Welcome to free thinking.

Hello, I'm Psychicdan. I like movies, philosophy, the arts, video games, comics, pretty much a casual geek.

[psychicdan]

What I’ve been doing

Hey whoever’s reading this. Since we’re in the middle of a pandemic, I had nothing better to do than get back to this account. So, I decided to stop the fanfic thing for various reasons. Instead, I’m trying to find my own ideas and want to get into graphic novels. For the past two years I’ve been taking classes, following tutorials, practicing everyday. It’s been intense, but I’ll get there...maybe. We’ll see.

[psychicdan]

Brainstorming “otherworld” idea

So, making a new work, that’s kind of based on all that otherworld or “isekai” anime and manga, but setting is a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk alien world. Major influences include Fallout, Borderlands, and Mad Max. Since it can go from there to fighting the galaxy, any ideas?

[psychicdan]

Ideas for “different” Otherworld(isekai) title

Yo, long time since I’ve been here. So I’m an aspiring amateur writer who likes all nerdy things, from American movies and games to Japanese anime and manga. And I’ve seen a lot of this “isekai” or otherworld anime and manga, where a person from our world is either reincarnated or summoned to our world. I like fantasy, but I’m more of a sci-fi or science fantasy person, and then it hit me. Why not write a story using those genres instead? I’m sure others have done it, but probably not as over used as the fantasy road. My idea so far is someone who ends up reincarnated in a hostile alien post-nuclear world with rustic cyberpunk cities and elements here and there, eventually leading to conflict with the galactic powers. But I need a title. I’ve been thinking like Otherworld Survival or Otherworld Wasteland, but what do you all think? If you have any ideas for a catchy title, let me know.

[psychicdan]

As Magnus deals with past torment and moves towards his hidden agenda, Samurai Jack and his friends continue their journey to Magnus's stronghold. But soon, as Jack is surrounded by enemies, he is aided by some old friends.

[psychicdan]

My impression of Mass Effect Andromeda

I have to say I was split by this game. I got the whole trilogy back in 2013, and finished with DLC(you know, money) before starting Andromeda, and recently I finished it. The premise was certainly interesting, and definitely felt Mass Effect at first. But one thing the originals had that this didn’t was, I don’t know, the atmosphere.

 Mass Effect always felt like a sort of space opera, from what I’ve heard, and while I had my own nitpicks, it was something I loved. The lore was rich and beautifully crafted, the stakes felt real, the characters each had a personal story to tell, and you literally had a whole galaxy before you.

 I know that Andromeda is seriously about, “New Beginnings”, but the team should have strived to hit the same bar the originals did. I’m not calling them lazy though. Anyone who played the first Mass Effect will likely agree that the open-world gameplay felt very flat, probably why it was removed in the other two.

That being said, reaching the same bar as the other two would be no easy task, but people will notice and appreciate the effort, which is a plus. From what I hear, development was very troubled, as they were delayed on settling on a premise, gathering the tam, etc. The writing team weren't even allowed to the script until the later stages, something that painfully shows. There’s narrative effort, but not nearly enough time.

I suppose it’s unfair to compare the narrative here to the trilogy. I mean, do you how annoying it would be if we just did Reapers or the Illusive Man again, carbon copies of the same issues? The kett had potential, but I feel they got reduced to one dimensional generic bad guys because, well, not enough time I guess. They only exist for conflict, not much else. I felt a potential threat from them, but this was more my imagination about their galactic empire, not really suggested by the game, not in a way felt anyway.

The Remnant and Jardaan, now that was interesting, and that is where it’s most infuriating. We have what, could be called, in science, or sci-fi, terms a Type 1 or above civilization, which is a level of advancement and evolution we above our own. It’s mythos on par with the level of atmosphere as the Reapers yet not mimicking them. And yet, it’s wasted.

The Remnant, well, just feels like an excuse for the planet viability feature. They don’t bother hinting at anything, we only get a shred of answers at the endgame, and it feels like it doesn’t even matter. One character suggests the the “Opposition” that brought down the Jardaan could be an enemy they don’t want, but the game doesn’t do anything with that. The Scourge they caused is just a story nuisance, and there’s no reason or guarantee we’ll get answers in the future.

I’m just saying, I saw potential for an enemy or story element on par with the Reapers, maybe a race bent on cracking and controlling evolution in a millennia long experiment. It could have had a powerful moment like when Shepard first spoke to Sovereign, the dark, oppressive, existential feeling presented onto their lives, but it’s not there. Or maybe I’m overthinking it.

Most of the characters weren't bad. In fact, Jaal and Drack were my favorites. I’ve dealt with worse. But the backgrounds and loyalty missions could have been better. Liam, yeah, he really needed work. I wanted to see him mature from a naive optimistic who expects the best to someone more realistic who learns to accept and deal with life’s hurdles, but no such development. The crew felt fine, but fine can be a problem. I want dynamic, and they didn’t exactly have it. Looking at you, Liam, back to the Tempest with you.

Okay, now that that’s out of the way, good points. In terms of gameplay, this Mass Effect felt the most like an action-shooter RPG. I loved being able to choose my build from scratch. Rather than have my abilities and skill build decided from the beginning, it’s all based on what I invest in over time. I got to be a Level 6 Explorer and Level 5 Soldier by the end, letting me versatile and powerful in the way I loved. Combat was great, and thanks to the new skill assignment, it feels more seamless now.

I appreciate the researching and crafting system and diversity of equipment, and I could equip my Ryder how I liked.

One thing I really appreciated was the open world gameplay. In the first Mass Effect, it was hollow, bland, and a bust. Here though, the worlds were rich, colorful, and full of activity. Getting planets to viability felt good. In fact, I felt this open world gameplay was derived from Dragon Age Inquisition, which I also enjoyed. Kind of wish they applied there full magic from there to here.

Putting down outposts felt nice, like I was settling Andromeda, at least at first, Then an idea came to me. What if they let you build and upgrade outposts yourself. You could decide the functions and aesthetics, and be able to add stuff like military, resource gathering, production, and even add amenities. By amenities, I’m thinking like, a bar, or a sport court, I don’t know, my imagination isn’t the best.

In the end, the you invested and upgraded an outpost, it would feel like a real, lively town, one that not only serves you, but the people living there. That would help the whole thing of the Andromeda Initiative feel real and fun, and while I doubt Mass Effect will ever do anything like that, I think it would be a neat idea.

By the time I finished the last battle, settled a homeworld for the ark and watched the end credits, I came to like Andromeda and want more. I do criticize a lot of things, like not picking a generalized ending for Mass Effect 3 or baiting us with the whole Quarian Ark story, but I found myself wanting more Mass Effect. That’s a good thing.

So is it a good Mass Effect? Not really. Is it a bad game? No, although it would help if they cleaned up animations. Andromeda, while it could be a lot better, is really fun with an interesting premise. But hey, play for yourself and decide,

[psychicdan]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

A Cyber Trooper, Corporal Blair Rayner, reflects on his time in Magnus's military and his comradery with his friends in Squad Zeta. But, Blair and his friends find themselves in peril as they have been ordered by the Magnus Protectorate to stop their greatest foe: Samurai Jack.

Samurai Jack: Renegade Samurai

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes.

Warning:

The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, nor intended to copy others’ work. Samurai Jack is the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, his team and affiliated studios and companies. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not profit.

Note: I was going to do the first chapter of the Arc 1 finale, but then this idea came to mind, and I had to this before then for maximum effect. Enjoy!

Chapter X: A Soldier’s Cause

           Corporal Blair Rayner woke up to the sounds of the early morning wake-up call. “Come on, move it you wimps! Unless you want to triple morning routine, get your asses out of bed!” shouted the sergeant. Groans could be heard all around. “Ugh, el cabrón… can’t he find something else to be pissed about?” said Conrado.

           “Aw, come on Conrad. You know it’s just the Sarge’s way of saying he loves us, right?” Gil joked nearby. “Well, each to their own, but if this is how he reciprocates, the sergeant can kindly kiss my arse.” Sam remarked. “Careful, if he heard that, he’d flail you alive.” Gil warned. “You brought it up.” Sam retorted.

           Blair chuckled a bit at his team’s chagrin. “Come on, let’s get ready and in uniform before he pops another vein or circuit.” brought up the Corporal. They all hit the showers. Though Blair was of a slightly higher rank, he got on well with the privates in his squad. The only mood killer was the sergeant.

           “So, how do those new muscle weave implants feel, Conrad?” Sam asked. “Mm, felt a bit numb for a while, but I’m used to them. Still think a little workout wouldn’t hurt the llorón (crybaby). Ah well, better give up on a lost cause.” Conrad said about a certain private. “Hey, I don’t need to be jacked up to kick ass, okay?” Gil retorted. “Maybe not, but at least we’ll survive the sergeant’s tirade. It was nice knowing you Gil.” Sam sarcastically lamented.

           “Yeah whatever Sam. Speaking of which, are the new optic enhancements alright?” Gil asked. “Oh yes, my sight is practically 20-20 now, and includes all the visual interface tech. If these weren’t exclusively military issue, glasses would be a thing of the past.” Sam remarked. “Oh Dios Mio, Sam with specs. Would have killed to see him like that.”. The two white and one Hispanic Latino men laughed to themselves.

           The corporal gave a wry smile before looking down at his own black skin. Interlaced into it, no, interlaced into his flesh were circuit linings with several plugins and nodes. If he saw his face in the mirror, he would see the same linings on his face and ocular artificial lenses in his eyes, the same ones Sam was boasting about.

           The most concentrated area of technology was in his back, and in his neck was a particular node and plug. Gil kept joking for a week that they should have taken the blue pill. That movie joke got old fast. It was where all the processing and sensory information for his cybernetic implants were done, and allows for link ups to Cyber Armor and other military interface technology.

           Corporal Blair Rayner was a Cyber Trooper serving in the Magnus Protectorate’s army. He and the three privates were part of Zeta Squad in the 3rd platoon of a company in the army. Right now, it was just morning routine before they geared up for patrol. The platoon was just spread out to keep the area safe.

They finished drying and began putting on their uniforms and Cyber Armor. Blair felt his senses stimulated as usual when he connected the armor to his interface. It was complete when he put the helmet on. Magnus Protectorate Cybernetic Infantry Interface Online. Servite Magnus et Pax(Serve Magnus and the Peace), Trooper.

           At this point, Blair found the heads up notice as noteworthy as the sky being blue. He just unconsciously accepted it, easy that way. He liked seeing the new recruits freak out every time they put on the armor though. Reminded him of how unfamiliar with being a cyborg soldier he used to be.

           “About time you finished getting your soft asses in uniform. Look alive people, especially you Gil.” remarked Sergeant Calisle. “(Yawns) Yeah yeah, whatever Sarge.” Gil dismissed. The yawn sounded weird considering the mechanized effect his helmet’s voice filter had.

           The Sergeant looked down at Gil. Somehow, his anger beamed through the eye lenses. “Gil, I think we had this conversation before. If I like you, you can call me Sarge, but guess what? I DON’T LIKE YOU, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!”. “Y-yes sir!” Gil said, standing at attention. “Sorry, what did you say, clown? I thought I told you not to whimper, and you’re whimpering!” the sergeant screamed. “SIR YES SIR!” Gil screamed out in the expected affirmation.            “Alright then, Corporal, take the two APCs and the privates on patrol, and report by 1200. Understood?” the sergeant said to Blair. “Understood sir.”.

…

A few years back.

           Blair was a private back then, working law enforcement detail in one of the commercial cities. Though there was some action in the cities, it was typical crime such as robbery. Sometimes maintaining the military police felt like a waste. It was even more dull as this city was not only deep in Protectorate territory, but was one of the cities near Nova Sanctum, so safety was kind of perpetual.

           As a new private, Blair caught on that he was just a body with a gun and some armor to make people feel safe, a decoration. Well, it pays, he thought. He had been born to intellectuals, his mother a writer and his father a doctor. His mother had suffered a terminal illness when Blair was in the middle of college studies, and no matter what Blairs father did, even conceding the case to doctors better than him, his mother still died.

           His mother was actually a talented best-selling writer, and so took to paying Blair’s tuition while his father tended to other financial needs. Without her, Blair’s father had his hands tied, and Blair now needed to fund his academic ventures by himself.

           That’s when he noticed that the Magnus Protectorate was offering tuition payments, and he accepted. He understood there were risks, so he took the training seriously. He imagined doing dangerous assignments, like putting down Abominable breakouts and other mutants, putting a stop to mercenaries and terrorists, or even joining the space fleet to secure the interplanetary borders.

           Instead, the daily action he saw was giving directions and helping those in need cross the street. Though he wouldn’t normally demean kind gestures, he was worried the hazard here was utter boredom. Well, aside from that, no death and dismemberment at least.

           “Hello, officer? Are you still alive in there?” said a voice. Blair stuttered awake, embarrassed he was caught half-asleep on the job. “Sorry, sergeant! I’ll get back to it and…oh, uh, sorry about that. What can I do for you, civilian?” Blair inquired.

           As his senses focused from his earlier stupor, Blair looked at the person who woke him. She was a young woman with bright skin, long amber hair, and tender complexion. For a second, her appearance made Blair look flustered. Good thing he was wearing the helmet.

           The young woman put her hands to her sides in frustration. “Hmph, good to know the military police have the right initiative. Sleeping soldiers are a great deterrent for crime rates.” she said in critical sarcasm. Great, first the sergeant, then the other privates, and now civilians. I’m not cut out for the military.

           “Ahem, sorry you had to see that ma’am. Rest assured, the Magnus Protectorate stands ready to defend you.” Blair said in prompt. The woman just laughed at that. “What was that? Is that what they tell you to tell us?”. Blair sighed. “Yes ma’am.”. They even put the strict guidelines manual into his armor’s computer system. What he just said was a direct quote for how to respond to citizens, as he was still memorizing everything.

           “Hey, enough with the “ma’am” crap. We’re both people, aren’t we? My name’s Elena, what’s yours?” she asked. “Private Blair Rayner, ma’…Miss, uh, Elena.”.

           She smiled at that. “Well, it’s a start. Alright, “Mister Blair”, let me know when your off duty so we can sit down and eat.”.

…

           Why did I agree to this?! Blair was sitting down with the woman from earlier, Elena Harking. Right now, his face was cramped, as he had not much experience dealing with the opposite sex, or even other people in general, because he had involved himself in either academics or, more recently, military work.

           “You gonna take that bucket off your head or what?” she said. “It’s not a…! Oh, fine.” he agreed reluctantly. He hated being called a “bucket head”, and hated the armor designers even more.

           “Don’t sound so upset, I actually want to see your face when we talk. Besides, can you actually eat through that?” she inquired. “No, but one of the other privates tried. Sergeant was yelling at him for messing up military property.” Blair responded.

           Elena chuckled. “Seriously? Oh God, how nuts was he to…whoa.”. By now, Blair finished disengaging the link up and removed his helmet. His face, altered by the circuitry and implants left from the standard surgery, was now exposed. Elena stared inquisitively for a bit.

           Blair sighed. Back at the campus, his college peers gave him similar looks. He could hear the nasty comments behind his back. “Cyborg bastard”, “techno freak”, “damn bucket head”, and several other derogatory terms. For all the respect garnered by the Magnus Protectorate, the people would rather have the faces of its soldiers confined in helmets.

           “Alright, go ahead, say it.” Blair said, prepared to hear the worst. Elena blinked in surprise. “Say what? Am I supposed to be astounded or something?”. she said bewildered. Blair was caught off guard by that comment, usually expecting some form of aversion. “Huh?” he asked.

           “Oh, come on, I’m not gonna praise you just for showing me your face.” she said. “Praise…wait, you don’t think I’m a hideous freak?” he asked. She was caught off guard by how unusual that was. “Where did that come from?! I’d say your face is pretty solid, I just thought it looked interesting. Don’t get to see the face of a Cyber Trooper often, I mean.”.

           “Most people who do call us freaks and want to spit at us.” Blair said in dejection. “Yikes, that’s, uh, kind of extreme. Well, you look like a good person to me. Maybe a few extra fancy pieces, but a good person. So, what’s your story?”.

           They talked over for the next two hours. Blair explained that he was using the tuition he was earning in the military to help get through his academics, and had taken to engineering. Coincidentally, they both went to the same college, but Elena was a legal major.

She envied Blair, as her father served in the army and she wanted to follow. Problem was, most women weren’t compatible with the cyber implants, and no one made custom versions that could be standard issue like what the men use. Some were compatible, but the success ratio was practically 1 to 10. Women who enlisted were accepted, but most who weren’t compatible for a cyber format were sent to a secret military project. They never come back.

Unfortunately, Elena was not compatible for the operation. She thought to enlist anyway, but her father got desperate and stopped her. He never explained why, but she said he seemed…afraid. Disappointed, she decided to serve and protect law and order by taking legal classes to be an attorney or prosecutor. She was still undecided on the specifics, but she was liking things so far.

“So…want to meet up gain at campus?” she asked. “Um, sure, that sounds great.” then private Blair Rayner said. “Cool, see ya.” she said as she waved goodbye.

…

           Blair was a bit tense. He would feel much better if he was in Cyber Armor, or at least regular military fatigues. Instead, he was in casual clothing, no different from civilians aside from his apparent implants, holding hands with a young woman his age.

           A date. 20th one, to be exact, but this one was more public than the rest. Blair enjoyed each one, but his training did not prepare him for the unknowns of romantic relationships. It just happened, as he and Elena became less formal, mostly on her part. If left on his own, Blair would have likely still talked in procedure.

           It was always hardest in the beginning, but Blair could later loosen up somehow and enjoy it for what it was. But there was a problem. 20th date. 20th date and Blair didn’t know what to do. Was he meant to advance? Was he meant to do something special? Is there some hidden context? Damn it, he thought, picking up encoded messages was easier than this.

           There was also how he was so casual in public, which exposed his “modifications”. The people looked either uncomfortable or disgusted. “Hey.” said a voice next to him. Elena grabbed his face and directed his sight at her. “Forget them. This is just us, okay? Besides, they don’t have a damn clue what’s going on, so anything they say is crap. So, don’t let it ruin our date, that’s an order. Understood?”.

           “Understood, ma’am.” he joked. “Hey.” she said back. They chuckled as they were heading to a local fair in an amusement park. They began enjoying the various festivities. Minigames, food stands, amusement rides. Blair didn’t like the roller coaster, but he felt just a bit braver with Elena. The hardened soldier encouraged by the civilian, he would kick himself if it wasn’t for the fact that he knew Elena was special.

           They continued meandering through the crowd. “Um, Elena, listen, I’ve been thinking.” Blair said. “Yeah?” she turned back. “I was wondering…if, after this, well…” he stuttered. He thought, but it wasn’t so much a plan so much as a runaway train of flustered thoughts. Unfortunately, the train came to a crash due to bad circumstance.

           “Alright, Magnus lovers, get down on your knees or die!”. Shots rang though the fair as civilians scattered here and there brought out weapons. They shot down innocents to make a point, and already began herding others. “Quick, get down and follow me!” Blair said to Elena. They began making their way to one of the exit corners before one of the terrorist tried stopping him.

           “Hey, back off bastard, or you lady friend gets, what the hel-GAHH!”. Blair rushed up to the terrorist, grabbed his firing arm before he could react, slugged him in the face, then shot him down as he grabbed the rifle. Even without Cyber Armor, Cyber Troopers had cybernetic implants and inner weaves that made them stronger, faster, and could even process faster than regular humans. It was only slightly better, and would do little against more experienced opponents, but it was enough.

           Guy’s reaction time was sloppy. He should have been prepared to fire on sight, not that I’m complaining. “Alright, Elena, I need you to listen carefully. I want you to stay here and call the city’s Civil Enforcement emergency line. Get a person immediately and tell them we have a D-22. That’s for terrorists assaulting civilians in a public area and holding them hostage. 10 targets, dozens of hostages. Tell them where we are and they’ll send a strike team. Just stay low until then.”.

           “Okay, but what are you going to do?” she asked, fearing the worst. Blair looked back at her with reassurance. “My job, and my job doesn’t tolerate terrorism.”. Blair finished grabbing ammunition and a knife off the fallen terrorist and went off.

           He looked around. Seemed the terrorists were still herding the civilians. He spotted their handiwork, several civilians gunned down for effect, including a father and his son and daughter. This fair was a civilian function, purely recreational, unguarded and held no strategic value. These were definitely terrorists, just looking to make a fanatical showing and make hell for hell’s sake.

           He spotted the herded citizens ahead. “You damn Magnus worshippers. You parade in this city of filth, of glorified vanity to a false god, a sinful man you have deified. You will all be our message to the Damned Protector, that his protection is all lies, that he can safeguard no one! Through your deaths, we will be free from his grasp!” shouted the ringleader.

           While the ringleader was spouting his fanaticism, Rayner had stabbed two of the terrorists overlooking the crowd without drawing attention. He made his way to a third, then a fourth. Good, six left. Now where the hell is that strike force?!

           The ringleader pointed to a small girl. One of the terrorists went and grabbed her, bringing her to center as she screamed. Her parents tried to rescue her, but the terrorists sent warning shots and the other civilians stopped them.

           “What about you, little girl? Why don’t we make you the first of many bloodied lives on Magnus’s hands? A message for all that he can’t even save one little girl.” the ringleader said as he smiled sickeningly, the girl crying for her life.

           “Don’t shoot her! If you’re going to kill anyone, then kill me damn it!”. Blair didn’t even think it through. He just knew he couldn’t stand that. His blood was boiling now, wanting to gun down the terrorist. But if he did that, the girl and several other civilians would be shot. He was at a disadvantage, his only hope to distract them long enough for the strike team to arrive and make a move.

           The ringleader stopped and eyed Blair. “Ah, what have we here? One of Magnus’s cyborg monsters, a soulless tool that only knows to kill for its master. And without armor, showing all how disgusting it is. Come over here, abomination, and toss that aside.”.

           Blair held a look of contempt, but did as he was told, throwing the weapon to the ringleader as he walked. He made it to the ringleader. “On your knees, filth.”. Blair gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, wanting to kill the man with one punch. He felt like he could do that now, with all his anger. But knowing the civilians were still at gunpoint, his body buckled down in resistance and knelt down.

           POW! Blair was punched right across the face, followed by three more punches of the same variety. Despite the blood that came, Blair looked at the ringleader defiantly. He didn’t like that, and punched down to the head and sending Blair face first into the ground.

Blair was repeatedly kicked again and again, trying to stifle his pained cries to limit the civilians’ panic and to not give the ringleader the satisfaction. The ringleader placed his foot on the side of Blair’s face.

“Do you see this?! These are Magnus’s swords and guns, sworn to protect you! But what good are they?! Look at it, beaten and bloody, though I am surprised there’s any blood at all. It’s pathetic. It cannot save you, it cannot even save itself.” the ringleader proclaimed as he held the gun to Blair’s head ready to pull the trigger.

“Gugh…” gurgled one of the terrorists as they fell dead. No, not one, five terrorists fell dead, bullet wounds in their heads. About damn time. “Wh-what the hell is going on?!” shouted the ringleader as he looked on. Big mistake.

Blair got up and wrestled the gun away from the ringleader. The ringleader resisted, Blair headbutted his as the terrorist got knocked. BANG! Blair shot the terrorist right through the heart…if he had one, anyway. The terrorist gave one last look of wicked contempt before falling dead.

“Secure area, move, move!”. Cyber Troopers stormed in, setting up perimeter and tending to the civilians. “It’s okay, you’re all safe now.” a soldier said to the girl and family from earlier.

“Blair!” Elena screamed. “Elena…” he said in relief. He was glad she was safe. He wasn’t out of harm’s way though, as he got slapped in the face. “Ugh, easy Elena, I…mm.” Blair was interrupted by a tearful kiss from Elena.

Their lips parted as Elena looked at Blair with tears and anger. “Damn it, Blair, do you know how scarred I was?! I was about to charge in myself to save you, you dumbass!”. Blair felt all the fear and pain he must have put Elena through, and now felt remorse.

“Sorry, Elena. I’m glad you didn’t do that though, so I won’t do that again, I promise.”.

…

The Present.

           Blair looked up from the photo of him and Elena as Sam was driving the APC. It had been a few years since that day, when he was given commendations and a medal for his service. He had completed a round of service and his academic career, but continued to serve for various reasons, mainly because that day made him realize how important his job was.

           But there was another reason. “Ooh, Corporal, you thinking of your special someone?” teased Gil. “Hey, cut it out payaso(clown). Unlike you, the guy is serious.” Conrado retaliated. “Not to pry, but how are things between you and her? It can be tough for people to carry a relationship in this line of work is all.” Sam inquired.

           Blair gave a wry smile. “Well, I’m still trying to think of the delivery but…” with that Blair pulled out of his pocket a small container. He flipped it open, revealing a modest yet delicate ring.

           “No way!”, “¡Felicidades(Congratulations)!”, “Good man!” they all cheered. “Okay, okay, easy now. Still have to give it to her, alright? I’m thinking when I get next leave, I’ll take her on a trip to Nova Sanctum, and give it to her when we’re either touring the Citadel or the Grand Gardens. Lots of venues and opportunities, so it’s hard to decide. Besides, I need to make money for the wedding and stuff.” said Blair.

           “Oh, so that’s why you’re still here playing soldier? Easier ways to pay the bills man. Seriously though, I thought we all had a tight bond.” Gil lamented sarcastically. “Eh, I could have just gone and done engineering, but I would have felt bad. Someone has to stop you yahoos from getting your asses killed. I’m looking at you, Gil.” Blair joked.

           “Yes, the sergeant alone would chew up and spit out Gil, wouldn’t he?” Sam joined in, with Conrado nodding. Gil sulked at that. “Well, it may be a bit soon, but why don’t we get drinks to celebrate?” Conrado suggested. “Sure, I could go for that. Gotta wait until these patrols are done though.” Blair agreed.

           “Why are they even having us do patrol here though? I mean, this is like nowhere.” said Gil. He wasn’t the only one to complain about that. Normally, the platoon patrolled near Outlands areas, putting down mutants and bandits. But this was just wilderness and roads deep in Protectorate territory. The only buildings around was their encampment and a few old war ruins. At best, the most lethal thing they would run into was a bear.

           Despite that, the first lieutenant had been ordered to station the platoon here. It would be easy to think it was punishment, but nothing had been done to deserve it, and they had been scattered and doing patrols for the past week. It was like they were on lookout, but for what?

           Suddenly, static came through on their internal comms. “Heads up everyone. This is Zeta Squad, can you repeat?” Blair asked. The signal clarified, and they recognized it was Sergeant Calisle. “Zeta Squad, return to base immediately. This goes for all other squads, the lieutenant has called an emergency meeting. I repeat, return to base for meeting. Over.” said the sergeant. “Copy that, over.” Blair affirmed.

           “Guess we’ll have to save the drinks for later.” Blair said as he signaled Sam to turn the APCs around, the other team of privates following behind them.

…

           “So, what do think all the fuss is about?” Gil asked. “Stuff it Gil, Lieutenant Gregor is about to speak.” Sam told him. Indeed, the Lieutenant came out unmasked. Everyone in the platoon wasn’t wearing their helmets currently, as they were only worn really for active duty like patrol.

           “Troopers, listen up. You’ve all been wondering why we’ve been stationed in an area of little note. It’s been necessary to simply call this a routine patrol, but in actuality, this has been a lookout assignment, and scouts have determined our target is heading through this area. The target is Samurai Jack.”.

           That got a few murmurs going. “Whoa, the Renegade Samurai, huh?” Conrado spoke. “I heard he took down three Inquisitors and a platoon. Scary stuff.” Gil joined in. “Well, for our sakes, let’s hope the rumors are exaggerated. We’re a platoon, you know.” remarked Sam.

           “Focus men!” commanded the first lieutenant. The Cyber Troopers quieted down and assumed attention. “Disregard all exaggerated rumors about the target, but do not underestimate him either. He is a dangerous insurgent, but still only one man, and can and will be terminated with lethal force.”.

           “The target is accompanied by three other accomplices, all armed and dangerous. You are to shoot on sight. I won’t lie, this will be dangerous. The Samurai’s list of confirmed kills is now in the hundreds. However, combat data from these fallen troops have suggested he may be disadvantaged by tactic and superior numbers. Review such data after the meeting. Now, here is the plan.”.

           “The road the Samurai is travelling will be rigged with explosives. He will likely survive through. Gamma squad will make the first move, attempting to assassinate the target through long range. Should that fail, then Gamma, Epsilon, and Delta will team up to form a joint strike force and overwhelm the enemy.”.

           “Should target be able to resist, we will drive him towards this area.” The area displayed on the holographic area map was a decaying military training base, defunct after the war. “Once we have him there, Theta and Zeta will take positions with the rest of the squads and we will flush him out. If necessary, we will bring down the whole structure. By bullet or rubble, this renegade dies tonight.”.

           “The target arrives at this area in approximately three hours. Move out and head to position. Review data until we confirm target presence and begin operation. Understood?” asked the first lieutenant.

           “Sir yes sir!” announced the whole platoon.

…

           Blair was observing the data, watching the recordings of fallen Cyber Troopers. Common to them all was the vain shooting at a white robed Samurai before the recording ended with a slash from a katana.

           “GAHH! Seriously, what’s with this guy? It’s like guns are useless against a sword, what messed up reality is that?” Gil asked. “I’m more perplexed as to how that sword deflects fire. Even if it’s a well-toned steel alloy, we’re using BX-90 riffles. At this point, the charged bullets should have shattered it by now.” Sam remarked.

           Somewhere between regular ballistic ammo and energy-based weaponry, the Cyber Trooper standard issue BX-90 riffle charged bullets as they accelerated with a destructive energy to increase their damage. With all safety parameters off, it could well punch through regular armor, so a katana really should be in pieces from that.

           “It’s more his martial arts that concern me. That sword’s just an application for his combat style. Otherwise, all the other soldiers would have shot him dead by now. He moves with tenacity and no hesitation, and all his movements seem professional. Could this guy have been special forces?” Blair asked.

           “Nah, this one fight with the platoon shows no cybernetics on him. He’s a regular human, but he is a badass.” Conrado remarked.

           This was getting a bit tense. Everyone heard of all the crime reports, but common to them all was that no Cyber Trooper that faced Samurai Jack lived to tell the tale. It seemed like an abstract thing before, just an urban rumor. But now that they were about to face him themselves, everyone in the squad felt grim.

           “Hey, common, the lieutenant has a plan, remember. Hell, we don’t have to do a thing, since the other squads are throwing explosives and snipers at the guy. So chill, okay?” Gil reassured. “That’s a nice attitude to have, before fighting a mass murderer.” Sam remarked.

           “Enough. We don’t know exactly what will happen. What we do know is that this renegade is dangerous, he is not alone, and he likely won’t go down quietly. Just follow the plan seriously, and hopefully we make it out alive. Got it guys?” asked Blair.

           “Got it.” they all affirmed.

           “Well, glad you know how to get those jackasses in order, corporal. I’ll stick to the new bloods here and- wait, what? Eyes front, enemy sighted!” Sergeant Calisle ordered, receiving note from the other squads.

           Squatting down from a hillside, all the troopers in Squad Zeta looked from their vantage point to the road. The could see a rough four-wheeled car running though the road bellow. Just a few dozen meters more and…

           BOOM! For a minute, the soldiers just sat and stared at the flaming desolation. They weren’t about to celebrate, no, they were waiting, prepared for a sign from the enemy.

           The enemy vehicle drove though the smoke and fire, hardly scratched. Somehow, the drivers seemed to detect the explosive and drove skillfully enough to stay out of the force of the blast.

           But the plan didn’t seem dashed yet. People came out, four of them, looking to inspect the explosion. Seemed they wanted to see who was behind the attack. Wait, is that…? Blair thought. Yes, it was. Gamma Squad confirmed it through their sniper scopes. Standing in their sights, out in the open in white garb, was Samurai Jack.

           The snipers kept cool, not wanting to mess up the shot. One had a clear shot, a bullseye right on the Samurai’s forehead. “Firing!” the snipers said as they let loose. The bullets raced towards their targets, meters away.

But, somehow, one of the secondary targets, the traitor designated “Ashi”, became alarmed and screamed something. All the targets ducked and covered at the last minute, evading the precise strike. The assassination attempt failed.

Worse, the main target looked in their direction, and Blair somehow felt he was looking directly at them. “Main target is still alive, our positions are compromised! Switch to next phase! Gamma, Epsilon, and Delta, move in before target escapes!” commanded the First Lieutenant.

The other squads affirmed, moving into positions and preparing to charge. Blair knew what would happen. Epsilon and Delta would block the vehicle’s approach and Gamma would reconnect to attack from the other side. Fire would be focused on the main target, the secondary targets eliminated once he was. A simple but effective plan, yet…

“This is Lieutanant Gregor, myself and Theta are standing by with Zeta, all other squads engage.” said the lieutenant on the comm radio. “Copy that Lieutenant, Delta is moving in from other side and engaging target now, over.” said the Delta sergeant. “Copy, Gamma. Epsilon is arriving to assist, over.” said the Epsilon sergeant. “Gamma arriving from previous position, ready to cut off target, over.” said the Gamma sergeant.

Shortly after that, gunfire and explosions could be heard from no too far away. That was expected, but then they could hear all kinds of comm chatter, most of it distressed. “GAHH!”, “Bastards, take this!”, “They know how to put up a fight!”, “Oh God!”, “AHHH!”.

Lieutenant Gregor got concerned, and tried rising the sergeants. “Epsilon, Delta, Gamma, give me updates, do you copy?!”. After a few tense seconds of static, an answer came in. “L-lieutenant, this is Private Bryson from Gamma, we’re taking serious losses by the enemy and need support now!”.

“Private, where is your lieutenant, over?” asked First Lieutenant Gregor. “He-He’s dead, sir! The target left the vehicle that took on Epsilon and Delta and engaged my squad! All squads are at less than 50% now! We’re not gonna make it, we need…oh shit, he’s coming right at me, please send…!” ZZZT.

Everyone fell silent as the private’s dying plea turned to static. “Damn it! Theta, you’re coming with me. We’re going to jump that son of a bitch before he gets the rest. Zeta, follow behind at a distance. If we can’t put him down or force him into the trap point, you be the ones to catch him off guard.” commanded the First Lieutenant.

“Yes sir!” affirmed both squads. Theta and the First Lieutenant down in an APC. Blair and the rest of Zeta made preparations to follow. Despite how quickly the Lieutenant adapted though, Blair couldn’t help the ominous feelings dredging up within him. Only a few minutes, and it already sounded like the joint attack failed. Resistance was expected, but such casualties so soon? Just who, or rather what, was this Samurai Jack?

He decided to not dwell on the matter as Sergeant Calisle drove them down from the lookout point and on to the road where the action was. It was then they heard more comm static. “This is Zeta, come in, over.” inquired the sergeant. “Zeta, get over here quick! Situation’s gone to shit! Gamma got shredded by that bastard and it looks like we lost Epsilon too! Delta got in the APC and drove off the enemy’s vehicle support, and we managed make that Samurai bastard run for it. Pursuing target to trap point, but I don’t think we can take him ourselves. Move in to provide support, over!” said Lieutenant Gregor.

“Copy that, over.” replied Sergeant Calisle. “Alright boys, let’s get over there and…”, “Whoa, stop the APC for a sec, sarge!” replied Gil. “Only because I’m gonna kick your ass for…” the sergeant stopped reprimanding as he saw what Gil was talking about.

Everyone got out to see the devastation. It was a real fight, one that ended badly for the Cyber Troopers. From one end was the remains of Epsilon and Delta. Epsilon’s APC was just flaming scrap, blown to pieces by a missile or rocket. They didn’t even know the enemy had that. They could see that the bodies lying there either had gunshot wounds or cuts, lethal from a glance.

Even if they thought some lived, a quick link up to their Cyber Armor and scanners had shown the results. “Vital scans show…no survivors.” Blair responded after his helmet’s optics did their work. They turned to the other side, which was somehow worse.

Sure, a Cyber Trooper’s most common cause of death in battle was by gunshot or explosive, except when fighting things like Abominables. But it would take fighting those monsters to make it worse than this. Cyber Troopers, cut, slashed, butchered, all with such clear and lethal wounds, as though a single stroke was sufficient to do the damage.

The human cyborgs all had such open and ghastly wounds, exposing their internal circuitry in their flesh as blood began to pool. One of the young privates from the other half of the squad, all rookies, took as helmet in a hurry to vomit on the spot. “S-sorry…” he said exasperated.

“H-help me…” cried a weak voice. “Over there!” cried out Blair as he ran to the voice. He saw it was a private down on the ground, clutching desperately at his shoulder. No, he was clutching where his arm used to be. But it was no good, his Cyber Armor’s gray and black was stained with streaks of his red blood, lying in a puddle of it. It was amazing he was still alive now.

“What’s your name, Private?” asked the Corporal. “St…Stan Bryson, sir.” replied the Private who warned the Lieutenant earlier. Blair nodded, needing the Private to collect himself so he could relay what occurred. “What happened here, Bryson?” Blair asked.

“We…we thought we had him. At first that car was pinned, couldn’t fight back. But then it fired a damn missile and took out most of Epsilon! Then that bastard jumped out.  I swear I though he was flying, didn’t even fire till it was too late. The Samurai got in close and cut us like butter.”.

“I tried contacting the Lieutenant, but then the renegade butchered my arm, and left me to die! He just tried walking away, then the Lieutenant and Theta Squad got the drop on him. I…I think the other renegades got chased by Delta, and the Samurai was being pushed by Theta towards the trap point, but…” the Private trailed off.

“But…I think it was a trap. That Samurai bastard ran away too soon, same for that car. I think he wants to turn the ambush against us, I, ugh…” Bryson groaned as his strength bled on the ground. “P-please, you gotta help the Lieutenant, just tell him to-to, get the hell away. That Samurai, he’ll kill him, he’ll…”.

With that, Bryson fully collapsed on the ground, unmoving. Blair’s scanner read “Deceased”. It was then they all heard an explosion in the direction of the other APC. “Delta Squad, do you copy? Come in Delta, over!” Blair asked over the comm, only to get static. Seems as though they lost Delta Squad too.

“Sh-shit, we gotta get out of here!” cried out one of the young privates. He looked like he was going to make a run for it, before being backhanded by Sergeant Calisle. “Listen to me, you goddamn son of a bitch. We are not running and we are not hiding. We’re gonna find Lieutenant Gregor and help him out of this shitstorm, understand?!”.

“Screw that! Look around, Theta is as good as dead! I thought this would be basic Protectorate patrol, just marginal danger! I never signed up to take on… whatever the hell this is!” retorted another young private. That earned him a punch right to the side of his head. Even though he wore a helmet, the private was dazed by that.

“Listen up, you pansy-assed school boys! This kind of shit is why we are here, why the whole Magnus Protectorate exists in the first place! What do you think keeps people, like you, your family and friends, your whole damn community safe from this?” the sergeant asked. He then pointed to the fallen Bryson.

“Soldiers like him. Bryson risked his life for a cause, the cause. He could have run away, abandoned his whole squad to save his own ass. Instead, he stayed here and radioed for help. It cost him his life, damn it.”.

“You think our Lord Protector stopped the war by crying in the corner? No, he had enough of that shit and got it done! Better yet, he led a whole damn army! Every single one of them risked their lives like Bryson, dying for the cause. Do you know what the hell that bloody cause is?”.

“To serve Magnus and the Peace, sir.” Blair spoke up. “I’m glad you understand, Corporal. These crybabies should follow you for a day.” the sergeant said proudly.

“That’s more than a popup or a salute. It’s a principle, a virtue. Magnus stands for the preservation of this world, it’s first and last line of defense. By definition, so do we. What kind of defender of peace are you if you leave behind your own comrades when you can do something? Soldiers like Bryson die so that the peace so many died for continues.”.

“If we let bastards like that Samurai Jack loose, nobody’s safe. You know what’s worse? Bryson will have died for nothing. Gamma, Epsilon, and Delta will have died for nothing. Every soldier who was killed by that Samurai will have died for nothing. Your job, your duty, is to make it all worth something.”.

“So then, what is our cause?” asked the sergeant. “To serve Magnus and the Peace, sir!” shouted the whole squad, not just the young privates. “And how are we going to do that tonight?” asked the sergeant. “By stopping the Samurai and saving the Lieutenant, sir!” shouted the squad. “God damn right. Now get back in the APC and let’s double time it!”.

…

           Zeta Squad finally arrived at the old military base. Whatever Near End War faction owned this place in the past, they had been long gone, the base stripped and demilitarized long ago. It was a skeleton of whatever powerhouse it once was.

           “No sign of Theta or the Samurai. We split in two. Corporal, take your crew and head that way. I’ll stick with these guys so they don’t wet themselves. If you spot the Lieutenant or the enemy, contact us immediately.” Sergeant Calisle ordered.

           “Got it. Stay safe, Sergeant.” Blair warned. “Watch you own ass too, Corporal.” the sergeant said back. Blair’s team engaged their night vision as well as turning on their rifle’s search lights. They even had thermal imaging, so if anything sizeable came into range, they would see it. It was not seeing any sign of the Lieutenant’s team or the Samurai that was making them all tense though.

           “Hold it, I’m picking up some signals. About half a dozen.” Blair said. It didn’t look good though. They were all huddled together, but they were collapsed, and some of the signals’ temperatures were dropping. “Let’s move!” shouted the Corporal.

           They rushed towards the area of thermal imaging, and when they got their and turned it off, their fears were realized. “Damn, Theta didn’t make it.” lamented the Corporal. All around were the bodies of the Cyber Troopers of Theta Squad. Some had taken gunshot wounds, but most had been cut apart.

           Lying at the center was First Lieutenant Gregor, cause of death was a clear slash through the chest. “I’m sorry, Lieutenant Gregor. We weren’t fast enough.” Blair mourned. “Sergeant, this is Corporal Rayner. I’m sorry sir, but we didn’t arrive in time, all of Theta Squad, including the Lieutenant, is dead, over.”.

           “What?! I…I see. Then try to get back to the entrance, we’ll, huh?!”. The communication turned to static, causing Blair and the others alarm. “Quick, we have to get to his direction and find his location!” Blair ordered. They all began running while searching for their sergeant’s location signal, Blair trying to raise up comms again.

“Sergeant, what is your status, answer!” Blair shouted. “The Samurai just appeared, just stood there till we fired! Just like that, he went at us! I’m trying to keep him off the boys but, UGH! Damn it, just die you mother-”. With that, the comm went static. “Sergeant, sergeant?! Sergeant Calisle?!” shouted Blair.

Blair couldn’t get an answer, only try to maintain course as they zeroed in on the battle. They could only hear the sound of gunfire and a sword slashing before it all went silent.

Blair and his team arrived at a terrible scene. Gripping a smoking BX-90 rifle was the slumped corpse of Sergeant Calisle. Surrounding him were the bodies of the young privates. They were all barely of age to enlist, had hardly seen action. Even so, it seemed they made a valiant attempt to defend the sergeant when he was defending them, as their forms indicated brave resistance to the end. Seems the sergeant got the principle through to them.

“D-damn it. He was the meanest hardass I knew. Sometimes I really thought someone pissed in his orange juice to make him so mad. But you know, he always got this squad going and looked out for everyone, you know? Thanks, Sergeant.” said Gil.

Their moment of solace was interrupted by a rustle from behind. Blair was the only one who picked it up. He fired behind, catching the startled silhouette of a robed figure who dodged the fire and into the dark.

“Damn it! Everyone, cover all corners!” Blair ordered. The four of them formed a tight square, covering all directions as they watched for the Samurai. Having to trn off thermal imaging because of all the bodies, Blair noticed movement from the corner in his enhance vion.

He fired, the dark being lit as the energized bullets turned to sparks against the movements of a sword. The figure got in close, and Blair barely pulled out his combat blade in time to prevent the sword from reaching his neck. Conrado screamed as he punched right at the figure, not wanting to fire and hit Blair by accident.

But the shadow cloaked figure managed to block it with a single hand, before jabbing Conrado multiple times in the gut, bringing the Cyber Trooper to his knees. Before the figure went any farther, Sam went in with a side arm and combat blade, blocking the shadowy Samurai’s sword before trying to shoot him down.

But the enemy anticipated this, twisting Gil’s arm to make him drop his pistol. He was kicked down as their assailant tried to run from the scene, but Gil wasn’t having that. Gil fired his rifle at the figure, who jumped back to avoid the fire. The assailant had enough of this. He took out his own sidearm, a pistol, firing multiple shots at the Cyber Troopers.

“MOVE! Blair shouted. He barely dodged the energy laced bullets, but Gil wasn’t so fortunate. A bullet came right to his head, one the helmet couldn’t block. But it wasn’t him who would die from that.

“SAM!” Gil shouted. Sam noticed the bullet’s trajectory and pushed Gil out of the way, but by sheer misfortune, it hit him in the throat. “(Coughs violently), y-you damn bloke. Always figure you’d have been the death of me. (Coughs violently) Don’t…take it so personally though. But… if you happen to see the Samurai, get in a few shots for me before you leave, alright? Wake me up when we’re all at Blair’s…”.

With that, Sam went limp, and his helmet’s optics went dark. Gil just knelt there, wordless, no bad jokes or anything, like the humor died with Sam. The figure in the corridor had stopped, as though troubled.

Gil looked up at it, and beneath his helmet, his eyes held desperation and bloodlust. “Gil, amigo, don’t.”. But before Conrado could even restrain him, Gil picked up both his own and Sam’s BX-90 rifles and charges. No plan, no coordination, just rage and poorly controlled bullets.

The figure became on guard as Gil screamed while firing the hail of bullets. He wasn’t thinking at all really, he just wanted the renegade dead. The figure did as he had to, running and dodging the chaotic bullets with ease before slicing through Gil’s throat. Gil stopped there, vengeance unfulfilled, before coming to his knees and then collapsing.

The shadowed, robed figure stared at them, as though waiting for a move. Neither Blair nor Conrado knew what it meant, but they had to assume the worst: they would die when they made their move.

Conrado sighed. “Sorry, hombre(man), but I don’t think I’m making it to your boda(wedding). Make it there for the rest of us, okay?” requested Conrado. “Wait, what are you…?” Blair asked, before Conrado sent a volley of gunfire at the enemy. For extra assurance, Conrado took out a grenade and pressed a button.

“Move it, now!” Conrado shouted as he charged at the robed figure. Blair didn’t have time to argue, just ran the opposite way, towards the exit. But he realized that Conrado was not going to make it. Conrado even made sure of that, as when Blair made it out, an explosion went off behind him, collapsing the building and sending Blair helmet first into the ground.

Blair got up and looked behind. He knew that wasn’t just an attempt to take out the Samurai with him. Conrado knew that Blair could never choose to abandon his friends, to leave what they died for. That’s why he made that choice for him. Conrado died so Blair could live up to what Conrado asked, what they all wanted for Blair.

He knew what Sam was going to say, and he knew what Conrado asked, but this was too much. He collapsed to his knees, his hands gripping the ground in emotional pain. In that old base for a war long over, all his friends, his whole squad, just died.

“What the hell do you want?” Blair asked in venomous anger. Behind him, he somehow felt that presence. It wasn’t cybernetic sensors or regular hearing, he just somehow knew, in that moment of anguish. He turned, facing the being he hated most, the one responsible for killing his whole platoon in one night. There stood Samurai Jack.

Blair was only mildly surprised as he got a closer look. He didn’t get such good details from the record data, the vantage point, or the dark corridor, but this current meeting contrasted with today’s impression.

After a night of seeing all his friends slaughtered, Blair thought he might as well have been fighting a demon, a being of pure malice. Instead, he saw a man. He was indeed a Samurai, traditional gi, katana, some light armor, and fair skinned eastern features.

The man somehow exerted both an aura that was stern yet gentle at the same time, as well as simple yet refined. He could tell the man could be extremely dangerous if needed, but was not exerting any hostility. That did not help Blair’s though. After tonight and that experience with the terrorist, Blair knew humans could be real demons, the worst kind.

“I would just like to take a moment to talk.” said Jack. “Hmph, a little late for that. Or is it easy to make your point when everyone else is dead?” Blair retorted. Jack kept calm in the face of that hostility and proceeded.

“Your forces have been relentless. Your people take hostility as their first path without warning, never giving me a chance. What you saw was the actions that followed their decisions.” Jack stated.

“Oh, so suddenly we’re in the wrong? It’s my fault everyone died? Everyone deserved to die because they wanted to stop a renegade from committing more violence?” Blair voiced.

“That’s not what I-” Jack said, “So you think we should have just given up? What we’ve sworn to do, give up something bigger than ourselves.” Blair questioned.

“You do not understand, Magnus has blinded-” said Jack . “Oh, so Magnus is to blame, and I don’t know what I’m doing? Unbelievable.” Blair said. He decided he needed to prove a point to this ignorant enemy.

Blair undid his helmet’s hookup and took it off. Jack became surprised at what he saw. Right now, he wasn’t really shocked by the circuitry in Blair’s face, but rather by how human his face was. Jack had known all this time the Cyber Troopers were humans turned into cyborgs, but their armor and helmets seemed to limit their perceivable humanity.

But now that he looked into the face of the enemy, Jack saw past the militarized regime and could perceive full humanity in Blair. The anger in Blair’s modified eyes was not malicious, but rather a desire for justice, the same Jack experienced numerous times. He could tell from Blair’s face and expression that he not a mindless drone, a fooled follower, or a villain.

No, Blair was a good person, fighting for his own beliefs and doing what he saw was right. In many ways, he was the same as Jack. When Jack realized that, it shocked and pained him.

“What, you think I’m some abomination? Or are you surprised to see a person under all this armor?” Blair asked, sensing Jack’s turmoil. “I…” Jack tried to speak, but couldn’t find the words.

“Just so you know, they were all people, people you killed. They had names too. Private Stan Bryson, Lieutenant Gregor, Sergeant Calisle. The last three you killed were Sam, Gil, and Conrado. They were…they were my friends.” Blair said with sorrow.

Jack realized the awful thing he had done to this man, making him witness his friends being slaughtered. He wanted badly to apologize, but the words got stuck in his throat. He knew that just saying “sorry” would be a terrible insult.

“You want to know what they all died for, Samurai? Blind devotion to the Lord Protector? Hatred for his enemies?  It’s nothing like that.” Blair made clear.

“Before you killed him, my sergeant made our salute clear, “Serve Magnus and the Peace”. You probably think that’s doctrine. It’s not, it’s a cause. Magnus led and sacrificed a lot to end the war for a principle, one we fight for now. When we fight to protect, we do it to safeguard and serve those around us.”.

“It’s different for everyone, but we all fight to protect what we all hold dear, including each other. When you kill one of us, that hurts the rest of us, but doesn’t stop us. Do you know why? Because we have to make those deaths mean something. Why did we keep chasing you? Because we couldn’t let everyone else’s sacrifices go to waste, that’s why!” Blair shouted.

Jack had always assumed that when the Cyber Troopers came after him again and again, they were misled, or had malice moving them. Instead, this man was showing him the Cyber Troopers did have honor. If that was so though, what about him?

“You know why I’m speaking to you know instead of trying to shoot you? It’s not because I’m abandoning the cause. Before this whole thing, I…I told my friends I was going to propose… to the person I love most. They all wanted to come, but that changed when you showed up.”.

“They all died in there, but they gave me a chance. I took it, not for myself, not even for her. It was for them. I want to make their deaths mean something, I want to tell them that I did it. If it wasn’t for that…”.

“I’d try to kill you right now. So then, are you here to kill me?” Blair asked.

Jack felt shocked by that, wondering why Blair would think he was here for that. But as he was the man to kill almost everyone Blair came to care about, he realized how easy it was to seem the monster.

“No. There has been…more, far more than enough bloodshed tonight.” Jack concluded. “Knowing you, there will be a lot more before you’re done.” Blair said with condescension. Jack couldn’t deny the reality of that statement.

“One more thing. You spoke of the names of your comrades, and you know mine, but I do not know yours. What is your name, warrior?” Jack asked.

“Corporal Blair Rayner.” Blair responded. “Very well then, Corporal. When you have made you friends’ sacrifice meant something, I will face you again, if you wish..” Jack stated as he began walking away. “Yeah, we’ll see.”.

Author Notes: Ha! You all thought I gave up or died, didn’t you, admit it! No, it’s just that with summer ending and work piling up again, I got a bit busy and had less time for writing. You were expecting the beginning of that Arc finale, huh? You know, seeing a certain Scot again? Funny thing, I was halfway through writing that chapter when this one came to mind. And for the tone of this arc, this chapter had to go here, so I just had to write it.

           References were Fallout 2 and The Matrix, if you spotted them.

           The main thing I wanted to clarify is that even though they’re cybernetic, Jack’s enemies in this story are human, they’re people. I remember from one of Genndy’s interviews about Season 5 that the Daughters of Aku were supposed to represent how people could be programmed like robots. Hell, Jack even comments on it in Episode 4.

           The Cyber Troopers are a more literal take on that, cyborg soldiers that, for aesthetic, have that futuristic feel from Jack fighting robots while making them more lifelike. In deeper context, they show how a person can be literally transformed into part of a machine, all the Troopers formatted and mechanized for the autocracy they serve.

           But, in this part anyway, the Cyber Troopers are still mostly human, and the metaphorical “programming” is not as strong as for the Daughters of Aku. They’re each a person, just doing their duty and following what they believe. To them, the Magnus Protectorate is their society and affects their social and personal lives like any society.

           They all have friends, family, and loved ones. When I wrote Jack killing off the platoon in this chapter, I had to write it in a way where it was self-defense, but the soldiers are not exactly in the wrong either, something that was not easy and a bit vague.

           Why I did this was to convey all the difficult emotions Blair and his friends go through when they see Jack doing this. They can’t just mindlessly charge in like beetle drones, of course they don’t want to die. But it’s Jack’s choice to resist and strike down the Cyber Troopers that moves them to keep trying to stop him. Comradery is a real and powerful thing.

           I’m glad I came up with that dialogue about “the cause”, because this whole chapter is basically saying “Hey, we’re not exactly the bad guys”, and this really gives justification and humanity to the Cyber Troopers. They’re still the enemy, but it kind of gives purpose to both the soldiers and the Magnus Protectorate, something I’ve been struggling to establish. I think this laid some real groundwork for that.

           Now then, Blair. This chapter drew inspiration from SJ favorite “ The Tale of X9”. So yeah, this story was going to have a sad ending. All of Blair’s friends were personalized only to die in the end. Cold, I know, but then it wouldn’t have such impact.

Explaining his background and love interest was to help really give Blair ground as this chapter’s protagonist and give him something worth fighting for. I was rather uncomfortable with the whole “domestic terrorist” situation, we do live in tumultuous times. So, I’m sorry if that bit was a bit too personal for some of you, just want to get that out there.

Blair was designed to be an understood and willing protagonist in this chapter. He’s not Samurai Jack, but that’s what helped make him worthwhile. He knows the Samurai is more dangerous than him, of course he’s scared. But he’s willing to fight for his friends and beliefs, even if that means facing bad situations. I didn’t intend him to be similar to Jack in this way, but I’m glad it turned out that way. He’s not exactly the same as Jack, but he’s definitely his own person.

If you were suspecting after the wedding ring thing that Blair would die, then I have to confess. In the end, Blair was going to be the last person to die. In my head, I kept seeing Blair engage in a fight with Jack, firing off bullets and taking cover to keep Jack at bay. It was going to be similar to X-9’s fight.

It would end with Blair collapsing from a stab wound, his helmet broken and Jack looking down to see his enemy was a person. Blair would hold his picture of Elena and himself and apologize to her, before he collapsed dead. And Jack would know what that meant.

But, I couldn’t do it. Not because I “chickened out”, exactly. I changed it not for Blair or Elena, but for Blair’s friends. These chapters take their own direction after they get going, and I’m cool with that. Where this one went was Blair’s friends trying to hold off Jack so Blair could escape and make it back to Elena.

After all that talk of making sacrifices worth something, anything, this chapter wasn’t going to let me kill off Blair. He had to live, he had to make it. Not for himself, or Elena, but to make their deaths mean something. In a way, keeping that promise and being the sole survivor is more of an emotional gut punch than the original ending, huh?

I know, I like to ramble. Just saying Chapter XI, the beginning of the Arc finale, is on the way, look forward to it!

[psychicdan]

A Cyber Trooper, Corporal Blair Rayner, reflects on his time in Magnus's military and his comradery with his friends in Squad Zeta. But, Blair and his friends find themselves in peril as they have been ordered by the Magnus Protectorate to stop their greatest foe: Samurai Jack.

Samurai Jack: Renegade Samurai

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes.

Warning:

The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, nor intended to copy others’ work. Samurai Jack is the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, his team and affiliated studios and companies. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not profit.

Note: I was going to do the first chapter of the Arc 1 finale, but then this idea came to mind, and I had to this before then for maximum effect. Enjoy!

Chapter X: A Soldier’s Cause

           Corporal Blair Rayner woke up to the sounds of the early morning wake-up call. “Come on, move it you wimps! Unless you want to triple morning routine, get your asses out of bed!” shouted the sergeant. Groans could be heard all around. “Ugh, el cabrón… can’t he find something else to be pissed about?” said Conrado.

           “Aw, come on Conrad. You know it’s just the Sarge’s way of saying he loves us, right?” Gil joked nearby. “Well, each to their own, but if this is how he reciprocates, the sergeant can kindly kiss my arse.” Sam remarked. “Careful, if he heard that, he’d flail you alive.” Gil warned. “You brought it up.” Sam retorted.

           Blair chuckled a bit at his team’s chagrin. “Come on, let’s get ready and in uniform before he pops another vein or circuit.” brought up the Corporal. They all hit the showers. Though Blair was of a slightly higher rank, he got on well with the privates in his squad. The only mood killer was the sergeant.

           “So, how do those new muscle weave implants feel, Conrad?” Sam asked. “Mm, felt a bit numb for a while, but I’m used to them. Still think a little workout wouldn’t hurt the llorón (crybaby). Ah well, better give up on a lost cause.” Conrad said about a certain private. “Hey, I don’t need to be jacked up to kick ass, okay?” Gil retorted. “Maybe not, but at least we’ll survive the sergeant’s tirade. It was nice knowing you Gil.” Sam sarcastically lamented.

           “Yeah whatever Sam. Speaking of which, are the new optic enhancements alright?” Gil asked. “Oh yes, my sight is practically 20-20 now, and includes all the visual interface tech. If these weren’t exclusively military issue, glasses would be a thing of the past.” Sam remarked. “Oh Dios Mio, Sam with specs. Would have killed to see him like that.”. The two white and one Hispanic Latino men laughed to themselves.

           The corporal gave a wry smile before looking down at his own black skin. Interlaced into it, no, interlaced into his flesh were circuit linings with several plugins and nodes. If he saw his face in the mirror, he would see the same linings on his face and ocular artificial lenses in his eyes, the same ones Sam was boasting about.

           The most concentrated area of technology was in his back, and in his neck was a particular node and plug. Gil kept joking for a week that they should have taken the blue pill. That movie joke got old fast. It was where all the processing and sensory information for his cybernetic implants were done, and allows for link ups to Cyber Armor and other military interface technology.

           Corporal Blair Rayner was a Cyber Trooper serving in the Magnus Protectorate’s army. He and the three privates were part of Zeta Squad in the 3rd platoon of a company in the army. Right now, it was just morning routine before they geared up for patrol. The platoon was just spread out to keep the area safe.

They finished drying and began putting on their uniforms and Cyber Armor. Blair felt his senses stimulated as usual when he connected the armor to his interface. It was complete when he put the helmet on. Magnus Protectorate Cybernetic Infantry Interface Online. Servite Magnus et Pax(Serve Magnus and the Peace), Trooper.

           At this point, Blair found the heads up notice as noteworthy as the sky being blue. He just unconsciously accepted it, easy that way. He liked seeing the new recruits freak out every time they put on the armor though. Reminded him of how unfamiliar with being a cyborg soldier he used to be.

           “About time you finished getting your soft asses in uniform. Look alive people, especially you Gil.” remarked Sergeant Calisle. “(Yawns) Yeah yeah, whatever Sarge.” Gil dismissed. The yawn sounded weird considering the mechanized effect his helmet’s voice filter had.

           The Sergeant looked down at Gil. Somehow, his anger beamed through the eye lenses. “Gil, I think we had this conversation before. If I like you, you can call me Sarge, but guess what? I DON’T LIKE YOU, DO YOU UNDERSTAND?!”. “Y-yes sir!” Gil said, standing at attention. “Sorry, what did you say, clown? I thought I told you not to whimper, and you’re whimpering!” the sergeant screamed. “SIR YES SIR!” Gil screamed out in the expected affirmation.            “Alright then, Corporal, take the two APCs and the privates on patrol, and report by 1200. Understood?” the sergeant said to Blair. “Understood sir.”.

…

A few years back.

           Blair was a private back then, working law enforcement detail in one of the commercial cities. Though there was some action in the cities, it was typical crime such as robbery. Sometimes maintaining the military police felt like a waste. It was even more dull as this city was not only deep in Protectorate territory, but was one of the cities near Nova Sanctum, so safety was kind of perpetual.

           As a new private, Blair caught on that he was just a body with a gun and some armor to make people feel safe, a decoration. Well, it pays, he thought. He had been born to intellectuals, his mother a writer and his father a doctor. His mother had suffered a terminal illness when Blair was in the middle of college studies, and no matter what Blairs father did, even conceding the case to doctors better than him, his mother still died.

           His mother was actually a talented best-selling writer, and so took to paying Blair’s tuition while his father tended to other financial needs. Without her, Blair’s father had his hands tied, and Blair now needed to fund his academic ventures by himself.

           That’s when he noticed that the Magnus Protectorate was offering tuition payments, and he accepted. He understood there were risks, so he took the training seriously. He imagined doing dangerous assignments, like putting down Abominable breakouts and other mutants, putting a stop to mercenaries and terrorists, or even joining the space fleet to secure the interplanetary borders.

           Instead, the daily action he saw was giving directions and helping those in need cross the street. Though he wouldn’t normally demean kind gestures, he was worried the hazard here was utter boredom. Well, aside from that, no death and dismemberment at least.

           “Hello, officer? Are you still alive in there?” said a voice. Blair stuttered awake, embarrassed he was caught half-asleep on the job. “Sorry, sergeant! I’ll get back to it and…oh, uh, sorry about that. What can I do for you, civilian?” Blair inquired.

           As his senses focused from his earlier stupor, Blair looked at the person who woke him. She was a young woman with bright skin, long amber hair, and tender complexion. For a second, her appearance made Blair look flustered. Good thing he was wearing the helmet.

           The young woman put her hands to her sides in frustration. “Hmph, good to know the military police have the right initiative. Sleeping soldiers are a great deterrent for crime rates.” she said in critical sarcasm. Great, first the sergeant, then the other privates, and now civilians. I’m not cut out for the military.

           “Ahem, sorry you had to see that ma’am. Rest assured, the Magnus Protectorate stands ready to defend you.” Blair said in prompt. The woman just laughed at that. “What was that? Is that what they tell you to tell us?”. Blair sighed. “Yes ma’am.”. They even put the strict guidelines manual into his armor’s computer system. What he just said was a direct quote for how to respond to citizens, as he was still memorizing everything.

           “Hey, enough with the “ma’am” crap. We’re both people, aren’t we? My name’s Elena, what’s yours?” she asked. “Private Blair Rayner, ma’…Miss, uh, Elena.”.

           She smiled at that. “Well, it’s a start. Alright, “Mister Blair”, let me know when your off duty so we can sit down and eat.”.

…

           Why did I agree to this?! Blair was sitting down with the woman from earlier, Elena Harking. Right now, his face was cramped, as he had not much experience dealing with the opposite sex, or even other people in general, because he had involved himself in either academics or, more recently, military work.

           “You gonna take that bucket off your head or what?” she said. “It’s not a…! Oh, fine.” he agreed reluctantly. He hated being called a “bucket head”, and hated the armor designers even more.

           “Don’t sound so upset, I actually want to see your face when we talk. Besides, can you actually eat through that?” she inquired. “No, but one of the other privates tried. Sergeant was yelling at him for messing up military property.” Blair responded.

           Elena chuckled. “Seriously? Oh God, how nuts was he to…whoa.”. By now, Blair finished disengaging the link up and removed his helmet. His face, altered by the circuitry and implants left from the standard surgery, was now exposed. Elena stared inquisitively for a bit.

           Blair sighed. Back at the campus, his college peers gave him similar looks. He could hear the nasty comments behind his back. “Cyborg bastard”, “techno freak”, “damn bucket head”, and several other derogatory terms. For all the respect garnered by the Magnus Protectorate, the people would rather have the faces of its soldiers confined in helmets.

           “Alright, go ahead, say it.” Blair said, prepared to hear the worst. Elena blinked in surprise. “Say what? Am I supposed to be astounded or something?”. she said bewildered. Blair was caught off guard by that comment, usually expecting some form of aversion. “Huh?” he asked.

           “Oh, come on, I’m not gonna praise you just for showing me your face.” she said. “Praise…wait, you don’t think I’m a hideous freak?” he asked. She was caught off guard by how unusual that was. “Where did that come from?! I’d say your face is pretty solid, I just thought it looked interesting. Don’t get to see the face of a Cyber Trooper often, I mean.”.

           “Most people who do call us freaks and want to spit at us.” Blair said in dejection. “Yikes, that’s, uh, kind of extreme. Well, you look like a good person to me. Maybe a few extra fancy pieces, but a good person. So, what’s your story?”.

           They talked over for the next two hours. Blair explained that he was using the tuition he was earning in the military to help get through his academics, and had taken to engineering. Coincidentally, they both went to the same college, but Elena was a legal major.

She envied Blair, as her father served in the army and she wanted to follow. Problem was, most women weren’t compatible with the cyber implants, and no one made custom versions that could be standard issue like what the men use. Some were compatible, but the success ratio was practically 1 to 10. Women who enlisted were accepted, but most who weren’t compatible for a cyber format were sent to a secret military project. They never come back.

Unfortunately, Elena was not compatible for the operation. She thought to enlist anyway, but her father got desperate and stopped her. He never explained why, but she said he seemed…afraid. Disappointed, she decided to serve and protect law and order by taking legal classes to be an attorney or prosecutor. She was still undecided on the specifics, but she was liking things so far.

“So…want to meet up gain at campus?” she asked. “Um, sure, that sounds great.” then private Blair Rayner said. “Cool, see ya.” she said as she waved goodbye.

…

           Blair was a bit tense. He would feel much better if he was in Cyber Armor, or at least regular military fatigues. Instead, he was in casual clothing, no different from civilians aside from his apparent implants, holding hands with a young woman his age.

           A date. 20th one, to be exact, but this one was more public than the rest. Blair enjoyed each one, but his training did not prepare him for the unknowns of romantic relationships. It just happened, as he and Elena became less formal, mostly on her part. If left on his own, Blair would have likely still talked in procedure.

           It was always hardest in the beginning, but Blair could later loosen up somehow and enjoy it for what it was. But there was a problem. 20th date. 20th date and Blair didn’t know what to do. Was he meant to advance? Was he meant to do something special? Is there some hidden context? Damn it, he thought, picking up encoded messages was easier than this.

           There was also how he was so casual in public, which exposed his “modifications”. The people looked either uncomfortable or disgusted. “Hey.” said a voice next to him. Elena grabbed his face and directed his sight at her. “Forget them. This is just us, okay? Besides, they don’t have a damn clue what’s going on, so anything they say is crap. So, don’t let it ruin our date, that’s an order. Understood?”.

           “Understood, ma’am.” he joked. “Hey.” she said back. They chuckled as they were heading to a local fair in an amusement park. They began enjoying the various festivities. Minigames, food stands, amusement rides. Blair didn’t like the roller coaster, but he felt just a bit braver with Elena. The hardened soldier encouraged by the civilian, he would kick himself if it wasn’t for the fact that he knew Elena was special.

           They continued meandering through the crowd. “Um, Elena, listen, I’ve been thinking.” Blair said. “Yeah?” she turned back. “I was wondering…if, after this, well…” he stuttered. He thought, but it wasn’t so much a plan so much as a runaway train of flustered thoughts. Unfortunately, the train came to a crash due to bad circumstance.

           “Alright, Magnus lovers, get down on your knees or die!”. Shots rang though the fair as civilians scattered here and there brought out weapons. They shot down innocents to make a point, and already began herding others. “Quick, get down and follow me!” Blair said to Elena. They began making their way to one of the exit corners before one of the terrorist tried stopping him.

           “Hey, back off bastard, or you lady friend gets, what the hel-GAHH!”. Blair rushed up to the terrorist, grabbed his firing arm before he could react, slugged him in the face, then shot him down as he grabbed the rifle. Even without Cyber Armor, Cyber Troopers had cybernetic implants and inner weaves that made them stronger, faster, and could even process faster than regular humans. It was only slightly better, and would do little against more experienced opponents, but it was enough.

           Guy’s reaction time was sloppy. He should have been prepared to fire on sight, not that I’m complaining. “Alright, Elena, I need you to listen carefully. I want you to stay here and call the city’s Civil Enforcement emergency line. Get a person immediately and tell them we have a D-22. That’s for terrorists assaulting civilians in a public area and holding them hostage. 10 targets, dozens of hostages. Tell them where we are and they’ll send a strike team. Just stay low until then.”.

           “Okay, but what are you going to do?” she asked, fearing the worst. Blair looked back at her with reassurance. “My job, and my job doesn’t tolerate terrorism.”. Blair finished grabbing ammunition and a knife off the fallen terrorist and went off.

           He looked around. Seemed the terrorists were still herding the civilians. He spotted their handiwork, several civilians gunned down for effect, including a father and his son and daughter. This fair was a civilian function, purely recreational, unguarded and held no strategic value. These were definitely terrorists, just looking to make a fanatical showing and make hell for hell’s sake.

           He spotted the herded citizens ahead. “You damn Magnus worshippers. You parade in this city of filth, of glorified vanity to a false god, a sinful man you have deified. You will all be our message to the Damned Protector, that his protection is all lies, that he can safeguard no one! Through your deaths, we will be free from his grasp!” shouted the ringleader.

           While the ringleader was spouting his fanaticism, Rayner had stabbed two of the terrorists overlooking the crowd without drawing attention. He made his way to a third, then a fourth. Good, six left. Now where the hell is that strike force?!

           The ringleader pointed to a small girl. One of the terrorists went and grabbed her, bringing her to center as she screamed. Her parents tried to rescue her, but the terrorists sent warning shots and the other civilians stopped them.

           “What about you, little girl? Why don’t we make you the first of many bloodied lives on Magnus’s hands? A message for all that he can’t even save one little girl.” the ringleader said as he smiled sickeningly, the girl crying for her life.

           “Don’t shoot her! If you’re going to kill anyone, then kill me damn it!”. Blair didn’t even think it through. He just knew he couldn’t stand that. His blood was boiling now, wanting to gun down the terrorist. But if he did that, the girl and several other civilians would be shot. He was at a disadvantage, his only hope to distract them long enough for the strike team to arrive and make a move.

           The ringleader stopped and eyed Blair. “Ah, what have we here? One of Magnus’s cyborg monsters, a soulless tool that only knows to kill for its master. And without armor, showing all how disgusting it is. Come over here, abomination, and toss that aside.”.

           Blair held a look of contempt, but did as he was told, throwing the weapon to the ringleader as he walked. He made it to the ringleader. “On your knees, filth.”. Blair gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, wanting to kill the man with one punch. He felt like he could do that now, with all his anger. But knowing the civilians were still at gunpoint, his body buckled down in resistance and knelt down.

           POW! Blair was punched right across the face, followed by three more punches of the same variety. Despite the blood that came, Blair looked at the ringleader defiantly. He didn’t like that, and punched down to the head and sending Blair face first into the ground.

Blair was repeatedly kicked again and again, trying to stifle his pained cries to limit the civilians’ panic and to not give the ringleader the satisfaction. The ringleader placed his foot on the side of Blair’s face.

“Do you see this?! These are Magnus’s swords and guns, sworn to protect you! But what good are they?! Look at it, beaten and bloody, though I am surprised there’s any blood at all. It’s pathetic. It cannot save you, it cannot even save itself.” the ringleader proclaimed as he held the gun to Blair’s head ready to pull the trigger.

“Gugh…” gurgled one of the terrorists as they fell dead. No, not one, five terrorists fell dead, bullet wounds in their heads. About damn time. “Wh-what the hell is going on?!” shouted the ringleader as he looked on. Big mistake.

Blair got up and wrestled the gun away from the ringleader. The ringleader resisted, Blair headbutted his as the terrorist got knocked. BANG! Blair shot the terrorist right through the heart…if he had one, anyway. The terrorist gave one last look of wicked contempt before falling dead.

“Secure area, move, move!”. Cyber Troopers stormed in, setting up perimeter and tending to the civilians. “It’s okay, you’re all safe now.” a soldier said to the girl and family from earlier.

“Blair!” Elena screamed. “Elena…” he said in relief. He was glad she was safe. He wasn’t out of harm’s way though, as he got slapped in the face. “Ugh, easy Elena, I…mm.” Blair was interrupted by a tearful kiss from Elena.

Their lips parted as Elena looked at Blair with tears and anger. “Damn it, Blair, do you know how scarred I was?! I was about to charge in myself to save you, you dumbass!”. Blair felt all the fear and pain he must have put Elena through, and now felt remorse.

“Sorry, Elena. I’m glad you didn’t do that though, so I won’t do that again, I promise.”.

…

The Present.

           Blair looked up from the photo of him and Elena as Sam was driving the APC. It had been a few years since that day, when he was given commendations and a medal for his service. He had completed a round of service and his academic career, but continued to serve for various reasons, mainly because that day made him realize how important his job was.

           But there was another reason. “Ooh, Corporal, you thinking of your special someone?” teased Gil. “Hey, cut it out payaso(clown). Unlike you, the guy is serious.” Conrado retaliated. “Not to pry, but how are things between you and her? It can be tough for people to carry a relationship in this line of work is all.” Sam inquired.

           Blair gave a wry smile. “Well, I’m still trying to think of the delivery but…” with that Blair pulled out of his pocket a small container. He flipped it open, revealing a modest yet delicate ring.

           “No way!”, “¡Felicidades(Congratulations)!”, “Good man!” they all cheered. “Okay, okay, easy now. Still have to give it to her, alright? I’m thinking when I get next leave, I’ll take her on a trip to Nova Sanctum, and give it to her when we’re either touring the Citadel or the Grand Gardens. Lots of venues and opportunities, so it’s hard to decide. Besides, I need to make money for the wedding and stuff.” said Blair.

           “Oh, so that’s why you’re still here playing soldier? Easier ways to pay the bills man. Seriously though, I thought we all had a tight bond.” Gil lamented sarcastically. “Eh, I could have just gone and done engineering, but I would have felt bad. Someone has to stop you yahoos from getting your asses killed. I’m looking at you, Gil.” Blair joked.

           “Yes, the sergeant alone would chew up and spit out Gil, wouldn’t he?” Sam joined in, with Conrado nodding. Gil sulked at that. “Well, it may be a bit soon, but why don’t we get drinks to celebrate?” Conrado suggested. “Sure, I could go for that. Gotta wait until these patrols are done though.” Blair agreed.

           “Why are they even having us do patrol here though? I mean, this is like nowhere.” said Gil. He wasn’t the only one to complain about that. Normally, the platoon patrolled near Outlands areas, putting down mutants and bandits. But this was just wilderness and roads deep in Protectorate territory. The only buildings around was their encampment and a few old war ruins. At best, the most lethal thing they would run into was a bear.

           Despite that, the first lieutenant had been ordered to station the platoon here. It would be easy to think it was punishment, but nothing had been done to deserve it, and they had been scattered and doing patrols for the past week. It was like they were on lookout, but for what?

           Suddenly, static came through on their internal comms. “Heads up everyone. This is Zeta Squad, can you repeat?” Blair asked. The signal clarified, and they recognized it was Sergeant Calisle. “Zeta Squad, return to base immediately. This goes for all other squads, the lieutenant has called an emergency meeting. I repeat, return to base for meeting. Over.” said the sergeant. “Copy that, over.” Blair affirmed.

           “Guess we’ll have to save the drinks for later.” Blair said as he signaled Sam to turn the APCs around, the other team of privates following behind them.

…

           “So, what do think all the fuss is about?” Gil asked. “Stuff it Gil, Lieutenant Gregor is about to speak.” Sam told him. Indeed, the Lieutenant came out unmasked. Everyone in the platoon wasn’t wearing their helmets currently, as they were only worn really for active duty like patrol.

           “Troopers, listen up. You’ve all been wondering why we’ve been stationed in an area of little note. It’s been necessary to simply call this a routine patrol, but in actuality, this has been a lookout assignment, and scouts have determined our target is heading through this area. The target is Samurai Jack.”.

           That got a few murmurs going. “Whoa, the Renegade Samurai, huh?” Conrado spoke. “I heard he took down three Inquisitors and a platoon. Scary stuff.” Gil joined in. “Well, for our sakes, let’s hope the rumors are exaggerated. We’re a platoon, you know.” remarked Sam.

           “Focus men!” commanded the first lieutenant. The Cyber Troopers quieted down and assumed attention. “Disregard all exaggerated rumors about the target, but do not underestimate him either. He is a dangerous insurgent, but still only one man, and can and will be terminated with lethal force.”.

           “The target is accompanied by three other accomplices, all armed and dangerous. You are to shoot on sight. I won’t lie, this will be dangerous. The Samurai’s list of confirmed kills is now in the hundreds. However, combat data from these fallen troops have suggested he may be disadvantaged by tactic and superior numbers. Review such data after the meeting. Now, here is the plan.”.

           “The road the Samurai is travelling will be rigged with explosives. He will likely survive through. Gamma squad will make the first move, attempting to assassinate the target through long range. Should that fail, then Gamma, Epsilon, and Delta will team up to form a joint strike force and overwhelm the enemy.”.

           “Should target be able to resist, we will drive him towards this area.” The area displayed on the holographic area map was a decaying military training base, defunct after the war. “Once we have him there, Theta and Zeta will take positions with the rest of the squads and we will flush him out. If necessary, we will bring down the whole structure. By bullet or rubble, this renegade dies tonight.”.

           “The target arrives at this area in approximately three hours. Move out and head to position. Review data until we confirm target presence and begin operation. Understood?” asked the first lieutenant.

           “Sir yes sir!” announced the whole platoon.

…

           Blair was observing the data, watching the recordings of fallen Cyber Troopers. Common to them all was the vain shooting at a white robed Samurai before the recording ended with a slash from a katana.

           “GAHH! Seriously, what’s with this guy? It’s like guns are useless against a sword, what messed up reality is that?” Gil asked. “I’m more perplexed as to how that sword deflects fire. Even if it’s a well-toned steel alloy, we’re using BX-90 riffles. At this point, the charged bullets should have shattered it by now.” Sam remarked.

           Somewhere between regular ballistic ammo and energy-based weaponry, the Cyber Trooper standard issue BX-90 riffle charged bullets as they accelerated with a destructive energy to increase their damage. With all safety parameters off, it could well punch through regular armor, so a katana really should be in pieces from that.

           “It’s more his martial arts that concern me. That sword’s just an application for his combat style. Otherwise, all the other soldiers would have shot him dead by now. He moves with tenacity and no hesitation, and all his movements seem professional. Could this guy have been special forces?” Blair asked.

           “Nah, this one fight with the platoon shows no cybernetics on him. He’s a regular human, but he is a badass.” Conrado remarked.

           This was getting a bit tense. Everyone heard of all the crime reports, but common to them all was that no Cyber Trooper that faced Samurai Jack lived to tell the tale. It seemed like an abstract thing before, just an urban rumor. But now that they were about to face him themselves, everyone in the squad felt grim.

           “Hey, common, the lieutenant has a plan, remember. Hell, we don’t have to do a thing, since the other squads are throwing explosives and snipers at the guy. So chill, okay?” Gil reassured. “That’s a nice attitude to have, before fighting a mass murderer.” Sam remarked.

           “Enough. We don’t know exactly what will happen. What we do know is that this renegade is dangerous, he is not alone, and he likely won’t go down quietly. Just follow the plan seriously, and hopefully we make it out alive. Got it guys?” asked Blair.

           “Got it.” they all affirmed.

           “Well, glad you know how to get those jackasses in order, corporal. I’ll stick to the new bloods here and- wait, what? Eyes front, enemy sighted!” Sergeant Calisle ordered, receiving note from the other squads.

           Squatting down from a hillside, all the troopers in Squad Zeta looked from their vantage point to the road. The could see a rough four-wheeled car running though the road bellow. Just a few dozen meters more and…

           BOOM! For a minute, the soldiers just sat and stared at the flaming desolation. They weren’t about to celebrate, no, they were waiting, prepared for a sign from the enemy.

           The enemy vehicle drove though the smoke and fire, hardly scratched. Somehow, the drivers seemed to detect the explosive and drove skillfully enough to stay out of the force of the blast.

           But the plan didn’t seem dashed yet. People came out, four of them, looking to inspect the explosion. Seemed they wanted to see who was behind the attack. Wait, is that…? Blair thought. Yes, it was. Gamma Squad confirmed it through their sniper scopes. Standing in their sights, out in the open in white garb, was Samurai Jack.

           The snipers kept cool, not wanting to mess up the shot. One had a clear shot, a bullseye right on the Samurai’s forehead. “Firing!” the snipers said as they let loose. The bullets raced towards their targets, meters away.

But, somehow, one of the secondary targets, the traitor designated “Ashi”, became alarmed and screamed something. All the targets ducked and covered at the last minute, evading the precise strike. The assassination attempt failed.

Worse, the main target looked in their direction, and Blair somehow felt he was looking directly at them. “Main target is still alive, our positions are compromised! Switch to next phase! Gamma, Epsilon, and Delta, move in before target escapes!” commanded the First Lieutenant.

The other squads affirmed, moving into positions and preparing to charge. Blair knew what would happen. Epsilon and Delta would block the vehicle’s approach and Gamma would reconnect to attack from the other side. Fire would be focused on the main target, the secondary targets eliminated once he was. A simple but effective plan, yet…

“This is Lieutanant Gregor, myself and Theta are standing by with Zeta, all other squads engage.” said the lieutenant on the comm radio. “Copy that Lieutenant, Delta is moving in from other side and engaging target now, over.” said the Delta sergeant. “Copy, Gamma. Epsilon is arriving to assist, over.” said the Epsilon sergeant. “Gamma arriving from previous position, ready to cut off target, over.” said the Gamma sergeant.

Shortly after that, gunfire and explosions could be heard from no too far away. That was expected, but then they could hear all kinds of comm chatter, most of it distressed. “GAHH!”, “Bastards, take this!”, “They know how to put up a fight!”, “Oh God!”, “AHHH!”.

Lieutenant Gregor got concerned, and tried rising the sergeants. “Epsilon, Delta, Gamma, give me updates, do you copy?!”. After a few tense seconds of static, an answer came in. “L-lieutenant, this is Private Bryson from Gamma, we’re taking serious losses by the enemy and need support now!”.

“Private, where is your lieutenant, over?” asked First Lieutenant Gregor. “He-He’s dead, sir! The target left the vehicle that took on Epsilon and Delta and engaged my squad! All squads are at less than 50% now! We’re not gonna make it, we need…oh shit, he’s coming right at me, please send…!” ZZZT.

Everyone fell silent as the private’s dying plea turned to static. “Damn it! Theta, you’re coming with me. We’re going to jump that son of a bitch before he gets the rest. Zeta, follow behind at a distance. If we can’t put him down or force him into the trap point, you be the ones to catch him off guard.” commanded the First Lieutenant.

“Yes sir!” affirmed both squads. Theta and the First Lieutenant down in an APC. Blair and the rest of Zeta made preparations to follow. Despite how quickly the Lieutenant adapted though, Blair couldn’t help the ominous feelings dredging up within him. Only a few minutes, and it already sounded like the joint attack failed. Resistance was expected, but such casualties so soon? Just who, or rather what, was this Samurai Jack?

He decided to not dwell on the matter as Sergeant Calisle drove them down from the lookout point and on to the road where the action was. It was then they heard more comm static. “This is Zeta, come in, over.” inquired the sergeant. “Zeta, get over here quick! Situation’s gone to shit! Gamma got shredded by that bastard and it looks like we lost Epsilon too! Delta got in the APC and drove off the enemy’s vehicle support, and we managed make that Samurai bastard run for it. Pursuing target to trap point, but I don’t think we can take him ourselves. Move in to provide support, over!” said Lieutenant Gregor.

“Copy that, over.” replied Sergeant Calisle. “Alright boys, let’s get over there and…”, “Whoa, stop the APC for a sec, sarge!” replied Gil. “Only because I’m gonna kick your ass for…” the sergeant stopped reprimanding as he saw what Gil was talking about.

Everyone got out to see the devastation. It was a real fight, one that ended badly for the Cyber Troopers. From one end was the remains of Epsilon and Delta. Epsilon’s APC was just flaming scrap, blown to pieces by a missile or rocket. They didn’t even know the enemy had that. They could see that the bodies lying there either had gunshot wounds or cuts, lethal from a glance.

Even if they thought some lived, a quick link up to their Cyber Armor and scanners had shown the results. “Vital scans show…no survivors.” Blair responded after his helmet’s optics did their work. They turned to the other side, which was somehow worse.

Sure, a Cyber Trooper’s most common cause of death in battle was by gunshot or explosive, except when fighting things like Abominables. But it would take fighting those monsters to make it worse than this. Cyber Troopers, cut, slashed, butchered, all with such clear and lethal wounds, as though a single stroke was sufficient to do the damage.

The human cyborgs all had such open and ghastly wounds, exposing their internal circuitry in their flesh as blood began to pool. One of the young privates from the other half of the squad, all rookies, took as helmet in a hurry to vomit on the spot. “S-sorry…” he said exasperated.

“H-help me…” cried a weak voice. “Over there!” cried out Blair as he ran to the voice. He saw it was a private down on the ground, clutching desperately at his shoulder. No, he was clutching where his arm used to be. But it was no good, his Cyber Armor’s gray and black was stained with streaks of his red blood, lying in a puddle of it. It was amazing he was still alive now.

“What’s your name, Private?” asked the Corporal. “St…Stan Bryson, sir.” replied the Private who warned the Lieutenant earlier. Blair nodded, needing the Private to collect himself so he could relay what occurred. “What happened here, Bryson?” Blair asked.

“We…we thought we had him. At first that car was pinned, couldn’t fight back. But then it fired a damn missile and took out most of Epsilon! Then that bastard jumped out.  I swear I though he was flying, didn’t even fire till it was too late. The Samurai got in close and cut us like butter.”.

“I tried contacting the Lieutenant, but then the renegade butchered my arm, and left me to die! He just tried walking away, then the Lieutenant and Theta Squad got the drop on him. I…I think the other renegades got chased by Delta, and the Samurai was being pushed by Theta towards the trap point, but…” the Private trailed off.

“But…I think it was a trap. That Samurai bastard ran away too soon, same for that car. I think he wants to turn the ambush against us, I, ugh…” Bryson groaned as his strength bled on the ground. “P-please, you gotta help the Lieutenant, just tell him to-to, get the hell away. That Samurai, he’ll kill him, he’ll…”.

With that, Bryson fully collapsed on the ground, unmoving. Blair’s scanner read “Deceased”. It was then they all heard an explosion in the direction of the other APC. “Delta Squad, do you copy? Come in Delta, over!” Blair asked over the comm, only to get static. Seems as though they lost Delta Squad too.

“Sh-shit, we gotta get out of here!” cried out one of the young privates. He looked like he was going to make a run for it, before being backhanded by Sergeant Calisle. “Listen to me, you goddamn son of a bitch. We are not running and we are not hiding. We’re gonna find Lieutenant Gregor and help him out of this shitstorm, understand?!”.

“Screw that! Look around, Theta is as good as dead! I thought this would be basic Protectorate patrol, just marginal danger! I never signed up to take on… whatever the hell this is!” retorted another young private. That earned him a punch right to the side of his head. Even though he wore a helmet, the private was dazed by that.

“Listen up, you pansy-assed school boys! This kind of shit is why we are here, why the whole Magnus Protectorate exists in the first place! What do you think keeps people, like you, your family and friends, your whole damn community safe from this?” the sergeant asked. He then pointed to the fallen Bryson.

“Soldiers like him. Bryson risked his life for a cause, the cause. He could have run away, abandoned his whole squad to save his own ass. Instead, he stayed here and radioed for help. It cost him his life, damn it.”.

“You think our Lord Protector stopped the war by crying in the corner? No, he had enough of that shit and got it done! Better yet, he led a whole damn army! Every single one of them risked their lives like Bryson, dying for the cause. Do you know what the hell that bloody cause is?”.

“To serve Magnus and the Peace, sir.” Blair spoke up. “I’m glad you understand, Corporal. These crybabies should follow you for a day.” the sergeant said proudly.

“That’s more than a popup or a salute. It’s a principle, a virtue. Magnus stands for the preservation of this world, it’s first and last line of defense. By definition, so do we. What kind of defender of peace are you if you leave behind your own comrades when you can do something? Soldiers like Bryson die so that the peace so many died for continues.”.

“If we let bastards like that Samurai Jack loose, nobody’s safe. You know what’s worse? Bryson will have died for nothing. Gamma, Epsilon, and Delta will have died for nothing. Every soldier who was killed by that Samurai will have died for nothing. Your job, your duty, is to make it all worth something.”.

“So then, what is our cause?” asked the sergeant. “To serve Magnus and the Peace, sir!” shouted the whole squad, not just the young privates. “And how are we going to do that tonight?” asked the sergeant. “By stopping the Samurai and saving the Lieutenant, sir!” shouted the squad. “God damn right. Now get back in the APC and let’s double time it!”.

…

           Zeta Squad finally arrived at the old military base. Whatever Near End War faction owned this place in the past, they had been long gone, the base stripped and demilitarized long ago. It was a skeleton of whatever powerhouse it once was.

           “No sign of Theta or the Samurai. We split in two. Corporal, take your crew and head that way. I’ll stick with these guys so they don’t wet themselves. If you spot the Lieutenant or the enemy, contact us immediately.” Sergeant Calisle ordered.

           “Got it. Stay safe, Sergeant.” Blair warned. “Watch you own ass too, Corporal.” the sergeant said back. Blair’s team engaged their night vision as well as turning on their rifle’s search lights. They even had thermal imaging, so if anything sizeable came into range, they would see it. It was not seeing any sign of the Lieutenant’s team or the Samurai that was making them all tense though.

           “Hold it, I’m picking up some signals. About half a dozen.” Blair said. It didn’t look good though. They were all huddled together, but they were collapsed, and some of the signals’ temperatures were dropping. “Let’s move!” shouted the Corporal.

           They rushed towards the area of thermal imaging, and when they got their and turned it off, their fears were realized. “Damn, Theta didn’t make it.” lamented the Corporal. All around were the bodies of the Cyber Troopers of Theta Squad. Some had taken gunshot wounds, but most had been cut apart.

           Lying at the center was First Lieutenant Gregor, cause of death was a clear slash through the chest. “I’m sorry, Lieutenant Gregor. We weren’t fast enough.” Blair mourned. “Sergeant, this is Corporal Rayner. I’m sorry sir, but we didn’t arrive in time, all of Theta Squad, including the Lieutenant, is dead, over.”.

           “What?! I…I see. Then try to get back to the entrance, we’ll, huh?!”. The communication turned to static, causing Blair and the others alarm. “Quick, we have to get to his direction and find his location!” Blair ordered. They all began running while searching for their sergeant’s location signal, Blair trying to raise up comms again.

“Sergeant, what is your status, answer!” Blair shouted. “The Samurai just appeared, just stood there till we fired! Just like that, he went at us! I’m trying to keep him off the boys but, UGH! Damn it, just die you mother-”. With that, the comm went static. “Sergeant, sergeant?! Sergeant Calisle?!” shouted Blair.

Blair couldn’t get an answer, only try to maintain course as they zeroed in on the battle. They could only hear the sound of gunfire and a sword slashing before it all went silent.

Blair and his team arrived at a terrible scene. Gripping a smoking BX-90 rifle was the slumped corpse of Sergeant Calisle. Surrounding him were the bodies of the young privates. They were all barely of age to enlist, had hardly seen action. Even so, it seemed they made a valiant attempt to defend the sergeant when he was defending them, as their forms indicated brave resistance to the end. Seems the sergeant got the principle through to them.

“D-damn it. He was the meanest hardass I knew. Sometimes I really thought someone pissed in his orange juice to make him so mad. But you know, he always got this squad going and looked out for everyone, you know? Thanks, Sergeant.” said Gil.

Their moment of solace was interrupted by a rustle from behind. Blair was the only one who picked it up. He fired behind, catching the startled silhouette of a robed figure who dodged the fire and into the dark.

“Damn it! Everyone, cover all corners!” Blair ordered. The four of them formed a tight square, covering all directions as they watched for the Samurai. Having to trn off thermal imaging because of all the bodies, Blair noticed movement from the corner in his enhance vion.

He fired, the dark being lit as the energized bullets turned to sparks against the movements of a sword. The figure got in close, and Blair barely pulled out his combat blade in time to prevent the sword from reaching his neck. Conrado screamed as he punched right at the figure, not wanting to fire and hit Blair by accident.

But the shadow cloaked figure managed to block it with a single hand, before jabbing Conrado multiple times in the gut, bringing the Cyber Trooper to his knees. Before the figure went any farther, Sam went in with a side arm and combat blade, blocking the shadowy Samurai’s sword before trying to shoot him down.

But the enemy anticipated this, twisting Gil’s arm to make him drop his pistol. He was kicked down as their assailant tried to run from the scene, but Gil wasn’t having that. Gil fired his rifle at the figure, who jumped back to avoid the fire. The assailant had enough of this. He took out his own sidearm, a pistol, firing multiple shots at the Cyber Troopers.

“MOVE! Blair shouted. He barely dodged the energy laced bullets, but Gil wasn’t so fortunate. A bullet came right to his head, one the helmet couldn’t block. But it wasn’t him who would die from that.

“SAM!” Gil shouted. Sam noticed the bullet’s trajectory and pushed Gil out of the way, but by sheer misfortune, it hit him in the throat. “(Coughs violently), y-you damn bloke. Always figure you’d have been the death of me. (Coughs violently) Don’t…take it so personally though. But… if you happen to see the Samurai, get in a few shots for me before you leave, alright? Wake me up when we’re all at Blair’s…”.

With that, Sam went limp, and his helmet’s optics went dark. Gil just knelt there, wordless, no bad jokes or anything, like the humor died with Sam. The figure in the corridor had stopped, as though troubled.

Gil looked up at it, and beneath his helmet, his eyes held desperation and bloodlust. “Gil, amigo, don’t.”. But before Conrado could even restrain him, Gil picked up both his own and Sam’s BX-90 rifles and charges. No plan, no coordination, just rage and poorly controlled bullets.

The figure became on guard as Gil screamed while firing the hail of bullets. He wasn’t thinking at all really, he just wanted the renegade dead. The figure did as he had to, running and dodging the chaotic bullets with ease before slicing through Gil’s throat. Gil stopped there, vengeance unfulfilled, before coming to his knees and then collapsing.

The shadowed, robed figure stared at them, as though waiting for a move. Neither Blair nor Conrado knew what it meant, but they had to assume the worst: they would die when they made their move.

Conrado sighed. “Sorry, hombre(man), but I don’t think I’m making it to your boda(wedding). Make it there for the rest of us, okay?” requested Conrado. “Wait, what are you…?” Blair asked, before Conrado sent a volley of gunfire at the enemy. For extra assurance, Conrado took out a grenade and pressed a button.

“Move it, now!” Conrado shouted as he charged at the robed figure. Blair didn’t have time to argue, just ran the opposite way, towards the exit. But he realized that Conrado was not going to make it. Conrado even made sure of that, as when Blair made it out, an explosion went off behind him, collapsing the building and sending Blair helmet first into the ground.

Blair got up and looked behind. He knew that wasn’t just an attempt to take out the Samurai with him. Conrado knew that Blair could never choose to abandon his friends, to leave what they died for. That’s why he made that choice for him. Conrado died so Blair could live up to what Conrado asked, what they all wanted for Blair.

He knew what Sam was going to say, and he knew what Conrado asked, but this was too much. He collapsed to his knees, his hands gripping the ground in emotional pain. In that old base for a war long over, all his friends, his whole squad, just died.

“What the hell do you want?” Blair asked in venomous anger. Behind him, he somehow felt that presence. It wasn’t cybernetic sensors or regular hearing, he just somehow knew, in that moment of anguish. He turned, facing the being he hated most, the one responsible for killing his whole platoon in one night. There stood Samurai Jack.

Blair was only mildly surprised as he got a closer look. He didn’t get such good details from the record data, the vantage point, or the dark corridor, but this current meeting contrasted with today’s impression.

After a night of seeing all his friends slaughtered, Blair thought he might as well have been fighting a demon, a being of pure malice. Instead, he saw a man. He was indeed a Samurai, traditional gi, katana, some light armor, and fair skinned eastern features.

The man somehow exerted both an aura that was stern yet gentle at the same time, as well as simple yet refined. He could tell the man could be extremely dangerous if needed, but was not exerting any hostility. That did not help Blair’s though. After tonight and that experience with the terrorist, Blair knew humans could be real demons, the worst kind.

“I would just like to take a moment to talk.” said Jack. “Hmph, a little late for that. Or is it easy to make your point when everyone else is dead?” Blair retorted. Jack kept calm in the face of that hostility and proceeded.

“Your forces have been relentless. Your people take hostility as their first path without warning, never giving me a chance. What you saw was the actions that followed their decisions.” Jack stated.

“Oh, so suddenly we’re in the wrong? It’s my fault everyone died? Everyone deserved to die because they wanted to stop a renegade from committing more violence?” Blair voiced.

“That’s not what I-” Jack said, “So you think we should have just given up? What we’ve sworn to do, give up something bigger than ourselves.” Blair questioned.

“You do not understand, Magnus has blinded-” said Jack . “Oh, so Magnus is to blame, and I don’t know what I’m doing? Unbelievable.” Blair said. He decided he needed to prove a point to this ignorant enemy.

Blair undid his helmet’s hookup and took it off. Jack became surprised at what he saw. Right now, he wasn’t really shocked by the circuitry in Blair’s face, but rather by how human his face was. Jack had known all this time the Cyber Troopers were humans turned into cyborgs, but their armor and helmets seemed to limit their perceivable humanity.

But now that he looked into the face of the enemy, Jack saw past the militarized regime and could perceive full humanity in Blair. The anger in Blair’s modified eyes was not malicious, but rather a desire for justice, the same Jack experienced numerous times. He could tell from Blair’s face and expression that he not a mindless drone, a fooled follower, or a villain.

No, Blair was a good person, fighting for his own beliefs and doing what he saw was right. In many ways, he was the same as Jack. When Jack realized that, it shocked and pained him.

“What, you think I’m some abomination? Or are you surprised to see a person under all this armor?” Blair asked, sensing Jack’s turmoil. “I…” Jack tried to speak, but couldn’t find the words.

“Just so you know, they were all people, people you killed. They had names too. Private Stan Bryson, Lieutenant Gregor, Sergeant Calisle. The last three you killed were Sam, Gil, and Conrado. They were…they were my friends.” Blair said with sorrow.

Jack realized the awful thing he had done to this man, making him witness his friends being slaughtered. He wanted badly to apologize, but the words got stuck in his throat. He knew that just saying “sorry” would be a terrible insult.

“You want to know what they all died for, Samurai? Blind devotion to the Lord Protector? Hatred for his enemies?  It’s nothing like that.” Blair made clear.

“Before you killed him, my sergeant made our salute clear, “Serve Magnus and the Peace”. You probably think that’s doctrine. It’s not, it’s a cause. Magnus led and sacrificed a lot to end the war for a principle, one we fight for now. When we fight to protect, we do it to safeguard and serve those around us.”.

“It’s different for everyone, but we all fight to protect what we all hold dear, including each other. When you kill one of us, that hurts the rest of us, but doesn’t stop us. Do you know why? Because we have to make those deaths mean something. Why did we keep chasing you? Because we couldn’t let everyone else’s sacrifices go to waste, that’s why!” Blair shouted.

Jack had always assumed that when the Cyber Troopers came after him again and again, they were misled, or had malice moving them. Instead, this man was showing him the Cyber Troopers did have honor. If that was so though, what about him?

“You know why I’m speaking to you know instead of trying to shoot you? It’s not because I’m abandoning the cause. Before this whole thing, I…I told my friends I was going to propose… to the person I love most. They all wanted to come, but that changed when you showed up.”.

“They all died in there, but they gave me a chance. I took it, not for myself, not even for her. It was for them. I want to make their deaths mean something, I want to tell them that I did it. If it wasn’t for that…”.

“I’d try to kill you right now. So then, are you here to kill me?” Blair asked.

Jack felt shocked by that, wondering why Blair would think he was here for that. But as he was the man to kill almost everyone Blair came to care about, he realized how easy it was to seem the monster.

“No. There has been…more, far more than enough bloodshed tonight.” Jack concluded. “Knowing you, there will be a lot more before you’re done.” Blair said with condescension. Jack couldn’t deny the reality of that statement.

“One more thing. You spoke of the names of your comrades, and you know mine, but I do not know yours. What is your name, warrior?” Jack asked.

“Corporal Blair Rayner.” Blair responded. “Very well then, Corporal. When you have made you friends’ sacrifice meant something, I will face you again, if you wish..” Jack stated as he began walking away. “Yeah, we’ll see.”.

Author Notes: Ha! You all thought I gave up or died, didn’t you, admit it! No, it’s just that with summer ending and work piling up again, I got a bit busy and had less time for writing. You were expecting the beginning of that Arc finale, huh? You know, seeing a certain Scot again? Funny thing, I was halfway through writing that chapter when this one came to mind. And for the tone of this arc, this chapter had to go here, so I just had to write it.

           References were Fallout 2 and The Matrix, if you spotted them.

           The main thing I wanted to clarify is that even though they’re cybernetic, Jack’s enemies in this story are human, they’re people. I remember from one of Genndy’s interviews about Season 5 that the Daughters of Aku were supposed to represent how people could be programmed like robots. Hell, Jack even comments on it in Episode 4.

           The Cyber Troopers are a more literal take on that, cyborg soldiers that, for aesthetic, have that futuristic feel from Jack fighting robots while making them more lifelike. In deeper context, they show how a person can be literally transformed into part of a machine, all the Troopers formatted and mechanized for the autocracy they serve.

           But, in this part anyway, the Cyber Troopers are still mostly human, and the metaphorical “programming” is not as strong as for the Daughters of Aku. They’re each a person, just doing their duty and following what they believe. To them, the Magnus Protectorate is their society and affects their social and personal lives like any society.

           They all have friends, family, and loved ones. When I wrote Jack killing off the platoon in this chapter, I had to write it in a way where it was self-defense, but the soldiers are not exactly in the wrong either, something that was not easy and a bit vague.

           Why I did this was to convey all the difficult emotions Blair and his friends go through when they see Jack doing this. They can’t just mindlessly charge in like beetle drones, of course they don’t want to die. But it’s Jack’s choice to resist and strike down the Cyber Troopers that moves them to keep trying to stop him. Comradery is a real and powerful thing.

           I’m glad I came up with that dialogue about “the cause”, because this whole chapter is basically saying “Hey, we’re not exactly the bad guys”, and this really gives justification and humanity to the Cyber Troopers. They’re still the enemy, but it kind of gives purpose to both the soldiers and the Magnus Protectorate, something I’ve been struggling to establish. I think this laid some real groundwork for that.

           Now then, Blair. This chapter drew inspiration from SJ favorite “ The Tale of X9”. So yeah, this story was going to have a sad ending. All of Blair’s friends were personalized only to die in the end. Cold, I know, but then it wouldn’t have such impact.

Explaining his background and love interest was to help really give Blair ground as this chapter’s protagonist and give him something worth fighting for. I was rather uncomfortable with the whole “domestic terrorist” situation, we do live in tumultuous times. So, I’m sorry if that bit was a bit too personal for some of you, just want to get that out there.

Blair was designed to be an understood and willing protagonist in this chapter. He’s not Samurai Jack, but that’s what helped make him worthwhile. He knows the Samurai is more dangerous than him, of course he’s scared. But he’s willing to fight for his friends and beliefs, even if that means facing bad situations. I didn’t intend him to be similar to Jack in this way, but I’m glad it turned out that way. He’s not exactly the same as Jack, but he’s definitely his own person.

If you were suspecting after the wedding ring thing that Blair would die, then I have to confess. In the end, Blair was going to be the last person to die. In my head, I kept seeing Blair engage in a fight with Jack, firing off bullets and taking cover to keep Jack at bay. It was going to be similar to X-9’s fight.

It would end with Blair collapsing from a stab wound, his helmet broken and Jack looking down to see his enemy was a person. Blair would hold his picture of Elena and himself and apologize to her, before he collapsed dead. And Jack would know what that meant.

But, I couldn’t do it. Not because I “chickened out”, exactly. I changed it not for Blair or Elena, but for Blair’s friends. These chapters take their own direction after they get going, and I’m cool with that. Where this one went was Blair’s friends trying to hold off Jack so Blair could escape and make it back to Elena.

After all that talk of making sacrifices worth something, anything, this chapter wasn’t going to let me kill off Blair. He had to live, he had to make it. Not for himself, or Elena, but to make their deaths mean something. In a way, keeping that promise and being the sole survivor is more of an emotional gut punch than the original ending, huh?

I know, I like to ramble. Just saying Chapter XI, the beginning of the Arc finale, is on the way, look forward to it!

[psychicdan]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapter IX: Discontent with Samurai Jack's continued resistance and the concerns he is inflicting, Magnus sends a samurai of his own. Jack and his company arrive in a port called Haulwater City. The artificial island proves to be a trap however, as Jack must now face Inquisitor Hiroto, and the Cyber Troopers surrounding the city.

Samurai Jack: Renegade Samurai

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes.

Warning:

The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, nor intended to copy others’ work. Samurai Jack is the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, his team and affiliated studios and companies. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not profit.

Chapter IX: Ghost of the Samurai

           Evening fell over the Capital city of Nova Sanctum, the brilliant city lights taking up the sun’s place to glorify the Magnus Protectorate’s achievements. Most lit and prominent was the steel geometrically designed Citadel, bathed in the display lights so all could fathom its aesthetics and authority.

           Despite the change of hours, the man sitting in the throne room of the Citadel wasn’t going to get a good night rest. The Lord Protector, Magnus, sat with his head on his hands, troubled. “Do you have any idea where that resistance movement is?” he asked. “No, Lord Protector, he and all his remaining forces seemed to have abandoned the Highlands area. We know they chartered a ship, but we’ve lost them. They could already be on the main continent, for all we know.” Xander reported. “Damn that Scottish bastard. As if I didn’t have enough problems already, he keeps stabbing me in the back. No doubt the renegades gave him and his cohorts inspiration.”.

It became clearer with each passing day, with each interconnected report of dissidence and violence. Samurai Jack needed to be put down, must and will be put down. Already, the reports put his renegade group at four, and that was just from sightings. How many others were sympathetic to him, how many would join him in his acts of public terror? A dozen, a hundred, a thousand?!

If he continued to defy and evade the Protectorate’s justice, people would become uneasy, questioning, afraid. The firm, unshaking security they established would shatter like glass. Magnus remembered the Near End War, when all these societal securities were pipe dreams and things like slaughter and devastation were the norm. No, I will not let this Samurai bastard start it all over again. He will die., Magnus thought.

“Xander, do we have an Inquisitor ready to intercept the Samurai immediately? These problems will only worsen the longer he’s alive.” Magnus said. “Actually, that’s connected to some good news, Lord Protector. Inquisitor Hiroto has just returned from his homeland, ready to explain how his mission over there went. He waits outside the throne room for an audience with you.”, “That is good news, bring him then.” Magnus said, finally smiling.

The steel doors slid open with a motion from Xander, and in strode their guest. He was clad in feudal eastern traditional armor, composed of cloth and modern metals. Despite the traditional aspects, it was Protectorate grey and black, and the Protectorate’s insignia was the crest on his armor. He carried at his side a daishō, a large and short sword set that represented his rank and deserved respect.  As he strode in, he removed his helmet, revealing the face of a man in mid 20s, of similar ethnicity to Jack, and his black hair tied behind him.

The traditional warrior bowed to the Lord Protector on hands and knees, humbling himself. “Inquisitor Samurai Hiroto, I trust the mission in Japan I gave you went well?” Magnus asked. “Yes, my Lord Protector. It took time, but all the Yakuza clans in opposition to you have been crushed, and their leaders made examples of. As you instructed, clans of our own make and allegiance have been placed to oversee criminal activity. Japan’s underworld is now under your dominion.” the Protectorate Samurai said, still bowing.

Magnus smiled, glad to finally have progress these past few weeks. Try as he might, criminal activity in every cultural region somehow managed in the face of his laws. Rather than chase them further into the shadows, he decided to instead place pseudo criminal factions that would be his eyes and ears there, as well as his force. The criminal element would fall under his authority and they would have no idea.

“Rise, Inquisitor. I am sorry to ask this of you, but I already have a new mission for you that must be completed.”. Hiroto stood at attention, not troubled at all from being requested by the Lord Protector for a new task.

“During your mission, a dangerous renegade has arisen, armed and skilled enough to confront and evade our forces as well as best two of your fellow Inquisitors. He made one of our own defect to his destructive cause, and two more citizens are reportedly aiding and abetting him as well. In response to his crimes, the public is reportedly uneasy, and other insurgent forces may be preparing for uprisings. I need you to nip this in the bud before it gets any further out of hand.”.

“He reportedly goes by the name “Jack”, and the defector with him is Ashi, formerly from the Special Assassination Force. The others we don’t know much of, but are likely unimportant. But this part will be… difficult for you to understand. He is a samurai.” Magnus informed Hiroto.

Hiroto looked at Magnus questioningly. “I-I beg your forgiveness Lord Protector, but that can’t be possible. Only a handful of samurai of the new age, including myself, were permitted and trained by your graceful will. He must be a disrespectful imposter.”.

“You are correct, but also wrong. He is not a samurai of your reborn ways and generation, but he is no fake either. He is one of the original samurai of your homeland’s history.” Magnus told Hiroto.

“P-pardon, Lord Protector?” Hiroto asked, bewildered. How was that possible, when the original line of samurai had discontinued and died long ago? Only recently had his homeland worked to restore a new line, so how was an original samurai present?

Magnus sighed, knowing Hiroto would need an explanation. “During the course of my life mission, I had used my authority and means of time travel to arrive in the time of your ancestors. I had retrieved what I set out for, but I had angered a Samurai prince from then. Given how little historical information is present about him, his impact on the timeline is inconsequential. I bested him, but he followed me here, to our own time. Now he is defying our law and order, and I’ve been forced to label him a renegade for his actions. He is a heinous criminal, and must be brought down. I trust these details will not deter you. Do you understand?”.

           Hiroto looked at his Lord Protector, steeled determination in his eyes. “Yes, Lord Protector. You need not worry, this Samurai’s origins will not cloud my judgement, for your will is clear to me and is my mission. I will strike down the Renegade Samurai, I will not fail you.” Hiroto stated.

“Then go, “Ghost of the Samurai”. Go, and restore order.” Magnus stated with an affirming smile. Hiroto bowed his head, then turned to the massive automated doorway, putting on his helmet as he strode out. He clutched his blade as the doors closed behind, ready to carry the will of his lord, Magnus.

…

           As evening began to hit, the ocean could be seen gently rolling waves against the beach. It was no luxury beach, but was a rather pleasant coastal beach. However the weather was not optimal for swimming. What broke up the humble scenery was a road from the light grass and beach into a bridge that ran across this ocean.

           Driving up the road towards the beach came the Odyssey, stopping at the crossroads at the beach. “Oh great, thought I smelled the reek of the ocean. Can we leave before we smell like fish and seaweed?” Cassius said in dismay. Anything to do with the unpleasantries of the ocean disagreed with him.

           “Oh, come on Cass. Sure, the smell takes getting used to, but look at it. Wind brushing your face, gentle waters, comfy sand, I always wanted to go to the beach. And just look at that horizon, I-wait, is that a city? Agalia said.

           Her weren’t deceiving her. The bridge before them extended and curved towards an artificial island city. It boasted the same geometric buildings and aesthetics as the other Protectorate cities, but by the looks of all the ports and warehouses at the fringes, it looked like a port city. The lights began to illuminate the city, showing it was lively thanks to business as the lights danced on the waters.

           “That is most peculiar. Why build a city on water and not on land?” Jack asked. “Um, Jack, I think that’s why. Probably why the city’s even here.” Ashi said as she pointed to the left road. In that direction was the curved stretch of the beach. Or, they would have seen that, if it wasn’t for all the washed-up war wreckage there. Tanks, planes, warships, all of it amassed into a scrap yard. The area was enclosed by the Magnus Protectorate, construction vehicles and personnel working away at the sight. No wonder people weren’t swimming at the beach.

           “Damn it, another war cleanup project. Guess a lot of old war crap would wash up on the beach. Still, how did we miss that? Map says we go that way, but there are too many bucket heads there. Should we take another detour?” Cassius asked.

           Jack furrowed his eyes in dismayed thought, considering the situation. The path to Nova Sanctum would go somewhat smoother if it wasn’t for all the increasing military presence. They’ve had to take five long detours already to avoid direct contact with heavily fortified bases. It was that, or go in for a frontal assault every time. That would be a good way to get killed, so Jack decided that taking the path with least resistance was a sound approach.

           But here was another road block, and finding a path around it seemed difficult. But when he looked at the city, he noticed that a second bridge ran and curved from it, leading to the opposite end of the beach, past the Protectorate area. Looks like a path was already built around the wreckage to ease transport there.

           “There, that island city has a bridge we can use to get there.” Jack pointed out. Cassius looked to the city and then to the highway sign above the bridge. “City Area 3D23: Haulwater City. That second name is a bit on the nose, huh? I gotta wonder if they just slap on random numbers and letters for these cities though. Anyway, I guess it’s a quick route, but are you sure? Troops could box us in there.” Cassius surmised.

           “The city does not seem heavily fortified or alert. If we remain discrete, we should avoid intervention.” Jack stated. He knew that while avoiding unnecessary or fruitless conflicts was best, there were times he couldn’t run. It was obvious that the closer they got to Nova Sanctum, the more the Cyber Troopers would appear. They were going to have to fight more of them to get there, and now they would have to risk conflict to proceed.

           “I guess you have a point. Doesn’t look so bad, and we could find something worse if we try another route. Alright, let’s go for it Jack.” Cassius said with a shrug. Jack started the Odyssey back down the road again and over the bridge. The car curved with the bridge, as the group could now see the whole beach side. It looked disturbing, seeing a mass of twisted encompass most of the stretch of sand.

           “Man, and I was kind of excited. Wonder what this place was like before.” Agalia lamented. “It may yet see beauty again, given their labors.” Jack said for positive thought. If nothing else, the people of this time proved strong, coming back from the brink and restoring what was lost. When the work here was done, he imagined the city would benefit from a view of the cleared beach.

           Still, that was then, and this was now. It was best they just quickly get through the city and be on their way. As everyone turned away from the beach, Ashi suddenly became alarmed and looked over the side. “Ashi, what’s wrong?” Jack said concerned. “I…no, it’s nothing. Just thought I saw something back at the bridge end, but it’s not there. Let’s keep moving.” Ashi said. Jack was still bothered by that, but he supposed it did no good to worry if it was nothing.

           Soon, they reached the bridge end and arrived in the city. It was quite busy, with shipping containers and personnel all about, though it looked like they were finishing up for the day. Stores lined the streets, some professional and in buildings, others humble stands. Since this was near the ocean, there was no shortage of fish stands either.

           “Best hair stylist right here, to give you that new edge!”, “We’ve got the latest and most advance electronics right here at unbelievable prices!”, “Fish, fresh fish caught from the ocean, come get it here!”. “Kind of shameless to put the market right at the city entrance. Oh god, that smell!” Cassius said as the odors of a fish stand they drove by wafted towards him.

           Agalia chuckled at that, then stopped when she felt something drip. Soon, the dripping increased, as the people and stands took notice, closing up shop and either pulling out umbrellas or running for cover from the incoming rain. “Uh, Jack, can you press that button?” Agalia instructed. “Oh, uh, yes, just a moment.”.

           Jack did as he was told, a bit unfamiliar with technology still, even after 50 years in the other timeline. When he pressed the button, windows and a roof came up to provide them cover, the Odyssey’s “convertible” function at work. Jack was a bit startled, but found this convenient for keeping dry. Technology just kept surprising him, even the most mundane kind.

           Cassius was muttering something to Agalia, then he turned to Jack. “Hey Jack, we’re going to get out and resupply for a bit. I’m heading to the black market for some ammo and Agalia wants get stuff to get the car and weapons in shape.”. Jack was a bit surprised, but wasn’t troubled.

           “That is fine. If you do not mind, why don’t we accompany you?”. “Uh, no. Sorry chief, but you and the lady who would kill me in my sleep are on the Protectorate’s most wanted. We can’t have you just walking the streets. What you can do is drive around and see if you can find us a place to eat and maybe a disguise or something. Pick us up in an hour, okay?”. Jack nodded, acknowledging Cassius’s concerns while trying to calm down Ashi’s murderous demeanor for that rude comment.

…

           During the hour interval, Jack and Ashi did as instructed, browsing stores for disguise clothing as well as search for a place to eat. They found a few things that seemed well enough that they bought, but Jack wasn’t comfortable discarding his gi, saying he would prefer only using disguise if critical. Then realization hit him when he saw a certain crafting material in one of the stores. As for a meal, they found a place they knew was satisfactory, and no Cyber Troopers either.

           During all their shopping and driving though, Ashi was constantly tensed up, like she felt that they shouldn’t be there. But when she looked around, nothing dangerous was around. She relaxed after each time, telling Jack it was nothing. Maybe the past few weeks of being on the run had kept her tense the whole time. But even when her mind told her there was nothing, her instinct told her that something was wrong before going quiet.

           In any case, they returned to the market where Cassius told them to pick them up. He and Agalia loaded up the trunk with carefully concealed items, to avoid suspicion, then arrived in the car with a small bag. They were a bit wet though, thanks to the downpour. “Good thing I have this coat, ‘cause umbrellas were not helpful out there. So, you found a place for a bite?” Cassius asked. “Yes, the eatery seems most pleasant and not far off. Ready?” asked Jack. “You know it. I’m starved.” Agalia said with anticipation.

           They drove through the rainy streets and further into the city. After only ten minutes, they parked in front of their destination that was between several buildings. “Ooh, a Bartakovsky’s! You’ve got good taste Jack. It’s been too long since I came to one of these. They even serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alright, I’m in, let’s go.” Cassius said pleasantly.

           They trudged through the rain and opened the door as it chimed. They all walked in, dripping a bit from outside’s rain. They stopped, as everyone turned to look at them. They all seemed surprised, like they didn’t know what to say.

           “Oh jeez, did we already blow our cover? We better…Jack, what the hell are you and Ashi wearing?” Cassius asked. “I am sorry, is there an issue with our concealment?” Jack asked as he lifted his hat a bit to look at Cassius. Yes, he was wearing his preferred straw hat, with Ashi following suit. The straw was the crafting material Jack bought earlier, which he had crafted into the hats. Back in his time it was the norm, but here, he stood out of place even more with it. It was worse for Ashi, who was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.            “Hmmm, now let me think, YES! What the hell is that?! I’m not trying to offend or anything, but does this look like basket hat fashion craze season?! Are you trying to start a trend or something?! Seriously, how is this blending in?! Just, take those off, you’re embarrassing us. Wait until we get out of the city or something, or everyone will point fingers at us and take pictures. Then the Protectorate would find us by social media.”.

           Jack and Ashi took off the hats, dismayed. Honestly, they both thought the hats looked both nice and discrete, though maybe it didn’t fit in with everything here. “The hell, that doesn’t even do much as a disguise. Ugh, let’s just get a table already.” Cassius groaned. He swore Jack’s naivety was going to get him killed one day. The group of four got a table a sat down looking at the menus.

           It seemed that Jack looked forward to the sushi again, but Ashi pointed out another cuisine related to his culture. “Hm, takoyaki. I have never heard of it, perhaps it is something after my time. Very well, I would like to order a side of this takoyaki with some sushi and green tea, thank you.”, “Same here, thank you.” Jack and Ashi said, placing orders to the waitress.

           “Alright, how about you two?” the waitress asked Cassius and Agalia. “Hm, I’ll have a Symbionic burger with a side of Power Puff fries and some soda, thanks.” Agalia requested. “Hm, excuse me, do you have the Bopeye’s Special yet?” Cassius asked. “Sorry sir, the proprietor had to let that one go. Legal issues or whatever, he wasn’t happy about it.” the waitress informed him. “Damn it, this day just got ruined! Ugh, I guess I’ll have a Dexter’s Secret Surprise, thanks.”.

           The waitress finished jotting down the orders and walked away. As they waited, a fisherman sat at a table nearby with his back turned, eating his meal by his lonesome. For some reason, Ashi eyed him suspiciously, but decided to drop it.

           “Hey, how come you two brought that bag?” Ashi asked. Cassius and Agalia realized they still carried that shopping bag and remembered why they got it in the first place. “Yeah, when I saw the market, I remembered an issue I discussed with Agalia. Unlike the two of us, you guys don’t have any way to talk over distances, huh?”.

           “Well, no, but is that an issue? Wait, are you two able to do that?” Jack asked bewildered. Cassius and Agalia sighed simultaneously. “Seriously, I lived out in the boonies and even I had one. Everyone has one.” Agalia lamented for the pair. “Here, join the rest of the planet already.” Cassius said as he finished unpacking and handed the items to Jack and Ashi.

           The objects they stared dumbfounded at were smartphones. The one Jack received was a grayish white, while Ashi’s was dark green. “Oh, this is, uh, one of those “phones”. Yes, uh, most fascinating.” Jack said with a cramped smile. “Oh, uh, how thoughtful. You two shouldn’t have.” Ashi said with an uncomfortable smile. Then they looked at each other, expressing a silent conversation with their expressions.

           It was too obvious for Cassius and Agalia to figure out what they were thinking. How do you make these things work?!, Ashi silently pleaded. I do not know!, Jack expressed. “You cannot be serious.” Cassius said as he shook his head down and held it in his hand for support. Who in this day and age did not know how to use a digital device?!

           “Ugh, this day just gets better and better. Okay, just listen to us, press that button to turn it on and…” Cassius and Agalia did their best to help Jack and Ashi maneuver around their new experience with digital devices, but it proved to be…frustrating.

           “What are all of these things here?” Ashi asked. “Those are apps, services or games you can download.” Agalia explained. “Download?” Ashi asked. “Here, I’ll show you.” said Agalia. Cassius was barely holding it together with Jack. “Ugh, look, you don’t need something to write with. Just press where the text goes and a keyboard comes up. Press the letters and you can type words.”, “Oh, uh, yes, seems simple enough.” Jack replied. If only that were so. Jack had the same fierce battle stare he had when facing Aku right now as he tried to type “Hello”.

           “Alright, now we set up contact info. I got a discrete service provider, but try not to use your real names, okay? So, what are you going with Ashi?” Cassius asked. “Olivia, it’s kind of to remember a good person I met.” Ashi said, looking back on the time she met the ravers who were nice enough to give her a night of fun dancing. She laughed later when she saw Jack’s martial arts, knowing the dance was modelled off them.

           “Alright, you Jack?”, “Like, Brent Worthington, dude.” Jack said in a weird tone out of character. “Aahh, what the hell was that?! Whatever, just don’t do it again, ever.” Cassius said, shivering from that persona that was the opposite of the stoic Samurai Jack. Ashi giggled, remembering the humorous story Jack told of when he lost his memory and became a surfer like servant, only for the Scotsman to help him out of that mess. Agalia looked clueless and dumbfounded about the joke.

           Jack sighed, disappointed only Ashi picked up on the joke. But at least that name was more acceptable than his Dome of Doom name “Two Sandals, the Treacherous”. Once the tow of them registered, it was on to exchanging numbers. “Okay, so we can either type the numbers in manually or use scan. Since this guy has a hard time typing “hello”, we’ll go with the sensor.” Cassius instructed.

           The four exchanged phone contacts as such, bringing phones together as data was sent. Jack and Ashi looked amazed, staring in wonder at the new information. To the service provider and strangers they would call, ID would register them as “Olivia and Brent”, but Cassius and Agalia marked them by their actual names in their phones.

           “Hey Jack, let’s give this a try!”, “Very well.” Jack and Ashi said with excitement. Ashi clicked Jack’s contact button, and ringing came up. Jack struggled to press the answer button and finally succeeded. “Um, hey Jack, can you hear me?”, “Y-yes, I can hear you.” Jack said back to Ashi over the phone.

           “Whoo, alright! Now, can you write one of those “text” thingies?” Ashi asked. Jack looked startled, but nodded as he fumbled over the onscreen buttons. Finally, Ashi’s phone vibrated, causing her to fumble in surprise and barely catch the phone in time. She struggled to open the text message, and it read “hElLO asHi”. She giggled at the bad text, even though she would have done the same. “HEllO JaCk” she texted back. They both giggled at their shared ineptitude with digital devices.

           “Ugh, kill me now. I’ve seen old people catch on faster than this, better too.” Cassius grumbled. “Ah come on, it’s kind of adorable. If anything, they really belong together like that.” Agalia said with a cramped smile. She did like Jack and Ashi’s relationship, but she did think sharing a lack of talent with technology was a weird thing to bond over.

           “Here’s your food.” the waitress said as she came with four dishes. “Okay, tech lecture over, food now!” Cassius said as he dove into his food. The others followed suit. Jack was pleasantly surprised with the takoyaki, which had octopus meat in it. He only wished his home had come up with this sooner. Just as they were finished eating and Jack had handed over credits as pay, the TV flashed to new programming.

           “Good evening, citizens of the Magnus Protectorate. This is your Lord Protector, Magnus, here to address all of you on standing matters.” the very stern and familiar man on the TV said. Jack turned at the same voice that still lingered in his memory, and his face turned grim and fierce as he recognized the figure all too well. “Magnus.” he muttered bitterly.

           “In the past few weeks, I understand your growing concerns. I’m sure you have all heard the reports of the Renegade Samurai known as Jack and his accomplices. Likewise, some are concerned he is a significant terrorist threat, and that his actions have caused a recent rise in insurgent activity. I am here speaking to you to lay those concerns to rest.”.

“Yes, the Samurai is dangerous, but he will not remain a threat, and neither he nor any of these other dissidents will harm any of you so long as I am Lord Protector. All I ask of you is to place your trust in me and the Protectorate our society is based on, and all will be well. He is dangerous because he threatens the principles our securities and society are based on, and that is why I ask you not to follow the mad fools who follow him. Worry not, they are few and weak compared to the Protectorate army that protects you all, and certainly nothing compared to me.”.

“That is why, as I speak, my loyal Inquisitors hunt for the Renegade Samurai and others of his cloth now. It has taken time, but soon they will face justice and answer for their serious actions. The only danger here then is your own fear and questioning, and so I ask you all to not be afraid, for we are here for your own good, ready to defend you at all costs.”.

“Oh, one last address. I speak to Samurai Jack now, who I know is watching. I understand your feelings for personal vengeance, but the crimes you have done to achieve it far outweigh whatever justice you may see in it. Whether you see it or not, you are a criminal in this world, and to everyone here, evil.”.

“That is why I will not hesitate to put you down. Not for myself, as you are acting now, but for all these people, people who worry some Samurai will kill them. No place will be safe for you from me and the Inquisitors. Certainly not Haulwater City. Well, that’s all for now, and thank you, citizens of the Magnus Protectorate.”.

The Protectorate broadcast ended there, leaving Jack, Ashi, Cassius, and Agalia all stiff. Cassius was the first to recover, followed by the rest. “Sh-shit, he knows! H-how does he know?!”. Everyone looked around frightened, and then realization dawned on Ashi. She ran back to the table, where the fisherman was.

The fisherman noticed rather quickly, running away, but Ashi was faster, tackling him down. “Ashi, what are you…”, Jack fumbled out in shock before getting even more shocked when the fisherman pulled out a gun. Ashi reacted in time though, slashing it in half before she held the knife to his neck.

“Who are you, and why were you following us?” Ashi said with a lethal tone. Jack and the others didn’t stop her, as they now assented that this no ordinary fisherman. “All I’ve got to say is that the lot of you are under arrest.” the fisherman said undeterred.

“Damn it, he must be a Protectorate spy! We’ve gotta get out of here before the 1st Class Inquisitor shows up!” Cassius cursed in slight fear. “He’s already here in the city. Give up now.” the spy said before getting punched out of consciousness by Ashi.

“I don’t think he was bluffing. I’ve felt like we were being watched since we entered the city, but every time I looked, they must have hidden in time.” Ashi said. She cursed herself for not picking up on the stealth methods of the Protectorate’s spies.

“Ah shit! We have to leave now, before they put the city on lockdown! Assuming they haven’t already.” Cassius instructed. “I am sorry, please forgive us for causing such violence.” Jack said, bowing to the frightened customers and staff before running out with the others.

“FREEZE! Hands in the air!”. The group of four stopped, and slowly raised their hands. Before them was a line of Cyber Troopers, guns at the ready. With that preparation, Jack knew that at least some of their own group would be gunned down before they drew their weapons. But a look from Cassius told him not to drop his guard yet.

“Of course, officer. Just let me get this out of my sleeve and, oops.” Cassius said nonchalantly as something slipped from his sleeve as he lifted his arms. Whatever fell from his arm made a pin sound as it did so, but the Troopers didn’t see or hear it fall because of the downpour of rain they stood in. Not until it rolled to them.

“Huh, GAH!”, BOOM! The item was a now-exploded grenade, killing a number of the soldiers and leaving the rest scattered. Now was the chance. Jack unsheathed his sword and the rest followed suit. The Cyber Troopers recovered as they charged, sending bullets their way.

But they were too close to be stopped now, as Jack and the others sliced and hammered the Troops as they evaded or blocked their aim. Jack closed in on the last one. That Cyber Trooper fired, but Jack gracefully blocked each one as he advanced. Then a clicking sound, as the soldier realized in fear that his magazine was empty. He didn’t even have time to draw his sidearm as Jack slashed into his side, cutting halfway through his chest.

The last soldier fell dead, blood mixing in the street side rain. “We must leave now. More will come.” Jack said as he directed towards the Odyssey. “Oh gee, thanks Samurai Obvious!” Cassius mocked as they all got into the car. Jack started the ignition. As soon as they unparked, he hit the throttle.

The Odyssey rocketed through the streets, side walkers startled at the speeding vehicle. Jack maneuvered through the traffic while maintaining speed, barely avoiding cars that he rushed by. Jack would apologize to each person that honked their horns angrily at him, but they needed to be gone now.

Suddenly the crowd of cars parted to the sides. Jack didn’t know what that meant, but he had suspicions. “Samurai Jack, pull over now! You are under arrest by the Magnus Protectorate!” a booming speaker said behind them. Three Protectorate vehicles with flashing siren lights pursued not far behind. What differentiated them from normal police cars were the mounted machine guns and the armed soldiers that emerged from the car tops.

“Damn it, it’s the police! And all that really means is local soldiers! Damn, I hate the military police.” Cassius cursed. That was kind of the norm, where a militarized regime government that ran the world would just use soldiers as law enforcement.

The police cars sent a volley of bullets at the car. The glass was bullet proof, but a number of dents were left as well as a few holes. Jack outpaced the bullets, but the Odyssey, while tough, couldn’t keep taking that punishment. “Note to self, install rear weapons if I live.” Agalia muttered.

Jack knew they were in no position to retaliate, so he looked at the passing streets for anything to dodge their pursuers. It was then he saw his answer in the shipping yard. “Hold on!” he shouted, driving the car off the street and into the port area.

After making sure no civilians were hurt, Jack looked back, confirming the military police were still on their tail. Ahead was the shipping area, where masses of metal like shipping containers were still being moved by the late-night staff. Now it was simply who was a better driver, him, or the Cyber Troopers.

He slammed though the gate and into the yard. Jack throttled and dodged his way through the cargo, the Cyber Troopers firing. That was hard now though since Jack had ample cover and kept turning. But Jack knew that wasn’t enough.

The up-front one was close on his tail, and Jack knew what risk he had to take. A wall of shipping containers was up ahead, and he just shot straight. Hold, hold, hold…NOW! Jack sharply turned left, barely managing at the last second to avoid the wall. It was even more difficult because of the water-covered concrete. But that also helped. The sharp turn sent water splashing at the lead as they raced towards Jack, blinding them for a second. They frantically tried to turn at the last minute, only for the police car to explode as it collided with the wall.

Jack looked behind, seeing the other two in pursuit. He saw his next high-risk venture with some slanted cargo near a water dock. At the other side of the dock was ground. It could be just driven around, but that was not his intention. “No…” Cassius said as he realized the goal. Yes indeed, as Jack drove over the slant at top speed, ejecting himself in the air, with one car following right behind. That Trooper must have been gutsy too.

Time seemed slowed for a second as the cars arched in the air, no one knowing how it would end. Finally, time sped up as everyone felt the rush of gravity. Agalia screamed in both fear and adrenaline as they finally landed, the car just barely hitting land and skidding to the side. The other car wasn’t fortunate, splashing into the ocean and sinking down. The submerged idiots tried to swim out of the car and to the surface, but their interlinked Cyber Armor was too heavy for that and couldn’t be taken off in time. So, they drowned for their lunacy.

“I don’t know who was crazier, you or them!” Cassius screamed. “Heads up, Jack. One more.”Ashi said as they drove on. Behind them was the last police car, the driver sane enough not to do that stunt. Jack sped on, but they were running out of shipping yard. He saw one last thing though. Ahead was the exit, but in front of that was a ship and magnetic crane lift. The crane was lifting a massive shipping container, larger than the others. It was going to lower before dropping, but Jack had another idea.

“Ashi, fire at the crane when I say so.” Jack said. The dashboard brought up the targeting for the Odyssey’s missile launcher. “On it.” Ashi said, understanding the plan. “On what, I…oh please no. You cannot be serious about this?!” Cassius screamed as he realized the next suicide stunt.

Ashi locked the cross hairs as the missile aligned, the shipping container nearly above them. “Now!” Jack ordered. Ashi complied, firing the missile. The magnet attached to the crane blew to pieces, allowing gravity to pull the shipping container down to the ground at high velocity. For a moment, the Odyssey and the police car were both caught in the falling shadow.

BOOM! The shipping container fell and the sound of crushed and exploding metal resounded. Out of the smoke and fire came only one vehicle. “WHOO! Let’s do that again!” Agalia said, drunk on the adrenaline. “Ugh, no more.” Cassius said, having a hangover from said adrenaline.

Jack crashed the car though the closed exit and back on to the street. He did not lessen up, as they were still in danger as long as they were in the city. They were in the right direction though, as they were more than halfway to the other side of the city. Now if only they could make it without any more trouble…

FLASH! A searchlight shined down on them, coming from an airborne vehicle that propelled though the sky. The vehicle’s machine guns at the sides and underneath pointed at them, directed by the hostile soldiers inside.

“Uh, Jack, they have a chopper.” Agalia said with her enthusiasm lost. Bullets came down like the rain around them, striking the ground and landing hits on the Odyssey. Jack became startled as a downward bullet tore through the roof and nearly hit him. His expression tightened as he struggled up a plan. He was just outpacing it now, but that would only buy minutes, and he couldn’t use the same strategies as before when they could easily evade and pursue in the air.

Then he saw it. A traffic tunnel, leading underground beneath masses of buildings. Jack turned and headed straight for the tunnel. The chopper fired frantically, attempting to stop him, but to no avail.

The tunnel was sizable, tiled and lit by orange lights, and there seemed to be no traffic. “Weird, where are the other drivers?” Agalia asked. Jack spoke, a bit exasperated. “I do not know, but hopefully we are safe. We just need to drive through and make it out of…”, “BLOCKADE!” Ashi shouted.

Jack barely stopped the Odyssey in time, the car screeching to halt. In front of them was a set up barrier with bright lights. In front of and behind the barrier were Cyber Troopers. But what was most foreboding was the armored silhouette figure standing at the front. He hadn’t even been deterred at all by the speeding car that threatened to crash.

“Samurai Jack, I wish to speak with you. So long as you do not run, my men will not harm you or your allies. I swear it.” the figure spoke. Jack was suspicious, but there did not seem to be undue malice in the figure’s voice. Retreat was not sound, as the firing line could still do serious damage, and by now there was probably another line at the other end of the tunnel.

Jack silently nodded to the rest of them. While they were uncomfortable with the decision, they understood the reasoning. Gripping their weapons, they slowly got out of the car and cautiously walked to the figure. Finally, the shadow over him faded and his appearance became clear. Jack became slack jawed at who he saw.

He could not be hallucinating, before him was a samurai. At least, that was the judgement by appearance. While it was modelled in Magnus Protectorate aesthetics, he wore the traditional armor and cloth of a samurai warrior. He even carried a daishō, a traditional long and short sword set, at his side.

Jack knew that very well, his own father carried such a daishō. In the customs of his people, while one sword was commonly used for martial practice, the other represented aspects like rank and honor, typically carried by upper class warriors. Whoever held these carried respect. While of course Jack’s Emperor father often carried his daishō, Jack himself did not hold up the custom in order to practice and maintain humility.

He had been an exile for so long, both in his studies and in his travels, and so, while he was respectful of his noble title, he never indulged in it for pleasure. In fact, he had enjoyed being among average peers and friends, and preferred humble labor and lifestyles. That was why, even when regaining his royal title, he remained the same humble and kind Samurai he had always been.

Returning to the present moment, Jack was joyed to meet another honorable samurai warrior, who, by the appearance of his face, likely descended from the same roots as him. But then he stopped himself, remembering that in this time, everything was different, and that this samurai warrior bore the Magnus Protectorate insignia. This warrior had every deserved respect from Jack, but he was without doubt an enemy.

The warrior stepped forward and removed his helmet, bowing his head. “Domo, I am Inquisitor Samurai Hiroto, of the Magnus Protectorate.”. Jack did not lessen his guard, but bowed for due curtesy. “Domo, the people of this land refer to me as Samurai Jack.”.

They lifted their heads, looking at each other with narrowed eyes. “Forgive the approach, but while it is not difficult to find you, finding an opportunity to speak with such a travelled man is…challenging. I am afraid this was necessary so to arrange a talk.”.

“A talk? Funny way to ask for it, sending spies to stalk us and having your troops trying to arrest and shoot us. Hell, those guys are still ready to fi…!” Agalia shouted angrily before Jack lifted his hand to stop her.

Hiroto similarly gave a hand signal, and his Cyber Troopers, with puzzled gestures, stood down. “As I stated, catching a moment with you is not easy, so certain measures were necessary.  I apologize for such dishonorable hostilities before our meeting.”.

Jack knew what that meant. While the Inquisitor was not proud to have attacked before speaking, he would still have engaged them in combat after such a talk, simply preferring if they had met peacefully before engaging in strife.

“I understand your reasons, but that leaves the question. Why have you gone through such means to talk to me, and what of?” Jack asked. “As I have introduced, I am Hiroto, both Inquisitor and samurai. The Lord Protector informed me of your history, that you are a samurai of the original line.”. “Original?” Jack asked.

Hiroto sighed, troubled by the history he would need to explain. “Yes, honorable samurai of past. I know you come from the time of my ancestors, when the samurai still held prominence. One day, a ruler had attempted to change our ways, open ourselves to other people and lower our necessities for fighting.”.

“A number of the feudal lords who served under him were not content with such change, and so defied him. Samurai fought samurai, and the people of the land became divided. Our land divided into states, each seeking to have their customs as dominant. In such bloodied conflict, the samurai became dishonored, and people viewed them less as symbols of honor, and simply as soldiers of war.”

“This did not happen immediately. Long after this war period, our people still held the samurai with esteem, but they changed. They slowly became more and more as tools of conflict as our people progressed. The foolish ruler’s teachings still remained, and finally convinced our people to open ourselves to outsiders. Little did he know back then, that was what ended the samurai. Not a war, but simply progress.”.

“The militaries of the rest of the world were different, more professional. We needed to advance. Our armies changed, or ways changed, so we could fight like them. Soon, the samurai lost all importance, until finally, they discontinued, and ended as simple history.”.

Jack was disheartened by this. How could his people just…abandon such a long time and honorable tradition? Why did the samurai become an instrument of war, instead of remaining the symbol of proud honor and principles? Why did people hate the teachings of this ruler? It was not as horrible as having his people torn down to vagrants by Aku, but the changes to his people by time were hard for Jack to accept. The samurai, they were…gone.

“Our new beginning starts not only after the end of the original samurai, but after the new world’s beginning. Our Lord Protector, Magnus, had saved what was left of the world from the fires of the Near End War, including our people. To rebuild our culture and society, we sought out our traditional ways for strength, to persevere in such adversity. The Lord Protector’s new government aided us, and we were beginning to recover.”.

“Though we still share many modern aspects as the rest of the world, we remember and value our ancestors as always. But to help maintain strength and identity after the war, one of the old ways we sought strength from was the samurai. Strong, noble, honorable. Much effort was given to bring such a warrior way back from oblivion, and some do not consider us true samurai. But we devoted ourselves to the ways they left behind, and the Lord Protector approved and tested our combat mettle himself. I am of the second generation of the new line.”.

“Now, I stand before you, Samurai of the past. I understand you have your reasons, but I also have mine. Even with your purpose, you have defied the honorable Lord Protector, and threaten what he has built and what it means to us all. I serve such a noble and honorable cause as one of his Inquisitors. His will is my mission. And his will is that you be eliminated.”.

“As such, I give you a choice now. Cease your cause and defiance and come with us in peace, and the Lord Protector can decide your honorable fate. He may even consider letting you return home.”. Jack, though he appreciated Hiroto’s sincere offer, wasn’t willing to accept that choice. “The other?” he posed as a question, but was practically a statement.

“If you choose to continue your path, I understand you do so for honor. To maintain our honor then, one of us must fall. If you so choose, then I, Inquisitor Samurai Hiroto, challenge you, Samurai Jack, to a battle to the death.”.

Jack was startled by that second option. He expected Hiroto to threaten that he and his forces would immediately kill Jack and his friends, as everyone else from the Magnus Protectorate had. He wondered if this was a trick, but if Hiroto meant to kill them in deceit, he had the opportunity the whole time he was talking. If this was a duel of honor and death sent as a formal challenge, then Jack could not back down. He would respect both his and Hiroto’s honor.

“I accept your challenge.” Jack decided. “Very well. We will meet in the shadow of the rain over the ocean, towards the horizon you desire. That is your destination, no? Your friends may come as spectators, but will not be allowed to aid, and neither of us will use firearms. In return, my Troops will not come, and if you defeat me, the way will be clear for you.”.

Jack bowed in affirmation, understanding and appreciating the conditions. This would be a fair fight between samurai warriors, with the outcome decided by skill and fate. “Move out, we are leaving.” Hiroto commanded to his forces.

“I-Inquisitor, you can’t be serious. This man is a renegade, why are you letting him…” said a Trooper before Hiroto interrupted him with a sword near the neck. “That is an order. Understood?”. “Understood.” replied all the soldiers. Hiroto sheathed his sword, and all the soldiers, especially the one that was threatened, moved out as he commanded, with Hiroto at the lead.

“You’re taking the challenge?” Ashi asked. “I must. He came to me formally and honorably, even offering choice. I must respond in kind.” Jack said. “So, what was that whole “shadow in the rain” bit about?” Agalia asked. “Our destination, the bridge.” Jack responded.

…

           The Odyssey drove to the edge of the bridge, lying at the city limits. Aside from the neon lights of the port city behind, only the street lights of the bridge illuminated the rainy night. There were some exceptions though. By now, the rainstorm became violent enough to generate thunder and lightning.

           Jack and the others stepped out and walked out onto the bridge. FLASH! In one of the brilliant lightning flashes stood Hiroto. He had awaited them on the bridge, alone, as he said he would. “Wait here.” Jack said. They all complied, but didn’t like the idea. Ashi in particular wanted to speak out against this deathmatch, but as foolish as she thought it was, she knew she couldn’t stop Jack, having come to know his code of honor. All she could do was have confidence in him.

           Jack stood before Hiroto. The two shared a silent, fierce stare, the calm before battle. Slowly, but simultaneously, they each drew their katana. They continued to just stare each other down, waiting for that one moment.

           FLASH! Within that lightning strike, they charged at each other, the sparks between their swords replacing the dying flash from before. Jack slashed again, horizontally, vertically, to the sides and front. But Hiroto seemed to just as able a swordsman, blocking each strike with grace and precision rather than blunt force.

           Hiroto struck back with a number of precise strikes of his own. Just as Hiroto countered him, Jack similarly met each strike gracefully. Jack timed a counter to one strike, forcing Hiroto back.

           As they put distance between each other, Jack assessed what transpired. Hiroto was merely gauging Jack as Jack gauged him. He could tell Hiroto judged him as a dangerous opponent, and Jack felt the same about him. One of them was not walking away from this, that much was certain.

           FLASH! The fight continued, as they charged with lethal attacks. The attacks became much more furious, as Jack dodged and parried this time. He attacked to the side, forcing Hroto to brace his left side with his armored arm and gauntlet. The sword cut through the armor and into flesh, blood spilling. Hiroto struck back, and Jack only evaded enough to avoid lethal harm.

           But the slash cut into his front and flesh, tearing up the front of his gi and damaging his chest guard, leaving a bleeding cut that spilled on to the rainy ground. It was not lethal, but the pain seared across Jack as he panted to maintain his guard.

           The same was for Hiroto, as his left arm bled and was limp at his side. It was not so serious as to kill him or immobilize him, but his pain was as relatable as Jack’s. Even so, both of them did not show weakness then.

           FLASH! A third clash now, this time more defensive as they both took care of their wounded areas to not be exploited. Jack kept going for Hiroto’s left side, but the Protectorate samurai anticipated this, blocking a number of those strikes, until he finally dodged.

           As Jack was left open by the attack, Hiroto struck towards Jack’s head in a clean stroke. Jack saw the sword coming for him, just managing to arch his neck and back enough to avoid it. It was so close though, Jack saw his own face in the blade’s steel. Jack stood up, but soon realized the sword did strike something, as his topknot’s pin broke in half and his long hair flowed down.

           Jack narrowed his eyes, realizing how close that came to a fatal strike. He thrust for Hiroto’s left side again. The enemy samurai met each strike, but became surprised as Jack turned his sword from Hiroto’s and went for his head. A feint!

           Hiroto realized the danger within the split second the sacred sword came for him. Like Jack, he backed up enough just barely to avoid a strike, but it came so close that it was between his eyes. Hiroto backed away and looked at Jack, only to realize it was a hit as his helmet came apart from a crack in the front.

           “You fight well, samurai. It is honestly a shame that you are a renegade enemy. Before this continues, I would hear of your lord’s orders and your true name, so as to understand my enemy better.” Hiroto stated across. Jack, though not lessening his guard, was puzzled by that question.

           “My lord’s orders? By what do you mean?” Jack asked. “A samurai answers and acts on behalf of the will of their lord, and no other. I answer to and serve the Lord Protector. Who commands you to oppose him?”. Jack realized that most samurai do chose to serve a lord for their service, acting as their sword.

           “I apologize, but it is not that simple. Though I serve my father, the Emperor, and my people, my actions are my own decisions. While I quest for my father and people, it was I who chose to fight Magnus.”.

           Hiroto looked startled by this. “You…do not answer to a lord?”, “Not at present, no.”. “It was your own choice to fight the Lord Protector?”, “Yes.”. “Do you simply wander about on this quest of your own will?”, “That is true, I wander this world of my own chosen purpose.” Jack finished answering. Hiroto looked like he was struggling to process something, then realized it.

           “I see. Then I believe the Lord Protector has mistakenly labelled you. You are not Samurai. You are rōnin. Wandering, without given purpose.”. Jack was startled by that designation. While not necessarily dishonorable, being rōnin was not something to be proud of either. Where Jack came from, they lost all meanings of title and prestige, and simply wandered for new purpose. They were samurai who lost everything.

           “W-well, I suppose that is applicable. My family gave me the title after training, but I did not serve one particular lord except my father, no.”. Jack answered, troubled that Hiroto’s accusation held some truth. “Your name, then.” Hiroto said with cold demand. “I am simply called Samurai Jack. I have not used my name very often, as it bears little consequence in what I do. I do not let it control my actions and purpose.” Jack said humbly. “A nameless samurai prince? Then…no, it cannot be.” Hiroto said shocked.

           Hiroto’s expression suddenly turned violent, all signs of due curtesy vanished. “You, you are the one. The nameless samurai, the foolish ruler, who brought the samurai to war.” Hiroto said with clear anger. “Wh-what?” Jack asked.

           “Maybe you have not done such yet, honorless rōnin, but you are the ruler who left his own name forgotten and left behind a torn legacy. Some wonder if you did the right thing, but I decided that everything you did brought shame to the samurai. We are meant to be unflinching, unyielding, unfailing. Who else could bring them disgrace but one who falsely labels themselves as one? You are even worse than some disrespectful imposter.”.

           Jack was stunned by this accusation. He was the ruler that caused a civil war in his own homeland? He was blamed by some for the eventual decline of the samurai? Jack wanted to refute these charges, that he only sought peace and cared for his homeland.

           “I would never desire bloodshed amongst my own people! You must be mistaken!” Jack stated. “You must be him, the ruler so rarely used his true name that it was long forgotten, and he called himself a samurai without answering or responding to a lord. Perhaps you have no malice, but your ignorance and naivety are just as damning, whether there or in this time.”

           “I’ve seen the reports, your actions. You have terrorized citizens, openly attacked soldiers doing their duty, and even released war criminals that inflicted fatalities. I thought you were acting on behalf of some code of honor, doing as commanded, but it turns out it was just the misguided whims of a rōnin.”

           “I have made mistakes, but only to do what I see is right.” Jack said with some trouble. “What you see is right?! You have broken the safe guarding laws of the people, and you call that right?! The people entrusted our honorable Lord Protector, Magnus, to see this world right.”.

           “This world is far from right! I have seen people suffer in squalor, imprisoned in the earth, drafted into his armies! There is no honor in such a man!” Jack shouted, unbelieving of how Hiroto supported such a tyrant.

           “No honor?! How dare you speak of the Lord Protector as such?! Were you there during the war? Could you have saved people from the wanton destruction? There were no heroes then except him. Everything he does now, he does to heal this world and prevent the return of it’s evil. I concede, not all of it is good. Some decisions are hard, but must be done for all.”

“The people you see suffer do so of their volition. If he was without mercy, the Lord Protector would slaughter them, but gives them the chance to repent and be part of his vision for the world. But that vision requires sacrifice, decisiveness, and resolve. He is our savior and ruler for those qualities, not because of the light heartedness you boast of. If it were not for him, we would not be here.”.

“So what do you know? What do you know is required to make this world right? What do you know of our struggles and decisions? What do you know of our pain, and what we must do? We do not do these things because we want to, but because we must. Lord Protector Magnus realizes that, and for that, I follow him. I am a samurai, and I will do what he asks, even if they are called sins, because sometimes there is no other choice. I do this, because I know it is what is necessary, that he and his will are necessary.”.

“And so, as a samurai and Inquisitor of the Magnus Protectorate, and by the will of my Lord Protector, I will use all my ability and the power he has given me to bring you down, sinful rōnin. The time for words is over, now fight!”

Hiroto suddenly lunged at Jack, as Jack now struggled against both blade and thought. Was Hiroto simply that fanatical, or were Magnus’s laws actually just? He had no time to give these thoughts time though, as he fended off Hiroto’s bloodthirsty strikes. He no longer saw Jack as a respectful opponent, but as a villain to be cut down.

Power flashed around Hiroto for a second, but nothing seemed to change. But Jack noticed the pavement beneath Hiroto’s feet was cracked. Whatever power Magnus had given him, he had chosen to use it now.

Hiroto brought down his sword, and Jack suddenly felt he had to dodge immediately. Good thing he did, as the pavement was now smashed where he was. Jack would have been crushed, by a katana of all things.

Just as Jack wondered what that was, Hiroto lunged forward. Jack dodged completely now, not even risking to parry. He noted though that it was easier to dodge Hiroto’s movements now. For some reason, they looked heavy and slower. They were near the bridge edge, and Jack ducked as Hiroto sent a horizon slash his way. Behind him, the street light post flickered dark as it was cut clean through.

How is he gaining so much strength? Is he increasing force? No, his movements have slowed, it is something different. Jack thought such, and decided if it slowed him, he should take advantage. He slashed for Hiroto’s left side again, but this time Hiroto didn’t even try to dodge. The reason became clear as Jack’s sword stopped with a clang. He could hardly even scratch the armor, let alone leave a cut.

Hiroto made his move, sending another downward slash. Jack barely rolled and jumped out of the way as a chunk of the bridge fell apart. Hiroto became a bit alarmed, as the place he was standing threatened to give way. Then, it stopped, and Hiroto jumped back, his movements at regular speed again.

“It seems force alone won’t bring you down. But you will know why I am called the Ghost of the Samurai. Die rōnin.” Hiroto said coldly. Suddenly, Hiroto began to fade till he was transparent, as though he were a ghost. Jack was startled, as this was very different to what he did before. Did Hiroto somehow have two powers?

Hiroto, in a movement that almost hovered, rushed towards Jack. Jack made for blocking and slashing motion, but his blade harmlessly passed though the ghostly samurai. Then, Jack felt it, as he barely blocked the enemy sword in time, but the edge still imbedded to his left side as blood stemmed from the wound.

Hiroto was solid for that moment, then returned to his ghostly form. He backed away only to strike again. Jack tried to fend as best he could, but each attack still left cuts as Hiroto could now get close and in his blind spots, Jack only being able to parry or block at the last second. Worst part was that every counterattack of Jack’s was fruitless, as Hiroto became intangible immediately after an attack.

Before, he was heavy and tough as iron, now he moves like the winds, and my blade passes though him as such. To change from as thick as rock to thin as air, how…? Then Jack realized with that comparison and analogy. Density! Hiroto was altering his own density! That was why early he was so heavy as to crack the bridge and make crushing force movements with a katana, and how he was intangible now. That was also why his attacks became solid, as he would need to be to attack Jack.

Jack realized the moment of when to strike Hiroto, but achieving it would be critical. He calmed his mind and focused his other senses. The glare of the street lights, the sound of the thunder, the rain falling down on Jack and the bridge. He felt it all at once, everything painting a picture. He could sense everything, including a presence that was almost not there.

It was him. Despite how light it was, Jack could feel it, every movement now making real as if he was solid. Jack waited and waited, as the ghostly presence approached. He waited for that moment for the presence to change. The ephemeral blade came closer to Jack. Closer, closer, closer…Now! After the presence changed, in real time, two swords slashed, and blood spilled.

Hiroto, now solid, paused, his sword still hanging over Jack’s head. He looked down to where the numb pain was. It was a deep slash across his chest, cutting beneath the armor and into flesh. Cutting into one end of the tear was Jack’s sword, running red with Hiroto’s blood.

“Damn…rōnin…” Hiroto gasped out with little breath as he collapsed backwards. He fell into the crevasse he caused early, and the sound of splashing water came as the ocean water below turned red.

Jack stood there, somber from the exchange of both words and swords. A damn rōnin. Jack had been cursed numerous times, but this time he couldn’t just brush it off. It was a curse that condemned him as unjust, that he was wrong. More than that, the rōnin part told him that he doing such without real purpose or justification. Was he still a samurai without those?

What about Hiroto’s high esteem of Magnus? Could Jack really call it indoctrination, or were these really matters he did have no understanding of? If the world really did choose Magnus, as Hiroto said, did that make him just? Were the ones who suffered taking punishment as justified consequence?

Jack cursed himself. Everything seemed so clear before, now he wondered who was doing harm. He could only be sure of what he had done, and what he had done was strike down another samurai. He offered silence to the fallen warrior as he walked back to the car, his friends following.

“Um, Jack, are you okay?” Ashi asked. Jack sighed, not sure of to answer. “I… just need to clear my thoughts.” Jack said somberly as he drove the Odyssey into the rainy night.

…

           Magnus strode through the Citadel corridors, anxious to get where he absolutely needed to be. He wasn’t going to settle for just a report from Xander, he needed to see this now. Right now, he was briskly striding through the medical section of the Citadel, which had services outclassing any hospital on Earth. It was under the jurisdiction of the Science Operations Division, and not far from the medical area were places like Research and Development, or R&D.

           But he was here to see someone in the emergency room, he had the authority. It had been three days since Hiroto and his spies told him they had cornered Samurai Jack in Haulwater City. A day later, Xander told him Hiroto’s soldiers had found him in the ocean in the previous night. They got him into care immediately, but his injuries were apparently serious. For that reason, he was transferred to the Citadel for better treatment.

           The doctors noticed him and became frantic and wordless as to what to say, then noticed where he is headed. “L-Lord Protector, you can’t go in there! There’s a patient in critical condition!” the staff said desperately, but he ignored them.

           A nurse came by, looking for him. “Lord Protector, if it’s the Inquisitor you’re looking for, he’s been transferred to intensive care. Please follow me.” she said. Magnus followed as instructed, till he arrived at the room.

           Despite it not being the emergency room, the patient was receiving a lot of care from the doctors. One of them looked up, and turned away to speak to Magnus. “Lord Protector, we had him transferred here moments ago. His life is not in immediate danger, but…”. Magnus didn’t bother looking at the doctor. Instead, he was somewhat distraught as he looked at the patient.

           Inside a glass chamber of suspension fluid was Hiroto. Numerous tubes and machines were going in and out of him, and Magnus saw why. Numerous bandages and stitches were across his chest. but the area was still thick with held blood.

           Magnus felt pained at the sight. It reminded him too much of seeing soldiers under his command dying from ghastly wounds in the war. Some didn’t die, but became crippled, and would live with that loss for the rest of their days. The ones who got the worst luck would die of their wounds or severe shock trauma if they weren’t given euthanasia.

           This wasn’t the worst he had seen, but it was a damn miracle Hiroto was still alive. “But what, doctor? Just tell me, don’t sugarcoat it.” Magnus said, still looking at the container. “He’s lucky his soldiers found him when they did, but whatever happened tore through several of his vitals. We can only keep him alive now with life support. Worst still is that the injury sent him into shock, and now he’s paralyzed. Counting that and the severe tissue and organ damage, he will never be able to serve again. I’m not even sure if he’ll ever be able to leave.”.

           “Now, now, let’s not jump to conclusions.” said voice coming through the doors. Magnus narrowed his eyes. “Consul Britta, if you’re looking for project approvals, make an appointment. I’m busy.”. Before Magnus was the middle-aged woman Britta, Consul of the Science Operations Division. Everything of scientific development and maintenance, such as the inception of the enhancements for Cyber Troopers, came from her.

           “Oh, it’s not like that. Well, maybe a bit. See, I’ve got an idea to help your Inquisitor here. I think you remember my Extensive Cyber Format design, yes?” she asked. “Oh yes, that Frankenstein’s monster fever dream that I shot down. Why are bringing that up again?” Magnus said tiredly.

           Only a few years ago, Britta came to him with a design to further enhance the cyber implants of his troops. That’s what he expected anyway, but what she brought to the table was too outrageous. Until now, the circuitry enhancements in the Cyber Troopers were limited to just that, enhancements. Cerebral hookups, motor assist coordinators, linkups from the nervous system into Cyber Armor, anything that assisted humans as soldiers. There was also training data and targeting assist to help new troops do things like aim better, but a certain Samurai made that look redundant lately.

           Basically, all that was put into them made them stronger, faster, more tactical, and gave a few digital and technological advancements, but they were still human. That was something Magnus was keen on, that his soldiers didn’t turn into machines. Because of the war, he was sore about robot soldiers.

           But Britta’s designs threatened everything about that. She proposed things like replacing whole muscle mass with metal and circuits, grafting on weapons, and other things that was basically surgically altering the troops into robots with flesh parts. They were technically cyborgs, but Magnus couldn’t call them humans, given how much they would lose in the process. He couldn’t imagine the soldiers or public agreeing to it either.

           “Look, I did what you said, I actually sat in the corner and thought it through. Guess what, I decided it did seem screwed up, so I changed up the designs. They will be more “human”, okay? In fact, I reworked the whole thing for people like Hiroto here.” she said “Explain.” Magnus demanded.

           “With people like the Renegade Samurai around, a lot of troops get taken out in the line of duty. Not all are killed, but do get so hurt they get crippled for life. So, what if this gave them a second chance? We just replace what’s lost and they can be better active soldiers than before. A full cyber format, just like that.”.

           “So, you want me to permit you to do a full cyber format on Hiroto? Turn him into some robot man?” Magnus said irritated. Britta shrugged, saying “You heard the good doctor, he might stay here his whole life otherwise, right? Relax, I won’t do anything to his brain. He’ll be like an Inquisitor Samurai 2.0! But I have to do the whole thing, with that wound and the full paralysis and all. So, do you approve my design? You only have to sign.” she said with a grin.

           Magnus looked again at Hiroto. He remembered when he met Hiroto when he was still a young adult, around 20 or so. The fledgling samurai was so flustered as he bowed to the Lord Protector, Magnus nearly laughed. When Magnus tested him, he was going a bit light, but the novice still got a hit in before Magnus knocked him out cold. With that, Magnus oversaw his Inquisitor training to 1st Class, and the rest was history.

           Now, here was one of his model officers, paralyzed and wounded to the point that he needed technology to live no matter what. Damn him, damn that Samurai Jack! No one does this to my people. Not without paying for it. Magnus was saddened, pained, and angry at the same time. Saddened for Hiroto, whose life of honorable service would take a horrific turn, pained at the decision he would need to make, and angry at the Samurai who pressed this choice on him.

           Magnus looked back at Britta and sighed. “Very well. Give me updates and let me know when he’s conscious. Keep him as human as possible. You have permission to use the same operation for similar cases, but if anything goes wrong, you are responsible. No casualties or abominations.”. With that, Magnus signed the form, looking back at the fallen samurai. This is not over, Samurai Jack. But it will be, by my hand if needed, for those you’ve wronged.

…

           In a dark, partially lit room, various people were walking about, carrying firearms or melee weapons, eating rations, or discussing plans. At the center was a large, silhouetted man. His distinct features couldn’t be seen, but he was large for a man, and a machine gun for a leg could be made out. He was looking over reports when a tall, strong looking woman approach.

           “Here, the news says he been in Haulwater three days ago. Cause a real ruckus with an Inquisitor and them bucketheads. But Dad, are you sure this is the guy? It not be the drinks talkin’? said the woman in Scottish accent.

           The man looked down at the newspaper, showing Samurai Jack from when he confronted Hiroto, with photos of the car chaise and publicly released details of the incident. The man smiled through his thick grey beard.

           “Aye, he be the one. Don’ know what he be doin’ here, but I remember him. Well, what we be waitin’ for? Let’s go find ole Jack!”.

Author Notes: These Chapters get longer and longer, huh? What can I say? I like telling whole stories and hate having too many cliffhangers. At some point, it just gets annoying when it cuts before something satisfying. Canged Novas Sanctum to Nova Sanctum because Nova is a more applicable word.

So yeah, one of the last spiritually troubling things for Jack I wanted to set up before the Arc 1 Finale was have him fight another samurai. But what was narratively troubling was trying to come up with something compelling that antagonized Hiroto and made Jack feel guilty. Part of me isn’t so sure I succeeded either, but I did my best, whatever that’s worth. I did have to do rudimentary research, meaning Google searches. If you think I’m bad for cultural appropriation, I apologize, and I’m sorry I can’t be more accurate or faithful. One thing I don’t like to do is perpetrate bad stereotypes.

           Still, I based Hiroto on the archetypal account of samurai following a lord or master and doing whatever they command, even if it’s terrible. It’s this way between Hiroto and Magnus, he believes Magnus is just and following him will lead to the best prosperity. I wrote this to not appear as just fanaticism, but to show Jack that some people do see Magnus as good, and that fighting him will make Jack look horrible to many.

           But aside from Jack being an enemy of Magnus, I had to come up with reasons for someone reasonably good like Hiroto to hate Jack. One was realizing that Jack is more a rōnin than an actual samurai, making him look like a disgrace to Hiroto.

           But when I did a quick read up on samurai from said Google searches, I saw stuff like the warring states period and the 1800s period where the samurai sort of faded out with modernization. So, I thought I’d come up with a small fiction story where Jack is involved. I admit, I wish I thought up better, and it’s really wordy, but I can only do so much.

           There were parts I liked writing though. The Bartakovsky’s, a Genndy joke from earlier, was really fun, especially calling out all the cartons and movies he was involved with, not strictly made though. I pointed out the Popeye movie as Bopeye, because I know that bummed him out. I really liked the smartphone bit, some of us still have a hard time with them, so imagine Jack and Ashi having a romantic moment trying to figure them out. Loved thinking up the car chase too, always wanted to do a car chase scene or two.

           Lastly, you all know who that was in the beginning and end. Yeah, he’s back, he remembers Jack, and he has a significant backstory in the new future. Best of all, you will see him reunite with Jack in the three-part arc finale next chapter. Hope you love it, but I need my rest before I start.

[psychicdan]

Discontent with Samurai Jack's continued resistance and the concerns he is inflicting, Magnus sends a samurai of his own. Jack and his company arrive in a port called Haulwater City. The artificial island proves to be a trap however, as Jack must now face Inquisitor Hiroto, and the Cyber Troopers surrounding the city.

Samurai Jack: Renegade Samurai

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes.

Warning:

The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, nor intended to copy others’ work. Samurai Jack is the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, his team and affiliated studios and companies. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not profit.

Chapter IX: Ghost of the Samurai

           Evening fell over the Capital city of Nova Sanctum, the brilliant city lights taking up the sun’s place to glorify the Magnus Protectorate’s achievements. Most lit and prominent was the steel geometrically designed Citadel, bathed in the display lights so all could fathom its aesthetics and authority.

           Despite the change of hours, the man sitting in the throne room of the Citadel wasn’t going to get a good night rest. The Lord Protector, Magnus, sat with his head on his hands, troubled. “Do you have any idea where that resistance movement is?” he asked. “No, Lord Protector, he and all his remaining forces seemed to have abandoned the Highlands area. We know they chartered a ship, but we’ve lost them. They could already be on the main continent, for all we know.” Xander reported. “Damn that Scottish bastard. As if I didn’t have enough problems already, he keeps stabbing me in the back. No doubt the renegades gave him and his cohorts inspiration.”.

It became clearer with each passing day, with each interconnected report of dissidence and violence. Samurai Jack needed to be put down, must and will be put down. Already, the reports put his renegade group at four, and that was just from sightings. How many others were sympathetic to him, how many would join him in his acts of public terror? A dozen, a hundred, a thousand?!

If he continued to defy and evade the Protectorate’s justice, people would become uneasy, questioning, afraid. The firm, unshaking security they established would shatter like glass. Magnus remembered the Near End War, when all these societal securities were pipe dreams and things like slaughter and devastation were the norm. No, I will not let this Samurai bastard start it all over again. He will die., Magnus thought.

“Xander, do we have an Inquisitor ready to intercept the Samurai immediately? These problems will only worsen the longer he’s alive.” Magnus said. “Actually, that’s connected to some good news, Lord Protector. Inquisitor Hiroto has just returned from his homeland, ready to explain how his mission over there went. He waits outside the throne room for an audience with you.”, “That is good news, bring him then.” Magnus said, finally smiling.

The steel doors slid open with a motion from Xander, and in strode their guest. He was clad in feudal eastern traditional armor, composed of cloth and modern metals. Despite the traditional aspects, it was Protectorate grey and black, and the Protectorate’s insignia was the crest on his armor. He carried at his side a daishō, a large and short sword set that represented his rank and deserved respect.  As he strode in, he removed his helmet, revealing the face of a man in mid 20s, of similar ethnicity to Jack, and his black hair tied behind him.

The traditional warrior bowed to the Lord Protector on hands and knees, humbling himself. “Inquisitor Samurai Hiroto, I trust the mission in Japan I gave you went well?” Magnus asked. “Yes, my Lord Protector. It took time, but all the Yakuza clans in opposition to you have been crushed, and their leaders made examples of. As you instructed, clans of our own make and allegiance have been placed to oversee criminal activity. Japan’s underworld is now under your dominion.” the Protectorate Samurai said, still bowing.

Magnus smiled, glad to finally have progress these past few weeks. Try as he might, criminal activity in every cultural region somehow managed in the face of his laws. Rather than chase them further into the shadows, he decided to instead place pseudo criminal factions that would be his eyes and ears there, as well as his force. The criminal element would fall under his authority and they would have no idea.

“Rise, Inquisitor. I am sorry to ask this of you, but I already have a new mission for you that must be completed.”. Hiroto stood at attention, not troubled at all from being requested by the Lord Protector for a new task.

“During your mission, a dangerous renegade has arisen, armed and skilled enough to confront and evade our forces as well as best two of your fellow Inquisitors. He made one of our own defect to his destructive cause, and two more citizens are reportedly aiding and abetting him as well. In response to his crimes, the public is reportedly uneasy, and other insurgent forces may be preparing for uprisings. I need you to nip this in the bud before it gets any further out of hand.”.

“He reportedly goes by the name “Jack”, and the defector with him is Ashi, formerly from the Special Assassination Force. The others we don’t know much of, but are likely unimportant. But this part will be… difficult for you to understand. He is a samurai.” Magnus informed Hiroto.

Hiroto looked at Magnus questioningly. “I-I beg your forgiveness Lord Protector, but that can’t be possible. Only a handful of samurai of the new age, including myself, were permitted and trained by your graceful will. He must be a disrespectful imposter.”.

“You are correct, but also wrong. He is not a samurai of your reborn ways and generation, but he is no fake either. He is one of the original samurai of your homeland’s history.” Magnus told Hiroto.

“P-pardon, Lord Protector?” Hiroto asked, bewildered. How was that possible, when the original line of samurai had discontinued and died long ago? Only recently had his homeland worked to restore a new line, so how was an original samurai present?

Magnus sighed, knowing Hiroto would need an explanation. “During the course of my life mission, I had used my authority and means of time travel to arrive in the time of your ancestors. I had retrieved what I set out for, but I had angered a Samurai prince from then. Given how little historical information is present about him, his impact on the timeline is inconsequential. I bested him, but he followed me here, to our own time. Now he is defying our law and order, and I’ve been forced to label him a renegade for his actions. He is a heinous criminal, and must be brought down. I trust these details will not deter you. Do you understand?”.

           Hiroto looked at his Lord Protector, steeled determination in his eyes. “Yes, Lord Protector. You need not worry, this Samurai’s origins will not cloud my judgement, for your will is clear to me and is my mission. I will strike down the Renegade Samurai, I will not fail you.” Hiroto stated.

“Then go, “Ghost of the Samurai”. Go, and restore order.” Magnus stated with an affirming smile. Hiroto bowed his head, then turned to the massive automated doorway, putting on his helmet as he strode out. He clutched his blade as the doors closed behind, ready to carry the will of his lord, Magnus.

…

           As evening began to hit, the ocean could be seen gently rolling waves against the beach. It was no luxury beach, but was a rather pleasant coastal beach. However the weather was not optimal for swimming. What broke up the humble scenery was a road from the light grass and beach into a bridge that ran across this ocean.

           Driving up the road towards the beach came the Odyssey, stopping at the crossroads at the beach. “Oh great, thought I smelled the reek of the ocean. Can we leave before we smell like fish and seaweed?” Cassius said in dismay. Anything to do with the unpleasantries of the ocean disagreed with him.

           “Oh, come on Cass. Sure, the smell takes getting used to, but look at it. Wind brushing your face, gentle waters, comfy sand, I always wanted to go to the beach. And just look at that horizon, I-wait, is that a city? Agalia said.

           Her weren’t deceiving her. The bridge before them extended and curved towards an artificial island city. It boasted the same geometric buildings and aesthetics as the other Protectorate cities, but by the looks of all the ports and warehouses at the fringes, it looked like a port city. The lights began to illuminate the city, showing it was lively thanks to business as the lights danced on the waters.

           “That is most peculiar. Why build a city on water and not on land?” Jack asked. “Um, Jack, I think that’s why. Probably why the city’s even here.” Ashi said as she pointed to the left road. In that direction was the curved stretch of the beach. Or, they would have seen that, if it wasn’t for all the washed-up war wreckage there. Tanks, planes, warships, all of it amassed into a scrap yard. The area was enclosed by the Magnus Protectorate, construction vehicles and personnel working away at the sight. No wonder people weren’t swimming at the beach.

           “Damn it, another war cleanup project. Guess a lot of old war crap would wash up on the beach. Still, how did we miss that? Map says we go that way, but there are too many bucket heads there. Should we take another detour?” Cassius asked.

           Jack furrowed his eyes in dismayed thought, considering the situation. The path to Nova Sanctum would go somewhat smoother if it wasn’t for all the increasing military presence. They’ve had to take five long detours already to avoid direct contact with heavily fortified bases. It was that, or go in for a frontal assault every time. That would be a good way to get killed, so Jack decided that taking the path with least resistance was a sound approach.

           But here was another road block, and finding a path around it seemed difficult. But when he looked at the city, he noticed that a second bridge ran and curved from it, leading to the opposite end of the beach, past the Protectorate area. Looks like a path was already built around the wreckage to ease transport there.

           “There, that island city has a bridge we can use to get there.” Jack pointed out. Cassius looked to the city and then to the highway sign above the bridge. “City Area 3D23: Haulwater City. That second name is a bit on the nose, huh? I gotta wonder if they just slap on random numbers and letters for these cities though. Anyway, I guess it’s a quick route, but are you sure? Troops could box us in there.” Cassius surmised.

           “The city does not seem heavily fortified or alert. If we remain discrete, we should avoid intervention.” Jack stated. He knew that while avoiding unnecessary or fruitless conflicts was best, there were times he couldn’t run. It was obvious that the closer they got to Nova Sanctum, the more the Cyber Troopers would appear. They were going to have to fight more of them to get there, and now they would have to risk conflict to proceed.

           “I guess you have a point. Doesn’t look so bad, and we could find something worse if we try another route. Alright, let’s go for it Jack.” Cassius said with a shrug. Jack started the Odyssey back down the road again and over the bridge. The car curved with the bridge, as the group could now see the whole beach side. It looked disturbing, seeing a mass of twisted encompass most of the stretch of sand.

           “Man, and I was kind of excited. Wonder what this place was like before.” Agalia lamented. “It may yet see beauty again, given their labors.” Jack said for positive thought. If nothing else, the people of this time proved strong, coming back from the brink and restoring what was lost. When the work here was done, he imagined the city would benefit from a view of the cleared beach.

           Still, that was then, and this was now. It was best they just quickly get through the city and be on their way. As everyone turned away from the beach, Ashi suddenly became alarmed and looked over the side. “Ashi, what’s wrong?” Jack said concerned. “I…no, it’s nothing. Just thought I saw something back at the bridge end, but it’s not there. Let’s keep moving.” Ashi said. Jack was still bothered by that, but he supposed it did no good to worry if it was nothing.

           Soon, they reached the bridge end and arrived in the city. It was quite busy, with shipping containers and personnel all about, though it looked like they were finishing up for the day. Stores lined the streets, some professional and in buildings, others humble stands. Since this was near the ocean, there was no shortage of fish stands either.

           “Best hair stylist right here, to give you that new edge!”, “We’ve got the latest and most advance electronics right here at unbelievable prices!”, “Fish, fresh fish caught from the ocean, come get it here!”. “Kind of shameless to put the market right at the city entrance. Oh god, that smell!” Cassius said as the odors of a fish stand they drove by wafted towards him.

           Agalia chuckled at that, then stopped when she felt something drip. Soon, the dripping increased, as the people and stands took notice, closing up shop and either pulling out umbrellas or running for cover from the incoming rain. “Uh, Jack, can you press that button?” Agalia instructed. “Oh, uh, yes, just a moment.”.

           Jack did as he was told, a bit unfamiliar with technology still, even after 50 years in the other timeline. When he pressed the button, windows and a roof came up to provide them cover, the Odyssey’s “convertible” function at work. Jack was a bit startled, but found this convenient for keeping dry. Technology just kept surprising him, even the most mundane kind.

           Cassius was muttering something to Agalia, then he turned to Jack. “Hey Jack, we’re going to get out and resupply for a bit. I’m heading to the black market for some ammo and Agalia wants get stuff to get the car and weapons in shape.”. Jack was a bit surprised, but wasn’t troubled.

           “That is fine. If you do not mind, why don’t we accompany you?”. “Uh, no. Sorry chief, but you and the lady who would kill me in my sleep are on the Protectorate’s most wanted. We can’t have you just walking the streets. What you can do is drive around and see if you can find us a place to eat and maybe a disguise or something. Pick us up in an hour, okay?”. Jack nodded, acknowledging Cassius’s concerns while trying to calm down Ashi’s murderous demeanor for that rude comment.

…

           During the hour interval, Jack and Ashi did as instructed, browsing stores for disguise clothing as well as search for a place to eat. They found a few things that seemed well enough that they bought, but Jack wasn’t comfortable discarding his gi, saying he would prefer only using disguise if critical. Then realization hit him when he saw a certain crafting material in one of the stores. As for a meal, they found a place they knew was satisfactory, and no Cyber Troopers either.

           During all their shopping and driving though, Ashi was constantly tensed up, like she felt that they shouldn’t be there. But when she looked around, nothing dangerous was around. She relaxed after each time, telling Jack it was nothing. Maybe the past few weeks of being on the run had kept her tense the whole time. But even when her mind told her there was nothing, her instinct told her that something was wrong before going quiet.

           In any case, they returned to the market where Cassius told them to pick them up. He and Agalia loaded up the trunk with carefully concealed items, to avoid suspicion, then arrived in the car with a small bag. They were a bit wet though, thanks to the downpour. “Good thing I have this coat, ‘cause umbrellas were not helpful out there. So, you found a place for a bite?” Cassius asked. “Yes, the eatery seems most pleasant and not far off. Ready?” asked Jack. “You know it. I’m starved.” Agalia said with anticipation.

           They drove through the rainy streets and further into the city. After only ten minutes, they parked in front of their destination that was between several buildings. “Ooh, a Bartakovsky’s! You’ve got good taste Jack. It’s been too long since I came to one of these. They even serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Alright, I’m in, let’s go.” Cassius said pleasantly.

           They trudged through the rain and opened the door as it chimed. They all walked in, dripping a bit from outside’s rain. They stopped, as everyone turned to look at them. They all seemed surprised, like they didn’t know what to say.

           “Oh jeez, did we already blow our cover? We better…Jack, what the hell are you and Ashi wearing?” Cassius asked. “I am sorry, is there an issue with our concealment?” Jack asked as he lifted his hat a bit to look at Cassius. Yes, he was wearing his preferred straw hat, with Ashi following suit. The straw was the crafting material Jack bought earlier, which he had crafted into the hats. Back in his time it was the norm, but here, he stood out of place even more with it. It was worse for Ashi, who was wearing a black t-shirt and jeans.            “Hmmm, now let me think, YES! What the hell is that?! I’m not trying to offend or anything, but does this look like basket hat fashion craze season?! Are you trying to start a trend or something?! Seriously, how is this blending in?! Just, take those off, you’re embarrassing us. Wait until we get out of the city or something, or everyone will point fingers at us and take pictures. Then the Protectorate would find us by social media.”.

           Jack and Ashi took off the hats, dismayed. Honestly, they both thought the hats looked both nice and discrete, though maybe it didn’t fit in with everything here. “The hell, that doesn’t even do much as a disguise. Ugh, let’s just get a table already.” Cassius groaned. He swore Jack’s naivety was going to get him killed one day. The group of four got a table a sat down looking at the menus.

           It seemed that Jack looked forward to the sushi again, but Ashi pointed out another cuisine related to his culture. “Hm, takoyaki. I have never heard of it, perhaps it is something after my time. Very well, I would like to order a side of this takoyaki with some sushi and green tea, thank you.”, “Same here, thank you.” Jack and Ashi said, placing orders to the waitress.

           “Alright, how about you two?” the waitress asked Cassius and Agalia. “Hm, I’ll have a Symbionic burger with a side of Power Puff fries and some soda, thanks.” Agalia requested. “Hm, excuse me, do you have the Bopeye’s Special yet?” Cassius asked. “Sorry sir, the proprietor had to let that one go. Legal issues or whatever, he wasn’t happy about it.” the waitress informed him. “Damn it, this day just got ruined! Ugh, I guess I’ll have a Dexter’s Secret Surprise, thanks.”.

           The waitress finished jotting down the orders and walked away. As they waited, a fisherman sat at a table nearby with his back turned, eating his meal by his lonesome. For some reason, Ashi eyed him suspiciously, but decided to drop it.

           “Hey, how come you two brought that bag?” Ashi asked. Cassius and Agalia realized they still carried that shopping bag and remembered why they got it in the first place. “Yeah, when I saw the market, I remembered an issue I discussed with Agalia. Unlike the two of us, you guys don’t have any way to talk over distances, huh?”.

           “Well, no, but is that an issue? Wait, are you two able to do that?” Jack asked bewildered. Cassius and Agalia sighed simultaneously. “Seriously, I lived out in the boonies and even I had one. Everyone has one.” Agalia lamented for the pair. “Here, join the rest of the planet already.” Cassius said as he finished unpacking and handed the items to Jack and Ashi.

           The objects they stared dumbfounded at were smartphones. The one Jack received was a grayish white, while Ashi’s was dark green. “Oh, this is, uh, one of those “phones”. Yes, uh, most fascinating.” Jack said with a cramped smile. “Oh, uh, how thoughtful. You two shouldn’t have.” Ashi said with an uncomfortable smile. Then they looked at each other, expressing a silent conversation with their expressions.

           It was too obvious for Cassius and Agalia to figure out what they were thinking. How do you make these things work?!, Ashi silently pleaded. I do not know!, Jack expressed. “You cannot be serious.” Cassius said as he shook his head down and held it in his hand for support. Who in this day and age did not know how to use a digital device?!

           “Ugh, this day just gets better and better. Okay, just listen to us, press that button to turn it on and…” Cassius and Agalia did their best to help Jack and Ashi maneuver around their new experience with digital devices, but it proved to be…frustrating.

           “What are all of these things here?” Ashi asked. “Those are apps, services or games you can download.” Agalia explained. “Download?” Ashi asked. “Here, I’ll show you.” said Agalia. Cassius was barely holding it together with Jack. “Ugh, look, you don’t need something to write with. Just press where the text goes and a keyboard comes up. Press the letters and you can type words.”, “Oh, uh, yes, seems simple enough.” Jack replied. If only that were so. Jack had the same fierce battle stare he had when facing Aku right now as he tried to type “Hello”.

           “Alright, now we set up contact info. I got a discrete service provider, but try not to use your real names, okay? So, what are you going with Ashi?” Cassius asked. “Olivia, it’s kind of to remember a good person I met.” Ashi said, looking back on the time she met the ravers who were nice enough to give her a night of fun dancing. She laughed later when she saw Jack’s martial arts, knowing the dance was modelled off them.

           “Alright, you Jack?”, “Like, Brent Worthington, dude.” Jack said in a weird tone out of character. “Aahh, what the hell was that?! Whatever, just don’t do it again, ever.” Cassius said, shivering from that persona that was the opposite of the stoic Samurai Jack. Ashi giggled, remembering the humorous story Jack told of when he lost his memory and became a surfer like servant, only for the Scotsman to help him out of that mess. Agalia looked clueless and dumbfounded about the joke.

           Jack sighed, disappointed only Ashi picked up on the joke. But at least that name was more acceptable than his Dome of Doom name “Two Sandals, the Treacherous”. Once the tow of them registered, it was on to exchanging numbers. “Okay, so we can either type the numbers in manually or use scan. Since this guy has a hard time typing “hello”, we’ll go with the sensor.” Cassius instructed.

           The four exchanged phone contacts as such, bringing phones together as data was sent. Jack and Ashi looked amazed, staring in wonder at the new information. To the service provider and strangers they would call, ID would register them as “Olivia and Brent”, but Cassius and Agalia marked them by their actual names in their phones.

           “Hey Jack, let’s give this a try!”, “Very well.” Jack and Ashi said with excitement. Ashi clicked Jack’s contact button, and ringing came up. Jack struggled to press the answer button and finally succeeded. “Um, hey Jack, can you hear me?”, “Y-yes, I can hear you.” Jack said back to Ashi over the phone.

           “Whoo, alright! Now, can you write one of those “text” thingies?” Ashi asked. Jack looked startled, but nodded as he fumbled over the onscreen buttons. Finally, Ashi’s phone vibrated, causing her to fumble in surprise and barely catch the phone in time. She struggled to open the text message, and it read “hElLO asHi”. She giggled at the bad text, even though she would have done the same. “HEllO JaCk” she texted back. They both giggled at their shared ineptitude with digital devices.

           “Ugh, kill me now. I’ve seen old people catch on faster than this, better too.” Cassius grumbled. “Ah come on, it’s kind of adorable. If anything, they really belong together like that.” Agalia said with a cramped smile. She did like Jack and Ashi’s relationship, but she did think sharing a lack of talent with technology was a weird thing to bond over.

           “Here’s your food.” the waitress said as she came with four dishes. “Okay, tech lecture over, food now!” Cassius said as he dove into his food. The others followed suit. Jack was pleasantly surprised with the takoyaki, which had octopus meat in it. He only wished his home had come up with this sooner. Just as they were finished eating and Jack had handed over credits as pay, the TV flashed to new programming.

           “Good evening, citizens of the Magnus Protectorate. This is your Lord Protector, Magnus, here to address all of you on standing matters.” the very stern and familiar man on the TV said. Jack turned at the same voice that still lingered in his memory, and his face turned grim and fierce as he recognized the figure all too well. “Magnus.” he muttered bitterly.

           “In the past few weeks, I understand your growing concerns. I’m sure you have all heard the reports of the Renegade Samurai known as Jack and his accomplices. Likewise, some are concerned he is a significant terrorist threat, and that his actions have caused a recent rise in insurgent activity. I am here speaking to you to lay those concerns to rest.”.

“Yes, the Samurai is dangerous, but he will not remain a threat, and neither he nor any of these other dissidents will harm any of you so long as I am Lord Protector. All I ask of you is to place your trust in me and the Protectorate our society is based on, and all will be well. He is dangerous because he threatens the principles our securities and society are based on, and that is why I ask you not to follow the mad fools who follow him. Worry not, they are few and weak compared to the Protectorate army that protects you all, and certainly nothing compared to me.”.

“That is why, as I speak, my loyal Inquisitors hunt for the Renegade Samurai and others of his cloth now. It has taken time, but soon they will face justice and answer for their serious actions. The only danger here then is your own fear and questioning, and so I ask you all to not be afraid, for we are here for your own good, ready to defend you at all costs.”.

“Oh, one last address. I speak to Samurai Jack now, who I know is watching. I understand your feelings for personal vengeance, but the crimes you have done to achieve it far outweigh whatever justice you may see in it. Whether you see it or not, you are a criminal in this world, and to everyone here, evil.”.

“That is why I will not hesitate to put you down. Not for myself, as you are acting now, but for all these people, people who worry some Samurai will kill them. No place will be safe for you from me and the Inquisitors. Certainly not Haulwater City. Well, that’s all for now, and thank you, citizens of the Magnus Protectorate.”.

The Protectorate broadcast ended there, leaving Jack, Ashi, Cassius, and Agalia all stiff. Cassius was the first to recover, followed by the rest. “Sh-shit, he knows! H-how does he know?!”. Everyone looked around frightened, and then realization dawned on Ashi. She ran back to the table, where the fisherman was.

The fisherman noticed rather quickly, running away, but Ashi was faster, tackling him down. “Ashi, what are you…”, Jack fumbled out in shock before getting even more shocked when the fisherman pulled out a gun. Ashi reacted in time though, slashing it in half before she held the knife to his neck.

“Who are you, and why were you following us?” Ashi said with a lethal tone. Jack and the others didn’t stop her, as they now assented that this no ordinary fisherman. “All I’ve got to say is that the lot of you are under arrest.” the fisherman said undeterred.

“Damn it, he must be a Protectorate spy! We’ve gotta get out of here before the 1st Class Inquisitor shows up!” Cassius cursed in slight fear. “He’s already here in the city. Give up now.” the spy said before getting punched out of consciousness by Ashi.

“I don’t think he was bluffing. I’ve felt like we were being watched since we entered the city, but every time I looked, they must have hidden in time.” Ashi said. She cursed herself for not picking up on the stealth methods of the Protectorate’s spies.

“Ah shit! We have to leave now, before they put the city on lockdown! Assuming they haven’t already.” Cassius instructed. “I am sorry, please forgive us for causing such violence.” Jack said, bowing to the frightened customers and staff before running out with the others.

“FREEZE! Hands in the air!”. The group of four stopped, and slowly raised their hands. Before them was a line of Cyber Troopers, guns at the ready. With that preparation, Jack knew that at least some of their own group would be gunned down before they drew their weapons. But a look from Cassius told him not to drop his guard yet.

“Of course, officer. Just let me get this out of my sleeve and, oops.” Cassius said nonchalantly as something slipped from his sleeve as he lifted his arms. Whatever fell from his arm made a pin sound as it did so, but the Troopers didn’t see or hear it fall because of the downpour of rain they stood in. Not until it rolled to them.

“Huh, GAH!”, BOOM! The item was a now-exploded grenade, killing a number of the soldiers and leaving the rest scattered. Now was the chance. Jack unsheathed his sword and the rest followed suit. The Cyber Troopers recovered as they charged, sending bullets their way.

But they were too close to be stopped now, as Jack and the others sliced and hammered the Troops as they evaded or blocked their aim. Jack closed in on the last one. That Cyber Trooper fired, but Jack gracefully blocked each one as he advanced. Then a clicking sound, as the soldier realized in fear that his magazine was empty. He didn’t even have time to draw his sidearm as Jack slashed into his side, cutting halfway through his chest.

The last soldier fell dead, blood mixing in the street side rain. “We must leave now. More will come.” Jack said as he directed towards the Odyssey. “Oh gee, thanks Samurai Obvious!” Cassius mocked as they all got into the car. Jack started the ignition. As soon as they unparked, he hit the throttle.

The Odyssey rocketed through the streets, side walkers startled at the speeding vehicle. Jack maneuvered through the traffic while maintaining speed, barely avoiding cars that he rushed by. Jack would apologize to each person that honked their horns angrily at him, but they needed to be gone now.

Suddenly the crowd of cars parted to the sides. Jack didn’t know what that meant, but he had suspicions. “Samurai Jack, pull over now! You are under arrest by the Magnus Protectorate!” a booming speaker said behind them. Three Protectorate vehicles with flashing siren lights pursued not far behind. What differentiated them from normal police cars were the mounted machine guns and the armed soldiers that emerged from the car tops.

“Damn it, it’s the police! And all that really means is local soldiers! Damn, I hate the military police.” Cassius cursed. That was kind of the norm, where a militarized regime government that ran the world would just use soldiers as law enforcement.

The police cars sent a volley of bullets at the car. The glass was bullet proof, but a number of dents were left as well as a few holes. Jack outpaced the bullets, but the Odyssey, while tough, couldn’t keep taking that punishment. “Note to self, install rear weapons if I live.” Agalia muttered.

Jack knew they were in no position to retaliate, so he looked at the passing streets for anything to dodge their pursuers. It was then he saw his answer in the shipping yard. “Hold on!” he shouted, driving the car off the street and into the port area.

After making sure no civilians were hurt, Jack looked back, confirming the military police were still on their tail. Ahead was the shipping area, where masses of metal like shipping containers were still being moved by the late-night staff. Now it was simply who was a better driver, him, or the Cyber Troopers.

He slammed though the gate and into the yard. Jack throttled and dodged his way through the cargo, the Cyber Troopers firing. That was hard now though since Jack had ample cover and kept turning. But Jack knew that wasn’t enough.

The up-front one was close on his tail, and Jack knew what risk he had to take. A wall of shipping containers was up ahead, and he just shot straight. Hold, hold, hold…NOW! Jack sharply turned left, barely managing at the last second to avoid the wall. It was even more difficult because of the water-covered concrete. But that also helped. The sharp turn sent water splashing at the lead as they raced towards Jack, blinding them for a second. They frantically tried to turn at the last minute, only for the police car to explode as it collided with the wall.

Jack looked behind, seeing the other two in pursuit. He saw his next high-risk venture with some slanted cargo near a water dock. At the other side of the dock was ground. It could be just driven around, but that was not his intention. “No…” Cassius said as he realized the goal. Yes indeed, as Jack drove over the slant at top speed, ejecting himself in the air, with one car following right behind. That Trooper must have been gutsy too.

Time seemed slowed for a second as the cars arched in the air, no one knowing how it would end. Finally, time sped up as everyone felt the rush of gravity. Agalia screamed in both fear and adrenaline as they finally landed, the car just barely hitting land and skidding to the side. The other car wasn’t fortunate, splashing into the ocean and sinking down. The submerged idiots tried to swim out of the car and to the surface, but their interlinked Cyber Armor was too heavy for that and couldn’t be taken off in time. So, they drowned for their lunacy.

“I don’t know who was crazier, you or them!” Cassius screamed. “Heads up, Jack. One more.”Ashi said as they drove on. Behind them was the last police car, the driver sane enough not to do that stunt. Jack sped on, but they were running out of shipping yard. He saw one last thing though. Ahead was the exit, but in front of that was a ship and magnetic crane lift. The crane was lifting a massive shipping container, larger than the others. It was going to lower before dropping, but Jack had another idea.

“Ashi, fire at the crane when I say so.” Jack said. The dashboard brought up the targeting for the Odyssey’s missile launcher. “On it.” Ashi said, understanding the plan. “On what, I…oh please no. You cannot be serious about this?!” Cassius screamed as he realized the next suicide stunt.

Ashi locked the cross hairs as the missile aligned, the shipping container nearly above them. “Now!” Jack ordered. Ashi complied, firing the missile. The magnet attached to the crane blew to pieces, allowing gravity to pull the shipping container down to the ground at high velocity. For a moment, the Odyssey and the police car were both caught in the falling shadow.

BOOM! The shipping container fell and the sound of crushed and exploding metal resounded. Out of the smoke and fire came only one vehicle. “WHOO! Let’s do that again!” Agalia said, drunk on the adrenaline. “Ugh, no more.” Cassius said, having a hangover from said adrenaline.

Jack crashed the car though the closed exit and back on to the street. He did not lessen up, as they were still in danger as long as they were in the city. They were in the right direction though, as they were more than halfway to the other side of the city. Now if only they could make it without any more trouble…

FLASH! A searchlight shined down on them, coming from an airborne vehicle that propelled though the sky. The vehicle’s machine guns at the sides and underneath pointed at them, directed by the hostile soldiers inside.

“Uh, Jack, they have a chopper.” Agalia said with her enthusiasm lost. Bullets came down like the rain around them, striking the ground and landing hits on the Odyssey. Jack became startled as a downward bullet tore through the roof and nearly hit him. His expression tightened as he struggled up a plan. He was just outpacing it now, but that would only buy minutes, and he couldn’t use the same strategies as before when they could easily evade and pursue in the air.

Then he saw it. A traffic tunnel, leading underground beneath masses of buildings. Jack turned and headed straight for the tunnel. The chopper fired frantically, attempting to stop him, but to no avail.

The tunnel was sizable, tiled and lit by orange lights, and there seemed to be no traffic. “Weird, where are the other drivers?” Agalia asked. Jack spoke, a bit exasperated. “I do not know, but hopefully we are safe. We just need to drive through and make it out of…”, “BLOCKADE!” Ashi shouted.

Jack barely stopped the Odyssey in time, the car screeching to halt. In front of them was a set up barrier with bright lights. In front of and behind the barrier were Cyber Troopers. But what was most foreboding was the armored silhouette figure standing at the front. He hadn’t even been deterred at all by the speeding car that threatened to crash.

“Samurai Jack, I wish to speak with you. So long as you do not run, my men will not harm you or your allies. I swear it.” the figure spoke. Jack was suspicious, but there did not seem to be undue malice in the figure’s voice. Retreat was not sound, as the firing line could still do serious damage, and by now there was probably another line at the other end of the tunnel.

Jack silently nodded to the rest of them. While they were uncomfortable with the decision, they understood the reasoning. Gripping their weapons, they slowly got out of the car and cautiously walked to the figure. Finally, the shadow over him faded and his appearance became clear. Jack became slack jawed at who he saw.

He could not be hallucinating, before him was a samurai. At least, that was the judgement by appearance. While it was modelled in Magnus Protectorate aesthetics, he wore the traditional armor and cloth of a samurai warrior. He even carried a daishō, a traditional long and short sword set, at his side.

Jack knew that very well, his own father carried such a daishō. In the customs of his people, while one sword was commonly used for martial practice, the other represented aspects like rank and honor, typically carried by upper class warriors. Whoever held these carried respect. While of course Jack’s Emperor father often carried his daishō, Jack himself did not hold up the custom in order to practice and maintain humility.

He had been an exile for so long, both in his studies and in his travels, and so, while he was respectful of his noble title, he never indulged in it for pleasure. In fact, he had enjoyed being among average peers and friends, and preferred humble labor and lifestyles. That was why, even when regaining his royal title, he remained the same humble and kind Samurai he had always been.

Returning to the present moment, Jack was joyed to meet another honorable samurai warrior, who, by the appearance of his face, likely descended from the same roots as him. But then he stopped himself, remembering that in this time, everything was different, and that this samurai warrior bore the Magnus Protectorate insignia. This warrior had every deserved respect from Jack, but he was without doubt an enemy.

The warrior stepped forward and removed his helmet, bowing his head. “Domo, I am Inquisitor Samurai Hiroto, of the Magnus Protectorate.”. Jack did not lessen his guard, but bowed for due curtesy. “Domo, the people of this land refer to me as Samurai Jack.”.

They lifted their heads, looking at each other with narrowed eyes. “Forgive the approach, but while it is not difficult to find you, finding an opportunity to speak with such a travelled man is…challenging. I am afraid this was necessary so to arrange a talk.”.

“A talk? Funny way to ask for it, sending spies to stalk us and having your troops trying to arrest and shoot us. Hell, those guys are still ready to fi…!” Agalia shouted angrily before Jack lifted his hand to stop her.

Hiroto similarly gave a hand signal, and his Cyber Troopers, with puzzled gestures, stood down. “As I stated, catching a moment with you is not easy, so certain measures were necessary.  I apologize for such dishonorable hostilities before our meeting.”.

Jack knew what that meant. While the Inquisitor was not proud to have attacked before speaking, he would still have engaged them in combat after such a talk, simply preferring if they had met peacefully before engaging in strife.

“I understand your reasons, but that leaves the question. Why have you gone through such means to talk to me, and what of?” Jack asked. “As I have introduced, I am Hiroto, both Inquisitor and samurai. The Lord Protector informed me of your history, that you are a samurai of the original line.”. “Original?” Jack asked.

Hiroto sighed, troubled by the history he would need to explain. “Yes, honorable samurai of past. I know you come from the time of my ancestors, when the samurai still held prominence. One day, a ruler had attempted to change our ways, open ourselves to other people and lower our necessities for fighting.”.

“A number of the feudal lords who served under him were not content with such change, and so defied him. Samurai fought samurai, and the people of the land became divided. Our land divided into states, each seeking to have their customs as dominant. In such bloodied conflict, the samurai became dishonored, and people viewed them less as symbols of honor, and simply as soldiers of war.”

“This did not happen immediately. Long after this war period, our people still held the samurai with esteem, but they changed. They slowly became more and more as tools of conflict as our people progressed. The foolish ruler’s teachings still remained, and finally convinced our people to open ourselves to outsiders. Little did he know back then, that was what ended the samurai. Not a war, but simply progress.”.

“The militaries of the rest of the world were different, more professional. We needed to advance. Our armies changed, or ways changed, so we could fight like them. Soon, the samurai lost all importance, until finally, they discontinued, and ended as simple history.”.

Jack was disheartened by this. How could his people just…abandon such a long time and honorable tradition? Why did the samurai become an instrument of war, instead of remaining the symbol of proud honor and principles? Why did people hate the teachings of this ruler? It was not as horrible as having his people torn down to vagrants by Aku, but the changes to his people by time were hard for Jack to accept. The samurai, they were…gone.

“Our new beginning starts not only after the end of the original samurai, but after the new world’s beginning. Our Lord Protector, Magnus, had saved what was left of the world from the fires of the Near End War, including our people. To rebuild our culture and society, we sought out our traditional ways for strength, to persevere in such adversity. The Lord Protector’s new government aided us, and we were beginning to recover.”.

“Though we still share many modern aspects as the rest of the world, we remember and value our ancestors as always. But to help maintain strength and identity after the war, one of the old ways we sought strength from was the samurai. Strong, noble, honorable. Much effort was given to bring such a warrior way back from oblivion, and some do not consider us true samurai. But we devoted ourselves to the ways they left behind, and the Lord Protector approved and tested our combat mettle himself. I am of the second generation of the new line.”.

“Now, I stand before you, Samurai of the past. I understand you have your reasons, but I also have mine. Even with your purpose, you have defied the honorable Lord Protector, and threaten what he has built and what it means to us all. I serve such a noble and honorable cause as one of his Inquisitors. His will is my mission. And his will is that you be eliminated.”.

“As such, I give you a choice now. Cease your cause and defiance and come with us in peace, and the Lord Protector can decide your honorable fate. He may even consider letting you return home.”. Jack, though he appreciated Hiroto’s sincere offer, wasn’t willing to accept that choice. “The other?” he posed as a question, but was practically a statement.

“If you choose to continue your path, I understand you do so for honor. To maintain our honor then, one of us must fall. If you so choose, then I, Inquisitor Samurai Hiroto, challenge you, Samurai Jack, to a battle to the death.”.

Jack was startled by that second option. He expected Hiroto to threaten that he and his forces would immediately kill Jack and his friends, as everyone else from the Magnus Protectorate had. He wondered if this was a trick, but if Hiroto meant to kill them in deceit, he had the opportunity the whole time he was talking. If this was a duel of honor and death sent as a formal challenge, then Jack could not back down. He would respect both his and Hiroto’s honor.

“I accept your challenge.” Jack decided. “Very well. We will meet in the shadow of the rain over the ocean, towards the horizon you desire. That is your destination, no? Your friends may come as spectators, but will not be allowed to aid, and neither of us will use firearms. In return, my Troops will not come, and if you defeat me, the way will be clear for you.”.

Jack bowed in affirmation, understanding and appreciating the conditions. This would be a fair fight between samurai warriors, with the outcome decided by skill and fate. “Move out, we are leaving.” Hiroto commanded to his forces.

“I-Inquisitor, you can’t be serious. This man is a renegade, why are you letting him…” said a Trooper before Hiroto interrupted him with a sword near the neck. “That is an order. Understood?”. “Understood.” replied all the soldiers. Hiroto sheathed his sword, and all the soldiers, especially the one that was threatened, moved out as he commanded, with Hiroto at the lead.

“You’re taking the challenge?” Ashi asked. “I must. He came to me formally and honorably, even offering choice. I must respond in kind.” Jack said. “So, what was that whole “shadow in the rain” bit about?” Agalia asked. “Our destination, the bridge.” Jack responded.

…

           The Odyssey drove to the edge of the bridge, lying at the city limits. Aside from the neon lights of the port city behind, only the street lights of the bridge illuminated the rainy night. There were some exceptions though. By now, the rainstorm became violent enough to generate thunder and lightning.

           Jack and the others stepped out and walked out onto the bridge. FLASH! In one of the brilliant lightning flashes stood Hiroto. He had awaited them on the bridge, alone, as he said he would. “Wait here.” Jack said. They all complied, but didn’t like the idea. Ashi in particular wanted to speak out against this deathmatch, but as foolish as she thought it was, she knew she couldn’t stop Jack, having come to know his code of honor. All she could do was have confidence in him.

           Jack stood before Hiroto. The two shared a silent, fierce stare, the calm before battle. Slowly, but simultaneously, they each drew their katana. They continued to just stare each other down, waiting for that one moment.

           FLASH! Within that lightning strike, they charged at each other, the sparks between their swords replacing the dying flash from before. Jack slashed again, horizontally, vertically, to the sides and front. But Hiroto seemed to just as able a swordsman, blocking each strike with grace and precision rather than blunt force.

           Hiroto struck back with a number of precise strikes of his own. Just as Hiroto countered him, Jack similarly met each strike gracefully. Jack timed a counter to one strike, forcing Hiroto back.

           As they put distance between each other, Jack assessed what transpired. Hiroto was merely gauging Jack as Jack gauged him. He could tell Hiroto judged him as a dangerous opponent, and Jack felt the same about him. One of them was not walking away from this, that much was certain.

           FLASH! The fight continued, as they charged with lethal attacks. The attacks became much more furious, as Jack dodged and parried this time. He attacked to the side, forcing Hroto to brace his left side with his armored arm and gauntlet. The sword cut through the armor and into flesh, blood spilling. Hiroto struck back, and Jack only evaded enough to avoid lethal harm.

           But the slash cut into his front and flesh, tearing up the front of his gi and damaging his chest guard, leaving a bleeding cut that spilled on to the rainy ground. It was not lethal, but the pain seared across Jack as he panted to maintain his guard.

           The same was for Hiroto, as his left arm bled and was limp at his side. It was not so serious as to kill him or immobilize him, but his pain was as relatable as Jack’s. Even so, both of them did not show weakness then.

           FLASH! A third clash now, this time more defensive as they both took care of their wounded areas to not be exploited. Jack kept going for Hiroto’s left side, but the Protectorate samurai anticipated this, blocking a number of those strikes, until he finally dodged.

           As Jack was left open by the attack, Hiroto struck towards Jack’s head in a clean stroke. Jack saw the sword coming for him, just managing to arch his neck and back enough to avoid it. It was so close though, Jack saw his own face in the blade’s steel. Jack stood up, but soon realized the sword did strike something, as his topknot’s pin broke in half and his long hair flowed down.

           Jack narrowed his eyes, realizing how close that came to a fatal strike. He thrust for Hiroto’s left side again. The enemy samurai met each strike, but became surprised as Jack turned his sword from Hiroto’s and went for his head. A feint!

           Hiroto realized the danger within the split second the sacred sword came for him. Like Jack, he backed up enough just barely to avoid a strike, but it came so close that it was between his eyes. Hiroto backed away and looked at Jack, only to realize it was a hit as his helmet came apart from a crack in the front.

           “You fight well, samurai. It is honestly a shame that you are a renegade enemy. Before this continues, I would hear of your lord’s orders and your true name, so as to understand my enemy better.” Hiroto stated across. Jack, though not lessening his guard, was puzzled by that question.

           “My lord’s orders? By what do you mean?” Jack asked. “A samurai answers and acts on behalf of the will of their lord, and no other. I answer to and serve the Lord Protector. Who commands you to oppose him?”. Jack realized that most samurai do chose to serve a lord for their service, acting as their sword.

           “I apologize, but it is not that simple. Though I serve my father, the Emperor, and my people, my actions are my own decisions. While I quest for my father and people, it was I who chose to fight Magnus.”.

           Hiroto looked startled by this. “You…do not answer to a lord?”, “Not at present, no.”. “It was your own choice to fight the Lord Protector?”, “Yes.”. “Do you simply wander about on this quest of your own will?”, “That is true, I wander this world of my own chosen purpose.” Jack finished answering. Hiroto looked like he was struggling to process something, then realized it.

           “I see. Then I believe the Lord Protector has mistakenly labelled you. You are not Samurai. You are rōnin. Wandering, without given purpose.”. Jack was startled by that designation. While not necessarily dishonorable, being rōnin was not something to be proud of either. Where Jack came from, they lost all meanings of title and prestige, and simply wandered for new purpose. They were samurai who lost everything.

           “W-well, I suppose that is applicable. My family gave me the title after training, but I did not serve one particular lord except my father, no.”. Jack answered, troubled that Hiroto’s accusation held some truth. “Your name, then.” Hiroto said with cold demand. “I am simply called Samurai Jack. I have not used my name very often, as it bears little consequence in what I do. I do not let it control my actions and purpose.” Jack said humbly. “A nameless samurai prince? Then…no, it cannot be.” Hiroto said shocked.

           Hiroto’s expression suddenly turned violent, all signs of due curtesy vanished. “You, you are the one. The nameless samurai, the foolish ruler, who brought the samurai to war.” Hiroto said with clear anger. “Wh-what?” Jack asked.

           “Maybe you have not done such yet, honorless rōnin, but you are the ruler who left his own name forgotten and left behind a torn legacy. Some wonder if you did the right thing, but I decided that everything you did brought shame to the samurai. We are meant to be unflinching, unyielding, unfailing. Who else could bring them disgrace but one who falsely labels themselves as one? You are even worse than some disrespectful imposter.”.

           Jack was stunned by this accusation. He was the ruler that caused a civil war in his own homeland? He was blamed by some for the eventual decline of the samurai? Jack wanted to refute these charges, that he only sought peace and cared for his homeland.

           “I would never desire bloodshed amongst my own people! You must be mistaken!” Jack stated. “You must be him, the ruler so rarely used his true name that it was long forgotten, and he called himself a samurai without answering or responding to a lord. Perhaps you have no malice, but your ignorance and naivety are just as damning, whether there or in this time.”

           “I’ve seen the reports, your actions. You have terrorized citizens, openly attacked soldiers doing their duty, and even released war criminals that inflicted fatalities. I thought you were acting on behalf of some code of honor, doing as commanded, but it turns out it was just the misguided whims of a rōnin.”

           “I have made mistakes, but only to do what I see is right.” Jack said with some trouble. “What you see is right?! You have broken the safe guarding laws of the people, and you call that right?! The people entrusted our honorable Lord Protector, Magnus, to see this world right.”.

           “This world is far from right! I have seen people suffer in squalor, imprisoned in the earth, drafted into his armies! There is no honor in such a man!” Jack shouted, unbelieving of how Hiroto supported such a tyrant.

           “No honor?! How dare you speak of the Lord Protector as such?! Were you there during the war? Could you have saved people from the wanton destruction? There were no heroes then except him. Everything he does now, he does to heal this world and prevent the return of it’s evil. I concede, not all of it is good. Some decisions are hard, but must be done for all.”

“The people you see suffer do so of their volition. If he was without mercy, the Lord Protector would slaughter them, but gives them the chance to repent and be part of his vision for the world. But that vision requires sacrifice, decisiveness, and resolve. He is our savior and ruler for those qualities, not because of the light heartedness you boast of. If it were not for him, we would not be here.”.

“So what do you know? What do you know is required to make this world right? What do you know of our struggles and decisions? What do you know of our pain, and what we must do? We do not do these things because we want to, but because we must. Lord Protector Magnus realizes that, and for that, I follow him. I am a samurai, and I will do what he asks, even if they are called sins, because sometimes there is no other choice. I do this, because I know it is what is necessary, that he and his will are necessary.”.

“And so, as a samurai and Inquisitor of the Magnus Protectorate, and by the will of my Lord Protector, I will use all my ability and the power he has given me to bring you down, sinful rōnin. The time for words is over, now fight!”

Hiroto suddenly lunged at Jack, as Jack now struggled against both blade and thought. Was Hiroto simply that fanatical, or were Magnus’s laws actually just? He had no time to give these thoughts time though, as he fended off Hiroto’s bloodthirsty strikes. He no longer saw Jack as a respectful opponent, but as a villain to be cut down.

Power flashed around Hiroto for a second, but nothing seemed to change. But Jack noticed the pavement beneath Hiroto’s feet was cracked. Whatever power Magnus had given him, he had chosen to use it now.

Hiroto brought down his sword, and Jack suddenly felt he had to dodge immediately. Good thing he did, as the pavement was now smashed where he was. Jack would have been crushed, by a katana of all things.

Just as Jack wondered what that was, Hiroto lunged forward. Jack dodged completely now, not even risking to parry. He noted though that it was easier to dodge Hiroto’s movements now. For some reason, they looked heavy and slower. They were near the bridge edge, and Jack ducked as Hiroto sent a horizon slash his way. Behind him, the street light post flickered dark as it was cut clean through.

How is he gaining so much strength? Is he increasing force? No, his movements have slowed, it is something different. Jack thought such, and decided if it slowed him, he should take advantage. He slashed for Hiroto’s left side again, but this time Hiroto didn’t even try to dodge. The reason became clear as Jack’s sword stopped with a clang. He could hardly even scratch the armor, let alone leave a cut.

Hiroto made his move, sending another downward slash. Jack barely rolled and jumped out of the way as a chunk of the bridge fell apart. Hiroto became a bit alarmed, as the place he was standing threatened to give way. Then, it stopped, and Hiroto jumped back, his movements at regular speed again.

“It seems force alone won’t bring you down. But you will know why I am called the Ghost of the Samurai. Die rōnin.” Hiroto said coldly. Suddenly, Hiroto began to fade till he was transparent, as though he were a ghost. Jack was startled, as this was very different to what he did before. Did Hiroto somehow have two powers?

Hiroto, in a movement that almost hovered, rushed towards Jack. Jack made for blocking and slashing motion, but his blade harmlessly passed though the ghostly samurai. Then, Jack felt it, as he barely blocked the enemy sword in time, but the edge still imbedded to his left side as blood stemmed from the wound.

Hiroto was solid for that moment, then returned to his ghostly form. He backed away only to strike again. Jack tried to fend as best he could, but each attack still left cuts as Hiroto could now get close and in his blind spots, Jack only being able to parry or block at the last second. Worst part was that every counterattack of Jack’s was fruitless, as Hiroto became intangible immediately after an attack.

Before, he was heavy and tough as iron, now he moves like the winds, and my blade passes though him as such. To change from as thick as rock to thin as air, how…? Then Jack realized with that comparison and analogy. Density! Hiroto was altering his own density! That was why early he was so heavy as to crack the bridge and make crushing force movements with a katana, and how he was intangible now. That was also why his attacks became solid, as he would need to be to attack Jack.

Jack realized the moment of when to strike Hiroto, but achieving it would be critical. He calmed his mind and focused his other senses. The glare of the street lights, the sound of the thunder, the rain falling down on Jack and the bridge. He felt it all at once, everything painting a picture. He could sense everything, including a presence that was almost not there.

It was him. Despite how light it was, Jack could feel it, every movement now making real as if he was solid. Jack waited and waited, as the ghostly presence approached. He waited for that moment for the presence to change. The ephemeral blade came closer to Jack. Closer, closer, closer…Now! After the presence changed, in real time, two swords slashed, and blood spilled.

Hiroto, now solid, paused, his sword still hanging over Jack’s head. He looked down to where the numb pain was. It was a deep slash across his chest, cutting beneath the armor and into flesh. Cutting into one end of the tear was Jack’s sword, running red with Hiroto’s blood.

“Damn…rōnin…” Hiroto gasped out with little breath as he collapsed backwards. He fell into the crevasse he caused early, and the sound of splashing water came as the ocean water below turned red.

Jack stood there, somber from the exchange of both words and swords. A damn rōnin. Jack had been cursed numerous times, but this time he couldn’t just brush it off. It was a curse that condemned him as unjust, that he was wrong. More than that, the rōnin part told him that he doing such without real purpose or justification. Was he still a samurai without those?

What about Hiroto’s high esteem of Magnus? Could Jack really call it indoctrination, or were these really matters he did have no understanding of? If the world really did choose Magnus, as Hiroto said, did that make him just? Were the ones who suffered taking punishment as justified consequence?

Jack cursed himself. Everything seemed so clear before, now he wondered who was doing harm. He could only be sure of what he had done, and what he had done was strike down another samurai. He offered silence to the fallen warrior as he walked back to the car, his friends following.

“Um, Jack, are you okay?” Ashi asked. Jack sighed, not sure of to answer. “I… just need to clear my thoughts.” Jack said somberly as he drove the Odyssey into the rainy night.

…

           Magnus strode through the Citadel corridors, anxious to get where he absolutely needed to be. He wasn’t going to settle for just a report from Xander, he needed to see this now. Right now, he was briskly striding through the medical section of the Citadel, which had services outclassing any hospital on Earth. It was under the jurisdiction of the Science Operations Division, and not far from the medical area were places like Research and Development, or R&D.

           But he was here to see someone in the emergency room, he had the authority. It had been three days since Hiroto and his spies told him they had cornered Samurai Jack in Haulwater City. A day later, Xander told him Hiroto’s soldiers had found him in the ocean in the previous night. They got him into care immediately, but his injuries were apparently serious. For that reason, he was transferred to the Citadel for better treatment.

           The doctors noticed him and became frantic and wordless as to what to say, then noticed where he is headed. “L-Lord Protector, you can’t go in there! There’s a patient in critical condition!” the staff said desperately, but he ignored them.

           A nurse came by, looking for him. “Lord Protector, if it’s the Inquisitor you’re looking for, he’s been transferred to intensive care. Please follow me.” she said. Magnus followed as instructed, till he arrived at the room.

           Despite it not being the emergency room, the patient was receiving a lot of care from the doctors. One of them looked up, and turned away to speak to Magnus. “Lord Protector, we had him transferred here moments ago. His life is not in immediate danger, but…”. Magnus didn’t bother looking at the doctor. Instead, he was somewhat distraught as he looked at the patient.

           Inside a glass chamber of suspension fluid was Hiroto. Numerous tubes and machines were going in and out of him, and Magnus saw why. Numerous bandages and stitches were across his chest. but the area was still thick with held blood.

           Magnus felt pained at the sight. It reminded him too much of seeing soldiers under his command dying from ghastly wounds in the war. Some didn’t die, but became crippled, and would live with that loss for the rest of their days. The ones who got the worst luck would die of their wounds or severe shock trauma if they weren’t given euthanasia.

           This wasn’t the worst he had seen, but it was a damn miracle Hiroto was still alive. “But what, doctor? Just tell me, don’t sugarcoat it.” Magnus said, still looking at the container. “He’s lucky his soldiers found him when they did, but whatever happened tore through several of his vitals. We can only keep him alive now with life support. Worst still is that the injury sent him into shock, and now he’s paralyzed. Counting that and the severe tissue and organ damage, he will never be able to serve again. I’m not even sure if he’ll ever be able to leave.”.

           “Now, now, let’s not jump to conclusions.” said voice coming through the doors. Magnus narrowed his eyes. “Consul Britta, if you’re looking for project approvals, make an appointment. I’m busy.”. Before Magnus was the middle-aged woman Britta, Consul of the Science Operations Division. Everything of scientific development and maintenance, such as the inception of the enhancements for Cyber Troopers, came from her.

           “Oh, it’s not like that. Well, maybe a bit. See, I’ve got an idea to help your Inquisitor here. I think you remember my Extensive Cyber Format design, yes?” she asked. “Oh yes, that Frankenstein’s monster fever dream that I shot down. Why are bringing that up again?” Magnus said tiredly.

           Only a few years ago, Britta came to him with a design to further enhance the cyber implants of his troops. That’s what he expected anyway, but what she brought to the table was too outrageous. Until now, the circuitry enhancements in the Cyber Troopers were limited to just that, enhancements. Cerebral hookups, motor assist coordinators, linkups from the nervous system into Cyber Armor, anything that assisted humans as soldiers. There was also training data and targeting assist to help new troops do things like aim better, but a certain Samurai made that look redundant lately.

           Basically, all that was put into them made them stronger, faster, more tactical, and gave a few digital and technological advancements, but they were still human. That was something Magnus was keen on, that his soldiers didn’t turn into machines. Because of the war, he was sore about robot soldiers.

           But Britta’s designs threatened everything about that. She proposed things like replacing whole muscle mass with metal and circuits, grafting on weapons, and other things that was basically surgically altering the troops into robots with flesh parts. They were technically cyborgs, but Magnus couldn’t call them humans, given how much they would lose in the process. He couldn’t imagine the soldiers or public agreeing to it either.

           “Look, I did what you said, I actually sat in the corner and thought it through. Guess what, I decided it did seem screwed up, so I changed up the designs. They will be more “human”, okay? In fact, I reworked the whole thing for people like Hiroto here.” she said “Explain.” Magnus demanded.

           “With people like the Renegade Samurai around, a lot of troops get taken out in the line of duty. Not all are killed, but do get so hurt they get crippled for life. So, what if this gave them a second chance? We just replace what’s lost and they can be better active soldiers than before. A full cyber format, just like that.”.

           “So, you want me to permit you to do a full cyber format on Hiroto? Turn him into some robot man?” Magnus said irritated. Britta shrugged, saying “You heard the good doctor, he might stay here his whole life otherwise, right? Relax, I won’t do anything to his brain. He’ll be like an Inquisitor Samurai 2.0! But I have to do the whole thing, with that wound and the full paralysis and all. So, do you approve my design? You only have to sign.” she said with a grin.

           Magnus looked again at Hiroto. He remembered when he met Hiroto when he was still a young adult, around 20 or so. The fledgling samurai was so flustered as he bowed to the Lord Protector, Magnus nearly laughed. When Magnus tested him, he was going a bit light, but the novice still got a hit in before Magnus knocked him out cold. With that, Magnus oversaw his Inquisitor training to 1st Class, and the rest was history.

           Now, here was one of his model officers, paralyzed and wounded to the point that he needed technology to live no matter what. Damn him, damn that Samurai Jack! No one does this to my people. Not without paying for it. Magnus was saddened, pained, and angry at the same time. Saddened for Hiroto, whose life of honorable service would take a horrific turn, pained at the decision he would need to make, and angry at the Samurai who pressed this choice on him.

           Magnus looked back at Britta and sighed. “Very well. Give me updates and let me know when he’s conscious. Keep him as human as possible. You have permission to use the same operation for similar cases, but if anything goes wrong, you are responsible. No casualties or abominations.”. With that, Magnus signed the form, looking back at the fallen samurai. This is not over, Samurai Jack. But it will be, by my hand if needed, for those you’ve wronged.

…

           In a dark, partially lit room, various people were walking about, carrying firearms or melee weapons, eating rations, or discussing plans. At the center was a large, silhouetted man. His distinct features couldn’t be seen, but he was large for a man, and a machine gun for a leg could be made out. He was looking over reports when a tall, strong looking woman approach.

           “Here, the news says he been in Haulwater three days ago. Cause a real ruckus with an Inquisitor and them bucketheads. But Dad, are you sure this is the guy? It not be the drinks talkin’? said the woman in Scottish accent.

           The man looked down at the newspaper, showing Samurai Jack from when he confronted Hiroto, with photos of the car chaise and publicly released details of the incident. The man smiled through his thick grey beard.

           “Aye, he be the one. Don’ know what he be doin’ here, but I remember him. Well, what we be waitin’ for? Let’s go find ole Jack!”.

Author Notes: These Chapters get longer and longer, huh? What can I say? I like telling whole stories and hate having too many cliffhangers. At some point, it just gets annoying when it cuts before something satisfying. Canged Novas Sanctum to Nova Sanctum because Nova is a more applicable word.

So yeah, one of the last spiritually troubling things for Jack I wanted to set up before the Arc 1 Finale was have him fight another samurai. But what was narratively troubling was trying to come up with something compelling that antagonized Hiroto and made Jack feel guilty. Part of me isn’t so sure I succeeded either, but I did my best, whatever that’s worth. I did have to do rudimentary research, meaning Google searches. If you think I’m bad for cultural appropriation, I apologize, and I’m sorry I can’t be more accurate or faithful. One thing I don’t like to do is perpetrate bad stereotypes.

           Still, I based Hiroto on the archetypal account of samurai following a lord or master and doing whatever they command, even if it’s terrible. It’s this way between Hiroto and Magnus, he believes Magnus is just and following him will lead to the best prosperity. I wrote this to not appear as just fanaticism, but to show Jack that some people do see Magnus as good, and that fighting him will make Jack look horrible to many.

           But aside from Jack being an enemy of Magnus, I had to come up with reasons for someone reasonably good like Hiroto to hate Jack. One was realizing that Jack is more a rōnin than an actual samurai, making him look like a disgrace to Hiroto.

           But when I did a quick read up on samurai from said Google searches, I saw stuff like the warring states period and the 1800s period where the samurai sort of faded out with modernization. So, I thought I’d come up with a small fiction story where Jack is involved. I admit, I wish I thought up better, and it’s really wordy, but I can only do so much.

           There were parts I liked writing though. The Bartakovsky’s, a Genndy joke from earlier, was really fun, especially calling out all the cartons and movies he was involved with, not strictly made though. I pointed out the Popeye movie as Bopeye, because I know that bummed him out. I really liked the smartphone bit, some of us still have a hard time with them, so imagine Jack and Ashi having a romantic moment trying to figure them out. Loved thinking up the car chase too, always wanted to do a car chase scene or two.

           Lastly, you all know who that was in the beginning and end. Yeah, he’s back, he remembers Jack, and he has a significant backstory in the new future. Best of all, you will see him reunite with Jack in the three-part arc finale next chapter. Hope you love it, but I need my rest before I start.

[psychicdan]

Jack, Ashi, Cassius, and Agalia drive their new vehicle, the Odyssey, through one of the Outlands, a wasteland that was ravaged in the Near End War. What awaits them are horrific nightmares, the Abominables, an order of honorable warriors, and an old face from a long gone time. Jack must now team up with these new allies to fend off the monsters before them.

Samurai Jack: Renegade Samurai

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes

Warning:

The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, nor intended to copy others’ work. Samurai Jack is the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, his team and affiliated studios and companies. Due to the following references and inspirations, the Fallout video game franchise is the work of Bethesda, Interplay Entertainment, Black Isle Studios, and the many people that collaborated and worked with them. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not for profit.

Chapter VIII: Fellowship of Honor

           A wasteland stretched for some distance, devoid of almost all life except the occasional hardy plant. The wasteland was not barren though, as several ruined houses and buildings could be seen nearby, damaged beyond reasonable repair and left to time to finish off. Off in the distance was a city, looking just as ruined and derelict as everything else. The reason for this, wasteland’s existence was all around. Emaciated corpses and skeletons, craters, derelict war machines, and other signs of battle long past gripped the wasteland, showing it was the ravages of the Near End War that were responsible for this travesty.

           Driving on the road, the only thing built after the war, Jack looked on in shock from the Odyssey, the car he and his company rode in. Though he had seen battlefields everywhere he went in Magnus’s future so far, this was by far the worst. Though some scars of battle haunted all the others, they had all recovered and had shown restored life. Here, all he could see was death and past suffering. It brought back the terrible memories of Aku’s future, where the demon and his armies razed whole lands into wastelands of the dead to put the people back down or even just to spite them for his own enjoyment. Many times, Jack had tried to stop the devastation, but many times he was unable and watched countless people die.

           He had hoped that he would never have to see such things again, that the new future, free of Aku, would be good and prosperous. That the people of the future were responsible for this was too shocking, no matter how many times he tried to accept that fact. Whatever reasons the war was fought, Jack thought, it was not worth this.

           His gaze was brought to the side road, where he could see a pair of immolated skeletons. One was clutching a smaller one, and Jack realized it was a parent trying desperately in vain to protect their child before they died. He turned his gaze back to the road, trying with all his soul to fight back the shock and sorrow. Ashi had noticed his expression and gaze, and was similarly somber from what she realized. She placed her hand on his as she looked at him slightly concerned, and he gave back a small smile, silently telling her he would be fine.

           “Th-this is nothing like back home. What is this place?” Agalia asked. “Hmm, map said we were approaching one of the Outlands. Now we know why it’s one of them.” Cassius said as he looked up from the map. His expression was grim as well, knowing there were sights like this, but that didn’t make it any easier to take. “I’d say this whole place was where one of the more intense battles of the war took place. Looks like some serious standoffs happened and raised hell here.” Cassius said with grim analysis concerning the surroundings.

“But everywhere else looked better, why not this place?” Ashi asked. “Some places got away with a few scrapes, and other places have the Protectorate’s restoration projects to help out. Basically, they help resettle places that got hit hard in the war, rebuilding infrastructure and the environment. But those projects took years, sometimes decades, that’s how bad it was after the war, I hear. There are projects like that still going on. Some places had it just the worst, and are beyond immediate help, what with resource limits and all. Looks like we’re in one of those places, an old war wasteland the Protectorate gave up on.” Cassius explained.

“I heard though that Magnus likes to leave places like this alone just to remind everyone about the war. Kind of like saying “You screwed up, and I’m here to stop this crap from happening again”. Hmph, guy’s a real Lord Protector, alright.” Agalia said, irritated about anything Magnus and his Protectorate did. “Yeah, you don’t know the half of it.” Cassius muttered bitterly. “Um, something wrong Cass?” Agalia asked. She didn’t understand why his tone and  expression had turned much more disdainful than she had seen. “Uh, nothing. Anyway Jack, just keep driving down the road. The less we stay here, the better.”.

Jack nodded, wishing to leave behind this land of death. However, their drive would be disturbed, in more ways than one, when an inhuman screech came from overhead. Jack looked up in time to see some kind of horrific creature land on the hood of the car. The creature looked at them with bloodlust and hunger, ready to lunge before Cassius fired his laser revolver, killing the creature as it toppled off the car.

Jack stopped the Odyssey, and all four of them got out of the car and looked at the monster’s corpse. Jack became aghast as his mind struggled to process what this monster was. It was humanoid, but everything about it was twisted. The body of the creature was somehow gnarled and well-toned at the same time, and had spike-like bones jutting from places like the knees, elbows, and shoulders. Blade like claws came from the hands and feet, and the skin was a dead color of faded grey, almost like the creature died before they killed it. The face itself was truly monstrous, as the mouth was ripped open, showing sharp, ravenous teeth lining the jaws. The eyes, while dead, seemed to be empty green in life as well.

“Shit, an Abominable.” Cassius cursed, slight fear on his face. “Is this creature… human?” Jack asked, a dark and frightful suspicion arising in his mind. “No, not anymore. Look, I’ll tell you later, but right now, we need to get the hell out of here. There have to be more of them.” Cassius said with some urgency. Jack didn’t understand why Cassius seemed so afraid, but he understood they were in danger. That became confirmed when they turned their heads to the sounds of several screeching sounds.

“WREAAAAAAAAHHH!”. The savage, bloodcurdling cries came as a pack of these monstrous “Abominables” ran towards Jack and the others. “Shit, RUN!” Cassius screamed, and they all ran for the car. “Quick, drive, drive!” Cassius leaned over as he screamed at Jack. Jack turned the ignition in haste and started the car back down the road. Behind them, the Abominables gave pursuit, lunging for the back of the car with extreme ferocity. Ashi and Agalia took aim with SMG and one of Agalia’s spare assault rifles respectively, and fired at the pack. Several tumbled back dead while the others slowed in response to the stream of bullets. It was just enough to let the Odyssey get enough ground and outpace the monsters.

“Whoo, hope we don’t see those things again!” Cassius said as he wiped his sweat in relief. Just as they were making some distance though, somewhere off the road, the sounds of monstrous screeches and roars mixed with the sounds of gunfire could be heard. “Oh, please tell me we’re not headed for the screaming monsters.” Cassius pleaded, knowing Jack’s decision was already made. As expected, Jack veered off road towards the monsters. “Great, always wanted to live an actual nightmare. Just don’t let us die in it, okay?”.

Jack drove the car through the wastes and to near an overpass where the fighting seemed to be near. They witnessed an all-out fight between two groups. One they had already encountered recently, the source of the monstrous screaming, the Abominables. Many were charging forward like mad demons, but some held firearms crudely. Some had less spikes than others, but all had muscled, gnarled appearances and monstrous jaws.

The group fighting them back seemed human, but it was hard to tell on account of their protection. They looked like military, given their formation, uniforms, and armaments. Most notable about them was that most of the soldiers seemed clad in imposing armor, different from what the Cyber Troopers wore. The armor was black and blue, rather than black and grey, and larger than what the cyborg soldiers of the Magnus Protectorate wore. The armor was larger than a person, encasing and protecting them in whole. It easily brought most of them well above a head, and the armored suits gave them enhanced strength and defense that was impressive, taking whatever shots the Abominables gave and looking no worse for wear. If Jack didn’t know from their movements, he’d have thought they were large humanoid robots, but instead they were humans in sizeable mechanical armored suits.

“Are those guys Cyber Troopers?” Agalia asked with uncertainty. “I don’t think so. Something about those suits look, I don’t know, old. They don’t have the same colors or even the same insignia, look.” Ashi said as she pointed to their base. Sure enough, the building that was the soldiers’ base had a flag up in the air. The flag depicted a fist raised triumphantly, behind it a pair of swords clasped together. It wasn’t the same as the Magnus Protectorate insignia, a black-armored figurine raising a fist as a gray shield surrounded them.

“Whoa, those guys are wearing EXO-Armor! Must be old, yeah, since they were used in the war, but their protection is the best. Man, all I could find are a few scraps, how come those guys have so many intact suits from the war? It’s not fair!” Agalia said with envy as she now recognized the soldiers’ protection. As a mechanical buff, Agalia came to know a lot about salvage parts, and one thing she always aspired to salvage and make was a suit of EXO-Armor. She never found enough pieces to make one, but here was an entire group with working suits that were completely fine. “Where’s the justice in the universe?” she thought.

Right now, the military forces were holding ground against the Abominables, fending them off with all manner of manner of firearms from rifles, miniguns, and even missile launchers and energy weapons. But the Abominables were resilient, taking a lot of punishment before they each fell dead, and they fought like demons, charging rabidly and trying to overwhelm the soldiers with sheer force and violence. One of the armored soldiers became swarmed as a part of the horde came over him, undeterred by his gunfire. They clawed and tore into his armor as he screamed “Gah, no, NOOO!” as they ripped through and brought him to the ground, blood spraying from the sight where the monsters piled.

Jack’s horror at that sight quickly turned to anger. He drove the car down the slope as he brought out the Odyssey’s machine guns. Gunfire sprayed over the battlefield and into the horde, shooting down dozens of Abominables in the first volley. Both sides took notice, and the monsters turned their ravenous attention to Jack’s group. They charged forward, and Jack moved back the car and then swept it as he fired again, catching another wave of the monstrosities in his own sweeping wave of gunfire. He wasn’t done yet though. A monitor on the dashboard showed a targeting sight. When it was aligned, Jack pressed a button, and coming up from beneath the hood, a missile fired, catching even more of them in an explosion.

He stopped the car, as he and the others gazed into the smoke with tense stares. “GRWAHHHH!” came as more Abominables swarmed over the scattered remains of their fallen. Jack and the others got out of the car, knowing they would be sitting ducks there at this point. They drew their weapons, each engaging the monsters.

Jack beheaded one, stabbed another, and bisected a third, repeating such movements. Ashi tried evasive attacks, dodging the claws of the monsters followed by a slit to the throat with her combat knife, performing such for four. Cassius armed himself with his cybernetic photon sword and laser revolver, cutting down one in half and firing at another that lunged at him with his gun arm. He followed this slash and fire method to cover both his sides while engaging the monsters. Agalia, rather than using her shotgun rod, decided to wield twin assault rifles. It costed some accuracy, but in this close quarters fight, most of the stray bullets hit as she point and shot at the monsters that came her way.

Soon enough, dozens lay dead at their feet, but many dozens more came to make up for the loss and surrounded them. Jack glared at them tensely as he prepared to fight, knowing it would be over if they got swarmed over. However, their chances improved when the swarm broke in response to a sudden down pour of gun and artillery fire. “Challengers, keep firing! Don’t let those mutants overwhelm them!” said a female mechanized voice coming from a figure in EXO-Armor. The paint and insignia on her suit was more elaborate than the other soldiers, suggesting she was the commanding officer. “Yes, Hero Tadeo!” the other soldiers in armor suits responded.

After how Jack and the others cleared dozens of them and lured the others towards them, the remaining Abominables were shot like fish in a barrel. Soon, the shells stopped falling when the last Abominable finally dropped dead. Jack looked over the now quiet battlefield, seeing countless monster corpses piled on each other, the stench of death and foul blood rising from them. The creatures didn’t even bother running from the killing force, it was as though their bloodlust replaced survival instinct. “What manner of creature lives only to kill?” Jack thought.

He began walking over to the sight from earlier, the soldier he had seen assaulted and overwhelmed by the Abominables. He knew he would be horrified by what he saw, but he wanted to pay respects to the late warrior. As he walked over though, he heard rustling from the sight. Hope began to beam on Jack’s face as he now ran. “The soldier, could he be alive?! I must help him!”. He didn’t even notice Cassius turn to him screaming “Jack, don’t go over there!”.

His warning came too late, as Jack arrived on the scene of the torn armor. “Please, if you can hear me, grab my hand.”, “H-H-HUNGURRRYYYYY!”. Jack backed away and fell down in shock from what lunged at him. Standing over him in a tattered military uniform was the soldier, now another one of the horrific Abominables. The monster screeched as it prepared to kill and feast on the Samurai, before a gunshot blew its head to bloody bits.

Jack looked to where it came from, the commanding officer from earlier, her gun still smoking. “First, that was a really stupid move there, you could have been killed! Second, are you all right stranger?”, “Y-yes, you have my upmost gratitude” said Jack, still shaken more from the previous sight more than the attempt on his life. “I think it’s us who should be saying that.  Not many could have broken through something like that. You really turned the tide there, and I’m not sure how this could have gone if you didn’t help. So, on behalf of my comrades and myself, you have my upmost gratitude.” said the commanding officer as she knelt down on one knee offering honored thanks.

“Oh, um, you are welcome, but please, there is no need for thanks.” Jack said as the soldier humbled herself. He was already too modest with other people’s gratitude, and this kind of posture would be too much for a normal person to take. Was this how others thought of him, he thought. “It would be discourteous for a Hero of the Fellowship of Honor to do less for your actions!” she explained. “Fellowship of Honor?” Ashi asked as she and the other two joined Jack.

“Ah, sorry about that, I haven’t introduced myself.”. The soldier took off her helmet encompassing head and revealed her face. She had short dark brown hair, almost black, and her skin was colored light dark as well. They had noticed earlier she spoke with a slight accent, but she spoke fluently in the language they did. “I am Hero Mayra Tadeo of the Fellowship of Honor. As to what we are, I will explain more in detail inside, but we are a military order bound by common laws of honor and chivalry to do what good we can where we can. Now please, come in. Victor Raulson, take some Challengers with you and do a perimeter sweep, I don’t want any more of those things lurking around. You saw what they did to Bolton, I don’t want to lose any more people.”.

After the respective units, “Victor” and “Challengers”, moved out to carry the orders, Hero Mayra Kemen led them into the base, an old prewar building repurposed by the Fellowship. They somehow got some of the lights working, and set up makeshift sleeping bags and gunracks, as well as other army provisions scattered here and there. A board and table for strategy could be seen, and was used heavily, Jack noted.

“Okay, I’m just going to ask straight out, are you guys with the Magnus Protectorate or something?” Cassius asked with suspicion. “Hell no! We’re an order founded on honor and ideals, not control for the sake of security! To us, the Magnus Protectorate is an incredible dishonor that knows no shame in their actions. To think our predecessors once fought alongside them.” Mayra retorted. “You were comrades? In the Near End War?” Jack asked. “Yes, my grandfather who founded and leads the order, Legend Cayetano Tadeo, was with the Saviors Alliance that ended the war. When Magnus reformed it into a government, Cayetano left with his troops and formed us into an order to help people in need. Hmph, every time my abuelo talks about Magnus, he’ll grumble all day.”.

“So, anyway, we’re an order founded on the principles of honor and chivalry, helping the people in need our “esteemed” Protectorate can’t be bothered with. We stick to mostly the Outlands then, since we don’t have the firepower to oppose Magnus, and he strangely doesn’t bother much with us. Because we aren’t part of his military though, we have to get our own weapons, and when we can’t buy supplies, we scavenge. That is why we came to this wasteland, to scavenge provisions left behind in the war. Never thought that we’d run into those mutants though.”.

“Oh, you probably find our titles strange, huh. We use four wide branches for our chain of command. Challengers are our infantry, Victors lead our squads, Champions are like lieutenants and oversee multiple squads, and then you have Heroes like me who tend to different companies. Our fourth position, Legend, belongs to the leader, my abuelo, who directs us all from across the continent.”.

“You seem to be a group with an honorable cause. It is good to meet such people with such principles.” Jack said with a smile. “That’s cool and all, but I’ve got to ask, where’d you get the sweet EXO-Armor?! Can I have one, please, please?!”, “Um, Agalia, you’re drooling.” Ashi pointed out. “Sorry girl. These suits have been maintained since the war, and finding new ones is rare. We can only hand them to our own experienced followers, those are the rules.” Mayra explained. Agalia held her head down in dejection, sad that the dream was so close yet so far.

“I am sorry to keep inquiring, but you mentioned those creatures before, what are they?” Jack asked. “You seriously don’t know what Abominables are? Well, after today, good luck getting back to sleep.” Cassius said, only somewhat startled at this point with Jack’s naivety. “Hm, well if it’s a history spiel you want, why don’t you talk to the professor here and his friends, the other strangers we ran into.” Mayra said as she led them into the other room. “Excuse me fellas, but I got someone who has some questions here.” Mayra said. “Well now, how may we be able to help you?” said a very familiar voice. Jack was stunned to finally see a familiar face in this new future.

“I say, old boy, have we met? I believe I am getting a touch of déjà vu now. I could swear you are very familiar, perhaps we met in one of my travels? Oh well, pish posh. I am Sir Colin Bartholomew Montgomery Rothchild the Third, or Rothy for short. Delighted to make you acquaintance.”. Jack stood stunned at the small blue elderly canine who extended his hand in greeting. He couldn’t believe it, Rothchild here, of all places. He was the first familiar face from the old timeline in the new one, aside from Ashi. To be honest, Jack was worried he would find no one else, that they might truly be gone.

“Um, pardon me, good fellow, but are you alright?” Rothchild asked. “Oh, um, my apologies, you just reminded me very much of an old friend. They call me Jack.”. He realized that in this new timeline, he and Rothchild never met, since Aku was slain in the past. Of course, Ashi remembered him, and Rothchild just now was struck with a sense of familiarity about Jack. For some reason, it seemed people he knew before experienced this memory effect, but it wasn’t nearly as strong on Rothchild as it was on Ashi. Still, both had varying degrees of remembrance of Jack, which should be impossible. “How is this possible, and why am I and the people I knew involved in it?” Jack thought.

           His thoughts turned back to Rothchild as he began to speak. “Oh, that is quite understandable, don’t worry, I’ve made that same mistake quite a number of times. Occasionally I confuse my grandchildren here.”. “Grandfather, you know that’s not funny.” spoke one of the canines behind him. All of the canines accompanying him were small blue dachshunds like him, his grandchildren by his admission. They were clothed in archeological gear like him, but looked rather weary. That was to be expected though, given what lurked outside.  

           “Still, Jack you say, that is most familiar, but for the life of me I can’t remember. I apologize for such rudeness.” Rothchild stated. “So professor, Jack and his lot here helped save the unit and gave us the chance to fend off the Abominables. We owe them a lot, but first thing they want is answers about those creatures. Think you can offer a history lesson here?” Mayra explained crossing her arms, now out of her EXO-Armor.

           “Oh yes, the Abominables, quite the vicious kind, aren’t they? Well, in all historical searches, their origins have been an unknown to myself and many. But there are theories. Some believe they are a bioweapon created during the Near End War, others say they are mutated victims of nuclear or biochemical weapons during the war. But no one has ascertained the truth, we only know their first recorded appearance was some years after the war, skirting near Protectorate territory.”.

“We do know what they are though. They appear to be some form of mutant, but they do not begin as such. The first fact you must accept, gruesome as it is, is that all Abominables were once human. Men, women, even children, all turned into the ghastly things. You see, inside each of them is a mutagenic virus. The virus itself is not lethal, in fact most immune systems kill it quickly, it is rather weak. But the mutagenic properties can affect organic matter in the most horrific ways.”.

“It strengthens the original body, as well as hastens them and drives endurance to unseen levels. But it ravages the mind, twists the body, and changes the metabolism as well as raising it ridiculously, turning them into cannibals that will feast on all flesh and yet can never satiate their hunger. This seems to be a mechanism of the mutagen to spread. You see, as I said, it cannot overcome a living immune system, except in high concentrated amounts that is. They are also incapable of reproduction, the virus destroying the gametes in mutation. So, in a way most ghoulish, they kill and devour their victims, and their remains mutate into one of their own, born with the same hunger.”.

“AHHH! Mutant zombies?! Those things are real?! I’m not in a horror movie, am I?! Agalia screamed, in a cold sweat from the descriptions of the Abominables. “Wait, haven’t you heard of them before? They’ve been a thing for years.” Cassius criticized. “I don’t live near the Outlands! I thought they were some urban legend to scare kids, like the boogey man!” Agalia retorted back. It seemed as though she was no good with this kind of stuff.

“Ahem, as I was saying, most are reduced to cannibalistic beasts, unable to speak. The few that can, well, are not articulate speakers either, but unfortunately understand enough to use weapons. They are often the pack leaders, and despite what human intelligence they retain, they are just as ravenous and savage as the rest. After they emerged, they threatened to be an epidemic, but the Magnus Protectorate has been swift and decisive every time there is an outbreak, so they don’t appear often, only occurring in or near the Outlands.” Rothchild continued.

“When they do appear though, it is often a worst-case scenario. Ordinary civilians do not have the training and protection to fend off such monsters, making them the optimal source of food and repopulation for the Abomiables. There have been whole towns and settlements transformed into dens for the creatures. When they notice, the Magnus Protectorate quarantines and sterilizes the area, often by bombing or incinerating everything to wipe out the Abominables. Quite a bit over drastic, if I do say so myself.”.

“We are ourselves nearly shared such a fate. You see, long after my colleagues retired, my family and I have been archaeologists, often searching our own history, but also trying to uncover all manner of historical artifact and data. Much was lost in the war, so it has been our aspirations to raise up the lost cultures and history that vanished in it. We came to this wasteland, hoping to unearth prewar cultures and perhaps uncover our own ancestry. Then, we were besieged by the monsters, they themselves residing here to evade the Protectorate and prey on civilians. Then, just as it looked to be our darkest hour, these good fellows arrived and saved our lives.” Rothchild said in gratitude, gesturing to Mayra.

“Like I said before, we were here to scavenge provisions, and then we found this group of canine archaeologists about to be made an Abominable feast. It was the oddest thing, but we had to help. We’ve been trying to get these civilians out since then, but the Abominables have us pinned. It’s too dangerous to escort them by land, and we don’t have enough air transport to evacuate them. That’s why I’ve been trying to radio the rest of the Fellowship for aid, so we can get these civilians out of here and clear the Abominables out. Problem is, our radio’s signal isn’t powerful enough, so we’re stuck.” Mayra explained.

“Hm, that does suck. Any way to get a stronger signal?” said Cassius. “There is, but it’s risky. We spotted a building near the center of the old city, and on top of it is an intact transmitter we can use to send a better signal. The problem is...”, “Let me guess, that city’s their nest.” Ashi finished for Mayra. “Sí, the whole place is crawling with them. By our estimates, what we faced just now was a third of the horde there. Not only would they outnumber us, but the buildings make it easy for them to ambush us. My unit would get torn to shreds if we step foot in there.” Mayra concluded.

Jack placed his hand over his chin, deep in thought. Just marching there would be suicide. They would need an approach that would draw out the Abominables and give himself and the others a vantage position to kill them. Then an idea stuck him. “Do you have aircraft and a survey map of the area.”, “Sí, we used our aircraft to map out the city ourselves, I’ll show you.” Mayra said back to Jack.

They laid out the map on the table, and Jack and Mayra used markers to diagram approaches. Mayra had circled the target building in red. “This is the target. While it’s not a trek to get there, all the surrounding buildings are good hiding places and drop points for the monsters. The main building itself has the most concentration, so we can’t just land near it to take the transmitter either. We need to secure a path to there.” Mayra surmised.

“Then before we approach there, we will need to target all these buildings first. I noticed you carried very destructive weapons earlier. Given how old these buildings are, an attack from the air may bring them down and force the monsters out. Do that, and we stand a chance clear a path.” Jack surmised.

“That’s right, why didn’t we think of that?! ‘Course, we can’t bring down the main building, and destroying the others will force some of them out rather than kill them, so we will have to force our way. We can use our aircraft for fire support, but it’ll be tough.” Mayra said grimly. “But not impossible. We will succeed.” Jack said back with stern determination.

…

           The preparations were made. After leaving Victor Raulson and a handful of troops to protect Rothchild and his family, the force had divided into two.  While Jack’s group and Mayra, leading her ground forces, would assault from the ground, the second force, travelling in 7 armed aerial carriers, would strike the buildings and force the Abominables out. To ensure they would not find refuge to strike again before they could be finished off, Jack’s group would catch them in the confusion. The most dangerous part was the main building, where they couldn’t force the advantage. They would just have to watch each other’s backs.

           Facing the setting sun that overlooked the decaying dead city, Jack crouched near the rubble, looking into the street. Beside him, Ashi and Cassius similarly kept their guards up for the ensuing fight. Agalia was there as well, but not in her regular attire, but in EXO-Armor. After so much begging that it felt preferable to fight the Abominables, Mayra finally caved in and agreed to let Agalia borrow a suit for the battle. She warned her though not to let it get destroyed, otherwise she was paying up 100,000 credits on the spot. Agalia got stiff then, but her rabid enthusiasm returned when she suited up. While everyone else was tense, she was smiling underneath her metal helmet.

           She wasn’t the only one clad in Exo-Armor. Behind them were a squad of armored soldiers from the Fellowship, led by Mayra and the squad’s Victor. A total of 4 squads took up different nearby ground positions, including theirs. They just needed to wait for the aerial strike.

           Suddenly roaring overhead, the seven aircraft vehicles propelled through the sky. They all got into position, aiming for the buildings. The Abominables began to notice, stirred from their restlessness to direct their agitation at the aircraft. Using internal communication links in her EXO-Armor, Mayra shouted, “NOW!”. With that, missiles rained from overhead, tumbling buildings into clouds of dust, rubble, and debris. Death cries could be heard, numerous Abominables suffering the impacts. Still, as expected, scores of them survived, now filling the street.

           “Attack! Don’t give them any chances to counterattack!” Mayra ordered. The squads charged in, taking different firing positions. Jack’s group followed suit, firing their guns. To avoid friendly fire, they didn’t use their blades, as it would risk getting caught in the crossfire. The Abominables that littered the street began to fall dead, till it was temporarily clear. “Quick, advance!” Mayra ordered. They all rushed into the street in organized formation. Ahead was the main building, and the aerial craft circled above, finishing off the nearby buildings. Aside from them and the collapsing buildings, the street was quiet. Too quiet.

           Everyone paused there and then. Jack stood there with his sword drawn in front of him and his pistol gripped in his left hand. He looked around, peering into the distance for any sign of the monsters. Everyone was doing the same, as Mayra and Victors signaled them to halt. Though they wore steel suits, beneath that the soldiers, and Jack’s group, were all sweating in the tension. For a moment, it was only silent tension.

           “TCHAAAA!”. An Abominable suddenly jumped from beneath the rubble towards Jack. Jack, sensing it in time, slashed it in half. But that wasn’t the only one. Emerging rapidly from the rubble and even from sewer lids from the street. “Mierda(Shit), their underneath! Air units, bomb the rubble area and then fire on their rear. Ground units, form up lines and take the front!”. The air units complied, dropping explosives down on the ruined areas. The explosions provided a violent background to an already violent scene. The squads covered each other’s backs, lined up in defensive formations to avoid being flanked or taken by the rear.

           They still had to defend the front, as dozens of Abominables assaulted their lines. The Followship Challengers did not break though, taking stern aim and shooting down the wall of monsters before them. Some got dangerously close, slashing at their armor, but each soldier looked after the other, shooting down the monsters that targeted any one of their group. They weren’t just going to let another comrade die today, not to those things.

           Jack’s group took the frontal approach, primarily cutting down the enemy to help give the troops some distance from the enemy. Jack and Ashi were back to back, with Ashi shooting down distant Abominables and Jack cutting to pieces any that got close. They could see Cassius using the same tactic from earlier, slashing and shooting to keep the monsters off him. He was being flanked though, Cassius gritting his teeth in frustration. Jack thought to break formation and help him, but Agalia beat him to it. Proudly showing off that Exo-Armor, she punched aside an Abominable that lunged Cassius, then hammered away several in one go.

           “You alright Cass?”, “Y-yeah, thanks for that. Hmph, you must like that armor.” Cassius said in relief. “You know it. This is awesome! Now check this!”. Agalia suddenly pulled from behind her armor’s weapon strap a large chain gun. On her own, she could never reasonably carry it into battle, due to its weight, but EXO-Armor changed that. The weapon spun up, and soon, ROAR! The chain gun practically did roar, a thick flood of bullets covering the battlefield and sent into the Abominables. All of them kept charging, attempting to overwhelm Agalia, but all that did was turn them to bloody pieces.

           Soon, the last Abominable in their area was cut down by Jack. He expected more, but was surprised there weren’t any near them. He turned back to see why. The reason was Agalia, standing proud in EXO-Armor, the chain gun still red hot and smoking. Cassius was just standing behind her, astonished, stupefied, and somewhat afraid. He might have said it before, but this girl really did mean business.

           “Hm, what’s wrong?” Agalia said, turning back to Cassius. “AHHH! Oh, um, nothing, nothing. Can, uh, you, uh, please, ahem, not point that at me. Thanks.” Cassius said, apprehensive when Agalia turned with the chain gun pointed at him. “Sheesh, better not piss her off.”, he thought to himself.

           The four of them turned back to the Fellowship. It looked like they were finished on their ends as well. Abominables could be seen from their distance, but not close enough or in numbers to threaten them. Mayra marched to Jack, having given orders to the soldiers. “Our target objective is just ahead. You four and my squad will go in, eliminate the hostiles, and secure the transmitter. The other squads are going to take up positions and prevent the other Abominables in the city from swarming the building. Understood?”.

           Jack and the others nodded, ready to finish this. “Then move out!” Mayra ordered. As they moved forward, before them was a spired building. Given the labeling, it looked like this place was a radio station of some kind, sending out broadcasts. Mayra lifted a massive mechanical foot and kicked the doors down. They were in the reception area, long old and abandoned. Right now, it was empty.

           “Fan out. They have to be here in this building. They’re waiting for us.” Mayra ordered. They did so, splitting into groups and heading into different hallways. Jack and Ashi went into one, covering each other’s back as they proceeded cautiously. Like the street, the hallway was too still, the Abominables had to have noticed them.

           Ashi noted that their instinct commanded them to either ambush, or rush and assault with unrelenting ferocity. She remembered how her mother trained her to fight as such, and though she gave up her assassin lifestyle, it was still there in some ways in how she fought. She now called on those instilled instincts, to anticipate how the monsters would attack. She pictured herself attacking the pair. How would it go? Beneath? No. To the sides. No, too expected. Above? Realization struck Ashi, knowing in close quarters, that would be the best approach here. Good thing she realized then.

           Ashi acted fast, grabbing by the throat the Abominable that tore through the ceiling just a second before it could kill Jack. It struggled frantically right before she stabbed it in the head, growing limp as blood flowed. “Hero Mayra Tadeo, we just encountered one Abominable. It seems they’re in the ceiling.” Ashi reported through a communicator. “Copy that. Challengers, stay alert in all directions, especially above. You hear or see something above, shoot. Just don’t bring the place down. Over.” Mayra said back, informing everyone over the channel.

           “You alright Jack?” Ashi asked. “Y-yes, I am most grateful. But, I must ask, how did you know before they would strike?” Jack asked. “Oh, that was easy. I, oh, um… I kind of imagined how I would go about killing us.” Ashi said awkwardly, knowing how terrible that sounded in words. “R-really? That is…a unique perspective, but very valuable, and you saved me all the same. I will keep that in mind.” Jack said, uncomfortable but understanding. It was a bit disturbing, but Ashi was simply recognizing the lethal approach of their enemies and used her own to anticipate how they would move. An enemy was not always going to attack the way expected. If anything, they would avoid that. Jack realized that he would need to look at things as Ashi did, what ways did his enemies see to kill him, not simply how he saw to defend himself.

           The two proceeded. Sure enough, handfuls of Abominables came down from the ceiling or out of the walls, but they were ready, cutting them apart. They could here gunfire and screeching, indicating the others found more as well. The pair proceeded up the stairs, cutting down more Abominables that came down from walls and upper stairs. They repeated as such for several floors, before they finally reached the top.

           “ Maldición(Damn it)! We’ve lost three Challengers getting up here! Damn cannibals will get it. This has got to be the place, so be ready.” Mayra ordered. Jack and the others nodded. Soon, they and the remaining four Fellowship soldiers went through the double doors. The room had communications equipment all strewn about. What was new was all the macabre additions. Corpses, too ravaged to turn into Abominables, were strewn about. Jack threatened to gag at the sight and the smells, for there was rotten flesh littered here and there. There were even devoured Abominable corpses, showing they would eat each other if hungry enough.  Before them was an Abominable, larger than the others and gripping a gun crudely. It licked its razor teeth, saliva dripping down.

“Humunzzz. Mmmm, we was gettingz hunguryzzz, and needzz new kinzz for tribe. Dizz guud, HAHAHAHAHA!”. Rothchild was right, the smart ones weren’t all that smart or articulate. His speech was incredibly flawed, his thinking crude. But they were smart enough to use weapons, and lead the Abominables into efficient packs that turned them into tribes. They made the monsters more dangerous as a whole. This one had to be the leader, and definitely needed to die before it led the tribe on more killings.

           Still, this leader was acting to confident considering he was surrounded. There had to be more, but where? Suddenly, something dripped on Jack’s head, not water, but saliva. Then he remembered and looked up. The others followed his gaze and saw the enemy. Dozens of ravenous Abominables looked down on them with piercing green eyes, jaws and tongues salivating for their meal. They only waited for the signal from their alpha.

           “FEEEEEDDDDD!”, shouted the leader. “GWAAAAAAHHH!”. The Abominables dropped, claws bared. Everyone began firing, needing to make enough free space to fight when they landed. Around nine were shot dead, but that still left close to two dozen, now surrounding them. The Abominables that landed charged. “Take positions! Don’t let them get on top of you!” Mayra ordered. It was too late for some though, as two units, a Challenger and the squad’s Victor, saw Abominables launch themselves at them. With unparalleled ferocity and strength, the elongated claws of the monsters pierced through the steel helmets and through their heads.

           They were so looking forward to feeding though, they didn’t notice the unpinned grenades in the soldiers’ hands. It had been decided before that if the Abominables seized a killing chance, the soldiers should set off hand grenades on themselves to take out the Abominables. It was horrible, but not as horrible, everyone agreed, as turning into one of those monsters.

           The explosions tore through a chunk of the monsters, and Jack saw a way to the leader. Silently mourning the warriors for their deaths, Jack made his way to the monster. “DIEEEE, pajammah man!”. The leader fired his assault rifle, but it wasn’t much different from a Cyber Trooper’s. Jack deflected the shots with ease, then jumped and cut the rifle with an overhead strike. He then followed with a horizontal cut, but the creature blocked with crossed arms. Jack was surprised, as his blade left only a flesh cut, and the mutant’s arms still remained.

           “Grrr, damnnn humunn, juzzt DIEEE!”. The Abominable pulled out from nearby a massive crushing sword, appropriate for his size, who was twice Jack’s. The monster brought down his sword, Jack leaping out of the way in time. It lunged again, swinging it’s sword this way and that. Jack could dodge easily enough, but going in for an attack was dangerous. He saw an opportunity and tried to cut the legs, but like the arms, it was only a mere flesh cut.

           “GAAHHH, juzzt be fooddd!”. The Abominable had enough, and brought down the blade with enough force to collapse the floor beneath Jack’s feet. Jack fell down on his back on the previous floor. He saw the leader charging downward with his sword, ready to skewer the Samurai. But just then, Ashi landed on top of the mutant, and without hesitation, stabbed him in the left eye.

           “RAGHHHHH!”. The Abominable, in sudden rage and pain, knocked Ashi off. She managed to land on her feet near Jack, her combat knife dripping in blood. Jack got back up, silently grateful but focused on their enemy. “Be careful, his flesh is thick and tough. My blade cannot land a fatal strike.” Jack said. “Then maybe we should think about it another way. I could stab his eye, so he’s not tough everywhere, so maybe…” realization then dawned on Ashi, and she pulled out the grenade that was given to her at the start of the mission. “If we can drop this in his mouth, it might kill him.” Ashi said with a confident smile. “Um, that might be a problem.” Jack said as he pointed back to the leader.

           The Abominable rose from his bought of pain, his hand bloodied from clutching where his left eye used to be. He stared at them with his now mutilated gaze, full of rage and bloodlust now rather than hunger. “Damnnn humunzz, you suppozzed to dieee, so dieee, dieee, DIEEEE!”.

The Abominable lifted his blade and charged, determined to rip them to shreds. “Try for an opening, I’ll distract him!” Jack said. Ashi nodded, going for the Abominable’s sides while Jack would face head on. The Abominable brought his blade down, but Jack jumped and landed on top of it.

           Running the length of the blade, Jack reached the other end and slashed at the massive mutant’s hands. It didn’t cut them off, but this cut was deeper than the others. The Abominable raised his clawed bleeding hands in pain. Despite the pain, that didn’t stop the leader from using his injured hands. He swiped back at the Samurai, who barely jumped back in time. The leader pursued, continuously swiping while Jack evaded each clawed strike. Soon, Jack was backed up to a wall, so now he blocked the leader’s claws with his sword.

           The leader was enraged that his attacks were being fended off with such a tiny piece of metal compared to him. Putting more power in one of his strikes, he knocked away Jack’s sword. Jack looked to go grab it, and that was his mistake. The massive Abominable pinned him to wall with his other hand and grabbed him. Lifted up, Jack met the face of the Abominable leader, his one eye gleaming in rage and returned hunger.

           The monster opened his mouth now, a foul stench that would make any less fortified person vomit. The monster brought Jack closer to his razor jaws, ready to enjoy his meal. But then, “GAHHHH!”. The  Abominable dropped Jack, bringing his hand to his other lost eye. But that wasn’t all, as mid scream, something fell in his mouth. The cause of both was Ashi, who got on the Abominable’s back during the fight and desperately tried for an opportunity when Jack was in danger. She stabbed his remaining eye as well as left another “parting gift”.

           Whatever it was, the leader just swallowed what was forced in his jaws. “Gahhh, that not tazzty.”. After that rudimentary comment, BOOM! His upper half exploded, leaving charred remains here and there and his lower half collapsed on the floor.

           Jack was breathing heavily with Ashi, both exasperated from what transpired and what nearly transpired. “S-sorry it took that long, but thing was thrashing everywhere. I could only get up there when he stopped, so…”, “It is fine, I knew you were doing everything possible, and I never doubted you. Though, perhaps we should avoid situations like that.” Jack said, making a half-joke about his situation of nearly being eaten. “Then don’t look so appetizing to monsters.” Ashi joked back. They both laughed lightly at that.

           “Hey! You guys okay down there?” shouted Agalia from the floor above. “Yes, we’re fine, how is everyone?” Jack asked. “Well, thanks to you, we had an easier time cleaning house when you distracted their leader. If he was there, it would’ve gone south. You really are something, Samurai.” Mayra said, appearing beside Agalia. Jack smiled, glad knowing they were all right. They lost a number of people, which saddened him, but they achieved what they set out to do. Picking up his sword, he turned back to Ashi. “Alright, you two, let’s get this transmitter back to base.” Mayra said in satisfaction.

…

           Jack awoke in the morning, feeling refreshed. Around him, Fellowship personnel and aircraft were moving about here and there. After the mission three days ago, Mayra had the recovered transmitter hooked up to their equipment. There were actually Fellowship forces not too far, responding they would arrive in a few days to help exterminate the Abominables and evacuate the civilians. He, Ashi, Cassius, and Agalia were now about to see off Rothchild and his family. The elderly dachshund turned to the Samurai and lowered his hat in gratitude with his children.

           “My good man, words cannot express my gratitude. I heard of your deeds to help the Fellowship secure this base and our means of escape. You’ve saved our lives, just as all these other fine heroes.” Rothchild said humbly. “Please, I was glad to help, do not concern yourself with such things.” Jack responded. “Nonsense. Do you think just anyone would or even could do what you did? Even when Mayra and her soldiers saved us, things looked grim, and we were afraid we brought our situation on them. But you came and helped us all, risked your lives to save ours. For that, we are grateful, and will document these deeds of yours so they won’t be forgotten.”.

Rothchild began to walk towards the Evac transport, then turned around troubled. “I say though, Sir Jack, are you sure we’ve never met before? After what you did, I feel as though it’s not the first time I’ve owed you my gratitude, that you’ve done similar deeds to help me before. No, I know it, but I can’t remember. For that, I owe my deepest apologies, it does me great regret to forget such a noble friend.”.

“Do not be troubled, my friend. Your kind words mean much, and however you may think we may have met, it does not change where we are now. I am glad to have been of help. I hope we will meet again.” Jack said as he bowed his head. “In truth, I should be grateful to you.”, Jack thought. In the last battle with Aku, many of Jack’s old friends had arrived to save him when all seemed lost. Among the voices he heard, one was Rothchild over a speaker, declaring they were there to rescue him. If it wasn’t for people like Rothchild, Jack wouldn’t even be alive now, this Aku-free time wouldn’t even exist. Truly, Jack’s gratitude couldn’t be measured.

The evac transport closed and took off, Jack waving it goodbye. Ashi stood beside him. She could guess what that was about. “Someone else from that time?”, “Yes, but while he recognized me, he did not remember. But even that much should be impossible, and you remember me completely. I am not ungrateful, but it’s puzzling. What could it mean?” Jack questioned. “I don’t know. All I do know is that time travel makes no sense.” Ashi stated, having thought about the odd circumstances more than he did.

“Huh? Time travel? What are you two talking about?” Cassius asked. “Forget it, a meat head like you wouldn’t understand.” Ashi said matter-of-factly. “Why I oughta…!”, “Okay, that’s enough. Let’s all keep our cool here.” Agalia said, diffusing the verbal fight between Ashi and Cassius. “You seem to be in good spirits.” Jack said to her. Agalia had a cheerful disposition, odd considering the harrowing experience a few days ago. “You bet! I had to give back the Exo-Armor, but they gave the schematics! I can’t wait to build one of these babies!” Agalia said with glee, holding the schematics in her hand.

“Speaking of them, let’s see Mayra and the Fellowship off before we go.” Ashi proposed. They nodded, and standing near the base was Mayra, overseeing personnel and giving out orders. She noticed them though, and went to speak to them. “Hola, thought you might not go with the Evac, since you got that car and all. I’m staying behind to finish operations here. We still need some salvage, plus we need to finish off the Abominables. Leave even one, and the whole thing can start all over again. But with all these forces here, I think they won’t be trouble. So, I guess you’re leaving?”.

“Yes, we still have quite the journey ahead.” Jack said. “So I’ve heard from the reports. The support that came in, they’ve told me about you. So, you’re a renegade, an enemy of the Magnus Protectorate, huh? You know, somehow, that title really doesn’t fit an honorable warrior like you. So, I’ve got a proposal. How would you like to join the Fellowship of Honor?”.

“I’m sorry?” Jack said, himself and the others startled. Here was a high ranked official of a chivalrous order granting a wanted criminal a position with them. Honestly, it was kind of out of nowhere. “A battle like that tests not only a person’s skills, but their character. I’ve seen yours. You fight for good, uphold your morals, and would never intentionally inflict malice. Those are uncommon qualities, the kind the Fellowship strives for. So, what do you say?”.

Jack stood there, a bit baffled by the recommendation. He was not used to praise for his actions, and now someone was making significant efforts on behalf of him simply doing what was right. Then his thoughts turned dark, remembering wrongs like killing the Daughters of Aku, the death of Marlun, and freeing the Blood Sparrows. How could he let such an order be tarnished by someone like him? Besides, he had a quest to complete.

“I am truly humbled by your words and offer, but I must decline. I have no doubt you uphold an honorable cause, for that you my support. But I am not as qualified as you believe, and I really must be on my quest.” Jack stated back. Mayra sighed. “Figures. But if you change your mind, just let us know, we’re not hard to find. Don’t know why you put yourself down like that, but whatever mistake it was, it’s not just the mistake itself that judges you, but how answer to that mistake. If you’re reflecting on it, that’s a good sign, believe me.”.

“I…thank you. I will remember your words.” Jack said. “Gracias, my abuelo told me that. He would love to meet you, I know. Well, at least let us send you with our salute. Fight with honor, Samurai Jack.”, “Fight with honor.” saluted the nearby Fellowship soldiers. This touched Jack, and he could only bow his head in appreciation.

Jack turned back to his smiling comrades. Together, they got back into the parked Odyssey, and he started the engines. “Nice bunch, a bit much. Still though, that was enough living nightmare for a lifetime, let’s not do it again.” said an exasperated Cassius. “Cass, when you’re with Jack, this kind of thing is usual.” Ashi retorted. “Great, this road trip just got a lot more fun.” Cassis said sarcastically as the Odyssey drove through the wasteland and back on to the highway road.

Author’s Notes: Well, this is a lot, huh? I wanted this to be world building chapter. It introduces a serious threat in Renegade Samurai’s world as well build up Jack’s growing circle of friends. And yes, I trid my hand action with a slight hint of horror, but I really can’t write scary. Well, that just means no one will abandon this story out of fear.

As I specified in the warning, this had quite a bit of inspiration from the Fallout videogame series, my most common one being Fallout 4. The Fellowship of Honor and the Abominables are inspired by the Brotherhood of Steel and the Super Mutants respectively. The Abominables were kind of their own thing though. I actually started thinking of a monster menace or plague for this world, I remembered I mentioned mutants before, then I drew inspiration from the Super Mutants, changed from the archetype into something more original and fitting, and presto!

The Fellowship of Honor though was definite BOS based. Basically, think the Brotherhood of Steel, except they’re not total jerks, but actual good people with actual honor, and virtues most can get behind. I made their focus honor in part to make them more compatible and agreeable with Jack and make it slightly more my thing. The EXO-Armor thing is definitely Power Armor, it’s just that cool, I want one! Think of them more techno than steampunk in this story though. It’s not like the story’s stuck in 1950s.

Also, the Abominables and Fellowship origins will have more connections to the main story later. Let’s just say Abominables weren’t just a freak genetic accident.

Rothchild actually came to mind in the middle of writing this. I needed an excuse to keep Jack and the Fellwship trapped there, and I’ve been bothered how I haven’t gotten to other SJ characters yet, so while I thought of how to explain the Abominables’ history I thought, “Why not let Rothchild do it?”. It even gave me an idea to suggest how Ashi remembers Jack when she was born into the new timeline, with Rothchild feeling Jack is familiar. That kind of thing will happen to a lot of SJ characters Jack met, and at a certain point, it will be explained. Let’s just say time travel in Renegade Samurai has lingering effects.

Lastly, where this story’s going. We’re close to the finale for Arc 1, which I’ve got a shocking end for, at least if I do it right. When I say Arc, you might be panicking. Don’t worrying, I’ve got a vague sort of ending for the whole story, but it will take 3 Arcs to get there. By Arc 1’s end, you’re going to get a sense of Magnus’s master plan (that is fun to say!) which will be fully revealed in Arc 2. But for next chapter, one last builder for the arc, Jack will face an Inquisitor who follows revived bushido customs, and it will cause Jack to question himself again. This is to help lead into the finale. I’m also foreshadowing a fan favorite character from the show, you know who I mean. The Arc 1 finale will follow three chapters as well, I hope you like it.

Oh, one last thing, Mayra. I hope you enjoyed her instead of hated her. I wanted to make Renegade Samurai more diverse, not just have every person Jack meets be white. Before you suggest I’m phobic whites, know that I’m a white male, okay? Just trying to be expansive is all. I decided to make Mayra Hispanic-Latino, which you probably picked from her face description and language use. I decided to include the Spanish word here and there to make her racial background more, how shall I say, authentic, believable, something? But like I said, I’m white, and I don’t get out much (sarcastic gasp). So, if you thought it was lame or even offensive, I apologize. She was really intended as a strong diverse character.

If you have anything to say about Mayra, the chapter, or the story in general, please leave a like, comment, or review if you want. Thank you!

[psychicdan]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapter VIII: Jack, Ashi, Cassius, and Agalia drive their new vehicle, the Odyssey, through one of the Outlands, a wasteland that was ravaged in the Near End War. What awaits them are horrific nightmares, the Abominables, an order of honorable warriors, and an old face from a long gone time. Jack must now team up with these new allies to fend off the monsters before them.

Samurai Jack: Renegade Samurai

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes

Warning:

The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, nor intended to copy others’ work. Samurai Jack is the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, his team and affiliated studios and companies. Due to the following references and inspirations, the Fallout video game franchise is the work of Bethesda, Interplay Entertainment, Black Isle Studios, and the many people that collaborated and worked with them. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not for profit.

Chapter VIII: Fellowship of Honor

           A wasteland stretched for some distance, devoid of almost all life except the occasional hardy plant. The wasteland was not barren though, as several ruined houses and buildings could be seen nearby, damaged beyond reasonable repair and left to time to finish off. Off in the distance was a city, looking just as ruined and derelict as everything else. The reason for this, wasteland’s existence was all around. Emaciated corpses and skeletons, craters, derelict war machines, and other signs of battle long past gripped the wasteland, showing it was the ravages of the Near End War that were responsible for this travesty.

           Driving on the road, the only thing built after the war, Jack looked on in shock from the Odyssey, the car he and his company rode in. Though he had seen battlefields everywhere he went in Magnus’s future so far, this was by far the worst. Though some scars of battle haunted all the others, they had all recovered and had shown restored life. Here, all he could see was death and past suffering. It brought back the terrible memories of Aku’s future, where the demon and his armies razed whole lands into wastelands of the dead to put the people back down or even just to spite them for his own enjoyment. Many times, Jack had tried to stop the devastation, but many times he was unable and watched countless people die.

           He had hoped that he would never have to see such things again, that the new future, free of Aku, would be good and prosperous. That the people of the future were responsible for this was too shocking, no matter how many times he tried to accept that fact. Whatever reasons the war was fought, Jack thought, it was not worth this.

           His gaze was brought to the side road, where he could see a pair of immolated skeletons. One was clutching a smaller one, and Jack realized it was a parent trying desperately in vain to protect their child before they died. He turned his gaze back to the road, trying with all his soul to fight back the shock and sorrow. Ashi had noticed his expression and gaze, and was similarly somber from what she realized. She placed her hand on his as she looked at him slightly concerned, and he gave back a small smile, silently telling her he would be fine.

           “Th-this is nothing like back home. What is this place?” Agalia asked. “Hmm, map said we were approaching one of the Outlands. Now we know why it’s one of them.” Cassius said as he looked up from the map. His expression was grim as well, knowing there were sights like this, but that didn’t make it any easier to take. “I’d say this whole place was where one of the more intense battles of the war took place. Looks like some serious standoffs happened and raised hell here.” Cassius said with grim analysis concerning the surroundings.

“But everywhere else looked better, why not this place?” Ashi asked. “Some places got away with a few scrapes, and other places have the Protectorate’s restoration projects to help out. Basically, they help resettle places that got hit hard in the war, rebuilding infrastructure and the environment. But those projects took years, sometimes decades, that’s how bad it was after the war, I hear. There are projects like that still going on. Some places had it just the worst, and are beyond immediate help, what with resource limits and all. Looks like we’re in one of those places, an old war wasteland the Protectorate gave up on.” Cassius explained.

“I heard though that Magnus likes to leave places like this alone just to remind everyone about the war. Kind of like saying “You screwed up, and I’m here to stop this crap from happening again”. Hmph, guy’s a real Lord Protector, alright.” Agalia said, irritated about anything Magnus and his Protectorate did. “Yeah, you don’t know the half of it.” Cassius muttered bitterly. “Um, something wrong Cass?” Agalia asked. She didn’t understand why his tone and  expression had turned much more disdainful than she had seen. “Uh, nothing. Anyway Jack, just keep driving down the road. The less we stay here, the better.”.

Jack nodded, wishing to leave behind this land of death. However, their drive would be disturbed, in more ways than one, when an inhuman screech came from overhead. Jack looked up in time to see some kind of horrific creature land on the hood of the car. The creature looked at them with bloodlust and hunger, ready to lunge before Cassius fired his laser revolver, killing the creature as it toppled off the car.

Jack stopped the Odyssey, and all four of them got out of the car and looked at the monster’s corpse. Jack became aghast as his mind struggled to process what this monster was. It was humanoid, but everything about it was twisted. The body of the creature was somehow gnarled and well-toned at the same time, and had spike-like bones jutting from places like the knees, elbows, and shoulders. Blade like claws came from the hands and feet, and the skin was a dead color of faded grey, almost like the creature died before they killed it. The face itself was truly monstrous, as the mouth was ripped open, showing sharp, ravenous teeth lining the jaws. The eyes, while dead, seemed to be empty green in life as well.

“Shit, an Abominable.” Cassius cursed, slight fear on his face. “Is this creature… human?” Jack asked, a dark and frightful suspicion arising in his mind. “No, not anymore. Look, I’ll tell you later, but right now, we need to get the hell out of here. There have to be more of them.” Cassius said with some urgency. Jack didn’t understand why Cassius seemed so afraid, but he understood they were in danger. That became confirmed when they turned their heads to the sounds of several screeching sounds.

“WREAAAAAAAAHHH!”. The savage, bloodcurdling cries came as a pack of these monstrous “Abominables” ran towards Jack and the others. “Shit, RUN!” Cassius screamed, and they all ran for the car. “Quick, drive, drive!” Cassius leaned over as he screamed at Jack. Jack turned the ignition in haste and started the car back down the road. Behind them, the Abominables gave pursuit, lunging for the back of the car with extreme ferocity. Ashi and Agalia took aim with SMG and one of Agalia’s spare assault rifles respectively, and fired at the pack. Several tumbled back dead while the others slowed in response to the stream of bullets. It was just enough to let the Odyssey get enough ground and outpace the monsters.

“Whoo, hope we don’t see those things again!” Cassius said as he wiped his sweat in relief. Just as they were making some distance though, somewhere off the road, the sounds of monstrous screeches and roars mixed with the sounds of gunfire could be heard. “Oh, please tell me we’re not headed for the screaming monsters.” Cassius pleaded, knowing Jack’s decision was already made. As expected, Jack veered off road towards the monsters. “Great, always wanted to live an actual nightmare. Just don’t let us die in it, okay?”.

Jack drove the car through the wastes and to near an overpass where the fighting seemed to be near. They witnessed an all-out fight between two groups. One they had already encountered recently, the source of the monstrous screaming, the Abominables. Many were charging forward like mad demons, but some held firearms crudely. Some had less spikes than others, but all had muscled, gnarled appearances and monstrous jaws.

The group fighting them back seemed human, but it was hard to tell on account of their protection. They looked like military, given their formation, uniforms, and armaments. Most notable about them was that most of the soldiers seemed clad in imposing armor, different from what the Cyber Troopers wore. The armor was black and blue, rather than black and grey, and larger than what the cyborg soldiers of the Magnus Protectorate wore. The armor was larger than a person, encasing and protecting them in whole. It easily brought most of them well above a head, and the armored suits gave them enhanced strength and defense that was impressive, taking whatever shots the Abominables gave and looking no worse for wear. If Jack didn’t know from their movements, he’d have thought they were large humanoid robots, but instead they were humans in sizeable mechanical armored suits.

“Are those guys Cyber Troopers?” Agalia asked with uncertainty. “I don’t think so. Something about those suits look, I don’t know, old. They don’t have the same colors or even the same insignia, look.” Ashi said as she pointed to their base. Sure enough, the building that was the soldiers’ base had a flag up in the air. The flag depicted a fist raised triumphantly, behind it a pair of swords clasped together. It wasn’t the same as the Magnus Protectorate insignia, a black-armored figurine raising a fist as a gray shield surrounded them.

“Whoa, those guys are wearing EXO-Armor! Must be old, yeah, since they were used in the war, but their protection is the best. Man, all I could find are a few scraps, how come those guys have so many intact suits from the war? It’s not fair!” Agalia said with envy as she now recognized the soldiers’ protection. As a mechanical buff, Agalia came to know a lot about salvage parts, and one thing she always aspired to salvage and make was a suit of EXO-Armor. She never found enough pieces to make one, but here was an entire group with working suits that were completely fine. “Where’s the justice in the universe?” she thought.

Right now, the military forces were holding ground against the Abominables, fending them off with all manner of manner of firearms from rifles, miniguns, and even missile launchers and energy weapons. But the Abominables were resilient, taking a lot of punishment before they each fell dead, and they fought like demons, charging rabidly and trying to overwhelm the soldiers with sheer force and violence. One of the armored soldiers became swarmed as a part of the horde came over him, undeterred by his gunfire. They clawed and tore into his armor as he screamed “Gah, no, NOOO!” as they ripped through and brought him to the ground, blood spraying from the sight where the monsters piled.

Jack’s horror at that sight quickly turned to anger. He drove the car down the slope as he brought out the Odyssey’s machine guns. Gunfire sprayed over the battlefield and into the horde, shooting down dozens of Abominables in the first volley. Both sides took notice, and the monsters turned their ravenous attention to Jack’s group. They charged forward, and Jack moved back the car and then swept it as he fired again, catching another wave of the monstrosities in his own sweeping wave of gunfire. He wasn’t done yet though. A monitor on the dashboard showed a targeting sight. When it was aligned, Jack pressed a button, and coming up from beneath the hood, a missile fired, catching even more of them in an explosion.

He stopped the car, as he and the others gazed into the smoke with tense stares. “GRWAHHHH!” came as more Abominables swarmed over the scattered remains of their fallen. Jack and the others got out of the car, knowing they would be sitting ducks there at this point. They drew their weapons, each engaging the monsters.

Jack beheaded one, stabbed another, and bisected a third, repeating such movements. Ashi tried evasive attacks, dodging the claws of the monsters followed by a slit to the throat with her combat knife, performing such for four. Cassius armed himself with his cybernetic photon sword and laser revolver, cutting down one in half and firing at another that lunged at him with his gun arm. He followed this slash and fire method to cover both his sides while engaging the monsters. Agalia, rather than using her shotgun rod, decided to wield twin assault rifles. It costed some accuracy, but in this close quarters fight, most of the stray bullets hit as she point and shot at the monsters that came her way.

Soon enough, dozens lay dead at their feet, but many dozens more came to make up for the loss and surrounded them. Jack glared at them tensely as he prepared to fight, knowing it would be over if they got swarmed over. However, their chances improved when the swarm broke in response to a sudden down pour of gun and artillery fire. “Challengers, keep firing! Don’t let those mutants overwhelm them!” said a female mechanized voice coming from a figure in EXO-Armor. The paint and insignia on her suit was more elaborate than the other soldiers, suggesting she was the commanding officer. “Yes, Hero Tadeo!” the other soldiers in armor suits responded.

After how Jack and the others cleared dozens of them and lured the others towards them, the remaining Abominables were shot like fish in a barrel. Soon, the shells stopped falling when the last Abominable finally dropped dead. Jack looked over the now quiet battlefield, seeing countless monster corpses piled on each other, the stench of death and foul blood rising from them. The creatures didn’t even bother running from the killing force, it was as though their bloodlust replaced survival instinct. “What manner of creature lives only to kill?” Jack thought.

He began walking over to the sight from earlier, the soldier he had seen assaulted and overwhelmed by the Abominables. He knew he would be horrified by what he saw, but he wanted to pay respects to the late warrior. As he walked over though, he heard rustling from the sight. Hope began to beam on Jack’s face as he now ran. “The soldier, could he be alive?! I must help him!”. He didn’t even notice Cassius turn to him screaming “Jack, don’t go over there!”.

His warning came too late, as Jack arrived on the scene of the torn armor. “Please, if you can hear me, grab my hand.”, “H-H-HUNGURRRYYYYY!”. Jack backed away and fell down in shock from what lunged at him. Standing over him in a tattered military uniform was the soldier, now another one of the horrific Abominables. The monster screeched as it prepared to kill and feast on the Samurai, before a gunshot blew its head to bloody bits.

Jack looked to where it came from, the commanding officer from earlier, her gun still smoking. “First, that was a really stupid move there, you could have been killed! Second, are you all right stranger?”, “Y-yes, you have my upmost gratitude” said Jack, still shaken more from the previous sight more than the attempt on his life. “I think it’s us who should be saying that.  Not many could have broken through something like that. You really turned the tide there, and I’m not sure how this could have gone if you didn’t help. So, on behalf of my comrades and myself, you have my upmost gratitude.” said the commanding officer as she knelt down on one knee offering honored thanks.

“Oh, um, you are welcome, but please, there is no need for thanks.” Jack said as the soldier humbled herself. He was already too modest with other people’s gratitude, and this kind of posture would be too much for a normal person to take. Was this how others thought of him, he thought. “It would be discourteous for a Hero of the Fellowship of Honor to do less for your actions!” she explained. “Fellowship of Honor?” Ashi asked as she and the other two joined Jack.

“Ah, sorry about that, I haven’t introduced myself.”. The soldier took off her helmet encompassing head and revealed her face. She had short dark brown hair, almost black, and her skin was colored light dark as well. They had noticed earlier she spoke with a slight accent, but she spoke fluently in the language they did. “I am Hero Mayra Tadeo of the Fellowship of Honor. As to what we are, I will explain more in detail inside, but we are a military order bound by common laws of honor and chivalry to do what good we can where we can. Now please, come in. Victor Raulson, take some Challengers with you and do a perimeter sweep, I don’t want any more of those things lurking around. You saw what they did to Bolton, I don’t want to lose any more people.”.

After the respective units, “Victor” and “Challengers”, moved out to carry the orders, Hero Mayra Kemen led them into the base, an old prewar building repurposed by the Fellowship. They somehow got some of the lights working, and set up makeshift sleeping bags and gunracks, as well as other army provisions scattered here and there. A board and table for strategy could be seen, and was used heavily, Jack noted.

“Okay, I’m just going to ask straight out, are you guys with the Magnus Protectorate or something?” Cassius asked with suspicion. “Hell no! We’re an order founded on honor and ideals, not control for the sake of security! To us, the Magnus Protectorate is an incredible dishonor that knows no shame in their actions. To think our predecessors once fought alongside them.” Mayra retorted. “You were comrades? In the Near End War?” Jack asked. “Yes, my grandfather who founded and leads the order, Legend Cayetano Tadeo, was with the Saviors Alliance that ended the war. When Magnus reformed it into a government, Cayetano left with his troops and formed us into an order to help people in need. Hmph, every time my abuelo talks about Magnus, he’ll grumble all day.”.

“So, anyway, we’re an order founded on the principles of honor and chivalry, helping the people in need our “esteemed” Protectorate can’t be bothered with. We stick to mostly the Outlands then, since we don’t have the firepower to oppose Magnus, and he strangely doesn’t bother much with us. Because we aren’t part of his military though, we have to get our own weapons, and when we can’t buy supplies, we scavenge. That is why we came to this wasteland, to scavenge provisions left behind in the war. Never thought that we’d run into those mutants though.”.

“Oh, you probably find our titles strange, huh. We use four wide branches for our chain of command. Challengers are our infantry, Victors lead our squads, Champions are like lieutenants and oversee multiple squads, and then you have Heroes like me who tend to different companies. Our fourth position, Legend, belongs to the leader, my abuelo, who directs us all from across the continent.”.

“You seem to be a group with an honorable cause. It is good to meet such people with such principles.” Jack said with a smile. “That’s cool and all, but I’ve got to ask, where’d you get the sweet EXO-Armor?! Can I have one, please, please?!”, “Um, Agalia, you’re drooling.” Ashi pointed out. “Sorry girl. These suits have been maintained since the war, and finding new ones is rare. We can only hand them to our own experienced followers, those are the rules.” Mayra explained. Agalia held her head down in dejection, sad that the dream was so close yet so far.

“I am sorry to keep inquiring, but you mentioned those creatures before, what are they?” Jack asked. “You seriously don’t know what Abominables are? Well, after today, good luck getting back to sleep.” Cassius said, only somewhat startled at this point with Jack’s naivety. “Hm, well if it’s a history spiel you want, why don’t you talk to the professor here and his friends, the other strangers we ran into.” Mayra said as she led them into the other room. “Excuse me fellas, but I got someone who has some questions here.” Mayra said. “Well now, how may we be able to help you?” said a very familiar voice. Jack was stunned to finally see a familiar face in this new future.

“I say, old boy, have we met? I believe I am getting a touch of déjà vu now. I could swear you are very familiar, perhaps we met in one of my travels? Oh well, pish posh. I am Sir Colin Bartholomew Montgomery Rothchild the Third, or Rothy for short. Delighted to make you acquaintance.”. Jack stood stunned at the small blue elderly canine who extended his hand in greeting. He couldn’t believe it, Rothchild here, of all places. He was the first familiar face from the old timeline in the new one, aside from Ashi. To be honest, Jack was worried he would find no one else, that they might truly be gone.

“Um, pardon me, good fellow, but are you alright?” Rothchild asked. “Oh, um, my apologies, you just reminded me very much of an old friend. They call me Jack.”. He realized that in this new timeline, he and Rothchild never met, since Aku was slain in the past. Of course, Ashi remembered him, and Rothchild just now was struck with a sense of familiarity about Jack. For some reason, it seemed people he knew before experienced this memory effect, but it wasn’t nearly as strong on Rothchild as it was on Ashi. Still, both had varying degrees of remembrance of Jack, which should be impossible. “How is this possible, and why am I and the people I knew involved in it?” Jack thought.

           His thoughts turned back to Rothchild as he began to speak. “Oh, that is quite understandable, don’t worry, I’ve made that same mistake quite a number of times. Occasionally I confuse my grandchildren here.”. “Grandfather, you know that’s not funny.” spoke one of the canines behind him. All of the canines accompanying him were small blue dachshunds like him, his grandchildren by his admission. They were clothed in archeological gear like him, but looked rather weary. That was to be expected though, given what lurked outside.  

           “Still, Jack you say, that is most familiar, but for the life of me I can’t remember. I apologize for such rudeness.” Rothchild stated. “So professor, Jack and his lot here helped save the unit and gave us the chance to fend off the Abominables. We owe them a lot, but first thing they want is answers about those creatures. Think you can offer a history lesson here?” Mayra explained crossing her arms, now out of her EXO-Armor.

           “Oh yes, the Abominables, quite the vicious kind, aren’t they? Well, in all historical searches, their origins have been an unknown to myself and many. But there are theories. Some believe they are a bioweapon created during the Near End War, others say they are mutated victims of nuclear or biochemical weapons during the war. But no one has ascertained the truth, we only know their first recorded appearance was some years after the war, skirting near Protectorate territory.”.

“We do know what they are though. They appear to be some form of mutant, but they do not begin as such. The first fact you must accept, gruesome as it is, is that all Abominables were once human. Men, women, even children, all turned into the ghastly things. You see, inside each of them is a mutagenic virus. The virus itself is not lethal, in fact most immune systems kill it quickly, it is rather weak. But the mutagenic properties can affect organic matter in the most horrific ways.”.

“It strengthens the original body, as well as hastens them and drives endurance to unseen levels. But it ravages the mind, twists the body, and changes the metabolism as well as raising it ridiculously, turning them into cannibals that will feast on all flesh and yet can never satiate their hunger. This seems to be a mechanism of the mutagen to spread. You see, as I said, it cannot overcome a living immune system, except in high concentrated amounts that is. They are also incapable of reproduction, the virus destroying the gametes in mutation. So, in a way most ghoulish, they kill and devour their victims, and their remains mutate into one of their own, born with the same hunger.”.

“AHHH! Mutant zombies?! Those things are real?! I’m not in a horror movie, am I?! Agalia screamed, in a cold sweat from the descriptions of the Abominables. “Wait, haven’t you heard of them before? They’ve been a thing for years.” Cassius criticized. “I don’t live near the Outlands! I thought they were some urban legend to scare kids, like the boogey man!” Agalia retorted back. It seemed as though she was no good with this kind of stuff.

“Ahem, as I was saying, most are reduced to cannibalistic beasts, unable to speak. The few that can, well, are not articulate speakers either, but unfortunately understand enough to use weapons. They are often the pack leaders, and despite what human intelligence they retain, they are just as ravenous and savage as the rest. After they emerged, they threatened to be an epidemic, but the Magnus Protectorate has been swift and decisive every time there is an outbreak, so they don’t appear often, only occurring in or near the Outlands.” Rothchild continued.

“When they do appear though, it is often a worst-case scenario. Ordinary civilians do not have the training and protection to fend off such monsters, making them the optimal source of food and repopulation for the Abomiables. There have been whole towns and settlements transformed into dens for the creatures. When they notice, the Magnus Protectorate quarantines and sterilizes the area, often by bombing or incinerating everything to wipe out the Abominables. Quite a bit over drastic, if I do say so myself.”.

“We are ourselves nearly shared such a fate. You see, long after my colleagues retired, my family and I have been archaeologists, often searching our own history, but also trying to uncover all manner of historical artifact and data. Much was lost in the war, so it has been our aspirations to raise up the lost cultures and history that vanished in it. We came to this wasteland, hoping to unearth prewar cultures and perhaps uncover our own ancestry. Then, we were besieged by the monsters, they themselves residing here to evade the Protectorate and prey on civilians. Then, just as it looked to be our darkest hour, these good fellows arrived and saved our lives.” Rothchild said in gratitude, gesturing to Mayra.

“Like I said before, we were here to scavenge provisions, and then we found this group of canine archaeologists about to be made an Abominable feast. It was the oddest thing, but we had to help. We’ve been trying to get these civilians out since then, but the Abominables have us pinned. It’s too dangerous to escort them by land, and we don’t have enough air transport to evacuate them. That’s why I’ve been trying to radio the rest of the Fellowship for aid, so we can get these civilians out of here and clear the Abominables out. Problem is, our radio’s signal isn’t powerful enough, so we’re stuck.” Mayra explained.

“Hm, that does suck. Any way to get a stronger signal?” said Cassius. “There is, but it’s risky. We spotted a building near the center of the old city, and on top of it is an intact transmitter we can use to send a better signal. The problem is...”, “Let me guess, that city’s their nest.” Ashi finished for Mayra. “Sí, the whole place is crawling with them. By our estimates, what we faced just now was a third of the horde there. Not only would they outnumber us, but the buildings make it easy for them to ambush us. My unit would get torn to shreds if we step foot in there.” Mayra concluded.

Jack placed his hand over his chin, deep in thought. Just marching there would be suicide. They would need an approach that would draw out the Abominables and give himself and the others a vantage position to kill them. Then an idea stuck him. “Do you have aircraft and a survey map of the area.”, “Sí, we used our aircraft to map out the city ourselves, I’ll show you.” Mayra said back to Jack.

They laid out the map on the table, and Jack and Mayra used markers to diagram approaches. Mayra had circled the target building in red. “This is the target. While it’s not a trek to get there, all the surrounding buildings are good hiding places and drop points for the monsters. The main building itself has the most concentration, so we can’t just land near it to take the transmitter either. We need to secure a path to there.” Mayra surmised.

“Then before we approach there, we will need to target all these buildings first. I noticed you carried very destructive weapons earlier. Given how old these buildings are, an attack from the air may bring them down and force the monsters out. Do that, and we stand a chance clear a path.” Jack surmised.

“That’s right, why didn’t we think of that?! ‘Course, we can’t bring down the main building, and destroying the others will force some of them out rather than kill them, so we will have to force our way. We can use our aircraft for fire support, but it’ll be tough.” Mayra said grimly. “But not impossible. We will succeed.” Jack said back with stern determination.

…

           The preparations were made. After leaving Victor Raulson and a handful of troops to protect Rothchild and his family, the force had divided into two.  While Jack’s group and Mayra, leading her ground forces, would assault from the ground, the second force, travelling in 7 armed aerial carriers, would strike the buildings and force the Abominables out. To ensure they would not find refuge to strike again before they could be finished off, Jack’s group would catch them in the confusion. The most dangerous part was the main building, where they couldn’t force the advantage. They would just have to watch each other’s backs.

           Facing the setting sun that overlooked the decaying dead city, Jack crouched near the rubble, looking into the street. Beside him, Ashi and Cassius similarly kept their guards up for the ensuing fight. Agalia was there as well, but not in her regular attire, but in EXO-Armor. After so much begging that it felt preferable to fight the Abominables, Mayra finally caved in and agreed to let Agalia borrow a suit for the battle. She warned her though not to let it get destroyed, otherwise she was paying up 100,000 credits on the spot. Agalia got stiff then, but her rabid enthusiasm returned when she suited up. While everyone else was tense, she was smiling underneath her metal helmet.

           She wasn’t the only one clad in Exo-Armor. Behind them were a squad of armored soldiers from the Fellowship, led by Mayra and the squad’s Victor. A total of 4 squads took up different nearby ground positions, including theirs. They just needed to wait for the aerial strike.

           Suddenly roaring overhead, the seven aircraft vehicles propelled through the sky. They all got into position, aiming for the buildings. The Abominables began to notice, stirred from their restlessness to direct their agitation at the aircraft. Using internal communication links in her EXO-Armor, Mayra shouted, “NOW!”. With that, missiles rained from overhead, tumbling buildings into clouds of dust, rubble, and debris. Death cries could be heard, numerous Abominables suffering the impacts. Still, as expected, scores of them survived, now filling the street.

           “Attack! Don’t give them any chances to counterattack!” Mayra ordered. The squads charged in, taking different firing positions. Jack’s group followed suit, firing their guns. To avoid friendly fire, they didn’t use their blades, as it would risk getting caught in the crossfire. The Abominables that littered the street began to fall dead, till it was temporarily clear. “Quick, advance!” Mayra ordered. They all rushed into the street in organized formation. Ahead was the main building, and the aerial craft circled above, finishing off the nearby buildings. Aside from them and the collapsing buildings, the street was quiet. Too quiet.

           Everyone paused there and then. Jack stood there with his sword drawn in front of him and his pistol gripped in his left hand. He looked around, peering into the distance for any sign of the monsters. Everyone was doing the same, as Mayra and Victors signaled them to halt. Though they wore steel suits, beneath that the soldiers, and Jack’s group, were all sweating in the tension. For a moment, it was only silent tension.

           “TCHAAAA!”. An Abominable suddenly jumped from beneath the rubble towards Jack. Jack, sensing it in time, slashed it in half. But that wasn’t the only one. Emerging rapidly from the rubble and even from sewer lids from the street. “Mierda(Shit), their underneath! Air units, bomb the rubble area and then fire on their rear. Ground units, form up lines and take the front!”. The air units complied, dropping explosives down on the ruined areas. The explosions provided a violent background to an already violent scene. The squads covered each other’s backs, lined up in defensive formations to avoid being flanked or taken by the rear.

           They still had to defend the front, as dozens of Abominables assaulted their lines. The Followship Challengers did not break though, taking stern aim and shooting down the wall of monsters before them. Some got dangerously close, slashing at their armor, but each soldier looked after the other, shooting down the monsters that targeted any one of their group. They weren’t just going to let another comrade die today, not to those things.

           Jack’s group took the frontal approach, primarily cutting down the enemy to help give the troops some distance from the enemy. Jack and Ashi were back to back, with Ashi shooting down distant Abominables and Jack cutting to pieces any that got close. They could see Cassius using the same tactic from earlier, slashing and shooting to keep the monsters off him. He was being flanked though, Cassius gritting his teeth in frustration. Jack thought to break formation and help him, but Agalia beat him to it. Proudly showing off that Exo-Armor, she punched aside an Abominable that lunged Cassius, then hammered away several in one go.

           “You alright Cass?”, “Y-yeah, thanks for that. Hmph, you must like that armor.” Cassius said in relief. “You know it. This is awesome! Now check this!”. Agalia suddenly pulled from behind her armor’s weapon strap a large chain gun. On her own, she could never reasonably carry it into battle, due to its weight, but EXO-Armor changed that. The weapon spun up, and soon, ROAR! The chain gun practically did roar, a thick flood of bullets covering the battlefield and sent into the Abominables. All of them kept charging, attempting to overwhelm Agalia, but all that did was turn them to bloody pieces.

           Soon, the last Abominable in their area was cut down by Jack. He expected more, but was surprised there weren’t any near them. He turned back to see why. The reason was Agalia, standing proud in EXO-Armor, the chain gun still red hot and smoking. Cassius was just standing behind her, astonished, stupefied, and somewhat afraid. He might have said it before, but this girl really did mean business.

           “Hm, what’s wrong?” Agalia said, turning back to Cassius. “AHHH! Oh, um, nothing, nothing. Can, uh, you, uh, please, ahem, not point that at me. Thanks.” Cassius said, apprehensive when Agalia turned with the chain gun pointed at him. “Sheesh, better not piss her off.”, he thought to himself.

           The four of them turned back to the Fellowship. It looked like they were finished on their ends as well. Abominables could be seen from their distance, but not close enough or in numbers to threaten them. Mayra marched to Jack, having given orders to the soldiers. “Our target objective is just ahead. You four and my squad will go in, eliminate the hostiles, and secure the transmitter. The other squads are going to take up positions and prevent the other Abominables in the city from swarming the building. Understood?”.

           Jack and the others nodded, ready to finish this. “Then move out!” Mayra ordered. As they moved forward, before them was a spired building. Given the labeling, it looked like this place was a radio station of some kind, sending out broadcasts. Mayra lifted a massive mechanical foot and kicked the doors down. They were in the reception area, long old and abandoned. Right now, it was empty.

           “Fan out. They have to be here in this building. They’re waiting for us.” Mayra ordered. They did so, splitting into groups and heading into different hallways. Jack and Ashi went into one, covering each other’s back as they proceeded cautiously. Like the street, the hallway was too still, the Abominables had to have noticed them.

           Ashi noted that their instinct commanded them to either ambush, or rush and assault with unrelenting ferocity. She remembered how her mother trained her to fight as such, and though she gave up her assassin lifestyle, it was still there in some ways in how she fought. She now called on those instilled instincts, to anticipate how the monsters would attack. She pictured herself attacking the pair. How would it go? Beneath? No. To the sides. No, too expected. Above? Realization struck Ashi, knowing in close quarters, that would be the best approach here. Good thing she realized then.

           Ashi acted fast, grabbing by the throat the Abominable that tore through the ceiling just a second before it could kill Jack. It struggled frantically right before she stabbed it in the head, growing limp as blood flowed. “Hero Mayra Tadeo, we just encountered one Abominable. It seems they’re in the ceiling.” Ashi reported through a communicator. “Copy that. Challengers, stay alert in all directions, especially above. You hear or see something above, shoot. Just don’t bring the place down. Over.” Mayra said back, informing everyone over the channel.

           “You alright Jack?” Ashi asked. “Y-yes, I am most grateful. But, I must ask, how did you know before they would strike?” Jack asked. “Oh, that was easy. I, oh, um… I kind of imagined how I would go about killing us.” Ashi said awkwardly, knowing how terrible that sounded in words. “R-really? That is…a unique perspective, but very valuable, and you saved me all the same. I will keep that in mind.” Jack said, uncomfortable but understanding. It was a bit disturbing, but Ashi was simply recognizing the lethal approach of their enemies and used her own to anticipate how they would move. An enemy was not always going to attack the way expected. If anything, they would avoid that. Jack realized that he would need to look at things as Ashi did, what ways did his enemies see to kill him, not simply how he saw to defend himself.

           The two proceeded. Sure enough, handfuls of Abominables came down from the ceiling or out of the walls, but they were ready, cutting them apart. They could here gunfire and screeching, indicating the others found more as well. The pair proceeded up the stairs, cutting down more Abominables that came down from walls and upper stairs. They repeated as such for several floors, before they finally reached the top.

           “ Maldición(Damn it)! We’ve lost three Challengers getting up here! Damn cannibals will get it. This has got to be the place, so be ready.” Mayra ordered. Jack and the others nodded. Soon, they and the remaining four Fellowship soldiers went through the double doors. The room had communications equipment all strewn about. What was new was all the macabre additions. Corpses, too ravaged to turn into Abominables, were strewn about. Jack threatened to gag at the sight and the smells, for there was rotten flesh littered here and there. There were even devoured Abominable corpses, showing they would eat each other if hungry enough.  Before them was an Abominable, larger than the others and gripping a gun crudely. It licked its razor teeth, saliva dripping down.

“Humunzzz. Mmmm, we was gettingz hunguryzzz, and needzz new kinzz for tribe. Dizz guud, HAHAHAHAHA!”. Rothchild was right, the smart ones weren’t all that smart or articulate. His speech was incredibly flawed, his thinking crude. But they were smart enough to use weapons, and lead the Abominables into efficient packs that turned them into tribes. They made the monsters more dangerous as a whole. This one had to be the leader, and definitely needed to die before it led the tribe on more killings.

           Still, this leader was acting to confident considering he was surrounded. There had to be more, but where? Suddenly, something dripped on Jack’s head, not water, but saliva. Then he remembered and looked up. The others followed his gaze and saw the enemy. Dozens of ravenous Abominables looked down on them with piercing green eyes, jaws and tongues salivating for their meal. They only waited for the signal from their alpha.

           “FEEEEEDDDDD!”, shouted the leader. “GWAAAAAAHHH!”. The Abominables dropped, claws bared. Everyone began firing, needing to make enough free space to fight when they landed. Around nine were shot dead, but that still left close to two dozen, now surrounding them. The Abominables that landed charged. “Take positions! Don’t let them get on top of you!” Mayra ordered. It was too late for some though, as two units, a Challenger and the squad’s Victor, saw Abominables launch themselves at them. With unparalleled ferocity and strength, the elongated claws of the monsters pierced through the steel helmets and through their heads.

           They were so looking forward to feeding though, they didn’t notice the unpinned grenades in the soldiers’ hands. It had been decided before that if the Abominables seized a killing chance, the soldiers should set off hand grenades on themselves to take out the Abominables. It was horrible, but not as horrible, everyone agreed, as turning into one of those monsters.

           The explosions tore through a chunk of the monsters, and Jack saw a way to the leader. Silently mourning the warriors for their deaths, Jack made his way to the monster. “DIEEEE, pajammah man!”. The leader fired his assault rifle, but it wasn’t much different from a Cyber Trooper’s. Jack deflected the shots with ease, then jumped and cut the rifle with an overhead strike. He then followed with a horizontal cut, but the creature blocked with crossed arms. Jack was surprised, as his blade left only a flesh cut, and the mutant’s arms still remained.

           “Grrr, damnnn humunn, juzzt DIEEE!”. The Abominable pulled out from nearby a massive crushing sword, appropriate for his size, who was twice Jack’s. The monster brought down his sword, Jack leaping out of the way in time. It lunged again, swinging it’s sword this way and that. Jack could dodge easily enough, but going in for an attack was dangerous. He saw an opportunity and tried to cut the legs, but like the arms, it was only a mere flesh cut.

           “GAAHHH, juzzt be fooddd!”. The Abominable had enough, and brought down the blade with enough force to collapse the floor beneath Jack’s feet. Jack fell down on his back on the previous floor. He saw the leader charging downward with his sword, ready to skewer the Samurai. But just then, Ashi landed on top of the mutant, and without hesitation, stabbed him in the left eye.

           “RAGHHHHH!”. The Abominable, in sudden rage and pain, knocked Ashi off. She managed to land on her feet near Jack, her combat knife dripping in blood. Jack got back up, silently grateful but focused on their enemy. “Be careful, his flesh is thick and tough. My blade cannot land a fatal strike.” Jack said. “Then maybe we should think about it another way. I could stab his eye, so he’s not tough everywhere, so maybe…” realization then dawned on Ashi, and she pulled out the grenade that was given to her at the start of the mission. “If we can drop this in his mouth, it might kill him.” Ashi said with a confident smile. “Um, that might be a problem.” Jack said as he pointed back to the leader.

           The Abominable rose from his bought of pain, his hand bloodied from clutching where his left eye used to be. He stared at them with his now mutilated gaze, full of rage and bloodlust now rather than hunger. “Damnnn humunzz, you suppozzed to dieee, so dieee, dieee, DIEEEE!”.

The Abominable lifted his blade and charged, determined to rip them to shreds. “Try for an opening, I’ll distract him!” Jack said. Ashi nodded, going for the Abominable’s sides while Jack would face head on. The Abominable brought his blade down, but Jack jumped and landed on top of it.

           Running the length of the blade, Jack reached the other end and slashed at the massive mutant’s hands. It didn’t cut them off, but this cut was deeper than the others. The Abominable raised his clawed bleeding hands in pain. Despite the pain, that didn’t stop the leader from using his injured hands. He swiped back at the Samurai, who barely jumped back in time. The leader pursued, continuously swiping while Jack evaded each clawed strike. Soon, Jack was backed up to a wall, so now he blocked the leader’s claws with his sword.

           The leader was enraged that his attacks were being fended off with such a tiny piece of metal compared to him. Putting more power in one of his strikes, he knocked away Jack’s sword. Jack looked to go grab it, and that was his mistake. The massive Abominable pinned him to wall with his other hand and grabbed him. Lifted up, Jack met the face of the Abominable leader, his one eye gleaming in rage and returned hunger.

           The monster opened his mouth now, a foul stench that would make any less fortified person vomit. The monster brought Jack closer to his razor jaws, ready to enjoy his meal. But then, “GAHHHH!”. The  Abominable dropped Jack, bringing his hand to his other lost eye. But that wasn’t all, as mid scream, something fell in his mouth. The cause of both was Ashi, who got on the Abominable’s back during the fight and desperately tried for an opportunity when Jack was in danger. She stabbed his remaining eye as well as left another “parting gift”.

           Whatever it was, the leader just swallowed what was forced in his jaws. “Gahhh, that not tazzty.”. After that rudimentary comment, BOOM! His upper half exploded, leaving charred remains here and there and his lower half collapsed on the floor.

           Jack was breathing heavily with Ashi, both exasperated from what transpired and what nearly transpired. “S-sorry it took that long, but thing was thrashing everywhere. I could only get up there when he stopped, so…”, “It is fine, I knew you were doing everything possible, and I never doubted you. Though, perhaps we should avoid situations like that.” Jack said, making a half-joke about his situation of nearly being eaten. “Then don’t look so appetizing to monsters.” Ashi joked back. They both laughed lightly at that.

           “Hey! You guys okay down there?” shouted Agalia from the floor above. “Yes, we’re fine, how is everyone?” Jack asked. “Well, thanks to you, we had an easier time cleaning house when you distracted their leader. If he was there, it would’ve gone south. You really are something, Samurai.” Mayra said, appearing beside Agalia. Jack smiled, glad knowing they were all right. They lost a number of people, which saddened him, but they achieved what they set out to do. Picking up his sword, he turned back to Ashi. “Alright, you two, let’s get this transmitter back to base.” Mayra said in satisfaction.

…

           Jack awoke in the morning, feeling refreshed. Around him, Fellowship personnel and aircraft were moving about here and there. After the mission three days ago, Mayra had the recovered transmitter hooked up to their equipment. There were actually Fellowship forces not too far, responding they would arrive in a few days to help exterminate the Abominables and evacuate the civilians. He, Ashi, Cassius, and Agalia were now about to see off Rothchild and his family. The elderly dachshund turned to the Samurai and lowered his hat in gratitude with his children.

           “My good man, words cannot express my gratitude. I heard of your deeds to help the Fellowship secure this base and our means of escape. You’ve saved our lives, just as all these other fine heroes.” Rothchild said humbly. “Please, I was glad to help, do not concern yourself with such things.” Jack responded. “Nonsense. Do you think just anyone would or even could do what you did? Even when Mayra and her soldiers saved us, things looked grim, and we were afraid we brought our situation on them. But you came and helped us all, risked your lives to save ours. For that, we are grateful, and will document these deeds of yours so they won’t be forgotten.”.

Rothchild began to walk towards the Evac transport, then turned around troubled. “I say though, Sir Jack, are you sure we’ve never met before? After what you did, I feel as though it’s not the first time I’ve owed you my gratitude, that you’ve done similar deeds to help me before. No, I know it, but I can’t remember. For that, I owe my deepest apologies, it does me great regret to forget such a noble friend.”.

“Do not be troubled, my friend. Your kind words mean much, and however you may think we may have met, it does not change where we are now. I am glad to have been of help. I hope we will meet again.” Jack said as he bowed his head. “In truth, I should be grateful to you.”, Jack thought. In the last battle with Aku, many of Jack’s old friends had arrived to save him when all seemed lost. Among the voices he heard, one was Rothchild over a speaker, declaring they were there to rescue him. If it wasn’t for people like Rothchild, Jack wouldn’t even be alive now, this Aku-free time wouldn’t even exist. Truly, Jack’s gratitude couldn’t be measured.

The evac transport closed and took off, Jack waving it goodbye. Ashi stood beside him. She could guess what that was about. “Someone else from that time?”, “Yes, but while he recognized me, he did not remember. But even that much should be impossible, and you remember me completely. I am not ungrateful, but it’s puzzling. What could it mean?” Jack questioned. “I don’t know. All I do know is that time travel makes no sense.” Ashi stated, having thought about the odd circumstances more than he did.

“Huh? Time travel? What are you two talking about?” Cassius asked. “Forget it, a meat head like you wouldn’t understand.” Ashi said matter-of-factly. “Why I oughta…!”, “Okay, that’s enough. Let’s all keep our cool here.” Agalia said, diffusing the verbal fight between Ashi and Cassius. “You seem to be in good spirits.” Jack said to her. Agalia had a cheerful disposition, odd considering the harrowing experience a few days ago. “You bet! I had to give back the Exo-Armor, but they gave the schematics! I can’t wait to build one of these babies!” Agalia said with glee, holding the schematics in her hand.

“Speaking of them, let’s see Mayra and the Fellowship off before we go.” Ashi proposed. They nodded, and standing near the base was Mayra, overseeing personnel and giving out orders. She noticed them though, and went to speak to them. “Hola, thought you might not go with the Evac, since you got that car and all. I’m staying behind to finish operations here. We still need some salvage, plus we need to finish off the Abominables. Leave even one, and the whole thing can start all over again. But with all these forces here, I think they won’t be trouble. So, I guess you’re leaving?”.

“Yes, we still have quite the journey ahead.” Jack said. “So I’ve heard from the reports. The support that came in, they’ve told me about you. So, you’re a renegade, an enemy of the Magnus Protectorate, huh? You know, somehow, that title really doesn’t fit an honorable warrior like you. So, I’ve got a proposal. How would you like to join the Fellowship of Honor?”.

“I’m sorry?” Jack said, himself and the others startled. Here was a high ranked official of a chivalrous order granting a wanted criminal a position with them. Honestly, it was kind of out of nowhere. “A battle like that tests not only a person’s skills, but their character. I’ve seen yours. You fight for good, uphold your morals, and would never intentionally inflict malice. Those are uncommon qualities, the kind the Fellowship strives for. So, what do you say?”.

Jack stood there, a bit baffled by the recommendation. He was not used to praise for his actions, and now someone was making significant efforts on behalf of him simply doing what was right. Then his thoughts turned dark, remembering wrongs like killing the Daughters of Aku, the death of Marlun, and freeing the Blood Sparrows. How could he let such an order be tarnished by someone like him? Besides, he had a quest to complete.

“I am truly humbled by your words and offer, but I must decline. I have no doubt you uphold an honorable cause, for that you my support. But I am not as qualified as you believe, and I really must be on my quest.” Jack stated back. Mayra sighed. “Figures. But if you change your mind, just let us know, we’re not hard to find. Don’t know why you put yourself down like that, but whatever mistake it was, it’s not just the mistake itself that judges you, but how answer to that mistake. If you’re reflecting on it, that’s a good sign, believe me.”.

“I…thank you. I will remember your words.” Jack said. “Gracias, my abuelo told me that. He would love to meet you, I know. Well, at least let us send you with our salute. Fight with honor, Samurai Jack.”, “Fight with honor.” saluted the nearby Fellowship soldiers. This touched Jack, and he could only bow his head in appreciation.

Jack turned back to his smiling comrades. Together, they got back into the parked Odyssey, and he started the engines. “Nice bunch, a bit much. Still though, that was enough living nightmare for a lifetime, let’s not do it again.” said an exasperated Cassius. “Cass, when you’re with Jack, this kind of thing is usual.” Ashi retorted. “Great, this road trip just got a lot more fun.” Cassis said sarcastically as the Odyssey drove through the wasteland and back on to the highway road.

Author’s Notes: Well, this is a lot, huh? I wanted this to be world building chapter. It introduces a serious threat in Renegade Samurai’s world as well build up Jack’s growing circle of friends. And yes, I trid my hand action with a slight hint of horror, but I really can’t write scary. Well, that just means no one will abandon this story out of fear.

As I specified in the warning, this had quite a bit of inspiration from the Fallout videogame series, my most common one being Fallout 4. The Fellowship of Honor and the Abominables are inspired by the Brotherhood of Steel and the Super Mutants respectively. The Abominables were kind of their own thing though. I actually started thinking of a monster menace or plague for this world, I remembered I mentioned mutants before, then I drew inspiration from the Super Mutants, changed from the archetype into something more original and fitting, and presto!

The Fellowship of Honor though was definite BOS based. Basically, think the Brotherhood of Steel, except they’re not total jerks, but actual good people with actual honor, and virtues most can get behind. I made their focus honor in part to make them more compatible and agreeable with Jack and make it slightly more my thing. The EXO-Armor thing is definitely Power Armor, it’s just that cool, I want one! Think of them more techno than steampunk in this story though. It’s not like the story’s stuck in 1950s.

Also, the Abominables and Fellowship origins will have more connections to the main story later. Let’s just say Abominables weren’t just a freak genetic accident.

Rothchild actually came to mind in the middle of writing this. I needed an excuse to keep Jack and the Fellwship trapped there, and I’ve been bothered how I haven’t gotten to other SJ characters yet, so while I thought of how to explain the Abominables’ history I thought, “Why not let Rothchild do it?”. It even gave me an idea to suggest how Ashi remembers Jack when she was born into the new timeline, with Rothchild feeling Jack is familiar. That kind of thing will happen to a lot of SJ characters Jack met, and at a certain point, it will be explained. Let’s just say time travel in Renegade Samurai has lingering effects.

Lastly, where this story’s going. We’re close to the finale for Arc 1, which I’ve got a shocking end for, at least if I do it right. When I say Arc, you might be panicking. Don’t worrying, I’ve got a vague sort of ending for the whole story, but it will take 3 Arcs to get there. By Arc 1’s end, you’re going to get a sense of Magnus’s master plan (that is fun to say!) which will be fully revealed in Arc 2. But for next chapter, one last builder for the arc, Jack will face an Inquisitor who follows revived bushido customs, and it will cause Jack to question himself again. This is to help lead into the finale. I’m also foreshadowing a fan favorite character from the show, you know who I mean. The Arc 1 finale will follow three chapters as well, I hope you like it.

Oh, one last thing, Mayra. I hope you enjoyed her instead of hated her. I wanted to make Renegade Samurai more diverse, not just have every person Jack meets be white. Before you suggest I’m phobic whites, know that I’m a white male, okay? Just trying to be expansive is all. I decided to make Mayra Hispanic-Latino, which you probably picked from her face description and language use. I decided to include the Spanish word here and there to make her racial background more, how shall I say, authentic, believable, something? But like I said, I’m white, and I don’t get out much (sarcastic gasp). So, if you thought it was lame or even offensive, I apologize. She was really intended as a strong diverse character.

If you have anything to say about Mayra, the chapter, or the story in general, please leave a like, comment, or review if you want. Thank you!

[psychicdan]

As Jack, Ashi, and their new companion travel across Magnus's domain, they are ambushed by the forces of the Magnus Protectorate. They are soon helped by a young able mechanic, who requests their help to save her friends. But to do so, Jack must face the Inquisitor there, a new lethal adversary who is a...death metal artist?

Samurai Jack: Renegade Samurai

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes

Warning:

The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, nor intended to copy others’ work. Samurai Jack is the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, his team and affiliated studios and companies. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not profit.

Chapter VII: Mechanics and Death Metal

           Within the steel, towering Citadel that overlooked the grand Capital city of Novas Sanctum, the Lord Protector, Magnus, sat on his throne with his hand over his face in dismay. “So then, we lost Inquisitor Maxil?” he asked his closest aide Xander. “It would seem so, Lord Protector. His last report showed him closing in on Samurai Jack, and all communication from him and his troops vanished. We investigated Havenground, but found nothing conclusive, not even their remains.” Xander reported.

           Magnus sighed, saying “I figured as much. I could feel his presence vanish, which could only mean either the ward I placed on him was removed or he died.”. As part of each 1st Class Inquisitor’s vow to the Lord Protector, he placed wards on each of them, so that he could feel both their life force and loyalty to him. It was by no means a tracker, nor did it technically shackle their free will. But, if they died in service to him or their loyalty ever sway, he would know. As a result, if it was the second, then they would wish they were dead instead. That was how he kept his most powerful in check.

           “Well, Maxil was hardly the strongest of our Inquisitors. He was always too eager to improve his standing. But to lose such an accomplished soldier is unacceptable. It damages our morale, troubles the people, and is a damn insult to us all. Xander, who is the nearest 1st Class Inquisitor to the Samurai’s last spotted location?” Magnus inquired.

           Xander was streaming through the device’s reports, filtering through suspect data and military personnel information. “Let’s see, based on his last suspected sighting, the Samurai is likely in Sector E8, seen leaving with the defector Ashi from one of our settlements before Cyber Troopers arrived. Strange, the reports indicate a third person in a leather coat there with them.” he reported, a bit baffled.

           “Ignore it, Xander. Whoever it is can’t be important, probably just another dumbass over his head like Jack, but remember who the targets are.” Magnus stated. “Sorry, I’ll just list him as an accomplice and leave it at that. Now, from our listed personnel in that Sector, the nearest 1st Class in the area is…uhh, ohhh, umm…” Xander said with discomfort and pause. His face was cramped up, like he was eating a stale expired fruit cake.

           “Well, come on Xander, spit it out, we don’t have all day!” Magnus shouted, impatient for results. Xander gave a long sigh, knowing neither he nor the Lord Protector would like the response. “Inquisitor… Dreadskull, Lord Protector”. Magnus gave a long, audible groan as he facepalmed with both hands, already having a migraine hit him with that name. “You’ve got to be SHITTING ME! That dumbass?! UGGH! Of all 11 remaining Inquisitors, why HIM?! Why did we even let him change his name to that?!”.

           “He does get some results in, and before you approved him, he was quite competent as a 3rd and 2nd Class.” Xander countered. “And ever since then, I knew I made a mistake and he must have cheated his way somehow! The only reason he’s still where he is that power of his is somewhat useful. Otherwise, I would have dumped him on the streets and let him be someone else’s headache! God, what is he even doing there anyways?” Magnus lamented, feeling like his migraine was turning into a tumor just from thinking about it.

“According to the logs, he is reportedly on recruitment drive. But, the personnel we placed with him state he is doing so by having another one of his… concerts.” Xander said, feeling awkward from the unprofessional details. “Of course, he’s still plaguing the world with that trash he calls music. He must be tone deaf to not know how terrible he makes it. Great, I give him a real job, and instead he’s jerking off to that stupid guitar of his!” Magnus vented.

Magnus’s rage over this particular Inquisitor, in part, comes from a rather traumatic past experience. The Inquisitor in question had tried to hold one of his “concerts” in the main hall of the Citadel. The ensuing noise rocked the whole facility, and Magnus himself stampeded down to the area, unable to take another second. He destroyed all the equipment and threw the Inquisitor out on his ass, not removing his position, but the Lord Protector threatened if he pulled another stunt like that in the Citadel ever again, he was next on the execution list. Needless to say, that Inquisitor’s name alone pissed Magnus off to no end.

“Well, I don’t refuse that power gives him the advantage. Maybe he’ll blast the Samurai’s brains out or something with that trash. Or maybe I’ll get lucky and they’ll just kill each other.” Magnus mused. He knew he just said how bad it was to lose an Inquisitor, but he would be quite pleased to let this one go and take out the Renegade Samurai in the process. “All right, you handle informing him Xander. I want the renegades to suffer under that damn dumbass, not me.”.

…

A pair of motorcycles rode through the late day, the sun setting over the conifer treed area. Aside from these vehicles, the road, and of course the perpetual sign of occasional war wreckage, there was only nature to be seen. Jack, though he still had his eyes focused on the road, appreciated the sights and sounds of the trees and birds with a smile. Behind him, Ashi shared a similar expression, taking in the atmosphere as they drove on. “Wow, look at it all.” she said with a hint of wonder.

In the previous timeline, these natural landscapes were rare, as Aku had reduced many forests and other natural wonders to hopeless wastelands, one such sight being Jack’s proof of Aku’s true nature to Ashi. She had seen some vestiges of nature when searching for Jack, but they were a bit sparse and she had no time to gaze. In Jack’s time, when nature was almost untouched, it was as though she were living a dream, beholding unattainable majesty. When she had vanished and gained a new life in this new future, she had been confined to the steel walls of the Inner Sanctum, only knowing of nature thanks to her dreams and returned memories of the previous timeline with Jack.

Now that she had freed herself again from all that, she had witnessed with Jack the scenery of this world. It was honestly somewhere between Jack’s time and Aku’s time, but not really like either. Civilization was larger and more obstructive of nature than the people of Jack’s time, but there was still nature surrounding the cities at least, even plants within them, something Aku’s cities never had. There were no charred and barren wastelands like the demon’s world, at least as far as they knew, but that didn’t mean there were no scars.

Everywhere they went, reminders of the Near End War could be seen. Craters, skeletons, and war machine monoliths were scattered in every region, some sparse, others vastly littered, but it was never hard to find the remains of a battle. But, while this clearly ravaged the land in the past, nature was showing signs of revival, as only some battle areas remained partially barren and the area surrounding them lively again. Some battle sights were even returning to nature, with fauna and other plant life covering the war remains.

This forest was one such area, as the trees were rarely disrupted with the sight of a derelict monolith and continuing for miles. Instead of a battlefield, the swaying pine and leaf trees and passive wild life gave off a peaceful vibe, the kind only nature afforded.

“Even in the aftermath of such terrible strife and destruction, life flourishes and blooms.” Jack said in passive awe. He had seen many astounding sights, but none would amaze him more than the testament of nature itself. He felt Ashi tighten around his back, and Jack turned his head to see Ashi right beside his. He blushed as he smiled, as did she. “HEY! Lovebirds, eyes on the road!”.

Jack and Ashi broke sights in sheer embarrassment from that callout, not sure how to stare at each other. While Jack turned back to look at the road with an awkward discomfort, Ashi turned to look very upset at the one who ruined the moment.

“Will you shut it already!” she screamed across the road. Cassius, who was driving the other motorcycle behind, shrugged. “Dunno, depends on how many times you keep getting starlight in each other’s eyes. There’s a time and place for that you know. Maybe we wouldn’t have gotten caught by that patrol earlier if you saved that for later.”. “Maybe we wouldn’t have gotten caught if you did your job and kept watch while we got supplies! I saw you, you were definitely taking a nap!” Ashi retorted. “I-I wasn’t. I was keeping a low profile, something you two need to learn.” Cassius said a bit suddenly. “Right, low profile. That snoring was a great signal by the way.” Ashi said sarcastically. Jack sighed in response, knowing he had to get accustomed to this. He thought that he and Ashi had a rough start, at least Aku’s doctrine was responsible for most of the physical and verbal violence then. Ashi’s upfront personality and Cassius’s dismissive attitude had been at complete odds since they met. Honestly, Jack was wondering if they were going to kill each other before Magnus got the chance.  

As though in response to that thought, the roar of engines similar to their own rumbled from behind. Jack looked behind to see five motorcycles of grey and black aesthetic, each armed with dual machine guns like his, and mounting each were Cyber Troopers. “Samurai Jack, in the name of the Lord Protector and our commanding Inquisitor, you will stand down or be terminated!” shouted one on a mechanized speaker then. “Oh great, look what you did! The bucket heads are on our six now!”. “Because you slept on the job!”.

Jack was not willing to obey the Cyber Troopers. nor deal with this heated argument. So, he sharply turned and swerved his motorcycle without losing too much speed, sending him into the opposite direction towards the pursuit. He held out his sword, and as he came near one of the Protectorate cycles, slashed across it in one clean hit. For a split second, nothing happened, then the Protectorate cycle came undone in two pieces as they, and the Cyber Trooper, got caught in a fiery explosion.

The other motorcycles tried to swerve in their direction, but they had forgotten Cassius, which was a fatal mistake. He readied and aimed his laser revolver, blowing the head off one Cyber Trooped and making the cycle crash. His would share the same fate though. as an upcoming Protectorate cycle shot up the motorcycle and tires, making it grow unstable. Cassius barely jumped off in time before the veering motorcycle came to a crash. He turned to face the Protectorate cycle about to run him over, till it received machine gun fire in return. He looked in the direction to see Jack using his own mounted machine guns to shoot up the opposing cycle, causing that one to explode to. Another one behind them tried to use that tactic as they closely fired behind. Ashi took the initiative, bringing out her SMG and firing at the cycle. It would be difficult to inflict fatal shots on the driver, so she aimed at the cycle and tires instead. Damage in the right spots caused the cycle to swerve and speed up uncontrollably. Suddenly, it was on a collision course for Jack’s cycle. “JUMP!” he shouted. The pair did so, seeing from the air their cycle colliding with the Protectorate one, as they both crashed into a wall of trees and explode.

The pair landed on the road, then turned up to see the last Protectorate motorcycle zeroing in on them. Jack stood there with his sword readied, waiting for the right moment. Finally, the cycle got in firing range and engaged. Jack jumped right before the gunfire reached him, somersaulting over the ground to the enemy cycle. The Cyber Trooper was startled see the incoming Samurai rapidly approach him as Jack slashed with his sword using his own momentum, bisecting the Cyber Trooper and part of the cycle as they crashed thereafter. Jack landed gracefully in the aftermath of the following explosion, his sword dripping with blood.

He was about to cleanse and sheath his sword, until he heard the sound of rolling steel coming their way. Ashi and Cassius returned to his sides, and soon thereafter, driving up the road was an armored Protectorate tank of sorts. The tank closed in with machine guns and cannon pointed at the trio. All three had tense expressions as they readied their weapons. Though they faced worse odds, this would be an intense fight. Or it was going to be, till all three saw an overhead missile shoot straight for the tank. It collided with the armored tank, turning it into a ball of fire and shrapnel, leaving a crater on the road with only flaming, blackened metal wreckage in its wake.

The trio stared at the sight dumbfounded for a second, then looked towards the source of the missile. Driving towards them was another armored vehicle. But this one was not Protectorate, in fact it was far from professional. It was all mismatched parts and makeshift composition, as though it was assembled from junk parts. Jack recognized the various parts were similar to the old war wreckage, surmising it was all likely made from salvage. The armored vehicle approached them and stopped, but did not give off hostile intent.

A brief moment later, the hatch opened, and from that, a young girl emerged. She appeared to be the same age as Cassius, a young adult in very early 20s. She had brown eyes and dark blue hair. Aside from the strangely naturality of the color to it, her hair was in tuffs to the sides, the rest in a ponytail that reached down as far as her neck. Her skin was white, but more brightly colored compared to Cassius’s somewhat pale skin. Her complexion was clean and youthful, only marred by smudges here and there. Her attire and vehicle hinted why. She wore a red mechanic jacket over a faded brown shirt, both seeing some wear. Bellow that she wore pocketed black denim shorts that reached down to her knees. Below that, she wore faded yellow worker boots, clearly worn yet durable. She was of similar height to Ashi, but their clothing was very different, Ashi’s tight so that she could move quietly and quickly, and this person garbed in looser clothing for comfort.

Their rescuer spoke then. “Hey, you alright? Well, yeah, you’re alright I guess, but that’s just what you ask with this situation and all. Oh dear, um, uh, you got a ride out of here?” she asked on the fly. She didn’t seem shy so much as bashful, as it seemed she just blurted out what she said and felt only a bit self-conscious. Given the situation though, conversation would be awkward. The three looked to their motorcycles which were now flaming scrap parts. “I’m…afraid not.” Jack said a bit awkwardly and troubled. “Yeah, thanks to someone getting their attention.” Cassius said a bit callously, Ashi once again glaring at him for that remark.

“What’s his problem?” the girl asked. “Ignore him, he’s stupid and inconsiderate.” Ashi said without looking at the insulted Cassius. “Ah, gotcha. Well, how about you hitch a ride? The cyber bastards have a base not too far, so those patrols are regular. I can take you to my place till we get you sorted out.”. Jack, Ashi, and Cassius looked at each other. With Ashi nodding and Cassius giving a reluctant shrug, Jack turned to the girl. “Thank you very much, for both saving us and helping us further, miss…uh…”, “Agalia, but cut the miss, thanks.” the girl said with a smile.

…

As the sun began setting over the forested area, the makeshift armored vehicle approached a junkyard of sorts. Jack was a bit puzzled as to why they were headed there, but then he noticed some of the massed salvage resembled buildings like a home and garage. When they entered, he recognized most of it as the same derelict war remains that constantly dotted the landscape. Then they entered and parked in the sizable garage, where a few other machines, some covered, lie in wait.

           The garage, like the junkyard, was far from tidy, with junk parts, tools, and fluid cans strewn all over the floor. The walls were covered in schematic designs and tool racks, giving not much space there either. “Uh, sorry, not used to house guests.”. Agalia said. “It… speaks great character.” Jack said a bit awkwardly. “This place is a dump.”, “Cass!” Ashi said with disapproval. “Yeah, but it’s my dump. Well, me and my aunt’s. It’s almost suppertime, come on!” she said with energy as she led them from the garage and into the living area. Though this building was made partly from salvage too, all the various furniture and decorations gave off a family vibe.  They could hear sounds and smell tantalizing scents from a lit room nearby.

In there was the kitchen, with an older woman, likely in her 50s, with short braided graying hair and garbed in similar mechanics clothing. She was tending over a stew pot when she looked up. “Agalia, where the hell have you been?! I’m here making dinner, then you disappear and, for all I know, went to cause a row with the soldiers again! You know it’s not good going out there!” Agalia’s aunt chastised. “Heh, sorry Boss. Maybe I did get into a scrap, but it was to help these guys, see?” Agalia said as she gestured to Jack’s group.

Her aunt gazed at them as though analyzing a trinket to see what it was worth. “Hm, well aren’t you an odd lot? Not hard to figure out why you might get into a snag with the bucket heads, but like I care, just don’t bring ‘em here. Oh, and sorry for having you put up with my trigger-fingered niece here.” Agalia’s aunt said as she turned a criticizing glance to said niece. Agalia tried to laugh it off, albeit uncomfortably.

“Ahahaha, well, this here is my aunt Andrea, but myself and everyone else who works in the junkyard calls her Boss. That’s about a third of the settlement some ways from here, so the name spread, now everyone calls her that.” Agalia explained. “Great, had to remind me. Why is everyone there a bunch of idiots?” Andrea dismayed. “You’re good at keeping everyone on track, even help the farmers and wildlife workers, remember?” Agalia explained. “Hmph, that reminds me, why am I doing everything around here?! Agalia, stop fooling around and help me! We’ve got a meal of 5 to get ready, so help me out! You three, the soup will be ready soon, so find the dining table and sit down till it’s ready, alright?” she said with a bit of sternness. Jack, Ashi, and Cassius found themselves unable to counter to an offer like that, so Jack simply said, “Thank you.” a bit awkwardly as they did as she told them. Soon, Andrea and Agalia came in, with Andrea setting the table and Agalia pouring out the heavy pot of soup. They all sat down and began to eat.

As they enjoyed the nicely made soup, Ashi began to inquire. “So, Agalia, you and your aunt bot live and work here?” she asked. “Yep, it’s only the two of us that live here. Everyone else who works here in the day lives in the settlement. Most people either salvage, work in farms, or tend to the wildlife. This place used to be a battle sight in the war, but the land was still fair afterwards, so it recovered well in those reforestation and recovery efforts that are still going on I hear. That’s what wildlife workers used to do, now they just make sure we don’t ruin the forest. As for us, we salvage and clean up all that war junk. It was just the cleanup at first, I hear, but now we make some good revenues by salvaging it and selling what we can. Course, we can’t rebuild those weapons, for, well, obvious reasons.” Agalia explained.

“Hold on, if that wasn’t a weapon, then what do you call it? A stroller?” Cassius asked with scepticism. Agalia became awkward at that, and Andrea spoke, if only to criticize her niece rather than explain. “Like I said, this here niece of mine is a trigger-fingered pain in the ass. She’s held a real grudge against the Protectorate for years, and now she keeps turning scrap into anything that shoots or goes boom! I kept trying to scrap it back to junk, but she just rebuilds everything in secret, so I stopped trying. Now I just keep her away from them by having her focus on the job, which apparently someone needs to learn.”.

“Did the Protectorate wrong you in some way?” Jack asked Agalia with a serious glance. Suddenly, Agalia’s cheerful and bashful nature vanished, as she now looked down with a somber gaze. Jack realized then that he must have inquired into something too personal, and tried to apologize. “I-I am sorry, I did not mean to…”, “I-it isn’t all complicated, I just hat those sons-of-bitches is all! I mean seriously, they started a fight with you on the road, I saw, and you don’t know how they’ve been acting lately. They keep harassing everyone, usually about raising the tax, or reminding us to be grateful to Magnus, yadda, yadda, yadda.” Agalia explained as she tried to defuse the oppressive atmosphere.

“The worst part though is the drafting. Those bucket heads apparently don’t get enough recruits. Heh, that’s surprising, considering their charming manners. So, they sometimes make an announcement that they need “fine, able recruits” to fill out their ranks. Not many volunteers then, probably because being turned into a cyborg doesn’t sound great. So, they sometimes just grab you right then and there. Heck, they barge into your home and take your family sometimes too.” Agalia said with bitterness.

“That’s enough, they only do that when the Sectors need more patrols, and it’s not like it’s all dangerous, so long as you’re not shooting them. Most join up without complaint, remember?” Andrea explained, trying to calm her niece. “They’ve been acting like jackasses! Hell, I hear that guy in charge of the base has been using some weird marketing tactic to get more recruits, how is that not bad?!” Agalia retorted. “That’s just one idiot, don’t let that get to you. This will all be over soon, alright? So stuff your gripes, I won’t have it!” Andrea shouted to finish this family argument. They all returned to eating the soup, Andrea and Agalia rather bitter about it, while Jack, Ashi, and Cassius were rather awkward as they ate following that heated conversation.

As they nearly finished, a loud banging came from the front door. They all got up and went to the door, as they were alarmed by the urgency. When opened, a young worker straggled in, out of breath. “B-boss! Agalia! We’ve got trouble!” he panted out with his breath. “Whoa, slow down, what happened?” Andrea asked with clear seriousness. The worker collected his thoughts and his breath as he recounted. “There were rumors going around that some huge music artist was touring in the area, and that got a lot of the young workers in the settlement excited. Some of the guys asked if I wanted to go with them, but I said I wasn’t interested. When I saw them off in those busses though, I saw some Cyber Troopers off to the distance, and the busses took off for their base! I think this is that recruitment scam thing that’s been going on!” the worker said with great fear.

Apprehension seized Agalia, as most of those people were peers and co-workers her own age, her friends. She stormed off then to the garage. “A-Agalia, what do you think you’re doing?!” Andrea screamed after her as they all followed. Agalia moved a schematic paper and pressed button beneath. Suddenly, the wall flipped, revealing a whole weapon rack of various makeshift tools of destruction. “Damn, this girl means business.” Cassius said with both astonishment and appreciation.

           Agalia began strapping on the various guns to her person and then loading what she couldn’t on to the armored vehicle. “Oh no, you are not going to go start a gun fight! It doesn’t matter if you bring bigger guns, they got a lot more guns and people there. I am not having my dumbass niece kill herself!” Andrea shouted as she moved to stop her. “Don’t worry, she’s not going this alone.” Cassius said as she stood by Agalia, Agalia herself being surprised by this. Jack and Ashi were similarly surprised, as it seemed Cassius was the type to follow others initiative rather than his own.

“Hey Jack, we are doing something about this right? I mean, we’re not about to let them pull this kind of shit, right?” Cassius said, a clear invitation for some assistance. Jack and Ashi understood, knowing that they would have helped anyways. “Don’t worry, Agalia, we’re going to stop them and get your fiends back.” Ashi said with resolve. “Y-you guys…” Agalia said, a bit shocked to receive support in her recklessness. Jack turned to bow his head to Andrea. “We are so very sorry for our imposition, but we would like to assist your niece in her endeavor. Please, we promise we will see to her safety and return her friends safely as well.” Jack promised.

Andrea gave a long sigh. “Honestly, I knew I couldn’t stop that dumbass, even if I dragged on her feet. I thought an old lady like myself would have to march there myself and take a shot for her. Well, you three look like you can handle yourselves well, so make sure that pain-in-the-ass comes back in one piece, you hear?”. Jack nodded with affirmation, promising not to let anything happen to her niece. “B-boss…” Agalia said, absolutely stunned by her aunt’s acceptance. “I keep putting up with the Protectorate, telling myself they got their reasons and such, and honestly, not many are that bad. But whoever’s running the show there really has his head up his ass, and messed with my employees. I’m going to be frank, go kick ass, Agalia.” Andrea said with a fierce smile. Agalia nodded back with a similar smile.

Soon enough, all four helped to pack up the armored vehicle. When they were done, Agalia turned back to Andrea. “I’ll be back with everyone, Boss.”, “You better, how’s a person my age supposed to handle all this heavy lifting?!”. They both laughed, and Agalia turned back to Jack and the rest. “Are you ready?” Jack asked. “Yeah, let’s go.”.

…

The armored vehicle drove through the evening-skied forest, with the stars beginning to replace the set sun. In the distance, Jack’s group could see a lit-up clearing which came into focus as they got closer. They were surprised by what they saw though.

“Wait, that’s a base? Why is it all out in the open like that? Where are all the walls and stuff?” Ashi asked with bewilderment. The Protectorate “base” up ahead had to be the place, as the tracks led there and the busses could be seen, but it was hardly fortified. In fact, it looked like a stadium of some sort, with a wide-open field in the middle of rounded walls with seats in them. The lights strangely didn’t look outward to search, but shone on the area inside. There was a stage in front of the clearing to, and it looked like people were gathering in the field before it. The whole place looked like it was constructed on the go. There were Protectorate vehicles and provisional buildings nearby, but that was more of an additional encampment. What strategic purpose did this strange building serve?

“The rumor was something about a music artist touring through here. Maybe they set this all up to make the scam look convincing or something?” Cassius suggested as he scratched his head. For a drafting scam, this was going rather convincingly far, unnecessarily so, in fact. It had to be drafting, since the Magnus Protectorate was involved. They weren’t exactly patrons of the free arts, so there was no way they were sponsoring a music artist. Jack was a bit baffled as well, but he kept his guard up. This reminded him of the other timeline, where a servant of Aku used rave music altered by Aku’s dark magic to enslave youths to do his bidding. This all looked too familiar to that.

Beside him, Agalia was gripping some makeshift tool weapon. She explained earlier that it was something she made herself for both work and self-defense. On one end of the rod-like tool was something that could be interchanged with various tool ends like wrenches, screwdrivers, blowtorches, etc. Right now, she had a hammer affixed for fighting. The other end had a makeshift shotgun. She carried other firearms on her, but she said this was a personal favorite. She looked down at the stage area, undeterred by the bizarreness of it all and ready to take action.

Jack returned his gaze to the view, knowing now was the time. “Let’s go” he said. The vehicle drove down to the stadium entrance. Strangely, no Cyber Troopers could be seen, and the entrance was open. However, they couldn’t drive the vehicle through. Jack and company exited the vehicle and entered the stadium, cautiously watching out in each direction. Before them was the crowd, dressed up in a strange style. They wore all black clothing, some in tatters and some with strange diagrams like skulls and other gothic elements. Their accessories were like so as well, such metal armbands, chain necklaces and such. It probably had something to do with the theme of whatever music event they were expecting.

Suddenly, the lights went out, then centered on the stage. Smoke was gathering there, and then, BAM!, an explosion effect triggered there, and standing at the center of it all was a man with a guitar. He was tall and well-toned, but that was hardly most characteristic of him. He had long silver dyed hair and a face painted like a skull. His clothing and attire were similar to the crowd, but if analyzed, it could be seen his gothic style was also Protectorate themed, if only barely with the gray and black aesthetic.

Specifically, he was shirtless with only a grey, torn up open jacket on his top and wearing a spiked choker across his neck. Across his body were tattoos, such as a flaming skull on the front. On his right shoulder was the Magnus Protectorate shield and saluting figure insignia tattooed there as well, indicating he may, somehow, be affiliated with that group. He wore torn black leather pants and spiked leather shoes.

The man jumped over to the mike and began to yell into it. “YOOO, how is everybody?! Are you ready to ROCK?! Are you ready to party you souls to HELL?!”, “YEAHHHH!” the crowd cheered. “Alright, then get ready to tear up the ground, while I, INQUISITOR DREADSKULL, lay down some sick beats!” the Inquisitor yelled on. Suddenly he gripped his guitar, and using his pick, he started playing. Suddenly, two flaming skeleton figures appeared beside him and started playing bass and drums. Then the mix of guitar and drum noises kicked up in cacophonous manner.

“Stay down, stay low, for here come the armies of hell! Ravage savages, killer criminals, and all manners death bringer! You stay down, you stay low, wondering when the end will come. Suddenly you see him, you cheer him, and all the monsters cry before him! MAGNUS! Our Lord Protector! MAGNUS! Our savior and ruler!” Dreadskull sang on. His lyrics, sang in a mix of long guttural speech and high-pitched screeching, kept yelling about hell, monsters, and of course Magnus propaganda.

Apparently, no one liked it, as everyone, including Jack’s company, was kneeling down and covering their ears from the poor guitar playing, banging drums, and screaming that was going on. Jack tried to think through the pain, wondering how Magnus allowed anyone to sing this badly about him. “GAHH, what is this?!” Ashi screamed. “UGHHH, it’s death metal! Really shitty death metal though!” Cassius screamed back. Suddenly, the music stopped abruptly with a static pause.

“HEY, I heard that! Which one of you shitheads said my beats were shit?!” Dreadskull screamed. “BOOOO!” the whole cried out. “You suck!”, “Get off the stage!”, “This is shit!” were the various remarks people in the crowd were making. Dreadskull looked very upset, his ego unwilling to take any form of criticism. As far as he was concerned, he was a death metal god.

“Alright, that’s it! I wanted to invite you back country bumpkins to the Magnus Protectorate nicely and treat you to the best damn concert of your lives, but it seems no one in the sticks has taste! So guess what, I’m just drafting you all on the spot! Troops, be bros and put all these damn ingrates on the busses!” Dreadskull screamed out. Suddenly, the exit slammed shut, and from the stadium walls, Cyber Troopers stormed in with restraints. The crowd tried to run away, but they saw there was no way out. People at the edge screamed as the Troopers began to raise their weapons.

Suddenly, one of the Cyber Troopers cried out in death as a hammer slammed through their helmet. Agalia lifted her blood-soaked weapon from the corpse and looked at the enemy with resolve. The Cyber Troopers all prepared to fire, but then Jack, Ashi, and Cassius moved in cutting down the surprised Cyber Troopers who fought in vain. The company of four turned to look at Dreasdskull then, who looked surprise till he smiled with realization.

“Well, if it isn’t Samurai Jack, the Renegade Samurai who’s been stirring shit up. I gotta say, you really screwed with the wrong crowd. After what you did to Maxil, my main man the Lord Protector called me and told me to kick your ass! Well, he said to kill you, but you get the point! You really must have pissed him off. But to think you would have strolled right into my concert. Did you want my autograph, because I respect people who would die for it you know?” the Inquisitor gloated. Jack narrowed his eyes. This person acted in ridiculous manner, but something told him that this person was dangerous.

“Anyways, like I was saying, I was here doing my recruitment drive, inviting people to the cause with my sick beats, and then the Lord Protector tells me you’re passing through and to eliminate you at all cost. I was planning a road block concert or something, but you actually came here! Man, this is great! Maybe the Lord Protector will be a bro and let me do that apology concert in the Citadel for this!” Dreadskull mused on. He conveniently left out that it was Xander who told him as an acting proxy, not Magnus himself. He seemed to take Magnus’s threat of execution not all that seriously.

“Shut it! First, we’re gonna kick your ass for tricking all my friends here and trying to kidnap them! And second, you really suck at guitar and talk too much, you know that?!” Agalia screamed at him. Dreadskull scowled at that, then smirked in confidence. “Oh, you’re dead wrong about that, bitch! Let me show you how killer I am with this baby!”.

Dreadskull started thrashing on the guitar again. The ephemeral skeletons that played drum and base, who had vanished earlier, reappeared and started playing again. They weren’t alone though. Suddenly, a whole horde of ephemeral skeletons, dressed in gothic fashion similar to Dreadskull, manifested in front of Jack and the others.

“Oh, almost forgot. Troops, my bros, get started on that laser lightshow, like we rehearsed!” Dreadskull commanded. Suddenly, from the tops of the walls Cyber Troopers emerged in firing positions. Rather than bullet based firearms, they seemed to be using laser weapons, obviously a theatric Dreadskull was going for. “Shit, more of them. Looks like this guy’s an Inquisitor for a reason, at least one.” Cassius said as he stared from the overhead soldiers to the skeletal horde.

It was a ridiculous gimmick, but all four of them realized how deadly it was. Suddenly, the music intensified, and the horde charged and the troops fired. Jack and Ashi engaged the front charge, slashing at the skeletons who vanished with each hit, but more manifested from the rear to take their place. Cassius aimed at the overhead soldiers with his laser revolver, but it took time, and he only managed to shoot two before the horde forced him to defend with his cybernetic photon sword.

Agalia hammered at the coming skeletons, smashing them to bone bits before they vanished. She fired with the shot gun end, blowing back several in a line with each shot. But this fighting style did not help much against overwhelming numbers, and soon she was surrounded. As she stares at the flaming ephemeral skeletons, teeth gritted, she prepared for the onslaught when suddenly an unusual sword from behind them cut them up.

Running over the vanishing skeletal remains was Cassius, who looked a bit ragged and torn, but no worse for wear. “We should follow their lead and watch each other’s backs.” he said as he gestured to Jack and Ashi, who were keeping the skeletons from getting in each other’s quarters. Cassius and Agalia followed suit, cutting down skeletons that approached and keeping each other’s space from the enemy. However, that was starting to wear on all of them, and it did not help that they needed to dodge and block the laser fire from overhead.

“(Huffs) We’re getting run ragged here, and that damn music is getting on my nerves!” Cassius vented. “I got an idea, but first we need to take care of the bucket heads! Can you cover me for a bit?” Agalia asked. Cassius nodded, not sure what trick she had up her sleeve, but willing to trust it. As he fended off the skeletons from her, Agalia drew out some sort of control tablet and started giving inputs. Her specialty was mechanics, but she also knew some things about electronics too. She was glad she implemented this.

Outside the stadium, the armored vehicle Jack’s company drove in started up. Agalia could see a display of what the vehicles sights were, and started directing it to get in motion. Outside, it aimed its main weapon, then fired a missile. The troops were so focused on the stadium grounds, they never saw the missile or explosion that blew them and the portion of the wall off. Dreadskull and the troops were surprised, wondering where that fire was coming from. Suddenly, more explosions blew the tops of the stadium walls, taking out all the Cyber Troopers.

“Damn, this is why I prefer a solo career.” Dreadskull muttered. He didn’t count his ephemeral skeleton horde, it was his own power. The power the Lord Protector awakened in him fit his passions perfectly. It allowed him to manifest force into several forms, all based on the death metal he played. Often, he manifested these flaming ephemeral skeletons because of how cool they were and easy it was for him to imagine. How much he could manifest and how powerful depended on how loud and passionately he played, mostly loud though.

That’s why, despite how useful this power was in this situation, he couldn’t fully use it on the spot, so that’s part of the reason why Inquisitors like Maxil didn’t consider him fairly strong. In a concert though, he was king. That’s why, after the recruitment drive, he was going to set up a stage like road block, ambushing the Samurai in Dreadskull’s best advantage. Thanks to the Samurai’s meddling though, Dreadskull could finally please Magnus here and now. He didn’t stand a chance so long as he was still rockin’.

Jack was beginning to feel the fatigue take him, knowing that Dreadskull had the advantage and he needed to end it. He already figured out the music had something to do with it, as the bass and drums skeletons vanished when he stopped playing earlier. He just needed to get through the horde and get on stage to stop him, but that proved difficult.

“Jack, get back!” Agalia shouted. He did so, and saw a makeshift grenade got tossed into the horde. An explosion ripped through, and in its wake a portion of the area cleared. “Quickly!” Jack shouted as the others followed. They neared the stage when the skeletons reappeared completely and enclosed them. “Go, we’ll catch up!” Ashi told him. Jack nodded, and bracing himself, jumped from his spot, over the horde, and on to the stage.

Dreadskull faced him with his constant smirk. “Ha, they said you got chops! Not many make it to the stage in one piece. But you think that’s the only jam I got?!”. Dreadskull brought his hand down on the guitar strings, and from there a shockwave erupted that blasted Jack backwards. He felt blood trickle down his forehead, feeling a slight concussion from that. It seemed Dreadskull could manifest force into what it was as well, force.

Jack fired his pistol, but the shots stopped midair and crushed as Dreadskull continued playing, a force field stopping the gun fire. Jack scowled, knowing he could not defeat this enemy conventionally. If only he could stop the music, he thought. Then he noticed how the mike and other playing equipment had wires running in them. He saw that it all lead up from sound systems to the huge speakers behind Dreadskull, blasting his death metal to absurd volume. That was it!

Suddenly, Ashi, Cassius, and Agalia came up behind him. They barely managed to make it, and were a bit torn and bleeding here and there. “(Huffs)Ugh, so, can we kick this guy’s ass now?” Cassius asked as he huffed for stamina. “Not quite, his power is preventing all form of attack. But I think we can lessen it and use his own equipment to beat him.” Jack stated. “We can distract him, you do what you have to.” Ashi stated. “I need you all to clear out when I give the signal, understand?” Jack said to them all. They nodded, and so did he.

Ashi, Cassius, and Agalia charged at Dreadskull, and he just smirked even more. “Dumbassses, this will be easy!” he asserted as he blasted another force wave at the three. They barely dodged, and all three fired their firearms at him, only force him to stand there and block it with his force power music. More skeletons surrounded them now, and Cassius and Agalia decided to take them while Ashi kept Dreadskull busy with her SMG, since a frontal attack would have her blown away.

Thanks to their assault, Dreadskull didn’t notice Jack jump up on top of the massive speakers. Jack lifted his sword and let it reflect the overhead light. The three noticed and backed away, Dreadskull thinking they were backing off in fear. Jack cut the wires, causing the death metal-filled atmosphere to fall largely quiet with a static stop. The majority of the skeletons suddenly vanished, as Dreadskull suddenly felt his power drop drastically. “Huh, what the hell happened to my vibe?!” he said as he looked around at his equipment. He turned to the speakers as he saw them falling down towards him, Jack using all his leverage to tilt the top just a second ago.

Dreadskull became wide eyed, playing desperately to amass a strong enough forcefield in vain. “Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, OH SHIT!”. The speakers crashed down on top of him with the sound of one last guitar sound, the sound itself indicating sudden interruption and loss of tempo. Jack looked from the fallen wreckage to his comrades. They were all roughed up like him, but mostly intact.

“YEAHHHH!” a crowd suddenly cheered. All four turned back to see the crowd from earlier cheering them on for their success, grateful for their actions. Agalia breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, glad all her local friends were safe. She turned to see Cassius walk up to her and smile. “Guess you’re their local star now. You’re on hell of a fighter.” he remarked. Agalia blushed slightly at this, not used to praise for her actions. “Th-thanks.” she said. Jack and Ashi looked on, a bit awkward at how to approach either those two or the crowd. “Hmph, and he criticizes us for that.”Ashi said as she smirked. Jack chuckled tentatively at that, not sure how he should comment. Still, he enjoyed the now pleasant atmosphere as he looked on.

…

           Jack and Ashi roused from their slumber and started to get dressed. Last night was quite the ordeal, so once they got to Agalia’s home, they didn’t celebrate or anything, just dropped into sleep. They were still a bit sore from then, but their wounds were patched up and their stamina good again. They turned to the kitchen. Inside was Cassius helping Agalia make breakfast, or rather the other way around, as he was used to scraps and was no cook. Andrea was giving him an earful, yelling “How the hell does a full grown young man not know how to feed himself?!”.

           All three turned at the pair’s approach. “Ah, look who woke from the dead. Breakfast will be ready soon, as long as your “ladies man” friend here stops screwing up.” Andrea said as she turned a criticizing eye to Cassius. “Hey, it’s not like that! J-just wanted to be useful, okay.” Cassius stuttered with slight embarrassment. For a guy who criticized Jack and Ashi on their romance, it seems relationships of that nature were actually unfamiliar to him. All of them except Cassius laughed lightly, Cassius himself sulking from that.

Once he was done burning food, they began eating what was saved for breakfast. As they munched on, Agalia brought up something she wanted to ask for a while. “So Jack, I never got to ask since we were fighting then, but it’s true, you’re THE Samurai Jack?!”. “Ah, well, yes, that is what I am called.” he said with slight embarrassment. He always felt this way about his reputation. “Oh my god, I always wondered what you were like! I mean, an actual samurai with a katana fighting the Magnus Protectorate, facing the odds, how cool is that?! I mean, we heard out here, but I didn’t know you guys were the renegades fighting the Protectorate. Except Cass, never heard of him before.” Agalia said in glee. “Hey, I’m still new, give me a break!” Cassius said in response to that comment.

Agalia then got a bit fidgeted and nervous. “S-so, I guess that means you’re up fighting Magnus and his soldiers, huh?” she asked tentatively. “Yes, it has… not been easy.” he said with dismay. Despite how far he came, it still felt like he had to cross an ocean and climb a mountain just to reach Magnus. That was how difficult he had come to realize his present ordeal. While Aku fought through deception and his minions, Magnus was a force to be reckoned with, blocking Jack off with every resource he had in an effort to crush him straight out. If Aku’s hand was deceptive and out of reach, then Magnus’s could be defined as imposing force.

“W-well, if it’s okay with you, maybe I can help and, uh, tag along?” Agalia finally asked. Jack and Ashi were dumbfounded, not really prepared for that kind of request. But they recovered quickly, understanding that it was not out of the blue. It became obvious that Agalia was very hostile to the Magnus Protectorate, so of course she would take a chance to fight them.

“You seem very capable, but are you sure about this? We are journeying to Novas Sanctum, it will be dangerous.” Jack said. “Seriously?! Then of course I’m going! If you’re fighting Magnus head on, I want to help! I mean, you guys helped me, so I have to help you, no buts!” Agalia stated. Jack sighed, knowing he couldn’t really turn down that enthusiasm. He turned to Ashi, who nodded with a smile. Then he turned to Cassius, who said “Why not? She was a real badass last night, I respect that.”.

Finally, he turned to Andrea. “Miss Andrea, I am sorry, but do you approve of your niece coming with us?”. ““Miss” Andrea? Sheesh, I thought men this needlessly polite were extinct. Well, can’t say I’m happy about it, but you all did right by me and this town last night. She’s an adult too, and she can look after herself, from what you said.” Andrea approved. “T-thanks Boss!” Agalia said as she hugged her. “Just one thing. If she gets to be a pain in the ass, then kick her ass back here, alright?”, “B-Boss?!” Andrea and Agalia bickered. “We will look after her, thank you.” Jack said.

           “Alright! I’m going to get my stuff and the ride ready, meet me in garage, okay?” she said as she took off. As everyone went get ready, Jack finally noticed something in the living room. There was a picture of a family. In it was a man in mechanic’s clothing with rough, blue hair, accompanied by a woman with dirty blond hair. Between them was a smiling blue haired girl. All of them were smiling. “Wondering about that, huh?” said a voice startling Jack. He saw it was Andrea, who had a somber expression.

“You probably knew earlier that Agalia has actual reasons for hating the Protectorate, not just because there are jackasses in it. Well, that there is the heart of it. The girl there is Agalia, and the goof of a man there is my brother and her father. That woman there is Agalia’s mother, kept my brother in check when I couldn’t. They helped me run things around town, we were a tight knit little community, and a good family.”.

“Well, one day the Protectorate tried dragging the sons of a friend’s family out for drafting. My brother and his wife wouldn’t stand for it, and gave them a good throttle. Then some 2nd Class Inquisitor went and shot them, right in front of Agalia, and took those young boys anyway. Could barely even get Agalia to eat, let alone speak. It took a whole year for the whole settlement to get Agalia to warm up again. We were all glad to have that sweet girl back. Except, ever since then, she hated the Protectorate. Spat at them, threw rocks at them, anything to vent out what she’s still feeling. That’s part of why she got so emotional about the drafting. A huge part of the reason why I’m such a hardass on her is because I don’t want her to end up like her parents.” Andrea lamented.

She turned to face Jack. “Listen, try not to bring this up to her, let her be the first. I just thought you should know in case she does something reckless. At my age, I can’t stop her anymore, so I’m hoping with people like you she will learn to move on and not throw her life away. Sorry to throw all this heavy stuff on you, but that girl’s sake means a lot to me.”. Jack sympathized with the both of them, knowing the pain and frustration of losing family like that, and not wanting to lose anyone, anymore. “Thank you, for telling me that. We will do what we can.” Jack said. “Thanks. Well, you better get a move on. That girl has too much energy, let me tell ya.”.

…

Jack’s company stood in the garage before the unveiled vehicle before them. It was decided not to take the armored tank like vehicle, as it was too slow to outrun pursuits. Fortunately, Agalia said she had a newer, more sleek combat vehicle she made herself. It was some four-wheeled car, somehow both sturdy and sleek. It was well armored, and had a sizable area in the bock for storing weapons. It even had a convertible function, in case of rain, she explained. There were mounted machine guns, fiercer than the ones on his motorcycle, and even a rocket launcher beneath. Whatever unfathomable car this was, there was no way it was legal. Not like that mattered in their case though.

“It is certainly a veritable vessel” Jack said with appreciation. “Thanks, I’ve been working on this badass for a while now, just finished last week. Since we’re going on a long journey and all, I decided to call her, “the Odyssey”.” Agalia said with pride. “The journey and story of the legendary Greek hero?” Jack recalled from his learning in his time. “Yep, inspiring, huh?” Agalia said. “Um, what’s the Odyssey, and what Greek hero?” Ashi asked. They all turned to her in surprise, unable to believe she never even heard of Odysseus, then Jack understood as he remembered her upbringing. “I will tell you the story later, I think you will enjoy it.” Jack said.

“Well Boss, I’m off.” Agalia said as she hugged Andrea goodbye. “Take care of yourself. Just one very important reminder. Watch out for that Cass fellow, he looks like the type that runs out on you.” Andrea said with a distrustful look to Cassius. “Alright, that’s enough! Do I look like womanizing scum to you?!”, “Yes.” she said without hesitation. Cassius sat in the car’s backseat, only capable of grumbling to himself. They all began to pack in the car. Jack thought Agalia was going to be in the driver’s seat, but instead she sat in the back.

“What, you’re the designated driver of this whole road trip, so you should be the one behind the wheel.” she said as she smiled. “V-very well, if you insist. He got into the driver’s seat, with Ashi occupying the opposite one. Though a bit different from a motorcycle, the mechanics were similar enough th omake the connections and understand what they did. Jack gripped the steering wheel and readied the ignition, the bristling engine flaring to life. “Ready to hit the road?” Ashi asked as she looked at him with a smile. “Yes, let’s go.” he said with another smile as the Odyssey drove out of the garage and onto the road leaving the junkyard.

…

“Ughhh, Ooooowww, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow.” cried out a pathetic figure in a full body cast. Resting in this Magnus Protectorate care facility was Dreadskull, who had been literally crushed by the Renegade Samurai a few days prior and now receiving treatment for his severe injuries. If his remaining forces hadn’t found him, he’d probably have died underneath all that wreckage. It would take a long while till he was able again though.

“When I find that Samurai Jackass, I’m gonna…” Dreadskull said before he was interrupted. “Inquisitor, phone for you. It’s Chief Advisor Xander, he wants to talk to you about your mission.” said one of the care staff. “Uh, tell him I’m not here, no tell him I’m still knocked out, just don’t let him…”, “Inquisitor, ahem, “Dreadskull, is it true you failed to stop and eliminate the Samurai?” said a voice from the phone pressed to him. “Ah, well, see that’s a funny story, so you see…”, “Oh, give me that Xander! Theodore, you dumbass! You’re fired!” said the voice of Magnus as he seized the phone line from Xander.

“Wha, fired?! No, wait, Lord Protector, boss man, I can fix this, I, uh, hello, HELLO?!” Dreadskull, or rather, Theodore, as was his real name, pleaded when suddenly the phone line ended and was replaced with beeping. “Ah Shit.”.

Author’s Notes: Whoa, longest chapter yet. I planned a lot for this one, including bringing in a new character to join Jack, plus this new joke villain I came up with. That’s why it took longer than usual to write up this one, plus I’ve been a bit busy, but I spent a lot of thinking and writing here. Agalia is meant to be a more “cheerful” member of Jack’s group, but she’s a bit headstrong and trigger fingered, and you got the spiel about her own tragic past. In other words, she’s kind of this upbeat person carrying quite a bit of negative baggage and trying to hide it. You probably picked up something going on between her and Cassius. Right now, it’s just picking fun at him, but I’ll try to advance it further later.

Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten Jack and Ashi’s relationship, but try to remember, I don’t have much experience with this and romance isn’t my strong suit. Now, Dreadskull, or Theodore, was this joke villain I’ve been thinking up a while now. Samurai Jack has had plenty of joke characters, both good people and villains. So this guy was designed with them in mind, while I tried to be original. If he’s the same as another fictional character, sorry I didn’t know, not trying to plagiarize.

When I started, I was trying to think up a shtick, as most SJ villains have one, usually making them eccentric. I remembered the DJ from the original one, and I think Scaramouche is still rather fresh for everyone, so I decided to make another music loving villain, and chose death metal. I don’t hate death metal, not trying to trash it either, just thought it give him real flair. As part of the joke though, he sucks at it. I used the fact that I can’t write lyrics to save my life to help with that, haha. I kept him alive for that last gut punch at the end, plus I’m thinking up to bring him one more or even two more times later, in Arcs 2 and 3. Let’s just say he will be jamming that guitar again with a certain Season 5 flute lover.

Now, I’m going to take a break, because I’m exhausted now, but I already got ideas for VIII. Jack’s group will be helping a group inspired by a faction from a videogame I love as they face a mutant plague, the Abominables. I’ll have one more chapter after that where Jack will be facing an Inquisitor who follows bushido customs like him and press more guilt onto Jack, and then we’ll be looking at the shocking end of Arc 1. Man, I just want to write this stuff now, but I’m so tired. Till next time, enjoy!

[psychicdan]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

Chapter VII: As Jack, Ashi, and their new companion travel across Magnus's domain, they are ambushed by the forces of the Magnus Protectorate. They are soon helped by a young able mechanic, who requests their help to save her friends. But to do so, Jack must face the Inquisitor there, a new lethal adversary who is a...death metal artist?

Samurai Jack: Renegade Samurai

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes

Warning:

The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, nor intended to copy others’ work. Samurai Jack is the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, his team and affiliated studios and companies. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not profit.

Chapter VII: Mechanics and Death Metal

           Within the steel, towering Citadel that overlooked the grand Capital city of Novas Sanctum, the Lord Protector, Magnus, sat on his throne with his hand over his face in dismay. “So then, we lost Inquisitor Maxil?” he asked his closest aide Xander. “It would seem so, Lord Protector. His last report showed him closing in on Samurai Jack, and all communication from him and his troops vanished. We investigated Havenground, but found nothing conclusive, not even their remains.” Xander reported.

           Magnus sighed, saying “I figured as much. I could feel his presence vanish, which could only mean either the ward I placed on him was removed or he died.”. As part of each 1st Class Inquisitor’s vow to the Lord Protector, he placed wards on each of them, so that he could feel both their life force and loyalty to him. It was by no means a tracker, nor did it technically shackle their free will. But, if they died in service to him or their loyalty ever sway, he would know. As a result, if it was the second, then they would wish they were dead instead. That was how he kept his most powerful in check.

           “Well, Maxil was hardly the strongest of our Inquisitors. He was always too eager to improve his standing. But to lose such an accomplished soldier is unacceptable. It damages our morale, troubles the people, and is a damn insult to us all. Xander, who is the nearest 1st Class Inquisitor to the Samurai’s last spotted location?” Magnus inquired.

           Xander was streaming through the device’s reports, filtering through suspect data and military personnel information. “Let’s see, based on his last suspected sighting, the Samurai is likely in Sector E8, seen leaving with the defector Ashi from one of our settlements before Cyber Troopers arrived. Strange, the reports indicate a third person in a leather coat there with them.” he reported, a bit baffled.

           “Ignore it, Xander. Whoever it is can’t be important, probably just another dumbass over his head like Jack, but remember who the targets are.” Magnus stated. “Sorry, I’ll just list him as an accomplice and leave it at that. Now, from our listed personnel in that Sector, the nearest 1st Class in the area is…uhh, ohhh, umm…” Xander said with discomfort and pause. His face was cramped up, like he was eating a stale expired fruit cake.

           “Well, come on Xander, spit it out, we don’t have all day!” Magnus shouted, impatient for results. Xander gave a long sigh, knowing neither he nor the Lord Protector would like the response. “Inquisitor… Dreadskull, Lord Protector”. Magnus gave a long, audible groan as he facepalmed with both hands, already having a migraine hit him with that name. “You’ve got to be SHITTING ME! That dumbass?! UGGH! Of all 11 remaining Inquisitors, why HIM?! Why did we even let him change his name to that?!”.

           “He does get some results in, and before you approved him, he was quite competent as a 3rd and 2nd Class.” Xander countered. “And ever since then, I knew I made a mistake and he must have cheated his way somehow! The only reason he’s still where he is that power of his is somewhat useful. Otherwise, I would have dumped him on the streets and let him be someone else’s headache! God, what is he even doing there anyways?” Magnus lamented, feeling like his migraine was turning into a tumor just from thinking about it.

“According to the logs, he is reportedly on recruitment drive. But, the personnel we placed with him state he is doing so by having another one of his… concerts.” Xander said, feeling awkward from the unprofessional details. “Of course, he’s still plaguing the world with that trash he calls music. He must be tone deaf to not know how terrible he makes it. Great, I give him a real job, and instead he’s jerking off to that stupid guitar of his!” Magnus vented.

Magnus’s rage over this particular Inquisitor, in part, comes from a rather traumatic past experience. The Inquisitor in question had tried to hold one of his “concerts” in the main hall of the Citadel. The ensuing noise rocked the whole facility, and Magnus himself stampeded down to the area, unable to take another second. He destroyed all the equipment and threw the Inquisitor out on his ass, not removing his position, but the Lord Protector threatened if he pulled another stunt like that in the Citadel ever again, he was next on the execution list. Needless to say, that Inquisitor’s name alone pissed Magnus off to no end.

“Well, I don’t refuse that power gives him the advantage. Maybe he’ll blast the Samurai’s brains out or something with that trash. Or maybe I’ll get lucky and they’ll just kill each other.” Magnus mused. He knew he just said how bad it was to lose an Inquisitor, but he would be quite pleased to let this one go and take out the Renegade Samurai in the process. “All right, you handle informing him Xander. I want the renegades to suffer under that damn dumbass, not me.”.

…

A pair of motorcycles rode through the late day, the sun setting over the conifer treed area. Aside from these vehicles, the road, and of course the perpetual sign of occasional war wreckage, there was only nature to be seen. Jack, though he still had his eyes focused on the road, appreciated the sights and sounds of the trees and birds with a smile. Behind him, Ashi shared a similar expression, taking in the atmosphere as they drove on. “Wow, look at it all.” she said with a hint of wonder.

In the previous timeline, these natural landscapes were rare, as Aku had reduced many forests and other natural wonders to hopeless wastelands, one such sight being Jack’s proof of Aku’s true nature to Ashi. She had seen some vestiges of nature when searching for Jack, but they were a bit sparse and she had no time to gaze. In Jack’s time, when nature was almost untouched, it was as though she were living a dream, beholding unattainable majesty. When she had vanished and gained a new life in this new future, she had been confined to the steel walls of the Inner Sanctum, only knowing of nature thanks to her dreams and returned memories of the previous timeline with Jack.

Now that she had freed herself again from all that, she had witnessed with Jack the scenery of this world. It was honestly somewhere between Jack’s time and Aku’s time, but not really like either. Civilization was larger and more obstructive of nature than the people of Jack’s time, but there was still nature surrounding the cities at least, even plants within them, something Aku’s cities never had. There were no charred and barren wastelands like the demon’s world, at least as far as they knew, but that didn’t mean there were no scars.

Everywhere they went, reminders of the Near End War could be seen. Craters, skeletons, and war machine monoliths were scattered in every region, some sparse, others vastly littered, but it was never hard to find the remains of a battle. But, while this clearly ravaged the land in the past, nature was showing signs of revival, as only some battle areas remained partially barren and the area surrounding them lively again. Some battle sights were even returning to nature, with fauna and other plant life covering the war remains.

This forest was one such area, as the trees were rarely disrupted with the sight of a derelict monolith and continuing for miles. Instead of a battlefield, the swaying pine and leaf trees and passive wild life gave off a peaceful vibe, the kind only nature afforded.

“Even in the aftermath of such terrible strife and destruction, life flourishes and blooms.” Jack said in passive awe. He had seen many astounding sights, but none would amaze him more than the testament of nature itself. He felt Ashi tighten around his back, and Jack turned his head to see Ashi right beside his. He blushed as he smiled, as did she. “HEY! Lovebirds, eyes on the road!”.

Jack and Ashi broke sights in sheer embarrassment from that callout, not sure how to stare at each other. While Jack turned back to look at the road with an awkward discomfort, Ashi turned to look very upset at the one who ruined the moment.

“Will you shut it already!” she screamed across the road. Cassius, who was driving the other motorcycle behind, shrugged. “Dunno, depends on how many times you keep getting starlight in each other’s eyes. There’s a time and place for that you know. Maybe we wouldn’t have gotten caught by that patrol earlier if you saved that for later.”. “Maybe we wouldn’t have gotten caught if you did your job and kept watch while we got supplies! I saw you, you were definitely taking a nap!” Ashi retorted. “I-I wasn’t. I was keeping a low profile, something you two need to learn.” Cassius said a bit suddenly. “Right, low profile. That snoring was a great signal by the way.” Ashi said sarcastically. Jack sighed in response, knowing he had to get accustomed to this. He thought that he and Ashi had a rough start, at least Aku’s doctrine was responsible for most of the physical and verbal violence then. Ashi’s upfront personality and Cassius’s dismissive attitude had been at complete odds since they met. Honestly, Jack was wondering if they were going to kill each other before Magnus got the chance.  

As though in response to that thought, the roar of engines similar to their own rumbled from behind. Jack looked behind to see five motorcycles of grey and black aesthetic, each armed with dual machine guns like his, and mounting each were Cyber Troopers. “Samurai Jack, in the name of the Lord Protector and our commanding Inquisitor, you will stand down or be terminated!” shouted one on a mechanized speaker then. “Oh great, look what you did! The bucket heads are on our six now!”. “Because you slept on the job!”.

Jack was not willing to obey the Cyber Troopers. nor deal with this heated argument. So, he sharply turned and swerved his motorcycle without losing too much speed, sending him into the opposite direction towards the pursuit. He held out his sword, and as he came near one of the Protectorate cycles, slashed across it in one clean hit. For a split second, nothing happened, then the Protectorate cycle came undone in two pieces as they, and the Cyber Trooper, got caught in a fiery explosion.

The other motorcycles tried to swerve in their direction, but they had forgotten Cassius, which was a fatal mistake. He readied and aimed his laser revolver, blowing the head off one Cyber Trooped and making the cycle crash. His would share the same fate though. as an upcoming Protectorate cycle shot up the motorcycle and tires, making it grow unstable. Cassius barely jumped off in time before the veering motorcycle came to a crash. He turned to face the Protectorate cycle about to run him over, till it received machine gun fire in return. He looked in the direction to see Jack using his own mounted machine guns to shoot up the opposing cycle, causing that one to explode to. Another one behind them tried to use that tactic as they closely fired behind. Ashi took the initiative, bringing out her SMG and firing at the cycle. It would be difficult to inflict fatal shots on the driver, so she aimed at the cycle and tires instead. Damage in the right spots caused the cycle to swerve and speed up uncontrollably. Suddenly, it was on a collision course for Jack’s cycle. “JUMP!” he shouted. The pair did so, seeing from the air their cycle colliding with the Protectorate one, as they both crashed into a wall of trees and explode.

The pair landed on the road, then turned up to see the last Protectorate motorcycle zeroing in on them. Jack stood there with his sword readied, waiting for the right moment. Finally, the cycle got in firing range and engaged. Jack jumped right before the gunfire reached him, somersaulting over the ground to the enemy cycle. The Cyber Trooper was startled see the incoming Samurai rapidly approach him as Jack slashed with his sword using his own momentum, bisecting the Cyber Trooper and part of the cycle as they crashed thereafter. Jack landed gracefully in the aftermath of the following explosion, his sword dripping with blood.

He was about to cleanse and sheath his sword, until he heard the sound of rolling steel coming their way. Ashi and Cassius returned to his sides, and soon thereafter, driving up the road was an armored Protectorate tank of sorts. The tank closed in with machine guns and cannon pointed at the trio. All three had tense expressions as they readied their weapons. Though they faced worse odds, this would be an intense fight. Or it was going to be, till all three saw an overhead missile shoot straight for the tank. It collided with the armored tank, turning it into a ball of fire and shrapnel, leaving a crater on the road with only flaming, blackened metal wreckage in its wake.

The trio stared at the sight dumbfounded for a second, then looked towards the source of the missile. Driving towards them was another armored vehicle. But this one was not Protectorate, in fact it was far from professional. It was all mismatched parts and makeshift composition, as though it was assembled from junk parts. Jack recognized the various parts were similar to the old war wreckage, surmising it was all likely made from salvage. The armored vehicle approached them and stopped, but did not give off hostile intent.

A brief moment later, the hatch opened, and from that, a young girl emerged. She appeared to be the same age as Cassius, a young adult in very early 20s. She had brown eyes and dark blue hair. Aside from the strangely naturality of the color to it, her hair was in tuffs to the sides, the rest in a ponytail that reached down as far as her neck. Her skin was white, but more brightly colored compared to Cassius’s somewhat pale skin. Her complexion was clean and youthful, only marred by smudges here and there. Her attire and vehicle hinted why. She wore a red mechanic jacket over a faded brown shirt, both seeing some wear. Bellow that she wore pocketed black denim shorts that reached down to her knees. Below that, she wore faded yellow worker boots, clearly worn yet durable. She was of similar height to Ashi, but their clothing was very different, Ashi’s tight so that she could move quietly and quickly, and this person garbed in looser clothing for comfort.

Their rescuer spoke then. “Hey, you alright? Well, yeah, you’re alright I guess, but that’s just what you ask with this situation and all. Oh dear, um, uh, you got a ride out of here?” she asked on the fly. She didn’t seem shy so much as bashful, as it seemed she just blurted out what she said and felt only a bit self-conscious. Given the situation though, conversation would be awkward. The three looked to their motorcycles which were now flaming scrap parts. “I’m…afraid not.” Jack said a bit awkwardly and troubled. “Yeah, thanks to someone getting their attention.” Cassius said a bit callously, Ashi once again glaring at him for that remark.

“What’s his problem?” the girl asked. “Ignore him, he’s stupid and inconsiderate.” Ashi said without looking at the insulted Cassius. “Ah, gotcha. Well, how about you hitch a ride? The cyber bastards have a base not too far, so those patrols are regular. I can take you to my place till we get you sorted out.”. Jack, Ashi, and Cassius looked at each other. With Ashi nodding and Cassius giving a reluctant shrug, Jack turned to the girl. “Thank you very much, for both saving us and helping us further, miss…uh…”, “Agalia, but cut the miss, thanks.” the girl said with a smile.

…

As the sun began setting over the forested area, the makeshift armored vehicle approached a junkyard of sorts. Jack was a bit puzzled as to why they were headed there, but then he noticed some of the massed salvage resembled buildings like a home and garage. When they entered, he recognized most of it as the same derelict war remains that constantly dotted the landscape. Then they entered and parked in the sizable garage, where a few other machines, some covered, lie in wait.

           The garage, like the junkyard, was far from tidy, with junk parts, tools, and fluid cans strewn all over the floor. The walls were covered in schematic designs and tool racks, giving not much space there either. “Uh, sorry, not used to house guests.”. Agalia said. “It… speaks great character.” Jack said a bit awkwardly. “This place is a dump.”, “Cass!” Ashi said with disapproval. “Yeah, but it’s my dump. Well, me and my aunt’s. It’s almost suppertime, come on!” she said with energy as she led them from the garage and into the living area. Though this building was made partly from salvage too, all the various furniture and decorations gave off a family vibe.  They could hear sounds and smell tantalizing scents from a lit room nearby.

In there was the kitchen, with an older woman, likely in her 50s, with short braided graying hair and garbed in similar mechanics clothing. She was tending over a stew pot when she looked up. “Agalia, where the hell have you been?! I’m here making dinner, then you disappear and, for all I know, went to cause a row with the soldiers again! You know it’s not good going out there!” Agalia’s aunt chastised. “Heh, sorry Boss. Maybe I did get into a scrap, but it was to help these guys, see?” Agalia said as she gestured to Jack’s group.

Her aunt gazed at them as though analyzing a trinket to see what it was worth. “Hm, well aren’t you an odd lot? Not hard to figure out why you might get into a snag with the bucket heads, but like I care, just don’t bring ‘em here. Oh, and sorry for having you put up with my trigger-fingered niece here.” Agalia’s aunt said as she turned a criticizing glance to said niece. Agalia tried to laugh it off, albeit uncomfortably.

“Ahahaha, well, this here is my aunt Andrea, but myself and everyone else who works in the junkyard calls her Boss. That’s about a third of the settlement some ways from here, so the name spread, now everyone calls her that.” Agalia explained. “Great, had to remind me. Why is everyone there a bunch of idiots?” Andrea dismayed. “You’re good at keeping everyone on track, even help the farmers and wildlife workers, remember?” Agalia explained. “Hmph, that reminds me, why am I doing everything around here?! Agalia, stop fooling around and help me! We’ve got a meal of 5 to get ready, so help me out! You three, the soup will be ready soon, so find the dining table and sit down till it’s ready, alright?” she said with a bit of sternness. Jack, Ashi, and Cassius found themselves unable to counter to an offer like that, so Jack simply said, “Thank you.” a bit awkwardly as they did as she told them. Soon, Andrea and Agalia came in, with Andrea setting the table and Agalia pouring out the heavy pot of soup. They all sat down and began to eat.

As they enjoyed the nicely made soup, Ashi began to inquire. “So, Agalia, you and your aunt bot live and work here?” she asked. “Yep, it’s only the two of us that live here. Everyone else who works here in the day lives in the settlement. Most people either salvage, work in farms, or tend to the wildlife. This place used to be a battle sight in the war, but the land was still fair afterwards, so it recovered well in those reforestation and recovery efforts that are still going on I hear. That’s what wildlife workers used to do, now they just make sure we don’t ruin the forest. As for us, we salvage and clean up all that war junk. It was just the cleanup at first, I hear, but now we make some good revenues by salvaging it and selling what we can. Course, we can’t rebuild those weapons, for, well, obvious reasons.” Agalia explained.

“Hold on, if that wasn’t a weapon, then what do you call it? A stroller?” Cassius asked with scepticism. Agalia became awkward at that, and Andrea spoke, if only to criticize her niece rather than explain. “Like I said, this here niece of mine is a trigger-fingered pain in the ass. She’s held a real grudge against the Protectorate for years, and now she keeps turning scrap into anything that shoots or goes boom! I kept trying to scrap it back to junk, but she just rebuilds everything in secret, so I stopped trying. Now I just keep her away from them by having her focus on the job, which apparently someone needs to learn.”.

“Did the Protectorate wrong you in some way?” Jack asked Agalia with a serious glance. Suddenly, Agalia’s cheerful and bashful nature vanished, as she now looked down with a somber gaze. Jack realized then that he must have inquired into something too personal, and tried to apologize. “I-I am sorry, I did not mean to…”, “I-it isn’t all complicated, I just hat those sons-of-bitches is all! I mean seriously, they started a fight with you on the road, I saw, and you don’t know how they’ve been acting lately. They keep harassing everyone, usually about raising the tax, or reminding us to be grateful to Magnus, yadda, yadda, yadda.” Agalia explained as she tried to defuse the oppressive atmosphere.

“The worst part though is the drafting. Those bucket heads apparently don’t get enough recruits. Heh, that’s surprising, considering their charming manners. So, they sometimes make an announcement that they need “fine, able recruits” to fill out their ranks. Not many volunteers then, probably because being turned into a cyborg doesn’t sound great. So, they sometimes just grab you right then and there. Heck, they barge into your home and take your family sometimes too.” Agalia said with bitterness.

“That’s enough, they only do that when the Sectors need more patrols, and it’s not like it’s all dangerous, so long as you’re not shooting them. Most join up without complaint, remember?” Andrea explained, trying to calm her niece. “They’ve been acting like jackasses! Hell, I hear that guy in charge of the base has been using some weird marketing tactic to get more recruits, how is that not bad?!” Agalia retorted. “That’s just one idiot, don’t let that get to you. This will all be over soon, alright? So stuff your gripes, I won’t have it!” Andrea shouted to finish this family argument. They all returned to eating the soup, Andrea and Agalia rather bitter about it, while Jack, Ashi, and Cassius were rather awkward as they ate following that heated conversation.

As they nearly finished, a loud banging came from the front door. They all got up and went to the door, as they were alarmed by the urgency. When opened, a young worker straggled in, out of breath. “B-boss! Agalia! We’ve got trouble!” he panted out with his breath. “Whoa, slow down, what happened?” Andrea asked with clear seriousness. The worker collected his thoughts and his breath as he recounted. “There were rumors going around that some huge music artist was touring in the area, and that got a lot of the young workers in the settlement excited. Some of the guys asked if I wanted to go with them, but I said I wasn’t interested. When I saw them off in those busses though, I saw some Cyber Troopers off to the distance, and the busses took off for their base! I think this is that recruitment scam thing that’s been going on!” the worker said with great fear.

Apprehension seized Agalia, as most of those people were peers and co-workers her own age, her friends. She stormed off then to the garage. “A-Agalia, what do you think you’re doing?!” Andrea screamed after her as they all followed. Agalia moved a schematic paper and pressed button beneath. Suddenly, the wall flipped, revealing a whole weapon rack of various makeshift tools of destruction. “Damn, this girl means business.” Cassius said with both astonishment and appreciation.

           Agalia began strapping on the various guns to her person and then loading what she couldn’t on to the armored vehicle. “Oh no, you are not going to go start a gun fight! It doesn’t matter if you bring bigger guns, they got a lot more guns and people there. I am not having my dumbass niece kill herself!” Andrea shouted as she moved to stop her. “Don’t worry, she’s not going this alone.” Cassius said as she stood by Agalia, Agalia herself being surprised by this. Jack and Ashi were similarly surprised, as it seemed Cassius was the type to follow others initiative rather than his own.

“Hey Jack, we are doing something about this right? I mean, we’re not about to let them pull this kind of shit, right?” Cassius said, a clear invitation for some assistance. Jack and Ashi understood, knowing that they would have helped anyways. “Don’t worry, Agalia, we’re going to stop them and get your fiends back.” Ashi said with resolve. “Y-you guys…” Agalia said, a bit shocked to receive support in her recklessness. Jack turned to bow his head to Andrea. “We are so very sorry for our imposition, but we would like to assist your niece in her endeavor. Please, we promise we will see to her safety and return her friends safely as well.” Jack promised.

Andrea gave a long sigh. “Honestly, I knew I couldn’t stop that dumbass, even if I dragged on her feet. I thought an old lady like myself would have to march there myself and take a shot for her. Well, you three look like you can handle yourselves well, so make sure that pain-in-the-ass comes back in one piece, you hear?”. Jack nodded with affirmation, promising not to let anything happen to her niece. “B-boss…” Agalia said, absolutely stunned by her aunt’s acceptance. “I keep putting up with the Protectorate, telling myself they got their reasons and such, and honestly, not many are that bad. But whoever’s running the show there really has his head up his ass, and messed with my employees. I’m going to be frank, go kick ass, Agalia.” Andrea said with a fierce smile. Agalia nodded back with a similar smile.

Soon enough, all four helped to pack up the armored vehicle. When they were done, Agalia turned back to Andrea. “I’ll be back with everyone, Boss.”, “You better, how’s a person my age supposed to handle all this heavy lifting?!”. They both laughed, and Agalia turned back to Jack and the rest. “Are you ready?” Jack asked. “Yeah, let’s go.”.

…

The armored vehicle drove through the evening-skied forest, with the stars beginning to replace the set sun. In the distance, Jack’s group could see a lit-up clearing which came into focus as they got closer. They were surprised by what they saw though.

“Wait, that’s a base? Why is it all out in the open like that? Where are all the walls and stuff?” Ashi asked with bewilderment. The Protectorate “base” up ahead had to be the place, as the tracks led there and the busses could be seen, but it was hardly fortified. In fact, it looked like a stadium of some sort, with a wide-open field in the middle of rounded walls with seats in them. The lights strangely didn’t look outward to search, but shone on the area inside. There was a stage in front of the clearing to, and it looked like people were gathering in the field before it. The whole place looked like it was constructed on the go. There were Protectorate vehicles and provisional buildings nearby, but that was more of an additional encampment. What strategic purpose did this strange building serve?

“The rumor was something about a music artist touring through here. Maybe they set this all up to make the scam look convincing or something?” Cassius suggested as he scratched his head. For a drafting scam, this was going rather convincingly far, unnecessarily so, in fact. It had to be drafting, since the Magnus Protectorate was involved. They weren’t exactly patrons of the free arts, so there was no way they were sponsoring a music artist. Jack was a bit baffled as well, but he kept his guard up. This reminded him of the other timeline, where a servant of Aku used rave music altered by Aku’s dark magic to enslave youths to do his bidding. This all looked too familiar to that.

Beside him, Agalia was gripping some makeshift tool weapon. She explained earlier that it was something she made herself for both work and self-defense. On one end of the rod-like tool was something that could be interchanged with various tool ends like wrenches, screwdrivers, blowtorches, etc. Right now, she had a hammer affixed for fighting. The other end had a makeshift shotgun. She carried other firearms on her, but she said this was a personal favorite. She looked down at the stage area, undeterred by the bizarreness of it all and ready to take action.

Jack returned his gaze to the view, knowing now was the time. “Let’s go” he said. The vehicle drove down to the stadium entrance. Strangely, no Cyber Troopers could be seen, and the entrance was open. However, they couldn’t drive the vehicle through. Jack and company exited the vehicle and entered the stadium, cautiously watching out in each direction. Before them was the crowd, dressed up in a strange style. They wore all black clothing, some in tatters and some with strange diagrams like skulls and other gothic elements. Their accessories were like so as well, such metal armbands, chain necklaces and such. It probably had something to do with the theme of whatever music event they were expecting.

Suddenly, the lights went out, then centered on the stage. Smoke was gathering there, and then, BAM!, an explosion effect triggered there, and standing at the center of it all was a man with a guitar. He was tall and well-toned, but that was hardly most characteristic of him. He had long silver dyed hair and a face painted like a skull. His clothing and attire were similar to the crowd, but if analyzed, it could be seen his gothic style was also Protectorate themed, if only barely with the gray and black aesthetic.

Specifically, he was shirtless with only a grey, torn up open jacket on his top and wearing a spiked choker across his neck. Across his body were tattoos, such as a flaming skull on the front. On his right shoulder was the Magnus Protectorate shield and saluting figure insignia tattooed there as well, indicating he may, somehow, be affiliated with that group. He wore torn black leather pants and spiked leather shoes.

The man jumped over to the mike and began to yell into it. “YOOO, how is everybody?! Are you ready to ROCK?! Are you ready to party you souls to HELL?!”, “YEAHHHH!” the crowd cheered. “Alright, then get ready to tear up the ground, while I, INQUISITOR DREADSKULL, lay down some sick beats!” the Inquisitor yelled on. Suddenly he gripped his guitar, and using his pick, he started playing. Suddenly, two flaming skeleton figures appeared beside him and started playing bass and drums. Then the mix of guitar and drum noises kicked up in cacophonous manner.

“Stay down, stay low, for here come the armies of hell! Ravage savages, killer criminals, and all manners death bringer! You stay down, you stay low, wondering when the end will come. Suddenly you see him, you cheer him, and all the monsters cry before him! MAGNUS! Our Lord Protector! MAGNUS! Our savior and ruler!” Dreadskull sang on. His lyrics, sang in a mix of long guttural speech and high-pitched screeching, kept yelling about hell, monsters, and of course Magnus propaganda.

Apparently, no one liked it, as everyone, including Jack’s company, was kneeling down and covering their ears from the poor guitar playing, banging drums, and screaming that was going on. Jack tried to think through the pain, wondering how Magnus allowed anyone to sing this badly about him. “GAHH, what is this?!” Ashi screamed. “UGHHH, it’s death metal! Really shitty death metal though!” Cassius screamed back. Suddenly, the music stopped abruptly with a static pause.

“HEY, I heard that! Which one of you shitheads said my beats were shit?!” Dreadskull screamed. “BOOOO!” the whole cried out. “You suck!”, “Get off the stage!”, “This is shit!” were the various remarks people in the crowd were making. Dreadskull looked very upset, his ego unwilling to take any form of criticism. As far as he was concerned, he was a death metal god.

“Alright, that’s it! I wanted to invite you back country bumpkins to the Magnus Protectorate nicely and treat you to the best damn concert of your lives, but it seems no one in the sticks has taste! So guess what, I’m just drafting you all on the spot! Troops, be bros and put all these damn ingrates on the busses!” Dreadskull screamed out. Suddenly, the exit slammed shut, and from the stadium walls, Cyber Troopers stormed in with restraints. The crowd tried to run away, but they saw there was no way out. People at the edge screamed as the Troopers began to raise their weapons.

Suddenly, one of the Cyber Troopers cried out in death as a hammer slammed through their helmet. Agalia lifted her blood-soaked weapon from the corpse and looked at the enemy with resolve. The Cyber Troopers all prepared to fire, but then Jack, Ashi, and Cassius moved in cutting down the surprised Cyber Troopers who fought in vain. The company of four turned to look at Dreasdskull then, who looked surprise till he smiled with realization.

“Well, if it isn’t Samurai Jack, the Renegade Samurai who’s been stirring shit up. I gotta say, you really screwed with the wrong crowd. After what you did to Maxil, my main man the Lord Protector called me and told me to kick your ass! Well, he said to kill you, but you get the point! You really must have pissed him off. But to think you would have strolled right into my concert. Did you want my autograph, because I respect people who would die for it you know?” the Inquisitor gloated. Jack narrowed his eyes. This person acted in ridiculous manner, but something told him that this person was dangerous.

“Anyways, like I was saying, I was here doing my recruitment drive, inviting people to the cause with my sick beats, and then the Lord Protector tells me you’re passing through and to eliminate you at all cost. I was planning a road block concert or something, but you actually came here! Man, this is great! Maybe the Lord Protector will be a bro and let me do that apology concert in the Citadel for this!” Dreadskull mused on. He conveniently left out that it was Xander who told him as an acting proxy, not Magnus himself. He seemed to take Magnus’s threat of execution not all that seriously.

“Shut it! First, we’re gonna kick your ass for tricking all my friends here and trying to kidnap them! And second, you really suck at guitar and talk too much, you know that?!” Agalia screamed at him. Dreadskull scowled at that, then smirked in confidence. “Oh, you’re dead wrong about that, bitch! Let me show you how killer I am with this baby!”.

Dreadskull started thrashing on the guitar again. The ephemeral skeletons that played drum and base, who had vanished earlier, reappeared and started playing again. They weren’t alone though. Suddenly, a whole horde of ephemeral skeletons, dressed in gothic fashion similar to Dreadskull, manifested in front of Jack and the others.

“Oh, almost forgot. Troops, my bros, get started on that laser lightshow, like we rehearsed!” Dreadskull commanded. Suddenly, from the tops of the walls Cyber Troopers emerged in firing positions. Rather than bullet based firearms, they seemed to be using laser weapons, obviously a theatric Dreadskull was going for. “Shit, more of them. Looks like this guy’s an Inquisitor for a reason, at least one.” Cassius said as he stared from the overhead soldiers to the skeletal horde.

It was a ridiculous gimmick, but all four of them realized how deadly it was. Suddenly, the music intensified, and the horde charged and the troops fired. Jack and Ashi engaged the front charge, slashing at the skeletons who vanished with each hit, but more manifested from the rear to take their place. Cassius aimed at the overhead soldiers with his laser revolver, but it took time, and he only managed to shoot two before the horde forced him to defend with his cybernetic photon sword.

Agalia hammered at the coming skeletons, smashing them to bone bits before they vanished. She fired with the shot gun end, blowing back several in a line with each shot. But this fighting style did not help much against overwhelming numbers, and soon she was surrounded. As she stares at the flaming ephemeral skeletons, teeth gritted, she prepared for the onslaught when suddenly an unusual sword from behind them cut them up.

Running over the vanishing skeletal remains was Cassius, who looked a bit ragged and torn, but no worse for wear. “We should follow their lead and watch each other’s backs.” he said as he gestured to Jack and Ashi, who were keeping the skeletons from getting in each other’s quarters. Cassius and Agalia followed suit, cutting down skeletons that approached and keeping each other’s space from the enemy. However, that was starting to wear on all of them, and it did not help that they needed to dodge and block the laser fire from overhead.

“(Huffs) We’re getting run ragged here, and that damn music is getting on my nerves!” Cassius vented. “I got an idea, but first we need to take care of the bucket heads! Can you cover me for a bit?” Agalia asked. Cassius nodded, not sure what trick she had up her sleeve, but willing to trust it. As he fended off the skeletons from her, Agalia drew out some sort of control tablet and started giving inputs. Her specialty was mechanics, but she also knew some things about electronics too. She was glad she implemented this.

Outside the stadium, the armored vehicle Jack’s company drove in started up. Agalia could see a display of what the vehicles sights were, and started directing it to get in motion. Outside, it aimed its main weapon, then fired a missile. The troops were so focused on the stadium grounds, they never saw the missile or explosion that blew them and the portion of the wall off. Dreadskull and the troops were surprised, wondering where that fire was coming from. Suddenly, more explosions blew the tops of the stadium walls, taking out all the Cyber Troopers.

“Damn, this is why I prefer a solo career.” Dreadskull muttered. He didn’t count his ephemeral skeleton horde, it was his own power. The power the Lord Protector awakened in him fit his passions perfectly. It allowed him to manifest force into several forms, all based on the death metal he played. Often, he manifested these flaming ephemeral skeletons because of how cool they were and easy it was for him to imagine. How much he could manifest and how powerful depended on how loud and passionately he played, mostly loud though.

That’s why, despite how useful this power was in this situation, he couldn’t fully use it on the spot, so that’s part of the reason why Inquisitors like Maxil didn’t consider him fairly strong. In a concert though, he was king. That’s why, after the recruitment drive, he was going to set up a stage like road block, ambushing the Samurai in Dreadskull’s best advantage. Thanks to the Samurai’s meddling though, Dreadskull could finally please Magnus here and now. He didn’t stand a chance so long as he was still rockin’.

Jack was beginning to feel the fatigue take him, knowing that Dreadskull had the advantage and he needed to end it. He already figured out the music had something to do with it, as the bass and drums skeletons vanished when he stopped playing earlier. He just needed to get through the horde and get on stage to stop him, but that proved difficult.

“Jack, get back!” Agalia shouted. He did so, and saw a makeshift grenade got tossed into the horde. An explosion ripped through, and in its wake a portion of the area cleared. “Quickly!” Jack shouted as the others followed. They neared the stage when the skeletons reappeared completely and enclosed them. “Go, we’ll catch up!” Ashi told him. Jack nodded, and bracing himself, jumped from his spot, over the horde, and on to the stage.

Dreadskull faced him with his constant smirk. “Ha, they said you got chops! Not many make it to the stage in one piece. But you think that’s the only jam I got?!”. Dreadskull brought his hand down on the guitar strings, and from there a shockwave erupted that blasted Jack backwards. He felt blood trickle down his forehead, feeling a slight concussion from that. It seemed Dreadskull could manifest force into what it was as well, force.

Jack fired his pistol, but the shots stopped midair and crushed as Dreadskull continued playing, a force field stopping the gun fire. Jack scowled, knowing he could not defeat this enemy conventionally. If only he could stop the music, he thought. Then he noticed how the mike and other playing equipment had wires running in them. He saw that it all lead up from sound systems to the huge speakers behind Dreadskull, blasting his death metal to absurd volume. That was it!

Suddenly, Ashi, Cassius, and Agalia came up behind him. They barely managed to make it, and were a bit torn and bleeding here and there. “(Huffs)Ugh, so, can we kick this guy’s ass now?” Cassius asked as he huffed for stamina. “Not quite, his power is preventing all form of attack. But I think we can lessen it and use his own equipment to beat him.” Jack stated. “We can distract him, you do what you have to.” Ashi stated. “I need you all to clear out when I give the signal, understand?” Jack said to them all. They nodded, and so did he.

Ashi, Cassius, and Agalia charged at Dreadskull, and he just smirked even more. “Dumbassses, this will be easy!” he asserted as he blasted another force wave at the three. They barely dodged, and all three fired their firearms at him, only force him to stand there and block it with his force power music. More skeletons surrounded them now, and Cassius and Agalia decided to take them while Ashi kept Dreadskull busy with her SMG, since a frontal attack would have her blown away.

Thanks to their assault, Dreadskull didn’t notice Jack jump up on top of the massive speakers. Jack lifted his sword and let it reflect the overhead light. The three noticed and backed away, Dreadskull thinking they were backing off in fear. Jack cut the wires, causing the death metal-filled atmosphere to fall largely quiet with a static stop. The majority of the skeletons suddenly vanished, as Dreadskull suddenly felt his power drop drastically. “Huh, what the hell happened to my vibe?!” he said as he looked around at his equipment. He turned to the speakers as he saw them falling down towards him, Jack using all his leverage to tilt the top just a second ago.

Dreadskull became wide eyed, playing desperately to amass a strong enough forcefield in vain. “Oh shit, oh shit, oh shit, OH SHIT!”. The speakers crashed down on top of him with the sound of one last guitar sound, the sound itself indicating sudden interruption and loss of tempo. Jack looked from the fallen wreckage to his comrades. They were all roughed up like him, but mostly intact.

“YEAHHHH!” a crowd suddenly cheered. All four turned back to see the crowd from earlier cheering them on for their success, grateful for their actions. Agalia breathed a sigh of relief and smiled, glad all her local friends were safe. She turned to see Cassius walk up to her and smile. “Guess you’re their local star now. You’re on hell of a fighter.” he remarked. Agalia blushed slightly at this, not used to praise for her actions. “Th-thanks.” she said. Jack and Ashi looked on, a bit awkward at how to approach either those two or the crowd. “Hmph, and he criticizes us for that.”Ashi said as she smirked. Jack chuckled tentatively at that, not sure how he should comment. Still, he enjoyed the now pleasant atmosphere as he looked on.

…

           Jack and Ashi roused from their slumber and started to get dressed. Last night was quite the ordeal, so once they got to Agalia’s home, they didn’t celebrate or anything, just dropped into sleep. They were still a bit sore from then, but their wounds were patched up and their stamina good again. They turned to the kitchen. Inside was Cassius helping Agalia make breakfast, or rather the other way around, as he was used to scraps and was no cook. Andrea was giving him an earful, yelling “How the hell does a full grown young man not know how to feed himself?!”.

           All three turned at the pair’s approach. “Ah, look who woke from the dead. Breakfast will be ready soon, as long as your “ladies man” friend here stops screwing up.” Andrea said as she turned a criticizing eye to Cassius. “Hey, it’s not like that! J-just wanted to be useful, okay.” Cassius stuttered with slight embarrassment. For a guy who criticized Jack and Ashi on their romance, it seems relationships of that nature were actually unfamiliar to him. All of them except Cassius laughed lightly, Cassius himself sulking from that.

Once he was done burning food, they began eating what was saved for breakfast. As they munched on, Agalia brought up something she wanted to ask for a while. “So Jack, I never got to ask since we were fighting then, but it’s true, you’re THE Samurai Jack?!”. “Ah, well, yes, that is what I am called.” he said with slight embarrassment. He always felt this way about his reputation. “Oh my god, I always wondered what you were like! I mean, an actual samurai with a katana fighting the Magnus Protectorate, facing the odds, how cool is that?! I mean, we heard out here, but I didn’t know you guys were the renegades fighting the Protectorate. Except Cass, never heard of him before.” Agalia said in glee. “Hey, I’m still new, give me a break!” Cassius said in response to that comment.

Agalia then got a bit fidgeted and nervous. “S-so, I guess that means you’re up fighting Magnus and his soldiers, huh?” she asked tentatively. “Yes, it has… not been easy.” he said with dismay. Despite how far he came, it still felt like he had to cross an ocean and climb a mountain just to reach Magnus. That was how difficult he had come to realize his present ordeal. While Aku fought through deception and his minions, Magnus was a force to be reckoned with, blocking Jack off with every resource he had in an effort to crush him straight out. If Aku’s hand was deceptive and out of reach, then Magnus’s could be defined as imposing force.

“W-well, if it’s okay with you, maybe I can help and, uh, tag along?” Agalia finally asked. Jack and Ashi were dumbfounded, not really prepared for that kind of request. But they recovered quickly, understanding that it was not out of the blue. It became obvious that Agalia was very hostile to the Magnus Protectorate, so of course she would take a chance to fight them.

“You seem very capable, but are you sure about this? We are journeying to Novas Sanctum, it will be dangerous.” Jack said. “Seriously?! Then of course I’m going! If you’re fighting Magnus head on, I want to help! I mean, you guys helped me, so I have to help you, no buts!” Agalia stated. Jack sighed, knowing he couldn’t really turn down that enthusiasm. He turned to Ashi, who nodded with a smile. Then he turned to Cassius, who said “Why not? She was a real badass last night, I respect that.”.

Finally, he turned to Andrea. “Miss Andrea, I am sorry, but do you approve of your niece coming with us?”. ““Miss” Andrea? Sheesh, I thought men this needlessly polite were extinct. Well, can’t say I’m happy about it, but you all did right by me and this town last night. She’s an adult too, and she can look after herself, from what you said.” Andrea approved. “T-thanks Boss!” Agalia said as she hugged her. “Just one thing. If she gets to be a pain in the ass, then kick her ass back here, alright?”, “B-Boss?!” Andrea and Agalia bickered. “We will look after her, thank you.” Jack said.

           “Alright! I’m going to get my stuff and the ride ready, meet me in garage, okay?” she said as she took off. As everyone went get ready, Jack finally noticed something in the living room. There was a picture of a family. In it was a man in mechanic’s clothing with rough, blue hair, accompanied by a woman with dirty blond hair. Between them was a smiling blue haired girl. All of them were smiling. “Wondering about that, huh?” said a voice startling Jack. He saw it was Andrea, who had a somber expression.

“You probably knew earlier that Agalia has actual reasons for hating the Protectorate, not just because there are jackasses in it. Well, that there is the heart of it. The girl there is Agalia, and the goof of a man there is my brother and her father. That woman there is Agalia’s mother, kept my brother in check when I couldn’t. They helped me run things around town, we were a tight knit little community, and a good family.”.

“Well, one day the Protectorate tried dragging the sons of a friend’s family out for drafting. My brother and his wife wouldn’t stand for it, and gave them a good throttle. Then some 2nd Class Inquisitor went and shot them, right in front of Agalia, and took those young boys anyway. Could barely even get Agalia to eat, let alone speak. It took a whole year for the whole settlement to get Agalia to warm up again. We were all glad to have that sweet girl back. Except, ever since then, she hated the Protectorate. Spat at them, threw rocks at them, anything to vent out what she’s still feeling. That’s part of why she got so emotional about the drafting. A huge part of the reason why I’m such a hardass on her is because I don’t want her to end up like her parents.” Andrea lamented.

She turned to face Jack. “Listen, try not to bring this up to her, let her be the first. I just thought you should know in case she does something reckless. At my age, I can’t stop her anymore, so I’m hoping with people like you she will learn to move on and not throw her life away. Sorry to throw all this heavy stuff on you, but that girl’s sake means a lot to me.”. Jack sympathized with the both of them, knowing the pain and frustration of losing family like that, and not wanting to lose anyone, anymore. “Thank you, for telling me that. We will do what we can.” Jack said. “Thanks. Well, you better get a move on. That girl has too much energy, let me tell ya.”.

…

Jack’s company stood in the garage before the unveiled vehicle before them. It was decided not to take the armored tank like vehicle, as it was too slow to outrun pursuits. Fortunately, Agalia said she had a newer, more sleek combat vehicle she made herself. It was some four-wheeled car, somehow both sturdy and sleek. It was well armored, and had a sizable area in the bock for storing weapons. It even had a convertible function, in case of rain, she explained. There were mounted machine guns, fiercer than the ones on his motorcycle, and even a rocket launcher beneath. Whatever unfathomable car this was, there was no way it was legal. Not like that mattered in their case though.

“It is certainly a veritable vessel” Jack said with appreciation. “Thanks, I’ve been working on this badass for a while now, just finished last week. Since we’re going on a long journey and all, I decided to call her, “the Odyssey”.” Agalia said with pride. “The journey and story of the legendary Greek hero?” Jack recalled from his learning in his time. “Yep, inspiring, huh?” Agalia said. “Um, what’s the Odyssey, and what Greek hero?” Ashi asked. They all turned to her in surprise, unable to believe she never even heard of Odysseus, then Jack understood as he remembered her upbringing. “I will tell you the story later, I think you will enjoy it.” Jack said.

“Well Boss, I’m off.” Agalia said as she hugged Andrea goodbye. “Take care of yourself. Just one very important reminder. Watch out for that Cass fellow, he looks like the type that runs out on you.” Andrea said with a distrustful look to Cassius. “Alright, that’s enough! Do I look like womanizing scum to you?!”, “Yes.” she said without hesitation. Cassius sat in the car’s backseat, only capable of grumbling to himself. They all began to pack in the car. Jack thought Agalia was going to be in the driver’s seat, but instead she sat in the back.

“What, you’re the designated driver of this whole road trip, so you should be the one behind the wheel.” she said as she smiled. “V-very well, if you insist. He got into the driver’s seat, with Ashi occupying the opposite one. Though a bit different from a motorcycle, the mechanics were similar enough th omake the connections and understand what they did. Jack gripped the steering wheel and readied the ignition, the bristling engine flaring to life. “Ready to hit the road?” Ashi asked as she looked at him with a smile. “Yes, let’s go.” he said with another smile as the Odyssey drove out of the garage and onto the road leaving the junkyard.

…

“Ughhh, Ooooowww, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow, ow.” cried out a pathetic figure in a full body cast. Resting in this Magnus Protectorate care facility was Dreadskull, who had been literally crushed by the Renegade Samurai a few days prior and now receiving treatment for his severe injuries. If his remaining forces hadn’t found him, he’d probably have died underneath all that wreckage. It would take a long while till he was able again though.

“When I find that Samurai Jackass, I’m gonna…” Dreadskull said before he was interrupted. “Inquisitor, phone for you. It’s Chief Advisor Xander, he wants to talk to you about your mission.” said one of the care staff. “Uh, tell him I’m not here, no tell him I’m still knocked out, just don’t let him…”, “Inquisitor, ahem, “Dreadskull, is it true you failed to stop and eliminate the Samurai?” said a voice from the phone pressed to him. “Ah, well, see that’s a funny story, so you see…”, “Oh, give me that Xander! Theodore, you dumbass! You’re fired!” said the voice of Magnus as he seized the phone line from Xander.

“Wha, fired?! No, wait, Lord Protector, boss man, I can fix this, I, uh, hello, HELLO?!” Dreadskull, or rather, Theodore, as was his real name, pleaded when suddenly the phone line ended and was replaced with beeping. “Ah Shit.”.

Author’s Notes: Whoa, longest chapter yet. I planned a lot for this one, including bringing in a new character to join Jack, plus this new joke villain I came up with. That’s why it took longer than usual to write up this one, plus I’ve been a bit busy, but I spent a lot of thinking and writing here. Agalia is meant to be a more “cheerful” member of Jack’s group, but she’s a bit headstrong and trigger fingered, and you got the spiel about her own tragic past. In other words, she’s kind of this upbeat person carrying quite a bit of negative baggage and trying to hide it. You probably picked up something going on between her and Cassius. Right now, it’s just picking fun at him, but I’ll try to advance it further later.

Don’t worry, I haven’t forgotten Jack and Ashi’s relationship, but try to remember, I don’t have much experience with this and romance isn’t my strong suit. Now, Dreadskull, or Theodore, was this joke villain I’ve been thinking up a while now. Samurai Jack has had plenty of joke characters, both good people and villains. So this guy was designed with them in mind, while I tried to be original. If he’s the same as another fictional character, sorry I didn’t know, not trying to plagiarize.

When I started, I was trying to think up a shtick, as most SJ villains have one, usually making them eccentric. I remembered the DJ from the original one, and I think Scaramouche is still rather fresh for everyone, so I decided to make another music loving villain, and chose death metal. I don’t hate death metal, not trying to trash it either, just thought it give him real flair. As part of the joke though, he sucks at it. I used the fact that I can’t write lyrics to save my life to help with that, haha. I kept him alive for that last gut punch at the end, plus I’m thinking up to bring him one more or even two more times later, in Arcs 2 and 3. Let’s just say he will be jamming that guitar again with a certain Season 5 flute lover.

Now, I’m going to take a break, because I’m exhausted now, but I already got ideas for VIII. Jack’s group will be helping a group inspired by a faction from a videogame I love as they face a mutant plague, the Abominables. I’ll have one more chapter after that where Jack will be facing an Inquisitor who follows bushido customs like him and press more guilt onto Jack, and then we’ll be looking at the shocking end of Arc 1. Man, I just want to write this stuff now, but I’m so tired. Till next time, enjoy!

[psychicdan]

After the Great War left the United States an atomic wastland, one Vault, Vault 120, opens up after 211 years. A Vault with the focus of building up a new military, 1st Lieutenant Richard Paxton and his small platoon head out into the wastland known as No Man's Land to begin Operation: Reclaim the American Dream.

Fallout: No Man’s Land

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes

Warning: The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, and is not intended to copy others’ work. The Fallout video game franchise is the work of Bethesda, Interplay Entertainment, Black Isle Studios, and the many people that collaborated and worked with them. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not for profit.

Chapter I: Begin Operation

Narraration: War, war never changes. Since the beginning of civilization, humanity has always segregated themselves into groups and fought for the simplest of reasons to the most abstract. Whether over control of resources or what way of life should be pursued, humanity has always resorted to mass murder labelled war when different groups can never agree.

As humanity advanced, so too did their capacity for violence, war, and murder, to the point where they developed weapons of mass destruction, a world killer called the atomic bomb. In 2077, conflicts between the two superpowers, the United States and Communist China, escalated to atomic warfare. In two mere but devastating hours, the Great War ended with the entire world, with no victor, all lost.

But, some of humanity managed to cling to life in spite of the atomic hellfire and falling darkness of nuclear winter. Some had hidden in old shelters and bunkers, emerging when the wastes had grown to minimal stability. A special group of fallout shelters though, vaults, held the greatest vestige of humanity, but also held terrible secrets in store for their vault dwellers.

Designed by the U.S government and Vault-Tec, these vaults lured the populace with the promise of survival and comfort, but were in fact experiments to test stressed living standards and experimental procedures in post-nuclear settings. Some were subtle, such as simply selecting particular ethnic or socioeconomic groups and grouping them together, like Vault 15. Others were control vaults, with no changes to the vaults or populace, releasing them after a few decades when it was safe to leave. But many of the vaults held inhumane experiments that ended in catastrophe, such as Vault 11’s experiment that forced a person to be sacrificed every year to test the power of authority vs ethics.

But, this is not the story of Vaults discussed before. This is the story of Vault 120, a vault constructed between both Vault-Tec and the U.S military. To test how well a military force would be prepared to retake the U.S from hostile forces following many years of sheltered isolation, military personnel and their families were led to this Vault on the day the world ended. Since the massive steel door closed, they and their descendants have trained as soldiers, an entire battalion of 1000 awaiting the Call Out Signal from the government to begin Operation: Reclaim the American Dream. But, no such signal came. As the 211-year wait period nears the end though, the day approaches where they will march into the city area that was once Wellspring City, now known as No Man’s Land.

…

           [Year 2279, Vault 120] 16-year-old Richard Paxton yawned as the alarm rang, not wanting to get up. Then, knocking came. “Sweetie, come on, it’s time for school.” his mother said. “Ugh, that just means more training.” Richard said as he finally got up and shut off the alarm. He would take this opportunity to look out the window and see the outdoor neighborhood and morning sky. At least, that would be the natural thing to do, if he didn’t live a steel underground Vault.

He began to get dressed into his Vault 120 jumpsuit, which was pretty repetitive in everyone’s wardrobe. He walked into the kitchen to the smell of long preserved bacon and eggs cooking to see his mother at work over the stove. His father sat down at the table. If this was before the war, one would think he was reading the newspaper, but that wasn’t a thing in a Vault. Instead, he was reading the Vault’s military guidelines. Again. Richard sat down at the table lazily, still feeling groggy as he waited for breakfast.

His father looked up at him sternly. “What’s with the half-assed attitude there? Don’t think you can pull that crap when you turn 18 and join up. Your supervisors will chew you up and spit you out if they catch you like that.” he said. “Oh, leave him. He’s just enjoying his freedom before then. You and I both know what it was like to grow up and then join the force.” his mother said back to the father as she brought over breakfast. “Hmph, don’t see what he’s upset about. I was so damn proud to get my uniform and first position. He needs to be ready to stand at attention at all times, especially immediately after sleep.” his father grumbled as he munched on the preserved bacon.

“Hey, Richard, get hell off your ass and wash the dishes! I want it done yesterday, understood!” his father ordered as they were done eating. Richard got up in resignation and walked over to the dishes, knowing the scalding remarks would only grow worse if he didn’t comply. As he washed the dishes, he really wished his father didn’t take his work into the living unit and force it on him. It wasn’t like he didn’t get enough from the drill sergeants that were his teachers. His parents got up and walked to the doors as they put on their Vault military uniform jackets on. “Hey, be at class at 0800, understand?!” his father shouted. Richard sighed again, saying “Understood.”.

           In a darkened classroom, a projector was playing old footage from before the war. It was another Vault instruction video, featuring the titular Vault Boy giving the thumbs up alongside a Vault Boy version of Uncle Sam. “After nuclear war, this great nation of ours will likely be plagued with all manner of hostiles. Mutants, bandits, and of course, Commie Meanies. That is why we at Vault -Tec are here to do our part and help Uncle Sam reclaim our proud nation. You will be the next generation of fine men and women to fill out our new military and bring prosperity back to the good old U.S of A. When your Vault hears the call to arms, the Call Out Signal, that is when you will begin Operation: Reclaim the American Dream. When that happens, Vault 120’s military will begin operations to reclaim U.S territory and save and recruit survivors to build up the rebirth of the country. So, continue to train and salute under the Red, White, and Blue, and America will prosper again, thanks to you!”.

           As the projector turned off and the lights lit up, the students looked up at the instructor. “All right, you got the spiel. Basically, you’re here to train to be ready to join the Vault military and be ready to march into that wasteland. You’re all 16 now, so soon you’ll have your initial positions decided for when you turn 18 and join up.” the instructor told. Richard yawned in response, knowing all this for years now. It excited him when he was a kid, the thought of joining the military, but what’s the point when the military does nothing? They’ve been stuck in this Vault for over 200 years, there was no Call Out Signal coming. But, he wasn’t the Overseer, and he had to follow orders like everyone else. He wasn’t going to end up like all the insubordinates who, in worst case scenarios, got executed by firing line.

           Richard felt a tapping behind him. It was Carol Hayes, a friend of his for years now. “Hey, what do you think of all this?” she asked. “Dull and a waste of our lives.” he said. “Yeah, I know. It’s not like anything goes on in the military. You’d think they’d wise up and drop all that protocol crap, huh?” she said. Richard chuckled at that, saying “Yeah, screw the Vault military and their shitty protocols.”. “I’m sorry, what were you two saying about our protocols. Looks like we need another demonstration of disciplining insubordinates. Paxton, Hayes get up here and do push-ups till the end of the class!” the instructor shouted. They would both groan if not for the fact that would earn push-ups after class.

           The instructor yammered on and on about military procedures and tactical movements as the pair sweated through the Vault suits, ready to pass out. Finally, the bell rang and the pair dropped as the other students stood attention. “All right, that’s enough for today. Now, remember that you have the Generalized Occupational Aptitude Test next week, or the G.O.A.T. It will be held to help decide your position in the military. You better not get sick, and if anyone skips out you are on bathroom duty for the whole Vault for the next month!” the instructor shouted. “Yes sir!”.

…

[November 21st, Year 2288, Vault 120] 25-year-old 1st Lieutenant Richard Paxton stood at attention. Before him was the Overseer, the woman with authority over the entire Vault regiment. “At ease, Lieutenant. I have a lot to discuss with you, so you need to loosen up for this? Are you ready to hear the details?” she asked. “Yes ma’am.” Richard said. “Very well. As you know, Vault 120 is a facility designed by both Vault-Tec and the U.S military to train a new military force following nuclear devastation. We were to await the Call Out Signal, but it never came, so we followed protocol and prepped for more than two centuries.”

“Fortunately, Vault-Tec assigned a wait period should this happen. Should a wait period of over 211 years expire on a particular date, we will have permission to begin Operation: Reclaim the American Dream. That date is today.” she said. “Wait, Overseer, you mean…” Richard said in disbelief. “Yes, we can finally put our training to use and leave the Vault. But, there is the problem. We have been isolated for so long and our intel of the surface is completely outdated. We know not of the dangers or hostile powers that control the atomic wasteland. To send our entire military without knowing our enemies could result in mission failure.”.

“That is why I am entrusting this mission to you. You are to take a small platoon of around 20 with you and begin scouting operations. Try to obtain the nearest secure base and gather intel on the area, locals, and armed forces there. Should you find hostile factions, try not to antagonize them, but bring back what intel you can. You will have reports sent to me once a month, and I will decide when the military moves out.” the Overseer stated.

“But, why me ma’am?” Richard asked. He might have gotten the rank of 1st Lieutenant, but his record a few years ago showed anything but an ideal soldier. He really just got serious about his job so all the friction and harassment would stop, as the Vault itself wasn’t changing. “I am aware of your record. That is why you are being selected. Too many meatheads down here recite military protocol like it’s the Bible. Military protocol can’t prepare you for an atomic wasteland. I need soldiers that can think on their feet and have an open mind. You have that. So, are you ready to move out?” the Overseer asked. “Yeas, ma’am!” Richard saluted.

…

“Hey there, “Lieutenant”.” said a joking female voice behind Richard. Richard looked back with a smirk towards Carol, glad to have a good old troublemaker who stuck with him through the worst on this mission. “Nice to see you too, “Sergeant”. But seriously, cut the protocol, you know I hate it.” he said, feeling formality was wrong between him and Carol after all their escapades. “Just a joke, Richard. But God, never that we’d be leaving this steel box, huh?” she said. “Yeah.” Richard stated as they both stored at the massive Vault door in front of them.

It was hundreds of feet tall, larger than other vault doors so the military and their stored arsenal could come in and out. Even now, the many mechanisms in it were shifting as it began the long process of opening up. In front were three APCs, each carrying supplies weapons, and the 23 soldiers Richard requested for this mission. Finally, the Vault door opened, spilling sunlight into the entrance. “Ready to go?” Carol asked. “Yeah.” Richard said, ready to leave to stuffy strict vault behind for the action of the wasteland.

Author’s notes: Hello everyone. You here either because you’re a Fallout fan, or you’re here for my Samurai Jack fanfic, Renegade Samurai. That is still ongoing, it’s just I took a small break from that to start this. If you visited my tumblr @psychicdan, you’ll see I am a massive Fallout fan. I mostly like Fallout 4, but I completed 1, tried 2, have been playing 3, and after that hope to play New Vegas. It’s just that each is so long, and 4 has the most up to date mods and gameplay, so I keep going back to it! Well, I own all on PC, so there’s that. This was partly inspired by the plot of Fallout Tactics. Seriously, how did they confuse the Brotherhood of Steel’s origins anyways? They never came from a Vault. Anyway, they will be here in a way that ties into Fallout 4, and there will be a few factions in the new region I called No Man’s Land. Also, complete coincidence Richard Paxton is similar to Fallout lore BOS founder Richard Maxson, that was not intentional, but I don’t plan to change it since only the name is similar, and I honestly wracked my brain for that one. Now, I am devoted to Renegade Samurai updates, so this will probably only get updated at a slower rate, sorry. Hope you enjoy it!

[psychicdan]

An Archive of Our Own, a project of the Organization for Transformative Works

After the Great War left the United States an atomic wastland, one Vault, Vault 120, opens up after 211 years. A Vault with the focus of building up a new military, 1st Lieutenant Richard Paxton and his small platoon head out into the wastland known as No Man's Land to begin Operation: Reclaim the American Dream.

Fallout: No Man’s Land

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes

Warning: The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, and is not intended to copy others’ work. The Fallout video game franchise is the work of Bethesda, Interplay Entertainment, Black Isle Studios, and the many people that collaborated and worked with them. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not for profit.

Chapter I: Begin Operation

Narraration: War, war never changes. Since the beginning of civilization, humanity has always segregated themselves into groups and fought for the simplest of reasons to the most abstract. Whether over control of resources or what way of life should be pursued, humanity has always resorted to mass murder labelled war when different groups can never agree.

As humanity advanced, so too did their capacity for violence, war, and murder, to the point where they developed weapons of mass destruction, a world killer called the atomic bomb. In 2077, conflicts between the two superpowers, the United States and Communist China, escalated to atomic warfare. In two mere but devastating hours, the Great War ended with the entire world, with no victor, all lost.

But, some of humanity managed to cling to life in spite of the atomic hellfire and falling darkness of nuclear winter. Some had hidden in old shelters and bunkers, emerging when the wastes had grown to minimal stability. A special group of fallout shelters though, vaults, held the greatest vestige of humanity, but also held terrible secrets in store for their vault dwellers.

Designed by the U.S government and Vault-Tec, these vaults lured the populace with the promise of survival and comfort, but were in fact experiments to test stressed living standards and experimental procedures in post-nuclear settings. Some were subtle, such as simply selecting particular ethnic or socioeconomic groups and grouping them together, like Vault 15. Others were control vaults, with no changes to the vaults or populace, releasing them after a few decades when it was safe to leave. But many of the vaults held inhumane experiments that ended in catastrophe, such as Vault 11’s experiment that forced a person to be sacrificed every year to test the power of authority vs ethics.

But, this is not the story of Vaults discussed before. This is the story of Vault 120, a vault constructed between both Vault-Tec and the U.S military. To test how well a military force would be prepared to retake the U.S from hostile forces following many years of sheltered isolation, military personnel and their families were led to this Vault on the day the world ended. Since the massive steel door closed, they and their descendants have trained as soldiers, an entire battalion of 1000 awaiting the Call Out Signal from the government to begin Operation: Reclaim the American Dream. But, no such signal came. As the 211-year wait period nears the end though, the day approaches where they will march into the city area that was once Wellspring City, now known as No Man’s Land.

…

           [Year 2279, Vault 120] 16-year-old Richard Paxton yawned as the alarm rang, not wanting to get up. Then, knocking came. “Sweetie, come on, it’s time for school.” his mother said. “Ugh, that just means more training.” Richard said as he finally got up and shut off the alarm. He would take this opportunity to look out the window and see the outdoor neighborhood and morning sky. At least, that would be the natural thing to do, if he didn’t live a steel underground Vault.

He began to get dressed into his Vault 120 jumpsuit, which was pretty repetitive in everyone’s wardrobe. He walked into the kitchen to the smell of long preserved bacon and eggs cooking to see his mother at work over the stove. His father sat down at the table. If this was before the war, one would think he was reading the newspaper, but that wasn’t a thing in a Vault. Instead, he was reading the Vault’s military guidelines. Again. Richard sat down at the table lazily, still feeling groggy as he waited for breakfast.

His father looked up at him sternly. “What’s with the half-assed attitude there? Don’t think you can pull that crap when you turn 18 and join up. Your supervisors will chew you up and spit you out if they catch you like that.” he said. “Oh, leave him. He’s just enjoying his freedom before then. You and I both know what it was like to grow up and then join the force.” his mother said back to the father as she brought over breakfast. “Hmph, don’t see what he’s upset about. I was so damn proud to get my uniform and first position. He needs to be ready to stand at attention at all times, especially immediately after sleep.” his father grumbled as he munched on the preserved bacon.

“Hey, Richard, get hell off your ass and wash the dishes! I want it done yesterday, understood!” his father ordered as they were done eating. Richard got up in resignation and walked over to the dishes, knowing the scalding remarks would only grow worse if he didn’t comply. As he washed the dishes, he really wished his father didn’t take his work into the living unit and force it on him. It wasn’t like he didn’t get enough from the drill sergeants that were his teachers. His parents got up and walked to the doors as they put on their Vault military uniform jackets on. “Hey, be at class at 0800, understand?!” his father shouted. Richard sighed again, saying “Understood.”.

           In a darkened classroom, a projector was playing old footage from before the war. It was another Vault instruction video, featuring the titular Vault Boy giving the thumbs up alongside a Vault Boy version of Uncle Sam. “After nuclear war, this great nation of ours will likely be plagued with all manner of hostiles. Mutants, bandits, and of course, Commie Meanies. That is why we at Vault -Tec are here to do our part and help Uncle Sam reclaim our proud nation. You will be the next generation of fine men and women to fill out our new military and bring prosperity back to the good old U.S of A. When your Vault hears the call to arms, the Call Out Signal, that is when you will begin Operation: Reclaim the American Dream. When that happens, Vault 120’s military will begin operations to reclaim U.S territory and save and recruit survivors to build up the rebirth of the country. So, continue to train and salute under the Red, White, and Blue, and America will prosper again, thanks to you!”.

           As the projector turned off and the lights lit up, the students looked up at the instructor. “All right, you got the spiel. Basically, you’re here to train to be ready to join the Vault military and be ready to march into that wasteland. You’re all 16 now, so soon you’ll have your initial positions decided for when you turn 18 and join up.” the instructor told. Richard yawned in response, knowing all this for years now. It excited him when he was a kid, the thought of joining the military, but what’s the point when the military does nothing? They’ve been stuck in this Vault for over 200 years, there was no Call Out Signal coming. But, he wasn’t the Overseer, and he had to follow orders like everyone else. He wasn’t going to end up like all the insubordinates who, in worst case scenarios, got executed by firing line.

           Richard felt a tapping behind him. It was Carol Hayes, a friend of his for years now. “Hey, what do you think of all this?” she asked. “Dull and a waste of our lives.” he said. “Yeah, I know. It’s not like anything goes on in the military. You’d think they’d wise up and drop all that protocol crap, huh?” she said. Richard chuckled at that, saying “Yeah, screw the Vault military and their shitty protocols.”. “I’m sorry, what were you two saying about our protocols. Looks like we need another demonstration of disciplining insubordinates. Paxton, Hayes get up here and do push-ups till the end of the class!” the instructor shouted. They would both groan if not for the fact that would earn push-ups after class.

           The instructor yammered on and on about military procedures and tactical movements as the pair sweated through the Vault suits, ready to pass out. Finally, the bell rang and the pair dropped as the other students stood attention. “All right, that’s enough for today. Now, remember that you have the Generalized Occupational Aptitude Test next week, or the G.O.A.T. It will be held to help decide your position in the military. You better not get sick, and if anyone skips out you are on bathroom duty for the whole Vault for the next month!” the instructor shouted. “Yes sir!”.

…

[November 21st, Year 2288, Vault 120] 25-year-old 1st Lieutenant Richard Paxton stood at attention. Before him was the Overseer, the woman with authority over the entire Vault regiment. “At ease, Lieutenant. I have a lot to discuss with you, so you need to loosen up for this? Are you ready to hear the details?” she asked. “Yes ma’am.” Richard said. “Very well. As you know, Vault 120 is a facility designed by both Vault-Tec and the U.S military to train a new military force following nuclear devastation. We were to await the Call Out Signal, but it never came, so we followed protocol and prepped for more than two centuries.”

“Fortunately, Vault-Tec assigned a wait period should this happen. Should a wait period of over 211 years expire on a particular date, we will have permission to begin Operation: Reclaim the American Dream. That date is today.” she said. “Wait, Overseer, you mean…” Richard said in disbelief. “Yes, we can finally put our training to use and leave the Vault. But, there is the problem. We have been isolated for so long and our intel of the surface is completely outdated. We know not of the dangers or hostile powers that control the atomic wasteland. To send our entire military without knowing our enemies could result in mission failure.”.

“That is why I am entrusting this mission to you. You are to take a small platoon of around 20 with you and begin scouting operations. Try to obtain the nearest secure base and gather intel on the area, locals, and armed forces there. Should you find hostile factions, try not to antagonize them, but bring back what intel you can. You will have reports sent to me once a month, and I will decide when the military moves out.” the Overseer stated.

“But, why me ma’am?” Richard asked. He might have gotten the rank of 1st Lieutenant, but his record a few years ago showed anything but an ideal soldier. He really just got serious about his job so all the friction and harassment would stop, as the Vault itself wasn’t changing. “I am aware of your record. That is why you are being selected. Too many meatheads down here recite military protocol like it’s the Bible. Military protocol can’t prepare you for an atomic wasteland. I need soldiers that can think on their feet and have an open mind. You have that. So, are you ready to move out?” the Overseer asked. “Yeas, ma’am!” Richard saluted.

…

“Hey there, “Lieutenant”.” said a joking female voice behind Richard. Richard looked back with a smirk towards Carol, glad to have a good old troublemaker who stuck with him through the worst on this mission. “Nice to see you too, “Sergeant”. But seriously, cut the protocol, you know I hate it.” he said, feeling formality was wrong between him and Carol after all their escapades. “Just a joke, Richard. But God, never that we’d be leaving this steel box, huh?” she said. “Yeah.” Richard stated as they both stored at the massive Vault door in front of them.

It was hundreds of feet tall, larger than other vault doors so the military and their stored arsenal could come in and out. Even now, the many mechanisms in it were shifting as it began the long process of opening up. In front were three APCs, each carrying supplies weapons, and the 23 soldiers Richard requested for this mission. Finally, the Vault door opened, spilling sunlight into the entrance. “Ready to go?” Carol asked. “Yeah.” Richard said, ready to leave to stuffy strict vault behind for the action of the wasteland.

Author’s notes: Hello everyone. You here either because you’re a Fallout fan, or you’re here for my Samurai Jack fanfic, Renegade Samurai. That is still ongoing, it’s just I took a small break from that to start this. If you visited my tumblr @psychicdan, you’ll see I am a massive Fallout fan. I mostly like Fallout 4, but I completed 1, tried 2, have been playing 3, and after that hope to play New Vegas. It’s just that each is so long, and 4 has the most up to date mods and gameplay, so I keep going back to it! Well, I own all on PC, so there’s that. This was partly inspired by the plot of Fallout Tactics. Seriously, how did they confuse the Brotherhood of Steel’s origins anyways? They never came from a Vault. Anyway, they will be here in a way that ties into Fallout 4, and there will be a few factions in the new region I called No Man’s Land. Also, complete coincidence Richard Paxton is similar to Fallout lore BOS founder Richard Maxson, that was not intentional, but I don’t plan to change it since only the name is similar, and I honestly wracked my brain for that one. Now, I am devoted to Renegade Samurai updates, so this will probably only get updated at a slower rate, sorry. Hope you enjoy it!

[psychicdan]

Hello, this is psychicdan. Yes, I am very bad at drawing since I screwed up Vault Boy. This is a cover for my coming fanfic story, Fallout: No Man’s Land. For those of you following me for my Samurai Jack fanfic, Renegade Samurai, don’t worry, I’m still doing that. I just had this idea too since I’m a huge Fallout fan. The story takes place in a fictional city in an unspecified state, kind of like the Simpsons’ Springfield. Don’t read into it, it’s just that I don’t know American geography and they already did Massachusetts which is where I’m most familiar. The premise is that Vault 120 is a local, massive vault with a unique experiment. The U.S government wanted to see the feasibility of how well prepared their military would be after years of isolation in shelter following nuclear war and how well they would be able to combat hostile forces and retake the U.S. So, Vault 120, a collaboration between Vault-Tec and the U.S military, was the experiment to test this. Designed as a military vault, military personnel and their families were escorted there on October 23rd, 2077. They and their descendants have been trained as soldiers ever since, preparing for the Call Out Signal from the government to begin reclamation operations. But, no such signal came. After 211 years, the designated wait period has expired and now, by default, Vault 120 has been given permission to begin Operation: Reclaim the American Dream. This is the story of their long foray into the area now known as No Man’s Land.

[psychicdan]

Jack and Ashi come to stop near one of the Outlands, areas lacking Magnus's control but rife with crime, outlaws, and other dangers. They take up a bounty to help afford supplies and complete with a mysterious young mercenary skilled enough to take on Jack. Who is this mercenary, and what is so familiar about him? These thoughts are interrupted as a hired assailant guns for Jack and Ashi's heads and puts them all in danger. A new comrade joins Jack and Ashi in their fight against Magnus and his Protectorate.

Samurai Jack: Renegade Samurai

Rating M for graphic depictions, language, violence and suggestive themes

Warning:

The following is a work of fanfiction and is not intentionally connected to real world places, events, or people, nor intended to copy others’ work. Samurai Jack is the work of Genndy Tartakovsky, his team and affiliated studios and companies. This is solely fanfiction for fun and not profit.

Chapter VI: Lawlessness and Profit

           Rocky outcroppings, orange brown dirt, and the occasional hardy plant could be seen in this otherwise barren terrain, the blazing sun beating down on the rocks and dirt. It would be devoid of civilization if not for the nearby outpost nestled between some outcroppings and facing the barren stretch of land before. Driving on the road leading to the arid outpost was a motorcycle kicking up dirt as it drove into the outpost and slowly parked. The drivers, Jack and Ashi, surveyed the area. The people all looked a bit rough, probably on account of the area. Some didn’t look like they lived in the area, and given all the vehicles in the lot, were probably just visiting. This was likely just some resting outpost, a place for people to stop, rest, and resupply before getting on the way. What the pair was most intent on finding though was any signs of the Magnus Protectorate. Once they confirmed there were no such buildings, vehicles, or soldiers from that organization, they loosened their tension a bit, but still kept a subtle guard about them. Some of the travelers looked a bit gruff, and Jack and Ashi noticed the occasional concealed weapon. It wasn’t a surprise that a place lacking the discipline and presence of the Protectorate might lack its strict law enforcement. Then again, Jack and Ashi couldn’t criticize much. It was much better than walking into a place swarming with Cyber Troopers, and they weren’t so different from these people, given their own guards and weapons. They noticed a sort of grill and bar and walked in, hoping to get both food and drink as well as maybe information. When they walked in, a number of the patrons looked up at the new arrivals. For a moment, everyone was tense, before the patrons decided to loosen their tension and return to what they were doing. Seems as though out here, not many paid much mind to the Protectorate’s notices or didn’t care. Jack had walked into bars plenty of times back in Aku’s future without hesitation, but each time he had to be ready for all the bounty hunters that would jump at the huge price Aku put on his head. Fortunately, it didn’t seem like he was exactly the most wanted man in this world. If anything, warnings about him were a bit limited to just warn the public rather than panic them. Still, both him and Ashi stayed alert while walking to the bartender and cook, ready for anything. They sat down as the bartender, a middle-aged woman, sized them up with a stern glance. “Don’t get many with that getup, but whatever. What’ll you be having?” the bartender asked. “Can we have the usual meal and some hot water please?” Jack asked. “No booze?” she asked. “No, just the hot water and your regular food, thanks.” Ashi said. They weren’t regular drinkers in the first place, and planned to get back on the road after this. “Hon, get a couple of burgers to go!” the waitress yelled. A man in the back, the cook, tossed some patties on the steaming grill he worked on. Seemed from the context they were a married couple that ran this grill and bar together. The waitress ran a pot of water under a flame as that happened, and soon she poured a couple of mugs full of water. “Thank you” Jack said. He pulled out a few ingredients for herbal tea and mixed them into the hot water with a short stick, and soon enough had some nice tea to go. “Where do you even find stuff like that?” Ashi asked. “Sometimes in the market, other times from the plants themselves.” Jack answered. He was thankful tea making was not a complex process, as it was an acquired taste for him. Both he and Ashi drank the tea, and she seemed a bit pleased. “Mm, it’s good.” she said. “Really? Thank you, I was worried…never mind.” Jack said, still embarrassed about how on his spirit journey before, the monk that guided him said his tea was terrible. He knew that was to reflect spiritual balance, but he was always worried since then that he had lost his touch at tea making. Sighing in relief, he began drinking again when he remembered something. “I am sorry, but I was wondering if you could give us some directions. We are headed for Novas Sanctum, but we are not familiar with the area or where that is. Could you point us in the right way?” Jack asked. The waitress looked at him rather bewildered. “The Protectorate Capital? Why would an apparent outlander like yourself be doing in an orderly place like that? Well, if it’s Novas Sanctum, let me tell you, you’ve got one hell of a road ahead. It’s a little north of the center of the continent, and you’re seriously on the fringes around the southwest. Seriously, you’re near the Outlands, that’s as pretty far from Protectorate territory as you can get.” the waitress scoffed. “The Outlands?” Ashi asked. “What rock did the pair of you crawl out of?! The Outlands, areas here and there over the world in some of the most remote places, far from the rest of civilization. You know, places so far out there, not even the Magnus Protectorate bothers with them? Seriously, everyone knows about them, along with where the Capital is. Go buy a map at the store nearby.” she said, rather irritated at the pair’s vast ignorance. “Though I should warn you dunces, if you don’t know what the Outlands are, I’d steer clear. They’re remote not just out of distance. They don’t have much in the way of food and water, got plenty of dangerous wildlife, mutants from the war, pretty much anything the Protectorate prevents. The only benefit they got is that there’s no Protectorate there, and that in itself is bad. Any and every outlaw uses those no man’s lands as asylum from the law, so don’t stay unless you want a blade or a bullet in your back. Heck, we’re bordering one of those places, so it’s kind of a risk being here, but it’s good enough business. Some prefer to take their chances and not have the Protectorate breathe down their necks.” the waitress warned. “I, uh, see. Thank you for the caution, we’ll remember that.” Jack said, a little confused by everything. From what he could tell, they were a long way from their goal, and were in fact going the wrong way. They seemed to be near a remote and lawless area that did not fall in Protectorate law. While that freed them from the threat of Cyber Troopers, they had to deal with all the lawless elements. It seems that anything Magnus did not control was both sparse and lawless, indicating he was the only law and order in this world, albeit the most formidable Jack had seen. Of course, it made sense that ruling the entire world left a few areas unchecked, as Magnus would be strained resource wise. Jack’s thoughts were interrupted with the arrival of the burgers. He preferred the tastes of his home, sure, but being as well travelled as him made him open to all manner of meal, both in his travels in the past and his journey in the last future. A burger was a basic, common meal, both in that timeline and this one apparently, and he was all right with it. After he and Ashi finished eating, Jack reached into his pouch for credits, but was a bit dismayed. From what he could see, they still had enough to pay for food and maybe the map and gas, but they wouldn’t have enough for anything after that. The waitress noticed his troubled expression when paying, and decided to lend them a helpful idea. “You know, if you’re short on cash, you could try your hand at some of those bounties. Like I said, we live next to the lawless out here, so we need help to put them in their place when we don’t have Cyber Troopers to help us. You don’t have to kill them, if that bothers ya. Just bring ‘em here and we’ll ship ‘em off to the Protectorate. Ah, here’s a good one.” the waitress pointed out. She gestured to a wanted picture of a lanky, disheveled man. The reward displayed was quite the amount of credits. “Crazy son of a bitch calling himself Rabid Dog Fargo. Kills travelers and traders on the road, even when they surrender, they say. He’s getting to be a real menace, even tried shooting up the place in broad daylight, till the other patrons brought out their guns too. That dog needs to be either caged up or put down. What do you say?” the waitress proposed. Jack thought about it. Being a sell sword was never something he liked the idea of, but he did have to do the odd job here and there to get by before, and like then, he didn’t have the luxury of options. Though, given his lifestyle without an actual working occupation, he had to wonder if he was acting more rōnin than samurai. “Why not go for it? We’ll be doing some good for the locals and get some money for supplies, and no one has to get hurt.” Ashi persuaded. Jack sighed, supposing he couldn’t argue with the circumstances. “Alright, let’s go.” he said.

…

           Jack strained his eyes up ahead against the glare of the sun as he climbed up the rock face. Not far beneath him was Ashi, who was also training against both the height and the heat of the sun. They had left a few hours ago to interview the travelers about Fargo’s last appearance at the outpost, which had only been three days ago. He had been wounded, and from the traces of dried bloodstains and foot prints, they inferenced he was hiding up on the tall rock face. For a would-be bandit, it was optimal. It gave a good overview of both the outposts and roads, letting him survey both potential prey and identify pursuers. The remoteness of it also made it harder to find and catch him, so it was as good a hiding spot as well as a vantage point. That was why, rather than taking the walking path, Jack and Ashi were climbing to avoid being seen. Finally, Jack could see what he hoped was the last ridge. He climbed over, and once he did, he extended his hand over the edge and lifted Ashi over as well. Both breathed in and out for a few seconds before they surveyed the surroundings. Before them was a cave, likely Fargo’s hideout. Jack and Ashi nodded at each other as they turned and walked cautiously into the cave. They could soon see lanterns and a makeshift tent there, and made out a mumbling voice. They could then see a disheveled, disorderly man, Rabid Dog Fargo, talking to one of his dead victims sitting down with him as they ate. “And so, I was going to ask politely if they wanted to join me for a drink, and you know what they did, they started shottin’ at me. Sure, I got a bit loose and shot first, but hey, that was a joke. Those jackasses got no sense of humor, I tell ya.” Fargo grumbled to the corpse. “Well who needs ‘em. After all, you’re a good chum, givin’ me all this food and drink and sharin’ your company. Hope you like the place, I like that “macabre” or whatever they call it look, feels homey for me.” Fargo laughed, acting as though he was having a jovial conversation with a living person. Jack narrowed his eyes and gritted his teeth, infuriated with this level of disrespect and callousness to both the living and dead. Ashi had a look of pure disdain all over her face. If Jack wasn’t so set on keeping this piece of shit alive, she would kill Fargo without hesitation. But since live capture was decided from the beginning, she would just have to restrain herself. For once though, they wanted the Protectorate to be disciplinary with this one. They snuck in the shadows behind Fargo as they crept closer till they were right behind them as he kept laughing. “So, you want to take the shot this time, or me? Well, if you isi-GUHH?!” He cried out as a pair of fists crashed down on his skull, knocking him out but seriously wounding him as small amounts of blood ran from his head. There was no pity from the eyes of his captors though. Ashi brought out the rope they brought as she tied him up so he wouldn’t get away. At first, they had planned to carry him, but after that sight, Ashi was just dragging him across the ground as he groaned. The only sympathy they ever displayed was to Fargo’s victim. “I will see to it. You go on ahead.” Jack said to Ashi. Ashi complied, but only went as far as outside the cave. Soon after, Jack emerged as well, carrying the deceased in his arms. It would look rather suspicious taking the body back to the outpost, even if they did claim Fargo responsible, so this was the only option. Jack set to work as he gathered rocks and laid them upon the deceased, finishing with a marker stone. Chief among Jack’s regrets was that he didn’t even know the person’s name as he tried to wish them a peaceful transition and release. After he was done with his mournful thoughts, he turned back to Ashi they headed for the walking path. “HOLD IT!” a voice cried out. Running up to the front of the walking path was a figure in faded black leather trench coat. He wore a sort of combat mask and helmet with wide colorless eye lenses, and beneath his coat he was wearing a chest guard above a gray t shirt, wore black denim pants, and was wearing rough brown boots. Holstered at his side was a laser revolver and some sort of device that had a grip, but didn’t look like it could be fired or slashed at an enemy. Given all these factors it was fair to surmise he was a mercenary, albeit not that impressive since he was wheezing out of breath through his mask. He must have run up the rock face as fast as possible. “W-wait. T-that’s my bounty you got there. Been chasing that asshat for days, I, whooo, uh, that was, ugh, exhausting. L-let me catch my breath for a sec.” the mercenary gasped out. After an awkward moment of heavy breathing and awkward stares from Jack and Ashi, neither of them knowing how to respond, the mercenary finally collected himself. “Uh, sorry about that, got panicked when I saw you guys climbing is all, so I ran up as fast as I could. Anyway, I signed on for the bounty on Fargo’s head a week ago. Damn asshole’s been giving me the runaround, and just when I got back to the outpost, I find out he attacked without me knowing. Thought I caught a break when he left clues, till I saw you two. Look, I’ll be straight, just hand him over.” the mercenary said, extending his hand. “Wait, what? No way! We made it first and we need the reward!” Ashi asserted, rather irritated with this guy. “Look it’s been weeks since I last got a real reward and now I’m strapped for cash. Do you know how hard it is for a regular mercenary to find work in this day and age?! I gotta eat too, you know?! So hand over that murdering bastard or else.” the mercenary said. “Please, I’m sure there’s a way we can settle this and…” Jack said, trying to diffuse the tension before a laser shot zoomed past his head and blasted a hole in the rock beside him. He didn’t even have time to react as the mercenary had drawn his laser pistol without warning and fired it in the blink of an eye. Given the mercenary’s composure, that was no miss, it was a warning shot. If he wanted Jack dead, it would be very feasible for him. “Last warning.” The mercenary said, done fooling around. Jack steeled himself as he drew his sword, prepared to confront the mercenary’s animosity with his own. The mercenary, while on guard, didn’t hesitate either, and drew the strange device at his hip. With a click, it suddenly transformed and broke into segmented pieces. The pieces floated in fixed points in air, with one sharp point at the end, and the space between them was filled with bright blue light. The mercenary never explained, but this was a cybernetic photon blade, which made the Cyber Troopers’ combat blades look like butter knives. All three combatants stared down as the peak filled with tension. After a moment of silently holding ground, the mercenary charged in and clashed his blade with Jack’s. He seemed slightly surprised that Jack’s sword didn’t break on contact, as it just looked like a regular thin steel sword. They continued to clash, bright flashes coming from the cybernetic photon sword each time. They locked swords again, and Jack struggled to figure out his opponent. Just as he was a good gunman, he was an accomplished swordsman, and he obviously faced off against skilled opponents before. Fortunately, Jack was as well, and he drew the pistol at his side. The mercenary saw this and backed off with a jump. Jack fired three bullets aimed at different places, but rather than dodging, the mercenary blocked each one. “This one is dangerous”, Jack thought. The mercenary further confirmed his thoughts as he grabbed something circular from his trench coat and unpinned it. Jack’s mind went into alarm, and as he ducked for cover near some rocks, the mercenary threw it and explosion rocked the peak. He tried peering into the smoke to find any trace of the Samurai, but then he felt a presence closing in. The figure coming out of the dust wasn’t him though, it wasn’t as tall or sturdy as him. This was confirmed as he barely blocked the knife with his blade, seeing Ashi attack him with killing intent. As they both backed off, the mercenary fired his laser revolver, but Ashi was fast, swerving and dodging each shot at the last minute. She closed in at the last minute and punched him in the face, cracking his mask. He swung his blade at her, but she dodged and backflipped away. If he wasn’t so focused on her, he might have noticed that the smoke had lifted and the Samurai rushing in with his blade. He finally noticed at the last minute, but he barely blocked the sword attack as it grazed his damaged mask and helmet. They fell in pieces and Jack now stared at the face of his enemy that he had once again locked swords with. The mercenary appeared to be young, just a year or two younger than Jack and Ashi, with brown, rough hair reaching down to the top of his neck and appearing slightly shaggy in tuffs. He had faded blue eyes and a rounded nose and a slightly pointed chin. In contrast to the state of his hair, his face was cleanly shaven, and the color of his skin was white. Despite his apparent youth, Jack could see the experience in this foe’s face, as he appeared tense with his teeth gritted, but didn’t look about ready to give into fatigue or frustration. Jack held his own resolve then, but it looked like the mercenary seemed distracted a moment as his eyes went wide at something in the distant. “GET DOWN!” he screamed, pulling Jack down to the ground right as a speeding bullet roared past where Jack’s head was a moment ago. Jack was stunned at the sight, and turned his attention to where the bullet came from. The young mercenary was already ahead of him on that, and with two hands and peerless aim, fired a shot in the direction of the previous one. It reached the opposite peak and struck the sniper rifle of the assailant, blowing it to pieces. Jack couldn’t make out who it was as they already backed off down the peak. Still, he doubted that was the last of him, as it was obvious he had aimed to take Jack’s life. “Um, thank you, for that.” Jack said awkwardly. The mercenary sighed in exasperation. “You can keep your thanks for later. We can argue and fight over the scumbag later, right now we’re sitting ducks over here.” the mercenary explained, as they both got up and Ashi joined them. “Wait, why’d you help us? How do we even know you’re not with that guy? You just tried to kill us?!” she yelled at him distrustfully. “The only person who tried any killing here was you, lady. I just wanted kick your asses and get my reward. Look, I just reacted, okay. Not like I enjoy seeing people get shot dead, and if I was with him, I wouldn’t have saved your boyfriend’s ass, okay. Now, can we please get out of here before we get shot? If that was who I think it was, he’ll be back.” the mercenary retorted. Jack and Ashi were a bit embarrassed by the mercenary’s use of the word “boyfriend” as it seemed their relationship wasn’t hard to guess, and they couldn’t exactly retort to that, rude as he was about it. Still, he was valid in his other points as well, so they complied. Jack grabbed Fargo, still knocked out, and together the company of three headed down the mountain, cautiously looking ahead and to the sides for trouble. When they reached the bottom, they had not lessened their guards. Good thing too, because from both sides, 8 armed hostiles, each looking rough, desperate, and murderous appeared. Given their tattered garb and poor weaponry, they were obviously bandits. “Great, this is why I love being near the Outlands.” the mercenary said sarcastically. “Hey, that’s them, right? Guy said he’d give us a haul if we skinned those two, yeah? What about him?” said one bandit. “Skin ‘im too. He looks like he’s got valuables on him.” said another bandit with anticipation. “Are you kidding me?! I’m broke, you, ah whatever.” The mercenary lamented as he fired his laser revolver at the bandit that said to kill him, blowing his head off as he fell down. The bandits got the message then and attacked. It wasn’t much of a fight. Jack sliced the throat of one and cut another one down through the shoulder. Ashi stabbed one through the head and filled another one with bullets with her SMG. The mercenary shot another one through the chest as they charged, and when they got to him, he bisected one and stabbed the last one with his cybernetic photon sword. The 8 bandits lay dead at their feet, blood pooling at the foot of the path. Jack was suspicious. Why did the assailant think that this would work? Did he actually think that these bandits could kill them? Jack was not overconfident, but he didn’t think he could be taken down that easily, and he was sure his enemy knew that as well. Something wasn’t right. His suspicions were confirmed when a cylindrical device rolled in and started beeping faster and faster. “QUICK, RUN!” Jack shouted as he and the others ran and ducked as an explosion rocked where they had stood. Jack lifted his head and looked around to make sure Ashi and the mercenary were safe. Once he confirmed that and they all got to their feet, they noticed a figure walking through the smoke. As it began to clear, Jack was both surprised and on guard. Coming out of the smoke was what he recognized as an intelligent canine, but not like the friendly archaeologists he met in the last future. This one had lethal aura about him. He was about as tall as a human man, and from what he recognized, the assailant resembled a German shepherd, but a scar ran across one of his eyes, leaving him blind on the left. His right ear looked slightly torn as well. Obviously, he had plenty of rough fights. He was covered in weathered up green and black armor, and carried a machete on one side and a repeater on the other. What he was carrying was a chain gun, primed and loaded. “Shit, Chlodwig. I was hoping I was wrong.” the mercenary said, gritting his teeth. “Cassius, out of the way of my bounty. The Protectorate just upped the bounty on both of them to 500,000 credits, dead or alive. So back off.” Chlodwig said in a gruff, accented voice. “Look, you got the wrong idea. I don’t do bounties for the Protectorate, all right? I was just having a little property dispute with them is all.” Cassius explained. “Hmph, if you got over that hang up, you might actually become a half decent mercenary and start making real money. Instead, you’re still hauling small time thugs for food and rent. What a waste. Well, you can cash your pocket money when I’m done with them.” Chlodwig scoffed. Jack was a bit confused by that. From the sounds of it, Chlodwig and Cassius here were opposite ends of the totem pole, with Cassius catching small time outlaws and Chlodwig hunting professionally. But Cassius certainly didn’t fight like an amateur, if anything Jack suspected he’d be one of the real professionals. Who was Cassius? “In case you’re wondering who the hell this asshole is, his name’s Chlodwig, Real professional, hunts for anyone as long as they’re the highest bidder. Ran into him on a few bounties, he’s a real savage. Shot down one of his associates when they were having a verbal argument, no one worked with him after that. If he’s hunting a hit on your ass, that’s bad.” Cassius explained. “Sorry, what did you call me? An asshole?” Chlodwig growled with animosity. “Well, yeah! You seriously shot down one of your partners, and just now you nearly killed me twice! I nearly got shot and blown up, damn it!” Cassius vented. “Like I said, you got in the way. So, stay out of the way, before I blow your friggin’ head off!” Chlodwig said before he just barely dodged a laser blast that grazed his intact ear, blood tracing down his head. When he realized the insulting intent of that injury, he growled with rage as his chain gun started to rev up. “I’m going to regret this, but screw you anyways.” Cassius said nonchalantly. He, Jack and Ashi turned serious then and dodged as a hail of bullets came from the chain gun, turning everything in front of Chlodwig into a free fire range. Jack, Ashi, and Cassius barely managed to hide behind a boulder, but that wasn’t going to last, as cracks were already forming and rock bits were chipping away. Jack grabbed a rock twice the size of his hand and threw it in the air. When it fell back down from the bullet filled air, it turned to fragments smaller than a pinky finger. “Yeah, we’re mincemeat if we go out there.” Cassius said. “Can’t stay here either. Got any bright ideas?” Ashi said with some criticism. “I seriously just pissed off a crazy professional mercenary at a moment’s notice without a plan. Clearly bright ideas are the last thing I got now. How about you, topknot?” Cassius asked. Jack held his hand to his chin as he thought up how to face Chlodwig. As long as he had that chain gun, a head on attack was suicide. So, they needed a quick move that would distract him and let them destroy it. Then it occurred to him. “Do you have any more of those explosives?” Jack asked. Cassius was a bit baffled as to why he asked that in this situation, then realization dawned as he smiled. “Oh, I see what you’re going for. Yeah, I got a few more. But how are we going to distract him to use ‘em?” Cassius asked. “Leave that to me.” Asi said, smiling with confidence. The trio readied themselves as Ashi took aim from behind the top of the boulder and fired. Chlodwig noticed and began firing towards her. That was the chance. Cassius unpinned a grenade and rolled it towards Chlodwig. Still, he was rather experienced and noticed it as he stopped firing and backed up as it exploded. “Grrr, bastards! Did they think that shit was going to…” he thought before a figure closed in from the smoke, sword in hand. Chlodwig’s eyes opened in alarm as he tried to ready the chain gun again, but it was too late. The double feint paid off as with one clean stroke, Jack slashed the chain gun in two. “GRAHHH!” Chlodwig roared as pulled out his repeater. Jack jumped back to get distance as he blocked with his sword, though a few bullets still grazed his arms and legs. Chlodwig was so focused though that he didn’t see Ashi jumping in with her combat knife, slashing the repeating before Chlodwig countered with his machete. In the ensuing blade clashes, he knocked the combat blade away and was about to strike her before a bullet knocked his machete out of his hand. It had come from Jack’s pistol, Jack himself looking very upset at Chlodwig. “Damn you, I’ll-GAAAAHHH!” Chlodwig screamed in pain as he felt a sudden attack at his left side. He looked down to see blood pouring out of where his hand used to be. Now, it lay on the ground next to him, soaked in his own blood. The cause was a cybernetic photon sword, gripped in a slashing motion by Cassius. He knew that since Chlodwig was blind in the left side, enough of a distraction would leave him wide open then. Cassius stood straight as Jack and Ashi stood behind him, with Chlodwig backing away in pain, clutching his bleeding wound. “Leave, now. Or do you still want to fight like that.” Cassius said, looking down on Chlodwig with stern eyes. Chlodwig’s eyes turned downward in both frustration and resignation. He came here with enough firepower and armament to turn hordes to pieces, but now he lost both that and his left hand, and it was still 3 to 1. If he wanted to live, there was no choice. He was no Protectorate fanatic, so dying fighting Magnus’s battles was not how he saw himself going out. Still, as he turned back, walking away with blood still trailing down in drops, he said one thing to the group.“ Fick dich alle zur Hölle.”. Jack frowned, knowing some German from his travels and understanding what that meant. Fuck you all to hell, was the rough translation. “Uh, yeah, right back at ya.” Cassius said, not knowing the exact context, but felt it was meant to be insulting. “So, since that was enough action for like, I dunno, a month, do you just want to call it quits and split the reward?” Cassius said, looking a bit exhausted. Jack and Ashi nodded, sharing his sentiments. “Aw, my friggin head, who the hell-GUHH?!” Fargo said as he stirred awake before getting a kick to the head from Cassius. “Alright, gave that asshole some payback and did my part. Now I don’t feel so guilty. Let’s go get us some money and a drink.” he said.

…

The trio sat down in the bar, resting from the day’s events. They had turned in Fargo, a little worse for wear, not that they cared, and the bartender gave them the outpost’s reward, which they split three ways. As Cassius suggested, they were now sharing in a light drink, not enough to get drunk, but enough to take a little edge off. “I’m uh, not big on introductions and you already heard, but uh, name’s Cassius, or Cass if you like.”. he said with some reserve, not big on jovial greetings. “It is a pleasure to meet you Cass, I am called Jack.” Jack greeted with both graciousness and humility. “I’m Ashi, so don’t get it wrong Cass.” Ashi stated with a stern smile. Though she was now on friendlier terms with him, in part thanks to his own actions and Jack’s outward trust, but Ashi still reserved some animosity for his rough, crude behavior. “Jeez, alright, alright. Anything so you don’t stab me. So, I guess you’re those renegades the Protectorate’s losing their shit over, huh?” Cassius inquired. The pair looked at each other, not wanting to have to fight more would be bounty hunters. “Looking to cash in?” Ashi asked with distrust. “Like hell. Said it last time, I don’t do bounties for those shit lords. Hell, it makes me laugh to hear they got problems. So much so, that maybe I should tag along.” Cassius mused with slight humor. “Wait, what?!”. “Excuse me?” Jack and Ashi said respectively at the same time. “Like I said, I hate those guys, all right. Not like I can walk into Protectorate territory without dealing with those bucket heads in the first place, so I don’t mind a bit of lawbreaking. Plus, I’m still pretty dirt poor. Figure It’ll be easier to make ends meet with company than on my own. Know you probably don’t make much either, but it’s better than what I got. Basically, you take me in, I help you stick it to the man, deal?” Cassius proposed. Jack and Ashi looked at each other a bit dumbfounded. Even ignoring the implications and responsibilities of bringing someone else into their fight, Cassius’s reasons were really too simplistic. Who works with wanted fugitives on a whim? “Is that really all there is to it?” Ashi asked with scrutiny in her eyes. Cassius sighed. “Look, I just got a personal axe to grind, all right? That’s all I’m going to say about it. You saw I can look after myself, so don’t get any hang ups about thinking I’m your watch, okay?” Cassius explained. “This will be very dangerous and there is not much in the way of money. We live on the run and don’t have much luxuries. Are you sure about this?” Jack stated, making it clear this would be risky, not comfortable or profitable. “I figured as much. It doesn’t sound all that different from what I was doing before. Desperate mercenary looking for work, remember? Sleeping in the woods on rocks or eating gruel are common past times for me. Getting shot at is pretty common too, ‘least I can sleep with both eyes closed with company around. So, what do you say?” Cassius asked. Jack looked at Ashi, with all she offered being a shrug, which really indicated “why not”. With that, Jack nodded, and turned back to Cassius with a smile. “Thank you, Cass, your help means a great deal.”. Jack said with gratitude. “Jeez, polite much? Well, it’s a welcome change. Same here. So, where we going?” Cassius asked. “Novas Sanctum.” Jack answered. Cassius turned back to Jack like he misheard. “Wait, the Protectorate Capital?! Here I thought I had an axe to grind. You think big, huh Jack? Well, I guess that works. Off to the hornets’ nest then. Oh god.” He said with some dry sarcasm, trying to diffuse his stress. As he walked to the door ahead of Jack and Ashi, he saw a Magnus Protectorate promotional poster. On it was Magnus’s face, overlooking a lineup of Cyber Troopers. The poster read “Defend the Peace and Join the Magnus Protectorate Today.”. Cassius’s eyes narrowed at that as he clenched his fists, bad memories resurfacing. “Is... something wrong?” Jack asked with concern. “Huh? Oh, uh, nothing, nothing. Just need that night air is all. Anyway, my ride is outside in the lot, so let’s go.” Cassius said, dismissing his prior thoughts. They walked outside, now nighttime, into the makeshift parking lot, where Jack and Ashi’s armored motorcycle remained. Cassius gestured to his vehicle, which was also a motorcycle, but more traditional and not bearing armor. As Jack and Ashi got on their motorcycle, Jack expressed a troubled thought to Ashi. “Ashi, does it seem odd how far Cass is going for us?” Ashi nodded. “He said he had personal reasons, but he won’t share. I thought he was lying, maybe a spy, but he looked really troubled back there. Maybe it was something bad enough he doesn’t want to talk about it?” Ashi surmised. Jack nodded, getting that impression as well. “He does not seem to be of ill intent, but he is keeping much to himself. He is a struggling mercenary by trade, but the way he fought was that of an accomplished and trained warrior. Why would a person like that be struggling or resisting the law? It makes no sense.” Jack stated. “Well, we’ll just have to ask him when he feels like talking about it.” Ashi concluded. Jack sighed, affirming that was the only way they would make sense of it. That wasn’t what bothered him most though. “Ashi, this seems weird, but it’s been bothering me for a while now. I had the strangest sense when I saw Cass’s face in that fight. Does there seem to be something familiar about him to you?” Jack asked. “Ashi held her hand to her chin, contemplating. “Now that you mention it, there is something familiar about his face. Not like I met him before, but like his face looks like someone else I’ve seen before, like his face is a bit similar. But who?” Ashi asked, struggling to match the sense of familiarity. In the end, their contemplation was interrupted with a honking sound. “Perhaps it is nothing, or just a coincidence.” Jack said, knocking off previous concerns. He drove the motorcycle up to the lot exit, where, Cassius waited on his own motorcycle, and the pair of vehicles drove back on to the arid road, the only lights being the moon, stars, and their headlights as they drove on.

Author’s Notes: I know I’m very wordy and some parts might have been dull, but I write each one with the frame and scope of an SJ episode in mind, which is why they are as long and detailed as they are. Sorry if you weren’t here for a lecture on the Outlands and stuff, but I’m still in world building right now. Wait until I get to things like the Abominables and a group inspired by a faction from a game I love. Now, Cassius. Cassius is one of three original characters I had planned to join Jack and Ashi in their journey. The second one will join them in the next chapter, but the last one won’t until Arc 2. It’s for the story and character development, sorry. But Cassius is by far the most detailed I had imagined and will have an important backstory, as you probably picked up and are now guessing. I am really bad at drawing and am only starting to take online tutorials, and even then it will probably still be bad, but I’m thinking of doing a design for Cassius and uploading it to my tumblr @psychicdan, where my other Renegade Samurai stuff is. But have you played Fallout New Vegas, where the Courier is wearing that NCR Ranger Armor? Yeah, Cassius’s design was inspired heavily by that, plus the descriptions I left in the chapter, his helmet has bigger eye googles and his trench coat being faded black instead of brown. It also takes some inspiration from the Drifter from Hyper Light Drifter, mainly the sword, because that was cool too. In fact, I sort of imagined the design before Renegade Samurai, it just came back to me when I was thinking up a mercenary character for the story. Also, let me confirm that Chlodwig is German, no I’m not racist, just wanted to make another character that was sort of SJ style. Hey, that episode with the bounty hunters had a big muscleman Russian named Boris, no one batted an eye then, huh? Also, let it be known I do not hate dogs, have two myself, and no actual dogs were hurt in the making of this chapter. I don’t speak German either, I seriously used Google translate, so go easy on me. Now before you leave, if it’s not much trouble, if you liked the story, please leave a like, comment, or review. I like making this story, but I do feel insecure sometimes. I’d like to know how people feel about the story and what could have been better so I can reflect and think in new angles and bring a better story for everyone. Hope this doesn’t come across as desperate. Now, the next chapter will include both a new OC and a joke villain I plan to bring up again once or twice. His shtick? Death metal. So, yeah, let me know what you thought and leave a like if you liked, thanks.