Made Flesh IC

[SikstaSlathalin]

Max and Siks were passing back and forth observations of everyone that entered the room. First was a chubby teenage girl who looked familiar to Siks but he couldn't totally place it she seemed quite nice and kinda cute too, Max's attention though was on the woman with hair redder than his she looked like some kind of New Vegas secretary albeit a little younger then was allowed in the Casinos he'd say Call Girl too but life has taught him to never assume.
"Hell Max that red head could be your daughter." Siks said chewing on a toothpick Max scoffed settling his plasma defender back on his hip after attaching the mods.
"How the fuck old do I look? Sister? Maybe. Daughter? No besides I think Red Lucy would've hunted me down and told me if we had a kid." Siks thought back over the game and nodded Max had definitely done Red Lucy especially since they were married and all now but that girl would be of the right age for when the first time they met but the young man left it at that.

As the next people joined them and upon seeing the white lizard made Max grab his carbine thinking this creature some kind of albino Deathclaw.
"Who in the hell imagines a Deathclaw and brings it to life!? If I can lock onto it's head before it sees me I should be able to drop it in one shot!" Seeing this as a very bad idea Siks stepped between Max and the creature.
[SPEECH 100/76] "Whoa, whoa, there lad calm down. That's no Deathclaw no one is that dumb besides I don't think we can kill the others." [SUCCEEDED] Max shoulders his weapon sighing then. "You're probably right besides I don't have my usual huge surplus of ammo. Just over 300 of each. For some reason I don't think I want to be stuck here with just Chance's Knife." Siks nodded, next to enter the Meeting room were two people arm in arm one he recognized to be Storm but once again he had no clue who the giggly girl was shaking his head the man rolled the toothpick around his lips.
"I really need to get more into media, I have no clue who most of these people are." Max nodded looking at the two as well the male seemed to be military of some kind not NCR but definitely military.
"Now you know how I felt for most of my travels. The woman's cute though, I'd like to catch her out in the Wastes." Siks laughed shaking his head.
"And after Red Lucy found out?" Max thought for a few seconds then said.
"Screw you." Both Siks and Max were surprised by what happened next out of the blue they heard the voice of a young girl and before they could look or react a cute little teenage girl jumped at Siks hugging him. He laughed wrapping his arms around the girl easily picking her up.
"Hey there Lark! And ay we did it. This is.." He was about to introduce Max but his hyperactive little pupil was too wild to pay attention as one of her other friends entered shaking his head he let the girls go and looked up seeing Hig walk in followed by some kind of badass officer.
"Hey there Hig, this is Mad Max who's your stoic friend here?" Max had been watching this all with the amused eyes of a cynic that still likes laughing. Apparently his Summoner was a cradle robber but he kept this thoughts to himself while Siks doesn't look like a killer Max wouldn't put it passed the man to really fight if pushed enough. Max looked up at the guy Siks was talking to but the Wastelander's eyes found and locked onto the military man behind this Hig. His hand went for his pistol this guy had to be NCR.

Ever since the second battle of Hoover Damn when he snatched the dam right out of the NCR's hands then sent them back to California with their tails between their legs he's been expecting them to send a hit squad out to hunt him down. Ignoring Siks's intro he looked the man dead in his eyes.
"If you're NCR come to kill me you better be ready for one hell of a fire fight." Siks practically jumped at Max making him let go of his weapon.
[SPEECH 100/95] Relax dude, really if you couldn't shoot the white lizard do you really think you could shoot a perfect stranger that hasn't appeared as a red tick on your Pip-Boy?" Max stayed his weapon again nodding.
[SUCCEEDED] "You're right Siks, my apologies big man. Ya see where I come from guys in military uniforms need to be watched. I'm Max."

Siks sighed happy that another crisis was averted but a familar voice and a well placed spank made him turn and wink at the woman he should've been watching for.
"How do we know you aren't stalking me dear Sets? Glad to see you decided to join us this is my friend Mad Max of New Vegas." He nodded to the red head who was still eyeing up Hig's military friend carefully.

[Drakkon]

Akshara blinked, tilting her head the other way. "Your like the Elder... except you still enjoy fighting.." She commented. "You know he once said something similar.. something about the thrill of victory." Drakkon gave a soft laugh as he came up to them. "Despite the misery of war, with little to no exceptions, only the victory gives the mourners enough peace to move on. Every warrior has someone who cares for them.. and every single minded fool looking for glory deserves death." He quoted. Well how could he not. He CREATED her elder, and her world. Akshara blinked and turned around tilting her head. "Akshara, I share the same name as you. Well.. actually my first name is your last name. I'm your summoner... uhh sorry I forget are you six or seven right now Ak? For safety measures." Akshara blinked, tilting her head and peering at him. "Six.. how.. do you.. whats a summoner again?" She asked looking up at the woman whose side she hasn't left yet.

Drakkon blinked, he didn't exactly know either. League of Legends might have some reference to this.. maybe, Summoner wise at least. Course he expected more Urgot and Ashe but otherwise he recgonized a few people. Master Chief.. Jayne.. Thor was right in freaking front of him. Uhh plan B. He thought quickly remembering that Akshara was more confused then the rest of them. "To put bluntly I'm Dima's father." Drakkon stated. And practically the rest of everyone you know but we probably shouldn't go there just yet.. He decided. After all, considering she held two daggers in her boots and knowing for a fact her third was keeping that pony-tail up. Drakkon figured if they lived for about a month she'd start dabbling in explosives. Which is why he had to ask her age.. she was doubly dangerous with her brilliantly creative bombs.

"Oh! Hi!" Akshara exclaimed. Hugging her Summoner before turning back to Thor. "Oh! Yes! Whats your name Mr. Destroying Protector? I'm Akshara Smith Drakkon." Drakkon kept a hand on her shoulder. "Uhh, I'm just Drakkon." He said. Giving a nervous smile. A god.. I'm talking to a god. Next thing you know I'll be talking to Zues, Odin, and Ra all over a cup of coffee.

[Elkay]

"Why does everyone want to kill me or call me a freak?" Teekay sighed, feeling rather insulted. "Just because I'm not human?"

Elkay grabbed Teekay's hand. "Don't worry. People just don't understand Vahrga..."

"But I don't even look like one of these Deathclaws..." Teekay sighed again. "Oh, hey, I recognise that bloke. That's the God of Lightning, Thor..."

Elkay blinked. "Er, you recognise him? How?"

"Phov... Elkay, I've read comics, you know. Just because I'm not fond of the racism and species-ism that most humans throw at anything that isn't to their standards, don't mean I don't like comics. I must say, though, this place is really strange... That person over there seems to have fiery eyes and hair. And why is everything so white? Are we in..." Teekay shuddered. "... A lab?"

Elkay nodded. "But this is a good lab. Not a scary one where people are tortured."

"Oh good." Teekay sighed again, then turned to the guy who wanted to kill him, offering his hand. "I'm Tahnok-Kal, Teekay for short, nice to meet you."

[Sy23]

"It isn't fair. It isn't fair!" sniffed Scarlet-Warrior, over and over again to herself, as she crouched in the corner. "This must be a nightmare!"

It was certainly a disappointment. All her life - ever since she'd first brought "Pride and Prejudice" home from the library, and read it cover to cover under the sheets with a torch - and then, as through the years, she'd acquired her own Penguin copy of the work, followed by the hand-tooled, leather-bound version and the beautiful, illustrated annotated edition - she'd been in love with Elizabeth Bennett. She would have given her life to meet her, but had always thought it impossible, for, after all, how can one meet a character from fiction. And then, fate had given her a chance to do what she'd always thought was impossible - only to make the result as horrible as it could possibly be.

She'd met Elizabeth Bennett - and Elizabeth Bennett didn't like her!

More, she seemed to hold her in utter contempt. After Scarlet had introduced herself, Elizabeth Bennett had looked down her nose at her, as if she were a piece of Gorgonzola cheese, said "Charmed, I'm sure," in a voice that indicated she was anything but, and then had made an excuse and wandered off. She had attempted to follow the skinny, louche-looking guy whom the others had addressed as Sy23, and his achiever, a frail-looking girl with braided hair, and after a few efforts to get into their obviously private conversation (and, equally obviously, being rebuffed) was now circling round the room, sizing up the various males, fluttering her fan and looking demurely seductive.

"I wish this had never happened." groaned Scarlet-Warrior, wiping her eyes, only for more tears to fall. "I wish Jane Austen had never ever written that crappy book!"

* * * * *

I don't like the look of this," Katniss Everdeen whispered, fiddling nervously with the fastenings on her braid. "Sy, am I really expected to go into the Arena with this lot? More than half of them look like career tributes. And surely that giant lizard's a muttation! How did I ever get reaped for this? i can see what's going to happen - I'll end up hiding up a tree again, shaking with fear. It'll be the 74th all over again. And I can't rely on a handy tracker-jacker nest to get me out of trouble this time."

"Relax, Mockingjay, relax," laughed Sy23. "Don't you understand? You haven't got to fight any of them. They're all on your side. Yeah, even the lizard. And it's not a muta - erm, muttation, by the way. It's a Bohrok."

"Well, that's a relief, anyway," she replied. "Though I wouldn't have minded hearing the cannon go off for that revolting creature from the Capitol. The one who made fun of my name!" She took a sip of the paper cup of coffee Sy23 had brought her, and made a face. "Eugh. How do people drink this stuff. Haven't they got any chocolate? At least the Capitol fed us properly before the games!"

"I'll see what I can do about the chocolate," Sy23 replied, trying to maintain his patience. "But listen, Mockingjay, there's something you have to remember. These people come from all over the universe. There's a lot of diversity. They're all on your side - even Elizabeth Bennett. But the whole lot of us might have to depend on each other a lot during whatever happens next. What you have to do is not get everyone's back up. Making rude remarks about the others - including the Bohrok- won't help. Try to use a modicum of diplomacy, OK?"

""Diplomacy?" Katniss Everdeen replied, as if she not only couldn't practice the concept, but positively disapproved of it.

"Yes. Be nice. Be polite. Try and get on with the others, OK?"

She nodded, as if taking in a new concept. "It's been remarked I have all the charm of a dead slug," she admitted. "Yeah, I get it. I'll never get any sponsors, if I don't come across as worth a parachute or two. I'll take your advice, mentor. But if that Bennett thing steps out of line just once, I'll -"

She broke off, as what looked like a small child crossed her path. A small, blond, bubbly girl, trailed at a proud distance by the Summoner known as Alika Kamashi.

"Well, hello," said Katniss, bending down to put herself on the same height as the child. Amazingly, her voice had gone from a harsh, aggressive defensiveness to a gently, protective murmur. "I'm Katniss. What's your name? I've got a sister not much older than you at home." She reached out and fluffed at the small child's hair. "Don't be afraid at all these fierce people. You come to me if you're in trouble, and I'll protect you. I'll never let you down, Prim - urm, Rue - er - what was your name again?"

Well, at least she's found someone she likes, thought Sy23, relieved. He stretched out a hand to Alika Kamashi, offering a handshake. "Hi - the name's Sy23. Love your Achiever. And cool piercings!"

[P.K.]

P.K. Smiled "This is so cool!" she said to Aly then turned to Aly's achiever "its nice to meet!" She said just as excited Cassandra had staid back behind her Summoner yet again looking around. She felt some what crowded and was thinking of changing her form into something smaller. It be easier to keep up with P.K. "This is Cassandra" P.K. said suddenly smiling. The pail blond girl looked up at the other and nodded a greeting. "Again P.K. I ask do any of us realy know why we are here?" Cassandra finely said with a sigh. "I'm afraid not" The younger girl answered frowning a bit "Will find out soon enough I'm sure"

Cassandra nodded again turning to look at all the people in the room again while P.K. turned to her friend. "Aly now that I think about it didn't it seem kind of serious when they asked us?" P.K. asked sounding slightly worried "I mean if could all just be an experiment but I'm kinda fuzzy on what I remember" P.K.'s stomach growled loudly then and she gave a small chuckle "Lets eat first I'm sire your hungry to" Cassandra looked over them perking up a bit "I'm sure ever one is" she said slowly. "Great then come on!" P.K. grabbed Aly and Shana's hands then looked back "come to think of it I'm not sure where the food would be and I'm to short to see over anyone else"

Cassandra could not help a small smile "your average hight for a human P.K." "Doesn't make it any better" the young girl muttered. Cassandra shrugged "All as well I'm changing it well get harder to move in here despite how big it is the more people that come in and easier for me to keep up with you" P.K.'s eyes brightened at the thought she would get to see Cassandra transform right in front of her.

Ignoring the fact that there where so many there and eyes on her she closed her eyes and let her body shrink and shift midnight black fur rippling along her spine and then the rest of her body. two small rounded ears formed and a long snout as well as four small clawed paws. Cassandra was now an abnormally dark ferret. P.K. couldn't help but make the aww sound she looked so cute! "dose it hurt?" she asked quietly. Cassandra looked up with her dark eyes and white pupils "not really but it cane be unnerving some times to feel your bones shift" P.K. bent down picking the small ferret up "your so cute" "So I have been told" Cassandra asked "now are we hungry or not?"

[Girly Woman]

Jayne looked around suspiciously, wondering what had made the small woman squee in fear. No one or nothing seemed to be threatening her. Everyone seemed pretty wrapped up with each other. In fact, every other Summoner seemed pretty close with his and her Achiever. Well, with the exception of a woman in a long dress walking around on her own. Did someone summon a hooker? She was dressed like some of the hookers he'd seen and she appeared to be walking around, looking for some business. Jayne grinned. He'd give her some business.

Meanwhile, Girly noticed a poor upset chubby girl. Everyone else seemed so thrilled to be together, yet this girl just swiped away a tear. Perhaps the reality of her fantasy had also been a bit harsh. Although, for Girly Woman, reality was scary. It looked like reality had hurt and abandoned this poor girl. At least Jayne hadn't abandoned her. She glanced over, only to find Jayne reshouldering Vera and shooting flirtatious glances towards...Girly followed his gaze...towards a woman in old-fashioned clothing. Girly Woman was pretty into Jane Austen, so her first thought was that this was a Jane Austen character. But...why would someone summon a character with no strength or special powers? And why would Jayne be so interested in such a...Girly's eyes went wide and she giggled. In one episode, there had been prostitutes who were dressed in a similar fashion, but more Western-style. The way the woman was walking around, all alone, omg. This was too funny. Jayne thinks she's a prostitute! Girly considered saying something, but decided to see how this played out.

However, Jayne turned away from the woman and back towards Girly Woman. Before he went picking up hookers, he should probably figure out exactly what was going on. Jayne always took care of business before he played. Girly was now feeling less intimidated because she had seen something funny. Girly knew, rationally, that Jayne was not a threat to her. Jayne said, "So...what exactly is going on here?" Girly Woman shrugged. She had a really bad memory and had already forgotten much of what had been told to her.

She again glanced at the morose-looking girl. Girly Woman wanted to maybe try to help her, but Girly Woman had had her kindness cruelly repelled in the past, and so she was hesitant to reach out to this girl. However, she decided to swallow her shyness. Hopefully the girl wouldn't be mean. Clutching her Chococat, she took a step towards the girl as the girl walked past her and said, "Are-are you okay?" Jayne turned to see who Girly Woman was talking to. Geez, the contrast between these two girls was like night and day. Jayne wasn't a particularly discerning man, but he also wasn't a jerk. He looked at Scarlet Warrior with mild curiosity, wondering who had had the audacity to make a woman cry.

[flora19]

After a while, Flora ran out of things to explain and her natural socially-awkwardness seeped in. "Well, any questions for me Artemis? Can I call you that? Or would you prefer Mr. Fowl?" she asks eagerly. She smooths her braids down and then awaits his answer, all the while studying his every detail--not to be stalker-ish, but to be #1 fan-ish, not that it came across that way to Artemis.

"I can comprehend at a third-grade level," he murmurs dryly. Butler gives him a disapproving glance leading Artemis to put on a weak smile and offer a more polite response. "No, you have been very helpful. Your message was perfectly clear," he says, trying not to be sarcastic. Butler nods slightly; he knows that was sadly his best effort. Artemis wasn't quite one for phoniness.

"Oh, no problem! So....." Flora trails off. Conversation was far from her forte. "Um, want to talk to someone else?" Flora looked around to see that most Summoners had met with their Achievers and were now in the process of mingling with the others. When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Flora often thought in expressions even when the didn't quite fit. In this case, she meant to copy everyone else obviously. "There are two girls over there who seem friendly, and a big guy for Butler to talk to."

Yes, because size determines compatibility. To avoid as much awkwardness as possible, he decided to give his consent. She seemed like she would be more comfortable around girls anyway. "Sure, and Artemis is fine, Laura was it?" he asks curiously. The girl's name had already slipped his mind. Dora? Cora? Whatever.

"Flora," she blurts quickly. She leads them to a girl in a flashy outfit that Flora could never pull off (Girly Woman) and a girl who could afford to lose a couple pounds(Scarlett Woman), not that she was terribly fat. "Hello, I'm Flora," she introduces herself brightly. She tried to ignore the hulking man nearby, but it's difficult. She felt uncomfortable enough with the freight train that was Butler near, having two monster men close was utterly nervewracking.

"And I, Artemis," Artemis says politely. In a quick glance, he looks over the other people nearby. "I'm assuming your the 'Achiever'?" he asks of the larger man(Jayne), putting air quotes around Achiever. He still was a bit shaken after absorbing the information from Flora. Was this a dream, a sick punishment, or had he gone nuts?

[Secrets]

Shay had a nerve-wracking headache. Oh god did it hurt. There was a catastrophic amount of noise coming from the hallway outside, even though the hallway certainly shouldn't be able to fit as many different voices as he was hearing. No, it must be coming from the end of the hallway. Hot damn, there were a lot of people there. Of course, when given the idea to meet your childhood hero, who wouldn't want to sign up to save the world? Or rather, a world that was no their own.

"Don't care about that fucking world," Shay muttered as he sat up. He groaned and clutched at the side of his head, yanking the wires that were attached to his skull. This better have worked.

And it did, because suddenly Shay felt a hand grab his throat and press him up against the wall, dragging the hospital bed along with them. Instead of fighting the man who'd just used inhuman strength to pin Shay and close his airways, the teenager narrowed his eyes and glared at his attacker. Taken aback, the vampire cocked his head and narrowed his eyes right back. We're going to get along just fine, Mr. Salvatore, Shay thought as the man released him.

Shay's legs were still on the hospital bed, yet his body was not as lucky and he crashed against the hard linoleum ground. Ah well, if he'd wanted someone more gentle, he could have chosen to summon Stefan. "Get up." Damon's voice was irritated, impatient, and mostly angry. Yep, just as he suspected. Shay had already planned out their whole little get-together. The younger boy just hoped Damon would refrain from sleeping with all of the summoned females out there until he could get it into the vampire's skull that this wasn't Mystic Falls anymore.

"You want to know where we are, right? Why you're not by poor Elena's side, fighting against some damn Originals with nasty tempers," Shay said as he stood up. Again, Damon's palms smacked against Shay's chest. Any harder and Shay knew he would have broken some ribs. The vampire forced the boy up against the wall, knocking his already aching head against stone. "Shit, let me down," Shay growled and pushed at Damon's hands. He could have been trying to push a boulder for Chrissake.

The veins under Damon's eyes had sprung outward as his skin darkened, fangs elongating as anger touched his eyes. He tilted his head to the side again, cocky smirk on his face at the fear in Shay's quivering body. "Don't piss yourself kid. It's demeaning," he said as he narrowed his eyes again.

"Coming someone who fucks other girls when he can't screw his brother's girl, alright," Shay retorted.

Alright. That was a bit of an idiotic move. Damon's fangs sharpened again and he went to dive into Shay's neck. Shay miraculously punched the vampire square in the jaw. Okay, it may not have hurt him in the least, but it certainly hadn't been expected. Damon cracked his neck as he moved his lower jaw back and forth, staring loathingly at Shay as he did so. "How do you know so much about me?" he breathed menacingly into Shay's ear.

"I summoned you," Shay said matter-of-factly.

Now it was Damon's turn to look confused. "Summoned?"

"Yeah. Don't question. Just come," Shay said and thought about it. "Don't question. Let me down. Then come."

---

"So there's this entire world that's dying out there and everyone's partying because they get to meet their childhood heroes?" Damon asked, summing up basically what Shay said. The two of them were standing against the wall of the main room, where dozens of other people were buzzing with excitement. They weren't the only two that weren't engaging with anyone. Shay didn't have a problem staying away from the other people. He snorted when he saw that Damon was eyeing a few of the mistresses.

"Lizzy Bennett's out of your league, Damon," Shay said when he followed the vampire's gaze down to the woman's ass.

"Like Emily Bennett?" Damon asked as he made a face. Emily hated him--fucking witch--and if this Lizzy person was related to the Bennett witches in any way, Damon would make it his policy to stay away from her. Or well, he could do just the opposite and make another foe. He just didn't want to get his ass whooped with some witchy voodoo or whatever. Not after Emily decided to freeze him in place in the sunlight and make his daylight ring cease to work. Hadn't that just been fun.

"Yeah, like Emily Bennett," Shay said. He hid his smirk well, though it got harder when he saw Damon immediately look away.

"So tell me again why the government decided to hire a bunch of teens to create a fucked up cast of people that are supposed to save an entire world?"

"Beats me," Shay said with a shrug.

Damon looked like he was about to say something, then paused and glanced sideways at Shay. "So Shay...why, of all people, would you pick me?" He looked Shay up and down. "Stefan's more for the whole 'I'm going to save the world' type thing."

Shay barked out a laugh. "You think Stefan would like me, Damon?"

Damon made another face. "Kid, I don't even like you."

[AlyKun17]

Aly followed P.K and Cassandra. Honestly she herself was confused. It was all very confusing for Aly as well. true enough Aly was a bit hungry. Summoning someone so powerful starved her. Aly was one girl who loved her sweets and so as they entered to the room where the food was kept Her eyes sparkled at the sweets layed down.

Aly was aware that alot of people were here and she was aware that it was only their achievers that were needed in this battle but she was still a bit curious at what their achievers were to actually face. She then looked at Shana whose eyes began to sparkle as well at the sight of sweets. She was like a little girl, but she had her tough side. She was so cute and awesome.

Shana couldn't believe her eyes as some wonderful smelling melon bread was layed on the table. One good thing that she found in this world was that they had melon bread. She looked at Aly as if asking permission to grab some melon bread and Aly nodded for she knew that Shana loved them. Aly was happy to see Shana so cute. Shana sat down on a table with a tray full of melon bread. Aly smiled at her.

Shana's thoughts then drifted to what was the real reason they were really here. Some of these people seemed unique and powerful and dangerous. She needed to be cautious but now she was just happy to find that melon bread existed even in this world. she was like a little girl as she bit the melon bread and her eyes sparkled.

It seems as though this time was set for rest and relaxation and seemed as though the heaviness of the real mission was to be revealed once everyone was stuffed.

[Sy23]

(note - this post comes from Kris and I acting as GMS)

As the various Summoners and Achievers gathered around the table, the large screen crackled into life, and the mysterious hooded figure appeared. A small bell sounded, causing every head to swivel towards the sound.

Greetings, one and all, the figure said. I see that everyone seems to have met their Summoner or Achiever, and we are pleased to see that you are all getting to know each other. The City apologizes for the rather spartan nature of the refreshments provided, but things have been very tough. This is the very best we can supply, at this time. Our city is in a sorry state -which is, after all, why you have been assembled.

Your quest is about to begin.

The image of an elongated, silver sphere appeared on the screen.

This, said the figure's voice, is the "Egg of Gecishi"... its origin, and history, need not concern us. Sufficient to say, it has fallen into the hands of those that would destroy the city from motives of venality or spite. The egg emits a radiation that changes all of those whom it touches. Its effects are unpredictable and random. It might change its victims to anything. A robot, an animal, an undead creature, sometimes even an evil thing that has no description. Once corrupted, the victim becomes a slave, subservient to the egg's will. There is no cure.

We have no idea where the egg is. Your job, as a team is to find and destroy it. Once this is achieved, its victims will be freed from the curse and return to their normal shape. When your quest has been completed, you will be returned to your own universes, with no memory of what has been. Should you perish in the attempt - as many of you will - well, in that case, you will still return to whence you came, but not before passing through a period of extreme mental and physical agony that will seem to last a lifetime.

Make no mistake, Summoners and Achievers, you arrive at a moment of crisis. Should you fail, not only will our city be destroyed, but the effects will grown and feed upon its victims, and spread. Eventually, every universe in the Multiverse will be affected. All of you are the first line of defense against the ultimate destruction of... of everything!

Now, a little housekeeping. Firstly, Achievers, please note that you must obey your respective Summoner at all times. Summoners - stacked upon the small tables next to the refreshments are a pile of small electrical tablets. Please take one each. These will be used to relay instructions and information. Guard this device with everything you have, including your lives. Its loss will mean your own destruction.

Outside these walls, chaos and evil reign. Evil armies, of previously innocent, law-abiding citizens, roam the streets and gardens, destroying all that stand in their way. These enemies might take any form. But they are never human - do not harm anything that resembles a normal human being, for they are innocent, and to do so will be to do the enemy's work.

Now, soon, the order to march will be given. The hopes of the city rest with you, together with our admiration and gratitude for embarking on this task. You will note that there is but one door out of this structure. This door is locked by a special device, of a type that is normally used in our culture. There is no key. If anyone attempts to destroy the lock by force, the power used will rebound and destroy whoever attempts it. Only guile and logic will open it.

Oh, and one more thing -

The hood looked in the direction of Elizabeth Bennett.

Miss Bennett, everyone seems to have their chosen weapon to hand except yourself. Where is your katana, may I ask?

"My what?" replied Elizabeth Bennett.

Your Katana. For slaying zombies.

"La, sir," replied Miss Bennett. "And what in heaven's name is a 'zombey?' And what, for that matter, is a 'kertanna?' "

A note of worry had crept into the figure's voice.

You are the Elizabeth Bennett of "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, aren't you?"

Scarlet_Warrior strode forward to the front of the group. There was an angry expression on her face. Meeting her favorite literary character might have been a disappointment, but she was not prepared to stand by and see her insulted. "Certainly not!" she growled. "This is Miss Elizabeth Bennett, of 'Pride and Prejudice' by Jane Austen - not the rip-off character from that ridiculous mash-up by some hack that should never have been allowed within a hundred miles of a word-processor. Your instructions were quite specific.

Oh, shit on toast, moaned the hooded figure. A fine start that is!