Issues unravelled...

[Jacob]

*Setting: Iraxx walked down the cold, grey corridor quickly, limping ever so slightly. Four days had passed since Gian had cut his recovery-vacation short and now most of his battle wounds had healed. His burnt chest was still abit inflamed and he still had faint scars across his face, hands and other wounded parts, but apart from that he was 97% back to his normal self. Since being off work Iraxx had, had no contact with the Council whatsoever, infact, it was strange of them not to call him hours before he went to see the demonstration of one of the most hyped up projects that the Orkhids had been involved in. Turning right he finally came to two big brown double doors which he pushed open...darkness greeted him. Turning his head slightly to the right he saw some small spotlights beaming their white glow down from the ceiling to, what looked like, a stage. Allowing his eyes to slowly acclimatise to the light, Iraxx slowly moved to the nearest table and in doing so sighed a happy relief as he realised a chair was free. Fumbling around he eventually sat down at the back of the room and awaited for the demonstration to begin.*

***

*Setting: As the lights hit the stage, Janek, Sykes and Chorge stepped into them from the wing to the left. Janek was dressed in his normal dark, attire, except this time he wore a pair of dark sunglass'. In fact, they were more like swimming goggles if anything, and seemed to give him a more sinister look than he had, had before. Sykes was dressed in the usual white Scientist uniform and Chorge was dressed in much the same as Sykes. They all proceeded towards the front of the stage, and towards a large, vertical desk equipped with a microphone, but this time minus the jug and glass of water. Smiling out into the darkness, Chorge looked out, leant forwards and spoke into the microphone as Sykes and Janek stood at either side of him..*

Chorge: "I WELCOME YOU ALL BACK HERE AGAIN FOR A RATHER ZPECTACULAR DEMONZTRATION..."

The large room was completely still. Completely quiet. The air was filled with suspense as to what they were actually going to see. Turning to the right of the stage, Sykes signalled to someone and out of the wings came a large, muscular Orkhid. His hair a shade of dark purple and his eyes blue. It was Ryan. He was the Orkhid equivalent to a 15 year old now, and had strangely gone into the final stage. The final stage of the long, highly anticipated experiment was basically when the nanobots inside the subjects activated. Enhancing strength, sight, hearing, regeneration capabilities and so on and so forth. This, although exciting for the people involved, was also highly worrying. Only when the subjects got to the age of 18 should the nanobots had become active, but in Ryan’s, and Aisha’s case, had they become active earlier. Watching as Ryan made his way into the centre of the stage, the audience talked excitedly amongst themselves. Admiring Ryans large, muscular frame and realising that if all the subjects were like this, then the success rate of Orkhid battles would be increased dramatically. Ryan looked out into the audience, purring lowly as he placed his right arm infront of his face to shield his eyes from the intense light.

Janek: "This is subject O5. O5 is one of tvo who have prematurly entered the final stage. Ve do not knov the reason for their progression, but ve are treating it as a previev of vhat is to come vith the rest of the children…”

Stepping away from the microphone Janek then allowed Sykes to speak and explain what he expected from the children and the project in general. Sykes smiled enthusiasticly as he spoke, commenting on world power and how his race would finally get what it deserved – racial domination and a tactical advantage over all creatures and creeds.

***

*Setting: As Sykes took the mic, Iraxx looked around in sheer boredom. He had foolishly believed that the demonstration would have started straight away, but this was sadly not the case. First Sykes spoke about how he came about the idea and his hopes for the future of Orkhid kind. Then the leading Consultant took the mic again, talking about his dreams and hopes and also the hardships that came with the job. A holographic image was then shown of the process that took place with the children. Showing how, when active, the main nanobots, situated in the Heart and Brain, pumped out thousands upon thosands of smaller replicas, all which bonded to the blood cells and coursed throughout the beings bodies. Speeding up their healing factor and improving strength, agility, hand-eye co-ordination and other such attributes. And although this was vaguely more interesting, Iraxx wished that the live demonstration would just take place, and finally it did. Stepping to the side of the stage, Janek ushered the teenager to the centre and stated something to him, which Iraxx couldn’t quite make out. O5 then stood in the centre and prepared himself, looking to both the left wing and right wing of the stage. As he waited, four armour clad guards entered the stage, two from either side. All wore their visors down and all brandished a large, metal rod, used for a variety of violent reasons. As Iraxx squinted to see what was going on, customised Shrinks lowered themselves down from the ceiling to tables situated at the back of the conferrence room, showing what was happening from a closer perspective. As Iraxx watched contently, he noticed that the female sat just infront of him was taking notes, but failed to act as he wanted to see how well the subject on screen performed.*

***

*Setting: Ryan growled lowly, watching all four guards from the corners of his eyes. His breathing became deeper, and as they began to fan out, Ryan could feel the tiny bites of the nanobots inside him, feel them begin to work more activly. Grunting through his nose, he caught a glance of his finger nails lengthening. Growing half an inch longer than usual in a matter of seconds. But this was not the only change, the active nanobots had also caused the veins in his eyes to pop, causing a surge of black blood which now devoured his entire eyeballs. The hairs on the back of his neck began to tingle. And as the first guard to attack attempted to club him on the back of his neck, Ryan turned to face him and grabbed the metallic baton with his right hand, kicked the being in the stomach and snatched the weapon away. As the guard staggered backwards, stunned, Ryan span around to the second attacker, blocking his weapon as the Orkhid brought it down towards his head. He then forced this guards baton away from him, swinging his weapon towards the creatures head, hitting the guards helmet and causing the glass visor to crack. The guard dropped to his knees, dazed and woozy as Ryan then kicked out with the sole of his heavy boots. Hitting the visor full on and shattering it aswell as knocking the Orkhid unconscious. Ryan then span around arm outstretched, crouching down as he did. In doing so he caused the baton to hit the third attacker, cracking his left knee-cap. Screaming out in pain, the guard dropped his weapon with a loud clatter. Smirking, Ryan then formed a fist with his left hand and uppercutted the guard, his hand going through the glass and hitting the guard squarely in the face. Flipping backwards the Orkhid fell on his back, unconcious. Ryan now stood to his full height, feeling almost unstoppable as all three who had dared to attack had failed. There were still two standing, one with a weapon and one without, but they didn’t dare move. As the crowd watched in amazement, Sykes smiled with glee. Stepping into the shadows of the right wing for a few seconds, Sykes then emerged with a handgun. A Beretta. Underarming it to the nearest guard, he then watched to see how Ryan would handle the situation. The guard who caught it was the one who already had a weapon, but upon receiving this advantage, he cast his baton down and caught the gun. Swinging it to point at Ryan he smiled behind his visor, only to stop as Ryan grabbed his wrist before he could fully point it at him. Holding his wrist with his left hand, Ryan then hit the guard repeatedly in the left side with the baton he held in his right. The guard screamed out in pain, bending his left shoulder to the downward left slightly. Manouevering his left hand to the gun, Ryan was then able to grasp the gun and snatch it away. Allowing the guard to drop on his left knee in agony. Raising the baton diagonally over his left shoulder, Ryan then brought the weapon down in a fierce ‘phwack’ which caused the reinforced plastic helmet to shatter and the guard to flop semi-concious to the ground. Ryan then span around to the unarmed guard, tossed the gun in the air by its nozzle, caught it by its handle and pulled the trigger twice. The bullets flew into the guards kneecaps. Shattering the bone and forcing the guard to fall forwards on bended knees, the teenager then swung the baton upwards as the guard fell, causing the final connection to be a vicious blow which not only shattered the guards jaw through the helmet but was sure to incapacitate him from duty for atleast 4 weeks. As the final guard dropped to the ground, the entire crowd stood in a rapturous uproar of cheer and jubilation. Throwing the baton down, Ryan then threw the gun from his left hand to his right, catching it professionally as he looked out at the crowd, sniffing deeply. He could smell something. The scent of a creature that wasn’t supposed to be in the crowd. Slowly Janek and Sykes headed towards the podium, ready to take questions and praise, but as they motioned for Ryan to leave the stage and for another set of guards to drag the injured off into the wings, Ryan stepped quickly to the front of the wooden platform, made a quick scan of all the Orkhids in the crowd and then pointed his gun out in the audience. Aiming steadily Ryan fired.*

***

*Setting: The gunshot was a lot more shocking now it wasn’t been used for the demonstration, and as Iraxx watched as random audience members dived out of the way, he witnessed the bullet hit a male Orkhid Scientist. The bullet seemed to lodge in the creatures skull, as it blatantly never exited through the back, and instead made the head jolt backwards fiercely. The Scientists at that table screamed in terror, diving away incase they were on the receiving end of one of the bullets. Glancing up at the stage, Iraxx saw that Janek and Sykes had quickly placed space between the creature and themselves and five guards had quickly appeared, all brandishing shotguns and rifles. Their knees slightly bent, the guards positioned themselves around the creature, their guns all pointed at his back and head. But instead of attempting to fight them off, the teenager dropped his gun and placed his hands on the back of his head. Iraxx could vaguely see that the teenagers eyes had gone back to normal from their once all black image. He smiled, softly. Wondering if this debacle would impress his superiors or not. And wondering even more how Gian would react.*

Male voice: “NO!! NO WAIT!!”

The voice came from a Scientist who was near the table of the victim.

Male Scientist: “IT’S A CHANGLING!! HE WAS A CHANGLING!!”

Each member of the audience reacted in the same way, a stunned gasp. Glancing over, it was clear that, even from behind, the being wasn’t Orkhid. The Changlings long reddish hair draped over the chair it was sat on. The guards surrounding the teenager immediately began to lower their weapons, intrigued to how the being had known…

***

*Setting: Janek and Sykes immediately rushed to the podium, ready to receive yet another bout of applause. Yet as Sykes opened his mouth to speak, he was interrupted by Ryan who placed his hand over the microphone and whispered in Sykes’ ear.*

Ryan: “There’s another one…”

Sykes looked into Ryans eyes, knowing he was probably right due to his accute sense of smell. He mouthed the words ‘where?’ to which Ryan replied.

Ryan: “I don’t know. It’s harder to locate, but there’s definatly another.”

Nodding, Sykes then whispered to Janek to take over as he then went off stage along with Ryan.

***

*Setting: Iraxx squinted at the large Tv screen of the customised Shrink as he attempted to see what the teenager was saying to Sykes. Intrigued to why it couldn’t be revealed to the audience. But as he did he was distracted by the female infront of him getting up and quickly hurrying to the door, notepaper in hand. Sensing something was awry, Iraxx stood and followed her, going through the large double doors and down the corridor. Seeing her turn right at the next junction, Iraxx quickly hurried forwards, not wanting to lose her in the maze of dull coloured hallways. However, he failed. As he turned he was graced with the image of an empty corridor and nothing more. Snarling, Iraxx slowly walked forwards, stopping when white powder from the ceiling landed on the shoulder of his leather jacket. Looking at it for a brief second, Iraxx then slowly turned his head upwards, gasping in shock as the female Scientist then dropped down on him, forcing him to the ground and stunning him briefly. She then got up and ran down the corridor, turning left which headed towards the exit.*

***

*Setting: Sat behind a small desk, two guards watched the 16 CCTV screens that were built into the grey plastic of the desk. Thus far they had seen nothing interesting and because of lack of funding the facility had, had, the CCTV camera’s had not been positioned everywhere. Seeing movement from one of the camera’s which was situated further down the corridor, one of the guards slowly stood up and walked around the front of his desk to look down the corridor. It was Iraxx, running towards him in a mad sprint. The guard recognised Iraxx as the “eyes and ears” of the Council and instantly saluted, though this practice was often forgotton.*

Guard: “Sir!!”

Iraxx: “Open the damn doors!! I need to contact my superiors immediately!!”

He hardly seemed out of breath, and instead seemed more irate. Looking up from the screens, the second guard nodded a ‘hello’ to him as he pushed the button which allowed the sealed, glass doors to open. Iraxx nodded a thankyou and began making his way to the door.

Voice: “STOP IT!! STOP IT NOW!! HIT THE F*CKING ALARM!!”

Turning the first guard looked down the corridor to see another Iraxx limping as quickly as he could to the door. The first Iraxx snarled lowly, glancing at the guard sat behind the desk and throwing himself on top of the desk so his stomach was on the flat of it. He then reached out, grabbed the back of the guards head with his right hand and with his left positioned his index and second finger infront of the beings eyes. In a second large, grey claws had jutted out from the tip of the fingers, piercing the guards eyes and shooting right through the head. The guards jaw dropped open and he shook slightly before going limp. Pushing himself off the desk the imposter then got into a fight stance, his long grey claw slowly revealing themselves from all his fingertips now. Stopping when they reached a size of 12-13 inches. Stepping back in shock, the guard attempted to move to the back of the desk to where his dead partner was, to where the alarm was, but as he did the being lunged at him. Piercing his throat with the claws on his right hand, he then repeatedly began stabbing the claws of his left hand into the guards chest and stomach. The guard choked in horror, feeling the sharp weapon-like claws dig into his skin, muscle and bone, searing into his Arteries, Lungs and Heart. Yanking the nails that had dug into the neck out, the being then kicked the body of the creature backwards and into the oncoming Iraxx who caught the body and staggered backwards with it before letting it fall. The imposter then turned and ran out the door and onto the facility grounds towards the car park. Iraxx took chase, running with effort as his muscles still ached from his prior battles. As he approached the first car he looked around it and sniffed the air softly, hoping to pick up the blood of the two dead Orkhids on the creatures claws.

Iraxx: “Heh, quite a stunt you pulled there. I’m impressed. Just one question though – how were you able to replicate my clothes?”

He said this quite loudly, hoping that the creature was fooled into thinking that Iraxx knew where it was and, would thus, come out – revealing its position. Although, the question he asked was a sincere one. No Changling, no matter how old they were, was capable of replicating clothing. Which is why most tended to stick to one form if they’re on a job. Moving slowly around the side of the car, Iraxx looked cautiously through the windows, hoping to catch a glimpse of it from the other side.
*Thump*
Iraxx staggered forwards, turning around briefly to see the clenched fist of his imposter self come towards him. The impact was direct and sent him falling backwards and onto his back. Trying to scramble to his feet, Iraxx was then subdued by a kick to the face which knocked him out cold. As the being looked down on him, it placed its foot on his neck and brought out a silver mobile phone out from its pocket. Flipping the top it then dialled in a number with its thumb as it looked at the unconcious Orkhid. Upon speaking into the phone, however, the being changed its voice, speaking in its normal voice which was, almost certainly, female.

Being: “It’s me. I’m outside the facility now…Yes, the experiment is interesting…Oh yes, yes they could…Now. Pick me up at the extraction point arranged in 15 minutes…”

There was a slight flash of purple in the dimly-lit dusky sky. Turning its head the imposter looked to were the light was emitted from, and although it was far away, it was clear it was from a Plasma rifle.

Being: “…What? Oh no, no complications. Just a few bumps that need to be straightened out…yeh, heh, I’ll get to it. Heh. I’ll see ya when I get back.”

With a flick of its wrist it flipped the phones top down and thus cut the signal. It then placed the phone in its pocket and looked down at the, now stirring, Iraxx.

Being: “You shouldn’t play with fire, little boy.”

Crouching down the creature smirked at Iraxx, still in his form. Hanging its left hand over his head, it then positioned its index finger and second finger over his eyes and slowly began to cause its grey claws to unsheathe. But as they neared his eyes the beings arm strangely pulled away. And the more it forced its arm down, the more its arm was tugged upwards.

Female voice: “Now, what would you know about playing with fire.”

The beings arm was pulled straight upwards, causing the being itself to stand, and as it heard the voice come from its left side, it turned in that direction, only to be graced with the image of another Orkhid. Female. Her hair black and eyes grey. It was Amber. The being snarled and attempted to step forwards to attack the female, but in doing so was forced back and into the car, telekinetically, as Amber shot out her left hand, holding it in place. Amber then stepped forwards, stepping over Iraxx’s body and glancing down at him. The imposter shifted form, morphing into Amber this time and staring the actual female in the eyes.

Amber: “Now come, do I strike you as the person to be phased by all of your shape-shifting hijinks? Hm?”

The beings expression faded slightly, and Amber smirked.

Amber: “I didn’t think so…”

Placing her right hand on the imposters chest, Amber felt its energy and, with a quick thought, caused it to sizzle into nothingness. Smallish blacky-red flames emerged from Ambers palm and slowly spread outwards in a ring. Turning the beings mid-section to a black ash, the intense flame continued spreading, running down the arms, legs and up the neck. The creature tried to cry out, but Amber used her majick to quieten it down and continued to watch as it was completely turned to black ash. The full figured form of the unique Changling stood in a statue of ash, fragile and delicate. Ambers hand was still placed on the beings mid-section and as she pulled it away the body began to crumble, the ash that fell, floated softly on the wind until the entire corpse was nothing but debris in the air. Something that nobody would think twice about. Amber then cast her eyeline down to Iraxx and sighed.

Amber: “I can tell you’re going to be high maintenance…”

She chuckled softly and then turned into the wind, disappearing in a mass of black flames.

***
Moments Earlier:
*Setting: Janek stood at the window of the office that had been loaned to him whilst the demonstration was underway. Everything he had brought had been packed and Ryan had been prepared for transport. Looking out at the orangey sky he watched a flock of Birds fly home. He smiled, lowering his black goggle-like glasses briefly. But even then the dusk light was too intense for his eyes. He squinted, stepping back uncomfortably and remembering how his eyes had come to be so ruined. He cursed Cornesh’ name. Wishing he had done more to stop him from gaining access to Aisha when he had appealed against his restraining order. Pushing his black goggles back up his nose and infront of his eyes, he looked out more comfortably now - even though he couldn’t see the true beauty of the sky, and it was merely a darkened red to him. Slowly he turned, stopping when he noticed a bright purple blast going skywards. A Plasma blast. He mumbled something incoherant. And studied the sky for a few seconds longer, finally he turned. Wanting to catch up with Sykes and enquire if they had found out who the second Changling was, if there was one. And also to find out where the first one was from…*

Useful links
Experimental Embryo's...
Growing up; Babies
Growing up; Toddlers
Growing up; Pre-teens
Growing up; Teens
Issues...
Issues resolved...
'Making amends'

(OOC: Feel free to point out random shtuffs if you want. Comments would be appreciated since this is a sort of important factor for some of my, un-introduced, characters. Especially when the storyline gets all weird and confuzzling with a certain somebodies offspring.)

[Jacob]

*Setting: Sykes and Janek stared in horror at the small, partially shattered, camera. They were both in a small operating theatre that was situated in the basement of the large facility that the conference had taken place in. Cabinets held operating equipment, large lights beamed a flood of white down on the operating table. The small tray that held all the medical supplies was now awash with black blood. The bonesaw now coloured black with bloodstain. 10 to 15 minutes had passed, the audience of Orkhid Scientists and Doctors had left, seemingly with the second Changling, and Ryan had been taken back to the place were he was created. His "home". Janek stepped away from the operating table, and the Changling's body, which was sprawled out on it. They had sliced into the head, cutting through the Skull with the saw and basically checking for any recording equipment on, or in, the being. They had found one. A camera - attached behind the left eye. At first glance they realised that there was a chance that the object was a mere recording device, that only when placed in the correct machinery would it show the demonstration in full practice. However, this was not the case, and instead they realised it was a specially created device that sent a live feed to it's designated receiving point...*

Janek: "Vho do you think is responsible?"

Janek took off the white, latex gloves which were now stained black. He then stepped over to a silver bin, pushed a small pedal to lift the lid and dropped them inside. A worried expression covering his face like a mask. Slowly Sykes shook his head from side to side. Worried about what the future was going to hold. The Orkhid race had many alliances with other species, most especially the Glukkons and Vykkers. However, if this little project was to get out, it would be almost inevitable that both species, as well as others, would want a part in it. And this is what worried Sykes the most. They could not have a tactical advantage in war, if other species had this advantage also.

Sykes: "I'm thinking 'hired help'..."

It was obvious what he meant. "Hired help" was what groups such as the Mafia called themselves. Or Assassin affiliation groups such as the 'D-fences' [ranging from D-00 to D-15] or the 'HHH'. However, even if they did know where the Changling came from, it'd be even harder to get any of the information back. Especially if they seemed desperate to get the recording back...like they were.

Janek: "Is there anyvay, anyvay at all, to get the information back?"

Once again Sykes shook his head, knowing full well that such information would be hard to get ahold of. Even if they did pay an excessive amount for it.

Sykes: "No. That information is gone. The best we can hope for is that something happens to it along the way. Needless to say it’s best that the Council don’t find out about this. We don’t know who the head Councillor is yet, and until we find out I suggest we tactfully hide this information from him. Until we know for sure how he will react."

Janek: "Indeed."

He glanced down at the corpse again, before stepping round to the back of the table and wheeling it out of the double doors – and towards the incinerator.

***

*Setting: Iraxx slowly clambered to his feet, rubbing his jaw from where the attacker had kicked him. The sky was darker now, and the moons where more prominent than before. Reaching over to the cars side mirror he clasped it and pulled himself up, feeling weary after his failed fight. Looking around he tried to keep his feet. The world around him seemed blurred. The ground was becoming one with the sky and the sky mixing in with the stars. The conference building seemed nothing more than a shimmering haze, and upon looking down he saw a white strand of mist protruding from the centre of his body, waving gently as if in water. It stretched about 6-7 inches in front of him, before gently shrinking back into his chest. He coughed nervously, blinking a couple of times as he looked around. The feeling of nausea accompanied the gentle blurred effect but as the seconds passed so did the experience until he felt quite normal again. Still, the Changling had disappeared and he was, thankfully, still alive. Turning towards the building he slowly approached it, limping steadily as he did and wincing in pain in unison. He wondered how many minutes had passed since he had been knocked unconscious, but more so wondered who’s car it was that was parked in the carpark.*

***

*Setting: Slowly walking towards the exit, Janek and Sykes talked about what they were going to do regarding the fact that their conference had been infiltrated and certain, top secret, information stolen by an untraceable source. Of all the lies and excuses they came up with, they kept on coming back to one in particular – blaming/framing somebody else. At first they thought it might be hard, but after thinking about it some more, they realised that if they worked together and, possibly, bribed some others they could get away with it. As they continued to talk, Iraxx stepped through the entrance door, a half-surprised look on his face as he realised that the main doors were unlocked. However, Iraxx’s expression was nothing compared to the two Doctors’.*

Sykes: "Commandor Iraxx, sir, w-what are you doing here?"

Iraxx looked at the Doctor suspiciously, noting his nervousness and shifty nature. His cohort on the other hand looked calm. Well, calmer.

Iraxx: "My taxi hasn’t come…"

He lied. His pride was damaged enough without him going into a detailed account of being knocked unconscious by a Changling. Besides, it would’ve thrown up more questions and Iraxx really didn’t feel like answering any…

Janek: "You vant a ride, Commandor?"

Janek smiled fakely, trying to put across a good impression. For it was Iraxx who was going to report to the Council and tell them if the project was going ahead well or not. The Commandor nodded and stepped outside, holding the door for the two Scientists. Slowly they both stepped out, Janek first as Sykes had to tap in the security code next to the door which, not only set the alarm, but turned all power off in the building.

Janek: "My car’s over there, Commandor. If you vant to get in, you can. Here’s the keys, I just need to speak vith Doctor Sykes for a moment."

He handed Iraxx the keys, who then slowly turned and limped off in the direction of the only car in the carpark. The car, that he assumed, was Janeks.

Janek: "So, are ve really going to not tell anybody? Just ignore the fact that some top secret information has been stolen?!"

Janek stared down at his medical partner, his eyes searing into him from behind his darkened shades. Sykes slowly stroked his chin with his thumb and forefinger, thinking quietly to himself as he watched Iraxx limp towards Janeks car.

Sykes: "Yes…That’s exactly what we must do. We can’t tell anyone, not until we can either get the information back or blame somebody else."

Janek stepped back, nodding slowly. He knew Iraxx was going to ask questions, query if the Changling was working alone or not and if they had found anything. He even knew there was a possibility of him asking to see the body or autopsy reports. The latter being non-existent and the former being eradicated.

Janek: "Vell, if that is the vay it has to be. Do you need a ride? I didn’t see your car in the carpark."

Sykes slowly shook his head and began walking backwards in the opposite direction.

Sykes: "I’m being picked up, thanks."

He then turned around and walked towards the edge of the building, where he disappeared around the corner and into the night, leaving Janek to drive Iraxx to his destination.

***

*Setting: The smallish car trundled smoothly through the air, the large fan underneath making a soft ‘whirring’ sound. Looking out of the window, Iraxx looked down at the woodland below him, remembering the blast of Plasma energy that had beamed into the air. As he did this he thought, wondering why there was no sign of life down below. Wondering why, if it was an Orkhid training exercise, there was no sign of training going on. As the car slowly sailed by a treeless patch of land, Iraxx squinted into the vague darkness, only lit by the Moonshine. He could see, what seemed to be, a body. Burning slightly in the smoke.*

Iraxx: "Stop the car, there’s something down there…"

He grabbed Janeks left arm, squeezing it slightly to show his urgentness. Quickly Janek slammed the car into hover mode, obeying his superior.

Janek: "Vhat is it?"

He wound down his window and then leant out, peering down into the blackness. The added darkness of his sunglasses however made it almost impossible to see anything. Especially since the headlights didn’t point directly downwards.

Iraxx: "I don’t know, just lower the car…slowly."

The Consultant did as he was told. Lowering, and turning, the car clockwise as he did so. In a couple of minutes the car was grounded and Iraxx had stepped out, carefully walking over to the burning lump of flesh.

Iraxx: "Do you have a weapon at all?"

He asked this question expecting a "No". But as he turned briefly to face Janek, who was also getting out of the car, was pleasantly surprised. Janek was gripping a black 9mm, although what he was doing with it was puzzling, as technically Scientists and Doctors were not trained to use such firearms.

Iraxx: "Give it to me."

He turned back quickly to the body whilst holding out his right hand towards Janek, who quickly ran around the car and placed the gun in his gloved hand. Cocking the weapon, Iraxx then wandered over to the body. It was now clear it was lying on a campfire, the fire practically dying due to the lifeless body suffocating it. In parts, the being, who was clearly an Orkhid, was still burning. The torso was still lit slightly, as well as the top legs and right arm. Fortunatly, for identification purposes, the face was intact. And it was this fact which shocked Iraxx the most. The bright Moonshine made the males appearance paler, but Iraxx was certain in his mind of who it was. Tobias Acrangle. The Assassin he had hired around a year and a half ago to find out more information on Cyrus and his deeds whilst detached from the Orkhid Regime. He had gone missing for months on end, only turning up five or six months back where the Council then classified him as a “lost cause” and ordered him to be left to die as the Vykkers Airship impacted with the building he was restrained in. Nobody dared to believe that he was alive and, well, nobody actually knew. Infact, Iraxx had nearly forgotton all about him. Wandering around to where his head was, Iraxx then grasped Tobias’ left shoulder and dragged him off the fire. Stamping on any flames that decided to burst into life. Ash and burnt wood sizzled and hissed, embers glowing brightly in the dark air and whirling around briefly before settling softly.

Iraxx: "I-I can’t believe it. He escaped. The bastard escaped…"

Crouching down he looked at the lifeless face of Tobias, slightly twisted in an agonising feature. But as Iraxx looked at the being he once thought was long dead in amazement, Janek had slowly wandered over to, what seemed to be another body. Another corpse. This time a female. She was a couple of metres away from Tobias, with a Sniper Rifle not far from her left hand.

Janek: "Vhat the Hell is this…?"

He cocked his head to the right slightly, lowering himself down slowly in a crouching position as he slowly removed his shades and squinted at the Reptile-like beast. It’s hair was shoulder length and a tail sprouted from it’s rear. Large, Bat-like wings came from its back and its mouth was quite snout-ish. It was clear this was no Orkhid being, yet, there was something Orkhid-like about it. Something Janek couldn’t quite put his finger on. Moving away from the deceased Tobias, Iraxx then walked over to this new being. Once again being taken aback as he realised this too was another one of his hired hands. The first one, however, Sasha. The being who he had ordered to kill all known creatures related to the Cyrus incident, and once she did, he knocked her unconscious. Experiment after experiment was taken out on the poor being, until it was finally revealed that she was 50% Orkhid, 25% Reptilian and another 25% Unknown. Because of the fact she was a Half-breed, the Orkhids wanted nothing to do with her, and instead sold her to the Vykkers – claiming she was some kind of new specie. In a space of 30 seconds, Iraxx had seen two beings he had hired. Two he had broken his promises to. And both were somehow linked to Cyrus. The gentle moan from the lifeless female caused the Commandor to jump back in shock, pointing his gun at the beasts head and waiting until he was sure she was alive and it wasn’t some kind of after-death occurrence.

Janek: "Vhat are you doing!? This-This is a new specie!! Vhy vould you vant to ki…"

Iraxx: "This isn’t a new specie – this is a f*cking crossbreed. Part Orkhid and part f*cking Reptilian. If she’s alive I’m finishing the job the Vykkers failed to do…"

Another moan came from the body, followed by the cocking of the 9mm Iraxx steadily gripped.

Janek: "Vait! If she’s half Orkhid, that means some of her organs might be vorth storing. You shoot it nov and ve lose vital organs that ve may need!!"

Iraxx: "And if I don’t, she could end up killing me and the Council for shafting her."

Janek: "That von’t happen, Commandor!! She vill be kept in confinement. Make the Council put her in Asylum 320 if you must, just don’t kill it yet. Not until I have had chance to see if her organs are useable."

Stirring, Sasha began moving her arms. Slowly pushing herself up on all fours as her wings slowly retracted. Her left wing twitching in pain slightly as the burn from the fire seemed to bite into her again.

Janek: "She’ll never see the light of day again, Commandor. Please!"

Part of Janek’s pleading was to do with saving the organs of her, but part of it was due to him wanting to poke around in a new creature. Prod a Half-breed and treat a new being with the disdain he had treated the defected children with. Backing away from the rousing creature, Janek alternated his line of sight from Sasha, to Iraxx, to Sasha again. And as the being slowly pushed herself to her knee’s, the sharp blow of a clenched fist hit the right side of her face. Knocking her out cold once again.

Iraxx: "Hurry up and call for secure transport. Before I change my mind…"

Useful links;
Freedom
Unwanted happenings...

[Jacob]

*Setting: Abraham sat comfortably, drinking his coffee and watching passers by go about their daily routine as he spoke to his fiancé on the phone. He was taking advantage of his recently acquired position, and had given himself some much needed time off. He was now relaxing in a coffee bar, sat at one of the tables next to the window, he stared intently as hovercars gently flew past.*

Abraham: "No - they don't suspect a thing. Apparently the Assassin made an amateurish job of the kill, and forensics found a strand of hair from Adele Morgan at the scene. God knows how that got there, but it's, probably, thanks to that, that i got the job."

He spoke confidently, yet quietly, not wanting any of the Cartel staff to overhear him as he spoke. For nobody quite knew he was taking over from Gianni yet, and thus he had to keep a low profile until the big dinner.

Abraham: "No, Kowloon said that the Assassin had left the paperwork in her locker. So i'm guessing that the Council thought that the murderer was Adele and hired me in hopes that i'll be next...Hm? No, don't worry, sweetness. I've got the boys covering my back. Heh."

As he said this he turned and looked over his shoulder, sitting a couple of seats behind him were a group of three Orkhids, all dressed in plain clothes. These were Abrahams most loyal and trusted friends, and they looked upto him much like they would a father. All three of them looked prepared and ready to move, and although they weren't as bulky as their superior, they were definatly as deadly.

Abraham: "Really? You should buy it then - it's not like we can't afford it, besides, we have a dinner to go to in a couple of nights, so you'll be able to wear it then."

A faint smile grew across his face as he listened to his fiancé on the other end of the phone. He knew that the first couple of months were going to be hard, he'd have to watch his back for Wyles and Jaxxson, who would be by no means happy that 11 of their friends and collegues had been brutally despatched. As his fiancé carried on talking about the dresses she had seen in a few other shops, Abraham drank the last of his coffee and stood up, walking to the exit. Reaching into the back pocket of his combats, he pulled out a $5 note and slammed it down on top of the till as he walked past, not bothering about the change. Walking out, Abraham then strided gently to his car and prepared himself for work - having a feeling it was going to be a long and hard day.

***

*Setting: Standing up wearily, Alexie wandered gently over to the toilet, ruffling his long, black hair as he did so. Opening the door, he slowly turned on the light and yawned, squinting as the sudden brightness caused his eyes to ache for a couple of seconds. Turning on the cold water tap, he then ran his left hand underneath it, hunched over the sink and splashed the water on his face. Attempting to wake himself up for work. He yawned once more, looking around the smallish bathroom for his toothbrush and toothpaste.*

Alexie: "Amelia, have you seen my toothbrush and toothpaste?"

He shouted through into the bedroom, poking his head around the corner of the door as he did so. Stirring in her slumber, the female Mudokon raised her head groggily.

Amelia: "Hm? What?"

Gently pulling the duvet to her side of the bed, she wrapped it around herself, only leaving her head visible.

Alexie: "My toothbrush and toothpaste, you seen them?"

Nodding slowly she then rolled over to her side.

Amelia: "Check the drawer on your side of the bed, you were brushing your teeth last night in bed, you might've put them in there."

Wandering back through the bedroom, only wearing his grey boxers, he then began rummaging through the bedside drawer. Finally he found them, the toothpaste top oozing its white, minty substance. He couldn’t remember much of last night, only that, once again, he had been utterly wasted. Picking up his toothbrush and paste, he then wandered through into the bathroom again, ran the bristles of the toothbrush under the cold water and squeezed a large amount of toothpaste on them, he then proceeded to brush his teeth.
The bar was partially empty, only the few regulars lounged around, drinking their alcoholic beverages as they leered at the barmaids talking behind the bar. Stepping into the bar area from the back of the room, Alexie slowly made his way towards the bar, ready for work. He was wearing a pair of old jeans and a white t-shirt. Both were bought for him by the bartender who, also owned the bar, as were any other necessary items he now owned. Smiling groggily as he walked towards the bar, he nodded and acknowledgement to the bartender, who in turn nodded back.

Bartender: "You have a good night last night?"

He said this with a faint smile, knowing full well that he did, but also knowing that the same thing would probably happen later in the day. Alexie nodded a reply, smirking as a flashback flickered before his eyes. He was thankful to the bartender, he didn’t really have to give Alexie a job. Nor did he have to give him a place to live. But he had done. More importantly, however, he gave Alexie the means to forget memories past. And even though certain flickers of violence still managed to creep into his mind every so often, these occurances were becoming less and less frequent, and for that, Alexie was greatful.

Alexie: "So, what’s there to do today?"

Bartender: "We have a new order of Ale coming in shortly, fifteen barrels, plus fifteen crates of Vodka. If you could sign for them and bring them in, it’d be a great help."

Alexie nodded, knowing full well that he was the strongest out of all the bar staff and that he would cut the usual time it took to bring the alcohol in, in half.

Bartender: "How’s Midian? She settling in okay?"

Alexie’s eyes flicked to the eyes of the Mudokon bartender, staring intently into them as he tried to work out what exactly he had said, and if it was what he had thought it was.

Alexie: "W…What?"

He swallowed hard, his throat and mouth suddenly drying up quicker than a drop of water in a desert.

Bartender: "Amelia, is she settling in okay? It must be hard, you know, starting a new relationship. A new life, practically. How is she taking it?"

A sudden unease was quickly relieved from Alexie's Heart, even though merely thinking of her name was still making his Heart flutter like a frightened Bird in a moving cage. It was getting to the stage so that he couldn't even muster a smile when thinking of her, still stricken with guilt over leaving her behind.

Alexie: "S-She’s good, yeah. Hanging in there. Heh."

He mustered a nervous chuckle, before being startled by the clattering of glass' being placed on the bartop next to him. The Slig glass collector turned and nodded Alexie a 'hello' before going to the next table which was cluttered with glass' and picking them up.

Bartender: "You okay, Alexie? You look a bit pale. Though, I can’t blame you, the amount you drank last night…"

Alexie nodded a reply, sluggishly walking over to a nearby chair and then sitting on it, rubbing his brow with the back of his hand, and realising just how much he was actually sweating.

(OOC: Bit crap, not alot of action, unlike the other version, but i think it's better than the last, since the last just had something utterly dire about it. Sorry for the change!!)

[Jacob]

Above [part 3] has been edited due to crappyness. Feel free to read again, apologies in advance!!

[Jacob]

*Setting: Abraham looked out of the window, watching as hovercars flew gently by, the drivers and passengers showing not a care in the world. He was situated on the top floor of the Councils building. The Councils chambers being at the bottom floor, whilst all the other floors were being used for a number of different reasons, and by a number of different specie. Ranging from Glukkons who wanted to talk about expanding their business', to Lawyers who wanted to sort out a case. The window he was looking out of was his, personal, office. An office he bought from a Lawyer for a reasonable amount. It was large, roomy and was already decorated with artwork. The table was black mahogany and the chair was black leather with a swivel function. The room itself was quite dark, the walls a deep red colour and the carpets an even deeper shade of red. The lights were small, but fitting for the room of such atmosphere. As Abraham watched the world go by, he slowly turned and walked over to a large, abstract, painting. Stopping when a loud knock on the door distracted him.*

Abraham: "Come in."

The door opened slightly, revealing Iraxx. He was alone. And the side of his face was graced with a hefty black and brown bruise.

Iraxx: "I got a message at reception to come up here, who are you? What do you want?"

Abraham gestured for Iraxx to take a seat, which he did. Slowly he sat in a large, black leather chair, the arms and legs of it silver. Abraham then slowly marched to his seat and took it, lowering himself slowly as he looked at Iraxx' bruise.

Abraham: "Commandor Elsiben Iraxx?"

He said this as he opened a large drawer under his desk, bringing out a large brown folder and tossing it onto the desk. On the folder the Commandors name was apparent. Wrote in red writing. As Iraxx nodded a vague answer, Abraham then opened the folder and took out a vast amount of sheets. He slowly began to flip through them.

Abraham: "Just so you know, Commandor. I'm Councillor Abraham Conrad. I will be taking the place of Councillor Gianni Vakesh."

He glanced up quickly, awaiting to see the look on Iraxx's face. It was one of vague shock.

Iraxx: "W-What exactly happened to Councillor Gianni? Why have you replaced him?"

Abraham raised his left, silvery eyebrow. Shocked that the Commandor hadn't heard or read the news.

Abraham: "You haven't seen the news, Commandor? Councillor Gianni was murdered."

As he said this he lay the contents of the folder out on the black table, spreading them out and then reading the highlighted bits.

Iraxx: "What?! B-But who!? How did they...my God."

Iraxx began shifting uneasily, awaiting his superiors reply.

Abraham: "Forensics have found a strand of Mz Morgans DNA. As of yet the Press do not know about this piece of evidence and, obviously, we would prefare it kept that way. I haven't had the chance to inform other Orkhid bases yet, either. Something i will be needing from you, after our meeting."

Iraxx: "C-Certainly...sir. Certainly."

He added "sir" quickly. Remembering that his place among the Council was, somewhat, at stake.

Abraham: "I've been reading your Personal file, Commandor. It's impressive...in parts."

As he was speaking his eyes scanned one of the papers, looking up at the Commandor as he said the last two words.

Abraham: "When i heared that a mere Commandor was the Councils eyes and ears, i was shocked. Wanting to get somebody better trained for the job, but when i found out why you got this privilage, i must say, it was well deserved."

The left corner of Iraxx's mouth raised slightly in a kind of nervous smile.

Abraham: "However, your work seems to be falling behind, as of late. At first it was mere mishaps, few and far between. The main one that stands out being the Cyrus Conrad incident. How he ever managed to escape Orkhid grasp is beyond my comprehension. But now we do not know where he is, or if he is still alive."

Bowing his head in shame, Iraxx nodded.

Abraham: "You sent out Bounty hunters and Assassins. One of whom ended up in an Asylum and the other sold to Vykkers."

Iraxx raised his left hand slightly in the air.

Iraxx: "Sir, if i may. We did actually tie up both those loose ends, sir. Tobias Acrangle is...dead. Whereas Doctor Janek he, err, he took Sasha back with him. Said he was going to see if her organs were harvestable."

Abraham: "Tobias Acrangle? I-Is he related to Corrack Acrangle at all?"

Abraham stared at Iraxx intently, his cold, blue eyes sending chills down the Commandor's back.

Iraxx: "I'm not sure. I don't think so, sir. Tobias Acrangle was a lone Assassin, known only through word of mouth."

The Councillor steadily nodded, a thoughtful look still gracing his face like a mask. He then looked back down at the sheets of paper, reading them quickly.

Abraham: "And you say that Sasha is being dealt with, yes?"

Once again, Iraxx nodded.

Abraham: "Your dealing with the Witch is an impressive read, Commandor. Shows you're quick thinking, resourceful. Shame about losing Alexie. As of yet, Commandor, i have not been able to send another wave of Soldiers to scan the area, i hope you can take some time to do so, for me. It would be much appreciated."

Iraxx: "Yes, sir. No problem."

Abraham: "Hmmm, remarks here, from members of the Council, state that you are "bone idle" and "lazy". They remark on the Satellite project, in which they knew nothing about. And also comment on the project involving the enhanced Orkhids, which i have heard had a demonstration as of late, in which you attended. Correct?"

Iraxx nodded as Abraham gestured for him to elaborate.

Iraxx: "W-Well, sir. It was mainly about the fighting skills of one of the enhanced, sir. Showing how he was capable of taking on multiple opponants at once. Although, there was an incident involving a Changling...she was killed, sir. The creature on demonstration seemingly smelt her, and shot her with 100% accuracy."

Sitting back on his chair, the Councillor rubbed his chin, thoughtfully. Intrigued by the incident.

Abraham: "Was there any security camera's around at all? To capture the scene?"

Iraxx: "Many down the corridors, sir. None in the actual conferrence roo..."

He stopped, realising something dire. The Changling that had attacked him had changed into him...the security camera's had caught this. Both of the security guards at the door had also been dispatched and left, yet he clearly remembered when he had entered the compound again, that there were no bodies and no sign of any one moving them...his Heart began to pound as his mind raced.

Abraham: "Are you okay, Commandor?"

Iraxx slowly nodded, moistening his lips with his tongue.

Abraham: "Okay, well, try if you can, Commandor, to obtain the tapes of the corridors. Along with the Changlings body."

Rifling through the few pages towards the end of the table, Abraham checked to see if there was anything else he had missed. Realising he had covered the main points he had wanted to ask at that time, he scooped up all the papers, shuffled them neatly, and then placed them back into the folder.

Abraham: "Commandor, may i ask you a rather personal question?"

Iraxx nodded, rubbing his palms on his black trousers as the Councillor spoke.

Abraham: "When you killed your father, what award did you expect to recieve?"

Iraxx gulped, forcing himself to look in the Councillors eyes as he replied.

Iraxx: "I-I was hoping for a place among the Council, sir. Hoping that, that maybe they would make an exception. Make me the 14th member."

Abraham smiled, linking his fingers together.

Abraham: "And you still wish for that, don't you Commandor? Well, i'm sorry to disappoint, but there will be no 14th member. Nor a 13th. As Councillor Wyles and Jaxxson found out, there will now be five Councillors. Two, will be new, females infact."

He watched Iraxx's reaction with a certain pleasure, smirking at the Commandors shock of two main traditions being violently thrown out of the window.

Abraham: "There will be a meeting later on in the day, Commandor. It will start at 1:15pm and will cover many changes that are due to happen under my command, but also covers the events for tonights dinner. I will see you then. You may leave."

He gestured towards the door, opening the drawer where he had stored Iraxx's file and placed it back in there, awaiting for Iraxx to leave before bringing out another folder. Larger this time, with a red ribbon around it. Undoing the ribbon he then opened it up and riffled through the contents. It was a file which stored all of the files of Cyrus' known Soldiers, who had accompanied him when he had abandoned the regime. Bringing out a file, similar to Iraxx's he flipped it open and took out some of the papers. Muttering as he read.

Abraham: "Corrack Acrangle...Married...Two children...one died...one M.I.A...Ellison...Tobias..."

He had found what he had needed. Tobias Acrangle was indeed related to Corrack Acrangle. In the folder it stated that whilst Tobias was out, fighting in the Reptilian-Orkhid war, he went missing. The paper also commented on him being harrassed the last couple of days he was seen. Abraham placed the papers down and ran both hands through his short, prickly hair. If this was true, it meant that Iraxx had acted in gross negligence. Not only that, but he was punishable by death...

[Jacob]

*Setting: Iraxx limped quickly down the narrow corridor that led to the Council chambers. Strangely, he was nervous. Something he had never felt before when going to the Council, even when he had first stepped into the large, dark room. The two guards at the end of the corridor stood, backs straight, visors down, facing him as he quickly made his way towards the large double doors. As he neared they opened the doors, closing them sharply behind him.*

Abraham: "Ahh, Commandor. I'm glad you've arrived early."

He was sat in the head Councillors chair. Iraxx slowly moved to the nearest chair, his chair. Pulling it away from the table, he then slowly sat down.

Iraxx: "It's only just gone 1:15. I thought this was when the meeting was due to start, sir."

Abraham slowly climbed to his feet, pushing himself up with his large, muscular arms. He then walked around the table and towards the small mini-bar at the back of the room. Grabbing two small glass', Abraham then began to pour Whiskey in them from a large, glass jug. He then picked up these glass', handed one to Iraxx and then took a seat next to him.

Abraham: "Yes, for you it does, Commandor. For you it does."

He smiled, downing his drink in one go and slamming the glass on the table as the drink flowed down his throat.

Abraham: "Have you ordered a second search party to find Alexie yet?"

Iraxx: "Yes, sir. I've widened the radias of the search patrol as well, hopefully we'll at least pick up his trail."

Abraham smiled softly, nodding his head in support of his initiative.

Abraham: "And what of the Changlings body?"

Slowly Iraxx sipped the Whiskey, gently shaking his head as he stared worriedly into Abrahams eyes. A lone eyebrow was raised and Abraham sat back on his chair, drumming his fingers on the table.

Abraham: "Hmmm, that is okay, so long as you do it as soon as the meeting is over. And whilst you speak to one of the Medical staff, ask when a new demonstration will be given. From what you've said, the latest one was merely a demonstration of fighting prowess, and nothing of real achievement."

Iraxx gulped down the Whiskey, swallowing it quickly as he felt it burn his throat on its way to his stomach. He then nodded quickly, placing the glass down as he gave a small cough. Abraham smiled, giving Iraxx a friendly pat on the shoulder as he picked up the glass' and stood, walking over to the mini-bar to return them from where they came. But as he did he stopped, and without turning to Iraxx he spoke.

Abraham: "Oh, Commandor, i did a bit of research myself. Apparently Tobias Acrangle is Corrack Acrangle's son. And apparently, he's also a deserter."

The Commandor suddenly became increasingly nervous, slowly he turned, opening his mouth to speak.

Abraham: "He, apparently, managed to get into one of the Orkhid bases and implant a small Virus into the Orkhid Archives. Destroying all data of, not only himself, but other Orkhid personel. This is probably why his name didn't arouse suspicion, Commandor. But, you should have, and you WILL do in the future, done a check with the Orkhid Medical Council, who have his name on their own database."

He gently placed the glass' down on the mini-bar and turned to Iraxx, his expression seemingly twisted with hate. This shocked the Commandor, for Abraham had only just being smiling happily and being nice before turning into this...this hatefilled being.

Abraham: "Eyewitness' have said that Tobias killed his Commanding Officer, along with some of his squadron, before running from the battlefield. Needless to say, you could have apprehended him when you called him into your office."

Iraxx: "B-But..."

Abraham: "QUIET!!"

He grabbed ahold of Iraxx' chair and span it around so it faced him, he then placed both of his hands on the arms of the chair and leaned in, his face seething with fury.

Abraham: "Through Tobias' actions, one of my close friends was killed. Ripped apart by those foul, gut-devouring beasts. He could've been brought to justice, Commandor. But through your negligence, he wasn't."

Iraxx pushed himself back, trying to move away from the red face of Abraham. But as he did so he felt an overwhelming surge of energy pass through him. Abraham's voice steadily trailed off, and his face began to steadily blur out. Iraxx squinted, trying to keep his superior in focus, trying to listen to what he was saying.

Female voice: "Elsiben Iraxx."

Iraxx turned his head to the right, everything seemed to go in slow motion. The voice was haunting, but something told him it was incredibly familiar. The room around him was no longer a room, it was a blur. Like a moist painting, which had, had a hand ran across it.

Ethereal voice: "You have...died (died)...Your Soul is a decayed (decayed) wreck...wrapped in the thorns...You have no (no) life. No...real..."

The voice seemed to get louder and quieter, he kept on missing certain words, whilst other words echoed softly. A wave of energy passed over him again, a bright light suddenly flashing into his eyes.

Iraxx: "H-Hello?"

His voice seemed distorted, unreal. Echoeing for half a second before falling silent.

Female voice: "No power? Heh, no pow..."

The Commandor called out again, shouted loudly, as loud as he possibly could. He didn't know what was happening, didn't know where he was. The voices droned on, like the wind whispering callously, only allowing him to hear certain, unimportant, words.

Female voice: "...phin (phin), yes?"

Iraxx: "Where am i!?"

He tried to stand, but his body felt as if it had suddenly become paralysed. He tried to force his hand up, failing as the weight being put upon him was incredible. He squirmed, his eyes shooting across the mass blur of nothingness.

Female voice: "...track then, eh?"

*Shatter*
The feeling of glass shards ripping at his entire being washed across him as if he was taking a shower in glass. He screamed out, his voice distorting in a fierce and terrifying fashion. The feeling of his guts being mangled and lashed at took ahold, he would've doubled up in pain, if only he could move. His eyes were blinded by a remarkably bright light, he clenched his eyes shut, hoping to block it out, but failed. Images began to swirl around before his eyes, like moving photographs being scattered from the roof of a tall building. He tried to distract himself from the pain, catching quick glimpses of them as they flashed past. One was of him, his head wrapped with a large white bandage. A few more flickered past, too fast for him to see, then he caught a glimpse of another, it was of a tall black haired female. Sleek and slender and of Orkhid origin. He heard the words 'I love you' echoe in the images, felt the strange pain of someone ripping his Heart out and then...
*Clatter*
Abraham was stood looking down at him, now accompanied by Wyles and Jaxxson, and also two females. Who he assumed where the new Councillors. He blinked his eyes, he was lying on the floor, sweat pouring off him and a pounding headache seemingly gnawing at his brain. He tried to speak, tried to figure out what had just happened. Looking to his right and past the legs of Wyles, he saw a largish strand of whiteness, wriggling around furiously, electricity wrapping around it, before it was steadily absorbed into the floor.

Abraham: "Don't move, Commandor. A Doctor is coming soon, don't worry."

He looked up at Abraham, his voice had lost its viciousness and had a certain warmth to it now. Whether this was real or fake, Iraxx was unsure. But as he tried to remember the images he had seen, tried to recall what was going on, he suddenly realised that they were slipping from him. It was like he was trying to grab ahold of smoke with just his hands, the images were merely dispersing into nothingness, and as he tried harder, he gently blacked out.

[Jacob]

*Setting: Alexies muscles tensed, his hands gripping the underside of the large, metal barrel of Ale as he slowly struggled to stand up straight. His long, sleek black hair shining in the bright light as it ran down his back. The only clothing he wore, a pair of denim shorts, fraying at the ends. His bare feet stumbled around briefly, trying to position themselves in a stance that would take all the weight of the large, heavy barrel. Resting his chin on the top of the container, he then proceeded to walk around from the side of the building, where quite a few crates and barrels were left, and to head towards the large, saloon-like, doors. As he slowly pushed the doors open, the soft music of the jukebox graced his ears and as he neared the bar, he quickly placed the barrel down on the floor, standing up straight again and rubbing the small of his back. Glancing around the tables, he noticed that a few of the regulars were wearily getting to their feet. Some stumbling over chairs and tables as they made their way to the exit, mumbling incoherently.*

Bartender: "Alexie, do us a favour will you, make sure that lot don't go and try and drive home. Take their keys off of them, we'll give them back once they've sobered up abit."

The Orkhid nodded, wandering quickly over to the nearest drunk and asking for the creatures keys. As he did this, Amelia steadily walked from the doorway that led to where she stayed, wearing a white t-shirt and denim shorts, much like Alexie's. As she headed towards the bar, the bartender turned to her, picking up a dirty glass and polishing it with a grey cloth.

Bartender: "Don't hurt him, Amelia. From the sounds of it, he's had enough heartbreak as it is, he doesn't need you messing him around."

He glanced over at Alexie, who was now trying to prise the fingers of a Saurian away from his car keys.

Amelia: "What are you going on abo..."

Bartender: "I've heard you on your mobile, and i'd bet my livelihood on who i think it is. If you're thinking of going back to him, go, just don't lead the Orkhid on."

He placed the glass down, giving Amelia a stern look. The Mudokon shrugged off his acqusations and placed a $10 bill on the bar top.

Amelia: "Get me a Scotch, barman - and leave me to live my life."

***

*Setting: The room seemed to beep steadily as the Commandor slowly opened his eyes, and sound flooded his ears. Large white curtains were drawn around his bed, the ceiling was a bright white, matching the bedspread. Moving his hands steadily to the sides of the bed, he gripped it softly and attempted to push himself into a sitting-up position. Wincing in pain as a sharp stab of agony swept across his torso. He looked down, small pads attached to wires, which were in turn attached to Heart monitoring machines, were stuck on his chest. Four in total. Iraxx let his head relax, turning his head to the right and looking at his bedside draws, on which a glass of water stood. These past months seemed to be jinxed for the Commandor. Nothing seemed to be going right, and when it did, a great deal of pain was somewhere amongst the happiness. He thought for a second, trying to think back to when his bad luck began. Adele immediatly sprang to mind, closely followed by Midian. These two were the most likely causes for his bad luck streak, Midian could have easily cursed him, whereas Adele could have got the Demons she was working for to taint him. He thought for a few seconds, pondering whether or not to fight majick with majick, to fight the supernatural with the supernatural, but as he thought more, he realised that if Council found out about this, they were sure to execute him. And he had already given Abraham enough reason to do that. As he slowly tried to lose his pain in thought, the large curtain infront of him was quickly parted, revealing a female Orkhid dressed in a completly black suit, with her white shirt undeneath, unbuttoned partway, revealing a gorgeous red ruby on the end of a silver chain. The female looked familiar, and as she parted a few strands of her blood red fringe out of her face, these being the only strands of a different colour, since the rest of her hair was black, and approached Iraxx, he remembered. She was one of the new Councillors. Her green eyes staring at him intently, her face soft and fair and her lips small and tender. Passing by the end of the bed, she reached out her right hand and grasped his medical chart, holding it up as she quickly skimmed through it. Muttering something to herself.*

Female: "Tell me, Commandor. What exactly happened back in the chambers?"

She said this without looking at him, awaiting his response as she carried on reading the chart, flicking through some of the pages.

Iraxx: "I-I don't know, exactly. I think i must've fainted."

He never mentioned the voices he heard, the last thing he needed was to be put in an insane asylum. She sat down on the bed, crossing her legs and unintentionally causing her black skirt to ride up abit, revealing some more of her thigh. She then placed the chart down and looked at him, deeply, in the eyes.

Female: "Commandor, i'm not afraid of Abraham as much as the other Councillors are. Infact, the only feeling that he invokes when i see him, is one of nausea."

She smiled vaguely, giving Iraxx the impression that she was trying to comfort him somewhat.

Female: "So, with that in mind, you are free to tell me if he...harmed you in anyway. Abraham is renowned for his short temper, Commandor. And now he is "top dog", so to speak, he will see this as an opportunity to run riot. And, as pleased as i am, that he decided to choose two women for the open Council positions, i don't exactly want him tainting the Councils reputation with his primitive barbarism."

Iraxx was getting a slight unease about the conversation, she seemed eager to oust Abraham for his misdemeanors, giving the impression she had her sights set on his position. Iraxx shifted uneasily in his bed, unable to escape her glaring eyes.

Female: "So, did he, Commandor?"

Iraxx thought for a moment, could he lie? If he did, what would happen to him? Best case scenerio is that Abraham would be ejected from the chambers and demoted back to General. Although, this was a double edged sword...as Abraham would surely find out about his lying and have him killed. But even if he didn't, his own job among the Council would be at stake, especially with the new revelation of Tobias.

Iraxx: "No, Ma'am."

He told the truth, speaking quickly so that he didn't have time to change his mind. The female looked disappointed, slowly she stood up, brushing down her suit. Nodding to him, she smiled vaguely and turned.

Iraxx: "Oh, erm, Councillor, i didn't catch your name. W-Who are you?"

He moistened his lips nervously, wondering if she would take offense to this or not, as she was already leaving quite abruptly at the fact Iraxx hadn't told her anything incriminating.

Female: "I'm Councillor Mormolia Caleen, Commandor. Nice talking with you."

She said the last few words with a hint of bitterness and without turning, and in the blink of an eye, she had gone.

***

*Setting: Janek stood infront of the mirror in his bathroom, topless, staring. His goggle-like glasses made the small room a dark, bluey colour and as he rubbed his thin chin, feeling the freshly shaved smoothness, he sighed. He had been thinking about the night of the conference, thinking about the night when they found the corpse of the Orkhid soldier and the unconcious body of the half-breed. But he was thinking before he came across the bodies, thinking about the Plasma blasts that had soared through the sky. What had those two creatures been firing at? Where they trying to get help, or where they merely shooting at Birds? Usually Janek didn't bother with pondering over what soldiers were doing, more often then not it involved killing something or taking something prisoner. Objectives such as these hardly involved alot of Brain power and thus Janek saw the army side of the regime as pointless and barbaric. But there was something strange about the events that those beings were put through, something perculiar. Something rang out to him, seemed to taunt him, wanting him to obsess forever about the situation he and the Commandor stumbled across. Bending low over the sink the Consultant splashed his face with cold water and looked back up into the mirror again, watching as each drop of water fell from his chin and nose. Commandor Iraxx seemed to know both of those creatures, but more importantly wanted the crossbreed dead. This intrigued Janek. Had the Commandor sent out a patrol to hunt and kill them? Did they know something compromising about him? Who had been able to hold the Orkhid soldier down on the fire long enough to kill him, but not long enough to get burned themselves. He snarled, these questions were becoming more conspiracy-like by the second. Grabbing a white towel which hung over the bath, Janek then began drying his face, thinking about how he could find out. And in a couple of seconds a way had formed in his mind, it was simple enough and would quickly cure his curiosity. His desire to learn about the events those beings participated in spurred him on into solidifying his plan now. And even if he couldn't find the answer from that, he could always persuade the wardens at the asylum to let him speak to the crossbreed. But why shouldn't he find the answer, Orkhid satellites always record everything they're positioned over, and, as luck would have it, he knew someone who owed him a favour, someone who had access to those recordings...*

(OOC: Comments? I know it's abit crappy, so apologies!)

[Jacob]

*Setting: The large conferrence room, on the 412th floor, in the Horals hotel was a-buzz with excited chatter and gossiping from both the Orkhid Generals, and other high ranking officials, and the Reporters. All the males in the room, including the Reporters, all wore black tuxedo's with white shirts and black bowties. The women wore extravagant dresses which showed off their slender physiques as well as how much they earned. The large crystal chandeliers, which gave the room a certain cosey glow, swung gently from side to side, reflecting off the large windows and thus making it hard to see into the night sky. At the back of the red carpetted room was a long table, capable of seating ten people, elevated slightly on a wooden platform. Behind it sat four members of the Council and five of the, thirteen strong, Medical Council. The remaining eight of the Medical Council merely stood nearby, looking slightly pissed off at the fact they had no place to sit. The large, polished wooden doors of the room opened, and yet more well turned out Orkhids stepped into the room, smiling as they spotted people they knew and waving happily. Mudokon waiters milled through the crowds indifferently, holding up trays of drinks or food. Up at the table Wyles shifted uncomfortably, his hair was greyer now and his right eye fully blind due to the cateract, his left however was vaguely better.*

Wyles: "You think they'll be this happy when the new Head Councillor is revealed?"

He whispered this behind his scarred right hand and into the ear of Jaxxson who grunted an acknowledgement from his right. Jaxxson was of similar stature to Wyles, but less decrepid looking. He had bags under his grey eyes however and his jet black hair was greying at the sides. Both he and Wyles knew that the announcement would come as a big shock to the lot of them when they found out about Abraham, and he knew the press would make a meal out of it. Sat to Wyles' left was the newest members of the Council, although apparently nobody in the room had noticed that they were there, and if they did, hadn't made the connection that they were new Councillors. Nor realising that the other Councillors were not around, which gave some substance to the rumours that they were dead.

Jaxxson: "Still, let's hope for the best, Adele could still turn up and finish him off any moment now, couldn't she?"

He smirked and muffled a laugh with Wyles, the two females turned to them, looking confused and put out that the two males weren't initiating conversation with them. Moments passed and more and more important Orkhid figure heads filed into the room. And with every person that entered the room that wasn't Abraham, Jaxxson and Wyles' hopes built up. Had their hopes and prayers been answered? Had Adele finally killed Abraham off, against all odds? But as their hopes built to a cresendo, Abraham entered. Arm in arm with his beautifully turned out fiancé. Her long brown hair flowing over her shoulders, her pale grey eyes scanning the room as she smiled at everybody she made eye contact with. Her pale skin matching perfectly with her white dress which was embroided with diamonds and other expensive and rare stones. Around her neck was a silver and diamond cross, which caught the light and glittered merrily. Abraham wore an all black suit, but instead of a white shirt, wore a black one. Setting him aside from the crowd. The only thing that was white on his being was his hair. Both of them were closely followed by Abrahams three trusted friends. The crowd parted, smiling politely yet secretly loathing him with all their might. As they moved slowly to the front of the crowd and towards the table, Abraham unlinked with his fiancé and climbed up onto the platform, were he then moved around and took the seat to the right of Jaxxson and the left of the Head of the Medical Council. A sea of confused murmurs immediatly filled the room, with Abraham smiling pleasantly at all the confused faces.

Abraham: "I see we have a good turn out, i notice a few old faces; Alenzandor."

He raised his hand and waved slightly to a tall Orkhid, his face was skeletal and his cheeks sunken. The hair of the being overly gelled and a gingery-black colour whilst his eyes were grey. Slowly the Orkhid raised a hand and waved back, smiling weakly.

Abraham: "The Cales."

He smiled and nodded at them, both looked quite shocked at being mentioned, but waved all the same.

Abraham: "I heard about your son, still, i hear he's doing quite well now, hm?"

Abraham smirked maliciously as they both tried to hide their embarassed and infuriated faces behind their glasses of Champagne.

Abraham: "But, this is not a reunion. It is a dinner to find out who is the next Head Councillor and to celebrate them."

He paused, smiling as he looked along the table at the other Councillors. And then at the crowd, he knew what they were all thinking, they all wanted it not to be him, they all wanted him sat amongst the Councillors and talking like this to be some kind of joke.

Abraham: "But, i am sure you have already guessed who it is, and if not, then..."

He winked at his fiancé, who was now drinking some red wine as she listened and was now flanked by Reporters who had carefully pushed their way to the front of the crowd to get the best pictures.

Abraham: "...i shall put you out of your misery. I, Abraham Conrad, shall be the new Head Councillor who replaces Councillor Gianni Vakesh. I shall be in charge of the future Orkhid regime. And i shall be the one to lead our race to victory in all our future projects."

Immediatly flashes from the camera's had devoured the entire table were the Councillors sat. The clicking of the camera's barely capable of masking the shocked gasps of horror, which were then, not so subtley, turned into gasps of awe and applause. Abraham looked at them all, somewhat surprised at their reaction, yet he knew it was to be expected.

Abraham: "But before the celebrations commence, i would like to explain the absence of the eleven other Councillors."

He cleared his throat.

Abraham: "When i was first appointed Head Councillor by the Council, i felt privilaged and proud. I had finally made the Conrad bloodline a respectable one. After all the hassle with my family, i felt that i'd never even be approached by the Council, let alone join them. I thought that i would never become respected enough to control what went on throughout the regime."

Slowly he stood, walking behind both Councillors Jaxxson and Wyles.

Abraham: "But, when i finally was elected, i saw it as a chance to do something worthwhile and good. To make some important changes, not only in the regime itself, but in the Council quarters. And, i am sad to say, that these changes did not include the eleven Councillors missing here tonight."

Reporter: "Councillor - Is it true you had them killed?"

Abraham looked down at the Mudokon, who was holding up a dictaphone, his false expression of sadness breaking slightly with frustration before slowly turning into a laugh.

Abraham: "Heheheh, no, no, no. Of course not. They were some of the most respected Orkhids throughout Oddworld, i wouldn't dream of ordering their deaths. I don't know where you heard that story from, heheh, but i would like to know..."

The last couple of words were absent of friendliness, and a certain sinisterness dripped from them.

Abraham: "But, even though..."

Reporter: "Where are the Councillors then? Why haven't they been seen for a couple of days now?"

Abraham: "I do not know, maybe you can ask the same person who told you i killed them. Anyway..."

Reporter: "Could you tell me why their families haven't been seen for the past couple of days also, Councillor?"

Jaxxson and Wyles looked at each other, both got a certain air of pleasure out of being witness to Abrahams roasting. Abraham however was grinding his teeth in pure frustration and anger.

Abraham: "No. I could not. And if you would kindly be quiet whilst i finish. Ahem - but even though my changes do not include the eleven Councillors missing, it does include our two newest Councillors. Councillors Mormolia Caleen and Safire Terrel."

He smiled, looking at them both as they stood to a slow starting applause. Mormolia was dressed in a tight fitting red velvet dress, her hair tied back with only a strand of red fringe hanging down her face. She nodded and smiled, waving slightly as flashes of light spat out at her. The second Councillor was wearing a green dress, her eyes were a icy blue and her hair a golden brown. Though she was more rounded than Mormolia, Safire was still an attractive woman. The faces of the crowd however said it all, they seemed shocked and sickened that a Head Councillor who hadn't even been announced had already fired the original eleven and then gone and brought in two women to fill their places.

Abraham: "For those of you looking for the rest of the new Councillors, this is it. Under my new regime, only five Councillors shall be allowed - this extends to the Medical Council as well."

He cast a glance over at the group of Medical Councillors, all of whom were looking sick with fury.

Chief Medical Councillor: "I OBJECT!"

The room went silent, even the reporters stopped taking pictures and instead just looked in shock and awe. The Chief Medical Councillor stood to his feet, his young face shaking with fury as his brown eyes stared Abraham in his blue. Running a hand through his shaggy brown hair in despair, the Medical Councillor took a step towards Abraham, obviously uncontrollable with fury as one of the other Councillors tried to pull him back to his seat.

Chief Medical Councillor: "THIS IS UTTERLY RIDICULOUS!! FIVE COUNCILLORS!? HOW THE HELL..."

*Gunshot*
Following the loud bark of the gun, there was a surprised gasp and the crowd immediatly backed away from the wielder, who was, obviously, one of Abrahams friends. His yellow eyes were staring intently at the Medical Councillor, who's left ear was now bleeding as he grasped it, shaking.

Abraham: "Marvo! Put it away!!"

The Orkhid nodded and then slowly lowered the gun and tucked it into his trousers, still staring menacingly at the Councillor whom he had fired at. Abraham scanned the crowd quickly, ignoring the bright flashes from the camera's which had now started up again.

Abraham: "I think this would be a good time to start the celebrations...ahem."

The Mudokon waiters immediatly started rushing through the crowds quicker than usual as Abraham gave a nervous glance at the injured Councillor, knowing full well this would not sound as he had hoped it would in the papers the next day.

(OOC: Bah, crapness!!)

[Jacob]

*Setting: Iraxx smirked, sat up in the hospital bed, as he looked at the papers headline, looking around to make sure nobody could see his glee whilst reading the heading 'Abraham Conrad - Out of control defect?'. On the front of the paper was a large picture of Abraham, looking less than happy and as the Commandor read on, he could see why. Apparently the Head Councillor had:
"Had trouble with answering certain questions - more specifically about the eleven Councillors and their families, all of whom are rumoured to be dead on his orders."
Placing the paper down on his lap, Iraxx then leant for his glass of water, picked it up and took a sip out of it, all the while smirking at the news coverage of last nights events. Turning the page he then saw another large photo of a Councillor, but this time it was the Chief Medical Councillor, who seemed to be clutching his bleeding ear. The following report on the incident seemed to highlight many interesting points, such as what would have happened if a crowd of witnesses wasn't around, and what would happen to Orkhids in the future if they were to disagree with the points Abraham put across. As he finished reading the news column, he then began to read the other page, one which had a news story regarding a Mudokon who had been institutionalised for saying he had seen the form of Evil itself. Apparently the Mudokon was also claiming Evils true form had caused his skin to boil and pop and him to go blind, even though Medical staff could find nothing wrong with him and thus felt it best to place him in an asylum for the mentally and physically damaged. Iraxx scoffed, knowing full well that those asylums were the worst place an individual, sane or insane, could go...*

***

*Setting: The room seethed with dirt, Cockroaches scuttling around the edges madly, trying to find some food to satisfy their seemingly insatiable hunger. The lone lightbulb flicked wearily, the Moths flying around it becoming tired and thus slowly begining to fly lower. With every final effort of light coming from the bulb, the small being sat in the middle jumped slightly, nervously quivering as it looked around at the Cockroaches, which seemed to circle her, nearing with every flicker of light. Her ruby red eyes studied them fearfully, wondering what they wanted, wondering if they were checking to see if she was still alive, and if not, feasting upon her. A gentle sob came from her, she was no older than thirteen and was forced to sit in the dark and smelly room, naked, because of something she was interested in. Magick. In the dark shadows, an adult, Alexie watched her, his cheeks streaming with tears and his eyes so full of water they could barely see. He couldn't bare to see her the way she was, fragile, fearful. With every other sob she would mutter something, as if praying, praying to a God she didn't know for sure existed. Slowly Alexie stepped forward, out of the darkness and towards the back of the small, black haired girl. He saw his right hand outstretch infront of him, a hand masked in a black glove, the hand, his hand, grasped the back of the girls hair and lifted her to her feet. She cried out, tried to fight him off, and he wanted to let go, he wanted to free her, but instead he flung her into the wall and pinned her there with his left hand, squeezing her windpipe as he looked into her beautiful red eyes.*

Alexie: "I'm gonna enjoy this, bitch."

The voice was low and dripping with loathing, but not Alexie's. He tried to fight it, tried to stop himself from saying anything else, tried to stop himself from harming her anymore. But the more he fought, the more he did. Flinging her to the ground he then scoffed as she landed in agony on her elbows and knees, crying out for him to stop. Then, with a swift kick to the stomach, he subdued her sobs, making them muffled grunts of agony instead, as she tried to catch her breath.

Alexie: "NOOOOOOO!!"

Bottles smashed and glasses tumbled, as he awoke to find himself, not in the dark and dingy room, torturing a younger form of his ex-lover, but in the bar, his head resting in his arms on one of the tables to the back of the bar. The barstaff and customers alike all turned to see what the commotion was, sighing heavily upon realising it was Alexie. They were used to his sleep enduced outbursts, but it didn't stop them from wishing they could help him in some way. Climbing to his feet, Alexie muttered something under his breath as he ran his right hand through his hair, looking at his left as if expecting to see something wrong with it. He then crouched down and began picking up the shards of glass left behind from the shattered bottle, still muttering to himself as tears began falling from his eyes.

***

*Setting: Janek's black, ankle length coat flapped behind him as his walking became quicker and more focused. The shadowy, barely occupied corridor caused every step that he took to be echoed loudly. The entire corridor seemed more like some kind of abandoned hospital rather than a hotel, and it was through sheer desperation that he had obliged to meet there. Turning his head to face each door as he passed it, he squinted slightly, trying to spot the number of the door behind his darkened glasses. He mumbled the numbers to himself lowly as he did so, as if keeping a mental checklist. Carefully he stepped over a sleeping Mudokon, who was huddled under a dirty brown blanket and snoring loudly. A couple of doors later Janek had finally found the one he wanted, number 231, on the second floor. Bringing out his right, black, leather gloved hand he rapped the door three times and stood awaiting anxiously, looking up and down the corridor at the undesireable beings that lived in the hotel. Slowly the door opened, the creature behind the door obviously an Orkhid and upon seeing Janek he sighed a loud sigh of relief and opened it wider, allowing the Scientist pushed himself through and then step further inside the room, looking around.*

Janek: "This is it? On your salary this is the kind of room and hotel you go for?"

The Orkhid turned around, smiling weakly. He was tall and skinny, his brown hair shaggy and his blue eyes bag-ridden. Wearing a grubby white t-shirt and jeans he slowly walked further into the room, which was barely furnished, placing his hands in his back pockets.

Male: "It does the job, nobody bothers ya and the landlord hardly notices who comes and goes."

Looking at the room in disgust, Janek growled lowly, stopping suddenly when he saw the laptop on a small table with an image of some lush ground on it.

Janek: "Is th..."

Male: "Yep. It's interesting, i'll tell ya that. Heh."

He smiled, wandering over to the small fridge and pulling out a can of Coke. Slowly the Orkhid Scientist saunters over to the laptop, half anxious and half excited about what he's going to see.

Male: "Just press the spacebar, i've cut out some of the boring bits, the end parts the most interesting. I tell ya, if my superiors catch me with this shit out of Orkhid premises, they'd kill me, heh, so do what you have to do as quickly as possible and i'll take the disc back and load it back up into the main database."

He took a sip from the can and walked over slowly to Janek, who was staring avidly at the small screen. He was currently watching the Orkhid getting shot by the half-breed, whilst two black, winged creatures fought and another two stood nearby, ready to act.

Janek: "V-Vhat are they?"

He reached out and touched the screen, pointing to the two black figures.

Male: "Well, i'd say Angels..."

Janek turned and looked at him, his right brow raising.

Male: "Well...you'll see."

They watched the screen somemore, watched as the Orkhid fired his Plasma rifle and dropped to the ground in agony after already being shot three times, watched as the half-breed slowly walked upto him, placing her Sniper Rifle on the back of his neck. Watched as, with a blast of fierce white energy, one of the black beings knocked the other away from him, then killed the other two with two blasts of red energy. He then telekinetically knocked the Sniper Rifle from the half-breeds hand and, after what seemed like a short amount of dialogue, held up his hand and stepped forwards, disappearing from sight.

Janek: "Vhat, Vhat happ..."

Male: "I dunno, i've analysed the footage and can't find anything wrong with the feed. When he does that however, there is..."

He leant forwards and pressed a few buttons on the keyboard, this then brought up a small panel at the bottom, which looked to be a single, blue, line going across the bottom of the screen, wavering ever-so-slightly. The Orkhid then rewound the footage to when the black figure disappeared and pointed to the line as it viciously sparked into life, zig-zagging furiously.

Male: "That represents the amount of electricity there was in that particular area at the time that Angel thing steps forwards to disappear, and it seems to me as if as soon as its half gone, a mass of electricity, or something like electricity, is released or absorbed. But look, as soon as it goes, the electricity levels return to normal."

Janek nodded slowly, amazed by what he just saw. He then bore witness to the remaining black being stand up, knock the half-breed to the ground and kick the Orkhid over onto his back, they seemed to speak for a couple of seconds. Then the being picked the Orkhid up by the throat and flung him onto the fire, holding him down telekinetically. The Orkhid writhed around, obviously screaming in agony as the fire licked his skin and slowly burnt it horribly. Moments passed and with the absense of movement from the Orkhid, the black figure then turned to the half-breed, and yet more dialogue seemed to be exchanged between them before the black figure formed a ball of blue electricity in its hand and flick it at her, it exploded with a mighty flash and then slowly she fell to her knees, clutching her chest, before falling over as if dead. The being then cast its head upwards, as if looking directly at the satellite, then, with a mighty leap, soared into the air, higher and higher, closer and closer to the satellite, before it disappeared into nothingness, with only a crack of thunder and lightening pinpointing where it disappeared. Janek stepped back, shocked at what he just saw. Was the Orkhid who was giving him this correct - Were those things Angels?

Male: "So, now ya have seen it, my favours paid-off right? I don't need to worry about ya-know-what."

He bounced on the balls of his feet, closing the top of the laptop down and tapping his fingers on it anxiously as he awaited Janeks answer.

Janek: "Does anybody else knov about this?"

The male laughed briefly, shaking his head.

Male: "Hehe, sounds as if ya going to kill me, heheh, but no, no they don't. So, that's it ri..."

*Silenced gunshot*
Janek had quickly drawn out a silenced pistol and fired it once in the Orkhids stomach, he looked at Janek with a look of surprise, looked the Scientist in the face, his cold, death-like face.
*Three more silenced gunshots*
Blood oozed steadily from the chest of the male as he dropped to the floor, black blood staining his t-shirt and hands, as he made an effort to stop the blood from pouring out. Holstering his weapon, Janek then walked past the dying male and picked up the laptop, hoisted it under his arm and headed to the door, intrigued by what the Medical Council would make of this recording.

(OOC: Poopilly!!)

[Jacob]

*Setting: Night had descended upon the small bar and all the regulars had, once again, flocked to it for happy hour. It was packed with every race and specie known to Mudos and even a few from distant lands. The barstaff where rushed off their feet, running this way and that, trying to take every order before happy hour ended, and the customers there soley for that hour left. Alexie was situated at the back of the bar, watching over the customers and looking for any suspected trouble makers or suspicious characters. Amelia was sat next to him, drinking a glass of Martini with a little umbrella in it. Every so often she would glance over at Alexie, trying to catch his eye, she failed each time, however, as he was constantly eyeing up the bustling crowd, hoping to stop trouble before it began. Leaning over to him and placing her drink down on the table, she began stroking his long black hair, rubbing her cheek on his shoulder and wrapping strands of his hair around her index finger. Alexie continued to stare at the crowd though, oblivious to her come ons. But as he stared intently at the bar area, where the majority of the hustle and bustle was taking place, his eyes were suddenly drawn to the entrance, where he caught a glimpse of black leather. His Heart skipped a beat and quickly he stood, knocking the table slightly and causing the glass of Martini to spill out all over the floor, much to the horror of Amelia who had stood up as well and was now ranting about her drink. Alexie ignored her however and stood on his tip toes to see over the heads of the crowd, his eyes spotted them straight away, and immediatly he was filled with dread. They were Orkhid soldiers. Three of them. Suited up in their typical Orkhid clothing and carrying sub-machine guns, pistols, machete's and one even held a double barrel shotgun. Strolling upto the bar, they pushed their way through the crowd, oblivious to the looks of hate they were getting. The soldier infront was obviously a Corporal, this was apparent by the red strips that were going around the leather arm of his army clothing...*

Corporal: "Who's the owner of this bar?"

The Orkhid was brown haired and eyed, his face was slightly tanned and his cheekbones high. He spoke to one of the barmaids, looking around the crowd as he did so. But the bartender of the small pub didn't need to be introduced, he quickly stepped upto the Orkhid and nodded.

Bartender: "I am. What is it you want?"

The Corporal reached into his back pocket and pulled out a photo taken from a CCTV camera, handing it over to the bartender he then studied his reaction closely.

Corporal: "You seen him?"

The picture was of Alexie, and although the bartender was curious as to why the Orkhids wanted Alexie, he wasn't at all surprised. Orkhids despised runaways and, as far as the bartender knew, that was what Alexie was.

Bartender: "Nope. Why, what's he done?"

He handed the picture back, glancing at the other two Orkhids as he did so, they were looking around the bar in disdain, obviously wanting to unload their weapons into every one of the customers.

Corporal: "What's in that garage around the back?"

He ignored the Mudokons question, and seemed not to think twice about doing so.

***

*Setting: Crouched down and moving as quickly as he possibly could, Alexie quickly made his way into his bedroom, dragging the, still annoyed, Amelia with him by the arm. Slamming the door shut and placing his back towards it, Alexie began to think hurriedly, panicking and trying to work out what the Soldiers would do next. Quite drunk, Amelia fell onto the bed and sprawled out, yawning and oblivious to the panic-stricken Orkhid who was now worried about, not only his wellbeing, but the whole barstaffs. Looking towards the window he thought, wondering whether the Soldiers would have planted guards outside it, just incase anybody attempted to escape. Slowly he moved over to it, carefully navigating the dark room and peering outside into the dark forest that was just 20-25 of metres away. On the edge of the forest and further to the left of his window was the garage, more thoughts ran through his head, could he possibly get to it before any possible guards shot him? Would they follow him and shoot him down if he did manage to get to his car? Fiddling with the bottom of the window he hurried to undo the latch, glancing back at Amelia who was now asleep and snoring loudly. Could he leave her? Could he leave the only person who gave him something to live for? He had to. If he didn't, she could die as well as him. Atleast this way, if he is caught, he would be alone. Heaving the window upwards, he opened it and threw one leg out of it.
*Loud knocking*
He turned to the door, gulping, was this them? Was this the end? The door flung open with one of the barmaids behind it, her face full of desperation as she glanced from Amelia to Alexie.*

Barmaid: "What are you doing?! Erikk's taking them to the garage!! They're going to see you if you go outside!!"

She assumed, from Alexies expression and position, that he knew the Orkhid Soldiers had entered the bar and was just as eager to hide him as he was to hide.

Barmaid: "Quickly!! We'll put you under the bar!! They won't find you there!"

She beckoned him to follow her and then rushed to the bar area again, Alexie close behind.

Alexie: "What about the car?! It's in the garage!! They're sure to notice it!"

He panted these words as he quickly ran behind the bar area, glancing around the crowd once more before looking down to the, now open, hatchway that he had been thrown into when he had first got drunk at the bar. Practically pushing him down, the barmaid looked around nervously, holding her breath as a thick stench of alcohol floated up to greet her.

Barmaid: "We can't do nothing about that now! We'll just have to hope Erikk comes up with a believable story!"

And with that, she slammed the hatch shut.

***

Corporal: "Open it."

Thunder roared over head as the clouds closed together, forming a thick mass of black storm clouds. Slowly the bartender fumbled with the padlock that kept the garage secure, unlocking it, he then took it off the chain which had been weaved through and around the handles, which he also took off, more slowly now. Grasping the handle of the garage, he then began to pull it open, revealing a spacious, cobweb ridden garage with tools and vehicle parts everywhere. In the middle of the room was a large, yellow, hatch back, hover car with a few dismantled hover bikes leaning against it. The Orkhids looked at the large car with a seemingly accomplished expression.

Corporal: "Well, where is he?"

He looked at the Mudokon whilst calmly asking this question, the stillness in the Orkhids voice shook the bartender, but he did his best to remain calm and clueless.

Bartender: "W-Where's who?"

Acting oblivious to the question, he frowned whilst saying this. Unconvinced by the response, the Orkhid immediatly pulled out a 9mm and held it inches from the bartenders face.

Corporal: "Alexie Craine. Where is he? And don't bother lying and saying you don't know, because this is the car he escaped in, so we know he's here."

Backing away from the gun, but stopping when the other Soldier's pointed their guns at him, he gulped. Once more trying to look oblivious to who Alexie was.

Bartender: "I-I don't know who you mean. W-We found this car. Deep in the forest...it had crashed and it..."

Corporal: "If it had crashed, why does it look so new?"

Bartender: "My mechanic fixed it..."

The Orkhid looked around, his eyes travelling back to the bar and along the windows of the different bedrooms that were situated to the back of the bar, his eyes lingering on one in particular. An open one.

Corporal: "Those rooms there, what are they?"

Glancing over his shoulder the Mudokon gave a nervous cough.

Bartender: "They're, erm, they're staff quarters..."

Corporal: "Bedrooms?"

The reply was a nod. The Corporal then turned back to the other Soldiers and nodded at them, immediatly they began jogging towards the bedroom windows.

Corporal: "You would...tell us, wouldn't you? If you had a Fugitive stowed away somewhere in that building?"

The Mudokon nodded a lie.

Corporal: "Because you know what would happen if you didn't, don't you? And we found him..."

The Mudokon glanced over his shoulder again to look at what the Soldiers were doing, but the first window had been smashed and the Orkhids were nowhere to be seen...they had obviously climbed in through the window.

Corporal: "Well?"

He snarled the word, shoving the nozzle of the gun hard into the Mudokons cheek.

Bartender: "Yeh, yeh i do."

Corporal: "How long ago did you find the vehicle?"

Bartender: "Ermm...about a couple of weeks ago."

He lied. Knowing that if he said the correct amount of time, the Orkhids would be all over the forest, searching for Alexie. The Orkhid smiled and nodded softly, stopping only when static came from his radio. Unhooking it from his belt, he then placed it to his ear, awaiting for the incoming transmission. The bartender gulped hard, his palms sweaty and his Heart racing.

Radio: "Nothing, sir. Only a drunkard."

Smiling bitterly, the Orkhid lowered his weapon and holstered it, he then pushed a red button on the radio and spoke into it.

Corporal: "Okay, return to the car."

Hooking the radio back on his belt he cast an annoyed look at the yellow hatch back and turned away, stopping suddenly.

Corporal: "If you see or hear anything about him, Mudokon, get in touch. That's the number to my barracks. Ask for Corporal Jelson. In the mean time, expect a convoy to pick up the car in the next couple of days. Goodbye."

He handed the bartender a piece of paper with a number and his name on, he then turned on his heel and quickly headed towards his vehicle, the other two Soldiers had already climbed into it and were now waiting for him. The bartender shuddered, it had been a close call for him, his customers and Alexie and he felt sure that if they had found Alexie, nobody in that bar would've been alive. Slowly heading towards his bar, he sighed, wondering just what Alexie had done to deserve so much unwanted attention...

(OOC: Bah!)

[Leeum]

Wow this is excellent, it's taken me a good hour to read it but it's been well worth it. Is this some sort of essay or something to do in your spare time? Keep it up mate, it's people like you who are a credit for this forum. Sorry if you aren't suppost to reply to these, never replied to a Fan Corner topic before

[Jacob]

It's a spare time kind of thing. Since my first fic 'Sasha...' my writing, i feel, has improved, so expect some of the earlier ones to be "revamped" as it were.

But some of my fics have certain referrences to other characters, and these characters can be found in other fics [Tobias, Alexie, Adele, Sasha et al].

[Jacob]

*Setting: The Medical Councils chambers seemed to be in uproar as Janek slowly neared the large brown doors that were situated in the middle of the empty corridor. He could clearly hear the Chief Councillor shouting expletives as other collegues backed him up and different voices told them to be quiet. It was at this time that Janek didn't know whether or not it would be safe to disclose the information that he was carrying to anybody other than the Chief Councillor, for he had read what the new Head Councillor, Abraham Conrad, had said to the press and he knew that Abraham would make sure that two Scientists loyal to him, and him alone, would be promoted to Councillors. And this worried Janek greatly, for the Head Council saw things very differently from the Medical Council. And, unlike the Medical Council, acted rashly and dangerously whenever they thought neccessary. As the shouting vaguely subsided, Janek knocked lightly on the door and then opened it slowly, poking his head around the corner to be met with the image of seven Soldiers and two Scientists who he had never seen before, and the thirteen members of the Medical Council.*

Chief Medical Councillor: "Janek - what is it you want?!"

The Councillor gave a relieved look to see a friendly face, and Janek noticed that a few of the Soldiers quickly moved their hands away from their weapons.

Janek: "I vould like a private vord, sir. It is of great importance."

His eyes darted to the two Scientists who he had never seen before. Both stared at him with a certain mistrust and curiosity.

Chief Medical Councillor: "Certainly, Janek."

He smiled and then turned to the seven Soldiers and two Scientists.

Chief Medical Councillor: "OUT!"

He shouted this firmly, staring at the Soldier at the front who Janek assumed to be the leader. But the leader stood firm. Not moving an inch.

Soldier: "We have been given direct instructions from Councillor Abraham Conrad to escort the un-needed Councillors out and establish Scientists Albador Maybay and Kaziar Kazahn as new Councillors amongst your ranks. We are not to leave until we have done so."

Their was a furious silence. The Medical Council shifted uneasily, looking at each other and then at the two new potential Councillors.

Chief Medical Councillor: "Look, you go and tell Abraham that he may like to believe his power stretches to the Medical Council - but it doesn't. And no amount of Soldiers or threats will deter me...us..."

He looked around at his fellow Councillors, who were nodding along.

Chief Medical Councillor: "...from what we believe in AND know!"

The Soldier turned and looked at the two Scientists who stood firm, not moving but staring intently and defiantly at the Chief Councillor.

Chief Medical Councillor: "Dammit. Chaz, Poole, you're in charge whilst Janek and i go to my private quarters..."

He turned to his left and addressed two Orkhids who nodded simply.

Chief Medical Councillor: "...and when i get back, i hope to see only the thirteen members of MY Medical Council in this chamber, understood?"

He directed this question at both the two unknown Scientists and the Soldier, he then walked around the table the Councillors resided at and towards Janek, exiting the room and heading quickly down the corridor to his own private quarters, all the while cursing Abraham.

Chief Medical Councillor: "I don't know who he thinks he is, ordering us to decrease our numbers to five! Three even, if we are to take on two new Councillors!"

He fumbled with the electronic lock on his door for a few moments, then opened it quickly and stepped into the dark room which immediatly lit up once he and Janek entered. He then stepped over to the small kitchen and rumaged through the cupboards.

Chief Medical Councillor: "Would you like something to drink?"

He pulled out a large bottle of Vodka and slammed it down on the worktop, turning as he asked this question. Janek merely shook his head and brought out a small disc. Shrugging at Janeks decline, the Councillor proceeded to pour himself a drink into a small cup.

Chief Medical Councillor: "What's that?"

Janek: "I think it vould be better if you sav it for yourself, sir. It has...something rather interesting on."

***

*Setting: The Commandor buttoned up his long black jacket as he walked down the well lit corridor of the hospital wing, heading towards the exit so that he could get a taxi to his apartment and hopefully get a couple of hours sleep before reporting to the Councillors. His heavy boots clunked upon the ground and as he turned the corner to see the automatic doors ahead of him, a female voice calling his name caught his attention.*

Voice: "Commandor!! Commandor Iraxx, sir! You've forgotton something!"

Iraxx stopped, taking a couple of steps backwards to look down the corridor he had just turned from, a Nurse was hurrying quickly down it, waving an envelope wildly in her hand.

Iraxx: "Erm...thanks."

She smiled and then hurried back down the corridor to carry on with her daily routine, Iraxx however stood confused as he looked at the envelope. Wondering what it was and what was inside it. Where had it come from? Why hadn't he noticed it? Slowly he proceeded to open it up, tearing a corner and looking inside first, just incase it was dangerous. Upon seeing only a piece of folded paper, he ripped it completely open and pulled the paper out, reading it quickly.

'3 weeks time, 8 pm, Warehouse 12B.
Darhamory Rd.
Come alone, we need to talk.
Adele'

The handwriting was curved and feminine, yet had a certain sharpness to it. The name sent a vague chill down his spine, yet he wondered what she wanted. Why had she taken this risk? If she was to meet him, surely it would be a big risk in telling him where and when, for he could easily inform for Council and set up a quarantine. A sick churning in his stomach began to develop and, folding up the note and placing it in his inner jacket pocket, he exited.

(OOC: Nekkid poo!)