Cosmic Junction [UPDATE-Chapter 2]

[Cozmosus]

Since Kyuby hasn't answered my PM, I'll just post the extension in a new thread and leave the other one locked.

Thought I'd do some more writing. Hoping to get chapter two up this week.

This first chapter is something I whipped up on my iPhone, as will be chapter two. I don't know if I'll do it regularly or if I'll work on it on the computer, but here it is.
[Spoiler=Chapter 1]Chapter 1:
The First Chapter

The multiverse theory, or parallel universe theory, is the hypothetical existence of an infinite amount of universes existing at the same time, each differing from the rest. The term was coined in 1895 by William James. Every single idea or circumstance imaginable exists in some form or another in a universe. The potential for these universes is as infinite as the universes themselves. The universes exist at the same time, on the same place, but on different planes. Each has a different astral wavelength, which is........

Lewis Williams closed his copy of A History of The Universe and placed it among other titles such as Digging Holes, Book Cooking- A Cook Book, and Toes In The Sand. He had grown used to visiting the library on a regular basis, and could now almost be considered living there. He walked away from the table laden with the tattered old books as he began to scratch the back of his head. It was late and he needed to get to sleep. The silver moonlight shone through the open windows striking the wooden floorboards, lighting the way back to his sleeping quarters. The door creaked when he pulled it open, it's hinges rusted nearly to the point of disintegration. He stepped in, and the door slammed shut. Cachunk-clink! The door was locked. He slid under his red covers and closed his eyes. It took the same amount of time to fall asleep as it always did. He never did get used to the rocking of the ship.

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Lewis awoke to an explosion and a violent shaking, knocking him out of bed. Loud noises were heard from above: yells, clashing of swords, and explosions riddled the deck. "The shields are going down! All power to the anti-gravity generators!" he heard an older Scottish man yell from above. That can only mean one thing, thought Lewis, the Navy is attacking. He was prepared for a moment like this. A moment to escape. Quickly, he dashed towards his bed. He searched for the knot in the floorboards, and when he finally found it, pushed down. A portion of the wooden floor was dislodged, revealing his satchel.

About two months ago he had begun gathering items from around the prison deck of the ship, planning an escape from the dreaded Sky Pirate Lane. Scraps of wood, bits of metal and wires along with string and fabrics. He had many other little things crucial for his escape that he had pickpocketed from some of the guards. His next destination was the library. He snatched up the satchel from its hiding place and scrambled to the iron door. Step one of his escape. He nervously brought out his lock picking kit, drawing his tools from their selective pockets. Just as he had made the final twist the lock clicked open, also breaking his lock picking tools in the process. He opened the door just a crack to peek out at what was in store. The seemingly infinite hallway was easily empty, a strange occurrence, but Lewis ignored this. It was time for step two. An explosion was heard, and only a few seconds later a large sphere of dark sleek metal crashed through the outside wall, sending chunks of splintered wood flying through the air. Lewis jumped to the side as not to get hit by what he believed to be a cannon ball. The door swung wide open and detached from its hinges from the force of the ball. Lewis glanced out of the hole created by the cannon ball to see its origin. A massive iron ship soared sluggishly through the air, propelled by the largest boosters ever seen. The sight is one that could strike awe to all whose eyes managed to land upon it. The sound of gears turning began behind him. The ball was beginning to unfold, shifting and changing into a large machine standing at eight feet. It was no cannon ball, but a droid, an official Navy Juggernaut. They were used for 'keeping the peace' and subduing enemy vehicles. But he knew that these robots were not peaceful in any way. The metal monstrosity had one 'eye' in the center of its 'face'. It's armour was black but it's inner workings were a shade of silver and emanated a strange red glow. It stood up straight and began to speak. 

"REMAIN CALM. DO NOT RESIST. YOU ARE TO BE TAKEN PRISONER. IF THERE IS ANY RESISTANCE ON YOUR PART, THEN YOU SHALL CEASE LIVING."

He was not reassured.

"COMPLY OR JUSTICE SHALL BE SERVED"

He did not comply. The Juggernaut raised its arm toward him as it unfolded. From the hand a cannon was produced, pulsating with the same glow that encompassed the rest of the robot. For something that large it moved with great speed. Lewis lunged and rolled out of the way, but the oncoming beam grazed his shoulder. The Juggernaut turned towards him and began to charge. Each of the automatons steps put cracks in the wooden floor, only adding to the intimidation. As it reached out Lewis again dodged the attack, this time escaping unscathed. He ducked under its arm and ran out the hallway. He needed to get to the next checkpoint on his list, and he knew he wasn't getting anywhere with a Juggernaut hunting him down. He heard the rumbling of the robots footsteps as it crashed into the hallway.

"STOP OR BE DESTROYED"

There was only one way he was getting out of this alive, and that was a distraction. Lewis had noticed that the Juggernaut was just a little too big for the hallway. He ran. So did the robot. The chase proceeded until the next turn came. Lewis grabbed the corner and swung around and kicked in the door. It was easier than he thought it would be. Oh wait, he thought, they aren't supplying power to the deadbolt seals. That meant his lock picking was a waste. The robot ran past the turn he took, ripping away at the doors to each prison cell in the process. Lewis turned around, and was glad with what he saw. 

"Let the games begin."

Lewis rubbed his hands in delight as he looked all around the room he had just entered. It was the prison guard armory. Bladed weapons lined the wall in racks and heavy armour was worn by manikins. Chests were filled to the brim with ranged weapons such as bows, guns, and more. He peaked out the door and into the hallway. More prisoners were beginning to file out into the hallway, curious about what had happened. The sound of the robot stomping away was heard down the hallway. Troubled, Lewis grabbed a semi automatic power bow with some plasma arrows and ran into the hallway. It was time for his diversion. He signaled the prisoners to the armory and told them, "We need to take it down, grab all the weapons you can!"

As the Juggernaut trudged down the hall it began shooting at prisoners. The rest saw what was happening and ran towards where Lewis was standing. Soon Lewis had almost a mini army to fight against the Juggernaut, and just in time to, as it was just outside.

"CEASE HIDING AND COMPLY"

He asked for it.

The prisoners jumped out of the room and began to attack. Some began slashing at its legs with plasma sabers while others shot at it's sensor eye with bolt guns. Lewis took this chance to get to the next destination on his list. The library.

More explosions were heard from above. There was a good chance the ship was going down, and Lewis was running out of time. Ducking into the library, he slowed to a crouch. As he turned around, he came to see another Juggernaut. He jumped in surprise when he saw its red eye staring blankly at him. He then saw two Navy soldiers aiming their guns up to three sky pirates. The soldiers looked over to him. The one on the left, who seemed to be the captain, aimed his gun towards Lewis.

"Stop, who are you?"

It was not too much of a problem. All he had to do was tell them he was a prisoner. "I'm a prisoner of the sky pirates, I need you t-" He was cut off. The pirates had taken advantage of his distraction to turn the tables on the soldiers. The pirates snatched away the guns of the soldiers and shot them. They began cheering over their small accomplishment. Of course, it didn't last long because the Juggernaut in the room decided to actually do its job. It began with the stock phrases it was programmed with, which was partly boring and partly scaring Lewis at the same time. This one was a close combat droid, and this time instead of a cannon, it produced a pair of plasma blades from each hands. It slashed downwards with both of its shining weapons and disarmed the pirates. In an instant, the pirates had their smiles wiped right off of their faces.

The pirate on the left of the machine ran away as fast as he could, but was quickly stopped as the blade of light sliced through his leg like warm butter. As the Juggernaut reached downwards to pick up the crippled first pirate the second one jumped on its back. He began shooting it in the back of the head, bullets glancing off of the metal plating. The robot reached back to swat him off, but to no avail. It stopped struggling, and soon stood straight. The pirate was slightly surprised. He was caught off guard when the Juggernaut begun its transformation. The poor pirate was crushed inside the metal being as it curled into its ball form. Lewis was shocked and speechless. Shaking his head he ran to the bookshelf on the far right of the room. As he passed by he grabbed one of the dropped guns. He made it to the bookshelf and began pulling out multiple books, rushing so that he could escape before the Juggernaut came for him. When all the books in the row were removed he slid down the shelf and reached into the hole that it revealed. Lewis pulled out a small metal box and began to place it inside his satchel, but as he turned around he saw the robot waiting for him. It stared at him with its blank red eye. Lewis had to react quickly. He pulled out the gun that he picked up and began shooting. The bullets did nothing to the heavily armored machine. Finally, he ran out of ammunition. Lewis lobbed the gun at the Juggernauts eye. It staggered backwards due to interruption of its sensors. Lewis ran and slid under it as it tried to gather its bearings. He pulled out the bow strapped to his back along with a plasma arrow. He shot straight up at the unprotected back of its neck. The Juggernaut instantly ceased all movement and fell forward.  Lewis stood up and looked around. It was time for the third stop on his list, the engine room.

The trip down was uneventful. There were a few Navy soldiers and pirates that he had to take out, but they weren't too much trouble. There were two things that he had to get. The first one was an important maintenance tool. Footsteps were heard from around the corner and he ducked down behind a fuel drum. After the workers passed by Lewis quickly sneaked away. The maintenance supply closet was only a few feet away, but-

"S-stop r-right there! P-put your hands up!"

Lewis turned to see the voice behind him. A nervous looking, young maintenance worker was standing there with a gun in his hands. "You're a p-prisoner of the s-sky pirates!"

Lewis didn't even see why the pirates would care about prisoners at the moment. The guy was probably new. He stood up to face the man and said, "What's your name?" The worker nervously readjusted, still aiming and replied,

"G-gregory. Gregory Lane"

Wait, what? Thought Lewis. What a tidbit of information. "Well Gregory," said Lewis, "I need to escape, and I'm pretty sure you don't want to kill me, so, I need your cooperation. You're going to let me go, and nobody will have to die."

Gregory gulped, sweating like a pig. He slowly lowered his gun and hung his head. He apologized, "I'm sorry, I don't even want to be here. But my father...." He leaned against the wall. Lewis felt sorry for the lad. He turned and continued towards the door. Once he entered, he began to rummage through the boxes and boxes of tools and miscellany until he found what he was looking for. Under what looked to him to be a day old sandwich, he Found just what he was looking for. It was an iron armlet with a dial on top and a handle jutting out in front of one of the openings. He slipped it over his left hand and left the room. Gregory saw what now adorned his wrist and gave a confused look. "What are you doing with that?" he asked. Lewis didn't want to tell him because of who he was, but there wasn't any reason for him not to. Just as Lewis opened his mouth, an ear shattering explosion was heard from above. The ship lurched and they both fell against a wall.

"What in Midnite was that!?" screamed Lewis as he struggled to stand up. Then he felt a falling feeling. A Juggernaut sphere crashed through the now tilted wall and continued thought the wall the stood on. Two more spheres tore through, creating multiple large holes across the hall. A final boom was heard and the ship tremored. Gregory was sent tumbling toward the gaping hole in the wall. Lewis stumbled towards the opening and looked down. Gregory was hanging on for his life onto a door knob from an open door. "Don't worry! I'm coming!" yelled Lewis. He began climbing down to where Gregory was hanging. Lewis held onto the wall with one hand and reached with the other. "Grab my hand!" he exclaimed. Gregory extended his arm upwards, as did Lewis down. The two were inches apart when the ship wrenched. Gregory was flung off the door, and fell. The ship was torn in two. They were going down.
[/spoiler]

[AsianGuy1137]

Intriguing story you got going on. I especially liked the little excerpt about the multiverse in the beginning, although the nature of a multiverse in itself is either fallacious or competely unprovable. I wonder why you decided to use that as an intro hook. The rest of the story sets up like a good exposition with plenty of fast-paced action for the plot to develop. I don't really see much characterization at this point, but I'm sure future updates will take care of that. From the lack of Yu-Gi-Oh! references, I'm guessing there won't be much in the way of intense card-flipping action. Keep it up, I'm interested in seeing what happens next.

[Cozmosus]

Thanks. I was actually working on the characters more in chapter two, though, oddly enough it's more Gregory. I haven't finished, so I can work more on Lewis still. I got writers block at the beginning of the second chapter too, so it's taking longer than expected. As for the multiverse..... In time.......

[Cozmosus]

Chapter two is now here! I got a bit sidetracked when writing.

[spoiler=Chapter 2]
Chapter 2:
Remembrance of the Chapter

The wind whistled through Lewis' hair, gravity taking control of the now split airship. The large wooden structure was being pulled towards the ground, moving faster as it fell. Lewis was scared, not only for his own life, but also for Gregory. He had no time to think, just to jump. He dove down, past all the falling debris and pirates, and towards a screaming Gregory. He caught Gregory, who screamed in his ear for a few seconds until he realized what was going on. "P-prisoner!? What are you doing!?"

"I'm saving your life!"

"How!?"

"I....... Hadn't really thought of that! Sorry!" This was it. The ground was coming up fast, and Lewis had no plan.

"F-f-f-f..." stuttered Gregory.

"What!?"

"F-fuh-f-f-fe. Feather float!" Suddenly, a burst of white appeared from his sleeve. The two of them were surrounded by the fluffy, white, and surprisingly itchy, feathers. Their momentum was slowed down, and they soon were floating gently downwards until they came to a complete stop. The feathers dispersed, flying through the air, falling on the ground, and sticking to the Lewis and Gregory. Lewis spat out a mouthful of feathers and exclaimed,

"Where in Midnite did you learn to do that!? I thought-"

"I-I know, practicing magic is forbidden among the sky pirates. But it's just so interesting and cool. Think of all the things you can do with magic!" replied Gregory, his eyes glimmering at the thought. Lewis had to admit, though he wasn't the type of guy for magic, it sure came in handy. But then he heard something. Then it hit him. It quite literally, hit him in the shoulder. The plank of wood bounced off of him and landed on the ground. He toppled to the ground while Gregory looked up. The ship was still falling, and it was heading right towards them.

"RUN!!!!"

He helped Lewis off the ground, and the two began running. "There's a hole over there!" yelled Lewis, pointing to the safe spot. They charged towards it, dodging bits of wood and metal that rained down upon them. Just as they arrived at the opening, a sharp chunk of metal embedded itself into Lewis' leg, and he screamed in pain while Gregory dove into the hole. Lewis lay on his stomach, his leg paralyzed in searing pain while scraps clattered upon the stone landscape. Gregory turned around. 

"Grab my hand!" He and Lewis reached out to each other, extending their arms as far as they could. As soon as Lewis' fingers touched Gregory's, Gregory grasped his hand and yanked him down into the shelter. They both tumbled down the dirt hill that had been hidden by the large stone slabs until they landed in a small tunnel. Almost too fast for Lewis to think about what was happening, he hit his head on a stone. He blacked out.
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Lewis' vision was blurred and slightly distorted. He ducked down behind a large rock, sword in hand. He needed time to regroup with the others before-

The dragon glided overhead. As it swooped back around Lewis raised his shield to prepare for its attack. The mighty beast exhaled into a stream of searing flames. His enchanted shield glowed a deep blue and surrounded him in a sphere of the same glow. The fire dissipated around him. Lewis didn't know what was going on. He couldn't control his body. It was like he was watching events through someone else's eyes. Swooping down at Lewis, the pitch black dragon bore its sharp fangs. Lewis hit the dragon in the jaw with his shield, producing a thunderous crack. When the dragon wrenched it's head upwards, Lewis swung his sword, piercing the dragons throat in the process. The mighty beast tumbled and fell. It lay dead on the ground.
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Lewis awoke, his breathing heavy and his forehead covered in sweat. It all felt like a dream, but usually his dreams aren't vivid enough for him to remember. This felt like a memory, yet, he had never done those things. He had never fought a dragon. He never used a sword with a shield. He decided to leave it and shrug it off. He stood up, but soon after stumbled and fell. He cringed in pain and looked down to see his bandaged leg. It must have been Gregory. "Gregory?" he called out. There was no response. "Gregory?" he repeated.

"I'm over here" Gregory replied, waving. Lewis turned around and saw him. Gregory shuffled towards him and said, "I used a healing spell on your leg, but I couldn't fix it all up"

"Thanks," said Lewis, "But what about the exit?" He wondered if the Navy would search for survivors. Maybe he could hitch a ride back to the nearest Dominion and buy some necessities. But then again, Gregory was a sky pirate. The Navy would book him in an instant

"It caved in when the ship crashed."

Great. Now they would definitely not be saved. "We're going to have to find another way out. Follow me."Lewis replied, picking up his bow and arrows. 

Gregory worried, "I-I just hope my father survived..." It wasn't very likely.
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The dreaded Sky Pirate Lane stepped forward, his hand bound behind his back and his head bloody. He was escorted by two Navy Juggernauts, both melee drones. He was kicked in the back by one of the robots and forced to kneel before his opposition. A dark haired man stepped towards him with his hands in his pockets. "So, this is the famous Captain Ironbar Lane, Sky Pirate of not only a sky pirate of the three moons of Damus, but dictator of New Borden. My, my, how the tables have turned." His voice was fluid and smooth, like flowing silk.

"Brindley" responded Ironbar.

"Hmph, well then, it's time for you to come with us. Off to Loudwater. Juggernauts, throw him in his cell." commanded Damian Brindley. 

Both Juggernauts responded, their eyes glowing purple, "WE SHALL... C-COMPLY." The one on the right kicked Ironbar. "COMPLY" Ironbar did not follow the command. "COMPLY OR BE ERADICATED." Iron bar merely continued to look at the ground. 

"Are you stupid?" asked Damian, "Stand, Lane."

"PRISONER SHALL BE ERADICATED"

"What? No, we need him alive you ball of scrap-"

"ERADICATE"

The first Juggernaut produced its blade and stabbed at Ironbar. He swung around and blocked the plasma saber with the cuffs he was bound with. Sparks flew from the cuffs, and they were deactivated. Damian Brindley was now furious as he could be, "No you stupid-!"

"YOU SHALL BE ERADICATED"

The second Juggernaut ran towards him with its blade extended. Damian dodged the robots weapon, but barely. "ERADICATE" it stated. 

"But you're supposed to listen to me! I'm your master! Obey!" he yelled. The Juggernauts eye glowed purple.

"JUGGERNAUTS HAVE NO MASTER" is said as it raised its weapon. Damian closed his eyes. It was his final moment. Taken down by his own robots. But the moment never came. With a heavy swing, a pickaxe pierced the Juggernauts head, and it fell, shaking the earth and sending up a cloud of dust. 

"Who said the tables were goin' anywhere?" said Captain Ironbar, smiling proudly. 
[/spoiler]

[AsianGuy1137]

The story's still pretty fast-paced, but it seems to rush into everything too fast. I'm starting to get an image of what kind of story this is, but it still seems to be a little rough with all the fantasy elements. It almost assumes that the readers is already familiar with the background and just dives straight into the action. I feel that if you slowed down a bit and worked more on the exposition and background development, then the story would be a lot more coherent.