Fiction:The King In The North

= Episode One: Just A Gangster =

On A Dark And Stormy Night
It was night, raining. A bruised and bloody Ugandalorian sat tied to a chair. Behind him was a freak show. The Redye, the Wasterling general whose good eye shone a deep ruby red and whose missing one was a hollow pit of darkness. The Bonerider, holding his scythe, every shift of the foot bringing a rattle from the bones he wore. Goar Taboryur, the Antroth-Raptoranean, a brutal gangster with a pronounced accent. A Night Gallery, Ugandalore's most wanted. The man in the front, staring down at the bloody Ugandalorian was probably the most recongizable of all. Fenric Vermillion, glaring at the captive with a look of rage.


 * Fenric - Who do you work for?
 * Ugandal - ...
 * Fenric - We can do this all night. All day, all fucking week if we have to.

The Redeye paced foreward and jammed a spear with a head of serrated bone into the man's lower back. The Ugandal let out a groan of pain, not a scream. He'd been putting up with it for quite a while. Fenric grabbed him by the head and jerked it back.


 * Fenric - Who do you work for?
 * Ugandal - ...

Fenric stood up straight and grunted in exasperation. He turned back to the man, a wild gleam in his eye.


 * Fenric - Do you have any idea how painful it is to have your toes sawed off? The tendons ripped from your legs? I want you to look at the man to your left. That's Goar. He specializes in making people give him what he wants by hacking their feet to pieces. Now I will ask you one more time who you work for, and then he gets a go at you. What's it gonna be?
 * Ugandal - ...I- I work for Deloros Clett.
 * Fenric - Good choice, my man. Now tell me what your intrepid boss' business is with me.
 * Ugandal - He wants...to shut down your drug market. He thinks he'll stop you that way.

Fenric laughed. He looked up at his men, who were also laughing. Fenric suddenly seized the man by his shoulders.


 * Fenric - NOBODY will ever stop me, fool! You chose the wrong boss. Oh well.

He stood up, turned around, and almost as an afterthought turned back to the Ugandal.


 * Fenric - Is Deloros supplying my competition with Fire Salt and Droplets?
 * Ugandal - N-no. He hates drugs.
 * Fenric - Hmm. Well by the time I'm done with him he'll wish he was on them.

Fenric stood up again, reached into his overcoat, and drew out a pistol. He racked the slide.


 * Fenric - What you guys need is a union.

Then he shot the Ugandal in the head. He toppled to the side, knocking the chair over. Fenric motioned behind him, and three more thugs emerged from the darkness. Northern Ugandalorians, wearing their extravagant masks. Fenric pointed at the body.


 * Fenric - No hands. No face. Or you could just eat him. That's what you guys do, right?
 * Clansman - The Maugors do. We're Harrishes.
 * Fenric - Right. Well I meant, no fucking identification. No, better yet, cut off the head and sent it to Deloros.

Just then, the Ugandal began to twitch and groan. Fenric looked at him with another exasperated look, raised his boot, and smashed the man's head in. He looked up at the clansmen and grinned.


 * Fenric - Some people just don't know when to die.

Then he stormed off into the rain, tench coat billowing in the wind. Goar, the Redeye, and the Bonerider followed him, while the clansmen moved to clean up the mess. The next day, a headless, handless body would be dumped into the sea, while Deloros Clett would receive a rather unsettling package. Fenric's message was clear. Palace or no palace, he and his gang were still in control of Ugandalore. While no longer considered Lord Ugandalore, Fenric was determined to become something else. Something entirely different and entirely more sinister.

The King of the North.

The Golden Son of Fire
Deloros sat upon a wicker chair, well crafted, and stationed within a hidden base within Mendel space. His organization had just gotten into Mirus, and although it was far from home, it was a nessasary expansion of buisness. This was a family matter he had to attend to. One of his troops marched in, a human of above average hieght, and dressed in a fine suit, with a worried look on his face, and a package in hand.


 * Soldier - Sir...We have recieved a package of sorts. You...you need to see this.

The Mendel-Human hybrid rose from his seat, a steely look in his eyes. His golden scales shimmered slightly in the low lighting as he marched forward.


 * Deloros - Show me.

The man opened it up, to reveal the battered face of a Ugandalorian, showing signs of torture and being shot before his inevitable death. Deloros' expression did not change, but an inner fire began to burn in his eyes as he picked up the head and looked at it for a long time.


 * Soldier - We believe...
 * Deloros - This is Fenric's work. I know that savage's touch better then any.
 * Soldier - What should we do sir?
 * Deloros - Tell my gang back home to keep running things in my absence. My stay here will be longer then expected. We must accelerate operations here and deal with that drug peadling parasite.
 * Soldier - Anything else sir?
 * Deloros - I have only more thing. Make sure this message makes it to the other criminal cartels and organizations here. I will not tolerate any working with the Vermillions. Any who do, are as dead as the Vermillions.
 * Soldier - Sir, isn't that a little bold?
 * Deloros - Exactly. Let them know we do not mess around. I'm making an offer none can refuse. Either live, or find a grave next to Vermillion. Leave me.

The soldier went out to carry out his orders, as Deloros walked over to the window. It had been a while since he had to deal with a serious crime battle. His fight with the Last Boss of An Diabhal Órga was tough, and nearly got him and Phase-Hunter killed, but this was another level. He was no longer trying to merely infiltrate a gang. He was now trying to wipe another from exsistance. His troops may have had a few tricks, but the Vermillions were large, ever-reaching, and quite ruthless. If he was going to go through this, he would need his own allies.

They might not have shared his Golden Dreams, they certainly would be helpful in removing those that opposed the ideals of giving onto others, and protecting the innocent. No matter what, nothing would stop Deloros' dreams. If a few lives had to be stopped to bring happiness, it was worth it.

Meetings And Other Forms Of Business
Fenric sat in his office in a recliner chair at a well-oiled desk. The room, although located in a Northern Clan hideout, was well decorated and maintained an air of sophistication. On the wall was a rack of custom swords of many makes. Mendel, Lupotragus, and others. Above the rack was the skull of Glacier, mounted on a trophy board. Fenric himself looked unusually bored, spinning his pistol round in circles. Hearing a knock on the door, Fenric inhaled sharply and pointed his gun at the door. A Northern Clansman, Fenric's assistant by the nickname of Shamrock opened the door.


 * Shamrock- Sir. The Spikron are here.
 * Fenric - Send them in.

Shamrock nodded and shut the door. A few moments later, three Spikron walked in. The one in the lead wore a sombrero, and the two flanking him wore combat helmets. Fenric rose up from his desk and waved his hand in greeting.


 * Fenric - Scimitar. It's been a while. Please, come in.
 * Scimitar - Indeed it has, Fenric. From what we heard and saw on the way in, you gave our enemies quite the go-around.
 * Fenric - Quite. And while I may have been deposed as leader of this infernal planet, I can assure you that my operation remains as strong as ever.
 * Scimitar - I noticed. Where once you had tribals, you know surround yourself with cannibals and polygamists.
 * Fenric - Your old friends are still here. Goar's running a package, and some of the other guys are cleaning up a few messes, but I still have old faces here. If you would rather deal with them than my more Clannish friends...
 * Scimitar - I wish to deal with you. Here, now. Ferg Spyke, that incessant idiot, may have thought your brash tactics were bad for business, but as I am of a greater business caliber, I see you are much better at the so-called "game" than Glacier ever was.
 * Fenric - Glad to hear it. Ready to talk business?
 * Scimitar - Always.

Fenric leaned back in his chair as Scimitar took a seat. He offered the Spikron a Northern-style cigar, which he refused.


 * Fenric - Want some head while we go over this?
 * Scimitar - ...No...
 * Fenric - Well, I wasn't offering it personally. My men tell me these Northern girls give a mean hummer.
 * Scimitar - You aren't suggesting that my organization would dabble in prostitution?
 * Fenric - Of course not. Leave that to the street mopes. No, you and I have something much bigger. Fire Salt.
 * Scimitar - What of it?
 * Fenric - Let's face it, Vixen is dead. My guys still make some of it, but only enough to pay for guns and hire street fiends. But Fire Salt, that's almost as good and almost as much money.
 * Scimitar - Indeed. Now, do not take this the wrong way, Mr. Vermillion, but I have been buying and selling Fire Salt for over twenty years. Why do I need you?
 * Fenric - I understand perfectly, Mr. Spyke. I'd like to point out my already-existing and highly-developed distribution network. My men were exporting tonnes of Vixen a day. I also have the muscle to protect such an operation. Almost no other criminal syndicate will mess with us. Like I said, Fire Salt, Vixen, basically the same.
 * Scimitar - Wrong, Mr. Vermillion. You produced the Vixen. We buy the Salt.
 * Fenric - But the distribution is the same. Let me handle all your packages destined to Ugandalore. Make me your primary distributor. In exchange, I will wholesale Droplets and what Vixen we have left exclusively to you.
 * Scimitar - A monopoly on Vixen exports? Now thats a good deal even with the small supply. Tell me about the Droplets.
 * Fenric - Well, we got labs up here in the north built for the purpose. Its cleaner than Electrogas for sure, and its all synthetic so we don't kill time cultivating fields.
 * Scimitar - What's the quality?
 * Fenric - Sheeit, the quality is through the roof. We extract all the chemicals by hand, and use water from the glaciers to fill the gell packs. Its good shit.
 * Scimitar - Can you have three tonnes in two weeks?
 * Fenric - Barring agressive action, absolutely.
 * Scimitar - Aggressive action?
 * Fenric - If the Mendel decide to nuke my labs from orbit, I don't want you slitting my throat in my sleep.
 * Scimitar - Of course not. Yeah, you can have your "aggressive action" insurance. But if you fuck me...
 * Fenric - No, Scimitar, it is you who shouldn't fuck me.
 * Scimitar - Just get the order. We'll start shipping you Fire Salt in one week.
 * Fenric - Three days.
 * Scimitar - Nonsense. We need to set up shipping lanes, bribe Mendel officials...
 * Fenric - Already done. I'll use my people. You just bring me my shit.
 * Scimitar - Four days.
 * Fenric - Done.

The two men stood up and shook hands. Scimitar adjusted his sombrero and walked out, his two bootlicks following him. Fenric sat back down. He pointed to Shamrock, who was minding the door.


 * Fenric - Call Makarog. The number is in your communicator.

Shamrock gave him a "who the fuck is that" look, but searched for the number anyway. After a few seconds, he found and dialed it.


 * Shamrock- Makarog? Never mind who this is. Someone wants to talk to you. Yes, him. I'll put him on. Here he is.

Shamrock handed Fenric the phone. Fenric threw his feet up onto his desk.


 * Fenric - Vergil, my man. Yep, its Fenric. Good, how bout you? Good. Look, I need a favor. Yeah, I know its a bit soon. Yes, its important. I need you to waive a Spikron ship through customs, or whoever is running this foreign aid shitshow. Fuck, I don't know, tell them its a medical transport. What? I'll tell the guys to paint a fucking red cross on it, fuck... Vergil, calm the hell down. Just get the fucking thing through. How soon? Four days. And Vergil, this ship better make it through, or there won't be any cholocate on your kids' birthdays. Good. Yeah, you too.

Fenric slammed the phone shut.


 * Fenric - Holy shit. Vasheur. Idiot.
 * Shamrock - Sir, if I may ask, is everything set?
 * Fenric - Yeah, kid. Hey, tell the Redeye to get in here, would you?
 * Shamrock - Yes sir.

Shamrock left, and came back a few minutes later with the Redeye, who looked as angry as ever.


 * Fenric - Hey man.
 * Redeye - Boss.
 * Fenric - Dude, your sister's fucking my brother. You aint gotta come in here with that boss shit. We brothers.
 * Redeye - Sorry Fenric. Bad habit. What you want?
 * Fenric - Scimitar came through. He'll be sending Fire Salt in four days. In the meantime, we need to produce three tonnes of Droplets in two weeks. Shouldn't be a problem, but it would make me sleep better at night if you and the Bone would take a stop by the lab and throw some motivation into the cocksuckers.
 * Redeye - Aint no problem, Fen.
 * Fenric - Good. One other thing. Put together the guys you trust the most.
 * Redeye - Why?
 * Fenric - First, I don't want the Spikron getting cold feet for a percieved lack of security. Second, I don't want that prick Deloros getting any ideas.
 * Redeye - Makes sense. Something else bothering you, man?
 * Fenric - Something that guy we whacked said. He said Deloros doesn't sell drugs at all. So who is selling to the competition? Its gotta be somebody with balls to go against me.
 * Redeye - Could be a lie. False flag or some shit.
 * Fenric - Nah, I heard stories about this Deloros character. Guy's a fucking clown. Won't touch no shit. What kind of guy expects people to do business with him if he won't touch no product?
 * Redeye - I don't know, man. The game is the game, aint no half in.
 * Fenric - Thats why this kid won't be able to stand. He's got no hustle. Anyway, just check up on that factory and put some guys together. Anybody. Use your own judgement.

The Redeye patted his fist against his heart and walked out. Fenric sat back to think. He was going to land the Spikrons' parcel, and if this Deloros kid screwed it up, there would be no end to the pain he would feel.

The First Touchdown
Deloros and his gang made their way through the streets of Shimerci, joined by five of his criminal troops. The six where dressed in strange, alien armor, including Deloros, whose own armor beared only a slight resemblance to Mendel armor. It was slim, and a gold and green in color. He glared at the streets coldly as they searched out. One of his troops, a reptilian being from outside of Mirus pointed to a street corner. There was no one in sight, but Deloros could feel life signs there.


 * Reptilian - Boss, I believe we will find our targets there.
 * Deloros - Let's see what these scum have to offer.

The six quickly made their way to the area, while Deloros's second in command, another Mendel named Maltrax leaned into his ear, pistol raised and ready.


 * Maltrax - What do we do Boss?
 * Deloros - I'll go in first, and take out most of the dealers. You knee-cap the leader. I wish to speak with him on his choice of friends. You cover me. Then the rest of you come in after us.

The six marhced their way forward, weapons ready. Deloros marched around the corner, Maltrax behind him, as they found what they where looking for. There, they saw two young Mendel, passed out, high off their drugs, as Deloros knelt by one, his cold eyes focused and angered. One of the dealers approached.


 * Dealer - You want in, boy?
 * Deloros - No, this Clett is more interested in your sources and the like.

Maltrax pointed his pistol at the dealer, as his eyes widened in shock.


 * Dealer - Shit, Its Deloros! We've been found!

He began to run, as Maltrax shot him, even as the Dealer tried to hide behind a car, as the bullet curved around and hit the Dealer in the side of the knee. Several other dealers aimed out, guns ready. Maltrax fired at the next, bullet going through his neck and hitting the wall, as Deloros extended his hand out, creating a wall of organic tendrils from the ground, and shielding the two as the group opened fire on them. As Maltrax waited, the rest of Deloros's troops came forward, opening fire at the dealers to their left, plasma and Railgun rounds blasting through them, as Deloros recalled the tendrils from the ground, and pointed for Maltrax to open fire, seven bullets burning through the air, as Maltrax reloaded. Each bullet hit their marks, each seeming to bend to hit their foes' arms, shoulders and hands. Deloros leaped forward, grapping two by the head, and quickly draining the life from them, before jumping up and slamming his foot down on each of the surviving gang members heads, striking quickly and brutally. He stood from the bloody battle, as he and his troops made their way to the head dealer. He was still cowering beside his car, his knee bleeding from the gunshot wound, as Deloros's troops secured the area. He knelt down next toeh Dealer, his eyes cold and angered.


 * Deloros - Hello there. I have some questions for you. Care to comply, friend?
 * Dealer - Fuck you!
 * Maltrax - Watch your mouth, street slime!
 * Deloros - My friend here lacks my patience. If you behave, and give me what I want, I will heal your wound. Just give me what I wish.
 * Dealer - Lies.

Maltrax aimed his gun at his foot, and fired, taking out some of his toes. As the dealer screamed in pain. Deloros removed the man's boot, and held up his foot, and concentrated, bone and flesh mending and regrowing, as Deloros took out the bullet.


 * Deloros - Now, behave, or I will let him keep putting holes in you.
 * Dealer - Motherfucker please. Keep up the healing routine as long as you want, but after I give you what you want, you'll put a bullet in my head and walk off. Don't even pretend like you won't.
 * Deloros - I give you my word, I will not put a bullet in your head. Just give me what I wish, and you can continue on.
 * Dealer - A specific promise. I still believe you will kill me. Ah, fuck it. You, the guys I work for, what's the difference who delivers the killing blow? If you want information, speak now and stop delaying my passage into the next world.
 * Deloros - Who supplies you. I want to find the source of this disease. Give me that.
 * Dealer - I'm not sure where the shit comes from, but I'm pretty sure the guy behind it all is that Fenric Vernalim or whatever his name is. I always got my shit, usually Vixen, from some Kodalorian guy named Jeckles or something. But lately, the Vixen's dried up, gone dead. We don't get no more re-ups of it, and we've stepped on the shit some much its barely a drug anymore. I was gonna go back to slinging Tar and Gas, but this Jeckles come to me, tells me wait. The guy he gets his package from, who must work for Fenric, apparently told him that the boss is getting a roaring new package in, and to hold on. It aint Vixen, its something else. They wouldn't say.
 * Deloros - Where do you meet this "Jeckles", exact locations.
 * Dealer - Are you fucking stupid? You think I go to his office and walk out with a bag of dope? He comes by with some of his guys, black van.
 * Deloros - Good, now then. Does he comes at random, or at certain times?
 * Dealer - Random, man! I never know when he shows up, and he sure as shit won't come now that you've shot my guys! You think I can just pull in new muscle and he won't notice that? I couldn't even get one replacement without him getting antsy. I think this guy works for Fenric. Back when he ran the place, anyone drug related usually excercized the same level of caution.
 * Deloros - Then allow me to fix that. My Elemental powers should fix your troops back to life, very briefly. Just for a few moments, until I can get this Jeckles where I want him.
 * Dealer - Shit aint work like that. Jeckles don't roll by for weeks at a time. You want me to help get this guy to you, you bring my guys back permanent like, and give us...what you call that? Pardon. You bring guys back, you must be the real deal. This Fenric guy, and that Jeckles prick, they don't do nothing but take lives, man! This whole fucking game is rigged, and we just them little bitches on the chessboard.
 * Deloros - This will be difficult, but if you and your men are willing to repent for your crimes, I will bring your men back to life, as long as you help get Jeckles, agreed?
 * Dealer - Aint nothing to repent for. You think I'd be out here selling dope and getting shot at if I didn't have to? But yeah, we got a deal. Aint never liked that Koda bastard anyway. I can't call him, he don't use no phones. But he might get wind if we stop selling. He might roll by himself, or send some guys to check what's what.
 * Deloros - *Eyes narrowed* Nothing to repent for? What about the lives you're ruining with your drug dealing. I understand your life is hard, but don't act like you're not the only one suffering. Now, I will restore your men to life, and heal you, but don't push your luck. Understand?
 * Dealer - You think I think I was the only one suffering. Wow. Where were you living when this asshole rolled in, killed everyone, and took over? Know hwat I did before all this? I mopped floors. I did odd jobs. And then this Lupotragus comes in and says anyone who don't work for him don't eat. I had a sister who couldn't work, so she starved. And what were the jobs being offered in this area? Drug deals. You think I did this by choice, man? I did this because it was either this or watch everyone I cared about die. You ever seen someone get eaten alive by a Lagorthene? It aint pretty, all the blood and screaming. So no, I ain't the only victim. But these drug fiends are gonna go where they gonna go, and if slinging drugs to people who are gonna get their shit from someone else if not me keeps my family alive, then so be it. If you really think that makes me the bad guy, then you go ahead right now and shoot me between the eyes. But don't ever group me in the same class as worthless, life-stealing pieces of shit like Fenric. Understand?
 * Maltrax - *mutters* Jeez, this guy loves the sound of his own voice.
 * Deloros - Maltrax, please. You don't seem to understand that other families are being ruined by these drugs. You are going to help me get them off the streets, and no one, either your family or others will suffer.
 * Dealer - I will help you get these drugs off the streets, and by the end of this, maybe you'll learn to accept that this was something I had to do.
 * Deloros - Fine.
 * Dealer - Then let's get started.

Deloros concentrated, as the man's knee healed and mended itself, the bullet popping out as Deloros and Maltrax helped him to his feet, and moved towards the other fallen criminals.


 * Maltrax - *Whispers* I thought we'd wipe them out after all this.
 * Deloros - *Whispers* I'm willing to let the lowest scum survive if it means getting these drugs away from the innocents.

He moved towards the fallen criminals, and began healing and restoring them to life. As Deloros was not experienced with doing so, it took a while, but soon, all of them where restored to life, as Deloros stood in front of them, his eyes now tired and looking drained, but he still stood tall.


 * Deloros - I've restored your lives, so understand this. Your gang falls under my authority, and you will help me capture Jeckles. But none of you will betray me, understand? My patience is not infinte, nor my mercy.
 * Dealer - My men are solid. I say they work for you, they work for you. No more drugs, no more slinging. You tell us where you need us.
 * Deloros - Get rid of the drugs you have. When Jeckles comes round, you tell him you've run out quicker than expected.
 * Dealer - Alright. But make yourselves scarce. I told you, this guy's fucking crazy paranoid.
 * Deloros - I've hidden myself from probably the most paranoid man in my home galaxy. My men know how to hide well.
 * Dealer - Good. But like I said, Jeckles don't roll round often. I hope your men can wait.
 * Deloros - Whatever it takes to win. I have all the patience in the world.
 * Dealer - Good. Hey Amagh! Go grab the package. Dump the shit in the gutter.
 * Amagh - You sure, Agrask? Its worth a lot of dough.
 * Agrask - Dump the shit in the fucking gutter, Amagh! Don't make me tell you again, and don't let me catch any of you digging for vials. From now on, any of you touch drugs, you get whacked.
 * Deloros - Good, welcome to An Diabhal Órga.
 * Agrask - The Golden Devil? You speak an old tongue, one I have not heard for years. It is... a good choice.
 * Deloros - I took the name from the last Boss, another drug peddling scum. Even Devils may find redemption from darkness.
 * Agrask - Focail fírinne (Truer words).

Maltrax leaned in next to Deloros, and whispered into his ear.


 * Maltrax - Should we put them through the test?
 * Deloros - Not until we capture Jeckles. Once I have that scum in my hand, we can see if they can pass.

Deloros and his troops followed their new comrades into the basement o of their base and began preparing for Jeckles' arrival.

Improper Laboratory Procedure
The Redeye and the Boneater were driving down a dirt road in a black car of foreign make, with two Scythiags and a Mountain Clansman riding in the back. The Redeye was driving, and the Bonerider was looking out the window with a bored expression on his savage face. They were listening to some Mendel youth rap on the radio. The Boneater noticed some commotion in the back, only to see one of the Scythiags barfing his lunch out the car window.


 * Bonerider - Ah, what the shit?
 * Scythiag - Sorry boss. A little carsick.
 * Bonerider - Surrounded by idiots, Red, I'm telling you.
 * Redeye - Yeah? Well I suppose someone who rides on a fucking bone chariot with an engine strapped to it won't get sick in a car.
 * Bonerider - That's right.
 * Redeye - Whatever, man.

Soon, the car pulled up to a large but raggedy-looking bulding built right against a very large glacier. There was little sign of activity inside, but two Krayrett men with their signature balaclavas and assault carbines could be seen guarding the facility. The five Syndicate men got out of the car and started walking towards the building. The Krayrett guards paid them no mind. The Redeye rubbed his arms.


 * Redeye - Fuck its cold!
 * Bonerider - Not much worse than the rest of this dump. Besides, they need the glacier to make the Droplets.
 * Redeye - I know how they make fucking Droplets!

The men walked through the front door. Inside it was poorly lit, with buzzing lamps hanging from the ceiling. There were several men bustling about, mostly Northern Clansman, but with some Ferals and even a few Marauders standing guard. Almost all of the guards in the place were masked Krayrett soldiers, standing on the balcony with machineguns in hand. Unsurprising, since this particular drug lab had been given to the Krayrett brothers by their distant cousin, Fenric himself.

There were several tables set up, probably from an old prison or hospital. At each, Syndicate men were hard at work making the party drugs known as Droplets. At some stations, men with gas masks shook, combined, and siphoned chemicals. At others, the chemicals were injected into gelatin pills. Finally, other workers used eyedroppers to fill up the rest of the pills with freezing cold glacier water, which served to preserve, activate, and enhance the kick of the chemicals. Droplets were truly ingenious drugs. One pill, with a chain of workers, could be made in a few minutes. This factory's production rate was about 120 per hour. That meant a box of 1000 took about a day's work. Pretty good, but not acceptable to the Vermillions.

The Bonerider, Redeye, and their men went upstairs to the office, the only relatively clean room in the building. Inside were the three Krayrett brothers. The leader, Harrion, was sitting in a rolling chair drinking vodka and spinning in circles, and the other two, Tomer and Emar, were shooting pool. They didn't stop when the Bonerider and the Redeye walked in. The Bonerider spread his arms out wide.


 * Bonerider - What the fuck are you three idiots doing?
 * Harrion - Fuck off, Boney. We're dropping a thousand pills a day.
 * Redeye - Yeah? Well the boss wants more.
 * Tomer - How much more?
 * Redeye - Three tonnes, two weeks.
 * Tomer - *Laughs*
 * Harrion - Fuuuuck you.
 * Bonerider - Listen, assholes. This is a direct order from Fenric himself. He says you make three tonnes. Cousins or no, I have zero doubt that Fenric will cap your asses if you screw up this deal.
 * Harrion - You don't get it, man. We're working as fast as possible. Putting Droplets together is tedious work. A thousand-pill box is only about a hundred pounds. Thats only 1400 pounds in two weeks, man. Three fucking tonnes is not doable.
 * Redeye - Your problem, not ours. You know the money's no thing. Labor, neither. Say the word, we hit you up with more supplies.
 * Harrion - I got four tables running good out there, but I suppose I could motivate them to make one pill a minute instead of one every two. That would double our haul.
 * Bonerider - That's good too, but don't sacrifice quailty. The quality drops, the buyer balks.
 * Emar - Quality's no problem. These pills are the easiest drug to make in like the history of fucking drugs. But we could use a few more tables, make everything go faster. That means we'll need five guys per table. You want us to put our soldiers to work?
 * Redeye - No. Never compromize security. We'll get you three new tables, complete with required tools, and fifteen new workers. You get everyone down to a minute per pill, you'll rip out this order in no time.
 * Tomer - Alright. No problem.
 * Bonerider - Good. Glad we could work this out like businessmen.

The Redeye and Boneater left the factory, leaving the Krayretts to improve their production speeds. As the five men returned to their car, the Redeye started grumbling.


 * Redeye - Can you believe that shit? Those guys are running a drug lab, and they act like its nothing. They better snap that "I don't give a fuck" attitude. You really think Fenric'll kill them if they screw this up?
 * Bonerider - Fenric might have killed them just now if he saw what we did. But when two weeks roll around, and if that shipment is light, those guys and their whole crew will be handless and faceless, floating down the river.
 * Redeye - I doubt he'd put that much energy into it.
 * Bonerider - Gotta hand it to him, man is thourough.
 * Redeye - Sure is. But why not just bury the fuckers? Or burn them?
 * Bonerider - Because the body sends a message.
 * Redeye - Then why cut off the hands and head?
 * Bonerider - So they can't be identified. You know that.
 * Redeye - Then how's the message thing work?
 * Bonerider - Motherfucker, how about you cease the questions and drive the fucking car?

The Redeye grumbled again, and shifted the car into drive. They sped away from the factory, back to the slightly warmer areas of the north.

A Trap Readied for Delivery
Maltrax and Deloros sat in a back room in Agrask's drug den, waiting for the arrival of Jeckles. Maltrax twirled his pistol, as his bullets twirled around him, kept aloft by his powers of Iron. He eyed Deloros slightly. The younger Mendel was more well-rested now, and much of his exhaustion had vanished, but a weary look still hung in his eyes.


 * Maltrax - You alright, Del?
 * Deloros - As fine as I can be.
 * Maltrax - I hate all this waiting. I wish the other guys were with us.
 * Deloros - In a roundabout way, they are. So long as we get Jeckles, we will honor their memory.

The one known as Amagh came into the back room, as quietly as he could. Maltrax almost immediatly pointed is pistol at him, before lowering it. Unperturbed, he warned them in a hushed voice.


 * Amagh - Guys, Jeckles just rolled up. You might want to get ready.

Deloros stood and straightened his suit, as Maltrax loaded his pistol, and hte others got ready. Deloros looked at Maltrax as Amagh left.


 * Deloros - Must you aim that at everyone who enters?
 * Maltrax - Sorry, I get jumpy, you know that.
 * Deloros - Let's just get this over with.

The group moved near the walls, staring out in peep holes and the dust covered windows to see the black car roll up. Deloros personally found it odd that people still used cars in this day and age, but could hardly judge, since his "uncle" and best friend/second in command both used revolvers. Focusing, he watched as Agrask and Amagh walked up to the car. The passenger window rolled down, revealing a Kodalorian and allowing the music eminating from the car to spread through the streets. Jeckles was a clever bastard. He knew any wiretap would be scrambled by the noise.


 * Jeckles - Got my count for the week?
 * Agrask - No, its been slow.
 * Jeckles - Slow? You haven't been selling. What, think I don't have eyes on this corner. What's the problem, you little prick?
 * Agrask - Oh, you know, changes of the mind, switching sides, the usual.
 * Jeckles - Excuse me?

Agrask nodded to Amagh, who raised his pistol and shot the driver through the head. This triggered the rest of Agrask's gang, who sprang from cover with rifles and automatic pistols and started shooting into the back of the car. The two gang members in the back tried to stick their own weapons out the window to return fire, but were quickly filled with holes. Agrask levelled his own pistol with Jeckles' head.


 * Agrask - Out.

Jeckles grumbled to himself as he got out of the car, watching as Deloros' group emerged from the buildings they were hiding in. Deloros smiled cheerfully, as Maltrax leveled his own pistol at Jeckles.


 * Deloros - Hello there, care to have a discussion with us on your local buisness ties?
 * Jeckles - Fuck you, buddy.
 * Agrask - Wrong answer.

Agrask immediately lowered his pistol and fired it into Jeckles' knee. He shouted in pain and hit the ground, clutching his shattered knee. Agrask pointed his gun at Jeckles' knee.


 * Agrask - Start talking, or again.
 * Jeckles - Ok! Ok! I'll tell you.
 * Deloros - Impressive.
 * Agrask - Your mistake was shooting me in the foot. The knee is much more painful.
 * Deloros - I wanted to demonstrate my healing power to you first. I don't care for pain application. Anyway, speaking of pains in the ass, hello Jeckles. Now, I have a lot of questions regarding the drugs you peddle here.
 * Jeckles - Like what?
 * Deloros - *Scratches his chin* Oh so many things. First, where are you getting them, fresh supplies, production, the whole thing. Do not leave out one detail, or I'll mutate you into a mass of cancer cells.
 * Jeckles - Ugh. My supplies come from Goar Taboryur. I don't handle production, that happens in the north. I get my packages... from Raeger Vermillion. He supplies me with Droplets and Vixen. Well, not Vixen anymore. The supplies ran out.
 * Deloros - I want information on Goar Taboryur.
 * Jeckles - You don't know who Goar Taboryur is, you stupid fuck? What rock have you been living under? He's that Antroth-Raptoranean guy, used a planet buster on a Wap colony world a while back. We all thought he worked for the Brotherhood, Glacier's lot, but then he shows up working for Fenric and dropping all kinds of bodies. I guess he's taken over most of the arms dealing trade in the area.
 * Deloros - I'm not from these parts, you'll have to excuse my ignorance. What I want, however, is where you meet him, when, etc. I also want other names. Major players who have decided to throw in with Fenric. Give me everything.
 * Jeckles - I don't know most of the major players. Raeger's the only one I deal with. Wait, there is something. When I told Raeger how bad business was getting without the Vixen, he says to wait, because soon they'll have high-quality Fire Salt straight from Maldwis itself.
 * Agrask - Maldwis. The Spikron homeworld. That means the Spkye Syndicate is involved.
 * Maltrax - Spikron break easy, but the key is getting to them. Spykes don't make it easy.
 * Agrask - These guys don't break easy, or at all. No Spyke Syndicate leader has ever been caught. They worked with old Lord Abaddon during the Mirusian Conflicts. Then the Brotherhood. Now I guess they've partnered with Fenric.
 * Maltrax - I meant physically, y'know, punch em in the face till everything breaks.
 * Agrask - Good luck with that, Malty. The Spyke soldiers are trained like Super Commandos.
 * Maltrax - Still, unless they get their fragile claws on some gene enhancements, we Mendel can still take em. Be mighty difficult.
 * Deloros - Enough, both of you. *Turns to Jeckles* Is that all you have?
 * Jeckles - Find Raeger. You want this Spyke deal to fail, go talk to him.
 * Agrask - Hey Del, you reckon we give him a chance to join?
 * Deloros - Let me give him a parting gift.

Deloros placed his hand on Jeckles' head, and concetrated for a moment, several minutes passing before he let him go, Jeckles confused and starring after the young crimelord for explaination.


 * Deloros - I mutated your cells to drastically lower your pain tolerance. Do as you wish, Agrask. Repent in Hell, Jeckles.
 * Jeckles - Wait, I-

Agrask fired a shot through Jeckles' other kneecap, instantly sending him to the ground, thrashing and screaming in terrible pain. After what seemed like several minutes, he was able to kneel, panting heavily. He looked up at Agrask, who was pointing his pistol right at his head.


 * Agrask - So many possibilities. So little time.

Then, he shot Jeckles through the head. The Kodalorian went lifeless immediately and collapsed to the street. Deloros patted Agrask on the shoulder, as his troops prepared to move.


 * Deloros - You did very well. Now, I need to get my best men on the job here. We have our next target, right next to Vermillion, Raeger.
 * Maltrax - You sure we can get a family member of Fenric?
 * Deloros - This Fenric went after my half-sister. I aim to repay the debt. Let's get moving.

With that, the gang began to get ready to roll out, and prepare themselves for the next stage of hte operation.

Supper In The City
Shamrock was on the phone again. Fenric could hear him through the door. As he expected, Shamrock soon finished the call and opened the door.


 * Fenric - What is it?
 * Shamrock - One of our distributors. They're saying he got whacked and one of his gangs joined Deloros.
 * Fenric - Motherfucker! The fuck he think he doing, stealing my motherfucking corners?!
 * Shamrock - What do you want us to do?
 * Fenric - Put the Redeye on it. I had him put together a security team for this very purpose.
 * Shamrock - Any specific orders?
 * Fenric - Yeah. Tell him to stir some shit up down south. Whack a few street rats until he finds out more about Deloros' operation.
 * Shamrock - You got it.

Shamrock closed the door as Fenric slammed his fist onto the table. He couldn't care less about the distributor, but if Deloros was messing with his workforce, it might scare off the Spikron. After all, it was three days until the first shipment of Fire Salt arrived, and if Deloros kept scrambling Fenric's pushers, he'd have no way of making money like he should. Fenric was ready to tool up on this young upstart, but he knew that if he did, it would almost certainly scare off the Spikron, and losing a deal of such enormous size was completely out of the question.

The Redeye gathered together his team. Two dozen Varakians, Hyraxes, Northern Clansmen, and Wasterlings.They all wore bulletproof armor and masks, or at least some form of head covering. Rather than swords or bows, they were all equipped with high-powered machineguns. VAK-72s, and even some Viterva Khmara weapons.


 * Redeye - Listen up, men. We're going for a little trip to the southern continent. Our objective is to gather information on Deloros' gang.
 * Varakian - Commander, isn't this an overly-equipped unit for such a task?
 * Redeye - We'll be roughing up drug dealers, and we may even get a shot at the man himself. So no, it is not.

The group walked out of the northern base, getting into two large, armored jeeps and driving away. They would drive to the edge of the northern continent, then board a cargo ship, jeeps and all, and sail for the southern continent.

Upon arriving on the southern continent, the two jeeps roared across the countryside, in the general direction of the city of Shimerci. The few citizens who remained in the city quickly scrambled inside as the black vehicles roared down the road. A reminder of Fenric's occupation. One quickly learned to take cover when jeeps bristling with masked soldiers rolled by.

A group of street dealers were hanging out on a corner, sitting on garbage cans or the curb and smoking cigarettes. The two jeeps pulled up on the curb, and several of the Redeye's soldiers jumped out, levelling rifles at their heads.


 * Redeye - Say nothing unless spoken to. Up against the wall.
 * Dealer - Fuck you!

A Hyrax quickly fired a rifle round through the dealer's chest, killing him instantly.Seeing how serious the situation was, the other dealers dropped their weapons and filed up against the wall of the building they were next to. The other soldiers lined up behind them, keeping the dealers in their sights.


 * Redeye - The Kodalorian Jeckles was found dead, and one of the gangs he supplies has defected to a gang led by Deloros Clett. What can you tell us?
 * Dealer - Nothing, man.
 * Redeye - Wrong answer.

One of the Varakians shot that dealer in the back. His corpse fell against the wall and slowly slid down it.


 * Redeye - Again, what can you tell us?
 * Dealer - Deloros' gang is here, in this city. The gang that joined them is led by someone named Agrask.
 * Redeye - Is there anything else?
 * Dealer - No, thats it.
 * Redeye - So the only thing you can tell me is what I already know?

He glanced over at his men, who opened fire on the lined-up dealers. They were caught in the hail of projectiles, and were all dispatched very quickly. The group then got in their jeeps and drove away. The Redeye called Fenric by satellite phone.


 * Redeye - It was Deloros who whacked Jeckles. No. Yeah, some guy named Agrask. No, me neither. Yeah, my guess is they know about the Spikrons' shipment. Yes, I'll handle it.

The Redeye ended the call. He looked over at the driver.


 * Redeye - We're not leaving yet.
 * Driver - Where you want us to go?
 * Redeye - On a little hunt.