LES MUSICIENS DU MONDE
A CROSSOVER STORY
2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016
Everyone's on deck. Vilgax is now on Earth for conquest. In addition, he wouldn't be who he is without some lingering animosities towards the Tennyson family. But this would also lead to unique alliances. I cannot say for now. But for friends who have helped me throughout in planning, this is for them. And for the two of them, I want to say thank you.
Chapter Eleven
AUGUST 2013, WEEK THREE
New York City, NY, USA
[Chelsea, West Side, Manhattan, Tuesday, 4:00 PM]
Rodrigo Salieri, the half Latvian and half Italian man with a muscular build, a slight belly, firm blue eyes, and a receding hairline was in his study. Writing using his 1920 Remington Portable Typewriter. He was writing a letter for the Union to confirm other reports of like that in Quebec, somewhere in the Le Verendrye Wildlife Preserve. Attacks in Morocco, The Sahara Desert, Egypt, The Congo region, Spain, France, Scotland, Turkey, Armenia, Saudi Arabia, Iran, India, China, Japan, and going into the Americas with the United States aside; Mexico, Peru, Brazil, Chile, and Argentina. He knew what this was; it was an act of war.
He also knew of what had recently occurred in Bellwood. Based on intelligence from the Union, one fifth of the town's population was able to evacuate before sunrise. Which left the rest of the citizens under the rule of the alien conqueror. Rodrigo stopped typing and looked over his letter to send to Lizavetta D'Arnot. A meeting is scheduled in twenty-four hours with esoteric representatives, Plumber officers and magisters, and US military personnel. The grandfather clock caught his attention when the hour chimed.
"Four o'clock," he muttered as he stretched his arms and relieved tension in his neck. He gets up to pace around his study.
While he paced around, he eventually reached the globe. He fingered the location where Bellwood was located, and then the several locations where reports of attacks have happened. His mind was racing on who the future players would be to combat this threat to Earth. Who would be the victors? Who would write the history books afterwards? What would become of humanity when it's all over? These and other questions floated around in his head. What he knew was this: he would attend the upcoming meeting, and this would be his first time encountering the Plumbers face to face.
Underground Plumber Facility No. 23901, TX, USA
[3:00 PM]
East of Lake Houston Wilderness Park, the evacuated residents of Bellwood numbering just over two thousand were placed in an underground facility. Its original purpose was to house new trainees and transferred officers from across the Milky Way. Now it's Bellwood 2. The evacuated residents were processed and given passes to come and go as they please. With children playing in a space used for target practice, now a makeshift soccer field, Ben was supervising them and giving advice on how to play to the boys and girls.
"Remember to pass the ball—Yeah that's it! Keep a tight defense and when you see an opening, attack! Go for the goal!"
One team managed to break through the other team's defense and one boy made a kick thirty yards from the goal. Ballsy but in this instance, the ball made it. The team cheered as did Ben who yelled, "GOL!"
The game continued and someone clapped behind him. To his surprise it was Julie. She was dressed in a black hoodie with also a pair of black sweatpants. She donned running shoes and her hair flowed straight down to her shoulders. Ben smiled, "How are you holding up?"
"Same as you. And anxious."
Ben sighed, knowing Julie had never faced the likes of Vilgax before. Sure, the High Breed eight years ago were bad enough. But unlike their genocidal plan to wipe out the galaxy, Vilgax was a warlord and now a conqueror. He approached her, "If you're worried about Vilgax, don't worry."
She nodded a no, "It's not him I'm worried about. It's the people still trapped in Bellwood. What are we going to do about them?"
'She's right. But what can we do?'
He looked at her and wanted to reassure her as he did in the old days, when they were younger. When they first started dated and when things were simpler. But they've changed. And as the kids continued to play their game, he slowly approached her, "I'm not going to lie, if we lose to Vilgax, we're all fucked."
She nodded in acknowledgment, "Yeah I thought so," she replied and the two stood apart awkwardly. But Ben tried to liven it up with his signature bravado.
"Meh, don't worry about it. You forget who you're talking to. Ben Tennyson! Hero of the High Breed Wars and Defeater of Vilgax!"
Julie eyed him skeptically, "You can have some credit for the first one. But not the second," and that nearly burst Ben's ego.
"Aw come on Julie!"
"Forget it. Remember, you had help when you defeated the High Breed. And as for defeating Vilgax—well, this just shows he's a lot tougher than we thought."
Ben nodded in acknowledgment and accepting her insight, "Yeah, I know. But still—I do have talent in taking down bad guys. Human and alien!"
"I'm not denying that. Just—have some humility."
"I am humble Julie…"
Julie laughed out loud before apologizing and excusing herself. Ben went after her asking what was funny. As she ran from him, in the main barracks, Max set up a meeting with the other officers and two magisters from other sectors: Magister Hulka and Magister Gihil. The meeting had been going on for two hours and they relayed everything from Bellwood to the demon hordes. In essence, Earth was becoming a beacon for alien activity more than ever. With reports coming in with the Tetramands looking to incorporate Earth and the Incurseans looking to compete for Earth as well with Vilgax returning as a conqueror.
Max had listened to their points regarding the security of his sector, his recent punishment in the hands of the locals, and the apprehension of officers when tried recently for the hoarding of esoteric artifacts. The situation was grim for the Plumbers. And after the noise began to settle, Max hit the table with his gavel.
"Listen everyone. Vilgax is on Earth. He's already conquered nine worlds and looking to add Earth to the list. We know if any warlord takes this world, then that species has access to viable trading routes for not only our half of the galaxy, but also to threaten a peaceful co-existence with the other powers in the second half. Those who have the 'second science'," Gihil added, and everyone knew what he meant. The other half of the galaxy where science and the energy force humans called 'magic' created civilizations not affiliated with their authority.
"Yes. The very force recently discovered on this planet. Something—up until recently I've—we've been ignorant of."
"Ignorant?" Exclaimed one of the officers who stood up. He sported one eye visible through his helmet and the purple skin of his neck, "You've got your arm amputated off and Magister Fann from D-20 got her eye shot out by a crossbow, Maxwell!"
Max flinched when the officer used his formal name. The officer continued, "You oversee this sector! You should know what goes in and out of it! Your planet is a Level Two! And yet, you failed to see the magical potential here? You weren't ignorant, you were negligent to the point of stupidity!"
Magister Gihil coughed, "Let's settle down sir," the other officer did calm down and sat back down and Gilhil spoke, "But the officer is right about one thing Max, things keep escalating on your planet. First your grandson acquiring the Omnitrix, the three giant mecha units appearing from another dimension, an increase in esoteric activity following soon after, and demonic creatures targeting Plumber bases to only be thwarted by the locals. What's next?"
Magister Hulka sat silently with his arms crossed, "And as a witness for those two entities who transported Plumber Academy by just a thought to this star system and transporting it back to its original position, things are only going to get complicated. Especially when many of us received invitations from them."
"Invitations," another officer quipped, who looked like a standard Grey alien with big black eyes, small mouth and nose, and a slender form.
Max held up his, as well as Hulka, Gihil, and Fann. Max then spoke, "We've been invited to a meeting to meet with US military personnel. The esoterics sent these in order to discuss a campaign against 'the conqueror'."
"As powerful as they are, local authorities have no jurisdiction in our affairs, let alone Vilgax. And accordingly, if Vilgax does issue the Conqueror's Challenge as stated by the Casey Accords, then it is solely up to your grandson to decide the fate of this conflict."
Magister Hulka spoke and Max listened. Max acknowledged his more decorated colleague. But what struck out to him was the absence of Wes Green, the Navajo American Plumber. He may be semi-retired, but usually he would be present along with the other officers. He did receive a letter from him stating he would attend the secondary meeting with him to discuss plans with the esoterics. The meeting continued.
Meanwhile in Bellwood
Four days have passed since Vilgax invaded in the cover of darkness. And what ensued, was chaos. At least for the Plumbers in and around HQ. The sound of plasma fire and death filled headquarters during the assault. The massacre of hundreds of officers lasted until dawn when the Plumbers surrendered. The town awakened to the sight of alien ships around the city and the citizens were filled with fear and confusion. While one-fifth of the city evacuated as best they could with the aid of remaining Plumbers and military assistance, the rest were kept in town. Now under the direct rule of Vilgax himself. The remaining citizens were then moved to the city square and city park in order to be addressed by his emissaries. Now, the citizens must live under occupation with new duties to be given out to able bodied citizens in the coming days.
Meanwhile, in the captured headquarters, Vilgax and his war council were handling an important matter. The collected data the scouts gathered from across the world. The footage contained data regarding energy outputs, the weapons used, and the various styles of defense were recorded during the brief skirmishes. While also accounting for their losses. Minimal of course, but even their deaths served a purpose; the esoterics of Earth would give no quarter. Vilgax expected this. Especially when reviewing the events from accessed files where esoterics fended off demonic hordes from the air and the earth. And reading the energy levels when the Void Lock was activated to send the demons back to their plane. After seeing as much as he could take in for the day, Vilgax waved his hand.
"Enough," he said and the gathered footage playing on the walls of the chamber ceased.
Vilgax leaned into his seat and looked upon his war council, "Now we have an idea what these esoterics can do. And they will give no quarter to our forces. That is to be commended."
"Lord Vilgax," one of his generals, who looked young but enthusiastic to gain some glory in the tenth conquest spoke, "We should defeat these esoterics now. Otherwise, they'll gather their forces and pose a threat to our ambitions."
Vilgax countered with, "They'll pose a threat regardless. The esoterics will strike from the shadows and use their power to cut through our defenses with little struggle. Remember, they are studying us as much as we are studying them."
He then turned to one of his scientists, "What is the status on esoteric based energy output from the data collected?"
"Energy output was reported to cross several frequencies that are similar and distinct from Anodites, sir. Makes it more difficult to fine tune our shields and energy blades to counter the runic energy emitted from their weapons."
"And what of the demonic hordes as seen in the footage?"
"More than likely not to pose a threat as the esoterics have sent them back to their hellish plane."
The scientist chuckled, "Forgive me, my lord. But it is funny to see what have long considered to be relics of our collective pasts are…"
"Are now resurging," Vilgax completed the scientist's statement, "Yes. I believe everyone present realizes the new reality. Terra, or Earth, lies on the frontier between Plumber controlled space, and the second half ruled by empires utilizing the second science. Whoever wins this quadrant would shift the balance of political and economic authority for the galaxy."
Vilgax stood up to walk towards the floor to ceiling window overlooking the geo-front of Plumber HQ, "That is one of the reasons why we are here on the backwater planet, now teeming with dangerous esoteric energy from the locals and their fauna. We need to conquer them before we conquer the rest of the planet."
The generals nodded, understanding the level of possible dangers. That is why they have sent teams to establish bases across various regions of diverse terrain found on this planet to make access difficult and provide good defensive tactics. With that underway, Vilgax returned to the table and investigated another matter, the prisoners in Plumber custody in underground cells. He had planned a specific use of them. And one of them was to enter to be presented to him and the generals. One of the first humans he utilized ten years ago.
Two arms guards held the human woman with red hair and in prison garb firmly. She was thrashing around, exhausting herself. But when now in front of the war council, she was thrown before them. Vilgax stood up and walked to the human female, "Rojo."
She momentarily felt fear and looked up, "Y—You?"
"Yes. It is I. Don't worry, you won't need the biotechnology this time. But I do miss your services. Brutish, but effective."
Rojo stood up and met his gaze, "What do you want me to do," she asked, and he smiled, "To be my soldier and kill Ben's allies. However, you do so is entirely up to you."
She smirked, now liking her new prospects.
Canadian Rockies, British Columbia, Canada
[1:07 PM]
Clouds rolled over the mountains from the west. The bird songs filled the trees and local fauna roamed the grounds. In the distance a flash of light was seen. Then appeared a plume of smoke and dust. Two hundred acres were cleared. Ships landed from above and landed in the cleared area. Aliens disembarked and surveyed the land. They observed the mountains to the west and the trees to the east. One of them looked up to see hawks gliding through the air. Another saw a Roosevelt's elk looking at him before galloping away. The aliens with suits with the Vilgaxian symbol for conquest were on their chests talked among themselves before beginning the stages of setting up their outpost. This, now Site-01 would be used to repair and administer weapons to the troops due to the rich deposits of iron ore in the mountains. They also established vertical farms to produce food for the troops and with their equipment, construction would be a quick endeavor. One soldier then launched a levitating communications satellite into the atmosphere, straight to the stratosphere. It beeped to then cloak itself to hide from Earth's orbiting satellites or the Plumber's surveillance network.
One lieutenant then looked to the south and east, "Set up barracks at those two locations. And in the middle here would be our training grounds."
"Understood," one soldier replied and went off to alert the others the lieutenant's instructions.
The lieutenant looked around the landscape and breathed in the air, "Rich iron ore, a beautiful sky, mountains to train in, and fauna to add to our food supply," he smiled and walked back to the ship to aid in establishing the site.
Sierra Madre Mountains, Mexico
[3:07 PM]
The sun baked the land around the mountains. On occasion, a golden eagle would glide through the air searching for prey. In the distance, a condor would waft through the air to search for an animal breathing its last breaths. A plume of smoke was seen in the distance, and just as in Canada, a new site was established for the Vilgaxian army. Two hundred acres as well. Soldiers surveying the land and began construction of another outpost. Another atmospheric satellite was launched, and it too is utilizing cloaking technology to hide it from surveillance networks. Human or alien. This outpost, now Site-02 would not only used to construct vertical farms for food production, but also used as a communications relay site to administer data collected from across the globe to Bellwood, now under Vilgax's control.
"Vertical farms on the north end, the barracks to the east and south. Our training grounds would be in the center of the lot. We'll also use the mountains to search for ore for weapons manufacturing. Is that understood?"
"Yes sir!"
The soldiers began to work with the lieutenant surveying the land. He heard the eagle above as it dove and snatched a flying pigeon and flew off. He smiled.
From a distance, the site was being observed by locals. One middle-aged man looking through a telescope, and a younger man writing down what he's observing. After finishing up, the man puts away his telescope back into its suitcase and down the mountain he and the younger man went. Once down the path they mounted their horses and galloped the rest of the way to the nearest town, which was fifteen miles away. Their plan was to get to town and deliver their information to various indigenous and local Mexican esoteric factions in the north and south. They needed warriors and the healers. They have survived European invasions by the grit of their teeth, blood, sweat, and tears, and they will not let invaders from the stars have their way.
Andes Mountains, South America
[4:10 PM]
The wind howled through the snow-capped mountains of Peru. A condor graced the skies. Another flash of light was seen below, with another atmospheric satellite launched. This base focused less on training, feeding, and utilizing natural resources. Instead, this site focused on communications and the squadron stationed here is much smaller than those in Mexico and Canada. In addition, this was constructed ahead of time before Vilgax came to Earth by five years. It was one of two older stations built ahead of the conquest, the second was in the Sahara.
The squadron stationed here was armed to the teeth with energy shields and weapons with calibration to handle Anodites, Cerebrocrustaceans ("Brainstorm"), Ectonurites ("Ghostfreak"), Opticoid ("Eye Guy"), Aerophibian ("Jetray"), To'Kustar ("Way Big"), and other aliens who can utilize energy in offensive and defensive measures.
One of the warriors stationed here, a bipedal lion-like alien, a Panterasapien, walked along the fortress's promenade observing those under his command. He nodded in approval and the warriors dispersed to be stationed in their positions. He then approached his second-in-command, another Panterasapien. The squadron leader then spoke, "Any news from our lead commander?"
The second-in-command nodded, "Aye. Stitch has commanded our base and the other in the African continent to hold firm against any threat from the locals. But also, to be wary of esoterics from elsewhere who can transport people and fauna to combat us."
"In essence, constant vigilance. Very well. That is sound advice, considering our position. We may come with superior technology, and we can replenish our losses from the nine worlds, but we do not know the locals here, nor their topography."
The second-in-command nodded in silence as the two looked at the mountains before them.
Sahara Desert, Africa
[10:10 PM]
Somewhere deep in the Ténéré Desert Region, with the winds blowing from the west, over the dunes there lied an alien containment facility. Built in secret over the past year before Vilgax arrived. Overseen and under the control of allied Tetramand forces; rebels against the ruling elite of Khoros. Hoping to ally with Vilgax, they would then use this conquest and tipping the balance of power of the galaxy to challenge the military might of their world and take back their culture, while paying tribute to Vilgax.
The numerous stars lit up the sky with the waning moon setting to the west. One of the Tetramands observed the dunes and the vast desert before him. Of course, it paled in comparison to Khoros and there were no predators under the sand. But he instinctually knew out in the desert, there were dangers he and the others were ignorant of. But whatever would come out of the darkness or in the light of day,
Democratic Republic of Congo, Africa
[11:12 PM]
The team sent here, numbering fifty to be precise, exited their ships and scanned the rainforest. On their scanners they only detected the local fauna in the trees. The leader of the group who appeared to be of Gihil's species ordered the others to set up camp for the night. The next morning, they would cut down several acres to start of a vertical farm like the ones in Mexico and Canada. It was dark and black as pitch. Unbeknownst to the aliens, they were being watched from a distance. But not by humans. The glow of their eyes would intensify once night begins to settle.
The team's Vulpimancers began to growl towards the trees. They barked and scared some of the birds from the trees. The body heat the dog-like alien can sense through its gills along its neck slowly retreated into the rainforest. The night insects continued to buzz and sing.
Ural Mountains, Russia
[Wednesday, 8:15 AM]
The next day came and further north into Eurasia, songbirds sang from the spruce, larch, and fir trees surrounding a town of five thousand. East of the Urals, this town is one part constructed of local timber and one part converted former Gulag from Stalin's time. It's located within miles of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Virgin Komi Forests. The surrounding land is farmland to help sustain it. In addition to its roads that connect to other towns for trade. The sun was setting and while the town readied for night life activities, a messenger boy was riding his horse to the main administrative district in the town's center.
He was halted by one of the town's guards who demanded what was his business. The boy spoke of a meeting and a plan to combat a conqueror from the stars. He was allowed passage. Once he arrived, he got off his horse and ran inside. He was escorted to the main hall where various town representatives were leaving for home. He was escorted to one of the town's leaders. Oskana Yurlova, the singer who toured last year with Les Musiciens du Monde. She still has ties with them, but for the next year or so, her responsibilities lied with the town. When the boy approached her, he bowed and addressed her formally. She greeted him and asked why he came this way. He handed her the rolled scroll from his inner coat pocket. She unrolled it and began to read. Her face turned grim and looked at him and simply asked if this is what was decided. He responded with a yes.
She didn't say anything at first. But when she did, she approached a representative to contact the sage and schedule a meeting for tomorrow morning. The town representative bowed and walked off to contact her. Oskana thanked the messenger boy and told the guards to find a space for him to rest for the night before returning home tomorrow. The guards escorted the boy out of the building. Oskana held the parchment in her hand and for a moment, her nails became claws.
Kunlun Mountains, China
[10:20 AM]
After the Wudang base was seized and destroyed by incoming Vilgaxian soldiers, and everyone who survived and escaped are currently in Site B of Division 20. Located west, along the borders of the Tibetan Plateau, the base now is protected by a mixture of Shaolin and Tibetan monks. As well as local animist shamans who rode horses along the grasslands and hills. The flags waving in the wind from stone outposts indicated that Division 20 was now under esoteric protection.
Lt. Col. Fann Guan-yin Chow was adjusting her eyepatch as she looked over the outdoor training grounds of Site B. Her recruits training to defend this site alongside the esoterics, after the massacre in the hands of Vilgaxian soldiers. When they got here, they held a day of silence to honor the fallen as they've fled to safety. Once it was over, they got back to training. And with many about to graduate in one year, this class would be perhaps her best class to have ever trained under her. She then heard footsteps behind her. It was the monk she took counsel from just before the attack.
"我们几乎不准备再面对他们了。我们是不是？ (We're nowhere near ready to face them again. Are we?)"
"不，但这是最好的。 (No. But it is for the best.)"
"怎么会这样？(How so?)"
"因为这一次，你不是独自一人面对共同的敌人。我们将打破潮流. (Because this time, you're not alone in facing a common enemy. We will break the tide.)"
Fann breathed in and out to steady herself, "你听起来很自信。维尔加克斯是一个正在崛起的星系征服者。他已经获得了九个世界进入他的新兴帝国。现在，他想加入地球。 (You sound so confident. Vilgax is a galactic conqueror on the rise. He's already acquired nine worlds into his burgeoning empire. Now, he's looking to add Earth.)"
The monk nodded, "世界上有许多帝国来来去去。为什么星星会有什么不同？ (Many empires have come and gone in this world. Why should the stars be any different?)"
Fann looked to the monk, "但是，因为我们有自己的历史，看到帝国的兴衰，我们没有几个世纪可以骑过维尔加克斯控制的地球。 (But just because we have our own history of seeing empires rising and falling, we don't have centuries to ride out a Vilgaxian controlled Earth.)"
The monk nodded, "不，我们不能。但是我们可以训练我们的人和外星人，并且对他们中的许多人来说，第一次准备好战斗。 (No, we do not. But we can train our men and women, human and alien and for the first time for many of them, be ready for combat.)"
Fann did not like putting recruits into situations they are ready for. But Vilgax had forced everyone's hand. She nodded and the two returned to the training grounds to oversee and train the students alongside the other monks and warriors.
Kantō Region, Japan
[Tokyo, 11:25 AM]]
Emiko Takashiro was heading down the hall of her grandfather's office. Men on both sides of the hall bowed when she walked past. Her expression was serious and approached the oak wooden doors. The guard allowed her to enter and inside was a minimally decorated room done in the traditional style. With hanging portraits hanging along the walls, and the floors were sectioned off for designated sitting areas done with tatami mats and the hardwood served as pathways. She took off her shoes and puts on slippers as to not damage the floors. She walked quietly to her grandfather who was quietly sitting, facing the skyline of the metropolis.
He poured her a cup of tea as she sat across from him. He offered her the cup, which she accepted. The two were silent for a while. Not moving aside from occasionally drinking their tea. He then revealed a manila envelope and moved it towards her. She sets down her cup of tea and picked it up. Opening it up, she sees notes of collected intelligence from across the country. What she read was a base constructed in the northern Honshu in the mountains. Two hundred acres with vertical structures being built. And a satellite was launched into the atmosphere. She puts the documents back into the folder and looked to her grandfather.
He moved closer to whisper something into her ear. He whispered instructions on what to do and when he finished, she nodded, "分かっ (Understood.)"
"いいですね。 お茶を終えましょう。 今夜は休むが、明日は仕事をする。 (Good. Now let's finish our tea. Tonight, we rest, but tomorrow, we work.)"
"はい、明日私たちは働いています。 (Yes, tomorrow we work.)"
Aside from the two pouring and drinking tea, the other sound that was faintly heard was the sound of a grandfather clock.
Four Days Later
Manzano Mountains, NM, USA
[Monasterio de Nuestra Señora de Nuevo Mexico, 5:45AM]
The bells began to ring from the belltower. Signaling the coming dawn. Nearby, the roosters crowed, and several young boys were feeding the hens. Another boy was running down the cloister and across the courtyard, leading to the church. Inside, incense was being lit. As are the candles near the statue of the Virgin Mary and across from her, was Christ on the cross. The boy entered the church and behind the altar he opened a door. He went down the dark stairs lit only by torches. He then sees another door and knocked. The door opened and he could see humans and aliens have an intense discussion about what is happening out in the world.
The round table had representatives from the Plumbers, D-20, S-10, US military personnel, and esoterics of both mage and mystic. Rodrigo Salieri was there, observing in a three-piece suit. The others wore their uniforms as expected of their rank. From the Plumbers were Magister Tennyson, Hulka, Gihil, Fann, and Ingrid from the third branch. From the US military there were Air Force's Colonel Rozum, and General Peter Mulligan from the Marines with Naval Attaché Hugh Redford from the Navy.
Those from the US Military continued to speak and debate with the Plumbers while the esoterics sat, silently observing. Rozum used his mallet to strike the table to calm them down. He spoke, "Everyone here is on edge. And we do agree on one thing; it's preferable to end this quickly. But sending a message would also be effective."
"How so?" Hugh Radford from the US Navy spoke with a Virginian accent, "If we spend too much time planning a message for the invaders, we may lose a window of opportunity to strike and play right into their hand."
A female representative for esoterics and humans, Laura Ravencroft raised her hand and spoke gently, "Enough. I can see before me different agendas as opposed a united front against the conqueror. If you lot cannot agree on a plan here, then you do not deserve to be here. So, what do you really want, a message or an expedient end?"
The woman with brunette hair and olive skin spoke. Her brilliant forest green eyes looked upon the men and male aliens from the Plumbers and the US military. She was beautiful, but her sitting posture reflected a quiet grace and dignity that reflected the esoteric culture from both Earth and the lands across the Door.
Magister Hulka who is familiar with Vilgax, more so than even Max Tennyson spoke, "I think what you're implying miss," Laura was listening as he continued, "Is the message be something that Vilgax cannot ignore."
"No, what I'm implying and what I'm saying is this: Do you want this war done swiftly and with minimal loss or do you wish to send a message to the rest of the galaxy? It doesn't matter what Vilgax does or doesn't do exactly. What matters is your intent, masters of war, your intent. Do you want this war over with swiftly or do you want to send a message to the Galaxy and if so, what is that message?"
"Ideally we want this war over by Thanksgiving given your current bent of mind. If you were all more encouraged to pursue expediency, we could have this shit-show finished by the end of the month. However, for the sake of your message, it is you who insist on dragging this out." Ravenscroft further added.
Rozum rubbed his temples. He didn't want to say it. But knowing military history, this would be a gamble to pull off. He looked to the others from the US military. They shifted nervously and nodded. Rozum mentally prepared to say it, "We want you to bring winter."
Ravenscroft gave him a piercing stare, "Do you know what you are asking?"
A colleague of hers who's sitting across the table spoke, "He does, otherwise he wouldn't have asked," then the colleague turned to Rozum, "You wish for winter, but sir, do you understand just what you ask of us?"
"Superficially, yes. Winter that stopped Hitler's advance, defeated Napoleon, what led up to the French Revolution."
Ravencroft shook her head in acknowledgement, "That's the watered-down version of what winter means for us. To bring it—," she pointed to Fann, "Stand up."
Fann stood in attention, "Yes, ma'am."
Ravencroft stood up and walked to her. She took out a small flask from the inside of her robes, "You are to drink this, and you will show your friends what they request. You'll be taken care of, but it's important they know what they wish."
Fann held the small flask in her hand and looked upon the woman in question, "Ma'am, no disrespect but—I'm frightened by what would happen."
Ravenscroft nodded, "And you should be. It's what your colleague wishes to subject to our enemy. It's fair they understand what they request, is it not?"
Fann nodded and with trepidation, she swallowed the flask's contents. The taste was immensely sweet. Like honey and lavender, and it had a sweet earthen texture. However, soon, the air began to grow cold. Fann shuddered and as she exhaled, to everyone's shock her breath was pure cold vapor akin to a waft of smoke. Suddenly Fann started to scream as cold coursed through her body, every breath of wind being a fire within her nose and mouth. Her hands began to grow beet red as she tried to blow on them. She screamed, "Oh, God! Make it stop!"
Ravenscroft simply watched and said, "Move your fingers!" Fann tried but the pain was far too great. "I-I can't! It hurts to even try and move them!"
Her eyes began to water and to the amazement of all the army's distinguished, her tears were freezing to her face. Soon Ravenscroft took out a flask of pure burgundy and she poured it down Fann's throat. Fann recovered slowly and she sat down in her chair. Looking at Ravenscroft, "What kind of people are you?! You put fucking Siberia in a bottle!" Ravenscroft looked that the generals, "Do you see?"
Rozum replied, "Yes. Forgive me Fann."
"Fuck you!" Rozum didn't comment. He looked to Ravencroft, "So that is winter." She nodded yes in response.
Peter Mulligan stood up, "Winter only works in the northern states and Canada! It won't work as far south as Bellwood! I'm sorry Rozum but winter? Snow won't stop these alien invaders!"
"Did you not see what that flask had done to the woman here? Winter as I know from esoterics here, is pervasive." Rozum pointed out and Ravencroft began to speak again.
Ravenscroft looked at Peter, "Imagine cold so pervasive that it reaches the warm and tender heart of Texas and freezes her pipes for two weeks. Imagine a cold so powerful it causes rolling blackouts due to the strain on your nation's power-grid and you must roll to balance power and stop a crash. Imagine cold so powerful that your tears freeze to your face as you cry, and it burns to breathe. That is what we can do while we hunt you from within the blanket of white."
Peter was about to utter 'impossible', but he knew if he did, it would not look good on him. So, he held his tongue. Max cleared his throat, "Colonel Rozum, is this what you truly want? Winter? Yes, it can stop Vilgax and his forces. They don't do well in cold climates. But—from what Ms. Ravencroft here described, that will put millions at risk."
"My point exactly, Mr. Tennyson," Rozum replied, "This won't be won with armies alone."
Rozum nodded in agreement, "It seems we're in agreement then."
"We didn't agree to anything yet!" Robert Garret from the Corps spoke and weighed his words carefully, "However, seeing how you are dead set on this plan, we all know rudimentary meteorology here. Once a storm starts, there's nothing we can do but let it run its course."
He stood up and looked at Max, "Your words once were weighed in gold." But he then turned to Ravencroft, "But I am convinced by what you demonstrated. If Rozum's argument for a winter to send a message and force Vilgax's hand—Then the Corps is with you."
Ravencroft nodded, "Indeed. Well, if that is our course, then we shall proceed. I advise all your people to get warm clothes and begin to stockpile firewood right now. It's going to be a hell of a winter."
Magister Hulka looked on curiously. He and Max did at one time fought in a severe winter on Necrotana-VI. But judging by what Fann had to experience, who now was recovering, this is no ordinary winter. Ingrid who observed everything so far silently stood up, "Should I report this to the Bureau then?"
Ravenscroft turned to the woman and nodded, "Have them prepare the Rods and Veins."
"Very well. And the Institute as well? Or they would know this by now?"
"We'll send the proper forms closer to time."
Ingrid nodded, "Very well. I think this covers it gentleman. All we can do is bundle up when autumn comes." "Don't you mean winter?" Hulka asked. Ingrid nodded a no. "No. Autumn. Because winter is not far behind."
As the meeting was adjourned, and the esoteric representatives alongside the Plumbers began to leave and make their way upstairs. Max again did not see Wes Green here. He wondered if he was all right or preparing for the upcoming battles to come. Rodrigo walked upstairs and briefly met Laura's gaze. Both bowed to each other before leaving.
To be continued
Well, there you go. Things can only escalate from here on out. In addition, I purposely didn't include music here. This was not the place for it. I'm happy the results here and I hope to continue on this new path.
Read, review, critique, and I'll see you soon.