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No comment, Cooldude.
------------------ (url="http://"http://home.earthlink.net/~double_zero/falcon.html")The Falcon Project(/url) "Any fool can make a rule, and any fool will mind it." --Henry David Thoreau
D walks in and promptly turns to walk right back out, making this post entirely pointless.
------------------ "I've learned that the people you care most about in life are taken from you too soon and all the less important ones just never go away."
Chak System, Azdgari Empire
A sleek gray craft exited hyperspace, and a corresponding blue blip appeared on the scanners of the Azdgari patrol ships. The modified Voinian heavy fighter fired its sublight engines and streaked towards the large black bulk that was the Longbow.
There had been more dreams before he arrived in Chak. Some of them hadn't been pleasant.
Shek recalled the time when the Darweshi landed on the Xe'achi coast and the Sarpi graduates had to go and defend the homeland. Two of the swordmasters had died in the battle, which was perhaps understandable with over a hundred raiders, but there weren't many of the warriors left. Somm had been wounded in the fighting, and he had to be rushed back to Ravinoth for healing by the priests of Nasdoth. He had returned to Sarpi a week later, and he still was his old self. Mostly. He became noticeably colder and harsher when he spoke of the enemies of the Dur'achi, and in battle he never spoke, just killed and walked away.
There had been the time when Mos took it into his mind to fight Shek, and Shek had won, but only barely, and with several wounds, two severe. That had done nothing to assuage Mos's anger, and the Instructor had been even harder on him and Jal as well as Somm after that.
But now he was in Chak, and he put the past behind him for the time. Setting course for the fighter bay of the warship, Shek docked with the Longbow and powered the Teiresias down. Donning his formal Dur'achi Swordmaster robes, red on black with the golden sunburst sigil of Clan Sunrunner emblazoned on the front and back, he disembarked after securing the glaive in its scabbard on his back. He was greeted by DZ at the bottom of the boarding ramp, and the two exchanged greetings.
"Shall we start?" asked Shek.
"No, not yet. We need to wait for Blade to arrive."
"Ah, I forgot about him. Apologies."
"Never mind. He should be here soon, and then we can talk."
"Excellent. I'll wait here with you then, but I will not stand idly by." Drawing his glaive, Shek assumed an Ell'achi battle trance and fell into a standard practice routine, running through several different forms while he waited with DZ for Blade.
OOC: I think that dialogue is okay. If there's any disagreement, DZ, let me know. And I wasn't sure if Blade was there or not, but I think he wasn't. You can likewise correct me on that point also if I was wrong on that count.
------------------ All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost. From the ashes a fire shall be woken, A light from the shadows shall spring; Renewed shall be blade that was broken, The crownless again shall be king. J. R. R. Tolkien (url="http://"http://www.ambrosiasw.com/cgi-bin/ubb/search.cgi?action=intro&default;=26")The Search Feature(/url)
(This message has been edited by Solel (edited 06-29-2003).)
DZ was enjoying the display of discipline. Quietly, he stole off to the medical bay, to check on the captain of the Pilgrim's Progress.
He walked in to the brightly lit room to find the woman sitting up, hunched over as if in pain.
"Eh, excuse me miss, are you ok?"
No response.
"Well, I guess I can understand if you don't want to talk... But I'm somewhat curious as to why the Igadzra are after you..."
She still ignored him.
"Right then. I'll just bugger off until you feel like conversing. Press the button if you need something."
DZ turned, opened the door, and walked out, keying the door to open only from the outside. Can't have antisocial females running about rampant... Wonder why she's so unfriendly now, when she was quite civil not two hours ago... Perhaps the med bot was mouthing off again...
He returned to the anteroom, to resume watching Shek do his battle excercises. Scowling, he sat to ponder the strange person he had rescued. For some reason, she seemed familiar. Perhaps some spacer he had run a mission with sometime. Bloody ungrateful, isn't she? Must be a women's libber or some such nonsense, can't let a man help... Well, in any case, no more damsels in distress for me, I quit!
DZ looked up, and decided to ask Shek's opinion. "Say, Shek. What do you usually do when you find a damsel in distress?"
Dropping ou tof his meditation, She replied. "Doubtless, all Sunrunners would come to her aid. It is only honorable."
"So, do they usually thank you or something? I seem to have picked up a particularly antisocial one. Talked once, nice and civil, asked to use the med facilities. Now, she seems put out, won't talk at all... Must be a mood swing or something, bloody women," DZ sighed.
I'm not sure how Shek's culture veiws women, so I'll leave it at that. You can probably get an idea of DZ's general manner form all that, so go ahead and write his dialogue. I'll whine if I don't like it.
Shek twirled the diamond-edged glave and sheathed it in the scabbard on his back. "You bring up an interesting point. The only times it was necessary to aid what you term a "damsel in distress" were either when the Darweshi raiders came to Dur'ach or if some particularly malignant citizens were harassing her. It was what you'd call a coin toss whether or not she'd thank me or any other Sarpi swordmaster who helped her; it was somewhat dependent on whether she minded blood.
"I don't think I have adequately answered your question, however," continued Shek. "We were normally thanked because we'd saved the woman's life. I don't know if you saved this one's life, as that usually led to relatively friendly feelingsoh stop chuckling."
"A master of understatement as well as a master of combat."
Shek shrugged. It sounded more compliment than insult, anyway. "Just keep being friendly is my advice. Eventually she's likely to come around and appreciate that." He looked at his chronometer. 15|31|05. "What time is Blade supposed to get here, anyway?"
Quote
Originally posted by Solel: **-snip- **
I was wondering where your other webstories were... You haven't recruited anyone else for us... Shame on you, I should edit all your posts on the hypergate.
~A~
------------------ "How can I make it go faster?" -Me-
"I think he said about two weeks. Which would make him due here in about... three days." DZ leans back in his chair. "Anyway, I guess I didn't really save her life, just helped her along a little. Sh ehad a couple blaze hits in the midriff area, just burns, really, nothing too serious. Lost a lot of blood before I found her though."
"Intersting blade technique there, Shek. I dabble in some of that myself, but I prefer shooting and collecting as a pastime." DZ ambles off down the corridor, and returns with a black leather case. He sets it gingerly on the table, and pops the clasps open. Inside is a well-oiled vintage H&K; MP-10, in mint condition. "This particular weapon has never been fired. I have two others that I actually shoot, both in less pristine condition. But the really cool thing about this one is" DZ pulls the gun out and show Shek the serial number. "Number 00001. This is a prototype. It's probably worth more than my ship."
DZ's computer addresses him. "Captain, your guest has requested your presence immediately."
"Ah, perhaps she wishes to thank me. If you'll excuse me, I'll go see what it is." DZ walks off down the corridor, without waiting for a reply.
A strange lopsided man who looks as if he dresses in the dark stumbles in the bar and quickly staggers straight out again. "PSCHHH. Here is Inter-planetary control, D is nowhere to be found." Shrieks the comical man. "He's always in motion."
"Roger that. After all, he only did a useless post, we can let 'im go this time..." Responded a similar voice in the com."...I said THIS TIME."
------------------ Cooldude
After 2 months of sitting in the dark corner of the bar with a stack of porno magazines, a keg of whiskey and a ton of spreadable meats, Mikhailovich moves into the light, a haggard spectacle more at home in a penitentiary than a pub and greets cresent, frodo, and anyone else familiar in the bar, and then goes into shock because there are so many new faces, but then decides they all MUST DIE
------------------ Onward to battle!
Cresent gets fed up with her solitaire game and packs up her cards. Getting up, she strides across the bar to Michailovich, who seems to her to be about to go on a killing spree. "Take my advice and don't pick a fight with Shek Sunrunner," she warns him as she heads off to her ship. Climbing aboard the Crescent Warship Tirpitz , Cresent blasts off from the Albatross and sends a message to DZ's ship.
"Hey, it's Cresent, and I'm bored out of my mind. Need a hand with whatever you and Shek are doing? Absolutely nothing is happening at the Albatross and I'm going insane."
------------------ To err is human. To err and blame it on someone else, is even more human.
OOC: Yeah, Cresent, come on out to Chak. We'll surely find something to do... Which reminds me, I still have no real idea, despite all the things DZ is supposedly thinking about... I'm open to suggestions.
Cresent goes to Chak.
Mikhalovich, very upset that he doesn't see Zurg, Pistgavin, Gordontron, or pp anywhere, morphs into the number 3, and, while in that state, threatens anyone who nears him with a soup ladle.
Rima sighs, still waiting for the message about Zolton. She needed that Pendant back, and since he seemed to be tied into criminal activities, and had been near her when it was stolen, she was jumping to the obvious conclusion that he stole it. Finally her com unit flashed, and she stood up, leaving the paper with the strange symbol on it to flutter to the ground. She picked up supplies as she head towards the ship, entering and listening to the message.
She stared at the short message blinking there, and started swearing. 'No information is currently available at this time on Zolton Hertesear. We will keep you informed if we find out anything.' Rima growled under her breath, then send out duplicates of the message she had sent to the Zidagar to all of her contacts, sending a picture too, incase he had changed his name.
She stomped back to the bar, getting another drink. She looked around, realizing she had dropped the paper. When her eyes failed to see it she shrugged. It wasn't important. She would just hang around the bar for awhile longer until she got some information, or it became clear her contacts had none and she would have to find some herself.
------------------ There were once two planets. Then humans destroyed the second. Then there was one.
Chak, Azdgari Empire
Shek turned around as he heard footsteps coming up the hallway behind him. As he saw Cresent, he smiled slightly, but then wondered why she looked irritated. Must be because DZ didn't tell her about this. He started walking towards her, and another thought entered his mind. Then again, neither did I.
"Walk in peace," greeted Shek, but he was interrupted before he could continue the greeting.
"Next time, before you two leave again, let me in on what it is you plan on doing!"
Shek chuckled. "Sure. I" He looked over Cresent's shoulder as his acute ears picked up the sound of more footsteps. "Must be Blade."
"Who?"
"One of DZ's friends. He's here for the meeting." Shek leaned into the hallway that DZ had disappeared down. "Blade's here, so I'll start the meeting as soon as you get up here."
"Alright, I'll be right there," DZ called back.
Taking Cresent by the arm, he headed towards the conference room and signalled Blade to follow him, and the man nodded and fell in behind the two. Shek could hear footsteps behind them and figured that DZ was coming as well.
The room designated for the meeting was mostly bare, except for the table and its surrounding chairs. The four of them took their seats, and Shek spoke first.
"As you all know by now, there's been significant curiosity about the means that led Billy-Joe to trafficking in cats for the Miranu. Now, we have come here to discuss this. I for one propose that we each decide how we shall going about investigating this further. Before I open this to debate, let me speak some information that could be useful in guiding us to a good decision.
"We know the Cat's Pyjamas was found in human space, in Hatuli. However, the man's record was such that he was wanted practically everywhere. In fact, that's part of the reason we're here in Chak. The Azdgari wanted him on charges of...of murder." Shek paused for a bit and covered his eyes. "Apologies. So the Azdgari wanted to show that they appreciate it by giving us access to most of their facilities. But, the Voinians were also grateful, as were the Strandless.
"Now, if you don't object to it, I wish to travel to the Voinian Empire to see what favors I can pull to find out more about the smuggling ring Billy-Joe was involved with. Knowing the Voinians, they'll probably have some files on him at their intelligence agency. And, seeing as I have a Voinian heavy fighter, I should be able to pass through most military checkpoints. There are still some in Voinian High Command who remember what I did at the Battle of the Renegades."
DZ nodded thoughtfully. "I think your idea that we should disperse and see what we can find is a good idea, although I'd like to see that we stay in contact with one another, through subspace transmissions, if possible." The other voiced their agreement. "Alright then. I have reason to believe the Miranu were dealing with the smugglers, considering they were eating cats as delicacies. I'll be heading off to Mira."
"That sounds good," agreed Shek. He turned to face Cresent and Blade. "So, what do you two want to do in regards to this. I want to head out of here soon so I can be on my way to Voina."
-------------
OOC: There. Now, for the future, I think we're going to need to figure out a way for all of us to be able to control each others' characters in regards to dialogue. Since I honestly didn't know what Blade or Cresent were going to do, I left that open. I already spoke with DZ about what he was doing, though.
And this should unfold into a much larger plotline, over time. And that's all I'm saying about that for now.
(This message has been edited by Solel (edited 07-03-2003).)
Cresent appeared thoughtful for a moment. "I think I will try to actually get involved in the smuggling ring as a spy and see what I can find out. As of yet I have not been in contact with any members of the smuggling ring, so I think I can pull it off. Does anyone have any idea where I might find somewhere to get "recruited"?
"Cresent, I'd suggest you head up to Miranu space and start asking around for jobs. I'll join you as soon as I get this Igadzra/D.i.D. thing worked out."
Seeing her confused look, he explained about the Pilgrim's Progress and its reticent occupant.
(This message has been edited by double_zero (edited 07-04-2003).)
Cresent laughed, "Well good luck with that." You'll need it she thought to herself. "Back on topic, I think it would be a good idea if we pretend we don't know each other if we ever come in contact while in Miranu space. We might end up blowing one another's cover."
"Right then, off we go." DZ turned to go. "I'll probably be unregognizeable to you anyway. I'll contact you, that'll save a lot of trouble."
Doubtfully, Cresent nodded, and left, as did the others.
DZ stomped down the corridor to the medical facilities again. She was in the same state he'd left her in earlier.
"Ok, maybe I was a bit harsh, expecting gratitude or something. Maybe you're mad because you had some suicide death vow that I broke." She took a breath to speak, but he interrupted before she could say anything. "So, whatever it is, I'm sorry for interfering."
"Do I detect a note of anger, perhaps?" She replied. He could tell by her tone that she was smiling. "Why don't you let me get cleaned up a bit, and we'll talk."
"Works for me. Can you walk, or would you like me to help?" I know this woman, somewhere, somehow. It's her voice... DZ thought.
"I'll walk."
"Right then. I'll go fetch us something to eat. Meet me in the mess?"
"Sure."
Ten minutes later, DZ sat alone in the mess, rapping his knuckles on the table.
"Matt." Her voice said from the doorway. Suddenly, he knew.
DZ's pulse doubled. He couldn't tell whether it was anger or elation.
"Matthew Rainfal. It's been awhile."
"It has. And that doesn't make it easier."
"Obviously. I'm surprised you didn't know me as soon as you saw me. All those girls in other ports dulled your recognition?"
"There weren't any." DZ stared steadfastly at his hands. "And you? You're the last person I'd expect to be involved with the Igadzra, much less even in space. At least you have a good taste in ships..."
"I learned it from you. That's what you always talked about, wanting to go off into space, to 'make my own fortune', spending the old man's money."
"Yeah, well maybe I've learned my lesson." DZ stood and stomped past her, refusing to even look at her.
--------------
I just noticed that I haven't put her name in this post, anywhere. I think I'll keep it that way. So, if you haven't figured out who the D.i.D. is yet, you'll have to wait.
It's 5 am, I'm getting off this blasted peecee to go to sleep.
As soon as the meeting had ended, Shek had bolted for his ship. He had never been one to waste time, and the current situation was beginning to look, in his mind at least, like there was no time to waste anyway. Not to mention that he wanted to head out to Voinian Space as soon as possible; it was a long journey to travel all the way across the galaxy.
So he'd boarded his ship, set course for Voina, and then left the Teiresias on autopilot. It would let him know when the ship needed refueling.
Shek turned his thoughts to what he'd do when he arrived in the Voinian Empire. Perhaps I could...no. He won't care. No way in hell is the Emperor seeing me. Maybe Supreme Commander Voltok, if he remembers what I did for them.
The ship faded into the lines of interdimensional hyperspace travel. Sunrunner was on his way to discover the truth.