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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jul 22, 2017 10:13:33 GMT
For the benefit of several readers this much admired scene will be performed by the best actors we could find in such a short notice. Volodja Uljanov (whispers back to Sandy, his beloved, using not very dramatic and audible voice): "I believe that you might be right here. They are so busy with each other that they probably won't pay any attention to our announcement. Let me try. (shouts in louder voice): We are here! (continues quietly): Just what I expected. Nobody listened." Sandy Bell (squeezing Volodja's hand): "You think that they finally notice us?" Volodja Uljanov: "Sure. But now the Colombine is in the centre of attention if we speak in terms of the drama art. By Colombina, I mean Lena Marr." Sandy Bell: "If Lena is Colombina, then that makes us...?" Volodja Uljanov: "I believe that we are...Mmmm...At moment we are like Innamorati. The Lovers. Our purpose in this play seems to be in love and let whole thing revolve around us. This time we are not the main intrigue here, but I am not mind. The good thing is - despite facing many obstacles, the Lovers are always united by the end, so let us wait and see and wonder who are other cast members to appear." Marcel Lestrange (appears behind the door and asks politely with hidden threat in his voice): "What the fuck is going on here? And what are you trying to do with poor Lena?" Volodja Uljanov (opens his mouth to tell Marcel):" Well..." Marcel Lestrange: "Shut your mouth, Volodja, and open your ears instead, before you try to say anything! In case you do not heard me properly, I will repeat my question - "What the fuck is going on here?" Be short!" Volodja Uljanov (soothingly): "As long as I understand then it's about Lena indeed. These people are trying to help her, instead of hurting her." Marcel Lestrange: "And how they are supposed to help her? Even I with all my skills did not managed to do it. At least not completely?" Volodja Uljanov (with a grin to Sandy): "Traditionally the counterpart of Colombina in commedia dell'arte should be either Arlecchino or Pierrot, but Marcel reminds me more of Il Capitano - the boasting warrior- at moment. This drives us away from the traditional commedial dell'arte..." (loudly to Marcel): "I believe that help is on it's way." Wolfram von Eschen (enters): "You called for me?" Volodja Uljanov(to Sandy again): "This brings us back to the tradition. Sort of...I believe that we see Il Dottore - a decadent erudite who usually acts as an obstacle in Lovers path to happiness. But this one is in our side, so..." Marcel Lestrange: "I do not remember calling for this Boche charlatan! I kicked you out once already when you tried your voodoo! Now I have to repeat the procedure by saying: "OUT!" Politely, by the way!" Wolfram von Eschen: "Come in!...Get out!...Come in!...Get out! Scheisse! Maybe I should return when you are ABSOLUTELY sure what you want me to do?" Everyone else in the room, except Marcel and Lena: "We think that you should say and do something to help her. Just ignore Marcel and do your job!" Wolfram von Eschen: "Majority has spoken, so I am staying!" Marcel Lestrange (lights a cigarette and stands back, muttering something unrecognisable). Wolfram von Eschen (looks into Lena's unblinking eyes): "During my forced exile, I had time to think about you and those voices, young lady. Have you tried to look those voices in other way than abnormality? Since they are part of you, they are your NORMAL voices. And they make you unique, Lena. Nobody else doesn't have such a colourful choir inside their minds. Only you possess that ability. Once you have accepted that fact, we can try to show them who is in charge of them, although I am sure that deep down you already know that it is YOU, Lena, who is in charge of them! You are not insignificant creature, you think, you are. You are important." Volodja Uljanov (to Sandy): "I wonder if we see anyone else from the classic commedia dell'arte group. Pantalone perhaps? Another classic character - a wealthy old man who often acts as a stage partner of Dottore." Count Giacomo Casannuendo (enters): "I had a walk and suddenly I heard some loud noises so I decided to see what is going on! is this a private gathering? If it is, then I'd suggest to keep your voices down, because if I could hear them, then others might as well." Volodja Uljanov: "Speaking about the wolf....I think that while Lena is thinking about Wolfram's words, we can pull curtain to this small scene." Symbolic curtain.  |
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Post by Lena Marr on Jul 22, 2017 23:01:44 GMT
Wolfram von Eschen looked down into Lena Marr's unblinking sky blue eyes as she sat on the floor before saying, "During my forced exile, I had time to think about you and those voices, young lady. Have you tried to look those voices in other way than abnormality? Since they are part of you, they are your NORMAL voices. And they make you unique, Lena. Nobody else doesn't have such a colourful choir inside their minds. Only you possess that ability. Once you have accepted that fact, we can try to show them who is in charge of them, although I am sure that deep down you already know that it is YOU, Lena, who is in charge of them! You are not insignificant creature, you think, you are. You are important." Lena rolled her eyes heavenward putting a chalk white forefinger into the corner of her lush lips as she pondered the old human's words then looking back up at as she replied, "Maaaaybe... I feel I'm especially significant to three particular people on this bridge, for some reason... but only important to one, although I'm not completely sure which of the three..." The pout on Lena's pretty face was suddenly replaced with a wicked grin as she had a sudden idea. Lena turned to Lady Christianna who was sitting on the floor next to Lena to comfort her when Lena suddenly took Lady's thin head in both her strong hands planting a solid French kiss on the reluctant Lady who sputtered once Lena broke the lip-lock. Lena sighed deeply as she shook her head then said solemnly, "No, it's not you... not that it wasn't nice, but it just wasn't super special like I'd know if I was truly important to you!" Lady started to protest to say Lena was indeed important to her but Lena took her forefinger and put it to Lady's thin lips to silence her as she exclaimed, "It's okay! I can tell you care for me but not in that super special way! I just thought it might be you because we Castithans are sooooo sexually liberated that it very well could be - but it isn't," Lena then looked up at Lady's husband Atticus Batman with a frown saying frankly, "I know I'm significant to you too but no way I'm going to kiss you for I'm sooooo sure I'm not of super special importance to you because I'm for sure you aren't super special important to me... although... you are significant to me for some reason. That leaves only one..." Lena rose grinning as she locked eyes with Marcel Lestrange then walking sensually towards him before embracing him and French kissing him long and hard. When she stopped kissing, she sighed deeply holding him tight as she buried her white tousled head into his broad chest as she whispered just loud enough for Marcel to hear, "As I first thought, you're the one who I'm super special important to for you're super special important to me! And somehow... I'm positive that's the way it's supposed to be!"  |
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Post by Belle Starr on Jul 23, 2017 20:16:11 GMT
Belle Starr was in a dark place. Quite literally. To say there was an absence of light was an understatement. Belle remembered a bright light and a searing pain all over her body when the lightening bolt hit her in the Forbidden Zone as she was shepherding her Volge flock into shelter. Belle thought for a moment that she might be dead but for the hardness of the ground she was laying on and certain particularly sharp rocks that were poking into her back. Suddenly Belle saw an approaching light from the corner of her blue diamond eye. The light flickered throwing nightmarish shadows on the uneven rock walls as it got closer while Belle propped herself up on one elbow to watch approaching what she could now tell was a figure holding a lit torch. However soon the look of concern on her beautiful freckled face disappeared into one of unbridled happiness as the figure knelt next to her and Belle could see in the dim torchlight the intense cyan eyes and purple Mohawk on the ruggedly handsome red clay colored face of her Irathiant lover Vo Kshaa who then gently helped her sit upright with one strong arm as the other held the torch. "You came for me!" Whispered Belle breathless at the moment of their reunion. "Of course I did Belle! I always will," Replied Vo with the lopsided grin Belle always found charming from the day she first met him in The Crater all those many years ago in Paradise. As Belle wrapped her pale arms around her true love and embraced him tightly for fear he might disappear into a puff of wispy smoke like a ghost or passing dream, Belle happily thought to herself, "All is well! I may be dead and in Heaven - or maybe Purgatory or even Hell - but it doesn't matter if I have my Prince Charming and our love to keep me company!" Then Vo dropped the torch to better hold Belle in his strong embrace as they kissed deeply and as the torch flickered out the darkness returned. Still Belle knew for sure that life might be fleeting but that her and Vo's love for each other was indeed eternal and she was satisfied finally with that comforting knowledge.  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Jul 24, 2017 11:10:40 GMT
Lena sighed deeply as she shook her head then said solemnly, "No, it's not you... not that it wasn't nice, but it just wasn't super special like I'd know if I was truly important to you!"
Lady started to protest to say Lena was indeed important to her but Lena took her forefinger and put it to Lady's thin lips to silence her as she exclaimed, "It's okay! I can tell you care for me but not in that super special way! I just thought it might be you because we Castithans are sooooo sexually liberated that it very well could be - but it isn't," Lena then looked up at Lady's husband Atticus Batman with a frown saying frankly, "I know I'm significant to you too but no way I'm going to kiss you for I'm sooooo sure I'm not of super special importance to you because I'm for sure you aren't super special important to me... although... you are significant to me for some reason. That leaves only one..."
Lena rose grinning as she locked eyes with Marcel Lestrange then walking sensually towards him before embracing him and French kissing him long and hard. When she stopped kissing, she sighed deeply holding him tight as she buried her white tousled head into his broad chest as she whispered just loud enough for Marcel to hear, "As I first thought, you're the one who I'm super special important to for you're super special important to me! And somehow... I'm positive that's the way it's supposed to be!"
After watching all the goings on and remaining quiet the whole time, I finally said, "Lena given that kiss, I am sure we all positive of that. Just as Lady is my super special important person. However don't doubt your significance to me. I didn't give you the knife back because you and I have a mutual understanding...that when I feel that it is your time to die I will be there to end it, or you will end me when you finally feel like getting around to it. Whichever comes first. So until that time comes I will not let you take your life prematurely."
Next I stood and offered Lady my hand, as I said, "Volodja it is good to see that you could FINALLY join us! Even if I did have to send Sandy to get you and Brooke, before the Hellbugs could. As you and Brooke are both onboard we can finally get on our way soon."
Once that was said, and AFTER Lady took my offered hand, I helped her back to her feet. Then I turned and walked over to Marcel and Lena. I held Lena's knife out, blade towards me, for either Marcel or Lena to retrieve, as I said to Marcel, "Here's Lena's knife, but I think you better know that she was just threatening suicide.
As for what is going on, it's just as I told you. Lena was confused and contemplating a murder/suicide. So she needed you here, even if she didn't realize it. Although it appears she does now, which is good to see. Just as we need the old Boche Goat here on the Bridge. Whether it is to help Lena, Erika or Sandy in some way; or just to talk to Volodja so he can't give one of his usual art related lectures to you or me; is between all of them.
Now as you may have already heard, we are about to go on a trip to the Votanis Collective on a rescue mission. So if you don't want to accompany us, then I suggest you and Lena depart in the next 15 minutes, as that is when we are launching. However if you want to stay onboard then that is also your choice. If that is what you choose, and we need your help on our rescue mission, then I will offer the usual fee...without a tip as I believe Lena already took one from my stunned wife. Although as usual, you are welcome to enjoy all the creature comforts that we have onboard...and Wolfram will only help Lena IF she wants him to as he seems to be a stickler for his belief that: psycho-babbler's should only help those that truly want or need his help."
Then as I waited for Marcel's response, I said over my shoulder, "Miss Yarr you heard me. Launch in 15! So make sure everything is ready!"
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Jul 25, 2017 6:47:15 GMT
Marcel Lestrange - who, by the way, was giving affectionate butt massage to Lena Marr - glanced over her shoulder and said: "If she was driven to the verge of suicide, it was probably because you, good doers. Sometimes even I consider a suicide when I happen to be in your company. Especially when this Volodja Uljanov is involved, so keeping him shut is at least one thing, I agree with Monsieur Batman. But that part of the shared common ground does not mean that we have to agree with everything, oui? You are trying to cut our fair share of income again. Are you, good doers, familiar with the financial term "losing expected profit"? I am quite sure that I have explained that term to you but as always my words fell into deaf ears. This is the moment when I actually understand Volodja and his attempts to tell something that is going to be ignored. With the valid reason, of course, unlike OUR arguments, because WE are talk and mean BUSINESS. Anyway - in our case "losing expected profit" means that if we work for ourselves instead of you, Lena and I could make more money with our modest enterprises. Working for you means that we do not make that amount of money, we have planned to make, because we dedicate our time and efforts for your cause. That also means that every time we work for you, we work half prize at least. But since you are on our charity list, I do not expect to get more from you anyway. Working for you is our good deed indeed. But yet I would like to be heard, because Lena and I deserve to be heard. The voice of the little people who are worried about their piece of bread must be heard!" Marcel turned his unemotional eyes towards skies above and ended his interpretation of Schylock's complaint with a sigh. After all - he was a businessman and that meant also trying to squeeze his customers like sponges until they were dry. Then give them some time to replenish their funds and squeeze them again. Besides - he called their business relations with Paradise Protectors a charity. But well organized charity usually has one major (usually unspoken) aspect - those who organise it, usually possess quite sticky fingers and majority of received aid is used to cover managing expenses. And covering managing expenses meant to fulfilling the needs of those who organised that particular charity. Marcel just followed ancient charity traditions. Plus - this was one of those occasions when "they are going to pay for their deeds" meant literally that people are actually going to pay. Especially when he felt that Lena needs some financial compensation for her troubles. It was either venesection of Protector's wallets or venesection of Protectors themselves and Marcel decided to give them the first opportunity first, because he was a businessman. And he was also a lover so he wanted to secure income for his beloved...  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Jul 25, 2017 12:02:20 GMT
I glared at Marcel as I angrily growled, "You are on a permanent retainer that you personally chose, and I didn't argue with, and still I always pay you for each mission. You and Lena have your own quarters in our Fortress and on our strato-carrier and I had already agreed to pay for any upgrades or renovations that Lena requests for them, some of which she had already requested and they have already been done for her! Not to mention that I allowed Lena to keep one of Lady's ATVs when she took it recently. So I think you already get compensated more than fairly, especially when most people here have to work for their paychecks, yet you and Lena get one even when we haven't seen you in months! Not to mention, I always give you both freedom to get new armor and weapons from our armory whenever you need or want them, and I did recently acquire some nice blades that Lena may like and do have them in the Vigilant's armory.
Although I will point out that our rescue mission involves rescuing somebody from one of your favorite types of criminals! Somebody that is rich AND wanted dead by lots of people and given how vile he is, it is likely that he will try to interfere with the rescue which will definitely end up with the vile rich scum's death! I don't have to tell you that, that means any hidden riches and jewels he may have will be left unattended that an enterprising businessman like yourself could easily find a use for. Of course It would be a shame for your pockets and Lena's pretty but jewelry-free neck if all those riches and jewels were left to rot instead of going to somebody that would enjoy them, all because you weren't there to claim them. It is a pity as I am sure Lena could find some very nice jewelry to go with that fancy Castithan gown she 'acquired' recently..."
Then I glanced over at my sister who was still staring at the information about Cael on her computer screen, still wondering how she couldn't remember her own son, and in that instant I knew that I would do what I could to find my nephew and try to help my sister with her memory issues. So I continued in a less angry tone with, "However given the circumstances...I will offer you double your usual pay and Lena triple given what she is going through, but ONLY if you choose to stay onboard and quit this daking negotiation, so I can actually focus on my daking work! Looking at the clock launch is now in 8 minutes. So you better choose quickly as I am NOT postponing the launch!"
Then I added sternly, "Quite frankly I truly don't give a shtako which you daking choose right now, so if you really feel that you can make more money from your other endeavors at the moment, then I won't stop you! You know where the damn door is, as you barge your way through it enough! So either get off my daking ship, or stay and enjoy the daking trip and extra pay! Perhaps take Lena to your stateroom so she can enjoy that newly renovated and enlarged bathroom and closet space that she requested, not to mention that large and expensive bed she special ordered from some daking craftsman in Paradise...that fortunately arrived shortly before the little Volge invasion. So it is already in your quarters, setup, and freshly made to your discriminating specifications...and then we can get on with the launch and I can get back to my work!!!"
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Post by Lena Marr on Jul 25, 2017 16:58:32 GMT
After absentmindedly taking back her switchblade knife and secreting it back in her bra, Lena Marr listened to her man Marcel Lestrange and Atticus Batman barter over their contract, Lena smiled wickedly as she admired Marcel's negotiation skills more sure than ever that he was her significant other. Deep inside her brain however she felt she had forgotten something else important - something significant about their relationship. Her smile deepened as she realized what it was! "I had a pet name for him! I'm sure I did," Lena thought to herself as the two men conversed, "It was something odd! And it was a two part name! The initials for it were... there was a 'P'...and then an... 'B', I'm sure of it!" Lena threw her unblinking sky blue eyes heavenward as she put an alabaster forefinger to the corner of her lush lips as she pondered to herself," Pretty Body, I don't think so. Although it is accurate I don't think I'd be that literal. Posh Beauty... no... I think he'd hate being called that! Prancing Bozo - absolutely not! Sounds like an insult to me! I just don't know!" Suddenly Lena heard Atticus refer to her by name in conjunction to both "blades" and later "jewelry" so her beautiful chalk white Castithan face brightened as she asserted with enthusiasm, "I like blades and jewelry - at least I think I do! Can we go oh Paragon Businessman! Puhhhhhhleeeeze!"  |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jul 27, 2017 9:35:19 GMT
"I'd rather accept that Paragon Businessman nick for now if I was Marcel," whispered grinning Count Casannuendo into Wolfram von Eschen's ear, although he had to ask him to bow deeply and end even then had to stand on his tiptoes to reach there. "If he doesn't, I will suggest Lena something extravagant, like Peacocktailed Buffoon."
"Heh, heh, heh," crackled old psychiatrist. "A bit bold definition, but considering the fact that I was recently called a charlatan by him, then...Anyway. I do believe that Lena, trying to remember Marcel's nickname, is making progress on regaining herself. Lena might not be the most positive character but she is one of the most colourful ones and that Castithan maid image...It just wasn't her true self. We can't expect miracles, though. Illness tends to come, riding a racehorse, but leaves in the ox cart. But I admit that Lena when she is herself does have a positive impact on our P(eacocktailed) B(affoon) Lestrange, who dedicates himself to her cause which often tends to be the cause of her few friends. And that means that Marcel don't have time to dedicate himself running his business as a full time job. If he could do that, then I am afraid that we would face a huge corporation which expands itself all over the world, when we have bunch of wannabe world dominators already and there is no need for an economical take over..."
"Wolfram, what are you going to do about this little expedition?" asked Casannuendo. "Considering you age and such..."
"Dear Count," replied Wolfram. "I think that I will have to fly along, because my patients, even if they might not consider themselves patients, need me. And if they think that they can get rid of me that easily by travelling couple thousand miles, then they are damn wrong! I will follow them everywhere even if it's the last thing, I ever do. Matter of medical ethics."
"Stubborn as a goat indeed," muttered Casannuendo.
"By the way, don't call me old," said Wolfram von Eschen. "Well preserved, yes. Or decently aged, but if one comes to me with the talk: "You are old, Father Wolfram, and those other words, then I have one and only answer to give. And I will do that when I am in a good mood. If not, then I let deeds speak for themselves and answer after tghat. The answer is:
"I have answered three questions, and that is enough,"
Said Wolfram; "don't give yourself airs!
Do you think I can listen all day to such stuff?
Be off, or I'll kick you down stairs!""
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Post by Sandy Bell on Jul 28, 2017 14:57:08 GMT
As the Vigilant took off for its long trip from what was Northern California to South America, Tasha Yar reported somewhat redundantly, "We are underway Commander Batman." "Great," Growled Erica Widowmaker turning off her computer workstation with the flick of one red clay colored forefinger, "Staring at the records about a son I don't remember is giving me a headache. I can't wait until we have some action. Until then, if you need me I'll be in the mess getting wasted on Irathiant brandy." "But - ," Sandy Bell started to say to stop her but Erika had already quickly exited walking stiff-legged through the bridge door. "Better keep her company," Said Lady Christianna, Atticus Batman's wife and Erika's sister-in-law, as the Castithan teenager blurred after Erika. . "But -," Said Sandy with consternation in her voice to Lady's back and the bridge door automatically closing behind Lady. "The Mess sounds like a wonderful idea! I could use a bite to eat after all that drama," Replied Ruby to her fellow Synth Sisters before they swiftly followed in Erika and Lady's wake. "But -," Sputtered Sandy clearly getting agitated over everyone's abrupt departure but again too late to stop them. "Come on People Basher, lets go to the armory and pick me out some blades to go with my nice dress... and maybe some stylish armor too if I'm going to be an adventurer like you," Said the Castithan Lena Marr with a wicked grin pulling her lover Marcel Lestrange with both of her chalk white hands off the bridge, adding before they left, "Then I think I'd like to go to the mess to get some food - to serve you Master of course, although I think I'm awfully hungry also!" "But - " Sandy muttered her blue eyes downcast knowing it would do no good but going with the flow of the routine anyway. Sandy wanted to tell everyone while they were gathered in one place about her and Volodja Uljanov's upcoming nuptials but everyone had dispersed so quickly after the briefing that she didn't have the chance. However, Atticus Batman was still sitting in the Vigilant's command chair and he was key to her plan for Volodja and her to wed for he was needed to officiate as Captain of the ship. "Perhaps its better this way," Thought Sandy to herself, "I'd rather not have this become a big deal anyway. If we quietly get married on the Vigilant's bridge quietly it would kind of be like eloping without running away anywhere." However Sandy was fully aware that she had let Atticus know she hated him as a general rule less than an hour ago but he is the captain of the ship and Volodja's best friend, so he must be involved in the ceremony. Sandy girded her loins and walked uncomfortable up to Commander Batman. Sandy gulped trying to get some moisture in a mouth suddenly gone dry as she hesitantly croaked to Atticus, "Sir... Volodja has something to ask you" Sandy's pretty tan face turned beet red in embarrassment for chickening out on asking Atticus a big favor and for throwing Volodja into the lion's pit as she saw it, but it was already done and what was done was done was her feeling. Sandy turned to Volodja with pleading blue eyes hoping he wouldn't hate her for her sudden bout of cowardice and that he would rescue her from what she saw as Atticus' accusative glare.  |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jul 29, 2017 8:45:02 GMT
Volodja caught Sandy's help seeking glance and his eyes wrote a message into air. "I'll handle it". But giving promises takes less effort than fulfilling them. That means that Volodja opened his mouth already, pulled his lungs full of air and let that air out with a sight. Then he adjusted his collar as it suddenly became too tight and only after those manipulations he gathered enough courage to be able to say:
"By the power, vested in you as a Captain of this ship, you have a right to perform marital ceremonies, as long as I know. Now such a moment has occurred. You have to marry Sandy and me. Here. Now. Quietly. Simple ceremony, because it's almost wartime and wartime weddings can't be very posh. You see - Sandy proposed me, because she is braver than I am to come out with proposal and I said "yes" so here we are, ready to get married." Saying that, Volodja stepped forward and closed sandy into his protective embrace.
"Well..." said someone in the corner. That someone was grinning Wolfram von Eschen who held Count Casannuendo firmly by his elegant laced shirt collar. "I was quite sure that there was something worth of staying behind while others rushed out. And I was right. You need couple of witnesses anyway who can confirm that everything was as it should be. I believe that dear Count, whom I had to grab and hold by the collar to prevent him rushing after Erika, and I, are suitable for that task. Besides - someone has to give away the groom to the lovely bride. You heard me right - give away the GROOM, because if Sandy proposed then she should be one who receives the other half when this halves of a couple is about to become one."
"Modest doesn't mean mediocre or cheap," said Count Casannuendo when Wolfram released his collar. "Modest can be elegant or positively memorable or just sweet and simple or even modestly unconventional as this tall thin trout is trying to show with his replacement father of the groom stunt, which is the right thing to do things, because this young woman proved to be more than a little woman when she decisively picked this ripe fruit from the branch of a bachelor tree, sooo...so she deserves a decent ceremony where WE are present. Shall we begin the ceremony then? Youngsters seem to be ready, we are ready and hopefully this oversized Captain of ours is ready as well."
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Post by Atticus Batman on Jul 29, 2017 12:36:37 GMT
I heard Sandy trying to interject as everybody started excusing themselves from the Bridge, but figured it was just because she was afraid she would be the only member of the main Protector team left with me, so I didn't pay much attention to it as I double-checked our flight plan. After all Erika left with Lady right behind her, Lena and Marcel left, and then the Synth sisters left with the Constantines leaving with them as Attila talked to Yvette and Atika tried to strike up a conversation with Brooke.
However once most of the Protectors had left leaving just the Bridge crew, myself and one or two stragglers on the bridge, Sandy came up and uncomfortably tried to talk to me. However instead, Sandy gulped trying to get some moisture in a mouth suddenly gone dry as she hesitantly croaked to me, "Sir... Volodja has something to ask you."
I looked at her carefully as I said non-committaly, "Whatever it is, please just spit it out."
Volodja opened his mouth already, pulled his lungs full of air and let that air out with a sight. Then he adjusted his collar as it suddenly became too tight and only after those manipulations he gathered enough courage to be able to say:
"By the power, vested in you as a Captain of this ship, you have a right to perform marital ceremonies, as long as I know. Now such a moment has occurred. You have to marry Sandy and me. Here. Now. Quietly. Simple ceremony, because it's almost wartime and wartime weddings can't be very posh. You see - Sandy proposed me, because she is braver than I am to come out with proposal and I said "yes" so here we are, ready to get married." Saying that, Volodja stepped forward and closed sandy into his protective embrace.
"Well..." said someone in the corner. That someone was grinning Wolfram von Eschen who held Count Casannuendo firmly by his elegant laced shirt collar. "I was quite sure that there was something worth of staying behind while others rushed out. And I was right. You need couple of witnesses anyway who can confirm that everything was as it should be. I believe that dear Count, whom I had to grab and hold by the collar to prevent him rushing after Erika, and I, are suitable for that task. Besides - someone has to give away the groom to the lovely bride. You heard me right - give away the GROOM, because if Sandy proposed then she should be one who receives the other half when this halves of a couple is about to become one."
"Modest doesn't mean mediocre or cheap," said Count Casannuendo when Wolfram released his collar. "Modest can be elegant or positively memorable or just sweet and simple or even modestly unconventional as this tall thin trout is trying to show with his replacement father of the groom stunt, which is the right thing to do things, because this young woman proved to be more than a little woman when she decisively picked this ripe fruit from the branch of a bachelor tree, sooo...so she deserves a decent ceremony where WE are present. Shall we begin the ceremony then? Youngsters seem to be ready, we are ready and hopefully this oversized Captain of ours is ready as well."
I looked at Volodja, then glanced at the two on-lookers in the corner then said gruffly, "Well it looks like we got Doctor Goat's and Count Shrimp's thoughts out of the way already. "
Then I turned my attention back to Sandy and Volodja as I tried but failed to hide my discomfort for once, because this request COMPLETELY threw me off as it was way out of left field. So I answered very uncomfortably with, "A wedding?! You two settling down?! and me?!....me officiating?!?! ME?!?!
Dak, I suppose that is one of those unwritten parts of my job, isn't it?! I mean Taffer did officiate Lady's and my wedding when he was in Command, so it does make sense....however.....ME?! Did you two hit your daking heads, or go crazy, or something?! You want ME, to perform a wedding?! Why me?!
Surely we must have somebody else onboard that could do it?! Perhaps at least a medic with priest training or something?!...Dak, I am sure Miss Yar is more than capable, if you prefer! After all Sandy, you made it perfectly clear how you FEEL about ME and how little you want to interact with me, if possible!
So are you sure that you really want ME, of all people, performing such an important and joyous ceremony?! I mean Volodja I can kind of understand, he is very ideological and tends to try hard to see the positive in others, even if it is barely there or nonexistent....Although Volodja, I would understand if you hate me after what I did and no longer want to be my friend or 'brother' and are only asking for what I assume is the same reason Sandy would ask. that of course being that I am the Commander and it is apparently part of my job description. It's not like I'm not used to hatred and rejection after all. We all know by now that I most definitely am...."
Then before anybody could respond, I continued rambling on with, "....Although I suppose playing a preacher isn't too much of a stretch as I have actually done so several times before, under an alias that I buried and haven't used in years, but not even Lady or Erika knew that information. It is after all a LOT easier for a travelling preacher to gain entry to armed fortresses, than a well-armed mercenary or bounty hunter. Of course my limited experience was mostly with Last Rights....and Sandy BEFORE you interject, Yes some were caused by me. However in most cases I was asked to give Last Rights to sick and wounded as soon as I was allowed in the place, and BEFORE I had a chance to cause my target to require them as well.
...So I suppose I can play the part of 'The Preacher', if you both truly insist, but why me?!......Sandy are you really sure?! If so, would you be willing to tell the others...or at least Lady first?! Either that or I am going to notify her by EGO, so she can be in here to assist me! _____ Besides, I am sure she and the others would all love to attend such a wonderful event."
Then I sat back in my chair hard and took a deep breathe, still shocked that they would ask me to officiate their wedding, as I hoped that Sandy would permit Lady to attend so I at least had her calming presence near me, IF Sandy really is serious about wanting me to perform her wedding ceremony. Although part of me knew she was, for during the little bit of time I have known her, Sandy was always serious about what she said or did.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jul 30, 2017 10:39:17 GMT
Volodja Uljanov stood in front of Atticus Batman. looking straight in front of him to stop the bridge whirling because he was quite anxious about the marriage ceremony just like an actor who is waiting his cue to enter the stage and yell: "Frriends! Rrromans! Countrrymen!" before beginning the emotional and memorable speech. This time it was more about one liner, even one or maximum two word liner: "I do!" he had to deliver, but those simple words meant the world to him because he was about to get married with his beloved Sandy Bell and those words were the knot of their marital ties and Volodja wanted to deliver those words on time, loud and clear, despite being worried about delivering them loud and clear because he loved Sandy so much and was afraid of embarrassing her when he messes his line...
Speaking of Sandy...Volodja kept peeping her from the corner of his eye and although it was against the wedding etiquette, he took her tan calloused hand into his pale one and squeezed it gently. But that wasn't the first unconventional thing during their ceremony. Wolfram von Eschen performed his part as he promised, by taking Volodja by his shoulders and pushing him towards Sandy, saying that with this little push Sandy is free to hit Volodja with her club and drag him into her cave. Or something similar...
Volodja opened his dry mouth and told Atticus Batman. "I understand that it's the first time for you to lead the performance of marital rites. If it makes you feel easier then getting married a new experience for me as well, so don't worry about me trying to teach you how to deliver your lines. You lead, I'll follow."
He assumed that Atticus needed those supportive words as much as Volodja himself needed some. Actually Volodja got his support already because Sandy's hand was in his and he could feel that at least Wolfram von Eschen breathed to back of Volodja's head. Count Casannuendo wasn't able to do the same because of certain technical reasons, but Volodja could feel his presence as well...
He squeezed Sandy's hand once more and whispered to her: "I might not know much about weddings and and marriage such but I know I love you and I am sure that this is only a beginning of a the new chapter of our lives. And that may be all I need to know. The rest we can learn together if you want to..."
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Post by Sandy Bell on Jul 30, 2017 18:27:03 GMT
Atticus Batman finished his inquiry, "...So I suppose I can play the part of 'The Preacher', if you both truly insist, but why me?!......Sandy are you really sure?! If so, would you be willing to tell the others...or at least Lady first?! Either that or I am going to notify her by EGO, so she can be in here to assist me! _____ Besides, I am sure she and the others would all love to attend such a wonderful event." Sandy Bell narrowed her blue eyes and smiled painfully as she pondered what Atticus was saying. This was already getting more complicated and much more full of drama then she wanted or needed. She saw herself as a simple soldier who preferred her orders straightforward and this "wedding" was quickly turning into being nothing of the sort. For a second she looked to the bridge's only exit estimating how fast she could blur out the door and to one of the Vigilant's escape pods. It wasn't that she didn't love Volodja for she truly did but she felt suddenly like a bug under a microscope - and didn't like it one bit! Volodja Uljanov squeezed Sandy's hand once more getting her attention and whispered to her, "I might not know much about weddings and and marriage such but I know I love you and I am sure that this is only a beginning of a the new chapter of our lives. And that may be all I need to know. The rest we can learn together if you want to..." Sandy smiled much more genuinely at Volodja then before wondering when their "roles" had switched. She felt Volodja was usually the unsure one ready to bolt at a moment's notice and she was the calm and patient one. Now faced with their upcoming nuptials she was seriously considering becoming a runaway bride. However three little words from out of his mouth exorcised all such thoughts from her mind - "I love you!" Sandy turned to Atticus and this time smiled confidently as she stated, "I absolutely want you to officiate over out wedding ceremony. You are the Protectors' Commander as well as Volodja's best friend and you were right what you said earlier to me. If I'm to get on with my life, I've got to get over this... conflict... between us. I know with my brain that what happened was not fault of your own, but my heart... ? I've got to get my emotions as to you under control if I'm ever going to be useful to the Protectors again - and I like being a Protector! Having you officiate over our nuptials is a good first step to getting back to normalcy between us." Sandy didn't mention that this action was also a good first step toward her own healing process. She would never forget that Atticus killed her unborn child when he stabbed her in the abdomen in a fever induced rage not long ago but she could forgive it - sooner or later. By this action of Atticus acting as the official marrying them Sandy hoped it would cause the rift between them to be bridged all the sooner. In silent answer to Atticus' wish to have his wife Lady Christianna present, Sandy used her EGO communications to ask Lady privately, "Would you please come back to the bridge? Volodja and I are getting hitched ASAP and I really need a matron of honor. Would you be her please? But don't make a big deal about it: I'd like our marriage to be a real low key affair." Lady smiled enigmatically answering with her EGO, "Sure," but before heading back to the bridge grabbed Erika Widowmaker's arm before they had a chance to reach the mess saying as she led Erika back to where they had just left, "Drink later. Don't want to miss this for sure!" On the bridge, Sandy said to Atticus with an audible sigh but squeezing Volodja's hand tightly as she did, "Lady is on the way, but then can we please get on with it? I can't wait a moment longer to become Sandy Uljanov." Still Sandy had a brief thought even as she spoke, "Sandy Uljanov doesn't exactly roll off the tongue. I wonder how Volodja will feel if I kept my maiden name."  |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Jul 31, 2017 5:16:49 GMT
"Not mind at all," whispered Volodja. "And no, I can't read your thoughts, but I couldn't not noticed slight hesitation in your voice when you spoke about becoming Sandy Uljanov. That hesitation and the thought behind that was also confirmed by Sophie who heard it from Sarge who... Anyway. I think that keeping your maiden name is the most reasonable thing to do. It not only doesn't sound better, but also tells everyone that you already made a name of your own. You are known as Captain Sandy Bell - an excellent soldier and much more than that, so it would be quite ethic and aesthetic when you preserve it." Volodja frowned for a second and whispered again: "Should we ask Marcel to come as well? Our little private ceremony seems to be not so little and private anyway. I can imagine that Marcel will be unsatisfied in either cases - if we do call him, then he probably says that I am trying to show off. If I don't then he probably accuses me on secrecy, conspiracy and so on. Or becoming too proud and forgetting my old friends. If one really wants to complain then one is able to find a reason for that in any case and Marcel is quite clever in inventing reasons of complaint. But if he comes then I probably have a cookie to toss between his jaws to prevent him becoming too loud...Besides - I am quite sure that if we don't invite him then he invites himself and refuses to leave even if politely asked to, although:  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Jul 31, 2017 13:08:58 GMT
On the bridge, Volodja opened his dry mouth and told me, "I understand that it's the first time for you to lead the performance of marital rites. If it makes you feel easier then getting married is a new experience for me as well, so don't worry about me trying to teach you how to deliver your lines. You lead, I'll follow."
I remarked, "Marriage was new for me as well. However the difference between us is that you have probably been invited to and attended weddings and nobody was killed. Whereas I was never invited and the handful that I did crash resulted in somebody's death...usually BEFORE the vows could be given. So mine was the first that I ever actually got all the way through. Now since you are taking my lead, just remember that I am not used to any of this, and you did say you are fine with the unconventional for your wedding. So I can definitely promise that will be what happens, with me as the 'Preacher'."
Shortly after that, Sandy said to me, with an audible sigh but squeezing Volodja's hand tightly as she did, "Lady is on the way, but then can we please get on with it? I can't wait a moment longer to become Sandy Uljanov."
I replied, "That I understand. Despite my feelings on all these emotions and social interactions, I couldn't wait to be married to Lady. So yes, as soon as Lady arrives, we will get you married. I never understood it before meeting Lady, but love is a wonderful thing, isn't it?"
However as I was waiting for Lady to arrive and trying to figure out what to say, I realized two very important things. One: I HATE forced speeches and preferred to say what comes to mind at the moment; and Two: since their wedding, like mine, was a spur-of-the-moment thing, they wouldn't have rings. I was about to ask about it, but instead had a different thought.
So I said, "I hope you two don't mind, but I need to go do something real quick. However I promise that I will be back in five minutes. Then I will be ready, and there will be no more delays."
After Sandy and Volodja reluctantly agreed, I left the bridge and quickly went to my private Commander's armory. Once inside, I grabbed a spool of wire and snipped several pieces of it and started to form two rings. However, I wanted to do something slightly different for the couple, than the fancy wire art rings that Volodja did for Lady and myself. So I started to search my work bench for something that might work. That is when my hand bumped into some empty shell casings. As I picked one up and looked at it, I realized this would definitely be fitting for a career soldier such as Sandy, and I was certain that her groom, and hopefully still my best friend, would appreciate the symbolism in it.
So I took off my heavily armored gauntlets, so I would have more flexibility in my fingers to do exactly what I was planning. Then I went back to working on one of the partially made rings, with me twisting and bending the wire around the casing (snipping the casing and wire as needed) until I got the desired effect I was going for. Then I did the same to the other ring, using a different caliber of shell for it, as I knew the two rings would need to be different sizes. The rings now had a 'centerpiece' to them. Once I was done, I gave them a quick buff. Unfortunately I realized that by adding the 'centerpieces', it took me a bit longer than I expected. However as I was now done anyway, I quickly put my gauntlets back on, grabbed the rings, and returned to the Bridge.
 
Lady and Erika were already there as I arrived. Seeing Sandy's slight impatience at the slightly longer wait, I said, "I am sorry it took longer than expected. However I do hope I will be forgiven when you find out why."
I then walked over to Lady and quietly said to her, "Glad you are here, Snow Angel. By the way, as I am the 'Preacher', somebody else will need to present the rings...and as I doubt they had a chance to come up with anything, I figured the least I could do was return the favor to Volodja, by making their rings. Now as it seems the roles are reversed for this wedding, I am assuming the bride's side will be handling the rings this time. So here they are."
Next I grabbed Lady's hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. To everybody who saw it, it would look like I was just squeezing my wife's hand for some reassurance that I would do fine in my awkward new role. However as I squeezed her hand, I subtly slipped the two rings into it.
After doing that, I looked around the room and said calmly, "Alright, I delayed this long enough, so if everyone that you want here is present, then I suppose we are ready."
When Sandy and Volodja confirmed that they were indeed ready for me to get on with it, I walked over to my Command chair and stood in front of it as the wedding began.
Once Sandy and Volodja were both standing in front of me I said, "We already know why we are gathered here, so I will get on with it..."
"... Now Sandy, I am sure we already know the answer, however I believe I still have to ask anyway... So do you take this scroungy self-proclaimed knight errant and art critic as your husband and other half, no matter how many times he wanders off and you have to drag him back or pull his butt out of trouble?"
After Sandy gave her heartfelt answer, I turned to Volodja and continued with, "Volodja, do you take this very stubborn, strong-willed and obviously very loyal woman as your wife and other half, knowing that you will now have an anchor to keep you near home and a guide to bring you back home whenever you do wander off?"
When he answered, I continued with, "I know you want me to finish up, but before we continue, I think it is time for Lady to present our present to you. So Lady would you please give them to Sandy?"
Lady smiled and presented the rings I made to Sandy. After Lady's and Sandy's interaction, I went on to say, "Alright Sandy hand Volodja your ring and hold onto his..." Once that was done, I said, "Now present each other with their ring and simultaneously place the rings on each other's finger."
As they did so, I nodded and went on with, "The joining of the rings symbolizes the strengthening of your bonds and your union....So I now pronounce you husband and wife. You may finally kiss the bride."
As they kissed, I remarked, "Now that the happy couple have been joined in matrimony, now is the time to congratulate them, before the two of them make themselves scarce for the duration of the trip...but perhaps, we may have time for a drink first...I know I NEED one."
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