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Darkness has the sky enveloped as storm clouds unleash waves of blue lightning, Magnum moves from building to building as he observes the ruins of the modern world as the signs of battle are everywhere, broken bodies, burnt out wrecks of armored vehicles, sinking ships and husks of ruined aircraft. The sheer destruction brings a shock to him as there is no evidence of the attackers, no signs of any foreign technology... what scares him most is that he can't raise Elvo or Vanessa and her kids. The mystic feels a presence and stops dead in his tracks, the hair on the back of his neck standing on end as he feels a subtle change in the air, a light purple light catches his attention to the right, he jumps to the side as the light turns out to be a beam that misses and destroys a building in a loud boom. This being approaches him, a being of energy in a deep purple color in a build similar to his own, Magnum responds with his own beam which the being deflects with it's, the mystic uses a combination to fling razor ice, debris and punishing wind but his opponent dodges or counters with similar capabilities. The two form swords made from ice and they become locked in a clash, the being forces the mystic back and begins to smash into his defense with the mystic not having enough time to recover in time to fully negate the attack but just enough to clumsily deflect it, the beings 'eyes' glow and Magnum goes flying into a wall as his sword clatters away.

The mystic groans "What is this thing?" under his breath.

The being ditches it's blade and grabs the mystic, prompting Magnum to grasp the creatures wrists but the being is overpowering him. to his horror purple energy begins to consume him from where he is making contact with the thing. The form moves it's head towards him, the eyes slowing change to more resemble the sensory organs... the eyes now resemble Magnum's but they aren't simply blue, some kind of purple energy is flowing from them in wide patterns like tenticals.

The creature finally speaks "Release me.... RELEASE ME NOW!!!" those eyes turning to a sharp glare as it slams him into the wall.

Magnum's eyes shoot open and he looks around, his eyes darting around to see he's in his room at Vanessa's, he regains his breath and relaxes his muscles, Magnum slowly sits up as he rests his hands over his face, off and on he's been having that dream, the destruction of a world that has aspects of a modern society and he faces off some kind of being that claims it needs the mystic to release it. Magnum doesn't understand what this dream means nor what kind of creature this could possibly be, with how frequently the dream is becoming it must mean something. A quick look at the clock shows it's six o'clock with signs of a morning shower coming in from the clouds, Magnum gets ready and heads to the living room where Vanessa is sitting having her morning coffee and watching some news.

Vanessa looks to him "Morning Magnum, you're up early again today. Is everything alright?" with some curious concern.

Magnum gets his coffee together with a sigh "I had that dream again, it was pretty powerful this time.", he takes a seat next to the skunk "I wish I knew what it meant." taking a sip of his caffeinated beverage.

The skunk thinks back to last night and the mystic opening up, her intuition telling her that his dream and feelings are somehow linked, but she decides to pass it off "Maybe we can do something to take your mind off things, I have the day off and I was thinking we can go hang out with Marie and Bensen at their occupations. I know you have a knack for machines so my sons profession probably would work and my daughters will probably teach you more about music."

Magnum thinks for a moment "I'm definitely up for trying." thinking that it could actually help.

Vanessa and Magnum get ready and a few hours later they are at Bensen's garage which he runs and owns, the stench of oil and gas loom in the air with the sounds of air compressed tools. Bensen notices the pair and waves them over with a smile while he talks to a client on the phone, once the pair gets close to him his phone call finishes.

Bensen looks to them "It's not often you come around mom, did your car breakdown?" with a chuckle.

Vanessa waves her son off with giggle "No hon, I was wondering if you and your sister would be willing to assist Magnum with some of his interests. Maybe the both of you can learn something from each other."

Bensen looks to the mystic "Golly Magnum, you work on starships, this'll be a piece of cake for you. But we do have something we are working on at the moment, I can definitely give you a shot." with an amused smirk.

Vanessa decides to leave the boys be for a few hours as she needs to get some shopping done and to contact Marie about the sudden plans. Bensen escorts Magnum to one of the bays where there is a vehicle that is about taken apart half way, the machine is a half-track and looks like it's out of the 1960's, the crew in the bay look their way and become surprised at their guest.

Bensen raises a hand "Fellas, this is Magnum, he's going to be hanging out for a few hours and helping us out. Don't let his age fool you, he may very well be teaching everyone something."

A stallion looks him over "I don't mean to be rude boss, but he looks more like eye candy to me." earning some nods.

Bensen wags a finger "Like I said George, there is more to him behind his looks.", he looks to Magnum "What we've got is an old military half-track converted to a civilian truck, she's giving us a hard time but we're making progress."

Magnum's blue eyes trace the machine, the tech in it isn't much different then the vehicles of modern day Earth, very simple compared to the machinery that he's use to working with, he knows he can't use his powers without attracting attention so he'll have to get physical with working on this thing instead. Bensen allows him to examine the machine and the parts that have been taken off already, the mystic forming a blueprint in his mind the more he looks it over while Bensen explains to him some information about the vehicle itself and the skunk decides to let Magnum take the lead on the project, much to the dismay of the others but he decides to give Magnum a hands on chance.

Magnum taps into his command and co-operation skills and displays his skills of working with the machine, Bensen is instantly amazed along with the other guys about how much Magnum is displaying his know how and effortlessly rotating his use of tools, oiling and cleaning parts and effortlessly fitting them, within about an hour the machine is cleaned put back together and fully functional with the engine completely rebuilt with some restoration techniques shown by the mystic.

Bensen nods "You were really in the zone, the focus you had reading the machine almost as if it was instinct."

George looks to the skunk "He knows his way around...", he looks to the mystic "What kind of mechanical experience do you have?"

Magnum knows he has to choose his words carefully or risk suspicion "I use to work on starships in one of the navies and working with machinery is one of my favorite hobbies and past times."

George is satisfied with the wolf and his answer, he can't however shake the feeling that something is off with him and that there is something far more to him then mere technical skill or merit... it seemed to him anyway that to the wolf working on the half-track was like working on something rudimentary like a clock or maybe even something less complex... just who was this guy exactly?

Bensen gets the mystic some lunch and the two decide to dine in his office where the skunk and wolf give some idle chat and banter, the skunk opening the core of the chatter "I remember all the technology we talked about when we met and since then, I knew that the half-track would almost be like working on a toy or something, the guys are good but they definitely some motivation with the race coming up and everything."

The wolf blinks "Race? Is it part of the celebration?"

The skunk nods "Every year there is a race here on Balleva on the grand race track in the capital, all racers are welcome from all three factions. The catch is that professional teams can't enter and only the civilian populace can participate, though that doesn't stop racers from bringing in their home project vehicles and they often bring only premium parts, most often you'll simply find rat rods in one form or another, all with different construction methods and taste just as they are functional."

Magnum takes the information in, a competition about basically kit-bashing a race car and then racing it against a plethora of other hodgepodge machines is a really cool idea. Bensen explains that the purpose behind the competition isn't just about showing unity, it's also showing the unique takes each population has and to encourage self-reliance.

The mystic decides to inquire "Do you have a machine ready for the event?"

Bensen gives a light shrug "We do but she's only have finished and not all the parts have come in yet."

Magnum decides to do some quick calculations in his head, it would cost him some materials, but he can fabricate some pretty decent parts on Balleva's tech level that'll get over-looked but give some very good performence, he decides to extend the offer to the skunk but he turns it down though he does say if the wolf wants to help with the machine he can. Vanessa comes back after doing her errands to pick Magnum up so that he can work a little with Marie with Bensen telling his mom what has taken place, what she hears more or less fits into exactly what she was expecting, that Magnum could handle their machines with ease... the part that she wasn't expecting was that Magnum grasped the full layout of the machine so quickly. The three part with their see you laters with Bensen wanting to give his mom a hug, but the oil on his outfit would ruin her dress as a result.

After traveling for about half an hour by car, Vanessa and Magnum arrive at a medium sized building with the sign reading "Lightning Studios" with lightning bolts of various colors surrounding the letters. The pair enter the building and are guided by a secretary to where Marie is, the skunkette is in a recording room and Magnum recognizes the genre of music instantly... power metal. The band Marie is a part of is five in total which includes her doing the vocals, along with an electric guitar, electric base, drums and a keyboard with some kind of tuner. Vanessa glances to the mystic and sees he's enjoying the music, those purple eyes giving a playful roll as she tries to suppress a giggle.

The band stops their recording to which they are applauded by not just the studio staff, but also by Vanessa and Magnum as well. The manager decides to give the band a one hour break and then they'll resume, Marie practically runs over to Vanessa and gives her a hug.

Vanessa chimes "My, you guys have gotten better." showing a smile of pride.

Marie gives a tired sigh "Yeah, we're almost ready for the concert portion, just working out the kinks.", she looks to the wolf "And Magnum I hear that your exploring some of your interests and working on yourself which is pretty cool. What experience do you have with music?"

Magnum blinks "Well, not really much, just the terrible basics they taught us in school... all we did was play recorders."

Marie gives an amused smirk "Sounds pretty bland, but thankfully you can branch out now. What part of a band have you always wanted to practice?" as she crosses her arms.

The mystic reveals that he's always wanted to try vocals, Marie gets the booth set up and hands Magnum a headset as they enter the booth, the skunkette does some basic vocal pitches and asks Magnum to do his best when it comes to the notes. Magnum does his best with the results being mixed, there are signs he can hit a note but he can't hold it or tune himself properly. Marie hears him trying to replicate the notes as his vocal cords have a hard time making them, but she can hear the potential in them, the skunk begins to try to coach him on his pitch and she can hear his vocal cords trying to process the sound with the mystics features showing he's a little strained with his voice even cutting out a few times. Vanessa can see the spark in the mystics eyes as he looks to be enjoying himself regardless, seeing him try to interact with music this way just looks refreshing as Marie takes in the notes and begins to get a few ideas of her own.

Marie claps a few times "Not bad Magnum, with some practice I can differently see you performing in front of a crowd."

Magnum rubs his throat "I wouldn't exactly say that, but thank you." with a smirk.

The skunkette remarks "We'll work more on it when I have some free time, just do some practice in the mean time and your vocal cords will get more use to it."

Vanessa looks to both of them "Sounds like the both of you will have your hands full." with a slight giggle.

The trio enjoys the rest of the short visit and Vanessa and Magnum head back to the skunks home where the two enjoy a nice dinner and end up back on the couch watching the news, Vanessa glances to the mystic resting against her, a smile upon his muzzle. It was nice to see him come out of his shell and for others to see his passion and interests, she wonders if he'll take part in the Dove Celebration with the race at least or if he'll try to join on the music portion as well.

But Vanessa begins to think about something key when it comes to the wolf, how he hasn't gotten over his form of gynophobia and that for a period of time his perception of women was destroyed completely. To be honest she's surprised given that history he even let her hold him the first night even with his explanation that Poralla comforted him the same way, that part is by far the most tricky and will entirely be up to him, she doesn't know the whole story but she just wants Magnum to know she's there form him and when he's ready to talk he will, she won't try to force him as that would only make it worse. She gives Magnum a gentle nuzzle to the top of his head as she rubs his arm, one he relaxed he was quite a love and sometimes he would just fall asleep.

The door bell rings which catches her attention instantly as she has no idea who would be around at this time "I wonder who that could be?" as Magnum sleepily sits up.

The mature skunk moves to the front door, she looks through the peep hole and she becomes surprised with a beaming smile, she open it and the open door reveals a doe, her figure is about as pronounced as Vanessa's, her eyes are an emerald green and her brown hair is down to her shoulders, her clothing being a green dress shirt and a purple miniskirt with black high heels.

Vanessa exclaims "Sabrina? What are you doing here?" as she welcomes the doe into her home.

Sabrina follows the skunks lead "I was just in the neighborhood and wanted to see how things were going. I finally got my vacation approved for the celebration and then some."

The two share a brief hug and the skunk speaks with glee "There is someone I want you to meet."

The two head towards the living room with Vanessa calling for the mystic, Magnum quickly wakes himself as best he can and goes over to where Vanessa is, becoming a little surprised by the doe.

Vanessa looks between the two "Magnum, this is Sabrina and she's a friend of mine."

The doe gives a feminine smirk "My he is handsome, when you were telling me about him over the phone. And when I heard yur were hanging out with a young man they weren't exaggerating."

Magnum straightens himself out "It's nice to meet you Sabrina." keeping a light smile.

"I'll go make us some tea, I think the three of us can use the occasion." as she joyously heads to the kitchen.

Sabrina follows her friend "I concur."

Magnum follows suite seeing it as a good chance to get acquainted with one of Vanessa's friends, the doe glances back to him which catches his attention, she gives him a bit of a seductive smirk as she struts her hips for a moment before continuing to follow the skunk. Magnum becomes confused at first, but he quickly comes to the conclusion she was trying to flirt with him, he decides to shrug it off and continues forth.

The three sit around the kitchen table and begin sipping their tea, the two ladies are catching up and trying to keep the mystic in the conversation, the two conversing about their careers with Sabrina being an actor and saying that she jut got a new role in an upcoming movie. The doe asks Magnum what his profession in and he decides to give her a bare-bones version, explaining that he is military free agent with Vanessa agreeing with herself not to expand on it. With how late it's getting the skunk and doe decide that they'll catch up some more another time with Vanessa suggesting a get together so that Sabrina can get reacquainted with Bensen and Marie much to the doe's delight. Vanessa needing to get ready for tomorrow asks Magnum to see Sabrina out and he accepts as the two ladies finish their drinks.

The doe and wolf make it to the door, Magnum gets the door for her "For you miss." giving his voice a relaxed, regal tone.

Sabrina smirks "A gentleman too.", as she walks by she slaps the mystic on his rear which catches his full attention "You are definitely a keeper, I'll see the both of you later." and she walks away.

Magnum watches her for a few moments and slowly closes the door, he begins to walk back towards the couch, he can feel goosebumps taking his body and something feels off, he raises and looks to his right hand... it's shaking.

..........

Back aboard the Howl of Silver, Elvo is going over the repairs of the ship and it's coming along pretty well, thanks to the raw materials Magnum has been able to get a hold of plus what the drones can salvage and mine, the coyote has been able to keep pace. So far she has been able to repair the main power system along with most of the sensors while cleaning up short range communications, repairs to the hull are nearly complete and she was able to recover data from the damaged area... countering the weapons the mystics use is going to be a real challenge. The Howl of Silver has arguably the best shields for a frigate and was able to withstand a tremendous amount of damage, but it had a limit as the Howl of Silver is meant to act as a hit and run attacker with launcher capability for Magnum's power armors and her automata along with some types of drones and a few other things.

Elvo looks over what still needs repairs, damage to the superstructure is still critical, engines and drive are still gone and parts of the ship need to be rebuilt from scratch still, ultimately she'll contact Magnum tomorrow and update him on the situation with the ship and a thought crosses her mind 'Can we even fight them?'

To be continued...