–{ This section is open to Unit 7756, Unit 817, Krodnok, Uriel, Agent Candy, Kolgol, Lalder. Please keep the same characters that were sent into the mission from the Camp to the City in this mission if you took part in that mission. If Commander Krunch decides to run for one of the podium controls before diplomacy, he may post to do so. Any Dead Olgog who does so will be gathered into the machinery and pulled underground to the factory floor. The hand he places on the podium will be trapped and he will be drawn down and the hole in the platform will close behind him. Any dead who does this is considered removed from scene but will understand situation once Mission 5 posts. Obviously dead can’t take part in negotiation and step onto platform together so decide carefully Unit 7756 and Unit 817. Krodnok will enter from one of the other shadow walk entrances if he decides to join this misson and he will be outside the clear cube keeping the expedition trapped on the platform.}–
With little choice now that they were here, the expedition stepped through the darkness.
They came out on a shadowy walkway, and Torkol’ab said, “An artificed shadow links where we are now with the ruined airship field.”
“Any what stops the ferals from following us?” asked Tla’ab.
“Nothing,” said Torkol’ab, “As long as that shadow we stepped out from remains.”
Bo’gan created a floating torchlight which made the shadow disappear, temporarily closing the gateway.
“So we are here,” said Agent Candy, “Now what?”
“What are you doing here?” asked Bo’gan.
“Uriel brought me,” said Candy, pointing behind her to the scholar where he was making diagrams in his notebook of the factory that spread out in all direction below them, “Not that I needed him to bring me, but it is nice when a man tries to handle transportation”.
“Spies,” said Bo’gan, “Damn Earther spies.”
He pushed past them in anger and continued on the walkway till it joined with a large centeral platform overlooking the entire factory floor.
Here a tall and lanky Warmonger’s Dead stood, not wearing their traditional armor, but instead dressed in grey dressing robes and an apron made from krato-hide.
Extra arms and hands had been grafted onto his back, holding scalpels, bone saws and other medical tools.
It obviously noticed their arrival, and turned to greet them “I am the Dead Surgeon Naveed of Unit 111. This is the Tomb of Holys, who would be Godking over Reality. I am happy you arrived. We are in need of new soldiers for the cause.”
“And what is the cause?” asked Bo’gan.
“The release of the Flagship of Warmonger from the prison dimension,” said Dead Surgeon Naveed, “We have agents working on countless worlds to make this occur, and the galactic alignment will occur soon enough. The Border Wars of the Northern Kingdoms drew out the Ancient Evils and saw the steps leading to the release of the End of Days.”
“And Holys wants this?” asked Commander Krunch.
“Holys sleeps, he will awaken after the new world is open,” replied the Dead Surgeon, “In here is what you truly seek, the machines that will make your Dead Warmachines, yes?”
Bo’gan stepped forward and raised an acid grenade over one of the consoles.
“We don’t care about your Warmachines,” said Bo’gan, “This place rules the Dead of Warmonger, you must know where the Dead have taken the body of Eloga.”
“Whom?” asked Naveed, “Was that the martyr who died along with the arrogant Tladol? No matter, no matter. We do not have his body. Unit 111 was not involved in his death.”
“Then tell me what dead has taken him??” demanded Bo’gan, preparing to detonate the acid all over the controls.
“One of the independent Dead, Krodnok is his name,” said Naveed, “Perhaps you wish to know where he is? He is moments from opening the Laboratory of the Bishop Kasanth. You can imagine of course the things that will be released when those doors are opened. Perfectly in time with the return of the Flagship of Warmonger.”
Bo’gan detonated the grenade and it melted some of the controls. Naveed disappeared into the shadow of a nearby console as the platform suddenly extended clear walls to box the expedition in on the platform. The walls were marked with both wards against shadow and earth. They were trapped inside, and Bo’gan found the clear material would not even melt when he attempted to drench it with acid.
The voice of something alien spoke from the damaged console.
“I am Holys, tied living and dead and all to this factory. The pain of your damage to my factory has awoken me,” said the voice, “Wake me the rest of the way, and gain great power.
Dead who lust for power, take a position on the two circular pads that glow with power and place your hand on the podium that extends above it.”
Bo’gan snarled with anger, “How do we put this back to sleep?”
“Great,” said Candy, “This was what I was trying to warn you about.”
“This is fascinating,” said Uriel, “Unexpected but fascinating.”
Commander Krunch was already edging towards the Podium Console.