Character Name: Jiji


Character Source: Studio Ghibli Universe/Kiki's Delivery Service


Character History:

Jiji's story starts with him being the companion of Kiki, a witch in training.
He has been through a series of adventures with Kiki, from which he nearly hasn't returned.
In recent years he has become somewhat more catlike, as opposed to having regular conversations with Kiki, and
settled down with his white companion, Lily, with whom he has 4 kittens now.

Jiji has always been quick witted yet humble, cautious yet curious.
He is swift and adorable to both strangers and those who know him. Kiki is the only human who understands Jiji can talk, and this, among other things, has created a special bond between them.

Jiji was pulled into the Omniverse during a delivery with Kiki. Kiki was flying on her broom on a route which took them through some mountains, where there was a tug in the gravity around them.
She  swerved out of the way when she felt the pull, like a gigantic, invisible hand grasping at her. Jiji meanwhile, did not have the weight or strength to clutch onto the broom and was pulled off into the unknown.
Everything was a blur, he  was being tossed around in a cyclone, already fearing his fate.

Suddenly he felt like a burst of energy had shot into his heart, he was still being blown around and around, yet he no longer felt fear. He somehow knew he would survive.
It was such an empowering sensation. He felt like he could do anything; His body felt lighter yet larger, he stretched out his claws whilst flying around and the sharpness glinted in what little light he had.

He had more energy, more confidence and he truly felt like he was in charge, despite his incredible surroundings.
The cyclone stopped. Jiji was floating in the centre and started slowly sinking lower and lower.
As the wind and wreckage dissipated Jiji heard a booming, echoing voice, as he stood in his new found strength:

My name is Omni...!

Physical Description:
Jiji is a male cat. He has black eyes, black fur and is often seen sporting a red bow-tie. Before he was pulled into the Omniverse he weighed ca. 4kg and was about 26cm tall and 53cm long, not including his tail which separately is 24cm long.  He grew in size and strength after appearing in the Omniverse and now is above average for a cat. His current weight is 5.8kg and is 38cm tall and 65cm long with a tail span of ca. 40cm. His claws are 3.7 cm long and razor sharp, with a similar consistency to steel. His balance and agility make him physically ideal for stealth and suppot


Stats:

Atk: 3

Def: 2

Spd: 5

Tec: 0

Starting Proficiency: (1000)
Physical Strength – 1000 OM

Starting Powers/Moves:  (3600)
Burst Movement – 800 OM
Growth – 800 OM
Master Super Jumping – 800 OM
Stealth – 1200 OM



I confirm that I have read and agreed to the Rules of Conduct.

Another year of challenges ahead of us. But before we can continue on, we must determine our next set of winners!

For those of you who are unaware, the Accolades involve nominating (and later, voting for) those who have outdone themselves in a particular area each month. For variety's sake, the categories for each month may be different.

You have until February 17th to nominate your choices. After that, we will proceed to the voting phase where members will vote among the two individuals with the most nominations for each category. An exception to this is if someone manages to get 5+ more nominations than the runner-up, in which case that person becomes the winner by default.

If you wish to participate, think of who stood out the most in a particular category this month and post your choice, along with a 2-3 sentence long explanation, in this thread. You are not barred from nominating your own characters/threads, nor do you have to fill out all the categories.

The winners will become this month's "Community Stars". And what benefits does this bring? Here is an explanation, courtesy of Alex:

(07-26-2016, 11:34 AM)Alex Wrote: As part of being voted as a Community Star/User of the Month (I use the terms interchangeable mainly because Community Star is less formal-sounding than User of the Month), these members gain a color (you must select this in your User CP) and access to the Omni-World R&D forum.  In the past this was my pseudo-private forum, but it's now a place for myself and others to discuss the Omniverse.  This is also the meeting place/brainstorming area for Story Aides and Story Guides, so for all intents and purposes, winning an accolade lets you become a pseudo-Story Aide for the duration of your reign.

Forum access is for the month following a member's selection as a Community Star, and this is irregardless of which 'accolade' you were selected for.

Character name:Harry Potter

Character source: The Harry Potter Franchise and related sources

Character history:

Harry James Potter, sometimes called The Boy Who Lived, is a near-messianic figure to a secret society of magic users. He is famous among the wizarding community for twice killing the Dark Wizard known as Voldemort, and, some say, for saving all of magical Britain. When Harry first killed Voldemort, he was a one-year-old infant. Although Voldemort killed Harry's parents that night, Voldemort's curse on Harry rebounded and killed Voldemort instead. Sixteen years later, Harry Potter dueled and killed Voldemort at the Battle of Hogwarts. He is a graduate of Gryffindor House at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, he was the Seeker and Captain of the Gryffindor Quidditch team, the 125th Champion of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, and leader of the resistance group Dumbledore's Army. He vanished at some point in the year 2000, two years after the final defeat of Voldemort, and neither the public nor his close friends and family members know where he is now. But these are all things you can learn from the back of a chocolate frog card.

Harry James Potter is a deeply troubled young man who, due to his bravery and compassion, has already overcome adversities most people will never have to experience in their lifetime. At the time of his abduction into the Omniverse, at age twenty, Harry Potter has already reached a satisfying catharsis to his ongoing battle with Lord Voldemort, and is starting to build the family he never had with his high-school sweetheart Ginny Weasly. Harry Potter is not the shy orphan he was when he walked into Hogwarts at age ten, or the fiery rebel he was when he defied the Ministry of Magic at age fifteen, or even the relentless crusader of righteousness he was when he fulfilled his destiny and defeated Lord Voldemort for good at age seventeen. THIS Harry James Potter is a little more mature, a little less adventurous, and a little more confident in who he is.

Physical Description:

[spoiler][/spoiler]

Stats:
ATK: 3
DEF: 3
SPD: 1
TEC: 3

Starting Proficiencies: Ranged Proficiency (1000) Remote Control Proficiency (600) Ranged Materialize Proficiency (600)

Starting Powers: Basic Telekinesis (400), Stealth (1200)

Starting Moves: Stunning Spell (300), Sectumsempra (300), Incendio Oppungo (300)

I confirm that I have read and agreed to the Rules of Conduct. Confirmed!

Where did you find us? HI IT'S ME LUCI HI!




Stunning Spell (300) Requires Ranged Proficiency- This spell requires that Harry aim his wand and perform the incantation 'Stupefy', a process which takes three seconds, after which a bullet-sized projectile of red light shoots from the tip of his wand towards where he aims. It moves at about the speed of an arrow. If the projectile hits its intended target, the target is hit with a kind of magical blunt-force-trauma that doesn't leave any recognizable marks. This spell can be cast three times in a ten second period. It has a range of about 100 feet.



Sectumsempra (300) Requires Ranged Proficiency- This spell requires that Harry aim his wand and perform the incantation 'Sectumsempra', a process which takes four seconds, after which a sword-sized projectile of silver light shoots from the tip of his wand towards where he aims. It moves at about the speed of an arrow. If the projectile hits its intended target, the target is gouged with deep wounds. This spell can be cast twice in a ten second period. It has a range of about 60 feet.





Incendio Oppungo (300) Requires Ranged Proficiency, Remote Control Proficiency, Ranged Materialize Proficiency- This spell requires that Harry aim his wand and perform the incantation 'Incendio Oppungo', a process which takes six seconds, after which a ball of fire in the shape of a lions head manifests and charges a target. It moves at the speed of a lion. Harry must concentrate on the lion, fueling it and directing it's movements with his wand. If he is damaged or otherwise distracted the spell fails. The lion may attack four times before Harry cannot fuel it any longer. Harry can only cast this spell once per day, as it is very draining.





Summoning Charm (0)- An adaption of Harry's Basic Telekinesis that provides no benefit in combat. Harry names an object, for example a broom, along with the incantation Accio, and an object flies directly into Harry's hand.

Lumos (0)- Creates a small light at the end of Harry's wand.

Opening Charm (0)- A spell that allows Harry to open mundane locks.

Decided to compile this for newcomers to the city. Not promises this'll stay in Omniverse discussion. Kind of rushed it a bit so some typos, but I hope it helps!







How did Ambrosia come to be?

The city was originally a colony of bigot capital of the Omniverse; Berry Blitzkrieg. Went under the name Langweilig back then. Like their mother city, much of the populace carried heavy hatred for non-humans, however there was a rebel group of younger individuals that were far more liberal minded.

One day, two primes, a noted tyrant named Gilgamesh and an infamous freak of nature named Guu designated town square as their battleground. Most of the town fled back to Berry Blitzkrieg, while the more rebellious teens stayed behind to record the fight for youtube. Most of the footage was lost due to the interference of one Karl Jak.

Of the citizens that fled, the first ones the arrive in Berry Blitzkrieg were immediately arrested for crimes such as tax evasion, stealing funds, and bribing orc leaders. When word spread between the refugees of the arrests, they spread all over the Omniverse to escape persecution.

Langweilig was left entirely in the hands of a group of teenagers. They turned to Guu for guidance, leading to the nickname of “Princess Guu.”

The “princess” came up with their new name of Ambrosia, summoned a palace to serve as the city’s centerpiece, and offered her likeness for t-shirt sales. The first non-humans to become citizens were a large group of animal people who were lost in the nearby haunted forest. The second group were a bunch of moogle merchants that settled down. This followed by a group of pokemon who wanted to form a film troupe. It all snowballed from there until it became the crazy hodgepodge we have today.





What happens when I first arrive in Ambrosia?

The description given in the Tangled info holds true. Use your imagination, Ambrosia is a crazy place. If you want to talk to a house plant that’s hopping around the ground in it’s pot, you can do it! It’s also a very tight nit community. Word often travels fast when a newcomer comes to town, especially if you’ve made it blatantly obvious you’re a prime. There’s a good chance you’ll be asked to visit the palace.

When Guu isn’t around, you’ll meet her Second in Command Sylvia Black. She’s kind of a punk rocker girl who’s uncharacteristic organizational skills made her the defacto leader. She’ll explain what Ambrosia is (a sanctuary for the odd is the most basic answer) and may go into the history of the place. If you admit to being new in the Omniverse, she’ll explain what that is too, emphasising that you’re previously established prejudices may now be invalid in this world.

If you have lost loved ones, she’ll offer to run a search in Ambrosia’s databanks as well as the Dataverse for them if you so desire, as well as agree to keep an eye out for them in the future. Considering Sylvia lost her parents in the Langweilig arrests mentioned above, she tends to hold to her word here.

If you need an in-universe explanation to have a communicator/dataverse device, she’s fine with giving phones to first timers. Considering how heavily the dataverse plays into the city, this is considered a fair investment. (Though, be sure to purchase the DV/COM OOC before using it.)





What should I expect of the culture?

Should be noted that 80% of the city’s population are vegetarian (fish is an exception usually.) Most restaurants often restrict serving meat, either keeping it off menu, only serving it late in the evening, or not offering it at all. This is a result of having most of your neighbors looking like the food you’re eating. While many in the city accept this as irrational as there are generally thousands of years of evolution between animal people and the animals you eat, but it’s still weird to many of them. The only place that openly serves meat is the Loco Lobo, which is located in the outer edges of town.

Most everyone uses a Dataverse Device/Communicator. Texting, tweeting, blogging are all common place amongst the populace. Many are simple farmers trying to make a living, while others are trying become successful in a new business, or famous in some sort of artform. Ambrosia is an ever growing place and many come just to make it big in a new economy.





What is the legal system like?

The royal guard serve as the police force of the city. Their captain is former Guu travel companion Nyeseth. Through his guidance and because of technology provided by merchants, the guard has become competent enough to qualify as tier 3 defenses OOC and easily defend the city from orc attacks.

A guard usually wear full body armor, usually with magical resistances to protect against supernatural attacks as well. Each member of the guard dawns Ambrosia’s symbol over their hearts which is a good sign that they are one of the protectors. Members use any assortment of weapons from guns to melee weapons, but most of them use magitech weapons to give elemental effects to their attacks.

For prisoners, Ambrosia has an established court system.







What is the economy in Ambrosia like?

Their biggest businesses are exotic produce, water, art, and tourism.

Their first exotic produce to make it big is the Dame Fruit, a tomato looking fruit that’s so bland, it’ll make anything you eat afterwards tastes x10 better. One that’s only recently been established is zap apples, a rainbow striped apple, as well as the zap apple jam. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and tangy.

Ambrosia is sitting on top of a gigantic, underground source of water, way more than the city even needs. In fact, the water is the reason the city was founded in that particular spot to begin with. It’s not uncommon for the local government to sell some of it to pay off expansion expenses.

Art and tourism is a given, considering the creativity that spawns of the place.






Shops in town?

It should be noted that you are not required to stick to these locations. You can be creative and make up a place your character goes to. Who knows, it may appear on this list!


Ottering Hole: Bar popular by semi-aquatic mammals

Sty and Fry: Popular diner run by a lesbian pig and bunny couple. Doesn’t serve meat (outside fish.)

Chickorita’s Candy and Soda Emporium: Popular candy and soda joint. The place commonly employs Pokemon. Gothitelle is a notable waitress there.

Max and Delilah’s Gun Shop: Two old penguins sell guns, often with magic rounds.

Loco Lobo: Probably one of the few places that doesn’t keep the meat products behind the counter, or only serve it late at night. Run by Cynthia, a mangy ol’ wolf.

Sylveon Film Studios: Ambrosia’s resident film studio run by an eccentric Sylveon.

Ghost barely slowed the speeder when crossing the gate to the Endless Dunes - no point. There never was anyone or anything blocking the gate from either side. And with time visibly being of the essence now they could not afford taking it safe. They briefly slowed the Speeder to toss a sand-colored blanket over the passenger’s head and body to ward off the scorching sun. Someone as pale as her and with that much exposed skin would get redder from sunburn than a lobster. They avoided covering her face up though, to keep her from suffocating. The last someone as sick as her could use now was panic or breathing difficulty.

Luckily Carrefore wasn’t far away from the gate, especially not with a Speeder, and Ghost knew the town well enough to not need to stop and ask the imperial Stormtroopers for directions or look at a map. Instead they sped towards Doctor Parnelle’s office by driving along one of the central trade routes where the speed limits were highest and dialed her office’s front desk number. They knew that that light headpiece to wear on the ear with an inbuilt microphone for the helmet had been a good purchase.

“This is Dr. med. Parnell’s office, front-desk, you’re spea-”

“I got an emergency here, Graham. I have a patient with me who’s potentially unstable and needs treatment asap. A female in her mid-twenties, symptoms are high fever and possibly hallucinating from it. ETA is three minutes. Is Parnelle around?”

“... is that you, Ghost?”

“Yes.”

A sigh came from the other end of the line. “I’ll tell the doctor to get ready. Are you coming around the back?”

“There’s no need. She has no external injuries, I doubt she was attacked by anyone who wants to finish the job.”

“Alright. Until soon.” He hung up and Ghost turned a corner, swiftly dodging a pair of figures that were crossing the street and nearly jumped out of their skin when Ghost sped past them. Shortly after they stopped the Speeder, dismounted, picked Jaina up and heaved her over their back. Graham was already there to open the doors through the reception area and the main corridor, and once they arrived in the office he had them lay Jaina down on the examination table in there. Doctor Parnelle rushed into the room seconds later, slipping a pair of sanitary gloves over her hands, and eyed Ghost before leaning over the patient. “Tell me everything you know”, she asked.

“Found her at the Nexus, near the fountain”, Ghost replied. “Laying there, I imagine hallucinating in her fever dreams. She said something when I came close. I administered an adrenaline dosis to stabilize her and had her drink some water before putting her on the speeder. She mumbled something while I drove here, but nothing I could make sense of. No idea if she’s a Prime or not.”

“She looks like a mage of Camelot. Not the best person to bring to an imperial-controlled city”, she remarked while checking the pulse and breathing. “The adrenaline dose may have been a bit excessive but it’s good that you brought her to get medical aid. Leave her to me, but try asking around at Camelot if they’re missing anyone that matches her description.”

“If they do, wouldn’t you kill her? A mage from an enemy faction?”

“There’s something called the Hippocratic Oath, Ghost. I’ll treat any patient no matter what side they’re on. Now leave me alone, and keep your Communicator on. I’ll be in touch.”

“Understood. Thanks, Doc.” As they walked through the door they were already dialing the number of a certain acquaintance from the vicinity of Minas Tirith.

Character name: 

Darth Calamity - Formerly Ezra Bridger
Display Name: Darth Calamity 


Character source:
AU Starwars Rebels 

Character history:

Ezra Bridger was a human male Jedi Padawan who, as an orphan on the Outer Rim planet of Lothal, became a rebel fighter and revolutionary leader in the early rebellion against the Galactic Empire. He was born to Ephraim and Mira Bridger, two outspoken opponents of the Imperial regime on Lothal. Serving with the rebels on many a mission, it wasn't until they returned to Lothal that things...went south. The Death Star had been finished early and was used to destroy the planet. Sick at the time, and confined to the Ghost Ezra was helpless. Abandoning the path of a Jedi at that moment, Ezra left the rebellion. Travelling alone, Ezra started researching secrets of the Force that none had used. Learning the abilities of a Kro Var Shaper and many other powers of the Force, Ezra made up his mind. The Jedi were few and far between. What the universe needed was not a hero of light, but one of darkness. Abandoning his lightsaber that he had made that was part blaster, Ezra forged himself a new one and let his identity as Ezra Bridger die off. 

With the lightsaber completed he became known as Darth Calamity to the Galaxy at large. The Empire became afraid of him because he murdered their soldiers in the blink of an eye. Still it was not enough because he didn't have the skill with the Force to bring back the ones he had loved. Launching an attack on the Emperor directly, Ezra died. This is the point where he has arrived in the Omniverse. 




Physical Description: (originals only)



Like a regular Sith, Ezra dresses in the black attire. His hair is cut short, due to the loss of everyone he once had as a friend. A lightsaber can be seen belted at his waist, as well as a blaster pistol. Ezra also has a black suit of Sith Armor he can wear. His eyes are yellow. 

Stats:
ATK: 2
DEF: 2
SPD: 2
TEC: 4

Starting Proficiencies:

Physical Strength 
Ranged Proficiency 

Starting Powers:

Starting Moves:

Lightsaber [300 OM, Physical Strength.] 

A Lightsaber is a weapon that is a manifestation of the soul of a Jedi or Sith. Ezra's Lightsaber has a curved blade rather than a traditional one and has a more pirate styled handle. While it is just as effective as a plain sword for now, it's a weapon Ezra keeps close. His lightsaber has a dark green blade with a gold aura around it. This weapon is his prized possession. This has the dimensions of a regular Rapier, including the blade. It weighs about five Kilograms.  This ones does fair damage per hit, and takes eight seconds to activate before he can use it on an opponent. This cannot be used with other moves except for his second lightsaber. 



Second Lightsaber [300 OM, Physical Strength.] 

Created out of Omnilium once he arrived in the Omniverse this lightsaber has a gold hilt with a white and reddish blade. This has force runes on it that will barbecue anyone who steals the weapon and uses it other than him. This shock doesn't debuff, but it's a mild "don't touch" this warning to the individuals. This lightsaber was made as he believed he should have a spare. This has the dimensions of a regular Rapier, including the blade. It weighs about five Kilograms. This does low damage unlike his favorite saber, and can be used with weapons or other moves, unlike that saber. 



Force Shock: [300 OM, Ranged.] 

Channeling the power of the Dark Side of the Force for about fifteen seconds, Darth Calamity will hold out his hands pointed at an opponent. Green and gold lightning will shoot out of his hands and shock an opponent. This does fair damage, but inflicts no debuff on an opponent whatsoever. This is his only force power that he has in his arsenal. It isn't Force Lightning, but a weaker counterpart to it. It has a five second cool down upon completion of this move. This conjures a single bolt of lightning, traveling as fast as an arrow at his opponent. This has a range of thirty five feet from him in any direction at maximum or the lightning will cease to exist.  This can be used while moving or defending so long as he has one hand free to do this with. Without having a hand free he cannot use Force Shock.  Only single bolts of lightning can be used at a time, and thus the power of the Lightning is limited. This is mildly draining, like a light work out. 

Dark Shifter [300 OM, Ranged]

The Dark Shifter was a weapon that in the past allowed him to transform into a more sinister form. But now that he's in the Omniverse it has lost that ability. Rather this can shoot green "arrows" of dark energy that travel at the speed of an arrow. Takes about five seconds to charge, up, ten second cool down. Does a fair amount of damage, but has no added debuffs or anything. This is belted at his waist, along with his lightsaber. It is a black metallic laser pistol with a dark green glow.  The arrows are the size of an arrow. This is moderately draining on Stamina similar to a light brisk run, and can be used with any moves that just require one hand.  This has a range of thirty five feet. This is the size of a pistol and has the power of a pistol despite the lasers it fires. 

Medallion of Darkness: RP Flavor
A black medallion that whispers sinisterly in his ears, telling him to maim, kill and destroy his opponents. This attempts to corrupt and control him, turning him into a servant of darkness. 

Medallion of Light: 
A medallion that whispers to be calm, and heal rather than hurt in his ears and tries to heal him of darkness. 
 




I confirm that I have read and agreed to the Rules of Conduct.

Where did you find us? I am a member .

Quote:This is a bounty fight. Our first posts are mainly dialogue. After that, the real fight will begin.

Character name: Rand al'Thor

Character source: Wheel of Time

Character history: Pulled from the end of A Crown of Swords, after Rand had defeated Sammael and been crowned king of Illian.

Stats:
ATK: 3
DEF: 2
SPD: 1
TEC: 4

Starting Proficiencies: Physical Strength (1000), Ranged (1000), Ranged Materialize (600) 

Starting Powers: Foresight (1500)

Starting Moves: 
Flame Sword-(Physical Strength) 300 OM

Rand summons a longsword with a 38-inch blade and heron carved into the hilt made of white-hot flames. The flames of the sword do not burn Rand, however, the effort required to make this so causes each swing of the sword to drain twice as much energy as swinging a longsword of comparable size would.



Lightning Strike-(Ranged Proficiency, Ranged Materialize) 300 OM

Rand brings down a bolt of blue-white lightning on a two-foot radius for four seconds. This takes two seconds of intense concentration. Once a spot is chosen for the lightning bolt to hit, it cannot be changed. The lighting bolt is about as painful as getting struck by lighting normally is. Rand is able to move normally while using this attack but is unable to use any other form of offense or defense. Using this ability takes the same amount of energy as lifting his own weight over his head for the duration of the concentration. Rand is capable of using this ability at a range of 50 yards or less.


Blazing Arrows-(Ranged Proficiency) 300 OM

Rand launches a flurry of ten red laser-like streaks at a single target, with the streaks moving about as fast as an arrow. These "arrows" are round and have the circumference of a dime. Using this move takes Rand ten seconds of intense concentration, after which he can designate where the "arrows" are aimed. During this concentration, Rand can move normally but is otherwise unable to attack and defend. Because all of the "arrows" fire at the same time, Rand cannot readjust his aim once they have been fired. Using this ability drains about as much energy as lifting seventy-five percent of his weight over his head for the duration of the concentration. Getting hit with two of the "arrows" feels similar to getting shot with a 9-millimeter bullet. Rand can send the "arrows" a distance of 50 yards.

I confirm that I have read and agreed to the Rules of Conduct.

Where did you find us?



Note: I am rejoining for the sake of changing where I pulled Rand from in canon, as well as to get something a fresh start.

It had been a long, trying day.

Lord Zedd had reached the limits of his patience, and his only reward at the end of it all was a return to his weakly furnished apartment. Well, that wasn’t the only reward. He set the blaster pistol Graowr had looted from one of the Vorticon lieutenants atop his mantle, surveying it for just a moment. The opponent it had come from had wielded two blaster pistols in combat, a style that Zedd knew was hilariously useless. This had given him a little extra pleasure in executing the xeno. But Graowr, with her unrelentingly chipper attitude had taken one for herself and given the other to Zedd, deciding that they were a warrior’s version of a friendship necklace. Infuriating, but it the weapon proved useful Zedd would tolerate the undertones.

The door knocked, and Zedd’s visor began to glow a bright red. He had only been within his dwelling for mere minutes, and already someone was disturbing him. Not just anyone, though. He knew exactly who he was dealing with. It was a tenacious, resilient foe, but it would antagonize him no longer. He would see to that. Zedd grabbed his Z-Staff and marched to his door, turning the deadbolt before ripping it open.

What he saw was not what he expected. A plainly dressed man, holding several folders. He appeared young, but not too young, and had thick glasses and a lab coat. Zedd was not fazed by this tactic.

“What!?” Zedd roared at the man, instantly escalating the situation. “I have had this apartment for barely twenty four hours and already I have dealt with your child laborers. Three times they have come to my door, and three times I have sent them away! If you are their master, then you are the one I will strike down to end this incessant harassment!”

“Uhh…” the man was stunned. He’d known to expect the unusual from this one, but he didn’t even know what he’d done wrong yet. “What?”

Zedd tightened his grip on his weapon as he seethed in rage. How dare the man play dumb to him? But if he needed it spelled out, then the dark lord would gladly do so, to remove all doubt on why his life would end if he continued with his current course.

“I do not wish to purchase any of your Girl Scout cookies!!!”

The man stared, dumbfounded at the accusation. His eyes remained wide open, from both shock and fear. Lord Zedd’s facemask prevented him from making out any sort of expressions, but body language alone was enough to let him interpret that one wrong move or word would make things very unpleasant.

Thankfully, there was the creaking of a door opening just a few apartments down the hall from them, and an ornery old lady stepped into the hall.

“Will you keep it down!?” the lady shouted at the prime and his visitor.

“Silence, Mrs. Pearson!!!” Zedd directed his wrath at his nosy neighbor. The reaction was so swift that the secondary stuck between them suspected Zedd was expecting her intrusion.

Still, the moment of distraction was what the man needed to get his bearings back. “I’m not here to… sell Girl Scout cookies. I’m here on behalf of Doctor Regal, who is requesting your assistance with a very urgent matter.”

Zedd calmed down a little bit at that news, but he kept his eyes on that insufferable old woman since she decided to loiter in the hallway and watch them. He directed his attention back to the courier, finally listening.

“What sort of urgent matter?” Zedd questioned the courier, taking his eyes off of the man only long enough to look down both sides of the hallway.

“Doctor Regal can explain more, on Tier 2, but there’s been some strange lifeforms that need immediate attention,” the courier explained.

“I have already dealt with Coruscant’s strange lifeform problem,” Zedd scoffed.

“Can you just go into your apartment instead of standing in the hall and keeping everyone up?” Mrs. Pearson shouted over to Zedd in a snooty tone that made his blood boil.

“Mrs. Pearson, I will rend the flesh from your bones!” Zedd shouted to his neighbor, but this time he did not even bother to look in her direction.

“Not these, you haven’t,” the courier said, handing Zedd a manila folder with various papers inside. He was rushing through it at this point, because he wanted to get the hell out of here. “Please come visit the doctor. He can explain more, I promise it’s worth your time.”

Zedd took the folder and barely had time to nod before the man took off down the hallway. He looked over to his grumpy neighbor, pointing a threatening index finger at the ninety-something woman. She returned with a middle finger gesture the dark lord would have assumed she was too old to stoop to, but he turned and slammed the door behind him, regardless. There was point in squabbling with the likes of her.

He set the folder down on his small table and opened it, first seeing the address to lab belonging to Dr. Regal. The questions were bouncing around his head now. What kind of other life forms were there? Were they anything like the Vorticons? Most importantly of all, though, was who was this man, and how did he track down Zedd at his dwelling so easily?

Zedd had nothing but time on his hands, so he would see what this was all about.