YOUR CHARACTER'S DCUO STORY

Space Sector 2828

The Vegan Star System

Planet Dredfahl

Appearing on the surface of Dredfahl, the Star Sapphire looked down at the valley below and saw in the distance several plumes of white smoke rising up into the sky and metal structures towering into the sky.

She winced up at the bluish white sun beaming down as the two reptilian scientists escorted her from the portal. The sun above was the Alpha Lyrae and it was the first time she witnessed a blue star. “We are in Sector 2828, the Vega Star System. This planet has been turned into a chemical and nuclear waste dump courtesy of the other 22 planets of Vega. Also, the irredeemable criminals of said planets have been exiled here,” Anguimor looked to see if the Sapphire flinched at the statement but much to his displeasure she remained stoic.

“Ah, Dredfahl . . . where law is subjective and chaos is rampant,” stated Dorek dryly with the device in his hand. The Talokite woman took in her surroundings. She witnessed burning landfills and a shanty town down the valley. The smell of petrol and smoke permeated the air. It was dystopian to the extreme.

“I need to conduct a test,” said Anguimor. “Sit on that rock over there and don’t try anything,” he commanded. She was actually 6 inches taller than these two. She was more physically fit than these mere scientists and was trained in hand-to-hand combat by the Zamaron warriors. She could easily dispatch these but she had to somehow separate Anguimor from that ray gun. She walked over and sat on the stone.

“The reason we brought you here is that blue giant in the sky, Alpha Lyrae. We know you have a connection with that Kronos guy and in the name of science, we need to see what happens to you in the presence of a blue star.” “Ohhhh, I see . . . . you think I have Daxamite blood and the reason for bringing lead in case things get hairy for you two.” A sarcastic smile creased the woman’s lips, “I hate to disappoint you two but I’m all Talokite so why don’t we all just pack up and pretend none of this ever happened.” There was a long pause then finally Dorek spoke up.

“Anguimor! I fear she may be right. This was nothing short of a big waste of time!” “Dorek settle down! She could be trying to deceive us. It’s what specimens do when they feel cornered!” exclaimed Anguimor angrily.

“But the device has indicated no significant readings from the subject. She’s worthless Anguimor . . . . so much work to do at the Sky Lab and here I am helping you indulge in your foolish ambitions!”

The two now got into a heated dispute as the Star Sapphire looked on. Dorek powered down his scanner and finally left through the portal in a huff. Anguimor now frazzled, turned to face the woman and pulled out a container and put his hand over the lid as if to open it. The amethyst skinned woman stood up and pursed her lips, “If you’re not strong enough I can open that for you!”

“Don’t you mock me!” yelled the Psion as he popped the lid off exposing the lead. Anguimor held it out and waited about ten seconds when he realized nothing was happening, so he grabbed the lead and hurled it at the woman missing her as she deftly sidestepped the attack. Grumbling to himself Anguimor ran in through the portal as it closed in behind him.

The Sapphire breathed a sigh of relief to finally be rid of those two. That relief though, was replaced by the sickening dread of being alone in an alien planet, and the disquieting thought of how this Anguimor can shapeshift into her image. She turned around and shielded her eyes from the sun and looking down at the nearby shanty town wondered if she could would find help or danger there.

Does she still have her ring?

Her discharged ring was taken!

Thanks for asking DarkVisor!

Yeah, remembered the depowered ring was taken off of her, just couldn't remember if she got it back
This looks like it will be fun

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Sector 2814

Fawcett City, planet Earth

Friday 12:05pm

Manny Marcos watched the numbers light up in numerical order as he waited for the bell to ring. The metal double doors opened and s

tepping out of the elevator with a takeout box in hand, he headed down the hallway into his apartment.

He lived in the fifth floor of a modern apartment building in Fawcett City just a few miles from the S.T.A.R. Labs building. The décor at his residence was kept rather stark, typical of the single working male. Once inside the S.T.A.R. Labs mechanic peaked in from room to room, “Hey . . . you in here?” Across the living room the sliding glass door opened and a six and a half foot tall man walked in from the balcony.

"What are you nuts? Are you trying to draw attention to my place?" scolded Manny. A cyan-colored man that was dressed in spiked alien-looking armor and a long black cape dwarfed Manny both in musculature and in height. He seemed completely unfazed by Manny Marcos's comments. Manny thrust out his right arm holding the paper container. "Here! I grabbed something from the cafeteria a few hours ago. Just nuke it in the micro." The brawny blue man looked at the paper box with the S.T.A.R. Labs embossed logo on the lid.

He opens it up and finds what Earthlings call . . . breakfast. Two eggs, bacon and sausage links. He hands it back to Manny with a look of disgust on his face. Manny’s shoulders sank, “Really Gallius? Why you gotta be so weird? Just try it, it’s not bad!” “I’m weird??” protested Gallius, “You eat soft tissue and avian embryos and I’m weird?” Gallius said that with a smirk on his face. Based on Manny’s facial expression he certainly wasn't amused as he pointed at his otherworldly roommate, “You know very well they’re not embryos . . . besides, when did you get so snarky?” Manny rubbed his temples with thumb and middle finger. “Ugh . . . I need a vacation!” and rolling his eyes opens the refrigerator door and tosses the container inside. Wearing his work uniform the S.T.A.R. Labs mechanic plopped on the couch, crossed his leg and scrolled through the upcoming work projects on his smartphone.

Gallius stood there like a statue and you could hear a pin drop. Apparently even friends need space and having an armor clad alien from another world living with you for 10 days can take it’s toll on a person. Standing in the middle of the room Gallius crossed his arms and decided to say something.

“They . . . ran out of produce?” Manny exhaled in frustration, “You know Gallius, I’m just trying to get you acclimated to a normal, acceptable, human standard. This way I can come home and hope that you didn’t eat all the fruits . . . and the vegetables . . . unwashed and unpeeled.” Another long pause. “I see . . . I’ve been doing some thinking.” Manny suddenly looked up to interrupt. “I know . . . it’s what you do! You’re always thinking . . . pondering . . . brooding!” Despite Manny Marcos’s irritation Gallius remained composed. “Are you thinking about that Black Lantern plague on Oa?” inquired Manny. Gallius shook his head. “No, that was nearly a lunar cycle ago. I’ve been trying to process everything. Specifically the alternate realities. I’m trying to figure out what’s real and what’s not.” Manny put his phone down, “So that reptilian psycho . . . what was his name again?” “The Psion’s name is Anguimor,” replied Gallius. “Right Anguimor! He said all those people in connection to you died. Your fiancée . . . your brother . . . your friend in the military. How do you know that Anguimor maybe wasn’t lying?” Squinting, the blue alien inquired “Why would he lie?” “Maybe to watch you squirm,” replied Manny, “You said his mind is twisted. He could have been telling you the truth. Or it could have been a partial truth, or an outright lie.” Gallius nodded, “That certainly is a possibility. Here’s a question Marcos, does Anguimor know I’m from an alternate reality? Is he from this reality or mine?” Are there doubles of everyone in connection with me in this reality?” Sitting on the couch Manny tilted his head back facing the ceiling, “Uh, yeah. That’s just what I need, multiple layers added to my drama-filled life!”

“Listen up Marcos. I’ve been thinking about Medussa. The building she was in was pummeled by Kryptonian debris. I saw it with my own eyes. My gemmed circlet went black for a time, but then the glow reappeared while I was on Earth. So I knew she was alive.” “Yeah but, your circlet got destroyed in that Black Lantern war on Oa,” added Manny. “Yes. I was fortunate to make it out alive. That experience was not for the meek.” “So you’re saying she’s probably out and about looking for a blue rebound boyfriend.” Marcos’s words stung quite a bit even though Gallius knew that Medussa moving on was a very real possibility.

Gallius walked up to the sliding patio door and looked out onto the city, “The Exobyte epidemic is spreading and has become something that the Justice League is having difficulty controlling. Metropolis and Gotham City are infested with Brainiac forces and this epidemic will likely make it’s way to Fawcett City soon. Everyday I wonder if I should be out there helping. I keep telling myself that the JLA doesn’t need my help . . . that they’re more than capable.”

Suddenly a green hologram of a person appeared in the living room. Startled, Manny dropped the phone as he stared at the vision before him. What he witnessed was a humanoid figure with a bird beak, large ears and a fin on it’s head.

<<“Hello I am Tomar-Re of Oa on Sector 0000. Gallius you are cordially invited to a ceremony at our Central Meeting Hall. We are gathering everyone who enlisted in staving off the black lantern plague from our planet by honoring their efforts.”>>

Love this addition sir. The imagery, the character interactions, the setting of the scene. Very nicely done. Looking forward to seeing who she encounters in that shanty town and how she gets herself off of the planet.

Love this transition to Earth with Manny and Galius. The awkwardness between them in those little moments what funny, made for a good flow in the scene IMO. Just nice story telling Sir. Looking forward to seeing where things go and how things on Earth and Dredfaul meet up [or will they??]

Thanks Bern! Last night I couldn't figure out how to make the font in between the 2 pics the same as the rest. It kept defaulting to something else and I finally gave up. Very odd. Anyway, next up is the Central Meeting Hall in Oa! Should be out before the week is up.

after losing his soul to the Devil Newel swore to regain his soul with the power of Metal! and so he talked to Metallo and told him his life story and said "I've always had a thing for black and green" and Metallo told Newel it would be one classy chassis

Newel now listens to metal with Metallo ever so often and uses a special form of Fel Kryptonite the magic wing magic users and meta wing scientists created when and interdimensional rift connected the world of Warcraft universe with the dc universe they kept the rift open to secretly steal Fel energy from the burning legion to combine with the kryptonite in an alchemical process

Bane also hooked him up with a venom wrist dispenser

the league of assassins are also investing in Newel

the alchemists also wonder what other forms of green energy they can use for Newel....perhaps the envy energy? perhaps....green lantern's light?

Now this is what I'm talking about. Top marks Nomad. I am loving Medussa's side story while also going back to Gallius's. Like Bern said, the amusingly awkward exchange between Manny and Gallius was to be expected, Gallius is not fully accustomed to Earth but I'm sure he'll get there. And now the Green Lanterns...

<<“Hello I am Tomar-Re of Oa on Sector 0000. Gallius you are cordially invited to a ceremony at our Central Meeting Hall. We are gathering everyone who enlisted in staving off the black lantern plague from our planet by honoring their efforts.”>>

“I would be most honored Tomar-Re.” replied Gallius.

<<“Very well then, I will send out an escort first thing in the morrow.” >>

The green hologram vanished and Manny then noticed a crow perched on the patio railing outside. The bird flapped it’s wings and bounced off the patio glass door repeatedly as if desperate to get in. “Hey! What’s goin’ on over there!” Manny got up, grabbed a newspaper from the coffee table and rolling it up made his way towards the door. Manny opened the door and took a swing at the cawing crow. The newspaper narrowly missed as the bird flew into the kitchen and perched itself on top of the refrigerator.

An echoing voice was heard in the room. “Did you hear that, Manny?” Manny looked confused, “I don’t know what you’re talking about . . . help me get this crow outta here.” Gallius heard that echo again, “It just spoke again, you didn’t hear that? It spoke in a female voice. I think telepathically, and . . . in Talokian.” But Manny wanted no part it. “Oh, no. Ain’t no crow going to move in and crap all over my funiture!” The 2 stopped and stared at the crow. It leaped off the fridge and onto the kitchen floor. Then the two witnessed the crow polymorphing as it grew to a human shape. Manny stared in horror as he never witnessed anything like it. The end result though, was that same girl that jumped in with Gallius in the time sphere in the 30th century. The young tribal woman from the so-called Yakka-Mahor tribe. “Why are you here?” demanded Gallius Kronos.

“I told you last time, I have a bounty hunter who’s looking for me.” Gallius crossed his arms and weighed the situation. “So what you’re saying is you’re leading him here to my Earthling friend’s home. I can take care of myself but you’re putting him in grave danger.” The sage-skinned young woman pleaded in Talokian, “Please! He will surely slay me if he finds me!” Manny now cut in, “What does she want? Does she intend to cover her portion of rent?” “Relax Marcos, she just doesn’t want to be left alone. Some bounty hunter’s on her tail, which means she’s coming with us,” explained Gallius. “Us?” inquired Marcos. “Yes us . . . why? What do intend to do on a Saturday? Scroll for likes on your iMetro?” quipped the alien.

That night Manny slept on the couch, Gallius slept on the living room floor and the woman sat up on the bed with her legs crossed. Occasionally getting up and looking out the window, she expected the worst.

Saturday, 8:17am

A 6’4″ 250lb man wear frayed royal blue and black tromped down the hallway. The large, muscular man looked like someone who just got home from the Rennaisance festival. He wore simple tan leather gloves and boots. He wore a metal facemask to hide his identity. He looked every bit the part of a medieval executioner. Except of course, the huge axe he was carrying. The axe made a humming sound as it radiantly glowed orange. “THUMP, THUMP, THUMP.

The heavy footed man finally stopped at apartment room #102, turned, and raising his right leg kicked the front door with such force that it busted off one of the hinges and was left hanging on the other. Down the hallway a man’s voice could be heard. Something about ‘calling the cops’ and 'making too mch noise'. The executioner walked in and looked out through the eye holes of his metal mask surveying the area. ”Come on out and I'll promise to make this quick and painless,” threatened the man. But no sound was heard in the apartment. “Don’t play games with me wench! I won't grant any mercy if you waste my time!” But still no sound. The man walked in from room to room and found the place was vacant. Clearly irritated and walking back to the middle of the living room he places a foot under the coffee table and sends it flying through one of the patio doors and crashing onto the street below. The sound of tires screeching echoed up the street building.

The axe-wielding brute stepped out onto the patio and holding the axe skyward belted out, “You cannot hide from the galaxy’s greatest bounty hunter! The Persuader always satisfies his magnates’ requests!!”

Two hours earlier at 6:26am . . .

Gallius stood waiting with arms crossed. Wearing plain clothes, Manny sat on the couch while sipping his coffee, and a tired-looking Yakka-Mahor woman looked on waiting for the escort to arrive. Manny looking up at Gallius asked, “So . . . we don’t even know her name.” Gallius asked her in Talokian. The tribeswoman crossed her arms and said something to Gallius. “She wants to know why you need to know that," responded Gallius. Vexed, Manny Marcos raised an eyebrow, “Well . . . it’s just that she happens to be at MY place and you are offering her a measure of protection so I think it’s too much to ask.” Gallius Kronos translated his message to her and pausing . . . she responded with ‘Zealotte. Zealotte Toreg.’ “Toreg eh? I do read a lot, reminds me of those Saharan nomads the Tuaregs of Africa,” chimed in Marcos. Suddenly a green glow appeared in the living room and a Green Lantern appeared ready to escort them to Oa.

While in Oa the Lantern escorted the three to Tomar-Re. “Welcome Gallius! You’ve brought guests?” inquired Tomar-Re. “It was too dangerous to leave them home. Is it ok for them to be here?” Tomar-Re paused but then pointed at Zealotte, “Fine. But this one needs to be unarmed.” Zealotte conceded and tossed her curved sword, her various daggers, and her crossbow style gauntlet into a pile before her. “The ceremony will take place in a half hour. Respect the ceremony and the other members by being present at the Central Meeting Hall and in a timely fashion.” Tomar-Re then activated his Green Lantern ring and beaming forth a green ray ending in a sphere, balled up the weapons and carried it away in mid-air.

“Well, I suppose it wouldn’t hurt to take a tour of this place before the ceremony starts,” suggested Gallius. The three walked down the hallways of the futuristic looking building. Manny stopped and putting his hands on his hips, gawked at the building structure, the walls, the recharging stations, the glowing lights. He was mermerized by what he was seeing. Gallius and Zealotte kept walking and ran into a room of Green Lanterns who appeared to be killing time. In this group two familiar non-Lanterns caught his eye talking to each other.

to be continued . . .

Another fun and interesting addition Nomad, I love the interaction between Gallius, Zealotte, and Marcos. Marcos seems to bring the comic relief to the story which is a plus. I am curious to the Persuader who claims he is the best bounty hunter because the main man would beg to differ. Also that ending left me....

Yeah I agree. Despite an axe that can kill a Kryptonian I would still bet on Lobo. But you know, those bad boys with their oversized egos all think they're the best.

Another nice addition to the world you are building friend. I have to agree with Ms. Benz, the dialogue between Manny and Gallius is funny and adds a bit of relief from the drama whatever is mounting for Zeallote. Also, yeah the Bounty hunter seems to be a little bit behind his mark, I am interested to see what comes of him and his efforts. I really like how this ties into the story we all did together. It was fun and I would be totally open to doing it again with you both. As always sir, i love the reads and am looking forward to see where you go with it.

Thanks Bern.

Another collaboration does sound kinda nice!

Well I have returned after a small hiatus but things are a coming............

great seeing ppl sharing their stories still

“There he is!” Gallius heard a deep but familiar voice from the next room echoing in the hallway. Gallius saw Mina Lyubov a human Star Sapphire, and the 9 foot tall rock-skinned Bern Unit. “I was wondering if I’d meet you guys here,” said Gallius with a smile. “Walked all over this place and still haven’t found any coffee!” griped the big guy.

Smiling, Mina asked, “Who are your friends, Gallius?” “Oh this is Manny Marcos. He works at STAR Labs. And this is Zealotte Toreg. She’s from 30th century Talok. Long story and she doesn’t speak English. Mina raised her right hand slightly and her ring started to glow it’s violet light. Mina began speaking in Talokian, <<“My name is Mina. Gallius says you’re from 30th century Talok.”>> Zealotte was caught off guard at hearing a human speaking in her native language, even in her Yakka-Mahor dialect. “Yes, that is correct,” curtly replied Zealotte. <<It seems there is more diversity in Talok than I thought. You don’t quite look like Gallius here. >> “That is because I am Yakka-Mahor. A tribal race in Talok that is a sworn enemy of the blue Talokites,” responded the young woman. Gallius surprised at the ring’s lingustic ability added in Talokian, “She switched sides and now a mercenary has been dispatched in search of her.” <<“Well, you’re in good hands Zealotte, Gallius will protect you.”>> added Mina. “How’s the little lady?” inquired Gallius. Mina depowered her ring and spoke in English now. “She’s good, she’s with her grandma, thank you for asking,” stated Mina with a smile. Manny walked up to Mina and Bern gave them both a handshake. Manny’s eyebrows raised as he watched Bern Unit’s hand swallow up his. “Pleased to meet you guys. I’m the one that puts a roof over Big Blue’s head. We’re roomates for the time being.” Bern seemed perplexed, “Big Blue??” “Yeah, I’ve got nicknames,” explained Manny. After chatting some more, the group agreed that it was time to make their way to the Central Meeting Room. Walking down the echoing hallway with the group, Manny leaned over and whispered to Gallius, “You never told me about the brunette in the slinky pink outfit.” Gallius furrowed his brow and talking out loud replied, “I don’t think she’ll be an option for you.” Bern Unit grinned while Manny tried hard not to let himself turn red but it was simply inevitable.

The group entered the meeting room full of mostly Green Lantern members, with some other members of the emotional spectrum that could be spotted throughout the room. A tall thin alien female wearing violet metal armor walked up to them.

“Miss Lyubov, the ceremony is about to begin. Also, the squad has decided to head out at daybreak in search of the lost Sapphire, Medussa.” Mina nodded in agreement and the sound of the host’s voice Tomar-Re caused everyone in the Hall to assemble. Lining up in military formation amidst the hundreds of Lanterns, Gallius’s mind started to ruminate over what he has just heard. The names of each of the guests were recited and each one would walk up and receive a medal engraved with the Oan symbol.

Zealotte and Manny stood up against the back wall watching and after Mina Lyubov and Bern Unit received their medals, Gallius’s name was then called. But his mind was elsewhere and only when he received a nudge by the 9 foot tall Bern Unit standing behind him in the last row did he realize his name was just called. Manny sighed, knowing what Gallius was thinking.

Over an hour had passed when the final medal was awarded for bravery in battle. Halfway up the ceiling, six figures now materialized in mid-air. The six stood hovering in a semi-circle facing the crowd. Their skin tone was blue and all were very aged. Some had hair white like snow. They were short in stature and wore red and white robes with the Green Lantern emblem enblazoned on the fabric. These were the Maltusians, which we’re chronicled in the annals of history as the oldest living race. These Malutisans in particular were the Guardians of Oa who are tasked in providing oversight to all the Green Lanterns in the known 3600 Sectors.

One of the Guardians raised an open palm. “Thank you for attending today. We are truly grateful for all your sacrifices in maintaining order and balance throughout the universe. Let it be known that your efforts are not in vain. We wish you well but we have much work to attend to so please excuse us.” The six vanished slowly and Tomar-Re thanked the audience and dismissed the ceremony. The rumbling of conversation could be heard throughout the crowd as it was now at-ease. Gallius turned and faced Mina and the Zamaron warrior to her left. “I want to ask you two something before we all return to our homes.” Mina sensed the seriousness in his voice, “Is something wrong?”

"Well . . . I was wondering about the lost Sapphire. Did you say her name was Medussa?" "I did," replied the female warrior. "What is her last name?" inquired Gallius. Mina furrowed her brow, "Why . . . do you know this person?" "I might, Mina," he responded. "Her last name is Igraine, Gallius." Gallius paused. Then with a faraway look stated his wishes, "I would like to volunteer for the rescue mission," inquired Gallius. "Absolutely out of the question!! We do not need the services of males, we are highly trained and certainly more than capable of fulfilling this mission!" retorted the Zamaron warrior in a huff. Mina put her hand on Ulia's shoulder in an attempt to calm and deescalate the situation, "Ulia will you please settle down? Now Gallius . . . what do you know about Medussa Igraine and why do you want to volunteer for this?" "Medussa is my bethrothed," announced the blue man. Manny overhearing all of this walked quickly over to the group through the slowly dispersing crowd. "Hold up!"

Manny walked up to Gallius and looked him straight in the eye. "What . . . are . . . you . . . doing?" But Gallius gave no response. Manny Marcos raised his elbows emphatically. "You understand this is not your woman right? This is not your reality."





"I know this," replied Gallius succintly. Mina and Bern looked confused and at this point Bern suddenly received a telepathic signal from Adrian Hodges. "Guys . . . I'm needed back at Blackhurst. I'm sorry to cut this short." Gallius Kronos looked over his shoulder and gave Bern Unit a quick nod. "Take care big guy, I'm sure we'll meet again."


Bern nodded back and waved at Mina as he headed off. Manny attempted to regain Gallius's attention. "Hey . . . why are you doing this?" as he stared at Kronos intensely. Mina walked closer to Gallius while hoping not to interrupt. Mina tilted her head and crossed her ams as she stood by listening. "I . . . I haven't seen Medussa in a long time." Manny's shoulders sank as he exhaled at Gallius's response. "What are you going to do when you meet her?" Manny put on his hypothetical Gallius voice. 'Oh hey . . . you might not know this but in an alternate reality I'm your bethrothed, and in that reality in pretty sure my actual fiancee perished although I'm not actually 100% positive.'
"You have a knack for sarcasm don't you Marcos?" "I'm sorry but it's really . . . freaking . . . awkward! There was a pause between the two. The patient and normally level-headed Gallius was starting to get angry. It was then that Manny realized he went too far and decided reasoning and not sarcasm was the more prudent approach.
"Look let's think this through. What if you meet her . . . . and you find out she's spoken for. Or . . . worse yet -- you meet her and she looks exactly as you remember her, your heart is now involved and later you find out that Medussa is still alive in your reality."
"I've thought of all of these scenarios already Manny." Looking downcast Gallius lamented, "If only I knew what actually happened to Medussa." Mina decided to offer a suggestion, "Hey, Gallius?" The blue alien turned to face the Star Sapphire. "You know, we Sapphires have the ability to locate lost loved ones. Athough quite honestly I'm not sure," Mina glanced at her ring, "that it can transcend other realities. But if anyone could do it, it would be Queen Aga'po!"

A meeting with the Queen...oh boy.


Bravo Nomad, Bravo. I thoroughly enjoyed this installment of Nomad's story. I chuckled with the Manny section again and I think you missed a good opportunity when he introduced himself to Bern and Mina. He could have unintentionally stared at her chest (due to her slinky suit) and she would have jokingly say "Ahem...eyes are up here" In any case, I am liking the direction you're taking the story. Top marks once more

Yeah . I should've thought of that one. That actually would be something Marcos would do.

Admittedly I'm still trying to get a feel for Lyubov.

If you remember I didn't have Mina say anything after Gallius blurted out his reply. This is because I'm not exactly sure how Mina would have reacted. I could have done <eyeroll and shakes head> or even verbally putting Marcos in his place. Instead I opted to take the safe route and just have her pretend she didn't hear that. IMO her personality is somewhat like Carol Ferris in the Animated Series version but maybe slightly less strong-willed but more family-oriented than Carol.

Glad you liked it Ms. Benz and I'm hoping to piece together a memorable finish to the concluding finale!