebound from the ebon block, the sole Avatar trapped inside the chamber with Decimus and his prize sighed.

"For a SpecOps soldier, you're remarkably poor at reconnaissance. That hard-light eidolon you’ve just finished smacking your face against is rated for a few megatons, so you’re little bomb isn’t going to be hurting anyone, besides my superfluid tanks and the planet’s collective atmosphere. So are you prepared to give up, or am I going to have to shine a flashlight through your head?”

On opposite sides outside the bubble, the other two Avatars and most of their drones dropped to the ground, gravitics temporarily disabled as they poured energy into their effectors. The few Okashimashos remaining aloft busied themselves by flitting between the bystanders, reassuring them that everything was safe, but to evacuate to a safe distance anyway.

"Spec Ops? Reconnaissance? We were a shock squad." Throwing the Senator down on the ground, he spat on his face. "I don't want you. And the bomb will blow out anything you can throw at me. I activate this." He leaned to the side, showing a small case on his back. "There won't be anything left here. 1.3 Kilograms of antimatter. That's enough to raze this entire city,and your shield." He sighed, kicking the Senator once more, a sickening crunch coming from his bones. "But I don't want that. I only want the Senator. Now will let me through, or should I 'forget' to deactivate the bomb?" He lifted the timer. Once more it read 00:20. He put his helmet back on. "Either way, I get my revenge."

The black skin of the Avatar rippled, a pair of giant lips breaking into a wide grin.

"You're assuming I care about the local population, and I certainly don't care about this Avatar. So, when you have something I want and I have something you want, civilized people generally make a trade. So, what say you I drop you off somewhere a bit more friendly on the planet, you let the Senator go for now, and I let you get a head start on your next attempt?"

You really want to let him go?

Well, yeah. Makes this more interesting, and hell, might even learn something. Failing that, I'm descending right now to try to get a decent effector umbrella in place. If that clock of his is right, the blast probably will only kill a couple hundred thousand and falling.

Fair enough. Will start cooking up a press release in case he does forget to turn off his firecracker.

The black skin of the Avatar rippled, a pair of giant lips breaking into a wide grin.

"You're assuming I care about the local population, and I certainly don't care about this Avatar. So, when you have something I want and I have something you want, civilized people generally make a trade. So, what say you I drop you off somewhere a bit more friendly on the planet, you let the Senator go for now, and I let you get a head start on your next attempt?"

You really want to let him go?

Well, yeah. Makes this more interesting, and hell, might even learn something. Failing that, I'm descending right now to try to get a decent effector umbrella in place. If that clock of his is right, the blast probably will only kill a couple hundred thousand and falling.

Fair enough. Will start cooking up a press release in case he does forget to turn off his firecracker.
Decimus nodded. Grabbing the Senator again, he pulled him so close to his helmet they were almost touching. "Next time I see you, it'll be in the crosshairs of my rifle. Remember that." Tossing him to the ground, the Senator landing with a shout, Decimus bowed. "Very well then. He's all yours... For now." He quickly tapped a few buttons on his wrist as the timer blinked out.

OOC: Bump for Otagia

OOC: Sorry, New Years festivities kept me busy until about an hour ago. IC post will be in this spot in twenty.

A swarm of drones darted about the fallen senator, cooing gently as their effectors set bones, splinting breaks and stitching wounds with hard-light eidolons. The man began to float weightlessly, moving effortlessly through the black wall of the bubble, only to be replaced by the other two Avatars.

"There we are. We'll be dropping you off anywhere you like then. Well, this one will. The other two mes here will do a little decoy flight for us. Just give me a location, and we'll get moving."

Outside the bubble, the swarm of drones seemed to form a stretcher a half meter under the injured Senator, balancing him safely in their effector fields as they buzzed quickly towards the nearest medical facility.

OOC: Sorry, New Years festivities kept me busy until about an hour ago. IC post will be in this spot in twenty.

A swarm of drones darted about the fallen senator, cooing gently as their effectors set bones, splinting breaks and stitching wounds with hard-light eidolons. The man began to float weightlessly, moving effortlessly through the black wall of the bubble, only to be replaced by the other two Avatars.

"There we are. We'll be dropping you off anywhere you like then. Well, this one will. The other two mes here will do a little decoy flight for us. Just give me a location, and we'll get moving."

Outside the bubble, the swarm of drones seemed to form a stretcher a half meter under the injured Senator, balancing him safely in their effector fields as they buzzed quickly towards the nearest medical facility.

"Twenty miles west of this position will be close enough to where I need to be." Decimus adjusted his helmet slightly. "I'm ready."

The Avatar bobbed in a decent approximation of a nod. "Very well then. Should take a little under a minute to get there."

The bubble went dark for a second as a pair of Avatars and their accompanying drones activated their own effector bubbles and darting away. From outside, it would appear as if the enclosure had cloned itself, dozens of identical black spheres flying apart at supersonic speeds.

Inside the sphere carrying Decimus, the single remaining Avatar lounged idly against the wall. "So... Looks like we've got a while before we get there. No chance you want to tell me why you're out to kill these blokes?"

The Avatar bobbed in a decent approximation of a nod. "Very well then. Should take a little under a minute to get there."

The bubble went dark for a second as a pair of Avatars and their accompanying drones activated their own effector bubbles and darting away. From outside, it would appear as if the enclosure had cloned itself, dozens of identical black spheres flying apart at supersonic speeds.

Inside the sphere carrying Decimus, the single remaining Avatar lounged idly against the wall. "So... Looks like we've got a while before we get there. No chance you want to tell me why you're out to kill these blokes?"

Decimus sighed. "It's not like it's a secret... If you look deep enough." His shoulders suddenly slumped, his hand leaning against the wall. "I was a member of The Raven's Blood, a special Moralte Shock team. I was member of the team for six years. In that time I became closer to my squadmates than I had been with anyone else. And then, one day... We were ordered to eliminate a certain gang who had gained considerable influence among many Moralite Senators. To root out the corruption, we were supposed to eliminate most of the gang, and capture anyone we thought would testify against the corrupt Senators." His hand balled up into a fist. "It was a trap from the beginning. The four-hundred and seventy-fourth legion... Senator Appius', the Senator I was carrying, own little legion. I wouldn't be surprised if those traitorous bastards would be willing to pull off a coup for him. We went in, and..." Decimus breifly removed his helmet to wipe a tear from his eye. "And we were slaughtered." His voice wavered "For the first time, we were overwhelmed. I can still picture Ptolemy, his armor stained red, standing there, shielding me from the horrific rain of lead." He shook his head. "And all for nothing. I remember the Senator standing there, overseeing the whole thing... Putting the revolver to Gaius' head..." He suddenly snapped his head up. "Oh God... What have I done? I've let that monster get away! And all for my own life! What kind of coward am I?" He suddenly sunk to his knees, quietly sobbing.

The Avatar shivered slightly the sphere dissolved around it, leaving them alone under an overpass. Bobbing thougthfully, the machine softly patted the sobbing soldiers back with an effector.

"In my experience, it makes you a rather special type of monster: A decent human being. When given the choice, you walked away from revenge, stopped yourself from destroying an entire city filled with your innocent countrymen. It makes you better than the murderous bastard you were about to slaughter."

Pausing, the Avatar dropped a couple of missiles, which buzzed off to scout the immediate area.

"I, however..." GPAC's Avatar chuckled, skin pulsing a dark red. "I'm an entirely different breed of monster."

We still have Appius?

Yes. You thinking what I'm thinking?

Of course we are. Let's have some fun.

Miles away, Senator Appius felt the movement of the stretcher seem to slow dramatically. Stirring, he tried to lift his head, only to find himself unable to move. "What's going on," he intoned, his mouth forming the worlds painfully slowly. "Why are we stopping? Have we reached the hospital?"

A voice whispered silently in his head, chuckling mockingly. "We haven't slowed down, Senator Appius, I've just taken the liberty of making a few choice modifications to your neural structure. You're now experiencing time at a far quicker rate- about four minutes per second. Much, much slower than a Mind like myself, but enough to truly appreciate its majesty."

Slowly becoming alarmed, Appius could see the gleaming edge of the drone next to him, almost touching his temple. "That's... That's good, I suppose. But, ah, why?"

"Oh, that's rather simple, Appius: I want to you actually feel what I do to you, feel it as I pluck your nerves like the strings of a harpsichord, feel it as you die, alone and abandoned by your Legions. I imagine I'll enjoy this quite a bit."

The Senator's eye's widened in terror, a scream building in his throat, only to be stifled by a horrendous spike of pain darting through his throat.

"Ah ah ah, can't have you spoiling our fun by attracting undue attention. And before we begin in earnest, let me preface my performance with a dedication to our dear Raven Decimus Valerius. The Ravens Blood sends its regard, Senator."

____________


Still hovering over Decimus, the Avatar broke the silence again, speaking softly in the soldier's ear.

"It would appear that your last kick did a bit more damage than you thought, Raven Decimus. Senator Appius passed away from internal trauma a few seconds ago. My attempts to revive him have failed. Two down, how many left to go?"

Decimus stopped his quiet sobbing and choked out a chuckle. "Correction. Three down. They haven't found Tullus' body yet."

The Avatar shivered slightly the sphere dissolved around it, leaving them alone under an overpass. Bobbing thougthfully, the machine softly patted the sobbing soldiers back with an effector.

"In my experience, it makes you a rather special type of monster: A decent human being. When given the choice, you walked away from revenge, stopped yourself from destroying an entire city filled with your innocent countrymen. It makes you better than the murderous bastard you were about to slaughter."

Pausing, the Avatar dropped a couple of missiles, which buzzed off to scout the immediate area.

"I, however..." GPAC's Avatar chuckled, skin pulsing a dark red. "I'm an entirely different breed of monster."

We still have Appius?

Yes. You thinking what I'm thinking?

Of course we are. Let's have some fun.

Miles away, Senator Appius felt the movement of the stretcher seem to slow dramatically. Stirring, he tried to lift his head, only to find himself unable to move. "What's going on," he intoned, his mouth forming the worlds painfully slowly. "Why are we stopping? Have we reached the hospital?"

A voice whispered silently in his head, chuckling mockingly. "We haven't slowed down, Senator Appius, I've just taken the liberty of making a few choice modifications to your neural structure. You're now experiencing time at a far quicker rate- about four minutes per second. Much, much slower than a Mind like myself, but enough to truly appreciate its majesty."

Slowly becoming alarmed, Appius could see the gleaming edge of the drone next to him, almost touching his temple. "That's... That's good, I suppose. But, ah, why?"

"Oh, that's rather simple, Appius: I want to you actually feel what I do to you, feel it as I pluck your nerves like the strings of a harpsichord, feel it as you die, alone and abandoned by your Legions. I imagine I'll enjoy this quite a bit."

The Senator's eye's widened in terror, a scream building in his throat, only to be stifled by a horrendous spike of pain darting through his throat.

"Ah ah ah, can't have you spoiling our fun by attracting undue attention. And before we begin in earnest, let me preface my performance with a dedication to our dear Raven Decimus Valerius. The Ravens Blood sends its regard, Senator."

____________


Still hovering over Decimus, the Avatar broke the silence again, speaking softly in the soldier's ear.

"It would appear that your last kick did a bit more damage than you thought, Raven Decimus. Senator Appius passed away from internal trauma a few seconds ago. My attempts to revive him have failed. Two down, how many left to go?"

Decimus stopped his quiet sobbing and choked out a chuckle. "Correction. Three down. They haven't found Tullus' body yet."

Decimus stood up, placing his helmet back on. "I supposed I should be thanking you, but I don't know if you're a cat toying with it's prey, or if you helped me out of some code of honor, or if you've had a change of heart." he bowed slightly. "In any case, I will remember this, for whichever it turns out to be." Suddenly fading out of the normal light spectrum, Decimus walked off into the West, the Star above them fading, once more encroaching the planet in total darkness.

Bobbing slowly, the Avatar solemnly observed the Raven's exit. Then, turning smartly, it darted back towards the group of Senators.

Meanwhile, at the gaggle of politicians, a single drone paced smartly in midair, punctuating its speech with its turns.

"Now. Gentlemen. Some of you are probably wondering what the hell is going on. And I know some of you know exactly what is going on. For those of you out of the loop, let me fill you in: Moments ago, one of your number was nearly killed by-" The drone paused in its pacing for a moment, shivered, and resumed. "Scratch that. Moments ago, one of your number was killed by Raven Decimus Valerius. A select few of you know why. Now, I don't know which of you half-evolved monkeys are in that number, but I plan to find out if I have to root through Senator Appius' decaying brain cells myself. You will come forward with this information now, or I will proceed to do this my way, which will be considerably more fun for me and terribly less fun for you. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

"Your threats mean nothing, drone," Shiv said, approaching the area after having witnessed the assassin's showdown and choosing to do nothing. "You have no authority over these political officers, as you are aware. Perform anything of questionable legality against their persons, and you start a war." Orange, pupilless eyes flashing, Shiv stepped slowly closer, watching the group of senators unblinkingly. "However, I am linked to no state, thus rendering my actions null in terms of legality. So, whatever this flying piece of metal says," it added, gesturing at the drone, "I will be very glad to enforce. I intend to see nothing less than complete success for the mission which I have been brought to this wretched planet to begin with. Stand, and unfold yourselves, good senators, for the time of thy judgment is nigh." The transition from relatively colloquial language to archaic Basic was accompanied by no change in robotic, mechanical tone at all, the same as the rest of Shiv's monologue.

Bobbing slowly, the Avatar solemnly observed the Raven's exit. Then, turning smartly, it darted back towards the group of Senators.

Meanwhile, at the gaggle of politicians, a single drone paced smartly in midair, punctuating its speech with its turns.

"Now. Gentlemen. Some of you are probably wondering what the hell is going on. And I know some of you know exactly what is going on. For those of you out of the loop, let me fill you in: Moments ago, one of your number was nearly killed by-" The drone paused in its pacing for a moment, shivered, and resumed. "Scratch that. Moments ago, one of your number was killed by Raven Decimus Valerius. A select few of you know why. Now, I don't know which of you half-evolved monkeys are in that number, but I plan to find out if I have to root through Senator Appius' decaying brain cells myself. You will come forward with this information now, or I will proceed to do this my way, which will be considerably more fun for me and terribly less fun for you. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"

"Your threats mean nothing, drone," Shiv said, approaching the area after having witnessed the assassin's showdown and choosing to do nothing. "You have no authority over these political officers, as you are aware. Perform anything of questionable legality against their persons, and you start a war." Orange, pupilless eyes flashing, Shiv stepped slowly closer, watching the group of senators unblinkingly. "However, I am linked to no state, thus rendering my actions null in terms of legality. So, whatever this flying piece of metal says," it added, gesturing at the drone, "I will be very glad to enforce. I intend to see nothing less than complete success for the mission which I have been brought to this wretched planet to begin with. Stand, and unfold yourselves, good senators, for the time of thy judgment is nigh." The transition from relatively colloquial language to archaic Basic was accompanied by no change in robotic, mechanical tone at all, the same as the rest of Shiv's monologue.

A single Senator stepped forward, provoking gasps from the small crowd. "I, am High Senator Flavius." He waited for a moment for dramatic effect. "Firstly, for you, feel free to root through his brain cells. If his family doesn't demand his body to be given a proper burial of course. Secondly, you cannot threaten us with your not-so-subtle threats. We are Senators of Conserative Morality, and there's nothing you can do to hinder us, as Moralites or Senators!" The Crowd of Senators began a shout, one of support for Flavius, and defiance towards the Drone, whom they no doubt thought of as a 'Foreigner'. Flavius, upon closer examination in the dark air of Noctis, seemed young, perhaps this was enhanced from what one would expect from a High Senator, but he seemed no older than thirty, and full of vigor. Bowing to his fellow Senators, he calmly walked down the street, his steps slow and deliberate, his destination unknown to any man. The small crowd of Senators spit a few times at the Drone's feet and dispersed, each wandering off in their own way.

Following the defying one silently, Shiv contemplated what to do. How easily it was dismissed, the senators seeming to forget its presence. Instead, they honored that idiotic drone with the recognition as a worthy being. Incorrect. With an emotionless rage, Shiv threw its arm up, invisible kinetic energy pulsing from its upturned palm. It gripped Flavius from the waist, leaving him free to kick and struggle all he liked. Shiv pushed him into the wall, not with force, but to make sure that his human insignificance compared to the Shivati was clear.

"So sorry you think that way, Senator," Shiv said mechanically, approaching the human at an ambling pace. "I say again, no nation or political state has ties to me, so my actions are completely guilt-free -- were I capable of experiencing guilt," it added with no change in tone, even had it been possible. Shiv ended up face to face with the fool, its orange spheres of eyes casting the same-colored light upon the latter's face.

"So, tell me," it asked robotically, "What... just... happened?", punctuating each word with a fist through the wall beside the Senator.

Following the defying one silently, Shiv contemplated what to do. How easily it was dismissed, the senators seeming to forget its presence. Instead, they honored that idiotic drone with the recognition as a worthy being. Incorrect. With an emotionless rage, Shiv threw its arm up, invisible kinetic energy pulsing from its upturned palm. It gripped Flavius from the waist, leaving him free to kick and struggle all he liked. Shiv pushed him into the wall, not with force, but to make sure that his human insignificance compared to the Shivati was clear.

"So sorry you think that way, Senator," Shiv said mechanically, approaching the human at an ambling pace. "I say again, no nation or political state has ties to me, so my actions are completely guilt-free -- were I capable of experiencing guilt," it added with no change in tone, even had it been possible. Shiv ended up face to face with the fool, its orange spheres of eyes casting the same-colored light upon the latter's face.

"So, tell me," it asked robotically, "What... just... happened?", punctuating each word with a fist through the wall beside the Senator.

Flavius glared at the Drone as his face smashed into the wall. Spitting out a tooth, blood drizzled down his chin. "You had better look behind you." Sure enough, a muffled voice echoed behind him. "Drop the Senator. We are authorized to shoot, and we aren't using rubber bullets." Ten Moralite Soldiers stood behind him, rifles leveled at Shiv. "You might not feel any guilt, but we'll find a way to make you feel pain."

Without a word, Shiv dropped the Senator. At the same time, though, it raised the same hand towards the soldiers with its palm open, facing the heavens. A sphere of energy appeared, which was followed by another in its other hand.

"Dense magnetic field containing a net of atmospheric elements, namely hydrogen, surrounding a core of plasma," Shiv said, slowly bobbing the hand facing them. It did the same with the other, raising it so that both its hands were facing the Moralites. "Same situation contained by my other hand. Surely you know what happens when a large number of hydrogen atoms are forced to fuse, and have a high amount of energy stimulating them?" Shiv asked the bloodied senator, wondering if the thought would draw any reaction.

"I would certainly hate to demonstrate," Shiv said slowly. The two fields sparked, arcs drawing from one globe to another. "I can die, yes, but I will guarantee you that this city goes with me. Not that much, actually... likely a 15 square mile radius. Nothing so big as a weaponized explosion." Looking back at the soldiers, whom were facing death in the eye with courage (at least it appeared so), Shiv saw that the threat meant nothing to them. To be so naive, as to shrug off a small nuclear fusion detonation in their precious cities -- humanity truly was an arrogant, self-assured plague of the galaxy.

With the mechanical equivalent of a sigh, Shiv dropped its palms, the energy dispersing once more. However, as Shiv walked away, it stopped, as if in consideration. It was scripted, but they didn't need to know that. Turning back to the senator, the being watched him for a few moments.

"Tell me, Senator," it buzzed, "I hardly think that I have endeared myself to you, but I just need to know. Do you have any knowledge of what transpired in the conspiracies of this planet?" Once again stepping face-to-face with the man, which likely got 10 weapons aimed at its head, it watched for reactions. "Because, I assure you, if even the smallest possibility exists that you are one of the corruptors... well, suffice to say," it added, backing up and watching the soldiers, "no army will stand between you and justice, however your planet defines it."

With that, the mysterious alien being strode away, twin half-capes streaming behind it, despite the lack of wind. New plan. What next?

"See ya tomorrow Gaius!"
"Be seeing ya Mark!"
Senator Marcus hurriedly jogged home to his apartment. Glancing at his watch, he picked up his pace. Twenty-three hours already? Damn. Running up to his door, he began to fumble with his keys. "Let's see..." He muttered aloud. "Closet... Identification... Here we go." Jamming the key in the keyhole, Marcus suddenly snapped himself to attention. He saw something in the shadows back there... "Decimus." The figure emerged from the shadows. "Indeed Senator. I'm glad your powers of observation have not failed you in your old age."
"Decimus..." Senator Marcus sighed. "Killing me won't bring back Ptolemy-" Marcus suddenly found the key to his apartment rammed up his nose. "Dear gods!" Decimus, as calm as can be, wedged the key into the door. Placing the Senator's nose directly on the key, he began to speak. "Tell me Marcus. Who was the fifth man. I know he was a High Senator. But which one?" Mark flailed his arms wildly, trying to push himself away from the key. "Decimus! We can talk this over! Here, I've got fifty-thousand Tiosles with me now and-URGH!" Blood now soaked the dull wood of the door, giving it a grisly look. Sinking to his knees, Marcus was quickly pulled back up again. Decimus' voice echoed in his ears, his vision began to blur. "I once managed to do this for an hour. If you don't talk now, I'll perform a more professional 'examination' of what you do and do not know. Now tell me who the fifth man was!" The Senator was despondent. "Why does it matter? I'm dead anyway!" Another sickening thud. "No! Please! Kill me now! Just stop this!" Decimus lifted him high into the air. Putting the pistol to Marcus' forehead, he asked calmly. "Who is the fifth man in your little ring?"
"T-Tertius. High Senator Tertius."
"Then you'll get the peace you so desire." Decimus left the Senator's body with a thousand Tiosle note on him, and a poem.

For this what I so loved in life
It caused great greif and no end of strife
I sold the blood of many men
My death was not if, it was when
And so now as death defeats me
I can only pray that flames do not meet me

"So I suppose you'll be wanting two squads, High Senator Tertius?"
"Squads? I want an entire Legion boy! I've seen what that man can do. It isn't pretty. And I want three squads with me at all times!"
"Sir, I'm not sure if that would be wise..."
"I just need them until Decimus shows himself- and is promptly killed. It won't be long."
"Yes, High Senator. Should I inform the Senate?"
"Can you keep it from them?
"I suppose not."

OOC: back, you miss me?

The crew of the Saphia flame were snoring away in various places around the ship when one of the computers started beeping.
"mehhh....SHUT UP!" shouted Josh, throwing a knife at the console. Walking over to the computer, he pulled out his knife and replaced it in his belt before noticing WHY the console was beeping. On the screen was 3 things: 1) there had been reports that a man with a bounty on his head was seen in the pailment buildings. 2) That another Senator had been killed and 3) that the high Senator had surposily had 3 squads assigned to him for 'safety reasons'. He then decided that the best thing would be to pay said High senator a visit. Grabbing the intercom mic he shouted:
"TIME TO MOVE PEOPLE!! WE ARE GOING VISITING!!!"

"So then Senator, you thought you'd be getting back to the Senate today?" Tertius whirled around, his men following. "Ah Decimus. Here I thought you'd make us hunt you down. At least you're being sensible about this. Are you going to surrender too, or would that be too much for one day?"
"That would be too much in one lifetime."
"Very well then. Men, separate him and his life. I'm sure he won't miss it much."
The twelve soldiers immediately fired at Decimus, their lasers burning into his armor... And suddenly stopping, the Laser Rifles burning out in their hands. Decimus slowly trudged forward, a gaping hole in his armor, revealing a near-fatal burn. "You see lads... I'm a bit of a tinker." One of the Moralite soldiers ran forward to meet him, only to be met with a very firm grip, twist, and drop. "*cough* This suit can...Return a massive amount of energy to...Most laser frequencies." Four more of them ran forward, bringing Decimus' arms around his back, while the other two prepared to remove his armor. "Also, you'll note... That even with this huge burn in my chest... My exoskeleton is still ten times as powerful as yours." He swung the two men holding him through a thin wooden wall behind him (Creating quite a ruckus among a small family enjoying dinner together), and twisted the arms of the other two men around until he heard a snapping sound, accompanied by a scream, and removed their helmets before bashing their head against the ground. The other seven men had finally grabbed their ordinary, solid-cartridge rifles out. But by that time, they didn't notice the spherical object rolled between them.

Decimus looked around, his vision blurry as he patched himself up. I suppose I should make sure Tertius is dead... Getting up slowly, he made his way to the Senator's body. "You'll pay for this Decimus!"
"Are you still...Not dead? Fine...Have it your way." He pulled out his pistol, place it to the Senator's forehead and... "Backup! We need backup! Any member of the Moralite army, any one working on Decimus' case, get down to south third street, look for smoke!"
"I hate it when there's survivors... I'll be right back. *Sharp gunshot, followed by silence on the radio* Now where were we?"

OOC: Bump if anyone's still participating

"Backup! We need backup! Any member of the Moralite army, any one working on Decimus' case, get down to south third street, look for smoke!"

Shiv's eyes snapped to a local concession stand. With little care for what the owner had to say, it grabbed a map and examined it quickly, sucking in the information like a siphon. Finished, it crumpled up the map and tossed it into the stall before taking off at a sprint. The Shivati didn't breathe, didn't tire, didn't sweat; it could perform physical labor nearly endlessly. As such, it reached the street within a few minutes, and just caught a senator crumpling to the ground, a figure standing over him with a gun. Without a moment's thought, Shiv pulled out its two-barreled plasma pistol and began releasing a torrent of green energy at the figure, still charging forward at an olympic sprinter's pace.

Shiv's eyes snapped to a local concession stand. With little care for what the owner had to say, it grabbed a map and examined it quickly, sucking in the information like a siphon. Finished, it crumpled up the map and tossed it into the stall before taking off at a sprint. The Shivati didn't breathe, didn't tire, didn't sweat; it could perform physical labor nearly endlessly. As such, it reached the street within a few minutes, and just caught a senator crumpling to the ground, a figure standing over him with a gun. Without a moment's thought, Shiv pulled out its two-barreled plasma pistol and began releasing a torrent of green energy at the figure, still charging forward at an olympic sprinter's pace.

Decimus snapped up as he heard the footsteps, pulling the Senator along with him, shielding himself against the plasma. Running inside the half-destroyed building, he pulled out his rifle. Activating his Camera camouflage, he blended in perfectly with the rest of the house, almost undetectable. A tiger, waiting for his prey.

Decimus snapped up as he heard the footsteps, pulling the Senator along with him, shielding himself against the plasma. Running inside the half-destroyed building, he pulled out his rifle. Activating his Camera camouflage, he blended in perfectly with the rest of the house, almost undetectable. A tiger, waiting for his prey.

Coward. Hoping to shake the constitution of the shooter, Shiv began creating spheres of plasma -- in effect, ball lightning -- and tossing them through any windows or holes that it could see. If nothing else, it may get lucky and hit the person inside.

"Come out now, fleshling," Shiv said loudly and robotically. "I could obliterate the building in which you stand, were it not for the innocents that would be killed. Surrender yourself."

Coward. Hoping to shake the constitution of the shooter, Shiv began creating spheres of plasma -- in effect, ball lightning -- and tossing them through any windows or holes that it could see. If nothing else, it may get lucky and hit the person inside.

"Come out now, fleshling," Shiv said loudly and robotically. "I could obliterate the building in which you stand, were it not for the innocents that would be killed. Surrender yourself."

A sphere of plasma rammed itself into Decimus, and he collapsed to the ground. His armor was in tatters, sparks flying out of every major part. His body was burned, in places almost down to the bone. His vision began to blur, as the pain became a dull, constant thumping...

A slow clap began behind Shiv. "Very good. You've beaten him. I was wondering how long it would take before I found a... Man, shall we say? Of your caliber." Behind him was a man in a snazzy suit and tie, looking rather out of place amidst the dead soldiers and ruined houses. "Ah, he was tough to control, I'll give him that, but he had other things on his mind when I started to influence him." Now, the man was standing right next to Shiv. "Even now I can tell he's still living. Ah, gods, perhaps he has truly outlived his usefulness." Swinging around a revolver, he offered it to Shiv. "Care to do the honors?" At a closer look, the man had deep red hair, and a rather arrogant expression. "After all, I'll need a new helper after this, and a willing man is ten times better than a controlled one." He smiled and held out a wad of bills. "And don't worry, you'll be well compensated."

A sphere of plasma rammed itself into Decimus, and he collapsed to the ground. His armor was in tatters, sparks flying out of every major part. His body was burned, in places almost down to the bone. His vision began to blur, as the pain became a dull, constant thumping...

A slow clap began behind Shiv. "Very good. You've beaten him. I was wondering how long it would take before I found a... Man, shall we say? Of your caliber." Behind him was a man in a snazzy suit and tie, looking rather out of place amidst the dead soldiers and ruined houses. "Ah, he was tough to control, I'll give him that, but he had other things on his mind when I started to influence him." Now, the man was standing right next to Shiv. "Even now I can tell he's still living. Ah, gods, perhaps he has truly outlived his usefulness." Swinging around a revolver, he offered it to Shiv. "Care to do the honors?" At a closer look, the man had deep red hair, and a rather arrogant expression. "After all, I'll need a new helper after this, and a willing man is ten times better than a controlled one." He smiled and held out a wad of bills. "And don't worry, you'll be well compensated."

"Somehow," Shiv said monotonously, "I can not help but feel that this was the inevitable turnout of this entire endeavor. In spite of that..." Shiv looked, first at the redheaded man, and then the once mighty free agent. Ignoring the proffered pistol, Shiv raised its left hand, its right still clenching the plasma pistol, and a hair thin bolt of energy connected with the head of the dying man, causing him to convulse; whether or not he was dead was up for question, but at the very least he would be brain dead for the rest of his life.

"It is done," Shiv said to its new sponsor. It scornfully looked down at the funds being offered it, but even it had to have money to survive in the galaxy, if for no other reason than transport. "What would you ask of me?"

"Somehow," Shiv said monotonously, "I can not help but feel that this was the inevitable turnout of this entire endeavor. In spite of that..." Shiv looked, first at the redheaded man, and then the once mighty free agent. Ignoring the proffered pistol, Shiv raised its left hand, its right still clenching the plasma pistol, and a hair thin bolt of energy connected with the head of the dying man, causing him to convulse; whether or not he was dead was up for question, but at the very least he would be brain dead for the rest of his life.

"It is done," Shiv said to its new sponsor. It scornfully looked down at the funds being offered it, but even it had to have money to survive in the galaxy, if for no other reason than transport. "What would you ask of me?"

"Ah, indeed. Chaos is what I want. I want CM burned to the ground, so that a new government may arise from the ashes, like a phoenix. I want, death, destruction. And I want the Senate. Dead. All of them." He smile left him, and a serious, almost angry visage took his face. "I want those bastards dead. With them out of the way..." He stopped for a moment. "Although if you choose not to help me, I'm afraid that I'd have no other choice than to stop you from telling anyone that I still exist."

"Vincent, Vincent, Vincent. You were always a fool." Standing next to Decimus, another armored figure stood. "You've been defeated by the very thing you helped create. Cloning. I killed the first four, and let you believe you had me in your hot little hand. It didn't even act like me, for Christ's sake!" Vincent began to shake. "But, but I-... Well. If you're up to it, there's your first target." Vincent twitched. "Kill Decimus. Kill him, now!"

"Ah, indeed. Chaos is what I want. I want CM burned to the ground, so that a new government may arise from the ashes, like a phoenix. I want, death, destruction. And I want the Senate. Dead. All of them." He smile left him, and a serious, almost angry visage took his face. "I want those bastards dead. With them out of the way..." He stopped for a moment. "Although if you choose not to help me, I'm afraid that I'd have no other choice than to stop you from telling anyone that I still exist."

"Vincent, Vincent, Vincent. You were always a fool." Standing next to Decimus, another armored figure stood. "You've been defeated by the very thing you helped create. Cloning. I killed the first four, and let you believe you had me in your hot little hand. It didn't even act like me, for Christ's sake!" Vincent began to shake. "But, but I-... Well. If you're up to it, there's your first target." Vincent twitched. "Kill Decimus. Kill him, now!"

Shiv paused. It looked at the armored figure, and then back at the red haired Vincent. Decisions, decisions...

"You seem to underestimate me, fleshling," Shiv said to the man standing next to it. "I want no government tumbled but for the Immortal Lands of the Great Lord Tiger. And it was folly to presume upon my inhumanity -- a biased term, to be sure -- so far." With a blur of motion, Shiv grabbed the man's arms, stepping behind him and holding him in a full nelson. Ignoring anything the man had to say, Shiv looked at Decimus.

"When he is dead... will it be finished?" it asked the man flatly.

Shiv paused. It looked at the armored figure, and then back at the red haired Vincent. Decisions, decisions...

"You seem to underestimate me, fleshling," Shiv said to the man standing next to it. "I want no government tumbled but for the Immortal Lands of the Great Lord Tiger. And it was folly to presume upon my inhumanity -- a biased term, to be sure -- so far." With a blur of motion, Shiv grabbed the man's arms, stepping behind him and holding him in a full nelson. Ignoring anything the man had to say, Shiv looked at Decimus.

"When he is dead... will it be finished?" it asked the man flatly.

"Hardly. If he dies, we won't be able to find the rest of his organization. If all we had to do was kill him-"
"And you seem to have underestimated me!" With a blast of telekinetic fury, Vincent almost leveled the entire block. Decimus, now laying half-buried beneath a pile of rubble. Gasping for air, he began to bite down on his communication wire. "Where are those damned mental suppressors?"
"They're on north third street, just hold him off!" Vincent began to laugh. Turning to Shiv, he smiled. "How I love it when someone double-crosses me. It makes these confrontations so much more... Enjoyable."

"Hardly. If he dies, we won't be able to find the rest of his organization. If all we had to do was kill him-"
"And you seem to have underestimated me!" With a blast of telekinetic fury, Vincent almost leveled the entire block. Decimus, now laying half-buried beneath a pile of rubble. Gasping for air, he began to bite down on his communication wire. "Where are those damned mental suppressors?"
"They're on north third street, just hold him off!" Vincent began to laugh. Turning to Shiv, he smiled. "How I love it when someone double-crosses me. It makes these confrontations so much more... Enjoyable."

Cursing itself for its lack of attention -- it should have been able to detect such an empowered being -- Shiv tossed its ripped cloak aside. Its metal plating was scratched and dented, but these were no more than superficial marks. "I am afraid that I must guarantee your life," Shiv said to Vincent, nodding his head to Decimus, "since that man -- seemingly the most honorable one yet on this planet -- has indicated that you are the key to culling the insurrection. However, I quite assure you, any kinesis you can do, I can do better." Holstering its pistol, Shiv gathered energy into both hands, its eyes igniting into new-found orange light. A gesture with its arm threw a sizable portion of the debris from Decimus, clearing him somewhat. "And now, fleshling," Shiv said, its voice deepening, "we duel." The last word was accompanied by twin bolts of plasma streaking towards the head of its enemy.

Cursing itself for its lack of attention -- it should have been able to detect such an empowered being -- Shiv tossed its ripped cloak aside. Its metal plating was scratched and dented, but these were no more than superficial marks. "I am afraid that I must guarantee your life," Shiv said to Vincent, nodding his head to Decimus, "since that man -- seemingly the most honorable one yet on this planet -- has indicated that you are the key to culling the insurrection. However, I quite assure you, any kinesis you can do, I can do better." Holstering its pistol, Shiv gathered energy into both hands, its eyes igniting into new-found orange light. A gesture with its arm threw a sizable portion of the debris from Decimus, clearing him somewhat. "And now, fleshling," Shiv said, its voice deepening, "we duel." The last word was accompanied by twin bolts of plasma streaking towards the head of its enemy.


Vincent scoffed. "Is that all?" Stopping the plasma bolts, he threw them back over towards Decimus. "I have no fear of you, nor of any other man." With a small twitch of his finger, what was left of the house behind Shiv began to topple forward...

Muttering his thanks, Decimus swiftly got up, forming his rifle in his hands. "What the-" The two bolts burned into his arm, blowing away the armor with ease. Dropping to the ground with a shout of pain, he dropped his rifle. "Mark! The mental suppressors!"
"Patience! They're on 3rd street and closing in!"

Vincent scoffed. "Is that all?" Stopping the plasma bolts, he threw them back over towards Decimus. "I have no fear of you, nor of any other man." With a small twitch of his finger, what was left of the house behind Shiv began to topple forward...

Muttering his thanks, Decimus swiftly got up, forming his rifle in his hands. "What the-" The two bolts burned into his arm, blowing away the armor with ease. Dropping to the ground with a shout of pain, he dropped his rifle. "Mark! The mental suppressors!"
"Patience! They're on 3rd street and closing in!"

With the nonchalance of brushing a fly away, Shiv turned and lifted its right arm, still glowing with power. The sphere of energy in its hand expanded, becoming larger until it formed a beam (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbkuSXSDgbc&feature=related) that obliterated a large hole in the structure, causing it to fall harmlessly around it. "Just as well that I'm not a man, then!" Shiv shouted, voice still of one pitch but this being so deep as to rumble the ground. Realizing that defending itself from the house was likely distraction, Shiv tossed itself sideways, rolling to avoid whatever the enemy had sent its way, if anything. Obviously, it could manipulate plasmas, too, or at least projectiles; Shiv came out of the roll in a charge towards the man, eyes leaving inexplicable trails of orange light behind.

With the nonchalance of brushing a fly away, Shiv turned and lifted its right arm, still glowing with power. The sphere of energy in its hand expanded, becoming larger until it formed a beam (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbkuSXSDgbc&feature=related) that obliterated a large hole in the structure, causing it to fall harmlessly around it. "Just as well that I'm not a man, then!" Shiv shouted, voice still of one pitch but this being so deep as to rumble the ground. Realizing that defending itself from the house was likely distraction, Shiv tossed itself sideways, rolling to avoid whatever the enemy had sent its way, if anything. Obviously, it could manipulate plasmas, too, or at least projectiles; Shiv came out of the roll in a charge towards the man, eyes leaving inexplicable trails of orange light behind.

Vincent merely scoffed and pulled out an old-fashioned revolver. Moving forward oh-so-slowly, he kept the revolver carefully trained on Shiv, waiting for just the right moment to fire...

Vincent merely scoffed and pulled out an old-fashioned revolver. Moving forward oh-so-slowly, he kept the revolver carefully trained on Shiv, waiting for just the right moment to fire...

Could it but grin, Shiv would have at that moment. Perfect. Without even bothering to raise its hands, Shiv sent forth another needle of energy, flowing into the revolver and cooking off the rounds. The one that was chambered struck Shiv in the leg, causing it to tumble to the ground, but it could be hoped that rest of the shrapnel caused some damage to the man.

Could it but grin, Shiv would have at that moment. Perfect. Without even bothering to raise its hands, Shiv sent forth another needle of energy, flowing into the revolver and cooking off the rounds. The one that was chambered struck Shiv in the leg, causing it to tumble to the ground, but it could be hoped that rest of the shrapnel caused some damage to the man.

Vincent clutched at his face, the revolver dropping out of his hands, his left knee and face, both covered in a grisly red. Extracting and dropping the bullets telekinetically, he calmly dropped the revolver, and began to walk away. Suddenly, he stopped. "The noise... The ringing..." Clutching at his head, he dropped to his knees. "Stop the ringing! Make it stop!" Sure enough, several strange-looking vehicles turned the corner, escorted by almost a hundred Moralite soldiers. "And here come the Mental Suppressors." He muttered, smiling beneath his helmet. As the soldiers approached him, one dealt Vincent a vicious blow to the head, knocking him out cold. Decimus strode over to Shiv and extended his good hand. "You've done a great service to CM today. I'm sure the Senators will want to reward you personally."

Vincent clutched at his face, the revolver dropping out of his hands, his left knee and face, both covered in a grisly red. Extracting and dropping the bullets telekinetically, he calmly dropped the revolver, and began to walk away. Suddenly, he stopped. "The noise... The ringing..." Clutching at his head, he dropped to his knees. "Stop the ringing! Make it stop!" Sure enough, several strange-looking vehicles turned the corner, escorted by almost a hundred Moralite soldiers. "And here come the Mental Suppressors." He muttered, smiling beneath his helmet. As the soldiers approached him, one dealt Vincent a vicious blow to the head, knocking him out cold. Decimus strode over to Shiv and extended his good hand. "You've done a great service to CM today. I'm sure the Senators will want to reward you personally."

Staggering to its feet, balancing its weight on its uninjured leg, Shiv regarded the offered hand offhandedly. Shaking its head with resignation, Shiv shook it, a human tradition it tended to avoid. "My services were all that could be expected... Decimus," Shiv said in reply. "I could have assisted him in his plot, and very likely crushed this world before crushing him and taking it for my own control. Luckily for you, I do not easily cast aside the lives of innocents, unless it is for a greater good. Selfish ideals," Shiv ended, "are not for the greater good." The being looked at the unconscious madman. "So. What is the true story here?"

Staggering to its feet, balancing its weight on its uninjured leg, Shiv regarded the offered hand offhandedly. Shaking its head with resignation, Shiv shook it, a human tradition it tended to avoid. "My services were all that could be expected... Decimus," Shiv said in reply. "I could have assisted him in his plot, and very likely crushed this world before crushing him and taking it for my own control. Luckily for you, I do not easily cast aside the lives of innocents, unless it is for a greater good. Selfish ideals," Shiv ended, "are not for the greater good." The being looked at the unconscious madman. "So. What is the true story here?"

"On occasion, the Senate has a stroke of Genius. We've been trying to lure this guy out for years, ever since he started our first Interplanetary Civil war. This bastard has been chipping away at us for the past... Well, the gods know how long. Point is, he can transfer his conscious to a being he has sufficient control over. His little organization of traitors has clone after clone, with no free will of his own he can retreat to, like he did the last three times we executed him. It's true, the Raven's Blood is disbanded, and I'm the only survivor, but that's because of the fuckwads down in Intel. They've been executed. Legally. So, the Senate used me as bait to draw him out, I let him think he had some sort of control over me, and things just kind of took themselves from there." Decimus rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Still. I can't help but wonder what happened to Senator Appius. I know that kick shouldn't have killed him..." High Senator Tertius picked himself up from among the rubble. "You didn't have to throw it so close to me, Raven."
"All of those men knew what had to be done. And you know damn well that wasn't me. Their sacrifices were not in vain."
"Indeed." Decimus nodded to Shiv. "Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to get this arm looked at."