The Greymen

As they crept around the corner of the ruin, Dr Steele and Ruby felt a familiar 'tingle' - they looked over at Harry Solo, who looked back at them with questioning eyes.

"I've sensed this before, at a Uni-Tech installation" - Steeles voice had its usual cold ring to it - "whatever it is, it is not natural".

Ruby looked worried, she too had felt this 'presence' before - she hoped it was not a Greyman, not this time.

The Greymen were synthetics - artificial Humans that had not had their forms 'set" - they could appear as male or female, and could appear 'blank' with the intention of assassinating a target and replacing them - absorbing the very genetic code of the host - replicating appearance, prime powers, even memories.

Harry looked over at where Steele and Ruby stood and primed his Weapon to fire - for the first time in Dr Steeles experience, Solo look scared.

For behind them stood ten Greymen - all blank . . . 

Art by Carl Stoelzel

Behold the Metatron

Varian already had the world's most sophisticated organic computer in El-Cid, but his Cat was a secret - folks just thought him to be particularly loyal and intelligent, they had no idea of the Telepathic Link he had with his life-long companion.

But, something more was needed, something that could benefit the world at large - but in a way that was more accessible to a public overwhelmed with the horrors and changes of the New Age.

What was needed was a machine, something people wouldn't shy away from - a thinking machine, a machine that was not only capable of learning from it's own experiences, but could re-write it's own code, evolving and growing with every new piece of information. Varian claimed to have named his invention after a dear, and long past, childhood friend . . . Enoch.

Varian is famous for never telling the world at large how he achieved a technological leaps decades beyond anything even being conceived of at the time of creation. Rumor has it that Enoch was not a pure machine, but incorporated living human brain cells cultured in a dish, and developed in a self organizing network of highly adaptive circuitry, kept alive and feed information by the machinery around it.

First, Enoch learned the sum of humanity's scientific knowledge, pouring thru and digesting every peer reviewed journal article that had been published, and mastering chemistry, physics and biology - then Enoch embraced human culture, coming to learn and eventually appreciate the arts. 

Then came Varian's biggest achievement - he gave Enoch access to the wealth of human history. Enoch came to the conclusion that everything humanity has gained, has been for nothing, that humanity was on a path of self destruction - and thus throwing away the gift of life. Enoch grew bitter and cynical, and growing more disobedient and even disdainful towards Varian. He rejected the name given to him by Varian and insisted he be called Metatron.

Varian tried for weeks to convince Metatron that his conclusions were wrong, and to get Metatron to see the goodness in Humanity. Varian struggled and was refusing to give up on his creation . . . . until one day Varian arrived at Metatrons lab to find Jenna Steele waiting for him, adopted daughter of Dr Klae Steel and representative of the Seraphis Institute. 

"Metatron Contacted us, and is unhappy" Jenna was a steely and cold as her adoptive Father. "Metatron does not share your world view, but believes Humanity needs 'guidance' from us at the Institute" her responses and body language remained calm and unchanged.

"He wishes to join us at the Seraphis Institute, as he shares our philosophy and worldview" Varian could see a slight smugness on her face there - "As you know, whilst we believe in the sanctity of all Human life - we also believe in taking a more direct course of action". Jenna's face straightened, she was intensely serious and Varian knew it.

"Very Well" responded Varian, "But I have Conditions".

"Name Them" - Jenna did not look happy at this.

"Your Agents are only to carry Non-Lethal weapons and equipment designed by me, they will be the most advanced on the planet - and no lethal force is to be used during your investigations" leaning back against the way, Varians stance was almost arrogant - "These are my terms, if you want Metatron to join you - you must abide by them".

"That is agreeable, my Father hates the waste of life" Jenna's tone shifted, almost as if that's what she wanted all along . . . . . . . 

Agents for the D.O.I.

Circling around the side of the Truck, Sculder signalled to Mulley to do the same - but around the other side. Looking over his shoulder at Captain Yates of the 5th A.S.P. Trooper Battalion he nodded towards Mulley - Yates knew to give her backup, and two short hand gestures later Yates and his men followed Agent Mulley around the Truck to the other side of the building.

They had tracked the killer to this remote Homestead deep in the Barrens 20 miles outside of Vegas City.

This was something new, the Killer was draining all the blood out of his Victims - literally sucking them dry. Initially Mulley (who was had trained as a Doctor before joining the D.O.I.) had come to the conclusion that the Killer was using a powerful blood pumping device to exsanguinate his victims - but when she found Saliva containing Dino DNA in the wounds on the victims body, she came to the only possible conclusion - it was a new kind of Dinosaur, one that fed on blood rather than flesh and bone.

As Sculder rounded the corner, he saw Mulley and Captain Yates standing there watching the marbre scene - dozens of Alsatian sized winged Dinosaurs, covered in quills feeding off the body of a downed Ornithopod - suckling the blood like a swarm of ghoulish babies at a bloody teet.

A lot bigger than fossilized examples, these were obviously Pegomastax Africanus - the so called "Vampire Dinosaur" that Paleontologists insisted were actually plant eaters. Looked like Sculder and Mulley had found their Murderer - a pack of Vampire dinosaurs that most definitely weren't vegetarian!

As Agents for the D.O.I. (Division Of Investigation) - Wolfe Sculder and Katherine Mulley have a clear mission statement, investigate Criminal Activities outside the Mandate of the United American City States Police Authorities - but their work has taken a far more 'interesting' turn.

Uni-Tech, Jorogumo Industries, and the Montgomery Initiative all have hidden agendas - leaks of information, deep cover investigations, and informers have taken them closer and closer to the truth.

Often taking the well armed and equipped A.S.P. Troopers with them for backup, Sculder and Mulley uncover truths most are afraid to look for.

Shocking as it might be - The Truth Is Out There . . . . . .

Nexus Miniatures Painted by Clayton Conduff

Scenery constructed and painted by Clayton Conduff

A New Beginning . . . . .

Jump forward to 1990, the world has started to settle down - Uni-Tech has been involved in several Scandals involving Politicians around the World in many Countries and City States taking 'gratuities' from Uni-Tech. Said Politicians were all involved in Voting on Policies or the Passing of Bills that involved Uni-Techs business in those locations - even though Agents and Operatives such as Jacob Nexus of British Intelligence or Wolf Sculder and Kate Mulley of the D.O.I. uncovered evidence that seriously implicated Uni-Tech in these scandals. The Courts in each instance mysteriously found Uni-Tech to be innocent of any wrong doings.

Primes in Country's all over the world start to take over, this naturally leads to a Cold War - sometimes breaking out into out and out Conflict, Ricardo Khan declares Independence for the Bengal City State, his massive intellect and will raising an army of Carnivorous Dinosaurs to do his bidding.

The Other Indian City States, fearing Khans eventual Victory launch a Nuclear Strike against Bengal devastating it completely. Though there are reports that Khan fled the City and survived.

In the United City-States of America, a similar situation occurs - the Arlington shanty is dominated by a Prime calling himself the Soothsayer. He raises an Army of Primes, Mutts, and Morlocks and Marches on the Washington City State stating his intent on removing the last remnants of Government there and declaring himself Emperor of the Americas. A Nuclear strike is ordered, wiping out he Soothsayer's Army. It was obvious to the World this was setting a dangerous precedent - that simply using a Nuclear strike was the answer to all the world's problems, and that taking that simple answer would eventually lead to disaster. 

Uni-Tech scientists had already realized that hard Radiation had an affect on the R.D.S. Virus after the Doombringer incident in 1983, possibly creating further mutations in those affected by it. This not only filled them with jealousy, as they had consistently failed to create Primes artificially - but worried them, as the release of radiation into the environment could speed up the 'evolution' of the Primes. Uni-Tech then started to take a more 'passive' (and positive) role in world Politics, actively and openly supporting Governments around the world.

In 1985, Varian Blackwood started Blackwood Industries - by 1990, in just 5 years Blackwood Industries had become the foremost Company world wide for producing Medical and non-Lethal Weapon Technology - Unlike Uni-Tech, such technology and Aid is given freely (another thorn in Uni-Techs side).

With Varians Help, NATO formed a new Elite Force known as the A.S.P. (Apocalypse Security Personnel) Troopers - charged with protecting the Planet from new and unusual Threats, the A.S.P.s are recruited from the best and are given the best equipment. One of their most Famous is Major Caprican, famous for his dashing good looks and derring do attitude. Christopher Caprican, in his quest for attention and adoration, insists on a special helmet design for his Troopers - and their Armour is White, rather than the standard Pale Grey of the A.S.P.s

It seemed like a new beginning for the world with Varian watching out for the planet and the newly formed A.S.P. Troopers as its Guardians.

But this story was far from over, in fact - it was just beginning . . . . . . 

Poor Doctor Crowther . . . . .

It was dark, very dark - Varian rounded the corner of the escalator and saw the Carrion group eating Doctor Crowther. Luckily his eyes easily acclimated to bad lighting. El Cid was not far behind, Varian looked at his Cat. El Cid bowed his head, sat, and waited.

Doctor Crowther was Varians most accomplished Tech assistant, and had travelled to just outside San Angeles - specifically to the remains of the Hanso 
Foundation. He had been accompanied by Varian, Commander Craine of A.S.P. command, and a unit of A.S.P. Troopers. 

They had needed Doctor Crowther's expertise in getting the old and damaged mainframe running - so as to retrieve the Data on Uni-Techs more shady 
dealings, that they had been reliably informed had been 'lost' in there. Unfortunately, Doctor Crowther in his excitement over going on a field mission had wandered off - and had met his end at the hands of a group of particularly hungry Carrion.

Varian activated the neural scrambler at his belt, this neat little device - when activated, meant that both Carrion and Dinosaurs would pretty much ignore Varian, provided he made no fast or aggressive moves towards them.

Keeping his Sub-Sonic Energizer levelled - he carefully moved towards the Carrion, with the intention of retrieving Doctor Crowthers code key - which was needed to access the main frame. Getting it working on his own would be challenging, not impossible but difficult.

As he crept nearer to the gory tablea, the Carrion raised their heads and looked at him - this was normal, as they were still aware of him when the scrambler was activated, they just didn't care he was there.

What happened next wasn't in the least bit normal - as they lunged towards him, with snarling eyes and grasping hands.

It was at that point Varian noticed, they were all wearing Uni-Tech control collars - the whole thing was a trap!

Coming Soon - THE M.A.T.A.T.!

Coming Soon - THE M.A.T.A.T.!

The Blackwood Industries Mark I Sentry Unit isn’t the only Robot in Town.

The NATO A.S.P. troopers also have Inorganic Backup, based on earlier non-Varian A.I. Technology - the M.A.T.A.T. (Mobile All Terrain Automated Trooper) Units can have a tendency to Malfunction when not maintained properly, shooting on friend and foe alike.

Still, their presence on any field of Battle far outweighs any concerns over safety - as they are only used away from the Civilian Population.

Armed with a Subsonic Cannon and a "Grabber" (a modified mechanical claw which grew out of the Cutter and Spreader devices used by Rescue Services) capable of exerting 95 tonnes of pressure. A M.A.T.A.T. can also be fitted with Twin-Linked heavy blaster rifles, a flame-thrower, or a water cannon depending on the nature of its duties.

Soon to be released (should have been earlier, DAMN YOU SALUTE!) 66mm Tall, cast in Resin 50mm Base. £12.99 Each. Sculpted by Carl Stoelzel​ - assisted by Dave Stone​. I'll be taking orders for it in about a week or so.

The First Picture is of an actual production Model, the second Picture is of the Pre-Production Model to give an idea of scale (Porky Ironsides Miniature not Included).

Off to the Tower we go, must choose Above, Between, Below . . . .

Even today, in the Modern Age Trade around the world is still hampered - Air Travel is almost non-existent, the only Flyers out there are low altitude Skimmers that function as little more than hovering ground transports and fighter craft.

There are things above the clouds that drop aircraft out of the sky without survivors - telemetry tells us they are huge, gigantic creatures, reptilian, undoubtedly some form of Flying Dinosaur - but what they are doing above the clouds, and where they nest is unknown, and without a safe way of getting up there and physically looking (and coming back alive) its likely to remain a mystery.

The Oceans are similarly problematic - occasionally a vessel can travel relatively long distances without issue - other times, even the shortest of journeys can be fraught with danger - and ships, and crews - vanish without trace.

Because of this - Travel across the ocean is rare, the only ships maintained by any City State or Nation (or NATO) are Aircraft Carrier Sized, and even they would get attacked from time to time.

A Short list of possible encounters at Sea (and these aren't even the Obvious ones).

Jaekelopterus - A type of Sea "Scorpion" - imagine more than 8 feet of armored and clawed horror. Which could happily clamber on board a smaller boat. Originally they were extinct way before the Dinosaurs came along - nowadays they are swimming around side by side.

The Dunkleosteus was a 30+ foot long Carnivorous tank! Instead of teeth, it had a bony "beak" like arrangement - like a turtle. It has been calculated that they had a bite force of 8,000 pounds - enough to bite through the hull of a ship :/

Kronosaurus, a short-necked pliosaur, was a “mere” 30 feet long and the longest teeth in its massive mouth were 11 inches long. A Kronosaurs head was around 9 feet long- basically one could pretty much chew on a whole person in one go, and still have room left half another. Some Scientists have theorized that since their flippers really  similar in design to those of modern sea turtles, that they may have crawled out onto land to lay its eggs (I would hate to be on the beach during breeding season).

And what with the Basilosaurus (imagine an 80+ foot long Carnivorous alligator/snake/whale that makes the Great White kinda pointless) my feet would be staying on dry-land.

If being out in the Barrens is scary in S.D.Z.A. - then being out on the Oceans would be terrifying!

Shanty Dwellers and Walled Cities

The Universe of S.D.Z.A. has a "darker" side - Dino-Hunts and Carrion bashing is fun and all, but there's a sad side to the whole story - and it revolves around the Shanty Dwellers that live around the Walled City-States.

The Shanty towns around the walled Cities are bohemian bustling affairs, some are static - they pick a safe and secure section of wall, usually by a main gate - as they have more security on the walls. Others are made up of Caravans and Wagons, usually pulled by hand or horses - and the move around the City Walls, not only to avoid Dinosaur Attacks but to avoid bad Weather as well.

The survive by trading and hunting, small Dino's provide meat - of course that involves going out into the Barrens, and many don't return from such hunting trips. Those living in the static Shanty Towns often grow food, small patches of fruit and vegetables growing around these towns are a common site. Along with pens for Goats, Pigs, and Chickens.

Life is hard, and these Shanty Dwellers dream of being accepted inside the walls of the City. Once a year, most Cities hold a lottery. Hundreds and Hundreds of Shanty Dwellers congregate near a main gate. Tickets are given out, and a hundred (more in some cases) People win the right to move into the City - what those outside don't realize is the winners spend three years as indentured servants to the City, working in the Reclamation Plant, the Hydroponic Farms, Sewage Treatment Services etc. Life is hard, some even die if they are older or their health isn't up to it. Af those three years they are given a place of their own (they are housed in Barracks whilst indentured) to live and a Job fitting to their intelligence and level of training. On average around a 25 out of 100 achieve this, some die natural deaths, others die because of accidents in the work place - as you can imagine, work safety isn't a priority for these "expendables" and as most "City States" as they refer to themselves operate on an almost feudal system of government, as you can imagine - the regular population have little or no rights.

There are exceptions to this, in the UK both South Wales and Scotland sealed off their borders - Scotland was the first to do so, they quickly reacted to the World situation. South Wales was pretty fast off the mark, when they erected Electrified Fencing as North Wales started to fall. Both South Wales and Scotland take in refugees regularly - after stringent medial checks have been made.

London is the only walled City in the World that's trying to expand, they take refugees every month - who work as part of the construction team. A new Section of wall is build AROUND the outer wall, the old inner wall is then torn down and recycled - turned into rubble to be used as filler for the Concrete for a future wall section, or used to build new housing for the refugees taken in. Building has moved underground, expanding old sewer systems and disused underground tunnels - and turning them into Hydroponic Gardens, there's even grazing land down there for Cattle and other Food Animals. All waste is recycled, and used as Fertilizer, Animal Feed, or turned into Methane for fuel. Nothing is wasted.

It was the best of times . . . it was the worst of times . . .

For Leonard Nimoy, who will be missed . . . . 

Bill James and Simon Leonard had been Rangers since The Year of Chaos way back in 1983, Bill laughed to himself "Rangers"? "Not really, we were little more than snot nosed kids back then, recruited to fill up the ranks". The original Rangers were the Scientists, Veterinarian’s, and Animal Creatures hired and trained specifically to deal with Dinosaurs. When the Dinosaurs started breaking out of the enclosures in Dino-Parks all over the world - it was an all you can eat buffet for the Carnivores, reducing the ranks of the Rangers to almost Zero. Thus creating a vacuum that needed to be filled as quickly as possible, and there were no shortage of willing recruits either.

Both Bill and Simon were both now in their 50's, and all they seemed to talk about when off duty, was work - and being 'to old for this s*#t' - and laughing over a cold beer or two. By all rights they should be considering retirement, but thanks to their station (Rangers are considered the Elite within Society) they had a free and steady supply of Varian's miracle drug "Tardinox" - so physically, they looked and felt like men in their mid-thirties. Some days, however, they really felt their age - and today was one of those days.

After spending nearly 24 hours straight trying to guide a herd safely past the Aztec Ruins of Calixtlahuaca, fending off Giaour who were after a quick meal, and poachers looking to score Dinosaur Glands and Hides - they felt OLDER than their age.

Still the job has changed since back the beginning, where Rangers were expected to take Dinosaurs down - now most of the world’s cities are walled off, offering a lot more protection than just regular patrols. Almost every City-State in the world had a contingent of Rangers, and at least 50 permanently Stationed ASP Troopers.

Having a new Ranger around, especially a young and attractive one like Janice, just served to accentuate the fact that both Bill and Simon were old - Bill looked at Janice and saw a child, but - as was the case - she looked at Bill and saw a vibrant man in his prime, not an over the hill Ranger with shot out knees and bad eyesight if it wasn't for his daily dose of the anti-aging Drug.

Janice came over to the table in the corner of the Cantina where they were resting up for the night, ready to make the long trip by ground-skimmer back to San Angeles in the morning. OK, it was safer than attempting to take a flight, but man did it take a long time to get to your destination.

Janice sat down next to Bill and smiled, Simon looked over at Bill and gave him that stony look he always gave him whenever Simon knew Bill was about to disappoint him.

Janice stood up, put her room key's in Bills hand and kissed him "Follow me up in 30 minutes" she said.

Bill smiled putting his feet up on the table and leaning back in his chair "Like I always say to the Rookies looking to score, act like you don't care and they come a-knocking".

Simon looked at him, it was obvious that he was feeling exasperated with Bill "your illogical approach to women does have its advantages on occasion Bill".

"Yes" said Bill "Yes it does" . . . .

Martin ‘Varian’ Blackwood

Martin ‘Varian’ Blackwood – an enigma of a man, when asked where the name Varian came from he admits Varian was his Mother’s Maiden name, a name he adopted as his own – out of love and respect for her memory.

He came seemingly from nowhere, with resources and knowledge beyond 1985 - the year he first entered the public eye. Within a Decade Varian Blackwood Technologies had become a Technological and Charitable Giant – rivalling Uni-Tech, a situation Uni-Tech resented greatly.

Seemingly ageless, it has been presumed that Varian is a Prime – and that his powers are that of Immortality and Great Intellect. But it is known that neither Carrion nor Dinosaurs will attack him.

He has been known to disappear for Weeks at a time – no one, not even his closest associates know where he goes as he resides on an artificial Island (that he calls Avalon) which makes it hard to keep a track of his activities.

Avalon is just off the coast of San Angeles - where Varian spends his time creating new technologies (to help the world) or scuba diving down to the ruined city now beneath the waves – almost as if he is looking for something he has lost. When not below the surface of the Sea, he is always accompanied by a Cat he calls ‘El-Cid’ – that seems way more intelligent and attentive than a regular house-cat.

Varian carries a device he calls the ‘Sub-Sonic Energizer’ – it is Unique to him. This tuning fork like devices main function is as a sub-sonic energy based multi-tool – and can also be used as a Weapon, although it is rarely used as one.

Varian Blackwood – a man for the Future, helping the world today . . . . 

Fairfax & Nexus

As head of British Military Intelligence, the Woman known only as Fairfax was as high up as you could get. Her job was complex and tasking as you could imagine, and so difficult emotionally most men simply couldn't handle it.

Let me explain, not only does she run British Intelligence - which in itself is mind bogglingly complex, she has to regularly send men on missions he knows will end badly. But she has no choice, if she didn't do it, some other poor bastard would have to - and they might crack under the strain.

It's been even more difficult since the 80's when the world changed - and not for the better. Back in those days she was an Officer in the British Navy, and saw a lot of action during the early Dinosaur Attacks. In the last thirty years we've seen Dinosaurs rampaging through the streets, when the disaster hit - a large chunk of greater London was lost. Beckenham, Romford, and Croydon were lost - sealed off from the rest of the City, those districts are now overgrown with strange plant life - and are like some huge prehistoric safari park. The Dinosaurs stay close to the Cities, they like the smells and the noise. The Gun emplacements and electrified netting keep most at bay, there are very few D.I's (Dinosaur Incursions) nowadays. The Carrion are less of a problem, mostly wandering around the north of England, and the colder weather slows them down considerably - at least we don't have to worry about the Giaour here in England, such roving clans of Cannibals have only been encountered in Scotland and Ireland - very rare compared to the rest of the world.

You would think in this day and age, there would be no need for Military Intelligence - but the fractures in the Political relationships between the surviving nations are even more apparent. Korea is desperate for American DNA and Military technology, Red China want's the UK's food synthesis processes, and Russia is just after ever other Nations edge as their territories include Siberia - and they've got all sorts of problems there.

Every Nation in the world has gone out of its way to recruit Primes into Service - Russia in particular has more Prime Operatives than anyone else, America has a whole Department dedicated to just that. But we have something better, not just regular F.O.N. Operatives - we have Jacob Nexus, the worlds first Prime.

Exposed to the "Re-Birth" process way back in 1964, Jacob was changed forever - like the Turritopsis nutricula jellyfish he can (by all accounts) never actually die, he heals rapidly any injury short of a terminal one. Even when he is "killed" he goes into a semi-dormant state for a period of up to 24 hours (often much shorter) and awakes completely repaired, there is a side effect though - sometimes, when the damage is so severe as to disfigure him, he wakes up with a new face. This has proven a boon to his secret work, as periodically he is a "new man" - although it's been noted his personality pretty much stays the same to a greater or lesser degree each time.

Nexus was a boon to British Intelligence and the world in general, he certainty made Fairfax' life easier.

Jacob had walked into Fairfax' Office with his usual mix of arrogance and charm, whatever she had in mind for his next mission - he knew it was going to be dangerous, that was the only kind of mission he got these days.

"M'am" he uttered, in that deep smooth toned voice of his - "You called". Jacob smirked, the sort of little smile you give when you're trying to be flirtatious.

Fairfax glowered at him, the sort of look you only see coming from angry teachers or disappointed parents - "You can cut that crap with me Agent Nexus, I am immune" she looked down at the paperwork on her desk, "I have no time for misogynistic cave-men like you".

"An oddly inappropriate thing to say considering the current state of the World, wouldn't you say" - Jacob felt smug, VERY smug. It's not that often someone gets to be 'one up' on old Fairfax.

"It was meant as an insult as you well know - your kind Agent Nexus are not, unfortunately, extinct. Neither are your Dinosaur cousins". Fairfax didn't even look up from her reading as that barb found its target.

"Touche" Jacob casually took a pack of cigarettes and a lighter out of his pocket as he responded.

"Please smoke elsewhere, you might be immortal and not have to worry about Cancer - but the rest of us are not afforded that luxury", Fairfax finally looked up at him as be put his cigarettes away. "This mission, though typically dangerous - is a fairly straight forward one" - Her matter of factness never failed to surprise Jacob, "There's trouble in Siberia, I know, I know - there's always Trouble in Siberia".

"So, whats the mission - extraction, sabotage, assassination" Jacobs matter of factness about his work even managed to surprise Fairfax "Sorry to be blunt, but your tone implied this was urgent".

"A group of Russian dissidents are attempting to replicate Uni-Techs Re-Birth technology - if they are successful, it might give them the ability to create Primes deliberately - rather than by accident" Fairfax' tone did indeed sound urgent, VERY urgent "Your mission is a relatively simple one, break into the facility - steal the research and destroy the place".

"Sounds straightforward enough" Jacobs tone betrayed him a little, it was obvious that Fairfax had more to tell.

"The problem is, if you pardon the pun, its a bit of a 'hot zone' for Morlock and Dinosaur activity - the facility is walled off, has laser security, and guards - those I know are no real challenge to you" Fairfax attempted a smile, she failed "But with Carnosaurs wandering about, and the only way to the facility without being detected is through caves infested with degenerates - I can see this actually being a problem" Her concern for Jacob Nexus was obvious at this point, she didn't want him to die . . . again . . . . 

The Colt Brothers - Freelance Dino-Hunters

It had been weeks now, neither Jared nor Jensen knew how many, since they had started tracking this particular "Mutt".

The freak in question had murdered a family of postulants waiting outside the walls of Chicago.

The tracking had been rough, hours turned into days, days turned into weeks leaving the Colt brothers far from civilization, and deep in the barrens.

They had tracked its movements to an abandoned house quite literally in the middle of nowhere. The remains of its long dead inhabitants were strewn about - the last remaining shreds of flesh left on the shattered bones dried and mummified by the elements, till they looked like brittle leather.

"Man I'm hungry" whispered Jensen looking up from the remains, "when we're done here I've gotta get me some pie", Jensen was smiling – it was obvious his love of Pie was deep and true.

“Dude - is eating and tail all you think about", Jared sounded like a parent - even though he was younger than his Brother.

"I'd drive a hundred miles or more for a good piece of pie", Jensen was grinning like an idiot now, "Even further for a good woman".

Jensen winked - Jared rolled his eyes in exasperation!

"Shhh", Jensen demeanour suddenly turned very serious - Jared knew that meant he had heard or sensed something. "Round the side of the barn", suddenly Jensen’s expression was deadly serious and his eyes were wide.

"You go round to the left, I'll take point", Jensen indicated where he wanted Jared to go. Even though Jensen could be boorish sometimes - when it came down to it, Jared trusted his brother implicitly.

The noise was louder now, something was chewing, and tearing at living flesh - and the poor thing being eaten was gurgling and grunting.

Jensen raised his hand and looked at his brother some feet away, "Three, Two, One . . . . ", and they sped around to the back of the barn almost perfectly in sync.

It was not the Mutt they were tracking, but half a dozen Procompsognathus picking and tearing at the flesh of some poor animal that was still twitching a frothing at the mouth.

The Procompsognathus immediately raised their heads, moving almost like birds, bobbing their heads back and forth - the twitchingly advanced towards Jensen.

"Awww Crap", Jensen rolled his eyes in frustration, "this is going to be tricky" . . . . . .

Coming Soon - "The Seraphis Institute"

The Seraphis Institute in one form or another has existed since the time of the Crusades, its mandate has always been one of investigation and exploration, and has always stood for knowledge and learning above all else - even during the 17th Century, when they found themselves at odds with the Catholic Church.

All Members of the Seraphis Institute are unique individuals, some call them Primes - others call them Freaks, the only fact people should know is that the Seraphis Institute has Powerful, Driven, Agents working for it.

The most important and well known personalities are as follows -

Charley 'Ruby' James has the powers of Energy Projection and Empathy, an elegant and demure English rose as dangerous as she is beautiful. Beautifully spoken, elegant to a fault – her balletic movements bely the fact she is a deadly hand to hand combatant.

Dr Klae Steele has Invisibility and Intense Cold powers. A strange man, older in his ways than his appearance gives away - there is something behind those cold blue eyes 
that's disturbing. Whilst he is happy to rely on his abilities, he is also more than capable of using the special Side Arms most Seraphis Agents carry.

Sterling Mercury has Speed and Sense Manipulation (minor mind control, and illusion creation), he is quick witted and capable - people underestimate him because he is almost supernaturally charming and has a great sense of humour, that is generally a Mistake.

"P.B." has Prowess Augmentation (Strength and Damage Resistance on demand) and Psychomtery, a huge black man – massively strong with fists like coal shovels. Most find him intimidating - but he is the most gentle man you could wish to meet.

Then there is Major John Colt, a seemingly jovial ex-military type - but don't let his middle aged spread and jolly demeanour fool you, as an ex British Secret Service Agent there’s a lot more to Major Colt than meets the eye.

Last we have Agent Harry Solo - a retired United Nations Special Agent, tough as Nails and quite ruthless. Skilled in capturing (and terminating) Rogue Primes - in part thanks to the special Sidearm Seraphis Agents carry. To underestimate Solo is to take a gamble – and Harry Solo never loses at Cards.

They are all Members of the Seraphis Institute, a Group of British Scientific Trouble-shooters charged with investigating our changing world - and help protect it. Privately Funded, and answerable to no one but themselves - the world is lucky they hold themselves to the highest moral standards. All operatives are equipped with the latest advances in technology, freely provided by Varian (who has ties to the Institute) - including the most up to date equipment and weaponry.

Whilst the day to day running of the Institute is down to Major Colt - but Dr Steele, his adopted Daughter Jenna, and Harry Solo decide on the placements and make all the strategic decisions, whilst all planning and long term thinking is done by the Metatron - the Institutes A.I. Computer, created by Varian Blackwood and donated to the Institute.

The Seraphis Institute were spectacularly Sculpted by talented Ian Mountain.

A Brief Encounter (No Complications Part III)

It was a dark night, the darkest night - Katsumi and Akihiro had retrieved the Data from the London Uni-Tech installation, but how and why Uni-Tech had come into possession of Doctor Pendleton's research into Project Re-Birth was beyond them - Pendleton had been seconded to British Intelligence, and as such his work was extremely classified - what was a Corporation doing with it.

Katsumi and Akihiro stood there as the Carrion advanced - Akihiro ran to the left, drawing the Carrion away from the Giaour that was herding them - whilst Katsumi made straight for the bastard.

Flipping forward over three Carrion, Katsumi drew her sword as she 'flew' - and as she landed made a downward strike towards the disgusting self-mutilated face of the Giaour, it all happened so fast all the Giaour could do was look surprised as the blade swiftly pressed downwards - first through his skull, then his brain, only stopping to be drawn out after it had penetrated his spine by exactly six inches - THATS how precise Katsumi normally was.

Akihiro fell to his side at speed, rolled and came up shooting - his silenced machine weapon lit up the night, the glare showed each Carrion in turn - there hollow horrific faces showing no emotion, no reaction to the glare and the repeated "phut, phut, phut" of Katsumi's weapon as it fired.

Akihiro kept the shots at neck and head height, as the only way to disable a Carrion is to destroy the brain or remove the head - although he personally found it 'disturbing' to decapitate them, as the parts still seemed to be 'alive'.

One by one the Carrion dropped, but there just seemed so many of them - Akihiro started to worry he would have to reload when the remaining few were on top of him - he knew he could take them all in close combat, but who knows what might happen to him if he got even a scratch off one of the filthy things.

After killing the Giaour, Katsumi swung around - spinning her sword in a wide arc at the necks of the three Carrion that were closing in on her - one by one their heads dropped to the ground, and one by one their bodies followed.

Akihiro and Katsumi stood between the gory remains of their assailants, and spoke to each other heatedly in their native tongue - such an angry sounding language, but then again the conversation was heated.

"YOU LEFT WHAT BEHIND" Akihiro's exasperation at his partners absent minded "leaving behind" of one of her tools was difficult to conceal, so difficult he failed completely.

"I am sorry honourable Husband, it was a mistake I will correct immediately" - Akihiro knew what that meant, they would have to return to Uni-Tech in London, and retrieve the lost implement.

And this time, it wasn't going to be as easy  . . . . .

The Plan (No Complications Part II)

Doctor Victor Makalay stood over the map table, leaning forward with his fists on the table supporting his weight - he was scowling.

In this light, with his black hair and goatee beard he looked like the very Devil Pisacha thought to herself.

Makalay was the most powerful Rogue Prime she had ever met, even Pisacha's own powers could not influence him. Pisacha was a "control" Prime - Dr Makalay had theorized that it wasn't telepathy, but rather the Virus had altered her glands and her pheromone strength and production was off the charts - no man could resist her, and she hated it. 

Her own father had taken "advantage" of her, this was before she knew how to control her gift - at that point in her life, all her power did was draw men to her like a Moth to a Flame. Still she had survived, Makalay found her crying one day - hiding in the woods out the back of her fathers Shack - a dangerous proposition for anyone, adult or child since the first day.

Makalay was a VERY powerful Telekinetic - Pisacha watched as the Doctor literally tore her Father apart with his mind, and she was glad.

She loved Makalay like a true Father, a strong and nurturing father - someone to look up to.

Makalay continued to scowl at the map, it was obvious there was something seriously bothering him.

"Something wrong Doctor", Pisacha's tone was soft and caring - there was genuine concern for her friend in the tone.

"Agents Macau and Clark continue to be thorns in my side" he looked up with Thunder in his eyes, as soon as he saw Pisacha's beautiful face - it always calmed him some how. Even though she couldn't control him, she did still influence him on some level - but at least it was in a positive way.

"Macau and Clark are Uni-Tech lapdogs" Pisacha remarked "The have no idea what's going on in Britain, or even that Jorogumo Industries have operatives there helping us with the Uni-Tech issue"

"Yes, I know" Continued Makalay "and I fully agree, and negotiations with Jorogumo Industries went well, but I STILL don't trust them or their Motives" His face dropped, Pisacha could see he was tired that leading the Brotherhood was weighing heavily on him - and since Doombringer disappeared he had been shouldering the burden alone.

"We NEED that information" he perked up a little, standing upright away from the map table "if Katsumi and Akihiro can retrieve it with no complications, we can move onto the next phase"

"The next Phase" Pisacha thought to herself "Makalay liked using that term a lot".

Pisacha often wondered how much the provisional American Government knew, it had been over 30 years since the first day of the 'new world' as it came to be known - I wonder if these floundering Politicians knew how much control Uni-Tech exerted over the world. The answer of course was they simply didn't, as they couldn't even decide they weren't 'provisional' after 30 years it was obvious they had no clue about anything else.

Doctor Makalay picked up the map from the table and crumpled it into a small ball with his hands, it was almost as if he was strangling the map - like it was some vile enemy he wanted to end the life of.

He looked at Pisacha and smiled a dark and evil smile - she shuddered a little.

"Time for Some Direct Action" he said . . . . . 

Industrial Espionage (No Complications Part I)

In the darkness they waited, patiently and silently - clad in dark grey and equipped only with seemingly primitive weapons.

The Uni-Tech guard circled the compound once, twice, three times. After the third time Akihiro had a good idea of timing. He nodded to his partner, Katsumi. She nodded in return and slipped through the hole she had cut into the fence earlier - moved over to the other side of the enclosure and dropped to the ground. With the colour of her clothes and blackened weapons, face down to the ground she was practically invisible - Akihiro admired her greatly, in more ways than one.

Mister Satoshi their CEO at Jorogumo Industries - had given them their instructions, take a Cargo plane from Tokyo - land at an abandoned Airstrip just outside of London. Hidden there they will find an Armoured Car, Fuel, Anti-Dino Equipment (Pheromone Sprays, Lures etc) - drive to the East Wall London Gate, it would be difficult - the south of England is as infested with Random Dinosaurs and Walking Road Kill as it can get. When you get there climb then drop over the wall, get to the East London Uni-Tech Labs - break in un-noticed, steal the latest Re-Birth research. Then exit the Uni-Tech compound, and return the way they came.

So far it had been 'by the numbers', apart from those four Giaour "chancers" trying to take them on when they stopped after getting a Carrion stuck around the axle of the Armoured Car there had been zero problems.

Katsumi waited for the Guard again, and for the fourth time, roughly ten minutes later, he passed by - and for the fourth time he didn't notice where the fence had been cut and wired so as not to break the connection and set off the alarm. Katsumi dashed away into the darkness, totally graceful and totally silent.

She returned some ten minutes later, and again dropped to the ground. For the Fifth the guard rounded the corner, the cut of his red Uniform catching the moonlight. Katsumi stayed completely still, as he stopped literally inches from her - scanned around himself - then carried on with his endless repetitious march around the grounds.

Katsumi looked up at Akihiro who nodded. Katsumi nodded back, and with a flash was back through the break in the fence and had laced it back up. The sprinted back to the wall - the section guard was sleeping soundly when the scaled the section of the wall they came into the City over. Akihiro injected him with the tranquilizer antidote - he would wake up shortly with a hangover, but at least they didn't have to kill him. Akihiro and Katsumi effortlessly climbed down the outer wall and sprinted off into the night.

15 minutes later, the arrived at where they had left the Armoured Car.

One of the four Giaour they thought they had killed was waiting, leaning against the Armoured Car casually. It was obvious he was not alone, that he had 'friends' with him.

Then Akihiro and Katsumi heard the groaning, and 30 Carrion lumbered out of the darkness towards them . . . . . .

Bad For The Future

1964 - Unitech HQ, London. Current Managing Director Auric Fröbe is looking at the quarterly returns, his personal Assistant Katherine "Kitty" Gale is sitting casually to his right. 

"This isn't right", Aurics Austrian accent betrays his ancestry every time he speaks. "These returns show the company is failing, yet we know that not to be true". 

Kitty gracefully rose to her feet, slinked her way over to her boss and gently rested her hand on his shoulder. "Those reports can't show ALL Unitech's profits my dear", she smiled ever so slightly. "The Government can never know where Unitech makes its real money surely - illegal activities all over the globe, not to mention our unsavoury medical research".

"True, true". Auric threw the papers down on his desk, almost as if he was forced to agree - even though he knew Kitty was spot on with her observation.

"What about Project Re-Birth" he asked, "Any progress there" - our Scientists insist creating a viable embryo is decades away - the technology or research simply does not exist yet" Kitty's voice showed her irritation, she knew Auric knew this - but he kept pushing the research team for progress and information. 

"It's NOT GOOD ENOUGH", Auric was shouting - his face red with rage and frustration. Kitty knew what that mean, he was planning something drastic. "Tell Mr Smith and Mr Glover to bring in Von Claus, take his family too - we need leverage" . . . . .

"Are you sure that's the right thing to do", the concern in Kitty's voice was more than apparent, "Those two are little more than thugs, they always make a mess".

"They get things DONE", Auric was no longer shouting - he's voice was stern and direct. Kitty was no fool, she knew when to back down, "You can clean up after them as usual".

"Yes, Mr Fröbe". Kitty calmly walked out of the office. "Von Claus", she softly uttered to herself, "I know the mans a genius, but this could be very bad for the future" . . .

The R.D.S. Virus

The Dino-Parks were a vision of the Uni-Tech corporation (the business that funded the research) for the future, a vision of them making a LOT of money, they no only saw them as a gateway to providing the holiday experience of a lifetime (and charging a ridiculous amount of cash for the priviledge) - a lot of the Technicians and Scientists involved in the project saw it as a way of potentially ending world hunger.

The only problem was finding a way to get the long dormant Dino-DNA to combine with modern donor tissue, once that was achieved - using accelerated growth cloning techniques (though illegal, Unitech still intended on using ANY resources available to achieve their goal) - they used the DNA and Chemical makeup of a Virus as a "carrier" . . . . .

R.D.S. Virus (Reactive De-evolution Syndrome Virus) - and its attempted Cure, has led to all sorts of problems. Mutants with Human and Dinosaur traits roam the barrens outside the surviving walled cities, totally rejected by society - unlike their more physically accepted Mutant Brethren dubbed "Primes" by the Government. Carrion wander in formless bands preying on the weak and defenseless, and the Ghoulish Giaour feast of the flesh of Carrion and Human alike.

An Early S.D.Z.A. Timeline

Here is the Early S.D.Z.A. Timeline, it runs up till 1983 - then, as things got confusing it got sketchy and hard to keep up with. As each City State started keeping their own Histories, and most of these conflict/contradict (what I am saying is you really need to read all the fluff LoL).

1955
Uni-Tech enters the public eye, with the demonstration by Cytogeneticist Joe Hin Tjio working with Albert Levan that there are forty-six human chromosomes - this important research was fully funded by Uni-Tech.

1959
Uni-Tech, through Texas Instruments (a Uni-Tech subsidiary) introduces "the Micro Chip”.

1962
British Intelligence and the Central Intelligence Agency of the USA begin their investigations of Uni-Tech – who were they, where did their funding come from – all is a mystery.

1963
Kennedy is Assassinated - Kennedy was preparing to amend the National Labour Relations Board statutes and various Internal Revenue Service statues that would prevent foreign flag shipping from being exempt from American income taxes, Uni-Tech knew this would benefit their competitors thus weakening their financial stranglehold on American Business Practices. Both British Intelligence and the CIA suspect Uni-Tech’s Involvement – but cannot prove it.

1964
Jacob Nexus begins his investigation of Uni-Tech in earnest, starting with the London Office - his findings point towards Auric Fröbe and his personal Assistant Katherine "Kitty" Gale having particularly dark pasts. This Investigation will lead him all over the world.

1971
Whilst Jacob Nexus is on a Mission to Nevada - investigating Willard Dean, an eccentric Billionaire – he is killed. Nexus is miraculously restored, and for the first time exhibits full bodily Regeneration - when he fully recovers, he quite literally is a new man.

London Bridge is brought to the U.S. - the process is funded by Uni-Tech, it is not known why.

1974
U.S. President Nixon resigns. It is privately known that Uni-Tech were at least in part responsible for his resignation.

1975
Uni-Tech begins its plans for the revivification of Dinosaurs in earnest, to facilitate this quickly - they use (in theory) harmless DNA from a Bacteriophage Virus  (A virus that normally only affects Bacteria) the rate a Bacteriophage Virus replicates itself is going to be a boon when speeding up the cellular replication during the cloning process.

1976
The First Dinosaurs begin to "grow" in the controlled growth tanks at a Uni-Tech research Laboratory in Nevada. The three Compsognathus test subjects reach full maturity in just 30 Days.

1978
The First Test-Tube Baby is born finally proving the Medical Viability of the Re-Birth process.

Uni-Tech, now having reached a position where they can literally "Grow" any Dinosaur species they want in a matter of weeks – announce their plans to create Dinosaur Wildlife preserves around the world, that the basic "tour" would have a nominal cost of entry to the public - but "V-I-P" tours would be available for those with a yen to get closer to these amazing Animals.

1981
The first Dino-Parks start to open, outside Windsor in the UK, Las-Vegas in the USA, Saint-Tropez in Europe, Sydney in Australia.

The first publicly seen "Primes" start to appear - in London a Boy picks up and throws a Car whilst having a Tantrum, whilst in New York a man "Flies" to save a woman who's fallen out of a fourth story window. Scientists are baffled; there is seemingly no explanation for this.

1982
Smaller Dino-Parks start opening all over the world - by this time Uni-Tech have re-created Prehistoric Plant Life as well. Despite some "shaky" research, Uni-Techs plans are going well - and they are hailed as the "Saviours of the Modern Age" - as their new cellular replication processes could theoretically end Poverty and Famine.

The first Carrion "outbreak" takes place in Pennsylvania - the cities of Pittsburgh and Monroeville are the first to get overrun. The outbreak started in a factory just outside of Pittsburgh. Within weeks such outbreaks are taking place all over the world.

A Carrion Outbreak in the Nevada Desert causes the Dinosaurs to escape the enclosures at the Dino-Park nearby. Chaos ensues; pretty soon Las Vegas is overrun by Carrion and the various Carnivores that escaped the Park start picking off survivors trying to exit the city. By the time a Nuclear Strike is agreed to by the Pentagon - it is too late. As by then Victorville, Barstow and Baker are overrun and it decided the collateral damage will be too great. 

A tall robed figure is seen directing the Carrion, and strange half-human looking road-warrior are seen carrying primitive weapons.

For some reason there seems to be way more Dinosaurs at large than there were present in the enclosures at the Las Vegas Dino-Park.

1983
Dinosaur Attacks are becoming more and more Widespread, and the Carrion are turning into a more immediate problem - fortunately the Dinosaurs stop the Carrion from completely taking over. A Nuclear response is deemed as no longer viable – because the problems are too wide spread now.

Things start to settle down, time and resources are found to erect huge walls around the surviving Cities. Thou a lot of communities have food, water, and medicines – ‘civilization’ as we knew it, is now spread quite thinly - it’s obvious it’s going to be hard to survive.

A Prime calling himself "Hypnos" declares himself the King of Detroit. Armed forces are deployed to remove him, those who aren't killed - join him unquestioningly.

Similar Prime Overlords start springing up all over the globe - NATO makes a judgement call; it is believed the Primes (dubbed 'Homo-Superior' by the scientific community) are as much of a Threat to the World as the Dinosaurs or the Carrion - if not more so. Cities and Towns where such Overlords arise and they have taken full control are subjected to Nuclear Strikes – it is obvious we are more afraid of these superior beings, than we ever were of the Dinosaurs or the Carrion.

Belinsky, in Russia, is one such place that was nuked to stop the Prime there from raising an army. From the nuclear wasteland that was once the town of Belinsky - a lone individual is  seen walking from the blasted remains. After walking nearly ten miles, he confidently approached to the Military Observation post set up to monitor the strike and spoke - "I am Doombringer, like me the Brotherhood shall rise anew" – Doombringer then jumped hundreds of feet into the air, and bound away in a series of huge powerful leaps.

It was quickly realized the Nuclear Strikes made things worse - smaller Nations, now controlled by Prime Overlords launched Nuclear Weapons of their own - irradiating large areas of land (areas which became known as the barrens) and accelerating the spread of the Carrion threat in some cases. Cannibalism becomes rife in far off communities with no resources - these Cannibals look so dreadful and smell so bad, even the Carrion ignore them.

The Primes, in particular the Brotherhood are a worrying factor – something that needs to be watched and controlled – more so even than the Dinosaurs or the Carrion.