Chapter 71 When Worlds Collide
Character Max
The buzzing of her alarm was what Max woke up to. Without opening her eyes Max reached out and turned the alarm off on her phone before almost drifting back to sleep. That is when Warren's phone alarm went off. Max sighed and rubbed the sleep from her blue eyes and knocked her brown strands of hair out of her pale, freckled, face as she rolled across the bed and shut off Warren's alarm clock.
"Max, breakfast," Warren, her twenty-three year old, stuck in the seventies, nerdy as hell boyfriend, yelled up the stairs. Max smiled, Warren was always up earlier than she was and so he took it upon himself to always make breakfast... and leave her with the dishes. Max rolled out of bed and straightened her shirt and sleeping shorts before heading downstairs.
"Hey Warren," Max greeted with her soft voice as she entered the kitchen, "Mmm I smell pancakes. You're going to make me fat if you keep feeding me stuff like this."
"Only if you keep eating all of them at once," Warren countered as he brought a stack of the golden brown pancakes to the table. "Of course we may not have time to eat all of them today. Chloe called and said that Knarf is bringing some new friends by and he's got another job for Rewind Inc."
Rewind Inc was the business that Max, Chloe, Warren and Rachel started a year ago. They specialized in solving the unsolvable. Warren was the science guy, Chloe was the enforcer, Rachel was the socialite and Max was the one with the ability to rewind time. It was a very useful trait, allowing Max to gather information, objects and get into places then rewind time and utilize what she gathered from the first cycle to further progress her goals. It was a key part to why the four friend's little business had drawn the attention of the erratic business man, Knarf Notsag Lemmuh from southern California to their little north-western Oregon town of Arcadia Bay.
"Really," Max asked, "That's awesome! When is he going to..." Her phone vibrating like crazy as Chloe sent her twenty texts gave Max the answer she was looking for. The disbelief on her face as she read Chloe's messages however must have clued Warren in.
"What's the matter," Warren asked as he looked over her shoulder.
"I think Chloe is high again," Max said, "Now she's talking about dragons?"
"You can rewind time and you don't believe that there could be dragons," Warren asked with a raised eyebrow. "Besides Chloe is trying to give up weed. I'm sure she would let us know if she was high."
"I hope so," Max said, "But you're right, I suppose we should get down to the office and see what this is about." Max got up from the table having only half finished her sixth pancake. "Adieu my delicious breakfast. Fear not I shall return for the!" With this thought Max headed back upstairs, took a hurried shower and threw on a shirt and jeans before meeting Warren in the garage.
"You're wearing that deer shirt again," Warren said as he poked Max's pink shirt with a deeron it. "You were wearing that when you first told me about your power you know."
"How could I not," Max said as she got into Warren's blue car, "You were so quick to believe me. It was sweet."
"Yeah well considering what was going on that week," Warren said, "I'm just glad that things got sorted back to normal-ish."
"It's been almost five years and still the town is recovering," Max remarked as they drove down the street to meet the other half of their team and Knarf. "I'm actually surprised that you stayed around after you graduated."
"What choice did I have girl," Warren asked as he ran a hand through his locks of brown hair, "It was either stay here and woo you or let you and Chloe be a thing."
"Bah you stayed to keep me from hooking up with my oldest friend," Max scoffed, "I doubt it."
"Yeah I don't see Chloe as someone who would be into other girls," Warren said, "She just wants friends in her life right now, not lovers. Of course she has Max Caulfield and you are hands down the best friend anyone could have ever."
"Thanks Warren," Max said, "I just wonder sometimes if I'm such a good friend only because I can rewind and tell everyone what they need to hear."
"It shows that you care enough about us to try," Warren said, "And not just one time, you keep going until you get everything right. That is a real friend there. Sure you could rewind and tell us what we want to hear but you always tell us what we need to hear. You need to stop doubting yourself so much, you are the best friend any of us have ever had."
"I don't know about that," Max said, "I mean it was Knarf who brought Rachel and Chloe back and gave you your abilities... He's kinda like our benefactor."
"Yeah that is true," Warren agreed as he parked in Rewind Inc's parking lot, "Still benefactor is not the same as a friend, now cheer up let's see what Chloe and Rachel have to say." The two got out of the car and headed inside. Rachel was at the desk with her feet up on it. A ghost of a smile passed over her face as she got up to greet Max and Warren.
"Here you two are, just in time," the amber haired girl said. "Knarf will be here any minute with some very special friends."
"What level of special," Max asked.
"The high level," Chloe said as the blue haired punk rock girl tossed a fully loaded AR15 at Warren. "The President is with Knarf and we are going to make sure he is protected."
"Whoa hold on what," Warren asked as he set the AR on the desk.
"And we need guns to do that why," Max asked.
"Eh we probably don't," Chloe said as she checked her revolver, "I just like them."
Max just sighed as she face palmed, "Chloe think about it, the President is coming here, with Knarf. I don't think he is going to be low on security."
"We're about to find out," Rachel said as she checked her phone, "They are... landing?"
"Landing," the other three asked in unison. Three thuds and the sounds of wings outside drew all of their attention to the door. Presently Knarf walked in.
"Hello Rewind Inc," Knarf exclaimed. He noticed the AR on the desk, "Huh nice platform, pretty ubiquitous. You can leave it there though, please follow me to meet with some friends of mine."
Knarf walked back out through the door and Max and her friends followed. Once outside Max simply stood in awe as she realized who was standing before her...
"Oh..." Chloe breathed.
"They are real," Warren stated.
"Knarf where... how..," Rachel stammered.
"The Riders," Max exclaimed. "But they're... you are, a story a legend."
"She is talking about us right," Varok asked.
"Yes I'm talking about you," Max said. "I love the stories about you all."
"So there are stories," Arya asked.
"Oh yes, several of them," Chloe said, "I've heard Max talk about you all for years like you were real and now you are... Super Max strikes again."
"What are we then chopped liver," a man in a white suit with a bowler hat, flaming orange hair and a cane asked as he indicated himself and eleven other heavily armed individuals.
"Something like that I assume," President Jack Turner said as he stepped forward and extended his hand to Max. "Miss Caulfield, your country, your world needs you and your special friends."
"Of course," Max agreed without even asking what was needed, "Come on inside. We still have some enemies here."
"We will stay here to guard then," Eragon said, "It is nice to meet a fan I guess."
"It is nice to meet you all too," Max said as she blushed a bit, "I'd invite you in but I know you would prefer to stay with each other."
"Well me Roman there and Jack are going in since we are the three who know the most about the job we are going to be asking you all to help with...," Knarf said, "and then we will have an offer for you to consider as well."
"Right this way," Rachel said as she held the door open. Max followed the rest of her crew and their visitors inside and they headed to a conference room. Roman sat down and tossed his feet up onto the table as he lit a cigar.
"Hey why does he get to blaze," Chloe asked.
"Because he is a client," Rachel said, "Well part of the client. At least I assume so."
"He is," President Turner said he sat down with Knarf next to him. Warren, Rachel and Max took their seats around the table before Knarf started talking.
"What do you four know of sin," Knarf asked.
The four friends looked between each other before Max asked, "Like the drug or religious or what?"
"Religious," Knarf said.
"It's usually a bad thing," Max said as she was trying to get a feel for what Knarf was playing at.
"Usually," Knarf asked, "It is always bad."
"Okay he didn't like that answer that much but he's not mad... yet," Max thought.
"What if I told you a creature that is the physical manifestation of sin existed and that said creature was working with a monster and together they were trying to take over this world and use it's energy to funnel an even worse being than themselves? What if I told you this creature was called Magog and it's sidekick is called the Meta and that we have to precisely detonate a one of a kind EMP to be able to take them out? What could you do with that information Max?"
Max nodded her understanding and then rewound time to when Knarf asked her and her friends what they knew of sin.
"I would say that it is bad," Max said, "I'd also say that physical manifestations of it are called Magogs and that one of them along with a Meta are trying to take over the planet. You need help with an EMP to stop them... did I get everything right?" Max ran a hand through her hair as she finished.
"Wow," Roman stated, "You're not joking. This girl can rewind time."
"I assume I told you that and you rewound to tell it to me at this point right," Knarf asked.
"Yeah I did," Max admitted.
"That is terrifying," President Turner admitted.
"You get used to it once you are around her enough," Warren said, "I mean try being her boyfriend... the trust issue that we could have."
"Oh please," Chloe said, "We all have nothing but trust in Max."
"Even though I keep letting you guys die," Max asked.
"Because you keep finding a way to bring us back," Chloe said, "Last time it was Knarf, now look at this we are about to save the world with literal legends."
"That was cringe worthy," Rachel said.
"Well if you're in for this venture then we should start discussing the details then," President Turner said. "The EMP in question is a one of a kind device that we took from the nose of the FAL-49-PTA."
"Whoa seriously," Warren asked, "That's the newest VTOL prototype. That EMP is supposed to be based on ionic particle transfer wave patterns that allow it to generate a very precise electromagnetic field. If you are going to use it then I can see why you want Max to aim it."
"It would seem Knarf's estimation of you is correct," Roman said, "We only get one shot with this thing and it can't miss."
"One shot," Chloe said, "Okay no problem. There is still one thing we haven't talked about..."
"Chloe," Max started.
"Payment," Chloe said. "We're a business Max we still get paid for our work."
"I think I've got that covered," Knarf said before anyone could start yelling. "How does immortality sound?"
"What are you playing at," Roman asked.
"I'm a part of K," Knarf said, "Granted a part of him that he hasn't met yet but I'm just as much in charge of DC as the younger me is. I can add them to DC's number and they would get the benefits of a DC member."
"You're high right," Chloe asked.
"Is it that farfetched at this point," Max countered.
"Not really," Rachel said.
"I'm sold," Warren said. "I mean after all Knarf has already given us a lot of impossible things. Why not immortality too?"
"It wouldn't actually be me that is giving you immortality," Knarf said. "It would be Jesus."
"Whoa, like the Son of God Jesus," Max thought, "If so then all that time I spend with Kate is going to pay off. I never really knew what to believe but Kate is pretty persuasive and Deity being in charge and giving me and everyone here the powers that we have does make sense... it could also explain how six fictional characters are standing outside. Kate always says God is all powerful so he certainly could create Eragon's world and then have them brought here." Max looked up and realized everyone was looking at her.
"Max are you okay,"Chloe asked, "You zoned out there. You didn't have to rewind on us or something did you?"
"No, no," Max said, "Just thinking about some stuff Kate and I talked about the other day..."
"She is Christian," Warren remarked, "Do you think she is right?"
"I don't know for sure but a Deity would be able to give me the rewind power and give all you the abilities you have and Knarf and the Riders outside," Max said.
"Well even if you're wrong you could always rewind and tell us right," Rachel said, "We've all talked with Kate and she always makes a good case for God. If she is right..."
"She is right," Max stated, "She has to be. It's the only thing that makes sense."
"So is that a yes to our terms then," President Turner asked.
"That is a yes to the terms Mister President," Max said. "Now where do you need us?"
"The last sighting of the Magog was out over the Pacific ocean," Knarf said, "I may have angered it and the Meta by detonating a helicopter inside of it's throat... They are probably following us and should be here in an hour or so."
"What," Max asked.
"Oh shit," Chloe exclaimed as she jumped out of her chair and ran to the 'armory' that she called an office.
"I'll give Barry a heads up," Warren said as he pulled out his phone to call the Police Chief.
"We need to get that EMP ready," Rachel said.
"How big is this Magog," Max asked.
"Maybe a thousand feet long and thirty feet tall," Knarf said. "Or it could look like Roman. The Meta is much smaller, only about seven feet tall and in a white, armored suit."
"Why are we using the EMP on the smaller guy," Warren asked.
"It will fry the AIs that are running the suit, leaving only the husk of a deranged person inside for us to fight," Roman said, "Besides, me and the Riders have some payback to give to Magog."
"Do we need to evacuate the town," Warren asked.
"It probably wouldn't hurt," President Turner said. "The last time we encountered these two they leveled a military base." Warren nodded and returned to his call with Captain Barry.
"Knarf why do you always pull us into something that will likely end up with me having to watch all of you die again," Max asked. "Is that what Hell is like?"
"Sort of," Knarf answered after a moment, "Except there you don't get to change things so you get those you love back. Your power is by far the most terrifying of all of the ones in DC and it comes with the greatest burden but, as you've seen with Kate, Chloe, Rachel and even me... your impact with it is unbelievably powerful."
"I... I know, it's just hard sometimes you know," Max said with a sigh. "Okay let's go take this Magog and Meta out."
"That's what I like to hear," Chloe said as she busted back into the room with a bundle of C4, grenades and shoulder mounted rocket launchers.
"Now that is some serious hardware," Roman remarked, "I like you already."
"Chloe where did you get these," Max asked.
"Bowers probably," Warren said.
"Hey look if you need something Frank knows how to get it," Chloe said, "Even if he is a creepy drug dealer... anyway are we going to use this stuff or not?"
"I'm using it," Roman said as he picked up a grenade belt.
"Max, you and Warren will need to be on the EMP," Rachel said, "None of use know how to get it to work. Chloe and me will stay with you and guard your backs while you get it set up."
"Sounds good," Max said, "Just be careful!"
"We will," Chloe said, "I promise."
"Mister President, Knarf, if you will take us to the EMP we can get it set up on a roof so we can aim and fire it," Warren said.
"Right this way," Knarf said, "Thorn is holding onto the EMP for us, we can have him carry it to the roof." With that the groups headed out. Warren did pick up the AR15 off the desk as they left. Rewind Inc, Knarf, Murtagh and President Turner all got on Thorn who had the EMP strapped to his side. They flew to the roof of the old fishmonger's docks. From there the team could see out over the ocean and get a clear line of sight on anything that might try flying or swimming up towards the town. Once the EMP was set up Thorn and Murtagh took to the sky again to help divide up the load that their friends were under with the rest of the team. Knarf and President Turner remained on the roof with Max and her friends.
As Max was looking out over the Pacific her phone vibrated with a text. Max unlocked and checked the message, it was from Kate.
"Max are you all okay? We've been told to evacuate the town that something is headed our way but you are going to try and stop it. Please be careful." Kate's message read.
Max quickly typed back, "We are okay for now and something nasty is heading for us but we can handle it, we've got some new friends of our own. We should get together later and talk... you wouldn't happen to know anyone who preforms baptisms do you?"
Kate answered almost immediately, "of course I do silly, are you finally convinced miss rewind?"
"Yeah. Me, Chloe, Warren and Rachel all are," Max replied, "We will talk later right now we need to focus on stopping a monster from destroying the town and then the planet."
"That is wonderful to hear, not the part about the monster but about you four." Kate messaged, "I'll talk with my pastor and make the arrangements for tonight. Just get through this job safely. Please."
"We will," Max replied before putting her phone away and turning to look at Chloe.
"What was that about," Chloe asked.
"Kate," Max answered, "She says she can make the arrangements for us to become Christians tonight."
"That's hella sudden don't you think," Chloe said, "I haven't even been able to fully get off of weed yet."
"No one is ever ready to be perfect," Max said as she quoted Kate from one of her many conversations between them. "We just have to start trying and ask God for help... Kate told me that a few months after she went up on the roof."
Chloe was silent but she nodded before looking out over the ocean and bringing up her revolver. Max followed her gaze and caught a speck of black coming towards them in the afternoon light.
"Knarf is that," Warren asked as he too picked up on the disturbance.
"It would have to be," Rachel said.
"Good eyes," Knarf said, "That is the Magog and on it will be the Meta."
"Um how am I supposed to see the EMP firing," Max asked, "EMPs don't really give off much of a visual effect."
"I'll tell you where it hit in relation to the Meta then you go back and tell us how we need to adjust," Knarf said.
"Well in that case fire when ready," Max said. A high pitched siren sound echoed out of the cylindrical EMP device as Warren fired it.
"We were high and to the left," Knarf said, "Not by much though, Warren and Chloe make a good fire team."
Max nodded then rewound to when Knarf was saying, "I'll tell you where it hit in relation to the Meta then you go back and tell us how we need to adjust."
"I already did," Max said, "You said were were just a little high and to the left."
"Okay adjusting," Chloe said. "Should we fire?"
"Now," Max said once they reached the exact time they fired before.
"Nailed it," Knarf exclaimed, "Ha I really wish that I could see how many rewinds that actually took."
"Only one," Max said, "But how do we know we hit the Meta?"
"Well judging by the way that Magog is thrashing around I'd say we hit it and anything on it," Rachel said as she ran a had through her long, amber, hair. "It's still coming this way though."
"Roman and the others are moving to engage them," President Turner said, "We should remain here to keep this area secure in case they need to retreat to it."
"Why not help take the fight to these monsters," Chloe asked.
"We can't fly for one," Warren stated. "Two that Magog is a mile and a half out and we can see it from here. That means it is very large and we wouldn't be able to do much to it with these guns or explosives."
"Uh leave it to the science guy to make everything so lame," Chloe said.
"Warren is so not lame," Max said in defense of her boyfriend.
"He did help you aim and fire the world's only electromagnetic plus generator," President Turner said.
"Yeah okay that was hella cool," Chloe admitted after a moment, "Do you really think we hit it?"
"It looks like they are holding their own against the Magog and the Meta so I'm going to assume yes," Knarf said, "Considering that last time I had to detonate fifteen kilos of high explosives inside it's throat to give them time to get away from Magog and Meta."
"Holding your own is not winning," Max said, "We should go help them."
"Oh I suppose you are right," Knarf agreed. He snapped his fingers and a portal opened to reveal a large, six person, helicopter with the gaudiest paint job Max had ever seen. It was a dark green with golden dollar signs on it.
"Wow you're so money! We get it you douche bag," Chloe remarked, "Still if that is a 40mm chain gun then all is forgiven."
"Did you modify a Valkyrie to have four side turrets," President Turner asked as he got on the gun net to Max.
"I did indeed," Knarf answered, "The President knows his military gear, round of applause please."
"I hate you," President Turner stated flatly, "Now take us in."
"On it," Knarf said, "Max if you need to rewind or something go for it but have a parachute on since the chopper will move and you wont... if you get my meaning."
"How about we just not get into a situation where I need to rewind," Max replied. She still put the parachute on just in case.
"I also have a head set back there for you to use in case of Rewind and if you need to talk to us once we are separated," Knarf said as the helicopter approached the fighting.
"Is there anything Knarf doesn't think of," Max thought to herself as she found and equipped the headset.
"You will want to chamber that gun," President Turner said.
"Oh right," Max said as she looked over the mounted gun, "Um I don't really use guns much..."
"Here," President Turner said as he reached over and charged the bolt. "Now just aim and squeeze the trigger."
"I'll probably just miss but okay," Max said.
"You should be more confident," President Turner said, "You aimed that EMP perfectly."
"Fire," Knarf yelled from the cockpit as they flew over the Magog. Max aimed for the massive demon and held down the trigger. The noise was deafening as all the guns on the helicopter fired simultaneously but even it couldn't over ride the sound of something massive rising out of the ocean. Max looked back to see three huge towers rising up from the ocean and generating a protective shield around the Magog and the Meta which was still standing and shining a bright white atop the Magog's pitch black body.
"Oh no," Knarf said, "The towers are active. We have to take them offline. I'm putting us down on the closest one. Rewind Inc. get inside it and use the holographic panels to shut it down. I'll take Jack to meet with Dom and Roman and get the second tower offline while the PDG take out the third."
"You're going to leave the Riders to fight those monsters on their own," Max asked.
"No I'm leaving them to be bait for those monsters while we remove this last barrier to us killing the demons," Knarf said, "Now lets do this."
"We've got it," Warren said as he pulled Max with him into the tower.
"Let go," Max said, "We just left them out there to die!"
"Don't be stupid," Rachel said, "If we don't turn these shields off then we are all dead. Besides the Riders should be perfectly capable of handling those two creatures for a few minutes."
Max took a deep breath and let it out, "Yeah, yeah okay. Warren can you figure out the controls on this tower?"
"Well," Warren said as he looked around the room which was covered in holographic controls, "These holograms look pictographic in nature. However each one also seems to be coded with various energy levels. Either distinction could be the identifier for the shield controls."
"Basically press buttons and hope we hit the right one," Chloe said, "Done." She then activated a hologram that looked like a spiked serpent.
"Chloe," Max scolded, "We don't know what these do you shouldn't just go pressing them and hoping my power will save us if something messes up?"
"Why not you always have in the past," Chloe replied as the hologram she had pressed flickered and went out, "Besides I may be high but I'm not stupid. The hologram of the Magog must control something related to the Magog, in this case the shield."
"That actually makes sense," Warren agreed, "But you're not high."
"Well not now," Chloe said, "But maybe..."
"Chloe you promised," Max started.
"It's a joke," Chloe said, "I know what I promised and I won't do anything that will get Rewind Inc in trouble. Why don't you call Knarf and see how our button mashing skills have paid off?"
"Right," Max said, "Because my ears are not still ringing from those machine guns." The four got a laugh out of that and Max called Knarf.
"Max," Knarf said, "Nice work. The shield is down and the Riders are pushing the Magog back. I'm not sure how they actually plan to kill it yet but I'm sure they are resourceful enough to figure something out. Hey can you see a ladder in your tower somewhere? I see one over here and I think Jack and I will take it to watch the endgame play out."
"Well that's good then," Max said, "Thanks we will see what we can find."
"Well," Rachel asked.
"The Riders are winning again and Knarf says there is a ladder around here somewhere that will take us to the roof so we can watch," Max answered.
"One ladder right here," Warren said as he pointed to a ladder that was in an alcove off in one of the four corners of the room.
"Just promise me you won't fan girl out on seeing your legends actually fighting," Chloe teased as she poked Max on the shoulder.
"I'll try not to," Max said as she started up the ladder, "No promises though."
Once on the roof Max was greeted with a spectacular sight. Saphira, Thorn and Varok were silhouetted against the low hanging sun as they attacked the Magog. On the Magog's back Roman was fighting the Meta and seemingly winning against and even toying with the once unstoppable warrior. Max did get a bit of her fan girl on as she whipped out her camera and took a photo. Her phone then vibrated and Max checked to see that Kate had messaged her saying that when she and Rewind Inc were finished with stopping the demon that they should head by her church building.
"Okay should be done soon, I'll show you a picture of the demon when we get to you," Max replied. She looked back up in time to see the Magog get slammed into by Thorn and ripped to shreds as Saphira and Varok came in and pulled the Magog taunt as Thorn sliced it up. Roman jumped on Thorn as he kicked the Meta off of the now falling Magog and into the ocean.
"Now that was a cool move," Chloe remarked, "Ten out of ten."
"Yeah like from one of those action movies," Warren added.
"And here I thought our lives might just start to normalize," Rachel said.
"Says the dead girl," Max said.
"Okay I'll give you that," Rachel said, "As normal as any of our lives can be with you around."
"Burned," Chloe remarked as Knarf came by in the helicopter to pick them up. Max just laughed as they got in and flew back to Arcadia Bay.
"Yeah that was pretty cool," Warren said, "Come on Max one hug for surviving that?"
"Oh fine," Max agreed as she hugged Warren. "But if this starts becoming normal then you'll have to find some other way to get your hugs. Hey Knarf, set us down by our office, we need to meet with Kate in a couple of hours and I've got some regular work to do too."
"Rodger," Knarf said as he steered them towards their HQ.
Character Charolite
"Who was that," Clem asked.
"I don't know," Char said, "But he seems like trouble." The two stayed outside for a bit longer to make sure the man in the brown coat stayed gone then returned to the cabin to check on Sarah.
"Sarah," Clem called into the cabin.
"Clem," Sarah replied from upstairs, "I'm up here, is it safe?"
"Well if it wasn't then you would have just given yourself away," Char said, "You're lucky though the stranger is gone. You can come down."
Char heard a faint 'oh' before Sarah came out of one of the rooms and came downstairs. She looked down.
"What's wrong Sarah," Clem asked.
"Charolite is mad at me isn't she," Sarah replied quietly.
"Why would I be," Char said, "I am simply instructing you that maybe answering before getting as much information on a situation as you can could be a bad idea."
"That sounds like you're mad at me," Sarah said.
"If that is how you want to take the advice I am giving you then so be it," Char said, "So long as you heed it and it saves your life one day I don't care." The ghostly echo of Sam barking drew the three's attention back to the door. Someone or something was approaching them. Char sent out a pulse and felt the energy of their new crew as the group returned from their scouting trip. "Don't worry it's the others coming back," Char said, "Let's hope that man is gone."
"What man," Carlos asked.
"Tall, gray hair, dark eyes and fancy brown coat with a fur lining," Char quickly described the man, "He was looking for you all."
"He was, what did you do, he didn't get in did he," Carlos asked.
"No Dad, Char and Clem stopped him on the porch and I stayed hidden in my room," Sarah said.
"You stopped him on the porch," Luke asked as he had now joined the conversation along with the rest of the group. "How?"
"I made him believe that me and Clem took in strays and told him he wasn't a stray," Char said, "I then walked out onto the porch with him and waved him over to the bench where we talked. He asked about you I told him you had headed out about a week ago. He didn't seem to be to happy about that but he didn't push the issue either. Then he left."
"Oh no," Rebecca stated, "If Bill knows we were here..."
"He will still burn this place down for giving us a leg up on him," Luke said, "We need to head out. Everyone gather your gear we move in one hour."
"I'd be faster about it if I were you," A female voice said. Everyone looked up from the table they had gathered around in the kitchen to see a tall woman in black and red with a massive sheath on her side with odd looking cylinders on it. She also had a massive bone helmet that looked like some kind of bird and had a flowing black, feather headdress coming off the back of it. "If you think the people who are hunting you are bad, the person hunting Charolite there is much worse."
"What," Char asked, "Who is hunting me?"
"Magog," the woman replied flatly, "Magog-Cinder is on this planet and is hunting you so she can strike at DC."
"We can't let that happen," Clem exclaimed.
"D.C. Who cares about the government anymore," Luke yelled, "Who the hell are you and why are you scaring these kids like this?"
"Luke, she doesn't mean the city," Char said, "She means the group I was with before I came here... she means Dragon Company. I would like to know who you are though."
"I am Raven," the woman said, "We didn't meet personally but I believe you met Yang, my daughter."
"Yang... oh yes the overly happy lady with that gorgeous, golden hair," Char said, "I wish my hair was like that... of course then it would be easy to grab."
"With the walkers that can be a problem," Alvin remarked, "Okay lady, uh Raven, if you are here to help how come you didn't bring more of this DC with you?"
"As of now I am not actually a member of DC," Raven said, "I just told a couple of their members that I would use my portals to try and find Charolite. I have done so and since she seems to have become a part of your little group I will remain with her until either we can get all of you to safety or the situation changes to the point that I no longer need to worry about that."
"You mean if we all die," Rebecca said.
"That is an option yes," Raven admitted, "but not one I am interested in seeing play out. If I didn't care about you all then I would not have warned you. Speaking of which you have now wasted five minutes that you could have been using to get your stuff together. Grab any weapons and as much food as we can carry and lets go. Either your hunters will be by shortly or Magog-Cinder will and I don't want to fight either here."
"Right," Pete said, "Nick, Clem go get the backpacks from upstairs and start loading our food into them. Luke, Carlos go get the meds from the cabinets. Char, Rebecca, with me we are getting the guns. Raven if you are here to help keep an eye open for us and watch for anyone approaching."
Raven nodded and went to stand on the front porch. Char, Becca and Pete ran to the safe and started loading up the guns and the ammo cases so they could carry them. Working like this the group was ready to depart in forty minutes, much to Raven's annoyance.
"That took to long," Raven muttered as they were leaving the cabin behind and the group started heading north.
"What did you want us to do," Luke asked, "Leave some of the supplies behind for the enemy?"
"Yes," Raven stated, "While they stopped to loot we could have gained more distance on them. Now they will have that advantage."
"Raven I know you came to help me but lighten up on them," Char said, "They are our friends."
"That is why I'm trying to teach them how to survive," Raven said, "I've been doing so against all sorts of demons and monsters for years now." She sighed, "I never had much patience for teaching, Lao has all of that."
"Not much patience for preparing either," Luke remarked causing Raven to send a scowl his way.
"Luke you are not helping," Clem said.
"I... sorry," Luke said, "We just worked really hard to get that stuff."
"Bridge up ahead," Nick called back to them. "It's looks pretty broken."
"I need to rest a bit," Becca said as she held her belly, "Being pregnant is not easy in an apocalypse."
"Some of us should check the bridge anyway before everyone crosses it," Luke said, "Clem, Char, Raven how about it?"
"Let's go," Char said. "I sense walkers on the bridge though."
"Okay," Luke said with a smile, "Nick, Pete, get back here and keep an eye out behind us. Char, Clem, Raven and I are going to have a closer look at that bridge."
The two teams swapped, Nick and Pete took up covering the group's back while Char, Clem, Luke and Raven moved up to the old, metal, bridge skeleton.
"It's amazing how fast nature destroys what we built," Luke said as they approached the bridge.
"Where I am from there are ruins like this all over," Raven said, "Let's just find a way across it and deal with those, what did you call them, walkers?"
"Yeah," Char said, "There are two of them by that box. Do you want to see what I can do or do you want to show off first?"
"I can already see your handy work," Raven said, "Sam there attests to that. I'll give you a quick demonstration, don't blink though or you might miss it."
"Might miss what," Clem asked but Raven had already moved out from behind the rock pile that the four had taken cover behind and had bisected both walkers in mere moments. Further more the bodies were burning when they hit the ground due to the fire dust that Raven used in her strikes.
"I can see we might be at odds sometimes," Char remarked as she, Clem and Luke walked over and inspected the carnage. "I use those corpses for my skeletons."
"I'm sure there are plenty of dead people to go around," Raven replied with a slight smirk, "You are an interesting one Char, is it okay if I call you that?"
"Sure everyone else does and it is shorter to yell out in tight situations," Char agreed. She was glad that Raven had taken her joke well.
"You two are something else," Luke remarked, "I know these things are our enemy now but they used to be people!"
"Then I apologize the joke may have been in poor taste," Char said.
"Look," Clem said, "Someone is coming across the bridge... he seems to have attracted more walkers."
"Your turn," Raven said, "With the structure of that bridge in the condition it is in I am likely to destroy it with a hit or two from my blade."
"I can't get a clear shot from here," Luke said.
"No need," Clem said, "Char can take these walkers easy."
Char had already lined up her spells and had moved away from the trio and onto the bridge. Her first spell simply melted one of the walkers that was harrying the man on the bridge. The second added a skeleton to her army the third teleported Sam to the man's side so that the undead dog could help defend the narrow section of bridge that the man was on. Char came up beside the man a few moments later and let out a pulse from her spectral arm that knocked the walkers around them off the bridge.
"Sorry if I scared you," Char said as she helped the man across the bridge.
"No problem," the man said. "I'm Matthews." Matthews was a slightly tanned man with a pencil mustache and black hair with brown eyes. He was wearing jeans, boots and a shirt and brown jacket.
"Charolite," Charolite replied, "But you can just call me Char."
"You are not a walker that much is for sure," Matthews said, "And your uh skeletons, did help me so thank you. Is that your crew over there?"
"Yeah, well part of them," Char said, "we've got another half dozen of us or so as well."
"Wow and you're still together," Matthews asked, "A crew that large usually dissolves in a few months."
"Well me, Clementine and Raven just joined with the rest recently," Char said as she indicated who she was talking about while also waving the others to come across the bridge. "What about you, is it just you here in this little house?" Char and Matthews had stopped and sat down outside a house on the side of the road that lead from the bridge up to the ski resort that was on the top of the mountain that was before them.
"No I just come down here to check on the perimeter," Matthews said, "My partner, Walter and another couple stay up at the resort. You all would be welcome to stay the night or longer if we can convince you. The resort has power, food, water, it is very close to how civilization was before the walkers." A loud screeching sound followed by a massive grating crash drew both Char and Matthews' attention to the bridge that Raven had just sent falling into the gorge far below them.
"What did you do that for," Rebecca yelled.
"To slow down whoever is chasing you and the Magog," Raven said, "At this rate you will be lucky to make it to the resort on the top of the hill. We need to move."
"The new woman is the leader," Matthews asked.
"No one is brave enough to argue with her yet," Char said, "and she did just cut down a bridge with an eight foot sword. Come on I'll introduce you to everyone." Char and Matthews walked over the the group.
"Well hello," Matthews said, "I am Matthews and you all are with Char I assume?"
"Yeah she is one of us," Luke said as he and Carlos came over, "I'm Luke."
"Nice to meet you," Matthews said, "I was just telling Char that you can rest at the resort on the mountain top, my partner and a couple run the place and we have all the trimmings working."
"That would be very generous of you," Carlos said.
"We are generous people," Matthews replied, "I don't believe I caught your name yet."
"Carlos," Carlos replied, "I promise you we will not stay long, we do not want to bring you any trouble."
"What comes comes my friend," Matthews said, "If trouble follows you all then we will try to mitigate it as best we can."
"The best way to do that would be to stay out of it's path," Raven said as she walked up to the four, "You said you have friends up at the resort?"
"I do," Matthews answered.
"I will go tell them you are bringing this group up to them then," Raven said. She then slashed the air with her sword and opened a swirling, red portal which she stepped through and disappeared.
"What are you people," Matthews asked. "Ghost arms, skeletons, portals? No wonder people are hunting you, with those abilities we might be able to revive society."
A red portal appearing next to them cut off the conversation as Raven walked out. "They are expecting us," Raven said, "Let's move. Matthews you lead and I'll cover us."
"The broken bridge isn't enough," Matthews asked as he started leading the group up the mountain trail to the ski resort at the top.
"It will slow Carver down but it won't stop him," Pete said, "I'm Pete, that is Nick, Alvin, Rebecca and Sarah. I can't thank you enough for taking us in despite the dangers that follow us."
"Look around," Matthews replied, "where isn't there danger these days?"
"Good point," Clem agreed. Char nodded back towards Raven and she and Clem fell back to walk with the mysterious woman.
"Is this where you grill me for information," Raven asked.
"No this is us helping you keep them safe," Char said as she pointed to the group of people in front of them.
"We can do that best if we are quite," Clem said, "Noise draws walkers and that bridge collapsing will have definitely drawn the attention of every walker within ear shot."
"Ah," Raven replied. The three spent the rest of the trip in silence while the group in front of them talked with Matthews. Char was impressed with the resort as soon as she saw it. The front was lit up with strings of lights, a Christmas tree could be seen inside the main lobby windows. On the front porch stood a balding, kindly looking man in a sweater and slacks.
"Walter," Matthews greeted with a wave.
"Matthews I see that Raven was truthful when she told us about you finding another group," Walter said. The balding man waved for everyone to join him on the porch. "I see that there is indeed a Necromancer among you." Walter added as he bent down and petted Sam. "Even a ghost dog likes attention you know."
"You reacted to that pretty well," Char said as she placed her spectral hand on Walter's shoulder.
Walter followed the glowing outline of her arm until he was looking at her face. He slowly got up and looked at her before looking at Raven then back to Char. "A teenager? Forgive my astonishment but Raven did not mention that bit of information." Walter smiled, "I know someone who is going to be very happy to see you. Come on in all of you, welcome to our home."
"Thank you," Rebecca said as the group went inside. Char, Raven and Clem followed the rest inside. Char and Clem stopped dead in the doorway as they saw standing on the stairs in front of them the astonished yet smiling, Kenny.
"Kenny," Clem exclaimed as she ran up and hugged the now scruffy, bearded man.
"Clem, Char, I... I didn't actually believe..." Kenny didn't even bother finishing his sentence as he wrapped Clem up in a hug. "Oh come on Char you're not even going to give old Kenny one little hug?"
Char looked at Clem and Kenny before running full tilt into them and knocking them all down onto the floor. "Kenny you dolt, how did you get here?"
"Ah ha ha get off of me and I'll introduce you to her," Kenny said.
"Her," Char asked.
"Sarita," Kenny said, "She helped me out of a really dark place, I owe her a whole lot. I love her."
"That speaks more about you than you know," Char said as she let him up. "After Kat and Duck, that you can still find it in you to risk that sort of love for someone is remarkable."
"My you are not the little girl that was fumbling around with her powers that I met all those years ago," Kenny said. "Clem is that Lee's old pistol?"
"Yes," Clem said, "Just like Lee it keeps me safe when no other option is available."
"Damn I miss him," Kenny said, "Do you know if he is... at rest?"
"Yes," Clem said as she seemed to turn into an iron force of nature with the word.
"Oh Clementine," Kenny said, "I am so sorry."
"Kenny are you going to introduce them to me," A woman with a dark complexion and a broad smile asked as she walked over.
"Sarita, meet Clementine and Charolite," Kenny said, "I guess we are the last survivors of our original group aren't we?"
"Christa might still be around," Char said, "but otherwise we are the last."
"Well at least you found a new group," Kenny said as he shook his head, "Why don't you introduce us to them?"
A round of laughter erupted from the tables that were by the kitchen, drawing the four's attention to where the rest of the group had gathered to 'eat and greet' as it were. Char was actually surprised to see Raven chuckling along with the rest. Without her mask Raven looked quite welcoming actually, her face was round and had a warm smile on it here large red eyes were a bit unsettling at first but Char noted how well Raven's outfit matched her eyes and nodded in approval.
"Finally come over to get some food," Walter asked, "Sit down I'll get you something to eat."
"Kenny, Sarita, this is Luke, Nick, Pete, Carlos, Sarah, Alvin, Rebecca and Raven" Clem said as she indicated each in turn.
"Well I'm sure am glad you found us," Kenny said as he sat down. "It does me a world of good to see those two alive."
"You had any doubt that they would be alive," Pete asked, "When Luke and I first came across Clem there she was marching through the woods with one arm hanging at her side due to a bite from the dog that Sam there used to be and popping walkers with that pistol of hers with the other."
"Yeah then Char shows up out of nowhere with Sam there, heals Clem's arm to the condition it is in now saves me and Uncle Pete her from getting trapped by walkers and then intimidates Carver so he didn't find out about us while we were gone from our cabin."
"Clem helped with all of that," Char said trying to shift the attention away from her.
"Wow you two are truly as remarkable as Kenny said you were," Sarita said.
"I'm still stuck on the ghost arm," Matthews said. "I don't even want to think of what happen for you to end up with that." Char was about to reply when a loud whining noise started up outside.
"The turbine," Walter exclaimed, "We need to turn the brakes on or that sound will draw every walker within ten miles to us." The group rushed outside to see the wind turbine spinning wildly as storm clouds rolled in from the west.
"Sarita go back inside and take Rebecca, Alvin and Sarah with you," Kenny said as he adopted his commanding air once again. "Matthews with me, Clem and Char we are going to go fix the turbine. Nick, Pete, Luke use those rifles and cover us, the walkers are sure to be coming to this noise. Raven... where did she go?"
"No time to worry about that," Carlos said, "Go put the brakes on that turbine." Carlos and Walter moved up to cover the four with their pistols as Luke, Pete and Nick did the same with their rifles. Kenny, Matthews, Clem and Char ran to the turbine and opened up the control panel. Sam came running up to Char and growled towards the woods as Walkers started coming out of the trees. Gunfire rang out as the team took out the walkers that were coming from the woods and Kenny and Clem worked the turbine down enough to put the brakes on it. Char turned to help clear out the walkers when the sound of automatic rifles rang out. Char and Clem ducked around behind the turbine to get out of sight while Kenny and Matthews joined the others by the front door. Out from the trees came five people, one of them was Carver in his unmistakable fur coat.
"Bill," Luke stated.
"Hello Luke. I believe you have something of mine," Carver said. "I want it back."
"It's nine on five," Carlos said, "even with your automatics do you really want to push this?" Carver walked forward and raised his revolver and fired. Everyone froze but the shot never connected with Carlos, instead a red portal opened up in front of him and Raven stepped out of it and deflected the bullet with her sword.
"Put the guns down boys," Raven said, "or I might have to hurt you." Carver looked at Raven and she stared back through the slits in her mask. He then raised his pistol into the air before holstering it. A rifle shot rang out from the trees as Carver brought his AK up. Sam was faster than the would be sniper however and intercepted the bullet with his skull, sacrificing himself to save Raven.
"Snipers inside now," Matthews yelled.
"Now I might have to hurt all of you," Carver said as the group backed away while Raven blocked the bullets with her portal causing the shots to fly harmlessly into her neither realm. "Tell your necromancer to come out here and face me, I saw her dog take that bullet I know she and the other girl are here!"
"Good they didn't see us," Char whispered, "Clem, I can raise about six skeletons do you think..."
"I've got a shot," Clem hissed back, "Have the skeletons move in when I take it."
"Clem," Char said softly, "are you..."
"Am I sure if I want to be a killer," Clem said, "No I'm not but I do know I will not let those people hurt our friends. So have the damn skeletons move in when I take the shot."
Char closed her eyes and quickly raised six of the dead walkers into skeletons. It was draining to be controlling so many at once but Char could handle it for a bit at least. "Okay Clem I'm ready."
Clem fired and Carver dropped to the ground. The skeletons all rushed the other four people and held them down.
"Okay now for the sniper," Char said as the two moved around the side of the turbine so they would not be in the sniper's line of fire. "Sam go get your revenge." With a spell the bones of Sam flew into the air and formed into a spear that went sailing out into the forest. A scream later and Char knew that the sniper was not going to bother them. Char and Clem then walked up to the four remaining attackers. One of them was a woman who was kneeling over Carver's body and crying. She looked up and glared at the two, "You killed him..." Without warning the woman grabbed Carver's AK and knocked the skeletons that were hovering over her back. Clem put a bullet in the woman's head without so much as blinking.
"Anyone else want to try something," Clem asked. Her voice sounded like iron as the twelve year old girl stared down the two remaining men. "No? Good."
"Raven let the portal down," Char called, "These two won't be any more trouble."
The portal dropped and Raven, Luke and Kenny ran out to the girls.
"Clem what the..." Luke started only for Kenny to interrupt.
"I'm sorry you had to do that," Kenny said, "But you protected us."
"Efficient," Raven remarked as she looked over the two bodies. "You two," Raven addressed the remaining attackers. "You can take us to your base correct?"
"Yes Ma'am," the smaller of the two men replied.
"Good," Raven said, "Maybe between your base and this cabin we can create a reasonable defense against Magog-Cinder. Char can your skeletons keep an eye on these two for one night?"
"They can yes," Char said, "So long as I am awake to direct them. I can meditate and still command the skeletons though so I can keep them running for one night."
"Hold it," Luke yelled, "We are not going to ask Char to stay up all night guarding these two while the rest of us sleep. We can rotate in shifts to keep an eye on them so Char can rest as well."
"It wouldn't be as effective," Char said, "With my abilities I can regain as much energy as if I was napping and then once we are on the move I can drop the skeletons and rest that way."
"I don't like it but Char is right," Kenny said, "I've seen her endure things that were unbelievable. Were we to take turns we would all be less rested than she will be even after staying up all night."
"It's fine, really," Char said as she saw Luke, Pete and Walter start to protest the idea. "If I let the skeletons go then I won't be able to summon them back. Best if I stay up."
"Then in the morning these two will take us to their base," Raven said, "We won't have long until Magog-Cinder picks up our trail so let's be ready to move."
Character Sarge
"So there I was everyone else was down and it was just me and my shotgun against the demon general," Sarge was saying to the Vault Hunters. The expedition to Dark Remnant had been a success... somewhat. Zelen and the Prometheans were living on the planet and taking care of the renegade demons and Grim while building the cities back up to where people could live on the planet again. Meanwhile the rest of the team returned home and so Sarge and the other Spartans were in Club RWBY with the Vault Hunters and Sarge was telling them about how he saved the planet.
"Screw that that didn't happen at all," Noire yelled across from the booth she and Tucker had flopped down in.
"Shut it Blue," Sarge yelled back, "This is my story so my rules. Anyway there I was facing off against this demon. The very skin of the beast was strong enough to stop most bullets but that is why I brought dragon fire rounds."
"I love DF rounds," Gaige remarked.
"He didn't actually have those," Simmons stated.
"Dag nab hurg, Simmons stop running my amazing story with your boring logic and facts," Sarge said as he turned to Simmons. "I can't turn me hiding behind a boulder which we pushed down a cliff to squash the demon general into a blockbuster movie!"
"So that is what really happened then," Mordecai asked.
"That is exactly what happened," Wyoming said.
"Cool but I kinda want to know where this other story is going," Lily said.
"No you don't," Raiden said from his bar stool.
"It doesn't matter," Roland said as he, K and C walked back up to the Bar with Melanie and Junior.
"Why is that," Grif asked.
"Because we just found the rift that Charolite went through," K said, "It's by Avalar, the original planet of Dragon Company."
"So why are we here then and not there," Sarge asked, "We should be going to save Charolite."
"Avalar has been at relative peace since Malafor rebuilt it thanks to timey whiemy ness," C said, "We have reason to believe that if we go through the rift then the Magog-Cinder would be able to come through it and attack the planet..."
"So Magog-Cinder is holding Charolite hostage in another dimension to make us activate a rift that is right by one of DC's main support planets," C.T. said, "Could we find another way in by searching this rift?"
"That is exactly what I was thinking," Roland said, "However we have to realize that this Magog has an organization as big as us and with just as much tech. If she is trying to make sure that the Avalar Rift is the only way to get to Char then we can expect it to be very difficult to recreate it."
"Well what does that Storm Lady think about all of this," Sarge asked, "Can her time vision help us out here?"
"That is the thing," C said, "Storm is on Avalar with the rest of her family. She is in a prime position to figure out how to get through this portal."
"And once she does we will want a team ready to send through it," Junior said. "Yang and I are going in who else will?"
"You're kidding me right," Grif stated, "We just finished clearing out Shade's Remnant and now we're going after the Magog-Cinder?"
"Grif let me ask you something," Sarge said, "What would you really be doing if we didn't go help?"
"Well probably, drinking, eating and sleeping," Grif replied.
"And would that make you happy," Sarge asked. "Could you be happy when you know there is a member of our team that is missing and needs our help?"
"Okay one she is not on our team," Grif argued, "Char is part of DC I think. Two she could probably kill all of us if she wanted to thanks to the training that Moroni gave her and three... no, no I guess I couldn't."
"I could," Simmons said, "But if you guys are going to go get Char then I might as well right?"
"Okay dude that is just cold," Church said.
"Hey someone has to look out for Simmons," Simmons said.
"That's why I'm here old buddy," Doughnut stated.
"There you go," Tex said, "You're covered. Besides you want to see this rift don't you?"
"Hnnn yeah okay you got me there," Simmons agreed, "Oh and I guess saving Char is you know important too."
"Why are you taking so long to agree we all know you will go," Lopez stated, "Just do it already."
"Well said Lopez," Sarge said, "Red Team is in."
"Freelances reporting," Carolina said.
"Someone has to make sure you all don't get killed," Church said, "What do you think Tucker, should we babysit them?"
"Yeah probably," Tucker said.
"We, uh we actually were not going to ask you guys," K said, "but since you are willing you fill the spot nicely. Now we do have one of our away teams that is returning and they have some new friends that I think will be very helpful in this venture. As soon as Roman and the Riders get back I want you all to be ready to meet them and their new members. According to me I have already inducted them into DC."
"Wait according to you," Delta asked.
"One of the members is another dimension's version of a future fragment of me," K said, "Look even I had a hard time following it all but he knows things about me that only a future me could know so I am willing to work on a little faith."
"Another you," Noire asked, "This I have to see."
"Well you will later today," K said. "I have arranged for them to meet us here this afternoon."
"Speaking of our away teams have you gotten any update on them," Theta asked.
"Doug reports that he is getting close to being finished with the mission," K said, "Everyone with him is still accounted for... I have not heard from the SaDiablos and Emerald in a while however."
"Do you think they are alright," Washington asked.
"I think we are," Emerald said as she and the SaDiablos walked, or staggered rather, into the club. "Well more or less. We picked up a new friend too. Locust this is K."
"K," a Spartan with the specialized Locust assassin armor suit asked as he walked over to K.
"I am," K replied, "you are Locust?"
"Correct," Locust replied, "Saetan our contract is completed, you have held up your end of the deal."
"I always do," Saetan said. "K you and Locust probably want to have a bit of a chat."
"I see," K stated flatly, "Very well come with me." K and Locust walked off to a corner of the club while Emerald came and sat down next to Sarge and Simmons.
"You look like a wreck," Melanie said from behind the bar, "What happened?"
"Well the short version is, Locust, Magog, crushed ribs, exploding towers, head trauma and dislocated shoulders," Emerald said, "You don't want the long version. Though that one includes a friend of Anjali's and the rebuilding of a nation."
"I kind of want to hear the long version of that one," Samuel said.
"Who's the new guy...s," Emerald asked.
"Sam, Raiden, Blade Wolf, Sunny, George, and that one over there is Noire," Sigma pointed out, "They joined us recently in our retaking of the fallen Remnant."
"Cool, I'm Emerald," Emerald said, "The SaDiablos... now where did they go?"
"Invisible most likely," Tex said.
"You would know about that wouldn't you," Emerald said, "They can be so anti-social."
"Or they just have more important things to be doing than sitting at my bar," Junior said.
"Speaking of that," Sarge said, "When do we leave to go get Charolite?"
"That is up to K," C said, "and he is now busy with our new arrival."
"Right, about him. Is his name actually Locust or does he go by the name of his armor," Sarge asked.
"I thought it was his name," Emerald said, "Why is that what that armor set is called?"
"Yes," Church said, "It was designed for special target missions... basically it's assassin armor for a Spartan."
"That isn't creepy at all," Emerald remarked as she gave a sideways look at Locust, "Yeah totally normal to go by the name of your armor."
"I'd like to think that we don't know enough about him to make a judgment like that yet," Sarge said.
"He is obviously a broken warrior that has taken up the mantle of his armor so he can keep going," C said, "I can tell because he is getting along with K."
"That's actually kind of sad in a way," North remarked as the group looked at K and Locust. The two seemed to just be talking but C was right both seemed to be a little lost in that moment.
"K does the best he can," Caboose said. "He always has and it is all he asks in return. Do our best."
"Caboose, kid, you may be stupid but you sure aren't dumb," Sarge remarked. "Okay they've had enough time to chat. We got to get this show on the road and save Char. We have better things to be doing that sitting around a bar all day too." Sarge walked over to K and Locust in their corner booth that the two had taken seats at.
"Sarge," K greeted.
"K, Locust," Sarge said, "While you two look like your enjoying whatever you are talking about we need to go get Char so when are we leaving?"
"As soon as Roman and the Riders return," K said, "Now I don't know exactly when they will arrive but Eragon said it would be today."
"Sounds like we've got some time then," Sarge remarked, "I'll get the Sargican prepared."
"The what," Locust asked.
"It's a Pelican that Sarge modified with bubble shield deploying turrets," K said, "It is actually rather ingenious."
"I think I will go see this vehicle," Locust said. "K thank you for your time."
"Oh I think we will have plenty of time to continue talking later," K said. "Go on meet some more of DC."
"So another Spartan joins the team," Sarge remarked as Locust got up and followed him back to the others.
"Yes I must admit I was a bit surprised to see as many of you here as there are," Locust said. "How did you all end up here?"
"Well that is a rather long story," Carolina said, "And it's best if Cloak explains it."
"She and Carter are on Avalar with Spyro and family," Church said, "You can meet them when we get there. For now if you want an overview of DC I'm the guy you want to talk to."
"Why is that," Locust asked.
"Because I'm an AI and I keep up with everyone that Project Freelancer is affiliated with, especially DC," Church said.
"Freelancer," Locust stated, "Now there is a name I have heard before... The Meta came from your program in my universe. He is the third person in my group. Though I'm not sure that it could be called a person."
"We would agree," Main said as he and Sigma came forward.
"We are curious," Sigma said, "How did you manage to work with the Meta?"
"It is a monster," Locust said, "but any monster can be leashed. We leashed the Meta with promises of power. After all our contracts were with monsters so we needed a bigger one to keep them in line."
"Working with monsters," Grif asked.
"Magogs as you call them," Locust said as the Spartans headed out from the club to head to the Mother of Invention and the Pelican bay.
"Wait a second you're telling me that the Meta was more powerful than the Magogs," Church asked.
"Between it's multiple minds, armor enhancements and that sword," Locust said as he pointed to Tucker's sword. "Meta was much more powerful. At least more powerful than the Magogs we worked with. There was one of them though, we only met it once but it was definitely in command of the other three. I think it might have been closer to Meta's strength and even then I don't know if it could have beaten Meta only held it off."
"Interesting," Omega stated, "So together we and Main are as powerful as a Magog?"
"So some of you are AIs then," Locust stated, "I thought as much. If Church is an AI then certainly there would be others. Are all of you here?"
"Sure are," Sarge said, "Let me tell you these guys are terrific when it comes to fixing things. Plus they are not completely lazy and annoying." Grif sighed as the group split up to board airships that would take them to the Invention. Red team North, South, Carver, Theta, Main and Sigma were all on the same airship as Locust so they continued their conversation as they rode.
"It would seem beneficial for us to replicate this Meta," Carver said.
"Your sword talks," Locust asked South.
"And he floats and he stores souls," South said. "and apparently lost his freaking mind when I wasn't looking! Carver the Meta killed almost all of us."
"It sounds like on Locust's universe it did," Simmons remarked.
"I will not become that thing again," Main said.
"You wouldn't have to become the monster," Sarge said, "But if your suit is capable of running all the equipment at once then all we would need is a sword like Tucker's and an AI to run it."
"I feel like I should point out that each of us are a full AI thanks to the way Church reconstructed us," Theta said. "It would only take one of us to run the equipment."
"Zeta would be a good paring I believe," Sigma suggested.
"No," Main said, "Meta happened because I wanted power. I still want power so I shouldn't get it. Any of our suits could run the equipment so anyone other than me could run with a set up like that, even you Locust."
"Any one of us could become like the Meta at least in regards to the abilities," Lopez said, "I would not recommend it for anyone who want to remain sane or is not good at dealing with another mind in their head most of the time. That said, Sarge would make a perfect candidate for such an arrangement."
"What," Grif yelled.
"Yeah I mean Sarge is a great guy and all but really," Doughnut asked.
"No I get it," Simmons said.
"What," Grif yelled again.
"Two problems there," Sarge said, "I don't have an AI and I don't have a sword. Tucker already has a sword and Church could be the AI."
"I am your AI," Lopez said.
"Oh right I guess you are Lopez," Sarge remarked, "Good work old buddy. Still don't have a sword though."
"What if I mentioned I might know where to get one," Locust added after a few moments of silence as the group got off the airship. The eleven looked between each other while they waited for the rest of the team's airship to come in.
"You do have a lot of experience with Lopez," Simmons said and you are not exactly power hungry.
"Where would we get this sword," Sarge asked.