Search

[Donloteion]

*****
It had been what appeared to be yet another eventless year; months after months of various trainings and testing?s of various weaponry developed by the Military, and doing mock missions around the "Above Surface" worlds. But beyond the monotonous daily life; things appeared to be nothing out of ordinary for many years in the Above Surface worlds.

Even for a highly regarded member of the Guardian Fighters, Akrn never found out what really goes on in the "Under Surface" worlds - any operations down there were kept as strict "Military Confidence" and the only times when he had a chance to venture down there were during more mock missions in highly controlled environment.

It was now the time for the end-of-year break and Akrn had been given a short break after what appeared to be an eternal wait for. And despite that he had been told to remain on high alert for any possible "real" missions; Akrn never really allowed it to detract him from his plans - after all; it had been the same for as long as he can remember, what could possibly go wrong this year?

Near the "Capital City" Akrn sat on a bench inside the city park observed the normal life that went on around him - families stocked up groceries for the dinner party; elderly couples and kids fed the swans in the lake; and other military people from the same establishment mingled with the civilians that other than the uniform they wore; they appeared not unlike each other.
*****




Things weren't always what they seemed, that's for sure.  At least, that's what Murahan would always think to himself.  Murahan was beat; it'd been a rather long day in the Slums of Phlan.  The slums were infested with monsters.  Orcs, Hobgoblins, Trolls, you name it.  The City Council was on the warpath with getting this situation all under control, but there was only so much they could really do; there was a limited guard, and though the guards were indeed well trained, they needed to stay within the city's walls to protect everyone in town. 

New Phlan was cut off from Old Phlan by very large stone walls.  It was a night and day difference when you walked through the doors to the old city from the new one. 

Murahan stood with four other adventurers.  Felgar, the Cleric.  Gydolin, the Fighter.  Goldleaf, the Wizard.  And Exdous, the Thief.  Compared to the others, Murahan was not quite up to par in terms of experience, but Murahan still had his own way of doing things that got the job done. 

Murahan, didn't know.

He didn't know where his adventures would eventually take him.  As of right now, there was a wicked castle to the south that was the center of everyone's worry.  But little did Murahan know, that this would all only be the start of something much, much more.  More than anything he could possibly imagine.




Exdous:  Alright, the tracks check out- up in that building ahead is where some of the Orcs have gathered.  From the looks of things, I'm figuring there're about 6 in there. 

Gydolin:  Everyone alright for another round?

*Goldleaf took off his hat and wiped his brow.*

Goldleaf:  I think I have another spell in me.  After that though, we'll need to take some rest. 

*Murahan walked along the wall a bit while the others were talking, and stopped suddenly.*

Murahan:  SHH.

*Felgar picked up his pace from his waist and made a quick scan of the area.*

Felgar:  ...?

*Murahan put his ear against the wall.  He could hear a good deal of rumbling and what sounded like voices.  He pointed his short sword toward the door at the opposite end of the area they were in towards one of the buildings.*

Murahan:  We have to move- sounds like a patrol unit.  A larger one then usual.

*Gydolin frowned and walked towards the wall.  Everyone else stood fast to await Gydolin's orders.*

Murahan:  I, really think we should get moving.

Gydolin:  Relax.  It's probably nothing again.  You need to take it-

*The door blew open, and what appeared to be 20 Goblins rushed the room.*

Felgar:  What the hell?!

((To Be Continued...))

[Donloteion]

--Slums of Phlan--

*The Goblin Leader glared at Gydolin.*

Goblin Leader:  You didn't think you'd go unnoticed around here now did you?  The Boss doesn't like you and wants you removed.

*Murahan gave a quick glance to his surroundings.  They five of them were certainly cornered to say the least.  The Goblins blocked all the exits, and were snarling and spitting.*

Felgar:  Well, this isn't good.

Murahan:  Am I the only one who's noticed that the leader is the only one that can formulate complete sentences?

*Gydolin stood ready with his long sword, and shot a few words back to Murahan.*

Gydolin:  Keep it quiet- this isn't the time to talk.

Goblin Guard:  EHHHHHH, WHAT'S DAT SUPPOSED MEAN?

*Murahan ignored Gydolin.*

Murahan:  See, right there.  What the hell are you saying?

Goblin Guard:  EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!  I YOU MAKE SOUP BONE FROM SKIN BODY HEAT FIRE!!!

Murahan:  Heat Fire?  What the hell is Heat Fire.

Gydolin:  ...knock it off!

Goblin Leader:  SILENCE!!!!

Murahan:  Hey I'm just trying to-

Goblin Leader:  NOT YOU HUMAN SWINE, HIM.  *He turned to the guard.*  BE SILENT YOU FOOL!!

Goblin Guard:  HE MAKE FOR BONE HEAT FIRE SOUP!!

*It was dead silent.*

Another Goblin Guard:  AGREE!!  HE MAKE FOR BONE HEAT FIRE SOUP!!

*The Goblin Leader drew his sword on the guard.*

Goblin Leader:  SILENCE AT ONCE, OR I SHALL ROAST YOUR BONES AND EAT YOU MYSELF!!

*Goldleaf held his hands out, and a sudden black cloud appeared over the goblins.  They all dropped to the ground.*

Gydolin:  !?

Goldleaf:  Sleep spell.  Trust me when I say, I won't be doing that again anytime soon unless we get some rest. . . .

*Goldleaf fell to the ground; Felgar and Gydolin quickly picked him up.*

Exdous:  The way is clear, let's head back to town.

*Gydolin glared at Murahan.*

Gydolin:  You're going to get us all killed one of these days with that attitude of yours.

((To Be Continued....))

[EinhanderZwei]

Hovering above the surface of Naju was one of the terraformation cruisers. With a cup of coffee in his hand, John was standing near the illuminator, watching as the powerful rays of light being cast from the vessel were causing all kinds of seismic mutations below. This particular area was supposed to be filled with breathable air in few hours, thanks to the advanced orbital tools used by the United Space Federation government.
John Targa was a Space Hunter - one of the rogue mercenaries crusing the stellar infinity in search for any cries for help or easy cash. This particular assignment seemed to lean towards the latter, as his only order was to observe and report in case of extreme conditions. There were not supposed to be any, as no hostile fractions (such as the Pfhor or Space Pirates) were sighted across the whole Naju star system.
Suddenly, a beeping sound penetrated his earshells. John's neural interface has captured an instant message.
- Hi there, cowboy! - he sure recognized this feminine, yet a bit cold-hearted voice. That was Samus Aran, the ballsiest bimbo from this side of the Universe. - Wasn't expecting to see you here, just standing still with your arsenal holstered!
- Neither was I expecting you, honey. - John grinned, - Are you in this, too?
- Nah, I was just flying by to Na Pail. Ever heard of it?
- You mean this huge archaeological paradise filled with prehistoric villages, sky temples and those Skaarj bastards? Nope, never heard of it.
Samus's laughter filled the comm channel.
- Haha, that was a good one. Anyhoo, hope we'll meet again soon. Love ya!
- Love ya, - John drank a little from the cup. The coffee was cold as hell, but he liked it even more this way.
Samus was a legend. A mere month ago she travelled to the planet of Zebes and stopped the Space Pirates from producing a new kind of weapon of mass destruction, known as Metroids. These creatures were able to suck out all lifeforce from a victim in seconds, and when exposed to radiation, they mutiplied. Considering how much of Solar radiation was floating in outer space at any given moment of time, this made the Metroids even more horrifying.
John, on the other hands, wasn't that high in the global Hunter rankings. He wasn't an especially powerful fighter, as well - it was all about his endurance and pure luck. He, too, had his moment of glory, when he was among the Turrican assault suit fighters that were storming the Machine's hideout on Katakis. It was a horrible slaughter that cost so many soldiers their lives. However, thanks to John's suicidal lunacy, the Machine's defenses were successfully breached, allowing Commander Bren McGuire and his elites to put this Giger-esque nightmare to an end.
All these flashbacks were interrupted by the annoying sound of red alert. John turned from the window and saw both the guards and scentists running back and forth the observation room's corridor, some of them being armed with plasma rifles.
John rushed to a nearby random guard and asked:
- What's going on? Why's all this panic?
- The team below! - said the guard. - Looks like they've stumbled upon the hostiles.
- They WHAT?! - John scratched his head while watching that guard sprinting away to a nearby planetary shuttle. - Awww shit...

* * *

When the docking locks were released, EinhanderZwei rushed out of the launch tunnel towards the planet. John flipped several switches to channel all available power to the afterburner system, thus disengaging the gunpod manipulators and disarming himself. It didn't matter right now anyway, as speed was essential.
After breaking through the orbit, EinhanderZwei zoomed across the surface to the alarm source, as it was broadcasted on the shuttles' maps via mothership's comm center.
- Oh my... - sighed John, as he noticed a smoke pillar rising at the horizon. The closer his gunship flew, the louder were the laser blasts and terrified screams somewhere ahead. Must be something really bad attacking the villagers. The civilian casualties can be tremendous in this case, as John was aware that their armament was supposed to be ridiculously weak.
John's gunship has finally reached the destination and quickly hard landed on a plateau made of alien matter. As the cockpit has opened, John jumped out, already carrying his S-gun. Before his eyes was a burning village with its inhabitants shooting at something John has never seen before. The attackers looked like some kind of geometrical shapes spewing energy balls at their targets. A couple of S-gun bursts made the two most unfortunate enemies to break into shards.
- Eat some Contra, you fu..! - John's glorious entry line was interrupted by a close-range blast. He tripped over a crack in the ground and fell on his back. While he was attempting to stand up under heavy fire, one of the geometrical enemies flew towards him without firing. At the same exact moment, John heard a strange voice in his head, which presumable belonged to the creature.
- We know that you are not with these people, soldier. Get away from here. That is not your war.
- I am a Space Hunter, a peace keeper. - John replied and raised his weapon. - So every war is mine, bitch!
With this shout, he squeezed the trigger.

[[ to be continued ]]

[RubyC42]

==Post #4==
Setting: Naju Capital City - Akrn's house near the surburbs and well away from the Military Establishment / Time: sometime in the afternoon

Akrn was just settling in back at his former home where he used as a retreat during the much needed holidays. He just barely finished placing the final item into the fridge when his communicators rang at the most inappropriate hour. A quick glance at the screen showed that the incoming call was from his fellow Guardian Fighter and de-jure archrival Tetharil, or  "Terry" as he is otherwise more commonly known as.

A look of disgust quickly formed on Akrn's face - he never really liked Terry; especially all the pranks and related that he has pulled on Akrn year-round; including the one where it backfired so much that he almost lost his  entire flying capabilities as result.

Akrn initually ignored the call; but it kept ringing and ringing; after  about 5 minutes Akrn finally gave up and answered the call:

Akrn: "Goddamn it Terry what is it that you---"
Terry: "I want to ask the same bleedin' thing! But nevermind that; we need you at the Airport. Right now!"

A very bemused look on Akrn's face.

Akrn: "...what? what the hell for?!"
Terry: "did you not check the news?! A major city down the Far West Naju [EinhanderZwei's second half of post #3] is under attack!!"
Akrn, still unimpressed: "This is not yet another of those "Mock Missions" again, is it?"

However; before Terry can answer; the call was cut off by an incoming call of much higher importance and from a very high ranking Military officer. Obligingly Akrn answered the call.

Officer: "Greetings G.F. Akrn; sorry to disturb your very important holiday but--- we need you to report to the Military departure gates of Naju Central International Airport - NJM - immediately.
Akrn, with the obvious tone that his holidays has just been ruined: "yeeeeeeeeeeeeeessir" *hangs up*

With that; Akrn let out a very long sigh and held his hand on his forehead; realising that maybe there is something real going on this time.

Short while later; a young-aged girl by the name of Sigurbelle entered the house from the garage doors; her outfit was very dirty as result of some work she had done in the garage; and was still holding a screwdriver when she entered. Sigurbelle was originally hired to be Akrn's personal mechanic whenever the Military would prove to be anything but useless; although during the days when Akrn was away she was usually left in charge oft  aking care of Akrn's house in the mean time.

Sigurbelle: Who was that from?
Akrn: The military; I guess i'll have to get going again...
Sigurbelle, clearly upset: What? At this hour?? What about out Reunion-Dinner? And I can't even show you the 'surprise' I have been working on in the Garage?? >:
Akrn, resigned: ...i guess it'll have to be postponed until I get back; if not the next time...
Sigurbelle, giving Akrn a hug: Well; if you need to go you should get going then!

Akrn nodded; and took the wing-'backpack' that he dismantled from himself not more than 20 minutes ago that was lying in the hallway as he made his way back outside. Once outside; Sigurbelle helped Akrn reinstall the wings back onto him while he hailed a passing Taxi.

Sigurbelle waved Akrn off while the Taxi drove off the parkway and made its way to NJM.

===End Post===


[[ JOIEFJIUBOPOPWIEFJKJNKG"!?$%^% @_@ that was tiring]]

[EinhanderZwei]

When there were seemingly no hostile aliens in sight, John turned on the coolant in his power armor and walked towards the crowd of scared workers. Upon approach, he was greeted by a presumed leader.
- Are you the superior here? - asked John.
- Yes, my name is Bradley. Thanky very much for help, mister...
- ...Targa. The name's John Targa. Space Hunters merc, class D. I am assigned to bodyguarding you here. Did you suffer any casualties?
Bradley turned his head to the medics escorting several unconscious bodies to a nearby mobile hospital.
- Not really, Mr Targa. We have five injured, but not fatally.
- Good. How did you stumble upon... these? And what were these things anyway?
- Well, first it appeared that something's got wrong with the terraforming laser, and it has created a tunnel. We decided to dig it up, and once we did, there was this weird square door. It has opened, and then they flew out and started firing at us.
- Hmmm... - John thought for a second, deciding on what to advise. - Have a quarantine barrier deployed around the dig and never ever let anyone in without my notice. I'm paid for being responsible for your lives.
- Yes, Mr Targa, I understand - Bradley nodded and suddenly pointed somewhere behind John's back. - Hey, and what's that?
John turned around and saw a winged silhouette speeding towards the city borderline. It was pretty hard to see it behind the cloud of sand and steam, but he was pretty sure it wasn't a threat.
- Looks like another merc at our service. Or it must be one of the Guardian Fighters - I heard that some were assigned to this operation as well.

[RubyC42]

==Post #6==
Setting: Naju Central International Airport, (2 hours before Post #5)

[[ A couple info about the mission at hand to the Guardian Fighters while taking off as well as Akrn's familiarity to the whole Terraforming project will be included here - tomorrow ]]

Akrn arrived at the Airport to a group of Guardian Fighters huddled in a group being briefed about the mission at hand, prepared themselves with weaponry and taking offs. Other than Tetharil, Akrn barely recognised the rest of them. He knows that a number of new Guardian Fighters had been constructed in recent months to cope with reports of increased disturbances around Naju; but Akrn know that this was still too early to be sending out these rookies out to 'real' missions.

Heck; having thought of that, Akrn was brought to the attention that he himself was yet to be sent out for any 'real' missions - maybe he is just as Rookie as the rest of them.

Rookie GF: *points to Akrn* There he is!

The whole Guardian Fighters assembled there turn to Akrn, the Officer emerges from the group to stare angrily at him.

Officer: You're late! *gestures for Akrn to join the group* c'mon; we don't have much time to spare!

Akrn joins the group and at the centre of the circle laid a map - the Officer points to a place on the near western border.

Officer: Alright, one more time since Akrn just joined us... *circles to a small dot marked on the map* reports are locating distress signals at this location - you [plural] will be heading there ASAP to observe and report on the exact details! Be careful though - that area is nearing uncharted territories so we are not sure what danger lies there!

Rookie GFs: Yessir!

The group disbanded and queued up on the runway for takeoffs; one by one the Guardian Fighters shifted into plane mode, made the short roll to the runway and took off. Akrn was the last of the group to leave.

Officer: I know that you're still no more a Cookie than the rest of them, but I want you to keep a watch on those kids - make sure they don't do anything reckless and get themselves in danger, ok? You lot are a very prestigious group to us and we don't want to have to do any PR repairs afterwards.

Akrn, taking it all in: s--sure

Akrn shifted into the plane and revved its takeoff jets.

Akrn, as the jets ignite and he speeds down the runway: Guardian Fighter Akrn, Take off!  *flies into the sky*

---

Enroute to The Far West; some distance in the skies

Terry: I wonder why they sent us to The Far West - I thought that area was sealed off as inhabitable just a few months back.
Akrn: I think it's something to do with the Terraforming Project that is taking place there. Maybe they decided to push ahead with it and see if they can succeed?
Terry: You know something about it?
Akrn: Not in great detail, no. The last time I was indirectly involved was during some training exercises at the South Coast few years back. Just a couple months before that I heard the people involved was attacked by some mutant cetaceans or something. So the Military took samples of it and made further  mock missions in order for us to obtain scientific information about them as well as adapt to them incase of further incidents.... Since then though I have been hearing about plans to Terraform The Far West but was continually delayed because of some technicality/legality or something.
Terry: Could this be of something similar?
Akrn, after some hesitation: Possibly, although I am personally surprised that they sent us out for real this time - usually the people located there - or some especially-hired mercenaries - would've taken care of the problem themselves and have us cleaning up the "trash" later.
Terry: ...sounds like we should get there quickly so we could find out what really happened - maybe they got themselves in  trouble.

With that Tetharil ignited his boosters

Terry: Welp; I'll be taking a boost there. Take care of the rookies and make sure they don't get lost, m'kay?
Akrn: ...sure.

With that, Tetharil accelerated off ahead of Akrn and co..

[[ End new addition ]]

***

The Far West areas of Naju; where the reported disturbance was originally reported to be coming  from

Tetharil arrived at the area couple minutes ahead of Akrn and co.. He observed a slight destruction of the city that originally housed the workers that were involved in the recent Terraforming; but nothing to the scale of what he and the other G.F.s had  been briefed about; or what the News reports were saying before that, too.

Tetharil found a wide empty space that allowed him smooth landing and shifting into walking mode; made his way towards the group. But before he could speak to the "leader", Bradley; he caught his eyes on John Targa. The two; having acquainted with each other for a long time previously; gave each other friendly brofists while Terry quietly informed John that "the rest are on their way" before turning his attention back to Bradley.

Terry: Well, it seemed that everything's calmed down now - anyone care to briefly explain what happened?

===End post===

[EinhanderZwei]

While Bradley was retelling the whole incident to Terry, John took a look around. The presumed city, currently a small camp, consisted mostly of supply crate stashes, a mobile hospital and several tents with scientists inside. One such tent in particular caught his attention, as it was the only one to have a giant antenna rising towards the Naju sky.
Placing the S-gun to a back holster, John walked towards the comm center. One of the civilians was him approaching and rose up.
- Sir!
- Let's skip this part, I'm not a military official anyway. Have you notified the mothership about the alien encounter?
- Not yet; looks like the communication line has been jammed. We're trying to fix it, but no luck so far.
- I want to take a look. - said John and stepped towards the portable communication mainframe that standing on the ground. It had five screens serving multiple purposes, but right now, they were showing the same pattern of white noise, only colored in green. John felt a bead of sweat rolling across his forehead. He knew what cut off the mothership connection - or, more accurately, who.
- Was the channel compromised at the same time as the alien attack?
- According to the system logs, it was slightly before. Here. - answered the scientist and called the logs on his PDA screen.
John's eyes scanned through the boring lines of text and system variables until he saw something very familiar.
- I'll be damned...

John ran out of the comm tent towards Bradley and the gathering Guardians.
- Terry!!! You will not believe who did this all and woke the aliens.
- What's the matter? - asked Bradley.
- You're not supposed to know her, but we Space Hunters and the Guardian Fighters sure do have this person in our most wanted lists. Well, technically, it's not a living person.
- You don't mean..? - Terry slowly raised his head to see the presumable coordinates of the mothership hovering above Naju.
Just at the same time, the clouds became torn to shreds, as a powerful beam fell from the sky right onto the camp, instantly vaporizing most of the buildings and inhabitants.
John and the Guardians were caught by the shockwave and thrown away. Moments later, the terraforming beam has disappeared, leaving a massive smoke cloud where the village previously was. None of the mercs were harmed, but the whole scientific team, including Bradley, was now dead.
- Son of a... - John was almost speechless. - Why?!
Just as he shouted this, a large amount of floating square shapes rose from the gigantic hole in the ground. Targeting John and the Guardians, they started floating slowly towards them, spitting energy balls.

[RubyC42]

==Post #8==
A small distance from Tetharil, John and the Camp

Just as Akrn and his team of rookie Guardian Fighters were just regrouping and making their way to Tetharil at the camp; the shockwave from the laser beam fired upon the camp caught everyone by surprise and threw everyone off their ground. Akrn instinctively dived at whoever the Guardian Fighter was closest to him to protect him from the shockwave.

As the dusts settled, Akrn got up, looked around and made sure everyone was still around.

Akrn: *shaking the dust off him* ...everyone alright?!
Rookie GF-1: *getting up* y-yeah, we're unharmed as far as things went.
Rookie GF-2: What the hell was that?!
Rookie GF-3: Don't mind that! *points to the floating squares* what are those?

Akrn: *looking up* I... don't think they are of friendly nature *to everyone* Everyone! Arm your guns and take your positions!

*The other Guardian Fighters arm their pistols/rifles and take up attacking positions around the area, a  fight ensues between the squares and the group, with Akrn attempting to draw the main attention of the squares and divert the fire away from the other Guardian Fighters*


===End post===

[EinhanderZwei]

After several minutes of fighting off the aliens, the ammo in John's gun got depleted rather quickly.
- Ah, crap! - John growled and threw away his useless weapon. - I guess, this bitch was getting bored without any violence going on around here!
- Who are you talking about?! - Terry dodged another incoming blast and tried to outscream the laser fire racketing all around.
- Later!
John reached behind his back and grabbed the Fireball launcher. At the same exact moment, one of the squares rapidly flew just towards him and delivered an energy blow to John's torso. Swearing like a tailor, the Space Hunter fired at the enemy, causing it to fall apart, as well as the unfortunate ones who happened to be crossing the line of fire.
- Will those a-holes ever end?! - asked someone loudly.
At the same precise moment, a massive metallic creature sprung out of the crater. It was shaped like a pair of giant robotic claws attached to the metal mount with something that seemed to be missile launchers on its sides. As they fired at John and the Guardians, it was now clear that the creature was indeed armed with explosive projectiles.
- Everyone, take cover! - John swiftly jumped away from the first in the series of explosions and launched another fireball towards the creature. - Damn it SHODAN, why can't you just die?!

[RubyC42]

==Post 10==
The ongoing battle between Akrn and Co. against the floating  objects

As the battle wore on it became apparent that whatever they were facing was of magnitude that even they could not quell. Akrn had to think up something, and he needs it fast.

Once a short breathing time had been achieved; Akrn looked around to see if any of the other Guardian Fighters needed medical  attention - thankfully, the only Guardian Fighter that was to be seen sustaining significant damage was Akrn himself, as he had been trying to draw all the fire from the original enemies. Although many of the G.F.s now appeared confused or with the "I am out of chips/ammo" expression.

Akrn: You lot! At this rate if we stuck around we're all going to perish; so the only thing i can suggest you lot to do is to retreat at once to the Capital City, quick!
Rookie GF-3: What about you? You look like the one that should be finding the nearest repair centre!
Akrn, pushing the G.F.s away from the battlefield as the "metallic creature" was just appearing out of the crater ahead of the group: Just go! I'll catch up with you later, I first need to find Terry!
Rookie GF-4, as the others fly off, visibly worried: just come back to us alive, ok? *flies off, the last to do so*

Akrn turned his attention back to the battle ahead, between Tetharil and John against the missile-firing metallic object. He realised that even with the calibre of Tetharil's weaponry and skill they could not dispatch this object. They need to be removed from the battlefield as soon as possible.

Akrn looked into his selection of secondary weapons he could equip himself; there he saw a recently upgraded Forcefield that he can use - still a primitive design dispite being rated "Level 2": it doesn't efficiently deflect all of the enemy firepower away, and it drains his chips like a mofo. But it now mattered not; he thought that if he wasjust trying to get Tetharil and whoever was with him out of there he would have enough time.

Akrn flicked on his Forcefield and observed his chip reserve deplete at a rate he never before witnessed with other arsenals of his; but given the right conditions he had about 2 minutes max to find Tetharil and get him out; he just hoped that it was enough for him.

In spite of all the explosions and the dust particles as the result; Akrn was able to quickly find Tetharil and shield him within the coccoon of his forcefield.

Akrn: Terry! You alright?!
Terry: Akrn! You finally came!
Akrn: We don't have much time; you need to get out of here and quick!
Terry, pointing to John: But what about him?! We can't leave him behind!

Akrn and John then exchanged glances at each other. Akrn somehow recognise John's body shape but yet unable to pinpoint where exactly had he seen him before; or even his name.

===End Post===

[EinhanderZwei]

==Post 11==
As someone gets his arse handed to him

John stomach was hurting like a bitch, but he was still able to fire at the unidentified robotic monster. Thanks to the shellshock, majority of his shots were meters off. The Guardians were more focused on the target, thankfully, as several bursts have managed to rip some shiny metallic shreds from its body. But the robot was still functional, spewing deadly rays from between its robotic claws. After some of them missing the GFs due to some supernatural kind of luck, it was again John's turn to be a sitting duck. Another laser blow torn away the shoulder pad and metallic sleeve of his power armor, leaving ugly smoking scratches on the mercenary's skin.
- Ahhhh, Jesus it hurts! - screaming, John collapsed to the ground. Before he lost all consciousness, he heard an arrogant female voice in his head, probably coming from the communication link:
- I guess that's enough for now, meat puppet. But I'm not finished toying with you, hahahaha...
- You computer whore, go to Hell... - John squeezed these words from between his snapping teeth and fell unconscious.

=== End Post 11 ===

[Donloteion]

---New Phlan----  Unknown Sector

The team made it's way back to New Phlan.  Gydolin, Felgar, Goldleaf, Exdous, and Murahan were all pretty beat up, after that last encounter with the Goblins.  Mostly everyone had turned in for the night, save for Murahan.  Murahan had taken a walk over to the boat docks, where it was quiet, and most importantly, where no one else was. . . .

Murahan slid his short sword from its sheath.  He took a small rag, and began to wipe down the blade, which was ripe with Goblin blood.  He stared out into the horizon, seeing no boats at sea at the moment.  No way they would be right now anyway....  The undead were on the rise.  Wights, Ghouls, Ghosts, you name it. 

Murahan started to unscrew the handle of his short sword, revealing a small compartment.  From the compartment, a very small black clip fell into the palm of his hand.  Murahan took note of his surroundings, to see who might or might not be around.  He was still indeed, alone. 


Flash-sideways-scene
John ran out of the comm tent towards Bradley and the gathering Guardians.
- Terry!!! You will not believe who did this all and woke the aliens.
- What's the matter? - asked Bradley.
- You're not supposed to know her, but we Space Hunters and the Guardian Fighters sure do have this person in our most wanted lists. Well, technically, it's not a living person.
- You don't mean..? - Terry slowly raised his head to see the presumable coordinates of the mothership hovering above Naju.
Just at the same time, the clouds became torn to shreds, as a powerful beam fell from the sky right onto the camp, instantly vaporizing most of the buildings and inhabitants.
John and the Guardians were caught by the shockwave and thrown away. Moments later, the terraforming beam has disappeared, leaving a massive smoke cloud where the village previously was. None of the mercs were harmed, but the whole scientific team, including Bradley, was now dead.
- Son of a... - John was almost speechless. - Why?!
Just as he shouted this, a large amount of floating square shapes rose from the gigantic hole in the ground. Targeting John and the Guardians, they started floating slowly towards them, spitting energy balls.




Clipping the clip to his left earlobe, he then squeezed it together with his thumb and index finger. 

-This is Murahan, calling GF Fringe Division.  Encoder #612643.   Again this is Murahan, calling GF Fringe Division.  Encoder #612643, acknowledge. 

There was nothing, but static.  Murahan waited, another minute, which was a full minute too late for a response.  The terror then washed over him, as he knew that only one thing could have happened.

The GF Fringe Division had been destroyed.  Which meant, he was stuck in another time and space, away from his home on Naju. . . .

-My god. . . .

((To Be Continued....))

[EinhanderZwei]

==Post 13==

The first thing John saw after opening his eyes was the cleavage. Then, the glasses. Finally, the white coat. Still trying his best to collect his jumbled mind, he was able to conclude that this was a nurse.
- Great, you woke up! - she said in delight. John attempted lifting his arm to wipe the annoying sweat from his forehead. The limb was barely moveable, but after several tries he kind of succeeded in this.
Judging from the interior and the uniform on a girl next to his bed, he was at the sickbay. However, there was no indication on which mothership it exactly was - the one hovering above that savage battle with aliens, or maybe even some vessel cruising at the opposite side of the planet. Hell, it could be USS Enterprise, for all he cared.
- Hello, lady. Can you please tell me what ship is this?
- You are onboard USS Compile, property of the Terran Colonization & Terraforming Research. - replied the nurse while filling in something on her PDA. - How do we feel?
- Ack, stop it. - John waved with another arm. - You were forced to rebuild my whole body from the flesh molecules and metallic junk, am I right?
- I am not sure what do you mean. - the woman scratched her cheek. - When you were transported here, your organics were mostly intact, but the cybernetic interface got it worst. We have replaced it with identical model, and that's pretty much it. However, you were suffering from some kind of heavy concussion, even heavier than it is expected to be received in combat.
- What do you know about combat? - John grinned sarcastically. His stomach was annoyingly aching, and the legs seemed more phantom than present.
- You are right, I do not really. However, I can surely tell that it looked like someone had hacked your cyber interface and was messing with your brain connectors.
- My WHAT?! - John looked away from the medical cutie. - So this f'n thing has finally got me. Oh joy.
- Can you please specify your name? - she replied. - You don't want to be John Doe while still alive, do you?
- Michael Pare. No, I'm fooling around. The name's John Targa.
- Thank you... - the woman made few more taps on her PDA screen and hid the device in the lab coat's pocket. - Why exactly Michael Pare, though?
John smiled and slowly sat up on the pillow. Thankfully, he was able to sense his legs again.
- He starred in that movie with a premise similar to our disaster here. A mining colony, some megacorporations, helicopters on the moon - just like the Guardians. Good stuff.
- I see... - she smiled warmly. - Anything else I can do for you? Will you be able to walk?
- I'll try, yeah, but in case of emergency, I'll find you, kindness. - John got his both arms flexed and started crawling out of the hospital bed. - Oh, and what's your name?
- It's Bayonetta, but you can call me Bay... Michael!
- As in Michael Bay? I get it. - they both laughed as John finally stood up.

* * *

Wandering across the vessel, John was looking for a free terminal to check a few things. It was not the same ship as was hovering above the demolished construction ground, so he needed to check the status of Terry and his teammates that could be likely dead at the moment.
His worst nightmare, however, occupied the majority of thoughts. SHODAN, an advanced computer AI that John was oh so unlucky to confront in the past, was back from the dead. She couldn't kill him when he was a sentry at the Citadel Station who mowed down a huge percentage of personnel turned to zombies thanks to this digital bitch taking control of the medical equipment. [ System Shock 2 spoiler, don't read if you haven't beaten it! ] He was the last survivor of USS Von Braun after SHODAN returned from oblivion to make it the proving grounds for her genetic aberrations. [ Spoiler end ] For some sick and twisted reason he, John Targa, was again picked to be SHODAN's torture toy. Of course she was the one who took control of the terraforming laser and dug a hole in the ground deep enough to unleash the alien bastards. But who exactly were the aliens? How did she know about them anyway? How will this encounter between John and her end? He was looking for answers... and survivors. The jam was getting tighter every hour.

[Donloteion]

---New Phlan--- unknown area

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I82d6NBRFjA   ((Murahan's Theme))

Murahan was enchanted by the moonlight that washed over the sea's horizon.  If it's one thing this world had, it had a certain calm beauty to it.  He was indeed stuck in this unfamiliar world, but it wouldn't stop him from his mission- the mission to learn as much as he could, and gain whatever skills possible while doing so.

Such was the life of being a Leaper.  Well, such was the life in the Fringe division on Naju anyway.  The Fringe Division was never really quite accepted on Naju, due to the nature of their experiments. No one ever thought they were worth all the funding, until recently that is.  They were able to development a machine that could transport a human being, to different periods of time and space.   Murahan was the first one to undertake this task.  And as it stood, he would possibly be the last.  That is, unless he were to find a way, to get back to his own time.  But, there was a way to get back.  The trouble with that was, someone needed to access the trap door beneath the now ruined lab, and activate the fail-safe switch. . . .

Naju to some might seem like an alien world.  But this world he was in, was very alien to him.  Goblins?  Orcs?  Magic?  It was hard to believe that these things actually exist.

Murahan put the small black clip back into its slot in the handle of his short sword.  Just as he made the final twist to completely lock the handle of the sword back into place, he heard someone approaching.

-Can't sleep either?  *Exdous said as he stepped down to the dock.*

-I'll feel better once we figure out a way to take care of what's lurking around the slums. 

-That's a tall order, *Exdous replied* but as long as we keep our heads level, we should be fine. 

Murahan really didn't want to talk fundamentals with the Thief right now.  But then again, talking to the Thief was better then talking to the jerkoff Fighter.  At least the Thief could talk about things other then how amazing he was with a two-handed broadsword.

-You think the legends are true about that Dragon the southern castle?  *Exdous said as he looked out to the horizon.*

-Not really sure.  But the folk seem pretty dead set on it.  They believe Tyranthraxus is as real as the ground we're standing on.  *Murahan replied.*

--YOU TWO, LET'S GO.  WE'RE HEADING BACK INTO THE SLUMS.  *Gydolin shouted from the distance.*

((To Be Continued...))

[RubyC42]

===Post 15===
Right after the end of post #11 and before #13 (which by the way, isn't #12!)

Terry, right after seeing John collapsing: Goddamn it John! *to Akrn* we have to get him out of here, too!
Akrn, struggling with the weight of him and his armour: who's this guy anyway? You know him?
Terry, helping Akrn carry John and finding a safe spot: An old acquaint of mine. you could say...

------------

A small distance from the original battlefield, still outside the Naju Habitability Boundary, but at least safe

Terry, with his visor down and checking with some on-screen radar and communication signals: Listen Akrn; up in that direction *points* is a space ship, USS Compile, who will be able to fix this guy. Can you and your remaining fuel make it there?
Akrn, looking up: Why are you asking me to carry this guy up there, all the way out into space?? I thought you were the one made for speed.

Tetharil then pointed to certain parts of Akrn's armour/shell; referring to a particular feature that are plentiful on him; while completely absent on Tetharil's own outer shell.

Terry: see those? Those are space-grade heat-shields, they will be necessary when you want to reenter the atmosphere. I don't have such luxury - if I tried going up there and coming back, I will burn up in a comet-like spectacle.
Akrn: but... i don't know the people up there! What if they won't take us in??
Terry: They will still be able to identify you as a Guardian Fighter, they will let you in.
Akrn, hesitantly picking himself and John up: ...you sure about it? Can't we just carry him back to Naju Central Base and do the repairs there?
Terry, sighs: ...there are reasons that John cannot go back.
Akrn: ...what do you mean?
Terry: it's lengthy*; we don't really have the time for that - so you'll have to press on with this plan.

Akrn then arranged John in a easy-to-carry position while transforming into Fighter Plane mode and prepared to take off.

Terry: Don't worry; I'll be doing what I can to establish a communication link with them. If everything goes well, the people of USS Compile will be able to fix you up there too.
Akrn: ...I just hope what you say can be worked out.

With that, Akrn took off into the skies while Tetharil briefly watched him disappear into the clouds above. He then transformed into a Fighter Plane and flew off in the other direction back to Naju Central.


[[ * - EinhanderZwei has the liberty for coming up with events surrounding his "exile" from Naju Central Base, or whatever he had done that earned him animosity among the Military ]]

------------

USS Compile, still before events of Post #13

Deep above the atmosphere of Naju, Akrn made it to the landing docks of USS Compile; but the stress of injuries taken from earlier battle [Post #10] as well as the stress of the spaceflight has all but worsened his body - he was barely holding together when the crew of Compile got a glimpse of the Guardian Fighter inside their own spaceship; a different one than Tetharil while it was still docked on Naju.

Akrn was only able to tell the receiving crew members that the person he was carrying needed  urgent medical attention before collapsing himself.

------------

Naju Central Base - communication centre, during the events of Post #13

The Rookie Guardian Fighters, who were visibly shaken from the battle that they took part earlier in, were seen huddled in a group supporting each other while all showed a visible worried looks on them. Sigurbelle is also seen among them although she is more concerned with repairing any damages that the Rookie G.F.s got during that battle.

Tetharil; on the other hand, was seen in front of a communicating terminal getting increasingly anxious and  annoyed at its continued failure to establish a communicating link with USS Compile.

Sigurbelle, to Terry after finishing with the last Rookie G.F.: Any luck?
Terry, lightly banging the terminal: ...nope. Still getting nothing but Timeouts
Rookie GF-4: Is Akrn still alive?
Terry, with fingers to his ears/antennas: I'm still picking up signals from him, so chances are very much "yes". But I cannot send any messages to him - probably meaning that he has been placed on electronic hibernation or powered down in some way or another.
Rookie GF-1: Will they be able to fix Akrn, though?
Terry: That's what I am worried with! They don't have the manual for Akrn's model, only mine, which wouldn't work for Akrn because our models are too different. *tries with the communicator again" so if I can at least establish some sort of a link with the people on USS Compile I can upload the manual to them...

------------

Interior of USS Compile, after the events of Post #13

John was wandering around the spaceship still looking  for an unoccupied terminal to try reestablish communications with Tetharil and co., when he noticed the crew members walking around the corridors and talking with other crew members with increased urgency. One crew member noticed John:

Crew: Oh, you were the one that was travelling with the Guardian Fighter!
John: what's up?
Crew: Can you come with us for a moment, please?

John followed the Crew member to another medical bay where he saw a very damaged Akrn lying on the bed with its medical staff and engineers very cautiously working on him. Other engineers seemed to be furiously flicking through volumes and volumes of what appeared to be manuals - but none of them appeared to match to that of Akrn.

Crew: We are having absolutely no idea how to work on this guy because we do not have any sort of information or manual on his internal systems - and the ones we have are way outdated for his model.
John: Couldn't you download it from Terry? At least he would have access to the needed informations.
Crew: We tried that, but all communication links with Naju Military went unresponded. It would mean only one of the two: The Military is actively refusing our request, or someone is purposefully jamming our communication attempts.

John was unnerved at the second possibility.

===End Post===