BelGarion merely looked at the Alorn Ambassador, and nodded. "Very well then, we go."

No sooner had the Tolnedran cargo ship entered the docking bay, the internal sensors onboard the Balance started going off. "Whatever you are going to do, do it now!" said BelGarion to the Ambassador.

The Alorn Ambassador sent out a probe, that had somehow been concealed, and tried to disable the internal sensors. For a moment it looked like it might actually work, but a random shot from the internal defense lasers destroyed it. 2BR-O2B looked at the Rivan king, "I'm sorry, your majesty. I did the best I could, but the internal defenses and internal targeting sensors are still online."

BelGarion began to swear. "We don't have any choice but to continue. We'll split up into teams, that should improve the odds." Looking at Naunet, "You and the Ambassador take one squad" Turning to his friend, Kalmiir, "You and our pilot here will take another squad. I'll take the rest of the men." Looking at the Alorn, "Were your internal sensors able to pin-point the command deck?"

2BR-O2B nodded, "Yes, but it's quite a distance." The Alorn displayed the internal map of the Balance on the main monitor of Tia's ship. "We are here, the command deck is here."

Prince Kalmiir whistled, "That's going to be rough, especially with the internal defenses still up. About the only positive thing is that there are several possible ways of getting there."

BelGarion nodded, "You and Tia take the north corridor, I'll take my squad and approach from the East. Naunet and the Ambassador will take the West. Is everyone clear?" They all indicated that they were, "Alright, lets move out."

As BelGarion led his squad, the Internal defense lasers shot two of his men before he even got to the corridor.

Tia and Kalmiir and their squad made it to the North Corridor, without incident, before being pinned down by the defense lasers.

Naunet and 2BR-O2B and their squad were in the West corridor when several androids advanced on their position.

"I'm not going to let that damn Rivan scour that ship for pre-Fall Tech. Especially weapons equipment that could be used against us." Kal Zakath said to his troops. "We will board the ship and make our way to the reactor cores. There we'll sabotage the AP valve systems and overload the reactors.
If you encounter the Rivans or any others, eliminate them"

The Angarak ships sensor dispersion tactics kept them off the Balance's sensors until they were on onboard

"Move out"

"Why didn't you tell him you could disable internal defenses from an access panel?" Naunet asked, her voice harsh.

The Alorn looked momentarily taken aback, and she could see he was about to protest.

"Uh uh. No excuses. Do you think I'm an idiot? I don't know what the hell you think you're doing, or what you're holding back, but you aren't going to get us killed. Now where's the closest access panel?" she asked.

2BR-02B looked bemused, but he pointed down the far corridor. Naunet nodded brusquely.

"Lead the way," she said.

[This message has been edited by jaimie (edited October 01, 2001).]

"Two more decks to reach Command, then its three decks up and across the ship to the starboard reactor chamber. We should pass the main computer core too. I want to take it out. Move on. Scout team ahead" Zakath ordered, placing the flexi of the ship's schematic back in his coat pocket

Suddenly the weapons fire stopped, and an eerie silence filled the ship. Naunet's voice came over the ships comm, "We've locked the automated defenses into a loop, they will be offline for at least 3 hours."

Looking at 2BR-O2B Naunet nodded her head, "Alright, lets keep moving."

The Avatar frowned hearing the intruders statement. "Dispatching all remaining androids to outer decks."

Eriond looked at the avatar, suddenly even more afraid.

BelGarion smiled hearing Naunet's voice, "That should make things much easier." He would have to think of some way to thank Naunet. Proceeding along the corridor he stopped, seeing several dozen androids heading towards him and his men. "That's not good," whispered BelGarion to himself, leading his men down another corridor, in hopes of loosing the Androids.

As fate would have it, Kal Zakath and his men had just entered the same area. Kal Zakath spotted the Rivan King, and his small group of men, "Open fire!"

"And that's worse," said BelGarion gripping the hilt of his sword, activating the power source. Pointing the blade of his sword at Kal Zakath and his men, BelGarion fired. While the shot from the Rivan King's sword was more powerful then the standard force lance, it wasn't strong enough to bring down the corridor and block Kal Zakath's forces.

Naunet and the Alorn Ambassador stopped, seeing weapons fire coming from both ends of the corridor up just ahead. Who else was on board this ship? And who were they attacking?

BelGarion looked behind him briefly as the androids who had followed them began to advance on his positon once more. Running out of options, Belgarion fired the Rivan sword again and again, and leading his men, ran into the adjacent hallway. There he saw Naunet and the Alorn. "Run!" shouted BelGarion, already sprinting past them.

[This message has been edited by BelGarion (edited October 02, 2001).]

“Down two and left!” she yelled.

She was relieved when BelGarion did just that, proving that he trusted her. No matter their recent differences, he was not an unreasonable man, and he knew each and every person he commanded well enough to know both their strengths and weaknesses. Many leaders would never take the time to do such a thing, but he seemed to instinctively know the importance of such a task.

She hurried down the ladder after BelGarion, and was surprised to find him waiting at the bottom holding out a hand to help her down quickly. She grabbed his hand and jumped instead of taking the last five rungs down. The King glanced up quickly to be sure his men were following, and headed left down the corridor.

"Naunet," he called, "I must speak with you, i have urgent information."

"Make it quick," she snapped back.

As the men rushed past, Naunet approached the Alorn. As soon as the last man passed, he enacted his plan, with a twinge of guilt. [i/]

"Yes?" she began.

"I am sorry" came the reply as he extended various parts of his frame, revealing a formidible personal arsenal.

[i] Electricity arced into her from his arm, knocking her unconcious. He caught her falling body with one arm, and his astonishing quickness disappeared down a corridor, constantly searching for foes.

Figuring that something that needed her immediate attention had come up, BelGarion wasted little time in leading his men to the next intersection. Several androids were in the corridor blocking their access to the ladder they needed to use, if they were to get to the command deck.

Turning back, making sure all were present and accounted for, he again noticed Naunet wasn't with them. "Where's Naunet?" he asked.

One of his men, bringing up the rear, "The Alorn Ambassador had pulled her to the side and was speaking with her when I went past."

That was the first Belgarion noticed the Alorn wasn't with them. Normally he made a point of knowing exactly where the ambassador was at all time. However, being shot at by androids, and Kal Zakath, not to mention being on a hostile ship controlled by an AI, had distracted his attention of the Alorn. Now though, the Alorn's abscence along with Naunet's was very obvious.

BelGarion began to swear then, at great length. Some of the curses he used made even some of his men flinch. "We're going back!" declared BelGarion, gripping the hilt of his sword. Leading his men back to find Naunet, BelGarion made a vow. If the Alorn so much as harmed Naunet, it wouldn't live to regret it's mistake.

She stood then, feeling slightly dizzy as she did so, and retrieved her weapon from where he’d placed it on the console next to him. She pointed the weapon directly at him, staying a good distance away in case he had any more tricks up his sleeve. She silently willed BelGarion to hurry up. She wouldn’t feel completely safe until he arrived. She glared at the Alorn. He looked more perturbed than angry.

“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” Naunet nearly growled.

They were barely around the corner before the shots fired by the androids hit their cover. He pulled out his weapon and returned fire. He and Tia each managed to take down 2 of the androids but they were still coming. He activated his communit, "I hate to bother you at such a time BelGarion but we could use a little back up here!" He ducked as the sound of shots came over the communit, "We are not far from command but we are runninginto tons of androids..." He ended the communication as he had to concentrate on holding off the androids along with Tia.

Surely he wasn’t going to kill her, she thought. If he had wanted to kill her, he would have done so before now. She saw the calculation in 2BR-02B’s eyes the second before he raised his weapon to fire. Naunet began to throw herself to the ground, knowing she was probably too late to avoid being hit. In that same moment, she heard the doors open.

Reaching the inter-corridor he received Kalmiir's distress signal. At the last second Belgarion changed directions and headed toward Satin's position. When the time came to deal with the Alorn once and for all, the more help he had...the better.

BelGarion and his men converged on Satin and Tia's cover position, just in time. "Fire!" ordered BelGarion, as he and his men covered Satin and Tia's escape. Slowly backing down the corridor, a plan began to form in Belgarion's mind.

Reaching the next corridor, they ran to the end and waited. Satin looked at his friend, "Why are we waiting?"

The smile BelGarion gave Satin, sent chills down the prince's spine. "Kal Zakath and his men are also on board. When I last encountered them, they were heading in this general direction. If we lead the androids into this corridor, then drop one level down, the androids should meet up with the Angaraks, and Kal Zakath in no time. Besides, it puts us that much closer to the AI core, and Naunet."

Satin raised an eyebrow, "What?"

As they drew the androids into the corridor, and prepared to drop down the ladder, BelGarion informed Kalmiir about the Alorn kidnapping Naunet. Satin's face grew hard, as plan up plan of destroying the Alorn entered his mind. If the Alorn hurt Naunet in anyway... Almost as if BelGarion read his thoughts, "Forget it. The Machine is mine! You can have what's left."

Minutes later they were racing down another corridor, which, if BelGarion's memory was correct, should connect to the AI core. BelGarion's memory, for once, was right on.

Seeing the Alorn Ambassador pointing a weapon at Naunet, about to fire, BelGarion didn't hestitate. Drawing his sword, switching the power setting to full power, he aimed and fired. The blast from the Rivan King's sword caused his arm to jerk back. Only then did he realize that a second shot had been fired by Satin.

The shot from BelGarion's sword caught the Alorn full on the side, and sent him flying into the AI core mainframe. Sparks flew as the AI core short circuited. Satin's shot caught the stunned Alorn right in the chest, just as the Ambassador was falling to the deck.

Walking over to Naunet, "Are you alright?" asked BelGarion, cringing from the smell of burnt flesh.

Naunet nodded. "Thanks."

On the command deck, the avatar twitched as the AI core was short circuited. Realizing the danger, the Balance of Judgement's AI intitated a backup, and severed it's connection with the main core files.

Kal Zakath and his men were advancing into the corridor when they encountered the Androids, who immediately opened fire.

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 05, 2001).]

She tried to concentrate on what BelGarion, Tia, and the Prince were discussing, but she couldn't quite manage it. She stared at the Alorn laying on the floor, and kept thinking that it could have been her with a hole in her chest. It could have been her because she didn't shoot when she should have. Maybe her opponents were right. She was too soft.

Soon the organics would learn a machine is not easily killed. Until then, he would let them savour their false victory.

Preparring to raise his sword, and drive it into the machine, making sure it was dead, he stopped when he heard Tia's question. "The Alorns are machines! Nothing more! They are about as complex as a toaster, and aren't nearly as useful."

"So your just going to leave him here?" asked Tia, shocked.

"It. It's and It...not a he. And, no, we're not going to leave it here." declared BelGarion, motioning for several men to drag the machine with them.

They could here firing a deck above them. "Looks like the androids have found Kal Zakath. Let's get to command, get the child, and get off this ship." said BelGarion, leading the way.

Something about the Alorn was bothering BelGarion, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Leading them toward the command deck, he kept replaying the events over and over in his mind. Always he came back to that smell of burnt flesh. Why would shooting the alorn produce such a smell?

They reached the doors to the commmand deck at last, and Naunet sighed slightly with relief. Now all they had to do was get through the locked doors before the androids or Kal Zakath found them.

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 05, 2001).]

BelGarion nodded, answering Tia. Turning to his friend, Prince Kalmiir. "Would your Nanobots work of this ship's AI?"

The Alorn Ambassador, being carried by several Rivan men, began to stir and show small signs of life. BelGarion saw this, and frowned. He knew the two blasts hadn't killed it. Naunet whispered to him, "You aren't going to kill him, are you?"

BelGarion knew Naunet well enough to know she was doubting her own judgement, as far as the Alorn went. To set her mind at ease, "No. We don't know if the Alorn was acting on his own, or if it was taken over by the Balance."

[This message has been edited by BelGarion (edited October 06, 2001).]

"Move on. I want to get to the Main Reactor cores. Up, past Command. Weapons on the ready. Open fire if you see the Rivans at all." Zakath ordered

The Angaraks moved up one deck and cautiously approached Command. Zakath stopped them when he heard voices at the entrace to the Command Centre. He signaled his men to get ready. "NOW"

The Angaraks raced out and took up defensive positions. They started shooting volleys of weapons fire at the Rivans, who were forced to take cover.

"Get that door open now!" ordered BelGarion, returning fire.

Satin, standing protectively in front of Naunet, returning fire, couldn't help but point something out to his friend. "I think you may be over looking something."

"Such as?" as BelGarion, taking Naunet's last bander. Taking careful aim, BelGarion launched the Bander directly at Kal Zakath.

"I've got it!" declared Tia, as the command doors opened.

BelGarion turned, ready to head onto the command deck, when the Balance's avatar advanced on their position. "Such as that." said Kalmiir.

BelGarion looked at his friend, "Remember the move Brand showed us when we were kids?"

Kalmiir grinned, "Of course." BelGarion and Kalmiir charged the Avatar, Kalmiir on the right, BelGarion on the left.

The Avatar didn't hesitate, grabbing both men, one on each arm. "Now!" shouted BelGarion, as he threw all his weight to the ground. At the same time, Kalmiir did the same. The Avatar, easily stronger then both men, was caught off guard by the strange move. Falling toward both men, his expression was baffled as both intruders curled their legs. Then, suddenly, he was flying through the air, as both men kicked out with their feet.

Still clutching pieces of both men's shirts, the Balance's avatar landed right next to Kal Zakath, who, unfortunately was still trying to get free from the coils the Bander had wrapped him in.

BelGarion grinned seeing Kal Zakath's situation. Getting everyone inside the command deck, BelGarion ordered Tia to shut the door.

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 07, 2001).]

It flung him at the nearest wall, which Zakath hit taking two of his men down with him. Fortunately, the force of the impact damaged the bander, causing it to release. The coils unwrapped and fell to the floor. Zakath pulled his two men up and they all opened fire on the Android who was in the middle of killing one of the other Angaraks.
The combined weapons fire shredded the android's head and upper body and it fell to the ground useless

"I am going to kill that cursed Rivan if it is the last thing I ever do" Zakath bellowed.
"Team one, head to the reactors and set them to overload. Destroy the AP valves so the reaction can't be stopped. Team's 2 and 3, get that door down. I want Belgarion's head on a plate!

"Warning! Intruders heading toward reactor core. Warning!" declared the Balance's AI.

Naunet ran to the internal sensors display, "It's right, they'll be at the reactor core shortly."

BelGarion couldn't see any way out, except for the way they had come in. "Perhaps the avatar took care of the Angaraks, and Kal Zakath?" suggested BelGarion, not really believing it.

"I want BelGarion's head on a plate!" said Kal Zakath's voice, through the door.

Prince Kalmiir grinned at his old friend, "I do believe you've managed to upset him."

BelGarion glared at Satin, "Now isn't the time, see if you can't find us another way out of here." Seeing Tia, BelGarion called her over. "Your new job is to make sure that door stays closed."

Walking over to Naunet, "See if the Alorn has any other weapons concealed that might be able to help us." Naunet frowned, but headed toward the ambassador who was still lying on the floor.

Naunet decided she didn't want to get any closer to the Alorn than she was, so she just shook her head at BelGarion and went to the command controls of the ship.

"What do you say we try to get these weapons operational and target Zakath's ship?" she asked. "Think he's fond of it?"

Kalmiir had tried to find another way out, but couldn't. "Sorry, but the only way out is through Kal Zakath's men." Walking over to the sensors display, Satin began searching for other life signs on the ship.

"Well," said BelGarion, to Naunet. "Let's see if we can get Kal Zakath's attention, shall we? Patch me through the whole ship."

Naunet nodded, "Your on."

"This is BelGarion, King of Riva, to Kal Zakath. You may eventually break through, Zakath, but by then it will be too late." Looking at Naunet, he nodded and gave the order. "Fire!"

Kal Zakath heard the sound as the Balance's weapon's fired. "Who are they shooting..." Then it dawned on it, at about the same time he got a distress signal from his ship.

"Mi'lord, the Balance of Judgement is firing heavily on the fleet. Dozens of ships have been destroyed, and the command ship has taken serious damage."

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 09, 2001).]

"Mi'lord? The fleet can't attack the Balance without killing you in the process."

"Not the Balance! Attack the Rivan fleet!" ordered Kal Zakath, cutting the transmission. Turning to the men who were still trying to break through the command doors. "Get those doors open, NOW!"

Kalmiir, shook his head, "The only other life forms on the ship are Angaraks, but, BelGarion, you might want to see this." said Kalmiir bringing up the tactical display readout.

BelGarion saw the Angarak fleet in bad shape, and smiled. Then, the Angaraks turned toward his fleet and began firing. "What the..."

Kalmiir nodded, "Looks like you got Kal Zakath angry alright."

On the tactical display BelGarion watched as his fleet got smaller, and smaller. The Angarak fleet still outnumbered his, it was only a matter of time. "What about your fleet?" asked BelGarion

Satin nodded, "I could send the signal, but Kal Zakath also might have another fleet standing by."

A loud explosion caused BelGarion to turn toward the command doors, just as Tia grabbed Eriond and moved away. "I did everything I could but they are coming through."

The squad Kal Zakath sent reach the reactor core and began their work.

"Warning. Reactor core reaching critical. Warning..." announced the Holographic AI, as the holographic image faded in and out, disappearing altogether.

2BR-O2B realized that this was the best opportunity he was going to get. He was still to damaged to move, but he could powerup the Slipstream drive and engage it. Sending the signal, the Alorn quickly overrode the Balance's security and activated the Slipstream.

As the Balance transitted to slipstream, Kal Zakath's squad, who were sabotaging the reactor were thrown forward by the sudden jump to slip stream. In the process, one of his men, bumped into the device and activated it. Within moments the core began to build up. The process was irreversable, it was only a matter of time now before the reactors reached critical and blew, destroying the ship.

"Warning. Reactor core reaching critical. Warning..." announced the Holographic AI, as the holographic image faded in and out, disappearing altogether.

When the ship lurched to slipstream he swore briefly and urged his troops to work faster so they could get control of the ship's direction.

Suddenly an announcement of something in engineering sounded and Thor growled.

He raised his sub-rifle and took aim, waiting for the Alpha's command to blow the female into small peices.

The shots the Angaraks fired started bouncing all over the place, as they were deflected. BelGarion smirked, "A little precaution I asked Satin to set up, on the off chance you managed to get through."

Kal Zakath growled as he walked closer toward BelGarion, "ECM's aren't 100 percent effective, particularly at this range."

BelGarion nodded, and indicated his sword, which was pointing at Kal Zakath's torso, "And I won't miss either."

Seeing Tia about to open her mouth again and try and tell them how to behave, both BelGarion and Kal Zakath glared at her.

Eriond had ran to the pilot's chair as quickly as he could, hoping to bring the ship back under control. While, out of the corner of his eye, Belgarion noticed both Satin and Naunet taking up defensive positions. "Your move, Kal Zakath." said BelGarion.

[This message has been edited by BelGarion (edited October 10, 2001).]

"There will be no "petty arguments" to continue if we don't leave slipstream soon. This ship is about to be destroyed and I for one do not intend to be destroyed with it."
Zakath replied angrily, eyeing Tia with hostility.
"I have sworn a vendetta against you Belgarion, for what you did to my fleet. But in the interests of my own survival, I'm willing to put that on hold...for now"

He lowered his weapon, holding it casually against his hip.
"It would seem like the best course of action would be to pool our resources and try to get this ship out of slipstream. He smiled coldly at the Rivan monarch. "Then we can go back to trying to kill each other."

Belgarion didn't blink an eyelid. Zakath realised that he was not the fool that Zakath had taken him for. He would have to be careful in his dealings with the Rivan.

"Agreed. We work together to disable this ship, then we go our seperate ways, or finish our little tete-a-tete" Belgarion replied.

"First order of business is to find the nearest system. The reactors will go critical soon" Zakath looked at the child. "Is he capable of navigating"

[This message has been edited by Aurelius (edited October 10, 2001).]

Naunet yanked her out of the earshot of the men, and spoke very calmly and deliberately.

“Do you realize how exceedingly idiotic that little display was? Zakath’s only concern is for himself, and you nearly got the child killed. Do what you want with your own life, but if you dare drag another in on your idiocy again, I’ll kill you myself.”

The younger woman glared at her and began to speak, but Naunet waved a hand at her.

“I don’t want to hear it. And understand one more thing, Miss High and Mighty. No one speaks to the king as if he’s a child in my presence and lives to do so again.” Except me, Naunet thought. “He is a skilled warrior, a man of ethics, bravery, and a keen intellect. He has little need of a scolding from one such as you,” Naunet hissed. “This is your one and only warning. You would do well to heed it.”

Without waiting for an anwer, Naunet turned and moved back to BelGarion’s side, awaiting orders. He looked at her askance, and she just shook her head noncommittally.

[This message has been edited by jaimie (edited October 10, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 11, 2001).]

"The Child appears to be competent at piloting the ship," said BelGarion answering Kal Zakath. Though BelGarion had lowered his sword, he still kept it available, ready to use in a moments notice. He also noticed Kal Zakath keeping his weapon in his hand. This just wasn't going to work, thought BelGarion. Neither Kal Zakath, or himself, would be able to solve their current problem if they had one hand holding weapons.

BelGarion didn't trust Kal Zakath for one moment, but every second they delayed in this standoff was critical. "Since neither of us is going to be the first to put up his weapon, why not put them up together?" said BelGarion.

He saw Kal Zakath's eye's narrow slightly, as if he was readjusting his thinking of something. "Alright."

Kalmiir had already put up his weapon, but kept on hand inside his pocket, where, if he had to, he could bring several nasty surprises to bear.

Once both Kal Zakath and himself had holstered and sheathed their respective weapons, they turned to the problem at hand. BelGarion didn't doubt for one moment that Kal Zakath would betray them, once it was to his advantage. "What exactly have your men done to the reactor?"

BelGarion noticed a slight frown on Kal Zakath's face, which was quickly hidden. "I'm not sure. They were suppose to wait until we were ready to get off."

Turning to Satin, "Check the reactor. See if there is someway to stop it."

Kal Zakath turned to one of his men, "Go with the prince, see that he doesn't get lost." Kal Zakath then turned to Thor, "Get to the shuttles, make sure they are ready for immediate launch."

BelGarion hid his smirk, as he turned to Tia. "Go with the man, see that he doesn't get lost." Two can play that came, thought BelGarion.

Once the situation had become less tense, Naunet moved toward the sensor display terminal. "All the ships circuits have been fried. Whatever sent the Balance into Slipstream, it overrode every system to do it."

BelGarion glanced down to the Alorn Ambassador, lying comatose on the deck. Kal Zakath stood next to BelGarion, "A friend of yours?" asked Kal Zakath, indicating the Alorn.

BelGarion suppressed the smirk he felt coming as he lied to Kal Zakath, "A very close one. I loved him like a brother. But, if I can do that to one I care about, just imagine what I would do to you if you try to betray me and leave us on this doomed ship."

It had taken Eriond a little bit to regain control of the ship, but eventually he did. Still, for some reason he couldn't transit to normal. It was like the ship was stuck in slipstream. "I got control, but I can't go to normal space." announced Eriond, straining to keep control of the ship.

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 11, 2001).]

What did she think? He would agree with her.

"All right boys," Thor said to his squad as he approached the shuttles. "Get these babies ready to roll. You," he turned to the female. "Stay!"

He held his sub-rifle at his hip and glared at the female.

"We will stand here and my men will prep the ship, understood?"

Damn. She was missing something. Something important. She had to focus.

Edit - Thor's bio now added. More pictures to come!

[This message has been edited by jaimie (edited October 11, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 11, 2001).]

Thor placed his hand on his weapon for emphasis and dared the female to try and run...

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 11, 2001).]

"Well, kludge, you were sent with me and you will stay here. Under my supervision. If you attempt to leave, you will be subdued."

Tia turned, anger flashing in her eyes. She defiantely did not appreciate being threatened, nor did she particularly care for being on a ship that was getting ready to blow up. Seeing Thor's hand on his weapon, "You just try it, tree!"

Naunet was frowning at the controls, what was she missing? Eriond should easily be able to transit to normal space...unless. "I've got it!" shouted Naunet, to nobody inparticular. Whatever had caused the Balance to transit, had deliberately shut down a key control. Reactivating the control, the Balance came out of slipstream almost immediately.

IC: Thor growled as the female dared him to move. He saw her hand in her coveralls and knew exactly what she was concealing there.

He was half tempted to shoot her. He wasNietzschean and she wasn't. But that would mean more dead weight.

"Fine. Try any tricks and I kill you, no questions asked."

He shouted an order to his next in command and raised his rifle sights to follow the female.

"Move it."

Tia nervously walked towards her ship. She couldn't draw fast enough to shoot him and live through it.

She had the feeling he knew what was in her pocket but kept her hand gripping the blaster anyway.

She arrived at the point where the ship was docked and pressed the release for the hatch.

"You're following me inside?" She asked coldly.

Thor growled. He want to follow her, he didn't trust her. But that very lack of trust meant that he had to go with her to make sure that she didn't detach from the ship and depressurize the area he occupied.

"Fine, but this stays here." He slapped a small package onto the wall inside her ship. "If I die, this explodes."

Tia narrowed her eyes and looked carefully at the package. She let go of the blaster and removed her hand from her pocket.

"If that's the way you want it." She said as she walked into the ship. "Try not to get in my way."

Tia walked aboard her ship and into the drive section and began setting up the engines for takeoff.

She was surprised the Tree didn't take her weapon, as she could still incapacitate him with it and kick him off the ship.

Her mind played with the ramifications of the idea as she worked.

Thor watched the female carefully, his weapon trained on her body. If her hand slipped inside her coveralls she would be on the ground in moments.

He watched as she fiddled with controls and watched very carefully to ensure she didn't try anything funny.

After completing the setup on the normal engines, Tia set to work on the slipstream drive. She hated this, being watched by a hostile tree. But she had no choice.

After preparing the slipstream drive, she roughly pushed past Thor and headed to the cockpit where she had to tie the engine settings to the controls.

Thor growled loudly as the female pushed past him. He could only imagine the thoughts running through her head; he knew none of them were good.

"How much longer?" He demanded and Tia didn't even bother to glance at him as she pulled out the panel and slid underneath to begin working on the wires.

"As long as it takes."

"If you're bored, you can leave me to my work."

Thor laughed, deep and hard.

"Silly kludge. Do you really think I would leave you alone on your own ship?" He shook his head.

"Work faster," he snarled.

Tia rolled her eyes and slid out from under the console and relpaced the panel.

"I'm done now. What's next, Tree?" Tio asked and Thor growled.[/i]

"Now we return to my troops, Kludge."

He added a snarl to the last word and waved his gun to indicate that she should go first. As she walked past him he stopped her.

"I'll take this," he said as he forced his hand into her pocket and pulled out her blaster.

Tia's eyes blazed, but she kept her temper under control.

She knew she was in deep trouble now.

Outwardly calm, she walked out of the cockpit and on the way out, removed the package from the wall of her ship and stepped outside and held out the package for him to take.

Thor took the package from her hand and then laughed deep and hard at her.

"What is so amusing, Tree?"

He took the package and indicated the small box on it. There was a red light and a green light. The green light blazed.

"You forgot one." He reached back into the ship and pulled out a small item, about the size of his palm. "This would have done alot more damage."

Tia looked at it and her expression hardened.

"Wouldn't one have been enough?" She asked icily.

"I don't trust you. Now move."

Tia turned and walked to the Nietzscheans shuttles and waited.

Naunet glanced up at BelGarion. He was at the tactical controls, and she wondered what he was up to. Zakath was currently looked at a display of the ships systems, as well as the layout. She could only imagine what plans he had.

IC: Tia continued to watch the trees work on thier shuttles. Pretty soon, they had finished and were packing up.

"It looks like they've finished working on your shuttles."

"Your point, kludge?" Thor asked gruffly.

Tia felt her temper rising again.

"My point is that now they've finished, what are you going to do?"

She said it slow and insultingly, as if Thor were incapable of understanding normal speed speech.

"If I had my way, I'd throw you in the hold and take you back as a slave. But, I can't have my way so I'll just wait."

Tia ignored that comment.

"You should report to your boss, underling."

"You should shut your mouth before I shut it for you, Kludge," He said, adding a snarl to the last word.

Tia imitated his snarl as best as a human could.

"I think your great and mighty Zakath would get mad at you if you didn't report to him. Personally, I'd like to see you get a shouting at. So why don't we stay here?" Tia asked, intentionally omitting the 'Kal' as a sign of great disrespect.

His arm raised as if to slap her and he growled, low and threatening.

He was tempted to slap her into the wall and leave her to his men.

Tia didn't know why she was baiting the big Nietzchean. But she ducked away from the upraised arm with surprising agility and laughed.

"To Command, now," he growled.

"I'm heading back to command, no one boards the shuttle unless they are one of ours," Thor told his men as he pushed the female toward the bridge.

Tia kept a reasonable distance from Thor; knowing that she should really tone down on the insults. Afterall, he was the one with a weapon.

"So, Kludge, why do you insist on maintaining your worthless exsistance?"

Tia stopped abruptly in the corridor and turned to look at him, her eyes blazing.

"Because I don't consider my existance worthless."

Thor laughed.

"You have no Pride, nothing to make you 'special' and very little chance of finding a mate for procreation. Nietzscheans would consider that, worthless."

Tia stepped in front of him, blocking his path to the bridge.

"Listen Tree! At least I live my own life the way I want to. Instead of being a semi useless and unnoticable underling of Zakath!"

Thor raised his rifle.

"Do not tempt me, Kludge," he hissed.

To Be Continued...

[This message has been edited by TYRantGriffin (edited October 12, 2001).]

IC: Tia watched the Tree raise his rifle threateningly.

"Typical Tree."

Thor growled and reluctantly lowered his rifle.

"Walk."

Tia took a deep breath and calmed herself. It would not be wise to infuriate an armed Nietzschean.

Seemingly casual, she turned and began walking toward the command deck; even though her heart was pounding, she maintained an indifferent stance.

Thor could hear her heart beating in her chest and knew that she was afraid of him.

Did the Tree sense her fear?

Tia couldn't tell as she tried to settle herself. This was not what she had anticipated when she had flown BelGarion and his team aboard this death trap.

"If you are trying to settle your heart rate, you had best try harder," he snarled.

Tia twitched in surprise and turned her head to stare at him increduoulsly. But when she tried to speak, no words came out.

"Surprised? You shouldn't be," he snarled as he pushed her again.

Tia regained her composure.

"Nietzschean hearing." She grimaced. "A result of the mutations you call genetic engineering no doubt," she added insultingly and Thor growled.

"You fear what is better than you. And you insult what you fear. Interesting."

Tia smiled daringly.

"Better? No, merely an artificially enhanced, jumped up arrogant Tree," she snarled, her infuriation was pushing aside her fear.

"I'm warning you, Kludge, you will be silent or you will be punished."

"Punished? What right have you to punish me? Zakath should punish you for your overpowering audacity!"
Tia shouted, not realizing that she was beginning to lose control.

"I did not say that I would punish you, Kuldge. And when you address the Alpha, you WILL use his proper name! Do you understand?" He demanded, growling as his bone-spurs went into battle-mode.

Tia jumped back out of striking range.

"What do I care for your precious Alpha?"

She prepared herself for combat, sensing he had been pushed to far, and regretting her actions that had brought her here.

"He is a superior being to the likes of you and your 'King.'" Thor spit the last word and growled aggresively.

Tia burst out laughing, her laughter echoing off of the walls.

"You mean BelGarion? Ha ha ha, ignorant Tree! I am a Tolnedran, not a Rivan. I'm a mercenary and bow to no-one!"

"I am my own master, and live my life how I want it to be instead of following someone else's commands, with no regard to my own life. In that way, I am far superior to you!"

"You can never be superior, Kludge," Thor snarled as he stepped closer to her. "Now, you will move or I will subdue you and take you there."

Tia danced lightly out of reach.

"What's the matter, is this little human's remarks bothering you?"

As long as the fight was inevitable, she was determined to get in a few digs.

Thor closed his eyes, listening to her movement, and remembered not to shoot the female.

In a flash Thor jumped forward and kicked at the female's mid-section.

The force of the kick sent her tumbling against the wall, but quickly and fluidly she got up again.

It was time to show her skill in the Martial Arts.

She danced in close and delivered a quick punch to his head and moved back again.

For such a small frame the female delivered a rather powerful punch.

But Thor had taken worse and quickly advanced. One hand out, ready to block, the other ready to strike. He cornered her and slowly started closer.

Tia yelled loudly and dove, knocking Thor's legs out from under him and wheeled around to face him again.

Thor growled and turned.

He advanced once again, deflecting punches and kicks, and then grabbed her by the throat and lifted her to the wall. His much larger body pressed against hers, crushing her to the wall.

"You will BEHAVE!" He shouted in her face.

Tia snarled in fury and sratched his face then her hands shot out and gripped his neck and began to apply the pressure.

"You...will...let...go....of...me....NOW!" She screamed.

Thor's fingers closed around her throat, cutting off the air to her lungs. He felt her hands go around his neck and leaned back while stile pressing her to the wall.

Her shorter arms were forced to let go and he used his free hand to push her arms and shoulders to the wall.

"Behave!" [i]He shouted again.

Tia choked and her eyesight began to go fuzzy. Reluctantly she nodded.

Thor pulled his body off of hers and threw her to the ground.

"Next time you may not be so fortunate," he snarled as he picked up his sub-rifle.

Tia sat up, coughing. She considered attacking him again.

Then a shred of common sense reasserted itself and she realised he was just to big for her to handle.

"Get up and walk."

Tia looked up and him and sniffed.

"And what if I don't?"

"I will break both of your arms."

Tia rolled away and got to her feet.

"I've had enough. I'm returning to my ship."

And before he could react she dodged past him and began walking rather fast down the corridor.

Thor growled, loaded a stun round into his rifle and shot her in the back, the round would keep her immobilized for only half and hour and would kept her conscious.

Tia felt the shot and tumbled to the floor, trying to overcome whatever had been in that shot.

She didn't have much luck, whatever it was, it had gotten her good.

Thor strolled over to the female confidently. He nudged her body with his foot and, finding no response, lifted her to his shoulder and started for command.

Tia wondered how long this effect would last, but for now she was helpless, draped over the Tree's shoulder.

[This message has been edited by TYRantGriffin (edited October 12, 2001).]

Thor ignored the Rivan king. Seeing Naunet approaching BelGarion, "You! That this." demanded Thor, indicating Tia.

Naunet merely looked at Thor, and walked away.

Thor growled, and was about to go after the woman, and throw the Tolnedran at her if need be, when BelGarion's sword was placed against his throat. "I asked you a question. One way or the other I will get an answer, even if it means chopping off your head and looking for it myself."

Seeing Thor's other hand creeping towards his rifle, BelGarion increased the pressure. "I wouldn't."

Just then Satin returned with Zakath's men. Seeing BelGarion, holding his sword to Thor's throat, and Tia drapped across Thor's shoulders, "Ok, what did I miss?"

"Any luck with the reactor?" asked BelGarion, not taking his eyes, or pressure off of Thor.

Satin shook his head, "No. We have to get off of this ship, like now."

Naunet saw Kal Zakath slowly positioning himself near BelGarion, while BelGarion's attention was fixed on Thor. As Kal Zakath took another step toward BelGarion, Naunet raised her weapon toward Kal Zakath. "One more step and your a corpse."

BelGarion grinned, thanking Naunet. "I tell you what, why don't all of us head down to the landing bays. There we can go our seperate ways.

The Rivan fleet had received Naunet's text message, and had entered slipstream on a different heading, attempting to loose the Anagarak fleet.

Svenson dropped Tia in a heap on the floor and stepped away from Belgarion. He walked behind Zakath, covering him with his rifle.

The Rivans weren't too far behind, but they didn't notice Zakath thumbing a control on his wristshield. It sent a signal to his men in the Hangar to begin their work. They ran to Tia's ship and sabotaged the main reactor. The Angaraks got back aboard their own vessels, just Zakath and Belgarion walked in with their respective retinues

"I'd like to say it's been a pleasure Belgarion, but we both know that that's untrue. Have a good voyage." Zakath said, sarcasm dripping off his voice. "Everyone to your ships."

He walked towards the nearest Angarak pod.

As they entered the landing bay, and Kal Zakath ordered everyone to their ships, warning bells sounded inside BelGarion. Kal Zakath had given up way too easily. Something about the whole thing just seemed all wrong. Glancing at Tia's ship, unguarded, BelGarion's suspicions returned in force.

"Not so fast, Kal Zakath." said BelGarion, leading his men toward another Anagarak shuttle.

"What do you think your doing?" demanded Kal Zakath.

BelGarion smirked, "Not that I don't trust you, Kal Zakath. But, well, I don't trust you. Well be taking this shuttle. You and your men are free to use Tia's."

"Out of the question." replied Kal Zakath. Seeing BelGarion ignoring him, "If you attempt to take my shuttle you will be destroyed." Seeing BelGarion still heading toward the shuttle. "Fire!" ordered Kal Zakath, running towards the nearest Anagarak shuttle.

BelGarion and his men returned fire, as they started to make their way toward the Angarak shuttle.

OOC: Tia was conscious during the last couple events so she'd share BelGarion's suspicions about sabotage.

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 13, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 13, 2001).]

He opened fire with his gauss rifle, cutting down one of the Rivans. The man fell with a scream that was suddenly cut short.
One of the Angaraks took a shot to the head and collapsed

Reactor overload in 30 seconds. Evacuate immediately. The Balance reported

"Everyone to your ships. Time to leave." Zakath called. He boarded the Angarak pod and took the pilots position. The pod lifted off, as did the second. But there was a problem with the third. The two Angaraks aboard it were cut down by weapons fire.

"No time to help them. Pod 2 get the hell out and send the locator signal." Zakath ordered, moving the pod out of the Hangar deck. He hit the thrusters as soon as the pod cleared the doors to the bay.

"25 seconds to reactor meltdown." announced the Balance.

BelGarion, realizing that they were out of time, pushed hard toward the last remaining pod. Several Angarak men were already onboard, when the Rivan's attacked in force.
Getting everyone on board was impossible. Several Angaraks realizing that they had no chance of retaking the pod, ran toward Tia's shuttle.

"My ship." said Tia, as she watched some Rivan's follow the Angaraks onboard.

"We'll pick it up later." said BelGarion, hitting the thrusters as soon as the pod cleared the bay doors.

Tia's shuttle was seconds behind. Kal Zakath watch as the third pod left the balance, followed by BelGarion. Grinning to himself, "So long BelGarion." said Kal Zakath.

Seconds later the Balance of Judgement exploded. The force of that explosion sent violent shockwaves toward the four ships. The Tolnedran shuttle, barely surviving the shockwave, suddenly exploded as it's reactor blew.

"Nice try Kal Zakath." said BelGarion's voice over the com.

The anger Kal Zakath felt inside was beyond descripton. "Turn and fire!" ordered Kal Zakath.

"Mi'lord?"

"Do it!" shouted Kal Zakath. He would finish the Rivan king once and for all.

Suddenly several ships exited Slipstream, almost right on top of them. Naunet quickly sent the signal to the Rivan fleet, and the Vale of Aldur, letting them know which ship they were on.

Kal Zakath began to growl, when several more ships exited Slipstream. The Angarak fleet, following the Rivan fleet from a distance, had arrived.

On the tactical display, BelGarion saw the two other pods heading toward Kal Zakath's ship; just as this pod was headed for the Vale of Aldur. Whichever one of them got to their ships first would have a decided advantage. "Looks like it's a race."

Belgarion's pod started to overtake and was slightly in the lead. Suddenly the Torak's Revenge launched a volley of missiles which hit the Vale of Aldur on the port quarter. One of it's engines blew out and it dropped in speed.
The Torak's Revenge pulled ahead and Zakath's pod entered the hangar deck at full speed. Only the AG fields and the crash webbing prevented a serious accident.

Zakath and his men piled out of the pod and raced to Command
"Form up, Delta 2 formation. All fighters attack. Squads two, three and four attack that pod. Destroy it if you can. Missile cruisers, open fire. Stand by to call in the reserves.

The Angarak fleet, utterly enraged by the pounding it had taken, fell upon the Rivans. Ships danced in a deadly game, missiles flashing all over the area.

<OOC- sorry, Belgarion. But I can't let you win every race/contest!!! >

The Rivan fleet fought back as best as they could, but were outnumbered by at least 2 to 1. Prince Kalmiir reached inside his tunic, and sent the signal to his fleet. He only hoped that they had lost the remaining Anagarak fleet they had been monitoring along the way. If they hadn't, things would turn ugly real quick.

Kal Zakath, aboard the Torak's revenge, smiled, seeing victory at hand. Just then Prince Kalmiir's fleet arrived, and attacked the Angarak fleet.

The Torak's Revenge had been hit severely, and it's slipstream drive had been seriously damaged. Kal Zakath saw the fleet of Prince Kalmiir and waited for the rest of his fleet.
As he waited, he cursed. With the arrival of the Drasians, the battle had taken a serious turn for the worst. The Drasian fleet, though loosing ships of their own, seemed to take an almost childlike delight in attacking his ships.

"Mi'lord!" shouted Thor, indicating the main screen.

Kal Zakath watched as the pod BelGarion had stolen was picked up by the vale of Aldur. Clenching and unclenching his fists, Kal Zakath ordered his fleet to an all out attack. Even with the arrival of the Drasian's, the fight was pretty much equal. Once the rest of his fleet arrived, it would again turn in his favor.

BelGarion raced up to the command deck, with Naunet and Kalmiir right behind him. Reaching command, BelGarion quickly realized the situation, and ordered the Rivan fleet to Slipstream.

Seeing the Rivan fleet enter slipstream, and the Drasian's following behind, Kal Zakath snarled. "Follow them!"

"We can't, Mi'lord." said Thor, "Repairing the slipstream drive will take several hours at best."

Shortly after the Rivan and Drasian fleets had left, the remainder of the Angarak fleet arrived. "Where were you?!" snarled Kal Zakath, as Thor opened the communications channel to the fleet.

"Sorry, Mi'lord, but the Drasian's tricked up. When they entered Slipstream, they released several Footprint Magnification Drones. We were following the drones, unaware that it wasn't them when he received your signal."

OCC: Sorry Aurelius, but you really didn't expect BelGarion to wait for the remainder of your fleet, did you?

[This message has been edited by BelGarion (edited October 14, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 14, 2001).]

BelGarion grinned at his long time friend, "I was about to ask you the same thing. Everytime you come around, trouble isn't far behind."

Satin feigned innocence, "What a thing to suggest." said Prince Kalmiir, also grinning.

Tia stepped forward, somewhat angry. "Alright, I helped you get onboard that, that, deathtrap and my ship is now gone." Glaring at BelGarion, "You mentioned we would discuss the price for my services later, well, it's later."

BelGarion saw the corners of Naunet's mouth tighten as she frowned, and shook his head. Naunet nodded, but the look she gave Tia promised a private discussion. "By all means. And, what price do you think is fair?"

Tia pretended to consider the matter, trying to size up BelGarion. "Well, there was the loss of my original cargo, that's going to cost you. Then there was my actually piloting you onto the Balance, and, of course, the loss of my ship. Not to mention...." Tia continued to add up all the little things, until she finally settled on a number.

BelGarion nodded hearing her number. "As it so happens I have a few numbers of my own." Seeing Tia raise an eyebrow, he smiled. "Well there's the matter of the landing bay fee. Not to mention the cargo storage fee, which is adding up even as we speak." Here BelGarion paused, "Just where did you store your cargo, again? I'm afraid some areas of the ship come with higher storage fees."

Tia opened and closed her mouth, trying to form a protest, when Prince Kalmiir, smirking, whispered something in her ear. Tia nodded, "I tell you what, your majesty. Why don't you give me enough to get another ship, and we'll call it even?"

BelGarion nodded, "But, it depends on the price of the new ship."

OOC: OK people, I'm going to be wrapping this RP up shortly, so if you still have posts you want to post, please do so soon.

As Tia and BelGarion bargained back and forth, he could see that Naunet was more than a bit angry at the Tolenedran woman. He smiled as he calmly moved to stand beside her. He watched the two bargain for a bit before speaking, "Naunet, try not to be too hard on her. You know how Tolenedrans are. The bottom line is money. So, this should be expected. Trust Bel to get the better of this deal in the end."

She looked to him with a doubtful glance and he grinned to her, If you do not trust that, then trust your subtle guidance if you will." She looked to him with a little shock on her face. She was about to deny his words when he spoke again, cutting her off. "Relax. But did you think I could not tell your influence on Garion? We are too good of friends for that. For what it is worth, I think it is not a totally bad thing." He chuckled at her look, "In any case, I hope that once things calm down a little we can continue our dinner. You were quite fetching in the dress... and I would like to see you dressed like that more often."

“I…dinner would be fine. If my duties permit, of course. I’ll have to speak with BelGarion…”

“You may leave BelGarion to me,” the Prince said with a wink and a mischievous grin.

Naunet mentally kicked herself. She shouldn’t be accepting this. The man made her feel distinctly uncomfortable. He was brilliant, cunning, and far too secretive for her liking. Surely a man as handsome and powerful as the Prince had no lack of dining partners. And the way he looked at her made her feel decidedly strange. She shook herself out of that line of thought. Perhaps she could get to BelGarion first, and have him make up some reason why she’d be far too busy for such leisurely activities.

Of course, knowing BelGarion, his sick sense of humor would demand that he make her go. Unless she could convince him somehow. She had to. Surely BelGarion wouldn’t truly put her in a situation that she found so disconcerting just for his recent delight in keeping her off kilter. She would make him see reason.

Kal Zakath took the first shuttle down to the planet and went to his Residence. He was greeted warmly by his First Wife and numerous children

"How did it go, My love??" Corenna asked him.

"No better than I expected, but no worse. I have unfinished business with that Rivan and I intend to conclude it.

She looked at him, concern in her eyes.

"Never mind that for now" He smiled at her, taking her into his arms. He scooped up his youngest son and put him on his shoulder, eliciting huge giggles from the child. "We have plenty of time for that later"

<And I am done. Great stuff all-round. Roll on the next one!!!>

[This message has been edited by Aurelius (edited October 15, 2001).]

OOC. No offense Jaimie. Just playing in character.

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 15, 2001).]

He was tired and coudn't get that kludge out of his head.

He wanted her dead so bad that it was eating at him.

"Perhaps next time," he muttered...

(MWAHAHAHA)

BelGarion resisted the urge to point out that he had almost shot her for that little display. "We're heading back home, I'm sure that we'll be able to drop you off at the Tolnedran capitol on our way. As for the bottom price, let's just call say 1 million Rivan Thrones?"

Tia gasped, "Rivan thrones? I couldn't accept anything but Tolnedran Gold crowns."

BelGarion smirked, "Very well, then. 1/2 a million Tolnedran gold crowns."

Tia opened her mouth, but Naunet choose that moment to step forward. "Ah, your Majesty, may I have a word with you?"

BelGarion nodded to Tia, "We'll continue our discussion." Walking with Naunet, "I've been meaning to talk with you about something."

Naunet wasn't surprised. She had badly miscalculated with the Alorn Ambassador, "If it's about the Alorn..."

BelGarion nodded, "As a matter of fact, it is." said BelGarion, looking at Naunet. Seeing Naunet about to apologize, he continued. "I can't help but wonder why the Alorn suddenly changed like that. Do you think it's possible that the Balance of Judgement might have taken control of it?"

Naunet closed her mouth, and looked at BelGarion. That thought hadn't even entered her mind. Of course, BelGarion might be only saying all this to boost her ego, but she doubted it. "Perhaps," mused Naunet. Then suppressing the smile she felt. "Perhaps I should run a full scan of the Alorn, and try to find out what happened?"

BelGarion nodded, as he saw Satin watching them. "By all means, do so when you have free time. If you had plans for later tonight, don't let this interrupt them." Seeing Naunet pause, BelGarion grinned. "Of course, if your looking for an excuse, this would be the perfect one. I'll leave it in your capable hands." Said BelGarion, walking away from Naunet.

As soon as he left Naunet, Tia was right there. "Now, about the 1/2 million gold crowns..."

OOC Griff, do you have something against Tia? If Thor reaaaalllyyyy wants to meet her again, I'm sure we can arange it!

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 15, 2001).]

[This message has been edited by Tio (edited October 15, 2001).]

Naunet walked back over to Kalmiir, fully intent on telling him she didn't have the time to dine with him, and he met her with that knowing grin of his. She sighed.

Tia nodded as she headed toward her quarters, to relax. A half million gold crowns was a decent profit. Perhaps not as much as she liked, but she could make do.

several hours later

Naunet honestly didn't know how Prince Kalmiir had talked her into this again. She had completed her scans of the Alorn ambassador earlier, and was troubled by them. The scans showed some life returning to the Ambassador, but nothing as to the Alorn's programming. If the Balance had taken control, how were they to know it wasn't still inside the Ambassador?

To make matters worse, despite her best efforts, Prince Kalmiir had proven a skilled hunter. Here she was, wearing the dress again, sitting down to dinner with Kalmiir.

Satin smiled, as he held the chair for Naunet, "You look beautiful."

"Thank you," said Naunet, politely. All the while trying to find some excuse to leave early. As luck would have it, that excuse came walking in on it's own, on tiny legs. Naunet smiled, "Hello Eriond. Are you hungry?"

Eriond nodded eagerly, and walked to their table.

Prince Kalmiir sighed, as Naunet began to focus her attention on eriond, and somewhat ignored him. For the first time, Kalmiir resented Eriond's presence.

Naunet, however, was thoroughly enjoying herself as she helped Eriond with his food.

The award for best new writer goes to Griff, for the character of Thor.

The Award for Best Villian goes to Auelies, for the character of Kal Zakath.

The award for best fight scene goes to Jaimie, for having Naunet slap BelGarion. (*grins* I wouldn't make a habbit of that though, )

The award for most insane speech goes to Rebecca, for the character of Tia

And, last but not least, the Award for most evil and sadistic character goes to Griff and Aurelius, for their characters of Kal Zakath and Thor.

Thanks for a great game everyone. Look forward to seeing you all in the CI for Codex, as well as the next Codex RPG.