Board Thread:Archive/@comment-24866242-20140517214254

Story: Revenge Katrylle Morgahn Editor in Chief Member 27 Member Rated:

posted September 02, 1996 06:54 PM

________________________________________

She could never remember anything before her life on the streets of Kirkdon as a child. It was as if she had never existed before her fifth or sixth year. In fact, her life had been very different during those first few years of her life. She had been the only daughter of 8 children born to Roraeyx and Daestyr ZyThyrn in the Deltaeryn system. Although her family had been members of the aristocracy on the planet Daphryn, they were considered lower nobility throughout the system.

This was not a problem for Burthlyn Posterian and her newest get rich scheme. Burthlyn, her husband Dolis and son Horggan traveled from port to port scouting wealthy families with young children in order to kidnap them for random. Kat, or rather Joslynne as her mother had named her, was one such child. At the age of 4 1/2, Joslynne wandered away from her nanny in the marketplace and never seen again, despite the payment of 50,000 creds per the random demands.

Burthlyn kidnapped 30 children that year, bringing them all back to Pelvar and the city of Kirkdon where she taught them how to beg and steal to support her when the money ran out. Burthlyn also renamed each child to keep them from being discovered. As a sideline, she also ran an "orphanage/adoption" agency, placing the stolen children with less than reputable "applicants" for an exorbitant price. Most of her clients were not looking for children to love and raise as their own, but needed slave labor to do the tasks no self-righteous adult would take, slave or not.

Even at this early age, Kat was intelligent enough to understand what was expected of her. She watched the others, hearing the stories of the "adoptions" and the terrors that laid down that path. She also determined correctly that to avoid that path, she must excel at Burthlyn's teachings, becoming indispensable to the greedy woman, taking steps all the while to escape.

Her time came one rainy afternoon 2 years later. Tipped off to a minor portion of Burthlyn's activities, the interplanetary police invaded the house, carting everything and everyone off. Kat had been out that day, having plotted the schedule of a man she deemed worthy of her pickpocket talents. She had been correct in her assessment and was skipping back to Burthlyn's house to hand over half her pickings, the other half having been squirreled away in her hidey hole far from Burthlyn, when all hell broke loose. As a crowd formed, she practiced another trait Burthlyn had taught her in a round about way; how to blend in and not be noticed.

At first, panic struck her as she realized she had no place to go, but the jingling of Burthlyn's money in her pocket reminded her this was the opportunity she had been waiting for. A sly smile on her face, she slipped away into the crowd.

For the next 3 years or so, she lived off of what she had been taught, never being caught....not until Black Jack. He was a tall, finely dressed man, his hair as black as her own with a premature dusting of silver at his temples. But it was his eyes that mesmerized her. She had never seen her own striking gold-flecked green eyes, so the silver-flecked sapphire blue against the deeply tanned skin of his face were the prettiest she had ever seen. Perhaps in the back of her mind she wanted to be caught, perhaps it was just fate, but that day, for the first time in her criminal career, she had been caught stealing. She stood her ground despite his threats and ravings, something inside telling her that this man was not as he appeared. Her years on the streets had taught her how to read people, and this man before her read differently than the raging tempest he portrayed.

His inability to frighten the child impressed and surprised him and on the spur of the moment, he decided he needed to find out more of her. It was at this point he decided she should be "punished" for the theft. He told her she would return with him to his base and work off the debt of 1000 creds he professed was in his wallet. In truth, he only had about 10 creds at the moment, but he figured he needed time to find out everything about this enigma before him. Quietly and with a grace he had only seen in high-born warrior women far beyond her years, she accepted his terms and followed him.

It took her approximately a year of living and working with the Midnight Raiders, the group of pirates Jack led, before Kat worked off the supposed 1000 creds. At the end of this time, Jack still hadn't found out anything about the child, but not for lack of trying. She had been primed since arriving in Kirkdon not to reveal anything and Jack could find no reason to keep her tied to the Raiders, though everyone had grown quite fond of her, taking to calling her their Kittyscot. The day finally came to release her from her "punishment" and Jack was not looking forward to it.

When he told her of her freedom, he did so with his back turned and eyes downcast, so he did not see the look of complete terror on her face at his words. Before she could stop herself, she lunged at his back, clutching herself to his waist, pleading with him to let her stay with the Raiders and promising to keep up with the work she had been doing for nothing but room and board. Taken completely by surprise at the first sign of emotion she had ever exhibited apart from occasional laughter, Jack managed to turn himself around in her arms. Stroking her raven hair, he spoke quietly to her, promising she could remain as part of the Raiders for as long as she wished.

It was at that point her life had truly changed for the better. Jack and the Raiders were not pirates taken to killing just for the thrill of it. Most of their raids were against high-profit companies, particularly mining companies using slave labor for their gain. Jack fancied himself as a present day Robin Hood of sorts and though a lot of his plunder was split among the Raiders, a portion of it did go to true charities in the form of anonymous donations. It was at this point Kat began learning there was honor in thievery and set about learning all she could about the Raiders and their tactics.

Seeing her interest, Jack helped her along, teaching her how to cheat at cards, use her looks to gain trust in unsuspecting men, though he insisted she never use her body. Eventually, on or about her 15th birthday, when she was tall enough, he began teaching her how to pilot a mech. She had been in one often enough, the Raiders having once been a complete lance before breaking off from the rest and taking to piracy. The thrill she felt at being in the pilot's seat could never compare to just being a passenger. From that moment on, she was addicted.

Caen, Jack's second, owned a LAM, though his first love was his Wasp. Kat had seen it in action on several occasions and was taken by it's versatility. She pleaded with Caen to teach her how to pilot it, and with Jack's approval, he agreed. Her every free moment was learning everything she could about the various mechs, how they worked, how to repair and fly them, even going so far as to learn how to pilot a jumpship. Jack knew she had a natural aptitude for mechanical things, she had proven that in her first year, but her excellerated knowledge went far beyond his dreams. Still, he could see her first love was the LAM so for her 20th birthday....or what he deemed her 20th birthday, he presented her with her own Stinger LAM. As everyone in the Raiders besides Jack had a callname beginning with the word Midnight, Kat became the Midnight Angel, the symbol of a winged panther against a full moon her Mech's moniker and her right-arm tattoo. Along with the LAM came her commission into the Raiders as a full partner.

As she was growing up, Jack became increasingly interested in her past. She had provided some vague clues, but she was still unwilling or unable to give details so he resorted to other sources. Another quirk of fate led him to an old news article of the arrest of a ring of kidnappers, the holo-pict showing Burthlyn, Dolis and son Horggan. During one of her bouts of "info giving" she had mentioned a woman, starting to call her by name before the fear Burthlyn had put into her about revelations and their consequences overtook her. She managed the symbol Burth before clamming up. Jack was sure this woman in the holo-pict was the Burth Kat had mentioned. Hacking into old police files, he discovered that Burthlyn had aproximately 15 children in her house at the time of her arrest, all of them having been kidnapped from other systems. All but 5 were accounted for; 2 boys and 3 girls. Asside from a small footnote as to the whereabouts of the boys, no further information could be gained on the 3 missing girls or their families. Jack was sure Kat had been one of those girls.

Kat had never mentioned a family before, so she had either forgotten about them or it just didn't matter to her, so he never revealed the information he had gained about her. He had hit a brick wall at this point, unable to find the names of the families of the girls, not really wishing to for fear of losing her, but in the back of his mind, he always felt guilty for withholding this information.

Two years later, Kat had become Jack's second after Caen's Wasp had been blown up during a raiding run of the Altars Opal Mines. In that time, not only had she gained extreme knowledge in all things mechanical, she and Jack had become more than mentor and student. She had moved into his quite ranch nestled in the Plevarian mountains and discovered an intense love for animals and the quiet life. This was soon to be destroyed, however. Jack had made a powerful enemy in his past, one she knew as Pyster Darrak. After the Altaras run, a run Jack beat him out of by mere hours, Darrak decided he would rid himself of Jack for good.

Through his connections, Darrak sent out word of a Daltarian Fire Diamond shipment being transported off-world under minimum guard. The shipping company didn't want to draw undo attention towards the shipment so they thought the less guards, the better. Although Jack was suspicious, he couldn't resist an easy run. He took precautions, however. He had Kat in the Midnight Angel stay back along with Joke, Baldoran and Destraen, all in LAMs. If trouble was to arise, they were to scrag the area in diving runs, giving Jack and the others time to bag out. Unfortunately, Darrak knew Jack as well as Jack knew him and the LAMs were discovered just as the main force ambushed Jack. Somehow, Kat was able to get to Jack just as his Panther took a head-shot. Her mind went into overload and she began firing at anything that she didn't recognize, taking several mecs down before being damaged beyond fighting ability.

Jumping from the cockpit of the Angel, she ran to Jack's Panther, entering through the special cargo/escape hatch he had built into it. As gently as she could, she dragged the unconscious form of her friend, lover and commander from the wreck of the Panther to the safety of an abandoned warehouse nearby. Finally able to look at Jack, she realized he was beyond saving. Tears flowed down her cheeks as she said her last goodbyes to him, kissing him gently. Taking her hand in his, Jack pressed something hard into it. "Hold on to this, Kittyscot. It will keep you from harm....for a while...The Panther....a CD with your name....get it. It's vital...." Those were Jack's final words before slipping away from her. She didn't know how long she had stayed like that, Jack's head in her lap, crying over his body and her lost friends...the only family she had ever known, but when the tears had dried and the destruction had settled down outside, she lifted Jack's body with a strength she had never known she had possessed, returned to the Angel. Remembering Jack's words, she sprinted to the remains of the Panther and found the CD. Lifting off, she never gave another look to the destruction behind her.

She flew to the ranch only to find Darrak's forces had been there too, destroying everything they couldn't take with them. Unfortunately for the sentry left behind with orders to kill anything that came near, she was in no mood to play. The fight was short, the Wasp falling hard just as the Angel took her final shuddering breath in the soft earth of what was to be a cornfield. It was in that fight that Kat lost her right eye, the result of a stray laserbullet that miraculously did no further damage. In time, she buried Jack on his land, fixed the Angel and left Pelvar, determined to find a way to make Darrak pay for what he had stolen from her. She had all but forgotten about the CD.

She wrangled her way on the next Jumpship out of the system and, at the first space port, had her only other possession besides the battered Angel put in a place no one could ever steal it from her; her empty eye socket. Jack's last gift to her had been a rather large, black opal from the Altaras Opal run. Unknown to her, the opal, now covered with her trademark leather eye-patch, was more than a pretty bauble. Altaran Opals were well known in certain circles to enhance psychic abilities and, at the moment of it's surgical installation, she began having strange dreams and visions that somehow ended up coming true. The opal has always remained a secret she will take to the grave with her. She would rather die than be left with nothing again.

Because of her loss of the Raiders, Kat stayed to herself, rarely taking an interest in anyone or anything around her unless there was a mark to be had through a card game or a tech tried to lay a hand on the Angel, the former causing her rage to blow in all it's fury. The majority of her time, when not working on the Angel, was spent practicing card dealing or practicing with one of the two weapons she carried; a blaster and an ancient sword belonging to Jack's family. Whatever she did, however, the mini-CD player was her constant companion, Pat Benatar almost continuously singing in her ears. She had found the CD on one of her many treks with Jack through the old ruins near the ranch and after Jack had listened to it, he linked one song in particular with her; "Shadows of the Night". She had joked with him that the only reason for this was the mention of Midnight Angel in the lyrics, but he disagreed without giving a reason.

The others on the Jumpship avoided her, which suited her fine, and when they finally reached a land by the name of RhyDin, she departed without even a "s'long" to them. For several days, she got the lay of the land, finially coming across a grubby little inn called the Red Dragon. It was there that she met the first person she would speak to outside of raising a bet. As she drank near the bar, she overheard a conversation between a woman and some boy pretending to be a man. She was surprised at the woman's outlook on life and battles in particular, though she appeared to be a warrior. Throughout the days, she had never heard such a view in this land, it's occupants seeming only to care about killing one another. This woman, however, took a totally different view, that it is stronger to solve conflicts through words, leaving the sword for defense. In time, the two would meet often, discussing this and other subjects. This meeting eventually led to her first free-lance contract since being out on her own. It would seem the woman had a friend who was commander of a rag-tag group of mech pilots and they were currently doing battle. She would arrange a meeting.

The meeting between Jugger and Kat went well, and by it's end, the contract had been signed. In a way, Jugger reminded her of Jack and somehow, she felt comfortable with him, though she still tended to keep herself apart from the rest of the Doom Bringers. She didn't think she could survive another loss of someone close so it was better to keep them at arms length. She kept herself loyal to those she fought with, but only so far as fighting for them and, although she was proficient at card cheating, she never used it against those she fought side by side with. Somehow, the CD from Jack's panther found it's way to the bottom of an old sack, the memory of it wiped from her mind until it was to resurface at another time....

[This message has been edited by Katrylle Morgahn (edited September 03, 1996).]

________________________________________

Another Life Subj First Day Date 96-09-14 094100 EDT From MELICORE  Kat had brought him to the base as the new Quartermaster and, through the tour, all Melicore could think of was Jack and how he had died. Jack had forbidden him to go on that last mission, stating that Mel was not a pilot. It hadn't sat well with him at the time and, in fact, he had actually been there, though too late to be of any use.

Sighing, Mel brought his thoughts back to the present and glanced around the supply room. He spent his day organizing, reordering and setting up his work room to house new things such as the quad laser that Tari had just finished blueprinting. Mass production would be the next step. He cleared away most of the junk as well to make room for more newer items he knew he could get his hands on.

Still, he found his mind drifting to Jack. He smiled softly as the thought crossed his mind at how proud Jack would be if he could see Kat now.

QM office done, Mel made his way to the Mech bays to see what exquipment would be needed there. He made notes on specific Mech Upgrades and ammo needs then stopped suddenly. The Angel. Kat’s Mech. Smiling, he ran his hand over the foot actuator and whispers “It’s good to see you old friend.”

He glanced around to see who was near and, when he confirmed that no one was even in the bay, he opened the inter-dimensional portal in his ring. Within moments, Jack’s Panther, the War Kat, sat next to the Angel. “Back where you belong. This is as it should be. Moments later, his own Mecha Warhammer IIc he had named ‘Glory’ also stood on the tarmac. Smiling again, he picked up his constant companion, a lion cub. “Come on, Furball. Let’s go home. And unpack”

________________________________________

Subj ReFirst Day Date 96-09-15 194850 EDT From Katrylle

She had showed Melicore all the facilities, had him set up with Security and Housing and had left him in the store room. She was exhasted. The night conference with Ben had been long, but she felt they had accomplished much. She was asleep before her head even hit the pillow and she slept a deep and dreamless slumber.

That afternoon, she strode into the mech bay geared in her flight suit, her neuro helm under her arm, and smiling. Chaz waved to her, commenting on the new mechs in the bay. He had met Melicore that morning on her tour, so he was fairly sure he knew where the new equipment came from. He didn't understand, however, why the new Quartermaster had been adamant about no one but her touching one of the mechs. A frown of confusion flitted across her face, but the only words that left her lips were

"Which one?"

Chaz pointed in the direction of the Angel and slowly, she turned, her steps almost automatic yet slow as she made her way towards the quiet corner of the bay. It had to have been a dream.

Very quietly, she whispered “Jack....the War Cat...ah Christ....it can't be. How? Where..??”

No one was there to answer her questions. No one needed to. She knew this was Jack's Panther, the 'C' in Cat amaturishly replaced with a hand painted 'K'. Joke's doing. It was suppose to be one of his imfamous practical jokes...one of the many he had received his nickname for, but Jack had liked it. He left it as it was. Slowly, she walked around the mechanical monster, her mind replaying the damages it had wrought from the attack by Darrak's troops. Melicore had done himself proud restoring the War Cat. But he must have known she would let no one use her...not Jack's Panther. Softly, she caressed a leg bolt, memories and pain flooding back through her mind, the errand she was to run completely lost to her thoughts.

________________________________________

Subj ReFirst Day Date 96-09-18 050614 EDT From TashaNytte

Glancing up from her work in the med bay she tilted her head to one side. Softly, she whispered to no one “Kat?” Senseing her sister twinge of pain... but...something...mayhaps...sighs... Again, she whispered to no one “Memories...” Ducking her head she cut her off, letting her have her privite memoiries

________________________________________

Subj ReFirst Day Date 96-09-21 021550 EDT From Katrylle

She thought about her options....she had invisioned what she was about to do in the weeks following their return from the Moon Base. The War Cat....yes...this would be the ultimate in revenge. Surely Darrak would think Jack had returned. She had been planning to ask Melicore to talk to his sources, to have an unidentifiable Mech on the tarmack when she landed on Pelvar at the city of Kirkdon, but now she was reconsidering. The War Cat would be like a ghost to Darrak....a horrific demonic ghost...and she was damn well gonna play it up. He would suffer long and hard before his death...she would see to it.

________________________________________

Subj ReFirst Day Date 96-09-21 094027 EDT From MELICORE Melicore placed his hand on Kat’s shoulder. “I know what you are thinking, Kat. Jack was like a brother to me. I know you want to kill Darrak but, may I make one request? Don’t go alone. Take someone with you, Kat. I cannot let you die like Jack. I could never forgive myself. You are like a daughter to me.”

He smiled softly. “I remember your face when Jack caught you picking his pocket that day. I was on the rooftops making sure he was safe. I remember your smile the first day we officially met. You were so small yet so brave. “

Shaking his head, he took her hand in his and placed a rather large fire diamond in it. “I know I can’t stop you… no one can… but when Darrak is on the verge of death, shove this down his throat and give him a message from me. Tell him ‘Melicore says bang, you’re dead’. He’ll know what it means." Suddenly, his arms were around him in a tight hug.  “Jack would be so proud to see what a fine woman you have become.”  and, without another word, he turned and walked away, leaving Kat to gape after him.

________________________________________

Subj ReFirst Day Date 96-09-28 021805 EDT From Katrylle

She stared from the Fire Diamond to the War Cat. Melicore knew her better than to listen to his advise about going alone. He knew she would never risk going through the loss of another "family" like she had with the Raiders. There was no way she was taking anyone with her on this trip....and that was final. Now...to convince the others.

She was damn sure this was not gonna fly with Ben and Tash. Smoke wasn't gonna be thrilled either. Ryax could go either way, she wasn't too sure about his reaction when she told him. In any case, she knew if she had to, she'd sneak off in the middle of the night. Getting the War Cat out might be a chore, but she knew she could manage. The only problem might be finding a neutral jumpship with a none too reputable pilot willing to lose any record of her leaving. But there were always ways.

She climbed up into the cockpit of the Cat and ran through her checklist, smiling grimly as she made mental notes of it's excellent restoration, visualizing what a couple of the ultra-PPC's would look welded to the beast. The preparations would begin in the morning. She still had a couple of crates stored from the raid on the last warehouse. Yes...she knew of the perfect place for the work.... quietly, she caressed the armrests of the pilot's seat, whispering to no one...

Very quietly, she whispered "Soon Jack....soon y'll rest..."

________________________________________

Subj ReFirst Day Date 96-09-29 034522 EDT From Katrylle

Even she was amazed at the lack of time it took her to modify the War Cat. Two days later, Ultra PPC's installed, a coat of the new experimental paint Melicore's people had been playing with, the War Cat was set to go. The paint did not conceal...rather it was a finishing coat, keeping true to the origonal paint of the Cat right down to Joke's amature replacement of the "C" to the "K" in Cat. Stepping back, she wiped her hands on her overalls and smiled. Not a smile of pleasure or satisfaction, but of evil anticipation of what was to come.

She had moved the War Cat to the cave she had discovered a while back, squeezing it in nicely next to the still battered freighter. She had made no effort to hide what she was doing. There was no need, yet she had been left alone in her work, only vaguely secure in the knowledge that they knew they could not stop the inevitable. She had only been fooling herself.

She had told Ben that morning, formally requesting leave for an undetermined amount of time and it had not gone well. At her soft, but firm knock, he bidded her into his office, only glancing up at her briefly before returning to pile of reports strewn across his desk. She had tried to stand at attention, the way she had seen all the cadet-trained preform in front of their commanding officers, but it was not comfortable. Yet, she could not approach him as friend or sister-in-law either. This was suppose to be official in some respect.

As he glanced up at her from the report, he smiled slightly. "Hi, Kat." She could tell he was distracted with the papers before him as he looked to them once again "What'cha need?"

"I need t'request sum leave....I dinnae know fer how long...." The papers in his hands stilled as he looked up at her once again "Why?"

She shifted her gaze from his face to the window behind him, her voice dropping to a whisper "Y'know why, Ben...."

Even though she did not look at him directly, she felt him look at her, setting the reports down on the desk as he leaned back in his chair. Clearing her throat, still looking out the window, her voice rose to a more normal level "Fer th'offical report...call it 'personal matters to attend to a' home...'"

She wasn't fully prepared for his next question "What did you find out?" It took her a moment to formulate some type of suitable answer. He watched her for a moment longer and when she didn't meet his gaze, he stood up and poured two cups of coffee, the movement causing her to flinch slightly, indicating only briefly how tightly she was wound at the moment.

Sighing, she finially looked at him once again, appearing to sag slightly "Nae much more than I already knew.... Small fragments, but bein' s'far from Pelvar, there's not much I can find out..."

He nodded gently, his expression taking on a thoughtful look before yet another unexpected question was put to her "What good will it do, Kat?"

This time, however, her answer needed no formulation. Her voice remained quiet "Peace o' mind....peace o'soul an' heart, Ben...."

Sitting on the edge of his desk, Ben crossed his arms, the thoughtful look remaining on his face. At one point, he opened his mouth as if to say something but shut it again indecisively.

Still intent on his movements, trying to read his position on her request, she sighed again "Wha? Wha were y'gonna say?"

It seemed at that moment, his decision was made for him. His voice dropped to match hers. "Did I ever tell you why I came to Rhydin, Kat?"

Her frown deepening, she shook her head "Nay...an' I never wanted t'pry."

Nodding, he began to speak again "I followed a man here that had led a raiding party against my home planet. My father was killed in that raid. And my sister."

She nodded her understanding "Then y'know why I must do this...."

He shook his head, his eyes never leaving hers "No, Kat, I don't. I tracked that man for two weeks once I got here and when I found him, I killed him. When he was dead I felt... empty. I took a room at the inn when it was finished. I didn't think I could go back and face my family after that."

She crossed her arms over her chest, the classic sign of defense in all psychology teachings as she replied "But y'got yer vengance...."

He sighed heavily at her lack of understanding "But what good did it do me? It didn't fix anything. When he was gone my father and sister didn't come back. If you kill this man, Kat, they'll still be dead."

She shook her head ever so slightly "It saved another innocent family from th'same fate....Think aboot it, Ben...if y'hadn't done it...who would've been next??"

Sensing he would get nowhere with this conversation, he let a breath out through his nose "No."

Starting at his single word, she stiffened "No? No wha?"

Sensing he was on dangerous ground now, he spoke gently. "No. Your request is denied. I need you here. Kat, the pain won't go away if you do this. It will only get worse."

She merely arched an eyebrow, biting back every comment in varying degrees of sarcasm that flashed through her mind. The eyebrow dropped back into place and her face turned as if made of stone, her voice just as flat and emotionless. "Wha' am I needed fer, Ben?" In her pain, her voice became a whisper "Wha' good am I t'ya like this?"

His face shifted from understanding to firm "Kat, I'm not going to let you get into God knows what trouble lightyears away from here. You're an officer in this unit and you have responsiblities to meet."

"Setch as?" her face still as unreadable as her voice

Trying to put an end to the situation, he moved back arround his desk, the coffee long forgotten, and sat, picking up the reports again "I'm not going to argue this out with you. I know what you're going through, and that's why I can't let you solve it the way that I did. You have your answer."

She too sensed the need to end the conversation and, nodding ever so slightly, she turned and strode for the door, opening it and stepping through. Before closing it, however, she leaned back through to look at him It was not something she wanted to say and her tone reflected it. "Y'better brush up on yer legals concernin AWOL's then, Ben." The door closed softly before her true meaning had a chance to sink in.

He merely sighed and dropped the reports again "You do what you have to, sis. And I'll do what I have to."

________________________________________

Subj Revenge Date 96-10-05 210558 EDT From Katrylle

She had only told two people she was going, but she suspected that at least a few of the others knew what she had been planning since returning from the Moon Base. Ryax didn't say anything about it, though she knew he had a few ideas about what she to be involved in. Tasha had been giving her odd looks since she had made her decision. Kat hadn't actually said anything, but there was a bond between the sisters that went far beyond words. Ben knew. He didn't and wouldn't know that Jugger had countermanded his orders, granting the leave request Ben had denied in hopes of her staying put. No, Ben would not know of Jugger's grant until after she'd gone.

On the night that she had been scheduled for the late patrol, she took out the War Kat instead of her usual choice of the Midnight Angel. She had haggled with a disreputable jumpship captain in the spacer quarter of RhyDin City for nearly two hours before he had agreed to take her for almost triple the standard rate. He was taking advantage of her need, but his ship was unmarked, and his prowess as a smuggler was well known among other smugglers. He was her best bet for getting home undetected and he knew it. So she had paid him his fifty percent advance grudgingly and was waiting for the dropship just outside of the Doomlands at the end of her patrol.

After the dropship had docked with the jumpship, she hauled her duffel bag to her quarters and dropped it on the bed. There was a note on the desk from the captain telling her that they would have to stop for a week two thirds of the way to Pelvar to recharge the hyperdrive. She sighed and started to unpack, resigning herself to living in the small room a week longer than she had intended.

When about half of the items in her bag had been transferred into the dresser, she found the old CD she had wedged between a map of Kirkdon and her spare blaster. She frowned slightly and pulled it out, looking at the red lettering in Jack's handwriting on the surface. "Katrylle/Joslynne" She had never noticed that before. The CD had been collecting dust since she had recovered it from Jack's mech. It was too connected with his death and she hadn't wanted to dredge up old sorrows, but it had fallen from her bag when she was packing and, considering why she was leaving, it had seemed appropriate to take it with her.

She glanced from the CD to the terminal on the desk and frowned. No optical reader. She knew the War Kat had one though, and she soon found herself sitting in the cockpit, fighting a trembling hand as she inserted the disk.

The first files on the disk that came up on the glass of the cockpit windshield were mainly news stories concerning Kirkdon's still rising problem with street urchins, a problem much larger than most other cities with the same population. It didn't take her long to figure out Jack had filed the articles and reports backwards according to date as well as location. She was surprised to see her own picture included in a number of stories. The reverse order made it easier for her to recognize herself in the pictures as she got younger.

After the news stories ran out, the police reports started. None of them were concerning her, she had never been caught until her fortunate mishap with Jack. Rather, the reports had been on people convicted for kidnappings between the time she was born and the day she and Jack discovered each other. The reports all looked pretty much the same until she came across one, the name Burthlyn circled in red, an arrow leading to "Kat said 'Burth-'!!!!" in Jack's bold writing. Burthlyn Posterian. The kidnapper that had been convicted a couple of years before Jack had caught Kat picking his pockets and now, so many years later, the name of the large woman still filled Kat with a strong sense of nervousness.

That was how Kat found herself looking in the eyes of the smiling four year old, Joslynne ZyThyrn. Her eyes. The photograph had been included in the Daphryn Investigative Bureau's files on Roraeyx and Daestyr ZyThyrn, an investigation that provided Kat with a link to her father's past and, eventually, to Tash and the rest of her Nyteshade brothers and sisters. Jack had gone much further in his investigation then she had ever considered. Maybe farther then even *he* knew was possible.

________________________________________

Subj The Past Revisited Date 96-10-07 060151 EDT From Katrylle

In the Daphryn Investigative Bureau's report, under "Other Names Used", a neatly typed entry proclaimed that Roraeyx had also been known as Robin Nyteshade, a name just recently mentioned by Tasha in connection with a man newly arrived in RhyDin who claimed to be their father. Reading further, she discovered that his "Last Place of Residence" had been a small town outside the main city of RhyDin. The coincidence of Kat landing in RhyDin after having left Pelvar did not go unnoticed, but she pushed further, preferring to save speculations until after the facts.

There wasn't much more left on the disk; a couple more articles concerning the ransom paid for Joslynne...a child who would not return to her family for 26 years, if at all. The finial article was an obituary for Daestyr ZyThyrn. The cause of death was determined to be of natural causes; heart failure, the reporter stated. She had been survived by her husband, Roraeyx and 7 sons, their names not listed.

Kat slumped in the pilot's chair as the vid screen went black. In silence, locked in her own world of thoughts, she sat in the War Cat for hours, never moving, only thinking until her wrist comm beeped to life. Clearing her throat, she sat up in the seat. Shoot...

The jumpship captain's voice filled the cockpit. "We're clearing the first system. Gonna make a quick stop at a space station if ya wanna stretch your legs."

Remembering the last time she was on a space station, she quickly, but politely refused the offer. “Perhaps another time, Loltar. I'm nae here fer th'guided tour an' th'sooner we git t'Pelver, th'sooner I'll be stretchin m'legs.”

"Your choice, lass. Loltar out.."

Flipping her comm closed, her only response was "Yeah, Yeah...." before she slipped back into her own mind.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-10-11 060559 EDT From Ben Stinel

After the meeting with Jugger, Ben headed for his quarters and started packing. Tasha picked up on his mood and she sat on the bed watching him, concern in her eyes.

"What happened, my peach?" she asked him softly.

"Jugger approved Kat's leave," he told her as he stuffed several items of civilian clothing into a duffel bag, "After I told her no."

Tasha's face hardened and she set her jaw. Her eyes shined with an angry light, "Those two.... And behind our backs too! I knew something was wrong when she starting trying to shield herself from me."

"Yeah, well it's out of my hands now. All I can do from here is try to keep her from getting herself killed."

Tasha stopped looking angry and started looking worried, "You're going after her."

Ben nodded and started packing again, stuffing in a pair of blasters and a satchel of flash grenades. Just for good measure, he added the light saber that Ryan had given him. The few lessons that he had taken with Ryan hadn't hurt.

"I can't go with you," she told him, "Jarrid will be ready to come out in two days."

Ben cursed and hit the wall, "Damn it, why couldn't she have waited a week for this?"

Tasha stood smoothly and slipped her arms around him.

He hugged her tightly and kissed her forehead.

"I think Ryax knows where she went," she told him softly, "You should go and talk to him."

Ben nodded and looked at the half full duffel bag, "I'll go now. I guess I'll finish packing later."

Tasha nodded and let go of him. He smiled at her and turned for the door.

"Don't forget your toothbrush, Peach," she called after him.

___________________________________________________

Ryax must have been distracted by the opening doors because when he looked over at Ben the holodeck ninja's foot connected firmly with the felinoid's jaw.

Ben winced sympathetically, more for the ninja who got clobbered by a swearing Ryax than for the pain Ryax must have felt from the kick.

"Be right with you," Ry told him as he delivered a karate chop to the junction of the ninja's shoulder and neck. Ryax was dusting off his hands and walking over to Ben before the ninja even hit the ground. "Wha's up?"

Ben looked up at Ryax's face from the ninja and consciously forced himself to stop rubbing his shoulder. I uh..." he looked at the prone form of the ninja and then back at Ryax, "I wanted to see if Kat told you anything before she left."

"Not much," he said, rubbing his jaw. He looked frustrated that the construct had managed to get a hit in, "Jus' said she was goin' 'ome fer a few days."

"Home? Do you know where that is?"

"Jugz should. He 'as all our files. Why?"

"I'm going after her," he told Ryax, "I just needed to know where to go. I'll check the files."

Ryax frowned, "I don't think she'd like that. She didn't seem to thrilled about goin'... I think she 'as personal business there."

Ben snorted, "She's going to kill someone."

Ryax furrowed his brow, "Come again??"

"She's going to kill someone," he repeated, "I told her it was a bad idea when she asked me for the leave and turned it down. Then she did an end run around me and asked Jugger. I didn't find out he had overturned my orders till this morning and by then she was already gone."

"Wait wait.... Who's she goin' t'kill and why?"

"She's hell bent on getting revenge on the man who ambushed her old unit. Someone named Darrak."

"But wait...wouldn't he 'ave a unit o' his own??"

Ben nodded, "Exactly. If I can't convince her it's a bad idea when I get there, at least I can watch her back."

"Damn... Yeah, yeah..." Ry fell into thought for a moment, "I... errr... I'm comin' wit ye."

Ben didn't say anything for a moment, "Are you sure?" he asked finally, "It'll be dangerous. We might not even find her. I just have to try."

Ry nodded almost imperceptibly, "Yeah, I'm comin'. When're we leavin'?"

"There's a drop ship leaving the launch pad in twelve hours," Ben told him, "Get your mech there and loaded and you can come. I'll be glad for the help."

Ben turned and headed out while Ryax reset the controls on the holodeck. Ben headed for a computer terminal to pull up Kat's records while Ry headed for the mech bay to get ready.

________________________________________

Subj Back in the Loop (1) Date 96-10-12 091137 EDT From SalPayne33

Dark blue eyes looked around the crowded room. It was no different then any number of such hole's she had frequented in the past ten or so months since she had left RhyDin. The characters that filled the place of an ilk that you didn't turn your back on. If you wanted to survive you maintained constant awareness of what went on around you. Don't let the guy who appears the drunkest fool you. Often times he was the one that would slide the knife between your third and fourth vertebra and sever your spinal cord.

It hadn't taken her long to settle back into old habits or professions. She had spotted a familiar face on several of the planets she had landed. He hadn't reacted with recognition at all but she knew that he had seen her as she had seen him. She was equally as sure that once she returned to RhyDin full report would be expected by him on just what she had been up to.

She couldn't have explained what had caused her to leave RhyDin when she had. She could already hear the words in her imagination of what would likely be said of her disappearance. "Couldn't take it." "Cut and run. Jest like ya always do Sal." "Yer a risk ta the DB's not an asset." With a growl she drained the bitter contents of her glass, her knuckles white as she almost shattered the glass slamming it back on the table.

"Whoa gal, yer a bit on edge t'day." Dark blue eyes looked from beneath the rim of her Stetson up ta the violet hazed eyes of the one who addressed her. "What's it ta ya Jyco?"

She had been in Kirkdon for near two months now. In that time she had secreted TL inta an abandoned warehouse. Used what platinum she had to purchase a rusted old Runner. And placed herself within the playing field that made up most of the back alley's and dives of this city if it could be called that.

The man laughed, kicked his leg over the back of a chair after spinning it around, sitting. "Yer tighter then a cat on a trip wire Tabby." Shrugging off his comment. She had quickly adopted her nick name after arriving here. She didn't want any connection with the DB if her real name were ta be known. "Like I said smeg.... what's it ta ya?" Again he laughed, grabbing the bottle from which she had been drinking, helping himself to a healthy draught.

"Got a run fer ya ifn yer interested." His eyes glistening as he watched her intently. Despite the fact that she had played runner fer him many times over the past month he still watched her like a hawk. "Depends on what's in it fer me Jyco. Ya know my motto. Give or take." Jyco leaned back his hand going to his chest. "Oh, yer killin me Tabby. Plantin the blade right in the ole heart." Leaning forward she slide one nail along his jawline. "Dat could be arranged ifn ya want it."

His eyes narrowed as he looks back at her. "Alright, alright. If ya come back, and in one piece I might get ya in ta see the man." A sneer curled her lips. "And I got yer word on that right Jyco?" Raising the bottle he again drank deep of it. "I said it didn't I?" Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand. "Come now Jyco. Do I look like I was born in the last five minutes?"

It hadn't taken her long to learn the man's name. It was one that wasn't often whispered fer the consequence of such an action. It was his turn to growl, he spit on his palm extending his hand to her. She grasped it firmly, applying pressure to the joints of his knuckles, grinding them slightly. Not something that would injure permanently but could hurt like hell.

Smiling with mock sweetness, the thunderstorm that brewed in those dark blue eyes growing stronger. "Tha's better Jyco." Standing she shrugged into her leather jacket, slapping him on the shoulder none to gently. Jyco had a very low tolerance to pain and she used it to the maximum. Tipping the brim of her Stetson with the edge of a finger. "Consider the delivery as good as done." He nodded rubbing his hand. "Yeah yeah, see that it is. This customer is particular." Smirking. "Ain't we all Jyco?"

Turning she slipped out of the bar, hopping into the runner. Regardless of what it looked like it ran tops. She had seen to that the first month she had been here as well as familiarizing herself with the whole area. As she was pulling out of the spot where the Runner had sat she noticed someone else slip out of the bar. So Jyco was still having her tailed. Well if this one had as much brains as the last one she would lose him in about ten minutes. With that in mind she punched the thruster, kicking up a storm of dust so thick that even the sun was hard pressed to penetrate it.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-10-12 103133 EDT From MELICORE <p class="MsoNormal">Melicore stopped Ben as he left the holodeck. “I wish to leave with you. I know everything there is to know about Darrak. Besides, Chaz and I made modifications to some of the mechs you need to know about.”

<p class="MsoNormal">He could see Ben hesitate at the request, but Mel pushed on. “She’s like a daughter to me. I will not see her dead like Jack.” Ben relented and Mel fell into step beside him. “Your mech, like several others, have all been equipped with holo-paint and stealth units. The paint allows you to camouflage your mech, effectively hiding it from the naked eye. The stealth units make you invisible to all electronics. If I know Kat, she’ll take full advantage of these upgrades to get close enough to Darrak to kill him.”  An evil chuckle passed over Mel’s lips. “Barring that, I want to see those ‘modified’ Ultra PPC’s I sent Darrak explode in his face. I’ll have Glory armed and on the jumpship ready to go.”

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-10-13 034206 EDT From TGG Smoke

It had taken him forever to find Ben. He finally checked all the outbound ships, managing to stumble onto the right one. Handing a printout to him, he tapped the figures with a pencil

I checked all the traffic outbound from RhyDin..... Get this. Out of 34 departing jumpships, 18 had no positive ID or registration here. Out of those 18, three of them later rendezvoused on the far side of the moon and took of prom a pirate point.... A convoy is not the first choice for traveling discreetly. Which leaves 15. None of their outward trajectories matched any known solar system, which isn't all 'tha surprising, considering their need 'tae throw off any pursuit... like you. Whichever one of those ships Kat was on, you can bet it'll take the High Road 'tae China. I'm betting if 'ye leave within 2 standard days, 'ye can beat her there, If you're dealin' with a standard Merchant-class jumpship, and *if* 'ye 'ken where 'ye're goin'. If not, I'd make pretty sure 'ye 'hae a good guide..... 'cause it's going 'tae be a literal jungle out there....

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-10-16 043702 EDT From Ryax

Ryax was going through a light work out when the doors in the holodeck opened and distracted him. It was only for a few seconds but the distraction left Ry open for an attack by the remaining holo-ninja and it took advantage of it's opportunity. It's foot connected hard with Ry's jaw. Ryax growled at the hit and lost a little control. In a flash he walking towards Ben, leaving the holo-ninja sprawled on the floor, shattered shoulder bone causing it's arm to lay weirdly across it's back. Ryax hardly heard Ben's first words. He rubbed his jaw and was more than a little frustrated at the slipped hit the holo-ninja got in. More so, he was angry at himself for the lose of control. Ryax always had an inner rage that he fought to keep hidden but it's been getting harder and harder to keep it in check and this unnerved him. Not really paying attention to the conversation so far, Ry was pulled out of his thoughts suddenly.

"Come again??" he asked. Kat was bent on revenge and was out to kill Darrak. This didn't bother Ry 'cause he new Kat could take care of herself and he didn't doubt that she could take this Darrak guy. If the situation were reversed he'd be on his way to kill this guy too. But he also knew rage, motivated by revenge, would clutter his mind and cause him to jump into a situation without thinking it over first. "But wait...wouldn't he 'ave a unit o' his own??" Ben nodded.

"Exactly. If I can't convince her it's a bad idea when I get there, at least I can watch her back." Ryax nodded. There was no doubt in his mind that he wanted to go as well. But he had to ask himself if he should. The slight lose of control he had earlier was nothing compared to what could happen. Ryax had lost full control before and he was worried that he might let something....some one, out that he's kept locked inside for a long time. In truth he wasn't sure if he should but when Ben asked Ry just nodded.

"There's a drop ship leaving the launch pad in twelve hours," Ben told him, "Get your mech there and loaded and you can come. I'll be glad for the help."

Ben turned, headed out, and Ryax reset the controls on the holodeck. He packed a few things into his bag quickly, loaded his mech into the drop ship, and waited for Ben to arrive.

________________________________________

Subj A Game of Chance Date 96-10-16 114734 EDT From Katrylle

She hadn't realized she was holding her breath until she let it out in a whoosh. A pair of kings to her two pair, aces and eights. She couldn't stop the flit of superstition that invaded her mind when she drew the last eight. Deadman's hand. Perhaps prophecy, perhaps just the luck of the draw, but a small shiver ran down her spine just the same.

She hadn't been cheating for a change. A friend would say the goddess of luck, Lady Tymora was on her side. Unfortunately, it didn't appear as though the man across from her would know of this goddess or believe she had a hand in anything Kat did the last 3 hours. His steel gray stare locked onto her as she tilted her chair off it's front legs, leaving the pot where it had sat during the hand. Arching an eyebrow, she chewed on the wooden match stick as she returned his gaze.

"Problem?"

She hadn't heard Loltar approach and with tensions as high as they were, it was a miracle she didn't blast him for sneaking up behind her. Instead, she dropped the front legs of her chair to the floor and raked in the pot, letting the man across from her confront the captain.

"She cheated. The witch has been cheating."

Chuckling softly, Kat couldn't help but be amazed at the whine a loser can take on when he sees his paycheck sliding away from him across the gaming table.

If you believed that, Quenton, why didn't you stop while you were still ahead? Surely you didn't mean to catch her at it. The way you play cards, its a wonder you haven't lost that rusting hulk you call a freighter. But then, I suppose no one would want it, huh?"

Loltar's good natured laugh stopped abruptly as Quenton moved suddenly and quickly. Unfortunately, it was not quick enough. Kat had known for a while that this man was ready to explode and she was prepared. Before Quenton's blaster ever cleared the table top, the tip of his nose was securely seated in the barrel of her own, the soft smile on her lips neutralized by the cold, hard look in her eye. Her voice as sweet as sugar, she regarded the man before her.

"Now, now Quenton. Why'd ya hae t'go an' d'tha? This bein' a friendly game an'all. I was jist beginin t'like ye, too. Pity. C'ptain, how much damage y'think a blaster, even set on high stun, could do t'this man's lovely eyes?"

Loltar coughed once "I don't think it would be pretty, but um...I'd rather you didn't. See, I've known Quenton for quite a while. He's a good supplier even if he is a lousy card player. Believe me, he's more bluster than bite."

She chuckled "Ach, I know tha'. But his bluster is aimed in m'direction an' I dinnae take kindly t'it."

Her gaze had never left her target as she spoke with Loltar, so she did not miss the flit of emotions ranging from fear to rage flash through his eyes.

"Quenton? It might be wise to give me your blaster, boy. She's new here, but I have no doubts she's more than willing, not to mention able to pull that trigger."

Her smile widened slightly "Aye Quenton. Oh..an' Quenton? D'it slowly. Y'know how nervous us cats can be, eh? I got a three pound pull on this trigger an'two are already taken up, ifin y'catch m'ken."

Slowly, Quenton laid his blaster on the table, sliding it towards Kat. She didn't flinch as the captain brushed against her while reaching for it from his position behind her. As the blaster left her line of sight, she slowly pulled her own off Quenton's nose, a small tell-tale red ring surounding the fleshy tip the only evidence of the pressure she had been applying. Holstering her blaster, she returned to her seat and began stacking creds

"There, now...ain't tha' better Quenton? Nice an'friendly."

Quenton merely stared at her for a long moment, his fists clenched in rage before he stormed off.

"Watch yourself, girl. I think you've made an enemy."

Kat shrugged, her fingers still moving across her winnings. "Tell 'im t'git in line."

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-10-20 072708 EDT From B L Stinel

Long before the sun showed itself over the horizon, the Red Thunder set down softly on the launch pad near the loading docks.

The small, white haired, wiry old man that was waiting for them had a perfectly shocked look on his face. Ben walked down to meet him after the bay doors opened and the loading ramp had been lowered.

"Mr. Johnston. You said on the radio that you were a cargo vessel. This is a military dropship!" The man was looking up at the Thunder, wide eyed. He started walking around aimlessly as the crew began offloading their equipment, "What kind of cargo do you have anyway? Oh my." His eyes followed a rack of SRMs as a pair of dropship crewmen pushed it towards the warehouse.

"Uhh.. Mr. Brandlebush, you said that you weren't going to be here." Ben said, drawing his attention away from the weaponry.

"Delford."

"What?"

"My name. It's Delford. Everyone calls me Delford. You should call me Delford," the man nodded cleverly to himself about that.

"Okay... Delford. Was there something you needed?"

"Ohh!" Delford suddenly had a broad smile on his face, "I just came to get my money."

Ben nodded, "One thousand for the week. I've got it here."

"Oh no no! It's ten thousand kopeks up front. I charge by the month, and you look like a man who would like to keep a secret, coming in the middle of the night like this and all."

Ben looked at the man for a moment.

"Ryax!" he called, without taking his eyes from Delford.

Delford's eyes widened as Ryax emerged from the dropship and walked down the gangplank towards them. The felinoid was dry washing his hands and looking right at Delford.

"Yeah?" Ryax never took his eyes off of Delford. Ben doubted anyone could look more menacing.

"Mr. Delford here has decided to renegotiate his price with us. See if you can't talk him down a bit."

"Yeah."

Ben walked away, leaving Ryax to work his magic with the owner of the complex.

By the time everything was unloaded, Ryax walked back over to Ben, "I talked him down to five thousand. Should be enough to keep his mouth closed. He also owns an inn above a tavern in the city. I got rooms for us as part of the deal."

"Good. The Thunder takes off again in ten minutes. Tom and Keith can stay here. We won't need a pair of techs in the city and their job is here anyway. That leaves me, Ryan, Mach, you, Jarrid, and Melicore."

Ryax nodded.

"We'll head to the inn after we've got everything secure here then."

They were two days early.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-10-20 072744 EDT From Katrylle

The rest of the trip was uneventful if not frustrating, Loltar having made several unscheduled stops, delaying their arrival on Pelvar by yet another week and a half, two days after the DB's, though she would not know this until much later. She spent much of her time in her room, deciding to keep clear of Quenton rather than risk a suprise run-in.

By the time the dropship cleared Pelvar's ozone, Kat knew Jack's CD backwards and forwards, curiosity having drawn her back to it more than a few times. There were still entirely too many questions left unanswered, but they would have to wait, at least until her plan was well underway.

Before the dropship even touched tarmac, Kat had the War Cat powered up and ready to go, not wishing to waste any more time on anything other than the total destruction of Darrak. As the enviro-seals on the doors were finally broken, Kat threw off the restraints that had kept the War Cat firmly in place during the 3 and a half week tour of the local systems. By the time the doors were fully open, the large mechanical beast was biting at the bit to break free of it's confines and Kat never looked back as she piloted the panther off the ship and across the tarmac. She didn't see Loltar step from the ship, watching her progress, nor did she notice the second set of eyes watching from within the shadows of the dropship. Her only intent was the small patch of land just outside the city limits.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-10-20 072909 EDT From Katrylle

The trip itself took less than an hour. After hiding the War Cat in a small grove of trees, she walked around the property that was once Jack's ranch and her home. Her rage flared with renewed energy at the destruction that was wrought after she had fled. Even Jack himself was not left in peace, a crudely dug hole replacing the unmarked grave. Darrak's people had been throughough, but she was counting on their over confidence to put a rather large dent in their throughoughness.

Digging under a large hay mound near Jack's grave, she chuckled softly as she discovered the door beneath still in tact.

“I'll nae be scoffin a'ya agin, Jackie m'boy.”

Punching Jack's code into her wristcom, she waited, listening for the tell-tale "snick" releasing the magnetic lock. Tugging on the door, she stepped into a world that very few knew of, herself being the only one left alive to utilize it.

“Lights.”

The short hallway gradually became brighter as the computer immediately responded to her voice. Stepping through the doorway, she glanced around quickly, taking precautions as usual, before stepping to the console.

“Computer, initiate Zed sequence Kappa Alpha Theta, password Kittyscott..”

Confirm"

As she placed her palm on the reader, it lit up, searching for the indiscrepencies that would cause a complete meltdown of all systems and the eventual self destruction of the entire hidden complex, taking most of the surface for two miles with it.

''Access Approved. Welcome home Kittyscot.''

“Yes...welcome home, Kittyscott”. The soft, deep chuckle filtered through the room

Spinning, blaster in hand, she was unprepared for what she faced. Stepping out of the shadows, the familiar figure of Jack.

"Still as fast as ever, Kat. I'm proud of you. Above everyone, I knew you'd make it through."

Her voice cracked, and despite herself, she began babbling.

“Jack!!! But...you.....I thought.....”

"I'm afraid," the holo of Jack continued over her, "that if you're seeing me now, however, that my luck has finally run out. If you've initiated Zed, then the mission was as I feared and Darrak has won the battle. But remember, it is only one battle. You, Kittyscott, will win the war. I suspect Darrak is up to no good, but an entire shipment of Daltarian Fire Opals is a difficult thing to ignore. Unfortunately, Zed proves what a fool I was to have led you all in, a mistake I'll probably be reliving in hell for all eternity. You know what you must do, Kat...you and whoever is lucky enough to survive my stupidity. The computer has been tracking all of Darrak's finances, stock and shipping. She'll respond only to you, hon. You're the commander now, Kittyscott. A position I know you'll do justice to. One last thing. I intend to give this to you when we return, but obviously that won't be happening now. I still want you to have it and it's mate, though with my death, the meaning behind their creation has changed quite drastically. I've had them commissioned especially for us. Always remember me, Kat, for even in hell, my heart is always with you.”

Her hand reached out for him as the hologram faded, the tears streaming down her face going unnoticed. As his image disappeared completely, a small chime sounded behind her, drawing her attention to the desk and the small door opening near the keyboard, revealing two small glittering objects. Setting her blaster on the console, she picked them up, fingering the pair softly as she examined them.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-10-20 073001 EDT From Katrylle

Two rings, one smaller than the other, both beautifully crafted from what she assessed as Korynth platinum and Alturian gold, the purest forms found in the galaxy. The larger ring was set with a skillfully carved Detarian black sapphire against a solid circle of gold. The carving was that of the upper torso and head of a black panther positioned as if attacking. Wings sprouted from the beast's shoulder blades and the eyes were ablaze, having been set with Daltarian fire opals. The solid circle of gold was meant to represent the moon. The ring was an exact duplicate of her tattoo as well as the markings on the Angel.

The second ring, the smaller of the two, was also set in platinum and gold. Set in the center of the carving, an Altaras black opal, a Kaedean fire opal and several small Finakyn diamonds. This carving, however, was much different from the first. Simpler. Two cards fanned; an ace of spades, the card of death, and, representing her nickname for Jack, the king of hearts. Blackjack. It was what everyone else had called him, the name even she had called him an eternity ago, before he became more than just her commander.

She smiled softly as she examined the two rings, the black opal bringing to mind sharply, distinct memories of another Altaras opal. One secreted away where it would never be found while she still lived. She felt the smooth metal slide over her skin as she placed the ring Jack had intended for her over her third finger, left hand. Any reasons she might have had for not making such a move was ripped from her several days before she left RhyDin, a decision she still was not happy about. The sad smile widened just a bit as the ring sat snuggly on her finger. A perfect fit. The other ring, she slipped into her pocket until she could either get it resized to fit her own hand or until she could find the right chain to hang it around her neck from. Sighing, she turned to the computer and the business at hand.

“Progress report.”

''Upon your initiation of Zed, ten shipments destined for Darrak's warehouses have been re-routed to holding companies owned by BlackJack, disbursement to be initiated on arrival. The remainder of the shipments will be reassigned gradually within the next two days, in effect cutting off any supplies Darrak might be receiving. 5% of all monetary funds in Darrak's name have been transferred to various banks both on and off planet, the receiving accounts also in the name of BlackJack. Once all funds transfers are concluded at each bank, 30% will be donated to predetermined charities, 20% to go to a specific family and 50% to an account authorized by you. All transactions are untraceable.''

“A family? Wha' family?”

ZyThyrn; aka Nyteshade.

Frowning, she took a moment to digest this information. Her thoughts, however, were disrupted as the monotone female voice continued

Personal account destination, please.

Sighing, she gave the computer the information, complete with transit and pass codes.

“Continue. Wha' o' th' stored items in Darrak's warehouses?”

Shipping codes will be provided for all goods, sending them to BlackJack's holding companies as well.

“Estimated time o' completion o' operations?”

2.63 days.

Nodding, Kat smiled grimly “Tell me o' his troops.”

''Upon completion of transfers and shippings, all Darrak's lance attachments will be reassigned, taking them either off or to the other side of the planet. Too far to be of any use to Darrak.''

“Excellent. He'll nae know wha' hit him. His complex. Y'got a diagram of it?”

''I have been programmed with complete structural and landscape blueprints. Update linkup will complete in .6 seconds.''

“Good. Send them t'm room. I'll look at them there. Wha' o' this complex. Is everythin' operational?”

''C, D, E and F levels have been shut down to conserve power. Do you wish them reactivated?''

Shaking her head, she tried to remember what was on those levels, determining they were only labs, holding cells and general quarters for the rest of the Raiders. All but level F. Perhaps Darrak didn't get everything Jack owned. “Nae. Leave them down fer now. All except level F. Bring it online, gen up th'lifts an' gi'me a compete audit o'everythin stored there.”

''Understood. Completion time, 20 minutes. Do you wish me to send the audit to your room as well?''

“Aye. Eh...outer perimeter security still operational?”

''Negative. Do you wish me to initialize all security?''

“Aye, and expand th' area a half mile t'include tha' grove o' trees. Configure t'read th' A-class Panther there as a friendly, confirm?”

''A-class panther already listed as belonging to BlackJack. Should this information be modified?''

She considered the idea of switching the War Cat to her name, but she found she couldn't do it. “Negative. Make listing o' additional pilot, however. Katrylle.”

''Affirmative. Listing created. Will there be anything else?''

“Nay....nae fer now. I'll be in m'room. Notify me when we reach 50% operations completion.”

Affirmative.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Origins... Date 96-10-20 110705 EDT From MELICORE

Once upon the Saint John Melicore put all the information he had on Darrak on Disks.

Smiling at Ben M, "Ok...Lets just start at the beginning.  I will tell you why Darrak wanted Jack dead, but there is something you need to know about me first." He breathed in a heavy sigh then cut into his arm, allowing Ben to see the circuitry inside him before it heals over. "I am what is or what was known as a G.E.C.O. A Genetically Enhanced Cybernetic Organism. And I was born on Earth in the late twentieth century."

He sighed once more as he watched the self inflicted wound heal over. "The reason why Darrak wanted Jack dead... It started along time ago when Darrak was a bounty hunter for Comstar.  He gained much favor with them until they sent him out to find out why their Jumpships could not navigate through a sector they deemed 'unstable'.  In that sector they found a ruptured stasis pod  and, in it, they found me.  Of course, they wanted to know why I caused an entire sector to disappear."

Mel smiled slightly, then continued. "Returning me to Darrak’s ship, they found that my body emits a stealth field and that it was not functioning properly. They decided to see if they could use my technology on jumpships and dropships but upon delivery, Darrak’s ship was attacked by pirates; Jack and the Raiders.  In that attack,  Darrak lost most of his body and very nearly lost his life. He is now a cyborg."

Handing Ben the disks, he smiled. "This is everything there is to know about Darrak's base."

________________________________________

Subj Chance Meeting? Hardly! (1) Date 96-10-21 200400 EDT From SalPayne33

She left the seedy bar which housed Jyco's hidden back office. Dusk was beginning to color the sky and she didn't relish the idea of bein out and about once darkness fell. The runner was as obscure as she could get on the roadways but this was once when she weren't feelin up ta takin chances.

Pullin inta her designated space at the combination inn/seedy bar (Which seem most prominent in the area. Seedy bar's dat is.) Shuttin down the power plant. She silently wished she had her cycle. That was only one of two things that gave her any twinges of home sickness fer the Doomlands. The other she kept pushed back deep within the recess's of her mind. It would do her no good ta dwell on it. Besides, it was more then likely that it was just something that happened that had no meanin. Lord knew it wouldn't be the first time such had happened. Nor would it likely be the last. But she would deny to any who were to ask, that it was because of the web of feelings that Eli had stirred in her, that had caused her ta leave.

Shakin off the thoughts that tried to rise in her mind she left the runner. Stridding inta the side door of the building that gave way directly to the bar. The last thing she felt like dealin with was anyone who might be in the lobby of the inn. Justin looked up from where he was cleanin glass's as the door slammed behind her. "Well look what da cat drug in." His smile broadening, the space's where several teeth were missing evident. His spiked hair so greasy that he could have fired up the grill with ample fuel left ta fire up every furnace fer three blocks. Somehow even though he was human he reminded her of the ork's that worked at the B&G.

She reached into the pouch in her inside pocket tossing one platinum strip to the man. No one could say he was slow that's fer sure. At least not when it meant cold hard cash in his hand. He slid a bottle of JD down the bar as she passed it on the way to the booth she always sat at. Dark blue eyes noting almost instantly that the bulb that she had removed two nights prior as yet had not been replaced. "At least someone is observant." She muttered under her breath as she set the bottle to the table. Shrugging outta her leather jacket, tossin it to the bench before slidin in after it. Leaning back feeling the ball of it at her lower back.

From where she sat she could easily watch the whole room. As well as the swinging door's that open into the lobby of the inn. "Heya Tabby. There was a message fer ya earlier." Justin called to her. His husky voice booming through the near empty room. Dark blue eyes looked back at him from beneath the rim of her Stetson. "Why don'tcha just tell the whole fraggin solar system." It was almost comical to see him fluster. He was about the only one on this whole planet that she trusted... and even begrudgingly liked. He stepped from behind the bar after glancing at the one or two other people that were seated along the worn wooden bar. He walked toward her table lookin about as close ta a hulkin bear as anyone with any human gene's could.

Hunkering down at the edge of her table he crossed his arms on it's crud covered surface lookin at her with watery brown eyes. Another sign that he spent most of his time inside this smoke filled place. His voice so low even she had to lean forward to hear him. "Sorry about that gal. No offense meant." She nodded that it was ok... this time anyway. "So who left da message?" She noticed that when he was outta earshot of other's his words actually sounded intelligent. Quite a contradiction to his outward appearance.

________________________________________

Subj Chance Meeting? Hardly! (2) Date 96-10-21 200501 EDT From SalPayne33

His shoulders heaved in what she assumed was supposed to pass fer a shrug. "He didn't leave name. Never saw him before. Rather dapper looking fellow." His barrel chest hitched as he laughed. "He sure the hell didn't look the sort to frequent this type of place." His expression again grew serious. A look she didn't quite know how to interpret. "You aren't in some kinda trouble are ya Tabby?" Tilting her head, one hand moving to push the Stetson back on her head a bit. Dark blue eyes growing even darker. "What makes ya ask that Justin?" His gaze bore inta hers. "Cause that one weren't alone. Had two other's with him. They kinda looked like the meat behind his white bread if you catch my meaning." Her brow rose slightly. "So what was the message?"

Quickly Justin looked over his shoulder at the room behind him to make sure no one seemed to be paying them undue attention before lookin back at her. "Said something bout a delivery and that you were ta meet him out by the quarter pad. That's about five clicks north." She nodded curtly. "I'm familiar wid it. Was dat it?" He nodded. "Yeah..." A frown deepening the already deeply defined lines on his brow. "Ya sure ya ain't in trouble gal?" Rolling her eyes as though growing irritated at his pushin. "I'm positive. B'sides.. I think I'm a big girl that can take care of herself." Slowly he stood lookin down at her. "Well you take heed gal. Them thugs with this one looked like they meant business. And that business looked like it started with the short end of a loaded billy."

Turning on his heel's he returned to the bar, his lumbering gait blowing away any image of intelligence that his words might have given. She leaned back again into the corner of the booth, grabbing the bottle, spinning off it's cap. The man Justin had described wasn't one she recalled. And she was positive that Jyco hadn't been able ta make his promised arrangements this quickly. She figured it would be three day's on the short side before she heard from him again.

Raising the bottle to her lips her eyes happened to turn toward the swinging door that separated the bar from the lobby. She inhaled sharply settin her eyes to burning royally as she managed to take a healthy swallow of the sour mash down the wrong way.

Quickly she pushed herself back as far into the darkened booth as she could, trying to control the coughing that tried to expel the liquor from her lungs. Standing in the doorway, though looking in the direction of the lobby was the unmistakable figure of Ryax. Cursing under her still struggling breath she drew her Stetson even lower on her brow as if it would hide her.

How the hell had they found her? Ryax stepped back into the lobby a bit speaking to someone, letting the door swing fer a minute. But in that minute she saw Ben, Ryan, and another with them that she had never seen before.

As though fer the first time since she had left Rhydin she heard the word AWOL ring through her mind. There was no way fer her ta make fer the back door without drawin attention. And now Ryan was comin through the swingin door makin fer the bar. Then Justin's message came back to her. A dapper lookin man... one that didn't look the sort to frequent such a place. But of the group only Ryax could even come close to looking the part of a thug. And Ben certainly weren't what she would call dapper. Odd yes but not dapper by any stretch of the imagination. But how could they possibly know she was here? TL wasn't where it would easily be found. And the runner was nothing that would stand out amongst the few other vehicles that stood beside it.

She dared a look just as Ben and Ryan came through the swinging door. Neither lookin in her direction but toward Ryax. She glanced toward Justin knowing he would give her some kinda signal if these were the one's that had left da message fer her. But the hulking tender didn't even look toward her at all as he went ta see what the newcomers wanted. So now two questions burned through her mind. One bein, who was da one that sent her the message. And the other bein, just what was this small group of DB's doing here in Kirkdon.

________________________________________

Subj Small Galaxy Date 96-10-22 050347 EDT From B L Stinel

He almost missed her. If Sally Payne hadn't spent most of her time in the darkest booth she could find at whatever bar she might be in, he might not have recognized the woman. That and the hat.

He only looked at her for a second before he turned to nod at something that Ryan said with a grin and a chuckle. Ryan gave him an odd look. Must not have been funny.

Through his grin he quietly told Ryan to look at the woman in the booth behind him and not to be too obvious about it.

Ryan glanced over his shoulder at her and turned back quickly. "She saw me," he said softly, "I don't think she's happy to see us here."

Ben glanced at the bartender who was talking with Ryax and Melicore. "She's not the only one that wasn't expecting a family reunion," he said quietly, "Stay here and make sure she follows me upstairs. Follow her in two minutes."

Ryan nodded and took a sip of the drink the bartender had set in front of him.

Ben turned around and looked straight at Sally. She met his eyes, and he saw the usual, barely suppressed anger there. He held her gaze for a long moment before heading for the door to the stairwell.

Upstairs, he left his door open so she would know which room to come to. It was small, but there was room enough for the bed, single dresser, table and chair. Ben dropped his jacket on the table and sat in the chair, his legs crossed and propped on the corner of the bed. He scratched his chin as he lit a cigar. He hadn't shaved since they had arrived three days ago. The stubble helped him fit in better, but it itched. The Zippo got tossed into his open duffle in the corner between the bed and the wall.

Sally looked in. When she saw him she came the rest of the way and shut the door behind her.

"Hey, Sal. Small galaxy. Where ya been?"

________________________________________

Subj Rising early... Date 96-10-22 071824 EDT From B L Stinel

...and hating every second of it.

Jarrid leaned back and sipped his coffee as the printer spewed forth a sheet of hard copy. He yawned and watched Machinchi climb over his mech, pointing things out to one of the two techs that had come along.

Itch. Scratch it. Ohhh, much better. Yawn. Okay now, rub your eyes. Can you see? No? Okay, drink some more coffee.

Jarrid refilled his coffee cup and yawned again. Dimly, he saw Machinshi over the rim of his mug. The Aiel man was walking over to him from the mech. Apparently he had decided to let the tech do his job.

"I see you, Jarrid Pallin. Good morning."

Yawn. Okay, there's another itch. Ahhhh. Drink some coffee. Mmhhh. Hey, did that guy say something? Well answer him then! For the love'a-

"No- yawn -no such thing, Mach," Jarrid answered, "How's it going?"

"It is going badly. My left hip actuator is out. Apparently a bad motivator."

Jarrid nodded sleepily. Jarrid hated mornings.

"Tom Porter says that he can repair it, but it will take some time."

Nod to him. Not so much. You look like your head is going to fall off. What happened? It just got quiet. Well if the printer has stopped, you idiot, then get the hard copy! Okay, look at it. What do you see?

Jarrid muttered, "Blurry..."

Okay, not a problem. Try blinking a couple of times. Nothing? Rub your eyes. Nothing? Okay. Drink some more coffee. Bingo! Now read it.

Jarrid shot to his feet.

"HOLY MOTHER'A GOD!"

Machinshi blinked.

Jarrid was wide awake now.

"We missed her! Damn it, she's here and we missed her!"

"Is this wetlander humor?"

Jarrid stared at the red haired Aiel, "Mach, I'm from Arizona."

Machinshi stared at Jarrid. "I see," he said, not really seeing at all.

"Forget it. Comeon. We've got to tell the others."

A pair of motorcycles rode off into the sunrise.

________________________________________

Subj Discovery Date 96-10-22 071824 EDT From Darrak

Darrak sat in chair of the sterile room, his "mechanic" busying himself over the cybernetic right arm attached to what was left of Darrak's living body. The "mechanic" was actually Doctor Stephan CorrDyne and the only person Darrak trusted and called friend. CorrDyne's expertise was in the field of Cybernetics. This field of medicine alone was what saved Darrak after Jack and the Midnight Raiders attacked the ship transporting the being known as Melicore.

Darrak had been unfortunate enough to be on the bridge when a stray SRM collapsed the ship's force field and connected with the outer layer of the Comstar class military transport, raining shards of burning beams and metal on the personnel below. 90% of Darrak's body had been shattered. His right arm and both legs had been amputated in the attack, tiny sharp pieces of metal lodging themselves in his throat, completely destroying his voice box, and removing the skin from the right side of his face to his ear, taking the eye with it.. Smaller pieces scarred the remainder of his face and body with both cuts and burns.

Previously, CorrDyne had been ostracized by the medical community, his research and techniques labeled as fraudulent. Darrak was the perfect opportunity to prove them all wrong. CorrDyne replaced the missing limbs with experimental prosthesis implanted with computer chips linked directly into the brain stem. The electrical impulses from the brain directly controlled movement much as it would a normal arm. The only difference was that these metallic limbs were made from an alloy commonly referred to as liquid metal, allowing the subject to form the prosthetic limbs into anything the brain could imagine. CorrDyne could not possibly imagine what the effects would have on Darrak.

Pyster Darrak had always been slightly unstable mentally. This is what made him the perfect bounty hunter for Comstar. "Get your man at all costs" was listed as Darrak's favorite Comstar command. When he realized what had been done to him, Darrak's unstable mind became, as termed in psychological journals, unhinged. He nearly killed CorrDyne before being sedated. As Darrak lay sleeping, the drug having an uncommonly strong effect on the half-man, CorrDyne presented his subconscious with strong subliminal messages, the kind that would not only allow the sleeping giant to accept what had been done, but assure that the CorrDyne would never again be threatened by his own creation.

The messages worked. Over the years, Darrak learned to utilize his new "accessories", and, although Comstar had decommissioned him, his bloodlust having grown even too much for them, he flourished. He had others research the pirates that had attacked the transport, gaining the information on the Raider's home base. From there, he set about initiating a plan that would take him years to fulfill, the destruction of the Midnight Raiders and, more importantly, Black Jack Morghan.

He didn't count on Jack's foresight or Kat's tenacity, so when the messenger from ComCenter appeared, Darrak could only sit there as silent shock reverted to all and out rage. CorrDyne sensed the growing danger and quickly finished his work on the arm, stepping back a great distance as Darrak exploded. The messenger was not so fortunate, but then he didn't know Darrak as well as CorrDyne did. In the end, CorrDyne could only thank the heavens that the boy didn't know what hit him, the first blow having snapped the young man's neck before the rest of the damage had been incurred.

At first, CorrDyne could not make out what had enraged Darrak, but once the anger had been spent on what remained of the messenger, the doctor ventured to approach the giant half-man.

“Pyster. What has happened?”

CorrDyne held his breath as Darrak spun around, the laser sight of the headgear containing his right "eye" centering between the scientist's eyes. Suddenly, it was as if Darrak's rage was switched off and he began pacing.

“Someone has tapped into the main computer. Shipments and stored stock are being redistributed into bottomless holding companies, money is slowly being filtered out of my accounts....even the secret ones. Someone is stealing everything I have and those fools at command cannot seem to trace who or why. The only thing they *can* tell me is the primary receiving accounts and companies are owned by Black Jack Morghan. We all know that's impossible. They're dead...all of them!” Turning, uncertainty written on his face “Aren’t they?”

Before CorrDyne could reply, Darrak spun and strode quickly to the comm unit on the wall. With out acknowledging the person on the other end, he demanded to know where his second in command was. His fury re-ignited when the voice nervously informed him that the man he sought was on his way to conduct a meeting near the quarter pad. Without a "goodbye", Darrak slammed the communication closed.

Somewhere in his twisted mind, he remembered the reason he had been in CorrDyne's office and looked down at his arm, flexing it repeatedly. As if none of the past few minutes had happened, he smiled up at the doctor and nodded. “Much better, Stephan. You're a miracle worker, you know?”

Still smiles, he turned and strode out the door, leaving CorrDyne to breathe a sigh of relief. “He would have to hurry up his experiments on the cyber brain” The doctor thought to himself “Too much longer and there won't be anything left of the standard tissue to work with.”

Turning his back to the door, CorrDyne punched the security code for his lab, dragging the messenger's corpse into a domain none but himself had entered alive.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-10-23 014229 EDT From Ryax

Ryax was glad to be on solid ground again. Something about space travel didn't agree with him and the trip, in itself, was a long and boring one. He probably had himself to blame on that point. Spending most of his time locked away in his own little room. Needless to say he wasn't looking forward to the trip back, though he was looking forward to getting back to RhyDin.

For now though, he was content. Rocking back on his chair, feet on the table, and a drink in his hand, Ryax was making it a point to relax. Ryan had followed Ben upstairs and Melicore was hovering around the bar. Justin, the over grown, bartender glanced up to the rooms every so often. No doubt wondering what was going on with Sal. Ry had noticed her when he first stepped in.

She had obviously noticed them and shrunk into her dark booth. She would have escaped his notice, tucked away in the shadows, but the shadows were never so shadowy to Ry's light sensitive eyes. But she didn't want to be noticed so he didn't notice her. Ryax had his own problems and if he weren't worried about Kat he'd be tucked away in some far away bar.

So later that night when Ryax saw Sal, he didn't bother to ask where she'd been or why she'd been gone so long. He just nodded silently, shared a drink with an old friend, and relaxed.

________________________________________

Date Fri, Oct 25, 1996 1109 AM EDT From SalPayne Subj Time Ta Face the Music

She stirred from the line of questions that drilled into her mind to see Ryan glance in her direction. Well there was little she could do now. They knew she was here. She didn't miss what appeared to be a brief exchange between Ryan and Ben before the latter turned, looking directly at her. "Crap..." She muttered under her breath reading loud and clear in his look that he wanted to see her PDQ.

As though seeing that she had gotten his silent message he turned on his heel and walked through the swinging door's to the lobby. On it's return swing she saw him making his way up the stair's. Tilting her head she looked back at Ryan from beneath the rim of her Stetson. His shrug barely evident before he quickly looked back down to his drink moving toward Ryax and Melicore letting them know in low whispers what was about. Later when all were in the bar again, they went about for all intent and purpose as though they didn't know the other.

Justin glanced at her, his brow furrowed as she stood grabbin both her jacket and the bottle and made toward the swingin door. Little escaped his notice in this place and he certainly hadn't missed the abbreviated exchange of glances between Tabby and the two of the four strangers that had appeared. Silence was one of his strongest attributes, but fer some reason his gnawing concern of the small woman intensified.

He quickly had realized just how well she could take care of herself, remembering the idiot who had dared accost her one of her first nights here. He flinched inwardly feeling his own manhood try ta draw up inta his stomach. That knife she carried was a formidable weapon. The man who's groin it had been aimed at, thinking her just another prostitute, quickly drew back, his drink forgotten as the glass smashed on the floor. "Hey....ummm... no need ta get touch lil lady." Turning he had moved back to the bar, scratching at his crotch as though he could still feel the tip of that blade pressed against it.

Climbing the stairs slowly Ben's questions to come already running through her mind. Takin a deep breath, muttering under it as it hissed back out. "Just get it over wid... yer either in or out." She finished taking the last steps. Halting she looked left then right down both hallways seeing the light falling into the darkened corridor to the right from an open doorway. Her own doorway was four past it on the opposite wall. So ifn it weren't Ben's she could go past without rising suspicions. Her stride determined as she made in the direction of the light.

Slowing enough to glance in. She saw him. He was sitting in the lone chair with his feet propped up on the corner of the bed. Casting a look over her shoulder before she entered his room closing the door behind her. He blew out a ring of smoke as she tossed her jacket to the bed before leaning back against the dresser. "Hey, Sal. Small galaxy. Where ya been?"

Her dark blue eyes locked with his from beneath the rim of her Stetson. "Ya sure could use wid a shave there bucko." Her retort coming sharper then she had intended. Ben cocked a brow, but seemed otherwise undaunted by her statement. She sighed, spinning the cap off the bottle. Raising it, taking a healthy pull. Knowing she wouldn't get another word from him until she answered his question. "I've been around Ben. Had some unfinished business ta take care of." Pushing the Stetson back on her head. "An what brings ya guy's here?"

He explained about Kat's leaving RhyDin in abbreviated detail. Her brow raised when he mentioned Darrak’s name. "Ya better take care askin round bout dat one Ben." She looked toward the door as Ryan entered. She figured Ben had asked him ta join them once she had left the bar. Turning dark blue eyes back to Ben. "I'm not sure what all that one's got his hands in but it seems those that ask to many questions find themselves in a dead sorta way."

Briefly she outlined to him what she had been doing here in Kirkdon. "So you know your way around then Sal?" Ryan asked her. With a curt nod. "Yup, been here bout two months already. I've requested a meeting with this Darrak but don't expect ta have it followed through fer a few day's yet." Ben nodded, lettin her know that as she was here he expected her to act the part of a Doom Bringer. "Don't worry." She said with a roll of her eyes. "But I would suggest fer the time that we don't act all buddy-buddy. I certainly don't need my throat cut yet."

Setting the bottle on the dresser she grabbed up her jacket. "And if ya will excuse me I've a I got ta get ta. I'm four room's down across da hall. If ye have anything I need know about just leave it under the door. An vice versa. I'll keep my eyes open fer Kat. If I see or hear anythin ya will be da first ta know."

Turning she pulled open the door stepping out, leaving Ben and Ryan watching the closed door behind her. She made her way to her room closin that door also behind her. Pullin her case from under the bed, takin from it's hidden compartment her blaster. Altering the settings on it before tuckin it inta the waist of her jeans, under the jacket. Bendin ta adjust the boot sheath that held her knife before leavin da room again.

The runner cut easily, almost silently through the darkness. It's lights glancing off the terrain ahead of her. Within an hour's time she reached the quarter pad makin sure that she hadn't been followed. Once there she shut down the power plant. Scan area, record activated. Takin a small wireless unit slippin it inta her pocket, then puttin the small ear jack in her right ear. Her hand going ta the inner pocket of her jacket, removing the pouch, tossing it to the jump seat beside her. The mechanized voice responded through the jack. #Surface scan complete. One vehicle approaching. Coordinate 30.24. Occupants 3.# Slippin from the runner. #Initiate lockdown. TL31# A whoosh of released air as the runner self sealed. #Lockdown complete. Record activated.#

Steppin ta the front of the runner, leaning against it's grill her arms crossed before her. She watched the approach of the vehicle tilting her head forward as it's lights switched to max. power. What she couldn't see she heard. Three doors shut, followed by the steps of two people as they stepped inta the beams of light. "Well, I'm glad you saw fit to respond to my message." She couldn't see the one the voice came from. "Yeah... enough formality. What the hell do ya want?"

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-10-25 201432 EDT From Machinshi

Machinshi's eyes narrowed from the passing air from the flight of the Cycles. He tried to keep one eye on Jarrid, one eye on the GPS navigator telling them where he was, and one eye on his hand reaching for the comm...

"Recon to Lead, over. Recon to Lead, she is here Lead. We must have missed her arrival. I am on my way to your position now. Out"

Unfortunately the transmission never made it intact. Else where in the port city Ben watched Sal's back leave the doorway and nearly jumped out of his skin when the comm squawked in the emergency frequency...

"Recon to Lead over, Rec%&%@ here. I am $%^@ now. Out" Ben frowned and tried to raise Recon on the comm, but the interference was too bad. He decided to try again later.

Mach flipped his foot to shift the cycle into a higher gear and motioned for Jarrid to follow. Being early in the morning, Jarrid was barely hanging on at the previous break neck speed, but duty held him in the saddle. Even though his palms began to sweat on the grips of the cycle.

Machinshi glanced down at the GPS and up again then back at the GPS before muttering a small curse and swerving left across traffic with a loudly cursing Jarrid close behind.

"What the fragging hell was that for, you blood crazed savage!?" Jarrid yelled. "Ben Stinel has changed position and is moving. I am trying to intercept" Machinshi replied calmly, dodging a young girl on a scooter. "Oh. Well watch where you're going!" Jarrid yelled again, still pumped full of adrenaline from the near death experience.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-10-25 201432 EDT From Katrylle

The underground base had once been a House of Davion mech factory, abandoned and eventually auctioned off to pay for a war that had long since been forgotten. Most of the machinery didn't work when Jack first took it over, and, having no interest in building mechs, he had it removed and sold for scrap. It was at this point the "Land of the Midnight Sun", another of Joke's attempts at humor, was born. The name stuck and the base was modified to fit the pirates' needs.

Her "room" was actually a suite, the one Jack had used while the ranch was under construction several years ago. For some odd reason he would never explain, he kept the suite up, refusing to move the furniture to the ranch after completion. He even went so far as to keep some of his clothes and personal effects there, things she spent some time looking over, allowing memories overrun her thoughts.

Setting herself before the computer on the overly large 18th century oak desk, Kat began rooting through the files downloaded from the main system. Somehow, up to date personnel files, business holdings and lance info, all belonging to Darrak, had been transferred to the base. By whom, she had no idea, but obviously someone was looking forward to Darrak's downfall and somehow, they knew that downfall would come at the hands of a Midnight Raider.

Pushing the unanswerable question to the back of her mind as to who her un-named benefactor was, she studied the diagrams of Darrak's stronghold, also the most up to date version. Shaking her head, she discovered a text file pointing out all the weaknesses in the hold's defenses and what it would take to breach those defenses.

She muttered to herself in disbelief. “This is too friggin easy. I'm bein' set up.”

Skimming to the bottom of the file, she found the only indication of who would take such a chance of turning on Darrak; the initials L.T. Growling angrily, she closed the file and began through the Sun's inventory lists.

She sighed heavily as she read. Jack had shipped off most of the contraband that had been stored on the Sun's 'F' level days before his death. There were a few crates of hand held Flamers, Laser pistols, Vibrabombs and Complink landmines left in a storeroom, but little else was of any use to her. Leaning back in the chair, she pressed her fingers together in consideration. Suddenly, she stood and strode across the carpeted floor towards the bookcase. As she approached, the case slowly slid sideways, revealing a hidden lift that would take her to 'F' level. On the ride down, she felt the nervous energy build, the fear that what she was searching for had been shipped off with the rest of the things stored there.

Stepping from the lift, she quickly made her way down the hallway, coming to a rather large door at the end. Reaching down, she grabbed the calf-level handle and hauled the door upwards. The breath she held was suddenly released, an expression of love crossing her face as the room came to life with several small yet bright spot lights.

Scattered neatly about the room were varying forms of "classic" vehicles, most from the 20th Century. Jack's passion, Kat's second love. Slowly making her way between the vehicles, she lovingly traced a fender here, a door handle there, stopping momentarily in front of the 1958 Corvette convertible. Jack had restored it to cherry condition, no modifications outside of the paint and upholstery. This was his baby. Her smile softened as she thought about the drives through the country, top down, wind blowing through their hair. It had been the stuff dreams were made of, but even dreams die sometime.

The next in line was her favorite; a 1951 Chevy, rebuilt and modified into a "sleeper". She and Jack had worked on this one together, the ancient parts supplied by Melicore. Sliding onto the red and white leather bench seat, she lowered the driver's sun visor, grabbing the keys in mid air as they fell towards her lap. Slipping the ignition key into it's slot, she smiled, bringing the beast to life.

Even after almost a year, the modified Corvette 283 cubic inch engine purred. Jack had showed her how to shave and bore the heads, actually converting the 283 to a 305. Because of this modification, the rear axle had to be replaced with that of a '56 Corvette, a four speed Corvette transmission replacing the stock Chevy three speed. At first, the 5000lb Borgen Beck clutch was almost impossible for her to maneuver, but she eventually built up the muscles in her left hip so driving the car wasn't as difficult. Smiling wickedly, she leaned over, pulling the slot machine handle built low on the floor. Suddenly, the room was filled with a noise comparable only to an SRM going off in a bathroom. As the hydraulic traps opened, the roar of the engine nearly deafened her. Chuckling, she shut them down quickly, not wanting to shatter the windows of the other classics with the vibrations. Yes...this one would definite come home with her, as would all of them. She wasn't sure how she'd swing it, but she'd find a way.

Sliding out of the '51, she made her way to the back of the room towards the "Bondo Mobile"; a 1939 Chevy pickup painted in several shades of Rustolium, bumpers literally held on by bailing wire. Grabbing the door handle, she tugged gently at first, eventually yanking the door open with a metallic screech as she remembered it stuck badly. One of Jack's little "authentic" touches. The truck looked as though it had seen better days, fenders dented, the shell over the bed several shades of flat paint all different from the body itself. Again she dropped the visor, catching the keys. Pulling the choke as Jack had taught her, she pumped the gas pedal several times before cranking the engine over.

Coughing and sputtering, a cloud of black smoke rising from the tail pipe, all 8 cylinders finally began keeping time with each other, the front fenders rattling as if they were about to fall off. Most of the truck, for that matter, seemed about on it's last legs. She knew this to be a mechanical illusion, however. The quarter panels were held on by spring steel, the play in the metal making the fenders bounce and rattle in time with the engine on purpose. The tires were about the only giveaway that there might be something more to this creation from hell. Steel belted 10" tires built for street traction suggested that something more laid under the Rustolium and bailin wire.

In the back, under the windowless shell over the bed, the most powerful engine ever put into a 20th century vehicle. An Allison V-12 aircraft engine with a tank clutch, tugboat tyranny, 6 fuel injected carbs and an Allison supercharger. In effect, the truck had two engines, the stock under the hood and the aircraft engine in the back, both accessible, though only one at a time, by an inverted V-box. In order to support the extra weight, Jack had placed a second set of springs under the '95 ZR1 Corvette suspension, both front and back. This beast was a sleeper in every sense of the word and it would be the one to take her on her errands into Kirkdon.

Chuckling, thinking the computer could either read minds, or had an uncanny sense of timing, her wrist comm. beeped

“Shoot...”

''Operation completion now at 49.3%. What is your directive?''

“Maintain operation completion t' 100%. N'other directives a' th' moment. I'll be goin' inta Kirkdon. Continue security on area and open main hanger doors on m'mark.”

Affirmative.

Killing the engine on the truck, she slid out, took the lift back up to the suit and rummaged around in the desk. Smirking as her hand blindly found what she sought, she pulled a small box and flipped it open. The deck of cards slid easily into her hand and she laid them out on the table, fanning them so she could find the two she needed; the king of hearts and the ace of spades. Searching the desk again, she came up with a bottle of glue, permanently placing the cards one on top of the other so both cards could be seen. Next she took a black marker and wrote one word across the face of the cards; "Atonement" before slipping them into the pocket of her suede, fringed duster, the added weight of the sawed off shotgun and holster on the left side compensated for by the blaster on the right.

Stepping back into the lift, she braided her hair, wrapping it around her neck twice before tucking it into her night suit as the elevator returned her to the truck. Flicking open her comm., she gave further orders to the computer. “Kay...open the doors then shut them just after I leave.”

Affirmative.

Cranking up the old V-8, she shoved it into first and made her way up the ramp and out into the sunlight for the first time in a day and a half. Stopping just outside, she watched as the ramp slowly pulled itself back up into position, becoming one again with the natural ground around it. Shoving the truck back into first, she made her way to Kirkdon and phase 2 of her plan.

________________________________________

Subj The Assayer's Office Date 96-10-28 033111 EST From B L Stinel

The Assayer's Office's records division was run by a single, lonely, messy haired clerk. The man had the knack of seeming to look harried and incredibly bored at the same time.

It was really more of a library then anything else. The front part of the office had a counter behind which were shelves lined with manila envelopes.

When Ben first walked in, he stood at the counter and smiled at the clerk. The man glanced at him, then glanced at the counter before returning his focus to his computer screen without saying a word.

Ben followed the clerk's gaze to the counter that his hands rested on. There was nothing there. Ben cleared his throat.

The man glanced at him again, "You have to have requisition form thirty-two-d, or there's a fifty kopek processing charge."

"You don't even know why I'm here."

The clerk shrugged.

"Okay," Ben said, "Where do I get that form?"

"Here."

There were no forms to be seen anywhere.

"Could I have one then?"

"I'm sorry, sir." The man told him, "We're all out. I'll be requesting new forms from supply tomorrow."

"Okay, I'll pay your processing charge then."

The man extended his hand for the fifty that Ben handed him and then pocketed the money without a twinge of guilt. Ben observed this without comment.

A bored smile on his lips, his voice droning, he returned his gaze to Ben, "Thank you for visiting the Assayer's office records division, sir. How can I help you today?"

"I need a list of properties owned by Jack Morghan. M-o-r-g-h-a-n."

He wrote this down on a piece of paper, "Anything specific you'd like me to check for?"

Ben paused for a moment, trying to recall anything that Kat had mentioned, he remembered something about a ranch. "I'd like any ranch property flagged, but I still want a general listing of all other properties too."

"Yes, sir. There is a twenty kopek fee for multiple searches, of course, sir."

The man pocketed the money that Ben grudgingly handed him.

"Would you like me to use our computer database or to search for the original records by hand, sir?"

"Computer."

The man nodded, "Yes sir. That will be fifteen kopecks, er... You seem like a nice sort," the sudden change of heart might have been due to the glare that he was now getting from Ben, or perhaps it was the fact that he was now staring down the barrel of Ben's blaster, "I'll toss in the computer search for free."

Ben's patience only went so far.

________________________________________

Subj The Ranch Date 96-10-28 033136 EST From B L Stinel

Kirkdon was a peculiar city, Ben decided as he sped out of it. It extended at full strength to the edge of the city, halting abruptly at a large stone wall. Whether the wall was to keep the riffraff in or the good folk out, no one was really sure, but the result was that one moment you were down town and the next you were in the country side.

Machinshi seemed to take this in stride. The cities on his world were nothing compared to an urban center, not that the Aiel had cities of their own in any case.

Jarrid, on Ben's left, however, nearly fell off his bike. Earth had taken suburbia to the point of a fine art form, and things like Kirkdon simply weren’t done.

Mach and Jarrid had caught up to Ben outside of the assayer's office and there they filled him in on what they had learned about Kat. They had called Melicore and told him about the list of properties Ben had acquired. Melicore told them that he was familiar with the ranch and that it was the most likely place for Kat to be if she was on the planet.

So Ben, Jarrid, and Mach were speeding along the highway for the ranch where Melicore had told them he would meet them. Several vehicles passed them along the way, but only one really drew their attention. An old, multicolored, Chevy pickup passed them about half way to the ranch. Jarrid frowned at it especially. To Ben it was a piece of history, long forgotten, but Jarrid's grandfather had driven one just like it. The driver was obscured through the grimy windshield, but the truck slowed as if it's occupant was trying to see through the face plates of their helmets.

Five minutes later, they were at the ranch. Or what was left of it. Where buildings should have been were mounds of debris. Black disrupter burns swathed their way across the dirt. A long impact trench cut across a corn field where it looked like a two-man air craft had crash-landed and then been salvaged. Near the remains of the barn was the shell of what appeared to be a Wasp Battlemech.

The three of them stood with their bikes near a dug up grave and waited for Melicore.

________________________________________

Subj The Ranch Date 96-10-28 033136 EST From Katrylle

The bar was dingy, much like any she would've found on RhyDin, the only difference being the clientele. While most in RhyDin fancied themselves brutal and cold, they would have appeared as the smallest of children in this hell hole. DelBay's, or Delta Bay, had once been an officer's club housed near the mech bays of the Delta Unit, a specialized seek and destroy team commissioned to ComStar for this sector. When ComStar abandoned Pelvar, the base was left to scavengers and hoodlums who somehow saw fit to leave DelBay's opened, claiming it for their own, relinquishing it to Darrak only when a series of "accidents" began presenting themselves to anyone unlucky enough to own it. Just as soon as the paperwork was signed, the "accidents" stopped as mysteriously as they had begun and everything settled back into it's standard routine.

Pushing the door open, Kat strode inside, her gaze never leaving the tender once she had him in her sight. Without any undo words, she slapped the envelope down on the scarred bar top hard, attracting several looks from other patrons. Cocking her finger at the tender, she leaned slightly closer, drawing him in as if to whisper. Trying to keep the bile down at the smell of his breath, she kept her eye locked with his mainly so she wouldn't have to look at his teeth. Speaking out in a voice that didn't warrant such closeness, she again gained the attentions of several in the bar.

“Make sure Darrak gits this. He'll want t'be seein it rather soon and ifin it don't make it inta his hands, I'll make sure he knows y'were th'one t'thank fer it. Git m'drift, Nash?”

The bar man's eyes narrowed at Darrak's name. The thought of denying any knowledge of his boss bounced around his head, only occasionally hitting one of the few brain cells he had left after years of alcoholism. As she spoke his true name in place of DelBay, the name all of his patrons thought was his own, he became uncertain, her meaning vague enough to cause doubts that her being here could not possibly have been sanctioned by Darrak. Seeing his doubt, her voice dropped a fraction, a sweet smile playing about her lips

“An' Nash...ifin y'git it t'him quickly, I can promise y'a bonus. I'll see t'it personally, eh?”

Flicking his filthy unshaven chin with her fingernail, she spun on her heels and walked away, leaving the envelope on the bar and the man behind it deep in confusion. As she made her way to the door, she noticed several pairs of shadowed eyes following her movements, noting every detail about her for their reports, no doubt. “Lettem.” she thought. “He'll still hae n'clue.”

Chuckling, she stopped suddenly at the door, held her arms out and took one complete, slow spin, giving them every opportunity to gain a better description for their lap dog master. Laughing at the astonished expressions that greeted her, she shoved her way through the door and to the pickup parked just outside. Slinking low into the bench seat, she watched and waited. The thought of Darrak's reaction when he discovered the "calling card" she had created before leaving the ranch, the one tucked away inside the plain white envelope, caused her to smile slightly if not somewhat evilly.

She nearly hit the roof as her wrist comm. beeped urgently. Flicking it open, she growled into it. “Shoot.”

''Intruders on the grounds. Three males, three motorcycles, one primed and ready for an assault. Scanners show a fourth vehicle on intercept course. Estimated time of arrival 10.8 minutes.''

Cursing a blue streak, she remembered passing the bikes on the road into town, the sight of them having stirred something in the back of her mind. In the flash before they passed, Kat had assessed two of the bikes, an ancient Harley and a racer known as a Bimota DB2sr. The third was on the outside, too far away to determine it's breed. Kicking the Chevy over, she reached down, throwing the lever on the inverted V box and activating the Alison V12 aircraft engine in the bed. As the beast whistled to life, she shoved the tank clutch to the floor, throwing the tugboat transmission into first, the 10" tires laying rubber for a block before the scream died down.

As she cleared the city limits, she pulled the sawed-off shotgun from under her duster, cocking it and laying it on the seat next to her before adding the blaster. As the speedometer pegged at 130mph, she threw the truck into a side skid, aiming for the dirt road that would take her through what remained of the front gate to the ranch.

Cussing the light armament she carried with her, she rolled the driver's window down and braced the shotgun on the doorframe. Aiming in the general direction of the bike closest to the entrance; the Bimota, she fired off one of the two barrels into the engine before it's owner knew what happened. Throwing the truck into another skid and laughing as the men dove for cover, she unloaded the second barrel into the gas tank. The ensuing fireball engulfed all three bikes and the truck barreled through it, the flames burning her hand and igniting the suede of her duster.

Letting the shotgun fall out the window, she fought to keep control of the truck as she attempted to smother the flames between the door and her body. Knowing this was futile, she slammed the brakes hard, using the dust storm and smoke as cover as she bailed from the truck quickly. Throwing herself on the ground, her arm between the dirt and her body, she succeeded in dousing the flames.

When the fire on her arm was out, she jumped up and ran the few short steps to the truck. Quickly reaching into the cab to grab her blaster, she found herself nose to barrel with a rather wicked looking weapon, the hand holding it chancing severe cuts as it reached through the broken passenger window. Without taking her eye off the gun, she slowly raised her hands, backing cautiously out of the cab before being grabbed roughly from behind, her arms pinned against her back.

The soft chuckle surprised her, but not nearly as much as the question that followed.... "Joslynne ZyThyrn, I presume?"

________________________________________

Subj Coming Out of the Blind Spot Date 96-10-30 071537 EST From B L Stinel

"Joslyn ZyThyrn I presume?" Ben said, stepping forward to get a better look at Kat. He had suspected she was probably going by a different name here. He knew it for sure when he had learned from the assayer's office that the executor of Jack Morghan's estate had been changed from a company name to the name Joslyn ZyThyrn. Not so much the name change, as the fact that it had happened in the two days since Kat's dropship had landed.

"How- Damnit Jarrid, lemme go! How do you know that name, Ben?!"

"That's all the apology I get? I liked that bike!"

"You're trespassing. You don't get an apology." Kat rubbed her arms where Jarrid had gripped them and spoke into her wrist comm., "How long till that satellite can see us?"

Satellite window closes in approximately six point five three minutes.

"Alright, open the bay. I'm bringing the intruders in. Code Ace o'Spades, King o'Hearts."

Blackjack.

The ground split smoothly along an invisible seam as the ramp lowered, and Kat jumped into the truck, starting it's engine. She turned and looked at the them men, gesturing, "What're ya waitin for? Git tha' stuff underground. If Darrak sees anything outta the ordinary here when that satellite goes over he'll know just where th'source o'his trouble is comin from."

Kat gunned the V8 engine and drove down the lowering ramp. The three men pulled the intact bikes down behind her and watched as she ran back up with a shovel.

"Where's she goin' with that?" Jarrid asked.

"Putting out the fire," Ben said, running back up after her as they pulled the bikes the rest of the way inside. He could hear Machinshi running behind him.

Kat was throwing dirt over the flames. The moment they died down Ben and Mach started dragging the wreck towards the ramp by its tires.

As they got the twisted hunk of metal and rubber inside, Jarrid ran to the top and waved wildly with both arms. Two engines roared as Melicore and Ryax raced down the ramp into the bay. By now the ramp had already started the return trip upwards. Jarrid and Kat barely had time to slip through the crack between the ramp and ceiling and drop the eight feet to the floor.

Ben grinned and helped Kat to her feet, "You look like crap, Kat.. er.. Joslyn."

Kat rubbed a dirty hand across her forehead, "I need a shower."

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-03 022213 EST From MELICORE

It had been a long morning for Melicore, most of which was spent on the laptop in his room. He was looking for ways not only to track Kat, but to exact his own revenge on Darrak. His first priority had been to try and access Jack's computer.

"Computer, access code Melicore/Glory Delta Gamma 5 Override."

''Access denied for Melicore/Glory Delta Gamma 5 Override. You are no longer authorized on this channel.''

He didn't need to be a scientist to figure out Kat was the reason behind access denial. He had helped Jack with most of the security codes for the base. The only protocol that didn't have his mark in it somewhere was Zed. That one was Jack's pet project and Melicore just didn't know enough about the code to crack through it. Unfortunately, that was the code that was standing between him and access to the system. He knew that each of the raiders had their own version of Zed. Kat's version, however, was different from the others. As the Second in Command, her code was the only one that would grant complete control of the base. This allowed her to lock the system down, keeping everyone out but her. Melicore was fairly sure Kat had been at the ranch, but the question was how long, and was she still there? He had tried to contact Ben with what little information he had, but Kirkdon had been known for years for its intermittent communication anomalies so all he received was static over the comm.

The search for his revenge on Darrak wasn't as easy. Once accessed into E-NET, a government sanctioned inquiry system, he noticed strange activities within Darrak's organization. Funds and goods were being transferred at a tremendous rate, all seeming to disappear without a trace once their transfers had been completed. He wasn't entirely sure, but good guesses would indicate this also had something to do with Zed, so he switched over to medical records, knowing that CorDynne would be another route to Darrak. Eventually, Melicore hacked his way into the scientist's personal lab notes. Frowning darkly, he felt his fury grow as he realized CorDynne intended to use a new neural unit. This would not only increase Darrak's power, but to allow the scientist to use Darrak's increasing mental instability to gain complete control of him. To Melicore, CorDynne was the Joseph Mengela of this century. Both men needed to be stopped.

He was just finishing up his own little touches to CorDynne's notes, modifying the neuro unit just enough to suit his needs when a sudden beeping startled him. He jumped nervously before realizing the sound was his comm unit and not some warning that he'd been detected. Flicking the unit open, he sighed before answering.

"Melicore here."

Ben told Melicore about Jarrid's discovery that their quarry was on the planet before going briefly into the information he had gathered from the clerk at the assayer's office.

''Anyway, the three of us are going to head over to that ranch. It's the only place that she ever mentioned before.''

Melicore nodded.

"I am familiar with the ranch. It seams the most logical place for her to be. And I have information of my own that tells me she has been there at least once since she arrived."

''Good. Get Ryax and meet us there. Have Ryan stay there in case Sally gets back.''

"Yes, sir. I'll be there in fifteen minutes."

Melicore closed the communicator and hooked it back to his belt before closing down the computer and going to find Ryax.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-03 022213 EST From Katrylle

She had put Ben off for as long as she could. After the initial hello's she led the men to the elevator, taking them up to the suite. Once she had showed them the bar and told them to make themselves at home, she disappeared into an adjoining room, closing the door behind her. Moments later, the sound of running water filtered through the room. That had been at least an hour ago, an hour to collect her thoughts and try to calm her nerves.

Sighing, she shut off the water, dried herself and slipped into the most hideous robe anyone had ever laid eyes on. Thick terry cloth had been worn and frayed in several places, the obnoxious chartreuse, salmon, turquoise and brick red paisley amazingly still bright, although the robe itself had seen better days. She had lost count of how many times she had pleaded with Jack to get rid of it, eventually only succeeding in banishing the thing to the base. But wrapping herself in it's warmth now, she found comfort, imagining she could still smell the scent of him. She took an extra moment to lathe burn salve from the medicine cabinet onto her hand, wrapping it in a sterile gauze bandage. Staring at herself in the mirror for a long while, she took a deep breath and eventually turned for the door.

Toweling her hair, she returned to the suite and walked to the bar, noting that most of the men had already taken advantage of the superb stock. Dropping the soaked towel onto the end of the bar, she made her way around it, eventually coming up with a crystal brandy decanter. The silence was disturbing.

“Sooo....ifin this is boys' day out, y'sure picked a crappy place t'hold it.”

Stepping from behind the bar, she filled a brandy snifter as she slid onto a barstool. Setting the decanter on the bar, she quickly grabbed the edges of the robe as they threaten to slip open, shifting so she could face the men. Her indifferent demeanor slipped slightly as her gaze fell on Ry lounging in the back of the room, her sarcastic smile softening slightly for a mere fraction of a moment. Sipping from her snifter, she let her gaze take in the rest of the men, Ben in particular.

“I already know who, but wha' brings y'all t'hell?”

No one had a chance to reply, however. As her words tapered off, the all too familiar sensation of an impending vision began flitting across her nerves. Slapping her empty hand over her eye, she pressed the heel of her palm hard into her face, praying the pain would force the vision away, yet knowing the effort was in vain.

Whimpering, she forced herself to stand, managing somehow to excuse herself before stumbling across the room towards the bathroom. She would've made it too if it hadn't been for two factors; a motorcycle helmet placed on the floor and a chair somehow moved a foot off from where she had remembered it. Her sight darkened, she stumbled over the helmet, instinctively reaching out for the chair as she fell, but only finding air.

Landing on the hand, she vaguely heard something snap, but she would not realize it was her wrist until much later, the vision blocking everything that was real from her. Curling herself into a tight ball on the floor, she gave into the sights that were to come

As many of her recent nightmares had started, she was standing on a hill, overlooking a battlefield. Mechs in all stages of destruction were strewn about, some carrying Darrak's mark, others displaying the sign of the Doom Bringers. A large shadow slowly moved around her as it emitted menacing whispers.

"It's your fault."

"You've killed them."

"You shouldn't have told them."

Repeatedly, the whispers condemned her for the carnage before her, slowly transforming themselves into voices of those who here close to her; Joke, Bartarras, Dalia. Within those voices, she began hearing others; Jarrid, Tasha, Ryan...all combining together until the roar was deafening.

Lost in this dream world, she could not know the strange events taking place around her within the room. As she fell, Jarrid was the first to react, stepping away from the fireplace just as the crystal brandy decanter launched itself from the bar, smashing against the wall where his head would have been. Ben wasn't so lucky, however. He didn't notice as the soaked towel she had been using on her hair also took flight, wrapping itself firmly around his head, almost as if it had a mind to smother him.

The others were also pelted with flying objects from about the room, some life threatening such as her crystal brandy glass sailing clean across the large room to Ryax's midsection, others mildly entertaining, if it had been any other situation, such as the pillow swatting itself repeatedly against Mach. Throughout the storm, Kat merely huddled in a ball on the floor, whimpering and moaning softly, her hands clamped over her ears and her eye shut firmly as she shook uncontrollably.

________________________________________

Subj Sunday, Bloody Sunday Date 96-11-04 014405 EST From B L Stinel

The towel was wet. If there was anything worse then having a towel wrapped around his face, it was having a wet towel wrapped around his face. He didn't actually panic. That is, he didn't panic until he tried to pull the towel off of his face. It stuck there.

"MPPHHHHMMMPH!!!"

That turned out to be a mistake. After letting out all of his air in the attempt to talk, he tried to take another breath in. Instead, he got a mouth full of shampoo flavored water.

Now he truly panicked.

Both hands went to the towel, prying at it and trying to separate it from his head. It had wrapped itself firmly in place and had somehow tied itself at the back of his neck. He struggled to undo the knot, but it wouldn't budge. Before long, white spots were flitting across the blackness imposed by the towel.

His fingers began fumbling at the knot instead of pulling and he only barely registered that he was on his knees as a single, crystal clear thought passed through his mind.

I'm going to drown in a bath towel.

"NMPHH!"

His left hand started to glow blue and he redoubled his efforts to remove the towel. The moment the glowing hand touched the towel, all of the water separated itself from the fabric and fell away.

He coughed and sucked a breath of air through the dry cloth. As his strength came back to his limbs, the towel itself fell away and flew across the room where it snagged on the hook on the bathroom door. When Ben released it, it started straining to reach him again, held back only by the hook.

Ben blinked and looked around. Machinshi was valiantly defending himself against a pillow and had already beaten most of the stuffing out of it. Ryax was doubled over and clutching a bloody brandy glass in his hand. A number of books had taken flight from the shelf and were fluttering about Melicore's head like butterflies, sweeping deftly away as he swatted at them.

Jarrid was the only one that wasn't plagued by flying objects. Somehow he had made it to Kat's side and was fighting to hold her down and stop her thrashing. For a radius of five feet around them there was no motion, no chaos. Ben climbed to his feet and sprinted the distance.

At her side, he put his left hand at the place where her neck met her shoulder. At that moment the thrashing stopped. A gentle breeze blew through his hair and the light was pinkish, like the sun was setting. He looked around and saw that he was on a battlefield. The battle had ended hours ago and there were dead battlemechs all around. Some bore a mark he didn't recognize, and the others bore the emblem of the DoomBringers. He recognized the nearest mech as the Grizzly that he had brought with him to Pelvar in place of his fighter.

When something wet and sticky touched his fingers he looked back down. Kat wasn't there. In her place was a corpse.

His corpse.

He screamed.

________________________________________

Subj Bloody Sunday Date 96-11-04 040323 EST From Ryax

Ryax had distance himself from the rest of the group and with good reason. His instincts had been blazing on high from the time he stepped foot on the planet. This was not a good thing. It meant either he and his friends were in serious danger or his "other" self was pushing toward the surface of his consciousness. Ry seriously hoped it was the former. Though he reasoned it was probably a little of both. In any case, he wanted to be by their side in case of danger. But he didn't want to be too close for fear of himself. That's why he distanced himself from the rest of the group. He chose a seat some where in the back and waited for Kat to get out of the shower.

When she did get out hell broke loose. Before it even started Ry knew something was wrong. As Kat got up suddenly and began walking away, he was already on his feet going towards her. Then it happened. With his instincts turned up as high as they were, Kat's vision hit him almost as hard as it hit her. He didn't see, but felt her vision. Felt her confusion, her pain, a sense of guilt. The room went dark as the emotions pressed over him like a steam roller.

He hopped to the side without knowing why, his instincts taking over again. The room came back into view in time for him to realize he'd just jumped out of the way of a flying glass. He didn't get a chance to wonder who threw it. The glass stopped in mid air, turned, and came flying back towards him before the thought even entered his mind. He barely got out of the way as it sped past him in a blur. If it wasn't for his extraordinary speed and reflexes he would have surly been hit. But the glass seemed determined to put Ry's abilities to the test. It came at him again and this time, instead of finding air as Ryax dodged away, the brandy glass shattered. Ry, back handed the glass as he side stepped it's attack. His instincts told him what was about to happen. Unfortunately, that's all it could do. The individual pieces of glass "U" turned and drove into his gut faster than, even his cat-like reflexes, could react. He felt the pieces spin slowly around and pop back out, reforming in mid air. It's mission completed, the glass stopped it's flying and dropped to the ground, along with Ryax. Ry felt a wave of pain wash over him. He growled and pushed himself back to his feet. In a second he forgot about his wound, forgot about the pain, and spun around, his claws bared and standing in an attack position.

Ben had just screamed.

________________________________________

Subj Time to fly.... Date 96-11-04 122346 EST From TGG Smoke

The bar was starting to grate on him. If you could call it a bar. He had seen more attractive graveyards before.... certainly less menacing. His clothes fit in..... Black combat pants, tunic, boots, and whatnot, but careful hours of observation had revealed that scum has an inherent survival instinct which instantaneously pointed him out. He shrugged it off, figuring it to be the result of a thousand years of careful inbreeding, and walked to the bar, sitting at one of the stools. The people to the left and right of him immediately scooted two seats over. He flashed a smirk to both of them before fishing his comm out of his pocket and flicking it on

"Ben.... Ryan here.... she's not here, and this place smells funny..... I really don't want 'tae have to sit here any longer....."

He waited. And waited. And waited. He frowned and checked the comm, making sure it was on and being received, then tried again

"Ben? Could 'ye at least answer me? Hello?"

This time, he got what sounded like static. He gave up on the comm, deciding on the old fashioned way. Reaching out through the force, he tried to touch his mind, getting more static from it than the comm... apparently, confusion reigned on Ben's end. Yippie-ai-yey. Standing and pushing away from the bar, he nodded to the tender

“Look.... it's been wonderful, really, but I've inhaled my maximum quota of noxious fumes for today... I'll catch 'ye around.”

Shoving his way out the doors, he walked down the local equivalent of main street and past the old town gates. Off of a little game trail in the forest, just east of the road, he had hidden his X-Wing in the shrubs. A few days of regrowth on the part of the local flora, and it resembled a giant chia pet. Pulling some vines off of the canopy, he popped the latches and jumped in. Time was a-wastin'.....

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-04 204053 EST From Machinshi

Machinshi was standing at the bar innocently drinking a single malt scotch, something he was trying to decide tasted more like a rusty nail, or an old pair of moldy socks when something massive and blunt, and ...soft? smacked into the back of his head hard enough to drive his head down onto the bar and leave a circular bruise around his mouth. Mach spun in a blind rage, lightning fast unarmed combat forms flowing from his body. After a second Machinshi's vision cleared enough to see the feathers raining down around him.

"A bloody, flaming pillow?!" turning with slow icy anger he asked "Which one of you friends just bashed me with that--oof!" A second pillow impacted into Machinshi's belly hard enough to knock the breath from him. A third pillow swooshed by over Mach's head and circled back for another run. It was then that he realized what was up. He began a series of random leaps and dives designed to confuse foes while fighting in the dark. It seemed to work for a while. Long enough for Machinshi to begin to notice his surroundings.. What he saw made his face turn to stone, showing no expression. A sure sign that an Aiel is worried. No one could ever call an Aiel frightened, because even death did not scare an Aiel, but Machinshi was definitely now anxious about his friends and about the mysterious transporting to some unknown battle field.

Then Ben began to scream and Machinshi lost his form in mid leap, only to be pummeled by a dozen feather pillows. The really hard and heavy kind...

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-04 210625 EST From TGG Smoke

He punched the startup sequence several times, getting a new and improved error message each time. It seemed that the creeper vines had grown through the power cells of the X-Wing, strangling the influx valves. It was a problem that only would have taken him a half hour to fix, but he was out of time.... he grabbed his comm again, hailing the St. John

"This's Smoke.... I want you to beam me to Ben's position, but send the matrix through a few different buffers so the ion flux can't be traced. And phase the pattern, too, so it'll slide through any kind of dampening field..."

One of the engineers said something which was cut short by the faint haze of a transporter beam. The forest faded, only to be replaced by hell...

He materialized in the center of the room, which was by that time a mess. Feathers rained down everywhere, and everyone seemed to be caught up in their own fantasy. He spun, trying to maintain his balance as he ducked several glasses and a wine cooler as they screamed by and crashed against the wall behind him. Three pillows, as if acting on their own will, reversed their flight and honed in on him.....

He frowned and jumped over the pillows, his lightsaber in his hand as he landed. Spinning, he let the Force guide his actions, slicing cleanly through two of the pillows. The four halves dropped to the floor with a muted thud. The remaining pillow hit him upside the head, sending him to the floor with a growl. This was insane. He stood, seemingly nonplussed by the several dozen appliances that had taken interest in him since his arrival, closing his eyes and making a small gesture with his hand.

In appliance land, time stood still. The various inanimate objects that had been careening around the room suddenly froze, held still by an invisible hand. There was a soft thump as someone failed to realize their attacker had stopped, hitting the floor instead. A sudden, tangible silence reigned.

He opened his eyes and pushed away the violent force that had seized the room, then released his hold on the assortment of flying toasters and the like. They crashed to the ground, ceasing all movement...

He looked around in disbelief at the people in the room, shaking his head

What.... happened.... in here??

________________________________________

Date Tue, Nov 5, 1996 1031 AM EDT From Sally Payne Subj Job or Trap?

The shadowed form that stood before the headlamps of the vehicle chuckled. She cursed the confined space of the warehouse. Bringing her hand to her mouth pretending to cough. Her voice low as she speaks into her comm. ''Confirm record. ID three, position noon from present coord. X-ray sweep.'' Leaning back against the hood of the runner she slipped her hands into the deep pockets of her jacket.

"I've a job for you if your interested Tabby." Cocking a brow, dark blue eyes darkened further. If they had been visible from beneath the rim of her Stetson one would have strongly been reminded of a violent storm brewing in the distance. "Why me?" Her voice monotone, moving slightly, feeling the press of the blaster at the small of her back. The center shadow stepped forward. The two larger figures that stood ta either side of him remained as though they were stone. "You're becoming quite well known actually. Despite the fact that before two months ago no one had ever seen you." She shrugged indifferently. "So... Jyco can't keep his yap shut."

"Cut the lights Darrin. We must not blind the lady." The emphasized word causing her ta laugh huskily. The figure to her right turned toward the drivers side of the vehicle, reaching through an open window to kill the headlamps. She blinked as for a moment all she could see were spots before her eyes. Taking advantage of the momentary darkness she brought her hand up again. Her voice low. ''Strengthen infrared. Report ID.'' Her hand returned to her pocket as the jack in her ear came to life with that unanimated voice of the runners onboard computer. #Positive ID of Darrin Shayde. Heavy arm's specialist.# Her eyes moved to the vaguely outlined figure that returned to it's position after killin the lights. #Positive ID of Kirk Boydon. Special Forces, trained assassin.# Her eyes turned toward the figure to the left. There was what felt like a long pause before the jack again sounded. #Unable to ID final subject. No records fitting description.# Again there was silence. The four seemed to just stand gauging those opposite. Three ta one? Not great odds, but by far not the worst she had ever dealt with.

LT stepped closer but still kept a goodly distance between himself and her. ''X-ray scan complete. Location Abandoned Warehouse. Subject Darrin armed. Subject Kirk armed. Subject Unidentified unarmed.'' Tilting her head slightly she regarded the man ahead of her. "What's dis job ya mentioned? And what's da rate?" Might as well have it out and find out just what this one wanted.

"There's a shipment of U-PPC's that need to be moved from our present location to a location I will disclose only on your acceptance of the job. 10,000 platinum." Her shoulder's tensed slightly. Obviously this one had access to cash to offer such a price. Especially if he thought her just one of the typical scab's that seemed to inhabit this place. But it was certainly higher then any rate Jyco had given her by at least ten times. "75,000." The single word curt. Again the jack sounded in her ear. ''Storage facility 100 feet north. Stock 5 cases low class armature. 3 scrap scanners. Negative locate U-PPC.'' Now her anger rose. "What's yer game smeg?" Just her tone brought the two thugs to move closer to the third man.

"Game? No game. I'm offering you a job Sally Payne." Her muscles bunched. She pushed away from the runner, trying to keeping her stance casual. "Who?" How did this one know her name? She thought back to day one on this rock. Had she slipped and given her name to anyone? If so it was very uncharacteristic of her. She thought back to earlier in Ben's room. Had he said her name at all? Was the room bugged? She looked sharply back to the man as he was talking. Though she had missed the beginning of what he had said. ".....platinum. Location is the other side of Pelver."

"Show me whatcha got. Den maybe we can talk business." She berated herself for letting her attention wander even the fraction it had. The man turned, moving back to the vehicle. Opening a door. "Darrin, show the lady the stock." With that said he entered the vehicle closing the door behind him. The other thug, Kirk, moved to stand at the side of the vehicle as Darrin moved toward her. "This way." She turned to follow him, not liking the feeling. It had all the stink of a trap and then some. She followed the hulking man stiffly. At first chance her hand retrieved the blaster from the waist of her jeans. As her hand returned to her pocket her finger moved along it's butt, checking the setting by feel.

Darrin stopped before a dark wall. Finding the catch he slid back the door to the store room. Soon the large room flooded with overhead fluorescents. As her computer had reported there were no U-PPC's to be seen. Darrin's eyes widened as he looked around the room that had only a few days before been fully stocked. He turned looking back at her to find her blaster about groin level. Nor did he miss the tension she held on the trigger. "Call yer boss... An do it now! I'm done screwin wid ya smegs." Darrin's face paled, but his voice betrayed little as he called out. This man may be a professional but when it came ta any man's lively hood they usually didn't react in any way ta cause damage ta themselves. At least not in that region. And given the present situation she didn't look one ta mess with.

Soon another large man appeared in the doorway. She had moved to the side of it. Forcing Darrin to turn also by pressing the muzzle of the blaster against the fabric of his jeans. Quickly Kirk assessed the situation before calling over his shoulder that it wasn't any joke. Also relating the current situation. Soon the third man appeared in the doorway. As Justin had said he was dapper lookin. He even carried himself with an air. "I want some answers an I want dem now... or yer boy Friday here is gonna be missin sumthin very important to the continuation of his line." LT looked at her, his eyes dark. "I'm as surprised by this turn of events as you are I assure you." His eyes turned toward his men then back to her. "And I equally assure you that neither of these two gentleman had any part in it."

She scowled, blue eyes moving between the men. She hesitated a moment before drawing back the blaster, but not first without applying enough pressure to cause Darrin ta go down to his knee's. Quickly she stepped back, the bead of the blaster wavering intentionally between the three. "I'm outta here. And ifn one of ya follows me there won't be a second chance. Obviously ya know how ta get ahold of me. If yer lucky our next meeting won't be a con game." She backed through the door and a few steps further assuring that none of them was going to suddenly pursue her. LT's hands went up in resignation before she turned sprinting to the runner. ''Unsecure. Leaving sector. Continue record and scan.''

As she skidded to a stop at the side of the runner she heard the familiar hiss of the door unsealing. Opening it she slide into it pulling the door closed behind her. Simultaneously pressing the ignition and tossing her blaster to the seat beside her. Both hands on the wheel, she floored the accelerator as the lights splashed across the wall as she drove out of the warehouse into the brightness of daylight and back toward Kirkdon.

Slipping the runner into it's spot she sat there for a moment trying to figure out what the hell had just happened. End record and scan. A couple of lights flickered on the runners dash before the jack sounded. #Record sequence ended. Full data filed. Scan complete. Report Negative sitting.# Breathing deeply. So that meant that this stranger and his two thugs weren't within a eight mile radius of her present location.

Standing in the lobby she looked toward the stairs. Would Ben be there? Somehow, with what he had told her, she strongly doubted it. Just as strongly she thought he would have made sure someone stayed behind ta wait fer her. Turning instead she went inta the bar. It was empty except fer Justin, three unlikely, slick haired, greasers, sitting at the bar, and one old hooker sitting at the table nearest the jukebox, who looked like she hadn't seen the better part of a bar of soap in years.

Justin looked up as she entered, a shallow grin curling his lips. He moved to the far end of the bar snaggin a bottle of JD as he went, motioning her to follow. Her brow raised as she shrugged outta her jacket and strode in his direction. Takin the blaster from the pocket of her jacket before tossing the latter over her shoulder, the blaster again slidin inta the waist of her jeans. He leaned against the bar as she stood opposite him. His voice low. "You alright Tab?" Cocking a brow she lay her jacket across the bar, noticing his gaze drop to the blaster at her waist before again meetin her eyes. Noddin slightly. "Yeah. Ya know anythin bout two thugs named Darrin Shayde or Kirk Boydon."

His eyes narrowed. "That's who I thought they were. They were the two thugs with that dapper guy." She reached for the bottle he still held takin it, spinnin the cap off. "And?" Raising it to take a deep drink from it. "Them two were specially trained with some elite force. Use to call themselves the Midnight Raiders." His voice droppin even lower so she had ta lean toward him. The name caught her attention. Wasn't it da name of the group Ben had mentioned? Shakin from the questions as Justin spoke again. "Someone with the code name Loltar hired them while they were still with Midnight Raiders. Don't know much beyond that. When the group was destroyed seems those three vanished." Muttering under her breath. "So things ain't all kosher in Denmark." Justin looked at her slightly confused. Her smile dark. "Don't worry bout me bub... Ain't nuttin happenin ta this Lucky Tabby." Casting him a wink before takin up her jacket, and turning toward the swinging door. He could only stand there in dumb confusion watching her retreating back. He hadn't even been able ta tell her about the other's that had been here earlier.

Once in her room, the door locked, she replaced the blaster to the case that was under her bed. Settin the bottle down on the stand she flopped down on the bed. Crossin her feet. Her hands behind her head. Despite the time of day she closed her eyes soon fallin asleep. Totally unaware what was happening to the other's she knew a few miles away.

________________________________________

Date Tue, Nov 6, 1996 1031 AM EDT From Melicore Subj Re: Ranch

He was surprised when Kat suddenly excused herself after just settling on the barstool. He had known her long enough to realize something was wrong. Catching Ryax's swift movement in Kat's direction, he stood as well. Before he could take more than two steps, however, all hell broke loose. Suddenly, some unknown force lifted the books from the shelves behind him, sending them flying all around his head. In confusion and self protection, he used his metallic wings, slicing at the leather bound demons. For every one that fell, however, another one flew up and pelted him. All he could think of was traveling all this way only to be killed by the classics. Wondering how Ben was fairing, he chanced a look in his direction.

Ben knelt in a puddle of water, his hand glowing as the towel that was wrapped around his head flew across the room and snagged on a hook. Melicore's attention as once again drawn to his adversaries, particularly the one that had just given him a good hit to the head. Blood streaming into his eyes his body began to glow, rising to float a few feet above the carpet. As if they had a mind of their own, the metal feathers from his wings shot outwards in an arc, each one destroying the onslaught one book at a time. The speed created by the small blades gave the effect that Melicore was radiating silver light. Lost in his power, he didn't hear Ben's scream.

Just as suddenly as it started, it stopped. His body relaxing, he returned to the floor and opened his eyes. Everything hung in mid air momentarily. Suprise flitting across his face, he continued to look around the room, wincing slightly as the objects suddenly fell. “Smoke? What was he doing here? How did he get here?”

His thoughts were broken, however, but the voice of the computer booming around the room.

Secondary intruder alert.

To the others, this was just an announcement. To Melicore, this was extreme danger.

“SMOKE! Don't move. Whatever you do......don't *MOVE*!”

________________________________________

Subj Dead Date 96-11-06 040029 EST From B L Stinel

Ben fell on his butt. It wasn't him. It couldn't be. It had to be the other one... His double from that alternate universe. The one that was calling himself Tom Lenits.

He knew it wasn't true, though. He remembered being in the cockpit of the Grizzly. He remembered the battle, every second of it. He remembered getting Darrak's Jenner in his sights and firing the Gauss rifle, all three pulse lasers and the LRM 10 at it. That was when the heat sink had exploded, tearing outward through the armor protecting the fusion engine. He had barely managed to hit the eject button before the last salvo of SRMs from Darrak's exploding mech had hit the damaged engine.

The ejected cockpit had opened the moment it impacted the ground, and he had jumped out as soon as his harness was undone. He had grabbed his Air Force A-2 jacket from behind his seat and pulled it on to protect him against the cold air outside. He had only narrowly missed being crushed by the second ejector pod. Darrak's ejector.

He had looked up as the door to the pod opened and it's occupant stepped out. He looked up. And up. The man was nearly seven and a half feet tall.

They had scuffled a bit. Well, to be fair, Ben had scuffled. Darrak had pretty much just thrown him around. Ben had gotten a couple of good punches in. And broken his wrist doing it. After a while, Darrak had gotten bored and had plunged his fist into Ben's chest, letting the liquid mettle he was composed of rip Ben apart from the inside before blowing a hole in Ben's chest the size of his head.

Now Ben felt his chest in amazement and tested his wrist. His own body lay in front of him, dead, and he just sat there looking at it stupidly.

He was dead. What now? Was he a ghost? Was he doomed to wander the earth, waiting for judgment?

Judgment. What the outcome of that would be he wasn't sure he wanted to know. But it would come. He knew that. He had had a softball size hole in his chest and he was still there. He had a soul. Best to get done with it.

He stood up and looked at the sky. Dark clouds were blowing along, hiding the blue that was behind them. He cleared his throat, "God? It's been a while. I guess. Five years or so. Uhm," he wet his lips, "Uh... I'm ready."

The scream broke his reverie. He looked in that direction for half a second before he took off running for it's source.

He saw Kat on the crest of the next hill as he reached the top of the one he had climbed. She was shouting something incoherent and trying to ward herself against something with her arms. He ran down the hill, passing the burning ruin of Ryax's Assassin in the dip. The cockpit was intact and he passed close enough to see inside. He wished he hadn't. Ryax was inside.

After he emptied his stomach on the mech's arm fifteen feet away, he started up the hill towards Kat. She was crouched into a fetal ball and when he approached her she looked up at him and cowered away.

"NO! Not you too! Leave me alone!"

Ben stopped, "Kat..." Now he could see the dark fog that had wrapped itself around her. It was clinging to her like a dark cloak. Ben realized that he could feel the darkness of the thing, as though it were something tangible.

He took a step closer to Kat and he heard the whispering, “your fault they're dead, your fault, you did it, where is Jack now? your fault”

"My fault, my fault," Kat choked through the tears that were streaming out of her good eye, "my fault they're dead."

Ben's eyes widened as he realized what must be happening.

"NO!" He looked up at the sky again, "He can't have her! It's not fair!"

He ran forward and jerked Kat to her feet, out of the shadow's grasp. She blinked at him, uncertain of what she was seeing now that he had physically yanked her from her sorrow.

No time. "Move!" he yelled, grabbing her arm and pulling her into a run, away from the dark shape that was reaching for her again.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-05 215630 EST From TGG Smoke

The announcement sounded curiously like one of the ones he'd heard while serving as Admiral with the Rebellion. It didn't take long for two and two to equal three.... he froze. Looked somewhat like a curious lawn flamingo, in fact. Staring straight ahead, he avoided even glancing around as he cursed the security system and wished feverently for a good pair of running shoes....

Too late. One moment Ryan stood frozen to his spot, the next he was gone. No one in the room, including Melicore, could know what had happened. In a flash, he was simply not there any longer.

Intruder neutralized.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-06 223833 EST From TGG Smoke

The world went dark. Very dark. Midnight on a winter's eve in Alabama dark. And wet. And it smelled stale. He tried to shake his head, only to hit hard stone. Blinking in surprise, he realized he was lying face down in a puddle of stagnant water, to top things off....

“Mppph! No! It's sent me to the post office!............”

Even as he jumped up, he realized he was wrong. It was much to warm and cheery in here for that. Fumbling in the dark, he reached down for his blaster, hoping for something that could help start a fire for some light. Snapping the catch off the holster, he blinked as his hand groped in thin air.... it appeared that the security transporter which had obviously taken him down here had also taken the liberty of removing his weapons. He wasn't surprised when found that everything of possible use in the various small pockets of his utility belt had been removed too. Fighting back a growing sense of unease, he continued to check the belt for anything that might come in handy... Reaching around to his right side, he checked again..... and nearly had a heart attack. His lightsaber was still there, clipped to the belt. He guessed that it wasn't considered a weapon by the system, which probably hadn't even come across a reference of one of them before.... certainly the components looked relatively benign, when seen through a scanner.

Resisting the sudden urge to yell with joy, he hefted the saber in his hand and snapped it on, looking around the room in the pale shadows of the neon purple light it cast. He was in a small detention cell, solid rock on all sides save one, which was barred with a heavy iron door. The whole room was coated with a layer of dust three inches thick. Sloshing over to the door, he studied it carefully. He was loath to just cut through it..... he had no idea where the security system would take him if it registered an escape, and the thought of something worse than the current situation was frightening. So he just stood there staring at the door, realizing that there really was no easy way out of the predicament this time......

He sneezed.

The door creaked once, then with an audible metallic groan, crashed into the hall. He stood there in disbelief, blinking, muttering to himself

“Made in Yugoslavia.....”

He took one careful glance down the hall, then stepped out, looking in both directions. As far as the weak light from the saber showed, there was nothing but hall. As he was trying to decide on a path of travel, a draft blew by from the left, ruffling his hair..... there had to be some kind of opening that way. He turned and started off in that direction, following the gentle curve of the hall as it wound its way around. Suddenly, the hall ended. At one time, it looked like a giant metal blast door would have covered the gap, leading to what had been at one time a vast storeroom. The door however, had been ripped away viciously, leaving a gaping hole from the floor to ceiling. Taking a step inside, he stared at one of the walls. The carvings running along them sure were strange.... crude, too. Six parallel lines, running either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally, all in different areas of the room, as if placed randomly each line was about the width of his index and middle fingers placed together. He stared harder at a set near his eye level, frowning. They were very familiar..... then it hit him. They weren't carvings.

They were claw marks.

Gouged three inches deep and two across into granite.

From behind him, another clamoring of metal doors sounded. He was very sure it wasn't the wind.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-06 223833 EST From Katrylle

She didn't know if the child had just appeared or if she had been standing there the entire time. The girl was a new element in this vision, something that had not been in her nightmares, but she knew the face well. Had memorized it during her trip to Pelvar. Silently she whispered.

“Joslynne”

The girl smiled. “Halloo, Kat. The voice was sweet and full of hope. Whacha doin here?”

“My fault...all of it my fault. They're all dead because of me.”

The girl laughed, the joyful sound clashing with the death and destruction surrounding them.

“Silly Kat. This isn't your fate! Not if you don't want it to be.”

Sighing, Kat sat, heedless of the blood soaked ground. “I tried t'keep them out o'it. They wouldnae listen an' now they're gonna die.”

“No Kittyscot. No one is dead yet. Jack's gentle, deep voice replaced the child's. Listen to the child, hon. This is only one possibility of what is to be, the only one you will allow yourself to see.”

The shadow that had remained just outside her sight during the entire vision shifted. The voice inside her head rasped and hissed. “He liesssss. He sseeeessss the truth, yet he liesssss. They try to give falssse hope. They want your dissstruction becaussse of what you've done to them. Do not believe.”

She shook her head violently, trying to quiet the voice. “Jack wouldnae lie t'me.”

Again the shadow shifted, moving across her back in a cold chill to her other ear. “He told you he'd never leave, yet where isss he? Where hasss he been thessse passst monthssss when you've needed him?”

Doubt blossoming, she looked up at the images of Jack and Joslynne, their expression falling to complete disappointment.

“Jack.....I..... “ She pulled herself tighter into a ball. Suddenly, Ben was there, calling to her. This was more than she could take. Tasha, the baby....they would always blame her for his death. She coward away from his image.

“NO! Nae y'too!!! Leave m'alone!!!!!”

The shadow tightened it's hold on her, the voice growing in her head “Your fault, they'll all be dead, your fault, you did it, where isss Jack now? Your faaauuuuullllllttttttttt............”

Tears streaming unchecked down her cheek, she repeated the words over again “My fault....My fault.....They're all dead.....My fault.”

She ducked instinctively as he yelled, barely having time to register what the words meant before being yanked to her feet. As the shadow lost it's grip, she blinked. Not so much because of the physical contact, something she had never experienced in a vision before...but because the pain and guilt had dropped away like a cloak of ice.

Again, she was afforded no opportunity to consider what was happening as Ben jerked her arm, dragging her into a full run across the battlefield. “MOVE!!!!!”

Stumbling, trying to keep her feet under her as Ben continued to force her across the field, his grip on her arm made her realize that something was not right. She had known all along, somewhere deep in her mind, this was another of her visions.......yet...the warmth of his hand was wrong.

Planting her feet, she practically threw him off his own as she came to a sudden stop, bracing herself against his forward momentum. “Ben? How? Wha.....? Wha' are y'doin here? How'd y'git here? How can y'touch me.....me touch ye?????” The questions continued, each coming quickly, not allowing for his answers.

“Oh saints.....then it's true....it really did happen. They're all dead, aren't they? Oh gods....I really killed them!!!” Truly looking around for the first time since finding herself here, she became hysterical. Breaking free from his grasp, she ran blindly and at full speed.

Back in the room:

As soon as Ryan disappeared, the storm of flying objects began once again, starting slowly but building in intensity and fury quickly. It seemed as though everything not secured to a floor, wall or ceiling began to cyclone around the room. The only safe place appeared to be the "eye" of the storm, the 5' diameter surrounding Kat, Jarrid and Ben.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-07 210536 EST From TGG Smoke

Behind him, something drew closer, moving through the hall at an alarming rate. He reached into the Force, trying to feel the presence, and almost fell backwards from a mental blow. The entire web of the Force in the area had gone suddenly unstable, making it impossible for him to ascertain anything relating to whatever' den he had just invaded. He was running out of time rapidly. Searching frantically around the cavernous storeroom, he looked desperately for anything that could help him escape, or even buy time.....

He almost missed the door. It was set into the far wall, painted the same gray color as the granite. Sprinting over to it, he tried the keypad, not altogether surprised when nothing happened. Raising his lightsaber, he cut through it, praying it wasn't linked to a working security system. It wasn't. He jumped through the hole and ran down the hall, just as a massive dark shaped crashed into the storeroom. He turned to watch, getting a vivid impression of its enormous power even in the pitch dark. The thing entered its adopted home and stopped, looking around curiously. He squinted at the dark silhouette, watching as it sniffed around its den, snuffing angrily. It poked around the walls, sniffed at the floor....... and suddenly, he saw two large red eyes, slitted and glowing faintly in the dark, turn and look through the door, straight at him.

He turned and ran.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-08 025303 EST From B L Stinel

"Oh gods... I really killed them!" Kat looked around herself in a panic and pulled her arm free from him.

When she took off running, Ben took off after her. Ben was faster than her, but not by much. He closed the gap she had created only after two minutes of chasing her at a full sprint. He brought her to the ground in a flying tackle before rolling her over to look at him.

"Damn it, Kat, pull yourself together! You didn't kill anyone but a few of Darrak's best men. I ordered the DoomBringers into battle and I'm the one that's responsible for our deaths. We were just outnumbered. That's all there is to it."

Kat sat up and sniffed, wiping her eye with her sleeve, "What do you mean 'Our' deaths?"

Ben sighed and sat back, running a hand through his hair. He paused for a moment, looking at nothing in particular just to Kat's right. "Kat, just a few minutes ago I was looking at Ryax's remains still in the cockpit of his mech. Five minutes before that I was looking down at my own body with a huge hole in it's chest and feeling for a pulse. Darrak really did a number on me."

Kat drew in a sharp breath.

Ben paused for a moment before continuing, "Kat... I never heard of a ghost that could tackle a living person."

He looked to Kat's face to see what she was thinking. She was looking at the sleeve of his A-2 jacket.

"What's that?"

"What's what?" He looked at his sleeve and seeing the stain there, "Oh. I threw up a bit when I saw what was left of Ryax."

Kat looked at him, "I ain’t nae heard o’a ghost sickin' up afore either."

Ben frowned, taking a closer look at her. She was wearing a bathrobe. "Kat... weren't you wearing your flight suit before?"

Kat glanced down at herself, pinching the terrycloth between her fingers. She looked up at him suddenly and they both remembered where they really were at the same moment.

"My shower!"

"The room!"

________________________________

Ben sat up and looked around. Jarrid was helping Kat sit up and Ryax was laying two feet away from him and coughing while Melicore wrapped bandages around his torso. Ben looked down at a puddle of vomit that was near him.

"That's your mess, you get to clean it up," Ryax told him with a grimace as Melicore wrapped just a bit to tightly.

Ben blinked twice. "Are you okay?"

"He needs a doctor." Melicore said.

"I don't need a doctor!" Ryax growled just before going into a fit of coughs. "I'll be fine."

Ben looked around. Machinshi, with a spear across his knees, was watching a group of pillows piled up across the room and glancing at Kat every few moments. Kat was looking at him. He looked back.

"Now do you know why I didn't want you to come?"

Ben nodded, "But I remember everything. It can be avoided now."

Kat sighed and then focused her eye on something that was lying on the floor about ten feet away. "Isn't that Ryan's blaster?"

Ben looked at the blaster and noticed something else near it, "And his belt. Did he loan his things to any of you guys?"

"Ryan was here," Machinshi said, "then the security system came on and he vanished."

"It was a security transporter," Mel said, "it just took him down to a holding cell."

"Oh no."

They all looked at Kat.

"What?" Melicore asked.

"There's a Rancor down there! Joke and Dalia caught it just after you left on your last supply run, before Darrak ambushed us. It's been down there ever since! We've got to get Ryan out of there!"

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-08 025303 EST From Katrylle

Shooting a worried look in Ry's direction, she clambered to her feet. Tucking her right arm securely in her robe, she winced slightly as she tried to keep the broken wrist from shifting too much as she stood. Seeing he was in good hands, she took two steps towards the computer console only to stop suddenly. Making a 360 turn, she surveyed the damage in the room

“Wha' th'.......? Good lord, wha' th'hell y'guys do in here??? An' *who's* gonna *clean* this mess? Ahhh.....Jack's books...who' th'hell sliced Jack's classics?????”

Moaning softly, she shook her head. Not waiting for an answer she continued her way to the desk, fumbling with the keyboard left handed.

“Computer. Location of secondary intruder.”

Detention level C, storage facility.

Frowning, she questioned the computer. “Storage. I thought he would be detained in a cell.”

''Initial reports show that the intruder was contained in a holding cell but has proceeded to escape. Shall I move to security measure Delta?''

“NO! Lock on him and send him to my co-ordinates. Code 10 o'diamonds, 10 o'hearts, ace o'diamonds.”

BlackJack

Before the computer had completed the confirmation, Ryan's form slowly began to materialize in the center of the room. Turning to face him, she chuckled softly, seeing his attack stance, lightsaber drawn and at the ready.

“Welcome, Ryan. Ahhh....I see y've met Fred.”

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-08 025303 EST From PDarrak

He had squeezed his mountainous 7' frame through the door to the command center almost two hours ago. In that time, two techs lay broken against a far wall and a third sat critically wounded against a window. All had been victims of Darrak's brief but violent outbursts of rage. Although the outbursts had past quickly, no one in the room spoke. Keeping their eyes glued to the monitors, the remaining techs' fingers frantically searched their keyboards for the answers Darrak demanded.

Suddenly, one tech began fidgeting nervously. Glancing quickly between his monitor and Darrak, he cleared his throat.

“Sir? I.....I think I um.....I think I have something.”

Darrak's heavy metallic footsteps boomed across the room, causing each of the techs to wince at the sound. None shook worse than the tech who had drawn Darrak's attention. Forcing himself to calm, he spun his chair to look up at the moving giant.

“A message has come in on your info line, sir. Someone....a man...has been to the assayer's office asking about property owned by Jack Morghan. He seemed particularly interested in a ranch outside of town. The information the clerk provided him has been sent along with the transmission. A printout will be in your hands in a moment, Sir.”

The silence was deafening as Darrak waited for the pages. His calm demeanor frightened the techs worse than his rage. Rolling his chair across the floor to the printer, the tech yanked the paper from the feeder. Rolling quickly back to Darrak, he deposited the pages into his waiting metallic hand. As Darrak read, the tech began quietly rolling his chair backwards, away from the living volcano.

Dropping the papers onto the workstation, Darrak spoke to no one in particular. “The ranch was destroyed....No one could live there now.”

Focusing on the tech, his "eyes" narrowed.

“When was the last satellite run?”

Snapping to attention, the chair stopping dead, the tech stammered.

“An hour ago, sir.”

Nodding, Darrak began pacing, the tech scurrying to get out of his path “Get me enhanced images of these co-ordinates. Match them to previous satellite passes and let me know of any abnormalities.”

“Yes SIR!!!”

Quickly, the tech returned to his keyboard, banging out the commands that would give him the required data.

“Um....Sir? This could take a while. I could contact you when the data has been compiled.”

Darrak made no indication he had heard the man. Sighing, the tech returned his full attention to the work at hand.

A few moments later, the tech again glanced up at Darrak. “Sir. More reports of activities coming in. A woman this time. Delbay is sending a messenger with an envelope she left. Her instructions were to see that you get it immediately. Other reports verify his description of her. Small woman, about 5' tall, black hair, single green eye, other covered with a silver studded patch. All reports seem to indicate she wanted you to know who she was, Sir.” The tech chuckled slightly “Apparently, she even posed for your informants so you could have a better description of her.”

Darrak was not amused. “Her name. Did anyone mention her name?”

The tech cowered. “Uh....no Sir. No one seems to have that information.”

The tech was saved by the knocking on the door before it slid open. A guard entered, white envelope in hand.

“Sir. A messenger said to deliver this to you, that it was of the utmost importance.”

Darrak swiped the envelope out of the guard's hand and dismissed him with an offhanded wave. Ripping the end off the envelope, he dumped it's contents into his hand and stared in shock. Two cards, ace of spades, king of hearts, secured together with the word "Atonement" scrawled across their faces. Apart from the words, this had been Morghan's "calling card". He had left them behind whenever he had beaten Darrak out of some prize shipment. Now they had returned to haunt him.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-09 214413 EST From TGG Smoke

He ran blindly, spurned on by fear. He could hear it drawing closer, moving impossibly fast through the hall. He ran on, settling into the Force, letting the fear drain away and be replaced by a calm resolve. The cloak he wore clipped to his collar streamed out behind him as he ran, and he could almost imagine that the thing was there, right behind him, ready to strike...... He turned a blind corner, risking a glance over his shoulder.... and ran straight into the end of the corridor. He turned, searching the walls for a door, a vent, even a service crawlway. There was nothing. He was trapped.

He turned again, falling back into a combat stance, lightsaber held ready. As the monster turned the corner, he could make out its profile in the dim light of his saber..... the eyes, giant clawed hands, huge feet.... it was a Rancor. They had been keeping one of the deadliest predators in nature's creation captive.... that was not wise. Even worse, he was willing to bet it hadn't eaten in months, maybe years... It moved forward, raising one clawed fist with a chilling snarl. He raised the saber, ready to strike...

It disappeared. The corridor disappeared. He was back in the room he had arrived in. He blinked, trying to make out spoken words through the haze in his mind. Blood pounded in his ears. He was dizzy. So dizzy....

With a slight whimper, he collapsed onto the deck.

________________________________________

Subj Return from Den of the Unknown Date 96-11-10 030755 EST From Katrylle

Kat was the first one to Ryan as he collapsed onto the floor “RYAN! Oh hell...did it git ya?” She searched his body, looking for tell tale signs of a Rancor attack, yet knowing full well he would not have been standing if it had happened. Suddenly, she hauled off and slapped his shoulder left handed, which was good for him, since she actually has more strength in her right hand.

Standing, she glared down at hum “Damnit, Ryan!!!! Y' scared me!!!!!!” Spinning on her heels, she stormed her way back to the desk, kicking debris out of her way. Flopping into a chair she was careful not to jiggle her right wrist still tucked in her robe “Ryan...g'tend t'Ry...he's bleedin an' needs a med.”

In her anger, she shot Ry a withering look as he again began to protest. “Damnit...I still friggin care fer ya an' I ain't gonna let y'die! Now shaddup an' git yer wounds tended to!! Ry's only response was a snarl in her direction.”

Spinning in her seat, still glaring, she eyed “Ben How'd y'find me anyways? I made sure I dinnae leave anythin ahind fer ya t'follow.”

________________________________________

Subj Somethingsomethingsomething Date 96-11-12 031522 EST From B L Stinel

Kat turned on him shortly after snapping at Ryan. She was irritable. "How'd y'find me anyways," she demanded, "I made sure I dinnae leave anythin ahind fer ya t'follow."

Ben gave her his driest look, "I noticed."

Kat continued to look at him, waiting for an answer.

Ben sighed, "Well, Jugger planted a blip in the Angel, that new Panther of yours, and your duffle. The batteries in the things went dead pretty fast, but it was enough for him to track you to the dropship you took, and he followed that one to the jumpship with the scanners. Ryan checked it out and said it was the best bet. It was your records that got us here though. Ryax thought you were heading for home and your file pointed us to Pelvar."

Kat snorted, "Jugger. He promised he wouldnae try t' come after me. He said I wouldnae be followed."

"He said he would try to talk me out of following you. He didn't say that he would order me not to or that he wouldn't help me in every way he could once he'd failed."

She snorted again, "That still doesnae explain how y'found me here a'th'ranch. Er how y'know th' name Joslynne ZyThyrn. I only jist discovered it m'self on th'way here.......... Wait, I guess Melicore told y' how to find th' ranch."

"No," Melicore shook his head, "he already knew."

Kat looked from Mel to Ben, confused.

"The assayer's office. I was looking for properties owned by Jack Morghan, particularly the ranch. I remembered you mentioned it once a while back. I got the name Joslynne from the records. The name of the executor of Morghan's estate changed from a holding company to the name Joslynne ZyThyrn on the same day that you got here."

"Y'did wha'?!?!?!?"

Ben blinked, mildly astonished, and repeated himself, "I went to the assayer's office to-"

She cut him off, "It dinnae occur t'ye that Darrak would be verra interested in sumbody askin aboot Jack Morghan? Interested enough t'hae a mole down there t' tell him ifin anyone was doin it? Holy bloody..." She twisted around in her chair to work a keyboard at the desk. Forgetting about her broken wrist, she pulled out her hand so she could type and let out a scream when she jarred it along the way.

Ryan, only to happy to have a patient that wasn't going to growl at him, left Ryax to see about Kat's wrist.

Kat sat there for several minutes, breathing, while Ryan looked her wrist over. When he was finished, Kat addressed the air without looking up from where her head rested against the desk, "Git me a list o' all activities since m' departure. I want all satellite scans, anythin Darrak might've done. Can y'git any messages tha'might've passed through his come center?"

''Negative. The anomalies surrounding Kirkdon prevent any such scan.''

Kat grimaced. "Damn," she muttered.

Ben frowned. "I'm having the weirdest feeling that I've done this before. I've heard your computer say that before, I've heard you ask it that before, and I'm certain that I knew how you were going to react over the assayer's office, but at the time when I was there it didn't occur to me."

Kat looked up at him, a peculiar expression on her face, "Me too."

"You were just about to say something about Jack putting the estates in the name Joslynne. It's yours, isn't it? Your real name?"

Kat's eyes widened and she nodded, "I was thinkin tha'. Yeah, it is m' real name, er so th' files Jack gave me said... and y'woulda asked me how Jack coulda done it ifin it only happened in th' last two days."

Ben nodded, "Zed. Of course."

"O' course."

Melicore cut in, "How do you know about Zed?"

"Damn, that's some pretty severe dejavu. And contagious too," Jarrid said. "Are you two okay?"

Ben frowned and walked across the room and back, shaking his head, "No, no, no... I remember the entire conversation. We talked about the Zed program for a minute or two before Ryan said he was hungry. Jarrid, you agreed with him and Kat pointed you to the replicators."

"Well, I am hungry," Ryan said. Jarrid nodded.

"Geeze, I remember everything right up to the point that Darrak killed me. In your vision, Kat."

"What? Are you sayin that I was unconsciously predictin the future?"

"Why not," Ryax muttered. "You were unconsciously hurling every object you could find around the room."

Kat gave Ry an odd look of disbelief and opened her mouth to deny it. She closed it right away, though, when Ben shook his head at her.

"That's not important," Ben said. "What's important is that if I'm right then Darrak is going to show up here with a bunch of large mechs in just about half an hour."

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-12 223852 EST From Machinshi

"That's not important," Ben said. "What's important is that if I'm right then Darrak is going to show up here with a bunch of large mechs in just about half an hour."

A sudden predatory smile began to spread over Machinshi's face as he heard that. Such a smile that would put frost on a PPC that had just been fired.

"Ben Stinel. If we know that this Darrak is coming, and we know when he will spring his attack, then we can ambush his force before he expects it and dance the spears with the advantage to us. Katrylle, what would be the most likely line of approach to the ranch? Really....Do you expect him to have air support? If he does not, then Ryan and Ben will be the hammer we smash our foe with... "

Machinshi whips out is pocket comp and projects a holo-map onto the floor of the room and begins studying the tactics of the situation. He stands motionless for a while then looks up and begins to ask questions.

How large to you expect Darraks force to be?

Does this hold have any other defenses?

How far away is Darrak's hold?

Grinning, Machinshi speaks "I think we could stage the ambush about 3 kilometers out from his hold. He will not expect us to be there, and likely will not have his force formed up for battle. A fat hare with no cover....If we move very soon, we can be in place before he realizes...

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-12 223852 EST From PDarrak

LT stepped into the comm. center, quickly and accurately assessing the mood in the room. Those techs still living, were tense and quiet. Darrak stood staring at something cradled in his hand, his body trembling slightly.

Clearing his throat, Linton Travers stepped further into the room. “I get the strangest feeling you've been looking for me.”

Darrak spun at the sound of his second in command's voice. “Where have you been?!!!! “

The dapper man did not flinch as he confronted his commander. Casually, as if without a care concerning the tempest about to explode in his face, he propped himself against a workstation. “Carrying out your orders, Darrak. You wanted that new shipment of U-PPC's moved? I was procuring talent to move it for you. That shipment, by the way, has gone missing.”

“I KNOW that!!!!” Everyone except Travers flinched at Darrak's screaming. As the commander began pacing furiously across the room, ranting about missing assets, Travers continued to watch him. The air about the dapper man was calm and collected.

Travers was only half listening to the rantings of the madman when something on the computer screen next to him caught his attention. Glancing down, he saw a series of satellite pictures being displayed, apparently in chronological order. Satellite pictures of the Morghan ranch. Frowning, he shifted his position, looking up at the tech at the next workstation. “What's this?”

Extremely nervous, the tech nearly jumped out of his skin when Travers spoke to him. “Uh...it's...it's satellite passes of the Morghan ranch, Sir. Someone has been asking about it and Commander Darrak requested that all passes made in the last 24 hours be scanned for any abnormalities.”

Arching an eyebrow, Travers merely nodded, quelching his own stirrings of nervousness. “Have you found anything yet?”

The tech shook his head “But this is only the first run through, Sir.”

Suddenly a pair of cards was shoved under Travers' nose. “....and these were delivered to DelBay's by some *woman*! You recognize these, don't you Travers? They're Morghan's calling card. The ..........*PIRATE* left them for me at every job he did!”

Travers' gaze slowly traveled from the cards up Darrak's arm to his face. “A woman, you say. And you believe her to be cozying up at the ranch? That place has been uninhabitable since you throughoughly destroyed it months ago.”

Darrak glared at Travers. “Well...someone has been asking about it. We could have missed something.” Travers shook his head chuckling. “ We missed nothing. I took care of those plans for you, Darrak. Or do you doubt me now?”

Timing for Travers could not have been worse. The tech who had first reported the interest in the ranch suddenly drew Darrak's attention. “Sir...I have something.” Standing, he made his way to the monitor next to Travers. “See here? This pass was taken 8 hours ago.” The tech punched a key “This one 4 hours ago. Notice there is nothing unusual between the two.” Punching the key once again “Now this was taken two hours ago. See here? Tire tracks...they seem to end suddenly at this point. Also, there is a fresh burn mark on the ground here. Almost as if something had exploded.”

Darrak growled. “Travers, I want a team out there now. Rip the place apart and bring in anyone lurking about out there, hear me?” Travers nodded. “What about the woman? You want her here too?”

“Yes. I want to know what interest she has in my operation. Wait. Tell Johnston where she's staying. I need you to take care of the ranch. And make sure nothing is left unturned.”

Pushing himself away from the workstation, Travers gave what information he had on the woman to the tech before making his way out the door and down the hall. Moments later, in his room, locked away from the others, Travers let his calm slip. Furiously, he punched the keys on his computer, finally slamming the "send" button with such force he nearly broke it. Then he began to pace.

It only took a matter of minutes before the confirmation was returned but it seemed like hours. Only then was Travers able to relax. Slipping back out into the hallway, he made his way to the mech bay. Striding through the door, he commanded any and every pilot in sight to their mechs, the prayer in his mind that they would be too late well hidden from all around him.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-12 223852 EST From Katrylle

Kat shook her head Mach. “Wha d'we fight them wi'? Our hands? There was never any infantry equipment here. All we got are a few mines an' sum flamers, and they'll d'nae good aginst a mech. We were pirates, nae soldiers. As fer heavy equipment, the only mechs we housed were destroyed months ago, along wi' their owners.” Kat shook her head slightly “We can't stay here.”

Ben nodded in agreement. “It would take too long to get back to the warehouse to get our own mechs. We just need to retreat for the moment, get our act together and then attack.”

As Kat listened and watched Mach and Ben, her attention was suddenly drawn by an insistent beeping behind her. Turning partially, she frowned as the computer confirmed an incoming file. “ Ah jeeze....now wha?” Shaking her head, she muttered under her breath. “How does he *do* tha?”

Continuing the turn in her chair, she tapped out the command left handed calling up the new file, her right neatly set and splinted by Ryan. Her mind still pondered the ease with which her "informant" gained access to the base when the file came to life..

“BEN!!! Guys....we got problems.” On the screen, three satellite images flashed in apparent succession, the third revealing the tire tracks and scorch mark they had made playing footsies outside. “DAMN!! We gotta do somethin about that before we leave. We can't have them searchin' too hard er they'll find th'base.”

Without an explanation as to whom she had received the data from and why, Kat glanced up at the ceiling “Computer...projected completion time o'th' objective?”

22.4 hours

Growling, she slid her hand through her hair in exasperation. “Any chance o'speedin thin's up?”

Negative.

“Bloody hell....” looking over her shoulder at the men, she shrugged. “It's now or never guys....wha' d'we do? I opt fer bail. We know we got th'power elsewhere. We jist gotta git t'it. I hae everythin we need on Darrak's fortress an'his operations. As we speak, most o'his assets are slowly fadin inta nothin'ness, anyway.” Somehow, she seemed to emphasize the word "slowly" without seeming to try.

She looked to each of her friends, once again finding herself wishing she had not been the reason they were in such danger. “Well?”

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-13 214905 EST From Machinshi

Machinshi shrugged impassively “My people fought with nothing but their hands for generations. Many still do. I do not run toward death, but neither do I let its specter strike fear into me.” Turning to Ben and the others “I agree that it would be best to fall back in the face of a serious attack. I do not think that any thrust at this time will be well managed. For them to show in the next half an hour, they must move very quickly. I do not think we could slay them all, but we can bloody SightBlinder's nose before we go. We must. If we do nothing then they will destroy all that you have left. Do not think they will miss now what was passed over before.”

Machinshi's eyes keep their predatory look “Even pirates have spines. Ryan and I are in the best condition. Though I am not Sha'en M'taal, we can cover the retreat of the rest. There must be something here for us to work with.”

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-14 025855 EST From Ryax

Ryax, who had been standing back till now, moved up to the rest of the group and nodded in agreement to Mach's words.

"I've fought techs in my 'ome world with nothin' but my 'ands an' wits." Shooting a dangerous glances towards all of them he stops there words before they can utter them.

"And I've been in worse conditions. I've fought wit barley a leg t'stand on and an arm t'old my weapon wit, so I'd thank ye t'leave me th'hell alone." settling his glance on Kat. "no matter 'ow much y'care." A reddish hue invades the green in his brightly glowing eyes. "If we fight I say we start gettin' ready fer it now...if we run, then I say we get goin'." His voice becomes a low growl as more of himself slips away to his "other", and snarl splays on his lips.

"I say we fight."

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-14 053234 EST From TGG Smoke

The tension in the room rose, being echoed through the Force until it was almost painful. Turning to Ben, he nodded...

"My X-wing's only a short distance away from here.... I'm going to take one of the utility vehicles and go get it. Just pray the Imperial cloaking shield that's jury-rigged in there still works... If everything's as cantankerous as usual, I have no idea what's going to happen.... but when I get here, just tell me whether 'ye plan on staying or going."

He turned and walked out before anyone could argue, grabbing a glass of water on the way down into the hall and over to the stairway. Alternating between sipping the water and sprinting down the steps, he ran down to the garage level and pushed open the heavy iron door, stepping out into the underground parking lot. He stopped and gave the room a quick once-over, taking stock of each vehicle. It didn't look good. He saw plenty of flashy, powerful cars, but not really anything that would get him through the forest. He was almost going to forget the idea when he saw it. Over in the corner, almost out of sight, was a white Humvee, hidden away as if second hand. Closer inspection revealed it to be an ordinary ranch utility vehicle, not a town car.... it was perfect.

He opened the door and jumped in, setting his glass into a cup holder and unclipping the keys from the sun visor. The engine turned over twice before catching on the third try, the sudden roar of eight cylinders rolling through the garage. He shifting from neutral into first, he carefully drove out the maze of cars to the ramp, pulling outside and stopping to wait for the door close again.

There doors closed. In the corner of his eye, a small motion caught his attention. He turned to look, realizing it was his water glass. Small concentric circles were rippling out from the center, giving an eerie sense of motion.

There was a small earthquake. The glass jumped. He yelped, suddenly alarmed, then fell silent when it was over. Just a small trembler. He had to loosen u....

There was another one. Closer, if it was possible. Somewhere off to his left, about 500 meters into the trees, something snorted. Another earthquake. Two more snorts. Very familiar snorts. His mind raced back to the detention level, and to Kat's mention of defending the base.....

They had let the rancor out. He cursed and floored it, screaming out of the base and into the forest.

________________________________________

Subj Retreat or Fight? Date 96-11-19 021332 EST From Katrylle

Her eye narrowed dangerously as Ry directed part of his speech at her. The tight clenching of her jaw told those close to her that she was on the verge of exploding. They all heaved a sigh of relief, however, as she merely turned back to the computer and typed furiously....or as furiously as a right handed person can only using their left.

Not really paying much attention to the rest of the conversation, she began instructing the computer to load what little arsenal Jack had stored at the base into the bed of the pickup. Either way, flee or fight, they would need that equipment and a way to transport it. The truck, battered as it was, was the fastest Jack had owned...and the sturdiest.

By the time she had finished and returned her gaze to the group, she had calmed down enough to appear relaxed, though she never risked a glance in Ry's direction for the rest of the meeting.

________________________________________

Subj Should I stay, or should I go? Date 96-11-19 030431 EST From B L Stinel

He was a little bit surprised by the suggestions to stay and fight. A little bit. He knew that they all hated the idea of running from a battle. He did too, but there were more reasons to leave then there were to stay.

"Okay, we might be able to hold our own against a lance of mechs," he said, "with the right weapons. But if we do manage to fight them off, they're only going to come back with a helluva lot more. Then we'll have to run. On top of that, they're gonna start poking around here and they might find the base. But that doesn't really matter, because in Kat's vision or prophesy or whatever you want to call it, we stayed to fight them, went to get our mechs when they ran off, and came back to find a battalion of Darrak's mechs and most of us died. I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm not too interested in letting that happen."

"So what're we supposed to do? We're gonna have 'em on our backs whether we want them or not."

"We've got thirty minutes," Ben said. "That's plenty of time to get up there and cover our tracks."

________________________________________

Subj Time Date 96-11-19 034243 EST From B L Stinel

Ben watched the fire. The fuel he had dumped over it made it burn much hotter then the average bonfire, so it wasn't long before the wood had been consumed to the point of hot coals. After drowning it with several buckets of water he waved Machinshi over from where he was wheeling his bike in donuts, scarring up the ground with Ryax, Jarrid, and Melicore.

Machinshi revved his bikes engine and sped towards Ben, letting it's rear tire peel out at the last second, skidding through the ashes at his feet.

"Not bad, Mach. With luck, they'll get here and see the aftershocks of a kids party."

Beer cans had been tossed around the scorch marks from the explosion of Ben's bike, and Ben had built the fire right on top of the black spot. A couple of soiled blankets had been left on the ground, along with a few assorted undergarments. The entire area around the ashes reeked of beer. They hadn't been able to find any condoms in the base to make the picture complete, but Ryax had found a container of birth control pills in the infirmary which had been idly left near one of the blankets. All six of them had been smoking cigarette after cigarette for the last ten minutes and tossing the butts on the ground along with the beer cans.

"That's the idea," Mach answered before revving the bike at full speed towards the road. The other three had congregated there and looked ready to go.

The sound of the ramp raising made him turn around. Kat's truck was on it, waiting. She shot the old Chevy back when the ramp had finished it's climb, retracing over the tire tracks that were already there. Up close it would look like someone had been parked there and then pulled out the direction it had come in. And it would be a convincing disguise for what had shown up on the satellite scan. She wheeled the truck around and pulled up next to Ben. Ben climbed into the driver's seat when Kat slid over to let him in.

"All set."

"Good." Kat pointed to a dense clump of tall trees towards the edge of the ranch, "The War Kat is there. It wouldn't pay to leave it here and have Darrak's men find it."

Ben nodded and gunned the engine in that direction.

The LRM exploded about ten yards in front of the truck.

"They're early, damn it they're early!" Ben swerved the truck arround the explosion and slammed on the accelerator.

"I don think they're early, I think we're late." Kat told him.

________________________________________

Subj Time Date 96-11-19 034243 EST From Katrylle

"They're early, damn it they're early!" Ben swerved the truck around the explosion and slammed on the accelerator.

"I don think they're early, I think we're late." Kat told him.

Silently, she cussed herself for not keeping better track of the time. Now they had no choice. They would have to fight, or die trying. But even that decision was taken out of their hands as Ben pulled the truck into a skidding halt. Before them stood a Vindicator and an Archer, both with their lasers trained into the cab of the truck.

Under his breath, Ben muttered a few words he had obviously picked up from Kat and Tash. They sat there helpless.

Quickly, Kat glanced out her window to where the bikes had been. They too were cut off, a Valkyrie and a Javelin keeping them at bay. Beyond, two more mechs were visible; a Blackjack and a Firestarter. These two mechs were quickly eating up the distance to the truck.

“Sweet Mother o'.....Ben. We're in fer it now. Can y'act drunk, hon?” Very slowly, she began partially untucking the shirt she had borrowed out of Jack's closet. Fumbling with the buttons left handed, she refastened them haphazardly, giving the appearance of a woman who had hastily, if not drunkenly, put her clothes back on.

Without waiting for Ben's reply, she opened her door, leaning way out before sprawling on the ground. Laughing hysterically, she climbed up the side of the truck slowly, appearing to use it as support to get to her feet. Staggering backwards, she blew a kiss through the open door to Ben in response to his hissed "Get back in the damn truck!" and promptly fell on her backside. Laughing again, she managed to crawl to the front fender, again using the truck to get to her feet.

Leaning against the front of the truck, she swayed dangerously, waving to the pilots of the Vindicator and the Archer. Turning back to Ben, she slurred her words, yelling at the top of her lungs.

“Sheee? I TOLD ya th'word wud git ooot! Y'wanted t'trassshhhh th'party! I *told* ya! Sheeee?” Waving over her shoulder towards the mech, she stumbled again but this time, it was no act. Luckily, her back was to the mechs, so the pilots did not see the surprise registering on her face as the ground shook beneath her. Flicking her gaze up to Ben, he could see the unanswerable question in her eye just before she slipped to the ground.

“Earthquake!!! Jeesssshhh....y'guysh shur d'put up a tremor...” her giggling resumed from under the front end of the truck. Another tremor shook, this time the source appeared much closer, though apparently not coming from the approaching mechs.

Loudly, Kat began singing, her head appearing once again across the hood of the truck. “Shhhake, rattle an' roll..” giggling again, she stumbled her way towards the Archer, praying to god they were buying her act.

“Heyash guys.....cummon down!! We can git thish party goin agin!!!! Theresh still plenty o'booze in th........HOLY!!!! “

Suddenly, she was in a full sprint back to the truck, diving under the front end. “Fred's loose!!!!”

This was all Ben heard as the Archer was suddenly spun around, giant claws ripping off the right arm actuator in the process. The rancor stood as tall as the mechs and probably weighed just as much. It took mere seconds for the Archer to be ripped in to scrap. Fred had discovered the pilot's pod and was in the process of cracking it like a nut when the Vindicator turned, apparently in response to the hysterical screaming coming over his comm. The Blackjack and the Firestarter were still a distance away, but obviously not too far for the Blackjack to fire it's auto cannon, hitting Fred in the right shoulder.

The shot had come too late for the pilot of the Archer. Roaring it's rage, the rancor threw the pilot to the ground with such a force, the sound of breaking bones could be heard at the truck. Turning, it attacked the closest object, the Vindicator. In a panic, the pilot unloaded everything he could into the rancor, but it only slowed him down. In his hysteria, the pilot forgot the one rule of defense; "they can't hit you if you're not there."

Kat saw her opportunity. As the mechs were distracted by the rancor, she rolled out from under the truck on Ben's side, jumping to her feet. “I'm going for the War Kat! Git th'hell outta here!!!”

Again, without waiting for a reply, she took off at a full sprint for the grove of trees behind the commotion, careful to keep out of the line of fire.

Fred's strength was waning, but it was still enough to grapple a hold on the Vindicator, effectively pinning it's arms to it's sides and cutting off all access to it's weapons. The pilot could only scream as the giant jaws before him opened wide and came in for the kill.

Fred took a bite. Unfortunately for all concerned, the bite was of the fusion drive rather than the cockpit. The explosion was tremendous, and Kat appeared to be caught in the middle of it.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-25 083536 EST From MELICORE

As he skidded to a stop, Melicore looked at the Valkyrie and the Javelin. He thought that even though they were a smaller class of Mech, they still weren’t something he wanted to meet in a dark alley alone. He cussed under his breath

"I've about had it with these things!"

As he watched the giant machines before him, Melicore's eyes changed from their normal green to black. Glancing in the direction of the truck, he watched Kat stumbling around. Frowning darkly, he wondered what was she up to when his attention was drawn to the trees. Suddenly he saw it, the Rancor ... Fred, and good lord, did he look hungry.

Shaking his head as he watched Fred tear into the Archer, he muttered “We're gonna die.”

________________________________________

Subj Meeting of the Minds Date 96-11-25 165028 EST From LntnTravrs

As the Mechs came within sight of the ranch, Travers frowned darkly as he spied the truck and bikes. "Damn fools!" he muttered under his breath before keying the comm. "Your orders are to detain, nothing more. Understand?"

Five electronically enhanced voices returned five separate "affirmatives" before Travers continued. "Dokkum, you and Lightthorn take the truck. Release a warning shot to let them know we mean business."

The Archer fired a PPC several yards in front of the battered pickup, apparently taking the occupants by surprise. "Gold, you and Davidson cover the bikes. It's a good probability that these guys are just a bunch of kids out for fun, but lets not take any chances. Saunderson, come with me. I can't see what's in the bed of that truck and it's making me nervous."

He had been watching the progress of Dokkum and Lightthorn when something odd caught his attention. Squinting, he realized the figure falling out of the truck was a woman. Sucking in his breath, he realized he recognized the exceptionally long black hair and the black patch over her right eye. "Good God in heaven. What is that lunatic up to now?"

Arching an eyebrow, he watched as several minutes into her drunken act, she suddenly dove under the truck. His confusion at her action was heightened by the loud screaming in his head. Glancing around, he realized that the screaming was coming over the open comm and the voice belonged to Dokkum in the Archer. Twisting the body of his Blackjack as he walked, Travers scanned the area. Sighting in on the Archer, his confusion again blossomed as he realized that something rather large was systematically ripping one of his mechs limb from limb. At first, his only thought was that the "thing" was a new prototype mech, but as the beast began beating the pilot's pod on the ground, everything cleared for the commander.

Without a second thought, he released a shot from his autocannon, hitting the beast in the shoulder. He knew he was too far out of range to be truly effective, but the sudden thought occurred to him that this just might be the opportunity he had been praying for. "GOLD! DAVIDSON! Get over here!!!" As the Valkyrie and the Javelin began moving to join the battle, suddenly, all hell broke loose.

Apparently, in it's wounded rage, the Rancor turned on the next possible target; Lightthorn in the Vindicator. Everything slowed as Travers watched the woman suddenly sprint across the battle field towards the grove. At almost the same instant, beast open it's jaws, biting into the fusion drive. There was nothing he could do but brace himself for the big boom.

Once the shockwaves of the explosion had passed, Travers flicked open the chrono unit on his wrist. Speaking quietly into it, he continued walking his Blackjack on towards the destruction. In an instant, he heard, rather than saw another of his mechs go up in flames behind him, but still he pressed forward, veering in the direction he had seen the woman run. He paused, however, when the ancient motorcycle roared past him, also heading in the same direction.

________________________________________

Subj Suspended Time Date 96-11-25 214044 EST From SalPayne34

She awoke with a start at the impatient rapping on her door. Her gaze moving over the room, in that way when everything looks unfamiliar upon such a sudden awakening. Slowly the fog of sleep drifted away as she swung her feet to the floor, archin her back, her arms stretched over her head. "Yeah yeah! Hold yer water." But her words didn't seem to stem the rapping. She stood, her hand moving to her hip, adjusting her knife before she strode to the door. Her other hand moving to the rim of her Stetson keepin it low on her brow.

After unlocking the door she swung it wide, steppin right inta the doorway. Her gesture giving the impression there was nothing to hide within the cramped room. And still giving her the chance to check the hallway for any sign of Ben, Ryan, Mach, Ryax, or the winged stranger. But there was no one but two figures standing before her. Both wore uniforms of some sort. Neither looked like they possessed a lick of humor. But then again she supposed much could be said about her as well. At least by those that knew her.

Dark blue eyes looked between the two. "Whatcha want? Da entertainment is downstairs ya know." Her words dripping with sarcasm. The one standing to the left responded. His words curt. Ordering. "You are to come with us." Placing her hands on her hips. "Oh I am? And what smeg has given this order?" The tilt of her head told both the stubbornness that comprised the woman before them. Neither liked getting the job that was undetailed. "You will find out when you get there." She shrugged and turned back into her room. "Well why didn'tcha say so. I always go traipsin off wid da first idjit that comes along."

Both men tensed, their hands going to their weapons at their side's. The man who had remained silent during this exchange looked at his partner briefly before looking back. Why were they both so tensed. How much trouble could one small woman be. Hell, one good gust of wind could knock her over, judgin by her size. She didn't do anything but snag her leather jacket from where it had been tossed over the back of the lone chair. Shruggin inta it she looked back to the two, who still stood just outside the doorway. Shakin her head she walked back to the door and out. Fingering the lock on the inner knob before pulling the door closed behind her as she pushed past the two men. "Well? Ya just gonna stand there like a coupla pansy waisted smegs?"

Again a look passed between the two men before looking after her. She was already 3/4's of the way to the stairs before they finally caught up to her. The man to her left took her elbow steering her way from the main stairs. "We're going out this way." Tilting her head, glaring at him from beneath the rim of her Stetson. Her voice low, and uncomfortably calm. "If ya value that hand ya would be wise ta remove it." The man coughed and quickly released her arm as they neared a door that lead to an outside stairway to the side alley.

At the foot of the stairs stood a small transport vehicle. A third man stood near the drivers front quarterpanel. As they neared he moved smartly to the back door, opening it. She halted, crossing her arms before her as she looked between the three, then to the open door. The only one that appeared to possess a voice tensed, standing at her right, just behind her. Damn, was she going to give them trouble now? "Gee, ain’t never had a chauffeured limo b'fore." Only a dark smile appearing from beneath the rim of her Stetson. The surprise on their faces was evident as she stepped forward and entered the vehicle.

________________________________________

Subj Suspended Time, 2 Date 96-11-25 214210 EST From SalPayne34

Dark blue eyes watched intently as they passed through the city. The suddenness with which the city ended and the outlying land began had been unsettling when she had first gotten here. But now it didn't faze her. She remembered in great detail every turn made. Noting more specifically mild landscapes they passed. Never know what might come in handy in the future if these three were takin her where she suspected they were. She only wished that one of the lugs weren't in the back seat with her. Had she been back there alone at least she could have used the comm. to the runner to record her position.

In all actuality it hadn't take them much time at all to reach they're destination. The man at her side opened the door slid out of the transport. As did the two in the front seat. The one who had been beside her waited for her to get out before shutting the door. The only one that seemed to have a voice spoke yet again. "This way." He turned, pulling open a door, entering. She had no choice but to follow, flanked on either side by the other two. Was it her imagination or had their tension just jumped about ten notches.

They passed through several corridor's, crossed the intersections of several other's before stopping before a door. She casually slipped her hands into the outer pockets of her jacket, watching the one before her. His stance became straighter, his shoulders back. She noticed him take a deep breath before pushing open the door and entering the room. Dark blue eyes looked around the room. She had seen enough Command Central’s to recognize this room for what it was. Activity was at a peak. Except for one who stood at the center of the room. He simply stood in one place. One of the tech's looked toward her then toward Darrak. She didn't miss the nervous expression on the man.

The three that had brought her here quickly moved to their appointed positions. The din filling the room seemed to cause the tech's to delve further into their controls. Their chair's straight ahead. No one even daring to venture a look toward Darrak. Pulling her hands from her pockets she leaned against one of the units, crossing her arms before her. Evidently what they were listening to was the beginning of a battle.

One brow raised as she turned dark blue eyes toward Darrak. Watched his back go from stiff to out and out rigid. The screams coming through the many comm.’s were deafening. And what the hell was a rancor? No, she wasn't dumb. She knew what a rancor was. But there weren't any around that she was aware of. Maybe it was just a new technologically advanced weapon. And by the sounds of it, it must be a vicious as the critter it was named for. Suddenly there was nothing but silence. A few blip's and beep's. But compared to the sound that had filled the room this was dead silence.

Darrak turned slowly. Perhaps it was only to her, but it seemed as though time had just slowed drastically. As he turned she saw several of the tech's near dive under their consoles. The rest flinched visibly. She watched each step that advanced toward her. Her gaze riveted on his feet for some reason. Why was this happening? And what there had been for sounds had vanished. As though she were trapped within a vacuum. Knowing what was coming but unable to do a damn thing to prevent it.

________________________________________

Subj Suspended Time, 3 Date 96-11-25 214255 EST From SalPayne34

As suddenly as time seemed to slow it returned to normal. Her head snapped violently as Darrak backhanded her, sending her flying over the console she had been leaning against. Dark blue eyes grew glazed as she fought against the star's that swam before her. Shaking her head only seemed to intensify the dancing stars, her jaw screamed in pain caused by her action. Closing her eyes trying to focus herself only to feel herself hauled up from the floor, the fingers circling her throat threatening to crush her esophagus. She did what anyone in such a situation would do. Her struggles increased. Her hands tried to pry the single hand and it's fingers off of her throat. Her feet, now suspended about three feet off the floor, kicked but failed to connect with anything.

How stupid! Here she was, unable to breath, her throat being crushed in this guy's hand. And all she could think about was to curse her shortness. From the fog haze that was beginning to flow through what remained of her consciousness she heard a muffled voice. "Pyster.... Stop!" Had she been able to she would have laughed hysterically. Where did these thoughts come from when you could almost smell death coming dead straight on at you. The thought that rose in her mind was such. How can that fraggin smeg think that speaking so calmly can ever penetrate the volatile rage that seemed to be driving the one that seemed intent only on strangling her.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-26 041130 EST From B L Stinel

Ben dropped the truck into reverse and wheeled around. Putting the aircraft engine in gear, he shot off at full speed towards the four bikes, changing the radio station as he fought the steering wheel. Kat had been listening to country music on her way into town, a sound she hadn't relaxed to since leaving Pelvar. When he had first asked to change the station, Kat had explained country had been one of Jack's favorite types of music, so he had left the station be.

"Wrong bloody music for a battle," he muttered as if giving an excuse to Kat.

The first explosion came as he skidded to a stop near the four bikes. The Valkyrie and the Javelin that been covering the other DB'ers with their lasers had abandoned the group for the larger threat of the rancor. The four bikers looked in the truck's cab at Ben behind the wheel, then at the empty passenger seat where Kat should have been.

Jarrid asked it first. "Where's Kat?"

"When the Rancor came she started running for her mech on foot." Ben answered. Suddenly, in reaction to Ben's words, Ry gunned his bike, the back tire skidding slightly before biting into the dirt. The bike jumped forward as he floored it in the direction of the grove of trees. "Damnit! RYAX!!" Ben's curse was lost in the roar of the old Ninja. Turning to the others, Ben snarled. "Some one get up in the back. We've got to set these mines while they're still distracted."

Abandoning his bike, Jarrid climbed into the crowded truck bed while Melicore and Mach rode their bikes along in front. The plan was to attach one of the mines to the leg of the closest mech, the Valkyrie, and speed off again, detonating it once they were safely away. Suddenly, the ground around the mech they had been targeting inconveniently erupted in flames before the truck was half way to it. The force of the explosion vaporized the Valkyrie's legs and staggered the Javelin standing thirty meters away. The torso and arms of the Valkyrie smashed to the ground about ten meters from the truck.

Ben pulled up short and the two bikes circled around him once. He stared at the flames for a moment before looking around. In the trees he saw two men breaking cover. One of them was carrying a signaling device while the second carried a gun that looked too big for a single man to handle alone.

As he was about to point them out to the others, something else caught his attention. Mach had revved his bike, roaring towards the Javelin, two mines magnetically attached to his tank.

"What the....?" Sliding the connecting window to the bed open, he yelled through to the back as he kept his eyes on Mach's progress. "What's he up to?!"

Shrugging, Jarrid bellowed back over the roar of the aircraft engine. "He yelled for some mines then sped off!"

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-11-26 220249 EST From Machinshi

Machinshi veiled with one hand as he cranked the throttle of the bike all the way over with the other. He had to think fast. A full lance of mechs against half a dozen un prepared infantry. Not good odds, but then the Aiel had fought against steeper odds and with only their spears and courage. He had grabbed two of the mag-mines from Jarrid a second before Ben swerved to avoid incoming missiles. Mach had witnessed the death of the archer and the Rancor. The closest other mech was the Javalin. A missile boat with no energy weapons. Machinshi's mind began to contemplate tactics... missiles hard hitting but slow reload times compared to a lasers time to recharge. If he could get it to fire prematurely, he should have a few precious seconds to get the job done.

Machinshi attached the mines to the gas tank of his bike. Swerving and dodging he advanced on the Javalin, whose attention was still on the flaming remains of his lancemate. Machinshi closed to with in 100 meters when the pilot of the Javalin noticed the tiny man on a motorcycle hurtling strait for him. Not taking any chances, the pilot let fly with the first SRM. Machinshi waited for the missiles to start streaking from their tubes before laying the bike into an almost horizontal slide at a 90 degree angle to his former course. The missiles slammed into the earth showering him with dirt and debris as the pilot attempted to track. At 50 meters the Javalin's pilot turned his attention fully to the biker and fired his second SRM leading the bike just a little. This time Mach slammed on the brakes and swerved the other way as missiles impacted all around him, one less than 5 meters off. Only the speed of the bike saved him from shrapnel that whined through the air.

Machinshi now had a couple of seconds to line up the bike for the strike. At less than 10 meters Mach slammed on the breaks and skidded the bike into the leg of the Javalin, letting the skid rip him from the bike. The pain of gravel and dirt digging into his side and leg was terrible.

The bike hit the leg of the Javalin and exploded with a huge fireball. Taking the leg off at the knee, the Javalin began to topple slowly to the ground with a thunderous crash. Shaking his head to clear it, Mach regained his feet and drew his 2 cm powergun, thumbing the safe off as he trotted to the Javalin.

The pilot was obviously awake, but stunned as his movements to right the Javalin were clumsy and poor. Mach reached the downed mech and leaped up onto the shoulder of the Javalin as it just came up to its hands and knees. He scrambled over to the cockpit and pointed the muzzle of the powergun at the explosive bolts for the ejector seat. Emptying a full clip into the bolt, he dropped it and slammed another home. After two more cyan bolts of energy the bolts finally blew and popped the hatch. The pilot frantically began trying to turn and extricate himself from the harness of the cockpit. It was no use. With cold blue eyes staring out over a black veil, Machinshi fired a single shot into the back of his head, sending those brains that didn’t burn into a fine mist that covered the cockpit.

With that, Mach dumped the next clip of powergun ammo and slumped against the side of the Javalin, still on its hands and knees. He hurt...

________________________________________

Subj Meeting of the Minds Date 96-11-27 113932 EST From LntnTravrs

The third explosion took Travers by surprise. He had been informed over the communicator in his wrist chrono that the weapon used on the Valkyrie had jammed. There was nothing more Darrin Shayde and Kirk Boydon could do.

Twisting the torso of his Blackjack into a 180 turn, he quickly surveyed the situation. Saunderson in the Firestarter had obviously seen what had happen and decided to go against orders, tracking the truck and the remaining motorcycle with his weapons. Travers did not hesitate. He unloaded everything he had into the back of the Firestarter, shutting down only when he noticed his heat sinks had gone well into the red.

As if out of a comedy movie, the Firestarter ever so slowly fell forward, it's momentum increasing only when it was obvious the giant mechanical beast would not win the war with gravity. No attempt was made by Saunderson to rescue the mech from it's date with the dirt, nor were any made to regain it's standing position. There was nothing left of man or machine to save.

In the deafening silence that followed, Travers' mind went blank. It had all been necessary, he knew. But he had never been a man who relished in this type of destruction, despite his employer.

Suddenly, as if hit in the face with ice water, Travers sat up in his seat, his mind working quickly even as he reached for the comm. switch.

"Command!!! It's Travers!!! What the hell kinda pilots you training?!!!!! The Rancor got two and everyone else panicked!! They're all dead, Command! Damnit!!! It's a friggin bloodbath out here!!!! One other thing...who the HELL forgot to tell us there was a friggin *Rancor* in the area?!!!!!!!"

His rage was genuine, but not for the reasons those in the command center had assumed. There had been no sign of the woman since the explosion of the fusion drive. His mind raced, alternating between worry and anger at her stupidity. He never heard Command's reply.

"Forget it, Command!! Just save the blasted excuses!! I'm gonna recon the area. I'll be in when I bloody well feel like it!!! Travers out!!!"

He punched the comm. button hard, cursing under his breath. Glancing outside, he was surprised to see a flurry of activity. Shayde and Boydon were running towards him, yet seemingly looking past him at the same time. The pickup had also spun around, passing his body guards to disappear between the feet of the Blackjack. The remaining biker suddenly sprouted wings, letting his bike fall over as he took to the skies. Finally, the warning bells went off in Travers' head.

Slowly, so very slowly, he lowered the still raised arms of his mech. Again, not wanting to make any movements that would be considered hostile, he twisted the torso of the Blackjack back to it's original position, only to find himself staring down the biggest U-PPC barrels he had ever seen. His mind only barely registered the fact that they had been altered to attach to an extremely familiar Panther named the War Kat. His chuckle was only slight as he took notice that it's pilot was being harassed by the winged man fluttering in front of the cockpit window like a human butterfly.

________________________________________

Subj Re Meeting of the Minds Date 96-11-27 114308 EST From Katrylle

The fusion blast had thrown her 30 feet into the grove. Stunned, she lay there for what seemed like hour before she realized the roar in her ears was getting louder.

Sitting up, she groaned slightly at the pain in her head. Reaching up, she gently probed her skull, wincing as her fingers found the large bump almost immediately. Pulling her hand down to eye level, she blinked twice to try and clear her vision. Blood. Her fingers were covered in blood, and that damn roaring. Why was it still getting louder?

Her answer came within a half a foot of running her over. Looking up, she couldn't help but laugh as two images of Ry held out his hand to her. “Need a lift, lady?”

Gratefully, she took his hand, fairly certain she would not be able to stand on her own, yet hoping her insatiability was not noticeable. Throwing a leg over the Ninja behind him, she wrapped her splinted right arm around his waist, while she pointed deeper into the grove with her left. Yelling over the din of the Ninja, she dropped her left hand down to his hip. “We've got to git t'th' War Kat. It's our only chance!”

She didn't need to say anything more. Reflexes caused her to tighten her grip on his waist as he gunned the bike, throwing it into a controlled skid before roaring off in the direction she had indicated.

________________________________________

Subj Re Meeting of the Minds Date 96-11-27 114340 EST From Katrylle

Darrak's people hadn't found it. She breathed a sigh of relief as Ry pulled up in front of the War Kat. As she slid from the Ninja, she quickly kissed Ry's cheek. "Git th'hell outta here, Ry. I'll take care o'th' others!

Without waiting for his answer, she ran to the mech, trying to get her fogged brain to work enough to calculate the time differences between a cold start and a warm up. Stumbling once, she shook her head, forcing the pain there deep into her soul to be dealt with later. Climbing the ladder, she knew there could only be one answer to her calculations. She only hoped Ry would be far enough away should the cold start fail.

________________ She hadn't realized she was holding her breath until the whoosh of it's release replaced the large boom she half expected. Again, the thought passed swiftly through her mind that she needed to commend Melicore on his excellent restore of the Panther.

Shoving the throttle full forward, she glanced through the window, looking for Ry. Even though she couldn't see him, somehow she knew he was there with her and the thought gave her comfort.

Turning her attention to the situation at hand, she maneuvered the 35 ton mech through the trees, bursting out of their cover to see the only opposition remaining with his weapons trained on Ben and the truck.

She had the advantage of coming up on his backside, but she still wasn't comfortable with the range. Using the Blackjack's distraction with the truck, she moved up behind him quickly, the new U-PPC's she had adapted to the War Kat taking careful aim.

Suddenly, all she could see was Melicore fluttering in front of her. She shook her head, closing her eye as if trying to clear her mind.

“Damnit....not now! I've already had m'vision fer th'day! G'way!!” Muttering to herself, she slowly opened her eye again only to find the image of Melicore still before her.

“Damn! Musta hit m'head harder than I thought!” She jumped and screamed as the image tapped on the window, her finger instinctively tightening on the trigger of the U-PPC's.

The roar was deafening, the blast barely missing Melicore before taking off the right arm actuator of the Blackjack. Despite his near mishap, Melicore returned, frantically waving her off. As if waking from a dream, she realized even Ben was trying to convince her not to destroy the Blackjack. For some strange reason, he had positioned the truck between her and the other mech. Lady Tymora must have been on his side at the moment he had stopped the truck. One more foot over and he, the truck and anyone in it would have been crushed by the falling arm.

Her attention was drawn by the two men suddenly appearing over the top of the destroyed mech arm. Something was very familiar about them. Squinting, she gasped as she suddenly recognized them. Flinging open the canopy, she stood up on the pilot's seat.

“Shayde!!! Boydon!!!! This cannae be! Yer.......yer dead!!!!”

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-12-01 071042 EST From TGG Smoke

The snubfighter pitched suddenly from side to side, tossed around by the sudden windstorm. He yawned, one hand resting easily on the flightstick. As long as he stayed inside the microburst, the satellites in orbit wouldn't be able to detect him until it was too late anyways. The timer at his left hand ticked down the minutes, counting down the time to the projected attack on the hidden base....

Something bleeped. That was always bad in his book. He keyed the navcomp, switching it to message mode and glancing at the incandescent green letters...

''Flag 314 tripped. Heavy ground battle detected at 34/37.''

He cursed, shaking his head. The attack had come early. This was not good.... if he broke cover now, the satellites would pick him up early enough to neutralize him. Turning, he addressed the computer

“Miranda, work this one over for me. That old subsystem that I had installed.... the one that you complained bitterly about... does it still work?”

Her voice was too calm. Every time she was like that, he worried that he was going to hit the swtich that blew the fighter to pieces while she laughed...

~Yes sir. It's already primed. Go for it. Really. I don't mind.~

He glared at the audio input

“'Y'know, even AI's aren't supposed 'tae be 'tha good at guilt trips. Don't quit the day job.”

~Thanks. I needed that.~

“I'm sure. Work with me here, 'eh?”

~Very well. Hit it.~

He nodded, flipping the cover off of a small golden switch set into the shield relays. Holding his breath, he jabbed it once.....

Nothing happened.

Literally and technically. The small fighter simply ceased to exist as the cloaking field took effect, making it invisible to scanners and optics alike. After a quick check to make sure nothing had shorted out under the drain the field put on the systems, he settled back into the padded seat and pulled back hard, sending the X-Wing into a vertical climb out of the atmosphere and into space, where he proceeded to plot a new course...

“Mir, what's the fastest route from here to the base?”

~Heading 345, eighteen parsecs lateral. ETA........ 2 minutes.~

“Right. Feed it into the navcomp and hang on...”

With a sonic boom that shattered windows for miles, the X-wing tore out of the stratosphere and arced into space, rolling on its axis to line up on a new course that would take it into the atmosphere at directly above the base. As he watched the planet, he offered a silent prayer that he wouldn't be too late....

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 96-12-03 153208 EST From MELICORE

It wasn't the death of the Firestarter that had taken him by surprise, but the source of that death. When he saw the Blackjack turn, he figured they were all in for it. But when the dust storm from the fallen Firestarter had cleared, no one moved. It was if time had stood still.

Suddenly, the War Kat slipped out into the open, moving up to a prime attack position behind the Blackjack. As if on cue, everyone began moving again, the objective this time to stop Kat from destroying someone who could possibly give them answers.

“Melicore! Stop her!!”

As if sensing Ben's words before they were yelled, he opened his wings, cutting through the leather overcoat. He shook his head sadly at the rending material, muttering under his breath “Damn I hate when that happens.”

His wings fully extended, he launched himself from the moving bike. Looking to the ground he watched his cycle hit the dirt before banking to head for the War Kat. He could see her through the cockpit window, see her confusion and the blood that had streaked down the side of her face. He had hoped he would get through to her, but he didn't realize what a mistake it would be tapping on the window to solidify her attention.

Her reflexes were fast, but his were faster. It would be tough getting the scorch marks out of his metal wings and the ringing in his ears would take a while to disburse, but at least he avoided the sudden eruption of the U-PPC.

“Melicore!!! Get her to stop firing!!!” He glanced to the ground at Ben, impressed by the apparent luck of the man. The right arm of the Blackjack had been blown off, barely missing Ben and the truck. Melicore returned his attention to Kat but hers was drawn elsewhere. Suddenly, the canopy flew open and she was standing on the pilot's seat.

“Shayde!!! Boydon!!!! This cannae be! Yer.......yer dead!!!!”

________________________________________

Subj Meeting of the Minds Date 96-12-03 154230 EST From LntnTravrs

He had heard her through the closed hatch of the Blackjack, a flurry of questions demanding answers from Boydon and Shade. He also guessed at the gentle reply given as the men motioned in the direction of his mech. "Wait for him." He prayed they would distract her long enough for him to get his feet on the ground without incident.

His prayers went partially answered. He made it to the ground safely enough, but as he turned to make his way to the group standing around her, he could tell she recognized him instantly. He couldn't explain it, but he was nervous. He knew there was to be a lot of explaining to do on his part.

She waited for him, making him come to her rather than meeting him half way. Perhaps it was better this way. Safety in numbers and all that rot. Her face was expressionless as he stopped a foot from her, his voice soft as he nodded. "Hello, Kat."

He never saw it coming. One minute he was waiting for her reply, the next he was flat on his back, a flurry of black hair, fists, knees and feet pounding every free inch of him. The hit that first knocked him down was hard and fast, the damage to his jaw increased by the splint he only barely noticed covering her right wrist and hand. The others must have been taken by surprise by her attack as well for it took several seconds for someone to pull her off him. Those seconds were enough to give him a black eye, a split lip and threaten future generations to carry his name. When she was finally lifted from him, it was by Boydon and Shayde. The others had remained as they were. He could tell this would not go well. His only consolation was that none of her companions made an offensive move to stop Shayde and Boydon from pulling the hellcat off him.

The searing pain in his groin had knocked the breath from him and it took several minutes before he was able to do more than just roll on the ground groaning. When the pain had subsided enough to let him, he glanced up at her dangling between the large bodyguards. Slowly he sat up. Suddenly, her feet were lashing out at him again, barely missing his head before Boydon and Shayde moved her back a couple of feet.

Sighing, he glanced at the men surrounding them from his position on the ground. "Can one of you pilot the War Kat? We need to get it and everything else having to do with you under cover and the best place would be in the base. I'll explain everything once we're inside."

The woman's voice was low and deadly. "I ain't openin' any doors fer ye, Loltar!" Hatred filled the air with every word she spoke to the captain of the jumpship that had brought her to Pelvar.

Slowly, his violet eyes shifted to her, his expression calm if not a little sad. "Luckily, you won't have to." Using his chrono, he keyed in a series of beeps just before a ramp larger than the one they had been using groaned to life. He could feel the cold rage coming from Kat, but he didn't have time to worry about it at the moment. Standing slowly, he again glanced at the others, indicating the War Kat absently. "If you would please? It would ruin a perfectly good falsified report should it be seen in the next satellite pass."

________________________________________

Subj Secrets Revealed Date 96-12-04 050307 EST From LntnTravrs

Perhaps it was common sense that finally got the War Kat underground. Travers didn't care. Silently, he led the ever-growing number of people through the mech bay to Jack's private elevator.

It was only by the grace of some deity long forgotten that he was still alive. After his thrashing at the hands of Kat, he was nearly run over and gutted by the half-man/half panther known as Ryax. The sting from the razor-like punctures turned into an annoying itch at the memory of the sun glinting off his claws. Only a yell from Kat caused Ry to pull his punch at the last moment, reducing the damage to only 5 minor slices through Travers' shirt and the skin of his stomach. Almost un-noticeably, Travers shivered at the memory of those eyes. He knew he had stared into the face of his own death as the panther man's eyes flashed from green to red, slowly returning to green again as he flung himself from Travers.

Growling low in his throat, Ry had approached the two men holding Kat. His hand was a mere blur as he reached out and snatched the front of Boydon's shirt, pulling the big man slightly off balance. His voice soft, but full of deadly meaning, he spoke only three words, "Let... her... go." His words were re-enforced by the others surrounding them whose looks and actions spoke of impending doom should the two men refuse. Travers had been outnumbered, and still Kat's re-enforcement's came. Slowly, yet another man approached the group, the odd lighted sword in his hand announcing him as a Jedi.

Nervously, the men had looked to each other then to Travers who nodded ever so slightly. With the panther man's claws still imbedded in Boydon's shirt, the two men gently set Kat down. Ripping her arms from their grasp, she growled, lunging for Travers once again. This time, it was the man in the truck who intercepted her, using her momentum to spin her in a circle. "Kat, listen to me. We can't get answers from him if he's dead."

She had continued the spin, still trying to get to Travers, her words spoken between gritted teeth. "I ain't gonna kill him. Jist hurt him severely."

The man spun her back around through a second turn, away from Travers, "He'll be easier to understand if he's not doped up on pain killers."

Stopping the spin, Kat had merely turned her cold glare to the man. "Who said anythin' aboot pain killers?"

The elevator doors opening to Jack's room pulled Travers from his reverie. Being the first to enter, his steps slowed as he looked at the destruction around him. "What the HELL?! What happened in here?!"

________________________________________

Subj Secrets Revealed (2) Date 96-12-04 050337 EST From LntnTravrs

No one bothered to answer, and he didn't really expect one. Kat shoved her way none too gently past him, kicking debris out of her way as she stormed to a recliner that had seen better days. Flinging herself into it she threw a leather-clad leg over the arm.

Sighing, he waited until the others had settled in, taking his own stand leaning against an empty bookcase. He watched as the man from the truck, referred to as Ben supported the wounded one known as Mach. Leading him to a chair close to Kat, Ben moved to her, leaning down to whisper in her ear. She shook her head once angrily and returned the whisper. Returning to Mach, Ben politely excused them from any further conversation by pointing out that Mach needed medical attention. Ben glanced again at Kat and Travers could see the unspoken conversation conveyed between them. Kat merely shook her head in response. Ben sighed heavily as he led Mach past Travers once again to disappear into the elevator. Once the doors closed, Travers cleared his throat.

"Perhaps I should introduce myself. Some here..." he nodded in Kat's direction. "...know me as a jumpship pilot by the name of Loltar. If any of the pilots upstairs had lived long enough to be asked, they would have told you my name is Linton Travers, second in command to Pyster Darrak."

The reactions were mixed, ranging from surprise to increasing rage, the latter coming from Kat's direction. He waited, gauging the possible threats at his voluntary admission. The Jedi, Ryan, and the man named Jarrid appeared surprised, but contained themselves until he was done. The other three, Ryax, Kat and the winged one he now recognized as Melicore seemed about to explode. Taking a deep breath, he continued.

"Up until now, only three people knew my true identity..." His voice dropped to barely above a whisper. "...and one of them is dead."

Those who watched him could not miss the pain that flashed across his face as he spoke the last six words. Shaking himself mentally, he went on. "My name is Devon Morghan. I am.....or rather was Jack's brother." He braced himself for the explosion.

________________________________________

Subj Secrets Revealed (3) Date 96-12-06 045700 EST From LntnTravrs

"My name is Devon Morghan. I am.....or rather was Jack's brother."

Kat had never exhibited such a rage before. It only seemed to be heightened by his words. Sarcasm dripped from her voice as she replied. "Yeah...I noticed th' resemblance. Did ye notice th' resemblance, Melicore? Yuppers, there sure is a family resemblance here." Melicore merely stood his ground, arms crossed, glaring at Travers.

Travers could understand her sarcasm. Where Jack was dark with silver flecked sapphire blue eyes, Travers was blond with violet eyes. The build of the two men were similar, Jack having been just slightly taller and about 5 years older.

"Kat, did you get the rings Jack intended for you?" Again, she replied with sarcasm, lifting her hand palm away from him and wiggling her fingers. "S'wha'? They coulda been traced back t'th' jewelers. Jist cause y'know aboot them dinnae mean yer Jack's brother.”

Travers nodded. "True. The inscription would also be easy to discover." He frowned, noticing the slight flicker of confusion rippling across her face. He watched as she slipped the ring from her finger, carefully examining the inside. She must have been too caught up in her thoughts when she first picked them up to notice there was anything written inside. He knew, however, that on closer examination, she would see that a single line of words had been skillfully engraved on the smooth inner surface. There would also be what looked like half letters along the bottom edge of the ring. Her frown deepened. Stretching out in the chair, she fished in the pocket of her leather pants, pulling Jack's ring out. The upper edge of his ring would contain markings that resembled the ones on the lower portion of her ring, but there would also be a clear line written below it. Placing the two rings together, she read the inscription quietly as Travers softly recited them from memory.

"Look to the Highland's beauty.

Cross the bridge to bring you home

to family and hearth"

"It would be easy to assume he meant your love for the lands around the ranch, Kat. But how many would know the apostrophe in Highland's should not be there and that "Highlands beauty" refers to you, or rather your nickname....Kittyscot. The rest, the part about the bridge. Again, the easy translation could refer to needing to cross over from your fears of marriage to the joys it could bring. But think about it Kat. What is the only bridge within a 200 click radius?"

Growling, she refused to answer him, so he did it for her “Traver's Crossing. The place he proposed to you. The place you carved the letters KOSAHBA; "King of Hearts And Highland Beauty Always?" Who knew he was the king of hearts? To everyone else, his card was the Ace of Spades. Only you, Kat. Only you called him the King of Hearts. You were so embarrassed by it, you refused to call him anything but Jack in front of the others. You thought it was childish, even though he loved the name."

"And the fight. The day he proposed, you actually argued over it. Later he found out that it was because you were frightened, but at the time, it seemed as though you hated him for the idea. When I decided to take the name Travers, it was in honor of the memories I had of Jack and I fishing off that bridge when we were kids."

She was clenching her jaw, staring at the rings. Finally, she looked up at him, her voice so low he could barely hear it. "Again, easy enough t' find out, Sir. Any one o' the Raiders coulda known about tha'." Her cold gaze flashed over Shayde and Boydon. Holding out his hand, he stopped them from replying. "It would be no use. She'll not believe you."

________________________________________ Subj Secrets Revealed (4) Date 96-12-06 045741 EST From LntnTravrs

Sighing, Travers returned his full attention to Kat. "Alright then. In the War Kat, in the secret hold, there's a small compartment in the back wall. The door to it is easily opened. Inside, there's a small box."

Kat surprised him by laughing. "An' how long did th'War Kat sit on yer ship while we s'pleasantly toured th'galaxy? Y'had three weeks t'plant sumthin on Jack's mech."

It was her turn to be surprised. Mel's soft voice echoed through the silent room. "I have the box. I discovered it when I rebuilt the War Kat. I figured it would be too painful for you to open, so I just held on to it."

Kat shook her head. "Then he coulda put it there when I brought Jack's body back here. The War Kat was beyond all hope of moving, but not inaccessible."

Again, Melicore surprised them both, shaking his head slowly. "There was no way he could have put that box on the War Kat. She was in my possession even as I watched you roar away from the battle in the Angel. Kat. I was there. I was too late to be of any help. But I was there. No one came near the War Kat after you left her."

Sighing, Travers slumped slightly, finally seeing a way through her stubbornness. Looking at Melicore, he frowned. "Did you force the box open?" He watched Melicore's face harden again as he returned his gaze to Travers'. "The box wasn't mine to open." Smiling, Travers nodded. "Good, then the information is still in tact." Turning his attention back to Kat, he tried to explain. "The box needs two keys used simultaneously in order for it to open. If the box is forced opened, it will explode, destroying everything inside." Suddenly as if thinking some horrible thought, he winced, frowning again in Melicore's direction. "Wait. Please tell me you have it with you."

Again, Melicore's voice was emotionless. "It's accessible."

Travers relaxed. "Could you please retrieve it then? She needs to see it and the information it contains."

Melicore silently left the room and returned a few moment's later, carrying an ornately carved mahogany box. Carefully setting it in Kat's lap, he returned to his position slightly behind her and to the right. She stared at the box for a long moment, almost as if she was afraid to touch it. Slowly, her gaze returned to Travers, a small flicker of doubt in the depth of her eye.

Making sure the men surrounding her, more specifically Ryax, knew he represented no danger, he approached Kat. Dropping to a squat next to her chair, he pulled the glove off his right hand, keeping his movements slow. Softly, he traced several of the carvings on the lid of the box. The ring on his hand, the carved gold of the ancient coin set into a platinum band, glinted in the light. Looking up at her, he nodded. "Your ring, please?"

Her eye narrowed. "Jist show m'wha' t'do." Nodding, he pointed to a carving on the box. "Look at it closely. Do you see the representation of your ring?" She squinted, lowering her head to look at the design carefully. "Aye...I....I see it."

Again, Travers nodded. "Alright. When I count three, place your ring over it. It should be a perfect match. Ready?"

________________________________________ Subj Secrets Revealed (5) Date 96-12-06 045803 EST From LntnTravrs

This time, Kat merely nodded. "One......Two.......Three....." At the exact same instant, they both set their rings on the lid of the box. She felt the impression move ever so slightly before hearing the soft clicking of the locking mechanism. Smiling, Travers pulled his ring from the top of the box and stood. "Open it."

Slowly, almost as if she expected something to either jump out at her or explode in her face, she lifted the lid. Inside, were a jumble of papers. Most were legal documents, but three things drew her attention; two birth certificates and a picture. The certificates belonged to Jack and Devon Morghan. Wincing, she looked to the picture. A teenage Jack with his arm around the shoulders of an even younger Travers, a rather large fish held in front of them. Flipping the picture over, the evidence she could not fight was there before her. Scrawled across the back in Jack's writing were the words, "Jack and Devon, summer of 3026. What a whopper!"

________________________________________

Subj Lucky Tabby Date 96-12-06 063555 EST From B L Stinel

Ben winced for Mach since he didn't seem interested in doing it himself. Mach had bloodied himself badly in the fall from his bike and had taken most of the skin off his leg. The infirmary was well stocked and Ben had found everything he needed to patch Mach up, but for all the pain the Aiel must have been feeling, he didn't show it. Even when Ben had swiped through the wounds with the antiseptic, cleaning out the dirt, Mach hadn't even flinched. Ben was beginning to wonder if maybe some nerves had been severed.

After the wounds had been cleaned, the dressing went on. Ben wrapped the white gauze tightly around the Aiel's leg while Mach watched, "Doesn't this hurt?"

"Of course it hurts," Mach answered, "but if I complained about it you might not do the job as well."

Ben shrugged, "Good point."

Mach's face was stoic as Ben tightened the bandage and fastened it closed with a steel clip.

"Well, that does it for the leg. Let's tape up those ribs now."

Mach nodded and lifted his arms while Ben grabbed the medical tape from the counter.

When Kat walked in she got a good view of the long bloody gashes covering Mach's chest and of the dark purple bruises on his side.

She flinched.

"Geeze, ya look like hell!"

Ben walked back over, holding the tape, "How's he supposed to look after taking down a battlemech with his bare hands?"

"It was not with my bare hands... Just a spear with wheels."

Kat glanced from Mach to Ben, "Is he serious?"

"Only when he's not joking," Ben answered, covering the biggest scrap on Mach's chest with a gauze pad and affixing one end of the tape over it.

"Mach," she said, "Takin oot a mech wi' a motorbike ain't sumthin' t' be modest aboot."

"Sit down, sis. You're next. There's some aspirin over there on the counter."

Kat scowled and pulled herself up onto the second of the infirmary's two beds after grabbing the small green bottle, "Loltar er Travers er Devon er wha'ever th' hell his name is oot there playin scout fer th' satellites. He said we'd be safe fer a while, though I'm nae sure I believe him." Kat tried to unscrew the top of the bottle, but for some reason it didn't open, "he also mentioned somethin' about presentin' Darrak wi' a wild goose chase. Told him tha' the woman he was looking fer, th' one passing out Jack's calling cards was named Lucky Tabby..." she banged the cap on the edge of the counter once or twice, "or somethin' of the sort. Again, th' man is smooth. I cannae git past th' feelin' tha' he's keepin' somethin' from us. What th' devil is wrong wit this thin?"

Ben chuckled, "You don't like him much."

Mach grinned, "That was clear. How long was he writhing on the ground?"

"Th' reason I came down here," Kat said, moving smoothly past the subject of Travers and pushing the bottle into a pocket, "was t' say sorry. Y' both lost yer bikes acause of me."

Ben shook his head, "Not your fault."

"Nae directly, but how are y' supposed to git around now?"

"Maybe now you will let me teach you how to run like an Aiel, eh, Ben?" Mach seemed to think this very funny.

Kat and Ben just gave him blank looks. Mach shrugged and muttered something about wetlander humor.

"Actually," Ben said, passing the tape roll under Mach's arm, "that was a very nice '72 Barracuda that I saw down in your car collection..."

Kat's expression sagged.

Mach's expression brightened, "Do we get free pick?"

"I'll think aboot it," Kat scowled.

Ben almost chuckled, but he frowned instead. "Hold up a bit... Did you say Lucky Tabby just a minute ago? Why does that sound familiar?

"Because it's a run-off of the name of Sally Payne's mech." Jarrid said as he walked in to the infirmary.

Ben dropped the roll of medical tape and put both hands to his head.

"Wha's wrong?" Kat asked.

"Sally!" Ben groaned, "She's here. Tabby's Luck, Lucky Tabby. Travers sicked Darrak on Sally! I gotta get back to the inn!" Ben started for the door, "Jarrid, get Ryan down here to take care of Mach and Kat. Mach, as soon as you can, take everyone back to the warehouse and be ready to go into battle with little or no notice."

Mach nodded.

"Wait a sec!" Kat called after him, "How y' gonna git there?"

"I'll take the Barracuda!"

"I was afraid he was gonna say tha'," she muttered before calling out again, "Wait! I'm coming with you!" She hopped off the bed and grabbed the things she needed to resplint her wrist from the counter.

"We should take the truck. It's faster." She said as she caught up to him in the hall on the way to the garage.

Ben looked at her and gave her a worried grin, "We'll take the 'Cuda."

________________________________________

Subj Command Center Date 96-12-10 181308 EST From PsytDarrak

The longer the battle had raged, the quieter Darrak had become. When the transmissions had abruptly ended, the techs in the room knew someone else would die, and die soon. When Darrak turned on the woman, each man in the room breathed a sigh of relief.

As if sensing the impending death of the woman, the vultures appeared. CorDynne's med droids were the first through the doors, followed closely by the Master himself. A shiver went up every spine in the room. Where Darrak had fear on his side, CorDynne had terror. The whispers that followed him through the corridors spoke of evils even Darrak couldn't dream up, so the techs were surprised when the doctor approached Darrak calmly, laying his hand on the giant man's arm. "Pyster....Stop!"

At first, CorDynne didn't think he had gotten through to Darrak, but gradually the grip of the big man lessened on the woman's neck. Those who could see Darrak's eyes, or the eye and the laser that represented an eye, could see a faint dimming in both as CorDynne worked his magic. Slowly, the woman slipped from Darrak's hand. Crumpling to the floor, she held her throat, coughing and wheezing.

As if the entire experience had unhinged her, the woman further surprised the techs. Before anyone could stop her, the small woman stood and flew at Darrak, attacking him with a fury none had ever put forward to Darrak. Unfortunately, the damage to the giant man was very minimal.

________________________________________

Subj Unexpected Date 96-12-15 150943 EST From SalPayne x

She felt as though she remained suspended for a lingering moment once Darrak's hand released her. Then the floor rushed up to meet her. Her hand went to her throat as though her own touch would stop the coughing that sent surges of blinding pain through her with each jar of her fractured jaw. This seemed coupled with the jabs of pain that radiated outward from a point just behind her left ear. Her breath wheezed from between clinched teeth.

Blackness swarmed before her tightly closed eyes. Pinpoints of lights danced across her lids. A growl rose in her throat. Her fingers instinctively closing around the pearl handle grip of the hunting knife at her side. Rising with a suddenness of a hunting cheetah she lunged at Darrak. Not expecting her attack on their commander the tech's stood watching, mouths gapping. Her first lunge with the knife aimed at what would have put any male out of commission for a long time. She was unaware that the blade had been deflected. With a twist of her wrist she drew the blade upward and then out. Had it penetrated deeper into Darrak's leg it would have severed the main artery there. Her eyes remained tightly closed against the pain that surged through her. Only her training guiding the knife to it's next point of attack. Unaware that the blade had little to no damage to the giant man.

She felt the faint prick of a dart in the back of her shoulder, released by one of CorDynne's med droids. She shook her head trying to clear it as the effects of the tranquilizer gained it's hold on her. Her knife halted midthrust to Darrak's abdomen as a second dart found the base of her neck. She collapsed in a heap upon the floor, the knife clattering to the tiles before skittering under the nearest console.

As though on queue CorDynne's med droids moved in on the fallen form. She was placed upon a stretcher and whisked from the room. Hour after hour passed in the med bay where she had been taken. Consciousness flickered in and out. She was unaware of how much time passed as it felt that she had only blinked her eyes. Silk from a spiders web clouded her mind. Slowly she realized she couldn't move. She could wiggle her fingers but she couldn't raise her arms more then an inch at best from the cold table beneath her. She felt numb, faint twinges of discomfort in her jaw gave her only a momentary focal point to center on before she again fell into unconsciousness.

________________________________________

Subj Realizations Date 96-12-18 112225 EST From LntnTravrs

Travers watched as the Barracuda screamed up the ramp and onto the dirt road that lead to town. He was too far away to stop whoever was inside, but he knew there would be answers to his questions within the base. The car was good sized, but it still wasn't big enough to hold them all.

Dropping from the Blackjack, he quickly made his way through the door in the haystack, searching for those who had remained behind. As he entered Jack's room, he frowned. He had been fairly sure they would all be there, but the room was empty. Stepping over debris, he made his way to the computer. The carved mahogany box lay on the desk, it's lid still opened. Gently, he lifted the picture of him and Jack from the inside. Lightly touching the frozen image with a fingertip, he spoke to it, his voice barely a whisper. "Ah Jack. What have you done to her....to me?"

Sighing, he replaced the picture back in the box and closed it, setting his ring on top for Kat to find. Turning towards the computer, he called out. "Give me a fix on the 1972 Barracuda that left the complex over 5 minutes ago."

The vehicle is ten minutes from the Kirkdon city limits.

The man's voice from behind him made Travers spin in surprise, blaster in hand. "You don't need a computer for that, you ba...." The man known as Jarrid had stepped from the elevator without Travers having heard him. At the sight of the blaster, Jarrid's eyes narrowed dangerously. "So, you're not gonna let Darrak do your dirty work this time. You're gonna kill me yourself, eh?"

Frowning, Travers glanced down at the blaster in his hand before slamming it back into his holster. "I don't know what you mean." Suddenly, Jarrid was in motion again.

"Don't you, now? Handing over an innocent woman to Darrak just to feed his blood lust? And just who do you think Lucky Tabby is that her friends wouldn't care about her when she's gone, eh? Or didn't you think of that, either?"

Confusion flitted across Travers' face at Jarrid's obvious rage. "Lucky Tabby? She's just a smuggler. What concern is she to you?"

Jarrid hit him square in the jaw, the pent up rage unleashing itself on the unsuspecting Travers. "Lucky Tabby happens to be a close and personal friend.....to all of us!" As Travers staggered, Jarrid hit him again in the midsection. "Lucky Tabby happens to *be* one of us, in fact. A woman by the name of Sally Payne, to be exact." Travers staggered again, unable, or unwilling to defend himself against the onslaught. Jarrid punched him again, this one landing against Travers' ribs. "She was an innocent, and I swear by the gods, if she's dead, you'll never be safe."

His breathing heavy, Jarrid backed away. Travers wrapped an arm around his ribs, rocking himself slowly as he sat on the edge of the desk. Slowly, he looked up, the tears in his eyes surprising Jarrid. “I didn't know....I swear, I didn't know. Kat. She was in the car, wasn't she? She's gone after Sally."

Jarrid nodded. "She and Ben have gone back to the inn to see if what you say is true. If it is, all hell is gonna break loose and you'll be right in the middle of it. I suggest you leave, before one of the others finds you here. At the moment, you are top of the list for people they...we would most like to see dead."

Travers nodded, pushing himself away from the desk and turning for the door. Stopping just before passing through to the other room, Travers turned, looking at Jarrid again. "I'll make it right. I promise I'll make it right." With that, he was gone, leaving Jarrid to wonder at the exact meaning behind his words.

________________________________________

Subj Silent Rage..... Date 96-12-24 151724 EST From MELICORE

Watching the conflict in the shadows behind the two men, Melicore's eyes turned black with anger. He didn't trust Travers, or whoever this man claimed to be, and he wanted to kill him where he stood. "It would be quick and easy" he thought, "and no one would know."

Slowly, he shook his head, "No this is not the time. But if he hurts any of the DB's, he had better pray CorDyne reaches him first."

Exiting through the conference room quietly so as not to attract any undo attention, his eyes remained black. Knowing Darrak and CorDyne will die very soon, a slow evil smile crossed his face. As if he had seen nothing, he stepped into the "garage" and continued the preparation to leave with the rest of the DBs

________________________________________ Subj A New Project Date 1/2/97 33926 PM From CorDynne

CorDynne looked at his hapless patient. The neuro toxin in her system would not allow her to move as two of the four med droids strapped her to the operating table, yet he knew she was fully awake. He would need to thank the house Kurita assassins for developing the toxin.

A slight smile turned up on his face as the scientist pulled out a bone saw. As the two droids continued their work on the woman, CorDynne watched other two droids moving body parts left over from his last experiment. Blood dripped on the floor as the machines carelessly tossed the remnants down a chute. Being an obsessive/compulsive man when it came to his lab, the mess infuriated CorDynne. Grabbing up an amputated arm, he tossed it across the room, smacking one of the droids in the back of the head.

"You Idiots! Clean that mess up!!!!" Was his only response as the doctor quickly turned and walked to his computer. Typing a command sequence, his terminal lit up with data. Simultaneously, a holo field lowered into Sal's view, the images flickering within showing his new patient the horrors she would soon be experiencing. Pulling an old torn book out of a desk drawer, CorDynne ignored the title he knew by heart, flipping instead to an obviously well read page. Sal could barely make out the worn words on the cover of the book.

Advanced Cybernetics

By. Eugene W. Alexander.

There would be no way the woman on the table could know the author's name, but CorDynne respected the man as the father of Cybernetics, a man more sadistic than himself. Finally the four droids finished their work and moved behind the man as he made the final preparations on this next project. Undaunted, he obviously ignored the ungodly screaming and moaning from another door to the left of him as he put the finishing touches on his holo diagram. There was nothing she could do but watch.....and wait.

________________________________________

Subj Mewling Kitten, Roaring Lion Date 1/5/97 21852 AM From Sally Payne

Dark blue eyes moved rapidly as she was strapped to an operating table. She could feel the cold steel beneath her. The feel more that of the impersonal table upon which a corpse would rest before an autopsy was performed. Her brain screamed at unwilling muscles, but they remained unmoving. What ever toxin had been used had rendered her incapable of even the slightest movement, except for her eyes, she knew nothing of it. As yet her clothing remained. But she suspected that wouldn't be the case once this madman proceeded with what ever his intent was.

She didn't like the feeling of having no control. Within she screamed and raged in anger at this violation. But the sound that emerged from her throat sounded more like that of a mewling kitten. The darkening of her eyes, resembling a growing thunderstorm on a distant horizon was all that gave evidence that she far from relinquished command of her being. Regardless how the situation appeared otherwise.

From a point beyond her line of vision she could hear the wet slapping of blood soaked body parts as they were thrown emotionlessly down the chute. She watched as this madman picked up a bone saw. How quaint. Not only was he a madman but he believed in the arcane medical practice's of centuries past. He probably achieved some odd sexual pleasure from it as well. Had she been able ta she would have laughed.

She heard his steps move away from the steel table and his curt orders ta the droids. Only a brief moment passed before she heard his fingers upon a keypad. Then, within her view appeared a holo field. Her eyes widened at the atrocity she saw. She struggled against the toxins that rendered her immobile. God she hated the sound she was making. Within her mind it sounded like a roar but without it still sounded like a mewling kitten.

Where the bloody hell was Ben and his group? Where was Kat? And what of this Psyter. Nope, that one was outta question. Obviously CorDynne had already gotten his hands on that twisted figure of what once might have been humanity. What about the dapper smeg. Little realizing that he was in essence the one that handed her over ta this new situation.

Turning her eyes as far as she could, shutting out the image of the holo field above her. A tic was developing at the edge of her eye from the action. There was only one word upon the books cover that she could make out. CorDynne's fingers covering the others. Cybernetics. Awww damn, weren't this an appropriate end ta an otherwise fun filled day. Suddenly her very head was pierced with pain, radiating outward from a point just behind her left ear.

Her eyes closed tightly against it. It's ringing filling her head, blocking out the ungodly screams coming from behind a door beyond her sight. Then nothing. As quickly as it had been there it was gone. Her eyes blinked, glazed over slightly at the lingering effects. Unanticipated as it may be, unrealized as it surely was, was that age old implant that Tylgraph had placed when she was still little more then a child going to prove to be a blessing in disguise? Unaware of what time again passed, or of the preparations CorDynne was enacting.

________________________________________

Subj A bad part of town. Date 1/8/97 35622 AM From Ben Stinel

"Stop!"

Ben didn't think about why Kat had yelled at him to halt until after he had slammed on the brakes. The wheels locked up instantly, sending the Barracuda into a skid, stalling the engine and landing the car in a perfect park against the curb on the wrong side of the street. Kat had already jumped out of the car and told him she would be right back by the time he even thought to demand why she was playing with his reflexes like that.

He sighed heavily and leaned back in the driver's seat, following his sister with his eyes. As she strode determinedly into a run down looking building across the street, his eyes fell on the dingy little sign above the door.

DelBay's

It was the only one of the ten signs around the door that wasn't in flickering neon, so he guessed it was probably the name of the bar and not a beer advertisement. Probably the owner, he mused and looked around at the rest of the block, casually wondering who this Delbay might be.

His eyes passed over a group of boys playing near a hydrant a way's down the block. A woman came out of another building carrying a bag of garbage which she dumped in a huge pile outside her building. With a shout of anger she chased a vagrant out of the pile and down the street. A drunk was wandering towards the bar from a tavern a block or so away. Looking back at the boys he noticed that they were admiring his car. The drunk stumbled into DelBay's.... Wait a second. Those kids weren't admiring his car, they were admiring his tires!

Quickly he tilted his mirrors down so he could see all four tires. Then he pulled out his blaster and brandished it where the kids could see it. They scattered. Ben chuckled and dropped the blaster into his lap.

A commotion from the bar made him look up. Quickly, he started the engine and pulled the car in a tight u-turn across the street. Not a moment to soon.

The second the Barracuda skidded to a stop, Kat barreled out and rolled lightly across the hood to the passenger side. Three electric red bolts from a hand blaster followed her out, missing her head by only inches as she ducked behind the car. She bounced up quickly and dove in through the passenger side window before her assailant could squeeze off another shot.

Ben slammed the car into gear as Kat pulled herself in and adjusted his mirror to see behind. A group of angry looking people were grouped outside the bar waving their fists at them. One greasy fat man in particular with a big wet beer stain on his messy apron around the groin looked particularly angry.

"Friends of yours?"

________________________________________

Subj A Bad Part of Town Date 1/11/97 34839 PM From KatrylleM

At Ben's insistence, Kat began spouting off the particulars about what had happened while he was outside protecting his....or rather HER tires.

As they had before, she could feel all eyes turned to her when she stepped from sunlight into the dimly lit bar. Taking a moment for her vision to adjust to the bleakness, she slid her hands into her duster pockets, knowing the possible intent behind the movement would not be lost on those she still could not see.

Once her vision had cleared sufficiently, she moved down the two small steps just inside the door and strode towards the bar. As she had guessed, Nash...or rather DelBay was unsuccessfully busying himself by wiping down the bar top with what looked like a dirty rag. Sliding onto one of the cleaner bar stools in the place, Kat stared at him for a moment. A soft chuckle made it's way around the room as she watched him do everything he could to try and ignore her. She was fairly certain he knew why she was here. “ Welp. N'time like th'present.”

Slamming her good hand onto the bar top, she yelled out. “Gimme a beer, damnit!! I ain't waitin fer yer sorra hide all day!!!” She heard, rather than saw the more nervous type jump at the sudden sound, but she kept her gaze trained on Nash “Well? D'I hae t'come over this bar an wring it from ye?”

A smirk played about her lips as Nash put down his rag and poured a glass of beer from the tap, sliding it down the bar to her. She didn't bother to catch the glass, preferring to let it slide off the end of the bar and crash to the floor instead. “Wha'cha think this place is, a fast food joint? I dinnae catch m'drinks on th'fly, m'boyo.”

She knew this was a dangerous game she was playing. Nash, or DelBay as most of the knew him, was well liked among the lower class of the city. She'd have to time it just right if she was to get what she needed done and get out without any new holes in her body. Again, Nash poured her a glass of beer. Instead of sliding it down the bar this time, however, he politely walked it to her. Slamming the glass down at the last minute, his laughter was joined by several others as the beer splashed on her.

________________________________________

Subj A Bad Part of Town (pt.2) Date 1/11/97 34930 PM From KatrylleM

Before anyone could guess what she was about, she had grabbed Nash by the collar of his grimy t'shirt with her good hand and half dragged him over the bar, the newly poured glass spilling across the bar top and on to his grimy apron. Where as most men would have reacted, the sawed-off pressed between his eyes told him it would be better not to move. She heard several chairs scrape across the floor and her gaze turned to the others. “I wouldnae, er wha' little brains this man hae nae drowned in liquor will be yer newest form o'art!” Flipping her duster slightly, she let the others see the gleaming black double barrel pressed tightly against Nash's head. She nodded slowly as each of the patrons returned to her seat. Keeping her gaze on the men who thought to save their favorite tender, she spoke loud enough for all in the dead silent room to hear.

“Tell yer boss he's an idiot. Nae only does he nae hae th'brains t' identify his opponent, but he has n'way of catchin me either. He's a fool t'believe th'woman he has in custody is me. Oh...one other thin' let Darrak know tha' his time is short in this er any other world an' I be th'means o'makin sure o'it.”

Shoving DelBay back over the bar, she made her way for the door quickly. Before she reached the half way point, however, the splint on her hand caused her to fumble the shotgun. Immediately and without thinking, she pulled her bad hand from her pocket and grabbed for the gun, her reflexes causing her to forget the hand was unusable. Instantly, she regretted the move, crying out in pain.

She heard someone in the darkness point out that her hand was useless, but instead of waiting for the outcome, she snagged up the shotgun with her other hand and sprinted for the door. She knew there'd be weapons in the bar, she just couldn't be sure of how many.

She had been lucky. The shots that followed her out missed her....but not by much. She chuckled slightly as she saw the front end of the Barracuda parked backwards just outside the door. Rolling over the hood, she ducked behind just as another blaster ray slipped over her head. Standing quickly, she dove through the window of the passenger side, screaming at Ben to hit it even before she was fully in the car.

She slouched in her seat, her story finished as the city grime flashed by them. Ben merely chuckled, but she knew he was worried for Sal. They both were. Now they needed a way to get her out.

________________________________________

Subj The Doctor Will See You Now Date 1/12/97 20951 PM From LinTravers

Travers was in a turmoil. All his recon work on the one known as Sally Payne should have told him she was one of the Doom Bringers. He knew she was from RhyDin. He knew she piloted a mech known as Tabby's Luck, but he never connected the pieces of information to Kat and the Doom Bringers. Someone would pay for letting that little bit of information slip past.

Sighing, he shook his head. No....it was his fault. He should have made the connection. It was now his responsibility to right the wrong done to the woman before it got out of hand.

He saluted the gate guards half heartedly from the cockpit of the battered Blackjack. The arm Kat had taken off with the War Kat's PPC's would lend credibility to his story of the Rancor and the mech pilots panicking, though he'd have a hard time explaining the bruising about his face and body. He wasn't worried about that little problem, however. He was confident enough of his ability to think on his feet.

Stopping just within the gates, he shut the Blackjack down and left the cockpit. Approaching the guards, he returned their salute, once again with the arrogance of a man who cared not for the trapping of his title.

"Captain. Have any of my unit returned?"

The guard looked confused for a moment before shaking his head. "No sir. It's been quiet here all day."

Nodding, Travers smiled slightly. "Very good. Report to me when and if they get back. Heads are gonna roll for their cowardice." Travers turned to walk away, but the soft clearing of the Captain's throat stopped him. Glancing over his shoulder at the man, he arched an eyebrow. "Do you have something to say, mister?"

Nervously, the guard nodded. "If I may, sir. You look like hell. From my understanding, Dr. CorDynne is in his office seeing to a new patient. You should have those wounds seen to, sir."

Nodding again, Travers flashed the Captain a smile. "I'll do that, mister. Dismissed."

Raising his hand just enough to give the impression of a third salute, Travers turned his back on the guards and made his way quickly into the base. Navigating the corridors expertly, he finally came to a stop in front of CorDynne's lab. On his way from the ranch, he had received word that Sally Payne had attacked Darrak and was currently under the care of Dr. CorDynne for injuries inflicted by the commander. At least she was still alive. He hoped he was in time to stop CorDynne from any projects he was hoping to perform on the woman.

Travers and CorDynne had always had a definite hatred of each other, so getting through the lab door was going to be difficult for Travers. Luck was with him once again, however. The beatings he suffered at the hands of Kat and then Jarrid gave him reason to be in the medical wing, searching for a doctor. He was grateful to the Captain for pointing that out to him. Knocking on the door, he sighed, trying to appear more wounded than he actually was. Getting through the door was going to be easier than getting Sally out, he knew.

________________________________________

Subj Deceiving the Deceiver Date 1/18/97 13507 AM From KatrylleM

The fortress was just that....a fortress. Apart from the imposing gates, the walls themselves were solid stone at least twenty-five feet high. They had parked the car a mile away and walked, arm in arm as if they were a young couple in love out for a stroll. Now, leaning against the wall, the act continuing for all eyes watching, they covertly surveyed the area.

She knew being this close to Darrak would be dangerous, particularly for her, so during their trip through the city, she had Ben make one more stop. She knew the small woman's shop well, in fact, she had shopped there quiet often. The owner smiled in recognition as Kat stepped through the door.

“Katrylle! My goodness it's been forever!” Kat chuckled, enduring the motherly hug from the woman.

“Rosie! It's been too long, my friend. How have you been? How's Nicalaus?”

The two women chatted pleasantly while Kat looked around the shop. Her original idea for coming here was to find something that would cover her distinguishable but braided hair as well as her eye patch. But, as she wandered around the shop, the mischievous part of her being took hold.

________________________________________

Subj Deceiving the Deceiver (2) Date 1/18/97 13847 AM From KatrylleM

Later, after Rosie had let her change, she stepped outside and past the waiting Ben who was leaning against the front fender of the Barracuda. The laughter threatened to overcome her when, several feet beyond the back of the car, she turned and strode past him again as if she had realized she was going in the wrong direction. The second time past, Kat couldn't contain herself and burst into fits of giggles which promptly caused Ben to check to see if his fly was opened. This caused the giggles to turn into hysterical laughter, leading the expression on Ben's face to shift through various degrees of confusion, surprise and all out shock as he realized who was laughing at him.

The slender, leather clad woman he had watched enter the shop not twenty minutes previously had been replaced by one who was blatantly pregnant. Kat was covered from neck to ankle in a stylish lavender and white button front maternity shift and pants, the long sleeves frilly enough to hid the splint on her wrist, yet lose enough to be able to get to the knife strapped there as well. Giggling like school girls, the two women had altered a pillow, sewing four ribbons to each corner to allow Kat to tie it around her waist. Then, Rosie had braided her hair in just such a way that it only looked to come down to just past her shoulders, while the rest was tucked inside the back of her shift. A large floppy hat and a pair of sun glasses completed her disguise. Knowing her friend's love for a good laugh, Kat had explained to Rosie this was a joke she wanted to pull on a close friend.

Now, as she leaned against the wall, Ben facing her, she continuously rubbed the bulge at her stomach as she had seen Tasha do many times before. The difficult part of the disguise had been the walk. Kat had to practice for several minutes to be able to imitate Tash's pregnant waddle, but she eventually felt confident enough to pass herself off to anyone in or around the fortress. Unfortunately, her back was beginning to hurt because of it.

“Remind m'this is one o'th' main reasons I'm nae gonna hae kids, eh?”

Ben chuckled softly, leaning over to kiss her cheek before holding his arm out to her “Shall we continue my dear?”

________________________________________

Subj Deceiving the Deceiver (3) Date 1/18/97 14522 AM From KatrylleM

Kat draped her good arm through Ben's as they once again began strolling the perimeter of the compound. A soft smile played about her lips even as she said between clenched teeth. “ I hear anythin' aboot this from th'DB's an' yer a dead man, brother...”

Again, Ben's response was to chuckle. This time, however, she could not mistake the mischievous undertones in his voice.

“Why dearest sister...would I do something like that?”

She placed a hand in the small of her back and rubbed as she leaned her head against his arm. “I cannae wait until this is over, darling. Just think...a few more days an' ye'll be holdin yer son.” Her voice returned to its clenched whisper “An' remember...I can git thin's on ye. Better yet...I can make them up. Dinnae fergit th'Simmons incident dearest brother.”

There was no chuckle this time. Instead, they carried on in silence, making their way around a corner onto a busy street. It was here that something caught Kat's eye. Standing perfectly still in the middle of the crowd, almost as if she didn't notice the people around her, stood a young woman. Her dishwater blond hair had faded streaks of Burgundy in it and her clothes were that of an ancient Romany gypsy, complete with tiny silver bells around her waist, wrists and ankles and crystals of various sorts hanging from her neck and ears. On her shoulder sat a small stone gargoyle, it's piercing red eyes glinting in the sunlight as they moved across the crowd. The woman herself was staring at Kat intently. She couldn't place it, but there was something very strange about the entire scene.

Remembering her disguise, she gently rubbed Ben's arm, smiling softly as she looked up at him. (“ See the gypsy? She's staring at us.”

She watched as Ben's eyes searched the crowd, his 6'2" frame giving him a better vantage than her 5'. Smiling down at her, he leaned over to kiss her forehead, muttering softly under his breath. “ What gypsy? I don't see a gypsy.”

Leaning her head against Ben's arm once again, she returned the gypsy's stare. She couldn't understand how Ben could have missed the woman, but before she could say anything further, the gypsy turned and slipped through a doorway in the giant stone wall, apparently leaving it open for them. All of Kat's instincts were screaming "TRAP!", but despite the obvious danger, Ben immediately started for the door with a tight grip on Kat's arm.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 1/19/97 61137 AM From TGG Smoke

THE X-wing rode the frigid air currents above the north pole of Pelvar, rocking gently on its axis as it rode the eddies created by tropical air from the equator as cooled and traveled to the poles. Five different sensor banks tracked three hundred and twelve satellites in orbit above, sixteen of which were owned by private corporations, ten of those under contract with various local governments. Two hundred and eighty-nine were under direct control of the governments themselves. The other seven, according to everything he had, should not have been there.

He frowned, keying in several more scans. The mysterious seven didn't run any transponder codes, rendering them invisible to anything but direct sensor probes. Every data track he ran on them came back looking like it had been run through a few perverted exercise routines, and there was no trace of commlinks with the ground. Very odd. Spy satellites that didn't spy. Things were, as they said, "Getting curiouser and curiouser."

Another long hour of surveillance turned up nothing more than a few lewd phone conversations over the comsats and a malfunctioning VOR transmitter on one of the GPS relays. His seven quiet friends didn't even twitch. Something would have to be done about that.

He feathered the throttles on the small fighter back up to half sublight cruising and pulled up, watching as the ice caps fell away to be replaced by an all-encompassing darkness. He smiled into the black curtain, calling the location of the nearest of the seven onto his targeting computer and locking it in. It was an age old theory.... stimulus-response. If the satellites weren't responding, he was going to give them a little something to respond to. Simple science made easy.

The satellite appeared over the horizon, sunlight glinting off its aluminum skin. It looked very pretty, hanging there like a child's mobile. Almost divine.

He hoped the gods liked burnt offerings.

He snickered and touched the thumb trigger on the flightstick, sending two torpedoes at the satellite. The first one punctured the thin fabric of its outer skin, and the kinetic energy from the explosion sent the wounded satellite spinning down towards the atmosphere. The second torpedo eliminated the need for a messy ballistic reentry by exploding three meters from the twirling wreck.

Who said good help was impossible to find?

He turned, replaying the senor data from the explosions. The other six satellites hadn't even blinked. Still, that didn't prove much. Six of them could still handle a lot of data. If they were on the same relay, he was betting five would get things a little cozy. He cut the X-wings' forward momentum and shifted his sights to the next satellite. Two more torpedoes, and anyone on the ground could own their very own Spy Sat. Or a piece of it, anyhow.

This time, he got results. The number four satellite repositioned itself by two degrees, angling to cover the space previously occupied by its fallen compatriots. The movement opened up a two second window into its coded comm frequencies. Not enough to decipher the codes, but enough to track the signals. One point five-nine seconds later, his computers had the trace. The satellites were linked, communicating on a shared subspace channel that was supposed to be used only by civilian space traffic. The signals were coded and mixed into the static on the channel, with each packet of information flagged on the lead and tail ends to allow the other satellites to pick up on them. The compiled data was then beamed to the moon, using the same channel but a different static bandwidth. The result was a network of seemingly benign, dead satellites that could in truth observe any point on the planet at any time without anyone being the wiser. He could guess who was behind that little stunt.

He brought up a map of the local moon and triangulated the point of reception for the data feed. A small transmitter, registered to a private industry by that name of "ConTec".

ConTec. He was willing to bet a months pay that was fake. What a cheesy name. He shrugged, tapping his comm and setting it to page the DBs, but thought of several different situations in which Ben would not be pleased to have his wrist beeping and decided to leave a message instead.

~Ben - CorDynne and Darrak have eyes everywhere. About to eliminate variables, but keep alert. Now safe to use 'Mechs if neccessarry.

Stay safe.

-Ryan~

He really hoped Ben checked his messages.

Ten minutes later, the X-wing floated in the middle of a large debris field. The five remaining satellites had made lovely shooting stars as they fell into Pelvar's atmosphere, aided by a few mega joules of laser energy. Anything that was not in a direct Line-of-sight to Darrak's ground radar would be blind, and field units would find a garbled mess on their GPS units and Navcoms. They were blind and deaf.

The game was, of course, afoot.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 1/19/97 54414 PM From Machinshi

Machinshi, rested though still wounded was checking Ben's messages for him. He smiled and put the comm to his lips and called Jarrid, Ryax and Melicore back from where they had been and let them toward the hanger. In an innocuous looking truck the trio drove from the compound in full view of the now deactivated satellites. Some time later they arrived at the warehouse where the DB's had stored their Mechs.

"DB's--prep all mechs for combat ASAP. I must be ready to move when Ben Stinel gives the call."

Machinshi then turned and called to the dropship and ordered that they begin preparations to lift. In addition, Mach also ordered that the small commando squad he had been helping train suit up and transport over to the warehouse... Inside the enemy compound there would be few places for Mechs to be effective, but the commandoes... they would be handy indeed.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 1/21/97 124105 AM From Ben Stinel

"See the gypsy?" Kat tugged gently at Ben's arm. He looked down and saw the worried smile on her face, "She's staring at us."

He followed her gaze through the crowd but didn't see anyone. Just a clear spot along the wall to the compound where the crowding was not so thick.

"What gypsy?" he asked her softly, leaning down to kiss her forehead, "I don't see anyone that looks like a gypsy."

Kat didn't answer but just kept staring at the clear spot on the wall. Ben shrugged and kept scanning the wall, looking for a way in. Feeling a slight jump from Kat he looked back at the place where she was staring. He blinked twice at the door that was suddenly in the uncrowded place before clutching Kat's arm and starting for it.

He dragged Kat along, not noticing that she was pulling the other direction. The door was small and the moment that he walked through it he was surprised that he had noticed it at all. He dragged Kat into the complex about ten feet before stopping. Kat took the opportunity to drag him back to the wall.

"I saw the gypsy come through that door just before you started hauling me towards it. It's gotta be a trap!"

"I didn't see any gypsy, sis. Besides. Have you seen a better way in?"

Kat scowled, "I still think this is a bad idea."

The sound of the door snapping shut pulled their attention back to the way they came in.

"Doesn't look like we have much choice now."

"I knew it..." Kat's face was pale, "It's a trap."

Ben looked around. The compound was a large enclosed area. Two large buildings were right in front of them, providing thorough cover from the street they could see down the alleyway between them. A narrow road ran behind the buildings and looking right or left Ben could see that there was a ring of similar structures running just along the wall.

A sudden pounding as a Raven Battlemech stomped past the alleyway prompted the pair to jump behind one of the buildings and out of sight of the street.

"What now?"

"Well," Ben said, "the mech was going that way, so I suggest that we go this way."

Ben had already started when a sharp intake of breath from Kat made him stop and look behind.

"There she is! The gypsy!"

"Where?" Ben frowned in the direction Kat was pointing.

Her frown was frustrated, "She just went around that corner. She was motioning for us to follow."

"Well, I hate to go in the same direction as that mech, but your gypsy got us in here, we might as well stick with a good thing."

They ran down the narrow road to the place where Kat saw the gypsy duck into the alleyway. As they turned the corner, the gypsy was nowhere to be seen.

"Where did she go?" Ben whispered.

"She's down that way..." Kat said softly, "I can hear her jewelry."

"Well, this gypsy of yours might as well not exist as far as I'm concerned, cause I can't hear a bloody thing," he whispered back.

Ben pushed Kat back against the wall suddenly as a small floating sphere buzzed along the path they had come from. It passed by the alley without seeing them against the wall.

"Nice security system," he whispered.

"Common..." Kat said.

The two of them went to the mouth of the alley. The Raven could be seen several hundred feet away, and walking farther away from them. Directly in front of the row of buildings was a wide street. Several large buildings were arranged throughout the enclosure, arranged in an efficient military pattern. Just across the street from them was a wide parade ground.

Kat pointed directly across the parade ground, "There. She just went into that building."

Ben pulled a small card from his wallet and held it in front of one eye, "Well, I don't see your friend, but I tell ya what I do see. The building has a sign on the door that says 'Medical' and that slime Linton Travers just got out of the transport that just stopped in front of the building."

"So how do we get over there?"

"Well, there are a lot of people in civilian dress around. The PX must be right on the edge of the parade ground. We could try just waltzing right over there."

"Sounds risky."

"I think you're being over paranoid, sis. Just act casual."

Before Kat had a chance to respond, Ben had dragged her five feet into the open. Ben watched as she instantly composed herself and put the happy couple act back on.

They walked hand in hand, just a merry stroll from the barracks to the medical center for Kat's checkup with one of the legitimate doctors on staff there. Ben felt Kat's fingers tense every time one of the females they passed gave her a knowing smile. Outwardly she smiled back, but Ben could tell she was worried one of them would see through her disguise.

Gradually the distance was closed. Now half way there... Now three quarters... Kat didn't let down her guard until they passed through the doors to the med center. That's when the alarms went off.

Kat led the way through the building, following her gypsy friend supposedly. Ben didn't see anyone the entire way, but maybe he'd just been incredibly unlucky. Or distracted by the other running people who were preparing the hospital to receive a large number of casualties. Fortunately, no one questioned them in the commotion.

"Here!" Kat had stopped in front of one of the wide double doors. The name plate next to it read

Laboratory of Dr. Stephan CorDynne, PhD/MD

"I saw her point at this door before she ran off down the hall," Kat continued, "This is where Sally is."

Ben tried the control plate next to the door, but nothing happened. "Stand back," Ben pulled out his blaster but just before he fired it the door slid open all by itself. Inside they found a surprised Travers holding a blaster on an even more surprised CorDynne, along with a very drugged Sally Payne on a very cold metal operating table.

________________________________________

Subj The Doctor Will See You Now... Date 1/25/97 10048 AM From LinTravers

It had taken several minutes for Travers to convince CorDynne to let him in. Travers knew that it wasn't because CorDynne was afraid of anyone seeing the woman on the table, he couldn't care less. Travers knew CorDynne merely did not wish to be interrupted.

Once the door was opened by a med-droid, however, Travers stumbled through, making more of his injuries to insure CorDynne would attend to him immediately.

With only a mildly interested look towards Sally, Travers was ushered to a table. He refused CorDynne's request to lay down, but complied with the demand to remove his shirt. As CorDynne began examining Travers, grunting in disgust at not being able to work uninterrupted, Travers again glanced at Sally. His practiced eye quickly ascertained that she only had bruising about the neck and jaw. Her eyes were moving, straining to see the goings on in the room, so he also figured she was alive. Still, her eyes were the only thing that did move. She was not strapped to the table so he figured she had simply been given something to prevent movement. She seemed completely aware, which infuriated Travers. This "doctor"...this madman was about to carry out his "experiments" on a woman who could see and feel everything.

Suddenly and without warning, Travers shoved CorDynne away, his blaster finding it's way into his hand instantly. It was at that same moment that the muffled sounds of alarms seeped through the closed door. CorDynne was infuriated, but Travers merely told him to shut up as he slid off the gurney and quickly made his way to the door. Punching in the security code, he glanced at the readout only long enough to make sure the door was securely locked. Turning back to CorDynne, he glared.

"Now...give her the counter active to whatever it is that is keeping her on that table."

CorDynne smiled smugly. "There is no such thing."

Travers moved quickly, grabbing CorDynne up by the shirtfront. His voice was as deadly as the look on his face. "Then, by the gods...you had better find one.....and quickly." Using the gathering of shirt in his hand, Travers shoved the doctor backwards across the lab, keeping his blaster trained on the madman.

His attention drawn completely to CorDynne and his droids, Travers did not hear the lock click unexplainably to "open", so when the blaring of the alarms suddenly grew louder, he nearly blew CorDynne away in surprise. His mind overcame his reactions just a fraction of a millisecond before Travers' finger completed the pull on the trigger. His head snapping to the door, his surprise was heightened by the sight of Ben and some unknown pregnant woman slipping through the opening.

________________________________________

Subj The Gates of Hell (1) Date 2/2/97 24144 PM From KatrylleM

Seeing the blaster in Travers' hand, she stepped into the room and to one side, her good hand sliding up the sleeve of the maternity shift. He hadn't appeared to recognize her yet....but it was only a matter of time. At the moment, however, his gaze was torn between Ben and the doctor.

She watched his gaze move to the open door as Ben stepped through and to the other side, splitting the targeting area so one of them was assured to hit him should he decided to fire on the other.

“Shut the door. You want security to see this monster being held against his will?!” Travers' voice was tense, his jaw clenching and unclenching constantly. She glanced at Ben as he reached over his shoulder and hit the door controls. His slight nod in Sal's direction put her in motion. Quickly, she moved to Sal's side, relieved to see the woman's eyes flit over her in confusion. Chuckling softly, Kat removed the sunglasses and hat she had been wearing. Leaning further into Sal's line of sight, her voice quiet as she smoothed back Sal's hair, she spoke reassuringly

“Easy, hon. We've come t'git y'oot o' here... I'm sure y've had a lovely vacation, but we got work t'do here. Ben says all leave is cancelled on this wonderful piece o'real estate, though gods know why we'd wanna leave, right?” Sal's only response was to close her eyes in relief. Smoothing her hair again, she glanced up at Travers, the chuckle at the surprise on his face as he looked her over coming almost involuntarily.

Ben's quiet voice interrupted anything she would have said to the man claiming to be her ex-lover's brother. “Just let us take Sal out of here and you can go on with whatever you want. All we came for is her.”

Travers barely tore his gaze away from Kat. “She's the reason I'm here as well. I needed to right the wrong I've done to her....to all of you. Take her. She'll not be able to move on her own. This......doctor has given her something to keep her from moving, though he won't tell me what it is. He was going to practice his butchery on her while she was fully conscious.”

Kat tensed at Travers' words, her expression going deadly cold as she looked to the doctor. Suddenly, before either man could stop her, she had moved to CorDynne and hit him square in eye with her closed fist. Screaming her cusses, she began pummeling the man, oblivious to the med droids moving in on her. She heard both men yell at once as the droid closest to her exploded in a shower of sparks and metal. Rolling off the fallen doctor, she ducked another blast and dove under an empty gurney.

As the remaining droids were quickly disbursed, the building shook on it's foundation.

Suddenly, there was more debris falling around her, some of which looked a lot like ceiling bits. As realization hit, she jumped from under the gurney and raced to Sal, draping herself over the woman's head to try and protect her from the collapsing ceiling.

“Wha'cha guys DO?! Th'whole buildin's comin down!! “

________________________________________

Subj Gates of Hell (2) Date 2/2/97 24212 PM From KatrylleM

Frantically looking around, she noticed Ben deflecting bits of wall and ceiling with the blue energy he called telekinesis. Travers was busy merely dodging them, trying to get to the door as he yelled over the din.

“We've been hit by a missile! We've gotta get out of here!”

A scream from behind drew her attention in that direction. The doctor Travers had been threatening with his blaster still lay on the floor where she had left him, but a ceiling beam had collapsed across his legs, pinning him to the floor. The sight that made Kat draw back in horror, however....the sight that would give her nightmares for weeks to come...were the...things coming from a shattered door on the other side of the lab. Perhaps they had once been human, but now they were only bits of flesh and metal shambling their way across the lab towards the trapped man.

The doctor struggled in vain to extract himself from the beam, the sheer hysteria on his face as his gaze remained locked on his "creations" something Kat would not soon forget. As she stood, frozen in place watching the horror unfold, she was oblivious to the building collapsing around her or the voices screaming outside. Only the sudden movement of the gurney beneath her snapped her back to reality.

________________________________________

Subj 'Bout Friggin Time (1) Date 2/4/97 12708 PM From Sally Payne

It was only after a times passing that she slowly realized she wasn't strapped to the cold table beneath her, still unaware of the toxin that had been used on her. She had closed her eyes tight counting slowly to ten time after time, but her ire at this violation wouldn't leave her. The image's of what this jerk intended ta do ta her kept surfacing in her thoughts. Breathing deeply she concentrated on her left hand. Comeon, respond damnit, move. In her mind she saw herself, a mocking grin on her face. Lifting her left hand in controlled movement almost like a puppet. No damnit, not you. Again that sound that disgusted her, that pitiful mewling. She was getting no where. She cursed muscles that just refused ta move.

Realization hit her like someone slappin her cross the face. Her eyes snapped open. Why the hell hadn't she thought of it before. She knew there were chemicals that would render someone unable ta move. Whether by injection, gas. She thought back ta one contract she had taken. The canister of compounded chemicals, that once released within the courtyard of the home of the Magistrate who's son she was ta kidnap, rendered everyone conscious but unable ta move. Again the mental image of herself sneered. Bout time ya smartened up smeg. Yer bout as bright as dat buffoon Jyco.

It was at that point that she realized she heard another voice. She tried to follow the sound with her eyes. That voice was oddly familiar. Her mental image shook it's head. Cocking one arm as though leanin against something. That's it dolt, search dem fried memory cells. Comeon, ya can do it. Another image of herself appeared in her mind, pushing the first. Oh shut up. What the hell da ya know bout it? She only saw da smeg once. With another aggravated mewl she closed her eyes. This was all she needed. To watch as though a cartoon, two images of herself fighting each other.

Angry words drew her attention to the point just beyond her line of sight. "Now...give her the counter active to whatever it is that is keeping her on

that table." She could hear the smugness in the good Doctors voice. Good Doctor? Oh brother. She must be losin it. "There is no such thing." She heard the scuffling as Travers grabbed CorDynne's shirtfront. "Then, by the gods...you had better find one.....and quickly." Then she saw CorDynne stumble backwards as Travers shoved him. Kewl deal, one of dem is in line of sight. Come on bucko'... haul yer back side inta sight too. God she had ta stop talkin ta herself. All she needed was ta finally get back ta HQ and be slapped inta the infirmary.

At the sound of the door opening, that at least was in her line of sight, she forced her eyes away from what ever was happening where she couldn't see it. Ben? And who da hell was da chick? Was Ben daft bringing a pregnant woman ta dis place? Had she been able ta she would have cocked a brow at the tension she heard in the voice of the man who she still couldn't see. "Shut the door. You want security to see this monster being held against his will?!"

Her eyes remained trained on the pregnant woman. Something was oddly familiar but as yet she couldn't put a finger ta it, as she watched the woman move to her. She couldn't help the confusion that she knew was fillin her eyes. With a chuckle the woman removed da hat and sunglass's. Kat!!! Her mind screamed out the name. Kat leaned closer brushing back her hair. Talkin softly ta her. "Easy, hon. We've come t'git y'oot o' here... I'm sure y've had a lovely vacation, but we got work t'do here. Ben says all leave is cancelled on this wonderful piece o'real estate, though gods know why we'd wanna leave, right?" She rolled her eyes before letting them fall closed again. The two images in her mind stood with mouths gapping, completely dumbfound expressions on their faces. Never mind. Don't ask. There will be time later ta find out how the hell Kat came ta be pregnant. No I don't mean dat. I know how, just... awwww ferget it.

Ben's voice rose quietly, directed at the man just beyond her sight. "Just let us take Sal out of here and you can go on with whatever you want. All we came for is her." As though someone had finally gathered all the light bulbs she was forever removing from fixtures she realized it was the dapper smeg she couldn't see. "She's the reason I'm here as well. I needed to right the wrong I've done to her....to all of you. Take her. She'll not be able to move on her own. This......doctor has given her something to keep her from moving, though he won't tell me what it is. He was going to practice his butchery on her while she was fully conscious." She couldn't help the shudder that passed through the twin images of herself in her mind. Well at least they could move even if she couldn't.

One moment Kat was beside her and the next she wasn't. Only the heavy sound of knuckles against flesh told her what was happening. Kat was screaming curses at the madman fer all she was worth. She woulda chuckled had she been able ta. Kat knew a few that she didn't, but they were filed away in her mind fer later use. Suddenly all hell broke loose. The whole room seemed ta buckle in upon itself. Her eyes flew open, widening before she couldn't seen anything further. Hey wait! Who the hell turned out the lights? Slowly she realized it was Kat covering her from falling debris.

Kat suddenly drew back a bit not totally rising off the her but enough so she could see her face. She noted the ashen color that was evident upon the woman's face. Then the sounds reached her from again out of her line of vision. Had she known what was there she would thank the gods that she couldn't see them. But Kat's face was enough to tell her the horrors. Suddenly she felt the gurney move. This seemed to also draw Kat's attention back.

________________________________________

Subj ReRevenge Date 2/10/97 15132 AM From Ben Stinel

"Okay, toss it up." Ben caught the cylinder and dropped it down the 'mech's thermal exhaust port before he reclosed the grated hatch over the port. Standing up and wiping the sweat from his forehead he looked down at Travers on the ground below. "How many is that now?"

Travers looked around and squinted at the other mechs in their stalls, "That's nearly half I think."

Another explosion rocked the building and Ben had to grab one of the mech's antennae to stabilize himself. He glanced up at the roof to make sure it wasn't going to cave in. "That one was too close."

Travers took his arms away from his head when the debris stopped falling and called back up to him, "I thought you told him not to hit this building, damn it!"

Ben slid down the rope ladder and landed next to Linton. He dusted off his hands and glanced at the glowering traitor. "Must have been a stray."

Travers set his jaw.

"Come on. We've still got half a battalion to disable. I don't think seven mechs and a fighter stand any chance against even one company, much less a company and a half."

They moved on to the next mech and the pair of them climbed up onto the docking platform. On the ground below, Kat walked towards the mech with a cart of barrels pulled behind her.

"Look what Sal and I found! Four barrels of Selenium Jelly!"

Ben nodded and called back down, "Good thinking, sis. Start spreading that into the knee joints of as many mechs as you can Start on the one's well be getting to last. That way if we have to face them at least they'll be crippled a bit."

Kat nodded.

"How's Sal doing, Kat?" Ben asked.

"She can move again. She's still pretty stiff."

Ben nodded and started to unscrew the cover to the exhaust port.

"Ben? Do ya think we're doin the right thing here?"

"I don't remember doing anything like this in your vision, do you?"

Kat shook her head, "No, I don't."

"Well, that's good enough for me. We'll be okay, sis. Just get started on those mech legs."

Kat nodded and started down the row, the cart following obediently after her.

Travers watched her go until she was out of earshot before asking, "Why do you call her your sister anyway? Kat doesn't have any family."

"It's a long story," Ben answered as he lifted open the hatch. Three of the bombs went down the narrow tube before Ben dropped the lid and resealed it, "one I don't really have time to go into. How much longer do we have anyway?"

Travers glanced back towards the doorway to the mechbay and the pair of guards that were slumped there. "Until their replacements show up in about two hours. Or untill your man runs out of missiles and the techs are allowed to come back to work from general quarters. Whichever comes first."

"Well," Ben said, "Let's hope Ryan doesn't run out of missiles. Let's get on to the next one."

__________________________________________________________________

Jarrid dropped the binoculars and squinted at the horizon. The orange Barracuda was the one Ben and Kat left in, but the car behind it was an enigma. Ryan had called into base about fifteen minutes ago that the mission was a success. Ben and Kat would have Sal with them then. Ryan himself was taking a long jump back to base to ensure that he wasn't being followed.

The cars pulled in front of the large building and Ben and Sally climbed out of the Barracuda. Kat and Travers got out of the second car. Jarrid made no effort to disguise the glare he focused on Travers.

"What's he doin' here, boss?"

"He's here to make reparations," Ben said. He turned to Sally and Kat before continuing, "Okay, you two. Get your mechs and rendezvous with the rest of us at 1800 hours. Don't be late. Travers, you're going to have to sit this out I guess."

"Actually, I've got a mech stored in the city. I've always kept it out of Darrak's grasp."

"And we've got Kat's mech here, boss," Jarrid spoke up.

Ben raised his eyebrows in suprise, "Okay. Sally, give Travers a ride into town then to get your mechs. When's Ryan getting back, Jarrid?"

"He should be here in about twenty minutes."

"Make sure he's rearmed and refueled when he gets back. I'm gonna go talk to Mach about our strategy. Wanna come, sis?"

________________________________________

Subj The Setting Sun Date 2/11/97 33653 PM From KatrylleM

She shook her head at Ben. "No...I've gotta check th'computer an' a few other thins." She glanced at Jarrid. "Y'said y'had m'mech wi' ye....which one? Th'Angel er th' War Kat?"

Jarrid shook his head, chuckling. "I piloted the War Kat in from the ranch. Now don't look so surprised...I wasn't always a command center geek."

Kat laughed, hugging him. "Ach, I nae thought y'were in command o'anythin'." She laughed and ducked away quickly as her reference to his being a geek sunk in. Sprinting across the warehouse, she located the War Kat and climbed inside, punching on the onboard computer into action.

"Project completion estimate...."

She smiled slightly as the computer returned the request for the authorization code.

"Kittyscot, password Queen o'Diamonds, Ace o'Hearts."

''Blackjack. Project completion estimated in 14.4 hours.''

"How soon until Darrak's forces are ordered off base?"

98% of Darrak's forces will be given orders to relocate in 14 hours.

Grumbling, Kat frowned. "Any way t'speed tha up?"

Negative.

Kat slumped back into the pilot's seat. Fourteen hours. She didn't know if they had that long. With Ryan's raid on Darrak's fortress, the clock was ticking faster, and time was against them.

Suddenly, Kat bent over, kicking the hidden lock mechanism with the toe of her boot to release the floor hatch. Sliding off her seat, she dropped her legs over the side of the compartment and leaned in as far as she could. Grabbing the case she had hidden in the secret hold before leaving RhyDin, she set it in her lap and unsnapped the clasps, lifting the lid. Nestled within the folds of black felt laid the broken down pieces of a sniper rifle. Gently, she ran her fingers over the gun's polished mahogany butt, then, finally, with the practiced ease of one who loved weapons, she quickly assembled the rifle. Snapping the scope into it's seat on top of the barrel, she climbed back into the pilot's seat. Lifting the gun to her shoulder, she sighted in on a dangling metal sign several hundred yards away. She was surprised at the lightness of such a powerful weapon.

Gently, she eased the trigger back, arching an eyebrow at the smoothness with which it moved. She smiled slightly as her finger reached the final contact, the hammer slamming home with a small click. There was no jerk to the trigger, no sudden tension what so ever...Jugger had chosen well.

Setting the rifle in her lap, she leaned back in the seat, remembering the day Jugger had loaned it to her knowing she was intent on what she had to do. She wished she had known about the transmitters he had planted to track her. But it was too late. The Doom Bringers were here...and they were about to go into battle. There would be no way now for her to use the rifle in secret. After the run on his fortress, Darrak would be underground until the finial battle. She knew he'd be in a livid rage and she hoped it would work for their side.

Breaking down the weapon once again, she set the pieces back in their place within the case and closed it. Perhaps the weapon might still be of some use, she thought as she placed the case back in the secret hold of the War Kat and closed the hatch.

Climbing down from the mech, she strolled outside. Leaning against the corrugated steel of the warehouse, she slid down it until she was in a sitting position, her knees pressed against her chest. Sighing, she watched as the sun slid behind the mountains, her mind a constant flurry of thoughts and wonderings as she resigned herself to the fact that this might be the last sunset she would ever see.

________________________________________

Subj Let Da Games Begin Date 2/12/97 112741 PM From Sally Payne

Dark blue eyes flashed at Ben's words. At least she weren't gonna be stuck on the outside lookin in. And she actually couldn't wait ta get back behind da controls of TL. Everything but her knife had been returned ta her once they had left CorDynne's, and the toxin he had been feeding her in large quantities had finally started to release it's hold on her. She turned her dark gaze ta Travers. "Looks like yer stuck wid me as yer driver fer da time bein." Turning on her heel, glad that she faced away from the others, namely Ben, as she regained her balance the sudden movement afforded her. Her muscles were still sluggish though even that was better then the way they had been. She sprinted ta the second vehicle, preferring it's bland appearance though had choice been affordable she woulda rather be behind da wheel of da 'Cuda. She ignored Traver's stammerings about how she should let him drive. Slippin behind da wheel of the vehicle, twistin the ignition, then revin da engine. Her gaze darkening as she glanced at him through the glass.

Travers threw up his hands and slipped inta the passengers seat, muttering a few oaths as she gunned the engine, spun the tires and headed back toward town before he had even closed the door. He threw a look at her but seeing the determination etched inta her face he opted ta stay silent. Perhaps one of the wisest choices he had made ta date.

She didn't miss da look of suprise on Travers face as she pulled the vehicle inta a controlled slide in front of da abandoned warehouse where TL was hidden. Apparently there were a few things that he hadn't been privy to. The look on his face causing her to laugh softly as she killed the engine and opened da door. "Ready ta rock 'n' roll?" He nodded and followed her inta the warehouse. She keyed the com on her wrist. The runnin lantern of the large Marauder II cast it's light about the otherwise empty warehouse. "Not what ya expected or is it just da unknown dat just pasted dat look on yer mug?" She glanced at him from beneath the rim of her Stetson. Dark blue eyes dancing with excitement. Travers only waved his hand at her as he moved toward the hunkered down Mech. Again he opted fer silence over exchanging words with her. He remembered still their first meeting.

Once they were both strapped inta their seats in the cockpit she fired up the large power plant. "Hold on bucko!" Her voice light as Tabby's Luck rose to it's full height. She fingered the controls as though they were extensions of her hands. Travers watched in amazement. He could see that this was her true element, just as it was the lover of his dead brother. She took up the earjack, putting it in place. Using voice controls. ''Cut exterior light. Continuous radar sweep of 100 yards to all points.'' As the large mech stepped from the warehouse she cocked her head lookin at him expectantly. "Well? Were to smeg? I ain't no mind reader ya know." He chuckled slightly giving her the directions. In short time they were where Travers had his Mech stored. In equally short time he was walking parallel to her as they made their way back ta where the rest of the DB's were waiting.

She left the power plant running despite Jarrid's frown, tellin him ta fill 'er up. She unzipped her leather jacket as they entered the room where Kat, Ben, Mach, Ryax, Ryan, and Melicore stood. "Ok... we gonna do some smokin or sit here jammin all day?" Her voice bearing her anticipation despite the cockyness of her words. Her hand risin ta set the Stetson at a jaunty angle, an angle that she unconsciously set it at when she knew a good fight was brewin. Steppin ta Kat's side she leaned ta whisper ta her. "When dis is done I want only one thing. And dat's da runner dat's still sitting in it's space at da inn where I was stayin." Her eyes darkening to resemble a brewin thunderstorm. Her voice droppin even lower. "Oh, an that madman's nads if they are still intact." She missed Kat's raised brow as she looked back ta Ben expectantly.

________________________________________

Death of a SL KatrylleM

The plan had been simple enough. With Travers' help, reluctant as the DB's were to accept it, an ambush was to be set up in a place unlike the one Kat and Ben had seen in Kat's vision. A slow smile played about her lips as the others bent over maps of the area strewn about the table, arguing over likely spots. Suddenly, as one, both Ben and Travers looked at Kat who had kept her distance as the others moved forward. Ben was the first to question her look, Travers merely shuddering at the pure evil behind the smile.

"You're planning something. Spit it out."

Her smile widened, losing some of it's edge as the others turned, silently waiting for her reply.

"Oh....tis only tha' I hae th' perfect spot fer wha' yer plannin. Sum place fittin fer th' final insult t'his ego afore he dies."

Ben frowned at the last half of her remark, but shrugged it off. "You gonna tell us or do we get to guess?"

Slowly, Kat approached the table, flipping through a few of the maps before simply pointing at a spot in the middle of one displaying the warehouse district. She glanced at Melicore as he stiffened then nodded, both of them all but ignoring Travers' small gasp.

"You can't be serious." Her gaze snapped to Travers, her anger flaring "I cannae?! Why nae?! Tis th' perfect spot! Lord knows he used it t'his advantage a' least once!"

Jarrid's subtle cough drew everyone's attention. "Umm...someone want to fill the rest of us in on this? Remember, some of us are off-worlders."

Before either Kat or Travers could answer, Ben's quiet voice disturbed the silence, all the while continuing to stare at the map. "It's the spot where the Raiders died."

________________________________________

The body of the tech lying on the floor was testament to Darrak’s rage… a rage that had been building for nearly two days as he had watched all he owned slip silently away from him. Intent on tearing yet another lowly tech limb from limb, he didn’t even notice when the first of several missiles hit the complex. Even the second and third explosions failed to pull him from his rage. The fourth, however, hit so close to the command center that he was knocked off his feet.

During the torment of those unfortunate to be in the same room with him, he had forgotten where he had been. Confused, he slowly pulled himself from the ground only to be tumbled sideways as yet another explosion shook the building. By this time, most of the personnel were scrambling to exit any way possible.

In the corridor, Darrak grabbed the shirtfront of a passing peon. Slamming the hapless man against a wall, he demanded to know what was happening. The man in his grasp could only stammer about explosions, something Darrak already knew. Tossing the man aside, Darrak stormed further down the hallway in search of answers.

Knowing the one man who had always provided the answers in the past was still in the complex, Darrak made his way to CorDynne’s door. Uncertainty lit his face when he discovered the door had been knocked from its hinges, the mingled screams of terror, pain and anger filtering from the opening.

Inside, he discovered…creatures, for lack of a better word. Things not human, yet not animal swarmed over what had once appeared to have been a man. The unfortunate suddenly called to him, pleading for his help and, in that instant, Darrak realized that this man was his friend and mentor, Stephan CorDynne. With a scream of fury, Darrak waded into the midst of the creatures, lobbing bodies from what was left of the man beneath. As more of his friend was revealed, Darrak found himself horrified by his condition. Although CorDynne still lived, he would never be whole again.

As Darrak gently lifted CorDynne, he was stopped from leaving the room by the dying man’s barely spoken words. “The chamber…” A limp hand attempted to point in the general direction of a long, tube like container on the far side of the room. Unable to understand what the doctor wanted, a frown creased Darrak’s brow as he returned his gaze to the man in his arms.

“Get…. me to…the…chamber…. to… live.”

Sudden realization gave Darrak the speed he needed to get to the chamber, open it and gently lay CorDynne inside.

“Red… button… hurry”.

Closing the door, Darrak found the button and nearly punched it through the metal plating of the chamber. Hissing sounds issued from the machine as it suddenly came to life. He watched through a small window as a heavy purple fog enveloped the body within. As the machine began new sounds, Darrak became aware that these were the only sounds to be heard. Apparently, the explosions had ceased, though he had yet to discover their cause.

Hours later:

That woman again. The unlucky messenger who had presented Darrak with the small package now lay crumpled at the man’s feet. Two playing cards… an ace of spades and a queen of hearts… lay crumpled next to the body. Adhered together, the cards conveyed the simple message written across their face quite clearly… “You know where….”

Before his death, the messenger had informed Darrak that the package was sent from a woman with long black hair… apparently the same woman who had sent the cards previously. This time, she had given her name… Morgahn.

Yes, Darrak knew where and he smiled in evil anticipation of the events that would soon transpire.<ac_metadata title="Revenge" notify_everyone="1400362974"> </ac_metadata>