Tales from the Council (story)

(ooc note: Tales from the Council is a rp story involving a hero with possible guest starring heroes and setting up possible villians to be introduced into other storylines at a later date. It's not normally thought of but even villians have mothers, wives or other family members this story has changed since I first wrote it and is still evolving. Enjoy all. )

The Place: Striga Isle
The time: sometime very early morning

Long Jack had directed him to the right place. The early morning work on the docks was hard and the weather wet and cold. Lx pulled the collar up on his longshoreman jacket and dug his hands deep into the pockets. He had been standing next to a blazing fire barrel with several other out of work dock men talking about work, food and the stupid heroes who had nothing better to do then to mess up everyone’s lives.

Lx thought while the others continued talking around the barrel. His mindset was slowly changing.

“So you want in?” Javier Santos, one of the other asked. Lx nodded, holding his hands near the heat.

Lx hadn’t done anything like this since Mexico. Even with all the heroes around here in Paragon they were still playing catch up. It was time to call the ball.

“Hey I’m talking to you, you coming or what, Ishmael?” said Santos.

“Yeah,” he replied and shuffled with the others into the back of the truck.

The truck drove them across the island to a warehouse, nothing fancy, all thirty-seven of them got out into the warm building. The smell of fresh hot coffee and food drifted in the building.

“Follow me and sign the logbook.” They stood in line, each taking their turn. Javier Santos signed before Ishmael Jonahs. Then they were ushered through the chow line. As they sat eating, several figures walked out onto the platform.

“We have a busy day today, so eat up quickly.”

Then a broad shouldered man stepped forward in his crisp black uniform and spoke loudly for all to hear.



“Welcome to Council Recruitment….”

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Javier Santos sat next to the others. He didn't care one way or the other about the Council, this was going to be his first paycheck in 2 months. The Quartermaster would simply deposit it into his bank account and his wife could pay the bills. A hot meal and paid. He hadn't even done anything yet, he knew this was too good to be true.

It didn't matter though, ever since the Family and the Warriors moved into Striga nobody got to work steady anymore. If the Council could get rid of them, then he'd return to the docks in a heartbeat. Javier thought about losing his job right before the holidays his kids and wife had to do with little, he himself had done without. He still had the bottle cap picture frame of his wife and two girls.

Now he was stuck with this joker, Ishmael. Who was probably going to get him killed for sitting at the table eating loudly while the big guy was upfront talking.

The speaker in the black uniform had paused twice already, looking directly at them. "So, in conclusion, look at the man or woman next to you. They will be your partner. If they pull extra duty, you pull extra duty, If they get bonus pay, you get bonus pay. If they run into a hero and fight, You had better hope he wins."

He was pacing back and forth as he spoke, and stopped staring at Javier. "Whats the name of the person next to you?"

Javier froze, *please* he thought, his eyes shifted from Ishmael to the other guy hoping for a hint.

Ishmael who had been hovering over his plate, eating inmate style, looked up at the Recruiter. "His names Javier." He was about to put another bite of food in when he looked back at the Recruiter. "Sir." And smiled.

"Ishmael, Sir, his name is Ishmael." Javier shot Ishmael a look of contempt, who simply grinned at him and shrugged while finishing his food.

The Recruiter smiled. "See team work, Both men paying attention and Recruit Jonahs drawing extra duty for the pair, while Recruit Santos draws them a bonus."

Jonahs almost stood up, but Santos placed a hand upon his arm, nodding. He pushed his empty plate away and finished his coffee. Neither man had liked being made an example of.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

The extra duty affored them a few minutes to discover that they didn't like each other. Or better put Santos hated Jonahs, and Jonahs didn't care.

The water was hot Santos brought over the dishes and Jonahs washed.
"Look I don't know you, Ishmael, and I really don't want to, I got a wife and kids, I need this payday, you understand." Santos said bring him the last pot.

"So it's not like I picked you either but you and me have been put together so deal with it." he looked at Javier. "Done now lets see if you can make us any more bonus money."

The two of them double timed it to the exercise grounds where the others were finishing it up.

the drill sgt grinned, "Oh look who it is the moneybag and the stooge, You privates are late extra duty and he smiled if these two beat you guys through the 'O' course you get to do their extra duty. Well ladies what are you waiting for. Move it."
Yelled Sgt Holman.

*Raw recruits* Sgt Holman flipped through the chart, Javier Santos dock worker forman, forklift operator, laid off two months ago. Wife Maria, two childern Anna and Margie. Possible strengths hand to hand combat. He flipped to the next page and spit. Ishmael Jonahs, mutant schedual to go to the dogpound unless he shapes up. Ex con 'life sentence' reduced down to three years Mexican jail for drugs and manslaughter. Payout was 250,000 us dollars. He looked at both men leading the pack through the 'O' where does a slub like that get that kinda dough. Sgt Holman shouted, "We don't have all day, I got to send someone to the pound, last man goes."

None of them knew what it was, but no one liked the sound of it so they all ran faster. Santos hit the climbing wall first and was up and over with Jonahs right behind him. He didn't falter he reached down and pulled him up and over the wall, yelling "Jump and Run you Bast...!!!!" as he leap down. Jonahs followed right behind him and they sprinted to the end with the rest of the unit behind them. Both men were breathing heavy.

Sarge laughed. "Ok extra duty for the whole unit. Bonus to Private Jonahs and Santos. Ok grab a drink and double time it to the range, Move it people I don't have all day and lucky for you all I didn't see the last one run up. I still gotta send someone to the dogpound I'll know by the end of the day." Turning he shouted:

"Stilwel form them up and get them moving asap, I'm waiting."

The sgt jumped in a jeep and started heading towards the range.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Ryan Stilwel, was a tall lankey man, who had served several years in the US Army. He'd recently been discharged for conduct unbecoming of an officer. It didn't matter anymore he finally found his way out of the bottle and into something even better. He was in line to be an officer again. "Ok you slobs you heard the Sarge form it up on Santos."

Stilwel checked the lines. "Let do this right and maybe we can avoid extra drill. Ready March, Double Time March!"

The group started running. *At least it looked like a controlled mob.* Stilwel thought. "Stay in line follow the man in front of you. Keep up."

Sarge was waiting tapping his foot he smiled, he'd half expected them to come in waves. Stilwel had them at least running in a unit formation, that was something, He made a mark on Stilwel's paperwork.

"Ok real simple recruits, time for you shooters to shine the rest of you just try to hit the target.

Santos, Jonahs, Stilwel, first postion pick up the weapon, check and make sure it's loaded, kneeling position aim and fire.

Sarge looked at his watch they were already ahead of schedual He would let them take there time here. He only wanted the best to get markmanship training. Sniper school followed if they lasted the long haul.

"Next Three" He called over to the spotter for scores and marked the forms.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

They finished at the range, Sgt Holman ran them over to mobility. They had an assigment, and extra duty to preform. "Private Stilwel you and the rest of the unit have motor pool duty for the rest of the day. You will be responsible to make sure all these vehicles are serviced, washed and cleaned. do you understand."

Stilwel grinned "Sir yes Sir."

Sgt Holman smiled turning to Santos and Jonahs. "You two goldbricks get to join me. We get to navigate the bog you have sweeping duty, and after that We got escort duty. Well ladies what are you waiting for lets move it draw your weapons from the armory and meet me at the orange gate double time now!"

Santos looked at Jonahs with a scowl, Jonahs grinned and ran towards the armory.
"You heard the Sgt he said double time Santos."
Santos sprinted to keep up.

An hour later they had cleared the small section of the bog they had been assigned, and were cleaning their weapons., drawing new ammo, and getting ready for escort duty. They would be transported to a gate and slip into a hazzard zone to to assist with possible transport of vampyr into the zone for additional security. Jonahs drove one of the trucks with equiptment, with Sgt Holman and Santos riding guard.

It was late afternoon when they arrived at the Crey facility the Sgt had them unloading equipment and was assigned a unit to look after while they were there.

Santos and Jonahs did what they did best, unload trucks and carry boxes. They were carrying the last set of boxes into the complex as Sgt Holman posted sentrys and the rest of them as guards. They were still walking deeper into the complex, unaware that they had been infiltrated, two sentries were already down.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

There was chatter over the radio two sentries were missing. A quiet alert started. It was a little too late. By the time the Crey Paragon Protectors had responded to the threat the damage had been done. Before the Council could respond they were being cut to ribbions by a combination of Heroes and Metaforces.

Sgt Holman was a veteran of many battles this was no different. "Santos and Jonahs you stick with Me." He started sending out any available men, "intercept and stop the Heroes." Orders after orders were issued; "Hold that room, Stop the advancement." Hell the heroes were mowing down anyone in their path. Then he heard the reason why a hero was down. He would check that later.

The column had suffered similar losses with the kidnapping and loss of Herr Helsinger Project: Rikti Killer. That plan failed and yet they let him live, he cost them three bases and still they accepted him back, His plans failed yet again and they repaid him with the honor to join the ranks of the Vampry.

Sgt Holman was not a fool everything associate with Herr Helsinger ended badly, he would not fall because of that mans folly, these heroes were attacking Crey they could defend it themselves. He hated losing good men, but some times there was no choice. "You men Hold this room, If you fail your families will suffer your same fate. If you are captured, Our Lawyers will get you out. You Must Hold This Room at all cost."

"Yes Sgt" they respond. He didn't expect to see them again.

"Private Santos and Jonahs your with me." The men moved quickly and quietly through the underground complex Sgt Holman had a map marking different escape routes the men moved till they reached the air vent.

In the following minutes they had begun working their way up the shaft they could hear the expoisions it sounded like the Crey were trying to scuddle the building. "Move it Jonahs, we don't have all day." Holman said.

Neither man spoke they just kept moving, rilfes at the ready it was a long run through the air vents when they finally reached the end they were all covered in sweat.


(ooc: minor corrections)

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

The Base was being overrun. The armys Metaforces and a team of heroes had made it into the base and were cutting it and everyone in there path to ribbons.

Sgt Holman wasn't about to die for the Crey, they could take care of this mess. He shouted orders "Fall back fortify positions, Private Jonahs and Santos with me."

The Council soldiers left behind dug in.

Sgt Holman and the other two made the exit as they heard explosions behind them. They exited the airvent and were in the treeline.

"Weapon check people". Sgt Holman checked his pistol. Santos and Jonahs each had a rilfe, Santos had one clip, Jonahs three, he passed one to Santos.

"Ok We are gonna have to march our (censored) out of here. Jonahs you got point."

They started moving as fast as they could. They weren't worried so much about the Metaforces who were now clearing the base as they were about the DE that was all around them. They had to make it to the sewer network, with only 129 rounds between the three of them, it didn't look to promising.

Private Jonahs had been in the top of his class and thats was why he had been picked by Sgt Holman. Now his life depended on a raw recruit ability he hope he choose right.

They had managed to avoid several groups of DE it was hard work. None of them spoke, using hand signal they moved quickly and quietly. They still had a lot of ground to cover but they were able to slow down the pace some they put a click between the base, the Metaforces, and the heroes.

Sgt Holman monitored the raido broadcast, the news was reporting that a Hero, Platinum class had died. He made sure he paid attention to every detail, someone had to take credit and he knew it wouldn't be Crey. Maybe something good would come out of this yet.

Now it was the dangers of Eden they had to face, and that was no small task.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Chad Garrison was scared holding his stomach he was bleeding badly. All he every wanted was to be a forman like his father and his grandfather, third generation dockworker. He just gotten a engagement ring for his sweetheart. She was so pretty. Chad began closing his eyes.

Susan Watt was covered in blood she was yelling "Dammit! Keep your eyes open Garrison do you hear me. Medic we need a medic stat!"

Susan was crying it wasn't suspose to be like this, Chad was her friend, He had kidded her about being the best man. She heard movement behind her she didn't care who it was she called out again. "Help we need help!"

The soldiers out in the hallway moved in "Hands in the air, drop him, do it now!" Chad moved for his pistol. A single shot rang out. "NOoooo!" Susan shouted and pulled the pin off a grenade the building shook and took out everyone in the room...

When the Metaforces finished their mop up they had taken a few casualities, and lots of wounded. The Crey personnel that were there and the remainder of the Council forces were rounded up, mostly bagged and tagged.

The Heroes and the MetaForces were once again victorious.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Now it was the dangers of Eden they had to face, and that was no small task.

It was wet, cold and snowy, the snow depth slowed their pace, when they finally got out of the snow they were slowed by the unnatural jungle growth of Eden making everything steamy. Sgt Holman checked the map again, 400 yards and they would reach the building, it was across an open barren field.

"INCOMMING!" Santos yelled pushing Jonahs out of the way while running and firing. The Deathspore lobbed a spore choking seed at the group hitting Sgt Holman.

Jonahs had staggered and had started running with Santos when he heard the Sgt yelling and turned to see him falling in the cloud. "Cover me" he yelled as he opened fire on the Deathspore.

Santos thought he was crazy going back after the Sgt, but then he remembered what the recruiter said. "You better not die, you (censored)" He yelled changing clips.

Jonahs grabbed the Sgt by his shirt and threw him over his shoulder fireman carry, he was still alive thankfully. He opened fire once more the combined fire from both machine guns dropped the Deathspore. They had 9 rounds left in the sgt's Pistol he threw it to Santos as they ran the last 300 yards to safty. They were almost at the door when the Bedrock stepped out and hurled a boulder at them.

Jonahs reacted without thinking, he tossed the Sgt at Santos knocking them both to the ground and blocking Santo's vision. He caught the boulder and threw it right back at the Bedrock creature. It shattered aganist it weaking it greatly, he ran foward and struck with a mighty KO blow shattering it the rest of the way reducing it to a rubble monster. Santos had not seen the larger creature, and pushed the Sgt off him as Jonahs began struggling with the rubble monster he empited the pistol into the creature as Jonahs took the rilfe as a club and repeatly struck the creature until it fell apart. Santos grabbed the Sgt and dragged him to the entryway. Both men appeared out of breath.

"I'll carry the Sgt, you get the weapons." Ishmael said. Javier looked at him with a slight amount of awe, and didn't say a word.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

The search the house for several minutes until they found the secret pannel leading down to the trapdoor and entrance into the sewer network. It was dark they had no ammo and only their knives.

Ishmael carried Sgt Holman. Santos took point they had started to walk in the direction of the war wall, sooner or later they would run into something or someone. Little had they known only 10 feet in the other direction was a emergency locker and Sgt Holman had a key to it.

They walked quietly finally Ishmael recognized the markings on the junctions. "We can rest, were somewhere in Brickstown."

Santos just slumped against the wall, as Ishmael opened his first aid kit and started checking Sgt Holman. After a few minutes Sgt Holman awoke coughing. Ishmael then went and sat by himself quietly, It was too late now, he might have been able to help them, all those men and women. He looked at Sgt Holman with contempt. He should have left them both to the DE, He could have made a difference.

Sgt Holman couldn't believe that these two privates had saved his life. He would include them in his report. Santos would play ball, He make Jonahs play ball or send him to the pound. "Ok you Goldbricks, up and at em, I can't believe you didn't find the locker, ok doesn't matter. We're in Bricktown sewer system, so Jonahs you have point again, Santos stay with me. Ok next junction we go right and stay right we will come to a door and then I'll call for pick up."

Ishmael didn't need any encouragement he got up and started leading the way.

Sgt Holman talked with Javier Santos while they walked behind Jonahs who heard everyword they said the sewers were deadly quiet. He steeled his nerve and didn't think about Vengent, Stilwel, Garrsion, Watts and the others. He allowed himself a moment of grief alone in the dark, for Panda, he began to hate he twisted that emotion and held it incase he was subject to mental scans later. He once again allowed the Ishmael Jonahs persona to take control it was the only way he would survive. They turned right again He waited at the door for the others to catch up.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

They were some problems, The teams sent to assist the Crey were now mia.

Captain Steffens was monitoring the channels. Yes the Crey base had been overrun, but they couldn't have gotten everyone. Someone had to have survived. All the different stations were on alert.

It was private Kilpsch who noticed the signal. "Kaptin Sir I have a signal coming from a old compromised safehouse in Seven Gates area. Do you want me to send a team to investigate?"

Captain Steffens smiled *Brickstown yes, if a team made it to the sewer netwok it was a long walk but doable.*
"Yes Private Kilpsch, send the closes team, and If the find anyone they need to transport them back here asap. Understood Private?"

"Yes Sir!" Private Kilpsch got on the horn to the closeest Unit. "Twenty-two twelve I need you to investiagate a passive alert at 8311 Knights way in the Seven Gates. If you find anyone please return with them to Council HQ. Over."

The Twenty-two Twelve, was a marksman unit, they hadn't seen any action and had been reduced to doing recruitment. They jumped at the chance to investigate anything.

They arrived and scouted the area quickly, Two of them entered the Sewer Network and came face to face with a startled Sgt Holman and Santos, they raised their weapons, but before they could speak Jonahs dropped from the ceiling tunnel top pipes on to both of them, placing his blade at the throat of the man. "Drop em" he said. Both men lowered their weapons. After a brief exchange they were on the way back to the Base.

Sgt Holman and Private Santos began spreading the rumors of who killed the hero Vengent. Before the three of them arrived back at the base, Even Requiem had heard the tale.

Private Jonahs just sat quietly and didn't say a word allowing others to speak, and tell him what he had done.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

The trip was quick they were each examined, Sgt Earl Holman owed his life to Private Ishmael Jonahs fast treatment of the choking spores, he was told. He made sure that went into the report.

Private Javier Santos talked of running battles and fighting off hoards of Devouring Earth. He only made one mistake he placed his hand on Jonahs back to include him in the story.

"So there we were when all of a sudden Ish here starts slaming the 5 Bedrock monsters with just the butt of his rilfe."

Jonahs stood to full height and grabbed Santos by the throat pushing him up the wall. "If you ever touch me again I'll cut out your heart and feed it to your family before I make them mine." He then dropped him on the floor. "And it was one Bedrock." He walked away to the front waiting area.

Sgt Holman saw that and Shouted. "Extra Duty Jonahs!" *Stupid slub* as he walked over to Santos. " Don't touch anyone unless you know them around here it will get you killed. You have extra duty too kid you get the trucks, Jonahs gets porta pottys."

Sgt Holman smiled Jonahs would figure out the score quick or he would wind up in the dog pound.

Then both men continue the stories.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Soldiers were paraded around before being brought into the Hall. This night the Council chose to honor a few of their own men, for false bravado, for the tales told were greatly exaggerated. The Center knew this, but it was good for morale.

In true evil fashion they chose to honor the men involved for taking the initiative and credit. Where others were celebrating the the life of a hero and morning his death.

This night a celebration of another kind was taking place to honor Vengent a Platinum class hero who was killed by the forces of evil. Lies were told and bolstering of the deed itself grew, awards given to the men who had survived the encounter. Much celebration was held in the Council Base as three men who had nothing to do with it recieved the Knights Cross of the Iron Cross, from Requiem himself.

Corporal Jonahs never looked directly at Requiem as he was given one of the highest honors awarded in the Council the Knights Cross of the Iron cross.

SSGt Holman and Corporal Santos had been embelishing to put mildly about Vengents death. They were great story tellers. Corporal Jonahs went along because he had no choice in the matter.

For their heroic actions facing overwhelming odds they were given there choice of women, men, booze, drugs whatever they wanted they were heroes, bringing the fight to the enemy and returning home victors. They each recieved an additional bonus of $10,000 dollars to do as they pleased.

"I've got my own at the mermaid I'll take some dyne." The new Corporal said.

The whole thing made Jonahs stomach crawl. They were given a pass for the next eight hours.

The celebration continued on and the three heroes began to slip away.

Jaiver Santos went home with his bonus money to his wife and kids he stopped briefly making sure he wasn't followed by Jonahs.

Ssgt Earl Holman simply disappeared remaining on base.

Corporal Jonahs walked around till he found a public phone and called an unlisted cell number.

“Hello?” Her voice was breathless.

"Hello, meet me at the Mermaid Tavern, room 5, clean yourself up not slutty. I've got cash, it will be all night, I'm free for 8." Jonahs said.

“You…!” Her brain, despite the multiple drinks, diverted from the angry, more than half-intoxicated rant she had been about to rampage upon and kicked into high gear. “I’ll be there in half an hour.” Then she hung up.

*******

Elsewhere this night.


Countess Crey was well aware of the score but was more then happy to let those Council Soldiers claim the victory, and bring the wrath of the heroes upon them. She also authorized bonuses to all of the Paragon Protectors.


And once more the world felt a little darker....

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Lance Corporal Ishmael Jonahs strolled across the isle the few family and warriors that were out avoided him. Appearently word traveled fast, He was one of the three who had been given the right for at least this night to travel unmolested. He Arrived at the Mermaid Tavern.

The Mermaid Tavern was your typical seedy dive, it had become a place of abandon, wickedness and dispair. Tonight it was populated by more out of work men and woman loosing themself in drugs and drinks.

Corporal Jonahs entered and looked around. He walked over to Sam the bartender who was wiping a glass.

"Need a room, expecting a friend."

The bartender looked at him, Jonahs placed 200 dollars on the bar.
"Oh sure Ishmael that covers whats owed, Heard your a big shot now, room rates doubled inflation you know."

Ishmael grabbed the front of his shirt and pulled the bartender to him. He had a dangerous glint in his eye.

"Fine, room 5 and two bottles of Absolut."

He placed 400 more on the bar letting go of the bartender.
Sam looked at him and straightened his shirt. The money having swiftly vanished in its place was a key to room 5 he placed two bottles next to it.

Ishmael grabbed the key and the booze and climbed the stairs room five looked out over the entrance door. Ishmael entered turning on the crappy tv loudly to the only working channel. The bad music and breathing filtered out of the tin sounding speaker. "picka chow doa downwa" He pulled off his shirt flexed and then opened the first bottle pouring drinks and then going into the bathroom with the near empty bottle.

He only looked directly into the mirror once he couldn't stand the face he was looking at.

*****

Eyes followed her every step. A few catcalls, with responses varying from laughing banter to "Hell no, you can't afford me!"

She entered the bar a real show stopper wearing a red leather bustier, heavy on the buckles and laces with cleavage the envy of any Vegas showgirl and matching red leather pants so tight it was clear nothing was beneath them with four inch stiletto heels. Costume jewelry of the 80’s chunk-style variety, and long blonde hair teased into near oblivion that added nearly another four inches to her height. Her makeup job topped it off; theatre quality and just as garish and heavy as if she’d been working under stage lights.

This was the place. Mermaid Tavern, Room 5. With one hand resting on a cocked hip, the other used for balance on the upper doorsill, she kicked the door with a pointed toe.

'Knock, knock' came the tapping sound from the door. Ishmael smiled.

"Yo, sugar, I'm here, open up!"

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

This was the place. Mermaid Tavern, Room 5. With one hand resting on a cocked hip, the other used for balance on the upper doorsill, she kicked the door with a pointed toe.

'Knock, knock' came the tapping sound from the door. Ishmael smiled.

"Yo, sugar, I'm here, open up!"

When the door opened she met him with her best sultry smirk, more for the benefit of the watchers who were almost surely nearby than for the man her heart ached for in worry.

Lance Corporal Ishmael Jonahs pulled open the door. The black haired, brown eyed, hulking tattooed figure was naked from the waist up, bearing a Council uniform dress stiletto dagger on the belt. In one hand he held a bottle of Absolut. The other grasped a fistful of money and a single sheet of paper.

"I started without you. In."

She was a sight for his sore eyes, and omg incredible wasn't the word for how hot she looked to him.

He looked past her almost immediately so it was almost as if he hadn't actually looked at her at all, but moved out of the way so she could enter and slammed the dagger into the door, pinning the note in place. It read: Do not disturb or I'll kill you.

No one said a word, he just threw a handful of bills down the stairs, then he closed the door.

He watched her closely, the movements of her body as she strolled into the room and looked around. His eyes held a hunger for her, Lx had to force control, pushing the Jonahs identity away.

Pandora’s heart was going ninety miles an hour in her chest, her breath shallow with something bordering on fear. The height and build were right… but she had no idea what identity and appearance Lx had assumed. He certainly wasn’t going to announce, “Hey it’s me!” Nor could she ask.

In lieu of words, she snagged the bottle and downed a long slug. For cover. For fortitude. And just in case she was wrong.

He almost laughed when she nearly choked on the unexpected water. Even with the door closed he wasn’t going to take any undue chances. To his knowledge, the room was safe but that didn’t mean that it truly was. He needed her for strength, for comfort, and was fairly sure that she also needed him.

He was a little rough, just like the role he played, urgent with need.

Passion, fire and hunger consumed them for some time.

When at long last they subsided into ragged breathing, his face burrowed into the curve of her neck, Pandora could feel the tremors running through him, barely heard the words he whispered directly into her ear.

“I’m not sure I can do this….”

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

[ QUOTE ]

When the door opened she met him with her best sultry smirk, more for the benefit of the watchers who were almost surely nearby.

He was a little rough, urgent with need.

Passion, fire and hunger consumed them for some time.



[/ QUOTE ]


"OMG..." The surveillance tech, assigned to tail and electronically eavesdrop on Corporal Jonahs, breathed as her jaw dropped to the floor.

No way were those too feebs, guvvies, or any brand, color, or breed of cop. For one thing, those geeks didn't look like that. But more importantly, they didn't act like that... especially when 'on assignment', even undercover. There were limits the clean-n-squeaky types expected or demanded of their operators.

She was faintly jealous. Of the tramp, for that bod... it had to be part plastic, she refused to believe otherwise, and for the bod she was... well. That too.

The audio wasn't so good, the television in the room interfered it did add the element of music though. She heard, saw, and taped, enough to cement that Corporal Jonahs was what he seemed. At least thus far.

It made for a very scintilating shift. Sometimes there were benefits to being Council this was one of them. She planned on making a copy of the tape.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Maria sat in the living room of there small apt, She had put the children to bed eariler and had been crying on and off for the last several hours.

Rumors had spread across the dock, that a group of dockworkers had been killed. She hadn't heard any word from Javier. He'd missed lunch, and dinner maybe he had gotten some work finally, the savings were almost gone, and the rent and oil bills would soon be due. She prayed that Javier would be home soon.


Corporal Javier Santos had taken his time, he had a few drinks the idea of being treated like a somebody finally was almost overwhelming. He opened the door to find his wife Maria crying on the couch.

"Honey I'm Home and look." He showed her the bag of money he had earned.

Maria eyes were wide, "Madra de Dios, What did you do!"
Maria wasn't looking at the bag of money she was looking at her husband Javier a man she thought she knew, standing before her in a council uniform.

"This is a bad joke right you can not be serious. How could you do something that stupid." Maria said.

Javier looked angry and threw the money on the table.

"This is for the girls shoes, and for school uniforms, and food and bills and anything else we need thats what this is. I don't need this my new friends treat me like a king, Me Javier Santos, not some (censored, bleep censored) who can barely feed his family."

He picked up his mask and rifle.

"I'm going back to work to be with my friends, I'll see if I can come by later to check on the girls. Maybe when I come back your be nicer to me."

He looked at the money and grabbed a grand leaving the other nine grand in the bag.

"Try not to spend it all in one place."

He walked back out and headed back to the base party there was plenty of booze and women to go around, maybe he'd payback Jonahs for making him look bad.



And the world turned a little darker as the Council consumed another family to feed itself.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

[ QUOTE ]

Ssgt Earl Holman simply disappeared remaining on base.

[/ QUOTE ]

Earl Holman had never wanted to be promoted he liked being an NCO, they were the backbone of the any military, it was true of the 5th column and it is true of the Council. He looked at the medal as he walked around the base.

His feet carried him to the dogpound, he always enjoyed watching, it gave him a cold chill and made him feel alive.
He took a swig from his beer. *Yep if Jonahs didn't shape up he would become a perrmanate fixture of the pound.* There was a sound of howling and a fight was ensuing, someone was challenging the alpha male, Sgt Holman smelled the blood as he drank his beer watching from his safe perch. He'd seen what happend to men thats were accidently pushed into the pound it wasn't pretty. He finished his beer and marveled at the creatures in the pound. The rest of the night passed quietly.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

The clock buzzed it was still dark. They hadn't been asleep, Lx had been resting staring up at the ceiling with her curled aganist his chest. She had remained awake, they had gone over the information several times during the night to make sure she remember it.

He shut off the clock radio with a hand slap, a little to hard breaking it. He didn't want to move, she was perfect, curled aganist him they meshed, but it would soon no longer be safe for her to move. Jonahs forced himself up and didn't bother to try to cover himself. He walked over to the table and saw the lipstick. He wrote on one of the bills 'I love U' as he placed most of the money in her small purse. As he spoke the rehearsed lines it almost broke his heart.
"Hey you were great."

Prissy smiled a tired smile, while dressing quickly. "You were awesome Sugar, call me again when you got more time." she said snapping her gum.

She saw him, his back to her as he shoved the money into her purse, his shoulders already tightening with tension as he prepared to return.

*To, in his whispered words, make Eric’s and the others’ deaths mean something.

To somehow repay those he felt he had failed, by being too late, by not acting fast enough, by holding fast to his cover instead of breaking it to save them.

So much guilt. So much pain. So much shame.* She thought.

Jonahs opened the door. He watched her leave the tavern standing there in the nearly empty bar naked at his door.

Letting go, walking away, leaving Lx there had been the hardest thing she’d ever done. She didn’t believe he’d be coming back.

Once she was gone Ishmael pulled the dagger and note from the door and went back inside and got dressed. He displayed the medal properly, and once ready exited the room dressed smartly as a Council Corporal.

*******

Prissy ditched the tail she had from the Mermaid Tavern by ducking into the Women’s Health Clinic attached to Independence Port Hospital.

Making her way through its labyrinthine halls, Prissy finally found what she was looking for a police drone and then using the FBSA Override code for the emergency medport system she hop a reverse teleport directly to FBSA HQ.

Prissy the Prostitute in red leathers couldn’t afford to be backtracked to SSgt Pandora Jenkins. Once at HQ she could grab a shower and a change of clothes…

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Pandora spent a lot of time standing under the hot water, shivering, coming down from the adrenaline and shock of the last eight hours, arms crossed, face buried into them as she cried herself out at last, leaning against the cold tile for support.

Those hours had taken their toll, on both body and mind. In exhaustion. In the aches and marks on her body, now erased to with minor healing energy in seclusion. No wonder Mike and the teleport tech stared.

Easily attended to. The emotional holocaust was less so.

The events in Eden, the Council, the deaths, the suffering…. This wasn’t all that bothered her.

Lx wasn’t just playing the role of Ishmael Jonahs. He was Jonahs. But Jonahs was not Lx. It had been like being with someone with two personalities, only one of them aware of the other. At times it felt as though Jonahs had slipped through, trespassing, like something cold and reptilian slipping between the sheets with them. It had been frightening seeing glimpses of that man. And Lx had seemed unaware of it.

She'd done her best not to let it show, to be what he needed her to be, to comfort him as he so desperately needed to be comforted, and to draw comfort from him as well. To be strong.

Even if he survived, Pandora feared that Lx might not be coming back… not the same. Paint worn too long became a stain. Some stains didn’t wash off, not even in the hottest shower. She had only been playing her role; it was clear that Lx had not and she didn’t understand how someone so gentle, so noble could do what he was doing as well as he was doing it.

This time of morning the ladies locker room was empty, the few other female FBSA agents absent. Watching herself in the mirror, Pandora dressed in the spare FBSA logo gym suit and slip ons, braided her hair up into a bun, and stowed her things in the bag.

Her paint had washed off.

It was time to brief the Lieutenant and Mike.




((OOC: Special Guest Star: Prissy / Sgt Pandora. This scene written by Steele Magnolia, and sevearl others were written together. Excellent Work Steele.))

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

(ooc note: Tales from the Council is a rp story involving a hero with possible guest starring heroes and setting up possible villains to be introduced into other storylines at a later date. It's not normally thought of but even villains have mothers, wives or other family members these tales will include them and hopefully having you asking how much Influence is the going price of a villain. Feel free to PM.)

"YOUR LATE! EXTRA DUTY, YOUR DRUNK! EXTRA DUTY, YOUR OUT OF UNIFORM! EXTRA DUTY, Corporal Santos."

Shouted Jonahs at the drunk half dressed and hungover Santos. It had taken a half hour to find him but it was worth it.

Corporal Jonahs had arrived back early and several officers took the opprotunity to talk to him. He watched and listened, one of them asked him, "If you could have done one thing different what would that had been?"

Corporal Jonahs smiled "Sir if I could have done one thing different I would have broken down the unit into 4 man teams and 8 man squads and 16 man units. Then you would have been honoring more men and better trained as well he added"

Ishmael had just saw Ssgt Holman entering. Ssgt Holman didn't like what he was hearing.

The officers laughed "Well really? Do you think you could put together a unit of men if given the chance Corporal?"

Ishmael smiled. "Yes Sir, No disrespect to my current DI Sir."

The officer grinned, "Well then by all means, I'll have Ssgt Holman send you 14 men to train and hopefully your right, Because Ssgt Holman is going to lose half of his new unit to you and I don't think he's gonna be happy about it, Corporal." The three duty officers smiled.

"Sir that would leave me one man short for the Unit." Jonahs said.

The Officer grinned slyly. "Maybe yes and maybe no, seems like you need to find Santos before Ssgt Holman does. First man to find him gets him."

Holman was still getting his coffee while Coporal Jonahs excused himself and went out looking for Santos. He found him a half hour later in this condition.

Javier was dry mouthed and thristy he was still wearing his wedding ring and there wasn't any women around so he felt only slightly better. Ishmaels shouting hurt his ears, he finally spoke.

"Shut up who died and made you king." Javier mumbled trying to block the light, and look squinted eye at Ishmael.

Ishmael smiled at him almost like a predator. " You and Ssgt Holman did partner." Ishmael pulled him to his feet. "We have a unit to form up this morning we each will be running a seven man team welcome to you new assigment you can thank me later."

Javier was dumbfounded and a little hungry. Ishmael didn't want him making them look bad so he helped him clean himself up before reporting back to the duty officers. He began explaining along the way how this move would be good.

Javier wasn't sure about the Jekyll and Hyde thing going on with Jonahs, but figured as long as he was on his good side he wouldn't have to worry about his family.

The three of them were standing in front of the the Unit Commander Hansen. Ssgt Holman was PO'ed. Coporal Jonahs and to his astonishment Corporal Santos were not only serious but ready for the challange.

Commander Hansen agreed to what the morning duty officers had approved. Corporal Jonahs would be assigned the men by Ssgt Holman, and they would be competing at the end of the week. The unit with the most outstanding performance would not only recieve a bonus but would get a 24 hour pass and choice of duty assigments, both within reason.

Ssgt Earl Holman remained stoned faced, If Jonahs had approached him with this he would be having to stand in front of the unit commander. Corporal Jonahs was a dead man walking, and it would start with the men he was sent. He'd be back with a pack and would watch them devour Jonahs. Santos to if he didn't wise up when it was happening. The commander dismissed them.

Ssgt Holman went to get the men, while Jonahs and Santos went to breakfast. They would meet on the drilling field.

Ishmael smiled while eating he wouldn't lose any men he trained and maybe he could prevent a few deaths along the way, he looked over at Santos while drinking his coffee.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Ssgt Earl Holman wasn't your normal happy go lucky guy, he was to put it mildly a real piece of work. While Santos and Jonahs were busy eating.

Ssgt Holman walked across the base. He came to a well used door and entered the underground bunker. Off in the distance he could hear the cries of pain and howling. He finaly arrived at the command center of the bunker.

"I need to see Herr Doktor, about a transfer of 14 men to new duty."

A gentelman in a white lab coat turned around, his face was gaunt the skin pulled tight across it his eyes glowed a purpleish color, and his white hair was slicked back. He looked At Ssgt Holman, and smiled allowing his pearly white sharpened teeth to be seen.

"Ahh my good Ssgt, why would I want to release any one to you and what would you give me in return?"

Ssgt Holman grinned "I'll double your men you give to me, hows that. You give me 14 and I'll give you..."

"48 men." Herr Doktor finished. Ssgt Holman was about to argue, but realized that by the look his eyes it was possible he might never leave. So Ssgt Holman smiled.
"Ok Done. I need them mean and nasty, and untreated."

Herr Doktor Laughed.
"Of course you do I'll have my assistants bring them out to you."

It took his assistants several minutes to round up the men Ssgt Holman requested they haddn't made it into the pit yet so there was hope. As the men looked around Ssgt Holman spoke.

"I just saved your sorry (censored) from the pit. You 14 men have a job to do and thats to teach Lance Corporal Ishmael Jonahs what a mistake he made in making me look bad. For this service I will have all 14 of you resigned to different units. If you refuse well it's back to the pit. Do you understand?"

The 14 men looked at each other and turned in unison:
"Yes Sgt!"

"Good follow me then." Ssgt Holman turned and lead the men to the drill field.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Ishmael smiled at Santos discomfort. “Next time don’t drink so much, and you won’t feel so bad.” Javier gave him the finger while he drank his coffee. “Ok that’s your free one for today next time I break your hand.” Ishmael said with a genuine smiled and a serious tone. Javier just finished his coffee and grunted.

A few minutes later they were standing in the drill field waiting for Ssgt Holman.

Corporal Jonahs and Santos watched as Ssgt Holman lead over the 14 men. Santos sighed these guys looked worse than Jonahs he thought.

Ishmael had different thoughts he remembered why he was here, and the reason to not trust anyone. * I won't say that I won't worry.... Just tell me that you'll be careful, and stick to your cover... no matter what. Your life depends on it. She had said. *

It was probably why he was still alive he thought, why he hadn’t blown his cover during the attack, or tried to bring down Requiem when given the award. He looked at the medal then back at Ssgt Holman who was smiling while walking over to him. Then Ishmael smiled thinking about Prissy.

“Here you are Corporal Jonahs, just like I was ordered to do.” Handing him a clipboard with paperwork. He shot a glare at Santos but continued to smile. “Well good luck guys your going to need it.” He turned and gave one final look at the men before he turned and walked away leaving them on the drill field.

Jonahs looked down the list of names: Wood, Clark, Burnett, Hurlocker, Corchado, Duke, Smith, Williams, Fields, Rawson, Burke, Turner, Allen, and Stover.

All the paperwork was the same reassigned to Staff Sergeant Earl Holman transferred to Lance Corporal Ishmael Jonahs, unit designation unassigned. He looked over the men quickly they stood staring a few were fidgeting in place kind of restless. Ishmael looked at Javier.

“Ok men, for the moment we are going to train as a unit, in order to know what level you are at we are going to run the ‘O’ Course. Unlike any other unit you belonged to everyone will make it through the O, if some one falls behind you assist him. Failure is not an option or an excuse, if one man fails we all fail, is that understood this unit will live or die by each member.” Jonahs stared at them all it wasn’t an order it was a challenge.

The men all looked at each other and grumbled including Santos, who thought Ishmael was mental, but didn’t speak out. Finally Turner stepped forward. “What if we don’t feel like it, and what if we say go to hell.” Ishmael looked right at him and smiled. “Are you challenging me?” He took out his dagger and threw in into the ground at Turners feet. “Any one who even thinks he can challenge my command, pick up the dagger. Otherwise get back in line and get ready to run. Now!”

The smile had become a devilish grin and his eyes twinkled, Jonahs was waiting to see if anyone would accept it.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Turner stood his ground like if he was mulling something over. Burnett growled and pushed Turner out of the way. "I say, if I got the choice then I'm gonna run things."

Burnett was almost a foot taller then Jonahs and easily had him by 100 pounds. His blonde hair was buzz cut and his fist the size of hams. He bent over to picked up the dagger as his hand closed on the hilt he staggered his sight blured and he fell to one knee.

Jonahs wasn't about to allow anyone to challenge him, no one took anything he had. He waited until Burnett had commited himself to picking up the dagger before he kicked him in the face breaking his nose. Jonahs wasn't interested in good sportsmanship, or anything else, he knew these men weren't going to follow him blindly each of them would want to take the shot it was only a matter of when. He followed through with a elbow strike to the chin, then a spinning backfist to the center of his chest knocking him flat.

Burnett couldn't remember ever being hit that hard, he staggered under the onslaught of blows he couldn't breath. He spit blood out of his mouth trying, he was gasping for breath. Then he felt the cold steel of the fine council dagger tip press into his neck. He didn't move.

Ishmael struck several blows in quick succession dropping Burnett in a heap of barely breathing flesh. He reached down and pulled his dagger from Burnett's hand. He brought it up to his neck and pressed the tip into it. Burnett had stopped moving. Everyone watched including Santos.

"Ok, live or die your choice. Who's unit is this?" He pushed the point deeper. Burnett spoke as loud as he could. "Yours Corporal Jonahs."

Ishmael smiled. Pulled the dagger from Burnett's neck and threw it into a log burying it halfway to the hilt. He let go of Burnett and looked at the rest of the men.

"Anybody else, just take the dagger."

No one else moved. Jonahs continued to smile, then looked down at Burnett and extended his hand.

Burnett reached up and Jonahs pulled him to his feet, blood poured freely from his broken nose.

"Hold still." Ishmael said and realined Burnett's nose the bleeding stopped almost immediately.

"OK whats your name?"

"Burnett" he answered. Ishmael grinned at him. Then looked at Turner.

"Yours?"

"Turner, Sir" He said not knowing what to expect. Ishmael nodded in approval.

"Ok we have a 'O' course to run everyone makes it. Lets go we have all day." The men turned and began running.

Santos ran and watched how the rest of them were responding. Whether he liked it or not he felt something stiring within him it wasn't awe like from before in Eden it was more like a respect, and it scared him.


(ooc edit for spelling and format)

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG

Ishmael had them run the O, the entire morning always stopping in the same spot next to the dagger. He went over and over each obstacle the best way to maneuver the challenge, so by lunch not only could each man complete each obstacle, but the unit as a whole did in unison.

Except for Turner, Burnett, and Santos, Corporal Jonahs allowed the men to sit together to eat and watched who sat with who. He sat with the other three while they ate the cold MRE's. on the drill field. "So where did Sgt Holman pull you guys out of, the Brig, or someplace else?" Jonahs said.

Santos looked at both of them, and continued eating. Turner put more food in his mouth. Burnett took a drink. “Yea, some place. He doesn’t like you. Neither do I.” Corporal Jonahs laughed. "Hey I only broke your nose," then he became serious and stared. "It's not liked I killed you to make a point to the others is it." His eyes were fixed on the small cut on Burnett’s neck. Burnett shook his head.

"Good because unlike the rest of these loyal followers I'm about to reward both of you . Turner, you for speaking your mind, and you Burnett, for backing him up. This is how this is going to work, starting now. Each one of us gets three more men to train with so we are going to have 4 man teams. Burnett since you don't like me and I know where you stand your my sister team. That leaves Santos and Turner as the other squad. We all will be formed under one unit. When we break we will be heading to the armory. Live fire exercise.” Jonahs smiled. “Any questions ?”

Santos drank his water so this was how Jonahs going to make this work, smart man. But Sgt Holman was smart to he thought, this could get messy. He didn’t like being in the middle and some how that just where he was.

Turner smiled at Jonahs, he was going to be one tuff nut to crack, but now he was going to have three others to help him there was no way he was going to the pit again.

Burnett mumbled something about Jonahs parentage. Ishmael smiled at him and took a drink.

The rest of the men were tired and ate, some of them talked about there next move, others were deciding who would be worse, none of them liked to options placed before them.

They all ate in quiet until Corporal Santos got them up and ready to move to the range, Jonahs retrieved his dagger and placed it in his belt. When they arrived at the range he took it out and placed in the middle of the floor ready for the taking.

Santos formed them up and they broke into the four man teams.

Jonahs smiled they had broken themselves in to better controlled groups, a mob was always harder to control. Four man teams, eight man squads. Much better. He had three days to beat Holman, tomorow he would dangle the first carrot if he live through tonight. He smiled tomorrow would be a beautiful day.

---

When you wake up seek the courage and strength to do the right thing.
Decide that this will be another day in which you Walk The Talk.

MA #14724 Operation: Discredit @American Valor
Sentinel Of Liberty SG