开云体育

Test for Troy -Scott

Julian led a small convoy of nomad rides onto Interstate 29, Westbound. Behind the wheel of his FAV, his mind was raced through the information that he had. A forest? What happened to Alabama? Maybe that’s not the right question, he thought. Maybe I should be wondering what happened to Troy. “Hey, jefe,” said his backseat passenger. “We’ve picked up a tail.” “A tail?” Julian asked. “What kind of tail?” “It’s one of those Crowder cars—a Chevy by the look of it.” A Crowder car was a catch-all term for the little electric cars that a lot of urban dwellers used. Where it often cost $60+ to fill up a typical CHOOH2 car, the typical Crowder cost only $15 to charge. If you didn’t travel beyond a hundred miles, it was the perfect car. As something trying to leave Troy any distance, it was terrible. Well as long as the Townie doesn’t get in the way, I’m not going to give a shit, he thought. On a list of “WTF” issues, a Chevy Crowder eating their exhaust fumes barely registered. Almost 10 miles out, Julian brought his ride to a halt, and the rest of the impromptu pack stopped with him. He stepped out to examine the highway…because it had just abruptly ended. Not in the usual way where it becomes a surface road, but because 20 feet in front of him, it ceased to exist. It was as if a blade had come down and cut it, and on the other side of the cut was uneven ground…and forest…the type he hadn’t seen since he had been in Canada years back. Trees…coniferous trees. They towered upward in sheer majesty, branches proudly spread. No signs of blight brought on by air pollution, and on the ground, no sign that people had been through the area on the ground, just dense underbrush, dominated by moss and ferns. “Julian…this ain’t normal.” The comment came from Clarence McCoy, one of the Jodes. He and his clan had come to get ready for the CHOOH2 harvest. All they were waiting for were the combine drones in order to get started. He wondered if they were coming at all, now. “No, this isn’t normal,” he replied, “but it’s here anyway. Lucia, can you get some eyes above us?” Lucia Cortez: Aldecaldo and gadget nerd. She had built her own recombinant motorcycle when she was 14, and built her first drone earlier than that. Now she reached into one of her saddlebags, and drew out something little bigger than a smartphone, where she yanked out four branching arms, each with a miniature turbofan on the end. A few seconds later, it was climbing in the air, getting above the trees. “I’m still getting some interference, jefe,” she said. “A lot of static over the link, but that forest goes on well ahead of us. I’m gonna guess about a half-mile before we reach whatever’s causing that smoke plume.” “Got it,” he said. “Okay boys and girls, looks like we’re hoofing it to—“ It was the sound of rustling brush that turned his attention. That was all the time he got before a girl burst forth from the foliage and ran into him, sending them both to the ground. He barely got a look at her. She was dirty, wild-eyed and clearly scared of something. Maybe it was him, or maybe he just added to the girl’s fear. She quickly scrabbled to her feet, darted looks around her. Her face was a mirror of terror. No one tried to approach her, and a few of his number backed off slowly. Her clothes were odd, both in the fact that the style reminded Julian of old Amish styling, but also because it was torn and ripped. And not from running through the woods… “Nobody move,” he said. “Just let her calm down—“ There was the sound of more movement in the forest’s underbrush. Julian got to his feet and backed away. The girl didn’t wait any more. She darted off to the left—off the road and into the wheat fields. In front of him, the underbrush parted to reveal a group of six men, but unlike any men he had ever seen before! Julian Ramirez had been around. As a Nomad, that was easy for him to say. The cities he had been to were full of people, and there were groups and gangs of all sorts. There was even one known as the Society. The Society was what used to be called the Society for Creative Anac

[OOC: I'm going to start moving my stuff over to the groups.io, assuming this makes it through to folks. Nothing new here, this is just a retelling and a test.] Rayna Kovacsolt, Queen of Apa, Queen of the Sword, internally reminded herself that it was better to be even tempered and well mannered in the face of bad news. She was a stateswoman first, after all. Her people depended on her being calm, calculating. She really wanted to radiate that… Upon finishing the missive from the Prince of Jotun, that attitude lasted about ten seconds. “DAMN THAT PETTY LITTLE PRINCE,” Rayna roared, as she grabbed the edge of the table. “DAMN HIM, HIS FAMILY, AND EVERY TRIPLE-DAMNED NOBLE OF THE NORTHLANDS!” Rayna wasn’t what one would call classically beautiful. She was tall, red-haired, and highly charismatic—she always attracted attention wherever she went. She was also rather tall, and had the strength of that height behind her, which she demonstrated by upturning the war room’s table, and scattering its contents to the floor. All around her, gathered generals and nobles loyal to remained standing, remaining silent and not daring to utter a word as their queen and commander went through her tirade. These rampages were rare, and thankfully short. At the moment though, no one was sure about this moment. One in particular, Duke Heinrich Colmyr, Duke of Klausburg, was rather uneasy. Her Majesty took a deep breath, held it, and let it out slowly. She turned to Heinrich, her eyes calmer. “I’m sorry, your Grace. I don’t of course include you in that temper tantrum of mine. Out of all the nobility here, you’re one of the few who would talk to me, let alone pledge yourself to my cause.” “Thank you, your Majesty,” Heinrich said, relieved. “The report…is it bad?” “I’m sorry to say it, but it’s hard for it to get any worse,” Rayna answered. “The Prince has not only reversed his stance in adding his troops to mine, he’s denying me access to cross the Susswasser. I’m short on troops, and unable to properly deploy.” “You know why, of course,” Duke Otto Guverich, her closest advisor chimed in. “It’s Archduke Norris. He probably shipped over a small fortune in Lothari gold. There’s a reason they call him the Prince of Yes and No, after all.” “I know, I know,” Rayna said. “I was hoping the Prince might’ve found his balls finally, but it looks as if those are up for sale to the highest bidder.” There was a general chuckle around the room. “So, as it stands, I have enough troops to remain here, but not enough to press the advance without cooperation. My coffers are too far away from the front, and what I have here in assets are nearly dry. It’s all we can do to just maintain our presence.” “What about the promised Torquani silver?” Guverich asked. “Any word on Haran vos Naarmyr and his daughter?” “Nothing yet,” Rayna shook her head. “I hope to the Goddess they weren’t anywhere near Masden, especially with his daughter accompanying him.” The Queen never had a problem with Torquani, or Tieflings as they were called disparagingly. The sins of their ancestors shouldn’t be a blemish on them, even if their appearance said otherwise. In many ways, Torquani were far more decent than most humans she’d ever met. “The simple truth: I can’t come to the rescue of Masden,” the Queen admitted. “As much as I want, I simply can’t. Without help, Masden will fall.” “What about our Elven allies?” Heinrich, Duke of Klausburg asked. “I only have one Elven kingdom listening to me,” Rayna said sadly. “And while I find Miera Holadi and her Wolf Rangers helpful, they’re far too few to make a difference. I’m sorry, my friend, but Masden’s best option right now is to surrender and come to terms with Turriq…if such a thing is possible.” Everyone in that room was grim at that fact. Aiden Turriq, commander of the Ispaaran mercenary advance, wasn’t known for his generosity of spirit. At 54, he had been in multiple wars and raids for almost a quarter century. In all that time, he had never known defeat. The Church of the Holy Twelve despised him, but they couldn’t argue against his succ

Posting is going to be resuming this weekend. On this group. I will post the last post in all open stories and then we can go from there.

If you can see this please respond yes I can. Peace and blessings

It all started out as a perfect day. TroyFest was the town's biggest celebration. Even after all these decades, it brought the town together. It didn't matter who you were, everyone was welcome at TroyFest. Hell, even the Nomads are being welcomed. That thought was significant to Julian Ramirez. As the one who spoke for the Aldecados, the Jodes and Blood Nation, it was his reputation (not to mention ass) on the line. The Aldecados were especially on pins and needles, even after two years. With first Militech, and now Sikorski-Mitsubishi closing shop, there were some hard feelings all around. The fact that his Nation was the main one contracted for the demolition of the assembly plants didn't help. Still, over the year-and-a-half that they've been in town, some healthy Eurobucks had exchanged hands, which led to some of those hands being shaken, and finally led to a fragile but definite acceptance. We weren't the ones who decided to close the plants, after all, Julian thought. We're just here to do the demo. It was a terrible pity, too. Troy was a nice place. The university was even opening the campus to some in the Nations. His niece, Rosalina, would have an actual bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering before they were finished. Of course, Rosalina was also talking about marrying one of the Townies and settling down. He wasn't sure how he felt about that. "Penny fer yer thoughts." Julian looked to his left and found Mayor Reeves. The greying statesman had a churro in one hand and an easy smile on his face. The relationship between himself and Mayor Reeves was…complicated. He and Reeves have haggled, argued, negotiated and even played poker over beer and pretzels. They were both leaders, each responsible for their people. Julian smirked. "I think I need a churro." "Now you're just trying to distract from the question," he retorted. "Spill, ya crazy road warrior." "Alright, alright," Julian relented. "I'm just thinking about my niece, and how I might have to find a way to come here regularly." "Well, we're not exactly the boonies," Reeves said. "I'm pretty sure we'll be here for, oh…at least another 10 years or so." "So I take it that your negotiations with Sikorsky-Mistubishi didn't pan out?" "I tried," he shrugged. "I pointed out we still have the infrastructure, and that a minimum of retooling would be needed to go from building helicoptors to building drones. Hell, I even threw in the tax break." "And they still said no," Julian was amazed. "Corporates…every time you give them something, it's never enough…unless of course you have bargaining power." "You saying I should've been a Nomad?" Reeves chuckled. "I can barely drive, these days." "Boys and their cars," said a sultry voice. "It's kind of sad." The two men turned their heads to find a casually dressed woman. She was pale, but with ice blue eyes, with her face framed in long, inky black hair. "Ms. Shapiro," Reeves beamed. "I wasn't expecting you out here." "Yeah, well, I decided I needed to take a walk," she smiled mildly. "That, and Zack needed some help to set up the jewelry store's stall at the market." "Well, I think it's great to see you out and about," Julian said. "I wasn't there for…you know…but I'm sorry for your loss." Romonika Shapiro had turned into something of a recluse since her husband had died weeks ago. The fact she was out and about…maybe there was some hope. "Thank you," she smiled sadly. "Ben would've harped at me for staying indoors for too long. Bad for my complexion, after all. "So where are we headed, gentlemen?" "Julian needs a churro," Reeves said. "Sounds good," Romonika smiled. "Maybe we can pick up some horchata while we're at it. It's kind of warm out—" There was a flash of light, brighter than the sun. It was so bright that everything, every detail of the town, the rides, the displays of TroyFest were all blotted out in the intense illumination all around him. "Oh shit…" Julian's voice. The light was like a nuke, or what nukes were supposedly like. If this was happening… There was a rush of wind all around them, and suddenly,

“Hurry,” barked Ludwig. “We need to go now!” Ludwig’s tension was worn on his face. His son Erhardt wasn’t back yet, but it was only a matter of time. The story of Masden had reached all the way out into the countryside. The stories said that they were impaling the people outside its own demolished walls. They also said that the women and children were being enslaved. The most terrifying story was the one that said the mercenaries were spreading out through the countryside, burning and plundering as they went. If that was happening, there was only one thing to do, and that was to flee. “Ludwig, I don’t like the idea of leaving,” came his VERY pregnant wife Inga. “The children, our sheep…there’s too much.” “Do you think I like leaving, woman,” he quipped. “I don’t want to go, especially when you’re so close to giving birth. But if those mercenaries get to you…” He left the sentence unfinished. Mercenaries had no sense of decency or honor. Erhardt was old enough that they might kill him. His two daughters…the thought of what they’d do to a 12 and 14 year old girl made him shudder internally. He remembered back when his grandfather would tell stories of the wars between the cities. It didn’t matter whose side you were on. You learned to fear the soldiers and mercenaries that came to your house. They’d simply take what you had “for the cause” and run you through if you gave them trouble. They’d even take a daughter or a sister for a job as a “camp follower”, which of course was simply another way of saying “whore”. No…he was no soldier, but he wasn’t going to let his family fall victim to that kind of stuff. It was a stretch, but the forest around them could provide. He was a fair shot with a crossbow, and he knew how to hunt. The girls could help their mother gather the rest of what they needed. It was a shorter trip Klausburg, but they’d run a greater risk of running into mercenary forces. All the roads they could take would pass too close to Masden. No, their best option would be to try and make a crossing at the Susswasser River. There were villages near the city of Bahn they might settle into, and rumor had it that Rayna, Queen of the Sword was near. He heard good things about her and her army. Maybe— He was distracted by a bright flash of light roughly east of them. It was sun bright…but it was almost noon, and the sun was already up. “Ludwig, what is that?” He had no answer for his wife. Nothing he had ever experienced before gave him any reference as to why that was happening. Maybe it was sorcery? Or the Gods? Perhaps… “PAPA! PAPA!” The high pitch yelling of his son jarred him from his train of thought. He jerked around and saw Erhardt riding his pony hard. The poor thing…but if Erhardt was riding that hard, it could only mean one thing. “The mercenaries, papa,” he said breathlessly. “They’re…at old man Heinrich’s house…” And that was when he made up his mind. “Alright, that’s it. We leave now. Love, get in the wagon. Elsa, Sara, join your mother. Son, you take the point.” Ludwig of course would lead his prize bull that was pulling the wagon. “Which way, Papa?” “West road.” He just hoped whatever caused that light wouldn’t cause them any worry. Until the day he met his maker, Ludwig would ponder the bright flash that happened that day, and the incredible changes that happened afterward. Back then, he didn't know it—how could he—but on what was one of the worst days of his life, the world of Aertelle had just changed, and changed forever.

It was in the final year of the seven cycle war that Jan Tasker got her captain’s rank. Her outfit ‘The Raging Queens’ was only one of four Ranger platoons to survive the Hong Kong purge. As an advanced scouting platoon the Queens held several positions throughout the city. There was never a safe place so several worked as backup. On a hit and run the platoon encountered a Flag detail. Enthralled they might actually capture a Royalty they signaled for reinforcements then boldly attacked the block. Jan was in that squad. She was the sole survivor. Four months later she was discharged from LTB(Lanyard Technical Bio-enhancement). The quasi Hospital/Guinea Pig rehabilitation center for psonic progress had given her a green light to rejoin her company now established in Atlanta. Complete with new left arm, built with a cyber-ware kinetic enhancer made from tungsten and graphite with a nu-skin outer-shell. The surgery had been a success. Despite recurring problems with communication with the arm and episodes of out-of-body experiences they’d released Jan back into the field. It was four months after rejoining her outfit the Army disbanded the entire Ranger Core. Jan decided a retreat might do her some good. She needed to work out the technical problems with her new arm and then find new work, preferably overseas. She hadn’t seen her mother in three years. Troy was as good a place as any to get some good R&R. Troy hadn’t changed much but her mother had. She’d been dying slowly since the last Jan had visited and now she was almost gone. Jan put up a good fight but after several months her mother passed away. The experience left her drained and without any plan for the future. On the day of the harvest moon Jan gathered the needed components and began the ritual of annihilation. It had been a strange road she’d traveled to get to this point. After her mother’s death a sort of denial had taken possession of her mind. A complete meltdown of attitude and drive that had been her winning feature fell away replaced by a desire to end it all in an implosion of body and spirit. It was a long story to how she’d gotten to this perilous point in her life but one guiding influence kept her going, her mother had been a Neuromancer. Jan didn’t think it would work. Then the world winked and she was gone. In a flash of light.

Rayna Kovacsolt, Queen of Apa, Queen of the Sword, internally reminded herself that it was better to be even tempered and well mannered in the face of bad news. She was a stateswoman first, after all. Her people depended on her being calm, calculating. She really wanted to radiate that… Upon finishing the missive from the Prince of Jotun, that attitude lasted about ten seconds. “DAMN THAT PETTY LITTLE PRINCE,” Rayna roared, as she grabbed the edge of the table. “DAMN HIM, HIS FAMILY, AND EVERY TRIPLE-DAMNED NOBLE OF THE NORTHLANDS!” Rayna wasn’t what one would call classically beautiful. She was tall, red-haired, and highly charismatic—she always attracted attention wherever she went. She was also rather tall, and had the strength of that height behind her, which she demonstrated by upturning the war room’s table, and scattering its contents to the floor. All around her, gathered generals and nobles loyal to remained standing, remaining silent and not daring to utter a word as their queen and commander went through her tirade. These rampages were rare, and thankfully short. At the moment though, no one was sure about this moment. One in particular, Duke Heinrich Colmyr, Duke of Klausburg, was rather uneasy. Her Majesty took a deep breath, held it, and let it out slowly. She turned to Heinrich, her eyes calmer. “I’m sorry, your Grace. I don’t of course include you in that temper tantrum of mine. Out of all the nobility here, you’re one of the few who would talk to me, let alone pledge yourself to my cause.” “Thank you, your Majesty,” Heinrich said, relieved. “The report…is it bad?” “I’m sorry to say it, but it’s hard for it to get any worse,” Rayna answered. “The Prince has not only reversed his stance in adding his troops to mine, he’s denying me access to cross the Susswasser. I’m short on troops, and unable to properly deploy.” “You know why, of course,” Duke Otto Guverich, her closest advisor chimed in. “It’s Archduke Norris. He probably shipped over a small fortune in Lothari gold. There’s a reason they call him the Prince of Yes and No, after all.” “I know, I know,” Rayna said. “I was hoping the Prince might’ve found his balls finally, but it looks as if those are up for sale to the highest bidder.” There was a general chuckle around the room. “So, as it stands, I have enough troops to remain here, but not enough to press the advance without cooperation. My coffers are too far away from the front, and what I have here in assets are nearly dry. It’s all we can do to just maintain our presence.” “What about the promised Torquani silver?” Guverich asked. “Any word on Haran vos Naarmyr and his daughter?” “Nothing yet,” Rayna shook her head. “I hope to the Goddess they weren’t anywhere near Masden, especially with his daughter accompanying him.” The Queen never had a problem with Torquani, or Tieflings as they were called disparagingly. The sins of their ancestors shouldn’t be a blemish on them, even if their appearance said otherwise. In many ways, Torquani were far more decent than most humans she’d ever met. “The simple truth: I can’t come to the rescue of Masden,” the Queen admitted. “As much as I want, I simply can’t. Without help, Masden will fall.” “What about our Elven allies?” Heinrich, Duke of Klausburg asked. “I only have one Elven kingdom listening to me,” Rayna said sadly. “And while I find Miera Holadi and her Wolf Rangers helpful, they’re far too few to make a difference. I’m sorry, my friend, but Masden’s best option right now is to surrender and come to terms with Turriq…if such a thing is possible.” Everyone in that room was grim at that fact. Aiden Turriq, commander of the Ispaaran mercenary advance, wasn’t known for his generosity of spirit. At 54, he had been in multiple wars and raids for almost a quarter century. In all that time, he had never known defeat. The Church of the Holy Twelve despised him, but they couldn’t argue against his success. So the Church gave him their blessings…and Rayna was sure they were secretly praying for his ruin. In the meantime, the killing continues, Rayna thought dou

Something wasn’t right. A pain in her mind like the worst headache in history made her vomit. Jan lay prone on the floor in the middle of her stupid circle. “Fucking shit!” It hadn’t worked. She looked around her large work room. The candles still blazed around her. The sulfur and blood line that encircled her place on the floor was unruffled. A silky haze floated in the near half-light. That was something different but not the going away gift she’d planned. ‘What were you trying to do?’ The dead thoughts of her deceased Mother rang like a chime to add misery to her wracked brain. “I’m sorry, I wanted to...wanted to be with you.” As soon as she’d spoken the words, she felt ashamed. How pathetic she’d become in these last few months. Jan got shakily to her feet and wobbled over to the table that held an assortment of herbs and other magical components. Her communications display lay where she’d sat it down as if it were some important token to her mad plan. Kill myself, or send myself. Had I gotten it all wrong? The display flashed angrily. No connection, no feed, no anything. She looked at it blankly. She took it up in her hand, the small globe like a magical ball and examined the data array. Exactly ten minutes ago all communications were lost. That’s when she had...well failed to embark on her final voyage. That’s a fairly large coincidence. The old satellite data links weren’t all that great but they never sent no information. Had a solar flare knocked them out? She dredged through her mind and felt the alien machine presence, a small chip implant near her left ear canal that made local communication possibly with innate protocols. She registered some local exchanges still functioning but they also couldn’t connect with the Satellite array. Jan felt a sudden chill. She’d never been out of contact. Not since the chip had been installed on her seventh birthday. Seven, such a significant year for young adults when they got the implant and a world beyond came funneling right into their little brains. Education, law, news everything you could think of and more was always handy. She had spoken over a hundred languages with the amazing technology. Now she knew, well one. Good old English. That wasn’t completely true. Over the years she’d learned subconsciously through the implant magnification dozens of languages. It wasn’t the sort of learning everyone got. You had to have money and connections. Or the military. She’d had all of the above. There was the language in her head it just wasn’t as vibrant now. She could still converse in old Spanish with Maria who lived next door. It would be a poor imitation of what had been. What had happened to the array? She toggled a news search and found nothing. Locally alarms were sounding but she ignored them. Troy wasn’t exactly the bedrock of what was left of global communication. With nothing coming in she had no choice but to listen in on the local network. The squawking was immediate and weird. According to a few locals who had links to the hardwired web something had happened to the world. Most of the news was hearsay and jumbled superstition but a flash from a deputy enforcer shook her to her core. “We have no road to Montgomery. It just...ends. It’s just woods.” What the hell? Jan was out of her basement, up the stairs and standing on her porch in a bat of the eye. Outside seemed normal enough. The sun bled a scalding sting to her eyes. It was in the wrong place. She knew it almost instantly. The sun should be at forty degrees plus or minus. This sun was at fifty plus. Fall had just become, SPRING?? She fell back onto her porch swing. She felt dizzy. This sort of thing doesn’t happen, ever. What had she done? Next door, Maria waved to her in greeting apparently oblivious to recent events. She walked swiftly to her little trike at the curb, climbed in and moved off silently down the road. Maybe to go pick up her kids at school. Jan swung aimlessly on the swing thinking. It wasn’t logical that her little invocation or summoning whatever could have caused all this. Her head cleared

In the history of Ocillia, Aiden Turriq would be known by many names. His soldiers would call him “Father Turriq” and for a time “Turriq the Undefeated”. The Church of the Holy Twelve would call him “Turriq the Crusader”, for the way he carried the banner of Father Church into the Northlands. The people of the Northlands had a different name for him: Turriq the Butcher. Turriq, Butcher of Masden. Bloody Aiden. In truth, he hadn’t meant for the sack of Masden to go the way it had. He wanted the city intact and mostly unharmed. It would’ve been a strategic port from which he could’ve started a two-prong fight against the Kievan Rus, with the goal of getting them to abandon their harassment of Ispaaran shipping. He had given his conditions of surrender days before, insofar as he had been allowed to name them. The Duke of Masden would be allowed to keep his title, so long as he accepted submission to the King of Ispaara and joined his army to Turriq’s forces. Father Church had been the one to demand the enforcement of the Act of Restitution—reclaiming treasures and properties the once belonged to Father Church, and he reluctantly went along. He was sure that had been the deciding factor. If not for the Church’s demands, he was pretty sure he could’ve gotten the city intact without a lengthly siege. He’d have the shipyards, the yard dogs, the warships already in port. By spring, he could have started his campaign to force a route past the Kievan Rus, and Ispaara could have conquered most of the Northlands by the end of the year. If not for Hoffsteiner, he thought bitterly. Fucking Hoffsteiner… The fact that he needed the man—then and now—only added salt to his wounded ego. If ever the term “loose cannon” could have been invented for anyone, it would’ve been made for Field Marshall Jonas Hoffsteiner, and his dragon cavalry, the Black Riders. He had few air elements under his command, and he needed whatever he could get. It didn’t mean he had to like it. When he began the siege, he had specifically ordered the Black Riders to attack the walls only. The walls, not the city inside. Masden had no dragon cavalry to speak of, so he wanted to use his in softening the defenders. An hour into the siege, and Hoffsteiner and his Riders were burning buildings. It only got worse from there. As soon as the walls of Masden fell, the rest of his mercenaries, fueled by rage and victory, began to loot and plunder, effectively following Hoffsteiner’s example. What had followed was two days of rape and pillage. Three days later, it was still raining ashes over what was left. In the shadow of his failure to reorder the troops, he had found a crying baby in the arms of its dead mother. He had taken it upon himself to take up the infant and give it shelter in his command tent. It was one life that wouldn’t be lost that day. He’ll probably grow up to be my killer, Turriq thought dourly. And so the cycle of revenge continues. A week and a half later, he was going through reports from his advance units. Several villages had been taken, but a lot of them were half empty, with refugees fleeing eastward, toward the Bitch Queen herself, more than likely. And there was the other problem. Rayna, Queen of the Sword, was taking a personal hand in this affair. That Pagan bitch was nothing but trouble. Father Church had labelled her and all followers of the Goddess as apostate, but that didn’t seem to bother her in the least. His only saving grace, ironically, was the divisiveness of the Northlands’ own nobility. As hard as it was for him to conquer this land, it had been even harder for that bitch to convince them to unite under a single banner. He smirked at that thought. Getting that self serving mob of arrogant pricks to cooperate? He’d have an easier time getting a legion of cats to form a tercio and march in formation. He was interrupted from that picture in his head by an officer entering his tent, and saluting. “Father Turriq!” Ah well, back to the real world. “What is it, boy? Spit it out!” “A Black Rider’s returned, sir,” the young officer said. “He’s

I want to take this time to thank each and every single one of you for sticking it out with me this past couple of months. This last year. I appreciate all the ups and downs and changes you guys went through with me and I look forward to writing more and growing more with each and every single one of you. I also want to take this time to wish every single one of you and your family a wonderful holiday (if you celebrate it) and a great and prosperous new year. Onward to upward and bigger and better. Hugs! Angel!

Just wanted to wish everyone joy and happiness for the holidays. Looking forward to when we can get everything started back up again. :) Whitt (Gen / Andrew / The Dragon / Flynn / Rabbit / Callum & Jaimie)

(Sa’id) Sa’id sighed. “That is difficult. You want me to give you advice on how to present yourself to our king when one only needs to take one look at how you look at her to know how you feel for her. And I truly doubt you can mask those feelings.” “If you truly want my advice it would be to take your men and leave. Otherwise, I do not see how you can not make matters worse… unless you pose as her owner. I mean after all before you granted her freedom, that exactly what you were?” (Draven) “Ah, well as you can see we are pulling out of the harbor now and it is too late for my men and I just to leave. So that is out of the question. As to appearing as her owner, well the feelings will still be there. Guess we are at an impasse here. I will simply follow Khadashee’s lead and follow.” Draven said as he watched the sail unfurl and the wind take hold to move the ship from port to the open sea. He truly hoped that Sa’id could give him better advice than Khadashee did. But alas, it was the same advice on showing his feelings. He could easily hide what he felt for Khadashee if he needed to. They clearly underestimate who he can appear to be when he had to be someone else. Afterall, he didn’t get this far in the life of a pirate by wearing his heart on his sleeve. (Sa’id) Sa’id sighed. “So let us talk man to man Captain because following Khadashee’s lead is definitely not the way to go. So tell me what exactly do you want to know? How to behave in front our king. That is difficult to tell you. Knowing who you are, my king will be watching you. But what you must keep in mind is that he considers her to be his. So I really do not know what your end game is and that is what you both need to figure out.” (Draven) Draven listened to Sa’id as he watched the open sea come into view and felt the ship lurch with the first catch of waves. He looked back towards the harbor and saw the Serenity slowly making her way to follow. He knew the men would keep a fair distance so that it wouldn’t be obvious that they were following the merchant vessel. Then he turned to Sa’id, “ah, very well then. I think I can figure this one out on my own.” He knew now what he was going to have to do. “I need to speak with the captain. Is there anything else, Sa’id?” (Sa’id) Sa’id frowned. This man was confusing. One minute he wanted to talk and then the next he didn’t. But it was no matter. It was not his place to wonder and question. It was his place to bring the queen back home and pray that everything went well. He saw his ship following in the distance. “As you wish Captain Draven.” He nodded and moved away. He would take this time to go speak with Khadashee. (Draven) Draven knew he had confused Sa’id, but the man really didn’t offer anything that Draven hadn’t already known. He gave the man a slight bow before heading off to find the Captain. Once he did, he spoke to him about helping him with a cover story and dressing as a merchant. He knew what he needed to do and with his bundle of new clothing headed back to the cabin that he was sharing with Khadashee. (Sa’id and Khadashee ) Sa’id and Khadashee were talking. She looked a bit tired to him. But based on everything she had told him, she and the captain had been through a whirlwind of emotions since she and the captain had decided to be together. And because of those emotions she wasn’t thinking rationally. “Do you really think this is wise my queen. Our King still sees you as belonging to him.” “Well That is a mistake on his part. He discarded me in the most foul of manners. I will not play a part in his deception.” Sa’id sighed. “You have always been too proud and stubborn for your own good.” She smiled at him. As the door open, her eyes meet Draven’s. “Hello my love. I have news.” (Draven) When he opened the door to the cabin he was a bit surprised to see Sa’id there. “Oh, did I interrupt…” he was starting to say when Khadashee gave him the brightest smile and warm greeting. He placed his bundle along the far wall and waited for Sa’id to excuse himself, he hoped. “Will, Sa’id be hearing this news as we

? ?(Sicilien) "Kansas City, Kansas or Kansas City, Missouri? But I guess it wouldn't matter which, seeing as they're just a hop and a skip across," he mused. When he was just about to speak again, the waitress came back around and brought them some grub, though he still didn't have his drink. So when she sat the waters and the soup down, he pushed those aside in favor of the more beefier substances, so to speak - the biscuits, mashed potatoes and chicken. Grabbing a fork, he stuffed his face full of food and swallowed the first bite, starting to feel just a bit more agreeable. "As for myself, I hail from Hell's Hollow. Aptly named, I s'pose, for having mines that stretch as deep into the earth as the mountains lick the sky high." He paused for a bit, mulling over at the rest of what the man said. Business, huh? "Seems you and I are here for the same reasons, though I hadn't expected to have to hole up in this place. No, my business takes me a bit ways away from here. Miller's Crossing, have you heard of it?" It made him think of how the train porter had reacted to his inquiry. Strange as it may have been, it was just one man's answer, so he wasn't yet sure if he should've been rightly suspicious or not. Since he's already began testing the waters, why not throw some bait in and see what bites? He could already feel that someone's eyes were on him, but he gave no physical indication of such. He did let his one orb meander a bit, continuing to scan the crowd, but it was no more than that of a man who was simply bored. (Old - NPC Waitress) She smiled at the two men bringing them both two glasses of water, some biscuits and bows of soup, mashed potatoes and some fried chicken. “Sorry about the food wait. Kitchens a bit backed up. Everyone in town is here.” She giggled with a cheery smile. “Oh...the nice young woman didn’t come sit down. I’ll go get her.” As she moved to find Etienne she saw Flynn and Callie. “Need a table suga?” (Callie Carson) Callie nodded to the waitress, "Sure. We'll have a couple of whiskeys too." She looked to Flynn and frowned, "Could use some water. We're going to have to get away from this place soon. Any chance you can work some magic on the water and make it safe for us to drink?" (Flynn) "I'm not sure if my kinda magic will work on whatever kind is bein' used to witch-up the water," Flynn said in a low voice as they headed towards the table. "There's a coupla things I can try, but don't touch the stuff until I give you the nod, okay?" "Evenin', gents," the pookah said to Chase and Sicilien when he and Callie reached the table, touching the brim of his hat as he spoke. "I hope you don't mind if'n we join you. The waitress steered us your way, sayin' they're short on seatin' due to the crowd. Besides..." he smiled lazily as he set his travel bag and gun case on the floor next to a chair and sat down "...I think we just might be expectin' each other." (Charity- Millers Crossing) "You know," Charity whispered softly to her husband, who was snoring softly and completely unaware, "the worst part about a sudden rain up here in the high plains is that it brings out so many of the dormant critters." She smashed a scorpion with her bare hand and laughed. "Especially once the morning sun warms up all of that moist, disturbed soil." She stood up, her nude form glistening in the moonlight from the window, and looked out towards the storm on the horizon over Bendo. "Those poor people," she sighed. "all of those insects at once! Then the spiders, voles, snakes, lizards, and other critters that like to eat the insects, then foxes and coyotes," she turned to the bed where the Mayor still snored, "why, I wouldn't be surprised if a couple grizzlies show up to the party!" Somewhere out on the plains a wolf howled. "See," she said, "the critters know. And all of that rotting human flesh too! I mean, if they drink the water anyway." She laughed then, and her husband stirred. "The warrior, paladin, magi, rogue, and maiden have gathered in one group. One strike." Her eyes glistened coldly like those of a snake, and out

Lord Draven Phillips and Lady Anais Monroe. (Anais) “You have a brother? You didn’t tell me you still had family?” She said with a smile, following him back inside the house. “I guess we will be leaving immediately. It seems as if he plans to throw us some grand affair.” She said looking up at him. “You don’t think he’s gonna to throw us some grand affair do you?” She said nibbling her lip. “I am only half vampire do you think he will have issues with the other half being human?” (Draven) “We hadn’t discussed my family. Yes, I have a brother.” Draven paused as he considered Anais’ question. “Why would you think that, I believe he is indeed. As for you and being a vampire hybrid. Well, no need to worry about that and him. He is an embraced vampire. He was a human who my father turned into a vampire. He wasn’t born of pure blood parents like I was.” Once inside the mansion they headed up to their bedroom. “I am going to take a shower, would you like to join me, my love?” (Anais) “And even though he is embraced he still comes from a pureblood family and I am just a half breed. Who some consider her fathers to be a traitor,” she said as she followed him. “But if you tell me I shouldn’t worry. Then I will not worry. Because I have you.” she said holding his hand. When they reach their room, at his words she smiled. “I think I would like that very much,” she said coming into his arms. (Draven) “No, he doesn’t come from a pureblood family. His mother was a human. But that is neither here nor there.” Draven said as he lead her to the bathroom and started the shower. Once the water was warm he let her step in first. “Adjust the temperature as you wish,” he said as he stepped in behind her. The shower was finished and they were both washed and clean. It had felt good to be in warm water after the cold lake. He was drying off when a thought occurred to him, “would you like Drusilla to join us at my family’s estate to help you?” (Anais) Anais slipped into the showers and adjusted the water only slightly to make it hotter. Once he was in with her, she wrapped her arms around him and kissed him softly. “I never knew it was possible to feel what I feel for another being like I feel for you. Thank you for loving me.” She held him tight kissing him and nipping on him as the shower went on. She wanted him again but she needed to get control of that. She couldn’t just go around jumping on him all the time Once she out of the shower and wrapped in a fluffy robe, she sat before the vanity brushing out her wheat color locks when he asked his questions. She turned to him. “Really? You will let the twins come with us?” (Draven) Draven returned her kisses and did all he could to fight his arousal. He wanted her just as much as she seemed to want him, “no my love, it is I who should be thanking you. I can be a lot to take in some times.” He was dressing and thinking about what he would need to take for this event. They should go shopping and get some new dress wear. “Not necessarily the twins, but Drusilla and her husband would be welcome as I know she would want to bring him. I figured with all of the dressing and what not for this grand event, you might feel more comfortable with your lady helping you versus any of my mother’s ladies.” “We need to go shopping. You shall have some new gowns and I could use some new formal wear.” (Anais) Anais squealed and jumped up and down. “Yes. Oh yes please.” She said her face full of joy. She put her arms around his neck and kissed him quickly, gleeful. “Thank you. thank you. thank you. You have made me so happy. I will send word for Dru to meet us there...wherever there is.” She said kissing him once again. This time with a bit more heat. “Can the twins please come too….wait… how did you know the Drucilla was married to Enoch. She didn’t tell me until after you sent the twins away.” (Draven) He was glad that he made her so happy. Then she asked about him knowing, “you told me when we were talking about Drusilla leaving because I had sent her husband away and she wanted to go with him. Remember?” He remembe

Rain was a god among men...he liked it that way. He didn’t see himself as having to abide by their weak assed rules. He did what he wanted when he wanted as long he stayed out of the limelight or left no witnesses. He was good. Today his boss-lady gave him a mission. It was a simple one, go get information. He got to see his baby sister so two birds one stone. Yeah, then he could go clubbing and kick it with her for a while maybe even take her shopping. Had she not been his sister, he could have easily made her his woman. She knew him and he knew her...most of the time anyway. He made sure she was well taken care of. Yeah, he had his moments of jealousy as she spent more time with the boy wonder, but juvenile needed her more than he did and besides that, he needed her safe away from him. He was the black sheep of the family but every family had one. He was special, he didn’t see why he couldn’t enjoy it. No reason not to reveal in the power that he had. Hell, it was stupid not too. <<Hey beautiful, you got some time to spend with big bro? Pizza and shopping?>> He sent a text as he watched the dark-haired mocha woman walk by and he moved to catch up with her. He spoke with her for a few moments and made plans to see her later. He was still waiting for Ireland to text him, he wanted to spend time with her for a number of reasons. He was pretty sure she was going to try to get him to see Brandon. The weak assed daddy’s boy. He knew that was probably going to be what would make him want to leave her so he would steer clear of that topic of conversation for as long as possible. She was his heart and would always be...he would do anything for her..but that!! Ireland was still shaken about what happened back at the compound. She couldn’t believe Daddio had actually...really...made her...God Brandon was going to hate her. She came into the restaurant and saw Rain at a back booth and slid in. “Hey,” She said giving him a hug. He hugged his baby sister deeply. He then shifted quickly to a frown as she had that look on her face. “What’s wrong?!?” He felt terrible when she hugged him somedays, he thought he had chosen money over her, but he hadn’t if he had he would have stayed under daddio’s thumb. But he was his own man and he became that. But she couldn’t call and him not be there, he just couldn’t do that same roof thing with him and his love child. She pulled back to look at him when he asked what was wrong. Nope...she wasn’t going to get sucked in “You don’t like talking about Brandon so we aren’t talking about Brandon. So what’s up. You said pizza and you take me to a steakhouse. That means you want something. So spill it.” “Your brother...You can talk about him as much as you want. I never stopped you from talking about him, besides it is obvious he is on your mind. So tell me what has short dark and whiny done now?” He smirked as he took a drink that he had been given while waiting. “Ouch...I am hurt to think I just wanted to take you out, we can go to pizza? I just thought you might want to get away from kiddie food for a bit locked up in daddy’s world with his toys.” He sometimes missed how observant Ireland was, she could see him or through him some days. Ireland chuckled. “Yeah you are so hurt. I can tell.” She teased intending to tease him more but his words...put a fire in her belly. “Alright that’s enough. So just Stop.” She said firmly. “I love my father and my brother just as much as I love you. You, rain. But turned your back on us, remember. You sought out money power and putting that over family. it wasn’t the other way around. It took be a bit to get over it and accept it but I did and respect you decision. But that doesn’t make the rest of us wrong. So stop being a major monument dick and quit your whining about Brandon and Dad or I’m walking.” She said her tone nonsense. He knew she didn’t like when he talked bad about Brandon or Chord or Imme. And she’d be damn if she’d let him. Peace and blessings

Even in the age of the mid-21st century economic collapse, the Troy Regional Medical Center was considered one of the finest medical institutions in America, and could’ve easily competed with big name hospitals in big cities. It had been responsible for nearly all the needed major medical care for the southeast quadrant of Alabama, and even some Floridians who dared to make the trek (the highways weren’t as safe or intact as they used to be). It had a small fleet of ambu-naughts (armored ambulances), medical choppers (cheaper to use and refuel than AV’s) to extend its reach, and it could perform any medical procedure short of full body cybernetic replacement (that kind of stuff was reserved for the even bigger corporate hospitals). Some of the strain of the Collapse had forced it to close a couple wings, but they consolidated what they could, and used the unused space to store extra medical supplies in case the highways got completely cut off, so the hospital was incredibly well stocked, even by the standards of the day. Of course, no one ever contemplated being cut off from Earth indefinitely. No one was thinking that right now, of course. The priority was to keep their current patients comfortable and get to treating the new patients that came in. Power had only been briefly interrupted, since the hospital had its own backup generators in the basement and the latest Sol Invictus solar panels on its roof. As a result, the hospital didn’t even notice when main grid power took over a few hours later. When Julian’s small convoy pulled up, nurses and med-techs were standing ready, having been radioed ahead of time. Julian, knowing he wasn’t a medic, got out of the way, and started making some calls to the rest of the Nomad leadership, the Mayor, and in turn, the Police. He had already described what to look for, but he wanted to make sure. The edge where the CHOOH2 crops turned into forest was now effectively their border, and it needed watching. ===== “A-ya, what the hell?” Nurse Bethany Lum exclaimed as an unconscious girl was placed on a rolling litter, back up, showing the blood-soaked bandages on her back. “You there, medic! What happened to her!?” “Some bastard decided to whip her in front of her Dad,” the medic said. “I um…gave the old man a sedative. He’s sleeping it off right now.” “Right, got it,” Lum said, putting her professional facade back on. “This one: Clean up and spray skin, stat! What’s next?” “This poor woman,” gesturing to a woman dressed in a simple dress and bodice combination. “She um…ahem…three men were taking turns with her…” “I wish you didn’t have to tell me that,” Lum grimaced. “Get an IV drip started on her, with 12 cc’s anti-bio 1, and make sure we have female staff only checking on her. Go! Next?” “This guy here,” the medic said, wheeling in…the devil!? He was older, green skinned, and had well looked after horns, but STILL horns…and was that a tail!? “He’s had a massive coronary. I’ve got him stabilized but—“ “But what?” Lum interjected. “I mean, is he even human? I just can’t start treating him willy-nilly—“ “Look nurse,” the medic interrupted. “I don’t know what he is, but I know he’s responded positively to the anti-coags and beta blockers. And my blood test tells me he’s blood type O-, so you don’t have to worry there. But I’ve done all I can for him, and I don’t want his daughter worrying, so…” Bethany looked over at a young, blue skinned girl, who also had horns and a definite tail, and her lines softened. Whatever they were, she knew worry when she looked her in the eyes, and the way she wouldn’t let go of the old man’s hand. Bethany took a deep breath, let it out… “Okay, get him hooked up and ready for ultrasound,” she said. “Did you use nano-surgeons?” “Yes, ma’am,” the medic said back. “Good,” she affirmed. “We’ll get them online to tell us what’s going on, too. Next!” ===== Still able to understand them, Zafiri feared they were about to be thrown out, but then the…medic? He explained some things, and said something about his blood type being O negative. What in the heavens did tha

It was a short drive back to her Mother’s house. Jan got a kick out of watching Zafiri climb out of her little Chevy. It was something one had to practice. It was so low to the ground. “This is your home?” “My Mother’s house. I was born here. I came home...not so long ago.” It still hurt, the loss. The blue mage marveled over the whole package, from the entrance to the rooms, the kitchen and she almost fainted when Jan showed her the refrigerator. “This is true magic, special.” “Actually it is not. It is science. A whole different beast. I’ll explain things as we progress.” She showed her the shower and how it operated. The shampoo and soap she used and how to use it. She gave her a fresh towel. “You want some fresh clothes?” Zafiri sorted through the large closet and dresser. After some consideration and some suggestions from Jan she picked out a black jumpsuit with short sleeves and plunging neckline that would certainly not be official military grade. Zafiri showered. It seemed to take forever. She finally appeared in the old outfit, it had been her Mother’s from a couple of decades ago but it was in stellar shape. In a pair of black flats she looked bad ass. Some kind of gnarly tattoo ran up the side of one shoulder and disappeared down her back. Her hair was combed and held a new luster. “Wow,” Jan said. “You look great.” She led Zafiri to a full length mirror in her bedroom. The alien looking female had a fantastic body that made Jan jealous. The tail was a problem with the Jumpsuit. In the end Jan ended up cutting a hole in the back just below the band. It was fluffy enough to hide the opening, hopefully. It twitched and quivered under Jan’s soft touch and she wondered just what kind of feeling it was giving the blue women. Touching her that way made goose pimples rise on her arms. It was very erotic, unexpectedly so. Zafiri said nothing and gave no indication of any kind. Good enough, Jan thought. Up close like this she felt giddy. It made little sense. She wasn’t into girls all that much. Despite old habits she longed to touch the women again. She had to fight to restrain herself. Zafiri glared at her reflection but seemed mollified by Jan’s constant barrage of compliments. ‘I can wash these things and get them back to you later?’ Zafiri considered it for a moment then agreed. She let the blue mage watch some old National Geographic vids on her terminal while she went to clean up. She looked at herself in the mirror. “Saul’s Ghost!” She looked like the living dead! Before she took her shower she grabbed a pair of sunglasses out of her bedside table. These were the only solution for now. She looked like a pissed off instructor. Later, dressed in her normal jeans and flight jacket she entered the living room to find Zafiri gone! “Oh shit!” Jan didn’t move or breath for a heart beat. She just closed her eyes and felt around. Zafiri was outside near the flower garden. It was badly tended. Jan wasn’t nearly the green thumb her mother had been. But years of gardening didn’t evaporate the little darlings overnight. The flowers had almost gone away with the advent of fall but today they were making a strong comeback with the warm air coming from the west. A shadow crossed her mind like a blanket. She blinked her eyes open. What the hell was that? Was she going insane? She made a quick meal for them. A soup and a salad with lemon tea. Zafiri made faces but seemed satisfied after it was over. “Thank you for your hospitality,” Zafiri said. “You’ve all been rather kind, not to mention generous, but I don’t understand why, and your conveyances…these buildings…who are you people?” “I can explain our position relative to your situation. We were seeking the cause of a fire. I’d determined that, or guessed that we were no longer physically located in our world. Our new core, a circle I think about 20 miles give or take in diameter was transported to your world. We didn’t really feel it.” Jan paused, well she had but that was different. “We moved to investigate the fire. We found a family being attacked, raped actually by some mo

Back at the Hospital they met another set of guards outside. These two weren’t part of the Savior’s but local deputies. They gawked dumbfounded at Zafiri. One made a move for a pistol at his waist. “HOLD THERE!” Jan commanded. The man froze in place. Haven't you been updated officer? Zafiri is a friend. Anything happens to her and I’ll hold you personally responsible. A spark flew from Jan’s band on her wrist. “Yes, sure, no problem!” A look of fear crossed both men’s faces. “Ah, hell.” Jan pulled Zafiri through the doors and inside. One of Julian’s men stood outside of Zafiri Father’s room. He studied Jan intently. “I was expecting you. Julian would like a word.” Zafiri entered the room carrying her bundle with one quick look back at Jan. Jan nodded and gave her a small smile as the door closed behind her. “Of course, where do I need to go?” “He’s in the room,” he said. “Go on in.” Through the door, Julian and the old man were…having an animated conversation? “So you say these ‘nano-surgeons’,” the old man said, “they’re inside me, literally repairing the damaged tissue of my heart?” “I’m no doctor, but that’s the general idea,” Julian replied. “I’m told that your heart will act like it’s 20 years younger when it’s done.” “Ahh, I could go dancing again,” he chuckled. Then he turned his head to see his daughter. He smiled. “Zafiri! My little princess…” Zafiri said nothing. She simply rushed forward and wrapped her arms around his neck. After several moments of sobbing and soft words, she realized something. “Father…did you?” she started in her language. “It’s a simple spell, little princess,” he smiled. “And I had so many questions.” “I’ll be damned.” Jan said. “I’m...happy to meet you...” Did she know his name? She hated that when she’d heard a name and forgotten it. A shadow moved in her mind. It felt like she was suddenly reliving her past in fast forward. The feeling passed quickly and she leaned against one wall. That was better than falling. Another feeling arose inside her. Like smelling something cooking she sensed the older man held something powerful. Jan pulled back her annoying peeping tom act as best she could. The device or whatever it was drew her in like hypnotic music. Jan touched Julian’s shoulder, a gesture she wouldn’t have dreamed of back in the day in the Corp but with Julian it felt right. “I think I should go back home and rest up. Who knows what or when someone else might decide to infringe on our little hamlet.” To Zafiri she added, “You are welcome to stay at my house if you want.” She glanced at her Father, “As you may as well.” The strange language came so easily now. It surprised her the look she got from Julian. She shrugged helplessly. How do you explain insanity? “Well, it seems there are more than a few surprises today,” Julian said. He eyed Jan. “I’m looking forward to an explanation later, of course. In the meantime, as I understand it Mr. Naarmyr, you should be released tomorrow morning, but the docs will probably tell you to take it easy for a while and avoid fried foods.” “A wise precaution,” Haran col Naarmyr said. “Although I hope to continue our discussions at a future date.” “I can guarantee it,” Julian smiled, before getting serious. “I have a feeling the future is going to count on this and other conversations.” As this was going on, Zafiri pulled out a small slip of paper, and prepared another translation spell. She realized that at some point she’d have to learn whatever their language was. For now though… “I…apologize for not letting you know we could do this,” she said sadly. “I just…” “You needed to learn more about us, I get it,” Julian assured. “Hopefully, you’ve learned enough that you might trust us. As you might expect, we’re…not from around here.” Zafiri was surprised at how easily the Hidalgo regarded a situation where most would panic. They were strangers in this world—a part of the world which happened to be at war right now. Of course, after what she witnessed earlier today, perhaps the world should be more worried. “Anyone besides me hungry?” Julian asked. “The