Airspace over the Atlantic Ocean,
16 January, 2006, 0536 hours
Eusebio/Dorzen glanced nervously at his watch. Seven hours before Lemai unleashed the weapon that will liquidate any form of life on Earth. It would take six hours before the Payload would finally reach Diederich Castle. One hour to save the Earth. Not a really promising situation to be in.
David was at his computer, monitoring the world news, as well as hacking into any information site. It appears that the UN has not revealed this impending doom to the peoples of the world. However, the world leaders have already decided that Lemai would get his money. Recalling Eusebio's instructions, David hit a button on his keyboard and stopped the money transfer.
Diederich Castle, Somewhere near Bremen, Germany
16 January, 2006, 0537 hours
"Sir! The transaction has stopped!" A German AF officer reported.
"What! Contact the UN leaders and ask what is wrong!" Joseph Drescher thundered as he slammed his hand on his table. "Lemai will not be pleased!"
...
Lemai nearly fell off his chair as Drescher burst into his room.
"What is the meaning of this, Drescher?! No one enters without my permission!" Lemai barked.
"Master! The transaction has been stopped!" Drescher bowed.
"What the...! Get the UN! Ask what has happened!" Lemai ordered.
"Master, I have already given orders for it to be done so. The Army of the Fallen will not back down so easily!"
"Good. Now get out of here!" Lemai snapped.
Once Drescher exited, Lemai sat back again. Everything was going according to plan. Dorzen was far away, nobody suspected that he did not intend to spare Earth, and he had an escape shuttle ready. Lemai smirked. Stupid stupid Drescher. He did not know that he was just Lemai's tool to destroy the INDF and fulfill his plans of the testing of the weapon. Promises of wealth and power were enough to make Drescher his loyal dog. The weapon would tie up all the loose ends...
Airspace over the Atlantic Ocean
16 January, 2006, 1101 hours
The Payload bumped as it landed on the clearing in a forest about 1.9 kilometers from Diederich Castle. As usual, two Toyota SUVs shot down the ramp and in the direction of the castle. However, the only different thing was that dozens of alien ships streaked across the sky above them, with the same target. The Xanos had arrived. Revenge on the Dark Brotherhood was all they wanted.
When they finally reached the main gate of the castle, the agents and soldiers took up positions behind some bushes while Eusebio and Oduric approached the gate.
"Who goes there?" A guard called out.
"That is of no importance. I demand an audience with Joseph Drescher!" Eusebio yelled.
The guard refused. Suddenly, he fell choking to the ground and soon suffocated to death. Eusebio had telekinetically choked him to death.
Looking at each other in apprehension, the remaining guards finally relented and radioed the security department.
Ten minutes later, the enormous gate creaked as it swung open slowly. Drescher, with an entire company of guards, swaggered out. He smiled wickedly at Eusebio, "Eusebio. Senior agent of the now-defunct INDF. Coming to save the world and to seek revenge. I'm sorry, but you won't get the chance. Guards, fire!"
Super-machine-gun fire exploded from the barrels of the AF guards accompanying Drescher. The HK G-11 assault rifles that they carried was one of the best assault rifles ever invented. It was the only gun complicated enough to contain a micro-processor and could fire at a blistering rate of 2300 rpm. If Eusebio and Oduric had been normal humans, they would have been mowed down instantly.
Fortunately, they were not.
The bullets barely came to a few centimeters before stopping abruptly in midair. Eusebio smirked as he let the bullets drop to the floor with a clinking sound. This was the signal.
The Xanos, agents, and SAS soldiers all burst from the surrounding bushes and unleashed a storm of bullets and blaster bolts at the unfortunate guards. The guards were already dead before their bodies even hit the floor.
Drescher had not even moved before Eusebio caught him in a chokehold. Cowering with fear, Drescher blubbered and stammered, which only served to irritate Eusebio even more.
"Shut up! I want to know where Lemai is! Don't worry, I won't kill you. But I will deal with you later!" Eusebio growled.
Drescher still refused to talk, so Eusebio threw him onto the the ground in disgust. Ordering the Xanos, Oduric, and some of the agents to guard Drescher, Eusebio took the remainder of the forces and entered the gloomy Diederich Castle.
Before they reached the main hold of the castle, Eusebio heard a roaring sound that filled the air. Suddenly his earpiece burst into life, "Sir! I think Lemai knows you are coming! He has launched the missile in advance!"
Eusebio did some calculations in his head. They had just ten minutes to get to control center and deactivate the missile, excluding fighting Lemai and whatever soldiers that were left in the castle.
Gunfire suddenly broke out at the end of the corridor. A company of guards had arrived. What was worse was that a huge metal door was quickly closing off the passageway. The men had to move fast.
The agents and SAS soldiers returned fire as they ran toward the door, hoping to get pass in time. However, they had to take cover behind the pillars to avoid getting shot.
The door was already halfway down and the men still had another good 30 meters to run. Eusebio's heart sank. There was not enough time if they were going to progress like this!
Kicking his mind into action, Eusebio racked his brains for alternatives. Without warning, William shouted a war cry and charged the guards, gun blazing. It was suicide. A sacrifice that distracted the guards, enabling the rest of the men to get pass the door.
"Noooooo! Will!" Eusebio screamed. The rest of the men had already started running towards the door. Knowing that William's sacrifice would have been in vain if he did not get to the door and deactivate the missile in time, Eusebio dived from his cover and made towards the door. He heard the sound of gunfire that would end his friend's life. He heard the sound of William's body hitting the floor. He heard William's last words, "RUN!" Tears streaming down his cheeks, Eusebio half-stumbled, half-ran towards the door.
Leaping under the closing gap between the door and the floor, Eusebio had finally made it into the next passageway that led to the control center. Wiping away his tears, Eusebio hardened his expression, "Men! Do not mourn for William now during the time of war. We can do that after this mission is over. We must ensure that William's sacrifice was not in vain! We must complete this mission!"
Lemai smiled a twisted smile as Eusebio burst into the control center. "Dorzen! How nice of you to come by? You want to save this tiny planet. Hahaha! It's too late! I've already launched the missile!"
Eusebio said nothing, but drew his lightsaber and charged Lemai. Igniting his lightsaber, Lemai parried Eusebio's blow, but was knocked a few meters backwards by the impact of the assault. Leaping up, Lemai swung a vicious blow at Eusebio's neck. Eusebio ducked and unleashed a brutal kick, sending Lemai flying into the wall.
Eusebio glanced at his watch. Only 1 minute remaining before life on Earth was eradicated. He hastened toward the deactivate button on the console, but Lemai smashed him backwards by telekinetically sending a huge chunk of concrete into Eusebio, making him crash into the nearby wall.
The chunk of concrete trapped Eusebio against the wall, leaving him with nowhere to go. Lemai laughed evilly as the seconds ticked down. Only 20 seconds remaining.
The chunk of concrete shattered into a thousand pieces and Eusebio sprang towards Lemai, lightsaber ready. Deflecting Lemai's slash, Eusebio punched Lemai's face. Recovering quickly, Lemai locked lightsabers with Eusebio, still cackling like a madman. The screen read, "10 seconds to detonation."
Eusebio fended off a blow from Lemai and countered, only to be stopped by Lemai. 9... 8... 7... Both fighters got into a lightsaber lock again. 5... 4... 3... At 2 seconds, Eusebio kicked Lemai away and slammed the button. "0.05 seconds. Detonation cancelled. Missile self-destruct."
Eusebio sighed with relief as he read the screen. The mission was over. The Earth had been saved.
Lemai's lightsaber hummed as it plunged through Eusebio's chest.
"Hahahahahaha! You may have won the day, but I have finally gained the ultimate victory by killing the mighty Dorzen!" Lemai chuckled as he drew his lightsaber out of Eusebio's body.
Slowly turning around, Eusebio smiled. "Lemai, you must know..."
Lemai gasped as Eusebio's lightsaber ignited through his chest.
"...that I cannot be killed."
Eusebio trudged out of the control center as Lemai's body crumpled to the floor.
"Lay the charges, boys! Mission accomplished!" Eusebio spoke into his microphone.
"Roger that, Eusebio!"
When the men had finally regrouped with the Xanos and the rest of the agents outside the castle, Eusebio pressed a button on a console. With a tremendous "boom", Diederich Castle exploded from the inside, sending huge blocks of stone flying into the air. As the blocks crashed back on earth, David smiled, "Diederich Castle is no more. The INDF has been partly avenged."
With smiles and cheers, the coalition of agents, SAS soldiers, and the Xanos strode back to their respective aircraft and took off into the night...
Epilogue
The band of men threw a massive celebration when they arrived back at Babylon X.
Eusebio/Dorzen, Oduric, and the Xanos said good-bye to the men as they travelled back to the MK2 Galaxy.
David, the remaining agents, and the SAS soldiers formed a new INDF and restored it to its former glory. Drescher was executed for war crimes against humanity and his name was as hated as "Adolf Hitler."
The End
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Galaxy At War: World At Ransom, Chapter 19
Missile Facility, Amazon Forest, Brazil
16 January, 2006, 0047 hours
Eusebio/Dorzen scrutinized the assassins carefully. They were part of the Xanos, the elite of the elite assassins in the Dark Brotherhood. They were used against the most dangerous targets.
"I'm honored that your Dark Brotherhood masters consider me to be one of the most dangerous enemies." Eusebio smiled darkly.
One of the assassins stepped forward, "Enough of your nonsensical talk, Dorzen. You know full well that our masters want you dead. Only then will their weapon be able to wreak havoc. Our combined might will overwhelm you just as we did before. Now it is the time for you to die."
"Karvak, that is big talk indeed! If I may correct you, I was giving you chances during our last encounter. That was how your group of stinky murderers could best me. No more Mr Nice Guy now. Besides, Oduric is here." Eusebio snorted.
"Huh! We shall see now!" Karvak roared as the group of Xanos surged forward, surrounding the two Republic Peacekeepers. "Kill them!"
The assassins charged, weapons up.
The first wave of assassins were thrown across the hall by a huge repulse wave emanating from...
Eusebio.
"This is just the beginning." Karvak hissed.
Eusebio and Oduric ignited their lightsabers as the second wave of assassins pushed towards them.
Eusebio blocked five lightsabers and unleashed a withering blast of lightning at their wielders. The five Xanos were sent hurtling away where they crashed into the floor. The intensity of the lightning caused massive calcification of their skeletal systems to occur, putting them out of action.
Oduric cut through three of his attackers and blasted another aside with an energy blast. He stepped back before pulling a MP-7 from his holster and shot an assassin right smack in the forehead.
Karvak watched with silent rage as he witnessed his men being decimated before his very eyes. His hands went to his M98 blaster rifle (a weapon of the MK2 Galaxy) and he pointed it at Eusebio's back.
The blaster bolt sliced through the air as it sped towards Eusebio's back. Karvak grinned as he saw the bolt burn an enormous hole in Eusebio's chest, half-expecting Eusebio to fall dead.
After few moments of suspense in which everyone stopped and stared at the hole in Eusebio's chest, Eusebio turned towards Karvak and impaled the nearest Xanos assassin, drawing gasps from everyone except Oduric. Walking towards Karvak, Eusebio dispatched each assassin that stood in his way with deadly efficiency. Karvak's eyes widened in amazement as the hole in Eusebio's chest slowly closed up.
Karvak raised his staff to parry Eusebio's blow. From the corner of his eye, he saw his men falling under Oduric's blade. The situation was hopeless. He could not hold out against the Grand Master of the Trayos Order for long. Questions rang in his head. Had his masters sent him here to be killed? Surely there must be a good reason for them to send the Xanos against the two Republic Peacekeepers. His masters had known that the Xanos would be destroyed utterly. Yet why? Why did they send them to be killed? Were not the Xanos one of the most trusted and efficient assassins of the Brotherhood?
Karvak's staff snapped into two, unable to withstand the ferocity of Eusebio's offensive. Pinned against the wall with a lightsaber just millimeters from his neck, Karvak had no hope of escape.
Suddenly, the PA system echoed. "Hahahaha! Now hear me, humans of Earth! The time has come for your doom. A biological weapon of enormous capability for destruction is about to be launched into the atmosphere. Within minutes of it's detonation, all of you wretched people will be suffering violent and painful deaths! I demand a ransom for this world! I demand all the money in this world! I give you all 12 hours to give this ransom!" All over the world, televisions, screens, radios, etc. all rang with Lemai's voice.
"Lemai!" Eusebio snarled. He knew he had been tricked. This missile facility was nothing but a decoy, designed to draw his attention from the real missile facility located at Diederich Castle, headquarters of Joseph Drescher. All along, Lemai, the head of the AF, had schemed the deactivation of the INDF and everything that followed. The AF was nothing but a tool of Lemai. Once their usefulness was ended, he would destroy them to cover up any evidence. Even when the ransom is paid, Lemai would still detonate the weapon. He had to be stopped at all costs.
At the same time, Karvak narrowed his eyes. Now he understood. Now he realized that the Xanos were simply nothing in the Brotherhood's eyes. The Brotherhood had sent them there to be killed to delay the Republic Peacekeepers and their human allies. He burned with rage. All these years, he had served the Brotherhood faithfully and this was how they repaid him? Immediately, he blurted out, "Stand down! All Xanos stand down!"
All action in the hall stopped. The agents and the SAS soldiers that had just arrived lowered their weapons cautiously as the Xanos deactivated their own.
"All Xanos! Listen to me! We have been betrayed by the Dark Brotherhood! They sent us here to die!" Karvak cried. Facing Eusebio, he pleaded, "Spare us, Dorzen! We have realized our evil deeds and that the masters we served are nothing but cowards who are vile and deserve to die! We defect to the Republic!"
Eusebio eyed Karvak cautiously, still keeping his lightsaber pointed at him. Furrowing his brows, Eusebio studied Karvak closely, looking for any signs of deceit. Finding none, he deactivated his lightsaber, "You will be spared, but you must help us save this planet. However, if you show any sign of betraying us, death will come swiftly."
Although Eusebio usually would not trust anybody that easily, time was running short. Travelling to Germany would take about 11 hours with the Payload's advanced thruster systems, leaving them only about an hour to save Earth.
Turning, Eusebio signalled for his men to head for the Payload as he spoke into his radio, "Ingrid! Get down here! Lemai's gonna detonate the weapon in three hours. Our destination: Diederich Castle, Germany."
Karvak motioned to his men to get to their ships. "Follow Dorzen's plane! Leave the dead! Treat the wounded in the ships. Our target is Diederich Castle! Move!"
As the agents and the soldiers boarded the Payload, Eusebio stopped halfway on the ramp and scanned the horizon.
The world was at ransom.
Eusebio/Dorzen scrutinized the assassins carefully. They were part of the Xanos, the elite of the elite assassins in the Dark Brotherhood. They were used against the most dangerous targets.
"I'm honored that your Dark Brotherhood masters consider me to be one of the most dangerous enemies." Eusebio smiled darkly.
One of the assassins stepped forward, "Enough of your nonsensical talk, Dorzen. You know full well that our masters want you dead. Only then will their weapon be able to wreak havoc. Our combined might will overwhelm you just as we did before. Now it is the time for you to die."
"Karvak, that is big talk indeed! If I may correct you, I was giving you chances during our last encounter. That was how your group of stinky murderers could best me. No more Mr Nice Guy now. Besides, Oduric is here." Eusebio snorted.
"Huh! We shall see now!" Karvak roared as the group of Xanos surged forward, surrounding the two Republic Peacekeepers. "Kill them!"
The assassins charged, weapons up.
The first wave of assassins were thrown across the hall by a huge repulse wave emanating from...
Eusebio.
"This is just the beginning." Karvak hissed.
Eusebio and Oduric ignited their lightsabers as the second wave of assassins pushed towards them.
Eusebio blocked five lightsabers and unleashed a withering blast of lightning at their wielders. The five Xanos were sent hurtling away where they crashed into the floor. The intensity of the lightning caused massive calcification of their skeletal systems to occur, putting them out of action.
Oduric cut through three of his attackers and blasted another aside with an energy blast. He stepped back before pulling a MP-7 from his holster and shot an assassin right smack in the forehead.
Karvak watched with silent rage as he witnessed his men being decimated before his very eyes. His hands went to his M98 blaster rifle (a weapon of the MK2 Galaxy) and he pointed it at Eusebio's back.
The blaster bolt sliced through the air as it sped towards Eusebio's back. Karvak grinned as he saw the bolt burn an enormous hole in Eusebio's chest, half-expecting Eusebio to fall dead.
After few moments of suspense in which everyone stopped and stared at the hole in Eusebio's chest, Eusebio turned towards Karvak and impaled the nearest Xanos assassin, drawing gasps from everyone except Oduric. Walking towards Karvak, Eusebio dispatched each assassin that stood in his way with deadly efficiency. Karvak's eyes widened in amazement as the hole in Eusebio's chest slowly closed up.
Karvak raised his staff to parry Eusebio's blow. From the corner of his eye, he saw his men falling under Oduric's blade. The situation was hopeless. He could not hold out against the Grand Master of the Trayos Order for long. Questions rang in his head. Had his masters sent him here to be killed? Surely there must be a good reason for them to send the Xanos against the two Republic Peacekeepers. His masters had known that the Xanos would be destroyed utterly. Yet why? Why did they send them to be killed? Were not the Xanos one of the most trusted and efficient assassins of the Brotherhood?
Karvak's staff snapped into two, unable to withstand the ferocity of Eusebio's offensive. Pinned against the wall with a lightsaber just millimeters from his neck, Karvak had no hope of escape.
Suddenly, the PA system echoed. "Hahahaha! Now hear me, humans of Earth! The time has come for your doom. A biological weapon of enormous capability for destruction is about to be launched into the atmosphere. Within minutes of it's detonation, all of you wretched people will be suffering violent and painful deaths! I demand a ransom for this world! I demand all the money in this world! I give you all 12 hours to give this ransom!" All over the world, televisions, screens, radios, etc. all rang with Lemai's voice.
"Lemai!" Eusebio snarled. He knew he had been tricked. This missile facility was nothing but a decoy, designed to draw his attention from the real missile facility located at Diederich Castle, headquarters of Joseph Drescher. All along, Lemai, the head of the AF, had schemed the deactivation of the INDF and everything that followed. The AF was nothing but a tool of Lemai. Once their usefulness was ended, he would destroy them to cover up any evidence. Even when the ransom is paid, Lemai would still detonate the weapon. He had to be stopped at all costs.
At the same time, Karvak narrowed his eyes. Now he understood. Now he realized that the Xanos were simply nothing in the Brotherhood's eyes. The Brotherhood had sent them there to be killed to delay the Republic Peacekeepers and their human allies. He burned with rage. All these years, he had served the Brotherhood faithfully and this was how they repaid him? Immediately, he blurted out, "Stand down! All Xanos stand down!"
All action in the hall stopped. The agents and the SAS soldiers that had just arrived lowered their weapons cautiously as the Xanos deactivated their own.
"All Xanos! Listen to me! We have been betrayed by the Dark Brotherhood! They sent us here to die!" Karvak cried. Facing Eusebio, he pleaded, "Spare us, Dorzen! We have realized our evil deeds and that the masters we served are nothing but cowards who are vile and deserve to die! We defect to the Republic!"
Eusebio eyed Karvak cautiously, still keeping his lightsaber pointed at him. Furrowing his brows, Eusebio studied Karvak closely, looking for any signs of deceit. Finding none, he deactivated his lightsaber, "You will be spared, but you must help us save this planet. However, if you show any sign of betraying us, death will come swiftly."
Although Eusebio usually would not trust anybody that easily, time was running short. Travelling to Germany would take about 11 hours with the Payload's advanced thruster systems, leaving them only about an hour to save Earth.
Turning, Eusebio signalled for his men to head for the Payload as he spoke into his radio, "Ingrid! Get down here! Lemai's gonna detonate the weapon in three hours. Our destination: Diederich Castle, Germany."
Karvak motioned to his men to get to their ships. "Follow Dorzen's plane! Leave the dead! Treat the wounded in the ships. Our target is Diederich Castle! Move!"
As the agents and the soldiers boarded the Payload, Eusebio stopped halfway on the ramp and scanned the horizon.
The world was at ransom.
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Galaxy At War: World At Ransom, Chapter 18
Amazon Forest, Brazil
16 January, 2006, 0034 hours
Eusebio/Dorzen brushed aside the undergrowth of the tropical rainforest. He was drenched by the torrents of rain that pelted him ceaselessly.
Gunfire suddenly broke out and Eusebio dodged the bullets, taking cover behind a tree. (His agent training gave him the habit of dodging bullets even though he knew he was impervious to them.)
Unslinging his HK-416, Eusebio jumped from the cover of the tree and fired a burst of bullets at his unknown attacker.
To Eusebio's surprise, his assailant drew a yellow-bladed lightsaber and deflected all the bullets.
"The almighty Dorzen. Reduced to a gun-firing maniac," The figure snickered.
"Oduric. How nice of you to come by," Eusebio slung his HK-416 back. "How did the Council of Light go? And how did you get that gun? Now who's the gun-maniac?"
Oduric was the Grand Master of the Razoka Order, one of the orders of light.
"Darks was sent to kill the Bane on Rifloroshon in order to stop him from destroying the hologram center. Heh! During Westura dueled Zurok and Mutallaca nearly drew lightsabers with Darks during the meeting. Regarding the gun, I stole it," Oduric smiled as he sat on a tree root.
Oduric was a Nanoshan, a near-human species that also lived on Argaski. Nanoshans were faster, stronger, and wiser than any human. They also had an indefinite lifespan, only dying when killed. Diseases could not touch them.
"Westura! Mutallaca!" Eusebio spat. "Those two have been trouble. I must go back and put them in their place. In any case, I'm on a mission. I am supposed to recover the weapon from the facility there. Westura and Mutallaca will have to wait."
"Can I join you?" Orudic asked. "I did not take so much trouble to come here just to inform you of the happenings in our galaxy."
"Sure. Your presence is appreciated," Eusebio set off for the direction of the facility.
Amazon Forest, Brazil
16 January, 2006, 0037 hours
The agents and the soldiers had already bypassed the gate. Brandishing his fierce-looking Tavor, David sneaked towards the main entrance door of the facility.
Without warning, alarms sounded. David's heart was in his mouth as he looked around frantically for guards, signaling for the men to take cover and hide.
Surveying the area with bated breath, David finally relaxed as he observed the guards moving to the opposite side of the facility. Eusebio had arrived.
Lightsabers whirled as they cut through flesh and bone. Both Eusebio and Oduric were going on a rampage through the hordes of guards. This distraction enabled the agents and the soldiers to enter the main building of the facility undetected.
The knife blade flashed as Collin dispatched a lone guard. After hiding the body, the men continued on, guns primed for attack.
In the opposite side of the facility, the air sizzled and hummed. Bullets flew and lightsabers whirred. Oduric and Eusebio lightsaber's were slashing around so fast that the lightsabers appeared to be solid shapes in the air. Guards were being annihilated, but the surviving guards in the area kept pushing forward, trying to expose a gap in the Republic Peacekeepers' defence. (The term "Republic Peacekeeper" referred to any member of the Orders of Light.) Alas, the duo were much more powerful and used their powers to kill those who got too near their weapons of death.
Trayos Academy, Argaski
16 January, 2006, 0045 hours
Argaski had somewhat recovered fully from the colossal nuclear explosion that happened thousands of years earlier. The planet became the headquarters of the Trayos Order once reconstruction works were finalized. Located in the outer area of the galaxy, the planet's actual coordinates were only known to a few outside the Trayos Order.
However, the largest and most famous building was the Trayos Citadel. Situated deep into the Mormoth Mountains, it made it very difficult to attack head-on. It was in fact, a mega-city. It consisted of many underground levels, high levels above ground, and towering towers. The most striking feature of this massive fortress was the Great Tower, looming over the mountains and dwarfing the other towers. The citadel also contained the Trayos Library, a gigantic library that housed many records of the order's history and many others.
Zurok and Darks stood at the top of the Great Tower, looking out into the land spread out before them. Suddenly...
"Masters! We have just intercepted a transmission from the Dark Brotherhood!" A Trayos Knight rushed into the room, panting.
"What is it?" Zurok turned.
"A team of Dark Brotherhood assassins have been sent to Earth to intercept Masters Dorzen and Oduric!"
Missile Facility, Amazon Forest, Brazil
16 January, 2006, 0047 hours
Dorzen and Oduric sauntered into the main hall of the missile facility, smiling. Without warning, more than a hundred Dark Brotherhood members materialized out of thin air. All were brandishing weapons ranging from lightstaffs, lightsabers, enchanted swords, throwing stars, daggers, blasters, lightclaws, etc.
"Just when we thought we were already reaching out goal..." Oduric ignited his lightsaber.
"Nah. This is just a minor delay." Eusebio scoffed.
The two Republic Peacekeepers stood their ground as the assassins, with a bloody war cry arising from their lips, swooped down upon them...
16 January, 2006, 0034 hours
Eusebio/Dorzen brushed aside the undergrowth of the tropical rainforest. He was drenched by the torrents of rain that pelted him ceaselessly.
Gunfire suddenly broke out and Eusebio dodged the bullets, taking cover behind a tree. (His agent training gave him the habit of dodging bullets even though he knew he was impervious to them.)
Unslinging his HK-416, Eusebio jumped from the cover of the tree and fired a burst of bullets at his unknown attacker.
To Eusebio's surprise, his assailant drew a yellow-bladed lightsaber and deflected all the bullets.
"The almighty Dorzen. Reduced to a gun-firing maniac," The figure snickered.
"Oduric. How nice of you to come by," Eusebio slung his HK-416 back. "How did the Council of Light go? And how did you get that gun? Now who's the gun-maniac?"
Oduric was the Grand Master of the Razoka Order, one of the orders of light.
"Darks was sent to kill the Bane on Rifloroshon in order to stop him from destroying the hologram center. Heh! During Westura dueled Zurok and Mutallaca nearly drew lightsabers with Darks during the meeting. Regarding the gun, I stole it," Oduric smiled as he sat on a tree root.
Oduric was a Nanoshan, a near-human species that also lived on Argaski. Nanoshans were faster, stronger, and wiser than any human. They also had an indefinite lifespan, only dying when killed. Diseases could not touch them.
"Westura! Mutallaca!" Eusebio spat. "Those two have been trouble. I must go back and put them in their place. In any case, I'm on a mission. I am supposed to recover the weapon from the facility there. Westura and Mutallaca will have to wait."
"Can I join you?" Orudic asked. "I did not take so much trouble to come here just to inform you of the happenings in our galaxy."
"Sure. Your presence is appreciated," Eusebio set off for the direction of the facility.
Amazon Forest, Brazil
16 January, 2006, 0037 hours
The agents and the soldiers had already bypassed the gate. Brandishing his fierce-looking Tavor, David sneaked towards the main entrance door of the facility.
Without warning, alarms sounded. David's heart was in his mouth as he looked around frantically for guards, signaling for the men to take cover and hide.
Surveying the area with bated breath, David finally relaxed as he observed the guards moving to the opposite side of the facility. Eusebio had arrived.
Lightsabers whirled as they cut through flesh and bone. Both Eusebio and Oduric were going on a rampage through the hordes of guards. This distraction enabled the agents and the soldiers to enter the main building of the facility undetected.
The knife blade flashed as Collin dispatched a lone guard. After hiding the body, the men continued on, guns primed for attack.
In the opposite side of the facility, the air sizzled and hummed. Bullets flew and lightsabers whirred. Oduric and Eusebio lightsaber's were slashing around so fast that the lightsabers appeared to be solid shapes in the air. Guards were being annihilated, but the surviving guards in the area kept pushing forward, trying to expose a gap in the Republic Peacekeepers' defence. (The term "Republic Peacekeeper" referred to any member of the Orders of Light.) Alas, the duo were much more powerful and used their powers to kill those who got too near their weapons of death.
Trayos Academy, Argaski
16 January, 2006, 0045 hours
Argaski had somewhat recovered fully from the colossal nuclear explosion that happened thousands of years earlier. The planet became the headquarters of the Trayos Order once reconstruction works were finalized. Located in the outer area of the galaxy, the planet's actual coordinates were only known to a few outside the Trayos Order.
However, the largest and most famous building was the Trayos Citadel. Situated deep into the Mormoth Mountains, it made it very difficult to attack head-on. It was in fact, a mega-city. It consisted of many underground levels, high levels above ground, and towering towers. The most striking feature of this massive fortress was the Great Tower, looming over the mountains and dwarfing the other towers. The citadel also contained the Trayos Library, a gigantic library that housed many records of the order's history and many others.
Zurok and Darks stood at the top of the Great Tower, looking out into the land spread out before them. Suddenly...
"Masters! We have just intercepted a transmission from the Dark Brotherhood!" A Trayos Knight rushed into the room, panting.
"What is it?" Zurok turned.
"A team of Dark Brotherhood assassins have been sent to Earth to intercept Masters Dorzen and Oduric!"
Missile Facility, Amazon Forest, Brazil
16 January, 2006, 0047 hours
Dorzen and Oduric sauntered into the main hall of the missile facility, smiling. Without warning, more than a hundred Dark Brotherhood members materialized out of thin air. All were brandishing weapons ranging from lightstaffs, lightsabers, enchanted swords, throwing stars, daggers, blasters, lightclaws, etc.
"Just when we thought we were already reaching out goal..." Oduric ignited his lightsaber.
"Nah. This is just a minor delay." Eusebio scoffed.
The two Republic Peacekeepers stood their ground as the assassins, with a bloody war cry arising from their lips, swooped down upon them...
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
Galaxy At War: World At Ransom, Chapter 17
Rifloroshon, MK2 Galaxy
16 January, 2006, 0027 hours (Earth time)
The Bane smirked as he drew his bloody blade from Darks chest, expecting Darks to fall dead on the ground. To the Bane's surprise and shock, Darks grinned wickedly as his wound closed. Reigniting his lightsaber, Darks struck at the Bane, who was still recovering from his shock. Calling upon his enhanced reflexes, the Bane avoided the stroke by jumping backwards.
"I still remembered the day I killed your parents." The Bane snickered as he leaped away, heading in the direction of the hologram transmissions center.
The Bane's words triggered a flashback: The three brothers on Argaski on the day of the Devastation of Argaski. They and their parents were helping the Argaskian citizens onto the Republic ships to escape the impending nuclear explosion that would wipe out all life on the planet. Then, the Bane appeared with his two swords. Darks' parents herded the three brothers onto the ships and engaged the Bane. Although their parents were of the legendary-but-now-extinct Sukor Order, they were no match for the Bane's skills. As the ships took off, the three brothers could only helplessly watch as their parents fell under the blades of the Bane. (The Bane killed all the members of the Sukor Order. That is why he was called the Bane of Sukor. His actual name is not known)
Darks took off after the Bane, hoping to avenge the deaths of his parents and the fallen members of the Sukor Order. He had waited thousands of years for this moment...
Airspace over Brazil, Earth
16 January, 2006, 0027 hours
Just when Darks was chasing the Bane billions of lightyears away, the Payload flew through the stormy night over Brazil. Just the day before, the agents had tracked a transmission to a part of the Amazon Forest in Brazilian territory. Both SAS soldiers and agents were ready for the parachute drop that would take them within two kilometers of the second missile facility. Eusebio would not join them, but would drop somewhere else to distract the guards and Lemai.
The ramp descended into the dark, rainy night. Rain pelted the ramp, lightning flashed and thunder roared in the ears of the agents and the soldiers. They hopped off the ramp into the dark night, parachutes ready for opening.
Eusebio sat at his seat in the hangar of the Payload, waiting for his cue. As he stared into the night, he wondered how things were going in his home-galaxy.
Rifloroshon, , MK2 Galaxy
16 January, 2006, 0034 hours (Earth time)
Darks had chased the Bane to the hologram transmissions center. He had caught up with the Bane in the transmissions room and a fierce battle ensued. The Bane battled for survival while Darks battled for vengeance and for the fact that Dorzen could not be contacted if the Bane succeeded.
Sparks flew as lightsaber clashed against steel (The Bane had imbued his swords with his power so that a lightsaber could not cut through it).
The Bane sweeped his sword along the floor, hoping to trip Darks. Jumping up, Darks brought his lightsaber on the Bane's hand in one lightning-fast movement, severing it. Yelping with pain, the Bane retreated, his one other sword in his remaining hand.
"I will cut you to pieces for everything you have ever done, Bane." Darks snarled as he snapped the Bane's dropped sword.
The Bane growled back in his native language.
"Acting tough, eh? I'll show what 'tough' means!" Darks sneered as he charged.
The Bane used his remaining sword to stop Darks' blade, but since Darks had the advantage of strength, the lightsaber drew closer to the Bane's neck with every passing moment. Knowing that he would die if he continued, the Bane rolled to the side, planning to stab Darks through the chest, just as he did before.
This time, Darks was ready. As the Bane rolled to his left, Darks ducked, letting the Bane's sword stab the air above him. Roaring, Darks reached for the Bane's neck, enclosing his fingers around the reptilian scales of his enemy's neck. (The Bane was a Potigian, a reptilian -like species from the planet of Potigi. Potigians had an exceptionally long lifespan, which would explain how the Bane could live for thousands of years.)
Using his free hand to knock the Bane's sword away, Darks slammed him into the nearby wall.
"Mercy!" The Bane wheezed.
"No. My parents pleaded with you for mercy, as with the members of the Sukor Order. Did you show mercy? No! That's why you must die." Darks tightened his grip.
"Please!" The Bane pleaded again.
"Why should I spare you?!"
"Your parents are alive!"
"What! That's impossible! They are not immortal and even if they survived, they would be dead by now!" Darks lessened his grip.
This was the moment the Bane was waiting for. He drew a dagger from his armor and plunged it into the place where he thought Darks' heart was.
Darks grunted and staggered backwards as the Bane's face twisted into a grin. Pulling the knife out of his chest, Darks glowered at the Bane whose pleasure turned into fear.
"You must know, Bane. I have no heart!" Darks reignited his lightsaber and ran the Bane through.
Darks turned and started in the direction of his ship, leaving the Bane's body slumped beside the door.
As he walked towards his ship, Darks couldn't help thinking about what the Bane said about his parents being alive. Even though the Bane used that statement to distract Darks, the question still rang, "Are they still alive?"
The Bane smirked as he drew his bloody blade from Darks chest, expecting Darks to fall dead on the ground. To the Bane's surprise and shock, Darks grinned wickedly as his wound closed. Reigniting his lightsaber, Darks struck at the Bane, who was still recovering from his shock. Calling upon his enhanced reflexes, the Bane avoided the stroke by jumping backwards.
"I still remembered the day I killed your parents." The Bane snickered as he leaped away, heading in the direction of the hologram transmissions center.
The Bane's words triggered a flashback: The three brothers on Argaski on the day of the Devastation of Argaski. They and their parents were helping the Argaskian citizens onto the Republic ships to escape the impending nuclear explosion that would wipe out all life on the planet. Then, the Bane appeared with his two swords. Darks' parents herded the three brothers onto the ships and engaged the Bane. Although their parents were of the legendary-but-now-extinct Sukor Order, they were no match for the Bane's skills. As the ships took off, the three brothers could only helplessly watch as their parents fell under the blades of the Bane. (The Bane killed all the members of the Sukor Order. That is why he was called the Bane of Sukor. His actual name is not known)
Darks took off after the Bane, hoping to avenge the deaths of his parents and the fallen members of the Sukor Order. He had waited thousands of years for this moment...
Airspace over Brazil, Earth
16 January, 2006, 0027 hours
Just when Darks was chasing the Bane billions of lightyears away, the Payload flew through the stormy night over Brazil. Just the day before, the agents had tracked a transmission to a part of the Amazon Forest in Brazilian territory. Both SAS soldiers and agents were ready for the parachute drop that would take them within two kilometers of the second missile facility. Eusebio would not join them, but would drop somewhere else to distract the guards and Lemai.
The ramp descended into the dark, rainy night. Rain pelted the ramp, lightning flashed and thunder roared in the ears of the agents and the soldiers. They hopped off the ramp into the dark night, parachutes ready for opening.
Eusebio sat at his seat in the hangar of the Payload, waiting for his cue. As he stared into the night, he wondered how things were going in his home-galaxy.
Rifloroshon, , MK2 Galaxy
16 January, 2006, 0034 hours (Earth time)
Darks had chased the Bane to the hologram transmissions center. He had caught up with the Bane in the transmissions room and a fierce battle ensued. The Bane battled for survival while Darks battled for vengeance and for the fact that Dorzen could not be contacted if the Bane succeeded.
Sparks flew as lightsaber clashed against steel (The Bane had imbued his swords with his power so that a lightsaber could not cut through it).
The Bane sweeped his sword along the floor, hoping to trip Darks. Jumping up, Darks brought his lightsaber on the Bane's hand in one lightning-fast movement, severing it. Yelping with pain, the Bane retreated, his one other sword in his remaining hand.
"I will cut you to pieces for everything you have ever done, Bane." Darks snarled as he snapped the Bane's dropped sword.
The Bane growled back in his native language.
"Acting tough, eh? I'll show what 'tough' means!" Darks sneered as he charged.
The Bane used his remaining sword to stop Darks' blade, but since Darks had the advantage of strength, the lightsaber drew closer to the Bane's neck with every passing moment. Knowing that he would die if he continued, the Bane rolled to the side, planning to stab Darks through the chest, just as he did before.
This time, Darks was ready. As the Bane rolled to his left, Darks ducked, letting the Bane's sword stab the air above him. Roaring, Darks reached for the Bane's neck, enclosing his fingers around the reptilian scales of his enemy's neck. (The Bane was a Potigian, a reptilian -like species from the planet of Potigi. Potigians had an exceptionally long lifespan, which would explain how the Bane could live for thousands of years.)
Using his free hand to knock the Bane's sword away, Darks slammed him into the nearby wall.
"Mercy!" The Bane wheezed.
"No. My parents pleaded with you for mercy, as with the members of the Sukor Order. Did you show mercy? No! That's why you must die." Darks tightened his grip.
"Please!" The Bane pleaded again.
"Why should I spare you?!"
"Your parents are alive!"
"What! That's impossible! They are not immortal and even if they survived, they would be dead by now!" Darks lessened his grip.
This was the moment the Bane was waiting for. He drew a dagger from his armor and plunged it into the place where he thought Darks' heart was.
Darks grunted and staggered backwards as the Bane's face twisted into a grin. Pulling the knife out of his chest, Darks glowered at the Bane whose pleasure turned into fear.
"You must know, Bane. I have no heart!" Darks reignited his lightsaber and ran the Bane through.
Darks turned and started in the direction of his ship, leaving the Bane's body slumped beside the door.
As he walked towards his ship, Darks couldn't help thinking about what the Bane said about his parents being alive. Even though the Bane used that statement to distract Darks, the question still rang, "Are they still alive?"
Monday, May 14, 2012
Galaxy At War: World At Ransom, Chapter 16
Off the planet of Sholom, MK2 Galaxy
14 January, 2006, 1256 hours (Earth time)
Zurok stood at the bridge of his flagship, the Saber, looking darkly at the planet below. Zurok was around the same height as Dorzen, with piercing blue eyes and an angular chin. Younger than Dorzen by 3 years, Zurok was the second-born. (With Darks being the youngest.) He was clad in black body armor. (Although the three brothers were immortal and invulnerable, they simply wore body armor for the "war" feel. )
Zurok's lips curled into a smile as he saw the tide of the battle turn against the Rebels. If the Republic managed to recapture Sholom, a great blow would be done to the Rebellion. Sholom was the major manufacturing center of the Rebellion's ships. Without it, the Rebel fleet would have to shift operations somewhere else, a process that would take months. Before then, the Rebel fleet was crippled.
"General, General Dorzen wants to have a word with you." One of the soldiers reported.
"Process the transmission. See to it that no one comes in the door during our conversation." Zurok continued to face the planet.
"Yes sir!"
Zurok turned and flipped a switch on the hologram device. Almost immediately, the hologram of Dorzen appeared.
"Well, Zurok. How have you been? What's the current situation?" Dorzen/Eusebio asked.
"Brother. Its been quite some time since we last communicated. Yes, I'm fine. We are now besieging Sholom and we are winning." Zurok smiled slightly. "How's the search for the weapon been going?"
"We nearly got it at Korstovok. That coward of a Lemai had to fight with me and lose before finally escaping with it. Blast him to hell. But how's Darks?" Dorzen's frustration was evident.
"He's well. On a mission to eliminate some Somer spies. Those idiots have been giving us a lot of trouble recently." Zurok frowned.
"At the next Council of Light, I want you to give the progress of the recovery of the weapon. Do not reveal too much, though. I don't entirely trust some of the other orders' Grand Masters." Dorzen narrowed his eyes.
"I understand, brother. I share the same sentiments too." Zurok added, "We do not know the intentions of some of the other Grand Masters."
"Alright, it's time for me to go. I'll contact you when I can. Farewell, Zurok."
"Farewell, brother."
Council Building, Halgyon, MK2 Galaxy
21 January, 2006, 1034 hours (Earth time)
"Acting Grand Master Zurok, could you give us information on your brother's search for the weapon?" Westura, Grand Master of the Vestora Order, sneered, saying "Acting" with a bit of disgust.
Zurok ignored the rude comment and started, "Grand Masters of the Council of Light, as you all know, Dorzen, Grand Master of the Trayos Order, is away trying to destroy or recover the weapon and has appointed me Grand Master in his absence. Dorzen managed to track the weapon and nearly got it, but it slipped from his grasp."
"How unfortunate! The mighty Dorzen letting something slip from his grasp!" Westura curled his lips in a smile.
Biting his lip, Zurok growled, "Lemai was there."
The whole council was shocked. "Lemai! How did he get to Earth and what does he want there?" Iodira, Grand Master of the Lothoa Order, gasped.
"According to Dorzen, Lemai wants to test the weapon on the human race on Earth before unleashing it on our galaxy." Zurok announced, voice thundering over the voices of the discussing Grand Masters.
"Can you trust your brother? He has had a history of lying." Westura jibed.
This time, Zurok glared at Westura and retorted, "Grand Master Westura. I understand you have a history of misunderstanding with my brother. However, I hope that would not cloud your judgement in this meeting, which is of utmost importance and reserves no space for stinging remarks!"
Westura shot up from his chair, knocking it down. His face was beetroot red and he was evidently offended by Zurok's remarks. He yelled, "Zurok! How dare you insult my wisdom and judgement! You know very well how wise I am! I never let my temper get the better of me!"
The other Grand Masters were taken aback by Westura's outburst and turned their heads to look at Zurok, trying to anticipate his next action.
Zurok's face remained emotionless as ever as he boomed, "Grand Master Westura. I apologize for my previous remark, but wasn't your first remark as insulting? Your wisdom should tell you that losing your temper in the middle of an important meeting such as this is something that reflects very badly on your character. Besides, didn't you just lose your temper?"
Westura calmed down but his hand strayed to his lightsaber. "I, Master of the Qura fighting style challenge you to a lightsaber duel. Whoever submits will back down and will stay quiet throughout the entire meeting."
Zurok smiled inwardly. He knew Westura's fighting style, but no one knew Zurok's. He knew what tactics Westura would use to trip his opponents. In fact, Zurok had trained for this moment.
Pretending to scared, Zurok shook off his cloak and reached for his lightsaber. Westura ignited his and Zurok saw that it had a cyan blade. Igniting his orange-bladed lightsaber, Zurok waited as Westura circled him, lightsaber humming.
Suddenly, Westura leaped forward and hit out at Zurok. Zurok expected this and parried the blow. Feinting to Westura's left, Zurok instead brought his lightsaber to his right and in a display of exceptional control, nicked the arm guard of Westure instead of cutting through it.
Westura gasped but quickly resumed his attacks more viciously. Zurok blocked all of Westura's attacks successfully, much to the amazement of the other Grand Masters.
Frustrated, Westura swung with all his might. Zurok dodged the blow and and clashed his lightsaber against Westura's. Flicking his lightsaber, Zurok disarmed Westura.
"Do you surrender?" Zurok's face remained as stony as before.
Westura hesitated and glanced at his lightsaber on the floor just two meters from him.
Zurok looked at Westura's lightsaber, brought the tip of his lightsaber closer to Westura's face, and thundered even louder, "Do you surrender?"
Westura gulped and finally croaked, "I submit!"
The remainder of the meeting continued with Westura being silent. The Grand Masters discussed the war, the Dark Brotherhood, and many others. The Dark Brotherhood was the coalition of the dark orders that was currently fighting the Council of Light.
Babylon X, Australian Outback
21 January, 1123 hours
"What do we do now, Eusebio?" David asked as he reached for his computer.
"We just trace the transmissions. I'm going to my room, I need to be alone for a while." Eusebio got up from his chair and started for his room.
Council Building, Halgyon, MK2 Galaxy
14 January, 1125 hours, 2006 (Earth time)
"But Darks is not up to the task!" Mutallaca, Grand Master of the Unior Order, stressed.
Zurok had just proposed that Darks be sent to combat the threat on the world of Rifloroshon. The Bane of Sukor had just arrived on the planet. The Bane of Sukor was one of the most powerful members of the Dark Brotherhood. Apparently his mission was to disrupt the hologram transmissions. If he succeeded, all contact with Dorzen would be gone.
"You doubt my abilities?" Darks snarled from behind his black hood. Darks had stayed silent throughout the meeting until now.
"Of course! You are the most inexperienced of us all!" Mutallaca sneered.
Bringing his fist down on the table, Darks seemed furious; but his voice was as cold as ice, "How old are you, Mutallaca?"
"Humph! Definitely older than you." Mutallaca snorted.
"I asked how old you are. Not whether you are older than me, Mutallaca." Darks growled.
"About 400 years old. The Yerong species are one of the most long-lived races in the galaxy, human." Mutallaca gloated.
"You are but a child to me, Mutallaca. My age is greater than all of your ages put together! I was before the Corduras Uprising! I was before the Devastation of Argaski, my homeworld! I, am immortal!" Darks clenched his fist. "How I longed for revenge on the Bane of Sukor for devastating my homeworld! He will die for killing my parents! Too bad they weren't immortal like their children. Nevertheless, the Bane must die!"
"Huh! Age does not necessarily mean skill! I challenge you to a lightsaber duel!" Mutallaca leered. "You will know better than to insult the Master of the Lightstaff!"
"Your youth betrays your immaturity, Mutallaca. Your actions will show the Dark Brotherhood that the Council of Light is divided. They will then exploit this weakness and bring us down." Darks stared at Mutallaca.
"Stand down, Mutallaca! We shall have no more of this nonsense!" Oruna, Grand Master of the Nepis Order, yelled.
Grunting, Mutallaca lowered his four arms and sat back down on his chair, scowling.
"Looks like the issue has been solved. Darks will go to Rifloroshon." Zurok announced.
"My pleasure, brother." Darks smiled.
Rifloroshon, MK2 Galaxy
16 January, 2006, 0023 hours (Earth time)
Darks stepped over the body of a Rebel soldier, hood drawn and crimson-bladed lightsaber in his hand. Scanning the area with his sharp eyes, his eyes fell on the garrison of twenty Rebel troops heading towards him. Opening fire, the Rebels charged. Leaping into the air, Darks deflected the blaster bolts back at the soldiers, killing five. Landing in the midst of the soldiers, he plunged his lightsaber into the ground and discharged lightning from his hands. The lightning travelled down the lightsaber and spread in a sort of shockwave along the ground, killing the remaining soldiers.
"You've improved." A voice sounded.
"Everyone improves, Bane." Darks narrowed his eyes at the figure standing twenty meters from him.
"It's too bad you have to die." The Bane smiled evilly as he drew two swords.
"Die? If you say so..." Darks raised his lightsaber.
Weapons clashed as the two foes fought. Darks fended off a killing blow from the Bane and struck back, knocking the Bane off-balance. Lunging at the Bane, Darks slashed downwards. The Bane rolled to the side and stabbed at Darks. Darks gasped as the blade passed through his body...
14 January, 2006, 1256 hours (Earth time)
Zurok stood at the bridge of his flagship, the Saber, looking darkly at the planet below. Zurok was around the same height as Dorzen, with piercing blue eyes and an angular chin. Younger than Dorzen by 3 years, Zurok was the second-born. (With Darks being the youngest.) He was clad in black body armor. (Although the three brothers were immortal and invulnerable, they simply wore body armor for the "war" feel. )
Zurok's lips curled into a smile as he saw the tide of the battle turn against the Rebels. If the Republic managed to recapture Sholom, a great blow would be done to the Rebellion. Sholom was the major manufacturing center of the Rebellion's ships. Without it, the Rebel fleet would have to shift operations somewhere else, a process that would take months. Before then, the Rebel fleet was crippled.
"General, General Dorzen wants to have a word with you." One of the soldiers reported.
"Process the transmission. See to it that no one comes in the door during our conversation." Zurok continued to face the planet.
"Yes sir!"
Zurok turned and flipped a switch on the hologram device. Almost immediately, the hologram of Dorzen appeared.
"Well, Zurok. How have you been? What's the current situation?" Dorzen/Eusebio asked.
"Brother. Its been quite some time since we last communicated. Yes, I'm fine. We are now besieging Sholom and we are winning." Zurok smiled slightly. "How's the search for the weapon been going?"
"We nearly got it at Korstovok. That coward of a Lemai had to fight with me and lose before finally escaping with it. Blast him to hell. But how's Darks?" Dorzen's frustration was evident.
"He's well. On a mission to eliminate some Somer spies. Those idiots have been giving us a lot of trouble recently." Zurok frowned.
"At the next Council of Light, I want you to give the progress of the recovery of the weapon. Do not reveal too much, though. I don't entirely trust some of the other orders' Grand Masters." Dorzen narrowed his eyes.
"I understand, brother. I share the same sentiments too." Zurok added, "We do not know the intentions of some of the other Grand Masters."
"Alright, it's time for me to go. I'll contact you when I can. Farewell, Zurok."
"Farewell, brother."
Council Building, Halgyon, MK2 Galaxy
21 January, 2006, 1034 hours (Earth time)
"Acting Grand Master Zurok, could you give us information on your brother's search for the weapon?" Westura, Grand Master of the Vestora Order, sneered, saying "Acting" with a bit of disgust.
Zurok ignored the rude comment and started, "Grand Masters of the Council of Light, as you all know, Dorzen, Grand Master of the Trayos Order, is away trying to destroy or recover the weapon and has appointed me Grand Master in his absence. Dorzen managed to track the weapon and nearly got it, but it slipped from his grasp."
"How unfortunate! The mighty Dorzen letting something slip from his grasp!" Westura curled his lips in a smile.
Biting his lip, Zurok growled, "Lemai was there."
The whole council was shocked. "Lemai! How did he get to Earth and what does he want there?" Iodira, Grand Master of the Lothoa Order, gasped.
"According to Dorzen, Lemai wants to test the weapon on the human race on Earth before unleashing it on our galaxy." Zurok announced, voice thundering over the voices of the discussing Grand Masters.
"Can you trust your brother? He has had a history of lying." Westura jibed.
This time, Zurok glared at Westura and retorted, "Grand Master Westura. I understand you have a history of misunderstanding with my brother. However, I hope that would not cloud your judgement in this meeting, which is of utmost importance and reserves no space for stinging remarks!"
Westura shot up from his chair, knocking it down. His face was beetroot red and he was evidently offended by Zurok's remarks. He yelled, "Zurok! How dare you insult my wisdom and judgement! You know very well how wise I am! I never let my temper get the better of me!"
The other Grand Masters were taken aback by Westura's outburst and turned their heads to look at Zurok, trying to anticipate his next action.
Zurok's face remained emotionless as ever as he boomed, "Grand Master Westura. I apologize for my previous remark, but wasn't your first remark as insulting? Your wisdom should tell you that losing your temper in the middle of an important meeting such as this is something that reflects very badly on your character. Besides, didn't you just lose your temper?"
Westura calmed down but his hand strayed to his lightsaber. "I, Master of the Qura fighting style challenge you to a lightsaber duel. Whoever submits will back down and will stay quiet throughout the entire meeting."
Zurok smiled inwardly. He knew Westura's fighting style, but no one knew Zurok's. He knew what tactics Westura would use to trip his opponents. In fact, Zurok had trained for this moment.
Pretending to scared, Zurok shook off his cloak and reached for his lightsaber. Westura ignited his and Zurok saw that it had a cyan blade. Igniting his orange-bladed lightsaber, Zurok waited as Westura circled him, lightsaber humming.
Suddenly, Westura leaped forward and hit out at Zurok. Zurok expected this and parried the blow. Feinting to Westura's left, Zurok instead brought his lightsaber to his right and in a display of exceptional control, nicked the arm guard of Westure instead of cutting through it.
Westura gasped but quickly resumed his attacks more viciously. Zurok blocked all of Westura's attacks successfully, much to the amazement of the other Grand Masters.
Frustrated, Westura swung with all his might. Zurok dodged the blow and and clashed his lightsaber against Westura's. Flicking his lightsaber, Zurok disarmed Westura.
"Do you surrender?" Zurok's face remained as stony as before.
Westura hesitated and glanced at his lightsaber on the floor just two meters from him.
Zurok looked at Westura's lightsaber, brought the tip of his lightsaber closer to Westura's face, and thundered even louder, "Do you surrender?"
Westura gulped and finally croaked, "I submit!"
The remainder of the meeting continued with Westura being silent. The Grand Masters discussed the war, the Dark Brotherhood, and many others. The Dark Brotherhood was the coalition of the dark orders that was currently fighting the Council of Light.
Babylon X, Australian Outback
21 January, 1123 hours
"What do we do now, Eusebio?" David asked as he reached for his computer.
"We just trace the transmissions. I'm going to my room, I need to be alone for a while." Eusebio got up from his chair and started for his room.
Council Building, Halgyon, MK2 Galaxy
14 January, 1125 hours, 2006 (Earth time)
"But Darks is not up to the task!" Mutallaca, Grand Master of the Unior Order, stressed.
Zurok had just proposed that Darks be sent to combat the threat on the world of Rifloroshon. The Bane of Sukor had just arrived on the planet. The Bane of Sukor was one of the most powerful members of the Dark Brotherhood. Apparently his mission was to disrupt the hologram transmissions. If he succeeded, all contact with Dorzen would be gone.
"You doubt my abilities?" Darks snarled from behind his black hood. Darks had stayed silent throughout the meeting until now.
"Of course! You are the most inexperienced of us all!" Mutallaca sneered.
Bringing his fist down on the table, Darks seemed furious; but his voice was as cold as ice, "How old are you, Mutallaca?"
"Humph! Definitely older than you." Mutallaca snorted.
"I asked how old you are. Not whether you are older than me, Mutallaca." Darks growled.
"About 400 years old. The Yerong species are one of the most long-lived races in the galaxy, human." Mutallaca gloated.
"You are but a child to me, Mutallaca. My age is greater than all of your ages put together! I was before the Corduras Uprising! I was before the Devastation of Argaski, my homeworld! I, am immortal!" Darks clenched his fist. "How I longed for revenge on the Bane of Sukor for devastating my homeworld! He will die for killing my parents! Too bad they weren't immortal like their children. Nevertheless, the Bane must die!"
"Huh! Age does not necessarily mean skill! I challenge you to a lightsaber duel!" Mutallaca leered. "You will know better than to insult the Master of the Lightstaff!"
"Your youth betrays your immaturity, Mutallaca. Your actions will show the Dark Brotherhood that the Council of Light is divided. They will then exploit this weakness and bring us down." Darks stared at Mutallaca.
"Stand down, Mutallaca! We shall have no more of this nonsense!" Oruna, Grand Master of the Nepis Order, yelled.
Grunting, Mutallaca lowered his four arms and sat back down on his chair, scowling.
"Looks like the issue has been solved. Darks will go to Rifloroshon." Zurok announced.
"My pleasure, brother." Darks smiled.
Rifloroshon, MK2 Galaxy
16 January, 2006, 0023 hours (Earth time)
Darks stepped over the body of a Rebel soldier, hood drawn and crimson-bladed lightsaber in his hand. Scanning the area with his sharp eyes, his eyes fell on the garrison of twenty Rebel troops heading towards him. Opening fire, the Rebels charged. Leaping into the air, Darks deflected the blaster bolts back at the soldiers, killing five. Landing in the midst of the soldiers, he plunged his lightsaber into the ground and discharged lightning from his hands. The lightning travelled down the lightsaber and spread in a sort of shockwave along the ground, killing the remaining soldiers.
"You've improved." A voice sounded.
"Everyone improves, Bane." Darks narrowed his eyes at the figure standing twenty meters from him.
"It's too bad you have to die." The Bane smiled evilly as he drew two swords.
"Die? If you say so..." Darks raised his lightsaber.
Weapons clashed as the two foes fought. Darks fended off a killing blow from the Bane and struck back, knocking the Bane off-balance. Lunging at the Bane, Darks slashed downwards. The Bane rolled to the side and stabbed at Darks. Darks gasped as the blade passed through his body...
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Galaxy At War: World At Ransom, Chapter 15
Missile Facility, Korstovok, Russia
14 January, 2006, 0013 hours
A guard sprinted into the room, AK-47 ready. When his eyes finally adjusted to the darkness, he was appalled by the sight. All twenty guards in the room had been killed, all with a decapitating blow to the head. Treading cautiously to the fallen steel door, he did not hear the hum of the lightsaber. Nor did he see the person who sent him to his Maker.
...
The agents and the SAS soldiers moved in from the smoking corridor, a trail of guards lying dead behind them. By that time, the alarm had already sounded, but the whole facility was in disarray. Men were frightened of the mysterious person that beheaded his enemies and the group of men that were falling their men like flies. Workers and guards fled, supposedly leaving the weapon unguarded and in the factory.
Once both Eusebio, the agents, and the soldiers got to the room where the missile was held, a dark shadowy figure leapt down from the ceiling, obstructing their way. The agents and the soldiers opened fire, but the figure stopped their bullets and sent them back. The agents and the soldiers would have been dead if not for Eusebio. Stretching out his hand, he stopped the bullets and let them fall harmlessly to the floor. Turning his head towards the shape, he chuckled, "Lemai! Good to see you. I didn't expect you to come to this galaxy and try to destroy it with the weapon."
"You don't know me, Dorzen. I want to see how this weapon would affect humans. Just another bit of information. I have more in reserve! Hahahaha!" Lemai cackled.
"Stay back!" Eusebio ordered the agents and the soldiers. "He will kill you if you engage him."
"DIE!!!" Lemai leapt at Eusebio, who back was turned to him.
Fast as lightning, Eusebio/Dorzen whipped around and sent a slashing stroke at Lemai. Bringing up his lightsaber, Lemai successfully blocked the blow, but the force of it sent him cannoning into the wall.
"Hmm...your technique still hasn't improved since our last duel." Eusebio taunted.
"You!" Lemai's face reddened as he gripped his lightsaber.
"Darks can beat you hands down." Eusebio smirked.
"Raaarrgggghhhh!!!!" Lemai released a flood of dark energy at Eusebio.
Eusebio opened his palm and absorbed the energy, saying, "You must know that black Somer Blasts are nothing compared to the strength of Trayos Lightning!"
The Somer Order was just one of the dark orders fighting the Trayos Order and the orders of light. Lemai was one of the high-ranking members of the Somer Order while his cousins, Korm and Roshanojan were respectively Grand Master and Head Master of the Zorukas Order.
Eusebio stretched out his right hand and loosed a torrent of lightning at Lemai. The lightning illuminated Lemai from within and hurled him across the room. Reigniting his lightsaber, Lemai managed to block the first few bolts of lightning from the second blast. However, he could not withstand the force of the lightning and he was pushed backwards against the wall, gritting his teeth with the effort.
Jumping across the room, Eusebio brought his lightsaber down in a killing blow. Rolling to the side, Lemai just evaded the purple blade. Swinging his arm, Eusebio's fist connected with Lemai's face. Lemai spun in a circle before crumpling to the floor, his two front teeth missing.
Growling, Lemai disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Eusebio disengaged his lightsaber and turned to look and the container that supposed to contain the weapon.
The container was not there.
Lemai had taken it.
The agents and soldiers half-expected Eusebio to go into a rage. He didn't. He simply walked out of the room and said, "Time to go home. We'll find him and the container. This time, we'll succeed."
14 January, 2006, 0013 hours
A guard sprinted into the room, AK-47 ready. When his eyes finally adjusted to the darkness, he was appalled by the sight. All twenty guards in the room had been killed, all with a decapitating blow to the head. Treading cautiously to the fallen steel door, he did not hear the hum of the lightsaber. Nor did he see the person who sent him to his Maker.
...
The agents and the SAS soldiers moved in from the smoking corridor, a trail of guards lying dead behind them. By that time, the alarm had already sounded, but the whole facility was in disarray. Men were frightened of the mysterious person that beheaded his enemies and the group of men that were falling their men like flies. Workers and guards fled, supposedly leaving the weapon unguarded and in the factory.
Once both Eusebio, the agents, and the soldiers got to the room where the missile was held, a dark shadowy figure leapt down from the ceiling, obstructing their way. The agents and the soldiers opened fire, but the figure stopped their bullets and sent them back. The agents and the soldiers would have been dead if not for Eusebio. Stretching out his hand, he stopped the bullets and let them fall harmlessly to the floor. Turning his head towards the shape, he chuckled, "Lemai! Good to see you. I didn't expect you to come to this galaxy and try to destroy it with the weapon."
"You don't know me, Dorzen. I want to see how this weapon would affect humans. Just another bit of information. I have more in reserve! Hahahaha!" Lemai cackled.
"Stay back!" Eusebio ordered the agents and the soldiers. "He will kill you if you engage him."
"DIE!!!" Lemai leapt at Eusebio, who back was turned to him.
Fast as lightning, Eusebio/Dorzen whipped around and sent a slashing stroke at Lemai. Bringing up his lightsaber, Lemai successfully blocked the blow, but the force of it sent him cannoning into the wall.
"Hmm...your technique still hasn't improved since our last duel." Eusebio taunted.
"You!" Lemai's face reddened as he gripped his lightsaber.
"Darks can beat you hands down." Eusebio smirked.
"Raaarrgggghhhh!!!!" Lemai released a flood of dark energy at Eusebio.
Eusebio opened his palm and absorbed the energy, saying, "You must know that black Somer Blasts are nothing compared to the strength of Trayos Lightning!"
The Somer Order was just one of the dark orders fighting the Trayos Order and the orders of light. Lemai was one of the high-ranking members of the Somer Order while his cousins, Korm and Roshanojan were respectively Grand Master and Head Master of the Zorukas Order.
Eusebio stretched out his right hand and loosed a torrent of lightning at Lemai. The lightning illuminated Lemai from within and hurled him across the room. Reigniting his lightsaber, Lemai managed to block the first few bolts of lightning from the second blast. However, he could not withstand the force of the lightning and he was pushed backwards against the wall, gritting his teeth with the effort.
Jumping across the room, Eusebio brought his lightsaber down in a killing blow. Rolling to the side, Lemai just evaded the purple blade. Swinging his arm, Eusebio's fist connected with Lemai's face. Lemai spun in a circle before crumpling to the floor, his two front teeth missing.
Growling, Lemai disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Eusebio disengaged his lightsaber and turned to look and the container that supposed to contain the weapon.
The container was not there.
Lemai had taken it.
The agents and soldiers half-expected Eusebio to go into a rage. He didn't. He simply walked out of the room and said, "Time to go home. We'll find him and the container. This time, we'll succeed."
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Galaxy At War: World At Ransom, Chapter 14
Babylon X, Australian Outback
12 January, 2006, 1347 hours
All the agents sat around the table listening to Eusebio's story of his real past. Using his powers, he conjured up a portal through which they could watch his life story unfold.
They watched as he was born on his home planet of Argaski, which was very much like Earth. When Dorzen was born, people could feel power emanating from him. Birds and other animals would come near him and he had a special connection with them, almost as they could talk with each other with their minds. At the age of three, people knew that he was different. He had an adult's maturity and intelligence. However, he kept his powers hidden to himself and told no one else about it. Practicing them secretly in the dead of night. He developed vast knowledge which surpassed all of the wisest men in Argaski. (Although he did not show it.)
One day, however, when he was attending speech class after school, an infamous bully, Argawa, punched Dorzen in the face and mocked him, saying, "Hey you! You are different from everybody else. I don't think you're human. You are an alien Mastuga in disguise, I suppose!"
Argawa was the strongest boy in the city and being the son of a magician, he had some magical powers. Dorzen absolutely hated magic and anything to do with the occult, bringing him to criticize Argarwa's father and earn the hatred of Argarwa.
Argarwa was surprised to see that Dorzen was not at all harmed by the blow. Dorzen replied calmly, "There is no need to continue. I am stronger than you. Please don't make me angry."
"Oh really?! Stronger than me! I'm the strongest boy in the city! Now I'll show you a taste of my powers!" Argarwa snarled and cried, "Ohârslo!"
Dorzen was slammed into the wall as the spell took effect. Grunting, he glared at Argarwa, "You know that magic is accursed and I hate it! How dare you use it on me. Magic draws upon your strength, but I have a different power altogether! It is unlimited!"
Dorzen raised his hand and sent an energy blast directly at Argarwa. The people in the room screamed as Argarwa was hurled through the wall, creating a gaping hole...
The "movie" continued to the time when Dorzen founded the Trayos Order to maintain peace in the galaxy. Throughout his entire life, Dorzen continued to hate magic and all those who practiced it, barring any of them from joining the Trayos Order.
The story moved on to the Great War, where Worlock led a rebellion against the Republic. The Trayos Order together with the Republic defeated the rebellion and Dorzen was given the position of Supreme Commander of the Republic fleet. At that time, he was over 400 years old.
As the events unfolded, the agents were amazed at the other galaxy and started discussions among themselves. Paul said," Wow! A good insight into another galaxy!"
At the end of the movie, the agents asked Eusebio (Dorzen preferred to be called "Eusebio" on Earth), "Who is Korm? Why did he lead the Rebellion?"
Sighing, Eusebio replied, "Korm is a Tarkosian, coming from the planet Tarko. If you recall, I slaughtered Korm's father because he killed many Trayos Knights in cold blood. Korm swore revenge against the Republic and me. The Republic devasted Tarko after the Tarkosian Uprising, so Korm hated the Republic for that. Korm has the same kind of powers like mine, although he's not as strong as me. He has a brother, Roshanojan. They lead the Rebellion. They have a cousin, Lemai, who is General of their army."
"Do you have any siblings?" Shane queried.
"Yes. I have two brothers, Zurok and Darks. They are very powerful and like me, are senior council members of the Trayos Order. They have taken charge of the order in my absence, while the war rages on." Eusebio looked out of the window to spy on the SAS soldiers who had taken the shelter outside to stay.
Airspace Over Russia
14 January, 2006, 2321 hours
The Payload glided silently through the clouds, headed for Korstovok. The agents and the SAS soldiers had already been briefed and were assembling their equipment. Eusebio was in the cockpit with Ingrid and Shane, lightsaber hooked to his belt.
"When do we reach Korstovok?" Eusebio asked.
Ingrid glanced at the coordinates and calculated, "We should reach in approximately 20 minutes."
5 Kilometers from Korstovok
14 January, 2006, 2356 hours
The ramp descended and the two Toyota SUVs roared out into the snowy night, headlights cutting through the darkness like a knife. Due to the fact that the SUVs were fitted with Russian license plates, anybody who saw the cars would not suspect anything.
Before long, the missile facility was in sight. It was cleverly hidden in the thick brushes and trees of the forest.
...
A steel door crashed inwards as two guards smashed into it. All the guards in the area immediately pointed their weapons towards the door, tense. Stepping through the door and over the unconscious guards, Eusebio reached for his lightsaber.
"Drop your weapon and get down on the floor!" One of the guards shouted, finger on the trigger of his AK-47.
Eusebio smiled and ignited his lightsaber.
All the agents sat around the table listening to Eusebio's story of his real past. Using his powers, he conjured up a portal through which they could watch his life story unfold.
They watched as he was born on his home planet of Argaski, which was very much like Earth. When Dorzen was born, people could feel power emanating from him. Birds and other animals would come near him and he had a special connection with them, almost as they could talk with each other with their minds. At the age of three, people knew that he was different. He had an adult's maturity and intelligence. However, he kept his powers hidden to himself and told no one else about it. Practicing them secretly in the dead of night. He developed vast knowledge which surpassed all of the wisest men in Argaski. (Although he did not show it.)
One day, however, when he was attending speech class after school, an infamous bully, Argawa, punched Dorzen in the face and mocked him, saying, "Hey you! You are different from everybody else. I don't think you're human. You are an alien Mastuga in disguise, I suppose!"
Argawa was the strongest boy in the city and being the son of a magician, he had some magical powers. Dorzen absolutely hated magic and anything to do with the occult, bringing him to criticize Argarwa's father and earn the hatred of Argarwa.
Argarwa was surprised to see that Dorzen was not at all harmed by the blow. Dorzen replied calmly, "There is no need to continue. I am stronger than you. Please don't make me angry."
"Oh really?! Stronger than me! I'm the strongest boy in the city! Now I'll show you a taste of my powers!" Argarwa snarled and cried, "Ohârslo!"
Dorzen was slammed into the wall as the spell took effect. Grunting, he glared at Argarwa, "You know that magic is accursed and I hate it! How dare you use it on me. Magic draws upon your strength, but I have a different power altogether! It is unlimited!"
Dorzen raised his hand and sent an energy blast directly at Argarwa. The people in the room screamed as Argarwa was hurled through the wall, creating a gaping hole...
The "movie" continued to the time when Dorzen founded the Trayos Order to maintain peace in the galaxy. Throughout his entire life, Dorzen continued to hate magic and all those who practiced it, barring any of them from joining the Trayos Order.
The story moved on to the Great War, where Worlock led a rebellion against the Republic. The Trayos Order together with the Republic defeated the rebellion and Dorzen was given the position of Supreme Commander of the Republic fleet. At that time, he was over 400 years old.
As the events unfolded, the agents were amazed at the other galaxy and started discussions among themselves. Paul said," Wow! A good insight into another galaxy!"
At the end of the movie, the agents asked Eusebio (Dorzen preferred to be called "Eusebio" on Earth), "Who is Korm? Why did he lead the Rebellion?"
Sighing, Eusebio replied, "Korm is a Tarkosian, coming from the planet Tarko. If you recall, I slaughtered Korm's father because he killed many Trayos Knights in cold blood. Korm swore revenge against the Republic and me. The Republic devasted Tarko after the Tarkosian Uprising, so Korm hated the Republic for that. Korm has the same kind of powers like mine, although he's not as strong as me. He has a brother, Roshanojan. They lead the Rebellion. They have a cousin, Lemai, who is General of their army."
"Do you have any siblings?" Shane queried.
"Yes. I have two brothers, Zurok and Darks. They are very powerful and like me, are senior council members of the Trayos Order. They have taken charge of the order in my absence, while the war rages on." Eusebio looked out of the window to spy on the SAS soldiers who had taken the shelter outside to stay.
Airspace Over Russia
14 January, 2006, 2321 hours
The Payload glided silently through the clouds, headed for Korstovok. The agents and the SAS soldiers had already been briefed and were assembling their equipment. Eusebio was in the cockpit with Ingrid and Shane, lightsaber hooked to his belt.
"When do we reach Korstovok?" Eusebio asked.
Ingrid glanced at the coordinates and calculated, "We should reach in approximately 20 minutes."
5 Kilometers from Korstovok
14 January, 2006, 2356 hours
The ramp descended and the two Toyota SUVs roared out into the snowy night, headlights cutting through the darkness like a knife. Due to the fact that the SUVs were fitted with Russian license plates, anybody who saw the cars would not suspect anything.
Before long, the missile facility was in sight. It was cleverly hidden in the thick brushes and trees of the forest.
...
A steel door crashed inwards as two guards smashed into it. All the guards in the area immediately pointed their weapons towards the door, tense. Stepping through the door and over the unconscious guards, Eusebio reached for his lightsaber.
"Drop your weapon and get down on the floor!" One of the guards shouted, finger on the trigger of his AK-47.
Eusebio smiled and ignited his lightsaber.
Monday, May 7, 2012
Galaxy At War: World At Ransom, Chapter 13
Akari, Dushabe (A planet in the MK2 Galaxy)
30123 BC (Earth time. The MK2 Galaxy is in a different timezone, being billions and trillions of light-years away from the Milky Way Galaxy.)
Dorzen strode towards the smoking mass of rubble that had once been a magnificent building. In fact, the planet of Dushabe was now black and from outer space, you could see huge fires burning on the surface of the planet. The Republic fleet had just commenced Order Burnout, a bombardment of a planet's surface that would engulf it in flames. Two weeks had passed since the bombardment and Dorzen had landed on Akari, the planet's capital, to deal with the remaining survivors. He approached the building, bent on destroying the deadly biological weapon hidden in the center of the building. Although he was invulnerable to the effects of the weapon, Dorzen did not want the weapon to kill millions or even billions of innocent people. It had to be destroyed.
Suddenly a black-bladed lightsaber ignited and a cloaked figure emerged from the shadows.
"Sssss. Dorzen. How nice to see you again." The figure hissed.
"Well, I think I feel the opposite, Morgos." Dorzen rolled his eyes before unleashing a blast of energy that sent Morgos crashing through three walls.
Morgos again ignited his lightsaber before charging towards Dorzen, roaring with pain and hatred. Dorzen's purple-bladed lightsaber went up to meet Morgos's onslaught.
Zzzzzzzz! The lightsabers clashed. Whipping around, Morgos delivered a striking blow aimed at Dorzen's neck, but Dorzen was too fast. Leaping backwards, Dorzen sliced through Morgos's arm. Yelping with pain, Morgos fled into the fallen structure with Dorzen hot on his heels. Finally, Morgos reached the area where the biological weapon was held. He punched a combination of buttons and watched with evil glee as the container containing the weapon blasted off into space.
Dorzen arrived just in time to see the container flying off towards space. His heart sank. He now would have to spend a very long time to trace that container. A very long time. Glaring at the cackling Morgos, he unleashed a powerful blast of yellow lightning from his fingertips. The force of the lightning crashed Morgos through the six-meter wall of the inner facility. Severely weakened, wounded, and dying, Morgos could only watch helplessly as Dorzen lifted his lightsaber and struck downwards. Morgos saw no more.
Back on his flagship, Justice, Dorzen gritted his teeth in frustration. They had to find the container in billions of different galaxies. It would take eons.
Finally, after five thousand years of searching, Dorzen had successfully traced the container to...Earth. Teleporting to Earth, Dorzen assumed the identity of a man. That man: Jose Eusebio Luis Diogo Azevedo.
30123 BC (Earth time. The MK2 Galaxy is in a different timezone, being billions and trillions of light-years away from the Milky Way Galaxy.)
Dorzen strode towards the smoking mass of rubble that had once been a magnificent building. In fact, the planet of Dushabe was now black and from outer space, you could see huge fires burning on the surface of the planet. The Republic fleet had just commenced Order Burnout, a bombardment of a planet's surface that would engulf it in flames. Two weeks had passed since the bombardment and Dorzen had landed on Akari, the planet's capital, to deal with the remaining survivors. He approached the building, bent on destroying the deadly biological weapon hidden in the center of the building. Although he was invulnerable to the effects of the weapon, Dorzen did not want the weapon to kill millions or even billions of innocent people. It had to be destroyed.
Suddenly a black-bladed lightsaber ignited and a cloaked figure emerged from the shadows.
"Sssss. Dorzen. How nice to see you again." The figure hissed.
"Well, I think I feel the opposite, Morgos." Dorzen rolled his eyes before unleashing a blast of energy that sent Morgos crashing through three walls.
Morgos again ignited his lightsaber before charging towards Dorzen, roaring with pain and hatred. Dorzen's purple-bladed lightsaber went up to meet Morgos's onslaught.
Zzzzzzzz! The lightsabers clashed. Whipping around, Morgos delivered a striking blow aimed at Dorzen's neck, but Dorzen was too fast. Leaping backwards, Dorzen sliced through Morgos's arm. Yelping with pain, Morgos fled into the fallen structure with Dorzen hot on his heels. Finally, Morgos reached the area where the biological weapon was held. He punched a combination of buttons and watched with evil glee as the container containing the weapon blasted off into space.
Dorzen arrived just in time to see the container flying off towards space. His heart sank. He now would have to spend a very long time to trace that container. A very long time. Glaring at the cackling Morgos, he unleashed a powerful blast of yellow lightning from his fingertips. The force of the lightning crashed Morgos through the six-meter wall of the inner facility. Severely weakened, wounded, and dying, Morgos could only watch helplessly as Dorzen lifted his lightsaber and struck downwards. Morgos saw no more.
Back on his flagship, Justice, Dorzen gritted his teeth in frustration. They had to find the container in billions of different galaxies. It would take eons.
Finally, after five thousand years of searching, Dorzen had successfully traced the container to...Earth. Teleporting to Earth, Dorzen assumed the identity of a man. That man: Jose Eusebio Luis Diogo Azevedo.
Thursday, May 3, 2012
Galaxy At War: World At Ransom, Chapter 12
Agents' House, Somewhere in the Australian Outback
26 December, 2005, 2334 hours
The Payload touched down on the sandy runway built by the agents a good hundred meters from the house. Fifteen figures exited the Boeing 777 and walked toward the house. Checking the perimeter.
In order to protect the two-acre area, the agents constructed a four-meter high concrete wall with barbed wire, installed forty CCTVs and fifty automated machine guns. Behind the first wall was another three-meter electric wire wall with barbed wire, infrared cameras, etc. The whole area was codenamed Babylon X and was top secret, although some members of the Australian government knew of the existence. The Australian government permitted the agents to built their base there. (Australia was the INDF's closest ally. It did not allow its soldiers to participate in the siege of Demarque and condemned the UN's action.)
"Whoo! What a house! Look at the defence systems! They're even better than those on Demarque!" Reznov exclaimed.
"Yes. We learned from our defensive mistakes at Demarque. This area is a fortress." Eusebio clenched his fist as he remembered the events that transpired at Demarque some six years earlier. The name Joseph Drescher was a bane at Babylon X and the agents would often talk about how they would torture and kill him when they got their hands on him.
David opened his computer to give Reznov a look at the encrypted transmission.
"Hhhmmmm. Classic AF code. Pah! Easy!" Reznov scoffed as his hands flew over the keys. Finally, he pressed the key "Q" and the details of the transmission filled the screen.
"Missile Construction Facility, Korstovok, Russia."
"Korstovok! It was one of the abandoned nuclear missile construction facilities during the Cold War!" Allen gulped.
"Makes sense. It's a missile construction facility. However, the AF are building a biological weapon... Never mind about that. We must destroy the weapon once and for all." Eusebio announced.
"Not another mission! We'll take a break before going to Korstovok. I think we need it." David groaned.
Babylon X, Somewhere in the Australian Outback
12 January, 2006, 0925 hours
The Payload's wheels ground to a halt on the runway of Babylon X. The agents had just returned from their holiday to Ottawa, Canada. Eusebio approved of the two-week trip to calm their nerves and it really did.
"Okay guys. You got the holiday you wanted. Now it's time to deliver." Eusebio smirked, "We go to Korvostok in one week. I want you all to train for the mission for at least seven hours a day. On the last three days, we'll get the equipment and weaponry prepared."
"Whatever you say, boss." Paul shrugged as he headed to the training facility with the other agents, leaving Eusebio alone with Reznov.
"How's life?" Eusebio asked pleasantly.
"Well, it's good to be back with my fellow agents; but I just can't get the destruction of Demarque and the killing of so many agents out of my head. I want to, but I can't." Reznov sighed.
"Me too. We're glad that we're alive. No one but us knows of the existence of the AF's secret weapon. We need to stop them. Drescher will have to wait." Eusebio stared at the agents running towards the training facility.
Babylon X, Somewhere in the Australian Outback
17 January, 2006, 1232 hours
The agents sat around the table, having their lunch. The mission was scheduled to start in two days time and the agents were a bit nervous.
"Hey, the winter gear. Have they been prepared?" Eusebio inquired.
"Yes. 100%. They're all on the plane." William slurped his Coke.
"The weapons will have to be prepared tomorrow. Hurry up, it's almost time for training." Eusebio finished his food and started for the kitchen to wash his plate.
"Errr...guys. There's someone at the gate. Get someone to deal with him." David turned to look at the window.
"Oh, bother! Allen and Paul, go. Grab a HK-416 and a HK MG4 on the way, though. If you need help, sound the alarm." Eusebio ordered just as he placed his plate in the cupboard.
Dashing towards the gate, Allen and Paul activated the automated machine guns and pointed them towards the gate.
Opening the gate, Allen and Paul found that a whole squadron of Australian SAS troops were standing outside. Although they were carrying M4 carbines, they did not look like they were picking a fight with the agents. A soldier, apparently the captain, approached Allen and asked, "Where's your leader?"
"Why are you here in the first place?" Allen asked suspiciously.
"Can I please speak to your leader?" The captain stressed again.
"Fine." Allen resigned. He took out his radio and said to Eusebio, "Eusebio. Captain wants to have a word with you."
"Tell him I'm coming." Eusebio replied.
In less than a minute, Eusebio was facing the captain.
"Is anything the matter?"
"Yes, we heard of your mission to Korvostok in two days. We want to help. But first, you must prove that you are worthy of it." The captain examined Eusebio from head to toe.
"And how do we do that?" Eusebio raised one eyebrow.
"Easy. Send a man to challenge my best man in hand-to-hand combat. Then I challenge you in arm wrestling." The captain stated.
"Deal."
Babylon X
17 January, 2006, 1334 hours
David stared at his opponent, Jonathan. Being shorter and smaller, David seemed to be at a bit of a disadvantage. Adding to the hopelessness of the situation, Jonathan was bulging with muscles. Yet, Eusebio chose David for a reason.
The match started and Jonathan lumbered toward David, swinging his fist at David's face. Dodging the blow, David grabbed the swinging arm and twisted it behind his back before elbowing Jonathan in the nose, sending him sprawling to the floor.
Rubbing his bloody nose, Jonathan lashed out with his legs. David landed on the floor with a loud thud, clasping his legs in pain.
By this time, Jonathan was already on his feet. He positioned his elbow for an elbow drop and dropped his elbow, aimed at David's abdomen. Rolling away, David barely avoided the elbow. Jumping up, David performed a roundhouse kick targeted at Jonathan's stomach. Jonathan doubled over, clutching his stomach and groaned. Pulling Jonathan up, David sent a flurry of quick punches at Jonathan's face, breaking his nose and sending his staggering backwards. Jonathan, now furious, kicked out at David. Jumping to the side, David threw a quick right hook at Jonathan's face and thundered a punch into his abdomen. In less than two minutes, the match was over, with David being the winner. Jonathan congratulated David on his fighting prowess before being sent for treatment on his broken nose.
The captain, Collin, looked impressed and shook David's hand, "Good work, mate! I shall now arm wrestle your leader."
The two men, Collin and Eusebio, took positions at the table. Paul and another SAS soldier, Jack, were to referee the match.
Putting their hands into position, Eusebio and Collin were ready. Feeling Collin slip his hand up so that his hand was higher than Eusebio's, Eusebio knew that he was going to execute an arm-wrestling technique known as the top roll. It would put Eusebio at a disadvantage.
Go!
Collin exerted all of his strength and was elated to see that his technique was working! Eusebio's hand was nearly on the table! Despite that, Eusebio knew that he was only putting in a teeny tiny fraction of his strength and that Collin was much weaker than he was. Smirking, Eusebio wrenched Collin's wrist so that it faced Eusebio's face. Summoning only part of his strength, Eusebio smashed Collin's hand on the table, leaving a shocked Collin gaping. Collin was one of the strongest men in the Australian Army and being beaten by Eusebio was really embarrassing in front of his men.
Eusebio walked back towards the house, smiling. His past was just made-up fantasy. He was not 29 years old as was his supposed age. He was actually thousands of years old and came from another universe. He was human, but for some reason, he was immortal and possessed great power. He was Supreme Commander of the mighty Republic Fleet and Grand Master of the Trayos Order in his native galaxy billions of light years away. His name was Dorzen. Only David knew of his identity. Why he came to Earth was a reason only he knew.
"I am a man of my word, sir! We will go and fight on your side at Korstovok." Collin shouted after Eusebio.
Eusebio turned and grinned cheekily at David, who was fighting to suppress a laugh.
26 December, 2005, 2334 hours
The Payload touched down on the sandy runway built by the agents a good hundred meters from the house. Fifteen figures exited the Boeing 777 and walked toward the house. Checking the perimeter.
In order to protect the two-acre area, the agents constructed a four-meter high concrete wall with barbed wire, installed forty CCTVs and fifty automated machine guns. Behind the first wall was another three-meter electric wire wall with barbed wire, infrared cameras, etc. The whole area was codenamed Babylon X and was top secret, although some members of the Australian government knew of the existence. The Australian government permitted the agents to built their base there. (Australia was the INDF's closest ally. It did not allow its soldiers to participate in the siege of Demarque and condemned the UN's action.)
"Whoo! What a house! Look at the defence systems! They're even better than those on Demarque!" Reznov exclaimed.
"Yes. We learned from our defensive mistakes at Demarque. This area is a fortress." Eusebio clenched his fist as he remembered the events that transpired at Demarque some six years earlier. The name Joseph Drescher was a bane at Babylon X and the agents would often talk about how they would torture and kill him when they got their hands on him.
David opened his computer to give Reznov a look at the encrypted transmission.
"Hhhmmmm. Classic AF code. Pah! Easy!" Reznov scoffed as his hands flew over the keys. Finally, he pressed the key "Q" and the details of the transmission filled the screen.
"Missile Construction Facility, Korstovok, Russia."
"Korstovok! It was one of the abandoned nuclear missile construction facilities during the Cold War!" Allen gulped.
"Makes sense. It's a missile construction facility. However, the AF are building a biological weapon... Never mind about that. We must destroy the weapon once and for all." Eusebio announced.
"Not another mission! We'll take a break before going to Korstovok. I think we need it." David groaned.
Babylon X, Somewhere in the Australian Outback
12 January, 2006, 0925 hours
The Payload's wheels ground to a halt on the runway of Babylon X. The agents had just returned from their holiday to Ottawa, Canada. Eusebio approved of the two-week trip to calm their nerves and it really did.
"Okay guys. You got the holiday you wanted. Now it's time to deliver." Eusebio smirked, "We go to Korvostok in one week. I want you all to train for the mission for at least seven hours a day. On the last three days, we'll get the equipment and weaponry prepared."
"Whatever you say, boss." Paul shrugged as he headed to the training facility with the other agents, leaving Eusebio alone with Reznov.
"How's life?" Eusebio asked pleasantly.
"Well, it's good to be back with my fellow agents; but I just can't get the destruction of Demarque and the killing of so many agents out of my head. I want to, but I can't." Reznov sighed.
"Me too. We're glad that we're alive. No one but us knows of the existence of the AF's secret weapon. We need to stop them. Drescher will have to wait." Eusebio stared at the agents running towards the training facility.
Babylon X, Somewhere in the Australian Outback
17 January, 2006, 1232 hours
The agents sat around the table, having their lunch. The mission was scheduled to start in two days time and the agents were a bit nervous.
"Hey, the winter gear. Have they been prepared?" Eusebio inquired.
"Yes. 100%. They're all on the plane." William slurped his Coke.
"The weapons will have to be prepared tomorrow. Hurry up, it's almost time for training." Eusebio finished his food and started for the kitchen to wash his plate.
"Errr...guys. There's someone at the gate. Get someone to deal with him." David turned to look at the window.
"Oh, bother! Allen and Paul, go. Grab a HK-416 and a HK MG4 on the way, though. If you need help, sound the alarm." Eusebio ordered just as he placed his plate in the cupboard.
Dashing towards the gate, Allen and Paul activated the automated machine guns and pointed them towards the gate.
Opening the gate, Allen and Paul found that a whole squadron of Australian SAS troops were standing outside. Although they were carrying M4 carbines, they did not look like they were picking a fight with the agents. A soldier, apparently the captain, approached Allen and asked, "Where's your leader?"
"Why are you here in the first place?" Allen asked suspiciously.
"Can I please speak to your leader?" The captain stressed again.
"Fine." Allen resigned. He took out his radio and said to Eusebio, "Eusebio. Captain wants to have a word with you."
"Tell him I'm coming." Eusebio replied.
In less than a minute, Eusebio was facing the captain.
"Is anything the matter?"
"Yes, we heard of your mission to Korvostok in two days. We want to help. But first, you must prove that you are worthy of it." The captain examined Eusebio from head to toe.
"And how do we do that?" Eusebio raised one eyebrow.
"Easy. Send a man to challenge my best man in hand-to-hand combat. Then I challenge you in arm wrestling." The captain stated.
"Deal."
Babylon X
17 January, 2006, 1334 hours
David stared at his opponent, Jonathan. Being shorter and smaller, David seemed to be at a bit of a disadvantage. Adding to the hopelessness of the situation, Jonathan was bulging with muscles. Yet, Eusebio chose David for a reason.
The match started and Jonathan lumbered toward David, swinging his fist at David's face. Dodging the blow, David grabbed the swinging arm and twisted it behind his back before elbowing Jonathan in the nose, sending him sprawling to the floor.
Rubbing his bloody nose, Jonathan lashed out with his legs. David landed on the floor with a loud thud, clasping his legs in pain.
By this time, Jonathan was already on his feet. He positioned his elbow for an elbow drop and dropped his elbow, aimed at David's abdomen. Rolling away, David barely avoided the elbow. Jumping up, David performed a roundhouse kick targeted at Jonathan's stomach. Jonathan doubled over, clutching his stomach and groaned. Pulling Jonathan up, David sent a flurry of quick punches at Jonathan's face, breaking his nose and sending his staggering backwards. Jonathan, now furious, kicked out at David. Jumping to the side, David threw a quick right hook at Jonathan's face and thundered a punch into his abdomen. In less than two minutes, the match was over, with David being the winner. Jonathan congratulated David on his fighting prowess before being sent for treatment on his broken nose.
The captain, Collin, looked impressed and shook David's hand, "Good work, mate! I shall now arm wrestle your leader."
The two men, Collin and Eusebio, took positions at the table. Paul and another SAS soldier, Jack, were to referee the match.
Putting their hands into position, Eusebio and Collin were ready. Feeling Collin slip his hand up so that his hand was higher than Eusebio's, Eusebio knew that he was going to execute an arm-wrestling technique known as the top roll. It would put Eusebio at a disadvantage.
Go!
Collin exerted all of his strength and was elated to see that his technique was working! Eusebio's hand was nearly on the table! Despite that, Eusebio knew that he was only putting in a teeny tiny fraction of his strength and that Collin was much weaker than he was. Smirking, Eusebio wrenched Collin's wrist so that it faced Eusebio's face. Summoning only part of his strength, Eusebio smashed Collin's hand on the table, leaving a shocked Collin gaping. Collin was one of the strongest men in the Australian Army and being beaten by Eusebio was really embarrassing in front of his men.
Eusebio walked back towards the house, smiling. His past was just made-up fantasy. He was not 29 years old as was his supposed age. He was actually thousands of years old and came from another universe. He was human, but for some reason, he was immortal and possessed great power. He was Supreme Commander of the mighty Republic Fleet and Grand Master of the Trayos Order in his native galaxy billions of light years away. His name was Dorzen. Only David knew of his identity. Why he came to Earth was a reason only he knew.
"I am a man of my word, sir! We will go and fight on your side at Korstovok." Collin shouted after Eusebio.
Eusebio turned and grinned cheekily at David, who was fighting to suppress a laugh.
Tuesday, May 1, 2012
Galaxy At War: World At Ransom, Chapter 11
Red Army Inn, Moscow, Russia
26 December, 2005, 0734 hours
Randy smiled as he hacked into all the hotel websites in Moscow. They should have the information regarding which visitor booked which room. He searched the name "Ivan Aleksandrovich Reznov" under the bookings section and sat back to relax while the computer searched and processed the information.
Minutes later, the computer found a match. Randy sat up to look at the result: 03-32, Radisson Royal Hotel.
"Whoa! Reznov sure has taste! The Radisson Royal Hotel is quite luxurious!" Allen raised his eyebrows. "Has he arrived yet?"
"Errr...no. The booking starts from 11am onwards. Tell Eusebio to get to Moscow now. We will need to get away quick." Randy typed at the keys.
Volgograd, Russia
26 December, 2006, 0735 hours
The Toyota Sequoia screeched as it took off on the road.
"Hey! Drive normally! We don't want to be attracting any attention!" Paul scolded Wang.
"No one's on the road! We need to get to Moscow as soon as possible!" Wang retorted.
Soon, the field as in sight and they could see the Payload looming in front of them.
"Lower the ramp, Ingrid! We're comin' up!" Eusebio said into his radio.
"Sure thing, man!" Ingrid replied as he pushed the ramp lever.
The SUV drove up the ramp. The ramp sealed the entrance as the plane lifted off, flying towards Moscow.
Red Army Inn, Moscow, Russia
26 December, 2005, 1023 hours
The Sequoia screeched to a stop outside the Red Army Inn. Allen grinned as he looked out of the window and proceeded to help Eusebio and the rest with packing. The room beside Allen's team room was booked for Eusebio and his team.
Randy brought his computer over to Eusebio's team room as Allen gave information regarding Reznov.
"Randy here has hacked into all the hotel websites in Moscow to check the booking information. He found that Reznov has booked room 03-32 at the Radisson Royal Hotel. The booking starts from 11am."Allen briefed.
"Are you positive that it really is Reznov? There are many Russians with the name of 'Reznov.'" Eusebio asked.
"Yes. Ivan Aleksandrovich Reznov is the Reznov we are looking for. We have checked the details of this Reznov and it matches perfectly with the Reznov we are looking for. Name, date of birth, parents' names, etc." Allen insisted.
"Okay then. Prepare your weapons and gear. We're going in at 1105 hours." Eusebio announced as he walked back to his team's room.
The agents continued with their business of packing unaware that they were being watched by an unknown figure. Smiling, the figure strode into a McLaren F1, and hightailed into the direction of Radisson Royal Hotel.
Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow, Russia
26 December, 2005, 1117 hours
Guests at the hotel were taken aback when two cars, a Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Sequioa, rumbled into the taxi-stand. A total of six men came out of the cars (David and Randy had been left at the inn to observe the city using the hacked CCTVs while Wang and William were at the cars' wheels.). They were all dressed in black and wore glasses. Hidden in their jackets were scores of equipment and weaponry.
"Guys, I got a visual. Two black Mercedes SUVs are headed towards the hotel. The AF are here! Get Reznov out as quickly as possible! They will arrive in approximately 5 minutes. I have already informed Ingrid. He's activated the invisibility device and is hovering over the city." Randy's voice sounded in the agents' earpieces.
The agents charged up the stairs to the third floor. When they finally located Room 03-23, they knocked on the door furiously.
"Who's there?" A voice sounded, wary.
"Room service!" Eusebio squeaked.
The door opened and a man leaped out, embracing Eusebio. Caught by surprise, Eusebio just stood and gawked. When the man finally released his grip, Eusebio got a closer look at his features. It really was Reznov!
"INDF agents! Hoho! It's been quite some time before I saw you guys. I knew you were coming." Reznov grinned. It turned out that Reznov was the guy who was observing the agents' activities.
"Okay. No time for good feelings or greetings, old boy. We got 20 AF men on our tails and they're going to be here any minute! We have to get out of..." Before Eusebio could finish his sentence, a volley of bullets whizzed over his head. Bullets from a FX-05 rifle.
The agents went into action. Eusebio whipped out both his MP9 and HK-416 and squeezed both triggers simultaneously. The results were instantaneous. Two AF men convulsed violently from the impact of the bullets and went down, dead.
The other agents took cover behind anything they could find. Paul was hit in the shoulder, but he still continued firing both of his MP-7s.
Reznov had indeed prepared for an encounter. Drawing out an AK-107 assault rifle, he unleashed a storm of bullets that fell five AF men.
The agents formed a protective circle around Reznov and retreated to the other stairway, blasting two AF men who were in their way, out of the window. Seeing what the agents were trying to do, the AF men went down their stairs, trying to intercept the agents at the first floor.
However, the agents already planned this in advanced. Breaking the stairway window, they attached ropes to the wall above the window outside. They subsequently grabbed the ropes and slid down into the open roofs of the Toyota Fortuner and Sequoia. Once everyone was safely in the cars, the ropes were retracted and the roofs of the SUVs were closed. Both Toyotas screeched out of the driveway, passing the Mercedes SUVs. By this time, the AF men had already reached the ground floor and opened fire at the Toyotas, at the same time getting into their Mercedes SUVs. The bullets couldn't penetrate the armour of the Toyotas and bounced off harmlessly onto the road. The Mercedes SUVs took off out of the driveway in pursuit of the Toyotas. The chase was on.
Tires screeched and smoke filled the air as the four cars swerved and skidded, avoiding cars on the expressway.
"Ingrid! Get the plane at the pick-up point! Ready the weapons systems and lower the ramp!" Eusebio yelled into his radio.
"Got it!"
Both Toyotas turned off the asphalt road onto a dusty dirt road, with their enemies in hot pursuit. The Sequoia, behind the Fortuner, was subject to most of the bullets from their disgruntled enemies. Although no harm was done to the car at all, the noise was making Wang very irritated.
"That's it!" Wang roared as he punched a red button on the dashboard. Immediately, a RPG-32 rocket propelled grenade came out from the roof and launched a grenade at the first Mercedes.
"KAAABBOOOM!!!"
Ball of flame.
Nonetheless, the second Mercedes remained unscathed and continued the chase. Winding down the window, Eusebio stuck his P90 out and fired a salvo of bullets at the tires of the Mercedes. With two of its tires punctured, the Mercedes slowed down considerably. However it still did not give up and persisted in its pursuit of the two Toyotas.
Making a sharp turn to the right, the Toyotas turned into the field where the plane was supposed to be. There was no plane in sight! Nevertheless, Wang and William continued driving. Suddenly, the plane materialized in front of the Toyotas with its ramp extended. It was hidden by the invisibility device. The plane's flank turrets swiveled round and unleashed a thousand tracer rounds at the unfortunate Mercedes. The Mercedes was shot to pieces before exploding. There were no survivors.
The moment the Toyotas entered the car hold, the ramp retracted and the Payload took off into the sky. Mission accomplished.
26 December, 2005, 0734 hours
Randy smiled as he hacked into all the hotel websites in Moscow. They should have the information regarding which visitor booked which room. He searched the name "Ivan Aleksandrovich Reznov" under the bookings section and sat back to relax while the computer searched and processed the information.
Minutes later, the computer found a match. Randy sat up to look at the result: 03-32, Radisson Royal Hotel.
"Whoa! Reznov sure has taste! The Radisson Royal Hotel is quite luxurious!" Allen raised his eyebrows. "Has he arrived yet?"
"Errr...no. The booking starts from 11am onwards. Tell Eusebio to get to Moscow now. We will need to get away quick." Randy typed at the keys.
Volgograd, Russia
26 December, 2006, 0735 hours
The Toyota Sequoia screeched as it took off on the road.
"Hey! Drive normally! We don't want to be attracting any attention!" Paul scolded Wang.
"No one's on the road! We need to get to Moscow as soon as possible!" Wang retorted.
Soon, the field as in sight and they could see the Payload looming in front of them.
"Lower the ramp, Ingrid! We're comin' up!" Eusebio said into his radio.
"Sure thing, man!" Ingrid replied as he pushed the ramp lever.
The SUV drove up the ramp. The ramp sealed the entrance as the plane lifted off, flying towards Moscow.
Red Army Inn, Moscow, Russia
26 December, 2005, 1023 hours
The Sequoia screeched to a stop outside the Red Army Inn. Allen grinned as he looked out of the window and proceeded to help Eusebio and the rest with packing. The room beside Allen's team room was booked for Eusebio and his team.
Randy brought his computer over to Eusebio's team room as Allen gave information regarding Reznov.
"Randy here has hacked into all the hotel websites in Moscow to check the booking information. He found that Reznov has booked room 03-32 at the Radisson Royal Hotel. The booking starts from 11am."Allen briefed.
"Are you positive that it really is Reznov? There are many Russians with the name of 'Reznov.'" Eusebio asked.
"Yes. Ivan Aleksandrovich Reznov is the Reznov we are looking for. We have checked the details of this Reznov and it matches perfectly with the Reznov we are looking for. Name, date of birth, parents' names, etc." Allen insisted.
"Okay then. Prepare your weapons and gear. We're going in at 1105 hours." Eusebio announced as he walked back to his team's room.
The agents continued with their business of packing unaware that they were being watched by an unknown figure. Smiling, the figure strode into a McLaren F1, and hightailed into the direction of Radisson Royal Hotel.
Radisson Royal Hotel, Moscow, Russia
26 December, 2005, 1117 hours
Guests at the hotel were taken aback when two cars, a Toyota Fortuner and Toyota Sequioa, rumbled into the taxi-stand. A total of six men came out of the cars (David and Randy had been left at the inn to observe the city using the hacked CCTVs while Wang and William were at the cars' wheels.). They were all dressed in black and wore glasses. Hidden in their jackets were scores of equipment and weaponry.
"Guys, I got a visual. Two black Mercedes SUVs are headed towards the hotel. The AF are here! Get Reznov out as quickly as possible! They will arrive in approximately 5 minutes. I have already informed Ingrid. He's activated the invisibility device and is hovering over the city." Randy's voice sounded in the agents' earpieces.
The agents charged up the stairs to the third floor. When they finally located Room 03-23, they knocked on the door furiously.
"Who's there?" A voice sounded, wary.
"Room service!" Eusebio squeaked.
The door opened and a man leaped out, embracing Eusebio. Caught by surprise, Eusebio just stood and gawked. When the man finally released his grip, Eusebio got a closer look at his features. It really was Reznov!
"INDF agents! Hoho! It's been quite some time before I saw you guys. I knew you were coming." Reznov grinned. It turned out that Reznov was the guy who was observing the agents' activities.
"Okay. No time for good feelings or greetings, old boy. We got 20 AF men on our tails and they're going to be here any minute! We have to get out of..." Before Eusebio could finish his sentence, a volley of bullets whizzed over his head. Bullets from a FX-05 rifle.
The agents went into action. Eusebio whipped out both his MP9 and HK-416 and squeezed both triggers simultaneously. The results were instantaneous. Two AF men convulsed violently from the impact of the bullets and went down, dead.
The other agents took cover behind anything they could find. Paul was hit in the shoulder, but he still continued firing both of his MP-7s.
Reznov had indeed prepared for an encounter. Drawing out an AK-107 assault rifle, he unleashed a storm of bullets that fell five AF men.
The agents formed a protective circle around Reznov and retreated to the other stairway, blasting two AF men who were in their way, out of the window. Seeing what the agents were trying to do, the AF men went down their stairs, trying to intercept the agents at the first floor.
However, the agents already planned this in advanced. Breaking the stairway window, they attached ropes to the wall above the window outside. They subsequently grabbed the ropes and slid down into the open roofs of the Toyota Fortuner and Sequoia. Once everyone was safely in the cars, the ropes were retracted and the roofs of the SUVs were closed. Both Toyotas screeched out of the driveway, passing the Mercedes SUVs. By this time, the AF men had already reached the ground floor and opened fire at the Toyotas, at the same time getting into their Mercedes SUVs. The bullets couldn't penetrate the armour of the Toyotas and bounced off harmlessly onto the road. The Mercedes SUVs took off out of the driveway in pursuit of the Toyotas. The chase was on.
Tires screeched and smoke filled the air as the four cars swerved and skidded, avoiding cars on the expressway.
"Ingrid! Get the plane at the pick-up point! Ready the weapons systems and lower the ramp!" Eusebio yelled into his radio.
"Got it!"
Both Toyotas turned off the asphalt road onto a dusty dirt road, with their enemies in hot pursuit. The Sequoia, behind the Fortuner, was subject to most of the bullets from their disgruntled enemies. Although no harm was done to the car at all, the noise was making Wang very irritated.
"That's it!" Wang roared as he punched a red button on the dashboard. Immediately, a RPG-32 rocket propelled grenade came out from the roof and launched a grenade at the first Mercedes.
"KAAABBOOOM!!!"
Ball of flame.
Nonetheless, the second Mercedes remained unscathed and continued the chase. Winding down the window, Eusebio stuck his P90 out and fired a salvo of bullets at the tires of the Mercedes. With two of its tires punctured, the Mercedes slowed down considerably. However it still did not give up and persisted in its pursuit of the two Toyotas.
Making a sharp turn to the right, the Toyotas turned into the field where the plane was supposed to be. There was no plane in sight! Nevertheless, Wang and William continued driving. Suddenly, the plane materialized in front of the Toyotas with its ramp extended. It was hidden by the invisibility device. The plane's flank turrets swiveled round and unleashed a thousand tracer rounds at the unfortunate Mercedes. The Mercedes was shot to pieces before exploding. There were no survivors.
The moment the Toyotas entered the car hold, the ramp retracted and the Payload took off into the sky. Mission accomplished.
Monday, April 30, 2012
Galaxy At War: World At Ransom, Chapter 10
Agent's House, Somewhere in the Australian outback
18 December, 2005, 0634 hours
David was at his computer, monitoring the the transmissions coming from and going to Germany. It was hard work. There were thousands of transmissions coming and going to Germany in the past month. He scrolled down the list of transmissions, ignoring those that were not relevant. Just as he was about to give up and go for his daily training exercise, one transmission got his attention:
"Missile Construction Facility to Diederich Castle: Missile's shell is ready. Virus will need more time. Missile will be ready by June."
Bingo! This was the transmission he was looking for! Rushing out of the house to the training facility (built by the agents), he hollered, "Hey! Hey! I found it! I finally found it!"
Back in the living room, all ten agents looked at the screen with a grin on their faces. Finally, after nearly a month of searching, they had now found evidence of the missile's progress! However, they did not know where the missile was being built. They had to trace the source of this transmission, a feat that only Reznov knew. The AF used a special kind of encrypted transmission. Due to his short time in the AF, Reznov knew the code. The bad news was that although Reznov escaped the UN attack on Demarque, no one knew where he went.
"I know that Reznov came from Volgograd (Stalingrad during World War Two)." One of the agents, Henrique, piped in.
"So you think we should search for him there? Is there any other possible location?" Eusebio asked.
"Well, Moscow is another possible location. He once lived there with his grandmother when he was young." Allen remarked, trying to recall what Reznov told him a few years earlier.
"That was helpful. Why don't you try to find one person in a sea of fourteen million?" David smiled sarcastically, "That's literally looking for a needle in a haystack."
"I'm not finished yet, Davy. He also told me that he wanted to go back and live with his aunt who stays near the Kremlin itself." Allen shot a don't-jump-to-conclusions look at David who was not really happy with Allen calling him "Davy."
"Okay, okay, guys. I have an idea. David, Ingrid, Ashley, Shane, and I will go to Volgograd. Allen, Matthew, Paul, Randy, and William will go search the area around the Kremlin in Moscow. We set out next week. Meanwhile, we prepare for our respective expeditions. We will need to prepare the Payload. " Eusebio said.
The Payload was a Boeing 777 plane that the agents had stolen from the UN in order to escape the island. Originally a cargo plane with no windows, the agents have added many customizations to it. It now bristled with radar domes, missile launchers, machine guns, and four revolving gun turrets, one on the roof of the plane, two on the plane's sides where the wings met the plane, and one directly under the cockpit. Each gun turret was armed with a six-barreled M134 Gatling minigun. The plane was also painted with dull black radar-resistant paint and had its transponder removed so that it could not be traced.
Airspace over Thailand
25 December, 2005, 1234 hours
The agents were having a Christmas lunch. Henrique, who was a great cook, had prepared a meal of chicken, spaghetti, pizza, macaroni, potato salad, wine, etc.
"Hey, Henrique! Why didn't you cook Chinese cuisine? Are you racist?" Wang laughed.
"Haha! No, I'm not racist. I don't know how to cook Chinese food!" Henrique tittered.
"Guys...I think we have been sighted by the Thai air force..." Ingrid, who was piloting the plane, breathed.
The agents rushed to the gun turrets to see if there was anyone on their trail. True enough, three F-16s were following them.
"You are trespassing on Thai air space. Identify yourself!" A Thai-accented voice came over the radio.
"How did we get sighted? I thought we couldn't be seen on radar?" Henrique asked Ingrid via the in-plane communications system.
"They must have sighted us during their patrol." Ingrid frowned. "Never mind. I know how to deal with this."
"Identify yourself or we will be forced to use force!" The voice came again.
The good news was that the agents used an INDF device to disguise the plane as a China Airlines passenger plane with the name B-18201.
Referring to a piece of paper, Ingrid replied in a Chinese accent, "This is B-18201 on route to Beijing Airport. Requesting permission to travel through Thai airspace. I apologize for not informing the Thai authorities earlier."
Some time passes before the voice came again, "Affirmative. We have confirmed your identity. Please proceed to your destination."
Ingrid smirked cheekily at his co-pilot and fellow agent, Shane, who simply smiled.
Flying at a speed of 850 km/h, the Payload continued its flight towards Russia. The plane did not encounter any further interruptions during its flight.
Field 2km from Moscow, Russia
25 December, 2005, 1928 hours
The Payload descended vertically on the field like a helicopter, courtesy of its underside thrusters that were installed by the agents. Since the area was deserted, there was no one who witnessed the event.
The ramp descended as a Toyota Fortuner SUV shot out, hitting the dirt road. It was last seen headed for Moscow.
Field 3.2 km from Volgograd, Russia
26 December, 2005, 0021 hours
Again as before, the Payload descended silently on the field. This time however, a Toyota Sequoia zoomed out of the ramp onto the road. Ingrid had been left in the plane and was tasked with flying around the area and looking out for anything suspicious until the agents in Volgograd came to the pick-up point.
Wang was at the wheel of the SUV, cringing as it bumped up and down on the dirt road.
"Urgh! I haven't driven on roads this bad for a long time!" He grumbled.
The agents decided to spend a night at an inn to save costs. The Red Crescent Inn was picked because it had the lowest cost.
Entering the inn, the agents noticed that the first floor was a bar filled with many unsavory characters. Thankfully, the agents had their weapons concealed so they were ready if anyone dared to pick a fight.
The agents walked towards the stairs to get to their rooms to spend the night. Accidentally, Eusebio knocked into one of the dangerous-looking men. The man swiveled around and swung a punch directed at Eusebio's face. Due to his fast agent reactions, Eusebio caught the arm in midpunch and twisted it before brutally giving the man a kick that sent him sprawling to the floor. Eusebio was about to continue walking when he heard a clicking sound, the sound of an AK-47 being loaded.
"BLAM!" The gun went as the man fired a shot into the ceiling. All activity stopped at the bar as everyone stared at the man.
"There is no need for guns! Put the gun down, sir!" Eusebio warned in Russian.
The man did not heed and instead pointed the gun at Eusebio.
"BLAM!"
Eusebio reeled backwards, falling to the ground.
People screamed but no one ran. They were curious for what was going to happen next. Was the foreigner going to rise? The agents smirked, pitying the poor man for what was going to happen next. However as a precaution, their hands went to the guns hidden in their jackets.
Grunting, Eusebio got back on his feet. His INDF bulletproof vest had come in handy. Lifting his hands up as if he was going to dust himself, he sent two quick punches to the man's face. The force sent the man crashing into a table. Recovering quickly, the man touched his face.
Broken nose.
Growling furiously, the man got up and raised his gun, only to see......the barrel of Eusebio's HK-416 assault rifle pointed at his forehead.
"Put the gun down!" Eusebio said again in Russian. This time the man knew Eusebio meant business, but he still held the gun his hand.
"Put the gun down or I'll fire!" Eusebio bellowed, fingers curling around the trigger of his HK-416.
The man reluctantly complied. Putting the gun on the floor, he was not prepared for what happened next.
While the man stooped down to lay his gun on the floor, Eusebio squeezed the trigger.
The man was knocked backwards but no blood sprayed. Eusebio had loaded his gun with rubber bullets.
"Another time and you will be filled with metal." Eusebio growled in Russian as he pulled out his Brügger & Thomet MP9-N, filled with live ammunition. The MP9-N was a machine pistol that could fire 1100 rpm and had an effective range of 100 meters. Putting both weapons back inside his jacket, Eusebio walked up the stairs, drawing frightened looks from the crowd. Since the crowd did not know that Eusebio was wearing a bullet-proof vest, they assumed that he was an alien or nonhuman of some kind. The man stared at Eusebio, apparently intimidated by his fighting prowess and advanced weaponry.
Moscow, Russia
26 December, 2006, 0046 hours
While Eusebio was having the fight with the man, Allen and the agents had finally found an inn opposite the Kremlin that had any vacancy.
"Huh! Those 'red' things never do die in Russia, eh? Almost all the other inns we tried had 'red' in their name." Randy raised his eyebrow as he looked up at the sign.
"Yep! The Communists left a huge impact on Russian society. Them Russians are not about to forget them easily. Those were hard times." Allen murmured as he stepped into the inn.
Unlike the Red Crescent, the Red Army Inn was relatively quiet and cosy. A fireplace was at the far corner of the room and there were comfortable chairs and tables surrounding the fireplace. There was a counter that sold food and hot drinks. Approaching the booking counter, Allen paid the fare and collected the keys.
When safely inside the room, the agents prepared their search. William and Paul went outside to ask for information about Reznov, scour the streets, and stick posters of Reznov on any suitable surface. The rest stayed in the room. Pulling out his agent computer, Randy hacked into the CCTVs installed on the streets, running every face through the INDF face-recognition program installed in the computer. Allen set up the communications device to contact Eusebio while Matthew prepared a hologram map of the city. At exactly the same time, Eusebio and his team were doing just that.
Red Crescent Inn, Volgograd
26 December, 2005, 0738 hours
David was rudely awakened from his sleep by a loud beeping sound coming from his computer. He got up quickly and rushed to the computer. Had they found Reznov?
Seeing the results, alarm bells went off in his head. He awoke the agents sleeping in the room. Dashing towards the computer, they saw what was wrong.
Since the INDF face-recognition program recognized faces only from the INDF face database, the program could only detect the faces of those in the INDF and those who were enemies of the INDF.
The program had detected ten AF operatives, all armed with Mexican FX-05 assault rifles. Apparently, they were trying to find and eliminate Reznov. Although the FX-05s had a 750 rpm rate of fire (which was lower than the minimum rpm of the agents' guns), it had an effective range of 900 meters. The maximum effective range of the agents' guns was only 550 meters. Eusebio got on the phone and contacted Allen.
Red Army Inn, Moscow
26 December, 2005, 0739 hours
True enough, Randy's computer detected another ten AF operatives heading towards the direction of the Kremlin. Like those in Volgograd, they were armed with FX-05s. Grabbing his radio, Allen ordered William to stalk the AF operatives while Matthew would stand outside the Red Army Inn and act as a lookout. Paul was to continue searching for Reznov. The priority was to find Reznov and get him back to the agents' hideout in Australia.
Streets of Volgograd, Russia
26 December, 2005, 0757 hours
Henrique stood in the middle of the street, asking about the whereabouts of a guy named "Reznov." For added accuracy, he showed a photo of Reznov to those he was questioning. He tried not to attract attention although he was a bit comforted by the fact that Shane was stalking the AF operatives.
Henrique's heart skipped a beat when a man looked at the photo and nodded, saying in English, "Yes, I saw that man at the bar down the road last week. It is the only bar there so you should have no problem finding it. Good luck finding your man."
Henrique was about to call Eusebio when Shane's voice exploded into his earpiece, "Henrique! AF operatives headed in your direction! Don't draw attention to yourself!"
Henrique cursed in Spanish. Now he had to wait for his enemies to pass before he could call Eusebio.
Hearing people gasping in shock, Henrique spun around. The AF men were walking down the street in his direction. People jumped out of their way, frightened and wary of the guns they were blatantly carrying. Shane walked behind them, observing their every move. When the AF men had passed, Shane stopped beside Henrique and secretly slipped a piece of paper into Henrique's hand, saying, "Tell Eusebio to contact Allen."
After looking through the paper, Henrique contacted Eusebio, "Hey, Reznov's not in town anymore. He went to Moscow two days ago. Inform Allen."
"Got it. Come back here and pack your stuff. I'm getting Ingrid to land on the same field. Moscow, here we come."
18 December, 2005, 0634 hours
David was at his computer, monitoring the the transmissions coming from and going to Germany. It was hard work. There were thousands of transmissions coming and going to Germany in the past month. He scrolled down the list of transmissions, ignoring those that were not relevant. Just as he was about to give up and go for his daily training exercise, one transmission got his attention:
"Missile Construction Facility to Diederich Castle: Missile's shell is ready. Virus will need more time. Missile will be ready by June."
Bingo! This was the transmission he was looking for! Rushing out of the house to the training facility (built by the agents), he hollered, "Hey! Hey! I found it! I finally found it!"
Back in the living room, all ten agents looked at the screen with a grin on their faces. Finally, after nearly a month of searching, they had now found evidence of the missile's progress! However, they did not know where the missile was being built. They had to trace the source of this transmission, a feat that only Reznov knew. The AF used a special kind of encrypted transmission. Due to his short time in the AF, Reznov knew the code. The bad news was that although Reznov escaped the UN attack on Demarque, no one knew where he went.
"I know that Reznov came from Volgograd (Stalingrad during World War Two)." One of the agents, Henrique, piped in.
"So you think we should search for him there? Is there any other possible location?" Eusebio asked.
"Well, Moscow is another possible location. He once lived there with his grandmother when he was young." Allen remarked, trying to recall what Reznov told him a few years earlier.
"That was helpful. Why don't you try to find one person in a sea of fourteen million?" David smiled sarcastically, "That's literally looking for a needle in a haystack."
"I'm not finished yet, Davy. He also told me that he wanted to go back and live with his aunt who stays near the Kremlin itself." Allen shot a don't-jump-to-conclusions look at David who was not really happy with Allen calling him "Davy."
"Okay, okay, guys. I have an idea. David, Ingrid, Ashley, Shane, and I will go to Volgograd. Allen, Matthew, Paul, Randy, and William will go search the area around the Kremlin in Moscow. We set out next week. Meanwhile, we prepare for our respective expeditions. We will need to prepare the Payload. " Eusebio said.
The Payload was a Boeing 777 plane that the agents had stolen from the UN in order to escape the island. Originally a cargo plane with no windows, the agents have added many customizations to it. It now bristled with radar domes, missile launchers, machine guns, and four revolving gun turrets, one on the roof of the plane, two on the plane's sides where the wings met the plane, and one directly under the cockpit. Each gun turret was armed with a six-barreled M134 Gatling minigun. The plane was also painted with dull black radar-resistant paint and had its transponder removed so that it could not be traced.
Airspace over Thailand
25 December, 2005, 1234 hours
The agents were having a Christmas lunch. Henrique, who was a great cook, had prepared a meal of chicken, spaghetti, pizza, macaroni, potato salad, wine, etc.
"Hey, Henrique! Why didn't you cook Chinese cuisine? Are you racist?" Wang laughed.
"Haha! No, I'm not racist. I don't know how to cook Chinese food!" Henrique tittered.
"Guys...I think we have been sighted by the Thai air force..." Ingrid, who was piloting the plane, breathed.
The agents rushed to the gun turrets to see if there was anyone on their trail. True enough, three F-16s were following them.
"You are trespassing on Thai air space. Identify yourself!" A Thai-accented voice came over the radio.
"How did we get sighted? I thought we couldn't be seen on radar?" Henrique asked Ingrid via the in-plane communications system.
"They must have sighted us during their patrol." Ingrid frowned. "Never mind. I know how to deal with this."
"Identify yourself or we will be forced to use force!" The voice came again.
The good news was that the agents used an INDF device to disguise the plane as a China Airlines passenger plane with the name B-18201.
Referring to a piece of paper, Ingrid replied in a Chinese accent, "This is B-18201 on route to Beijing Airport. Requesting permission to travel through Thai airspace. I apologize for not informing the Thai authorities earlier."
Some time passes before the voice came again, "Affirmative. We have confirmed your identity. Please proceed to your destination."
Ingrid smirked cheekily at his co-pilot and fellow agent, Shane, who simply smiled.
Flying at a speed of 850 km/h, the Payload continued its flight towards Russia. The plane did not encounter any further interruptions during its flight.
Field 2km from Moscow, Russia
25 December, 2005, 1928 hours
The Payload descended vertically on the field like a helicopter, courtesy of its underside thrusters that were installed by the agents. Since the area was deserted, there was no one who witnessed the event.
The ramp descended as a Toyota Fortuner SUV shot out, hitting the dirt road. It was last seen headed for Moscow.
Field 3.2 km from Volgograd, Russia
26 December, 2005, 0021 hours
Again as before, the Payload descended silently on the field. This time however, a Toyota Sequoia zoomed out of the ramp onto the road. Ingrid had been left in the plane and was tasked with flying around the area and looking out for anything suspicious until the agents in Volgograd came to the pick-up point.
Wang was at the wheel of the SUV, cringing as it bumped up and down on the dirt road.
"Urgh! I haven't driven on roads this bad for a long time!" He grumbled.
The agents decided to spend a night at an inn to save costs. The Red Crescent Inn was picked because it had the lowest cost.
Entering the inn, the agents noticed that the first floor was a bar filled with many unsavory characters. Thankfully, the agents had their weapons concealed so they were ready if anyone dared to pick a fight.
The agents walked towards the stairs to get to their rooms to spend the night. Accidentally, Eusebio knocked into one of the dangerous-looking men. The man swiveled around and swung a punch directed at Eusebio's face. Due to his fast agent reactions, Eusebio caught the arm in midpunch and twisted it before brutally giving the man a kick that sent him sprawling to the floor. Eusebio was about to continue walking when he heard a clicking sound, the sound of an AK-47 being loaded.
"BLAM!" The gun went as the man fired a shot into the ceiling. All activity stopped at the bar as everyone stared at the man.
"There is no need for guns! Put the gun down, sir!" Eusebio warned in Russian.
The man did not heed and instead pointed the gun at Eusebio.
"BLAM!"
Eusebio reeled backwards, falling to the ground.
People screamed but no one ran. They were curious for what was going to happen next. Was the foreigner going to rise? The agents smirked, pitying the poor man for what was going to happen next. However as a precaution, their hands went to the guns hidden in their jackets.
Grunting, Eusebio got back on his feet. His INDF bulletproof vest had come in handy. Lifting his hands up as if he was going to dust himself, he sent two quick punches to the man's face. The force sent the man crashing into a table. Recovering quickly, the man touched his face.
Broken nose.
Growling furiously, the man got up and raised his gun, only to see......the barrel of Eusebio's HK-416 assault rifle pointed at his forehead.
"Put the gun down!" Eusebio said again in Russian. This time the man knew Eusebio meant business, but he still held the gun his hand.
"Put the gun down or I'll fire!" Eusebio bellowed, fingers curling around the trigger of his HK-416.
The man reluctantly complied. Putting the gun on the floor, he was not prepared for what happened next.
While the man stooped down to lay his gun on the floor, Eusebio squeezed the trigger.
The man was knocked backwards but no blood sprayed. Eusebio had loaded his gun with rubber bullets.
"Another time and you will be filled with metal." Eusebio growled in Russian as he pulled out his Brügger & Thomet MP9-N, filled with live ammunition. The MP9-N was a machine pistol that could fire 1100 rpm and had an effective range of 100 meters. Putting both weapons back inside his jacket, Eusebio walked up the stairs, drawing frightened looks from the crowd. Since the crowd did not know that Eusebio was wearing a bullet-proof vest, they assumed that he was an alien or nonhuman of some kind. The man stared at Eusebio, apparently intimidated by his fighting prowess and advanced weaponry.
Moscow, Russia
26 December, 2006, 0046 hours
While Eusebio was having the fight with the man, Allen and the agents had finally found an inn opposite the Kremlin that had any vacancy.
"Huh! Those 'red' things never do die in Russia, eh? Almost all the other inns we tried had 'red' in their name." Randy raised his eyebrow as he looked up at the sign.
"Yep! The Communists left a huge impact on Russian society. Them Russians are not about to forget them easily. Those were hard times." Allen murmured as he stepped into the inn.
Unlike the Red Crescent, the Red Army Inn was relatively quiet and cosy. A fireplace was at the far corner of the room and there were comfortable chairs and tables surrounding the fireplace. There was a counter that sold food and hot drinks. Approaching the booking counter, Allen paid the fare and collected the keys.
When safely inside the room, the agents prepared their search. William and Paul went outside to ask for information about Reznov, scour the streets, and stick posters of Reznov on any suitable surface. The rest stayed in the room. Pulling out his agent computer, Randy hacked into the CCTVs installed on the streets, running every face through the INDF face-recognition program installed in the computer. Allen set up the communications device to contact Eusebio while Matthew prepared a hologram map of the city. At exactly the same time, Eusebio and his team were doing just that.
Red Crescent Inn, Volgograd
26 December, 2005, 0738 hours
David was rudely awakened from his sleep by a loud beeping sound coming from his computer. He got up quickly and rushed to the computer. Had they found Reznov?
Seeing the results, alarm bells went off in his head. He awoke the agents sleeping in the room. Dashing towards the computer, they saw what was wrong.
Since the INDF face-recognition program recognized faces only from the INDF face database, the program could only detect the faces of those in the INDF and those who were enemies of the INDF.
The program had detected ten AF operatives, all armed with Mexican FX-05 assault rifles. Apparently, they were trying to find and eliminate Reznov. Although the FX-05s had a 750 rpm rate of fire (which was lower than the minimum rpm of the agents' guns), it had an effective range of 900 meters. The maximum effective range of the agents' guns was only 550 meters. Eusebio got on the phone and contacted Allen.
Red Army Inn, Moscow
26 December, 2005, 0739 hours
True enough, Randy's computer detected another ten AF operatives heading towards the direction of the Kremlin. Like those in Volgograd, they were armed with FX-05s. Grabbing his radio, Allen ordered William to stalk the AF operatives while Matthew would stand outside the Red Army Inn and act as a lookout. Paul was to continue searching for Reznov. The priority was to find Reznov and get him back to the agents' hideout in Australia.
Streets of Volgograd, Russia
26 December, 2005, 0757 hours
Henrique stood in the middle of the street, asking about the whereabouts of a guy named "Reznov." For added accuracy, he showed a photo of Reznov to those he was questioning. He tried not to attract attention although he was a bit comforted by the fact that Shane was stalking the AF operatives.
Henrique's heart skipped a beat when a man looked at the photo and nodded, saying in English, "Yes, I saw that man at the bar down the road last week. It is the only bar there so you should have no problem finding it. Good luck finding your man."
Henrique was about to call Eusebio when Shane's voice exploded into his earpiece, "Henrique! AF operatives headed in your direction! Don't draw attention to yourself!"
Henrique cursed in Spanish. Now he had to wait for his enemies to pass before he could call Eusebio.
Hearing people gasping in shock, Henrique spun around. The AF men were walking down the street in his direction. People jumped out of their way, frightened and wary of the guns they were blatantly carrying. Shane walked behind them, observing their every move. When the AF men had passed, Shane stopped beside Henrique and secretly slipped a piece of paper into Henrique's hand, saying, "Tell Eusebio to contact Allen."
After looking through the paper, Henrique contacted Eusebio, "Hey, Reznov's not in town anymore. He went to Moscow two days ago. Inform Allen."
"Got it. Come back here and pack your stuff. I'm getting Ingrid to land on the same field. Moscow, here we come."
Sunday, April 29, 2012
Galaxy At War: World At Ransom, Chapter 9
Warehouse, Nanterre, Paris
29 June, 1999, 0134 hours
The INDF team moved out of the safety of the room and took cover behind the pillars along the cold, dark corridor. Their immediate enemies, the PSAF force, had retreated to the stairway and was camping there.
Looking at the distance between them and the PSAF force, Eusebio calculated that it was about 150 meters. A good thing since his P90 had an effective range of 200 meters. Unslinging his P-90, Eusebio took a deep breath before...
Eusebio leaped from his cover, firing his P-90 at ten unfortunate unknowing PSAF men standing on the stairway. He quickly executed a roll to the opposite pillar to avoid being spotted.
Lewey heard the gunshots and turned in time to see ten of his men being mowed down by gunfire. Shouting for his men to take cover, he ordered three snipers armed with Remington M24 sniper rifles to snipe any agent who poked their head out from the cover of the pillars.
An INDF agent's head burst into red as a bullet passed through it. One of the snipers had made his first kill of the day.
"Don't let any part of your vitals leave cover! Sniper alert!" Eusebio radioed to all of the surviving agents. He really hated snipers. After being trained as a sniper for nearly two years in the Portugese military, he realized that snipers who were out of gun range were nearly impossible to kill. The only option to deal with those snipers was to activate smoke grenades and run out of the sniper's range. Only multiple targets could kill one sniper that was at this close range and it was almost certain that one person would die. Eusebio racked his brains for options. He did not want anybody in his team to die. After many years of taking on missions together, they had almost considered any other INDF agent as a brother or sister.
Eusebio launched a grenade from the NOS EX 41 grenade launcher that he stored in his backpack. The grenade landed about five meters from the snipers and detonated. Using his trusty mirror, Eusebio tried to make out the snipers through that smoke. When the smoke cleared, his heart sank. The snipers were still alive. They had taken cover behind the sandbag wall that the PSAF had erected for protection.
Just then, Eusebio had a brilliant idea. Smoke grenades! He took one from his grenade pouch and gave instructions for the agents to fire at will when the smoke grenade was activated.
"Pop!" The smoke grenade exploded as it landed just in front of the sandbag wall, releasing a huge cloud of smoke that obstructed the snipers' view. The smoke also contained tear gas, thus incapacitating the snipers. The agents had already put on their gas masks, so they were not affected at all. Opening fire with a vengeance, the agents riddled the snipers' bodies with bullets. Under the cover of the smoke, the agents moved toward the stairway.
Using his agent goggles, Eusebio could see through the smoke and found that the PSAF had already retreated down the stairway. Signaling for the agents to move forward, Eusebio was not prepared for what happened next.
Using his agent goggles, Eusebio could see through the smoke and found that the PSAF had already retreated down the stairway. Signaling for the agents to move forward, Eusebio was not prepared for what happened next.
Three agents fell as gunfire erupted from the other side of the corridor. Guns smoking, the AF guards were here.
"Noooo!" Eusebio screamed. He had forgotten about the AF guards! Now they were caught between two enemy forces with almost no hope of escape. They had no choice but to battle it out now with three men down.
Jumping behind the sandbag wall that the PSAF had erected, Eusebio assigned Allen and seven other senior agents to move down the stairs to combat the PSAF. He, Wang, David, and two other junior agents would fight it out with the AF guards.
Analyzing the AF guards, Eusebio noticed that they were carrying China-made NORINCO QBZ-95s that had a 400-meter effective range and could fire 650 rpm. The distance between them was approximately 160 meters. Looking at the agents under his command, they were carrying a variety of weapons ranging from Bushmaster M17Ss, M-16s, Steyr AUGs, IMI Galils, and AK-107s, weapons that had a minimum of 650 rpm. The agents had the advantage of advanced weaponry in this fight. However, the agents were outnumbered 4 to 1. Moreover, Eusebio knew that the twenty guards facing them now were just a small part of the total number of guards in this massive warehouse. This twenty were probably the lousiest soldiers of the whole guard company in the warehouse. That was probably why they were sent on this "suicide" mission.
Considering his options, Eusebio picked the safest. He knew that the AF guards would just charge and fire wildly, being the "stupid" soldiers that they were, hoping to hit one target. Then they would reload as one group and the whole cycle would start all over again. Eusebio snickered wickedly, telling his fellow agents how stupid the guards were and how their "shooting and reloading as one group" mentality was their weakness.
Bullets whizzed over their heads as the five agents ducked behind their sandbag protection. Soon, the firing stopped and the agents jumped up, sending their bullets flying toward the AF guards.
Within minutes, the fight was over. All the AF guards were killed while Wang was wounded in the leg. While treating Wang's wound, Eusebio noted that it was not that serious, although Wang would have to be out of action for a few weeks if he ever gets back to Demarque.
"Classic case of an ‘easy’ mission becoming "hard" all of a sudden. Huh." David breathed.
"Yeah. This whole affair is becoming more complicated by the minute. The PSAF was our closest ally. Why are they attacking us? We will have to solve this enigma if we ever get back to Demarque alive," Eusebio bit his lip. "I wonder how is Allen doing. I think we'd better go and help him."
1st Floor of the Warehouse
29 June, 1999, 0158 hours
The situation was dire. Three agents were dead while one was wounded. Although it was a light wound, Allen knew that all the odds were stacked against them. The PSAF had just proven their intelligence and their ruthlessness. They had climbed out of the windows and got behind the agents. Allen did not know until it was too late. Three agents were shot and killed. Allen and the surviving agents retreated into a room and locked the metal door, planning a strategy and treating the wound of the injured agent.
They could hear many footsteps coming down the hallway and shouts resonating from the corridor outside. The PSAF were here.
“Huh! My communications gear is out, shot to bits. We just have to wait and make our last stand, guys,” Allen sighed sadly. He did not imagine that it would end like this. He wanted to die peacefully on a comfy bed in some country home with a wife by his side, if he ever found one. Being shot to bits was not really optional.
Out of the blue came gunshots and screams. Somebody was engaging the PSAF! Was it Eusebio or the AF guards? That was a comforting thought, but Eusebio’s force would certainly be overwhelmed by the might of the PSAF force, he thought.
Gritting his teeth, Allen ordered the agents to load their weapons and prepare to charge out and engage the enemy. Although the agents did not want to do that, they knew that that was the only way they could escape this room and certain death.
Gripping his Saiga-12, Allen kicked open the door to see Eusebio’s agents engaging the PSAF force. Thankfully, the PSAF men had their backs to Allen and his agents. This is my luck day, he thought. It was time for revenge.
Eusebio grinned as PSAF men were blasted off their feet. The sound of Allen’s Sledgehammer was music to his ears. Allen was alive after all; and that spelled bad news for the PSAF men. Allen’s agents assailed the PSAF with bullets from the back while Eusebio’s agents picked off the surviving PSAF men.
Eusebio strode over to the seriously-wounded Marcus Lewey.
“Why did you attack us?” Eusebio asked as he glared down on Lewey.
“While we were on our way...*cough*...we received a transmission that was supposedly from the President.*cough* It said that the INDF agents were not to be spared as they had gone rogue...*cough*. I was shocked. I thought you were the INDF’s most trusted...*cough*...agent. But I thought ‘orders were orders.’ It was only now that I found out...*cough*. You were actually on a INDF mission to sabotage the explosives. Additionally, the transmission number was not the President’s...*cough*,” Lewey coughed, tears streaking down his face.
“Where did it come from?” Eusebio was anxious to find out. Lewey was one of his close friends. They had trained together during the Iraq War and also, Lewey maintained a close working and friendly relationship with the INDF and its agents.
“I recognized the transmission number...*cough*. It is the transmission number of the...*cough*...UN security department. Forgive me. I’m sorry...”
Lewey breathed his last and went limp. Eusebio stood back up, tears welling in his eyes.
“Thanks, Lewey. You were only doing your job. I forgive you.”
David clenched his fists, “What!! The transmission came from the UN security department! How could they!”
“Whoa! Chill, man! It could be an AF mole in the UN security department! Don’t jump to conclusions,” Allen added.
Wiping away his tears, Eusebio grabbed his P90, “Come on! We still have a mission to complete! The mystery will have to wait until we get back to Demarque!”
INDF Headquarters, Demarque
30 June, 1999, 1034 hours
The mission was completed successfully and the explosives were destroyed. However, the mystery had not been solved.
“Are you sure the transmission number is that of the UN security department?” Robert furrowed his eyebrows as Eusebio reported on the PSAF’s mistake.
“Positive. We ran a check. The numbers matched exactly,” Eusebio answered as he handed a piece of paper to Robert. “Looks like we have enemies everywhere.”
“What the...! You’re right! They match exactly!” Robert gasped as he passed the paper to Derrick.
“Hmmm...yes. This is a really serious situation. We have to find out what exactly is going on,” Derrick exhaled, “I’ll find out the details of the transmission.”
INDF Headquarters, Demarque
30 June, 1996, 1138 hours
"So how has the decoding been going?" Derrick asked Reznov.
"Hhmm...good so far." Reznov smiled, "We found that a UN security department transmission machine was used to send the transmission. It was sent on 28 June, 1996, 1339 hours. It came from Diederich Castle somewhere in the north of Germany. Somebody there must have masterminded the events that have just unfolded. Somebody in the UN itself. Somebody sinister."
Diederich Castle, Northern forests of Germany
30 June, 1999, 1138 hours
Joseph Drescher was a multi-billionaire, representative of Germany in the UN, and a top AF executive. His plan was working so far. He chuckled to himself. The AF's missile was already in its first stage being constructed. However, the entire building process would take about another six years.
Before the missile was finished, Joseph planned to convince the UN to deactivate the INDF. Only then would the AF be unstoppable in constructing its weapon. The idea of holding the world at ransom was a delightful idea to Joseph and he could not wait for the next UN meeting at the UN headquarters in New York the next month.
Somewhere in the Australian outback
2 December, 1999, 1928 hours
Eusebio sat on his bed. He sobbed uncontrollably as he recalled the events on that fateful day. The day that Demarque was destroyed by UN forces.
Joseph had successfully convinced the "stupid" UN to deactivate the INDF, saying that it may turn against the UN itself. The UN surrounded Demarque, ordering the INDF agents to abandon the island. Some agents complied, but Eusebio and many others refused, saying that they would fight to defend the island and that it was a mistake to deactivate the INDF. After a three-day negotiations period produced no result, the UN attacked the island. The agents fought bravely, but were overwhelmed by the sheer numbers of the UN forces and were either killed or captured. Only Eusebio, Wang, David, and a number of other agents escaped with most of the equipment and gear in the headquarters. Sadly, Durango and Stone did not survive the onslaught and Eusebio lost his right arm while escaping.
Fleeing to the Australian outback, the surviving agents built a house where they could live and store their equipment. David, being an excellent scientist and mechanic (and a soldier), constructed a robotic metal arm for Eusebio. The good news was that they knew Joseph Drescher was an AF executive. They would get him and give him a painful death when the time comes.
The former INDF agents had now became bounty hunters, hunting criminals and the like. At the same time, they kept track of the AF's activities, hoping for the day they got their revenge.
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