The RP WarZone...

- Friday, August 06, 1999 at 15:16:06 (MDT) 

---

Meanwhile, elsewhere, elsewhen...: Vortex - "Have we acquired a lock on the target yet?" Magistrate - "No, Commander. The subject has thusfar eluded our sensor scans. We shall have a definitive lock the next time it activates its Matrix drive." Vortex - "Have the capture and containment team on standby, then notify me the moment we have acquired lock. The subject stands accused of the most serious of crimes. He must not be allowed to continue on his disruptive course. The future of the universe depends on it. Carry on".
Zapper <--The Magistrates-->
- Friday, August 06, 1999 at 15:45:25 (MDT) 

---

In a large room on a planet horribly polluted by it's own waste heat a group of beings (holograms) meet. The only live being at this meeting is a delicate looking puppeteer with a intricately styled mane. The others (also Puppeteers) have declined to meet with their insane leader for personal reasons. It's nearly impossible to predict the actions of the insane, and thus being in the presence of the insane is inherently dangerous.
"The threat to the planet Earth has reached very real proportions." one of the Puppeteers commented. "Our agents in the area indicate a 85% probability that the Earth will not survive the oncoming conflict."
"We have been conducting polls," another added. "Only 13% of the current voting population supports overt support of Earth."
"What about less than overt support? Can we put projects in to action that could save Earth without directly exposing ourselves?" another asked.
"We have agents looking into the Pak solution." The Hindmost said. "But I have not heard anything for some time."
"I have a report." another hologram responded, it's twin heads weaving in discomfort. "Our agents reported that they can not find a safe way of extracting the Tree Of Life virus from the Pak without coming into contact with the Pak themselves."
"Have our agents redouble their efforts, Protector stage humans would be a ideal solution to the crisis." The Hindmost replied. "I authorize a further 300 million credits to the project."
"Hindmost, may I remind you that allocation of funds can only be done by-"
"300 million of my personal reserve." Hindmost replied cutting the other Puppeteers off.
"What do we do with Protector stage humans after the threat is eliminated? They will reduce the same state as the Pak world itself with their own warring."
"We would have to select humans of the right age with no families, perhaps even use clones or artificially gestated humans..."
"It's a problem that can be addressed once we have access to the Tree of Life virus."
"Agreed."
All the holograms but one faded out. The last hologram regarded the Hindmost from 2 different perspectives.
"You have a concern?"
"300 million from your personal reserve."
"I am aware of my current financial status."
"We have received a full billion in secret loans and another 200 million in contributions, you have spent almost 3/4 of a billion bringing together the insane Puppeteers and constructing 40 ships in secret."
"I still have almost a three billion in reserve."
"Tied up in commodities, extracting those funds could precipitate a fall in the market."
"What of my cash assets."
"After this 300 million you have about 300 million left and negotiations with the Outsiders still continue."
"Proceed as ordered."
"Yes Hindmost." the Puppeteer replied as it faded...

---

... Inside his fake tardus, the viewscreen pops and fizzles into life with all the reality of the fake technology from the era he stole the idea from, with a picture of jadesfire on it. He gulps deeply, looking up at it, and says in a distinctly british accent aside to K-9... Quick, i want a scan on when and where we are. ... The dog slowly makes it back to the control panel, and somehow manages to push several buttons while Darva converses with Jadesfire... Hello Madam... Might you tell me why you've captured my ship?

- Friday, August 06, 1999 at 16:48:02 (MDT)