The Phoenix Fallacy_Book II_Norm
Page 23
Wouris shook her head, but remained silent.
“We countered that our strength was not at issue – the issue was the risk of discovery. We would likely only get one shot – the additional risk was not necessary or wise. Why face two armies when you can face one?”
“But late one night, when the exhaustion seemed to overtake us all, the Executors spontaneously relented. ODIN would be the target of our attack; Phoenix would burn. It seemed we had finally won – and Magnus was convinced that the Executors had definitively fallen into line behind him. I had my doubts, but would not disagree – we had fought too long and hard.”
“Little did we know of the plans the Executors were laying: a trade with SHADE was proposed, before our meeting with ODIN. It would give an opportunity for us to study our prey one last time – or so Magnus and I thought,” Norm looked curiously at the Praetor, “May I ask, Praetor, what you remember from that day?”
The Praetor sighed, “That was a long time ago, and I have spent many years burying it in the back of my mind.”
“That makes two of us,” Norm said quietly. Praetor Jennings glanced at him with a look of understanding, and for a moment, the Praetor and Norm shared their quiet grief together.
“Do you have any surviving pictures of your daughter?” Norm asked.
The Praetor smiled, wiping away another tear, “Just one, I took it with me the day that–” he paused, “I had it copied into Valhalla’s computers for safekeeping.”
“I am glad to know that you were able to preserve one – I unfortunately, could not. Would you show it to us? It is important.”
The Praetor hesitated, and then acquiesced, speaking to the computer system: “File – Natalie Alexus Jennings.”
The MuDi in the center lit up, projecting a picture of a beautiful young woman in her 20s. Janus recognized her, and he heard Clara gasp. All eyes turned to her. She held her hand to her mouth, and stared at Janus. Janus felt an odd sensation in his stomach, and tremblingly, he pulled out the bird-shaped locket from around his neck – rereading the inscription on the front:
To Natalie, from Magnus – Eternal Love
He now knew why its design seemed so familiar: he had seen it emblazoned upon the walls of the Phoenix complex. He opened the locket carefully.
Looking back at him was the unmistakably beautiful face – of Natalie Jennings.
Wouris stepped forward. “What is it Janus?”
“The locket – that Clara found with me. It –” he faltered.
A hand fell on his shoulder. Janus looked up to see the Praetor, “Tell me, Janus.”
Janus merely held up the picture and the Praetor studied it in silence, giving only a slight nod as if he had known it since the beginning; they stared at each other in silence.
Norm sighed, “I am sorry for not telling you sooner, Janus, but I could never work up the courage until now. It was always too painful. Natalie Jennings is your mother. Praetor Jennings is your grandfather.”
“And the Magnus on the locket…?” Janus demanded.
Norm sighed, “Magnus Delacroix – the same man you saw in the painting – is your father.”
Now the Praetor sat down in shock, “So what truly happened all those years ago? Will you fill in the details of the story for me so that I finally know what fate befell my daughter?”
Norm nodded, “The time has long passed for me to tell the whole tale. But perhaps you could do me a favor, Praetor, as there is only one part I do not know.”
The Praetor was still gazing at Janus, dazed, “What are you looking for…?”
“The beginning,” Norm said quietly.
– End of Book II –
APPENDICES
– GUIDES for CORPORATE INTENDANTS –
Appendix I
– CORPORATE and MERCENARY HIERARCHIES –
– CORPORATE RANKINGS –
– in order of greatest to least –
Executor Ascendant – Leader of the executor council
There is but one
Executor – Supreme leaders of the corporation
They elect the Executor Ascendant
There are six
Overlord – Delegates that control the everyday workings
There are dozens
Lesser “High and Mighty” (As dubbed by STs):
Intendant – Highest ranking assistants to Executors and Overlords
Nobles
These Include:
Families of Ranking Executors and Overlords, Ranking Assistants, and High Ranking Military
A Special Note on Overlord Rankings:
Most Overlords are subservient to a specific executor, but a core group of five overlords is considered critical and supposedly impartial. These overlords control the most important aspects of each corporation and are second only to the executors – they have the power to enact whatever they wish, as long as those wishes do not conflict with the executors. They are:
The Overlord for Intelligence
The Overlord of Sustenance
The Overlord of Diplomacy
The Overlord of Production
The Overlord for War
Newly Promoted Intendants are strongly advised to learn the identity of these individuals immediately!
– ST MILITARY RANKS –
Commandant Bellus – Commander of all st units
Assault Commander – Up to three grades
Field Major
Battle Captain
Lieutenant
Sergeant
Regular – aka ‘Trooper’
– INFERNUS MILITARY RANKS –
Commandant Novus – Commander of all infernus units
Novus – Three grades
Vulcanus
Pyrus – Two grades, Major and Minor
Infernus
– MERCENARY LEGION RANKINGS –
– Officers –
Praetor – Supreme leader of the Legion
General – Rarely Seen – Used only once during the Fusion War when multiple legions joined together under one praetor
Colonel – There is usually an intrinsically understood hierarchy within the legion if multiple colonels are present
Major
Captain
Lieutenant
– Legionnaires –
Blood Poet – Highest ranking sergeant and spiritual leader of the legion
Sergeant – Usually assigned to squads, Sergeants act as natural extensions of the command structure
Adept – The regulars of a Legion, there are three classes: 1st, 2nd, and 3rd
Cadet – aka ‘Blueback’
A Special Note on Mercenaries:
Many mercenary legions refer to themselves internally as Adepts (hence the rank, see above). It is believed this is a remnant of the mercenaries’ attempt to distinguish themselves from the traditional definition of ‘mercenary’ from prior centuries (see appendix iii for a report on some of the mercenary legions and their root names). While internally we will refer to mercenaries as strictly thus, it is advised to all intendants that when dealing with mercenaries in any form of negotiation, use of the term ‘adept’ is highly recommended while referring to their operations. Despite the foolishness tied to such niceties, increased success rates and better returns have been achieved when using this ‘polite’ terminology.
Appendix II
– CORPORATIONS OF THE WORLD –
PHOENIX
‘A Fading Fire’
Former Corporation Supreme
Represented by the fiery bird of myth, Phoenix Corporation was a leader of medical research before rising to dominance. it was destroyed by the ‘alliance of six’ over two decades ago.
The corporate colors are red and orange
Rubies and orange garnets feature prominently on many of its surviving works
CERBERUS
‘Emerging from the Dark’
Current Corporation Supreme
Represented by the three-headed guardian of the unde
rworld, Cerberus is a leader in metallurgical advancements and created immutium. It is regarded without question as the most powerful corporation in the world today.
The corporate colors are dark purple and black
Amethyst and obsidian are frequently seen in Cerberus art and architecture
TITAN
‘Gathering Strength’
Former Rival to Phoenix
Represented by a massive elemental of earth and rock, Titan has lost a great deal of its power in recent decades. Master weaponsmiths, Titan created the fearsome zeus rifles.
the corporate colors are light green and brown
jade is overlaid on many of its sculptures and ceremonial weapons
MINOTAUR
‘An Empire on the Abyss’
Rumors of internal strife plague minotaur, despite its continued dominance in negotiating and managing trade between the corporations. Represented by the head of the bull-monster, Minotaur is known for its strength and ability to deploy armies rapidly at any time, and is the developer of the behemoth transport so widely used by corporations today.
The corporate color is carmine
Rubies and ivory are often used in conjunction for minotaur busts and masks
MEDUSA
‘The Lashing Snake’
Represented by the gazing face of the snake-haired creature known for turning men to stone, Medusa was once a powerful energy conglomerate. Despite the creation of valuable and compact ‘entropic batteries’, the arrival of fusion and its loss in the resulting war changed its fortunes, and Medusa’s influence continues to fade.
The corporate color is dark green
Emeralds are often carved into snakes and worn as jewelry
CHIMERA
‘Poised to Strike’
Although one of the remaining masters of Daeduluses, ancient sophisticated computers that few know how to construct, Chimera has little influence upon the world stage. Some believe they are merely biding their time, while others believe they lack the population to make any large gains. Chimera is represented by a roaring lion with a scorpion’s tail poised above it.
The corporate color is goldenrod
Yellow topaz and gold thread are commonly found woven into articles of clothing worn by executors and overlords
HYDRA
‘Without Number’
Despite whispered reports of division and dissension among its underclass, Hydra remains the largest producer of food in the world, managing to export some of its crop each year. Through black markets and legion trades this food keeps many of the most isolated communities in the world alive and well. This food production has allowed Hydra to maintain one of the largest populations and armies of all the corporations. A lack of infrastructure and the ability to produce others goods, however, has weakened it.
The corporate color is blue
Sapphire dust is often used in hydra paintings and dyes
Appendix III
– LEGIONS OF THE WORLD –
– A Brief Primer –
O.D.I.N.
Order for the Defense of Independent Nations
ODIN is currently one of the largest mercenary legions in operation today. Rising from obscurity over the past few decades, ODIN is rumored to have been started by outskirter colonies in an effort to defend themselves from Corporate raids. The origin of its mythology and rune system are unknown to the corporations. Although no legion can match corporate might, intendants are advised that ODIN should be approached cautiously, as the current Praetor, a man named Jennings, has developed a reputation for great cunning. ODIN is housed in a flying Avalon Class Fortress called Valhalla.
ODIN is represented by a red warrior astride a warhorse and carrying a spear. Some have suggested this is actually a representation of the God ‘Odin’, though such a god is unknown to corporate scholars.
S.H.A.D.E.
Strategic Homeland Advance Defensive Enclave
A powerful legion, SHADE was destroyed in a great battle with Phoenix Corporation over two decades ago. Little evidence of this legion remains though its impact upon recent history still lingers. Rumors of surviving members of this legion have all proven to be false. Its former home was the Avalon Class Fortress Elysium Fields.
SHADE was represented by a half-moon symbol, and is credited with developing several modern day mercenary techniques, including the infamous ‘ghost dancing’ that many legions claim to have mastered.
S.P.A.R.T.A.N.
Society for the Protection of Allied Republics, Territories, And Nations
Perhaps the most powerful mercenary legion today, SPARTAN is recognized by all Corporations for a remarkably high success rate in its missions. Known for their ruthlessness in battle, SPARTAN mercenaries have developed a fearsome reputation and are considered one of the best values for corporate expenditures. Only ODIN is seen as a comparable alternative. It is rumored that SPARTAN and ODIN share a special rivalry, although the full details of this feud are unknown. SPARTAN operates from many bases across the world, and holds at least two Avalon Class Fortresses, Rumored to be known as the Twins.
SPARTAN is represented by a shield and helmet, and is said to control several smaller legions through territory and influence.
A Special Note on Legions:
Many Legions are present throughout the world. Only a few have been represented here, based on recent intelligence reports of their activity or impact.
Legions across the globe are considered loosely allied, although many appear to be little more than rabble living on the fringes of Corporate territory.
Despite appearances, however, all Legions should be treated with a measure of respect, as they possess enough weaponry and manpower to do significant damage to Corporate interests.
Appendix IV
– BRIGG’S BALL –
– A Detailed Ruleset –
Brigg’s Ball is an exciting game that has only recently come to the attention of the Corporations. Long played by mercenary legions, Brigg’s Ball is a game the executors believe can easily be adapted for entertainment purposes throughout the Corporate hierarchy. As such, intendants are instructed to learn the rules of the game and determine any required modifications for implementation.
– Basic Overview –
Brigg’s Ball is a game played between 2 to 4 teams on a circular field approximately 60 meters in diameter. Each team attempts to score using colored balls called ‘boomers’. the team with the highest score when the game ends wins.
Rules:
Teams:
The number of teams participating is determined before play begins, with each team requiring a minimum of 5 players. Teams may be adjusted based on group size, but generally each team will have 5 main players and 1 alternate.
Field of Play:
The Brigg’s Ball Field is generally measured to a circular diameter of 60 meters, with 1 GOAL per team. the goals should be evenly spaced around the field, so each team has a clear portion of the field designated as their territory.
Each goal should be no more than 2 meters across, and preferably, 1 meter tall, at least 1 meter above the field of play.
Each goal should have a goal box that extends 6 meters in a circle in front of the goal. A small .75 meter squared region should be designated at the front of this box as a transition zone.
Equipment:
Boomer – The Boomer is a small ball 18 cm in diameter designed for throwing and passing. Usually consisting of a rubberized material, the Boomer should bounce at least to waist height when dropped from eye level. Although variations adapted for poorer regions use refs and static colors, a true Boomer should possess the ability to switch between red and blue at random intervals during a match. This switch time should be predetermined and last between 5 – 10 seconds.
Generally, for more informal matches, the number of Boomers in play matches the number of teams, but officially, the number of Boomers in play is calculated by taking the number of teams minus 1, with a minimum of t
wo. No matter the ruleset adopted, 4 Boomers are generally not used, even in matches of 4 teams.
Armor – Highly recommended. Not Required.
Referee’s outfit – the referee in a brigg’s ball match should wear a full bodysuit (of preferred make and type) that features vertical stripes of alternating Orange and Yellow, at least 3 cm wide.
General Play:
A Brigg’s Ball BATTLE takes place over a single, continuous 20 minute period.
Each team lines up in a staggered formation for the start of the game, with 2 STRIKERS at the front, and 3 DEFENDERS behind. The Strikers are lined up 10 meters in front of their goal, with the defenders 1 meter behind. Each player box should be spaced .5 meters from each other.