With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

Chojin Patriarch · Mar 4, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
11th July 2012
15:32 GMT

"We're being punished anyway."

"Oh?" Kalmin sounds mildly curious, though his face remains impassive. "On who's authority?"

Hmm. I expect Kalmin considers this foolish attempt a waste of potential. You don't send children to fight a war, you send trained soldiers. He probably recognises this was clearly an attempt to dispose of 'undesirables'... Those too principled or intelligent to do well in Varnathon's regime...

I set my ring to restore my armour to normal while adopting a 'waiting for orders' stance. I don't really have a reason to intervene; I can't imagine that anything Kalmin learns won't horrify him.

"Whoever's in charge of our Youth-Training Centre. I don't think any of us angered anyone enough to be singled out."

Yep, definitely those with too much potential, principles or independence to be easily molded...

"The you are to be congratulated for correcting that state of affairs. I am most certainly singling you out."

He forms a new qwa bolt in his right hand, but this time it… Stabilises, becoming more solid. Like the ones the Thunderers keep in their quivers. Several of the q'ardajin stare at it, their envy obvious even without empathic vision.

Manipulating Qwa-matter being the pinnacle of the Weaponer's art, eh? And since Kalmin was a master amongst masters, he's damn good at the art.

Such a feeling, to hold so much destructive power in my hand.

Fortunately I don't try and grab it, though the only reason I don't make a noticeable twitch is my armour. Kalmin told me that the ability to manipulate qwa energy is the defining skill of a Weaponer, and I knew that Weaponers were in charge of q'ardajin society. But I hadn't considered exactly how they'd feel about qwa energy manipulation. I suppose it's like a Christian priests personally witnessing a miracle. Only more evil.

Yeah, that responsiveness to other's Avarice might be something to watch out for. Would have been nice if he'd had time to get a handle on it, but Kalmin gonna Kalmin.

I consider the burning cage.

Than usual.

Yeah, finding out some angels aren't all goodness and light probably shook up Earth-16's Abrahamic faiths just a bit. At least, those who got all their religious knowledge from television...

"I would rather die from the Anti-Monitor's blessing that meet the fate I've been assigned. Here." She pulls a scroll out of her utility harness and unfurls it in his direction. "See."

"Experimental medical duty? Were you unduly inattentive in class?"

I'll bet that's a convenient euphemism... I expect there's a surge of 'volunteers' for more extreme medical science procedures right now... At leas, since Varnathon come into power..

"Check for yourself. Our assessment results are public data."

He returns his hammer to his belt and waves his left hand, creating a programmable plasma suspension in the air. The writing on it… Appears to be a grading system of some kind.

Ah, sci-fi projected screens. Lovely stuff. Presumably Kalmin's doing it this way to avoid burning Ring charge. Or the Ring is incompatible with Qwardian internet...

"Adequate. Experimental medical duty doesn't necessarily mean that they intend to use you for early-stage trials. Many of Qward's heroes have been adapted in various ways by such places. All implants that are now commonplace were first installed in people trained to give feedback on their utilisation."

"That may have been true once. Check the survival rates now."

Heh. Give you one guess as to the makeup of the subjects.

The numbers hovering in the air next to Kalmin change. They don't mean anything to me, but his eyes narrow slightly. Then the changes become more rapid and I just have my ring analyse them instead.

Significant fall in survival rates. Significant change in recruit profile. Both shifts were gradual, beginning when Varnathon became High Weaponlord.

Yes, I'll bet he took it slowly, so it wouldn't be obvious to people. Most might object to that kind of wastefulness.

What traits were selected for?

Initially, low physical and mental scores resulting in early-stage experimentation. High endurance and obedience selected for late-stage experimentation if lacking other assignments, or if specific characteristics were required. Now, individuals with initiative and creativity are selected.

Yup, targetting those he can't control easily. No doubt he fears for his position if someone eager, talented and/or devout comes up through the ranks. Kalmin will almost certainly be offended by this level of pettiness.

I frown.

Why?

Stated reason is 'maintenance of order'.

Like any insecure tyrant. Disguising the purge of potential threats in the name of 'Public Order'. Good to see some things are universal (Or trans-universal, if you look at it that way.)

He's still an evil arsehole, but it's good to see he's predictable.

Varnathon is sabotaging his own society to shore up his position? Is he focusing on particular families? No, doesn't.. look like it. And… He's doing it worldwide. It would be interested to see if anyone's reviewed that.

Confirmed. Thunderlord Brikan.

A crony, no doubt. He could see which way the wind was blowing, and set his sails to profit from it...

The number two in the q'ardajin hierarchy and head of their armed forces. So does he..? Genuinely value obedience, or is he… Complicit? Does he owe Varnathon his position?

I suppose that it doesn't exactly matter to me, but I'm curious as to how Kalmin will respond.

Probably with a lot of Rage. Tightly-controlled rage, but rage all the same. After all, it's one more item for the long list of things he plans to chastise Varnathon for.

"I see."

And so do I.

Surprised OL isn't more offended by the stupidity and wastefulness. This is one of the the things he's professed to dislike.

"Though this does not explain why you attempted to kill me rather than High Weaponlord Varnathon."

"You let yourself be overthrown by him. If you'd killed him then he wouldn't be in position to do this. We… Couldn't get to him, but I hoped that you might have weaker defences."

Ah, they assumed he'd be a softer target? Did they not pay attention in history classes, or did they figure he'd gone soft in his dotage? No wonder Kalmin called them 'adequate'. Another option would have been 'Mediocre.'

"I imagine that I do. But even in my reduced state I am more than capable of surviving an attack by delinquent juveniles."

He waves away his plasma suspension.

This fools aren't even worth killing, then? Perhaps they can make themselves useful in other ways. Distractions. Bait. Cannon Fodder.

"Still, since I plan to kill Varnathon anyway, you may find that your assignments change before you're called upon to take them up. It would be a waste of the effort that has already been put into your education to kill you out of hand, and each of you has at least some useful capabilities."

"Kill..?"

"Surely you're familiar with the concept. Unless Varnathon has gutted the curriculum as well you should have vivisected at least one living creature by now."

Ooh, burn. Seriously, these kids are amusing in their teenage stupidity.

"So you want to become High Weaponlord again?"

"No. But I set enough score by the position that I hate the idea of it being occupied by someone so clearly unworthy. Do you have any idea which other Councillors might serve as adequate replacements?"

You expect them to care about politics that much? And honestly, I doubt any of the councillors will meet your exacting standards.

"Ah..?" The school graduates look at each other. "No, why.. would we? I can only recognise the Councillors from Q'edion because I've seen them in the city. I don't know if they're worth anything."

"Ah. A pity. What life-assignment were you expecting?"

I bet it was something embarrassing, like hygiene technician.

She… Hesitates for a moment.

"Technical specialist."

Suuuure. She's got guts, though, lying to someone she knows could casually disintegrate her.

"A disappointing lie. I don't know what you think I would do if you told me the truth, but I also don't care. Whatever comes next, I won't be responsible for you." He floats up into the air. "I am going to speak with a meeting of the Council. You can go back to your barracks, you can shoot yourselves, you can stay here… Or you can come with me and perhaps learn something. The choice is yours. Robot, follow."

"By your command."

What's the bet they come back in later guns blazing as he attacks Varnathon? I mean, they'd be little more than a distraction in the fight, but hey... You never know, they might get lucky.

He rises into the air, stowing his qwa bolt and drawing his hammer. I follow him as he accelerates in the direction of one of the cities I noticed during my first visit. Behind us, the q'ardajin cluster around to discuss what they're going to do. But the apparent leader instead heads towards one of the still-functioning vehicles and shouts something to the others.

"Not a complete waste of time?"

Or maybe the punks will start an uprising. Something to catch Varnathon's eye and turn it away from Kalmin.

"I expected to need to burn all of Varnathon's working to the ground. I have no idea why he was perverting our education system and even less of one why the other Weaponers tolerated it."

"I would guess because it didn't affect them or theirs personally."

"I don't know why I'm still surprised. That's a horrifying abdication of responsibility. Weaponers are to improve and maintain all of the weapons of Qward, and that includes its people. Every Weaponer in a city where this… But no more delays. This requires immediate correction."

Ideally percussive correction? After all, you have a hammer and a Qwa-bolt. It's be a shame not to put them to good use.

Well, then. We're seeing more of Varnathon's colours... And they are yellow. Seeing him get his eventual comeuppance should be nice and satisfying. The more pertinent question is whether Kalmin makes it fast.. or slow. Still, that the hard-liner Q'ardajin would allow him to act so brazenly inefficiently... I have to wonder if it's just cultural apathy or if something else is happening.

Darko · Mar 4, 2021

Chojin Patriarch said:
Yeah, finding out some angels aren't all goodness and light probably shook up Earth-16's Abrahamic faiths just a bit. At least, those who got all their religious knowledge from television...

Even those who read the scripture may have still been shocked, since while they may know about the darker aspects of angels they may have still thought that was in the past.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Ah, sci-fi projected screens. Lovely stuff. Presumably Kalmin's doing it this way to avoid burning Ring charge. Or the Ring is incompatible with Qwardian internet

Or he likes using other tech.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Surprised OL isn't more offended by the stupidity and wastefulness. This is one of the the things he's professed to dislike.

Ehh, Qwardian civilization getting damaged and ruined isn't exactly a bad thing.

He wasn't exactly opposed to destroying the Citadelians, so if a civilization is a lost cause then he may be more accepting.

Chojin Patriarch said:
Well, then. We're seeing more of Varnathon's colours... And they are yellow. Seeing him get his eventual comeuppance should be nice and satisfying. The more pertinent question is whether Kalmin makes it fast.. or slow. Still, that the hard-liner Q'ardajin would allow him to act so brazenly inefficiently... I have to wonder if it's just cultural apathy or if something else is happening

It may not be as satisfying as you think since if he gets taken down then Kalmin or someone he chooses may step in.

And that person will probably be very devout and want to bring their civilization back to what it was.

A race of omnicidal maniacs.

Khettien · Mar 4, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
I consider the burning cage.

Can someone clarify what this is a reference to, please?

Assblaster5000 · Mar 4, 2021

Khettien said:
Can someone clarify what this is a reference to, please?

While I don't remember the exact context of what Paragon is referencing as it relates to him, a burning cage is a metal cage you put things into to burn them, which in the context of the story and what some others have mentioned was likely used by The Silver City as a form of torture/punishment to those they interacted with directly that were "sinful."

Darko · Mar 4, 2021

Khettien said:
Can someone clarify what this is a reference to, please?

Assblaster5000 said:
While I don't remember the exact context of what Paragon is referencing as it relates to him, a burning cage is a metal cage you put things into to burn them, which in the context of the story and what some others have mentioned was likely used by The Silver City as a form of torture/punishment to those they interacted with directly that were "sinful."

I think he's thinking of that barrier they put up over the Earth when they began their attack.

Assblaster5000 · Mar 4, 2021

Darko said:
I think he's thinking of that barrier they put up over the Earth when they began their attack.

That... would make more sense.

Mr Zoat · Mar 4, 2021

Citizen said:
'than'

Thank you, corrected.

FreeGod · Mar 4, 2021

Just how powerful is Paul's powered armor at this point? He has many different tech bases to draw on and has had quite a bit of time to refine the design. No magic or meta-materials because that is expensive to store, but should I expect it to as least be as good as Ironman's suit? Reach scrabs? Generally assume that it at least equals any other tech bases powered armor in DC?

CTrees · Mar 4, 2021

This whole mess with Varnathon almost sounds like Boss Smiley's influence, just applied to Qward instead of Earth.

Mr Zoat · Mar 4, 2021

FreeGod said:
Just how powerful is Paul's powered armor at this point? He has many different tech bases to draw on and has had quite a bit of time to refine the design. No magic or meta-materials because that is expensive to store, but should I expect it to as least be as good as Ironman's suit? Reach scrabs? Generally assume that it at least equals any other tech bases powered armor in DC?

His power armour is designed to keep him alive in the event that his ring shuts down. It's not particularly fast or maneuverable and is lightly armed.

Steelplaza · Mar 4, 2021

I think the SI may be making a dangerous mistake here. Varnathon sounds like he was making Qwardian society run less well and be less devoted to the Anti-Monitor (if only due to corruption and neglect). And that's good for everyone else!

Maybe Paul should consider shooting Kalmin in the back sometime soon.

ABZB · Mar 4, 2021

Chojin Patriarch said:
For just the story, go to the Story-only here, also linked in the first post or Mr Zoat's signature. The threadmarks there will take you to the first post of each 'episode' overall, so you can quickly catch up (threadmarking each and every post would probably break the system given the length.) As for the EPUB files, You'd have to PM the respective creators about updates.
In the meantime, welcome to the madhouse that is the discussion thread. Enjoy the yahoos, feel free to likebomb Mr Zoat and don't pay any heed to the resident naysayer.

Thanks!

Ah... I understand now, the usual apps are only hitting the begin-chapter threadmarks on the story-only thread.

They also fail to pick up the color-formatting, so yeah.

Edit: gustyeagle blocks incoming PMs from people they don't know... back to square one for me, I guess

PDV · Mar 4, 2021

Chojin Patriarch said:
Ah, they assumed he'd be a softer target? Did they not pay attention in history classes, or did they figure he'd gone soft in his dotage?

Mr Zoat said:
"I would rather die from the Anti-Monitor's blessing than meet the fate I've been assigned."

They knew they couldn't touch Varnathon. They weren't certain about the recently-returned Kalmin, and could count on a comparatively merciful death.

Coda · Mar 4, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
like a Christian priests personally witnessing a miracle

Either "like Christian priests" or "like a Christian priest" (I lean towards the former)

Mr Zoat · Mar 4, 2021

Coda said:
Either "like Christian priests" or "like a Christian priest" (I lean towards the former)

Thank you, corrected.

Stsword · Mar 4, 2021

CTrees said:
This whole mess with Varnathon almost sounds like Boss Smiley's influence, just applied to Qward instead of Earth.

Pretty much.

Varn basically made Qward a kakistocracy- as one poet put it "for the benefit of knaves at the cost of fools."

Steelplaza said:
I think the SI may be making a dangerous mistake here. Varnathon sounds like he was making Qwardian society run less well and be less devoted to the Anti-Monitor (if only due to corruption and neglect). And that's good for everyone else!

Maybe Paul should consider shooting Kalmin in the back sometime soon.

Just the freaking opposite.

Kalmin is for keeping the superweapons out of others hands because the goal is to destroy them.

Varn would and has sold superweapons to line his own pockets.

Would you like the Reach to have their own lantern corps?

Darko · Mar 4, 2021

Stsword said:
Just the freaking opposite.

Kalmin is for keeping the superweapons out of others hands because the goal is to destroy them.

Varn would and has sold superweapons to line his own pockets.

Would you like the Reach to have their own lantern corps?

So basically no matter who wins, Kalmin or Varnathon, everyone else is fucked.

Stsword · Mar 4, 2021

Darko said:
So basically no matter who wins, Kalmin or Varnathon, everyone else is fucked.

Everyone is fucked when the Anti-Monitor returns no matter what Qward does, regardless, that's a long term problem for which one can come up with a long term solution.

Varn is an immediate problem.

Ignoring long term problems is stupid, prioritizing immediate problems not so much.

Maxx Crowley · Mar 4, 2021

Stsword said:
Everyone is fucked when the Anti-Monitor returns no matter what Qward does, regardless, that's a long term problem for which one can come up with a long term solution.

Just grab Superboy-Prime or Silver age Superman to beat him to death.

Someguy Somewhere · Mar 5, 2021

I think I'd prefer the anti-monitor to 'I'll Kill You To Death' Superboy-Prime.

Darko · Mar 5, 2021

Someguy Somewhere said:
I think I'd prefer the anti-monitor to 'I'll Kill You To Death' Superboy-Prime.

Prime could potentially be talked down or prevented from going crazy.

The Anti-Monitor, not so much.

Mr Zoat · Mar 5, 2021

11th July 2012
15:51 GMT

The city we're flying over looks like a cross between a factory complex and a medieval castle with just a few cyberpunk elements sprinkled on for taste. The highest point is a giant… Aerial, whose function I can only guess at. Below that the fortified buildings cluster with no externally clear rhyme or reason. Certainly I wouldn't say that any of them are in prime position. Qward leaves its mercantilism for the surface so there's no central business district in the way there would be in a human city. There's no greenery down here and in any case the Weaponers haven't historically been interested in gardening.

Kalmin heads for what I think is a landing zone near the top of a manufacturing complex, landing and striding confidently in the direction of the entrance. Since I've got no real idea where we're heading I just follow him, taking note of the positions and comportment of the Thunderers standing guard. They're alert, searching for potential threats and prepared to act against them immediately. I also haven't checked the q'ardajin concept of law and order. Given what Kalmin said earlier I imagine that they do have one, but I also imagine that there'd be a very large amount of leeway for Thunderers protecting senior Weaponers.

"High Weaponlord Kalmin. It's good to see you."

Weaponer Lysis steps into the open, a retinue of two Thunderers accompanying her.

"It's not good at all. Did you know that imbecile Varnathon-?"

"This is-. Not the best place to talk about it. Not if you want to win over other Councillors before you act."

"I'm issuing a challenge, not plotting a secret conspiracy."

"But the transfer of power needs to be controlled. Managed. Otherwise it will cost us valuable resources."

Kalmin grimaces as the two of them head further into the building, the Thunderers and I falling in behind them.

"I can't imagine that Varnathon has created a resource shortage. I saw the tribute ships in orbit."

"Trade ships, for the most part."

"What is he.. trading?"

"Not qwa matter, if that's what you're wondering. I reviewed the records after we spoke. His deal with the matter universe must be something he handled personally."

"Who else would know about it?"

"If it wasn't for the fact that I didn't know about it, I'd suggest asking me."

I check, but she's using shielding as effective as that of her former mentor.

"Then who?"

"His drones, Tacticos and Strategos. He takes them everywhere with him."

"Irritating things. I'm glad that you haven't adopted the habit."

"But you have."

"An automated weapon platform. It's an adequate aide, but it doesn't manage my life and it knows when to keep silent."

"I would be fascinated to open it up and take a look myself, once our business here is concluded."

I bet you would. Shame those eyes reduce her facial expressiveness, because I'd love to see the look on her face when she saw me.

"You can just ask me for the schematics. It actually uses a fascinating matter disruption weapon that I acquired from a foe of Harold Jordan's."

"Matter disruption… The Crumbler?"

"The very same. The man was a lunatic, but I can't help but wonder if the Anti-Monitor touched his mind in some way."

"I'm surprised to hear you say that."

Kalmin shakes his head.

"Our species has a unique relationship with the Anti-Monitor, but that doesn't mean that he doesn't make use of aliens from time to time. Even I do that."

There's a bulkhead door up ahead, Thunderers with qwa bolt quivers on their backs and spears in their hands guarding it. Kalmin nods approvingly as one of them takes a moment to verify their identities before stepping aside and opening the door.

Inside… It reminds me a little of the klingon courtroom from the Star Trek films. It's clearly a space designed to allow the people in the centre to argue their case to the people in the surrounding balconies, built of tough metal and with little thought given to comfort. Kalmin accelerates to get into the focus of the room as quickly as possible while Lysis satisfies herself with lurking near the door. The Thunderers stop outside of the room but with no direct instruction from Kalmin I opt to mirror Lysis's position.

The balconies are occupied by a variety of q'ardajin. I see armour like Kalmin's as well as work overalls alongside what I suspect is a q'ardajin designer suit. Behind them lurk Thunderers, robots and aides. All of the people in leading positions are male and I only spot a couple of females at all. Only one of whom is wearing the bikini/thigh boot combination that Weaponer Lysis mentioned.

I wonder what that's about, aside from the obvious.

"Councillors. Weaponers of Qward. I bring grim tidings. Yesterday I bore witness to an alien race using significant amounts of qwa matter as a bomb."

The Weaponers don't rant or rave, but I see flickers of rage and hear a few whispered oaths.

"We all know the nature of qwa energy. We all know that the Anti-Monitor shared its secrets with no other people, even amongst his other allies. It is our sole providence. That is what has prompted my return. Varnathon is trading qwa matter!"

Kalmin pulls an orb off his equipment harness and tosses it up into the air. It floats in the upper portion of the chamber, flickers and then projects a hologram of my fight with the qwa energy weapon wielding scarab warrior, though there are a lot of other notations on the energy output and other characteristics of the weapon. He then holds out his right hand and pulls out the gun out of subspace before tossing it to the ground in front of him. The Weaponers in attendance activate their own sensors, aside from a couple who just freeze up. Though I'm not sure if it's in shock that their High Weaponlord would do that or something else.

"And worse, this!"

The holographic image changes to a recording… Of my death. The actual explosion is played in slow motion, and again there are the notations to prove that what occurred actually occurred.

"Why has this happened?! Why have you, Councillors, allowed this to happen unchecked?! Why has this betrayal of the Anti-Monitor, this betrayal of Qward, been allowed to happen?!"

Kalmin pauses, walking a circuit of the room and making eye contact with the Weaponers who are giving him their rapt attention.

"And that is not the end of his malignancy! I learned not an hour ago that he has changed the life assignment rating systems so that q'ardajin who would once have become Thunderer-cadets or Weaponer-apprentices are now sent for medical experimentation!"

The holographic image changes again, this time… Showing the data he took from the Qwardian data networks. This he gives them a few moments to take in, probably because it's a bit more complex than 'there was an explosion'.

"I failed Qward. I failed the Anti-Monitor, and my only complaint about my fate is that I was left alive. But I did not deliberately sabotage my own people! Varnathon has lost any right to be High Weaponlord!"

A few of the Weaponers just nod right away, while the general emotional output of those I can read suggests that they're decidedly unimpressed with Varnathon's actions.

"I move that Varnathon be killed and that this Council select a replacement from amongst its number! And in case you think that I do this for self-serving reasons, I will point out that I am not a member of this Council any longer. This is not about personal advancement, but about ensuring-."

The door at the opposite end of the court arena slams open, and-.

"All bow! All bow!"

"Bow for the High Weaponlord, Varnathon of Q'uldi!"

BlackCoat13 · Mar 5, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
"All bow! All bow!"

"Bow for the High Weaponlord, Varnathon of Q'uldi!"

Right after all that evidence? Oh, this is going to go over well. /sarcasm

Darko · Mar 5, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
Weaponers haven't historically been interested in gardening.

Unless it involved bioweapon plants.

Mr Zoat said:
I also haven't checked the q'ardajin concept of law and order

It's probably a bit reminiscent of the Klingon concept.

Mr Zoat said:
but it doesn't manage my life

Though it is trying.

Mr Zoat said:
and it knows when to keep silent."

He does now, but not so much any other time.

Mr Zoat said:
because I'd love to see the look on her face when she saw me.

I'm betting she'll at first be a little surprised before she goes back to trying to cut you up.

Mr Zoat said:
You can just ask me for the schematics. It actually uses a fascinating matter disruption weapon that I acquired from a foe of Harold Jordan's."

"Matter disruption… The Crumbler?"

"The very same

Wonderful, now psychotic aliens are also using Earth tech instead of just psychotic humans.

Mr Zoat said:
The man was a lunatic, but I can't help but wonder if the Anti-Monitor touched his mind in some way."

Okay, this is a bit frightening in how much it can potentially be true.

Mr Zoat said:
work overalls along side

Maybe 'alongside'

Mr Zoat said:
Only one of whom is wearing the bikini/thigh boot combination that Weaponer Lysis mentioned.

I wonder what that's about, aside from the obvious.

It could either be because someone more powerful than her wants her to wear it, she's wearing it so that others think she's more submissive and underesrimate her, or she may just like the clothes.

AidanMorgan · Mar 5, 2021

Throw the qwa bolt.

Do it.

Kill him now.

Ancalador · Mar 5, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
"Bow for the High Weaponlord, Varnathon of Q'uldi!"

Something tells me he is not going to like his reception.

Mr Zoat · Mar 5, 2021

Darko said:
Unless it involved bioweapon plants.

No, they don't really go in for those. Plants, I mean. Bioweapons are fine.

Maybe 'alongside'

Thank you, corrected.

Handlewithcare · Mar 5, 2021

No fucking around with small talk or politics with these q'ardajin, just straight up "This and this sucks, here's what we should do"

How delightfully refreshing

Shoukd I be worried about how much I am starting to like these people?

deimos16 · Mar 5, 2021

Handlewithcare said:
No fucking around with small talk or politics with these q'ardajin, just straight up "This and this sucks, here's what we should do"

How delightfully refreshing

Shoukd I be worried about how much I am starting to like these people?

Considering that they're obsessed with destroying everything?

....Maybe.

Chojin Patriarch · Mar 5, 2021

Mr Zoat said:
11th July 2012
15:51 GMT

The city we're flying over looks like a cross between a factory complex and a medieval castle with just a few cyberpunk elements sprinkled on for taste. The highest point is a giant… Aerial, whose function I can only guess at. Below that the fortified buildings cluster with no externally clear rhyme or reason. Certainly I wouldn't say that any of them are in prime position. Qward leaves its mercantilism for the surface so there's no central business district in the way there would be in a human city. There's no greenery down here and in any case the Weaponers haven't historically been interested in gardening.

Industrial Gothic at its finest, then. I'm almost picturing something 40k-like, just minus the golden eagles and Imperial iconoclasty. Skulls optional, of course.

Kalmin heads for what I think is a landing zone near the top of a manufacturing complex, landing and striding confidently in the direction of the entrance. Since I've got no real idea where we're heading I just follow him, taking note of the positions and comportment of the Thunderers standing guard. They're alert, searching for potential threats and prepared to act against them immediately. I also haven't checked the q'ardajin concept of law and order. Given what Kalmin said earlier I imagine that they do have one, but I also imagine that there'd be a very large amount of leeway for Thunderers protecting senior Weaponers.

Indeed. I picture them having an almost Samurai culture. Mostly in the field of 'higher-ranked persons can kill lesser ranks without any justification'.
And 'true' Q'ardajin having more rights than those topside, then off-worlders below them. And most laws would probably have a death sentence...

"High Weaponlord Kalmin. It's good to see you."

Weaponer Lysis steps into the open, a retinue of two Thunderers accompanying her.

At least there's one friendly face. Well, less hostile, to be precise. Though I suspect she'd looking forwards to Varnathon getting his head removed...

"It's not good at all. Did you know that imbecile Varnathon-?"

"This is-. Not the best place to talk about it. Not if you want to win over other Councillors before you act."

Oooh. Varnathon got a secret police monitoring public places for seditious chatter, I take it?

"I'm issuing a challenge, not plotting a secret conspiracy."

"But the transfer of power needs to be controlled. Managed. Otherwise it will cost us valuable resources."

While she has a point, I doubt Kalmin's in the mood to appreciate her reserve. After all, there's a mudhole needs stompin' in Varnathon's arse...

Kalmin grimaces as the two of them head further into the building, the Thunderers and I falling in behind them.

"I can't imagine that Varnathon has created a resource shortage. I saw the tribute ships in orbit."

Ah, but are they here for goods coming in, or goods going out? There's a big difference...

"Trade ships, for the most part."

"What is he.. trading?"

And how worse is it going to make his imminent beating?

"Not qwa matter, if that's what you're wondering. I reviewed the records after we spoke. His deal with the matter universe must be something he handled personally."

"Who else would know about it?"

I suspect something like that, he'd be keeping very close to his chest. Given how even moderately-pious Weaponers like Lysis have reacted thus far...

"If it wasn't for the fact that I didn't know about it, I'd suggest asking me."

I check, but she's using shielding as effective as that of her former mentor.

She learned her lessons at his side well, I take it. Though that would have its own drawbacks... Mostly dealing with other Councillors who had lower opinions of Kalmin.

"Then who?"

"His drones, Tacticos and Strategos. He takes them everywhere with him."

Damn fool. Don't you know, you never write important things like that down, if only so they have to keep you alive to find out what you know and what you've done...

"Irritating things. I'm glad that you haven't adopted the habit."

"But you have."

"An automated weapon platform. It's an adequate aide, but it doesn't manage my life and it knows when to keep silent."

No, no, tell us how you really feel... But seriously, I do wonder if that's how he sees OL: Smart enough not to bother him unless needed...

"I would be fascinated to open it up and take a look myself, once our business here is concluded."

I bet you would. Shame those eyes reduce her facial expressiveness, because I'd love to see the look on her face when she saw me.

Like Darko said, she'd probably pause, shrug then carry on cutting...

"You can just ask me for the schematics. It actually uses a fascinating matter disruption weapon that I acquired from a foe of Harold Jordan's."

"Matter disruption… The Crumbler?"

Heh. Interesting that she's read up on him. A case of 'Know the enemy, and know his enemies'.

"The very same. The man was a lunatic, but I can't help but wonder if the Anti-Monitor touched his mind in some way."

"I'm surprised to hear you say that."

What? The Qwardians can't be the only species the Anti-Monitor touched. They're probably the most successful, though.

Kalmin shakes his head.

"Our species has a unique relationship with the Anti-Monitor, but that doesn't mean that he doesn't make use of aliens from time to time. Even I do that."

Indeed. If they knew just how you used them, I wonder how they'd react... He can probably spin crafting Rings as testing a potential new weapon.

There's a bulkhead door up ahead, Thunderers with qwa bolt quivers on their backs and spears in their hands guarding it. Kalmin nods approvingly as one of them takes a moment to verify their identities before stepping aside and opening the door.

Approval of their adherence to security protocols regardless of their guests' rank, or of the level of armament they carry to protect their leaders? Why not both, even?

Inside… It reminds me a little of the klingon courtroom from the Star Trek films. It's clearly a space designed to allow the people in the centre to argue their case to the people in the surrounding balconies, built of tough metal and with little thought given to comfort. Kalmin accelerates to get into the focus of the room as quickly as possible while Lysis satisfies herself with lurking near the door. The Thunderers stop outside of the room but with no direct instruction from Kalmin I opt to mirror Lysis's position.

Also handily giving you a good spot to hold the exit if things go ploin-shaped. Or a straightish run if Kalmin doesn't make it.

The balconies are occupied by a variety of q'ardajin. I see armour like Kalmin's as well as work overalls along side what I suspect is a q'ardajin designer suit. Behind them lurk Thunderers, robots and aides. All of the people in leading positions are male and I only spot a couple of females at all. Only one of whom is wearing the bikini/thigh boot combination that Weaponer Lysis mentioned.

I wonder what that's about, aside from the obvious.

It certainly lends the room a certain something. Q'ardajin certainly know their style: Pulp-era Serial Super-Villain.

"Councillors. Weaponers of Qward. I bring grim tidings. Yesterday I bore witness to an alien race using significant amounts of qwa matter as a bomb."

The Weaponers don't rant or rave, but I see flickers of rage and hear a few whispered oaths.

...Wait, OL only got fried yesterday? Man, things have been moving quickly! No, wait, he probably means Qwardian days, doesn't he? Which are probably somewhat longer...

"We all know the nature of qwa energy. We all know that the Anti-Monitor shared its secrets with no other people, even amongst his other allies. It is our sole providence. That is what has prompted my return. Varnathon is trading qwa matter!"

Bomb dropped! Kalmin wasting no time at all. Qwardian Politics must operate very fast when motivated...

Kalmin pulls an orb off his equipment harness and tosses it up into the air. It floats in the upper portion of the chamber, flickers and then projects a hologram of my fight with the qwa energy weapon wielding scarab warrior, though there are a lot of other notations on the energy output and other characteristics of the weapon. He then holds out his right hand and pulls out the gun out of subspace before tossing it to the ground in front of him. The Weaponers in attendance activate their own sensors, aside from a couple who just freeze up. Though I'm not sure if it's in shock that their High Weaponlord would do that or something else.

Possible collaborators, perhaps? Maybe Varnathon wasn't the only one involved in the sale and they kept their heads down very well..

"And worse, this!"

The holographic image changes to a recording… Of my death. The actual explosion is played in slow motion, and again there are the notations to prove that what occurred actually occurred.

Again, I picture the annihilation field from 'Crisis on Infinite Earth', on a smaller scale. Also, that must be a weird experience, seeing yourself die like that. Most people would have a moment of existential doubt...

"Why has this happened?! Why have you, Councillors, allowed this to happen unchecked?! Why has this betrayal of the Anti-Monitor, this betrayal of Qward, been allowed to happen?!"

Kalmin pauses, walking a circuit of the room and making eye contact with the Weaponers who are giving him their rapt attention.

Yep, he's that good an Orange Lantern: He owns the audience! If Varnathon has any idea this is happening, he'd already be burning his records and packing to run, if he had any sense...

"And that is not the end of his malignancy! I learned not an hour ago that he has changed the life assignment rating systems so that q'ardajin who would once have become Thunderer-cadets or Weaponer-apprentices are now sent for medical experimentation!"

The holographic image changes again, this time… Showing the data he took from the Qwardian data networks. This he gives them a few moments to take in, probably because it's a bit more complex than 'there was an explosion'.

I wonder if there's any in the chamber that were involved... They'd probably be sweating...

"I failed Qward. I failed the Anti-Monitor, and my only complaint about my fate is that I was left alive. But I did not deliberately sabotage my own people! Varnathon has lost any right to be High Weaponlord!"

A few of the Weaponers just nod right away, while the general emotional output of those I can read suggest that they're decidedly unimpressed with Varnathon's actions.

Yep. Varnathon made the biggest mistake a tyrant could make when working behind his people's backs: He got caught.

"I move that Varnathon be killed and that this Council select a replacement from amongst its number! And in case you think that I do this for self-serving reasons, I will point out that I am not a member of this Council any longer. This is not about personal advancement, but about ensuring-."

The door at the opposite end of the court arena slams open, and-.

Speak of the Devil, and he appears! I wonder, will Kalmin allow Varnathon to speak, or will that Qwa-bolt he forged be rammed down the fool's throat before he can utter a word?

"All bow! All bow!"

"Bow for the High Weaponlord, Varnathon of Q'uldi!"

Bring him on! We want to see his face fall as he realises he's fucked!

Well, then. Will Kalmin pull a ~~Renegade~~ Anti-Paragon interrupt and try to kill Varnathon right away, or will OL convince him to let the idiot damn himself with his own words? Or will someone on the Council pull the trigger? Either way, tomorrow is going to be explosive!

I can't wait.

With This Ring (Young Justice SI) (Thread Fourteen)

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