[letter to all Heroes + action]

[red_planet_blues]

[A letter delivered to all Heroes of Light:]

Seems like just about everyone recognized someone in crystal status when the new guys were brought in the other day. Even some of you new guys did. As someone who's been here since this whole mess started, I can tell you that this is the first time that that's happened. Same with your violent arrival.

I never much liked this whole deal, and I'm liking it less and less every day. Some used to think that the Crystal of Fire was just sort of doing this and no one knew why. If you ask me, this past week's been a big clue pointing to someone being behind this. Not only that, but all that weird doppleganger stuff, like the ones we've found in the Magitek complex or around town only make everything even weirder. Someone out there sure knows a lot about my home planet, at least, and now we know they know plenty about the rest of yours, too.

Whatever this is all about, it's got something to do with that Lady Kalki and the Emperor. That's about all I got out of those dang spies when I saw them in Trano Golsaucia last month. You know what I miss? When I had an entire planet as my jurisdiction, not just one city. Otherwise they'd all be sitting in jail right now.

What I'm trying to say is that we can't just sit around and hope all this stuff just starts making sense sometime soon. It ain't. We need to do it without waiting for anyone to slid in and solve these problems. First things first: find Kalki. That means heading into the Empire somehow. And that means a whole mess of danger.

So who's interested?

- Sparks Nevada
Marshal on Mars
Captain, Aqures Ixen Police
and one ornery Hero of Light

---

[B: action/moogle

When the Heroes had been told they could once again bring items from home by Jessie, what Sparks had asked for was his Marshal Station. Asking for a small, rocket-powered, AI-equipped building is a bit of a tall order, and when too many days pass with no word from Jessie, Sparks figures it for a loss.

However, his moogle Red gets word that there's a delivery for her charge today, surprised to find a book had been brought for him instead. And what a book! Titled, "We're From Earth: A Tale of Star-Crossing Lovers", the book is apparently about the marshal himself and written by his ex-girlfriend, the famous writer Rebecca Rose Rushmore. Sparks is more of someone who will talk about his past exploits than anything personal, despite Red's attempts. A sucker for juicy gossip, Red's hit the jackpot.

She does give an honest try in not reading it, since it's his mail and not hers, but she can't resist. After all, what will one little peek hurt? Just a page or two! Naturally, she gets completely sucked in. The book is full of all kinds of sordid details she wasn't expecting, and Sparks comes off as a total jerk. Instead of flying directly to Sparks's house, she can be found reading the book while ambling her way there, her face glued to the pages.]

No way! [She gasps quietly.] Sparks, how could you, kupo...!

[Seems she's so enraptured that she's not looking where she's going or how low she's flying, and she smacks right into you, book falling cover-up at your feet. She squeals in horror to not only have done that, but to be caught red-handed.]


[[ooc - If you want to answer both prompts, go for it, but it might be easier to do it in separate tags.]]

Comments

Mognet

[umslay]

Sparks Nevada:

Funny that you mention that. I'm sure I'm not the only one who also saw the crystallized person from my world as a doppelganger first. Though if the same people--that Kalki woman and whatever--are behind both, they must be more powerful than we thought to have advanced technology and be able to manipulate the Crystal of Fire.

I'd love to plan out an expedition to the Empire, though ideally I need to know the plan of attack. I'm a bit of an engineer back home, and with enough time, I can construct a weapon or modify whatever mechas are available to suit your needs.

-Ales

[red_planet_blues]

Sounds like it. I doubt it's just one person, but Kalki is our one big lead on this. So we start with her.

I need to look into books on the Empire. Or something. I need to know more about the place before we just roll in and tear things up.

Modify, huh? Maybe you can take a look at my robot fists? They could probably use a tune-up.

--SN

A

[line_piece]

I knew the Empire had to be evil. Empires always are.

[red_planet_blues]

Someone sure is up to no good here. I think people on our side know more than they're letting on, but the Empire is definitely the biggest problem.

A

[etherealblast]

I just got here, but what's this about someone having information about our planets?

-Fayt Leingod

[red_planet_blues]

A few months back, there was an invasion of this old Magitek facility we got on our side. Turns out there were some Empire agents inside, and we had it out with them. But before we even got that far in there, the team I was with found these boxes with copies of our heads in them. Like robot heads or something, made of wax. In another room we found the body of mine, missing its head, along with five copies of people I know from back on Mars (heads included). At the time, I was the only one from my planet here. So clearly someone knows where I'm from.

There was a note in the head box from this person named Kalki. She's the one we need to find.

--SN

B because I'm a combo breaker

[needsteaplz]

[Being rather short, there's nothing like getting a Moogle reading while in mid-flight to the face. Saori got knocked off her feet and fell rather ungraciously. She does sit up and help the moogle get up too.]

Ack! A-are you alright?

[She reaches over for the book. Being a bit of a bibliophile herself, she couldn't help but be curious and looks at the cover again.]

We're From Earth...That sounds awfully like Spark's little catchphrase. Wait, is this supposed to be some sort of book about him?

[red_planet_blues]

[Red squeaks out a little gasp, paws to her mouth, looking worried. Oh no, what should she do!?]

Ah! I-I'm so sorry, kupo! I, um... It's nothing, really--!

[There really was no way to hide what it was. That was definitely him on the cover, along with Rebecca. There's also a note on it about being an interplanetary bestseller as well.]

Mognet

[melodiesofdeath]

[ A letter will reach Sparks exactly two days later. The envelope is pitch black and decorated with a few white musical notations, and there is no address or name written on it. There is a short note inside and something that looks identical to Croach's antenna. The note is soaked in whatever the Martian blood coming from the antenna looks like. ]

I'll be waiting.
And so will they.

— Kalki

MogNet

[greenmagick]

Marshal,

I have only arrived and I honestly don't really understand what is going on here. If the Empire is here, the one from my own world then..

I don't remember a whole lot since waking up here but I do know this. The Empire will do anything to get what they want and use anyone to do so.

Terra,

P.S. This is Tempest here, Terra's moogle, I wrote what Terra had told me but from how she described the Empire that she knows it is a very scary and dangerous place.

I haven't ever been to the Empire here before besides a few letters back before the border closed but over the last few years they have become more aggressive. Should you chose to embark on this please be careful. I think Terra wants to go with you but I don't want her getting hurt.

[red_planet_blues]

There's a lot going on, and it's all crazy and weird. It would probably be easier to catch you up in person.

You're from this world? Or a world like it? What do you know about the Empire then?

--SN

Action- Sorry I changed tense, Hope that is okay.

[thegreatninja]

Mooshoo and Yuffie were fighting over what to write Sparks. Obviously it was a serious matter. Mooshoo had worked for some time in the Empire before coming to this place and wanted to write his input but Yuffie was determined to make some snide remark about how Sparks couldn't hit the side of a barn standing a foot away. It only made sense for the ninja to go and see what treasures she could find within those sealed walls, not that she was worried about anyone because that wasn't something Yuffie would do.. right?

She crossed her arms and turned away from her moogle with a pout, only to over here Red a moment later. The subject was dropped as Yuffie took a few quick strides over to the moogle. Of course she recognized the fluff ball as belonging to Sparks, mostly because she had shouted his name, but she was instantly curious.

"Oh?" Yuffie snatched up the book with a smile. "What did he do?" She instantly started to flip through the pages while Mooshoo stood with his arms across a few feet away.

"You shouldn't read other people's things.."

The Ninja Princess looked up with a grin. "Oh, your no fun. Come on Red tell me about this."

it's okay

[red_planet_blues]

Red was in a bit of a panic, flailing her little arms in a tizzy.

"N-No, kupo! It's nothing! It's, um... it's just um..."

She really did want to explode with the details to someone, but Yuffie was not that someone. Sparks would kill her for spilling the beans to her of all people, but she knew how fast Yuffie was too. How was she going to get that book back?

Rebecca spared no detail when it came to the book. It seems to be an account of her relationship with the Marshal, and the tone isn't very kind. It's also filled with more sordid information about said relationship than Yuffie would ever want to know. Gross

Letter

[goddessofthesky]

Dear Sparks,

I am happy to hear that you will be leading such an expedition. I know I will be less worried with you at the lead. As much as I would love to come with you I think I should stay here in your absence and look after any who stay behind as well as the town. Hopefully this helps you rest easy.

If there are any preparations or anything you need assistance on please let me know. I will be focusing on organizing the heroes efforts here if I can. I also wish to collect reports from everyone about past incidents.

~Zelda

[red_planet_blues]

Good idea. Can't leave this place undefended. And I'll be sure to get the paperwork in order.

--SN

i make my own prompt

[nankurunaisa]

[So, that letter sounds all kinds of serious. Immediately, Hibiki has Kathy help her get a reply ready, but...she can't find the right words to say. It feels like there's so much she's missed out on. Dopplegangers? The Empire? Lady Kalki? Kathy can only fill her in on so much.

So she decides to wait it out and wait for Sparks to come home. She has an apple for Mercury when she sets out on the short walk to his stables, and after that she sits and waits.

Fortunately, she has some new reading to occupy her until her favorite cowboy makes it back. He has to come home sometime, right? She's bundled up for the cold, but Kathy isn't anywhere to be found for a change. It's just her. No animals. She'll be busy reading whenever Sparks finally gets to her.]

Heya! You're finally back. Is this really about you?

Rune cannot be tamed

[red_planet_blues]

[Somewhere in the city, poor little Red is fluttering about to find where she dropped that book. But the marshal is heading home from work and spots Hibiki waiting for him outside.

For a moment, he can't even believe what he's seeing. It can't be. How would it get here? Does that thing have to haunt him on every planet?!

He points at it and gives Hibiki a sideways glance. His voice cracks a little in surprise.]

Where did you get that.

B

[umslay]

[This time, Ales is prepared. Instead of the wayward Moogle knocking him completely over, he's just knocked back a few steps, though still just as irritated.

Come on, keep a friendly demeanor.]

Could you watch where you're going? [Perfect.] I could've gotten hurt!

[As he walks towards Red, he notices the book lying right in front of him. "Star-Crossed Lovers?" Probably some dumb romance novel, though the fact that it mentions Earth is curious, so he picks it up anyway and flips through it.

Did he seriously just see Sparks Nevada's name in there?]

Some fan write this for Sparks or something? [Maybe he'll go to the first page for confirmation.]

[red_planet_blues]

O-Oh no! Sorry, kupo! But um, oh, uh... I need that back, okay?

[Part of Red wants someone to read it, and part of her wants it back because she's afraid of Sparks finding out, considering the book isn't kind. And indiscreet, to say the least.

That is indeed the marshal's name in there, and the first page confirms it to be an account of a relationship he had with the author, Rebecca Rose Rushmore. She even throws the words "emotionally unavailable" in the prologue.

She was pretty unhappy with him when the book was finalized.]

[zodiac_brave]

Captain Nevada,

I beg you let me join you. I would see those who would use our loved ones as pawns brought to justice.

-Ramza [there's a scribble where he started to write a family name, but thought better of it.]

[red_planet_blues]

Reckon a lot of folks are going to feel the same way. We should schedule a meeting at the observatory for all the Heroes so we can formulate a plan on this. We sure got a lot to go over and research to do.

--SN

B

[istotesbatgirl]

Spark's moogle crashes right into Misfit's shin. Oddly enough she's gotten used to this happening and assumes it's a moogle.

"Hey, don;t you work with Sparks? What have you got there?"

[red_planet_blues]

"Ah! Oops, um, sorry! I, uh..."

Red quickly scoops the book and tries to cover it up by hugging it with her arms. But it's a person-sized book, not a moogle one, so she can't quite cover the whole thing. Part of the title and Sparks's picture on the cover poke out from between her arms.

She gives Misfit a nervous laugh. "Ahaha, it's nothing! Just a book. I really shouldn't be reading while flying..."

Letter

[shinrasfinest]

[This comes the next morning; someone is already back in Esdham it seems.]

Marshal,

I would urge the utmost caution in whatever expedition you decide to undertake. The Empire are not a force to be trifled with, without first taking into dire consideration their arsenal -which we know hardly anything of- when compared to anything Aqures Ixen might be able to retaliate, or even defend itself, with.

Aqures sits rather languidly behind the veritable wall that Esdham is holding back from advancing and I would advise against poking the dragon. Besides, how do you know those spies weren't feeding you in order to get this exact reaction?

Tread carefully with this, Sparks Navada. I do not give advise lightly.

~Sephiroth

[red_planet_blues]

Reckon I never said I planned to kick the door in and announce myself. I understand they ain't exactly a bunch of daisy-pickers, but the longer we sit around and wait, the more dirt they get on us.

I ain't too fond of being anyone's pawn. I'm sure you're not, neither.

--SN

A little bit of both

[theredplainsrider]

[Even though they live in the same house, Red got the letter from Rawa that was from Sparks. She smiled a little bit. Being Marshall on Mars was good for him. He was able to do what he needed to do to protect everyone.

She didn't bother writing him a reply. They did live together, even if she often went out on her own. Instead she headed out to the shared room of the house to see Red reading a rather familiar book. She looked at the moogle that shared part of her name and shook her head a bit.]

Ya know, that book ain't all it's cracked up ta be.

[red_planet_blues]

W-What book?! [Red squeaks in surprise, thinking no one was home. She snaps the book closed and tries to hide it behind her back.

Well, she did want to talk to Red about this. Who else knew Sparks better? She fidgets for a moment, trying to hold it back, but she can't do it.]

So this stuff isn't true, kupo?! Because it's a, um, very thorough book!

mognet

[needsteaplz]

You can definitely count me in for help, Sparks. Whether you need help in combat or research, I can help with that.

-Saori


P.S. I'm very sorry about your emotional unavailability.

Re: mognet

[red_planet_blues]

[JUST STARING AT THAT P.S. Maybe if he stares at it long enough, he can burn a hole in the paper.]

Good. Research first. Butt-kicking later.

--SN

P.S. No you're not

Damnit, I meant to do this a week ago and I blanked

[not_most_days]

Marshal Nevada,

I share your concern with this situation and would like to see some answers as well. The people of this city have been wonderful hosts to us, but I can't help but feel as if there is information being held from us, possibly unwittingly but still out of reach.

What I've heard of this Empire troubles me as well and I would like to hear more about what you know.

While my arrival here seems to have hindered my own skills, I'd like to offer my assistance as I can.

-James Kidd

no worries

[red_planet_blues]

Mostly what I know of the Empire comes from running into some of their agents. Long story short, they caused a big ruckus a few months back, and my business with them ain't done yet.

The plan now is to hit the library and find out what we can about the Empire so we're all up to speed. Then we can figure a way to get in there.

--SN