Chapter 1: Sorrow, Jubilation and Malice
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      The echoes of shuffling feet bounce fleetingly among the high arches of the auditorium ceiling. It was his first time working in the field, the itching desire to prove himself made his grasp clumsier than usual, dropping an empty vial to the floor.
   “You’d best wish your hands be more steadfast once testing begins,†a voice scolded from around the corner. “The other researchers don’t need a giant flittering gnat flailing about the laboratory. And if you think I am as tolerant you would not dare such incompetence around his grace. You are here to perform without question, to obey, understand?â€
“Yes sir, Dr. Korvus sir,†he stutters, beads of sweat trickling down the side of his face.
  The gaunt, bald headed hyur steps forward violating the young man’s personal space, “Oh and just a friendly bit of advice, don’t do that, especially when you first see him,†casually patting the side of his disciple’s face. “He loathes it.â€
   The adolescent hyur nonchalantly brushes the sweat away with his sleeve in order to save face, nodding compliantly. “Make sure you get this stasis cocoon to the landing pad before the carrier arrives, my colleagues shall do the rest. If you have difficulty, get a roegadyn to help you. Also,†he snaps his fingers repeatedly in order to remember, “have the amaljaa retrieve the miqo’te slaves from the lower ward and bring them to the palisade near the pad. I’m off to receive his grace; the missive mentioned a treat, whatever that may be.â€
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   “He’s coming here?†the enormous armored miqo’te sighed grabbing the syringe from a compartment underneath the desk. The new recruit grimaced at the sight of the injection discoloring the veins of his superior’s neck.
“Yes sir. He and his escort arrive within the hour.â€
    “Fantastic! Let’s give… mmmph …his grace… the grand welcome he so deserves,†gesturing in false bravado. Picking up his helmet and over-sized two-handed axe, another knock emanates from the door. “Doctor, do come in,†nodding to the sentry to proceed.
    “Spare me your insipid sarcasm Ba’srm the necessary preparations better be in place?â€
    “Relax. You bookworms always wet yourself when there’s any threat of imminent danger around. Accompanied by his usual vanguard is he not?† The doctor shrugs, acknowledging the warrior’s reasoning following him out of the conference chambers.
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     The crashing of waves can be heard hundreds of feet below the edge of the cliffside landing pad. A solitary flashing beacon guides the way when an utterly immense floating dreadnaught escapes back into the black clouds in the distance. A small vessel is seen jettisoning from its much larger host heading toward the reception. “The generators for the amplifier are at optimum efficiency,†one of the researchers whispered.
 “Was he of any use?†Korvus replied.
 “He was more in the way than anything but he did show some promise in calibrating the ceruleum spectrometers.†Â
“I see,†he murmured giving his apprentice an approving nod.
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   When the ship lands, an organized precession splits into two columns, their banners lining the path from the landing pad. “Is the perimeter secure?†the warden asked.
“All protocols have been met sir.â€
Ba’srm leans over the railing of the stockade overlook to glimpse the three dozen miqo’te slaves within the palisade, “Why just the mi…is he mocking me?†he snarls under his breath.
“I’m sorry sir it was a request from Doctor Korvus.â€
He motions for the sentry to return to his post. “I guess the good doctor and I have much more to discuss after this farce is overâ€.
          Â
       The apprentice stretches to steal a glance through the group of researchers in front of him, the sound of the rear bay doors to the airship slowly opening and descending upon the ground. The echoing clang of metal legs and hissing of steam come forth out of the ship. Â
“Vanguards,â€he whispers excitedly to one of the researchers.
   The nearest one leans over smiling at the enthusiasm, “These ones are a bit different. The Inquisitor had them specifically customized for his overly ostentatious dramatic flair, hence all the spikes.â€
   Two ten foot tall silvery monstrosities marched forward while his first glimpse of nan Daegon comes into view in between flickering banners. There was subtle elegance in the way the white cloaked and cowled figure strode between his armored bodyguards. The airship takes off with a wave of the warden’s arm.
    “These Inquisitors always give me that queasy feeling, especially this one.†“What do you expect when this one has a particular obsession for reverse engineering classified magitek,†two roegadyn banner men share a whispered exchange ten yalms from the passing figure when the rhythmic stomping  stops only accompanied by an eerie  silence.
    The heads of the two ebony vanguards swivel around revealing a beautiful ebony metallic face of a wide smiling woman with white light strobing through pupilless eyes. The banner men then peer to their left, the inquisitor’s cowl was lifted from the back revealing the same ebony face and strobing light eyes, his torso remaining  ever forward. With a feminine chuckle and lowering his cowl he ventures forward, the clunking metal and whistling of steam follow.
“What just happened?†the apprentice chortled.
“You’ll see soon enough†a different researcher grinned.
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“Your grace, I hope your transit wasn’t too uneventful?" a kneeling Korvus greeted.
  “Oh never†a metallic feminine voice cooed, an outstretched hand leaning against Korvus’s lips. “Rise my dear Korvus, as I said this evening’s festivities will not fail to disappoint,†pointing up to the now red-orange moon. Emerging from the back of the group, the apprentice finally got the full profile of what stood before him. The lower limbs appeared to be fentlocked in nature much like a reptilian beastman or equine while the upper forelimbs exhibiting elongation and streamlined by the golden armor even encapsulating the overly long slender fingers. Turning toward him, the apprentice kneels with his face toward the ground, the quickening pulse accelerating within his veins.
“Korvus you sly imp, is this your lovely assistant? Stand boy; let me see your face.†The cold metal fingers trace the contours of his jaw and cheekbones. “Such a beautiful face no stubble either,†turning the young man’s head to the side. He captures a short peripheral of the vanguards near him, all staring at him with a different face, a white fool frowning at him, the visage of the other researchers is that of predatory elation. “Can he be my present Korvus?†the ebon maiden swooned.
“Well your grace, it’s entirely up to him.â€
  The golden fingers twist the man’s face to meet the flashing gaze of the white lidless eyes. A sudden feeling of dread then came over the young man when his fate was determined by the crawling droplet of perspiration trickling down onto a narrow golden finger. His smile then turned into a shuddering frown.
“They never lie you know,†the Inquisitor mused wiping the disgusting droplet onto the tunic of the sobbing man.
  With a slow tortuous thrust, Daegon hoisted the body above his so he could see the terror. The man screamed down at the new face  that swiveled into position. Four growing metallic horns slowly being protruding forward around the helmet. A dark red demon-esque persona took over, its eyes glowing with fury aiming its gaze into his eyes. The man could no longer blink, could no longer smell, nor breathe, his body went limp.
“Such a shame,†the maiden’s voice giggled, tossing the faceless body to the ground and brushing his bloodied hand on a clean researchers tunic.
         Â
     “Why isn’t everybody else laughing? LAUGH!†he commanded with a loud guttural growl. The entire courtyard and surrounding perimeter erupt in feigned laughter.
 “Are you quite finished†Ba’srm yelled, the laughter dying.
“Miqo’te are so cute when they get mad, it’s those ears. They way they just flatten rarrr†the inquisitor claws playfully.
“I tire of this insolence and waste of my time. If there is no reason for this charade I’ll make sure that van Baelsar hears of this personallyâ€, irritated he begins to order troop withdrawal.
“Tsk tsk tsk, speaking of charades, over exerting your own self importance a bit too far now are we, especially for undercover insurgent,†Daegon taunts tossing up vials of inhibitor drug into the air then crashing to the ground. "How do you know if it wasn't he that sent me?"
      Ba’srm halts, looking around in denial the attempts to reach for his axe as numerous sentries swarm around him.
“Disarm him and bring him to me.â€
“Your grace!?†Korvus interrupts intrepidly. Â
  Pivoting toward the doctor facing the direction of the landing pad a streaking smoldering slave carrier is seen in the distance careening out of control toward the prison. “Ahh the main event, places everyone†the metallic maiden voice squeals.
 Â
  Ba’srm looks up to the skies uttering a soft solemn prayer, “Azeyma help us.â€As soon as he finishes the last syllable Daegon grabs his neck and pulls him closer to his frowning helm.
“It’s not going to help you at all. I've something better in store for youâ€, the sobs mocking him.
          Â
TBCÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
          Â
      The echoes of shuffling feet bounce fleetingly among the high arches of the auditorium ceiling. It was his first time working in the field, the itching desire to prove himself made his grasp clumsier than usual, dropping an empty vial to the floor.
   “You’d best wish your hands be more steadfast once testing begins,†a voice scolded from around the corner. “The other researchers don’t need a giant flittering gnat flailing about the laboratory. And if you think I am as tolerant you would not dare such incompetence around his grace. You are here to perform without question, to obey, understand?â€
“Yes sir, Dr. Korvus sir,†he stutters, beads of sweat trickling down the side of his face.
  The gaunt, bald headed hyur steps forward violating the young man’s personal space, “Oh and just a friendly bit of advice, don’t do that, especially when you first see him,†casually patting the side of his disciple’s face. “He loathes it.â€
   The adolescent hyur nonchalantly brushes the sweat away with his sleeve in order to save face, nodding compliantly. “Make sure you get this stasis cocoon to the landing pad before the carrier arrives, my colleagues shall do the rest. If you have difficulty, get a roegadyn to help you. Also,†he snaps his fingers repeatedly in order to remember, “have the amaljaa retrieve the miqo’te slaves from the lower ward and bring them to the palisade near the pad. I’m off to receive his grace; the missive mentioned a treat, whatever that may be.â€
         Â
   “He’s coming here?†the enormous armored miqo’te sighed grabbing the syringe from a compartment underneath the desk. The new recruit grimaced at the sight of the injection discoloring the veins of his superior’s neck.
“Yes sir. He and his escort arrive within the hour.â€
    “Fantastic! Let’s give… mmmph …his grace… the grand welcome he so deserves,†gesturing in false bravado. Picking up his helmet and over-sized two-handed axe, another knock emanates from the door. “Doctor, do come in,†nodding to the sentry to proceed.
    “Spare me your insipid sarcasm Ba’srm the necessary preparations better be in place?â€
    “Relax. You bookworms always wet yourself when there’s any threat of imminent danger around. Accompanied by his usual vanguard is he not?† The doctor shrugs, acknowledging the warrior’s reasoning following him out of the conference chambers.
          Â
     The crashing of waves can be heard hundreds of feet below the edge of the cliffside landing pad. A solitary flashing beacon guides the way when an utterly immense floating dreadnaught escapes back into the black clouds in the distance. A small vessel is seen jettisoning from its much larger host heading toward the reception. “The generators for the amplifier are at optimum efficiency,†one of the researchers whispered.
 “Was he of any use?†Korvus replied.
 “He was more in the way than anything but he did show some promise in calibrating the ceruleum spectrometers.†Â
“I see,†he murmured giving his apprentice an approving nod.
   Â
   When the ship lands, an organized precession splits into two columns, their banners lining the path from the landing pad. “Is the perimeter secure?†the warden asked.
“All protocols have been met sir.â€
Ba’srm leans over the railing of the stockade overlook to glimpse the three dozen miqo’te slaves within the palisade, “Why just the mi…is he mocking me?†he snarls under his breath.
“I’m sorry sir it was a request from Doctor Korvus.â€
He motions for the sentry to return to his post. “I guess the good doctor and I have much more to discuss after this farce is overâ€.
          Â
       The apprentice stretches to steal a glance through the group of researchers in front of him, the sound of the rear bay doors to the airship slowly opening and descending upon the ground. The echoing clang of metal legs and hissing of steam come forth out of the ship. Â
“Vanguards,â€he whispers excitedly to one of the researchers.
   The nearest one leans over smiling at the enthusiasm, “These ones are a bit different. The Inquisitor had them specifically customized for his overly ostentatious dramatic flair, hence all the spikes.â€
   Two ten foot tall silvery monstrosities marched forward while his first glimpse of nan Daegon comes into view in between flickering banners. There was subtle elegance in the way the white cloaked and cowled figure strode between his armored bodyguards. The airship takes off with a wave of the warden’s arm.
    “These Inquisitors always give me that queasy feeling, especially this one.†“What do you expect when this one has a particular obsession for reverse engineering classified magitek,†two roegadyn banner men share a whispered exchange ten yalms from the passing figure when the rhythmic stomping  stops only accompanied by an eerie  silence.
    The heads of the two ebony vanguards swivel around revealing a beautiful ebony metallic face of a wide smiling woman with white light strobing through pupilless eyes. The banner men then peer to their left, the inquisitor’s cowl was lifted from the back revealing the same ebony face and strobing light eyes, his torso remaining  ever forward. With a feminine chuckle and lowering his cowl he ventures forward, the clunking metal and whistling of steam follow.
“What just happened?†the apprentice chortled.
“You’ll see soon enough†a different researcher grinned.
         Â
“Your grace, I hope your transit wasn’t too uneventful?" a kneeling Korvus greeted.
  “Oh never†a metallic feminine voice cooed, an outstretched hand leaning against Korvus’s lips. “Rise my dear Korvus, as I said this evening’s festivities will not fail to disappoint,†pointing up to the now red-orange moon. Emerging from the back of the group, the apprentice finally got the full profile of what stood before him. The lower limbs appeared to be fentlocked in nature much like a reptilian beastman or equine while the upper forelimbs exhibiting elongation and streamlined by the golden armor even encapsulating the overly long slender fingers. Turning toward him, the apprentice kneels with his face toward the ground, the quickening pulse accelerating within his veins.
“Korvus you sly imp, is this your lovely assistant? Stand boy; let me see your face.†The cold metal fingers trace the contours of his jaw and cheekbones. “Such a beautiful face no stubble either,†turning the young man’s head to the side. He captures a short peripheral of the vanguards near him, all staring at him with a different face, a white fool frowning at him, the visage of the other researchers is that of predatory elation. “Can he be my present Korvus?†the ebon maiden swooned.
“Well your grace, it’s entirely up to him.â€
  The golden fingers twist the man’s face to meet the flashing gaze of the white lidless eyes. A sudden feeling of dread then came over the young man when his fate was determined by the crawling droplet of perspiration trickling down onto a narrow golden finger. His smile then turned into a shuddering frown.
“They never lie you know,†the Inquisitor mused wiping the disgusting droplet onto the tunic of the sobbing man.
  With a slow tortuous thrust, Daegon hoisted the body above his so he could see the terror. The man screamed down at the new face  that swiveled into position. Four growing metallic horns slowly being protruding forward around the helmet. A dark red demon-esque persona took over, its eyes glowing with fury aiming its gaze into his eyes. The man could no longer blink, could no longer smell, nor breathe, his body went limp.
“Such a shame,†the maiden’s voice giggled, tossing the faceless body to the ground and brushing his bloodied hand on a clean researchers tunic.
         Â
     “Why isn’t everybody else laughing? LAUGH!†he commanded with a loud guttural growl. The entire courtyard and surrounding perimeter erupt in feigned laughter.
 “Are you quite finished†Ba’srm yelled, the laughter dying.
“Miqo’te are so cute when they get mad, it’s those ears. They way they just flatten rarrr†the inquisitor claws playfully.
“I tire of this insolence and waste of my time. If there is no reason for this charade I’ll make sure that van Baelsar hears of this personallyâ€, irritated he begins to order troop withdrawal.
“Tsk tsk tsk, speaking of charades, over exerting your own self importance a bit too far now are we, especially for undercover insurgent,†Daegon taunts tossing up vials of inhibitor drug into the air then crashing to the ground. "How do you know if it wasn't he that sent me?"
      Ba’srm halts, looking around in denial the attempts to reach for his axe as numerous sentries swarm around him.
“Disarm him and bring him to me.â€
“Your grace!?†Korvus interrupts intrepidly. Â
  Pivoting toward the doctor facing the direction of the landing pad a streaking smoldering slave carrier is seen in the distance careening out of control toward the prison. “Ahh the main event, places everyone†the metallic maiden voice squeals.
 Â
  Ba’srm looks up to the skies uttering a soft solemn prayer, “Azeyma help us.â€As soon as he finishes the last syllable Daegon grabs his neck and pulls him closer to his frowning helm.
“It’s not going to help you at all. I've something better in store for youâ€, the sobs mocking him.
          Â
TBCÂ Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
