Theocracy of the Unwilling

Chapter 3, Part I

The ship hung in orbit silently adrift, waiting for a passing ship. The mercenaries had arrived at Yridia III, but they had been given enough information to be wary of the landing. As one of them glanced over screens, the "leader" became anxious. "Where are they!?" Shel'varr pounded his fist against his armrest. His comrades in crime merely exhaled lightly as they continued to fidget with their stations. Luck would have it that a shuttle was en route. "Reinthaler complex, this is Shuttle Alpha Four with the goods from Lady Consul Ronovi. We are making our landing approach now." A quick, affirmative response cackled over the console and warned of high winds. Shel'varr grinned, exposing his yellowed teeth. The ship powered up and engaged its cloaking device. Such technology was quite the gift for a simple assassination and reconnaissance gig. "Follow them."

***

Saitou looked across his desk towards the entrance. The tattered Cestus banner was draped honorably under a plastic-glass worthy of museums for fine art. No longer hearing its haunting call, he did enjoy the legitimizing effect it held for his office. "Is there any further word on our honored guests?" Gazing at the blue hologram of the scanning officer, Saitou rubbed his newly grown short beard. The facial hair betrayed his military upbringing and even most styles, but he felt a certain leniency on this uninhabited planet. "No, sir, the bait shuttle has started its approach. We have not detected anything yet." The man stood at attention, but broke eye contact to visually confirm his assertion. The hologram deactivated after the officer pounded his chest with the right arm, bowing slightly. "Severon," Saitou beckoned the newly appointed Aedile, "perhaps the mercenaries are not entirely worthless. Gather Black Phoenix and Zurhidon; I would greatly enjoy a fitting show in the battle arena to raise House morale." The blue silhouette bowed slightly and turned. "Feel free to enjoy one for yourself." The two summit members parted with mutual contentment.

***

"Can't you even follow a shuttle!?" Shel'varr's voice could not hide his fear. There was no way such a landing could be considered feasible for an outpost. Branches cracked loudly and dull, metallic thuds indicated the mercenary ship's agony. Blaster cannons attempted to clear a path, but only created more debris as the ship was hammered by the crosswinds. The crew did not need to listen for long. A large tree trunk burst before them, but the jagged shaft caught the bottom of the craft, sending it nose-down to the ground below. A combination of intensely moist ground and sturdy engineering saved the ship and crew from destruction. "Another live one over here! It's a wonder they haven't been eaten yet," Syrna said with a chuckle. "How are we going to get this wreck back to the Pyramid? "That's your job," scoffed Dox. His hands did the talking as he signaled to his team to gather the mercenaries. They survived a tumble in the jungle; they'd survive a ride on the back of speeder bikes in mostly one piece as well. An odd talisman of sorts caught Syrna's eye. This mercenary would miss the fun of the evening's events, but Dox would not get credit for this trinket. Snapping it from the man's wrist and exacerbating the compound fracture, she quickly pocketed her find.

***

The entirety of Reinthaler, save security and the lesser maintenance personal, was assembled in the arena. Those unfortunate enough to attend in person were glued to projectors while continuing their work. Shel'varr looked around in a groggy stupor. He was suspended in a box-like cage. Drax'el was nowhere to be seen, but the other three were also in their own personal containers. Shel'varr reached instinctively for his sidearm, only to find his hands were missing. "It has been too long, Reinthaler! We have toiled endlessly to complete this complex. Tonight, we revel in our progress with dinner and a show." Saitou waited for the raucous laughter to subside. There was no fancy meal prepared, but he did notice many had brought snacks to the event. Native beasts, unrecognized outside of the planet, circled the ground beneath the mercenaries. Teeth gnashed in anticipation, claws scratched the floor, spines shook, and tails twitched with titillation. One mercenary finally succumbed to fear and howled in terror. "Honored guests, I bid you welcome to House Reinthaler. I am Saitou Tarentae and it is my honor to host you this evening. What brings you to our humble abode?" The four outsiders looked up at the man whose voice mocked them and then back to the audience below. "Please, please! I'll tell you anything! We were hired by some creepy chick with connections." Severon raised his hand and the roar of the crowd subsided somewhat. "Anything more specific?" the Aedile inquired. Shel'varr bared his teeth in rage and looked at his stumps that were formerly fingers. When he looked up again, two of his companions had been dumped to the creatures below. The audience cheered as the beasts did not immediately pounce as they considered which morsel might be tastier. Saitou dangled the talisman, which Syrna had found. It was a curious symbol, but one he had never encountered. Sending the item out with telekinesis to dangle before the two remaining men, the Quaestor asked what it meant to them. "That belonged to Drax'el! He got it from some religious nut!" Shel'varr's stare pieced through his last remaining companion's eyes, but the man was unwilling to silence himself. "Oh? Would you be so kind as to entertain my people with a story then?" Saitou looked to his House. Their bloodlust was not yet satiated. The Pontifex raised his hands and motioned for them to anticipate. "It was to be left as a token. We were to kill anyone of importance or as many opportunities as presented themselves, but were to leave it as a warning." The mercenary's fright was compounded as the beasts finished the scraps of his fellows. "Well then, it appears we have a few things to discuss." Saitou motioned to the arena crew to retract the prisoner. "And what of you, my stern and silent guest?" Shel'varr uttered the most scathing curse of his youth and spit. He would not give his captors the satisfaction of his fear. The bottom of his container opened and he tumbled to the beasts below. The members of Reinthaler would be busy soon enough. It was time for them to have some release.

Well, in case you haven't noticed, I, Dralin Fortea, am your new Rollmaster: Fiction. Unfortunately for you, this means more writing from yours truly! In the interest of being able to actually read it, Chapter 3 has been broken into three parts, and will be released in two-day intervals. Part I was written by Saitou Tarentae, Quaestor of House Reinthaler, with Part II being penned by Consul Ronovi Tavisaen Tarentae, and Part III authored by myself. The title of our Clan story arc has been chosen, "Theocracy of the Unwilling" winning out over the rest. We are still figuring out the medals for the naming competition, so be on the look out for that! In addition, the Consul and I have cooked up some competition ideas! Once again, something to be on the lookout for.

Sorry for the short report, folks, it was rather short notice. In a couple days, I'll have a more fleshed-out format, with 70% more information! Something like that, I don't know the Recommended Daily Value for information.

KP Dralin Fortea (Krath)/RM-M:HRLD/Kaerner of Tarentum