The Clockwork Mansion

I was originally intending to follow this on from The Chronicles of Jakob Pettersohn (http://it-he.org/cjp.htm), but I've changed my mind and decided to run the two stories in parallel.  Although it is technically the sequel, it should in theory be possible to read from scratch.

This series is set around 150 years after the current DMFA strip.  I've currently got material for about six chapters - whether it continues past that, I guess we shall see.  (EDIT: It made sixty chapters!)

Unlike last time, I'm going to double-post and add the first chapter immediately after this header.  The chapter index will replace this text when there is more than one chapter.

(EDIT: Someone HAD to go and post after the index, didn't they?)

---

Chapter 1 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg94138#msg94138), Chapter 2 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg98411#msg98411), Chapter 3 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg100900#msg100900), Chapter 4 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg103750#msg103750), Chapter 5 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg105504#msg105504), Chapter 6 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg107520#msg107520)

Chapter 7 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg111507#msg111507), Chapter 8 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg115987#msg115987), Chapter 9 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg118244#msg118244), Chapter 10 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg122781#msg122781), Chapter 11 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg127329#msg127329), Chapter 12 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg131775#msg131775)

Chapter 13 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg136554#msg136554), Chapter 14 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg139924#msg139924), Chapter 15 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg143819#msg143819), Chapter 16 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg148833#msg148833), Chapter 17 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg152518#msg152518), Chapter 18 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=2274.msg155018#msg155018)

Chapter 19 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg157623.html#msg157623), Chapter 20 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg161858.html#msg161858), Chapter 21 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg164658.html#msg164658), Chapter 22 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg164985.html#msg164985), Chapter 23 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg170493.html#msg170493), Chapter 24 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg172518.html#msg172518)

Chapter 25 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg175088.html#msg175088), Chapter 26 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg177680.html#msg177680), Chapter 27 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg179729.html#msg179729), Chapter 28 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg181913.html#msg181913), Chapter 29 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg184447.html#msg184447), Chapter 30 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg186629.html#msg186629)

Chapter 31 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg188519.html#msg188519), Chapter 32 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg190367.html#msg190367), Chapter 33 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg193499.html#msg193499), Chapter 34 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg195951.html#msg195951), Chapter 35 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg198891.html#msg198891), Chapter 36 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg204726.html#msg204726)

Chapter 37 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg210603.html#msg210603), Chapter 38 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg215742.html#msg215742), Chapter 39 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg220312.html#msg220312), Chapter 40 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg224445.html#msg224445), Chapter 41 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg228377.html#msg228377), Chapter 42 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg232692.html#msg232692)

Chapter 43 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg237828.html#msg237828), Chapter 44 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg241941.html#msg241941), Chapter 45 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg246511.html#msg246511), Chapter 46 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg249445.html#msg249445), Chapter 47 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg250949.html#msg250949), Chapter 48 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg254445.html#msg254445)

Chapter 49 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg256818.html#msg256818), Chapter 50 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg260821.html#msg260821), Chapter 51 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg265391.html#msg265391), Chapter 52 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg267590.html#msg267590), Chapter 53 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg271964.html#msg271964), Chapter 54 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg274177.html#msg274177)

Chapter 55 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg276650.html#msg276650), Chapter 56 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg280080.html#msg280080), Chapter 57 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg281844.html#msg281844), Chapter 58 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg284070.html#msg284070), Chapter 59 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg286169.html#msg286169), Chapter 60 (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg287726.html#msg287726)

I was going to say.. that's a very short chapter :-)

Edit: Yes, I do believe I had to. :-)

The Future History of Jakob Pettersohn

Chapter 1 - Joshua

The dim figure of a husky staggered through the driving snow, clutching at his torso.  The pain had faded to a dull ache, and that probably wasn't a good sign - too much blood loss from the bullet wound.  He tried not to think about it, but a few minutes later he collapsed to his knees.

Why not? he wondered, but his home became a sudden and vivid memory.
Not here, not yet...
The husky struggled for a moment and stood up briefly, but he was too weak and the cold was creeping in ever faster.
Unwilling to give up he crawled on his hands and knees, a trail of blood in his wake until finally, he could go no further.
It was worth a try... he thought sadly.  It no longer felt cold.  Then his arms gave way and his head pitched sideways into the snow, a faint weary smile on his face as his eyes closed and everything went dark.


Waking was sudden.  Joshua found himself lying on his back, staring at the ceiling of a brightly-lit white room.  At first he thought he was dead, until he noticed that the lighting came from fluorescent tubes in the ceiling.

Hospital, he thought.  I must have been in an accident.

All at once his last moments in the snow came back to him with a sudden jolt... and that was when he noticed something rather odd.
An ability that had been with him for his whole life - one so natural that he didn't usually think of it - was now with him no longer.

"I can't breathe!" he whimpered.  It should have come out as a shout, but it didn't.

"You don't need to," said a voice.  "But calm down.  Calm down and don't worry about that right now."

"I don't understand!" he cried, struggling to turn his head so he could see the speaker, but his body was still too limp to respond properly.

"Look, I'm afraid this will come as something of a shock," said the voice sadly, "but please, don't panic.  I assure you that you're quite safe here, and there is nothing for you to worry about.

"Now.  I need to check your memory.  What is the last thing that you remember before waking?"

"The snow... I was shot... I must have collapsed.  Who are you?"

"Just call me Kristofer," said the voice.  "Yes, you collapsed.  I had to put your body into a state of suspension to keep you alive until we could begin the operations that saved your life.  But as I say, I'll explain more about all that later.  Really, everything will be fine and there is nothing to worry about.

"Now.  I believe you are a Mr. Joshua Oswald, are you not?"

"Yes.  Where am I?"

"A... scientific outpost in the North.  I'll explain about that later as well, but right now you are far more important.  We need to make sure you've healed properly."
Kris turned a page in his clipboard and made a brief note.

"Now.  I'd like you to raise your right arm, and place your hand in front of your face, if you can..."

Josh promptly moved his left arm.  "Oops, sorry..." he said and raised the correct one.

"Good.  Now, examine it carefully." said the doctor.

"It's not mine," Josh replied.

"It is, well, sort-of.  We had to do some skin grafts.  Do you think you can manage to sit up?"

The husky struggled.  Whatever they had done to him, it was obviously extremely major because he felt very, very strange.  Probably he was still under the influence of some powerful anaesthetic.  Thinking about it, that might explain why he couldn't feel himself breathing either.

At length he managed to flop himself into a more-or-less sitting position.  Looking up, he caught a good look at the speaker, a white wolf in a lab coat who was eyeing him with a friendly, although rather concerned expression.

In the background there were two other figures in lab coats - a grey vulpine who seemed to be about the same age as the doctor, and someone who appeared to be a caracal studying a display.  Every so often he cast nervous glances at the doctor.

Standing to the side was a large, free-standing mirror which Kristofer wheeled into place and tilted so that the husky could see himself.  He was naked except for a pair of briefs, but what shocked him most was the fur patterning.
It was rather like his coat but not quite, and it was these subtle differences which he found rather jarring.  Indeed it almost looked like an artist's impression of his fur and whatever it had been it was most likely dyed.
His head looked okay though.  That was a relief - at least he still had the same face - but had they really needed to graft that much skin for a gunshot wound?

"This is, as they say, 'the new you'." Kris continued.  "As I believe I mentioned, you very nearly died.  We had to do a lot of work to save your life, but I am confident that we have succeeded.  Do you think you can you rub your arm, please?"

"What?"

"I want to check for nerve damage.  Rub your arm with your hand, and tell me what it feels like, if you would be so kind."

Josh complied with the request, and soon found out why.  It didn't feel the same as it did before.

"What have you done to me?" he exclaimed, with a sinking feeling - and even that didn't feel quite right.

"Just one last check, and then I'll explain," the doctor promised.
"Now, take one of your fingers and put it in front of your nostrils."

Becoming used to the strangeness, the husky did so, and as he had half-expected there was something very funny going on.

Whatever it was, it must be bad, because the doctor is obviously taking great care to break it to me gently, he thought.  Placing the finger before his nose, he quickly discovered that one nostril was blowing a continuous stream of air, while the other...

As he put his finger closer to it, he realised it was actually drawing air in.  He looked pointedly at Kris, who turned away before taking a deep breath and launching his explanation.

"You don't need to breathe because you don't have any lungs anymore.  I had to replace them with an electric blower.  Two actually... one for redundancy."

Josh made a strange sound - he no longer had the ability to choke, or laugh for that matter.

"If you pinch one of your arms and flex it, you'll find that you don't have any muscles either.  Your whole body is synthetic, except for your head and neck.  Inside your chest cavity is an oxygenation system, blood pump and various other life-support systems.  The power-plant is in your belly, a small cold-fusion generator."

"What about my fur?" the husky asked.  'What about my brain' might have been a more pertinent question, but when something like that happens to you, an entirely coherent and sane response is something of a bonus.

"Oh, it's synthetic polymer.  I couldn't get the fur to sense things I'm afraid, that's all done by your skin, but I'm sure you'll get used to it."

"What does that make me, then?  Some kind of robot?"  The scepticism in his voice was something which Kris had anticipated.  It was only natural, after all.

"Mostly, yes.  Your body is one of my experiments...  I was fairly sure it would work, since I've been able to test most of the components in isolation.  But I didn't have the means to test the entire system until you came along.

"It's a good job you made it as far as you did, you know.  If you hadn't set off my intruder alarms, we wouldn't have found you until it was far, far too late for me to save you.

"Now, I guess I'd better explain a few of the basics.  You don't need to eat anymore.  In fact you can't because you don't have a digestive tract - or any other organs below your neck, come to that - so I advise you not to try.
You will need to take some substances once a day to remain alive however, it's a solution of various nutrients that will be absorbed directly into your bloodstream."

Kris strode over to Josh, and gave him a sharp poke in the chest.  His indignation melted into surprise as a panel in his breast swung open.
Woah... he's not shitting me about this robot business.

"All you have to do is attach the canisters to this receptacle, and your systems will do the rest.  You get the canisters from a special vending machine.  See the data port here?  You'll have to plug yourself into the vending machine.  It will then create just the right mix your body needs using the data from your internal blood analyser.  It will also tell us about any impending or actual fault conditions, either in your bloodstream or your hardware."

Joshua was impressed.  "You've really thought this through, haven't you?  It sounds like I could live forever."

The doctor's expression became somewhat sombre.  "I'm afraid not.  The furrae body is a complex, self-stabilising system which I cannot replace so easily.  What I have done will keep you alive for a while, but not forever."

The husky could see that there was something he was reluctant to add.

"So how long is 'a while', then?"

"Five years, ten, maybe fifteen if you're lucky.  But don't worry - I have another body you can inhabit when that time approaches.

"There are a few other things I should mention.  Your body will be considerably more prone to disease I should think, and you won't be able to do a number of things which you took for granted before.  Swimming, for instance.  But if you remain here as one of my staff, I'll do my best to see you have as full a life as you can, given the circumstances."

"Can't I just upgrade to the new body now?" asked Joshua, although he wasn't entirely sure he would be able to cope with any more strangeness.

"No.  You're not ready for it yet.  Believe me, if you thought this body was a shock, the next one will be even more different.  If we hadn't found you when we did, I might have been forced to try it, but the jump could have driven you insane.  It is better that it happens in stages.

"Besides, if you don't mind, I'd like to know how well your current body performs."

Joshua followed as the doctor showed him to his quarters.  They had advised him to sleep, and that seemed like a good idea.  Perhaps when he woke up he would be safely back at home and none of this 'mission' nonsense would have happened.

A bit short though well written as everything I can recall you putting up on the forum. The reliance on dialogue with fairly sparse descriptions to work the revelation slowly into it all is a good move in my opinion. A bit creepy actually as I wonder just what was going while I progessed through the chapter.

Hmm. The breathing thing... seems odd. Sure, a mechanical blower is going to be more efficient, but... there's a lot of other complexity involved.

Like your diaphragm, for example. And the inter-costal muscle groups, etc, and the way you need to blow air across the vocal cords - which, in order to sound normal, is going to require phrase groups, and breathing in between them......

From what's been described, this guy could now recite the whole of the Lord of The Ring without pausing. Which would sound rather strange...

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on February 24, 2007, 04:01:41 PM
Hmm. The breathing thing... seems odd. Sure, a mechanical blower is going to be more efficient, but... there's a lot of other complexity involved.

Like your diaphragm, for example. And the inter-costal muscle groups, etc, and the way you need to blow air across the vocal cords - which, in order to sound normal, is going to require phrase groups, and breathing in between them......

I could have looked into that further, but I am actually pretty squeamish so I didn't.  That said, I did go out of my way to look for problems that most people either ignore or don't think of when the stick-a-living-head-on-a-robot thing comes up.  Suffice to say, Josh's voice isn't exactly normal.

For the curious, the genesis of this story was in KoH's 'cybernetic canine' (http://www.furaffinity.net/view/260100/) picture in this thread (http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php?topic=555.msg51326#msg51326).  At first I assumed it was a cyborg (actually it's a body suit of some kind), and it set me off on a train of thought like "how would someone get into that condition?"

"Don't you need to pee?"
... or, there's still stuff going in, there still has to be stuff going out.

.. then there's the obvious dealing with touching things, whilst not having the same senses as he used to. Like, say, picking up a raw egg without breaking it... And the, ah, equally obvious, "deal with a pretty lady cuddling up to you"


Let's not forget coping with wind. Or balance. Or integration issues. Or, say, catching a cold, and what effect that has on the rest of the system (if you're using a mechanical blower, it'll blow out a constant stream of mucus.... or just get much noisier when the nasal passages contract... Can you say "steam whistle"? I knew you could...) Or...

But I digress. :-)

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on February 24, 2007, 05:39:17 PM
"Don't you need to pee?"
... or, there's still stuff going in, there still has to be stuff going out.

Indeed, but that's dealt with by the vending machine, the canisters he has to swap out contain the waste matter.  Most of the blood/body-fluid maintenance is external to his body.

Quote.. then there's the obvious dealing with touching things, whilst not having the same senses as he used to. Like, say, picking up a raw egg without breaking it... And the, ah, equally obvious, "deal with a pretty lady cuddling up to you".
Let's not forget coping with wind. Or balance.

The mind-machine integration is actually pretty solid.  Why will become clear around chapter 4, but I ain't explaining it now because it would give too much away.

QuoteOr integration issues. Or, say, catching a cold, and what effect that has on the rest of the system (if you're using a mechanical blower, it'll blow out a constant stream of mucus.... or just get much noisier when the nasal passages contract... Can you say "steam whistle"? I knew you could...)

I could be wrong, but aren't most of the antibodies manufactured by the bone marrow?  Josh doesn't have any so a cold is more likely to finish him completely unless they use some kind of magic to cure him.  Then we have questions like "what weird stuff has Kris done to his skull?" has he removed the mucus membranes entirely?

**EDIT**
Keep 'em coming... I can use this stuff to bulk out chapter three  >:3

hmm... well, heres something else to explain in Chapter 3:

(if you are squemish about blood then... yeah) 

If memory serves,  the average human body wares out about 10-50 thousand blood cells a second. (I could be wrong though) Sense ol' bucket butt dosen't have as much I would imagine he would need to get rid of the warn out stuff and get it replaced by new stuff quite often. My guess would be perhaps once every two-three hours. I'm aware that odds are the cell "death rate" is likely not as much in his case, but still enough to be somewhat of a threat.

man that sounded alot clearer in my head... L:

Quote from: Drake Manaweilder on February 24, 2007, 09:11:17 PM
If memory serves,  the average human body wares out about 10-50 thousand blood cells a second. (I could be wrong though) Sense ol' bucket butt dosen't have as much I would imagine he would need to get rid of the warn out stuff and get it replaced by new stuff quite often. My guess would be perhaps once every two-three hours. I'm aware that odds are the cell "death rate" is likely not as much in his case, but still enough to be somewhat of a threat.

Yeah, I'm well aware of that (not the figures, but the problem).  Kris does say that he doesn't know how long Joshua is going to live, but in any case it's a stopgap measure, not a solution.

It acts as a filter, and removes shite from the bloodstream, IIRC. Hence why if you remove someone's spleen, they're much more vulnerable to infection.

Or, at least, certain types. it's also involved with removing the old, dead red blood cells - at least, according to wikipedia.

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on February 25, 2007, 10:29:19 AM
It acts as a filter, and removes shite from the bloodstream, IIRC. Hence why if you remove someone's spleen, they're much more vulnerable to infection.

Not wholly sure what you were referring to by 'it', but filtration is accounted for.

spleen. Acts as a filter.

Sorry, I started with a different sentence, realised it was irrelevant and incorrect, removed it, and didn't change the imprecise pronoun...

Chapter 2 - Angels

"May I ask... what you are?  About your wings, I mean?" asked Joshua nervously, as they wandered through into the main living quarters of the ice-bound complex.  It was the following day - or so the doctor maintained - the sun having made its brief appearance while Josh had been asleep.

One of the reasons he was nervous was because Joshua was sure that despite his own shocked state, his host hadn't had wings the day before.

"I'm an Angel," Kris replied, with a slightly sharp edge to his voice.  "There's nothing wrong with that, is there?"

"Oh no," he replied hastily.  "But you didn't have wings last night...?"

"No.  I was afraid that waking up in the hands of a Creature would spook you on top of the aftermath of your revival, so I concealed them with a patch."

"Ah, I was just wondering."

"So was I," said the doctor in a faintly amused tone.  "You still haven't really explained who you are, or how you came to be skulking around in the Arctic with a bullet hole in your chest."

Joshua was about to reply when a small black creature drifted slowly past them carrying two frying-pans joined together by a piece of string, clanging faintly as they banged together in the breeze.  Kris froze and then went berserk.

"Kirian, what the HELL do you think you're DOING?" he screamed.

"Fishing," the little creature replied happily in a vaguely female voice.

The doctor put his hands over his eyes.  "Put the pans back where you found them," he said in a voice of forced patience, as though he was talking to a small child, "and do not enter the kitchens again.  That is an ORDER."

The thing didn't really reply, but floated back in the opposite direction singing some nonsensical words to herself.  Joshua watched her recede until a faint beep from behind made him glance around.

"Yes, Dad?" said a tiny voice from Kristofer's wrist.  The white wolf was staring at his watch and talking to it in a tired voice.
"Nilson," he said, "Your little... pet... has been stealing things from the kitchens again.  Can you please try to keep her under control?"

"Not again," came the voice of the grey vulpine. "Where is she now?"

"Hopefully going back to the kitchens, but I'd like you to make sure she doesn't get distracted or something.  Oh, and check that she hasn't been hoarding food again."

"Righto," he said and the watch fell silent with a burst of static, the tiny image of the fox's face vanishing to be replaced the time once again.

"What was that... creature?" Joshua asked in a tone of bewilderment.

"That was Kirian, my son's Warp-Aci," the doctor replied.  "He summoned her as an end-of-year project while studying magic at university.  She can be rather trying at times, although there's no denying we're short-staffed here.  Still, I wish he could have summoned a more... psychologically stable familiar."

"Warp-Aci?" he replied, a faint air of suspicion and puzzlement in his voice.  "Aren't they usually the preserve of 'cubi?"

"Not necessarily.  Anyone with the right kind of magical know-how can do it.  I'll admit it's a bit more difficult for us, Angels being better at Light magic and all, but it's not insurmountable.  The main thing is that not many Creatures can be bothered to deal with their incessant whinging - or insanity.

"Now, I guess we could stand here all day discussing Kirian or Warp-Acis in general, and ordinarily I'd be happy to do that, but I do believe you were about to tell me who you are, and more importantly, what you were doing here."

"Is it really so important?" asked Joshua reluctantly.

"Yes.  There are a number of people out to kill me.  And while the fact that you were the one who was running leads me to suspect that you are relatively harmless, I don't believe in taking chances."

"All right," Joshua said.  He would have sighed, but that ability didn't really work anymore... it was all he could do to make his voice sound relatively normal.

"I'm a spy.  I was sent to break into a suspected weapons facility in the Northlands and see if it really was a weapons plant."

"An industrial espionage gig, hmm?"  Kris' eyes narrowed.  After my secrets, are you? he thought to himself.  We'll have to see about that.

"More-or-less.  The facility was being run by the Nagristi brotherhood."

Kris froze.  "I see," he murmured, his eyes narrowing even more.
"That's not good.  They're one of the groups who are after my head.  But how did you end up here?"

"I went to the complex in a light aircraft, but unfortunately they had some of their own as well.  I almost got caught while I was trying to leave the facility, and they pursued me by air after I took off.

"Their plane wasn't armed, but they still managed to put a bullet through the fuel line with small-arms fire.  I was forced to make an emergency landing around here.  Then they landed too, and came to finish me off.

"I lost them in the snow, but not before they put a bullet through me as well."

And then there's the other facility I was sent to find afterwards, he thought to himself.
Kris gave him a curious look, as if he had half-guessed that Joshua was holding something back, but he didn't press the husky for any more details.

"While we're on the subject, how did you spot me in all this snow?" the husky asked.

"As I said, there are a number of people who'd like to see me dead," said Kris, "so the complex has quite a tight security net.  You were actually spotted by one of my falcons."

Joshua didn't really know what to make of that.  "Falcons?  What do you mean?" he asked, thinking of feral hawks, avians or perhaps some breed of Phoenix.  But neither of these seemed particularly likely in this ice-veiled wasteland.  The icy wastes of Hell, he thought suddenly.

"They're patrol aircraft," the doctor replied.  "F-16 falcons equipped with thermal imaging systems."

A puzzled expression crept over the husky's face.  "F-16?  I've never heard of that designation.  Where do they come from?"

"Oh, I hired them from another world, a realm inhabited by humans.  A little place called 'Earth'."

"Hired?" grinned Joshua, "Don't you mean 'stole'?  I've heard of interplanar travel, but it's not like you can pay the lease by direct debit."

"No, I really do mean 'hired' - just not in the sense you're thinking of.  These falcons are my employees."

"Employees?" he said - his voice making a passable impression of spluttering - "What on Furrae are you talking about?"

"They are not merely vehicles," said Kris, with a smile.  "They're sentient machines.  These poor creatures were going to be sent off to fight in some pointless and idiotic war in their home dimension and country.

"They were willing to do almost anything to avoid that, so I stepped in.  Once I'd convinced them that I was on the level, they jumped at the chance and since then they have taught me virtually everything I know about robotics and artificial intelligence.  They even helped me design your body, in fact."

Joshua was boggled.  Perhaps it was because he'd been exposed to such an incredible amount of strangeness in so short a time, but - perhaps as part of his attempt to keep his hold on reality - he was once again wearing that cynical expression that had graced his features when Kris had told him he was a robot.

"Okay," he said.  "For the sake of argument I'll accept that your complex is patrolled by true AIs in aircraft form.  But the part I don't understand is this - if they came from a human realm, how did you wander around without attracting attention to yourself?"

"That's another patch," said Kristofer, and placed a small ring upon his finger.  He shimmered and was replaced by a human.

"Nice trick," said Joshua, and clapped his hands.  For a moment I was afraid you were an incubus, he thought, but he didn't say it - the doctor might think he was prejudiced against Angels as well.

"You know, Farlane reacted in about the same way you did," said Kris, removing the ring again.  "He's the commander, by the way.  I'll take you to him later, if you're up to it.

"But anyway.  Naturally enough, he was skeptical of my claims of being a dimensional traveller.  Only for him, I took the ring off."
He smiled, remembering the moment when he'd turned into a winged wolf-man right before the big aircraft's eyes, like some twisted circus act.

"And for an encore, I made five jetfighters disappear without them leaving their hangar," he laughed.  "I wish I could have seen their commander's face when he found it was empty.

"But the real pièce-de-résistance was the guards."  Kris touched his watch.

"What guards?" said Joshua.  "I haven't seen any..."

Before he could finish, one of the bulkhead doors opened, and something large, black and snow-flecked, with glowing crimson eyes padded towards them.

"Come here, please," said Kris.

"Yes, Master," the creature replied in a stilted, obviously synthetic voice.  He, she, or possibly it, was a robot in the form of a feral panther.  The teeth and claws looked formidable, and Joshua shivered.

"Where is R-MAC?" asked Kris.

"He is inspecting the service bay, Master." the panther replied.

"Good.  What time is it?" he added.

"It is twelve fourty-three, Master." said the panther immediately.

"Very good, you may go," said Kris and the robot padded off.

"Not very bright is it?" Joshua remarked, and to his horror the panther came to a halt and glanced back at him.

"He didn't mean it," called Kris.  "They are my guards," he added for Joshua.
"They may not be all that smart, but they are sentient and it would not be a good idea to provoke them unless you wish to test my safety interlocks."

"Duly noted," Joshua replied, as they marched towards what he guessed was the service bay.

"Mac," called Kris, "are you in there?"

"Yes boss, coming up," called a voice that was rather different from the previous speaker.
Although the panther, when he finally emerged, looked almost identical to the other guard, the way he moved and the way he spoke exuded an air of intelligence that suggested he was at least as smart as Joshua - maybe smarter.

"What time is it?" Josh couldn't resist asking.

"Time you got a watch," replied the panther.  "You're the new guy, right?"

"I guess so," Joshua replied.  "And you are...?"

"Panther R-MAC," he replied, "while I haven't officially earned a name, Kris has very graciously christened me 'Mac' and upgraded me to full spec anyway.  That's probably illegal, but I ain't complaining and besides, I'm not sure Earth laws apply here anyway."

"I'm not sure I follow," said Joshua.

"Okay, it's like this.  We start off as grunts," he replied.  "With the same basic memory set that was programmed in at the factory.  Since you asked me the time I guess you've spoken to one just now.

"Anyway, after a few years of guard duty, we tend to learn and grow.  Panthers who display a natural aptitude or accomplish a feat of loyalty, intelligence compassion or whatever are granted a name as a reward, and usually upgraded to support higher intelligence.  Kris did it to me anyway, even though I wouldn't have qualified under Guild rules."

"Thanks Mac," said Kris.  "But we'll have to catch you later.  Right now, it's time for Joshua to meet Farlane."

They object to hearing the truth? That's an unusual trait in an AI...

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on March 09, 2007, 06:15:55 AM
They object to hearing the truth? That's an unusual trait in an AI...

They object to being insulted.

By the way, 'Nagristi' was assembled from random word fragments that sounded nice.  Turns out it's Serbo-Croat for 'bite'.

I guess it depends on tone of voice. I took it as a simple comment upon reality, not a criticism... but I can see how it might be taken as the latter.

And now the discussion of Joshua's metabolism becomes moot...  :mwaha

Chapter 3 - Demons

"Joshua Oswald," said the judge, "you have been found guilty of sixteen counts of murder and cooking without a license.  I hereby sentence you to death by fructifixion."

"What does that mean?" asked Joshua, his voice strangely unconcerned.

"He doesn't know!" crowed the judge, and the entire court burst into laughter.
"It's a bit like being crucified," he said.  "But it also involves..." he hesitated.
"Fruit," added one of the clerks helpfully.

But before Joshua could find out exactly what his execution would consist of, the doors burst open and a grey, winged canine skipped happily into the room.
With a look of pure delight, he drew out an assault rifle and as the husky watched in astonishment, proceeded to mow down the entire court - men, women, children and nuns.  Nuns?  I didn't order any nuns, he thought.

The canine aimed the gun at Joshua for a moment, before blinking at him with a shocked expression.  "Oh! I'm sorry," he said, and at that moment Joshua knew the true meaning of terror.

His death sentence, seeing the court slaughtered before his eyes and being threatened at gunpoint had not frightened him in the least, but the wings on top of the other canid's head chilled him to the bone.  Incubus!

"Please don't kill me," he begged, but the 'cubi had already darted away and was now doing a strange dance in the middle of the room.  Taking out the assault rifle again, he inscribed an occult glyph upon the ceiling in bullet holes.

"Ta for the dream, mate!" he said and made his way out of the court door, clutching a cane and performing a dance routine as he left.

Joshua woke a short while later, still frightened.
Had it only been a dream?  He hoped so, but such a dire threat to his soul was not something to take chances with.
Gingerly, he peered under his bed, half-expecting to see the demon lurking in wait for him.  Fortunately it was empty, but with a sinking feeling, Joshua realised it hadn't been a dream.  On the floor there were some shards of plastic where something had been trodden on, and he was pretty sure he would have remembered doing it if it was him.

Under the bed was a grey primary feather.


"An incubus?" said Kris, slightly puzzled.  "Are you sure you weren't dreaming it?"

"Quite sure," Josh replied.  "I found one of his feathers."

Kris looked dismayed, and touched his watch twice.  "Nilson, Oskar," he said in a rather irritable voice, "You haven't seen an incubus anywhere, have you?"

"No!" they replied, not quite in unison.

"Never mind." he signed off.  "Anyway, Joshua.  Can you describe him?  And exactly what happened?"

"He was a grey canine.  A wolf, I think, maybe some kind of fox.  He murdered everyone else in my dream and shot some mystical symbol in the ceiling."

"Ah.  Well, it sounds like he was just having a laugh.  I wouldn't worry about it too much."

"You're joking, right?  He's an incubus!  He'll have my soul out before you can say 'Uh'!"

"I doubt it," replied Kris, eyeing him curiously.  "Did the symbol look like this, by any chance?"  He sketched an intricate glyph upon some paper.

"That's the one."

"Good.  He's an old friend of mine.  What he's doing here I don't know, but he should be pretty harmless unless you attack him.  Weird, but harmless.
"Let me know if you see him again."

"But... but how did he get in?  You said the security was top-notch!"

"Well, he probably teleported.  The base is protected by anti-teleportation wards, but I gave some of my more trustworthy associates a charm to allow them to enter anyway.  Now, are you up to meeting Farlane?"

"I think so," said Joshua.  He had almost met the aircraft a week or so ago, but he had been forced to take off to investigate after one of the other pack members had reported a UFO.

Since then, Joshua had caught a cold.  His reduced metabolism had made him considerably less resistant to disease and Nilson had spent a long time helping him recover, often resorting to magic to augment the husky's crippled immune system.
It was fortunate that Kris had performed surgery upon his nose while they were rebuilding him.  A side-effect of this surgery prevented it from being able to run, which would not have been good considering his rather unconventional mode of breathing.


"Greetings Cap'n," said Farlane, saluting with a thin arm that retracted from his belly.  The way in which his cockpit had been redesigned gave him two large yellow eyes on the front, lit from the back and with a small black pupil in each that tracked Joshua's movements.  They were probably cameras.
This, along with the gloss black paint on the nosecone, gave his face an appearance not dissimilar to that of a cartoon dog.

The eyes were mostly to give the aircraft a face to talk to and expressions to read.  In flight, their primary senses were radar and a few other external cameras.  Speed, positioning and various other flight parameters were mapped directly into their short-term memory systems.

"Any updates on the intruders?" asked Kris, getting straight to the point.  Even if Joshua hadn't been able to make it, he was still due for the report.

"We got a decent look at one," he replied.  "Light aircraft.  Primitive stuff... propellors, internal combustion engines and meat pilots.  No offence intended," he added quickly.
"There are several of them, and my guess is they're making a sweep."

"Oh dear," said Kris, his voice hardening.  "That might mean they're looking for us.  Or Joshua," he mused, glancing at the husky with an expression of concern.  He began pacing.

"Still.  They shouldn't be able to find us quite that easily by air, not with the wards I've got."


Farlane had taken something of an interest in Joshua, not least because he had helped design the husky's body.  Nonetheless, their meeting was rather brief as the security situation was still rather tense.

"They're rather like wolves," Kris said afterwards.  "Apparently their designer used the mental patterns from a labrador retriever - feral canines, I mean.  They tend to form packs, and I'm their Alpha."

As they left, Nilson appeared courtesy of Kirian, the latter eating a large pastry.  She had not even bothered to defrost it beforehand.

"Dad, I have found another one," he said, with a sombre, yet determined expression upon his face.  "I've got to attend it to it very soon.  Can you manage without me for a few days?"

"It will be inconvenient.  The big day is likely to be next week, assuming the intruders don't force us to reschedule, but I think I can manage.  Joshua will have to take over some of your duties for the time being.  How soon must you leave?"

"By tonight at the latest.  Much longer and it will be too late."

"Okay.  Stick around until ten if you can, after that, go for it."

"Thanks Dad," he replied and vanished a few seconds later, leaving a small pile of crumbs in the shape of a smiley face.

"I've got to do something about Kirian," muttered Kris.  "I wonder where you can go to get Warp-Aci house-trained?"

"What was all that about?" asked Joshua, staring at the crumb-laden spot where the pair of them had stood.

"Oh, Nilson is a very driven kid," said Kris, ignoring for the moment that his son was over five hundred years old.  "He intends to save someone's life.  Like me, he believes that life is too precious a thing to waste, so he is off on what you might call a mercy-mission."

Kristofer didn't seem too willing to discuss Nilson's mission in detail, but the husky was still curious about the difference in species between him and his father.

"If Nilson is your son, how come he's a fox?" he asked.

"His mother was a vixen," the wolf replied.  "A Being, though.  She passed on many centuries ago.  As you may know, if a Being and a Creature have a child, the child will usually take the appearance of the Being side of the family."

Kristofer was about to elaborate on the wiles of his youth and the way in which he had fallen for a Being, when he was suddenly interrupted by several things.

Firstly, the lights changed colour to red, followed swiftly by the sound of an alarm.  Then a small yet penetrating voice spoke urgently from Kris' wrist.

"Captain, we have a perimeter breach!" barked Farlane.

"What?!?" he yelped, bringing the communicator to his face as someone would glance at a watch.  Upon it, the aircraft's face bore a strange expression.  It wasn't real - the face was actually rendered by one of the creature's processing cores.

"How many, and how did you miss him?" Kris barked.

"At least one confirmed.  He's got some kind of heat shield because he didn't show up at all on the THIALDs!  We didn't even know he was there until he entered the building itself.  Probably a lone agent, though."

"Right.  Alert all units.  Bring him in alive if possible, but use all necessary force if he does turn out to be hostile - which I suspect will be the case.  And keep your sensors peeled for any more intruders."

"Aye aye, Cap'n!" said the aircraft and signed out.

Suddenly there was a crash and the figure of a ram entered the room.  He moved like lightning, most likely with demon reflexes - the horns and leathery wings upon his back were something of a giveaway.

There was an interesting discrepancy though.  Most demons would favour magical weapons or attack spells, but this one carried a small yet deadly firearm.

Without saying a word he took aim at Kris, who made a strange gesture with his hands, what seemed to be either cowardice or a pathetic attempt at covering his head.
"No!" shouted Joshua, and pushed the doctor aside.  The ram hesitated for only a moment before turning the gun on him instead. 

From behind a dark shape sped on all fours, leaping and tearing into the assassin's flesh with razor-sharp talons.  But just as the red-eyed creature's steel fangs had closed around the demon's throat, he made one last desperate bid to complete his mission.  The trigger clicked home, punching a hole clean through Joshua's doggy skull and ending his life with a sound like a car backfiring.

This assumes that the skull is still the seat of the intellect, which, given the various redesigns, is reasonably optional.

... unless, of course, I just gave something away... Oops... ;-]

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on March 18, 2007, 10:55:27 AM
This assumes that the skull is still the seat of the intellect, which, given the various redesigns, is reasonably optional.  ... unless, of course, I just gave something away... Oops... ;-]

Nope.  I'd say 'guess again' but you might hit the correct answer.

One of the things I was hoping to draw speculation on was who Jakob is, but I probably haven't done a good enough job in confusing that issue.  :rolleyes

Especially for the people who read the original drafts...

**EDIT**
AND WHEN YOU LEAVE IT IN THE TEXT YOU IDIOT

I commissioned a picture of this chapter from Turnsky, but it isn't ready yet.  The sketch is awesome, though :P

Chapter 4 - Incubi

Josh woke on the operating table.  Again? he thought, and then suddenly remembered what had happened.  The flash in the gun's muzzle and the sound of a gunshot echoing as the consciousness ebbed away from his shattered mind.
I can't be alive, he thought.  I don't have a brain anymore.

"Kris?"  He tried to speak, and couldn't.  But the doctor saw him move.

"Good, you're awake." came his voice.  "Nod if you can hear me."  Josh nodded.
"Don't try to speak yet.  I've had to transfer you to that other body I've mentioned on occasion.  You're going to find it quite a jump."

Josh got up unsteadily, and noticed something a bit odd with his eyes - they didn't seem to be focusing quite as quickly as they did before, and they were taking a lot longer to adjust to different lighting levels.
He rubbed them but they felt very, very wrong.  Eyeballs are soft, but his were not.  They were hard like glass and his eyelids felt strangely different.  He had a sudden suspicion, and an odd chilly feeling came over him.  Not like before the change, when his fur had still been able to stand on end, but a strange feeling in his mind.  He tried to speak again.

"Shrrriiiizzzzz..." he said.  There was something wrong with his tongue, his larynx and his lips.  He tried again.
"Shryzz..."

Kris came over and looked down at him with a worried expression.
"Can you move your fingers properly?" he asked.  Josh rippled them, and then took the pen that the doctor had proffered.
What have you done to me and how? he wrote, bastard took me down with a headshot."

"You remember your first day here?"  He said, and Josh nodded vigorously.

"You said you were a robot.  That wasn't strictly true - you really meant 'cyborg', since you had a living canine brain.  Damn," he added, realising that he had just given the game away.  Screwing up his eyes, he took a deep breath and ploughed straight into it.

"You're dead, Joshua.  I've shut your old body down in preparation for anyone else who needs it.  This body is brand new - hopefully the fur should be the right colour this time."

"Deeaad?" slurred Josh, slowly re-learning how to speak, "What's in heere?" he tapped his head, and found to his concern that it was a good deal more solid than before.  It was more like tapping a brick than a living skull.  Uh oh.

"Your brain is a bank of neural processors, my friend."

Josh stared back at him, with a look of horror in his synthetic eyes.  He didn't speak, so Kris continued.

"That's why it's hard for you to talk.  The interface to your speech synthesizer is necessarily somewhat different from what you're used to, although I've done my best to make it as similar as I can, and your voice should sound more normal than it did before, once you get the hang of it."

"But... I'm not really me!  The real me is deaaad.. that makes me a copy!  I'm just an impostor..." he wailed.  The emotions he felt were not helping his diminished ability to speak.

"No." said the doctor, with an air of finality.  "You aren't a copy, I can assure you of that.  You really are the original, the one and only Joshua Oswald."

Kris held out a small jewel in his hand.
"I had half-expected something like this, so I took precautions although I had hoped that my guards would be able to take him down before he could attack you.  Nonetheless, just in case they failed I had a backup plan."

He paused.

"I stole your soul as it left your murdered corpse and trapped it within this gem.  It took me a few days to get the new body functioning, but when it was ready I shunted your soul out of its prison and into your new brain."

Joshua stared at him in disbelief, and although he was relieved to find that he really was himself, the notion that this doctor was able to manipulate his very soul was utterly horrifying.  But one advantage of his new brain was that he was able to concentrate and focus on things much better than before, so he quickly came to attention as the doctor spoke again.

"What's left of your head has been cremated.  It's just a few ounces of cooked meat now really, if you'll pardon the flippancy.  Unless you have a sentimental attachment to it you can flush the stuff down the toilet for all I care.  What's really important is your mind and your soul - both of which should now be properly housed within your new body.

"The rest of your corpse was just a mechanism, and that's being cleaned and repaired for its next tenant, should there be one.  You will probably notice some minor differences between this body and your old one, but I think you'll agree it's a small price to pay.  Because now you really do have a shot at living forever."

"But how?!?" said the husky, his voice finally able to express emotion again.  "How were you able to manipulate my soul?"

"Oh, that's easy when you know how," said Kris, his fur darkening to grey as a small pair of feathered wings sprouted from the back of his head.

Joshua made a strange noise and took a step back, a look of sheer terror in his
synthetic eyes.  Oh my Gods... he IS an incubus...  Ohshitohshitohshit...

"Calm down, calm down," he said with a reassuring smile.  "Do you honestly think I'd spend all that effort and expense in resurrecting you twice if I wanted to have you dead?"

"But my soul!" he warbled, "you held my soul in your hands!"

"There, there..." said the doctor, staring into Joshua's eyes and a strange, calming sensation flooded his brain.  Actually it was the feeling of his terror being eaten, but he didn't know that at the time.

"The name is Pettersohn," said the incubus.  "Jakob Pettersohn.  You can call me 'Yak' if you prefer."

Suddenly Joshua broke down completely.  Jakob put his arms around the sobbing husky and comforted him.


"So," said Joshua, after he'd recovered himself, "I guess that's how you were able to graft my brain to the first body?"

"Quite," replied Jakob.  "'Cubi have a natural advantage in neurosurgery since we can observe the workings of the brain and soul.  With training we can extend this to probe other parts of the nervous system as well.
Reverse-engineering the protocols used by your body is a lot easier when you can debug it, which a normal Being or human cannot do.  Even so, I needed a great deal of help from my Clan leader, Daryil, for his skill in probing the mind is far greater than mine.  You may remember him from a dream, perhaps?"

"But how did you know you'd be able to... steal my soul?  It was sheer luck that you happened to be standing next to me when I was killed."

"Actually the gem was implanted in your skull.  It had a standing spell upon it to absorb your soul if you died.  It's not my invention, by the way - armies sometimes use them upon their soldiers.  Everyone here has one, even me.  For although I think I might even be powerful enough to effect a corporeal return from the dead, I would rather not have to find out the hard way."

How many souls must you have you eaten to do that? Joshua wondered to himself, but the question he actually asked was rather different.

"Have I got one now?"

"Yes, although it shouldn't be necessary, since your skull should be a good deal more bulletproof this time."

Jakob flinched slightly, remembering the messy way that Joshua had died, and a brief wave of guilt resurfaced at the people he had shot in the head himself all those centuries ago.  He had never really forgiven himself for the deaths.

Testing the skull had been uncomfortable, although necessary.  Jakob had tested a number of mockups himself, placing a row of lifelike canine heads upon a workbench and attempting to execute them with handguns, sniper rifles and armour-piercing rounds.  What made him most unhappy was that a small part of him had found it fun.


Later that day, Joshua heard Jakob talking animatedly to himself in one of the laboratories, one which he had always found locked on previous occasions.  He was about to go inside and see if the incubus needed any help, when he noticed that it had a small sign marked 'do not disturb' upon the door handle.

Perhaps he should have left, but curiosity got the better of him and, seeing that it had not been properly closed, he opened it a crack and poked his head inside.

As he did so he became aware that Jakob was not talking to himself, but to another, quieter voice.  It was not a video link or a phone, but he was talking directly to a large machine which answered him in a strange, monotone voice.
It was not completely synthetic like Joshua's own speech synthesizer, so it was probably not an AI but some strange kind of communicator.  Yet there was something distinctly wrong about the voice.

Joshua's own voice had been carefully programmed to simulate all the little mouth noises which occur as a side-effect of speaking, the ones which a recording engineer will take great pains to minimise.  This voice had none of them, and it was this very... purity... which gave it a sinister, disembodied air as though it was somehow coming from beyond the grave.

Joshua didn't have hackles anymore, but the sound of that voice was extremely disturbing.  He began to wonder what it was, when Jakob replied to it.

"...works," he said excitedly.  "Fully operational.  We performed our first full activation this morning and it is working almost perfectly!"

So I saw.  What of the primary unit?  Is everything prepared?

"Almost," he said.  "There are a few glitches in the design which the prototype has exposed.  I still need to retrofit the fixes to the primary but after that we're good to go."

Excellent.  I have awaited this moment for what seems like aeons.  It must be done soon!

"It will, it will!  I shall have the primary unit ready in... three days?"

Perfect.  We will also need the prototype for the ritual.

As the voice bade him leave, Jakob turned a switch and strode into another part of the lab.  He didn't seem to have noticed that Joshua had witnessed most of the exchange.

Now what, wondered Joshua, was all that about?  This is obviously some kind of major shit that Jakob is involved in.  And what's that prototype business?  Oh.  Oh Gods.

Joshua's commander had been convinced that a protege of Johan Cross, the notorious crimelord, had set up shop in the Arctic and was working upon some new kind of ion beam weapon.  One that had enough power to work within Furrae's atmosphere, if the intelligence was to be believed.  Joshua had been sent to the frozen north to check these rumours, starting with the Nagristi mob facility and then the other candidate, the low-temperature research station owned and run by Kristofer Ausmann.

The fact that the researcher in question might be Johan Cross himself was not something that had entered into his darkest dream.  Everyone knew that Cross was dead, after all.

But Joshua had suddenly remembered the name 'Pettersohn' from an old film about Cross that had seen years ago.  Pettersohn was the one who had made the film, and in it the incubus had not only made a convincing claim to be Johan Cross, but his appearance was a dead ringer for this Jakob Pettersohn as well.

Reports of your demise are premature, I see, Mr. Cross.  Never mind.  I guess I'll just have to see what I can do about this prototype of yours.  I just need to steer the topic of conversation to secret ion-beam weapons that I was sent to destroy...

Interesting... I can't place why, but I really like this one.
One thing though:

Quote"Don't try to speak yet.  I've had to transfer you to that other body I've mentioned on occasion.  It's going to be quite a jump."

Bit of a problem there... unless it's an expression that means he'll be suprised when he learns what he is. 

Quote from: Drake Manaweilder on March 30, 2007, 05:13:50 PM
Interesting... I can't place why, but I really like this one.

Thanks.  As Sid may recall, this chapter was written at the same time as the first chapter.  Chapter 6 is almost done - that chapter has been incredible fun to write.  It's just a pity chapter 5 is  still too short, but I'll probably need to recap some events from CJP anyway so it makes more sense to anyone who decides to read the sequel before the original :P
And chapter 7 has begun.  :mwaha

QuoteOne thing though:

Quote"Don't try to speak yet.  I've had to transfer you to that other body I've mentioned on occasion.  It's going to be quite a jump."

Bit of a problem there... unless it's an expression that means he'll be suprised when he learns what he is. 

To be honest, it's a little difficult to choose the right tense for that.  The transfer has been completed, but Joshua isn't fully capable of controlling his new body yet.  So it's really something that's happening now.  Perhaps "you're going to find it quite a jump" would be better...

By kind permission of Turnsky (given that he hasn't been paid for it yet), the draft sketch:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v625/Turnsky/Sketches/tapewolfcommish_sketch.jpg

wooo.

Damn skippy, but that's cool.

gotta love graphite..  :3

Chapter 5 - Ritual

"You have conspired against me," boomed Jakob's voice.  "And for these most wicked acts your life shall be slain!  Prepare your soul, for death is at hand!"

"But Lord Cross, he is the Chosen One!" said one of his aides, kneeling before his evil master.  In the corner, a chamber quartet was playing a funeral march.

"What foolishness is this?" Cross demanded.  "Answer me, worm!"

"He has the mark of the Chosen One upon his body," whined the aide.
"We cannot thwart the prophecy... we cannot slay him!"

His answer was partly obscured as Joshua bumped into something in the darkened room.

"...'mongst your sins was the murder of the captain of my guards, and for that you must die.  Yet your body bears the mark of the Chosen.  For this I shall spare your body, but your brain shall die instead!  Your mindless cadaver shall become an empty, soulless shell that will be my slave for all time!" Cross began to laugh evilly.

Oh my Gods, it's a video diary, Joshua thought.  He was completely spooked and in his haste he tripped over something, falling to the ground with a loud thump. 

"SHHH!" said Jakob, without turning.

"Now nothing can stand in my way.  By morning I shall have un-made creation and reforged it in my own image!" he roared with triumphant laughter as the music reached its peak.  "Hear the dirge for the old order and weep!  Mother Nature dies tonight!"



"Utter bull, but it paid well," remarked Jakob as the credits flowed up the screen.

Joshua picked himself up and gazed at Jakob with a look somewhere between horror and dismay.

"Johan Cross?" he whispered.

"Indeed.  I was quite the actor for a time.  Comes naturally to 'cubi, so I could still get back into it if I wanted to, but right now I feel that my experiments here are a more worthy cause, and a better use of my time.  Cross was a challenging role to play though, and it would be fun to do it again."

One of his tentacles shot forwards, and pressing a button with its nose, retrieved a large, silver platter from the player.

"That's a big videodisk," Joshua remarked, trying to take his mind off what he had just seen.

"It's a laserdisc," replied Jakob.  "It looks like it should be digital, doesn't it?  Actually it's all-analogue.  The video signal is frequency-modulated and the resulting carrier wave is encoded into a series of pits on the disk using pulse-width modulation.

"The video quality is almost as good as C-format video or film, but it has the distinct advantage of not degrading with each playback.  The most difficult part was building a machine that would allow me to create my own disks."

"Hey boss," said a voice, "Eeek!"

The panther coiled his body in alarm as he noticed Jakob... apparently he hadn't got the memo.
"Oh, right.  Back to your usual look?  I swear I'll never get used to this shapeshifter business."

"Yes, well there's no point in putting it off any longer, it just makes it more of an embarrassment when someone finally does slip and calls me by the wrong name.  Either one of the grunts or more likely that idle muff of a Warp-Aci that my son summoned in SAIA."

"He really is your son, then?" asked the cyber-husky.

"As good as.  I never actually had a son but a daughter.  For some reason all my descendants were Beings until Niall, who was actually my great-great-grandson until I formally adopted him."

"I preferred 'Nilson'," grinned Joshua.

"Anyway.  Mac... what can I do for you?"

"It's Osk- I mean Ashley.  He's found something in the power room, and he'd like you to come and see it ASAP."

"Very good, Mac.  I'll see to it right away.  Do you want to come?" he asked, turning to Joshua.

The husky accepted and to his confusion, Jakob took him by the hand, and Panther R-MAC by the paw.  A few moments later they disappeared.

"Impressive."  Joshua had seen teleportation before, but not often, and it was rather unusual to see it done without any instrumentality.

"Couldn't he just call you on your watch?" he asked.

"The power room is a Faraday cage," Jakob replied.  "It jams the communicators."

Mac led the pair of them to where Ashley stood, still in his caracal form, by a hole in the floor which had been concealed by a box of spare parts.  It led to a large space, hollowed out apparently by magic.  Inside was an enormous heap of brightly-coloured paper strips.

"Kirian," said Jakob darkly.  Ashley looked bewildered.

"Do Warp-Aci make nests?" he asked in a puzzled tone.

"Not to my knowledge, but then again, I've never had one myself." So saying, he knelt, and reaching down into the hole, drew out a handful of paper shreds and amongst them, something more tangible - sweet wrappers and chocolates.

Joshua hurried away as Jakob launched into a particularly graphic description of what he was going to do to Niall's pet when they returned.


Joshua didn't need to sleep anymore, and although he could, he was sufficiently tense that he would probably not have been able to even if he desired it.  And besides, there was the problem of the mad incubus who kept screwing around with his dreams.  I'll admit I'm the only Being here, he thought, but it would be nice if he didn't keep doing that.

His mind kept going over and over what information he knew about Johan Cross.

Cross had come to prominence in the city of Ha'Khunn following the death of its founder, an Angel called Page who had been its patron.  Under his guidance it had thrived and grown from a nondescript market village to a prosperous town and beyond.

Some maintained that Johan Cross had murdered the Angel - who had in his later years begun to call himself 'Azrael' - in order to seize control of the city.
Many more claimed that Cross was driven insane by the murder of his best friend and swore vengeance against the killers, hunting them down over a period of three centuries. 
Jakob's documentary had gone for the latter theory, although the film had been biased, with a particularly sympathetic portrayal of the shadowy incubus.

But even Pettersohn's film admitted that Cross had done evil things, including racketeering and a number of murders.  That he had kept his throne room dark so that only his most trusted henchmen could ever see his face clearly - and those whom he sentenced to death.
It was more-or-less a fact he had kept the city in a state of fear, wandering the streets at night in disguise.  No-one dared speak ill of him for fear that he might overhear them, for he purged the city of malcontents on numerous occasions - those whom he believed were plotting against him would softly and suddenly vanish away and never be met with again.

It was a popular belief that Cross had eaten tens of thousands of souls in these purges, although Pettersohn had claimed that they were simply banished and had filmed a long segment in a bleak and distant land where a people lived whom he claimed were the descendants of these exiles.
Dirk Brandenssen's film "Cross Reexamined" claimed that this was a hoax and that the whole thing had been staged.  Joshua himself was still undecided on this matter.

Brandenssen had also said - although Pettersohn had angrily refuted it - that amongst the many murders he had committed, Johan Cross had actually eaten the soul of his own Clan leader in order to steal his powers and assume overall control of it.
That was at odds with Daryil though, whom Jakob had claimed was that Clan leader, but then again, Joshua had never seen Daryil and Jakob in the same room at the same time, so he wasn't going to rule anything out - and he was certainly not about to take chances with a potential mass-murderer of souls.


"We shall perform the summoning ritual tomorrow morning," said Jakob, speaking again to the eerie voice which emanated from the communicator.

Ritual?  Return?  What's this all about? thought Joshua, eavesdropping upon his so-called master once again.

At last, it replied, a touch of eagerness seeping into its usual monotone, I have waited so long... and now, in less than twelve hours, I shall walk again upon Furrae!  Ending the lives of those who have sinned in My sight!  Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha!

"Now you're overdoing it," the wolf muttered to himself.

Silence, fool!  Abase yourself before My power!

Jakob's face screwed up and he fell to his knees, his voice trembling and his body wracked with great sobs.  "Forgive me, Lord," he cried.

Enough... there is work to be done.  Ensure that the prototype is ready to perform its task.  Now leave My presence.

Joshua could hear the wolf still sobbing to himself as he switched off the device and walked away.  The husky crept stealthily out of sight and was left to ponder by himself.

How can you summon something with an ion beam cannon? Joshua thought to himself as he strode down the corridor.
Perhaps as an energy source, but what kind of... he stopped abruptly.

No, no, no! he thought to himself and whimpered, his tail curling down between his legs as he padded through the corridors to his room to prepare.

Some time later he was beside the plane.  It had been a curious journey, as he had needed to avoid arousing Kris' - no, Johan's - suspicions.  Kris-Cross, he thought idly to himself.

To this end he had left his shirt behind - to say nothing of his overcoat - trudging through the dark arctic snow at -30 degrees, naked to the waist.

I owe him my life, he thought, as he examined the fuel systems.  But he'll probably kill me after the ritual anyway.  It would be better to flee.

The damage itself was not too severe.  A few days at a well-equipped machine shop and he could soon have the aircraft flying again.  But he didn't have days, and he certainly didn't have any way to bring the aircraft back to the base without Jakob finding out about it.

If there isn't going to be a flight, there will have to be a fight, he thought unhappily.  Beneath the passenger seat there was a package which he removed.  He didn't have to open it to know what it was, the shape alone told him that it was the right one.  It was wrapped in a greased rag to keep the mechanism clean, but even so swaddled the gun fit snugly into his hand.

"I don't want to have to do this," he whispered to the chill air, "not after all you've done for me.  But you're going to summon the Dark God tomorrow, and I'll kill you before I let that happen."

As he began the journey home, his mind went over what little he knew of the ritual, until the cyber-husky suddenly realised what the 'prototype' was.  It was him.

Hmm. Some confusion in the early stages as to who's saying what. Having a Johan Cross on screen, and  Johan Cross watching it, is just asking for someone to get confused.

Of course, it might just be me...

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on April 08, 2007, 08:37:44 AM
Hmm. Some confusion in the early stages as to who's saying what. Having a Johan Cross on screen, and  Johan Cross watching it, is just asking for someone to get confused.

That's deliberate  >:3

The next chapter of CJP may be delayed owing to other commitments such as getting the house tidy enough for my stepmother to visit.  So here's something else to keep you occupied.
(It's so much fun to write Jakob when he's being evil.)

Chapter 6 - Resurrection  (aka "guess who's coming to dinner?")

Jakob was rifling through a toolchest in one of his laboratories.  When he finally located the diagnostic probe he had been looking for, he glanced up to see Joshua.  He had adopted a marksman's stance and was aiming an Earth-imported magnum at the wolf's head.

"Put that down!" the husky cried, "Or I'll blow your headwings off!"
He was trembling and his voice was very unsteady.  It had begun to warble as it would often do in times of extreme emotional stress.

"Oh dear," said Jakob in a completely unconcerned tone.  "I was hoping we wouldn't have to do this until after the summoning ritual."

"PUT IT DOWN!" the husky yelled.

Jakob laughed.  "Well, there's gratitude for you.  I've saved your life twice, given you a near-immortal body that is far tougher and stronger than a mere Being has any right to be, and this is how you repay me?"

"I know who you are, Cross.  I know what you're planning to do, and I was sent to stop you.  Now for the last time, put the tool down, or I will kill you!"

"Then you'll have to kill me.  Just make it quick," he replied, and closed his eyes, making the same curious gesture that he had made when the ram had aimed at him before.  He was actually invoking a projectile shield, but the husky didn't know that.

As he prepared to squeeze the trigger, Joshua's body jerked and folded up like a rag doll - just as he had done at his death, and for much the same reason.

"You fool," said Jakob, standing over the fallen canine body and turning it over with a kick.  Joshua lay staring, his mouth half-open.

"I know you know who I am," Jakob continued.  "I could hear your thoughts.  I have always known that you were sent to thwart me, ever since you first arrived.  I had hoped that placing you in my debt would soften your edge, but I guess I knew that we would come to blows eventually.  Too bad it had to get violent."

Picking up the handgun and unloading it, Jakob sighed and hauled the limp dog into a chair.  Only his eyes showed the slightest signs of life at all.  He could only listen and watch.

"You forgot about the safety interlocks in my panthers, didn't you?" the wolf said, staring into Joshua's eyes with a look of amusement as he savoured the husky's fear - the emotion he found easiest to digest.

"Surely you didn't think I was stupid enough to put one of my enemies into a body that I didn't have complete control over?
"Now.  I need you to help with this ritual, and you will help with it.  The only question is whether you do so of your own volition - if reluctantly - or whether I will have to, er, change your mind?"

Jakob's twisted smile and his tone of voice made it quite clear that he wasn't talking about counselling.  Even death by torture would be preferable to what the incubus was threatening Joshua with, and they both knew it very well.

"So, what do you say?  A truce?  At least until the ritual is completed?"

"Very well," Joshua said, able to speak again.  "I will help with the ritual.  But I make no guarantees about afterwards."

"Good choice," the wolf smirked, "But I can't trust you anymore, so I'm going to limit your actuators to one-quarter power until and unless we can come to some more permanent arrangement.  You'll need our help to lift heavy objects and so forth."

As he spoke, his wing tentacles emerged.  One remained still, watching the others as they began tapping a series of commands into a nearby computer terminal.

"Anyway," he continued.  "You should be able to get up now and I would urge you to do so.  The hour is finally at hand to activate the Primary Unit.  My master is ready, and the time has come at last for us to bring about his triumphant return!" he crowed, his voice trembling with exultation.

Oh shit.  What have I agreed to? thought Joshua.  But he knew he really didn't have a choice.  He was too weak to defend himself and in any case Cross would either kill him... or worse yet, lobotomise his soul and turn him into some kind of mindless slave like in the TV series they had been watching.

With his tail between his legs, Joshua followed Cross to the large room where he had awoken himself.  Unlike then, the room was dimly-lit, the most illuminated spot being the table bearing the robot which Cross referred to as the 'primary unit'.  It was feline in form, the feathered wings white as newly-fallen snow, the fur grey and spotted.

When Jakob's evil master had said they would need the husky for the ritual, he or she wasn't kidding.  To Joshua's alarm and discomfort, Ashley connected their computer systems to a data port in his skull, usually hidden by his hair.  He had found it by accident once while absently scratching his ear.

By this means they downloaded what Jakob referred to as "transport ballistics data" directly from his brain, and after disconnecting him again, uploaded it into the still-idle neurocircuitry of the feline by the same means.  After that he was made to fetch tools for Jakob as he performed some final adjustments to the android's servo systems.

From out of the shadows stepped another incubus, a grey fox whom Joshua recognised with a start as the mad one who kept warping his dreams into strange, twisted fantasies that involved killing nuns.  Enthralled by the ritual, he barely exchanged greetings with Jakob before taking his place by the wolf's side.
The two of them held hands, each placing their other upon the felines's skull and chanting in a strange way.  The air felt thick and a strange ethereal glow danced upon the robot's head.

Daryil stepped back to watch the scene from the shadows with an air of expectation, as Jakob turned to face the lynx with a fanatical gleam in his eye.

"Throw the switch, Ashley!", he cried.  Actually he pressed 'RETURN', but it amounted to the same thing.

"It's alive!" he screamed, as the android opened first one eye, and then the other.  Turning his head to look at Cross, the leopard opened his mouth into a wide smile and gave a peal of diabolical laughter which grew stronger as Johan prostrated himself before his dark master.  Daryil watched the scene, trying unsuccessfully to keep a twisted smile of triumph from showing upon his muzzle.

"At last!" the leopard cried.  "At last I live again after all these centuries!  The world shall feel my wrath once more... Furrae shall tremble 'neath my might, cities shall crumble!  Mountains shall become as dust before my withering gaze!"
He began laughing again, although this faded as he turned his head and his eyes settled upon the husky.

"Ah yes, the prototype," he said, fixing Joshua with one dispassionate grey eye.  "Destroy it.  It has outlived its usefulness."

He paused for a moment as the husky stared back with an expression of total, unbridled horror.

"Just kidding," he grinned, sitting up and shaking the bewildered husky's hand.  "The name's Azrael, and I am greatly in your debt."

"K-k-kidding?" said Joshua, his voice warbling again.  Jakob and Daryil had both doubled up with laughter and were trying to steady themselves against each other with only moderate success.  Ashley was in serious danger of falling from his chair.

"Yep," the Angel replied.  "Of course we knew you were spying on us.  Jakob could read your thoughts and I figured it would be fun to wind you up.  Particularly when you realised he used to be Johan Cross."

"The most difficult part was trying not to laugh," added Jakob, wiping tears from his eyes.  "Azrael didn't exactly make it any easier when he commanded me to worship him.  I very nearly lost it."

"I thought you recovered rather well with the crying thing.  And yes, I'm sorry about that, but I just couldn't resist.  I got kind of carried away with the whole 'dark god' business."

"Please," said Joshua, "don't ever do that to me again."

"Don't worry, we won't," said Jakob, still chuckling.  "Now, if I can ask you to extend your truce a little longer, Azrael and I will show you what we've really been doing.  A no-holds barred tour of the most secret parts of the complex.  I will show you everything, and then, with no further secrets between us, you will be free to make an informed decision as to where your loyalties lie."

"That sounds fair," said Joshua.  He was still left shocked by the whole Dark God prank, but he didn't have an adrenaline system anymore so it passed relatively quickly.

"Good," smiled Jakob.  "I can't ask for more than that, although I do hold out hope that you will realise I'm really not as bad as the legends make out.  You've seen my documentary debunking most of them, haven't you?"

"I've also seen Brandenssen's series," Joshua pointed out.

"Brandenssen was a dick," Jakob replied dismissively.  "He wasn't even born until a century after the events, whereas I caused them.  My documentary is completely true.  I made it to try and debunk the most hurtful rumours like the one where I killed Azrael, and the crap about mass soul-stealing.

"I guess I also wanted to try and lay the past to rest.  I've never completely been able to forgive myself for what I did, although the fact that I was somewhat unhinged by Azrael's murder does help.  And now I've got Azrael back, it's time for us to make things right again."

Azrael grinned and gave Jakob a high-five.

"Now, you believe I've been building ion-beam cannons, don't you?" said Jakob, turning back to Joshua and causing him to cringe at the casual thought-reading.

"Well, you're right.  The aircraft are armed with them, and their drive systems are ion-based as well.  Nagristi Clan have just had first-hand experience of those after I sent Farlane and his pack to put them out of action."

Joshua looked appalled.

"Don't worry," Jakob added quickly.  "I set out to avoid casualties, so we simply vapourised their power plants.  After that they were basically crippled."

"What did you do to them?"  Joshua asked, his voice a whisper of horror.  He had just had a sudden vision of Johan Cross in his trademark leather trenchcoat, shooting the mind-paralysed survivors in the head one by one, or cackling with glee as his panther guards eviscerated them.  Jakob saw the mental image in the husky's mind and grimaced.

"It wasn't like that," he said.  "Well, I did wear the trenchcoat, but I didn't kill them.  I gave them the old "all-life-is-sacred" routine and summoned a portal to banish them with, just like old times.  It seems I did have to play Johan Cross again, although in a rather more realistic manner than I'd intended.  And you know what?" he added, as Azrael gave him a disapproving glance.
"It was a challenging role.  It brought up a lot of bad memories."

"Anyway," he said, changing the subject.  "Ion cannons.  I built a few small ones for hand use - mostly as cutting tools - and some medium-sized ones for the aircraft.  I did start work on a great big one, but I think I dismantled it in the end."

Good, that saves me a job, thought Joshua.

"I heard that," the wolf replied.  "But yeah, I did dismantle it.  After all, what was the point?  An ion beam is a mere tinker-toy next to total conversion..."

"TOTAL CONVERSION?" screamed Joshua, looking even more terrified than when Azrael had ordered his death.

"Yes.  Total mass-to-energy conversion!  I could weaponise it of course, but frankly that would suck.  Despite the many pogroms against 'Cubi and other Creatures, I still believe Furrae is too beautiful for doomsday weapons.  No.. I've been developing it as a power source."

"A power source...?  For what?"

"Project Future," said Jakob enigmatically, beckoning them away.

Holy s**t, but that was good. When I was reading chapters 4 & 5 I was thinking, "What the f**k is Jakob doing, allying with the freaking Dark God? I though Jakob tried his best to avoid evil after the Cross affair!" And as I was reading this chapter, I was like "oh just.... s**t...." and then.......IT'S REALLY AZRAEL!!!!!!!! ahhh that was very beutifully written, I could imagine that craking up scene so well I almost acted it out myself. Awsome, just like all the chapters in both stories! Two thumbs up to you, Tapewolf!

(Though i thought that both Azrael and Jakob had decided not to raise Azzy, because it was just morally wrong, or something. I must have completely misread Azzy's appearance to Jakob after he got his revenge.)

EDIT: dang, I completely forgot something from when I first read whichever chapter the "Dark God" appeared in, I meant to say, "Why is Jakob trying to ressurect the Dark God? Didn't he prevent that ressurection once before?" not just "Jakob allying with Darky"

Quote from: techmaster-glitch on April 18, 2007, 12:17:57 AM
Holy s**t, but that was good. When I was reading chapters 4 & 5 I was thinking, "What the f**k is Jakob doing, allying with the freaking Dark God? I though Jakob tried his best to avoid evil after the Cross affair!" And as I was reading this chapter, I was like "oh just.... s**t...."

Thanks... that's exactly what I had set out to achieve.  Writing this chapter has been an enormous amount of fun - in fact, what you're seeing is only half of it as it's grown so much.  And I've decided to do something different for the next chapter so you're going to have to wait to see what 'Project Future' is.  (Actually it's named after a ZX Spectrum game from the mid-1980s (http://www.worldofspectrum.org/infoseek.cgi?regexp=Project+Future))

One of the lovely things about this is the fact that it's more than a century after present day, so it's possible that Jakob has had another one of his moral shifts.  To be sure he's not quite so horrified about killing people as he is in the FCRP, or he wouldn't have armed guards throughout the complex.

Quote(Though i thought that both Azrael and Jakob had decided not to raise Azzy, because it was just morally wrong, or something. I must have completely misread Azzy's appearance to Jakob after he got his revenge.)

He didn't want Jakob to resurrect his body because it would require sacrificing countless souls to obtain the necessary magical power (remember, e=mc² so converting energy back to mass is horribly inefficient).  Technology has improved in the 500 or so years to the point at which he was able to sidestep that issue by creating a synthetic body, although there are drawbacks which I'm covering in chapters 8 and 9.

In practice, Jakob might now be able to do it the way he had originally intended, for reasons that will become clear in chapter 8, but it's almost certain that Azrael's corpse has decayed too far by now, probably even for him to be able to clone a replacement body.

That and I've always had a liking for robotics...

Quote from: Tapewolf on April 18, 2007, 04:51:11 AM
One of the lovely things about this is the fact that it's more than a century after present day, so it's possible that Jakob has had another one of his moral shifts.  To be sure he's not quite so horrified about killing people as he is in the FCRP, or he wouldn't have armed guards throughout the complex.

... I beg to differ. Nothing says the "armed guards" are armed with lethal weapons, or even -only- lethal weapons. It's mildly silly to -not- supply them with lethal alternatives (I believe it's best summed up with someone telling the story of a friend of his who used to use non-lethal means where possible, avoiding the totally lethal ones. He eventually got into a position where he used a stunner on a mob. After the stunner went flat, the remaining mob members tore him into little pieces...) but, notwithstanding that, it's also possible to use guards as a way of keeping people out, by intimidation, rather than sheer force.

... and I expect Jake to be an -expert- at misleading, intimidating for effect, and confusing people. :-]

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on April 21, 2007, 10:39:21 PM

Quote from: Tapewolf on April 18, 2007, 04:51:11 AM
To be sure he's not quite so horrified about killing people as he is in the FCRP, or he wouldn't have armed guards throughout the complex.

... I beg to differ. Nothing says the "armed guards" are armed with lethal weapons, or even -only- lethal weapons.

The base is guarded by aircraft armed with ion-beam weapons, although they may also be armed with some kind of sonic stun projector a'la Larry Niven.  The panthers are actually a crossover from one of my other projects, and they were envisaged as a ground patrol for military airbases.  Their primary armament is retractile claws made from some classified alloy which are razor-sharp.  The thought of fitting them with some kind of stunners hadn't actually occurred to me, although I might add that retroactively.  They certainly did not go non-lethal on the ram demon.  Although given that Jakob seems to be in the resurrection business I guess we can't rule anything out.

In case anyone is wondering about the safety interlocks, it does work by paralysing them as Joshua found out.  It also trips an alarm so that the staff can come and investigate.  The paralysis only kicks in if they commit to a violent act against a member of the base staff - Joshua or Dorcan would be enrolled in the guard database or possibly have some kind of built-in transponder to identify them as being protected.

Quoteand I expect Jake to be an -expert- at misleading, intimidating for effect, and confusing people. :-]

Absolutely.

My update schedule got confused so this was late.  Sorry :P

Chapter 7 - Revenge

Once there was a doberman.  He lies now beneath the earth, the victim of his own mistake, a miscalculation involving a number of angry Beings.
What he called 'casual flirting', they called 'rape'.  What he called 'murder', they called 'lawful execution' and unfortunately they were the ones with the gallows.
For perhaps his greatest mistake was to use his incubus charms of seduction in some hick mountain town where Creatures were despised and public hangings were considered virtuous rather than barbaric.

"It's because I'm an incubus, isn't it?" he said, rendered helpless by a charm that blocked his powers, reducing him to the level of a mere Being.

"It's because you're a rapist," the executioner sneered, "and for attempted soul-murder too.  It's just a pity we can't hang you twice."

When he died, something rather odd happened.  He didn't understand it at all, but after some hours he woke up upon a table.
There was something slightly wrong with his eyes, and he had lost his sense of smell, but apart from that he felt better than he ever had before.  Until he tried to use his incubus mind senses.  His mental shield wasn't working either.
I'm a Being, he thought and began to panic.

Touching the back of his head, he felt his bat-like headwings, but there was something slightly peculiar about them.  They were fake.  Or were they?
As the terror of the thought struck him, he felt them quiver and fan out, a nervous reflex like his hackles.  That still worked at least, but they were certainly prosthetic.  And anyway, he'd just been executed.

"How are you feeling, Dorcan?" said a voice behind him.  It was another incubus.  He didn't recognise them, but with his mind shield down it was trivial for them to have got his name.

"My name is Niall Jakobsohn," he said, "and the lynx is Ashley."  He gestured to a feline incubus who was attending a computer system which took up an entire wall of the room.  He turned to wave briefly.

"Some centuries ago I almost met the same fate as you," continued Niall.  "But I was rescued at the last moment by my father.  Since then I have made it my business to save the lives of other 'cubi who faced wrongful execution."

"But you didn't.  You couldn't have!"  He could still remember the agony of his neck breaking.

"Some would say that your crime was a sin of the flesh," said the incubus.  "To them I would say that you have paid the price, for your flesh is now dead.  But your soul I have trapped in a new body.  It's not perfect, but it's better than dying."

He blinked.  "You mean you could have saved me?  Why didn't you?"

"There are several reasons.  For my part, I was delayed by saving another.  But consider this... your tormentors have buried your corpse.  The notion that you might still be walking Furrae - if not precisely alive - has not occurred to them.  Would you have been better off with the town baying for your blood, hiring skilled adventurers to hunt you down and finish the job?  I think not.  In any case, what you did was wrong, even if it was not death-worthy."

"I... What do you mean, 'not precisely alive'...?"  I'm an undead...?

"No.  You are... uh, how can I put this... the vegetarian option?  One hundred percent meat-free?  You've already realised that your headwings aren't real.  Well, I'm afraid it's more than just those."
He paused.  "Do you know the meaning of the word 'android'?"

This was a reasonable enough question - the doberman was probably at least three hundred years old, and if he was fresh out of SAIA, the answer could quite easily have been 'no'.

"A synthetic body?" he said, "You're having me on."

And this was a reasonable enough reaction.

Niall smiled, and took out pair of small hand-mirrors.  Holding them with his wing-tentacles, he lined them up so that the doberman could see the back of his head.  Then he prodded Dorcan just behind the ear in a certain way, causing a flap to pop open and exposing the data port.  The dog stared at it for a moment or two.

"Well I'll be," he exclaimed.  Ashley came over to see how they were doing.

"You're taking it well," he said.  "Our first patient nearly had a breakdown."

"Amazement isn't something I'm good at," he replied.  "It's my primary emotion, and I've been living on it for centuries, so I guess I'm kind of numb to it."
 
He sat up and made as if to climb off the table, but something stopped him.  It wasn't a problem controlling his new body, because the low-level systems had been pre-calibrated using the data they had taken from Joshua's brain during Azrael's revival.  No, he froze as soon as he saw his arms.  Now he was amazed.
 
"Okay, what have you done to the arms?  And chest?" he added, noticing that his midriff was not the same.
 
"What do you mean?"  Niall's voice was puzzled.  While he could have read Dorcan's thoughts, once he had established that the doberman's thought processes were operating correctly, he had ceased to read his mind out of courtesy.
 
"They're kind of... sculpted.  I was never this, uh, rugged before."
 
Niall swore and hit his wristwatch.  "Daryil, can you come to the lab, please?"
 
A few moments later there was a black flash and the incubus appeared.
 
"Cool, he's alive," he said.
 
"Daryil, you created the body specification by reading his soul, did you not?" Niall sounded rather irritable.
 
"Yes," he replied instantly.

"And when you encoded the specification as a model, did you program in exactly what you saw in his self-image?"
 
"Ye-e-ss," he replied, more hesitantly this time.  "The fur is identical."

"I'm not on about the fur, it's the muscles we're interested in," Niall said peevishly.

"You weren't tempted to make any... er, 'improvements' now, were you?" added Ashley, suppressing a grin.

Daryil looked away.  "But he looks even cuter now," he mumbled, and vanished in a cloud of embarrassment.  The lynx was chuckling to himself.
 
Niall covered his eyes.  "I am so sorry," he said.  "We'll have to junk them."

"No no no, that's quite all right," said Dorcan hurriedly.  "Er, was that the Daryil?" he added, in a slightly worried tone.

"Yes.  Is there a problem?"

"I've heard a few things... They say he's a freaking loony."

"Well, if you can define 'sane', I might agree.  Be that as it may, the fact that he is such a friendly and intelligent individual more than makes up for his little... peculiarities, at least in my opinion.  Better having him than some reclusive evil genius as our clan leader, I guess."

"Yeah, I suppose you could have had Johan Cross as your leader."

Niall's face fell.  "Oh dear," he said.  "I hope you won't hold any grudges against him when you meet him."

"Eh?" Dorcan was bemused by the wolf's reaction.  And then a horrible suspicion dawned upon him.  "You?" he whimpered.

"Nah," replied Niall.  "He's my father."

Dorcan was terrified.  Johan Cross was said to have eaten the souls of thousands, including other 'cubi, even his own Clan Leader.  Dorcan had seen a propaganda film that portrayed the shadowy figure in more a positive light, but he didn't believe it.

"Yak isn't going to like this," muttered Ashley, sensing his thoughts.  "We were so sure that film would stop everyone hating him."

It took some time for Niall and Ashley to get him to see sense, but ultimately it was the fact that they could have eaten his soul at any time during the period between his death and resurrection that convinced him he was reasonably safe.

Once the doberman had calmed down, Ashley led him to one of the laboratories.  For a moment he was terrified they were going to dismantle him, particularly when Niall reappeared with a large wrench, which set Dorcan off again.

Ashley looked positively stricken.  "No, no," he protested.  "It's just for the arms.  We can build you a new pair while you wait.  It will only take about an hour in the nanoforge."

"I.. I'll keep the ones I have, thanks..." said the doberman in a somewhat relieved tone.  "Really, I don't mind them... it was just a bit of a shock..."

"Good, " replied Ashley, sounding equally relieved.  "Now then, let's see what we can do about upgrading you to be more 'cubi-like."

He took out a tray of small circuit boards.  Each one sported a small round gem which glowed faintly, despite the fact they weren't plugged in.

"We haven't been able to implement a full magic system yet," he said, "and frankly I suspect that's a few centuries off, but for now there are a number of prototype expansion boards we've developed that will provide you with limited faux-incubus powers.

"This one contains a concealment patch which we have been able to interface with electronically.  Given a decade or so we might be able to make one that allows full dynamic morphing to restore your shapeshifting ability, but for now this will allow you to hide your wings and/or headwings.  The other card should implement basic thought-reading and has a Being-type mind shield that you can turn on and off for privacy.  While there shouldn't be any danger I wanted to get your consent before we fit them to you."


"Well, that seems to be working well," said Niall.  "Perhaps we should fit some of these to Azrael as well?" he added to Ashley.

"I'd like to see a proper field trial first," the lynx replied.  "We've only tried them in controlled conditions, after all."

Dorcan's ears perked up and a strange expression filled his face.  "I know just the thing," he said.

"Dad won't like that," said Niall, glancing at his warp-aci.  The charm prevented him from being able to read Dorcan's mind anymore, but it was pretty obvious what he was thinking.

"Stuff it... let's do it anyway," he decided.


Mayor Tiandrial smiled happily to himself as he entered the office.  It was around nine in the morning and the rain had left the world looking gloomy, but apart from this he felt it was to be the start of yet another promising day.
The week had gone very well so far, he had made a fortune in bribes and they had managed to hang an incubus into the bargain as well.  The fewer of those the better, he thought to himself.

Just then a figure stepped out of the shadows, blocking the door.  Silhouetted against the glass panes, he couldn't make out who it was, but in the darkness the intruder's eyes were glowing faintly red.
As he hit the desklamp switch, the figure changed slightly.  He saw wings, headwings, and wet, mud-spattered fur, and a face he recognised.  Dropping his folder he gave a gasp of astonishment and horror.

"You!" cried the mayor.  He did not look at all calm.

"It wasn't rape," said the figure.  "She gave her consent.  But you coerced her into denying it so that you could have an incubus executed for a crime they didn't commit.
Well, that's just bad luck.  By the grace of the Gods I have been granted a chance to avenge myself."

The mayor stepped back, but he had nowhere to go, his only exit blocked by a very angry demon.

"I'll admit was never really into the whole 'Cubi rampage thing," Dorcan added, "But your actions have finally pushed me over the edge.  After all, the way I see it, you owe me one capital crime.  Do you have any final words?"
His fingers began to tighten around the mayor's neck.


Dorcan's second visit to the gallows was a curious reversal of the norm, the condemned murderer cracking tasteless jokes while the hangman stood trembling with fear.  "What's the matter?" Dorcan grinned, "Don't you get many return customers?"

He turned to face the crowd.  "I'd like to thank Johan Cross for allowing me to be here tonight," he shouted.  The crowd became silent and the hangman gave a low moan of fear.

A few minutes later he was swinging gently with his head at an odd angle.  The hangman looked relieved.  But not for long.

"That was fun," said the doberman and straightened his neck.
"Do you want to go next?" he asked the executioner, but there was no reply.
Breaking the straps that restrained his wrists he reached up and climbed the rope until he was level with the scaffold and able to clamber back upon it with his feet.  Snapping the rope with his bare hands, he removed the noose and threw it into the crowd like a rock star might.

"Thank you very much," he shouted, "you've been a wonderful audience!"

Pushing the terrified guards and executioner aside, he strode off into the forest.  When they plucked up the courage to follow him, the townsmen found that his footprints just ended.  Right in front of his grave.

*snicker* Still laughing at "you wanna go next?" :-]

I've finally caught up! That was quite interesting, and chapter 6 made me laugh. I noticed 3 mistakes there: "hold do", "aircraft are" and "grimmaced". But it was fun to read and anticipate what was going to happen. I felt a bit sorry for Joshua, though.

As for chapter 7... interesting.

Quote
As for chapter 7... interesting.

Ditto.

But...

Quote
Okay, what have you done with to the arms?

Huh?

Quote from: Gabi on May 03, 2007, 07:27:25 PM
I've finally caught up! That was quite interesting, and chapter 6 made me laugh. I noticed 3 mistakes there: "hold do", "aircraft are" and "grimmaced". But it was fun to read and anticipate what was going to happen. I felt a bit sorry for Joshua, though.

As for chapter 7... interesting.

Yes, Niall has developed a bit of a 'Scarlet Pimpernel' complex.
Thanks for spotting the typos by the way (techmaster as well) - sometimes the structure is left a bit inconsistent where I've been dithering over how to phrase something - "hold do" and "with to" are good examples of this.

I must admit I'm lost as to the "aircraft are" thing though.  What exactly is the problem with it?

Oh! Nothing, I guess. I've just learnt something new. (http://img338.imageshack.us/img338/1056/pennyhr8.gif)

Quote"Cool, he's alive," he said.

"Daryil, you created the body specification by reading his soul, did you not?" Niall sounded rather irritable.

"Yes," he replied instantly.

"And when you encoded the specification as a model, did you program in exactly what you saw in his self-image?"

"Ye-e-ss," he replied, more hesitantly this time.  "The fur is identical."

"I'm not on about the fur, it's the muscles we're interested in Dar. " Niall said peevishly.

EDIT:
"Well I couldn't exactly use all the specifications.  I mean really, who has a penis that big... why are you all looking at me like that?"

"well maybe one of us wanted to keep that modification! Did you ever think about that?" a random female technician  cried from behind Daryl's person, she vaguely resembled professor honeydew but no one said  anything further.   

I'm sorry I just couldn't help but snicker at the first part.

Thanks to Llearch for spotting another missing word. 

For the curious, this one was inspired in part by the tale of John Lee, who was sentenced to hang for murder in 1884.  After proclaiming that God wouldn't let him die because he was innocent, the trapdoor failed to open three times (despite being tested with a sack many times), after which it was ruled that it was divine intervention and his sentence was commuted.  How this happened remains unexplained to this day.

Quote
"I'll admit was never really into the whole 'Cubi rampage thing," Dorcan added, "But your actions have finally pushed me over the edge.  After all, the way I see it, you owe me one capital crime.  Do you have any final words?"
His fingers began to tighten around the mayor's neck.

Is the mayor dead?

Quote from: techmaster-glitch on May 04, 2007, 02:46:00 PM
Is the mayor dead?

Ashford laughed.  "We know all about the affair in Mundesberg.  An executed criminal arose on the third day and slew the Mayor.  He said that he had been raised from the dead by Johan Cross himself!  And now, one of our star agents has returned from the mission that killed him with nothing but good words for his target... or more likely his controller!"
--Chapter 9 (probably - unless it gets pushed into chapter 10)

Oh damn. I thought Dorcan just wanted to scare the shit outta him, not kill him.

yaaay another chapter  :mowcookie me wuv it wuff

Chapter 8 - Revelations   (aka Chapter 6 part 2)

"Follow me" said Jakob, beckoning Azrael and Joshua into a circular section of corridor.  But he didn't leave it.  Instead they went around the circle again and again.

By the fourth circuit, Joshua was convinced that Jakob was either insane or had become lost inside his own complex - possibly both - when he suddenly noticed to his horror that there was an extra door which hadn't been there previously.

Through the door they found themselves in an outbuilding and then walking across a large hydroelectric dam in the warm sunlight.  It was painfully obvious to Joshua that they were not in the Arctic anymore and his sanity began to ebb away.  Indeed, it was only the fact that he was a machine now that was keeping him back from tears.

"There, there," said Jakob kindly, patting his shoulder.  "It's just a hyperrealm.  I thought you might like this.  After all, it's better than being stuck in the Arctic, isn't it?"

"I don't know what to believe anymore," he sobbed.

Jakob paused and looked him in the eye again, and he began to cheer up.

"How do you do that?  Hypnosis?"

"Nah... I'm just draining your negative emotions.  Incubus, remember?"

"Oh, right."  His change in attitude was immediate.  Freed of his fear and stress, Joshua marched on, level-headed and purposeful.

"That was an interesting trick with the corridor," he said.

"Heh," Jakob chuckled.  "That corridor is built in a circle.  A very big circle.  It's 1440 degrees round instead of 360, like a spiral that's been flattened into overlapping circles, or a multi-layered Möbius loop.  All the segments occupy the same space, and it uses intradimensional portals to connect the doors and the endpoints together.  One of these days I'm going to try and make the building from M.C. Escher's Relativity...

"Anyway.  The dam and the power plant is actually inside a hyperrealm itself.  It's about five miles in diameter, and the sun and sky are really an illusion caused by tunnelling and condensing sunlight from Furrae.  It's not all aesthetic, either - we need the heat of the sun to prevent the reservoir from freezing."

"If the whole space is that small, where does the water go when it flows through the dam?" asked the husky.

"At the end of the valley is another intradimensional portal which dumps the water back at the top of the dam again," he replied, pausing briefly as they entered the building and descended to a balcony overlooking the cathedral-sized turbine hall.  Jakob paused to hand out a set of ear-defenders.  Strictly speaking Azrael and Joshua didn't need them, but since they were noise-cancelling, it was the only way for them to speak to each other above the roar of the generators.

"I love this place," the wolf continued.  "I could stand here all day, it's like watching the waves on the beach.   But I haven't been able to visit lately, what with you and the Azrael project.  These generators supply the power I need to run the facility, the synchrotron, and charge up the accumulators for the total conversion beam.

"Once the reaction is underway, it can generate almost a hundred times the power of this dam, but I can only safely make it run in short bursts, whereas the turbines provide me with a continuous power source."

Before Joshua could ask what he used the power for, Jakob turned and led them down into a long, quiet room which stretched off into the distance like the cabins inside a train.  On either side there were glass walls, and Joshua realised that they were actually in a suspended walkway overlooking a gigantic room filled with large cylindrical devices.

"These are the accumulators," Jakob said, gesturing at them with a wave of his hand.

"I see you went for a more traditional technology," interrupted Azrael.  "I still think that ultracapacitors are the way to go.  You could probably get this lot into a quarter of the space."

"True, but these are a more proven technology, Az.  I'm not sure anyone has subjected ultracapacitors to the sort of load I'm running, and a catastrophic failure at that energy density is not something I'm too keen on experiencing.  Besides, these look far more impressive."

"I'll grant you that," murmured the snow-leopard as they pressed on.  The next room contained a bank of computer screens and a darkened window set into the wall.

"The total conversion beam," said Jakob with a flourish.  "Or at least, the endpoint of one of them.  The reaction is sustained with bremsstrahlung radiation from the synchrotron - which is located inside its own hyperrealm of course.  The construction took more than ten years and it was difficult to find a contractor willing to build and maintain such a large and complex machine for a private individual in secret."

"This is impossible," said the husky.  "You can't possibly have afforded to do all this yourself."
 
"It cost a lot, yes.  Most of my personal fortune and a good deal of our Clan's wealth besides.  Fortunately Daryil was extremely enthusiastic about the project or I would probably not have been able to do it.  Even so, I had to borrow vast sums of money, although I've repayed most of those debts now by renting time on the synchrotron beamlines to SAIA and other research institutions I can trust to keep quiet.

"Now, the total conversion beam.  The machinery itself is behind the wall - there are service hatches but as you can probably appreciate, the energy is released in the form of gamma photons so it's not somewhere I make a habit of visiting.  The mechanism is entirely computer-controlled, or failing that I can send in a  robot to make physical repairs."

"Not the panthers," said Joshua, with look of horror.

"Of course not!  I may have been a psychotic gangster in the past, but even then I had standards.  Being, Creature, undead, human or cyber, it makes no difference to me.  I do not abuse my employees.
Now, to answer your question... the earliest prototypes of the android frame had a telepathic control system so I could test their basic functions before I had a fully operational brain for them.  They are still useful for entering hazardous environments.  But the question you are about to ask is, "What is it all for?"  And the answer to that lies next door."

They entered a room containing yet more machinery.  A series of gigantic bus-bars ran through the walls, and beyond a glass partition was another room, filled with shelves of small, glowing cylinders.

"This is it," he said, turning to face Joshua and Azrael.  "The cybernetic bodies were a side-project.  They are still useful, and the prosthetics will do wonders for the undead,  but this... this is the real thing."

Azrael already knew what the room was for, but his limited ability to perceive the world of the living had not extended to the hyperrealms and even he was awestruck by the room of cylindrical containers.  Nonetheless he recovered before Joshua and stood there watching the cyber-husky with a smile on his muzzle and that special twinkle in his eye, just as he had done when he'd revealed his portal technology to Jakob all those centuries ago.
His former student noticed this and it brought a lump to his throat for a moment, but he soon composed himself and the pair of them turned to face Joshua who was still standing in silent amazement.

"What are they for?" he breathed, unable to take his eyes off the shimmering cylinders.

"Immortality," said Jakob, his eyes wide and shining.  "Many 'Cubi strive for it, some come close.  There are rumours of a tri-wing clan leader who is over a hundred thousand years old.

"But there are problems," he continued.  "Ethical problems.  The thing is, you see, that the older you get, the more energy you require simply to maintain your youth.  Eventually the point comes when your energy needs can no longer be met by passive absorption, and that will generally give you a pretty stark choice - age and die, or sustain your life by devouring the souls of others.

"And even if you are happy to make such an... amoral... compromise, it still means that the older you become, the more of a threat you become to others, and the more they will try to hunt you down."

He paused.

"Daryil, Azrael and I have conceived a means by which an incubus or succubus can increase their lifespan and powers indefinitely - without sacrificing a single soul or life.

"My experiments with cybernetics and android bodies were part of this project, and while they are good enough for many purposes, androids cannot cast magic.  You were a Being, so it's not a big deal for you, and Azrael was sufficiently bored with being dead that he was willing to sacrifice his magical abilities.

"But at least one of us must remain magic-capable.  Supposing your brain was destroyed again?  We would need to transfer your soul to a new host, so it is not a complete solution.  Until and unless Daryil, Azrael and I can add full support for magic to the android host, the best solution is to extend the life of the 'cubi body, and I believe we have found the key to doing just that."

Jakob had obviously been planning this speech for a long time, so Joshua acquiesced and asked the obvious question.

"And what is that key?"

"Energy," Jakob replied.  "When it comes down to it, 'Cubi don't really feed on emotions.  We take our energy from the magical aether of the cosmos, but we need a more tangible source of energy in order to harness that power.  'Drive energy' is the term I use, and it usually takes the form of emotions.

"The more drive energy we have, the more cosmic energy we can absorb and the greater our lifespans and powers become.  Souls provide a far greater amount of drive energy, and it is for this reason that many 'Cubi think nothing of soul-eating, although to many others - including myself - it is the most vile desecration that anyone could conceive of." he paused again.

"We have devised a means of creating artificial souls."

"You're shitting me."

"No.  What do you think all these containers are?  From the power that the total-conversion engines provide, I can create an energy field which an incubus or succubus can absorb as if it was a soul.
It is non-sentient of course, and indeed it isn't really a soul at all, but it is sufficiently similar for us to be able to consume by the usual techniques.  I have also made projectors that generate artificial emotional fields as well."

"I have been consuming some of them myself, of course, but ultimately the project is aimed at achieving three goals - preserving the life of myself and those I hold dear, helping to overcome the prejudice that 'cubi are only after your soul by making soul-eating obsolete, and to attain tri-wing status."

"We also expect to make a killing when these puppies hit the market," Azrael added, gesturing at the glowing containers of fake soul-energy.

Ho. Ly. Shit.

...I really can't think of any intelligent comments at the moment...

You saw the link to the Relativity vid on youtube, then? :-]


Nice. I like Azreal's final comment. I'm also wondering.. who gets tri-wing? Daryil? Jakob? Both? Who first?

... and if someone else buys enough fake souls, can they reach tri-wing too? What does this do to the internal politics of Cubi? To the external politics, for that matter?

Wheels within wheels...

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on May 19, 2007, 04:45:44 AM
You saw the link to the Relativity vid on youtube, then? :-]

No, I didn't know there was one.  It was simply the easiest Escher building to construct.  I'm sure there was one where two people were on different sides of the same stairs, but this was the closest I could find in a hurry.  I doubt he'd be able to make Waterfall.

The 'big circle' thing was what I was trying to do with the sky in Doom.  I wanted to make it so that if you turned around a lot you'd see the words "REPENT" written in the sky on the second rotation.
I wasn't sure if it would work (it didn't) hence the name of my most infamous Doom level "The Sky May Be" (sky maybe)

QuoteNice. I like Azreal's final comment.

At the risk of getting slapped, this episode was essentially made possible by what Darkmoon would call 'nitpicking'.  Specifically the stuff about how 'Cubi feeding works.  So enjoy it while you can.

QuoteI'm also wondering.. who gets tri-wing? Daryil? Jakob? Both? Who first?
... and if someone else buys enough fake souls, can they reach tri-wing too? What does this do to the internal politics of Cubi? To the external politics, for that matter?

It would turn it on its head.  Totally.  To be honest I'm going to have my work cut out figuring out the ramifications of commodity Tri-wings.  In any case it's one reason the thing is set after DMFA.

O_O

(Fewer words than llearch.)

Quote from: Tapewolf on May 19, 2007, 05:52:05 AM
No, I didn't know there was one.  It was simply the easiest Escher building to construct.  I'm sure there was one where two people were on different sides of the same stairs, but this was the closest I could find in a hurry.  I doubt he'd be able to make Waterfall.

Quote from: superluser on May 14, 2007, 08:53:15 PM
A day in the life of an MC Escher drawing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8jRmo7iM5vk).

(P.S. I think Google Maps has hired MC Escher (http://maps.google.com/maps?hl=en&q=&ie=UTF8&ll=37.790485,-122.400001&spn=0.00298,0.003744&t=k&z=18&om=0).)

Quote from: Tapewolf on May 19, 2007, 05:52:05 AM

QuoteI'm also wondering.. who gets tri-wing? Daryil? Jakob? Both? Who first?
... and if someone else buys enough fake souls, can they reach tri-wing too? What does this do to the internal politics of Cubi? To the external politics, for that matter?

It would turn it on its head.  Totally.  To be honest I'm going to have my work cut out figuring out the ramifications of commodity Tri-wings.  In any case it's one reason the thing is set after DMFA.

Yeah. I look forward to your ideas. :-]

Chapter 9 - Reunions

Jakob, Azrael and Joshua marched back from their tour of the soul production centre, avidly discussing what they had just seen.

"You realise your commander may think you're dead by now," Jakob said.  "Technically you are I guess, but if you're still set on reporting back to base, I presume such a report would be favourable?"

"Indeed," Joshua replied with a grin, a rare thing for him these days.
"I still haven't quite decided how much to report, though.  The key thing was to locate and decommission any doomsday weapons you might have been working on, and that would appear to be a non-issue.  I'm not sure whether to tell him that you're Johan Cross, though."

"I'd prefer it if you didn't, to be honest.  I'd like to think my evil days are behind me, so if you can refer to me as 'Ausmann' that would be better, at least until we're ready to tell the world."

"I can quite appreciate that.  If I had a dark secret like yours, I'd want to hide it too."

"In a way I'll miss it," he replied.  "It can be handy for intimidating people who seek to do me ill."

"Talking of which, I hope you can forgive us for our little prank," added Azrael.

"It was beautifully done," he replied and grinned.  Joshua had played back the videotape of Azrael's resurrection again and again and he was forced to admit that his expression had been utterly priceless.

"Thanks," said Jakob, opening the door to the laboratory and immediately noticing the three already inside.

"Hey Dad," said Niall.  "This is Dorcan.  I arrived too late to save him properly so we had to use the technique."

"Good.  I'm glad we made a run of the bodies now.  Anyway, pleased to meet you," he said, turning to the Doberman and shaking his hand.

"Is something the matter?" he added, noticing the nervous expression on the other canid's face.

"He didn't believe the documentary," said Ashley.  Jakob swore.

"Ah well, never mind," he sighed.  "Hopefully 'Project Future' will change people's minds when we go public.  Anyway, the snow-leopard Angel is Azrael.  He was supposed to be our first test subject, since the original aim of that project was to raise him from the dead."

"The Azrael?  The founder of Ha'Khunn?  The one you mur..." Dorcan put his hands over his muzzle and glanced at the wolf with a terrified expression.

"That used to be a good way to anger me," said Jakob.  "But since he is no longer dead it hardly matters anymore.  Besides, it's a misconception we're going to correct soon enough.  But enough of that... how are you finding your new body so far?"

"It's very... powerful," he replied nervously.  "I miss being able to shapeshift, though."

"Talking of powerful, can we do something about me now?" Joshua broke in.

"Sure," replied the incubus.  "Ash, can you reset Josh's interlocks?" he glanced at the feline who was already entering some commands into the computer system.

As the attention shifted to Joshua, Dorcan stared at the husky until his eyes fixed upon a curious pattern on his clothing.

"YOU!" he shrieked and lunged at the husky, knocking him to the floor.  Unable to use his tentacles, the Doberman's hands clenched tightly into fists.

"I've waited years for this.  Now you're going to suffer!  Just like they did!"

He was just about to smack the husky when he noticed something and to Joshua's amazement, froze, before gingerly reaching out and peeling back the husky's shirt sleeve.

"Oh shit," he said.  "My mistake."

"Now what on Furrae was all that about?" asked Jakob, as the Doberman covered his face with embarrassment and sat down.  Joshua just stared at him.  This guy's nuts, he thought.

"N-nothing," Dorcan said slowly.  "Why has he got the Rhu'Hanh clanmark on his shirt?"

"Oh." said Jakob.  "Oh damn.  I knew I should have checked it first.  I found that shirt in a jumble-sale while I was looking for some scrap cloth, and I kept it because it fit the bodies.
Anyway.  This is Joshua Oswald, a Being.  Or at least he was... he's synthetic as well now.  Our first test subject, although that was more by accident than design."

"I'm so sorry," Dorcan said, unable to look at Joshua.  "I thought you were someone else.  Please forgive me."

"I will if you tell me who you thought I was," replied the other dog.  "What's this clan-mark business?"

"All 'Cubi have a mark on their fur," put in Jakob.  "It's the one thing we cannot conceal by shapeshifting.  If I were to morph some fake trousers over mine, it would still appear on the fake-fabric as though it was a pattern in the cloth.  Occasionally 'Cubi make shirts with various marks all over them so that the real one doesn't stand out - I think that's what Dorcan thought."

"Our clans are enemies," Dorcan said.  "They killed half my family in a raid."

"But Jakob!  He was going to punch me!  What about the safety interlocks?"

"Fortunately he aborted it.  If he'd actually followed through he'd have collapsed in a heap on the floor like you did."

Jakob knelt next to the Doberman, and his brow furrowed as he realised that he couldn't feel Dorcan's mind properly.  He looked at Niall quizzically.

"There's something you should know," said Niall slowly.  "We installed the prototype magic cards into him.  He's got the concealment and mindreading charms installed."

"Fair enough.  He'll make a good field test before we install them in Azrael."

"Yes.  We've already done a field trial," the younger wolf replied.

"Really?  What did you try, and how did it go?"

There was an uncomfortable silence.

"I killed someone," the Doberman admitted finally.  Jakob looked horrified.
"It was the Mayor... he wanted to keep his town 'pure' or something.  He had me wrongfully executed on some trumped-up charge, so I killed him back.  It felt good at the time, but now I'm not so sure it was the right thing to do," he said unhappily.

"Well to be honest, it doesn't sound like he's someone I'll miss... but I must admit I'm disappointed.  I built these bodies to help save lives, not slay them.  Promise me you won't do that again unless you have no alternative."

"I promise," said Dorcan sadly.  Jakob looked into his eyes.
"I believe you," he replied.  The fake mind-shield wasn't perfect and he could dimly make things out.

"I have killed about a dozen people," said Jakob sadly, "and I'm indirectly responsible for yet more deaths besides.  I regret them all, and it is these nagging feelings of guilt which keep my power in check and prevent me from becoming a monster."


"Welcome back, Josh!" said the fox a few days later.  "Your report has caused quite a stir."

Ashford was Joshua's commander and he had risen through the ranks in spite of the eccentric - and more than a little delusional - beliefs which had made him the butt of many jokes throughout the force.
Somehow blind luck and a natural ability to get results had led to a series of high-ranking promotions.  In reality these were solely due to the machinations of his secretary, a hard-faced young jackal who seemed to wear a perpetually sour - or at best cynical - expression upon her muzzle.  Cunning and influential, she had made herself indispensable to the commander who was dangerously close to taking her for granted.

"Do sit down," he smiled and Joshua did.
As soon as he was relaxed, the fox's hand lashed out, striking a small panic button under the desk.  Concealed restraints burst from the chair, locking themselves around Joshua's wrists and ankles.

"I knew it!" cried the fox.  "Kristofer Ausmann has gathered the bones of his dark master and has brought them back to life as an undead liche!  At last we know the reason he devoured so many thousands of souls during his wicked reign!"

His secretary rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"What the hell are you talking about, Sir?" asked Joshua, boggling.

"Don't play the fool with me, you idiot," replied the commander, ignoring the fact that his remark was self-contradictory.  "You come back months after you were due to return, with sophisticated repairs to your aircraft and a glowing report of Kristofer Ausmann's researches.  You're in his thrall, my lad!"

"But, Sir..."

"Shut up.  We know for a fact that Joshua Oswald is dead.  He died three months ago.  You aren't him... you're an undead!"

"I'm... What?"

Ashford laughed.  "We know all about the affair in Mundesberg.  An executed criminal arose on the third day and slew the Mayor.  He said that he had been raised from the dead by Johan Cross himself!
"And now, one of our star agents has returned from the mission that killed him with nothing but good words for the man he was sent to investigate... or more likely his controller!

"But I knew it all along!" he gloated.  "Johan Cross is back and he is massing an army of the living dead!"

This time the jackal was unable to contain herself and let out a small bark of laughter which she quickly turned into a cough.

"But..." Joshua protested again.

"But how did I know?  It's easy.  I know the Risen when I meet them.  It's the spell that binds you together and preserves your semi-mortal remains... it has a particular side-effect.  You see, you have no scent!"

"Oh shit," said Joshua.

"Ye-e-ss!" crowed the fox.  Then his watch beeped.  "I'll be over in two minutes," he told it before turning back to face the husky.
"Well, that's all the time I can spare I'm afraid.  I have more urgent things to do than insult the memory of my late colleague by chatting with his corpse, even if it has been given a semi-intelligent half-life by some crude enchantment."

He rose, and then glanced to his secretary.  "Keaton?  Dispel it, please.  Then have the remains interred at his grave with full honours."

"Yes, commander."
The jackal sighed and arose as well, her wings and headwings appearing as she did so.  Joshua started in terror... he'd never suspected she was anything more than a normal Being and his fear of 'Cubi, diminished by his stay with Jakob, suddenly returned at full strength.

"Rest in peace, old friend," said the fox and waited for the succubus to dispel the magic animating Joshua.
The spell failed.
Twice.
Three times.

Commander Ashford prodded his wristwatch.  "I'm going to have to cancel," he told it urgently.  "I believe we have a situation."

Oh, a familiar face indeed! And quite an interesting turn of events. Though I couldn't help shake the odd feeling about "don't do it again" being used in response to a murder.

As far as that goes - if you can read someone's mind, and see that they really -will- not do it again, and really -do- regret it, I can see that being a suitable response.

The problem with people is that, even if they look remorseful, you really can't tell what they're thinking. Which means the only way to tell if they're not going to kill again is to let them loose and see if you get any more bodies.

Which isn't really suitable when the bodies have families, etc etc, obviously. Not to mention being slightly excessively optimistic of an approach...

I finally went through the archive of the Future History today and I have to say I was very entertained. It was a fantastic read and I think I've grown quite addicted to the way you write. It's descriptive, while at the same time allowing people to use their imaginations. The characters are inventive and the plot original.

I also can't thank you enough for Keaton's awesome cameo. XD Heehee. You've also made me think a bit about Keaton's future as a character in her history, which I, as well, thank you for.

I'll be keeping my eye out on your work. >:3

~Keaton the Black Jackal

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on May 26, 2007, 06:00:29 PM
As far as that goes - if you can read someone's mind, and see that they really -will- not do it again, and really -do- regret it, I can see that being a suitable response.

There are several factors to consider in the Dorcan-killed-someone business.
Firstly, he had a vendetta over his own murder.  While I don't precisely condone vengeance killings, I can see where he was coming from.

I might also point out at this stage that the mayor has ordered the deaths of many other Creatures for no real reason other than sheer racism and that by killing the perpetrator Dorcan has basically halted his program of ethnic cleansing, thereby saving other Creatures as well.
I don't often have characters with no redeeming features whatsoever, but he is one of them.  If it had been some random innocent that Dorcan had just killed for kicks, Jakob would not have been anywhere near as forgiving.

Also, Jakob is 150 years older than he is in the FCRP and has changed to some degree.  While he still abhors killing, he has apparently started to accept that it might be necessary in certain rare circumstances.  Remember the panther guards are lethal and he has been playing around with what amounts to military technology.  What Azrael will have to say about this is something I must consider in future chapters.

Ultimately, the matter is pushed aside because it simply wasn't relevant to where the plot is heading  >:3

That said, I'm hoping to interweave the developing situation at the intelligence agency (of which I have enough material already to last 3-4 chapters) with Dorcan and Jakob, so this is one topic I could revisit.

In any case, Jakob is going to keep a close watch on Dorcan.

Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on May 26, 2007, 07:11:22 PM
I finally went through the archive of the Future History today and I have to say I was very entertained. It was a fantastic read and I think I've grown quite addicted to the way you write. It's descriptive, while at the same time allowing people to use their imaginations. The characters are inventive and the plot original.

Thanks - I'm glad you enjoyed it, and thanks again for letting me use your character as the evil, scheming secretary.  It seemed like a natural match :P

Quote from: Tapewolf on May 26, 2007, 07:43:23 PM
by killing the perpetrator Dorcan has basically halted his program of ethnic cleansing, thereby saving other Creatures as well.

I'm tired which means I'll probably mess up what I'm saying, but how likely is it that organized ethnic killings may end with the murder of their leader, especially by a member of the group they hated so much?

Because the Mayor was the only one with the political power to perform such operations. If anyone else tries it now, the REAL authorities will be on there asses... I think. Am I correct, or horribly mistaken, Tapewolf?

Quote from: Tapewolf on May 26, 2007, 07:43:23 PM
I don't often have characters with no redeeming features whatsoever, but he is one of them.  If it had been some random innocent that Dorcan had just killed for kicks, Jakob would not have been anywhere near as forgiving.

The problem with that is that it's only, at this stage, that we don't -know- of any redeeming features. :-] Which leaves a big wide door open to finding out that he sponsored orphanages or something, in the future.

People are complex. *grin*

Quote from: Tapewolf on May 26, 2007, 07:43:23 PM
Ultimately, the matter is pushed aside because it simply wasn't relevant to where the plot is heading  >:3

Awwww. ;-]

Chapter 10 - Judgements

"No," said Keaton.  "It feels like his mind.  There are a number of differences though.  He may have been brainwashed, or he may perhaps have undergone some life-changing experience.  Either way, he's not quite the same person as he was before the mission, and cannot now be trusted."

"So, what do we do with it?" asked the commander.

"He had a regular Being-type mind-shield, but that was easily dispelled," began the jackal.  "All that prevents me from entering his mind now is his own training.  Let me wait for him to sleep, and I shall then enter his dreams.  I can probe his mind and see what lies within."

"Assuming it does sleep," muttered the fox.


Commander Ashford returned to the holding pen the following morning.  Keaton sat there looking dishevelled with a strange expression on her face.

"It matches his report," she said, "but he was concealing a number of facts.  Kristofer Ausmann has not resurrected Johan Cross in some strange ritual... he is Johan Cross.  His death was a hoax..."

"I knew it!" crowed the commander.  The succubus glared at him impatiently, but he was her superior and so she waited for him to resume listening.

"...and he has succeeded in perfecting a total-conversion beam..."

"What?" yelped the fox, almost toppling his chair in panic.

"...but it is entirely ground-based and cannot be used as a practical weapon.  He is using it for some strange process to prolong his life.  He claimed to Joshua that he is able to create... artificial souls... which he has been stealing to increase his powers.  Apparently he intends to sell them to other 'cubi to try and wean our race off soul-stealing."

Commander Ashford's mouth hung open.  Her report had exceeded even his own fevered imagination.

"The real Joshua was killed by the Nagristi clan some months ago, just prior to the catastrophic event which destroyed their own base.  This appears to have been the work of Johan Cross."

"So he did murder agent Oswald?"  Ashford was evidently not fully awake yet.

"No. Cross did destroy the base, but he did not shoot Joshua."

"Are you saying that the blast was his doing?  You just told me he hadn't got the total conversion weapon to work!" spluttered Ashford.

"He hasn't.  Their base was attacked using some kind of ion-beam weapon."

"I knew it!"

"'Joshua' believes that Cross destroyed Nagristi to avenge his - Joshua's - murder as well as to ensure they did not threaten Cross' own plans," continued the jackal, rolling over her superior on one of the precious few occasions he had correctly predicted something.

"He is not a corpse," she continued.  The Being we are holding is a robot simulation of him built by Johan Cross.  It seems that the robot does contain a copy of the real Joshua's mind, although given the notoriously devious nature of its creator there remains the strong possibility that the memories have been faked or tampered with to try and lull us into a false sense of security."

She paused to let this sink in.  "Bearing this in mind, what do you suggest we do with the robot?"

"We should X-ray it.  Ensure that it contains no explosives and then dismantle it.  If we can establish how it works, we could build our own."

"No!" shouted Joshua.  "You can't do that!  It's murder!"

The other two canids turned in surprise.  They had forgotten that Joshua was actually present.

"He's right," said the succubus, after a pause.  "It's not just his mind.  Machine or not, he contains Joshua's soul.  While X-raying him is a sensible precaution that we should do as soon as possible, dismantling him would be murder and the press would have a field day when they found out we'd killed one of our top agents in the belief he was a spy."

"I don't think the mayor of Khiann Province will ever forgive you for deciding his son had been replaced by an alien and having him interrogated," she added grimly, as though she was reprimanding a subordinate.

"But he was an alien!  He confessed to it!"

"That little oaf was so twisted on various illegal drugs that he was convinced you were his mother," the jackal reminded him.  "Bringing that out into the open and embarrassing the mayor was the final straw.  In any case, we can't risk a repeat of that kind of backlash so soon after the last time or headquarters might decide you're more a liability than an asset."
Her tone of voice was cool and calculating - she was evidently more concerned about the commander's reputation than Joshua's wellbeing per se.

"You are right as always, Keaton," said the fox.  "I shall think this through carefully."

While Ashford left, Keaton remained sitting in a chair next to the cell in which Joshua was held, staring vacantly into space.  A strange light entered her one good eye and a grim, yet contented smile formed upon her face.

"For you, my dear sister," she murmured to herself.


"You know, I don't recognise your clan marking, Dorcan," said Jakob, once they had sent Joshua safely on his way.

"We call ourselves the Ja'Fell," he replied.  "I guess we're too small and scattered to be considered a real clan.  The Academy hadn't even heard of us before so my parents had to have a friend from a different clan vouch for us before they'd accept me."

"How did that come about?  Were you victims of the Clan wars?"

"Not really.  We split from another clan.  I don't know what they were called and my parents wouldn't tell me.  From what I understand, they had something of a personality cult based around the leader.  They were really harsh and nasty and anyone who spoke against them was executed."

"It's true," added the Doberman, seeing Jakob's appalled expression.

"Well, my grandparents disagreed with the leader's policy, although they took great pains to conceal it.  Then one of the raids went wrong."

"What happened?"  Jakob whispered, although he had a sinking feeling that he knew what was coming.

"They looted a certain village, " he continued.  "Took most of the Beings as captives, the ones they didn't kill outright, anyway.  But someone messed up and a child got caught in the line of fire.  That really took the wind out of everybody's sails because killing children was the one thing that they wouldn't do.
"People began to say that it was the end of the clan.  My grandfather finally broke his long silence and said that it was an omen, that the gods would punish us for the killing and that we all deserved to die for our crimes.  The leader found out and went berserk... ordered him to be soul-eaten along with grandma."

"This happened after your parents were born, I take it?"  Jakob managed to utter.  He looked like he was going to be sick.

"No.  They managed to escape by Warp-Aci and hid amongst Beings until my parents were born.  After they came of age, my parents moved on.  It was grandfather's idea, to keep us all separated so that we wouldn't all be executed if the clan ever found us again."

"If they are who I think they are, that's not really an issue anymore," Jakob replied.  "That clan is about as extinct as your offshoot, maybe more so.  They were attacked not long after your grandparents fled and left in a state of turmoil, they were unable to defend themselves properly.  They were practically wiped out.  Few tears were shed for them, I might add - their leader made your dead friend the mayor seem like a saint by comparison."

Dorcan shivered as he remembered killing the mayor.  It had seemed like a good idea at the time.  Jakob sensed what he was thinking of.

"I've got to admit, I was worried when I found out what you did," said Jakob.  "And I've been keeping an eye on you ever since.  Now that I know your origins, I am pleasantly surprised.  In fact, I'm actually somewhat proud of you."

"Proud!?  I murdered him!"

"No, not the killing.  Your remorse.  The clan whose name I do not speak thought nothing of killing.  Killing and soul-stealing was their way of life, decreed by their insane leader who believed it was the will of the gods, and as you have said, they ordered the execution of any who questioned this doctrine.  In view of this, I'm proud of that fact that you realised it was wrong.  It's more than I could hope for knowing your ancestry."

"It was grandfather's idea.  He renounced violence and brought up my parents to respect life.  Partly it was because they were forced to live as Beings, and killing them off as we had been brought up to do would blow our cover, but he also believed that it was the only way for our family to redeem ourselves in the eyes of the the gods and escape the punishment that would fall upon the others.

"What I did, in killing the mayor, was a betrayal of their trust, and of the gods themselves."  His voice warbled and he began to cry.

"There, there," said Jakob, stroking his fur and comforting him.  I seem to be doing this a lot these days, he thought, sighing inwardly to himself.

"There's one thing that still puzzles me," said Jakob.  The Doberman had calmed down somewhat, but he still needed something to distract him from the pain of his guilt.

"I was born to a fragmented clan myself," he continued.  "Clan Daryil.  Not despised or feared, but looked down upon or avoided owing to our leader, Daryil.  He's a bit peculiar himself, but something of a pacifist unlike the psycho in charge of your lot, and a really nice guy once you get to know him.

"Anyway.  When my ancestors decided to split, their clan marking remained the same.  Yours is different, and after only two generations that shouldn't have happened unless you were somehow adopted by another clan."

"Yes," said Dorcan, his voice still warbling a little.  "It gave the Academy quite a bit of head-scratching until they finally realised what they were seeing."

"Go on."

"It started out as a way of disguising ourselves from the wrath of the clan, but it became something of a tradition.  We couldn't change the clan symbol, but on the other hand we didn't want to be branded with the symbol of our persecutors.  They had a number of enemies and I doubt they would have given us time if we were captured, to explain that we were no longer affiliated with their foe.
So my parents used magical tattoos to add new lines and curls to my clan symbol until it was no longer recognisable."

"Clever.  Of course your new marking is a magical tattoo, since your fur isn't real.  I guess Daryil must have got the clan marking from your mind?"

"No.  I think he forgot it was a 'Cubi he was dealing with until afterwards.  I didn't come with a mark, so he told me to draw it on a piece of paper, and then he etched it on himself."

"He probably just wanted an excuse to see you topless," muttered Jakob with a grin.

Small nitpick: you spelled 'Judgments' wrong at the chapter title.

But that's it in terms of nitpicking. Everything else is top-notch. I am honestly enjoying myself here. :eager I can't wait for the next part to be released.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on June 08, 2007, 05:47:11 PM
Small nitpick: you spelled 'Judgments' wrong at the chapter title.

Might be a US/UK thing.  The OED gives both spellings.  Thanks for querying it though.

QuoteEverything else is top-notch. I am honestly enjoying myself here. :eager I can't wait for the next part to be released.

Well, I've actually put up a preview copy of the next chapter.  You should have the URL for the site in your PMs somewhere, if not, ask me.  Or Llearch  >:3

Thanks again for your help, by the way.

Quote from: Tapewolf on June 08, 2007, 05:58:29 PM
Might be a US/UK thing.  The OED gives both spellings.  Thanks for querying it though.

Could be, but I've seen the word been used both ways so many times that I haven't the foggiest clue anymore.

QuoteWell, I've actually put up a preview copy of the next chapter.  You should have the URL for the site in your PMs somewhere, if not, ask me.  Or Llearch  >:3

Thanks again for your help, by the way.

After a little bit of digging through my bookmarks, I found it. I'm reading through the preview chapter, and having a blast doing so :3

And you're quite welcome. ^^

~Keaton the Black Jackal

Chapter 11 - Daryil

Ashford lay asleep upon his bed.  Having pondered the problem of Joshua for the entire day he decided to sleep upon it.  The same could not be said of Keaton.
As a succubus she had not needed to sleep since her mid-twenties, and as a consequence she saw it as something for inferior races.  Prey races.  Nonetheless, she was forced to make a pretence of it in order to maintain her facade as a mere Being.

Concealing her wings, she climbed into bed and rolled around in it rather like the way a feral puppy will sometimes do.  If anyone else had actually seen her doing this, the sheer embarrassment would probably have driven her to kill them, but there was a certain method to her apparent madness.  When she finally climbed out of bed a few minutes later, the sheets looked exactly as if she had slept in it for the entire night.  Magic might have been more efficient, but it was considerably less fun.

Locking the door, she made her way back down to the holding pens.  As she walked, she found her mind creeping inexorably to thoughts of her Clan once again.


When Keaton was about 70 - a mere stripling - the Jyranath city of Harla'keth where she had lived all her life was attacked by a rival clan, the Kamei'Sin, and practically razed to the ground.  Keaton had been one of the lucky few, left for dead and with one eye ruined, she was later captured and nursed back to health in exchange for a lifetime of servitude.  Nearly everyone else she had ever known and held dear had either been slain outright or tortured to death.  Over the following centuries she had carefully plotted her escape, lulling her captor into thinking her broken and harmless right up until the moment that she took his life.
Finally free, she had sworn two oaths - to search for any of her surviving kin, and to bring her wrath down upon the Kamei'Sin in vengeance for what they had done to Clan Jyraneth.

That the Jyraneth were ruled by a dangerous madwoman whose methods were regarded as barbaric even by other 'Cubi did not really register with her.  It was how she was brought up after all, and so she didn't really have a good frame of reference.  Maybe she knew that many other 'Cubi regarded the virtual extinction of Jyraneth at the hands of the Kamei'Sin as a justified act of revenge - or even something of a blessing - but if so, she didn't show it outwardly.

The job she had taken had put her in effective control of a powerful intelligence agency and from this vantage point she had used the resources at her disposal well, subtly influencing her so-called superior's orders so that they might bring her news of other Jyraneth survivors as a beneficial side-effect.
It had meant rubbing shoulders with mere Beings, and indeed passing herself off as one to all but her most trusted colleagues, but the information she had obtained made it well worth the affront to her dignity.

One of the only other survivors she had found so far had been her sister, Lianna.  When she thought about the state they had left her in when Keaton finally rescued her, she came close to crying.

No.  Tears are for the weak and for the helpless.  I am neither.


Niall and Ashley were playing a pitched game of scrabble in the main living quarters of the base while Azrael was listening to a rock opera about a 'snark' which Jakob had imported from Earth.  Jakob himself lay sprawled upon a large sofa, with Dorcan in a more traditional sitting position.

"Please tell me you did not just say that," he said, in open disbelief.  "You cannot have a gay clan leader.  How would the clan grow?"

"That's not an issue," replied Jakob with his eyes closed.  "I can give you at least three reasons why off the top of my head.  Firstly, just because he prefers other men doesn't mean that he can't sire more children if he decides his duty to the clan calls for it.  Secondly, that particular duty is usually delegated to other clan members.  In any case it isn't something that happens every day to be honest, since Daryil is careful to keep the clan a manageable size.  Occasionally clan members will object to this - as a rule they break away from the clan and form offshoots, which he will sometimes persuade to rejoin at a later date.  Finally, he wasn't like that when the clan was founded."

"He wasn't?"

"No.  He became the way he is now as part of a genetic and metabiological experiment aimed at limiting population growth.  He tested it on himself."

"Oh my gods."

"Yes.  He has some strange ideas, does our Daryil.  Dead smart, though."  Jakob sat up properly and regarded the doberman with both eyes.

"So it's true that he's mad?"

"Well, suddenly deciding to make himself and most of the male members of his own clan gay is something that's stretching the bounds of sanity, in my own opinion."

"Does that mean you're..."

"Gay?  No.  It's triggered by various specific conditions which have not occurred."  Yet, he added mentally.  His face took on a slightly perturbed look for a moment.  There was obviously something he was holding back.

"Anyway," he continued, trying to steer the subject back to Daryil.  "I think the thing which really clinched it for me was the Tree Party."

"That... was true?  It really happened?"  Dorcan looked at him with a mixture of awe and horror.

"Unfortunately, yes.  It was to celebrate his 4000th birthday, and he did this in his own unique way.  I still don't know where he got all the fruit from."  Jakob swallowed.

"All the members of the clan were teleported to the party at the stroke of midnight.  He didn't actually invite anyone though.  I guess that technically he didn't really need to, being the Clan Father and all, or perhaps he wanted it to be a surprise.  It certainly was.

"Everyone just appeared in a clearing in the middle of the forest.  I was reading, but others were gardening, sound asleep or making love at the time.  What were you two doing during the Tree Party?" he suddenly called in the direction of the scrabble players.

"I was giving a presentation to the class," said Niall.  "I can't remember what it was about now."

"Teaching mass-energy equivalence," Ashley replied after a moment.  "I'd just told the class that it was possible to convert matter into energy when I vanished leaving only a faint glow.  I'm told they went straight for the geiger counters."

"It was a particularly nasty shock for the clan members who had broken away," continued Jakob.  "Our clan has a relatively high tendency to 'go native' as it were, so some of the arrivals didn't even know they were 'Cubi, let alone lapsed members of Clan Daryil."

Dorcan whistled.  "Was he trying to make the rest of the clan as crazy as him?"

"I don't think it was deliberate.  It certainly created a few mental cases though, particularly among some of the poor sods who still thought they were Beings.  Suddenly being surrounded by a large group of confused and angry Creatures must have been a particularly terrifying experience.
To be fair, most of us had a blast after the initial shock had worn off.  Apart from the bit with the melons.  The celebrations lasted for 40 days and 40 nights, one day for each century of his life.  Then he teleported everyone back to exactly where they had been when he took them."

"I know about this bit.  They came back either catatonic or deliriously happy."

"Well, you would be a bit freaked out if you'd been partying for 960 hours non-stop," Jakob pointed out.

"That would explain it.  In any case, no-one believed the fantastic tale which they eventually babbled about some kind of 'tree party'.  It even had Fa'Lina worried when several students unexpectedly vanished before everyone's eyes, complete with the chair they were sitting in and anything they happened to be holding at the time.  Everyone assumed it was a mass kidnapping.  It was even worse when the empty chairs reappeared with a post-it note on them just saying 'Do not be alarmed, so-and-so is quite safe'."

Jakob swore.  "I knew I should have written them myself.  Fortunately Daryil was able to hire some very capable lawyers."


"Joshua?" Keaton called.
They had never exactly been friends, since she generally held Beings in contempt and could rarely force herself to be anything much more than cordial unless it served a higher purpose.
But Joshua was not strictly a Being anymore, he was something else now.  Still an inferior, but markedly less so than he had been before.  In any case he had been one of their top operatives and so even then she had afforded him a certain, grudging respect.

"Joshua?" she called again.  There was a rustling as he woke up and got out of bed.

"What do you want?" he asked warily.

"I'm curious.  You don't need to sleep, but you do.  Why is that?"

"Force of habit.  Besides, it's not like I have much else to pass the time with, is it?"
His answer was rather cagey.  He had never seen Keaton in a mood like this before and he found it extremely disturbing.  Now that he knew she was a 'cubi as well, he couldn't shake the idea that it was a trap and that she would destroy him for kicks as soon as he had outlived his usefulness.

"Ah yes," she replied.  "I lost the ability to dream centuries ago, but I can still just about remember the transition.  After that, sleeping hardly seemed worth it... but anyway.  I didn't come here to discuss sleeping habits.  I would like you to make another report for me, containing some of the things which you skipped over in your original paper."

Keaton's manner was frank and easygoing, and it wasn't entirely an act.  The fact that Joshua was virtually immortal, no longer needed to eat or sleep and was still coming to terms with this had given her the strange feeling that she was talking to a young incubus.  And despite the Jyraneth Clan attitude that brutality was a virtue, they had been brought up to believe that children were to be treasured.  Protected.

"What's in it for me?" he asked pointedly.  "You've kept me caged up for days and you still can't even seem to decide if I'm really me, or some kind of spy."

"Oh, I know you're Joshua Oswald.  You've got the right soul and all the right memories, at least up to the point of your departure from the base.  That much I have verified.  Of course, one of the things which does concern me is that you could be a spy without knowing it," she admitted.  "Someone who can transfer your memories into a synthetic body would find it easy enough to tamper with them."
And then there's the fact that someone who can create souls might be able to copy them, she added mentally.

"Be that as it may, I think it's worth the risk and I will do my best to convince Ashford to let you go.  In exchange, I would like you to give me all the details you can about the weapons that Cross has been developing."

Heehee...the 'Tree Party'...that was good. heh heh...

QuoteI still don't know where he got all the fruit from.

Favorite line from this chapter, still grinning from it. :]

Where'd you get get the idea for the Tree Party?

I approve greatly of this chapter! *thumbs up* Another awesome one from you, Tape. :3

...Yeah, I don't have anything really constructive to say. The quality of the chapters have just been dead-on.

A gay clan leader also makes me chuckle somewhat, mostly because of Dorcan's reaction to it. XD

~Keaton the Black Jackal

Interesting chapter. Did Keaton help you with the background?

I think Daryil is the funniest insane character I've read about.

Quote from: Drake Manaweilder on June 23, 2007, 12:35:09 PM

QuoteI still don't know where he got all the fruit from.

Favorite line from this chapter, still grinning from it. :]

Where'd you get get the idea for the Tree Party?

I'm not quite sure.  I was trying to think of something really horrific that Daryil might have done, something along the lines of Abel's Library incident or the Hedgehog Song where you get a few tantalising glimpses of it and no-one wants to discuss it.
After that I began to wonder what Daryil might have done for his birthday and fused them.  Then I got the idea of him summoning the entire clan unexpectedly.

Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on June 23, 2007, 12:44:23 PM
A gay clan leader also makes me chuckle somewhat, mostly because of Dorcan's reaction to it. XD

I still haven't fully worked out where Dorcan fits into that, not least because Daryil was kind of hoping to pick him up.  I'm trying really hard not to make that Daryil's defining trait but it's a big struggle.  There's more I could say about this but it will have to wait until after the next chapter  >:3

Quote from: Gabi on June 23, 2007, 01:07:20 PM
Interesting chapter. Did Keaton help you with the background?

Oh yes, very much so.  She's been very helpful and I get the feeling it's helped her focus on the characters as well.

QuoteI think Daryil is the funniest insane character I've read about.

Thanks.

FWIW, I don't think "gay" is Daryil's defining trait.

Madder than a tree full of cats, yes. Gay is more incidental. :-]

Posting in agreement with llearch.

Seconded!

Chapter 12 - Kamei'Sin

"With due respect, I got the distinct impression that you weren't being completely honest when you were discussing Daryil's, ah, preferences," said Dorcan.

"Very well," said Jakob, with a sigh.  "I first met Daryil some centuries ago, during that period of insanity when I called myself Johan Cross.  I thought at first that he wanted to kill me and take my empire.  It turned out that he had actually come to seduce me."

Dorcan looked incredulous.  Jakob looked at him and nodded.

"I think you can see how awkward that was.  Daryil left, but remained convinced that I would in time share his feelings after I have sired enough children to trigger his... modifications."

"And did you?"

"No.  But when I first began this project, I immediately realised that the project would require an enormous amount of capital.  Far more than I could readily obtain."  He hesitated.
"I was prepared to... offer my body... to Daryil in order that Azrael might live again."

"Did you have to do that?" whispered the Doberman.

"No!"  Jakob yelped.  "It turned out that he had found someone else by then," he added, the relief showing in his voice.  But his brow flickered slightly with annoyance.
"Fortunately for the project, it also transpired that he was willing to help fund it on its own merits," he continued.  "But anyway.  I have just told you something very personal, so now it's your turn.  Tell me about the Rhu'Hahn."

"What do you want to know about them?" said Dorcan nervously.

"I believe you said they killed half your family.  But you also said you were an offshoot of Jyraneth.  Weren't the Rhu'Hahn their allies?"

"Yes, but they wouldn't have spared us if they knew.  We had renounced the old ways, remember.  In any case, they thought we were Beings when they raided our village.  My sister and brother died in the fighting, but those of us who survived managed to drive them off."

"Weren't you supposed to be pacifists?"

"Not entirely.  Grandfather renounced attacking.  We were all well-trained in defence, although we were also taught that it was to be used only as a last resort."

"Indeed.  What happened afterwards, though?  The Beings must have known."

"They weren't pleased.  Took a fortnight of debate before they could finally agree to let us stay.  The main points in our favour were that we hadn't done any harm in all the time we had been there before our discovery, and that it was likely that the village would have been completely wiped out if we hadn't defended it."

"Talking of defending Beings, it's been a few days since we heard anything from Joshua," said Jakob.  "We'd better see how he's doing."


Keaton's usual cynical expression melted into an actual smile as Joshua described what he had learned.  She was genuinely pleased, and somehow he found this terrifying.

"Thank you, agent," she said.  "I will have to get your release confirmed by the Commander, but that should be largely a formality.  Indeed, I suspect I will want to send you back to Mr. Cr- uh, Pettersohn... fairly soon, on another mission."

"A followup?"

"Quite.  But I'll give you the details later on.  First I must see to your release."

The smile that had briefly lit up her face flickered and died as she headed up the stairs to Ashford's office.


Somewhere in the medical wing of the extensive Succubus and Incubus Academy, a female canid lay asleep in her room.  In one hand she clutched a gigantic hammer made from plastic and foam-rubber.  Like everything else in the room it was soft and smooth with no sharp edges that she might have hurt herself upon.
Occasionally she would talk to it in her sleep.  Refusing to part with the real hammer, her carers had substituted it while she slept one night for her own safety and she had not yet realised.  They hoped that when she did it would signal part of her recovery.

Time was on her side.  She had millennia left to her, and time will heal all wounds.  Taken first to a rural healer, and then to Zinvth, she was finally referred to SAIA.  The foremost experts in the field of psychiatry were summoned, 'Cubi and Being alike.  Their verdict was unanimous - she would recover, they were all convinced of this.  But not one of them could say how many centuries it would take.

For now she slept.  This was not normal for a succubus but the medical department believed that it would help her.  No-one was quite sure if she dreamed, and no-one was willing to enter the mind of a madwoman for fear that they might never escape, joining her in a mutual state of near-catatonia.

Back at the office, Keaton strode on, her thoughts haunted once more by those of her sister.  Tears threatened again but she marshalled her thoughts, focusing on hatred and vengeance.

Centuries ago Keaton had been captured by the Kamei'Sin, a rival clan who had sworn vengeance over the death of their co-founder at the hands of Jyraneth, or 'The Queen' as her adoring clan would often call her.  The Kamei'Sin's chance had come, and their enemies were virtually wiped out.

Lianna, like Keaton herself, had been taken in the raid and nearly killed.  A prisoner, she was sold to a cruel master who kept her as a gladiator, forcing her to fight in a slave-pit with barely any sustenance and her 'Cubi abilities restrained by an enchanted bracer.  This unending humiliation finally caused her to to snap, and in a berserk rage she broke free of her Kamei'Sin captors, albeit gravely wounded.  Unable to remove the bracer, she was left without the ability to shapeshift or feed on emotions, forced instead to eat food and sleep like a mere Being.

Slowly recovering, her experience as a gladiator had left her obsessed with fighting and death.  Her upbringing as a Jyraneth raider made her a natural at combat and her talents attracted the attention of the underworld.  Eventually finding her too volatile even by their standards, her erstwhile allies decided that she had to be eliminated.  It was not her who died.   Wandering lost and helpless in a nearby city, she eventually fell into prostitution in order to make ends meet.

The shame at what she was reduced to ate away at her already fragile sanity until she broke down completely, murdering her client and fleeing the city to wander aimlessly, her only companion a large warhammer which she would frequently talk to.

Keaton had spent centuries searching for her kinsmen, ever dreading the thought that she might now be the sole survivor of her entire clan.  She should have been overjoyed to discover that Lianna still lived, but driven insane by her ordeal and scarcely capable of recognising her sister, the rescue brought cold comfort.
Keaton was devastated by the discovery of her sister.  Sometimes she caught herself wondering if it would have been better to have found Lianna's grave instead, but she pushed such thoughts from her mind very quickly. 

When her lover had died, Qaisyne, surviving founder of Clan Kamei'Sin, had sworn to bring about the extinction of Clan Jyraneth.  Looking at the broken shadow of her sister, Keaton had sworn to repay them in kind.


"We should release Joshua," said Keaton bluntly.

"What?  He could be dangerous!  You said yourself that he could be a spy."

"So we restrict his access.  That at least would give us some idea of how far we can trust him.  Remember, if his would-be-controller was after our secrets, they will already have had ample opportunity to pull most of them from his mind.  If we revoke his clearance for the time being, he will not be able to compromise anything further, and if he is clean, he will make a va-"

At that moment the main office screen chimed and an arctic wolf stared out at them.
"How are you, gentlemen!" he said.

"Drop the act, Cross," snarled Ashford.  "We know who you are."

"Pettersohn," Jakob replied irritably.  With a sigh, he shook himself and his fur darkened to its usual grey.

"What do you want?" Ashford asked cautiously, his hackles up.

"I was just wondering how you were getting on with Joshua now that he has been returned to you."  He peered around the room.  "Where is he, by the way?"

"We have taken your little toy into custody," Ashford snapped.

"Ah," said Jakob sadly.  "I suspected that might be the case.  I should never have let him go, but he did insist.  I trust you have not harmed him in any way?"

"And if we have?"

"Well it depends on what the court will think he is, really.  If they consider him a furre, then killing him would be murder and I would prosecute it as such on behalf of him and his family.  I have some very good lawyers, so they'd lock you up and throw away the key.  I'd see to that personally.

"On the other hand, if they consider him to be a machine and not a person in the eyes of the law, then he is my rightful property and if you have broken him then I shall sue you and your agency for... let me see... nine hundred million gold dollars?"  Jakob had assumed the twisted smile of his wicked alter-ego.  Old habits die hard.

"Calm down," said Ashford, panicking slightly.  "We have not harmed it... him..."

"You considered it though, didn't you?" the wolf said pointedly.

"As I was saying, we should release him." put in Keaton.  Jakob stared hard at her for a moment.  Don't I know you from somewhere?

"Very well," the fox replied, and walked to a safe.  Staring into a lens, he pressed a button and it opened a moment later.  He extracted a pass-key and gave it to his secretary.  Concealing both sets of wings, she ran downstairs.

When they returned, Jakob's headwings were twitching slightly and he had a strange expression on his face as though he was trying desperately not to laugh.  Ashford stood there looking extremely subdued.  What has he said this time...? the jackal wondered as a sinking feeling crept over her.

"Ah!" cried the wolf.  "None too worse for wear, I trust?"

"I've had better accommodation," Joshua sighed.  "They seem to think I'm spying for you."

"I did warn you," Jakob replied.  "I knew you should have made the report by video."

"They wouldn't have believed that either," Joshua pointed out.  "Paranoia is our watchword."

Jakob made a strange snorting sound and began to laugh helplessly.  The link went dead a few moments later, and Keaton gave her boss a foul glance.


Keaton was already sat at her desk when Ashford came in the following morning.  She looked very happy.  The fox glanced at her and shrugged to himself before settling down in front of his desk screen.  His brow furrowed as he read through the messages, until his face was filled with a look of absolute horror.

"KEATON!" he shouted.  "What have you done?"

"I have sent Joshua to retrieve the blueprints for the ion beam weapon," she replied in a perfectly level voice.

"Why?" cried Ashford.  "That was never the plan.  We must destroy them to prevent it falling into the wrong hands!  Abort the mission immediately!"

"No," she replied.

"Did you not hear me?  I order you to recall him at once!"

Keaton laughed, her happy smile twisting into a look of scorn and contempt.

"You fool," she sneered, her eyes blazing.  "I swore to avenge my sister... My entire Clan!  With the weapons technology that Cross has perfected I can finally realise the dream of six hundred years.  You don't seriously expect me to just throw all that away now, do you?"

"Please, Keaton," he begged, but he could see that she was dead-set on some insane project and it was useless trying to argue.  A feeling of nausea crept over him as he slowly realised that this must have been her whole plan all along.  With an expression of regret, he reached for his belt and drew a wicked-looking energy weapon.


"I'm afraid I'm going to need a new personal assistant," Ashford said to his watch, carefully placing the still-warm gun on his desk with the self-same hand.

"Ms Keaton has been forced to leave us unexpectedly... a bereavement, I'm afraid...  No, I don't think she'll be returning, so could you please make arrangements to start interviewing for a replacement as soon as possible?  Yes, I know... it's a great shame."

Yes, such a shame...  The commander sighed to himself as he hung up, and then smiled, an uncharacteristically cynical expression forming upon his muzzle as he toyed with a small, glowing jewel.
"If you promise to be very, very good, I might let you go," he told it, before placing the crystal in a drawer in his desk.

In the stationary cupboard, a fox lay propped against the wall.  He was naked apart from a small dress, the one which Keaton had been wearing.  There was a hole burnt through his chest and his face still bore the horrible expression of shock that he had worn as she tore out his soul.

heeheeheehee.

Why am I not surprised at Keaton's antics? And the AYB reference? Classic.

There's just one small issue I feel I should mention - wouldn't Lianna be better off with a plushie hammer? I mean, if nothing else, it'd be safer for her carers, should she decide to belt someone with it...

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on July 11, 2007, 06:28:49 PM
There's just one small issue I feel I should mention - wouldn't Lianna be better off with a plushie hammer? I mean, if nothing else, it'd be safer for her carers, should she decide to belt someone with it...

It's hollow.  I got the idea from the my-first-toolkit things which I presume they still make.

If you'd ever been hit with one of those things, you'd reconsider giving it to someone with more strength. *wince*


;-]

I have to go with the box on this JP those things HURT.


Good chapter though :3

Quote from: Paladin Sheppard on July 12, 2007, 06:05:54 AM
I have to go with the box on this JP those things HURT.

How about a foam-rubber head on the hammer?

That'd probably do it.

Admittedly, it's your story, but I can't help but think of the hammer my son has - he's snapped the head off it, and had a tendency, for a while there (at least until he did it to me) to poke things with the snapped off end of the handle - which, as you'd expect, was rather pointy.

Anything given to a patient locked up in a ward would, if it was my call, be limited to things that they couldn't use to hurt me. Of course, at SAIA, that'd be a whole different ball game, but even so, overestimating the people you have locked up can't hurt...

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on July 12, 2007, 10:07:24 AM
but even so, overestimating the people you have locked up can't hurt...

Heh heh, especially if you do things like this (http://www.missmab.com/Comics/Vol_505.php)...

I've already totally built a shrine in honor of your awesome plot maneuver shortly after I read the draft, but I still totally am fawning over this. That was SO within Keaton's character to mercilessly tear someone's soul out of their body and impersonate them, so I commend you for that, good sir! As well as the All Your Base reference. That was full of win.

This chapter is made of win and candy, quoting a friend of mine.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

What a great return you've made! So Joshua's a double-agent now?

I won't argue about the hammer because I don't have much experience with toy hammers, except the one I had as a child which was made of thin, soft plastic with accordion-like ends. It squeaked when it hit something.

...

Ok, now I have a mental image of a huge, great soft plushie hammer with a squeak inside it.

I feel for Lianna, but, y'know, that'd be -far- cooler than the original hammer, so I can see why she'd want to keep the new one, really...

*grin*

*squeak!* "Keep!" *squeak!* "Out!" *squeak!* "Dammit!" *squeak!*

Quote from: Gabi on July 12, 2007, 12:32:04 PM
What a great return you've made! So Joshua's a double-agent now?

Thanks Gabi, and indeed Keaton.  I was going to run this by you (Gabi) and James at AC, but the chance never really came up :(
My laptop needs a new battery and will only run for 15 minutes so I couldn't use it on the plane or in the Zoo very much.

Yes, Keaton is intending to use Joshua as a double-agent.  He doesn't trust her anymore though, and he owes too much to Jakob to go through with it anyway.  And that is assuming Jakob doesn't deduce / thought-read his mission.  (Keaton must know that too, mind... this may take a bit of thought)

I haven't fully decided what's going to happen next - or indeed how I can outdo the last scene at all - so the next chapter is going to be something of a diversion until I can get my act together.  I only have about 1/3 of it so far, so anything could happen.

CJP 31 is similarly skinny, I'm not sure when it will be ready, but there will be one.

Quote from: Tapewolf on July 12, 2007, 02:16:32 PM
Yes, Keaton is intending to use Joshua as a double-agent.  He doesn't trust her anymore though, and he owes too much to Jakob to go through with it anyway.  And that is assuming Jakob doesn't deduce / thought-read his mission.  (Keaton must know that too, mind... this may take a bit of thought)

Ah. So, Keaton is using Joshua as a triple agent, without him knowing he's a triple agent - he's thinks he's a double-agent for Jakob, which would cover that side - Joshua would think he's double-agenting for Jakob, so Jakob wouldn't have anything in his mind to be worried about - not that Jakob would be reading Joshua's mind, being a polite sort, whereas Keaton, being evil and stuff, wouldn't give it a second thought.

And I'd expect Jakob to be thinking something along those lines - particularly if he has another conversation with "The Commander" and The Commander doesn't know what he said last time - and perhaps quadrupling the agenting. Does he tell Joshua, and have both of them attempting to think their way through the maze, or leave him in the dark and leave Keaton thinking she has pulled the wool over Jakob's eyes, because Joshua doesn't know that Jakob knows that Joshua knows that Keaton knows that Joshua knows that Keaton is TC...

Ooo. We should get together for beers sometime and talk it over. I sense great evil in this one.... ;-]

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on July 12, 2007, 02:31:23 PM
because Joshua doesn't know that Jakob knows that Joshua knows that Keaton knows that Joshua knows that Keaton is TC...

Ooo. We should get together for beers sometime and talk it over. I sense great evil in this one.... ;-]

Joshua knows that Keaton is TC, and she knows it?

No. But if Jakob figures it out (eg, say, next time he calls Ashford, Ashford doesn't know what it was that Ashford said -this- time around - that'd be a definite hint right there), and tells Joshua, then Keaton will know that Jakob knows. So Jakob might click, but not tell Joshua.

Shell game - who knows what is a big twist, and you're all trying to guess what is where, and who knows what limits, and everyone is playing dumb...

Probley I smell danger a 30 miles away now

After a couple of discussions with Llearch and Keaton, I've patched Lianna's history to cover the plot-hole as to why a succubus would need to earn a living.

ItWasn'tMeIDidn'tDoItYouCan'tProveAnythingAndIWasn'tThereAnyway!


*cough* Having said that, it's a nice patch to cover the plot-hole - works well, and explains much.

Chapter 13 - Thief

"What?" yelped Jakob.

"You heard me," replied Niall, with a slightly amused expression.  "He's in the washing machine."

"Let me get this straight... you're talking about Dorcan?  Not Daryil... Dorcan?  The level-headed doberman with the bat in his hair?"

"Yep."

"But why?  We gave him a psych check-up just the other day and his brain seemed to be functioning normally.  At least, it was then..."

"He was with Daryil, though." added the fox.

"Ahhh..." Jakob replied in a tone of sudden understanding.

"He was going to play football with Azrael," put in Ashley.  "You know, to help practice coordination and stuff with their new bodies.  Whatever they did, they came back kind of muddy.  I saw Azrael heading off to the showers."

"That makes sense," Niall continued.  "Anyway, the next time I saw Dorcan, he was climbing in the machine with a handful of soap powder.  Daryil hit the button before I could stop them..."

Jakob groaned.

"But honestly, Dad, you should have expected something like this when he asked if his fur was machine-washable."

"Well I assumed he was joking, but I guess you're right.  I should have thought of this when Ash told him he was IP-68 compliant.

"You know," he added suddenly, "I have a mind to leave him in there."

"I wouldn't," remarked Ashley.  "He'll be all damp when he comes out of spin-cycle and he'll start to smell if he isn't dried out fairly soon.  More to the point, he might force the door when he gets bored - assuming Daryil doesn't let him out first."

"Clan leader or no, he can be a bad influence when he gets in that kind of mood," Jakob mused, deciding it was probably time for a little chat with his leader.  It would not make good PR for the cybernetics project if word got out that he was making crazy androids.

"Where is he now?" he asked.

"Guess," said Ashley, rolling his eyes with a smirk.

"Oh," replied Jakob, and went very quiet.  A human would have flushed, but his fur made that difficult to see, so he looked away with embarrassment like a feral dog would.

"How did they meet, again?" asked the lynx.

"Daryil stole him right under my nose," snarled Jakob.  "I only found out when I went to... propose... to him..."

Jakob owed his leader big and generally held him in high esteem, but that incident still rankled him more than a century later.

"I went straight back to Fa'Lina to ask her what the Devil she was thinking of, giving a poor, innocent little kid like him to Daryil," he continued irritably.
"He was only twenty-four, maybe less.  I was really laying into her when she just cut me dead.  Told me she had no idea what I was talking about and she'd never even seen the guy let alone accepted him into the Academy.

"I thought I was going mad, except that Fi remembered it too.  That was when we realised that the person who'd taken the lad wasn't her."

"He impersonated Fa'Lina?" Ashley boggled.  "Jesus!  I bet she was pleased about that."

"Livid," Jakob agreed.

"Wait... Yak, did you just say 'Fi'?  The Warp-Aci?  Wasn't she vanquished or something?"

"Kind of.  I don't know the gory details but Fi survived and was re-bound to Clan Cyra.  Her new owner happened to be in the Academy at the time I was taking Fa'Lina to task, so she summoned Fi to the office and questioned her over it."

"But why did... I mean, he... Daryil is four thousand years old!  How come he was looking for a- uh, mate?"

"He's not very good with people," Jakob pointed out.  "But yes, he's had a succession of partners.  Sometimes they drift apart, sometimes they just get bored after centuries together.  His last love was murdered," he added unhappily.
"I believe that's what sparked off the war against Clan Ti'Nera.  One of the only times Daryil has ever eaten someone's soul, let alone another 'Cubi..."  He shuddered at the thought.  Ashley did likewise.

"It took him a long, long time to recover from that, both the murder and what he did in revenge, and when he finally started to come out of it, he decided he  wanted Dad.  That didn't pan out either because Dad was already in SAIA by then and it wasn't until relatively recently that he finally worked out how to get past the magical barriers."

Ashley looked slightly nervous at the mention of this.  He seemed to be having another bad flashback from the Tree Party.

"Yeah, defences like that are a constant battle to stay one step ahead of the 'bad guys'.  Not just intruders and adventurers, you also have to contend with wise-ass students like me who think it would be fun to make a hole in the barrier so we could slip out for a lark."

"Did you?"  Niall looked intrigued.  Ashley, who had spent more time with Jakob, simply grinned.

"Almost.  Fa'Lina found out before I could finish it.  She went berserk.  I guess it's part of the trouble of spending centuries in a safe environment like that, you start to forget how brutal the world outside can be... but that's besides the point.  What I'm saying is that you have people constantly trying to bring the barrier down, and eventually they will unless you constantly try to improve the spells to keep everyone safe.  Notice that my own defences have several layers to them over and above the wards surrounding it..."

Jakob broke off.  In the distance the sound of the washing machine had reached a crescendo, and as he listened it left spin-cycle and faded away, to be replaced by a faint metallic tapping sound from the laundry room.

Jakob strode into it, and opened the door of the machine.  "Blbplb," said Dorcan happily, a stream of water flowing from his open mouth.  Suddenly there was a blur of motion as Jakob seized the doberman in an armlock.  His smile was pure Cross as he dropped him into the gaping maw of the neighbouring unit, slamming the door closed and twisting the knob with relish.  Ashley just gaped.

"If he wants to roleplay as washing, he can go in the tumble-dryer," Jakob told him and left.  Behind him, Niall vanished.


Panther R-MAC padded around the corridors, and swore to himself as he noticed that someone had shut the adjoining door.  There was a problem with the opening mechanism intended for the panthers to use, and since Jakob hadn't got around to fixing it with all the recent excitement of the cybernetics project, they had taken to leaving it propped open in the interim.

Perhaps he could get the doberman guy to try and fix it, Mac mused to himself, making a mental note to suggest it later on.

Not having taken any Being Technology classes in SAIA, Dorcan was currently undergoing a crash-course in electronics, pneumatics and various related technologies.  In short, he was learning everything necessary to be able to repair himself should he decide to go off on his own.  A dead door-opening mechanism would make for some good practice at fault-finding.

In the meantime, Mac had a door to contend with.  Pausing, he leapt up at one of the handles and threw his weight against it, pulling it downwards.  Jamming a paw into it, he moved backwards a step or two on his hind legs and then quickly stuck his foot in the gap before it could close on him again.

I could so do with a pair of hands, he thought enviously, not for the first time, and moving the doorstop back into place, strode through into the corridor.  Out of the corner of an eye he saw movement and froze, unsheathing his claws slightly and coiling himself up so as to spring upon his prey.

A dark shape drifted across the corridor, singing what appeared to be a nursery rhyme backwards.  In its wake a trail of sweet-wrappers floated gently to the floor.

Crap, Mac thought as the tension left him.  That little creep really straightened me out.  And Jakob's gonna go apeshit when he finds his sweets are gone.

He was about to radio his Master - no, not master, employer... friend, even - when he spotted another movement at the intersection.  A figure.

Mac let out a strange gasping noise.  "Boss, you'd better see this!" he said, a computer simulation of his face appearing on Jakob's watch.


"There wasn't anything from Farlane, was there?  Did they stealth it, or have they mimicked our Friend-Or-Foe signals?" he asked.  He might have been a quadruped, but that didn't make him stupid.

"Well, well!  So, the prodigal son returns!" said Jakob, eyeing the husky with an unreadable expression as he stood in the corridor, looking extremely unhappy.  He was.  Joshua had hoped to be able to carry on his old job as if nothing had happened, going back to the old routine of investigating and possibly neutralising threats to world security.
Now he had been ordered to spy on the very people who had saved his life - indeed, the only people who could repair him now if he became sick - and the worst part was that he wasn't even sure why he was doing it.  No, in all of his career, he'd never been sent on a mission quite like this one before.

"I presume they sent you back here to steal something," Jakob continued, with a faint smile.  "Probably the ion beam technology?"

"Yes," Joshua sighed, his shoulders sagging as he collapsed back against the wall.  "Is my mind-shield really that weak?"

"Nah, it was simply an educated guess," replied the incubus.  "I mean, why else would you come back all stealthy-like?  If it was a friendly visit you'd have announced your arrival, and you know I'm going to license the android technology so it's probably not that.  The only other thing could have been the Total Conversion engine, but since that is still too experimental it kind  of leaves the ion-beam, doesn't it?"

As Jakob spoke, the husky slid down the wall and curled up into a foetal position.


"Why?" asked the cheetah.  "I'm already dying."

"I know," replied the stranger.  "As in living we slowly die, so too in dying shall we live."

He was a grey wolf of immaculate dress.  Black trousers, black shirt.  Black coat, long and sinister.
Dark glasses obscured his face, but in the mind of the feline a horrible suspicion took root.  An expression of terror filled his eyes as the intruder loaded his gun and took aim.

"Don't worry," added the wolf, as a faint tinge of regret finally entered his otherwise calm voice.  "Death is not the end."

"I know you!" the cheetah began, a wild note suddenly entering his voice.  "You're-"

He pulled the trigger.

"level-headed guy with the bat in his hair" *giggle*


I like how the end results in someone impersonating Jakob. That bodes all over.

Chapter 14 - Beggar Man

Joshua sat propped against the wall in the corridor, staring listlessly at his feet.  He couldn't bring himself to confront Jakob's withering gaze.

"Well?  Did you bring any friends with you?" asked the incubus coldly.  Before the husky could reply there was a thump from the ceiling.  "It seems you did," he continued, giving Joshua an even darker look.  A series of footfalls made their way towards the window, and Jakob braced himself.  In all likelihood the intruder was about to kick it in and attack them, so he cast a projectile shield and assumed a defensive posture.

A dark shape flew past the window, falling to earth with a muffled thump.  Sending two panthers on ahead and leaving two to guard the husky, Jakob raced down to the nearest entrance.  When he got there the panthers had stood down.  A few moment later he saw why.

"Please tell me you did not just do what I think you did," he said as Dorcan entered, his fur and clothing entirely covered in snow.

Joshua looked up, his eyes widening.  "Jeez, Dorcan, what happened to you?" he asked, still avoiding Jakob's face.

"I've been growing a bit concerned about his behaviour lately," Jakob said.  "If there's a problem with his brain it might affect you too at some point.  But anyway..." he said, turning to the Doberman, "Let's hear the worst.  What in the world were you thinking of?"

"The wings," he said.  "I was just checking them out, right?  They don't work."

"Ah," said Jakob, in sudden understanding.  "And the washing machine... basically you're exploring the capabilities of your new body.  I should have thought of that."  He sounded a lot happier now that he had some kind of explanation for Dorcan's odd ideas.

"Good job this base is in the Arctic," Dorcan murmured.  "Falling onto concrete or something would have hurt."

"The first lab was in Kurzmouth,"  Jakob remarked, a nostalgic expression in his eyes.

"Kurzmouth?  The seaside resort?" Dorcan boggled.  He couldn't imagine a less likely place to set up an advanced cybernetics lab.

"Yep.  It was perfect.  Busybodies like Joshua's mob would never believe we were doing any sensitive research there.  We had to put up our feet and enjoy ourselves from June to August, but for most of the rest of the year the place was completely dead.  We made a number of key breakthroughs during those times.

"But I digress," he said, his voice frosting slightly as his attention drifted back to Joshua, whom he contemplated like an errant child who had disappointed him greatly and would have to be punished.  Joshua could sense this but he remained there, quietly gazing at his feet once more.  Whatever the wolf had planned for him, he was not going to beg for mercy.

"So, what are you going to do to me?" he asked dully.  Jakob threw back his head and laughed.

"I'm sorry," he chuckled.  "It's a very bad habit.  But hey, I'm an incubus.  I'm going to get a kick out of playing with people's emotions."

Joshua slowly raised his head and stared back at the incubus with a strange mixture of hope and uncertainty.

"You mean... you're not angry?" he asked, hesitantly.

"Nah," replied the wolf, helping him up.  "I wouldn't need to be an empath to see that you're less than happy with this assignment.  But I am, and I can practically hear it.  Good job I never acquired a taste for misery or I'd be hyperactive by now.  Anyway, now that you're here, would you mind telling us how you got in?"

Mac looked up.  He had assumed that his question had been forgotten.

"Keaton sent me," he said.  "She used one of those Warp thingies, like the one Niall's got."
Jakob looked like he was about to interrupt, but the husky ploughed on.  "It deposited me a couple of miles from here and I walked the rest of the way."

"...and we forgot to take you off the authorized persons list for the security system," Jakob finished.  "How were you going to get back, though?"

"She gave me a charm," he replied, fishing a small amulet out of his pocket.

"I'll take that if you don't mind," Jakob said, fingering it gently as though it was about to bite him.  Meanwhile, in Ashford's office, a red light began to flash.


Azrael slouched in a comfortable chair in one of the recreation rooms.  A robot panther was sat next to him like a dog.  Formerly one of the less intelligent guards, they had been uplifted to the same specification as Mac upon Azrael's request.  Although the cats were technically sexless - unlike Azrael himself - Lilly had been slightly modified to have a female voice and personality traits.

As Niall sat flicking through the satellite channels, Azrael and Lilly were idly discussing the pros and cons of capital punishment.  This made for an interesting debate since Azrael had abolished it, while Lilly was designed from the ground up to be a killing machine.
Jakob has strayed from the path, he mused.  Something would have to be done about that.

Nothing violent of course, for that was not Azrael's way.  He was more subtle than that, gradually obtaining what he wanted through the tiniest manipulations and almost unlimited patience.  In any case, Jakob was a friend and Azrael, Angel or no, had little intention of jeopardising that friendship with some Machiavellian game.

He might almost have suspected that Jakob was finally settling into his role as an Incubus, finally beginning to treat Beings them as necessary inconveniences to be used, tolerated or disposed of if they got in the way.  But Azrael knew better than that.  After all, he had been deeply involved in Jakob's projects himself and it was quite clear that there was more to it all than mere selfishness.

In any case, he'd already broached the subject of the panthers.  Jakob had pointed out that in such a remote location as Furrae's Arctic Circle, the only people likely to stop by were those who had deliberately decided to visit them, which either meant they were in on the project, and thus protected by the 'Friend' identifier in their tag, or Jakob's enemies.

The only thing which really grated on Azrael's nerves was the lack of a non-lethal response in the panthers.  While Jakob hadn't actually built most of them himself, he hadn't modified their basic design either.  Once upon a time, he would almost have preferred to die himself than kill his enemies.  But then again, the two hundred and fifty years since Jakob had quit Ha'Khun was time enough for anyone's moral compass to drift. 

"How would you feel about being fitted with a stun-gun, Lilly?" he asked.  "We can probably fit a sonic into your nose."

"That depends who I get to test it on," she replied slyly.  "One question... how are you planning to integrate the control system?"

"I understand from Jakob that the brains used in the panthers are fairly generic and have a couple of unused ports allowing them to control accessories.  Probably we'll start with a headlight or something like that until you learn how to fire it and control the intensity."

Lilly pictured herself with a glowing red nose and emitted a peal of hissing laughter.
"Now that's an interesting crime," she remarked suddenly, pulling herself together as the news came on.

...ain story tonight is still the slaying of former councillor Renward Wils, who was found dead three days ago at his house in Wellbrook, the victim of what police are describing as an execution-style murder.

"Jakob once proposed a murder-style execution," Azrael commented.  "I think he was drunk at the time.  The idea was that the condemned remained in jail for an indeterminate time  until the executioner burst into their cell one night and stabbed them to death in their sleep.  Actually, I think it was that suggestion which finally pushed me to abolish the death penalty."  Beside him, Lilly snorted.

... at a loss as to the motive, since Wils had already retired owing to ill-health.  Indeed, sources close to him have stated that he was suffering from a rare magical disease which is generally considered to be terminal.

Wellbrook police have released CCTV footage of the suspect - or suspects - seen here entering the house shortly before the time that the murder was believed to have taken place.  A few minutes later this figure was seen leaving the house, although he never entered it.  Police suspect a succubus or incubus may be responsible although they are keeping an open mind.

Even though his neighbours heard the shot and the body was found almost immediately, forensic investigators were unable to detect any trace of Mr. Wils' aura, and are becoming increasingly concerned for his metaphysical safety.

"The True Death..." said Azrael gravely.  "That," he added, "is something I would execute someone for."

Niall looked like he was going to be sick, and left the room hastily.

And now, in 'Strange But True', police are still searching for the mysterious 'Preacher' of New Kunda, who has been accosting random strangers in the high street and attempting to marry them to each other.  Earlier today, Inspector Southgate told us that there has been a key development in the case.

"We now have film of the Preacher as he jumped out from behind a tree and attempted to force a local man into holy matrimony with a Mr. Wrightmann from New Zinvth.  A fight broke out after it emerged that Mr. Wrightmann was already married with three kittens, and the local constabulary attempted to intervene.
He then proceeded to marry the two officers to each other and promptly escaped in the confusion.  It is not yet clear if their marriage has any legal status, or whether a divorce will now become necessary."

Police have also issued a photofit description.  If you recognise this fox, please call the following number...

"Holy shit," said Azrael.  "That's Daryil."


"What the hell is this?" said Jakob.  A small parcel had arrived at the base, included in one of the less-than-frequent postal drops.  Upon his desk, wrapping and boxes were strewn about, one of which he had already warded to prevent Kirian from breaking it open and consuming the chocolates within.

The object of his ire was a very small parcel containing a matchbox.  It had a covering note, but since it consisted entirely of the word 'care...', no-one was able to to understand what it was or why it had been sent to them.
Inside the box was a single bullet.

"Looks like a death threat to me," Dorcan said.  He was about to throw the thing away when he realised what it was made from.

"Silver...?"

"Let me see that again," Jakob said, taking it from the doberman.
"In traditional human mythology you use a silver bullet to slay a wolf-were.  Possibly any kind of were, but wolves were the most common.  The most common legends, that is.  Anyway, I doubt anyone in this dimension seriously thinks I'm a were, but let's see if we can sense their aura..."

Dorcan cursed.  He should have thought of it himself, although he wasn't able to do it anymore.  "Don't they teach you kids forensics in SAIA these days?" chuckled the wolf.  He clutched the bullet firmly in one hand and closed his eyes, a look of intense concentration lining his face.
Dorcan of course, but nothing else.  Magic then...

Yes, there was magic in it.  Indeed, there was an enormous amount of energy trapped within the lattice of silver crystal which the bullet was composed from.  A strange expression crossed his features as he opened his eyes.

"It's a soul," he said.

ok, Kursmouth? Damn funny. "Forced to relax and enjoy ourselves for six months of the year" ? damn funny.


But "Preacher of New Kunda" ? Bwahahahahahahahaha

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on August 22, 2007, 05:42:55 PM
But "Preacher of New Kunda" ?

I got that idea from the Radio Project, believe it or not.  Audacity has a strange bug in 1.3 where certain operations will mess up the gaps between clips.  In this case, Tezkat's preacher guy shot into the middle of the clip and tried to marry Edward and Destania while the others were still trying to kill her.  I had in mind an outtake where he kept popping up to marry people at inconvenient moments.  I might still do that  >:3

[Do you know why the forum software gets so confused if your session times out while posting?  That really sucks.]

I really like it whats going down..I wonder who else will appear

Quote from: Zedd on August 22, 2007, 05:59:30 PM
I really like it whats going down..I wonder who else will appear

We'll have to see :P

Oh yeah, and thanks to Zedd for inspiring the Kurzmouth idea.  To this day I'm not quite sure if he meant Blackpool or Blackburn  :3

Quote from: Tapewolf on August 22, 2007, 07:56:01 PM

Quote from: Zedd on August 22, 2007, 05:59:30 PM
I really like it whats going down..I wonder who else will appear

We'll have to see :P

Oh yeah, and thanks to Zedd for inspiring the Kurzmouth idea.  To this day I'm not quite sure if he meant Blackpool or Blackburn  :3

I ment Blackburn dude...

I think Blackpool is a better choice. After all, who'd look for a mad scientist in a sunshine resort?


.. although I realise that "sunshine resort" is stretching it a bit, for Blackpool... ;-]

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on August 23, 2007, 09:43:28 AM
I think Blackpool is a better choice. After all, who'd look for a mad scientist in a sunshine resort?

Quite.  The trouble being of course, that while Zedd was setting his story in some kind of furry England, I'm not and there is no Blackpool in Furrae so I had to invent one.

Good chapter JP enjoyed reading your story after my little break :3

And I will let you know Dr Wu is nuts...Hojo FF7 nuts

Quote
A dark shape flew past the window, falling to earth with a muffled thump.  Sending two panthers on ahead and leaving two to guard the husky, Jakob raced down to the nearest entrance.  When he got there the panthers had stood down.  A few moment later he saw why.

"Please tell me you did not just do what I think you did," he said as Dorcan entered, his fur and clothing entirely covered in snow.

Joshua looked up, his eyes widening.  "Jeez, Dorcan, what happened to you?" he asked, still avoiding Jakob's face.

Erm... just how far did he race? Can't have been far, since Joshua was still able to see the both of them when Dorcan wanders in...


(I knew there was -something- amiss... I was just enjoying the story too much :-] )

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on August 23, 2007, 02:46:18 PM
Erm... just how far did he race? Can't have been far, since Joshua was still able to see the both of them when Dorcan wanders in...

The way I visualized it was like this.  Jakob and Joshua are in a corridor connecting three larger parts of the complex in a sort of T-junction arrangement.  This part of the building actually has two stories, they are on the top floor.

Dorcan walks across the roof (which is immediately above them) and jumps.  Joshua has his back to the window, Jakob is facing it and sees Dorcan fall past.

To get to where Dorcan is, Jakob now has to go down a flight of stairs and through the exit, which he does as quickly as he can to get to the intruder (Dorcan) before he can escape.

When he discovers it's Dorcan, the panic is off and the two of them walk back upstairs.

Does that make sense?

Oh, it makes sense. And it's more or less what I expected.

My point was merely that "racing off" and "came in" give the impression, albeit falsely, that Joshua has magically moved to near the door, and it jars a touch.

Just a touch. Pedant mode engaged, etc etc. :-]

Ah, so it was an accident with creative consequences. :mowgrin

Sorry for the late reply, I've been way too busy.

The part about the lab in the beach reminded me of my thesis director. He was invited to many conferences and asked to teach courses in many places, but would only go to cities which were by the sea.

I liked this chapter a lot.

Chapter 15 - Poor Man

He opened his eyes.  He was lying sideways on a table.  Was it just a dream? he wondered, but as he began to look around he couldn't recognise any of his surroundings.  He had the strange impression of being about two-thirds of his previous size, and there was something very odd about his muzzle.  It was too long and the fur was black.

He tried to get up but his arms wouldn't move in the right way anymore.  He caught a glimpse of something... not a hand, a paw.  A feral paw.
Panicking, he thrashed, his powerful hind legs propelling him further than he had expected.  Too far.

"Catch him!" someone shouted as he fell off the table with a crash.

That didn't sound right, he thought, scrambling to get up.  As he did so the cat noticed that his legs weren't furred.  They had a slight lustre to them but they were solid.  Gingerly he managed to stand on his front legs, but his ass-end was still giving him problems.

"Come on," said a gentle voice behind him and a pair of hands helped him up.  He wobbled for a bit but became steady.  He'd never had digitigrade legs before.

"I'm very, very sorry it had to be done like this," said the speaker, a white wolf crouching before him.  "I'm all out of bodies at the moment."

"B-bodies?"

"Yes.  No.  I mean... I don't mean corpses... I mean a body for your soul to inhabit.  I assure you this is a temporary measure... we've had some problems with the manufacturing plant, but those are fixed now and we should have a nice, bipedal cheetah body ready for you by tomorrow morning."

"Where am I?  How did I get here?"

"You're in Ausmann Research station, in the Arctic.  As for how you got here... I'll tell you that later," he decided.  "It's ugly and I'm not sure you're ready for that just yet."

"Okay, what am I then?"

"At the moment, you're a feral panther.  Synthetic, as I think you've guessed."

"It's pretty obvious," he said, looking at his paws, which were somewhat angular and had a slight sheen to them.  "Couldn't you at least have added fur of some kind?"

"That's armour.  The panthers are my guards, and making them tough to kill was the priority more than realism.  They aren't my design either, I might add.  But anyway... would you care to tell us your name?"

"Wils," replied the panther.  "Renward Wils."

"That name sounds familiar," Jakob said.

"He was murdered," piped up Azrael.

"Well duh," Jakob replied, with a sly grin.  "He wouldn't be here in this condition otherwise."

"No, I mean it made the headlines," the snow leopard replied.

"A celebrity, eh?  Pleased to meet you.  The name's Kristofer Ausmann, and this is Page," Jakob added.  "He's a synthetic as well."

"You're joking."

"Nope.  Synthetic fur, pneumatic muscles and tendons you can see working... it makes your panther body seem a bit crude by comparison.  If you look closely, you'll notice he doesn't breathe."  As he spoke he wheeled a large mirror in front of the panther.

"Ooh," said Wils as he caught his reflection and tried to step forward.  He promptly stumbled but managed to right himself this time.

"You know, that's kind of sexy," he added, turning his head to see his profile and snarling.  Jakob looked bemused and slightly unnerved.  It was not the reaction he had expected.  But then again, he'd never been a feline.  Or indeed a Being.  Perhaps that was it.

Wils spent the next few minutes strutting, then running, and finally jumping around the room, getting used to his new body.  When he was bored, he performed a graceful leap before squatting in front of Jakob and fixing him with a glowing red eye.

"Now, would you mind telling me how I got here?"

Jakob looked pained, but quickly decided that it would be best if it was over and done with.
"You came here in this," he said, removing a small box from his pocket.

Wils burst out laughing.  "In a matchbox?  Get real."  But the wolf wasn't laughing.  There was an expression more like pity upon his face as he opened the matchbox and drew out a small silver object.

"Your soul was trapped inside this," he said grimly.

Memories suddenly came back to the panther.  His eyes widened - in so much as they could in their present state - and he let out a moan.  "They killed me!"

"They did more than that," Jakob said grimly.  "A solid silver bullet.  Enchanted.  Put that through someone's head and it will kill them and steal their soul in one single motion.  Very clever... almost admirable in a sick sort of way.  Of course you have to fish it out afterwards," he added with a look of utter disgust.

At that moment, Lilly entered, looking for Azrael and immediately came face to face with Wils.  Intrigued, she offered to give him a panther's-eye tour of the base.  Jakob was glad of the interruption as the subject matter was getting a little touchy.  He didn't want Wils to know who or what he was until he had a better idea of how they would react.

In the meantime, there were a couple of things he needed to do first.


Still in his disguise as Kris the Arctic wolf, Jakob opened the cupboard and began to search through it for some sticky notes.  I can see I'm going to have to order some more, he thought to himself.  In the process he managed to knock over a box of soulstones and swore.  Packing them away one by one, he suddenly froze as he realised that one of them was faintly glowing.

Now who could that be...? he wondered.  Oh dear... it's going to be HER.  She's not going to be very pleased with me.

He clutched the gem tightly with one hand and closed his eyes.  A vision of a black-furred marsupial swam in front of him.

"After the first thousand years of my imprisonment I vowed that I would grant three wishes unto the one who would release me..."  Ephrael said.
"After the second thousand years..."

"Knock it off," said Jakob.  "It can't have been more than a hundred and forty, if that.  Though I suppose that is twice your lifespan," he added guiltily.

"So... what's been happening outside?" she asked.

"Oh, this and that.  The good news is that we've figured out how to perform the resurrection.  The bad news is that I don't have a body for you at the moment so you'll have to... wait..."

"You forgot, didn't you?" she said curtly.

"Well, yes.  Look, it took over a century to get it to work!" he protested.  "You can't expect me to remember that far back!  It'll just a few more hours now, I promise!" he said hastily, and broke the link before she could argue.


The file on Jakob was quite long.  Too long for Keaton.  Try as she might, she just didn't seem to be able to keep her attention on the task of assimilating it all.
There was a theory, which had gained some currency in certain circles, that 'Cubi had short attention spans as a side-effect of not needing to sleep, as though their brains were somehow compensating by continuously trying to enter some kind of daydream state.

Jakob himself had gone through the same problem, as had Niall and to a lesser extent, Ashley.  They had beaten it with practice and training, although Jakob and Niall thrived on wonder, which had helped when he was learning electronics.  Keaton, who had been thrown out of SAIA and spent much of her life engaged in acts of brutality, had not quite learned the knack.
A spell as a secretary had improved her to some extent, but tonight was different.  Tonight she knew that she might finally be able to wipe the Kamei'Sin from the face of Furrae, and the excitement this brought her was not helping her concentration.
There was one item that piqued her interest, though:

Some twenty years ago as of this writing, Jakob Pettersohn, alias Johan
Cross, was slain in Woe Forest by a Being named Torris.  According to the
adventurer's own statement, Jakob died by a crossbow bolt to the heart and was
then decapitated so that his head could be presented to Qual'Neth city for the
sizeable bounty upon it.

How the hell did he get out of that?  She wondered idly, gazing at the picture of an ecstatic Torris, taken shortly after he had claimed the bounty.  He was a rangy feline, and as was often the case with these people, he wore an open jerkin and bracers.
You'd think they'd know better than to leave their belly exposed and vulnerable like that, she pondered.  No wonder they usually die young.

Torris did not live to enjoy his success however, as he was slain himself about
three weeks later in what was believed to be a revenge killing on the part of
Jakob's family.  This was never proven in court however, and remains unsolved.


Back in the recreation room, Azrael, Lilly and Wils were watching the news when Joshua and 'Kris' entered to see where they had got to.

Police investigating the murder of former Councillor Renward Wils have now released their chief suspect, a Mr. Zedtan d'Ombre.  Zedtan, 550, was released without charge after three hours of questioning.  Police are once more appealing for witnesses.

"They still don't know who killed me," Wils said unhappily.  "Is there any chance we could call them up?  I could give them an exact description."

"I'd rather you didn't," Jakob said.  "Firstly, you're in a secret location where I'm carrying out very sensitive research and I don't want the publicity.  Secondly, the panthers are a secret project.  Besides, even if we did call them up... do you think they'd believe you were Wils at all, looking like that?"

"True," he sighed.

...ile in other news, police have charged the renegade incubus Daryil, leader of the clan that bears his name, with forty-nine counts of breaching the peace.

"Oh Daryil," said Jakob.  "For someone who is so clever, you can't half be stupid sometimes..."

"Think he's going to be okay?"  Joshua asked.  Daryil still scared him a bit... after all, he was a clan leader and exceptionally powerful.  To say nothing of dangerous.  But on the other hand, Josh had a certain affection for him.  After all, he'd probably be dead without his help.  But then again, without him I probably wouldn't have got killed in the first place....

"I wouldn't worry about him," said Jakob.  "Breach of the Peace isn't too serious and anyway, he's got some seriously good lawyers.  We should get to see some fascinating legal contortions over the next few days."

He went quiet for a moment.

"Wils," he said, "If you don't mind, I'm kind of curious about your death.  Do you have any idea why you were killed?"

"I really don't know," he said.  "I mean, I was already dying at the time."

"How so?"

"A curse," he replied.  "You know I was on Wellbrook Borough Council?"

"So I've heard.  That's all I really know about you, I'm afraid..."

"Well, I made some decisions which didn't turn out for the best, and they voted to kick me off the council.  By a narrow margin," he sighed.
"Anyway, I got a job running the university's magical artifact department, but I was earning about half what I had been on the council and I was looking at a very, very bad financial crunch."

"Funny how that seems to happen to people in charge," Joshua said, grinning evilly.  Wils cast the husky a very nasty look and carried on, ignoring him.

"Anyway, I was specifically concerned with ancient magical artifacts, and one of the projects our department was undertaking was an archaeological dig.  I'd always been interested in archaeology and they'd just broken into a new chamber of the complex they were excavating.  Since I was ultimately in charge of the dig I flew off to oversee it, the idea being that I might be able to discover some priceless treasure..."  He tried to smile, but it didn't work very well.

"You're making this up," Azrael commented.

"It was a long shot, but I was desperate, right?  Anyway, it's true... you can look it up if you want.  Now, we found something good..."

"You were going to nick it?"

"It had occurred to me.  Being part of the team that found it and sharing the glory was the main idea though.  Anyway, we found some very interesting artifacts.  The trouble is they were cursed.  It was on the same day that my finances were starting to pick up again that they told me I was dying."

'Kris' made a sharp intake of breath.

"...but as it turned out, that didn't matter anyway because some madman came along and shot me!" he finished angrily.

"What did this madman look like?"  Kris asked.

"Tall, and grey... a fox I think... maybe a wolf... if I didn't know he was dead, I'd say he looked almost like... Johan Cr- HIM!  IT WAS HIM!!!" he screamed, pointing frantically with one paw as Niall entered the room.

Oh, goodie. More mistaken identities.

Poor Niall. He's always getting mistaken for Johan, isn't he? You'd think he'd have learned to make some changes to his appearance... ;-]

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on September 10, 2007, 08:59:54 AM
Poor Niall. He's always getting mistaken for Johan, isn't he? You'd think he'd have learned to make some changes to his appearance... ;-]

Who disappeared shortly before Wils was murdered?  Who quickly ran out of the room when the murder came on the news?

Yet another great chapter from the master!

*Does a little happy dance for Ephrael appearing*

Quote from: Paladin Sheppard on September 10, 2007, 10:00:14 AM
Yet another great chapter from the master!

*Does a little happy dance for Ephrael appearing*

If hes the master then I...*draws out sonic screwdiver*

Quote from: Tapewolf on September 10, 2007, 08:28:39 AM
"I wouldn't worry about him," said Jakob.  "Breach of the Peace isn't too serious and anyway, he's got some seriously good lawyers.

You'd be surprised how many times this gets mistyped as 'breach of the peach'...

Quote from: Zedd on September 10, 2007, 05:36:12 PM
If hes the master then I...*draws out sonic screwdiver*

... am the apprentice?

Eph! What is she doing there? Is there going to be a long queue of characters waiting to be resurrected? (I don't think I would line up unless I had a very important reason.)

And Zedd is mentioned too! This is starting to involve more forumites than FC, isn't it?

Quote from: Gabi on September 12, 2007, 07:27:26 AM
Is there going to be a long queue of characters waiting to be resurrected?

No - I've got more characters than I can easily manage already, so don't expect Eph to stick around.

QuoteThis is starting to involve more forumites than FC, isn't it?

Heh.  Don't give people ideas :P  As I say, I'm approaching the limits of what I can sensibly handle.  Keaton remains the only forum character with a key role in the story.

Im sure more info will be known soon...I am keeping my fingers crossed and hope your mind can take it all

Truth be told I'm not particularly pleased with this one, but it does have its moments.

Chapter 16 - Rich Man

"Niall?" said Jakob, in frank disbelief, "How could you...!?"

"I didn't do it!" protested the fox. 

"But you left the room in quite a hurry when the news came on about the murder,"
Azrael remarked.  "Come to that, you were off somewhere during the time the murder took place.  And you would have been one of the few people who knew the address to send the soul to..."

"I didn't do it!  And even if I did, shooting him and stealing his soul wasn't a bad thing all told since it's saved his life..."

"It would have been kinder to wait until he died and then take his soul.  Murder is not the answer."

"But he's a Being!  Why would I want to save him?" his voice faltered as Joshua shot him a particularly evil look.  "I- What I mean is, there are orders of magnitude more Beings in the world than there are 'Cubi!  If I went round trying to save them all I would go mad!"

"It doesn't matter why he did it!" shrieked Wils.  "He's Johan Cross!  I'm telling you he's Johan Cross!"

"No he isn't," Jakob said.  "This is my son.  But if I find he has been impersonating legendary psychopaths, I shall be very angry.  Now, Niall... kindly lower your mind-shield."

"I didn't kill him," said Niall again.

"No," said Jakob, peering into his mind.  "You didn't.  Though I must say, I approve of your taste in women." he added wickedly.  Niall tried to hide his face.

Wils looked at Niall dubiously and then back to Jakob.  "I guess you're right... I got carried away.  After all Cross is dead and buried."

Jakob took a deep breath and gave a fiendish smile.  "Five out of ten.  The reason I know Niall isn't Johan Cross is because I am... Oh cut that out!" he snapped as Wils began to caterwaul again.  "Why does no-one ever want remember the good things I did?"

"No! No!  Johan Cross is dead!  He was killed in the forest... they cut off his head..."

"So what?" pointed out Jakob.  "You're dead too.  Yet here we are..."

"Does that mean you're a... robot?"

"No," he said, changing his fur back to grey.  "Robots can't shapeshift.  Besides you were happy enough to believe that Johan Cross was alive just now.  I suppose in a way he is dead, in that I am no longer a raving madman.  But somehow, I've never been able to shake the association others hold with the excesses of my evil reign, most of which are hoaxes anyway.  So I decided to fake my death..."

Jakob's voice trailed away as there was a black flash and someone appeared in the room.
"Daryil!" he yelped.  "What are you doing here?  Aren't you supposed to be in jail?"

"Oh hell, I forgot!" he replied.

"No, wait...!" Jakob called as the fox promptly vanished, presumably back to his cell.
"Damn!  I was going to ask him if he knew anything about your death.  Not that it's exactly his style, and besides, it could be anyone.  A century and a half ago I discovered someone else pretending to be my insane alter ego, and they turned out to be a feline succubus," he smirked, but his smile faded as he realised that Wils was still freaking out.

"I know what you're after!" snarled the panther.  If he had been flesh and blood, his fur would have been on end, hackles up.  As it was, his ears had flattened back as far as they could.

"Oh?  What's that?" Jakob asked politely.

"You're trying to raise an army of panthers to take over the world!  Well I shan't be part of it!"

"My dear Mr. Wils," began the wolf with an air of forced patience, "I thought we'd just been through that.  I already have an army of panthers, a death-ray, my own private airforce and a total conversion beam," he said, ticking them off on his hand as he spoke.  "A secret agent has already been sent to stop me.  We've got past that bit.  The only super-villain bit which I don't have is the evil plan..."

Wils' eyes went out and came back on again.  It was the panther equivalent of blinking in confusion.

"Aren't you going to hold the world to ransom or something?"

"Why bother?  I'll admit the capital costs were steep... I had to have help with that side of things, but we're turning a stupendous profit now the advanced prosthetics have hit the market."

"You?  You made those?"

"Of course... through one of our subsidiaries.  Jayhawk Cybernetics... J.C... Johan Cross, geddit?  Anyway, thanks to that we'll soon have enough cash in reserve to build another two synchrotrons if we need the extra capacity.  As you can see, I have more money than I need at the moment, so there's little point in trying to raise still more using some idiotic evil plan which will probably go wrong anyway.

"As it happens, I've got a good plan.  My intention is to throw open the gates to immortality.  Not just for me, but for anyone who can afford it.  Ultimately I intend to offer it via the National Health Service once all the bugs are ironed out of it..."

"Quite the philanthropist, eh?  If you're so full of sweetness and light, why the hell are you hiding out in the Arctic?"

"Because what I'm doing isn't strictly legal," Jakob said.  "That's the evil part of the plan, if you must know.  Certain territories have taboos and laws against creating new life.  Daryil thinks we can get those repealed or loosened up enough that transferring people's souls into android bodies is no longer covered.  In the meantime, I'm keeping it a secret.  Out here there are no laws, so I have to be armed to protect my territory and the details of the technologies I'm using.

"Of course I do like a good secret agent flick," he added.  "And giving the supervillain impression really messes with people's heads, which is always fun for an incubus, although it's a very bad habit I must admit.  But for the love of the Gods, can you please get it out of your head that I'm trying to take over the world?  That's just silly.
"I mean, what would I do with it?  After Azrael died I used to rule Ha'Khunn, and let me tell you, it was a bit of a chore to run that place after it had expanded to absorb three neighbouring regions as well."

Wils just stared back at him.  Jakob's frustration rose as he felt the lingering doubts in the panther's mind.

"Read this," he said irritably, making an elaborate gesture and snatching a handful of leaflets out of thin air.  Jakob opened one in front of the panther.  It was titled "Who's afraid of Johan Cross?" and unfolded into a point-by-point rebuttal of his crimes - both real and fictional - in full colour on glossy paper.

But if Niall didn't kill him, who did?


Keaton had managed to force herself to read all of Jakob's file, and was now making
her way through the cross-references.  She glanced again at the control panel, where
Joshua's light was still flashing merrily away to itself.
Good, she thought.  Well, as long as it keeps doing that.  He can wait for a few more days, he's only a Being after all...


Clan Daryil is considered highly controversial since it does not have a founder
in the normal sense of the word.  The clan's leader is Daryil, an eccentric
incubus aged approximately 4000 years as of this writing.

The clan was branched from its larger parent by Daryil using a number of rather
intricate spells after a disagreement of succession following the death of the
clan's then-leader... the original founder having been assassinated during the
Clan Wars some millennia previously.

Having lost the succession, Daryil branched the clan using a combination of
little-known spells and ingenious feats of fakery where his own powers failed
him.  This proved controversial, leading other clans to decry Daryil's clan as
not being a 'true' clan - more vocal opponents have considered it to be a fraud
often glossing over them and in many cases trying to pretend that they do not
exist at all.

Nonetheless, his clan, although minor, has garnered a certain amount of
notoriety, having spawned a number of infamous figures including Johan Cross
and Werrew the Usurper.  Indeed Daryil himself is feared by many for his
intensely unpredictable nature.  So far most of his exploits have taken the
form of practical jokes, however this is just the tip of the iceberg.  It is
not entirely clear what damage he would be capable of causing were these
miswired energies directed upon a more concrete goal.

Following his conversion to homosexuality in an attempt to keep the clan
population steady, Daryil has had a number of partners, one of whom was murdered
by members of Clan Ti'Nera.  The resulting war provided a tantalising glimpse of
what Daryil and his followers are capable of when provoked, although it must be
borne in mind that there are no documented cases of the clan ever attacking
pre-emptively.

Daryil's current partner is a young wolf incubus of approximately 175 named
Simeon Kaye.  Brought up in the belief he was a winged Being, Simeon was a
member of a local anti-wing group known as the 'Burning Feather' and is
believed to have killed approximately ten other 'Cubi in a misguided attempt
to avenge his parents before discovering that he was actually an offshoot of
clan...

Keaton's good eye widened slightly and she re-read that sentence again.  A thin, unpleasant smile spread across her face.  It lingered for a few moments before vanishing just as quickly as it had come.

No.  Joshua first, then him.  Without blinking or any outward awareness that it was happening at all, she slipped effortlessly back into the form of Ashford and began to dial on the video link.


As Wils digested the pamphlet, Jakob strode over to the wall and dialled up one of the viewscreens using his watch.

"Getting anywhere with the forge?" he asked.

"It still bombs out in the coating process," Dorcan replied.  "I've checked the mechanisms and Ash is driving himself crazy stepping through the software, but by the looks of it it's a failure in the operating system.  It's got to be."

Jakob glowered, and pressed a button.  The screen split in two, Ashley appearing to the right of the doberman.

"The operating system?" he queried.  "Again?"

"I think so.  We should have insisted on VMS..."

"We shall have to do something about this," he decided, and then his voice trailed away.  Dorcan and Ashley were both staring at something behind him.

Quote from: Tapewolf on October 01, 2007, 06:27:51 PM
"No," said Jakob, peering into his mind.  "You didn't.  Though I must say, I approve of your taste in women." he added wickedly.  Niall tried to hide his face.

ROTFL.

Quote from: Tapewolf on October 01, 2007, 06:27:51 PM
"Oh hell, I forgot!" he replied.

... and again...

Quote from: Tapewolf on October 01, 2007, 06:27:51 PM
Having lost the succession, Daryil branched the clan using a combination of
little-known spells and ingenious feats of fakery where his own powers failed
him.  This proved controversial, leading other clans to decry Daryil's clan as
not being a 'true' clan - more vocal opponents have considered it to be a fraud
often glossing over them and in many cases trying to pretend that they do not
exist at all.

*giggle* Yup, that's Daryil. ;-]

Quote from: Tapewolf on October 01, 2007, 06:27:51 PM
... Werrew the Usurper.  ...
...  The resulting war provided a tantalising glimpse of what Daryil and his followers are capable of when provoked, ....

I can't wait for details on these two. ;-]

Really nice

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 01, 2007, 07:26:30 PM
I can't wait for details on these two. ;-]

I wasn't planning to cover the war beyond this and what is mentioned in the Wiki.  That's not set in stone though.  The succubus who attacked Jakob and later seized the throne of Ha'Khunn was from that clan.

By the way, here's an 'outtake' from one of the drafts:

Nonetheless, his clan, although minor, has garnered a certain amount of
notoriety, having spawned a number of infamous figures including Johan Cross
and Werrew the Usurper.  Daryil himself is [a f_cking loony]

As always, so very good!  8)

Honestly, around these forums, its my favorite story(Well, this and CJP), and I can't wait for each episode!

Anyway, I just wanted to say how great it is.

Also, as llearch said:

Quote"No," said Jakob, peering into his mind.  "You didn't.  Though I must say, I approve of your taste in women." he added wickedly.  Niall tried to hide his face.

:mwaha


-RobbieThe1st

I still wonder why someone who has wings would join an anti-wing group.

This chapter was quite informative, though.

Quote from: Gabi on October 02, 2007, 09:03:43 AM
I still wonder why someone who has wings would join an anti-wing group.

Ultimately because his parents were killed by 'Cubi and he wanted to get back at them.  The fact that his parents were also 'Cubi didn't really register...

**EDIT**
Actually that should have been in his bio as well.  Damn.

**EDIT EDIT**
It is now.

Daryil's current partner is a young wolf incubus of approximately 175 named
Simeon Kaye.  Brought up in the belief he was a winged Being, Simeon was a
member of a local anti-wing group known as the 'Burning Feather' and is
believed to have killed approximately ten other 'Cubi in a misguised attempt
to avenge his parents before discovering that he was actually an offshoot of
clan...

Can I just say that Daryil's spontaneous appearance and disappearance made me laugh like a loony? XD I don't know much about him, but I really, really, really like Daryil. Jyraneth should be taking notes, but she's the bad sort of insane.

Either waaay... really nice chapter. I'm rather curious as to what Keaton's going to use this newly-uncovered information about Daryil and Simeon (:O) for. Plus, I'm rather liking Wils. Another good chapter, Tape. :)

~Keaton the Black Jackal

Oh yeah, just a little on-the-side- question. I think it's been answered already, but I can't really remember.
For Dorcan, is BOTM canon with the story? If so, has it already happened, or has it yet to happen?
I'm willing to bet it hasn't yet, because Dorcan hasn't told any stories, or shown any signs of new encounters altering his concience (Holy sh*t, I sound like the Architect :erk) that would be presant for someone who's spent some time fighting a war in another universe ;)

And good chapter. I still want to know who killed that Being...but I think we're going to find out in the next chapter.

Quote from: techmaster-glitch on October 05, 2007, 12:53:16 PM
Oh yeah, just a little on-the-side- question. I think it's been answered already, but I can't really remember.
For Dorcan, is BOTM canon with the story? If so, has it already happened, or has it yet to happen?

Yes, it is canon... his exploits in BOTM happen some years afterwards.  I haven't decided exactly when... probably somewhere between 5-25 years later.

QuoteAnd good chapter. I still want to know who killed that Being...but I think we're going to find out in the next chapter.

Thanks.  You'll find out eventually, but probably not next time.  This arc hasn't been as meticulously planned as the previous ones I'm afraid, which is one reason updates have slowed down.  Early on it actually was going to be Niall, but then I had a much better idea.

Quote from: Tapewolf on October 05, 2007, 02:02:25 PM
Thanks.  You'll find out eventually, but probably not next time.  This arc hasn't been as meticulously planned as the previous ones I'm afraid, which is one reason updates have slowed down.  Early on it actually was going to be Niall, but then I had a much better idea.

I'd much rather have slower but better quality than quicker but rushed.

Just my 2p...

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 05, 2007, 02:05:46 PM
I'd much rather have slower but better quality than quicker but rushed.

Just my 2p...

Same here.

Chapter 17 - Forgery

Jakob span around to face the intruder.  "Sim," he said, with a sigh of relief.
"You scared the life out of me."  A puzzled expression crossed his face as he noticed that the other wolf's face was damp with tears.

"Hold up," he said to the others, "We'll have a meeting to discuss our plan of action for the forge in about 15 minutes, okay?"  Dorcan and Ashley nodded and signed off.

"What's up?" he asked the younger wolf.  "Is it about Daryil?"

"Yes," Simeon said, looking away to try and hide his eyes.

"There, there...  I'm sure he'll be fine.  He was here just now actually."

"Really?"

"Yes.  Although I do hope he doesn't do that again... it's not going to go down very well at his trial if he keeps doing things like that."

Simeon was still sniffing to himself.

"Look," Jakob said gently, "He's gone around marrying people to each other and generally causing a public nuisance.  What can they do?  Worst he's looking at is about 5 years and he's probably smart enough to get that commuted assuming he keeps his head and doesn't break out of jail just to fetch his toothbrush or something."

"I guess you're right," Simeon replied, but he still looked miserable.  At that moment there was a chiming sound and a screen on the wall near Jakob suddenly lit up.

"Sorry kid, I've got to take this," he said.  Simeon dutifully hurried out of the way.  When he was out of view, Jakob snapped his fingers and a mare appeared behind a desk.
"Excuse me, sir," she said, "I have an incoming call for 'Mr. Cross'.  Will you take it?"

"No," said Jakob.  "Tell them that there is no-one here by that name."

"Very good, sir," she said, and the screen went blank.  A few seconds later she reappeared.
"He would like speak to Kristofer Ausmann," she reported.

"Damn.  Who is it?" Jakob queried.

"A Commander P. Ashford," she replied.  "He says it's urgent."  Joshua looked alarmed and stepped sideways until, like Simeon, he was out of range of the video scanner.

"Okay, put him through, Martha..." the wolf said with a look of distaste, "But announce me as 'Mr. Pettersohn'."

A few moments later he was staring at the fox.
"So, the Paw's Eye once again sees me," Jakob said with a smile.  "How the wheel turns."  Ashford looked nonplussed for a moment, then uncertain, but he quickly recovered and a slightly cynical expression appeared upon his face.

"Greetings, Mr. Cr-"

"Don't say it," Jakob interrupted.  "I don't know what you want, but I'm taking this call on sufferance.  It's holding up an important meeting and I am in no mood to take any lip.  Kindly use my real name, or this conversation is over."

"Very well," he replied smoothly.  "Then I'll get straight to the point.  My understanding is that you've captured Joshua and are holding him prisoner.  Tempting though it is to leave him to rot for his failure, he has more than proven his worth in previous missions.  I therefore wish to negotiate the matter of his release."

Jakob looked like he was about to sneeze.

"What are you offering?" he asked, assuming a faintly sneering expression.

"Well, I understand that you're engaging in experiments which involve the creation of new life.  The Being-Creature council might find that somewhat disagreeable."

"Blackmail is also illegal," Jakob pointed out.  "And in any case, I would be interested to see how they intend to enforce their laws out here in the wilderness."

"That's not necessarily what I had in mind, although it's an option, I admit," Ashford said.  "What I really meant was that we have a certain amount of... influence... with the Council, and we could probably arrange some kind of deal."

"Your concern is touching, but I only ever negotiate face-to-face," Jakob said.  "That reminds me.  Would it be possible to talk to your succubus?"

"I'm afraid she has left our employ," Ashford replied, in a strangely clipped tone of voice.  Jakob blinked.

"Pity.  Unfortunately I am very busy at the moment, and I'm afraid I can't spare the time to visit you.  However, if you want to send an envoy here, I assure you they will be well-treated.  The succubus would have been ideal, but if she's moved on then..."

F_ck! thought Keaton inside Ashford, and his face twitched slightly.  That would have been perfect... actually being invited into the complex...

"Are you all right?"  Jakob asked.  "You don't sound at all yourself."

"I'm fine," he said, "I'll see if I can sort someone out..."

"Good.  Meet at the company headquarters and don't forget the Being.  I'm afraid I really must go," he said apologetically, "so you will have to liase with my secretary to arrange the appointment.  Good day."
So saying, he snapped his fingers again and the screen went blank.

"Well Joshua," he said, turning to the husky.  "You know him best.  What did you make of that?"

Joshua was still gazing at the screen in astonishment.  He shook his head quickly and turned back to face Jakob.  "I don't believe it.  What's got into him?"

"There's definitely something unusual going on there," the wolf agreed.  "The Boy-Who-Cried-Human, calmly agreeing to send a helpless Being to meet the evil incubus, Johan Cross?  Either he's far more devious than I gave him credit for or as I say, he's not himself..."

"'Not himself?'  What do you... you think he might be... possessed?"

"Perhaps," replied the incubus, but he sounded unconvinced.  "Anyway, enough of this.  I really am late for the meeting.  Joshua, Azrael - can I leave you two to look after Simeon?  Take him to the common room, and bring Wils too," he added.  "I'm going to be... away for a few hours."

So saying, he headed down to the machine rooms.


Jacks awoke in a strange place.  From the feel of it, he was lying on a cold stone floor.  Groping around in the darkness he found something wooden, a pole.  Running his hands around the wall he suddenly found what he was looking for and one click later the room was filled with light.  It seemed he was in a large broom cupboard.

No sooner had his eyes grown accustomed to the sudden brightness than the door burst open and a cloaked figure entered the room.  He was an incubus and he did not look pleased.  And in that black leather trenchcoat, he looked almost like...

"Well, Mr. Jacks, You have caused us a great deal of trouble," he said, cracking his knuckles.

"No..." the rat whimpered, "I... I didn't... there must be some mistake.... I haven't done anything..."

"You're the head of development for M-corporation's embedded systems division.  The system software you wrote runs our nanoforge," the incubus replied evenly.  "Or did, rather, since it has now stopped working.  This makes me very angry.  It makes my engineering staff very angry too," he added, gesturing at another pair of incubi who had entered the room behind him.  Very, very angry incubi.

"It's not certified for critical environments," he began.  Dorcan punched him.

"Wrong answer," Jakob said.  "You work in the embedded systems division, remember?  It's marketed for industrial control applications, which it is apparently not capable of doing.  According to your own product literature and compliancy tests, the system has been proven mathematically correct.  Yet somehow it locks solid if we try to create a spotted or mottled fur pattern.  How is this possible?"

"Because they only tested the original release!" Ashley screamed.  Dorcan and Jakob both moved to restrain him.

"It was not doing this two days ago," Jakob continued as if nothing had happened, "Despite the fact that no changes have been made to our setup.  Now, you are going to find out why this is happening, and you are going to fix it for us."

"Me...?  But... but what if I can't?" he wailed.

Jakob gave Ashley a quizzical glance.

"I think we should kill him," he spat.  Jakob raised an eyebrow.

"But then he won't be able to fix the forge very easily," Dorcan objected.  "I think what we should do is kill his family.  In fact I think we should do that anyway.  The fact that we won't be able to resurrect them until the forge is fully operational would give him quite an incentive to make it work again..."

"R-resurrect?"  Jacks quavered.

"What do you think we're making here, toothbrushes?" Ashley snarled.

"Settle down," Jakob said equably.  "Please forgive my staff... as I say, they are very angry.  Understandably so.  But as you quite rightly said, you're a manager and probably not able to fix the problem single-handedly..."
Jacks looked at him with a dawning feeling of hope.

"...so I think we should kill you, and hope that your staff love you enough to repair the forge so you can be resurrected."

"What's all this about resurrection?" the rat whimpered.  "What has it got to do with the forge?"

"Never you mind," snapped the doberman.

"Now, now," said Jakob.  "If it helps him fix the problem, I see no reason why he shouldn't know what we're up to.  So long as he doesn't break the NDA of course."

"We've programmed the forge to make bodies for the dead," Ashley replied with relish, his eyes gleaming slightly.

"You're making b... biologicals?" Jacks whimpered, his eyes bulging.

"Not quite.  Show him, Dorcan."

"Why me?  Why can't you do it?"

"Firstly because I'm in charge, and secondly because you're the only replica in this room," Jakob said patiently.  Dorcan looked put out... apparently he'd forgotten the others were still alive.  Muttering curses to himself, he pulled up his shirt to expose a muscular-looking chest, and promptly pressed his hand against his left ribcage.  Nothing happened.

"You forgot the thumb," Jakob pointed out.  There was a faint click and the doberman's chest swung open to reveal a clean layout of circuit boards, cabling and actuators.  The rat looked ready to faint.

"Now remember," the wolf said, "This is all top-secret and covered by the non-disclosure agreement as part of our support contract.  Under no circumstances are you to tell anybody what you've seen before we go public, or I'll stick your head in the matter converter.  Understand?  Now, how many of your engineering and support staff are we going to need?"

A few minutes later, Jacks was alone again save for the presence of Jakob, who watched over his shoulder as he filled out the incident report.

"Very good," he said.  "Remember, if you succeed, you'll never see me again.  And if you fail, no-one will ever see you again..."

I hate having to do it this way, he thought, but that's just how it is with these multinationals... it's the only way to get results.

Incident #174292

Client:            Jayhawk Cybernetics
Primary Contact :  Kevan Daryil
Client Race:       Incubus
Deaths Threatened: 15
Severity:          High (live system down)
Logged by:         Jacks

Description:
Total freeze and loss of product when constructing polymer fibres containing cheetah or leopard spot patterns



"Don't forget the Being?"  Keaton wondered to herself, as she instructed her secretary to plan the trip.  What ever did he mean by that?

Oooo, things are really getting interesting...can't wait for the next chapter, again.
And whoa, scaring that poor little software engineer...heh heh heh...

I -love- the incident report. The fact that it has a -field- for the number of death threats.... ;-]

The death threats field says fifteen, but I only counted five...Am I just way off and missing something entirely?

Not bad chapter there

Quote from: Zedd on October 16, 2007, 09:59:33 PM
Not bad chapter there

I was happier with this one than the last :P

Quote from: techmaster-glitch on October 16, 2007, 09:51:41 PM
The death threats field says fifteen, but I only counted five...Am I just way off and missing something entirely?

A team of engineers and their families.  Remember, you aren't seeing the entire conversation here.  What's really wrong with this picture is that the incident number is only 1742... there should be a few more numbers on the end.

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on October 16, 2007, 09:17:31 PM
I -love- the incident report. The fact that it has a -field- for the number of death threats.... ;-]

Heh, yeah, I thought you might.  Sadly my firm can be a bit like that too, but that's because we're too small not too big.  Note that the race is important too - the more dangerous they are the higher the job priority.  I must admit I was tempted to put 'Medium' for the severity...

And yeah... the number of times I've wanted to punch the Windows CE people is beyond measure...

That was evil. But it looks like the company's accustomed to that treatment.

Quote from: Gabi on October 17, 2007, 06:49:40 PM
That was evil. But it looks like the company's accustomed to that treatment.

It seemed a natural consequence of technology companies mostly being Beings, while having Creature clients.  If your Creature client gets angry they could kill you with relatively little repercussion, so you're likely to move mountains in order to keep them happy.

The problem then is that you'll get people using this technique spuriously, and eventually you're likely to have such an escalation that you'll only be able to get high-priority support by threatening to kill everyone.

Note that Jakob remains the voice of reason - they're actually doing something very close to a 'good cop, bad cop' routine, although how much of Ashley's rage is an act is not clear, even to me.

If you've ever tried to develop for Symbian, or use Microsoft's broken mobile development tools, or the Blackberry's broken, incompatible version of Java which doesn't work, or work around bugs in Windows CE, let me tell you there are times I'd love to be able to do this myself.   :mwaha

Chapter 18 - Villainy

"Much as I find the idea... distasteful, he must be silenced," said Ashford.  The fennec nodded.

"Which particular member of the clan did you have in mind, sir?" he asked quietly.

"Daryil himself," Ashford replied.  The fennec's expression hardened, but he did not object.

"He is very powerful," he mused.  "He is after all, the clan leader.  This will be very difficult.  It may quite possibly be beyond my skill," he admitted.

"He isn't a tri-wing," the fox pointed out.  "Just some fraud who likes to pretend he's the clan founder.  Either way, he is alive.  Kill him... he'll die.  It shouldn't be too hard, and in any case, he is currently being held in New Kunda prison.  He won't be able to escape."

"And you want me to 'visit' him, sir?" the fennec smiled.

"Indeed.  If possible, make it look like a suicide.  Ultimately I leave the details to your discretion, of course, but that is definitely an option I'd explore.  Good luck, agent,"  Ashford added, handing him an envelope containing the mission details.

"Sir," said the fennec, snapping to attention and then turning to leave.


In the common room, Wils lay stretched in front of the fire like a dog.  The others were reading or watching the news except for Ashley, Dorcan and Niall, who were playing cards with Kirian.  They generally did this for the amusement value as the warp-aci didn't seem to be able to remember which particular game they were playing for more than about three minutes at a stretch.

Police admit they are still no nearer to finding the murderer of former councillor Renward Wils.  An inside source, speaking on condition of anonymity, reluctantly conceded it was possible that the murderer may never be caught.  In other news, speculation surrounds the trial of the renegade incubus Daryil, due to conclude this afternoon...

Jakob entered the room followed by a male cheetah who walked stiffly into the room, his face expressionless, his eyes glazed and vacant.

"Happy birthday, Renward..." Jakob called.  "I've got your new body at last!"

Wils scrabbled to his feet and stared at his replica.  He padded around it three times.  "It's very nice," he said finally, "but I think I prefer this one."

Jakob's headwings drooped.  "I beg your pardon?"  He looked incredulous.

"I prefer being a jaguar," he replied.  "It's fun."

"But you've got no hands!"

"Look," said Wils.  "Someone's killed me, right?  So if word gets out that I'm alive again, they'll be looking for a cheetah, right?  They aren't going to be looking for a robot feral jaguar, are they?  And even if they do, they'd have one heck of a job getting through my armour!"

"You know I could force you, don't you?"  said Jakob in a cold, dangerous voice.  Everyone went silent.  "Armour or no, I could rip your soul out and cram it into the cheetah, right here and now in this very room..."

"But you wouldn't, though... would you?" Wils replied, suddenly doubtful.

"Nah." Jakob replied,   "I'm sure you'll change your mind eventually.  I'll just have to put the cheetah into stasis until then."

"Wait," Wils said.  "How about a compromise?  You can control these things remotely, right?  Can you fit a transceiver into me, so that I can teleoperate it myself?"

Jakob looked thoughtfully from the cheetah to the panther and back.  "Well, the aircraft can do it, and your brain is based on the same basic technology... it should be doable.  I'll have to look into it."

"Oh, and how about a control program to make it follow me around when it's not in use?  We could put shades over its eyes so its eyes don't look quite so creepy..."

"Yeah, certainly," he replied, "But not right now... I have an appointment.  Joshua, I'll need you too."

It takes all sorts to make a world,  Jakob thought to himself.  So Wils is a Feralist, eh?  I'd never have guessed that.  That alone would have got him 'spending more time with his family' if Wellbrook Council found out...
Wondering again why someone would wish they were a non-sentient animal, Jakob hid his wings to assume a Being form and then morphed his clothes into a business suit. Taking Joshua by the hand, he teleported to the main offices.


"Welcome, Commander," Jakob said, shaking his hand warmly in the spacious foyer of Jayhawk Cybernetics' headquarters as he handed the fox a visitors' badge.  "When can we expect the other delegate?"

"No, it's just me," Ashford replied, slightly taken aback.  "Now, I do apologise, but if you'll excuse me, I would like to use your, ah, cloakroom... before the meeting actually starts..."

"Be my guest," Jakob responded, pointing at a corner of the foyer. "On your left, just before the stairs."

A little while later, he reappeared and Jakob led him to the meeting room.  Ashford became a bit nervous as he was led down a somewhat drab corridor, different to the plush offices he had expected.
"I'm sorry about the decor," Jakob said, almost on cue, "All the other meeting rooms were booked.  A sales presentation, you know..."
Ashford was somewhat reassured by this, but his paranoia returned when they went through a locked door marked 'Authorised Personnel Only'.  The temperature on the other side of this door was noticeably colder.

"Here we are," Jakob said, sitting down in a comfortable chair in a boardroom.  Joshua was already there, waiting for them.  Ashford cast him a glance and was not reassured by the particularly frosty expression upon his face.

"Now, how are we going to do this?"  Jakob asked.  "Most unlike you to forget the proper protocol!  Normally such negotiations would have two on each side... a Being and a 'Cubi, so that trust can be assured since each side can read the other's thoughts and emotions.  Sadly that is impractical now, since your side only has the 'Cubi."  Ashford looked at him, incredulous.

"What the hell are you talking about?" he began indignantly, but Jakob waved him quiet.

"Please don't drag this out, Keaton." he said.  "I know it's you."  Her heart stopped for a moment.

"All right," he said in Keaton's voice, "I'm here on his behalf.  How did you know?"

"Please, I'm insulted!" Jakob laughed.  "You think I can't tell a 'Cubi mind-shield from a Being one?  Of course, what really clinched it was your little trip before the meeting," he replied sadly.  "You forgot what you were doing and went in the ladies.  Of course, I had been watching for any unusual signs, since you've been impersonating Ashford for at least a week."

Ashford's slightly sceptical expression was belied by the fact that he seemed to have been glued to the chair.  Or petrified.  Though her body was immobile, Keaton's mind was doing flip-flops.  "How did you know it was me?" she asked.  It might be useful for future reference and in any case it would buy her time.

"You didn't remember his conversation from before," Jakob said.  "All that bullshit about the Subtle Paw's all-seeing eye.  Worse, you didn't seem to know anything about them at all, whereas Ashford was obsessed with them."

"What's the difference?" Keaton said, flushing her disguise as she came to a sudden decision.  "Nothing's really changed.  Whether it's Ashford or me who's asking, I'm still here to negotiate Joshua's release.  So... what do you want in exchange for him?"

"Well, in principle I have no objection to returning him to you," Jakob said.  "However, that's not really my call to make.  Personally I'd advise him to stay, but the final decision must rest with him.  And whatever decision he reaches, I'll back that decision up.  If he wants to go with you, fine.  If he wants to stay here, he stays - whether you want to him to or not."  He turned expectantly to Joshua.

"Frankly, I'd prefer to stay," he said, and gazed at Keaton with a rather irritable expression.
"After all, what's in it for me?  You sent me on a mission that got me killed.  Then you imprisoned me, tried to dismantle me, and finally put me to work spying on the very person who I owe my life to.  And if, as I suspect, you've dismantled Ashford, it becomes a bit of a no-brainer, doesn't it?"

"How about it, Keaton?" Jakob asked.  "Is Ashford alive or dead?"

"He's dead," she replied.  "He turned against me, so I had to kill him.  What's it matter?  He was just another Being."

"So am I," Joshua retorted.  "And if that was your attitude towards your direct superior, I fear you've rather confirmed my decision.  I resign."

Keaton glowered at him.

"Now, one thing that puzzles me..." Jakob mused, "why would Ashford have turned on you so suddenly?  He was a bit loopy, but he must have had a reason..."

"Well, he probably thought I was one of his precious Subtle Paw agents, didn't he?"

"Are you sure it wasn't because he realised why you wanted my weapons technologies?" Jakob prompted, watching her very carefully.  Keaton looked shocked for a moment, almost scared.

"NOW!" she yelled.  There was a flash of light during which time she made a sudden movement and before Jakob or Joshua had realised what was going on, she had vanished.  Jakob swore a string of foul oaths to various heathen gods as he reached to pick up the only remaining evidence of her visit, a small document case of brown leather.  "mind-shield," he muttered to himself.

"How the frig did she do that?"  Joshua said, awestruck.  "You can't teleport inside the base without a charm to negate the wards."

"She used a warp-aci," Jakob explained, as he examined the briefcase, tipping a few blank papers to the floor.  "It was hidden inside this.  But we scanned her possessions when she arrived!  She... must have summoned it while she was in the ladies room.  And now she'll have the run of the base!" as he spoke, he was pressing one of the buttons on his wristwatch, holding it in for ten seconds.  It was a public broadcast to everyone equipped with a watch or internal communicator.

ATTENTION, ALL PERSONNEL!  THERE IS AN INTRUDER IN THE FACILITY, A SUCCUBUS NAMED KEATON.
SHE IS TO BE APPREHENDED AT ONCE.  SHE MAY WELL BE HOSTILE.  USE SILENT ALARMS ONLY - WE DON'T WANT TO SPOOK HER.
DORCAN, RESCIND ASHFORD'S VISTOR PASS FROM THE SECURITY SYSTEM.  NIALL, SHUT DOWN THE GATE LINK TO HEADQUARTERS.
REPEAT, SHE IS PROBABLY HOSTILE.  PETTERSOHN OUT.

It's going to be one of those days, he sighed.

Quote"You forgot what you were doing and went in the ladies."

I guess you never know the damage a short attention span can do to a disguise until it's too late huh?  :rolleyes

Awesome chapter Tape.  :mowmeep

Quote from: Drake Manaweilder on October 27, 2007, 09:01:40 PM
I guess you never know the damage a short attention span can do to a disguise until it's too late huh?  :rolleyes

Indeed.

QuoteAwesome chapter Tape.  :mowmeep

Well, it's not bad.  It's mostly to set things up for the next chapter when things really hits the fan  :mwaha

**EDIT**
Oh, and a big thankyou to Keaton for her advice on the dialogue.

Sounds like some serious shit is going down

Excellent chapter, JP. I don't even know what I liked best about this one.

Quote from: Tapewolf on October 27, 2007, 08:25:59 PM

It's going to be one of those days, he sighed.

Agreed. Interesting way to put it.

Special thanks to Keaton for her help with the dialog.

Chapter 19 - Crisis

"Protect Simeon," Jakob instructed Joshua.  "Keaton knows she's not going to get the weapons tech now, so the only possible reason she'd want to stick around or return here would be to kill him.  You'll find him in the lab.  I've got to warn the company HQ in case she escapes."  So saying, he vanished, with a black flash.  The husky obediently headed towards the main laboratory.


"Surprise," said a voice.  The fox span around and his eyes widened in terror, unable to speak as the hand reached out of the darkness to take him.

No... please...  I didn't mean it...  not my soul... not my soul... not my


Simeon was in the lab when Joshua arrived.  "Thank the gods," he said.  "What do we do now?"

"We just stay here and wait for the others," Josh replied, standing beside him.  He seemed a little agitated.

"NO!" shouted a voice from the door and Simeon looked around in confusion, only to see Joshua run into the room again.  Astonished, he turned back just in time to see Keaton grab him by the throat as the grey faded from her fur.

Jakob, Ashley and Niall burst into the room, Jakob wielding a crossbow.  "The game's up, Keaton," he said.

"Not while I've got Daryil's lover it isn't.  Now be a good little incubus and put the weapon down, or I'll snap bish-boy's neck."

"Since he's a Kamei'Sin, I'm sure that was the idea all along, wasn't it?" said Jakob contemptuously, but he complied anyway, and gestured for Ash and Niall to do likewise.

"What's a kammy-sin?" asked Simeon confusedly.

"Your clan," said Jakob.  "And Keaton here is one of the few survivors of the Jyraneth clan.  Deadly rivals.  The fact that you are blissfully ignorant of your heritage is probably not going to be enough to sway her, I'm afraid."

"Spot on," the jackal smiled, pressing her muzzle against his ear.  "This is going to be your last night on Furrae, you inbred little shit," she told him.

"Inbred?  What's she mean?  I'm half-Being, aren't I?"

Keaton threw back her head and laughed.  "Well, doesn't that just prove my point?" she scoffed.  "Killing you is almost a mercy."  Out of the corner of her eye she saw Dorcan approaching the door.  A wing-tentacle streaked out and slammed it shut in his face.  A manual bolt slammed home leaving the Doberman to hammer uselessly against the armoured door.

She turned back to Simeon, his throat kept in an armlock.  "Well, well," she smiled at Jakob, who looked back at her in disgust.  "I seem to have outwitted the legendary Johan Cross.  Now, since I hold his life in my hands, I want you tell me your little secret, Cross." she said.  "Something remarkable happened in the forest and you're gonna tell me the whole story."

"Okay," Jakob began.  "Listen very carefully.  Once upon a time there were three little pigs and a particularly tenacious encyclopedia salesman..."

"SHUT UP!  I want to know how you survived death, Cross.  I want you to tell me how you came back from the headless dead and killed Torris...  'Cause if you can do it, so can the Kamei'Sin, and that's something I can't have.  Now tell me how you did it... or you'll get to see his head come off right now.  I know all about your blood phobia," she grinned horribly.  "...and what caused it."

"All right," sighed Jakob.  "It's been a while, but I think I remember it..."  He closed his eyes and morphed.  Seconds later a rangy feline with pale turquoise fur was standing before her.

"So, you killed him and took his place?"  Keaton said, her eyes narrowing as an appreciative smile touched her muzzle.  "I didn't think you had it in you.  But that doesn't explain how the head you brought back looked like you and its DNA matched yours... or did you somehow falsify the lab results?"

"No," said Torris, a slight twang to his voice.  "The head was real.  It just wasn't mine.  You see, before the android project was viable I began looking into cloning techniques.  It took more than 25 years, but I managed to create a clone of myself.  Without a soul."

Keaton boggled, relaxing her grip on Simeon ever so slightly.

"You think I could bring myself to raise and then slaughter a copy of me?"  Torris said.  "It would be like murdering my own son.  But 'Jacob' wasn't sentient.  He had a complete nervous system but I used magic to prevent his soul from forming correctly.  I had to teleoperate him, like a puppet.  And when his headwings appeared - which took some effort to ensure, I'll admit - the two of us went for a little walk in Woe Forest.  He wore one of my old leather trenchcoats... I went in the ridiculous half-naked style expected of an adventurer." he rolled his eyes.

"The really difficult bit was making the kill.  You can't imagine how hard it is to shoot... yourself... in the heart and then cut your own head off... but it had to be done.  I knew they wouldn't let me rest until I was dead."

The jackal was silent for a moment.  Then, "You planned the whole thing?  You set out to claim the bounty on yourself?"

"Yep.  There never was a Torris... he was just someone I made up.  And of course the revenge attack was staged so that he could disappear.  We did need some feline blood for the stains in case anyone tried a DNA sample, but I have Ashley here to thank for that."

Keaton looked appalled as Jakob morphed back into his proper wolf form.  He decapitated someone and then spread his friend's blood around the room... he's overcome the phobia!  Shit!

"Daryil will be very angry about this," Jakob warned.  "Now, just let Simeon go and we'll forget this ever happened..."

"Daryil?"  Keaton laughed.  "I made sure he was out the way first before I even began this.  I told you we had links to the Being-Creature Council.  Who do you think tipped the police off?  Who had the charges increased?"

Jakob looked furious and his wing-tentacles came out, the heads staring back at her.  He looked like he was about to attack her when he suddenly collapsed in agony.  So did Ashley and Niall.  As they lay gasping on the ground the heads on their tentacles flickered and faded away.

"Yessss!"  Keaton crowed ecstatically, for it seemed her assassin had succeeded.  "He did it!  No more fake clan for you, guys.  It's over!"  Simeon made an incoherent noise of despair.  Jakob tried to rise, but it was far beyond his strength...  The best he could do was flop over so he could see Keaton, who had now turned her whole attention back to Simeon.

"This is a death you've long deserved," she crooned in an almost distracted voice, caressing the terrified wolf's hair as she spoke.  "Nice and slow and full of pain... and then when it's finally over I'm gonna take your soul..."  One of her wing tentacles dangled a necklace in front of him.

"See this?  I call it 'Hell', and it's a special place I have for Kamei'Sin souls.  After a millennia of suffering and torment you'll wish I'd simply devoured you..."

Jakob looked on in horror, still too weak even to sit up, let alone defend the other wolf... his only real consolation was that she wasn't going to eat him.

Around Simeon's neck was an expensive diamond-studded collar which Daryil had bought him.  One of these gems was a soulstone, and with luck it would take his soul before Keaton could... especially if he willed himself to die.  And if it didn't, well, they'd have to break the evil bitch's neck and then rescue Simeon from Hell.  But both these plans were more like avenging his death than a rescue because they'd only be able to carry them out after Simeon had already died a horrible death.  Would Daryil still love him if he was a machine?

The young wolf knew what coming and his terror was palpable.  As if to add insult to injury, fear was one of Jakob's primary emotions and it tasted sweet to him.

"Jakob... Daryil... please... help..." he whimpered.

"Your sugardaddy can't help you," Keaton smiled.  "'cause he's dead.  And now he's out the way, we can begin.  Your kind took my eye..."  She morphed her claws slightly, sharpening them to razor points.  "...so take a look at this room, little Simeon.  Take a good, long look.  'Cause it'll be the last thing you'll ever see."

"Gug," she added as something wrapped itself tightly around her throat.

"Peace be with you, my children," said a voice.  Rising groggily, Jakob looked up and his eyes bugged.  Behind the succubus was a shining figure dressed in a long, flowing robe.  -! he thought.   This is it, I've finally gone crazy.   And the Church always said He was a human...

The newcomer stood before them making a gesture of blessing.  There was a serene expression upon his face, although this was difficult to see from the yellow glow coming from behind his head.  Hold on... since when did Jesus have tentacles?  And that's not a halo, that's his...

"Daryil...?" the young wolf croaked.

The fox had heads on his wing-tentacles, but there was something odd about them.  Not the fact that one of them was wearing rose-tinted glasses, nor even that another one had what looked suspiciously like a reefer in its mouth, but there was something distinctly more... solid about them.  Looking round, Jakob saw that his own tentacles had heads again, although they were moving of their own accord, apparently grubbing for food.

"Keaton, I do hope you're not trying to seduce my dear Simeon," Daryil said.  "After all, I am a jealous god..."

Oh f*ck... he's flipped out real good this time, Jakob thought.

"Manners, Jakob," he replied.  The wolf whimpered.

"Shut up!" gurgled Keaton, her eyes narrowing as she scrabbled to free her throat.  "Let me go, or I'll take his soul!"  This had been her plan to begin with, but now she was trapped.  Simeon had just changed from being prey to a bargaining chip.

"I don't think that would be advisable," Daryil said, smiling paternally at her.  Keaton tugged at the wolf's soul to prove she meant it - Simeon's cry of pain and terror might be enough to wipe the stupid grin off his face.  But the wolf didn't seem to feel a thing.

She did though.  A strange and horrible rippling sensation shivered through her and she let out a gasp of agony.

"I've put intercepts on your powers," he continued, as Keaton tried harder to attack the young wolf only to be rebuffed again.

"I wouldn't keep doing that by the way," he added as she collapsed to the floor.  "I don't know what happens if a succubus actually eats her own soul but I imagine it would be a deeply unpleasant experience.  At the very least it would kill your body."

Keaton picked herself up dizzily and stared uncomprehendingly at the glowing figure of Daryil.  Somehow Simeon was no longer standing next to her.

"Come," he said.  "If Jakob doesn't mind I think we should pray.  Express your desires freely.  Don't be afraid... I know them already.  For I am the creator and ruler of the univer-"

"Stop it!" Jakob yelled.  "You've copied that word-for-word from The Ruling Class.  Daryil... for the sake of our sanity... will you please explain why, for the love of all the gods, you are standing there cosplaying as Jesus?"

"It seemed the best way to celebrate my ascendancy," he said, looking slightly put out.  His headwings stopped glowing.

"Ascendancy?" queried Jakob.  He looked extremely puzzled.  And then afraid.

Daryil did not answer in words.  He smiled beatifically and the robe faded away like mist.  Jakob, Niall and Ashley looked awestruck.  Simeon had an expression of sheer adoration, and Joshua simply looked confused.  Keaton gulped and her pawpads began to sweat profusely.  The incubus was wearing a pair of striped boxer shorts.  Slightly above these, protruding from his hips, were a large pair of feathered wings.


They found the fennec shivering in the corner of the cell where Daryil had been held.  There was a lollipop at this feet and he seemed to be mumbling something about his soul.  By morning the fox was able to answer some questions in a shaky voice, but his eyes would glaze over again if he was asked to recall what had happened that night.

teleoperating a clone that you specifically engineered not to have a soul. Killing another living creature and then bragging about it makes you sound kinda' ...villianious.

Quote from: GabrielsThoughts on November 09, 2007, 07:19:28 PM
teleoperating a clone that you specifically engineered not to have a soul. Killing another living creature and then bragging about it makes you sound kinda' ...villainous.

I suppose it does, really.  On the other hand, if it has no soul or mind, it's basically just a lump of meat.

Just when I'd thought Daryil couldn't become any crazier...

I liked the part about the encyclopedia salesman, by the way.

Sounds like Keaton is doing alot here

Normally i would say something along the lines of"He has gone insane with power"but considering it's Daryil.......

Quote from: Gabi on November 09, 2007, 07:37:37 PM
Just when I'd thought Daryil couldn't become any crazier...

See also: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LC-1X0MaWQE

QuoteI liked the part about the encyclopedia salesman, by the way.

Yeah, I had an even better idea as well, but I decided to see if I can work it into a collection of songs.

Quote from: Zedd on November 09, 2007, 09:05:38 PM
Sounds like Keaton is doing alot here

Yeah - to be honest her role has expanded far beyond what I originally intended, but that's really because it just works so well.

Quote from: schizo on November 09, 2007, 09:39:51 PM
Normally i would say something along the lines of"He has gone insane with power"but considering it's Daryil.......

That's the beauty of it.  A full tri-wing character is basically too powerful (and too little-understood) to work properly with our current knowledge of DMFA.  But Daryil didn't 'work properly' to begin with.  As far is he's concerned, it makes him a full clan founder, immortal, and the godlike powers are a bonus to allow for grander and more intricate practical jokes.  It's a bit like having full 'Cubi powers and using them exclusively to peel oranges or something.

For some reason the image of a tri-winged Daryil standing there wearing striped boxers makes me giggle insanely.

 :mwaha

That is all. :3




If you want something of more substance though, you are very much aware that I already adore this chapter, and that I already adore what you've done here, and that I already adore Daryil (he's awesome), and that I already adore Keaton's villainous bitchery. XD Ah Keaton, you're such a nasty girl. But she's my bebe.

Good work as always, good sir. *tips hat*

~Keaton the Black Jackal

Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on November 10, 2007, 02:51:35 PM
If you want something of more substance though, you are very much aware that I already adore this chapter, and that I already adore what you've done here, and that I already adore Daryil (he's awesome), and that I already adore Keaton's villainous bitchery. XD Ah Keaton, you're such a nasty girl. But she's my bebe.

Thanks again.  I still only have about 1/3 of the followup chapter but there are a number of ideas I'll need to run past you at some point...

Quote from: SpottedKitty on November 10, 2007, 09:27:42 AM
For some reason the image of a tri-winged Daryil standing there wearing striped boxers makes me giggle insanely.

That was a fairly late addition.  In an earlier version, the robe simply disappeared until I realised I had a stark naked fox, which kind of gave me the jitters.

Earlier, I had also planned a throwaway joke where Jakob and Ashley see Daryil running down a corridor yelling "I am the way and the life!".  Ashley thinks he's lost it completely, but Jakob realises where his copy of The Ruling Class has gone. 

Seen the video. Isn't he a bit too... blond?

In 1972, there was still a heck of a lot of people who believed, devoutly, that Jesus was Aryan, or thereabouts.

Despite being born in an Arabic region to local, devoutly Jewish parents.


Sometimes the stupidity, ignorance, and blind out and out racism of the human race depresses me.


Good story, though, Tape. It ranks up there with Making Money, which I was reading just prior to - equal laughs from both.

Quote from: Tapewolf on November 10, 2007, 05:19:42 PM
Earlier, I had also planned a throwaway joke where Jakob and Ashley see Daryil running down a corridor yelling "I am the way and the life!".  Ashley thinks he's lost it completely, but Jakob realises where his copy of The Ruling Class has gone. 

Now I really like Daryil. Really. XD

~Keaton the Black Jackal

over the course of the weekend i read all the way through CJP and this and i have to say, holy shit, these are awesome!

thank god that daryill didn't lose his darling. Imagine what he would have done?

Quote from: dannysaysnoo on November 12, 2007, 02:12:17 PM
over the course of the weekend i read all the way through CJP and this and i have to say, holy shit, these are awesome!

Thanks.  One of my goals in writing these was to see if I could put together a fanfic that did justice to DMFA.  I made a few mistakes, but hey, it was the first time I wrote fiction for about 15 years.

Quotethank god that daryill didn't lose his darling. Imagine what he would have done?

It would have been very, very bad for Keaton, who I might add isn't out of the woods yet.  And you've just given me an idea  >:3

One possibility which I had pondered was to kill her and shove her into one of the android bodies, which would render her mostly harmless.  Keaton would never agree to that of course, but it would make an interesting threat.

Quote from: Tapewolf on November 12, 2007, 02:22:17 PM
One possibility which I had pondered was to kill her and shove her into one of the android bodies, which would render her mostly harmless.  Keaton would never agree to that of course, but it would make an interesting threat.

What if Jacob stuffed her into a soul-gem and hooked it up to some kind of vision screen, so you could see the inner workings of the gem?

Quote from: dannysaysnoo on November 12, 2007, 02:25:25 PM
What if Jacob stuffed her into a soul-gem and hooked it up to some kind of vision screen, so you could see the inner workings of the gem?

It would kill her body, which would be a very rude thing to do to a guest character  >:3
And by the way it's 'Jakob'...

Quote from: Tapewolf on November 12, 2007, 02:27:04 PM

Quote from: dannysaysnoo on November 12, 2007, 02:25:25 PM
What if Jacob stuffed her into a soul-gem and hooked it up to some kind of vision screen, so you could see the inner workings of the gem?

It would kill her body, which would be a very rude thing to do to a guest character  >:3
And by the way it's 'Jakob'...

i've always hated c's and k's.

... of course, you could always have Daryil fiddle her memory to have her -think- he did that. ;-]

Tapewolf, you do realize I'm going to have to steal you for my animation company.  If my first two projects get done, I'll need writers for full-length works. 

*has his dungeon half-dug already!*   :mwaha

Quote from: Alondro on November 12, 2007, 06:37:16 PM
Tapewolf, you do realize I'm going to have to steal you for my animation company.  If my first two projects get done, I'll need writers for full-length works. 

Heh, I'm honoured, but writing something feature-length could be hard.   I'd be the first to admit that I'm more adept at adapting existing ideas - after all, that's what CJP and Future History are, a new spin on an existing concept.  If I do the world design as well, I'm usually stumped for stories :(

Anyway, here's the next chapter.  Thanks again to Keaton for vetting her character's dialogue.

---

Chapter 20 - Aftermath

Oh gods... oh gods... thought Keaton in a mad panic.  He knows, he knows I tried to have him assassinated and then take his lover's soul and they're gonna kill me right here, pinned to the floor and shot several times in the head while he laughs that's what Cross loved to do and now he's right here in this room and they're gonna execute me I just hope it's quick

"No, Katherine," said Daryil, answering her unspoken question, "You're not going to join your family." 

The jackal whimpered, as the horror cut through her like a chill wind.  Or a knife.  They weren't even going to kill her.  Daryil was going to rob her of her very soul - just like he had done to the Ti'Nera succubus who had killed his last love.  Like she had done to Beings...

"Let's be honest," he continued gravely, "Your deeds do warrant death - and possibly more.  It would be fitting and just to push you into that crystalline torture-chamber of yours.  But, as Jakob well knows, I believe the wicked deserve a chance to clean up their act.  I give that chance to you.  But know this: if ever again you seek to harm so much as a strand of Simeon's fur, you shall know the full force of my anger."

She looked up at him, but did not reply.  It sounded like they were going to let her live?

Daryil snapped his fingers and the armoured door swung open, despite the inconvenient fact that it remained locked.  Dorcan fell into the room, followed by Azrael and at least three panthers.  The doberman struggled to his feet, took one look at the fox and fell right back on his knees.  The panthers froze, uncertain what to do.

"Forgive this intrusion, oh Lord," Dorcan whimpered, prostrating himself as if in an act of worship, which for all intents and purposes, it was.  Daryil, taken aback, looked down at himself and the hip-wings went away.  "At ease, Dorcan," he said.  Hmm, this is one thing I didn't bank on.

Sneaking a glance at the fox incubus, Dorcan slowly rose and glanced at him as if he wasn't sure if he'd imagined it, but he still looked almost as frightened as Keaton did.  Azrael, by contrast, looked mildly surprised, as though he was wondering why Daryil had taken so long over his transcendence.

"Who's the meathead?" Keaton asked, staring at Dorcan and forgetting the danger she was in.

The doberman glanced back at her with distaste.  "So she's the intruder?"

The jackal gave him a strange look in return as she realised that he had a Being mind-shield instead of a proper incubus one, even though both sets of his wings were plainly visible.  This could mean that he was young and untrained like Daryil's loverboy (perhaps he had two boyfriends?) but with the prospect of her death still in the air, she was not in a particularly understanding frame of mind and took it to mean that he was a less-than-intelligent specimen of their race.  Probably another one of those inbred scum.

Slightly embarrassed by the fact that the doberman's muscular frame was his fault, Daryil coughed softly to try and change the subject.  It worked, because the two 'cubi suddenly froze, the fear returning to them.

"Settle down, kids..." he said.  "Dorcan, this is Keaton.  Keaton, Dorcan.  You should both calm down, as stress can be a killer.  Well, for you, at least," he added, looking at the succubus.  What did he just say?

"My Lord," Dorcan began nervously, "I mean no disrespect, but why... are you here?  What about your trial?  Your defence?"

"Oh, that," he said dismissively.  "I presented a particularly convincing argument and they acquitted me."  Jakob looked as though he'd been struck in the face, and turned on the nearest wall-display to check the headlines.

"Did you use your new powers, by any chance?"  he asked slowly after a few moments, the amazement on his face turning to horror.

"Just a bit.  Well, maybe some..."

"Legal history was made as the judge ruled himself in contempt of court..." Jakob read out.

"Well, perhaps I overdid it..." Daryil admitted.  "I'm not used to them yet."

"No further updates on Wils... Oh!  Snell has been arrested."

"What?" Ashley yelped.

"No, not about that...  He assumed the form of a supermarket cashier at BunnyMart.  Apparently he made off with hundreds of PIN numbers using his thought-reading powers, and thousands of dollars in checkout takings..."

"Well... if we've got all the ugly stuff out of the way, I think it's time to kick back and relax," Daryil said, and began to hand out lollipops.  Keaton took hers without hesitation - the incubus was plainly cuckoo but if it was on his say-so that she was going to keep her life and her soul, there was no way she was going to rock the boat.  However she noted with a brief flicker of interest that Dorcan refused his.
"I suppose I'll have to organise a party to celebrate," Daryil continued.  "Feel free to invite your families."

The doberman looked up with a guilty start, and slipped out of the room.  The fox smiled at him softly.


In one of the lesser-used common rooms, Dorcan approached the comms screen and after some hesitation, keyed a number into the display.  A few moments later a Doberman appeared on the screen.
"Weysberg two-four-double-oh-eight-one," he said, "Mordrith speaking."  Seeing that he was talking to another incubus, his own headwings suddenly appeared.  Like most of his kind, he had the appearance of someone in his early-to-mid twenties although his real age could be anything up to a thousand centuries.
"Oh my gods," he whispered.  Then: "Julei... come here... quickly!"

"What is it?" the speaker was a female husky.  One glance at the screen and she let out a yelp of shock.
"Dorcan?" she said.  "Oh my gods..."

"Don't get too carried away, dear," the doberman replied, his eyes narrowing.  "He may be one of Them.  Dorcan, if you don't mind me asking, what present did we send you for your eighth birthday?"

"A bicycle... a red one," he said, closing his eyes.  "With a white saddlebag that broke off when I tried to put too many rocks in it..."

"It is him," said the husky.  "But... you were... you're... dead..."

"There were rumours," the doberman interjected.  "It was said that you came back three days after your execution.  But the body was still in the grave, so we took it as a cruel hoax..."  He sniffed.

"They dug up my grave?"  Dorcan sounded extremely affronted.

"Yes.  It was horrible... but Dorcan, it's been four months!  Why didn't you call us?  Why didn't you call your parents?"

"I'm really sorry," he replied guiltily.  "I've been so busy, what with one thing and another I clean forgot.  Oh, and one of the reasons I'm calling you now is because I forgot their number again."

"That's Dorcan alright," the husky chuckled.  "Only thinks to call us when he needs something..."

"Well if you must know, I... forgot I died."

"You forgot...  Never mind.  How did you escape, though?  Who's really in the grave?"

"The corpses is mine," the doberman replied.  "My... employer... used a soul-transference process."

"Soul-transfer?  Into what?  Another 'Cubi?  You morphed into yourself?  What's your base form like?"

"Grandad,"  Dorcan began, "I don't know quite how to put this, but I'm not a 'Cubi anymore."

"Dorcan, you know I hate being called- what did you say?"

Dorcan happened to be shirtless at the time.  Sometimes he did this anyway, as 'Cubi often do - most regions having a dress-code where only trousers were mandatory - although it was something which Jakob personally found a little distasteful for some reason.  Right now he was bare-chested because he had anticipated this moment.  As he had done for the rat at Jakob's behest, he placed his fingers on the secret part of his ribcage and opened his chest.  His grandfather stared at him in astonishment.

"Well I'm buggered," he said at last, and his eyes narrowed again.  "Dorcan... tell me what play we saw at the winter festival when you were eleven."

"I... don't remember,"

The other doberman emitted a sad sigh.  "I thought it was too good to be true."

"Gods," Dorcan exploded, "It was centuries back!  Can you remember what shirt you were wearing on this day half a millennia ago?  Look... how about we just meet face-to-face?  You can scan my mind and see if I'm really your grandson..."

"I'm afraid not.  If you're really one of Them, it could be ruse to get up close so you can kill us."

"So I have to convince you first?  Fine.  You want me to remind you about the time you had too much ale and tried to hit on my mother?"

"Okay, okay, okay," he replied hastily, "I believe you.  Perhaps I'm getting paranoid in my old age," he smiled cynically, "but you would too if you'd seen what I've seen.  Very well, I'll give you an address to meet me.  You don't know how badly your death affected us.  I would very much like to believe that you're really my late grandson back from the dead, and if I find you aren't, I shall- oh my gods."

He stopped.  Dorcan glanced round to see Keaton standing in the doorway.
"Do you mind?" he snapped, "This is a private call... Mordrith?  What's the matter?"  His grandfather was in a state resembling panic.

"She... she's one of Those!"

"One of 'Them'?" Dorcan asked, puzzled.

"Not Them, Those!"

"Mordrith, what the hell are you on about?"

"Her clan..."

"Jyraneth," Keaton put in, with relish.  She was used to hate and to some degree fear, since the Jyraneth clan had had many enemies in their time.  Sometimes the name alone could inspire terror, and from his reaction it seemed that she had hit the spot.  The jock was evidently a Kamei'Sin or one of their allies.

"Yes, those!  Run, little Dorcan!  She has come to kill us all!  No, wait... I remember you!  Kate, wasn't it?  No... Katherine..."

"You know her?"  Dorcan looked somewhat surprised, which meant a lot since he was more-or-less immune to that particular emotion.  Keaton looked astonished.

"Not really, no," the elder doberman continued, his panic vanishing like mist in the sun.  "She was one of Salem's children.  A tough nut, unlike her poor dear sisters..."

"What do you know of my family?"  Keaton demanded in a forceful tone.  As she spoke she glanced at Dorcan and her expression changed.  She had never seen him topless before and now that she was, her eyes locked onto him.  He had an athletic build and on his chest was the clan symbol.   It wasn't quite the same, but running through the centre of it, her eyes traced a pattern that she had known ever since she was a puppy.  Not one of the hated Kamei'Sin shits like Simeon, it seemed he was a...

"You... you're Jyraneth survivors?"

"Almost," Dorcan said, with a sad smile.  "I was born after the massacre.  In any case, I died earlier this year.  I'm one of Jakob's resurrectees."

"Then you're like Joshua?"  That would explain the mind-shield...


"Where did Dorcan go?"  Jakob asked.

"Oh, he's just remembered that he forgot to tell his parents that he's alive,"  Daryil smiled.  "And before you ask, Keaton is following him."  Jakob looked unnerved.

"Are you sure that's wise?"

"She'll hold for now.  Too afraid of me taking her soul to cause any real trouble, but we will have to think of a more permanent solution."

Jakob glanced back at his leader uneasily.

"Daryil... are you sure you're okay?  I mean, the transition you've been through is very, very dangerous...  Are you quite sure that the power isn't going to go to your head or something?"  And please can you stop reading my mind...

"Now you know what a Being feels like," he grinned.  "Okay, I'll leave off doing that.  And don't worry!  I'm fine."

So much more than fine... he thought.  So many new possibilities...
Jakob left, somewhat relieved.  It was a good job the wolf couldn't see the smile on Daryil's face as a new idea occurred to him.

*giggle*

That look in his eye bodes ill for someone. ;-] In the nicest possible way, of course. Daryil will be "just trying to help" and "I didn't mean any harm" etc etc...  but it's all going to end up neck deep and sinking for Jakob...

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on November 26, 2007, 12:57:40 PMDaryil will be "just trying to help" and "I didn't mean any harm" etc etc...  but it's all going to end up neck deep and sinking for Jakob...

You know, I think he would see it that way.  :mwaha

Anyway, Ive just realised that they've pretty much ignored Keaton, so I have revised Jakob and Daryil's conversation at the end to reflect this.

DAym, you just released a Chronicles chapter, you must be working overdrive.

Quote from: dannysaysnoo on November 26, 2007, 02:17:53 PM
DAym, you just released a Chronicles chapter, you must be working overdrive.

Actually that's one of the reasons the CJP chapter was delayed, because I was on a roll with this.

I still love Daryil. Absolutely love him. XD Because him passing out lollipops was absolute gold. Gold, I tell you, gold. For some reason, I can perfectly see her staring at her lollipop in absolute horror, then, when nobody's looking, dropping it, as though it were infected with this horrible acid.

I seriously can't wait to see the next installment. >:3 Once more, this was a great chapter with nice, solid writing. I loved it.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

Dropping it? Or holding on to it until he's out of reach? After all.. if she took it... she's got to be scared of him enough that she doesn't want to offend him. ;-]

Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on November 26, 2007, 05:04:21 PM
I still love Daryil. Absolutely love him. XD Because him passing out lollipops was absolute gold. Gold, I tell you, gold. For some reason, I can perfectly see her staring at her lollipop in absolute horror, then, when nobody's looking, dropping it, as though it were infected with this horrible acid.

I seriously can't wait to see the next installment. >:3 Once more, this was a great chapter with nice, solid writing. I loved it.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

I actually see her devouring it with a vengeance. who doesn't love lollipops?

Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on November 26, 2007, 05:04:21 PM
For some reason, I can perfectly see her staring at her lollipop in absolute horror, then, when nobody's looking, dropping it, as though it were infected with this horrible acid.

Pity you didn't mention that before.  Daryil would know, of course, but I love the imagery  :3

QuoteI seriously can't wait to see the next installment. >:3 Once more, this was a great chapter with nice, solid writing. I loved it.

Thanks!

Quote from: dannysaysnoo on November 26, 2007, 05:26:41 PM
I actually see her devouring it with a vengeance. who doesn't love lollipops?

Well, the assassin left his...

As I mentioned to Keaton:

"Hi, Keaton. Nice to see you again. Did you enjoy the lollipop? Would you like another one?" ...

;-]

It seems that Dorcan can be quite pathetic. But it was a funny scene.

It was also interesting to see the variety of Keaton's emotions.

Thanks again to Keaton for her great help with the Jyraneth background.

Chapter 21 - Escapism

Meanwhile, Keaton's reunion with some of her surviving clan-mates was a less-than-happy one.

"Yes, we were Jyraneth," Mordrith scowled.  "But we rejected the rule of that loony old hag!  Her madness led the clan to ruin, as well you should know, Katherine."  He sighed.  "I didn't get on well with my clan-brothers, but Salem was alright.  Too blinded by the Lady to see sense, though."

"Don't you dare criticise my dad!"  Keaton yelled.  "You abandoned Her teachings to save your own worthless pelt!  He had faith!  He stuck with Her word right to the end..."

"And look where that got him!" the doberman shouted back in reply.  "He's dead!  Our clan is dead and your precious 'Queen' is too!  Barring you, who apparently lived through the attack, the only survivors were the ones who were out of the city at the time or those with the sense to flee before the gods could punish us!"


Mordrith was a kind and gentle man as Jyraneth went, but he was still extremely superstitious, something which Dorcan found rather trying at times.  Not that he could help it of course, having been brought up under the reign of a tyrant so crazed that she had been expelled from her original clan.  This might have been a rather boring footnote in the annals of that clan if she hadn't had a large number of supporters, and all too soon she had formed a clan of her own, who venerated her as the mouthpiece of the gods themselves.

Mordrith, who had taken leave of the clan's raiding parties to raise a family, had privately begun to question her edicts. Why would the gods, who had created Beings in the first place, demand that their own creations be slain, even down to their very souls?  If they were created in error, surely the gods would have corrected it themselves instead of leaving it to the whims of others?

He had also read books of history which claimed that the 'Cubi race had itself been created - and not by the gods, but by a lesser power, such as the Fae or the Dragons.  Their race was a late addition, long, long after the first Beings had appeared.
The Jyraneth were notorious for the raids which they carried out with religious fervour - killing, looting, raping and enslaving all Beings who did not fall under the protection of a Creature strong enough to defend them.  Like most young Jyraneth 'Cubi, Mordrith's childhood dream had been to join the exalted ranks of the Raiders, but now, fourteen centuries older and wiser, he could only conclude that the raids which had brought him so much excitement in the past were violating the wishes of the gods, not obeying them.

The clan's reverence for children?  Now that was something he could agree with, something he could understand himself from the first moment he had held young Neremath wriggling in his hands, so frail and so tiny!  Killing children, even Being children, was a great evil indeed, but where do you draw the line?  Each Being whose life they claimed had also been a child once, and compared to him, they were children still.  In any case, each child they spared was slain anyway when the clan returned years later.  What was the point of it all?   He'd had enough.

And so, one morning in the black days following the accidental slaying of a child in a raid gone wrong, Mordrith had taken a sturdy packing crate to the square and begun to preach.  An air of gloom and dread hung all around the city which even Jyraneth herself had done little to assuage, remaining mute and despondent within her splendid tower.  Some began to fear that the end of the Clan was at hand and in this atmosphere, when a respected member of the Raiders began to preach salvation, people stopped to listen.

Some listened some out of curiosity, respect for his great deeds as a Raider, or out of genuine fear that the gods were punishing them for the child's death.  Some were hecklers who thought him an amusing crank.  Most simply ignored him, turning a deaf ear to his lunatic ideas that Beings were the chosen ones and that only by treating them with kindness and respect would the gods spare the clan.  And some went straight to the tower where the Lady herself dwelt to inform her advisors of the blasphemies.

Jyraneth's rage had been almost unbounded.  At least one of her advisors had died and the others had written a death warrant for Mordrith.  He would die in public, bound and helpless like a Being in the very square in which he had preached.  His soul would then be destroyed by the Red Queen herself in front of the faithful, and his wife, Julei - surely corrupted by the foul taint of her husband - would get the same, with the exception that her soul might be spared if she recanted prior to her execution.

Somehow Mordrith had anticipated the horrific fate that his ruler had intended.  When they broke down the door of his house to restrain him with the enchanted manacles, it was empty.  He had already summoned a warp-aci and fled with his wife and children.

It was fortunate that the advisors had not publicly announced Mordrith's fate or there would have been another head on the floor of the meeting chamber.  Nonetheless, they did have a bit of a problem.  At length it was decided to issue a proclamation that Mordrith and his wife had both been destroyed in secret executions for treason.  The fact their children had disappeared as well would not raise too many eyebrows since the children of criminals were normally placed in the care of an allied clan until they were considered adults.

The city authorities had just begun to put some of these notices up when the Kamei'Sin unexpectedly poured into the streets, slaying all they could find.


Dorcan closed his eyes in frustration.  They were still arguing louder than ever.
"This was supposed to be a private call!" he yelled and the VU meter bars beneath the wall-display pegged into the red.  Silence fell.

"Thank you.  Now, Mordrith... will you consent to meet me face-to-face?"

Mordrith's face was twisted by conflicting emotions.  He was desperate to think that his grandson lived and only by meeting him could he verify that.  But at the same time, part of him was convinced that it was a plot to kill him.  This part won out.

"Yes," said a voice behind him, his wife, Julei.

"No!  It could be a trap!"

"One of us goes.  If you won't, I will."

"Very well," the old doberman said, "I shall go.  But I shall go armed.  And Dorcan, you shall come alone.  If you are truly my grandson, you shall have nothing to fear."

"I'll have to get permission from my employer..."

"Yes, the nice Mr. Cross," Keaton put in helpfully.  She was not disappointed by Mordrith's reaction as he began panicking again.

"CROSS?!?  As in Johan Cross?"

"Oh, I forgot to mention - he's my employer.  Only don't call him that, he doesn't like it..."

"Oh my gods, Dorcan... have you gone crazy?"

"Calm down!  I've been working under him for almost four months now and he's nothing like the legends at all.  He grew out of that kind of stuff like you grew out of raiding!  And I might add I was raised from the dead by his own son..."

"But it's said he betrayed the clan!"

"Rubbish.  He'd only just left SAIA at that time.  The madness didn't come until decades afterwards..."

Keaton turned away, fighting back tears.  She knew full well who had allowed the Kamei'Sin to enter Harla'Keth - and given the circumstances she would have done the same.

Struggling to get her emotions back under control, she watched impassively as Dorcan and his grandfather haggled over the terms and conditions of their meeting.


The decision to flee came suddenly.  Perhaps it was because she came from a clan with a high affinity for the emotions associated with disgrace and humiliation, but Keaton was unable to shake the conviction that Daryil had lied about sparing her life.  She had got it into her head that he was exacting a slow and terrible vengeance for her attempt at murdering him - and his lover - so it was only a matter of time until he got bored with tormenting her and moved in for the kill.
Escape was easier said than done, however, since the base was heavily fortified and patrolled by creepy feline robots.  She was only given minimal access in the security system.

Expelled from SAIA and originally brought up by a clan who thrived on brutality over knowledge and wisdom, she had never learned to teleport under her own power like Jakob could and to make matters worse, they had somehow prevented her from being able to summon Xianxi, her warp-aci.

As she sullenly followed the doberman back to the recreation room they ran into Daryil himself, who received a respectful wave from Dorcan.  The saffron jackal averted her eyes and tried to pretend she wasn't there, but it didn't stop the fox from pressing a set of lollipops into her hands as he went by.  Why is he so insistent about these? she wondered suspiciously.  Are they some kind of... oh f__k, he's trying to poison me!
She stared down at the sweets in her hand with a look of mute horror.  As soon as the tri-wing was out of sight she was seized by the urge to fling them as far away from her as she could, or cram them into the nearest receptacle she could find.  But he'll know... he'll kill me...  She stuffed them into her pockets, ostensibly for later consumption, and hurried on after the doberman.


Jakob sat in the common-room, trying to unwind.  One of his less trustworthy companions from an adventure more than a hundred years ago had broken in and tried to steal Simeon's soul.  Then Daryil, who had been under arrest, had ascended into something catastrophically powerful.  All in all, it had not been one of his better days.

What disturbed him most was Simeon's inability to defend himself.  When Jakob had first met the kid, he had been a remorseless killer, responsible for the deaths of at least seven other 'Cubi in a misguided attempt to avenge his parents.  Now he was basically helpless, as Keaton had aptly proven.  While Jakob disliked violence he was also well aware that self-defence was a necessity.

Daryil did this to him.  Why?


At one of the many junctions, something small and black floated past Keaton.  It was upside-down and it looked like the answer to her prayers.

"Psst," she said.  "You.  Warp-aci.  Get me out of this madhouse!"

"What's in it for me?"  Kirian asked, opening one eye.

Keaton was taken aback.  A warp-aci was a servant, more of a slave.  You summoned them and they obeyed.  If they disobeyed, or if they failed you, they would suffer - and be quickly replaced with another who wouldn't.  Haggling with them was a completely new concept to her - and more to the point, a problem - as she didn't have any means to pay it.

"Lollipops," she replied suddenly in a moment of inspiration and drew out a handful of them.  The little creature's eyes bugged with glee.

"Naughty," said a stern voice from the corridor.  Keaton almost died, frozen where she stood for what seemed like an eternity until she suddenly realised that the grey fox standing behind her was not Daryil at all.  It was another incubus that she'd never met before, and he was actually talking to the warp-aci.

"I've told you before never to take candy from strangers," he said.  Kirian sagged and draped itself around around his neck like a feather boa, making apologetic mewling noises.

"You're Keaton, right?" Niall said.  "Dad would like a word with you."

"Daryil?" she asked with a sinking feeling.

"Nah, Jakob.  You'll find him in the common room," he added, and turned to go.


"Good Evening," said the deer, "In the Wils case, a new piece of CCTV footage has just been released by the local police force, depicting what they believe to be the last moments before-"  There was a flash of grey fur, a cry and a thump.  The picture wobbled slightly as something hit the camera.

"In other news," Daryil said, dusting himself off as he settled in the newsreader's chair and put his feet up on the desk, "Daryil, head of Daryil clan... excuse me," he added, as the stag crawled angrily back on shot and attempted to grab him.  Without turning, the fox pointed a finger at the deer, who froze where he knelt, a look of shock on his face as two bright lights briefly appeared in front of his eyes.

"I'm sorry about that.  Now, in other news, Daryil - that is, me - has ascended to tri-wing status."  The hip-wings appeared and the studio was suddenly filled with voices from off-shot; cries of horror, profanities and tearful pleading for their souls to spared.  Daryil smiled kindly, and raised a hand for silence.  "Worship will not be necessary, although it would be nice if the fifth of this month could be referred to in future as 'Daryil's Day'.  I shall be gathering all the members of my clan together for a celebration in three days time.
"...but now, back to the rest of the day's news," Daryil said, gently hauling the still glassy-eyed deer back into his chair.

Jakob stared at the screen in abject horror.  "They'll crucify him."


"...but now, back to the rest of the day's news," Daryil said, gently hauling the still glassy-eyed deer back into his chair.

"I resign," said the wolf, staring at the screen.  He was almost in tears.  "I have struggled to keep law and order in this city for more than fifteen years, and now he... he is going to ruin everything I have worked for.  I give up."

"No, sir," said one of the others.  "Please reconsider!  A truce... surely we can reason with him..?"

At that moment the office manager entered the boardroom with a small package addressed to the chief.  In it was a bag of lollipops.


"...but now, back to the rest of the day's news," Daryil said, gently hauling the still glassy-eyed deer back into his chair.  The image froze.

"It seems we were too late, gentlemen," said the ferret.  His voice was not quite steady.  "The time for diplomacy has passed.  We cannot risk leaving it to chance anymore, and we will have to consider more... more drastic measures than we have been considering up to this point."

"I don't like it," said the fox, "but I believe you are correct.  We are out of options.  He has got to be stopped."

Hmm, some late night reading?

Oh, Daryill! you so crazy! Making your own holidays and impromptu jobs in broadcasting!

"He's trying to poison me!"

"but now, back to the rest of the days news"


Both classic lines. ;-]

Interesting way to handle the changes of scene.

And the background of the clans was interesting too.

Hmm... what's with all the lollipops?

Quote from: Gabi on December 08, 2007, 12:57:27 PM
Interesting way to handle the changes of scene.
And the background of the clans was interesting too.

Thanks.  As I say, there's been some pretty in-depth collaboration with Keaton to make this work.

QuoteHmm... what's with all the lollipops?

I think it's some kind of peace offering.

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on December 08, 2007, 12:02:10 AM
"He's trying to poison me!"
"but now, back to the rest of the days news"
Both classic lines. ;-]

Thanks.  My favourite line in this was when she tries to bribe Kirian, although the part expanding on Mordrith's backstory was probably the most engrossing to write.

"The decision to flee came suddenly" is the opening line from Ch.9 of Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas.

Quote from: Tapewolf on December 08, 2007, 01:33:08 PM

QuoteHmm... what's with all the lollipops?

I think it's some kind of peace offering.

Heh. Either that or he knows just how much it messes with her head, and he's enjoying her confusion and panic. ;-]


I thought that line sounded familiar. I should see if I can find a copy of F&L and watch and/or read it...

I just swallowed all of it in two-evenings' time.
And it left me a bit hungry.
keep doing, nice job!

Particulariy, I liked the part with BSA agents. Strange, whrerever they get cameo, everybody wants to hurt them...

Quote from: bizun on December 09, 2007, 12:19:17 PM
I just swallowed all of it in two-evenings' time.  And it left me a bit hungry.
keep doing, nice job!

Thanks. 

QuoteParticulariy, I liked the part with BSA agents. Strange, whrerever they get cameo, everybody wants to hurt them...

Well, there had been some horror stories of people abusing the BSA to halt a competitor's operations while they checked for pirated software which I'd read around that time.  I thought it would be rather amusing if they suddenly strayed into a horrifically dangerous world that is wholly outside their comprehension.

last night at work i printed off all of this story so far, all chapters and only the chapters.... its a freakin book, but i know thats because its large text with much spacing on only one side of the paper.

im on chapter 5 right now, and will say more after i am finished

Quote from: Brunhidden on December 09, 2007, 03:20:33 PM
last night at work i printed off all of this story so far, all chapters and only the chapters.... its a freakin book, but i know thats because its large text with much spacing on only one side of the paper.

Last I checked, which was a long time ago, the CJP story had the word count of a short novel.  I haven't checked Future History's wordcount for a while now.

Quote from: Tapewolf on December 09, 2007, 03:39:17 PM

Quote from: Brunhidden on December 09, 2007, 03:20:33 PM
last night at work i printed off all of this story so far, all chapters and only the chapters.... its a freakin book, but i know thats because its large text with much spacing on only one side of the paper.

Last I checked, which was a long time ago, the CJP story had the word count of a short novel.  I haven't checked Future History's wordcount for a while now.

its about two pounds, maybe two and a half,  on single sided printer paper, i am so glad i did it at work and not home

Quote from: Brunhidden on December 09, 2007, 04:02:04 PM

Quote from: Tapewolf on December 09, 2007, 03:39:17 PM

Quote from: Brunhidden on December 09, 2007, 03:20:33 PM
last night at work i printed off all of this story so far, all chapters and only the chapters.... its a freakin book, but i know thats because its large text with much spacing on only one side of the paper.

Last I checked, which was a long time ago, the CJP story had the word count of a short novel.  I haven't checked Future History's wordcount for a while now.

its about two pounds, maybe two and a half,  on single sided printer paper, i am so glad i did it at work and not home

Bah! A real novel is double-sided! and A3

Quote from: Tapewolf on November 26, 2007, 12:34:28 PM

Quote from: Alondro on November 12, 2007, 06:37:16 PM
Tapewolf, you do realize I'm going to have to steal you for my animation company.  If my first two projects get done, I'll need writers for full-length works. 

Heh, I'm honoured, but writing something feature-length could be hard.   I'd be the first to admit that I'm more adept at adapting existing ideas - after all, that's what CJP and Future History are, a new spin on an existing concept.  If I do the world design as well, I'm usually stumped for stories :(

That would actually work quite well!  I'm usually very good at creating the worlds and the scenarios and basic plots and whatnot, but then have trouble fleshing out the story.

I almost always think of the end first and then work everything toward that goal, but I tend to get impatient (usually because I'm so short on time) and just rush everything to the conclusion.  That's why I've been doing mostly just short stories for the Anthrocon book.   :3

Oh yes, and I have only one thing to say about the latest chapter:  Lolipop, lolipop, oo-la-la-lolipop, lolipop, lolipop *click*  Da-dum-dum-dum.   :giggle

Quote from: Tapewolf on December 09, 2007, 03:39:17 PM
Last I checked, which was a long time ago, the CJP story had the word count of a short novel.  I haven't checked Future History's wordcount for a while now.

78712 and 41544 words, respectively. Novella length, verging on novel, since most novels are >100k words. Heck, most of the ones -I- enjoy reading are 300k+ ;-]

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on December 09, 2007, 07:55:52 PM

Quote from: Tapewolf on December 09, 2007, 03:39:17 PM
Last I checked, which was a long time ago, the CJP story had the word count of a short novel.  I haven't checked Future History's wordcount for a while now.

78712 and 41544 words, respectively. Novella length, verging on novel, since most novels are >100k words. Heck, most of the ones -I- enjoy reading are 300k+ ;-]

Hmm, I wonder how many words the story I wrote long ago is.  It was 94 pages typed.  I need to find it again!

EDIT:  Found it.  About 42,500.   :3

okay, i finally got the chance to read (at work) the entire story presented on this thread so far. and ive digested what i could

1- i was not really expecting much. despite my respect for tape as an author i entered this knowing the story would be more or less a fanfiction, and thus i had low expectations. at times this really did show through, but it did not really hurt the story... then again almost every story has a few points where the plot is railroaded from point a to point b to force the characters to do what you want or to include all the miscellaneous aspects you wanna cram in. on a positive note i really do wonder who is going to pop up next, which probably excuses all the previous of this paragraph.

2- at times the story seemed disjointed, as though the current idea was just dropped as though done halfway through just to introduce new characters. while infrequent it did give me a bit of a turn when it happened, specifically when the doberman was introduced, it was like picking up a different book for a short period. nothing severe, and i guess i would be far more sensitive to this then most others.

3- you show a great talent common with many of the classic scifi writers, you do have a streak of passion for some of the tech you write about. it does not matter if its only possible in theory, or by the time you finish with the chapter you partially debunk its uses, the sheer fact it could be done or makes a good story is enough to go into detail which really makes things seem real.

4- the tofu soul, i freakin love that. give me a little time and a pad of note paper and i could cobble together "101 uses for an artificial soul"

5- keaton, i am impressed here. on our forums and suchlike i have no problem with keaton, and in fact admire and like her. however you wrote her in such a way that i had a strong urge to bite her head off, kudos on writing like that

6- daryil, hes got some good ideas. i can easily see how a race of magical horny furrs who stay at their sexual peak for a few thousand years can have a population problem. i would kinda like to see a cubi family tree, but only if i have asprin on hand. also, regular family reunions of a cubi family sound like a real hootnanny

Quote from: Brunhidden on December 20, 2007, 05:05:47 AM
1- i was not really expecting much. despite my respect for tape as an author i entered this knowing the story would be more or less a fanfiction, and thus i had low expectations. at times this really did show through, but it did not really hurt the story...

Yeah.  Really it was intended as a sequel to CJP, so it does skimp on explaining some of the DMFA stuff which was covered in that.

Quote2- at times the story seemed disjointed, as though the current idea was just dropped as though done halfway through just to introduce new characters. while infrequent it did give me a bit of a turn when it happened, specifically when the doberman was introduced, it was like picking up a different book for a short period. nothing severe, and i guess i would be far more sensitive to this then most others.

That was the intended effect, actually - Peter F Hamilton does this a lot.  That said, it was also to help give me a breather while I decided what to do next.

Quote3- you show a great talent common with many of the classic scifi writers, you do have a streak of passion for some of the tech you write about. it does not matter if its only possible in theory, or by the time you finish with the chapter you partially debunk its uses, the sheer fact it could be done or makes a good story is enough to go into detail which really makes things seem real.

4- the tofu soul, i freakin love that. give me a little time and a pad of note paper and i could cobble together "101 uses for an artificial soul"

Heh.  That would be neat, if you want to send me a PM.  I do have a few extra ideas which I haven't mentioned (one of which has just been dropped from chapter 22 to help it flow).  What's really bugging me is that I don't have a brand name for it  :rolleyes

Quote5- keaton, i am impressed here. on our forums and suchlike i have no problem with keaton, and in fact admire and like her. however you wrote her in such a way that i had a strong urge to bite her head off, kudos on writing like that

Actually, one of the things which bugs me a little is that she is a bit subdued compared to what she did in, say, Cog's story.  That one did make me want to bite her head off.
But yeah, she really is fun to write, and more is coming up.

Quote6- daryil, hes got some good ideas. i can easily see how a race of magical horny furrs who stay at their sexual peak for a few thousand years can have a population problem. i would kinda like to see a cubi family tree, but only if i have asprin on hand. also, regular family reunions of a cubi family sound like a real hootnanny

I haven't worked out the whole Daryil clan, if that's what you're asking  :3
We may see a bit more of Dorcan's family, though.

Quote from: Tapewolf on December 20, 2007, 05:47:21 AM

Quote5- keaton, i am impressed here. on our forums and suchlike i have no problem with keaton, and in fact admire and like her. however you wrote her in such a way that i had a strong urge to bite her head off, kudos on writing like that

Actually, one of the things which bugs me a little is that she is a bit subdued compared to what she did in, say, Cog's story.  That one did make me want to bite her head off.
But yeah, she really is fun to write, and more is coming up.

*coughKeaton'sbackstorycough*

Now you guys know how I feel whenever I write as Keaton. XD She's my baby, but she's so screwed up - and that makes me proud of her development over the years and makes her all the more entertaining to write. >:3 She used to be just an emo-punk seductress with bad dialogue and a predilection for leather... now she's... well, as you guys have seen her. I might make an image depicting the transformation she's gone through over time. Though at times I just feel like making things a little bit harder for her in her history because even she can piss me, her creator, off.

But I have to say, Tapewolf's done an excellent job of portraying her, and he's helped me work out numerous aspects of her future history with his story, which I'm highly grateful for.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

Quote from: Tapewolf on December 20, 2007, 05:47:21 AM
What's really bugging me is that I don't have a brand name for it  :rolleyes

... Soul Fu?

Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on December 20, 2007, 09:23:04 AM
Now you guys know how I feel whenever I write as Keaton. XD She's my baby, but she's so screwed up - and that makes me proud of her development over the years and makes her all the more entertaining to write.

Yeah.  I can't say I've come up with a character myself yet that I truly despise...

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on December 20, 2007, 09:39:46 AM... Soul Fu?

It's more like Quorn.  I did consider 'Quoul' or 'Quol' but that is an abomination.  In fact I think it was that which prompted me to ask on That Place.  Actually, llearch, do you think you could quickly scan the logs from Tuesday (I think)?  Someone probably posted a perfect name after I left?  :P

Quote from: Tapewolf on December 20, 2007, 10:35:36 AM

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on December 20, 2007, 09:39:46 AM... Soul Fu?

It's more like Quorn.  I did consider 'Quoul' or 'Quol' but that is an abomination.  In fact I think it was that which prompted me to ask on That Place.  Actually, llearch, do you think you could quickly scan the logs from Tuesday (I think)?  Someone probably posted a perfect name after I left?  :P

Collating all the offerings:

Sir Soul-a-Lot - 100% original!	Dannysaysnoo
slightly used	Kenji
Foul - Fake sOUL	Dannysaysnoo
Diet soul	Damien
Foul Spirit Sustinence	Dannysaysnoo
soula	Dannysaysnoo
Sucka Soula	Dannysaysnoo
Soka Soula	Damien
Soul-eze	Dannysaysnoo
soul glo	Damien
Soul Fu	llearch

It pretty much dried up as soon as you left. I could go into other suggestions, though... probably not what you're after, though. "I can't believe it's not Soul!" type thing... ;-]

"lunch", "Bread and Other" ...

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on December 20, 2007, 11:07:24 AM
"I can't believe it's not Soul!" type thing... ;-]

Thanks for the list.  "I can't believe it's not Being!" would be more apropos.  At this rate I'm going to have a scene with a whiteboard full of names they've discarded  :3

Quote from: Tapewolf on December 20, 2007, 10:35:36 AM

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on December 20, 2007, 09:39:46 AM... Soul Fu?

It's more like Quorn.  I did consider 'Quoul' or 'Quol' but that is an abomination.  In fact I think it was that which prompted me to ask on That Place.  Actually, llearch, do you think you could quickly scan the logs from Tuesday (I think)?  Someone probably posted a perfect name after I left?  :P

i had been thinking 'fou-sou', or is it 'faux-sou'?  mostly ill stick with calling it a tofu soul though.


soul uses ive had so far-

8- magical items, now you can buy souls in bulk to to create magic weapons far stronger then normal using superior ammounts of energy

12- attune a soul to a specific element before embedding it in a gem, the holder could possibly use elemental magic of that type or enhance their existing skill with it

22- a hat

59- soul grenade, souls are intangible and cannot be affected by most weapons, but a strong burst of soul energy should be able to cause an impact to a soul. a soul grenade would take several tofu souls to make but can harm or stun any creature or being regardless of power or armor

62- soul bomb, similar to a soul grenade but far stronger. a soul bomb would be powerful enough to physically push the souls of those in the blast range beyond their bodies. while it could not actually destroy the souls they are no longer attached to meat, and even if they could find a way to return the body would be dead by then. insta-kill for even the most powerful demons, but itll kill whoever sets it off too

66- energy drink, even beings can feel revitalized after one of these. probably addictive, small chance of temporary superpowers. i shudder to think of someone taking one with viagra

71- soul claymore, it may be possible to make a soul grenade or claymore directional so that someone behind it cannot be harmed or suffers lesser harm. in all probability it would either only work for weak blasts, have a chance of blowing away the person behind it anyways, or have any number of random problems. as it is unknown if any physical object can block soul energy effectively this is only in theory

75- batteries, imagine a AA battery with the energy of a soul. its estimated you could run a personal CD player for two years or more of continuous use. may increase efficency with research

78- attach soul to robots to allow limited free will. though not sentient it does allow for things like fuzzy logic, empathy, and a sense of self.

81- infuse soul to living patient of below average magical or psi ability, if properly treated the soul may bestow a moderate temporary boost or a slight permanent boost. more research is nessicary to see how to improve absorption.

85- set in small glass marble, provides illumination for a near permanent duration. a zero emission light which can replace normal bulbs or be attached to a rod to create a flashlight.

89- exotic seasoning for southern food, also makes excellent potato chips

95- makes a very potent color safe bleach.... although it does tend to make clothes vibrant and occasionally tie-dye

99- steep a common item like a baseball or darts into a soul brew for prolonged time, thus creating a 'lucky' item that responds you your mental urges. may be considered illegal for professional sports

101- use souls to counter pollution? more research necessary

Feing? A light, fluffy alternative to take-out? Set up a delivery service, delivering pizza with the "extra sauce" topping...
AuthentiSoul?
Eze-Meal?

Brun, good list. Add "Fashion accessory", "bleach for hair", "cheap indoor lighting for greenhousing chili plants", ... ;-]

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna link=topic=2274.msg167444#msg167444
Brun, good list. Add "Fashion accessory", "bleach for hair", "cheap indoor lighting for greenhousing chili plants", ... ;-]

all already on the list, but i have the strong inkling that was meant to be sarcastic

heh. No, no. I was thinking along the lines of the original "101 uses for a dead cat" style, rather than actual useful uses...

i doubt you could use a soul to dust your furniture

... mount a fan on it, and use the light pressure to spin the blades?

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on December 20, 2007, 12:31:31 PM
... mount a fan on it, and use the light pressure to spin the blades?

Some good ideas here.  That wasn't one of them, but still  >:3

Next chapter should be up tomorrow evening since I'll be away from home after that.

Chapter 22 - Threats

Jakob was sitting in the common room, with one of the robot panther-creatures at his side.  For a few moments he looked rather shaken, but the strain quickly disappeared from his features as he glanced up at Keaton.

"You wanted to see me?"  From her sullen tone of voice it was quite clear that she was doing this because she had no choice in the matter, but it didn't mean she was going to make things easy for them.

"Just one question before we begin," said Jakob.  "Why did you kill Wils?"

"Wills?" asked Keaton, nonplussed.  "Oh... Being, right?  Dead?  Everyone's uptight about it for some reason?  Nothin' to do with me.  Next question?"

The panther swore loudly in a disappointed tone of voice.

"Sorry, Ren," the wolf said.  "As they said on the news, we may never know who dun it.  Now, Keaton, come with me, if you please.  And relax... you might like this."

In a room deep within the base, the very room where Keaton had threatened Simeon, there was a figure lying still upon a marble table.  Her eyes were closed and she wasn't breathing.  Keaton looked down at the black-furred Being and was somewhat surprised to find that she recognised them.

"I've never tried to make a female android before," Jakob said.  His fingers and wing tentacles played across a keyboard as she watched... it was starting to get boring when he removed a faintly-glowing jewel from his pocket.  Keaton could almost taste the energy in it... this was someone's soul.  So is this what he did to Joshua? she wondered.

Suddenly the girl twitched and opened one eye.

"Jakob?" she croaked.

"How do you feel, Ephrael?" he asked.

"You BASTARD!  You left me in that stone for A HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS!"

Jakob chuckled.  "More like a hundred and thirty, I think you'll find.  Still, what's a couple of decades between friends?  Besides, I already told you... it took more than half that to make your resurrection viable."

Keaton was intrigued, and somewhat pleased.  She had first met the marsupial more than a hundred years ago, when they had been part of Gareeku's expedition to rescue a group of kidnapped people, mostly 'Cubi, and Jakob's father had been among them.  The jackal had strung along in case the kidnappers had taken her mother.
I remember her... she was alright, for a Being.

"So, what are your plans for me?"  Ephrael asked.

"Plans?  To be honest I didn't have any beyond getting you into a body again," he said.  "But you are quite welcome to stay.  I can always do with new employees."

Ephrael considered it long and hard.

"No," she said at last, "I was born a wanderer.  And there is so much to see... so much has changed... so many new things to discover..."

"You want to leave?  So soon?" said Jakob, his headwings drooping with disappointment.  "I'd hoped you'd stay.  In any case you need to know a bit about your new body."

"All right," Ephrael smiled, "a couple of days.  I guess I owe you that much..."


"Hello Dorcan," said Mordrith coolly.  He kept his distance, as the thought had occurred to him that even if Dorcan was truly his grandson in robot form, he might still unknowingly contain a bomb.  Especially given his creator...

"I've brought you some presents," Dorcan said nervously, somewhat put out by his reception.  He placed a pair of small cylinders on the table.  Each one was about the size of a coke can, and Mordrith's headwings briefly fanned out in alarm.

"What are they?" the elder doberman asked suspiciously.

"Soul energy."   Mordrith's face fell.

"Oh my gods... Dorcan, if that's really your name... haven't you learned anything from the fall of the Jyraneth?  Soul stealing is evil, it's wrong, it's..."

"It's all right!  We didn't kill anyone for this stuff.  Our company has invented a way to synthesize it."

"I'm sure.  Now, let's get this over with."

Mordrith stood in front of the younger doberman, and stared deeply into his eyes.  This had nothing to do with the old adage that the eyes were the windows on the soul - in any case Dorcan's were really cameras - but it did make the process of attuning his mind to Dorcan's a lot easier.  The mental image of his own face was, in effect, acting as a test-card.

"Oh gods, Dorcan, it is you," he wept as the pair of them embraced each other.  "Why, you're warm," he said.

"Eh?  Oh that... it's part of the thermal dissipation system.  Keeps me at roughly the same temperature as a normal furre.  Jakob and company really wanted realism.  No blood, though," he added as Mordrith tried in vain to take his pulse.

"...and it's true about the soul energy?"

"Yep!"

"Wow..."  This was perhaps, the understatement of the millenium.  However Mordrith, like his grandson, had a particular affinity for surprise, which may perhaps have been one of the reasons his impromptu sermons to the clan were so shocking to many of them.

His eyes narrowed slightly.  "But isn't it a bit unethical making new souls just to harvest them for eating?"

"That's not how it works," Dorcan corrected.  "They aren't really souls at all.  It's more like... you know that stuff, Kworn?"

"The un-meat thing, right?  I've heard of it."

"Yeah.  Well, with real meat, you've got something that's been cut out of a dead animal, and when it was alive it used to perform a specific function in the animal like muscles or a kidney or something.  With Kworn, it's just a blob of processed algae.
"What we've done here is the same kind of thing.  The stuff in those cans isn't anyone's soul, it's just a pure, artificially-generated energy field with no structure or sentience to it at all."

"So... so you mean he's actually trying to put an end to soul-eating?  What's in it for him?  I mean, if it's really Cross he can't be trusted.  They say he ate thousands of souls himself..."

"You know, he'd probably say the same about you," Dorcan grinned, handing him a pamphlet.  "Yes, it's a bit of a puff-piece, but you two have a lot more in common than you probably realise.
"As for ending soul-eating, I guess that's too much to hope for, but it is the eventual aim, yes, and if we can reduce the amount of it in any way, it'll be worth it.  Jakob really does not like the idea of someone ending another person's afterlife to sustain themselves, and to be frank I can't say I blame him.  Apparently he started to get really jittery about that as he approached a thousand and began to research ways of extending people's lives without hurting anyone else in the process."

"Heh," Mordrith said, scanning the pamphlet, "So went through a one-third-life-crisis, I guess?   Still... him? a Being sympathizer?  I would never have believed it possible."

"What you believe is up to you," Dorcan said, "But I believe he is a good man, despite his shady past.  Now, it's been great to see you again, but are you happy that I'm me?  Can I see the rest of my family?"

Mordrith broke into a smile, and hugged his grandson again.  "Why of course, Dorcan."


"Joshua?"  The husky turned to see Keaton behind him.  Oh great, what the hell does she want?

"When I sent you off, I gave you an amulet," Keaton said.  "I guess Jakob took that, right?  Do you happen to know where it's gone?"

"No.  Anyway, why should I want to help you after what you tried to do?"

"Look," she said, her voice a mixture of threat tinged with desperation, "They're gonna kill me anyway unless I get out of here, in which case one more death doesn't make much difference, does it?"

"I don't know where it is," Joshua repeated, taking a step back.  "In his study or something?  One of the labs?  Around his neck?  It could be anywhere."  Colonel Mustard in the library with the lead pipe.

"Thanks," she said stiffly, and headed off.  The lab seemed to be a safe bet, the only problem would be finding someone who was willing to tell her where the lab was.  She'd need someone really stupid to pull that off...

"Excuse me, mister," Keaton said a few minutes later, "where can I find Cr- Jakob's laboratory?"

"Go down the right corridor.  The door is the third one on your left," said the panther.

Right first time, Keaton thought a few minutes later.  Jakob had left the door unlocked again so she crept in... the chain of the necklace was poking out from under a heap of other items.  For a moment she had a twinge of suspicion that this was too easy.  Had he left it there deliberately as some kind of trap?  But the prospect of freedom soon override it and a moment later the amulet was around her neck.  With a sigh of relief, she pressed the stone and promptly vanished.


"We have the souls advert shot," said Niall, from one of the wall displays.  "Want me to put it on now?"

"Indeed.  Let's see how this turned out."

Niall vanished from the screen to be replaced by a lead-in count.  Then a desert with a lone incubus jogging along.  The camera zoomed into him as the music hit the chorusline:

We are young
Wandering the face of Furrae
Wondering why our dreams went away
Learning that we're only immortal for a limited time

Jakob was extremely proud of this - the best part was that no-one else in their world would recognise where they'd stolen the song from.


"Fantastic," he said as the company logo faded from the screen.  "Just like I wanted.  Make sure they send at least two 35mm prints and a copy in C-format, as well as the digital version.  We'll have to discuss the one for the androids next..."

He started as a shrill scream ripped through the air.  Gesturing Niall to call them back later, Jakob and Azrael both ran outside towards the small cupboard next to the study where it had erupted from.  When they opened it, Keaton fell out feet-first and draped in pieces of shredded fabric.

"You tried to use the amulet, right?"  Jakob asked, helping her up.  "It's a double-ended link... takes you to the endpoint index.  I guess you must have left that in Ashford's jacket, eh?"

"That reminds me," Azrael put in.  "I think you should know that we've decided what will happen if you step too far out of line,"  Keaton's heart missed a beat.  Soul death...

"Nah..." Jakob said, seeing her expression.  Before she could protest, he made a magical pass and she found herself back in the room where Ephrael had been resurrected.  The wolf strolled to the back of the room and opened a cupboard.  Inside it he was immediately confronted by an arrangement of large pull-out shelves of the kind you might find in a morgue.  As Keaton watched, he selected one and drew out what appeared to be a dead jackal.  A vixen.  For one heart-stopping moment she thought it was Lianna, her twin sister...

"Can you guess what it is yet?" he asked in a strange and slightly irritating voice.

"For me?"

"Happy birthday," Jakob said.  "This is my second female android.  And if, gods forbid, you do go off on some kind of rampage, Daryil, Niall or I will tear the soul screaming from your body.  You'll wake up in her," he said, patting the inert furre, "...just like Dorcan did, and with all the magical abilities he now possesses.  Which is to say, approximately none whatsoever.  It's very simple, and very effective.  Most of our androids have safety interlocks to prevent them from being able to attack my allies, and of course your ability to steal souls will die with your body.  All we have to do is steal yours."

There was a twisted smile upon his face that sent a brief shiver down her spine.
Yep, that's Johan Cross alright, she thought grimly.

So, soul death he's got not problem with, but enslavement he's fine with...

Personally, the threat of being collared would piss me off more than being threatened with truly dying.
I'd also wonder how Ephrael would have stayed sane for 150 years trapped in a rock.

Very nicely written and entertaining. I look forward to future chapters.

Quote from: Cogidubnus on December 21, 2007, 04:27:31 PM
So, soul death he's got not problem with, but enslavement he's fine with...

'Enslavement' as punishment for misbehaving. There's a difference, I think.

Quote from: Cogidubnus on December 21, 2007, 04:27:31 PM
I'd also wonder how Ephrael would have stayed sane for 150 years trapped in a rock.

She probably isn't! :giggle

Quote from: Cogidubnus on December 21, 2007, 04:27:31 PM
So, soul death he's got not problem with, but enslavement he's fine with...
Personally, the threat of being collared would piss me off more than being threatened with truly dying.
I'd also wonder how Ephrael would have stayed sane for 150 years trapped in a rock.

I confess, even I'm not entirely sure why he's forcing Keaton to stay, apart from the fact that it makes things more fun.  In any case, keeping her around until he gets bored is relatively temporary - soul death is forever.

Or did you mean robo-Keaton?  If that happened it would mean they could actually let her go because she wouldn't be dangerous anymore.  Ironically it would probably make her want to stay in the off chance that they can give her some powers back or something.

Ephrael has gone a bit weird, but during the proofing stage, Pal hinted to me that she always was weird, it just hasn't come out in the RP yet.  That said, I have been toying with the idea of trapped souls perceiving time more slowly or going into some kind of 'standby' mode for that reason.

Quote from: Tapewolf on December 21, 2007, 05:21:34 PM

Or did you mean robo-Keaton?  If that happened it would mean they could actually let her go because she wouldn't be dangerous anymore.  Ironically it would probably make her want to stay in the off chance that they can give her some powers back or something.

I meant robo-Keaton, yes.

Not dangerous anymore...indeed. I suppose she would not be, perhaps even to those who would do her harm. I imagine that Jakob's fail-safes wouldn't turn off towards those who are not his allies, unless his attitude towards killing changed dramatically.

Let her go - indeed, merciful. Her wings clipped, her hands bound and her neck safely collared. Who is going to perform maintainence on such a body? Certainly not anyone else, for no-one else knows how. It is well and truly enslavement, for the body is at the discretion and control of Jakob himself. It is nothing less than a disgraceful act, in my opinion.
Be a good-girl and don't get into any trouble (that Jakob would hear about), not that she could. I personally would rather die. A soul is the essence of a person, but being ripped from everything that made you, you, I feel is cruelty. To say that a body is just a body is a half-truth. Imagine being ripped from yourself and being put in the body of a grasshopper, or an ant - even better, being put in the body of a blind and deaf man (for in essence, that is what Jakob is threatening here, to take away certain parts of Keaton's innateness and ability). Your appearance, and in this case, your power and your ability simply being taken, forever, at the discretion of one who is neither judge nor jury, but rather both.

What good is a soul if it's broken? Merciful indeed, this Mr. Cros-, this Mr. Pettersohn.

As for Eph, thought, well, she does seem a bit crazy, yes. It was just something curious to me - being able to know the years (albeit off by twenty) made me think what it would be like to sit in a rock for a century or so and count the seconds.
I personally would be fruit loops, but some sort of standby mode might make sense. The other thought that occurred to me was that it might be like some sort of self-made reality in the gem, but then, I don't know if you'd really want to leave...

Quote from: Cogidubnus on December 21, 2007, 05:44:46 PM
I meant robo-Keaton, yes.

Not dangerous anymore...indeed. I suppose she would not be, perhaps even to those who would do her harm. I imagine that Jakob's fail-safes wouldn't turn off towards those who are not his allies, unless his attitude towards killing changed dramatically.

Let her go - indeed, merciful. Her wings clipped, her hands bound and her neck safely collared. Who is going to perform maintainence on such a body? Certainly not anyone else, for no-one else knows how. It is well and truly enslavement, for the body is at the discretion and control of Jakob himself. It is nothing less than a disgraceful act, in my opinion.
Be a good-girl and don't get into any trouble (that Jakob would hear about), not that she could. I personally would rather die. A soul is the essence of a person, but being ripped from everything that made you, you, I feel is cruelty. To say that a body is just a body is a half-truth. Imagine being ripped from yourself and being put in the body of a grasshopper, or an ant - even better, being put in the body of a blind and deaf man (for in essence, that is what Jakob is threatening here, to take away certain parts of Keaton's innateness and ability). Your appearance, and in this case, your power and your ability simply being taken, forever, at the discretion of one who is neither judge nor jury, but rather both.

What good is a soul if it's broken? Merciful indeed, this Mr. Cros-, this Mr. Pettersohn.

It's not really that bad, just take Dorcan from his time in BotM. At the very least, he's gotta be able to perform some self-maintenance to get along. Realy, all he wants is to just get home, but if he can't, he could feasibly still survive.

And even then, you are overlooking what you can do with technology to replace magic. Just take my Mechangel charcater from the Honor Circle; he's lost all magical ability, but made up for it in technological prowess.

For Keaton, if she was stuffed in an android body, then released, she could surely learn about technology, then rebuild her own body into a veritable death-machine to continue furthering her causes of destruction. She could construct an new body in an entirely different form--one that is perfectly optimized in every way to cause maximum damage on a massive scale. She also would be well and truely immortal; as long as she services, repairs, and-when needed-rebuilds herself with new technology, she could go on forever. At least, until the day she finally decides to shut herself down.

My point is, you are seriously undercrediting what technology can replace and give back if you lose something else.

Quote from: techmaster-glitch on December 21, 2007, 05:59:24 PM
It's not really that bad, just take Dorcan from his time in BotM. At the very least, he's gotta be able to perform some self-maintenance to get along. Realy, all he wants is to just get home, but if he can't, he could feasibly still survive.

And even then, you are overlooking what you can do with technology to replace magic. Just take my Mechangel charcater from the Honor Circle; he's lost all magical ability, but made up for it in technological prowess.

For Keaton, if she was stuffed in an android body, then released, she could surely learn about technology, then rebuild her own body into a veritable death-machine to continue furthering her causes of destruction. She could construct an new body in an entirely different form--one that is perfectly optimized in every way to cause maximum damage on a massive scale. She also would be well and truely immortal; as long as she services, repairs, and-when needed-rebuilds herself with new technology, she could go on forever. At least, until the day she finally decides to shut herself down.

My point is, you are seriously undercrediting what technology can replace and give back if you lose something else.

No, I quite feel it really is that bad.

What if Dorcan breaks? Androids have accidents too.

The point isn't that Keaton could perhaps make up for what she's lost - it's that the act of sticking her into a robot body is like...truly, removing the wings from a bird and then sticking it in a cage. Learning about advanced robotics and technology would be one way to get around what Jakob would have done, but until that time she would basically be totally dependent on others to keep her running. If she leaves, she better not break anything.
The point isn't that Keaton can go on causing mass destruction and chaos - the point is that I don't feel like being stuck in a bottle is a good alternative to really and truly dying. Jakob isn't going to stick her in that body with the intent that she'll just replace everything that he took and go along her merry, destructive way. It is something meant to disable her - whether or not she could someday get around it, doesn't make it any less cruel, to me.

My point is, you're missing the point. If someone cuts off your arm, being able to make a prosthesis that's better than the original doesn't make the person who cut it off nice for doing it.

Quote from: Cogidubnus on December 21, 2007, 05:44:46 PM
Not dangerous anymore...indeed. I suppose she would not be, perhaps even to those who would do her harm. I imagine that Jakob's fail-safes wouldn't turn off towards those who are not his allies, unless his attitude towards killing changed dramatically.

His attitude is certainly not the same as it is in FCRP - I'm thinking in terms of that episode leaving him changed for the worse, but not as badly as the last time.  Note that the panthers, for example, are quite capable of killing people and at least one person has died by their 'hand' during the story so far.

The interlocks in robo-Keaton, Dorcan, Joshua and Ephrael only work on members of Jakob's clique, or at least, people with the right RFID tag (worn or implanted for the living, built-in to the robots).  Remember that Eph is in the same boat now - in an earlier draft she left in this very episode, but I decided to postpone it for a while.  Eph and robo-Keaton would be able to kill anyone else, unless they did what Jakob threatened to do and turn her actuators way down.  In BotM, Dorcan hasn't yet killed anyone himself, but he can and has already shot one of the Brotherhood with a stungun.  If he tried that on Jakob he'd collapse in a heap.

QuoteLet her go - indeed, merciful. Her wings clipped, her hands bound and her neck safely collared. Who is going to perform maintainence on such a body? Certainly not anyone else, for no-one else knows how.

This isn't something I've had reason to cover yet, but the body doesn't require much maintenance.  Most of the mechanical components are enchanted to prevent wear, and there is also a nanomechanical repair system.  In addition, Jakob is in the process of applying for patents so most of the interesting tech will be available for perusal.  When they go big-time, it's probably going to be something like a car dealership network.  The plan is to allow people to live longer, better lives so it's not like Battlefield Earth where the device self-destructs if you try to find out how it works.

In the meantime, Jakob is happy to perform maintenance himself, for free - it will give him a better idea of how the bodies perform in the wild.  In the original draft, we had:

---

Ephrael considered it long and hard.

"No," she said at last, "I was born a wanderer.  And there is so much to see... so many new things to discover."

"Well, if your mind is made up, I can have Niall run you back to the company HQ," Jakob said with a slightly disappointed tone of voice.  "I'll gave you a draft of the manual for your body, and take my card in case you do have any questions about it."

---

QuoteIt is well and truly enslavement, for the body is at the discretion and control of Jakob himself. It is nothing less than a disgraceful act, in my opinion.
Be a good-girl and don't get into any trouble (that Jakob would hear about), not that she could. I personally would rather die.

Oh, she could.  Jakob would be annoyed, but once she's out of the building he can't really stop her, since the body's parameters are adjusted via some kind of wifi link.  In any case, all she could do after that is kill someone corporeally, which, while he doesn't like it, he is ultimately less concerned about than her current ability to destroy souls.

QuoteA soul is the essence of a person, but being ripped from everything that made you, you, I feel is cruelty. To say that a body is just a body is a half-truth. Imagine being ripped from yourself and being put in the body of a grasshopper, or an ant - even better, being put in the body of a blind and deaf man (for in essence, that is what Jakob is threatening here, to take away certain parts of Keaton's innateness and ability). Your appearance, and in this case, your power and your ability simply being taken, forever, at the discretion of one who is neither judge nor jury, but rather both.

Debatable.  Dorcan's got used to it, although it was a bit of a bummer.  I don't want to go too far into this since we'll drift into spoiler territory.  However, the Jayhawk team have gone to fantastic lengths to try and make the body as much like a Being body as possible.  In fact, as part of the development process, Jakob has linked himself into the brains to possess them so he knows they're good enough.  Even sex works, on a recreational level, at least - Daryil would make sure of that - although this is not something I intend to explore in the series.  If you want that, read Robots of Dawn by Isaac Asimov.

QuoteWhat good is a soul if it's broken? Merciful indeed, this Mr. Cros-, this Mr. Pettersohn.

We'll deal with that later :P

QuoteAs for Eph, thought, well, she does seem a bit crazy, yes. It was just something curious to me - being able to know the years (albeit off by twenty) made me think what it would be like to sit in a rock for a century or so and count the seconds.
I personally would be fruit loops, but some sort of standby mode might make sense. The other thought that occurred to me was that it might be like some sort of self-made reality in the gem, but then, I don't know if you'd really want to leave...

Part of this is inspired by Turnsky's Foxfire Chronicles.  One of the characters in that has, I believe, been trapped in a soul orb since before Atlantis fell, and has come out more-or-less fine.

Anyway, this kind of philosophical debate is why I was so disappointed with your 'rimshot' post in the Neutrality thread :P

QuoteThe interlocks in robo-Keaton, Dorcan, Joshua and Ephrael only work on members of Jakob's clique, or at least, people with the right RFID tag (worn or implanted for the living, built-in to the robots).  Remember that Eph is in the same boat now - in an earlier draft she left in this very episode, but I decided to postpone it for a while.  Eph and robo-Keaton would be able to kill anyone else, unless they did what Jakob threatened to do and turn her actuators way down.  In BotM, Dorcan hasn't yet killed anyone himself, but he can and has already shot one of the Brotherhood with a stungun.  If he tried that on Jakob he'd collapse in a heap.

So, in essence, her actions are still at Jakob's discretion.

QuoteThis isn't something I've had reason to cover yet, but the body doesn't require much maintenance.  Most of the mechanical components are enchanted to prevent wear, and there is also a nanomechanical repair system.  In addition, Jakob is in the process of applying for patents so most of the interesting tech will be available for perusal.  When they go big-time, it's probably going to be something like a car dealership network.  The plan is to allow people to live longer, better lives so it's not like Battlefield Earth where the device self-destructs if you try to find out how it works.

Supposing Jakob is still an Anarctica, how is Keaton supposed to get to him for repairs, if she were to get hit by a car, or burn out her motors, or the thousand other things that could go wrong?
Unless Jakob has some sort of monitoring system, but that's a whole other debate in and of itself.

Largely, my points still stand. Jakob is still binding her hands and making sure that she's going to be a good girl and not do anything objectionable. I feel the metaphor of clipping wings falls flat - more akin to taking the wings themselves.

QuoteDebatable.  Dorcan's got used to it, although it was a bit of a bummer.  I don't want to go too far into this since we'll drift into spoiler territory.  However, the Jayhawk team have gone to fantastic lengths to try and make the body as much like a Being body as possible.  In fact, as part of the development process, Jakob has linked himself into the brains to possess them so he knows they're good enough.  Even sex works, on a recreational level, at least - Daryil would make sure of that - although this is not something I intend to explore in the series.  If you want that, read Robots of Dawn by Isaac Asimov.

I'm not talking about her ability to have sex - I'm talking about her ability to shapeshift, her ability to use magic and her ability to do all the other things that her race was gifted with. Those things the body does not replace, nor does Jakob really intend to ever make that possible, I don't think - he would not be putting her in a robot body for her improvement - it's designed to be a detriment and a punishment.

QuoteAnyway, this kind of philosophical debate is why I was so disappointed with your 'rimshot' post in the Neutrality thread :P

Well, I have to recognize a good bit of wry insight when I see it. :3

Really and truly, it's more about really knowing when to keep your mouth shut. Speaking of...*looks up at the post above*

Quote from: Cogidubnus on December 21, 2007, 06:47:47 PM
So, in essence, her actions are still at Jakob's discretion.

First of all, remember that Jakob has only threatened do to this so far, so it's currently all hypothetical.  However, to answer your question, Keaton's actions against Jakob are at his discretion.  If, for example, they had a visitor without a tag and she panned their head in, it wouldn't register.  Or did you mean the ability to weaken them?  He isn't doing this out of cruelty, so if they chose to leave the base, he'd most likely put them back to normal power first.

QuoteSupposing Jakob is still an Anarctica, how is Keaton supposed to get to him for repairs, if she were to get hit by a car, or burn out her motors, or the thousand other things that could go wrong?

The address is printed inside the chassis, probably on a strip of blackmetal or something so it would survive the crash.  It would be the address for Jayhawk Cybernetics on the mainland of course, not the secret R&D facility in the Arctic.  If the brain dies, the soul will automatically be stolen into a crystal for later recovery.

Also, as you suggest, I'm thinking that there is some kind of emergency transmitter like with the Daleks, in case of a major systems failure.  Not a continuous telemetry system, mind you, for privacy reasons.

QuoteLargely, my points still stand. Jakob is still binding her hands and making sure that she's going to be a good girl and not do anything objectionable. I feel the metaphor of clipping wings falls flat - more akin to taking the wings themselves.

I wish I could reply to that, but spoilers >:3

QuoteI'm talking about her ability to shapeshift, her ability to use magic and her ability to do all the other things that her race was gifted with. Those things the body does not replace, nor does Jakob really intend to ever make that possible, I don't think - he would not be putting her in a robot body for her improvement - it's designed to be a detriment and a punishment.

They haven't got this to work by BoTM, but actually, most of those abilities are things that they are hoping to add eventually.  Soul-eating is out, obviously. 

the fake soul part seems to be well planned, but i somehow find it funny to think you could find them on a shelf at the local store.

probably a behind the counter item, as it kinda gives away your a cubi or demon when you stand for ten minutes picking a flavor of soul.


robo keaton seems a good way to handle it, make her feel how a 'powerless' being feels. in a way thats why i disliked how everyone and their dog seems to be a cubi, theyre so overpowered you forget that the normal people are still people. there needs to be some beings that have the capability to put the smack down on cubi.... and now i wonder if jakob ever thought of a way to keep the body alive after ripping the soul out, perhaps if keaton behaves well enough she can be allowed back or a deserving being with no body can be housed in it.

Quote from: Brunhidden on December 21, 2007, 07:24:17 PM
the fake soul part seems to be well planned, but i somehow find it funny to think you could find them on a shelf at the local store.
probably a behind the counter item, as it kinda gives away your a cubi or demon when you stand for ten minutes picking a flavor of soul.

And buying clothes with space for wings doesn't?  :3

Quoterobo keaton seems a good way to handle it, make her feel how a 'powerless' being feels.  in a way thats why i disliked how everyone and their dog seems to be a cubi, theyre so overpowered you forget that the normal people are still people.

That is part of the idea.  As I say, if he does this, it won't be out of malice so much as to try and make her a better person - even if his methods are a little extreme.

Quotenow i wonder if jakob ever thought of a way to keep the body alive after ripping the soul out, perhaps if keaton behaves well enough she can be allowed back or a deserving being with no body can be housed in it.

Hmm... you know, in the original CJP series, Malnemar was sentenced to something like that - all his 'Cubi powers were restrained.  Closer to home, I seem to recall that Lianna and possibly Keaton herself were also restrained with enchanted bracers (a military version of the Creature-to-Being amulet from Abel's Story!) although barring some way of preserving her body, as you say, being killed and stuck in an android is rather more permanent.

Quote from: Brunhidden on December 21, 2007, 07:24:17 PM
probably a behind the counter item, as it kinda gives away your a cubi or demon when you stand for ten minutes picking a flavor of soul.

Pfft. The ones who are browsing the soul shelf are the safe ones. What you have to worry about are the ones who -don't-.

Of course, your average moronic Being will overlook that, so maybe you have a point...


As for Cogidubnus and Tapewolf - I think Cogidubnus has a point. However, Jakob is offering this option to Keaton -because- she's misbehaving after giving her word that she wouldn't. She -did- tell Daryil that she wouldn't try to escape, right? So.. what's she doing, but proving she cannot be trusted?

Given that, Jakob's options are severely limited - turf her out, kill her, or restrain her in some way. And the restraint has to be a restraint that -she- is scared of. If it's one that -he'd- really rather not apply, but will if she forces his hand, then so much the better - she's going to pick up his distaste, but also his resolve, if he so decides to show them. And that's pretty much the reason he's done it this way - he doesn't have any other way of controlling her, other than having Daryil babysit her - which isn't great, since Daryil apparently has the attention span of a 6 hour ice-cream freak who's lost his Ritalin 3 years ago... Lovely guy, but... ;-]

Quote from: Cogidubnus on December 21, 2007, 06:17:43 PM
If someone cuts off your arm, being able to make a prosthesis that's better than the original doesn't make the person who cut it off nice for doing it.

I certainly think it would :P

Quote from: techmaster-glitch on December 21, 2007, 11:50:04 PM

Quote from: Cogidubnus on December 21, 2007, 06:17:43 PM
If someone cuts off your arm, being able to make a prosthesis that's better than the original doesn't make the person who cut it off nice for doing it.

I certainly think it would :P

Remind me to never let you have a knife near me, then.

I wouldn't cut people accidentally, but I certainly wouldn't cut people up against their will to make them better.

Quotethere needs to be some beings that have the capability to put the smack down on cubi.... and now i wonder if jakob ever thought of a way to keep the body alive after ripping the soul out, perhaps if keaton behaves well enough she can be allowed back or a deserving being with no body can be housed in it.

We're not talking about putting the smack down on Cubi. Beings can't suck the souls out of things and put them elsewhere anyway.
I have to say, being put in a blind man's body and then being told that if I'm a good boy they might let me see again rather makes me want to learn the style of Zatoichi. We don't cut the arms off of murderers. And, although it used to be that way, we don't cut the hands off thieves or blind artists that paint badly.
Keaton does wrong? Undoubtedly. That does not make us the arbiter of what she is.

QuoteFirst of all, remember that Jakob has only threatened do to this so far, so it's currently all hypothetical.  However, to answer your question, Keaton's actions against Jakob are at his discretion.  If, for example, they had a visitor without a tag and she panned their head in, it wouldn't register.  Or did you mean the ability to weaken them?  He isn't doing this out of cruelty, so if they chose to leave the base, he'd most likely put them back to normal power first.

I suppose I mean both, really.

My point is thus: rather like he did before as Johan Cross, by taking the undesirables and placing them elsewhere, he is doing rather the same thing with Keaton by declaring himself the arbiter of what Keaton is. In my opinion, it's worse - at least those who crossed Johan Cross got to stay themselves - in the case of Jakob, they're simply crippled so that they can't do anything objectionable anymore. Werther or not their leash extends long or short, it is still a leash, and it is still in Jakob's hand. Just like before, except in this case, he does not set the offending insect outside so much as pull off its wings.

QuoteHowever, Jakob is offering this option to Keaton -because- she's misbehaving after giving her word that she wouldn't. She -did- tell Daryil that she wouldn't try to escape, right? So.. what's she doing, but proving she cannot be trusted?

If Daryil asked me if I enjoyed running outside in hailstorms, I'd probably tell him I watch for storms every evening. Not that it's an excuse, but...
I think it was proven that she can't be trusted awhile back. But even so, I hardly think that misbehaving, as you put it, is grounds for Jakob rip her from her body and put her into something less objectionable.

QuoteGiven that, Jakob's options are severely limited - turf her out, kill her, or restrain her in some way. And the restraint has to be a restraint that -she- is scared of. If it's one that -he'd- really rather not apply, but will if she forces his hand, then so much the better - she's going to pick up his distaste, but also his resolve, if he so decides to show them. And that's pretty much the reason he's done it this way - he doesn't have any other way of controlling her, other than having Daryil babysit her - which isn't great, since Daryil apparently has the attention span of a 6 hour ice-cream freak who's lost his Ritalin 3 years ago... Lovely guy, but... ;-]

Hardly. There are more ways to restrain a Cubi than cutting off what makes them Cubi. He's making artificial soul, and can teleport using spells rather than warp-aci. Stasis wouldn't be too far out - and very personally, I wouldn't think death to be that bad of an option here.
I'm not quite certain what you mean by 'turf out', but I suppose he could send her somewhere she couldn't get back from. Hell, I think if someone opened the door nicely she might run out into the snow and never come back, and have a nervous tic around candy stores ever after. My point being, it is not as though there is nothing else he could do here.

Heh. Quite an interesting and ontroversial chapter. Especially the final threat.

I liked the scene between Dorcan and Mordrith.

Wow. If someone trapped me in a stone for over a century, and then had the absolute nerve to still call me a friend, I would be pissed.

Quote from: Gareeku on December 22, 2007, 12:03:20 PM
Wow. If someone trapped me in a stone for over a century, and then had the absolute nerve to still call me a friend, I would be pissed.

Pal originally wanted Eph and Jakob to be lovers or something - what we're seeing is the result of a compromise.
In some ways I feel it was a little ill-planned, but it IMHO it was better to get it sorted out than have him forget and leave her there for another 150 years  :rolleyes

So Ephrael had no problem being trapped in a jewel for 150 years? Wow. She must be weird. :P

Quote from: Gareeku on December 22, 2007, 01:47:04 PM
So Ephrael had no problem being trapped in a jewel for 150 years? Wow. She must be weird. :P

If she wasn't before, she is now  >:3

Something that was cut from the Mordrith-Dorcan dialogue was that Jakob successfully revived the demons who he wore around his neck.  I'll work that in later, probably at that time I'll work in a fix for it because frankly, it is drawing more attention than was intended.  Strictly speaking, the whole 'stuck-in-a-stone' thing was only done because it was the most expedient way to cameo her.  (And I was reading too much Foxfire at the time it was originally written)

**EDIT**
For people new to the program, Eph first appeared in chapter 15:

http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg143819.html#msg143819

Ah, I see. It's just that it really put me off Jakob's character, like he was trying to play god or something, especially when he speaks of his respect for people only to do something like that. Unless Ephrael wanted him to do it, of course.

Quote from: Gareeku on December 22, 2007, 02:00:20 PM
Ah, I see. It's just that it really put me off Jakob's character, like he was trying to play god or something, especially when he speaks of his respect for people only to do something like that. Unless Ephrael wanted him to do it, of course.

Well, he did it because he felt her death was his fault and he was trying to make amends.
It went wrong, but his motives were pure.

He was still trying to play God, though. Just because you do have the ability to bring people back from the dead doesn't mean you should. :P I'm not denying that his motives were pure, in a way I admire him for going to such a length to bringing her back from the brink of death. However, the way that he kept her in a stone like that for 150 years, seemingly without her even saying so (again, this is going on the assumption that she hasn't agreed to this) puts me off.

Quote from: Gareeku on December 22, 2007, 03:13:34 PM
However, the way that he kept her in a stone like that for 150 years, seemingly without her even saying so (again, this is going on the assumption that she hasn't agreed to this) puts me off.

He forgot.  See Chapter 15:

Quote from: Tapewolf on September 10, 2007, 08:28:39 AM
Still in his disguise as Kris the Arctic wolf, Jakob opened the cupboard and began to search through it for some sticky notes.  I can see I'm going to have to order some more, he thought to himself.  In the process he managed to knock over a box of soulstones and swore.  Packing them away one by one, he suddenly froze as he realised that one of them was faintly glowing.

Now who could that be...? he wondered.  Oh dear... it's going to be HER.  She's not going to be very pleased with me.

He clutched the gem tightly with one hand and closed his eyes.  A vision of a black-furred marsupial swam in front of him.

"After the first thousand years of my imprisonment I vowed that I would grant three wishes unto the one who would release me..."  Ephrael said.
"After the second thousand years..."

"Knock it off," said Jakob.  "It can't have been more than a hundred and forty, if that.  Though I suppose that is twice your lifespan," he added guiltily.

"So... what's been happening outside?" she asked.

"Oh, this and that.  The good news is that we've figured out how to perform the resurrection.  The bad news is that I don't have a body for you at the moment so you'll have to... wait..."

"You forgot, didn't you?" she said curtly.

"Well, yes.  Look, it took over a century to get it to work!" he protested.  "You can't expect me to remember that far back!  It'll just a few more hours now, I promise!" he said hastily, and broke the link before she could argue.

Ah, ok then. From that segment I assume that she agreed to being resurrected.

Forgive my lack of knowledge, I'm currently in the process of reading the story and there are bits that I haven't got to yet, yet I glanced over the last couple of chapters anyway, for some reason.

Is this story canon to the characters involved (forgive me if it's a stupid question, but I thought I'd ask anyway)?

Quote from: Gareeku on December 22, 2007, 03:20:49 PM
Forgive my lack of knowledge, I'm currently in the process of reading the story and there are bits that I haven't got to yet, yet I glanced over the last couple of chapters anyway, for some reason.

Yeah, I thought that might be the case...

QuoteIs this story canon to the characters involved (forgive me if it's a stupid question, but I thought I'd ask anyway)?

I can't speak for Zedd, but Jakob is definitely the same as in FC, and from the enormous effort that's gone into Keaton, I'm pretty sure she is too.  Ephrael is as well I think although ultimately that's up to her creator.  I'm assuming it's the same Ephrael as in FC.

Indeed she is the same!

And hopefully by this time Gabi's soul is having a good time in some other dimension. :mowwink

would the dimension of vibrating chairs, cheesecake, and topless cabana boys be okay? i could get you an opening, pull a few strings and all that


I cant help but wonder how many characters are still yet to show up, seeing as how i have not tackled the first one and have no clue what 'new' characters await as well.... but seeing as how far in the future its placed i also have to wonder how many potential characters are now dead, and how many would see death as only a minor inconvenience

Quote from: Brunhidden on December 25, 2007, 03:04:26 AM
I cant help but wonder how many characters are still yet to show up, seeing as how i have not tackled the first one and have no clue what 'new' characters await as well.... but seeing as how far in the future its placed i also have to wonder how many potential characters are now dead, and how many would see death as only a minor inconvenience

It is not my intention to revive the entire cast of Furrae Chronicles  >:3
However, there are a couple of new characters scheduled to turn up, but most of them will be transient.

Quote from: Brunhidden on December 25, 2007, 03:04:26 AM
would the dimension of vibrating chairs, cheesecake, and topless cabana boys be okay? i could get you an opening, pull a few strings and all that

What's a cabana boy?

It doesn't sound like a place where I'd like to spend a long time, but it might be interesting to visit. Is there tea?

Pool boy. Or the boy sent to bring you drinks, or fresh towels, while you laze beside the beach.

Correct me if I'm wrong, there, Tapewolf.

*Charles snerks*  I'm just waiting for some super-villains to start doing their dastardly deeds!   >:3

Quote from: Tapewolf on December 22, 2007, 03:31:44 PM

Quote from: Gareeku on December 22, 2007, 03:20:49 PM
Is this story canon to the characters involved (forgive me if it's a stupid question, but I thought I'd ask anyway)?

I can't speak for Zedd, but Jakob is definitely the same as in FC, and from the enormous effort that's gone into Keaton, I'm pretty sure she is too.  Ephrael is as well I think although ultimately that's up to her creator.  I'm assuming it's the same Ephrael as in FC.

You rang sir?

Quote from: Jakob
"Can you guess what it is yet?" he asked in a strange and slightly irritating voice.

I do love me some Rolf.

Quote from: Dannysaysnoo on December 31, 2007, 11:33:05 AM

Quote from: Jakob
"Can you guess what it is yet?" he asked in a strange and slightly irritating voice.

I do love me some Rolf.

Someone got it  :boogie

Quote from: Tapewolf on December 31, 2007, 03:39:08 PM

Quote from: Dannysaysnoo on December 31, 2007, 11:33:05 AM

Quote from: Jakob
"Can you guess what it is yet?" he asked in a strange and slightly irritating voice.

I do love me some Rolf.

Someone got it  :boogie

I can see Jakob playing the digeriedoo and making epic tunes on a piece of noisy cardboard. Is that weird?

My youngest son came home today
His friends marched with him all the way
The fife and drums beat out the time
While in his box of polished pine
Like dead meat on the butcher's tray
My youngest son came home today.
--Eric Bogle

Chapter 23 - Promises

One of Jakob's more controversial funding techniques had culminated in an influx of new music, the like of which had never before been heard of in all Furrae.  Armed with the entire creative resources of Earth at his disposal and no kind of trans-dimensional copyright enforcement to get in the way, the only problem had been presenting the music in a form amenable to local consumption, especially when live appearances were required.

To this end he had assembled a variety of bands and persuaded them to cover the otherworldly material which he had provided.  There were drawbacks, in that his proxies necessarily had to have a career echoing that of their human counterparts.  Successful groups had unfortunately split at the height of their fame when the material from their namesakes had run out, although he was sometimes able to sustain them with material from other, similar groups.
Once, a band had split up owing to 'musical differences' while still having more than five albums of material allocated to them.  The discovery that their manager had wings on his head and an appetite for souls had somehow persuaded them to reform a few days later, although the public never fully understood the slightly haunted look which they displayed during interviews and live events.

The husky sat in the couch, regretting his decision to put that particular record on.  Hippie Music Volume 4 - Songs of War and Whinging was an especially miserable collection of songs but it was the song which had just started that was really getting to him, one of many songs about the casualties of war.
Tears began to well again.  His youngest son had never come home at all and was now mouldering in an unkempt grave in some hick mountain town.  Perhaps his father was right... perhaps they were cursed for the sins of their ex-clan.  It would certainly explain why his beautiful wife was in hiding and half of his children lay dead.

The dreams were the worst.  As an incubus he didn't need to sleep but from long experience he had learned that lights left burning at four in the morning could bring awkward questions.  So he slept.
He didn't have many dreams anymore but when he did they were of his family.  A dream in which Amath had somehow survived or been mistakenly pronounced dead was enough to make him cry when he awoke, but the only thing worse was when Dorcan or Fenholt was there too.  At that point the suspension of disbelief would crack and he'd realise that it was just a dream and the house would be empty when he awoke.

Unhappily he lifted the stylus and went to answer the door.  No, it had definitely been a mistake to put that LP on, and he began mentally searching or something cheerier to play when the intruder was gone.  It was probably the postman.  As he opened the door, a numb feeling of shock enveloped him, not at all like the warm contented feeling in the dreams.  He blinked, looked away, but the figure was still there.
His youngest son came home today.


Meanwhile, Keaton had found a solution to her problems, or at least, a workaround.  Taking a couple of bottles from Jakob's wine cellar, and after a brief hesitation a wineglass, she sneaked off to find somewhere nice and quiet where she would be able to consume them undisturbed.

The jackal wasn't a great one for fine wines, but then again nor was Jakob.  The stash which she had plundered was mostly for celebrations, but as far as Keaton was concerned, her need was greater than his.

Her first action was to down about half the bottle of red.  Not exactly her choice but it would do.  The white was pretty grim, so taking the wineglass, she resolved to find out if mixing the two would improve it.

"Don't," said a voice behind her, just as she was about to add the white.  Keaton started, splashing the wine, and glanced back to see the snow leopard.  She'd seen him before, but not much.

"Oh, it's you," she said, holding the glass out to him.  "Want some?"

"No, thanks.  I'm synthetic.  In any case, I'm not sure you're supposed to be here."

Hah!  An Angel with clipped wings, she chuckled to herself mentally, and took a sip, to Azrael's apparent distaste.

Keaton Jyraneth had a measure of hatred for Angels.  Centuries ago one of their kind had taken her prisoner, tormented her and finally violated her, an act which was largely responsible for her twisted and vicious outlook on life.  In time this utter loathing and detestation had slowly mellowed into a low-level hatred and distrust as she gradually realised that judging an entire race by the deeds of one member alone wasn't big or clever.
But now, in a disused laboratory the middle of some godsforsaken frozen wasteland, she found herself unable to resist staring at the white-winged feline in front of her.  Angel or no, he meant something important.  But what?  Azrael... Azrael... the name was tantalizingly familiar...

The glass she was holding shattered on the cold tiles of the floor, spilling her concoction like pale blood as the realisation hit her.

"Lord Page?"

"Do I know you?" he asked politely.  "I didn't think we'd met before."

"N-No," she replied.  "But... I've heard of you...  you died.  Or was that a hoax too?"

"No," the leopard sighed.  "I was murdered by a pack of demons who wanted to dethrone me.  That was about five centuries ago..."

"...and Cross stole your soul?  He kept you in a piece of jewellery ever since?"

"Poor Jakob was too shocked to think of that.  He made a number of attempts throughout the centuries to raise my spirit from beyond the grave, but it wasn't until about four months ago, with a lot of help from Daryil, that he finally succeeded."

The jackal's mind was in a whirl.  So it's true... he brought someone back from the void...

"Are you quite all right?"  Page asked, slightly alarmed.

"I'm just... the raising spirits thing... Could he do it again?"

The leopard blinked.  "I'm not sure.  I assume so.   Why do you ask?  Is there someone you've... lost?"

"Everyone," she replied.  "All of them except my mother, and my sister... and she's catatonic.

"...but if I had to pick one person, it would have to be Dad," she finished.  There was an awkward silence.

"It's not my decision to make," Azrael admitted.  "You'd have to convince Jakob and Daryil.  Daryil in particular because he'd be the one to find and bring back his soul."

"Anything," Keaton said, trying unsuccessfully to keep the desperation out of her voice.  It seemed as if the wine was starting to get to her already.  "You want me to be a good girl?  Fine!  I mean it... no more soul eating... I mean f***, I don't need to anymore once your stuff is on the market, right?  Hell, I'll wear enchanted bracers, anything, if you'll just bring him back..."


"Ah, there you are now... uh... how in the gods names did you get her to agree to that?"  Jakob said, wide-eyed, staring at Keaton as she placidly followed the Angel, a pair of Creature-to-Being bracers on her arms, and a contented smile on her face.

"Actually, it was her own suggestion."

Jakob looked at the succubus with disbelief and suspicion.  Probably the smile was the worst... he'd never seen her do that unless something was going terribly well for her, and terribly bad for someone else.

"That's got to be some sort of trick!" he said at last, which made her smile waver slightly, but it held.

"I've never once seen her do anything without an ulterior motive.  She wants something..."

"Her father," put in Daryil.  Jakob stiffened, and so did Keaton, but she didn't trust herself to speak yet.

"Don't worry, it was just a quick peep," he said.  "I was afraid she may have found a way to bypass the bracers or something.  But it looks like she's hoping we can bring back her family, in whole or in part."

"Hmm," Jakob murmured thoughtfully, "Well, it would be a good test, I suppose.  And if it would obviate her vendetta against the Kamei'Sin, it might be worth consid-" he broke off as Ephrael stormed into the room.

"Jakob!" she screeched.  "Where's my tattoo?"

"What tattoo?" he replied irritably.

"The heart one on the left cheek of my butt.  It's gone!"

"That can happen," the wolf replied.  "We're still pretty new at this game.  Isn't it enough that you can see and feel again?"

"You've had a hundred and thirty odd years to get it right!"

Jakob threw his hands in the air.  "Okay, okay, okay.  Daryil?  You're best at magical tattoos.  Could you add one to Ephrael's bum, please?"  It will make her shut up, I hope.

"Ugh," the fox replied, making a face.  "Very well.  Happy now?"

"Maybe," grumbled the marsupial.

"Good.  Now as for you, Keaton, you know I don't trust you, and after what you've tried to do you're certainly not in a position to demand anything from us.  All the same, if resurrecting a loved one will make you a better person, I'll consider it.  But you'll have to prove you can be trusted..."

Keaton nodded vigourously, and Jakob glanced at her again and mouthed to Page.  Is she quite all right?

Either way, there were more pressing matters at hand.  Ashley should have reported back by now and since he hadn't, that meant something must have gone wrong.  He punched a number into his watch, and the lynx appeared on it.  He looked rather harassed.

"Hi Yak.  The trademark board has rejected I can't believe it's not Being."

"What a bunch of poofs," Jakob snarled.  "Did they give a reason?"

"I'm still trying to get to the bottom of that.  Everyone I speak to gives a different answer.  Anyway, give me half an hour and I think I'll have the reason for you.  Okay?"

"See what you can do.  Use thought-reading if need be," Jakob said.

Thirty minutes later, most of the base was assembled in the meeting room, where Ashley, through a wall-display, looked on.

"Oookay," Jakob began.  "It seems that the trademark office' database has a 24-character limit on that field, so we'll have to find a new name, I guess.  Does anyone have any suggestions?"

As he spoke he rifled back through the flipchart to their earlier meeting where they had come up with the name in the first place.  Upon the chart was a host of crossed-out names including "Quoul", "Quol", "Foul", "Soula" and so forth.

"Diet Soul," Niall suggested.

"Yeah, but that sounds like it's got real soul in it."

"What flavour is it?" someone piped up.  Jakob turned around in annoyance.  "What?"

Kirian bobbed into view.  "What flavours does it come in?  Strawberry would be nice... and you've got to have chocolate... and orange..."

"I don't think you quite understand the target market," Jakob snapped, his restraint cracking.  "I made this stuff to save the souls, that is, the very existences of people who would otherwise be formerly referred to as 'prey'!  It does not come in different flavours!"

"Soul Food?" Joshua supplied, half-jokingly.  Jakob slapped himself.

"Simple, elegant.  What I can't understand is why we didn't think of that before.  But let's merge it together... and CamelCase it..."  He wrote 'SoulFood' on the chart and showed it to Ashley.

"If they don't accept that, we may have to resort to threats and violence."


Once again, Jakob found himself watching the news.  At least one thing was sure, Daryil wasn't going to have caused any more mayhem among the Beings, because he'd been inside the complex for practically the entire time.

Local authorities are mystified by the overnight appearance of a new ornament in the town park.  The statue, made of solid granite, resembles a giant onion.

Sir Croft, head of the council planning division, today issued the following statement:
"He did it, it was him, why won't he leave us alone," which is believed to be a reference to the incubus Daryil, who recently attained quasi-divine powers and has plagued the town with a series of increasingly bizarre practical jokes.

"Oh for f***'s sake..."

Hahahaha *rolls around on the floor laughing*

I very much enjoyed this chapter JP well done!

I agree completely with Paladin. 'Dat was FUNNY. Very nicely done.

"I can't belive it's not Being!"
"Can you put a magical tatoo on Ephrael's bum, please?"
"Oh for f***'s sake!" Then I can just imagine a good, "DAR-YIIIIIIIIL!"

... I'm just wondering if Daryil has any surprises in store for Ephrael... ;-]

Thanks, guys.  To be honest, with Keaton at the most vulnerable we've ever seen her and the intro containing some of the most depressing stuff I've ever written, and the chapter itself late owing to a sudden decision to reorder the events, having it lauded for being funny was the last thing I expected.  :3

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 09, 2008, 10:00:09 AM
... I'm just wondering if Daryil has any surprises in store for Ephrael... ;-]

I still need more material for the next chapter, so we'll have to see.  There are a few possibilities.

So sure of death the marbles ryhme,
But can't help wondering all the time,
why no one dead will seem to come-
What is it men are shrinking from?

A very enjoyable read. I do wonder, though - Jakob truly can resurrect the dead, without having their soul stored? I suppose if Azrael is any indication he can, but...

Either way. It seems Keaton has willingly chained herself, which is of course less objectionable.
So it seems. I do wonder... >:3

Quote from: Cogidubnus on January 09, 2008, 11:14:32 AM
A very enjoyable read. I do wonder, though - Jakob truly can resurrect the dead, without having their soul stored? I suppose if Azrael is any indication he can, but...

We may be about to see that happen with Dark Pegasus.  Resurrection is something we know precious little about (Azrael refuses to describe death), but it was possible to recall the souls of the undead after they had been buried for a few days.  As for 600 years or so, I'm going to assume it's possible for the purposes of this story.

At a pinch I was prepared to say that Azrael had used some weird spell to prevent himself 'going on', although that obviously wouldn't be the case with Salem.  I may still do that to some extent, e.g. I've hinted here and in CJP that Azrael had some awareness of the mortal world.  With Salem, it may be different.  I'll have to confer with Keaton on that score, assuming that does happen.

QuoteEither way. It seems Keaton has willingly chained herself, which is of course less objectionable.
So it seems. I do wonder... >:3

Will she still be so happy when she's fully sober?

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 09, 2008, 10:26:21 AM

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 09, 2008, 10:00:09 AM
... I'm just wondering if Daryil has any surprises in store for Ephrael... ;-]

I still need more material for the next chapter, so we'll have to see.  There are a few possibilities.

Oh, I have a few ideas. I mentioned some of them to Paladin... *evil grin*

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 09, 2008, 11:25:28 AM
Oh, I have a few ideas. I mentioned some of them to Paladin... *evil grin*

I hope he mentions them to me.  Or they won't happen :P

I almost forgot:
http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=BDLZ55y5n7U

I can't remember the real name of the collection.  "Songs of Peace and Protest", IIRC.  "War and Whinging" was more appropriate, though...

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 09, 2008, 11:22:45 AM

QuoteEither way. It seems Keaton has willingly chained herself, which is of course less objectionable.
So it seems. I do wonder... >:3

Will she still be so happy when she's fully sober?

I hadn't quite realized she was drunk. I was more talking about the comment you made about getting around the bracers, although I might have misinterpreted something.

I'm also going to hazard they are something like morrowind's slave bracers, in you can't really take them off if you want, without the key.

Well, it was "what else did Daryil do to the tattoo?"

... "a heart? Sure, no problem. Like this (http://www.health-fitness.com.au/the-aorta-the-largest-artery-in-the-body/) one?"

Or have it wander around every so often.

Or have it collect names at random.
... or the name of the person looking at it.
... or randomly, but specifically -not- the gender of whoever is looking at it.

Or add other "questionable" tattoos while he's at it, although that's not really his shtick.

Or do something else outrageous that i haven't thought of yet.

Quote from: Cogidubnus on January 09, 2008, 11:29:41 AM
I hadn't quite realized she was drunk.

I've left that up in the air.  To be honest I thought she was being a little too open with Azrael for someone completely sober, though.

QuoteI was more talking about the comment you made about getting around the bracers, although I might have misinterpreted something.

Ah, right.  Yes, these are very much like the Morrowind bracers, although IIRC, I first developed the concept before playing the game.

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 09, 2008, 11:30:24 AM
Or have [the tattoo] collect names at random.
... or the name of the person looking at it.
... or randomly, but specifically -not- the gender of whoever is looking at it.

Yeah, something like that.  I don't think it had a name on it to begin with, but no... she might not be entirely happy with it  >:3

 :< my poor poor Ephrael....  :mwaha

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 09, 2008, 11:34:54 AM
Yeah, something like that.  I don't think it had a name on it to begin with, but no... she might not be entirely happy with it  >:3

No, it didn't. According to the pic Pal sent me, anyway. Just a pretty blue heart.

... you could always play with the colours, as well. I -did- suggest Daryil's name in there, just to mess with her head, but he's not inclined that way, and I figured she'd know that by now. So that would just annoy her, rather than confuse her.

... You -could- have it sneaking around her body out of her view. So when she turns to look at it, it slips around to the other side. ;-]

Well... that's a funny newsflash!

The reason for the name to be rejected also made me laugh. Especially because that kind of thing happens all the time.

My God, it's full of stars!



Chapter 24 - Flashbacks

Keaton started.  Where the f*** am I?  I didn't drink that much... did I?

Steady, girl... what was the last thing you remember?  And why can't I feel any... oh yeah, those goddamn enchanted bracers.  What a stupid idea that was...

Memory came back in slow fragments.  Yes... turned, got up, tried to run... Something had hit her on the back of the head.  Hard.

Nervously the jackal reached and felt the back of her head.  It seemed okay... no headwings, mind, but that would be the bracers.  There was still something odd, though.  Something to do with the room?  Colour!  That was it - both her eyes were seeing in full colour for the first time since the loss of her left one six hundred years ago.

How did they do that? she wondered, and then glanced down at her wrists.  A strange, sickening feeling enveloped her as she saw that the bracers were gone.  The grey incubus loomed large in her mind's eye, reaching for her... a certain coldness in his expression as though he was forcing himself into something he didn't really want to do.  Her scream rent the night.

Keaton wept, but no tears came.  The darkness, the beautiful darkness was gone from her forever.  It had been her servant and her master, her armour and her weapon.  It had been her companion, and also her tormentor.  The mere thought that someone else might be able to manipulate the darkness better than her was one of her deepest fears.  Now it was gone and with it, Xianxi, perhaps the closest thing she had to a friend.  The spells binding her warp-aci to the plane of Furrae would have expired when she had... when they murdered her.

Murder?  No, for a proud Jyraneth Raider it was worse, more degrading than the most ignoble death - they had turned her into one of the very Beings they held in such contempt.
But all of these indignities were as nothing compared to the loss of her father.  That was what made her failure complete.

Her eyes stared unseeing as the scene played back in her mind once again...


Blind rage and fury, make the bastard pay for what he did to her.  They had been careful to keep any weapons far from her grasp, but there was a wrench left lying there, almost as if it had been intended for that purpose.

Crouching over the body

A dawning look of horror

Realising the enormity of what's just happened

What she's just done

Daryil...

"Oh dear, oh dear.  Katherine... I am very, very disappointed."

"Oh gods.. no...  I didn't... I didn't mean to... I haven't touched his soul..."

"I'm afraid it's time for your present."

And then


Lutlakes awoke in a comfortable bed.  It was nice and warm and he would have loved to stay there, simply enjoying the luxurious feel of the soft sheets against his fur, but there was a nagging insistence in the back of his mind that he'd have to open his eyes sooner or later and somehow he knew that he wasn't going to like it when he did.

Stretching, he finally took the plunge.  By the looks of it he was in a hotel, and he had a sudden panic that he was late for a meeting.  He looked at the clock... it was 8:45.  He'd have to hurry!  There was a bundle of freshly-ironed clothes on an endtable and he was hastily putting them on when he suddenly noticed the window.  Everything was dark outside.  He checked the clock again - yes, that was 8:45 AM...

He opened the door and walked down the corridor.  Then froze.  There was a body in the hallway.
It was a fox, and he looked strangely familiar.  It looked kind of like... no, that was silly.  His eyes strayed unwillingly to the face, which had a look of surprise frozen upon it, the mouth slightly open.  At the back of the head, his lengthy blonde hair was tangled and matted with red where the skull had been smashed in.  And a wrench lying beside him, stained with blood and...

"Oh my... gods..." he whimpered, and was forced to steady himself against the wall.  Suddenly a door opened behind him and he spun around.  The murderer?  No, it was another fox... looking between the corpse and him with a horrified expression.

"No!  I... I didn't do it!"

"Oh my gods...  ASHLEY!" the fox yelled.

"Please...  I didn't kill him!  I swear to the gods I didn't..."

"Ash!  What the hell is the body doing still here on the main landing!?  He's found it!"

Holy shit!  Lutlakes thought.  "You!  You did this...!"

"What!?" called another voice.  "The body?  I thought Azrael was taking care of that!"

"Yak said 'Ash' not 'Az'... Ugh, never mind.  Just take it to the cold store now, please?"
So saying, he turned to face Lutlakes, who was slowly edging backwards away from him.

"You weren't supposed to see this," the fox continued.  "There seems to have been a bit of a cock-up, even aside from..." his voice trailed away as he glanced at the corpse.  "...well, rest assured that your killer has already been punished."

My killer?  Suddenly it came back... the last thing he remembered was that something had hit him on the back of the head.  Hard.

"That - the corpse - is... it's me, isn't it?"

"Yes.  I'm sorry," said Niall.  "Not much consolation, I know, but...  Do you have any requests regarding the body?"

"Requests?" Lutlakes asked.  He found himself staring into the corpse's wide eyes... looking for the soul?

"Well, we can offer cremation, burial, mass-to-energy conversion... or are you an organ donor?  That kind of thing."

"I, uh, I don't remember!"

Grimacing, Niall knelt down and removed the wallet from the dead fox's business suit, quickly rifling through it before handing it to Lutlakes.  "There you go.  This should have been in your clothes already.  No donor card, and to be blunt it's probably a bit late for that anyway."

He magicked a pamphlet out of thin air and handed it to Lutlakes.  It was titled 'Android Replicas and you'.  "This was intended for our prospective clients," Niall sighed, "But it will give you everything you need to know about your... new self."

"...Except whether you're legally still you, of course," he added thoughtfully, "but I think that's more up your street."

"So, I'm dead.  You've somehow transferred my soul into what you claim is an android replica of me..."

"It's all in the pamphlet," Niall said, cutting him short.  "Look, just forget about it for now.  You didn't know you were dead at all until you saw the corpse, right?  So you don't need to worry about that yet.  However, Jakob is very concerned and he'd like to meet you right away.  Assuming you're up to it, of course," he added.

"I... can't remember where I am."

"In our base," Niall said.  "Excuse me..."

Lutlakes jumped as the headwings appeared.

"Sorry.  Just doing a final consistency check on your memories.  Sometimes it takes a little while for the soul and mind to sync up... Yeah, as far as I can see you're fine.  It should all have come back in a few minutes or so..."

He dialed the number, and was greeted by a white wolf Angel.  "I'd like to speak to Mr. Pettersohn, please."

The wolf faded to grey and grew a pair of head-wings.  "Speaking."

"So it's true.  I heard you were dead."

"A hoax," Jakob replied, "Although I'd prefer you didn't repeat that just yet.  Anyway, what can I do for you?"

"My name is Mr. Lutlakes, and I'm a legal representative for the Being-Creature Commission.  Recently you applied for a number of trademarks regarding a product which you claim is artificial soul-energy.  My client has expressed some concern that your soul-production process may in fact be a front for a mass soul-stealing operation, of the kind which you perpetrated some centuries ago..."

"Allegedly," Jakob corrected without even blinking.  "We wouldn't want to get into libel now, would we?"

"Allegedly," he agreed.  "In any case, to set our minds at rest, I would like to see the production facility, if that is at all possible."

"That's very brave of you," Jakob said.  "If I was truly doing such a thing, going to inspect it seems a bit risky to me, since I could quite easily rip your soul out and add it to the mix.  Still, I daresay you've taken precautions.  Now, as a rule, I don't usually offer guided tours, but I'm sure we can arrange an exception in this case..."

Some time later he was following Pettersohn down the corridor, when he noticed a female figure walking in the opposite direction.  She looked oddly familiar and seemed rather startled by his presence.

And then


Azrael sat reading a book on the theory and practice of casting magic from a Being's point of view.  His current project was to try and design a system to allow an android to perform generalised spellcasting, and he was in the middle of researching this when Jakob arrived.

"Ah, Yak!  Was Lutlakes happy with the soul-energy production?"

"Hoo, boy!  You should have seen the way his eyes lit up when I mentioned we were expanding the patents division our legal department.  Anyway, where's Ashley?  He should be back from the cold store by now."

"Making a new run of android frames, I believe," Azrael replied.  "We got through quite a lot in just a few days."

"The man's a workaholic!  We'll have to have a company lunch or something, because I hardly get to see him these days.  Talking of which, I take it there's still no sign of Keaton?" Jakob asked, his headwings drooping.

"No," the Angel replied.  She's still in her room.  Very distraught."

"I can imagine.  I wish it didn't have to be like this..." his voice broke.

Azrael smiled at him sadly, and placed a comforting hand on his shoulder.  "Me too.  Though all things considered, it could have been a lot worse."

"Well, if need be I can eat her emotions.  In any case, it's almost two days and we need to do something, pronto.  It'll be Daryil's party soon, and we can't bring her like that.  We don't really want to leave her here, either.  It wouldn't be fair on her, let alone the damage she could cause..."


"Keaton?"

The jackal was sitting on the bed in her room as the wolf poked his head through the door.  Exactly what she was staring at was difficult to ascertain.  In any case, she did not reply, and it was only the slight pricking of her large ears that revealed she'd heard him at all.  He couldn't probe with his powers for the room was awash with pain, bitterness and various other emotions to the point at which his mental shield could barely cope.

"Keaton?  I've got someone here to see you."

"No!" She screamed, spinning around and backing against the wall in a sudden burst of energy that took the wolf by surprise. "You brought him here!  To finish me off!"

"No no no!" Jakob yelped.  "He's not here.  He's not even in the building at all, I swear it!"

"Then why are you here?  What do you want?  Haven't you had enough?  You've come to gloat, haven't you!"  She screamed. "Come to feed on my pain, you piece of shit!  You f***in' bastard, son of a f***in' Being!  You murdered me!  You took the Darkness away!  How can you even begin to understand what I've lost!?  You..." words failed her and with an expression beyond rage, she lunged at him, leaping over the bed in a single bound.

It was as though she'd tripped.  The safeties cut in in full flight and she landed head-first in a shocking way that would have instantly killed anyone with a spinal column.  It certainly looked like she was dead, but Jakob knew better.  It didn't stop him from blanching at the impact, though.  With an expression of regret, he knelt, turning her over and punching a code into a small hand-held terminal.  The jackal stirred.

"You piece of soulshit... you.. you... urrr..." the insults died on her lips as Jakob stared down into her eyes in a strange way.  He's doing something... to my mind... to me...

"Look," he said heavily, "I think you should know that I didn't want it to come to this.  It was supposed to be just a threat... but Daryil... he was pissed when you killed the lawyer.  I couldn't stop him.  But... I mean, for gods' sakes.. why?  What made you do it?  Some long-standing grudge?"

"It was a murder case," the jackal replied slowly.  Everything felt strange and unreal.  "Some years ago.  He was the prosecutor."

"I hate to say it, but if you go around murdering people, you've got to expect that sort of thing."

"You just murdered me!" she spat back, a spark of anger still living within her.  "And anyway, that time I wasn't even f***in' guilty!"

You are now, Jakob thought, but it didn't say it.  In a way she was right.  They had murdered her. 

"Anyway, so as far as I'm concerned, you're free to leave any time you choose.  When you feel up to it.  But you don't have to, of course... you can stay, if you prefer."

Stay?  With Daryil?  Are you out of your f***ing mind?  She laughed bitterly.  "Leave?  We're in the middle of the f***in' Arctic!  Whadda you expect me to do... walk back?"

"Oh, yes.  I forgot... your friend."

So saying, Jakob placed a briefcase on the floor, opened the top and crawled back a few paces.  Keaton jerked back and her hands flew up to cover her face and protect her eyes from the explosion.

"Mistress... I have failed you..."

Keaton opened one of the fingers, exposing her eye, and stared down at the briefcase.  A small, black figure slowly rose out of it, with the mark of Daryil Clan upon its forehead.

Slowly removing the hands from her face, she glanced at Jakob with an expression of amazement and wonder.  "H-how did you..."

"Daryil did it," he replied.  She flinched at the mention of his name.  "When he... punished you, he did what you might call a 'reference count', checking for any spells that were bound to your lifeforce.  This little chap was one of those.  He's been re-bound to our clan, but if he's loyal, he should still obey you just the same."

A few minutes later, Jakob was slowly edging out of the room with a lump in his throat.  Keaton sat on the bed, hugging her warp-aci like a doll.

Awwww.

Yay Daryil. It's the little touches that count. ;-]

Still my favorite chapteeeeer~ >:3

Excellently done. :>

~Keaton the Black Jackal

Did I miss something? I don't think I remember Keaton killing anyone last chapter...
Or perhaps I've missed something earlier than that? My apologies, if so.

I will say, a very interesting read, although you might guess how I feel about Daryil right now.  :)

Quote from: Cogidubnus on January 18, 2008, 05:38:17 PM
Did I miss something? I don't think I remember Keaton killing anyone last chapter...
Or perhaps I've missed something earlier than that? My apologies, if so.

This is about two days after the previous chapter.

QuoteI will say, a very interesting read, although you might guess how I feel about Daryil right now.  :)

I had expected more hate-mail over this, I must admit  >:3

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 18, 2008, 06:41:51 PM
I had expected more hate-mail over this, I must admit  >:3

My previous offer to be your human shield still stands, you know.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on January 18, 2008, 07:41:03 PM

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 18, 2008, 06:41:51 PM
I had expected more hate-mail over this, I must admit  >:3

My previous offer to be your human shield still stands, you know.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

... "I'd hit it" ?

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 18, 2008, 04:21:06 PM
My God, it's full of stars!

If thats from where i think its from you just rose even further in my respect

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 18, 2008, 04:21:06 PM
"Well, we can offer cremation, burial, mass-to-energy conversion... or are you an organ donor?  That kind of thing."

Ah, the many choices, some more environmentally friendly then others

Quoteand of pity not a dram, we all eat roasted garlic and sing from the diaphragm

Quote from: Brunhidden on January 19, 2008, 09:40:50 AM

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 18, 2008, 04:21:06 PM
My God, it's full of stars!

If thats from where i think its from you just rose even further in my respect

Thanks to Keaton (and her owner's suggestion that she should have a tantrum at the end instead of being sullen as in the original), this chapter alone uses the f-word more times than the rest of it put together, by my count.  But yeah, it's a reference to 2001.
Would it bring things back to equilibrium if I said I preferred 2010? :3

Quote

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 18, 2008, 04:21:06 PM
"Well, we can offer cremation, burial, mass-to-energy conversion... or are you an organ donor?  That kind of thing."

Ah, the many choices, some more environmentally friendly then others

Poor Keaton wasn't offered a choice  :<

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 19, 2008, 10:16:41 AM
Would it bring things back to equilibrium if I said I preferred 2010? :3

2063 just wasn't in the same playground, though.

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 18, 2008, 08:18:05 PM

Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on January 18, 2008, 07:41:03 PM

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 18, 2008, 06:41:51 PM
I had expected more hate-mail over this, I must admit  >:3

My previous offer to be your human shield still stands, you know.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

... "I'd hit it" ?

Seconded! >:3

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 19, 2008, 10:16:41 AM

Quote from: Brunhidden on January 19, 2008, 09:40:50 AM

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 18, 2008, 04:21:06 PM
My God, it's full of stars!

If thats from where i think its from you just rose even further in my respect

Thanks to Keaton (and her owner's suggestion that she should have a tantrum at the end instead of being sullen as in the original), this chapter alone uses the f-word more times than the rest of it put together, by my count.  But yeah, it's a reference to 2001.
Would it bring things back to equilibrium if I said I preferred 2010? :3

There is yet another source i was expecting that quote to be from, so apparently the mark was not hit although i still respect you. It is, however, possible that they are still connected.

I own a copy of 2010, but it has disappeared with a largish box containing about 65 pounds of my most precious books.


.....

for those of you who are brittish, thats a WEIGHT measurement not a price. sheesh, you would think that mistake would happen less because it was the british measurement system but it seems to have been forgotten- estimated price of books missing is about $275, at least half of which were picked up at half price used bookstores.

QuoteWe can sleep soundly at night because rough men stand ready to visit violence on those who would do us harm

Quote from: Paladin Sheppard on January 20, 2008, 05:04:07 AM

Quote from: llearch n'n'daCorna on January 18, 2008, 08:18:05 PM

Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on January 18, 2008, 07:41:03 PM

Quote from: Tapewolf on January 18, 2008, 06:41:51 PM
I had expected more hate-mail over this, I must admit  >:3

My previous offer to be your human shield still stands, you know.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

... "I'd hit it" ?

Seconded! >:3

Keaton would hit all of you, too.

She'd hit you all with her mace. >:3

She hits you all because she LOVES YOU. :C

~Keaton the Black Jackal

Quote from: Keaton the Black Jackal on January 20, 2008, 11:45:08 AM
Keaton would hit all of you, too.

She'd hit you all with her mace. >:3

She hits you all because she LOVES YOU. :C

Tough love. It's such a pain...


... in the ribs, and the knees, and the arms, and anywhere else she hits us... ;-]

and about that time someone will say they like a girl with 'spirit' or some such and suddenly find themselves sans testicles.

Quote"Give a man a fire and he's warm for a day, but set fire to him and he's warm for the rest of his life."

In case anyone is interested, here's a clip from the original, less poignant version of the ending.  In that, Keaton was just melancholy rather than actually throwing a full-blown hissy-fit.

---

"Take your time," Jakob suggested, with a thin smile.  Inwardly, he was beaming.  She was not going to be a happy bunny for quite some time, but nonetheless, it looked like he'd broken the back of her depression.

As he left, a small envelope appeared on her bed.  Opening it, Keaton found a small, greetings card.  The "I'm sorry I killed you" line was a bit of a niche market, but it did have its uses.  Perhaps I should get one for the lawyer, she thought, and opened it.
As she did so, something fell out - even thought it couldn't have fitted inside.  Keaton dropped the card in panic as she realised what it was - a small bag of lollipops.

/me snickers evilly.

Lollipops.

Awwwww, even with her tantrum, I think you should have kept in that letter!

Quote from: techmaster-glitch on January 21, 2008, 01:33:17 PM
Awwwww, even with her tantrum, I think you should have kept in that letter!

There was something kind of insipid about the first draft.  While I didn't really like the idea of the new ending, it does give it a hard edge which the original lacked.  When it comes down to it, I think I do prefer it this way.  That's not to rule out Daryil inadvertently tormenting her with lollipops.  We'll have to see what happens in the next chapter, which will be somewhat more lighthearted.

[quote author=Keaton the Black Jackal link=topic=2274.msg172820#msg172820

Keaton would hit all of you, too.

She'd hit you all with her mace. >:3

She hits you all because she LOVES YOU. :C

~Keaton the Black Jackal
[/quote]

Oh yeah, well you're dead and a robot now!  Which makes you a Cyberman, and they always lose!  Ha!   :P

Actually, that brings to mind a question. I assumed Daryil just being-ified her - I hadn't considered that she might be a robot, instead. Is she, indeed, a being-ifed Cubi, or did she just get stuck into a robot body?

It was implied-maybe even directly said-that Daryil killed Keaton. The only way to bring her back would be to trap her soul and slap it into a robot body.

Quote from: techmaster-glitch on January 22, 2008, 12:19:34 AM
It was implied-maybe even directly said-that Daryil killed Keaton. The only way to bring her back would be to trap her soul and slap it into a robot body.

It was as though she'd tripped.  The safeties cut in in full flight and she landed head-first in a shocking way that would have instantly killed anyone with a spinal column.  It certainly looked like she was dead, but Jakob knew better.  It didn't stop him from blanching at the impact, though.  With an expression of regret, he knelt, turning her over and punching a code into a small hand-held terminal.  The jackal stirred.


See also:  http://clockworkmansion.com/forum/index.php/topic,2274.msg107520.html#msg107520

Ah yes, of course. I forgot all about Keaton falling right over the bed.

Another little item of interest is a cut line from an earlier prototype, before I got the idea of including Lutlakes' mission as a flashback.  In this version he only met Jakob after Keaton had already murdered him, giving this cute little exchange:

---

"So you're Mr. Pettersohn?" Lutlake asked.  "How interesting!  I heard you were dead."

"I could say the same about you," Jakob said mildly, "although that would be a bit below-the-belt after all you've been through.  Now, may I ask why you're here?"

Chapter 25 - Flapjacks

After the last time, Daryil had determined to ensure that his clan knew about the Ascension party beforehand.  Even so, a number of people had missed the announcement and were bewildered, irritated or even frightened to suddenly find themselves in the middle of a forest, surrounded by dozens of Creatures.  Others hadn't taken the difference in time-zone into account and had arrived in various states of undress.

In the centre of the clearing, Jakob had set up a two kilowatt sound system next to the stage, a simple wooden affair backed by a large tapestry of their clan symbol.
Keaton watched this listlessly, fingering the locket that Daryil had sent her accompanied by a long and rambling apology.  It contained her own ashes.

Once she would have seized this opportunity to escape, free from the constraints within Jakob's ice-bound complex.  Now, here in the middle of the forest, she stayed with them more out of apathy more than anything else.

At the same time, she was gradually beginning to think about planning for her future, such as it was.  Like a 'Cubi she only really needed a roof over her head.  But a 'Cubi could also defend themselves and now, bereft of the darkness, her magic and her innate defensive abilities, she would have to re-learn self defence, have to learn to defend herself against Creatures, in just the way Beings had tried to defend themselves against her.  In that light, it was probably better to stay with Jakob until she was able to survive in the wild.  If Daryil didn't kill her himself, it was unlikely anyone else would be able to touch her while she was under his protection.

At one point, he caught her eye, even gave her a friendly wave, as though it hadn't happened.  She waved back, although he surely knew she was doing it more out of fear than respect.

When everyone had arrived, a jig began to play and Daryil pranced onto the stage.  Thirty seconds later, a second Daryil appeared and taking the hand of the original, the two of them began to dance.  When it was over, the pair of him bowed.  One of them kicked the other in the nuts and the violated fox wavered and faded away.  A tuxedo appeared on the remaining incubus and his eyes were watering slightly.

"My dear friends and fellow clan-mates," he began, "Welcome to my Ascension party.  I have, I believe, learned a number of lessons since the Tree party, hence this will be a much more formal affair that will not take forty days.  As I'm sure most of us know, I now have three pairs of wings instead of the usual two.  Aren't they pretty?"  As he spoke, the hip-wings appeared.  There was some murmuring from those who hadn't seen the news report, which had been repeated many times - including on Furrae's Most Wanted - and wails of terror from at least three unfortunate clan members who still believed they were Beings.

"Firstly I'd like to thank Jakob, Azrael, Niall and Ashley for their invaluable work in soul synthesis which ultimately made my ascension possible and should, in time, make the barbaric practice of soul-eating as obsolete as flint axes.  I love you guys.  Secondly, I would also like to publicly humiliate Keaton for attempting to kill me and my sweetheart, Simeon..."  The jackal felt a chill steal through her and tried to pretend she wasn't there.

"...but I think she's suffered enough already.  So instead, I propose a toast."  Some of the crowd began to shuffle and looked at each other nervously, not least because there were no drinks to toast with.  Daryil paused, and then smiled widely.

"I've forgotten what I was going to toast to.  Lollipops.  Great taste at a low, low price..." Each organic member of the party suddenly found a lollipop in their hand.  "Okay?" said Daryil as the partygoers clinked the sweets together in a confused fashion.  Jakob slumped across the mixing board, apparently in a state of some distress.

"Now... oh wait!  To no more soul-eating!  That was it."

He clapped his hands together, replenishing the few who had already eaten their lollipops.
"No more soul-eating!" the crowd chanted, rather more enthusiastically.

"If anyone is interested," Jakob said, "We will be handing out free vouchers for our soul-substitute later on in the evening."

"Yeah!" Daryil concluded.  "Now, let's get pissed."


Keaton stood apart from the long tables of food and drink which had appeared as Daryil finished his brief speech.  Unable to consume either herself, she stared morosely at the people who could - it had only been about two days but she missed it already.  Wandering like a lost soul amongst the partygoers, she spotted Dorcan with his family.  Mordrith and Julei, a husky she'd never met before... unless it was Neremath?  He was still a puppy when the clan fell.  And that meant the edgy, furtive-looking doberman would have to be his wife...

Meanwhile, a small crowd had gathered, staring at Wils as he pranced and assumed various defensive and offensive postures, asking Joshua, Azrael to open the service hatches in their chests and do cartwheels.  She turned away.  They might enjoy the attention, but there was no way she would be paraded around like Jakob's latest toy.

Suddenly she realised that she wasn't the only one with issues about their new form.  Ephrael brushed past her, heading for Jakob with a look of determination on her face.  Intrigued, Keaton decided to follow the marsupial.  Heck, it would pass the time and besides, she wanted to see the fireworks if and when Ephrael discovered what Daryil had done to her precious tattoo.  Keaton had caught sight of it while the marsupial was changing.  It would randomly display the names of other women, but only when Eph herself couldn't see it.

"Jakob," the marsupial said, "This body is all well and good, but I do miss being able to drink and stuff.  I don't suppose there's any way I can have a real body again?"

"We'd have to... hmm...." he paused.  "I might be able to clone you," he said.  "It'll take about 20 years, and it depends if I still have the lock of hair I took when I buried you..."

Keaton knew right away that she'd made the right decision.  Her death was recent enough that there was surely some DNA still around from her corpse.  If they could make it work for Ephrael... If they could get the DNA... If Daryil didn't kill her completely, she might one day live again... Yeah, tell that to Daddy, she thought.  It was a gamble, but the chance to be a real succubus once more was worth the price of staying in their madhouse.

"Cloning?  Will it work?  Have you done it before?"  Ephrael was asking, somewhat suspiciously.

"Actually, yes.  I made a clone of myself, but that was a bit of a hack since it was built to act as a decoy rather than a person.  But there were two earlier attempts, which were entirely successful."

"Others?  Who?"

"Do you remember the soul-stones I used to carry around my neck?  The two demons I slew as my last act as ruler of Ha'Khun?  It wasn't easy, but I eventually created new bodies for them.  The other difficulty was that their souls were still damaged from when I attacked them, but with the soul synthesis techniques we were able to patch over the damage."

"Weren't they, like, mad at you?"

"Fortunately the stones I used were designed for long-term storage, like yours, Ephrael.  Time slows down for the occupant to help keep them sane.  In any case, it turned out that the parts of their souls which I ate included their memory of what they had done to me... and what I'd done to them."


Joshua had grown bored of playing demo model, so, replaced by Dorcan, he made his excuses and headed off to find Jakob.  As he approached, the incubus was drifting away, leaving Ephrael and Keaton, who had a peculiarly dreamy expression on her face.  He found it quite frightening.

"What the heck is up with her?"  He asked, tagging along beside the wolf.  "I've never, ever seen her look quite like that before."

"Keaton?  She's hoping I can clone her a new body," Jakob replied, and snickered to himself.

"Each to her own, I guess.  I'll stick with immortality, I think."

"A wise decision.  Anyway... what can I do for you?"

"Who is Werrew the Usurper?" Joshua asked.

"Imagine someone with the megalomania of Johan Cross, and the sanity of Daryil," he replied with a wry grin.

"I'm not sure I want to!"

"Actually, you won't need to.  He's over there."  Jakob gestured to an Alsatian hound with pale fur and pastel-shaded wings.  He was talking to Daryil and Simeon, who listened raptly, hanging on to every word.

"...after the second attack, King Thias issued a decree that all suspected Creatures were to be arrested on charge of attempted treason or something.  Why, I'm not entirely sure, because it basically meant that he was disposing of everyone who could repel the attackers. As you can probably imagine, some fled and some decided to go down fighting."

"What happened to you?"

"Me?  Oh, the first I learned about the decree at all was when they arrested me.  Anyway, one of my neighbours was a guy called 'Kamdan', a black panther who was a bit of an adventurer himself so it wasn't unusual for him to disappear for weeks at a stretch.  It wasn't until they threw me into his cell that I realised where he'd disappeared to this time, and it wasn't until I saw the wings that I realised he was actually a demon in disguise."

"He was in a really bad way, and I wasn't sure if he was going to make it.  They weren't feeding us well, and I figured that his need was greater than mine so I shared my meals with him.  That helped him keep up his strength, but strangely it didn't seem to make much difference to me, so I gradually gave him more until after a few days he had all of it and I still wasn't getting any weaker.  In fact, I was actually getting stronger.

"Then one day I woke up with these," he said, pointing at his headwings.  "I guess the horrible emotions from the other prisoners must have helped, but anyway...  While Kamdan wasn't a 'Cubi himself he had worked with one, and he was not only able to tell me what I was, he'd also picked up a few tricks as trivia which he passed on to me.
"A few a weeks later, a pair of guards came to drag me away for interrogation and probably death.  But what they didn't know was that I'd spent the last eight days and nights learning spells and basic tentacle control, so as soon as we were out of sight, their heads came off."

"Now I suppose I was a bit biased, but in my opinion, the King simply wasn't doing a very good job.  So I went into the throne room and asked him if I could have a go, but said 'no', so I killed him.
"The captain of the guards didn't like that at all, especially not when he saw me sitting on the throne myself dressed in the dead king's clothes, so I asked him if he'd accept me as his new liege.  Unfortunately he said 'no' too.
"That was when it got kind of messy, because the palace guards didn't like any of this.  Every time I asked if they were happy to have me as King, they kept saying 'no' and I ended up going on a good old-fashioned 'Cubi rampage.  It wasn't until two-thirds of them were dead that they finally said 'yes'."

"You speak rather flippantly of all the people you slaughtered," Jakob said, looking somewhat sick.

"It was only death," Werrew replied.  "A shame, yes, but hardly the end of the world.  And don't forget all the deaths they meted out themselves, upon Creature and Being alike.  In any case, I had a monument to the fallen erected as my second act as King."

"What was your first act as King?"

"'Bring me pancakes!'"

There was an uncomfortable silence.

"Uhh... so... what happened to Kamdan?" Joshua asked at last.

"My third act was to have him brought before my throne," Werrew said.  "There I made him Regent."  He proffered a photograph of a handsome-looking black jaguar with dark leathery wings and enchanted armour.  "He's holding the fort in my absence."

"Ooh, I like him..." Daryil said, gazing at the photograph.  "Mrrowrrr!  If I didn't have Simeon, I know where I'd go.  Actually, how's your shapeshifting?" he added, shooting a lascivious grin at his partner, who immediately tried to hide his face.

"I have heard less-than flattering things about your rule," Jakob put in quickly, in a somewhat transparent attempt to change the subject.

"Hey, now.  It's not like I'm Johan Cross," Werrew pointed out, either ignoring or misinterpreting Jakob's wince at the name.  "Although... he did give me a few ideas.  Anyway, it can be very difficult to get the truth out of your advisors when they're mortally afraid of saying 'no'."

"What about the Census?" Jakob replied, his eyes narrowing.

"I was being sarcastic!" he protested.  "I didn't think they'd actually do it!  Who in their right mind would attempt to find Creatures by killing people one at a time?  Or perhaps you've forgotten I spent two months in a dungeon myself, praying each morning that it would not be the day they cut my head off just because I was suspected of being a Creature?  No... I made those guys feel very sorry, I can tell you..."

"I must go,"  Daryil said.  "Time to welcome and/or comfort the new additions to my clan."

"Be gentle with them," Jakob called.


At two o'clock the following morning, when Daryil had returned his guests from whence they came, he warped Jakob and the others back into the research base in the Arctic.  Though their senses were slightly addled from the drink and the party in general, something happened which brought them all to abrupt attention.

"Welcome back, gentlemen," the voice called out.  Jakob turned sharply, and as he did a group of Weres sprang out, shooting spells one moment and reverting to their magic-resistant human form the next.  Before they could even think of a strategy, Daryil fell to be jumped upon, pinned down and an enchanted bracer forced upon his wrist, reducing him to Being level.
Holy shit! Joshua thought, They just took down a Tri-Wing!

"As I was saying... welcome back!"  The speaker was a fishing-cat with rusty brown fur.  He was wearing a business suit and the unmistakable aura of command enveloped him.  Jakob glanced around.  The doors were bolted and the anti-teleportation spells had been turned against them.  "Farlane!  Mac!  Come in!" he yelped, but his watch was blank.

"How did you get in here?" he screamed, as Niall crouched to examine Daryil.  "How did you get past the wards?  How did you know we'd be away?"

"Oh, someone arranged all that for us," the cat said happily.

"WHO?"

"None other than your resident computer genius, Ashley."

Awww. Keats might get a body back? That'll keep her attention for a while...

Treachery!!!


Though, on a total side note, I've had something I've wanted to say every since Jakob perfected the soul-synthesis.
Y'see, with this process, any cubi can live beyond their already extended lifespan, maybe even attain higher powers. I cannot think that the other Creature races, especially the Council, would just sit and let this happen; they must be f@%ing pissed at Jakob for massively undermining the balance. I honestly keep waiting for that coalition army of multiple Creature races who are coming to turn Jakob's little operation into a parking lot with extreme prejudice, if you know what I mean.

Quote from: techmaster-glitch on February 01, 2008, 10:03:55 PM
Treachery!!!


Though, on a total side note, I've had something I've wanted to say every since Jakob perfected the soul-synthesis.
Y'see, with this process, any cubi can live beyond their already extended lifespan, maybe even attain higher powers. I cannot think that the other Creature races, especially the Council, would just sit and let this happen; they must be f@%ing pissed at Jakob for massively undermining the balance. I honestly keep waiting for that coalition army of multiple Creature races who are coming to turn Jakob's little operation into a parking lot with extreme prejudice, if you know what I mean.

Well, somehow I don't think that would be easy to do.

Obviously, you have a small army of 'Cubi, facilities to make as much energy as needed out of matter... And, if worst comes to worst, I don't think any Creature could stand up to being turned into pure energy... Or even being shot at with pure energy generated by said machine.

Of course, any 'Cubi in the coalition army wouldn't be there, I mean, with Jacob's tech, it means *any* 'Cubi with enough money can quickly gain an extreme amount of energy, instead of having to hunt down each target. I think most if not all 'Cubi would move to Jacob's side. Other races however might definitely fight back - A army of Tri-wing 'Cubi would be nearly indestructible!

Just my thoughts...


-RobbieThe1st

Quote from: techmaster-glitch on February 01, 2008, 10:03:55 PM
Though, on a total side note, I've had something I've wanted to say every since Jakob perfected the soul-synthesis.
Y'see, with this process, any cubi can live beyond their already extended lifespan, maybe even attain higher powers. I cannot think that the other Creature races, especially the Council, would just sit and let this happen; they must be f@%ing pissed at Jakob for massively undermining the balance.

Jakob isn't restricting his market to 'Cubi - Demons and Angels are also able to eat souls and increase their power.  [Interesting idea withheld for possible use in a future arc]
There's also the notion of selling small doses to use as batteries, as Brun suggested earlier.

It's not like he has the manufacturing capacity to flood the market anyway, at least not at this time, and in the final analysis he hasn't put anything on the table that can't already be achieved fairly easily by utterly destroying people.

As for 'commodity Tri-Wings', providing the energy to do that isn't really enough - to quote Amber: "Well...it could be said that for every success for tri-winged...there have been at least a dozen failures.  And not the type of failure that results in a complimentary "good try" ribbon."

QuoteI honestly keep waiting for that coalition army of multiple Creature races who are coming to turn Jakob's little operation into a parking lot with extreme prejudice, if you know what I mean.

I'm not sure there is a Creature Council in this future.  I'm assuming that Destania succeeds, which means one less race, and unless they manage to wipe out all Beings (which I doubt) or all technology (which Creatures are liable to enjoy as well) the balance they have will already have been gone for at least a century.

I am assuming that there is some kind of new and better replacement for the Being-Creature, and yes, they are concerned, which is why they sent Mr. Lutlakes to establish the facts.  He may return, since I'm currently trying to figure out a new storyline once the Wils arc ends.  In any case, I'm taking your ideas on board.

**EDIT**

Out-takes time.

The party was originally scheduled for chapter 23 - before Keaton had died.  It was originally going to be the point at which Keaton ran into Page and tried to get her Dad back.  Then I had a brainwave and reorganised it.  Remarkably I managed to keep most of it intact:

QuoteKeaton ignored this, more intent on escape now that she was free of the ice-bound complex.  She tried surreptitiously to summon her warp-aci, but it didn't work and from the way Daryil seemed to wink at her, it was pretty clear this was his doing.  Somehow.  Why is he doing this to me?

There was also a point between this change and the final version where Daryil did a longer, more coherent speech, but it was turning into a Steve Jobs product announcement.

---

As he spoke, Jakob pressed a button and a white screen appeared behind his leader.

"Now, I would like to make a couple of announcements.  As I have just mentioned, we have succeeded in creating synthetic energy fields which any Creature can absorb for sustenance.  In the interest of maintaining my clan, I am considering providing a free supply to all clan members.  It also means that we should again be in a position to increase the size of the clan.  As usual, we will be offering a limited number of places for 'Cubified Beings."

"But first, let us look at what makes this possible."  On cue, Jakob pressed another button and another posted appeared.

"Note that the slides say I can't believe it's not Being.  Thanks to the munchkins at the patents and trademarks office, we have had to rename it 'SoulFood' and the new packaging isn't ready yet.  Fortunately the advert we cut doesn't include the product name - we are going to gradually lead in to what it's about."

This was Jakob's cue.  A faint whirring began... it was Jakob's pride and joy.  Microprocessor-controlled, it had a frictionless full servo transport and a cold light source that acted directly at the quantum level.  It was the world's finest 16mm projector.

Mac Farlane?

Anyway, I felt sorry for Keaton after reading chapter 24, but now... I guess all I can say is wOrOt.

Quote from: Gabi on February 02, 2008, 08:58:47 AM
Mac Farlane?

They're in charge of security at the base.

munchkins. *giggle*

Quote from: Tapewolf on February 02, 2008, 07:27:06 AM
There was also a point between this change and the final version where Daryil did a longer, more coherent speech, but it was turning into a Steve Jobs product announcement.

The mental image of Daryil enthusiastically showing everyone at his party an iPhone on-stage is still a hilarious one for me.

Come to think of it, the entire party was hilarious. Especially this part:

Quote"...but I think she's suffered enough already.  So instead, I propose a toast."  Some of the crowd began to shuffle and looked at each other nervously, not least because there were no drinks to toast with.  Daryil paused, and then smiled widely.

"I've forgotten what I was going to toast to.  Lollipops.  Great taste at a low, low price..." Each organic member of the party suddenly found a lollipop in their hand.  "Okay?" said Daryil as the partygoers clinked the sweets together in a confused fashion.  Jakob slumped across the mixing board, apparently in a state of some distress.

Poor Jakob. He has a lunatic for a clan leader. And not a fucking-insane lunatic like Jyraneth, I mean the fun kind of lunatic. XD

Great chapter.

~Keaton the Black Jackal

Well, I'm still not really feeling very sorry for Daryil. Not at all, actually. More the opposite. Even so, I think that I have already said everything that comes to mind about that a few pages ago.  ;)

And I do have to say, the party was rather humorous.

Quote"What was your first act as King?"

"'Bring me pancakes!'

Well, if I ever rule become the ruler of a small, independent country, I know what my first act as regent for life will be. Absolutely hilarious. :3

A very good read.

*Edit* - Oh yes, I just remembered. I was listening to "Princes of the Dreams" yesterday, and I found myself wondering - who exactly is the speaker in that song? The narrator, I suppose you might call it.

Quote from: Cogidubnus on February 02, 2008, 02:21:42 PM
Well, if I ever rule become the ruler of a small, independent country, I know what my first act as regent for life will be. Absolutely hilarious. :3

Close... the Regent is the guy who stands in for the ruler when they are absent or otherwise unable to rule.

QuoteOh yes, I just remembered. I was listening to "Princes of the Dreams" yesterday, and I found myself wondering - who exactly is the speaker in that song? The narrator, I suppose you might call it.

I don't know - you'd have to ask Xss that.  He's on the forum (a PM may reach his email), or you can send him a note via DA ( http://xss-.deviantart.com ), which is what I did when asking permission to include it on the album.  Talking of which, I forgot to let him know it's released now  :3

Quote from: Tapewolf on February 02, 2008, 03:13:54 PM

Close... the Regent is the guy who stands in for the ruler when they are absent or otherwise unable to rule.

Well, yes. ;3 - how else do you think I'd become the regent, unless the ruler was, sadly, rendered unable to rule...

QuoteI don't know - you'd have to ask Xss that.  He's on the forum (a PM may reach his email), or you can send him a note via DA ( http://xss-.deviantart.com ), which is what I did when asking permission to include it on the album.  Talking of which, I forgot to let him know it's released now  :3

Ah, thanks then. I'll ask him.

Quote from: Cogidubnus on February 02, 2008, 06:53:54 PM
Well, yes. ;3 - how else do you think I'd become the regent, unless the ruler was, sadly, rendered unable to rule...

You'd have to keep him alive, though... just insane or in a coma or something.  I wonder how long you could keep it up...?

Quote from: Tapewolf on February 02, 2008, 06:57:54 PM

Quote from: Cogidubnus on February 02, 2008, 06:53:54 PM
Well, yes. ;3 - how else do you think I'd become the regent, unless the ruler was, sadly, rendered unable to rule...

You'd have to keep him alive, though... just insane or in a coma or something.  I wonder how long you could keep it up...?

Yeah, well. Alright, so I'd just have to usurp the throne. Ah, revolution...

Ah, yes, the toats made me laugh too. And so did everyone's reactions to Daryil's ideas.

The "I was no Johan Cross" was also an interesting touch.

Quote from: Cogidubnus on February 02, 2008, 07:15:31 PM
Yeah, well. Alright, so I'd just have to usurp the throne. Ah, revolution...

... it's revolting?
... it's nothing but a chance to sit and spin?
... the sweet smell of napalm in the morning?
... how do I love thee, let me count the ways?

you know, you'd be ever so much better off if you finished your sentences yourself. ;-]

Really nice Tape

Oops, forgot to censor the f-words.

Chapter 26 - Loyalties

Keaton stared at the fishing-cat with undisguised loathing.  "He's a f***in' Angel!" she yelled, only to be knocked aside by Jakob as he lurched towards Ashley.  His face was a mask of fury.

The lynx's feathers stood on end and he tried to run, but Jakob was too quick for him.  His body had once been Demon, but now he was an incubus and a feeble, sickly one at that.  He didn't stand a chance.

Pinning him into a kneeling position, Jakob placed both hands upon his head and the magic flared up.  Interrogation techniques he had not used for centuries came out in full force, breaking down the mind shield with brutal efficiency.  The lynx's screams and pleas were terrible to hear.

"I'd stop that if I were you," said the Angel.

"No," Jakob snarled.  The pain at being betrayed by someone he'd called a friend for nearly six hundred years was almost beyond endurance and it manifested itself as hatred.  A burning desire to maim the lynx, rape his mind just as he'd raped their friendship.

"Jakob... stop it!" Azrael yelled.  He'd never seen the incubus go like this in the flesh, but he knew full well what the other could be capable of.

"You should listen to Page, you know.  I really do think it would be better if you didn't do that."

"Not until... I learn... what... possessed him... to betray me..."

"We did," said the cat.

"WHAT?" Jakob screamed, and let go of Ashley, who fell twitching to the ground.  "...jakob..." he cried out weakly.

"Oh my gods... Ash... I'm so, so sorry..."  A teary-eyed wolf was kneeling by him, stroking him.

"I told you it wasn't a good idea," the Angel pointed out smugly.

"You possessed him... How?"  Azrael demanded, as Jakob sat in silence, nursing the fallen lynx.  "Any one of us who was magic-capable would have detected a spell upon him."

"Well that happens to exclude you, but I take your point.  It's in his pocketwatch.  Quite simple!  While he was shopping near your branch headquarters one day, we mugged him.  As 'Cubi go he is pitifully weak, so it wasn't difficult.

"Once he was within our power, we made him forget the attack and put the spell upon his watch.  A beautiful piece of work, that... since his watch is itself powered by magic, we were able to simply disguise our spell as the power source.  He's been under our control for some time, now.  Why do you think you've seen so little of him lately?  He's been very, very busy, doing our own jobs as well as yours."

As Fendrick spoke, Jakob stared into Ashley's eyes and ate his pain.  Reaching into his own coat, drew out a small cube of soul-energy which he pressed into the lynx's hand.
"Please don't ever do that again..." he croaked, and with Jakob's help he was soon standing again.  He leaned heavily upon the wolf, but it would do for now.

Next to them, Daryil struggled on the floor.  There were still a couple of Weres watching over their prisoners, but the rest were sitting upon the fox in order to restrain him.  Fortunately he no longer needed to breathe.
With a sudden burst of effort, he shook himself free of them and lay on the floor, listening calmly as the Angel continued his exposè and ignoring the drama with Ashley.  Fendrick glanced at him briefly, and nodded to the Weres, who watched the fox closely but took no further action. 

Satisfied that Ashley would recover, Jakob turned back to face Fendrick, and the fury he had unleashed upon his friend was now directed firmly against the fishing-cat.

"What do you want, you bastard?" he said.

"He wants our souls,"  Wils said, edging away.  "HE did it!  He had me killed, and now he's come to finish the job!"

"Ah, you must be Wils," the feline said.  "Only one out of three, I'm afraid.  I'm not here for souls.  Yes, we did kill you, but it was never our intention to 'finish the job', as you put it."

"'We'?"  Jakob asked.  "You mean there's more of you weirdoes?  Who are you, anyway?  Who do you represent?"

"My name is Fendrick and I am from the Subtle Paw," he said, ignoring the gasps of shock and disbelief.  Having been subjected to Ashford's long and frequent tirades against the mythical organisation, Joshua was giggling to himself out of sheer hysteria.  Keaton was just staring.  Holy shit, she thought, That crazy bastard was right all along!  Daryil didn't seem to have heard.

"Let me explain.  We needed an agent inside your complex.  Unable to breach the protective spells, and mindful of the way you made mincemeat out of the Nagristi Brotherhood, we decided upon a more... subtle approach as befits our name.  We rarely do anything overt, present circumstances excepted of course."

"You call this... 'subtle'?"  Jakob spat.

"...What limited intelligence we obtained - from our plants in Keaton's agency - confirmed that you had the ability to raise the dead from their soul alone.
"The simplest solution was to kill one of our most trusted agents and send their soul to you by post.  With such a bleeding-heart as you have, we felt sure you would resurrect them out of pity and compassion."

Jakob turned to Wils, his eyes blazing with the same hatred he had shown Ashley earlier.

"You...  a plant...  Is - This - True?"

"No!" Wils squeaked.  "I swear!  Read my mind... anything..."

"Your restraint is admirable," Fendrick put in.  "We wouldn't want you to make the same mistake twice, now would we?  No... Wils' death was an accident, one for which I can only apologise."

"You splashed my brains everywhere and robbed me of my soul!  How can you write that off as a f***ing accident?"

"Sadly our records department typed the address wrong," Fendrick said.  "The agent who had volunteered was an incubus, and the agent assigned to effect his... er, transformation... naturally assumed he was role-playing.  An actor's final performance, you might say."

"But that agent was an incubus too, wasn't he?"  Jakob snapped.  "Someone disguised as me, someone who shapeshifted before entering and leaving.  Why didn't they read Wils' mind and know?"

"Actually, they were all Beings," he said.  "Three of them, to create a cover, you see.  In case they were intercepted, only the killer himself knew the entire plan - the others were told only what they had to do, not why.  The first agent entered the house.  Then he left via a warp-aci which he brought with him.  This warp-aci was then able to return with the killer, who carried out his task and was then teleported back with the bullet containing his target's soul.  Finally, a third agent was warped into the property and left via the front door.  The resulting confusion has left the police running in circles to this very day," he beamed.

"But why?  What was it all for?"

"Several reasons," he said, and paused.

"Firstly, it has become necessary to remove Daryil.  His near-deification poses a terrible threat to us all, and that is the reason for our regrettably hasty action today."

"You see, no... one moment..."  He pulled out a notebook.  "Here we are... 'All available evidence suggests that Lord Ikaarion Daryil has been engaging in a series of forbidden eugenics experiments.'"

"What?"  Jakob started.

"I can see it in your eyes, you have half-suspected it.  Why is Ashley so weak?  Or Simeon?  When you first introduced him to Daryil he was a hardened adventurer, a killer whose conscience was untroubled by the deaths of almost a dozen other 'Cubi and untold Demons.  Yet now he is a pathetic specimen as incubi go, barely able to shapeshift on his own, let along defend himself, even against Keaton with her comparatively limited education.  This was done for a reason... not least because Daryil himself prevented Simeon from attending SAIA.  And why does Clan Daryil have a higher than usual tendency to mate with Beings rather than other 'Cubi?"

He paused.

"The evidence we have leads us to conclude that he is deliberately breeding an underrace of 'Cubi for some twisted purpose of his own.  In fact, we believe they were designed specifically to infiltrate Being society and overthrow it."

Daryil sat up, wide-eyed.  The Angel cackled at his shocked face, the expression of one whose darkest, innermost secret had suddenly been posted on the WorldNet.

"You know," he said, "That's a really good idea!"

Fendrick made a soft clucking sound and was silent for the first time since his arrival.

"Just think..."  Daryil continued, glancing at Jakob with a rapt expression.  "Within a few generations I could bring about the paradise that you tried to make of Ha'Khun..."

Few outside of Jakob's close friends knew the original vision of peace and unity that he shared with Page, overshadowed as it was by what came later.  The fishing cat's expression changed to one of abject horror as he tried to imagine what Johan Cross might refer to as 'paradise'.  He seemed to have entirely lost the ability to speak.

"Overthrow Being civilisation?"  Jakob asked, appalled.  "But why?  Clan Daryil has always treated Beings well... Why the sudden change of heart?  What have they ever done to you?"

"Overthrowing..?  Nah, screw that crap,"  Daryil said dismissively.  "Think of the other possibilities!  A kinder, gentler 'Cubi race who can live in harmony amongst Beings and protect them..."

"Okay," said Jakob in relieved voice, oblivious to the twisted utopia that Fendrick was envisioning in mute horror.  "But what about the other points?  Ashley was converted by Fa'Lina, not you, but that still leaves Simeon.  What about him?"

"But I do attend SAIA," Simeon piped up, snapping Fendrick back to attention.  "I just didn't want to have to leave dear Daryil, not for so many centuries...  So I've been attending part-time, which obviously takes a lot longer to become proficient than a full-time course would."

"Looks like it's none out of three for you, Mr. Fendrick," said Wils.

"Uh?  Oh."  The Angel pulled himself together and resumed control of the situation.

"Um, Right.  Yes.  Now it is time to explain where you fit into this, Jakob.  The second reason I have come here tonight."


Parting was hard for Dorcan.  It was hard for his family as well, although not as hard as his death.  They hugged each other, but much as she loved her son, Salomere had a price on her head and she had to flee.  As the wards Daryil had cast upon the forest clearing faded away, the possibility of their discovery rose with every passing moment.

"You could come back with me," the doberman suggested.  "I'm sure Jakob wouldn't mind.  Even if he did, he wouldn't tell anyone unless you posed a direct danger to us."

"Actually, how are you going to get back, Dorcan?"  Neremath asked.  "The others have left and you can't teleport on your own anymore."

"I have an amulet," he said.  "Crude, I know, but it should take me back to the base.  Mum too, I think."

She took him by the hand and he touched the amulet.  There was a brief flicker.

"That's odd," he said.  "Maybe it will only work with one person."

"Thanks for the offer," Salomere said.  "It would have made things a lot easier."

"Are you sure you'll be alright?"

"I've made it this far," she replied, but even without his empathic abilities, he could tell she was lying.  With a sad wave, he touched the amulet again.  Nothing happened.

Oh shit.