{"id":80,"date":"2024-07-11T18:13:35","date_gmt":"2024-07-11T18:13:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mattslair.org\/coinoperated\/?page_id=80"},"modified":"2024-07-11T18:13:35","modified_gmt":"2024-07-11T18:13:35","slug":"episode-ii","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/mattslair.org\/coinoperated\/episode-ii\/","title":{"rendered":"EPISODE II"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Scene 1<\/em><\/strong>
<\/em>
<\/em>JINN-LIR and the emperor of the Loporian Empire, MATHIAS MINDBLADE, are in a heated discussion over Jinn-Lir’s methods.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mindblade: It’s cruel and it’s stupid! Like you! Why do you insist?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: There’s no other way, Mindblade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mindblade: For you, maybe. And that’s why nobody likes you wizards. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

JINN-LIR stares a hole through MINDBLADE while clutching the POUCH containing the Coins of Domminna<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mindblade cont: “Oh, look at me, I’m Jinn-Lir. I need help. I know! I’ll take these worthless coins and give them life. And I shall yank its INNARDS out whenever needed. I’m a genius!” <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: What would you have me do then? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mindblade: I don’t know. Maybe build things! Perhaps you haven’t noticed, but humans learned to make things with their hands a long time ago. Build your army. Bend them to your will. Be unstoppable!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I can only do what I know. And I know magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

MINDBLADE yelps in frustration, lunges for the POUCH. JINN-LIR sidesteps him, then threatens a magic attack. MINDBLADE puts his hands up in mock surrender.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mindblade: You know magic. Well, good for you! But you don’t know humanity. Maybe if you stopped wandering everywhere and actually got to KNOW people?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Then enlighten me, O Great and Wise Mathias. What should I know?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mindblade: Those Coins won’t create what you need. You’ll birth a living being with a soul, a brain\u2026and awareness. And once it realizes WHY you birthed them\u2026then the only one responsible for what happens\u2026is you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JINN-LIR is apprehensive. Suddenly, the POUCH leaps from his hand and hits the floor. The COINS spill out, transforming into a DARK, ANGRY FEMALE WIZARD. The WIZARD screams at JINN-LIR and shoots a huge blast of DARK MAGIC at him. JINN-LIR has nowhere to go! He braces for death and then\u2026<\/em>
<\/em>
<\/em>Scene 2<\/em><\/strong>
<\/em>
<\/em>The FLASHBACK ends. We see JINN-LIR in an abandoned field somewhere outside the city. His eyes open like a shot and he gasps, breathing heavily multiple times. COIN is with him<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Are\u2026you okay?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: \u2026Yes. Yes, it’s fine. Was\u2026thinking of the past. And maybe the future\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: What?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Never mind. It was\u2026nothing important. Just wizard thoughts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: (muttering)<\/em> So yes. Nothing important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: What did you say?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Oh, nothing important. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

JINN-LIR sighs and gathers himself. He and COIN have a task.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: The time is coming soon. Are you ready, Coin?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: I am, Human.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: “Human.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: If you insist on calling me a generic name, then I’ll do the same. You can either get used to it or call me something else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Please. Coin. Coireena. Susan. Whatever. We have little time. The Drift could find us\u200c. They want OUR blood. So let us focus. Now. Are you sure you’re ready?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: I went through this twice. So yes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: That was different. When we gave your Coins to the Priests of Lifeblood, it was a shock to your system. You weren’t sure how it would feel. You do now, but I tell you: it is one thing for me to rip pieces of yourself from you. It’s quite another to do it yourself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Is this really how wizards build an army? There’s no other way? We can’t\u2026build stuff?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JINN-LIR’s stomach jumps \u2014 COIN is arguing almost the same arguments MINDBLADE argued previously<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: No. Not if you want to do it right\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COIN looks at him, unsure if she believes him. Finally, she decides to drop the subject\u2026for now<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: And The Drift are worth fighting this bad, huh?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Yes. If wizard-kind wants to survive, the Drift needs to go. You and I are the one thing they hate the most: magical.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: They hate magic?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: With a passion. The Drift revolves around one thing: technology. Automation. Human hands creating mechanical everything that they can control. And they can’t control magic. Even we wizards have trouble sometimes. These poofs? (He makes magic appear in his hands)<\/em> Sometimes take on a life of their own. (He sends the magic poof flying into the distance)<\/em> And to them, that’s too much.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: So they\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Hunt and kill. You’re a being of magic, so they’ll hunt and kill you. What’s worse: countless innocents \u2014 some magical and some not — caught in the middle will die. This is a war, Coin. And the bullets they pump into your body will not care one smidgen if you think their cause is silly or not.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: And that’s why you made me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: That’s why I made you. We need these super soldiers. We need their power. Their numbers. And we need you<\/em> to help make it happen. You’ll be the hero of Acadmium!

Coin is clearly unsure. She’s been watching in the direction the MAGIC POOF went ever since JINN-LIR shot it off.<\/em>
<\/em>
Jinn-Lir: So I ask you again. Are you ready?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Do I have a choice?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Yes: heroism or infamy. Come with me, and you make the right choice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: (resigned)<\/em> Then let’s go. (They walk off)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scene 3<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


<\/em>COIN and JINN-LIR encounter a to-be super-soldier in a nearby town.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Your service is and forever will be, much appreciated.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soldier 1: If this keeps the Drift out of our hair, then I’ll do whatever is needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: As will we. Now, this brave little girl right here (points to COIN)<\/em> will give you what you need. Please don’t be alarmed or run off. She will be okay, and you will be more than okay. Coin? Do as we practiced.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin takes a deep breath, reaches into her stomach, and forcefully pulls out a COIN of DOMMINNA. Gasping in pain, she collapses to the ground, breathing hard and holding back tears.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Very good, Coin. Now, give it to our new soldier here. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

COIN struggles to rise, but finally does. Panting, she gives the coin to the SOLDIER.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Now hold onto it, soldier. Let it become one with you. Soon, you will be ready to fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soldier 1: Thank you\u2026but\u2026are you sure she’s okay?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: She will be. Come, Coin. We have much to do. As for you, sir, we will be in touch once our army is ready to march.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soldier 1: Sir!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JINN-LIR walks off, COIN slowly stumbling behind him. COIN briefly turns back to look at SOLDIER 1, then turns back to JINN-LIR and keeps walking. <\/em>
<\/em>
<\/em>Scene 4<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Another town. JINN-LIR and COIN are with SOLDIER 2.<\/em>

Jinn-Lir: \u2026<\/em>this brave little girl right here (points to Coin)<\/em> will give you what you need. Please don’t be alarmed or run off\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COIN takes an even deeper breath this time. She reaches into herself and gives up another COIN OF DOMMINNA. She grunts and grits her teeth in pain, but does not collapse. She takes a deep breath, then hands the coin to SOLDIER 2.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Very good, Coin! We shall be in touch, soldier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soldier 2: Sir!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They walk off \u2014 again COIN sneaks a look at SOLDIER 2 before moving on. <\/em>
<\/em>
<\/em>Scene 5<\/em><\/strong>
<\/em>
<\/em>One final scene in another town, much like the first two. This time, COIN stands strong when removing the COIN OF DOMMINNA from herself, and she never breaks eye contact with SOLDIER 3.<\/em>

Jinn-Lir: We shall be in touch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soldier 3: Sir!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scene 6<\/em><\/strong>
<\/em>
<\/em>JINN-LIR and COIN are huddled in an otherwise empty tavern.<\/em>

Jinn-Lir: Impressive work, Coin. With each coin trade, you handled it better and better.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: How is it a trade? We got nothing in return.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Not yet. We WILL get power. The magic might we need to remove the Drift Empire from this galaxy once and for all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Galaxy?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Yes\u2026you were born aware of your fate, but not of where you live?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: No. I suppose the coins have their limits.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Perhaps. But yes, the Drift Empire runs this whole galaxy: our planet Acadmium, and the neighboring planets Shock, Shift, and Nerve. There are others too, other galaxies. They’re all run by one emperor or another. Together, they form what we call Orbspace: a Universe beyond the Universe.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: A what beyond the what? How is that possible? And I know nothing of the actual Universe, never mind what’s beyond it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: In time, you will. But for now, simply concern yourself with the Drift, saving our galaxy, and removing Emperor Turok from it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: I see\u2026um\u2026Human?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JINN-LIR glares disapprovingly<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Sorry. Jinn-Lir. I’m unsure of something else. How much of me is there to\u2026give? I mean, my coins aren’t infinite, right? How much of me can I give to these soldiers before I’m\u2026done?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: \u2026That\u2026I’m not sure of. But just as you know when you’ve lost enough blood\u2026I suspect you’ll feel yourself running low.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They sit, silently, for a short while <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I\u2026suspect that wasn’t comforting. But not much is right now.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COIN doesn’t reply, deep in thought. Then, a sudden sound!<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: You hear that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: What?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: I heard rustling nearby. It didn’t sound natural either.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: (peeks outside. Sees several DRIFT SOLDIERS) <\/em>Drift!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: They’re here? Are your soldiers ready?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Not yet. The transformation needs more time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: And we need a miracle!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: No. Better. We need \u2026a master.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: A master? Of what?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: All this<\/em>. If we’re in Orbspace, then who better to call than the Master of Orbs, Orbius?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Do you know him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I should think so. He’s MY master. The head of the Light Cabal of Wizards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Great! Where is he?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: That’s the problem. I don’t know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: So we need a guy we can’t find. And we need him fast or those angry soldiers will kill us both. Anything resembling a plan?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Yes. Try to hide while I call him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Call.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COIN scuttles to a corner. JINN-LIR relays a telepathic beacon to Orbius like he did at the Lifeblood Temple.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Master Orbius, it’s Jinn-Lir. Where are you? Did you even receive my last beacon? Listen: we are in serious trouble. The Drift is nearby and there are too many of them for myself and Coin to handle. Oh yes, if you DIDN’T get the last message: Coin is what came from the Coins of Domminna. She’s\u2026nice. And so far, effective. Now please leave wherever you are and help us here!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He sends the message, encrypted, through the air magically.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: So your\u2026call\u2026it goes right to him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: In theory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: What did you tell him?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I told him enough. He will know where the beacon came from. And it had to be a quick message, in case they\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DRIFT SOLDIERS barge into the tavern. COIN and JINN-LIR are quickly surrounded.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: \u2014see us.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drift Soldier 1: Don’t move, Wizard!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Me? I’m\u2026not sure what you’re talking about. I’m no wizard. Why, I wouldn’t WANT to be a wizard, no way! Magic, yuck! Why, I\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

DRIFT SOLDIER 2, the soldier from Episode 1, shows himself.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drift Soldier 2: Don’t listen to him. He’s the one who attacked me! And (points to corner)<\/em> that’s the Domminna girl!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Jinn\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Soldiers, I can safely and confidently say you do not want to do this. Even if you somehow stop me, you do know we wizards don’t travel alone, right? I’ll be avenged, as will my friend here\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drift Soldier 3: Shut up! No more from you until Emperor Turok decides what to do with you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They go to grab JINN-LIR and COIN, hurting COIN especially. A scruffle happens but JINN-LIR and COIN are quickly overpowered. JINN-LIR’S attempts at magic are either stymied or miss completely. One of the DRIFT SOLDIERS punches JINN-LIR to the ground.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drift Soldier 1: You stubborn, useless, destructive fool. You know\u2026 there were four of us. Then a blast of magic came from nowhere. Now there are only three of us. Any idea what happened\u2026wizard?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Oh no\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drift Soldier 3: I don’t think these two deserve to meet the emperor. We can tell him an accident happened, or they were careless, and somehow they wound up bloody and lifeless at the bottom of a cold, cold ditch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JINN-LIR and COIN brace for the worst.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drift Soldier 2: Wait. Not the girl. He WANTS to meet her. Not sure why but\u2026hey, you know how Emperor Turok loves a good experiment\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COIN starts shaking and rumbling. You can see her hands begin to flare up magically. But she’s grabbed by DRIFT SOLDIER 2 before anything can happen.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Drift Soldier 1: Let’s move!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just then, ORBIUS appears, making his grand entrance. He doesn’t bother to speak, simply blasting his opponents with magic and fighting them off. After a short and dominant battle, he sends the DRIFT SOLDIERS running off in a panic.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: Run to him! Tell Turok the Cabal will never lay at his feet!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He then turns to JINN-LIR and COIN, on the ground and still recovering<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: Are you hurt?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Not really.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: And the girl?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: \u2026I’m okay. I think.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: Very good. We have to leave now. They know we’re here and will return with even more soldiers. Take my hand, both of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: How, Master Orbius? You’re weakened. All that magic\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: I have just enough left to move us to safety. If anyone knows my own limitations, it’s me. Now please, take my hand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JINN-LIR does so. Beckons COIN to do the same. She does. ORBIUS chants and the three are swept away in a cloud of magic. A BARKEEP rises from the back of the bar where she had been cowering the whole battle. Observes the destruction around her.<\/em>

Barkeep: Every time. EVERY TIME. I gotta stop serving wizards. Or at least make them pay double.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scene 7<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A safe, anonymous building on the other side of planet Acadmium. ORBIUS, JINN-LIR, and COIN magically appear. ORBIUS quickly collapses.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Master!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: (breathing heavily)<\/em> Is he\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I\u2026don’t know. He said he would be fine but\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He goes to ORBIUS and checks on him. He is breathing.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: OK\u2026he’s ok. I think. He’s alive. But this must’ve drained him completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: It’s drained me. I know the feeling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I’ll get him to a comfortable place. If there IS a comfortable place around here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Where IS here?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I’m unsure. We’re still on Acadmium, at least. Master Orbius gave much of himself to get us as far away from the Drift as possible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Do you think he’ll survive?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I know he will. Nobody \u2014 wizard, Transhumanist, or otherwise, knows Orbspace better than him. Nobody can navigate, understand, and survive her four galaxies and empires like him. I aspire to be that someday. All of us do.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: All. How many are there? I thought you told the soldier that there were many of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: A\u2026slight fib. Right now, there are five wizards in our Cabal. So you can see why we need to empower as many supersoldiers as your coins will allow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Yes. That.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Oh, and three of the wizards? Master Orbius and I don’t get along with them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: At all.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: \u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: They want to kill us too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Why?? Doesn’t the Drift hate them too? Meanwhile, you fight among yourselves? I’ll bet nobody in the Drift fights amongst themselves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Coin? NEVER imply you’d be happier on Turok’s side.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Why wouldn’t\u2026oh right. Magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: You would be dead on arrival over there. But yes, there is wizard division. Master Orbius and I make up the Light Cabal. The other three are\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Let me guess. The Dark Cabal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: \u2026yes. How did you know?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Lucky guess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir gives her a “Really?” look and turns away.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: The Dark Cabal uses, as you might’ve guessed, dark magic. It’s less about seeking knowledge and adventure than it is to simply hurt others. And yes, they fight the Drift as we do. But we do not \u2014 can not \u2014 fight together. Their magic is twisted, and it’s twisted them. Like the Drift, the Dark Cabal would gleefully kill innocents to meet their goal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: How about other wizards?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I don’t think they have. Yet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At that time, almost as if they were waiting for the perfect moment to make their grand entrance, the DARK CABAL \u2014 SELENE QUICKWIND, WONN-LIR, and TYPHUS \u2014 appears.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Stay back, Coin! It’s them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quickwind: Coin. WHAT kind of a name is that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: That’s not your concern. How did you find us, Quickwind?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quickwind: SELENE Quickwind to you. Or Huntress if you’re running out of time. Which you are.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Here to finally slaughter your own kind?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quickwind: It depends. Give me a reason and I might.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wonn-Lir: Huntress, these two are but ants. Especially the tiny one \u2014 I don’t even know who she’s supposed to be. But where’s your master, Jinn? Where’s Orbius?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I don’t know. You know how he likes to vanish.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wonn-Lir: And we know how you like to lie! We sense him, you know. What are you two\u2026three up to, anyway?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Why should we tell you anything?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WONN-LIR sees a glimpse of a curious something on the back of COIN’S leg: her MARK OF DOMMINNA. He does not see all of it though, not yet anyway.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quickwind: Because we’ll find out soon enough. Wonn-Lir, what say you? Waste them?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wonn-Lir: No, hold on now. Turn around, young girl.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COIN doesn’t move<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wonn-Lir: I said, turn. AROU\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JINN-LIR hits him with a warning shot of magic.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Care to be more polite, Wonn-Lir?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Behind QUICKWIND and WONN-LIR, TYPHUS advances angrily.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wonn-Lir: No, no Typhus. It’s okay! Our old friend here got a tad excited, is all. So, little girl, this is my new apprentice. As you must be Jinn-Lir’s? Perhaps I’m biased, but I feel Typhus got the better deal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Typhus silently scowls at Jinn-Lir and Coin<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quickwind: He doesn’t speak much. Unless you count fighting as speech. In which case he is quite the loudmouth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wonn-Lir: Coin. I do\u2026apologize for my outburst earlier. We are all wizards here. We should get along\u2026mostly. I need you to understand something, though. I don’t know exactly what you are or where you came from. But\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He unexpectedly teleports to just behind COIN, studies her MARK, then returns back to where he was.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Wonn-Lir: \u2014I do now! So\u2026the Mark of Domminna, hmm? And your name is Coin\u2026oh, Jinn-Lir\u2026have you been playing with Creationstones again? Tsk, tsk. When will you learn? (to Coin)<\/em> Little Coin. Your existence is nothing short of amazing! But why? What is your purpose? Well, whatever it is, always stay careful. Of him. (points to Jinn-Lir<\/em>) He may be a wise wizard, but he is not the best of caretakers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quickwind: Yes. So much pain in those eyes. What has Jinn-Lir made you do? What have you lost at such a young age? And how much more will you lose until he’s taken all he can from you? Remember, dear Coin: if you ever wish to follow a better path\u2026just ask for the Huntress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: You!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Quickwind: But alas, a fight is simply not in the cards right now. Too much to do, got an empire to total. Orbius, you got lucky!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The DARK CABAL vanishes.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: They were\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Mean, nasty, vicious, I know.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: Yes\u2026 (not believing the yes herself)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Fade out. Scene: ORBIUS has recovered, is conversing with COIN and JINN-LIR.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbus: Oh my. I’ve missed a lot, haven’t I?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: A few things. The Dark Cabal, for one.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: Thank you for keeping them away from me while I recovered.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Master\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: Yes, Jinn-Lir?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I contacted you a while back, about having Coin. Why did you not respond?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: To put it mildly\u2026I was too tired. I still am. It is one of humanity’s great cruel jokes that the body grows old while the mind grows stronger. I know more now than I ever did. But I fear I am becoming too old to enjoy such knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: But there’s something else. Jinn-Lir\u2026if you ever wish to be a true Orb master, you can never expect anything from anyone. Messages will go unanswered. Wishes will go unfulfilled. Friends become enemies. Innocents\u2026become monsters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir’s eyes move toward COIN. Images of the ANGRY FEMALE WIZARD from earlier flash in his mind.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: Being a true master means taking all of this in stride, not collapsing under the pressure of a world that would happily squash you, and pushing ahead on your own. Now, I saved you this time because it was the right thing to do. You and the girl were outnumbered. But one day, perhaps none too soon, I will no longer be able to. Nor should I\u2026I am not your master because I tell you what to do. I am your master because my job is to make you one as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Does this mean you will not stay with us? We are journeying to\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: I know why you journey. But I cannot come with you. The Dark Cabal and the Drift are after me. I would put the two of you in too much danger if I stayed. Besides\u2026how are you to become Master Jinn-Lir if Master Orbius keeps cleaning up your messes? (grins)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: (sad laugh)<\/em> Where will you go?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: That is for me to know and for nobody else to find out. Even you. If you trust your master at all, trust him on this. It is for the best.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir nods in agreement, though not happily<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: That all said: come with me for a short while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He pulls Jinn-Lir aside.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I heard what Selene Quickwind and Wonn-Lir said. About Coin. They want her. For reasons I dare not fathom.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: The Drift, and Turok, wants her too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: That does not surprise me. But do they want to simply kill her, or find a way to control her \u2014 use her against us?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I don’t know. That is why the sooner we return to our journey, the better. She has more coins to give out, and we have more supersoldiers to create.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: You do know that will likely be the end of her?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: I do. She will become little more than\u2026this. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He reaches into his coat and pulls out the LEATHER POUCH.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: How does she feel about that?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: She doesn’t want it, of course. But I think she understands the need for her sacrifice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: See to it that it stays that way. And if so, then your apprentice \u2014 short-lived as she may be \u2014 will have done more good for Orbspace than all us wizards put together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Right.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: I am off now. Try to only contact me if it is an absolute life-or-death emergency. Or if you have extra food you couldn’t possibly eat yourself (chuckles)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: (chuckles back)<\/em> And when has that ever happened?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Orbius: Touche, touche. Be well. (turns to COIN<\/em>) Be well, girl. The future depends on it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

He vanishes, leaving JINN-LIR and COIN alone<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: What\u2026were you two talking about?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Food. Now let’s go, Coin. We don’t have a moment to waste.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: I’m\u2026not ready. I’ve lost a lot of coins lately, the Drift Soldiers hurt me, and being teleported like that REALLY hurt me. I\u2026need more rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: (impatiently)<\/em> We don’t have that luxury. The Drift will track us eventually, and our army will not build itself. We need. To go.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: (sighs)<\/em> Your call. Master.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JINN-LIR is unsure if that was sarcastic or not. Decides to not push the issue and the two walk off.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Scene 8<\/em><\/strong>
<\/em>
<\/em>A house. COIN and JINN-LIR are with another to-be SOLDIER.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: \u2026and that is what we are up against. Do you still wish to fight?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soldier 4: I do. Life under the Drift is no longer worth living. I must fight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Then please stand. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

SOLDIER 4 stands<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Now, this brave little girl right here (points to COIN)<\/em> will give you what you need. Please don’t be alarmed or run off. What she must do will not hurt you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COIN bristles at “will not hurt you.”<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Coin. Do your magic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COIN attempts to do so, but cannot.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: I\u2026<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Coin\u2026please. Deep breath, then. The coin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

COIN is breathing heavier, sweating, and attempting to psyche herself up. Reaches into herself. After a few seconds, she comes out empty-handed and collapses to her knees<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soldier 4: Is\u2026she alright?<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: She will be. Coin. Enough of this. You know how to do this. It hurt less last time, right? Now keep that in mind and do. Your. Job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: …<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Jinn-Lir: Obey your master!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

JINN-LIR grabs COIN’S arm and pulls her to her feet. COIN, in a rage and panic, screams and strikes JINN-LIR down with a powerful blast of previously-unknown magic.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Soldier 4: What did you\u2026what\u2014<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coin: GO! RUN! OR YOU’RE NEXT! GO!!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SOLDIER 4 runs off. COIN looks down at JINN-LIR’S unconscious body. She doesn’t know if he is dead or not. She stares at him with a mixture of horror and eventually, satisfaction. She kneels down and sees her old POUCH sticking out of JINN-LIR’S coat. She grabs it, studies it, places it on her belt\u2026then collapses herself.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

End<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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