The Conquistar

[Coppertop]

Ha! I finished Conquests and decided to make a new one. The only characters from before are myself, Claw, Shinyso, Shonar and maybe Evaluator. Defalcon's asked to join, you can too ;)

The lonely black wastes of space were studded with glittering stars and spinning debris. In the background, an icy, white planet hung. The silence was absolute, for sound does not travel in space.
Not a year before, this scenic and tranquil place had become a killing ground. If an observer looked carefully, they would see that the debris was actually the scorched, blackened carcasses of destroyed starfighters, that the largest pieces were parts of capital ships. Now and then the junk would collide, before spinning away in a new direction.
The full horror would dawn with closer observation. This had not been a simple clash between pirate bands. An entire fleet had been destroyed here, with at least four capital ships and hundreds of smaller vessels lending their hulks for inspection. A full scale battle had occured here, with only one side walking away. This was the graveyard of the Deathstorm Fleet, the cemetary of fighter pilots.
A black ship appeared out of hyperspace, identified as the Phantom Eclipse to any watchers. In truth, the warship was property of a mercenary named Coppertop, a well known fighter and pilot. At present the ship carried three passengers; Coppertop herself, her partner, copilot and gunner, Claw, and her friend and fellow warrior, Shinyso.
They navigated the debris field with ease, headed for the planet beyond. Keenrei had been the site of a battle between Coppertop and the Deathless One lord, Beren Deathwreaker. Only Coppertop had walked away. And although the black ship vanished quickly from sight, its' legacy remained.

Keenrei was a planet with devastated, ice-coated cities that lay abandoned to the elements. Two of Coppertop's companions had died here, sacrificing themselves to stop Beren's tyranny.
The Phantom Eclipse showed clearly against the white snow as it landed. A bronze-furred, grey eyed rabbit materialized from the snow-blown buildings. He wore a blaster as if it was part of him, with the unconscious ease that comes with proficiency.
The ramp descended and a tall, grey-furred rabbit with green eyes and tightly braided black hair strode towards the newcomer. A black rabbit moved like a spectre beside her, hand on his saber hilt.
"Shonar," she said coldly. "What passes?"
"They gather," the other said. "They are preparing to move."
"I must find my companions - new ones," she replied. "The others will be watched - and some are lying low." The grey-eyed one nodded and said urgently, "go. I cannot remain here for long; they may be tracing me too."
"Find out. We cannot afford to be found."
"I will. Go now."
The grey rabbit turned and said something to the black fighter before they left. A moment later, the Phantom Eclipse rose up and flew away, leaving the bronze-furred one standing in the blowing snow.

So, everybody sign up now!

[4I Falcon]

Crystal, once again. And Splitter. Maybe Indigo.

Glad to see you writing another story, CT. I'm positive this one's going to kick as much asd as the last one. :D

[acid]

Foo, Acid, Electrik or Phish.

Pick any combination you would like.

[Radium]

Woo, a trilogy! I better get to work =P.

Are you going to try to keep the "conq-" pattern in the names? The only other one I can think of is "Conquistador", the name for the spanish soldiers that conquered mexico in the 1600s (and I'm pretty sure it's spanish for Conquerer).

I better go read Conquests so this story makes sense...

[4I Falcon]

Or "To Conquer"...

[Radium]

Originally posted by 4I Falcon
Or "To Conquer"...
"Conquistar" is "to conquer". I assume that the alternate spanish endings apply to that (e.g. Conquistas = You conquer). A Conquistador was a spanish term for a conquerer.

[4I Falcon]

That was originally a suggestion for a title, but OK... :D

I'm having enough trouble with French, I don't need to fail Dutch and Spanish too! :(

[Kaz]

me please =\...

[defalcon]

Awesome. :)

Gah, thread hijacked over a name, lol. :) I suggest something different from 'Conqueror' and 'Conquests'. Make it fresh. :)

[Radium]

Originally posted by defalcon I suggest something different from 'Conqueror' and 'Conquests'. Make it fresh. :) [/B]
There's already 2 conq- names, why not make it 3?

We'll just have to wait and see what CT picks.

[KRSplat]

(I've read the previous two, just in case you were wondering. Just never posted.)

I guess that is all I have to say in this post. You could have me, but you already said no more people from your last story.

[Coppertop]

Neh, I phased you out last time. I'll put you in if you want.

I don't really know what to call this one. We'll see how it develops.

[defalcon]

Whee! *Just finished putting Conquests into a word file*

[Coppertop]

Hey, defalcon, do you want to join? I mean, for real this time, not just a cameo? Because I can put you in.

[defalcon]

Yes I want to join! :D

Profile is on page TWO of the "Everybody's profiles" thread. :)

Oh, and you should get ICQ/MSN/AIM :p

[Coppertop]

'm not allowed.

Okay. KRSplat, Kaz, Acid and maybe Electrik, Crystal, 'm not sure about Splitter or Indigo, and defalcon.

Hey, Rad posted here, maybe he wants to join too!:lol:

[Radium]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Hey, Rad posted here, maybe he wants to join too!:lol:
Er.. go ahead if you want... my profile is somewhere in one of those profile threads.

[Coppertop]

Okay, got it.
Interesting mix of characters here ... be cool to see where this goes.

[Radium]

Yay for the magic users...!

Have you thought of a name for the story?

[defalcon]

Name is good. ;)
Once the story gets underway I'm sure one will pop up.

Edit: *maybe* me? aww darn ;)

[acid]

Hey, I wrote a story and finished it, and it still doesn't have a name!;)

Not to say that CT won't come up with one, I just suck at thinking of a name.

EDIT: yay! I'm in! :D

[4I Falcon]

Maybe, to complement my "Everyone's characters" thread, I'll make an "Ideas for a Name for Stories and Stuff" thread. Y'never know, it might actually get people somewhere.

[KRSplat]

Okay. Use the nondescriptive description of me that you already have... if you feel like a change, you could just use the picture in my signature and say I generally spend all my time using a computer.

[Zazz]

I wana be in it!

Pleeezzz???

[Coppertop]

No, defalcon, you're very definitely in.
Zazz, I really don't know. We'll have to see.

Defalcon Phoenix was in a bit of trouble.
Breathing heavily but still prepared to fight, he held his sword ready and eyed his opponents irritably.
There were four of them, armored and relatively fresh. Although Defalcon was well armed and skillful with his chosen weapons, he tired quickly. They seemed to be counting on this.
One was a dead-eyed, expressionless rabbit with two long knives and light armor; he was agile and acrobatic, bouncing in under Defalcon's guard and somehow avoiding his blade. Despite that he had not yet touched Defalcon with his knives.
The second was a lite, sleek lizard, white as snow and with the same dead eyes. This one bore a double-pointed javelin, and had avoided Nightwind by slinking and slipping under, above and around every slash. His tough hide was his armor, but not so tough that Nightwind couldn't slice him open, if he stood still for a moment.
The last two were lumbering turtles, neither as agile not as intelligent as their companions. Both bled from from numerous slashes inflicted by Defalcon. He took solace in the knowledge that he hadn't even activated his blades yet.
Badly one sided, he was afraid.
In his favor.
He slid his second sword out of the sheath with a rasping screech. The rabbit and the lizard gathered themselves to attack once more. Taking a deep breath, he activated both Nightwind and Nightfire.
Both blades burst into cold blue flame, halting both of his assailants for a moment. With a grimly satistfied smile, Defalcon attacked instead.
When he was finished, he was also alone.
Sliding his swords home, he nodded coolly to his slain opponents. "You needed a bit more work on that guard," he told them. "Too bad you chose to practice on me."
He turned and strode away, kicking a dagger out of his path. It rand softly as it struck against the side of a building.
Defalcon glanced up at the dying sun, which stained Medivo's ruins, already red, a deep crimson. A slight mist had risen, swirling around the ankles of his black boots. Less than a year, and nature had already taken over.
He strode over the stone-paved ground, feet crunching on withered ivy, Nightwind being used occasionally to bat a vine out of the way.
His surroundings were making Defalcon nervous. He'd seen what it had done to those dead-eyed attackers - it was like they had lost their minds or been reduced to something less than before.
One the other side of the ruins Defalcon found what he was looking for. An old skimmer lay, half buried in vines, propped up by a few blocks of stone. It was rusting and outdated, but Defalcon was confident he could fly it.

The sun had set by the time he finally righted the vehicle. He noted that the powerpak was half full and wondered how far he was from civilization. He turned it around and then switched it on.
The old speeder roared to life, humming with power. Defalcon tensed -
- as it promptly quit.
He sighed and slumped against the rusting speeder. The half-darkness would have been difficult to penetrate had he not possessed exceptional night vision.
Therefore he saw what many might have missed or dismissed.
Something glittered in the shadows - not like metal, but like water. There was one problem with this conclusion - the thing was shrouded in complete darkness. No moonlight touched the spot.
Curious, Defalcon rose to investigate.
Between two pillars hung a glittering spiderweb of light. It made him think of an ancient portal he had seen before, one that could have its' destination changed.
Cautious now, he lobbed a stone into it. It did not come out the other side.
No cloud of darkness descended to devour him; no crawling thing from the Abyss attacked. He warily stepped through -
- to find himself in the War Tavern, surrounded by veterans of war and ace pilots, all trading stories of their exploits over drinks.
"What?"
He glanced back; there was solid wall.
"Weird. Whatever."
He strode over to the portal to Shador, a planet with a dying sun and perpetual gloom. But before he could enter, he was stopped by a familiar voice.
"Defalcon?"

[acid]

good! Very good! Me likey!

But when am I going to be in it?:D

[Kaz]

Great hook. Awaiting for more... who did that stone hit XD?

[KRSplat]

You know, reading your work has made me a better writer.

[Kaz]

Oh, and I claim the first page =7.

Now now... it doesn't matter who posted first or owns this thread... all that matters is that I bothered to get it first ^^.

[defalcon]

Woohoooo! Yay, it's-a me! :)

Awesomeness so far. Portal to the tavern huh? Wish I had one to school, then I wouldn't have to spend an hour on a bus. ;)

Write more soon. :) And a title.

[4I Falcon]

Portals are über-l33t. Teleporters are better though.

Especially UT's Translocator. I'll never get over that. :D

[Coppertop]

lol, know how you feel, defal. 45 min for me.

Title, title ... *riffles through dictionary* still thinking.

Now we get to meet Crystal Summer, aka 4I Falcon.:)

"Defalcon? What are you doing here?"
He turned to find himself facing a young rabbit, a few shades darker than his own sky-blue coloring. Her eyes, however, were lighter than his - a bright green. She was shorter than he.
"Crystal Summer," he said. "I didn't expect to see you here either."
"Yeah, but I came in by the door," she remarked pointedly. "Youre arrival was a bit less convenient."
"I found an old portal," he said offhand. "Wanted to see where it went."
"Yes, I saw a rock thrown from a solid wall and I thought to investigate further," she agreed. Then, "why Shador?"
"What?"
"It is a doomed world. Its inhabitants cling to their home for as long as they dare, but soon Shador will be consumed by the sun, and the Shadorians forced to flee. Why go there?"
"Well ... I just came from Medivo, I know Carrotus, I dislike Tubelectric, Keenrei's too cold, Hellantra's too hot, Colonia's too old fashioned, Shellia's too swampy, Lohar's too empty, Firen's too far, Raxizil's too bright, but Shador is just right. Got my drift?" He took a breath. Crystal laughed quietly, then glanced over his shoulder.
"Hey," she called out, "looke who the cat just dragged in!"
Coppertop stalked in, followed closely by her two friends Claw and Shinyso. The last had his saber drawn and bloody, while Claw looked ready to murder anyone who looked at him the wrong way. It was clear that they had just been through a fight - it showed in the deliberate, wary movements, the nervous glances, the bloodied blades. The mercenary grimaced.
"Crystal. I don't suppose this place as a different way back to Kilanphor? I need to get back to my ship, but the door is well guarded."
"Nope," Crystal said, and Defalcon shook his head slightly. Copper glanced at him appraisingly, noticing the same about him that he had seen with her.
"Looks like you've seen blood recently," she commented. "Where were you attacked?"
"Medivo," he said. She grinned.
"I see. Whose speeder were you stealing this time?"
"I wasn't!" he protested indignantly. She laughed. FInally Crystal asked, "what happened to the rest of your friends?"
"They're off doing whatever," the mercenary replied. "Ducky, in fact, is here." She waved and recieved one in return. "But I got information that some fanatics are trying to wipe us rabbit scum out." She gestured at the Tavern; indeed, most of the patrons were rabbits.
Defalcon shook his head again. "So what are you going to do?"
"Nobody attacks me and gets away with it," Copper said. "But I know there's a lot of them. My friends are too well known; they've already helped me take down two would-be rulers. I need some fresh help."
"And here I thought you were a loner, Coppertop."
"I am - in the cockpit. But I'm also a mercenary, Defalcon, a prfessional fighter. Even Claw, Shinyso and I can't take on an entire army."
Crystal blinked and then smiled slightly. She pushed her hair back. "Well, maybe I could help you. I'm not well known, but I am an excellent sniper."
"Count me in," Defalcon said with a shrug. "I was looking for excitement anyway."
"You've found it," Shinyso said. Claw shook his head and looked away. Copper grinned.
"Excitement? You look like a walking arsenal," she teased. "But less of one than Zazz Darkfist, of course."
"Nobody," he said, "can match Darkfist for sheer amound of destructive devices."
"Hey, I heard that," someone called from the direction of the bar.
"True. Okay, first step is getting back to the Assassin/Phantom Eclipse. Kilanphor is pretty dangerous, watch your back."
"I always watch my back," Defalcon sniffed with mock indignation. Crystal snickered and recieved a sharp glare for her trouble.
"You've been here for about ten minutes," Crystal pointed out. "Surely they would have dispersed by now?"
"You'd think so, wouldn't you," Defalcon agreed.
"One way to find out. Come on."

[Ninja]

Uh, am I shinyso? Because that's what I used to name myself in War Tavern storys..:/

[Coppertop]

Probably:D If you were on the JMMB.

"This is it? No welcoming committee?" Defalcon sounded slightly disappointed. Crystal ignored him. She was actually slightly relieved that there were no enemies; she preferred long-range markmanship to close-range battle. Copper seemed concerned, though. "Keep alert" was all she said, and Crystal knew that the mercenary expected an ambush.
No laser fire came; no grenades were thrown. Defalcon shifted and glanced over at Shinyso, who stood tensed and ready. Claw glanced around nervously.
"How many were there originally?" he asked, noting a few bodies in the alley below. Copper glanced at him.
"Maybe twenty," she said in a low voice. "I touched a few, got one. 'M not sure about Claw or Shinyso."
The rasping grate of steel on steel was muffled; Shinyso's saber was instantly in his hand. Finally he turned.
"They're out there," he told them. "Sixteen of them, that building. They're waiting for us to show; they're not aware that we're here."
"We have the advantage then," Coppertop said in satisfaction. Defalcon looked at the warrior curiously.
"What are you, some sort of telepath or something?"
Shinyso nodded absently. Defalcon blinked in surprise. He had not expected to be right first try.
Crystal Summer ignored Defalcon. She was busy fixing a scope onto her blaster pistol. Then she looked up at Shinyso.
"Where?"
"Top floor, three windows from the left, lower righthand corner," he said, pointing it out. She nodded and took a careful aim. Then she gently squeezed the trigger.
The blaster had a bit of a kick, but she held it steady as an anguished cry cut across the gathering dusk.
"Got him," she announced. "Any others that I can reach?"
"Last window on the right, a floor from the top," Shinyso directed. Again she aimed and fired -
- "He ducked!" she said, indignantly. "He ducked when he was supposed to stand still! He ducked and made me miss!"
"It happens," Claw said quietly, the first words he'd spoken. "Try this one." He pulled out a small blaster and handed it to Crystal. She took it gingerly and holstered her own pistol.
Claw's blaster blew both the window and part of the wall out. Crystal looked from the blaster to him incredulously. "Well, I got him," she said in a small voice. Claw took his blaster back.
"Protec," was all he said. Crystal's eyes widened slightly.
"Oh."
A wild yell split the gloom; Copper sighed and rolled her eyes.
"Here we go again -"
Defalcon got her attention. "Come on - we can beat them! Start running!"
Crystal followed him just as he followed Copper. Claw vanished into the shadows somewhere and Shinyso deliberately lagged to protect their backs.
Claw was waiting at the foot of a ramp that led down to the grimy streets. Copper turned at the top to signal to Shinyso.
A line of enemies separated them, and she signalled anyway. Shinyso had his saber out again and was clearly fighting for his life, but inexorably was being driven back to the edge of the building.
Nodding to show that he understood, the black rabbit took another step back.
Suddenly he sheathed his sword, spun, and dove off the side of the building.
Defalcon stared for a moment before Copper grabbed his arm and dragged him down the ramp behind her. He shook her off and began to run on his own, demanding to know what had happened.
"Why would he do that? We could've gotten to him in time! Man, if all your friends are like that it's no wonder you're looking for new ones."
"Shut up and run," Copper said acidly. "You'll see why he did it when we reach the bottom."
Crystal, who had not seen Shinyso's apparent suicide, was ahead of them. Her blaster was in her hand but she held her fire.
Claw was waiting at the bottom. He glanced at Copper questioningly, and she nodded. Crystal asked, "where's Shinyso?"
"He went and chucked himself off the building," Defalcon said in disgust.
"He's not dead," Copper told them. "Shinyso is full of surprises."
Defalcon muttered "I'll bet" but held his peace as they followed Copper and Claw to where the Assassin, now renamed Phantom Eclipse, was.


BTW, if you read Conquerer (or were in it from the beginning) you'd probably remember that Shinyso could fly in Ninja's profile.

[Ninja]

Yes, that was me. ;)

Sweet story.

[Coppertop]

Thnx:)

The hangar was dark and grimy, open to the sky and elements. Copper paused in the doorway.
"I doubt that we've beaten him here, Claw."
:"I should think not," Shinyso said coolly, stepping out of the shadows. "You took long enough," he added. Copper rolled her eyes.
"And, of course, you're completely flawless and perfect. I'm sure you meant to get cut off from us and forced to fling yourself off a skyscraper."
"Startled them though, didn't I? Took their attention off you."
"Yeah, well, I think we're just lucky that you're a quick thinker and stupid enough to carry it through."
"Desperate measures."
"Oh, yeah, I'm sure."
Defalcon shook his head. Full of surprises, indeed. He looked up at the Phantom Eclipse. The black warship was a lot bigger on the inside than it looked, sleek and maneuverable. He'd seen it before, but not this close.
Copper gave him a knowing look. He assumed that she had to get a lot of those looks for her starfighter.
"Like it, do you," she said. "Well, you'll be taking your turn at the controls as well; my admission fee. That is, if you're up to handling her." She shot him a sly look.
"I'm a decent pilot," he said calmly. Crystal shrugged.
"If your weapon systems are up to standard, I can manage."
"Then there should be no problem," Copper said decisively. "I know you were trying to avoid it, Defalcon, but first stop is Carrotus. Just a brief stop, mind."
"Right. Make it short. Real short."

Carrotus, green and blue and brown and white, drew closer in the viewport. Defalcon had to admit that it was a beautiful world - but so boring. A peaceful place was not an advantage when you were not a peaceful person.
So when she said it was a short trip, Copper couldn't know how relieved Defalcon was. Or maybe she did; she and Claw certainly seemed bored enough. Shinyso (whose miraculous survival Defalcon still couldn't figure out) was always on edge.
As the Phantom Eclipse landed in the bright sunlight, Defalcon found himself wishing he was on Shador, where his exceptional night-vision gave him an extra edge. Not that he had poor day-sight - the opposite was the truth - but all too often bright light revealed or concealed important things.
Crystal had pointed out that the trip to Kilanphor had been unnecessary; Defalcon and Coppertop had traded knowing looks. Only another pilot truly understood the attatchment between a pilot and her ship. Crystal had not pressed further.
Now, as Defalcon stood, he wondered where Copper intended to go that could not be reached by portal ...


In case you're wondering, Assassin is now Phantom Eclipse.

[Ninja]

MORE

MUST

HAVE

MORE

[KRSplat]

Originally posted by Ninja
MORE

MUST

HAVE

MORE

Self-explanatory quote :)

[Ninja]

I haven't been to the War Tavern in forever..but today I just happened to click on this thread. *sob* and i..*sob* found..my character "shinyso" was still remembered after all these years..
*sheds a tear*

[n0]

I wouldn't mind being picked up at Diamondus. I am there visiting my Aunt Ethle right now, if you need an excuse for me to be there. My char N0 (Use him, not nobody) is on the second page of everyones characters.

[KRSplat]

To tell the truth, I wouldn't mind being picked up anywhere. But I think that is a good idea, Nobody, of having a universal character.

Oh yeah, I claim page two.

[Ninja]

Yeah, I'd really like KRSplat being put back in the story! ;) *cough* Conquests *cough*

:-)

I need more PLZZZZZZZ.

[acid]

I think it would make sense for me (and possibly Electrik too) to be picked up on Carrotus, because I live and work there!

Moo.

[Kaz]

I'm off to a bad start on pages >.>. So many people with so much more freetime than I.

Excellent beginning, not really out there, but doesn't need to be.

[defalcon]

Loving it. :) *waits fer more*

Heheh...Eval isn't here, he's missing out on alot. ;)

[Ninja]

Wheres Coppy? :(

I need my doseage of story...

[Coppertop]

Coppertop is here.
You're right, Eval's really missing out. I wonder if he knows I'm putting him in ... he's a very useful character.
And yes, I remembered Shinyso ... how could I forget him?:p

Shonar glanced up as a tall figure stopped in the doorway. He nodded once in acknowledgement before turning back to the task at hand. He was figuring out a way through a new security system with the occasional not-so-helpful comments from Evaluator. It was a complex program that matched DNA traces to those in its memory banks. If the samples didn't match, the alarm went off. If the DNA did match, a code was required. The only problem was, the memory was easily accessible. Tap into the files, alter them, and he was home free.
Copper waited silently as he finished his work. Once done, he turned.
"Coppertop. You're late. I'd begun to think you weren't coming."
"No chance of that, Shonar. Got anything for me?"
"Maybe. Ever heard of the Kiyrenin?"
"No."
"Neither have I. Theirs is the first security system I've come across that I cannot break."
"I see. They got anything to do with our mystery?"
"Maybe. I don't know. Like I said, their records are closed to me. Maybe, maybe Evaluator can get in there, but I doubt it. If this wasn't so important, I'd be spending more time on the Kiyrenin system."
- I did get something out of them, - Evaluator asserted, words flickering on the console. Shonar sighed.
"Yes, you did, but it's an incomplete puzzle. Pieces - big pieces - are missing."
- It is extremely likely that they are behind the attack on you as well, Coppertop. -
"Well, that's something. What else do you know?"
Shonar made a face. "They're extraordinarily interested in Shador, but I don't know why. My guess is, there's something there that they want, bad."
Defalcon listened with interest. Patience, never his strong point, was essential here.
Crystal cleared her throat pointedly, and Shonar glanced at her. "Would someone mind explaining?" she asked quietly. Copper said, "I'll tell you later."
Shonar shook his head. "There's nothing more. Maybe when we know more, but for now it's an even bigger mystery than when we started out."
"Well, we might find a bit more out when we go to Shador," Copper said. Defalcon started.
"We're headed for Shador?"
"Yep. If there's something there that these Kiyrenin want, and they're truly dangerous, they shouldn't have it."
- I agree. In fact, I'll go with you. I can go places you can't. -
"Okay. Keep working on that Kiyrenin thing - make it your priority."
"Got it. I don't need Eval's help right now anyway."
"Good. I'll contact you later."


Acid, I think we'll meet you in the Tavern;) KRSplat's in, and Kaz is too. Radium, you'll come along later. On Shador, I think ...

[Ninja]

rox0r. continue please. ;)

AND MAKE ME GET SOME BLOODSHED!!11

[Coppertop]

Why, certainly. Go read Conquests *again*, especially the end, and you'll see that I did ... I felt a bit sorry for that Katarvin captain. Nasty stuff

[Ninja]

*gasps for more*

[Coppertop]

:lol:

[n0]

Does this mean I am not in? Oh, maybe you missed my post. It is the last post on the first page.

[acid]

...You'll meet up with me in the War Tavern...But you just CAME from the War Tavern! :confused:

Ah, well... I didn't really understand the last addition, so whatever. Bleh. :p

[4I Falcon]

Blast. I was hoping Acid had updated his story.

RoXx0r twice!

[defalcon]

Sweet! :D

[Coppertop]

I might put you in, Nobody. If there's a chance to do so and you fit.
Acid, we're heading back ... I've already got your addition planned, don't worry, you are DEFINITELY in it. And if you didn't understand it, it will all be explained in this next part. I hope.
Also, this is where Kaz comes in.

"So. Explain?" Crystal reminded the mercenary as they walked down the street. Copper nodded.
"Shonar is an expert in security, codes and structural layouts. He's also a mercenary fighter pilot and informant. A useful friend. He's been trying to find out something for me - there's indications of something big, really big, and dangerous - but we're not sure who, what, where or how. This Kiyrenin thing is only the latest in a string of puzzling evidence that, alone, is alarming, but together make not sense. He's also trying to find out who's after us 'lowlife'."
"Oh," Crystal said, digesting this. Defalcon though had a few questions.
"Who the heck is Evaluator?"
"I am," said a new voice, and the indistinct outline of a rabbit formed from a stray sunbeam. Defalcon paused.
"Okay. If you can do that, why talk through the computers?"
"It's easier, and a bit more convenient. I take up less room that way."
"I see."
"If you don't, that's okay," Evaluator said, fading out of sight. Defalcon raised an eyebrow but didn't have a chance to retort.
A large, red ball of feathers careened haphazardly out of the sky, nearly bowling Defalcon over. The rabbit leapt out of the way just as the living cannonball hit the ground with a dry whump and rolled to a stop. The thing picked itself up, shaking out dusty feathers, and crowed, "Got it!"
"Kaz?" Copper said incredulously. The bird, for that was what it was, glanced up from the smooth rubber ball it had been inspecting.
"Coppertop? What?"
"What are you doing here?"
"I could say the same for you," Kaz said, chucking the ball over his shoulder. It hit the ground and promptly sailed up into the sky again. Kaz glared after it.
"Not again! I'm NOT catching it this time."
"Kaz, I thought you were hanging out with Kovu."
"Him? Nah. He pulled out a while ago."
"I see."
"Hey, are you going to save the galaxy again? 'Cause if you are, I wanna come."
Copper glanced up at the now ball (and Kaz) free sky before saying, "no, I am not 'saving the galaxy'."
"Well, you're up to something. I can tell."
"I'm trying to solve a mystery -"
"Ha! Even better. Anything Shonar can't decode, I'll crash."
"Good. 'Cause you just got yourself recruited. That's Crystal Summer, and this is Defalcon Phoenix. Guys, meet Kaz."
"Hi, nice to meetcha. Where's Claw and Shinyso?"
"Waiting at the Phantom Eclipse. Come on."
"Phantom Eclipse? What happened to the Assassin?"
"The Phantom Eclipse is the Assassin," Copper explained patiently. "A change in name was required if I'm not going to get attacked every time I fly it."
"Oh."
There was a brief pause in the torrent of questions as Evaluator materialized long enough to explain what was going on. By the time he finished they had reached the Phantom Eclipse, where Claw and Shinyso did indeed wait. Claw saw Kaz and heaved a long-suffering sigh.
Once on board, the hyperactive bird calmed down quite a bit, much to the others' relief. Unfortunately it did not stop the questions ...


If that didn't clarify things, tell me and I'll explain more.

[n0]

Originally posted by Coppertop
I might put you in, Nobody. If there's a chance to do so and you fit. Okie... If you do decide to put one of my charcters in, I would rather have N0 than nobody. Also, the story is AWSOME so far! I can't wait till we figure out exactly what is going on.

`N0

[Coppertop]

Neither can I.:roll:

[acid]

I didn't understand that last chapter, but I guess as you said it will be explained in the next chapter. Bleah.

[defalcon]

Nice chapter. :)
Kaz is an oddball. Bahaha.

[Coppertop]

Of course he's an oddball:p Why else would I put him in <s>for comic relief</s>?
A short part, and KRSplat gets added. Next part, you meet Acid!

Interestingly enough, Shador was not their next stop.
A crescent-shaped ship drew closer as they left Carrotus' atmosphere, and although it had a solid missile lock on the Phantom Eclipse it did not fire.
Shinyso finally got a read on the incoming ship, as well as identity. He shook his head in disbelief.
"Hold your fire, Coppertop," he ordered. "It's a friendly."
He flipped on his comm. "Eyes of Death, do you copy, this is the Assassin. Hold your fire, KRSplat."
"Eyese of Death copies, Phantom Eclipse. That you, Shinyso?"
"Sure is, Eyes of Death. Slick move. How'd you find us so quick?"
"Was already here, Phantom Eclipse. Saw your ship, thought that crazy mercenary'd gotten herself killed or lost her ship."
"Not likely, KRSplat," Copper said dryly in the background.
"Still alive and killing, huh. Good. I'll tag along, if you don't mind."
"Why would we? We're headed for Tubelectric to talk to Wild Angel; we'll brief you there."
"Understood, Phantom Eclipse. Tubelectric it is. I'll see you there."
"Copy that, Eyes of Death. Phantom Eclipse out."
"Eyes of Death out."


lol, more tomorrow, so I get to keep you waiting.

[Ninja]

BIGGER CHAPTERS PLZ

[Coppertop]

YOU'LL GET THEM, PLZ

[Ninja]

HURRY, PLZ.

I'm going to go rewrite my profile for shinyso.. :O

[Ninja]

Okay, posted my profile. ;)

[acid]

Great!

Can't wait for the next chapter!
especially since I'm in it! :D

[Evaluator]

Nice story :D Reading all the chappies was quite a lot of work ;)

You're right, Eval's really missing out. I wonder if he knows I'm putting him in ... he's a very useful character.

Well, now I'm back again :D
But you're right, I missed a lot...

Eval

[Kaz]

and you still haven't come up with a title :roll: ...

KPLZTHXCTBYE. Blast, Eval's back, I'll need to be even more lifeless to post before he does.

[4I Falcon]

Yarrgble.

[KRSplat]

I won't even criticize you on the italics mistake, because that would be pointless.

Short chapters are okay in my eyes. :)

[Coppertop]

Hey, Evaluator! Back from your vacation?:lol:
'M not sure if I will use your new prof, Ninja. I like the old one.

Loooonnnnnnggg chappie coming up.


Claw glanced around at the brightly lit surroundings of Tubelectric. Wild Angel hadn't had anything new, but the trip wasn't a complete waste.
KRSplat had nothing to say about it either - that is, he had plenty to say about it, but no information. He suggested that they look in the War Tavern for rumors of "volunteers".
Copper agreed with him, recalling that she had done the same with her fight against Beren.
So now for the second time that day, Claw found himself back in the War Tavern.
Ducky was shaking her head. "Kiyrenin? That's new to me. I'm afraid nothing has been said about it to me or even in my hearing."
"I see. If you do, tell us. This is important."
"I will."
A tall green rabbit walked over. Ducky brightened a bit. "Say, I don't suppose you know Acid? He's a regular here."
Acid snagged a stool before another could take it and sat. He grimaced.
"Haven't been around for the past few days though. They've been keeping me busy." He turned to Copper curiously. "I haven't seen you around, though. I'm Acid."
"Coppertop. I don't really come here that often, so I'm not surprised."
"Heh, I've heard about you. Who hasn't? Don't worry, I'm not going to go all wide-eyed and squeaky-voiced on you."
"Finally, an intelligent one," Copper said dryly. "Why can't you find me more of these, Ducky?"
"Don't blame me, there aren't any more."
"Okay, I agree. Just keep your ears and eyes peeled."
"For what, sensible people or your Kiyrenin?"
"Both."
Acid sat upright. "What was that?"
"What?"
"That name."
"Uh, 'Kiyrenin'. Why?"
"I've heard about them. Stay away from those guys; they're up to something."
Copper leaned forward, eyes narrowing slightly. "Just what do you know about them?"
"Only what I've overheard. They've got us - Carrot Corp - working on some drug that suppresses the ability to do magic in mages. Nasty stuff."
"Really." Copper paused. "Interesting. I have information that the Kiyrenin are behind a series of attacks on my friends and I."
"Like I said, they're nasty. They've got connections and lots of money. Otherwise we wouldn't be doing this work for them."
"Right. I take it you were involved personally in this?"
"I was, but I didn't want to get mixed up with the Kiyrenin. People who did work for them before have a disconcerting habit of going missing. So I took some time - a lot of time - off."
"Drugs to supress mage-ability," Copper muttered. Acid scowled.
"The implications of that are not good," he admitted. "There are a lot of nasty rumors flying around."
"I see. What are you going to do now?"
"I'm not sure, they might come after me. I'm trying to stay out of sight - me and my brother Electrik."
"Two of you? Harder to hide two."
"I know, but Electrik is pretty self-sufficient."
"Well, you could come with us. You'd be harder to find in deep space."
"I'll have to ask Electrik. Don't go away."
"Like I would. Hurry."
Acid slipped off his stool and went to find his brother Electrik. In a moment he was back, with a tall blue rabbit following him.
Electrik was as sensible as his brother. Rather than being overawed by the "great mercenary Coppertop" (unlike a certain bounty hunter/bartender, which positively exasperated, and, on occasion, sickened the mercenary), he greeted her with a sardonic half-bow.
"So, you're the savior who's going to rescue my brother from the evil Kiyrenin, huh?"
"I guess so," she said, equally sarcastic. He grinned.
"Thank you. You have no idea of the relief you are going to bring to my ears."
"He's been complaining, has he. We'll fix that. I'm Coppertop; my hapless crew there go by the names of Claw," who nodded calmly, "Shinyso," and he gave the brothers a quick salute, "Defalcon Phoenix," who grinned and also nodded, "Crystal Summer," and Crystal lifted a hand in acknowledgement, "and Evaluator, who's around here somewhere. Guys, meet Electrik and Acid, who have no idea what they were just recruited for."
Defalcon smirked. "Wait'll they see Phantom Eclipse and our remaining two people."
"I -" Acid suddenly spotted something and groaned. "Oh, no, not now ..."
"WHERE ASHID GOING?" A tan rabbit, wearing a ridiculous outfit, trotted over.
"Not you," Electrik muttered. Then, "go but Phish, Foo. Acid's not going anywhere."
"CAN FOO COME TOO?"
"NO. Hey Phish, come fetch your wayward brother!"
"FOO WANNA COME TOO!"
"NO. Phish! Get over here!"
"Excuse me," an orange pilot said to his companions, and he walked over too. "C'mon, Foo. Let's go home."
"FOO WANNA RIDE ON TEH BIG SHPASHE-SHIP!"
"You can ride on it when we go home. I'll take you for a spin."
"FOO SHPIN?"
"Not here."
Phish led his demented sibling towards the Carrotus portal. A moment later, Foo's voice could be fainly heard.
"Ooh, happyland!"
Copper eyed Acid and Electrik, who looked distinctly embarrassed. There was an uncomfortable silence, which was broken by Acid.
"That was our ... cousin, Foo," he admitted. Electrik rolled his eyes.
"Living proof that intelligence can skip whole generations."
"Ah. Hopefully you retain enough to make yourselves useful."
"Don't worry about that. Uh, maybe we should leave before Foo decides to return, or we'll never get out of here. Phish can handle him."
"I agree," Electrik seconded, and Copper rose.
"Phantom Eclipse is on Tubelectric. Kaz and KRSplat are with her. C'mon."
Yes, Claw had to admit, a very profitable trip after all.


Well, sort of long. BTW, I caught that italics mistake, 4I. Fixed it, too.

[Coppertop]

There you go, Acid. Foo and Phish even got a cameo:p

[Evaluator]

YaY :D
Long chappies are cool :cool:

Eval

[acid]

THANK. YOU. VERY. MUCH.

Great chapter! I think you portrayed Foo very well. Just remember he doesn't ALWAYS talk in caps.

[KRSplat]

Long chapters are good too. :)

I think I will write a detailed description of KRSplat sometime soon. Maybe.

[Kaz]

relatively long chappie finnally. Mind altering drugs are bad enough >.>, magic ones ;p?

[n0]

I like. But, I am sad that FOO ish not comming.
`N0

[Coppertop]

One is bad enough, thank you. Imagine Kaz and Foo together? Yikes:eek:
Okay, this one adds Radium. The next one you'll find out what the Kiyrenin want.

Kaz was, if possible, even more excited at the prospect of more people. However, he was not bouncing off the walls this time. Rather, he bombarded them with questions. Fortunately, Acid and Electrik were used to it - they'd been conditioned by Foo and his endlessly babbled questions. Even better, Kaz was actually intelligible.
Acid approved of their plan to go to Shador. He agreed with Copper - if the Kiyrenin wanted it, they shouldn't have it. It was, as he so aptly put it, like handing a blaster to a convicted murderer.
And so, to Defalcon's happiness, Shador was their next stop. Copper just hoped that they'd be able to find whatever it was before the Kiyrenin did, or they would be completely out of leads. And that, as far as she was concerned, would be a disaster.

Two hours in hyperspace and they had reached Shador. Evaluator had managed to boost the already considerable hyperdrives. Defalcon had to admit, Kaz's chatter might have been a welcome change from the others' quiet ... if the bird could shut up for a bit. Copper sympathized - she knew exactly how Defalcon felt.
Shador was a small planet of still, dark water and extinct volcanoes. It was dim and shadowy, and had two moons. One was extraordinarily quick; every few days Shador experienced an eclipse from it. The Shadorians had adapted. Their dark fur and excellent night vision suited the world.
Shadorians were vaguely feline; striped in soft greys, blues and blacks, with a mane of longer fur that was stiffer at the base but silky on the top. The mane trabelled all the way down their spines to end at the tips of their lion-like tails. Perpetually sorrowful, they were quiet and reserved.
The Phantom Eclipse blended in perfectly. Although the cities appeared to be empty, most of the inhabitants remained there but unseen. Coppertop felt immediately at home, and even Claw and Shinyso looked more comfortable in the concealing shadows. Acid was jumpy, Electrik vaguely fascinated, and Defalcon relieved. Crystal remained withdrawn and silent.
Shador was not a world for the faint of heart. Living shadows huddled against black, damp-stained buildings; dark winged things flew by, leathery wings making rushing noises. Silvery insects buzzed in the slimy alleys, to be snapped up by those same flying creatures. Gold and green and blue-glowing eyes peered at them from dark corners, the eyes of the Shadorians. Dripping water and scuttling noises echoed through the empty streets.
A soft voice spoke from the shadows. They all turned around, hands on swords of blasters (except for Electrik).
"No place, the streets are for stranger or Shadorian," a young female Shadorian said, ghosting into sight before them. Her grey fur was striped with black, and her lambent golden eyes watched them closely. "So why now do they who are not Shadorian but also not stranger patrol them?"
"No stranger am I to shadows," Copper said calmly. "Able I am to guard my safety and my life."
"A strange gathering. Stranger than those that came before. Rethkir, of what be they?"
"I cannot say," a blue-furred male said, appearing besider her. "They have not the taint of the Kiyrenin, but something else marks them."
"The Kiyrenin have been here? Tell more, for they we have come to foil," Copper said, falling easily into the speech patterns of these Shadorians. "Something they want here, and we have determined that have it, they shall not."
"Truth," Rethkir admitted. His gaze fell on Shinyso, and his eyes opened wide. "Shethlorn, trust them we may. See, a lokiral with them have they."
"Ah. You must come with us, then."
Shinyso shrugged, and with a confused and resigned expression Copper followed the two. They slipped down an alley that ended in a dead end, and Shethlorn hissed softly to a live shadow, which flowed up the wall to expose a ragged hole in the corner. This, Copper supposed, was an entrance into the building beyond.
Inside, it was dark (typically). Shethlorn took a lantern from the corner and flipped it on; a dim silvery light emanated from it and did nothing to hide the wet, mildewed walls that shone darkly. The cement floor was wet enough that their feet splashed as they walked.
Finally the corridor they were in opened into a room with a stairwell in the corner. Several Shadorians rose, slight alarm in their faces. Shethlorn dismissed their fears,
"Allies, not trickster Kiyrenin. Fear them not, but be on guard."
As an aside to Coppertop, Rethkir added, "we cannot hide him much longer. These Kiyrenin, to get him, will stop at nothing. They will tear theis very building down to succeed."
"Then a new hiding place, he must find," Copper agreed, even though she had no idea who they were talking about. "Or he will place your lives in danger."
"Truth. If you have a starship, he will be safe with you."
"And you will be safe as well. We shall see what we can do."
He nodded, worry evident. His striped mane (which reminded Copper of her horse, Ironheart) made him look taller than he actually was. He clearly was a telepath or something like it, because the word lokiral meant 'mind reader', and he had somehow recognized Shinyso for what he was.
The stairs came to an end, and halfway down the subsequent hallway Shethlorn paused and rapped quickly on the wall. A cleverly hidden portion slid aside to reveal a small room, occupied by two Shadorians.
Well, one Shadorian and one who wasn't quite a true Shadorian. The first was the usual black and blue, with blue eyes. He nodded to Shethlorn and said, "you must hurry. They are close behind."
The second was black and green with green eyes. No Shadorian that Copper knew of had green fur, so this one wasn't what he appeared to be. His mane was silver and not striped, and he wore the robes of a mage. He did not look worried.
Shethlorn said, "Radium, I am sorry, but know you are here, the Kiyrenin do. Rethkir has determined that from the Kiyrenin, these are not; you will be safe with them. Hide you we cannot, anymore. You must leave."
"I understand, Shethlorn. Thanks for all your help. You'll abandon the building, of course?"
"Of course. Let them find us, we cannot. Once you are safe, we will flee."
"Good." He turned to Coppertop. "Introductions can wait. The Kiyrenin are on the way. We've got to hurry if we're going to avoid capture."
"My ship is close by. Nothing is going to catch us once we're in the air. Come on."


Another long chappie, almost 1000 words more than the last one:p

[Coppertop]

Oh yeah, before I forget.
Happy Birthday, Evaluator!!!
Don't expect it all the time:)

[Ninja]

Nice!!!!111

[n0]

w00tness!
Gottta love their speech, right Yoda?

I claim this page in the name of nothing.

`N0

[Evaluator]

@Coppertop
Thanks :D

I agree with N0B0DY: w00tness! ;)


Eval

[acid]

correct, N0B0DY is. :D

Great chappie!

*zombie stare*

MOOOOOORRRRRRREEEEEE.....

[Radium]

<s>YAy, I'm famous!</s>

Gah, if I want this to make more sense, I have to finish reading Conquests *stares at 69 page Word document*.

[Coppertop]

Wow, three pages already:O This is more that Conquests or Conquerer had. Cool.
You're welcome, Eval. I figured I'd probably be the only one to say it.
Famous? We'll see ....

Despite the robes, the strange Shadorian moved quickly. He kept up easily, and Copper knew that he would not be the hindrance she had feared. They did not run - no betraying footsteps here. No, they walked quickly enough to keep ahead of any pursuers.
Shethlorn and Rethkir vanished somewhere along the way. Copper realized that she hadn't even told them her name. Their trust was profound.
Halfway down the stairs the Shadorian took over. He knelt and whispered something to another living shadow. It moved away, revealing a smaller, steeper set of stairs.
"Come on," he said urgently. Copper nodded and Claw, Shinyso, Acid, Electrik, Defalcon and Crystal went by. Kaz and KRSplat were slower; nervousness around pools of darkness that moved at will, understood speech and concealed entrances was understandable. They did come though. The shadow (dyzkan) moved to block the entrance again, and Copper realized that it was semi-transparent. She had no time to ponder this odd property of the dyzkan though. She knew that the longer she lingered the slimmer her chances of survival were.
It was not far to the street, and by luck and shadows that moved to conceal them they made it to the Phantom Eclipse unscathed. They passed several creatures - rabbits, one feline Loharian and one Hellantran fire elemental - on the way there, but each time the dyzkan clustered closer around them, hiding them from view.
There was a large raven from Deseka guarding the Eclipse. The Shadorian shook his head to prevent Copper from slaying the creature on the spot. Stepping forward, he grabbed the raven's beak to prevent noise and stared into the shocked bird's beady eyes. After a moment he released the raven, and the dazed guard wandered away to the side of a building. There it remained, blank eyes testifying to its' state of unawareness.
From there it was a simple matter to leave. The ramp extended, courtesy of Evaluator, and they took off to safety.
Several fighters gave chase, but neither got off so much as a shot before the Phantom Eclipse was out of range. A small flagship - little more than a frieghter, really - orbited the smaller, quicker moon, but had only just engaged the tractor beam before the black starship was safely in hyperspace.


Very long part next time, I promise.

[Evaluator]

You actually were the only one on this board :p
And: Awesomeness :D

We're waiting for the very long next chappie ;)


Eval

[n0]

w00tness.
I'm glad they are off that planet, it was starting to give me the creeps.
`N0

[Kaz]

*Shakes fist*
You'd better!

Just getting warmed up I presume?

[Coppertop]

Yup. Very long next chappie coming up. Another very long next chappie after that.



Once in hyperspace, Copper turned to the Shadorian. He hadn't said anything once they had reached the Phantom Eclipse.
"Well, they won't get us now. Thanks for ... dealing with that Desekan."
"Mind control," the Shadorian said softly. "It's a specialty of mine."
"No wonder the Kiyrenin want to get their hands on you. Though how they'd keep you is beyond me, except if they used those drugs on you, and then you wouldn't do them any good. Well, we'll figure it out one of these days.
"I could probably help you there," the Shadorian said dryly. "I'm Radium. I owe the success of my escape to ...?"
"Coppertop. If you can help, I'd be very glad."
"Okay. First, the Kiyrenin are looking for mages. They drug them so they're neutralized, then brainwash them. By the time the drug wears off, the mage is a devoted Kiyrenin, ready to help catch more mages."
"So why would they want to attack me? I'm not a mage."
"They didn't want you. I'd say they were after your telepathic friend over there," and he nodded at Shinyso. Copper blinked, startled. "I'd never thought about that. Those guys on Kilanphor did concentrate their efforts on you, didn't they?"
"Concentrate on who?" Claw demanded, coming into the cockpit. Copper nodded to him.
"Shinyso. Radium here says they're after mages, so it's a good thing that neither you or I are magically gifted, Claw."
Claw's gaze flickered. "Radium? Well."
"Claw. Some kind of coincidence, I hope."
"I'd say."
"I take it you two know each other?"
"We've met," Claw said tersely. "At the time we were trying to kill each other. We nearly succeeded."
"I'm given to understand that you weren't quite sane at the time," Radium admitted. "In that case, I'll forgive you."
"Your kindness overwhelms me. Mages, huh. Better tell Wild Angel and Ducky to watch out."
"Done," Shinyso said a moment later. He glanced over at Radium curiously. "You're not a true Shadorian, I can tell. What are you?"
"He was a fire elemental when we met," Claw said. Radium winced.
"Another reason why the Kiyrenin want me. I'm a shapeshifter. Comes in handy."
"Mind control, shapeshifting. What other unrevealed abilities do you have?" Copper demanded.
"Quite a few," Radium admitted. "I'm a Chaos Mage, a rather good one. If they could get their hands on me and successfully brainwash me, they'd be unstoppable."
"I see. So now we've got two people they want. Any others I should know about?"
"Electrik and Evaluator," Radium said immediately. "They don't have to be mages, just unusual. Ducky would be sought after as well."
- As long as she stays in the Tavern she'll be safe. - Evaluator commented. - As for me, they'll have quite a job catching someone who can vanish at will. -
"Good point, Eval," Radium agreed. "But Electrik is still a liability."
"Just how do you know this? Their names, who they are," Copper demanded. Radium flashed her a grin and brushed his silver mane out of his eyes.
"Trust me, you don't want to know."
"Right, Chaos Mage. I forgot."
"Don't forget again," Radium said in mock seriousness. Copper snorted and turned away. Evaluator commented, - Sensors show blockage in hyperspace path. The Eclipse is coming out of hyperspace prematurely. Collision prevention programming has been initiated. -
"Flames of Gyron, not now! Can you override? No, no, stupid question. Start calculating an alternative route. Initiate when we come out into realspace."
- Done. Would you like dinner with all that? -
"No, that'll be fine. You're better than a capital ship's AI."
- Excuse me, - Evaluator said indignantly. - I am offended to think that you could even compare me to an AI. -
"My apologies. Time estimate until realspace?"
- Twenty seconds. -
There was a silence. Copper noticed that Radium was no longer a Shadorian; rather, he was now a green and black rabbit with red eyes, much like Claw's. His hair was still long and silver, and he was still clad in his mage robes. He looked pensive and tense. She didn't blame him. His very existance hung in the balance, for she had no doubt he would die before he was captured. He stiffened suddenly.
-danger-
Something was wrong, dreadfully wrong. Her eyes widened and she flung herself into the pilot's seat. Claw reacted immediately, at the gunner's station before she could say anything.
-danger-
The Phantom Eclipse shuddered, then shuddered again. The starlines stretched, then snapped into the normal points of light. Evaluator's message glowed on her screen.
- Program override! Cannot initiate alternate route! -
"I can't believe this," Copper breathed. "This is impossible. How could they get ahead of us, track us?"
They were completely surrounded, boxed in by three capital ships. Fighters were already deploying. THe only way out was - well, extremely dangerous.
Radium spoke up. "They will not shoot to kill. That's their handicap. Take advantage of it."
"I will if I can," Copper and Claw said simultaneously. Copper threw the Eclipse into a dizzying spin, angling down towards the relatively unprotected belly of the ship directly ahead. She pushed it up to full throttle and added laser power to the engines. She didn't dare bleed power from the shields or they would be easy prey for any stray ion blast.
Claw said nothing, merely fired a flare that exploded in the face of a pursuing starfighter. By now no tractor beam could have stopped them; their speed was far too great.
Streaking under the flagship, jinking left and right to avoid turbolaser blasts, the Phantom Eclipse sped by the pursuing starfighters as though they were standing still. A lucky shot impacted with the bow shields, rocking the Eclipse violently, but not stopping them.
With the enemy ships receding rapidly behind them, Copper blew out a long breath. She was about to relaz and release the control stick when -
-danger-
- suddenly the scanners registered three fighters coming out of hyperspace in front of them. Copper dipped the ship's nose, 'diving' beneath them and rolling to throw off any missile locks. Despite that, Claw managed to vape one. Then, with a touch of a button, they entered hyperspace again.
The sense of danger vanished, as did all other outside feelings. Copper felt only her own relief. She turned to face Radium and Shinyso.
"I knew something was wrong," she said slowly. Shinyso raised an eyebrow.
"Perhaps the presence of three capital ships and horde of fighters tipped you off?"
"Ha, ha. No, I mean before then. I knew there was danger before we even came out of hyperspace."
"Yeah, you were in your seat as we dropped into realspace," Radium agreed. "So was Claw."
"I felt it too," Claw admitted.
"It wasn't me," Copper went on. "It came from outside. So what I want to know is, was it you?"
The pair glanced at each other and then back at her. Shinyso shook his head.
"Not me. I can sense when I'm projecting, and besides, I didn't know until we came out of hyperspace."
Radium shrugged. "It may have been me, but certainly not consciously. Things like that can get you in trouble, especially when an assassin droid starts feeling irritation or resignation. I'm shielded against leaks."
"Well, whichever one it was, we owe you our lives."
"You're welcome," Radium and Shinyso said, Shinyso a little before the Chaos Mage. Copper rolled her eyes.
"I can tell you'll be a great pair."
"Where are we headed?" Radium asked in an abrupt subject change. "Vanargala isn't the best choice. Firen would be better, the magic of the Faders will cover my own traces."
No asking how he'd known she intended to go to Vanargala. With a shake of her head, Copper began to reroute to Firen.

Hah! 8022 characters long! Beat that!
Oh wait, I already have ...

[Coppertop]

Occasionally I get the feeling you just read my stories because they're readable ... then I go and fall down the stairs. Weird, huh?:roll:

[Ninja]

Nice work, CT! u|=)

[Evaluator]

If I wanted to read something that is only readable and not interesting, I would open some sort of german book, not this story :roll:

Radium is a very interesting char...
And: w00tness!

(-)(-)(-)(-)(-)(-)D

[n0]

Arg, you got to the w00tness before I did! :p
Ok, well, w00tness. I've been catching up on the last two storys. Finished the first and halfway through the second. You could get paid to do this.

`N0

[Coppertop]

Yep, I have an awesome cast for this story. Thank you for signing up,:lol:

Did I say it wasn't interesting? I didn't say that. Heck, I don't even know what's going to happen next!

On second thought, that's a little scary.

[acid]

Wow. It's kind of funny that Acid was the one who was really supposed to be in this story, yet just Electrik made an appearance! :p

Oh, yes, I nearly forgot.

w00tness!

[KRSplat]

I do not read stories because they are readable. I read them <s>for no good reason</s> because reading entertains me.

Oops. I sound way too serious in this post. Maybe I should add a smilie. :D

[Kaz]

I read them becuase you always leave cliffhangers and foreshadowing as to what would happen to our characters and the plot itself (althought one really isn't established).

[defalcon]

W00tness!!! :D Nice chappies!

[Kaz]

Answering any time soon?

Sorry I couldn't get on ICQ defalc, left it on accidently at night =\.

Waiting :o

[4I Falcon]

This story is reaching past w00tness, CT. It's becoming quite godly, in fact.

You seem to be one of the few and the proud, that can write suspense properly. Good job.

godly w00tness!

[Coppertop]

*bows* Thank you, thank you ...:lol:
Answering: NOW.
Acid: Don't worry, you'll get to be REALLY in it soon.

The Phantom Eclipse set down next to a river. Large, moss and fern-covered boulders half the size of the ship were sunk into the riverbank, while trees crowded against each other nearby. It was a tranquil scene, but Coppertop was not interested in scenery. She had recieved a distress call, and was very warily investigating.
They had dropped Radium off at a small community, at his insistance. Copper felt a bit of relief; Radium's presence was like having a thermal detonater in your hand, never certain if it would go off or not.
Beside her, Shinyso said, "I don't like the looks of this." Defalcon nodded in agreement. KRSplat hefted his silver blaster thoughtfully. Crystal, perched on top of a rock several meters away, was coolly screwing her scope onto her blaster pistol.
Acid blinked. "Nothing here. Let's go." He wheeled around and began heading towards the Eclipse.
The shockingly loud and harsh cry of a bird pierced the air, and Copper froze. Acid stopped and turned.
"Did you hear that?"
"Who didn't?" Electrik grumbled, sticking a finger in his ear.
"Not that. I mean now."
"I don't hear anything," Kaz said after a moment. Copper began backing towards the Eclipse. Claw nodded in realization, and his claws extended in anticipation.
"That's it," Defalcon explained quietly. "Something's wrong. No birds, no insects, nothing. They've all been scared away, and not by that bird, I can guarantee."
"Let's go," Acid said again. "We can make it -"
"No time. Evaluator, seal her up. We've got to fight for it, but they won't get Evaluator and the Eclipse."
"Someone's coming," Defalcon muttered. He drew a blaster and Nightwind, and put his back to a rock. Copper and Shinyso both drew their swords. Electrik said something uncomplimentary under his breath, which no one asked him to repeat, and his already blue fur began to glow brighter. Acid scowled and pulled out a blaster and his RF launcher.
"Well, you're armed and ready," Kaz said, and promptly pulled out his own gun, and began charging a shield.
Crystal aimed and fired, and a sharp cry rent the silence. Defalcon sprayed laser fire acorss the clearing in an arc, probably hitting a lot more people than it sounded like.
Copper moved away from the Eclipse nervously. She knew this was the perfect place for an ambush - boxed in by river, boulders, forest, nowhere to go. She'd fallen for it like an amateur (sp?).
Over a score of Kiyrenin moved from the trees. A few were injured, and one lay unmoving in the ferns. They ganged up on them, ignoring Crystal completely, although she fired on them with deadly accuracy.
Copper realized that Defalcon had three coming after him. they moved in concert, easily blocking his attacks and launching their own. The mercenary drew her seldom-used blaster, aimed hurridly and fired, taking down one of his opponents and evening the odds slightly. Shinyso and Claw also had three on them, but neither tired as easily as Defalcon.
Three for her, too - not as well trained, but a definite danger. She supposed she should be flattered - Acid, Electrik, Kaz and KRSplat dealt with two each. She returned her blaster to her belt and drew Shale, which flared brilliantly without her command. She damped the light irritably - no sense in making herself more of a target - and waited.
One was elite - a tiger-striped rabbit with short, silvery fur and a large broadsword. The other two were clearly less experienced. They hadn't even reached her when Crystal killed one. Then a stray laser caught her in the left shoulder, causing her to cry out and dropping her off the rock.
That left two. Copper knew she'd have had a better chance if she'd gotten her back to a rock, like Defalcon. But Defalcon had only one opponent left, and she wanted room to move.
The rabbit was very strong, stronger than her. He happered through her defense with brute strength alone. The other kept trying to get behind her. If he succeeded, she would be dead.
She barely blocked his blow, and spun to catch the amateur's blade. With a quick twist of her sword, she disarmed him and ran him through. Jerking Shale free, she turned to catch the remaining enemy's sword with hers, deflecting it away from her. The rabbit reversed his grip and brought his broadsword around in an arc. Copper frantically twisted out of the way, but the swordtip caught her leg and tore through cloth, slashing her. Gasping with pain, she danced awkwardly back, favoring her leg. She managed to block another crushing blow, took a step back and found herself ankle deep in the freezing, rapid river. She hadn't even been able to attack him yet.
Slowly the striped rabbit forced her back, until she was knee deep in fast water, the strong current threatening to sweep her off her feet if she lost her balance. Her wound stained the water that flowed around her legs crimson, and the cold was numbing her feet. One stumble, one mispaced step was all it would take.
The gravel beneath her feet shifted, and she slipped, barely bracing her foot against a rock in time. Shale twisted in her fingers and blade clashed on blade, and she blocked another blow.
Suddenly the rabbit staggered forwards, broadsword falling from nerveless fingers to lie glittering on the riverbed. He took a sharp breath and collapsed forward. Copper couldn't move quick enough to get out of the way, and dropped to her knees, water swirling around her waist. Fighting to get to her feet, dashing water and blood out of her eyes, she looked up at Radium, who leaned on a transparent green spear.
"I should have known you'd turn up," she gasped, sheathing her sword. He shrugged.
"I figured you'd get yourself in trouble," he replied obliquely. She finally found her feet and almost fell again as she put weight on her injured leg.
"Whoa, he got you good," Radium said, supporting her until they got to shore.
"Yeah. What's the matter, they kick you out?"
"No, the Kiyrenin did. Came looking for me. I got rid of them and figured that they'd go after you, too. Sorry I took so long."
"Don't worry about it. Thanks for showing up period."
"Hey, you helped me, I helped you. I would have dropped a boulder on them, but I might have gotten you too."
"Thanks for the consideration. They've got no sense of fair play. Three against one."
"Five for me. A gross underestimation of my abilities."
"I guess so." She glanced up as Claw came over, followed by Acid and Defalcon. "We won, huh?"
"Yeah," said Claw grimly. "At a price."
"They took him," Acid said, looking mad enough to spit bullets. "They took Electrik."
"They got Shinyso too," Claw informed her. She froze.
"Shinyso and Electrik? How? Not even that Katarvin captain got Shinyso, and how do you disarm Electrik?"
"Nets," Acid said. "Nets and numbers. Knocked Electrik out, disarmed Shinyso."
"They broke his saber. He went down fighting, but they got him with a net," Defalcon agreed. "I think they got Crystal, too."
"No," Kaz said, landing heavily beside them. "I mean, they got her, but they didn't take her. I've got her." He dipped a wing, and Crystal slid limply off his back.
Copper knelt gingerly beside her. "She's cold, but she's got a pulse," she said. "It was just a glancing blow, enough to knock her down. It was deflected by her shoulder guards. I think she hit her head and blacked out."
Just then, Crystal stirred and groaned. Suddenly she shook her head and sat up.
"We won?"
"Not really. They took Shinyso and Electrik."
Crystal struggled to her feet. Copper turned to Acid.
"I failed to keep your brother safe, Acid. I'm sorry."
"You tried your best," he said. "They would have gotten him eventually."
"They may have him now, but not for long. We'll get him back," she promised, accepting Kaz's assistance as she stood. The slash still bled sluggishly.
Acid nodded. "I know. Thank you."


Ouch. 8128 characters, this time:D

[Radium]

Originally posted by 4I Falcon
You seem to be one of the few and the proud, that can write suspense properly.

I can write suspence, watch:



I have an important secret to tell you. It's...


Now aren't you <i>dying</i> to know what it is?


EDIT: Ooh, look, another chapter appeared while I was writing this...

[Coppertop]

:lol: not really.

[Coppertop]

Yep. Nasty, huh? I don't usually hurt myself in my stories (it's easier and more satisfying to hurt other people) but I did today.

[Evaluator]

WoW, nice work http://www.jazz2online.com/jcf/images/icons/icon14.gifhttp://www.jazz2online.com/jcf/images/icons/icon14.gif

@Radium: Tell me ;)

Eval

[Radium]

Oh joy, I'm a hero!

Great chapter.

@(-)(-)(-)(-)(-)(-) Alright, the secret is

[Coppertop]

lol, he's not telling anybody.

[Ninja]

I'm captured? =b
I knew it would happen before it happened. *shedz0rs a tear*

[n0]

Um, w00tness? Yeah, w00tness.
Keep it up!

`N0

[acid]

Wow, you really know how to be suspensefullishy!

By the way, I think it's ameteur, but I don't really know...



...THOSE...KIYRENIN...TOOK...MY...BROTHER...

*goes into a bloodthirsty rage*

[defalcon]

Sweetness! :) Blood and mayhem! :p

[Kaz]

And the plot unfolds... I know what's going to happen ^^! Need a huge twist in here to throw me off CT...

and 8128 characters?! Under 10,000 is for the weak!

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by acid
...THOSE...KIYRENIN...TOOK...MY...BROTHER...

*goes into a bloodthirsty rage*

This is payback for stealing my guns in your Animals story. So nyah.

[acid]

Originally posted by 4I Falcon
This is payback for stealing my guns in your Animals story. So nyah.

Except this is CTs story, not yours. So nyah hayn.

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by acid
Except this is CTs story, not yours. So nyah hayn.

Yeah, well, what goes around, comes around.

Nyah nyah nyah poo.

[acid]

Well, there are some dirrefences!

I AM going to give you your guns back. However, it is essential to the plot that they remain under custody. If you had your weapons, the story would have already ended.

CT, on the other hand, apparently doesn't know what's going to happen next. It also *cough cough* wasn't essential to the plot. CT just wrote it.

So HA!

[4I Falcon]

I'm going to get my guns back!

YAAAAAAY! ^_^

Oh, do I get to blow someone up too? :D

[Coppertop]

Not essential? That's what YOU think, buddy:mad:
It is, not to worry.
You can't have more than 10000 characters. And my fingers would get so sore you wouldn't have any more story. So there.
If you know what's going to happen, Kaz, you better not tell anyone, or I'll TURN YOU INTO A EVIL KIYRENIN!*evil laughter*
Now, for the next part.

"First we have to find where they're based," Copper said. "If they have more than one base we have to find which one they're in. This will take time, and I must warn you, they might be true Kiyrenin by the the time we get to them."
"If they are I'll drop a building on them," Radium said, straightfaced. Defalcon snickered.
"Better make it a shed," Crystal replied. "We want them back, alive and normal, not as pancake Kiyrenin."
"Good point, Radium conceded. "Okay, shed it is."
"Good. If that doesn't work, I'll land the Eclipse on them. So, anyone know where to find a Kiyrenin base?"
"Find me a Kiyrenin," Radium said, "and I'll tell you."

"You're just full of surprises, aren't you?" Copper said. He shrugged. She should expect to be surprised - he was a Chaos Mage, and therefore had many skills. His age added to that. He wondered if she had figured that out yet. He literally could drop a building on them (of course, it wasn't guaranteed that he'd even get a building in the first place) if he wanted to. He also could find out where the Kiyrenin base was.
First, though, they had to find a live Kiyrenin. He doubted that there were any that were still alive from the ambush. Copper's friends had been very thorough.
So they had to go where the Kiyrenin went. That meant going to places like Shador and falling into more ambushes, or setting some of their own. Nobody was in favor of the first choice, and everone liked the second one. Radium didn't care - all he needed was a second of eye contact. Another of his "specialties".
"They might still be on Kilanphor," he suggested. "Or I could lure them to us."
Copper noded. "I think," she said, "it is time to fly the Assassin again."
"Are you sure?" Claw asked dubiously. "You'll get all kinds of riffraff then, not just the Kiyrenin."
"I'm sure. They're not done with us, remember? We've still got Radium."
"No, I think Claw's right," Radium said thoughtfully. "Besides, going back to the Assassin, a rather conspicuous name all told, might alert them that we're up to something."
"That's true. Okay, maybe once we've caught our Kiyrenin. Got any ideas on how we're going to do that?
"Yeah," Crystal said. "I do."
Her plan was quite simple. She would set her blaster pistol on stun, wait for an enemy - Kiyrenin or not - and stun him. Then it would be up to Radium. If it wasn't a Kiyrenin, they'd keep hunting. If it was, they were done.
A simple, effective plan. It would work.
They hoped.


Kaz, you call me weak, you die. Grr. Just for that I'm giving you a SHORT post.:p

[n0]

w00tness. Very w00tness.

[Evaluator]

*Agrees with N0B0DY :D * w00tness!

So it is essential ;)


Eval

[acid]

Hey, I wasn't saying you didn't need to, I was just saying the plot could have continued without it, that it wasn't COMPLETELY imperitive that you had that event.

[Evaluator]

I claim page 4 in the name of Coppertop *gives the page to CT* :D

Eval

[Kaz]

I would have gotten this page too <S>if it weren't for those meddling kids</S> but my HD decided to crap out on me... I'll go read the story now XD.

[Kaz]

You can't have more than 10000 characters. And my fingers would get so sore you wouldn't have any more story. So there.
If you know what's going to happen, Kaz, you better not tell anyone, or I'll TURN YOU INTO A EVIL KIYRENIN!*evil laughter*
Now, for the next part.

You would ;p... continue please, forgive my lack of compliments (all out for now, wait for me to think of something).

hmm, nice timing quist to enable Gzip, no getting past 10000 characters.

[KRSplat]

10000 characters is few. 10000 words is more like it. ;)

[Kaz]

Nooooo. not 10000 words. That's going far too far.

[Evaluator]

You can't post more than 10000 characters :roll:

Eval

[Kaz]

You'd be able to if the webpages weren't as cryptic now (gzip).

[4I Falcon]

I thought the character limit had always been 10000. :confused:

[Kaz]

X.X

[KRSplat]

I think 4I is right.

[Kaz]

I MEAN THROUGH PACKET HACKING!!!!!!


X.X

[KRSplat]

Oh. What is packet hackinng?

Oh, wait. Nevermind.< guess > Is it when you change the data that is going to the server? < /guess >

[Kaz]

^^! Correct! Except it can go both ways and you can change the data coming to you.

Grath's back >.>... no updates today CT?! Oh well, you're probably working on something higher than 9000 characters. (don't be cheap and use and a lot instead of periods) As long as the writing/story doesn't degrade, long live long segmented posts of chapters!

[Coppertop]

Whoops, I accidentally hit "new thread" instead of reply:eek: *bangs head against wall* stupid me.
No replies on Sunday, sorry guys. But yes for today! Kaz: I'll forgive you ... THIS time.

Plans seldom survive the first encounter with the enemy.
This one would. The dingy, pirate and outlaw haven of Shilarloh (Kilanphor's sister moon, one of Firen's two) had been reopened after Kroys' death, and provided the perfect place.
Crystal trailed them, a level up. Her blaster was ready, although she hadn't yet gotten anyone.
This trip had a double purpose. Copper had contacted Shonar before they left Firen, and he had inexplicably shown up. He was close to breaking through the Kiyrenin security, and although they were now ignoring Shador they were directing their attention elsewhere. Radium's information filled in a lot of gaps, but two questions remained.
Who was in charge and why would they be going after mages?
All this might have mystified and confused Radium, but he had learned it from - other - sources (Shinyso had been quite free with his knowledge). As it was, no explanation was needed.
It was on the way back to the Eclipse that luck - and disaster - struck.
The odd, distinctive sound of a stun blast cut across the usual sounds of Shilarloh. While lasers and stun blasts weren't at all uncommon, this was what they had been waiting for.
Radium got there first. At a glance he could tell that Crystal's victim was a Kiyrenin.
"How strong was the blast?" he yelled up at Crystal, who gestured that it had been very weak. Sure enough, within a few moments the Kiyrenin stirred.
HIs shock when he opened his eyes and saw his quarry directly in front of him was understandable. The stun hadn't completely worn off, though, and it gave Radium the time he needed. Kneeling, he gazed into the the other's eyes.
Memories, places, people - a lifetime of experience flashed through his mind in an instant. He would analyze them later. With a touch of power, the mage-skill, ability and knowledge was sealed off. Unless someone in the Kiyrenin knew Chaos Magic and what to look for, this one would never work magic again. Then, at his signal, Crystal stunned his victim again.
That was when the disaster struck.
Radium threw up a shield, rising and moving quickly away from the Kiyrenin. He glanced at Copper, who looked at him uncomprehendingly.
"You know those guys on Kilanphor who went after you?"
"Yeah. Why?"
"I think they transferred."
"Oh."
"Try to disable them. The more info I have, the better." He summoned his Chaos Lance and strengthened his shield. All Kiyrenin had unusual abilities.
"Let's see if we can make it to the Eclipse," he said tersely. Copper nodded in agreement and turned to Kaz.
"We've got to scatter. Get to the Eclipse and tell Evaluator - if he's there, you never know - what's happening. If he's not there, take her up and bring her here."
"Got it," Kaz said, and spread his wings, taking to the air. Crystal called down, "I'll cover you."
Claw and Copper moved away - if Copper was caught with that injured leg, she probably wouldn't be able to fight her way out.
Defalcon drew both swords and tossed Nightfire to KRSplat. The pair vanished into the shadows, leaving Radium with Acid.
"Guess we should leave, too, huh?" Acid said calmly. Radium nodded, and they began working their way towards the Eclipse.

Neh, a little longer. Sorry.

It is essential.

[Evaluator]

Well, at least I'm here in the thread :D (Weird... I don't know where I am ;) )

To follow the tradition: w00tness!

Eval

[Coppertop]

You're somewhere around here.
BTW, thanks for the page, Eval.

[Evaluator]

You're welcome :D

Eval

[acid]

Nice chappie, but you never told us what the disaster was!

[Kaz]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Kaz: I'll forgive you ... THIS time.


That's what you think :rolleyes: .

A bit vauge, then again, I was never good at scenes that changed easily.

[n0]

Okok, I halfta say it: w00tness.

[4I Falcon]

I keep telling j00z! It's GODLINESS all up in here!

*destructo eggblotter*

[Coppertop]

Eggblotter?
Okay, maybe 'disaster' was too strong of a word. Maybe 'trouble' would have been a better one. After all, it wasn't exactly disastrous ...
Unfortunately I have nothing to post today. But yes, definitely tomorrow. *cries* 'M sorry.

[Evaluator]

*sadness*
Well, I'll just wait until tomorrow :rolleyes:

Eval

[Coppertop]

Good idea.

[4I Falcon]

so have you actually chosen a name for your story yet, copper?

[KRSplat]

Who cares about the name? As long as it is a good story.

[Kaz]

becuase we'd like to see how she escapes the peril of choosing a sensible name beginning with "conqu". And yes, the 'u' must be there ;p.

[4I Falcon]

yes. must keep up the pattern.

[KRSplat]

Why?

[Kaz]

She started it... she also owes us a chapter for today >.>

[KRSplat]

Oh. True. About both.

[n0]

Yeah? Wheres our chapter??? :p
Just kidding, take your time. Ill sit here waiting.











You done yet?












You done yet?










...

[Coppertop]

:O I'm sorry, had too much homework, and then someone else was on. BUT there's some for today. Howzat?
How about "conqing you all over the heads?" :p That'd work.
Actually, 'm not sure. Maybe the Conquistadors thing.

Kaz joined the stream of skimmers, speeders, starfighters and other vehicles. It was nice to be flying again, even with the polluted, artificial air. It would be really nice to fly the Eclipse again, even if it wouldn't be like that battle at Keenrei. Now, that had been fun.
Dangerous, but fun. This time would be precision flying, not combat.
He dropped his wings and dove, pulling out just above the top of the building. The Phantom Eclipse sat there, viewports dark.
Oh, joy! Evaluator didn't seem to be there. Even if he was Kaz could have bullied him into letting the bird pilot. Evaluator was that kind of guy.
The ramp extended when he entered the passcode. Being in the ship alone was eerie, and he felt nervous.
Evaluator materialized behind him when he had reached the cockpit. Kaz jumped, startled, and felt unnecessarily guilty.
"What are you doing here without Coppertop?" Evaluator demanded crossly. Kaz explained.
"They're in trouble. She sent me to tell you."
"What does she want?"
"Us to pick her up. C'mon!"

Like a wraith the Eclipse glided just above the buildings, silent except for the low throb of repulsorlifts. Even in the dingy half-light that filtered through the artificial atmosphere of Shilarloh, very little was actually illuminated. The canyon-like alleys that plunged to (deliberately) unexplored depths were shrouded in unrelieved darkness. Kaz had no idea how they were going to find his friends.
Well, not quite unrelieved darkness. A flowing shaft of light signalled from below. The urge to tug on Evaluator's sleeve was impossible to fulfill - Evaluator didn't have sleeves.
- I see it. -
"Land, land! That's Copper!" he realized, recognizing the light as her blade Shale.
- I know that. Press that blue button. -
"This one?"
- Yes. Now pull that lever down SLOWLY. Good. -
The Eclipse settled down smoothly. Extinguishing her blade lest she attract undue attention, Copper followed Claw on board, limping only slightly.
"Good job, Kaz, Eval. Let's go find the others."
The Eclipse rose up again, turning to glide towards the left. After about a minute of slow flying, she spun the ship around to face a tall building and set down on top of it.
Defalcon and KRSplat were there. Evidently the Kiyrenin had caught up to them, because both of them held a blazing sword. KRSplat waved and started over.
Defalcon still dealt with two Kiyrenin. He had disarmed one, the broken blade lying on the permacrete bearing testament to this. The other was still armed with a blaster.
The disarmed one saw the Eclipse and began to back away. KRSplat used his blaster to great effect, and then Defalcon faced the last one. He turned and gestured acknowledgement to the ship, before taking a quick step back and slamming the hilt of his sword into the Kiyrenin's stomach. The startled Kiyrenin turned away, dropping his blaster and doubling over the low guardrail, gasping, and Defalcon assisted him the rest of the way with an ever-helpful boot.
Then he turned, caught the sword KRSplat tossed him, sheathed them both and ran nimbly up the ramp, KRSplat on his tail.
They turned to find Acid and Radium.


They cut my time back to half an hour, so I have to make a choice between Internet or typing. Next time I can get on, hopefully I'll have some more.

[4I Falcon]

GASP?!

Uh, no offense, CT, but that's what pen and paper are for. I followed a strict regimen of ink while I was up at summer camp, and I wrote nearly a whole chapter of E:JF. The only electronic device I had was my wristwatch. [/Keen]

But so uh yeah, akay. Great chappie.

The urge to tug on Evaluator's sleeve was impossible to fulfill - Evaluator didn't have sleeves.
Bahahahahahahaha.

[Evaluator]

w00tness ;)

I've got much homework and school thingies too :( But I don't have to worry about my internet time because my parents don't worry about it...

Eval

[Coppertop]

Yeah, I have like three more chappies written down. It's just the typing part that's the problem.

[n0]

I'm stuck in a rut. All I can say is w00tness. I gotta come up with somthing more original. Uh... Ni! Ni! Ni! (MP and Holy Grail)

`N0

[KRSplat]

Typing... that's why I don't like writing anything by hand. I don't like typing things after I have already written it once. Feels like a waste to me. I am a faster typer than writer, though.

[Kaz]

Ah, I see. hmm... If you ever get a wireless keyboard, put in the original cordful one and use them both and be on the computer while not sitting there, that might work as a cheap trick (I've done it before =>). Or try typing some of it up at school and sending it to yourself.

I don't know. Well written chapter though, <S>AND THANK YOU FOR PUTTING ME IN XD!!</S>, and once again, a foreshadowed cliff hanger objective.

[defalcon]

I'll continue the trend some more. W00tness! :D

Awww, limited time on the comp or something huh? Try typing it up at school. :p

And I claims teh page!

...but I'll let Copper have it, since I recall getting no chapters for a week when I claimed a page in Conquests. ;)

[Coppertop]

Can't get on the computers at school, and I'm not allowed to do things like that even if I could. They're very strict.
A week? Somehow I don't recall that, except for the month or two when I was moving.
BTW, Nobody, I saw part of that movie:lol: veeeerrrrrrry insulting:p

No glowing blades signalled their presence. Only a gathering of shadows, a flash of movement revealed them. But when the Eclipse passed over, the shadows scattered.
Acid sighed. "I don't think they saw us, Rad."
"Yeah, they saw us," Radium said calmly. Sure enought he Eclipse came in to land a few minutes later.
They had left a few bodies behind, and by the look of it so had Defalcon and KRSplat. Crystal joined them just before they left.
"Wait!"
Radium turned. "What?"
"Before you leave, I stunned sone. Don't kyou want to take care of them?"
"Right. Hold on, Copper. Last one didn't know anything about Electrik and Shinyso."
"Hurry up. Haven't got all day!"

The orders went first to them. Failure was expected, but unexpected were the dark telepath's abilities, which made success impossible. They were not blamed, much to Tremol's relief. The dark telepath had always been more than he looked. Tremol had to agree.
When he heard that they had gotten to Shador and taken the powerful one who was there, Tremol was filled with self anger. If he had succeeded this would not have happened. It was a substantial loss for the Kiyrenin. It could not happen again.
Clearly the powerful one, the Chaos Mage, had been informed that they were after him. Perhaps he had told the dark telepath also. Somehow they eluded the trap set beyond Shador.
Yes! Good news at last, mixed with bad. They had walked into the trap on Firen. The one laid for the Chaos Mage, led by the powerful mage Saridow, had been utterly destroyed. They had badly underestimated the Mage.
The one for the dark telepath had almost failed. The telepath and the strangely gifted one had been reluctant to join the ranks of the Kiyrenin, an attitude Tremol could not understand. Why did they not wish to serve his master? It was unfathomable.
They had nearly eliminated that pesky mercenary, too. Captain Tiger, one of the finest swordsmen/telekinetics in the Kiyrenin, had nearly slain her. Unfortunately the Mage had killed the Captain. It was a great loss. Tremol recalled that Tiger, too, had resisted. He had slain many Kiyrenin before he realized the error of his ways. Tiger had become a most devoted Kiyrenin after that.
However, they had indeed captured the telepath and the other. In time they would realize that Tremol's master truly did want the best for them. Then they would be Kiyrenin.
The Mage was heading for Shilarloh! This would be Tremol's chance to make up for his past two failures. Once the Mage was caught, Tremol would take him personally to the base and institution located in the Rialli system, on the largest moon of Tec. There he and his two friends would be educated. Perhaps Tremol would be promoted to the rank of Captain, to replace Tiger. Not that he could really take Tiger's place. His death had been a heartfelt blow. Nevertheless, Tremol felt that he could serve his master better as a Captain.
Ah! The mercenary was limping. Tiger's death had not been in vain then; he had weakened her. Even though she had no special abilitiees, Tremol felt that both she and her odd companion could considerable bolster the Kiyrenin force. Such a sword!
They were pairing off. The warrior with the two ancient, magical swords left with another, unremarkable rabbit. The Chaos Mage was left with the sibling of the gifted one they had taken. Tremol raised his blade and glanced up at the rooftops.
Pain.
Darkness.


Tiger makes another appearance later.

[n0]

I got to it first! w00tness!

Oh, and good job and glad you typed instead of playing and send this to a publisher in a weekly magazine and stuff.

[Evaluator]

w00tness again ;)

This chappie is a bit confusing because of the new characters :rolleyes:

Excellent work anyway :D


Eval

[Coppertop]

lol, no characters that are here to stay, except maybe Tiger. Nobody .. you're so funny ... seriously, that's my sister, not me.

Fortunately, I do have some for you.

Radium looked away from the dazed Kiyrenin Tremol, and Crystal coolly stunned him again. He nodded to Copper, and rose to his feet.
"Largest moon of Tec, Rialli system," he said calmly. She nodded.
"That's a four hour hyperspace jump. Up to it?"
"Sure. That was the last one anyway. How's Acid?"
"Still trying to assimilate the info that Electrik might be his enemy next time they meet. You're a useful person to have around, Rad."
"Of course I am. So are you, for that matter. We all are. My skills are just more refined and varied."
"Sure they are. Let's go."
Radium followed her onto the Eclipse, 'remembering' Tremol's memory. He had not been aware that Tiger had been caught by the Kiyrenin. It was disheartening, to say the least.
He had met Tiger before. The swordsman had been quite skilled as a telekinetic. He was his own man, unwilling to follow anyone, to obey any orders, to accept any ideas beside his own. The fact that he had fought desperately, to the death as it were, rather than give in was characteristic of Tiger. Radium had not known that Tiger had led, and initiated, that trap.
If he had, he wouldn't have killed him. Not because he had some qualm about killing old acquaintances who were trying to kill new friends - he'd done it before - but because Tiger had been worth saving. Now he was left to wonder if he could have freed Tiger from the hold the Kiyrenin had on him, rather than killing him.
Another kind of freedom, death. A cruel one, that cannot be taken away, but is given freely ... don't dwell on it, Mage, or it'll eat you up ...

Copper didn't know what Radium had seen in that Kiyrenin's mind, but it had left him serious and pensive. He was preoccupied, as much as Acid, who was almost continually coming up with impossible schemes to rescue his elder brother. Copper didn't blame Acid - she'd considered a some improbable things as well.
In a way, Electrik's capture had bound her more tightly to this than Shinyso's. Shinyso could and had taken care of himself. He would recieve help when he asked for it, not before or after. But she had promised to keep Acid and Electrik safe.
She had failed. If it had only been Shinyso who they were after, she would probably have ignored the Kiyrenin. Now she could not.
Radium had indicated that they might want Crystal as well. That gave her another to worry about.
Unusual abilities ...
Claw had them. Crystal had them. Kaz even did. Radium, definitely. Even she possessed a powerful artifact, Shale (although she'd never become really attatched to the piece of metal, it did have useful qualities).
The only ones not in immediate danger were KRSplat, Defalcon and Acid - and KRSplat, of them all, possessed nothing the Kiyrenin could want. Defalcon had his blades, Acid his knowledge, KRSplat had nothing.
Good.
Even Evaluator was in danger. It wasn't very much, but it could qualify as danger. She didn't worry about Claw, Defalcon or Radium - they knew how to take care of themselves. Her job was to keep Acid safe and retrieve Shinyso and Electrik.
Largest moon of Tec, Rialli system. Well.
Let's go.
A moment later, and the Phantom Eclipse, once more the Assassin, blasted into hyperspace.

Ha ha, more later.

[Evaluator]

WoW..
Another chappie *hugs CT* ;)

w00tness :D


Eval

[4I Falcon]

How in the name of all that's holy do you write such incredible... uh, ness? I only wish I had half of the square of the amount of talent that you do!

In anycase, another godly chapter. Good job.

[Kaz]

It'll be a shame if CT can't continue these...

and btw, if this is getting in the way of your homework, do your homework ;p.

[acid]

@4I Falcon: and I only wish I had half YOUR talent! :rolleyes:

Great chappies! *Thwacks himself for not noticing the 1st of the two chapters that got posted before I realized*

also, in response to Kaz's comment, you should do your homework if you need to do it, but if it's not that important, write this story! :p

[defalcon]

Absolute awesomeness. I don't know how you manage to describe everything so well without sounding boring. :) w00tness

[Kaz]

No chappie today. It might be better that way o.O, <S>but not tommorow!</S> Can't expect one tommorow either...

[Coppertop]

I'm not really supposed to get on on the weekends. Sorry.
But! There is some now.

Four hours of both hyperspeed and hyper Kaz, the hyperdrive cut out and the sublight engines came on. They came out into realspace with a slight lurch, and the Rialli system lay before them.
Tec was the fourth planet in a ten planet system. It had three moons, one small and quick, one middle-sized and erratic, and the largest, ponderous and slow.
The largest one was the only one that was tidally locked with Tec, so it presented the same face all the time for Teken inspection. Obviously the Kiyrenin would be hidden on the dark side.
Well, close to it. Situated so that it was eternally dusk, the Kiyrenin facility was well disguised. KRSplat saw them and pointed them out.
"Those are buildings," he said wearily. Copper didn't blame him. Four ambushes - no, five. KRSplat had gone through less, but if she was tired, what must he and Acid be feeling like? "I worked in one as a guard," he continued. "At Ikann'a. They're quite clever. They'll have minimum sensor arrays - too much power and they risk being found. Probably just life support and whatever small needs they have."
"Good job," she said cheerily. "See, that's why you're here."
"Thanks. And all along I thought it was my charming, magnetic personality."
"Or lack of it," she teased. Then, "Claw, cut power to everything except for engines, life-support and the comm."
"Done."
"Good. Shinyso - blast. Sorry, guys. I forget sometimes."
"I do, too," Claw admitted. "Flight path takes us to just beyond sensor range. Shields stable. Artificial gravity has been cut."
"I think you read my mind," she accused. Claw shrugged noncommitally.
"Maybe I did."
The Assassin glided in lower and lower. No lights showed on their exterior.
"Ten meters," Claw said. "Repulsorlifts engaged. Engine power at half."
"Just a bit further ..."
"Three meters. Engine power cut to one eighth. One meter - at designated landing coordinates. Engine power cut to nothing. Repulsorlifts at half. Forward momentum ceased."
"Good job. How high are we?"
"Two meters, according to this."
"Cur repusorlifts to a quarter. Evaluator, I'd like to tell you to stay here, but we'll probably need you."
- My presence is not necessary. -
"Okay. Mind explaining?"
- It is self-explanatory. - The scanners brightened, and the schematics for a Protector-class, hyperdrive-enabled starfighter lit up a spare screen.
"One Protector coming in," Claw said quietly. "Identified as Fire Chaser."
"It's Shonar. If I didn't know better I'd think he has this ability to know when I need his skills. I wondered why you were so quiet during the flight, Eval, but you weren't even there."
- Good guess. I wondered when you'd figure it out. -
"It took me a bit. You're blasted lucky that I'm used to flying alone."
- Nevertheless. I don't have to come along now, right? I can stay here, for your ... getaway. -
"Good thinking, though I'd have like to leave Shonar out of this."
- Too late, - Evaluator said sardonically. - He's already in this up to his little bronze-furred ears. -
"Yeah, but they don't know that. Oh, well." She turned on the comm.
"Fire Chaser, this is the Gryheli 72. Land and cut power to minimum. We will explain then."
"Gryheli, Fire Chaser acknowledges. Following orders." A moment later, "Copper, what's going on? Eval never really explained."
"Then Eval can tell you," Copper said in gleeful satisfaction. "Since he called you here."
A silence. Then, "interesting. I can help, too. Well."
"Good. Let's go."

Shonar "borrowed" Claw's wrist computer for about ten minutes, and handed it back with an almost complete map of the installation on it. Claw only blinked when he saw it. Clearly he knew what his computer could do.
The installation map bore the name of Serinnik on it. Shonar (being the security expert he was) had also downloaded a pile of passwords on it. He was a very handy person to have around. So was Claw, for that matter.
"They're probably being held where the security cameras aren't," Shonar reasoned. "Just in case someone does decide to slice in ... like I have. They wouldn't want someone seeing who they've brainwashed, or how."
"Good thinking," she congratulated. "So somewhere in these back rooms. I can't use Shale, they'll sense it. Radium can't come, unless he gets caught. Crystal, I want you to stay here under cover and pick those guards off. The less we have to contend with, the better. Defalcon, Kaz, you're backup. Acid, KRSplat, Claw, come with me. Shonar, you too. Evaluator is, of course, staying here. Ready?"
Unanimous agreement at her descisions was expressed. She grinned in anticipation.
"Excellent. Let's go, shall we?"

Neh, nastiness in the next chappie.

[Evaluator]

Now that was a long chappie :D

*me likes* & w00tness ;)


Eval

[Radium]

Originally posted by Coppertop
I'm not really supposed to get on on the weekends.
You poor deprived soul.

Good chapter. I haven't really had much time for reading lately, though I try to get around to it when you write more on this story...

[acid]

you're not allowed on on the weekends? Wow, that really sucks.

Great chappie. Can't wait to see what happens next!
And get my brother back and kick some serious kiyrenin BUTT!!!

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by acid
you're not allowed on on the weekends? Wow, that really sucks.

Great chappie. Can't wait to see what happens next!
And get my brother back and kick some serious kiyrenin BUTT!!!

mmm... electro-butt-kicking...

[Kaz]

Originally posted by Coppertop
I'm not really supposed to get on on the weekends. Sorry.
But! There is some now.

...

Neh, nastiness in the next chappie.

I thought it was only sundays, oh well. Nastiness O.o? Gore? Fighting? Dirty non-G-rated things?

[Coppertop]

Hey, Rad actually replied:p
Just because I'm not supposed to get on during weekends doesn't mean I don't. And Kaz: None of the above. Lessee ... infiltration, escapees, and betrayal. You know what I mean.

The Kiyrenin Serinnik was impressive. Sterile, gleaming with white tile and steel, it was not haunted like the Venomstrike's equally sterile interior had been. It was functional, but not decorative. Copper approved.
Very few creatures were in the halls. Those who were fell prey to KRSplat, Claw or Shonar, who were all excellent with blasters. Copper would have helped, but she dealt with Shonar's map. Shonar himself often called a brief halt while he jammed the security measures that were in place. Doors opened silently before him; cameras turned a blind eye. Their passage was unnoticed.
The final door that stood between them and their target would not open. Shonar growled under his breath, stood back, and motioned for Acid to use his RF launcher, which the green-furred scientist did with a will. When the dust cleared, the door was nonexistant, and a confused, dazed Electrik was on the other side.
"Acid? Quite the entrance, huh?" he said, shaking his head dizzily. "The colors they used on these walls are really fantastic."
"Uh, sure. C'mon, Electrik, we gotta get out of here."
"Sure. Any time."
Panicked voices in the hall, and the sound of running feet. Copper also shook her head in confusement. Where was Shinyso?
"Right here. Turn around ... slowly."
"I see," she said coldly, sensing without seeing that the black rabbit had his saber at the ready. She did not turn.
"I wondered when you were coming," Shinyso continued quietly. "I see that the Kiyrenin still underestimate your determination."
"Willpower solves a lot of problems."
"Even so."
Now Copper turned to face him. She was relaxed, and ignored the fact that her sword was not ready. He was only slightly tensed, ready for any attack. The voices and sounds in the background receded in the face of a very real, and present, danger.
"If you go peacefully, leaving behind the Chaos Mage and any magical artifacts you possess," he continued casually, "we probably won't kill you. You have my word on that - the Kiyrenin's word."
"At the moment," she said slowly, "the Kiyrenin's word, and yours, mean spit. With the state you're in, I wouldn't believe you if you told me that space was vacuum."
"Ah. So."
"Yeah. So, you can put away that pigsticker and come along, or stay here and ultimately die."
"Quite the choice. Unfortunately, it is neither yours to present nor mine to make. You see, the Kiyrenin have convinced me. We will have the Chaos Mage, by force or not."
"That's not you speaking. You know - or knew - that the 'Chaos Mage' does have a name. And he's his own man, not some tool to be possessed."
"None of that matters. Electrik, come here."
Electrik backed away. His normally charged fur was like any other rabbit's at the moment.
"Oh no you don't. That thing may have worked on you, my wayward friend, but it hasn't affected my thinking yet. Copper's right. You're demented."
"Just convinced. You will be too, if you listen to them."
"Man, I don't want to be convinced. I want to be Electrik, myself, not Electrik, Kiyrenin. I like the way I think right now. You are not messing with my mind, buddy."
"As you will," Shinyso said, his voice calm and even. He lowered his sword slightly, fixing his gaze on the would-be convert.
Electrik hesitated, stepped forward slightly. Then he caught himself. Acid grabbed his arm to keep him in place. Shonar and Claw were hesitant to attack their one-time companion.
Suddenly Acid spun and fired at the white-tiled wall behind them. A terrific crash resulted, and the wall collapsed. He turned and began backing through the hole, pulling Electrik with him.
Shinyso paced gracefully forward, through the dust and debris. He was perfectly calm and reserved, no anger or emotion on his face. Copper fell back uncertainly.
"Come on! Let's move it here!" Defalcon yelled at her, from beyond the opening. Her backup had arrived just in time. Kaz had already grabbed Electrik and was laborously flying back to the Assassin. Shinyso shook his head sadly.
"Running won't help now, my friend," he informed Coppertop. "When he wants something, the master gets it. Right now, he wants your Mage, Radium." He said Radium's name as if it was something foul. She understood. Faithful Kiyrenin, even prospective Kiyrenin, weren't supposed to have unique names or personalities, just powers. Tools.
"Your master will have to work a bit harder, my friend," she spat back. "Maybe when you've come to your senses, you'll realize that. Cause we're not giving Radium up without a fight. He'll die before he becomes Kiyrenin."
Now Shinyso showed emotion; his eyes blazed with an unnatural fury that was not his. He raised his sword and advanced.
My master will not be denied, mercenary fool, his voice echoed in her head. You are stupid to oppose him. He gave you a chance at life, and you have thrown it away in favor of death. Listen to this then; even now, Kiyrenin assemble. Those you knew will join them; Ducky and Wild Angel, any with artifacts of power, even the Faders. Sharrakamov will be ensnared; Pirelann will be persuaded, and they will join us willingly.
Faders like Sharrakamov and Pirelann were incorruptible. The old Shinyso knew this. Therefore, this was not Shinyso speaking.
He lunged forward, and Shale scraped out of the sheath, blade blazing with brilliant white light. His saber clanged on her sword, sending a vibration up her arms. She held steady as Shonar and Claw slipped out past her. Defalcon waited impatiently.
"Now you die," Shinyso rasped. She shrugged as if it did not matter to her. She met his next attack easily, but her slashed leg was hampering her movements. She gasped as she took a wrong step and it screamed in protest.
Steadily he drove her back. She had seen this before, with the striped Captain whose name she did not know, who Radium had slain. But Shinyso did not drive her back with brute force, but rather with dazzling skill. His mind-voice taunted her all the while.
The twilight of the land outside was a haven. She twisted her blade around suddenly, catching his and sending it out of line. He paused to recover, and she seized her chance. Sheathing her sword, she spun and ran, favoring her injured and newly reawakened leg. The rough terrain caused her to stumble, but she did not fall. Halfway to her ship, she turned and drew her blaster, snapping off a shot to slow the warrior who pursued her. Then she turned and sought safety in the Assassin, in space, with her friends, far away from one of her closest friends, who had turned traitor to all he had believed in.

THIS is a long chapter.

[Radium]

Great chapter. I kinda like having people fight over me =P.

It's suprising that I reply? Well, I don't make post as much as I read posts. I'm on this forum about 12 hours a day and see pretty much everything that goes on, though.

[Evaluator]

@Coppy: This IS a long chappie... And a great one, too :D

w00tness ;)

Eval

[acid]

Yay, I got Electrik back! <s>EXCUSE ME, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE PART WHERE I DECIMATE ALL KIYRENIN WHO TRIED TO CAPTURE ELECTRIK?!?!?</s>

very good chapter. W0000tness.

I wonder what Ninja will think if he sees what you've done to him...

[4I Falcon]

Whee, more explosions. Sounds like yay!

Gah, give in to the masses and you will find peace. W00tness.

[Kaz]

<S>acid: We had to remove that becuase it went over the 10000 character limit.</S>

Long indeed, I guess a full post is better than three =\. The plot thickens?!


Bartering for peace in society,
will only cost your soul.

[defalcon]

w00tness!
Heheh, mustn't stray from the trend. ;) Anyway, awesome, long chappie :)

It gets more interesting each chapter...

[4I Falcon]

I just realized what's going on.

Now I understand.

Since I get it now... w00tness again!

[Coppertop]

lol, very funny. Get used to it, Rad ;p
That part comes later, Acid.
I've got like 5 minutes on here so I have to say it quick: I picked your idea, Rad. The Conquistar it is (mainly because I found it in the dictionary. It's spanish for 'conquer', you were right.)
For the chappie.

Electrik was quiet as they left Tec far behind. Copper was determined to lose the Kiyrenin - and Shinyso.
Finally, once in the relative safety of hyperspace, he spoke.
"You shouldn't trust me."
"I don't," Copper replied without looking at him.
"If it worked on Shinyso, it could have worked on me."
"True."
"I wouldn't even know it, would I?"
"Probably not."
"Brainwashing shows," Acid finally said. "If it worked, I'll know."
"Are you certain?" Coppertop said, finally turning to face him. "Our lives are in the balance. All of us are."
"I'm sure. I live with him, remember?"
"All right. I'll keep that in mind. Meanwhile, there's something a bit more serious, which Crystal, Eval, Rad and Kaz don't know." She paused, then continued quietly. "The reason why Shinyso didn't come wasn't because I didn't have the chance to get him. In fact, we met. The reason why he's not here is because he's Kiyrenin."
"The brainwashing worked, then," Radium said finally. She nodded.
KRSplat siad, "he demanded you, and Defalcon's and Copper's swords, at saberpoint. He'll probably come after us now."
"He knows me well enough to predict me," she said. "So, I think that Acid and Electrik should leave us. They'll be safer."
"No," Acid said. "Neither of us are fighters, and we'll be easy prey if we leave."
"Well, just so you know, you don't have to stay with me, any of you," she said calmly. "If you want to go, you can. At any time. I won't blame you."
"I'm not leaving," Defalcon said decisively. "Heck, I've had more action with you than I've had last year. How could I leave that?"
"Huh, you seem to be the only person who can put up with me," Kaz added. "You and KRSplat, that is."
"Kaz, we ARE the only people who can put up with you."
"Nothing else to do," KRSplat mused. Crystal nodded.
"I may be a good sniper, but I need experience. Skill isn't enough by itself."
- Not likely. I like your ship anyway. It has a slightly above average performance. I like it. -
"If I left, I'd probably end up right back here again," Radium pointed out. "Happens every time."
Claw simply gave her a Look. Acid shook his head with a slight smile when she looked at him, and Electrik attempted the same thing but just about fell over. She sighed.
"Well, if your minds are made up. I wouldn't dream of dissolving such resolution. I think you should all have a say in where we go at the moment, and not just me and Claw. So. Suggestions?"
"Kitow is secluded and often overlooked," Crystal said. "The Kitowri are withdrawn and unpredictable. We should be safe for a short time there."
"Okay. At the moment I have a course set for deep space, just to put them off. Shonar's already off, doing whatever. Radium, you're the Chaos Mage. Any chance of bringing Shinyso back?"
"Maybe," he said thoughtfully. The look she gave him said she knew very well that he had Shinyso's memories. Give them back to him. Maybe it'll bring him back.
Maybe.

[Radium]

Glad you liked my idea. Very good chapter.


... you wrote that in 5 minutes?

[Radium]

Oh, and "Conquistar" is the verb "to conquer". It's "Conquistador" that means "conquerer".

[4I Falcon]

eee, spanish... *shudders*

[Evaluator]

If you wrote that in 5 minutes, you type very fast :D

Well, I don't know Spanish either :rolleyes:

Eval


/edit: Spelling mistake corrected *ARGH*... I must be stupid ;) (Actually I know that I had to write "know", but I just had come from school when I wrote that, so I was quite tired...)

[Radium]

Originally posted by Evaluator
Well, I don't no Spanish either :rolleyes:

You also need to practice english. It's "Know", not "no".

[4I Falcon]

chatspeek is taking over the JCF!

(omg u no thats 2 bad i geuss... we r going 2 b taekn ovr by sum dum ppl hu cant spel evry otha wurd)

GAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH!

L33T SP33K > chatspeek

English > chatspeek

chatspeek < everything except liver paté

[Coppertop]

No, cut and paste. I had it pre-written. Unfortunately I don't have any right now, but later, yes.
Argh! I can't figure out how to change the topic name. And before you say it, yes I did try edit.

4I: I will never use "chatspeek". *shudders in horror* I have GOOD grammar:lol:

[defalcon]

Copper, try asking a mod or admin to change the title for you. :)

[Kaz]

Spanish?! <S>THAT'S SO CHEAP, but so am I -v-.</S>
How <S>un</s>creative.

On the other hand, I have to admire you writing that in five minutes as I've heard from a very <S>un</S>reliable source. Mooree.

[n0]

And, please post the next section soon. It's to good to stop, so don't.

`N0

[Kaz]

too good. Even better than my swirly white impending super-nova thingy in winamp AVS.

[Coppertop]

Kaz: you're weird. But I bet you already knew that.
Nobody: I definitely won't stop in the middle of the story, unlike some ppl *glarez at Kovu*
I did not type it in 5 minutes. I used a nifty little tool called "Cut and Paste". Rrr.
Def: Thanks.
Did I miss anyone? No? Good.

Kitow was the exact opposite of Shador. The Kitowri were not precisely hostile, but they were anything but friendly. They eyed the newcomers dangerously, as if daring them to approach. Kitow was not noted for tourism.
The brightly colored buildings, decorative pennants and gaily designed ornaments served to make Kitow bright and cheerful. Even if the natives weren't friendly, the surroundings were. Within a few minutes of their being there, the Assassin was bedecked with paper and flower chains, despite Copper's efforts. Her friends smothered grins and tried to look stern, but only partially succeeded. Kaz was busy dropping buckets of flowers on the young Kitowri who were not as unfriendly. Curiousity did wonders.
The Kitowri were a lot like mice. Tufted tails and large, slightly triangular ears were their identifying characteristics, and were unique. They were inquisitive but standoffish. The good thing about this was that a stranger would stand out immediately. This was also the downside.
Fortunately, due to a sudden brainwave by Copper, they weren't staying for long. Rather, they would be heading back to Carrotus in a short time, much to Defalcon's dismay.
"We won't be there for long. I promise," she said with a grin. He sighed and accepted with ill grace.
They were there for, as Copper said, "advice". Who was going to advise them, nobody knew. But any advice would be welcome.
So, when the Assassin lifted off later that day, shedding bright blossoms everywhere, it was with a sense of curiousity.
Carrotus was only half an hour away. Defalcon endured, and despite himself could not help but be relieved at the sight of Carrotus, hanging in space like a green and blue jewel on black velvet. Copper set the Assassin down near some ruins, which (as Claw knew) were the remains of her hometown. Ten minutes away in the woods lay her hideout, and a cliff that was not all it seemed to be. But they would not be going there this time.
A faint, overgrown track was all they had to follow. Copper led them out, surefooted and confidant from countless walks along this path. Still, her hand did not stray from Shale, and the rest remained wary. The woods seemed quiet ... too quiet.

"Na'amba, quellrin. Venrop alkez kaidu?"
The sudden voice ringing through the trees made almost everyone jump, except for Coppertop, Claw and Radium. Perhaps Radium had read what was going to happen in Copper's mind; certainly he was not surprised. Copper definitely wasn't.
"Nah, none of that today," she called. "Come, now, you know me!"
"Efren dalar ghafi. You take the fun out of everything!" the voice replied, and a curtain of shrubbery suddenly parted and a small, slender rabbit stepped out. Her fur was deep green, almost black, and her eyes were lighter. Her hair was a shock of white, very long, and in ringlets. She grinned at them.
"Newcomers, Coppertop? Why, I'm honored. Come in. I'm sure she's gotten you all in trouble. That is Coppertop, ko?"
"Guys, meet Skiye," Copper said quickly. "She's a seeress, and can probably help us. Right, Skiye?"
"Right. What Coppertop here won't tell you is that I'm also her grandmother. Hah! Thought so! Been acting the homeless wanderer again, no?"
"Skiye! That's not necessary," Copper protested indignantly. Her grandmother laughed in a way that said complaints were futile.
"I live for the look on your face," she chortled. "But, on a more serious note, I can indeed 'probably help' you. Come on, what are you waiting for?"
They followed her off the path, and through the trees. Defalcon muttered to Copper, "how many more relatives have you got stashed away?" before getting an elbow from Crystal. Copper merely rolled her eyes.
"No more, I assure you," she replied. "Nightshade and Skiye are it. The rest are gone. Don't lose sight of her, or you won't find your way."
"Oh," Crystal said, a look of glee in her eyes. "I see. Follow the little green grandma ..."
"Shut up," Copper told her, almost laughing. "If she hears you, the 'little green grandma' will wring your neck!"
"Got it," Crystal said immediately. Defalcon snorted.
"Don't let Kaz hear you either," he said. "Else we'll be hearing, "round and round the mulberry bush, the grandma chased poor Copper ..."
"If you aren't quiet, I'll chase you round the mulberry bush," Copper hissed, horrified. "Both of you!"
"Aye aye captain," Defalcon replied, straightfaced. Then, at Crystal's smothered laughter, he shot her a look of warning before he, too, could no longer hold back his mirth. Kaz landed beside them, demanding to know what the joke was. Defalcon controlled himself and replied evasively. Copper didn't stay around to hear what he said. She hurried her pace to catch up to Skiye.
"Thanks a lot, Skiye," she said dryly. "I won't hear the end of this now."
"You're too serious," Skiye replied. "You need to lighten up. You're letting sorrow and responsibility drown your sense of humor."
"What am I supposed to do, ignore the fact that I've killed innocent people, and even my friends?"
"No. Not that, Coppertop. But they're gone, and you can't do anything about it. Don't let it eat you up. Get on with life. Remember them, yes, but don't dwell on them."
"I know," she said quietly. "Maybe I will. But right now I can't. Another of my friends has been turned to the enemy, and I may have to kill him too. What am I supposed to do? Now he's hunting me, my friends, and people I'm responsible for. If he succeeds, I'll have more people I know to fight. For him not to succeed, I have to kill him."
"Knock him out and tie him up," Skiye suggested. Then, at the warning in her granddaughter's eyes, she sobered. "You've already thought of an answer. Why come to me?"
"I can't be sure it will work. If it doesn't, what do I do then? I don't want to always be looking over my shoulder, knowing that someone who knows me well enough to predict the way I think is after me."
"You speak of the Ninja, Shinyso, ko? A ruthless enemy, to be sure."
"He wasn't always that way," Copper said, slightly downcast. Skiye sighed and looked up at her tall granddaughter.
"I will do my best. Come now. We must get out of the open. Strange things prowl these woods."
"Lead on," Coppertop said quietly. "You know where we're going."
"I do?"
"Skiye!"

Hah. Read that.

[n0]

I read and liked it. Still not quote sure what the heck is going on, but I am enjoying it. I just hope ya don't halfta kill Ninja off.

`N0

[Coppertop]

Don't kill people unless I need to. Or unless they become nuisances ... }>

[Radium]

Originally posted by Coppertop
Don't kill people unless I need to. Or unless they become nuisances ... }>
And yet Kaz still lives...


Great chapter.
I would claim this page but I'll let Copper have it because I'm nice.

[Evaluator]

Yes, this chappie is really awesome, so /me agrees to Radium :D

Eval

[Kaz]

Originally posted by Radium
And yet Kaz still lives...


Great chapter.
I would claim this page but I'll let Copper have it because I'm nice.

Aw Radium, that's not a nice thing to say ^^, now apologize.

A graceful delay, but a delay ;p.

[Coppertop]

lol, Rad. *bows* A delay? Where?

Skiye's home was unique. She led them to a place where a gigantic tree grew, solitary on the top of a sizable hill. She pushed aside a large stone, and revealed a tunnel leading into the hill. Twisting corridors, small chambers laid out in a confusing pattern, and hidden entrances served to make Skiye's abode anything but defenseless.
She took them up a curving, claustrophobic staircase, built into the hollow trunk of the tree. When they emerged into daylight, they were twenty feet above the ground, in a well-hidden treehouse. KRSplat could see where Copper had gotten the design for her old tree house.
Skiye was quite serious once she got down to business. Flipping her long white hair over a diminutive shoulder, she turned to - of all people - Kaz. Demanding his take on the events, she worked her way to the rest of them, ending with Claw. Then she sat, immersed in silence.
Finally she said, "your original plan should work, but the Ninja must be alone, and if he is at full strength he will resist. The lies lovingly fed to him will not be vanquished easily, but the powerful memories that Radium holds can succeed and bring him back. Radium, you stand in danger if you try this. If you fail, or if the memories fail, Shinyso will try to kill you or capture you. And despite your being a very powerful Chaos Mage, you can be defeated. Don't forget that."
"Definitely not," Radium agreed, a ghost of a smile on his face. Obviously he did not think of himself as invulnerable.
"Claw," she continued, "I believe you will play a crucial part in what is to come, but only if you wish to. If you do not feel like dying for my granddaughter, don't. It is your life, and you have the right to live it as you will."
Claw nodded gravely. She turned to Kaz.
"You will be underestimated time and time again. Take advantage of it."
"How could I not? Sure thing, Skiye."
"Good. Crystal, I don't know where you fit in, so you must do what seems right to you. Don't pass a chance by."
"Of course."
"Defalcon ... I also don't know. Keep a hand on your hilt, though. You are not simply a pawn in this deadly game. KRSplat, you of all will be ignored. But just because you don't have some mystical power doesn't mean a thing. Don't underestimate yourself, and take advantange of their unwariness."
"Thank you," KRSplat said, clearly surprised. She nodded sadly.
"Evaluator, you will not be there. You will be elsewhere, doing something important. I do not know what it is, but it might make the difference."
"Well, I'll certainly try," Evaluator said cheerfully. She nodded again.
"That's all we require. Acid, I don't know what will happen to you. However, you and your brother, Electrik, will survive intact and in your right minds. Coppertop."
"Yes, Skiye."
"You play a crucial part in this. You will lose a thing you treasure, but will gain a thing you lost. If you make the right decisions, you will succeed. Don't give up hope, and don't let that leg slow you down."
"I'll try," she said dryly. "Thanks, Skiye. Your help is valued."
"Sure it is. Don't stay too long in one place, or they'll find you. The presence of a Chaos Mage is hard to detect, but they'll be looking for Radium."
"Well I knew that," Radium said coolly. "If they weren't, you think I'd be here?"
"Probably not. Most likely you'd be out making trouble. Try to refrain from that pasttime now."
"Can't say I'll succeed," he said, saluting her. Skiye made a face.
Copper rose, and they headed out. Radium was the last to leave, but before he could, Skiye stopped him. He looked at her quizzically.
"When you leave Searac," she said, "tell Copper that Frostfire is waiting."
Then she released him, and he left as well, puzzling over her words.
Frostfire is waiting ...


If it's weird it'll be explained later in the story. So nya;)

[Evaluator]

I think you'll get more than the half of the pages of this thread, CT :D

Anyway: w00tness! But I didn't get the meaning of the delay (Kaz???) either :confused:

Eval

[Radium]

*claps*
Very good chapter.

I forget, why does Claw stick with Copper and her group? In the stories he's seemed to have become the main secondary character, but always acts like he regrets helping.

[Evaluator]

You'll have to read conqueror and conquests to understand, Rad :rolleyes:

Eval

[Radium]

I still have the last half or so of Conquests to read... It's very intimidating when put into a 64 page document =P.

[acid]

Good chapter. Write on!

<s>And give Acid a lot more action!!!</s>

edit: Whoa, hey! A whole new page appeared while I was gone? Where was I?!?

[Kaz]

I meant that chapter as being a small fill so that CT could actually post a chapter that day, but not a necessary one, but I'm wrong in the sense that explains pieces and details (much like adjectives). Too used to those in other stories ;p.

Hmm? Read the stories Rad ;p.

<S>O.o Why not just Con-?</s>

[Radium]

Originally posted by Kaz

Hmm? Read the stories Rad ;p.
Stor<b>y</b>. I read Conquerer long ago and am halfway through Conquests.

[Kaz]

Yay, rad-chan(meh.) knows singular nouns as well.

Hmm, I believe I'll stick to commenting since now I'm afraid CT will kill me off x.x

[Kaz]

*Excessively twiddles

[Coppertop]

Don't worry yet, Kaz.
My computer crashed yesterday, and so I didn't get to type any for the story. Sorry guys. :(
Maybe some for tomorrow if I can get on, but definitely on Monday.
I'm not sure why he sticks around, Rad. Maybe it's cause I needed a copilot/partner for Copper and he was convenient.

[Ninja]

:(

must have more chappies... ;_;

[Coppertop]

Okay.

The sleeper dreamed.
He was in a vast expanse of darkness, broken by brilliant flashes of color, llight and memories. The void expanded around him; he could not escape it. He called out, but no answer came. He was trapped alone.
How long he hung in that harsh place the sleeper could not say. He did not doze, but remained in a state of despair. There was no way out.
In time he became aware of a sound. Vague whispering echoed around in this previously silent place. There were two sets of them, and as they became louder he identified them. Smooth, coaxing, cultured voices, those of the knowledgeable, whispered tantalizing thoughts of rest to him. Their opponents, the rough and weathered voices of experience, sang a different song.
Get up. Come on. You can't stay there forever.
No, said the smooth voices. You are weary. Rest. Go when you are ready.
Come now, the others said urgently. But there was nowhere to go, and so the sleeper remained.
A time later, as the smooth voices whispered what they knew to him, the voices of experience intruded again.
Move. Now.
Let him stay, the learned ones urged. See, he rests.
We will awaken him, experience said grimly. What you will not do, we will.
Something in those voices motivated him. He began to drift again, but not aimlessly this time. He followed the rough voices, and they led him purposefully thorough the lightning-flecked void.
Winds that were and were not threatened to tear him apart. Unimagined colors that had no names flared and died around him, and places that might have existed once drifted by. Knowledge followed him, calling him back, urging him to give up.
A new voice joined those already assembled - the voice of despair. He tried to ignore it, and finally both Knowledge and Despair fell silent.
After a while Experience took over again. The sleeper had no control, but he trusted experience more than knowledge.
Stay with us. Follow or you are lost.
A pinprick of light, steady in a wall of darkness, glowed ahead. A new voice joined the others. It was his, and it reassured him.
Stand fast. There will be pain, but to turn back is to fail.
Failute was not dishonorable, but failure because of weakness was. The sleeper definitely would not turn back because of a little pain.
Good. Come with us.
He pushed forward towards that light, which grew bigger. The resistance grew stronger, like swimming against the current. Then the pain hit.
Waves of agony racked his body, shuddering him with their intensity. Oddly enough, they centered in his lower back, spreading out like malicious ripples. Then abruptly it faded to a dull ache. He had made it through.
The resistance lessened, and then increased again as he drew closer to the light. A shimmering wall of wrongness blocked his way - a wall made of lies and memories that were somehow wrong. Experience could not cover this, and Knowledge moved in.
Rest. A way will show. Wait.
You know nothing, a new voice said contemptuously. Knowledge was once again ousted, but not by Experience. By memories.
Real memories, not the altered ones in this wall.
This is made by those who would control you and have now left you for the dead, his memories whispered. We can (-)ter this wall, but you must stand firm. What might happen is unpredictable.
I will not falter, the sleeper replied, and immediately the memories attacked the wall. As each delusion and lie was destroyed, a sharp splinter of mental pain lanced through his mind. If he had been standing he would have fallen to his knees before the onslaught.
As the last one was ****tered he cried out, and his memories came rushing back to fill the void the wall had left.
The light grew stronger, filling his vision. Then he was rushing into his body, his mind clearer than it had been for weeks. The dull ache intensified, the heaviness of weary limbs returned, and the sensations of cold water running over him, sharp stones beneath him, and cool air above him, came back to him.
The sleeper awoke.

Weird chappie, I know, but it will be explained later. Then you'll understand;)

[Evaluator]

Yeah, weird chappie ;)
Maybe the faders are back... but actually I don't know :confused:

Eval

[n0]

It's Ninja, isn't it?

Nice chappter. I'd say w00tness, but it has gotten old. Oh, wait, I did say it.

`N0

[Radium]

Mysterious...





What's (-)tered?

[Evaluator]

@Radium
I think we'll just have to wait for the next chappie :rolleyes:

Eval

[4I Falcon]

The word's supposed to be $hattered, but $hat seems to be a filtered word. *shrug*

[Kaz]

Sha</s>ttered O.o? Why is sh</s>at censored?


Kaz understands ^^. Tricky CT, one has to wonder if the voice is lying or if he's trying to help. Especially since the information before makes you think that they're liars, but your current set of characters and actions says otherwise. Forgive my vaugeness, I do not want to spoil this for other people.

Satisfying chapter (ebil thesaurus.com XD).

[4I Falcon]

It's theoretically the past tense of sh!t. *immediately regrets previous statement as he is whacked several times by Derby's Steel Pipe of Dishonor*

[acid]

Good chapter. But I don't understand why the memories have to (-)ter the bad memories. ;)

[Coppertop]

:O Big spelling error. Whoops.:o
FixOrs the errors ...
Nobody: Not Ninja.

[4I Falcon]

I still see a typo.

I'm such a pantsbread.

[Coppertop]

Yes you are.

:mad: I can't fix it. Rrr:mad:

[Kaz]

I think I see at least two, but why can't you fix them? And why are you on today O.o?

[Ducky]

I hope everyone will now worship me because I <s>ab</s>use my administrative powers to aid the public.


Heehee. Anything for the best writer on the board. Keep up the awesomocular work, CT.


`Duckay

[Radium]

Excuse my gramatical nit-pickyness, but I think you mean "the conquistador", as "the conquistar" translates to "the to conquer". Oooor just leave it that way since I'm the only one here that speaks spanish anyway. *Is ignored*

[Kaz]

<S>Always thinking that he's the only person in the world...</S>

IMO you should come up with something else, no q required ;p. I mean, it's the same thing in spanish which is almost as cheap as "Joyous Days" (some foreign show that mimicked happy days in almost every way. I believe they had "Frankie" as "Franky" to avoid copyright laws.)

That's just me.

[defalcon]

*Worships Ducky*
Use ICQ more!
You wouldn't happen to be able to change the thread address would you? That way Eval would actually have to come check the JCF himself for each new chapter, since his program would technically by monitoring a different address. :p

Nice chappies! :D

[Kaz]

No, he would just change the adress destination. One way though would be to provide a clue to where the next chapter is on the web somewhere. that'd truly be static.

[Evaluator]

Hey, the threadid stays the same... But I don't use the program anymore, it's too annoying ;)

Eval

[4I Falcon]

Originally posted by Ducky
Anything for the best writer on the board.

I'm almost insulted.

Well, not really.

W00tish, CT. Just w00tish.

[Kaz]

Hmm? CT the best writer on the board? Sorry to say, but I'm honest ;p, I don't think so.

[4I Falcon]

Warning! Flamewar approaching!

[Coppertop]

*separates Duckah and Kaz*
No fighting. Especially over me.
Rad, there's a reason why it's called The Conquistar. You'll get it eventually. ;)
I was on because my parents were nice. Yes.
I can't fix them because ... I don't know. It says I edited them but it doesn't show it.

4I: You are a pantsbread. Yes. You are. Yes.

"Copper, your grandmother is weird."
"Interesting statement, coming from you, Kaz," Crystal murmured. Kaz turned and glared at her, but she ignored him.
"He's right," Radium agreed. "Skiye is definitely strange."
"Don't remind me," Coppertop growled. "I have to live with her."
"Lucky you," Claw said, fastidiously inspecting his claws. Copper gave him an elbow in the ribs, and he looked at her mildly, with just a hint of steel in his eyes.
Kaz marvelled at his response. Six years ago, when they had met, Claw would have reacted with explosive violence. Now, a look was enough.
Wow.
Kaz hadn't been there for most of those years, so the change in Claw was obvious to him. It probably wasn't as blatant to Copper, who had been partners with Claw since they had met. Not that he was complaining or anthing.
He missed the old gang. Ducky, Wild Angel, Kovu, Blacksheep, Alpha, Omega, Phoebe, Zanzibar (but not Grath), Shinyso, Nightshade, even Zazz a bit. Not that he didn't like Defalcon, Crystal, Acid, Electrik and Radium - quite the opposite, in fact - but the presence of KRSplat, Evaluator, Claw, and for part of the way, Shinyso, made him feel slightly melancholy.
He was sure Copper felt it, too. Six years was a long time. The others probably didn't even know why she was on this mission. But that was to protect them. Why else would she seek after Shinyso so fervently, if not to preserve the life of a treasured friend? But he kept silent; that blade of hers was sharp, and embarrassing her was not a very beneficial option.
Copper sighed. "Suggestions?"
"Queral," KRSplat suggested. Defalcon shook his head.
"Too obvious. They'll be watching there."
"Vanargala," Acid said. "They can't watch every ship that goes in there. There's too many. If we go in under a different name they would never catch us."
"He's right," Kaz piped up. "They probably won't even notice us."
"Well," Copper said, "we can but try."

Kafla twiddled with the controls of his ship. His job here was boring. He'd much rather have been an Enforcer, not Customs. Suspicious ships got scanned; the rest were ignored. Kafla really didn't care about smugglers.
A big black starship glided by. Kafla idly glanced at his scanners. No record on the ship, privately owned. Darkspray class, carrying passengers. It waited patiently. He sighed and punched the comm button.
"Assassin, you are cleared to enter."
"Thanks, Customs," came the reply, and the Assassin moved away. Kafla sighed again. No excitement. He sat back and began to daydream about being an Enforcer. He never even noticed when the Assassin did not follow the designated route, veering off instead to head away from Vanargala, in exactly the way a pilot who has been turned down and is disappointed would fly.

"That should by some time," Defalcon said, gleefully. Copper nodded and smiled faintly.
"Keep them looking," she agreed. "So, where to next?"
"Wha'?" Kaz asked, turning away from the window where he had been watching Vanargala recede into the distance with something like dismay. "What're you doing? We were supposed to stay on Vanargala!"
"That's where we are," Copper said cheerfully. "However, in a little while a black Darkspray-class starship named the Scorecard is going to fly into a spaceport of your choice, carrying ten passengers and no cargo."
"Oh," said Kaz in confusion. "How do you know that?"
Copper rolled her eyes. "Figure it out, Kaz. How many Darksprays are there in the galaxy that are painted black and have ten passengers?"
"I don't know. You tell me."
"Kaz ... "
"Where's the Scorecard identifier, Copper?" Defalcon interrupted absently. Copper nodded towards a plate in the floor.
"In there. Put your index and little finger on it and say 'Sjalax'. The Scorecard one has a yellow chip."
Claw grinned, recognizing the password as one he had used on Kroys' ship Deep Spacer. Copper silenced him with a look.
Kaz blinked. Then it dawned on him. "You're going to fake it!"
"Yes. I have many identifiers, Kaz. Now you know why I didn't use one on Vanargala."
"Won't Shinyso anticipate that?"
"No. I didn't think this up. Acid and KRSplat did."
"Oh. I see ... "


Give KRSplat and Acid some of the glory there.

[Evaluator]

*brings the tradition back* w00tness! :D

And CT, please reply to "boing, boing,"... if you don't, 4I won't continue with his story :(

Eval

[Coppertop]

I did.

[Kaz]

As well as compensated for my character in a way ^^.

I would think there was a way to track that >.>. Consistency traced throughout the universe. Indeed, reply!

LUCKY 7! THE PAGE IS MINE!!

<font size="72">THIS IS FRIGGIN KAZ'S PAGE ></s><</s>!!</font>

[Radium]

*Smashes Kaz over the head with page 6; takes page 7 and gives it to Copper*

Great new chapter, Btw.

[acid]

yAy w00tness

[Kaz]

></s><</s>!

*carefully folds pages that he has*
*uses oragami sword*
FEAR!
*Slashes Radium before the page is in CT's paws*

MIEN!!

[4I Falcon]

Uh...

*telefrags Kaz and hands slowly descending page to CT on Radium's behalf*

I R EFIL

[Radium]

Originally posted by Kaz
*uses oragami sword*
FEAR!
*Slashes Radium before the page is in CT's paws*
Owwwww, a papercut...

[Kaz]

NOOO!!!

*dives and grabs for page*

It's rightfully mine!!

*writes in permanent marker: THIS IS KAZ'S PAGE!!*

[defalcon]

Originally posted by Kaz
NOOO!!!

*dives and grabs for page*

It's rightfully mine!!

*writes in permanent marker: THIS IS KAZ'S PAGE!!*
[Dr Evil] How about *NO*, Scott? [/Dr Evil]

[n0]

Very nice CT!
Keep it up!

`N0

[4I Falcon]

Uh...

*bonks Kaz on the head with a rubber mallet and yanks page from his flailing hands (wings? paws? i've given up keeping track... :confused: narf), re-giving it to CT because she encouraged me to continue posting my stories on the JCF*

Thanxes, CT! I'll keep writing if you do! :D

Edit: That was a washable marker, Kaz. You'd think you'd be able to tell the difference, considering it had "WASHABLE" written in big letters down the side.