Benedict arrived to Gamellon exhausted, his horse nearly dead. He dismounted to stretch his legs, considering the open land before him. He knew he was where he needed to be, but who he needed to talk to was another question. Instead of worrying about it immediately, he turned his attention to his horse, taking off the bridle and saddle. He let the animal loose to live or die on it's own.
He turned towards the Shadow Gamellon, taking easy steps to get to his goal. He took it slow and easy, trying to regain a bit of his lost strength...Hellriding took a lot out of a person, Amberite or no.
Like all travellers, Benedict was "routed" through the portals that lead into Gamellon's home dimension. The Gatekeepers...larger than average Gamellonians with shaved heards, lots of body piercings, and battle scars....approached quickly, and both made sweeping bows.
"Welcome to Gamellon Lord Benedict. What brings you to our fair and busy shadow?" the first asked, while the second stayed a moment before drifting away to gather up an entering convoy of D'gari, the race of House Meramex.
"I've come to collect some information, at Khyron's bequest," Ben replied. He drew out Khyron's dagger to show as proof. Khyron was part of the ruling family, which gave all Gamellonian's their current name. At the sight of the dagger, the guard's eyes went quite wide. With another bow--this one deeper than the previous--he asked humbly, while still bowing, "What information do you need, and where shall I lead you?"
Benedict put the dagger away again, and said, "Take me to your archives, if you will good sir, or to the head archivist."
"I'm afriad I don't have access to the Royal Archives Prince Benedict. Will you wait while I call for an escort?"
Benedict nodded his affirmation, and waited patiently as the guard rushed to call for an escort. He admired the city in the meanwhile, it being incredibly busy with all sorts of beings. He waited perhaps ten minutes before a sleek and compact craft approached the gate. It landed a little ways away from him. The clear top hatch opened and a tall (taller than Ben himself, who stood over 6'5") Gamellonian woman stepped out. She was heavily muscled, but not so much that her feminine curves weren't apparant any longer. She was dressed semi-practically, clothes cut to make her bountiful assets more apparant. She was, in a word, impressive.
As she approached, she cocked a grin and asked, "So, you must be Prince Benedict." She offered her hand, which he took and shook while she eyed him up and down. "Not as tall as I thought, but you'll do."
Benedict blinked, caught offguard, "Excuse me?!?"
She just smiled again, "For whatever cousin Khyron sent you to do, of course." She paused briefly, finally retracting her hand from his, "Forgive me, I presumed too much. I'm Khara, Duchess Khara from the House of Gamellon here... Would you care to deal with business or pleasure first?"
Benedict blinked again, then smiled wryly, "Business first, if you would please, duchess." He couldn't believe that she was hitting on him...obviously hitting on him.
"Trust me, Prince Benedict. It would be business. Of a sort." Khara spun around, heading towards her cruiser. "But, if you must go to the archives, let us go."
He followed her, not quite apprehensively. He took a seat next to her in the cruiser, adjusting his sword so he could sit in the seat comfortably. Once he was settled, he turned to her and said point blank, "I need information on the Unbeatable." He wasn't surprised when she sucked in her breath and shook her head.
"Touchy word there, Prince. But we'll see what we can do."
"Better buckle up Prince." Khara grinned with murder in her eys as she warmed up the cruiser. "So, is it true that your sword is bigger than cousin Khyron's?" Benedict nearly choked as she asked that, but tried to conceal his discomfort. He took her advice and buckled in, glancing over towards her. Benedict gave her a small smile, shaking his head slightly, "I wouldn't say bigger, just used with more skill."
Khara didn't say anything as her attention was taken up by taking off. She sped back into the city, the skies there polluted with other cruisers of various shapes and sizes. She sped the craft through dives, climbs, banks and near head on collisions. Benedict held onto his seat tightly, staying calm even as his stomach lurched. All the while she laughed with mad glee, even flying with her knees at one point to better fix her hair. Benedict watched her, looked out the window, and resumed watching her. He got the distinct impression that she was showing off for him.
Finally, after about 15 minutes of flying, often passing over arenas littered with all shapes and sizes of beings as well as large buildings of geometric boggling, she decreased speed and began a hovering pattern around a giant needle nearly two thousand feet tall. Floating towards the bottom, she parked the vehicle.
When she started to decrease the speed, he relaxed again, having tensed up during the flight. "That was...ah, interesting..." He had no words to describe that experience.
"Welcome to the Archives of House Gamellon, Prince Benedict." She paused for a moment, then added, "Oh, and don't worry....next time I'll go really fast....or maybe even let you drive." As she went to undo her magno-restraints, she planted a quick kiss on your cheek before launching herself out of the craft. Benedict went about undoing his own restraints, willing his hands not to shake.
"My thanks, duchess..." His legs were a bit shaky, and he tried to reorient himself after that insane carnival ride.
"Oh, a word to the wise....that U word...not a good word to mention around here, Prince of Amber or not."
Benedict nodded, "I had gathered as much from Khyron's story, but unfortunately it's unavoidable." He paused, frowning for a moment, "Unless you'd care to help me in this?"
"Try another word. Trust me...it will be better for you. However, as far as helping you goes? What do you need, and what's in it for me?" Devilish and wicked were the only words to describe her voice. Benedict gulped inwardly, keeping a straight face. He thought briefly of Jesse, and how he felt about her....and then the fact that he probably would never see her again. He shook his head slightly, putting that out of his mind.
"I need the records that your ancestors kept, translated into Thari...probably several copies, if possible." He cleared his throat again, looking at her straight in the eye, "And if you require a price, name it." This could be interesting, to say the least.
"You wish to take our records out of Gamellon?"
He shook his head, "No, copies of them. I believe the manner in which they're kept wouldn't work in Amber. They need to be copied onto paper or something."
Her voice grew sterner, more serious. "Did Khyron put you up to this?"
He frowned a bit, "In a manner of speaking, yes, but truth be told I took it upon myself to come here to retrieve them. Seemed better than sitting about and doing nothing in Amber."
"Sigh....Khyron you old fool....I apologize, Lord Benedict, but the records you seek are part of a set of records that aren't to leave Gamellon. That's why they aren't in the Gamellonian's keepings in Amber, or in the libraries of Feldane."
He shook his head, "That's of no consequence, I must have a copy, even if I have to memorize the damn thing." He was scowling now, Khyron having left that part out.
"You can indeed memorize them. But, they are long. Very very long. It would take months, maybe even years. Or, there are two other options."
He raised a brow, "And they are...?"
"One is to take it before the King. The rules of the Archives were set in stone generations ago, before the current Lord Gamellon. However, you might be able to persuade him to lift the ban...Not the best option however. Or, you could find someone who already has them memorized."
Ben pondered for a moment, then asked, "Would you know of anyone who has them memorized already?"
"Mmmmaybeee," she purred with a coyish grin.
He smiled a bit, "And who would that be, duchess?"
"I don't know.....but she's taller than you."
He rolled his eyes skyward for a moment, thinking Why me?, then back to Khara, "You have them memorized?"
"Try me."
Benedict, loyal he was to the girl he loved, was sorely tempted at this point. Before, with his affairs, they were always until he moved on. Jesse was different, but as he thought of before...he'll never see her again. Why be loyal?
"Very well then," he murmured, "Perhaps you could take me someplace where I can rest and get a meal, and then you can tell me about the records."
"Do you want to eat regally, or normally?"
"Normally, I don't think I could stand much pomp at the moment."
"Well then, we'll head for the third moon. It's a little rough however. Hope you brought a real sword, and not one for show."
He raised a brow, smile still on his face, "What do you think?" He gestured towards her cruiser then, "Shall we?"
As the two of them settled in, Khara hit a small blue button, and up popped a shimmering blue field around the ship. "We're go for escape velocity. Hope you haven't eaten any time this month."
He braced himself for take-off. Someday, he might get used to this, but until then, he was unnerved.
With a wicked grin, she jerked back on the steering column, and the craft shot almost straight up at a high speed. Benedict nearly lost what lunch he had in his stomach. Experiences with high tech Shadows he's had, but this was new to him. Way new. When this is done and Father is back, I'm coming back here... He had the feeling Khara could teach him a few things, and not just about technology either.
Up to the third moon they went. The view was magnificent, even though Benedict was a bit disturbed by the sheer vigor with which Khara piloted the craft. She either was insane, or overconfident...neither of which particularly appealed to Ben.
A communications beep caught his attention. A large star-cruiser (so he was told later) moved inbetween Khara's craft and the moon. He was impressed by the sheer size of the thing, and--upon glancing over it--it's destructive capabilities. That story that Khyron told was taking on a new bent, as he realized the effectiveness of the Gamellonians in their own element.
Khara answered the signal, and frowned hardly two seconds later in disgust. She punched a couple numbers on the keypad, then inserted a data-card she pulled from somewhere within her outfit. Time ticked by, and a few moments later, the cruiser moved aside.
"Blasted Space Navy. Always worried about things actually getting in or out of the place."
"That's normal then?"
"Mmhhmmm. You'd think, just once, they'd remember my ship."
Benedict nodded in a touch of sympathy while hiding a bit of a smile. Soldiers were soldiers, no matter what Shadow you were in.
They descended into the moon's atomosphere. The air around the ship took on a dark red tone, almost the color of blood. The planetscape below was trashed...as if New York City got hit with a tremendous blast, leaving only the strongest buildings somewhat standing. And this is where she wants to take me to dinner? Ben shook his head, frowning again. He glanced over at Khara, who was intent upon finding a place to land.
As the ship mades it's way towards a gleeming white spire in the center of the madness, several rockets were fired at the couple from the ground below. Khara dodged them without too much difficulty.
Benedict smirked slightly as the ship got fired at, "You call this 'normal'?" "Oh sure," she said in an offhand manner. "The whole damn planet is either filled with pomp and circumstance, or sweaty gladiators who have larger curl numbers than IQ points. At least on Daelos, you get some excitement with your supper."
"I'd guess so," he murmured, thinking that he'd had enough excitement in the last few days.
"Oh lighten up Prince Ben. I understand it's a rough day for you all, but I've read your background reports. Death and chaos seem to be integral to it."
Background reports?!? What background reports? His normal cautious nature kicked in, and he swiveled to face her, "Background reports?"
"Your father doesn't leave you all a total mystery to us. The better so we don't break protocol and try to kill you. You think the guardian of the Warp Gate knows everyone who passes through?" This was all casual to her, though to him it represented a breech of privacy.
"Hmm." He didn't say anything more, but turned back to the window, watching the landing of the ship. Damn you, Dad, he thought, irritated at the old man. Things of this nature Benedict didn't trust, or like. Not one bit.
As she talked, Khara lowered the ship towards the spire, landing on a white pad. A few moments later, an energy shield formed around the landing pad, as two men, obviously Gamellonian, but dressed in Hi-Tech armor. "Oh no, it's the duchess again," Benedict heard one mutter.
"Quite a reputation you have." He shrugged off his jacket, feeling the effects of the warm atmosphere, leaving it inside the ship. He exited the craft, stretching slightly.
"Hah. That's just ol Carlos. Bitter Gamellonian, that one." She jumped out of the ship, tossing a key-card to 'ol Carlos'. "Keep her shining fuddy duddy, Sir," She yelled, as she's already past the two guards. Both allowed the couple to pass without incident, giving pitiful nods and stares. Benedict shrugged on his way by, and hurried his step to catch up with Khara. He fell in step alongside of her, asking, "Well, then, what exactly did my report say about me, hmm?" He hoped it was taken as making conversation.
"I'm sorry Prince, but that's confidential material." Khara smilesdas she dashes down the hall, obviously making a race of it.
He rolled his eyes as he lengthened his stride alongside her, not trying to pass, but not wanting to fall behind either. "Confidential...hmrphf..." That irked him, more than most things did.
It was a good race, and Benedict kept up. Thankfully, though, the race was short. With the Hellride directly behind him, he was already tired and at a disadvantage...and he didn't want to give a bad show in front of this girl. It was a good twenty minutes long, and down several levels. She finally stopped, taking a couple deep breaths. "In here real fast, Prince Ben. Need to get your shots before venturing out." She jumped into a wall, that rippled and shook as she passed through. Benedict caught his breath and stepped in behind her.
Within the room lay several slabs, soft cushiony slabs, but slabs none the less. A variety of creatures milled about the room, none gamellonian. Other creatures were lying on the slabs, in various states of repair. A few were within giant vats, seeminly unconscious, hooked up to machines. Khara was already on a slab, having a rather nasty looking three armed thing sticking her with short stamp like objects, each of which made a hissing sound. Ten seconds later, she's up, motioning for Ben to take her place.
Benedict did so, glancing around the room first. He got comfortable on the slab, waiting for the injection. As each stamp touched Ben, he felt a rush of liquid pass through his skin, then spread throughout his bloodstream. Fifteen seconds later, Benedict was done as well.
"Good. You should be fine out there, but there's all sortsa nasty things that could've piggy backed there way off of you. Now they won't be able to."
He nodded, getting up, "A sensible precaution."
"About the last sensible thing on this planet." Khara then headed out of the wall, beginning her run again.
Ten minutes later, this time, they finally hit ground zero. There was one last quick stop at the armory. Benedict snorted inwardly, rolling his eyes yet again.
"You may want to grab a couple things here. It can be a lil rough out there." Khara herself seemed to be grabbing smaller items....throwing blades, razors, pellets. "At least take this." She tossed Ben a wrist band with a electronic square on it.
Benedict shook his head at the offer of weapons, "I'm fine with what I have." He patted his blade and gestured to a boot knife. The object she threw he caught easily, asking, "What is it?"
"Put it on, have the electronic face away from you, and push the lil green button." He did so, and an energy shield of some sort formed in front of him. "Even your sword can't deflect some of the wide angle enrgy beams that are out there." With a smirk, she placed her own on. Then, she inserted a small plug into her ear, and another on her tongue. Translators... Benedict thought, shaking his head. Did these people do nothing for themselves? Being fluent in hundreds of languages, he rankled at having to use these items...but his Gamellonian was rusty, if not almost non-existant. He was picking it up rapidly, sharpening it as he listened to more, but... Grunting, he caught the translator and put them on. Easier this way, if not more productive.
"Though, if you like spicy food, remember to take the one off the tongue. Spice plays havok with them"
He grinned and nodded, "I'll remember."
"Well then, shall we?" ringed out in Thari, though the more formal than what Ben was used to.
Ben nodded yet again, "We shall." He resisted the urge to put out his arm, instead gesturing for her to lead the way.
They stepped out of the building, into a large courtyard. The ceiling of the courtyard is really a rather nasty looking electric field. Lieing atop it are several bodies, though they were hardly recognizeable as anything anymore. As the couple stepped forward, the doors behind slammed shut, and the walls in front began to glow. Moments later, the walls disappeared, and--suddenly--a solid twenty 'beings' all humanoid--though that was about the only common trait--were standing in front of Benedict and Khara. Once the walls were down, they charged.
Benedict drew his sword. The blade was black as night, and didn't reflect the light at all, absorbing it into it self instead. He wasn't perturbed in the slightest, and waited for them to close, preparing to step aside. "Oh, lovely," he murmured, "Nice of you to tell me."
Khara drew her own blade, the golden metal beginning to glow with a palpable energy. "Oh, I forgot to mention. This is a prison planet for random villains through Shadow. We catch them, and dump them on Daleos." She paused, throwing a smile at him, "Would you believe it slipped my mind?" She grinned evily as her blade slices through a rather large red skinned fella who had finally gotten close to her.
Ben parried a few blows that came his way with ridiculous ease, waiting for openings to either disarm or kill whoever's attacking him. "I can believe that," he muttered, sarcasm staining his voice. These guys were chumps. Total chumps. He paid more attention to Khara than their opponents, studying her silently.
"Would you beleive I just wanted to see you in action Prince Ben?" She asked while leaping over the falling carcass of the Red Giant, and then waded into three green triplets, all armed with force halberds.
Two nasty looking borgs presented themselves to Benedict, each wielding energy versions of the classic spiked mace on a chain. His mind clicked in automatically on how to defend himself, and he reacted to them appropriately. He gave Khara one last almost disgusted look, then turned his attention fully to them. He yelled out to her, "There's better ways than this you know!"
"Die outlander," one of the borgs said. Yeah, yeah, I've heard it all before...
One of the borgs swung at him, and Benedict dodged the other way, extending himself crosswise, as the other simultaneously tried to tackled him. He sidestepped and ducked, cracking the flat of his blade down on the arm of the first one as the second regained his feet. The arm was broken, shattered inside the armor that sheathed it. His sword...was powerful, especially in his hands. He whacked the first upside the head, knocking him out, the ducked as the mace came swinging in. Khara, at this point, was done with hers, and just watching him...with an almost hungry look in her eyes. That scared him more than the fight. He finished it quickly, only to hear a rumbling sound, as everyone else scattered.
"What's that?" he shouted over the noise. Khara replied something, and gestured. Benedict turned to see a giant, easily thirty feet tall, and wielding an equally long sword. It looked pissed.
He was about to reply when the familiar summons of a Trump call pulled his attention away. Why now...? he asked himself, wincing inwardly.
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