Dark Hunter, Dark Saviour

Chapter 1: Sinister Remnant and Unexpected Ally

20th April 2900

Solaris System, Island base.

"Anomalies are still being diagnosed with A76's cognitive functions."

Puzzled, Raxler digitally requested an explanation through the base network.

"An unusually high amount of brain activity is registering in A76's neural patterns. Though not hazardous, brain activity 106% higher than predetermined levels. Results shall not be known until awakening."

"Additionally, brainwave frequencies are present at two near similar but distinct levels. Clarification of anomaly is unavailable."

The message ended, and Raxler transmitted a new order:

"Acknowledged. Do not take risks. Estimated time until diagnostics are complete is recorded at 20 hours. Complying with this, do not awaken A76 until this precise time tomorrow."

Turning away from the console display, Raxler scanned the room's other two occupants.

Xale sat lazily on a chair, arms folded behind his head, his eyes shut. Since his rescue, he had decided to take advantage of the fact that he was different from Alex. Unlike Lexa, he had been designed as a perfect replica of Alex, minus the accent, black hair and yellow eyes. To assert his uniqueness, he had received simple surgical treatment to heal the scarring grafted onto his body, which he had received during his tank growth to resemble Alex. Now, the dark male resembled a black haired and yellow eyed Alex, with no scars whatsoever.

Lexa sat patiently on her chair, her arms folded beneath her chest. She watched inquisitively as Raxler delivered the bad news.

"Unfortunately, A76's awakening has to be delayed a day due to unforeseen neurological complications."

Xale threw up his hands, groaning in annoyance: "I got up early for nothing? What a load of bullshit!" Ignoring her brother's annoyance, Lexa asked: "Complications?"

"An unusually high level of brain activity, over double the normal human amount. Any modifications made to A76 should not have yielded this result."

The room was silent, as neither the egotistical male, sensible female or the logical robot could find a possible answer for this strange circumstance. Not deciding to pursue this confusing further, the three departed from the room. Xale headed back to his designated quarters, Lexa headed to her own. Raxler followed his usual pre-programmed schedule, and headed to check supply, maintenance and system reports in the central command block.

21st April 2900

Ki'ristalis, UIP Central Intelligence Agency

1 week after the confirmation of Alex's death, he had managed to locate his base of operations, and broadcast a triple encrypted message into their secure communications network. The fleet used to capture Alex and the dark male had left the location of the base, a small backwater world, with a mysteriously disjointed human civilization, able to display advanced environmental manipulative abilities.

Operating from his own private comms channel, Intelligence Chief Zaron, a middle aged male Predator, was sure that he would receive a reply soon. His message held it quite clear. He had studied the data received about their forces. Aside from Alex, there was at least a second in command, visually identical to him. That person would likely reply to his message soon.

Unlike the majority of those ranking from below to above him, Zoran had been sympathetic to Alex's reasons for his trespasses. He had remained quiet for the fact that Alex had become a terrorist, but nevertheless shared Alex's opinions on the path to justice. However, to the sharp observation of Zoran, it was clear that Alex's views had been at least somewhat warped by the KI. By the result of the KI's overall destruction with Alex's shortly preceding arrival, the Predator summarized the possibility that Alex had attempted to rectify his mistakes.

In further analysis however, Zoran had found a heavily encrypted data transmission sent to a cloaked vessel near the fleet prior to destruction. After decrypting a received wave of the information, completed a mere day ago, Zoran realized that the KI had been a ploy all along. The true role of them had been a diversion, a group of renegades that would divert UIP resources away from countering a massive strike the Alliance had secretly planned. Indeed, few in the Alliance knew of this plan.

He realized that Alex's stolen KI forces were positioned as the perfect covert strike team, as they were presumed incapacitated and without leadership without Alex. But if that data had been transmitted, they were making plans, and Zoran was sure as hell not going to let the UIP deliberate about this until it was too late, which was why he sent the transmission through his private channel, unable to be decrypted by a special visual scanner.

On a computer display, the message would scan for the face of the second in command, and would only decrypt the message if he was present. Hopefully, the two of them could open up communications, and Zoran would be able to help stop the Alliance by acting as a pair of eyes inside the UIP.

21st April 2900

Solaris, Island Base, Medical laboratory.

"Awakening A76."

Raxler, Xale and Lexa stood on the other side of the laboratory. Raxler stood as passively as ever, standing unnaturally rigid and alert, his red eyes, and the optics concealed beneath, never once leaving the sight of the tank. Lexa watched with a look of mild concern, while Xale watched in interest.

Inside the tank, A76's fingers twitched, and eventually began to flex. His arms moved somewhat, and he began to lightly kick his legs. After a few seconds, his eyes scrunched up, until they burst open. The moment they opened, he began to thrash and writhe, as if something were eating him from inside. His mouth opened in a silent scream, the oxygen rich fluid giving no bubbles to show his panic.

Seeing the distress, Raxler ran forwards, and pressed the button on the side of the tank. The tank emptied the fluid through the grille at its base, into pipes away from the lab. As soon as the fluid was drained, A76 had lost all control, and began to smash the tank walls, coughing up the fluid as he did. A snap and hiss sounded as the tank opened up, causing A76 to fall out.

A76 had been given mechanical legs and arms, which were controlled by the brain like any limb. Yet A76 could not control his own normally, which Lexa and Xale saw as they leapt away from the writhing human in front of them. Guttural croaking and roaring sounded from A76, and Raxler got its attention.

"A76."

Immediately, A76 stopped writhing. Tentatively, while still on the floor, he turned his head to view Raxler. His eyes focused on the robot's face. Two looks immediately crossed his face, as he sounded off twice:

"It worked?"

"You filthy traitor!"

A76 made a half hearted leap, as if he only had part control of his body. He flopped uselessly on the ground, only to be pinned down by Raxler. Soundlessly transmitting a request for restraints, he ignored the protests of A76, Alex, his creator reborn:

"You insubordinate failure, release me!"

"Why are you in my head? Get out!"

Xale and Lexa watched, lost for words at the sight of the man below them. This had worked once before, what had gone wrong?

A few minutes later, A76 had been hooked up to the table, fully restrained, hooked up to omni-scanning equipment.

Xale looked on, making sense of what he had just heard form Raxler:

"So you think the two brainwave frequencies may be causing this?"

Nodding, Raxler explained: "When Alex's mind was downloaded fully onto the Relentless prior to death, an anomaly with the transmission occurred. Roughly double the expected amount of data had been received. I summarized that no physically or mentally impairing effects could occur from this with a few simple artificial memory bank installations in his body's brain. Now though, this strange behaviour could be attributed to the higher data transfer."

Lexa looked at Alex, who was once more struggling against his bonds. She commented: "Its as if he has two personalities now."

Raxler's optics flared suspiciously as she said the word two. He moved towards Alex, and stated: "You will cooperate for a few tests, to confirm if the transfer was as successful as predicted."

Semi glaring, Alex nodded. Raxler stated to Xale and Lexa without once turning: "Ask him challenging questions." He went first: "When did you bring me online?"

"12th February 2900, the same date that Xale had a training accident with his assault rifle."

Xale froze, and he stated coldly: "That can't be right. Only Lexa and Norstith knew about that, and none of them told Alex of that ever, they never got the chance to!"

Raxler pressed further: "Who almost killed you aboard the Emancipator?"

"Alex! NO, Norstith! He sabotaged and destroyed my-Norstith's lead ship!"

Seeing a pattern, Lexa looked to see that the lie detector programs were working perfectly. She asked tentatively: "Who were you in your previous body?"

"Al-Nor-eith. Alex, Norstith."

The detector detected no lies. And yet, Here Alex was, claiming that he was Norstith too. Frustrated, Xale pressed his face into Alex's: "Stop trying to mindfuck me! You can't be two people!"

"Yes I can, he, I, made sure to follow Alex-me into this next body."

Silence. No one spoke. Xale stumbled back, no counter argument left in him. Lexa looked at Raxler, who seemed to have put two and two together.

"It seems that more than one person was transported to this body. After more immediate analysis, the two brainwave patterns match in frequencies to two separate species. Human, and Leg'hrul. The only conclusion is that two separate collections of memories and thought processes have imbedded in this body's mind."

Xale turned to the robot, and asked flatly: "When were you last checked for bugs?"

Raxler commented: "My logic is soundly based on results. No other conclusion is as strongly supported. The double size data load, the separate personalities and brainwave frequencies, all evidence points towards the conclusion that Norstith managed to transmit his own mind into the same quantum storage device that captured Alex's mind."

The next 2 hours were tense.

Alex had been still restrained, while Xale and Lexa finally grasped that Norstith had hitchhiked onto Alex's mind transfer. An interrogation revealed how.

When Alex had been reborn, Norstith had had a transmitter installed in the human's mind. It would transmit a signal to a receiver in Norstith's brain implants, and would transmit Norstith's collective memories to the same vessel as Alex's mind. The idea behind this was to merge two minds in one, to couple with the fact that with Norstith dead, the Alliance representatives holding his family would release them, and Norstith could pursue them without them knowing it was him. Additionally, Norstith had been secretly caught a physical disease, incurable at the present date. Known as Vesperay syndrome, it broke down the body's nervous system, causing the victim to lose motor control eventually. Norstith had been fighting it with treatments, but aside from moments of adrenaline, he was physically hindered. Alex's mind vessel had been additionally intended to act as a temporary solution until a new body was grown for Norstith, free from the syndrome. This body, had it been begun, would have received Norstith after getting vengeance on those who held his family hostage.

All in all, he had used Alex for his personal gain, but was now stuck within Alex, who was being mentally uncooperative with Norstith. Reasons behind this situation arising aside, both persons were now at loggerheads within the same body. When fighting each other, they could not control the body properly, which meant either perfect cooperation, or one taking more control while the other subdues.

During the two hours, Norstith had at least swayed to Alex's whim of giving the human full physical control of this body, as technically Norstith had not planned to stay in it permanently. However, both still mentally duelled one another, and the strain was becoming apparent.

"I'm suffering severe headaches whenever the two of us simultaneously think extensively."

"Well, in that case, just make it so only one of you thinks hard at any given time."

"I suppose you are correct Lexa. After all, we now share this body, we need to cooperate if we are to succeed in anything."

Confused with the whole thing, Xale finally spoke his mind: "Okay, enough! I can't tell if either Alex or Norstith is the one speaking from that body! Can't you find a way to let it be known who is speaking!"

Alex/Norstith thought for a moment, until he turned to Raxler: "Xale makes a valid point. Raxler, can you manufacture and install a device into this body to make my voice different when Norstith is speaking, perhaps to match his original voice?"

Nodding, Raxler engaged the control console: "Order transmitted, estimated manufacture completion is only 2 days. A relatively simple construct, it will artificially alter your voice whenever Norstith's Leg'hrul brainwaves engage at sufficient levels to stimulate the vocal chords."

As Raxler typed away, Xale slumped back, understanding the basics: "So he'll sound like whoever is actually thinking of speaking at the time?"

"Precisely."

"Good, at least that confusion will be cleared up soon."

Suddenly, Raxler saw a strange message, a triple encrypted signal, with a visual identification program with it. He announced:

"We've received an encrypted transmission, and the visual identification is coded to myself."

Indeed, a small scanner beeped in confirmation, and the message decrypted on the projected screen. The text scrolled down, a short message.

**ENCRYPTED MESSAGE**. Urgent request for communications with KI deserter force 2nd in command, concerning recent death of Alex and useful information in addition to transmission from KI fleet. Use same encrypted channel, no one shall know.

UIP Chief of Intelligence Zaron

"He must have used data from the UIP task force to pinpoint our location."

Incredulously, Alex stood up, and looked at the message. Suspicious, he ordered an immediate reply. He turned: "I won't know his intentions until I meet him. The UIP already knows our location, and it is a miracle they have not sent a force to wipe this renegade KI fleet out. He must want to speak about something else."

Alex turned to Raxler: "He addressed you specifically. Take part in his scheme, and if he is deemed trustworthy by your sensors, I shall enter the discussion too."

Turning to Lexa and Xale, he stated: "I need the two of you to oversee the build up of the forces, for we may need them to combat the threat of this covert Alliance attack."

Xale shrugged his shoulders, and walked out, saying: "Hey, I don't care what side I'm on now, as long as I get to do a shit load of damage." Lexa shook her head, and asked: "How am I related to you?"

As they walked out, Alex asked Norstith mentally: Are you sure they are my clones?

In genetics and body, nearly perfectly. I never intended perfect replicas.

Another two hours passed, and a FTL comms channel had been established in the main control room.

Raxler stood in the centre, on a holographic live comms platform. Around him, an image of a secure office materialized, with a male Predator seated at a desk, looking quite imposing for his age.

Flexing his mandibles, Zoran started: "I see you received and replied to my message. You must have many questions regarding why I summoned your presence."

"First, I must confirm your loyalty to your promises. Answer truthfully. Shall the knowledge of our conversation, or any future conversations, go past this door?"

"I can guarantee that no one besides us shall know of this conversation."

Satisfied, Raxler signalled off screen. Zoran looked confused, and recoiled somewhat as Alex marched into the picture.

"Surprised to see me chief?"

"Not as you may suspect. If you managed to cheat death once, that implies you could do it again. This adds a question to this conversation."

"About how I came back this time and the first. Very well, it is actually quite simple in principle."

Alex explained the basic outline of how he transitioned to a temporary vessel to be transported to a new body, before his old one died. He also explained that he had seized his old body from its grave in the Omaticaya hometree for use of genetic material, should he need more bodies, and also for sentimental purposes. Zoran understood, and quickly diverted the conversation to the reason he called:

"I understand a massive transmission of data escaped the KI fleet before its destruction, besides that of your body transfer. I assumed you were the ones responsible, and I have come to offer an olive branch. I share your ideologies of justice, and I sympathized with your methods. I was well aware of the transgressions that your victims did, but also of the strategic importance they were to the UIP. But they are dead, and we must focus on the here and now."

"I called to let you know that I am willing to aid you in any way possible. I am risking my job by doing this, but you and your forces have the element of surprise now. With Alex presumed dead, the UIP assume the force is in disarray, as does the Alliance. You are in a perfect striking position, to act as a covert group."

"Sorry, but we already have plans against the Alliance, ones that if you are willing to work with us, you might want to know." Alex sent the details of the Alliance plan to Zoran, only to be read, not downloaded. After finishing reading the summary, Zoran looked worried:

"If the Alliance succeeds, they will be able to invade multiple worlds at once! However, the data shows that they require the theft of a technology banned from use in UIP space, which would need them to have someone smuggle schematics."

Norstith spoke through Alex now: "The Alliance is able to manipulate people to their will either by hostage situation, or by mind control implantation technology. Plans show they will likely work through intermediaries, probably pirates, mercenaries or crime organizations, to take forceful control of the targeted individuals. These targets shall also have influence or the ability to blend in at the targeted worlds."

"The Alliance may target a member of each UIP species then each time they invade a world. Their targets are the homeworlds of each species: Predator, Human, Cybertronian, Vulcan, Romulan, Na'vi, Sril'sask. Those worlds are among the most important economic, culture and military targets in UIP space."

"They will target the Cybertronian individuals first. It is the Cybertronians who have access to the restricted schematics of the technology they need for this plan, technology that has not been used since the end of their Civil war nearly 900 years ago. The last use of it destroyed the original Cybertron, and it was only by the Matrix helping recreate the Allspark that the species could mould a new planet into a new Cybertron."

"The Space bridge. If they get their hands on that technology, they can invade potentially any planet of their choosing, at any time they want to. It is imperative that we protect the Cybertronian targets."

Lexa stepped in now, her presence, and Xale's already having being explained: "Then order that additional defence be placed around the location of the design specs. Just leak a rumour that someone may be attempting to steal them, and organize or suggest additional protection."

"A valid point young lady. Very well, I will do all I can to protect those schematics."

"My forces are building up anyway, in case we need to take the fight to them. Hopefully that will not be needed. We still may need some expertise in tactics, and I believe some individuals on this backwater world may be useful to us once the situation is explained."

"I believe I can assist you there. I can forward dossiers on potential allies to your mission. Hired assassins, mercenaries, freelancers, characters such as those."

"It would be useful if you did. I can't think of enough potential characters to hire on this world alone."

"I hope for the sake of the galaxy that the plan succeeds for both of us. I will contact you if we need to talk once more, and you will do the same. Good luck."

With that, the hologram died.

"Are you sure we can trust him? I mean, he's technically up with the biggest guys in the UIP." Asked Xale, as they all conversed in the communications room.

"Lie detection software confirmed he was truthful. Also, the triple encrypted security of this private channel can only be accessed by Zoran or any of us." Stated Raxler.

Ignoring the debate, Alex turned to face them: "This is a surprising, but welcome turn of events. Zoran can now apply additional security to the targeted individuals, and if all fails, he could help rally temporary allies should we become involved in the fight I think will come. Although, despite our forces being on schedule for growth, we still need a few more experts to help lead the assault."

"Any suggestions? You and Raxler are the only ones who know about this world." Said Lexa, crossing her arms as she stood. At this, Alex grinned slightly to himself:

"If there is one thing that my fused persona with Norstith that is useful, it is his ability to negotiate. I think I can persuade a few selected individuals to join our cause for this fight. And believe me, their abilities in combat are legendary on this world. Some of the ones I initially thought of are too important to take away from this world, so we shall leave them unless they volunteer."

Alex hesitated, and added: "Of course, some of the ones I have in mind may not be welcome to the sight of both each other, or me."

Raxler brought up a 3-D map of the world, pointing to a collection of small islands a dozen miles off the Fire Nation mainland: "Our first priority shall be the more resilient of our proposed experts. The first, and possible most dangerous, is on this island here. Inactive for 2 years, it is hoped the subject's combat abilities have not deteriorated since then."

Alex then stated: "My allies, who were present when I was taken by the UIP, will also need to be tracked down. Some of them I can see as useful experts in our plan, and the fact that some of them owe me a favour helps. As doubtful as I am about them accepting me back, I can't think of anyone else on this planet to recruit."

"Knowing them, they will either be at Ba Sing Seh, helping any small repairs or that peace meeting, or at the south pole, asking about Raxler's brief search there for clues of the UIP fleet destination in the Garonth system, so we'll scout there first with spy probes."

Southern Water Tribe

22nd April 2900

"Recon Probe 29 transmitting. Beginning scouting protocol."

The small robotic aircraft, about 2 metres long and 2 metres wide, circled far above the Southern Water Tribe at 5000 feet. From it, 4 much smaller forms, about 20 centimetres wide, flew rapidly towards the village. The larger aircraft, and the smaller craft, operated on a quietly operating turbofan engine for propulsion, and small antigravity drives for vertical flight and hovering.

Quickly, the 4 small drones reached the village, and spread out to the 4 corners of the circular village, activating built in visual and audio sensors. They came to a standstill in midair, hovering close to the top of a large igloo, obscured from view. Within seconds, they began scanning the village for the leaders, and any of the searched individuals.

One of the probes detected a familiar vocal pattern, and on signal, the others followed it to the central igloo. Coming to a hover away from sight above it, the probes recorded the image and sounds.

Inside, the Chief talked to his two children and their friends, comprising of an almost 16 year old, bald boy, and a near 16 year old, black haired girl:

"I don't know where he is now. It's been two weeks. He just came in, looked at the tracks left by those raiders, stole the salvaged parts, and then flew off." As Hakoda explained, Aang realized in surprise:

"Wow. We only got here yesterday, while he only took under a day."

As the first 3 probes continued to monitor the group, the 4th transmitted:

"Targets acquired. Proceed to current coordinates for negotiation."

Island Base

Reading the probe message, Alex snorted out loud:

"Negotiation. Not the term I'd use for a verbal shitstorm waiting to happen."

At this, Alex turned to face the group: "We'll need to split up to get both objectives in one swoop. I think it would be best if I go and handle the potential recruit I have not yet met, while Raxler, being in my image, goes to meet the people I have tracked to the south pole. Xale, Lexa, you can choose who to go with."

Lexa thought for a moment, and said: "Xale was more in hostile contact with those people. I think it would be best if I go to the South Pole, and Xale go with you."

"Can't argue there. Plus I never liked the cold." Said Xale.

Nodding, Alex placed the call, ordering 2 transports to be made ready, and for the probes at all locations besides those at the South Pole to be called back.

Southern Water Tribe

Mid Afternoon

Flying at 6000 feet, high out of sight, the cargo transport now circled over the icy village.

The recon aircraft had linked to the transport, leaving the probes to silently patrol below. Inside the cockpit, Raxler and Lexa studied the recordings from the probes:

"You weren't there mom. What we saw, it was incredible, but terrifying, all at the same time." Said Katara, in response to a question her mother had asked.

"And when Alex was taken with the black haired twin, some copy of him just came from nowhere and began destroying everything in his way. He was so relentless, and powerful. Hundreds of warriors, all annihilated in the space of minutes, all by that one look-alike." Said Sokka. At this, Hakoda asked: "I think you did the right thing by fleeing the fight when he came. By the sound of it, you would have been killed if he were not on your side."

Aang spoke now: "But we haven't seen him in over 2 weeks! He went off to try to get the real Alex back! Who knows where he is now."

Inside the craft, Raxler signalled the cargo doors to be opened. He and Lexa would skydive down, while the transport would land somewhere out of sight, behind a hill formation half a mile from the village.

Deploying both of their turbofan packs, the robot and female leapt from the craft, which seconds later accelerated away to begin landing. Both figures sliced downwards, the icy air not affecting them much due to Lexa's full body suit, and Raxler's non-organic skin.

They fell at speed, until they reached 1000 feet. By then, they deployed their turbofans, slowing their descent tremendously. Both of them utilized their own supply of dark matter to cloak, with Raxler having his own supply. For Raxler, he had the advantage of being able to form much more precise shapes, but lacked the power boosts that emotional inflections gave to dark matter use.

Invisible to the eyes, both figures stopped overhead, at 50 metres above the village. The turbofans were specially designed to minimize sound, and the already windy conditions helped them remain undetected.

At last, both figures lowered themselves to the ground, with both extending invisible pillars of dark matter to brace their landing, ensuring a silent landing. Now, under cloaking, Lexa and Raxler stood by the Central Igloo. Inside, the voices of the Gaang and the others was heard.

Not wasting a second, Raxler marched inside, dropping the cloaking device. Lexa followed close behind.

As soon as both crossed the threshold into the hut, silence fell.

It was as if a demon had answered their conversation. Not a few moments earlier had the group been discussing Raxler and Lexa, both had suddenly marched into the hut, unfolding their helmet visors.

Aang, Katara and Sokka all stared at the two, shock and horror apparent on their faces. Hakoda and Kya too had some fear, but mainly surprise. Toph, being blinded by snow, had no idea who had marched in.

"Hey guys? Who just came in that's shut everyone up?"

"Toph Bei-Fong, you are one of my creator's allies on this world. My creator, Alex, was unfortunately taken captive in Ba Sing Seh 16 days ago. You are familiar with Lexa, my hostage from that day." Stated Raxler flatly. Behind him, Lexa muttered to herself: "Bested by a robot, not my best achievement."

Hakoda then remembered Raxler: "You were the one who raided our village for those pieces we salvaged."

"Those salvaged parts and weapons were necessary for determining what organization the invaders were to hand over Alex and Xale to."

"Where is Alex? Did you rescue him? Is he safe?" Asked Toph hurriedly. Not missing a beat, Raxler explained: "Creator Alex is currently away on a recruitment mission elsewhere on this world. His presence was required for the subject's cooperation. To the second query, I managed to lead the force to rescue Alex per his orders. To the third query, Alex is unharmed, and is currently with Xale on the aforementioned recruitment mission. Additional fact: Xale switched factions to aide Alex."

"Okay, what do you mean recruitment mission? Who is he recruiting?" Asked Sokka. Raxler brought out his display functions, readying to explain Alex's 'proposal' and the situation. He merely said to Sokka in the meantime: "Subject's identity is classified until you meet with Alex himself."

And so the conversation began, with Raxler and Lexa providing holographic displays.

Whale Tail Island, Heilang Psychiatric Institute.

Hovering just 2000 feet above the island, Xale looked incredulously at the structure, then back at Alex, who was making last minute equipment checks in the cockpit:

"So wait, you mean our recruit is in the nuthouse? How's she going to help us if she's got shit for brains?"

Alex sighed, and explained: "First off, according to spy drones checking her records here, she's not actually as mental as people make her out to be. Also, she is very skilled in general combat and battle tactics, which is why I selected her. Also, if I offer her a way out, in exchange for a mission for her to do, its more likely to ensure her loyalty."

"Oh yeah, and if all goes to hell with that plan?" asked Xale.

"What do you think?" said Alex, as he readied to jump.

The two jumped, ready to storm the joint for their potential comrade.

Hey, xisinj64 here. First chapter is up and ready. Congrats to anyone smart enough to hazard a guess as to whom I'm referring to by this unknown recruit that Alex and Xale are after.

Please leave reviews, no flames thank you. And pass news of this story and its predecessors to other readers. I'm a relatively new author, and I need attention or constructive criticism.