The Externals:
Awakenings
Part the First: Cataclysm

BY Steven Crosby

In ages long past, in the days when Atlantis stood strong and the greatest
of the Eternals had yet to be born, the Deviants were masters of Earth. From
their base on Lemuria and with their mastery of genetics, they subjugated
land after land, until all but Atlantis itself stood against the threat of
the Deviants.

However, while the Deviants were ever confident in their victory over the
humans, there were still the Eternals to contend with. This was to become
the topic of a meeting between the Deviant council...

"The Eternals will not dare interfere in our affairs!" Phraeg, the Deviant
emperor, raged at the assembly. "They are weak, dedicating their lives to
study and contemplation. They will ignore us until we turn our sights on
them, and by then it will be too late!"

"Perhaps, emperor," a high-ranking Deviant geneticist said. "Or perhaps the
Eternals wait until we have succeeded, so that they can destroy us and take
control of a ready-made empire. As the years go by, they will only get
stronger, while we are unable to predict the capabilities of our
successors."

Phraeg glared at Huniw, the geneticist, with his bulging black eyes. He
knows the truth of those words, for he is nothing like his father, Prepheg.
"We are all aware of the weakness of the Deviants, Huniw. While all
assembled here are the strongest of our race," To which a great cheer rose.
"Our children could very well end up amongst the weakest. But while we vary
physically, it is our unity that has allowed us to dominate the humans. And
our unparalleled genius, of course." Phreag nods to Huniw.

"And as usually, my liege, our genius will prove the undoing of the
Eternals." Huniw stands to address the entire assembly. "While Spore ended
as a failure, its initial success did manage to weaken the Eternals enough
to allow our accomplishments thus far. These past weeks, I and my assistants
have performed extensive studies on humans, hoping to find the potential for
another weapon within those genes."

"Were your attempts successful?"

"We believe so." Huniw cracks the whip of his tail. At the signal, his
various colleagues stand and pass out pieces of parchments. "What you are
all being given is a genome that we have found in certain individuals.
Unfortunately, the genome is latent, and beyond our current science to
activate. It is our belief that the genome is the product of the Celestials,
with an incubation period of hundreds, perhaps thousands of years."

Phreag looks over the notes, finding no flaws. "If what you say is true,
Huniw, then this information is of no use to us. By the time this genome is
activated among humanity as a whole, they will already be wiped out, along
with the Eternals."

"Not necessarily, Emperor Phreag," Huniw contested. "You will also find
amidst the notes that this genome is particularly susceptible to
manipulation and bonding. While we are unable to activate, we can graft
other genetic abilities that would activate with the genome. Our studies
have shown that it may serve to shorten the incubation period, and even
increase the original potential of the genome."

"Nevertheless, the end result would still occur long after our final
victory. While your discovery is appreciated, Huniw, it has no real value."
The Emperor then stood out and extended his powerful wings, as though to
encompass the assembly. "I see no need to put this matter to vote, and so I
declare this meeting over."

Together with his guard, Phreag takes to the air, flying above his "equals"
to his quarters far above. Slowly, then with increasing activity, the rest
of the assembly does the same. Huniw ignores the few mocking voices and
heads for his laboratory, where his fellow geneticists await him.

Upon entering the vast lab, Huniw accepts a chart given to him and looks
over it. "This is not good. If these geological studies are correct,
Atlantis could hold back our forces for centuries. While it would hasten the
destruction of their realm, I don't doubt they would rather take us with
them."

"Exactly, Huniw," The elderly Deviant lisps. "Include the probabilities of
rebellion, and the time it would take for the Eternals to sufficiently
recover for an attack, and we may never achieve total victory."

Handing the chart back, Huniw looks up at the dozens of cylinders lined
along the wall of the lab. Within each cylinder, there floats a single human
being. "Perhaps, old friend, but the time will come when we will have the
advantage again. The grafting has been completed?"

"Yes, though I hesitate to ask why you ordered it done when you knew the
Emperor wouldn't allow it."

"Because I know the Emperor is a fool who cares only about conquest. Even if
this isn't necessary, imagine the scientific value. The strands of genetic
material that we grafted to these humans were taken directly from the
Eternals, and once they activate, the subject will possess both amazingly
enhanced power as well as immortality!"

Huniw studies the subjects in the cylinders again. "Arrange for most of
these humans to be relocated across the empires, and make sure they are
carefully monitored. While their fertility has been greatly enhanced, it
wouldn't do for them to die before they procreate."
Finally, Huniw points to one of the cylinders. "But leave this one on
Lemuria. Further experiments may be needed in the future, and this one has
the potential for the most power." Huniw throws his head back and laughs,
whipping his tail all about. "Imagine it, with the X-genome these humans
possess, the Deviants will someday have an army of their own Eternals!"   

Many, many years later, a small band of individuals, evading the sentries
from their small barge, sneak into the harbor of the capital city of
Lemuria, nicknamed the City of Toads. Many would see this as a typical band
of adventures: a thin and sickly sorcerer, a strong and able warrior, a
small and wiry thief, a woman of surpassing beauty, and a mysteriously
cloaked figure. Indeed, even their mission tonight is typical of their kind:
destroy the alchemy lab to help Atlantis resist Lemurian attacks.

Stepping onto shore with his sword drawn, the warrior watches the night for
signs of an ambush. "You are certain the fog got us through Steban? Deviants
have always been unpredictable in regards to magics."

"I'm aware of that Krakark," The sickly mage wheezed out. "But our ally has
told us that none of the sentries possessed the necessary power to see us.
Of course, it's anyone's guess as to how far he can be trusted."

The cloaked figure ignored the comment, trekking to shore with the others.
"A patrol will come by shortly. The secret entrance to the lab is this way."
Gesturing ahead, he continued forward, confident that the others would
follow. He wasn't disappointed.

His narrow eyes constantly searching for signs of light amidst the shadows,
the thief crept alongside the cloaked figure. Finally the figure stopped and
pointed. "That wall has been specially treated. Though it appears solid, it
is in actuality a poisonous gas. Drink from the vials I gave each of you
earlier, and you will be able to survive." With that, the cloaked figure
stepped through the wall, most to the astonishment of the others.
Reluctantly, they drank up and followed through.

Feeling their way down the passageway, the dark-skinned woman moved
alongside Krakark. "Do you believe our mission will be a success, Krakark?
Our mysterious benefactor may be leading us into a trap."

"Do not worry, dear Fen," Krakark soothes, placing his massive arm around
her. "My sword shall protect you from all harm."

They bump into the cloaked figure, which had suddenly stopped. They shivered
at his touch and at his stare. "We are here. There will be several guards to
deal with, but these will be humans. Once they are dealt with I will place
the device to the destroy the lab and we can sneak away in the confusion."

Drawing back his fist, the cloaked figure smashes through the wall to reveal
the lab on the other side. With a roar, the adventures burst in searching
for enemies to slaughter. They found two men in the back of the lab,
obviously expecting them.

Krakark looks at the cloaked figure, shock and amusement on his face. "What
odd form of treachery is this?"

Harshly laughing with amusement, the cloaked figure grasps his hood and
pulls it back. "The sort of treachery made in deals, foolish barbarian!" The
adventures gasp in shock at the face of their supposed benefactor. It is the
face of a vampire, more specifically the Lord of all Vampires: Varnae!

Reaching out with uncanny speed, Varnae tears out Steban's throat. Tossing
the corpse aside, he casually licks the blood off his hand. "Consider him
the lucky one. Do what you want with them Atra, but don't think to
double-cross me."

Atra, the great Lemurian alchemist, chuckles. "You're welcome to the thief,
Varnae. You'll get what you want after I get what I want." He signals to the
soldier with him, who then draws his sword and attacks.

"Keep behind be Fen," Krakark yells as he raises his sword to meet the
soldier. He tries to block out the screams of his thieving friend with the
clangs of steel on steel. Time seems to freeze as the two combatants engage
themselves. Krakark finally emerges victorious, his blade a foot into the
soldier's chest. Drawing it forth from its sheath of flesh, Krakark points
the bloodied weapon at Atra. "You are next, foul warlock." Varnae just
stands by and does nothing.

Atra just laughs and points behind Krakark. "One enemy at a time, foolish
barbarian."

Krakark turns, and his eyes widen in shock at the sight before him. The man
he'd just killed is on his feet! Before Krakark's eyes, the gaping wound
closes, and the soldier strides forward, a merciless grin on his face.

Roaring, Krakark holds his sword high and charges the undying foe. All the
soldier does is raise his hand and chant. Sweat seems to pour forth from
every pore on Krakark's body, as he feels the very liquid in his veins
abandon him. All that reaches the soldier is the dust that blows across the
floor.

Laughing hideously, the soldier looks to Atra for approval, and at Fen with
lust. Noticing this, Atra slowly shakes his head. "I am most pleased, and
for that you may have the wench. But for now we have an agreement with Lord
Varnae here."

Varnae strides past the terror-stricken Fen and eyes the blood on the
soldier's chest with hunger in his eyes. "As we agreed, Atra. I gave you a
man that could kill your soldier in fair combat. Now I shall take that which
was promised me, the blood of an immortal!"

His fangs gleaming in the dim light, Varnae lowers his head and brings them
to the soldier's neck, straight for the jugular. The soldier, being an
honorable man that keeps his promises and no longer fears death, relents. As
he fells the long, razor sharps fangs penetrate through his skin, a pang of
terror touches his heart. Like so many others, he struggles against the grip
of the Lord of Vampires.

As Varnae drained the soldier of all his blood, he felt an exhilarating
sensation throughout his undead body. Not even when he volunteered to become
this world's first vampire had he felt such power, such life. Varnae had
planned to only take a pittance of this man's blood, but the power seemed to
feed his eternal thirst. Before Varnae had known it, he'd drained all of the
blood from the soldier. And yet, though the soldier was undoubtedly dead,
the blood was as succulent and enriching as ever.

His victim drained of all fluids; Varnae dropped the bone-white figure to
the floor and turned to Atra, blood dripping from the corners of his mouth.
"A delicious morsel. If that is what your pale attempt of a copy tastes
like, I shall enjoy an Eternal very much."

Smiling malevolently, Atra nods to the Lord of Vampires and extends his
hand. He was hoping Varnae would be willing to bargain further. "Should you
assist us, Varnae, you will feast on Eternals to your hearts content. This
soldier here is one of many such humans the Deviants had engineered. We
offer them all for you to feed once they develop their power. All we ask is
a minor favor that will require very little work on you and your minions."

Varnae was only half listening. With rapt attention he saw that his puncture
wounds had vanished on the soldier's neck, and that color was rapidly
returning to his face. It was taking all of Varnae's vast will not to grab
the victim and feast again. Atra notices this, and his smile widens.

"You see how quickly they recover. Imagine gorging yourself on just one of
them for hours on end. Do you not feel the power coursing through your veins
even now? What I offer you is limitless power, Varnae. The opportunity to
feed on as many of these humans for as long as you desire, and they are
nothing compared to the Eternals."

His eyes bloodshot, and his body shaking with the urge to feed, Varnae
quickly nods and answers as though he was a child. "For this, I would give
anything. As we what you desire, alchemist, and I swear to you that it will
be done." Then, unable to resist further, Varnae grabs the now
semi-conscious soldier and tears his fangs into the poor man's neck.

When Varnae has once again finished, Atra carefully places himself between
the vampire and the victim. "All I ask, Lord of all Vampires, is that you
and your brethren seek out the many altered families throughout the world.
You must see to it that none die childless. Someday the children of these
families will develop powers, and that will be the time for you to strike.
After they arise from natural, vampire-free deaths, you will be more than
welcome to feed from them."
Atra slowly reaches into a compartment within his robes, and extracts many
leafs of parchment. "These are the names of the families. I trust you will
stay with our bargain?"

Like a wild animal, Varnae snatches the parchments from Atra and glances
over the names. The gleam in his eye is reminiscent of a child in a candy
store. "I will honor this agreement, alchemist. I shall see to it that none
of these cattle die before they are ready for the slaughter." He sneaks a
final lust-filled glance at the soldier, hoping for another feeding.
Unfortunately, Atra stands strong, and the living shadows fail to escape
Varnae's attention. With a final nod and a smile of bloodstained fangs,
Varnae dissipates into mist, and silently vanishes.

Pleased with the events that have taken place, Atra helps the soldier to his
feet. "You have done well, my pupil. Varnae has now been placed in a state
of self-confidence, and his actions will lead your people towards an intense
hatred of his kind."

His hand to his still-healing neck, the soldier tries to speak. After
several attempts, he wheezes, "My-hungh-people?"

"Yes, your people. Your family was chosen to remain on Lemuria because they
had the greatest genetic potential. Now that you have awakened, they shall
be scattered and watched for further signs of development. You are the first
and most powerful of your future race, and will therefore be ruler among
them."

Though still in extreme pain, ambitious thoughts lurk through the soldier's
mind. "I shall rule. I shall lead my forces to the gates of Olympia, and
Zuras himself will kneel before me."

Atra allows himself to laugh. "There can be no doubt that you shall break
Olympia, but Zuras will never kneel. Instead his bones will crush under you
feet, and his atoms will scatter at you command. And now that you have
awakened, it is now time to name you. What would you be called, future
conqueror of the Eternals?"

The soldier looks down at the few remaining ashes of Krakark, the man that
killed for the first time. "He fought me well and honorably. Because of his
bravery and skill, I have ascended to near-godhood. I shall honor my foe by
taking his name. From this day forward, I am Krakark!"

The newly named Krakark now eyes the beautiful Fen, frozen with both fear
and Atra's spells. "Now that I have honored my foe's courage, it is only
fair that I honor my victory."

Atra nods at Krakark's suggestion, undoing the spells he did around Fen. "As
you wish. I will send my guards by in the morning to dispose of the body."

Atra turns to leave the lab, even as Krakark slowly stalks the fair Fen. As
Atra locks the heavy door and strides down the hall, he smiles in response
to the blood-curdling screams echoing throughout the building. Yet they all
pale in comparison to the screams now rattling behind that closed door.
Krakark celebrates his ascension with much enjoyment, while the once fair
and pure Fen surrenders to torments beyond belief.

Scarcely five years later, two thin blades clash in the training hall of the
guards to the Alchemists Guild. The dancing, flashing blades clash and parry
and thrust, as their wielders move instep to avoid and strike. One
combatant, an older, grizzled man, starts to breath heavily and perspire
more rapidly, while his younger opponent still shows no signs of tiring.
Finally, the youngster strikes at just the right spot, and the blades goes
flying from the older man's hand.

Beaming with his victory the younger man lightly strikes the older man at
the side of the throat, careful not to draw blood. "My game Golam. Again.
You're good, but age and defeat are starting to get to you."

Trying to catch his breath, Golam looks up at his "friend" in annoyance.
"Not all of us can stay young forever, Krakark. Why do you insist on
practicing swordplay anyway? With your power, an army of the best swordsmen
ever wouldn't have a chance."

Krakark shrugs as he picks up Golam's sword and puts it away with his own.
"I honestly don't know. Perhaps it's a desire to remember the days when I
was still normal and could be killed. Also, as Atra seems to enjoy reminding
me, there are many things out there that even my powers couldn't deal with.
That's why he insists on teaching me alchemy and magic. A good thing he did
too, else I would have missed on the making of the crowns."

Golam looks up at Krakark, confused. "Crowns? I thought there was just that
Cobra Crown they made to enhance mental powers."

Krakark laughs, shaking his head. "That's what Atra wants everybody to
think. In truth, another crown was created before the Cobra Crown, dubbed
the Serpent Crown. It is so powerful, that Atra created the Cobra Crown in
an attempt to duplicate its power. But, while the Cobra Crown is not as
powerful, it still serves as a decoy away from the Serpent Crown."

Golam undoubtedly has more questions in mind, but the klaxon sounds,
signaling that there is an emergency. Together, the two leave the training
hall and hurry to find an alchemist. Finally, Krakark finds Mephos in his
laboratory. "Mephos, what has occurred? Speak up man!"

Engrossed in an experiment, Mephos takes some time to acknowledge Krakark
and Golam. "Greetings Krakark, Golam. I apologize if the alarm had upset
your workout, but our very existence is at stake. You are aware that the
Second Host of Celestials has arrived?"

The both nodded. "That is common knowledge, Mephos," Golam urgently says.
"Just as it is common knowledge that Emperor Phraug ordered an attack upon
them. No doubt the technology we acquire from the Celestials will mean the
utter destruction of Atlantis."

Mephos shakes his head, still studying his notes. "Atlantis is no longer a
threat. Though they have managed to drive off our forces, the price was
heavy. The bedrock beneath Atlantis is unstable, and has deteriorated beyond
repair. It has been estimated that Atlantis will sink into the ocean within
a decade."

Krakark laughs, as he and Golam celebrate this news. "This is marvelous! At
last Lemuria will rule the world. And with the spaceships of the Celestials,
all the universe shall fall before us."

Again Mephos shakes his head. "Alas, Krakark, that shall not be. The
Celestials are billions of years ahead of us, with weapons that could
destroy our planet in seconds. The Deviants will fail in their attack, and
the Celestials will destroy Lemuria in punishment."

Anger and confusion flash through Krakark's mind, as he takes in this news.
"That cannot be! The Deviants are the most powerful forces on Earth!"

"And the Celestials created them. We are nothing more that dust motes to
such beings. Phraug has killed us all. Except you, Krakark, of course."

That he will survive means nothing to Krakark. If Lemuria falls, he will not
attain the command he was promised. "What if we rebel? Surely the Celestials
will spare us if we overthrow the Deviants and hand them over?"

Mephos nods. "The alchemists came to that same conclusion. Together with
most of the guild and over half the guards, Atra led an attack on Phraug's
palace. He wears the Serpent Crown, guaranteeing that the attack will not
fail. But I am afraid it is too late, for the Celestials have already
launched their weapon. Phraug and Atra will both die, and Lemuria and
Atlantis will be destroyed shortly after."

Before Krakark can respond, Mephos turns to face him and Golam. His
sightless eyes are filled with sadness, and though he cannot see, he managed
to push an object into Krakark's hands. "You will be all that is left of
Lemuria, Krakark. Only you will be left to continue our destiny. Farewell."
And then it happened.

All Krakark remembered was a blinding white light, a deafening explosion,
and the feeling of a bag in his hands. Then there was nothing but darkness
and despair. Krakark never wanted responsibility, only power. He wanted only
to lead his brethren in glorious conquest against the Eternals at the
bequest of his Deviant masters. Now he has been told that he was to be the
only survivor of Lemuria, and that he would fall on his shoulders to
accomplish the goals of his people. This did far more to him that a billion
deaths ever could.

In flashing pain and slow movement, Krakark awakened into Armageddon itself.
Of Mephos and Golam, there was nothing except shadows on the walls. Of the
laboratory, the entire building, there was rubble and destruction. As
Krakark slowly rose to his feet, he was aware of two things. One was that he
was in more pain that he could ever imagine. The other was that he was
underwater.

If Krakark had been thinking clearly, he would have realized the
catastrophic effects of the Celestial's weapon. He would have realized that
the entire planet had been altered beyond repair, and that the resultant
tectonic shifts and disasters had forced Lemuria to sink beneath the ocean.
He would have then taken solace that Atlantis had suffered a similar fate.
But Krakark could not think straight, because all he knew at the moment was
pain.

Pain like no other enveloped his body, forcing him to swallow vast amounts
of seawater in his attempts to scream. Though he was completely submerged,
Krakark could have sworn that his body was on fire. Again, if Krakark could
think clearly, he would have realized that radiation from the Celestials'
nuclear weapon had seemed into his body. But again, Krakark could not think
clearly, because he has been scarred beyond repair. Scarred both physically
and mentally.

In his maddening haze of pain, Krakark did not care about the hows or whys
of what happened, or that the object he held in his hands was the Cobra
Crown. All he cared about was escape from this torturous prison. He got his
wish.

No sooner had the numbing thoughts entered his mind than the earth beneath
him rumbled, and Krakark found himself atop a steadily rising column of
rock. So shocked was he by this phenomenon, that Krakark failed to notice
that the water seemed to part away from him, for that up until then he had
been breathing the water as if it were air. All Krakark knew was that he was
reaching the surface, and he both yearned for and dreaded what he would
find.

 What Krakark found was a blood red sky and waves in turmoil. What Krakark
found was the rumble of a hundred volcanoes erupting, and the tear of the
Earth's crust grinding and overlapping against itself. What Krakark found
was an empty stretch of ocean, devoid of land and all life. But most
importantly, what Krakark found was a Celestial.

Krakark ignored the fact that the armored figure towered over him like a
mountain towers over an anthill. Krakark ignored the fact that this being
had been capable of destroying his homeland. All Krakark knew was that this
creature had destroyed his homeland, and for that it would pay.

Even Krakark didn't know what he had done. All he knows is that he wanted
the Celestial destroyed, and the earth itself obeyed him. Spiked spires of
rock lashed out at the Celestial, and towering waves of water enveloped it
in an attempt to drive it down. All this and more raged against the
Celestial, and against all this it did nothing.

All the Celestial did was point at Krakark, and tore into him with a beam of
burning heat. Falling backwards into the water, Krakark knew he was dying
again. This time he did nothing to fight it. As the earth and the water
cushioned him and carried him away, Krakark slowly lost his consciousness,
as he just gave up.

Some time later, Krakark found himself alive, much to his displeasure.
Looking at the shifting, chaotic landscape around him, he could only guess
at where he was now. No doubt the weapon unleashed by the Celestials did
more than just sink Lemuria and Atlantis. The face of the planet itself has
been altered. Civilization, as Krakark knew it, has ended.

Surprisingly, this realization brings a smile to Krakark's once despairing
face. No more Deviants. No more Lemurians or Atlanteans. Varnae himself may
even be dead. None exist to oppose me. I'm free to rule and conquer for
myself!

Exuberant, Krakark looks up at the sky, where he knows the Celestials look
down upon this planet; his planet. "Do you hear me Celestials! In you're act
of cleansing, you have handed me the keys of power!" Gingerly holding the
powerful Cobra Crown in his hands, Krakark raises it to the sky and places
it upon his head. His eyes glaze for a moment as he takes in the psionic
power of the crown. Finally, high on the vast power now at his disposal,
Krakark causes the seas to roil and the ground to rise and fall, as though
mocking the Celestials.

Finally, Krakark allows his rampage to subside, and considers the new world
around him. Lemuria was struck directly by that weapon, and Atlantis sunk as
well only because it was already unstable. It stands to reason that other
lands were relatively untouched, and that are still many survivors. From
what I was taught, the Eternals must have survived, and I ca not fight them
alone. That leaves the families of my brethren.

A small smile creeps along Krakark's face as he wills the ground to shift
and carry him away. For the moment, his original mission still stands. He
shall seek out his brethren, and lead them in glorious conquest. Once the
Eternals and the planet are taken under my rule, the Celestials are next. So
swears Krakark!


The Beginning


Author's Note: Thank you all for surviving through another one of my
torturous stories. As you all may have realized by now, this series is going
to be about the Externals, those immortal mutants that were all killed
before MV1 even started. Even though it's virtually impossible to tell
stories about them in modern continuity, I realized that the number of
possible stories about them set in the past are endless. I chose to go with
the more obvious route: their origins. One of the many problems I had with
the Externals was that they had no overall origin or purpose. That will
change.
I've also decided to fix a few other things while I was at it. No doubt
everyone's heard the Serpent Crown of Set, the mind-enhancing device that
was used by Paul Destine for many years. Well, way back when, a duplicate
called the Cobra Crown appeared for no reason. I have now explained its
origin as well. Also, I wanted to feature Varnae in this issue for two
reasons: He's just too damn cool, and I felt there needed to be a sort of
explanation for why the Lord of the Vampires is so powerful. Sure, it could
be because of age, or it could be from the blood of am immortal. You decide.
Krakark is my own personal creation, and over the series I may even mention
other families that were destined to begat an External, but was wiped out
beforehand. Next issue will feature the (former) oldest living mutant,
Selene. Because of the time period, you can expect a few other guest stars.
Here's hoping you stick around to see this through. Until then I remain...

Steve Crosby