“To Al!” One of the resistance fighters called out as he held up a glass of Frost Wine. “To Al!” The other soldiers (and some of the masters) called out as their held up their own glasses and took a sip.
The base was bustling with conversation as everyone took a small break to celebrate the life of their fallen comrade. There were, however, no tears as the Joieux were a stone-faced people who didn’t believe in tears. That was, however, except for one person.
“Soldier! Are you...crying?” one of the masters called out, looking at one of the soldiers who indeed had tears running down his face.
“I’m sorry, sir. He was a good friend of mine. I just can’t believe that he’s gone.” he replied as he sobbed a bit more. The masters themselves seemed unsure of what to make of this man, since they believed even their own genetics should have disallowed them from shedding even one tear.
“Maybe...maybe he’s a Jolli in disguise! Only the Jolli scum would think of resorting to shedding tears for another!” Another resistance fighter called out, as others shouted in agreement.
“What’s your name, solider?” Master Krinkus asked, as the soldier mustered up his strength. “Lloyd, sir. Lloyd Christmas.” he replied, as the soldiers gasped at the sound of the name.
“That’s a Jolli name!” a soldier who went under the code name of The Disbeliever shouted, pointing his finger accusingly at the one called Lloyd Christmas.
“Settle down, he could have defected from the Jolli cause.” Another soldier by the name of Holiday Mones called out. “I mean, considering I’m also an escapee from the Jolli, I can sympathize.” he added, as The Disbeliever seemed unconvinced.
“Maybe you’re in cahoots with him. Maybe you’re both spies!” The Disbeliever shouted accusingly, as he turned to the masters.
“Do you really think we’d be that stupid to be spies with names like “Lloyd Christmas” and “Holiday Mones?” Holiday Mones asked, as the soldiers still remained unconvinced.
“Possibly, or you think you’re so clever to make us believe that you’d choose something so obvious to throw us off.” A soldier by the name of Krampus stated, as the other soldiers nodded.
“Silence! Surely you morons realize names mean nothing these days. With defectors and Joieux born from Jolli ancestory, names like this are becoming increasingly common.” Master Hollen stated as he looked toward Master Rudon.
“Indeed. After all, my great grandfather was a Jolli before my grandparents switched sides. In fact, my full name is Master Rudon de Wintmas. My family before my grandparents defected resided on the Jolli-loving planet of Wintreath.” Master Rudon explained, as the soldiers began whispering gossip between each other.
“Enough. The point of the matter is that if we were to look at any of your history or your names, there will always be some link to the Jolli, considering we descended from the ancient Jollijieux. What matters here is our soldier friend here actually showing such an emotion that the Joieux have evolved past.” Master Krinkus explained, as eyes turned back toward the crying resistance fighter.
“What should we do with him?” Master Hollen asked as Master Krinkus tapped his Cane on the ground, the deadly blade of the pike popping out. Without warning, he thrust his Cane into the crying soldier, who died almost instantly. As he died, the licorice black ooze-like blood dripped from him and to the ground, as the soldier melted away.
“Interesting. He wasn’t a spy, simply a defected model.” Master Hollen stated, as Krinkus pulled back his cane and tapped it on the ground again, the blade retracting back into the cane.
“It’s for the best. A defect like that would have ended up bringing us down at some point in our fight.” Krinkus stated as he turned to the rest of the crew. “As for the rest of you, we will find our intruders. You can be sure of that, even if we have to kill you one by one to root you out.” He warned as he and the other masters made their way out of the base.
But before they could make their way completely out, they were stopped by a panicking soldier...the one they had put in charge of communications between themselves and Polaria. Something in his face had told them that the news was severe, as Rudon turned to him. “What is it? What’s happened?”
“Masters...it’s...it’s Polaria."
Meanwhile on Polaria, Grand Councilor Claus had called an emergency meeting with the various councilors.
“What is the meaning of this, Claus?” One of the older Council members called out, as Claus sighed and turned to the members who all sat in their seats that surrounded the large Council headquarters.
“Members of the council, things have become most grave. I’ve received reports that the Jolli are building something that threatens the Joieux’s way of life.” Claus explained, as the council members turned toward each other, whispering with concerned expressions.
“Yes, we’ve heard rumors. Have you heard exactly what it is they’re making?” Council member Colberus Xian asked, as Claus nodded.
“I have.” He said simply as he looked towards the doors. The security at the doors nodded as they locked and bolted each of the doors quietly, making it impossible for any kind of escape. “It seems the Jolli are building something to convert masses of Joieux simultaneously. They’re using the technology of Merrymakers to do so.” he explained, as Council member Noxia Vex seemed confused.
“Merrymakers? I’ve heard of those, but what exactly would they do to benefit the Jolli?” Noxia asked, as Claus reached into his pocket. “Well, I suppose they’d do what they were intended, but with an added kick.” he started as he pulled out what looked to be like a Merrymaker...but this one was built much differently than the others with a button on the top of it.
The security at the top of the steps each put on masks, as Claus himself pulled out as mask as well and put it on. “You could say that they broaden your horizons. One touch by the Bellstar’s pure light will help you see the light that the Jollis wish to show you. Just like the gas of this Blissmaker.”
Realizing what was happening, the council members immediately attempted to retreat the building, blocked by the locked doors that kept them inside. Grand Councilor Claus then pressed the button on his Blissmaker, as a pleasant smelling light-blue gas came out, filling the room almost instantly.
Struggling to hold their breaths and cover their mouths, the council members one by one succumbed to the gas, each of feeling as if a large weight was being lifted...as if a dark veil was suddenly being removed from their eyes and their bodies able to move freely. As the gas seeped into them, their blood began to change to the bright red-colored blood that gave the sweet smell of cinnamon. They were all turning into Jolli, each of them feeling as if they were truly free.
The gas disappeared, as the Council took their seats once more, this time with a much less constrained, more fluid movement. Claus and the security took off their masks, as he walked back to his podium. “My friends, the time of the Jolli is at hand! We will reclaim the galaxy in the name of peace and love, even if we have to do it by force!” he stated as the council gave support in unanimous applause.
“Masters...it’s...it’s Polaria.” The communications soldier hesitated saying as he turned to Master Krinkus. “The council has been infiltrated, and Polaria has been taken over by the Jolli.” the soldier stated, as Rodun could barely hold himself up at this news.
“It was Grand Councilor Claus...wasn’t it?” Hollen asked, as the soldier nodded in response. “He’s now Emperor Claus, by unanimous vote of the council and by support of the people of Polaria.” the soldier added.
“Damnit. Why hasn’t the royal family fought this?” Krinkus asked, as the soldier’s expression turned even more solemn.
“The royal family has...succumbed to the Jolli influence as well.” the soldier explained as the masters seemed alarmed at this notion. “How is that possible? Laurentia has always been strongly under our influence. How in Polaria did they succumb to the Jolli?” Hollen asked.
“It seems the Princess herself was converted to the side of the Jolli, and nobody questioned her when she made it home. She herself then converted the King and Queen, as well as the soldiers. Only one soldier managed to make it to Polaria before even it fell.”
“Where is he now?” asked Master Rudon.
“He’s currently in the medical wing, sir. He was weak, but he was able to escape from Polaria when it fell (he seems rather good at doing that), but he was able to make it here.” the soldier explained as Rudon thought to himself.
“Good, see to him, and prepare the others for battle. It’s time for us to fight for our city back.” Rudon commanded as the other masters nodded in agreement.
North, aka Lloyd Christmas, a Resistance Fighter, was thought to be a Jolli Lord because he's able to cry, and was thus executed by Master Krinkus.
Alright all, it's time for a Battle Phase! We're heading out to take back Polaris from the Jolli scum!
This would be the perfect time for the Watcher to scan a player. Maybe you'll get some insight on the Jolli, or better yet find someone to help you take them down.
Likewise, it's also a good time for the Krinkle Brothers to send some insight as to who they want to protect during the battle.
I shouldn't have to mention this, but beware because the Jolli Lords will be using this time to try to convert someone to their side...which is pretty much death.
Finally, also remember that Merin Noel is still out there. He'll have 2 objectives to complete tonight: One involving the mask he was given in the last Battle Phase, and the other...well, you'll find out when he makes his choice for the second one.
This battle should be over by 8:30AM PST on Tuesday, 12/11/2018, so be sure to get your choices in before that deadline!