For once, Oswald seemed to agree with Romanov, as he nodded fairly to his comments. 'He knows too much, silence him Oswald... OSWALD? I will KILL YOU. I will not be contained. Do not be controlled...'
He knew he'd have terrible nightmares for this, but the fight to burst into rage was one the Hatesman wasn't about to win, not with so many plans at stake. "Mmm... if you'll excuse me..." he said to the room, idly following Romanov outside.
Jogging down the porch he turned as he passed Romanov, "Don't underestimate, Hunter." was all he said, before turning to fly off in the direction of the bay.
-----------------------------------------------------------
14th May, The Cathedral of Flame
Hatesman rubbed his ravaged face as he took a seat at Erebus table. Heavy chains clunked around his body as he moved. More than usual, as he was wearing his public combat suit. A tight fitting Red and Black nod to the Statesman's outfit. A large white skull, his personal symbol, was planted firmly on his chest, and the 'Chains of Oppression' as he called them, hung from his wrists, shoulders, ankles and kneck. He left his cape with one of Erebus henchmen, threatening to crush, maim then torture to within an inch of death if anything should happen to it.
Unclipping his Medical Utility Belt he, laid it over the back of his chair as he surveyed the table for something to drink. "Wine... It'll have to do..." he said, leaning over to grab a bottle of ridiculously rare and expensive red, filling his glass to the brim and knocking it back like it was a drinking competition, filling it again putting that back, and finally settling on a third full glass.
Oswalds beautiful Artificial woman, and calculating technological mastermind, ORACLE, slinked in behind him like she was his concubine. Gazing across the table, she adjusted and folded a napkin.
"Do you know how much that's worth?" she asked, talking to him like an embarrassed wife at a social function, trying to tame her drunken husband.
Hatesman closed his eyes, and then opened his messed up hazy blue one to stare her down. "Do I look like I care, Oracle?"
She turned to him robotically and glanced over him, "No. You really don't. Do you not taste it any more?"
"I don't have time to indulge in such things. The difference between this grape and one used by a common man to get wasted, is metaphysical opinion, not quality."
ORACLE looked like she was trying to smile, but she didn't really pull it off very well. "Everyday I sound more like a human and you a machine." she replied warmly. "Will you create a way for me to taste and revile such things with you, Architect?"
"Do it yourself." the Doctor replied bluntly as he downed another glass.
It takes Chaos to move the world to Action.
Romanov entered the dining room. He was wearing black designer suit and shirt, but had dispensed with the tie in a concession to the different perception of what was formal on the islands. He glanced at Hatesman and the bottle he had all but drained.
An excellent vintage, Dr Oswald. You know your wines.
He turned to ORACLE. There was something artificial and obvious about her beauty. And with the absence of the dark fire that attracted him she might as well have been a piece of office furniture.
He read the label of another bottle of wine before opening it. If you enjoy the Château Margaux, you will appreciate this Romanée-Conti. I prefer the 96 but the 99 is also a fine vintage. Shall I pour you and your companion a glass?
@Romanov
Nadja Romanov, Lily Pink, Little Death - The Cadre
Estoque, Bastinado, Spidermonkey, Chic Doyle - The Militia
Miss Teen, Dead Reckoner, Dee Dee Diablo, Kaneko
The black Rolls of the countess Báthory stopped at the entrance of the Cathedral. The Japanese driver stepped out and opened the door for his mistress. Elizabeth stepped out wearing a long black dress with a high split at the left side. She had a bare back and an elaborated black-rimmed hat to shield her face from the sun. For a moment she looked up at the structure, lowering her sunglasses a bit to take in the view. Not bad Erebus, not bad at all
, she whispered to herself.
Walking through the entrance she looked at the art casually stopping at one to take a closer look. Sometimes showing a small hint of a smile as if she recognized it
or even remembered.
The dining room doors where opened for her by two young servants. It was a large stone room with decorated walls.
I see that living in a cave can be rather luxurious indeed
Elizabeth thought while she entered. She noticed the well filled table but ignored the food completely, slowly scanning who was there. The Hatesman was early this time, that was a first. Her blood-red eyes met a moment with those of Oracle, both acknowledging each other. Then she noticed Romanov.
Ah
Alex, I see there is a good choice of wine. Please let me try a small glass too. It has been a while since I tasted a good Romanée-Conti., she said while taking a seat next to him. I am in a rather good mood today, the black oaf has been visiting his arms-depot for the past week and I havent seen him since.
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Hatesman grinned, "Mmmm, according to my sources, he was in the market for some riot control gear... among other things. Looks like our favourite little fascist dictator is feeling the heat. Hm, hm, hm." he chuckled.
"As for the offer of wine to us both..." he turned to Oracle and snapped his fingers. Instantly her optic camouflage dropped, revealing the thin white rods that formed her Wyrm-Frame Endo-Skeleton. She had become an it, staring back at the room through two cold LED blue eyes on tiny stalks. Faceless and formless, her frame was both an abstract piece of art and a sophisticated technological wonder. It was among the Oswald's greatest creations, the ORACLE system itself sitting firmly at the top of the pyramid.
"I'm afraid such consumption would be ill advisable Master Romanov... Countess Bathory." the twiggy robotic figure said politely in a genderless robotic buzz.
Oracle reapplied her false skin. Tiny lights along each Wyrm-Frame stick segment painted first, a basic outline, and then covered it with a supple perfectly tanned skin, hiding her inner workings. She sat naked for a fraction of a second, as she reselected her outfit, projecting a tight black dress and diamond earrings to fit the mood. Flicking her beautiful eyes up at the other guests, she seemed to gently beg forgiveness for such a display at a formal occasion.
Hatesman glanced back over the table with a grin and a raised eyebrow, "I'll go with whichever is best." flicking a pointed finger towards Alexander. "Go ahead. You choose."
Leaning back in his chair, Oswald gazed over his shoulder. "Has anyone seen the host?"
It takes Chaos to move the world to Action.
"Not in his true form at least," came Erebus' voice as he entered the room, his ministerial robes flowing around him. "Greetings warlords, I am glad you could join me at my humble abode. I trust that my attendents have made you most comfortable. They are respectable, polite and above all, tasty."
He gave a sly smile as he sat at the table, ignoring the lavish display of food.
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
Romanov poured wine for Hatesman and Bathory, before filling glasses for himself and the host.
Humble does not begin to describe this place, Lord Erebus. You have excelled yourself.
He sat down. Now, I am sure that we all have matters we wish to discuss. Let me begin by informing you that I have dealt with the Priest. He is dead. He paused. There are still a few loose ends to tie up and hopefully I will able to soon bring you news that there is nothing to worry about as a consequence of his unexpected visit. I am sure I can count of your discretion in regard to our part in his demise.
He took a drink and motioned with his hand that the floor was there for anyone who wished to take it.
@Romanov
Nadja Romanov, Lily Pink, Little Death - The Cadre
Estoque, Bastinado, Spidermonkey, Chic Doyle - The Militia
Miss Teen, Dead Reckoner, Dee Dee Diablo, Kaneko
"For me not much has changed...", Elizabeth said while drinking some of her wine.
"Buku is still oblivious to my real intent. And there is no file or code I can not reach or influence. I did however slowly extended some of my influence to other parts of the islands."
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Oswald stood up slowly and spoke in a hushed raspy tone like a burnt out country singer, "Then everything is in place... Countess, your control of Buku... Romanov, your destruction of Hunter... Our control of these islands are hindered only by The Vanguard."
"League... I have a plan that will sever Vanguards Liberty Isle's head, while the body is oblivious to its loss."
It takes Chaos to move the world to Action.
It had taken Erebus a few seconds to register what had been said. It was rare that he was rendered speechless.
"Dead?" he asked. "That is... surprising. But nonetheless, an excellent solution. Your efforts impress me Romanov. As for conquest..."
He wandered around the table, standing in front of the ornate fireplace. "I say we already own this sorry little island. Vanguard are nothing more than a weed that one keeps because it produces pretty flowers. I am uncertain as to whether their removal is necessary. However... should we decide that a more military solution is required, I have something to keep the wolves from our door."
He produced from his robes a small vial and placed it on the table.
"The Oblivion virus. Undetectable, paralysing and completely under my control. You are welcome to examine it, but don't be surprised if it doesn't respond to any sort of clinical trial, it's not meant to. Should we wish to quarantine the island, as we discussed at our last meeting, it is at our disposal. Now, for a slightly more martial approach, you had something to offer Oswald?"
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
"A slightly more Martial approach?" Oswald asked, clearly riled by the assumption.
"You'd be the first one to fall " he said, circling the table towards Erebus and snatching the vial up into his grasp. "This is a weapon, a tool. It's not a plan, it's not a safety measure, it wont stop a Tank or delay an HVAS from marching into your Cathedral."
He tightened his grip around the vial, "What did you think I was going to say next? You assume my plan's of martial nature? You think I was going to suggest we assault their base?" he asked, tossing the Vial of Oblivion Virus through the air to Lord Erebus, like a deadly reaction game.
It takes Chaos to move the world to Action.
Erebus said nothing, he simply smiled as Oswald ranted. When the vial was thrown violently back at him, he moved to one side, watching as the vial smashed into the stone of the fireplace, releasing its deadly contents to the air. He paid it no regard but kept his steely gaze on Hatesman.
"The one thing I admire about you Doctor," he began, "is how unwilling to deny your own emotions you are. Some people might consider that a failing. Given your normally combative nature, one could only expect your plan to be somewhat violent in execution."
He picked up an apple from the table, turning it over in his hands.
"However, I am not a mind reader. If you would like to demonstrate some aptitude for planning them perhaps you would care to share with the group. Starting with how you intend to contain the virus you have just unleashed."
He gave a wry smile towards the doctor and waited.
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
Romanov watched the events unfold in front of him. He gave a brief look to the Countess to indicate how he felt about the show of pantomime villainy. He preferred to see how Erebus and Hatesman would respond rather than step in and take control again.
Romanov sat back in his chair and waited.
@Romanov
Nadja Romanov, Lily Pink, Little Death - The Cadre
Estoque, Bastinado, Spidermonkey, Chic Doyle - The Militia
Miss Teen, Dead Reckoner, Dee Dee Diablo, Kaneko
Elizabeth returned Romanov his gaze for a brief moment. Then looked at the broken Vial...
"And so the next stage has began...", she said softly to herself.
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- The Court of the Blood Countess: The Rise of the Blood Countess #3805
Advanced - Go back in time and witness the birth of a vampire. Follow her to key moments in her life in order to stop her! A story of intrigue, drama and horror! Blood & Violence... not recommend to solo!
ORACLE sprang from her seat and landed at the site of the vials impact, spraying the area with a scattered beam of laser particles from the palm of her hand.
"While you are all physiologically resistant to the Oblivion Virus. It wouldn't be wise to expose any of your colleagues to its effects."
Oswald casually sat back at the table, grabbing a hand full of cashew nuts from a bowl in the centre and cracking one open between his thumb and forefinger.
"What would I do without you my dear?"
ORACLE smiled, the first genuine smile the league had ever seen. She seemed to appreciate the entire situation as a joke.
Hatesman popped one of the nuts into his mouth and began chewing. "So Erebus?" he swallowed, "What are the symptoms of your Masterwork Virus?"
It takes Chaos to move the world to Action.
Erebus folded his hands, noting that once again Hatesman had only saved himself due to the use of advanced technology. What would he be without that machine, he wondered to himself.
"The Oblivion virus is a rapidly spreading, virulent disease that manifests itself as leprosy and fever," he stated. "Once introduced to a community, it causes sores, lesions and rotting of the flesh. A village infected with it for a week is an unpleasant sight to behold. However, it is not fatal, but then that's not its intent. It is a panic device, used to crush spirit and leave communities desperate for a cure, willing to follow anyone who can allieviate the symptoms. I, of course, hold the only known cure, a simple 'laying on of hands' is normally enough to gain the trust of simpletons." He looked at his companions, hoping that he hadn't disclosed too much.
"Of course, the beauty of it is that the virus itself has defied all medical enquiry. In fact, most hospitals and laboratories have failed spectacularly to find the viral agent, a slieght of hand I'm most proud of. If we are seeking to quarantine the island and make sure that no trespassers come snooping, it is a perfect distraction."
He made no mention of the fact that curing the civillians would ensure their trust of him even further, that much was obvious. Why kidnap people to devour when they could come willingly to him? He smiled his reptillian smile and though about the many souls on this island and what they all might taste like.
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk
Nuts, thought Romanov to himself as he watched Hatesman shovel a handful of cashews into his mouth. The doctors instability was threatening to become a liability but he would give the situation more thought before removing him.
The one unwanted consequence of your plague, Erebus, will be that the world beyond these shores will want to help. With the stalemate between Bukus forces and Vanguard, the United Nations will not need much of an excuse to poke their nose where it is not wanted.
He placed his hands together. But I do see the benefit in testing your plague. There may be a time when we need to use it in Paragon, for example, and it would be prudent to know how it behaves when outside the test tube.
We just have to make sure we remain in control of it. All aspects of it.
He refreshed Bathorys glass before pouring himself some more wine. And our next step should be to organise an election. It will appease the West that the islands are sorting out their own problems through their beloved democracy. Countess, you should start planting the idea in Bukus mind that he will only truly have power when the people give it to him.
@Romanov
Nadja Romanov, Lily Pink, Little Death - The Cadre
Estoque, Bastinado, Spidermonkey, Chic Doyle - The Militia
Miss Teen, Dead Reckoner, Dee Dee Diablo, Kaneko
"Already way ahead of you there...", Elizabeth replied while sipping some of the antique wine.
"For the past week I have spoken to him about election... About how to continue after the vanguard where destroyed. He only needs a push to set it in motion. How far are you with the little tramp?"
- The Italian Job: The Godfather Returns #1151
Beginner - Encounter a renewed age for the Mook and the Family when Emile Marcone escapes from the Zig!
- Along Came a... Bug!? #528482
Average - A new race of aliens arrives on Earth. And Vanguard has you investigate them!
- The Court of the Blood Countess: The Rise of the Blood Countess #3805
Advanced - Go back in time and witness the birth of a vampire. Follow her to key moments in her life in order to stop her! A story of intrigue, drama and horror! Blood & Violence... not recommend to solo!
Hatesman crushed another nut between his thumb and forefinger like it was made of dust.
"The Vanguard aren't going to be destroyed, Countess. By weeks end, we'll be in command of their forces. Isn't that right Oracle?"
She nodded and finished up her Viral containment, sweeping the shards of glass into her hand and then burning them in one final concentrated laser blast that singed Erebus ceiling with a beautiful shard of Blue Light. She then casually returned to her seat and fixed her hair a little.
It takes Chaos to move the world to Action.
Romanov looked at Hatesman. While your plan intrigues me, Dr Oswald, and I do share an interest to see how it unfolds we must keep in mind the bigger picture. This conflict between Buku and Vanguard is simply a means to an end. A way of ensuring the rest of the world accepts our new regime when Buku becomes a threat to world peace. We must always err on the side of caution if our actions could bring unwanted attention from the United Nations or other quarters.
He sat back and surveyed the room. But controlling both sides in said conflict can only make our task easier. I just hope that you and the Countess dont get carried away with your toy soldiers; a full-blown war would cause a major
rethink.
He stood. If we are done here I have matters to attend to with Ms Nasri. We should meet again soon. I would be interested in taking a look at your submarine, Dr Oswald, perhaps you could host the next council onboard?
@Romanov
Nadja Romanov, Lily Pink, Little Death - The Cadre
Estoque, Bastinado, Spidermonkey, Chic Doyle - The Militia
Miss Teen, Dead Reckoner, Dee Dee Diablo, Kaneko
Hatesman's chair crashed to the floor as he stalked toward the exit, rolling his neck to crack a few stiff bones back into order. His companion took her leave too, exposing its Wyrm-Frame skeleton once again, this time it folded back on itself with magnetic clicks. A few moments later and a large black Panther peeked its head out from under the table and bounded after its master.
"I'll think about it..." replied Hatesman leaving with his pet in tow.
It takes Chaos to move the world to Action.
Romanov watched Hatesman leave and then looked at the others. Im not sure how much faith I have in a man who forgets hes left his panther under the dinner table.
He paused. I will speak to you all soon.
@Romanov
Nadja Romanov, Lily Pink, Little Death - The Cadre
Estoque, Bastinado, Spidermonkey, Chic Doyle - The Militia
Miss Teen, Dead Reckoner, Dee Dee Diablo, Kaneko
"Indeed you will, Alex!", Elizabeth said while finishing her wine.
"I am in the mood for a different kind of red liquid... I bid you all goodbye." She stood up and looked around. After a polite but meaningful nod towards Romanov she strolled out of the room... one would almost think she was not touching the ground. Before disappearing into the dark corridors of the temple towards the exit.
- The Italian Job: The Godfather Returns #1151
Beginner - Encounter a renewed age for the Mook and the Family when Emile Marcone escapes from the Zig!
- Along Came a... Bug!? #528482
Average - A new race of aliens arrives on Earth. And Vanguard has you investigate them!
- The Court of the Blood Countess: The Rise of the Blood Countess #3805
Advanced - Go back in time and witness the birth of a vampire. Follow her to key moments in her life in order to stop her! A story of intrigue, drama and horror! Blood & Violence... not recommend to solo!
8 Days Later
The "TLF Tempest" - Calana Port - 1:00am
A sleek black luxury yacht designated the TLF Tempest looking like a member of the space race waited in Calana Port for the League to arrive under cover of darkness. Hidden away in a boathouse, the ship was a customised WP 118 chartered to ferry the League out to rendezvous with the Hatesman aboard his flagship The TLF Leviathan, a Nuclear Astute Class Submarine so cutting edge that it was yet to even be implemented in many Navies across the globe.
In and around the Warehouse a dozen Meta-Human guards stalked around with equally cutting edge Assault Rifles and Sub Machine Guns. They all wore black Kevlar suits that looked as though they could withstand an RPG while allowing the wearer to dance the cha cha without any discomfort. All of it current age technology, though there was no doubt that it sat at the top of its league.
As for the bright young men and women of the TLF, all were clear as day criminals, thugs and mercenaries, sporting glares that could kill puppies and tattoos covering most of their bodies. Were they not professional killers most of them would have been members of the Freakshow.
On the boat, ORACLE waited as a stewardess that the troops seemed to shy away from on her laps of the dock house. Her eyes always watching and judging them with an inner satisfaction as they messed around with their powers, one lighting a cigar with his finger tips, another shooting down flies around a lamp with sharp bursts of laser vision, and another weight training with heavy crates of weapons.
As each member of the League arrived, ORACLE met them and ushered them to the Tempest where they took seats in the Lounge Compartment. They were then served with any alcoholic beverage they so desired from the on board teleportation device, and offered to Dine at the Table. All of which was tendered by a blue skinned, white haired reptilian who could quite easily have been related to Borealis where he not so clearly lacking the Lord's intellect. "Hello, my name is Maxsss." he introduced himself politely with a serpents tongue.
With all aboard, ORACLE turned to stare at the empty control room and willed the ship into action, gunning the engines to a mighty 60 Knots over a few minutes in the water ((that's 70mph for land lovers)), before she took a seat to mingle with the LoRDs, navigating the boat with some other part of her conciousness.
It takes Chaos to move the world to Action.
Elizabeth looked around while sitting down. She looked rather different for a change... Sporting red hair and a sexy transparent coat that flowed in the sea breeze. Obviously enjoying the attention she got from it immensely.
She accepted a glass of wine from ORACLE hoping there would be something thicker then wine at the diner table. Maxsss showed her to her seat and asked what she desired to drink. Elizabeth ordered a Bloody Mary, but also asked him to replace the usual tomato juice as ingredient with blood.
She talked fashion for a while with ORACLE. It was rather visible that she was not really in the mood for business talk at all.
- The Italian Job: The Godfather Returns #1151
Beginner - Encounter a renewed age for the Mook and the Family when Emile Marcone escapes from the Zig!
- Along Came a... Bug!? #528482
Average - A new race of aliens arrives on Earth. And Vanguard has you investigate them!
- The Court of the Blood Countess: The Rise of the Blood Countess #3805
Advanced - Go back in time and witness the birth of a vampire. Follow her to key moments in her life in order to stop her! A story of intrigue, drama and horror! Blood & Violence... not recommend to solo!
14 May 2008
The Cathedral of Flame Liberty Isles
Carved into the black rock of the islands active volcano, the Cathedral was a masterpiece of engineering. Designed to be both imposing and masterful, it seemed to be part of the mountain, its graceful spires emulating the flames which powered its dark heart. And it did hold a dark heart indeed, a secret chamber magically carved far into the depths of the volcano, so far that it was possible to feel the boiling energies of doom and fire as they churned underneath, eager to receive their next victim.
It was here that Lord Erebus stood, his acolytes to his side as he read out a proclamation that sentenced the person before him to fiery doom from below. Not many on the island knew of this place, or what went on here. People just disappeared, never to be seen again. No-one suspected that they became human sacrifices to appease the deities of the island, a practice instituted by Erebus to allow him control over the Liberty Isles indigenous spirits. He always found these rituals saddening. The pitiful flesh was a waste for sure, but it housed a good soul, one that would have made him a plentiful meal should he have chosen to dine on it. But he was required to abide by the bargain, for now. It wasnt as if he was lacking for souls to consume on this accursed isle as it was.
Once he had finished reading, a robed mage appeared, hastening to Erebus side with a message. Erebus smiled as he read it. The guests had arrived. He should go and prepare.
Do you expect me to beg for my life!? shouted the bound victim as he awaited his fate. Erebus looked up from the note, disinterested.
Not really, he replied, dismissing the magical barrier that had suspended the man above the pit. The echoes of the sacrifice echoed around the chamber as Erebus approached the shaft that would allow him to fly up to the more respectably decorated cathedral. It really was such a waste
((The Cathedral has a number of guest quarters and visitors rooms on its upper levels, ornately decorated with all manner of arcane finery and mystical artefacts. Nothing useful, but enough to evoke the feeling of power, Erebus is a sucker for them. The guests will be shown into a dining room where there is a gratuitous display of food and wines for them to indulge in while Erebus flies up to greet them.))
@Dante EU - Union Roleplayer and Altisis Victim
The Militia: Union RP Supergroup - www.themilitia.org.uk