I suddenly realized I couldn't move. A foul stench filled the air as a light shined in my eyes.
it was all a dream? but it seemed so real.
I tried to move my hands, but they were chained down. I caught sight of a man in a white trench coat, "what did you give me?" I screamed at him.
"oh, you're awake. we were starting to wonder where you'd gone."
"Where's my baby girl? and my son? and Baldric?"
"tsk tsk, you ask too many questions my dear. your family is safe. there, there." he grabbed my arm, almost comforting, "this will only pinch a bit." he jammed a needle into my bicep and I resisted the urge to scream. Suddenly everything went black.
Sunday, July 31, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Left Behind
"all I have you is this-" Marcus rummaged threw his pockets but then Taylor's device buzzed? evidently Taylor was playing around with his new fangled machines again.
"Katrina," Taylor said in a worrisome voice. "Wait a sec" Marcus rubbed his eyes, "Who is she?!" Mr. Lee pointed as the Red head diffidently was in the enemies garb.
Ignored the two started running toward the rebel base "What are you two daft!?" but Marcus words went unheard, "Running like that they'll be caught for sure"
Marcus was about to run after them but he realized that he was still dressed like a crazy man, and with his audacious dress would be easily caught himself.
Friday, July 8, 2011
Taylor
I was about to continue that line of conversation with my friend when my pocket started buzzing. I pulled out a small device that read, Unauthorized Access Specimen 285.
"Katrina," I turned to her. "Let's move, we have to get back to base as quickly as possible."
I had expected Jared to guide everyone through the escape passage that was shielded from scanning but, maybe he forgot about it. I really hadn't expected him to open the containment unit, it wasn't ready for human testing, not yet. The device buzzed again, this time it read, Specimen 285 Released In Airborne Form Estimated Infected Five Hundred, Contaminated Area Nonviable For One Hour.
I cursed under my breath as I moving even faster, leaving Katrina barely able to keep pace. This had happened once before and I knew how bad it would become if left unchecked. It would take me ten minutes to get there. I hoped not many soldiers entered by that time.
My pocket buzzed again this one read, Viral Optimal Hosts Infected, Estimated Time To Budding One Day. This was very, very bad.
"Katrina," I turned to her. "Let's move, we have to get back to base as quickly as possible."
I had expected Jared to guide everyone through the escape passage that was shielded from scanning but, maybe he forgot about it. I really hadn't expected him to open the containment unit, it wasn't ready for human testing, not yet. The device buzzed again, this time it read, Specimen 285 Released In Airborne Form Estimated Infected Five Hundred, Contaminated Area Nonviable For One Hour.
I cursed under my breath as I moving even faster, leaving Katrina barely able to keep pace. This had happened once before and I knew how bad it would become if left unchecked. It would take me ten minutes to get there. I hoped not many soldiers entered by that time.
My pocket buzzed again this one read, Viral Optimal Hosts Infected, Estimated Time To Budding One Day. This was very, very bad.
On Earth
"Baldric sir," They were currently on the brink of a pulling out of the area. "New orders from up top."
"Again?" He replied. "Let me guess..." He trailed off.
"Yes sir," The man replied. "Attack immediately, leave no survivors."
"What is going on up there?" Baldric said to himself. The soldier merely saluted and retreated.
Baldric got a sour feeling in his gut. His announced over the headset, "New orders, move in and eliminate everyone inside. Go now." He wasn't going to sleep well when this was over.
"Again?" He replied. "Let me guess..." He trailed off.
"Yes sir," The man replied. "Attack immediately, leave no survivors."
"What is going on up there?" Baldric said to himself. The soldier merely saluted and retreated.
Baldric got a sour feeling in his gut. His announced over the headset, "New orders, move in and eliminate everyone inside. Go now." He wasn't going to sleep well when this was over.
The Senate Meeting
(Sorry it took so long.)
The Enlightened Nation was ruled primarily by the Enlightened One but was aided greatly by the senate, who mainly had the role of overseeing day to day activities on the various worlds they had terraformed to be suitable for human life. They held meetings every so often to guide the future of the human race and this was one such occasion.
The room was roughly the size of the Roman Colosseum but only twelve pedestals filled the room. One for each of the senators and one for the Enlightened One. Each pedestal projected a giant holographic image of the senator who stood on it in front of the pedestal that made it easier to see one another.
"What is the point of this meeting?" The Enlightened One asked. "I didn't call for it."
"No you didn't," The leader of the senate announced. "I did."
"Tarsus," The first asked. "You surprise me."
"I can do better than that," Tarsus answered. "We have taken control of the military and are removing you from power."
"Really?" He laughed. "I figured this would happen eventually. Know that you can't take me alive."
"Why not?" Tarsus inquired. "You don't believe that the military is following our orders now?"
"No, not that," He laughed heartily. "I've been dead for many years now. I created a computer program to function in my absence and since you no longer desire my leadership I'm going to destroy the facility that houses it. Good luck leading this forsaken nation without the aide of my specialists."
"The military is following us," Tarsus replied again. "That includes your specialists."
The Enlightened One grinned, "No it doesn't you know of only one of my agents. He will be informed of the destruction of the facility housing the supercomputer running this program and, before killing himself, will send a message to all my agents informing them of the coup, they will then go to Earth and join the rebellion there, as per their orders."
"Curse you Brandon and all your spawn!" Tarsus screamed at him as the image of the Enlightened One began to fade. "You will not win!"
"I already have," He smiled as his image faded to nothing.
"Your orders?" One of the other senators asked.
"Blockade Earth," Tarsus nearly shouted. "No ships to or from Earth until this rebellion is squashed and use of extreme measures authorized!"
The Enlightened Nation was ruled primarily by the Enlightened One but was aided greatly by the senate, who mainly had the role of overseeing day to day activities on the various worlds they had terraformed to be suitable for human life. They held meetings every so often to guide the future of the human race and this was one such occasion.
The room was roughly the size of the Roman Colosseum but only twelve pedestals filled the room. One for each of the senators and one for the Enlightened One. Each pedestal projected a giant holographic image of the senator who stood on it in front of the pedestal that made it easier to see one another.
"What is the point of this meeting?" The Enlightened One asked. "I didn't call for it."
"No you didn't," The leader of the senate announced. "I did."
"Tarsus," The first asked. "You surprise me."
"I can do better than that," Tarsus answered. "We have taken control of the military and are removing you from power."
"Really?" He laughed. "I figured this would happen eventually. Know that you can't take me alive."
"Why not?" Tarsus inquired. "You don't believe that the military is following our orders now?"
"No, not that," He laughed heartily. "I've been dead for many years now. I created a computer program to function in my absence and since you no longer desire my leadership I'm going to destroy the facility that houses it. Good luck leading this forsaken nation without the aide of my specialists."
"The military is following us," Tarsus replied again. "That includes your specialists."
The Enlightened One grinned, "No it doesn't you know of only one of my agents. He will be informed of the destruction of the facility housing the supercomputer running this program and, before killing himself, will send a message to all my agents informing them of the coup, they will then go to Earth and join the rebellion there, as per their orders."
"Curse you Brandon and all your spawn!" Tarsus screamed at him as the image of the Enlightened One began to fade. "You will not win!"
"I already have," He smiled as his image faded to nothing.
"Your orders?" One of the other senators asked.
"Blockade Earth," Tarsus nearly shouted. "No ships to or from Earth until this rebellion is squashed and use of extreme measures authorized!"
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
That night again
"We're headed to the top of the hour, men. Get your weapons ready." Baldric said in a cool tone. Just then a cadet came running up.
"Sir," he was out of breath, stopped saluted and continued speaking, "permission to speak, sir." Baldric just nodded, "I just heard from base. They want us to abort mission, sir."
"abort? are you sure?" Baldric was confused, but knew there must be a very good reason for such a request.
"yes, sir. The Enlightened One has requested an audience with all the generals."
"Alright, men. You heard the man; abort mission and head back to base. Stand ready, but 'don't do anything until you get further word from me."
"Yes, sir." one of the cadets said, "what do you want me to do with the prisoners?"
He gave the boy a quizzical look then remembered Michael, "put them in the holding facility as always. I will decide what to do with them after my meeting."
"yes, sir. good luck, sir."
"thank you cadet, let's get pack up and get out of here."
With that, the soldiers boarded their helicopters and left as quickly and quietly as they had come.
The Rebel base was silent, as they were still anticipating attack.
"Sir," he was out of breath, stopped saluted and continued speaking, "permission to speak, sir." Baldric just nodded, "I just heard from base. They want us to abort mission, sir."
"abort? are you sure?" Baldric was confused, but knew there must be a very good reason for such a request.
"yes, sir. The Enlightened One has requested an audience with all the generals."
"Alright, men. You heard the man; abort mission and head back to base. Stand ready, but 'don't do anything until you get further word from me."
"Yes, sir." one of the cadets said, "what do you want me to do with the prisoners?"
He gave the boy a quizzical look then remembered Michael, "put them in the holding facility as always. I will decide what to do with them after my meeting."
"yes, sir. good luck, sir."
"thank you cadet, let's get pack up and get out of here."
With that, the soldiers boarded their helicopters and left as quickly and quietly as they had come.
The Rebel base was silent, as they were still anticipating attack.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Andra: back in the sky city (the next day)
I was restless. I hadn't had this kind of break in a long time. I didn't know how to be a house wife. Rosa seemed to have adapted to our new life quite well. I wondered how long I'd have to keep up this facade. I wanted to stay and support Baldric, but he was amicable to the enemy.
As Rosa and I were playing a riveting game of Go Fish, a guard burst through the door pushing two teenagers towards me. "I was instructed to put these two in your care. If I catch them outside these quarters I can't be responsible for what happens to them." he grumbled.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Michael standing in front of me, "what happened?"
"There's no time for pleasantries, we've got to get out of here. I don't know who that man is, but he certainly isn't my father. My father would never fraternize with the enemy and blow up innocent people."
I could empathize with his anger, but couldn't let on that I too was contemplating escape, "We're safe here, for now. Let's just enjoy the lap of luxury while we can." I forced a smile.
"Oh, I see how it is." he said sarcastically, "they've gotten to you too. I'm not going to just sit around and wait for them to kill us, I'm getting out of here. Anyone is welcome to join me." he stormed out of the room.
Jade froze for a moment, then followed him into the other room.
I was lost in thought until Rosa slapped her cards down on the table, "I've beaten you again. you really should pay more attention. want to play again?"
I just smiled and nodded at her eager expression.
As Rosa and I were playing a riveting game of Go Fish, a guard burst through the door pushing two teenagers towards me. "I was instructed to put these two in your care. If I catch them outside these quarters I can't be responsible for what happens to them." he grumbled.
I was pleasantly surprised to see Michael standing in front of me, "what happened?"
"There's no time for pleasantries, we've got to get out of here. I don't know who that man is, but he certainly isn't my father. My father would never fraternize with the enemy and blow up innocent people."
I could empathize with his anger, but couldn't let on that I too was contemplating escape, "We're safe here, for now. Let's just enjoy the lap of luxury while we can." I forced a smile.
"Oh, I see how it is." he said sarcastically, "they've gotten to you too. I'm not going to just sit around and wait for them to kill us, I'm getting out of here. Anyone is welcome to join me." he stormed out of the room.
Jade froze for a moment, then followed him into the other room.
I was lost in thought until Rosa slapped her cards down on the table, "I've beaten you again. you really should pay more attention. want to play again?"
I just smiled and nodded at her eager expression.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
The Kidnapping
After Michael's mother disappeared, he became very anxious. Things at base got increasingly worse as the rumor of Taylor's death spread. Michael had two choices, become the new leader, or get the heck out of there. He chose the latter.
During the meeting, he managed to make his way to the door. They were debating on imposing a complete lock down (insuring the loss of their lives for sure) where no one would be allowed in or out until someone wins.
A few other kids followed him out, in hopes of avoiding their demise.
It was dark outside, so their chances of being seen by the guards were decreased. The guards were quickly approaching so the teens had to move quickly. Most of the kids managed to slip under the radar and found refuge in an abandoned mine. Michael and his girlfriend Jade were not so lucky.
They were hiding behind a bush when one of the guards found them. "this one's Baldric's" he said in a gruff voice as he tossed Michael to one of the other guards, "but this one. . ." he said in a sleezy tone.
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER!" Michael screamed.
The guys was starting to get fresh with Jade when Baldric appeared. "Let her go. I'll take her in for questioning." he said. "Our orders were to destroy those inside the fortress. We'll give them an hour to escape. Any foolish enough to remain inside are free game." he said heavily.
The soldiers moaned by hid in the brush surrounding the fortress. Baldric didn't want to stay and watch, but it was his duty. But he really did not want to subject these two children to the horror that lay ahead, so he ordered one of the privates to take them back to base for questioning. "No one speaks to them until I speak to them, understood?"
"yes sir!" the private saluted as he climbed into his vehicle.
Baldric almost felt relief as he watched his son fly to safety, but then he remembered the task at hand and his heart grew heavy.
"the hour is close at hand, get your weapons ready."
During the meeting, he managed to make his way to the door. They were debating on imposing a complete lock down (insuring the loss of their lives for sure) where no one would be allowed in or out until someone wins.
A few other kids followed him out, in hopes of avoiding their demise.
It was dark outside, so their chances of being seen by the guards were decreased. The guards were quickly approaching so the teens had to move quickly. Most of the kids managed to slip under the radar and found refuge in an abandoned mine. Michael and his girlfriend Jade were not so lucky.
They were hiding behind a bush when one of the guards found them. "this one's Baldric's" he said in a gruff voice as he tossed Michael to one of the other guards, "but this one. . ." he said in a sleezy tone.
"GET YOUR HANDS OFF HER!" Michael screamed.
The guys was starting to get fresh with Jade when Baldric appeared. "Let her go. I'll take her in for questioning." he said. "Our orders were to destroy those inside the fortress. We'll give them an hour to escape. Any foolish enough to remain inside are free game." he said heavily.
The soldiers moaned by hid in the brush surrounding the fortress. Baldric didn't want to stay and watch, but it was his duty. But he really did not want to subject these two children to the horror that lay ahead, so he ordered one of the privates to take them back to base for questioning. "No one speaks to them until I speak to them, understood?"
"yes sir!" the private saluted as he climbed into his vehicle.
Baldric almost felt relief as he watched his son fly to safety, but then he remembered the task at hand and his heart grew heavy.
"the hour is close at hand, get your weapons ready."
The Vault
Marcus jolted to consciousness, his body sore
"Calm down, It's just me." said a familiar voice. "I have some questions for you. You are the most-" Mr. Lee was no longer listening as he knew it was Taylor. 'Probably wants me to run a drill or some such nonsense' Marcus thought to himself, and he was content to continue to pretend to be a sleep till he got board and walked away. Then Taylor did something he hadn't done for a good long time, ask for help.
Mr. lee's head still spinning, not sure if it was the medication or the blow to the base of his skull, regardless Marcus tried to listen.
"Vault? That old thing, it was found ages ago and there had been rumors of others; but it doesn't matter. It was said that after Ms. Vagabond, the first finder of the vault had tricked the deserter of humanity. That he made sure that only a man worth his salt, a truly good man could ever open it." he looked at Taylor and stroked his chin as if wondering if Taylor was really a good man.
His attempt was futile, as all men have done so many bad things during the course of this ceaseless war. Marcuse could only concluded, that the only worthy one would be someone who wanted to stop the fight but not slaughter his opponent. Only a person of that stature could be allowed with in the vault of empowered Items.
"but that's all useless, if I Don't know ware it is!"
"Yes of course it's useless! you'd have a better chance of getting a defector from the sky city, a person who said I hate paradise, you know what, I think I'll go sleep in the mud. Give their codes to you and some how have an operative on the Sky city search their mainframe or better yet use their sensors to tell you ware it is. All, I have for you is this-"
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Taylor
So it might not have been for nothing but it wasn't the vault.Taylor was searching his mind for answers. I need to get to the one man who can help me sort through this.
I was running through the night headed for a little barn where he most likely still lay. I'd have to go back to base later, I just hope they'll be able to fend off the attack without me. The vault was more important because without it they could just slowly wipe us out.
When I arrived at the barn, Katrina was beginning to stir. As sat her up against the side and walked to the fallen man and splashed some water on his face from a nearby puddle. He woke up suddenly and looked confused and maybe angry.
"Calm down Marcus," I said. "It's just me. I have some questions for you. You are the most well traveled person I know."
He shook his face and body, obviously trying to wake up. The drug would have worn off by now, assuming he hadn't overdosed, which if he had he would be dead not waking up.
"I don't have much time," I told him. "Most of the world thinks I'm dead and it needs to stay that way so I can freely look for the vault." I paused and continued, "It's not a legend it exists, I don't know how or why I know that I just do. What do you know of it's true location?"
I waited, hoping, pleading, needing the answer. It was all that currently drove me and I didn't know why.
I was running through the night headed for a little barn where he most likely still lay. I'd have to go back to base later, I just hope they'll be able to fend off the attack without me. The vault was more important because without it they could just slowly wipe us out.
When I arrived at the barn, Katrina was beginning to stir. As sat her up against the side and walked to the fallen man and splashed some water on his face from a nearby puddle. He woke up suddenly and looked confused and maybe angry.
"Calm down Marcus," I said. "It's just me. I have some questions for you. You are the most well traveled person I know."
He shook his face and body, obviously trying to wake up. The drug would have worn off by now, assuming he hadn't overdosed, which if he had he would be dead not waking up.
"I don't have much time," I told him. "Most of the world thinks I'm dead and it needs to stay that way so I can freely look for the vault." I paused and continued, "It's not a legend it exists, I don't know how or why I know that I just do. What do you know of it's true location?"
I waited, hoping, pleading, needing the answer. It was all that currently drove me and I didn't know why.
In the Dark of the Night
*Outside the supposed location of the vault*
Taylor and his companion entered the area. It was vacant and empty, no one and no thing around to be seen. After searching for a few minutes Taylor slammed his fist into a wall.
"It's no good," He said clearly dismayed. "Another dead end, another fake."
He started out of the area, Katrina hesitated. Taylor looked back and watched her. She was walking, guided by unseen steps. After a few minutes of walking in a random fashion she moved to the center of the area and touched the ground.
A beam of light shot out of the ground and she let out a scream as she was thrown away from the light. She didn't get up off the floor. Taylor ran over and touched her skin, she was still alive.
He swore under his breath as he scooped her up and flicked on his chameleon belt. A few minutes later the area was swarming with soldiers searching for the source of the scream.
Taylor and his companion entered the area. It was vacant and empty, no one and no thing around to be seen. After searching for a few minutes Taylor slammed his fist into a wall.
"It's no good," He said clearly dismayed. "Another dead end, another fake."
He started out of the area, Katrina hesitated. Taylor looked back and watched her. She was walking, guided by unseen steps. After a few minutes of walking in a random fashion she moved to the center of the area and touched the ground.
A beam of light shot out of the ground and she let out a scream as she was thrown away from the light. She didn't get up off the floor. Taylor ran over and touched her skin, she was still alive.
He swore under his breath as he scooped her up and flicked on his chameleon belt. A few minutes later the area was swarming with soldiers searching for the source of the scream.
Monday, June 13, 2011
Taylor
Jared burst into my chamber and I turned and stared at him.
"Taylor I just discovered something. The vault, the vault in the old capitol," Jared was out of breath. "It was a fake, the real vault is somewhere in this city."
I jumped to my feet, "Do you know where?"
Jared nodded as he pulled out a map and flung it down onto the table, "Right here."
"I'm going," I told him. "Katrina and I will be there and back before morning."
"Good idea to take her with you," Jared agreed. "Some of the others have been talking about killing her now that you are gone."
I snorted, "Back to your studies Jared. I need to open the other door."
Only one of the three doors in this room could be open at a time. A safety measure to ensure this room wasn't used for quick access by the enemy to other parts of the base. Jared left and closed the door to the lab. I moved over and made sure my room was empty except for Katrina and it was. I turned on the chameleon cloak and opened the door.
She spun around as the wind came rushing out. Seeing nothing she cautiously entered the room, there was talking from the other side of the curtain. I pushed her further into the room and closed the door. It snapped shut just in time to look like she had simply disappeared. She backed away from me but couldn't quite locate where I was.
I turned off the device and waited for her reaction. She gulped, almost thinking it was a deception but after a moments consideration jumped forward and embraced me. It was good to be held by someone who might honestly care, I didn't see how she could, it didn't make sense it was...Genetic memory.
The thought flashed through my mind and I nearly fell over, her grip is all that stopped me.
"You were a genetic experiment weren't you?" I asked.
She nodded hesitantly, "How did you know that?"
I motioned all around me, "I've been studying everything I can about it from The Enlightened One's studies and theories."
"Why do you call him that but you call us the betrayers?" She wondered.
"Because he was enlightened but the army is and always has been full of murderers and butchers," I answered. "But enough of that we have to go. There is something of unbelievable importance we must discover."
"Very well," She said. "But how do we get out?"
I smirked as I tossed her a chameleon belt, "The one you had on you when we were fighting."
"I thought I lost it when the firefight started," She scratched her head. "You really are good at acquiring things."
"Come on lets get moving," I told her as we turned on our belts and opened the doors to the lab.
Jared glanced over but didn't react. We walked out of the secret chamber and closed the door. The invisibility started to flicker.
"They are trying to pinpoint a signal jammer on this location," I said. "Jared let them know to expect company I think they finally found us."
"You are still going?" He asked. "When we need you most?"
"I can fight a few agents at a time but I can't fight an army." We walked out and hurried outside the range of the jammer before the signal was blocked completely. "Alright Katrina, lets get there. It's several miles into the harshest territory of control but you know the patrols and routes so lets go."
We ran off into the setting sun to find the vault and hopefully an answer to our dire situation. We were outnumbered, outgunned, less trained and less organized, we needed a miracle if we were to survive and we needed to survive if earth was to ever be free.
"Taylor I just discovered something. The vault, the vault in the old capitol," Jared was out of breath. "It was a fake, the real vault is somewhere in this city."
I jumped to my feet, "Do you know where?"
Jared nodded as he pulled out a map and flung it down onto the table, "Right here."
"I'm going," I told him. "Katrina and I will be there and back before morning."
"Good idea to take her with you," Jared agreed. "Some of the others have been talking about killing her now that you are gone."
I snorted, "Back to your studies Jared. I need to open the other door."
Only one of the three doors in this room could be open at a time. A safety measure to ensure this room wasn't used for quick access by the enemy to other parts of the base. Jared left and closed the door to the lab. I moved over and made sure my room was empty except for Katrina and it was. I turned on the chameleon cloak and opened the door.
She spun around as the wind came rushing out. Seeing nothing she cautiously entered the room, there was talking from the other side of the curtain. I pushed her further into the room and closed the door. It snapped shut just in time to look like she had simply disappeared. She backed away from me but couldn't quite locate where I was.
I turned off the device and waited for her reaction. She gulped, almost thinking it was a deception but after a moments consideration jumped forward and embraced me. It was good to be held by someone who might honestly care, I didn't see how she could, it didn't make sense it was...Genetic memory.
The thought flashed through my mind and I nearly fell over, her grip is all that stopped me.
"You were a genetic experiment weren't you?" I asked.
She nodded hesitantly, "How did you know that?"
I motioned all around me, "I've been studying everything I can about it from The Enlightened One's studies and theories."
"Why do you call him that but you call us the betrayers?" She wondered.
"Because he was enlightened but the army is and always has been full of murderers and butchers," I answered. "But enough of that we have to go. There is something of unbelievable importance we must discover."
"Very well," She said. "But how do we get out?"
I smirked as I tossed her a chameleon belt, "The one you had on you when we were fighting."
"I thought I lost it when the firefight started," She scratched her head. "You really are good at acquiring things."
"Come on lets get moving," I told her as we turned on our belts and opened the doors to the lab.
Jared glanced over but didn't react. We walked out of the secret chamber and closed the door. The invisibility started to flicker.
"They are trying to pinpoint a signal jammer on this location," I said. "Jared let them know to expect company I think they finally found us."
"You are still going?" He asked. "When we need you most?"
"I can fight a few agents at a time but I can't fight an army." We walked out and hurried outside the range of the jammer before the signal was blocked completely. "Alright Katrina, lets get there. It's several miles into the harshest territory of control but you know the patrols and routes so lets go."
We ran off into the setting sun to find the vault and hopefully an answer to our dire situation. We were outnumbered, outgunned, less trained and less organized, we needed a miracle if we were to survive and we needed to survive if earth was to ever be free.
The Meetings
*In a spacious and well lit chamber with several important looking people sitting around a large table*
A hologram appeared from the center of the table as one man stood and began to speak.
"As you can see we have mapped out a good portion of the rebel base via sonic waves on ultrasonic frequencies so that the rebels have no idea that it has been mapped," He said. "We will be attacking their base tonight to destroy whatever hope they have left in the midst of their leader and only real hope's death. The order are not easy but it must be done, every man, woman and child must die."
A tear came from one of the men in the room and the man who was standing turned to him and asked, "Is their a problem Baldric?"
"My son is in that complex," Baldric said. "He was lied to, he doesn't know any better."
"The attack is tonight that means you have until then to get him back," The man replied heartlessly. "If he is there when the soldiers arrive he will be killed."
"I understand," Baldric said straightening in his chair.
The man sat back down, "Unless there are any questions, the schematics have already been handed out to squad leaders we are just waiting on final approval from you general."
"Consider it approved," The general grunted. "As many of you know we have arrested and are currently deriving information out of Colonel Mandrake, who has been giving information and technology to the enemy for years. Baldric, you've proven yourself many times over. Unless you fail to exterminate the rebels consider yourself Colonel Baldric. Dismissed."
*In a sewer below the city, there was no table to gather around just a large room that had been emptied out with a large crowd. Almost everyone was in tears.*
A man stepped up onto a small pedestal, it was really just a box, so he could speak to everyone easier.
"Taylor saved most of our lives at least once and some of us several times," He looked away, tears coming to his face. "He saved my wife and children during the first great purge. He will be missed but we must have courage. We can't let all he worked for to go to waste."
"But without him we don't even know what to do," Someone said, there were nods of agreement from the crowd.
"We fight," He said back. "We fight as he did, until victory or death."
The speech continued for several minutes as the man attempted to rouse their morale as many had previously been talking about simply giving up.
A hologram appeared from the center of the table as one man stood and began to speak.
"As you can see we have mapped out a good portion of the rebel base via sonic waves on ultrasonic frequencies so that the rebels have no idea that it has been mapped," He said. "We will be attacking their base tonight to destroy whatever hope they have left in the midst of their leader and only real hope's death. The order are not easy but it must be done, every man, woman and child must die."
A tear came from one of the men in the room and the man who was standing turned to him and asked, "Is their a problem Baldric?"
"My son is in that complex," Baldric said. "He was lied to, he doesn't know any better."
"The attack is tonight that means you have until then to get him back," The man replied heartlessly. "If he is there when the soldiers arrive he will be killed."
"I understand," Baldric said straightening in his chair.
The man sat back down, "Unless there are any questions, the schematics have already been handed out to squad leaders we are just waiting on final approval from you general."
"Consider it approved," The general grunted. "As many of you know we have arrested and are currently deriving information out of Colonel Mandrake, who has been giving information and technology to the enemy for years. Baldric, you've proven yourself many times over. Unless you fail to exterminate the rebels consider yourself Colonel Baldric. Dismissed."
*In a sewer below the city, there was no table to gather around just a large room that had been emptied out with a large crowd. Almost everyone was in tears.*
A man stepped up onto a small pedestal, it was really just a box, so he could speak to everyone easier.
"Taylor saved most of our lives at least once and some of us several times," He looked away, tears coming to his face. "He saved my wife and children during the first great purge. He will be missed but we must have courage. We can't let all he worked for to go to waste."
"But without him we don't even know what to do," Someone said, there were nods of agreement from the crowd.
"We fight," He said back. "We fight as he did, until victory or death."
The speech continued for several minutes as the man attempted to rouse their morale as many had previously been talking about simply giving up.
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Andra
After laying there for some time the pain was gone and my body went numb. The tiny window finally went dark. As I drifted in and out of consciousness I realized someone was unlocking the chains that bound me. I was relieved and frightened at the same time. The person who unlocked the chains scooped me up in his strong arms and carefully began to carry me away. He seemed very tall. His scent was familiar. I gave in to my body's urging and fell asleep.
When I came to it was morning. I was in the most comfortable bed imaginable, wrapped in silk sheets and a downy blanket. It felt good waking up and not hurting everywhere. I slowly sat up and looked around. The room was elegantly decorated, in a way I might have done if I had all the money in the world.
My feet were greeted by a plush white rug. I made my way over to the cherry vanity to see how horrible I looked after the ordeal I had just been through. Whoever saved me must be very important. I thought to myself. There was a note on the vanity that said, "pick out something nice from the dresser and meet me in the next room."
The "chicken scratch" was unforgettable, it belonged to Baldric.
I rummaged through the dresser, I was somewhat dismayed (and pleased) to find that the drawers were filled with pink frills and foofy clothes. I had been wearing military clothes for so long I had forgotten just how much I loved being a girl.
I picked out a pale pink blouse with little roses around the collar, and some dark blue jeans. I fussed with my hair a little, then took a deep breath as I pushed open the gold handled double door.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw soft blond curls peeking over the back of a red suede wing back chair. I quietly approached, but he heard me and turned to look at me. He smiled warmly as he asked, "did you sleep well?"
"considering I was chained to a bed all day, yeah. I slept fine." I said bitterly.
"I know, that wasn't my fault. My superiors thought you should be chained. After a long debate I finally convinced them to remove the chains. I did, however, have to sneak in to get you out."
"So, what made them decide I could go free?" I asked skeptical.
"Not free. You must remain here. That's one of the conditions. You did bring them Taylor, but they decided he was useless and dropped him."
"dropped him?"
"Oh, I forgot, you were unconscious. We're living in the clouds, quite literally. Taylor. . ." He couldn't get the words out, it was too terrible.
"You're telling me he fell from the sky?" I couldn't believe someone could be that heartless.
"believe me, I tried to talk them down to something more humane, despite my hatred for him."
I couldn't breathe, I was now a prisoner in a place that would drop you from the sky if you disagreed with them. "what do I have to do?" I said finally, not wanting to hear the answer.
"right now you just need to be my wife and mother to our child."
another door opened and Rosa came running in, "mommy you're awake!"
I hugged her and looked at Baldric in confusion.
"Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it."
"but what about Michael? he's still with the rebellion." I asked.
"we'll just have to kidnap him again. we're not as evil as Taylor has led you to believe. once you've had some time to recover I will fill you in on all the details and you'll understand."
"how can everything Taylor told me be a lie?" I was hesitant to trust him, after all this was the first contact he'd made in two years.
When I came to it was morning. I was in the most comfortable bed imaginable, wrapped in silk sheets and a downy blanket. It felt good waking up and not hurting everywhere. I slowly sat up and looked around. The room was elegantly decorated, in a way I might have done if I had all the money in the world.
My feet were greeted by a plush white rug. I made my way over to the cherry vanity to see how horrible I looked after the ordeal I had just been through. Whoever saved me must be very important. I thought to myself. There was a note on the vanity that said, "pick out something nice from the dresser and meet me in the next room."
The "chicken scratch" was unforgettable, it belonged to Baldric.
I rummaged through the dresser, I was somewhat dismayed (and pleased) to find that the drawers were filled with pink frills and foofy clothes. I had been wearing military clothes for so long I had forgotten just how much I loved being a girl.
I picked out a pale pink blouse with little roses around the collar, and some dark blue jeans. I fussed with my hair a little, then took a deep breath as I pushed open the gold handled double door.
My heart skipped a beat when I saw soft blond curls peeking over the back of a red suede wing back chair. I quietly approached, but he heard me and turned to look at me. He smiled warmly as he asked, "did you sleep well?"
"considering I was chained to a bed all day, yeah. I slept fine." I said bitterly.
"I know, that wasn't my fault. My superiors thought you should be chained. After a long debate I finally convinced them to remove the chains. I did, however, have to sneak in to get you out."
"So, what made them decide I could go free?" I asked skeptical.
"Not free. You must remain here. That's one of the conditions. You did bring them Taylor, but they decided he was useless and dropped him."
"dropped him?"
"Oh, I forgot, you were unconscious. We're living in the clouds, quite literally. Taylor. . ." He couldn't get the words out, it was too terrible.
"You're telling me he fell from the sky?" I couldn't believe someone could be that heartless.
"believe me, I tried to talk them down to something more humane, despite my hatred for him."
I couldn't breathe, I was now a prisoner in a place that would drop you from the sky if you disagreed with them. "what do I have to do?" I said finally, not wanting to hear the answer.
"right now you just need to be my wife and mother to our child."
another door opened and Rosa came running in, "mommy you're awake!"
I hugged her and looked at Baldric in confusion.
"Don't worry, you'll get the hang of it."
"but what about Michael? he's still with the rebellion." I asked.
"we'll just have to kidnap him again. we're not as evil as Taylor has led you to believe. once you've had some time to recover I will fill you in on all the details and you'll understand."
"how can everything Taylor told me be a lie?" I was hesitant to trust him, after all this was the first contact he'd made in two years.
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Taylor
I shook my head and watched as the jabbering crazy man handed me a satchel. I carefully accepted the gift and looked inside. It was a book, the crazy man looked really excited and started chanting.
"Three forty seven!" Over and over again.
I opened to that page and would have fallen over if I hadn't already been on the ground. Then another fact hit me.
"Marcus? Is that you?" I asked. "You took your medicine and didn't go to sleep again didn't you?"
I got to my feet, "I've got to get this back to Jared." I put the book back in the satchel and strapped it to my belt. "Sorry friend but I've got to remain dead for now."
I turned on my chameleon belt and disappeared from his sight. He began to panic and I couldn't let him run around all day like that so I knocked him cold.
"Sorry again but you need to sleep," I whispered as I carefully set him down. "Even if it is restlessly."
I began to run and after a few minutes made it back into the base and, as I normally did, entered without anyone noticing. I made my way to my room and found Katrina still sleeping inside. How long was I gone? I grabbed the case and continued on.
I passed many people and nearly ran into someone else who was running through the complex. I quickly found the lab. I put my thumb on the scanner and the door slid open a moment later.
Jared looked up and raised an eyebrow. He was an older man, in his eighties. He couldn't see me but I was the only one he knew who had a working chameleon belt, it was experimental even to the betrayers.
The room was full of gadgets and computers, most people had little idea what these were, yet we relied on them for everything we did here, including the reason they couldn't find us. There was a large work table in the center of the room and Jared stood on the opposite side from me.
"It's been all over the news casts that you have been killed," Jared said. "I guess the rumor isn't true."
"Unless..." He jumped back and held a gun in my general direction. "They took it from you."
I turned the device off as the door closed, "Relax doc. I have a present for you." I tossed him the satchel. "It has the information of the last piece we need."
"You got it then?" He smirked.
I put the case on the table and opened it, "It's more beautiful than I thought it would be."
He removed an object from the case and put it on the table, "What is this?" He pointed at the small device that still remained inside.
"This is in case of an emergency," I answered. "A contingency plan."
I walked over to one of the walls and pressed the hidden button. The wall slid open to reveal a library of great volume.
"I really don't know what I'd do without Marcus finding all these rare books for me," I stepped inside. "I need to get to my studies. If anyone asks, you never saw me."
"Not that I get out of this lab much, too many assassins out there for people like me," He laughed.
"People like us," I smirked. "I know a great deal thanks to you but I'm not that into physics. Genetics, now that fascinates me."
"Well the assassins can't kill you but I'm getting old Taylor," Jared said. "A few more years is all I have left now. I'm lucky you came for me four years ago you know."
"You had been my teacher for years and you've repaid that debt many times over old friend," I walked back over and slapped him gently on the back.
I walked back into my library and closed the door behind me. I walked to the other secret door and looked out the spy hole. She was still sleeping on my bed. Bother.
It was fine I had another bed in here, and it wasn't that she was on my bed at all, it was that she was asleep. I'll just study until she wakes up or I'm otherwise disturbed.
(I know no openings for anyone but improvise haha :P)
"Three forty seven!" Over and over again.
I opened to that page and would have fallen over if I hadn't already been on the ground. Then another fact hit me.
"Marcus? Is that you?" I asked. "You took your medicine and didn't go to sleep again didn't you?"
I got to my feet, "I've got to get this back to Jared." I put the book back in the satchel and strapped it to my belt. "Sorry friend but I've got to remain dead for now."
I turned on my chameleon belt and disappeared from his sight. He began to panic and I couldn't let him run around all day like that so I knocked him cold.
"Sorry again but you need to sleep," I whispered as I carefully set him down. "Even if it is restlessly."
I began to run and after a few minutes made it back into the base and, as I normally did, entered without anyone noticing. I made my way to my room and found Katrina still sleeping inside. How long was I gone? I grabbed the case and continued on.
I passed many people and nearly ran into someone else who was running through the complex. I quickly found the lab. I put my thumb on the scanner and the door slid open a moment later.
Jared looked up and raised an eyebrow. He was an older man, in his eighties. He couldn't see me but I was the only one he knew who had a working chameleon belt, it was experimental even to the betrayers.
The room was full of gadgets and computers, most people had little idea what these were, yet we relied on them for everything we did here, including the reason they couldn't find us. There was a large work table in the center of the room and Jared stood on the opposite side from me.
"It's been all over the news casts that you have been killed," Jared said. "I guess the rumor isn't true."
"Unless..." He jumped back and held a gun in my general direction. "They took it from you."
I turned the device off as the door closed, "Relax doc. I have a present for you." I tossed him the satchel. "It has the information of the last piece we need."
"You got it then?" He smirked.
I put the case on the table and opened it, "It's more beautiful than I thought it would be."
He removed an object from the case and put it on the table, "What is this?" He pointed at the small device that still remained inside.
"This is in case of an emergency," I answered. "A contingency plan."
I walked over to one of the walls and pressed the hidden button. The wall slid open to reveal a library of great volume.
"I really don't know what I'd do without Marcus finding all these rare books for me," I stepped inside. "I need to get to my studies. If anyone asks, you never saw me."
"Not that I get out of this lab much, too many assassins out there for people like me," He laughed.
"People like us," I smirked. "I know a great deal thanks to you but I'm not that into physics. Genetics, now that fascinates me."
"Well the assassins can't kill you but I'm getting old Taylor," Jared said. "A few more years is all I have left now. I'm lucky you came for me four years ago you know."
"You had been my teacher for years and you've repaid that debt many times over old friend," I walked back over and slapped him gently on the back.
I walked back into my library and closed the door behind me. I walked to the other secret door and looked out the spy hole. She was still sleeping on my bed. Bother.
It was fine I had another bed in here, and it wasn't that she was on my bed at all, it was that she was asleep. I'll just study until she wakes up or I'm otherwise disturbed.
(I know no openings for anyone but improvise haha :P)
Friday, June 10, 2011
The sky god's present
Marcus was chanting and dancing around the present of the sky. It was a man partially covered in dirt as he had fallen threw a small barn, the chickens harmlessly clucked and pecked around his body.
The thing that had actually fallen from the sky was a unconscious man, but besides his bumps and bruises, looked no less for ware.
As for Mr. Lee, his hair was currently in a scrunchy, his face painted with mud and he had his military blanket for a cape. Besides that he had a few other odd formalities, like, talking to his left had plato, a slight case of polytheism, and moderate paranoia. All in all, Lee thought he was handling the situation rather well, considering the circumstances.
"Isn't that right Bishop Plato, we must protect the knife that will kill the enlightened! ... ?" His hand flittered in response. "No... can we? Wait I shouldn't," His hand in anger then gave Marcus a harsh slap. "Well fine, if it will save the universe." Marcus then mumbled something about the actual pronunciation of the plurality of universes.
Marcus went over and pulled the man out of a pile of lumber then proceeded to pat his cheeks. The limp man a only responded with a slow grunt as if he was waking up, after being drugged twice and thrown down a flight of stares.
Finally getting a good look at poor chap, Marcus yammered "Hey I know yo0U, your Tray lord!" Marcus then danced away over to his satchel and said in a sing-songy voice "I have something for you!"
Andra
I stared at the ceiling, confused by the emotions running through my mind. A tear managed to find it's way out of the corner of my eye. I really wished I could wipe it away, but I knew I couldn't, seeing as I was chained to the bed. Just then the door opened. Another wave of emotions went through my body as Baldric crossed the room and sat on the bed beside me.
"why are you doing this?" I said softly.
"you'll understand in time. they said you must be chained or you'll just run away again."
"can you blame me?"
He stroked my cheek, I wanted to cringe but it felt so good to feel his touch again, "I was just doing that for the guys, I don't want them to think I soft, I'm their lieutenant." I squeezed my eyes shut tight, trying to fight back the tears as he continued, "you know I'd never hurt you. But I did hear something about you and Taylor getting together. I was angry, to say the least. He's a child. What could you ever possibly see in him?"
My eyes shot open and I glared at him, "you disappeared! he was there to offer comfort."
His eyes were blazing, "comfort you?!" he huffed and had a hard time spitting out the next line, "just answer me this: did you sleep with him?"
"What? No!" I shouted, "he just held me while I cried, mourning over you. Now I can see I was wrong to miss you."
He got up angrily, and raised his hand to slap me, "No, you don't know what's going on here. I am fighting for a better cause. Your foolish rebellion will be wiped out without him. I was going to let you out to see our daughter, but I think I'll leave you here a few more days to think."
He stormed out. I heard him talking to another man, and then it was quiet. I heard the sound of paper sliding across the floor. I turned my head and saw a crumpled up piece of paper. Oh how I wished I could reach it, or even read what it said. I tried in vain to reach it, but eventually gave up because I knew it was useless.
"why are you doing this?" I said softly.
"you'll understand in time. they said you must be chained or you'll just run away again."
"can you blame me?"
He stroked my cheek, I wanted to cringe but it felt so good to feel his touch again, "I was just doing that for the guys, I don't want them to think I soft, I'm their lieutenant." I squeezed my eyes shut tight, trying to fight back the tears as he continued, "you know I'd never hurt you. But I did hear something about you and Taylor getting together. I was angry, to say the least. He's a child. What could you ever possibly see in him?"
My eyes shot open and I glared at him, "you disappeared! he was there to offer comfort."
His eyes were blazing, "comfort you?!" he huffed and had a hard time spitting out the next line, "just answer me this: did you sleep with him?"
"What? No!" I shouted, "he just held me while I cried, mourning over you. Now I can see I was wrong to miss you."
He got up angrily, and raised his hand to slap me, "No, you don't know what's going on here. I am fighting for a better cause. Your foolish rebellion will be wiped out without him. I was going to let you out to see our daughter, but I think I'll leave you here a few more days to think."
He stormed out. I heard him talking to another man, and then it was quiet. I heard the sound of paper sliding across the floor. I turned my head and saw a crumpled up piece of paper. Oh how I wished I could reach it, or even read what it said. I tried in vain to reach it, but eventually gave up because I knew it was useless.
A Strange Meeting
*Outside the location where Baldric took Andra to*
"Lieutenant Baldric," A man said to the over confident other.
"Colonel Mandrake," Baldric sneered. "What an honor to see you."
"Yes well, that's not why I'm here," He answered. "General Fischer wishes to speak with you."
"Very well," Baldric said. "Thank you for the message, sir."
Baldric walked away. Mandrake slipped a note under the door for Andra, he knew she couldn't read but it would play a short audio message when she picked it up which would say.
"Taylor is fine now do not fear, he will return."
It would be in a computerized tone and the note would self destruct after playing once.
"Lieutenant Baldric," A man said to the over confident other.
"Colonel Mandrake," Baldric sneered. "What an honor to see you."
"Yes well, that's not why I'm here," He answered. "General Fischer wishes to speak with you."
"Very well," Baldric said. "Thank you for the message, sir."
Baldric walked away. Mandrake slipped a note under the door for Andra, he knew she couldn't read but it would play a short audio message when she picked it up which would say.
"Taylor is fine now do not fear, he will return."
It would be in a computerized tone and the note would self destruct after playing once.
Taylor
I was barely coming to when I heard a man's voice saying, "I'll take him from here."
"We have orders to take him to detention ourselves and..."
The other voice cut him off, "Of course you do but my come straight from The Enlightened One." My eyes opened enough to see the man who was talking hand the guards who were dragging me some papers.
"These are authentic," The guard said. "Hand him over to the Colonel. Sorry sir but our orders had been from General Trent Fischer, you know how that is."
"Yes I do soldier you were doing your duty," The Colonel saluted the guards.
His men took the place of the guards and they took me to a nearby room. They gave me a shot of something and I began to wake up quickly, in a few minutes I would be back to full attentiveness.
"Welcome to Sky Castle One," He said smirking. "No we aren't going to introduce ourselves. Just know that we had your trial without you and the sentence was death."
The Colonel moved very close to my numb form and whispered, "Andra is here on this Sky Castle but now is not the time to save her, you must save yourself first."
"Andra, no," I said woozily, slipping from my chair.
He shoved something into me satchel, "That is a stabilizing agent for the genetic compound you acquired earlier."
I looked up at him and it hit me, The source is one of the betrayers?
His goons strapped something to my back as he stepped out of the room. The other guards soon followed. I heard a hissing sound and looked down. I gulped as I saw the floor parting, they really were trying to kill me because if this was a Sky Fortress than I was going to be dropped down onto earth from...well from really high.
I was right, my entire body tensed as I fell through the sky but for some reason i couldn't stay facing the ground, my back turned to the ground and I was forced to stare back the way I had come. Forced to stare off at Sky Fortress that was a prison for Andra. Yes she had betrayed me, but obviously they betrayed her in return unless...no I couldn't think that. She had been trying to get her daughter back I'm almost certain and until I asked her and learned whatever grim reality might more fully fit the truth I would stick with that and go after her.
At that moment I realized that I was still falling and in a few moments I would die. I laughed at my total defiance in the face of death. I landed on the ground and felt the light going from my eyes again, when I saw a man standing above me. I smiled and let the darkness take me.
(Fyi the thing on his back absorbed most of the impact but not all, so if you post yourself being the man Luke just keep that in mind.)
"We have orders to take him to detention ourselves and..."
The other voice cut him off, "Of course you do but my come straight from The Enlightened One." My eyes opened enough to see the man who was talking hand the guards who were dragging me some papers.
"These are authentic," The guard said. "Hand him over to the Colonel. Sorry sir but our orders had been from General Trent Fischer, you know how that is."
"Yes I do soldier you were doing your duty," The Colonel saluted the guards.
His men took the place of the guards and they took me to a nearby room. They gave me a shot of something and I began to wake up quickly, in a few minutes I would be back to full attentiveness.
"Welcome to Sky Castle One," He said smirking. "No we aren't going to introduce ourselves. Just know that we had your trial without you and the sentence was death."
The Colonel moved very close to my numb form and whispered, "Andra is here on this Sky Castle but now is not the time to save her, you must save yourself first."
"Andra, no," I said woozily, slipping from my chair.
He shoved something into me satchel, "That is a stabilizing agent for the genetic compound you acquired earlier."
I looked up at him and it hit me, The source is one of the betrayers?
His goons strapped something to my back as he stepped out of the room. The other guards soon followed. I heard a hissing sound and looked down. I gulped as I saw the floor parting, they really were trying to kill me because if this was a Sky Fortress than I was going to be dropped down onto earth from...well from really high.
I was right, my entire body tensed as I fell through the sky but for some reason i couldn't stay facing the ground, my back turned to the ground and I was forced to stare back the way I had come. Forced to stare off at Sky Fortress that was a prison for Andra. Yes she had betrayed me, but obviously they betrayed her in return unless...no I couldn't think that. She had been trying to get her daughter back I'm almost certain and until I asked her and learned whatever grim reality might more fully fit the truth I would stick with that and go after her.
At that moment I realized that I was still falling and in a few moments I would die. I laughed at my total defiance in the face of death. I landed on the ground and felt the light going from my eyes again, when I saw a man standing above me. I smiled and let the darkness take me.
(Fyi the thing on his back absorbed most of the impact but not all, so if you post yourself being the man Luke just keep that in mind.)
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