Hi Garth. My initial look for your Chaff Pack turned up nothing, but I know I saw it somewhere. I did several Searches and nothing came up.

So I had to go WAY back, to the BACKUPS of the BACKUPS of the BACKUPS in the TOP SECRET CLASSIFIED GENESIS VAULT. There, triple encrypted with a multi-spatial algorithm, I found it!!

Your Chaff Pack goes back to 2015!

I e-mailed it to you. Please confirm you received it.

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Monday, March 06, 2023 - 10:01 pm: Edit

Yes, I got it. Thanks. Sorry to put you thru all that. I know you said you were going to tweak the idea for your rules, which is fine by me. Can't wait to see them in action.


Garth L. Getgen

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, July 22, 2023 - 03:38 am: Edit

Long after the Wildfire's last ember faded away, the Farmer walked about, examining the darkened landscape. Nutrients were reentering the soil and the earth was regenerating. The Farmer smiled. Now new plants and animals would have a fresh habitat to grow and thrive once again.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, July 29, 2023 - 07:01 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 07.29.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Ichaborn woke to a start. Sweat covered his bone white skin, his sheets were soaked, and his hands trembled. He took deep breaths to compose himself. Looking about at the status displays, it appeared as though everything was fine aboard the Wolf Cub; there was no sense of emergency. The time was 04:13 hours. Ichaborn was in his Quarters in his bed.

Ichaborn had a terrible nightmare. This was the not the first time he had experienced it. The same nightmare seemed to be repeating itself over and over, tormenting Ichaborn in the dead of night. He was leading a vast armada, perhaps the largest ever assembled in history, in a desperate attempt to save all that exists. But a tremendous, irresistible fire engulfed the entire universe, burning everything, including Ichaborn and his comrades, to ashes. It was a Conflagration...possibly not the first one...that was unleashed for a singular purpose: to consume all of reality. Ichaborn screamed as his flesh melted away until finally...only his skeleton remained burning brightly.

Ichaborn splashed water on his face and put on his uniform. For a moment, he stared at himself in the mirror. Blood red eyes met blood red eyes, neither pair yielding or withdrawing. Then his thoughts shifted, as they always did, to the love of Ichaborn's life. The one who he hoped to someday marry. Ichaborn made sure his appearance was presentable and appealing and then exited his Quarters.

Captain Ichaborn strode through the corridors of the Wolf Cub with confidence and charisma. He was young, just out of the Academy, and in the prime of his life. The Wolf Cub was his first command and he was going to make sure it was a noteworthy one. Several crewmen snapped to attention as Captain Ichaborn passed, saluting him rigidly. Finally, Captain Ichaborn arrived at Sickbay.

Within, Captain Ichaborn gazed upon Doctor Melia. His blood red eyes met her deep blue eyes. She smiled and adjusted her blonde hair with red streaks. Doctor Melia was young, just like Captain Ichaborn. She graduated from the same Academy, the place where they had first met. There was an intensity between the two, a magnetic attraction that could not be denied. Captain Ichaborn moved toward Doctor Melia, his heart beating faster with every step.

Nurse Sicyia acknowledged the Captain as he passed by her. She, like everyone aboard the Wolf Cub, knew of the romance between the Captain and the Chief Medical Officer. Nurse Sicyia didn't like it at all. But she kept quiet due to her position and rank, continuing to go about her duties. Nurse Sicyia was from a watery planet and resembled a humanoid shrimp.

"Captain....you're up early," Doctor Melia said in a shy voice. Her beige skin almost appeared as though it was bark from a certain angle.

"You are always the first thing on my mind," Captain Ichaborn replied directly. His words were true and he meant them. "Of course, I am also here for my medication. You know how my condition requires constant treatment. Luckily for me, that gives me an opportunity to always pay you a visit."

Doctor Melia handed him his medication that would temporarily assuage the condition he was born with. She purposely put her hand on top of Ichaborn's hand to feel his touch.

"I think of you often too," she said in a low voice, trying to keep the statement out of earshot of her medical assistant.

Ichaborn leaned so close he could have kissed Doctor Melia.

"Do you ever get the feeling that we've met before? Not in this life...but in another?"

Doctor Melia nodded without hesitation.

"It's strange, but I believe so. I feel like I know you, Ichaborn. Like we've already spent a lifetime together. I can't explain it."

"We don't have to," Ichaborn answered with certainty. "All we have to do is appreciate what we've been given."

"FOR NOW WE GET TO DO IT ALL OVER AGAIN."

By Garth L. Getgen (Sgt_G) on Saturday, July 29, 2023 - 07:12 pm: Edit

Excellent!

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, July 29, 2023 - 07:43 pm: Edit

Thank you very much, Garth. I appreciate it.

I hope you have been well in my absence.

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Wednesday, August 02, 2023 - 07:56 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 08.02.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Captain Ichaborn slowly paced back and forth in his Ready Room. A tap on his shoulder made his body jerk suddenly. He heard a light giggle.

Ichaborn whirled about to see his First Officer. He was so shocked that words failed to come out of his open mouth. His mind tried to make sense of the situation.

Lupa stood before him, a beautiful young woman with light grey eyes and long silver hair. She was much shorter than Ichaborn, so her head only came up to his shoulders. She was frail in form. But there was a confidence about her, a powerful inner strength, and an irresistible charm to affected everyone around her.

"I'm sorry to have startled you, Captain," Lupa said with a slight smile. "I wanted you to see firsthand what my abilities as a Windling are like, so I thought I would demonstrate. I'm sure they will be advantageous to your command in the future."

Ichaborn stared at Lupa, still speechless. Was this real? Was he reliving a dream? In another time and place, Ichaborn had worked closely with this young woman before, so close that the two may have become one person. It was without explanation. And yet, here she was in front of him, alive as flesh and blood.

"Eh...welcome, Lupa my FIrst Officer," Captain Ichaborn finally said. He reached out to touch her arm softly. It was warm to the touch. Lupa eyed him curiously.

"Are you....ah....Artificial Intelligence? I mean...are you an Artificial Being?"

Lupa laughed at the suggestion. She shook her head, sending her silvery hair dancing about.

"Why no, Captain! Why do you ask? I am made of flesh and blood, just like you. But, as you know from my file, my abilities as a Windling allow me to temporarily turn into air, becoming invisible to the naked eye, as well as swift and ethereal in movement. Everything I've read about you stated that you were a grim, serious commander. I had no idea you had such a sense of humor!"

The Captain resigned to let his confusion settle into the back of his mind. It would take time for him to make sense of all this. Lupa was so familiar to him...but somewhere else...she was actually a manifestation of a self aware starship. Ichaborn motioned for Lupa to sit and then took his own seat behind his desk.

"Captain Ichaborn," Lupa said while staring at him with her light grey eyes. "My people make excellent First Officers because we naturally compliment those in command. I think this holds especially true in our case. I will balance your aggressiveness with passivity, your feelings with rationality, your weakness with strength, your power with vulnerability, and your intellect with differing points of view. And should you become unable to command, I am familiar with every detail of the Wolf Cub and her Crew, so I can temporarily assume command until your return."

"Very well...very well," Ichaborn answered in a low tone, looking away with his blood red eyes. "Tell me, Lupa...have you eaten breakfast?"

Lupa was surprised by the question which was far removed from the ship and crew analysis. "Why...no, Captain, not yet. I assumed that during this meeting we would be going over Crew Performance, Ongoing Training, Ship Deficiencies and Improvements, and Computer Diagnostics. Are you...hungry?"

Captain Ichaborn stood up and motioned for Lupa to accompany him.

"Yes, Lupa, I am. All of the ship discussion can wait until we have a full stomach. Let us head to the Galley where Chef can present us with freshly cooked breakfast."

"YOU SEE, COMPLIMENTING SOMEONE IS NOT JUST BEING THEIR ANALYTICAL COUNTERPART. IT MEANS KNOWING THEM INSIDE OUT, WHAT DRIVES THEM, WHAT VALUES THEY POSSESS, TRUSTING THEM, AND BECOMING PART OF THEIR LIFE."

"UNTIL FINALLY, THE DAY COMES WHEN NEITHER PERSON CAN IMAGINE BEING ALIVE WITHOUT THE OTHER."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, August 04, 2023 - 09:14 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 08.04.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Inside of the Recreation Room, on board the Wolf Cub, Ichaborn stared into the eyes of his opponent. They were strange, alien eyes, unlike anything he had ever seen before. Periodically, the inhuman eyes would shift colors turning purple, white, green, yellow, and brown.

Miss Echo smiled. "It is plainly obvious that Three Dimensional Chinese Chess is new to you, Captain. You are in a very bad position. Care to concede?" Frigg asked.

Captain Ichaborn gazed at his Science Officer with his blood red eyes. "Never, Miss Echo. You are going to have to invade my Palace, take both of my Ministers, and slay my Emperor." Ichaborn had a face of stone as he moved one his Soldiers up one level and forward, knowing that he was going to be taken next move. It was a diversion, of course.

Hippolyta took the Soldier with her Elephant from the level above and said, "Very well, Captain. Is your defiance, stubbornness, perseverance, or determination?"

Ichaborn was silent as he studied the three dimensional board and the position of all the pieces. A holographic River flowed directly through the center of the board on all three levels. Miss Echo's Palace was on the top level, while Ichaborn's Palace was on the bottom level. In-between the two Palaces, on three different levels, were all of Miss Echo's and Ichaborn's pieces, consisting of Soldiers, Ministers, Elephants, Chariots, Horses, Cannons, and Emperors. The board was decorated with animated trees, mountains, rocks, hills, birds, and shrubs.

"Call it a last ditch suicide run," Ichaborn answered as he moved his Cannon into a position where it could jump over his own Soldier to claim one of Miss Echo's Ministers. He was hoping she wouldn't notice. Trying to distract her, Ichaborn changed the subject of the conversation.

"So with five Brains and five different Personalities, how do I know who I am talking to, Miss Echo?"

"Captain!" Saraswati replied with shock. "If I didn't know better, I would think you were trying to distract me! What an old and time honored tactic! You know from my file and the brief amount of time we have spent together that my voice changes and my eyes change color whenever one of my five Personalities becomes dominant."

Miss Echo was a tall, slender individual that stood almost too rigidly. Immediately noticeable was the long, fleshy extension coming out of the back of her head that resembled a caterpillar's body. It was this unusual mass that housed her five Brains. These five Brains put Miss Echo on a mental level far above the common individual. She sat across from Captain Ichaborn, her legs crossed, with her back in a stiff, upright position.

Miss Echo ignored Captain Ichaborn's Cannon and instead moved her own Chariot from the mid level to the bottom level, taking one of Ichaborn's Ministers. Now his Emperor was vulnerable. Miss Echo had already calculated that she would attain victory in two moves, whereas Ichaborn's "suicide run" would require four moves to be effective.

Ichaborn sighed and quickly lost the game in the next two moves. He stood up and shook hands with his ultra intelligent First Officer. Many crew members who had gathered around to watch the game let out a gasp at the Captain's loss.

"REMEMBER, MISS ECHO, WINNING ISN'T EVERYTHING. SOMETIMES, HOW YOU SUFFER DEFEAT IS ALL THE MORE IMPORTANT."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, August 07, 2023 - 05:24 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 08.07.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Ichaborn struggled against his bonds. It was no use. The web strands were tight and too strong. He flayed about for a moment like a fly sensing his impending doom. Then he went still. The Runes that covered his back began to glow faintly...

Then Ichaborn heard a noise. He looked about the Cargo Bay, but all he saw was storage containers and shadows. Something was watching him from one of the patches of darkness. Multiple eyes glistened, followed by a figure that slowly emerged from the dark like a beast summoned out of the abyss.

"Black Eyes, is that you?" Captain Ichaborn asked.

"Yes, Captain, it is I," Black Eyes answered. The three foot tall spidery creature landed silently in front of Ichaborn. He hissed and unleashed a spray of acidic venom. The web that restrained Captain Ichaborn slowly melted away into nothingness.

Captain Ichaborn cleaned any remaining strands of webbing off of his uniform. "Was that really...necessary?"

"My apologies, Captain," Black Eyes answered. The small creature peered at Captain Ichaborn with his multiple, solid black eyes. "I wanted you to know firsthand how strong my webbing is. You can be confident that whoever breaks the rules and regulations aboard the Wolf Cub will meet the same fate."

"I don't doubt that," Captain Ichaborn agreed. He couldn't help but notice Black Eyes' small size. "But as Chief of Security, you won't just be responsible for apprehending and restraining crew members, but also foreign aliens who get aggressive. Are you certain, given your diminutive stature, that you are up to the task?"

Ichaborn didn't even see Black Eyes move as he leapt swiftly and silently past his head. The Security Chief landed on a pile of duranium pipes. With ease, Black Eyes lifted one of the pipes over his head using only two of his legs. Ichaborn was impressed. That pipe was equal to the weight of three grown men.

"I have other abilities, as well, Captain," Black Eyes explained. "Many of the special features that spiders possess, I possess as well. One of them being a poisonous bite that can incapacitate even the largest, uncooperative alien."

Captain Ichaborn nodded with a smile. He was confident that Black Eyes was more than capable of fulfilling his duties as Chief of Security aboard the Wolf Cub. But he was a little concerned about how some of crew might react to this spidery creature watching their every move.

"Just remember, Black Eyes. You are part of a larger team here aboard the Wolf Cub. Don't act against anyone unless you have hard evidence of their misconduct. There are a lot of good people serving aboard the Wolf Cub. Not all of them are suspects."

Black Eyes was silent for a moment before he answered. Then he said,

"I DISAGREE CAPTAIN. EVERYONE IS A SUSPECT UNTIL THEY HAVE DEMONSTRATED OTHERWISE. THAT INCLUDES...YOU."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, August 11, 2023 - 07:48 pm: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 08.11.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Ichaborn turned as white as a ghost, which was nearly impossible given that his skin was always naturally bone white. His Chief Engineer was perplexed by his reaction to her and couldn't help but to feel self-conscious about it. Ichaborn cleared his throat and then motioned for her to sit in one of the seats in front of his desk.

"Ahem...Iris...isn't it?" Ichaborn said as he struggled to compose himself. "Forgive me...you just...remind me...of someone I used to know."

"Yes, I go by Iris," the young Cyclopean answered. Her single large eye stared at her new Captain. "That is good to hear, Captain. I thought it was my appearance. Many are...put off...by my...single eye." Iris was a short, young woman with a full body. Her long black hair was tied back in a single ponytail.

"Oh no!" Captain Ichaborn explained. "It has nothing to do with that, I assure you. Welcome to the Wolf Cub, Iris. You are highly recommended. Top of your class in the Academy and delving into ideas and concepts well beyond the regular curriculum. To say you have a natural aptitude for Engineering would be an understatement."

"Thank you, Captain Ichaborn," Iris replied, acknowledging the high praise. For several moments, her demeanor turned shy and bashful. "It is odd, but I had a dream that I was serving aboard the Wolf Cub. I can't explain it. At other times, I dream of these miraculous devices, some of which are weapons, that I couldn't possibly build alone..."

"That's because Cyclopeans dream in groups," Ichaborn interrupted, finishing her sentence. He was speaking subconsciously without thought. "When you dream of Wonder Devices and Wonder Weapons, you must seek out and find the other Cyclopeans who dreamt about the same thing. Only together can the Wonder Item be constructed."

Iris was shocked. She went silent, unable to say anything in response. Even Ichaborn himself realized what he just said and how mad it must have sounded. He wondered if he had somehow become possessed.

Finally, Iris settled down enough to ask a question. "Captain Ichaborn, how do you know that? I am the only Cyclopean in the Sector, to my knowledge. I have never met or even heard of another of my kind. When I was a baby, I was found in a shuttle floating close to the region of space unofficially called The Triangle."

Ichaborn nodded in agreement. "I know, Iris. I read about your origins in your file. My apologies. I don't know why I said what I said. But I know that every word is true. I just seemed to...know it...without thought. Almost as if the knowledge came from a Past Life."

Iris' single eye grew larger. She began to chuckle and soon, the chuckle turned into loud laughter. "Past Life? Oh, Captain Ichaborn! I don't know you well enough to know yet if you have a sense of humor. Surely you are joking with me? Do you honestly believe in Reincarnation? Do you really feel as if we've met before?"

Ichaborn recalled his persistent, reoccurring nightmares. Friends, colleagues, and the love of his life, aboard a flagship leading a gigantic armada against a dire threat the likes of which have never been seen before. During the conflict, a supernatural fire engulfed the ships on both sides, all the people within them, every planet, moon, and star, and even space itself. The universe was aflame, dying a slow death. Everything Ichaborn had ever known, all that he had fought for during his lifetime, all that he had ever loved, everything that had meaning for him...was reduced to ashes.

Ichaborn's blood red eyes locked onto Iris' single eye.

"YES, IRIS...I DO."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, August 15, 2023 - 08:58 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 08.15.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

In the dead of night, Captain Ichaborn approached the door that was purposely unmarked. Within lay the mysterious person known only as the "Old One." The "Old One" insisted on coming aboard the Wolf Cub to provide Ichaborn with tutoring, mentoring, and guidance. His request was not denied, just like all of his other requests.

Entering slowly, Ichaborn could barely see. The room was dark, lit only by sparse candles. On a large bed lay the "Old One," who was unable to get up or take care of himself without robotic assistance. Ichaborn sat down in the chair next to the bed.

"Ichaborn..." the Old One said in a coarse, elderly voice. He reached out from under the blanket and grasped Ichaborn's hand with his own frail, skeletal appendage. The Old One's touch was as cold as death. "I knew you would come."

The Old One stared at Ichaborn with fading, pink eyes. His wrinkled skin was light grey, and it seemed to be getting darker with each passing day.

"Old One," Ichaborn said softly. "I am ready to explore space and to seek out new civilizations. I am ready to face whatever trials and challenges lay ahead. The Wolf Cub is going to make its mark in history."

The Old One tried to laugh, but only ended up coughing and wheezing. Blood dripped down out of his mouth. A tiny, floating robot quickly wiped it up.

"Ready? Ah, Ichaborn, you amuse me. You remind me so much of myself when I was young. You think you are ready for what lays ahead? Ah, the naivete, ignorance, and overconfidence of youth! What's the most difficult thing you have ever dealt with, brave Captain? Studying through the night without sleep? Pushing yourself during physical exercises? Passing difficult exams? Analyzing a situation and coming up with the best tactics and strategy to achieve victory? Knowing the strengths and weaknesses of all your crew members? Wondering about your parents and your lost homeworld? Mustering up the nerve to ask your sweet Melia on a romantic date?"

Ichaborn was silent. He blood red eyes met the Old One's fading, pink eyes. Ichaborn no longer questioned how the Old One knew so much about him. Now, he simply accepted it.

The Old One's eyes narrowed. A terrible darkness hid behind them.

"What do you know of Betrayal, brave Captain? What do you of Loss? What do you know about Life and Death? Have you made decisions that will cost the lives of billions? Are you responsible for actions that have caused unbelievable suffering on a mass scale? Have you confronted true Evil? Have you lost those closest to you? Have you watched them slowly deteriorate and slip away, helpless to stop it? Have you failed miserably at trying to reach your goals, Ichaborn? Has Life taken away everything you love, bit by bit, piece by piece, until there is nothing left of your heart except a smoldering, black pit? Have you raged against the One responsible for putting you in this nightmare, crying out why you must endure such torment?"

Cqptain Ichaborn shook his head in denial, but said nothing. Intense, quiet moments passed between the two until Ichaborn finally said,

"No, I have not, Old One. I have not. But I'm not Afraid."

Ichaborn felt the Old One's grasp getting tighter and tighter. The skeletal being leaned close to Ichaborn and whispered,

"....you will be....you will...be...."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Thursday, August 17, 2023 - 09:05 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 08.17.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

A loud hum and a slow flash of light signaled the use of the Transporter. Captain Ichaborn stared upward in awe and disbelief. Standing on the Transporter Pad was a huge, mechanical, golem-like being. This was his newest crew member.

Its clunky steps reverberated ominously as the machine stepped down to stand in front of Captain Ichaborn. Instead of a head, a clear globe sat atop its shoulders, full of lights that dwindled or multiplied according to its thought processes. Two short arms protruded from the front of the robot, each resembling black, accordion-like hoses. For hands, the mechanical entity possessed thin, metal hooks that came together so that it could grasp firmly. The rest of the machine was of solid construction, thick plates of an unknown, metal alloy. The robot was wide and heavy, easily the weight of ten men or more.

"Greetings...<beep>...Captain...<beep>...I...<beep>...am....<beep>...J.U.G."

"Welcome aboard the Wolf Cub," Captain Ichaborn said, looking for a hand to shake. Finding none that were appropriate, he simply bowed his head slightly as a sign of respect. "J.U.G., are you fully functional and prepared to perform your assigned duties?"

"J.U.G....<beep>... is...<beep>...ready,...<beep>...Captain. Diagnostics...<beep>...indicated...<beep>...I...<beep>...am...<beep>...100%...<beep>...operational. Shall...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...proceed...<beep>...to...<beep>...the...<beep>...Cargo...<beep>...Bay...<beep>...for...<beep>...heavy...<beep>...lifting?"

"Negative, J.U.G.," Captain Ichaborn replied with a slight smile. "You will report to Miss Echo for a thorough evaluation and assessment. Understood, J.U.G? Do not proceed to the Cargo Bay. Report to Miss Echo immediately."

"I...<beep>...understand,...<beep>...Captain."

Ichaborn's blood red eyes narrowed as he studied the mechanical entity in front of him. "J.U.G., are you capable of learning?"

"Yes,...<beep>...Captain,...<beep>...I...<beep>...possess...<beep>...basic...<beep>...intelligence...<beep>...and...<beep>...have...<beep>...the...<beep>...capacity...<beep>...to...<beep>...expand...<beep>...my...<beep>...database."

Ichaborn put his bone white hand up to his chin and rubbed it. "Are you alive?"

J.U.G.'s lights inside of his clear globe began to glow brighter and rotate faster and faster. it resembled a universe spinning. He made loud beeping noises of different pitches and tones.

"J.U.G....<beep>...is...<beep>...unsure. Why...<beep>...is...<beep>...this...<beep>...important...<beep>...to...<beep>...J.U.G.,...<beep>...Captain?"

Ichaborn smiled and reached out with one hand to rest it on J.U.G.'s shoulder. "It is of vital importance, J.U.G. It is essential to your character and definition. It is what separates you from a simple, mechanical device or tool. You see, if you are sentient and self-aware, then you are entitled to all the rights and privileges granted to any other citizen."

J.U.G. stood there unmoving, his flashing lights growing brighter and brighter as they whirled around his globe. Captain Ichaborn waited patiently for a time, but eventually decided it was time to move on.

"Go ahead and proceed to Miss Echo, J.U.G. I believe I have given you something to think about."

As J.U.G. lumbered out of the Transporter Room and down the hallway, he kept repeating to himself in a low, artificial voice,

"IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE? IS...<beep>...J.U.G....<beep>...ALIVE?..."

By Mike Grafton (Mike_Grafton) on Friday, August 18, 2023 - 07:27 am: Edit

Warning, Will Robinson, Warning...

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, August 19, 2023 - 10:48 am: Edit

Hi Mike. Glad to hear my description was good enough for you to realize the inspiration. However, J.U.G. has the potential to be so much more than the "Robot."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Thursday, August 24, 2023 - 04:06 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 08.24.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Captain Ichaborn stared at the creature sitting in his lap. It hasn't even been five minutes and Ichaborn wanted to kill him already. But he has been specifically instructed that his..."Personal Assistant"...can never be reprimanded, thrown into the brig, brought up on charges, penalized, or court marshialled. For all intensive purposes, he was immune to punishment. His codename was Jester.

Jester was the size of a house cat. His fur was bright red with circular, black stripes. From his back sprouted two short wings which enabled him to fly for short periods of time. But his most unusual feature was his human-like face. Jester's face resembled an old man with a beard.

"What's wrong, Captain? You seem...disturbed."

Ichaborn looked down at Jester with his blood red eyes. The Captain was annoyed.

"Jester, I've never met anyone who was so...candid...with me. Perhaps you should be more careful with your words?"

"Why would I want to do that?" Jester answered back casually. "Think of me as a mirror, Captain Ichaborn. Sometimes you like what you see. Often times you don't. But that doesn't change what the reflection shows you."

Ichaborn went quiet. Jester was right. There were things in the mirror he didn't like at times. It was during those times that he purposely looked away.

"I say the things that others are afraid to speak of," Jester continued. His bushy tail wagged back and forth. "You need to hear them. Even if you don't want to. Especially if you don't want to."

"And I suppose hearing those things will make me a better Captain? Is that correct, Jester?"

"YES, CAPTAIN ICHABORN. YOU HAVE TO EMBRACE, NOT JUST THE PRETTY, BEAUTIFUL SIDE OF YOURSELF, BUT ALSO THE DARK, UGLY SIDE, IN ORDER FOR YOU TO BE WHOLE AND COMPLETE."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Saturday, August 26, 2023 - 08:26 pm: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 08.26.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Captain Ichaborn stared at the evil, young woman sitting before him and recalled a recent conversation in his mind.

"Admiral, I must object."

"Your objection is noted, Captain, and overruled. You WILL carry out this assignment."

"Every crew member aboard the Wolf Cub has passed a series of requirements and reached a certain standard. To accept someone such as this is unthinkable. How can the other crew members ever trust her? How can I turn my back on her, knowing she might betray me at any moment? How can I rely on her when it comes to this ship and all the lives within it for which I am responsible?"

The Admiral paused before answering. A moment of silence settled on the electric tension in the air. Finally she spoke.

"Faith, Captain. That is the trait you must nurture and cultivate. From Faith will spring Trust. But you have to give it, and her, time. You have to believe in her, Captain Ichaborn. Don't you believe in Redemption? Don't you believe in Second Chances?"

It was Ichaborn's turn to go quiet. He sat brooding, his thoughts reflected inward, pondering the questions posed by the Admiral.

"Of course, I do, Admiral. If it were any other person...if it were under normal circumstances...if there wasn't so much to lose..."

"So only when the sun is out shining, eh Captain Ichaborn? But when the seas become dark and stormy, your Faith and Belief falter? You must work this out within you, Captain, if you are to succeed. As for the decision, it has already been made. There are political machinations going on in the background of which you have no knowledge. And that is for the best. You have your orders, Captain Ichaborn. You WILL accept her as your Tactical Officer, understood?"

"Yes, Admiral," Captain Ichaborn answered begrudgingly as he ended the transmission.

The woman with raven colored hair and solid black eyes stared back at Ichaborn. There was a coldness in her eyes, a complete lack of sympathy or compassion. And behind those eyes lay something...Terrible. She sat still, unmoving with both hands in her lap, like a gargoyle that might suddenly move and leap at you.

This woman has murdered over fifty people, Ichaborn thought. She has tortured over thirty, beaten countless others, evaded capture by the authorities time and time again, seduced high ranking officials, infiltrated top secret compounds, cracked high level encryption codes, and coordinated multiple assets to achieve strategic goals. Her tactical brilliance is undisputed. But she has no morals, no conscience, no restraint, no ethics, no regrets, and no remorse. And for some unknown reason, those in power above Ichaborn wish for her to be "Rehabilitated" aboard the Wolf Cub...

"I expect you to complete all your duties and fulfill your responsibilities as Tactical Officer on board the Wolf Cub. Is that understood? There will be no lenience, favoritism, or lowering of ship standards for your sake. You will meet and exceed the requirements expected of you, do you understand?"

"Yes, sir," she said slyly.

Ichaborn glanced at his monitor as he spoke.

"Now, I see that your old identity has been completely erased from the system. You seem to have chosen a new name...Valkyrie. Why did you choose that name?"

Valkyrie grinned.

"I thought it would be obvious, Captain Ichaborn."

"I HARVEST THE SOULS OF THOSE I SLAY."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, August 29, 2023 - 09:11 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 08.29.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

The Wolf Cub soared through deep space. The name was somewhat of a misnomer, because the starship resembled an eagle-like creature with wings and a beak. Still, the naming of the Heavy Cruiser was an honor bestowed upon Captain Ichaborn, and he chose the name Wolf Cub for reasons known only to him.

Captain Ichaborn strode through the corridors with confidence and majesty, commanding respect by his very presence. Nearly every crew member that he passed was a Griffian, a humanoid with the body of a lion and the wings, head, and claws of an eagle. This was their ship, for they had constructed it, and although Captain Ichaborn was of a different race entirely, he was considered one of the Griffians as though their own blood flowed through his.

Upon entering the Bridge, Captain Ichaborn's blood red eyes immediately took note of Lupa, his Windling First Officer, Miss Echo, his Science Officer with five brains, Valkyrie, his murderous Tactical Officer, Mab, his lovely, green, reptilian Communications Officer with a deadly stare, Modo, his Navigator whose body was composed entirely of clay, and Pryx, his Harpy Helmsman whose wings and body was covered with dark grey feathers. There were also other Griffians roaming about the Bridge, performing their duties at various consoles before moving on to the next.

Captain Ichaborn took his Command Chair. Lupa, who had been in charge up until now, stood right beside him, her long, silver hair shimmering with reflected light.

"Report."

"We are in orbit around Planet Lamech," his beautiful, young First Officer replied. Both of them stared at the world which took up most of the View Screen due to their close proximity.

"Sensors indicate that the polar cap is melting at an inexplicable rate, resulting in a sudden rise of ocean levels. Miss Echo has calculated that in three days, all five major continents and every other island on Lamech will be completely submerged underwater."

An alarming look of deep concern formed on Ichaborn's bone white face.

"Population?"

"TEN BILLION."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, September 01, 2023 - 11:54 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 09.01.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Despite the extreme situation he found himself in, Captain Ichaborn was unnaturally calm and composed. He turned to his Science Officer. The large, caterpillar-like sac that housed her five brains extended out of the back of her head.

"Miss Echo, have you determined the reason for the polar cap melting so rapidly?"

"Yes, Captain," Komorkis replied while staring into a binocular-like device at her work station. "A Satellite of unknown origin is hovering above the polar cap. It is emitting intense, ultra-hot beams of heat in multiple directions. The ice is melting as if in a hot oven. The Satellite is approximately the size of a frigate. Its composition is unknown. I am running continuous scans on it."

Captain Ichaborn raised one eyebrow slightly. "...a hot oven?"

Miss Echo's voice changed as Yaoji chuckled. "An ancient device used to illustrate the effect of the heat on the ice. My apologies, Captain, if the reference was not clear."

Ichaborn wanted to smile, but the grim gravity of the situation prevented him from doing so. He glanced at his Communications Officer. "Mab, has the Satellite responded in any way to hails?"

"Negative, Captain," the slender, reptilian answered. Mab was one of the Basilisk, a species whose body structure was so light, they could run on the water of their homeworld. Their focused gaze was particularly deadly. Her green tail whipped back and forth as she checked the silver device sticking out of her ear. "I have tried all frequencies with no response. The Satellite appears to be chiming and humming, but with no distinct pattern. It does not appear to be communicating. I will continue to broadcast our hails, Captain."

"Tech Level on Planet Lamech?" Captain Ichaborn asked openly. He wondered if they had the means to escape this tragedy themselves.

"The inhabitants of Lamech employ Iron Age technology," Modo answered in a deep voice. "Most of their structures are made of brick, wood, stone, and clay." The Navigator's last statement seemed unusual considering that he himself was a creature made completely of organic clay. He continued. "Their architecture seems primarily to be composed of pyramids and ziggurats. All of their sea vessels are made of wood."

"We don't have much time," Captain Ichaborn announced in a bleak voice. "We have to act quickly and decisively. Suggestions?" The Intercom was open to Engineering.

"Attack the Satellite with everything we've got," Valkyrie said with anger and malice. "We need to completely destroy it before it melts more ice."

"It may be possible to extend our Shields to encompass the polar cap and contain the melted ice," Miss Echo stated in Hippolyta's voice. "But nothing like this has ever been attempted before. It would require precise calculations."

"I might be able to rig up a Cryogenic Beam to freeze the water back into ice," the Cyclopean Chief Engineer said through the Intercom. "But it would take time to build. Even if I was successful, we would be matching our rate of freeze against the Satellite's rate of melting, and I'm not sure we could surpass it."

"Evacuate as many people as we can before their continents become submerged," Modo said. He knew it would only be a tiny fraction of the total population, but every life was precious. "We could transport them to a nearby safe haven. We have three days to save as many lives as we can."

"Attach a Tractor Beam," Pryx suggested in a piercing voice. The dark feathers on her wings vibrated as she rapidly pressed the keys on her console with her claws. "We can then use the superior size and engine power of the Wolf Cub to drag the Satellite out of the planet's atmosphere and into orbit."

Captain Ichaborn took all the suggestions in, weighing them carefully in his mind. He turned to Lupa, his First Officer. She had not offered any suggestions.

"Clearly, this Satellite is a grave threat to Planet Lamech," Lupa replied, knowing the Captain's question without the need for him to utter it. "We can only deduce that it was sent on purpose to wipe out the entire population on Lamech. It is an unforgivable attack on an entire world. The Wolf Cub must act to protect and preserve life whenever possible. You have your options, Captain. I defer to your judgement and support whatever decision you make." Lupa bowed slightly as she said her last sentence.

Ichaborn's blood red eyes narrowed.

"RED ALERT! SHIELDS UP! CHARGE ALL WEAPONS! PRYX, TAKE US INTO THE ATMOSPHERE. MAXIMUM SPEED. HEAD DIRECTLY TOWARD THE SATELLITE."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, September 05, 2023 - 11:42 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 09.05.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Blocks of ice shattered from the furious battle being waged above. The polar cap of Lamech had become a battlefield. The Wolf Cub, which resembled an eagle-like creature with claws and wings, spun round and round while at the same dodging erratically in all directions to desperately avoid being hit. Solid beams of yellow energy shot out at the Wolf Cub, each one making a loud buzzing noise which lasted several seconds.

The Wolf Cub's adversary was a frigate-sized Satellite whose appearance was most unusual. It resembled a globe made of an unknown alloy with three sets of thick plates that constantly rotated in position. In the gaps between these plates, ultra-hot magma could be seen, with multiple, large, living eyes peering out at the Wolf Cub.

A beam of energy slammed into the Wolf Cub causing it to shudder violently, as if a spear had pierced its organic body. The lights on the Wolf Cub blinked on and off for several moments before becoming steady again.

"Damage Report!" Captain Ichaborn ordered in a loud voice.

"Our Rear Shield is down!" Valkyrie answered back in a desperate and frantic tone. "Second Shield is at forty-two percent! Third Shield is down to twenty-six percent! Fifth Shield is at thirty-eight percent! Forward Shield is at seventy-two percent! Trying to repair the Shields, but power is extremely limited!"

"We have sustained minor damage to the Warp Engines, Impulse, Shuttles, Batteries, Laboratories, and Aft Hull," Lupa continued as she examined the display attached to her chair with her light grey eyes. "Damage Control procedures underway. Power is down to eighty-six percent. We have suffered nine casualties and eighteen crewmen are in Sickbay being treated by Doctor Melia."

Captain Ichaborn quickly absorbed the information and mentally imagined the working state of his ship. Beads of sweat ran down the bone white skin on his face. "Pryx, bring us around for another Battle Pass! Continue Erratic Maneuvers! Overload all Photon Bolts and charge the forward Tri-Phasers to Level 3! READY...READY....NOW....FIRE!!!"

The Wolf Cub swooped toward the Satellite, firing a barrage of glowing, orange orbs combined with Phaser energy that shot out of triple gun batteries before merging into single beams. The assault hit the outer and middle Shields of the Satellite, but could not penetrate to the innermost Shield. From the start of the battle, these "Shields within Shields", had been highly effective at preventing the Satellite from sustaining damage, as well as preventing Tractor Beam lock-ons.

However, Ichaborn sensed that the tables were about to be turned. He looked at Miss Echo, his Science Officer.

"Miss Echo, Have you completed the calculation for the path through and timing of the rotation of the Shields within Shields?"

"Indeed i have, Captain," Frigg answered while quickly pressing keys on her console. "We are ready to deliver the 'Little Boy.'"

Captain Ichaborn spoke to Engineering through his open Intercom.

"Iris, have you prepared our 'Special Package?'"

"Yes, Captain," the Cyclopean responded. "It is a Shuttle packed with Multiple Anti-Matter Warheads, more than would normally fit. Luckily, my creative and technical ingenuity allowed me to quickly modify the Shuttle to match our needs. We will only get one shot at this Captain. The Shuttle can be flown remotely from the Bridge, with much more precision and balance than the preliminary Remote Shuttle Flying Tests you have been briefed on."

"Well done, Iris. Miss Echo, take control of the the 'Little Boy' and carefully guide it through the Satellite's Shields within Shields. Pryx, bring us as close as you can. Valkyrie, divert all remaining power and reinforce the Forward Shield."

An unassuming Shuttle launched out of the Wolf Cub. Like a fly maneuvering through the sticky strands of a spider web, the Shuttle penetrated deeper and deeper through the Satellite's Shields within Shields. Finally, the Little Boy reached its target. An immense explosion lit up the polar cap with blinding light. The Satellite shook violently and its Shields within Shields went down. Its Energy Beams ceased firing. All of the Eyes that peered out of the Inner magma looked shocked and worried. Quickly, the Satellite shot into the atmosphere and into space.

"Stay with her, Pryx!" Captain Ichaborn ordered with his bulging red eyes glued to the View Screen. "Prepare to fire all weapons..."

A square made of bright, white light opened up in the middle of space. The damaged Satellite passed through the strange doorway and disappeared.

Captain Ichaborn spoke to Miss Echo without looking at her. He stared at the white doorway in space.

"Miss echo...analysis?"

"It is neither a wormhole nor a singularity," Saraswati replied "It is a Portal to...Another Dimension. It could close at any moment, Captain."

The Bridge Crew went silent. They were shocked at what they were staring at on the View Screen.

Captain Ichaborn looked at his First Officer, Lupa. She stared back, her silver hair flowing behind her, and said, "Captain, if we wish to discover where the Satellite originated from and why it was sent, then we should pursue. However, there is no guarantee of our return to this Dimension. If you consider that we did our duty and Planet Lamech is safe from danger, then there is no need to follow the Satellite. I support whatever you decide, Captain."

Captain Ichaborn's blood red eyes did not blink and remained fixed on the Dimensional Door in space.

"PRYX, TAKE US INTO THE WHITE DOORWAY."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Friday, September 08, 2023 - 07:54 pm: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 09.08.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Captain Ichaborn, Lupa, Miss Echo, Valkyrie, Iris, and Doctor Melia found themselves seated at a long white table full of dishes and drinks all formally prepared. There was no shortage of food or drink and all of their favorites were present. At the head of the table sat a tall, old man with a beard and eyes that glowed white. He smiled and politely acknowledged the presence of the Captain and his crew.

Captain Ichaborn looked around at his surroundings. They appeared to be in the dining hall of some kind of huge palace. All of the walls were white and through the windows he could see blue sky. Standing evenly spaced out in front of the walls were figures dressed in white robes. Ichaborn could not make out their faces because they were hidden by hoods. Large wings sprouted from the backs of each of these figures. Ichaborn could only conclude that these figures were guards or sentries of some sort.

"Welcome all," the old man said in a pleasant voice. "You are safe here. Do not fear. You are my guests. Please, eat and drink your fill as we discuss important matters." The old man motioned toward all the food with open hands.

"Thank you," Captain Ichaborn replied in a calm voice. "How may we address you, kind sir?"

"I," the old man answered while meeting Ichaborn's gaze with his glowing white eyes. "Simply I."

"Very well, I," Ichaborn said. He gave a reassuring glance to each of his crew members. "I am Captain Ichaborn of the Order of the Griffin. We are benevolent, spacefaring explorers. Can you tell us how we came to be here in this place? We were all aboard the Wolf Cub moments ago."

"No need for introductions," the old man said with a slight smile. "I know all about each of you, your ship, and the space organization that you serve. I brought you to my home to answer your questions. That is why you came through the Dimensional Door, is it not Captain? To get answers? Do not worry about your starship. It is completely safe. You will all be returned there to the exact moment you left after our meal."

Ichaborn and his crew felt no threat of harm from this place. They all began to eat and drink, trusting the old man's words to be true.

"Did you send the Satellite that was going to kill everyone on Planet Lamech?" Captain Ichaborn asked directly.

"Yes, I did," I answered without remorse or guilt.

"Why??" Captain Ichaborn followed up in a shocked and disgusted tone.

Glowing white eyes connected with blood red eyes.

"BECAUSE I AM THEIR CREATOR."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Thursday, September 14, 2023 - 07:19 pm: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 09.14.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Captain Ichaborn, Lupa, Miss Echo, Valkyrie, Iris, and Doctor Melia couldn't believe their ears. I had just admitted to attempting to murder ten billion peope on Planet Lamech. Valkyrie instinctively reached for her weapon, only to find out moments later that it would not function. Captain Ichaborn noticed her actions and quickly instructed her to cease her attempts at aggression. I had been a cordial host so far. Now was a time for talking, not for conflict.

"Their Creator?" Ichaborn said in disbelief. "Please tell us more, I, so that we can understand your motivations." Ichaborn sipped some red wine from a glass as he waited for a response.

I tilted his head downward and began to relate his tale. There was sadness in his voice. I sat at the head of the table watching others eat and drink, but not eating or drinking himself.

"Thousands of years ago, I created the first Lamechians. I set them upon their planet and encouraged them to multiply. They did so, slowly, over many, many generations. Until finally, Planet Lamech was filled with the great population you see today."

The senior officers of the Wolf Cub listened intently as they continued to eat. There was something different about this food and drink. Its taste was wonderful and made one want to consume more. There was a satisfaction that came with that consumption like no other, as if this was truly what it was like to eat and drink, not the fake, daily routine that is performed everyday.

"Then why kill them?" Captain Ichaborn asked in an accusatory tone. His blood red eyes looked for weakness in I, but detected none. The old man's melancholy body language only conveyed sorrow.

I let out a sigh before continuing. "Put simply, Captain, everyone on Planet Lamech has turned to Evil. They rape, murder, torture, deceive, lie, cheat, steal, sacrifice babies to unholy gods, kill adults for entertainment, practice sexual immorality, humiliate, torture, and murder their own parents, use force against the weak and the helpless, abuse the young, engage in brutal slavery, eat the flesh of their fellow neighbor, defile the dead, and many other horrendous acts. Long ago, I listed the Ways for them to live a Righteous, Peaceful, and Fulfilling Life, but they Rejected those Ways. They are a Lawless People, Captain, who have Fallen Far from Grace."

Doctor Melia could keep silent no longer. As a doctor, her job was to save lives, to heal the injured. It was unfathomable to her that I would be willing to take so many lives.

"What gives you to right to play God? To decide who Lives and who Dies? You can't just Exterminate an entire people just because they have chosen to do Wrong!"

I paused and met the gaze of each and every one of his guests. Behind his glowing white eyes was an unyielding resolution, an indomitable will that could not be broken.

"Is not a Father responsible for their Offspring? And if a child commits wrongdoing, does the Parent not Punish them? If the Light within the child's Soul has turned to Darkness, what then?"

"AND IF THAT CHILD COMMITS ACTS SO HEINOUS, SO VILE, SO DESPICABLE, SO CRUEL, SO WITHOUT MORALITY, THAT THEY BECOME A THREAT TO EVERYONE AROUND THEM AND TO THE WORLD ITSELF, IS NOT THE PARENT JUSTIFIED IN ENDING THEIR LIFE, EVEN THOUGH IT GREATLY PAINS THEM TO DO SO?"

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, September 18, 2023 - 04:13 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 09.18.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Images and feelings from another time flashed intermittently in Ichaborn's mind. Ichaborn was pleading desperately with his son...although he had no son.

"Ichabane, I beg you, don't do this!!"

"You're going to have to kill me, father. Nothing short of that will stop me."

Then a terrible memory surfaced, perhaps the worst memory Ichaborn had ever experienced. He was holding his dead son in his arms, looking down at his bloody, lifeless body. Ichaborn had slain his own son in order to stop him from killing countless others.

Ichaborn snapped back to reality to find I staring straight at him. No words were exchanged, but it was as if I relived the memories right alongside Ichaborn.

"You're talking about Capital Punishment," Captain Ichaborn stated in a low voice. "Killing your own children for Extreme Crimes."

"You don't believe in such a thing?" I asked Ichaborn while looking upon him with an intense gaze.

Ichaborn looked off to the side as he recalled history. "The Griffians used to practice Capital Punishment. A beak for a beak, a wing for a wing, a claw for a claw. But it was brutal and deemed 'ungriffian' over time. Eventually, Capital Punishment was abolished."

"I didn't ask what the Griffians believe about Capital Punishment, Captain. I asked whether you believed in it."

Captain Ichaborn went quiet. The memory of Ichabane returned to his thoughts.

"Imagine, Captain Ichaborn, that someone killed Doctor Melia in an atrocious manner after long hours of torture. We all know that you care for her. Would you not exact revenge upon that person with the same level of cruelty?"

Ichaborn looked at Doctor Melia with loving eyes. Even the thought of such an act filled him with intense rage. His blood red eyes looked back at I.

"Yes...I would."

Lupa, Miss Echo, Valkyrie, Iris, and Doctor Melia were shocked by Captain Ichaborn's open honesty.

To break the tension, Iris interrupted with her own question. "What about Forgiveness, I? Redemption? Second Chances? Don't the inhabitants of Planet Lamech deserve ar least that?" Her single eye focused on I. She was looking for a solution other than the wholesale slaughter of an entire people.

Captain Ichaborn glanced at Valkyrie and she looked back at him. Does Valkyrie deserve Forgiveness for her previous crimes as well? What would her victims think?

"In order to ask for Forgiveness, the person must acknowledge they have done something wrong," i said, looking back at Iris. Her single eye did not seem to bother the old man in the slightest way. "They must feel remorse and pledge to change their ways moving forward. I assure you, this is something the Lamechians will never do. They believe their behavior is right and would never admit that they are performing acts of Evil."

"Surely there are those on Planet Lamech who don't deserve your punishment," Lupa stated. The First Officer with silver hair was unusually calm and composed. "With a population of ten billion, they cannot all be Evil."

I nodded in agreement. "You are correct, Lupa. There are a few on Planet Lamech who do my Will. For them and only them, I have given instructions on how to survive the Great Deluge. I will not take the lives of those who follow my Ways."

Captain Ichaborn put his napkin on the table as he was finished eating. He placed his right hand gently on top of his left hand. "Well, this discussion about ethics and morality has been intriguing, I. But the Order of the Griffin cannot allow you to commit Planetary Genocide, regardless of your justifications."

I's white eyes grew brighter.

"MY DEAR CAPTAIN ICHABORN. EVEN WITH AN ENTIRE ARMADA OF GRIFFIAN STARSHIPS, DO YOU REALLY BELIEVE YOU COULD STOP ME?"

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, September 25, 2023 - 06:30 pm: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 09.25.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Captain Ichaborn glanced at Miss Echo. Her eyes rapidly changed color as her five brains thought the same thing as Ichaborn. In three dimensional Chinese Chess, you evaluate the strength of each piece, their position on the board, and what tactics are best suited to fulfill the strategy you have chosen to employ. Captain Ichaborn and Miss Echo did the exact same thing for their current real life situation.

I had many unexplained abilities. He existed in another dimension that seemed to only be accessible through a special doorway of his creation. I sent a Satellite to Planet Lamech to melt the polar caps. That Satellite possessed strange "Shields within Shields" which proved impervious to the Wolf Cub's weaponry. The Satellite was armed with powerful Energy Beams which were far deadlier than any weapon utilized by the Wolf Cub. Who knows how many other Satellites I commanded? I was able to transport key Senior Officers from the Wolf Cub even though their Shields were up. I seemed to have mastery of Time itself, as he has promised to return the Senior Officers to the Wolf Cub at the moment they disappeared. And I had an unsettling power to see within a person's soul, to know their very thoughts, and to know everything about that person's past. Was there a limit to I's abilities? Would it be possible to "overtax" I and exhaust his powers? Could that moment of weakness be exploited to defeat I? Would an armada of starships be able to accomplish this? Or would they all simply be destroyed in a futile attempt?

I stared at Captain Ichaborn as if he knew exactly what he was thinking. The old man said nothing.

"Perhaps conflict is not the best path moving forward, I," Captain Ichaborn stated in a diplomatic voice. "However, the Order of the Griffin cannot stand idly by while you destroy all of your 'children.' There must be some other compromise the two of us can reach."

The old man was silent for a few moments. Then I smiled and said, "Of course, Captain Ichaborn. There is a third way. I have peered into your past, future, and present. I know the goodness of your heart, Captain. Agree to my terms, and no one on Planet Lamech will be harmed. You have my word. And there will be no bloodshed between the Order of the Griffin and I."

Everyone at the table was surprised by I's agreement to stop his hostilities against Planet Lamech. They all immediately became suspicious, especially Valkyrie.

Captain Ichaborn crossed his arms and asked, "And what are your terms, I?"

I stared at Ichaborn with a grim look.

"YOU, CAPTAIN ICHABORN, HAVE TO SWEAR TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR ALL THAT THE LAMECHIANS WILL DO IN THE FUTURE. WHATEVER BLOOD THEY SHED, WHATEVER INJUSTICES THEY CAUSE, WHATEVER HORRORS THEY UNLEASH...IT WILL ALL BE UPON YOUR HEAD, ICHABORN."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Tuesday, October 03, 2023 - 06:05 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 10.03.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Captain Ichaborn began to imagine all the frightening and terrible situations that could result from the survival of the Lamechian people. Not only would Ichaborn have to try to right these wrongs, but after meeting with Griffin Command to explain the situation, Ichaborn would also endanger countless other good people who agreed to help him. And the more the Lamechians developed their technology after achieving Warp Drive, the more of a threat they would become to the galaxy and, perhaps, the entire universe. Ichaborn was beginning to see why I had chosen to 'slay his own children.'

Captain Ichaborn banished these thoughts from his mind. The choice was an easy one. One life for ten billion lives. The needs of the many far outweigh the needs of the one. There was no other way.

"I agree to your terms," Captain Ichaborn announced confidently for everyone to hear. His blood red eyes locked onto I's glowing white eyes. Ichaborn knew full well the heavy burden he was agreeing to carry.

I simply nodded as if he already knew what Ichaborn's answer was going to be. There was a sadness to his eyes, almost like he knew what atrocities the Lamechians would commit in the future.

"There is one more condition to my terms, Captain," I replied back to Ichaborn. "You will take with you my daughter, Evezial. She is young and curious about your species, your emotions, your thoughts, your fears, your ambitions, your exploration of the cosmos, your armaments, your technology, your relationships, and your children. She is very innocent in the way of things due to being sheltered here with me for her entire existence. Treat her as one of your own."

"I agree," Captain Ichaborn answered. Having Evezial on board the Wolf Cub could provide valuable insight into I and his powerful abilities. They might learn more about his history and how he came to be. This was a rare opportunity to learn more about this new "life form" they had discovered.

In the next instant, Captain Ichaborn was back on the Bridge of the Wolf Cub and all his senior officers were back at their stations. The white Dimension Door in space that they were about to enter suddenly closed. The Satellite they had chased from Planet Lamech was now gone.

Was the entire meal with the being known as I only a dream? Did it really happen?

Suddenly, Ichaborn felt a light touch on his left hand. It was a soft caress, an affectionate gesture of love. He turned to find a beautiful, young woman wearing a white robe standing next to him. She almost seemed to hover in place, as if her feet did not touch the ground. She had long blonde hair and glowing white eyes. From her back, large angelic wings sprouted.

No, it was not a dream. Everything that happened was real. He stood up, opened his hands in a welcoming gesture, and bowed slightly to the young woman.

"WELCOME TO THE WOLF CUB, EVEZIAL."

By Norman Dizon (Ichaborn) on Monday, October 09, 2023 - 08:42 am: Edit

WOLF CUB
STARDATE 10.09.23
THE GOLDEN AGE
Link to previous Wolf Cub entries

Captain Ichaborn sat in his Ready Room meeting with Miss Echo and Lupa. Behind Ichaborn, a huge graphic image of a Griffin with raised wings and outstretched claws was painted. This was the official logo of the Order of the Griffin. A chime indicated a request to enter which Ichaborn quickly granted. Iris walked into the Ready Room, acknowledged everyone present and then took a seat. Her large, single eye gazed at Miss Echo and Lupa briefly before finally resting on Captain Ichaborn.

"Has the Observation Satellite been placed into orbit around Planet Lamech?" Ichaborn asked Iris in a soft tone. His blood red eyes stared at the young woman who he felt close to because of his past life. Ichaborn would not let anything happen to her in this lifetime; he swore his life on it.

"Yes, Captain," the Cyclopean Chief Engineer answered. "The Observation Satellite is in a continuous orbit around the planet. Should anything knock it off its course, it has self-correction measures built in to correct its flight path. With its design and internal energy source, the Observation Satellite should function for at least ten thousand years before requiring maintenance."

"Excellent, well done," Captain Ichaborn replied. "And it's alert system...?"

Miss Echo joined the conversation. She had worked hand in hand with Iris during the construction of the Observation Satellite. The caterpillar-like sack which housed her five brains extended out of the back of her head.

"It will send a notification to Griffin Command the moment a Warp Signature is detected close to Planet Lamech," Hippolyta stated. Her eyes turned purple and her voice changed tone.

"The Observation Satellite will also detect any ship with Warp Power entering or leaving orbit," Frigg added. "Furthermore, if the Lamechians develop Warp Energy through research on the planet's surface, it will be detected and a notification sent."

"How long will it take the notification to reach Griffin Command?" Captain Ichaborn asked.

"One week, given the remote location of Planet Lamech and the distance to Griffin Command," Lupa answered. The Windling First Officer had overseen the joint project between Iris and Miss Echo and was intimately familiar with all the details. For a moment, her neck and torso changed into air, making them invisible, before they returned to normal.

"One week lag time?" Ichaborn mused out loud. "It will have to be sufficient, although I wish it was faster. Thank you all for fulfilling my directive. With the Observation Satellite in place, we should be notified the minute the Lamechians attain, or have the possibility to attain, Warp Power. Without the ability to venture into deep space, the amount of harm they can cause to others should be restricted to their planet only."

Miss Echo, Lupa, and Iris nodded in agreement. Each of them prepared to stand up and leave.

"One other thing," Ichaborn said quickly before anyone could get up.

"I don't trust I's word that the Lamechians are as evil as he says. Since I am responsible for all their future, and potentially despicable, actions, I need to assess their morality, ethics, and values myself firsthand."

"THEREFORE, I AM GOING DOWN TO THE SURFACE OF PLANET LAMECH."