It Won't Be Long - Season 5
BA - NA - NA - NA NA!
Roger Glipglorp: “Good evening my guys, gals, and nonbinary pals - it’s time for Roger Glipglorp! I’m Roger Glipglorp, your host, here with another shattering piece of news coming out of the Pact Worlds. The Stewards are on edge after a series of targeted attacks against their previously-covert facilities, revealing agent identities and key stockpile locations to criminal organizations across the dark web. The spokesperson for the Ops division has yet to comment, and the organization’s sister branches remain silent. Meanwhile, social media is still abuzz about the series of events a few days past, when Thunder in the Mist -- member of the heroes of Mataras, the Dream Team -- was seen cleaving a woman in half in the minds of the public, alongside his name, face, and exact geographic location. Scientists quick enough to examine the coordinates saw a metal planet out in the distance, but it has since disappeared, and the group spokeswoman -- Valentina Terris -- has not been seen since. Speaking of the Vast, war between the Azlanti Star Empire and the Shadari Confederacy has begun, despite all attempts to stem the conflict. The Empire is demanding nothing but total surrender, and experts wonder if the Confederacy has the forces to oppose them... In a spark of good news, it appears the Swarm have scattered after an unknown trigger, and are returning to the Vast in droves. While I don’t envy whatever planet they land on, I’m certainly glad it isn’t here! And last, but certainly not least, the quarterly Culinarium celebration is almost here, coinciding with the yearly Pact Worlds summit. All the latest and greatest are going to be there, hosted by me! Roger Glipglorp! More news at eight..."
There is a warble in the transmission, and for a moment, we step outside the dream entirely, and go somewhere beyond… A careful vision, certain not to risk fresh new minds, crafted by the Dreamer during your many days abroad.
We begin in the entryway of House Marcus, decorated with vantablack banners and ink-colored tassels, adorning an ornate set of stairs that lead to the many floors of the manor. The camera turns, pointing towards the front door, on the same night that you defeated the Horseman of Pestilence. Lord Alexander Marcus steps through, bedecked in his usual black-and-grey affair, but covered in stains. As he removes a glove, we see the fingers on his right hand are broken, and one of the fingernails removed completely. A shadow follows him in, spread across the wall in a feminine silhouette. Nassistra.
Nassistra: “Another falls, Alexander. Pestilence returns to Abaddon.”
Alexander: “Better there than his prison. They can’t complain.”
Nassistra: “You cannot ignore them any longer… They grow powerful, while Jestyr grows suspicious.”
Alexander: “Then let him be suspicious! We will follow the plan, Nassistra. Or would you destroy what was given?”
The Wall Walker hisses, her shadowy form spreading away and up the stairs, angry orbs glaring from the dark.
Nassistra: “Never.”
Alexander: “Atticus was more than ready for us… A worthy adversary. But Zhao has the schematics. He will build what we could not take.”
Nassistra: “Will the trickster live?”
Alexander Marcus shrugs, removing his coat and hanging it on a rack. A dark patch of red stains his light-grey vest, where a bullet hole clearly ripped into the fabric.
Alexander: “Perhaps. It is of little consequence to me now, we have everything we need from the Stewards.”
Nassistra: “What of the girl?”
Alexander: “Zhao has found another. His granddaughter. A nasty piece of work, she is.”
Nassistra: “Strong enough to best you?”
Alexander shakes his head, his eyes locked in a thousand yard stare.
Alexander: “No lone mortal in this realm. Not while we are together.”
Nassistra coos, pleased by the wizard’s words, and then we fade unto the next scene.
We see the Rambling Road, where Nicholas Carter sits idly on the side of the Well, speaking peacefully with the hovering spirit.
Nicholas: “She’s coming for you, you know. That machine of theirs has pointed her right at you.”
Spirit: “It will not be the first time I have been challenged.”
Nicholas nods, tapping the ash from his cigarette on the side of the Well.
Nicholas: “Any chance you’ll let her win?”
The Spirit laughs, her head thrown back harshly, her blackened teeth shining in the firelight.
Spirit: “If the Queen of Night wishes a Scythe, she will have to earn it.”
Nicholas shrugs, hopping to his feet.
Nicholas: “Your funeral.”
The detective turns away as the Spirit snarls, walking through the exit door as the scene ends.
We see the fair Idari, the Kasatha’s generational starship, drifting among the stars. We zoom in, passing through metal walls and ancient systems, arriving in the kitchens of the Culinarium. As we have seen before, every chef dabbles in at least a dozen pots and pans, each a master of some aspect of the craft. But this time, we see Stewards alongside them, checking under shelves and installing security cameras. We follow one of them, a stocky man with a familiar gait, as he paces down an abandoned hallway, leading to a dusty pantry full of long-term supplies. The camera pans up to Dominic Altraeza, in the midst of removing wide sunglasses and a blue hat, scanning the scene before him. We see Wonton, one of Fish’s sons, chained to a large pot, where a sickly-looking fluid broils inside. The Tanuki leaps at the sight of the disguised Steward, and says:
Wonton: “Oh! Police! Help me… I’ve been here so long, and my Mama and Papa… And my siblings! Please!”
He looks up at Dominic with desperation and hope, as the camera turns to face him once more. Dominic grins like the Devil, and as he blinks, we see his eyes cloud with a red light, as the Horseman of Famine chuckles within.
We move away from the Pact Worlds, to a destination yet seen by the dreamers. The planet Orikolai -- a torus-shaped structure crafted by the First Ones -- with a lonely moon hovering in its center. We shift closer, diving into a research facility set into the side of the moon, where the central doors have been bashed in. Corpses float all over the damaged chamber, suffocated from the lack of air and frozen by the lack of heat, but we pan past them, and into a hangar that would rival any on Absalom Station. While we see a large, mechanical figure in the distance, our viewpoint focuses to the left, where a massive command center maintains itself against the dangers of space. Scientists rush about the room, pulling supplies from a storeroom in the back, poking and prodding at a large ooze, which seems to have covered the control terminals, trapping the occupants inside. We see Atticus McCallow, his right arm lost in the ambush, directing men and women about with his free hand -- which notably includes Captain Lang, and the rest of Omega Delta Squad. Then, the lights go red, and an alarm blares in the command center. We hover over Atticus, looking as he raises a comm unit to his eyes, and spots a swarm of objects coming straight for Typhoon… The scene goes black.
For a moment, we see nothing but a prolonged darkness. Then, the planes of Shadow -- to a scene that once spelled disaster, but is now seen cleanly. We see the Jester, going toe-to-toe with Flint Penumbra, dancing in a small clearing made by the clashing tides of their soldiers.
Jestyr: “Why won’t you die?”
Flint grins, revealing a row of teeth covered in blood.
Flint: “You keep missing.”
The mad god snarls, and the Eclipse Malkin spins in his hands. The two dance about the open space, sword against dagger, twirling under arrows and reaching spears. But then the Jester steps back, far beyond the reach of Flint’s sword. The warrior pauses, waiting for a charge, but is visibly surprised as the Jestyr stamps his foot.
Jestyr: “Fine! I’ll find another way.”
Flint leaps, swinging his sword down from a high arc, but hits nothing but air as the Jestyr disappears, leaving his soldiers to fend for themselves. The warriors of House Penumbra cheer, but Flint grimaces, as he watches the scales tip away from him… He reaches a hand to a piece of jewelry hanging from his ear, and speaks.
Flint: “I lost him. Get ready, Gonjo. He’s going home…”
A flash of light, and a new scene.
The Jester steps from the shadows on Aucturn, and gives the camera a wave.
Jestyr: “Too-da-loo, dreamers!”
Then the aspect of Groetus steps towards a large, blackened spire, where a twin pair of feminine screams breaks the chilly silence...
Roger Glipglorp: “Good evening my guys, gals, and nonbinary pals - it’s time for Roger Glipglorp! I’m Roger Glipglorp, your host, here with another shattering piece of news coming out of the Pact Worlds. The Stewards are on edge after a series of targeted attacks against their previously-covert facilities, revealing agent identities and key stockpile locations to criminal organizations across the dark web. The spokesperson for the Ops division has yet to comment, and the organization’s sister branches remain silent. Meanwhile, social media is still abuzz about the series of events a few days past, when Thunder in the Mist -- member of the heroes of Mataras, the Dream Team -- was seen cleaving a woman in half in the minds of the public, alongside his name, face, and exact geographic location. Scientists quick enough to examine the coordinates saw a metal planet out in the distance, but it has since disappeared, and the group spokeswoman -- Valentina Terris -- has not been seen since. Speaking of the Vast, war between the Azlanti Star Empire and the Shadari Confederacy has begun, despite all attempts to stem the conflict. The Empire is demanding nothing but total surrender, and experts wonder if the Confederacy has the forces to oppose them... In a spark of good news, it appears the Swarm have scattered after an unknown trigger, and are returning to the Vast in droves. While I don’t envy whatever planet they land on, I’m certainly glad it isn’t here! And last, but certainly not least, the quarterly Culinarium celebration is almost here, coinciding with the yearly Pact Worlds summit. All the latest and greatest are going to be there, hosted by me! Roger Glipglorp! More news at eight..."
There is a warble in the transmission, and for a moment, we step outside the dream entirely, and go somewhere beyond… A careful vision, certain not to risk fresh new minds, crafted by the Dreamer during your many days abroad.
We begin in the entryway of House Marcus, decorated with vantablack banners and ink-colored tassels, adorning an ornate set of stairs that lead to the many floors of the manor. The camera turns, pointing towards the front door, on the same night that you defeated the Horseman of Pestilence. Lord Alexander Marcus steps through, bedecked in his usual black-and-grey affair, but covered in stains. As he removes a glove, we see the fingers on his right hand are broken, and one of the fingernails removed completely. A shadow follows him in, spread across the wall in a feminine silhouette. Nassistra.
Nassistra: “Another falls, Alexander. Pestilence returns to Abaddon.”
Alexander: “Better there than his prison. They can’t complain.”
Nassistra: “You cannot ignore them any longer… They grow powerful, while Jestyr grows suspicious.”
Alexander: “Then let him be suspicious! We will follow the plan, Nassistra. Or would you destroy what was given?”
The Wall Walker hisses, her shadowy form spreading away and up the stairs, angry orbs glaring from the dark.
Nassistra: “Never.”
Alexander: “Atticus was more than ready for us… A worthy adversary. But Zhao has the schematics. He will build what we could not take.”
Nassistra: “Will the trickster live?”
Alexander Marcus shrugs, removing his coat and hanging it on a rack. A dark patch of red stains his light-grey vest, where a bullet hole clearly ripped into the fabric.
Alexander: “Perhaps. It is of little consequence to me now, we have everything we need from the Stewards.”
Nassistra: “What of the girl?”
Alexander: “Zhao has found another. His granddaughter. A nasty piece of work, she is.”
Nassistra: “Strong enough to best you?”
Alexander shakes his head, his eyes locked in a thousand yard stare.
Alexander: “No lone mortal in this realm. Not while we are together.”
Nassistra coos, pleased by the wizard’s words, and then we fade unto the next scene.
We see the Rambling Road, where Nicholas Carter sits idly on the side of the Well, speaking peacefully with the hovering spirit.
Nicholas: “She’s coming for you, you know. That machine of theirs has pointed her right at you.”
Spirit: “It will not be the first time I have been challenged.”
Nicholas nods, tapping the ash from his cigarette on the side of the Well.
Nicholas: “Any chance you’ll let her win?”
The Spirit laughs, her head thrown back harshly, her blackened teeth shining in the firelight.
Spirit: “If the Queen of Night wishes a Scythe, she will have to earn it.”
Nicholas shrugs, hopping to his feet.
Nicholas: “Your funeral.”
The detective turns away as the Spirit snarls, walking through the exit door as the scene ends.
We see the fair Idari, the Kasatha’s generational starship, drifting among the stars. We zoom in, passing through metal walls and ancient systems, arriving in the kitchens of the Culinarium. As we have seen before, every chef dabbles in at least a dozen pots and pans, each a master of some aspect of the craft. But this time, we see Stewards alongside them, checking under shelves and installing security cameras. We follow one of them, a stocky man with a familiar gait, as he paces down an abandoned hallway, leading to a dusty pantry full of long-term supplies. The camera pans up to Dominic Altraeza, in the midst of removing wide sunglasses and a blue hat, scanning the scene before him. We see Wonton, one of Fish’s sons, chained to a large pot, where a sickly-looking fluid broils inside. The Tanuki leaps at the sight of the disguised Steward, and says:
Wonton: “Oh! Police! Help me… I’ve been here so long, and my Mama and Papa… And my siblings! Please!”
He looks up at Dominic with desperation and hope, as the camera turns to face him once more. Dominic grins like the Devil, and as he blinks, we see his eyes cloud with a red light, as the Horseman of Famine chuckles within.
We move away from the Pact Worlds, to a destination yet seen by the dreamers. The planet Orikolai -- a torus-shaped structure crafted by the First Ones -- with a lonely moon hovering in its center. We shift closer, diving into a research facility set into the side of the moon, where the central doors have been bashed in. Corpses float all over the damaged chamber, suffocated from the lack of air and frozen by the lack of heat, but we pan past them, and into a hangar that would rival any on Absalom Station. While we see a large, mechanical figure in the distance, our viewpoint focuses to the left, where a massive command center maintains itself against the dangers of space. Scientists rush about the room, pulling supplies from a storeroom in the back, poking and prodding at a large ooze, which seems to have covered the control terminals, trapping the occupants inside. We see Atticus McCallow, his right arm lost in the ambush, directing men and women about with his free hand -- which notably includes Captain Lang, and the rest of Omega Delta Squad. Then, the lights go red, and an alarm blares in the command center. We hover over Atticus, looking as he raises a comm unit to his eyes, and spots a swarm of objects coming straight for Typhoon… The scene goes black.
For a moment, we see nothing but a prolonged darkness. Then, the planes of Shadow -- to a scene that once spelled disaster, but is now seen cleanly. We see the Jester, going toe-to-toe with Flint Penumbra, dancing in a small clearing made by the clashing tides of their soldiers.
Jestyr: “Why won’t you die?”
Flint grins, revealing a row of teeth covered in blood.
Flint: “You keep missing.”
The mad god snarls, and the Eclipse Malkin spins in his hands. The two dance about the open space, sword against dagger, twirling under arrows and reaching spears. But then the Jester steps back, far beyond the reach of Flint’s sword. The warrior pauses, waiting for a charge, but is visibly surprised as the Jestyr stamps his foot.
Jestyr: “Fine! I’ll find another way.”
Flint leaps, swinging his sword down from a high arc, but hits nothing but air as the Jestyr disappears, leaving his soldiers to fend for themselves. The warriors of House Penumbra cheer, but Flint grimaces, as he watches the scales tip away from him… He reaches a hand to a piece of jewelry hanging from his ear, and speaks.
Flint: “I lost him. Get ready, Gonjo. He’s going home…”
A flash of light, and a new scene.
The Jester steps from the shadows on Aucturn, and gives the camera a wave.
Jestyr: “Too-da-loo, dreamers!”
Then the aspect of Groetus steps towards a large, blackened spire, where a twin pair of feminine screams breaks the chilly silence...
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