"It's been quite some time Reiko, so tell me, what brings me here to Outworld? As I'm sure a mastermind like yourself is aware I'm a very busy man." The man named Daegon said as he, and Reiko walked side by side. The two former allies were walking across a long, narrow dock. The water below them was increasingly choppy, and the temperature was incredibly hot. In the distance of the dock there was a large cave made of rock. In the center of the high standing rock a skull was carved visible for all traders, and military vessels to see as they entered the trading post known as the Kove. Over on the sandy shores nearby merchant stands were being manned, and raggy looking civilians could be overheard bargaining for goods. Along specific sections of the dock ships were parked, and being tied to the stable structure by a few of Shao Kahn's royal guards.
Daegon was quite an interesting figure to see at a glance. He was bald, his face was wrinkled with age lines, and a deep scar ran from the right side of his forhead, and down through his right eye. The event that gave him the scar had rendered the eye completely useless, and that was made incredibly obvious by the white coating that masked it's rounded shape. Reiko had learned a lot about Daegon from his own personal studies, and noted the golden engraved dragons that stretched across his clothes' red fabric were an ancient calling card of the Elder Gods. Daegon was undoubtedly worshiped in Earthrealm by those who disagreed with the demotion he received as a result of his mother's Earthrealmer lineage. Daegon could never posses the titles or powers of an Elder God. He was stuck for an eternity as a half god. An almost shameful title to own. Reiko knew Daegon quite well many years ago, and knew all too well what Daegon wanted from life. The only things Daegon ever cared about were respect, loyalty from his followers, and the act of being worshiped. Reiko came to this meeting knowing he could meet any demand that Daegon has.
"I apologize for pulling you away from your current war with the Black Dragon clan Daegon. I understand that your war is your top priority. I assume Lady Tanya was not too vague in the letter you received?" Reiko asked curiously as the pair continued to walk down the dock.
"It was more than just vague, but any letter received from the Kahn's high court is never to be turned down. I have my own theories as to why I was summoned here to Outworld. The lead one being that your lord wants the technology that I've created placed into the hands of his followers, and military. You were the one chosen to meet me here because we have a very storied history together." Daegon responded casually with his deep voice. Reiko was impressed by Daegon's smarts.
"Your theory is correct. We need your technology in our coming war with Earthrealm, and we also need you, and your men to train them in the use of said technology. Earthrealm's defenses will be equipped with tanks, helicopters, and countless of other high grade military equipment. We realize that we're outdated in terms of military advancement, but our realm's magic should aid us greatly with most issues that we come across. Your technology in our forces hands would make Outworld have an even greater advantage." Reiko explained carefully, as he, and Daegon boarded a massive parked ship at the end of the dock.
"These weapons I have made. They take years to master Reiko. I have men in Earthrealm who have spent ten years in training camps alone just hoping to hit their target. These are not like your average guns." Daegon answered as the two pushed one after the other through a bulky wooden door. They had reached Reiko's traveling residence. Inside the open space sat a neatly made bed with black, silk crafted sheets. A table sat in the center of the room, and upon the table a small map showing Outworld's layout was resting. Both Reiko, and Daegon pulled up a wooden chair each, and sat down on either sides of the table.
"I know what you have made Daegon. I have studied their uses. Flamethrowers, electroshock guns, homing missile launchers. I've studied them all. I am confident that I can aid greatly in the training of our forces. I have enough experience working with Tarkatans, and Shokans that I feel I can teach them through whatever difficulties it may take." Expressed Reiko confidently. Daegon gave a small chuckle at Reiko's words, and looked up at him.
"Well I suppose if anyone could manage to teach a whole army how to use an entirely new type of machinery it would be you Reiko. I am interested though, why would such a remarkable tactician, and completely unmatched warrior waste his time, and knowledge in Outworld under an uncaring lord, and not staying by the side of the one true god who saved you from torment, and eternal damnation? What has Shao Kahn given you to be at his beck, and call at all times with such undying loyalty?" Daegon asked as he crossed his arms. Reiko figured the question would be asked eventually. Daegon, and Reiko have one very similar thing in common. They both are forever loyal to those who inspire them. The one issue that Daegon doesn't notice is that not everyone is inspired by the same thing.
"What you speak is true about Lord Shinnok. He did save me from a horrible existence down in the Neatherrealm, and I will always be grateful for that, but we simply have different desires, and goals for the time being. When the time comes, and I'm reunited with him I will serve him as my lord, and my salvation, but my own personal desires have always aligned with Emperor Shao Kahn. I care not about loyal followers, and godly powers. I seek to unite a shattered universe, and bring them under one rule. To attain such one must use the gifts provided to him to make a difference. Shao Kahn is aware of that, and that is why he is at the forefront of the movement. He sees the future in a way that many don't believe will be achievable, but I see it, and with my help I believe we will accomplish it. I believe the ways of Chaos that make up parts of our universe will be wiped out entirely with his way of ruling." Reiko spoke after taking a deep breath. Daegon nodded with his lips curled downwards, and began to retort.
"I see, but you should know Reiko, that when the time comes, and your're reunited with our lord we will be the ones doing the ruling. Shinnok has made it clear to us all remaining in his service that when this universe is united with or without Shao Kahn's assistance that each realm will be split up again, each of which having an Emperor. You, me, Moloch, Sareena, and even that bastard Quan Chi will be the lords of the realms, with Shinnok keeping an eye on them all, under his ideals, and his morals." Daegon expressed very seriously.
"When the time comes where Lord Shinnok makes his stand, and the lines are drawn you will have to make a choice Reiko. Are you a loyal retainer of Shao Kahn's, or are you a fully fledged member of the Brotherhood of Shadow? Seeing as your soul will return to the Neatherrealm after this life you can either come back as a hero, or wither away into the depths for your betrayal for all of eternity. Make the right decision. I trust that your genius will lead you to the path of righteousness." Daegon finished in a warning tone. Reiko squinted his pure white eyes at this statement, and nodded slowly to show that he had heard Daegon's warning.
"I see the situation that awaits me, but by your words it appears that Lord Shinnok is still only in the planning process. These actions that will take place they could happen centuries from now. I will focus on that when the time arises, but for now we need you to aid us Daegon." Reiko stated as to change the subject of an unclear future.
"I will help you in this war with Earthrealm, but I need conditions met. The Red Dragon will not under any circumstance be slaves to Outworld's forces. We will follow the emperor's lead, and once Earthrealm is taken we are to have free reign over the remains of it's territory after it has been merged into this realm. You meet those conditions, and we will fight by your side." Daegon demanded boldly. Reiko gave his request some thought before speaking again.
"That is a fierce request Daegon, but I believe Shao Kahn will see the benefits of this alliance. I shall talk to him, and in doing so will grant you what you desire from this arrangement. You and the Red Dragon will have free reign over the Earthrealm territory in Outworld as long as you cause the empire no issues." Reiko agreed.
"Very well." Grunted Daegon.
"The Outworld empire appreciates your cooperation." Reiko added as Daegon stood up from his chair.
"Don't. I want you to understand this. This is not for the benefit of either the Red Dragon, or Shao Kahn's armies. Taking over Earthrealm is just another victory in the long run for Shinnok. He will be pleased when we take another opposing side of his master plan down. Make the right decision I was talking about earlier, and we will be perhaps the most valuable of generals to ever grace our lord's presence." With that Daegon left Reiko's traveling quarters, leaving the Grand General sitting alone inside. Reiko had no fear of what the future would bring, but he knew eventually he would need to make the right decision, but what was the right decision? He guessed that time would tell.