If Birds Could Fly

In this Our World story, a few Beaktons visit New Babylon.

This is a transcript from Discord.

The great Kingdom of New Babylon. Positioned in the Bay Area of Golden City, it rises high above its surroundings. Today, this kingdom has a trio of visitors... We now find ourselves in the throne room of King Nihil, as these visitors are brought before him...

Nihil:
"Tempest. Who is this you bring before me?"

Tempest:
"Interlopers. They are threatening the peace of our great kingdom, your majesty."

Selphius:
*The captain of the guard stands next to the king, clearly distraught by what her charge has claimed...*
"Tempest... Those... are not interlopers."

Jack:
"In my defense, your signage has a very different sentence structure to the Babylonian script I've read on Earth--" [it's Mobius, Jack :P] *Notices Selphius.* "Oh. Hi Selphie."

Selphius:
*Waves awkwardly.*

Angela:
*Is more distracted by Nihil and nudges Jack.*

Tempest:
"What shall we do with them, your majesty?"

Nihil:
"Leave them to me, Guardian. I shall take care of this matter."

Tempest:
"As you wish." *He takes a bow and leaves the visitors, still in bindings, in the presence of the King and Captain.*

Jack:
"So. Um. Hello there um, Nihil was it?"

Nihil:
"King Nihil, yes. Your name and business, please?"

Selphius:
*Selphius leans over and whispers to Nihil.*

Nihil:
"..."

Jack:
"Oh! Right. Captain Jack Beakton. And this is my wife Angela and... Where's Roxie?"

Roxie:
*From behind Nihil.* "You have really neat hair."

Selphius:
"Oh no." *She picks up Roxie and takes her back to Jack and Angela.*

Nihil:
"Thank you, small one."

Roxie:
*Is still staring at Nihil intently.*

Nihil:
"My Captain has informed me you are members of the Burning Rangers."

Angela:
*Is still staring at Nihil somewhat concerned.*

Jack:
"For the time being..."

Nihil:
"Then you are well acquainted with my... brother Calias, correct?"

Angela:
"BROTHER?! Polybius and Calias are--I mean Nihil and--..."

Nihil:
"Our relationship is a bit more complicated than most..."

Angela:
"I'll just be quiet now..."

Nihil:
"You... are aware of Polybius... Tell me, did he try to kill you?"

Angela:
"Yes. We battled him. Frankly when I heard about you and read your files in the records I was... concerned when Jack suggested we come here."

Nihil:
"It is true... I was under the control of the Polybius AI. I apologize for my indirect actions."

Jack:
"Hmm. AI? Fascinating..."

Nihil:
"Then shall we get down to business? Why is it that you are here?"

Jack:
"Oh. Yes. Well, as you know, there have been recent... events in Central City that have led to a lot of chaos."
*Looks to Roxie who is now distracted looking at the artwork in the throne room.*

Nihil:
"Yes, I was aware. During the recent fire I had everyone prepare to take in refugees, but thankfully, it was not needed."

Jack:
"Well, it may... Roxie here isn't my child. Biologically I mean."

Selphius:
"When did you all adopt her? She was not with you at the mansion..."

Jack:
"Yesterday."

Angela:
"Yesterday..."

Nihil:
"I see... The flames claimed the lives of many, no doubt. I had heard... of General Flame's passing..."

Jack:
*Ignores the Flame statement.* "Her parents were among them... I barely managed to pull her from the flames. And as you can see," *Points to the scar on his head.* "I did not get out unscathed. But, and to put it in terms you're likely more familiar with, I'm bound by an oath to her family to protect her."

Nihil:
"I do understand. Do you seek refuge for her here, then?"

Jack:
"Well, I actually seek something... else... It's a long shot... but. Do you know of a ship called the Eye of Ishtar?"

Nihil:
"...I myself am not familiar with the vessels we have..."

Selphius:
"I know of it."

Jack:
"Is it still functional?"

Selphius:
"The owner of the ship was banished long ago. It has not been flown since."

Jack:
"I know. I'm familiar with the owner. He kinda built Angela here."

Angela:
*Ahem!*

Jack:
"Back on track, I was just curious if you would be willing to part with it?"

Nihil:
"...Why do you desire it?"

Jack:
"Well, honestly sir? It is the most ideal vessel for what I plan to do... Sturdy, easily weaponized, plenty of cargo space and rooms for crew members..."

Nihil:
*Slightly concerned.* "What... do you plan to do?!"

Jack:
"...I sense that my time with GLACIA is going to be a short one. And I have a sister to hunt down..."

Nihil:
"I see... I am still hesitant. Perhaps if you were to prove yourself to me..."

Jack:
"I see. And how exactly would I do that?"

Nihil:
"There is a gem in the underbelly of this kingdom. In times past, it allowed the city to fly as a space-faring vessel. However, when we landed here on Mobius, the entrance to the engine room where it is kept was caved in... There is only one other entrance, and it cannot be reached by normal means."

Jack:
"Hmm. And what is that other entrance?"

Nihil:
"There was an elevator system connecting the engine room to the crystal palace that used to float freely above the city. All that remains now is the elevator shaft."

Jack:
"Pfft. I can manage that easy."

Nihil:
"You would need to take a leap of faith into the shaft. Then, once inside, activate the gem's emergency door system."

Jack:
*Nods.* "Alright. I can do that."

Nihil:
"If you complete this task, you will have earned my trust."

Jack:
"Right. Um. What direction is the shaft?"

Nihil:
"You will only have to skydive off the tallest tower in the city."

Jack:
"...Couldn't I just jump from the bottom?"

Nihil:
"There was only one entrance. It was very high up."

Jack:
"*Ugh...* Why does ancient Babylonian architecture have to be so clunky?! Right, I'll be back. Ange? You and Roxie hang out here alright?"

Angela:
*Nods.*

Selphius:
"I can lead you there, Jack."

Roxie:
"Okey-dokie." *Is fascinated with the art of a skeleton robot.*

Jack:
"Thanks Selphie."

Within a few minutes, Selphius has brought Jack to the highest point in the city. You can see all of New Babylon and Golden City from there.

Jack:
"Right." *Ignites his sword.* "Thanks for the directions Selphie."

Selphius:
"Of course. Please do not be mad at King Nihil."

Jack:
"Oh, of course not... He couldn't control what Polybius did."
*Smiles evilly as he leaps off the top of the tower and grabs onto the shaft edge.*
"Gah!" (I really should have worn gloves...)
*Pulls himself up and slides down the inside of the shaft using the blade as balance.*

Selphius:
"I was not referring to... Oh, never mind..."

Jack:
*And gripping with his foot to slow his fall.*

After a few seconds of falling, Jack reaches the engine room, where he is met by a giant, glowing Emerald... and a completely unblocked door.

Jack:
"..."
"Well. I see I'm not the only liar."

Nihil:
"That was very brave! I commend your spirit."

Jack:
*Quickly flips around, blade drawn still.*
"...Oh. It's you."

Nihil:
"I do apologize for tricking you, but I needed to test your resolve."

Jack:
*Turns off his sword.*
"Uh-huh... So this whole exercise was pointless?"

Nihil:
"No. You have earned my trust. And so, the Eye of Ishtar is yours."

Jack:
"Excellent... Thank you my good sir!"
*Hugs Nihil and then rushes out the door.*

Nihil:
*Is taken aback by the hug, but quickly regains his composure.* "...Why do I feel like I might regret this?"

Meanwhile... Another Beakton has set their sights on New Babylon...

Diana:
"Hmm. Fascinating..."

To be continued!

```

### Part 2

```
A short while later Jack and Roxie approach the old remains of an ancient impound lot where the ship has been kept. And the two stare at a large imposing vessel that hovers idly in the hangar.
[an image of the Eye of Ishtar]

Jack:
*Eyes widen.*

Roxie:
*Eyes widen.*

Jack:
"Wow. Now THAT is a ship."

Helix:
"His majesty said to give you control of the EoI." *He hands Jack a small disk.* "Here you go, ally!"

Jack:
*Looks over the disk.* "Huh. Neat. Thanks um... What's your name?"

Helix:
"Helix of the Caladrius clan!" *He bear hugs Jack.* "Nice to make your acquaintance!"

Jack:
"Right," *Ahem.* "Selphie's relative I presume then?"

Helix:
"That is my dear daughter! Isn't she amazing?"

Jack:
"Yeah... Way better than Calias's last girlfriend."

Helix:
"Has the boy proposed yet?"

Jack:
"Unfortunately no."

Roxie:
"...Who's Calias?"

Jack:
"Oh, the depressed red guy."

Roxie:
*Nods.*

Selphius:
*Walks in in time to hear that.* "Depressed? What is Calias depressed about this time?"

Jack:
"His mortality mostly."

Selphius:
"That is strange. Calias died over one thousand times in order to save us both from the depths of Tartarus..."

Roxie:
"That's a lot of tartar sauce..."

Jack:
"No Roxie, Tartarus, it--Aw I'll explain later. Well, while Ange is getting our stuff from HQ, we should probably check out the ship--"
*Feels his pockets.*
"Roxie? Do you have the disk?"

Roxie:
*Shakes her head.*

Jack:
"..."

Suddenly the ship's engines kick on.

Jack:
*Looks to Helix.*

Helix:
"Hey! That is a good magic trick! You have to teach me how to do that!"

Jack:
"I'm not doing that..."

Selphius:
"Father, I believe someone is stealing the ship..."

The ship begins to fly away.

Jack:
"Come on kid!"
*Grabs Roxie and slings her over his shoulders piggyback style and runs off after the ship.*
"Got any ideas kid?"

Roxie:
"Nope. Well, none pertaining to this at least."

Jack:
"...We may need some backup..."

Selphius:
*Has already begun speaking into a radio-type device.* "Guardians! We have a rogue ship! Do whatever it takes to get it back!"

Tempest:
*Immediately after receiving the call to action, the Babylon Guardians arrive.*
"Captain! Your orders?"

Jack:
"GET BACK MY SHIP!"

Selphius:
"Take Beakton and his daughter to retrieve the Eye of Ishtar, now!"

Roxie:
"..."
"Daughter... Right..."

Tide:
"Yes ma'am." *She says in a mocking tone before picking them both up with her talons and flying off.*

Jack:
"Yeouch! Easy there lady!"

Roxie:
"Weee!"

Turbine:
*Turbine swoops ahead and latches on to the ship.* "CONTACT! YAY!"
*He turns on his engines in the opposite direction, barely dragging the ship.*

Tide:
*Is able to catch up and latch on.* "Alright, you two. Get off and, I don't know... Do something."

Jack:
*Jumps off with Roxie without saying a word and climbs through a hatch into the ship.*
*Ignites his blade only for it to sputter.*
"Jabber! Come on dude..."

Jabber:
*Pops out.*
*And glares at Jack.*

Jack:
"What?!"

Roxie:
"I think he's tired."

Jabber:
*Nods.*

Jack:
"*Ugh...* Fine... Fine... We'll have to do this without weapons..."

Roxie:
"Not entirely..."
*Holds up her fists.* "We got these babies!"

Jack:
*Shakes his head while smiling and runs off to the ship's bridge.*
*Or where he thinks is the bridge.*
*Hopefully.*

Luckily he's correct, and comes face to face with the thief.

Jack:
"Hands off the wheel ya--MOM?!"

Diana:
"Mornin' sweetie! What a surprise to see you here!"

Jack:
"..."
*Jack's expression hardens.*
"Stop the ship Mother. Now."

Diana:
"..." *Does so with a sigh.*

Because the ship has just stopped midair, it is now in freefall.

Jack:
"I MEANT PUT IT IN IDLE!!!"
*Rushes over to the controls and turns on the jets to keep it floating just before it hits a building.*
"Now. Care to explain, WHAT THE HECK YOU'RE DOING STEALING MY SHIP?!"

Diana:
"Well sweetie, it's simple, I need this ship for my work. And you just saved me a heap of trouble gettin' it."

Jack:
"No. Just. No. I've had it with you and your work Mother! What does THIS have to do with your dig site on Raven Haven?!"

Diana:
"Like ya care about that, ya ain't even been back there in weeks."

Jack:
"...Roxie? Come in here please."

Roxie:
*Walks in.* "Yeah?"

Jack:
"Roxie? Remember that story I told you?"

Roxie:
"About Mom and Dad?"

Diana:
"...Jack... She's not--Now let's be reasonable here..."

Jack:
"Yes Roxie... That story. And I need your help giving this lady here a demonstration."

Roxie:
"But don't we need a window for that?"

Diana:
"Um, now now Jack sweetie. We can work this out... No need to get all violent..."

Jack:
"Oh we're past working things out Mother..."

Roxie:
"Mother?!"
"..."
"I HAVE A GRANDMA?!"

Diana:
"...Wat. Hold up."
"..." *Does the tented hands under chin move and takes a deep breath.*
"Run that one by me again please darlin'?"

Roxie:
*Jumps onto Diana in a hug.*

Diana:
"*GAH!* Get offa me you little--"
*Shoves Roxie off.*

Jack:
*Walks over to Roxie and picks her up.*
"As you can see Mother, I have a family now... and unlike our family, this one cares for each other. Now, as I assume you don't want anything to do with this family, I suggest you leave."

Diana:
"...Fine. Take the ship... Fukurokov will just have to get over it..."
*Reaches into her satchel and pulls out a smoke bomb and sets it off.*

And once it settles she's gone, with the exception of a small piece of paper with a phone number written on it.

Jack:
"Hmm."
*Picks up the paper and pockets it.*
"Come on Roxie, let's get this ship back to HQ..."

Roxie:
"Um. Okay... Can I drive?"

Jack:
*Smiles.* "Sorry sweetie, you must be this tall to operate the ride."

Roxie:
"That was a low blow Mr. Jack. JUST like THIS!"
*Playfully punches Jack in the leg.*

Jack:
*Fakes pain and falls over.*

Later, in the throne room.

Selphius:
"Jack Beakton has taken the Eye of Ishtar as you requested, your majesty."

Nihil:
"Very good. Nick? Did you complete your task?"

Nicholas:
"Yes sir. Tracking devices have been enabled, as well as the Homeward-Bound protocol."

Nihil:
"Hopefully, we will never have to use it... But I have never met a more untrustworthy person."

Selphius:
"I am reluctant, but I agree."

And so, the Beaktons have obtained a vessel. The end.

```

## Characters

*In order of appearance:*

* Nihil the Phoenix
* Tempest
* Selphius the Caladrius
* Jack Beakton
* Angela Beakton
* Roxanne "Roxie" Whitmore
* Diana Beakton
* Helix the Caladrius
* Tide
* Turbine
* Jabber
* Nicholas the Watcher

## Participants

* Captainclay55
* GasglowJones