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Darrin Drader's Post Apocalyptic Story Hour - Updated 09/10/2005
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<blockquote data-quote="Darrin Drader" data-source="post: 1927737" data-attributes="member: 7394"><p>Chapter 3</p><p>Dance With The Devil</p><p> </p><p>Today</p><p> </p><p>Stone clutched his grandfather’s journal in his left hand as he briskly walked the brick pathway up the hill towards the Lord Mayor’s manor. Personal feelings aside, they had something of value to offer one another. The fact that he was already considered a loyal soldier would only improve his chances of success. The pathway ended at the foot of a short set of stairs which led to the an enormous deck that was attached to the house. Although the décor was meant to remind visitors of pastoral scenes from pre-fall times, the illusion was shattered by the presence of the Lord Mayor’s elite armed guards. Two leather-clad men were visible, likely ready to draw their weapons at the first sign of trouble. Stone suspected that there were at least four more observing his approach from unseen posts. </p><p> </p><p>The Lord Mayor’s personal guards were ex-warriors with roughly the same amount of combat experience as him. Each of them had survived anywhere from two to four years at the outpost; something that was only accomplished by individuals who possessed superior combat senses and incredible luck. Stone had served with several of the men who were now in the service of the Lord mayor, and he could likely become one himself if he so chose. As he reached the end of the pathway, he stopped short.</p><p> </p><p>“Whoa soldier,” said one of the guards on the deck. “What are you doing here?”</p><p> </p><p>Stone lifted his grandfather’s journal above his head. “I have some information that would be incredibly valuable to the Lord mayor.”</p><p> </p><p>“Well done,” said the guard. “Give it to me and I’ll give it to him.”</p><p> </p><p>Stone shook his head. “No. I want to speak with him myself.”</p><p> </p><p>The guard laughed. “You look familiar. Didn’t you grow up here? You should know that you can’t just demand an audience with the Lord Mayor.”</p><p> </p><p>“Nevertheless,” said Stone, “He will be interested in the information contained in this journal, but I’m not about to hand it over without speaking to him first.”</p><p> </p><p>“Sorry, those are the rules,” said the guard.</p><p> </p><p>Stone smiled. “Rules are meant to be broken. <span style="font-size: 10px">What do you think the Lord Mayor will do to the grunt who kept this information from him because he was too bent on some stupid protocol... I wouldn't like to be that grunt, that's for sure....</span>”</p><p> </p><p>The guards looked at each other. “I’ll go talk to him,” said the other guard, who promptly disappeared through the door. Stone stared down the guard he had been speaking with. He knew that the guard respected him, but also expected him to acquiesce to his rank. Stone had no intention of giving him that satisfaction. He would only offer respect if an equal amount was first given to him.</p><p> </p><p>The guard who had disappeared into the manor returned a couple minutes later. “The Lord Mayor has instructed that you be shown to the dining room.”</p><p> </p><p>“Interesting," the other guard spat. "Just remember to mind your manners,” </p><p> </p><p>“Of course,” Stone said, flashing the man an overly broad grin. The guard scowled as they passed through the doorway.</p><p>From the moment they entered, it was obvious by the interior that the manor belonged to someone with wealth. The room was lit by a chandelier, which was suspended roughly twenty feet overhead. An elegant curving staircase rose from the right side of the room to a balcony overlooking the common room. Two attractive women, both dressed in frilly gowns, casually observed Stone as he entered. One whispered to the other, and they both giggled. Stone followed the guards straight ahead and into a long corridor that ended in a double door.</p><p> </p><p>The guards opened the door to reveal a long polished cherry wood dining table surrounded by high-backed chairs. At the far end sat the Lord Mayor. He was a man with gray-shot black hair that framed a stern face. Despite the finery of this house, he wore military garb, which consisted of steel plated armor, black pants with bulletproof plates sewn in, and boots. Stone had seen the Lord Mayor before, and he was always impressed by the incredible sense of confidence this man exuded. Despite the fact that he had taken many of the town’s women into his harem, many of the town’s residents admired, trusted, and even loved this man. Regardless, Stone would kill him in a heartbeat if the right opportunity presented itself.</p><p> </p><p>“Welcome,” said the Lord Mayor with a smile. “Please take a seat. Dinner will be served shortly. You are welcome to stay and eat.”</p><p> </p><p>“Thank you,” Stone replied.</p><p> </p><p>“I recognize you as the soldier who returned home after the death of his father. A pity. You have my condolences.”</p><p> </p><p>“I appreciate that,” said Stone. “I would like to thank you for attending the funeral.”</p><p> </p><p>“He served as a soldier in my army, so it was the least I could do. I also understand that you have spent three years at the Outpost yourself. Your sense of duty and your ability to survive are admirable,” said the Lord Mayor.</p><p> </p><p>Two women dressed similarly to the ones Stone had previously seen on the balcony entered the room and deposited succulent steak dishes in front of the two men seated at the table. Stone inhaled the aroma, then grabbed his fork and knife and began cutting into the piece of meat.</p><p> </p><p>“I appreciate your hospitality,” said Stone as he savored a bite. The meat was pink in the middle, and quite juicy.</p><p> </p><p>“It’s the least I could do, but I am curious as to the matter that has brought you here,” said the Lord Mayor.</p><p> </p><p>Stone forced himself to swallow quickly so he could begin to present his find. “My grandfather, as I’m sure you well know, was a bit of a historian. He researched a number of pre-war matters and even wrote a couple of books that are in the library today. He left my father his old journal. I never looked at it when I was younger. My father forbade me to, but I inherited it with my father’s death.”</p><p> </p><p>The Lord Mayor nodded as he applied a dark sauce to his steak. “Would you like some?” he asked.</p><p> </p><p>Stone shook his head. “I prefer the natural taste of beef.” He continued on, “So I’ve been looking this over, and within is something that could quickly win our conflict against the mutie barbarians.”</p><p> </p><p>The Lord Mayor raised an eyebrow. “Do tell.”</p><p> </p><p>“Within this book are maps that reveal the location of a hidden military base. According to my grandfather’s research, before the great war, it was the site of an advanced weaponry research and development site.”</p><p> </p><p>“Interesting. Tell me more.”</p><p> </p><p>“The journal goes into great detail about the specifics of the base. Apparently it was originally staffed by scientists, but it was guarded by automatons. More than likely they’re still there, though they’re probably malfunctioning by now. He has security codes that should open up the doors and other codes that will allow a person to be recognized as friendly by the guardian machines. He spent years of his life tracking down all of this information and accumulating it here.”</p><p> </p><p>“I can see how there could be a value here,” conceded the Lord Mayor. “I know that our current level of technology is probably that of society a hundred years before the great war. Something like this could potentially outfit our forces with the firepower and protection they need to finally turn the tide against the mutants.”</p><p> </p><p>“There is a catch,” Stone said. “This facility lies deep in the heart of enemy territory.”</p><p> </p><p>“And how do we know that our enemy hasn’t found it already?”</p><p> </p><p>“Because our enemy is resorting to more and more primitive weapons. They once carried rifles, but now many of the carry bows and arrows. Some fight with clubs in man-to-man combat. If the enemy had found this base, they would use this technology against us.”</p><p> </p><p>“And how do we know that this place still exists?”</p><p> </p><p>Stone sighed. “We don’t. But it’s a risk I feel we need to take.”</p><p> </p><p>“I see,” said the Lord Mayor between bites. “So you have come to me to see if I am willing to commit forces to help you unearth this veritable treasure trove?”</p><p> </p><p>“Yes. I am willing to go, but I’ll need some help.”</p><p> </p><p>“An interesting dilemma. Do I commit some of my men for the chance to acquire the technology that we need, or do I preserve my forces, given the fact that they are already stretched thin?” the Lord Mayor commented. “What do you think you’ll need to complete your mission?”</p><p> </p><p>“I feel that a small force will stand a much better chance of moving into the Wildlands undetected. I think no more than five people will be necessary. Among them, I will need an engineer. The other four should be the best warriors you can spare.”</p><p> </p><p>“A tall order,” the Lord Mayor commented. “I shall have to consider this. Of course I also want to study at the journal tonight, if you don’t mind.”</p><p> </p><p>“With all due respect,” said Stone, “the book stays with me.”</p><p> </p><p>“Then you shall be my guest tonight, and tomorrow you will have the journal back, along with my answer… if that is acceptable.”</p><p> </p><p>Stone said nothing for a long moment. If he expected the Lord Mayor to trust him, he would also need to display some level of trust as well. “Very well,” he grudgingly agreed.</p><p> </p><p>“I understand that this is a family heirloom, and it will be treated with due respect,” the Lord Mayor assured him. The Lord Mayor stood up, walked to Stone’s side of the table, and grabbed the journal. “As soon as you are done eating, you will be shown to the room you will stay in tonight.”</p><p> </p><p>“Thank you,” Stone said.</p><p> </p><p>The Lord Mayor then walked out of the dining room, and Stone continued to nervously eat.</p><p> </p><p>***</p><p> </p><p>The room Stone was shown to was on the opposite side of the manor from the Lord Mayor’s bedroom. It was dark, due to the oak paneling in the room. A pair of oil lamps illuminated the room, the most comfortable bed Stone had ever felt lay along the wall. There was little to do, and his battle wounds still hurt, so he lay down, closed his eyes, and promptly fell asleep.</p><p>He wasn’t sure how long he was out, but his rest was interrupted by a light knock at the door. “Come on in,” Stone said.</p><p> </p><p>He watched the doorknob slowly turn, and the door opened just wide enough for a petite figure wearing a revealing evening gown to slip in. In an instant he recognized the woman who stood before him. </p><p> </p><p>“Hello Alexander. It’s been a long time.”</p><p> </p><p>“Mali,” he breathed.</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Darrin Drader, post: 1927737, member: 7394"] Chapter 3 Dance With The Devil Today Stone clutched his grandfather’s journal in his left hand as he briskly walked the brick pathway up the hill towards the Lord Mayor’s manor. Personal feelings aside, they had something of value to offer one another. The fact that he was already considered a loyal soldier would only improve his chances of success. The pathway ended at the foot of a short set of stairs which led to the an enormous deck that was attached to the house. Although the décor was meant to remind visitors of pastoral scenes from pre-fall times, the illusion was shattered by the presence of the Lord Mayor’s elite armed guards. Two leather-clad men were visible, likely ready to draw their weapons at the first sign of trouble. Stone suspected that there were at least four more observing his approach from unseen posts. The Lord Mayor’s personal guards were ex-warriors with roughly the same amount of combat experience as him. Each of them had survived anywhere from two to four years at the outpost; something that was only accomplished by individuals who possessed superior combat senses and incredible luck. Stone had served with several of the men who were now in the service of the Lord mayor, and he could likely become one himself if he so chose. As he reached the end of the pathway, he stopped short. “Whoa soldier,” said one of the guards on the deck. “What are you doing here?” Stone lifted his grandfather’s journal above his head. “I have some information that would be incredibly valuable to the Lord mayor.” “Well done,” said the guard. “Give it to me and I’ll give it to him.” Stone shook his head. “No. I want to speak with him myself.” The guard laughed. “You look familiar. Didn’t you grow up here? You should know that you can’t just demand an audience with the Lord Mayor.” “Nevertheless,” said Stone, “He will be interested in the information contained in this journal, but I’m not about to hand it over without speaking to him first.” “Sorry, those are the rules,” said the guard. Stone smiled. “Rules are meant to be broken. [size=2]What do you think the Lord Mayor will do to the grunt who kept this information from him because he was too bent on some stupid protocol... I wouldn't like to be that grunt, that's for sure....[/size]” The guards looked at each other. “I’ll go talk to him,” said the other guard, who promptly disappeared through the door. Stone stared down the guard he had been speaking with. He knew that the guard respected him, but also expected him to acquiesce to his rank. Stone had no intention of giving him that satisfaction. He would only offer respect if an equal amount was first given to him. The guard who had disappeared into the manor returned a couple minutes later. “The Lord Mayor has instructed that you be shown to the dining room.” “Interesting," the other guard spat. "Just remember to mind your manners,” “Of course,” Stone said, flashing the man an overly broad grin. The guard scowled as they passed through the doorway. From the moment they entered, it was obvious by the interior that the manor belonged to someone with wealth. The room was lit by a chandelier, which was suspended roughly twenty feet overhead. An elegant curving staircase rose from the right side of the room to a balcony overlooking the common room. Two attractive women, both dressed in frilly gowns, casually observed Stone as he entered. One whispered to the other, and they both giggled. Stone followed the guards straight ahead and into a long corridor that ended in a double door. The guards opened the door to reveal a long polished cherry wood dining table surrounded by high-backed chairs. At the far end sat the Lord Mayor. He was a man with gray-shot black hair that framed a stern face. Despite the finery of this house, he wore military garb, which consisted of steel plated armor, black pants with bulletproof plates sewn in, and boots. Stone had seen the Lord Mayor before, and he was always impressed by the incredible sense of confidence this man exuded. Despite the fact that he had taken many of the town’s women into his harem, many of the town’s residents admired, trusted, and even loved this man. Regardless, Stone would kill him in a heartbeat if the right opportunity presented itself. “Welcome,” said the Lord Mayor with a smile. “Please take a seat. Dinner will be served shortly. You are welcome to stay and eat.” “Thank you,” Stone replied. “I recognize you as the soldier who returned home after the death of his father. A pity. You have my condolences.” “I appreciate that,” said Stone. “I would like to thank you for attending the funeral.” “He served as a soldier in my army, so it was the least I could do. I also understand that you have spent three years at the Outpost yourself. Your sense of duty and your ability to survive are admirable,” said the Lord Mayor. Two women dressed similarly to the ones Stone had previously seen on the balcony entered the room and deposited succulent steak dishes in front of the two men seated at the table. Stone inhaled the aroma, then grabbed his fork and knife and began cutting into the piece of meat. “I appreciate your hospitality,” said Stone as he savored a bite. The meat was pink in the middle, and quite juicy. “It’s the least I could do, but I am curious as to the matter that has brought you here,” said the Lord Mayor. Stone forced himself to swallow quickly so he could begin to present his find. “My grandfather, as I’m sure you well know, was a bit of a historian. He researched a number of pre-war matters and even wrote a couple of books that are in the library today. He left my father his old journal. I never looked at it when I was younger. My father forbade me to, but I inherited it with my father’s death.” The Lord Mayor nodded as he applied a dark sauce to his steak. “Would you like some?” he asked. Stone shook his head. “I prefer the natural taste of beef.” He continued on, “So I’ve been looking this over, and within is something that could quickly win our conflict against the mutie barbarians.” The Lord Mayor raised an eyebrow. “Do tell.” “Within this book are maps that reveal the location of a hidden military base. According to my grandfather’s research, before the great war, it was the site of an advanced weaponry research and development site.” “Interesting. Tell me more.” “The journal goes into great detail about the specifics of the base. Apparently it was originally staffed by scientists, but it was guarded by automatons. More than likely they’re still there, though they’re probably malfunctioning by now. He has security codes that should open up the doors and other codes that will allow a person to be recognized as friendly by the guardian machines. He spent years of his life tracking down all of this information and accumulating it here.” “I can see how there could be a value here,” conceded the Lord Mayor. “I know that our current level of technology is probably that of society a hundred years before the great war. Something like this could potentially outfit our forces with the firepower and protection they need to finally turn the tide against the mutants.” “There is a catch,” Stone said. “This facility lies deep in the heart of enemy territory.” “And how do we know that our enemy hasn’t found it already?” “Because our enemy is resorting to more and more primitive weapons. They once carried rifles, but now many of the carry bows and arrows. Some fight with clubs in man-to-man combat. If the enemy had found this base, they would use this technology against us.” “And how do we know that this place still exists?” Stone sighed. “We don’t. But it’s a risk I feel we need to take.” “I see,” said the Lord Mayor between bites. “So you have come to me to see if I am willing to commit forces to help you unearth this veritable treasure trove?” “Yes. I am willing to go, but I’ll need some help.” “An interesting dilemma. Do I commit some of my men for the chance to acquire the technology that we need, or do I preserve my forces, given the fact that they are already stretched thin?” the Lord Mayor commented. “What do you think you’ll need to complete your mission?” “I feel that a small force will stand a much better chance of moving into the Wildlands undetected. I think no more than five people will be necessary. Among them, I will need an engineer. The other four should be the best warriors you can spare.” “A tall order,” the Lord Mayor commented. “I shall have to consider this. Of course I also want to study at the journal tonight, if you don’t mind.” “With all due respect,” said Stone, “the book stays with me.” “Then you shall be my guest tonight, and tomorrow you will have the journal back, along with my answer… if that is acceptable.” Stone said nothing for a long moment. If he expected the Lord Mayor to trust him, he would also need to display some level of trust as well. “Very well,” he grudgingly agreed. “I understand that this is a family heirloom, and it will be treated with due respect,” the Lord Mayor assured him. The Lord Mayor stood up, walked to Stone’s side of the table, and grabbed the journal. “As soon as you are done eating, you will be shown to the room you will stay in tonight.” “Thank you,” Stone said. The Lord Mayor then walked out of the dining room, and Stone continued to nervously eat. *** The room Stone was shown to was on the opposite side of the manor from the Lord Mayor’s bedroom. It was dark, due to the oak paneling in the room. A pair of oil lamps illuminated the room, the most comfortable bed Stone had ever felt lay along the wall. There was little to do, and his battle wounds still hurt, so he lay down, closed his eyes, and promptly fell asleep. He wasn’t sure how long he was out, but his rest was interrupted by a light knock at the door. “Come on in,” Stone said. He watched the doorknob slowly turn, and the door opened just wide enough for a petite figure wearing a revealing evening gown to slip in. In an instant he recognized the woman who stood before him. “Hello Alexander. It’s been a long time.” “Mali,” he breathed. [/QUOTE]
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