| User Title: |
TNO God |
| Posts: |
27,497 |
| Credits: |
|
|
The NHRPG is six years old today. It seems like only yesterday I posted a thread about it being five years old. In fact, if you look hard enough, you can find that very thread is still on Page 1 of the NHRPG section.
As is the tradition of every NHRPG day, I plan on revealing several things about my own upcoming work. As some of you know, I have been preemptively working on a sequel for the San Angeles story arc, which I have put in the form of my next STB. As always, I strive to do something neat for every STB I write, and this STB is packed with many new ideas, both in terms of execution, style, and characters.
The biggest idea that sets my next STB apart is the fact that it will incorporate characters that do not creatively belong to me. After some careful planning and coordination with some of you guys, I am happy to say that this idea is proving to not only enrich the story, but also enrich the continuity. The idea to have one central story with multiple characters from multiple sources has greatly enhanced the story telling potential that resides in this STB.
With that said, I have been wrestling with the prospect of revealing the most closely guarded secret of my STB; the identity of The Consultant's new compatriot - her equal - the person who works with her throughout the entire STB to cause no shortage of trouble for ONI, The UNSC, Nighthawk and Anaconda, and even The Trust. Up until the point, I have held this character in all but the strictest confidence, with only a single hint as to who and what he is. However, I feel that now is the time to give it away.
I could post a character sheet...but...I think I can do a little better then that. Please enjoy this complimentary excerpt from my STB - which somewhat explains just who The Consultant has recruited as her partner in crime. AT the very least, the curtain is pulled back JUST a bit...just enough to know who he is, and where he comes from.
Pending final revisions...not a final product...
[FF] The Consultant, on the other hand, felt as if she had just confessed a lifetime of sins to Black Team. As a result, she felt mentally drained and exhausted. With a single sigh, The Consultant turned, as she walked in the opposite direction that Black Team, and Nova Team had moved off in, as she proceeded to walk through the corridors of the Longhorn Facility, until she reached a large door, to a room located on the furthest side of the facility. The large door was unmarked and there were no distinguishing features or markings on the door to identify what it was. However, when The Consultant opened the door, it was revealed to be a large living space; The Consultant's private quarters.
As The Consultant walked in, she noticed that the large window shutters were currently open. She had a view of the morning sun-rise, as it climbed out of the east horizon. She grinned, as she began to speak.
The Consultant: Enjoying the view?
The Consultant simply waited for a response. She eventually got one, though, the voice was coming from one of the adjacent rooms. The voice itself was very deep, very rough, and was not Human in origin.
???: I was...
There was a paused, as The Consultant approached the large window, and stared outside.
???: However...I find the effect quickly losses the appeal...
The Consultant: I have always enjoyed this view. I find it to be calming...relaxing...soothing...
The Consultant paused.
The Consultant: It helps me keep my own sanity.
The Consultant smirked, as she continued to stare out the window.
The Consultant: So...any reason why you are lurking in the darkest corner?
???: Instinct...
The Consultant: Instinct hmm? How primal...I like it.
A silence fell over the room, as The Consultant folded her arms, continuing to watch the sun rise.
The Consultant: Black Team arrived earlier this morning. I briefed them on everything...
???: Everything?
The Consultant: Almost everything...
???: Black Team is aware that they are to eliminate Preston Vernette?
The Consultant: Yes.
???: Nova Team is aware that they will be eliminating Nighthawk and Anaconda?
The Consultant: Absolutely.
???: Both teams are aware that they are going to be taking part in the coup of The Citadel?
The Consultant: Yes, they are.
???: They are also aware that WE are going to be commandeering The King Raven?
The Consultant: Indeed, they are.
???: What about Hammer Team and The Risk Takers? Have you been able to reign them under your command?
The Consultant: Not yet. I have not received a response concerning those two teams yet. I should know definitively by tomorrow afternoon if I will be able to include them in on our plans.
???: Are both Nova Team, and Black Team, up to speed on Phase 2; the Savannah clone and the Vernette clone inclusive?
The Consultant: They are fully up to speed on the Phase-2 replacements for Savannah and Commander Vernette.
???: Do they know about my involvement in Phase-2? Do they even know about me?
The Consultant: No. I felt that you should remain hidden a while longer. I prefer to have you to myself for as long as I can. I would rather not share what I don’t have to. Besides...your nature is much more controversial. For now, I prefer to leave your existence shrouded in the protection of darkness.
The Consultant waited, as silence fell over the room. She then heard laughter coming from the one she was speaking to.
???: Well...I can't say that I don't prefer to operate in the darkness.
There was a pause.
???: Something about it just drives my natural instincts wild.
There was another pause, as The Consultant continued to stare out the window. She then heard rather heavy footsteps approaching her from behind. She then felt a pair of heavy hands grasp her shoulders.
???: But I am guessing you already know that all too well. After all...what do you NOT know about me?
The Consultant began to grin.
The Consultant: I know...literally...EVERYTHING...
The Consultant turned, and looked at the Brute who was standing behind her. She gave a visual inspection to the Brute, examining the uniform he was wearing. The Brute was dressed in the special-operations style of naval uniform. However, his appearance was much more rugged. The uniform itself had the colors of The Trust, but the jacket itself was left open, exposing his chest. The uniform had no rank markings or insignia, short of a small pin on the jacket itself, which was embellished with the main decal of The Trust.
The Consultant: Including the measurements of that VERY snazzy uniform you are wearing.
The Consultant laughed.
The Consultant: You know, Goliath, you are not supposed to wear the jacket open. It is supposed to be uniform. That is how it is intended to be.
The Consultant paused.
The Consultant: Not that I am complaining, mind you. Like I said, I am the kind of person who has never minded the view...
Goliath laughed again.
Goliath: I had a feeling you might. I just thought I needed something a little more rugged...less generic...more feral...more savage...
The Consultant: I have always liked savage...
Goliath began to back up, as he threw himself back onto a sofa, and he put his foot up on a coffee table.
Goliath: Then you must be obsessed with me...
The Consultant: In so few words...
The Consultant stared at Goliath for a moment before Goliath looked directly at her, with a puzzled look.
Goliath: What is it?
The Consultant hung her head, as she turned away.
The Consultant: I am uneasy...
Goliath: Why?
The Consultant: Everything that is happening. Everything that we have planned...everything that is going to happen...the prospect of failure is a daunting one. I don't admit this to the others...but I find myself distressed over the complexity of what is being planned. It can be overwhelming at times.
Goliath let out a slight growl.
Goliath: I am sure it is. However...I see no reason to concern yourself...
The Consultant turned to face Goliath.
The Consultant: Why is that?
Goliath let out another growl, but this time, through a grin.
Goliath: Because you have me...
Goliath paused.
Goliath: That is all you need...
The Consultant grinned, as she looked at Goliath.
The Consultant: That is very true...very, very true...
The Consultant paused for a moment, before she turned back to face out the window. She was silent for a few moments, before she spoke again.
The Consultant: A new day is dawning Goliath. The transition will not be easy...but I believe it is well without our reach and our grasp. The Trust has waited a long time for this hour...and it is finally upon us...
The Consultant paused.
The Consultant: You can spend years preparing for something...but nothing will ever subside the tension that flourishes in the calm before the storm.
The Consultant paused.
The Consultant: Thirty years has gone into something that will take hours...
The Consultant paused.
The Consultant: A plan that was set in motion before I even joined this organization.
The Consultant frowned.
The Consultant: A plan that has fallen on me to execute to the letter. I never asked for this.
Goliath simply stared at The Consultant as she spoke.
The Consultant: It is...very overwhelming. I find it harder and harder to keep myself in check these days. The sheer magnitude of what I am doing has taken a toll on me. It is obvious to those closest to me. I think Nova Team has seen it the most. I never used to be this...tense...
Goliath: Clearly...
Goliath paused.
Goliath: I can smell the anxiety off of you.
Goliath growled. The Consultant turned back to Goliath, as he spoke.
Goliath: You look exhausted.
The Consultant: I am...
Goliath: You should be rested. If your mind is dulled, then you will make mistakes. You cannot afford that.
The Consultant nodded.
The Consultant: You are correct, Goliath. I should be rested. I should be resting. However, now is not the time for rest. In 18 hours, we are going to begin the initial stages of our take over. The first moves must be made, and I must be there to see them unfold. After that...it is simply a matter of first opportunities. This has been too long coming for me to succumb to fatigue. I must personally oversee every aspect of the coming events.
Goliath: Must you?
The Consultant: Unfortunately...I must. It is expected of me.
Goliath scoffed, as he let out a snarl.
Goliath: If there is anyone here who has earned some R&R...it is you. You have been overseeing every detail of this plan. You have taken no time to rest your mind. You have insisted on your continued oversight. However, you have failed to acknowledge the fact that you, yourself, will be prone to mistakes if you do not find the time to rest. If you are not rested, you will be unable to properly reflect on your decisions.
The Consultant: If I didn't know better Goliath...I would think that you are looking out for me best interests.
Goliath: In so few words...
Goliath watched as The Consultant, as she grinned at him.
The Consultant: What if I choose to continue working?
Goliath began to walk towards The Consultant, as she backed away, slowly moving to the far end of the open room, towards a corridor.
Goliath: I can be rather persuasive when I need to be!
Goliath continued to move towards The Consultant, as she backed into a wall.
The Consultant: Goliath!?
Goliath grunted in response.
The Consultant: I think...
The Consultant paused.
The Consultant: I think I...ummm...
Goliath approached The Consultant, as he placed both of his hands on the wall, pinning her against the wall.
The Consultant: I think it would be beneficial if there was someone I could bounce ideas off of...someone I could...rely upon to...help me reflect on my strategies...to refine them...polish them...perfect them...
Goliath: It would be a good idea...
The Consultant let out a stuttered breath, as she collected herself.
The Consultant: I have someone in mind...someone who, I am sure, knows a thing or two about strategy...tactics. Someone who can lead through intimidation, and relentlessly kill without fatigue.
The Consultant paused.
The Consultant:: Someone who can give me valuable insight on how to not only extract information from our enemies, but to make example of allies who refuse to fall in line. Someone who has supported my every decision and backed me up on everything that I have ever undertaken. Someone who I can rely on to not only crush my enemies into a very fine powder, but also someone who is not afraid to...take the initiative when he sees it...
Goliath grinned, letting out a growl as he did.
Goliath: It is me...isn't it?
The Consultant: Who else would it be?
With that, The Consultant slipped under Goliath's arms, as she walked behind him.
The Consultant: I can think of nobody else like you.
Goliath: How about Anaconda? He is very much like me. He is EXACTLY like me...or would I be exactly like him?
The Consultant: I would never say that you are like him in any way, save for the aesthetics. I will never deny that you look exactly like him. As a matter of fact...I much prefer the aesthetics. I have never had a complaint with the looks. I think the color black is such a distinguished color. With that said, in every other way...he is vastly inferior to you.
Goliath let out a slight growl, which had the slight presence of a laugh., as he spun around, and looked at The Consultant.
The Consultant: I was ready to offer him everything...and I mean "everything". He refused the offer of a lifetime. He turned down the opportunity of a life time. He lacks your foresight. He lacks your swagger. He lacks your refinement. He lacks your sense of self betterment. Anaconda prefers the company of that psychotic Human with anger issues. Anaconda only knows how to snarl and growl at his enemies. Anaconda turned down my offer to be more than what he was.
The Consultant reached up and grabbed the collar of Goliath's jacket, as she pulled down. Goliath eventually took the cue as he knelt down, lowering himself to eye level with The Consultant.
The Consultant: You, on the other hand, accepted my offer. In my mind...that proves that you are better, smarter, more refined, superior. All of the perfect physical qualities...and none of the flawed personality.
Goliath: I wouldn't be so sure about that...
Goliath paused.
Goliath: I still took a bite out of you when I first had the chance.
The Consultant: I didn't take it personally. In fact, I found it to be rather...endearing. And, to be frank...it is nothing that four hours of surgery could not repair.
The Consultant paused.
The Consultant: Besides...I wouldn't be standing here if I could not handle pointed things...
The Consultant trailed off.
The Consultant: I was going to use the phrase "penetrating my body"...but that sends the wrong message, don't you think?
Goliath sneered.
The Consultant: I will take that...as a maybe.
The Consultant grinned, as she released her hands from Goliath's jacket. She then began to back away.
The Consultant: The fact of the matter is...Anaconda is going to regret his decision. He is going to pay for his shortsightedness. Part of me wants Anaconda to see what could have been, to see what he could have been a part of, to see what he could have had. However...if Nova Team is successful in their task, and I believe they will be, that may never come to be. It is somewhat sad, when it is considered in the grand scheme.
Goliath: I doubt it matters, in the end. As much as I would like to be the one to end his life, I believe it is far more important to see success than it is to seek cheap thrills. We should keep our focus on our ultimate goal; the destruction of ONI...and the purveyance of The Trust's dominance.
The Consultant: Cheap thrills can be the most fun, Goliath. You should keep that in mind.
Goliath looked at The Consultant, curious as to what she was getting at.
The Consultant: You know...plans can be changed. Nova Team can be reassigned, or, better yet, I could give you direct involvement with anything that involves killing Nighthawk and Anaconda.
The Consultant grinned.
The Consultant: I see it in your eyes Goliath. You say that that it is more important to stay focused, and keep sight of our ultimate goal...but that fire inside of you wants nothing more than to hear me suggest that YOU be the one to fight Anaconda. You want to...I know it. You want nothing more than to end his life...personally. Just say the word...and I can give you whatever you want. I can ensure that the echo overpowers the voice.
Goliath glared at The Consultant. He growled at her for a moment, but then finally spoke up.
Goliath: You make a tempting offer Madeline. I should know better than to accept it, and my better judgment says to stick with the original plan. However, a part of me wants nothing more to accept your offer.
The Consultant: Then say it, Goliath...
Goliath: I want to kill him. I want to kill Anaconda.
The Consultant grinned.
The Consultant: And so you shall, Goliath. So you shall.
[/FF]
I hope that gives you guys a pretty good idea of which two characters are eventually going to square off against one another. I hope you enjoyed the read. Feel free to offer some critique if you see fit to do so.
And, of course...
Happy NHRPG Day...
|
|
The NHRPG Celebrates Its 6th Year - Happy NHRPG Day
06-02-2015
Hybrid Mode
