Greetings my followers, (All 6 of you XP) Mr. N here again delivering the goods! The CSMN series has FINALLY reached a breaking point, this chapter is going to be chalk-full of goodies that will leave the reader guessing and wanting more. I never imagined so many chapters, I originally aimed for a short story, like 10-12 chapters and it's looking more like 15-16 chapters. Not that I have any issues with that because I'm really becoming proud of this story.
In fact, I'm liking this story so much that a prequel, and maybe if I really like it, a sequel follow-up may be in the talks. But more the prequel since there's so many OC's with so much back story and then there's the entire epic Cluster Counter Invasion that has been mentioned multiple times. So, please, R&R. If enough people like it I will defiantly write a Fanfic on the Counter Invasion plus. :P
Roll the redundant disclaimer: Sexual Themes, Violence, Language, and Illegitimate Mysticism apparently. O.0 Also, I do not own MLaaTR, Warhammer 40k, or any other copy written materials within the story (Just read). Enjoy Chapter VIII.
P.S. Yes, Kiwi, the ripped pants were homage to your Fanfic. If you haven't read LadyTrez's stuff, then find a pencil and stab it into the back your hand…. Then go read them, but make sure you put some ice on that. Can't go into shock before you read her story.
*****
The Cluster drop ship launched from the ports of Cluster Prime, tearing a rift through reality as it entered the warp. Its destination: Earth. Queen Vexus personally saw the beetle-like drop ship off, her right hand general, Smytus, standing beside her. Despite his respect and unmoving loyalty, he still questioned the loyalty of his own queen. She had always been deceitful, manipulative, and complex, but even he could not see where her goals lied. Perhaps she did change when she died, maybe she didn't see as much of a warrior in Smytus as she used to.
The massive brute followed his lithe, red queen back to her chambers. When they arrived, the locust warrior escorts were asked to leave by Vexus. Vexus then told a mindless drone to boil some enriched oils to drink.
"Thirsty, Smytus?" said the queen sitting down in a regal chair that matched her armor in color.
"No thank you." He replied gruffly, his arms crossed in displeasure.
"You seem tense, my love. What is on your mind?" She said sweetly and crossed her legs.
Smytus only grunted and narrowed his eyes.
"Ah, yes." She said receiving the oils from her drone "You wish to know my goals with Cassius."
"It would be most appreciated." He said arrogantly.
"He is lustful for me, you are aware of that, correct?" she said sipping from the ceramic cup.
"Aye." Said the brute, still questioning her motives blatantly.
"I wished to exploit his weakness longer, but events around here are moving rather quickly, it seems." Vexus looked up from her oil. "To assure he was out of my way I sent him to Earth to see Jennifer destroyed him outright, but still gave insight as to our resurrection."
"And what exactly is the goal to be derived from this, m'lady?" asked Smytus impatiently, yet reassured that he was still favored.
"The orb of the Necrons is not an everlasting energy." Spoke Vexus with obvious discomfort "We have maybe a few months before we fall yet again."
"What?" questioned Smytus, sitting down under the weight of the situation "I thought it brought everlasting life?"
"It does," she paused "To its creators."
"Well, can we simply not do what Cassius did again?"
"No, Smytus, I'm afraid it's not that simple." She looked at him with a face of worry, something she does not wear often "Once we fall again, no force can ever return us to life."
Smytus slumped in his seat and gazed emptily at the floor. His mind blown under the threat of the Cluster's imminent extinction.
"However," she said with a spark of hope "There is one way to assure that we never are destroyed."
"And what is that, m'lady?" Smytus scooted himself to the edge of his seat and grabbed his queen's petite, slender hands "I shall assure it be done."
Vexus smiled seeing the weakness of Cassius appearing deep within the eyes of Smytus.
"We must mobilize the bulk of our forces to Solaris." She said smiling at him and clasping his hands with her own,
"Then it's settled," proudly proclaimed Smytus standing up with a massive, arrogant grin "I shall set charter for Earth immediately."
"Yet again, not that simple." Said Vexus taking yet another sip daintily from her oil "For starters who said anything about Earth? We must mobilize for the planet Mars, our true objective lays there."
"As you wish." Said Smytus with a hint of mistrust
"Also, my love." She spoke softly, using the pet name as if it were a weapon "The Council will not approve an aggressive move so early. Not after the devastation caused here so long ago. We cannot rely on them to take their time either, for they do not understand the nature of the Necron technology."
"W-what are you asking me to do, m'lady?" Smytus trembled, knowing the answer yet hoping he was somehow wrong.
"Call an aristocrat's celebration! Bring, the council, all of the noble families, all those involved with the Necron research project, all those but the most necessary." She proclaimed looking up at him gleefully sociopathic "Kill them all."
*****
Five figures now stood over the spy named Kaeris, each diverse in their outfits, looks, and attitudes. The one on his far right was an average sized, wry woman. Her armor was similar to that of Mistress Ayala's; skin-tight and red, with the exception of the primary armor plates which were colored bone. She would have a very pretty face for not the gothic make-up and wicked scars covering her face. She bore long black hair that was tied in a pony tail and haunting purple eyes.
The man beside her was the tallest and largest of the group. He was broad shouldered and grievously bulky. He wore solid black armor inscribed with eldritch runes and intricate tribal designs. His head was completely concealed by a savage, angry, skull-faced helm that gazed into Kaeris's soul with beading red eyes. He carried what looked to be a black scythe, however, the bottom expanded into a bulbous trigger.
The woman in the center was none other than leader of the operation, Farseer and High Mistress Ayala. With her beady black eyes, she scowled at Kaeris, obvious disgust and disappointment in her distorted face.
Beside her, was a shorter man, he was bald except for a long lock of black hair that stand atop his skull in a knot. He stood strongly and proudly, cavernous scars making him look as if he were constantly smirking. He held himself perfectly straight and upright with a toothed, motorized sword that was encrusted in gold. He wore armor like his comrades; his however, was emerald green. Not a spot of red or bone was to be found.
Lastly was the man who had attempted to convince Kaeris to act in tune, Fortunatus. His helm had been removed, yet he still wore the bulky suit of armor that made him capable of short distance warp travel. Despite being completely bald, Fortunatus looked very similar to Kaeris. Distinct features matched the two perfectly, but there was still quite a bit of internal difference between the two.
"We expected to have XJ-9 within the fortress by now, beginning briefing and preparation," spoke the black warrior spitefully in a booming, ethereal echo "But we see that you have taken the path of irresponsibility and foolish revelry."
"Quite," continued the Green warrior, speaking quickly, in a high pitched, scholarly tone "You have shown us that you were not the one for this project."
"You have left us with little options Warlock." Said Ayala "You convinced us that you were capable of taking control of this mission of infiltration, yet you have obviously chosen to become more than friends with the target."
"Very irresponsible." Said the harp-voiced Fortunatus, turning to Ayala and her equals "He has proven weak and emotionally swayable, he is a danger to the operation and must be terminated."
"Agreed," spoke the gothic woman with a snarl "I begin to wonder if he ever saw the events in… what was that blasted place called again?"
"Tremorton." Said the green man edgily
"Ah yes, Tremorton." Said the Bone woman bitterly caustic "I'm beginning to wonder if… Tremorton was not a hoax. A plan to get you romantically close to XJ-9, perhaps."
Kaeris said noting, he only sat on his knees looking down at the ice, awash with light, as if he were a scolded child.
"That is a tad far-fetched, Cardea." Said Ayala turning to the gothic female "Besides, I too have seen the terrible events that Earth is about to undergo. The true question I ask is: if you too have seen them, Kaeris, then why are you so leisurely avoiding the mission? You know exactly what the Necrontyr will do to those people."
Kaeris said nothing. He just looked at his knees, feeling the ice shoot icy pains up his thighs. Cardea snarled at the young man's insolence. She marched forth, striking Kaeris across the face with her slender, bone-colored gauntlet.
"Speak to your superior when she speaks, you ungrateful insect." Spat the tall woman.
Kaeris turned vengefully to look up at Cardea in the light; his major deformity was able to be seen. His ears were obviously surgically modified; scars run up the tip of his cartilage, the area where the other's of his kind have a sharp point.
"I have nothing to say." He said confidently to Cardea, who scowled down at him again.
"We obviously shouldn't have trusted your judgment, Miss Ayala." Boomed the black man "As I see it, the Dark Reapers have no purpose here."
"I apologize, Lord Maugan Ra," said Ayala disappointedly looking at Kaeris "But the Necrontyr is a threat to this world, and we mustn't take it lightly."
"He seems to be doing just that." spoke the Phoenix Lord with a glare at Kaeris. Maugan Ra turned around and walked into the shadows.
"It appears that we may have to take a more direct action," spoke the green warrior. "Fortunatus, when can your Spiders mobilize?"
"No!" Interjected Kaeris before Fortunatus before he could respond "You can't do that, Lord Esaias!"
The collection of vibrant authority turned to the lesser, his disrespect causing a look of distain to spread across the group. Even Maugan Ra turned in shock to see the disregard for his superiors.
"You can't use force on the Mon'kei…" said Kaeris, wittily thinking of an excuse "They would counter our unexpected appearance en masse with military force. They do not take highly to strangers."
"Hmm," pondered Lord Esaias, rubbing his chin and leaning further on his sword "And why should we trust your judgment, young one?"
"In five Terran days… there will be a festival for those of young age." He said, sweating with fear of his and other's lives "The Mon'kei call it a Prom. Give me until then, your graces. I have foreseen the events of that night and Jenny will become aware of the situation."
The groups stood around the young man-thing, questioning the credibility of his words.
"Jenny?" Questioned Ayala.
"Jenny Wakemen… that is her name." said Kaeris resolute. His deep blue eyes met Ayala's black eyes, a moment of serendipitous communication met with the two unique characters.
"That's rich!" bellowed Fortunatus in roaring laughter "The warlock boy has eyes for a Mon'kei machine!"
Fortunatus's laughter was soon echoed by the booming voice of Maugan Ra off in the darkness. Soon the snide and sickly screeching of Cardea joined in the mockery of Kaeris. Even the stalwart Esaias smirked a tad as he spoke. Only Ayala remained despondent.
"And why would we allow you to take an Earth maiden to a ball?" laughed Esaias as he finished his sentence, unable to hold back from the hilarity.
"Because I too have foreseen these events." Spoke Ayala emotionlessly, her jaw slacked a tad.
The group's caustic laughter ceased. They all turned to the tall, beautiful woman whose voice sang of clarity. There was no doubt in the way that she spoke that she was being truthful.
"Something cataclysmic will happen in five Terran days. I can feel it, deep in my bones." Said Ayala with an unshakeable truth in her voice
Esaias looked at the woman questioningly, but soon nodded his head in approval. The others in the group did the same, excluding Fortunatus who snarled at Ayala for her weak resolve. Kaeris gave a half smile at the expense of Ayala, who stared at him still with her face devoid of emotion.
"Alright," said Esaias reluctantly "I approve."
"As do I." Boomed Maugan Ra returning into the light
"Fine." Cardea snorted
"Then it is settled, you have five Terran days to inform XJ-… Jenny of the given circumstances." Said Ayala "But beware, young Warlock. If you shall fail, great consequences shall follow."
"Yes Madam, your wish is my command." Spoke Kaeris gratefully standing up and bowing.
"Bonesinger." Yelled Esaias, the Flute woman stepped from the shadows, brandishing the large, ivory pipe "Return Kaeris back to Tremorton."
The Bonesinger wrapped her arm around Kaeris, and began playing the enchanted Wraith Song. As the light of the bending universe wrapped around him, Kaeris made a smile at Ayala. She looked at him, her face still unmoved, and projected her thoughts into his conscious mind:
I was, too, in love once. Spoke the psychic whisper.
The council let loose; the members exiting through a round, well lit portal that was carved into the ice. Esaias simply stood and looked as the spotlight faded and the small room was dimly lit throughout. His grim expression complex, yet stern.
"Are you coming, my lord?" Spoke Fortunatus eagerly
"Do you believe the Mistress, Fortunatus?" asked the green warrior.
"My lord?" Questioned the belittled character
"How quickly can you mobilize your Spiders, Exarch?" said Esaias with little emotion and trust, turning to meet Fortunatus's gaze
Fortunatus smirked at the wickedness of his leader "Immediately," He responded.
*****
"This is bullshit!" barked Brad.
"Jenny isn't going to listen to anything we say, and if we do anything about it while Ben is there, we're dead men, dude." Said Sheldon with a melancholic tone
"Exactly, bullshit." Repeated Brad
The group sat outside the high school on a Tuesday afternoon. They couldn't hang out with Jenny; they couldn't stand being around the poser and liar that is Ben. They needed to separate the two; Ben was only going to break Jenny's heart. The only question now was how.
"So," interjected Tuck "Why exactly are we trying to break Jenny up with her boyfriend.
"He's a bad man Tuck." Explained Sheldon angrily, not towards Tuck, but toward Ben
"How? He's been nothing but nice to me!" argued Tuck naively
"It's all a façade," barked Bradley again, "You wouldn't understand it anyway."
"Okay then," Tuck smirked arrogantly "Explain it to me Mr. Know-it-all, since my feeble childish brain is not capable of understanding such things as jealousy and apathy when I see them in plain black and white."
"Are you saying I'm jealous of that prick, you little shit?" Brad marched up to his pint-sized brother whom was sitting on the stone banister.
"Maybe I am?" Challenged Tuck sliding off the banister, his brother moved back "Maybe I'm the only true friend of Jenny's that I can't simply be happy for her when she got what she deserved and let the problems that be, be."
Tuck stomped down the stair case, ignoring his brother and Sheldon, both of which were flabbergasted by Tucks sudden burst of courage.
"I'm going home, Aunt Clara will want you home soon, Bradley." He said without looking back "I'd suggest you finish brooding and come home."
Brad and Sheldon stood in awed silence.
"Dude," spoke Sheldon, breaking the silence "He just scorched your ass."
Brad looked at Sheldon scornfully, but sadly knew that Tuck had some truth in his words. He hated Ben long before the "Bathroom Fiasco". Was it jealousy… did Brad… feel for Jenny? No, that's impossible. He thought …Is it?
"Seems you need some help breaking up the 'happy couple'" spoke a Southern accented man from the shadows. "I think we can help each other."
A man in a white suit stepped from the shadows of the school's front archway; he was clean cut, handsome, tan and had a devilishly constant grin of sharp teeth. The man wore thick, horn-rimmed sunglasses, incapable of seeing the deviant's eyes.
"Who the hell are you?" Questioned Brad
"You can call me Black," said the agent "Mr. Black."
*****
The next few days at Tremorton High had become increasingly tense. Brad and Sheldon won't even talk to Jenny anymore, and she was beginning to wonder if she had done something wrong. It was irrelevant though, she was with the one man she thought she'd never have a chance with, and tomorrow she was going to her senior prom with him.
Life seems it had finally turned 180 degrees around for her. She was free of militant duties, she was becoming a normal teenager, and soon, she'd graduate, and her life as a young woman will begin. She only wished that the end of the year wasn't as tense and harsh with her friends she loved so much. She wanted to relish in her last moments as a kid with them, but no, they were usually nowhere to be found, and if they could be found they were very bitter.
It was Friday afternoon, the sun was about to set, Jenny waited outside of the school for her boyfriend. He had a test to make up, and she was willing to wait for him. It's that devotion that made them such a good couple. She leaned against a pole, one leg bracing herself against it, her blue skirt hiking pleasingly up. A set of black cords lead from her pink hand purse to her ears. The music played and Jenny closed her eyes and let the music drift her away.
I don't need to fight, to prove I'm right, It sang.
I don't need to be forgiven.
Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah, Yeah
Jenny sensed a presence near her; soon its shadow covered her sunlight. She opened her eye slightly to get a view of the person. It was Brad, his lips moving to speak; she could not hear him over the music.
Don't cry
Don't raise your eye
It's only a teenage wasteland, Her friend appeared to sing.
She pulled her earphones off and dropped her leg off the pole, not wanting her best friend to see anything too racy of her.
"Hey Jen, we need to talk?" he said awkwardly shuffling his feet and rubbing his neck.
"Sure, what's up?" She said questioningly
He wore his favorite pair of dark sunglasses. But even with them on, she could see that there was desperation and fear in his eyes.
"You see… a man… approached me…" he started off sluggishly
"He didn't offer you candy did he?" she asked jokingly, he did not smile, he only sweat
"It's about Ben…" he blurted out difficultly
"What about Ben?" said Jenny, a hint of worry in her voice.
Brad could not speak; a lump was inside his throat. He needed to tell her, he wanted to spare her the pain... but something was stopping him.
"What is it Brad?" Jenny spat his name
"He's not who he says he is… he's not from here…" shuddered Brad, sweating beads now
"What are you trying to tell me Brad?"
"This man," sweat Brad, "He works for the government and-"
"Oh, so a federal agent talked to you?" Said Jenny aggravated "Brad, those guys are full of shit"
"Jenny, listen…" he said worriedly
"No Brad, I won't." she stomped away from the pole "I've taken your criticism long enough. You think I don't know about you and Sheldon hating on Ben? You ought to watch who you tell things too."
"Jenny, he's not-"
"Not what?" Demanded Jenny "Not good enough for me? Not the right guy? What? Tell me!"
"He's not from Earth!" He yelled, grabbing her shoulders, his glasses fell onto his nose; his eyes were red from a battle to keep tears at bay. "He's an alien spy, Jenny. He doesn't care about you."
Jenny contorted her face. But soon it became stern and angry.
"You know what Brad? You've done a lot of stupid shit, but this? This is unforgiveable." She ripped her arms from his grip and began to walk away "You're just afraid of him taking me away from you aren't you? You're sick!"
"Jenny I'm telling the truth!" he yelled, his voice cracking "He's using you!"
"For what?" she yelled back
"I-I don't know." He solemnly responded.
She only shook her head.
"But Sheldon saw him get his ass beat last week. It was by a federal agent. He overheard-"
"ENOUGH!" she boomed, rattling windows. "You are just a jealous little pig."
"Why is everyone thinking that?" He questioned rhetorically.
"Maybe because you claim to be this all time playboy and you can't get a single date because you act arrogant and selfish." She proclaimed viciously
"Excuse me? I'm trying to save you from heart ache Jenny! I don't want you falling in love for someone who doesn't feel the same or even care."
"You wouldn't know love if it slapped you in the face!"
"I just might take that!" he responded.
Jenny extended her arm and struck Brad across the face with her open hand, a sickening smack replying. The blow from her immense strength knocked him off his feet. He looked up at her, his glasses had fallen off, his eyes were blood shot, his teeth bloody from a broken lip and cracked tooth.
"Oh my god," said Jenny, on the verge of impossible tears "I-I didn't mean to-"
"You know what, it's cool." Said Brad standing up, wiping dirt from his clothes and blood from his lip "I guess you just don't need me as a friend anymore."
He walked away from the school, leaving behind a pair of crushed sunglasses and a sobbing Jenny.