[Andrew sits in the MSTing theater of the Kthulhu starship. The lights are
currently turned down, and he is trying to relax and watch a video.
Suddenly, he hears footsteps from behind him, and turns around, startled]
Andrew: Huh? Wha...
[A woman with tanned skin and braided black hair, dressed in a black sailor-
fuku and leggings steps out of the shadows. She is Era Hades, a Plutonian
courtier and spy and the main character of "Kingdoms"]
Era: And to think you'd be sitting and relaxing when you have to write
stories... not to mention reply to Mr. Yaple's MST.
Andrew: $#!^! I don't have anyone organised.
Era: Lucky for you I arranged someone. Don't worry, she's been reading the
story.
[On cue, Iczer-2 teleports in, battle aura glowing. She flies over to
Andrew and gives him the kind of stare normally reserved for Iczer-1.]
I2: HOW DARE YOU let that bitch do that to me???
Andrew: Uh, well, can we just reply to the MSTing?
At 21:36 20/11/98 -0500, you wrote:
In the Knight Productions theater...
<Our first view is three members of the usual reviewing crew: Erica,
Julia, and Atsuko. Brian is nowhere in sight>
Erica: So? Where the heck is he??
Julia: No idea.
Atsuko: Well...he better get here soon...
<Suddenly, a chorus of Halleujah sounds from the speakers, and while the
crew is holding their ears, Brian walks into the theater.>
[Iczer-2 teleports out, and immediately reappears, holding a red-headed girl
dressed in a red plug suit]
Asuka: AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRGGGGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!! YOU HAD TO DRAG ME IN FOR
THIS, DIDN'T YOU, YOU BAKA, IDIOT, SCHEIZENKOPFT... [Iczer-2 teleports her
back out]
Andrew: That was nasty.
I2: No it wasn't. I'll show you nasty after the fic.
Brian: Hi, minna. What's up?
Julia: <pulls out mallet> What the heck was with that entrance?
Brian: <jumping back> Hey, hey!! I felt like doing a dramatic entrance!
Atsuko: And why, pray tell?
Brian: Because...I have finished my thesis!! <The Halleujah chorus
sounds again>
Andrew: /~ Za-n-ko-ku no ten-shi no the-sis ~/
I2: He made that joke last time Brian mentioned that, right? PREPARE TO DIE!!!
Era: Don't bother. I can arrange for something nasty to happen later.
I2: What?
Era: Now, that would be telling, wouldn't it?
Voice from outside: Fire...BALL!!
<The chorus dies in a feedback squeal>
Brian: Hmph. <pouts> Critics...
Erica: Before this gets any crazier than it already is...
Atsuko: Too late.
Julia: Andrew asked us to review the latest part of Operation:
Lightsphere. <To the projection booth> Roll it!
----------
From: Andrew Dynon <adyn1@students.latrobe.edu.au>
To: ffml@fanfic.com
Subject: [FFML] [Icz/Tekno] Operation: Lightsphere [Phase 3, Ch.1]
Date: Saturday, November 07, 1998 6:45 AM
Well, after WAY to long, due to university, "To Lose, To Gain" (which
still
Brian: <cringes> You have my sympathy, Andrew.
Andrew: With these two around, it looks like I'm gonna need it.
has a part to come), and "Kingdoms" (which still has several parts to
come),
I'm finally restarting work on "Operation: Lightsphere". As I said at
the
end of Phase 2, I'm having a bit of trouble thinking of ideas for this
part,
and would appreciate people contributing them (I'll give a free no-prize
to
anyone who does so ;-).
Erica: <blinks> A what?
Andrew: It's a Marvel Comics in-joke. The prize is "no prize".
As always, any & all C&C NEEDED, MSTs especially appreciated.
Julia: Here you go. :-)
BTW, I want to give a free plug: I was listening to a CD by a guitar
soloist named Tommy Emmanuel during a lot of the time that I was writing
this chapter (i.e. during the time I wasn't listening to "Iczer-1: Battle
Music Collection"). I know it may be difficult to find his music outside
Australia, but if you can, I urge you to pick it up, as his music is the
rare type that can truly be called "wonderful".
Brian: <mutters curses to the effect that he is living on the East Coast
of the bloody US.>
Andrew: Hey, you've got it lucky. It's easy for you to get all the new
anime releases.
* * * * *
OPERATION: LIGHTSPHERE
An Iczer/Teknoman crossover
(now with cameos from other series)
by Andrew Dynon
PHASE 3:
Chapter 1:
.. And Let Me Play Among the Stars
All: <blink...and groan>
Brian: <deadpan> Gee...laying the Eva references on a little thick? :-)
Andrew: Hey! It's only the second one I made in the fic!
* * * * *
"Shara, the sky's beautiful tonight, ne?" Nagisa asked. She and her
cousin
sat on the roof of the command center just after sunset, staring at the
multitude of sparkling lights which could be seen above them, and the
silvery-white circle of the full moon... which, for the first time since
the
invasion began, they could lay their eyes upon without feeling a sense of
dreadful foreboding.
Erica: <hums "Moonlight Denetsu" under her breath>
Julia: <hums "Fly me to the Moon" under her breath>
<Strangely enough, they sound almost in harmony>
Brian: <blinks> How the hell did they manage that?
Atsuko: No idea.
"Yes, it's beautiful, Nagisa. If you can forget what's going on out
there." Shara replied. "But I don't want to look at the moon. There are
too many painful memories for me there."
"I understand. But it's okay to forget about the fighting going on,
isn't
it? Just for now, I mean." Nagisa lay back so that she could see more
of
the night sky.
"I guess it can't hurt."
The pair continued to relax, letting their gaze drift across the
constellations. Finally, they paused, both fixing their sights on a
single
star which had just risen on the eastern horizon.
"That's..."
"...where we're going, isn't it, Shara? I know Iczer-1's near there."
Erica: Ahhh...the reawakened link, right?
Era: Correct.
* * * * *
As Nagisa and Shara were engaged in their stargazing, a figures stood
watching them, concealed from any detection. The figure was a woman who
appeared to be in her early twenties, with tanned skin and black hair,
dressed in a white bodysuit and black skirt and carrying a staff with a
red
gem set in it, and as she observed them, she reflected on what had been
done.
Erica: <re-reads the description> Wait, that sounds like...
Era: [winking] My Queen's plan continues to progress.
{Children, thank you for succeeding against Darkon. And thank you for
saving something else, although you do not know it yet. During the
purges
which followed the disaster at the end of the millennium, the Senshi and
others allied with us took many super-powered beings to safety, placing
them
in cryogenic suspension in a cave system far beneath the moon's surface.
Those of us who remain have been waiting for the correct time to release
them... a time that will come before too long."
Then, Sailor Pluto teleported away.
Atsuko: Wow...
Brian: Which brings up another question: What if Darkon had found them?
All: <shudder at the thought of it>
Era: All I shall say is... "be glad he did not".
* * * * *
"Star, can we take a detour? There's someplace I want to go before we
head
back to the command centre." Blade requested.
"Sure, Blade. We've got lots of time." As Blade gave directions, the
/Blue
Earth/ banked and turned to port, in the direction of the ocean.
The craft touched down gently on a stretch of wide, sandy beach, and Star
and Blade alighted from it. On a hill overlooking the beach could be
seen a
stately, double-story house which the man once known as Nick Carter
turned
and stared at.
"What is this place, Blade?" Star asked, and then realised the answer to
her
question. "Your home."
"My home... at least until we left on that mission."
"It's just like it was the day we left it." Blade mused nostalgically as
the pair entered the main doors. Then, he half-ran up a staircase,
opening
a door when he reached the top. Star followed, and saw a room which had
obviously been a study - shelves of books lined the walls, and an
intricately-designed antique desk and chair were placed at the far end of
the room. Blade walked to the desk, and gingerly brushed his hand over
it.
"Family... I guess it's something we all take for granted until we lose
it.
This desk was my father's... I'd almost forgotten what it looked like...
and
yet, I must have seen it every day of my life. He'd sit here, puzzling
over
his equations, smoking his pipe..." Blade's eyes opened as his hand
touched
something - the pipe he had just mentioned. "Well, speak of the devil.
I
remember him thinking he'd lost it aboard the /Argos/, but it was here
all
along."
Then he closed his eyes and clenched the pipe in his hands, letting out a
soft, anguished cry.
"Dad..."
All: <doing Usagi-type wails>
Erica: That...was perfect.
Julia: <sniff> Hai! :,,-)
Andrew: Well, the people who did the show deserve most of the credit for that.
* * * * *
Nami Shiina arose from her bed as the first rays of dawn touched her
face,
and, as usual, wasted no time dressing and heading toward the gymnasium.
As
she approached, her ears caught the distinctive, methodical rhythm of
foot
movements, kicks and punches made by somebody performing a martial arts
kata.
{Unusual for someone to be up and doing their morning exercises before
me.}
she mused, wondering who it was. Then, she turned the corner and saw
Nagisa, her back towards her, dressed in a T-shirt and tracksuit pants,
engaged in a kata from an unfamiliar style of martial art - the style's
hallmarks, as far as she could see, were its frequent circular arm
movements
and the fact that Nagisa's body was constantly in motion, shifting stance
and position.
All: o_O;;;
Brian: ...the hell?
"Hi, Nami." She said, turning to face her and slowing the kata's motions
down, but not stopping them.
"Interesting style." Nami commented. "I don't believe I'm familiar with
it."
"Not surprising, since I'm the only human who knows it. It's a Kthulhu
martial art they call 'Aeczi-lyr'. After I synchronized with Iczer-1
during
the battle on the moon, I found that I knew what the movements were. I
still need more practice until I get them right, though."
Erica: How did she figure that out?
Andrew: When synchronization is attained, both subjects become aware of
everything the other knows.
"Really? What's it based around?"
"Letting your body be one with your mind, and letting your mind be one
with
your soul."
All: <sweatdrop>
I2: You *had* to phrase it in a way that makes it sound like it's from some
monastery or something, didn't you?
"Now *that* sounds like it came straight out of Star Wars or something.
But
since you said you need more practice... wanna spar?"
"Spar? Uh, well, okay."
Nagisa and Nami took guarding stances, then they bowed to each other and
the
combat started. Nami made the initial burst of attacks, lashing out with
a
high kick and following up with a sequence of punches - Nagisa managed to
block the kick and move out of the way of Nami's fists, making an arm
sweep
as she sidestepped, which Nami blocked. Then, the green-haired girl
swung
her body around, executing an unexpected roundhouse kick. The blonde
dancer
hurriedly jumped backward, feeling her opponent's foot brush against her
forehead hair.
Erica: Wow...
Julia: She's good.
Atsuko: Hai...<watching the match intently>
I2: No, she is not. I could take her down so fast you wouldn't see me do it.
{Well, she's certainly a better fighter than when I last saw her.} Nami
thought, as she crouched and made a leg sweep which Nagisa made a short
jump
to avoid. {A week ago she would have been on defensive for all five
seconds
the fight lasted.} She rose, and aimed a kick at Nagisa's solar plexus.
Her foot made contact with the girl's torso... and at the exact same
time,
she felt the impact of Nagisa's fist on the side of her head. The pair
of
them fell, and lay on the mat recovering.
All: <hold up scorecards: E-9.0, J-9.5, B-9.7, A-9.1>
Erica: Nice form...
Atsuko:...but the landing could still use some work.
Andrew: And the Russian judge gave [POW!!!]
I2: WHO CARES?
"Let's call it..."
"...a draw?" Nagisa finished Nami's sentence for her. After she
recovered
her breath she continued speaking. "I was trying practice my telepathy
during that fight, too, and read your mind. I couldn't quite manage it,
though."
Julia: Add a "to" to Nagisa's second line in that paragraph.
Brian: Wait...Nagisa with telepathy, that sounds familiar...
Erica: Well...it's probally canon, right Andrew?
Andrew: Well, she communicated telepathically with I1, I3 and Atros in the
videos, but I increased her power level a bit.
"Heh, lucky for me. You're so much better than I remember."
"Thanks."
"Actually, there's something about that style that seems familiar..."
Nami
mused.
"It's part of the Iczels' programming, we can all use it when we're
transformed. We don't retain it when we change back to normal, though.
My
knowing it's because I synchronized with Iczer-1 back on the moon. Also,
I'm much better at using it as an Iczelion."
"I see."
Nagisa stood up and smiled.
"Still half an hour until breakfast. Wanna help me practice some more?
Brian: <Nami voice> Depends...does the base have a good medic?
Others: <groan-hitpunchtwistFireBallFlareArrowmulitatefatality>
Brian: <err...hello, ER?>
* * * * *
The setting sun painted the clouds behind Kiiro the color of peaches as
the idol
singer prepared to step onto the stage. The day had been swelteringly
hot,
and the temperature hadn't dropped yet, but that was no deterrent to the
crowd which had packed the stadium to attend her concert.
Her final concert.
"It looks like it's going to be a big farewell, ne, Kiiro-san?" Kawai
said
as she and the other Iczelions stood around her backstage.
"Yeah. It's still hard to for me to believe that I won't be doing this
any
more."
"Maybe you will, when you come back."
"Kawai-han, arigato. We'll all make it back. Definitely." Kiiro said
as
the opening chords of music began to play and she turned and walked
toward
the stage. The rest of the group watched and cheered as she sang.
Brian: Okay, you've got me curious: What's the -han honorific anyway?
I've seen it used in a couple of 'fics.
[snip song]
Erica: <smirk> Gee...I wonder who Nagisa's thinking of while she's
hearing this song?
Julia: No bets. <smirk>
Andrew: Given that it's from the OVAs in the first place...
* * * * *
"Final preparations for the launch of the /Fuji Empress/ have begun.
Lift-off in T-minus one minute." Star reported, reading the Ship's
instruments. "Blade, do you feel the same way about this as when you
left
on the /Argos/."
Brian: Fuji...Empress???
Erica: Any bets on how long this ship will last?
Julia: Five chapters.
Atsuko: Seven chapters, plus an interlude.
Brian: I'll see that seven+interlude, and add an "dramatic destruction"
angle.
[Era records a bet and gives her trademark "I'm up to something, but you
don't know what it is" smile.]
"No, this is different. On the /Argos/, we were just exploring, and
everyone expected to come back alive and well." Blade replied. "Of
course,
we all know how *that* turned out. But this time, we're heading off to a
totally different star system, to fight." He turned toward the other
passengers on the vessel - Ringo, Iczer-3, Kiiro, Nami, Kawai, Tina,
Mizuki,
Nagisa... and Shara.
Julia: <smirk> Gee...are we missing anyone?
Erica: Come to think of it, yes.
Andrew: Who did you have in mind?
"And we all know we may well not make it back."
Atsuko: <sigh> Yep, that's Blade, alright.
Erica: Wall of depression, as usual.
"Geez, you're still all doom and gloom, even after Darkon's been beaten.
Lighten up, Blade!" Ringo replied. "/~ We're off... to outer space,
we're
lea-ving mother Earth, to save... the hu-" *THWACK*
All: <quickly add their 2 cents (aka Ringo-beatings) in> :-)
[Iczer-2, meanwhile, beats up on Andrew]
"Leave the singing to Kiiro!!" Tina yelled at the blonde pilot as she
removed her fist from his chin.
"Ow... I will when you're around, that's for sure."
All: GOOOO.....TINA!!! <waves around banners from when Warhammer was on
the list>
[Tina pops in]
Tina: Thank you very much! [leaves]
As the ship's engines fired up, most of the crew turned and looked out of
the window towards Commander Jamison, who was watching from the tarmac
below. The sun was bright at the time, and he hadn't removed his visor,
but
still, he turned and looked toward the vessel's cockpit.
Then, the /Fuji Empress/ lifted off quickly becoming a tiny speck in the
sky, and then disappearing completely. Long after the vessel had
vanished,
Jamison's gaze was locked in its direction.
"Best of luck, everyone. Come back safely."
Erica: Of course they will. :-)
Julia: Or the audience may get...nasty. <VEG(tm)>
Brian & Atsuko: <sweatdrop>
Era: Let's just say there are no guarantees.
* * * * *
Iczer-2 strode into the sanctum - a strange kind of chamber, with every
surface made of a strange, black, organic material. A pale yellow light
filled the room, and seemed to drain away the heat present as well. As
she
entered, another form appeared, on the opposite side of the sanctum - one
that appeared much like herself. She wore a black bodysuit, had slightly
tanned skin, and her pink hair was less straight than hers, but those
were
the only differences.
"So, we finally meet, little sister... or should I say half-sister?"
Although Iczer-2's expression did not change, she felt a shock run
through
her mind.
"Ah, naturally, you're surprised." The woman said, and let out a short
laugh. "My name is Iczer Zero... the *true* daughter of Big Gold."
"What do you mean?"
Iczer Zero slowly walked toward Iczer-2, a malicious smile on her face.
When she was a couple of paces away, she suddenly reached out and grabbed
her half-sister by the throat.
Erica: <gulp>
I2: WHY YOU LITTLE PIECE OF *&^%%$#@!!!!!!
[Bangpowwhackenergyblastcrushkilldestroyannihilate]
Andrew: <Component subatomic particles>
"While you and your sisters' forms were corrupted by Violet and made
weak,
mine is the creation of Big Gold *alone*. I exist to carry on my
mother's
will. If you agree to serve me, I shall let you live, and I shall let
you
destroy your sister. If you do not... well, I believe you can figure
that
out by yourself." Iczer Zero let go of Iczer-2, and the pair licked
gazes.
All: <sweatdrop>
Brian: Ladies and Gentlemen (if there were any present), please
welcome...THE NEW VILLAIN!!!
<DAA...DAAA....DUNNN!!!>
Others: <sweatdrop>
Era: Well, *one* of the new villains.
Iczer-2's gaze broke first.
"I agree... to serve you, and help carry on the will of my mother.
Brian: Might need an endquote there, Andrew.
Andrew: Arrgh!
END PHASE THREE, CHAPTER ONE
AUTHOR'S NOTES:
Firstly, about the scene with Sailor Pluto: I mentioned when I sent the
"family trees" chart to the FFML that I was planning on expanding the OL
universe, and the Pluto scene is a kind of teaser for that. However, I
am
worried that this scene disrupts the flow of the fic. Should I keep it
in?
All: Keep it.
Brian: It adds to the mystery.
Erica: And also to the world-plot in general.
Next, no, I *didn't* run home from school to watch _Star Blazers_ as a
kid
(or even know about it). However, I've found the first season on video
down
here - it's campy compared to a lot of the modern stuff, but it's still
fun.
Brian: <winces> *Very* campy.
Andrew: Hey! I'll have you know that Yamato was the pinnacle of anime drama
until Gundam came along!
The scene with Blade's home was also derived from a late episode of
_Teknoman_.
It'll most likely be the last "derived" scene in the fic.
That's all I can think of at the moment (BTW, yes, it IS late at night
right
now).
NEXT CHAPTER: Nagisa and the others finally meat with Iczer-1... and a
"special event" I mentioned in a teaser in a previous chapter.
Julia: "meet"
Andrew: D'oh!
Erica: Is this Nagisa's reunion with Iczer-1?
Atsuko: Or that possible lemon scene he mentioned a while back?
[snip]
Brian: There you go, Andrew! And sorry it took so long, but as said
before...Senior Thesis.
Erica: Ja ne!
<The reviewers exit the theater>
[Era steps into the shadows and disappears]
I2: Now, what did I say I was going to do when I first came in?
Andrew: Uh oh...
END REPLY TO MST
_______________________________________________________________________________
Andrew Dynon
"Because passion is out of fashion, [we feel] we must denigrate anyone who
feels passionately about something like a genre"
- Joseph Michael Straczynski
There's a little bit of Sailor Moon in us all... but not the bit we'd like to
admit to having.