In a dimension pinned between ours and another
exist worlds and beings which, while totally
foreign, are also oddly familiar.
Those familiar people, places and objects
compose, form and fill that dimension.
Beings and worlds which have
switched from the inanimate to animate.
From our fiction to their reality...
PART I -- CHOCOLATE FOR ALL
Heros, villains, emperors and worlds
are locked in a fierce battle between beings from the
both ends of their galaxy. Struggling for a great cause
for which both sides risk everything.
A cause which would be dear to us as well.
CHOCOLATE WARS
Chapters
RESCUE
SWEET DESTINY
THE FUDGE THICKENS
CHEDI, CHEDI, WHOSE GOT THE CHEDI
OH, OH
MISSION ACCOMPLISHED
RESCUE
With a small but full moon shining dimly in a cloudless sky, the night is dark and dismal. A frigid wind wails across a flat and barren landscape. Other than the skeletal remains of a very few long dead trees, the horizon is broken only by a large, heavily fortified structure. The structure's lower levels are constructed of massive stones laid side by side and one upon the other. The stone's masonry pattern is broken only at its upper levels by the presence of several large, seemingly impenetrable metal doors which seal access to the interior. The walls are windowless except at its topmost level. The lack of entrances at ground level directs that access to the interior is only available by air.
At the stone wall's summit two large landing pads jut out from opposing ends of the structure. Both are unlit. On each are several small fighters. One also contains a larger, heavily armored and armed vessel. All but the large ship appear to be powered down and unmanned. From this point, a narrower portion of the fortress continues upward for several more levels. This section of the structure has a flat metallic surface which dully reflects the minuscule amount of light that the pale moon is providing. Its surface is studded with numerous balconies, large barred windows, dozens of shield projectors and blaster ports. Its top level is capped with a slightly angled, tiled, metal roof which is dotted with skylights. Interior light shines upwards through several of them. At each of the roof's four corners stand tall turrets. An external staircase spirals up each turret's outer wall.
This fortress is the home and headquarters of Lardo the Nutt, one of the Empire's most powerful and wealthy allies. Once an opponent of the Empire, the Nutt now defends, supports and pirates for Emperor Sakarin. Allowed to retain much of his bounty, Lardo has improved his situation greatly since betraying the Emperor's opposition.
-
Above and through the darkness, a small armored ship pulls into level flight as it exits the planet's upper atmosphere. The faintest shimmer of gold, forming a bubble around the ship, is the only hint of the masking device preventing its detection by any scanning device. Visual observation is the mask's only weakness in avoiding notice. In the vastness of space a ship is very small and without the benefit of sensors, easily missed. Within the comparatively small area inside a planet's atmosphere however detection is far more likely. The ship's second crew member checks his control panel for any sign that they've been detected. After several moments, satisfied that they have not, he signals the pilot, "Lardo's transport ship is manned but her engines are cool and her weapon systems are down. Everything looks clear. Lets go." Nodding, the pilot directs the ship into a steep descent.
-
At the peak of one of the fortress' turrets, a lone figure, her face hidden by a breath shield, holds a heavy cloak tight against the chilling wind while looking up into a heaven almost void of stars. Other than movement caused by the powerful wind, the figure is still and despite the cold, patient, as she watches and waits. Her back stiffens when a shooting star appears in the almost empty sky. The object flares brightly as it streaks through the planet's upper atmosphere. Remaining still, she watches its progression for several seconds. Unconsciously, as her eyes track the object, her hand shifts to the weapon on her hip. As the flare of the object's passage extinguishes, she turns, hurries down the steps and into the fortress.
-
Both of the ship's two man crew are Chedi. The members of the Chedi order form a fighting force of beings from many different worlds. Lead by M and M, their trainers and leaders, the Chedi are secretly based on the planet Choctooine which is located within the Wonka star system. The order is assisted by members of the Wonka Alliance, a collection of worlds whose people are also sworn enemies of the Empire. The Chedi serve as the champions of all oppressed by the powerful and evil Emperor and his knights. Brave and valiant, they are strengthened and their varied abilities enhanced by a powerful, sweet, chocolate rich fudge. The fudge, empowered by natural properties within the chocolate which are enhanced in it's preparation, enables the Chedi to perform at super human levels both mentally and physically.
The knights of the Empire, led by the Emperor's most powerful and evil knight, Diet Vanilla, are strengthened by their own powerful but bitter variety of that fudge. For years the two sides have battled. The Empire is large and powerful. The Chedi have enjoyed many victories but the Empire, despite those losses, has continued to grow.
As the small ship nears the fortress each Chedi places a piece of dark, powerful Chedi fudge into their mouths. Both sigh as the fudge's strong, sweet flavor fills their mouths. Each tense as it's empowering chocolate enters their systems. They gasp with a rush of energy and clarity of thought. Smiling, Hagjo, the pilot, engages the ship's antigravity field. Bands along the ship's lower hull flicker and then glow a dim shade of blue as he shuts down the ship's engines. Ignoring the fortress's landing pads, he slows the ship and sets her down gently on the dark tiled roof. Duke, the second Chedi, and Hagjo swiftly exit the ship. The frigid wind whips their clothing as the dynamic duo hurry across the angled surface. Avoiding the numerous skylights, the pair move with the assurance of participants on a well planned mission. Leaping from the roof's edge onto a large balcony, they approach a secured door. In seconds, the lock is disabled and they enter a brightly lit, overly warm atrium.
Looking beyond the bordering foliage Hagjo and Duke see that the room is peopled by a dozen females of as many different races. Among them is a characteristically tall and thin Licoricean. Her black, sinewy form is coiled into a tight mound on a large cushion. A Skittle lies listlessly on a short couch. Both her multi colored scales and spirit have been dulled by her captivity. On a wide over stuffed chair is a Chicklet. Her eyes are closed and her breath, which whistles as she exhales, is slow and steady. The crustaceous being has a bright red shell which covers her chest and back. The shell catches the light and the Chedi's eyes as they scan the group. Beside the dozing Chicklet is a Hersheyan. Seeing this female, Duke gasps. Her creamy brown beauty is breathtaking and is unaffected by her somber expression. Despite any fear she may be feeling, she holds her head up and doesn't avert her eyes as the Chedi step through the foliage. Her eyes widen when they find Duke's face. As he and Hagjo clear the foliage and step fully into the room, the remaining females see them. Immediately they begin screaming and running, running toward the duo. Duke, also a Hersheyan, lets Hagjo calm the other women as he steps toward the Hersheyan female who is now standing but has otherwise not moved other than to keep her eyes on him. Drawing near he can see that she has already recognized him. The relief in her eyes is immense, however, for reasons Duke is unable to determine, she doesn't speak.
None of the females speak in the common Galactic tongue. Hagjo, struggling to make himself understood, is uncertain what exactly is being said to him. It's clear however that all of the women are distressed. "Please be quiet!" he whispers as he holds a finger across his lips.
"Gorde calup en lave!" pleads a muscular woman with orange skin and an elephant-like nose. She holds Hagjo by his arm in a grip that is almost painful but there is nothing but fear in her eyes. The same expression is mirrored in the eyes of the other women.
The two Chedi glance at one another. Duke grimaces and shrugs. Hagjo shrugs in return before turning back to the women. "Nerdz," he mumbles looking into the mass of frightened expressions.
...
The word "Nerdz" is slang used by most races within the Wonka system and many beyond. It's use expresses exasperation toward a problem or event that has gone wrong. Usually something that has foolishly gone wrong.
The Nerdz were once an incredibly intelligent and sensitive race of beings. On their small world, at the far side of the Wonka system, they evolved quickly through their primitive beginnings into a race capable of great thought, beautiful art and deep emotion. The artifacts of their race indicate that with their technology, single minded focus and even handed judgment, they could have peacefully and fairly mastered the universe. Their reign would have been free of strife and their guidance might have prevented the Empire's rise to power. Unfortunately, as the Nerdz advanced technologically, they invented the computer and ran afoul of their single-mindedness.
As their computer technology improved, the Nerdz entire focus became centered on the machine. They improved it, expanded its uses, created data bases, e-mail, chat rooms, movies, games and numerous other forms of digital entertainment. The computers improved to the detriment of all other aspects of the Nerd's way of life and eventually, their own existence. In just a few short years their civilization began to crumble as the Nerdz became more and more focused on their computer screens. Breast pockets suited with pocket protectors, were filled with computer compatible pencils, protractors and nutritionless snacks. They only allowed themselves to be distracted from their small screens to create and assemble solar panels and wind generators which ensured power for their obsession. They disregarded their children, their families, their jobs, homes, and cities, finally even themselves. In a short time there was no drinking water, no food. Once the slide truly began, it took a only a few months for their entire civilization to disappear. Decades later, Choctooine explorers found the Nerd world. Landing their scout ships, the Choctoonians found crumbling cities and the remains of the planet's inhabitants. Propped before their burned out or powerless computers, Nerd after Nerd had let themselves wither and die before their glowing screens until the entire Nerd population had become extinct. Much of their knowledge, art and digital games had survived on the millions of hard drives which were still intact. The possible saviors of all the species in the universe however had lost their focus on life and ceased to exist.
...
"Nerdz!" Hagjo says again as the women continue to panic. "I'm sorry," he tells the women. "We thought we would be able to communicate with someone in your group." The women pause, trying to understand but in seconds are fighting panic again. Hagjo sighs deeply before holding up his hands again and making another attempt to explain that he and Duke are going to help. With their eyes wide and their breaths rapid, the female's form a tight circle around him and frown with fearful expressions of confusion.
Duke seeing Hagjo struggle turns back to the female Hersheyan whom he is certain he can communicate with. "Do you know who I am?" he asks anxiously. Immediately she nods her head and takes his hand. Smiling now, Duke asks, "Can you explain to them..." he gestures with his head toward the anxious women, "...that we will get you all away from here?" The Hersheyan gives Duke a quick hug but then draws back and shakes her head no. Before Duke can ask why, she opens her mouth and makes a light hissing noise as she mouths speech. Duke frowns in recognition of her inability to speak. Growing angry he assumes that the Nutt is responsible. Before he can voice an accusation however he hears moans and voices full of relief from behind him. Turning, he sees Hagjo smiling and receiving hugs. The large orange woman actually lifts him into the air. As she sets him down Hagjo quickly moves away and gestures to Duke to follow. "How did you manage that?" Duke asks.
"Once they realized we were Chedi they understood we would help," Hagjo answers patting both the fudge symbol on his belt buckle and the energy blade on his hip.
Nodding, Duke turns and looks into the female Hersheyan's eyes. When she smiles he squeezes her hand and says, "We'll be back!" After another squeeze he releases her hand and hurries after Hagjo. The Hersheyan's eyes follow him as he leaves with an expression that displays her full beauty. Duke stops at Hagjo's side and scans the room again. Nodding toward an automated door he says, "That one." Hagjo nods back and together they hurry across the atrium. Reaching the door they move to either side and pause listening. Duke nods again to Hagjo who reaches to activate the door when it suddenly opens.
The Chedi first smell then look down and see the Limburgen as he steps into the atrium. A collective and fearful moan comes from the women as the brawny, three and a half foot, splotchy white, blue and green skinned being enters with a large blaster. As Hagjo quickly closes the door, Duke steps into the Limburgen's path. In one motion he grabs the Limburgen's weapon, inserts the business end into its large, unpleasant mouth and pulls the trigger, sending the foul smelling and powerful creature to whatever dismal place Limburgens go after eating blaster fire.
Duke's method of dealing with the Limburgen had muffled much of the noise from the blaster but he realizes that they still may have been heard. "Let's move. Our element of surprise may be gone," he whispers. Hagjo reopens the door and quickly follows after Duke hurries through.
Finding themselves in a long, wide and immensely ornate hallway the Chedi shut the door and listen. Hearing nothing they move quickly and quietly down the empty hall without incident until ahead of them, a large set of double doors suddenly swing open. As the doors crash against the walls Lardo the Nutt enters the hallway holding a large satchel. Immediately he sees the Chedi and stops, his eyes bulging with surprise.
The Nutt is just under two meters tall, and just over one meter wide. There's little distinction between his head and body as the whole forms a large tan oval. Two angry slitted eyes, a ragged gash of nose and a nasty slit of mouth stretches from end to end of his flat, ugly face. Protruding beneath the hem of his robe are a thick tangle of living roots. The satchel he's carrying is clasped in hands at the end of two, short, muscular arms which protrude from the front of his chest. The tangle of roots blur as the Nutt quickly moves back toward the room he's just exited. As he moves the Nutt calls out in a voice which most closely resembles that of a gelatin filled Buttoxan blow hole. Hagjo's eyes narrow as he considers that it is more than the Nutt's sound that resembles a Buttoxan. Lardo's excesses have increased his girth incredibly. If not for the missing elephantine nose and the ball of roots he moves upon, he would look like a young Buttoxan. Fortunately his scent doesn't compare.
As the Nutt disappears back through the doorway, the Chedi glance at one another and pull short, blunt ended devices from their belts. Extending them each depress a button and energy beams of bright bluish light extend from the devices' ends. The crackling shafts of energy stop after reaching almost a meter in length. These "energy blades" are the preferred weapon of the Chedi and are used during battle for both defense and offense. Assisted by their fudge enhanced senses and training, the blades transform the Chedi into very powerful opponents.
Blades glowing, the Chedi reach the doorway and look into an enormous, almost empty ballroom. From the room's ceiling hang a dozen massive and gaudy chandeliers. The far end of the room is filled with large crates in stacks measuring over four meters in height. The ceiling looms another three meters above the top of the stacked crates. The near end of the room is empty except for the Nutt and a large number of armed guards. Lardo makes another series of inarticulate gags as the Chedi step in. "Hello Lardo," Duke responds. "I have to tell you old buddy, you need to learn to push away from the table. Woo! You've really put on the weight!"
Lardo responds with an angry bellow as Hagjo joins in, "Yeah! Are these guys your guards are did they just get caught in your gravitational field?"
This time the Nutt's response is angrier still and his guards quickly react. Three position themselves before the Nutt as the others move toward the Chedi. Hagjo and Duke sweep their energy blades and leap forward in unison. In a blur of motion they deflect blasts from the guard's weapons and attack. Seconds later six of the guards are disarmed and retreating. The remaining back off joining their other members before the Nutt despite his renewed bellows. As the Chedi step toward the Nutt and his men, threenew opponents suddenly drop from above. The three are dressed in one piece uniforms of grey, elastic fabric. On their belt buckles is the symbol for Cert, the world which serves as headquarters for the Empire. A large red C is centered on a stark white background. A golden strand of dental floss winds around the letter. A form fitting mask completes their uniform. The mask covers their entire head except for a jagged slash which originates at the chin exposing the knight's mouths and allowing a view of their perfectly white and straight teeth. Branching off, two narrower slashes extend upwards across the knight's cheeks and end as they widen around their eyes. Colored the same stark white as their buckle, the masks allow for no identification of the faces beneath them. Each knight also wears a dark grey cloak. This uniform is known throughout the Empire as that of the Emperor's knights. The knights are a specially trained fighting force which, with the enhancement of their own bitter version of the Chedi's fudge, enforces their Emperor's every desire.
Despite his mask, both Chedi immediately recognize the largest of the knights. Bluto, even more so than Diet Vanilla the leader of the Emperor's knights, is the most savage member of the Empire. His size, demeanor and ferocity have made him famous and feared throughout the Empire. Both a marksman and swordsman he has butchered many of the Emperor's opponents. One of his latest victims was Colonel Popeyi, who was Bluto's most dedicated opponent. Popeyi was killed in an unexpected attack on an Ally encampment which was believed to be unknown to the Empire. Col. Popeyi, like the Nutt was a plant lifeform. His remains were found with his wide, green, leafy limbs shredded and sealed within several small metal containers. The single surviving Ally member identified Bluto by his size, his wide, perfect smile and the ferocity of his methods. It is believed that Lardo was also involved. Bluto's presence here supports that suspicion.
As the Chedi hold their position, the other two knights drop their cloaks and advance while igniting their own, blood red, energy blades. While still out of striking range they separate, each selecting their opponent. Bluto retains his cloak and holds his position before the Nutt and his guards.
The knight approaching Duke ignites a two-ended blade. Spinning into a swift, brutal attack he drives Duke away from Hagjo. The advantage of the knight's weapon would be far more difficult to handle without Duke's Chedi training and the enhancements of their sweet and powerful fudge.
Hagjo, battles the smallest of the three knights who uses a single bladed weapon. Although he can't pierce the knight's defenses, Hagjo takes the offensive and seems to assume an immediate advantage. He advances steadily as the knight back steps defensively.
One of the Nutt's guards level his blaster at Hagjo's back but his aim is deflected by Bluto who snarls, "Put down your weapon, he knows what he's doing. Just enjoy the show." Displaying his famous smile, Bluto turns back and chuckles as he watches the fight.
-
At the other end of the ballroom, Duke has quickly identified the knight's tactics and has adjusted his own accordingly. The smile, present on the knight's face at the beginning of his attack, has faded as he struggles to regain control of their duel. After a rapid series of attacks and parries by each of them, Duke avoids the knight's blade and surprises him with an upwards slash which barely misses. Retreating to a defensive posture, the knight begins to panic feeling pain from the angry, red welt which is visible through the charred slash running across the front of his uniform. As Duke continues to press, the knight begins a wild spinning series of attacks. Two of the slashes hit the floor sending sharp slivers of tile at Duke which tear into his uniform and dig into his legs. Performing a final spin the knight holds his blade and leaps straight up. Expecting an attack from above Duke raises his blade but instead is surprised as the knight grabs hold and braces himself within the enormous chandelier under which they've been fighting.
-
Still unsuccessful in hitting his opponent, Hagjo realizes that he's being drawn to the far side of the large room. Easing his attack he glances suspiciously at his surroundings noting that they've almost reached the stacked crates. Seeing Hagjo's distraction, the knight lunges into an attack. He slashes powerfully but is easily parried. Withdrawing his blade he lunges again performing a disengage which works perfectly as Hagjo's blade sweeps aside seeking to defend against the false attack. The knight then directs the point of his blade at Hagjo's abdomen but Hagjo has already recovered. Quickly stepping away Hagjo sweeps his blade back, parries the knight's attack and attempts a counter attack. The knight leaps away barely avoiding being hit. Rolling quickly to his feet, the knight comes back on guard and resumes his full defensive posture.
Cautious, Hagjo continues with his attack but keeps alert as the knight again begins backing toward the crates. He attempts a variety of offensive maneuvers which increases the speed of the knight's retreat but come no closer to accomplishing a hit. The knight is clearly struggling but his defenses are prime, in large part due to a complete lack of offensive effort on his part. With that realization Hagjo increase his guard, in preparation of another surprise attack. The knight continues his retreat until, within several meters of the crates, Hagjo senses a new and imminent danger. Unable to identify its source he dodges and feels something fly quickly, and very close, past his head. Charging forward, his advance and his survival surprises the knight. Sweeping the knight's blade aside, Hagjo binds the weapon with his own and closes on the knight. Retreating awkwardly, the knight trips and falls. Hagjo leaps over him and, landing with his back to a crate, looks up just in time to deflect another missile with his energy blade. Hagjo's eyes backtrack along the missiles path and locates a wall mounted Nerf launcher.
...
Discovered on the planet Stark by the crew of an Empire conquest ship, the Nerf weapon systems were immediately adopted into the Empire's arsenal. The Nerf weapons, while extensive in their variety on Stark, were nothing more than toys for the children of the warrior races of Ironmen who were native to the planet. An only slightly tougher version of the Nerfs had been used as nonlethal practice weapons by the Ironmen's military. The Ironmen's bodies, encased in powerful shells which covered them from head to toe, were safely shielded from all but the most powerful attacks. Their "armor" was so strong that the Ironmen were nearly invincible. The actual weapons their military used against one another were so powerful that they destroyed the entire Ironmen civilization. When Stark was discovered by the Empire conquest ship, all of the Ironmen were dead. Their weapons, all launched and detonated in one last offensive by several of Stark's warring governments, had destroyed every living being on their world. One of the few remains of technology found by the conquest ship's crew was a Nerf gun. The missiles, like sponge rubber against the Ironmen's armor, are lethal against the far weaker skin of the Empire's enemies.
Like the Nerds, the Ironmen of Stark have left a legacy that the Chedi and all the people of Choctooine have strived to learn from. The wisdom of peace has been taught to all of their people and whenever possible, each of them do their best to achieve it.
...
Balanced on the balls of his feet, Hagjo glances at the knight who, still lying on the floor, grins evilly back at him. Hagjo's eyes pause for only a moment before he looks back in search of a weakness with the launcher. After barely a glance his eyes flash to the other side of the room in response to a loud crash.
-
Discharging one of his dual blades, the knight fighting Duke slashes through the chain attaching one of the multiple arms of the chandelier to its center support. Duke has to react quickly to avoid being crushed by the two meter wide section of metal and colored glass which comes plummeting toward him. Diving again to avoid a second falling arm of the chandelier, Duke rolls to his feet and leaps. His blaster drawn, he lands beyond the section of floor underneath the remaining arms of the chandelier. Rolling to his feet, Duke spins and raises his blaster. The knight, braced on the main support chain of the chandelier sees the weapon leveled at him. His smile dissolves as he quickly raises his blade defensively. Duke smiles as he extends the blaster, it's barrel directed at the knight. At the last second he raises his weapon and fires the blast well above the knight, hitting the thick chain which supports the entire chandelier. The knight leaps as he and the chandelier come rushing to the floor.
With metal and glass crashing around him, the knight rolls clear of the downed chandelier. Getting his feet beneath him he ignites both ends of his blade and scowls at Duke as he charges. Quickly reholstering his blaster, Duke draws and reignites his blade as well. Immediately he parries as the knight attacks and their battle resumes.
-
Hagjo's attention refocuses on his side of the room when he's forced to dodge another Nerf missile. His blade en guard, Hagjo rechecks the fallen knight who is still smiling from his position on the floor. Satisfied that the knight is no longer an immediate problem, Hagjo studies the automated launcher. The unit is built into a short wall standing amongst the crates and is clearly positioned to secure this side of the large room. Having no idea of the unit's range Hagjo redirects his blade and advances on the knight. Sneering as he advances, Hagjo's eyes tighten as the knight's smile fades and he quickly gets back to his feet. Sidestepping, Hagjo renews his attack. Now in a position which puts the knight between himself and the Nerf unit Hagjo proceeds in the belief that the launcher will not fire on its own people. After several seconds however, his fudge enhanced senses alert him again. He gasps realizing that the Nerf unit's programming, which did not target the knight when they moved into range, is indifferent to "any" obstacle between itself and its selected target. Hagjo's eyes shift to meet the knights who's expression displays his knowledge that his back is open to a deadly attack which he can't turn and address. Leaping forward, Hagjo parries and binds the anxious knight's blade. While still in the air, he kicks the knight aside just as the launcher fires a double attack. The knight is saved from a direct hit by the first missile but as he falls his arm passes through the second's path. Struck just beneath his right elbow the knight drops his blade. Grabbing his arm the knight collapses and screams in pain. The knight's blade automatically discharges as it's released and the handle bounces once before skidding across the floor.
Wary of another attack, Hagjo lands awkwardly. Performing a forward roll he's back to his feet and diving again as another Nerf missile flies at and barely misses him. Continuing to move, Hagjo leaps over the injured knight while drawing his blaster. Landing on his shoulder he rolls onto one knee and fires hitting the next missile. The blast hits and explodes deflecting the missile which follows a new course for several meters before hitting and smashing through one of the many crate's hard surfaces. Broken pieces of chocolate cascade from the opening as Hagjo continues firing. After several additional blasts he stops disappointed as the blasts discharge harmlessly against the launcher's protective energy shield. Back on his feet Hagjo easily avoids the next missile as he levels his blaster again. This time he fires several times targeting the wall just beyond the edge of the launcher's shield. He pauses, while smoke clears, hoping to see that he has punched through the wall and disabled the launcher. Instead he has to dodge again as another missile leaps from the smoke. Seconds later, the smoke cleared, he sees that though the wall bordering the shield is charred, the armor beneath is strong and has held. Dodging yet another missile, Hagjo surrenders. Turning he glances once more toward the injured knight who is still cradling his arm. Immediately in full retreat he rushes back across the room. After moving several meters he turns back and stands ready until he sees the launcher's firing nozzle slide back into its chamber. Assured that he is now beyond the launcher's target area he redirects his gaze. Looking past the injured knight, still lying on the floor, Hagjo spots the knight's dropped blade. Extending his arm, Hagjo pushes with his mind and sends the blade skidding away and beneath one of the crate filled pallets. As his arm drops he gasps hearing the whine of an overloading energy blade. Spinning he looks back toward his friend at the other end of the large room.
-
Once back on the floor, the knight advanced beyond the remains of the chandelier as he resumed his attack. Duke was immediately parrying rapid fire attacks as the knight continued his vicious attacks using both ends of his doubled blade. Duke however now understood the knight's tactics and was deflecting the attacks as well as answering with his own. After a difficult parry, the knight caught Duke's blade and attempted to bind it while sweeping the other end of his blade in a slashing attack. Duke recognized the attempt and moved to counter it. Repelling the knight's blade Duke immediately followed with an attack of his own. There was a bright flash as his blade hit near the knight's grip at the base of one of the dual blades. Each combatants attempted to withdraw their weapons but found that the weapons' energy fields had fused.
Duke and the knight's eyes meet as the fused weapons begin to whine. Each of them tries again to free their blades knowing that the whine is a sign that the blades' energy systems are overloading. Duke releases the handle of his weapon and is shocked when the blade doesn't power down. Theknight tries to release his weapon as well but finds that his hands are being held within the energy field created by the fusion of the two weapons. As the whine from the coupled weapons increases in volume the knight panics and Duke retreats. Performing three rapid back flips Duke avoids damage when the blades explode but is still thrown to the floor. As he slides to a stop and the roar of the explosion fades he hears the sound of his dropped blaster skidding across the floor and away from him.
Rising, Duke turns to the Nutt, the remaining guards and Bluto who is looking and smiling back at him. They both glance at Duke's blaster lying between them but well out of Duke's reach.
"Chedi," Bluto growls in greeting as he lifts a massive two chambered blaster from beneath his cloak. The blaster is a heavy and awkward weapon. Only someone with Bluto's size, strength and training could wield it successfully. Duke, defenseless, looks back into Bluto's smiling face knowing that, despite the abilities he has gained through exposure to the fudge, he will not likely be able to dodge the wide blast this weapon will produce. Hagjo on the other end of the room rushes toward them but, without a clear shot at Bluto, knows that he's too far away to save his friend. Anxiously he scans the guards blocking his shot as he hurries to his friend.
Preparing for a dodge he doesn't believe will be successful, Duke stares back at Bluto, who speaks. "Let's see if your Chedi training can save you from..." Suddenly there's a flash beneath Bluto's chin. His eyes cross as his lips, pursed forming their last syllable, freeze. Puzzled, Duke doesn't move but does shift his weight as Bluto takes an awkward half step forward. The guards behind him are shuffling in a panic as, his expression unchanged, Bluto bends forward at the waist. Early in the movement, his head tips forward and separates from his neck. The Nutt belches another angry objection as Bluto's head falls to the floor. The guards scatter as Bluto's large body tips backwards and comes crashing toward them.
The guard who saw the Chedi's ship from the turret becomes visible to Duke as Bluto's falling body clears his field of vision. Reigniting her energy blade she stands ready as the other guards retreat with a few wild shots. Pulling the breath shield from her face the guard angles her blade deflecting the one well aimed blast. The absence of the mask reveals a beautiful smile which she directs at Duke, her fellow Chedi. As she turns however her smile shifts into a sneer and her eyes tighten as they focus on the Nutt. Seeing her face, Lardo gasps and makes another loud, ugly noise. Laughing, the Chedi flashes her blade. When Lardo jumps back she leaps forward and wrenches the satchel from his grasp before retreating. Ducking an attempted grab by one of the returning guards, she slashes again and backs away from the group and toward Duke.
Duke moves toward her as well. As they meet he says, "Thank you Schan!" Taking the satchel, he frees her hands to wield her blade. Spinning back to face the Nutt, Schan reacts deflecting several blasts from the guards who have finally recovered and are reacting to the Nutt's orders to open fire.
Hagjo arrives smiling too. After nodding to his teammates, he also turns to face the Nutt who is stuffing his mouth full of the bitter, dark and powerful fudge of the Empire. As the guards nervously reposition themselves, the Nutt, his face stained with dark brown smudges, takes several deep breaths and begins shuddering with irregular and increasingly violent twitches. The guards, noting his behavior, hold their fire and stand nervously before their leader awaiting further instructions. When Schan steps forward several retreat. The remainder hold their position but are clearly wishing that they could follow their partners. Putting his hand on Schan's shoulder, Duke stops her advance as he too notices the Nutt's behavior. Pausing, the Chedi eyes meet briefly. Duke nods and pulls Schan along in a slow retreat. Schan's expression clearly displays her displeasure in their giving way but she doesn't pull from Duke's grasp. Hagjo looks back toward the Nutt and extends his blade toward the guards who, despite their continued desire to flee, hold their ground. Positioning his feet, Hagjo stands ready as the guards attempt to prepare for his next move. Duke, standing behind Schan, withdraws the blaster from her holster and fires hitting one of the guards. As the others redirect their weapons toward Duke, Hagjo moves. After two quick steps forward he leaps into the air. Passing over their heads, Hagjo uses his blade to disarm several of the panicking guards. He lands in front of the Nutt as Schan and Duke move in with their blade and blaster. Seconds later the guards are in full retreat.
The Nutt's bulging eyes look directly at Hagjo as he lands but Lardo's only other reaction is an increase in his twitching. His breath rushes up and down his throat as his body reacts to and directs the sudden abundance of energy being provided by the fudge he's ingested. Hagjo gestures with his blade, "All right Lardo, it's over." The Nutt staggers back after an especially violent tremor. Angrily he stares at Hagjo while tearing the front of his robe open. The robe flaps at the Nutt's sides exposing his wide tan chest and a colorful wrap which covers much of his lower half. Hagjo's eyes narrow as three growths suddenly sprout from the Nutt's chest and almost immediately grow to over a meter in length. The Nutt jumps forward and slashes two of them at Hagjo as they sprout thorns. The third forms a bud which grows larger and begins to bloom. Hagjo dodges one limb and parries the other with his blade, severing it at the point of contact. As he repositions, the bloom, now fully open, fires a thick cloud of spores. Dropping and rolling, Hagjo avoids the poisonous attack. Regaining his footing he immediately has to dodge again as the remaining thorned limb swings at him.
"Lardo, stop now!" Hagjo shouts as the spent bloom withers and several new growths begin to form. Extending his blade Hagjo waits for a response. As two of the new growths begin to form buds Hagjo shouts again. "Last chance Lardo! Don't be a nut!"
Lardo's only response is to shove more fudge into his mouth. As the new limbs continue to form and grow, the Nutt begins thrashing about attempting to strike Hagjo with his remaining thorned limb. Stepping forward, Hagjo slashes through the thorned limb and frowns as new sprouts immediately begin to form and grow at an even faster rate than the earlier ones. As new buds prepare to open, Hagjo attacks in earnest. Slashing with his energy blade, he splits the immature buds and severs several new forming limbs. As new sprouts continue to form, Hagjo moves to Lardo's torso. The Nutt continues budding and trying to attack but despite his efforts, he's reduced, in moments, to what most resembles a very large pile of partially shredded coconut.
Standing with his blade still raised, Hagjo, breathing heavily, looks down at the pile. "Regenerate from that you traitorous, chocolate hoarding, peanut!" he growls.
As Hagjo steps back, Duke looks at the remains of the Nutt and sighs. "I was afraid he would make that necessary."
His anger already gone, Hagjo holsters his blade and responds. "I just hope that's enough to hold him until the pickup squad gets here. He ate a lot of fudge!" Suddenly the team tenses as their fudge enhanced abilities warn them of a new danger. Hearing an evil grunt behind him, Hagjo leaps backwards and up toward the ceiling. The sound of weapon fire rips the air as he narrowly passes between several blaster bolts. Twisting while still in the air Hagjo comes down on the wide, flat foot of a yellow, six foot, three hundred pound, banana shaped, Cardusipian. The Cardusipian, surprised by Hagjo's maneuver, is unable to defend itself as Hagjo grabs its weapon. As the weapon is pulled free the Cardusipian growls and opens its mouth displaying many jagged, green teeth. Grabbing Hajo, the creature leans forward and attempts a biting attack. Hagjo quickly turns the blaster and presses its barrel against the being's lower chest. Firing once, Hagjo puts an end to the Cardusipians attack and then continues firing at the bunch of additional Cardusipians who are rushing into the room. The wounded Cardusipians fall with first anger, then pain, and finally disappointment in their eyes as the remainder of the giant bananas split.
With the room quiet and no more of Lardo's guards in sight, Hagjo turns back to his friends. Schan, using her energy blade, slices through Lardo's leather satchel. Duke then holds it open, exposing the variety of solid dark and milk chocolates which they've come here to retrieve.
"Yep, this is them!" Duke says with a big smile.
Hagjo, also smiling, hugs Schan and shakes Dukes free hand. "The Emperor won't get his dirty hands on these beauties!" Schan says hugging him back.
The three position themselves in the three corners of a triangle and in the manner of the Three Musketeers, raise their clasped hands high. Together they declare, "Chocolate For All!" Keeping their hands clasped they laugh aloud.
With no further trouble from the Nutt's guards, the Chedi apply first aid and then secure the knight with the broken arm. Most of Lardo's soldiers have escaped in skips and small pods but the Chedi disable the large ship and the fighters which are still on the landing pads. Finally the trio gather the ladies from the atrium, power up their ship and leave the Nutt's fortress.
-
En route to return the "Mystic Chocolates" to the people of the planet Mavrakos, Hagjo and Schan sit quietly together on their ship's small main deck. The rescued women have been made as comfortable as possible within the limited accommodations on the lower deck. Duke enters, having checked again on the women, giving particular attention to the Hersheyan Hagjo suspects suppressing a smile.
Hagjo has contacted their Ally Commander, a Chedi, on Choctooine. After receiving a short report, which included a warning about the wall mounted security weapon, Commander Darpa ordered two squads to proceed immediately to the Nutt's fortress. The first squad is a security team. Along with securing the facility, their assignment is to take the Nutt into custody. Hagjo is hesitantly confident that Lardo won't have completed his regeneration and escaped this time. A recovery squad will follow the security team in and collect the crates in the large hall. Most of them are undoubtedly filled with stolen chocolate.
The Chedi have had a long history with the Nutt. Since his betrayal, Lardo's regenerative capabilities have surprised and fouled their plans of ending his association with the Empire. As Duke takes a seat Hagjo fills him in. " Dorpa has ordered both a security and recovery squad. The security squad is already on their way." Hagjo's brow furrows as he continues, "They've got to get there before Lardo completes his regeneration and escapes, again!"
Duke smiles and responds "The way you diced him up, he should still be there." His smile fades a bit as he continues, "The Emperor's bitter fudge has sure increased his powers of regeneration though." Duke's mouth forms a scowl as he continues, "Lardo's teaming with the Emperor has helped the Empire take a huge bite out of the Milky Way. His being taken out of the equation will certainly slow the Empire's progress."
Schan nods without comment. She has yet to speak of her time undercover at Lardo's fortress. Neither Hagjo nor Duke have questioned her. They both know the horrors Lardo is capable of. Hagjo's last mission against Lardo had been on the planet Eastr. That small planet was peopled by a gentle race of fur covered beings known as Bunnies. Lardo maimed an entire tribe of the innocent creatures before being driven away. The memory of all those small beings, their long ears, very valuable on the black market, broken off and taken, still upset his stomach. Lardo's greed has been costly to many, including the Chedi and many of their supporters. Hagjo knows too of Schan's personal issues with the Nutt.
Quietly Schan rises from her seat and leaves the deck. "I'll be back," she says squeezing Hagjo's shoulder as she passes. Hagjo and Duke watch until she turns a corner and is lost to sight.
"She alright?" Duke asks with a worried frown.
Hagjo looks back from the now empty corridor and nods as he answers. "You know about her and Lardo. She's just worried that he'll escape again before the pick up squad gets there." Glancing back down the corridor he finishes, "She'll be fine once he's in custody."
-
After completing the turn, Schan increases her pace down the short hall. Reaching its only doorway, she steps through and into the ship's small science lab. After a moments hesitation she secures the door and steps over to a dissection console. Withdrawing a small container from her pocket she holds it before her eyes. Inside is a tan slug-like mass whose bulk barely fits in the transparent container. As she watches, she's able to detect regular although slight movements. Lowering the container her eyes loose focus as she becomes lost in thought. They tighten as she relives fighting against the Empire at Lardo's side...
...
Poppie, a Doughboy, a shorter, trimmer Lardo and Schan had fouled an Empire attempt to cripple and pirate a Choctooine transport ship. Hurrying through the damaged Empire ship they are nearing a repair pod which they intend to use to leave the ship and signal for pickup. Rounding a corner they come face to face with three of the Emperor's knights and two security officers. All wear battle armor and have their weapons in hand. Schan draws and ignites her blade as the officers open fire. Deflected blasts miss Lardo's team but hit an energy coupling. The explosion pushes Lardo into Schan and them both back the way they've come. Schan finds herself on the deck and unhurt as Lardo's large form has shielded her from the blast. As she gets back on her feet Lardo grimaces in pain. Ready for action she checks the hallway and sees that it's blocked by fire and smoke from the destroyed coupling. She quickly looks back down at Lardo. His charred shirt allows a view of his back which is now a darker shade of tan. As she watches, the darker shading is already beginning to fade. Seeing her puzzled expression Lardo says, "I'll be fine," and begins to get back up on his roots. Accepting that Lardo's injuries are minor, Schan looks for Poppie and cringes when she detects a familiar, sweet odor in the air. Feeling the fire's heat, she looks toward the still burning coupling and sees Poppie's swollen, now golden brown form lying just within the edge of the dark smoke.
Hurrying toward Poppie, Schan stops as the three knights emerge. They waste no time igniting their energy blades and leaping into battle. While still in mid-leap, one of them receives fire from Lardo's blaster. Three direct hits to his chest send him falling back into the thick smoke. The remaining knights land in a barrage of attacks from Schan as she wields her own ignited blade. Ever aggressive, she drives them back. After a short exchange she dodges one knight's blade and parrying the second's lunges in. Moving quicker than either knight can react she gets within arm's reach and grabs the wrist of one of the knight's weapon arm. Turning, she raises his arm and blade with her own into the second knight's face. Avoiding the second knight's parry with her own blade she catches his with the blade of the knight she holds. Dodging an awkward punch from the held knight she brings the butt end of her energy blade's handle hard up against his forehead, partially stunning him. She then slams her shoulder into his chest as she slashes at the other knight hitting the side of his helmet and sending him stumbling away. Turning back to the held knight she shuts off her blade, holsters it and, with her shoulder, continues to push eventually slamming him into a wall. As they hit she hears Lardo firing on the other knight and the blasts being deflected by the knight's blade. Pinning the stunned knight against the wall, she pulls his wrist and lays his own ignited blade against his armored chest. Seeing the blade flash against his armor the knight comes out of his stupor and begins to fight back. Despite his struggle, Schan holds the blade there for several seconds. As she releases him, the blade generated heat from his chest plate makes the knight drop his blade and hurry to remove the superheated armor. Schan kicks his deactivated blade away as the two Empire officers finally stumble, coughing, out of the thick smoke. She shoves them both roughly back in before turning again to the last knight. She looks just in time to see him disarm Lardo by slicing through her companion's forearm. Lardo screams and collapses as Schan runs and leaps toward the knight. Coming down on the knight feet first, she drives him into the deck, leaving him unconscious. As she approaches Lardo, he grabs his severed arm and presses its raw end against his stump.
Later, off the Empire ship and on the stolen repair pod, Schan applies a tight bandage to Lardo's arm. She's amazed to realize that he's already able to feel and even move some of his fingers. Speechless she stares in wonder. With a pained smile, Lardo explains. "I could have regenerated the arm although the process would have been slow and unpleasant. Even a small piece of my body, lost, will cause a great deal of pain and a long recuperation." Lifting his injured arm into his lap he continues without looking up. "Even the worst injury is rarely life threatening. You've seen it before with plants on Choctooine. We loose a part, we grow it back. One of the benefits of being a Herbiant..." He pauses with a small smile before continuing, "...a plant, instead of an animal," he says with a shrug and a grin. Looking up he finishes, "My people recover from most injuries without medical attention."
...
Still standing in the small science lab Schan remains focused on the container. Her later discussions and assignments with Lardo had provided an even finer understanding of his unusual healing abilities. Looking past the container, and its living content, Schan scans the dissection console. Reaching forward she presses a button. A small cover retracts revealing a compartment in the console's interior. Dropping the container and its content into the opening, she presses a second button labeled "eject". The button turns red as the small cover repositions, closing the opening. The hissing sound of vacuum comes from within the console for several seconds. When the hissing stops, the eject button turns from red to green and then is dark again. As Schan stands there, her eyes tighten and a small smile forms on her lips. "This time you don't get away," she whispers. Turning, she goes back to join Duke, her friend and teammate, and Hagjo, the man she loves.
-
Now, within an hour of Mavrakos, Schan is resting in the ship's sleeping cubicle. Duke is in the pilot's seat and Hagjo is lost in thought at the navigation station. Schan had relaxed with them for a short time after returning to the main deck. Laughing and sharing stories she almost seemed her old self. Several minutes ago she went below to first check on the rescued females and then take a short nap before reaching Mavrakos. As she walked toward the back of the ship again, Hagjo could see, by the return of her familiar relaxed gait, that her stress level had dropped back to normal. He relaxed himself, relieved and happy for her.
Schan's dislike of Lardo over his betrayal of the Ally effort is well known. While Hagjo had met Lardo, Schan had worked with him on numerous assignments when he served as an Ally member. She had considered him a friend. Angry over his defection, she's never stopped being angry at herself for being so surprised by it. Every time he assisted the Empire, she took it personally and Lardo had given her many opportunities to do so. Lardo had gained much from the information and assistance he provided to the Empire. The Allies and the Chedi had paid dearly for his new fortune. Her anger toward him increased as his assistance allowed the Emperor to expand into several systems and further disrupt the chocolate supply lines. Hagjo had argued against her undercover assignment in Lardo's fortress. Schan had insisted that she could handle the assignment and had, to Hagjo's chagrin, convinced both Ms that she was right. Now that the assignment is finished, Hagjo is very happy and relieved at having been proven wrong.
Squirming in search of a comfortable position in his seat Hagjo glances toward Duke and then beyond at the starscape, visible through the front view port. His mind wanders to his home, Choctooine, and to Pie, his favorite of his home world's three moons. It was the moon, Pie, that first turned his imagination away from his home world and toward space. Later, as a student, he was allowed to accompany a team of Choctooine military on an exercise in the Goo Goo Clusters. While there he experienced his first mental contact with M and M, his Chedi leaders who appeared on his parents' doorstep a week later. After graduation Hagjo left to train with them. His family felt honor and fear over his decision and their consent. Hagjo however never questioned his decision and using his training and the enhanced abilities granted him through the Chedi's sweet and powerful fudge, has proven himself many times. Pulling a small piece of the fudge from his waist pouch he stares for a moment at its dark beauty. Placing it reverently on his tongue he sighs. His eyes close as he presses the fudge against the roof of his mouth. The flavor erupts, spreading across his tongue and down his throat. His face flushes and his senses sharpen as he smiles and takes a deep breath. Looking toward his lap, Hagjo's eyes focus on the fudge piece symbol on his belt buckle. Placing his hand on the buckle, he sighs again, his smile widening.
Hagjo and his fellow Chedi struggle against the Empire, determined that the chocolate routes stay open. Along with the Ally forces they do all they can to prevent the spread of the Empire's territory. From the Godiva Nebula, across the Milky Way, to Mars and beyond the Ruth Dwarf, the Chedi fight for Truth, Justice and Chocolate for all!