The Clockwork Mansion

((OOC: Bear with me, theres a lot to cover x-x))

It had been a long time since that day Leona had recieved the call. She sighed softly, her thoughts drifiting from the letter she was supposed to be writing. She had been having a lot of fun then, travelling with her best friend Adrian Mneme and Morbid, the girl who she hated at first but quickly grew on her. And oh yes, Flitch. Couldnt forget Flitch! The little Pyrion had tracked her down, just to check up on her after he had heard her husband had passed...

Wow, that had been a hard time for her. Ramses had been her rock, and the very reason she hadnt taken down an entire world system with her siblings and mother. Ramses had taught her how important humans were, mortals in general, that their lives meant something. After he had passed Leona had been literally running to pas sthe time, unwilling to sit down and actually think about it...

Then Adrian had come. It had been... really great. She could have travelled with her friend for centuries and not minded at all. But one night, she recieved a mental calling, a dream, from one she knew all too well: her mother and creator: Eris, Goddess of Chaos.

Eris came to Leona with the story of Median. How many centuries before, she had helped the chaos forces of Median fight against the sheerly massive forces of Order. Eris and many otehr world's chaos deities had come to help, mainly because oif the balance was overthrown in one world there would be an effect throughout the galaxies. But the war had been brutal, killing off many chaos deities...

Eris herself had only now, all these years later, been able to regain enough strength to call to her children. Leona had been the only one still able to hear. And despite their past history (for Eris had of course not only manipulated Leona directly but tried to kill Ramses...) Leona knew she had to go. For Median, and for her mother.

Knowing her friends were deep asleep, Leona left a short note for them to find: Dont try to follow... I mean it. Take care guys, Ill miss ya. -Leona. And she had shifted to Median.

This had happened almost a hundred years ago. During that time Leona tried to help her mother recover with small acts of chaos... but it was clear a larger scale was needed. Median needed a Chaos force large enough... an army of sorts. And the shifter, though throughly against the very idea, was drafted as the leader of those forces.

Which was why she found herself now writing this letter, or trying to. She found she still missed her friends... it had been really lonely. Eris had taught Leona much of her chaos abilties, how to control them even better and granted Leona a few more... but it didnt matter. She sighed softly. She knew though this was a path she had already taken. Median needed help, and it needed it now. She had seen it herself... the people had grown so slothful that many probably had never seen the light outside of their own homes.

"Come on Leona gal, THINK!" she told herself, then nodded and began again. In the end, she finally penned the letter, and nodding she sent it out with a sigh. It was to be sent to persons of interest and though Leona knew some Order affiliates would probably see this as well, or even some heroes... (wait, wasnt she the hero, the good guy here? How confusing...) well, then they would. It would bring about the battles that more quickly.

She dispersed the letter, which replicated itself and was sent throughout various planes of existence, wherever they were to be needed. The letters read as followed:

To Whomever Reads This,

Median is in great need of your assistance. The world has grown lazy, slothful, complacent... its people have forgotten what life really means and how much it means. Theyve forgotten how to live.

Thats where I need folks to help me. The reason is that Order here has been reigning unchecked for over a thousand years. I need folks to help me stir up Chaos in this world and well, get the people back up and moving!

Anyways, yes, where was I? Ah yes! Any help would be appreciated and yes, considering the stakes, you would be compensated accordingly by Eris herself after the battles are won.

Interested? Just speak the word CHAOS aloud, and you'll find yourself where you need to be.

Signed,
Leona de Bezna,
Child of Chaos

There... that should do it. Leona sighed softly, watching the leter fly out, and sank against the desk a moment. Whatever it was... it was started. Oh she did hope she was doing the right thing.... she was wasnt she? Or was she merely being manipulated again by Eris? Still she had seen herself the state of Median...

Why did the concept of good and evil have to be so complicated?

* * * * *

Eris, who of course was by no means better, did have an idea. She smiled lightly, and grabbed ahold of one of Leona's letters. This one... Leona needed a friend. She needed an advisor, one who knew her better than most would.

More than that, it could be considered a reward of sorts. Eris never even dreamed Leona would do any of this for her. So adding at the end of one of these letters in her own hand she wrote:

Miss Adrian Mneme, I send this leter directly to you. Please note that my daughter has missed you terribly... and would certainly appreciate any help that you can provide. And for the sake of my sanity... make the child smile!

The letter was then dispersed along with the others, drawing a smile from the goddess as she went back to sleep. Time to see what would be made of this promising venture..

It was a quiet, peaceful day in the town of Harkhun, situated in the realm of Furrae. In one house in particularly, a spiky-hair white furred wolf sat snoozing in a chair, dressed in his usual attire of a sleeveless deep blue gi, accompanied by redfingerless gloves and a pair of sandals. On the table by the side of his chair sat his katana; the weapon he always used when thrown into battle.

It had been a quiet time for Gareeku Manoko in recent times, save for the "job" he had just returned home from; the usual run-of-the-mill, defeat-the-evil-demon-and-save-a-town thing. Returning home, he had found himself to be fatigued, due to the fact he had spent the last few days travelling non-stop.

It was then, however, that something suddenly fell into his lap. Waking with a start, the wolf's eyes immediately snapped open as his hand grabbed his sheathed katana. Looking around, Gareeku found an envelope sitting in his lap. Breathing a sigh of somewhat relief, the wolf rose to his feet, fastening his blade to his side. With the envelope in one hand, Gareeku  put on his brown hooded cloak, deciding that he would read the letter on the way to the shops.

A few minutes later, the wolf was outside the front door of his home. Opening the envelope, Gareeku removed the letter from within and unfolded it...

To Whomever Reads This,

Median is in great need of your assistance. The world has grown lazy, slothful, complacent... its people have forgotten what life really means and how much it means. Theyve forgotten how to live.

Thats where I need folks to help me. The reason is that Order here has been reigning unchecked for over a thousand years. I need folks to help me stir up Chaos in this world and well, get the people back up and moving!

Anyways, yes, where was I? Ah yes! Any help would be appreciated and yes, considering the stakes, you would be compensated accordingly by Eris herself after the battles are won.

Interested? Just speak the word CHAOS aloud, and you'll find yourself where you need to be.

Signed,
Leona de Bezna,
Child of Chaos


As Gareeku read what was written in the letter, his raised an eyebrow.
Median...? Where the hell is that? the wolf wondered as he thought the letter over, putting it inside a small pouch at his side. And who is this "Leona" as she claims to be...?
"Hmmmm...something about this "Chaos" seems kinda funny..." the wolf muttered out loud. However, as soon as the word "chaos" was said, the wolf suddenly found himself being transported to another place.

His head darting around, the wolf instinctively unsheathed his katana.
"What the hell?!" he exclaimed in surprise, his eyes continuing to dart around as he quickly shifted into a defensive stance.

Leona, as it turned out to be, happened to be at first a very human looking girl, snoring at her desk. In fact, one wondered if she could wake up the dead with snoring as loud as she was. But to give the girl a break, she had been working hard for quite some time. And the magic needed to disperse the letters had taken quite a bit of energy.

But even she couldn't have missed the familiar smell of energies washing through her nose, nor the smell of an entirely new being she had never met before. 'So soon!' she thought with a jerk. 'Oh I never got a welcoming party started! I have no snacks, no soda! Geeez what a horrible hostess I am!' She laughed softly to herself, as she shook her head and looked around.

It was a wolf standing before her, an anthro wolf. Suddenly she wished she had taken to her lioness form... it stood a bit taller and more er, powerful looking sort to speak. The form she had taken now, her usual state, was anything BUT intimidating. She stood at a full 5'3", and her brown hair looked as though if one tried to take a comb through it they would come back with a stick with no tines left! Her build was small, not very muscular but rather lithe, but she did have a nice tan. Outfit wise she wore a red skirt slit up the side, brown gloves, and a short silk shirt with red silk ties and oriental style patterning along it. The girl looked to be in her early twenties, a bit older than she normally tried to look to folks but it seemed applicable here nonetheless.

The room itself was interesting. It looked to be a wood construct... but a massive one. Like a lodge hall would be of sorts, complete with a fancy chandelier above their heads. (which Leona always thought would be asking for trouble around chaos but never got around to asking her mom about!) There was a massive, long table lined with many chairs, all made of wood. (Treated mind you with anti magic spells and protections against the mundane as well.) There were a few candles lining the walls lit with neverending mage's fire, and a few windows as well that looked to be of stained class depicting... well, regular Orderly scenes. It was, after all, an old abandoned Order house suited now for Chaos needs.

Leona, however, noted the unsheathed katana that was out. "Whoa whoa, HEY! Put that away!" she said, instantly on her guard. She was instantly lighter on her feet, watching the newcomer warilly.

"I don't want to fight you... " she told him. "My name's Leona deBezna and yeah... if you're an Order type I mean coming here alone would be a reeeeally bad idea yanno? Wait... ya didn't read the word by accident did you?" she asked, her expression shifting to concern as she kept her eyes upon him. It was those eyes that defined her as a child of chaos, brilliantly golden in any light.

"Geeeez, I'm sorry. I can shift ya back to your own world if ya like after I get some of my energy back..."

Noticing the woman in front of him, the wolf looked her up and down. Confirming that she wasn't a threat, Gareeku calmed down, resheathing his blade and bowing politely.
"Forgive me for being like that. Force of habit." he smiled apologetically. "My name is Gareeku Manoko."
Hearing the woman mention her name, the wolf raised his eyebrows.
"Leona, hmmm? I'm afraid I did read it out by accident." Gareeku replied, "But I have a feeling my services will be needed here, so I will stay. If what you sayin the letter is true, then the people of this world will need all the help they can get. Whether it be order or chaos, no-one should live like the people of this "Median" place you speak of. However, I would like to know more about the whole situation, if you don't mind me asking."

Eric is just walking with his staff, a little hunched over it. Eric raises his head slightly then caught the letter that was flying past him. "Hello, what do we have here." He says to himself. He opens it and starts to read inside of it.

To Whomever Reads This,

Median is in great need of your assistance. The world has grown lazy, slothful, complacent... its people have forgotten what life really means and how much it means. Theyve forgotten how to live.

Thats where I need folks to help me. The reason is that Order here has been reigning unchecked for over a thousand years. I need folks to help me stir up Chaos in this world and well, get the people back up and moving!

Anyways, yes, where was I? Ah yes! Any help would be appreciated and yes, considering the stakes, you would be compensated accordingly by Eris herself after the battles are won.

Interested? Just speak the word CHAOS aloud, and you'll find yourself where you need to be.

Signed,
Leona de Bezna,
Child of Chaos

Eric pounders this sightly. Chaos in this realm seems to be struggling to keep itself up he thinks. Eric moves on with the letter in his hand. Still wondering who the person was that this came from to be so pleding to send it out to anyone, he moves into the town and sits down at the bar setting his staff beside him. The wizard that he was suppose to meet here was late. They strike up a conversation once he gets there about what he was looking for (his kids) and finds out a couple of them went to the realm of Median and have started a new life. Eric thanks the wizard and grabs his staff and leaves. Hmmmm... maybe i should help out the chaos this one time and i should find where my kids are and how they are doing, He thinks. word of Chaos he reads again out loud this time and then finds himself in between the two worlds then in the world of Median. As he lands staff first then leaning on it he lands on his feet and he looks around, he sees Leona and Gareeku. He then looks Leona strait in the eye "You must be..." looks down at the paper then looks back up. "Leona, It is a pleasure to meet you." Still leaning on his staff not paying any attention to Gareeku.

"Ah its uhm, quite alright!" Leona replied with a bright smile, delighted no conflict had taken place. "Gareeku then, a pleasure to meet you!" She bowed her head lightly in turn towards him, and when back up had a cheerful smile.

"We can certainly use any help we can get here," Leona admitted truthfully. "Ya see, I'm about the only force of chaos this world has left, and uh..." She laughed softly. "Well, yanno what? I sent out a BUNCH of letters Gareeku. Lets wait until I can get everyone all gathered and set up and Ill explain it to everyone at once as best as I can..." She laughed softly. "Cause I'm not sure I can explain about it all more than once without getting all tongue tied!" she admitted with a smile. "So for now, have a seat," she said, nodding towards the table. "Or if ya like there's a lounging area the next room over too! Need anything to eat or drink?" she added. "I um... kinda fell asleep before I could get anything gathered..." she added, a sheepish, embarrassed look across her face.

She paused a moment then, looking serious. "Yeah... Median's the world we are in now. I um... when everyones here Gareeku I will tell ya just what's going on out there, how the folks are living. Its kinda scary really... but I want everyone to make their own decisions for it, and not take my word on it alone." She smiled softly then. Mom must be about rolling if she was listening in to all of this. She knew if Eris was playing the cards here directly then she would have drafted folks by force! But then, Leona had always been quite the different soul from her mother as well.

It was about than another came, the familiar magic flaring up her sense of smell again. She hoped the encounter wasnt as dramatic as the last! But indeed, this one seemed ratehr ready for her. She smiled at this person as well, nodding her head deeply to him.  "That's right Sir, Leona DeBezna," she replied, her smile bright and cheerful again, as it always was really when meeting a new person. She met his gaze calmly, for in fact she did have an appreciation for those who could meet her in the eye so well. There were... quite a few who saw less of her because of her eyes alone. But that didnt show here for once.

"Thank you for coming Sir," she added. "Uhm, might I ask your name? And please um, if I can get you anything let me know," she added. "Feel free to take a seat too if you'd like, there was quite a few letters sent so Im not sure how many to expect yet..." she admitted, with a soft laugh. Indeed, it could be hundreds, dozens, or even a handful! Ah well, such was chaos itself hmm?

Listening to Leona explain how she would describe the situation as soon as others arrived, Gareeku nodded his head in acknowledgment.
"Very well, I understand." He replied with a smile. However, upon hearing of food, the wolf suddenly clutched his stomach as a low growling sound was heard.
"Eh heh...if you wouldn't mind..." Gareeku replied with a sheepish smile.

It was then, however, that another person arrived, falling to the ground and using their staff to make a smooth landing. Seeing the newcomer ignore his presence, Gareeku folded his arms and rolled his eyes.
Well if he's gonna be rude than I'm not giving him the satisfaction of being nice. the wolf thought to himself as he listened to the newcomer and Leona converse.

In a world far from Median, though not by boundaries of space nor time but by existence itself, a godforsaken world of cruelty and strife to which Magic had only recently arrived, a letter appeared from somwhere, drifting in the wind. It blew with a strong gale that carried the letter across leagues, never letting it fall to the ground even as it passed through clouds and mouintains, and over the waters of a large bay. It swirled, carried on air through low clouds and sea spray, low and high.
   The wind had a destination, one that the letter had whispered to it, and one that the wind knew well. For the wind always howled among the stretching spires of the grand city of Nibel. And this time as it did, it brought the letter with it as well, words and whispers amid the wind that sought for someone, wanting to be heard. This someone was one who was never easy to find. But the letter was intent in its purpouse, and single-minded in its device. Things that do not want to be found, were perhaps not found, that was true. But things that wanted to be found almost always were, which was true too.
   Down through the dark and towering spires, the letter swirled, down the sides of the superscrapers and towering structures that made up the city's heart, like a great man-made mountain reaching for and parting the clouds. Down through those very same clouds that mixed with the fumes and vapors of the city. The letter dodged snowflakes as easily as the vehicles that flew through the air, ones sometimes the size of a man, sometimes as large as a trailer. It sank slowly toward a dark, lightless outcropping from one of the main platforms of the city that jutted out like an irregular cog in a wheel, down on top of an apparrently abandoned city-mansion and in through a ruined skylight. It fell to a floor that feet had seemingly not trodden in years, below cracked and ruined marble columns and statues. But it was just about to be found. It was sure of that, and thus settled.
   In through the worn doors of the mansion slipped a shadowy figure, not disturbing the deathly silence of the hall in the least, even as he made quick steps across it to the great flight of stairs at its end. The dust stirred up in his wake, but somehow seemed to settle in an untouched fashion after he had swept by.
   Then the figure stopped. He was a somewhat tall man, lean but muscular, somewhat handsome though hard in appearance and all dressed in black, a fur-lined coat over his shoulders. His slightly pallid but unblemished skin and blond, moderately long hair seemed more fit in some painting than on a man in real life. His green eyes turned against the letter on the ground, where it lay perfectly displayed in the moonlight that shone through the cracked skylight above. He distinctly remembered not having seen it before. A more businesslike than curious man, he sat down on his haunches a bit and looked at the letter as it lay perfectly still on the floor, studying it with a calm expression that in no way hinted at the myriad thoughts that stormed through his head. Then, methodically but gracefully as ever, he picked it up, and read it.

   To Whomever Reads This,

Median is in great need of your assistance. The world has grown lazy, slothful, complacent... its people have forgotten what life really means and how much it means. Theyve forgotten how to live.

Thats where I need folks to help me. The reason is that Order here has been reigning unchecked for over a thousand years. I need folks to help me stir up Chaos in this world...

   The man sat still, re-reading the letter once after he had finished. Then, instead of taking the normal route to the place that was the closest thing to home to him, he stood up and stepped into the shadow behind a column. He then vanished.
   When he reappeared, some distance below, he was in a large common room in a slimmed and clean style that served as main quarters to the place. Before him, another figure sat on a sort of bench, its slender shape bent over a book and sitting with its feet on a smooth watercovered stone floor. When he approached it from behind, it turned up from its reading and looked up at him.
   It had the distinct shape of a humanoid female, but black skin made up of some flexible metal or plastic and criscrossed with silvery lines in regular, thin formations, and was polished until it shone. Its face was teardrop-shaped with the point as its chin and featureless, a single large green lens surrounded by six smaller ones the only thing that disturbed the metal surface. That eye now fixated on the man with an inquisitive look, as the thing, obviously some machine, tilted its head to the side at him.
   "I think that I will be going out of town for a while, Moira," he said very simply, and handed the thing the letter. It studied it, and then looked up at him again.
   "Should I be expecting visitors?" it said in a smooth, elegant female voice with just a tiny metallic ring to it.
   "I don't think so. I'm sure you can tell it's too improbable. And things here are quite calm, as always." The man folded the letter, as his clothing began to writhe, turning into slithering shadows before disappearing into his very skin, which had turned pallid and criscrossed with little cracks. "It has an active interpretation component, and some ritual spell on it too. It should be real," he said, before starting to walk away against another room.
   "I'll stay and watch here, then," the machine-woman-thing said to his back, and then returned to her book. "Remember to mark."

   Minutes later, Stygian stood on the floor in his main chambers, having straightened things at home out and prepared to go. He was dressed in his regular attire of black shirt, undershirt, wrappings, trousers, boots and a black jacket lined with wolf-fur. And these clothes were real, for a change. He had taken a snack to get his energy up, and fastened his pair of handguns, the Saevitiae, to their thigh-held holsters. He had also pocketed a few useful items for travel and a pair of extra meals in case of a long travel. He was as ready as could be.
   Holding the letter up and absentmindedly reading it again, he studied the spell that had been lain upon it. The magic was of a vivid kind that was entirely alien to him, but its purpouse was clear enough anyway. He doubted that he would have had to really speak the word. He could have just set off the triggering reaction by loosening the key part of the spell. But it just seemed so much better, so much symbolical to do it the fun way, so he shouted the word out loudly.
   "CHAOS!" his voice rang out, and immediately he felt the effect kick in. He vanished...

   ...and reappeared somewhere entirely else. It seemed he was not alone either. He turned to whoever had sworn, and then almost jumped when he saw who it was. A white wolf anthromorph stood just beside him, his arms folded across his chest, while he looked at some form of... well, some other sort of anthro, obviously an old male. It was the wolf who had caught Stygian's attention though. That one... He knew he wasn't acquainted with him, but he knew him still. There was a piece of memory that had drifted through to him from Hell knew where, and he knew.
   "Ga... wait, that was... Gareeku... Manoko?" he asked.

Eric held out his hand to Leona for her to shake. "I am Eric Kile, and very pleased to be here." And with that he shakes her hand and slowly goes over to a seat and sitting down, placing his staff against one of the chair handles. He looks up at the newcomer. As he says Gareeku, he looks over to at Gareeku and waiting for this to unfold.

In the middle of the small briefingroom a hologram of the letter was rotating.
"I agree with UNIMR." said a floating sphere while turning it's big black eye towards a MSA commander. "This opportunity for observation is too good to pass up."
The commander looked pressed.
"I don't like it." he said with a sharp tone. The sphere remained silent. It knew there only was a 1.258% chance he wouldn't approve the mission. The commander sighed and looked at the hologram.
"OK, make up a rooster." he said.
"I already have." the sphere said cheerfully.
"But Itos... " the commander said and turned towards the sphere. "... I don't want to see any dead bodies unless it's absolutely necessary."

A few minutes later in the same briefingroom nine members of Twenty of Spades were gathered. Ace, the mission leader, stood in the middle of the round room.
"So, in summary, Jack will get close to the forces of Chaos and King will monitor Order. You may only kill if you get permission from me or Itos but otherwise you have free hands. For every one else normal rules apply, be there but don't interfere. Questions?"
Jack raised his right pawn. "Will we get there using the letter?" he asked.
"First we will observe the situation. Then you, Jack, will use the letter. King will be inserted at a later time using other methods." Ace said and smiled. Jack knew that smile, it was the you'll-be-without-backup-but-you'll-be-fine smile. Jack hated that smile.

((OOC: Jack will come in later, King will not affect anything at all.))

If Shadou had to describe his day at work in one word, it would have been "Long." After he'd sat down from work, perhaps after Torniquet or Ollie had gotten home so he had someone to rant to, it would have expanded to "dull," "tedious," "Irritating," and possibly "GODS how I hate that elven brat in accounting!"
However, as he was entering the dwelling he shared with two other monsters created at the same time as he, he came across a strange note upon the table.

To Whomever Reads This,

Median is in great need of your assistance. The world has grown lazy, slothful, complacent... its people have forgotten what life really means and how much it means. They've forgotten how to live.

Thats where I need folks to help me. The reason is that Order here has been reigning unchecked for over a thousand years. I need folks to help me stir up Chaos in this world and well, get the people back up and moving!

Anyways, yes, where was I? Ah yes! Any help would be appreciated and yes, considering the stakes, you would be compensated accordingly by Eris herself after the battles are won.

Interested? Just speak the word CHAOS aloud, and you'll find yourself where you need to be.

Signed,
Leona de Bezna,
Child of Chaos

Shadou, at first, considered discarding it. After all, he had a steady job, plus an irritating friend and perfect significant other (who often was upset at his claiming she was perfect, but his response was always "If I didn't think you were perfect, I'd leave.") who would be upset at his leaving. However, the more he thought about it the more attractive the idea seemed. Shadou wasn't a berserk lunatic, but he did find violence to be highly therapeutic, doubly so when the person in question was an authority figure such as, in this case, the forces of order. Shadou wasn't a lunatic, but he was a bit of a bastard.
The idea seemed more attractive by the second. He was getting complacent here, hadn't done anything that had made his heart (or equivalent organ; he'd never checked) throb or gotten any sort of adrenaline rush. Besides, this was a world in danger. While he'd never regarded his creator's advice very highly, he did agree that balance was important. The fact that he could aid in this by causing trouble and breaking things was an excellent bonus.
Laughing madly to himself, the monster immediately began packing. Photography equipment (because who knew what sights he'd see that he'd like to keep?), his old Knife (only called thus because of the ratio of the width to length of the blade, and ratio of the length of the blade to the one and a half foot handle), a pair of pants (because people take you more seriously when you wear pants), his wallet, and three bars of silver (he had no clue what sort of currency was to be needed, but figured silver would keep it's value wherever).
He turned to write a quick note to explain where he'd be for an indeterminate amount of time, but stopped when, in glancing at the other side of the note, he found that someone had beat him to it.

Shadou, this came for you. That is to say, not for me. I wont intervene. There's a bag full of things you'll probably need under the table. Be home soon.
- Torniquet

Shadou reached under the table and pulled forth the bag. It contained some food, books, and a change of clo- he winced. She'd packed his suit, with another note pinned to the collar.
Your mission, if you chose to accept it...
Chuckling to himself some more, Shadou had only one more thing to take care of. Picking up the phone and calling the offices of the Greysteel Times, he explained that he would be taking his vacation time now, and that any attempt at hinderance in this would greatly upset the rather unkind monster who was payed to loiter around with a camera and skills with picture editing programs. Guffawing loudly as he slammed the phone, he hefted his bags and placed one hand on the letter.
"It's been too @#$%in' long since I've been involved in some CHAOS!"

He was still chortling when he reappeared, but stopped when the combined forces of gravity, disorientation of traveling from world to world, and aforementioned bags conspired to knock him over. Some creative profanity later as he clambered out from under the bags, and Shadou glared around the room, silently sending the message that it would be greatly appreciated if nobody ever, ever mentioned his graceless entrence. Ever.
"Name's Shadou. Somebody by the name of Sirius sent me a note?"

Vincent, having only explored a little ways form the library before returning to once again mull over his situation.
"Well, this is...Bizzare to say the least, I mean, the world gets nuked to hell and I'm still wandering around?  This must be another world, but how did I get here?  And for that matter, how'd I come back?"  As he pondered this he saw something very strange, a small envelope had appeared on one of the reading desks.  He looked closely at it, he hadn't remembered seeing the letter there earlier, and it definitely looked newer than the books here.  Curious, he reached out to touch it, though he knew his hand would just pass through it.  
"What the..."  He said as he held the small thing in his hand.  "This place just gets stranger and stranger."  He mused as he rapidly tore it open and read the contents.

Vincent remained silent for a moment after reading the plea.

"Well, this is very odd...  I guess I can't let people just become fat and lazy...  But Anarchy would be just as bad and I don't exactly know how I could help..."   He pondered for a moment before setting his resolve.  "Ah, to hell with caution, it's not like I have that much left to lose, CHAOS!"  Immediately upon saying the word he suddenly felt himself forcefully pulled to the gathering, falling down on the floor without a sound from the sudden change of place.  He looked around at the others gathered in the room.  "Well, I appear to find myself in the Twilight zone.  I hope you guys will at least be entertaining company for whatever horrors we might encounter?"  He asked, not really expecting much of an answer.

Eric sees the newcomer and really doesn't care. He still is looking at Gareeku and what he is going to do. When Vincent come in, Eric senses something in the air. He does a little hand gesture almost like a he was shewing something. The air in front of Vincent starts to blow a little bit and probably passing through him.

Adrian was sitting with Morbid, both staring at the letter Leona had left. They had pinned it to the wall in the apartment the two shared. Adrian floated through the wall, wondering what the Hell she was doing sitting around today. There could be thigns to do... there could... there could... She should be looking for Leona! Adrian cursed, wishing she could kick something. Why had Morbid insisted that they stay put, until Leona was ready to return? It had been a hundred years! Morbid hadn't aged though, despite her being mortal. Adrian had asked upon it pleanty of times, to only be brushed off. Worst yet, she hadn't seen Charna in twenty or so of those years. Adrian floated back out to Morbid, sighing and began to pace as best as a ghost could. That was when... a piece of paper came from thin air, dropping directly where Adrian's hands should be.

"Morbid?" Adrian inquired, but the girl had gone to sleep. Double-checking to make sure no one outside could see her, the young woman grabbed a ribbon from the coffee table. At its touch, her body became a mass of physical flesh, as did her clothes. She wore the same thing she had when Leona left, a ghost having no need to change clothing. Adrian bent down, picking up the paper and quickly scanning it.

It took Adrian a few more reads for it to finally click. 'So she ran off with Eris to help this world be split into chaos?' she thought, hatred and jealousy instantly running through her. Adrian thought of joining the Order, just to spite Leona, but then knew... knew her friend hadn't done it to hurt them. She had told them not to follow... and now Leona was trying to call them back. Looking to Morbid, she set the piece of paper on the coffee table, her own note of farewell, and tied the ribbon back into her hair, so she'd stay physical. The bow itself was a gift from an Immortal, that granted her a 'mortal' body. "Chaos!" Adrian said, joy and wonder fluttering inside her body.

She ended up in the room with several others, but actually didn't really care. She squealed, running past them and tackling Leona. "You horrible liar!" she cried, hitting her in the arm playfully. "I'm gonna kill you, I swear. And then, one of these days, you'll get to know how it feels to be a mournful ghost staring at a letter pinned to the wall." Adrian laughed, then stuck out her tongue. "Your mother sent me a letter. Apparently someone hasn't been eating their apples!" The girl then glanced around at everyone else, her blind eye quivering at the sensation of fresh minds. Standing up, she dusted her skirt off and adjusted the veil that hid her fleshless face. Adrian was actually pretty shy, and glanced to Leona, letting the ribbon slip from her hair and becoming invisible. There were quite a few more than she'd had expected to come and fight in the name of Choas. Then again, there always were.

As Gareeku watched the others arrived, he couldn't help but smirk a little.
My, don't we have quite the motley crew forming... he thought to himself jokingly. It was then, however, that he noticed the person next to him looking at him oddly. Hearing the man utter his name, the wolf nodded his head in greeting.
"Yes, I am Gareeku Manoko. Pleased to meet you." he said politely. It was then, however, that something about the man occured to him. "Wait...do I know you...?"

 Cogidunbus shrugged, walked down the dirt path. The wind whipped about him, and made the path around him sway, tall with grass. He kept his hand on his hat, and the wind blew his jacket about as it may.
"Night winds on cold hills...", he said, as he stopped for a moment to survey the area. As he looked over the fields and towards the mountains beyond, he smiled. Aspira was indeed beautiful tonight. He looked up towards the stars and the full moon, and his smile faded. He turned and continued to walk on. The wind was cold. As he walked, he watched the grass sway around him.
"Behold her, single in the field, a solitary highland lass...reaping and singing by herself, stop here, or gently pass..." He murmured to himself. Looking over the fields again, he decided to to just that. Stopping, he again stares out over the fields of waving grass. Surprised, he sees a speck of white moving amid the green. Curious, he moves towards it, careful where he steps in the dark, and is surprised when he grabs a letter. Strangely, it's new - almost freshly sealed. It had no addressee. Walking back to the path, he sat down, turning the letter over in his hands for a moment. His curiosity got the better of him, and he opened it, reading the letter inside with great interest.

To Whomever Reads This,

Median is in great need of your assistance. The world has grown lazy, slothful, complacent... its people have forgotten what life really means and how much it means. Theyve forgotten how to live.

Thats where I need folks to help me. The reason is that Order here has been reigning unchecked for over a thousand years. I need folks to help me stir up Chaos in this world and well, get the people back up and moving!

Anyways, yes, where was I? Ah yes! Any help would be appreciated and yes, considering the stakes, you would be compensated accordingly by Eris herself after the battles are won.

Interested? Just speak the word CHAOS aloud, and you'll find yourself where you need to be.

Signed,
Leona de Bezna,
Child of Chaos

Cog smiles in earnest, despite the full moon. Wandering from place to place had it's benefits, certainly, he thought. He might as well wander where something interesting was going on. Looking down the dirt road, he grimaced. Nothing good awaited him at the end of this road, anyway. He stood up, brushed the dirt from his pants, and spoke the word.
"Chaos."

Finding himself in another place very quickly, he steadied himself on a wall, and took a look around. He was not the first here - apparently, he was not the only one to get a letter. Making a small bow, he introduced himself.
"Cogidubnus Mithlome. May I ask which of you is our esteemed host, or hostess?"

Stygian looked around as people seemed to be coming out of the walls. It might have been that the letters had been directed at a certain point in time, or it might be that the destination was anchored in time. Or it might just have been coincidence, that they should all end up at one time. But he didn't believe in coincidence. Which again brought his mind to the present, and to whom he was talking to.
   "No. We are not acquainted. But I would say yes," he said cryptically, and offered his hand. "It seems that things lost come to you again when you travel like this. Even things you never had. Sebastian Koenig is the name. Most call me Stygian."
   Then, he turned his head quickly as a blonde girl rushed in and practically assailed the woman who appeared their hostess. He would have paid her no more attention, and resumed talking to the wolf, but then after some quick talk the girl suddenly did something with her hair, and then dissappeared completely from many of his senses. His eyebrows shot. Her physical form, with its look, its sound and its scent had just dissolved, and now all that was left was the feeling and the almost visual imprint of her soul as she stood beside their hostess, a spectre.

Vincent watched as more people seemed to arrive, but dropped his jaw when he saw another specter, and one that could interact with the physical world no less!  He quickly approached his fellow spirit to introduce himself, but unfortunately his ability to talk to women has not improved with death.
"Uh, hi there, I'm Vincent, I'm recently deceased...  I think, I mean, I just regained conciousness a few days ago..."  he said as he thought 'Man that introduction was lame'.  "Anyway, I was wondering how you did that...  You know, punching her?"  He said as he pointed to Leona.

Shadou lugged his bags and himself over to one side and leaned against the wall, taking things in. So, let's see. A handful of heroes, and one too well-spoken to fall under that category, a seemingly arrogent young man, two Presences of some sort, and this Stygian thing. Seems like chaos.

As the letters dispersed throughout existence, some of them found willing recipients, while others fell into the hands, paws, or other appropriate limbs of creatures either unintelligent or uninterested. This is a tale of one letter from the latter group.

Toric was absently dusting the Master's study. The Mistress was busy with her piano lessons, so Toric was content to do some cleaning during this time with the knowledge that so long as the Mistress's music was heard, she would be out of trouble. As he worked his way through the "Agriculture: 320's through 380's" section, the Klausbot knocked a strange white paper off the tops of a few books. He reached down and picked up the paper, an envelope. Toric found stray letters about the household all the time, and he knew it was a simple matter of finding the recipient and either handing it to that person personally or sending it through the mail. This was the standard procedure and this was what would be done. Thus Toric was greatly annoyed when he found no name on the envelope. The envelope was sealed, so it had to belong to somebody, perhaps the name of the recipient would be inside the envelope, Toric mused. So he grabbed a letter opener, opened the envelope, and read the enclosed letter.

Toric was very confused by the letter. He had never heard of anybody named "Whoever Reads This" nor "Leona de Bezna," but neither of them lived in this household, so the letter had no business being here. He was also perplexed by the content of the letter. Slothful? Complacent? Are these not typical human qualities? Why be so concerned over something that simply is? Well, not all humans possess those qualities. The Mistress, in particular, has always possessed an energy that is quite unusual amongst humans. Perhaps this is why the Master cares for her so, and thus why he built me.
Order reigning unchecked? What is wrong with that? Order is good. The Master has many times praised me for my organization of his books. Chaos causes inconvenience, why would anybody want to create it? If everything is orderly, I know where everything is, and therefore tasks are easier. .....This letter is nonsense. It cannot be re-used because of the ink, and it has no place here. I suppose a snack couldn't hurt, and surely nobody will miss this gibberish.

With that, Toric opens the chest hatch for his organic incinerator and tosses the letter inside, and when the door closes the letter is assaulted with heat and various chemicals. As expected, the letter and ink decompose into fuel components and waste compounds, but the magic infused within the letter causes an unexpected side-effect.

While Toric is busily working through "Architecture: 340 through 348," he feels a sensation that begins in his chest but quickly makes its way up to his head and comes out his mouth. "HUP!" Toric's body stiffens straight up so quickly that the momentum picks him half a foot off the floor, and after he lands he relaxes once again. That is, until he sees the mess he made. The impact of his landing caused many books to fall off their shelves. It will only take a few minutes to clean the mess up, but it is an annoyance to say the least.

"Everything okay down here?" Toric hadn't noticed that the piano music had stopped. He turned around to see Flora looking at him and the room. "A minor phenomenon, Mistress." Toric replied. "My body suddenly convulsed, and I involuntarily made a loud sound. HUP!" Toric is briefly airborne again. Flora has to grab onto the wall so that the impact doesn't knock her on her feet. More books are on the floor, more of a mess to clean up, the Mistress will be upset at the mess, Toric thinks. She just smiles at him and says "Heh, so you're getting the hiccups now?" She turns around and continues her music before Toric can ask what a "hiccup" is. With a sigh, the Klausbot begins replacing the fallen books onto their shelves. "Where shall I start... Best to start at the beginning. Let's see, one book is missing from 'Alphabet: 360 through 361.'"

Eric glances at the newcomers looking them up and down but just in a glance. He is really for something to drink. He was caught off guard by the women that disappeared in front of his eyes. Normally it wouldn't but after an entrance like that it seemed odd to him but he shrugged it off.

Adrian turned to her fellow specter, watching him behind her veil, and biting back a smile. "Hi Vincent, I'm Adrian Mneme. You're probably no older than a week, I'd guess. But ah... the whole 'physical' thing is mainly from a gift I was given. That ribbon, on the floor there, if I touch it, it'll make me physical. Though, it only works on my command. Trippy, huh? It's also possible I can become physical without it. As such." Adrian grabbed ahold of Leona, a physical anchon, and swiftly became visible to eyes of the living. Phasing back to translucency, though not disappearing completely to most eyes, she smiled at Vincent. "It takes a bit of energy, however, and I don't like doing it on my own."

"Anyways, are you here for this Chaos thingy? Leona's been working on it pretty hard, haven't you, Leona?" She mentally ribbed her friend, to let the creation know she was speaking of her.

Leona grinned towards Gareeku. "Certainly, what would you like?" she asked, hopping a bit on her feet when a newcomer arrived. She looked towards the man and was about to introduce herself, when the man looked towards Garreku. Blinking she smiled.

"I'll give you two some time," she said with a wink. "Call me back later if you need me okay?" She looked back towards the mage, Eric, and shook his hand with a firm grip and a bright smile.

"Nice to meet you Eric, please let me know if you need anything to eat or drink alright?" she asked when another entered the room. She was starting to see what a BAD idea it was to have everyone come in at once! But it had been Mom's suggestion...

Maybe THAT was why it was a bad idea.

Another came by, this time of a monster variety. She hadnt really seen him yet, but rather smelled him when he entered. There were so many new smells in the room right now, it was a wonder her poor nose wasnt running yet! She blinked a moment, an ear light twitched, and she manuevered her way over. "Leona deBezna, that's my name Mister Shadou I believe I heard?" she asked. "I'll explain everything a bit more clearly in a few minutes but just let me know if you need anything to eat or dr- Eeeeep!" she cried, as she was immedatly tackled over and sent flying!

She knew that feeling. She blinked a moment, in disbelief. She had... she had made certain a letter WOULDNT go towards them. She didnt want to drag them into this... they didnt need to get in trouble or anything... "A-Adrian?!?" she asked, blinking again, her golden eyes wide. "Wait... wait... you still have that letter?" she asked, completely thrown off gaurd. At the words her mother had sent it though she blinked.

"I uhm... didnt want to drag you into this. I mean uhm... well... I..." She flushed a moment, then hugged Adrian close. "Ive really missed you, Morbid too yanno?" she asked. "I just... it was probaby stupid and selfish of me but when Eris called I didnt want to get you involved in one of her plans... though I should have came back and told you..." She fekt a bit of tears in the rims of her eyes, perhaps though, of joy. She REALLY had missed her friend.

At the glance she let Adrian go and nodded, knowing how shyAdrian could be in crowds. "Yanno I got you covered," she told Adrian with a wink.

Thats when another arrived. She could definitly smell this one, who brouht the smells of fur and a bit of dirt. She waved then from above the gathering crowd. "That would be me Sir!" she replied. "A pleasure to meet you Cogidubnus! Sorry about that, didnt expect so many replies! My name's Leona deBezna and Im the hostess of sorts tonight! Uhm, take a seat if you'd like Sir and please let me know if you need anything to eat or drink alright? I'll be over tehre shortly to greet you better!" She bowed from her place back, then realized she was being spoken to with a ribbing.

"Er uhm yes, hundred years worth of planning!" she replied, then blinked. "Who are you talking to Adrian?" she asked, tilting her head. ""I mean I can smell the enegies and such but... AH!" she said, it clicking. "Another ghost type!" She smiled brightly then. "How rude of me, I should have guessed there would be a few! Hang on, Ill adjust accordingly, and so sorry!" she added to the one she coudlnt see. Leona popped a set of lionlike ears on her head then, well rather, her human ones had shifted to such. It had happened in a few moments, since it was a skill leona was very adept at. "This should help" she replied with a wide smile. "Im Leona deBezna, nice to meet you! And you are?"

((THat should cover everyone I hope... ))

At the mention of food, Shadou's ears pointed straight up at attention and his eyes widened, but said ears dropped back down as the hostess was distracted before telling him where to find it. Sleg.
"And the girl complains that she needs MORE chaos around here?" He muttered to himself, rolling his eyes.

Vincent was shocked by the sudden ear-change, but gave a quick scan around the room and realized that that kind of thing might be the norm.  Composing himself quickly, he began talking "err, yes.....well, as I was telling Adrian, my name is Vincent Fringe, uhm, I'm recently deceased and I'm here to help put chaos and order back in balance."

Eric finally finds the drinks. "May i help my self..." but before she could answer is almost looked like the liquid jumped into the nearest glass and started to move over to Eric without him even moving. Eric picks the glass out the air and takes a drink.

"Hold a second, Gar..." Stygian said, and patted the wolf on the shoulder. He then strode over to the group that was forming around Leona. His eyes changed as he did, shifting from their "normal" form, their whites becoming black and pupils almost vanising completely into glowing poison green irises. Something else to him changed a bit as well, as his skin and hair both became a bit more pallid, and thin cracks started appearing on him, lining that skin. He cast a quick glance over the ghosts, now able to see them quite clearly, and then bowed to the hostess with a devious smile.
   "I would take you up on a drink too, miss," he said and kissed her hand. "Stygian. A pleasure," he continued, and then looked a good nine inches down on her with those frightful yet calm eyes. "I am also curious as to who this 'mother' may be." There seemed to be a glint to those eyes above his smile, the knowing kind that hides a secret. It felt almost as if something watched her from the shadows, something lurking but curious.

E read over the letter again. how he it gotten to him and why. this was not his world in any fashion yet he received mail even as he was preparing to leave.  was it mean for Eric a name he was considering abandoning? it did not say to Eric Valen still he was not sure it would matter what name he held as he could sense that it would have come to him anyway.
The letter mention  battles and it was true that his body was built for war again high power enemy robots who like himself have multiple lives . was this letter  a joke form Old man Wily? then there was the mention of chaos that sounded to familiar but he could not quite figure it out.
there was something odd yet compelling about this letter as hes optics scanned it a third time trusting them more this his stored images in memory. after all maybe he had missed a detail or something when he read through it the first to times but the letter was unchanged..

To Whomever Reads This,

Median is in great need of your assistance. The world has grown lazy, slothful, complacent... its people have forgotten what life really means and how much it means. Theyve forgotten how to live.

Thats where I need folks to help me. The reason is that Order here has been reigning unchecked for over a thousand years. I need folks to help me stir up Chaos in this world and well, get the people back up and moving!

Anyways, yes, where was I? Ah yes! Any help would be appreciated and yes, considering the stakes, you would be compensated accordingly by Eris herself after the battles are won.

Interested? Just speak the word CHAOS aloud, and you'll find yourself where you need to be.

Signed,
Leona de Bezna,
Child of Chaos

"Chaos? what does that" E stopped and looked around. hes' felt the movement shift but this was not what he expect . then he realized it. Chaos is that the name of the emeralds that the hedgehog had used to go not is super form.  E not wishing to be upstaged copying the actions and achieved a similar forum but that Can wait. right now he needed answers.  "That was unexpected. However now that i am here  Where am I?"

"Drinks! Fantastic!" Cog said, his eyes lighting up. Nothing quite made him as happy as the mention of the possible imbibing of a whiskey - excepting, of course, if the whiskey was free. He thanked Mistress Leona and made his way towards the bottles, neatly sidestepping a newcomer, teleporting in front of him. He had the appearance of a man in black platemail, with an open helm. He smiled and went around him.
"As to where we are, sir, I could not tell you - I will say that the good lady over there will likely be able to shed some light on the matter. I assume you got the letter, so you know why we are here..." He said, finally making it to the table of bottles. He grimaced as he noticed that whiskey was unfortunately not on the selection. He chose a bottle of something clear and poured himself a glass. "In the meantime, the refreshments are free. I'm sure we'll all know soon enough what's going on."

Leona was quite grateful to see, out of the corner of her eye, that the long table had suddenly filled with not just drinks of varying sorts, but also food. Food of all types, from the entrees to snacks. A smile came across her as she realized it was her mom helping her out a bit.

'Thanks Mom,' she thought. She hadnt really, well she hadnt even come close to thinking there would be so many folks here! It was good to see, if not slightly intimidating! Ah well, the more the merrier! And by merrier, chaotic!

She looked back towards where the voice had come from, although it was clear Leona couldnt actually SEE Vincent. "Well its nice to meet you Vincent," she said with a nod of her head. "I dont have a form to see you with Im afraid, so uhm, sorry I cant exactly give ya a better greeting than that," she said, a slight frown across her face.

She smiled upwards at Stygian, sad she coudlnt quite meet his gaze. He looked... different than the last time she had seen him! But then, she did slightly as well. It went without saying some forces of chaos would be able to shift between forms and such didnt it? 

When her hand was kissed she blushed lightly, still smiling at him. It had been some time since anyone had done that with her. Ramses had once taken her to a castle in their adventures... it reminded her of the formal greetings men would bestow upon the ladies there. It quite frankly flattered her a bit! It was... really a nice thing to see such a greeting.

"Stygian, pleasure is mine really," she replied. "My name's Leona deBezna, she added. "As to Mom well, I will be explaining a bit more later, but her name's Eris. Shes the Goddess of Chaos upon a few worlds I think, but Im not certain how many," Leona admitted with a slight laugh.

It was indeed a strange feeling Stygian gave off, a stranger feeling than most beings Leona came in contact with. It made him one of the most interesting figures in this room to say the least, which was saying a LOT!

Catching a new scent in the room one of her lionlike ears twitched to follow the sound. She was glad to see Cog was upon meeting the newcomer however, seeing as how she coudlnt exactly dash over to greet him at the moment. She would certainly greet him later however, and instead kept her attention upon the current group she was with. On a night like tonight it was a shame she couldnt be in a dozen places at once!

Adrian looked across the room, a bit more comfortable now with the multitudes of people. "C'mon, Vinc, lets go mingle," the ghost urged, floating through Stygian and up to Gareeku. There, she came visible, but not tangible. "Hi!" Adrian said, with a little wave, grinning behind her veil. "I'm Adrian Mneme, and this is Vincent." She motioned to the spot where the other specter was, just in case Gareeku couldn't see him. "What's your name?" Adrian positioned herself next to Gareeku, so she could still keep an eye on Leona. After all, Adrian didn't want her friend to poof on her again, and it was understandable that hard feelings could be harvested.

The moment Adrian floated through Stygian he twitched, and his eyes immediately shifted from their black form to completely white. He shook for just a moment, and then he dropped to the floor. Or rather, it looked like only part of him dropped to the floor, for when what must have been his body did, something else seemed to linger, still standing up.
   It was a bestial thing, made out of what looked like compressed and almost liquid, oozing darkness, and seemed connected to the man's shadow. No, it must have been his shadow, from the way it seamlessly flowed into it. The thing started back for a moment, its humanoid yet fiendish and fanged head, surrounded by a black and green aura of sorts, turned and eyed Adrian with a pair of green-irised eyes that made their human comparison seem dull. Then, quicker than the eye, it shifted form and flowed back into the kneeling body before it. The man then stood up, and turned on the spot, and walked up to her.
   When he placed a hand on her shoulder, Adrian actually felt it. That large, long-fingered hand turned her around a bit, and then he looked down on her with those frightful eyes.
   "I would appreciate it much if you didn't do that again, miss," he said with a warm smile, that certainly did not reach his stone cold eyes.

Shadou slinked over to the food when it appeared, the swamped and as of yet enigmatic hostess momentarily forgotten on the basis that such things weren't edible. Piling a plate with a good sized hoard of food and mixing himself a drink that, from the look and smell of it, could quite possibly dissolve silverwear Shadou strode over to the nearest clump of people; in this case, Gareeku, Stygian, Adrian and Vincent. Noticing Stygian's strange reaction to the ghost passing through him Shadou paused momentarily, but seeing him apparantly accosting the young spectre caused him to hasten his step a little.
"How was she supposed to know there would be side effects. She's incorporeal. She'll do that. It's not like she took anything out," He drawled, staring into his drink as he spoke, "Name's Shadou. Couldn't help overhearing."

As E explores he complex upon a group of people that seem to be enjoying drinks. "sorry if i'm late but" e holds up his letter "I got this strange letter and i think it brought me here form a planet call Mobius.

Vincent stood by Adrian, shocked by the appearance of the shadow thing and it's comments and actions toward Adrian.  A new person entered the conversation apparently to try and help Adrian.  "Well, he has a point,"  Vincent nodded to Shadou "and I'm sure Adrian will try not to do it again, ok?"  He said, primarily speaking to the shadow-spirit-thing.  "As for introductions I'm Vincent Fringe and this is the ever lovely Adrian."  He said indicating the other specter, as he thought 'ever lovely?  I don't know her that well!...  Well, she IS cute and...  Woah, Vincent, stop yourself there, gotta do this quest-thing first, then think about that kinda thing, but quest first.'  He turned his attention back to the current conversation with the end of that thought.

A young woman appears in the room near the table, clad in a long brown tunic and blue jeans. Her long blonde hair is pulled back into a ponytail, and there is a huge sword in her right hand. She looks dazed, staring wide-eyed, and she stands unsteadily in soft green boots. The letter from Leona falls to the floor from her left hand.

She falls over, coughing and retching, as something dark and organic flows out of her mouth, ears, nose, and even eyes. It shifts and forms into a tall man with short black hair greying at the temples, small sunglasses, and odd grey robes. A small gourdlike jug hangs from his belt, and his left hand hangs freely from his robes. He picks up the sword and sheaths it on his back, then helps the young woman up as though she weighed nothing.

In a smooth, almost oily voice he speaks to her. "There there, Anna Lucia, that wasn't so bad. And since you've helped me, I promise I shall never harm your family nor their descendants. You have my word of honor on this matter."

He turns away from her as she stands wheezing, then looks thoughtful.

"However, you were not wise enough to include yourself in our agreement. You are not under my protection at all."

As the woman's eyes grow huge, the man stretch impossibly, revealing a mouth full of thousands of silver needle-sharp teeth, all pointing inwards. Her scream of fear is cut off as it begins as he bites, swallowing her whole as his body distends to accomodate her.

With a series of wetly organic crushing sounds, his body jerks back to the form of a grey-clad samurai once again. He picks a shred of jean material from his teeth daintily with a silver claw, then looks at the faces of the others in the room.

"Oh. Pardon me, I wasn't aware there would be so many attending. I'm afraid I only brought one snack, but she won't be digested for a few hours if anyone else would like some? I am Stalker, at your service."

He bows gracefully to the room.

Eric was underly aghast to what the newcomer just did. He stands up and moves over to the newcomer. "Stalker, i was wondering if you don't do that again to any married woman or child in my sight, please... Ok now that i got that off my chest, I am Eric Kile." He then turns and goes back to his seat and takes another sip of his drink.

 Stalker glances in Eric's direction, then says quietly but loud enough to be heard, "I'll take your request under advisement, Mr. Kile."

Looking calmly around the room, his gaze lingers on Stygian for a few seconds, then continues.

"I assume one of you is the "Leona" that summoned us?" he says.

Shadou's reaction to the newcomer was immediate, and not particularly polite.
"YEACH! That's just... eugh..." Shadou glared at Stalker and made a couple superstitious guestures; back home, humans were considered lucky, so logically eating one would bring bad luck, "Sick @#$%..."

Watching Stygian walk off, Gareeku then turned his attention away and his folded his arms and lent against a wall, observing the others as they made themselves known. It was then, however, that someone suddenly appeared in front of him, causing him to jump slightly. What was most interesting was the fact that he could feel the presence of a soul within her, as well as another by the side of her, yet she did not seem alive, much like the one beside her.
Ghosts...intriguing... the wolf mused to himself as he listened to Adrian introduce herself and Vincent.
"Pleased to meet you both. My name is Gareeku Manoko. I hail from the land of Furrae." the wolf said, smiling warmly and bowing his head slightly in a polite greeting.

It was then, however, that he observed Stygian, raising an eyebrow as he displayed a small taste of his powers, which in turn seemed...familiar...

Looking at the people in the room, Gareeku then realised something. Noticing Leona was near him, Gareeku turned to her.
"Forgive me for asking, but I hope that there will be no harming of innocent people in this quest, or as little of it as possible, at least. The last thin I want is the deaths of the innocent on my conscience." the wolf said, smiling apologetically. "As I said, forgive me for asking, but it's ust that one or two of our friends here seem a bit...well...vicious..."

Getting no response to his question, Stalker stepped over to a nearby wall and leaned into it, favoring Gareeku and Shadou with a small toothy grin.

Basking in the emotions radiating around him, he sent tendrils of his substance into the wall, absorbing small amounts of structural material to bolster his supply of mass.

"Sacrificing so much of my biomass was worth it," he thought to himself, "if these creatures and their emotions are any indicator of how well I'll feed."

As he awaited Sirius' answer, Gareeku happened to glance over at Stalker, who was giving him a slightly sharp-toothed grin, giving a slight smirk back at the human-looking man.
"I am especially concerned about the human-looking fellow over there." The wolf muttered as he turned back to Leona, his face now displaying a look of grave seriousness. "I mean it. If any of these people get out of control and start hurting of killing the innocent people of this realm, then I cannot be responsible for my actions."

 Cog stared quietly at the newcomer, stared at his glass, and swallowed the rest of his drink. It was sweet, almost thick, with a hint of cherry. He guessed it was some kind of sake, and it did indeed do justice to the name. After looking at that rather interesting display, the drink was bitter in his mouth.
"He did not wear his scarlet coat, for blood and wine are red: and blood and wine were on his hands, when they found him with the dead...the poor woman whom he loved, and murdered in her bed..." He said, leaving the table where the bottles lay, and moving towards the center of the group. He nodded towards mistress Leona. "As the wolf said, some assurances as to the nature of our quest would be most appreciated." He said, tilting his head at Stalker.

E stood off to the watching. this was a strange group he had approached and yet they seem to be just meeting each other. prehapes observation would be best. at least until the too not of his presence.

Stygian looked at Shadou with eyebrows raised, his skin and eyes slowly returning to their normal state.
   "I am sorry if it looked otherwise, but I meant no harm. Circumstances would be entirely different then. But I do not want something unfortunate to happen by some accident," he said with a disarming smile, and stepped over to the table, fixing himself a drink of another variant than Shadou's, but which by the shivering air above the glass one could tell was probably no less effective as a solvent. He returned to them quickly, and made a nod toward the monster-like creature.
   "As I said, my name is Sebastian, but I'd be glad if you called me Stygian. Everyone does."

   Then, another stranger entered. Or rather, a woman with a stranger inside her entered. As the scene played out in front of him, Stygian's eyebrows shot again, and then turned down into a frown; a scowl, even. There was not the slightest emanation of emotion from him for the stranger to feed on. In fact, there was little but for darkness and emptiness to be felt. But that face clearly stated his opinion. He took a sip from his drink, and faced the stranger's gaze with a bit of distaste. His face and movements were even more composed than usual when he took a step to the side of Gareeku and spoke out into the air, but clearly to him, Cognidubnus and Leona.
   "Don't worry about me, really. I keep my feet on the mat; you have my word. But I still would concur that you take them up on that advice," he said, and shot a look to Leona, venomous green meeting amber yellow head on. In his mind, Stygian was going over a number of exercises and calculations. The greater part of his attention was not on the two men and the girl, but turned against this newcomer, his mind and shadow sensing him, smelling, feeling and measuring him outside of the visible or apparent. He was no entity very reminiscent of Stygian himself, but still seemed similar in some ways. That was a great danger, if he was not the kind to restrict his powers.
   "...some beasts have not a conscience, some beasts have not a heart: but true beasts have not a sentience, not a thought in their head..." he continued Cognidubnus' rhyme.

Stalker remained motionless, letting his senses stretch out as he listened to the group discussing him.

"For creatures of chaos they are certainly rather squeamish," he thought.

Although aware of most of the room, he focused particularly on Stygian. He allowed his senses to play over the creature in several wavelengths, and was not disappointed to feel himself being scanned in return. Though definitely not another humaseeri, could it be a construct created by a rival?

He sincerely hoped not. He was here to feed his curiousity as well as his mind, explore, perhaps even let off a little steam, not level the entire area like he did the last time an assassin drone was sent after him by a rival.

Stalker's perception picked up an odd flicker here and there, though nothing tangible could be seen. Non-corporeal beings always bothered him somewhat; their magical nature made them extremely difficult to deal with should they prove to be hostile.

His attention wandered once more, then focused again on the group. "Perhaps I should attempt to be friendly?" he thought

Shadou shook his head, "Alright, not as flattered as I was a second ago about being sent that letter. Really doesn't seem so prestigious now. So, yeah. What Gareeku and the poetic one said. What are we up to? Just a vague outline here?"

Adrian jumped as Stygian touched her, even in her ghostly manner, looking over at him. Oh, if only she had skin on her face that could pale in fright. He scared her outright, despite that friendly smile. Eyes were portals to the soul, were they not? His were very unfriendly in manner, and Adrian inwardly let out a sigh of relief as others stood up for her. She let herself drift a bit closer to Vincent, even as Stygian walked off to the food stand.

It was then various people began inquiring Leona of the nature of the group. She wanted to pipe up and help Leona speak, but knew this was her friend's duty. This is what she had been doing for years now. Adrian remained silent, her mind drifting, and suddenly gold scripted words sprawled into her line of sight. The ghost involuntarily jerked, slipping from anyone's sight and rubbing her eyes to stop herself from reading the thought. It helped, and Adrian mentally shielded herself from doing it again, considering that it was rather rude...

Reappearing to the masses, Adrian glanced to Vincent. "You do know spirits can change their shape and form just as easily as their visibilty. In reality, I could be but dust sitting inside a cubboard," she teased lightheartedly.

Vincent blinked at the new revelation just given to him as he waited for Leona to replay to the other's demands.  "Wow, really?"  He asked, showing just how new he was to the ghostly world. 
"So how would I do that kind of stuff?  I mean, its not like I had a ghost's operating manual with me when I woke up."   He said wearing a expression of great curiosity.

Stygian barked a short laugh and turned his gaze to Shadou.
   "It's pretty obvious at least to me, unless there's some underlining plot. Which there of course isn't, if it's really Chaos we're dealing with here," he said, sounding earnest enough. Still, despite his tone, there was something to that statement, as if he really meant something different, or something more. He turned back to Leona. "We're going to give this world back its spark of life; cause a little pandemonium in the interest of progress." Then he shot Stalker a look that practically spoke on its own: And we'll do it with a bit of finesse and subtlety, and according to the wishes of our hostess, with probably as little death as possible.
   Still, in Stygian's mind some thoughts that weren't all along those lines, but not against them either, still inevitably stirred.

"Yeah, but whadda we got to work with? Where do we start? What's fair game?" Shadou replied, "Are we just going around scaring people, or is this going to be a bunch of calculated moves against the forces of Order?"

 Stalker raises an eyebrow at Stygian, though inside he was faintly surprised.

"They act as though I'm going to go on a murderous rampage," he thought. "I'm not a barbarian...though perhaps I may have created that impression."

He leaned forwards, retracting microtendrils leaving a tiny patch of matte finish on the wall. He casually stepped over to where Gareeku and the others were standing.

"I admit I'm curious as to what is being asked of us also."

He looked directly at Stygian, and made an odd noise that sounded like an unholy combination of steel and granite in a blender, fingernails down a chalkboard, along with the dying howls of several hundred species.

E finds himself curious even as he knows he should be repulsed. he's never encountered a being like stalker before. he decided to inquire directly. " what exactly are you stalker. "

Stalker shifts slightly, his face actually widening to keep an eye and ear pointed towards Stygian as he turns his head to the robot.

"I am a humaseeri," he says calmly. "There are not many of my kind. And I believe I have not been properly introduced."

Stalker holds his hand out to the robot to shake, still mostly focused on Stygian, waiting for a reaction.

E nods . with a slight incline of his head as to show respect he introduce himself. "I am Eric Valen but for the time being i chose to call myself E"

Stygian ignored the... humaaseri, rather demonstratively looking into what was left of his drink before swigging it down, and then looking at Shadou.
   "Calculation is always advisable. So is patience. She will tell us, if some just settle down." With those words, he slowly walked to the side to get another drink, and then to watch the ghosts, all the while emanating a chill emptiness, and still seemingly ignoring the greyish creature that seemed so intent upon catching his attention.

Stalker watched Stygian walk off with one eye for a split second, then turned his full attention to E. "Well, that was settled," he thought. His face resumed its normal shape once more.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, E," he said. "And what kind of mechanoid are you? I find living machinery fascinating."

"eh don't be to worried about it. this body sis copied of of an existing model with a few upgrades.  truth be told i'm the entity that is regulating / powering the Fusion core. "as he speaks E is busy building and impression of those around him. " forgive me for not shaking but i didn't what to inadvertanly copy your abilities." E lest the half truth slide.

"You didn't?" Adrian asked with mock surprise. "I didn't know how to either when I first died. It came with time. Though, not many remain with the living long enough to learn all of the trade secrets." She could feel Stygian watching them, one of her eyes removing itself from the front of her face, pushing aside hairs to emerge at the back, blinking at the rather creepy man before disappearing to be put back within the rightful place. "I didn't learn that I could change my appearance until not-too long ago." She paused, knowing that she was going around his question of how. How did she do any of this? Adrian thought for a few moments, flicking her bangs from her veil. She wasn't sure how she exactly did anything. She just sort of... did.

"Maybe you could ask Eris how? I'm not sure I'm the best to explain. I'm sure Eris would have a wide collection of books to study from," she finally said, nodding afterwards as if to confirm this to herself.

"And do ghosts write books?" Stygian had given no warning of his sudden closing with Adrian, as his voice now came from just behind and above her. "I believe they would make for fascinating historians." He brought a steaming cup of something, most probably tea, to his lips and eyed the two spectres in turn over its rim. He caught Adrian's gaze for a second, and held it. Then, in as good a disarming way he could, he thought, he looked down into his cup and smiled warmly.
   "Sorry. I know that it creeps you out, but it's not me you should be looking at that way. Me, I'm simply intrigued. Ghosts that I have met before are... well, of another nature than you." He tried looking as friendly as he could, hoping that the human face he had now was close enough for her to relate to. He wasn't that intrigued by these two, but getting off on the wrong foot with them from the start would be unwise. Not to mention, that creature had easily taken his place as the official black sheep of the group right then, which meant that he did not have to confine himself to that role anymore. That was good. Maybe he could get an entirely new scenario going. Who knew?
   "I'm sorry for before, but I tend to get upset when someone... debilitates me in any way. It's a job issue."

"Well, I can understand that, it's just not often one hears of a person who is..."  He paused and debated for a few seconds on the appropriate word "Allergic?...  I guess to ghosts.  As for history, my parents were history professors so I learned alot from them, but that was all about my dimension... or planet... and well, one thing led to another, but the short version is that my planet is a radiated wasteland so my 'history' is about as useful as a hill of salt in the middle of the Dead Sea." 

Vincent then looked to Adrian, "Eris..."  He thought about the name for a minute.  "Isn't she a Goddess of Chaos or something?  And what was that about 'remain with the living'?  Is there some sort of risk for me to 'pass on' or something?  'Cause I'd like to know how to uhm, not do that."

Eric is just sitting their drinking his drink waiting for the other reason he came here for. He also is looking around seeing all of with has already come. So far none of them look horribly scary, but stalker has already gotten on his bad side by what he did. He continues to look around the room but not really paying any attention to anyone in particular.

Stalker withdraws his hand and smiles faintly. "No, of course you wouldn't, E," he says. "Especially with a fusion device inside you."

He glances around the room casually. "I've only been introduced to you and Master Kile. Any idea who any of these others are?"

Cogidubnus bowed at Stalker from where he stood. "Cogidubnus Mithlome." He said softly, staring at him calmly from behind shaded lenses. "I wish I could say a pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir..." As he spoke, he changed the way he stood, his heels touching slightly and his arm resting loose at his side. "Though, first impressions are so often skewed. Don't you think?" He said, one eye narrowing from behind his shades.

Stygian looked at the ghosts with an amused look. They were looking for a way to stay dead? He wished he could say the same. Then again, death was really different for him. He sipped his tea, and very, very casually let his shadow move a bit to brush against Adrian's leg when he did. It touched her, feeling her as if she was solid. That was good, he thought.
   "Eris. Discord. Godess of chaos and strife. Opposed, if I am not mistaken, to Harmonia. I wonder, will we be facing another godess?" he said, and looked at Leona a bit. He sipped his tea. "Quite a few bad things said about her. Some legends even depict her as a... Well, I won't be discourteous." He brought the cup to his lips again, quickly watching and listening to the other conversations taking place. "As for the staying a ghost part... The best way, I believe, would be to have some business, or errand to hang on to. But then again, you could always be cursed too..." He said that last part with a sly look to his face that told he'd gladly help with that part. "Though most spirits I've read about that are cursed are changed a bit by their state. Oh, and as for my 'allergy', that's a different point."

Leona blinked as Adrian had walked through, which she knew was a typical thing Adrian loved to do to freak people out. But she wasnt sure OTHER people would be expected, and indeed, what happened next to Stygian certainly was unexpected to say the least! She breathed a soft sigh of relief he wasnt hurt, and was relieved to see tehre were no hard feelings.

She would have hated if a battle had broken out in this room!

But then tensions were high again, and she could smell them, as another pair came in. A pair, which was was quickly reduced to one. "That would be me Sir," Leona replied, walking over towards the man who had by far had the most dramatic entrance this evening! She nodded her head, then turned to face him with a serious look to her golden eyes few got to witness. "I must ask please, that we dont have any more quite so dramatic scenes here... though I do understand this is a part of some beings nature," she added softly. "Ill explain the details in a moment as to why but yes... it is nice to meet you Sir," she added with a soft bow as her attention was directed yet again in a new direction and the newcomer walked off.

At Gareeku's question nearby she looked to him  and nodded. "It would defeat the purpose if tehre was," she replied with a genuine, soft smile. "I really dont wish to see any more people harmed here then there had to be... I do understand your concerns Gareeku," she added then. "I really am about to explain things better in a few moments..."

She looked towards Cog who had come up as well and nodded. "I understand your concerns," she replied. "Believe me they will be addressed. Gareeku, believe me, if I thought innocents would be harmed I would stand beside you in that fight," her tone sincere as well as expression.

Leona nodded when asked about Eris then. "Yes... Ill explain her as well. Please folks, take a seat if you will. I can see we need to go ahead and get explanations out of the way before we have more confusion then we can all handle!" She bowed lightly, then had taken to her housecat form. Using that form to climb a few drapes, she took to a higher vantage point near the  roof's support beams and shifted back to her regular form, balancing upon a beam. Pulling a megaphone then from her Inventory Pocket, she cleared her voice.

"Please, could I have everyone's attention?" she asked kindly. "I would appreciate it if everyone takes a seat, and Ill explain the hows and the whys that we are all assembled here today!" She then gracefully jumped from her higher vantage point, pocketing the megaphone along the way, to take a place at the front of the long table. She motioned towards the seats lining the table, hoping everyone had heard her and would comply, those not seated already anyways...

"well, I don't think I'm cursed and, well, there is only one thing tha-"  Vincent stopped as Leona asked for everyone to be seated.  "Oh well, it's for the best I suppose, the only thing I could think of isn't exactly meant for...polite conversation."  He said as he walk over and took a seat with empty ones beside him.

"It's fine. I'm just not used to people touching me. In fact, you're the first," Adrian said with a slight smile. "But, to answer your question, I have seen some specters who were authors. They possessed pens to write, though were quite drab in personality." She looked to Vincent, raising a brow and licking her lips. "It's to be believed you retain the form you have when you died, though I don't believe that. I met a man once who died from blood loss 'cause his arm got torn off from a Beast. But, he had his arm on as a ghost. With that in consideration, I think you take the form you most appreciate." Odd, considering her face was still skinned after death, and in no way could she change it, even with all her years of being dead.

Stygian touched her again, causing Adrian to involuntarily shiver and glance his way. She didn't mention it, however, and continued the topic of Eris. "Eris, Leona's mom, isn't actually as cruel as myths make her out to be. She's as calculating and insane, however. I think you'd find her decent, Vinc."

"Staying busy isn't as easy as it seems. I've come close to moving on a few times," she told Vincent. "But, moving on isn't a big deal. In fact, life on the other side is a bit better. But, I like staying with the living. It was a choice I made personally, to be committed to this realm, no matter how much the other calls me. You'll probably be different. The realm of dead is quite appealing, I must admit. It doesn't hurt, moving on. There's not much to fear from it." Adrian glanced to Stugian, shaking her head gently. "I don't believe I'd wish to be cursed," she agreed with Vincent.

It was then Leona called for them to sit, and Adrian moved to the table, making sure not to drift through Stygian this time. She sat next to Vincent, as moral support, but still near enough to Leona to make little fangs as with her fingers to signify she wanted to see Leona's Hellcat form! It was so cute, and creepy, and kinda scary too! Adrian's favorite. Though, the hosuecat was adorable too.

Eric looks up at Leona. He thinks 'finally why we are here.' since he is already seated, he stays seated waiting for the rest to seat as well.

Shadou poured himself another drink and collapsed into a nearby chair. Mission briefings were always more pleasant inebriated.

Hearing Leona's words, Gareeku smiled warmly.
"Thank you Leona, you've put my mind at rest. Although if I'm going to honest there's one or two that I do not trust." the wolf replied, bowing politely in thanks.

Pouring himself a drink, namely a cup of tea, Gareeku took a sip as he sat down in a chair, listening carefully as Leona briefed them on their "mission". Something told the wolf that this would be far from being a walk in the park...

Stygian stirred his tea and sat down in a nearby chair, peering into the still steaming cup. Hopefully, this would be some sort of finite description and order. That would be very convenient indeed. And then he could get to work on clearing the field here, and on spreading his own kind of havoc afterwards. But there still seemed as if... He could not believe that a message that would have been sent on such a grand scale would call so few to it. He hadn't even seen representatives from any great powers or organizations apart from Eris' own liage so far. Still...
   He leaned back in his chair, downing the last of the still-too hot tea and then fished out a dark metal etui from within his coat. Then, Stygian flipped it open.
   "Do you mind if I smoke?" he asked.

Stalker bowed formally to Leona as she speaks, then to Cogidubnus.

"As you say, Master Mithlome. I would very much enjoy speaking with you more at a later time." Stalker moved a bit nearer to the table and found an empty chair, and sat down. His glasses disappeared, and his grey eyes took on an earnest look of interest.

Cogidubnus nodded at Stalker and slowly relaxed. "I look forward to it." Cog said, turning around and finding a place to sit. He let his chin rest in his hand as he listened for Mistress Leona to continue.

Eric looks around at the rest of the group to see if everyone is sitting because he wanted this to contiue. He also takes another drink from his glass.

Leona couldnt help but giggle slightly at Adrian's hand gesture, knowing EXACTLY what the ghost wa stalking about. The shifter really enjoyed that form as well, shame it wasnt all too practical in most cases!

She coudlnt help but smile slightly as she noted that most folks had varying forms of drinks as well, She wasnt sure if that would make this easier or harder! Oh she hated public speaking but in this case... it was needed. She took a deep breath, cleared her throat a moment, and smiled.

"Alright folks, we all set?" she asked, bouncing on her feet a moment.  Oh she was so nervous she could start spewing out butterflies at any moment! Or two ton crabs, wasnt that her last supper? She couldnt rememebr it had been some time ago! Digging into her Inventory bag a moment, she pulled out what looked to be a miniature projection device. She couldnt remember what world she had picked it up on, but today it would certainly come in handy!

She pressed the button, and a map came up. It showed, currently, an overview map of the entire world they currently resided on. "Alright, so, thank you everyone for coming!" she said. "I wanted to let ya know that first, because well, Im happy to see you all! Now, I know you're all wanting to know a bit more about what is at hand here, and well, why were wishing to cause chaos here! To know these things, you need to know a bit more about Median itself and its history!" She laughed softly.

"Yes, I know history can be a dirty word," she added, shaking her head. "But bear with me alright, have a few more drinks if ya need to! Anyways, Median here was once a world just like any other within the well, universe! Chaos and Order would go at it daily, in wars seen and unseen by the people. Things were in a pretty decent balance, although here Order seemed to be on the loosing side. The world would become chaotic a few centuries, and Order felt something had to be done...

"So, a thousand years ago, they enlisted the aid of other world Order forces, banding together. They sought help from wherever they could, planets that the people of Median didnt even know really existed yet! In other words, a dirty move. The only thing the local forces of Chaos had going for them was my Mom, who was visiting a relative here..." She sighed deeply.

"War broke out and all Hell was upon Median. It didnt matter what lives were lost, Order wished only to see, well, order restored. They didnt care where they waged their battles, another thing Chaos hadnt planned upon. After all, they may have been chaotic... but they did try NOT to involve mortals in an immortal war. That was, before Order broke it, one of the given rules of conduct.  And so the forces of Chaos were beaten... HORRIBLY. In fact, so horribly, this worlds local Chaos forces were completely... completely demolished. My mom was the last one standing, but even she was left in a terrible state of being...."

She paused a moment, flicking another btton on the machine. The picture changed to protray a woman with long flowing black hair, a grecian style dress, and red eyes. "OH! A quickie explanation as to Eris in general for Im certain many have crossed paths with her name. Eris is one of the Ancient Goddesses of Chaos. Shes also, currently, the Patron of Chaos here but preeeetty much drained. Really drained. She isnt evil, but rather likes to tip things her way. Shes agreed to arrange meetings if you need reassurance to her... uhm charachter. She can be devious, but she means well in the end.  So uhm yes, this is who you will hear about a LOT here okay? The Order forces I believe currently believe her to be dead or gone to another world... so this will work in our advantage!"

She flicked another button, which brougt back up the world map again. "As you saw on the letter, my name is Leona deBezna, Eris's creation/daughter/whatever ever title else you use! Basicly, the only force of chaos she could get a hold of that wasnt here, hence why Im here now! But I tend to fight for humans, so Ill admit, I was skepical of the whole thing at first.. so now I need to show you guys what conviced me to take this cause on!" She nodded, poking a finger in the middle of a rather large continent with the words Median written upon it.

"The world itself iscalled Median... but the forces of Order have also named the main continent Median as well. It is here," she added, pointing towards a small dot, "That their ruling capital of Dormenshien is." She touched the button, the map zooming in to reveal an aerial city view of what looked to be a typical housing area. A typical, suburban housing area. Over in the distance stretched a MASSIVE castle consisting of multicolored spires of calculated size.

"Dormenshein, or Dormy as I like to call it, looks pretty normal doesnt it?" she asked. "When I saw it, I admit, I was ready to just walk on up and out, because it seemed like, well, the typical life everyone should be allowed to leave. But, as I promised Mom I would, I looked into it... now I warn ya the next image is a bit perhaps graphic? Not really but yeah... you NEED to know what we're dealing with..." She sighed deeply, her lionlike ears down, as she pressed anotehr button.

"THIS is what I came across... in every home..." she said softly. The picture revealed that of a person seated in what looked like a mechanical chair. There were television implants, speaker implants, all lining the back of her head, implanted directly in. The person was easilly three to fout times the size they should have been, their eyes dim, dull, without a spark. The skin pale, as though it had never seen sunlight. The woman just sat there, in her chair, staring at the television screen, the computer screen, whatever screen she happeend to pull up..

"I thought it was a fluke... but everyone home was like this. The children are all created in tubes, aged appropiatly, then sent when fully grown to lives like this. Order devised it so that the people would never have the will to rise against them..."

"Of course, there are still a few folks who think this is wrong. There are folks who have tried to break free of their systems. And that is where the laws come in... theres a law against sneezing. Theres a law against passing gas. Theres a law against anything which might remotely cause discord in a group... which is why people just started to stay home. Life evolved to change according to Order's rules, and what you see is just the result of a thousand years of that..."

She sighed deeply, bringing in a closer view of the castle. "Now, if the goal was to just bring down Order, we would all just go in there full force, massive scale attack. But THAT would defeat the whole point! The point here is to, well, free the people from this system. To bring a bit of chaos into this world, and show that life doesnt HAVE to be the way it is now for them. The will of the people is strong once freed, and it will just take a few to get the ball rolling... In other folks, the goal is not to HURT the people in any way, alright? This is a point I must make loud and clear, for anyone seen hurting the people here shall be dealt with accordingly. And please, I really dont wish to do that. Now then, ahem..."

"Problem is, Order has had those thousand years to build up quite an army, and quite the amount of arms! They wont make this easy on us to say the least!" She took a moment to flick off the machine, and leaned against the table.

"Ooookay, now that Ive probably bored everyone to death any comments? Questions?" She took a sip of a nearby tea, feeling it sucha shame alcohol had no effect upon her. Sad sad really... oh she hoped she had been able to say things right... she was TERRIBLE with speeches!

Eric was the first to speak... " I have a few questions. First are their any others like us on this plane... people that we might be able to call on for help." He was thinking of his own kids that, what he knew about them, wouldn't just go with what is easy. "Second, are their only humans on this plane... exception to us and maybe others that have came before us. Third, What kind of army? are we talking about human who have been brainwashed or other, like machines and such?" He takes another drink from his glass.

Leona nodded gently. "Indeed they are! But they are VERY difficult to locate and find... and many, even when you do find them, are reluctant to come out. Mainly because those that are Free of the Order's system are afraid of what might happen should they be found..." She thought a moment, tapping the table as she did so.

"Im hoping that those few people will come when they hear theres a resistance group forming and shall find us, I dont wish to force anyone into helping us so dragging them here is out of the question. If theres anyone in particular you are thinking of, however, arrangements can be made to try and find them." She nodded at the second question, an ear lightly twitching.

"Oh yes, quite! I did forget to mention this world is as varied in its inhabitants as most. Humans, anthros, robos, machines... there are a few different types. Usually, Ive found, the anthros are the ones that are running in the free pockets, most of the humans in cities... but there ARE exceptions."

She nodded then. "To the last, well, they do have a brainwashed army of sorts yes, but they tend to use them more as bodyguards, and set out robots, machines, and their own elite soilders to deal with any 'Threats.' To be honest, noones been able to get into the Place yet to get a close look, and what we know upon their forces is strictly whats been observed. It is something that is hoped to be remedied shortly. "Does that answer everything Eric?" she asked, an ear tilted slightly to the side.

He nodded to her. "To a point yes... Thank you." He takes around drink and looks around the room for maybe another question from the others.

Stygian had been appalled by the images of the people that Leona had displayed. These people were what they were going to save? Something more like purge was what he thought would be proper! Anyone... anything like that would not have survived for five hours back on his homeworld. He knew that it was his own view earned down from decades in a society that unintentionally but strongly attempted to purge genetical flaws and didn't tolerate many weaknesses that played in, but it still did not lessen his disgustance that he knew. He only hoped that these people who seemed so technologically advanced had the means to set their society back on track once they had faced this trial, or else the whole scenario might turn into a Huxleyan nightmare.
   The mention of machines as opponents didn't discomfort him nearly so much, but it did unsettle him. Living and feeling opponents were more adaptable, but they were also a lot easier to confuse, to turn or otherwise control in whatever manner he needed. Machines were rational, worked at high speeds and while they did not often possess the weapons optimal for dealing with the likes of him, they could not be manipulated or tricked the ways living creatures could. He was used to finding the soft spots of his targets and going right for them, not smashing his way through a metal wall. But if that was what needed doing...
   "How well prepared are these forces then? If machines rationale are in control of their army it should be capable of rapid response, but if they have human leaders..." He sipped his tea and smiled. His eyes were grim in their intensity. Then, his face turned serious again. "Also, as much as it pains me to admit, I do not like the idea of saving such creatures as this world's populants seem to have become. I will do it, but..." he said, and put down his cup of tea on the small saucer in his other hand. "May I ask that I be allowed to monitor your society and... rationalize a plan of procedure to follow after we're through?"
   Stygian really couldn't believe that he was saying this. What he was suggesting wasn't too far from some of his plans, but it really was a huge responsibility of exactly the sort that he had shunned since he left the Company. It would take a large amount of work, and some more assistance, perhaps even a bit of cultural interference from Dyssea...

"Yes, question," came a voice from the end of the table. A women, with length blonde hair and bangs was seated there, wings folded against the back of her arms. She was fae, that much obvious, with moving tattoos that encompassed her torso. They bend structure and placement, though never moved from the line-like shapes that had originally been doddled as. It was Maeve, whom had managed to get a flyer, and come to the meeting in just the nick of time. None had noticed her, thankfully. Probably wouldn't have if she had spoken up. "When do you plan on attacking Median?"

You. Not we. Maeve had purposefully counted herself out, though made her speech smooth and somewhat slurred so it was harder to notice. Maeve was part of the Order, posing as one interested with Leona's plans. Which, basically was true, Maeve was quite interested in their plans. She just didn't wish to incliude herself into them.

Adrian Mneme, meanwhile, glanced down at the newest visitor. "Do you know who that is?" she inquired Leona, speaking mentally, so as not to disturb the general chat. She was a bit surprised by Stygian's suggestion as well, having never thought that of him. She got the odd sense he was slightly surprised by his own words as well. Everyone here seemed to be quite a bit more than they appeared. Good, in a way, but also bad, Adrian supposed. She stared at Maeve, however, not covering where she was looking. Something felt... off... about that fae. Really off. Like she didn't belong at all.

Shadou was appalled by what he'd seen. People were not meant to live like this. Never leaving their chairs? That suggested far too many unpleasant questions of both ethics, quality of life, and hygene.
"Question; if they're plugged into those machines, how will they even know we're doing anything unless we're directly effecting them? In order to get their attention enough to cause an uprising of some sort, we'd probably have to give 'em hell first to make sure they knew what was happening. I'm assuming that the news is censored here." He took another swig of his drink, to take the edge off of what he'd just seen, "And furthermore, as Stygian said, what they've become is not what they once were. What makes you think they can cope with the change?"
Hearing the fae, Shadou raised an eyebrow. "Where the hell did you come-? Bah, forget it. Besides, who said the word attack? Vandalism or public nuisance can be considered chaos. Besides, there's really not much culture to destroy from the looks of things; anything broken wouldn't be too great a loss. No fancy archetecture so far, no museums... With perfect order, you preserve everything but what's worth having. So who cares?" He grinned at Leona, despite having no visible mouth, "But it is a good question. When we going after 'em?"

Looking at the images while hearing Leona's explanation, Gareeku too was appauled at what he saw. This was no way to live. This wasn't order. This was evil and cruel tyranny.

Listening to Shadou, Gareeku nodded his head slightly.
"I see your point. However, in my view, as stop as we stop this and free them from what is basically slavery, then I will be happy. If they can experience freedom and happiness for what it really is..." the wolf replied calmly, although inside he could feel his rage towards the forces of "order" boiling beneath the surface. "People are stronger than what is first thought. When they realise just what they have missed all these years..."

It was then however, that Gareeku heard what Maeve and Shadou said.
"I agree. I for one will not be attacking anybody unless they attack first." the wolf commented, before looking around at the others. "And I hope no-one is planning on going on little rampages."

Gareeku could not help it, but there were still some who he did not trust. In his mind, a lot of creatures who created chaos were also those of sinister intentions. However, this view was shaped from his experiences in his home world of Furrae, where those with evil hearts such as demons were virtually always the ones who caused chaos.

At the mention of rampages Shadou looked away and scratched the back of his head. He'd been looking forward to doing just a little bit of rampaging. After all, he's a monster. It's instinct. Oh sure, those guys in the support groups say it's all mind over matter, but what about the people it doesn't work for? Sometimes you just wanted to smash something.
"Yeah, no rampages," He muttered to himself quietly, "Unless, for any reason, you find a structure or vehicle that had it coming to 'em."

Stygian laughed silently to himself. The whole room had started to smell and feel of discontent, anger and suspicion. Much of it was coming from the wolf from over the table. It felt a bit as if that girl - that ghost - was speaking to Leona directly as well, but he couldn't make out what was said, only sense the link. All those things were good to feel. It meant that these people might share many of his points and views if introduced to them right. As for Shadou's comment, he couldn't help but smile. Needless evil wasn't in it, but he wondered if the monster knew how much 'fun' they might have before this was all over.
   Stygian leaned back in his chair and bunched his fingers. He couldn't read much from a few images and just a speech. He was used to charts, schedules, blueprints...
   "Any specifics? If you have any information on locations, key people, tech... anything," he said. "I understand if your precarious situation denies you such knowledge. If we do not have that, I suggest we should instead get to analyzing our own situation and capabilities. One question I'd like answered is; just where the Hell are we?" The way he stated it, it was clear that he meant; where in Median were they?

Jack walked among the endless rows of shelves in the MSA main warehouse. Over his dark grey fur he was wearing a pair of blue jeans and an armless, green t-shirt with the MSA emblem on it's back. At the moment, however, no-one could see the emblem since it was covered by a black backpack that Jack was filling with various equipment he thought he might be needing. He had already packed food-pills, a laptop and his medical equipment. Now he only had one more stop, the armoury.

Jack ignored the body armour section, he didn't intend to stay in the line of fire longer than he had to and a stiff armour would only slow him down. Instead he went for the shelves with staffs and picked one with a strong nano-structure and leather straps on one end. Next he turned for the grenades. A few smoke 'nades could be useful for distractions. he thought and reached for the can shaped grenades.
But then he spotted the jammer grenades. Jammer work like EMPs but you can not shield yourself against them, the downside is that the jamming effect wears off after a few seconds. Jack put back the smoke he was holding and threw five jammers into his backpack instead. Despite the short duration of the effect they were still very useful and could give people with implants a real headache without causing them any damage.

After picking up a Taser and a camera, Jack went to the shuttle that would take him and his colleague, King, to the world of Median. After having taken a seat and strapped himself down, Jack took a glanced at King's two large suitcases.
"Sure you didn't forget anything?" Jack asked sarcastically as the shuttle took off.
"Are you sure you didn't forget anything? That thing won't last a day." King replied and nodded at Jacks backpack.
"Maybe I did forget something." Jack smiled and started to dig around in his bag. "Wait! I lost one of my mittens. We have to go back."
Next thing Jack knew he was falling through the air towards Median.

"AAAAAAaaaaaaaaaa.........." THUD! "Ouch." Jack hit the ground hard despite the dampening shield that the shuttle gave him when he was ejected. After making sure that his lizard was still sitting on his shoulder Jack got up and looked around, trying to figure out where he had landed. If he wasn't too far from the meeting place for chaos he could walk there, otherwise he could just use the letter.

Vincent sat patiently as he watched the attrocity of humans forced to sit and do nothing and listened to the other asking for information, but something struck him as wrong with the story unfolding before him.  "From the way you spin it, with order doing the unexpected and chaos being cohesive enough to plan, I'd say you guys actually switched duties, at least temporarily.  Regardless, we need to figure out how to not only get things back in balance, but keep them there."  Vincent then wore a face of deep thought as he began working on the strange puzzle of this land.

e nodded. he agreed this was an end to life in the form of status. life without uncertainties was not life at all. "form my understanding most of us are one entities armies. this is not unusual for this kind of planetary  or galactic shifts but still we must figure out what it is we wish to accomplish before we moving into action. it is not enough you say conquer the world we must know how we want to to it. Wily always came up short in the long run because he only long one step at a time and any time you want a chair reaction you have to plan beyond the first step."

Stalker watched the projection with no change in expression, and listened intently to the conversation that followed. The emotions from the others in the room were indeed refreshing, but he kept his mind focused on matters at hand rather than snacking.

An entire world of near emotionless zombies? The very thought disgusted him, and once more proved how cruel and insane humans could be when dealing with one another. Better one should die than be a mindless slave, living to barely exist.

Stygian's question mirrored some of his own thoughts. "Milady Leona," he said, "the situation is indeed horrible. You have my pledge to do anything in my power to help these unfortunate beings, and if you so desire, I will not harm any person unless assaulted by them."

Stalker gestured to Stygian. "The gentleman raises a good question. Knowing our proximity to the enemy, as well as the terrain and resources available would be invaluable to our planning."

"We need to spread Chaos?" Cog said, quirking a smile. "I do think I was not the only one to notice those machines. These, in conjunction with Order's military forces, seem to be the driving forces behind their complacency. I recommend a cold-turkey detox." Cog said, unplugging an imaginary power cord. "It occurs to me, unless each machine is completely self-sufficient, they would likely be connected to some sort of power grid. Disabling the grid  on a wide-spread scale would 'liberate' cities at a time. This could be done quickly by, say, EMP bombing, destruction of their power plants, or even just strategic removal of specific points on the grid." He thought a moment. "It would be a good way to get people interested in what's going on, anyway."

"EMP bombs? Terrorist attacks are indeed an effective strategy, but you sound as if that sort of equipment is readily at hand. I suspect that we don't have that kind of means available to us," Stygian said seriously. Inside though, he was almost laughing. This had proven to be bigger than he expected, so he might just tell Moira to come over and help... He thumbed the little watch-like device of dark metal in his pocket. He wouldn't have anything against gambling some property against potential gain from a whole world.

E chuckles. Stygian had a point. even if he were to somehow rework his thunder wave weapon into and emp projector it would not last forever. it might not ever work very well. after all he was not X when it cam to weapon adaption. " your thinking well but we need to figure targets to attack" E thinks to himself that some public reeducation via the monitors would help stirs them up into a frenzies as well. after all if they were obedient drones then they could be told to leave these monitors and   drag their neighbors into the  middies of the city. oh what things could be. done. in time they would become  free things solders in the army of Wily. No wait. i'm thinking like the old man again. " how about we make the people into our army?

"Destroying the power plants is a sound idea, Master Mithlome," Stalker said, "as well as offering the most...amusement."

He lowered his head almost humbly, glasses re-forming over his eyes. "An EMP isn't all that difficult to generate, however, if one does not mind a bit of collateral damage. If anyone has large amounts of pitchblende, or perhaps a few barrels of waste radioactive, I can provide such an effect."

Stalkers lips twisted wryly as he thought, "Yes, and it would render me nearly immobile and keep me from assisting others. Perhaps that would be for the best, but the unexpected always happens."

After quite a long walk Jack arrived outside the large lodge which was the meeting place for chaos. A glance at his watch told him that he had most likely missed the introduction.
"I guess I'd better knock." Jack said to himself and hit the door three times. Hopefully the people inside wouldn't mind him interrupting.

Vincent heard the knocking and looked at the door.  Could order have found them so fast?  No, it must be some one to help the cause, whatever the case he stood saying "I'll check it out."  He then walked over to the door and pushed his head through, getting a good look at the newcomer.  "An anthro-feline with a lizard on his shoulder, yep, reaks of chaos."  He pulled his head back in to anounce "Hey, we got a new guy out here, anyone care to open this thing?  I would, but my muscles were reduced to atoms."

Location: Hunnydew SpaceLab Research Station, L-5 orbit, Furra, Furra StarSystem, Milkway Galaxy
Time : 2208 hours

"Larry, I told you to power down the Tesser gate gyros for the night" said a blue female anthro cat looking down in a large 10meter high lab from the control room.

"I did, Prof Hunnydew" said Larry, a orange mouse intern with black hair..

"Great, I guess I will have to go down there Myself and for a local shutdown.  And my regular suit is in the shop." said Professor " I'll just have to use my new battle hardsuit" 

"Ah Prof H, you only try that one out once and it didn't do to well in a vacuum" worried Larry

"but it is not a vacuum in the Lab, beside it can't be helped That Tesser gate is powering up beyond just standby mode.  If it is not shutdown, it could take the station with it, but what is weird that the station power is not showing a load on it. I'm suiting up" said PBH

In the Tesser gate Lab, PBH reaches the manual shutdown breaker and shuts it down, but not before a sudden peak in full level, and full activation of the metal hexagon archway flashes before her eyes.

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/PBHunnydew/TesserGate.gif)

A letter size piece of paper flutters to the floor in the now dim lab just before the arch.  Prof Bambi Hunnydew in her battlesuit picks it up and looks at the writing on it.  She can read ancient Greek and many other languages, but this is something more ancient then anything she has seen.

"Larry, Do you know anything about this " holding the text up to the cameras and the control room, PBH said and turns the page around again "You know the only thing that makes any sense is this Sid-he rune here for Chaos"

**FLASH**

The people in the lodge hear a thunder boom and bright flash from a clear sky.
Prof Bambi Hunnydew finds herself planetside outside a large lodge in the night... wondering what the letter in her hand says and how in the universe the Tesser-gate activated without power. 

PBH

((OOC: It's night? Ok.))

"Nya!"
Jack was surprised by the sudden flash. He instinctively dropped no the ground while reaching for his handgun. The thing was that he hadn't brought his gun. Instead he got his camera.
Ah, well. That anthro looks confused, not hostile. Jack thought to himself and snapped of a photo while kneeling.

"Hey. Are you here to join chaos?" he asked with a friendly tone.

Stygian was frowning at Stalker's statement when he noticed a presence, just a fraction of a second before there was a knock on the door. The other ghost, Vincent, got up to deal with it, and somehow seemed to be able to deduce that the one on the other side of the door was a friend of Chaos. Not that it mattered much to Stygian himself, but to do such a thing so quickly... He left that train of thought behind quickly, took another sip of tea and then put down his cup on the table beside him.
   Then, Vincent asked for assistance, and there was a sudden flash. Stygian muttered something, and then began to get up.
   "I'm getting it," he said, which was true. The next second he was gone, vanished. There hadn't been any indication whatsoever. He was simply not there anymore.

   There was just the slightest sound of something like cloth rubbing from behind Jack, and the next instant there was something of a presence there, like that feeling one gets from someone looking at you from where you cannot see.
   "Welcome to Johnston and Mills' Funeral Services!" a dark, melodious voice exclaimed from right behind him. "If you wish to die, please don't state your business." There was almost a laughing tone to that statement.

   Let's see how he takes that joke... Stygian thought humorously.

"I'll go see what's outside," Adrian volunteered. She looked to Leona, "Continue without me," she told the Shapeshifter, before vanishing altogether. Her physical form came before Professor Bambi Hunnydew, finishing the last tug on tying the ribbon in her hair. "Greetings!" Adrian said, in the friendliest voice she could manage. The ghost, whom appeared anything but a ghost, held out a hand to Hunnydew. "I'm Adrian Mneme, local geist, and I see you got Leona's flyer. The meeting's only just started, I'm sure you could be prompted on what you missed. Let's get inside, shall we?"

 Stalker cocked his head as he heard thunder and sensed two more beings. He savored the thrill of confusion from them, eyes half-closed.

Noting Stygian's disappearance, he nodded slightly. "Exactly how many invitations were sent out?" he asked under his breath, "And did they put any safeguards on them?"

Jack, much more prepared for the unexpected now, hardly moved when Stygian spoke to him. The first sentence puzzled Jack a bit, he was pretty sure he was at the right place, but after picking up the ironic tone in the second sentence Jack calmly turned around to face Stygian.

"I'm Jack Spades, a reporter... of a kind. I've been sent here to cover the events that will take place." Jack said and offered a handshake. He didn't really know why he was trying to make a good firts impression, no-one had tried to make a good first impression on him yet. Also, if he was too... orderly they might get suspicious around him and think he was spying for the Order.

Stygian made a short laugh and eyed the... boy in front of him, he realized. He took his hand, shaking it in a rock-hard grip, and tilted his head to the side. The feline furre almost looked cute to him. Still, he wasn't scatterbrained, obviously. And he didn't make any odd comments, but simply stated something that sounded very ambiguous. There was an odour of machinery and synthetic materials on him, and then there was a feeling of sorts that could not be described in such simple terms...
   "Just a joke on my part. I'm Sebastian. Please, come in," Stygian said. He decided to keep an eye on the feline. Turning, he stepped back and opened the door, motioning for Jack to step inside. "Everything will be explained." While he talked, he began preparing a few routines for tracing and jamming communications around the house.

***PBH dressed in a spacesuit which is form fitting with helm with a clear facemask, breastplate with a jetpack backpack, silver bracers with buttons and lights that cover her forearms, raygun-looking pistol and tool belt, and silver boots to her knees.***

PBH steps back as many symbols and images  flash across her face.. "ah Sorry, I am sure you're not here or alive..  where are you transmitting your hologram from?  Or more to the fact How can you be transmitting a hologram without a recieve  here?"  

PBH looks around quick, but return to Adrian..."Wait,Okay Hi I am Prof Bambi Hunndew of Hunnydew Labs, and Did you say something about a flyer... This paper has some writing on I don't understand.. expect for this Seeli-rune of Chaos.. Who is Leona?  Why are you have a meeting?"  PBH stops suddenly, "AH Sorry to bother you. If you direct me to the nearest transport..."  Looking more closely at Adrian

"Hey Are you of those alien human from one of those crazy UFOs?"

PBH

Hearing the commotion, Gareeku glanced towards the door, though he did not move from his position.
"Hmmm. It seems we have more people arriving. Though judging by the lack of confrontation, they're not here to attack us." the wolf muttered, waiting for the newcomers to make their appearence inside the cabin.

Adrian giggled at being called a hologram, letting Hunnydew ramble on a bit more with her questions and theories before deciding to explain. "I'm quite real, and somewhat alive. As I said, I'm a geist. A ghost, specter, undead, whatever it is you wish to call me. But I'm quite real, and at the moment physical. And yes, flyer. Leona, the creation/child of the Goddess Eris, who looks after chaos and discord, sent out those papers, calling for help. This world is in dire need of it. If you come inside, we'd explain everything. Though I'm assuming it's cold out here, and you must be hungry. We have food and drink, as well."

Pausing, she laughed and shook her head, "No, I'm no alien. I was a completely average human once. Just happned to pass on, yet stay here. If you wish to go back to your world, I'd think Leona would know the most advisable way to it. But I cannot help you in that area." A lie, a bit fat one too. Adrian could help her go back to her laboratory, though she didn't want to. Adrian was trying to lure the professor inside, to where she'd see somewhat decent people (with an expection or two) uniting for the good of an entire world. Adrian motioned back towards the lodge with a hand, smiling, though her facial expressions did no good, considering that Professor Bambi Hunnydew wasn't able to see them. "Please, if we go inside, you'd have much more service to help you."

"ooo the undead...Well if you dead I guess you can be a human, too. Okay I'll see who is who and what is what.. Why the world needs saving from whatever..."  PBH moching fearfull and follows you in as she removes her helmet...

PBH

Eric just keeps sitting in the chair drinking up a little. He looks up at the newcomers but really doesn't do anything else.

"Wonderful!" Adrian cheered, turning and leading the way into the lodge. She really hadn't seen the outside before, and it looked somewhat smaller than she remembered the inside being. Following the main path, it led to a door, which Adrian pushed open, allowing Professor Hunnydew in first before letting it close. Resuming the lead, Adrian went down the hallway, soon spotting Stygian with whomever had knocked on the door earlier. "Professor Hunnydew, this is Stygian. Stygian, this is Professor Bambi Hunnydew. And uh... I'm afraid I don't know the other fellow," Adrian introduced, stoping just outside the doors and once more allowing Hunnydew through first.

How do you do? Stygian I'm Prof Bambi Hunnydew of Hunnydew Labs, out by L-5 skycity.. And who is your feline friend here? May I ask?" **PBH stares opening at the anthro cat, but quickly looks away.

"oh ah Lead the way Adrian.."

PBH

E smiles as the looks at the new arrival. " she seemed familiar yes he had not memory of her.  ah well the wonders of time travel and paradoxes never cease to annoy him. " a Professor you say? i hope your nicer the the first Doctor i meet a few years ago. he was an odd one that one." still the following doctors had been nicer to him and upgraded his body and his body replacement system.

Adrian allowed enough time for the other furry to introduce himself, or for Stygian to do so, before leading the way into the confrence room, motioning to the large table. "Here we are. That there is Leona, she's running the operation. Please, take a seat or get some refreshments, I believe Leona was answering questions just now," the ghost said, then glanced to E. "She appears to be quite kind," Adrian informed him, a smile in her voice before going and taking her own seat beside Vincent. She had forgotten by now the ribbon that made her 'real' was still in, considering she still couldn't feel much. Adrian kept an eye on Hunnydew from her seat, making sure the professor got herself a seat and was comfortable.

PBH is a little nervous around the human or the humaniods in the room, but smiles and nods at the furre or robots.  Those with magic will a small magical aura around her.  She goes and gets a wine glass and sits near Eric.  Yet, She does not seem to know E or Eric or that matter anyone there...

Looks toward Leona, and waiting for the meeting to start...

PBH

Eric looks over to PBH lifts up his rather older looking paw to her. "Hi, i am Eric nice to meet you."

"Ah Hi I'm Prof Bambi Hunnydew...Ah Nice to meet you, too (i think)" 

PBH

Shadou choked on his drink a little, what with the bright flashes and loud noises out of nowhere. Sputtering, he looked up in time to see the new arrivals.
"Nice to- coughHACK- meet ya..." he said, cleaning up what he'd spilled, "I see some special effects people or something have been brought along too. Name's Shadou, pull up a chair."

Stalker turned his head ninety degrees and regarded the newcomers, his glasses melting back into his face to reveal his silvery eyes.

"It is pleasing to meet you. I am Stalker, at your service." He flowed into a standing position, and bowed gracefully. A hint of the silver needles he possessed instead of teeth showed, and he quickly lowered his head. to hide them.

He stepped nearer to Cogidubnus and leaned in closer, whispering. "I sense something may be amiss, Master Mithlome, and subtlety is not my strong suit. Do you sense anything odd about the young lady who just arrived?"

"hello are you okay miss? " e asks as the notices what seems to be  a spike in her vitals. " you seem to be on edge and form my recent history on mobius that's not a good thing." he remembers that being robotic was not a bastion of trust when it came to the non human beings there. he heard her origins point and that didn't sound like Mobius to him.

"Oh oh yes I am fine or will be fine I am sure,  Stalker is a little ...startling to me is all.  Am not sure what to make of him."  as she takes one gulp of her wine and then turning to Shadou "ah what special effects it is just a clear night outside?"

PBH

"The big frigging KABOOM, for one," Shadou took another swig of whatever potent cocktail he was drinking and gave the impression of grinning despite not having any visible mouth, "Shortly before you showed up. Bright flash, loud noise; you made quite the entrence."

Stygian had practically shoved Jack into a chair, and then seated himself again, now with another drink in his hand. He eyed the feline for a moment, thinking hard before returning to listening. He hadn't tried prying in the cat's mind when he had contact with him out of wariness, but from the feeling and smell Jack was calm and focused yet tense in a very practiced manner that wasn't much unlike that of a fighter entering a ring, or a soldier facing a battle. And then there was the suspicion that if he tried reading the furre he'd encounter more trouble than what was normal. So he simply sat, and then turned to face forward against Leona a bit. He tried to get his voice in between Shadow and this "professor".
   "This is Jack Spades. Claims he's a reporter, though from what paper or channel, I don't know. You didn't announce this publically, I trust?" he said, the last question very rhetorical. He turned against Jack again. "We're currently discussing how best to strike at the Median power grid. I though would want to take the time and point out that such an action would be a temporary solution to our problem, at best."

"And besides, what would happen if the Order fought back?" Maeve input. She had moved from her seat at the back, to sitting nearer to the front, a glass of wine in her hand. She glanced to Stygian, "And, while temporary, it could buy you some time to prepare a new strategy." Again, excluding herself from the picture. Maeve really had no need to claim she was to go with them, and was, in fact, going to do quite the opposite.

To think, a member of the Order such as Maeve had gotten the flyer.

Adrian watched Maeve as she spoke. She got an uneasy feeling from the fairie person, which made her want to sink into the furniture. A bad feeling, to put it simply, though she wasn't certain if anyone else felt it. Glancing around the table, Adrian tried to read the other's faces, wanting to know how they also felt of Maeve, one of the frew late arrivals.

Quote from: Boogeyman on January 28, 2007, 10:43:44 PM
"The big frigging KABOOM, for one," Shadow took another swig of whatever potent cocktail he was drinking and gave the impression of grinning despite not having any visible mouth, "Shortly before you showed up. Bright flash, loud noise; you made quite the entrence."

"A Kaboom? Before I arrived, Well that is a good reason why I didn't hear it.  Are you sure you have not been affected by your drink, sir?"  

Upon hearing Stygian, PBH ear perked up
" a power grid... What kind of power..If it is a electrical, you need only short-out a few relay stations at the same time. and maybe overload some of the circuits and your have a cast-cading effect which would take out a continent.  I could make it look like a large solar flare"

PBH

Stygian looked a bit perplexed at the quick response from the professor, but pondered her words. He wasn't sure of the configuration, but...
   "I don't think that's a lasting plan. I know solar flares, and the EM-discharge might well be great enough, but I also know how good a well-drilled military can be at getting repair crews and spare parts moving. We want to keep the power down, not just out. That means striking at the hub powerplants from the start."
   Noticing Adrian's look, Stygian turned his head a bit to the side and faced her. He didn't know what was up, but he held her gaze. What was she up to?

Sure you can repair a relay station or two in a few weeks, but a massive Solar flare would take down 70% or more of transforms and relay stations across the grid.  Enough that it could be 12-18 months to restore power to the whole grid.  As each power station drops out it's load is added to the remaining power stations on the grid. 

But why would want to take down the power grid in the first place? 

**PBH is finally wonder what this group is up to and looks at Maeve first and then back Stygian**

Cogidubnus quirks his head at Stalker's inquiry and quirks a smile. "No more odd than anyone else. Which is to say, very much." He seemed to trail off for a moment, and looked at him sideways. "Considering the entrances that I have seen tonight, she seems to be less strange than the rest." He stood.
"A question, however. You say you can make an EMP - but you also mentioned collateral damage."  He pushed his shades farther up the bridge of his nose. "Exactly what do you mean when you say 'collateral damage'?" As he waited for an answer, he greeted the newcomers.
"Cogidubnus Mithlome, good sir and madam." 

"Perhaps it's nothing, then..." Stalker trailed off, then focused.

"It all depends on what type of biomass I have available for shielding, and the pulse strength itself, of course. Since I currently only have limited organics, it would have the side effect of detonating a small thermonuclear device on anything organic around me for, say, two miles?"

Stalker picked up a nearby glass and swallowed it whole. "Of course that would be terrible, since we've already agreed that there not be any violence on the Medians. But properly shielded...I can guarantee a blast radius of a about ten feet on a five-mile pulse."

His gaze lingered on the spacesuited catwoman. "I've done this before, you see. My children have always been rather aggressive and ill-prepared when they died..."

Death is not something to enter with hate. take it form me I've been dead before and i know that dying with unfinished business is something that will often cause deep regret. still PBH plan interest me, it sounds like  overloading  of a power core. how would it work exactly?

Eric smirks a little at the mention of Death. Under his breathe "death was a panzy" then took another drink looking up to the Leona.

Jack let himself be pushed around a bit. After all, he didn't know the house or what seats were taken. After having a bit violently been showed where to sit he started to look around to get a better look at the people in the room. Wolf anthro, human, fairie, robot... yup, looked like chaos. He then answered Stygians question about what paper he worked for.
"I work for MSA News." Jack said. It was almost true. "You have probably never heard of it." Jack said. He then listened to the conversation about the EMP. He didn't like EMPs, they messed with his equipment.
"Are you sure the power grid isn't shielded against EMPs?" he asked. "And a five mile blast isn't much if you intend to attack the local nodes."

"Look, a strong EMP pulse in the Ionicsphere would spread over a wide area and a few key relay breakers switching out-of phase with each other and a few other fused together would send the EMP down the whole grid, if they is system is design to maintain as much of the grid powered as possible in an emergency.   No engineer thinks that more than one or maybe a few main relay will fail closed at the same time."

"So you setoff EMP during the peak power demand time, and during a solar storm or make your own. And you fry most of the power grid in about 30 seconds."

"Still who are you fighting? and why take out the power grid?  The common people will suffer more than the elite or ruling members you are after.  Can I get a quick run down on Who or what is the threat?"

***PBH is still looking worried at Stalker, 1) he looks Human, and 2) he is surely a cyborg or something.. but her stare wanders to Maeve, her species/something is haunteningly familiar somehow, but PBH is very wary of her, that her gut tells her not to trust her.  If anyone of these people can be trusted, Maeve maybe the least of them.  Still Leona has not said anything, yet.  She turns back to Leona and Stygian while keeping the corner of eye on Maeve and the other humans***

PBH

"It was a huge flash! How could you have missed it on you w- right, teleportation," Shadou facepalmed, "Mebbe this stuff is too strong. And before we get to planning how we're to blow stuff up, I for one suggest we wait for our hostess to conclude the briefing."

"Really? You think?" Stygian said, his words dripping sarcasm. "I was referring to those very people earlier. And we still don't just want to knock out the power grid, since that can be repaired. Not to mention that it might not be electricity-based. So let's listen to Leona." He leaned back in his chair and waited.

Eric puts down his drink. "If this is going to take any little longer, i might as well get comfortable." He pulls out a pipe from what looks like an symbol from his staff. From his robe inner pocket and brings out some kind of leaf and stuffs it into the pipe opening. "Does anyone mind?" Looking around room for any objections.

Vincent returns to his seat and more or less falls backwards into it, resulting in a somewhat slouched position.  "Great, five minutes in and already I'm proving the be the most useless."  He grumbles to himself as he waits and listens to the conversations as best he can.

Leona nodded towards Eric, glad that she could answer his question. It seemed he was looking for someone... she hoped he found them.

"HUman leaders," she replied towards Stygian with a nod. "Well, human and anthro but you get the idea. "The Order from what I have been able to gather programs and orders the machines directly themselves. Each general has their own fleet to command, and modify to their wishes. She blinekd at his next question and a rare soft smile formed.

"Of course," she replied, dipping her head slightly. "It would be of the greatest appreciated help Stygian, for this world will need all of the help it can get once the dust has settled too!"

She looked towards another individual she could not remember seeing or speaking to before, at first figuring the woman to be a late arriver. But after the moment the woman spoke the word you Leona's ear twitched ever so slightly. There was something... off. A spy perhaps? But Leona has already been warned by Eris that there would probably be more than a few present here.

"The exact time and date as of now is still undertain," Leona replied honestly, not one to lie. "We hope within the next week to allow for preparations..." Actually, it would be a day or two at most if things went right. And it wasnt like it would be an all out attack at first...

"No," Leona replied towards Adrian, sending the thoughtline back. "But I dont trust her... Mom said there'd be a few spies though and I get that distinct impression she IS one..."

Leona nodded towards Shadou. "It all ties into the machines themselves..." she replied towards him. That was why she was hoping a soul or here might be technical minded, because she certainly wasnt! To make them notice we need to affect the very machines they are attached to... as for coping. Well Im certain if we can show them, work with them afterwards... show them what sort of things life can and should hold, then things will turn out alright. I remain optomistic although the task will be far from easy..."

She nodded towards Gareeku then. "Exactly," she replied. "People have a strong will, once they awaken it!" She shook her head then. "And yes... were here only to take care of what needs to be taken care of, not destroy everything in sight. Again, the purpose would be defeated if that were done." She noted Shadou's response and knew it would be dissapointing to a few here.

"I assure you Shadou, theres a time and a place for everything, even that," she added, with a slight amused look in her golden eyes.

She looked back towards Stygian. "All VERY good questions," she replied. "We do need to do some recon work here Im afraid. We need too investiage within the castle itself for one. THAT is one of the main places we need information on first and foremost, but Im fairly certain we have a few here who can do it. As for key people..."

She pressed a button on her tabletop device once more. This time there was an image displayed of a tall anthro cheetah, a male, who bore a long white beard and more than a few machines attached. A pair of machine attendants, shaped as burly robots in red and one blue, stood to either side of him. "This would be the head of Order currently, "The High Priest of Median Arigra Meliticular Svendros. I like to call him Ari... much shorter and easier to say!" she added. There were other names she liked to use as well, but none were all too polite for formal conversation! "Anyways, High Priest Ari has an override, a control, for most everything one can think of from his station at the very heart of the castle. His room can be moved up or down, with a range of twenty stories either direction. Again, we havent the tech to know how this works or anything but there are more than a few stories out there to confirm it." She took a drink of water, before gesturing towards the two robots.

"Ebert and Klein, Red and Blue respectively, are his top guards. They are magic resistant, and will follow any command given to them. They also work as a team to defend Ari. Thus far, he does all of his appearances himself so we dont have the information upon his underlings as of yet..."

She nodded then, pulling up an indepth map of Median. "We are right outside of the main city, in a pretty wooded area," she said, pointing towards the city borders. "Its a slight bit of a trek to get there admittedly, so please dont get lost!" she added, and thought she wore a smile it was clear that she meant it. The woods were thick and if one wasnt careful. "But yes, a mere hour or two and youre everywhere you could need to be," she added. "To our south are the mountains, to the east and west a river. All of these can be used to our advantage in future missions I believe."

When Vincent mentioned about Chaos and Order switching duties Leona flushed a bit, her ears twitching and shaking her head. "I know Vincent, its a bit wierd," she told the ghost. "But one does what they have to do to restore things. And besides, isnt it the more elboarate plans that fall to Chaos? Although in this world, things do seem a bit strange, but I have faith its a change for the best given the matter at hand. To KEEP things in balance afterwards, well, after the people are restored I have faith the rest shall come. Ill personally help to keep an eye on things, rest assured however." She knew it was a massive task, that, but she never kept track exactly of time well either.

She bowed lightly towards Stalker. "Thank you, I believe you. And I am most appreciative of your word," she added.

She listened towards Cog, grateful to see someone mention this. "It was thought that perhaps, at first, we need to plant the ideas of chaos, the ideas of freedom and what it can bring, that it exists... to the people first and foremost. This could also be done by yes, sending the right signals to their machines... but we would need control of one of their radio towers. Those can be found in the spires of the castle itself... not the easiest of targets to say the least! Afterwards, then, yes, destroying and destroying and disconnecting the machines would be best."

"Radioactive watse..." Leona thought, tapping a finger against the table a moment as she looked towards Stalker. "It could be found at the Dump I am certain... but tehre are more than a few hazrds there and it is a bit more of a distance. The Dump can be found here," she added, bringing the map south, past the mountains, to the other side where she tapped a small red dot.

She nodded towards Vincent, grateful to those who could go. "Thanks," she said towards Adrian, and nodded her thanks to those who could see her as well.

At Stalker's question she frowned deeply. "In order to get them out and dispersed, the sfaegaurds were a few minium commands. "Im afraid the Chaos around here wasnt powerful enough to be more specific... although I know for a fact a few were destroyed as well..." She sighed. "I wish we had the respurces to where I could have been more picky, but we had to work with what we had. But even if we were careful, one of those few dozen letters I am certain would end up the wrong place... chaos magic is well... chaotic at best," she explained.

As the newcomers came in, she bowed lightly to them and then once righted waved cheerfully. "Welcome to you all," she replied. She looked towards Sygian, in agreement. "Certainly... the Order would restore whatever was lost in due time," she agreed. "That is why it would need to be part of a larger plan, a plan we all can come together to help create once we have more intel..." She looked towards Jack a moment, studying him. 

"Alright..." she said. "Jack... have a seat please," she said, giving a nod. She would trust he was just a latecomer for now, but becertain to keep an eye out, just in case he was reporting to a place that could cause trouble..

"It is expected for the Order to fight back... Leona replied towards Maeve, wary. We need to find out, before even putting the grids down, exactly who or what would repare it and stop them as well. I agree, we need to see the larger picture of this all, and know it wont take but one or two steps, but rather a multitude, some more than once..."

She paused, noting quite a few folks here now were technical minded. It was good, having more than one opinion like this. "But yes, we do need to figure out amongst us if there are any safegaurds upon the grids as well... again, intel would help muchly. First and foremost, we will need to go on scouting missions."

Wow, this was quite complicated. Leona, admittedly, wasnt used to being at the forefront, being the leader of these situations. This was a first, and she could admire those who did so quite a bit more now! She took anotehr drink from her water, looking back towards everyone.

"So we need intel first upon the castle itself, the grids, the spires, and quite possibly the dump as well. Then we can discuss the details, using what more we know, for influencing and deactivating the machines." She smiled a slight bit towards Vincent, before looking back to everyone. "When it comes to intel, there will certainly be a few who can spy better than others," she added. "Alright, so, does this sum about everything up?" she asked.

E's eye's were drawn the the two robots "Ebert and Klein" the rest of the missions seems secondary compared to those two. he wanted to confront them and destroy them to prove his superiority. still the cases and record the rests of the converse and he examines the robots form their images and looked for any weakness. "Leon what else do you know about those two guards?"

"I am also curious about those robots, and the computer and robotic tech levels here... They have robots but how strong are their AI or freewill  do the robots have?  In changing environments, can they think on their own or have to await on orders from a central command.  They can't have very much freewill in a very Ordered society, or the machines could maybe in direct and total control by ORDER, right under the Humans and anthro's noses."

**shuttered at the image of the individual hang up to the Net, just lying in a loung chair, watching the flicker screens around it.  A thing of horror movies, back home that could be come a realty on her home world, if FTL can't be found**

  "Also the Castle can't control the whole world without satellites and a multilayered data network, which I am sure has it's own power systems. moving an office around in a building is not too hard even if you make it spacious."

"And this DUMP, Do their reality just throw away nuclear waste out there,  By the god and goddess, that is really untidy from Order, and dangerous, if anyone wanders around at all.  Good God and Goddess.... ah ah " PBH stares at ceiling in horror and breathing fast and hard, before she stops and closes her eyes.  She slows her breathing and in a stern/hateful voice continues.. " Okay, Can anyone use the transportion systems or just use a vehicles outside of the governement?  If I am going to access the Net, I want to do in a different location than here.  If the authority find me, am screwed but I don't want to get anyone else caught.  Once I am on the network, I can find out about most of the data you will need but anything the castle.  I will need to go there myself, or have someone plug in a remote data relay for me." 

PBH look more determined about getting those responsible for these crimes that are destroy a habital world...
:mowsmile
PBH

Stygian laughed out loud, softly but with a sharp edge to it, and then eyed the professor from across the table.
   "A remote interface or a direct hook relay? I can set you up with both, once I get my... associate over here," he smiled, then turned to Leona. "With your permission, of course. And that might be a bit expensive as well. Fuel costs, equipment... It's not too much, but it's some to consider."
   He studied the exalted shapeshifter, waiting for an indication.

Eric lights his pipe because he heard no objection to it. "I believe that scouting it out would be the best thing to do right now." Eric gets up and starts to walk around the room. The smoke smells very sweet compared to any other smoke. "I am ready to go. We have an edge to move now so lets go. Who is coming?"

Hmmm... Intel... Jack had done his fair share of sneaking around in bushes. He had played cleaner at hotels and infiltrated military bases but a city where all the inhabitants sat still and powerful forces quickly sweept away anything out of the ordinary? That could be tricky without the right gear.
The dump didn't sound too nice either, he could stand a bit of radioactivity but he would have trubble getting the stench out of his fur.

"Could I get a group photo before everyone splits up?" Jack asked and got up from his chair. "If everyone could just gather on one side of the table... " He made a motion with his left arm, as if he was trying to sweep everyone to one side of the room. Jack's lizard objected against this sudden movement by yawning slowly and twisting it's tail.

"Nobody said we were splitting up just yet, kitten. We're still waiting for an answer," Stygian said. He had fished out some sort of black pocketwatch and was playing idly with it in his fingers. "I can be ready to go at once, as soon as I have a target. But there are other people to consider, and honestly there are some that I would like to speak to as well." His eyes were locked on Jack, icy and dead steady, not allowing objections. "And if we need to prepare, then just as our hostess said it might take a few days..."

Jack tilted his head and looked at Stygian.

"Kitten?" Jack asked but then he shook his head. He knew he had a younger body but that human like guy seemed so hostile at times. Jack could not quite remember what he had done to get the doubtful hounor of Stygians attention this time. He could understand the odd look from Leona (maybe she felt that he hadn't used the letter) but Stygian... maybe he ate felines? Maybe not...

Stalker absorbed this information with a slight frown. "Then the chances that our group is or will be compromised is a given."

He casually stepped a few feet closer to PBH. "I've scavenged in worse places than a dump before. As for hazards...I'm fairly confident that I could handle myself, and the extra biomass would come in handy."

"More information, of course, would be appreciated, though if none is available through electronic means, I believe I may be able to provide some assistance through...non-conventional...means."

His needle-teeth showed briefly as his form shifted slightly, new shapes forming beneath his skin facing PBH. "I'm more than willing to wait a few days if necessary," Stalker said. "Haste is rarely a good idea in situations like this."

Mentally he was reviewing what his sensor organs were telling him, while savoring the waves of horror and anger coming from the catwoman. "I trust none of these beings," he thought. "But this one and the young one least of all."

Shadou resisted the urge to clap a little at Leona's mention that rampages were possible. Going berzerk and intel gathering? I was made for this job, literally!
"Excellent," Again, that impression of grinning and taking another swig of his drink, "I like this plan. I am really and truly enjoying hearing about it. I'm proud to be a part of this plan."

"By the way it seems, you'd be proud to be a part of that dump, so long as you get to throw some cars around," Stygian grinned at Shadou. "Can't say that I'm not that eager either though." He straightened in his seat, and put down his now empty glass. "If we're all so invigorated, perhaps we should actually get a move on and make our way into town, and then once we've struck a minor blow and set up we can worry about planning?" he continued, sounding a bit excited.
   In truth, Stygian would have liked having a clear target and purpouse, but he had gotten an idea and was already prepared for most of what they might face, it seemed. That meant that it was perfectly fine to turn 180 and just go with the flow. So long as he kept his own motive in mind, that was.

"Vincent and I could sneak into the castle and find out intel. We're made for this sort of thing, right?" Adrian said, laughing softly and looking over to the other specter. "We'll start with secturity, and make our way inwards to find out what we can about Ari. They seem pretty advanced with technology, so I don't think they've thought about ghost raids." Adrian looked to Jack, a smile in her voice, "I'd think trying to photograph otherworldly beings might drain the batteries on your camera," she commented.

Maeve said nothing, simply listening and mentally storing all the jobs they were gathering. She looked up to Leona, her eyes sincere, "I'll start getting those 'ideas of freedom' out, considering I know nothing of robots." She was lying through her teeth, though no one would notice. No one ever did. Maeve knew they didn't trust her, she suspected Leona would go as far as to station someone to stalk her.

"It seems, then, that we have a few options." Cog said, pouring himself more of that sweet and clear stuff. "We need a group to scout the castle, the dumping grounds, and probably the power plant. And We might need to wait awhile for the computer types to find out what they need to find out..." He sat down, and rested his head in his hands. "I suppose we have some time to kill then. He smiled and nodded at Stygian. "Or, we can just start shooting, as the good sir says. Keeps us busy, at least."

"There are no humans on my world, but we do have cyborgs and had Two Terror Wars with them.. So Stalker.. PLEASE I will give you a chance, if you give me a chance... OKAY...I will keep my fears in check as best I can so I can do my job,  but only If you do not give me reason to fear you...Also, we big fish to fry before we go after each other.  And I think that should go for the rest of us, We'll trust each other until you give us reason not to. or Get out now."and she looking at the Maeve and then the rest.

"This is Chaos, but we are lost before we start if we can't trust on another one... Even if it is only honor among thieves... Soo Stalker keep you teeth and tatoos to yourself, Please."

PBH goes outside for some air, and look at the stars..."God and Goddess, Have you forsaken this place, have you forsaken me?"

:mowwink
PBH

(OOC): Um, Hunnydew? You're responding to what my character was thinking, at least in part....

Eric takes  puff from his pipe. "So it sounds like the two ghost are coming with me." Takes another puff. "This would make it easier to do." another puff. "who else will be coming."

"Overeager..." Stygian muttered to himself, but then smiled and played along. "Allright... Personally, I would have gone with the ghosts at first, but two can do as well as three there, and my other talents are best put to practice in action, so..." He turned his head a bit, and glanced over all the ones present in the room. He pondered.
   "I think then that I should take Shadou and our friend the reporter with me," he said, shooting an eye at Jack again. "Gareeku could come too, and E, unless you want to go with Stalker over there. I would enjoy the company of some proficient fighters though, to watch my back while I do business. And someone good with computers is always good to have at hand, though I think Moira could take care of that..." He scratched his chin, and looked in the ceiling for a while. "We have the manpower to split into three groups, but do we have the objectives? Hmm..."
   He sat wondering like that for a while, then sighed, and looked down again.
   "The ones headed for powerplants could manage as one group and then proceed to the dump. But that would not be very clever, considering that we quite obviously have different tolerance to things. So I'd say that Cog should come with me instead, I call in some support to play the machine part, and E heads off with Stalker to the dumping depot. What say you?"

Stalker watched the catwoman flare up and leave the room, an odd expression of surprise on his face. "A cyborg? Why would anyone think..."

He quickly regained his composure and nodded to Stygian. "I am satisfied with any arrangements the group decides on. I might point out that one group could head for both the dump and the powerplant, and split at the powerplant before continuing to the dump." He shrugged. "But it is only a suggestion."

Stalker nodded to E. "In any case, I would be delighted to have you along, E. I'm sure your skills would be useful."

Jack took out a Jack of Spades and began flipping it with his left hand while listening to the conversation. He similed to Adrian's comment about his camera . It would work. "It doesn't use batteries, it use a multidimensional crystal to record things both visible and invisible." He said.

Jack stopped flipping his card when PBH left the room. Poor girl. Jack thought. She didn't seem too stable at the time and you couldn't really blame her. She got into this by accident and Stalker didn't go light on her. Maybe... someone should talk to her. Jack himself wasn't too good at talking and many of the people in the room seemed quite insensitive. Leona was probably the best but she was quite busy. Nye... I can go and ask if she's alright if she doesn't return soon. Jack began flipping his card again.

"So, then, Stygian and I shall do our worst at the powerplant, and Stalker shall get the materials that he needs from the dump." Cog put his head in his palm. "Very well and good. I'm not too technical, but Stygian seems to think that he knows someone who will take care of that part nicely. Stalker and those who need various things will likely find them at the dump, and those who feel they would be suited for one task or another will come along as they please. I suppose, then, we'll meet up later and figure out where to go from there."
Cog returned to the table for one last drink. "It sounds like a plan, gentlemen." He poured himself yet more of that sweet and clear, and murmured something before he swallowed. "To luck, and chaos." he said, and set the glass down unfinished.

"So, wait, eh?" Shadou drained the rest of his drink and sat up a bit straighter, "We're divying up the jobs already? Stygian, you said you wanted me along while you and Cog go to the power plant?" As PBH left the room, the monster began to feel even more lost, "Alright, distinct impression that we skipped a step here. Our targets are the castle, to be spied on, the spires, to also be spied on, the dump, which is essentially an ammo run, and the power plant, which we'll be spying on and then trying to take down, yes? I'm volunteering for any spying, as I've got a few, ah, talents in that area o' expertice. I say we save picking teams for some of these jobs until later, when we actually have to do these jobs. F'rinstance, how will we know what we need from the dump until the intel from the castle and power plant let us know what in the sparkley blue hell we're up against?"

"Oh, I'm sure that we can keep in touch with each other. Either our good hostess has thought of that, or I or someone else can probably arrange it," Stygian said, and then gave Leona an innocent look, for some reason.

Vincent nods and sits up as everyone acknowledges him and Adrian as the primary scouts.  "I'll take either the dump or the plants, I probably can't enter the castle since the priest guy has probably consecrated the heck outta it just for luck.  And yes, irony hates me.  Anyway, sorry Adrian, but you might have to solo that."  he looks to her and shurgs a 'what can ya do' shrug. He then turns his attention back to the rest of the group "If there's a way for me to stay in touch with everyone else without needing a solid device, I'd love to hear it."

"So we have a group going to the plants..." Takes another puff on his pipe. "And a group going to the dump..." Takes another one. "What about rounding up the chaos groups that have tried to combat this and try and get them on our side?"

E who had been patiently waiting for Leon's  more detailed files acknowledged Stalkers  statement. " i have no problems with raiding a dump. there may even be some useful tools and abilities their that i can  copy. but for now i wish to find and destroy any robot that may  think that it is superior to myself. " he grinned with a certain dark humor. "and team red and blue seem to fit the bill. after all when you guard the big cheese then you tend to think you are the best of the best."

Stalker nodded. "Sounds like we have a general course of action, then. I'll leave further details to you." He looked towards the door, then bowed to the group. "If you will excuse me..."

He headed out through the door and down the hall, noting the basic design and structure of the lodge from habit. "Something about this place seems vaguely familiar," he thought, as he silently made his way outside into the starlit night.

Following the thread of emotion he neared the catwoman and stopped, close enough to speak but distant enough to be non-threatening. He raised his voice slightly.

"I would speak with thee as one, Milady Hunnydew," Stalker stated formally, "If it offends thee not."

Leona smiled brightly, in fact, people doing well, what she wished to see! Working together! At Sygians words and looks she nodded. "Got it covered," she said with a wink. "So everyone hold your places for just oooone more second!" She pulled out her Inventory again, that seemingly bottomless bag that could fit in her pocket.

She started humming a song as she dug around, her whole arm seeming to vanish into the small pocketsized space, when she finally grinned. "AHAH!" she cried, pulling out a few what looked to be small metal dots. A gift from a long deceased, very close friend of hers by the name Digent.

"Alrighty, I only have a few of these," she said. But basicly theyre set behind the ear. All you have to do is eitehr press the top of it to talk, or send a thoughtwave to me. But it has to start with the word Puppy to go through. Easy right? I uhm... sorry about the word, Digent was a bit eccentric," she added, rubbing the back of her head with a flush before setting one in her own ear.

"Okay, so basicly, I cant give one to everyone yet so please be smart with them," she said with a soft sigh. She walked over and handed one to Sygian, one to Cog, one to Shadou, one to Stalker, and one to Vincent, then Eric as well. "Okay, so... this should cover all of the groups then," she said. "If you need anything please let me know and I will be there before you can blink. Ill be staying here, to help plan things better as they come, welcome folks in, and protect the base. Any questions?" she asked then, looking around the room. "And if not, good luck everyone! I do believe we can do this!" She was confident in that much at least, and she wished she could go. But... part of being in charge like this meant staying behind to work at a few other matters at hand. 

PBH has been checking on the radio sceptum to see what radio frequencies are being use and for what.  Also trying to see if there were com satellites and where.. she was sure that the Net was being broadcast...As she works she hears Stalker and whirls around..

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/PBHunnydew/AngryPBH.jpg)

"SO, It is you,  I'm sure my little missiles will not hurt someone like you, whatever you are?"
PBH cautiously lowers her arm, but still keeps her guard up, "but one can't be too careful in unknown territory"

"Well speak your peace, Cyborg, and tell me when the Dump run will start or they going some place else first?"

PBH :mowcookie

Stalker blandly eyed the missiles. "I am not a cyborg. I am a humaseeri. On my homeworld my race was waiting when humans climbed down from their trees." His glasses flowed into his face. "Some believe we set human evloution back a thousand years," he stated with a touch of pride.

"That is not a concern, though. I have given my word that I would not harm a person on this world unless attacked, and I assure you my word is good. It binds me to this cause. Even if I were to discover that one of our group was an agent of Order, I would still be bound to do them no harm, or see them harmed without provocation." He stared pointedly. "Such as your missiles."

"I never break my word. And I never forget a betrayal." Stalker bowed gracefully. "By your leave, Milady. I believe the others are gathering to move as we speak."

E touches on of the dice and his forehead sensor glows a moment as he copies the systems.  his helmet alters slightly and he generates a device following the same system adapted for his physiology. he steps back and runs an analysis on his newly acquired  commutation tech add on and it fairly impressed. h thinks. This is a test. P.U.P.P.Y. People underestimate photonic pulse Yetis."

** lower her arm and go to pick up her helmet.. **  "I will honor the peace Mr Stalker, but there are some who will not honor it but will not directly attrack us.  Some I feel a kinship to, but my insight says not to trust.  My only powers are my intelligence and intuition, what will that do against the demi-gods and superbeings in there, can you tell me?   ah, I will check my data on the radio frequencies as we pack up." 

PBH follows you in

PBH

Stalker walked just ahead of the catwoman, and shrugged fluidly. "Power is nothing without will or control. Intelligence and clear thinking are often much more powerful than mere "power" itself is."

He entered the main room again just as Leona handed him a metal device, a curious expression crossing his face. "I have my own ways of staying in contact, thank you," he said, holding the device out. "If anyone else can use this, please do."

Mentally he added: "Besides, constructs are much more reliable. And deniable. "

Shadou tucked the metal dot behind his ear and nodded.
"Well, it seems that a conclusion's been reached. Specters at the castle, Styg's group at the plant, PBH's group at the dump since she knows what to get. When do we move out?"

Something dark slithered up and snatched a metal dot from Leona's hand very quickly, and then flowed back under the table. The next moment Stygian was fastening that dot behind his ear, and pressed it a bit.
   "Puppy, this is Mongrel. Testing." Satisfied, he smiled, and then hummed a bit, seemingly thinking to himself a bit.
   Then, he stood up, and went back to the door out, opening it and looking over his shoulder at the chaos-child.
   "I assume then that it is allright that I call my associate for services? We can discuss prices later," he said, still in a friendly tone. He was a businessman, after all, and he would not try to rob her, but she had to understand the deal. "Everyone?"

Puppy?  *takes one of the dots *
What is this? and cellphone?
she places it under chin near her ear and "Puppy phone Leona hello hello Are you there?"

:mowcookie
PBH

Jack saw as PBH and Stalker returned. Good, they haven't killed each other yet. He would try to keep an eye on those two. Jack glanced at Stygian who was now standing by the door, there was another one he needed to watch.

"I'm ready to go. Anything more anyone need to do or know before leaving? Would be great if we got to the plant before sunrise. Better pictures." Jack said and smiled.

I'm Okay, and ready to go.

*PBH moves to Jack**" I would like to see the Power plant but I will also need to see the Dump."
Wil there be time for Both?

PBH

"ready and willing" said E. "and with my copied version of your compacter i can keep in contact as well."

"What, wait, we're going now? We just got here!" Shadou looked around; after all, he'd gotten here after a long day at work, "The plan is that we get going now?" Darting over to where he'd dumped his bags, he rifled through it and eventually pulled out a bandolier covered with pockets, and what would have to be called a knife strapped to it. It had to be called a knife because nobody made greatswords that short. Slinging the bandolier over his shoulder with the knife behind him, he turned back to the rest of the group, "Sorry, thought we'd be putting in more time to prepare."

Cog grinned as he took the dot from Leona. "Puppy?" He said, brushing aside some hair and placing in his ear. "Ah, the glories of adventuring..."
He nods to the group. "Well, I'm ready to go. Just one question...does anyone have any idea how we are going to get there? The walking ticket is not exactly my idea of a good plan..."

That's when Stygian smiled, broader than ever.
   "Oh no, no walking. That's what I'm going to make a call for. No, we ride in style out of here."
   There was a lot behind that statement, that was for sure.

"All right i got a little confused here..." Takes another puff from his pipe. "Who is going with who and to where?" Looking around at everyone. "Also we need to take into the fast that the person that had called us all here hasn't even said a thing on what we are doing." At that he turns to look at Leona for a response.

As various people tried their communication devices, leona nodded towards each in turn and replied. "Do they now?" she asked through the device. "I suppose it is easy to underestimate a yeti..." She told E.

Leona nodded towards Stalker then. "Ah, alright you're quite right," she thought back, surprised he coudld communicate in such a manner. But then, nothing should REALLY surprise her with the group gathered here!

"Mongrel this is Puppy, all is clear!" she thought back towards Stalker, more than amused and it showed with a slight grin on her face. "Certainly Stygian," she repleid with a nnod. "If anything, tehres a few items in my INvetory that should cover it. Believe me, I understand. I really woudlnt want folks to work for free anyways," she added. "That wouldnt be right!" Catching anotehr incoming signal she nodded.

"Im here!" she replied towards PBH through her device. She was so glad they were working so well! She knew someday they would come in handy.

Leona looked towards Shadou and nodded. "IM afraid the quicker we work the better," she explained. "Once we have all the intel, we can formulate a better plan and start taking some actions."The last part she coudlnt help but smile lightly at, simply because she perferred actions to planning any day. Although, for something this important, she would be patient.

"Yes Puppy," Leona replied towards Cog getting his signal. "I would have perferred Kitty but the inventor was quite stubborn!" Leona smiled towards Eric.

"Sorry, Ive been trying to keep up with everyone and get us all placed. Basicly, Adrian is leading a group to the castle for intel. Stygian is leading anotehr group towards the plant, and PBH shall be heading towards the dump with a group as well. Right now, bascily, we are going for intel. If a scene or two of chaos can be caused along the way with little trounble, well, then by all means. But the primary objective now is to obtain intel and return to base. I shall be staying at base to hold down the fort sort to speak, and will be ready to provide backup and emergency evacuation (Gods forbid that should occur!) via the communication devices. Folks, basicly, I wish you to go where you feel you can be of the most use... but if any still need rest they may stay here as well though I fear it shall probably be quite boring!" she added with a laugh.

*yawns* "Sleep, Oh Father and Mother, that is something I missed, too...I am still on L-5 night time zone.  But I am also too keyed up for rest, an short catnap on the way with some coffee, or Strong Tea, Yea, strong irish tea would be good"

"Well, who is with me for a quick run to the Dump... We will go to see what is there..and pick-up any supplies we can see needing now.  we will need land transport or heavy vertical flying craft. the quieter the better. I can pilot a flying craft most likely."

PBH

E responds. " i'm in and i believe that Stalker wanted to run there as well. i hope i find some good tools to copy and use"

"I am ready to go whenever you are," Stalker said, nodding. "Even if I can't find particular substances to use, anything would be helpful."

He shrugged. "Besides, we could work as a diversion for the more important teams. Any nuisance we cause will allow others to see how well our enemies respond, and in what ways."

Stalker nodded to Stygian. "I believe our group is ready. If you please."

E nods the stops for a moment, his normal method of travel was teleportation to the outskirts of his destination. this was useful though he like zero could maintain energy for long treks and extended battle he did not care for them." i have a Question. how are we to arrive at out location

Stygian nodded a thanks toward Leona, and then eyed Cog, Jack and Shadou in turn. Then he shot a quick look to Gareeku, raised an eyebrow, and turned his eyes to the ghosts.
   "If you need any sort of assistance, call me immediately. You don't run the risk of dying, so hopefully we won't have to drag anyone out, but..."
   He smiled, and stepped outside. Immediately his hand went to his pocket and he pulled out that same little black "pocketwatch" he had been playing with earlier. He thumbed it a bit, some sharp clicks coming from it, and then flipped it open. A soft green light emanated from within, symbols and circles moving around a bit as he continued tapping the thing a bit. Then, another sort of light began streaming out, and a face came into view through a scrambled and hazy transmission.
   "Yes?"
   Stygian watched just a bit, seeing how distorted the image was.
   "Pack up and lock onto this signal. Bring the ship and the Lambda chassis and whatever you feel best with. Support and engineering role."
   It took a few seconds before the figure nodded.
   "Got it. It will take some time." The face dissappeared almost immediately after those last words.
   Stygian flipped the watch together and put it in his pocket again, smiling a bit. He turned around, and watched for the others.

Jack took off his backpack and moved his lizard so that it sat right over the MSA emblem (that, by the way, looks like the UN emblem but with a compass like thing instead of a world map). If they got into a fight he didn't want to have the lizard on his shoulder, it was much more convenient to have it on the back. Jack then swung his backpack over his left shoulder and picked up his staff before following Stygian out.

Jack didn't see much of the transmission but he heard more. The part about a ship worried him a bit. Ships were large. Large targets and easy to spot.
"Hope the ship is small and stealthy." He said.

Stygian tilted his head a bit to the side and eyed the feline curiously when he spoke.
   "That depends on what you mean by small. Stealth, I really wouldn't worry about. Personally, I think it will do."
   In truth, he thought that it would do more than just that. He kept a smirk back. "Jack", if that really was his name, had smelled of a lot of familiar things when he arrived. But he wasn't all sure about circumstances, so he was just going to follow his instincts and get familiar with the boy. Who knew? Maybe he'd turn out to be useful.

Cog stepped out into the night air with the others, and rested his hand on his sword hilt. He watched the others for a moment before turning toward the wind, trying to keep his hair from blowing in his eyes.
"How long will this take?" He asked Stygian, looking at the stars. "We should try and attack while it's still dark. Element of surprise and all."

"About as long as it should take for Moira to trace the lock, charge and attune the gateway, ready up all the equipment, get her own ass into gear and then arrive at this destination," Stygian said. Then he chuckled, and turned around and eyed Cog over his shoulder.
   "Of course, destination meaning approximate place and time. Which means she should be here... any minute now." He grinned, and turned his head toward the sky.

   Far above them and quite some distance to the north, some 84 kilometres over Median's surface and descending fast through a ball of flame, a large object was screaming toward them, the emission trails of its engines slowly fading as it just fell. It would be at their destination very shortly...

Stalker followed the group outside, and glanced upwards, eyes scanning through several wavelengths. "Impressive," he said to Stygian with actual respect in his voice.

His right arm and hand shifted into a catcher's mitt, and he whistled "Take Me Out To The Ballgame".

*following the others outside with her helmet on*

"So, ah Captain, you have a spaceship coming or something?  What kind of lift does it have that will make that quiet?  I have not figure out antigravity fields, yet  Well, not any that are not about a space-city size."

PBH

Shadou gave a low whistle at Stygian's fancy watch, and his use of it to call what would probably turn out to be an equally fancy transport.
"Classy. So, we go in, figure out how everything works, mebbe scare the ever-loving hell out of some security staff, and come back? That the plan?" He ran a hand along the knife, still in its sheath, "Question, what's the plan for if things go to hell in the event that we don't have time to make a plan?"

Cog grinned at the burning light in the sky. "I like the trans-temporal transportation," He said to Stygian, giving a nod. "That must come in handy for early-morning appointments."
He nodded at Shadou and patted his sword. "I believe the plan is to disable the powerplant by any means necessary, and to gather whatever the various members o the party need from the dump. Reconnaissance should probably be done on-site..." He said, gripping the sword tightly. "Of course, should things go to hell, the best course of action would be to give hell back in full measure. I assume the members of our party are largely schooled in the ways of kickassery?" He said, still grinning. "A few security guards should be no problem. Heck, a few platoons would probably be alright."

"I was actually hoping for the whole defense force, if you don't mind? It's mostly a hit-and-run game anyway," Stygian said, and smiled. "Kickassery is something very subjective, if you understand what I mean."
   Then, he cocked an eyebrow, and picked out his watch again, peering at it for a few seconds. He then smacked it shut.
   "That direction, to a clearing just north," he said, pointing with his whole hand, and then trodding off in that direction. "Stay clear if she comes down late."
   While he paced forward, he thought of having to explain the whole ship to the group. The thought nearly made him shudder. He wondered if someone of them might know of technology that was close to his own. Still, the bunny in the gaudy armor might have been talking about gravitoelectromagnetic effect. Or not. He was about as sure with that kind as with a crazed cat on LSD.

"And here I thought it was a recon mission." Jack mumbled to himself as the others were discussing how to attack the guards. Ah, well. This wasn't his fight. He would try to keep out of the way and if he was lucky Order might not even target him.

Jack took a photo of the descending ship and followed Stygian north. So far, he wasn't impressed. Lets see what this ship is like up close.

He watched Stygian stride off, then tossed his oversized ball glove aside, his arm and hand reforming. "Personally I prefer they send plenty of troops as well," he commented. "My last snack is starting to wear thin."

Stalker followed after, curious to see exactly what Stygian had conjured up as transportation. He glanced behind at PBH, and raised an eyebrow. "I suspect this vehicle will be more in your areas of expertise, Milady."

Behind them, his ball glove grew a set of ten legs and two small feelers, and scuttled off into the dark.

Eric looks to Adrian. "Well then..." Takes another puff. "Shall we go and do what we need to do?"

"Kickassery doesn't begin to describe it," Shadou again gave that impression of a grin, "I'm quite good at what I do. However," He leaned back, folding his arms behind his head, "I find meself wondering what you lot do. Best we know one another's abilities. Cog, Styg, whatcha got?"

Stygian very nearly flinched. The monster wanted him to reveal his capabilities? That was insanity. Then, when he pondered it, maybe it was the kind of insanity that could be accepted under circumstances. He shrugged. At least one could be somewhat vague.
   "Sixty years as an assassin, a couple of decades as what I am now. Some assets from a company at my back, along with a pretty good collection of guns, 'quip and info. I like to think that I've acquired some skill over the years, but one can never know how true that is..." he said, and scratched his neck a bit while looking over his shoulder at Shadou. "Most you'll get out of me is damage output. I'm kind of a fixer. You point, I take care of it." He grinned a sharp-toothed, yet friendly smile.

Cog bowed to Shadou and grinned. "In the old days, such a question would have been insulting. Today, however..." He said, grabbing his sword. "I have certain capabilities which allow me to...manipulate my internal energies in unique ways. Such as physical manifestations of force." He dug in his pocket for a moment. "Neither is my sword for show. I have studied my art for almost...two-hundred and eighty years now..." Taking a silver coin from the pocket in his coat, he held his right and left hands in front of him, and flicked the coin into the air from his left. It spun in the air for a moment, the silver glittering brightly in the night air before beginning it's decent back to the ground. As the metal coin twirled through the air, the sound of metal scraping on metal suddenly rang out, and the coin split in the air.
Cog stood about an inch or two from where he had just a moment before, and he had already resheathed his blade when the coin fell back to the ground in two pieces. He left the coin where it lay, and removed his blade again, checking the edge. "Quick-draw swordsmanship. It's served me well thus far" He said, replacing the sword and grinning.

Shadou looked at Cogidubnus in surprise, giving a low whistle at his display with the sword, "Insulting? How? When an employer is hiring a group whose members are otherwise unaffiliated, it would be crazy not to know what they can do. Otherwise how the hell are you supposed to figure out a plan?" He ran a hand along the sheathed knife again, "I'm a proffesional. I'm used to things being straightforward. Anywho, my abilites are fairly simple; infiltration and, from there, destruction," He reached into one of the pockets in his bandolier and pulled out what looked like a small firework, "I can alter my size and density based on how much light there is around, and cast myself against objects much like my namesake. Basically, give me enough or little enough light, I can be as strong as steel or as intangible as a patch of fog. Few little other quirks, but I wont bore you with the details. Couple that with years of experience as a Guardian and a Taskman," He pocketed the firework, "And I'm pretty much the world's least subtle assassin."

Stygian quirked an eyebrow at the monster, and stopped, folding his hands across his chest and looking at him very intently.
   "You're saying that you're a shadow, is that it?" he asked, quite seriously. But within a second or two, just a slight quirk to his lips appeared. His eyes were dark.

"I'm saying I'm me, Styggy boy. If being me also means having tendancies much like an area that lacks light, so be it," Shadou gave that impression of grinning again, "Anything more than that I either don't know or can't explain."

Stygian barked a laugh and shrugged, and began pacing again.
   "I can't really explain what I am either, but I know some things... and it would have been nice to have company," he said, grinning. "I suppose you're still alive too?"
   There really wasn't enough time for that question to be answered though, because the next moment there was a howling, screaming and rumbling sound from above as something reversed its thrusters.
   It came down from the sky through a low cloud, spreading it around and leaving some trails, and at first it was hard to catch with the eye, because with its camouflage still active it mimicked the surrounding colours and images pretty well, even if the contoures could be distinguished somewhat. When it switched it off though, it was clearly visible toward the sky, a black and gunmetal-coloured shape, like a long disembodied beak or claw carving its way down through the sky. Its enormous engines, pivoted downward, breathed a tainted blue plasma from some sort of conductors, and slowly dimmed and turned around as it seemed to switch on some landing drive, the air rippling slightly around it as it went. It touched down at the edge of a lake just ahead, and waited.
   Up close, one could see the armored plates, ceramiplastic lacing and the metal that was its cover shape, dented and cracked at some places, torn and burnt at others. With its landing gears out the thing's long nosecone, hard shell, lack of windows and unerringly functionalistic design made it look like some huge, monstrous insect. Because it was huge. It had to be at least forty metres from tip to tail, not counting fins or jutting sensors. You didn't dare guess its weight though.
   When the thing had touched down on the slightly singed ground, Stygian walked up to it and affectionately eyed it, staring at its armored underbelly where some sort of long conductor which could only be a cannon of some kind was locked in and partially shielded.
   "Ladies and... things. I present to you, the Husk!" he said proudly.

(http://i123.photobucket.com/albums/o314/Gaazmazk/Husk1.jpg)

(Mind you, that's only a rough sketch)

The problem Shadow Boy, is you're not our employer, or a team leader, I think...I no doubt am the "kid" of this motley crew.  I've but 27 years to my life experiences, but I know physic and math knowledge, I have master degrees in Robotic, and computer, I invented my first AI programs when I was 10, and discovered a room temp superconductor material went I was 6..  I want my little pony White Pony to fly in My uncle's quantum accelerator.  The material slug from the explosion was a chemical compound that was a superconductor.  

My suit has 100 mini-missiles with High explosion tips, a laser torch/gun, and I can fly.  I gives me IR and UV vision, as well as  x-ray scan.. and will protect me from high radiation, poison gas, and extreme heat and cold.            

PBH

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

Alive? Eh? Unfortunatly, Shadou didn't have the chance to reply before the Husk came plummeting out of the sky. He looked upon the machine appreciatively; even if the technology back home was about 21st century level in the best of places, he could still muster that basic male respect for a large, powerful machine of transport.
"So, that thing's yours, eh?" He paced around the side of the Husk, scrutinizing it with his hand on his chin. He then glanced over at Stygian again and flicked his ears.
"Beautiful machine like this and you give her a name like The Husk? Yeah, this is my sports car, I call her the Scrapheap," He chuckled a little, "I suppose that it's able to run a tad more silently while we're on the job?"
Overhearing PBH Shadou flicked his ears again, this time in annoyance.
"No, I'm neither, but these teams aren't big enough to have unquestioned leaders so much as weighted suggestors. Even if they were, wouldn't it make sense for that team leader to know what he's got to work with?"

"We don't exactly have a team leader, now do we?" Stygian said, cocking an eyebrow at Shadou, still with a bit of a smile on his face. That was all entirely to his liking.
   "She'll run silently enough. There's a few million newtons of excess thrust at all times..." he said, rolling his eyes just a bit, "but she can quiet down very nice and easy. She's a sneak, just like me."
   He gazed over the long, hard-edged shape, looking at the machine parts, at the armored wiring, the framework, the charred and nicked edges of the plating and the dark, burned black that made the ship's eyeless shape what it was. She was ragged, but beautiful, he thought. Just like he liked it.
   "It's a fine name," he said lowly to the other monster. "And it's got a reason for it..."

"That's the impression I got as to the organization, but the Techie over there mentioned leaders," Shadou looked over the Husk again, "Well, she's your machine," He muttered back, "I'll take your word for it," he didn't specify whether he was talking about the capabilities or the name or both.

Stalker looked over the newly arrived ship, obviously impressed.

"Very nice, very nice indeed." He turned to Stygian. "A very fine machine."  He glanced over his shoulder.

"I can consume nearly any substance and reshape it at a molecular level to manufacture almost anything you desire, given enough material. I can build constructs of living matter, and I am nearly invulnerable to all forms of magic." He held his hand palm up, and a tiny winged creature formed, danced, then was re-absorbed. "I'm particularly adept at deception," he said, shifting first to a heavyset, balding old man, then to a thin, tall, curvy young woman before returning to his "normal" form. "...Though of course, I've given my word already." He smiled tightly, silver teeth showing.

"I won't bore you with the minor details." Stalker waved his hand dismissively, his smile disappearing like a snowflake on the sun.

"As for leaders," he said with an odd expression, "I will be pleased to consider any suggestions you have."

Jumping up and down ***
"Oh My Gosh, ooooo Can I look in the engine room, or the Bridge? ... What does the reactor or power supply use for fuel? And a CLoaking device?!!!! Can I see that  CAn I ? CAN I ? PLease....."  * begging with cute kitten eyes sprinkling at Stygian...

"and tell me if you got FTL drive?  O Please we really need that?"  and she begging on her knee."forgot the Cloaking device...a stardrive is really really what i need."

Jack took another photo of the ship. He really wanted to laugh at the so called cloaking but the engines looked decent and the weapons would probably be able to take on the forces of Order.
"It will do." he said. He then raised an eyebrow at PBHs reaction. Stygian didn't seem like the person that would let such things out without getting paid in some sort of way.

Stygian looked at the overexcited professor with a high and wrinkled brow and an oddly amused look on his face. He walked around back to her and Jack.
   "Well, some things I am not entirely sure whether you'd like as a researcher, but as a scientist..." He started walking in under the ship's body, which sat just high enough over the ground that he did not have to bend his neck when he stood straight.
   "A highly efficient form of aneutronic fusion reaction with a DSF drive, from a Hammill mark five fusion core. Can't put AM-engines in something like this." He was going to get paid after all. And there was much more to the Husk than could easily be seen. He hadn't missed Jack's smirk, or the smell of his bemusement up close.
   "She's got enough impulse to accelerate away from practically anything, and the EEV is high enough for about 36.000 kilometres per second, if you ever get the chance to go that fast. Which you won't. The FTL drive is just the ordinary for this sort of ship, but boosted a little. An Ingham Principle drive, if you know what that is. General relativity and that sort of thing."
   He patted the ship's underbelly, at where the huge conductor was housed.
   "It's really designed with one thing in mind," he said, smirking.
   Then, something hissed, and a few clacks could be heard from further back the ship's length. A hatch opened, and swung down.

"Just General Relativity?!!!"  ** PBH is deflated**
"aww Thanks Stygy but Special Relativity holds in my universe, and we have another problems with it.  As you increase speed beyond 0.1C, you need to accelerate at higher levels the faster you go, which means higher and higher G-forces on the crew.  Along with higher fuel and energy levels for acceleration And then the time lag problems. 

I will have to stick with my Tesser gate project..So lets get this show on the road..

PBH

"So, we're allowed inside?" Shadou gave another not-grin and clambered into the hatch, not waiting for a reply, "I'll resist the urge to push any shiney buttons. There a wet bar in here, or is it only like a limo in shape?"

"I don't see how that would be such a severe blow," Stygian said. "There's still a lot to learn. Not to mention that there are a few things that I am positively sure you've never seen..."
   "Or maybe you're just looking for an excuse to feed your ego by showing off, Styg?" The voice that came to them was just a bit metallic in its tone and melodic, almost playful as it rang out above the low hum still given off by the ship. Stygian turned against its source and smiled.
   "Hello, Moira."
   The thing that came down the steps lowered from the armored hatch was doubtlessly a machine when you looked this close, but might have been mistaken for human from further away. She, because with that voice, that curvaceous yet hard shape and those moves it was no doubt that it was a she, was about as tall as Stygian, and not too different from the ship in general appearance. Her "skin", made of some dark metal laquered black and silvery armored wiring, was a lot more polished than the ship's shell though, and seemed to stretch and flex in a way that no ordinary metal could, like genuine skin. There was no segmentation on her; her entire form seemed put together absolutely perfectly, and the only mechanical parts that showed seemed to bend a bit too, and were fitted so precisely that it did not matter. The only non-human features to her were a pair of large cylinder-like connectors, each about as long as a hand, that jutted from her back, and her face, which was a perfectly shaped teardrop-like form, featureless yet somehow still feminine like the rest of her.
   "Hey, Sebastian. So... What sort of motley crew have you teamed up with this time?" she asked amusedly, while swinging down from the entry hatch and striding up to them with precise, smooth movements.

"Interesting," Stalker murmured quietly.

He looked at Stygian and spoke in a more conversational tone. "You are simply full of surprises and wonders."

He stepped nearer to the hatch and the black mechanoid, and bowed. "A pleasure to meet you, Milady. Do you control all of the functions of the ship, or are you in fact part of the vehicle? I only ask out of curiousity."

Shadou gave a second low whistle. It was safe to say he was impressed.
"I gotta get me one of these things. They come with everything," Another not-grin, "Of course, my lady would clobber me, but..." A third whistle.

The machine glanced over Shadou, her eyeslits curving just a bit and the glowing green behind them regarding him. She chuckled, and shifted on her feet. Then, she replied to Stalker with something almost like a little curtsy, and continued just as bemusedly.
   "I'm a standalone unit. I can control this ship, of course, but I usually just fill a supporting function. And I wonder what kind of lady you have?" she said, the question directed at Shadou.
   "I didn't think he'd be the steady type..." Stygian said, while climbing up into the hatch.

"She's the most wonderful woman in the freaking world, and nobody gets to say otherwise," Shadou replied to Moira in a matter-of-fact tone as he stepped out of Stygian's way, "No offense, o' course."

Stalker looked bemused for a moment, then peered up the ramp. "I think our friend has made himself quite at home inside."

He turned to PBH and made a sweeping gesture. "Ladies first, of course."

After taking a few more photos Jack moved to the ramp. Moira seemed interesting, made you wonder just what type of resources Stygian had to draw upon. Of course, Jack could just read the profiles he had received before the mission but that would ruin the fun. It wasn't often he got to head into something this unprepared.

"Are you a smart or dumb intelligence?" Jack asked Moira, hoping that she wouldn't misunderstand what he meant with "smart" and "dumb" and be offended.

((OOC: For the record, a dumb AI is programmed to do one sort of thing and has a programmed behaviour. A smart AI develops a behaviour much like a biological mind and can adapt to a variety of tasks much easier than a dumb AI.))

Stygian had just kept on going into the belly of the ship and made his way straight for the cockpit. It was situated at the end of the oval hallway that passed throughout the whole of the centre of the craft, beginning from the heavily armored and sealed core and ending with the cockpit's entrance.
   The inside of the craft proved not very much unlike its outside. It was hard, sleek and dark, armored wiring held apart by bands, pipes running through the walls further back down the corridor and reinforced framework jutting through the sides and roof at places. It wasn't that cramped, and further back there were hatches that had to lead to other rooms and compartments within the ship, yet there was a constant, pressured feeling that hung over the place. It felt as if it were pushing against you and feeling you, as if something was watching you from the darkness from behind or down the hallway, something that was aware and alive. It was unsettling to say the least, and quite hard to explain.

   Moira... blinked, somehow at Jack and took a step back, eyeing the feline from a significant height difference. She walked up to him, and managed to tower quite well over his figure.
   "I'm fully sentient and individual, if that's what you're asking," she said in a matter-of-factly tone that wasn't indignant, but very nearly. "I have a self-developing superconducting nanoprocessor, with a continuous and fully intelligent mode of operation." The green of her eyesensors seemed to want to bore into that of his own. "And just so you know, that camera's being taken for examination if you take any photos on board. You won't be taking anything else off the ship either. And don't think of sending some transmission," she said, and turned, nodding her head toward stalker and starting to walk up the steps back into the ship. "It's pretty much useless."

((OOC: In Dyssea, Sebastian's homeworld, fully intelligent and sentient computers have long since been outlawed and made impossible by implementing hardware and software that does not support genuine sentience. Essentially, the computers there aren't any slower or "dumber" than one should expect, much the contrary, but they can't carry on single continuous operations for as long as it takes to gain an actual consciousness, and their memory and operation are divided into a complex system of partitions, pseudo-operations and split processes to keep their intelligence from forming sentience. M01RA does not have that sort of system, but instead a self-rewiring and nanotech-based system that learns and develops actively, and can thus be called a fully sentient being.))

Thank you Mr Stalker,

Hello Ms Moira, I am very glad to meet you, AI being. **offers her hand to shake to the lady machine.** 

Jack please try not to be rude and stop taking pictures without leave or people will get upset...

**PBH follows Stygian to the cockpit/bridge**

Cog tipped his hat to the android and entered the ship. He smiled at the interior of the ship, the decor obviously reflecting it's owner, and shook his head. He followed the rest of the group towards the front.
"I hope somebody remembered to ask for directions..." He said, trying to keep from bumping into the odd parts of the walls that jutted inwards.

The cockpit was a low-roofed segmented place situated within the ship's nosecone. There were no windows visible, only a myriad of screens set around a larger panel of some sort and centred around a leaned back seat at the very front of it, surrounded in turn by instruments, gauges, buttoned panels and controls. Stygian walked up to it, and sat down, pulling back a complex steering column and switching on the view of the system. Immediately, the bridge was plunged into a green-lit darkness as the screens came on and the other lights went out.
   "Have a seat if you want. I don't think that there's enough for everyone, and Moira's doing in-flight engineering, but you can take the third," Stygian said. There were only two other seats in there, situated to either side and quite a bit behind the pilot's, one surrounded with panels and computer screens, the other more open. "We'll be off once everyone's on board." Then, he pressed that nub behind his ear. "Puppy. This is Mongrel, preparing for takeoff. Flight will be leaving shortly, so those of you who are supposed to, get your asses over. Boarding cards not required."

Stalker smirked knowingly at Moira, then shifted, flowing up into the ship in a self-powered cascade, only to reform in his chosen shape in a seat, relaxed comfortably.

"Shall we proceed?" he said cheerfully.

"thank you Stygy.. I'm a pilot, too with air and spacecraft.   I will like to take the three seat and if you don't mind me looking over your shoulder.."  PBH

"That's...  not quite what I asked but I think I figured out the answer anyway." Jack said in reply to Moira's answer. He could never quite adapt to the fact that different worlds had different definitions for technical terms and judging by the hostile behaviour of Moira Jack had offended her. ... in some way.

Jack looked at his camera.
"No photos? Awww..." He stuffed the camera away and looked a bit sad. In fact, he had no use of photos. He was here to observe with his own eyes... or the eyes he was currently calling his own.
"And I'm not being rude." He said to PBH. "Just that a photographer hates missing a good photo opportunity, call it an occupational injury." He then followed the others into the cockpit. One seat left... Jack stood and pondered for a while if he should take it or leave it for someone else.

E walked among them silently among them listening to them. 

"Well, seeing as I'm quite capable of getting into a five-vehicle pile up all by myself, I'll leave the chairs to someone else. If there's other seats, let me know," Shadou chuckled, leaning in a convenient corner, "So it would appear we're carpooling to the targets?" He continued looking around, studying the layout of the craft to learn about it's uses and it's owner; a habit born of prior proffessions.
No windows; he's not prone to claustrophobia. Neither am I, but I'm 4'11"; kinda hard to get me to feel claustrophobic. No visible luxuries whatsoever. Businesslike. Takes himself seriously, perhaps to a degree that goes beyond proffessionalism. Lots of survalence equipment, cloaking device and a great deal of speed, and what looked like many weapons outside. Sneak in, make yourself known in some destructive manner, get the hell out. I approve of the design, but what manner of man is behind the wheel? Another advantage of next to no visible face is that Shadou's thoughts rarely showed, Back home, this mentality would indicate either some very solitary breed of monster, perhaps an ogre or a member of the spirituo diablo family. But he claims to be a shadow. What does that suggest...?

After having spoken into the transceiver Stygian leaned back, and then his hands began flying over the controls around him with speed and precision. Green screens shifted, the main panel in front turned into an outside view full of data and information from a heads-up display, and the system seemed to be working at full speed. Moira, in her own chair just leaned back with a clearly recognizably amused expression, and then stood up.
   "He really doesn't need any help with this. I've already made the settings that he'd want me to anyway," she said to the others. "Come on. I'll take you back. Unless you want to stay and watch, of course." She turned and began walking back down the hallway.
   The large craft moved under them, and they could feel the force as it lifted from the ground and turned a bit to the right. Its engines thrummed, and there was an underlying resonance that kept shifting, like a pulse, vibrating through its hull as it rose from the clearing and up over the lake. Powerful mechanics growled and hummed as its engines turned.
   "Cloaking engaging... Particle dispersion... We are now about as conspicuous as a crow to most sensors," Stygian said while tapping a panel. "I suggest you sit down somwhere. We'll be doing mach 3 in no time."

(http://i48.photobucket.com/albums/f216/PBHunnydew/PBHactionBS-1.jpg)((ooc This is PBH's newer model Hardsuit))

"Stygian, You would be a brastard of an flight instructor, but going mach 3 to someplace across town seem a bit fast"

**Since she can't see much of what Stygian was doing, PBH watches the screens from the engineering boards she copied to her screens**

PBH

"Oh, we're not going to right across town," Stygian said, and made a few taps to another board. A larger screen leaned down with some mechanical buzzing, and displayed a map which began zooming with text and indicators. It appeared to be a rough readout of their "immediate" surroundings over quite a few hundreds of kilometres' range.
   "This appears to be the central energy grid," he said and pointed as a blue tree of lines blinked into view. "Now here are power dispersion nodes," he continued, red dots appearing where the lines branched, "and here are power stations." Only three dots became apparrent in the vincinity. "Knocking out all of them would be unneccesary, and the linear layout of these two means that we can take control of the closer one and get control of the feed from both. So, we're going to destroy the independent one, and take over the grid with this one," he said and tapped the dot on the screen. " Then, he gripped the steering column, and flicked some switches. They felt as if they lifted from the floor just a bit, before being pushed back and down harder than before.
   "This is only the close grid, of course, but I think it will suffice. If not, well..." Stygian continued, undisturbed. "In either case it would be quite stupid to destroy the whole grid, when we can just disable it, don't you think?"

Shadou followed behind Moira, still taking note of the interior of the ship.
"So, I'm guessing you're some sort of construct or something. But what's Styggy-boy?" He said when he figured they were out of earshot, jerking a thumb over his shoulder, "I can't place his species; he looks human, he claims he's a monster, he acts like an ogre or something... What the heck's with him? The rest of 'em are odd too, but seeing as he's driving and all..."

The machine-woman laughed as she led them back through the central corridor, and pressed a metallic hand on a lock, a circular door in a wall unlatching and sliding apart, admitting them into something like a combination of a large pentry and something as close to a living space as one could imagine on a craft like the one they were in. She rounded a table that was fastened to the floor, and sat down on a padded bench that actually looked somewhat comfortable, in contrast to the rest of the ship.
   "Sebastian's... a bit of a special case," she chuckled, and one could see the bemusement on her face. "If you want to know what he really is, then ask him. I'm sure you'll enjoy getting an answer out of him on that," she said with sharp sarcasm. Then, she scooted over to the side that was closer to what seemed like the facilities of the place. "Tea?" she asked, and without waiting began preparing some from out of some metal cylinders and tools.
   "Me, I'm just a computer that's happy to be alive. And he is the reason I am. That's as much as I care for, mostly."

I don't know how good your cloaking device is Stygian, but there seem to be a small squadian of miltary types closing on our left aft quad at 1000m in altitude.  And there is a small noise in your third harmonical in your shield frequencies.  or maybe I am reading this wrong.

Well, the miltary are not coming straight at us, but they are going the point that we broke the sound barrier..

PBH

E hears the report to Stygian and wonder for a moment. then he ask the entity closest to him. " you don't suppose they are tracking or at least investigating the atmospheric disturbance that was generated by the ship do you?"

Jack smiled a little. He almost hoped that those militaries had noticed them, Stygian seemed overconfident and could use a bit of a setback.
Jack's face got serious again. On the other hand, most people die when their bodies die. It's not fun to fail and die if you can't try again.

"Shouldn't such things be compensated for?" Jack asked.

Stygian just kept his face on the screens, not a hint of emotion across it. He tapped a few buttons, and then brought up a view of the vessels in question. He seemed to be trying to make some analysis of them. Then, he turned away and just flew.
   "They can't see us clearly or lock on us. Neither visual, radar or grav-em should be able to get any reading, and heat is poor. And if that was the case, then they would be hailing us. Right now, I'd guess they're just tracing our heat and EM-trail, seeing as they picked it up only when we got close," he said, quite calmly. "Yet they are getting awfully near. Well, nothing that can't be helped though..."
   Then, Stygian flipped a large switch, which brought another panel on the side of the chair up and then a pair of targeting reticules and zooms into view on the two next-largest screens on each side of the main flight display. From behind them, they could hear some low sounds, like large locks sliding into place. Then, the reticules turned on the hostile ships, one for each. They locked.
   "Let's give them a warning first..." Stygian said, and pressed a trigger on the four-part steering column.
   A slim lance of light struck out from the ship, like a spear of slightly blue and purplish white, surrounded by lightning. It tore into the cockpit of the targeted aircraft, and cut it right through the middle like a hot blade through mist. A piece of the craft exploded, while the rest just fell out of the sky. Stygian then tapped a button.
   "Attention, Order pilots. You have fifteen seconds to exit from your present course, or you will be destroyed," he said, then tapped it again, and went back to flying.

"'Special case'... Suppose that makes him another monster. And I'd appreciate some of that tea, thanks. Five sugars," he sat down on the bench and leaned back a little. Just in time to feel the rumble of guns firing, nearly knocking out of the seat, "Never fails, just as you finally get to sit down and relax..." he grumbled to himself, slightly embarassed that all it took was a little cannonfire to make him loose his balance. Been working a normal job wayyyy too long.

"And I'm not allowed to photograph this... " Jack said and sighed as Stygian blew up one of the ships. In reality the frustration was over the fact that Jack would have handled this situation very differently.
"Will be interesting to see how order reacts to this, doubly so if they figured out where we're heading. I hope you haven't flown in a straight line to our destination, Stygian."

"Not quite. It's not very time-consuming with a craft like this anyhow," Stygian said and grinned. "Some mountains coming up, so we'll go low..." He pushed a bit on the two hand grips, and they felt it clearly as the craft made a smooth dive, heading for the ground.
   Much against good judgement, the Order craft decided to continue their pursuit.

   Back in the pentry, Moira steadied herself a bit against the wall as they sank and some few thrums from the accelerators for the plasma lances permeated the hull, and then set down a cylindrical cup before Shadou, smiling at him.
   "Well, I'd definitely call him a monster. Though there's a difference between Demon and Devil, if you know what I mean," she said, and looked at him a bit more seriously. "How about you then? I mean, you don't exactly seem like the regular sort either."

"Last I checked, the difference between Demon and Devil was a slim one..." Shadou chuckled, picking up the cup of tea carefully. All it would require was hot tea in his lap or on his bandolier to ruin his day, or more importantly his fireworks, "I am, in fact, a monster. Not so much a species as a lack thereof, and there's as much variety in traits as there are reactions to us, ranging from commonplace to terror and loathing. This whole hopping between worlds thing..." he waved a hand, either to indicate dismissal or confusion, "It isn't commonplace, and even those of us who have so much have heard about it don't know much. What I do know is that my world's saturated in more magic than most are, so weird things like monsters will happen," Not really a lie; those things all do happen. It's just not what resulted in me. Not something to spread around though, "Only reason there's any of us left is because of genetic translation spells. That and the occasional berzerker who wanders out of who-knows-where," he took a sip of the tea, "Mh, good stuff."

"Ah not that I would question your judgment Captain Sty, but they were clearly just looking in  our sonic boom, before you shut them down, but since those drones are clearly after us now.  I going to shutdown the cloaking device and fix the alignment in the shield frequencies."

** PBH shutdown the shields as the drone fighter get a lock and fires missiles.  PBH repair the frequenices and have the shield back up at 110% of maximum normal strength as the Stygian's craft flies into a tight canyon and out of sight of drones. **

"Re-engaging cloaking device"  ** missiles lose lock and explode into canyon walls.**

"Sorry Captain if I've over step my boundary, I think we can return to original course" 

PBH

The ship swung over to one side, and then they could feel some thrums and growls from the machinery. There was a sound as if something exploded further back on the outside and a little bit of a shock, but hardly anything to make any damage or to disturb much, even.
   "The slim difference may be on a crucial point. Computers are quite familiar with that sort of thing," Moira said. "We come from a world where magic's strong too, but where it's just started happening. And if it's monsters we're talking, I can say we're not unfamiliar with that one either. Some would in fact consider me one," she grinned.

   The little bastards were tailing them still. They were persistent, Stygian would give them that. But they were slow, underpowered and outgunned to the point of it being ridiculous. Not to mention that they were chasing a speck on the sensors.
   "Allright. I've had about enough," he muttered, as he locked onto the last remaining two craft, and just watched them slip out of visual view. With his other hand, he tapped across the engine panels, changing the settings of diffusors, coils, guiding rails... The superconductive channels and DFD-transfer lines crackled with rerouted power.

   Something buzzed a bit, and then from all around came Stygian's voice, just a bit distorted, through intercom.
   "Listen, I'm outrunning these suckers, so hang a bit, and put teacups down in their holders," he said. "We'll take out the first facility from height, and then we'll see how we get to the other one, since it's in an urban area."

Following Stygian's advice about the teacups, Shadou braced himself and flashed a not-grin back at Moira.
"Well, back home they'd call you a construct. Not a monster, but a made thing. Built from parts, not entirely relient upon magic in your construction, all that good stuff, and thereby probably wouldn't be lumped in with us louts," he turned away with an exaggerated sniff, one hand on his waist, "No, it would be people clamoring to hire you to serve drinks in classy joints, or you'd have a bunch of papers to prove to people that you're sentient and spend the rest o' yer life doing whatever you wanted. No territoriality or rampaging instincts, less knights glaring at ya, none of that for you."

Stalker simply sat quietly, touching his fingertips together. Each time one touched, a narrow silvery strand grew as they parted, forming an incredibly complex cat's cradle between his outstretched hands.

He hummed to himself calmly in spite of the movement of the ship, and with a deft twist turned the web into a tight-knit globe. It began to pulse with an eerie blue light.

"No territorial instincts?" Stalker remarked softly to Shadou's comment. "How very dull it must be."

"You would be surprised," Moira said, with a sort of jaded humor in her tone. "If people found out that I were actually a really sentient computer, there'd be the army after me in two red seconds. There's a history to that." Then, she laughed. "And don't make the mistake to think that I'm without emotions either. If I were, then I think they would actually have a reason to hunt me..."
   She turned around, and then poured some tea in a cup. Then, the smooth and seamless metal over the bottom of her face parted somehow, easing out into a mouth, as she lifted the cup and put it to forming lips.
   "Machines can be worse creatures than organisms," she said, after sipping a bit.

   Stygian grabbed the steering column tighter, and then throttled up. The acceleration pushed him back only slightly into his seat, but it just continued and continued. They were going to be at the powerplant in only a few minutes, and the weapons system was already trimmed and charging.
   "Listen, if people don't mind, we won't be landing for the drop off," he spoke through the intercom with a grin.

"I dunno, you strike me as being rather nice, clanking and all," Shadou chuckled, still not trusting the rumbling of the ship enough to reach for his tea. Hearing Stygian's announcement, he stood up and gave Moira a smart salute and a wink, "Well, that's my stop. Wish me luck, eh?" With that, he skulked out into the hallway, hanging onto one of the odd jutting out bits to stay upright.
So, which way was the cockpit? We just jumping out the way we came in, what?

e simply waited. the others were getting to know each other a bit but that was them. he merely needed a diversion so he retired into his internal environment and occupied 70% of his awareness the other 30% still tuned into the outside world in case something should require his full attention in a hurry. as was he was nearly picking up snippets of conversation.

When Shadou entered the cockpit he could see the image of some sort of powerplant being displayed together with data readouts on a number of the screens up ahead, and something that must have been a targeting reticule on the main screen.
   "We won't be landing the ship again, I thought. Really no need for it," Stygian said from the seat up front. "We can take out this facility from above, and then disable the other one with a combat drop." He tapped some panels with a quick hand, and what seemed to be power levels jumped into view on one of the panels. From behind, Moira walked up and placed herself next to the monster, sort of looming over him in a way.

If you got an X-ray laser, and fire here and here will cause a overheating effect which take out the main cooling system.  Repairs will be over 5 weeks...and the cause will look like a design or maintenance failure..

PBH

Shadou looked up at Moira, not having expected her to follow. With a shrug, he turned back to the matter at hand.
"Now, when you say combat drop, are you talking about dropping us down in pods or whathaveyou, or just a cry of 'get out of my ship!' and a shove?" He comically pantomimed shoving someone, "Because honestly, either works for me."

Stygian chuckled, and then turned his face against Shadou for a second, grinning.
   "Honestly, I was thinking more along the lines of us just throwing ourselves out like the insane motherf***ers that we apparrently are," he chuckled, and then went back to studying the screens. "And I've got something better than just a laser, dear."
   Stygian placed his left hand on a sidepanel next to the chair, a heavy metal piece which seemed a separate control of some kind. He flicked some switches, and then a larger one. Under them there was a rumble, and they could feel small trembles traveling through the hull of the ship. The targeter on the main screen zoomed in, fixing on one wall of the facility up ahead, and they felt it quite well when they began to slow down rapidly as he maneuvered the steering column and pedals some more.
   When they were at a complete halt, the view on the powerplant was steady and clear. The word "armed" appeared in red text next to the targeter. Stygian pressed a final switch, and then the trigger.
   Light tore through the sky, a lance of lightning and fire so white-hot it was like staring straight at the sun. The hull of the ship thrummed like some enormous insect buzzing, and the air crackled with static. In an instant, the shaft of energy streaked over into the facility, ripping up walls and armoring and tearing a hole right into one of the main reactors, adding its enormous power to the reaction and blasting out in a shockwave of destruction.
   The light vanished after a second or two, leaving a purple trail across your vision. Before you on the screen in the dark room, you could see the view of the facility, now practically torn inside-out, the weapon having ripped it up like nobody's business.
   Stygian tapped the communicator behind his ear and lit a slim cigar with a familiar chink from a silver lighter.
   "Puppy, this is Mongrel. Objective one fulfilled. Proceeding to next."

Shadou's face contorted into a rather manic ungrin as he reached into his bandolier for his knife and a firework.
"I am all for insane motherf***ery, Styggy-boy. 'Been sitting on my ass all day."

Stalker calmly shoved the glowing web-ball into his chest, and stood. "Nice shooting. With the grid disabled, our little side trip to the dump is rather moot."

He yawned hugely, mouth lined with millions of needle teeth well into his throat. "If it gets no more difficult than this, I doubt you'll be needing my services."

E steps out of his game of super Mario 25 and looks around. " i hate to sound like a kid and all but is it time to  blow up things yet? also i'm not going to have to use my stun settings on organics am i?"

 "My word." Cog said, unmoving from his spot in the cockpit. "Somehow I think this little toy might be able to do all the work for us. Just how many times can you shoot that thing, good sir?" He said, grinning. "I'm all for bladework, mind, but as the saying goes, 'work smart, not hard.'"

"You don't happen to be recording this, are you?" Jack asked Stygian. "If you do I would like some pictures of it, if that's okay."

Jack then began to get ready for the combat drop. A jammer on the right shoulder strap of his backpack, the Taser on the right hip belt and some stun/sleeping powder on the left.

Without any shield, cloaking, sensors or battle net upgrades the preparing took much shorter time than usual and Jack sat down to wait.

Stygian listened to the others' comments with a moot face, as he swung the ship around and began accelerating them toward their next destination, a lot faster this time. He didn't seem as enthusiastic.
   "I've got enough fuel to run her for quite some time, and the Longinius is powered centrally," he said, tapping another panel to bring down the mapscreen and enlarge it. "But that's not the point. I wouldn't attack any central targets that have the ability to retaliate in time, seeing as how the cannon gives the ship a very clear EM-signal. So it's a ground-pounder mission from here on, I'm afraid. As you can see, the rest of the facilities are more central, and far easier to defend," he continued, pointing and zooming on the map. "If they manage to set up a link here," he gestured to a line that seemed to represent some sort of construction, bridging a pair of points, "they may well bring up the grid again. And they are going to defend that point quite heavily. That's why we want control of the net now, so we can hit hard and fast against the very heart of Order."
   Stygian silenced, and continued simply maneuvering the ship. Not far below, as they couldn't be more than two or three miles up, houses and construction began to pass after a while.
   "We're on the outskirts of a smaller town. The plant is some distance up ahead. If I were you, I'd go back and prepare to jump," he said shortly.

"Jump?" Cog said, raising an eyebrow. "What do you mean, jump?" He gave a weak grin. "Surely you mean 'run out of the ship quickly, yes?' Because not all of us can fly. After all, it's not like we can just fly out of the sky like comets, yes?'" Despite his protestations, he got the feeling the shade was not joking. Cog exited the cockpit and went aft, looking for the life of him for a parachute.
He passed the construct woman on the way aft speaking to another member of the party. He coughed softly and tipped his hat. "If I may ask a question, good lady? Please tell me that your master is not considering throwing us bodily out of his ship? Or, that he will at least give us some manner of parachuting device?"

"Stygian is not that stupid." Jack said to Cog while following him aft. "I'm sure he will descend first, then the ship could give some covering fire until we got indoors."

Jack then took out his camera and glanced at Moira. Hope she wont object, I just want to be ready.

But Stygian did not descend. In fact, he brought the ship further up as they went, and then slowed down at a comfortable drop altitude. Then, as they stopped, he tapped in some commands, changed a few switches and then rose up out of his seat and went back through the cockpit. Moira was already well down the corridor, and opening another door and stepping into what passed for a cargo bay on the Husk.
   "Nope. The Husk will stay in orbit until further notice, or until we actually need covering fire. As for us, we're making a quick drop," he said, and walked into the bay after the construct.
   It was a relatively small space, at least from what those like Jack and E could tell, but then the Husk was not a transport ship either. Still, it would have been able to hold a pair of smaller vehicles, and it was tall enough that there was no problem standing. Right now though, it was crammed to one side with locked-in containers of some kind. To the other wall hung some sort of mechanical packs over circular, clearly meant for someone to be strapped into. They looked like they weighed a bit, and had some sort of metal beam at their centre that seemed locked into the wall, running along and down the back of the wearer and down to a small round plate in the floor. Stygian gestured to them.
   "Strap yourselves in," he said. "Moira and I will be along just after you."

Hearing the report he prepares himself. calling gospels at the moment would be useless as whistling up a roc.  He had to wait until there were close to a predictable pattern to call. besides if they were high enough he might automatically be called back and teleport down the ground but that seemed unlikely. he looked at the pods that Stygian gestured to. orbital drop pods. he's seen them during the war... wait what war?. he shook his head then he checked his inventory but had nothing that could help the others. with regret he  examines and enters one of the container indeed strapping himself in as directed..
(( we don't need to specify which one we are getting in to right?))

"'Curiouser and curiouser, said Alice,'" Stalker commented, as he walked in the direction the others were going.

He stopped just short of the drop pods and looked at Stygian. "Am I correct in assuming that these devices will deposit us at our seperate destinations?" he asked calmly.

"Orbital drop?" Cog said, his face turning somewhat white under the gray. He grimaced and stepping into the circle, cursing under his breath and began to strap himself in appropriately. "This will not end well, I assure you." he said, making sure all of his appendages and items were well inside the circular line. "Dropping from the atmosphere is never a good idea..."

After a bit of fumbling with his bandolier and the straps, Shadou managed to strap himself in.
"I take it the element of surprise is in no way, shape or form considered if we're using these things? People tend to notice things dropped from orbit into their backyards." Despite the sarcastic tone, Shadou was rather enjoying himself. I get to be a meteor! This is so freaking cool!

Stygian actually sighed.
   "We're not that high just yet, and these things don't use boosters. It's gonna be a bit of a ride, since they don't trigger until the very last bit, but you'll land safely. And since we're at a standstill it won't be that hard to get together either. Now, have a nice trip," Stygian said, and without warning flicked two switches on a control panel and then pressed an alarmingly red button.
   The mechanism wasn't that dissimilar from an ejector seat. Straps around Shadou's and Cogidubnus' shoulders and waists tightened in an instant, while bars slid out to hold their feet and heads in position. A sort of metal visor closed around their heads and a bit of a casing smacked around their torsos and legs. Less than a tenth of a second later they were expelled from the underside of the craft, heading for the ground like man-sized bullets.
   "Now, who wants the next seat?" Stygian asked with a bit of a smirk.

"I'm assuming that means 'yes'." Stalker said, stepping forward and into the circle. "

He braced himself casually, and crossed his arms over his chest. "Ready whenever you are, young one."

"i'm ready as well" E said though he was really looking forward to battle he did not say so. it would make him seem like a kid again.

"Whoa! Flashbacks!" Jack said and thought back to one of his early lives when he was an ODST (Orbital Drop Shock Trooper). He then grinned and strapped himself to one of the pods. He preferred a dampening field but these old school drops had a certain charm to them.

I don't need worry about the drop, but how far it is to the new plant? 

*PBH checks her fuel supplies(full) and quick burst test of her jetpack in the hanger.  Puts on her helmet and checks IR and UV scanners and targeting computers.*

Ready, Capt.

PBH

Stygian rolled his eyes a bit and slapped down a few more switches when they had all strapped themselves in.
   "Nothing I'm not going to hear..." he muttered. "Don't move suddenly and breathe through the nozzle." With those words, he punched the red button again and sent them all hurtling for the ground ten miles below. He then turned to the black-finished construct beside him, who was busy putting on her own gear for descending. He didn't bother making any meaningful statements, since there were none fit. Instead, he pulled down the lever to unlatch and open the rearward doors and grinned at the mechanical woman.
   "Last one down gets to gather up stragglers and the ones who soiled themselves," he said. Then, he threw himself out into the rush of ice cold air.
   "Hey!" Moira called, and leapt after him.

   The air rushed past quite fast, the shape and weight location of the drop "shells" keeping them upright as they sped through the atmosphere. They had been dropped straight down, and they didn't move around much at all thanks to the stable construction of their packs. From above, those dropped slightly behind the others could see them plummeting through the sky.
   Shadou, being one of the lighter members of the group and thus one who fell slower, due to wind resistance having more of an effect, turned slowly as his "pod" fell, a bit just over Cogidubnus' and Jack's. They fell in a tight formation that kept mostly steady.
   Then, an upside down face flashed into view before his eyes, distinctly grinning even despite the wind in it. He looked as Stygian backed up from him a bit, falling on his head in the air. He couldn't hear a thing for the rush of air, but there was no question that the man was laughing. The human made a circling move around him, clothes flapping feverishly without any parachute or pack to hold them in, as something else black streaked past in the corner of his view. Stygian caught sight of it, looked, and then laughed even more. He tucked his limbs in, and dove after it, zipping right past Cog and almost nicking his shoulder.

   When they were less than a thousand metres above ground, things started happening. From the back of their packs, fins shot out and stabilized them, making final corrections for landing in a matter of a few seconds. Then, seconds before they hit the ground, the shell around them burst off and out, forming four great airbreaks that broke their fall in short notice, and finally used the conserved energy together with the foils to make them plane out and land very safely, if harshly, on the ground.

Stalker felt the world drop from beneath him as his pod fell from the ship, and flowed into a more comfortable shape. The descent bothered him not at all, and in fact made him relax somewhat. "Perhaps the young one is trustworthy after all," he thought, as the pod exploded, deploying a giant airbrake to slow him...

...Which burst within seconds, slowing his pod by barely a fraction. Stalker felt it give way, and tightened, folding himself into an armored, tightly wound cocoon as he slammed into the ground. The pod ruptured as it formed a shallow impact crater, and he momentarily lost cohesion.

A few seconds later, however, Stalker re-formed, a baleful glare on his face. "He tried to kill me! Under a truce!"

He allowed his body to flow freely from the waist down, consuming the remains of the drop pod and scouring the crater of every speck of loose debris. Nothing fired his appetite like preparing for a fight...

As soon as Jack was free from the pod he ran a few meters and made a roll. From a prone position he then took pictures of the landing site, now lit by searchlights from watchtowers. The Order powerplant seemed a bit... chaotic with all the alarms.

In slowmotion Jack could see people moving around the facility, turning his head he could also see how Stalker devoured the drop pod. Less nice in slowmotion. Jack thought and returned to normal speed.

"I don't know if you guys are following some sort of schedule but I'd rather move than staying in the spotlight."

"Then why don't you move?" came a familiar voice from just behind Jack. "I've already scanned the perimeter on the way down. As for the alarms... They may know we're here, but not where we are here." Stygian chuckled, and then ran off, slinking over the ground with unnatural silence and then hitting some trees while moving around a large and tall wall set before an outcropping.
   Moving quickly, Stygian caught scent and sight of something that looked like a crash site. He hastily ran past it though, paying it no heed. The drop pods were built too well to malfunction, and had failsafes. Though that crash was probably the real reason anyone in the facility had noticed anything.

E left the pod and out of habit  brushes his arms checking his reaction time and his functionailty. he was well enough. he looked around. it was time for he mission to Begin. He smiled his  arm buster coming online and out of standby. it was time to have some fun and who knows there may be something useful around here.

"Whoo! Whatta rush!" Shadou laughed as he clambered out of his pod. He'd used up a great deal of lungpower from additional "whoo" -ing over the course of his ever-so-gracefull descent, "GOTTA get me onna these!"
A bit more laughing and he had himself collected and professional-looking, two fireworks clutched between his fingers as he made himself aware of his surroundings. Bad-Luck just ate his pod. Rich Boy seems confident in his equipment. Clicks has good eyes, and seems to know what he's doing. Creaks looks undamaged. No sign of the Techie yet. He had a habit of mentally nicknaming those he worked with, though he was of the opinion that it only aided his efficiency. Asking how was a good way of getting yelled at.

**PBH exited her pod and flys out and around the searchlights and landings on the roof of the security office, and shutdown the security cameras and finds the passwords to the doors...***

 "Puppy, Stygian... Main gates opening and you have only five guards in the main courtyard and one in the main security.  Backdoor password to all security door is freedom or 696.  Releasing Bunny virus into the power grid control network,  Wait a minute IS this a power plant or industrial plant?    Are we at the drop zone or are we a few miles from target?."

PBH

Cog literally fell out of his drop pod and slammed into the ground. "Oh, terra firma, thou art a sweet mistress..." he said, laying there for a moment. Dignity be damned, he thought, men were not made for such things.He stood after a moment, taking long breaths and brushing dirt off of his clothes. The others seemed to already be walking along, and he trekked forwards to join them. Strange, he didn't see that one fellow, the one who had eaten someone. He wondered if he should hope he was alright.
He placed his hand on his Katana and ran towards the plant. It was time to stir the pot a little bit...

before running of all wild E deices to check  in with Leona. "puppy this is E have safely exited my drop pod and will rendezvous with other's in the dump raiding party before engaging mission. over." that done e waited a moment for any reply before checking his mental list for those that had volunteered for this mission.