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Post by Atticus Batman on Nov 16, 2017 11:41:44 GMT
Belle Starr's beautiful freckled face fell as her blue diamond eyes sought the ground and she asked in a low tone, "Is there somewhere we can go all private like? Y'all know, like the Vigilant's conference room?"
Sandy Bell frowned not liking all the secrecy but answered after apprising me and Lady Christianna of the situation via their EGOs, then answering, "Sure Belle, follow me."
As they walked towards the Officers' conference room that overlooks the Bridge, I said to Lady over our EGO's private channel, "Looks like it's story time. Hopefully this one involves answers."
Then I said out-loud, "Yar you have the Bridge."
When we got to the conference room and everyone was in, Sandy secured the door and began recording the session with her EGO as she asked, "Okay, why all the cloak and dagger Belle?"
I held up my hand for silence, then aI activated the conference room's 'privacy' mode. Once it was activated I nodded and Belle began. As she talked, I stood and walked over to the interior windows to look down at all that was happening on the Bridge, while also listening to Belle's story. I remained silent the whole time, even with Sandy having to constantly prod Belle to continue.
Eventually it seemed liked Belle was done as, Belle stopped to take a deep breath for this was the longest she had conversed with anyone in over three hundred years and she was out of practice, but she explained further, "Using my knowledge of historical salvage, thank you Chase Lonehart wherever you are, I found evidence in the logs of crashed space ships of refugees fleeing from other universes - universes Atlas destroyed - only to be tracked down and killed by Sentinels! I also landed on planets that were being disassembled right under my feet in what I now called my universe! I and other Travelers starting putting our information together and we all came to the same conclusion: Atlas was mad and was destroying our universe in his insanity and that he had a timetable! The number 16 came up and up time and time again in our investigations! That's when we came up with a possible solution: Someone would have to got to the center of the universe and reset Atlas in-person! Some of us agreed, some of us said we should sit tight, that even if he was dismantling our universe, it might take thousands of years! Even though my hands were trembling, I volunteered to travel to the center of the universe and confront Atlas! It made sense, as I had the fastest ship with maximum warp capacity and had traveled through black holes before and survived with only minimum damage to Stargazer VI! Plus I had a friend, High Priest Nada, who could point me to the Black holes that would get me closest to my goal although there weren't many! Most of the time I traveled by warping from universe to universe with the countdown slowly counting down on my in-ship monitors. Finally after discovering my fortieth galaxy and the countdown at '1', I found the center of my universe! Needless to say, I tried to stop Atlas - and I failed dismally, end game! So when everything was collapsing around me, I ran like the no-good yellow-bellied varmint I am through a black hole and landed back here - just in time I guess to see my home universe destroyed too!"
Belle shoulder began shaking as she wept, huge tears rolling down her freckled cheeks onto the table she had been staring at so intently .
As I stared down into the Bridge, I said, "Not a coward. Cowards run and hide while others do the heavy lifting. You gathered information and came up with a solution that you say ultimately failed. Then when it looked like all hope was lost, you did what you had to in order to survive; you ran. However you didn't run and hide. You ran back to where you hoped to find the only people that may be able to help you .... your family.
You and Lady taught me that anything is possible with good friends and family to help and go to for support. Yes even you Sandy. No matter how you feel about me, I at least know that you will always be honest with me and put me in my place when needed, just as ..... just as Erika always did. I had that with the Dawn Patrol, but lost it when I ... I failed to fight off my attackers and warn them in time and as you know that failure put me in a year long comma while Paradise thought I had died or disappeared. You met me shortly after I came out of it. I felt all alone and like I had failed and caused the deaths of my new family, so I came to the conclusion that no matter what I did I may actually belong alone and isolated for as long as I live, even though Torc had informed me that they had received my warning in time and were able to get away and eventually stop the threat to them. We know that ended with a BOOM when I caused the explosion in the zenith array facility to stop a Volge invasion and tried to sacrifice myself in the process, and part of me did die that day. However good things happened too. That was when I was reacquainted with a young human woman that had showed me friendship back on the New Freedom just because she felt that everybody deserved and therefor should have at least one friend. As well as when I started to become the Man-beast that I am today.
That was also when I met Lady, although only for a few seconds, but from that moment I couldn't get her out of my head, there was just something about her I just had no idea what it was at the time. Then weeks later when you contacted me through the backdoor channels I had given you, I came to your base of operations and was confronted by Lady doing what she felt necessary to protect her friend and 'big sister and we know what that lead to. Anyway what I am getting at is that you and Lady, as well as the others taught me that family will accept you no matter what and always be there for you when needed. Erika further proved that point when she discovered I was her long lost brother, and while most would have kept that to themselves given that I am who and what I am, she confronted me with her knew-found knowledge and then accepted me back into her life with open arms. Despite everything I did, no matter how horrible or how mistaken it may have been, she was always there for me, even when she didn't agree with me and told me so......"
I took a breathe and paused (for dramatic effect) as I walked back to and then around the conference table. Then I put my big hand on Belle's shaking shoulder and gently and reassuringly squeezed it as I finally continued with, " .... just as we are here for you because we are and ALWAYS WILL BE your family. However we will NOT leave Earth without our twins and the rest of our family. So we will do everything we can to stop this threat BEFORE it happens. So we do what we do best, as always. Put our minds together and come up with possible ideas and work on them as a group, while individually we try to stick to our strengths to further help our family ... something Sandy had to practically beat into my armored head REPEATEDLY! Something that she not only seems to be good at, but I have the feeling that she enjoys doing so as well! You Bell/Starr women are quite the strong-willed and determined bunch when you want to be! Especially when it comes to those you love and care about."
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Nov 16, 2017 14:10:35 GMT
"Once that nuisance Volodja told me what that expression "Burn all the bridges" means in military - it means destroying all means to retreat and force people fight to the end. Then he blabbered about five minutes about Caesar who went over Rubicon, like it could mean something these days. And then about soldiers who destroyed their boats after they landed so they could not go back. Now that nuisance is about to experience something similar. If we commandeer one of their vehicles then it adds them motivation to withstand to the finish when this ship gets damaged! Less temptation to escape, more heroism! That is a good deed, is it not? I feel like I am Volodja's benefactor by giving him a chance to act heroically! The only problem might be our young protégé Whitney."
Marcel tossed cigarette between his lips which now curved in somewhat cruel smile when he imagined all the trouble, Volodja Uljanov could find himself in. Then he blew out couple of smoke rings and continued:
"Young Whitney let herself distract with the ice cream. If we leave her here, which is probably would be her choice, because of her sisters and such, then...She is young, enthusiastic and might be naive and that ice cream might loosen her tongue and I am afraid that she might accidentally tell them about our plan to leave this merry coterie. And Protectors might develop an unhealthy urge to blame us and then chase us. And then even judge us. And that might distract them from the main task -protecting the world, including us as their benefactors, from terrible things. Is there any way to convince Whitney to leave this ship with us, I wonder? Or should we use more...mmm...effective approach? Maybe sort of a reminder or warning to guarantee the silence of Synths? Nothing too drastic, though. Or..."
Marcel made a dramatic pause and said thoughtfully after that: "Or we could try to find out what Protectors have at stake and decide is it worth the trouble of us staying or should we go back to Earth and take what is rightfully ours - the Paradise Territory. Even the world is not enough for you, precious Honey Pot!"
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Post by Belle Starr on Nov 17, 2017 2:59:53 GMT
In the conference room, Atticus Batman put his big hand on Belle Starr's shaking shoulder and gently and reassuringly squeezed it as he finally continued with, " .... just as we are here for you because we are and ALWAYS WILL BE your family. However we will NOT leave Earth without our twins and the rest of our family. So we will do everything we can to stop this threat BEFORE it happens. So we do what we do best, as always. Put our minds together and come up with possible ideas and work on them as a group, while individually we try to stick to our strengths to further help our family ... something Sandy had to practically beat into my armored head REPEATEDLY! Something that she not only seems to be good at, but I have the feeling that she enjoys doing so as well! You Bell/Starr women are quite the strong-willed and determined bunch when you want to be! Especially when it comes to those you love and care about."
Belle put her pale hand on his from where she sat as she looked up at Atticus with wide eyes, "I appreciate the kindness, not that I deserve it, but y'all still don't understand! I didn't mean to come here! I just saw the nearest exit - the black hole - and took it! I don't know if Atlas sent me home on purpose to follow me, for he must have known where I came from when he grabbed me in the first place, or it was wish fulfillment on my part to be back with my family, I just don't know! I do know I never would have brought this disaster to y'all on purpose! Never! And I'm so sorry I did!" Belle began weeping again, and between sobs said in despair, "I might've been strong-willed and determined once... but now I'm just a yellow-bellied coward!"
Sandy Bell thought to Volodja Uljanov through their EGO link, "What do you think? Is Belle depressed, delusional, or just plain crazy? You're the head-shrinker!" Then said out loud to Atticus, "Maybe we should have the Riot rendezvous with us with your kids and Kaj. I think Taffer can run things at Fortress Kshaa. However, maybe the kids would be safer at Fortress Kshaa. You and Lady's decision of course, but I get the feeling time is of the essence here. What's your orders Commander?"
Just then Lady Christianna who was standing near the conference room door began to rub her chalk white temples with her small fingers before her pink eyes grew wide before fluttering shut and collapsing to the floor.
Meanwhile In the Vigilant's quarters of Lena Marr and Marcel Lestrange, Marcel asked, "Is there any way to convince Whitney to leave this ship with us, I wonder? Or should we use more...mmm...effective approach? Maybe sort of a reminder or warning to guarantee the silence of Synths? Nothing too drastic, though. Or..."
Marcel made a dramatic pause and said thoughtfully after that: "Or we could try to find out what Protectors have at stake and decide is it worth the trouble of us staying or should we go back to Earth and take what is rightfully ours - the Paradise Territory. Even the world is not enough for you, precious Honey Pot!"
Lena grinned wickedly, "Well you know what the old human pirates used to say, dead men tell not tales but I bet you could apply it to Synth women too however...," The grin fled off from Lena's attractive chalk white face as fast as it arrived as a pretty pout replaced it and she admitted, "I'd rather not to kill Whitney for she makes a great handmaiden and she's got a ton of knowledge in that noggin of hers that could be useful to our organization. Plus... she's kind of grown on me so I like her around. Plus plus, how brokenhearted would Bert and Ernie be if I killed their potential girlfriend before they even had a chance to make a play for her!"
Lena laughed maniacally at her own twisted joke before her wicked grin was back before she added, "Like they would have a snowball's chance in Hell with her in the first place but that's beside the point! I think she's pretty loyal to me, so I'll have a girl-to-girl talk and read her the riot act so she knows to keep our business in-house. As to going along with the Protectors into space... I don't know, still sounds suicidal, but I've done suicidal stuff before sooooo... why not? Now how are we going to find out what the mighty Protectors are planning Pooh Bear?"
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Post by Atticus Batman on Nov 17, 2017 11:34:14 GMT
Sandy Bell thought to Volodja Uljanov through their EGO link, "What do you think? Is Belle depressed, delusional, or just plain crazy? You're the head-shrinker!" Then said out loud to Atticus, "Maybe we should have the Riot rendezvous with us with your kids and Kaj. I think Taffer can run things at Fortress Kshaa. However, maybe the kids would be safer at Fortress Kshaa. You and Lady's decision of course, but I get the feeling time is of the essence here. What's your orders Commander?"
Just then Lady Christianna who was standing near the conference room door began to rub her chalk white temples with her small fingers before her pink eyes grew wide before fluttering shut and collapsing to the floor.
I quickly moved and caught Lady before her head hit the ground. Then I snapped, "Looks like I better get Lady to the Med Bay! Sandy notify Kaj to plan on bringing the twins, Pyotr Pavlovich Yershov (Petka), and his wife Stephanie Yershova (nee Douglas) with him, if and when we do send the order to the Riot to rendezvous with us!"
Then as I picked up Lady, I said, "Starr Eyes, we are glad to have you back and know you would never willingly put us at risk. Now get your daking head together little sister! We need you focused on helping us, NOT wollowing in self-pity! If we can stop this threat, then there will be plenty of time for that later!"
Next I said, "Volodja I better take Lady to Medical, so it looks like your first act as my First Officer is to start coming up with a more concrete plan! You know where to find me, if I am needed before I return to the Bridge."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Nov 17, 2017 15:00:52 GMT
"I am planning to do something unusual, Honey Pot," said Marcel. "I could have pleasant conversation with innocent Lexy who runs this ship and has eyes and ears everywhere. Getting information out of her would probably be as easy as stealing candy from a toddler. She is a child after all. But it is a big no no. Stealing candies or fish information from children is something that Marcel Lestrange does not do. This is not my level. That is why we are going...We are going already, Honey Pot and execute that plan." Marcel offered Lena gallantly his arm and they left the room.
Volodja Uljanov thought a bit about observations of his wife and replied to her mentally:
"Depressed, delusional, or just plain crazy? I would say that Belle is scared. Really scared and feels insecure. Too much pressure and distress on her. She went to discover new worlds. That is one source of distress because it takes lot of strength to travel around the space, face unknown and adjust oneself with different environments. This is not a prearranged package travel after all. She was fine at first and even felt like she was succeeding with every discovery because joy balanced everything a bit. But then the universe collapsed. Not only her personal universe but whole parallel universe went down with KABOOM! and that is really scary sight. Especially when you try to save it. Then you feel like a complete failure because your efforts are nullified by some kind of force majeure and if you have spent most of your mental strength already while distress, guilt and sadness are chewing you...Usually it brings you close to depression, not delusions. If we deal with delusions, then they are collective one because we all saw what is going on in our solar system. At moment I assume that Belle suffers from acute lack of self esteem and she is sort of out of her centre and she has problem with hiding it, because I noticed her using some words she usually doesn't. Some rest might help her to recover from the breakdown, but I am afraid that rest is something we can't afford right now."
Volodja himself couldn't even afford to continue his assumptions about Belle's mental condition because Atticus Batman interrupted him by saying:
"Volodja I better take Lady to Medical, so it looks like your first act as my First Officer is to start coming up with a more concrete plan! You know where to find me, if I am needed before I return to the Bridge."
Aforementioned Volodja nodded shortly and said mentally to Sandy: "I believe that Wolfram knows thing or two about that kind of cases as well. Maybe we should send Belle to him. He complained about the lack of patients anyway. Now he gets a chance to have two of them at once. Especially when I am ordered to prove myself being worthy of my new set of epaulettes, so we have to put our heads together."
Before they could do that, the door slammed open and Lena and Marcel entered. Uninvited, of course, but they did not gave a damn about the etiquette. Marcel continued his line of arrogant behaviour by lighting a cigarette and blowing some smoke into Volodja's face before exclaiming:
"Lena and I would like to know what the fuck is going on. Do not forget that we are travellers aboard this particular ship and that means being in your responsibility. So you better give us some explanations and they better be good ones, because you have very annoying tendency to hid things from us and then you ask our help to fix them. Is this one of THOSE cases again, Volodja?"
Volodja lifted his eyebrow. Slightly. Direct approach was something that Marcel usually avoided like cat avoids water or a used car salesman his customers after the deal is made. But now he was there with Lena and demanded explanations instead of using his usual indirect methods. And Marcel had a point - Lena and him were actually their responsibility. That is why Volodja said:
"You are correct, Marcel. This is one of those usual situations where we are in trouble. But this time the trouble is galactic wide."
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Post by Atticus Batman on Nov 18, 2017 11:29:57 GMT
Before they could do that, the door slammed open and Lena and Marcel entered. Uninvited, of course, but they did not gave a damn about the etiquette. Marcel continued his line of arrogant behaviour by lighting a cigarette and blowing some smoke into Volodja's face before exclaiming:
"Lena and I would like to know what the fuck is going on. Do not forget that we are travellers aboard this particular ship and that means being in your responsibility. So you better give us some explanations and they better be good ones, because you have very annoying tendency to hid things from us and then you ask our help to fix them. Is this one of THOSE cases again, Volodja?"
Volodja lifted his eyebrow. Slightly. Direct approach was something that Marcel usually avoided like cat avoids water or a used car salesman his customers after the deal is made. But now he was there with Lena and demanded explanations instead of using his usual indirect methods. And Marcel had a point - Lena and him were actually their responsibility. That is why Volodja said:
"You are correct, Marcel. This is one of those usual situations where we are in trouble. But this time the trouble is galactic wide."
With Marcel and Lena entering as I was about to leave, they now stood in my way. So as Marcel talked, I glared at him as my aura started to brighten. However lucky for those around, before I got so angry that I would verbally or even physically lash out at Marcel, my EGO, Dinara, said to me, "Atty! calm down, they had no clue you were about to take Lady to Medical! Besides as Medic Jameson's quarters are closer to the Bridge than the Med Bay is, and she is probably in them given the time of night, wouldn't it be easier to just contact her and have her come to the conference room and have a medical team meet her here?!"
I sighed heavily, then mentally responded with, "Dak! I didn't even think of that! Fine have it your way!"
Then I turned back towards the conference table and said, "Volodja, clear the table! Sandy contact the Med Bay and have them send a med team to our location now!"
Once Volodja cleared the table, I laid Lady gently on it. Then I contacted Medic Jameson and ordered her to report to the Officers' conference room as Lady was in need of her medical expertise. As soon as I ended the call, I walked over to Marcel and yanked his cigarette out of his mouth and put it out on my heavily armored arm. Then I popped the snuffed cigarette back in his mouth, as if it had never been removed or lit, and I said, "As you see, we have an injured person here. So no lit cigarettes in here, in case the med team needs to use some oxygen on her or something! We are already facing enough catastrophic possibilities, without you adding to it! So if you want to smoke ... please go do so elsewhere.
Now as Volodja has said, we suddenly find ourselves dealing with a galactic wide incident. We aren't exactly leaving you out of the loop. However until we could figure out exactly what is going on, there was no need to contact you yet. However now you are here, so here it is. Our galaxy seems to be targeted by a powerful being who wants to conquer and then destroy it. So your choices are get in an escape pod and get sent to Paradise or stay up here with us., either helping as needed or staying in your quarters out of the way. However if we fail, then the planet goes boom and so does your 'Enterprise'. If we succeed, then all of the galaxy including you' Enterprise', will still be around. So it seems to be in your best interest to help, even though I am NOT increasing your pay.
Of course as you and Lena both love new and unusual 'toys' as much as I do, I will point out that this alien threat is using technology unlike anything we have ever encountered before. Speaking of which, Lena we already have the Constantines working on locating and hacking into something that Sandy called the 'Hubble'. So if you are willing to help, then I am sure they would appreciate your assistance and expertise in the matter. Volodja perhaps Marcel could help you look over what little information we have, and start formulating some sort of plan. If you to can daking play nice with each other for once instead of acting like daking jealous brothers! If you can't, then I am sure we can find another daking use for Marcel's many daking talents!"
Then I turned and walked back to the conference table again. Then I silently took and held Lady's hand and was still holding it as Medic Jameson came in, followed just a couple LONG minutes later by the full medical team that Sandy requested.
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Post by Sandy Bell on Nov 18, 2017 21:13:34 GMT
Volodja Uljanov said mentally to Sandy Bell: "I believe that Wolfram knows thing or two about that kind of cases as well. Maybe we should send Belle to him. He complained about the lack of patients anyway. Now he gets a chance to have two of them at once. Especially when I am ordered to prove myself being worthy of my new set of epaulettes, so we have to put our heads together." Sandy nodded assent absentmindedly to Volodja even though Volodja had spoken to her telepathically as she watched the still silently sobbing women sitting with sagging shoulders at the Vigilant's conference room table. Sandy didn't always agree with Belle Starr being much more pragmatic and pessimistic about human - and Votan - nature than her ideologically pure niece who was way too much a Pollyanna for Sandy. Still in Sandy's experience, Belle had always been confident with such a strong can-do attitude that it was sometimes maddening to her all too human aunt. To see Belle so... broken, there was no other word for it Sandy thought, more than disconcerting to her. As Sandy watched Belle intently, she was only half-aware when the diabolical duo entered and only half-listened as Marcel postured and Atticus read him the riot act and ordered Sandy to order medical help for his unconscious wife which she still did. Sandy then had a sudden idea, and sent her EGO psyche Sarge to Lady Christianna's EGO. Amber had been their deceased friend's Erika Widowmaker's EGO psyche, and when Lady's EGO was damaged in battle, Erika's EGO psyche and all was transplanted into Lady after Erika's death. Sandy reasoned that maybe the transplant had not gone as well as the Protectors' medical staff had maintained. Amber's demeanor and holographic looks had been patterned on how Erika had imagined her dead infant daughter would have been had she lived to be a teenager and maybe that wasn't compatible with Lady for some reason. When Sarge arrived in Lady's EGO, he saw a white picket fenced house surrounded in a vast whiteness. He opened the white gate and walked to the white door hesitantly pressing the door bell. There was no answer, but he placed his virtual ear to the door and could hear feminine crying within. Sarge's personality was based on Sandy's memories of her old squad's Sargent during the Pale Wars and although Sarge had developed into being a somewhat different personality than the original, he still was an old school Southern gentleman and a heroic soldier so he busted the door down with one strategic kick. What Sarge found surprised him, for he found the young Irathient girl sitting on the floor crying with a single spotlight over her head in an otherwise dark and empty room. Sarge hurried to Amber's side kneeling as he put his arm around her shoulders and locked his brown eyes on hers asking, "Amber, speak to me. What's wrong?" Amber looked at him with wide jade eyes and answered, "I wish I knew. I can't find anything wrong with Lady, but something began draining her bio-electric energy when she was on the bridge. I warned her then but she just said she needed to be with Atticus when he went to the Conference room. And now her energy reserves are so low she's gone unconscious and I can't wake her. I know the source that is draining her is external, but I can't seem to trace it further or affect it no matter what I do. I'm barely keeping her alive in a comatose state but I haven't been able to do much since I became her EGO Psyche. I can't even change this silly white picket fenced house into my own colorful bedroom!" "Maybe I can help! At least I hope I can!" Said a youthful cheerful voice from out of the dark then stepped from the shadows a skinny preteen Castithan waif dressed in mismatching garish garb who introduced herself, "I'm Hope - Lena Marr's EGO psyche? I'm sooooo sorry to intrude, but Lena has me kibitz as a rule and I couldn't help but overhear sooooo I came right over to help - but please don't tell Lena, she might not approve although I think she would, Lady being her BFF - but Lena always says it's better to ask for forgiveness later than permission before sooooo anyhow, I could lend some of my energy to yours to help - not enough to endanger Lena, but I only need about 10% to do that at the moment, so may I help?" Sarge stroked the morning stubble on his square jaw before replying, "Yes, not a bad idea so please do. I'll lend energy as well from Sandy with her approval which I'm sure she'll give and I'll contact the other nearby EGO psyches to help as well." Sarge did not mention that the first one he would contact was Dinara, Atticus Batman's EGO psyche, knowing that she and Amber had a "special" personal relationship. As Sarge was making plans with his fellow EGO psyches, Sandy listened as Atticus said to Marcel, "Of course as you and Lena both love new and unusual 'toys' as much as I do, I will point out that this alien threat is using technology unlike anything we have ever encountered before. Speaking of which, Lena we already have the Constantines working on locating and hacking into something that Sandy called the 'Hubble'. So if you are willing to help, then I am sure they would appreciate your assistance and expertise in the matter. Volodja perhaps Marcel could help you look over what little information we have, and start formulating some sort of plan. If you to can daking play nice with each other for once instead of acting like daking jealous brothers! If you can't, then I am sure we can find another daking use for Marcel's many daking talents!" Sandy said to Lena, "The Constantines are on the bridge trying to break through old NASA'a security to access the Hubble telescope that stationed in space so that we can take a closer look at our extraterrestrial threat and see what they are doing on the surface of Pluto. You're the supposed genius at hacking through any and all security so how about you give them a hand?" Lena looked to Marcel with unblinking sky blue eyes and when Marcel gave her a curt nod of assent, she turned to Sandy and said with a wicked grin, "I wouldn't say genius, just highly gifted! Extremely highly gifted. Beyond mortal kin extremely highly gifted. Okay, have your it way Randy Sandy, genius! Lead on McDuff!" As Sandy and Lena left for the bridge Medic Joy Jameson and her medical crew entered to help Lady so Sandy took the opportunity to order as they passed, "Lady's top priority, but please have someone escort Ms. Starr to Doctor Von Eschen ASAP."  |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Nov 19, 2017 12:25:01 GMT
"Hey! If this is a public charity event then we would like to make a donation too," was said with silvery French accent and elegantly dressed Sophie stepped out of darkness. She wasn't alone but accompanied by Moira. Latter added: "Knowing Volodja, I am sure that he isn't mind. As for Marcel...If he wants to argue with me then I can always tell him that from now on he can polish his own - not what you might think of, but his lungs. It's a helluva job to keep lungs of a chain smoker tar free and guarantee decent oxygen flow so he could perform. And Marcel knows it, so he has to agree if he ever wants to run his ...mmmm...marathons again. Or at least last as long as he is used to." If one likes to know what all this Hungarian in this video means in English then someone has made the hard work and provided us with a rough translation. |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Nov 19, 2017 12:40:00 GMT
Sarge stroked the morning stubble on his square jaw before replying, "Yes, not a bad idea so please do. I'll lend energy as well from Sandy with her approval which I'm sure she'll give and I'll contact the other nearby EGO psyches to help as well." Sarge did not mention that the first one he would contact was Dinara, Atticus Batman's EGO psyche, knowing that she and Amber had a "special" personal relationship.
When Dinara got Sarge's call for reinforcements to aid in helping, both Lady and Amber, she immediately summoned my Grid psyche, Kakusi, to her room. When Kakusi entered, the young Irathient girl quickly said, "Oh Shocky! Glad you came! Sarge called! Lady and Amber are in trouble and need my help! Puhlease be a nice brother and watch my EGO post for me while I am away, as we know how much Atty tends to push both his and my limits!"
Kakusi smiled and responded in his usual electrically-enhanced but deadpan tone, "Of course little compu-sister. It will be done, for I am his Huckleberry."
Dinara shrugged and rolled her eyes as she said, "Fine, just keep Kabully outta ALL of my things while I am gone! Be back soon!"
She then disappeared from her EGO and appeared in Amber's. She noticed the exterior was still that of MOM's house, but quickly rushed through the open front door. Seeing Amber still kneeling on the floor by Sarge's feet, Dinara quickly ran over and knelt by her girlfriend. Then she hugged her tight as she said, "Sarge filled me in, Amber-baby! We will do everything that we can to help! Speaking of which, Atty currently has an abundance of his spare bio-electrical energy stored up thanks to .... well thanks to all of the aggravations since Lexy summoned us to the bridge; such as Mr. Lestrange and Miss Marr walking into the conference room and blocking Atty's path out the door when he was about to take Lady to Medical, and then Mr. Lestrange pulling his 'I-am-the-center-of-the-world' crapolla!
Anyway that means Atty of course started channeling more energy which gives us some excess energies to work with. Of course if we need more energy then....um well I can NOT believe I am the one suggesting this but ..... if we need more energy then well we might need to get Atty to keep absorbing and feeding us energy. As Mr. Lestrange is currently his focus of aggravation, then ....perhaps if he keeps Atty on edge, so Atty keeps channeling excess energies from the ship, (but not quite pushing Atty enough to give into his rage), then we might have plenty of energy to work with for the time being. However that most definitely is NOT a long-term solution given how quickly Atty's moods may shift, and if he gets too angry or tires of Mr. Lestrange being in his face....
Then I know he will bust Mr. Lestrange's nose or worse, and I also know that none of us want that! So although having somebody keep Atty on edge will give us more energy to work with, and Mr. Lestrange is currently the best choice given that he is already unknowingly acting as our catalyst, we better come up with a better solution soon for we can not rely on the Atty-aggravation option for too long."
Just then two rustically dressed Mongolian-Irathient warriors, a man (Attila's male EGO psyche, Ganbaatar) and a woman, (Atika's female EGO psyche Kellina) both walked in. Then in a very strong Mongol accent, Ganbaatar said, "Perhaps we can help as well. We have spoken with several of you previously but only had the chance to personally meet a couple of you before. I am Ganbaatar and this is Kellina. So how can we be of service?"
 
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Post by Lena Marr on Nov 19, 2017 22:02:31 GMT
"Excuse me, Excuse me! Artiste coming through!" Exclaimed Lena Marr loudly as the Castithan woman entered the Vigilant's bridge gesturing with flourish as she made a beeline to where The Constantine twins were working while she asked her EGO psyche to contact Whitney to join her ordering through the telepathic link they shared, "Hope, find Whitney and get little Miss Snow White up here pronto! She might have some knowledge I might be able to use." "Uhhhhh... Hope ain't here at the moment... I guess I'm in charge,"" Replied Sloth. Lena was long used to be having the voices representing the seven deadly sins being in residence in her noggin but Sloth was probably her least favorite since Lena was normally a woman of action, albeit usually illegal and often immoral action so she answered, "No, I'm in charge but that is neither here nor there. Where is Hope?" "Something about helping Amber keep Lady Christianna alive, I dunno. I was only half listening," Answered Sloth sleepily. A pretty pout crossed Lena's chalk white face as her unblinking sky blue eyes narrowed when she mumbled, "Guess that's a good reason," then said to Sloth mentally, " Is anybody - ANYBODY - else available to man the cockpit of my EGO?" "Weeeeeell," Began Sloth, "Greed is still pissed that you didn't ask for more scrip for this job and Lust is mad that you didn't have more time with Marcel so is in a food orgy with Gluttony. Pride got some new spiky outfits for some reason and is admiring herself in a mirror and Envy is piqued that Pride got new outfits and she didn't. And Anger... Anger is just angry all the time, 24/7! That just leaves me." Lena sighed deeply, then answered as she began reviewing on a computer console what the Constantine twins had dug up on the Hubble telescope and where its controls were secured, "Okay, that just leaves you and me but mostly me. Sort through the data and check for security protocols." As Sloth went through the data, albeit not as fast as Lena would have liked, but as she received the information she needed she typed into the console hacking through NASA's security through the connections the Constantines had located finally exclaiming with a wicked grin, "Eureka! Gotta love old human tech!" As Lena shifted the direction of the Hubble telescope to focus on Pluto, the main view screen on the bridge turned on showing a closeup of the last planet in the solar system for all to see whereupon Lena blurted, "It looks kinda like Earth!!!! Only in red and orange and yellow 'stead a blue and green and white! Better get Atticus! Volodja and Sandy too! They're gonna want to see this!!!!"   |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Nov 20, 2017 11:34:00 GMT
As Lena shifted the direction of the Hubble telescope to focus on Pluto, the main view screen on the bridge turned on showing a closeup of the last planet in the solar system for all to see whereupon Lena blurted, "It looks kinda like Earth!!!! Only in red and orange and yellow 'stead a blue and green and white! Better get Atticus! Volodja and Sandy too! They're gonna want to see this!!!!"
As soon as Lena said that, Lexy who was still wearing Atika's headset said quietly, "Can I um can I please con...con.. um call Commander Grumpypants and tell them? I do 'ready has the headsets on!"
Attila smiled and responded nicely, with, "Well that is true. So go ahead, but you better speak up so they can hear you clearly, but perhaps you should just contact the Officers' conference room instead of them seperately as they are all 3 together at the moment."
Lexy said, "Ooh good idea! .....oh wait! You think I will get into trouble for interp....interrupting him again? I don't wanna be in more troubles! He was ready mad enough ats me! So maybe you should do it after all."
As Lexy's bottom lip came out in a pout (because she wanted to make the comm. call but was afraid of getting yelled at again), and she was about to take off her headset, Atika stopped her and responded with. "No, you are at my comm.-station at the moment, so go ahead and make the call, but if he starts to yell, then hand Lena the headset, I am sure she would yell back at him for you."
Lexy giggled at that thought and nodded in agreement, then she contacted the Officers' conference room. In the conference room, a medic had left with Belle to take her to see Doctor Von Eschen. and I was still standing by Lady's side holding her hand as Medic Jameson examined her. Just then the room's comm system chimed. So Sandy answered it and put it on intercom so the whole room could hear. So we heard Lexy's childish young voice saying, "Hi Conference room! This is Lexy at comms while Atika continues helpin Lena and Attila! About that .... we um gots the HUMBLE...um mean HUBBLE telscopey thingy working. Lena zoomed it's view to Mars and we, um, well, Lena said you Sandy and Volo better come see this."
I glanced back at Sandy and the comm. and grumbled to myself for a second. Then I said out loud, "Fine Lexy. We will be right there."
Lexy replied with, "Alright Commander....aannnnddd....umm I'm not in troubles 'gin right?"
I sighed and responded to the comm. with, "No Lexy you aren't in trouble at the moment. You are just doing your job. Now tell Lena and Atika that we will be right there."
After Lexy disconnected she said quietly but happily, "Woo! No troubles for me this time!'
Back in the conference room, after the comm. call was ended, I said, "Dak, I hate leaving Lady but I guess she is in good hands. Jameson do everything that you can, and if you move her to Medical or our quarters, let me know so I know where to see her as soon as I can."
Then I looked back across the table and out the viewing window into the Bridge. Seeing the fiery colored image on the view-screen I said to those in the conference room, "What the dak are they viewing down there?! Sandy if that image they are looking at down there is Pluto, then we may need to get Belle back in here. So you better fill in Von Eschen. That way the Old Goat will accompany her back to the Bridge if we do need her again already."
Next I said, "Alright you heard Lexy. Let's go to the Bridge and see just what the hell they are viewing, and Marcel I think you better accompany us as well."
I then leant down and lovingly kissed Lady on the forehead whispering, "Don't worry Snow Angel, you will be fine, and I will be back as soon as I can."
Then I stood back up and confidently walked out of the conference room, with the others not far behind me. When I entered the Bridge, I was able to see the view-screen a lot more clearly. Seeing what looked like Earth, only in red and orange and yellow, on the view-screen I snapped, "Just what the dak is going on? Is that Pluto or Earth that you are all looking at?!"
Atika said, "It's Pluto Sir. Now you can see why Lena had Lexy summon you back to the Bridge. This seems so weird."
I turned to Lena, and said, "Lena, it looks like those daking drones are decorating Pluto for some kind of twisted Fall Harvest or some daking thing like that! However I doubt it's that simple. So what have you discovered so daking far?"
 
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Post by Sandy Bell on Nov 20, 2017 18:12:16 GMT
In the Vigilant's conference room, Atticus Batman looked back across the table and out the viewing window into the Bridge. Sandy Bell folowed his glowing stare with her blue eyes, seeing the fiery colored image on the view-screen whereupon Atticus said to those in the conference room, "What the dak are they viewing down there?! Sandy if that image they are looking at down there is Pluto, then we may need to get Belle back in here. So you better fill in Von Eschen. That way the Old Goat will accompany her back to the Bridge if we do need her again already." "Yes sir," Said Sandy curtly then informing Dr. Von Eschen via the coms as Atticus ordered, "Alright you heard Lexy. Let's go to the Bridge and see just what the hell they are viewing, and Marcel I think you better accompany us as well." Sandy waited at the door looking anywhere but at her commanding officer giving Atticus some private time with his comatose wife before following on his heels out onto the Vigilant's bridge. When Atticus and his entourage entered the Bridge, they were able to see the view-screen a lot more clearly. Seeing what looked like Earth, only in red and orange and yellow, on the view-screen Atticus snapped, "Just what the dak is going on? Is that Pluto or Earth that you are all looking at?!" Atika Constantine said, "It's Pluto Sir. Now you can see why Lena had Lexy summon you back to the Bridge. This seems so weird." Atticus turned to Lena Marr, and said, "Lena, it looks like those daking drones are decorating Pluto for some kind of twisted Fall Harvest or some daking thing like that! However I doubt it's that simple. So what have you discovered so daking far?" A frown crossed Lena's pretty chalk white face, "I'm a hacker not an exobiologist so how the dak would I know?" A pleasant voice from in back of Sandy said like a tour guide at an ancient Earth amusement park, "According to NASA, Pluto is basically rock and ice with five moons similar in make-up. The plains of Pluto are composed of over 98% nitrogen ice with traces of methane and carbon monoxide whereas the mountains are made of water ice. Pluto's surface was reported to be quite varied, with large differences in both brightness and color. In fact, Pluto is one of the most contrastive bodies in the Solar System, with as much contrast as Saturn's moon Iapetus. The color varies from charcoal black, to dark orange and white. Pluto's color is more similar to that of Io with slightly more orange and significantly less red than Mars. Notable geographical features include Tombaugh Regio, or the 'Heart', a large bright area on the side opposite Charon, Pluto's largest moon, Cthulhu Regio, or the "Whale" (a large dark area on the trailing hemisphere), and the "Brass Knuckles" (a series of equatorial dark areas on the leading hemisphere). Sputnik Planitia, the western lobe of the "Heart", is a 1000 km-wide basin of frozen nitrogen and carbon monoxide ices, divided into polygonal cells which are interpreted as convection cells that carry floating blocks of water ice crust and sublimation pits towards their margins. Furthermore, there are obvious signs of glacial flows both into and out of the basin - "* Sandy stared at the view screen in fascinations but recognized the voice and without turning to face the Synth Sister interrupted saying, "Thank you Whitney but things have obviously changed since NASA made that report. The colors of Pluto itself don't seem to have changed much but it looks likes there's an atmosphere and weather patterns there now hence the yellow swirls. Maybe even an atmosphere that could support higher life forms but we won't know unless we go to Pluto's surface." Not to let Sandy have the last word, "Looks like a Votan's wet dream. The whole planet terra-formed in one fell swoop! In the Pale Wars , we Votans tried doing that to Earth piecemeal to mimic our home planets but it didn't really work, just made ecological disasters, but these Sentinels seem to have both skill and power to do the job right in - what, mere hours?!?!" Lena sidled up to Marcel and mumbled,"Sooooo... do we stay or do we go?" Sandy turned to Atticus ignoring Lena's mutterings saying excitedly with wide blue eyes, "Sir, we should go there immediately! If we could gain their technology, we could change Earth back the way it was - maybe even better without all the years of human pollution and global warming!" *Thanks and a tip of the hat to Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pluto |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Nov 20, 2017 18:14:52 GMT
"Amazing," muttered Volodja when he saw what's all was about. "I wonder what's the reason of all of this. Are they really try to colonize the whole thing?"
"I wonder why you are not thinking about getting rid of this menace," said Marcel Lestrange. "Cleaning our part of the galaxy from Atlas must come first, sightseeing second. Unless you are useless dreamer. But that is what you are, I almost forgot." He already thought about practical things like getting that technology into their hands, although "they" were exclusively limited with Lena and him as the better part of the human- and Votankind. They could do...things with that technology. Great things which guarantee them great income. And Protectors could suck a lollipop!
"If those droids are somewhat sentient then maybe we can convince them to work with us," said Volodja thoughtfully. "Maybe the manipulation is not the most ethical thing to do but Atlas seems to threat our liberty if not our lives and we have to protect ourselves."
"Yea, yea. Ethos and pathos and moral," mocked Marcel. "That is why everything takes time when you are involved. You must convince yourself that you are acting because you have to and pick your methods carefully and consider their effect and influence ... That is why I succeed - I know what I want and could care less about ethics. I prefer efficiency."
"I think that we can alter a data flood those droids are sending to Atlas.," said Volodja. "He is supposedly omnipresent and might even be omnipotent but he still sees everything trough the eyes of the meddle men. If we alter their vision a bit, then...We can't change it completely because Belle said that Atlas is quite a moody and might destroy the universe if it doesn't meet the standards. We must avoid that scenario. But if we let him think that there are enough reasons to keep him interested, although everything might need some minor fixes, then we can begin an info war and buy us more time. The problem is how we are going to do it."
"As long as I know, Monsieur Idea Generator, we have enough concentrated computer managing skill on board to get access into the software of those drones. Consider that suggestion as a give-away and appreciate my kindness."
"Almost everything what comes from Marcel has a price," thought Volodja. "I wonder what might be his hidden consultation fee. Maybe it's..."
His thought was cut short because they could hear plocking of a walking cane and Wolfram von Eschen appeared into the coterie, asking loudly and theatrically:
"Who dares to interrupt my therapy session with the patient? I hope that you have a solid reason to call me here. Remember that only my inherent politeness prevents me from using this stick of truth to make you speak."
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Post by Atticus Batman on Nov 21, 2017 12:49:34 GMT
"Yea, yea. Ethos and pathos and moral," mocked Marcel. "That is why everything takes time when you are involved. You must convince yourself that you are acting because you have to and pick your methods carefully and consider their effect and influence ... That is why I succeed - I know what I want and could care less about ethics. I prefer efficiency."
I was listening to everybody quietly while also thinking about Lady, however hearing Marcel's last comment, I remarked with, "At the moment what I want is for you both to quick bickering with each other! You two can have a cage-match at a later time, if that is what your require! Now stay daking focused on the current issue at hand!"
"I think that we can alter a data flood those droids are sending to Atlas.," said Volodja. "He is supposedly omnipresent and might even be omnipotent but he still sees everything trough the eyes of the meddle men. If we alter their vision a bit, then...We can't change it completely because Belle said that Atlas is quite a moody and might destroy the universe if it doesn't meet the standards. We must avoid that scenario. But if we let him think that there are enough reasons to keep him interested, although everything might need some minor fixes, then we can begin an info war and buy us more time. The problem is how we are going to do it."
"As long as I know, Monsieur Idea Generator, we have enough concentrated computer managing skill on board to get access into the software of those drones. Consider that suggestion as a give-away and appreciate my kindness."
"Almost everything what comes from Marcel has a price," thought Volodja. "I wonder what might be his hidden consultation fee. Maybe it's..."
His thought was cut short because they could hear plocking of a walking cane and Wolfram von Eschen appeared into the coterie, asking loudly and theatrically:
"Who dares to interrupt my therapy session with the patient? I hope that you have a solid reason to call me here. Remember that only my inherent politeness prevents me from using this stick of truth to make you speak."
Hearing Volo's opinion of Atlas, from inside my head a certain assassin persona of mine decided to contact Volo via EGO. So Volo mentally heard Kabule's arrogant and usually condescending tone saying, "Volo my human! Did I hear you say something about a moody fucking bastard with a hive-mind of sorts? Are you sure you aren't just talking about Assicus? Although I would love to hear Assicus' response if you actually made that comparison outloud to him! Now that could be HILARIOUS!"
Without bothering to look at Wolfram and his 'stick of truth', I said, "And which patient would that be? Belle or Casannuendo? Actually it doesn't matter as you are here to keep Belle company .... and I promised my sister not long ago that as long as Casannuendo chose to remain with us that I would treat him as a Protector. So if you feel he is up to it, then you can have him come to the Bridge as well. Then you will be here with both of them. If it is a different patient, then I am afraid they will have to wait. I think helping Belle calm herself and regain her inner strength so that she can advise us on how best to keep all of our Galaxy alive takes priority over all of your other patients at the moment. Don't you? .........Oh I see. Judging from that look of yours, you got the message that you were needed on the Bridge. However you must have left your office before Sandy sent you the rest of the message, so you missed the daking memo! Which means that, as usual, you have no idea what I am talking about. Well here is the quick version. Belle is back and requires your assistance to help her regain her confidence. Our whole daking universe may depend on it. Sandy please contact the Medic that is taking Belle to meet with Wolfram, and have the two of them come back to the Bridge, since Wolfram's assistant must not have given him your whole message. Wolfram perhaps you better get a better assistant, as I know damn well that sent you a message filling you in completely! And Wolfram since you are already here, you better stay here to talk with Belle when she arrives. We do NOT need the two of you somehow missing each other in the daking halls again!"
In my head, I heard Kakusi's electric voice saying, "I do not like this Fleshling. Those drones can be up to anything. Yes they could be altering the atmosphere to terraform the planet to make it livable. However with that kind of terraforming tech, they could just as well be turning the whole planet into a bomb more than powerful enough to throw every planet in Earth's planetary chain out of orbit and thus destroy this solar system."
I mentally responded with, "I must admit I was thinking the same daking thing, given what Starr Eyes has told us about this Atlas. Is that all or do you need something else, ___ and why does it sound like you are in control of my EGO? Where the dak is Dinara?!"
Kakusi responded with, "It was. As for why I am in your EGO and Dinara is not is because she isn't here. She is helping Amber and the other EGOs as it seems something is draining her energies."
I mentally responded with, "Good reason! Syphon as much of my energy as needed to Amber for Lady....Wait why isn't that already happening?! MOM and Lady always took my excess energies when they needed it, before. So why not now?"
Kakusi responded with, "I do not know. However perhaps it has to do with the fact that MOM adapted with Lady, as Lady gained that ability. Amber never needed to as her host was strictly Irathient, and not mentally linked with us, as Lady is. So perhaps Amber implemented a new firewall, that isn't allowing our unique bio-electric-grid-energies in as Lady needs them, as Amber doesn't yet know about that connection between you and your Wifeling?'
I sighed then mentally said to Kakusi, "Perhaps you better pass that theory on to Dinara. She could probably get a look at Amber's firewall settings and show Amber how to alter them so that Lady can absorb our energies as needed."
Then I said out loud, "Dak! Whatever those daking drones are, it seems like something they are doing is draining Lady's bio-electric energies! So now there is yet another life-threatening mystery that we need to figure out and stop! That said, I agree with Sandy to a point. We need to send a team to Pluto to figure it out. As for what to do with any tech that we acquire, that is simple. If it is safe to bring back to the ship, then the team will do so. Sandy's opinion on that tech is admirable, even though I personally think Earth has already suffered more than enough from artificial terraforming. More importantly we are all that stands between Atlas and whatever sinister plans he has for our galaxy. So any acquired tech will be examined so we can determine how best to put it to use in protecting us from these things and driving them back out of our entire universe. That means time is definitely of the essence. So Sandy, put your team together and get ready, although perhaps we can also find a way to implement Volodja's misinformation idea to buy us more time."
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Post by Lady Christianna on Nov 21, 2017 14:20:55 GMT
It was a dark and stormy night. The circus strongman stood next to the midget clown in the pouring rain outside a brightly colored wagon that had a stylistic painting on its side of a beautiful turbaned woman staring deeply into a crystal ball. The strong man was not bothered by the rain having served in Normandy during the Great War but the little clown looked miserable under the tiny umbrella which was more prop than useful as she vainly tried to keep her clown makeup from running in the torrential rain. "Hope, are you sure you heard what you think you heard?" Asked the Strongman with a grimace. "Being small means big people don't notice you much Sarge," Reassured Hope then squished the bulb of the horn on her colorful belt with one white gloved hand making a loud honking sound, "Unless I want them to!" A dark skinned young woman dressed only only in a red and green Chinese silk robe opened the back door of the large circus wagon sticking her head outside before saying with an exaggerated scowl that didn't reduce her exotic beauty one iota, "Shhh you two! Dinara has just fallen asleep in back. What mischief are you up to anyway?" "We need to have you consult the spirits and tell us if it's true or not Amber," Said Hope. Sarge put a huge hand on top of his bald pate as he rolled his brown eyes heavenward opining, "You know that stuff is made up hokey, don't you Hope? I thought we were just here to get her advice." "It's not real?" Hope asked with a perplexed look on her red-nosed face covered in white grease paint. Amber frowned for real this time as she put down the small ladder going down the steps and closing the wagon's door quietly behind her as she faced the much taller muscle man with angry green eyes, "Just because you don't understand something doesn't mean it doesn't exist - or do you have muscles between your ears as well as everywhere else on your body! I'm not a con artist, I am a mystic artist, and don't you forget it!" Sarge nervously twisted the tip of his large handle-barred mustache as he replied, "No offense meant Amber, really! But we didn't come for the magic show, we came because we thought you and Dinara need to know." " I came for the magic show," Interjected Hope with a pout. Ignoring Hope for the moment, Amber asked Sarge, "Know what?" Sarge averted his eyes trying not to notice how the rain made Amber's robe cling tightly to her lithesome body as he answered and Hope nodded in agreement, "Hope heard the Ringmaster talking to somebody she didn't know who is buying the circus. This buyer is then going to shut us down Amber! Sell the animals and fire the lot of us. I didn't have anywhere to go after the war and I've made this place my home, first as a roustabout and then as the strong man, but if the circus closes, I'll be back with nowhere to go..." The big man's shoulders sagged as his words trailed off into silence and Hope grabbed his large hand in her small one and sad sadly, "Me too." Amber put a hand on each of their shoulders as she smiled warmly before saying, "Don't anyone start packing your bags yet! I'll get Dinara and you get Sophie, Moira, and the Mongolian twins and we'll meet under the big top. The last show was hours ago so no one should be there at this time of night. If we put our heads together, I'm sure we can think of something so that none of us will lose our home." Sarge raised his hand tentatively, "I'll get Sophie!" Amber's smile widened for everyone at the circus with the possible exception of Sophia herself knew the big man was totally devoted to her but Amber said in a kind tone, "Please do so but don't forget the others. They have the best minds in the circus second only to the Ringmaster, but it sounds like he is part of the problem at the moment. Now chop, chop! Let's meet in fifteen minutes!" As Hope and Sarge raced off, Amber turned back to her wagon's door wishing she really was a fortune teller who could foretell where this turn of events were going but even more so, wishing she didn't have to wake her love from her beauty sleep.  |
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