Woot!

[4I Falcon]

OMG DOUbLE POST! *beats Kaz over the head with the unholy brick of messed-up-ness*

BTW... <s>no.</s>

[Kaz]

It felt more worthy to put it as a full post than an EDIT.

[n0]

Take the all new < font color="blue">< u>Idiot test!< /u>< /font>

This is where the link is suposed to take you. :p

[acid]

If you want to take it so bad, click here (http://www.OMGYOURAFREAKINIDIOT.com/Idiottest).

[4I Falcon]

*snickers*

...





*snickers again*

[Kaz]

But now we must ponder the possibility of sarcasm.

[4I Falcon]

Possibility? What's possible? It's right there blaring out at you, how could you conceivably miss it?!

[Kaz]

By our own ignorance... everybody in the non-honors classes misses the sarcasm I throw.

[Radium]

By our own ignorance... everybody in the non-honors classes misses the sarcasm I throw.
Hey, I've got a 4.2 GPA. That's not <i>too</i> stupid.

[Radium]

I had a 9th grade reading level in 2nd grade... haven't tested it since.

[Kaz]

Scored 1422-1500 on the test last time I took it. Of course this place has low standards.

I don't think you've missed any sarcasm I've thrown Rad, but it's of course harder to catch it on the net than with real voices.

[Radium]

But every word spoken here stays here forever =P.

[4I Falcon]

If I were seven years old, I'd have an IQ of 232.

As it is, my IQ is something around 160.

[Kaz]

Isn't 180 considered a higher score?

Then again, this probably isn't from an accurate test >_>.

[acid]

Um, guys? Maybe it's a good time to get back on topic...

*is ashamed his signature started another huge bout of spamming*

[Kaz]

But to discuss this topic would be spoiling the story --.

EDIT: Last chappie was on saturday... should map these out and plan for the next chapter so I know when to <S>steal</S> steal the next page.

[Coppertop]

YaY! Radium bugs Queen Earlong!

Jack stared at the wall behind Sasha. The winged rabbit was a mess - pale blue wings ragged, slashes on his back and shoulders seeping dark blood, he winced every time he moved. His blond hair was wind-tossed, his featureless eyes unreadable.
"Jeez, Jack, if I'd known what was going to happen, I'd have gotten the cursed lizard sooner," he said quietly, customary bravado and arrogance gone. Jack nodded.
"I know. At least it didn't ger away."
"No, but my daughter did," the Queen said wearily. "What are we going to do about it?"
"We'll look for her too, Your Majesty."
"How desperate can these guys be - Eva and Jazz?"
"What's so special about this Riveth," N0 said, glancing nervously at the Queen. "Maybe we should just give it to them."
"No!" Radium was on his feet, looking alarmed but determined. "You cannot give them the Riveth!"
"How dare you?" The Queen glared at him, obviously having been pushed too far. "I am the Queen of Carrotus, and my daughter and my son-in-law have been kidnapped!" Her voice was rising dangerously. Radium ignored the warning signs and cut her off (not a good idea in ANY circumstance).
"Queen of Carrotus you may be," Radium said coldly, "but I am not your subject."
"I don't care! Give them anything they want! I want Eva and Jazz back, and you will not tell me otherwise!" She was getting hysterical. Jack grimaced.
"Of course, Your Majesty. The Riveth was for Jazz, though - we'll have to negotiate Eva's release -"
"I don't care what you have to do!"
Lori took action. Whispering something in Queen Earlong's ear, she led the distraught monarch from the room. Spaz followed haphazardly, leaving Jack and his companions to work it out.

Coming up next - friendly duel between Sasha and Defalcon :D Duels are so much fun to write.

[Radium]

W00t! Bugging people is fun.

[4I Falcon]

*pokes Radium a few dozen times*

[n0]

This story deserves a Green-Eggs-and-Ham-on-Fuzzy-Toast award!

[Kaz]

Why is the bread fuzzy >_>?

[defalcon]

I say WOOT to the next chapter :D

[Kaz]

\/\/007*

[n0]

Why is the bread fuzzy >_>?
What is this mythical "bread" thing? I only know of toast!

[Coppertop]

Yay, a 1337 duel chappie! I wanted to get some action in here quick.

Sasha and Defalcon locked gazes. The pair were facing each other over a small expanse of grass. Acid sat nearby, pretending to examine his rocket launcher.
Sasha had his scimitar, Defalcon had Nightwind and Nightfire. Between Sasha's wings and Defalcon's enhanced abilities, they were evenly matched, in theory. They were about to test that theory. They circled, eyes locked, weapons ready.
Defalcon made the first move, stepping in, trying to twist Sasha's blade outof line so he could bring Nightfire in for a quick victory. Sasha wasn't so inexperienced that he didn't see it coming - he stepped back, letting Nightwind trail off the end of his sword, and then struck down hard with the black and gold hilt, knocking Nightfire down and out. His blade flicked in at Defalcon, but the sky-blue rabbit had already gotten Nightwind back into line and deflected the blow.
Sasha skipped back. Defalcon was taking the offensive, and he knew it was a mistake to do so. So he backed off as well, letting Sasha carry the attack.
The black rabbit lunged forward suddenly, coming in hard. He swatted Nightfire away with his bare hand, and would have smashed through Defalcon's defense had Defalcon not lashed out with a foot. Sasha leapt over the attack, wings flashing as he flipped over Defalcon's head to land directly behind him. Defalcon spun, bringing both of his blades up to bear as they faced each other again.
Defalcon took the offensive again, coming in low and straight. Sasha sidestepped neatly, clearing his way with a blow of his scimitar. He brought his blade around in an arc, then down in a crosscut that Defalcon evaded by stepping back.
Behind them, Acid had set his weapon aside and was watching in fascination.
Sasha's sword flicked in, across. Defalcon parried and sidestepped; Sasha tripped him. Defalcon rolled to his feet nimbly, ducking Sasha's next swipe and hopping back.
Defalcon found himself followed relentlessly, as Sasha pursued him grimly. He arrested his retreat, stepped in to clash blades, and found himself in too-close quarters. He ducked and brought his shoulder up to knock Sasha away, just as a cold-feathered wing buffeted him on the head. Defalcon went with the blow, letting it push him away from Sasha.
Sasha slashed in, knocking Nightwind away as Defalcon attacked. Defalcon parried and caught Sasha's scimitar with Nightfire (oh, the joys of having two swords!) while Nightwind flicked back in. Sasha twisted away and tugged his blade free, then dove back in, coming in under Nightfire and around Nightwind. Defalcon leapt away, circling to the side and trying to catch his breath.
Sasha lowered his blade slightly, and Defalcon paused.
Sasha lunged forward, blade leading, and smashed it against Nightfire hard enough that Defalcon's entire arm went numb. He twisted; Nightfire went spinning away. Sasha whipped his blade up and around, Defalcon came in low - Sasha was too close but Nightwind grazed his ribs anyway as Defalcon pulled his blow hard - Defalcon was aware that Sasha's weapon had scored a thin line through the blue fur on his unprotected neck.
They ended that way, Sasha grinning like a maniac and Defalcon breathing a quiet sigh of relief.
Sasha turned away first; bent and retrieved Nightfire. Defalcon accepted his lost sword with a nod.
"Thanks," he said. Sasha shrugged.
"No problem."
Acid came over, ever-present rocket launcher in tow. Defalcon eyed the weapon sourly.
"That was an interesting fight," Acid commented. "What was the purpose?"
"One, to see how good Sasha was," Defalcon said, sheathing his blades. "Two .. what was two again?"
"You were going to attempt to beat the frustration out of me," Sasha supplied. Defalcon nodded.
"Oh yeah. Two, what he said."
"So did it work?" Acid wanted to know.
"Not really," Sasha said, "seeing as I beat the pants off im."
"Really," Defalcon said. "I must have missed that. When?"
"He's in denial," Sasha said to Acid. "He can't accept his inglorious defeat."
Defalcon was busily thinking up a suitable retort to this outrageous statement when Elexei and N0 came over.
"So, who won?" N0 asked innocently.
"I did," Sasha and Defalcon proclaimed together. Elexei blinked.
"We killed each other," Defalcon explained. The pale gold rabbit eyed them.
"You don't look very dead to me," he commented. Defalcon rolled his eyes. Sasha grinned.
"I know. Isn't it amazing?"
"Incredible," N0 said dryly. "What's amazing is how you two can be trying to murder each other one minute, and the best of friends the next. Uhh, just came to tell you that Jack's back."
"He went somewhere?"
"I dunno."
"How .. informative ..."
"Isn't it, though?"
"Yes."
Acid eyed the pair. "You guys are insane."
"I know. So glad you noticed. Your point?" Sasha glanced down, realized he still had his blade in his hand, and sheathed it.
"You're growing forgetful in your old age, Sasha," Defalcon teased. Sasha shook his head regretfully.
"You have no idea, Defalcon. You have no idea."

Whee! That was fun to write :p

[n0]

wow, SWEET duel! And you are doing great with my char, him making dry sarcastic remarks and such. Can't wait till we get to the part where we all wreck havoc on an army of lizards or turtles or somthing!

`N0

[Radium]

What he said.

*Hugs Copper*

[4I Falcon]

I feel so lost.

I should be here more often.

*whack*

Anyway, another awe-inspiring duel chappie by CT. G'job, again.

[4I Falcon]

Yes. Yay.

Now go eat that sock over there.

Yes, that one.

[4I Falcon]

Page claim in the name of claiming the page.

[Kaz]

The 8th page is now pwned by KaZ.

[4I Falcon]

Page claim lock.

You lose, Kaz.

[Kaz]

Cheap-arse double poster!! Lies!

[4I Falcon]

Lies and trickery! Shock and outrage! Monkey and threefivesix!

No, seriously, Kaz. You lose.

Page re-claim, just in case.

[Kaz]

But didn't you just spam your way to the 8th page?

[4I Falcon]

No, I posted my way to the eighth page.

Face-face.

Stop chewing on that sock and go over there before I get angry and step on your feet.

[Kaz]

*pokes 4I with an Apple Jacks box*

[4I Falcon]

*narsh narsh*

[Kaz]

Ha! I am immune to your silly Dr. Seuss (sp?) words!

[4I Falcon]

Your whole head is fake.

[Kaz]

Fake like a moose!

[defalcon]

I don't know about you, but MY moose isn't fake.

Great chapter! Wooooo! :)

[Radium]

Children, you're outspamming the second highest poster. Stop this at once.

[defalcon]

Hahah, that made my day, Rad. Hilarious. :D

[4I Falcon]

You're not the boss of me! *spams outrageously, just to annoy Radifoo*

[Coppertop]

You guys live on here or something?

[defalcon]

As a matter of fact, that's my dinner you're standing in. If you want somewhere to stay, I have guest beds in the other threads. ;)

[Radium]

You guys live on here or something?
Eight hours a day, seven days a week.

[Coppertop]

I KNOW you do, I was talking about Defalcon, 4I and KaZ.

Psst, 4I, check yer PMs!

[Coppertop]

I had a 9th grade reading level in 2nd grade... haven't tested it since.


University level in Gr. 5, here. That was five or six years ago, tho.

Irinn turned as Justiar came in. The dark lizard was unusually animated, eyes glowing happily.
"Well?"
"Troops are up and running a day before schedule, Irinn," Justiar reported. "The Cambion can drop them off in a matter of hours."
Jheran stalked in, followed closely (as ever) by Tephro. Chaos Hydra lurked in the corners, out of the way.
"Your attack on the Castle failed," Jheran commented. "If those are the tactics you are going to use, I begin to doubt the success of this venture after all."
"It did not fail," Irinn announced. "Or rather, it was meant to fail. THe attack was a diversion for my main target."
"Which was ... ?"
"The Carrotan princess, Eva Earlong."
"You're serious."
"Very serious, my friend."
"What do you hope to gain by capturing Earlong?"
"Jackrabbit's surrender."
Jheran almost choked. Chaos Hydra caught his gaze, and shook his head slightly.
He doesn't have a clue. Keep it that way.
"Jazz won't surrender," Tephro said softly, his customary malicious grin still in place. He shook his head slowly. "Eva has been caught before, by your predecessor Shell. Jazz did not cave. He went after her. You cannot expect any less from him now."
Clever Tephro.
"Nevertheless, it is leverage, and should serve to take Jazz's attention off of the invasion I am planning," Irinn countered, undaunted. Jheran nodded thoughtfully.
"True," he admitted. "More than you know."

The slightly cliched sound of dripping water was not present, but it felt as though it should have been. The small, dark-walled cell that Eva was in was closer to the surface than much of Irinn's base, proven by the old, corroded bars in the ceiling. The walls were dark stone, the floor damp and uneven. Miscellaneous mosses and lichen grew in the crazed, cracked walls and ceiling. The only way out was through the stout, rusted metal door in one end of the cell. Eva had thoroughly established this.
She sat in the corner of the cell, knees drawn up to chest, wondering what Irinn would do with her.
It was obvious that he was not aware that Jazz was missing, and Eva was not inclined to tell him. His goal was not the Riveth but Carrotus itself. Irinn was as intelligent and resourceful as Devan Shell, and had more troops.
Devan had almost taken Carrotus. Irinn would.
Footsteps, soft and furtive, reached her ears. She found a small stone that had lain in the corner of her cell for years uncounted, and rose quietly to her feet.
"Princess Eva?" The face of a lizard showed through the bars on her door. She briefly considered throwing the rock at him, but it was her only weapon.
"Princess?" the lizard said again. "Princess ..."
"What?" she said coldly, and he blinked. A small lizard, colored red-gold.
"There you are. My name is Justiar."
"What does Irinn want now, reptile?"
"Actually, he doesn't. No one does."
"What are you doing here, then?" Eva was getting curious, in spite of herself.
"Eva, I know you won't believe me, but I'm not actually part of Irinn's troops. I'm a Carrotan spy, working undercover. Carrotus doesn't know about Irinn, I was assigned to Devan, but I haven't gotten orders in several years now. I kind of attached myself to Irinn, hoping they'd reestablish contact - but they haven't."
"No one knows you exist, if that's true," she said. "You could be lying."
"I swear I'm not. I'm trying to get you out of here, but I can't. Irinn doesn't entirely trust me. All I can do is disable the cloak Irinn has placed on you, and hope."
"Cloak?"
"So no one can find you via scanners. Princess, I have to ask - will Jazz surrender?"
"Jazz can't," she said, finally convinced. After all, what did she have to lose? "He's been kidnapped."
"By whom?" Justiar was genuinely shocked - and a bit frightened.
"I don't know. An Order Mage."
"Order. Irinn's ally is -" he froze. "I have to go. I'm sorry I can't do more."
Justiar slid away, leaving Eva with more hope - and questions - than before.

Irinn contacted the Cambion. The ship's captain appeared on the screen. Irinn remained expressionless as he gave his orders.
"Begin the invasion."

Sasha leaned forward behind Wizard of Odds. A small, blinking, blue dot flashed on the screen of the small computer.
Sasha straightened exultantly.
"She's groundside - Eva's on Carrotus!"

Dusk was falling - Eva could tell that much through the barred skylight. She wondered idly what time it was, determinedly not panicking. If there was one thing Jazz had taught her, it was to keep her head in a crisis.
Justiar had not returned. Eva devoutly hoped that the little spy had not been found out.
She waited, and slept.

Whoo, lots of typing there :) Enjoy.

[Radium]

University level in Gr. 5, here. That was five or six years ago, tho.
I'm not sure how to define "9th grade level", but I know I'm in classes with 12th graders who have to sound out words like "avoid". I have to take one of those reading tests again... If I still read at a 9th grade level, that would make me... perfectly normal *gasp*!

Oh, and great chappie. Good suspense.

[Kaz]

Rad, you are not normal... and these tests just have really low standards.

[4I Falcon]

Psst, 4I, check yer PMs!

I went hysterical when I saw that I had a new PM. Thankee, CT. ^^

*reads the chapter*



*doubles over*
I'm still in slack-jawed envy of your literary pwnageship, CT. I think a meeting of the minds is in order.

*does the math after CT mentions grades and such*







o_O!

[Radium]

Hmm... why is Copper only a few months older than me and two grades ahead of me?

[Kaz]

REading comprehension doesn't matter IMO...

[acid]

Great chappies, CT!

...4I, what did she send you that made you so hysterical?

[4I Falcon]

A PM.

It's been so long since I've gotten one, it was a nice change of events to have someone referring me to my mailbox MY TOES ARE TWITCHING ><;

[Kaz]

>_>... it's sounds like so much more than a PM on this end.

[Radium]

;_;

[Coppertop]

It was just a PM, guys. Nothing special.

@Rad, I skipped grade 6. Then I did it in the summer. Still, that should only put me in grade 10, and I'm in grade 11 ... *ponders*

Sasha found the ruined structure easily, with Wizard's directions. The setting Carrotan sun threw long, streaming shadows into the east, and the crumbling stone building was clearly illuminated. Circling, he noted that there was a dark spot to the left of the abandoned building, but nothing to cast such a shadow. Going lower, he caught the hesitant flash of corroded metal. Sasha didn't have to get a good look to know that they were bars.
He drew his blade, plummeting down to pull up just above the hole. He landed beside it, inspecting the bars critically. They were completely rusted at the ends, from where rain runoff had corroded them.
Sasha grimaced. He hoped his blade could cut the bars. If not - well, Eva would have to wait for a while.
He sprang into the air, glancing around for any enemies, and landed on the bars themselves, catching himself as they gave slightly. Then, raising his blade, he cut down.
It sheared through the pitted iron easily, the rust flaking off and falling like crimson snow. Sasha grinned and leapt back as the bar swung dangerously. Another swipe and it fell from the hole, clanging noisily on the damp stone floor below. He hoped it had missed Eva.
A few more swipes and the remaining bars fell free. Sasha dropped down, turning to see Eva staring at him, bewildered.
"Sorry about the wait," he said dryly. "Locating you and all ... well, I figured I lost you, so I might as well find you."
"Thanks," Eva said. Sasha raised his wings, testing to see if he could fly out. There was barely enough room - his wingtips brushed the walls. He sheathed his blade.
"Well. Now to get you out ..."
Luckily Eva was not as big as her mother, and Sasha was able to lift her out of the cell easily. With her clinging to his back, they left the pass, flying slowly but steadily.
Three saw them go - Jheran, watching silently from the threshold of the ruins, Tephro beside him; and Justiar, breathing an equally silent sigh of relief.

I will support your bid for power, Jheran, when you make it.
I will support your bid for power ...
When I make it, Jheran thought, musing over Chaos Hydra's statement. My bid for power ...
Why not?
Irinn would take Carrotus easily with Jazz out of the way. Jheran would rule with Irinn out of the way (not that the idea really appealed to him). It would be easy enough - a knife in the back, and blame it on that lizard Justiar.
Tephro came in, his customary grin missing. Instead, he had a thoughtful look.
"Jher," he said, interrupting his thoughts. Jheran turned.
"What?"
"Why did you let Eva go?"
"That's been bugging you, has it?"
"Yeah ... I mean, you could have stopped them. All it would have taken was a blaster shot ..."
"I could have," Jhran said. "But I'll tell you something, Teph, that doesn't go any further than this."
"Does it ever?" Tephro smirked. He was well known for keeping his mouth closed.
"I don't intend to let Irinn take Carrotus. I mean, he could conquer it, but he won't rule it. Not ever."
"Take him down," Tephro said thoughtfully. Jheran nodded.
"I do have some pride left, Teph, which won't allow a lizard to rule us. Plus, I've been thinking about what Chaos Hydra said ..."
"You'll do it," Tephro said, and it was not a question.

"Jheran is plotting against you," Chaos Hydra said, turning abruptly to face Irinn. "He will take your work and make it his."
Irinn paced the length of the room. Finally he turned to face the white-haired mage.
"Jheran will never get that far. I have a present planned for him, a very special gift, that will make certain that Rambarath will never get farther than his plans."

Defalcon snorted. "Seriously, I 'killed' him the same time he scored on me. Man, he's wicked with that blade."
Elexei grinned. "I could tell he's used to it - he forgot he was holding it ..."
"I've done that before," Defalcon admitted. "You just get so accustomed to it."
"Never had that problem," Kira (or Tira) said.
"Yeah, but you girls don't use blades," the black rabbit beside them pointed out. The other twin grimaced.
"True enough."
"You ever done that, Shinyso?" Elexei asked. Shinyso shrugged.
"Sure. Gone for days, blade in hand, not even noticing ... 'specially on the more dangerous planets, like Hellantra or Raxizil."
"Yeah, I forgot you hung around Coppertop for how long," the first twin said. "What was the worst place?"
"Well, lessee," Shinyso mused. "It's hard to say. Shador was pretty bad, so was Keenrei ... but we weren't in either place for very long. Shilarloh or Kilanphor, both very dangerous ... Firen was bad at times too ... so I can't really say."
"What was the worst enemy," Elexei said, "Kroys, Beren, or the Kiyrenin?"
"What is this, an interrogation?"
"Curiousity."
"Arath, definitely. Beren after that. Kroys was hardly a problem compared to them ..." Shinyso looked up sharply as they rounded a corner.
Radium stood there, a large jewel in his hands. It was iridicent (sp?), blue-purple, shifting somehow. Radium had a look of utter seriousness on his green and black face, and as he transferred his gaze to them, Defalcon was frozen in place. Apparently the others were too, as no one moved.
What are you doing? Shinyso demanded. Defalcon had almost forgotten that the black rabbit was a telepath.
Saving us all, Radium replied. I'm not Carrotan, but I will not let this fall into the hands of the Order Mage. You'll get it back, trust me, he added. Then, even as they watched, his form shifted fluidly into the reptilian shape of a red eyed, green and black dragon. The jewel still gleamed in his claws. Tell Coppertop, he added. She'll understand.
Then he slid sinuously out the large window behind him, taking to the air and vanishing from sight.
Defalcon could move again. He stared after the departing dragon-Chaos Mage, feeling an odd disbelief.
"Sword of Arendyne," Shinsyo cursed softly beside him. "He's stolen the Riveth."


Had to have the dragon in there ;) Couldn't resist.

[Kaz]

A bit confused, .. should stop waking up early.

[Radium]

Another great chappie, Copper.

[Coppertop]

Thankee. :)

[acid]

Nice chappie! I think it's iridescent.

Radium's being SERIOUS?!? :O

[Radium]

Radium's being SERIOUS?!? :O
I'm always serious. Sometimes it's just harder to believe.

[4I Falcon]

Acid is right; spelling is iridescent.

My head hurts. I'll re-read this chapter when I deem myself fit to stop popping Tylenol every thirty seconds.

*passes out*

[Coppertop]

Yeah, I checked the spelling AFTER I posted it. Gah.

[4I Falcon]

*snickers* Silly Copper.

*hugs*

<s>*decides not to mention the few other times where a spellcheck before posting would have been beneficial...*</s>

[Coppertop]

*smacks self*

Yes. Silly Copper.

*hugs back*

[Ducky]

*rice*

^_^

[Coppertop]

Duckary! *hugs*

Radium ticks off the local monarch again. YaY!

"No way," Jack said, shaking his head. "No way."
"I tell you, Radium's got the Riveth," Shinyso said, voice firm. "He swore he wouldn't let it fall into the hands of the Order Mage. He also said we'd get it back."
"That was our only chance of getting Jazz and Eva back," Lori said, pale. "Who else will he kidnap?"
He didn't kidnap Eva," Sasha said, landing on the windowsill. "Irinn Hariam did."
He winced as Eva slid off his back. The princess looked no worse for wear from her stay with her kidnapper. As soon as her feet touched the floor, she was being hugged by most of the assembled rabbits. Spaz clung to her arm and would not release her.
When she finally emerged from the small mob, Spaz in tow, Jack greeted her with just as much enthusiasm but a little more restraint. Finally he managed to ask, "who did Sasha say kidnapped you?"
"Irinn Hariam," she said, smile vanishing. Jack turned to Wizard.
"Find out as much as you can about him - her? - will you?"
"Sure."
Jack turned back to Eva. "So if Irinn kidnapped you, who wants the Riveth? And what did this Irinn want?"
"I have a contact, an ally in Irinn's HQ. He couldn't say much, but he mentioned one of Irinn's allies as a possible Order Mage. What Irinn wanted was for Jazz to surrender ... "
"So he doesn't know about Jazz missing."
"No. He's got a huge invasion fleet - Jack, we need Jazz. We have to get him back!"
"We can't. The -"
"Why not?" the Queen demanded, having just come in. "Oh, hello, Eva dear. Nice to have you back," she added absently. Then she turned back to Jack, a steely glint in her eye. "Why not, Flash?"
Jack sighed. "The Riveth has been stolen."
"Stolen by whom?"
"Radium," Jack admitted. Sasha's head came up so fast that he cracked it against the wall with a muffled "ow".
"Radium? How dare he! I told him to leave it alone. How dare he?"
"We couldn't stop him," Shinyso said quietly. "I'd forgotten the tricks he has."
"Such as?" Eva inquired.
"Mind control, shapeshifting, the like."
"Oh."
"The worst part is," Jack said, "we still haven't located Jazz."

[Radium]

Yay, goodchappie. I love being the bad goodguy.

*hugs Copper*

[Kaz]

Kaz here claims the ninth page.

[Radium]

*beats Kaz down with a baseball bat and gives the page to Copper*

[4I Falcon]

*beats Kaz down with a baseball bat for no reason at all*

Dukk'ri! *also hugs*

Mmm, I don't think Jack has been referred to by his last name before... nice touch.

I hate royalty. ><

[n0]

Very nice!
I like stories where the bad guys are not the only bad guys, and not all the bad guys know about all the other bad guys, and where both bad guys kidnap good guys without knowing that the other bad guys kidnapped other good guys, and the good guys do bad things, and where one of the good guys (the one who is doing bad things) made one of the bad guys as a clone of himself so that he could be both good and bad at the same time, and where my char is one of the main fighting squad of the good guys!
YaY!
*Beats Kaz with a baseball bat and takes the page from him, then gives the page to CT*

`N0

[Kaz]

x_x everybody hates me.

[Coppertop]

*hugz Kaz*

N0, you've lost me.

[4I Falcon]

*un-beats Kaz with an un-baseball bat*

If it makes you feel any better, CT, I was lost to start with.

You're on your thirtieth MSWord page, btw. Congrats and stuff.

[Coppertop]

Really? Wow. I haven't been keeping track.

With a grinding shudder, the Cambion's massive engines gave the carrier a final thrust to put it into orbit. There was a silence, and then smaller transports began dropping away from the flagship, heading towards Carrotus' tranquil surface, and the outskirts of Carrotus City. In the dawn sky, the mirror-hulled transports were not even noticed, by the Carrotans at least.
As the transports landed quietly (for transports, that is) and the ramps extended, what they were transporting marched down those ramps to stand rigidly at attention.
The transports carried fifty soldiers each. There were ten transports, and as the last one emptied they rose back up into the air, heading for the Cambion once more.
Those who stood at attention were mostly Shellians. Vicious Snappers, flailerang-wielding schwartzenguards, brawny Tuff Turtles, even the occasional lizard stood assembled, mingled with the energy-charged shockbots, deadly Shockflyers, and a new, segmented robot that looked vaguely like a bizarre mating between a preying mantis, a scorpion, a spider, and a tank.
Irinn watched expressionlessly. The success of his most recent creation, the Imbara Frostar I, was one of the few things he had actually looked happy about. Eva's disappearance didn't really seem to bother him. Justiar stood next to him, worrying inwardly about Jazz's kidnapping.
Jheran came up beside them, Tephro his homicidal shadow, as ever.
"Your pet mage seems to have disappeared, Irinn," he said. Irinn shrugged.
"I don't control Chaos Hydra. Where are your Bloodflames?"
"Down there." Jheran gestured to where the mercenaries were joining Irinn's troops. The Bloodflames, mostly rabbits, were clearly less disciplined than the soldiers, but every one could fight like a demon, up to and including Tama, the communications officer.
"I don't like Chaos Hydra's absence," Jheran said finally. "We need the edge a mage will give us. Carrotus is a tough nut to crack."
"Chaos Hydra's presence is not necessary," Irinn said firmly. "Neither his nor Eva's disappearances will make any difference to this invasion."
Jheran looked away and shook his head.
"I hope not."

Radium bent over the Riveth, once more in rabbit form. The pulsing red-blue light that emanated from the firegem was the only illumination in the darkness that surrounded him.
He inspected the power that lay dormant within the crystalline structure of the Riveth. Satisfied, he withdrew for a moment and concentrated.
The furious thoughts of a thoroughly foiled Order Mage named Chaos Hydra could be dimly heard by anyone listening.
With a grin, Radium turned back to his work.

Jack checked the ammo in his blaster again. Firefox sighed.
"Jack, that's the fourth time in the last ten minutes that you've done that. I assure you that your ammo won't run away any time soon."
"What? Oh, right," Jack said absently.
Headcheese had attached herself to Wizard, who was trying to track the progress of Irinn's invasion forces. "Maybe a thosuand, all told," he said to no one in particular. Sasha brightened.
"Oh, is that all?"
Wizard eyed the winged rabbit, unable to tell if he was being sarcastic or not. Coppertop's entry stalled any comment he was about to make.
"Well, my fleet-footed friends, looks like you've got quite the storm brewing. Good thing I brought help," she said dryly as someone Jack assumed was Claw followed her in. Trailing behind was a figure Jack knew quite well, however -
"Basta!"
"Yeah," the scarred maroon rabbit said. "I hear there's going to be a fight."
"No," Shinyso said, "I couldn't have guessed." His tone was pure sarcasm.
"Really," Claw said, deliberately treating Shinyso's comment literally. "How odd. All the signs are there."
"You bet," one of the two ferrets who had followed Basta in said. Jack vaguely recognized the pair, though he couldn't remember their names offhand.
"It was SO obvious that I brought a little help along," Copper said. "You might need it."
Firefox eyed her suspiciously. "Just how much are you being paid for this?"
"Definitely not enough," she said. "Anybody know what we're facing?"
"I already said," Wizard said grouchily. "Close to a thousand."
"A thousand what, though?"
"Ehh ... mixed Shellians, shockbots, Shockflyers, some new prototype robot I've never seen before called the Imbara, and ... rabbits?!"
"Rabbits? What are rabbits doing in Irinn's army?" Jack demanded, turning from checking his blaster again.
"Irinn ...?" Copper's expression was quizzically expectant.
"Ah .. the mastermind behind Carrotus' most recent takeover attempt and Eva's kidnapping."
"Eva's kidnapping ... wait, I think I can guess."
"Okay, well, he's not the mage who nabbed Jazz. Oh, uh ... Radium stole the Riveth. He said you'd understand?"
"Sounds like Rad. Why am I not surprised?" Not waiting for an answer, she went on. "If he's got it, he's got it. There's nothing we can do now. I should have expected it. Have to trust him with it; he knows what he's doing."
"We hope," Lori muttered under her breath.
"We hope," Copper agreed. "So. You know Basta, that's Claw, and the duo behind me there are Shuriken and Sai Darkblade. And, of course, me."
"Right. Um ... "
"Hey guys, heads up," Wizard announced suddenly. "Troops entering the west side of the city. The CCSF* is already there, with some militia. You'd better get a move on."
"RIght. Thanks, Wizard. Okay, I don't suggest airboards because of those Shockflyers. We'll have to go on foot. Any suggestions?"
"Yeah," Shinyso said. "Use long-range weapons first. The less people in close combat, the less we lose."
"Good idea. In fact, that launcher of yours could come in handy, Acid." He was about to say more, but Wizard cut him off.
"You'd better go, like, now. The CCSF can't hold out for long."
"Okie. Headcheese, let go of Wizard's leg. The rest of you ... let's go."

*Carrotus City Security Force. Whee, acronyms! More coming up, too.

[Radium]

YAy, another great chapter.

... *hugs CT*

[Coppertop]

Thanks. =D
*hugs Rad*

[acid]

Yay, 2 more chappies! Both are w00t.

[4I Falcon]

Another three of my characters in. Wow.

Speechless.


By the way, another nice touch with Jack checking his ammo every two minutes. He tends to do that when he's nervous. If he didn't before, he certainly does now.


...


*hugs CT as well*

[n0]

N0, you've lost me.
Oh, I was basicly outlining this story, just without using any names. Maybe that helps?

Oh, and great story! Keep it up! *hugs CT*

`N0

[Coppertop]

Oh, NOW I see.

The CCSF was indeed "holding out". Defalcon also noted that the militia was doing well - someone was enthusiastically flinging paint onto the forces below from the top floor of a building. Several Shellians and a shockbot were staggering around, having been brained with the buckets; the shockbot still sported a dented pail jammed upside down over its head, the rest of it splattered with flourescent orange paint. Humorous and ingenious, though not entirely effective.
The Diamond twins were advancing, guns blazing, mowing down the first few who dared oppose them. The pair were nigh to untouchable in those first crucial moments, while the Shellians were still startled.
Unfortunately, shockbots do not get startled. So while Kira and Tira were happily carving a path through the slow-reacting Shellians, a quartet of shockbots were busily flanking the feline furies.
Elexei noticed. Diving forward after the twins, he whipped one katana (thank you 4I for making me remember WHAT a katana is) up and around, smashing it into the weak waist joint of the nearest one. Sparks flew as his blade sheared through, slicing through wires and separating the bot in two. The shockbot on the same side as the now-destroyed one turned with mechanically precise movements, and proceeded to zap Elexei twice, point-blank, with its shockcharger.
The pale gold rabbit promptly diverted both blasts, and set a bolt of static electricity crackling from the tip of his katana in return. The shockbot's armor deflected much of the blast, but the shockcharger it held did not fare so well. Overloaded with a sudden influx of power, the weapon exploded in the unsuspecting shockbot's grip.
Before it could move, Tira's unusual short-range weapon plowed through it, knocking it to its scantily armored knees. Another blow laid it out, the circuitry and armor mangled. Elexei ducked as her weapon flew overhead once more, before straightening gingerly and heading back in.

Short one, more battle tomorrow.

[Radium]

Yachappie. Too short to be a Yaychappie =P. (just kidding)

Katana... those are the sword things ninjas kill people with, right? And look, I'm quoted four times in your sig! *hugs*

[n0]

Alright! Keep it up! Love the new fighting skills of the new char's!

`N0

[4I Falcon]

W00t-abulous.

You forgot what a katana is, CT? For shame.

I should probably elaborate more accurately on the Diamond twins' melee weapons... I didn't do a very good job of describing them in their profiles. (What the frell is a cement staple?)

Mmm, adrenaline. Good job again, CT.

[Coppertop]

It's been AGES since I last heard of one. When you mentioned them I had to think really hard to remember.

[Coppertop]

And look, I'm quoted four times in your sig! *hugs*

Yes. *hugs* And Faw's quoted 3 times, and 4I twice, and Derby twice, and Tick and Addie and Kaz and Shade once each, and ...

[Kaz]

That's my best quote too...

Katana is the word for 'sword' in japanese, also the favored two-handed sword of the samurai.

Awaiting the next chapter CT =7.

[acid]

I'm not quoted, CT? =(

[Coppertop]

... one quote for Acid ...

[Coppertop]

YaY for double posts!

N0 and Kaz had charged in and found themselves faced with a large segmented warbot, nearly four times the size of the shockbots. The Imbara Frostar slashed agilely at Kaz with scythe-like, hooked, serrated forelimbs, balancing on four other legs like a preying mantis, as the pair beat a hasty retreat. N0 hovered, analyzing the robot, which was armored with tough, lightweight stuff that resisted Kaz's pepperspray easily. N0 was sure that his ANE could slice the thing up like so much scrap, but he didn't want to get close to it.
Which gave him an idea.
"Distract it," he yelled at Kaz, who began gleefully divebombing the robot. N0 hovered at the side of the battle, hopefully away from the notice of any stray Shockflyers, and began to concentrate, drawing ANE (atomic neutron energy) from the surrounding buildings. With it, he constructed a glowing yellow cage around the robot.
Apparently the Imbara didn't notice, because it ignored the cage. As N0 set the last bar in place, Kaz darted away from the overly-focused Imbara. It charged after him, going right through the ANE bars and slicing itself into ribbons. With a sigh, N0 let the cage fall apart again.
Kaz spiralled over, not noticing the trailing Shockflyer. N0 blinked; before he could say anything, the Shockflyer fired a bolt of bright yellow energy that sizzled past a startled Kaz and crisped the bird's tail feathers black. A moment latert he Shockflyer exploded violently, victim of Tiger's expert sniping.
"Darnit," Kaz yelped, "I just grew those back!"
N0 snickered. "Really?"
"Yeah," the irate bird replied, and if you want to know the details, just ask Acid!"
"Maybe I will," N0 said, and might have said more had not another Shockflyer risen up between them.
N0 reacted immediately; ignoring the stinging pepperspray that Kaz was firing, he blinded the Shockflyer with one wing long enough to kick it halfway across the battlefield with his mechanical leg, nearly hitting Kaz, eliciting a startled "whoa" from his friend.
The Shockflyer dropped, caught itself a few feet from the ground, started to rise. It hovered for a moment to sight on N0 and Kaz once more; a moment too long. A moment in which a bright orange rabbit in blue launched himself gleefully onto the preoccupied Shockflyer, and, clinging tenaciously to the slickly rounded hull of the thing, proceeded to blast the access hatch open. As Phish wormed his way in, the Shockflyer froze, and turned away from its intended prey. Apparently it didn't quite know how to deal with this kind of internal conflict.
Phish obviously won. The Shockflyer spun suddenly, firing what looked like nothing more than bolts of lightning at a close-knit group of startled Shellians. As they scattered from the vindictive Phish many displayed scorch-marks on their tough, armor-like shells; one was electrocuted outright, resembling one of those cheesy cartoons.
N0 grinned at Kaz, and the pair glanced around for more of those segmented robots.

... I predict some impressive (I hope) battles coming up.

[Radium]

"Resembling one of those cheesy cartoons," hah. Great chapter.

[Coppertop]

*grins*
I can post more, if you want and if I have time.

[n0]

Awsome battle! Way to go on the ANE cage, thats exactly what I would have done. *kicks random shock bots around*

`N0

[Coppertop]

It's exactly what you DID do, N0.

[n0]

Oh, right. :p

Can't wait till the rest of the gang shows up and starts wrecking havoc. Thanks for letting me get there first!

`N0

[4I Falcon]

Awesomepwntacular, CT.

See, I've run out of normal, english compliments, so I'm just making them up now. ^^;

*needs to say more stupid crap so's he will be quoted more in CT's siggy*

[Coppertop]

Acid and Electrik harried the Imbara, having quickly realized that the thing couldn't be confused like Shellians or shockbots. Elextrik zapped it twice in succession, but didn't overload its circuits like he would have a shockbot.
The Imbara whipped around to lash out at Electrik; Acid shot it in the rearmost leg with his blaster. He didn't want to use his launcher until Electrik was well out of range. He scurried away from that devilishly quick curved forearm, looking deceptively cumbersome as it slashed by.
Electrik sent a crackling arc of energy at the thing's massive, steel-jawed head. The glowing photoreceptors that served as enhanced eyes snapped to Acid's brother; despite its mass, the Imbara was very quick. Electrik managed to dodge away, out of range of both the robot and Acid.
Acid tried a shot at the eye, but the Imbara dipped its head and the shot spanged off of the protective armor. The robot maeuvered around to face Acid, like a scorpion; Acid already had his launcher ready. As the jaws, like a massive steel trap, descended towards him, he aimed and fired -
The Imbara, intent on decapitating this annoying biological, was istantly aware of the projectile that had been fired at it. It experienced a second of the robotic equivelant of surprise, before its head and segmented neck exploded in a spray of shrapnel, molten metal, and fire.
Acid expected it to deactivate, as so many of the shockbots had done. Instead, the Imbara's now-directionless body proceeded to go into robotic death throes. It flailed and thrashed, and Acid slowly backed away from it. He barely had time to react before one of the hooked forearms lashed out and caught him. Slender Acid was no match for the might of the dying leviathan; he was tossed aside as effortlessly as though he had been but a rag doll, his limp body crashing unresistingly into a wall. Beyond him the struggles of the once-mighty robot steadily weakened, until it lay as still as he.

*Looks for more stupid crap to quote in CT's siggy*

[acid]

Yay for two new chappies!

...Ow...

And a big YAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAYAY for my quote in CT's siggy!

[Kaz]

O.o, CT's getting really good with characters and what they'd do in combat. However all action and no dialouge makes a story a slapstick ;D




Noticed I haven't replied: Splended chapters, but you sort of use glee a lot o.o;;

[defalcon]

*Looks for more stupid crap to quote in CT's siggy*
<--- Stupid crap? Look no further. :p

Nice chapters.

[Coppertop]

*checks* Oo, I did get carried away, Kaz. Oops.

*hugs Defalc*

Mm, no dialogue? I guess I'm trying to make up for the complete lack of action in the beginning.

A small bit of comedy.

Jack dropped a Shellian in its tracks with a well-placed sot. He yelped as a Snapper nipped the back of his leg, and smacked the offending turtle with one blaster while dispatching it with the other.
Firefox was having a heated firefight with another rabbit, pale grey and armed with a minigun. Splitter was behind the grey rabbit, ready to put him out of action; before he could, the other tripped him and Splitter missed completely. It was enough of a distraction that Firefox nailed the grey rabbit, who keeled over indignantly. Splitter peeled himself off the ground, cringed under Firefox's "why did you wait?!" and slunk off to find another unsuspecting victim.
Indigo bashed a startled turtle over the head, and almost clobbered the unsuspecting Headcheese before she twisted out from under his blaster, glaring expressively at him. He grinned sheepishly and shrugged, before a stray shot clipped his shoulder, forcing him to take cover. Headcheese wheeled away, leaving Indigo in the midst of unfamiliar CCSF members, shoulder stinging.
Headcheese flattened a shockbot by running over it; she then proceeded to buttstomp it into its separate components. When it became clear that the shockbot was beyond repair and not getting up again, she charged off in a random direction, bowling over several Shellians on the way. She ran headfirst into Firefox, almost knocking the solidly built red rabbit over. When she realized that she wasn't going anywehre, she paused and looked quizzically up at the Captain.
Taking her by the shoulders, Firefox gently turned her around; a second later she was off again. Firefox shook his head sadly.
Jack shot a shockbot in the shouder joint; the arm parted company with the robot. The now one-armed shockbot paused, inspecting its disconnected limb in puzzlement. A second shot ended its wondering forever.
A flailerang whipped by Jack's head; he ducked at it returned to the schwartzenguard who had thrown it. Jack didn't have a chance to fire back - the schwartzenguard fell, caught by crossfire, and Jack was facing a dark yellow rabbit. Startled, he didn't have time to react before a searing pain ignited alond his left arm. Instinct took over - he fired with blurring speed, and the rabbit fell soundlessly to the ground.
Sasha landed beside Jack, scoring a hit on a nearby Shellian with his scimitar.
"C'mon, Jack," he called, "pull back! Close quarters are no good for marksmen like you!"
A slighly dazed Jack pulled himself together. "Right," hes aid, and Sasha was gone, a pair of CCSF members converging to cover Jack's retreat.

Sasha hovered above the melee for a long moment. The Shellian horde was thinning, despite their superb trainin, and the smoldering remains of numerous shockbots lay strewn around. Unlucky Carrotans and mercenaries lay among them.
From his vantage point, Sasha realized that the real danger came from the tough, ruthless Imbaras. One rampaged across the field below him, looking like some weird insect; it looked up at him, photoreceptors a burning scarlet. Sasha dodged away before it decided he would make a good target.
Collapsed on the ground at the foot of a tall, scorched building lay the smoking, sparking remains of an Imbara. Beside it was the broken body of Acid, who was being fiercely defended by Electrik. Sasha winced in sympathy. Beyond the fallen Imbara lay the shredded remains of another, Nobody's victim.
Two down, roughly eight more to go.
A rabbit took aim at him; Sasha spun away, out of her sights. Evidently the presence of rabbits surprised Sasha's allies; not so with Sasha. He knew what it was to be a turncoat, he'd done it often enough himself. THe rabbit was trying for him again. A rogue Shockflyer creamed the sniper before Sasha could be targeted again.
Turncoats on both sides, it seems.
Sasha blinked, shrugged, and dove back to the fray.

[4I Falcon]

Awesomeness squared. Due to the fact that I missed a chapter completely.

So who was this dark yellow rabbit who nearly took Jack's arm off? Any one of anyone's characters, or just another turncoat rabbit?

*hugs CT again*

[Coppertop]

Just some random Bloodflame. No one important =P

*hugs 4I*

[Radium]

Yayfulness cubed.

*hugs Copper*

[Kaz]

I claim the 10th page.

[acid]

Another (awesome²)² Chappie!

[Kaz]

Yes, I suppouse that does even it out. 0.001/0 great chappie ;p.

[4I Falcon]

I am lost.

*clings to CT*

[Radium]

*also clings to CT*

[Kaz]

*just pretends 4I and Radium not on this plane right now*

[Radium]

We're on a plane? Oh no, who's driving?!

[4I Falcon]

Ooo, we're on a plane! YaY! Are we going to Hawaii? That way, California and Alaska can come and avoid nuclear warfare with us. Yay! ^^

[Coppertop]

Planes? Ooo I hate flying.
*clings to Rad and 4I*
I hate not getting on on Sundays. I miss so much ...

[Radium]

I don't mind flying. It's like driving but higher.

[Coppertop]

I prolly wouldn't mind it if it hadn't been like a rollercoaster last time ... the turbulence over Whitehorse was something else. Gah. :r Anyway.
I forgive N0 for not being here, too =)

[Radium]

At least there's less things to crash into while flying a plane. Excluding, of course, the possibility of a bird flying into the engine causing the plane and all it's passengers to go careening to their fiery doom - but don't worry; there's less than a thirty percent chance of that.

I think I might try getting a pilot's license before I get my driver's license. Actually, I think I'm old enough right now to get a sailplaneing license...

[Coppertop]

We. Need. To. Get. Back. On. Topic. NOW.

[Radium]

Story. Story is good. Copper is writing story. Radium, 4I, and Acid are reading story. Nobody ran away. The story can't continue because there's nobody we can't find, so someone has to get lost. Luckily, nobody already did. How much sense does that make? *)< to pronoun-named people*

[Coppertop]

>( You forgot Defalcon.

[Radium]

I also forgot Kaz but I don't see you complaining about him.

[Coppertop]

I'm still trying to decide whether to be mad or happy about him claiming the 10th page.

[defalcon]

>( You forgot Defalcon.
Too right. *whacks Radium*

[acid]

Darn topic got back onto the story before I could make a wisecrack >(

[Coppertop]

Owweh. Never drop handweights on the tips of your fingers. Very detrimental to the typing.

@Kaz: Decided against mad. DARNIT, RAD, YOU FORGOT KAZ!!!!11one

[Radium]

*sigh* Defalcon, Kaz, and probably an unregistered user or two too. There.

[Kaz]

... meant a plane of reality >_>;;

Kaz owns the page, Kaz owns the page... lalalala... =\. I'll gloat over it later, things to do.

Continue please CT!!

And d00m493 to planes becuase of birds is horrible!

[Coppertop]

The Darkblades were a seamless pair, moving in concert and dispatching the Shellians and shockbots easily. They were matchless, Shuriken drawing - and evading - enemy fire, and Sai literally ripping them to shreds as they were distracted by his sister.
And so it was that Sai, not even really looking, ran directly into a rabbit.
Startled, he stopped; after all, their allies were rabbits. In the second that he paused, the rabbit coolly drew a heavy blaster and proceeded to fire it point-blank at the hapless ferret. As he did so, Shuri slammed full force into the mercenary's back, knocking him forward, and the shot merely clipped the side of Sai's neck.
Sai reacted instantly to weapon, threat, and pain. His attack did not miss.
Leaving the lifeless mercenary behind, the pair moved on. "Did you see that?" Sai complained to his elder sister, gingerly examining his "injury".
"Yep," Shuri said. "Why'd you stop?"
"How was I to kow that he wasn't on our side?"
"True," Shuri admitted. "But there's a trick to it. The guys on our side wear badges."

Tiger blinked, tracking Basta as the enraged maroon rabbit chased a frightened Shellian in ever-tightening circles. A vaguely confused shockbot, unable to focus on Basta, was making bizarre shots that were hitting absolutely nothing. Tiger elimiated the befuddled bot, and turned his sights back to the outskirts of the fight.

Copper blocked the Bloodflame's blow, twisted, and heaved, dumping the startled mercenary inelegantly onto Claw's waiting weaponry. With a grimace of distaste, her friend dropped the limp rabbit and glared at her.
"Will you stop doing that?"
"Doing what?" she asked innocently, parrying another stray blade. Claw growled with exasperation as she sent another Shellian wheeling his way.
"That!"
She grinned. "Why?"
"I have my own victims to deal with, thank you very much!"
"Ah. Makes sense, he does."
She dropped another Shellian, and glanced up to find herself and Claw ringed by encroaching shockbots.
"Ooooh ..."
"Now what do we do?"
"Think we should make a run for it?"
Claw looked past the shockbots and noticed an Imbara chasing some poor rabbit towards them.
"We'd be going out of the frying pan, into the fire, if we go that way."
"No good news this way, either. Just a blank wall."
"Have to destroy them, then."
"Looks that way."
A shot exploded into the chest of the shockbot closest to the Imbara, courtesy of Tiger. The machinery fell, showering sparks and smoke.
As it hit the ground, the third member of their group came flying over it into the circle, hit the ground rolling, and came up facing the way he had come. The Imbara that had been chasing him loomed up behind the shockbots, momentarily distracted by Tiger's sniping.
"What'd I miss," Shinyso said as he surveyed the undecided shockbots.
"Nothing much," Copper said. "The two of us were just about to be pulverized. Now that you're here, you can join us."
"Thanks, but I'd rather not," he said, sending a serrated disc spinning through the nearest shockbot's neck joint. He produced another disc from somewhere as the robot's head fell off. It would have been funny had there not been ten other shockbots who were still in possession of their heads, all aiming at the trio.
"Nice," Copper said approvingly. "Now we can get pulverized."
"Y'think?" Claw asked, surveying the situation. "Nice going, ace."
"I try," Shinyso said with a shrug. "Now what?"
"Uh ..."
"I'll give you a chance," a Bloodflame entered the circle. "Rather than dying here, join the Bloodflames and you'll probably survive."
"What, is old Kallion on a recruiting spree? Or did Rambarath finally get rid of him?" Copper's blade flashed as she lowered it.
"You knew Kallion?" The Bloodflame sounded surprised.
"Yeah. I take it from the past tense that he's not the leader any more."
"Naw, Jheran took him down years ago. Without Tephro's help, despite what they say."
"Ah, Charne's still around?"
"Yeah, and as wild as ever. So, will you take my offer?"
"Sure," Copper said, stepping back; sunlight flashed on metal again. A moment later, the Bloodflame became just another of Tiger's victims.
"... over my dead body," Copper finished. Shinyso grimaced.
"Darnit, I was hoping to see my old friend Tephro again," he said dryly. Copper shook her head and peered inquisitively at the fallen Bloodflame.
"I think," she mused, "that if she'd known who we were, she'd've just shot us on sight."
"I'm counting on Tephro to do that," Shinyso said. "He and I go back a long way. I think."
"Whaddaya mean, you think? Either you do or you don - whoa."
The half-forgotten Imbara loomed over them, a definite threat. Claw, Copper, even the shockbots backpedalled as the behemoth advanced slowly on them.
Shinyso stood his ground, dwarfed against the huge Imbara, sword drawn. The Imbara focused on him immediately, and moved fast.
"Hey, it's no worse than that Katarvin Captain," Shinyso called back ot hem as he nimbly dodged the quick swipe. Copper grinned.
"I think we can leave him to it. Let's escape while we can, shall we?"

YaY, more fighting. Defal, you get beaten up a bit in the next chappie. Sorry.

[Radium]

YAy, chappeh!

*hugs Copper*

[Coppertop]

You have no idea how hard that was to type with two fingers taped together.

[Coppertop]

It should be off in a coupla days.
And I use all eight fingers and both thumbs ;)

[Kaz]

I'd just use the other two fingers to cover what they're neighbor couldn't.

yay, pasts coming to haunt and destroy!

[4I Falcon]

Yay! *is lost*

Who's Tephro again?

[Coppertop]

Yes.

A lurvely fight between Shinyso, Defal and an Imbara. Enjoy :)

Shinyso ducked between the Imbara's armored legs, slashing at the nearest one and wincing mentally as his blade struck sparks from the armor. He hoped he hadn't chipped the blade. The Imbara swayed away, graceful and quick. If it weren't for the wires, Shinyso could have believed it was organic.
It reared back from him, pulling up and scuttling around to the side. The blade-tipped tail whipped around, and Shinyso ducked and rolled under it. It turned to face him again, and he realized that his current weaponry would do nothing from the ground unless he anticipated three moves ahead.
Producing a handful of discs from somewhere, he sent one spinning at the Imbara's vulnerable "eye". It should see it and move instantly, hopefully into the path of the second one he had thrown.
It ducked its head, deflecting the first, swayed away from the second, and turned directly into the path of the third. The protective glass shattered, and the disc sheared through the photoreceptor, lodging itself deeply. The red glow went out as the Imbara reared back and screamed, a sound like tearing metal and breaking glass. Shinyso winced away.
... maybe I shouldn't have done that ...?
Abruptly it quieted and its head came around, seeking Shinyso vindictively with its one good eye. It advanced dangerously towards him. Shinyso backpedalled, wondering if he had any more discs.
Something blue was thrown violently under the Imbara's feet. Defalcon staggered to his feet, clutching his stomach, as a big, brawny schwartzenguard advanced towards him. Heedless of the danger he was in, Defalcon clung to the leg of the Imbara, which looked surprisingly taken aback.
The turtle didn't even notice the Imbara, and thew his flailerang. Defalcon chose that moment to double over, and the flailerang wrapped tightly arund the Imbara's leg.
The Imbara looked down at the flailerang, up at the schwartzenguard who had suddenly frozen, and back down at the flailerang. It reached a decision; the bladed, curved forearm lashed out suddenly, ending the schwartzenguard's career - and life - then and there.
Allies did not attack allies. Thus the schwartzenguard was an enemy. Thus Defalcon, who had been the original victim, was not the enemy.
The enemy of my enemy is my friend.
Thus, it ignored him.
During this interesting series of events, Shinyso had not been idle. He had retrieved two of his serrated discs, and was merely waiting. When it turned back to him, he was ready.
Unfortunately, so was it.
Once again he missed. The Imbara threw back its head in alarm as Shinyso noticed Defalcon concentrating his fire on the right foreleg. That was the Imbara's blind side.
The warbot didn't even pause to register this apparent betrayal - by its reasoning, anything attacking it was immediately designated "enemy", no questions asked. It gave Defalcon its version of a backhand and missed by a hair - too close, by Shinyso's reckoning, for a robot who was supposed to be blind on that side.
It danced back from them, sidling around so it could see both Defalcon and Shinyso. Defalcon fired at the Imbara's eye, and was attacked for his trouble. He ducked between the Imbara's legs again, and the robot snapped at him, lowering its head enough that Shinyso had his chance.
He came up on the Imbara's blind side, grabbed hold of the jagged-edged eye socket (somehow retrieving his third disc on the way up) and leapt onto the Imbara, clinging onto the topmost neck segment.
The Imbara went wild. It thrashed madly, violently throwing its head back and rearing up like a startled horse. Shinyso struggled to stay on - the armor was slick, and if he inadvertantly got a finger or toe in between the segments they could easily be crushed.
Defalcon had drawn both swords and activated them. Shinyso's ordinary blade couldn't cut that armor, so he sent a telepathic request at the blue rabbit.
Can I borrow a sword for a moment?
A definite feeling of assent. Defalcon tossed Nightfire up to the precariously perched Shinyso, who caught it and gestured at his fellow warrior to do something - do anything!
Defalcon spun and smashed Nightwind into the Imbara's lowest leg joing, on the leg he had previously been blasting away at.
The Imbara moved faster than Shinyso had believed possible; it immediately took a giant step backwards, transferring its weight off of the damaged leg. Then it paused, waiting for Defalcon, the immediate threat, to make the next move. It was ignoring Shinyso for the moment.
It shouldn't have. As he found his balance and his unlikely steed stopped moving,he ventured to stand up, Defalcon's blue-glowing swrod in hand, his own slung across his back. Gripping Nightfire with both hands, Shinyso drove the bade into the space between segment and head.
The Imbara threw its head back in simulated agony, and Shinyso promptly lost his balance. He managed to turn the rather undignified fall into a dive for safety, landing painfully and rolling to his feet. The Imbara thrashed and swayed, and Shinyso put out its other eye. Now completely blind, the Imbara was almost defenseless.
Defalcon straightened - that schwartzenguard had gotten him good - and went in for the kill. Nightwind slashed through the metal backbone of the Imbara, and sent a spiderweb of cracks through the previously impervious armor of the lowest neck segment.
The Imbara's severed head fell to the ground, the still-attached segmented neck still writhing and whipping around. The decapitated body swayed violently, automatically compensating. The damaged leg buckled; the warbot went down heavily, limbs and tail thrashing wildly around.
Defalcon made his way over to the head, which still writhed feebly at his approach. He withdrew Nightfire, which was still glowing and in perfect shape. The glow died down as Defalcon sheathed it, pain on his face.
The pair of warriors left the dying Imbara where it was, and went to find the rest of their friends.

Jheran watched breathlessly as the two rabbits felled the Imbara. Their teamwork and skill was impressive, despite the fact that the blue one was clearly injured from hi run-in with the schwartzenguard.
"That's three down," Tephro said from beside him. "There's only seven Imbaras left, and they're all that's keeping this excuse for an army alive. Irinn can't sustain many more losses."
"How many Bloodflames have we lost?"
"Only a handful, mostly due to that sniper and the Shockflyer. We lost Chimelle to the mercenaries."
"You have no idea how strange that sounds, Teph."
"What?"
"'Mercenaries'. Not a term we usually apply to others. Well, we're falling back. Irinn wants to commit suicide, he can do it alone."
"Right. Tama?"
"Already calling the retreat, guys. Looks like Hariam's doing the same."

Irinn was. "Pull back!" he snapped, and Justiar transmitted the order.
They weren't even on the battlefield, unlike Jheran and Tephro. Justiar couldn't say that the pair of Bloodflames were cowards.
"No!" Irinn hissed as another Imbara went down, losing its battle with the rogue Shockflyer and the CCSF.
The look of rage in his eyes was unmistakable - as was the fact that the battle was lost.

[Coppertop]

Oop, didn't see your reply 4I =P

Tephro is Jheran Rambarath's second in command, best friend, and an elite Bloodflame mercenary. He apparently has a past with Shinyso, too. You can find his profile here (http://www.jazz2online.com/jcf/showpost.php?postid=193153&postcount=194).

[Radium]

Nice battle. Descriptive.

*hugs*

[Risp_old]

Wow. Those must be some well made robots.

[4I Falcon]

Awesome.

*considers entrusting one of his characters with either a Ripper or a Razorjack after reading the chapter a few times*

[Kaz]

Well done with the bot logic... sort of. It's sort of an outstanding weakness.

[Risp_old]

They seem to be good at countering even the best executed attacks, but are easy to fool if you know how.

[Coppertop]

Ha, I didn't know you were reading this. Yeah, the Imbaras are supposed to be tough (I drew a picture of one, I'd post it here if I could), but not the smartest things in the galaxy.

[acid]

Yaychappie^_^

Whee, I see Phish's new toy is doing some damage of its own.

[Radium]

They seem to be good at countering even the best executed attacks, but are easy to fool if you know how.
The second statement applies to everyone. Period.

[Risp_old]

Not really. You can fool people by accident if you are lucky.

EDIT- And also, it is possible that someone can only be fooled by something you can't do easily.

[Radium]

*Kaz ruined this post*

[Kaz]

Radium cheated ><</B>! This page belongs to meh!!

[Coppertop]

You already have five.
*takes page*

[Coppertop]

This first part is odd, so if you're confused, tell me and I'll explain better.

"Mariva, this is Twister. Do you copy?"
"Twister, Mariva. Coming through loud and clear."
"Dynasty, this is Twister. Do you copy?"
"Twister, Dynasty. We read you."
"Quicklance, this is Twister. Do you copy?"
"Twister, Quicklance. We copy you."
"Cambion, this is Twister, code 9-4-Alpha-Green. Do you copy?"
"Twister, Cambion. 10-7-Zeta-Green, we copy."
"Command, this is Twister. We are just outside the Carrotan system. We have made contact with Cambion. Repeat, we have contact with Cambion."
"Copy, Twister. This is Command. Report in."
"This is escort frigate One Mariva. All in the green."
"This is troop carrier One Twister. We are good to go, repeat good to go. Troops have been up and running for three hours and ten minutes."
"This is troop carrier Two Quicklance. Ready to begin landing."
"Troop carrier Three Dynasty, ready to disembark any time."
"Cambion here, Wave One has landed. Repeat, Wave One has landed."
"This is Command. Cambion, you are authorized to return to Shellia any time. Repeat, return to Shellia."
"Copy, Command."
"Command, Twister. What are our orders?"
"This is Command. Carry on to Carrotus."
"Copy that, Command. Following course to Carrotus."

"Ah ... Captain? I think you'd better see this."
Captain Lyan of the CASD CSO 1 came over quickly.
"What is it?"
"The long range scanners indicate unauthorized craft entering Carrotan space, sir."
Lyan took one look at the scanners and went cold. He cursed softly and fluently under his breath for a full minute before he recalled himself.
"Lieutenant Niatan, what's the patrol craft closest to sector 19-D?"
A young rabbit looked up in surprise. "The Outrider, sir."
"Inform them of possible - probable - hostiles in the area. Tell them to send out a flight group to investigate. Commander Tyvak, I want all forces on standby. Got that?"
"Yes, sir."
"Sir, if I may inquire - " the first rabbit said nervously. Lyan spun.
"Think, man! The space lanes are closed!"
"Invasion?" the youngster whispered, sudden alarm in his eyes.
"Top marks; of course this is only a possibility. Commander, get me CASD Command."
"Right away, sir."
The image of a bored looking receptionist flickered on Lyan's screen.
"Carrotan Aerial and Spatial Defense."
"Captain Lyan of Carrotan Space Outpost One. We have a situation."

"Talio Leader, reporting."
"Hey, Lead, where ya been? You're late."
"The Commander detained me. You wanna tell me how far we are from our target, Four?"
"We'll be there in a few seconds."
"Excellent." Dyriana Taral, Talio Leader, sat back. The blue and silver feline was used to missions like these.
"Lead, we're entering the sector."
"Copy, Three. I've got a visual contact with our targets. Let's do a quick flyby and transmit our data back to the Outrider."
"Copy, Lead. I'm your wing."
"Copy that, Two. I count five, you?"
"Five here, too."
Dyria pulled her fighter ot the left, looping over the nearest vessel. Her scanners registered it as the Cambion, purpose and destination unknown.
"This is Three, my target is Quicklance, and her cargo is definitely troops!"
"Copy that, Five, I'm picking up the same thing on the Dynasty."
"This is Six. Twister is definitely carrying a small army."
"Copy that, Six, this is Ten. Mariva is deploying a screen of fighters, and is not carrying troops. She is definitely hostile."
"Got that, Ten. Seven, can you transmit the data to the Outrider and CSO 1?"
"Will do, Lead."
"This is Ten! I have Shellian starfighters firing on me!"
"Aw shoot. Ten, evade! Nine, cover him!"
"Copy that."
"Lead, this is Twelve. Dynasty is opening fire."
"Ditto for the rest of 'em, too. This isn't a convoy, it's a blasted army!"
"Fleet," Dyria corrected absently. "Talio Squad, engage enemy fighters. Outrider, this is Talio One. Do you copy?"
"Talio One, this is the Outrider. We copy and are on our way. CSO 1 is sending reinforcements."
"What are your orders, Outrider?"
"Take out as many fighters as you can, and stay alive until we get there."
"I copy. Talio One out."

EDIT: Forgot a small few sentences. Gah.

[Kaz]

;v;... they should just get sensitive to numbers that are 1 below multiples of 40.

[4I Falcon]

I claim pages 10 and 11. 10 goes to Radium, and 11 goes to CT.

Mmm, awesome dialogue there, CT. When I finally get around to finishing off whatever chapters I'm on in my stories, you might enjoy my dialoguing skills too.

*remembers that he's supposed to be copying all this stuff into a .doc file, and does so*

[Kaz]

errr... you can't do that >_>. It's written in the Windows Forum rules of claimage >_>. You can read these by going to

Start>run> RUNDLL SHELL32.DLL,SHExitWindowsEx 6

;D.

[Radium]

I follow... I think.

*accepts page 10 from Foureye*
*gives page 10 to Copper*

[4I Falcon]

errr... you can't do that >_>. It's written in the Windows Forum rules of claimage >_>. You can read these by going to

Start>run> RUNDLL SHELL32.DLL,SHExitWindowsEx 6

;D.

Pfft. Since when have I actually followed the rules?

No, wait, scratch that. Since when have I actually followed your rules?

[Coppertop]

lol

Back on Topic.

[Radium]

This is the world:
http://www.catastrophism.com/cdrom/earth.jpg
This is a world where Kaz makes rules:
http://www.garieinternational.com.sg/design/future/sea_habitat/exploding_earth.gif

Er... yeah, back on topic.

[4I Falcon]

CT4.doc has been updated.

[Kaz]

This is the world:
http://www.catastrophism.com/cdrom/earth.jpg
This is a world where Kaz makes rules:
http://www.garieinternational.com.sg/design/future/sea_habitat/exploding_earth.gif

Er... yeah, back on topic.


Please note that the bomb was only meant for Mexico.

[Coppertop]

Heh, pity about the rest of the world.

Jheran looked grim as he watched the surviving Bloodflames retreat. Tephro was silent as Jheran glanced at him.
"When this next battle is over, Irinn is dead."
Tephro only nodded.

Irinn paced back and forth, fuming. He could not believe that Jheran had almost abandoned him. He turned furiously to Justiar.
"When the upcoming battle is over, take care of Jheran. Got it?"
Justiar nodded. The comm crackled with static.
"General Irinn, Colonel Mangan reporting. Wave One is ready."
"Excellent. Begin the attack."

Jack conferred urgently with the rest of the Elite Task Force. They were watching the retreat with a great deal of satisfaction, which was understandable.
"Guys, this is only the first group - the shock troops. Wizard says there's some kind of battle going on in space, but he's pretty sure that there's already troops on the ground. We can't stand up to repeated attacks. We need to do something."
"Any ideas?" Firefox asked quietly. Splitters hrugged expressively. Indigo flicked an ear thoughtfully.
"You cut off the head of the snake, the body dies, right?"
Jack's manner was wary. "That's usually the saying, yes."
"Apply it to this case."
"You're saying we should go after Irinn Hariam himself?" Firefox was approving.
"You catch on quick, Captain."
"Okay, the question is how."
"Firefox," Jack said slowly, "remember when Sasha rescued Eva?"
"How could I forget?"
"She said something about a contact, right?"
Firefox blinked. Then a grin spread slowly over his face.
"I think you may have just solved our problenm, Jack. Wizard?"
"Yes, I heard. Eva says his name is Justiar. Any idea how you're going to get to him?"
'Not really, but we'll figure something out."
Electrik and Elexei came over, supporting Acid between them. Kaz was screeching in fury, trying to extract his claws from the shockbot in which they were buried. He had inflicted a lot of damage that way. Finally he tore free, and came flapping over to where the others had assembled.
"Everybody here?"
"Mostly," Elexei said, glancing surreptitiously at Acid, who was recovering painfully.
"Okay, good enough. So here's the plan: we get to Justiar somehow, and kill Irinn Hariam before he can launch another attack."
"That's your plan?" Defalcon said incredulously, with a slight wince. "That's it?"
"So far, yeah."
"Okay, a coupla questions." He glanced at them all. "One, who's Justiar? Two, how do we plan to get to Justiar? Three, where's Irinn? Four, how are we going to kill him? Five, how can we be sure that killing him will stop this threat? Six, how does this help us find Jazz?" He paused. "Uhh, that's all for now."
"I'm sure there will be more later."
"Okay," Jack said. "Justiar is a contact Eva found, he's close to Irinn. I was hoping someone would have a bright idea on how to reach him. For number three, where Irinn is, Justiar is close by. Apparently Hariam is skilled with a blade, so one of our better swordsrabbits will have to take him on. And we can't be sure, but at the very least it'll confuse them, which will give us a much-needed commondity: time."
"Fair enough," Defalcon said. "So, we need a bright idea."
"Hang on a moment, I might have something," Kaz interrupted. Everyone proceeded to stare at the red bird, who shrugged irritably. "Come on, guys ..."
"No no, what's your idea, Kaz?" Jack encouraged hastily. The bird blinked.
"Well, Shinyso here is a telepath, and Tiger is a telekinetic, right? And I'm pretty sure that Shinyso has a really long range. I know that Tiger does. So, what if Shinyso contacts Justiar, gets a location, and gives it to Tiger, who teleports us there?"
There was a long, stunned silence. Then Defalcon dropped slowly to his knees and proceeded to attempt to kiss Kaz's wing reverently.
"Kaz, I take back everything I ever said about you," he said to the dumbfounded avian, who was trying to frantically pull away. "You're not a birdbrain. You're a blasted genius."
"Well," Kaz said in a dignified manner as he freed himself, "I have my moments."

[4I Falcon]

Moments. Pfft.

Seconds is more like it.

(Just kidding, Kaz. You actually have several seconds of genius in a row, on occasion. *ducks*)

Anyway... goot stuff.

[Coppertop]

Despite what his profile says, Kaz is anything but stupid.
*hugz KaZ*

[acid]

Yay.

*Has a complete lack of anything to say*

[Radium]

Wonder who will like this more, Defalcon or Kaz.

Greatchappie.

[Kaz]

Yes... <S>now if only I could figure out the logic behind what I would say ;7</S>.

Thank you CT =).


Need to get this in word document too. And post drawings!

[4I Falcon]

I'm taking care of the word document part.

And drawings would be pwnage and a half.

[Kaz]

Draw for us CT so we can n00bshop them and make nice pictures ;D

[Coppertop]

I drew it but I can't post it. The stoopid library doesn't have a scanner. And I can't even put it on floppy and transfer it that way.

*thoroughly disgusted*

[Kaz]

Get an uber techie to hax them >).

[4I Falcon]

Heehee... hacking... *has fond memories of hacking Enter the Matrix to little bite-sized pieces*

[Radium]

Be like Stratn and take a picture of it =P.

[Strato]

Yes, be more like Stratn

[acid]

I can hack into random files as long as they are in English =P

[Kaz]

Where's the Spanish?

[acid]

I haven't come across one of those, yet, but mostly I run into annoying hexidecimal files.

[Kaz]

at least security holes in the library... bring me >(!

[Coppertop]

If you really want to see it, I'll see if there's any way of getting it online.
First part in a while, I know. Been busy =P

Taking his own advice, Shinyso found out what Justiar looked like from Eva before attempting to contact him. He did not want to run into that Order Mage accidentally. A moment later, he sat down and started looking.
"While Shinyso's occupied, who am I teleporting?" Tiger asked. The group looked at each other.
"The Task Force and I had better stay here," Jack said finally. "We'll be needed if there's another attack."
Basta nodded. One of the Diamond twins started to say something and was elbowed sharply by the other, who said, "I think we should stay here. I mean, most of you guys have worked together before. I hav a feeling ..."
"... that we'd just get in the way," the other twin finished. Tiger nodded thoughtfully. He glanced quizzically at the rest.
"Count me in," Defalcon said decisively. Sasha nodded emphatically. Copper looked at Claw, who only grinned. N0 waved a hand in agreement. Kaz loudly announced his involvement.
"You aren't leaving us behind," Electrik said determinedly as he looked up from a rapidly reviving Acid. "We're gonna get the one who did this."
"And I wanna help," Elexei added. He grinned at the brothers.
"Okay, that's ten," Tiger said. "Anyone else?"
No reply.
Shinyso stood up rather suddenly. Tiger blinked.
"Make that eleven. Ready?"
Three seconds later the world became grey and still, like a snapshot in black and white. Then eleven warriors were standing in the ruins of an ancient building, in front of a very surprised lizard.
A lizard?
"Uh, hi," the lizard said. "Can I ... help you with something?"
"You're Justiar, right?" Tiger said. The lizard nodded. Tiger grinned triumphantly. "Right on the mark! Beat that, N0!"
"Yeah, you're getting better," N0 admitted. Justiar brightened.
"Oh, is one of you Shinyso?"
"Yeah, that's me," Shinyso agreed. Justiar blinked, obviously not expecting a battle-hardened warrior. Shinyso grinned darkly. "We're not all mages, friend."
Copper blinked, unconsciously echoing Justiar. "'We're'?"
"Telepaths."
"Oh. Well, Justiar, as you may have guessed, we're here to kill your boss. So, I just can't resist - take us to your leader!"

Irinn paced, waiting.
Justiar entered, looking cheerful but vaguely stunned.
"Wave One is in position to begin the attack, General."
"Excellent."
They headed for the surface.

Derby: Content clearance. You can contact me if you want to know what part of the story was changed (one word). The clearance was used to keep the story consistent.

[Radium]

Another yaychappie. *hugs*

Hmm... I thought it was in the filter... Shadow must have killed it.

The lightbulb above me is about to explode. I should probably move.

Derby: Content clearance.

[4I Falcon]

*plucks the lightbulb from atop Radium's head and sticks it up his nose*

It isn't in the filter? W00t-ay! *revamps a chapter or two*

Derby: Content clearance.

[Kaz]

even so, filter bypasses are severely easy.

[Radium]

even so, filter bypasses are severely easy.
An angry horse prowls these forums. Every halloween night, at 12:00 o'clock, it hunts little filter bypassers like Kaz and Xion and rips their souls out with saftey scissors, making a sound like "shakooof". *shakoof* *your soul has been ripped out with saftey scissors*

[Kaz]

No need for a soul when you have reserves ;D.

[acid]

yaychappie... But I didn't get the last part. Is Justiar a spy for the enemy posing as a spy for the Carrotans or something? :confused:

[4I Falcon]

An angry horse prowls these forums.

Misread as "an angry house".

[Kaz]

A
/ \
/ \
/ \
L=======T
| \ / |
| |
| O |
L=======Y

I wants your souls!!

[4I Falcon]

Exactly! Not quite, but almost yes!

Pants-kite-June! Warghibly!



...



*pokes CT* I love you like I love my ketchup! VWOOOT!






(NW)














SEVENTY-TWELVE is NOT A NUMBER! ehyaaaagrv






*ahem* Yes.

[acid]

PIFFLEFISH!!!

[Radium]

No more caffine, either of you.

[Evaluator]

Yaychappie, I have to agree ;)

I'm quite busy, too... but: I claim page 12 :p *Gives page to Coppertop*

[Coppertop]

Ooops, sorry Derby, I thought I changed that word. Obviously not.

@4I: I am being compared to ketchup. This is not a good sign.

@Acid: Justiar is a Carrotan spy posing as Irinn's henchman. Irinn is not aware of this. Even though the Carrotans now know about him, Irinn doesn't, so he still has to act like he's on Irinn's side. Did that help?

Derby is not a house.

[4I Falcon]

Would you prefer being compared to mustard?

*has a sudden craving for chocolate milk*

Whee, quote! >)

That explanation to Acid actually helped me more, considering I'm in a natural state of confused. My feet!

Boogle!

[Coppertop]

Lol, I like mustard better than ketchup.

I hadn't realized I was that confusing.

[Kaz]

Have you seen Derby and confirmed this CT?

[Coppertop]

You mean the fact that he's not a house? No, but I'll get to it eventually.

This is a huge, long part. Ugh.

"This is Two, can I get some assistance over here!"
"Hold on Two," Dyria said as she heeled her fighter over, dodging the warhead that had just been fired at her. "I'm on my way." Comm chatter filled the cannel.
"Watch out for those warheads, Four."
"Copy, Six. Quicklance is at half shields, she's almost gone!"
"Five, evade! You've got a warhead on your tail!"
"I can handle 'em, watch that fighter, Nine!"
"I can't see him! Someone cover me!"
"I copy, I'm on him - "
"Five, pull out! Five!"
"I can take him, Three; wait - oh no - "
"Five, evade!"
"Can't - my engines have been hit, I've lost control - "
"Five! Oh blast. We've lost Five."
"Someone cover me!"
"Copy, Two," Dyria said, and nosed down to open fire on one of the two fighters attacking her wingmate. It pulled out just before one of her shots hit an engine. The fighter exploded.
The other fighter continued attacking her wingmate as he dove towards the Cambion. Two pulled up suddenly; his attacker did not, and collided head-on with the Shellian freighter.
"Thanks, Lead."
"No prob."
"This is Nine, I can't shake this fighter!"
"Where are you, Nine?"
"This is Four, I've been hit!"
"I'm under the Twister, Eight, where are you?"
"I'm coming to your aid, Nine. Are you damaged?"
"Yeah, my targeting computer's out."
"This is Twelve, Quicklance's shields are out!"
"This is Nine, I've got a missile incoming from the Twister - "
"Copy, Mariva is launching warheads!"
"This is Nine, I'm ejecting - "
"Nine? Nine, do you copy?"
"This is Eight. Nine didn't make it."
"Quicklance is down!"
Dyria could see blossoms of fire playing over the doomed freighter.
"Good job, concentrate fire on the Cambion!"
"Copy, this is Three. Cover me, I'm going in."
"No, Three, you're too close!" Dyria saw her wingmate below her, dwarfed against the bulk of the Cambion.
"Ah no, I'm caught in a tractor beam - "
"Three! Pull out!"
Before Three could ovey, the Cambion targeted him with its weapon systems. He never even saw it coming. Dyria groaned.
"Blast. Three's gone."
The Talios attacked the Cambion with a vengeance. The clumsy freighter was almost helpless after a few well-placed shots took out its weapon systems.
"C'mon, guys, Cambion's shields are out!"
"Anyone got warheads?"
"Yeah, want me to use 'em?"
"Yep."
Seven fired off three missiles at point-blank range. A moment later the Cambion exploded violently. They had no time to rejoice, though.
"This is Six! More fighters incoming from the Mariva!"
"Copy Six, we're on our way."
"Eight here, I've got a Protector that I can't shake."
"I'd help you, Eight, but I've got a Guardian hot on my tail!"
Dyria spun her fighter, knowing that Talio Squadron couldn't afford any more losses. She was too late - Six exploded seconds before the attacking Guardian came into her sights.
"Six is gone."
"Will somebody help me over here? Oh, no, Twister's opened fire."
"Four is gone, I repeat, gone!"
"Chalk up another kill for Two!"
"Negative, Ten, this is Four. I'm still here."
"Who was that, then?"
"It was Eight, he's not in my scopes."
"This is Lead, I've got a coupla determined Shellians here I can't shake."
"Copy Lead, I'm on it."
Dyria threw her fighter into a dizzying spin as Two came to her aid, firing on one of the Shellians. The other clung tenaciously to her tail until she managed to invert and loop under her attacker. A few shots from both herself and Ten and the Shellian was destroyed in the crossfire.
"This is Twelve, Eleven is gone! I'm damaged and I've got a missile locked on, I can't eject - oh my go- " a static burst ended the transmission.
"This is Ten. Twelve is gone."
"Lead, there's five of us left. We can't keep this up."
"I copy. Okay, if the Outrider and CASD don't come through like now, we're pulling out."
"I copy, Lead."
"Good. Talios, report in. This is Leader, minimal damage to my port engine."
"This is Two, shields at half, all systems green."
"This is Four, I've lost my starboard engine and have sustained significant damage to the port. My shield system is down, and my hull is heavily damaged. My hyperdrive appears to be okay."
"This is Seven, my weapons system is out, my steering has been damaged, but my shields are charging at max."
"This is Ten. I have beam damage to my engines, and my sensor array has been knocked out."
"Okay. I - "
"Lead, Two. More starfighters incoming from the Mariva, and Twister is headed our way. Orders?"
"We can't take them. I'm transmitting coordinates."
"I copy. Ready to engage hyperdrive."
"Lead, this is Seven! I have a CASD patrol craft in my scopes!"
"Oh, thank God." Dyria let out a long sigh of relief. "It's the Outrider. Talio Squad, form up. Outrider, this is Talio Leader. I request permission to withdraw from combat."
"Talio Leader, what is the squadron's status?"
"We've lost seen pilots. The rest of us are damaged and unable to continue engaging the enemy."
"We copy that, Talio Leader. Return to the Outrider immediately. Repeat, return immediately."
"This is Talio Leader. We copy, and thanks, Outrider. Your timing couldn't have been closer."
The Outrider moved to intercept the Twister, the patroller easily outmatching the Shellian freighter. The Mariva's fighters couldn't touch the patrol craft, protected as it was by supereior weaponry and two full squadrons of vengeful fighters.
"Talio One, this is Kothor Leader. Dyria, what happened?"
"I'm not sure, Symrith. They kept ganging up on us, one by one. They're troop transports, except for the Mariva. Watch out for that one."
"Will do, Dyria. Who'd you lose?"
"Three, Five, Six, Eight, Nine, Eleven and Twelve. We almost lost Four, too."
"Ouch. You did pretty good though - two freighters down. We'll take care of the rest."
"Thanks, Kothor Lead."
The Outrider was sliding between the Twister and the Mariva, firing on both with its side cannons. The Twister nosed down, shields dropping in great spurts. Abruptly a pair of Kothors took out the Twister's shield generators. Shieldless, the Twister was quickly destroyed.
"Outrider, this is CASD battle frigate Starstrider. What's the situation?"
"Starstrider, we have Shellian troop carriers, one escort craft, and various fighters. You are welcome to them."
"Thank you, Outrider. You are authorized to recall your fighters and withdraw from the combat area at will. Of course you could always stay and help."
"Will do, Starstrider."
The Starstrider and her sister ship Starfinder moved in purposefully.
Talio's battle was over.

[Risp_old]

Whee! Fighter combat. A welcome change from all that mano y mano sword combat you usually write.

[Radium]

What Risp said. *hugs*

You know, for a long time I actually thought Derby's title said "censorhouse".

[acid]

Yaychappie!

<s>Darn you, copper, you stole my idea! >(</s>

[4I Falcon]

You know, for a long time I actually thought Derby's title said "censorhouse".

Exactly my point.

Regarding the chapter, I've been thinking of writing something like this myself, so Copper stole two ideas at the same time. Blasphemous.

By the way, I think the term is mano Ã(-) mano, not mano y mano.

[Radium]

By the way, I think the term is mano Ã(-) mano, not mano y mano.
We're all too lazy to look up and type the fabled "Ã(-)."

[4I Falcon]

Mano a mano, then.

Lazy hats, all of you.

[defalcon]

How is that mano thing pronounced anyway?

Nice chapter CT. :D Very Rogue Squadronish.

[Coppertop]

Lol, I love that game. If you read the X-wing series you'll know where I get my starfighter ideas from :D I was getting a little tired of the one-on-one swordfights, too.

Two ideas? That takes talent =P

[4I Falcon]

*coughFreespacecough*

Oh wait, that's Alpha and Beta and such. My bad.

[Coppertop]

What?

[Derby]

http://www.mediadivide.org/houses.gif

Far left: Someone who got into the picture at the last second.

Second from left: Mother.

Second from right: Me.

Far right: Father.

[MoonBlazE]

http://www.mediadivide.org/

Nice homepage Derby (as by following the url in your image), did your dad made it?

[Radium]

I like your mom's stairs.

[n0]

Heyo, I'm BAAAAACK!!!!

Wow, CT has been churning out chapters while I was gone.

*Reads last 482 chapters to catch up*

Wow, the story is great. And great job with the fighter action, it turned out as if you do those types of stories all the time.

`N0

[defalcon]

Lol, I love that game. If you read the X-wing series you'll know where I get my starfighter ideas from :D I was getting a little tired of the one-on-one swordfights, too.

Two ideas? That takes talent =P
The Bacta War. Wedge's Gamble. The Krytos Trap. ;)

I like Stackpole's books.

[Coppertop]

Oh, wow, you have read them! Awesome!
The only one I haven't read in the series is the very first one, Rogue Squadron. Did you read the Wraith Squadron books too, or just the Rogue Squadron ones? :D

Derby: NOO! You have SHATTERED my illusions!!!!!!11one

[defalcon]

I've read the first four X-wing books (the Rogue ones), and number 8. Plus I've got Stackpole's two NJO novels. :)

[Coppertop]

I'm not a huge fan of NJO, but I love the rest of the SW books. Zazz has the Han Solo trilogy, and my favorite so far is the Bounty Hunter Wars trilogy :)

But before this turns into a SW topic, it might be a while before the next chappie gets posted. I'm having some trouble writing it, my comp might have a virus, I have two big assignments due ... you know how it goes. :(

[4I Falcon]

I feel your pain, CT.

Blasted school and its godforsaken assignments and such.

[Coppertop]

Yes. The thing is, the biggest assignment is in English, and I CAN'T fail it because I almost did last year ... got away with a 52. *shudders* So far I've got an 80. But it might be a while.

[4I Falcon]

Pfft. 52. 52 is a nice big number, compared to what I'm getting. I'm still failing physics, as far as I know.

[Coppertop]

Considering I got 98 on my Gr. 9 final, it was a huge disaster.

[Radium]

My overall grade in school totals to about 120%. And I still have time to spend 8 hours a day here. Be more like me, kids.

[4I Falcon]

*does the math...*

That would mean you got 4% in English class, CT, and that just doesn't make sense. Judging by the way you write, anyway.

[Coppertop]

What do you mean?

[4I Falcon]

What do you mean, what do I mean?

[Coppertop]

I mean, what do you mean? I got 98 in grade 9, 52 in gr. 10, and 80 so far in gr. 11.

[4I Falcon]

Oh. I thought you meant you got 98 on the grade 9 final (exam), and a 52 average in the class. That would mean your original mark was 4%.

EDIT: My bad. 6%.

[Kaz]

Riiight...

I'm failing, but then again, the classes I'm failing are the ones that are below me ;D.

[Radium]

I'm failing, but then again, the classes I'm failing are the ones that are below me ;D. This is the worst excuse I have ever heard.

[Kaz]

This is the worst excuse I have ever heard.


Take them, Texas standards are very low and the teachers aren't very smart at all. Afterall, they live in Texas. Well, a few exceptions, but not many.

[4I Falcon]

All stories that are only action are pointless --.

Congratulations, Kaz, I'm using this in an English assignment. Your words will live on forever, or at least until the assignment's marked. Pfft.

I could post a whole bunch of random nonsense here in an effort to get another quote in CT's sig, but... neh.

[Coppertop]

Like you need more? You only have two less than Radium (if I counted right).

[4I Falcon]

Like you need more? You only have two less than Radium (if I counted right).

I cannot stand to be out-doed!

[Radium]

I cannot stand to be out-doed!
You mean "outdone"?

*gives page to Copper*

[Kaz]

Awww, only one quote. Photoshop them into a bmp CT so they can overlap and not be a list but instead a collection. It's getting sort of long.

[Coppertop]

*looks at sig critically*

Yeah, you're right. I'll have to edit it soon.

[4I Falcon]

You mean "outdone"?

Apparently not.

[acid]

Nightshade = 1
Spaztic = 1
Kaz = 1
Admael = 1
Shorty = 1
Fawriel = 2
Acid = 1 >(
Derby = 2
Disguise = 1
Trafton = 1
4I Falcon = 5
Radium = 3

4I owns Copper's sig.

[4I Falcon]

4I owns Copper's sig.

I say lots of stupid things that tend to make CT laugh. Or something.

[Kaz]

But I was serious about my quote >_>;;.

[Coppertop]

My computer's harddrive is failing *cries*

[Radium]

;_;

*wishes he could give CT another HD*

[Coppertop]

So do I *sobs*

[Radium]

I have a 400 MB one somewhere. That's rougly enough space to hold Windows98.

[Kaz]

How so?! Done a complete error check X_X?

[4I Falcon]

My computer's harddrive is failing *cries*

o_O!

I sense an epidemic! This is the third failed hard drive I've heard about in a week!

*would send CT a new hard drive, but doesn't have many to spare himself*

[Radium]

I'd send one, but "can I borrow a hard drive to send to a friend in another country" never goes over well with parents.

[Kaz]

I have a 3.2g to spare later on if I can get all things done properly. It probably won't be compatible though and your not getting the 20 g >O

[Coppertop]

We'll figure something out, I'm sure. Even if we have to get a new computer. My dad needs it for university.

[Coppertop]

Well, I haven't been able to type it up and do whatever editing is necessary, but I won't keep you waiting any longer.

Justiar faded back into the shadows of the ruin, a move that was not uncommon for him. He watched as Irinn gave the command for his newly landed troops to attack.
A moment later, the esteemed General was very occupied with something completely different.
Sasha and N0 materialized, courtesy of Tiger, wings spread and weapons ready. Irinn turned, perhaps sensing something was wrong, and was met by Sasha, blade drawn, wings mantled fiercely. Irinn stepped back immediately, his broadsword coming easily to hand. Sasha snapped his wings shut and dropped to the groun.
Two sleek lizards detached themselves from the shadows, and Justiar recognized them as Irinn's devoted bodyguards.
N0's hands were wreathed in ANE energy as he concentrated on whatever he was building. A moment later that crucial concentration was broken as an insect-like creature dropped down on them, its entance aided by some unknown agency. N0 spun and unleashed the deadly energies he had been gathering instinctively. His attacker dropped down under the attack, rising again as a yellow bar materialized in the hands of a very angry Nobody.
The Koriph's four delicate wings flared as it pulled up rather suddenly. In that instant Tiger performed his version of a ChaosSummoning - a rather heavy rock appeared directly above N0's adversary. It dodged, right into N0's range. A quick diagonal slash and a hard cut across, and the Koriph was no longer a problem.
A Shellian patrol - and what were they doing here anyway? - came around the corner. One look at the scene - Irinn, blade in hand, Justiar hiding, the dead Koriph, Sasha and N0 - and they went into action.
Then Sasha and Nobody's backup arrived, at exactly the same moment as a pair of very elite and very ready Bloodflames.
Kaz divebombed the patrol, spraying them with pepperspray and forcing them to run for cover. A moment later his chortle of victory became a scream of fury, as one well-trained Shellian trooper hefted a heavy-duty rocket launcher, and proceeded to fire off two red and white rockets in rapid succession. A quick flip and dive maneuver proved them to be seekers. Kaz streaked away, yelling furious insults at the top of his lungs.
Coppertop, Claw and Electrik moved towards the soldiers. Electrik was glowing slightly, Copper was glowering, and Claw was grinning. The soldiers were looking visibly nervous.
Elexei had a katana in each hand as he appeared, and his golden fur was snapping with static the same blue as his eyes. Arcs of electricity played over his blades as he glanced around for an opponent.

Jheran proceeded to swear long and descriptively as he realized precisely what was going on. He was still swearing as he drew his broadsword. He glanced around for Tephro, and found him standing nearby, katana in hand, eyes fixed on a black rabbit with a saber. Jheran's rant broke off.
"Teph?"
"Yeah," Tephro said absently.
"I take it that's someone you know."
Tephro nodded slowly. "A very old friend. Can you handle it by yourself? I think it's time we had a little reunion."
Despite himself, Jheran grinned. "Feel free."
"Yeah, thanks." Tephro moved slowly towards the black rabbit. Jheran looked around for someone to beat up. His attention was caught by a pale gold rabbit with two katanas and an attitude. Even as he watched, the rabbit turned and looked directly at him, then saluted slowly with a katana.
Jheran grinned. This was going to be interesting.

[n0]

Boom! The dam breaks!

Wow, glad you decided to type this up, BUT DON'T LEAVE US HANGING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1111111111111!! 111!!ONE!!!!!!!11ONE!!11ELEVEN

[Radium]

What the bodyless one said.
Though, I notice at times the goodguys seem to take less losses than the badguys. Maybe you need a few random, moderately-developed goodguys added in just to die. (I promised Faw I'd critique you =P)

[Risp_old]

Like that stuff they do all the time in Startrek?