Topic: One Chapter Closes...

HX-909-A

Date: 2008-10-02 21:44 EST
Hex contemplated the events of recent weeks, how things had come to this point. The fight between Gunther and Lord Brutin; the latter's disappearance with Verishia, Alaemnah, and Nadine. The short-lived war between Fen Strider and the combined forces of the New Lupinosii Nation and the Marduk task force.

These seemed to be the primary triggers in the decline of both Association activity, and Hex's personal involvement in that Association. Finally the machine had heard a response from Lord Brutin, delivered by messenger from wherever he was currently. In short, Brutin had accepted Hex's resignation, as well as Hex's payment for the services of the bulk of the Legion.
Hex and the Legion of Chain would be leaving the Slaver Association, becoming independants.

This situation was hardly ideal, and Hex disliked what he could only describe as quitting his post. The truth of the matter was that Hex had joined the Association to guard Brutin and his interests. With Brutin gone from Rhydin for the forseeable future, there was little for Hex to do. The one thing Hex was actually pleased with was the training the machine had instilled into the soldiers of the Legion. The troops were well versed in a variety of weaponry and battle styles, from sword and shield to power-armor and energy weapons. The Legion of Chain had become a formidable force, and now it was time to seek their fortunes and test their mettle once again.

Coming back to the present, the machine stood in the command post in the middle of the Legion's encampment. Some ten thousand soldiers would be joining Hex as it left the Association. Already most of the supplies and equipment Hex had brought to the Association compound had been stripped down and shipped in transports. The Legion's new home was an orbital platform constructed by the Marduk task force during the war with Fen Stridar. That space station would now serve as headquarters, barracks, and training grounds for the newly re-named Iron Dragons Mercenaries

An aide walked up to the humanoid machine and saluted, handing over a data-pad. "Sir, the last of the equipment has been loaded, and the troops are boarding the transports now."
Hex returned the salute and looked over the report, finally nodding to the soldier. "Very well. Mine will be the last transport to leave. Please inform all relevant officers I will be arriving later this evening. I have another task that must be completed before I can rendezvous at the platform."

The soldier nodded and saluted again before turning to carry out Hex's orders. Once again the machine was somewhat suprised with the seeming loyalty of these organic soldiers to their obviously inorganic Commisar. Looking out across the nearly gutted encampment, the remainder of the Legion of Chain would stay with the Association, however the best of that army was leaving as the transports begain lifting into the sky, quickly arcing up towards the heavens...

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2008-10-09 20:56 EST
She ran effortlessly from the Dens Town Square and headed for the SA Compound. She was skimming the coms and heard that Hex was just about finished pulling out of the compound.

As she reached the compound walls, she watched the troop and cargo ships streaming away to space. She ran faster. Her Marduk legs whirred away efficiently and without any strain. She grinned to herself. While things were calm she had locked herself in her alchemy shop and had improved on the Marduk Legs. Now she ran faster and the alloys where superior in strength and lightness.

She spotted Hex's humanoid form talking to an aid and ran up to Hex without a pant. She gave Hex a friendly hug.

"You weren't going to hight tail it out of here without a goodbye were you?"

HX-909-A

Date: 2008-10-11 16:08 EST
Hex returned Ammy's hug and smiled to her, shaking his head, "No, I was actually going to come see you before I left for the orbital platform. I wanted to let you know that Vesuvius is giving you command of the Marduk forces guarding your community. Use them for as long as you feel the need, and you may contact me should Fen Stridar return to cause any more trouble."

The machine looked over the mostly empty field, then back to at Ammy, it's first real friend here on this world. "Don't worry, I won't be out of touch and I won't be forgetting you." Walking over to a container set on the seat of the transport's passenger bay, Hex pulled out a commlink and handed it over to Ammy, "You may contact me with this at any time, if you need assistance do not hesitate to do so."

Hex paused a moment to consider something, then smiled again, "Would you like to come up to the platform and see the home of the Iron Dragons?"

Ammy Spiritor

Date: 2008-10-12 02:54 EST
"I would be delighted to Hex. It would help get my mind off of Fleet being gone." Ammy smiled weakly. She let the fatigue from late nights worrying slip through her leadership facade and looked old for someone her age.

"By the way..." she said as she linked her metal left arm with Hex's right arm. "I am running my own alchemy lab and shop for the public. I am also going to hire out as an Alchemist/Mage mercenary. Let me know if you ever need my help Hex." She grinned toothily.

Mokksha

Date: 2008-10-12 05:15 EST
A note arrived at the compound amid the final preparations for departure. It was adressed to Hex in a feminine script.

Dear Mister Hex,

Thank you for your kindness and friendship during the time I have known you. I will always remember you fondly for everything you did for me and my da. I hope that you find success with the Iron Dragons. If you ever need any samplings from live unicorns just let me know, as my current job as unicorn bait is turning out to be a very successful one.

Respectfully Yours,

Mokksha, adopted daughter of Gunther.