The two sides of mister Malone.

[Ragsmire]

Coming to a stop outside of the sand world of Terra, Noctis, Using alternative means, sat in the pilots seat as he took in a brief synopses of the world. Terra had not ever been the world one would visit for “Equal rights” or “Justice for all” The planet has actually stood as more of a way not to go if one was looking for such wonders. The people of Terra have been rated, Categorized, and shelved long before even taking their first steps into the troubled political system the planet maintained. Slavery, genocide, and more were commonplace for the people to watch and endure.

The Royal family was the only political body on the surface of the world; they not only decided what the laws were but what the punishment for disobeying them would be. Judge jury and executioner had been the role they played on a day to day basis however these same crimes were more often then not bypassed by the members of the elite family. Recently however a second civil war as broken out, this one not between under armed “Lower class citizens.” And the “holy Nobles” but the family that has claimed to hold the planets best interest at heart for the hundreds of years it’s been in power. And the “new wave” a group of nobles lead by former adviser Bastion who if Noctis information had been correct shared a similar surname as the two brothers. Himself and Lucifer.

Putting an end to the second civil conflict wasn’t his intent, not even slightly. More the fact that he knew a certain package was being stored somewhere on world and he could use that very gift. The war had propelled to more even levels over the last three weeks as the marked traitors, The royal family, By a strange twist of fate become heroes to many over Bastion’s much tougher reign throughout the planet. This new hope comes in the form of a mystery fighter who calls himself “thirty-three.” Dressed in dark clothes and nothing more then a scarlet piece of fabric around his neck as his marker this man says he only wishes to liberate the world from the oppression it as always known.

The new chain of command on the exiled Royals side showed two bases of operations each being lead individually in hopes of achieving the same goal. The historical city Sagrado fell to their command early in the war, this is considered the primary base of the “Royal Rebellion” As its been labeled, Real Malone watches over the city with her fellow family members. The second stronghold has been built around the temple of a Terrain god; The architect of Distillation. The walls of the temple proving much more then they looked, having repelled over four attacks, Mister Thirty-three as the figure like to be called protects this fortress.

Noctis had little stake in ether base, as he felt certain that the reason for their trip here was in fact in the long time capitol of the planet Angelico. Nicknamed the white city by many in its prime it showed the least number of lower class citizens. This was something to be admired at the time. Now the white city is black with the never-ending clouds hovering from the city. They stained the very fabric of the city as the white isn’t so white anymore. Deep within the capitol building is where his prize should be contend.

Noctis knew that the cap’ wasn’t letting any ship pass its borders without a top to bottom check, this would include very specific pass codes, the kind that couldn’t be faked. This is the only reason Noctis read up on the Royal rebellion effort. One of those parties had to have these codes and Noctis had to be willing to go to any lengths to get them. It was night on the western hemisphere as the ship came to a crawl over the sands over a quarter mile away from the temple of Distillation. Setting the ship in a ditch for cover Noctis made sure to mark the location. The ship had originated from fondor headed to this planet, The only world with hyperspace coordinates programmed in the ship. It was also how he knew of the bounty that lay here.

“Its time to go, Lu!” Noctis announced snapping up his comrade out of his half sleep. “We’re here. About a mile north is the base, as long as we-or you fallow my instructions everything will be fine.” Lucifer looked up at him from the pilots seat eyes quickly opening to one hundred percent fullness. Shaking off the urge to ignore Noctis Lucifer rose in the seat. “What is the plan.” Noctis laughed knocking the co-pilots chair a few inches so he could fall into it wings tucked behind him. “Well its really easy. You will walk up to the front door insistent that your only intention is to help, that’s nothing here nor there, when they take you in I’ll follow and grab the real thing we’re headed in for.”
Noctis informed finishing with a nice smile that said he knew exactly how it would turn out. “What do you mean by ‘Take’ exactly, Noctis?” Lucifer asked with his always questioning nature it’s a miracle Noctis hadn’t been driven out of his mind-Then again where would that leave him.

“It’s a turn a phrase pal, don’t worry they wont harm one brown wing on your back.” He assured with a flick toward the wings while the same sly smile occupied his mouth. “Now ya wanna get this show on the road before day raises and we’re roast in the heat.” Lucifer answered with a nod as he pushed himself from the chair. He took the coat from the passenger seat and started down the ramp.

The walk was long and hard several times during it Lucifer wanted to just fly pass the sand but Noctis insisted that not only would it waste energy but increased the chances of getting spotted, By the wrong group. So the pare hiked the mile to the base and when it came in sight they went over the plan again. “You, Lucifer, Will give the whole ‘I come in peace’ Bit. They’ll bite and take you in without incident. I will follow behind you like a fucking ninja and get in undetected. Then find what we are actually here for-“ Lucifer cut him off there throwing a hand up. “This is where I am unclear, Noctis, you never stated what it is we’re here for?” Noctis looked skeptically at Lucifer. “I’m sure I said it three times. Access codes-“ From the enemy of the city we want to infiltrate?” Lucifer cut in again questioning the plan. “If you let me finish a sentence it would all be clear to you god damn it. The rebellion can’t hold strong to this war forever, They have to have an endgame planed. I’m betting it has something to do with getting in there and killing the leader, For that they need codes.”

Apparently convinced Lucifer jumped into the open hands held high above his head as he slowly approached the complex. Several floodlights hit him washing all but the burring white from the lights out of his eyes. In not even two seconds a dozen troops were around him all in dark armor waving large assault blasters at him. Lucifer was able to identify where they came from, beneath him. At least five hatches were burst open a light piercing out from the base under the sand. A voice shouted across to him from behind, This voice taking change over all the others telling him to “Stand still”, “Don’t move!” Or warning. “Move an itch mother fucker and you will die.” A figure appeared before his eyes moving right in his face. A masked man with a long Red scarf trailing after him. He shot a few quick words at him. “What’s with the wings?” Lucifer tried to turn and seek a peek at his wings but was forced forward as the leader stared through him shaken green eyes showing wisdom beyond their years. “No answer? Alright.” The man stepped out of Lucifer’s sight and a moment later a harsh impact sent him face first on the sand. During his last moments of conciseness Lucifer could make out the next words from the man. “Get him examined then thrown in a cell. I want to know what he is.” The Fallowing voice replied sharp and attentively winning the prize for the last thing Lucifer heard before going cold.. “Roger that Thirty-three.”

[Ragsmire]

The next thing Lucifer saw was himself being dragged through the base, Then black. Then he was going down a turbolift the two men holding him up by his arms, both of which were cuffed. Lucifer was thrown on a chair the walls around him a rusted iron one door leading in or out. The man from before entered mask still on. Now able to get a better look at it the man didn’t wear a mask so much as he wrapped his head in dark cloth leaving a large slit at the eyes. He did have something of a helmet on. Covering both arms were a strange spiky armor. The same spread across his legs and center body. “Aright lets get to talking,” He pulled a chair up and sat in front of Lucifer. “Just tell me what your doing here.” Lucifer shook his head casting away the sluggishness of his mind. “I-I came to help?” He said aloud reminding himself more then explaining it. “hmm…Alright. How did you plan on that?” Lucifer propped up to set correctly on the chair. “If I were here to attack you would I just show myself like that?” The man raised a figure to that. “Not what I asked you. Now how did you plan on being a use to me?”
“However I can.” Though he couldn’t see it Lucifer was sure he felt a smile at that. “Alright then. You there get him uncuffed and a place to rest for the night.” the response came Again “Roger that, Thirty-three.” Was heard as the man stalked out of the room.

Lucifer was cleaned up and given a small bedroom new garments spread out for him. He put them on throwing all but his jacket into a pile. Compared to his last set of clothes these were amazingly white. All it consisted of was a simple V-neck shirt and white slacks. He began to wonder what they planed to do with him and what the exact deal was with Thirty-three. Lucifer lobbed on the bed also surprisingly clean for a military base. Thoughts of what Noctis might be up to began to spread through his mind before he fell asleep.

A slammed woke him early the next morning as a hot light broke through the small window at the very top of the room filling him with warmth. Thirty-three moved into the room swiftly taking a seat at the desk. “So you want to help?” Arms crossed his eyes said it all; He didn’t believe Lucifer. “Yes why else would I expose myself as I did?” Quickly snapping an answer back the man leaned forward with his response. “To gain my trust only to betray me and kill the rebellions greatest hope.” He offered the suggestion with a shrug showing it was only theory. He rose waving a hand indicating Lucifer to fallow. Thirty-three walked pass the halls of soldiers, Engineers, Medics, Droids and more must giving a respectful nod toward the man. Lucifer stalked behind getting only curious looks and double takes at his wings. Thirty-three entered a large oval room a table centered to fit it. Over a dozen empty chairs were pushed against the table Thirty-three directed a spot for him to set with a figure. He himself taking the spot opposite. “Lets see what the others have to say.” Lucifer faced him with the simple expression that asked “Hun?” When two monitors shot into life. The first depicted a Black haired woman in her early thirty’s. While the second showed a younger man around his mid twenty’s black hair under a combat helmet which he was reaching to take off.

“La Omen I’m ready I can spare only a little time however.” Said the man first thing. Dark skinned he had red eyes and a very military buzz cut.

“Don’t worry about it, Nolan I understand.” Thirty-three assured. He pressed forward removing himself from his chair. “I have a guest here, Wing boy we call him. Says he only wants to help and looks to have some military baring I’m considering him for ‘hotshot’ and wanted your impute.” He clarified for the two giving a few well-timed hand gestures here and there.

Speaking up the Woman offered jokingly. “Why would it matter to me, La. That is you operation so any failure is yours to carry not mine.” Again Lucifer found himself curious as to whom La was, this being the second time he was referred to.

Thirty-three spoke up. “I’m always looking for a little unconventional thinking, Real.” Putting two plus two together Lucifer assumed Thirty-three was also La Omen. He wondered if ether were his real name.

“How do you know he can be trusted, La?” Asked the man on the screen to the left. His audio was fuzzy as was the feed from the screen itself.

“I know you hate to hear this, Nolan but; I have a feeling about him.” Thirty-three continued walking in a circle around the large table turning to face the two whenever he spoke.

“Yeah, You always have these ‘feelings’ La.” He offered before being cut off by Thirty-three.

“And its thanks to them we are here and not still running about scared.” He pointed out maintaining an even voice showing no anger or frustration from being questioned. It seemed more like he welcomed the debate; this was not the standard military outfit.

“Your not always going to be right, you yourself have said ‘the force works in mysterious ways’ what if one of those ways were to screw you over?”

“The force as never let me down before and surely would not now.” Was all he gave in defense to the other man’s disdain.

“Well that’s all I need to hear.” Real said “Who is going to be second on the mission?” Lucifer sat with an expression that clearly said he had no idea what they were talking about while Thirty-three answered that question as well. “Well that’s the simplest part about it; I will.”

The other two nodded apparently convinced that he knew what he was doing and though the other man, Nolan, Clearly disapproved of the plan he didn’t question it instead giving a salute and then cutting the feed. The woman said a quick goodbye before doing the same. Thirty-three snapped his fingers indicating Lucifer to get up. He did.

“Alright then two-face lets get ready.”

[Ragsmire]

“Two-face” Thirty-three thought was the perfect nickname for this guy. La didn’t get the same feeling from him as he did everybody else. This guy felt like two entities housed in the same body. Two different personalities and maybe he didn’t even realize it. If this was the first of them then what he really wondered was; who is the second? Stepping out of the room with a burring determination La knew the man would need to be brought up to speed so he would drop him off at the war room for briefing while he check on the lab results.

“You there.” He said pointing down a hall with a large steel door at the end. With the same confused look he started down there. La moved three doors further pass the hall entering the lab. Clapping his hand together he asked aloud. “So what have we got?”

The leading researcher Walter Jon Williams came up to him and imminently started his report. “We’ve run the blood work against everything we have and it always matches up closest to human. As I’m sure you can see he is at the very least a near-human but there are none with wings like that in the database.”

“No match what so ever?” The man shook his head left to right. Thirty-three rubbed his face in disbelief. “Quite curious.” He thought he might have seen one of his kind before a long time before coming to this planet, or this version of it anyway.

“Alright that will be all.” After excusing himself from the good doctor’s presence, La marched quickly to his privet chamber. Opening the door easily he took a seat at the desk beside his cot and unlocked the center drawer and pulled from it a small holocron.

---

“You there” Thirty-three directed him toward the end of the hall with a quick flick of his figure. As discombobulated as ever Lucifer followed his finger to the door at the end. Walking slowly through the room Lucifer entered some kind of large command center a large map of the world displayed in the center detailing several different missions that they were ether planning or have already done and categorizing the results. A man rush Lucifer dressed in full military bearing.

“I’m Matt Stover head of field ops you most be, La’s new pet project.” Lucifer answered with just a nod surprised at how fast word spread that he was here, The again he doubted it was every day someone comes up to this base claiming they want to help and are let in no problem.

Two people began to strap a large holster-belt around him it had several pouches around the waist for carrying whatever was needed, two slots under both his arms for blasters. A sling on the back for a rifle. And some hooks to keep explosives. While they fastened all that Matt Stover went over what exactly he signed on for.

“This mission is what we’re hoping to be the war ender. Bastion is going to make a nice little speech at Angelico. Of course he’ll be guarded they are not your worry we will take care of them. You will be positioned on the grand clock. From it you should have a view of almost the entire city. La is going to attempt to bring Bastion into the open. We expect him to have an escape route planed probably a LAAT that’s why you will have a launcher shot it down.” The man continued his own speech over what to do when as Thirty-three entered.

“Alright is he suited, Let him wear it for the remainder of the day so he can adjust, Clearly its been a while since he was on the field.” Thirty-three walked over and looked at him sizing up his new partner it seemed.

“I never agreed to help you.” Thirty-three laughed aloud turning his back on Lucifer as he picked up a few things off the nearby table. “You didn’t, Really?” He turned around and looked Lucifer dead eyed. “You said you came to help that would imply you came for this.” After a long pause Thirty-three added. “The force wouldn’t have sent you if we couldn’t help each-other.”

“Well tell me then what am I getting out of this?” Lucifer asked in an attempt to gauge exactly what this guy knew. “What is it you came for?” Lucifer opened his mouth to answer and found no interruption came. “I just require accesses to the capitol.”

“Righto! That’s where you and I will be for the next few days, scouting the area, So your wish is granted.” Lucifer was about to interject when Thirty-three continued. “Get me a shuttle ready with a few compartments for weapon storage and get him ready.” With that he walked out of the room again leaving Lucifer to wonder if this really was worth it.

[Ragsmire]

After it had been finalized that Lucifer and Thirty-three would be entering this mission alone, A fact he found very strange, Especially the fact that the apparent leader of this cell was so trusting. The shuttle had been prepped and the two ventured outward toward the city. Thirty-three grabbed the transponder code from his chamber and suited the vessel to it. A small armory was hidden on board the ship, A fact of which Lucifer also found very disturbing. While traversing the inbound vector to his Surprise Thirty-three began to remove his mask and noticed his shock when he spotted the man doing it

“Well you don’t think they’ll let in a hooded crusader do you?” He asked in a semi joking fashion. “Don’t threat, they don’t know you and haven’t seen me…” He trailed off becoming consumed in thought.

“So could you go over what we are doing again, Thirty-three?” Lucifer asked shifting in his seat. He was told that this was advanced recon to formalize himself with the city but sought reassurance, A fact thirty-three seemed aware of.

“First my name is La Omen, You can call me La. Thirty-three Is just a absurdity needed to face the absurd nature of this war.” Now that all the bandages and wrappings had been abolished Lucifer saw La’s face. Roughly shaven he astonishingly looked in his early thirty’s had dark hair and somewhat regal appearance about him. The man dropped the cloth behind him but set aside the steel head guard. He set the shuttle on autopilot as he shifted in his chair to face the winged warrior.

“Listen carefully. I can see you’ve had many experiences, more then I perhaps. But I can also sense that you don’t know what’s happening, like you’ve been asleep for hundreds of years and the galaxy you once knew is now only a memory. But that is not all I feel within you; I sense a powerful conflict raging even now, you may not even realize it. But someone or something is trying to control you, Make you into something you’re not. Do to you’re strange appearance and the shady terms of your arrival my trust in you is something the others don’t understand, they can’t. But if they saw things the way I do, Ever shifting and constantly fluxing. Then they’d know that you at good at your core, something I am not. I have always stridden to do the right thing. But an ends justifies the means attitude has been a consistent block on my path. Where I mean to detonate a bomb to eradicate my target beyond a shadowy doubt. You, Lucifer, Would strife forward to engage the same deadly foe in one on one combat to ensure no innocent bystanders get harmed. How I know this, I feel it. The force is a powerful tool, one I have always inadvertently regarded as a weapon. It is not a weapon.”

He turned toward the controls again. Lucifer remained seated looking onward while La seemed to battle an inner demon. He still was unsure of this man but his words had explained his unusually behavior, why he held such faith in Lucifer. He only wondered if perhaps the force was deceiving La. His mind also stretched toward what this conflict within him could be. La spun the chair in place and pushed up from it walking to the hatch leading into the passenger section of the shuttle. “I must meditate, Watch over the ship.”

Lucifer again wondered what he had gotten into, And where Noctis had gone.

He reviewed a datapad containing the specs of the mission. Bastion was giving a speech in just under a week, something about announcing new governors for each city. Though security would definitely be on sight La had predicted that it was number very low, Twelve to twenty men at best. No armor was expected as it along with the vast majority of soldiers was fighting on the front lines during this war. La had insisted that this was only a two-man job back with a three-person support team. He wasn’t sure who the second would be until yesterday. The back up team held weapons and tech specialist, Tactical planner, and highlighted L.T. Nolan Feldt. Information and intelligence expert and master of stealth Clair Farron. And lastly demolitions and armor genius and long time military service droid GIR.

The support team would come two standard twos prior as would La if Lucifer wasn’t on board, He needed to get a feel for the area. While reviewing the data La walked back in and took a seat at the pilot’s seat.

“We’re on final approach Lucifer. Now I would prefer they didn’t see you, The whole wing thing will make you stick out. So after thinking about it I decided you will hide in the hidden compartment, roger roger?”

Lucifer shrugged then nodded. He only wanted to find Noctis and get off this planet at this point. He figured the best way to do that would to enter the city, He wanted in it so badly that perhaps he went ahead without Lucifer. He hide as requested and within three hours they had made it too the city and found a spot to put down.

[Ragsmire]

Grand tower, Angelico city east district.

Three days have since past since Lucifer arrived at the city of Angelico with La Omen. The winged man was allowed to stalk the city unaccompanied has much has he wanted so long has he went to different locations every time. during one of these tips Noctis contacted him in person informing Lucifer that he did indeed find what he was looking for and how he got in, Apparently another ship came in earlier and Noctis hind within.

The whole reason Lucifer was here was Noctis and his mystery package but soon this would all be over with thanks to his brother's work.He knew where this object was and had formed a plan to acquire it. the only problem was a lack of means according to Noctis. Something he was looking into now.

Lucifer sat across from La who was teaching him how to channel his force energy and utilize it both defensively and offensively. They resided in the large clock tower in the east district of the city. this would also be the point of Lucifer took during the coming operation, Tonight.

They practiced a few other techniques during the last three day's like telekinesis and pure energy manipulation. But primarily Sensing, A specialty of the man's he told Lucifer. He said more often then he knew how to deal with visions of the future hit him, More so then memories of what was. And that just as much has it did happen it didn't so these visions weren't to be trusted completely. Time was ever sifting.

There were ways to affect others visions of the future La had discovered and the act happening was something nearly impossible to detect. He also learned that some actions could be taken to increase the chance of a certain future, But never ensure it.

"Good, you can feel the people around you, Sense the overall feeling they let out and detect life as it winks away; You've improved in a very short time. La got to his feet and took the wrappings and steel helmet from the stand nearby.

"It's time for me to go, Remember your main objective is to take care of any air support." Night had fallen over the city and with those last words La moved out of the tower his long red scarf flowing after him.

---

"Central plaza in front of the royal chamber, East district.

Far too few guards were around the courtyard to prevent an attack Bastion was sure. but he was equally as confidant that any would be assassin found making it to the steps close to impossible. Several anti infantry guns were stationed around the courtyard and a LAAT was nearby for pickup.

the Plaza was surrounded by buildings on all sides making a sniper's shot a difficult one has the structures that did in case him were covered with one man per sector and with check in's every ten minutes the discovery of a dead guard would be quick, Followed by his escape.

Much earlier Bastion had deceived the king, Arrogus, To commission rank of commander of the army to him granting all the powers of king save the title. the deception came in the form the assassination of the second queen, Or doxye has she was officially seen as. Bastion convinced the king they were under attack from outside forces and that he needed to watch himself by going into hiding; The ploy worked.

Now in command Bastion has driven the royal family underground where by a twist of fate they were leading a rebellion of lower class citizens. Time and time again he was asked by the ones he got "Why?" the answer was very simply and quite overly plain. He liked the power.

This speech was a small thing to him. A bunch of near truths and complete falsehoods followed by more of the same. The length of it was just above an hour. The he'd be whiffed away via LAAT. security was of some concern as most of the men were actively fighting. what he did have were positioned high with long ranged weapons or low in the anti infantry guns.

He took the center stage lights flashing and people screaming. Well over a seven-thousand were here tonight-All of at least noble or honored common class. It were times when he needed to show himself that he hated this job the most, He only wished there was someone competent enough to act as a figure head saying and doing only what he wanted. but no.



As the speech concluded and the LAAT could be heard nearby Bastion gave his final farewells as he started toward the LZ until a fireball lurched out of the sky striking down the LAAT. panic ensued instantly as a figure appeared in the distance flood lights illuminating his ghostly form. Clad in dark red black armor wit a crimson scarf wiping through the open winds several red dots enhanced his attire. Mister thirty-three the leading man himself came for an execution. Before any shoots were fired a strange noise pierced the otherwise quiet night.

A secondary LAAT flew low over the Courtyard, though clearly its intent was not to land. Inside Bastion could make out an HK series droid with a detonator in hand. his eyes grow wide at the sight. "The location was not public until after we were in place correct?!" he shouted to the head of security through the roaring LAAT and the ripping winds.

For course it was sir." Not a second after he finished did a large blast implode many of the structures around the courtyard filling it was dust and debris. Inside the LAAT GIR, The HK droid who with the aid of Farron planted the explosives throughout the site without the knowledge of army. would have laughed if he could, boom booms always tickled a certain circuit of his.

Glancing back Bastion saw thirty-three gone moving at a steady determined pace slowly stalking toward Bastion. the chaos that followed the blast knocked out all the snipers from position and left several Anti infantry guns offline. the few that were still operating were consumed with holding off a pressing force of ground and armor troops to ether side. Nolan Feldt was leading them inward.

Bastion again turned back to Thirty-three and was met was a happy sight. One of the snipers made it through the explosion and had a beat on the shadowy figure. A shot rang out as the time it took to reach passed in nano-seconds. A miss! Thirty-three had twisted his body the exact distance needed to avoid the bullet. The LAAT flew out of the courtyard jolting missiles at the area the shot came from.

Thirty-three lifted a hand summoning a smooth piece of piping to it which hung from his belt moments ago. He right hand aimed at the man himself Bastion pinning him still. automated Fire works began to launch a planned part of the exit that now served only has lighting for his demise. Now moving up the steps of the platform Bastion he occupied for the last hour and five minutes Emerald green eyes cut deeply into the man.

He thumbed the dark activation button of his Lightsaber unleashing a Green blade to match his eyes. thirty-three dropped his hold of Bastion allowing the man crawl a few feet away before tossing him against the podium with the force. Standing tall over him Thirty-three reached up to his own mask loosening the wrappings.

under the red scarf black fabrics and steel head plate the semi familiar if not aged blazing green eyes and rough face of Tycen Malone burned through him as the last thing he saw before a blazing green blade took his head off from the eyes.

Grand tower, Angelico city east district.

Directly after Launching the missile to destroy the LAAT Noctis moved out of the tower through the window, Utilizing the great pare of wings he had to fly to the location of the package. the flight didn't take three minutes as he landed just outside the city walls in front of a tripled locked door. Fortunately he had gained the access codes earlier while Lucifer was scouting.

Pushing the door in a large tank sat alone with ice forming on the outside. He had flew the ship to the city before Lucifer had even started his way here and after discovering that this was where the package lay moved it within a click of it. He lifted the pod from its safety harness with the force and opened the blast door to fit it out of the experimentation chamber and walked happily to the ship the Dart Arks where he put the pod in the cargo bay.

The name of the ship was an inside joke between himself and Lucifer but only he really seemed to appreciate it. Dart Arks was an acronym for Dark Star the whole reason they shared one body, for the time being. Noctis looked down at his brothers hands. He'd been having the missing memories replaced whenever Noctis took over and never realized what had been happening this has been going on for weeks now. Lucifer thinks they're two separate entities, A goal which would be realized soon if things worked out how Noctis planed.