Mysti's Story

The land speeder pulled up to the manor coming to a rest as it's​ engine was shut off. Out of the speeder came a woman in what clearly was the robes of a mage and if that didn't give it away the staff in her hand most surely would. The woman was followed by a squad of five TLA troopers.

The woman walked up to the nearest cop and spoke "I am Mysti of the Terran Liberation Army. We saw the lights, what has happened here?"

"Emergency orders for Imperial Command?" A man in an Imperial Commissarial Uniform spoke as he rode inside a Chimera Armored Transport. "Sorry sir, we know this is important to you but this situation calls with someone of experience. And this was ordered by Imperial Command sir so...Apologies Commissar Cain..." A Guardsman spoke as he handed him some information.

Cain skimmed over the details, call went out, and it was a murder unlike anything ever seen before. Of course Cain only had time to skim the paper for the driver, his personal aid Gunner Jurgen was flooring it and what normally be a much longer drive ended up into a fast travel. He was surprised he never hit any other car on his way.

Once the transport slowed to a halt, the ramp on the back opened up and Ciaphas Cain along with Four Guardsman came out the back. With him, the drivers seat opened up and Jurgen arrived by his side. Along with his aura of unwashed socks. "A mansion sir? Looks like some of the nobility on this planet was the victims this time." Jurgen spoke as he walked alongside Cain.

Walking up to the police line, Cain examined the mansion before speaking. "I am Commisar Ciaphas Cain of the Imperium of Man. I am under orders to assist in this investigation, something about this being a strange case." Cain soon felt the top of his hands itch. Whenever this happened he knew this was not a good sign.

Wherever he went, he knew that there were reasons why they would send him...there was danger afoot, and he rather be back surrounded by a whole army. But so was his reputation, he had to uphold it to the best of his abilities.

It had been several weeks since Alpha was last out of the Nova station, though this was a freedom op, an experiment to see how well he handles himself without the supervision of the scientists and engineers, the larger body of his secondary shell was in its fighter craft mode, flying low over Wing city.

The lights of the various police vehicles had drawn his attention so had that of the speeding chimera, the jet would stop and hover above the road, the chest of the vehicle would open and Alpha would disengage from his larger form, the jet flying to a predetermined landing zone. Several base jump jets would activate across the robot’s back and his feet, slowing his descent so he didn’t smash any concrete below. Glancing to the Commissar and his escort, the weapons on Alpha’s person all had a green light visible on them.

“I am NC7-Alpha, a prototype combat and peacekeeping Artificial Intelligence” he holds out a hand to shake hands with the officer he had approached, “I formally request that i be allowed to aid in this investigation.”

After a few minutes Alpha was allowed entry and would enter into the ballroom, the robot stopping for the briefest of seconds and moving aside to not hinder the travel in and out by the official officers on the investigation. His Hud’s targeter falling over each individual person within the totem pole and counting them.

“I count a total of 192 victims from preliminary scans...and evidence of consumption of flesh from some if not most of these bodies” the droid circled around, keeping a ten foot distance at all times from the totem. One of the drones in his back would eject and fly towards one of the walls, and then project Alpha’s view upon the wall, as he continued to scan the totem for nameable victims on the databases of the city, and galactic net, these searches also visible to those watching the projection.

"Imperium of man?" Sarah asked under her breath

"Careful, Sarah, these guys are big wigs, we could start a conflict if we aren't careful with this." Kain said taking a drag off his cigarette and walking forward towards Commissioner Cain and Alpha before clearing his throat and offered his hand for both to shake "Detective Kain Lancaster, Paranormal Research Bureau " He introduced himself before looking back at the 'Totem'

Alpha began his preliminary scans and informed them of what he found "That's correct, One hundred and ninety two bodies, all strategically placed and sewn together to construct this........ Thing" He said exhaling smoke "Signs of consumption is an understatement, there are fang and claw marks all over these bodies. At first glance, it would seem that these bodies were out in the woods and some woodland denizens got a hold of them."

"There is a large amount of soil, bark and fungus mixed in with the bodies." Sarah chimed in as she approached the two

"This is Special Agent Sarah Balmont" Kain informed them as She approached "We are going to compare the samples to nearby woodland areas, specifically the Dark Woods and surrounding areas" Sarah said looking towards the two and the Mage who was now entering the building.

"Whoever did this, is organized. They had enough time to amass almost two hundred bodies and construct them into this modern art sculpture. Yet, they obviously didn't care that the bodies were being affected by the elements and animals. " Lancaster said, exhaling more smoke and flicking his cigarette out the open door, only to light another one up. "I've seen some fucked up shit, but this MO doesn't make any sense"

"Sickening..." Muttered Mysti as she took in everything before her.

One of the troopers with her muttered "I'm gonna be sick.." before rushing outside to throw up.

Mysti sighed "Fredricks go check on Jenkins..." She then turned back to the detectives as Fredricks ran out "You'll have to forgive Jenkins he's still a rookie."
Mysti looked back to the task at hand. "If I had to guess I would say this is for a ritual of some kind... Have you scanned the area for magical residue or seals and symbols?"

As Cain and Jurgen entered the manor, the sight that greeted him was, a horrific sight for many. Of course, he was no stranger to the sick and horrific things out there...this thing however was up there in the list of messed up shit he has seen. "I can see why Imperial Command sent me here now...This is a highly unusual case..." Cain spoke to himself as he looked around him.

No Chaos symbol, no sign of daemonic rituals...Chaos was not at work here so it was safe to say whoever did this was a beyond insane, murderious mass murderer nutjob with a grim idea of what art is. Cain scratched the top of his hands as he looked around. Whoever did this had indeed plenty of time...

"The question is, how did no one see this horrific display being moved around...Someone had means to hide it and move it here unnoticed by the residents and people...unless the people who once lived in this manor is part of the work of...'art'..." Cain spoke so the others ccould hear him whiel Jurgen got his attention.

"Look out sir, one of those TLA people. A mage at that. They pretty much hate you and try to mark you as a villan, just letting you know sir." Jurgen informed Cain who nodded. "Then keep your distance Jurgen. We would not want to do anything to affect the mage." He spoke knowing full well what Jurgen was capable of. With a nod he decided to keep his distance.

So the TLA was also assisting in this operation? As much as that irked him a bit...he was more worried about some mass murderer going around making works of art out of them all. Chances are, now that they were all on the case whoever made this would want them out of the picture...no doubt to put them into a work of art while they were at it...

The Four guardsman of course showed not much sign of disgust. Granted they were in the presence of a renowned hero who was keeping his cool. That and military discipline also helped. They began to search the area in pairs of two.

“It is certainly a pleasure to meet you both” this obviously directed to the two special agents, that had introduced themselves. Stopping, his vision changing back and forth through various types, three more rotor drones ejected from his back, no bigger than one’s palm, the drones began scanning the hall, building a 3d graphic of the hall and the totem,

The fungal spores, soil samples and bark that seemed to infest the totem, again scanning the samples visible on the exterior of the totem “is there a forested area within the city or nearby the city? If so then we may wish to search there, finding the dumping grounds may reveal more about our killer or uncover more victims” Alpha approached towards the special agents.

“Are we aware of any searches towards the rear of the structure? Or the roof?” Alpha crossed his arms, after scanning the hall, the drones began flying through out the rest of the structure,continuing their scans.

"Nope, this place shows up clean on the Magical scale, there also doesn't seem to any signs of ritual sacrifice or offerings of any kind" Lancaster sighed and exhaled smoke "I'm not sure who or what would possibly put something like this up, but we can be sure there is a reason it's here. Otherwise we wouldn't be looking at it" He said as he began walking around the grisly scene

"This is interesting....." Chimed Sarah as she inspected the Totem closer "The stitching, holding the bodies together......... No two bodies are stitched together the same way"

"you mean they are positioned differently?"Lancaster asked

'No, I mean the type of stitch is different. " Sarah explained "Look here, This stitch is used by Taxidermists, and this one is a clothing stitch"

"So, what does that mean about our killer?" Lancaster sighed

"They have an eidetic memory and an almost impulsive obsession with detail."

Lancaster sighed again and exhaled smoke. He chuckled as he turned back towards the other investigative parties. His eyes narrowed as he looked at all the different factions that were there "Well one thing is for certain in my mind, this........... thing, was to see exactly who would respond to this and just what kind of plays we are bringing to the table. Whoever did this........" He paused to take a drag from his cigarette "Is playing a game with all of us" He said looking to all of the different factions.

Mysti frowned " So you are saying something or someone did this all by hand? That would take months... And just to draw us all in?"

Mysti walked closer "The people here represent the most powerful groups here on Terra...it is like they are sending a message a look what I did right under our noses... This is a sick game and I don't like it one bit."

Mysti paused looking to the others but mainly to the imperials she said "Our groups don't always get along but we need to bring this bastard down and as much as I hate it we have to work together to do this..."

Cain soon faced Mysti when she mentioned working together. "We may not get along of course, but our interests are the same. We are here to make this city safer hence we are here to eliminate some psychopath before they strike again...You are also here to eliminate the one responsible for this. As long as you refrain from continuously insulting and trying to drag the Imperiums name through the dirt then I have no problems with this...besides...If this is a message then we are going to hunt down whoever did this and deliver justice. " The Commissar spoke holding his cap with his hand.

How long until whoever did this decided to go after soldiers? After more people in the cities? Or even himself? One less threat running around to keep him awake at night means another much safer night of slumber. Of course Cain turned to face Alpha. "I have two pairs of Guardsman checking the building. One team should be heading to the rear while the other to the roof. I made sure to have them radio me every few minutes. A killer sometimes returns to the scene no doubt...And judging by this 'art' we may have a small chance of encountering the killer while investigating so my men will be prepared." Cain soon received two vox hails.

"Alpha team here. We are beginning our investigation in the rear of the mansion."

"Delta here sir, searching rooftop. We will report in two minutes from now."

The two teams gave their reports. "Whoever this is smart, and good at hiding despite all this. We have to cover all our basis and keep our eyes and ears open at all times."

Alpha glanced about the great hall, and back to the totem, the drones returned and locked back into his back the plates sliding and locking back into place, the little green lights on his weapons would begin to flash and then go out, one by one as the associated locks on them, opened up.

Alpha would raise his arm and eject a mobile like device from his arm and hold it out towards the two special detectives “use this to contact me.” he stepped away, moving towards the exit “if it’s really the case that this mass murder was to draw attention, then we may or may not be up next for targets, i suggest caution.”

Standing by the entryway, he began to load and arm his weapons, once live and ready for use the green light would glow a faint dim red.

"Of course this requires a combination of all our efforts. This is obviously not the work of your average killer. This has some kind of meaning. Until that meaning is uncovered, we should all exorcise caution." Lancaster stated, exhaling more smoke "This is my card number if you need us please don't hesitate to call. We will keep you informed of our findings"

He passed out copies of his card to everyone standing there before saluting Cain "Commissar" He showed his respect. Sarah gave a bow to all of them before both of them exited the Ballroom

"What are you thinking Lancaster?" Sarah asked as they left.

"All of those people, there's something off about them." Lancaster said and stopped "Two hundred bodies, some missing limbs and heads....... I don't know, call it a hunch but I bet all of them died in a different way. "

"Why do you say that?"

"Well the M.O is all over the place. Some of the bodies have the moss and soil, but others have different residues on them. What if..... Someone, knew where all these bodies were buried"

"If that's the case why would they do this?"

"Detectives!" Came the voice of an officer running down the steps to catch them.

"Yes Officer?" Lancaster asked turning from Sarah.

"We've just informed everyone inside and thought you both would like to know about the Stitching on the bodies....... It's not old..... Whoever put this up was here not even two hours ago."

Lancaster's eyes went wide. "That's about the time you received the call right?" Sarah asked. The officer nodded "Yes Ma'am". Sarah turned back to Kain "Then the call must've come from"

"The Killer" Lancaster said turning back to look at the Mansion "We need to get a copy of the call and investigate it further" he said walking back to his car. "But first lets eat, I'm starving" He chuckled as they both got into their car and drove from the scene.

Cain replied with a salute as well. He may have been a Commisar but he was outside the Imperial chain of Command. Of course, he wanted to keep public image as well so he did this just as formality.

Once the two detectives were gone, Cain returned to look at the human pillar. "Jurgen, you find out anything about the pillar?" Cain looked to his personal aid Jurgen. "Well sir, besides it being made out of 200 different people, some with plant matter and other animal marks on them...Nothing else. The two teams of Guardsman however replied and dound nothing of note on the rear or rooftop...however the rooftop teams did note that they could easily spot anyone coming to the mansion from miles away and easily get away before the cars even got by." Jurgen spoke.

Of course an officer came by and informed them that the stichings of the bodies was very recent. Damn...looks like the killer did indeed see them, left and possibly called these cops up. "Looks like someone is just trying to get under our skin. Well we wont do much if we just ordered a massive sweep, we have no clue what the killer looks like, or anything that leads to the killer in question. Possibly a call made by a public phone so tracing the call would be useless...Alright Jurgen, pack it up and call the two pairs back...We have work ahead of us. Patrols are already increased so no need to bother of that...But I want some Catachan Guardsman inside those woods in small groups. If someone tries to use those woods those guys have the training and skill to catch them." Cain spoke as he left the building and entered his transport. This would be a long haul he could feel it. Only a matter of time until the killer either got confident or messes up in a small margin.

"Ma'am there is someone here to meet with you....as well as an unknown party talking to them..." Informed a trooper
Priestess sighed "I don't have time for this... Mysti go deal with this find out what they want then get them out."
"Yes ma'am" said the mage who then turned to a squad of TLA troopers " You all with me"

Mysti and her squad left headed for the lobby hearing the sounds of the commander Priestess yelling about getting the damn elevator working. Mysti sighed and shook her head.
The sounds of trooper's boots where heard as Mysti and her men entered the lobby.

"Welcome to the Wing City Hospital." Mysti said to the group " I'm Mysti archmage of the Terran Liberation Army... The commander of this facility is busy at the moment, but I can give you any information you may need or if you need medical attention I can point you in the right way." She took a pause before asking "So how may The Terran Liberation Army help you today?"

"See you there," Rosh smiled, before departing wide-eyed with his people.

Wing City Hospital, this was apparently where the magic happened concerning the rumored Terran Liberation Army.

At least, that's what the brief detailed for Agent Solis' first assignment offworld since she joined the IIA And completed her training.

She looked up, and around once she was through the doors of the hospital, wearing all black she stood out from the rest of the crowd, in a black sweater, dark jeans, and a slim leather handbag draped over her shoulder.

She was given orders to blend in, meet with the local resistance and set up arms deals.

She checked the fitment of her disruptor pistol, which was concealed in a holster in the small of her back, discreetly adjusting the weapon to sit more comfortably, she approached the front desk, her heels echoing through the lobby.

Outside the elevator shaft before princess hospital steel framework can be heard to creak and groan as a wall straightened and pulled inward. The bent superstructure straightened by a dense cloud occupying the darkened interior. Buttons outside the elevator sprung to life as something reconnected collapsed wire conduits. With a hum of life the floor indicator chimed but displayed nothing. After a few B4 appeared then advanced quickly to ground. It chimed once more and the door opened.

Shiny metal doors open to four humanoid men standing in the dark. Lights blink on from above as what sounded like rain issues from all sides. Blackness drains from the lights into the elevator shaft and the car grows brighter still. Seen more clearly their garb something between a white doctor's coat and an overcoat. Above it heads in coarse gauze to make bare hints at indistinct features. Jinhai made a pale imitation of the doctors they saw as to not disturb the patients. Mostly they were seen at night while patients slept. Other Jinhai in slightly different garb, frequently seen in the city if out of the way, walk in at all hours to drop patients off without so much as a word.

Stone plates with pillars at each corner held between them each occupant quite still. A soldier of some distinction from accident during city repairs laid still as the mortuary slab he'd once been upon. They'd recreated the clothing and the armor but none of the markings. Appearing do until a chest rose making breath more apparent. The man's eyes open, alarmed. Both him and idle compatriot quite alive.

One looked straight to Priestess its flat voice noting, "It is done, humankind."

~~~

"Where are you taking me? Why can I feel my legs?", asked the man reaching for legs quite well smashed by debris to his recollection.

"You are rekindled, humankind," came the emotionless reply, "You must return to the care of other humankind."

"What? Who?", came the soldier's voice as they entered the hallway to set the white stone plates on a gurney.

The four turned toward the basement stairs down the hallway without further word to the alarmed man trying to get up. The soldier just stared with hands propping up his torso. Moving bare toes dumbstruck and quite in shock. Nothing but bare skin below the thigh his clean pants ended abruptly.

"But... where are my shoes? Is that a tattoo? Whose legs are these?!", was all the man could muster.

The members of the TLA seemed to stop what they where doing as the TVs showed the Emperess Electra revealing the true nature of herself and the TLA.

"Well about damn time!" Priestess said before looking up at the sounds and people around her "What the hell is this? And who the hell are you? Troopers!"
A squad of TLA troopers burst in aiming thier guns at the Jinhai and the crazed man.
Priestess raised her own gun and spoke "Now by order of the Terra Nova Empire tell me your business here and how you got in."


Down in the Lobby Mysti looked a way from the news to see the ones she had been talking to had left. She sighed and was about to go back to work when she saw another woman waiting in the lobby. She walked up to her and asked, "How can the Terran Lib...er... How can the Terra Nova help you today?"

All Jinhai stopped in their tracks overcoats billowing in some unseen wind. The three pivot turn in unison to address the question put to them unmoved by the threat to their person. Each gloved hand held at their side, listless. Mouths seen under bandages did move when they spoke but with a bare imitation of a 'face' hidden underneath. Firstly a momentary discussion ensued among them to evaluate the request.

"The Almanac indicates such a group is not under the purview of the Living Emperor."
"Irrelevant. All humankind is within the perview the Living Emperor."
"Stated group is inconsistent with a threat to humankind. No related affiliation dicta exist."
"Agreed. The request is permissible by humankind; group affiliation is of no concern."

Each used the same voice as the closest answered literally, "We have finished rekindling the humankind. We took your elevator from below."

Another pointed at the man's head describing purpose, "After rebuilding a body for viable thrones of mankind we must return completed humankind to your care."

Another raised the flat of hand as black dust leaked to shape a shadow dragon of black smoke to inform constraints, "Recent events tainted unused replacements. Our duties require destruction of fallen tainted humankind."

One then pointed to the elevator to specify their origin, "A stasis facility was constructed underneath this human construction to hold damaged thrones of humankind until they have completed rekindling."

Two behind the one that spoke gestured to the woman and the confused man, "They have been rekindled. The life of humankind now resumes. We have no further interest."

The closest cocked its bandaged head volunteering status updates from below, "Upgrades are in progress to permit more live but incomplete humankind to remain in aetheric projection until parts are available. 14 projection upgrades have been completed."

~~~

The man's terrified face darted to soldiers aiming weapons at him breaking his focus on the new tattooed legs. His eyes raced for an explanation and stammered, "I... was dead? Wait, wait, guys, I'm not a soldier! The prison tattoos aren't mine! I am... was... uh I am just a EMT! Please don't shoot me! I don't want to die again!"

A small child's voice peeped from a vent on the ceiling down the hall as Eileen stuck her white translucent head stuck through the grating, "Don't shoot the dark men!"

The Vikings ushered the robot to a TLA base on the outskirts of the city. The base was a buzz with activity as troops and vehicles moved about doing drills or just normal base patrols.

"Set down over there" the lead Viking pilot ordered as his craft neared the ground it shifted into walker mode.

Almost as soon as the Vikings landed a woman in mage robes walked up. she was flanked by a group of ten troopers in power armor as well as a rag tag group armored in whatever they where lucky enough to get.

The Female mage removed her hood and looked at the robot head for a moment. "I am General Mysti of the Terran Liberation Army... While we don't mind friendly visitors to our land... when something comes flying though our skyline at breakneck speed it tends to send up red flags... So who or what are you and why are you here in our city? And please don't try to lie or be coy with me for you have over a thousand guns pointed at you as we speak..."