Crystal City

[football_fever]

Ok, sorry about the quaruple post, but I wanted this on a new page



Fledder200:  Haha...J&A radar.  I need one of those

bat:  Thank you.  The pictures get better as the updates go along, I think.  I'm much better now than I was way back in...January...haha

threestooges:  yessir, ImageShack was being stupid.  It was like that when I posted the update, and the problem never went away, so I transferred them to Photobucket.  Definitely check out the pics you missed.  Thanks for bringing it to my attention

Fred_Ginger:  yeah, sorry, I was hoping to get to page 5 with replies.  But it was not to happen.  Thanks for your readership.  Hope you like this one.

Everyone:  This is one of my favorite updates.  To me, this is where I started getting much much better.  I started playing with good animations, and many of my more complex ideas had finally been reached in the storyline.  I hope you like





Elizabeth Banks
-5 Days Before the End of the World

What had I done? What had I done?

I had followed orders, hadn't I? Oh my god...

I was white as a sheet, flying into empty space. I was in a daze. I couldn't see or hear anything...I was just...flying




.***....*is....***...iz!....ome in L...***

The static of my brain turned into static on the radio

****LIZ! Come in!..****

Keith!

Liz: KEITH!

Keith: Liz! What the hell just happened!?

Liz: Something very bad...We just destroyed the Florida Keys...

Keith: No...nooo.....no, we couldn't have...

Liz: Keith, I was just following orders...I..I..I didn't know...

Keith: Following orders doesn't stand up in a tribunal! Oh my god, oh my god...what do we do?

Liz: We need to hope there's something left of NAS


We turned our jets around and flew back to the Naval Air Station. Neither of us was able to speak as we saw the devastation over Key West.




Liz: Air control this is Bravo Leader...air control please respond...air control

Keith: There's no one there, Liz.

Liz: Air control...

Keith: Liz...we need to go to Pensacola

Liz: No...we can't go there. There will be a lot of fallout from the blast.

Keith: Those are our orders! If NAS is compromised, we land at Pensacola!

Liz: I have orders that come from above NAS

Keith: You mean like the ones that told you to take out the van? No offense, Liz, but wherever those orders are coming from, I don't think they have the best judgment.


Something about what he said struck a nerve. Part of me knew he was right, but another part knew he didn't know what I know.


Liz: Fine...if you want to go to Pensacola, go. Enjoy the chaos and the punishment. I'm going to Alamosa.

Keith: Alamosa? Edwards Air Base?

Liz: No...it's a different base.

Keith: Edwards is the only base there

Liz: It's the only base on the map...if you want to know what's really happening, you'll follow me to Alamosa


I turned my plane to the west. After a short hesitation, Keith did too.


Elizabeth Banks
-4 days before the end of the world

We flew all night. Mostly in silence. We flew low to avoid radar. Last thing I wanted was to be picked up by jets from another base...which was likely since everyone was now obviously on high alert.

Keith: Just passed over the Calivada border.

Liz: I see it.

Keith: I wonder what happened to everyone else? The other pilots...the people inside NAS...Lieutenant Hardy...

Liz: You really want to know?

Keith: Not really...I already know


We flew in silence until we got to Alamosa.

Keith: So what part of AL is this "secret base" of yours?

Liz: South central

Keith: South central AL, huh? What, is it a base for rappers? Are you part of the rapper Mafia, Liz?


he chuckled to himself as I directed our planes toward southern AL

Keith: You're serious, aren't you? They say some neighborhoods down there are more dangerous than a war-zone

Liz: Great place to hide an air base, isn't it? No one is brave enough to go through Blood River Ballers territory. Think about it. If you have them protecting you? You'd have the world's greatest security force. Prepare for vertical landing.




Keith: Holy ****...we're really landing in BRB territory?

Liz: Don't worry. We're landing by that freeway.

Keith: Yes, that's the much rapped about 202, isn't it?

Radio: unidentified aircraft...please transmit clearance code or you will be shot down.

Liz: Tango Charlie 6-8-Niner Zulu

Radio: Is that you T47?

Liz: It's me.

Radio: Who is that with you?

Liz: He knows too much...he needs to be taken in

Radio: Rodger...two to land...you're clear in landing bays 5 and 6

Keith: ..so I can call my parents. This doesn't look good. What are you doing over there? You've been quiet for like two minutes.

Liz: Keith...I need you to not be freaked out by what you're about to see, ok?

Keith: What do you mean? What's going to happen?

Liz: We're landing on those houses.

Keith: ON the houses? Liz? What's happening?

Liz: Just watch


As our planes hovered above the houses, the projection revealed to Keith what was really there.




Keith: Oh my...did I just see that?

Liz: Yes you did. We're landing inside there. That is the base.







The hangars opened for us and we flew in. There were automated machine guns on the ceiling pointed at us. I've landed here many times, but it's still hard to get over. If I do anything suspicious, I'm dead. I've seen it happen to other pilots. Very disturbing...but it worked how it was supposed to. The ones that were killed were imposters posing as the pilots that were supposed to land. The system had worked how it was supposed to.

Dr. Cox: Agent T47...good to see you again.

Liz: You too, Dr. Cox

Dr. Cox: Who's you're friend?

Liz: Well...he was in the air with me over Key West.

Dr. Coz: Say no more, T47. Come with me to the briefing room

Liz: What about him?

Dr. Cox: He needs to be re-educated.

Liz: Can I talk to him first?

Dr. Cox: You know the rules...

Liz: Right...I'll be right back.


I walked over to Keith, who was standing by his plane looking VERY nervous.


Keith: Liz, what is this place?

Liz: Don't use my name...here I'm T47. You'll get an ID number too.

Keith: Liz..........

Liz: I need to go. I'll see you when your education program is complete

Keith: Education program?

Liz: Things aren't what they seem, Keith. You're going to be tested...you just need to trust me. Everything you're about to do, I did too....I'll see you soon


That wasn't true. I was recruited by the agency...when you're recruited, they have the background checks already finished. Those in Keith's situation...they're tested....harder...


Liz: What's the situation in Key West?

Dr. Cox: Complete loss. Since you've been in the air, you probably don't know about the others....

Liz: What others?

Dr. Cox: Key West wasn't the only city to be destroyed. In the last 12 hours...Florence, Melbourne, Shanghai, Buenos Aires, and Dublin have also been wiped out.

Liz: WHAT? What happened?

Dr. Cox: We're investigating. We know now that the Key West bomb was headed for Miami.

Liz: So I didn't set off the bomb?

Dr. Cox: To be clear, yes , you did set it off...but you saved millions by setting it off there instead of letting it get to Miami

Liz: So Lt. Hardy was right....

Hardy: Yes I was.


Lieutenant Hardy was alive. And he was waiting for me in the briefing room.

Liz: I can't believe you're alive, sir.

Hardy: I knew what I'd sent you to do, Liz. Right now we have bigger issues.

Liz: Bigger issues than several major cities being wiped out?

Hardy: Yes. We need to explain this...

[bat]

Great update! Fantastic story! Like the worldmap-(animation)! Also the others are wonderful!

[Fledder200]

awsome!!!!!
i love that under ground hangar!!!
but aren't the neighbours complaining about the noise ?

[Fred_Ginger]

 
Still loving the hangers, the map is new?  I just wish it stopped on the reshaped config a little longer!

More, more!

[football_fever]

bat:  Thanks!  That was a picture in HaLeBuRg's Mini-Earth.  I forgot to mention that I used it with his permission.  Just one of those ramblings that I didn't bring from ST

Fledder200:  They don't complain about the jet noise nearly as much as they complain about your party noise.  At least they think it's party noises...

Fred_Ginger: Nah, the map isn't new.  It only shifts like that to look like static.  Hope you like the next one...more animations!




Elizabeth Banks
-Present Day


Liz: Sequiera!

Sequiera: Yes, Liz? Oh, my...what happened?

Liz: I kind've fell going up a hill. Do you have anything that can take care of this?

Sequiera: Absolutely. I gave you a small amount of water to take with you. If you pour it over the wound, it should begin to heal.


I pulled the bottle of water out of the pack I was carrying and opened it. As I poured it on my leg, the blood washed away to reveal uninjured skin.

Liz: Wow

Sequiera: I'm surprised no one told you about the water...I assumed you knew

Liz: What does it do?

Sequiera: The water is simply a different form of the crystals that are all around here, and grants the same abilities. The water is the reason the food tastes the way it does. I'm sure Al-Za'noun will tell you all about it next time you see him.

Liz: Can I go see him now?

Sequiera: Only security personnel are allowed in that area, but if you go to the gardens and speak with them, they may let you in.



Liz: I haven't been to the gardens yet, how do I get there?

Sequiera: You haven't been to the gardens? They're beautiful! You can take the transport all the way there...the entrance is just beyond the spaceport. Just program it into the pod, and you'll be there shortly!

Liz: Thanks for your help




The city has a network of rails for personal transport pods surrounding and connecting every sector of the city. I got into the nearest pod, and studied the controls


Liz: Hmmm, ask Al-Za'noun about water, or take a spin in an aircraft...looks like I'm taking the long way to Al-Za'noun's office

I selected the spaceport





The transport pod took me directly to the underground hangars of the spaceport.  Sitting right in front of me was one of the yellow ships we saw before.  This was way too easy.  Taking off from an underground hangar was something I'd done in a Harrier many times before.  This thing handled much better than anything on Earth.  It was like riding a bike.




The city looked incredible from the air!  I'd never seen it like this before






It didn't take me long to find Alex. He was a lone heat signature in a sea of cold. Poor guy looked like he'd been walking for a week. I landed near him


Alex: Liz!

Liz: Need a ride, mister?

Alex: Who taught you to fly that thing?

Liz: I'm a pilot, remember? And uh...they don't exactly know I have it.

Alex: Well let's hurry up and get it back to them, eh?


As soon as he was in, we took off.


Liz: So how was your walk?

Alex: Quiet. The only sound was my footsteps in the snow and the song in my head. I see your leg was taken care of?

Liz: Yeah! You wouldn't believe that pouring water over it completely healed it!

Alex: Wow, even the water works miracles.

Liz: Hey...isn't that the valley Greg called the "Grand Canyon"?

Alex: It is! That means the ship should be right over that hill

Liz: Look! We found it!





We landed by the ruins of the Hyperion. Walking inside, it didn't look good.

Alex: I don't remember it being this bad

Liz: I didn't go back to the ship after we found shelter. This thing is a mess.


We found them in their seats. Thank goodness for the cold. I'd hate to find them as they start to decompose.


Alex: I'll carry them back to the ship.

Liz: I can carry one...I'm stronger than I look. Military, remember?

Alex: Right...you got it


We loaded them onto the aircraft and began our flight back to the city.


Alex: Sure looks different from the air, doesn't it? These mountains?

Liz: Everything looks different from the air. You're removed from all the problems from the world below you. It's there, but you're not a part of it. All that you have is yourself and your own problems.

Alex: Sounds like you really love flying

Liz: I've been doing it a long time...


I flew around the city to the spaceport. There on the landing pad was a familiar face: Al-Za'noun. Looks like we were in trouble...


Al-Za'noun: What do you think you're doing?

Liz: We...were going to try to find our ship..and..and our crew that....died

Al-Za'noun: You didn't need to STEAL one of our aircraft for that. I cannot trust ANY of you from Earth. You kill each other, steal our aircraft...all in a week!

Alex: We're sorry, we just wanted...

Al-Za'noun: I know what you wanted. Where are they?

Alex: In the ship...

He tuned to the guards beside him

Al-Za'noun: Mishi guna. Lani bo tassee. Goo too

The guards went to the ship and retrieved the bodies

Liz: Will they be alright?

Al-Za'noun: Of course they'll be alright. It takes a few days, but they'll be as healthy as you once the process is finished...

he sighed

Al-Za'noun: I'm keeping you all in the gardens until I decide if it is safe to allow you in the rest of the city.

Alex: What?

Al-Za'noun: You're too dangerous to commune with the citizens....My thought at the moment is that some of you, I may use for my security force...you already know the ways of the galaxy. You may be useful to us without causing harm to others.

Alex: This is the only planet besides Earth that we've ever been on. I don't think that counts as knowing the ways of the galaxy...

Al-Za'noun: coming from Earth you know more about the rest of the galaxy than most of the citizens in this city. I happen to have a visitation in order for another planet the day after tomorrow.

You will accompany me to Apiliani

[Kymour]

How do I put thiis in worlds everyone can understand...

uhmmm WOW!!

[Fred_Ginger]

FF, I've been waiting and waiting, we need another update (besides, we're getting to the point where I stopped reading it over on ST, the next update I think!  Hurry!

[football_fever]

Kymour:  hehe...that's the reaction I'm usually going for...thanks for visiting

Fred_Ginger:  Sorry, Vicki.  I was waiting for any comments at all after the last update.  I'm not sure why, but there seems to be a comment drought at both sites.  I'll keep trying to update.  They're getting rather complicated now with the sims pictures in front of all the dialogue.  Thanks for your faithful readership though.





Nick Lamont
-5 Days Before the End of the World






Hostess: Hello sir, do you have a reservation?

Nick: Yes, the name is Kessler

Hostess: Reservation for two at the bar? Right this way, sir

I sat at the bar and watched the Alamosa Avengers play the Washington Redskins. It's so strange for AL to have a football team again. One of the largest cities in the world, and we didn't even have a football team since the Rams and Raiders left....that being said, no one in Ferguson's was even watching the game.

Looked like some exciting news on CNN.

"Investigators are searching the Four Seasons' mall in Paris for any clues to the disappearance of the Prince Henry painting, and the apparent murder of the thieves, who were found dead in a nearby Metro station."

I smiled. There was nothing connecting me to that scene...except Allison. She's a smart girl...she'll stay away from me.

Greg should've landed by now.  Ferguson's was right next to the airport.




Finally I saw him walking past the hostess to the bar.


Hey

Greg: Did you bring me any shoes?

Nick: Hey...I didn't know your size. How've you been?

Greg: Well, I'm doing good, but I'd be better with a nice pair of shoes...you know I'm the same size as you...

He tried keeping a straight face, but couldn't, and burst out laughing

The bartender was standing near us preparing a drink

Nick: Wow, man...that business trip was great, but I don't think I'm going back to Paris for awhile.

Greg: Why's that?

Nick: It paid well, but I don't think my body can handle rough work like that.

The bartender walked away



Greg: Congrats on making it back alive. What's this I hear about the thieves dead in a subway station? What happened?

Nick: It was bad...one of the guys on the crew turned out to work for the police. He tried to stop us, but killed everyone but me.

Greg: Allison?

Nick: Yeah, he got her...

Greg: Damn...

He paused for a minute

Greg: She was a good friend of mine...both of us working for Sonny and all...this was supposed to be an easy job for her.

Nick: Some things...you just can't see coming


Suddenly every TV changed to the same screen


we interrupt your program to bring you this special news bulletin...


I looked at the one that was playing the football game just a second ago


Anchor: Good evening...ladies and gentlemen...shocking...tragic news from around the world is coming in.


She seemed on the verge of tears.


Anchor: There have just been six...coordinated nuclear explosions in cities around the world

Suddenly the room was silent. There were a few gasps from various tables. Every mouth was open in shock.



Anchor: Reports are of complete devastation in Florence, Italy, Dublin, Ireland, Shanghai, China, Melbourne, Australia, Buenos Aires, Argentina, and Key West, Florida. At this point no one has claimed responsibility, nor has the Pentagon released who they suspect might be behind the attacks.


Nick: Oh my god...I can't believe this...


Greg looked pale as a ghost. He should've been in Key West...

Anchor: There does not appear to be any pattern or reasoning behind where the attacks took place, as they were on five different continents, and varied political systems...


Nick: Are you alright, man?

Greg: ...No...no, I think I'm going to be sick


He stood from his chair


Anchor: ...estimated to be nearly 27 million people dead. The American Red Cross has asked people to please stay away from Key West, as radiation from the blast....


Greg: I'll be right back

He rushed to the bathroom

Anchor: Residents of southern Florida, including Miami are in immediate danger and will be evacuated as soon as the National Guard can be mobilized. Similar evacuations are underway in the other nations that have been attacked.


I was glued to the TV, but I forced myself away to see Greg in the bathroom.



He was standing at the mirror looking at his reflection.


Nick: You ok?

Greg: No. I've lost everything, Nick. Everything I owned was in Key West. My friends...Violet...they were the only family I had.

Nick: I'm sorry, Greg. You're lucky to be alive. You have friends here in Alamosa. We need to regroup ourselves. The world is suddenly very different. We need to figure out our next move.

Greg: Nick...the world never changes. A couple million people dying doesn't change the fact that money makes the world go 'round. We're going along with the plan.

Nick: No one is going to care about the painting now!

Greg: Not now...but they will. Remember 9/11? Everyone was sad for a little while. Look where we are now. Right back to where we started. Just now we need to take off our shoes before we board a plane.

Nick: You really think nothing has changed, don't you?

Greg: Nothing has and nothing ever will. Money is the universal language. Everyone craves power. Those who have, have power over the have nots. Power is the way of the universe.

Nick: Ok Mr. Universe Traveler...what do we do now?

Greg: We're getting that painting...at any cost.

[Shadow Assassin]

Holy crap, you've got me on the edge of my seat.

I want more!

[threestooges]

I'm sorry, I should be posting here more often. I often find it hard to find just the right words to describe this, but to begin with, outstandingly creative. Each update seems to top the previous and you have something that (sadly) some movies seem to miss: character development.  I hope you won't slow down the md due to a slow down in comments. I can tell you that, though people may not comment too much, it is certainly a great read. The pictures next to the dialogue are nice, but if they slow you down, it would still be nice if you wanted to get rid of them to save yourself the time/effort. Great work as always.

[bat]

Wonderful updates, football_fever! Great work!

[Fred_Ginger]

FF, I'm sorry if it seems like no one is reading this MD, Please let me know if you decide to let it lapse, I have so many questions to ask about the story!
Jeez, I think I missed this one over at ST.  Sure does explain a lot.  But, how did they get to the other world (?) and how did they get together (?) and how did they get the craft that took them there (?) and how........


So many questions?  Hurry, hurry hurry!

[football_fever]

Shadow Assassin:  Most excellent...it gets more exciting, I promise.  Just remember the end of the world is still 5 days away

threestooges:  Outstandingly creative...those words are pretty cool together...lol thanks.  I do try to make each update top the one before it, which makes it hard when there is a chapter that isn't as good.  But that also makes it easier to top it in the next chapter.  Also, thank you for noticeing the character development.  It's something that I take pride in for this story.  It's also a large part of why I change the narrator every two chapters, so everyone is able to relate more to each of them through their own thoughts, rather than trying to understand the motivations of everyone else through the eyes of the "main" character.  I wouldn't do that to you...my story is confusing enough as it is...

bat:  Thanks, bat, good to see you again.

Fred_Ginger:  Always nice to see you, Vicki.  All the questions you asked will be answered...eventually.  I have it all planned out, it's just a matter of getting there.  If I were paid to do this (which would be awesome) I could probably get there in a few weeks.  But since there's an update every week or two...yeah...longer...haha  Enjoy!


This update took a long time to produce.  Lots of photoshopping, lots of animating, lots of Sims 2 work.  But it's worth it.  It's the first visit to another planet besides Crystal City.






Nick Lamont
-Present Day


I was just beginning to enjoy the peace of the city. I had met many residents, learned many things from them, and was just settling into my apartment. The food was delicious, the women were beautiful, and everything else was perfect. And then, seemingly for no reason, I was approached by security personnel and escorted to the gardens. They were taking away my peace.




Don't get me wrong, the gardens are much more beautiful than the rest of the city...but there is one thing in them that I didn't want to see. And she was walking toward me now.




Allison: Nick...

Nick: Allison...hi

Allison: Nick, I...I don't even know what to say to you...

Nick: Then don't

Allison: I'm so sorry

Nick: You shot me in the head, Allison!!! You don't just forgive and forget something like that!! You KILLED ME!!


A few of the residents in the garden looked over at us. I didn't realize what I had just done until I saw the look on their faces. I hadn't been angry at all until just now. Not even at the woman that had killed me. Not until I was talking to her.

She was crying

Nick: Wow...that outburst...I'm sorry

Allison: You don't need to apologize. I shot you in the head. I killed you...or...I guess I did my best. Killing you was all I had thought about since that night in Paris. Ever since I've been in this garden I've been completely at peace. I feel more remorse for my thoughts and actions than you can understand...I'm sorry.


I knew she wasn't lying. I was at peace before, but this garden seemed to amplify it. Anyone that spends as much time in the garden as she has wouldn't be able to think of lying.

Allison and I were instantly in a wide circular room with nothing in it.

Nick: What just happened?

Allison: Al-Za'noun's office.

Al-Za'noun: So...it is possible for you Earth humans to forgive each other.

Allison: What do you want with us?

Al-Za'noun: To inform you that as of now, you are all now a part of my security force. You are to accompany me on a mission to a planet called Apiliani for diplomacy and trade.

Nick: Why us?

Al-Za'noun: Because your experience on Earth gives you excellent qualifications for this job. I do not desire to corrupt any more of my citizens with the ugliness of the rest of the galaxy.

Allison: So you're saying we're already ugly?

Al-Za'noun: Exactly.



We were to leave that night for Apiliani. I spent the day with Allison as she showed me her favorite places in the garden that she had discovered since her isolation. It was strange being around her like this. It was like before the Paris job when we were friends...only this was much better.

We reported to the hangar at the time Al-Za'noun told us to. The others were already waiting for us. They had puzzled looks when Allison and I arrived together laughing and horsing around together.

Delsa: You two are friends now?

Allison: It's amazing what some time in the garden can do for you.

Al-Za'noun: Yes, the garden is truly special. If you'll please follow me, our ships are in the next hangar.


As we followed Al-Za'noun to the next hangar, I noticed the others staring at us. They weren't trying to hide it. They were just staring. When I caught Greg's gaze, he gave me a very puzzled gesture. Maybe they all need to spend some time in the garden.

Liz: Oh...wow...

We entered the hangar. Sitting between two cargo ships was the Hyperion. It was impossible! We crashed in the mountains!

Delsa: Is this the Hyperion?

Al-Za'noun: No. This is a Photonica Fomalhaut - a common luxury spacecraft. The ship you traveled in was also one of these spacecraft.

Alex: What are these other ships here?

Al-Za'noun: We trade heavily with Apiliani. We are traveling with a small fleet of cargo vessels.


We boarded the ship. It was much much nicer than the Hyperion. The name of the ship was written in a language I didn't know. 

The hangar opened and we lifted off




Greg: This pilot sure takes off a lot smoother, doesn't he Liz?

Liz was our pilot as we left Earth. Greg can really be a prick sometimes.


Pilot: Please prepare for warp

Greg: I wish the last pilot had warned us...


Like I said...he's a prick

We had all been through space-travel once. It was much more pleasant this time. Before, it was like feeling around in the dark for a light switch. This time, we arrived very quickly.

We always thought Earth earned the nickname "Blue Planet" because of the oceans. As we arrived at Apiliani, it was clear that no other planet but this deserves that nickname. It was more blue than any blue imaginable. There were no brown landmasses in the way of the vast ocean, but two wide bands of white clouds blanketed both poles.




Controller: This is Apiliani approach control. You are cleared for landing at spaceport 1.


Pilot: Prepare for entry into atmosphere




As we got closer, I could see that the white bands around the poles were not clouds, but landmasses covered in snow. I didn't see any other landmasses on the entire planet. This was going to be interesting.

We gradually got closer and closer to the planet's surface. Eventually all I could see was a brilliant blue covering everything I saw out the window. We lowered further and I could begin to see tiny specks in the blue. I realized I was looking at thousands of islands.

Pilot: Five minutes until landing. Prepare for final approach.



This planet looked amazing from the air! Thousands of tiny islands, each one different, with its unique array of towers or buildings. They looked to be connected by the same monorail system that encircled Crystal City.




We were getting very close to the water, and I could see the detail of a few of the islands. We were definitely landing in an important area. One island had a couple very tall towers on it.




Two other islands had government buildings on them.




I also saw many islands with ancient ruins on them.




The one we were heading for looked like an airport from Earth...only it was filled with spacecraft. There was a big empty tarmac in the middle.




Alex: Looks like they're waiting for us.

We slowed almost to a stop, and lowered to the ground.

Thunk.

We were safely on the ground.




Greg: Great landing...but I think I prefer Liz's crash landings better.





Al-Za'noun: In order to associate with residents of another planet, you must get to know their customs. Please do not say or do anything unless I instruct you to do so. I will teach you whenever I can. Apiliani is a very enjoyable place. Do enjoy it.

He stood from his seat and walked to the exit. The rest of us stood and followed, not knowing what to expect when the doors opened.

Shhhhhhhhhh

The doors hissed open. Blinding white sunlight raced inside the cabin. A wave of warm, humid air with the scent of flowers we've never smelled blasted us in the face. This was a tropical planet, of course.

And standing in front of us was one of the most beautiful women I've ever seen.




Olapa: Al-Za'noun!

Al-Za'noun: Good to see you again, Olapa.

Olapa: These must be your friends from the distant planet?

Al-Za'noun: Yes, this is the first planet they've visited with me.

Olapa: Oh, really? Well, you picked the perfect one to start with, my friends. My name is Queen Olapa, and we will ensure your stay on Apiliani is perfect in every way...

[Shadow Assassin]

Apiliani looks great!

5 days? FIVE DAYS? Argh.

[Fred_Ginger]

FF, what is in that garden, it's like they were tranquillized or something!  I think Greg needs to spend some time there.  Okay now we're at the part where I stopped reading over at ST so .....     

(BTW, I think you should seriously consider writing as you have a great imagination and you're style is clear and concise.  You also have written the best dialog of amateur I have read!  Don't get me wrong, the pictures are great and do add to the story but I, for one, would read it anyway without pictures!)

[dmscopio]

  love the sci-fi looks of your cities, keep it up!

[football_fever]

Shadow Assassin:  Hahaha...patience my good man...plenty of things will blow up before the end of the world

Fred_Ginger:  The garden...yes...I wish I had a garden like that.  By the way, Vicki, comments like yours are the reason I keep writing.  Thank you very much for your wonderful comment.

dmscopio:  Thank you for visiting.  Your friend 2ch.net Simplayer is a constant source of inspiration.  I always love then people like you show up...people that I have entire folders dedicated to in my plugins folder.



A special thanks to fledder200 for his pictures of Liaane.



Allison Jenson
-5 days before the end of the world




I didn't sleep at all while I was at the hotel. I tried, but all I could do was think about what just happened. The man that I had trusted with my life had just tried to kill me. I'm normally not a vengeful person, but something had just snapped. Starting with Nick Lamont, no one was ever going to betray my trust ever again...or I would do everything in my power to destroy them.




I showered the blood and gun residue off of me, and threw away my clothes. The entire time, my mind was burning with anger. 10,000 paths to revenge raced in my head. The Anger blinded my logic, and fueled my lust for revenge. I didn't know which method to choose, but each had the same result. Kill Nick Lamont.

Suddenly it came to me. Nick had associates here in Europe. They'd be able to give me answers. There was a guy that fixed our getaway cars. He knew how Nick planned on getting the painting out of Europe.






Shopkeeper: Bonjour, comment ca va?

Allison: Where is Jean-Benoit?

Shopkeeper: He is working on a car. Your name please?

Allison: Don't worry about it.




I walked past him to the garage, and saw a car on a jack.




Allison: Jean-Benoit?

Jean-Benoit: Who's asking?

Allison: A friend of Nick's


His head popped out from under the car.


Jean-Benoit: How do I know you're his friend?

Allison: You don't. But you're going to tell me how he's getting the painting to Alamosa.

He looked around nervously...

Jean-Benoit:  How do you know about that?  Are you with the police?

Allison:  You think the police would send one person in here if they knew what you did?  They'd have your place surrounded...besides...they're still running around like scared dogs. 

Jean-Benoit: Why should I tell you?


I put my stilleto heel over his throat.


Allison: Because you're in a very bad position right now.

Jean-Benoit: Ok..he's shipping it out on an oil tanker from the docks

Allison: I know that...I also just found out that Ibella doesn't ship out of France. Where is it being shipped from?

Jean-Benoit: London probably...


I pressed my heel hard into his throat


Allison: Oh...really? That's funny...because...Ibella doesn't ship our of London either...don't you find that funny?

Jean-Benoit: *cough*....ackkkjs...uhh....*choke*...iver..ool..*choke*

Allison: Where?

Jean-Benoit: *cough*..LIVERPOOL!...

I took my foot off his throat.


Allison: That's better. Glad to see you're cooperating now. How is he getting it to Liverpool?

Jean-Benoit: *cough cough* He hired a driver...

I moved to step on him again

Jean-Benoit: no no...the driver took the car to the Channel Tunnel. The car is being shipped to the refinery for transport. I modified the car to hide the painting in the roof.

Allison: Where is the driver now?

Jean-Benoit: Probably on his way back to Liaane by now.


Suddenly I knew exactly who to talk to next.


Allison: Thank you. You've been very helpful.

I kicked the jack that was propping up the car.



Jean-Benoit: AAARRRGGHHHHHH!!! WHAT ARE YOU DOING!?! OOOWW!! HELP!


As I walked out of the shop, some rich lady was picking up her car

Shopkeeper: Merci, here are your keys

Rich Lady: Thank you


I took the keys out of his hand as I walked by

Rich Lady: Hey!!




I looked at her like like she didn't want to mess with me. She let me go.
I got in her luxury car. It was pretty nice.




Time to go to Liaane.





The reason I knew where to go was because Nick and I had worked with this guy before. We had robbed three banks in Vienna at the same time. We wisely parted ways afterwards, but he was extremely professional.

As I drove to Liaane I called him and arranged to meet him next to the canal, which was where we met for the first time to plan the bank jobs.







Allison: It's been a long time, hasn't it?

Leon: Yes...I was hoping we'd work together again.

Allison: Me too. I saw in the paper that a big counterfeit ring that was broken up by the police a few months ago. Sorry to hear about that.

Leon: It happens...I'm rebuilding already. I'm sure you didn't come all the way to Liaane to discuss my misfortune.

Allison: No. Something went wrong in Paris.

Leon: You wouldn't have been at the four seasons mall last night, with Nick, would you?

Allison: How do you know about that already?

Leon: I keep my ear to the street, Allison. I know things before the police do.

Allison: Yeah, I was there. That's what we need to talk about.

How do you feel about a trip to Alamosa?

[jeronij]

This MD has been undefinitely blocked. You are breaking several rules here.

Contact the section moderators if you want to continue it.

jeronij

[Pat]

I had the chance to read this MD from the start today and it took me an hour to do so
and saying that its great and the story behind it captivates me...  I dont see whats
wrong with it??

[flame1396]

Waht the heck? It seems fine to me.