Tophel Clan Territory, The Lower Planes
May 9, 2072 CE, 12 Years After The ApocalypseTemple of Murderers, Mount Erebus
Time: 1505 HoursSathuzixaniel had arrived in an inhospitable universe filled with smoke and flames. A towering mountain loomed ominously over the land like a massive grave marker over the scorched and decaying ruins below. The mountain was made of smoke-stained black stone, it's face bare of any foliage. A long and winding staircase went up the mountain, reminiscent of a snake trying to constrict its prey. At the end of the long staircase was a massive temple fused into the face of the mountain, it's surface not so much carved as shaped from the same stone by some supernatural mold. Along the way up, tall, wrought iron poles stood vigil, each ending in a decorative metal cage containing a ghostly blue flame, giving off no heat, but shedding dim light on the long journey. Periodically, human bones were encountered on the way up, arranged in various works of art, such as wind chimes made of long, thin bones, or sculptures made entirely of bones.
Eventually, Sathuzixaniel reached the temple itself. The funereal building was constructed of many large stone pillars interspersed between stone walls featuring reliefs depicting heinous acts of killing. The air choked with nauseating incense, emanating from the many dozens of censors featured in this temple, fashioned from human skulls, which hung from the vaulted ceiling by severe lengths of metal chains. This incense would prove barely more tolerable than the stench it was covering up, the unmistakable smell of death and decay, the foul fumes of which filled the whole building, as the cadavers of many sapient species, in various states of decay, were arranged and contorted into sculptures for the patrons of this temple to admire. A dias made of polished obsidian inlaid with large, set amethyst sat near the end of the temple's great hall, surrounded by wrought iron braziers filled with smokeless blue flames that screamed lamentations of senseless pain and misery in a million languages at once. In the center of the dias was an inlaid mandala depicting unspeakable grisly scenes of horror. Levitating above the mandala, a demonic vulpine figure sat cross-legged in meditation. This being was only describable as vulpine by some horrid cosmic accident, some unspeakable affront the very concept of "fox", for it's whole being far too skeletal, its fur sallow, its elongated, conical snout extended far too long. It's limbs were far too long as well, and dreadfully thin, terminating in gaunt hands with spidery digits and long, hooked claws. The terrible being's ears far too outstretched, and it's mouth, it's terrible, gaping maw stretched the whole length of it's snout and head, extending down it's neck and torso, and lo it was filled with an impossible number of teeth arranged in endless rows. It's large and sunken eyes glowed red, with pentagrams scratched across their surface, and needle-thin, bestial pupils. It's tail was long and swooping, spiraling back on itself. Upon it's chest was another eye, larger than an outstretched hand, ominously staring and glowing. This central eye blinked sideways, and this was not dissimilar to a mouth closing, for the eyelid had conical fangs. Two mortal servants attended to this being, dressed in simple garb, waving oversized fans. A servant in a simple, white outfit knelt at the dias. The wretched, vulpine creature roused from its meditation, and arched its head down to gaze upon the servant. The demonic being opened it's mouth partially, and blackened tendrils raced out, grabbing and restraining the servant effortlessly. Thee tendrils exerted great and terrible force as they pulled upon the limbs, dislocating, an finally severing them from the torso, spraying blood across the floors of the temple. The tendrils lifted the servant's dying body up by the neck, until the servant was eye level of the demon lord. The hungering jaws opened wider, and pulled a wispy, ephemeral strand from the servant's mouth, consuming it. As this happened, the servant instantly fell limp, deceased.
"Your excellency, Ecclesiastic Nightvixen." Sathuzixaniel said, bowing her heads and kneeling before the demon lord.
"Rise, my child. What brings you to the Temple of Murderers?" Nightvixen asked, their voice halfway between an animal's growl and two humans speaking, one male, and one female.
"You recall the economic project designated as 'The Fallen Angels', on Earth." Sathuzixaniel explained.
"They are facing an existential threat, and Contractee Alexa Chambers has not been handling this in an adequate manner. I traveled here to contact you, as well as Lord Astaroth, and Lady Namaah.""I see. This complicates matters. The Fallen Angels was supposed to be our last major investment on Earth, what with the planet's destruction at the hands of Samael. This was meant to be a major stopgap, until we can establish a major religion on another mortal world." Nightvixen said.
"Yes, it was an important investment before... I'm sorry, I don't understand, what?" Sathuzixaniel frowned.
"In order to ensure the continuation of the influx of mortal souls, the trade of which is responsible for the prominent and prestigious position of our nation, we need to seek a new source. The Fallen Angels are supposed to sustain us until then." Nightvixen explained.
"Yes, I am aware of that part." the succubus said.
"Then it is the part about religion you do not understand? If we can found a religion through a mortal, and establish a Contract with them..." the demon lord began.
"We can collect the souls of every mortal who follows that religion." Sathuzixaniel finished.
"Very good, my child." Nightvixen praised the succubus.
"Now, with regards to this emergency you have informed me of. I shall send messengers to Lord Astaroth and Lady Namaah, you need not trouble yourself with this matter. The High Council will convene to determine the best course of action. Once we have decided on the course of action with regards to this incident, we shall intervene on Earth.""Thank you for your wisdom, your excellency." Sathuzixaniel said. She chanted a spell, and was consumed in lime flames and discordant notes by the portal.
Former United States, Dead Earth
May 10, 2072 CE, 12 Years After The ApocalypseAbove the Karman Line, Mesosphere
Time: 0615 HoursThe invisible, incorporeal, demonic gaze of the imps fell upon the Drechian starcruiser. They watched and waited, observing the ship, gathering as much information from a distance as they could. As they did, they presented electromagnetic and thermal anomalies (in the form of minor electromagnetic interference and "cold spots" respectively). They continued this for some time, making notes about the ship's dimensions, apparent composition, and staying mostly still so as to not seem unusual to anyone on the ship - they had long since wised up that the people of Earth could use various devices to get a general read on their presence (such as an EMF reader), and did not know what these Drechians were capable of. One imp, in a moment of bravery, cast a spell to sense electromagnetic radiation within the ship, seeing the flow of it in the ship and any separate sources of electromagnetism within the ship. However, as a byproduct of the magic, a notable quantity of rapidly decaying quantum particles were produced, and the imps were unsure if the ship could detect this. After watching the starcruiser for around an hour, they began their descent back down to the surface, where they would be debriefed on what they have found.
Benton Airpark, Redding, California
Time: 1100 HoursWhen the imps returned to the Benton Airpark, they spoke at length with 106 about what they had discovered, of the "great metal vessels in space", in as much detail as possible. The android in turn, recorded all of the information down as a typed document. This file would be disseminated to Honest John Doe, and all the other appropriate authorities that she would later be ordered to send the file to.
Sierra Army Depot, California
Time: 1330 HoursOn orders from Kadrea Cooper, the Sierra Army Depot was to be converted to a long-range military outpost for the Fallen Angels. Two humvees, three MRAPs, four technicals, six pick up trucks hauling sandbags, razor wire, cinder blocks, and bags of cement, and an up-armored former school bus were driven up to the former army depot, carrying engineers, reinforcement troops, mages, workers, and security guards. They would begin establishing defenses and battlements, and various earthworks; fortifications that would make the Sierra Army Depot a more defensible position. Over the next few days, the workers would dig trenches, construct battlements and watch towers. More materials would be brought in from elsewhere, sheet metal, rebar, and car parts. When welding rods ran low, workers resorted to using sparklers in their welding guns. As the workers constructed the battlements, armed guards were posted to oversee the construction effort - to ensure that none of the workers would try to run away. A small work camp was established for the workers to live in during the project, with simple tents and tarps set up. For warmth, a bonfire was set up, and poncho liners were handed out. For food, the workers and soldiers alike were given old MREs. During the construction phase, several workers would develop hypothermia and frostbite.
Former United States, Dead Earth
May 11, 2072 CE, 12 Years After The ApocalypseSheraton Redding Hotel at Sundial Bridge, Redding, California
Time: 0900 HoursOutside the Sheraton Redding Hotel, Honest John Doe stood with Sathuzixaniel and 106, discussing their plan for the meeting they were about to have.
"What information do you bring?" Honest John Doe asked.
"I spoke with Nightvixen about it. The High Council is meeting to discuss this matter. It is looking very likely that someone will be sent here to handle this." Sathuzixaaniel explained.
"Very good. Everything is falling into place. 106, what information did the imps find?" Honest John Doe inquired.
"They definitely confirmed the existence of a spaceship in Dead Earth's orbit. A big one too." the android replied.
"I see. This confirms my suspicions, at least." Honest John Doe furrowed his brow.
"Different question for you, 106. You have audio files of our dear leader, Ms. Satan's voice, right?"106 smiled.
"I have recordings of everything I have heard, Mr. Honest John. Do you want me to play one back for you?""No, not right now. That will be very useful though. Thank you." a smirk began to etch its way across Honest John Doe's face. He readjusted his sunglasses.
"Sathuzixaniel, how likely do you think the High Council will send someone to 'handle our problem?'" he asked.
"Highly likely. The main question at the table isn't whether or not to send someone, it is who they will send." the succubus answered.
"Good, good." Honest John Doe said, the smirk growing wider.
"106, do you have your work gear?""Affirmative, Mr. Honest John." the android replied. She lifted her jacket slightly, to reveal a pocket holster for her Beretta 695 Leopard. From her back pocket, she removed a butterfly knife, and performed a few simple tricks with it, before flipping it back closed, and placing it back in her pocket.
"Good. You will need it. Now, is everyone ready to get to work?" Honest John Doe exclaimed, a grin on his face and pep in his step.
Sheraton Redding Hotel at Sundial Bridge, Redding, California
Time: 0920 HoursHonest John Doe, Sathuzixaniel, and 106 walked into Ms. Satan's office ardently. Ms. Satan stood up, furious, her yellow and red eyes glowering intensely.
"What do you think you're doing?!" Ms. Satan shouted.
"It's alright, I'm just here to talk." Honest John Doe said, his hand gesturing for Ms. Satan to sit back down.
"You can't be in here right now! You don't have an appointment!" the changeling growled.
"I don't know about that. It was pretty easy to walk in here just now." 106 said snidely.
"My dear Ms. Chambers, do you remember your business partner, Xathalil?" Honest John Doe asked.
"What about her?" Ms. Satan angrily retorted.
"Do you remember what you said to her?" Honest John Doe pressured. His voice and expression remained calm and confident.
"I've said a lot of things to a lot of people. You're going to have to be more specific." Ms. Satan said.
"Do you remember what you said to her the first time you met her?" Honest John Doe asked, a slight smile across his face.
"Yes." Ms. Satan answered.
"Do you know why we're here?" Honest John Doe asked.
Ms. Satan paused for a moment to think. Honest John Doe cut her off before she could speak.
"We're here for a little chat, Ms. Chambers. Why don't you have a seat and order yourself a BashCaf?" Honest John Doe said gesturing again for Ms. Satan to sit down. Reluctantly, she complied.
"Fine. What's this about, Doe?" Ms. Satan said cautiously.
"We received another message. You'll want to hear this." Honest John Doe stated.
Ms. Satan rolled her eyes.
"You could have scheduled a meeting." she said incredulously.
"Fine, let's hear it.""Right on it!" 106 said cheerfully. The android stepped forward, took a deep breath, and proceeded to play back the audio file.
"Come to us... We would like... [static] Our emissary... ...yours. We are... [static] ...no harm... Should you... [static] ...we can find... [static]"
"I see." Ms. Satan said.
"It sounds like they are wanting to meet up.""That seemed obvious." Honest John Doe said flatly.
"Is there anything else you'd like to add? Maybe something about the color of the sky?""They're moving things along too quickly. We don't have much choice but to take them up on it." Ms. Satan frowned.
"That may be correct. However, this does not mean that we cannot play this into our favor." Sathuzixaniel said.
"How so?" Ms. Satan asked.
"We've been sending our replies out across all channels, if you recall, on account of not knowing what channel to send the messages to, to ensure they are received. It appears that there are two separate parties here, who are not entirely on amicable terms with one another, who have both been receiving our replies." the succubus explained.
"Therefore, if we send a reply saying that we would like to meet up and talk, and we name a location...""We can trick them both into meeting at the same place." Ms. Satan said.
"This would greatly shift things into our favor, and give us more control of the situation." Honest John Doe explained.
The office was quiet for a few minutes, the tension rising higher. None dared to disturb the silence, until...
"So that settles it then?" Ms. Satan asked.
"Don't think you won't be reprimanded for the disturbance.""No, I'm afraid not, Ms. Chambers. This isn't finished, sadly. You think you're la grande capo, some Zinntyrann mit eiserner Faust, seeking El Dorado like a small, foolish child." Honest John Doe chided.
"You're just a big fish in a small pond, yet you think yourself a shark? There is no easy ride, signorina, no pyramids of gold. You were neither clever nor brave to get where you are, just merely in the right place at the right time. You thought yourself some kind of big shot, and now you've been outgambited."Ms. Satan reached down, opening one of her desk drawers to grab her gold-plated Replica Arms Archer pistol. As she did so, a cold, metal blade pressed against her neck.
"You can't do this to me." Ms. Satan said indignantly.
"I can, and I am." Honest John Doe said, giving an insincere smile.
"So this is how it's going to go down? You're going to kill me? And then what? If I die, so does the Fallen Angels, and with it, your paycheck. I know how this works, Doe!" Ms. Satan spat at Honest John Doe.
"That's where you're mistaken, Ms. Chambers. I'm not going to kill you." Honest John Doe said, as he slowly approached Ms. Satan.
"The Tophel Clan still needs you, for the reasons you've pointed out. But our bosses, your investors, they have deemed you a liability. You'll get to live, but you're no longer in charge. You're going to be replaced by someone who actually knows what they're doing.""You think I'll let you live afterwords? I am the Fallen Angels!" Ms. Satan yelled.
"I don't think you'll be in much of a position to do anything." Honest John Doe said, standing next to Ms. Satan, as 106 restrained her and kept the butterfly knife pressed against Ms. Satan's neck. Honest John Doe reached into his back pocket, and removed a cold, wet handkerchief.
"Shh... It's time to sleep, Ms. Chambers." Honest John Doe said, pressing the handkerchief up to Ms. Satan's mouth and nose. She began vomiting almost instantly, and struggled for several minutes before falling unconscious.
"Alright, I trust you to get this right, 106. You're going to have to work quickly, the chloroform will only keep her out as long as my handkerchief is on her, and we can't leave it on too long without risk of serious illness or death." Honest John Doe instructed the android once Ms. Satan was unconscious.
"I won't fail you, Mr. Honest John!" 106 said, as she got to work with her butterfly knife.
With help from Honest John Doe and Sathuzixaniel, Ms. Satan was rolled onto her side with the chloroform handkerchief still held up loosely to her face. The android pulled Ms. Satan's suit jacket partially off, and tugged the collar of her shirt down, for better access to the changeling's neck. 106 carefully began cutting at the back of Ms. Satan's lower neck, severing the spinal cord. Honest John Doe handed several alcohol wipes to 106 as Sathuzixaniel flipped Ms. Satan onto her back. 106 cleaned her butterfly knife.
"Alright, that was the C5. Now for the Broca's region. Is she right hand or left hand dominant?" the android asked.
"Right handed." Honest John Doe answered. 106 jabbed her butterfly knife into the left side of Ms. Satan's head, slightly above the temple. She jiggled the knife around violently, pulpifying the brain tissue in that area.
The android stood up and used the remaining alcohol wipes to clean her butterfly knife.
"Alright, Mr. Honest John. It's done. Without extensive augmentation, she'll never walk again, she'll have trouble moving her arms at all, and she'll never speak again.""Very good. This is all proceeding excellently." Honest John Doe said, removing the handkerchief from Ms. Satan's face.
"You should probably sterilize and bandage her, prevent blood loss and infection."KVIP FM Radio Tower, S Fork Lookout Road, California (North West of Shasta and Redding, it's kind of in the middle of nowhere)
Time: 1245 HoursSeveral technicals were parked at the radio station. Battlements had been set up, consisting of several hulks of cars and trucks piled on each other, and partially buried. Several small watch towers were set up around the radio compound, atop each of which was a sniper nest. The entrance had two machine gun nests set up with three layers of cinderblocks, each of which had a M2A1 HB set up on a tripod. Several soldiers patrolled the checkpoint, armed with various rifles, shotguns, and the occasional laser. Several card tables were set up, with various guns and munitions laid out, and another card table featured several handloading tools, including presses, dies, gauges, and case trimmers, next to which was a box of primers, and several glass jars filled with smokeless powder. Another card table featured several soldiers betting cigarettes on a game of poker.
In a recording studio, Honest John Doe sat with the android 106, discussing the next step.
"Alright, you know what you need to do. The software's on that flash drive I handed you." Honest John Doe said.
"Are you sure about this, Mr. Honest John? It's dangerous to stick stuff in your head." 106 asked nervously.
"The flash drive has the audio software on it that you're going to need. You just need to install it." Honest John Doe explained.
"Mr. Honest John... this isn't like with a computer. If something goes wrong, it goes wrong with my brain." 106 said, her voice breaking.
"It'll be alright, 106." Honest John Doe reassured the android.
"Promise me there aren't any viruses." 106 said.
"There aren't any viruses." Honest John Doe said.
106 reluctantly picked up the flash drive and slotted it in the back of her head. She took several deep breaths as she installed the software within.
"So? How did it go?" Honest John Doe asked after a few minutes.
The android took another deep breath as she booted up the software and configured it to her existing audio files. She closed her eyes and frowned. Once she had it all configured, she spoke up.
"You tell me if it worked." 106 said. Her voice sounded exactly like Ms. Satan's.
"Great! We've got a broadcast to record, 106." Honest John Doe exclaimed.
General Broadcast, All Available Channels, FM Radio
Time: 1315 Hours"This is Alexa Chambers of the Fallen Angels. We have received your message of diplomacy. We agree to your request for a meeting. We would like to meet you at the coordinates 39.788621° Latitude,-120.249073° Longitude. When we are aware that you have arrived, we will contact you with further instructions via shortwave radio. When you arrive, please come armed, and bring radiation-countermeasures; we are non-hostile, but the wildlife is fairly dangerous and there is a radiation 'hot zone' nearby."
Key
Conscious#6363EF = Honest John Doe#EF349A = AGN-51 M71 A14L7Y-321AP-HV-106#FF66FF = Sathuzixaniel#737373 = Alexa "Ms. Satan" Chambers#CF6C22 = Kadrea Cooper#D929B9 = Seraveli#A4B297 = NightvixenDead#CF2242 = Pearson#248046 = Rifleman Twin#828242 = Shaman#359FFF = TeyoTek GarmOther People (QUOTED ONLY)#3366FF = Chief Aviator Gwen Tracer Hepburn “Fate of Existence and the Omniverse” Ellen Trixie Caitlin Foxworthy Avril Verlene Eveline Celinda Sammy Doris T-Rev Oxton Arielle Lindall Leslie Vitesse Allison#357575 = Drechian Radio Reply#40FF40 = Charlene Jeannie Natalia Adeline Marceline “Wanbyeoghan Hyeobsang-Ga.” Celestie Christine Irelle Dv. Arianna Rees Edith Novena Annie Ciara W. I. Bethany Myong Suh-HyungAcquired Assets
Post 1:None
Post 2: (aka what we got from the Sierra Army Depot - why we were going there in the first place)
x10 AN/TWQ-1 Avenger air-defense missile system
x30 FIM-92 Stinger MANPADS
x200 H&K M25 assault rifle
x50 H&K XM900 20mm grenade launcher
x4 TeyoTek Garm multi-role weapons platform robot
x2 X-10 Viper VTOL transport/air support/air evac
x? large quantity of various MilTech munitions
Post 3:None
Post 4:None
Casualty Count
Post 1:Personnel:
x1 point man, x2 rifleman, x1 shaman
Post 2:Personnel:
x1 bradley commander, x1 bradley driver, x1 bradley gunner, x4 drone pilot, x2 point man, x2 psyker (electrokinetic), x2 responder, x6 rifleman
Vehicles:
x1 M2A4 Bradley, x2 MRAPs, x4 self-driving car bombs
Post 3:None
Post 4:Personnel:
x4 worker
Total Casualties:Personnel: 27
Vehicles:
x1 M2A4 Bradley, x2 MRAPs, x4 self-driving car bombs