Martyrdom

[HansTheHuman]

"You seem to have misunderstood or have exaggerated what I have said. I like dogs."
Chops said to the Khajiit with a twinge of sternlyness.

[Phrost]

Phiounuse knew when to stop, "I never said you didn't," she looked straight ahead and took off her hood, revealing her feline features in light, her fur stained red for an unknown reason. But she figured that Chops knew that reason.

[HansTheHuman]

Chops took his eyes from Phiounuse to look forward to their destination. A final pair of steel double doors. Chops approached them, pushed them both open with a mighty heave from both his arms. Behind the doors was a dark room, and the group were plunged into total darkness as the doors slammed behind them. A feeling of ominous scrutiny fell upon the recruits as a few subtle whirs and clicks echoed in the room.
"Roo. Stop that."
Chops called out to the darkness. Two slitted blue eyes illuminated in mid-air in front of him. A startling crack and flash of light lit up the place. As the group's eyes go used to the light they could see they were in a large laboratory. It was a large circle with a wall and ceiling of pipes, cables and blinking multicoloured lights. More cables ran about the grey metal floor. All surfaces were polished and sterilised to a gleam, though clusters of science equipment littered the area though with a peculiar sense of organisation. The blue eyes came from a large metal body of a white chassis that hung from the ceiling. Suddenly, the small part with the eyes detached from the rest and uncoiled a pair of cable-like appendages which it landed on as legs and feet. Three more of these cables emerged, two as arms, one as a tail. It was another robot, much smaller than Chops. Two main segments formed a head and torso with the limbs and tail attached. The head was mostly a smooth cone that contained a black gel in a transparent glass container, the rest was a white metal and silicone muzzle that had the eyes and what seemed like a small mouth and nostrils. This new being seemed to raise a 'foot' in anger and stomped it, the eyes turned red and a red line was projected as a small frown on its muzzle.
"Chops! You ruined it!"
A reverberating voice similar to a young child emitted from the little white robot, the voice clearly angry. The mouthpiece didn't move as it spoke, instead the red line that formed the frown seemed to imitate lips talking as small fluctuations as those on an oscilloscope.
"Ruined what? You weren't planning on scaring the recruits were you?"
Chops responded to the small robot.
"...maybe."
The little white robot folded its arms in defiance.
"Now that wouldn't make the best of impression on them, would it? And you are certainly not make a good one right now."
With that retort, the little robot's eyes and and speech line turned back to blue as it straightened itself up. Suddenly putting on a smile, the robot's legs curled backwards to form wheels and trundled over to the group, eager to make acquaintances with them.
"I am Doctor Roo Sulli, The Scientist. This is my lab. Do you like it? But it's MY lab though! So don't knock about!"
Roo bounced on his legs, pacing along the recruits, inspecting each of them. He came to stop by Netreya, where he jittered with child-like excitement.
"Roo. The recruits would like to be briefed on their mission."
Chops interrupted Roo's little review of the group.
"Ah! Sorry! Sorry! Sorry! I'm on it! This way please!"
Little Roo bounded over to what seemed to be a tube elevator. The door slide open about the circumference.
"Step inside please!"
There was just enough room for all to fit in. The door closed and soft bossa nova music played. Roo, who was no taller than the height up to the recruits' hips, stretched an arm from in between them and punched a button on a panel. A bleep sounded and the small space filled with a viscous black liquid that reached to the ceiling. The liquid retreated as quickly as it came and the door opened to reveal a square office. The floor was a crimson carpet, and the walls were out of darkwood panels in an art-deco design. A darkwood desk sat in the middle of the room. Behind it were bookshelves in two corners with a window in between them that looked out onto the dark planet surface of the Hub. At the desk sat a man dressed in a black tuxedo, black cotton trousers, black polished spats and a top hat also black. The recruits lined up before the man. Chops walked to his right and began smoking his pipe. Roo rolled over to the man's left and gently rocked to-and-fro on his feet. The man got up from his chair and rested his hands on a black wooden cane. The man was of a caucasian skin-tone, he had a thin pencil mustache and a short black haircut, he also had a pair of green eyes that glimmered oddly as if made of glass.
"I am Lord Jeremy Phineas McElroy, The Entrepreneur. To the right of me is Esquire Thorsten Friedrich Gunterwick, The Explorer; you have probably acquainted yourself with him as Chops. And to my left is Doctor Roo Sulli, The Scientist; whom you've also met."
Chops nodded as his name was called. Roo gave a little wave for his.
"Lady and gentlemen. The mission we will embark on is a most dangerous one. But it is necessary for the continued existence of life across all universes. Our enemy is the Martyrians. A hyper-religious race bent on erasing all life as their holy duty. They call such a state of lifelessness their 'Final Paradise'."
Lord McElroy tucked the cane under his right arm and began pacing across the room left and right.
"Our first encounter with them was here, on the Hub. The Martyrians first go about building a massive tower which emits a gas-like substance called The Smog. The Smog is what wipes out the life, it engulfs the entire planet and disintegrates all living matter leaving nothing more than a lifeless rock in its wake. We once relied on The Smog as our main source of power and method of logistics as it could transport energy and matter between dimension. But when the Martyrians were driven out they took The Smog with them, leaving us low on resources. But we have another substance, The Sludge. Similar to The Smog, but liquid. I'd go into further details about The Smog and The Sludge, but that would make this briefing even more long-winded than it already is. Talk to Roo if you're still curious."
Roo gave another wave.
"Before the Martyrians left, we laced The Smog with The Sludge which allows us to track them wherever they go, and we'll use The Sludge to transport ourselves to intercept them. Our main goal is to get to the Martyrians and put a permanent stop to their scheme. This is, unfortunately, not possible with our current resources. And our first mission is to bolster our forces before taking the fight to them. However, we will also need to respond to any movement the Martyrians make so we can intercept them. Our first interceptions are probably to evacuate a planet rather than drive off the Martyrians given that you are the only military we have right now, unless we can join with the native military and that is only if they stand a chance."
Jeremy walked round to stand in front of his desk.
"We first need to acquire a source of power. That mission still needs some paperwork ironed out which will give you the day off. Use this time to train, rest, eat, or gather weapons, ammo and anything else. While this might seem like pointless idling while all existence is at stake. We cannot move until the Martyrians do, otherwise we wouldn't know where to intercept them."
Lord McElroy sat himself back at his desk.
"Chops will be the one leading you through each mission. He is an expert in just about all combat styles I can think of, bar magic. Our ace of all trades. He's also willing to impart his fighting knowledge in training sessions. Roo will fill out the role of intelligence, quartermaster and medic. He will answer just about any question you have about missions, The Smog, the Hub, etc. If there are no questions, leave through the doors behind you beside the teleporter."
There was a pause, which was soon interrupted by Roo bouncing up and down on his cable-legs.
"Oh! Oh! Can the recruits Luke von Dash and Netreya see me as soon as they can when briefing is over, please. Also, can the recruit Xalem Vilenius see me then afterwards. That's all, thank you."
Another silent pause came, to be either broken by a recruit's question or them taking a leave through the door.

[lukuz13]

-With the series of new faces to get use to, Luke took a few moments to digest the information he was told just now, only raising further and further questions in his mind, finally growing frustrated, he sighed.
"I think I'd like to talk with Roo...good for me he wishes to see me anyway." Luke let out a small laugh as Roo asked to speak with the two of them, making his way over to the bot.
"Something about this...being makes me feel uneasy Arbalester..."[/i] Netreya spoke softly through Luke's mind.
"Do not worry yourself dear friend... I am certain they would not do anything to harm us." Luke attempted to reassure him, laying a hand on the griffon's head, before turning to Roo.
"I understand you have a few questions...but if I may go first?" Luke offered politely to Roo, giving a small bow and flashing him a smiile.

-"First off... as I am sure you are aware, I am Luke von Dash, and this is Netreya, my long time friend, brother even." Luke smiled, motioning towards the large creature, Netreya who swiftly nodded to the man, fluttering his large wings, speaking up for himself for a moment.
"I am indeed, Netreya, King of Cardinal griffons, I am here by the Arbalester's wishes..." He began, glancing towards Luke for a second before letting out a small bird like call, turning back to Roo. "And at the possibility that such a threat does exist..." Luke smirked a bit. "I highly doubt they would bring us out here for no good reason Netreya... certainly the situation must be grave, to hire on anyone that would accept for something so important." Netreya glanced at Luke again before speaking once more.
"Perhaps... yet we still know so little about them, these...Martyrians included, do tell...Roo."[/i] Netreya addressed Roo directly now, turning his eyes over the simulated eyes of the bot. "What are these things you seem to fear so much... how and more importantly why would they threaten all of existence with something so petty as god worship. Netreya spoke more harshly now, as if he held something personal against the Martyrians for such a reason.

-Luke nodded in agreement with what Netreya said. "That is one of my questions yes... as for this place...The Sludge, The Smog... forgive my curious nature but I really wish to know... and the Hub while I am at it." Luke let out a small laugh. "Hell why not throw in your life story while you are at it." Luke sighed a bit, waving a hand in front of him.

[HansTheHuman]

Roo had a wide simulated smile and his eyes glowed with zeal. The robot watched the griffin, mesmerised by this creature he had never seen before. Watching it speak, make a brid call and flutter its feathered wings was all such a treat for the robot. Roo just about swooned when Netreya said he was a king of his kind. All this information told Roo already so much about the cardinal griffins, and appetised his hunger to know more about them. Roo snapped out of his euphoria and concentrated on the first question.
"That's the thing, your majesty. We don't know much about the Martyrians. They were either vapourised by The Smog we had or ran away. We only know their intentions from those that preached it when they first arrived. It seemed like nothing at first, then the tower was built. That brings me to ask a favour of all of you. I need live Martyrians brought to me. That way I can study their biology and interrogate them for information."
Roo allowed a pause for the recruits to mull over the new information.
"As for your other questions-"
"Oh please don't get him started on those topics, we'll be here all day."
Lord McElroy had suddenly stood up to interrupt Roo. The small robot's eyes turned red and stamped his right foot in childish frustration.
"Sorry Roo, but the only thing the recruits need to know about The Smog, The Sludge and the Hub is as follows."
Lord McElroy turned to the recruits.
"The Smog will kill you. It looks like a big could of black smoke and is used by the Martyrians as a weapon. The Sludge will be our way of getting around dimensions in order to complete mission. It's the black stuff that teleported you in that teleporter behind you. The Hub is the planet you are standing on. It is our HQ and where we'll send evacuees of planets about to be smoked out by the Martyrians. If you are desperate for the details and specifics, visit Roo in your own time."
He sat back down.
"If you are still doubtful about the enemy, or even if this threat is real. Talk to those that already live here, The Breed. Or look out this window and see their ruined tower. Or see the results of past experiments using The Smog. I think there are a few video and audio recordings of the Martyrians' visit too. Or, you can join us and see for yourself. Still not convinced? Chops will show you the door."

[lukuz13]

-Netreya noticed the odd little bots stare, shifting a bit uncomfortably by his attention almost before puffing out his bird chest a bit at the mention of majesty proudly. "I...see. At the very least we could continue to investigate, would you say Arbalester? Whoever they are, if they threaten so many for something so foolish, in the name of a god, then they should be dealt with..."[/i] Luke bit his bottom lip for a moment, glancing azure eyes towards Netreya "I agree... we should at least investigate, since these pe...uh, bots, have been so hospitable to us, it is the least we owe them." Luke smiled a bit, bowing to Roo. "I thank you for that much, I would actually like to see some of this evidence if you don't mind... do not hold up the mission for me however, I simply wish to gather as much detail as I can to know what we are facing." Luke smiled evenly, offering a hand to Roo. "And if it truly interests you... you can explain much more about this place at a later time." Luke nodded. "Including what The Breed are..."

[HansTheHuman]

Roo's interface turned bright blue as the little bot bounced up and down happily. Roo gave his own bow to Luke and Netreya. A cable-arm coiled around Luke's hand and was shaken with ecstatic vigour as Roo smiled back to Luke with a bright blue hue.
Lord McElroy spoke up.
"As lovely as this is, anymore questions?"

[graybeardhalt]

-James finally left the wall that he had been lounging on for the entirety of the briefing and questions afterward. "Can someone just tell me where and when I'm getting my fucking money so I can get out of here?" James said, his face marked with only slight impatience.

[HansTheHuman]

Lord McElroy pulled a briefcase from under the desk and hoisted it over on top of the desk. It clicked open and revealed stacks of cash aligned squarely with each other.
"Your incentive will be payed here and now."
He pushed the case with a finger to the edge of the desk then relinquished it from his touch.
"You'll be payed for every hit on a Martyrian in this spot too."
A red hue flashed from McElroy's left, and Roo piped up.
"Jez! I just said I needed living Martyrians, you big ninny!"
Slightly irked, "Jez" continued his negotiation.
"You'll be rewarded double for live Martyrians brought to Roo. I'm also sure Roo would compensate you too in some way."
Roo huffed at this new negotiation, turning away and folding his arms.

[graybeardhalt]

-James walked over to the briefcase and ran his fingers over the money. He picked up a stack and thumbed through it, making sure it was real. He dropped the stack back into the case and closed it. He hauled it off the table and turned back to McElroy. "Double pay, huh? I'll see what I can do. Now, is it too difficult for someone to show me to my room?" James said, flicking the case over his shoulder, still holding it.

[HansTheHuman]

"You can go outside if this briefing bores you. A member of The Breed will lead you to your room. And one more thing. If anyone ever pays you to turn against us, just remember I can pay you more. I like living."
Lord McElroy whistled a short random tune whilst waiting for the next question.

[duskskully]

Kyle walked up to Lord McElroy, his walk just screaming 'Fuck dah pohlice'. Just as he got halfway there, he tripped and fell. Kyle brushed his shirt off and finally approached McElroy to ask a question "So you can give anyone anything? Like a lemur? ooh, ooh, how about information? Could that information be about any person? Or maybe some other....things?" As Kyle finished the question, his mind wandered off a bit, thinking about lemurs, rainbows, butterflies, and even a bunny or two.

[HansTheHuman]

Lord McElroy looked bemused at the child for a moment. It didn't take long for McElroy to judge this child was an idiot.
"Give you anything? What, you think we are some charity that will supply you with a dancing lemur that you'll use to fulfill your personal dark desires? We will supply you with equipment that will aid you on the mission; weapons, food, ammo and so on. If you mean rewards, then your lemur could be arranged."
McElroy leaned back, laying into his chair, rocking a bit and making it squeak slightly.
"And you're asking for whether we can give you information? So, you're pretty much asking a question to see if we can answer another question when you could have cut the crap and asked that question."
He gazed up and sighed.
"Chops. What did you bring me?"
Chops removed his pipe and blew a white puff of smoke. The android seemed to be in thought of a position that can be filled by Kyle. After a few seconds, Chops had it.
"Cannon fodder. Human projectile. Decoy. Food ration. I would say meat shield or punch bag, but he is much too scrawny."
McElroy chuckled, most likely at the thought that Kyle could be useful. McElroy turned down back to the child in front of him.
"Okay. Would you mind asking that question? See if we can't answer."

[duskskully]

"R-Really?! Well, I'll let you finish talking with everyone before I ask you further about the specific info that I want." Kyle's eyes suddenly squinted, staring at Chops. He felt that deep down he could trust this....whatever he was. He then started to walk away, then remembered something. He swerved back to face Chops. "Oh, and if you do get the lemur, make sure he's black as night. Alright, thanks." Kyle said, walking off. He started to trace little images here and there along the walls. Some about death and murder, others about cute little lemurs. He wandered around the room, waiting for everyone to finish asking their questions.

[HansTheHuman]

"Fine. Who's next?"
McElroy lifted his hat and placed it on the desk, leaning his head on his hand.