RolePlayGateway™

[sashbandit]

Maximus made his way through the large complex of winding paths and corridors trying to reach his destination in the shortest amount of time possible.

"Geez I was only trying to take a nap on the transit ride over here, why didn't any of the guards wake me when we arrived?" His footsteps quickened as he made yet another turn. Sighing in defeat when he discovered another clearance door along his path

"Man these things are such a pain, but at least this one is low-tech." After a quick palm and retina scan Maximus arrived at the designated section. There seemed to be a good amount of mages making their way down the corridor.

"Man I'm the last one hope I don't get reprimanded to much for this." Trying his best to remain quiet he slipped behind the group and tried to keep himself unnoticed for the time being.

[Lilina]

It seemed that everything had finished, and Lilina would finally find out what was going on. She thought to herself that the variety of people gather here was quite...unusual. Each person here had their own unique pressuence, as if they had proved themselves to the world. Lilina couldn't help but feel out of place. Being an instructor for only a year, she had never been sent on any sort of "real" mission before, nor had she been involved in any actual combat, only mock battle with her superiors and her students. Even one us here look quite experienced when it came to fighting. Lilina felt her courage almost slip away for a moment. While thinking this to herself, she noticed that the one in charge of the operation, Viletta Valdim, was staring at her with a piercing look, though it only lasted a second. At first, this struck fear in Lilina, until she realized what that look actually meant. She smiled back.

As the group began to follow behind the chief of the operation, she noticed someone new entering the room, a small looking man, almost as short as me, though he was moving in a way to not be noticed. Maybe he didn't want anyone to notice he just got here? ::At least I wasn't the last one to arrive now:: Lilina thought to herself. Lilina slowed down her pace to get closer to this new person, wondering what he was like. She turned her head towards him and smiled.

[Blazingstar]

As the man was let go, and the commander mentioned talking about continuing this later...the older man got a sparkle in his eye. Canis, enraged by the Commander's interference in what he saw as a "Alpha dog conflict", clenched his fists, the massive muscles causing the thick veins to show through the skin; the canine was held only by the summoner's psychic will ::Draconis, Canis, you are not to attack her, she may have interupted but it is her mission and her base::. Draconis just glared. The drake's arms were crossed, attempting to burn a hole in the commander.

"Forgive me Lieutenant Colonel." The man made a point of refusing to appologize to the hot head. "Although I strongly disapprove of his entry...method...Canis and Draconis were under strict orders not to hurt the man. I was most certainly not born yesterday Commander Villetta, I understand that to cause harm to a comrade is tantamount to treason and murder. I accept full responsibility for the conflict....although Canis and Draconis were only going to tackle Mr. Dynamic Entry over there"

Noticing the salute of the shorter female, he addressed her. "At ease Instructor, we are all equals here." At saying this, his hand descended onto the shorter woman's shoulder. "How are things at the Academy since I left? Any news from your students?" Noticing the direction of the instructors stare, he mentally gave Draconis an order. ::Draconis, look at what she is, link me:: At the order, the dragon-resembling human turned towards the door, his enhanced eyes linking to the Summoner's brain, forming a kind of image-within-image double sight. :: Yet another...::

At the mention of training excercises, Aranom's eyes twinkled again. ::Oh, how long it has been, brothers:: The most valuable aspect of his great relationship with his aids, was the Mind Link, the highway through which thoughts could be sent silently via the Arcane. The man gently pushed the women whos shoulder he held, motioning to follow Villetta. He immediately followed the commander. ::She is strong ....very strong:: **Yes, Sir. But as you have said before, she is the alpha female of this pack. ## I am most interested in this shorter female, I sense something deeper within her....you must have as well Aranom through your contact with her## ::Yes...intresting::

OOC- ::= Aranom's thoughts via the link,
**= Canis' thoughts
##=Draconis' thoughts

[Iris Lilium]

She sighed lightly as she rose to her feet, and followed her Commander silently. Training missions were not something she enjoyed as it usually involved team work and well, she certainly was better off alone. This wouldn't be her first mission like this either, usually being called in when there was either no other choice, or they wanted everything in the area eradicated, thats simply how her power worked, it wasn't nice enough to be placed beside someone else.

Another reason she wasn't fond of teams is out of fear of that very power, she didn't want to accidentally kill anyone she wasn't supposed to but if teamwork was forced on her, then that means The U balanced that risk and decided it was worth it, oh well they're problem if they get in her way and are killed because of it.

She grabbed the Black staff with the Deep purple orb embedded in it in front of her and proceeded forward and spoke mentally to the device "They're maybe trouble in the team during the meeting, release the device Seal, Sakuya." the device glowed replying back "Yes master". There was no visual change no power change until she actually activated it, but doing this ahead of time would certainly let her jump straight in to "resolve" the problem should it arise. Honestly she wasn't fond of having to do such things, she would rather smile and become friends but, those would would betray and attack The U would pay dearly, certainly those who do would one day look behind them and there she shall be, and on that day they shall reap it.

[sashbandit]

As Maximus gained a steady pace he noticed the girl in front of him had slowed down to match her steps with his. She then turned and smiled in his direction. "Heh guess I've been spotted." Despite himself Maximus couldn't help but smile back appreciatively. "Hey m'names Maximus pleased to meet you." He whispered as not to alert the others to his presence "Mind not telling everyone I'm late?"

[Selothi]

As the woman in charge, Viletta, let Lucius go, he couldn't help but glare at the Summoner; he hadn't even apologised or anything, just explained and excused his way out of things. That dog and the dragon would have killed him, he was sure of it, but no matter, Lucius was not here to start another fight. Without a word, he followed the group, just noticing the newest arrival as he followed the cluster of some of the most powerful soldiers known to the U. At the thought of training, Nielfax smiled, kicking these guys' arses in a session would be most enjoyeable. As they all moved deeper into the complex, Lucius used his headset to scan each and every member, trying to discover every one of their tricks, pieces of equipment, and anything else useful to know in a fight.

Know your ennemy was his motto, and he couldn't call any of these people friends.

[Blazingstar]

Draconis sensed something. ## Master, that infidel is scanning us## While the dragon may not be as powerful as Canis...he more than made up with it in knowledge of human behaviour and senses. Aranom didn't even have a clue as to how the dragon did it or why he did, but he was thinkful as for Draconis' ability to do it. ::Thank you, my friend::. Aranom never did take lightly to such a massive use of spying and intelligence gathering equipment, preferring to rely on his magical abilities and counterparts as opposed to technology. However, the summoner believed he had the ultimate method of teaching this cocky little punk how things worked in groups...trust was key and knowing your allies through communication was important. But scanning your allies for weaknesses and abilties? That crossed a line with Instructor Khorim.

The 178th Article of the Academy Magic Reference Tome stated that "any and all use of scanning or scrying devices, magicka, or otherwise is strictly forbidden unles used in context, and in appropriate circumstances that pertain to the survival of the imbiber or his comrades, or as ordered by a commanding officer of at least Magic Level 3 or of military rank Lieutenant Colonel." The man sure as hell knew that the man wasn't bound to know the Reference Tome as he did, maybe he never attended the Academy, but rules were rules. The only person heres with magic level of three were Iris and the Lieutenant Colonel; his own abilities were in the possession of Canis and Draconis and did not count towards magic level. Combined with Canis and Draconis' Magic Level, he would be over 3, but his own personal ability was approximately .89. This was a closely guarded secret between the familiars and their master. And Villetta had most certainly not authorized use of scanning abilities.

Subtly, the summoner laid a trap for the man with the dragon's help. Draconis, oddly, possessed some uncanny afinities for certain magics....no one knew that. It was part of why the summoner was thought to possess magics of his own, when in reality, it was Draconis' power. Lacing their minds with a protective warding, the pair made any attempt to probe Canis, Draconis, or Aranom to trigger a back surge on the user. Aranom had no clue how powerful this surge would be, but he trusted that Draconis had made it formidable. However, Aranom felt the need to goad the man.

"Learning anything useful about our abilties Lucius?"

[Ryand-Smith]

"Welcome, Maximus," Viletta said casually, "I trust your trip here was a safe one," she began, before opening the double doors to the conference room. Inside, a large wooden oval table awaited the team, while a massive blank screen dominated the far end of the large meeting space. There was a taller, dark skinned man in the corner of the room, holding what appeared to be an extended broadsword in his hands. He waved to the new group, saying, "Hello there, Colonel Villetta, your weapon is repaired, and are these the new members of the Task Force?"

"Team, this is Ryand Smith, our mechanic, and the man who keeps all of this tech and our devices running. At first, it may seem invasive, but he is one of the best authories on magictech in this Empire," Villetta introduced the tech, who bowed. "I will do my best, and keep your devices working at 120% of normal." He took his seat at the confence table, while several other NCOs (Non Commissioned Officers) took their seats. "Let us sit, and I will explain more on why we were called here." Viletta assumed her seat, waiting for the rest of the task force to sit down.

[Iris Lilium]

Her staff changed back into it's gem form and she placed it into the socket of her uniform on her right shoulder, before sitting down, she managed to leave the limiter released not liking whats actually going on here. A thought crossed her mind from her previous fight with Aranom and smiled thinking maybe he won't be so bad to work with, he certainly was strong, and was probably holding back in their fight back then.

"Are you sure a training mission is necessary for me" she said having been sent into so many combat situation she was sure there wasn't much more a training mission could teach her. "Better yet, is that even wise?" she didn't mean to sound like she was second guessing her Commander but she was known for rather.. "Explosive" power even in her most sealed state, Her magic specialty was Wide Area and spells that caused absolute destruction, she was The U's Sweeper after all.

[Lilina]

"Nice to meet you as well," Lilina had said to the new comer, and let out small giggle, whispering back, "I think everyone noticed already." Turning her head back at Iris, she looked ready to go on a rampage and make Lilina very uncomfortable. She did not like this feeling at all, and had the sudden urge to call out to someone for reassurance, but then noticed Aranom gazing back at her. He had a reassuring look in his eyes. He then slowed down his pace as well until her stood next to Lilina, letting me know not to be worried about it. And the other man next to Lilina seem oblivious to it all. She let out a long sigh, ::Will I be okay?::

She had noticed that man was previous on the ground equipped a scanning device and was scouting the member of the group. She hated for other people to see her, it like was they were looking though her clothes. ::Scan Diffusion Barrier:: A faint, hardly noticable glow encircled Lilina. When the man looked over towards her, there was a confused look on his face untl he continued around to the next person. It seemed to have worked. Lilina's greatest talents was a creating multiple types of barriers.

Viletta stopped for a moment and introduced us to Ryand-smith, the master mechanic of the base, and continued on until we reached our destination. After being told to sit down, Lilina took a seat next to Iris, and felt large amounts of energy flowing out from her, like she was ready to pick a fight. She was trying to talk her way out of the training exercise, but Lilina couldn't understand why.

[Selothi]

"Sure ... None." was all Lucius answered to the snobby summoner. His headset's vision had been blurred when looking at the summoner, and then the other girl, he didn't even bother inspecting the others. They're not rookies at least; none of them are. Tighten your undies and cooperate Nielfax, you hate it, but these dudes can kill you, they're not the small-time mercs you deal with most of the time.

As the company entered a conference room, they were introduced to Ryand-Smith, the main tech in the operation visibly. The girl with the glowing gem device was talking her way out of the training. I know why, her magic is kick-ass, wide area attacks, the U's sweeper girl as I'm told. Better not get on her wrong side. As for the summoner, I should be cautious around him, but without his familiars, he shouldn't be too hard to take down. Lucius listened to Ryand's small speech, and then took a seat like everyone else, away from them.

[kingmonkey+1]

"Wel, Col. VIletta," Boris said aloud as he swaggered into the conference room, "it has been a while, hasn't it? I should have known you'd find a reason to beg me to come back to you. Doesn't this ruse of a new Spec Ops team seem a bit much when all you have to do is admit how much you want me?"

Boris sat in the nearest empty seat, and rested his feet up on the table. Glancing at the rubble of the broken door, now swept aside by the junior officers, he smirked.

"I see I've missed the drama."

[sashbandit]

Maximus chuckled nervously as Viletta acknowledge his presence "Darn I thought I was doing pretty good too." After knowing he'd been spotted he let himself relax as he was guided down the large hall. Letting is mind wander he observed his surroundings."I didn't really notice before but this place is really nice I bet they keep current with all the new gadgets.". As his eyes made their way around the hall he began to inspect his fellow operatives. "Hmm there is a strong looking summoner, that strange fellow who tried to scan everyone before, a girl with some strong magic, and that nice lady next to me too." Despite the fact that most of the operatives in the room were quite famous Maximus for the life of him couldn't recall their names.

As everyone was introduced to Ryand-Smith, Maximus' grin widened "A mechanic huh? maybe he can fix the reaction time on my storage devices they have been acting a bit sluggish lately." As the debriefing was about to began Maximus took his seat to the chair closes to him.

[Ryand-Smith]

"Boris," Viletta begun, before having Spectre adjust screen, the lights in the room fading down. "Operatives, officers, all present, I assume, This is the current state of the war." The screen showed a glowing orb, the glowing green cruisers beating back the smaller red ones. "The U's forces own the skies, even with the Origin systems declaring neutrality in the conflict. The biggest problem there is" The map zoomed in on a small planet, the green grass, and orbital space colonies dominating the room.

"This world is the homeworld of the AI rebellion, and an Origin world. We shall be training to assault and destroy the AI capital covertly, and return to U space. However, we have other missions, including escorting several magical artifacts back to the Capital, guiding VIPs through our Empire, testing new weapons systems, which we will do later, and many more tasks." Finished with her speech, she shut down the projector, restoring the meeting room to normal. "As of now, you are all part of the U's Spec Ops. Dismissed to your quarters until 04:00." Smiling, she said, "Bring your A Game to Field Alpha."

"The recruits seem tough," she mentally remarked to her partner, "Yeah, and some of their fighting skills are scary strong... like their personalities!" Viletta kept a straight face, but to anyone who was remotely empathic, they would feel as burst of humor from Viletta, the blue haired commander waiting for her recruits to leave.

[Iris Lilium]

She sighed lightly, she expected to go ignored but oh well. On leaving she just wanted to get to her room quickly "Then I'll arrive at the assigned time" she tapped her right toe of her shoe aginst the ground "Farewell then". Her toe connected to the ground just as the purple gem on her shoulder flashed and, well to anyone who couldn't see extreme movement, she just suddenly disappeared, to those that could, they still wouldn't see much. But maybe an after image and a blur that traced the first few inches of her path.

[sashbandit]

"Ah short and to the point." Maximus said casually as he rose from his seat. Before he exited Maximus bowed his head slightly towards Commander Villeta. "Until then commander." He said before turning to exit the room . Before he could however, the girl with the staff suddenly flashed then disappeared leaving only a faint trail. Slightly stunned by this act Maximus let out a soft chuckle. "This is going to be quite interesting." He thought to himself as he walked out the door. "Flashy exits are fine, but I still prefer the door."

[Blazingstar]

As the commander entered the briefing room, the summoner followed, stepping onto one of the tables closer to the end of the table. His two familiars, in their humanoid forms, took seats as well. The summoner decided to reminesce about the child, Lieutenant Iris, whom he had fought previously. Iris was strong...very strong, designed specifically for massive amounts of magic and destruction. When they had fought, Aranom had had serious trouble given her insane amount of ability, and for one so young. Given he had held back...it wasn't by too much. She was good and the fact that Iris was present spoke miles. Since that encounter, Aranom had trained hundreds of hours..honing the link between him and his friends.

As Villetta gave tham the introduction to the mechanic,Aranom was glad. Although his devices were simple, they may need servicing occasionally. And Canis could very well need it as well. Upon reception of their orders, the man stood with his famliars. "Until then friends" The major walked out of the door, heading for his assigned bunking area...which luckily contained enough space for 3 people...due to Canis and Draconis.

When he arrived, he removed the bundle from his back...::It has been long since you have fused isn't it::

[Selothi]

"That all we got to do ?" mused Lucius. Running around doing dirty work, escorts and soldier-work wasn't exactly his idea of fun, but if the U requested it ... As the others departed, the U's Sweeper in a burst of speed, the summoner slowly with his pets, as did the others, he followed suite. After navigating through the base he finally found his room and layed down on his bed. To pass the time, he decided to examine all of his weapons and equipment: if there was a problem, he would send them to Ryand-Smith, he should know what to do.

[Lilina]

Lilina was glad that the meeting was quick. But at the same time still wanted to know exactly what she would be doing. As the others left the room, Lilina followed suite, paying close attention to everyone around her, as these people were going to be her new comrades. Before she even had a chance to saying anything to the girl she was sitting down next to though, Iris, she had disappeared without a trace. ::At least we all should have been introduced to each other:: This reminded her of the Doctor. ::Maybe his meeting was finished as well?::

Exiting the room back the way she came, a new metal door had already been set up and the old one was gone. The clean-up crew was pretty efficient here. Lilina found a near-by guard and asked him if he knew where he could find the Doctor. "You wouldn't happen to be Lilina, would you?" She nodded with anticipation. The guard then raised his wrist up in the air. "I has his communication code in here, let me transfer to your device." Lilina held her gem near his and small stream of energy connected the two, and faded. Lilina bowed to the guard, who then had a puzzled look on his face due to her formality. "Um..glad that I could be a help to you."

She continued walking, reaching the central staircase, with her gem in her palm. "Open a communication channel with the doctor, Lunar Flower." "AFFIRMATIVE" A beam of light shot up from the gem and created a small box above it, the Doctor's appearing inside. "It's looks your meeting is finished, is that right?" Lilina face shown both happiness and sad when looking at the doctor. "Umm...would it be possible if we could meet up and talk, Doctor" The doctor's face had a grim look. "I'm sorry, as much as I would want to, I can't leave my position right now" Lilina quickly responded, "Can I come see you then, Lunar Flower would like that too." He shook his head, "I'm sorry again, but my location is confidential, but don't worry, I'll come see you and Lunar Flower soon. Be sure to take her to Ryand-Smith for a check up, his skills may even surpass my...maybe." The image then quickly faded without even him saying good-bye. ::I think I need some fresh air::

Outside, the crowd had grown smaller. "Looks like everyone has all arrived." "CORRECT" Lilina giggled at her device. "You can stop pretending now, using the fake voice of yours." The device responded, "Aww, but I like sounding like that, it makes me feel cool." This was Lunar Flower's true speech, but it was usually keep hidden, as per the Doctor's instruction, so the others wouldn't try to take it apart and analyze it's AI. It was more of a friend to Lilina than a tool anyway, she would never let anyone or anything hurt her.

The sky was like Lilina's second home, and it always help to relax her. She was floating high above the complex again, gazing down at her new home. "I wonder what's going to be of me now?" Her confidence still wasn't completely back yet. "Just don't worry about it Lily, I'll always be by your side, right." Lilina mouth turned up a small smile. "Yeah, you're right. Thanks for always being there for me." "What you need now is a good nap, let's head to your room now and take me in for examination, okay Lily?" "Yeah"

Before going to her room, Lilina need to go see Ryand-Smith. When she entered into his work area, it looked like he was busy with something. "Is this a bad time?" He turned around "Not at all, Special Ops always come first." Lilina walked upto him and handed him the Lunar Flower, in its gem form. "Could you tune this up for me please?" He took the gem in his hand and placed in onto a Device Management Computer Analyzer. After a few moments he said, "It looks like you been taking good care of it, the tune up shouldn't take very long...huh?" He turned back to his monitor and noticed something flashing in the corner. "Could it be? The doct...." He stopped mid-sentence, "Oh, it nothing. I'll have someone bring it to you in just a little while okay." "Thank you. I 'll see you soon, okay Lunar Flower?" "TAKE CARE" Ryand-Smith had a small smile on his face when he heard the device.

Lilina quickly retired to her room, turnied on some relaxing music, fell on top of her bed, and closed her eyes. It had been a long day for her, even though the day just got started

[Blazingstar]

As the summoner finished his maintanence on the small, foot tall device, he exited his room, locking the room's massive security door, even though the summoner never traveled with anything of value. However, this time he left with his sabre attached to the left side of his outfit. Slowly, the man stepped forward, Canis gradually shifting into his canine form, his skin turning into molten plaster for a brief moment as he metamorphosised. Draconis stayed in his humanoid form for the task ahead.

Aranom, his mind set on the purpose ahead, spoke out load, what did he have to fear of the security cameras? "Canis, track Lilina's scent, find her room. We must have a word with her." Within his mind, the summoner held the unique form of Lily in his head, his once upon a time colleage. It would be great to have a chat with her again. Aware that he really should be sleeping, Aranom ran over the thought in his head; it was unnecessary. Even though he was used to sleeping peacefully, he knew that he would be unable to get any sleep.

"Bring your A game," The Commander's words rang out in his head, well, more through the mental link between him and Draconis. The Drakes were a long lived race, with a suitably long memory and this particular being had one that was photo and audio graphic. He memorized everything down to the atom. The Commander was already planning a combat training excercise? The summoner had not bee on his A game in over 8 years, he hoped that he still remembered how to go toe to toe.

The aging man was worried about Lucius and Iris, those two were dangerous...uncontrolled and used to working solo and unrestrained, ordered by a vague objective with no secondary rules to follow. Iris was a being of immense power, and if she decided to let the "Living Weapon's" loose, there would be nothing Aranom would or could do to stop her. At this moment, Aranom felt completely smaller than he was...feeling much weaker than the rest of the people there.

As the "Thud" of his boots and the "plop" of Canis' pads hit the metallic floor, he eventually reached the door of the woman he was looking for. He knock'ed on the door, a sharp, loud trio of knocks. "Lilina! It is Aranom Khorim, I was wondering if you and I could talk.