Goblin Lands 2 Intermission Event 6: Flight of the Goblin Ur'sa 1


#1

Prologue: An Iron Bureaucracy

A blond man with piercing blue eyes and an obvious harelip stood on the bridge of the Iron Republic Starcruiser Deer’s Charge. He was dressed in a red and black uniform of the Iron Republic commandos known as the Fist of Mars. His small printed and electroplated rank insignia showed him as a Colonel, and his left breast was covered with awards and badges showing years of service. He adjusted his cap, and motioned to a nearby Beta Brethen, “B-76 what is the current status of the launch site?”

All of the Brethren clone soldiers on the bridge were dressed in full Martian battlemail, a spacesuit modified for high intensity combat, as they expected to be attacked any minute. B5056547964-76 was keeping one eye on the scanner console’s holographic display, and one hand resting firmly on the butt of his flichette pistol.

He glanced briefly at his commanding officer and said, “Sir, so far no Da’uhnb lifesigns. Just Humans, Olgogs and a few Neliff.”

“Ehh I hate Neliff,” sniffed the Colonel, “B-22 what does the treaty allow in this situation?”

Brethren B792053054-22 checked the law databases, quickly confirming and then reciting, “This zone is outside EEF Colonial Zones. Therefore as long as our purpose is not setting up a settlement or extracting local resources we would be justified in acting with a full military police action.”

“A police action eh? Then no orbital bombardment of the site,” murmured the I.R. Colonel in disappointment.

B-22 agreed but added, “That would still legally allow us to use Drop Troops to quell the Neliff outbreak. Well as long as none of the suits’ nuke reactors go critical. Fallout would be frowned upon and possibly raise some official discussions.”

“And discussions cost billable hours for the legal teams,” said the Colonel, “I learned my lesson from the Stark Debacle, we need to keep costs down. For now continue monitoring them. I want to know what is going on at all times.”

Brethen B99099751-01 noticed an encrypted communication coming in, and quickly alerted the Colonel, “Sir, we have a Code XVY beamed transmission coming in, Codeword: OVC. Shall I put it up on the screen?”

“No B-01, transfer it to my ready room. I want it on the private terminal, full privacy settings,” said the Colonel growing a bit pale.

The Colonel walked off the bridge into a smaller room adjacent. It was decorated in a Spartan style, with only a few honored weapons and trophies on the wall. The Colonel’s eyes wandered across pistols, rifles and swords to the single spear. It was a fishing gaff with a driftwood shaft and hooked end made from the sharpened rib of some alien creature.
The Colonel sat down at a simple plasteel desk, it was unadorned except for a Nanomachine based encrypted communicator. Above the communicator hung a ball of self-replicating nanites, resembling a floating sphere of liquid metal. The Colonel tapped the sphere and it shifted into the image of an Olgog with a harelip and piercing blue eyes.


#2

“So how is life in the Iron Republic Navy treating you Colonel?” asked Old Vlad’s Olgog clone form over the encrypted transmission.

The Colonel stiffened, “My life is as it has always been. In service to humanity.”

“Of course,” replied Old Vlad, “A life you would not have if it were not for me. A career you would not have if it were not for me. Who was it that inserted you into Sector General Stark’s ranks just in time for your transfer into Sector General Deer’s new planetary overwatch office? Who was it that gave you birth and that handsome adult face?”

“It was the OVC…so what is it that the OVC wants?” asked the Colonel.

“You have discovered the Launch site yes?” asked Old Vlad rhetorically, “It is in our best interest if the agents we have stationed there be allowed to finish their work.”

“But there are Neliff there,” said the Colonel angrily.

“And your drop troops will be affected by their mind control,” countered Old Vlad, “Wait for now, keep watching and collecting data. Request your Sector General Deer send you some of his T.R.U.T.H. Operatives. They will be better able to counter the Neliff’s control. Allow them to go through with their launch, and my operatives will make sure you can clean up the Neliff without any problems.”

The Colonel rested his head in his hands and asked, “How long do you want me to delay? I need a time frame.”

“At least a year,” said the Old Vlad without skipping a beat, “That will allow them the time to finish their launch.”

“Impossible,” said the Colonel, “The most I can buy your operatives are a few months. Delayed paperwork and requisition orders are common enough in this giant bureaucracy.”

“Then a few months will do. I have a cloned scientist working with them, on his next clonejob I will implant enough data to accelerate their work on this rocket program,” said the Old Vlad.

“Neliff are bad enough, are you sure you want Neliff with access to a rocket program?” asked the Colonel.
“They will serve their purpose, and then you and those T.R.U.T.H. Quall commandos will clean them up nicely,” said the Old Vlad. He grinned showing his canine teeth had been capped in platinum. Then he said, “Don’t worry I have little interest in seeing the Neliff spread. The Neliff are too uncontrollable, and make the Quall look like respectful invaders by comparison. ”


#3

Part 1: Six Months After the End of GL2: The Speech

He was the great chieftain whose tribal lands had once extended down the entire coastline. Now he had only one isle left, a small volcanic island which was his ancestral capitol. Its ancient walls were still overgrown by natural vines and trees, but the four pillars that sat parallel to the waterfall and the mighty fortress at the top of the waterfall were fully restored to their former glory. Mag Buskt looked upon his kingdom and felt some reservations.

Servants scurried back and forth, all Brezans brought back from the mainland by his champion. Mag Buskt had commanded his champion be here for the great festival.

He had watched the EEF vids in private, knowing somehow there were many more copies of his Champion than there should be. His own mind compared it to the infiltration techniques used by the ancient K’ias. And he did not like it. But that was an internal matter, and this week was a week of celebration for the island.

Mag Buskt was on a large raised platform. He stood behind a podium made from the shin bones of giants killed in his last campaign so many ages ago. Around him stretched a crowd of so many honored guests from across Der’al.

He began to speak, with pride and honor, to the assembled guests, “Mag’ols and Aufgogs, Bruskti Family Leaders and foreign delegates, welcome. I am the Mag Buskt, and I am honored by your presence here. Please raise your glasses and cups in toast to my champion, Olgog the Olgog. If he had not scouted the brilliant Godart and his Lucky Fate organization, this day would never have been possible. To Olgog the Olgog.”

Many Bruskti raised their jugs and voices in toast, as did some of the Unenese, but few of the Brezans and Karovians did more than politely clap. The Tla’loc’al and EEF delegates sat and said nothing. Mag Buskt did not blame them, his Champion’s attack on the Tla’loc’alans had killed many civilians and the anger still ran high.

Mag Buskt handed his Champion a huge mug and demanded, “Take off your helmet and drink in your own honor.”

Reluctantly OtO unclasped his power armor’s helmet and raised his cups with his master. He knew it was a security risk and his eyes kept scanning the crowd. He saw an odd old hag, eyeing him clinically. Then he noticed General Giffords giving him a death stare.
His eyes traced from him to a far table where an Earther female dressed in the duskan style had a glass raised in his honor. She had a black eyepatch over one eye, and her auburn hair fell in front of the other. Her brown cowboy hat matched her armored duster.
As his training dictated OtO’s gaze went to look for weapons as he clasped his helmet back on much to Mag Buskt’s offense.

The Bruskti hag took that moment to leap up onto a nearby table covered in jugs of fine Maklal liquor. She lifted up a jug and projected her voice across the crowd.

She yelled, “Three cheers for Olgog the Olgog! Bringing our people closer to the stars and leading us to glory!” And downed the jug, grabbing another she yelled again this time saying, “Three cheers for Mag Buskt! Glorious leader and magnate of this venerated and historic refuge for the Bruskti!”

While Mag Buskt raised his mug in toast to both his champion and himself, he noticed that OtO was not respecting the toast as an Olgog should.


#4

As the crowd cheered, OtO’s eyes never left the Earther gunslinger. The gunslinger had an empty holster on her thigh, another empty one at her belt and a third empty one at the top of her boot.

The Bruskti Hag continued, “And lastly, three cheers for the gog that always has a plan, and is probably smarter than the rest of us put together, Godart!”

A grand set of cheers, whooping Bruskti and clinking mugs and jugs distracted OtO momentarily.

He looked for another weapon, as her eyepatch was ignited by a powerful laser weapon. The cyborg’s first two shots were spot on disabling his nanite reservoirs and cutting the power supplies to OtO’s armor and countermeasures. She raised her arm and a trio of seeker shells launched from inside her left forearm.

Within the moments, before the third cheer had even died down, all three seeker shells had found their marks, and much of the infamous Olgog’s head was gone. His armored form teetered forward, crashing onto the first two rows of attendees.

There was a shout of alarm, and two of OtO’s personal trainees rushed from the side of the stage. Each was clutching a nanite syringe, hoping to save their master. Another trio of laser cannon strikes from the assassin’s cybernetic eye overloaded power supplies across the armor. There was a short sizzling sound and the entire armor went up like fireworks.

Unlike standard lancer power armor which had one central power generator/power supply, OtO had modified his armors to have distributed power supplies. The assassin’s expert shots turned each one of these power supplies into chemical incendiaries. Superheated plasma washed over OtO and three of the Unenese delegates underneath him.

A rush of chilling shadows erupted from the Mag Buskt and put out his champion. Mag Buskt stepped down from the podium, ignoring any potential threat to himself and knelt down into the ashes and twisted metal where his champion once stood. He lifted the ashes in his large paws, and released a howl of rage and sadness.

As the ashes drifted through his finger tips, the Mag Buskt commanded, “I want the Earther murderess captured. I want her taken now!!!”

His subordinates had little experience fighting a cyborg of the wastes, and never faced anyone with Love’s skill. They chased her down the mountainside, and towards the dockyards.

Mag Buskt turned to the assembled guests, “Someone whose hatred of our accomplishments was so great that they have sullied this great day. I do not know who they serve, but on this day they have fed the Warmonger.”

A lone elderly Bruskti male raised his voice and asked, “Great Mag Buskt, will this offense end the Honors of the Launch?”

Mag Buskt looked dark indeed when his eyes settled on the Bruskti, “No one will end the honor week or the launch but me. I wish to personally apologize for this event to our assembled guests. Each guest will be escorted to my private chambers. I regret the need but you will be checked for weapons again. It seems our enemies have used unexpected weaponry against us.”


#5

Part 2: Those who would speak to Mag Buskt.

Godart stood across from Mag Buskt. Already the ceremonies had not gone as Mag Buskt had planned, the cyborg attack and assassination of the Champion Olgog the Olgog had left the entire security apparatus in shock. Only those mercs working closely with Godart and his team seemed to have kept their wits about them.

Mag Buskt said gravely, “Godart of the Lucky Fate while I am proud of the work you and your team accomplished here, I cannot help but mourn the fate of my Champion Olgog. But he is an immutable, and now dead, he cannot be restored. His dream of helping you achieve this space flight will not die with him. To allow it to die will show our enemies we are so weak they need only send a single assassin and we will fall apart.”

“I don’t know what you’ve been told by who. I don’t know about the Neliffs or Warmonger or where they are. I don’t even really know who you are Mag Buskt. This whole spaceship thing kinda just grew from a small idea. We found a lot of zela and we joked around that we should use it to go into space. And it grew and became a serious thing – no, a calling. This a dream come true; it’s something in this life I love. We have the chance to go explore and grow as a people”, the gog pulls a huge book from his pack.

“We are not keeping this a secret, hiding what we can do or hoarding the knowledge. Take this,” he says as Godart hands Mag Buskt the huge book.

“I know there quite a few gogs that can’t read, but here’s the research and plans on how we built this spacecraft. Minus the information about security on site here. We are not that foolish. I already had my gang send out written copies, audio crystals/players and what not to a bunch gog here in the goblin lands, all over the earther colonies and the northern kingdoms.”

“We don’t need a monopoly nor do we wish to become a military state power. States are monopolies of violence like Lalder’s UTR. The Lucky Fate Squad is a nation and wishes to help other nations grow better. Nations are quote, group of people who feel bound to each other into a collective by something shared, end-quote.”, stated Godart.

“I’m figuring you want to be a nation and not a state. As I’ve said, I don’t know you. But I do know that there are bigger powers out there who will go beyond simply asking or demanding us not to launch other than the IR or the EFF. The reality is if the IR or EFF speak and I have to listen. For now. If the IR says no , then I’ll figure a way later for them to say yes. As for the other guys… the other states…”

Godart frowns.

“… to hell with them. Let their actions and not their words be the guide to your judgment. Had an uncle who told me that once.”

The scarfaced gog in the heavy suit begins to leave.

“Any help that you need, just ask us. I’ll be smart about it,” offers Godart as he puts his spacesuit helmet on.

Mag Buskt said, “You call yourself a nation Godart, but remember right now you have less than a village worth of people at your beck and call.
Even the kingdom I lead is less than it once was, but the Bruskti are a powerful contingent.
Right now they follow my lead out of respect for who I once was. The death of Olgog the Olgog leaves me without a champion and in a state of weakness with the Bruskti. If this spaceflight does not occur, they will see it as further weakness.
Once that occurs they may turn back to their ways of primacy through piracy. If that occurs Godart, then your Lucky Fate and its holdings may soon find itself and all of Unen under attack by the Bruskti pirates once more. This is not a threat Godart, simply a reality we will all face if the Bruskti smell weakness in us. Continue your preparations, it will be up to you and those you selected to make this rocket launch occur.”

Godart thought it better not to mention the clones of OtO still at work in his launch site and of the other clones around the island. If Mag Buskt didn’t know about them, Godart was sure he didn’t want to be the gog to tell him.

As Godart was leaving he saw Lalder of the Auf Lal’al approaching Mag Buskt’s chamber. Lalder had requested a meeting with Mag Buskt upon arrival, and had not yet learned of the passing of the infamous OtO.

On Entrance, Lalder was respectful to the Elder Chief and said “Greeting Mag Buskt, it has been a while and a bit better circumstances than the last time we meet. And I’m glad the hostility was lessened in this time. But I need to tell you of things, so I think your Champion may not realize or is maybe misleading you. But please hear me out and you decide which.


#6

First a warning.

You may know of this as I’ve tried to pass warnings through Godart. The Neliffs are back and have been infesting at least the Yyan.

If you do not know, Neliffs are evil creatures that plant larva in hosts, but are far worse than the QUall. ANd they support the Warmonger. Unit 817 can help detect them, but I expect you may be able to sense them too.

Finally, what has brought me here.

This launch of a spaceship is not a good idea. In fact it could cause great harm to your island and maybe all Olgogs. Things have changed, but we are not ready to announce to the world our abilities and tech. And we cannot take on those like the Iron Republic.

The Iron Republic I’m told is a very evil organization that has kicked the butts of the EEF and Earthers in the past. At some time the IR came to an agreement with the EEF to stop the fighting. This allows no other ships in orbit that are not approved by both parties. Any others are given a warning before Orbit and shot down.

I have confirmed this with the EEF. The ship will be shot down before it reaches Orbit. This is to protect us as much as them.

If the ship reaches orbit, the IR could decide to orbitally bomb the launch zone. Think what your champion did to Tla’loc’al with the exception your gogs don’t live in the deep caves like us.

Next, the IR could even decide to invade the south to checkout us to see our tech levels. This may even spread farther than your island to the rest of us. This could put us all dead or at war.

Other than pride, there is little value in this launch. Godart is not the first Olgog with a space ship. And his crew won’t be the first Olgogs in Space. There is only risk and no benefit.

I know you don’t want to hear this but remember, OtO is not well thought of or trusted in the Colonies. I doubt the EEF would allow him access to space, especially after his actions the last time when he orbitially bombed Tla’loc’al!
Let me play this video.”

He activated an Earther holovid device, and after a few stuttering starts, the machine began broadcasting OtO telling General Giffords about his plans for the southern half of the Goblin Lands. It would have been shocking if not for the fact that General Giffords had sent him the vids weeks earlier. Mag Buskt did not let it show on his face.

Lalder continued “Your Champion plots. This isn’t about your territories and he also makes no mention of you, just him. He is building weapons beyond needed forcing an arms race. He has built Power armor and even Cloned himself. This ship will be viewed not as an achievement, but as a way for OtO to gain access to space and what way is OtO going to turn it into a weapon.

Please cancel this Launch for these reasons and more.

But if you don’t, I will have supplies and gogs ready to help in the case that I’m right and OtO is wrong or blinded by his quest for power. Take this comm crystal, and if you call, mine will help.”

Mag Buskt took the offered commcrystal, and said, “Aufgog Lalder I appreciate you coming to tell me this news. And I appreciate your offer of aid. Whether or not you are right about Olgog the Olgog, I can only tell you that my Champion died today…died final death. He cannot be restored, and his spirit has moved onward to be recycled by the universe.”

“And the clones?” asked Lalder.

“I will look into this matter of clones,” said Mag Buskt, “I know little of these Neliff. But once this festival is over I will work closely with you to make sure these servants of the Mag Mag Gor are eliminated once and for all.

My Champion once killed many of your citizens. Now he is dead. I hope that this will allow us to move forward as allies in this harsh and troubled time.”

Lalder was respectfully dismissed from Mag Buskt’s presence. Though the confirmation that Mag Buskt did not authorize OtO’s recent actions bolstered Lalder’s hope, he hoped that Lurtor was more successful.

Mag Buskt feel large tears well in his eyes. In Olgog society showing of emotion was not frowned upon, but the elder chieftain knew he could not show such emotions in front of the Bruskti. He waited in his chambers, gently smoking a long pipe filled with urya shipped from the Brezan Zones.

He watched the smoke climb the corners of the chamber, and wondered about the truth behind his champion. Some spoke so negatively of this deceased Olgog, described him as a plotter, as a schemer, as a servant of the Mag Mag Gor.
Others described him as a wronged gog, punished for no other crime than being born, and often more guilty of having an ambition that exceeded his grasp than having any true maliciousness.

Yet talk of an arms race had enough proof in the lands around him. Space-launch capable vehicles, experiments involving technologies appropriated from the Earthers, and all this power armor. The Unenese had never had power armor technology like this, but OtO’s work had made them feared among the fisherfolk.

Now the talk of cloning…

Mag Buskt set down his pipe and motioned for an Ur Kug to fetch him the EEF General Giffords.


#7

General Giffords was pleased that Mag Buskt was willing to see him.

“This launch itself won’t be a violation of the treaty. Any attempt to enter orbit or leave orbit for open space would be a great danger to the ship and crew. They will be warned to return to the planet. Failure to do so will result in the ship being fired on and destroyed along with its crew and maybe an attack on the launch site. I understand that you and your people invested much in this project. And that it has become an important symbol. I won’t tell you to stop or even ask that you do so. Instead I will ask that you order the ship to not enter orbit. The ship can launch and then land later on. You would still have achieved much and the observers will see your success and no one will get hurt.

“We ask that you do this in order to safe guard your own people and the treaty that has made peaceful life possible on this planet. We also make this warning despite your former champion’s alliance with a known terrorist and murderer. "

At which point Giffords began to share additional evidence of the origin of the army of Olgog the Olgog and his self-confessed collusion with Old Vlad.

Mag Buskt asked, “Tell me more of this Old Vlad?”
“The Old Vlad? A well know insurrectionist, racist and murderer devoted to complete Earther domination of Refuge.
This is the person your champion allied himself with and indirectly you with. You should consider the consequences of his actions since he seemed to be unable to.”

Mag Buskt said slowly, “So this Old Vlad…he has created clones of my champion? Clones which are being used for violence in the name of my kingdom?”

“Yes there was a Gunpowder Factory that was destroyed a few months ago,” said Giffords as he showed a few vids of the dead OtO clones found on site, “At least two clones were involved in the combat.”

“Two clones? How many are there?” asked Mag Buskt.

“As many as the Old Vlad wants to create and deploy…we have reports of a couple of them on this island right now,” Giffords answered truthfully.

“I see. I will deal with these OtO clones on this island in my own way,” said the Mag Buskt.


#8

Part 3: A view from the Stars

The Iron Republic Colonel sat in his ready room. On an open channel he spoke with an Olgog named Godart about the matter of the rocket launch. This Godart was trying to convince the Colonel that the rocketship was not a weapon. In typical fashion for the IR it didn’t matter if the ship was a weapon of war, a floating garden or a flying orgyroom, this planet was still designated a penal colony, and no one outside of EEF and IR military structures were allowed to exceed sub-orbit. The EEF had earned that right the hard way, at the cost of thousands of lives, and two treaties in 2218/5218 and 2219/5219 had cemented their right for lawful egress of the planet.

Godart said over the open channel, “You might be thinking to yourselves – that’s a shit and lie in a half. You might call this planet D-445 or Refuge but we Olgogs call this land, Home. Your millennium long feud needs to stop messing with our home planet. Don’t be surprised; we not all ignorant. We are mostly happy to share our home with you but you need to stop seeing us and each other as monsters needing to be put down.”

The Colonel nearly laughed out loud at that, this planet hadn’t been categorized as the Olgog homeland for nearly 2,000 years when it was designated…a penal colony. But he knew on the second line, and encrypted line, the Old Vlad was listening.

“Godart, I don’t think you understand your legal position here,” said the Colonel calmly, “This planet you call Refuge, we have been calling the Phoebus 4 penal colony for over two thousand years. While the treaty of 2218 and 2219 allowed the Earther colonies under EEF control to be considered outside of the penal zones, the treaties further confirms that areas outside of the EEF Colonial zones are considered hunting grounds for our Quall N’drone super soldiers. The island you are on is not an EEF military base. In fact you have built your launch site on Iron Republic property predating the treaties. Your launch site is literally on the grounds of IR Survey and Intraplanetary Communications Tower P4-103. Literally….look up….see that tower? Yes that is one of ours.
You speak of a feud. You have been misinformed. There is no feud.
This planet was taken lawfully two millennia ago.

The Northern Kingdoms attempted an insurrection and prison break two years ago. While some rogue states like the Unity and the Kasanthian Federation escaped their bonds, it did result in the EEF and the IR coming together to prevent any further threats from escaping this penal planet.

So when you speak of sharing the world, you misunderstand. You are not in a position to negotiate sharing this world. You are a native animal, who has confused your ability to use tools with the rights of a citizen.

If you would like to legally obtain the right to travel via starships, you should probably contact the EEF and see if they are willing to rubber stamp your launch…oh wait here is paperwork showing they don’t plan on rubber stamping the launch.

In fact I’m seeing paperwork here from an EEF General Giffords alerting us to the launch and advising that the EEF has not authorized this space program.”

“We Olgogs are the natives of Refuge,” said Godart, “We have the inalienable right to self-determination.”

“Maybe that hippie dippie crap works with the EEF and their bleeding heart colonies,” said the Colonel, “But the IR works on rules and regulations. And the bottom line is, no unauthorized travel above sub-orbit.”

“I hear you loud and clear,” said Godart, though he silently added JERK to the end of the sentence in his mind.

The open channel went dark, and the IR Colonel was quietly sitting there. The voice of the Old Vlad could be heard over the second encrypted line, “So Colonel…what do you think of the locals?”

“Same thing I’ve always thought,” said the Colonel, “Just because you teach a dog to fetch your newspaper doesn’t mean the dog should be writing the news.”

“Harsh…very harsh,” said the Old Vlad with a nasty chuckle, “Now we see what the Olgogs plan on doing…or should I say what the Neliff plan on doing…”

“Well this Godart seems like a pretty put together gentleman except for being an Olgog. He will probably just scrub the launch,” said the Colonel, hoping to avoid all this insanity.

“Are the T.R.U.T.H. Quall super commandos readied as I had requested,” asked Old Vlad.

“Yes but the launch hasn’t even occurred yet,” said the Colonel.

“Who says you need a launch to act?” asked the Old Vlad rhetorically, “There is a Neliff infestation down there…isn’t there?”

“Yes…but…we’ve been monitoring that for months,” said the Colonel flabbergasted, “What is our excuse for acting now? In the official report?”

Old Vlad said, “I think you value your career over your mission. Tell Fleetmaster Deer that you observed Neliff infected Olgogs approaching the launch site. You feared they might try and spread their spawn orbitally and you acted.”

“Dropping Quall soldiers onto an Island of Olgogs is going to raise a lot of questions with the EEF,” countered the Colonel.

“Blame it on this communication you received from an Olgog the Olgog,” said the Old Vlad as a clone of OtO began speaking, “EEF Special Forces Oni code 710899991, Alpha Black priority. We have an outbreak of a Schedule 1 threat, I repeat we have an outbreak of Neliff on Mag Buskt island. Please send reinforcements. Already the populace is overcome by Neliff control.”

The old Vlad continued speaking, “Is that sound bite enough for the official records…I thought so….Now your tactical officer should be able to spot a non-functional rocket ship near the main launch site. Have him target that with orbital plasma cannons. It should kill a few civilians, make a mockery of their space program, and get a much needed response from the space bound Olgogs.”

“And the Neliff?” asked the Colonel.

“You know what to do, earn a nice victory for the Iron Republic of course,” said the Old Vlad.


#9

The encrypted comms shut off, and the Colonel found himself sitting alone and quiet for a few moments.

“Be prepared to deploy Quall Super commandos in Trident Missile Ships,” said the Colonel on intercom, “Tactical, I want the rocketship on the ground targeted with our Helios cannons.”

“The launch platform sir…or the other one?” asked the Brethren on the intercom.

“The other one, but Sensors should be focused on the launch device. I want to know what their response to our strike is,” said the Colonel slowly, “All hands at Red Alert. We have received word of a Neliff outbreak at this site, and we will quell it in the name of the Board of Directors.”

“Sir yes sir,” was the only acceptable reply from the Brethren.


#10

Part 4: A view from the Sea

Captain Reshed of the Rhug’na’ru strode off the Xephos #1, his decorated coat and tricorn hat freshly cleaned for this event. Behind him came Hide, dressed in a simple grey jacket, his spectacles pushed up on his nose as he looked around the docking area and where the rocket was. He wished he could have designed something of the like, but The Captain always told Hide to be careful in what direction he took, in terms of technology, and space is off limits. Rhug’ab was the last one off, dressed in the dark grey military uniform of the Rhug’na’ru.

Reshed waved to the pilot of the Xephos #1, telling him to power down the engines for now. The crew would stay aboard the ship while Reshed, Rhug’ab, and Hide went to the Festival itself. They kept their weapons stored away on the airship, except Reshed’s sword which he would get a peace-knot for. When a patrol wished to inspect their airship they were given full access to the ship’s stores and a list of all the weapons on board.

The three of the Rhug’na’ru representatives walked around the party, making conversation with the people at the party. Reshed would try to get a short conversation with leaders that also attend and the hosts of course, but was soon thwarted by the assassination of OtO. Instead of pleasant conversation, he found himself drawn into the all too familiar arguments for and against OtO’s life and actions.

Hide inspected the technology they came across and kept an eye on the rocket, trying to figure out how the design would stand up to the forces it would be put under. It looked simple enough. It reminded him of a magnetic rail launcher used by the Earther Military only scaled up to lift the rocket ship.

Rhug’ab was simply wandering the party and taking in the sights and activities that were set up. It was his first time on a mission that didn’t involve combat so he was on edge, it wasn’t every day you were promoted and he was keen on making a good impression to his leaders, and other party goers. Rhug’ab was the only one to notice that the stars seemed quite different today than usually found on the Unenese coast. It was as if ten new stars had moved into orbit above the island.

After the assassination, rather than get caught up in the general mourning, they returned to the Xephos #1 and flew out to sea where they would watch the rocket launch from a safe distance, as well as have the best seats in the house for the launch in general.

While they wouldn’t learn the cause until days later, they were the first to see the attack. It started as an illuminating beam from the heavens, coming from one of the “new stars” overhead that Rhug’ab pointed out. It did not aim for the magnetic launch rail, instead it brushed the top of the rocketship dubbed HobGoblin Ur’sa 2.

Ur’sa 2 erupted in flames, and the superheated metal began to drip and pool where the orbital weapon struck.

Hide had never seen such a powerful orbital weapon before, and held his breath as he watched the rocket melt. Such intense power would have popped a Hindengog in a single strike, probably dusting any crew onboard at the time. It was a sobering thought.

Captain Reshed was looking through a spyglass and nodded sadly saying, “Looks like a lot of dead gogs down there. They even blasted the kids on the tour. And that was just one shot. I think our friends on the island may be a little out gunned.”

Then off to his right he could see a small flotilla of Church of One approaching the island. He picked up his radio and called it in to the island’s defenders. The naval vessels raised their conventional artillery and began to fire. Explosion after explosion lit up the sky, and artillery shells came down with a crash across the shoreline.

“Now that is a target more our speed,” said Reshed, “Ready the guns, let’s see if we can buy the Mag Buskt some time to respond.”

The airship began its attack run, their machineguns cut into the armor of the Church of One vessels, as they made their first pass. Then to the Captain’s confusion one of the ships they had not targeted suddenly erupted in an explosion.

Reshed said, “That wasn’t from us. Hide status report on what took that Oner vessel out.”

Hide replied, “It looks like the ship either struck a minefield, or Mag Buskt has some frogmen in the water placing mines. The explosion was below water level and it looks like it ignited the ammo magazines inside the ship.”

“If the Mag Buskt had some aquatic troops down there let’s help ‘em out,” shouted Reshed over the wind, “Let us make another pass and see if we can keep the Oners looking up instead of down.”

Rhug’ab stood at one of the .50 cals and sighted down onto the decks of the closest Oner ship. He saw an Inquisitor looking up at them through binoculars, and set his sights on the bright red hat and the command tower behind it and depressed the trigger. The heavy machinegun began to buck as tracer rounds lanced down like fiery rain.

The deck was cratered, the Inquisitor cut into bits and the command tower of the ship now studded with huge bullet holes. Rhug’ab swiveled the weapon mount and began tracking command units as they tried running from the now compromised tower. As the smell of powder filled his nostrils, and the muzzle flash lit up the sky, Rhug’ab felt a deep sense of contentment at killing the racist zealots.

Captain Reshed was not so positive, he worried if the Church of Oners had orbital assistance, the entire Goblin Lands was at risk.

Then he saw multiple Oner Hovercopters making a run towards them underslung missle gleaming cruelly on their hulls, the Captain said, “We are not here to die for Mag Buskt, Crew, Immediate withdrawl. Keep those guns firing, any aircraft that come for us are going to feel our teeth.”

Hide said, “We are not their target sir, they are breaking off towards the island.”

Captain Reshed watched as a full-sized dragon rose up to meet the enemy vehicles. A smaller Falsewyrm rose up behind the dragon and swooped towards the aircraft.

Captain Reshed smiled, “I guess we do have backup. Wheel about, pilot, Let’s see if we can give those dragons some support fire.”


#11

Part 5: A View from the Cockpit

Godart sighed. He was in full spacesuit, sitting in the command chair of his starship. After weeks of trying to contact the Iron Republic he had finally gotten through by piggybacking a radio signal through a transmitter balloon in the upper atmosphere.

Now that he had finally gotten an I.R. official to talk to him, they had basically told him his entire species were prisoners if they didn’t sell out to the EEF. It rubbed him the wrong way, and he didn’t like it. But he wasn’t going to waste such a historic launch by sending it up into an unwelcome section of space.

Godart sighed again, with this nonsense he was ready to scrub the launch. He looked around the cockpit again, proud of his accomplishments.

Suddenly he saw a flash on the edge of his vision. An orbital plasma weapon lanced from the sky melting Hobgoblin Ur’sa 2, and killing the tourists around it.

He clicked his radio, “HQ, we have a problem.”

Scientist OtO replied from deep inside the launch command center, “Go, we are registering an Iron Republic capital ship targeting our base.”

“But we didn’t even launch yet,” said Godart rhetorically, “They just can’t let us have nice things can they…”

Scientist OtO replied via radio, “That ship’s weapons could wipe out all life on this island if it continues firing.”

Godart grew angry and said, “They have forced our hand then. We have been practicing this for weeks, this time it’s for real. Tell the team to charge the launcher, Im taking Goblin Ur’sa 1 up. I need you to feed some tactical data on where their cap ship keeps its bridge.”

“Suicide run?” asked the Scientist OtO clone, “It is possible if you retain the maximum amount of fuel to punch through their hull at this point. The data I have just fed into your flight controls should suffice.”

“Tell my wife I love her very much,” said Godart sarcastically.

Godart’s fingers tapped across the controls and there was the subtle hum of the launcher preparing to discharge itself.

He could see Gunpods and Hovercopters coming over the horizon.

“Enemy sends in its cavalry already, I just can’t win today,” said Godart, he clicked the radio and said, “We have to launch now…right now.”

Scientist OtO replied, “But the security checks are not complete.”

“I’m not going to let us get blasted on the runway, buddy,” said Godart, “Launching now!”

There was a rush as the launcher hurled the starship up into the sky. Godart felt the G forces hit him. The starship was doing a great job, but he could already tell the ship was moving erratically. He began checking the systems and found the launcher had malfunctioned due to an unexpected energy surge.

Godart began adjusting but knew he couldn’t start his engine burn yet, and was worried he wasn’t going to make it. He hit the cloudline and was past it, like a dolphin piercing the surface of the ocean.

He tried to activate his radio but found the signal jammed. “Of all the times for the radio to kick out,” said Godart.

That’s when he noticed a section of the nosecone break away and fall away. More heat resistant plates began falling away, as the structure of the rocketship was compromised. Godart didn’t know why, but suspected something had gone terribly wrong during the construction.

Yet the rocketship kept flying onward and upward.

One of the pieces of the hull fell away but Godart never saw it strike the launch platform. The piece had an artifact on it that pulsed and drove sections of the launch platform down into the ground destroying the launch platform and killing many inside the tower. Godart didn’t know because he was faced upward and finally saw the blue sky replaced with black cold space and a beautiful starless expanse.

The IR starship was ahead of him, like an angry red whale filling the view from one side of the cockpit to the other. Godart activated his maneuvering thrusters and prepared for his suicide run on the I.R. vessel. The minute the thrusters activated, one of the thrusters pulled away from the hull, taking a chunk with it. One thruster down, the starship spun away from its target and Godart growled angrily. All this time and resources down and Ur’sa 2 was destroyed and Ur’sa 1 was being whittled away as parts fell off it.

It inadvertently saved Godart’s life though. Unknown to him, an entire EEF fleet had targeted him. The barrage of firepower, missiles and plasma destroyed the errant thruster. Rail rounds cut away at the lower half of Godart’s ship and the pilot soon found himself floating in a powerless cockpit.

The cockpit was still within pull of orbit and began drifting back towards the planet’s surface.

Godart grimaced as the IR Starship fired another pair of plasma strikes down into the atmosphere towards that tiny island.

Despite his attempt at a noble sacrifice the EEF had stopped him from succeeding. And now he was headed towards an ignoble death burning up in the atmosphere.

Godart drifted into orbit around Refuge and could not help but see the beauty of the planet. He nodded slowly, if this was to be his last sight it was a beautiful one.


#12

Part 5: The view from the ground

Red Bishop Jamie had finished setting up the jamming equipment, wasn’t powerful but it would prevent any short range listening devices tech or leyas, the last part he assumed, it was what he was told it was capable of. He hoped the inquisitors knew what they were doing when they built it. Oh well, too late to worry now. He turned to the group that was with him.

Huang Shi was first to give his report. “Good morning all, my work with the engines has been quite successful. As we predicted while quite intelligent the Goblins here really here don’t have much experience and are a bit too trusting. I made subtle modifications that I have told them will increase efficiency but what it actually does is create a simple energy cap. Basically we have an artificial blockage in the energy storage system. So when the electromagnetic rail pumps the vast amount of energy into the actual engine it will overload. I also modified the warning system so it always says that things are ok. Don’t want them to scrap the launch after all."

Jamie smiled, “Excellent, now Doctor Azai your report.”

Azai nodded “Greetings, I have engineered minor flaws throughout the hull, telling the local Goblins that it will provide extra protection from excessive heat while traveling through the atmosphere. In reality the ship will be more susceptible rather than less. Also in case there is any pesky explosions it will come apart easier.”

“Excellent work Doctor Azai. Now Dr. Bones, your report.”

Leonard grunted in an annoyed fashion “To be honest this has been a bit too easy for my taste. My original plan was to put in some additives to make the fuel burn hotter and faster. Sadly they aren’t using traditional fuel however I believe Huang Shi’s plan should work out well there.
Also Godart asked me to do medical checks on everyone who may have been exposed to the Neliff, including himself.
I also arraigned to work on the rest of the personnel of the base, Instead of the sugar water injection that I said I would use I put in a slow working poison. Most of the base personnel will be sluggish and weak. It is subtle so most will just assume that they are feeling nervous about the launch and feeling a bit off. By the time of the launch they should be getting worse.”

Jamie chuckled “Ah, why I say I do so rely on the kindness of strange Goblins heh heh. Well, fine work Doctor fine work indeed. Well now I will do my part, I have arranged for four Church warships to approach the coast and begin bombarding the area. They aren’t really trying to destroy the area just create a distraction. In addition a squad of three Gunpods and four Hovercoptors will provide air support.
I know that Olgog the Olgog is making defensive preparations which is why neither group will fully engage just distract. While this is happening a stealth AAV will move in and blast a hole into the wall closest to where we are stationed in the hanger area. As we will be in our Power armor we shouldn’t have much of a problem shooting our way out during the confusion. Once we are on board and away the distraction forces will withdraw hopefully with minimal casualties."

That was hours ago, now that everything was underway Red Bishop Jamie was a little more concerned for their safety. The launch had gone ahead after an unexpected orbital attack. The nice part was no one at all was prepared for their betrayal.

Even the Scientist OtO had never expected the railgun round that separated his head from body. The other Olgog guards were all sick, and didn’t react until it was too late and the Church of Oners were escaping through a hole in the wall where it was blown away by the stealth AAV.

Jamie led the way and looked up at the sky, now alight with explosions. He watched as a giant dragon plucked a gunpod from the sky and crushed it in its massive claws. The gunpod scraps rained down on the power armored Oners.
Jamie ran up to the stealth AAV, boarding the vessel. As he strapped in, he could see the dragon tearing the wings off of a hovercopter while destroying another hovercopter.

He was quite glad that the stealth AAV would be taking them away from this god forsaken island.


#13

Part 6: Unexpected “Guests”

Lord Mada had been fighting against the Church of One fleet since their unexpected first attack. He was tired, and his nightmare penguins had fought and died multiple times in their service to their master and Lord.

His wardragon was faring far better, and had been instrumental in destroying the Church of One aircraft before they could target the festival’s guests. And between his dragon, his falsewyrm and the Rhug’na’ru aircraft they had succeeded in driving the Church of One navy away from the island.

The Kasanthian Lord had proven himself to both Mag Buskt and the people of the island.
But even his fearsome warmachines were no match for an Iron Republic Starcruiser. And as it descended from the sky, Lord Mada wondered if the island was a lost cause.

On dragonback he flew towards Mag Buskt’s keep, hoping the ancient Olgog chieftain had an ace up his sleeve

Settling the dragon on the promontory overlooking the waterfall, Lord Mada shadowwalked down. The fortress was morose, and obviously in mourning for the fallen Champion.

Lord Mada was admitted into Mag Buskt’s personal chambers and found the Olgog standing over a brazier filled with ashes. He gazed into it as one might gaze into a reflecting pool.

“Lord Mada, welcome to my chambers,” said Mag Buskt, “I am sorry our festival was not so festive…”

“Honored Chieftain,” said Lord Mada, “The Kasanthian Federation stands beside you in your time of need. There is a vessel, a starship above your capitol. Your people need you.”

“My Champion has died final death, and I keep running into imposters who wear his face,” said Mag Buskt, “Here are the ashes of one who claimed to be my champion but came from the sea after his death.”

“And you incinerated him?” asked Lord Mada surprised.

“He was dying from multiple wounds,” said Mag Buskt, “I let him die and had him cremated. I won’t allow another to take the place of my Champion, especially one who wears his face. It stinks too much of the ancient K’ias.”

“Okay but what about the Starship,” Lord Mada said, “We need to rally your Olgogs, make a stand, or at least an organized retreat. If we stay here mourning, we will be killed at our sepultures.”

There was a loud rushing sound and several crunches as drop pods were dropped off by IR Raptor Starfighters. Each of the drop pods opened in unison and eight foot tall Quall N’drone warriors dressed in space age combat uniforms stepped out. Some carried rifles, some carried blades, but all looked dangerous. Within a span of one minute, forty Quall had already set up a beachhead inside the walls of Mag Buskt’s keep.

One of the Quall with the rank markings of a Captain in the IR navy roared out to the keep’s inhabitants, “Under the provisions set forth in the Treaties of 2218 and 2219, we are here to cleanse a dangerous organism who is seeking offworld travel to spread its infection.
Olgog peoples, if you work with us, you will be left alone once we are done. If you resist us, you will find yourself destroyed.
Send out your leadership.”

Mag Buskt and Lord Mada walked across the halls of the keep to a window overlooking the waterfall promontory where the Quall supercommandos and the Wardragon eyed each other with death stares.

Mag Buskt called down, “What right do you have to enter my kingdom, I signed no treaties with you allowing such actions, this is an invasion.”

One of the Quall reached back into the drop pod and pulled out Godart, still in his spacesuit but manacled. The Quall pushed Godart forward and said, “We found this Olgog in a ship launched from this location. Our raptor star craft collected him before his wreak burned up in orbit.
Until we finish our investigation we will be staying here.”

“What are you investigating?” asked Mag Buskt.

“A Neliff outbreak on your island,” said the Quall Captain.

“We have not seen any Neliff here,” countered the Mag Buskt.

“You would not see them, they can alter your senses to hide their presence,” countered the Quall Captain, “So what is your decision…do you let us do our work, or do you stand against us?”

“I will think on it,” said Mag Buskt, “I will retire to my chambers for a few hours to discuss this matter with my counsellors.”

“That is fine,” said the Quall Captain, “But we are moving to secure the launch site and prevent further offworld activity.”

Mag Buskt was about to turn away, and then said, “Please send Godart up to my chambers, he is my primary council on all matters spaceship related.”

“That is acceptable,” said the Quall Captain, “He has already been checked for Neliff and is uninfected.”

Turning without a further word, Mag Buskt walked further into his keep. Once out of earshot he turned to Lord Mada and said, “I know Godart built three ships. One was destroyed on the ground. One was destroyed at orbit. But one ship still remains. We must secure it before these Neliff do.”


#14

Epilogue: Yesterday was a good day to die, today…not so much.

His name was Olgog, and he was an Olgog. He had lived a tough life, and had made a lot of bad choices as a result of his abusive upbringing. Some would call him a criminal, but on Mag Buskt’s island he was respected as a Champion and an honored place at the Chief’s table was kept for him.

The one truth that could be said of Olgog the Olgog was that his reach often exceeded his grasp. He had a brilliance in him, but did not temper it with thoughts of consequence. When he discovered a new way to use technology he moved ahead with it,

During his time in the EEF, it had directly contributed to his transfer and his eventual dismissal from the ranks. He simply couldn’t follow regulations he disagreed with. Even if they were in place to keep Olgog or others safe.

In the Goblin Lands, he was known as the Infamous OtO. His preemptive attack on Tla’loc’al had earned him many enemies, and killed many civilians. But it had immediately returned Mag Buskt into his place as a feared leader throughout the southlands.

Olgog didn’t remember how he died. Something involving a cyborg assassin. But the memories were fuzzy…surprising.
He looked around and instantly knew he was not on Mag Buskt island. It was a laboratory. And he was on the operating table.

Across from him stood a diminutive Bastard, who he instantly recognized as Amber, one of the Tilde clones who served the Old Vlad.

“Good Morning OtO,” said Amber, “How ya feeling?”

“I feel a bit fuzzy,” said OtO, “Last thing I remember I was on a stage being cheered and then an Earther shot me with her eye. What time is it? What happened with the launch?”

“The Island of Mag Buskt is currently occupied by the Iron Republic,” said Amber offering him a cup of water, “But Mag Buskt and your other friends survived.”

As he reached out for the cup of water he saw a digital device had been implanted in his forearm. It seemed to be a clock but it was slowly counting down.

He did a quick calculation and saw the counter had six weeks of time on it.

“I had a fine clock on my power armor,” said OtO, “I didn’t need the cyberclock installed.”

“The Boss thought it might help keep you on track,” said Amber slowly.

“On track, what the Old Vlad thinks he is going to control me with a bomb?” asked OtO with a laugh, “The EEF tried that it didn’t work then either.”

“Oh its not a bomb,” said Amber, “It just shows how long until your cloned cells enter their death state.”

“Cloned cells?” asked OtO, “what are you talking about Amber, I am not a clone.”

“Oh but you are,” said Amber, “The original Olgog the Olgog died final death at the hands of Agent Love. But the boss has granted you immortality, in six week doses.”

“No…no…that is not what we agreed to,” said OtO angrily.

“That is not what the original Olgog the Olgog agreed to,” said Amber in a sickly sweet voice, “But he was supposed to conquer the entire Goblin Lands and stop the provisional colonies from being inducted into EEF control.
But the Boss wanted to give you a few extra chances to deliver.”

“And if I refuse,” asked OtO.

“Then wait six weeks and die…painfully,” said Amber, “And I will have this conversation with the next copy again.”

“What do you mean again?” asked OtO.

“You are the third clone taken out of the tubes for this specific purpose,” said Amber, “The others did not agree and are currently sitting on an island enjoying the ocean while waiting for death.”

“I do not wait for anything, especially not death,” said OtO, “I want to be returned to Mag Buskt island.”

“Sorry can’t do that. The Mag Buskt was so heartbroken by the death of his champion that all your clones on the island have been driven out or killed. Your face is not one wanted on the island,” said Amber.

“Then give me a mask,” snarled OtO, “I have so much to finish doing.”

“Oh you will OtO,” said Amber once again in that sickly sweet voice, “But on the Boss’ schedule.”

“My armor, my weapons, my clones what about them?” asked OtO.

“It will be fine, they won’t know you are a clone like them,” said Amber, “They will think you are the original…”

“Six weeks of life huh,” said OtO.

“Immortality,” replied Amber, “Just in six week increments.”


#15

ALL REWARDS WILL BE POSTED AFTER RUNNING GAGG Convention.


#16

Rewards

Olgog the Olgog gains Immortality and a Prison: His original self long destroyed, OtO now inhabits multiple clones that die out over a few weeks. He is free and able to travel as he likes as an agent of the Old Vlad in the southlands. But he is also enslaved to the Old Vlad’s cloning tech, finding his material self destructing when cloned by other technology. He is effectively immortal, unaging, but can be killed over and over again dying painfully before waking up in power armor aboard an Old Vlad transport enroute to a mission objective. Loses active Rank of Champion. Can no longer command the armies of Mag Buskt.
One single clone of OtO may be deployed to the Time Shredder Mission 1.

Lalder gains Inroads of Peace between Mag Buskt and the Aufgogs. Due to his service here, Mag Buskt has rescinded his official order of death on the heads of all Aufgogs. Mag Buskt has also made public statements saying the Aufgogs of this age are far more wise and tolerant than the Aufs of his own age. Travel is now open between Mag Buskt Island and Tla’loc’al. An Auf Lal’al Air Skimmer service now provides transport to UtR travelers and Bruskti dignitaries between the Island and the mainland. This also gains the tribe a source of Distilled Fear, a beverage able to assuage the curse of Vampyrs.

Kolgol gains, an actor? nay an instigator extraordinare! Kolgol’s gains the skill Profession:Spy of 2 ( if he already has this skill, this skill raises by 2). He also has gained his handler’s trust allowing him to personally go on Time Shredding Mission 1 if he chooses to.

Rhug’na’ru gains Pride of the Fleet Xephos 1. Xephos 1 has been granted boons and gifts by the Bruskti. These relics are artifacts will work as long as the Immutable crew just plain doesn’t mess with them. Xephos 1 gains Immunity to Fire, Immunity to Chill, and cannot be affected by Leyas attacks that would change its hull (shape wood, tunnel material, etc). Other types of Leyas attacks still affect this ship.
Rhug’ab feels himself drawn to Time Shredder Mission 1

EEF Field Marshall Strykker gains I.R. Full Cooperation in the Goblin Lands. They will now support his assessments after the report of Neliff attack.
General Gifford may be deployed to Time Shredder Mission 1 along with his tank and its crew.

Godart gains Notoriety and Fame. The First Olgog living in the Goblin Lands to design his own rocketship and dare to take on the Iron Republic’s rules against space travel. Astronaut Godart is now a bit of a living legend among the younger generation, with many painting stylized images of him, with a rocket rising to the stars behind him adorning the alleys of Brez and the dockyards of Unen. With any Olgog who has heard of his launch, Godart gains a +3 bonus to all Charisma tests. In addition, he has successfully tested his technology and gotten a huge influx of materials from the Bruskti who wish to see a repeat flight the following year.
Hekeriki is drawn to Time Shredder Mission 1.

Lord Grimaldus gains Dunesphere’s Finest. Red Bishop Jamie, Engineer Huang Shi, Dr. Azai Yukimura and Dr. Leonard Bones now get a +1 to hit and Dodge when they work as a team. They have an elite Stealth AAV assigned to them for future missions (double V.A.R.) And they find themselves drawn to Time Shredders Mission 1

Lord Mada gains Free Training by the Bruskti. The Bruskti have taught this Kasanthian a new set of devotions that will allow him to call and control a herd of True Nightmares. (This unique devotion will hit one target with 200 Chill dmg, as the Nightmares thunder by and breath their chilling breath at the target). This ability can be used a maximum of one time in any given adventure. If used against a city it will be considered a war crime. He has also been officially recognized as Lord of the Kasanthian Colony of Bartsport by the Kasanthian Federation. With this recognition comes an influx of fifty Kasanthian citizens including ten Apprentices (these apprentices have baseline Kasanthian Slaver stats, are Earthers and can be named and expanded by the player)
Lord Mada may choose an apprentice to send into the Time Shredder Mission 1.