Matoran und Panzer

[Khromatose]

IC: Shard/Northern Treize Observatory

I looked at the guards while waving my id. It was 8:40.

"Hello! I need to pass."

[The UltimoScorp]

OoC: wasn't exactly in Legion, but, eh, I'll roll with it.

 

IC Kat/ Blackrock Barracks

 

I turned the old girl around. I'd taken her out since, frankly, I'd recalled getting some looks from the locals. Looks I didn't like.

 

In front of me now was a particularly nasty looking Vortixx.

 

Guess I had been looking for someone in charge, and this guy looked the type.

 

On closer look, I saw the stripes of an LT, and reflexively threw up a formal salute.

 

Old habits die hard, I suppose.

 

"Here for work, sir. Just came through the jungle, but heard there was some big goings on all through from Seize."

 

I flashed a winning smile, "Figured I'd see what all the fuss was about."

[Nato G]

OOC: Sorry, my bad. 

 

IC: Lufon Vance - Vingt (Blackrock Barracks). 

 

"Right..." having been a merc once before (a decision I regretted every day) I knew their type. Greedy, cruel, only looking out for themselves. But an exo-suit as sophisticated as that one was definitely a useful asset. And she'd saluted, clearly recognising my rank. She had military experience, then.

 

"You're just in time," I said evenly, "they're announcing the expedition soon." 

[Not Quite Dead]

GM

"..."

 

Vert gave Oblitus a blank stare. Gaining access to Ascension was difficult, but believable. Ancient talking screens requesting the heart of a god? Far less likely. "You didn't happen to... Hit your head on anything, did you?"

 

* * * * * *

 

"I heard ya, I heard ya!" The guard jabs at the gate controls, the tall chain link fences opening to permit access to Shard. "The Sergeant and his party inside, you're free to enter as soon as you get up there."

 

* * * * * *

 

"You're all mercenaries?" The guard was rather incredulous, he hadn't heard of or seen many mercenary bands the size of the Jattiko and her escorts. He quickly consulted a book of bounties and wanted individuals. None of the present crew members or armor matched up. But, his gut told him they weren't the trouble less type.

 

"I'll believe you lot for now, don't go testin' my good faith! First sign of any trouble and you can all enjoy a dozen years in the isocubes!"

 

* * * * * *

 

Any delays were over, the mission briefings in Seize and Vingt were about to start. One last round of messengers scoured the barracks in both locales for stragglers and the fashionably late.

[Khromatose]

IC: Shard/Northern Treize Observatory

"Thanks!"

He entered and joined the group just in time.

 

OOC: So who IC is in the party.

[Nato G]

IC: Oblitus - Vingt (Vert's Pricey Goods) 

 

"Well, I did get tossed around by the inhabitants a bit. The place is full of giant blind Manas crabs, by the way. But whatever was on that screen called them off. It could control them." I glowered at him. "Even if I had been hit on the head, would I really come all the way here, to you, with such a ridiculously specific story? You know me well enough that I don't kid around with this sort of thing." 

 

I indicated the map, the books and the armour. "What more will it take to convince you that I really did go to Ascension? There's entire shelves of books just like these one. Skeletons still trapped in armour just like that. You get me into Mangaia, and I'll show you the way into Ascension when I'm done. All of those riches, and they'll be yours..." 

Edited January 22, 2015 by Roman Torchwick

[The UltimoScorp]

IC Kat/ Blackrock Barracks

 

I nodded, I didn't blame him for not trusting me. A lot of mercs were scumbags. Admittedly, I'd taken a few nasty jobs in my day. Jobs I'm not too proud of.

 

But that was all behind me now.

 

"Could you point me in the right direction, sir? 'Fraid I'm not too familiar with the area."

[Hunter Serge]

IC: Kaleva - Neuf Plains

 

Not far from Neuf, an exo-suit was going for a stroll. It was being driven by a Ta-Matoran who was far too enthusiastic.

 

It'd been a few days since I had heard news of the rumours of treasure in Nomansland. Naturally, this excited him. Not for what would excite others, the money, the glory, the power. I was excited for the fighting. With something this big, there was no doubt there'd be some good fights, and I wasn't going to let this go by without doing what I love - fighting other exo-suits in my Jäger.

I could always go with the Neuf military, I was already part of it after all, but I'm not what one would call a patient matoran. A military is large, it takes time to get organized and get moving. But a small mercenary group? There were probably a few already on their way, and more likely soon would follow. Besides, fighting with a small ragtag group seemed more fun and less constrictive then rolling with a huge military.

Luck hadn't been on my side in finding such a group yet though. I'd been doing a small search through town for any mercenary groups wanting to follow up on the rumours, and then checking out the plains on the off-chance of finding a mercenary group passing through. There'd been some groups in town, but none leaving yet. His patience was starting to wear thin.

Then, I glanced to my left, and spotted what looked to be a heavy tank having a bit of trouble at one of Neuf's checkpoints. There was an exo-suit with them. The tank was pointed in his direction, so when they got going, they'd come right to him.

I looked in the direction the tank was likely headed. Could they be headed to Nomansland? I thought as a grin across my face spread across my face Its worth a shot to ask at least.

 

I looked over at the group again. It seemed like they were getting through no problem. They'd probably come this way then. Well, when they do, I can ask them if they're heading over there myself. I thought as I turned Jäger towards the tank.

Edited January 22, 2015 by Hunter Serge

[Not Quite Dead]

GM

The Nurse gave one last look over Kik before addressing him and Paju.

 

"He'll manage, just stay safe this time."

 

She also handed the pair a statement of billing, 9,973 widgets. The very very fine print stated the rate of interest was approximately 17.8% and tallied monthly. "Don't worry too much, the hospital officials will let you bargain down. Or you can apply for citizenship and a brief stint in the military. Healthcare is subsidized for them."

 

* * * * * *

 

Sgt Logan greeted Shard, "Good day to you! Glad to see you're early and ready. The other party members ought to be here any time now..."

 

* * * * * *

 

Vert's eyes began to shine at the mention of access to and maps of Ascension, not mention a cut of the wealth within... He was not exactly a cautious man, he was greedy and impatient when it came down to it. Truth be told, his incredible luck and pluck were why he was where he was. Not any amazing business or analytical skills.

 

"Well, you cut a fair deal. Before we continue, are they any details you didn't mention? Perhaps what these are?" He pointed to the "elevators" on Oblitus' map. "Or how you're supposed to acquire a god's heart? Last I checked, we didn't make surgical tools that large."

[Nato G]

IC: Lufon Vance - Vingt (Blackrock Barracks). 

 

"This way," I pointed at one of the buildings, "the auditorium." 

_______________________________________________________________________

 

IC: Oblitus - Vingt (Vert's Pricey Goods).

 

"Those?" I shrugged, "I'm not sure, to be honest. I touched one and a symbol showed up. Ba. As in, the prefix for gravity, I think. Combine that with the name :elevator", and I guess it has something to do with going up. That's also where I found the map, on a panel beside the door."

 

I reached into one of my belt pouches and placed the strange device I'd been given in Ascension onto the table. "As for the gods heart, I'm supposedly meant to collect it with this. The screen also used the word "essence", so I don't think it wants the gods literal heart. Perhaps a power source of some kind?" 

Edited January 22, 2015 by Roman Torchwick

[Smudge8]

IC: Paju-Vingt Hospital

 

"Wow!"

Edited January 22, 2015 by Smudge8

[The UltimoScorp]

IC Kat/ Blackrock Barracks

 

I gave another salute, and headed in the direction he'd indicated.

 

Vingt was turning out to be a pretty good place to be, I thought with a smile.

 

IC Carth/Neuf plains.

 

A mercenary company! How exciting!

 

I was positively ecstatic. Beyond all the fighting, not much interesting ever happened in Neuf.

 

An idea formed in my mind.

 

Mercenaries went all sorts of places, and I WANTED to go all sorts of places. And I had my own Exo!

 

Yes, I think I'll join with this ragtag group!

 

I shifted Bolt from leg to leg, impatiently waiting my turn to speak with them.

Edited January 22, 2015 by The UltimoScorp

[Nato G]

IC: Lufon Vance - Vingt (Blackrock Barracks). 

 

Having no other preparations that needed to be made, I soon headed into the auditorium as well.

 

I was tired of waiting.

[Constructelf]

IC: Sora - Jatikko

Listening in from the inside of the tank, Sora breathed a sigh of relief.

[Dane-gerous]

IC: Kik - Vingt Hospital

"I...well...uh..." Kik then made a run for the door.

[Smudge8]

IC: Paju-Vingt Hospital

 

"Get back here! This is your bill, not mine!"  Paju shouted chasing Kik.  "Is this how you thank me for saving your life?"

[Dane-gerous]

IC: Kik - Vingt Hospital

"You don't have to pay it! I'm out of here!" Kik ran out of the hospital, not sure where to run.

[Smudge8]

IC: Paju-Vingt Hospital

 

Paju continued to chase Kik.  "I thought you wanted to be my gunner!"

[Dane-gerous]

IC: Kik - Outside Hospital

"Well that was before I got in debt!" Kik continued to run, running through the streets and trying to find a way to get out of Vingt.

[Not Quite Dead]

GM

The nurse sighed, heading to the hospital's main office to mark down the pair's names and details in a very large book titled "Debtors."

 

Such people weren't the guard's top priority, far from it in fact. But if they did anything stupid they'd likely be caught and forced into choosing between a stint in jail or the military.

 

* * * * * *

 

Vert examined the battery, kind of a mundane object for the task Oblitus had been assigned. "Very well. I'll get into contact with someone that can get you inside. As for actually exploring the catacombs, I don't know how much I can help you there. They go very deep and have been off limits for a very long time. The structures are likely in disrepair. Anyone I contract might not agree to travel further than the entrance."

 

He finished his drink, standing and walking to a bookcase filled with books on history and mythology. "Are you familiar with the legends surrounding Mangaia?"

[Smudge8]

IC: Paju-Vingt

 

"You can't run from your problems!  Come with me. I can help!"

[Dane-gerous]

IC: Kik - Streets

Kik stopped relunctantly. "What's your plan?"

[NorikSigma]

IC: Zekev

 

"Oof!"

 

Cor knew all my weak poke spots.

...

That's not what I meant.

 

"Alright, I'm sorry! I'm the fat one here. I'll help push the Hound when she's stuck, okay?"

 

IC: Mokeron

 

Mokeron followed behind Lufon to the auditorium.

Edited January 22, 2015 by Tenth Norik

[Smudge8]

IC: Paju-Vingt Streets

 

Kik stopped so suddenly Paju almost bumped into him.  "Well, I didn't say I had a plan."

[Nato G]

IC: Oblitus - Vingt (Vert's Pricey Goods).

 

"Not really..." I admitted, "...and after the karz I went through with Ascension, any information I can get on Mangaia before I go inside will probably be of use. I don't want to go in blind this time around." 

_____________________________________________________________________________________

 

IC: Cor Saeva - Treize (Bar).

 

I held up my smart-tablet: the record function was active. "Saved for all time," I smirked, playing it back:  "...I'm the fat one here. I'll help push the Hound when she's stuck, okay?" Music to my ears.

Edited January 22, 2015 by Roman Torchwick

[Dane-gerous]

IC: Kik - Streets of Vingt

"You know what I mean." Kik said.

[NorikSigma]

IC: Zekev

 

"Alright, alright, just-"

 

The group ambled past our hiding spot.

 

"Ok, let's go let's go!"

 

No time to lose. I made for the door.

[IcarusBen]

IC Haraki:

 

Haraki looked at the towering Skakdi in unamusement. 

 

"Really? I know you're not a neuroscientist, but brains don't work like that. Also, I'm going to count that as negotiating. We've gone down to 25. Keep going."

[Smudge8]

IC: Paju-Streets of Vingt

 

"We could join the military," Paju said jokingly.

[Dane-gerous]

IC: Kik - Streets of Vingt

,"Only one arm. I might as well keep running."

[Nato G]

IC: Cor Saeva - Treize (Bar).

 

Still smirking at my small triumph, I followed him towards the door, keeping my head down. 

[Smudge8]

IC: Paju-Streets of Vingt

 

"Well do you have any better ideas?  Listen, let's go back to the hospital, apologize for running off, I'll find a proper spot to park the Element, than we can figure out what to do next.

[Not Quite Dead]

GM

"Not a neuroscientist, eh?" His voice took on a cold tone. "You could count up all the evils in the world, little girl. Not even thrice that would describe the kind of things you'd find in the west."

 

The Skakdi's hand glowed with light, brackish and motley like his skin. It looked like rotting corpseflesh had been made into a lamp and illuminated, in an instant, he was behind the massive Vortixx. The warrior had seen this used as a demonstration before, he reached for his weapons, but it was too late.

 

Stiehl's hand sunk through the back of the vortixx's skull, bypassing the metal helmet and bone and flesh, no open wound was made. It was as if his hand had phased through the materials. His whole arm became swollen and grotesque, the eery light pulsing up and down it. The skakdi had a look of immense and perverse pleasure on his face, after several seconds, he withdrew his hand. It was damp and covered in red-grey flecks.

 

"You find things like me, and much worse. You could take one look at the sort of monster that gave me that power and your feeble mind would snap."

 

He raised his hand, the vortixx moved like a puppet, standing. It's eyes were blank and unseeing. "I now possess his memories and self. His soul, if you would. This body is little more than a dead shell now. It'll crumble in on itself soon enough. But, in the mean time." He turned his gaze back to Haraki, the vortixx followed and unsheathed it's broadsword, swinging at the Ko-Matoran. "They make excellent weapons."

[Dane-gerous]

IC: Kik - The streets of Vingt

"Actually...I think I may have an idea which will suit us both. How about some bounty hunting?" Kik grinned.

[Smudge8]

IC: Paju-Streets of Vingt

 

"Sounds good to me, do you already have someone in mind?"

[Dane-gerous]

IC: Kik - Streets of Vingt

"Yes." Kik laughed evilly. "Yes I do."

[Smudge8]

IC: Paju-Streets of Vingt

 

"Sounds like a plan.  I'll go get Element."

[Not Quite Dead]

GM

Vert carried a book back to his table, setting it between Oblitus and him. "Actual knowledge about the great wars and what came before is scarce, it is mostly derived from stories and myths. The most common origin story is that our world was created by two brothers. They embodied the idea of contrast and together, balance. After a time, they grew old and died, fought to the death or departed our mortal plain altogether. Many interpretations exist. In the absence of contrast, all colors, light and darkness blended together into a uniform gray. Sometime after this, a group of people rediscovered the essence of the brothers. Who they were or how they did so is not clear, different versions of this story have different origins and motivations for the "New Gods." As they are titled."

 

He paused to pour himself another drink.

 

"These new gods brought contrast and change back into the world, the blank light from before being split as if by a prism into a rainbow of colors. Different people, lands, elements and all else that had been lost before. For a time, they prospered and led their people to construct a great civilization. Eventually, they began to war. The war is now referenced as the great wars, or the old war. It left the western half of the island as it is now, and sunk the islands of other races like Skakdi and Vortixx. Many of the gods fell, destroyed by forces they unleashed but could not control or resist. Those that lived fled to the east, our half of the island. There they constructed tombs and went to sleep in them, promising their faithful they would rest, heal and return."

 

The book was closed with a thump. "This was a very, very long time ago. The faithful waited and waited. Many abandoned their seemingly dead gods and got on with their lives. Our modern world is the product of this. So, the claim of dead and dreaming gods under Mangaia is not odd. What it must mean is that whatever you spoke with is quite old."

[IcarusBen]

IC Haraki:

 

"That's it!" Haraki unsheathed her sword. It wasn't very ornate, but it had proven itself useful on occasion. 

 

Well, more like ten occasions. Five Matoran, three Vortixx and two Skakdi.

 

"I think my business here is done. Haraki slid towards the towering Vortixx, hoping she had aligned her blade just right that it would cut through the titan's ankle, rendering it a moot point.

[Nato G]

IC: Oblitus - Vingt (Vert's Pricey Goods).

 

"But why would it want the heart, or essence, or whatever, of a god?" I asked Vert, before recalling something else. "It mentioned something called Lhikan's throne. Is there anything you know about that?"