There's forgiveness… and then there's the Grudge.

ForkLift is generally a fairly forgiving clan - the Originals' backstab, Wet Blanket's scavenging, The Old Boys Club's verbal tirade… all forgiven - but even ForkLift is capable of holding a grudge.

Clan Lupus is the target of this very long-lived slight. Lupus has committed many noble deeds since his first run-in with ForkLift, even assisted the eradication of Clan Pixie from the northern reaches of ForkLift's territory.

However, when you're holding a grudge it's much easier to notice indiscretions than sterling work. Clan swapping, demanding special treatment when trespassing, over-use of the dreaded H-word. Others have committed such sins so why should Lupus be the target of such unrelenting hatred?

A single shot was all it took. Long ago when Clan Nemesis still roamed the sphere, Lupus committed an act of vandalism that may never be forgiven. In the old lands of green stood a monument marking the birthplace of Clan ForkLift. In the past, many of Forklift's enemies had seen this statue, but left it, untouched as their battles with ForkLift raged on. However, the youngling Lupus saw this statue as a threat. Never mind that ForkLift had long ago moved on from this now unimportant zone… Lupus desecrated the holy site with a single shot.

ForkLift could have destroyed this youngling then and there, but instead allowed the wound to fester. "An elephant never forgets", he said, "I don't have any elephants at present, but when I do Lupus, vengeance will be swift and brutal".

The design team had been slack, more interested in the fast and the furious, the plodding elephant remained on the design room floor for a very long time. But recent hostilities with Lupus & co, has seen a change of attitude…. after a flurry of activity the day has finally arrived…

The Day of the Elephant.

04/06/2001