|
|
Post by Vo Kshaa on Jul 31, 2016 23:02:25 GMT
Vo had an emotional roller-coaster as he watched Belle taking the small worn teddy bear and talking about it. At first, he was full of joy when Belle picked it up and kept it to her bosom. From the memories Belle shared with him long ago on one of their first missions, Vo knew that Belle had one of her first childhood memories connected with this toy. But at a moment later his heart sank when Belle started to talk about her memories she had in the world of that virtual "Commonwealth" she was presented to when she was in her cryogenic sleep. At the same time, when he listened to the whole story, he found it promising that she were keeping those teddy bears in her virtual place and used them to decorate the settlements similar to the way she kept it in her own home. Like with her dog's name, he saw it as a sign that even in the process of the severe brainwash, she managed to save those tiny bits of her own personality and kept it throughout the entire period of her cryogenic sleep. He also thought it might take longer than he expected for her to restore her memories bit-by-bit, but that was something he already accepted as inevitable.
Vo locked the door of the trailer as he followed Belle to the bar, and took his glass of beer in silence as he pondered on what he was going to do next. The visit to Belle's old home returned only slightly positive results, although Vo was happy it didn't have any negative impacts. It turned out Belle made the decision first and Vo nodded in agreement, handing her the keys to her trailer and the Challenger. It saddened him that he'd have to get separated with Belle for his next mission, but at the same time all her points were valid and Chase was a reliable friend who could definitely take care of Belle while Vo was absent.
"Chase is a good friend and a well-respected man," Vo said to Belle, "If you're going to team up with him, I will definitely have no worries of your safety. Besides, he had some memory issues in the past too, so he definitely can relate if you tell him what happened to you. Speaking your memories then, don't fret it if you didn't feel anything returning to you right away. They might come back as some vague feelings at first, or maybe some dreams or flashbacks. But even if they don't, I'm pretty sure you'll find your place in this world and dare I say I'm sure you'll make me proud of you. Here are the keys for your trailer. And the Challenger — it's yours anyway. Good luck with whatever plans you have on this historical salvage and be sure I'll be happy to meet you again once my mission is over."
He stood up, stopping himself just in time before he was going to give Belle a passionate kiss as he had to remind himself she does not see him as a lover anymore, or at least not yet, so he just squeezed her hand slightly as he put the keys in it. As he exited the bar, he looked around for a familiar face who he can take a ride with and noticed a buggy with a badly torn spare wheel on its back.
"A new spare wheel for the owner of this nice roller if we get to Bug'n'Chug it fifteen minutes!"
"You mean breaking five 99'ers' roadblocks for just a wheel? You got to be kidding!" Said a Castithan man as he turned away from a vendor vehicle he was examining.
"Is it that bad this season?" Vo asked with a feign surprise, "50% discount for a shield upgrade then. Say goodbye to blown tires! I also know a safer and a faster way. And all shells I'll spend to protect your ass on our way are free of charge of course," Vo added, patting his Volge Breacher which was slung on his shoulder.
The man looked over the Irathient another time with suspicion, but the discount on the upgrade was too tempting and he reluctantly agreed. When they came to Bug'n'Chug, Vo arranged the upgrade for his partner and took an ATV from his personal garage. This one had a nice ability to change its color each time it was powered up. It was a failed attempt to add a cloak function to it, and it was eating a lion's share of its engine's power, but it was going to last long enough to bring Vo back to the base and that was all that mattered. This time it turned blue when Vo started the engine and Vo immediately thought it matched Belle's eyes. Feeling a little sad he could not share this moment with her, he sat on the runner and continued his way towards the Fortress.
|
|
|
|
Post by Taffer on Jul 31, 2016 23:25:28 GMT
"Taffer wake up!" Taffer heard the voice of Em Dash as he opened his eyes finding himself on the bed in his room at the Fortress Kshaa.
"What is it?" He asked his EGO unit as he slipped into the bathroom to dash some water in his face to shake off the slumber faster.
"Atticus calls you to the War Room," she answered, "Lena's in trouble."
"How… surprising," Taffer thought sarcastically as he donned his usual clothes before pushing the door. He hurried to the War Room as Em Dash informed him on what was known on the incident so far.
"From what I know of Marcel Lestrange," Taffer said after they exchanged quick greetings with Atticus, "He's a very skilled pilot, so he wouldn't just fly the plane into a razor storm or something like that. If it was just a bad weather or technical difficulties, he'd definitely wouldn't panic and he would have enough time to sent a Mayday or at least inform Lena on what was going on. If it happened so suddenly that Lena could not see what it was, I'd expect some anti-aircraft defense in action. With that in mind, if we're still be using an aircraft for speed, I'll suggest a small team on the Riot spaceship for its better shielding than the Gargoyle to make the recon first. We can also bring Dark Mater portals to call for reinforcements even if we find out the sky is dangerous above the spot or in case we're forced to land."
|
|
|
|
Post by Sandy Bell on Aug 1, 2016 1:57:31 GMT
"I'm going, and I'm not taking no for an answer Volodja!" Sandy Belle said, wincing only slightly as Dr. Orion bandaged her ribs tightly, then affixed her breast armor tightly to hold her mending ribs in place, while remarking, "The team is already short handed with Chase and Iri gone, the mercs gone, Erika just gone, and Belle as good as gone. The team NEEDS me!"
"I don't like it, but I'm not crazy enough to argue with a lady of her stubborn lineage! I like my hairy hide where it is," The diminutive Liberata said to Sandy's lover, Volodja Uljanov, adding in a serious tone, "You both should be fine if you take a more supporting role in the mission, and let your EGOs do their jobs in healing you. You two don't have to always take the front row in charging the enemy - my medical budget for this quarter is in the red from just patching you two up!"
"Great, be sure and send my medical release to Atticus," Said Sandy with a big grin on her pretty tanned face as she grabbed her Piper assault rifle, holstered her Wolfhound pistol, and affixed her Ironclad Berserker energy shield to her light armor, then headed out the door of her and Volodja's quarters and to the War Room of Fortress Kshaa to hear the mission briefing.
However, just before Sandy could get out the door, she felt a firm restraining hand on her shoulder as Volodja said, "Are you sure this is what you want to do?"
Sandy grabbed his hand with hers's giving it a loving squeezed before turning, a serious look in her narrowed blue eyes as she replied, "No, maybe not what I want to do, but what I have to do. I want to stay in bed with my lover forever and just forget everyone and everything and make love to him until I die of old age, but see, I'm a soldier, through and through. Those are my team mates in trouble or soon will be, even crazy Lena, and as I said, I'm a soldier. True soldiers never leave a man - or woman - behind! It's a matter of honor! You may take the soldier out of the army, but you'll never take the honor out of a true soldier - and I guess I'm a true soldier first and foremost!"
Sandy kissed Volodja passionately, then grinned at him as she said, "You don't have to go with me, as you've had a rough couple of months and I know you are more scholar than soldier, and I love you for that among a myriad of reasons. Just know I love you Volodja Uljanov, more than life itself," Then she kissed him again before turning and leaving their quarters, partially hoping he would be following her and partially hoping he would not.
|
|
|
|
Post by Volodja Uljanov on Aug 1, 2016 8:34:05 GMT
"I think that I will come along, Sandy," said Volodja looking lovingly into Sandy's blue eyes. "As you mentioned - every unit counts, even slightly dysfunctional one like I am at moment. If I take supporting role this time, I don't see a single reason to stay behind. All I have to do is keep myself out of trouble. And you probably could use someone to watch your behind. Besides I really hate to be apart from you." Before Sandy could reply, Volodja heard a dry cough which made him turn his head. His brown eyes met grave glance of grey eyes of Dr. Wolfram von Eschen who rose his walking cane above them as it was a flaming sword and they were Adam and Eve at the gates of Eden after their condemnation. Archangel Wolfram opened his mouth and asked with stern voice which didn't promised good to poor sinners: "Who was that damned soul who told you about the secret mission? I specifically said to Dr. Orion that they should not tell you anything because you need time to heal your wounds. Tell me the name of that long tongued devil and I make him or her to regret of letting you know about the mission!"  "It was you, Wolfram," replied Volodja with a wide grin. "Nobody else than you. Next time you should consider sharing secrets with good old Liberata Doctor a bit further away from the hearing distance. Someone might overheard your conversation and get interested about the content. Especially when you talk about hiding something from us." "Verdammt!" shouted Wolfram von Eschen. "So I am that long tongued loud mouthed jackass to blame!" "Don't worry about that Wolfram," said Sandy and grinned as well. "It will remain to be our little secret." "Sehr, gut, Liebchen. I won't tell if you don't." |
|
|
|
Post by Marcel Lestrange on Aug 1, 2016 12:08:37 GMT
"By the way, anonymous trespassing Frenchman," said stranger. "How long you do you think you have spent in MY island?"
"Few hours more or less do not mean a thing," replied Marcel.
"Few days more or less don't mean a thing," corrected stranger. "This is my place, as I mentioned before, and I decide who cometh here and how much time one can spend as my guest. And you, my intruder friend, have been here for days. Mostly in state of hibernation. Just like that snow white girl of yours. After you crash landed thanks to my electromagnetic dome which is meant to keep unwanted guests away from my property, I decided to see if you can bring any use to me, instead of disposing you immediately. A humble man has to accept any kind of gifts air or sea delivers.
You were no use to me, no offence, so I let my housekeeper to throw you out. But I see that her simple mind could not find an efficient way to get rid of you for good. Your girlfriend....I believe she is your girlfriend, because when we found you, you were still fondling her breasts, but never mind that detail....Anyway she could offer me more than you did, because she carried acute (that word was pronounced in a way which didn't allow Marcel to understand if there was a gap between a and rest of the word or not) little virus. So I took some samples and begun to search for a cure when she run away..."
"If you poked her with any of your probes or something similar..." begun Marcel threateningly.
"Hush now! I have my own methods to gather blood samples. Without touching her with anything else than..." Man hesitated a bit but then continued: "Since I am in talkative mood, I can tell you one word: "Leeches!"" That is how I get my blood and tissue samples. No need for old fashioned probing at all."
"You use leeches," stated Marcel. "How...medieval. And then you dare to call other methods to be out of date," he continued but was cut off once more.
"Can someone get rid of this...Ignoramus?" asked stranger with painful manner. "You are giving me a headache. My little friends aren't ordinary leeches. They are genetically mutated leeches, full of little intelligent nanites, capable to analyse blood samples they take. Everything in this island is subordinated to me and my will. Absolutely EVERYTHING, including local fauna. And NOTHING will happen without me knowing it. Except that successful attempt to throw you out. That is strange, but not overly strange. My poor dumb Doris probably thought that she could hide her screw up from me, but...She was wrong, because you gave yourself away. As for the good news...
I can tell you, that I am not mind of that mistake of her's. Maybe your girl becomes more cooperative when I have you as my invited gust this time. She should be back soon, I assume. I already sent someone after her. And since we are going to work together...for awhile, then let me introduce myself. I am Doctor...."
Now it was Marcel's turn to cut in, so he declared: "Doctor Euthanasius Todt. The man we were looking for in the hope that you can find cure for my poor Lena. And I am quite sure that you are going to be interested of finding the working medicine."
|
|
|
|
Post by Atticus Batman on Aug 1, 2016 12:19:47 GMT
I was enjoying Lady's company while I was going over Lena's GPS co-ords, checking them against the location I had given them for Doctor E. Todt and then double-cheking all the information I had on him his location and his island when Taffer came in and aproached us.
"From what I know of Marcel Lestrange," Taffer said after they exchanged quick greetings with me, "He's a very skilled pilot, so he wouldn't just fly the plane into a razor storm or something like that. If it was just a bad weather or technical difficulties, he'd definitely wouldn't panic and he would have enough time to sent a Mayday or at least inform Lena on what was going on. If it happened so suddenly that Lena could not see what it was, I'd expect some anti-aircraft defense in action. With that in mind, if we're still be using an aircraft for speed, I'll suggest a small team on the Riot spaceship for its better shielding than the Gargoyle to make the recon first. We can also bring Dark Mater portals to call for reinforcements even if we find out the sky is dangerous above the spot or in case we're forced to land."
I said, "Yes I am sure you are right about Lestrange. However as Lena was alone without any clue as to what happened and she was unarmed, naked.....and I would guess afraid and very much in trouble from what I heard at the end of her mayday, we can not be certain of what happened to them. I do however know that there is no way that Lestrange would have left her alone in such a situation. So he is either dead or whatever brought them down threw him away from the plane and he hasn't been able to relocate it or Lena yet. So given all of that, even if she is unarmed, naked and possibly scared you have to feel sorry for whatever gets in her way BEFORE she can find Lestrange! Somebody is surely in for a LOT of pain!"
 
Then after a quick swig from my Irathiant rum bottle, I continued with, "Now since you mentioned it, Kaj was sent to the Hangar to get the Vigilant and Riot ready for us so we could use either or both of them. I also told him to make sure the Garilu was ready and docked with the Riot as well."
I then glanced back at my computer screen and seeing a message from Kaj in the hangar, I continued with, "It appears he has outdone himself and like you, he thought about the Gargoyle. It seems he has ordered the hangar crews and flight crews to get the Gargoyle ready for flight as well. My suggestion would be that the Gargoyle be left here in case it is needed for something by our Command team here and the main team takes the Riot because as you said it is our fastest aircraft. So we should of course take it and have Kaj and the Vigilant follow with Lebeau's and Yar's commando teams both onboard the Vigilant just in case the shtako has hit the fan and we need the strength of numbers by the time the Vigilant has caught up to us. 
However your Dark Matter portal idea will make a good addition to my suggestion. So I think we should setup some on the Vigilant, load one or two into the Riot and a couple into the Garilu. That way we have several options.
1: If we are able to land the Riot, we can activate it's portals so our commando teams can come through and join us.
2: If the Riot can not land then we have a small team move into the Garilu and we undock it and drop it to the ground from as close as we can get. As it is Dark Matter tech I know it's shielding and shocks can handle such a hard drop if required. Then once that small team is down they activate a portal connected to one aboard the Vigilant so the Commando teams can join us quickly, and activate a portal connected with one on the Riot so everybody except the Riot's pilot can go through and join the team on the ground.
3: It gives us the ability for a quick evac of wounded or quick retreat if needed."
But I suggest we just plan on dropping the Garilu in advance as the scout team. With the Riot team being our backup and relay between all three vehicles. SoI suggest that you or Lu pilot the Riot as you are one of our best pilots although you have taught her and Lady quite well, so Lu and Lady could easily pilot instead if we need it. I will sit at the controls of the Garilu. After all as I am former Shkathe'Nado and Dark Matter and have therfor had extensive training and usage of such vehicles and have even had to participate in such drops during the Pale Wars, I am the best choice to pilot the Garilu in such an event. As nobody actually needs to get into the Garilu until we are almost to the island co-ordinates the whole team can ride in comfort in the main section of the Riot until then.
However when it is time for me to move into my piloting seat in the Garilu, I suggest Vo and Lady join me there with the Constantines and Lu staying in the Riot with you. That would give you two engineers with Lu and Attila with both being good with explosive ordinances as well from what I have seen and been told. That also puts Atika who is an linguist and comm specialist on the Riot that way she can make sure that the Riot, Garilu and Vigilant all are able to maintain a comm link as the Riot's comminications system has a much farther range than the Garilu's. Although I have no doubt Lu could handle the comms as well if needed or preferred. That would give me two people very capable of taking over the Garilu's controls if I need it and Vo's engineering skill. Not to mention two very capable shotgunners which is always good in a recon team and it definitely compliments both my sniping and close-combat skills. There is also Lady's uniquely stealthy recon abilities. Besides given that she managed to flip me over her shoulder without much effort recently while I was teaching her some more advanced self-defense skills I would say she has that covered in case we need to do stealth takedowns and since she was able to point out how she modified the move and her density to comensate for my bigger center mass and center of gravity and make it possible for her to flip me like that, in her own minimalist way, I would say Volodja's out of the box thinking and his lecturing are rubbing off as well. However we have a long flight that gives us plenty of time to disccuss it and rearrange the teams if needed. I also think we should have Archer report to the Vigilant and join one of the Commando teams as her experience could be of use there."
Just then I glanced at my screen and saw a post from Doctor Orion stating that Volodja and Sandy had been released from medical leave but were to take more supportive roles until they have healed more. So I said to Taffer, "It looks like Orion just released Volodja and Sandy from their medical prison to return in a more supportive manner........."
That is when I saw over Taffer's shoulder that the door into the War Room opened and Sandy and Volodja were walking in through it as I continued with, ".......Dak! Speaking of the walking injured, here they are now!"
As Taffer turned to look at them I snapped, "And just what the dak are you two doing here? You are supposed to be taking it daking easy!"
Sandy said, "With all due respect Sir, our friends need us and a soldier does NOT just sit around while others risk their lives. So we ARE going too!"
I glanced at her and Volodja, then Taffer and Lady, as I ignored one of the residual headaches still haunting me and said, "Damn daking stubborn women around here! I would prefer the two of you stay daking here to recuperate and perhaps handle Command if you must be daking useful. However I also daking hate having to sit back on my daking ass while everyone else risks their lives while I feel like I am not giving my all. As such I know just how you daking feel as a warrior. Soooooo....Fine I won't argue. If you two insist on coming then so be it, but you will be on the Riot as part of the support team unless you would rather be on the Vigilant with the Commando teams as part of the emergency cleanup crew instead because neither of you will be on the recon team!"
|
|
|
|
Post by Marcel Lestrange on Aug 1, 2016 13:14:32 GMT
"Do I smell confidence?" asked Euthanasius Todt and sniffed air. "How did you knew my name and location? And my intentions."
"Let's say that a little bird sung me a song about you and your location," answered Marcel. To be true there were several birds who sung about Euthanasius, including Atticus Batman who had business with him couple of times. And Marcel remembered Volodja Uljanov using his memory and reciting his dossier at one moment of their professional life:
"Dr. Euthanasius Todt is not only specialist of biological warfare but also a merchant of death. His favourite business strategy is a method, describable as swinging of offensive and defensive biological weaponry. First he creates deadly virus, selling it to anyone who is interested. Then he comes out with s cure and sells it to people who are interested of protecting themselves from his latest invention. After that he develops a preventive vaccine as well. Once that is done he produces more effective virus and enters the market again. And of course there will be a cure to follow soon after that...He uses the same pattern over and over again! It is definitely repetitive but also annoyingly effective because he always has an edge over anyone else."
Since Lena had a new and unique virus, Dr. Euthanasius w2ill probably want to have a sample, as it promised profits. And since he was damn thorough with everything he did, he would not leave the matter alone,until he finds a working cure to the brain fever and tests it on Lena. That could be a win win situation for both sides - Lena and Marcel will get medicine they need and Dr. Euthanasius gets couple of profitable articles to sell...
But now Lena was on the run and Dr. Euthanasius seemed to be more cunning than Marcel thought he would be. Things seemed to become much more complicated than they should have been...But on the other side, Marcel did not considered the mission to be as easy as visiting a local drug store to obtain some painkillers either, so he was mentally prepared. Not to mention the fact that Lena and him were really good team players and could outsmart this arrogant and overly self confident Doctor. Marcel was sure about that. But where was his beloved Lena?
|
|
|
|
Post by Lena Marr on Aug 1, 2016 16:30:44 GMT
"Where the drek am I?" Though Lena Marr to herself as the creature holding her plodded steadily forward, it's destination still unknown. "Umm... I hope not knowing where we are headed is our worst problem," Hope, her EGO psyche at the moment interjected. "What do you mean?" Asked Lena mentally through the telepathic link she and her EGO psyche shared, but dreading the answer she might get. "Well," Began Hope hesitantly, "When I got online, I noticed a strange aberration in your uterus, but we had more pressing matters trying to find the plane and Marcel, so I didn't think about it much, but its been growing."  "A what in my what is growing," Asked Lena, the feeling of dread increasing in leaps and bounds by the second. "An aberration is defined as a departure from what is normal, usual, or expected, typically one that is unwelcome," Hope began reciting the textbook definition, "In biology, a characteristic that deviates from the normal type. Synonyms for it include anomaly, deviation, departure from the norm, divergence, abnormality, irregularity, variation, digression, freak, rogue, rarity, oddity, peculiarity, curiosity, quirk; mistake - " "Okay - got it - nuff said!" Interrupted Lena, a worried look on her pretty chalk white face, "In my uterus? That's above my vagina, and I'm trying to keep that in good shape for Pooh Bear, soooooo... what is the aberration?" "It looks like a leech, but now that I give it some micro-analysis..." Reported Hope, hesitating for she was not the type that liked to give bad news, "It seems to full of some sort of medical nanos, and they seem to me combining with Dr. Faru's resurrection nanos that you ingested in Alaska when you grabbed a handful from Governor Skarr's headless body and swallowed - " Lena frowned as she interrupted, her teeth clenched in consternation, "How do you know about that! I made sure nobody was looking, everybody being focused on the impending nuclear boom, and I'm pretty sure you were offline by then!" "I have access to your memories, silly!" Replied Hope in only a somewhat teasing tone. "Okay, okay... I had to do something to hold off the brain virus and I had already lost you guys in my head, and was forgetting basic things like how to fly! I was desperate!" Exclaimed Lena defensively, but adding as her wicked grin reappeared on her Castithan face, "Besides, I hadn't eaten all day and I was hungry! Soooooo... to summarize, I have a big leech slash aberration growing in my uterus, with little unknown medical nanos mating with Faru's resurrection nanos which will result in who-knows-what, right?" "Affirmative," Answered Hope, needlessly adding, "And don't forget, the aberration is growing!" "Like I could!" Replied Lena, her thoughts dripping with sarcasm," Then thought, "Oh... oh great, now I'm pregnant! What am I going to tell Marcel when I see him? Hi Pooh Bear! You're the proud father of a baby giant leech! I don't think SO!" "I DO have some good news," Hope said in a forced cheerful manner, "It seems that some of the new combo-nanos have escaped their leech host, and have eliminated the brain virus from your system. That's a good thing I hope!" "Yeaaaaaah, I guess so," Replied Lena, "But I hope that just doesn't mean I'm the little buggers new host who they'll kill when they evolve into who-knows-what and burst out of my body! I saw that movie Alien - and the sequel too!" Just than the giant creature that was holding Lena entered a clearing and stopped in front of her lover Marcel Lestrange and an odd looking white haired human in exercise clothes and music earphones standing on what appeared to be a jogging track that ran through the jungle as far as the eye could see, whereupon Lena waved a chalk white hand as best she could, for her arms were still pressed tightly to her nude body by the steel grip of the monster's clawed hand, before yelling."Hi Pooh Bear! I'm okay, except for being captured by a big bug I call James and being impregnated with a giant leech, that I'm thinking of naming Abbie! I'm pretty sure James is NOT the father! Good news: The brain virus is gone and all my voices are back! Bad news: Abbie is growing fast, and I don't know what will happen when she grows bigger than my uterus can stretch!"   |
|
|
|
Post by Marcel Lestrange on Aug 1, 2016 20:08:23 GMT
"Well genius!" said Marcel. "Since everything is YOUR and your leeches fault, I would like to know what are you going to say about the whole situation?"
"Fascinating!" said Dr. Euthanasius Todt. "Absolutely fascinating!"
"Is that ALL you got to say? That is not helping at all," stated Marcel Lestrange calmly, drilling Doctor with his glance.
"Would it more helpful if I say - Simply amazing!?" was Euthanasius Todt polite.
"Not at all. I am expecting you to say something like "I will fix it in a minute!""
"Don't be too eager, my good man. It takes some time and I have to know if you want to keep Abbie or not. Although I was sort of Holy Spirit, I would say that you two are far away from being Mary and Joseph. Not to mention that Abbie ins't not exactly Saviour type. At least there wasn't written that post apocalyptic world will be saved by a giant leech. But at least we managed to find a cure for the virus. What exactly caused that miraculous recovery?"
After Lena explained everything with the help of Hope, Dr. Euthanasius frowned for a second and then he said in polite manner: "At least we are on the right path, except that tiny side effect. When we manage to get rid of that then I have a brand new product to sell. I will call it Abbie, I think. But I can't sell it before I have a working cure because I can't ruin my reputation by saying: "Here is the vaccine for the virus, but if you are going to use it, you will be a host for a giant leech. Most certainly it will backfire."
"I can not believe that I am saying this," stated Marcel Lestrange. "But fuck the business, Todt. Save Lena. That is all what I want for now."
"Of course I will save her, because I need Abbie for diagnostics, if you are not mind. Looks like that Abbie is going to be some sort of savour after all. Same applies to Lena as well. Once I remove Abbie from her organism we can discuss business. This little virus, Lena was carrying, is quite interesting, you know. Seems to be affecting only Votans. Not humans or animals. They might carry it along, but it won't be lethal to them. Just like mosquitoes of Anopheles family who were spreading malaria. Devilish little thing that Abbie virus! Unfortunately I have to make you partners this time, because Dr. Euthanasius Todt is a fair man and he owes you thanks for providing him not only with a virus but almost working cure as well. So my future business partners... I will ask you to visit my humble house and meet Doris. In matter of fact, I INSIST!""
|
|
|
|
Post by Taffer on Aug 2, 2016 21:32:31 GMT
"It's all a good plan Atticus," Taffer said thoughtfully, "I think I'll have Lady piloting the Riot before it's time for her to join you before we drop the Garilu. Then it will be Lu who will take over the piloting with me helping them when needed. Both Lu and Vo are on the way here, so I think we'll be able to brief them on their parts soon." "On Sandy and Volodya," he turned to the couple who had just entered the war room, "I'd rather have them on Vigilant initially. You see, I prefer to think on the worst case scenario beforehand. And this time it will be if the Vigilant suddenly loses the connection and all readings from the Riot. This will be the time for the Vigilant crew to improvise on their own plan based on what little information they may have on the situation at the last known location of the Riot and Lena's radiogram. As you can see, Sandy and Volodya have just proved one more time they can make their own decisions and they can make them fast. Worst case scenario aside, we need someone to lead the reinforcement squad through the portals if the Riot lands successfully and calls for them. Sandy is our best candidate for this." The door opened again and Lu Kshaa appeared in the doorway. "So, here's our second pilot," Taffer said as he turned her way and added with surprise, "Lu what happened to your hair?" Lu's eyes widened as she heard an unusual question, but then she quickly regained her composure and took a step back? leaving her holographic copy standing in place, only turning around to face the real Lu, who examined its face and hair meticulously with the copy mirroring all her movements as if she was looking in a real mirror. The usually spiked hair of both Lu and her copy looked more than slightly shortened and burned. Lu gave her holographic reflection a high-five and after it disappeared Lu shrugged and replied to Taffer, "Well, I've just realized that my last encounter with the bomb was successful due to luck rather than my skill. Moreover, I've found out I have some gaps in my knowledge of pre-war nuclear bombs, so I got busy studying that aspect of my trade. As for the hair… well, I can definitely say that being obliterated by a nuclear blast is bad for the health of your hair. The special effects in your holo-rooms are too realistic sometimes. I guess I was so tired after that training session that I've just fell asleep in my room without even looking in the mirror once. Anyway, I think that skipping this mission to make a haircut is not a good idea, especially when it comes to a rescue mission. Speaking of rescue, who's in danger this time?" "And I think you look too healthy and well-rested for someone who was obliterated by a nuclear blast," Taffer said as he turned towards the door, "I'll check Riot's systems and make the portals installed and synchronized on both ships. I'll be ready for takeoff once the team is on board. Lu, come with me, I'll fill you in on your role in it." As Lu caught up with Taffer on his way to the hangar she touched his shoulder and asked, "Hey, don't you mind is I borrow a Thunderer Pistol from the Armory? I know I have this Order pistol and it's a really good one in special cases, but this "special cases" is the key. I'd rather have something for general purpose use as well." "And by "general purpose" you mean something that shoots explosive rounds, right?" "This too. But I also found out its energy charges can be used for different purposes during my study."  "It's fine of course," Taffer replied, "That's why we have the Armory in the first place." |
|
|
|
Post by Belle Starr on Aug 3, 2016 0:25:11 GMT
Outside her little blue trailer next door to The Crater, Belle Starr's pale brow furrowed as she stared at the car keys Vo Kshaa had put into her hands. In her mind, she had not driven a motor vehicle in over 200 years, and wasn't a very good driver even then. In her memory of a time before the nuclear Great War, she had even hit a tree with the family SUV while backing out of her home's driveway. Now she was expected to drive to Topnotch Tool Works, wherever that was. She sighed, shaking her blond head as she walked into The Crater to get both instructions and a beer from the friendly bartender there who, like everybody else it seemed in the Bay Area, knew her although she didn't know them.
*****
When Taffer said, "Worst case scenario aside, we need someone to lead the reinforcement squad through the portals if the Riot lands successfully and calls for them. Sandy is our best candidate for this," Sandy Bell's bosom swelled with pride, but the only words she could immediately find to answer were, "Thank you sir for your vote of confidence. I'll do my best to live up to it."
Sandy mentally beat herself up, sensitive as to how she must sound to others - feeling she sounded like such a suck up, a teacher's pet trying to get attention, but in truth, she really did appreciate being given a position of trust and responsibility, for she was first and foremost a soldier and a servant to duty. But she also was an adrenaline junkie, and she would always heed the call to adventure, and would always want to be in the front of it.
*****
In Fortress Kshaa, Lady Christianna smiled enigmatically as she sat silently behind her husband, the Commander of the Protectors, her skinny chalk white arm and chin leaning on his huge muscular shoulder as he briefed the team on the current rescue mission. She was happy she was going to rescue her sometime friend and fellow Castithan, Lena Marr, and her lover, Marcel Lestrange, and although both were of dubious character, Lady thought they spiced up what might be a fairly boring existence without them. Much as she loved Atticus and the twins, family life could be awfully boring for a teenager, so she was thrilled to have an adventurous interlude, with the added bonus that she was going to get to fly.
"Awesome." Commented Lady at the end of the briefing, and that was her only verbal comment during the whole meeting, for she was always a lady of few words, hoarding them as other's might save scrip.
*****
Erika Widowmaker got off the Votan Collective plane with her daughter and grandchildren in Capital City, located in the Votan Collective in South America. She was surprised that she wasn't greeted by her son or at least a large group of Votan Collective officials, for only the human Minister of Human Relations, Teagan Allyn was there to greet her, without even a security detail but only her Castithan administrative Assistant Mr. Sulu with her.
Erika shook the Minister's hand, and though her friends in the Protectors thought she looked remarkably like Belle Starr. Erika couldn't see it although she now could perceive some slight family resemblance, but then, before she became involved with the Protectors, all humans looked alike to her. Teagan's brown eyes looked around surreptitiously as if trying to spot anyone spying on them, a worried look on her beautiful pale face.
Erika lifted one purple eyebrow, her jade eyes narrowed in suspicion as she asked, "What is the matter Minister Allyn?"
Teagan bit her bottom lip before whispering urgently, "I'm not sure, but Cael wanted me to get you this way and sneak you into the Chancellor's House through the secret passage. Something is going on, but I'm not sure what - lots of weird comings and goings in the place - so please, just follow me! Chancellor Cael is waiting!"
*****
On the Island of Dr. Euthanasius, Lena Marr wished to keep her communications with her lover, Marcel Lestrange, super secure, so Lena sent her EGO's psyche, Hope, over with a message to Moira, Marcel Lestrange's EGO psyche. In Marcel's EGO implant and Moira's virtual home, Hope appeared and immediately hugged Moira for some moments before transmitting the message, "Lena wants me to tell you that she found an intact radio in the wrecked plane and sent a message to the Protectors because she though you might be in danger and she knows the Protectors got it so you know they will come because that's what they do and she is sorry because we are now all nicey-nicey with this white haired geek, her words not mine, and do we really trust this white haired geek, her words, not mine, and OOPS... although I think last part was supposed to go at the front of the message!"
Outwardly still in the clutches of the giant bug beast controlled by Dr. Euthanasius, Lena asked dryly, "Hey, could you please have James put me down now, cause I have to pee!"
|
|
|
|
Post by Atticus Batman on Aug 3, 2016 10:52:09 GMT
"It's all a good plan Atticus," Taffer said thoughtfully, "I think I'll have Lady piloting the Riot before it's time for her to join you before we drop the Garilu. Then it will be Lu who will take over the piloting with me helping them when needed. Both Lu and Vo are on the way here, so I think we'll be able to brief them on their parts soon."
"On Sandy and Volodya," he turned to the couple who had just entered the war room, "I'd rather have them on Vigilant initially. You see, I prefer to think on the worst case scenario beforehand. And this time it will be if the Vigilant suddenly loses the connection and all readings from the Riot. This will be the time for the Vigilant crew to improvise on their own plan based on what little information they may have on the situation at the last known location of the Riot and Lena's radiogram. As you can see, Sandy and Volodya have just proved one more time they can make their own decisions and they can make them fast. Worst case scenario aside, we need someone to lead the reinforcement squad through the portals if the Riot lands successfully and calls for them. Sandy is our best candidate for this."
Sandy Bell's bosom swelled with pride, but the only words she could immediately find to answer were, "Thank you sir for your vote of confidence. I'll do my best to live up to it."
I nodded curtly and said, "Once again you are right. So Sandy and Volodja will report to the Vigilant. If Volodja and Sandy take care of both commando units, that will allow Yar to stay on the Vigilant as it's second and will Free Lebeau up to stay here where our Security Chief belongs. So when you two do report to the Vigilant, tell Lebeau that he is to return to his duties here once he has his team ready to turn over to your Command. Besides that leaves a really good Security Chief here where he is needed and puts a great field Officer with plenty of battle experience and a great advisor also with plenty of battle experience in charge of the Commandos; which means the base security will still be in good hands with Lebeau here, Kaj will have his Second on the Bridge in case she is needed there, and the commando teams will be under the command of two very determined people that have proven to be extremely capable of doing whatever they set their minds to and I am sure we all feel better knowing that you two will be the ones bringing the Commandos to our aid if it is so bad that we need it. So I think everybody wins with our newest lineup. "
The door opened again and Lu Kshaa appeared in the doorway.
"So, here's our second pilot," Taffer said as he turned her way and added with surprise, "Lu what happened to your hair?"
Lu's eyes widened as she heard an unusual question, but then she quickly regained her composure and took a step back? leaving her holographic copy standing in place, only turning around to face the real Lu, who examined its face and hair meticulously with the copy mirroring all her movements as if she was looking in a real mirror. The usually spiked hair of both Lu and her copy looked more than slightly shortened and burned. Lu gave her holographic reflection a high-five and after it disappeared Lu shrugged and replied to Taffer,
"Well, I've just realized that my last encounter with the bomb was successful due to luck rather than my skill. Moreover, I've found out I have some gaps in my knowledge of pre-war nuclear bombs, so I got busy studying that aspect of my trade. As for the hair… well, I can definitely say that being obliterated by a nuclear blast is bad for the health of your hair. The special effects in your holo-rooms are too realistic sometimes. I guess I was so tired after that training session that I've just fell asleep in my room without even looking in the mirror once. Anyway, I think that skipping this mission to make a haircut is not a good idea, especially when it comes to a rescue mission. Speaking of rescue, who's in danger this time?"
"And I think you look too healthy and well-rested for someone who was obliterated by a nuclear blast," Taffer said as he turned towards the door, "I'll check Riot's systems and make the portals installed and synchronized on both ships. I'll be ready for takeoff once the team is on board. Lu, come with me, I'll fill you in on your role in it."
As Taffer and Lu left I said, "That is as good a cue as any to declare this briefing over. So get your things together then report to your respective ships for take-off so we can get underway. I will notify the Constantines and Archer to get their go bags and report to the Riot for our mission."
Lady who was leaning on my shoulder for the whole meeting finally said something. "Awesome." Commented Lady at the end of the briefing, and that was her only verbal comment during the whole meeting, for she was always a lady of few words, hoarding them as other's might save scrip.
As the others left I notified the Constantines by EGO and told them to get their go bags and report to the Riot ready for the next mission. Next I notified Archer by hailer and told her to get her go bag and report to the Vigilant ready for the next mission. Then Lady and I stood up to go get ready as well, I said to Officer Gish, "Gish as soon as Vo returns notify him to get his away gear and report to the Riot ready to go! We will brief him then!...And you have Command until Wolfram or Chloe are ready to relieve you."
She responded with, "Of course Sir. As soon as Vo enters the gates I will send him the notification."
I gave Lady a quick loving kiss on the lips as I put my helm on. Then holding her hand we left to go get ready for the mission and spend a few minutes with our children before we would then report to the Riot to meet up with the others.
|
|
|
|
Post by Marcel Lestrange on Aug 3, 2016 17:50:50 GMT
"Would you be that kind as you claim to be and order your friend to let Lena down?" asked Marcel politely. "Of course," replied Dr. Euthanasius, rolling his somewhat bulging eyes. "Why didn't you asked that right away, I wonder?" He made a strange hand sign and James lowered Lena to the ground before releasing her. Dr. Euthanasius smiled politely and turned his glance away to show that he is not going to stare. But huge bug beast remained to it's place and observed Lena and Marcel to portect his master from possible attacks while Lena played Jeanneke Pis. If Volodja would have been there and heard that comparison, he would probably used the chance to give a lecture about Jeanekke Pis - a statue of peeing girl, erected in Brussels in 1987 as a counterpoint to the city's famous costume changing Manneken Pis - a statue of peeing boy from 1619 (although the original was replaced with 1965 version because original tended to be getting stolen). As a cherry on top, Volodja would had few words about Het Zinneke, sometimes mistakenly called Zinneke Pis - a statue of peeing dog in Brussels which was erected in 1998. But since he wasn't there then Lena, Marcel, Dr. Euthanasius and James were spared from the description of aforementioned lineage of peeing statues in Brussels.  Instead of that there was another lecture, given to Hope by Moira who told in sotto voce: "Between you and me, little sis...Marcel wouldn't be Marcel if he trusts everyone...with few exceptions of course. And this blonde Doctor is not among them. He is a stranger and he creates deadly viruses to make living. Marcel is a bit old fashioned when we talk about selling death. Someone once said that "One of the greatest gifts you can give to anyone is the gift of attention." And Marcel prefers individual and elegant approach to his "customers" and he likes to maintain control over events. Viruses are way too unpredictable for his taste. And Marcel doesn't like talkativeness of the "good" Doctor either. Euthanasius is way too generous about sharing information with couple of strangers as he was sure that we won't tell anyone what we see or hear... But he also depends on Doctor Euthanasius right now, because he really cares about Lena. Her well being is most important thing to Marcel in love, so he plays along, acts nice and keeps his eyes open at the same time. And his ears as well. But he is not the only one. Doctor's bug friend is observing US and I bet that because of Doctor's orders. Looks like that our "good" Doctor tends to be also a control freak...That complicates the situation. Damn it! I wish that Protectors were on their way." |
|
|
|
Post by Lena Marr on Aug 4, 2016 17:15:51 GMT
"I hate to seem overly demanding or high maintenance at all," Lena Marr said sarcastically and not meaning a word of it, as she stood with her chalk white hands on her hips and both feet planted firmly on the ground, ignoring the fact that she was still stark naked, "But can we PUHLEEEEEEZE do something about removing Abbie from my nether regions! That's Pooh Bear's home and not some cheap hotel where anybody can check-in as they please!" Although she continued in her own mind, thinking, "At least not anymore!"
"Follow me," Replied Dr. Euthanasius, as if the effort to say even that was more than should be expected of him.
Meanwhile Hope, Lena's EGO psyche said to Marcel's psyche, Moira, "I'm sure the Protectors are on their way here this very instant! At least, I hope they are!"
At the same time, a new voice was making itself heard, if not noticed yet by the others in Lena's noggin, but all that is uttered was a low growl.
And at Fortress Kshaa, the Protector's aircraft began the long trip to the island of Dr. Euthanasius.
As Lena and Marcel, with the monster bug James taking up rear guard, followed Doctor Euthanasius up the jogging path through the jungle, they soon saw a majestic house hidden amidst the foliage on the side of a hill, spurring Lena to say, "If I wasn't naked, I'd be searching my pockets saying, now where did I put that machete! Awfully nice digs Doc, you live here alone?"
Dr. Euthanasius looked briefly at her with impassive bulging frog like eyes, replying dryly, "Myself and... the servants," before turning back and continuing up the trail to the impressive building. However, if Lena could have read minds, she would immediately have used on him one of the hundred ways she knew to kill a man without weapons, for he was seriously pondering in silence the feasibility if cutting out her tongue and all four of her limbs so that she couldn't escape again and more importantly, prattle on.
|
|
|
|
Post by Vo Kshaa on Aug 4, 2016 22:12:32 GMT
When Vo on his sky blue ATV reached the Base, Officer Gish immediately informed him that the team had already gathered on their aircrafts and he was assigned to the Riot. The order was clear — he had to get his go bag and join the team ASAP. In fact, he already had his bag gathered with him already as he had planned a rather long voyage with Belle before they got the news of Lena and Marcel being in trouble, and all weapons he wanted to take were already with him too, he just drove his ATV straight to the hangar and rolled it through the Riot's rear door. First thing he saw once he found himself onboard was Taffer's face. Taffer was smiled with corners of his mouth, making it clear to his friend that he did just what was expected from him as Taffer showed him the place where to fasten the ATV where it wouldn't hinder people's movement in case the Dark Matter Portal was activated.
Once Vo's runner was safely fastened, Taffer went back to the cockpit to assist Lady with the takeoff, which wasn't really needed, but Taffer got used to take any flight seriously, not letting himself or his apprentices let their guard down, especially on such intense parts of a flight as takeoff and landing. Once the Riot went to a steady climb, Taffer turned to Vo to brief him on the details of his role in this mission. Vo's part in it was simple and easily fit his style of action, as he thought. His task was to join the team on Garilu rover and serve as a replacement driver or a mechanic. He nodded, confirming his understanding, but at the same time he caught himself on the fact that he could not stop thinking of Belle. Granted, she was not in the immediate danger when he left her at the Crater, as opposed to the whole time he desperately tried to find her after she mysteriously disappeared after leaving Defiance, but he still felt that with her being new to the dangers of this world due to her brainwashing, that new job she was seeking might become not as safe as it looked at the first glance. Even with her EGO, Chase and Iri on her side, Vo wasn't that sure about her hidden Volge. Will she be able to contain it without his or Volodja's presence? Last time they met at Defiance grounds, Belle had almost found the harmony with her Volge side using its powers to achieve goal she wanted and exactly the way she wanted without giving way to its primal instincts. But now, that brainwash could just cancel all the experience Belle had with her Volge which, in the worst case, could see it as weakness and try to take over.
Meanwhile, his friend Taffer was staring at their route that was shown as a straight line on the map to their destination.
"I don't like it. I don't like it at all," Taffer muttered, as Em Dash, his EGO, was listing him what information she found in the Network on that place. "It's like an informational black hole. No one knows anything about this place. No one had seen the island other that from very far away. Anyone who tried to reach it either never returned or disappeared for a good amount of time only to reappear at some completely irrelevant place and never talked about where they have been. Something is very very wrong with this island." He looked at the map again as he changed the flight plan.
"Remember we had a zero gravity moment on the Vigilant on our first flight on it? This time we're going to have another one and this time it will be under your control, Lady," he said, addressing the young Castithan. "We're going suborbital and will have a ballistic descend at the second part of our flight. This will make our arrival look as a simple Arkfall. At the end of the ballistic descend it will be time for you and Vo to join Atticus at the Garilu rover. After that, Lu will take your place and we will continue the descend, following a right-hand spiral trajectory which will gradually tighten around the island. This way we'll always have the momentum high enough to either turn away from the island to have a second approach in case there's any danger, or turn straight towards its center if we find a safe landing or drop spot. Lu, the spiral part will be under your control, and I will handle the Garilu ejection when we find the appropriate place. You will also handle the emergency ejection of the Garilu and life pods in case I'm unable to do that myself."
Lu sighed slightly as she clearly understood what Taffer's last phrase meant. Emergency ejection of the Garilu and life pods could be the last thing he might be able to do before being physically obliterated, for real this time. It was the time she felt she started getting tired of having so many people's lives depending on the faultless execution of her task. She has already seen many times what had happened when something had gone wrong, and she wanted that to never happen again.
|
|
