---REVELATIONS---
DEEP SPACE
COLOSSEUM SYSTEM, NOVA-VERSE
1127 HOURS, MAY 6, 3961 A.D.

A small, cloaked fighter flitted through space as it watched the battle between the first Ubercept ship, the Great Death, and the other enemy ships unfold. The Imperial Agent piloting it felt that she needed to assist the crippled vessel, as she had been told about the efforts to rescue Delphis' life. Unfortunately, the enemy ships were so numerous that only an Omega could help them now. Perhaps, she decided, such an event was necessary.

AGENT: “Agent 91205 reporting. The Ubercept Battleship, the Great Death, has fallen under attack by hostile forces of her own kind. Requesting urgent assistance.”
BASE: “Request granted, 91205. Re-routing call to the nearest available Omega.”

Elsewhere, aboard the C.N.S. Solomon...

(beep-beep, beep-beep, beep-beep)
LANGLEY: “This is Fleet Admiral Eugene Christopher Langley, speaking.”
91205: “This is Agent 91205. Pardon the intrusion, Admiral, but I need you and your men, immediately. The Ubercept ship I have been monitoring has come under attack, and assistance would be appreciated.”
LANGLEY: “We'll be right there, miss. Langley out.”

The Admiral turned to face the bridge officers.

LANGLEY: “Pack your bags, ladies and gents – we're taking a little road trip to the Nova-Verse.”

Not 3 minutes later (real time), the Solomon was on the scene and surveyed the current situation. The Great Death's hull integrity was at 75% and dropping steadily. They needed to act fast.

LANGLEY: “Comms, hail that ship immediately.”
COMMS: “Aye aye, sir, opening channel now.”

A few seconds elapsed before the figure of Admiral Shlimazel appeared on the screen.

LANGLEY: “This is Fleet Admiral Eugene C. Langley of the Commandarian Empire. I have come to render assistance.”

----

Admiral Shlimazel was in an extremely poor position.

A fleet of Deviants was nothing to laugh at, even if they weren't up to the grade of an Ubercept fleet. He was outnumbered approximately several thousand to one, and the Great Death had taken severe damage in the fight. Several ships had been killed by the Great Death, but he would need to kill several thousand more before he could call it quits.

“Sir, we're being hailed by a human warship,” the communications officer called.

“Wonderful! What timing!” Shlimazel growled. “Put them on.”

The human appeared on the holo-display. Static rippled through the display.

“This is Fleet Admiral Eugene C. Langley of the Commandarian Empire. I have come to render assistance,” the human said.

“The what empire? I don't believe we've met, Admiral,” Admiral Shlimazel said. “How did you come to know of our condition?”

“We have operatives in this system. Let's just say we're concerned about your welfare for reasons of our own, Admiral Shlimazel,” Admiral Langley replied.

“Fine. I'll take all the help I can get right now. If you'd be so good as to watch my aft, I believe we can clear out a safe zone.” Shlimazel designated a number of ships on his tactical display. “Send these targets to the admiral,” he told his Comms officer. The comms officer gave the orders to the comms crew, then turned and saluted Shlimazel.

“These targets should be our ultimate objective,” Admiral Shlimazel told Admiral Langley as Langley took a look at the information. “They're equipped with specialist weaponry that makes them a dangerous obstacle, and they have been providing me with quite bit of trouble.”

“I understand,” Admiral Langley said. “I'll take care of them, since I have full hull integrity. Langley out.”

The holo-display flickered off. Well, Admiral Shlimazel thought. This was fortunate. Still, Shlimazel wondered just who this Admiral Langley represented.

Now was not the time for such paltry concerns, he decided. “Establish defensive firing grid,” Shlimazel ordered. “Prepare for the other ship to enter the fray.”

---

The C.N.S. Solomon entered the fight. The massive warship opened up with a ferocious barrage of gunfire that would have taken out 3 good-sized battle fleets. The alien warships quickly suffered incredible damage from the mighty 900-mile-long ship.

“Keep it up, boys and girls,” Langley stated, proudly. “We'll have these poor fools routed in no time.”
[WARNING: TRANS-DIMENSIONAL ENERGY SPIKES DETECTED]
“What? Is Akasi coming?”
“No sir,” an officer replied. “They're coming...from the enemy ships?”
“What in God's Name...?” Langley wondered aloud.

Suddenly, powerful lances of energy ripped through the hull of the colossal ship. The Solomon held, being as massive as it was, but they had caused a mighty gash in the ship's plating. Automated bulkheads sealed off exposed corridors to contain the spread of vacuum.

“Damn it all!” Langley swore loudly, holding on. “What's our position?”

“Sir, we're approaching the rear of the enemy vessel. ETA two minutes.”

“Increase velocity, and dial up the shields. I don't want to take another hit like that unless I have to!”

The Imperial Warship charged full steam ahead to cover her ally. Another volley of fire issued from the ship as they dealt with what remained of the enemy forces.

TIAN SHAN MOUNTAIN RANGE
CHINA, PLANET EARTH, SOL SYSTEM, IMPERIAL UNIVERSE
0937 HOURS, FEBRUARY 3, 3037 A.D.

*panting*

A lone monk raced up the steps of a building in the mountain range, his sandals clapping loudly against the ground. The thin air made it that much harder for him to breathe, and his feet were sore from the climb. It would all be worth it in the end, though, for on this day, he had received a vision that foretold the end of days.

As he entered the tower of his estate, he turned on the universal broadcasting channel, which would transmit his actions to other stations across the Empire. He ran up the 30 steps to reach the massive bell that had would soon ring loudly across the countryside...and the universe.

(GONG!)

Never ceasing, he hefted the wooden ram, striking the bell again and again. Others soon joined in, turning on their own UBCs and sounding the call. The choir of bells soon became a cacophony of sounds, spreading rapidly as system by system began raising the ominous alarm. All who heard the sound reacted in shock, drawing their full attention and making themselves ready for the worst. Before long, the ringing reached Xyber XVII.

(BONG!)

BOWSER: “The bells...but that means...”

Mike stepped forward.

MIKE: “We must get to the church. Quickly.”

As Mike, Bowser, Commander, and several other notables from other Universes approached the Church of the Trinity, a glowing beam of light descended upon it. Commander handed out several white strips of cloth as they continued their approach.

COMMANDER: “Put these over your eyes. If that's what I think it is, then our eyes are not meant to see the figure who will soon be here.”

They tied the strips into bandannas and shielded their eyes. Thrusting open the doors of the building, they entered into the sanctuary, blinded, but not daring to remove them.

VOICE: “You need not those veils, warriors.”

The cloth suddenly vanished before their eyes, able to see once more. In front of them, a winged humanoid floated silently before the group, wreathed in an ethereal glow. His crown obscured his face, which seemed to be but a black void as he hovered there.

It was an Angel.

COMMANDER: Warrior of God, I would say you honor us with your presence, but-”
ANGEL: *holds up a finger* “Stop. You reserve that honor for Him, and Him only.”
MIKE: “Who are you, he who serves the Three-In-One?”
ANGEL: “I am St. Augustine. I had been instructed by the Father to bring you news of the future.”

Augustine then suddenly made the room darken, and all those present bore witness to events from the dawn of creation.

AUGUSTINE: “You know when Lucifer rebelled against God, he was punished by being sent to Hell for his transgressions. However, what is not known is that Satan had seven artifacts that were separated from him, further stripping him of his power. The once-pure armor he wore had been corrupted by his actions, and they were forever known thereafter as the Black Artifacts. Upon being sealed into his prison, the pieces were scattered across seven Universes, in the hopes they would never be reunited again. Each one of his artifacts represents one of the Seven Deadly Sins. They are:

The Boots of Plague – These foul boots made the very earth one treads upon to be blanketed by every disease and pox known in creation...and some that are still unknown. They represent the sin of Gluttony.

The Armor of Deceit – A piece of mail unlike any other ever created, the armor caused all who saw it to give in to their deepest desires with reckless abandon. It represents the sin of Lust.

The Trident of Fatigue – A single swing of this accursed weapon brought extreme exhaustion to its victims, leaving them open to attack. It represents the sin of Sloth.

The Spaulders of Jealousy – These shoulder pads gave the wearer the ability to cause soldiers to turn on each other, making their hatred of each other known and demoralizing the enemy. They represent the sin of Envy.

The Gauntlets of Desire – Anyone who wore these foul bracers would be able to cause enemies to be overcome by material desire, be it money or otherwise, and caring for nothing else. They represent the sin of Greed.

The Rings of Vanity – Those who wore these rings on their fingers could establish dominion over others by making them feel inferior to the wearer. In a sense, they granted mind control. They represent the sin of Pride.

Finally, the Crown of Fury – This fell artifact gave the wearer almost unspeakable power, but at the same time, it would cause them to give little or no heed to the consequence of their actions. It represents the sin of Wrath.

You must find these seven artifacts before Akasi does, Commander – if he acquires them all, he can release the Fallen Angel from his prison, and give him dominion over the mortal plane.”
COMMANDER: “Where do we start?”
AUGUSTINE: “The first Black Artifact can be found in the Ubercept Universe. Knowing the race's extreme hostility towards Man, it was deemed to be 'safe,' even if someone did manage to get access to other universes. Now, however, you will have to venture to this universe, and you will have to somehow acquire their trust – it will not be an easy task, I can assure you.”

Augustine then flew higher up.

AUGUSTINE: “I will speak to you again once you have the first artifact. I cannot tell you what it is, or where you will find it, but I assure you – it will reveal itself once you get there. Good luck, warriors, and may God be with you.”

The angel vanished in a scintillating flash of light, and they were left alone once again.

BOWSER: “Sir, Langley was just dispatched to help a crippled Ubercept vessel. Perhaps we can enlist their assistance in getting to their Universe?”
COMMANDER: “We have to try. Akasi's goal is now apparent, and if we're to avert Armageddon, we have to beat him to the artifacts, or this universe...and all others...are doomed.”

They hurried out of the church. Racing for the Oblivion, they ordered Langley to ready himself for their entry, and they would assist if still needed.

Now, more than ever, the fate of souls beyond count was in their hands.

---END TRANSMISSION---

---

NOTES 'N STUFF:

Well, as you can tell, this marks my first test with a script format. It doesn't look so good when it's applied to the whole post, however. I may still use it for extensive monologue/dialogue sections, though.

Also, we're finally caught up with the storyline. Updates should come a bit more slowly, now, as it'll take time to get new sections written.

So the Black Artifacts are scattered across seven Universes. The problem?

I, uh...couldn't think of seven Universes to put them in. ^_^;;;

SO! I am still holding a pseudo-contest to figure out where the other Black Artifacts are. Four people (and a tentative fifth) have agreed to host them already, so two (possibly three) more remain.

There isn't any set order I'm going to find them, so pretty much the order I receive requests is the order I'm going in.

If you've been keeping up-to-date with the story thus far and want your universe to host one of the artifacts, shoot off a note to me! Include what Artifact you want, and be SURE to mention why it would fit best in your universe. More importantly, though, it ought to relate to YOU in some way, detailing what one of your big struggles in life is. If I could include myself (I'm not, as that'd be unfair), I'd pretty easily get the Armor, as my eyes tend to wander where they shouldn't. ^_^;;;;;

As an aside, I intend to go into a fair bit of detail on the person's universe - much more in-depth than I do usually. Think of it as free advertising, in a way.

So, if you're a comic artist, provide links to your website/strips so I can check on them, and I'll read from start to finish. If you're a writer, provide a link to the first part of your Universe's story; also provide section links (to the next parts in your storyline) if the first link doesn't have any. Again, I'll be sure to read everything. ^_^

The List of Artifacts claimed thus far is as follows:
[X]Boots of Plague
[ ]Armor of Deceit
[ ]Trident of Fatigue
[ ]Spaulders of Jealousy
[X]Gauntlets of Desire
[ ]Rings of Vanity
[X]Crown of Fury

The Current order is as follows:
1. Boots of Plague
2. Gauntlets of Greed
3. Crown of Fury
4. Armor Of Deceit(?)
5. ???????
6. ???????
7. Trident of Fatigue

(UPDATE 07/03/09) - After talking with one of the people who have agreed to collaborate with me, they decided to take the Crown of Fury instead. I have also decided that the Trident should come last.

(UPDATE 05/01/10) - The Armor Of Deceit is tentative, but the Trident of Fatigue has also been taken.

Admiral Shlimazel and The Ubercept are © their creator
Bowser is © Nintendo
The Empire, JR/VA, and all characters w/in are © me