Joran Davrell's Story

Joran only shook his head, detecting the trace amounts of cybernetic frequency Steven's brain emitted as he attempted to reach out and seize control of Veritas' technology. "I told you, Mr. Lindemann. We covered our tracks. That generator you're reaching for is not powered by technology, but by human hands. Ether fuel and, if that runs low, standard coal. At the end of all means, there's a crank lever we can use to keep this level working." He shook his head. "I told you. There's not a scrap of technology around here for miles. So you mine as well answer my questions." He smiled. "Let's begin with why."

He sat back in his seat. "Why do you want to attack us? Is it that 'weakness' thing? The fact that you view us as a lower species unworthy to live? 'Survival of the fittest and all that wonderful Darwinian doctrine'?" He perked a brow. "Or is it because you spite us? You mentioned that the Cybrans have helped the Terrans in the past. Do you hate the fact that the Terrans no longer accept your organization nor acknowledge the influence they've had in our culture and technological advancements?"

He shrugged. "Or perhaps you're just a bully empire looking to conquer and subjugate weaker nations like a coward."

"That is bullshit. You Terrans fail to understand what we have done for you. We gave you the maths, the letters, yet you think it was the Romans and the Greeks, yet it was the Cybrans, who you nations treated like gods." He snapped, looking at him with a growl. He turned his head away, watching a rat in the cell. "You people use to be creatures that we would try and be nice to, yet as years went by, your armies destroyed the Civilians that were trying to help you. Now, you are scum."

"So it IS spite then," Joran nodded, "you gave us everything and we took it thanklessly, eh? Now the rest of the fleet is here to put young Terra in its place and remind the galaxy who REALLY reigns supreme. Well. That answers the 'why'."

The psionic leaned forward again. "Now what about the 'where', Mr. Lindemann? WHERE is the Cybran fleet? They must be close. They wouldn't wander too far from their prize."

Steven shook his head with a grunt, watching the mice scuttle around, squeaking. He shut his eyes, "There is more than one Cybran Fleet, dip shit." He looked away from Joran, staring into the nearby cell, the damp moss ridden walls. A chair like his, holding a small rat that sat on the main seat of the chair, staring back contently. "You care for nothing. All your human species... Agh, so pathetic. A your first major achievement was the atomic bomb. You still do not understand the technology needed for a proper civilization to control an area. A planet will never be enough for you Humans.

"Concerning the quantity of Cybran fleets, I have no doubt that there are many," Joran nodded, "but I am more concerned with proximity. Which fleet is the closest? Where is it? Do they intend to strike soon?"

In regard to Steven's accusations towards human greed, Joran only smiled. "Perhaps, Mr. Lindemann, we are not saints. Yes, mankind is greedy and corrupt and inclined towards evil more often than not." His eyes narrowed. "But be that as it may, the Cybrans are not our judge and jury. You have no right to say what is good and bad for us. It is our responsibility to better ourselves and tame our selfish tendencies. Not yours."

"You do not control me in anyway, because I own the way I work, and the Cybran Gods own me. There is no way I am telling you such information... No, but until they do attack, and the date has not been loaded into my brain system, so for now, you will be in the dark, and you will have no plans for when they do attack. There are a number of sleeper cells already in the area, and they can release chemicals, biological or nuclear weaponry, or the more advanced technology that is used by the Cybran Elite forces. Oh yes. And for you, Mr Davrell, your time will come, you and your orders will never stand a chance against the full gauntlet of the Cybran Nation. Your records are so unprotected, you make it easy for me to hack and know every units position in this galaxy." Steven laughed aloud, shutting his eyes over and leaded back, "We can sit here for days Joran, or you can let me go and come with me and see the mercy, if any showed to your pathetic race, and all the others that have attacked the Cybran Nation in some way or another."

"Our intelligence points that the Subject is here, at Fort Veritas." Kesslee said as he turned to a pair of purple hooded individuals behind him, and a trio of LDA Agents. Staring out at the gates of the compound, he nodded and Kesslee started back towards a black SUV, along with his Confessors and the other LDA Agents. Once inside, the black car proceeded towards the gates of the fort.

The LDA Agent in the driver side showed his credentials to the gate guard, the Confessors obscured and concealed by the dark tinted windows of the Aschen SUV.

"We're here to see Joran Davrell, it's an important matter of Aschen national security."

Kesslee, in the passenger seat eyed the soldier, then he gestured his hand. "You will allow us to pass.." Mentally compelling the guard to let them pass.

"Please notify Mr. Davrell of our arrival." Kesslee said, and the gate guard nodded slowly. "I shall allow you to pass..." He said, opening the gates.

"May his merciful shadow fall upon you..." Kesslee said, and the Guard droned on. "..And may his Merciful Shadow fall upon you too."

The SUV accelerated, and started towards the fort as the windows rolled up.

Parked on a hill a kilometer away a man stood next to a copse of trees, a powerful rifle in his hands as he used the scope to scout ahead. The UECOR Clone Defector carefully watched and took notes of what he was seeing. His primary target to give the information he had to was Joran Davrell. The second name on the list of names with the battleplans he had.

The Clone was thankful that he had stopped well out and scoped ahead as the SUVs went past. They did not look like something he wanted to contend with in his own Dodge Challenger Sports Car until he knew more about them. So to that extent he had moved his car into the trees and settled his weapon bipod on the hood to use the scope.

Coupled with the combat armor that the UECOR Clone Army used in combat, 8191 had modified his extensively, to the point where it was beyond anything the UE could come up with. The hard drive system the suit was lined with meshed with kevlari scales made it completely imprengable. At least ot most things. Thanks to his genetic structure and natural strength the 55kilo armor set weighed less then half of that. However the two meter tall clone clad in various shades of black and white armor was not looking for a fight.

He was instead looking for a means of a good proper job, someone he knew he could trust with the information he carried in his suit. He went over his plan carefully. Mapping out the land through his visor and holographic vision. Using realtime satalite networks just for mapping, 8191 was able to get an accurate map of the area. Now all he had to do was get inside and get his information to Davrell. And if he could not get the information to the man, then he'd go to the next name on the list. Or back to the top name on the list. Either way. 8191 was ready for this mission.

He took careful note of the convoy of Aschen SUVs as they stopped at the guard post and carefully watched the guard as the man spoke, apparently repeating something said to him. Skithspit! Telepaths! He took in every detail of the two SUVs, including the lincese numbers of them all. And even more carefully he took careful aim at the guard. recording everything. Yeah, this wasn't going to go well for that guards future.

With what he needed so far he made some final modifcations to the escape route and also made sure he had what he was sure he'd need. A layout of the Fort itself. Which was not easy to get, but with his access codes and scramblers he got what he needed for an inital building layout for everything within the walls. He remained where he was and carefully took in every detail. Mapping his mission carefully.

When he was done he went back to his rifle and continued to carefully take in every detail of Fort Veritas.

The SUV would be directed to park near Veritas' main entrance. A squad of Terran marines stood outside and would peacefully direct them into Veritas' lobby.

Once inside the classically-directed interior of the fort, a group of suits walked out to meet the Aschen envoys. Two of them, tall, stern-faced men with impeccably-pressed dressware, wore practically no expression on their faces at all. Small white pocket squares jutted neatly out of their jackets. TIB agents.

The third was a smiling woman, short and unimposing in stature.

"Gentlemen," she said, a light Losenji accent evident in her tone, "I welcome you to Fort Veritas. Your arrival is unexpected and unannounced, so you'll understand if we are curious as to the purpose of your being here." She smiled again, cute and innocent. "Or why you used such unconventional means of entering, for that matter."

---

Ixas' snooping, unfortunately for him, would not go unnoticed. The land surrounding Fort Veritas was under constant surveillance for miles out. Every footstep, every rustling bush, every passing bird, every gust of wind was checked, re-checked and documented. Even had Ixas been muffling his feet, the mere lack of heat on the ground left by his shadow would have been enough to merit the interest of the TIB operatives working in Veritas.

The click-clack of a rifle resounded behind the defector.

"Stand up nice and easy, pretty boy," a stern voice commanded behind him, "keep your gun on the dirt. Hands up."

Kesslee turned to the small, unimposing woman, he, his confessors, and the LDA Agents were quite an imposing group compared to their Terran counterparts.

"I understand you have a Cybran in custody. I would like to see him." Kesslee said, folding his hands in his robes and standing unfazed by the Marines in the room.

The other two Confessors remained silent, as did the LDA Agents as Kesslee continued. "The expedient extraction of information is paramount to the continued stability in this region. The Divine Shadow has personally instructed me to oversee his interrogation. I require minimal accommodations, and Mr. Davrell is free to watch."

He waved his hand slightly, compelling her to take them to the Cybran.

"You will take me to the Cybran now..."

8191, known as Ixas, smiled behind the helmet. He stood up from the car, the gun still resting on the hood of the car on the bipod mount. He spoke. "What can I do for you gentlemen ?" He seemed completely unphased by the weapons pointed at him. He infact had expected it. In more ways then one. The white and black armor along with shades of gray and dark midnight blue did not seem to leave a reflection when he moved. The Clone stood an easy two meters tall and even without the gun that rested on the hood of the car, he was still armed.

He never raised his hands. He kept them easily by his side. Calm, tranquil. Almost bored. And yet he was there with a sense of urgencey. Importence. His motion sesnors picked up two other men, both with weapons pointed at him. Well this was quite the party. A third man was not far away keeping watch from longer range. He ignored him, for the moment.

The helmet tilted slightly. Behind which Ixas smiled as he realised why they were there. "I am Defector 8191. I have information that concerns Joran Davrell directly. Give me directions on how to get it to him. In person. And I'll leave." He leaved against the gun pointed at him with an arm as if leaning against a bar. "Time is against me in getting the information to the right party for the right price. Tell Joran his two o'clock is here. I'll come on my own time. Providing you do not hinder me. The information I have I must give to Joran directly, it is my mission. And my mission alone. Any questions Gentlemen ?"

He made no moves towards the weapon on the hood of the car that was aiming towards the Fort. the scope and design of the weapon made it clear he was not just a normal merc looking for a job. In fact with his actions it seemed he was scouting the place he was to go before entering it. And he did say he had information that was paramount to get to Joran Davrell directly. And his mission was to deliver it directly, in person, to Joran. But if people got in his way, there'd be a mess. A big mess. And he did not want to cause a mess yet. Not this soon. The real mess was going to come later when the UECOR started landing platoons on the planet to set up a outpost.

He had to wonder how he missed these four. He'd taken all the precautions he knew were in the book, but then he realised, he did not account for the motion tracker. It picked up lifesigns yes. But it did not decern those lifesigns as human or animal, just as signs of life. That was what he missed. That was his last mistake. He knew now what to look for.

He waited for their answer. Never once did he make a sudden move. Nor did he remove his helmet.

As Kesslee extended his influence towards the young woman, he would suddenly find his consciousness entangled in a mess of celestial authority, wrestling with a soul that was literally intertwined with the eternal, cosmic energy of the universe. A devout Sényriist, this woman's spirit and mind was directly linked to the ecumenical life-force that was all of enlightened existence.

She'd never stopped smiling. It was the sort of "have a nice day, come again smile" that might be found eternally plastered over the cheeks a cable-TV infomercial hostess. Looking at it for too long was just downright annoying.

"I'm afraid penetrating the most secure military complex on Terra isn't going to be quite as easy as you imagined it to be, sir," she sounded genuinely apologetic, as if she were sorry for some great inconvenience, "any security measures you've bypassed thus far have been mere aesthetic formalities." She giggled. "Now. Perhaps we can discuss exactly why you desire to relieve us of one of our most valued guests and what the Terran National Government has to gain by relinquishing him to you?"

---

The marine stationed behind Ixas grunted. "You would've seen Davrell anyway. He interrogates most've the trespassers on these grounds. Just comply with our orders and submit to arrest. You'll have your word with the good doctor soon enough."

A second marine stepped forward. "Hands behind your back."

Kesslee scowled, but shrugged the entanglement off by exerting his Alteran powers, though inevitably he backed off. Of course, during all this He remained totally silent, before he turned to one of his other confessors. The Confessor shook his head slightly, and spoke something in an obscure, rather hard to understand Anquietas dialect.

"Postea et fiet Losenji insolentiam pati pro." He said to one of his other Confessors, whom nodded, and subtly gestured to the LDA Agent, who nodded and then took a few notes in Anquietas.

"Our assistance in repelling a Cybran invasion, indirectly through their extermination, It is the will of His Shadow." Kesslee said flatly. "If your people deny us this, We will sit by as the Cybrans destroy your world, and come to destroy them ourselves at our convenience. Do not try my patience, Terran. Or your people will be made to suffer." The Confessor said.

"How we proceed will be up to you. I would be glad to assist in the interrogation of the prisoner, or I can return to the Divine Shadow empty handed. And trust me. The Divine Shadow is not as forgiving as I am."

8191 smiled behind the helmet. "Good, I'll go see him now, arrest wont even be needed, but I am sure you four are." He said moving to pick up the gun, which by then the Marine closest to the weapon saw that it was completely unloaded. the armored two meter tall soldier was naught more then looking over the fort ? But why ? he moved to the trunk and opened it, it was empty save for a few magazines of sniper rifle ammo, and also his other two weapons and also a sidearm. "Listen, this car is a rental and I have a very limited time rented on it. Contact Davrell and tell him I am on my way to see him as we speak. Arresting me and putting me in a holding cell just to talk to him will only cause problems for you four, trust me on that." He said. He closed the trunk of the car and went to the driverside.

He opened the door and before getting in he asked simply, still calm and traquil. Almost as if he were really just sightseeing. "What do I say here.... Oh yes, I remember, three black SUVs stopped at the gate down there, something was said and the guard on duty apparently repeated something and let the three SUVs pass unhindered, If I were you, I'd be the least of your worries right now." With that he got into the Dodge Challenger and shut the door. He opened the window as the car rumbled to life. Speaking to the closest Marine he said "Besides, with the information I got in my head and being pressed for time, putting me in a holding cell to wait to talk to the guy on a list of people to eliminate is completely out of the question."

Then he asked a question completely unexpected. "You four want a lift ? We can make it look like you caught me but I gotta drive this rig. After all, I'm listed as the only driver on the rental slip and if someone else is driving I lose the security deposit, I might lose it anyway when the Systems Army gets here in.... " Ixas checked the time in his helmet, "Two hours ten minutes and eleven seconds." Ixas never took off the helmet. But he did sound like as reasonable man. But he was a defector, so he did he defect from ?

The sooner he got the info to Joran, the far better off Joran was going to be. Ixas just knew it. Sure he'd be viewed as an outsider, but he hoped he could at least save someones lives, maybe several.

After all, time was moving, and it showed no signs of stopping either. And with just over two hours before the inital landings began....

"I am sorry sir, but you must understand that I simply cannot allow-" the woman literally stopped in mid sentence, her lips frozen and 'O'ed on the better half of 'allow'. A few moments later, she snapped back to attention, blinking twice and resuming her smile with renewed vigor.

"Doctor Davrell has requested that you join him in the interrogation chambers," the woman said on the same key, nodding to Kesslee. Her eyes made a brief pass over the other Aschen before returning to the Inquisitor. "Just you." She turned swiftly. "Follow me, please."

With the bulk of both the Terran and the Aschen force hopefully left in the lobby, the TNG delegate would lead Kesslee to a nearby elevator. It carried them down several floors of the facility at a leisurely speed. The girl made small talk about the recent fits of rain they'd been having.

The elevator finally stopped and opened its broad doors. Kesslee and the girl were now in a significantly less-furnished room. The walls were rusty. The lights were flickering and flourescent. At the far end of the hall was another elevator, not nearly as high-tech or impressive looking as the one they'd come out of. It was a gear lift. Literally operated by a marine with a crank nearby.

The woman gestured towards a nearby table. "Please leave all technological device on this table. Silicon. Electric gadgets. Communicators." She smiled. "Sublevel Nine is a 'black' zone. No technology of any kind."

---

"What the-... hey, just where do you think you're going!" one of the marines shouted as the clone turned from them all together. While the lack of ammunition on his gun and his passive compliance did set them at ease, they couldn't just ignore protocol. "Listen, you can't just waltz into Fort Veritas and demand a meeting with Davrell. We literally have NO IDEA who you are. There's rules and a system for this sort of thing for a reason." He stepped forward, growling. "Look, you're coming with us to the containment field. You'll meet Davrell in due time. Before the day is done. Your way... just asking for a meeting... it doesn't work like that." He shook his head. "I mean what do you want me to do? Go inside, walk up to one of the most respected NPA officers in the field and say, 'hey! There's this guy out there in the middle of nowhere that wants to talk to you! He's got no known credentials, no authority clearance and no appointment! He wants a personal 1 on 1 right flippin' now and he insists he can't rely his information to anyone except you. We found him scoping out the facility with a sniper and he's also armed and fully combat-ready.'" The marine offered Ixis a look of pure disbelief. "I mean SERIOUSLY. Would YOU come out and meet a guy like that?!"

Kesslee nodded to his other Confessors, and no words were exchanged between the group as they remained in the lobby, and the Confessor followed the woman to an elevator.

"Wise choice. I would hate to have seen the fit the Divine Shadow would have thrown should i have returned Empty handed." He said, ignoring her small talk and keeping his eyes on the doors.

"I have no technology, I have no need for it." He said, which was the truth. Having been trained by the Inquisitor Leonidas from the Kobollian Inquisition. He found that he didn't need Technology to carry out his job.

Rather he would have a modified hook and chain. Akin to a meat hook laced with a potent toxin laced in it's bloodstained nicks and grooves. He also had an assortment of calipers, scalpels, and instruments that were used for torture. He carried an assortment of drugs and specialized devices to deal with prisoners. But nothing technological.

"Let's proceed." He said calmly. "I am eager to meet Mr. Davrell, I have read his Dossier."

Steven's systems started to pick up movement above them, a lot of talking. He shut down just to listen closely, his mouth moving in time with what was being said, the metal voice box putting what was going on upstairs, the system going on and on before he turned his systems off, "We seem to have company, and if anyone lays a finger... The angels of Death will come screaming down on every Nation in this universe."

"Going to save your boss. And maybe you four while I am at it" 8191 replied to the question of where he was going. He thought carefully on his reply, it was true, he could not rely on anyone but himself to get the mission completed properly. He had to get the information to Davrell himself. Or not at all. But since Davrell was the second name on the list of to capture, 8191 figured it best to save the man from almost certain death.

"I can and I will, at this point every second of delay in getting the information I have to Davrell only makes those I am one step ahead of getting to him first. Putting me in a holding station just to see the man not only delays me, but hastens his own capture or death. The sooner I get the information I have to Davrell, the better. After all. I have now less then two hours to get this info to him, or he risks capture, and my mission is failed. The Systems Army will be here by then, I do not have all day." He put the car into drive and turned to the closest marine. "My offer of a ride still stands. If you'd rather walk, then say so, I am running out of time."

His way worked when someones life was on the line, and in this case, Joran Davrells own life was on the line, and if 8191 did not get the information to Joran within the next 90 minutes. Joran was as good as dead.

Finally he said "The only thing you need to know is my number" Which he then rattled off. UECOR ARC Clone Commando 8191. "Call ahrad to Davrell, no doubt, since it is mentioned he is a telpath. He knows I am here already." 8191 was glad of his own genetic construction. Immune to telpaths was a good thing. Though it was just one of the many perks of being a UECOR ARC Commando. He could think and act on his own. Which was why he left the UECOR in the first place. With the information he possessed, Joran would be much better off if he got to him without delay.

"Stay calm, Mr. Lindemann," Joran smiled, "I have sent for our guest. So long as you are cooperative, I'm sure you'll have nothing to fear."

The heavy metal door would swing open and permit entry to Kesslee.

Joran turned to face the man. "Inquisitor." He offered the man a nod. "So nice of you to join us."

---

"Okay, okay look, just..." the marine growled at the clone, "...just stay here, alright? Just don't move. I'll radio this in directly to Davrell's sublevel." He shook his head. "Geeze-louise... y'know there's a number you can call to report threats, right? Y'don't have to come all the way to Veritas..."

The Confessor turned and inclined his head to Joran. "Confessor, not Inquisitor." He said, approaching the prisoner and looking him over in silence.

"They are not as I had expected them to be. I'm disappointed." Kesslee said as he turned to look back to Joran, gesturing with his hand to close the heavy door behind them.

"Let's begin." He said, reaching into his robes, as if to adjust something. "What is your name? It's a simple question with little in the way of ramifications." Kesslee said, pacing around the Cybran prisoner.

"Mr. Davrell, do you happen to have a car battery on hand?"