London Life System

Sarin had fallen into sweet bliss of a dreamless sleep when her ears started to ring, waking her up from her sleep. She sat up and rubbed her head, it was pounding, and she knew she needed food and water. She sat there for a long while just waiting to center herself before getting up. That was when she heard someone speaking. She looked around but the people around her were mostly sleeping, some were waking up. That was when she realized the speakers to the PM's office was broadcasting his conversation. She giggle a little, then tears came to her eyes. After a terrible week, laughter felt good. She unzipped her jacket, feeling too warm, and listened to the conversation.

“And so it begins.” He whispered to himself as he stepped into the room and sat as directed. “I see you politicians are very good at their jobs.” He remarked to Cathy.

“Let us dispense with the pleasantries shall we? I Am Called Saber,” He said at that moment activating the speakers remotely so that his voice echoed about the system, “I am of a race called the Hirule, we once lived in a system of planets that is far away from this point in time and space. A place where technology was much more advanced then it is here. Our people mastered technology and science some 70 centuries ago and then colonized the space about them, shortly before that we began working the power of Kegai, or what might be called Magic in your language.” He paused letting it sink in, he had dropped his smile and was stone faced, “In summary, no I’m not human, and no I’m not from this planet or the home world of the demons.” He added, “More on that later.”

“For now lets have it all laid out before us, I know you don’t trust me as far as you could throw, a very short distance I am sure, and I know that you most likely more suspicious of my power then of anything else but here is the important thing,” he sat back in the chair leaning it back onto two legs, “I am here to do what I was made to do, and that is to kill off those damnable creatures outside so that they cannot plague others, so my question is do you wish to assist me in ridding this land of the beasts or am I on my own?” Saber had deliberately shunned the man’s hospitality so as to avoid being sucked into a political system of some sort and intended to turn the tables on the man by asking him questions instead. “I propose an alliance to kill the Greater Demon that leads the hordes on this Island nation and free you and your people.”

“From what I’ve seen,” He sat the chair back on four legs and leaned forward, placing his elbows on his knees and his fingertips together while resting his head just behind his intertwined hands, “it seems that you need something to tip the scales in your favor humans, “His voice changed to be multi toned for a moment, “well aren’t you lucky…here we are.”

Max's eyes widened slightly as he was suddenly face to face with the Prime Minister, gingerly shaking the man's hand as he was recognised as a mechanic straight away. He knew that the PM used to be a mechanic himself, but wasn't expecting to be recognised so easily.
"Max..." He introduced himself quietly before sitting down in one of the empty seats, setting the large home made gun down beside him. He was glad that Saber got straight into things, not being the only one wanting to hear his story.

He listened to Saber's words, engulfed in his story. So that was magic...? He thought it was strange. He'd met with an alien that was capable of magic, his week was officially made. Max held a slight questionning expression as Saber said 'what he was made to do'. Made? What did he mean by that? Perhaps he'd tell them later. He was glad to hear that Saber was ready to help bring down the demons for good, knowing that whether the PM agreed or not, he was ready to help Saber as much as he could. He was slightly unnerved by Saber's last sentence, his voice having changed dramatically. It was like many voices speaking at once.

Max's gaze wandered to the PM to hear his reaction to it all.

~~~

Kianne frowned slightly at Tyler's attempts at a conversation.
"I don't think anyone is used to the losses of friends and family, even after so long of losing people every day." Kianne replied quietly, understanding how it must've been hard on him too. Lucas and Tyler were reknown for being a close set of friends. She was silent again at the thought of Saber, unsure of what to make of the man.
"He's certainly not from this world." She murmered, pausing for a moment as there were voices coming from the nearest speakers. She looked to them curiously, recognising the voice of the Prime Minister and then the voice of Saber.

"Looks like we all get to hear Saber's tale. How thoughtful." She said quietly, glancing to Tyler for a moment, the hint of a smile on her face. It grew a little more as Saber said he wanted to make an allience with them to defeat the demons. "Well, looks like we're going to get the upper hand for once..."

Sarin listened and noticed the others around her beginning to notice. She rubbed her head, "Am I dreaming? Or did I just hit my head too hard?" She took off her jacket and gloves and waited for the PM's response, smiling to herself. "I like this guy" she said a little to herself. Anyone that stood up to the PM was a friend to her. She saw the way the PM looked at her and knew it was a matter of time before he picked her to carry a spliced child. He had been cruel to her ever since her mother chose to run away, rather then her baby be used as a weapon. She didn't understand why anyone would help them, but she was glad for it.

The PM had been nodding and smiling along with what Saber was saying, seemingly understanding everything, until of course he mentioned killing the greater Demon in the north. His features hardened and a raise of his hands signalled that the guards should aim their weapons. He stood slowly when Saber finished speaking, his mass an imposing profile. "Sir, I would thank you not to go spouting your war ideas around my Life system." he hissed, his cheeks reddening slightly. Cathy was a little shocked by his manner and leant back in her chair.

"Prime Minister, you can't be serious..." she started

"I will not compromise the safety of this System."

"Surely Saber would could make this safer..."

"By bringing the full demon force against us?" Cathy opened her mouth to speak, "Hold your tongue soldier."

"Sir..."

"I said hold it."

She heard the guards shift behind them and closed her mouth. The prime minister looked to Saber his cold eyes almost glaring, he smiled. "Now, Saber, you will understand that your appearance here will be kept on a need to know basis, I have no intention of letting this leak too far..." he looked to Max, then Cathy, pressing into them that they were not to say a word. "I will..."

A knock at the door interrupted him and suddenly the Prime Minister looked fit to burst, he tightly asked whomever it was in. The door to his office opened and General P. Baxter entered. Dressed in smart military uniform he stood erect and at the moment of his entry Cathy was on her feet. She turned to him and saluted, also standing straight. Baxter nodded to her and she relaxed, but did not sit down.

"General... what?" The PM started but Baxter cut him off.

"You are aware Prime Minister that your conversation is not private." Cathy shot a look at Saber then straightened slightly as Baxter continued. "It is going out to every part of the Life System, you were not thinking of keeping this a secret from the council were you? Because if you were Prime Minister there may be grounds for dismissal."

"G...General..."

"There will be a council meeting wont there, Prime Minister?"

Prime minister straightened, placing his hands on the table he narrowed his gaze. "I was simply implying that this would be a secret from the public, of course once discussed it would be released to them, until after that discussion I propose that we move Saber to a secure location."

"Permission to speak?" Cathy spoke up.

As Baxter answered yes the PM said no. Cathy ignored the Pm. "Sabers powers can not be secured so, the idea is ludicrous." she gave Saber a small smile.

"Then where do you propose we keep him?" The Pm's face was bright red, his hands clenched, "General?"

Baxter smiled a little, "Perhaps he should stay with Private Ellen and her friend."

---

They reached the crematorium as Saber finished speaking and Tyler thought he was going crazy. Gently he laid Lucas's body on one of the metal benches where they had been met by Moris, the man who had the job of burning the bodies. They left shortly after leaving Lucas, as General Baxter came over the speakers. "That's quite a story." he murmured, frowning as it was suggested that Saber stay with Cathy. "That's crazy, she can;t be expected to be responsible for him." he looked to Kianne. "Trust my father to save the day." he rolled his eyes, smiling a little. "What do we do now?"

Saber kept his face level and sat back calmly as the exchange between the PM and General went about, final when they were discussing his quarters he stood and turned with a smile, “Thank you for your concern, however,” he glanced about at the stone walls, “Due to my form I need to absorb energy from the surrounding air and frankly the air in here is rather stifling.” He inhaled deeply to test the air and ended up coughing slightly returning his voice to normal, “Yes, I believe I’ll stay outside of the gate where I appeared.” He nodded in thanks to Cathy for defending him, “There is, or was, a strange tower structure there that should serve as a very useful point of observation for me, with some repairs and modifications. Yes, I believe I’ll make camp there.”

He made to walk out of the PM’s office, the guards suddenly turning about to point their weapons at him as he reached the door, he cast them a cold glare daring them o try their luck, none of them did. “The tower is only a few hundred yards away, and with me being stationed there you will be able to open your gates freely, I’ll personally keep the demons in the surrounding area clear. And there is a good source of vitalized water there.” He added now walking out into the hall to allow the others to follow; he really was taking the lead. “The speaker won’t pick us up out here in the hall Mr. Prime Minister, anything else you wish to ask of me?” he didn’t really mind answering questions though he wanted to get out of the small office and into the air of the hall, slightly less dense.

“Oh and just so you know General and Mr. Prime Minister…” He dropped his smile again, “just so you know, the Greater Demon on this island is probably about 3 times stronger than I am at my average strength, which means I have the advantage for the next 7 days before my power dissipates, you have until then to decided if you and your people are ready to fight. If you are then ready your warriors, if you are not…” he activated his armor which folded out of his gauntlet on his left hand and covered his body suddenly, the black cloak falling from the shoulders to cover his body. He kept the helmet off and looked them in the eyes, “Then stay the hell out of my way.” He then leaned against the wall and awaited any questions or insults. Having shut off the speakers they could talk in private.

Max swallowed hard as the PM looked to him with a hard gaze, telling him not to say a word to anyone about Saber. His gaze wandered to the door as the general walked in, not feeling as obliged to stand, seeing as he wasn't a soldier or anyone of any real importance. He just listened to the conversation, glancing to and from whoever was speaking. He was slightly surprised as it was suggested that Cathy and himself look after Saber, not having expected to be given such a responsibility. Unfortunately the offer was declined quite quickly by Saber, which made Max frown a little. He was looking foward to showing Saber his books and showing him the technology he'd made. If Saber's people was so much more advanced than they were, then maybe he could've given him tips and judgement on what he'd made.

He got to his feet as Saber took off, grabbing his gun and glancing to Cathy for a moment before following after them, guessing that Cathy would not be far behind him. He stopped as Saber explained about his seven days of full power, not having expected this little twist on things. He didn't exactly like the idea of leaving the gate open, they never had the doors open like Saber was suggesting. Not that he didn't trust Saber, it was just... too new, too much, too fast.

Max bit his lip at the sight of the armour that Saber revealed, having to hold his gun with both hands to stop himself from trying to touch it. It was so hard to resist, glancing to Cathy to see her reaction, doubting it was with as much interest as he had.

~~~

Kianne watched as Lucas was placed on the metal bench, not wanting to leave him on his own yet, but didn't want to leave Tyler alone either. She followed after him, nodding a little in agreement with what he had said.
"Perhaps we should go and find Cathy and her mechanic friend? It's not like there are supposed to be any more patrols tonight..."

Sarin noticed the strange man leaving and she walked up to him. "Thank you. If we didn't have help and escape this place...well, this place is becoming not much better then out there" she looked at the gates as she said it. Saber had offered a hope, freedom. Sarin loved the night sky though she only saw it in twilight, to be able to sleep under the stars, Sarin would never ask for anything again nor complain again. "Please don't listen to the PM. We're running out of food and the scavengers have been forced to go farther and farther out. We can't stay here like this forever, if we do, some of us will starve". She nodded and went back over to where she was sitting. Her mother had taught her to never take help for granted, and anyone offering a chance of freedom, well they were an ally to Sarin.

Cathy wanted to object when Saber said that he would stay outside, that was just crazy, he had technology that was beyond her, making her trench gun feel even more unsafe than it had before. She stood by Max as the General and the Prime Minister stood with him, the PM seemed to be trying to stare him down, he'd puffed up his chest and squared his shoulders, red faced and glaring. Baxter looked pleased.

"We will not be leaving the gate open Saber," was the only thing that Baxter said, and Cathy could see that this was a wise decision, it would be too much too soon for the PM, he would need a lot of gentle convincing when the council gathered. The PM was still speechless, so Baxter took control. Squaring his shoulders he stepped forward. "We will discuss this matter through the night, you will have your answer by midday. We will open the gate for you then." He saluted and Cathy went rigid again as he turned to her and she saluted him. He marched away. The PM gave a smile, the colour had drained from his face. "Well, I best summon the councillors. Saber." he bowed his head, "Private. Max." two more head nods and he returned to his office and slammed the door behind him. Two minutes later and he came over the radio, his cheerful voice echoed through the life system as he called the council to him.

Cathy licked her lips, and looked to Saber, "I shall take you back to the gate then." she smiled a little, "Don't worry, I think the General will have his way, and I know that the Mechanic councillor will be on his side, right Max?"

---

Tyler nodded to Kianne, "They'll be by the PMs office, the gate or in one of their rooms. Not too many options then?" He distantly wondered if Cathy still wanted to kill him. He sighed. Thy moved through the corridors, and Tyler heard many rumours flying about concerning Saber, Lucas was forgotten, the last memory of him would be shown when a candle was lit for him, and that would soon burn out. "Be careful when we approach Cathy though, she might shoot me."

Saber scowled as the man said that he would call the leaders to decide about this immediately. He should have been glad for quick action but he wasn’t, something bothered him and he didn’t know what. “No, I gave you a week, so while quick action may be needed there are other matters you should attend to first.” He thought for a moment, wondering what was going on with his emotions, his race normally wasn’t so yet there they were. It came to him instantly, as he retraced his day, the accidental merge with Cathy though shallow had imprinted a small amount of her emotional subconscious into him. “I believe that the group I met was risking their lives to bring back the body of a fallen comrade, you should mourn him for a time. While seven days is the longest I can wait, the danger of my losing power is insignificant until then; there is time so I suggest you use it.” he said.

With that he walked slightly down the hall with the others until the scavenger Sarin confronted him. After hearing her thanks he shook his head and smiled, “While I don’t mean to be rude I am not here to help you, we just happen to be after the same thing, I was created through my peoples will to destroy this plague of beast, and the enemy of my enemy is my friend yes?” He knew it wasn’t kind to say but it was true, the humans were lucky because their goal was his, otherwise he might save a few of them but he would most certainly not have come here. While he had acted like an interested guest he truly only stopped by to learn about the situation. “However,” he added noting her look of gratitude, “if this place is so horrid, you are more than welcome to follow in the combat, just know the path I walk is not one of safety.”

Turning to Cathy and Max as the Tyler and the others approached he gesture to the gate a bit further down the hall, “Rest to night comrades, and hold service for the fallen. Tomorrow I shall be just outside the gates at day break.” He looked to Max, “I know very little about you technologies, you seem to use a lot of gears, we used more of belts and pistons, so I would like to request you assistance in repairing some of the tower and modifying it to what must be done.”

He turned and made to head for the gate before noticing the greenhouse light down a corridor. Turning off he headed down into the greenhouse and nodded to the keeper before glancing about. While he was here he may as well see about their indigenous flora. It was strange, many of them seemed sick and dying, “Well that won’t do, I need you alive to study.” He said softly to one of the large plants that was withered. Raising his hand he let several small sparks fly into each plant, they didn’t heal instantly but definitely gained a bit more color and flexibility. “I’ll return in a few days to see how you’re doing then.” He said before turning and leaving with a smile to the keeper.

“I suppose since there is a week until we can attack I should stop being so liberal with my power, guess it’s the old fashioned way from now on.” He said with a sigh to himself as he headed for the gate.

“You can’t go out now!” the guard shouted from the chair at the lock which had a small window next to it, looking out he pointed to the outside, “There a few of the little guys out there right now, they should pass on in a bit.”

Saber raised an eye brow, “You’re not serious are you?”

Sarin heard he would be out there at dawn break. She was terrified of the outside, but being stuck in this tomb was worse. She lost sight of the man as he went to the greenhouse. She sighed and laid back down, Sarin would give everything to see the sky everyday without fear. Her stomach growled and she got up. The cook was putting away the food and looked at her. "Alright alright, here, its still hot". Sarin smiled and reached over and hugged the cook. Her eyes widend in suprise. Sarin ate her food slowly, the hot food making her crappy day a little better. Sarin had learned to apreciate the small things, it made life bearable. She took out the blanket her mom had managed to knit from small scraps of cloth that was discarded. For this night she remembered happy memories.

Max was still astounded by the armour that had popped out of Saber's gauntlet, now biting at the ends of his fingers as he still held back from pouncing Saber and examining it up close, doubting it would be appreciated. When Cathy addressed him, he glanced at her with a distracted expression, fingers still in his mouth. It took him a moment to catch up with the conversation, before he nodded a little in reply to Cathy's question, taking his fingers from his mouth for a few moments to reply.
"Yeah, he's Dad's best friend. I'm sure he'll agree with us no problem..." He said, glancing to the scavenger that came up to Saber, his brow risen slightly. Not all were suffering like that, though he only knew the side of the soldiers and the mechanics and some parts of the De-Men's life. He was sure that anything was better than being left out to the Demons though.

Saber replied rather bluntly, though understood what he was saying. They were really only friends because they had the same enemy, and it worried him what would've become of them if Saber didn't have the same enemy as them. He didn't want to think about it, honestly.

He was glad to have a distraction as Saber then asked him for help in repairing the tower. He glanced at Cathy, wondering if she heard the request too. He'd never strayed too far from the gates, usually only going far enough to shoot down a Demon, analyse what happened and then run back inside before he was detected.
"I... uhh," He was a bit lost for words, for once in a while. He blamed it on being in awe of the armour still. "I haven't been in the tower before... but I'll help as much as possible. Might have to do some research on the tower tonight then..." He said, stifling a small yawn that was threatening to escape his mouth.

He'd forgotten that he'd already spent one night up, thinking that maybe he'd need a nap before researching... incase he fell asleep at the desk again.

~~~

Kianne couldn't help but laugh a little as Tyler told her to be careful when the approached Cathy.
"If she's shooting you, then I have no worries." She replied, pausing as she saw Saber and the Guard talking near the gate, Cathy and Max not far behind them.
"Didn't the PM say to wait till the council has decided? It won't be long I'm sure... It'll be a majority vote in favour of Saber." She continued, glancing to Tyler. How was they supposed to stop a guy like Saber when he had the power to destroy a Greater Demon at his fingertips?

Cathy frowned when she saw Tyler, she ran her thumb along the strap of her gun and thought about drawing her gun. She'd have liked to shoot him. Instead she simply ignored his approach and looked to Saber. She knew it'd annoy him if she was more interested in Saber than in him. She was surprised when he asked for Max's help and wasn't sure that she felt okay about Max being outside. She would not be going with him though, she needed to remember Lucas for a while. She ushered the gate's guards back to their station when they tried to stop Saber from going outside. "Visit me when you get back, Max?" she asked. Touching his shoulder lightly, "I haven't seen that gun at work yet." She smiled.

---

Tyler smiled when he saw the group, frowning when Cathy looked away. "You never know how the council will vote," he shrugged, "They have made some crazy decisions in the past." He too was surprised that Max had gone outside with Saber. Saber promised to be back the next day and Tyler was half looking forward to seeing him. "Cathy?" he gave Kianne an uncertain look, sort of warning her that she might do well to duck. Cathy turned to him and looked unsure. "Do you want me to come with you?" he waited and as she passed him felt that he should. "Kianne?" he wondered if she too would go down to the lake with them.

“Actually, I meant for Max to help tomorrow afternoon, if he so desires, as for now I shall bid you all a good evening and depart. There are plenty of small fry that need slaying; it should be a long and pleasurable night.” He looked to the guard with a question in his eyes.

“They haven’t moved on yet, I can’t open the gate until they do,” he paused, “Sorry.”

Saber sighed, as Cathy prepared to leave he turned to her and Tyler, he bent down and drew a small seal on the ground, a bright light hiding the floor as something grew from it. Soon a small candle with a very large wick in the shape of a boat replaced the light. He held it out to Tyler and Cathy. “Do me a favor please and light this in Lucas’s honor, if there is a place it can be set to float that would be preferable.” He saw the guards look of inquiry and decided he could spare an explanation, “These lights are used by our race to show the next stage of the journey for our departed. I feel it would only be respectful to light one for the fallen here as well. Unfortunately I really must be off.”

“But you can’t” the guard was cut off by a small spark from saber that hit the Gate Controls. The door slowly opened with a loud creaking to show the dark and barren rocks beyond. The moment it opened enough for him to leave Saber stepped through. A Small red demon just like those before turned to see the opening gate and reared its head back to howl. Saber couldn’t allow that and so he moved by grabbing the combat knife on the guards hip and flinging it into the demon’s throat to silence it. “Would have taken me too long to draw my blade anyway, I’ll get it back to you.” he said and patted the man on the back. As he left the system he drew his blade, this time with an extra long hilt making it nearly a halberd. He zapped the gate as he left and looked back as it closed, “I’ve work to do so I bid you all a good evening.” He said as he headed over to the demon that clawed at its throat.

Max was quite glad that he didn't have to go till tomorrow, which gave him the oppertunity to go say goodbye to Lucas and spend some time with Cathy. Maybe he'd even get some good sleep too, if he was really lucky. He watched with fascination as Saber made the gate open, the guard looking much more bewildered than himself.
"His powers are so cool..." He muttered, completely in awe of the man as he dived straight into battle. As the gate closed again, Max probably looked like a stunned child as he hugged his oversized gun to himself. When he could finally draw himself away from the gate and the thought of Saber's power, Max managed to turn his attention back to Cathy and the De-Men, a slightly sorrowful look on his face. "I didn't even get to look at that armour up close..." he said, a slight whine to his voice.

With a sigh, he brought the strap of the gun forward so that he could carry it on his back, rather than in his arms.
"Shall we go light the candle for Lucas then...?"

~~~

Kianne watched the commotion around her, finding it interesting how Saber asked the young mechanic for help in fixing up the old clock tower. Surely he would've tried to get a more experience mechanic to look at it, though judging by the weapon on the boy's back - this kid was a dab hand with the gears. She turned to Tyler as he questionned her about Lucas, glancing to Max as he also suggested that they go to say farewell to Lucas.
"We should all go." She suggested, seeing as everyone seemed to want to say goodbye.

Cathy took the candle that Saber had made, turning it over in her hands. It was a nice gesture she supposed, but what was wrong with the old ways? "Why can't we light our own candle?" she muttered, holding the candle in one hand she took Matt's wrist with the other. She moved passed Tyler as she headed to the stairs that would take them down to the lake.

"Perhaps he thinks he is helping." Tyler shrugged as she passed him. She let go of Max as she turned on Tyler.

"Of course, you would know!" she snapped, then continued walking, shoulders raised, leaving the others to follow after her. Tyler was still standing there as she disappeared around the corner, dropping the candle as she went. She hadn't meant to be ungrateful, but just Tylers presence was driving her crazy. She knew he had ever right to go down and say goodbye to Lucas with her but couldn't help but not want him too.

---

Tyler stared after Cathy, looking slightly put out. "I don't think she is ever going to forgive me." he looked to Kianne, "Thanks, by the way, for staying close." he smiled a little, "Oh and Max, please stay with her, I think you are the only one she will listen to."

Max almost toppled over as Cathy took his wrist without a warning, beginning to drag him away. He froze up as she suddenly turned back to Tyler, expecting to be dragged back that way too, though luckily she let him go. He felt rather awkward as she snapped at the De-Man, flashing him a questionning look as she went past him again. He didn't know what to do now, wondering if Cathy wanted to be alone for a few moments.
Tyler told him to stay close though, still unsure of what that moment had been all about, but he nodded a little in reply. He then quickly turned to chase after Cathy, though her storming off pace was just as fast as his running pace - and so it took a few moments.
"Cathy...?" He wasn't sure whether to ask the obvious question of was she okay... not wanting to bring the wrath of Cathy upon himself for asking such a stupid question. He wasn't all too sure what he was supposed to say at a time like this.

~~~

Tyler had warned her about possible gunshots, but it seemed that all he got was a short shouting at. She nodded in agreement with the fellow De-Man as he suggested that the mechanic stick by her. No doubt Cathy needed a friend she could truely rely on right now. She cast a small smile to Tyler as she was thanked for hanging around, though was unsure if it was seen in the shadow of her hood.
"Everyone needs a friend nearby... right?" She replied, taking a moment to wander over to the dropped candle, examining the detailed boat in her hands. Curious how Saber made this out of nothing, how was his power going to last a week if he kept using it like this.

Turning back to Tyler, she offered the candle to him,
"Maybe you should light this later... let Cathy have some time to say goodbye on her own?" She suggested.

Saber glanced over his shoulder, the blood of the last two demons still clinging to the cape as he gazed to the remaining four. "What, you all seem so surprised?" he said in their tongue as he stared the down gripping his blade carefully and preparing. Another one charged, but as it dived he stepped to the side and decapitated the beast. "Come on, the other two were way more skilled." he charged as well, his helm folding down as blood sprayed the visor.