Chapter 64

The Fastest Man Alive

Chapter 64

By : BigToFu

Benjamin Blake

EMPEROR

Fading back into reality on another set of flight pads, I gave the head of my procession a nod as I turned to get into the royal talon fighter. Smiling at the ship and liking the improvements I made from the Wakanda variant, I sent a neural command to my UMF suit and changed into my Jurassic jungle gear.

The talon fighter had quad mounted lasers underneath that folded away with a full metal canopy. That same metal canopy fixed the cracking glass issues. This allowed the Talon to take a hit from someone at my level without breaking the canopy. Inside the canopy though was a coating of holo-imaging technology with a full flight suite.

I went from barefoot to gladiator sandals while my cargo shorts changed to combat shorts in all black with gold trim along the sides. I was still walking around bare chested, but it was the savage land and where I was heading, it worked with the Viking vibe I had with the long dreads in a braid.

Maybe I’ll cut my hair, maybe I won’t. Even though I like a nice fade, I was enjoying the Viking King vibe everyone was getting from me. Then again, that might just be the influence from Conan the barbarian showing. It was good that I kept it nice and neat and didn’t have that raggy head situation, I just might keep it.

Walking up the ramp to the talon fighter, I gave the pilot a nod of my head as the rest of my guards came in behind me. My guards took their seats, but I chose to stand and take in the view as the pilots went about their work.

The land lowered outside as we rose high above the canopy, then everything shifted as we took off flying. Standing with my hands behind my back, I enjoyed the view as we crossed the lands that would soon be mine. Idly I noticed the mark for Taleb’s tribe on the map, but I paid that no mind as we rapidly approached Stryo’s lands. I wondered for a moment if the High Technician would show his face.

I knew that the situation in the Savage Lands was always tenuous at best, but I cared not for it. That was the comics and this was my life. So, if I had to come down on the place like a sack of bricks then I would and they would be added to my growing Empire.

Humming a light tune to myself, I held in the disappointment I felt as we came over the forest edge to what was clearly a town that had seen hardship. An interesting side note was that the town looked something like the old school Roman towns. That’s probably why there was also a colosseum on the far side.

If I was being honest with myself, I was at least hoping that the city of the Dino-men would at least be more advanced than those of the feline Lycans. Then again, the High Technician wasn’t known as one that uplifted his experiments. For some reason that rankled me in a way that I found surprising. Pushing that aside, I took in the architecture of the place and the large arches that had rough sculptures here and there.

Accepting it for what it was, I relaxed my stance as we touched down in what appeared to be a courtyard of some type. Then again, it wasn’t just any courtyard, it was something prearranged by Hank for whenever someone from my government visited. From his report he really wanted to revolutionize this place; starting with their clay pipes.

Giving the pilots my thanks, I turned on my heel and made my way to the off ramp of the Talon. Waving away my guards, I walked to the front and stood at the top of the off ramp and waited for it to lower. With the ramp down, I was finally able to take in the specifics of the city and the situation. Where the felines home was curved wood and greens, this was browns and sharp angles.

The doors were sized a step too large while the wells could easily double as swimming pools. Then again, with the range of the sizes these people came in, I couldn’t put it past that sort of double construction.

Stepping out from underneath the Talon, I took in the sun while my guards waited off to the side. Letting out a sigh, I took everything in with a grain of salt as I stepped forward. It was time to get things done. The quicker I got this finished, the faster I could get back to planet building and cuddle with my ladies. Maybe I should also do a quick stop and make sure that the shaper guild didn’t go nuts with the symbiote project I sent their way. Still not sure how Richards was going to react once he found out I knocked up his wanna be lady love.

Chuckling at my mind’s image of the look on his face might be, I made a left turn and walked over to where the carriages were located. Tilting my head at the horse drawn thing, I let out a grunt before pulling out a hovercar from my utility belt. If I was going to arrive, then I was going to do it in style.

Looking at the sleek lines of my hovercar, I had a strange thought about what I could do to upgrade it. Then again maybe if I was able to pull off a TRON and build a completely viable hologram/hard light vehicle. Then I would be set for the future with its programmable nature.

Hmm, food for thought and a mental note for later.

Getting in the driver’s seat, I waited for my guards to get their own vehicles out or fly with their powers. There was a thrum of the engine as the hovercar started and I shifted gear to first before I shot off down the roadway above everyone.

The flight took less than five minutes to get to the other side of the upper city. Urgh, I was really going to have to change that. There would not be any upper versus lower city. Then again, I might just be prejudiced like those in Star Trek looking down on those not as technologically advanced.

Mulling over those thoughts, I buttoned them up as I landed in the area that was clearly marked for my arrival in what was the largest building. The building looked like one of the steppe pyramids from Egypt, which I found more than a little bit peculiar.

Landing my hovercar in the courtyard, I hopped out as the rest of my guards landed around me. Ignoring them and the guards that Styro brought with him, I walked up to the Suar-lord and looked him in the eye. It helped that we were both pushing seven feet and even with that large bone crest on his head, I wasn’t intimidated at all.

After a while, Styro held out a hand and I took it and shook it. Styro, with an arm up to guide the way, began speaking as we walked into his villa; because that was clearly what this place was.

“Come come, let me show you to the parlor.” Styro said with good grace as he guided the way. “Word has gotten back to me that you liked your purchase of Taleb.”

Instead of grimacing at the purchase of another person’s life, I decided that it was best to remain silent. I knew that it had to be done and I might have to do it again later once I started to get out into the universe, but man was it distasteful to my sensibilities.

Taking this time to take in the hanging tapestries and silks, I also noted the marble flooring. I could hear the sound of battle further inside the villa and I could tell that it was the training yard.

Waving away the offered cup of wine, I accepted a seat across from the lord of the villa. Resting in my seat, I ignored the guards that stood around the room in their loincloths as I took in the Suar-lord before me.

Unlike those around, I could sense the cunning intelligence before me. It was an odd dichotomy if I was being truly honest. Here was a man with clear intelligence in a world that was just barbaric in its purest form.

Turning slightly in my chair, I accepted the tea offered by Chris before turning back to the host. Funny enough, I noticed the small smirk on Styro’s lips as he took in the scent of what I was drinking.

Smiling at the hint of honey, I placed the half empty cup down before shifting my body language and changing the tone of the room. Gone was the man enjoying his tea, the sights, and jungle and in his place was the Emperor. The man willing to scorch earth if they stood in the way of his Empire or threatened his family.

Straightening up in my seat, I sent Styro a firm look, “So, I have been invited here today to your villa, why? Are you not satisfied with our arrangement, what else is it that you would like?”

Styro sat down the wine goblet in his hand before a clawed finger started to tap on the arm of his seat. Then, once the tapping stopped, he spoke in a deep, rumbly voice, “Your doctor has made mention of life beyond these lands.”

Styro held out a hand and one of his slaves came and placed something in his waiting hand. Yeah, I was pretty sure that they were slaves with the metal collar around their necks. That was going to have to change either over his dead body or by him giving the order himself, but for now, I had to contain myself.

“Your people are far more advanced than those in this book my lord gave me. Know this King Blake, I’m a seeker of knowledge and you hold the knowledge I seek of the outside world.” Styro said shifting in his seat. “I have asked; but none of your people have told me anything of the outside world, so I invited you here. Is Rome still standing? The Soviet Union? Is science the reason for your tools and equipment? That great city in the distance; who made it and how did it come to be?”

So that was his angle, interesting, and good to know. “Have you not asked your lord? I would think with his background he would gladly share his origins with his sons.”

Styro paused at that, then stopped himself from narrowing his eyes. I gave him a neutral look in return, but it was a clear shot across the bow that I knew his background. The ball was in his court now.

Styro held on to his anger, but I could see that he wanted to ball his hand into a fist and slam it on the armrest. “I have been told that there is nothing out there for the likes of us.”

Releasing a hum of interest, I leaned back in my chair as I studied the Suar-Lord before me. “What of your city, your people?” I asked with a motion of the hand.

Styro grunted as he peered at me over his hands. The frown on his face was evident, but there was more to it that I clearly wasn’t aware of. Yet, when he spoke I listened. “What about them?”

Keeping a steady gaze, I asked the million dollar question. “What will they do once you leave?”

“They will live their lives, they can not come with me for I am not their lord and master.” Styro shrugged. “The gold and jewels fit for any king of these lands are what I plan to offer you for a place in your Empire.”

Styro waved a hand and four massive Suar-lords came in with chest after chest filled with a golden grey type of metal. Some of it was mixed with gold and the others were roughly cut diamonds and other assorted jewels.

“For protection and knowledge.” Styro said looking me in the eyes.

Sitting there in silence, I let the moment flow on before I spoke up. “What of your slaves? Slavery is not allowed in my Empire.”

Styro settled and watched me for some time, but I did not budge on the subject as slavery was unacceptable on all levels. After some time, Styro finally nodded his head, then his voice rumbled. “If you are able to offer me safe passage and a place in your Empire, I am willing to release all of my slaves.”

I nodded in acceptance not feeling any falsehood in his words. “That can easily be arranged, but again what of these people within the city?”

From the left of the room, massive double doors were dramatically shoved open and I turned to find the source of immense power striding into the room. Suaron walked into the room with his head held high and his powerful shoulders squared as he glided across the ground. His gaze barely roamed over Styro before landing on me in hopes to pin me to my seat. Yet, I returned his gaze unflinching as he approached. I idly noted the other energy signature retreat as if to not be noticed, as if I was going to ignore the hostility aimed at my person.

“A father will do what he must if some of his children decide to run from home.” Suaron spoke in smooth rumbling tones.

I watched and waited until Suaron was seated, “Then as the parent it is their duty to teach them what is respectable instead of allowing them to stray.” I replied.

“How else would they be able to stand on their own?” Suaron returned, his sharp bill lifting into a smile.

I gave a slight head tilt, “True, but given your history, I would think that someone of your stature wouldn’t allow such a thing as slavery. It is after all the sign of a barbaric culture.”

The slight pause in his motions that was missed by so many, but not by my eyes, told me that I had struck a nerve. Suaron settled back into his seat and I took in the green of his leathery flesh and loincloth. His skin looked healthy and the way those in the room bowed to him spoke volumes on how he was seen by his people. Even Styro, who wanted to see the outside world, was silent as he watched his leader.

Sauron exuded pure energy and malice for a few moments before, lucky for me, he broke the silence, “Why have you come to my domain?”

Looking at him, I smiled in return, “The Savage Land is not your domain to play with as you please. Others would like to explore and discover its wonders as well.”

Suaron looked at me, gaze sharp, “That I can not allow.”

I shrugged, “I know for a given fact that the Savage Lands and its inhabitants were not made or seeded by you. The Suar-Lords were a nice addition, but that is beside the point. Claiming a land is not the same as owning a land, which again, is not the same as keeping a land.”

Bristling at my obvious challenge, Sauron grated, “Of course, since the point is that, you will be leaving my domain alive or in a box.” Suaron said, getting up from his seat.

“Commendable words Dr. Lykos, but I will have to disagree with that statement.” I replied before levitating out of my seat. Hovering lightly over the floor, I let the tips of my toes touch lightly on the ground as the seat slid out from behind me.

“Dr. Lykos died and so shall you!” Suaron rumbled.

“That remains to be seen,” I replied with a light tap to my utility belt. There was a quick transition as my jurassic attire changed to something anyone could recognize. I stood there in a bright yellow jumpsuit with black stripes along the side.

I felt that it was only proper to bring out my inner Bruce Lee with what I had in mind. Suaron took a stance, hands glowing with light; yet he was not ready for me. Before he could twitch, a fist slammed into his face. The ground shook, then broke, as cracks formed in the walls and floor. Then Suaron shot off my fist as if he was a cannonball fired from that ancient weapon.

Twisting on the spot, I flash stepped to the corner of the room and grabbed the person in hiding. Maybe if they had been a little more subtle, they would have been able to sneak up on me. Yet, when the cloaking they were using dropped, I almost burst out laughing.

“Flash fucking Tompson, haven’t seen your sleaze bag face in some time,” I said with clear joviality in my voice. My grip solid around his neck as I took in his form. The demonic aura he gave off was clearly explained by the hell mark on his chest. “Fuck! You have been busy!” I chuckled as I gently shook him.

“Release me! Blake!”

“Yeah, sorry, no can do. You see you’re nothing to me. You got away clean once but you came back for some petty revenge with these measly upgrades.” I rumbled, anger starting to bleed into my voice as notifications came in over my neural link. Someone had set this shit up and was making moves, Suaron and Flash were just their patsies.

Looking at the upside down pentagram, I tapped it with a finger and felt the singe of corruption. Mephesto did good work, I wonder if the durability given to him would stand up to the test.

Tilting my head to the left, I let the punch whiff past my head as I pushed Flash away from my body. I cocked an eyebrow at him, then watched and felt as he tried to teleport from my grasp.

“WHAT!”

I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped my lips, “Looks like Eugene learned something new.” I laughed as I disrupted his energy again, canceling his teleportation. “Well, I guess it’s my turn.”

Throwing him up, I spun two spells before slamming one onto his chest and the other on his forehead. Waiting for Flash to come back down from his little flight. I twisted then shifted my grip to his ankle as I started with a decent rendition of Bruce Lee’s nunchuck routine with his body. Flash screamed as he went up and over my shoulder, a firm hold of his forearm brought him down and around my side and then back around.

Suaron smashed through the far wall just in time for me to angle myself and bring Flash back up and around, getting him right across the face with the boots. I did a Bruce Lee one two, then dashed after Suaron with my human nunchuck.

I dodged an energy blast as I caught up to Suaron mid flight. I did a leg over, switched hands with my nunchucks as Flash screamed from the speed at which I was twirling him around. He let out a long wail, as I brought him around smashing his head right into Suarons with a sicking smack that resounded for all to hear as their skulls collided.

If my paranoia worked correctly, then my backups should be kicking in. So for now, I could enjoy my little scuffle. I wondered when Suaron would finally stop playing around but the game was afoot and I was going to enjoy it.

I slowly rotated Flash around me as I held onto his ankles, checking to see if he was still coherent. He had a very pleasing welt forming on his forehead but his eyes were still clear and full of hate. But behind that, I could see the fear of realization that I was way beyond him and he would not be getting out of my little game so easily this time.

Sauron’s head had been jerked back by the impact and he was slightly dazed for a moment, but he recovered quickly and roared as he renewed his attack. Sadly, that didn’t work out for him as I began a lightning fast series of body slams with my Flashy new nunchuck set. Ahead across his jaw, a sweeping strike down on both shoulders, and a rounded head slam right into his genitals was enough to stagger him and cause him to step back and regroup.

Flash groaned as the welts began to add up, but I was impressed I had not broken his neck yet. Good work, indeed!

I didn’t miss a beat as I speed jumped to Sauron’s side and Flash nunchucked him behind his knees, knocking his feet out from under him and sending him cartwheeling across the room and through the wall again.

From the roar and shaking of the building, I could tell he was beginning to get pissed.

=]0[=

Malcolm Hunt

Dashing Youth

Rocking back in his seat, Malcolm let out a huff of air as he took in the sights. It had been a fine day and it only got better after his visit to the bio-sculptors. Looking down at his hands, Malcolm marveled at the nice and even green of his skin.

It had taken a month’s worth of his stipend, but he felt that it was worth it. Not only did he get a nice color change out of it, but he was also able to get them to give him some sweet sweet underwater upgrades.

It wasn’t needed since he could already use his own abilities to breathe underwater, but Malcolm felt that it was better to get the change in case he was ever knocked out somewhere underwater. He smirked to himself as he thought of being underwater then changing back from his shark form. Life was good. Turning around Malcolm checked his map before taking a waterway to the center of the city.

Jogging over to the open fountain that led into the waterway, with a smile, he hit the change feature on his omni before diving right in. Quickly swimming from his entry into the fountain, Malcolm took a breath for the first time with his upgraded lungs. The water was already crystal clear, but he noticed some of the edges in his vision sharpened.

Nodding and accepting that since the bio sculptor had mentioned it, Malcolm looked down at his hands to focus. Unlike the other baseline Pandorans or metas not compatible with water, he could do something to improve his odds in any body of water.

Webbings extended between his fingers as Malcolm concentrated, once that was finished and he was satisfied, Malcolm did a barrel roll and shot off towards the city center with the left tube. Normally he would take these paths with his animal forms, but he was enjoying being in his own skin so much more.

Taking in the sights of the fish swimming through the tubes, Malcolm flowed around some of the cleaning bots that chugged along scrubbing the sides of the tunnel. Moving like a mermaid down the tunnels, he took another left as he followed the flow of water. He flowed along smoothly for another five hundred meters, waved at two blue beauties before arriving at his destination.

Flipping over, Malcolm lightly tapped on the button of the fountain waterway located in the center of the city before springing upwards with a burst of power. Jumping out of the water and touching down, Malcolm stopped at the sight of a warning. It was pointing to a set of open booths that you could walk through before leaving the waterway.

Stepping through the booth, Malcolm waited as he was meticulously blown dry, but while he was doing that. A beauty caught his eyes, she was tall, statuesque with brown hair and a white streak of hair pushed over her ear. She was wearing a light green outfit with a dark green overcoat: Malcolm didn’t even wait.

Dashing out of the drying booth, Malcolm transformed mid stride into a bloodhound and took off after the beauty. Tongue lolled and tail wagging, he ran and ran until he found her entering a coffee shop.

His doggie chops shifted into a grin as he loped down the block after the beauty. As he quickly arrived at the coffee shop, he transformed back into his human form within moments as he opened the door.

Walking into the coffee shop, Malcolm sent an easy glance over the place, smothering a smile as he noticed the brown haired beauty sitting by the window. Idly he noticed the front white bangs and wondered why she went for such a dynamic. Then again, just yesterday he was black and today he was green so he chocked it up to a matter of preference. She just might like the style the way he liked the option to go green, like how the Atlanteans were blue.

Playing it cool, Malcolm went to the counter and ordered himself a black coffee before standing off to the side. A teal green waitress called his name and he took his coffee before sliding into the free seat at the window. Relaxing in his seat, Malcolm played it cool as he turned towards the beauty sitting at his side.

Digging deep and pulling on the courage to speak to her, Malcolm almost breathed a sigh of relief when the doors of the coffee shop were violently shoved open. Turning to look, he was greeted with the sight of bright red hair flying around the tables with a large fluffy thing in her arms.