That Wounded, Old World (IC; Far-PMT; Invite Only)

[New Frenco Empire]

Corps Sergeant Ivan Yates

December 31st, 2292
FIS Orwellian; Under Antarctic Ice Sheets, Undisclosed
0200 Hours

Yates turned to see his face on the reflective surface of the deployment vessel. He grinned behind his visor. This was the first time he had gotten the chance to don his nanosuit since the Ardavian Crisis back in '90. The thing was skintight and invasive, but while he was in it, he felt (and, at least somewhat, was) practically invincible.

The submarine's command officer transmitted to him. "Swordfish 1-1 to Widowmaker, approaching objective. Launch in 30 seconds. Good luck out there." He looked to Sergeant Wells, who was on the other side of the vessel. He gave a thumbs up signifying he was ready. He looked to the other pod. Sergeant Bernard gave his signal of approval. He couldn't see Doe. "Could I ever?" He thought. Doe was a shifty little character. Why he continued to call her Doe was beyond him. It's obvious Jane Doe was just given to her for some reason or another. However, her name wasn't the biggest mystery to her. When he asked to see her dossier, the IIA gave him a paper document. They only brought out paper when they had real secrets. When he tried to read it, it seemed every word was blacked out aside from some incomprehensible "the" or "it" or "her" or "she".

It wasn't uncommon for women to become Rangers, but Ardavian women? It was odd enough a foreigner, even one as close-knit as an Ardavian would come out of the blue and join the main Frenkish military. Even then, he knew Ardavia was gender-neutral enough, but their society still favored men in positions of war or anything else considered "male-lenient" in the old world. Whoever this girl was would have to wait. They still had a job to do.

Doe bent over forwards, exposing her upper body. Instead of a thumbs up like the other two had given, she nodded. He returned it, and looked forward, preparing for the launch. Before the launch, the high, raspy voice of IIA Agent Killgore transmitted to them. "Remember, you don't exist. You die, that nanosuit vaporizes your organic matter and explodes. You get too badly hurt to continue, it's your comrades' duty to put a bullet in your head and let the suit do the rest. You get captured? Well, don't. Remember, any intel you collect goes straight back to the sub. Understood? I thought so." With that, the pods shot out into the cold, Antarctic waters.

The vessels cut through the water at a quick pace. An ice sheet came into vision. With this, several blue squares danced around his visor's HUD. After they settled around a small area on the sheet, a waypoint appeared. "Recommend infiltration at designated location," his AI rang through it's monotonous voice. The pods cut off once the waypoint showed they were a mere 20 feet under the sheet. The four Rangers let go of the pods' handles, and swam towards the surface. Once they reached the thick ice, Wells and Bernard gripped their hands, activating the kinetic heat application in their gloves. After several minutes of melting away ice, the sky was visible above them. Yates looked to the team. "Alright. Who's first?"

[Ardavia]

December 30th 2292
Ardavia Central, the Imperial Palace
2345 Hours

Vezn Hisar, Supreme Autarch of Ardavia, Jack Raven

Raven walked around, too energized to sleep. In fact, he couldn't actually sleep, just shut himself down, drifting into a state of complete isolation. Foreign Secretary Hathaway had, after some "digging", found a file detailing a mission for the 62nd Ranger, the old unit of his second-in-command Kingston. They were being sent to Antarctica, and should be there in a few hours.

He also thought about the recent testing of the Gen2 Autarch's Guards he had seen. Beating an Ork with a Tesla Knife is impressive. It was a young one, but still impressive, he thought, recalling the 12-year olds charging against the hulking brute, electrified combat knife in hand, and beating it down with a bunch of high-level blade combat maneouvres.

"Hathaway, get in contact with the Frenkish regarding the upcoming 22nd Bloodsport World Championships. I'm going to sleep as for myself." he said, hanging his longcoat on a hanger and entering his private chambers. Until he woke up, whenever he wanted to, coming inside was completely forbidden. He set his mental timer to 0500 hours, then threw himself onto the bed and shut himself down.

Hathaway would send a message to the Frenks, and a surveillance satellite would be keeping tracks on the 62nd, for old times' sake. Raven wouldn't just let them die if they got into trouble, so a platoon of Shock Infantry was standing by in high orbit all the time. They're much too skilled to get into trouble, though..., he thought, then blacked out.

[North Koryo]

DECEMBER 31ST, 2292
PREFECTURE 156C, NORTH KORYO ANTARCTIC TERRITORIES
0100 HOURS



Security Overseer Eos Han lay slumped in silent reverie over the dozen screens before him. Innumerable floods of data poured from each screen as drone logs and surveillance cameras reported nothing of outstanding significance.

The construction project had become a 24/7 operation. Chaengwan Industries' recent deal with Daepo Enterprises entailed the construction of the largest fusion power grid in the entire Antarctic continent, a project that would power nearly half of North Koryo's industry and cities in the Western Territories.

This was another undertaking in the rush to settle the southern frontier. North Koryo's economic machine was a voracious beast that required endlessly greater amounts of power and mineral wealth to sate its hunger, and electricity was a near-priceless commodity. Rolling blackouts were common in the lower classes' apartment complexes (Little more than human henhouses reaching miles high) in order to ensure surrounding factories and manufacturing facilities can work around the clock and without pause. Of course, the newly-settled southern territories have it easier in terms of population density, but the amount of people living in the urban centers in Antarctica have already quadrupled as blue and white collars alike have moved here to find business opportunities in the unimaginably lucrative mining and engineering sectors.

The minutiae of construction work here does not ever end. 1 billion tons of goods per annum are transported to and fro the Antarctic Territories to the Capital and also to the various undersea facilities established when there was no more land to build on. Cargo convoys in the sea miles long were travelling at this very minute, carrying their bounty of fuel and other essential services keeping the North Koryo economic juggernaut strong and alive.

All things considered, Eos' job was not a hard one. Due to Antarctica's disputed territory, many NK Corporations have opted for heightened protection in order to prevent threats anywhere from low-class rebellion to espionage from other nations. Security Overseer had the enviable job of sitting at a desk for 15 hours while monitoring all cameras and logs and reporting all occurrences at the end of the shift. The advent of autonomous drones and sentries ensured a secure perimeter around the construction site at all times. The most eventful of days may have a fistfight between workers or hack attempt from an unknown source, but they are made short work of by the all-invasive security cameras and police droids.

On a desk with his day-old energy drink, Eos opened a tray of self-heating dinner that he had left to cook for five minutes. North Koryo's consumer society has mastered convenience to such an efficiency that it could almost be called a culture, and fast food was cuisine. A main course of false beef (Synthesized from soybeans and infused with artificial nutrients) with a side of rice (Vat-grown in a chemical soup for maximum growth speed and taste) and jello for dessert (God only knew what methods were used to create the gelatinous mess), with only three quarters the cost of a fast food combo in the old world. The free market was such a wonderful thing.

Eos eats his dinner in silence as his shift enters the ninth hour. Just outside his gaze, one of the screens detects an anomaly.

[New Frenco Empire]

Corps Sergeant Ivan Yates

December 31st, 2292
Unknown Antarctic Ice Sheet; Bordering Koryan and Anoctan Territory
0205 Hours

Yates climbed through the tunnel made in the thick ice sheet. The dark, night sky shrouded in the typical white of snow came into view just above him. Before climbing over, he neurologically triggered his internal stealth chip. He was covered in cloaking field instantly. This chip was much more advanced than the low-grade shit the grunts got. Hell, it was better than the chip he got little more than two years ago during his last combat op. It cancelled his heat patterns, and added electronic invisibility to his gear. Though, it was entirely possible that an advanced drone or robot of some sort would detect the anomaly of non-existence wherever he and the other Rangers would stand. "Who ever heard of a perfect stealth op, though?" He thought to himself.

He poked his head through the tunnel, and looked all around him. Visibility was extremely low, and it was a chore to see anything more than 10 feet in front of him. He positioned his arms on the edges of the tunnel, and pulled himself up. He drew his AR62 rifle, and peered through the advanced DigiSight. The sight's scanner picked up no organic lifeforms within his immediate area, and no orange blips highlighted anything either. He gave an "A-OKAY" sign to Wells, who was waiting below. After he vaulted up, Doe followed. A black bag came before Bernard did. After they determined they were secure, Bernard drew his kukri and cut open the sealed bag. The rifles and Sig Sauer 12.7mm pistols most of them had were waterproof, but some of the more advanced weaponry they brought weren't so much.

Inside were three large weapons. A Vindication Personnel Minigun, a GH W-62 Gauss Rifle, and a Silenced XY-2000 Sniper Rifle. They were well equipped, to be sure. Doe slung the Gauss Rifle on her back, and picked up the Sniper Rifle for herself. Bernard sat his AR62 down to sling the minigun on his back. This was only for dire emergencies. After they all checked their equipment one last time, Yates waved them forward. "Stay close, and keep your eyes open. It's too quiet."

[New Frenco Empire]

Captain Ivan Fitzroy (ret.)

December 31st, 2292
Napoleon Spaceport; The Moon
2340 Hours

The girl rose up, and looked at him. "Should we go again, Mister Fitzroy?" She spoke with such a promiscuous, girlish accent. He smiled. Never knew retirement could be so fun. "No, no dear. You'd best be on your way. The brass catches me fucking on-duty soldiers again, they could ship me back to Earth." She made a face resembling a pout. "Awww...I wanted to be with you whenever 2293 came!" He smiled. "Well, when you're off duty, say, tomorrow, we can spend the whole day together. How's that sound?" She grinned. "Wonderful." She collected her clothing scattered across the floor, and began dressing. Fitzroy shook his head. Green girls and boys flocked to get a chance in bed with him for his actions in stopping the Warhammer back in '90. This one in particular, though, he seemed to become attached to. He stepped out of bed, his muscles still aching from a mix of his condition and the strain of lovemaking.

He walked to the door. The girl stepped through a few seconds later. "Talk to you soon, dear. Happy New Year." He hit the pad, and the door slid closed. He stretched as he looked around to see his chambers. He had been given a handsome, spacious chamber in the officer's barracks complete with it's own living quarters and bathroom. A bit useless, since he really didn't contribute to the force anymore, but he wasn't complaining. If they wanted to reward him for doing his job, fine. If they wanted to reward him because he got hurt doing his job, fine. He plopped down on his smartfoam chair, and flipped on the holovision from his Databoy. The New Years celebrations on Napoleon were basically just a few noisemakers and a small party. Shame, considering they had the best technology, and could do something fun. Ah well, might as well see the Condors drop flares over World City.

At 2359, the huge Condor gunships flew over the city. Six of them. At 0000, it was officially 2293, and the Condors gave a spectacular show with their flares. It looked as though World City was in daylight. After the celebration program, he decided to turn off the holovision, and see if the canteen had anything special. He put his jumpsuit back on, straightened up his hair a bit, and walked to his door. When he opened it, four people were waiting. Three of them wore the typical uniform of a high-ranking officer, while the forth was dressed in a white coat identifying himself as some sort of doctor or scientist. Surprised, he spoke in a hushed voice. "Can I help you?" The officer in the center stared at him behind a pair of dark glasses. "Captain Ivan Fitzroy?" Fitzroy made a confused face. "Yes?" The officer looked to the scientist. The scientist cleared his throat before he spoke to him. "Captain Fitzroy, we're with the IIA. You may be wondering why we're here. Simple: We want you out of retirement."

Not this again. Several officers had asked him if he would be willing to undergo cybernetic augmentation to replace his disabled muscles and rejoin his company. While he knew his retirement was early, he still felt as though he was done with war. However, those officers weren't with the IIA, and they never brought scientists or anything with them. "Well, that question has been directed to me many times. Though, I'm eager to see what the IIA wants with me. Come in."

[Ardavia]

December 31st 2292
Taiwan, Frenkish Dominion of Asia
0900 Hours

Undercover operative "Scylla", Imperial Intelligence Bureau

The night had been relatively cold for the area, and the damp air only amplified that feeling. In the street, people were hurrying to their jobs, most dressed in the jumpsuits of the NFE, but some in older clothes as well. Scylla, shivering slightly, was waiting for her contact on the mission, having been operating in the area for months as a liaison officer for the agent teams in Asia and Russia. It wasn't particularly dangerous, the Frenkish wouldn't hurt her too much if she got caught, but she still didn't want to get caught on the last day of the mission. Not to mention, if she was caught, her career as a field operative was over.

Where is he? We'd meet up here at 0800 hours. It's been an hour since, and with every minute passing, the chance of discovery increases, she thought, shivering. The contact would give her the data, she'd bring it to a safehouse, it would be transferred back to Ardavia. The op itself was routine as hell, but what would happen later wasn't in any way, if the rumors were to be believed. She had heard the rumors about a second war against the TSNR being in the planning, but she couldnt believe it. We don't have the manpower to do anything like that, she thought, and then the contact finally arrived. "You're late" she said, dryly, stating the obvious. He just avoided her blank stare and handed her the drive containing the data, then left. After looking around, she slid the holodrive into a pocket, then left the area.

After 25 minutes of walking, carefully checking for anyone trailing her, she reached the safehouse and entered after unlocking the door with her biometric ID. The door would lock straight behind her. Now, just slide the disc in and let the computer do the work. Then destroy it, leave the house and go to the airport. Flight 36., she reminded herself.

[Gigaverse]

January 1st, 2293 LC
Anarchist Africa turning the Hollow State
0000 Hours

Hollow Territorial Purge - Final Stage

It has been more than 2 years and 2 months since the infamous day Raven came to power. Apparently, on that day, the Hollows were said by the Frenkish government to everyone to be a military scientific experiment that went horribly wrong. The cover-up lie benefited the Frenks, since not only did they get to keep their names "clean", they also brought fear to the other states that their experiments might be reaching frighteningly advanced levels.

While the only other side who knew what the truth was had better things to do...

"We killed everyone here, thus there is enough room. Bring about the Engineers."

On top of the piles of dead bodies, the Hollows threw a purple flame at them. As the piles started to burn, a group of mysterious cloaked men showed up. With a typing motion upon the air, they then used their hands to do something not dissimilar to summoning magic of the occult. Suddenly, from the grounds, buildings rose, quickly and mightily, destroying and replacing the rundown slums below, which then disintegrated and either disappeared or turned into rocks.

Out of nowhere, a wild African man showed up. His mouth was full of saliva, his eyes raging fires, the symptoms akin to that of rabies - but perhaps a much more serious disease caused by nuclear dust. As he held his knife tight, the man launched himself like a berserker at the Engineers, who remained calm as ever. Above them, a crab-like mechanical unit leapt in the way of the barbaric human, pointed its guns at him and pulled the triggers with no mercy. He then lied there, a puddle of blood forming.

"We did them a favor by saving them from that disease. If any of them are left, they should be grateful, for only by us will they be salvaged."

As the Statement was made, a Hollow Legionnaire picked up the dead body with ease, dropping another line:

"I'll bring this sample back to The Planet for analysis."

"Do so. Through genetic betterment will they be saved."

As the body was carried away, more buildings rose up in place. The sight that was being created rivalled even Frenkish megacities.

But they would never be seen, because the cities would then be put under stealth shields just as the High Priests planned.

A new era came, and celebration for it, and as such, their cause, was worthy.

NEXT GOAL: TO MANIPULATE THE FRENKISH.

[Ardavia]

December 31st, 2290
Unknown location
1324 Hours

Dr. █████ ██████

The lab was relatively crowded as fourteen scientists observed the testings. The one in the middle spoke, expressing what all of them felt, "We have finally succeeded. The X-90 project has finally produced a working prototype" as the Experiment got to work. The test subject screamed, banged at the walls, cut at its throat, then fell down unconscious, all the time shivering and shaking.

The data received from the testing labs had finally been received, and it had allowed for the creation of a working batch of the X-90. It would prove an excellent weapon in the wastes, and once testing was complete to ensure it was not harmful to humans, it could be issued to wasteland patrols. Or even sold to the Frenkish. They could use a weapon like the X-90. But it would bring such an advantage against the designated targets that it had to be kept secret. There was no other way.

After all, this was why it had been kept under wraps for its entire life as a project, and no foreign infiltrators had wind of it. Yet. Once it came to use, that would change.

[New Frenco Empire]

Captain Ivan Fitzroy (ret.)

January 1st, 2293
Napoleon Spaceport; The Moon
0005 Hours

"Well, Captain Fitzroy, may I say your actions in orbit during the Ardavian crisis were most commendable. Which is why we want you out of retirement!" The scientist prattled on. Fitzroy yawned. "You folks are barking up the wrong tree. I didn't even shut the damn Warhammer off. I just killed the Spartans guarding it. I'm retired. I'm done with war. My legs barely work anymore because of that incident. I sometimes go into uncontrollable spasms. I'm a mess. Going cyborg would cost way more than I'm worth." The scientist shook his head. "No, Captain Fitzroy, you have no idea how much the Empire is willing to drop to put you back on the field."

Fitzroy looked to the man in the white coat in confusion. "Like...?" The scientist brought up his databoy. After fiddling around with it for a moment, he put it up to Fitzroy's. "I'm transferring files on the project we want you on-board now. Look through them and decide for yourself. We'll wait." He removed his databoy from Fitzroy's. Fitzroy looked to his own databoy. He fingered over the icon indicating the newly-transferred file. After opening it, he was greeted by a variety of images and word dossiers.

"What the hell..." He mouthed as he read over them. "The Lioness Program," the scientist butt in. "'The end to conventional warfare as we know it'. Sounds a bit presumptuous, sure, but trust us: It's a badass suit!" Fitzroy closed the folder and looked to the group. "Let me guess: You want me on this?" The scientist nodded. "Why, yes. Didn't you read the dossier? A fifth prototype was just completed. Due to the nature of the Lioness, only cyborgs can operate them and hope to survive. However, that means you go under the knife." Fitzroy shook his head and rubbed his face. "Why me, exactly?" The lead officer spoke up this time. "We want to use the Lioness for military applications. You led Exo Company for a good decade. As it stands, you're potentially the best possible operator we have for the fifth suit. Not to mention, we plan on using them for limited field deployment by 2295. The four kids we got in the other suits need a leader."

Fitzroy sat back down. "Mister Fitzroy, I understand this decision is a something of a difficult one. Though, I swear to you, after the surgery, it's going to go smoothly. The Lioness is, if the other operators and developing engineers are to be believed, very easy to handle." The scientist tried to smile at him. Fitzroy shook his head. For a moment he was deeply confined into his own thoughts. Reap the rewards of retirement, or go back into service as some kind of god-weapon? He made his decision.

[Gigaverse]

January 1st, 2293 LC
The Hollow Ones' Liberated Africa/Hollow Africa
0030 Hours

The cities were ready. The stealth seals had been put up to prevent... curious outsiders. Next thing to do for the Hollows would be...

"Install the Psionic Pacifier in Japan. Find Kingston and Fitzroy. Cause a war between the Tsarists and Unionists."

"Understood. Which shall I do first, Great One?"

"As it pleases you, as long as it's reasonable."

"Then there will be many things to do..."

The Prophet walked away. An attractive female figure appeared from behind the darkness. She looked as if she had only just reached twenty.

"It's been two years, Child. How has your stay been?"

"Two years of Enlightenment, Father. I feel ready to show up again now."

"But not before you found a particular someone. Interesting story, the other of two 'last descendants to the Devereaux Clan'. As with both of you, the blood of this Clan runs in your veins, and we will find him out. Kingston, is that his alias? Yes... I believe. And for the first time in more than two years, you will walk on the stained soils of that world again. Are you truly up for this?"

"Yes, Father. Please guide me."

"Very well then... My Child, My Daughter... Em- Nay. Elizabeth Devereaux. Find your brother: Edward Devereaux."

[New Frenco Empire]

Elizabeth Devereaux

January 1st, 2293 LC
The Hollow Ones' Liberated Africa/Hollow Africa
0045 Hours

She looked all around her. This makeshift city they constructed was quite impressive. If they could kill thousands of people and raise their own cities in this amount of time, she worried for the other, more civilized inhabitants. Yes, she still cared for this planet. Deeply. She was still extremely confused as to her loyalties. She had pledged her own loyalty to the Prophet and the Hollow Ones, but while she was still detained, she visited Hightower on a regular basis. She wasn't going to pretend she was outsmarting the Prophet. She was sure he knew about her divisiveness and cyber visits to Hightower. However, she knew this was his plan. If he wasn't a fabled god of some sort, he had to have had thousands and thousands of years of wisdom under his belt.

She looked at herself through the reflective surface of a nearby building. She was drop-dead gorgeous, thanks to both the Prophet's and Hightower's suggestions. After all, the people listen to a pretty face. You would have never guessed she was formerly a Vanguard officer. She still found herself buzzing about that incident. This whole thing was literally her being in the right place at the right time. She got impaled by a Spartan during the Ardavian rebellion, she was rushed to the consulate medical center, and shortly after, the Hollow Ones (posing as Frenkish soldiers) occupied it. Her curiosity led her to find out who the Hollow Ones really were. She was grateful for this incident. She always had a bit of a thing for power. The Prophet even allowed her to lead her own legionaries in battle across the cosmos against races she couldn't dare to describe. No, she'd adapted well to her new life. Though, deep inside, she was homesick.

This plan he had...she had not the slightest clue of what it was about. Though, she trusted his judgement. She always did...

[Gigaverse]

((OOC: Orange = Chinese. I have a plot for this, so please sit still and enjoy the show.))

Hu Wutian

January 1st, 2293
Solar New Year's Celebration Party, Russo-Asian Border Station
0046 Hours

"Checkmate."

"Oh damn it. You won again. There, take this."

Wutian received a pic from his Comrade. Seems like something they would die to have indeed: the picture of a good-looking woman in cheongsam. Wutian left his hand on his chin and laughed satisfactorily, before stopping to drop his line:

"Do tell me I won't fight to get her. She's... how would the Yanks put it? SHMOKIN HODD!!!"

They all shared the laugh. It's nothing like fighting brothers, coming together on an occasion like this, play Chinese checkers as they traded pictures of girls in cheongsams. Nothing could ever go wrong for the station, as it was nearest to the friendliest ally of the Dominion in terms of politics.

Nothing should go wrong.

As they resumed their game, the four men suddenly heard an explosion, North of their position, dangerously near the few sentry turrets they have. At that direction, there was smoke and fire rising up, lightening up the darkness. They dropped the game and some of the pictures, running to check on what happened. Before they could ever reach the spot, however, a big shadow showed up from the bright fire, menacingly and slowly approaching them.

"Grab your guns, grab your guns!", Wutian shouted.

In a moment, the four raised their guns, pointed at the thing and pulled the trigger. Amazingly, all their rounds reflected and bounced off harmlessly. They looked at the giant thing, astonished. Then, it pointed its gun towards them, and pulled the trigger on them.

1 minute later

Wutian was panting. He used all his agility and strength to push himself to run away from the rounds of the monstrous machine. He could only hear blood spurting from behind him, but he could obviously tell that his Comrades and friends were now but piles of bloody meat. He managed to find himself a shadowy hiding spot. From behind a crate, beside a building, under a roof, he looked to check on the situation.

And the situation was ugly.

Shadowy figures were impaling the UDAP soldiers effortlessly, as the few turrets and tanks were all but scraps. The monstrous machines from before were, apparently, humongous robots, which seems to have wheels of sorts under their feet to let them dash at unbelievable speed.

But the thing he was most terrified of was perhaps when, among all the groans and screams that people on the other side of the planet might hear, one of the enemy soldiers climbed on top a few dead bodies that piled up high enough to make things visible. There, he planted a flag into said pile with brutal force.

The banner of the Tsarist State of Novaya Russia.

"Impossible... But... why?", Wutian looked at the sight with pure horror. The Russians were now hammering down on the Asians.

[Ardavia]

January 1st, 2293
The Imperial Palace, Central Ardavia
0100 Hours

Autarch Vezn Hisar

"Sir, orbital surveillance reads unusual amounts of activity in Anarchist Africa. We can't get a proper reading, but certain areas look like stealth fields, we can't even see the ground below" Hathaway said, sounding through Raven's bedroom through the speakers, as Raven himself was walking around, distraught. His informer in the Napoleon spaceport had delivered a rather... disturbing report. They were apparently trying to get Fitzroy to join the Lioness program, and worse yet, they planned on deploying them in 2295. We can't let the Frenkish deploy such an advanced weapon with no countermeasures against it...

Then he suddenly turned around, and said three words. "Issue the X-90". Hathaway already knew what that meant, and went away to give the order for the deployment of the X-90 experimental weapons to the Shock Infantry. Raven himself wondered what to do. Unbeknownst to Hathaway, he had already seen the satellite readings. It had immediately reminded him of something from the dark corridors where he kept the memories he didn't want. The Hollow Ones..., he thought, rememembering the mutilated, melted and charred corpses left behind where they had been last. "Oh, and Hathaway, get Kingston for me" he said. Though no response came, he knew Hathaway had heard.

They had retreated for reasons unknown, but now they were back. And they had apparently taken control over most, if not all, of Anarchist Africa. Better start calling it Hollow Africa now, heh.

[Gigaverse]

Elizabeth Devereaux

January 1st, 2293 LC
The Hollow Ones' Liberated Africa/Hollow Africa
0046 Hours

"Elizabeth. Someone wants to see you."

She turned back to see Sakahara Keiji - a prominent Legate whom she met during her two years on The Planet - perhaps the only one she'd ever met with such an Asian-human-like name and a visible human face. Curiously, he always sported a serious, no-nonsense look; a cold stare-like look towards anything; sharp cyan eyes and a long blond ponytail. His face, to a stranger extent, either resembled both Asians and Europeans a lot at the same time or didn't at all. At any rate, he'd just be here to throw her the news before disappearing under the darkness.

Who could possibly want to see me other than The Prophet? She wondered. Unlike he'd usually do, Keiji was still there, his back resting against a wall as he folded his arms and crossed one of his legs. Then, a figure appeared. A familiar one. One who was seen with short red hair.

"Doctor MacCullem?"

"It's Warlock MacCullem now, but I am glad you can remember.", the man spoke with his thick Rosevarian accent. The same voice Howell first heard when the chain of events, which in the first place brought her to where she was, started.

"You... were alive all this time?"

"More reasons to trust the Hollows, aye? I was brought to The Planet by the Hollow Ones once they got both of us. There, I learned about things that can help advance the medical field of humanity a lot; AND magic. As a result, I became a Warlock. But frankly, I'm not a man about war. Anyway... glad to see you."

"So...", Sakahara interrupted, "I'll leave you be. Have a nice chat you usually didn't have with the Ardavians. Or the Frenks. Or us. Or me for that matter.", he spoke with his cold monotone, which actually enhanced the humorous part of the statement.

"Not so fast.", said another figure. She appeared to be a petite girl with a well-endowed... upper area, but the strangest traits on her would perhaps be the tiger-like ears and tail she sported. She seemed otherwise normal and human, perhaps comparable to Devereaux at that, if not for those things.

"Nii-sama?", the girl said, much to Elizabeth's confusion and blurred memories of Frenkish-Asians back at home - moreso because the girl was blonde herself, "What is this place?"

Still not knowing yet how to answer, Devereaux suddenly heard a voice - Sakahara's.

"Youko? W... what are you doing here?"

"Following you. I feel lonely being away from you.", she said, making a sad face.

All of a sudden, Keiji wore the warmest smile he could, rubbed the girl's head and said:

"Then I'll make it up to you. How about... the Esatian Zoo?"

"Really? Thank you very, very much, Nii-sama; you're the best!"

They shared a hug, the both of them really close to each other. Devereaux was weirded out, because it just didn't seem like Sakahara at all.

"Are they having some kind of intimate relationship?", Elizabeth asked the Warlock.

"This is apparently the concept of family of the 20th, 21st century. From what I can tell, this is an elder brother - younger sister type of relationship, among the many types of relationships involved, in which the senior is close to and protective of the junior, and their age are not very distant.", MacCullem replied in detail.

"How do you know all that?"

"Well, unlike you, I was brought to the many places the Hollow Ones own. Or more exactly, whoever their boss, Emperor, President, Highest Priest or something is. It seems that society isn't only advanced beyond our belief, but kept a very... humane culture. Their multiple paramilitary organizations might be cruel, but the people act far nicer than those I've met on Earth. Perhaps they wanted to test you to see whether you're truly worthy for their plans, so they kept you on the darker side of their empire - it's not like our world is much brighter after nuclear war, anyway - but now, they're more or less opening the door to that world for you..."

"Is that so..."

She glanced at the "brother - sister" couple. Sakahara was pointing to the stars, explaining the things up there, his arms over the girl's shoulders as her bright starry bluish-greenish eyes observed with much admiration. The usually cold man revealed himself to have a soft spot, as he looked at his sister with such affection Devereaux couldn't help not noticing.

"This is... a family. A true... family..."

Devereaux suddenly remembered her parents. She was very close to having that kind of old-school family; and she was happy. A smile appeared on her face as tears rolled down her cheek. She tried to hold back the rest of the water in her eyes - she was a soldier-cum-political-leader, not some girly woman on the verge of tears.

"Howell? You crying?", MacCullem asked.

"No! There is dust in her eye!", Sakahara brought out a mischievous grin, as though he was someone else completely different and not himself. His sister looked at Devereaux/Howell, sympathetically smiled to comfort her senior.

"It's Devereaux. Elizabeth Devereaux."

The four people turned back. It was The Prophet, and in his hand, a small purple cube he then presented to Elizabeth.

"This is the compressed data of your Gothic dress. This would suite your pretty face. I just hope that two years were enough for you to learn to fight in dresses."

"Yes, Father.", Devereaux said. She typed a few things onto the air, and on her appeared the Gothic dress, as her hair was dropped down to become long. If anything, her astonishing beauty only improved with the elegant clothing on. And a few hair decorations to add. And most of all, she felt comfortably warm in the dress.

"I designed it. Thank me.", Sakahara said. He was back to being his usual cold, grumpy self.

"Yes, yes...", Elizabeth replied. She then proceeded to check herself in the mirror. NEVER BEEN BETTER.

"You're amazing, um... Lady Devereaux?"

"Just Miss Devereaux. Aging isn't that much of a matter now."

"Right... we were both familiarized to something.", MacCullem commented.

"Enjoy yourselves. Sakahara, you leave at dawn.", The Prophet dropped.

"Can I leave at 0700, please?", he said, bringing his sister close to him. The girl started yawning - she was becoming sleepy.

"Then no need to rush. MacCullem, follow me. Eliza, stay with the couple."

The two men quickly disappeared, as the siblings held hands and found themselves a place to sleep. Two warm beds with cosy white sheets. Certainly, these feel much more different and naturally soothing compared to hibernation pods.

"You, Devereaux, sleep on that bed. Youko and I sleep here.", Sakahara tyrannically "commanded" Elizabeth to follow.

She didn't give much of a care, she'd just change to her sleeping clothes and take that bed. However, it was her chance. The few hours of sleep left was for her to observe the things Sakahara and his sister does at night, before Youko slept.

"K?", Devereaux called Sakahara.

"Hmm?", he replied with a half-asleep voice.

"Do you love your sister?", she asked.

"Of course I do, very much so... Now sleep. Sweet dreams.", was his answer.

Devereaux herself would sink into sleep a while later...

[New Frenco Empire]

Sofia Carson

December 30th, 2292
Nikola Tesla Development Center; Hall of Social Studies; New Rome
1200 Hours

"You see, technically, the largest urban center in the world is Ardavia at 72 million. However, political cartographers have always been in arms about it. Some argue that Ardavia is a country, and when mapping cities, it shouldn't count. They usually count World City as the biggest on the planet, at 36 million. Still though, others argue Beijing is. It wouldn't be so far-fetched to suggest Beijing stumps both Ardavia and World City in population. Nearly every bit of UDAP is an overpopulated mess. They stopped their consensus years ago."

One of the 15 teenaged students raised their hands. "Micheal?" She said. He cleared his throat before he spoke. "Miss Carson, how exactly do we avoid overpopulation with cities in the double millions?" She smiled. "Good question. World City is huge, but it has appropriate space. Supercities were designed to avoid overcrowding, while supporting huge amounts of people. Even if we were to hit a spike in population, we could always either dig farther underground or even knock over the walls and expand into the Outlands. Our birthrate is going down, anyway, so it's not likely. There's no hope for UDAP's overcrowding. Ardavia is a bit overpopulated as it stands. However, the sale of spermicide pills, genital coatings, and other forms of Frenkish contraception that have been keeping our population down has been on the rise in Ardavia, so it's overpopulation is expected to loosen up in the next decade or so."

"Though, we haven't always lived comfortably. Before the war, overpopulation in America was a major problem. Some of the agricultural companies even proposed cannibalizing the populace should the world's supply of nutrition run low. Ever see Soylent Green? An old reel film. They remade it back in the 2190s for holo. Anyways, thank Emperor the bombs fell, though. The current population of North America is about 450 million. Before the war, it was reaching 1 billion. New York Ci-" A faint ringing could be heard from her office. It wasn't her datagirl. The black line. "I have to take this. If I don't make it back before the tone, have your reports on Africa transmitted to me by the end of the day. Oh, and happy New Years."

She hurried to her office. She ran her datagirl under the scanlocked desk drawer. She pulled out the primitive commpad, and slid her finger over it to answer. "Agent Carson, you're needed. You know what to do."

[Gigaverse]

((OOC: Green = Russian))

Hu Wutian

January 1st, 2293
Russo-Asian Border Station, People's Northern Sector
0111 Hours

It didn't take long for the lightly guarded Station to fall to the hands of the Russians, as what remained of the Asian numbers came out to surrender to the Russians.

Wutian shuddered, his head shaking in disbelief. "Russians... Capitalists... Of course this day would come..."

He looked back again. From one of the Robots, a commander came down to face the Asian POWs.

"In the name of Czar Nikolai III, you will now work for the glorious state that is Novaya Russia! ANY OBJECTION?"

Nobody talked. They had no guts. They very well understood Russian - they had to - but they obviously needed to keep their lives and their heads low.

"From now on, you inferior Chink monkeys shall help us stamp out that lowly world of yours. When you've done your duties to Mother Russia and are no longer needed militarily, perhaps awarding you lots the precious title of 'Honorary Russian' shall suffice, helping you find a job in New Moscow. Be proud: you are to be the first generation of dirty monkeys to accept cleaning from a civilization."

The cowards knew nothing but continue lowering their heads. Suddenly, among the Asians, a tiny group of defiant men stepped up.

"We don't care if you have superior technology and firepower, the Chine- nay, Asian peoples will fight you until no true Asian stands!"

"Good. The less barbarians, the better."

The commander pulled out a syringe and gave brutally fast injections at the defying men. As they felt pain, he gave a signal. One of the humongous units followed and burned the unlucky men alive with its big flamethrower.

"Anyone else wanting to be shut up for defending the herd of beasts?", he asked threateningly.

Wutian had enough. He started running as fast as he could.

"A monkey is out of reach and escaping! Get him!"

One of the Robots pursued. It quickly got closer, very close to catch up with Wutian.

Right when its hand almost grabbed Wutian, it stopped functioning. Wutian managed to barely escape and mostly intact.

"Sir! It escaped!"

"Then... let us face the puny 'might' of the Commies..."

The commander then smirked.

[Gigaverse]

Elizabeth Devereaux

January 1st, 2293 LC
The Hollow Ones' Liberated Africa/Hollow Africa
0700 Hours

Morning came quickly for the sleepy people. Youko, Keiji and Elizabeth each took their turn using the bathroom - "evolution" wasn't the same as "abandonment of old features"; The Prophet once told Eliza so.

And there came the time for Sakahara Keiji to leave. In the morning, they teleported to open grounds. The brother kissed his sister's forehead, signaling a goodbye, before getting on a jet that lifted off vertically, flew away quickly and became invisible. Devereaux was used to this.

"Elizabeth? Can I have a word with you?", The Prophet asked from behind the two remaining people.

"... yes, Father.", Elizabeth elegantly answered. Her greatly nice and formal manners, especially to The Prophet, being the result of two years away.

As they walked along the city, The Prophet started talking.

"Child... I've been aware of the frequent visits you paid to Hightower. Such is why your beauty seems to be coming more than from just my words alone."

Elizabeth looked at The Prophet. He finally decided to speak to her about it.

"On my free will, Father."

"Don't be afraid. It's those times we open up to each other as much as we can."

"... then... Father? I... have a lot of questions. This should be a long talk."

"Ah yes, I presume it is about how the Hollow Ones kill and use tactics not so different from the Frenkish while I may seem like the counterpart to Hightower... it has been a historical philosophy, Child: we must be, to an extent, evil to defeat greater evils. As long as good and evil are helping and interdependent on each other to bring about the greater good, then there must first be evil to justify that good."

"That I understand... That is why the Hollow Ones seemed not so different from the Frenkish..."

"The Frenkish are corrupt. They forgot about family values, and their humanity was lost. While we fight to cleanse and reestablish a pure, new and evolved humanity; all Hightower put up with was how to achieve transcendence, at the cost of suffering, rampant lasciviousness, the appearance of impure genetics, and whatever little innocence left of this world. Unlike what the Hollow Ones had always strived to achieve..."

The Prophet opened a file on Elizabeth's Lifewave Screen. Before her appeared a live footage of what Youko was doing: playing in a field of Freesia blossoms.

"I now regret having held back the chance for you to be like MacCullem; to travel to the results of deeds like these. One day, you will be given a chance. I won't stop you from visiting Hightower, but I cannot guarantee that he isn't manipulating your feelings into believing ideas that he cannot live up to."

Elizabeth's stomach roared.

"You haven't had breakfast?"

"Not yet, Father."

"This building has a large Dining Hall. Feel free to browse through the options there. But quickly, because I have something important to tell you later on."

The Prophet left Devereaux behind to go have breakfast. Meanwhile, all kinds of stuffs flowed through her head, as she turned off the live footage of Sakahara Youko to go have breakfast.

[Ardavia]

January 1st 2293
Central Ardavia, Imperial Palace
0122 Hours

Autarch Vezn Hisar

Raven was sitting in a chair, contemplating how to react to the Hollow Ones' appearance. The X-90 project had been finished and issued, and no problems were being reported. Well, except for one, but that wasn't much of a problem. He had a headache though. Strange. I shouldn't even be able to have a headache. Must be psychological, he thought, rubbing his temple. The situation was getting worse with every hour. The Hollow Ones had taken Africa, the NFE was going to set the Lioness to use in two years, the X-90 had some dangerous flaws and to top it all off, Kingston wasn't coming.

Then the doors slammed open and the ex-Ranger entered. He had grown a little bit stout, but he was still in good enough physical condition to challenge Shock Infantry in one on one training duels. He was nowhere near as far as lethal as Raven, and he never could be. Being designed as the ultimate killing machine, and trained for it since before you could walk, far outmatches being trained from adolescence, Raven reminded himself, wearing nothing but a pair of glasses. He didn't have anything to show, his body was metal below the neck. Of course, being a cyborg killing machine also meant he could never have children. I might as well begin a system where I choose my successor, he thought, then said "Ah. I guess I woke you up. Anyway, we seem to have a slight... problem. The Hollow Ones are back, and have occupied Anarchist Africa. I'm not sure of their intentions, but judging by what happened last time, they're not going to do something nice. How are the Gen2 Guards coming along?" as Kingston looked warily at him. The man was obviously tired, but it was two in the morning, what could you expect?

"They're doing quite well. You remember what they did against the Ork. Anyhow, I agree, another Hollow march would be disastrous. However, the X-90 is proving very effective. Studies show that we can deploy it to all wasteland patrols by March or so. What do you suggest we do against these Hollow Ones?" Kingston said, barely able to keep his sleepiness from showing through. Raven just said "We'll observe. If they come against us again, mobilize the Shock Infantry and order the preparation of all available weapons. Unless we're forced to make a decision, we'll watch and wait. Now, I want you to do something for me. Go outside and then go to the testing labs. I need eyes on the scene for the new X-90 tests". Kingston saluted, then left the room. Raven smiled, which was very rare for an emotionless killing machine, then went back into his bedroom and got to sleep.

[Gigaverse]

Sakahara Keiji

January 1st, 2293 LC
Central Ardavia, Imperial Palace
0123 Hours

The night was quiet. Taking the chance when both Youko and Elizabeth were deep in their warm sheets, sleeping; Keiji rose and stepped outside to take on another mission:

Bring Kingston to Africa.

Under a Black Cloak, he went outside and boarded his usual Stealth Jet. In the dead of night, he activated the Jet and silently took off for Ardavia...

15 minutes later

His timing was perfect. Somewhere between the Palace and the Labs, he spotted his target, "walking to predestined location with some 32 guards", as per The Prophet's description from before. All of them looked big, burly and mechanical - cyborg-ish, even. But Sakahara merely smirked it off.

He calculated his jump in midair from his now auto-piloted jet. A quick jump, with assistance from technology, making the jump invisible. The blond ponytail-ed gracefully landed, his hair and cloak touched the grounds as his sharp cyan eyes shone in the darkness.

Quickly enough, he dashed to Kingston, his speed made a blur for normal eyes. In a moment, much to everyone's confusion, he held Kingston at gunpoint. A cloaked figure, in the middle of 2-meter tall men, was holding someone else about 5 centimeters taller than he was, at gunpoint.

The Cyborg guards didn't waste their time. Their focus turned to the cloaked figure, their guns fired simultaneously, as the figure disappeared from sight. As the Cyborgs were ready to use their rounds, they noticed that they were disarmed. Now nothing other than pure physical strength and skill remained.

Six of the Cyborgs that went first were spin-kicked away and knocked out. The next three was maneuvered into unconsciousness. Twelve were crippled by martial arts, and the remaining eleven each received a shot from his gun - which would at least neutralize them for the moment.

"What is this monster, who possesses agility and such physical powers to make short work of all 32 Cyborg super soldiers in merely a minute? Could he be..."

"Kingston. What a shame."

The cloaked figure cut short Kingston's flow of thoughts. Kingston held his pistol high and pointed at the figure; but shooting proved to be useless.

"Are you over living false memories? Serving like a second-class dog of both Hathaway and Raven?"

"I don't know what you're talking about... I serve the Autarch on my own free will."

"And betray the Frenkish just like Raven? How careful and thoughtful of you. You see, the chain of events from your false memories led you to this day - a mere tool for the unholy machine that is the Post-War World to work. I am here to liberate you from your misery."

"Misery? I am perfectly fine."

"Everyone says so under the influence of mind control... thus... I, SAKAHARA KEIJI, HEREBY COMMANDS YOU: KINGSTON, SLEEP!"

The cloaked man - Sakahara Keiji, showed his right palm - with a sharp, glowing Greek word "Omega" on it. Next thing Kingston knew, he was drowning into his sleep and falling to the ground, as the shadowy cloak approached him with a barely visible one-sided smile...

Mission accomplished. Time for Sakahara to go watch his sister.

[New Frenco Empire]

Chairman Joseph Hightower

January 1st, 2293
Secured Frenkish Network
1000 Hours

Hightower stared out of the huge, glass window onto the digital rendering of New Rome. This world was an artificial one, born from his own labor. It wasn't necessary for him to lead the real world outside him, but it helped him feel more comfortable. He felt a ping in his programming, indicating that he had a visitor. "You're early," he said, not turning his head to see who it was. He didn't need to.

"My lord, forgive me," she said. "Yes, you're forgiven, but you know how much disdain I hold for that 'lord' business." He turned to her. "My, my. You're ripening up, it seems. If you ever do make Empress, I hold no doubts the populace will turn you into a bigger sex object than Tandi or even Zane was in their earlier years. It's just as well. Fools listen more to the sex object than the philosopher." She raised. "My lo-Chairman, the Prophet has...told me some things. He's convinced you're some amoral beast who only cares about power. I-" He interrupted her. "Let me stop you right there. He's convinced of it because it's true. I am without morals, since I'm no mere man anymore. Even as a man, I rejected the idea of morals. At least, the typical set of morals most other men followed. This lack of morals more than likely led to my thirst for power, which still persists today. Though, in my defense, my power search is completely benevolent."

"I'm sure you've heard me tell this story multiple times before, but it relates. I was born in the 1990s. Small town in Kentucky. I lived a suitable enough life. Middle-class. Did good in school. Scholarship to some semi-prestigious university whose name is lost in time. However, I was around for everything that led up to WWIII. The second Great Depression. The flooding of Manhattan. The worldwide water shortages. The strikes on Israel. The genocides in Greece. All of it. I grew up in a dying world. Sure, I had it easy. I met Matthew Fren, and we formed a powerful company. I had a popular third-party in the government. Things were going good for me, not so good for the outside world. I sought to fix that. To unite the country, and eventually the world, and perhaps even the cosmos under the banner of an all-powerful leader. Unfortunately, I was the best candidate. When World War Three came along, I bribed and bribed and bribed, until I could get my hands on my very own nuclear cruise missile. Well, that is to say, who started the nuclear exchange is lost to history. We blame the Chinese, the Chinese still blame the Americans. Little did they know, I started it for everyone's own good."

"You see, amorality and a search for power led to this great Empire. Everyone else has to deal with famine, overpopulation, nuclear sickness, and all the other hells you could imagine. On his worst day, a typical citizen of the Empire may have to deal with getting an uncomfortable RadScan to completely purge the cancer from his body, or maybe getting rejected at a club by that girl or guy he had been eyeing for quite some time. I can't force you to pick sides. I've already made it clear you're a free woman. Though, I urge you to at least consider keeping up the visits to me. After all, if these 'Hollow Ones' are all about truth and honor, shouldn't you get both sides to the story? Keeping an open mind, and all that? You're free to go." He turned around, and continued to eye the vast city populated entirely by mock AI programs and coding. He knew she still wasn't gone yet.

"Chairman, what is a family?" She awkwardly asked. He sighed. "A relic of the old world. An outdated concept no longer needed in the modern age." She approached him. "You're from the old world. Did you have one." He turned to her. "Yes, and believe me, the whole lovey-dovey concept sounds good, but...it never turns out good. Especially in the end. I have some...urgent business to attend to. Off you go. Remember what I said." Before she had a chance to leave herself, he snapped his fingers and she broke apart, the coding making up her body scattering outwards, Sending her back to her physical body. He continued to stare, but instead of his usual thought pattern, he found himself thinking about the family he left behind. You foolish little girl, you know how to summon the ghosts of my past, don't you?

[Gigaverse]

Hu Wutian

January 2nd, 2293
Beijing, United Dominion of Asian Peoples
0708 Hours

Chairman Jiang-Wei held the folder, his hand trembling with disbelief.

"The Russians... invade us? Are you sure the data is authentic?"

"Yes, Comrade Chairman. We have a living proof - the only one who managed to escape from the grip of the Russians, a soldier by the name Hu Wutian."

"I guess only him is knowledgeable of the local terrain now, true...?"

The screen inside the room suddenly turned on. Appearing on it was the face of a Russian commanding officer. The same one that began the attack.

"Greetings, Mr. Chairman. I am General Grigor Illyanich Stoyanovich of the Novaya Russian Siberian Army Number 29. I am in charge of a Siberian army, and we Russians have been growing tired of getting the heck of Ardavia's attacks. Instead, as a substitute, we'll get rid of the UDAP, who's been nothing but a burden to us, and divide the territories up with Ardavia. Everybody wins! Except you... How about this. I offer you a chance. A seat of power in Russian Asia. We'll guarantee that your lives will be normal under our rule."

The Chairman replied: "Nyet."

General Stoyanovich sighed. "Hmm. Such a waste. No matter, we'd make an example of you in Beijing... through public execution."

The screen turned off. The Secretary looked at the Chairman.

"What now? Our equipment not as advanced, those with knowledge of the area have betrayed their country, among many other things. What will we ever do?"

"Then have that 'only soldier left' command the army. Gather our men and our best technologies - we'll crush them with numbers. I don't care how many people will die, it's time to fight and defend the Dominion!"

15 minutes later

Hu Wutian, as a reward for reporting the Russian invasion, was put in a cell. He was waiting for his capital punishment for "running away from duty grounds". It was then when someone approached his bars.

"Captain Hu Wutian! You are now being given the chance to make up for your crimes against our Homeland! You are going to be the Field Officer for our operation to liberate the Northern Sector, for you're the only person left who knows about local terrains well. Do your jobs to the country, and there will be mercy in your then turned corporal, instead of capital, punishment. Not accomplishing your duties, and we'll proceed to execute you... traitor."

Wutian was extremely confused. Nevertheless, he was a Captain, thus at least a degree of commanding skill was already in him. And he certainly wanted to live.

"I accept this honor."

"Then you'll be given a pprovisional promotion for the duration of this self-defense war. Welcome back to temporary freedom, General Hu Wutian."

[Gigaverse]

Elizabeth Devereaux

January 1st, 2293 LC
Hollow Africa
1015 Hours

She returned to the real world. Her mind was still flooded with thoughts, but for now, the most important part of Hightower's speech that she could remember was his search of power being benevolent. Then, when she asked about family, Hightower seemed to have frowned. Which got her thinking...

Suddenly, she remembered. She had to see The Prophet - which she probably forgot considering the time it was. She rushed to find him, sometimes almost tripping.

When she made it, The Prophet was talking to another cloaked figure. Average height - roughly 1m75; and like The Prophet, only his lower face was visible. His cloak was blue - not black, brown nor red; a unique color compared to the others.

She approached both of them, and gently bowed a little - a gesture taught by The Prophet. But she didn't say anything just yet.

"Oh? So this is Elizabeth Devereaux? You certainly have a pretty face."

"You're too kind..."

"It's 'Prime Minister'.", The Prophet said, "Grand Master of the Hollow Ones."

She looked at the blue cloak. From the little part of his face that was visible, he might as well be a schoolboy. Nevertheless, he was still the one behind this organization, so it should be better to show him respect, and not preconceived curiosity.

"We've been talking about you just now. To be frank, there is something I need to solve."

"What is it?", Devereaux asked.

"Here. Allow me.", the Prime Minister said.

On the part where his upper face was supposed to be, an eye became visible under the darkness. It was maroon, and the Greek word "Omega" appeared on the eye.

Next thing she knew, she temporarily fell out of consciousness. Later, she was in her room.

It was already 2000 Hours, but she didn't feel hungry. As to what happened hours ago, she couldn't tell.

[Ardavia]

January 1st 2293
Ardavia Central
0134 Hours

Guard Unit 11

The Guards rose yet again, barely damaged. One had been crippled, but the rest were fine. Drawing their swords like one man, they worked completely synchronized. The hivemind between the guards was the reason they were so deadly. 31 220kg cyborgs armed with swords that were arcing with electricity prepared to fight the cloaked figure. Half the force split off, spreading out faster than the eye could see while the rest moved into a half circle, raising their blades. Kingston was out of danger, asleep on the ground.

The guards moved yet again, all of them opening their helmet visors. Behind them were 31 pairs of glowing red eyes, all focused on the cloaked figure. The sight alone wasn't exactly nice to see, and the pure hatred behind those eyes was frightful. They were but machines, unable to feel emotion, but they were programmed to hate their target, to eliminate any chance of hesitation.

[Gigaverse]

Sakahara Keiji

January 1st, 2293 LC
Central Ardavia, Imperial Palace
0152 Hours

"Cyborgs... don't know when to give up, do you?"

The Cyborgs charged. Now Sakahara knew they weren't just simple humans. But he smirked the fact off anyway, and proceeded to claim the prize - Kingston - as quickly as possible; he wanted to go home for his sister, and breakfast.

Those being his motivations alone were enough. He leaped on the heads of the Cyborgs, landing behind the circle they created around Kingston. There, where he stood, he turned around to where the hateful eyes were.

"I'm sorry, I can't stay and have fun with you all, so I'll just do this."

He simply fished a blade three times his size out of hammer space. As the Cyborgs charged again, he swept the floor with the giant blade, severing them all in half. In a flash, he injected a "liquid" into the Cyborgs - who were now half of what they used to be.

"Let's just say that fluid causes lots of lovely damages your mechanical parts while also heavily crippling whatever left of you that is human. Cheers. Oh, just to be sure...", he then turned the blade into a flamethrower, spitting purple flames onto the emotionless killing machines that were the Cyborgs.

The figure leaped by Kingston's side, lifting him up on his shoulder like he was barely a light small parcel. He let out an insanely satisfactory evil laugh that might as well have woken Raven up, before generating a force to leap to where his jet was: in cloud nine.

[Ardavia]

January 1st, 2293
Central Ardavia
0155 Hours

Guard Unit 11

Unit 11 fell over backwards, the top of his body producing a strong metallic "clang" as it hit the street. His head stared forward, still hateful, as the cloaked figure prepared to jump. Then his arm suddenly moved, ramming a needle into the intruder's thigh. The needle injected a small, yet lethal, dose of the X-90 virus. The small arrow 11 used as a needle had been designed to fire from a gun, but he had ejected it during the fighting and now held the small cartridge into the cloaked figure's thigh as the virus flowed in.

The virus was a strongly modified version of the virus that had created the Orks, designed to kill anything not recognized by it's programming by consuming the material the victim's veins were made of, causing massive internal bleeding and death. Or, that WAS it's purpose, but during testing against a few captured Hollow Ones, wounded and captured in 2290, it had done something else. The test subjects had been eaten from the inside in a matter of hours, leaving only an empty husk. Of course, 11 knew nothing of this, just that he was supposed to use it if anything stronger than a human appeared.

Then the cloaked figure jumped away, apparently unaware of the needle stuck in his thigh, with Kingston on his shoulder. He flew upwards, and upwards, until he disappeared from sight.