Chapter 26: Lines of Communication

The Devils sat in the trenches, or on the porch of the house. After Sauce’s outburst, the entire lot had been rotated off patrol, despite being the least torn up squad. Instead, they were stuck on garrison duty. They sat around, trying to make the best of it. Deus’s arm was still in a sling, and the entire lot looked right awful. Half of the ten were swathed in bandages, and most veered away from Sauce, who just sat numbly on a lawn chair, armed with only his pistol. Everyone watched him carefully. The air was beginning to cool with fall’s coming as they sat or stood there. DE had staked himself out a chair, and had decided to sun himself a little, despite the dropping temperature. Beside Deus, Gothique shivered. She had refused his jacket, so he continued to regard her as she pulled her legs up and wrapped her arms around them, resting her chin on her knees.

They sat been sitting there for hours, chatting idly. Sometimes, they got up and stretched, but for the most part, they either walked the trenches or just sat around. Two days of this treatment had rendered the entire squad bored and insulted. Many turned their ire towards a quiet Saucerat. Gothique, too, had been having trouble with him of late. She had come to him in the dead of night, keeping him up to talk through her problems. DE didn’t mind, but he felt kind of guilty for interfering in their relationship in so many ways.

The third day on duty was the day it changed. Gothique had barely curled up when motors sounded in the distance. Thinking it to be a convoy of their own vehicles, the Devils continued resting. Almost every day, a small group of vehicles raided the town for much-needed food and supplies. Before they knew it, a small band of trucks and motorcycles blazed into the clearing before the trenches, people hanging off any place they could. Most were armed and were howling with glee as they clung to the cars and trucks like extras form a Mad Max movie. As soon as DE saw one of them level a sawed off at his crew, he was in motion. The devils uncoiled almost simultaneous, drawing pistols and snapping off shots as fast as they could. Almost all were on one knee, guns half empty before the looters had Mad Max rejects had time to return fire. Three men were knocked off their motorcycles by the hail of lead, sprawling onto the ground. The lead pickup’s windows starred, rolled to a halt. The rest of the looters screamed and fled as quickly as they came.

The Devils looked at each other, making sure that no one was hurt. Sauce seemed okay, as did everyone else. However, it was deadly silent out. The only sound that was heard was the roll of shell casings along the boards of the porch, or the clink of metal when they touched. Nervously, Deus called it in, and sat back down to let other do the cleanup work. As warriors, they were ‘above’ it.

About an hour later, the Devils once again heard the crunch of tire wheels and rumble a of single engine. They all drew their weapons, taking what cover they could. What came around the bend in the road surprised everyone- a large, black ultra-clean limousine. It was a Mercedes Benz model, as fresh as if it had just come off the production line. It maneuvered its way past the human wreckage and broken machinery, rolling to a stop quietly thirty feet away from Deus and the rest.

The door popped open, and a man emerged, smiling. He looked every part the businessman, dark brown hair slicked back and silvery-grey suit perfect. Despite the levelled weapons and hard faces of Deus and his crew, the man easily jumped the trench, not so much as smearing his expensive loafers. Smiling still, he walked up to ten feet, briefcase at his side.

“Hello, my name is Mr. Morden. Can I speak to whoever’s in charge, please?”

Deus just starred in disbelief.




Yes, a quick intro to the next arc. I will update Wenesday as well. And anyone who recognizes the name, yes, the character is basically the same. I didn't want there to be any...confusion.

DE

Ah, the face of the enemy. Sorry to be ignorant here, who is Morden?

damn, that's great. i'm looking forward to finding out about this mr morden... try not to let sauce shoot his ears off too!

If thats the Morden I think he is, this story has just got more interesting than ever

Morden is a reference to a character ona very famous scifi show. Same basic concept, appearance...I wanted HIM to make a cameo appearance, so he is.

What do you want?


DE

[Edited on 29-3-2004 by DeusEx]

Yes - thats the same Morden ... without a shadow of a doubt.

Exceptional work as usual DE.
I have absolutely no idea who Morden is, and I'm not into Sci-Fi. I have no doubt that whoever he is, he will add to the story.

Chapter 27: Convictions

Deus and Intrepid stood outside Intrepid’s recently cleared quarters. Inside was Mr. Morden, who had demanded an honor guard to prevent ‘unfortunate incidents’. Surprisingly enough. Not only had Demonhunter allowed him in, but had talked to him all day. So, as usual, the best were called upon to serve - Deus’s Devils and their comparatively opulent quarters were conscripted to the cause.

“Remind me again why this clavvie gets my quarters, fearless leader.”

“You drew the short straw! I don’t choose.”

“But...”

“I don’t choose!”

“Fine. Whatever.”

Both leaned against the walls, houselights all on. Downstairs, the rest fo the squad lazed around or slept. A patrol of Springer’s men chatted noisily in the trenches, providing a constant murmur in the background for the two bored soldiers.

“So, what do you think of this guy?”

“Dunno. Eerie. Weird. Not like you, but more...I can’t explain it.”

“Gee, thanks Intrepid. Remind me to shoot myself in the foot next time I ask you for an opinion.”

“Not my...”

Before Intrepid could finish his retort, the door they were guarding opened. A smiling Morden emerged, luxuriant clothes still freshly pressed. He smiled brilliantly, looking both men in the face. He turned to DE, somehow keeping Intrepid in the conversation. The man was obviously had mastered negotiation and conversation as part of his training...whatever that was.

“So, you’re the DeusEx I’ve heard so much about. Hmm. The Butcher himself.”

“Heard what from who?”

“No one. Don’t worry about it. Can I ask you a few questions?”

“Ummm...yeah. Sure.”

“What do you want?”

Deus stood quietly for a moment. Morden remained friendly and unreadable, while Intrepid simply shrugged.

“How about we start with something you can give me- a smoke.”

The man moved smoothly, and in an instant there was a full, open cigarette case filled with slim cigars. It was made of silver and engraved with a large and ornate ‘M’. DE raised an eyebrow and took one, barely having time to put it in his mouth before the smiling, friendly Morden had a lighter in front of him, flame dancing. Intrepid shook his head, relaxed a little and grabbed a smoke of his own.

“Thanks, Mr. Morden.”

“Yeah, thanks.”

“Now, Deus...what do you want?”

“What do you mean?”

“What do you want?”

“I want...there are some things you can’t give me. I want myself again. I want peace. I want to go back to having the things they were. I want Go...”

DE clamped his mouth shut, and Morden smiled.

“Goodnight, DeusEx.”

Morden turned back inside his room and closed the door on two guards. Both of them smoked quietly until for nearly a half hour before tossing the butts out a broken window. The amber light of the cigars drifted idly downwards, light catching briefly in the shards of glass. In that instant, Deus saw his every wish and whim fulfilled.

And then it was gone.



There...new chapter. Enjoy, and apologies on the lateness.

DE

[Edited on 5-4-2004 by DeusEx]

as soon as i saw you were updating i hopped in here and kept hitting refresh. you've got me addicted to the suspense.

the whole while i was getting closer and closer to the screen in anticipation of the excitement. you finished with a bit of a cliffhanger, to me at least.

this morden fellow sure is creepy though. what show is he from? i'm really looking forward to where this is going though. i've got the feeling that once you get more time you'll pull something big outta nowhere. all in all, keep up the excellent work! i'll be anxiously awaiting the next installment!

Chapter 28: A Day In the Strife

DE lay on the couch in the living room downstairs. It was the third day into the meetings, and Deus was exhausted. Despite the fact that a great many of the wounded were being rotated back above ground, the Devils were still stuck on diplomatic duty. True to his word, Demonhunter was giving them a break. But a break wasn’t what they needed- all they did was exercise and boot around angrily. Now, it was night. Agent47 and Worldwatcher were on ‘Morden duty’, and Deus was all by himself. Inch by inch, he drifted off.

He awoke to find himself surrounded by great, rolling hills of sand, each etched with lines from the wind. The sky was bright blue and cloudless. He walked slowly, irregularly with other masked and cloaked personages. Some carried great, curved hooks on their backs. He knew this place well. It was Dune, Arrakis. It was his place of safety, of refuge away from the world. He had been having this dream since he was fourteen. Frank Herbert’s fertile imagination had always been his personal playground, and tonight was no exception. He did as always, wandering in the beautiful wasteland with a band of Fremen. The leader suddenly turned to him, throwing back a dusty hood. Eerie blue-on-blue eyes stared at him as the mysterious person unclasped their stillsuit’s facemask. Raven hair tumbled around a stern but beautiful face...

DE started from his dream. Grumbling and mumbling, his hand closed around his sword. His eyes shot open.

“Chani?”

A hand darted back from his cheek. Gothique’s face focused in his line of sight, a single tear tracing its way down her face. She looked confused and hurt.

“What?”

“Never mind... what’s wrong?”

Deus mashes his hand into his face, trying to wake up. Gothique leaned against the middle of the sofa, tilting her head back She blinked slowly, and swallowed.

“Saucerat isn’t the same. He...he...”

More tears.

“He doesn’t want me anymore.”

DE’s eyes bulged. He reached out briefly, thoughts of precious water and tribes still floating lazily in his mind, taunting him with far off, safe adventure. He sighed and pried his eyes open. Reaching out, he placed a hand on her head, stroking it gently.

“It’s going to be okay, babe.”

Her hand reached out and took hold of his. He squeezed it gently, the beauties of Dune forgotten briefly. Gothique crept up and layed down on top of DE, curling up to him. He placed his arms around her, and held her tight. There would be hell to pay for this.



Yeah, it's up. Enjoy the fruits of my suffering!

DE

i'm on morden duty....uh oh, agent47 better help keep me in check, i don't trust that Morden fellow at all...who knows what i might do.

great chapter DE keep it coming.

Phew !
I just finished reading it all in one go.
Pretty good, I must say. And from someone who reads as many books as I do, thats a compliment

Thanks, but until I reach a Herbert-ish level of writing, I won't be happy...

Ya hya chouhada. Ya hya Muad'dib.

DE

Chapter 29: Conflicts of Interest

Deus was cleaning his pistol when Intrepid knocked on his door. Pieces of gun sprawled out over his floor as DE sat cross-legged, brow furrowed as he worked away.

“Hey.”

“Hey omae. What’s the word?”

“TDH is back. He’s calling squad leaders and staff sergeants in for a meeting in the command center. Don’t ask me why...Sauce sent me to get you to go, y’know?”

“Yeah, yeah.”

Deus looks disconsolately at the mess of his floor. Mechanical bits, half-empty clips, stray bullets and shotgun shells littered the floor. He should have been comfortingly lusting after assorted college women vainly, or sitting in front of his computer playing games and wasting his life. This was not at all what he expected. Shoving himself to his feet, he followed his chatty assistant down the stairs, leaving his weapon maintenance for later. JB was busy enough as is, and DE had realized it.

They descended the dank stairs, watching other bunker members. In Deus’s eyes, they fell into two groups- those who fought, and those who did not. The fighters nodded to Deus respectfully as he passed, eyes strong. They all wore sidearms out of habit, and were generally wounded in some way. Non combatants passed, looking at the ground and giving them a wide berth. Their shoulders hunched, they moved quickly and quietly out of the way.

The duo reached the command center. Intrepid broke away and waved, glaring at a non combatant who withered out of his path. DE closed the door behind him, looking down the folding table at the eight people already assembled. With no chairs remaining, he leaned against a wall gingerly. His arm was still stiff, but the wound was healing quicker than anticipated. Rest and good care had helped it along, but it still had a ways to go.

Demonhunter leaned back in a folding chair, frowning at Deus briefly before leaning forwards.

“People, Morden came and went. He offered us a truce.”

“Did you take it?” asked Saucerat, sitting to TDH’s immediate left. He seemed cool, calm, unconcerned. Gothique stared at him, wets a little moist. She glanced at Deus, they simply stared at a spot on the table.

“No.”

“What was the price tag?” rumbled JB.

“The prisoners, no acts of aggression or theft on our part, and the unconscious guy. He really bargained hard for him. I have not a single clue why, but his batchall was amazing. I’m not going to tell you guys what else he offered, but let’s say he knows how to bend people.”

Surprised murmurs flared up as each squad leader and staff sergeant looked at the person next to them. The concept of TDH being bought could not be fathomed. Their leader held up his hand for a second, and seeing the lack of response, slammed it down on the table. That shut everyone up.

“I’m sick of being cooped up here, always on the defensive. Springer and his boys spent the day reconnoitring the internment camp a ways down the road. It’s still in operation, getting more prisoners every week. Seems to be a penal colony for political dissidents.”

TDH nodded to Springer, and the big man stood. He shifted from foot to foot, a little uncomfortable with public speaking.

“The defences are light, but put together really well. Four guard towers with machineguns, overlapping fields of fire, patrols in and around the courtyard, electrified concertina wire, a garrison of about thirty-five rent-a-cops, and the forest cleared back to about two hundred feet. No one could get across that without getting shot. There’s about two hundred locals there, breaking rocks.”

“Sounds like we plan on doing something about the camp, sir.”

“Damn straight, son.”

TDH and Springer looked at each other, then at everyone else.

“We’re going to liberate it.”

Everyone listened numbly, nodding as the pair spelled out their plan. DE felt a pang of jealousy at not being cut in on the assault plans, but that soon faded under the concern for the well-being of his men. It was his duty to know what was going on. By the end of the lecture, DE was cold inside. Everyone understood the plan, and stood to leave. He caught Sauce moving away, doing no more than he had to. He stared down his friend, expecting some sort of response. There was none. His eyes were flat, emotionless. He moved past without a word, despite the shoulder DE threw him.

Deus knew better, but everything was getting to him. An assault. Sauce’s change. The people who didn’t look up to him anymore. The wounds. The claustrophobia. The fact that he should have been happily in college, being a normal teen. Instead, he was stuck in a bunker, fighting for his life, watching friends die. What a way to live, he thought to himself, if it was life at all.




Yep, I'm so hyped on caffeine that...well, despite studying for a final tommorow at 9 am, I managed to put this up. Sorry about the delay, but I'll try to get another chapter up this weekend. ENjoy!


DE

Looks like we're going to see some more corporate bastards get their arses kicked

Good luck with the final

hey!! school first. you could have waited till you were done with your finals tomorrow...but never the less good stuff, now get back to studying and good luck.

viva la revolucion! awesome again... looking forward to the liberation!