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Post by Attila Constantine on Apr 15, 2018 11:41:35 GMT
Lena tilted her white tousled head throwing her long lashed eyes heavenward as she put a forefinger to the corner of her lush lips before grinning wickedly and saying as she looked at Attila, "Naw, you can do it as the torpedoes are really your babies. I'm starting to suffer Lestrange withdrawals so I better get back to Pooh Bear on the bridge! See you both in the funny papers - whatever humans mean by that phrase!"
As Lena left, Attila was still focused on his work so he muttered to himself, "Did she say Lestrange withdrawals or strange withdrawals? Hmmm knowing her she will have loads of fun no matter which withdrawal she is trying to cure herself of."
Whitney silently watched Lena leave engineering for the bridge but once she was alone with Attila she turned to him with wide ice blue eyes asking, "Is Lena a typical Castithan? She seems very... unique."
Without answering her immediately, Attila contacted the Bridge and said, "Alright Bridge. I have two test-pedoes loaded into torpedo Tube 1 and all my specifications are uploaded to the torpedo tube replicators so we can make more with this armor and shield type whenever we choose to. So you can launch the test-pedo whenever you and Lena are ready to do so."
As Attila finished his double-checks of his information while waiting for the test-pedo to launch while also checking to see if he could manually fire the test-pedo from his location if Sandy agreed with Lena that he should fire them, he turned to Whitney and replied with, "Huh? Oh Lena. Yeah, several of the Castithans in the Protectors employ are kind of different from the norm, but even by eccentric Arkhunter standards, Lena is extremely unique. However most Castithan are so focused on either staying in their Caste tier or trying to manipulate their way into a higher class Caste, that they forget to have fun. On the other hand, Lady Christianna knows how to have fun while Lena finds a way to push even fun to the limits of the extreme and does tend to create her own kinds of fun which isn't always a good thing."
Attila then got back on comms and said, "Alright Commander, it looks like I can easily fire the torpedoes manually which means I can keep complete track of their whole ignition and launch sequence as well as flight destination from here. So just say the word and I will launch a test-pedo."
As Attila waited for a response, he sent the tracker signal of both of his test-pedoes to the Bridge so those on the Bridge could still follow it even if they lose visual. When Sandy gave him the go ahead to fire a test-pedo, he said over comms, "Firing test-pedo 1 from tube 1 now!" Then he hit fire and watched it launch from the tube.
As he tracked it on his computers he waited with baited breath as it got near the Energy Net. However upon contact with the Net, the test-pedo's tracker went offline.
As Attila double-checked his information and was about to declare the first test a failure, at which point he would modify the second test-pedo and try again, Whitney said to him, "Attila wait! Look at your screen, the tracker is back online!"
Attila quickly double-checked his screen and information, then said over comms, "Alright according to my information the armor held up, but the electronic shielding and tracker were knocked offline for a few seconds from an EMP effect as it made contact with the net. It seems I made a slight miscalculation. So give me a second to make some adjustments to enhance test-pedo 2's EMP shielding, then we can try again."
Sandy responded with, "Do so and launch again whenever you are ready Mr. Constantine, and this time be sure those calculations are correct before launch."
A moment later, Attila responded with, "Alright EMP shielding enhanced, and Whitney and I both double-checked my calculations, as did one of the other engineers down here. All is good. So launching Test-pedo 2 from Tube 1 now, Commander."
After launching it, Attila and Whitney both held their breath as test-pedo 2 was about to breach the energy net. This time, even after going through the net it's electronics, shielding and tracker all remained fully functional. So after he said over comms. "Test 2 was a complete success Commander. I repeat it was a complete success. So I am implementing my armor and EMP shielding modifications to the Dauntless Adventure now and just as soon as the Count re-docks I can implement them to the Mighty Midget as well. Whitney has all the prep done to the two drones we have here already done. SO I can also implement Volodja's drone satellite drill on the Mighty Midget once the Count returns as well. Once that is done, and the team has brought us a lot more drones, I can help Whitney add all the required adjustments to them and then we can use her new programming to have the drone hoard leave the hangar and take their position as the Dauntless Adventure's drone drill."
On the Peregrine Falcon shuttle, "One's failure can be other's success," explained Volodja. "At least in the cultural field - in the novel, or a stage play or in the film. One of my favourites is "The Firemen's Ball" by the great late film director Milos Forman. It tells a story about an ill-fated social event in a provincial town. That well intended and well planned ball fails in every single aspect - the beauty contest turns out to be a disaster, raffle prizes are stolen by ball guests and firemen on that ball fail to extinguish a burning house as well. But since it is a film then that row of disastrous events is orchestrated by Forman and the fictional disaster of fictional firemen (which are mostly played by real firemen because most of actors in the film weren't professionals) is actually a success, because despite of being banned in Czechoslovakia, this film receives an Oscar nomination and finds it's place in the film history." "I heard that. The great planner forgot to turn off his microphone but I approve the lecture and add my percentage," said Count Casannuendo through the speakers and begun to hum Mozart's "Rondo Alla Turca" ("The Turkish March") while he "pushed" the drone heard towards the pen. "I get the reference," replied Volodja with a smile. "It played it's part in Forman's "Amadeus" as a planned and well put sample of showing that even intended events might have unexpected additions which don't have to be bad at all when Mozart used Salieri's march as a musical sample for his "Turkish" one. We, Protectors, have always used improvisation element in our plans as well, because our opponents tend to throw one obstacle after another to our path. By the way -during our educational conversation we brought those drones close enough to load 'em into the "Dauntless" landing bay." Atticus Batman sitting in the Peregrine Falcon's co-pilot seat responded with, "I believe this is where I am expected to say, 'Dak more headache-inducing lectures!' However I do understand the point without further explanation. So putting it into terms the rest of us can more easily understand, without getting a headache seems simple enough. 'Failure is not the enemy to success. Failure is the entry to success.' "That means if we can quickly adapt from the failure, whether it is our enemy's or our own, we will indeed succeed at what we are doing... and we do tend to make a living out of turning failures into success as Volodja already pointed out....Alright Volodja, I contacted the Dauntless Adventure to let them know we are ready to shepherd our herd into the Hangar Bay." Seconds later the Dauntless Adventure's hangar doors re-opened and the drone swarm entered into the landing dock, ready to be reprogrammed.
Back in Engineering Attila and Whitney got the notification that the Mighty Midget and Peregrine Falcon had re-docked and a good-sized drone swarm was loaded into the hangar. So Whitney and Attila retrieved their tools, then Whitney programmed their two test drones to follow them. Once that was done they went up the stairs and down the hall to the Hangar with their drone companions by their sides. After entering Attila walked over to the Mighty Midget, and as the Count was still sitting in it's small cockpit with the top open, Attila verbally guided the Count on how to upload the new EMP-shielding and modified armor specs to the Mighty Midget. As the Count did so, Attila walked around the Mighty Midget to visually confirm that it's systems did indeed alter it's armor as designed to. Once that was done, Attila walked over to his two drone 'companions' and imputed the Drone Drill program into them, with the Mighty Midget set as the craft they were to orbit. However as Volodja's tactics proved so good that they got more Drones than needed for the Dauntless adventure, Attila walked over to a third drone and after uploading the correct programming to it, he also set this one to orbit the Midget. So the Mighty Midget would now have a 3-drone satellite drill system. After Attila was done with all of his work on the Mighty Midget, he informed everyone that they Mighty Midget was done with all it's upgrades and ready for re-launch at the command. Then Attila watched as Whitney mass-uploaded her programming to the rest of the drones. Once that was done, everyone in the Hangar stepped into the designated safe-zones and Attila once again opened the Hangar doors. Then Whitney typed the Drone-horde's new orders into her data-pad and uploaded it to them. After just a few seconds of nothing, all the observers saw they drones fly back out of the Hangar and begin the process of orbiting the Dauntless Adventure and taking up the proper programmed formation. As all of that was happening Atticus Batman returned to the Bridge and as he sat in an empty crew chair, he activated the view-screens to show every angle of the Dauntless Adventure's exterior so they could see the drone horde taking formation. Then he said, "Alright Sandy, they Mighty Midget has already received all of it's modifications and it looks like our drone-drill is making formation as we speak. So once Attila and Whitney report that all is ready, we can give the Count the go-ahead to re-launch then we can proceed to our Earthen destination." Moments later Attila and Whitney were back in Engineering and Attila notified the Bridge that after triple-checking everything all the modifications are active and working properly, the drone drill satellites are in place, the Count is more than ready to get back out into space, and they can continue to Earth whenever Command gives the order." With that, Atticus gave the Count the go-ahead to once again take the Mighty Midget back into space. Once he was clear and the Hangar bay's external doors reclosed, Sandy gave Marcel the order to take the Dauntless Adventure through the Energy net and on to Earth. As the Dauntless Adventure breached the Net everyone subconsciously held their breaths. However the ship made it through without any issue, and were able to continue their course to Earth while the Count worked on entering the net from near the Vigilant's location, so he could work on making a hole big enough for the Vigilant to go through.
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Post by Sandy Bell on Apr 16, 2018 3:24:03 GMT
Sitting in the command chair of the Dauntless Adventure, Captain Sandy Bell Uljanov sat tensely forward holding her breath as the ship made its way through the energy net. Only once it had did she dare take a breath of air once again ordering her bridge crew, "Steady as you go!"
Suddenly her blue eyes went wide as a flickering diamond filled their ship's view screen of space and and eerie voice began speaking from nowhere and every where at the same time saying, "You are too late Protectors! I have discovered what I needed to on Earth and there is now nothing you can do to stop me. So... it is only fitting that you witness the final act of your universe. Meet me in your Forbidden Zone and all will be explained for you deserve that at least that but don't keep me waiting or you will never know before the end greets you."
Sandy narrowed her eyes in suspicion before asking, "Know what Atlas?"
"Know why I am here. Know what brought an omnipotent being to this place and time," Atlas laughed without humor before answering further, "You don't think I chose to come here of my own free will. I was perfectly happy making and remaking my own universe. Only another being able to equal my power could do so - and she will be mine!"
With a flash the image of Atlas was gone and Sandy hailed both her husband Volodja Uljanov and her commanding officer Atticus Batman opining, "You guys - I don't think we have time to wait for the Vigilant to get free from the net now. We need to get to Earth - pronto!
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 16, 2018 12:12:31 GMT
Sandy narrowed her eyes in suspicion before asking, "Know what Atlas?"
"Know why I am here. Know what brought an omnipotent being to this place and time," Atlas laughed without humor before answering further, "You don't think I chose to come here of my own free will. I was perfectly happy making and remaking my own universe. Only another being able to equal my power could do so - and she will be mine!"
With a flash the image of Atlas was gone and Sandy hailed both her husband Volodja Uljanov and her commanding officer Atticus Batman opining, "You guys - I don't think we have time to get the Vigilant free from the net now. We need to get to Earth - pronto!"
I said out loud, "DAK I REALLY HATE THAT GUY AND CAN'T WAIT UNTIL I AM ABLE TO RIP HIS HEAD OFF!"
Then I turned to Sandy and said, "I already figured that out before we came up with our plan. That is why Marcel has a course for Earth set and we are to land just outside of the Forbidden Zone, which he should now be following as we successfully cleared that Energy Net. Only the Count is staying behind to work on getting the Vigilant through the Energy Net. However you are correct about speed being of the essence Field Commander Uljanov. So Marcel.....Damn the torpedoes! Full speed ahead!"
Then I continued with, "I have always wanted to say that since Kabule heard a target say it back in the Pale Wars!...However back on topic, Atlas says he already found the powerful woman he is looking for on Earth. If she really is in the Forbidden Zone then he must be talking about Belle. However as he still wants us there, it could be a ruse to get Jalina to him since he is responsible for her being with us...or it could just be a ploy to get us farther away from Lady's location since she is still on the Vigilant. No matter what Atlas is truly up to, it is obvious that we all need to be very careful and look out for our teammates. So Sandy and Volodja, any new thoughts on the situation?"
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Post by Sandy Bell on Apr 18, 2018 2:42:25 GMT
Commander Atticus Batman finished with a question, "...No matter what Atlas is truly up to, it is obvious that we all need to be very careful and look out for our teammates. So Sandy and Volodja, any new thoughts on the situation?"
Still sitting in the command chair of the Dauntless Adventure, Captain Sandy Bell Uljanov opened her mouth to speak but suddenly she was interrupted by Lena Marr who was staring at the navigation screen from her perch on the edge of the co-pilot's seat as she said with a tense edge to her voice, "Hate to interrupt you high muckity-mucks, but I'm registering a space anomaly in front of us near Mars. I can't tell exactly what it is except it's bigger then the Gek space station but smaller than the Earth's moon - and it's smack dab on our path to the Earth. What do you want to do Captain Blondie?"
"Steer us around it Mr Lestrange without going too far out of our way if you please," Commanded Sandy.
"It's matching our course and we're steering right to it!" Exclaimed Lena with uncharacteristic alarm visible on her beautiful chalk white face.
Suddenly a giant sphere appeared in front of them just outside of Mars' orbit but soon it's picture on the Dauntless' overhead view screen was replaced with the face of an armored figure whose face looked like a screen with multi-color lights flashing behind it as it introduced itself, "Greetings Protectors. I am Priest Entity Nada," Then he gestured to a small goggled Gek working busily behind him saying, "And this is my assistant-slash-friend Specialist Polo"
"He's a Korvax," Stated Lena staring at the screen with an unblinking sky blue eyes then noticed Sandy looking at her in disbelief saying with a pretty pout, "Hey, I read Belle Starr's briefing! I may despise her but I never turn down intelligence no matter who is the source."
"Ah, we know Friend Belle Starr," Remarked Priest Entity Nada, "As a Traveler, we often furnished her supplies to further her exploration - and at the end, gave her directions to Black Holes for fast travel to the center of our universe."
Sandy's blue eyes narrowed as she leaned forward in the command chair asking, "More important in this moment, why are you blocking our way back to Earth?"
"Ah," Exclaimed Nada the lights flickering and changing colors behind his face screen, "We wish to negotiate the surrender of Omnipotent Entity Atlas."
Taken aback, Sandy sat straight back in the command chair turning to Atticus and her husband Volodja admitting in a hushed whisper, "I'm not sure how to proceed from here. You guys have any ideas?"
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 18, 2018 4:23:33 GMT
"If there is a surrender there are conditions. Unconditional capitulation is a very rare occasion and is used only when one side is totally cornered, definitely desperate and relies completely on the mercy of the winning side like in Berlin in 1945. So what might those terms of surrender be? Give my my wife and leave me alone? And where are the guarantees that it's not only an attempt to win time? And why we should trust Atlas at all? The motto "In God we trust!" was used by United States of America but things are changed since Pale Wars and this particular place we have our base is not exactly a territory of United States any more in this particular Anno 2050. And Atlas has proven to be a god who is able to change his word in the next moment." Volodja gave a forlorn look to his family and continued with ill hidden guilt on his face and voice. "I have personal experience with that shifting word of his not so long ago when Atlas made an experiment with my wife and daughter and in next minute he was willing to kill us all - my wife, my unborn child and myself, although my death would have been not so great loss. Especially when I managed to irritate Atlas, so he had a reason to kill me. I am aware that I am responsible for endangering my wife and child and I hope that they are able to forgive me one day. But it still doesn't justify Atlas's intention to kill innocents along the culprit - me. In conclusion I will say that previous behaviour of Atlas doesn't exactly create a solid basis for civilized negotiations. It also means that even if I overestimate my importance, I have to remove myself from the delegation, because I have no right to put anyone into a danger, which might happen if I am present at negotiations." _________ Space. Enormous space. Maybe not endless space because the universe is not infinite because its rate of growth into nothingness is decreasing exponentially and one day The Big Rip ends it all but from the present point of view it might not happen any time soon (except that one minor solar system was about to be rebuilt but it would be only a change of a colour drop in a bigger picture). In that huge space a little space ship, called the "Mighty Midget" did her work as a tugboat. It was piloted by an equally small pilot, Count Giacomo Casannuendo. In this particular moment he was sharing his thoughts with the Captain of "Vigilan" Kaj Oenfer. "I am afraid that the "Midget" might be a bit small to provide you with a decent breach in this belt. Increasing the Drone diameter might result in instability and the tunnel might collapse," stated Casannuendo. "But being small doesn't mean being feeble so I have an idea to enlarge the tunnel for you. I am going to use the horizontal manoeuvre similar to a Logarithmic spiral. I believe that this Spira mirabilis (miraculous spiral ) is possible because unlike in earthly aviation we are not limited by the physical parameters of Earth like ups and downs and airflows which means that I can't crash on the ground and unlike inexperienced pilots, I am able to make some calculations about my whereabouts and avoid bumping into asteroids and my satellite Drones. All you have to do is follow me closely without repeating my manoeuvres but maintaining a reasonable distance, because I have no wish to cause a space crash. Risky? Yes. Dangerous? Possible. Exciting? You bet! At least for me it is. Time to assume the position of a Hawk who approaches to the straight moving target, my dears." And the "Mighty Midget" begun to screw herself through the energy belt...   |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 18, 2018 11:47:29 GMT
"If there is a surrender there are conditions. Unconditional capitulation is a very rare occasion and is used only when one side is totally cornered, definitely desperate and relies completely on the mercy of the winning side like in Berlin in 1945. So what might those terms of surrender be? Give my my wife and leave me alone? And where are the guarantees that it's not only an attempt to win time? And why we should trust Atlas at all? The motto "In God we trust!" was used by United States of America but things are changed since Pale Wars and this particular place we have our base is not exactly a territory of United States any more in this particular Anno 2050. And Atlas has proven to be a god who is able to change his word in the next moment."
Volodja gave a forlorn look to his family and continued with ill hidden guilt on his face and voice.
"I have personal experience with that shifting word of his not so long ago when Atlas made an experiment with my wife and daughter and in next minute he was willing to kill us all - my wife, my unborn child and myself, although my death would have been not so great loss. Especially when I managed to irritate Atlas, so he had a reason to kill me. I am aware that I am responsible for endangering my wife and child and I hope that they are able to forgive me one day. But it still doesn't justify Atlas's intention to kill innocents along the culprit - me. In conclusion I will say that previous behaviour of Atlas doesn't exactly create a solid basis for civilized negotiations. It also means that even if I overestimate my importance, I have to remove myself from the delegation, because I have no right to put anyone into a danger, which might happen if I am present at negotiations."
I said to Volodja, "This Priest Entity Nada said surrender OF Atlas, not surrender to Atlas. So it sounds to me like he sees himself as some sort of space law-keeper and is here to try to get us to hand Atlas over to him to deal with, but I could be mistaken as well. We all know I have issues with language barriers even when we are all fluently speaking the exact same language as I am a man of action and NOT daking words!"
Then I stood and held my armored hands out palms up as said to the screen, "Eseneziri Priest Entity Nada...pardon my slip into my birth-language. Eseneziri roughly translates to: Greetings with hands open. Anyway I am Prime Commander Batman of the Paradise Protectorate. This is one of my vessels and as you obviously are aware, we are headed home to Earth to stop whatever Atlas is planning and then get him the dak out of our Universe! I would prefer he die so we can ensure that any of our people or the people of Earth that he may currently be threatening will live and that he will not be able to threaten our Universe ever again. Besides I highly doubt he will surrender peaceful....and if my Colleague is right that you meant OUR surrender, then you better know that we will NOT surrender peacefully either as the fate of our loved ones and our whole solar system rests in our hands. So to save our loved ones and Solar System that requires us to go to Earth before Atlas gets what he is after and leaves of his own accord as I am certain his leaving on his terms will include destroying everyone and everything that we know and love. However despite my feelings on those that threaten us, the rest of the Protectors do not share my sentiments on corporal punishment and would want me to hear you out."
Then my helmet's eye lenses flared a bright white as I gruffly continued with, "So let me put it this way. If you want OUR surrender, then you are in for a fight as you are NOT getting it! However if you do want Atlas' surrender, then I will give you just a few minutes to explain how you plan to take him without further damaging our universe or hurting anymore of this Universe's inhabitants, as we all know that he will not give up his schemes and go willingly! However once that little window has closed, if you have NOT convinced me, AND you still prevent us from going to stop Atlas and save our Loved Ones and Universe, then we WILL just go through you! It's nothing personal. It's just that we will NOT let Atlas or anybody else harm our home and loved ones and get away with it! I trust you understand my feelings on that matter. So now please explain yourself and quickly as I am NOT known for my patience, calm demeanor or diplomatic skills!"
Space. Enormous space. Maybe not endless space because the universe is not infinite because its rate of growth into nothingness is decreasing exponentially and one day The Big Rip ends it all but from the present point of view it might not happen any time soon (except that one minor solar system was about to be rebuilt but it would be only a change of a colour drop in a bigger picture). In that huge space a little space ship, called the "Mighty Midget" did her work as a tugboat. It was piloted by an equally small pilot, Count Giacomo Casannuendo. In this particular moment he was sharing his thoughts with the Captain of "Vigilant" Kaj Oenfer. The topic was whether they should stick to the timely task of the Count flying to the inner-side of the Energy net and finding a weak spot or power source that he could destroy with the Mighty Midget's cold-fire lasers, or come up with a quicker but likely more dangerous way through the net. Kaj was adamant that they stick to the plan as even though it was slower, he felt it the safest and therefor best option at the moment. Not to mention the Paradise Protectors had proven before that they can handle anything thrown at them, without backup, and Kaj was confident that his friends and family would again prove that true. The Count Casannuendo on the other hand felt it best to get the Vigilant through quickly, so he gave his opinion and some ideas to Kaj, no doubt keeping his biggest and best idea for last. So Kaj replied with, "Giacomo, I do get where you are coming from and agree that were Commander Widowmaker here, she would insist we find a quick way through that stupid Energy net so we would already be there to provide our friends with back-up before they actually need it. How-ever my dear Count, I am under the impression that Commander Batman wanted you to find a weak point on the Earth-side (inside) of that Energy Net and destroy it to bring down at least this section of the Net to keep us out of any real danger, other-wise I think they would have had us looking for enough of those drones for them to give us our own drone drill thing. So perhaps we should stick to the relatively safe plan that Commander Batman originally gave you. Be-sides I do NOT want to risk any-body's life when there are safer ways to get us through, even if they take longer and it is not like we will actually be able to help much once the Protectors enter the Forbidden Zone on Earth any-way. How-ever as I do agree with your points, go ahead and let me have this BIG idea of yours that will get us through quicker, so that we are there when our friends need us." Just then the Vigilant's long-range sensors picked up an anomaly on the other side of the energy net, but the net of course interfered with the Vigilant's sensors so they couldn't clearly register it or whatever emerged from the Anomaly. So Kaj said, "Count our sensors are registering something on the other side of the net. As you have more advanced Sensors I suggest you scan what-ever it is as well. How-ever I am going to bring it up on our view screen and magnify so I can try to visually see what it is that our sensors can not quite make out. Give me one second." As the images came up on the Vigilant's view screen Kaj saw a huge Sphere floating between Earth and the Dauntless adventure. So Kaj said to the Count, "It looks like a bigger fraking 'moon' of a ship is keeping the Dauntless adventure from getting to Earth. So if you think you can pull off your BIG idea with-out it killing us or you, then I suppose you better do so after all. So please tell me what this BIG idea that we are about to try is. That way we know exactly what we have to do on our end." "I am afraid that the "Midget" might be a bit small to provide you with a decent breach in this belt. Increasing the Drone diameter might result in instability and the tunnel might collapse," stated Casannuendo. "But being small doesn't mean being feeble so I have an idea to enlarge the tunnel for you. I am going to use the horizontal manoeuvre similar to a Logarithmic spiral. I believe that this Spira mirabilis (miraculous spiral ) is possible because unlike in earthly aviation we are not limited by the physical parameters of Earth like ups and downs and airflows which means that I can't crash on the ground and unlike inexperienced pilots, I am able to make some calculations about my whereabouts and avoid bumping into asteroids and my satellite Drones. All you have to do is follow me closely without repeating my manoeuvres but maintaining a reasonable distance, because I have no wish to cause a space crash. Risky? Yes. Dangerous? Possible. Exciting? You bet! At least for me it is. Time to assume the position of a Hawk who approaches to the straight moving target, my dears." And the "Mighty Midget" begun to screw herself through the energy belt... After Kaj ordered the Vigilant's Bridge crew to take their stations and they began to follow the Mighty Midget's path; without trying any of the much smaller, faster, and more maneuverable ship's feats of prowess, and staying at the recommended distance; Kaj said to the Count over the still-open comm channel, "Count you do not make it sound like a safe or appealing option, as I have loved ones on board; but as we do not seem to have any other options now, go ahead and lead the way and we will follow. If you can pull this off, then once we are back on Earth and the current threat has ended, then the drinks are on me, My little friend."
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Post by Sandy Bell on Apr 18, 2018 13:11:08 GMT
"Ah, Sorrowed-Entity and Angry-Entity, regrets! Your language... confusing for us! We do not seek your surrender, we wish you and your friend-entities no harm but instead beg your mercy," Stated Priest Entity Nada from the Dauntless Adventure's view screen.
"I bet you're the Sorrowed-Entity," Captain Sandy Bell Uljanov whispered to her husband with a grin.
The small Gek in back of Nada threw his hands into the air in the universal sign of exasperation as he pushed his way to the front of the view screen and said with much gesturing, "Cripes, Let me talk to them Priest Entity. Specialist Polo here pardners! Don't get your panties in a wad, we come in peace! Listen, Atlas is a yahoo, but he's our yahoo, capeesh?"
"Where did you learn your English?" Asked an obviously surprised Sandy.
"Ms. Belle Starr of course Buckie," Answered Specialist Polo adding, "Great little teacher that one with a sweet tush but that's neither here nor there! Bottom line: If you kill Atlas, you destroy a whole universe. We follow the way of Atlas as did Belle for a mite as a Traveler, but we all know he's a varmint crazy as a loon and dangerous as a bag full of rattlers but we need him to jump start our universe like he has countless times before."
Sandy narrowed her blue eyes in suspicion asking, "What do you mean?"
Polo gave the Gek equivalent of a sigh which was in fact the expelling of a noisome cloud from his posterior before explaining, "From the beginning of time in our universe we have lived from white event to white event in an unending cycle. Atlas creates our universe from a white nothing, our universe grows and thrives with three major races, the Gek, the Vy'keen,and the Korvax. In some incarnations of our universe, the Gek dominate. In some, the Korvax. In still others, the Vy'keen. However it always ends the same: Atlas gets bored, destroys our universe in an explosion of white, and then starts it again. Not the best of existences buckaroos but we manage and like to think after each successive belly-up our universe gets better. Anywho, bottom line, we need Atlas back in our universe ASAP to restart it again."
Sandy thought to herself, "He certainly talks like Belle," but asked out loud, "Okay, how do we do that?"
"We didn't stop you just to caterwaul or chew the fat but to warn you what is at stake here," Replied Polo, "I for sure don't mind you clipping Atlas' horns but if you destroy him you doom a whole universe and all the peoples who live there - past, present, and future generations as time isn't linear there but more like a continual but not stagnant loop. I sure as shooting wish I had the power or even a plan to reign in the scoundrel, but I don't! We just wanted to let y'all know what's at stake."
Sandy exchanged worried glances with her husband and Atticus then Polo apologized, "Sorry to be about as useful as a Bull with tits and hold up you good people with our jawing. Y'all tromp Atlas' britches good and send him packing just... don't kill him - please!"
With that Priest Entity Nada intervened remarking, "Ah, yes, please kind-entities," and with that both he and Polo disappeared from the view screen and their huge spherical spaceship moved out of the Dauntless Adventure's pathway to Earth.*
*Thanks again to the creators of the video game "No Man's Sky". I had fun extrapolating my story from their original premise. Hope you did too!
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 19, 2018 10:36:20 GMT
Sandy asked out loud, "Okay, how do we do that?"
"We didn't stop you just to caterwaul or chew the fat but to warn you what is at stake here," Replied Polo, "I for sure don't mind you clipping Atlas' horns but if you destroy him you doom a whole universe and all the peoples who live there - past, present, and future generations as time isn't linear there but more like a continual but not stagnant loop. I sure as shooting wish I had the power or even a plan to reign in the scoundrel, but I don't! We just wanted to let y'all know what's at stake."
I muttered, "Just how would Belle put it?" Then I remarked loudly with, "Another words, tan the filthy scoundrel's hide but don't slay him."
Sandy exchanged worried glances with her husband and me, then Polo apologized, "Sorry to be about as useful as a Bull with tits and hold up you good people with our jawing. Y'all tromp Atlas' britches good and send him packing just... don't kill him - please!"
With that Priest Entity Nada intervened remarking, "Ah, yes, please kind-entities," and with that both he and Polo disappeared from the view screen and their huge spherical spaceship moved out of the Dauntless Adventure's pathway to Earth.
As they disappeared from screen I smarted off with, "Perhaps we should send them a copy of Hooked on Phonics."
Then I turned to look at everyone and said, "Look as the ANGRY-Entity and proud of it, I still say we DESTROY Atlas, but I already know all of you will side against that as you can't stomach the idea of another Universe dying as a side effect of us saving ours. So if you have any ideas on how to beat him and send the varmint running away with his tail between his legs, then speak up....Damn it! Thanks to trying to talk to that little fellow in Belle-speak so he will understand me better, I still had a little Belle-speak left in the trigger!!...
...Anyway moving on back to the topic of Atlas....if it requires his death to stop him and save our Universe, then that is what I will do and I will do so happily, knowing our Universe is safe from him...but I suppose if it does come down to a fight, then once we have beat him into the ground...I suppose I will try to hold myself back long enough to give him the option to retreat without whoever he came to kidnap back to his Universe, but if he declines then good luck stopping me from killing him. However I AM beating him to a bloody pulp before it's over, no matter whether he lives or dies!"
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Post by Sandy Bell on Apr 19, 2018 22:42:58 GMT
On the bridge of the Dauntless Adventure, Commander Atticus Batman concluded, "...I suppose I will try to hold myself back long enough to give him the option to retreat without whoever he came to kidnap back to his Universe, but if he declines then good luck stopping me from killing him. However I AM beating him to a bloody pulp before it's over, no matter whether he lives or dies!" Sitting in the command chair, Captain Sandy Bell Uljanov' tan face looked grim as she agreed with Atticus, "It might surprise you Commander but I agree that if it's us or them to survive, I vote for us. However, I felt the same way about humans and Votans in the Pale Wars. As an EMC officer, I and my men did our best to exterminate the Votan enemy because we thought the survival of the human race depended on it," Sandy had a faraway look in her blue eyes as she thought back before remarking, "Doesn't mean I don't have any regrets for some of the things I did back then - but I'd still do those things if I believed our planet yet alone our universe was imperiled. Atlas dies - unless we can figure a way to force or convince him to go back through the dimensional rift to his own universe." Jalina Uljanov turned to her mother from her seat at the comms console and pursing her lush lips before speaking frankly with wide magenta eyes, "How do you kill a concept? How do you kill an idea? As far as I can tell from my father's books, belief in a God is based on faith. A God cannot be proved or disproved as existing, so how could one bludgeon let alone kill Atlas if he is God?" The bridge was quiet for a long while until Sandy replied with a solemn look, "Then we just have to hope Atlas is not really a God and can be stopped. Anyway, we have to try no matter the cost. Mr. Lestrange, I think we should have clear sailing all the way to the Forbidden Zone so full speed ahead if you please." With a serene look on her pretty chalk white face, Jalina suddenly recited beautifully the poem "Charge of the Light Brigade" by Alfred, Lord Tennyson, "Half a league, half a league, Half a league onward, All in the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. 'Forward, the Light Brigade! Charge for the guns!' he said. Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. 'Forward, the Light Brigade!' Was there a man dismayed? Not though the soldier knew Someone had blundered. Theirs not to make reply, Theirs not to reason why, Theirs but to do and die. Into the valley of Death Rode the six hundred. Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon in front of them Volleyed and thundered; Stormed at with shot and shell, Boldly they rode and well, Into the jaws of Death, Into the mouth of hell Rode the six hundred. Flashed all their sabres bare, Flashed as they turned in air Sabring the gunners there, Charging an army, while All the world wondered. Plunged in the battery-smoke Right through the line they broke; Cossack and Russian Reeled from the sabre stroke Shattered and sundered. Then they rode back, but not Not the six hundred. Cannon to right of them, Cannon to left of them, Cannon behind them Volleyed and thundered; Stormed at with shot and shell, While horse and hero fell. They that had fought so well Came through the jaws of Death, Back from the mouth of hell, All that was left of them, Left of six hundred. When can their glory fade? O the wild charge they made! All the world wondered. Honour the charge they made! Honour the Light Brigade, Noble six hundred!" "Let's hope that's not us," Muttered Sandy as she watched the ship's view screen picture of the blue and white swirled planet that is Earth.  |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 20, 2018 6:36:04 GMT
"It's possible to kill a god," said Volodja Uljanov thoughtfully after his daughter finished reciting and he had smiled to her as a sign of acknowledgement. "Or diminish him. At least theoretically. I always liked the concept that any god can be as strong as is the measure of true belief in him. And that the worshipping doesn't mean a thing without faith. Quality is the aspect that matters, not quantity. Traces of that idea that mere worshipping is inferior to true faith are scattered around texts, both holy and not so holy. In 20th century one of my personal favourites among writers the great late Terry Pratchett wrote a book "Small Gods" which tells the story of The Great God Om who tries to manifest himself once more in the world. For his surprised to he find himself in the body of a tortoise, stripped of his divine powers because nobody, except one simple minded boy, truly believes in him any more despite of being worshipped everywhere. He regains his powers only after crowd starts also to believe once again. In the process, the book satirises religious institutions, people, and practices, and the role of religion in political life because religious circles in that book are acting in his name but don't give a damn about the opinion of Om himself any more. But similar ideas are written in non secular books as well. Take the New Testament for example. Mark 12: 41-44..."  Volodja closed his eyes for a moment to remember the text and then recited: "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.""  Volodja gave another thought to idea and told one more thing: "What is strange is the fact that dealing with empirical knowledge in the field of science doesn't exclude faith in god, although people tend to oppose religion and science. Nicolaus Copernicus who formulated a model of the universe that placed the Sun rather than the Earth at the centre of the universe was a Catholic and studied canonic law among other things he studied. Gregor Mendel, the founder of the modern science of genetics was a monk and later an abbot of a monastery in Augustinian Order. Isaac Netwon who has his well earned place among scientists was not only a physicist and mathematician but also a theologian. And they were not only ones..." Volodja stopped talking again for a moment and then concluded: "I see that my thought has carried me way too far from the present day and present worries so I better return from those paths of past. Atlas is far away from home and I am afraid that he doesn't have much believers in this block. Maybe if we can make him understand that, he will kindly removes his personality to his home ground and leaves us alone for good. Especially when his believers also believe that we are able to beat Atlas and ask us to spare his life. I assume that they know him and his limits better than anyone else. But if he doesn't listen the reason then...at least we tried to spare him." |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 20, 2018 11:24:10 GMT
Volodja stopped talking again for a moment and then concluded:
"I see that my thought has carried me way too far from the present day and present worries so I better return from those paths of past. Atlas is far away from home and I am afraid that he doesn't have much believers in this block. Maybe if we can make him understand that, he will kindly removes his personality to his home ground and leaves us alone for good. Especially when his believers also believe that we are able to beat Atlas and ask us to spare his life. I assume that they know him and his limits better than anyone else. But if he doesn't listen the reason then...at least we tried to spare him."
As I looked at the view-screen, I said, "Marcel be sure to land in our designated 'safe' zone outside of the Forbidden Zone. We do not need to take any unnecessary risks with our landing, as the away team will face enough of them in the Forbidden Zone."
Then I responded to the others with, "Look I know gods exist as I have..." As the others started to look at me questioningly I stopped my train of thought and continued with, " ...Anyway how I know isn't important. What is important is that how to defeat them is different for each individual god.
Tibetan Buddhism practices exist in which a person creates "thought-forms" that can even appear to be gods and goddesses and are so vivid in a person's mind that other people can see and experience them. However those individuals are not real gods and if you find their body you can kill them like any normal human being. Norse mythology the God Baldur was killed by a spear made from Mistletoe as that was the one plant which had not promised never to harm him. In Greek mythology there is a potion that makes Gods and Goddesses mortal. So if you were to trick them into drinking that potion, making them physically mortal, then you'd be able to kill them unless another God or Goddess intervened. In the Arthurian Legends, if enough people stopped believing in Gods it weakened them, and if nobody believed in them any longer then that God or Goddess would cease to exist.
I am sure that many different cultures' mythologies may also mention a way to kill or weaken their Gods and Goddesses. So anything is possible.
By the way some say Myths and Legends don't exist either___but I have been both and here I am. Besides there is a tribe in Brazil that sees me as a living God of lighting for they witnessed me do things that as far as they know only a god can do...well that and to convince them to see things my way, I did call myself the Bat-God of Lightning, but that is neither here nor there. The point is Jalina, that some gods can and do exist, but there is always a way to defeat them, even if they can not be killed. We just need to figure out what that is. However most Gods never leave their Universe as it does weaken them so much to be out of their zone of influence. So your father may be on to something there."
As we landed in the designated LZ, I said, "The Forbidden Zone is called that for a reason. The Constantines don't have the experience to survive in such a place quite yet. Besides I need some competent people I know and trust to stay behind to protect our ship and crew. So they will stay here on the Dauntless Adventure. The Synth sisters will as well. Wolfram will also stay behind. Atika may have proven she can handle commanding a small team, however Wolfram, I think you are more capable of handling command of the whole crew of the Dauntless Adventure, with Atika as your first Officer. Not to mention that she has plenty to learn and you have proven that you still have plenty to teach those willing to listen. As our resident linguist it is her job to listen closely, so who better to teach than her.
As I have been in the Forbidden Zone and survived several times in the past, I will of course be going. Marcel will also be going as I am certain he is more than capable of surviving whatever we run into in there. Lena I know you will do what you wish no matter what I say, and have also proven that you are quite the survivor. So if you insist then you will go as well. Sandy and Volodja, your daughter insists she go even though she has even less experience than the Synth sisters. So I don't exactly approve, even though I do respect her tenacity. However I will leave whether some or all three members of the Uljanov family, join Lena, Marcel and myself on the away team up to the two of you to decide since you are both quite the adept survivors and fighters, as well as her parents. The team needs to be relatively small and preferably with our best survivors and fighters. So at most it will consist of the six I just mentioned and there will be no additions or substitutions."
Then as everybody considered what I had said, I continued with, "A poet that went by the name of 'Chance Topliss' once wrote the poem; 'Even Gods will be Forgotten'. Perhaps it would be fitting here as well." Then I proceeded to recite it with my deep and gruff tone adding additional nuance to the poem.
"Ready for death born for life I will soon be forgotten like all those before
All I know will soon be gone
All I know will vanish from sight
Gods have fought and swayed to the ground
Legends have climbed to the top yet some will fall before
Men have desire for more they fight battles that are not in favour
You will fall just like me every legend will die alike
The gods we know will soon fall and be forgotten
A grave stone is made to last yet even this will break and crumble
A sorry heart can only last so long until it dies
The body rots and decays just like everything else
What's the point of this life?
We try to prolong what we know will happen."
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Post by Sandy Bell on Apr 20, 2018 13:18:12 GMT
A pretty pout crossed Jalina Uljanov's chalk white face as she grabbed tightly a hand of each of her parent's with her own exclaiming, "I have to go Mother, Father, I just have too! Please don't keep me from going!"
Sandy Uljanov frowned her blue eyes staring intently at her teenage daughter who only hours ago had been a baby before asking, "I know you believe that Jalina but why? Atlas forced your birth and accelerated your growth so I'm scared that if we get you and him in the same room only bad things will follow. So I got to ask again, why are you so determined to go with this away team?"
Jalina's magenta eyes widened in surprise for she thought of her mother as fearing nothing but only after a moment's hesitation answered, "You know mother that I sometimes get premonitions and so far they have never been wrong. It's not visions but more of an empathetic feeling about Atlas. I truly believe if I'm not there when you confront him... I truly believe I'll never see you or Father again!"
Jalina moved forward embracing her father Volodja Uljanov, holding him tightly in trepidation that it might be the last time as Sandy put a comforting hand on her young daughter's shoulder while turning to Commander Atticus Batman saying sternly, "Sir, the whole Uljanov family will be going on this mission. Don't worry, Jalina will be my responsibility and I and my assault rifle won't be farther than two feet from her at any time. Furthermore, I think you'll need Volodja and his silver tongue if we are to have any chance of convincing Atlas to just go away."
After Marcel Lestrange landed the Dauntless Adventure safely near the entrance into the Forbidden Zone and Atticus Batman recited his poem causing Lena Marr to throw her sky blue eyes heavenward in mockery, Lena noticed from her co-pilot's seat a small yellow bird-like one-person space ship parked nearby and exclaimed, "Hey! Isn't that Belle Starr's ship - the Starrfarter or something like that? Not that I want to hear her twangy voice, but should we try to contact her? She might have some Intel we could use since she landed at least an hour or two before us? That is if you dweebs have finished your poetry club meeting!"
"Neither radio or EGO communications will work in the Forbidden Zone," Answered Sandy pursing her lips in thought before informing the group, "Something about the weird energy saturating the area. We won't be able to contact the Dauntless or even each other while we are in there so we need to keep within each other's eyesight. However, I understand from reports we can still access our EGO powers and consult with our EGO psyches so that's a plus," Sandy forced a grin and then recommended, "As Belle would say, we better saddle up and get going. Be sure and take anything you might need as we might be in there for a while so bring food and ammunition spikes - lots and lots of ammunition spikes! Don't forget the grenades too. I think we may need them!"
Jalina quoted solemnly a Latin adage that she had learned from her Father's memories, "Si vis pacem, para bellum which translated means - "
"If you want peace, prepare for war", Finished Volodja smiling at his daughter who beamed back at him.
"Definitely a Daddy's girl," Thought Sandy with a wide grin not for the first time.
The away team made its way to the back exit hatch gathering their equipment on the way. Soon they were outside and as the sun blazed overhead. Most of the party had never been to the Forbidden Zone, so Atticus who had led the way through the small pass into it. Several times Jalina stumbled but either Sandy or Volodja were quickly there to catch her to make sure she didn't fall. Once the team arrived into the Forbidden Zone, the landscape changed dramatically from the rich greens and earthy browns that permeated the area around Paradise to a bleak mish-mash of the harshest terrain Earth and the Votan planets had to offer.
Lena whistled in a low tone her amazement as her unblinking sky blue eyes scouring the stark topography for enemies with her SMG at the ready before muttering, "Houston, the Eagle has landed," Then turned to the group and asked, "What now fearless leaders?
Unseen by Lena but seen by the rest of the away team, a giant boulder in back of her began to move.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 21, 2018 5:32:34 GMT
Unseen by Lena but seen by the rest of the away team, a giant boulder in back of her began to move. Soil begun to slide downhill and small stones started to roll downwards as well. The miniature landslide lasted couple of moments and then the mound collapsed, revealing...revealing..."Oh, my God!" "Oh, my God!" shouted an irrated female voice somewhere in the middle of the dust cloud that collapsed mound created. "From all the places in Earth you had to ram us into this pile of dirt, you stupid oaf!" "It wouldn't happened if someone wasn't tried to grab the wheel, you stupid woman! Who is driving? Me or you?!" "You were, moron, and if it wasn't your driving we wouldn't be in this mess anyway! "I know the perfect short cut! I know the perfect short cut!" You don't know an ass! In a matter of fact you aren't able to separate one from your head!" "Who's dumber? The one who drives or the one who married the driver? At least I tried to save us couple of gallons of petrohol. Ss stop complaining and let me concentrate to the road!" "There isn't any road, smart ass. There is only a dirt mound where you planted us!" "Shut up already!" "You shut up!" "No, you shut up!" "Shut up! Shut up! Shut up!" The away team could see a small vehicle to appear from the mound remains, containing a middle aged couple who were busy with some...errr...family matters and decided not to interfere because it would slow them down, cause too much distress and might turn the arguing couple against them. That price was a bit high to pay for the family reunion so they stepped aside and let the vehicle pass them. Loud sounds which muffled even those, created by the engine, soon begun to fade and the car disappeared behind the nearest hill.  "Commoners with their common problems," stated Marcel Lestrange with the cigarette on his mouth corner while Lena Marr waved to the car, laughing uncontrollably. "Ignorance is a bliss indeed," Marcel added turning his glance on the road map which was angrily tossed out from the car when it went by. "They do not even know what is going on. These kind of situations make me think that maybe this world is not worthy of saving after all." Marcel looked into the faces of others and grinned suddenly when he added after allowing himself a dramatic pause (which he used to pick up the map): "But there is something worthy of saving...The savings of Lena and myself are definitely worth the effort, so do not worry Protectors - we support this cause." Seeing confusion in Jalina's magenta eyes, Marcel added with even wider grin: "I was just kidding. We do not want to disappoint good people on Earth who rely on us, so we are going to save this solar system. Even if those people do not know that it was us who saved everyone. Lead on, Protectors!" |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 21, 2018 11:39:19 GMT
"Commoners with their common problems," stated Marcel Lestrange with the cigarette on his mouth corner while Lena Marr waved to the car, laughing uncontrollably.
"Ignorance is a bliss indeed," Marcel added turning his glance on the road map which was angrily tossed out from the car when it went by. "They do not even know what is going on. These kind of situations make me think that maybe this world is not worthy of saving after all."
Marcel looked into the faces of others and grinned suddenly when he added after allowing himself a dramatic pause (which he used to pick up the map): "But there is something worthy of saving...The savings of Lena and myself are definitely worth the effort, so do not worry Protectors - we support this cause."
Seeing confusion in Jalina's magenta eyes, Marcel added with even wider grin:
"I was just kidding. We do not want to disappoint good people on Earth who rely on us, so we are going to save this solar system. Even if those people do not know that it was us who saved everyone. Lead on, Protectors!"
I responded with, "Those are not commoners. Those are the feeble-minded. This place can really fuck with your head if you let it. Apparently they cracked and their minds retreated back to a more simple time, a time when only their family trips mattered. Anyway Marcel, I am not sure you were kidding. However as I know you will continue to help as long as my scrip is good, and Atlas' presence also interferes with your private business, it doesn't matter at the moment. What matters is getting Lady and Amber back into their right minds, finding Belle, stopping Atlas, saving the Universe so we still have a home, and trying to keep all of us alive in the daking process."
As I was talking I knelt down and placed a gloved palm on the ground. As the others looked at me, I responded with, "Ignoring the vibrations of that confused couple's car, the most vibrations are coming from.....(I pointed in a specific direction and continued with), that direction. So that is where we go....and Jalina do NOT put your foot down where you are about to. That small flower blossom underfoot is heavily-electrically-charged. So at most you will go boom, at the least you will get knocked on your ass hard from the electric charge coursing through it."
When Jalina looked down and put her foot down elsewhere, I stood up. Then I walked over to the blossom and reaching down, I quickly snatched it up, with it's electric current visibly bouncing off the surface of my armored gauntlet. Then as it's electrical current continued to zap my armor (which had been modified so it would safely absorb any electricity that strikes it, so I can then channel that electricity as needed), I tossed the blossom into the air. As it soared above, I pulled out a throwing knife and threw it precisely at the airborne flower blossom. As the knife pierced it, the blossom exploded in a show of electrical energy.
As the others saw the electric show for the first time, I said, "As you can see, the electricity in the air not only affects communications, but the foliage that grows here has adapted and in some cases absorbs that electricity for one reason or another. Some merely thrive and grow from it, just as plants outside of the Forbidden Zone do with the sunlight. However some use the energy it absorbs as a type of defense system. Not only that, but that blossom uses it as a way to spread it's seeds. The seeds will drift along with the electric sparks that the blossom's little explosion sent into the air until they eventually settle back down to the Earth where they will then take root and start the process all over again___ Or as somebody by the name of Matshona Dhliwayo once said: 'You don’t have to remind a flower when its time to bloom is near; it has been preparing for it all of its life.'"
Then I continued with "....Damn I think I have been around Volodja too long! Listen to me giving a daking botany lesson based on what I have learned from my many different journeys here."
Just then Volodja smiled as he responded with, "This is where I should say that was boring or pointless just to show you how it feels from the other side, but it was actually interesting. So well done."
I responded with, "Glad you approve. Anyway as this little botany lesson is over, let's get going. Just remember not all is as it seems in this daking place, as that little blossom revealed."
I then started walking with rifle in hand and loaded at the ready as I led the way based on the various different odd signs, as well as odd vibrations, that I was tracking. As we came to a ridge, I signaled everyone to stop. Then I knelt down as I brought the scope of my rifle to my eye and peered at the distance. As I caught movement, I adjusted my scope to see what it was.
Then I said quietly, "Atlas drones gathering about 200 meters ahead. So I think we are heading the right direction. Not only that but Dinara is telling me that the coordinates that Belle had given us for the proposed location of her Volge settlement is in the direction that we are headed, somewhere on the other side of that drone herd, as are the coordinates for that signal that we got from the Gek on Pluto. So watch for any other drones that may be coming to join that herd. So now the question is, do we give the drone herd a wide birth and continue towards the proposed Volge settlement, do we stay hidden on this ridge and watch the herd a little longer to see if we can figure out why they are gathering there, or do we move closer and investigate further before we continue on?"
(LYRICS TO: 'hunter and prey' by: Rage) |
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Post by Sandy Bell on Apr 22, 2018 4:12:55 GMT
Commander Atticus Batman warned, "...That small flower blossom underfoot is heavily-electrically-charged. So at most you will go boom, at the least you will get knocked on your ass hard from the electric charge coursing through it."
When Jalina Uljanov looked down in fright and put her right foot down elsewhere, Atticus stood up. Then Atticus walked over to the red blossom and reaching down, he quickly snatched it up, with it's electric current visibly bouncing off the surface of his armored gauntlet. Then as it's electrical current continued to zap his armor (which had been modified so it would safely absorb any electricity that strikes it, so he could then channel that electricity as needed), Atticus tossed the blossom into the air. As it soared above, he pulled out a throwing knife and threw it precisely at the airborne flower blossom. As the knife pierced it, the crimson blossom exploded in a show of electrical energy.
"Okay everybody," Captain Sandy Bell Uljanov ordered with a frown and narrowed blue eyes, "Avoid the red exploding flowers!"
"No kidding Sherlock," Remarked Lena Marr, her chalk white face impassive but as her normally unblinking sky blue eyes did the improbable blinking once signifying that she was indeed unnerved by the unusual dangers the Forbidden Zone posed.
As Atticus and her husband bantered, Sandy grinned not noticing that as Jalina moved closer to her father for safety her left foot lifted up leaving the crushed red blossom of another of the electric blossoms. The away team followed Atticus up a ridge, stopping when he did. When Atticus shouldered his rifle and watched through it's scope, Sandy pulled her own binoculars from her belt and looked in the direction his rifle pointed, stifling a gasp as she spotted the swarming Sentinel Drones.
Atticus said quietly, "Atlas drones gathering about 200 meters ahead. So I think we are heading the right direction. Not only that but Dinara is telling me that the coordinates that Belle had given us for the proposed location of her Volge settlement is in the direction that we are headed, somewhere on the other side of that drone herd, as are the coordinates for that signal that we got from the Gek on Pluto. So watch for any other drones that may be coming to join that herd. So now the question is, do we give the drone herd a wide birth and continue towards the proposed Volge settlement, do we stay hidden on this ridge and watch the herd a little longer to see if we can figure out why they are gathering there, or do we move closer and investigate further before we continue on?"
As Sandy watched through her binoculars, the drones seemed to suddenly organize themselves forming two parallel lines leading away from the team to form a path of lights towards the abandoned Volge encampment. Eerily the glowing blue eye of two of their number opposite each other turned red then blue again as the next pair farther down from the team went through the same color scheme all the way to end of the two lines. This created a flashing pair of red lights much like those on a 21st century runway that would help navigate a plane at night to land on to a particular airstrip.
"Ummmm, Sir?" Asked Sandy after biting her lower lip in worry, "Atlas knows we're here. Question is, do those flashing lights signify danger or an invitation?"
"Or an invitation to danger?" Muttered Lena as she readied her SMG for whatever may happen next.
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