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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 10, 2018 13:18:24 GMT
"Either way I am fine," replied Volodja peacefully. "Your idea makes things easier for us indeed, although I wouldn't have been overly worried about the collapse or the fact their shielding might been made to allow drones to pass through that field unharmed. In both cases we would have been inside of a virtual tube, made of drones, and that would maintain the tunnel because most of drones would move along with our ship and thus they could provide us with the disguise option as well because it would have been like carrying a harmless looking tube - containing a concealed weapon - through the security corridor which pays attention only to that tube not it's contents. However Prime Commander's idea demands less drones to accomplish and that is why I recommend to try it first, because maybe we did too good job back on the space station and took out too many drones. Possibility of having insufficient amount of drones was the weak part of my idea, I admit. Prime Commander's suggestion seems to eliminate that weakness. Paraphrasing Chinese communist and pragmatic Deng Xiaoping - It doesn't matter if the necessary outer layer for our ship is created by drones or our shields as long it works as intended and lets us pass the barrier safely." "I think I know why Volodja used a paraphrase," said Count Giacomo Casannuendo who educated himself in Earth matters because the world's hmphfest lover has to know the context and thus he actually red the original quote. "He was worried that you might find it offensive, Brooke. A gentlemanly act. By the way - should I offer myself as a volunteer to pilot the test vessel? I think that we should test both ideas first before we actually try to break through the barrier. Would be safer for everybody if one of us takes the risk and I seem to be most suitable one. After all - all test pilots are picked for incredible good looks and I am not an exception." And he grinned warmly to Brooke. "Actually," continued Volodja Uljanov. "We could combine those two ideas to decrease our energy consumption even more. If we take drones along as spinning satellites we don't have to charge our shields with full power all the time because we can share layer-making task between our shields and drones and since drones are able to remove physical obstacles from our path, then we don't have to use any fire-power either, although I know how some of us like laser beams and explosions. That way we can spare our energy sources and keep our path more stable since Whitney warned us about dangers of using torpedoes. I don't like to run out of gas in the middle of the road or wait in front of a collapsed bridge when in a hurry." "Volo-Bozo is such a party pooper," muttered Lena Marr. "I know, Honey Pot," agreed Marcel, her lover. "But the Nerd has a point, I have to regretfully admit. If we run out of energy and can not stop Atlas on time, then he will take over Earth and will ruin us economically and that is something I do not want to experience. Especially if he decides to lose all islands on Earth as well, which is possible, and I do not want to lose the chance to buy a private island for you and me either."
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Post by Lena Marr on Apr 10, 2018 22:58:17 GMT
Lena Marr nodded her pretty chalk white head in agreement with her lover Marcel Lestrange but only absentmindedly for she was still contemplating the Synth Sister Whitney describing herself as "a lovelorn defective machine" and pondering how she could use that tidbit of information to her advantage. It wasn't that Lena didn't care about the "big" picture such as how the destruction of Earth would certainly put the kibosh on their criminal enterprises in Paradise but those were the type of things she let Marcel worry about. She had no doubt that Marcel - or Volodja or Atticus or the other Protectors - would find a way to stop Atlas and if they didn't... well, she probably wouldn't feel a thing when the world ended and if she did, well pain is pain and she already had a lifetime of that! That's not to say Lena wouldn't help in any way she was ordered to stop Atlas but that she just didn't see how she could help one iota in the planning stage of stopping the omnipotent being.
As has been said here many times, Lena was more of a lady of action and would leave the long term planning to others, preferably Marcel. However, short term planning and the details that entailed were indeed her bailiwick. Foremost, Lena was an opportunist who would use any opportunity to further her desires. She wanted Whitney, her skills, and most importantly, her positronic brain, working for Marcel's and her criminal organization. Furthermore, no underhanded trick or lie was beneath Lena to accomplish her goal. So Lena hopped out of the Dauntless Adventure's co-pilot seat and sidled up to the pale beautiful synthetic girl.
"Isn't it just like men to use a woman to their own ends and then just toss her on the trash heap when they are done with her," Stated Lena idly but with a wicked grin.
"Who do you mean Miss Marr?" Asked Whitney with a genuine look of surprise on her porcelain doll-like face.
"Why Volodja and Atticus of course! Or any of the male so-called Protectors," Answered Lena venomously then gestured casually at Captain Sandy Bell Uljanov as she remarked, "Just look at Volodja's wife sitting in the command chair! She supposed shares the same rank as both men but when it comes right down to it she commands nothing - they make all the major decisions without even asking what she thinks! And there's the shameless way they use you Whitney and then just ignore you when they have no more use for you."
"I don't know..." Said Whitney but Lena could see the seeds of doubt sprouting in her brain.
"That would never happen in me and Marcel's organization - we are an equal-opportunity business!" Asserted Lena, "We both make the decisions and are equal partners! You can get ahead as far as your talents take you. Gender neutral all the way!"
"That would be nice..." Whitney said wistfully.
Then Lena added icing to her tasty cake stating, "And we have the nicest guys working for us - and they're unattached, unlike others I might point to."
Lena's unblinking sky blue eyes glared straight at Volodja and the meaning was not lost on Whitney who began to reconsider her life choices.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 11, 2018 6:12:21 GMT
"Before we can proceed," said Volodja Uljanov and looked around in the room. "I do believe that we should ask expert opinions from our improvised War Counsel members as well, because we might overlook possible weak spots of our plan. I had one in mine already, so there might be more slips we failed to notice. Commander Sandy Uljanov is entitled to her opinion as well as our independent experts - Lena Marr and Marcel Lestrange and representatives of the Synth Empire, because it is going to be a shared risk." "My most humble apologies for cutting in before our Ladies and that Gentleman with a cigarette can express their opinion but I do think that we should test this particular plan by using a smaller ship," announced Count Casannuendo. "I can pilot the test vessel to minimize the risk." "I can not see another way to make that risk any smaller than letting our Count try it out first, so I support the idea," poked Marcel Lestrange and grinned devilishly. Lena snorted. "I have a bigger ship to pilot with Lena as my co pilot." "The bigger the vehicle, the smaller the..." bit Count Casannuendo. He didn't finish his sentence but he was sure that Marcel understands what was left unsaid. Then he added mercifully: "But there are always exceptions, right? And Lestrange is an exceptional man indeed." "He is," confirmed Volodja Uljanov seriously. "So is Lena with an exception of being a lady. And the rest of us are exceptional too. Now I would like return to the point we begun and hear opinions of the aforementioned rest of us. Our friend, the Count, already made a worthy proposition and I have every reason to believe that you have something to add or suggest or point out our mistakes."
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 11, 2018 11:50:20 GMT
"I can not see another way to make that risk any smaller than letting our Count try it out first, so I support the idea," poked Marcel Lestrange and grinned devilishly. Lena snorted. "I have a bigger ship to pilot with Lena as my co pilot."
"The bigger the vehicle, the smaller the..." bit Count Casannuendo. He didn't finish his sentence but he was sure that Marcel understands what was left unsaid. Then he added mercifully: "But there are always exceptions, right? And Lestrange is an exceptional man indeed."
"He is," confirmed Volodja Uljanov seriously. "So is Lena with an exception of being a lady. And the rest of us are exceptional too. Now I would like return to the point we begun and hear opinions of the aforementioned rest of us. Our friend, the Count, already made a worthy proposition and I have every reason to believe that you have something to add or suggest or point out our mistakes."
I snapped, "We will test it using an unarmed torpedo, that way we do not risk anybody needlessly. Besides the torpedo IS a much smaller risk. So there is NO debate there and I do NOT see why all of you insist on trying to make it one. However I do see a point in combining the two previous ideas to decrease our energy consumption even more. So Volodja it sounds like you still need to round up several drones to take along as spinning satellites so we don't have to charge our shields with full power all the time because we can share the layer-making task between our shields and drones, since the drones are able to remove physical obstacles from our path.
The Torpedo is small enough that, since it will not have any sort of explosive attached to it, it will not be seen as a threat. So we can fire it through the net as I suggested already as our initial test without worry. So Count there is no reason for you to be a test pilot. So After Whitney and Attila get the needed information from the drones, Attila will still make us that test-pedo.
However if you really want to get into the Mighty Midget, then perhaps a compromise will work...as a favor to my sister as I did promise her that you would have a place with us if you want it. So how about I offer a modification to the plan since I really hate the idea of leaving that net up completely any longer than we have to.
So while Lena is firing the test-pedo through the net so we can see how well it works, Attila can modify the Mighty Midget's shielding to the correct frequency and use the two drones, that he will have already examined at that point, to implement Volodja's spinning satellites on the Mighty Midget as it is small enough that two drones should be more than enough for it. While he is doing that Whitney or the small team of Engineers we have onboard can work on applying the shield mods to the Dauntless Adventure. However Whitney I would prefer you be the one to do that while Attila is working on the Mighty Midget. Then once he is done, he will help you modify the other drones Volodja rounds up for us to create the spinning satellites around the Dauntless Adventure.
Then Count Casannuendo, you can take the Mighty Midget for a flight right before we go through the net. That way as the Dauntless Adventure goes through the net in a direct path to our location on Earth, you can take the Mighty Midget through the net at another location unnoticed. Then Count once you are through, you can work on taking down the net from the inside where it will be at it's weakest. However, I suggest you have the Vigilant move closer to your location. That way if Atlas does figure out what you are up to and sends drones to stop you, you can just go through the net back to the other side. Then the Vigilant can help take out those drones for you, before you go back to your net removal task. That way once it is down, the Vigilant can enter and get closer to Earth, so they will be able to send any backup that we may need.
Whitney if you do a good job (as I am certain you will) and decide you like the work, The Vigilant does now have an Engineer opening and I am sure Kaj would be happy to have you on his crew. Fortress K'shaa always has Engineering positions open as well for that matter. After all with a certain somebody constantly sabotaging random systems to show us our weak points, some Engineers found it too challenging and left. By the way I am also tired of this defective machine talk. None of us see you as a daking machine! I know I most definitely do NOT. Besides you have proven you are not a defective machine. Although you are starting to act like all the typical emotional-and-angst-driven teenagers I have come across over the years.
While on this topic, a certain purple giant of a Bio-man once said the same of himself and also tried suicide, especially since he had also given up on looking for love or acceptance shortly before deciding suicide might be the answer as he had very bad luck with past relationships of every type and felt his job and life were crumbling around him, and unfortunately for him, all of that news quickly became common knowledge. However thanks to his friends here such as Volodja and myself; as well as Sandy and Wolfram (who were still strangers to him at that time, with Volodja bringing Wolfram into the base specifically to Help Kaj and a couple of others who were going through their own extremely difficult issues), Kaj finally decided against suicide. Although I suspect, he still secretly considered it until my Niece ended up unknowingly turning to him for help during a time of extreme confusion and hopelessness for her.
Now look at him. He is more confident than ever and has found the right person for him and he is quite the family man and Ship Captain. You may have seen him with Kara and her children at some point on the Vigilant before this whole Atlas thing came up. Of course you have an advantage over him. You have sisters that love you and want you to live, be happy, and succeed at whatever you try. Whereas Kaj felt that he had nothing of the sort, until he and Sandy developed a sibling relationship, with her giving him the familial stability that he had lacked since being discharged from the E-rep military.
Now back to the topic at hand, Whitney if you see a problem with the final plan please say so now, so we can try to correct it, before we fully implement it. Also Sandy as you are currently in Command of the Dauntless Adventure, what is your opinion on the final plan?"
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Post by Sandy Bell on Apr 11, 2018 17:49:40 GMT
On the bridge of the Dauntless Adventure, Commander Atticus Batman continued, "...Now back to the topic at hand, Whitney if you see a problem with the final plan please say so now, so we can try to correct it, before we fully implement it. Also Sandy as you are currently in Command of the Dauntless Adventure, what is your opinion on the final plan?"
The beautiful Synth Sister Whitney tugged gently at her white side ponytail as she thought carefully about the pros and cons of taking Atticus' engineering job offer as Captain Sandy Uljanov answered from the command chair, "Seriously, I hate any delay in getting back to Earth to confront Atlas because the longer we wait the more he gets entrenched there. The more we experiment the more time we lose and I really do feel time is of the essence - so much so that I'm willing to execute Volodja's plan - or whichever one you think has the best chance - as pilot to get us going no matter the risk. And yes sir, I do realize the irony of me being the impetuous one and you being the slow methodical one in this role reversal - but do remember I'm the one who charged up the hill waving the flag and leading the EMC troops to break a stalemate during the Pale Wars so it's not that much out of character."
Whitney chimed in, "Commander, I hate to disagree with Captain Uljanov but my training as a scientist is one steeped in logic and testing out a solution is the best logical process to successfully solving a problem. Furthermore, it would be a terrible loss of both life and resources if we just progress willy-nilly and fail time and time again. Plus the plan as stands seems perfectly feasible with minimal time-loss."
Then Whitney's rose petal lips spread in a radiant smile as she added, "Oh, and by the way, I'll have to say no to the kind job offer. Miss Marr has already offered me employment with Mr. Lestrange's and her organization and I feel I'll learn much more about human and Votan nature with them. However, I'll be close by and be glad to help you whenever you need, which I believe you might especially with the singularity energy engines of the Dauntless Adventure."
"For a price of course," Added Lena Marr with a wicked grin.
Whitney went on not commenting on Lena's interjection saying as she beamed happily, "And of course I'll be nearby living with the Uljanovs as part of their family - maybe even in time as second wife if I'm found worthy."
"Huh, whaaat?!?!" Asked Sandy incredulously, her blue eyes narrowing as she looked at her husband as if to say, "What the fuck?"
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Post by Wolfram von Eschen on Apr 12, 2018 4:50:10 GMT
"Entschuldige mich, Frau Kommandant," said Wolfram von Eschen. "Excuse me, Ma'am Commander, but I could use your help with something something something urgent, important and unpostponable while your husband makes preparations for the operation "Catch the Drone."" And he pointed towards the door with abrupt head shake. After making sure that nobody followed them and taking every possible and impossible precaution to make sure than nobody can eavesdrop them, Wolfram begun:
"If you wonder why I am doing the explaining then the answer is simple. I would like to avoid the awkward situation where husband tells: "Honey, I can explain..." which usually shows him as a guilty party already. That is why I am the one who says: "Sandy-Liebchen, I can explain." And I can, because I witnessed the whole situation from the beginning. I even participated actively in it from the beginning.
That is why I am entitled to explain those reasons Volodja had when she invited Whitney into the family but first I want to assure you that he didn't acted secretly but the invitation was made publicly in front of whole strike team and tens of Gek people. I will interpret it as a sign of trust. He trusts the strength and supportiveness of his wife and daughter because only strong families can face extraordinary situations together and help those who are in need. And Whitney needs support right now."
Wolfram took a gulp from his bottle and coughed before continuing.
"Just like her sisters, Whitney hasn't experienced any kind of family relationship because she was created for other purposes. Unlike her sisters she finds it hard to accept. When her sisters act, she thinks. You saw how determined her sisters were during the certain incident where I didn't played the positive part myself but that is the thing I have to deal myself as well, so we can forget me and continue with Whitney and her sisters. Yvette stayed with Atticus Batman to the end and Brooke remained with my friend Casannuendo even after the incident was over. But not Whitney."
Another gulp and cough.
"Now we have to move back in time and remember the Skarr affair where Whitney fell in love with him but instead of the happy end Whitney was used by him as a mere tool to accomplish his plans. I was there to help Whitney to give birth to the Skarr's singularity bomb and could see how much that row of events eventually damaged Whitney. After that bad experience Whitney run into another we just talked about. Once again she was used by a strong and uncaring character - Atlas and ended up being hurt again. That is why she turned to Volodja as a last resort because your husband is quite an anti-authoritarian and unlike aforementioned men, he has a large heart, capable to love, care and nurture and he could never say "Everyone for themselves!""
Gulp. Cough.
"It's a public secret already that Whitney is not just merely talking about self sacrifice but is willing to perform it and I am afraid that if Volodja had turned her down, she would destroy herself one way or another. The mildest scenario would be dedicating herself to the cause of Lena and Marcel who aren't exactly most uncorrupted people to hang out with. In worst case she can commit a suicide. And that is something Volodja can not let to happen. I also have every reason to believe that Volodja can't and won't be unfaithful to you and his daughter and that is why he offered Whitney openly a shelter from the storm as a member in your family, not his mistress, as Whitney first proposed.
Before we return to the bridge (and this time it's physical not theoretical return like we did before), I have to return to the first part of my soliloquy as well, and remind you that Volodja needs your help on bringing Whitney back to her feet and making her steps firmer than before, instead of exploiting her or any other being and tossing her away when they are not needed any more, as Whitney is used to be dealt in earlier stages of her life. Remember how happy she sounded when she made her announcement? It's because she feels wanted and accepted. I wouldn't be overly worried about Whitney's wish to become Volodja's second wife. It hasn't happened yet. She might outgrow from it when she feels more secure. And since she acted openly, and so did Volodja, the chance that she will try something behind your back is very small. Besides - you might even learn to like her as a fourth member of Uljanov family."
The old man looked into the blue eyes of a young woman and before the loyal shield bearer (Wolfram) of the knight errant (Volodja) returned to the bridge door, he said:
"You know, Sandy. I should have been the one who tries to fix things after causing my part of the damage to Whitney by offering her to be a part of my little...family. But I am afraid that Whitney would probably have been shocked after finding out that Chloe is not only unconventional but is also able to play in both fields and not only at the same time but even in the same place at the same time and is not ashamed to suggest that idea openly. So maybe it is better that your family has that opportunity to help Whitney after all. At least I tried to patch things up as best as I could by introducing you the context and reasons behind the behaviour of Volodja and Whitney. But if you still want to decapitate the messenger to let out the steam, Sandy-Liebchen, then feel free to do it as long as it isn't a public execution. I still have remains of my dignity left, you see."
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 12, 2018 11:25:17 GMT
Captain Sandy Uljanov answered from the command chair, "Seriously, I hate any delay in getting back to Earth to confront Atlas because the longer we wait the more he gets entrenched there. The more we experiment the more time we lose and I really do feel time is of the essence - so much so that I'm willing to execute Volodja's plan - or whichever one you think has the best chance - as pilot to get us going no matter the risk. And yes sir, I do realize the irony of me being the impetuous one and you being the slow methodical one in this role reversal - but do remember I'm the one who charged up the hill waving the flag and leading the EMC troops to break a stalemate during the Pale Wars so it's not that much out of character."
I responded with, "Yes it is quite the reversal given our recent Command disagreements lately. However you are right that you did once charge up that hill without taking head of the possible dangers. Just as Kabule was the one who was to kill you. However for the first time I also witnessed him act out of character when he purposely missed his mark for some reason that he still won't tell me...and it seems that first out-of-character-moment wasn't the last for him, but that is of no concern to you at the moment."
Whitney chimed in, "Commander, I hate to disagree with Captain Uljanov but my training as a scientist is one steeped in logic and testing out a solution is the best logical process to successfully solving a problem. Furthermore, it would be a terrible loss of both life and resources if we just progress willy-nilly and fail time and time again. Plus the plan as stands seems perfectly feasible with minimal time-loss."
Then Whitney's rose petal lips spread in a radiant smile as she added, "Oh, and by the way, I'll have to say no to the kind job offer. Miss Marr has already offered me employment with Mr. Lestrange's and her organization and I feel I'll learn much more about human and Votan nature with them. However, I'll be close by and be glad to help you whenever you need, which I believe you might especially with the singularity energy engines of the Dauntless Adventure."
I replied with, "Well that's good to know Whitney, and I am sure we may request your consultancy on occasion. However the job is yours whenever you decide you want it. By the way, it is Commander Uljanov as she did get a promotion awhile back. Although I suppose I do understand if you prefer to keep the rank of Captain, Sandy. After all whatever title you prefer doesn't change your importance to us or the position you hold. Just be sure to let me know what title you prefer, that way we all know how you want to be addressed when on-duty."
"For a price of course," Added Lena Marr with a wicked grin.
Whitney went on not commenting on Lena's interjection saying as she beamed happily, "And of course I'll be nearby living with the Uljanovs as part of their family - maybe even in time as second wife if I'm found worthy."
"Huh, whaaat?!?!" Asked Sandy incredulously, her blue eyes narrowing as she looked at her husband as if to say, "What the fuck?"
Also ignoring Lena and her thirst for the ever-mighty scrip-note, I said of Whitney's remark and Sandy's short and disbelieving response to it, "Interesting, but that is currently between you and them, until somebody makes it my issue, which I am sure all of you would prefer doesn't happen. So for now we have a plan to implement."
"Entschuldige mich, Frau Kommandant," said Wolfram von Eschen. "Excuse me, Ma'am Commander, but I could use your help with something something something urgent, important and unpostponable while your husband makes preparations for the operation "Catch the Drone."" And he pointed towards the door with abrupt head shake.
I said, "Go ahead and help the doctor with whatever he needs Commander. I guess that just means that I will get to sit in the comfortable command chair instead of this little communications chair for awhile."
As Sandy left with Wolfram, and I moved to the Command chair, Atika said, "Good! Now I can have my comms back. Thank you for keeping my chair warm for me Commander Batman."
I nodded to her and then said, "Alright it looks like we have a plan. Whitney please go join Attila in Engineering, although it sounds like Sandy may want to talk to you later as well. Now as we do not yet have any drones at our disposal, you two will just have to study all the information that we have already recorded on them, until Volodja can bring you a couple drones. Besides this will also give Attila a little more time to further acquaint himself with those torpedo replicators before he needs to create the test-pedo.
Volodja as your team brought the Peregrine Falcon onboard, if you need to leave the Dauntless Adventure to start: Operation "Catch the Drone", then go ahead and take it, however as we need Whitney and Attila working in Engineering, if you need an Engineer then may I suggest Lena, as I am sure she would appreciate the extra pay that comes with the extra assignment. Oh and Volodja since Marcel and Lena work best as a team and your current pilot may be busy elsewhere soon, then go ahead and borrow Marcel as well if he prefers. I can handle the piloting while he is busy elsewhere.
Count, if Volodja doesn't need your help, then now would be a good time for you to go to the hangar and acquaint yourself with the Mighty Midget before you need to take it for a flight. I trust you will be a much better fit as it's pilot than I was (pun was intended). Once Whitney and Attila have gotten those two drones and gotten all the information they need, Attila can make the test-pedo for us to launch, and Attila as you are still on comms, be sure to put a well-shielded tracker on that test-pedo. That way once we launch it we can stay up-to-date with it's location, even after it goes through the energy net.
Then after you have made it and we launch it, you can modify the first two drones to be The Count's satellite escort. Once that is done you can help Whitney finish modifying the rest of the drones to be the Dauntless Adventure's satellite Escort. So Everybody better get to work as it is about to get busy uin Engineering.
Not to mention it sounds like you will have your hands full 'drone catching' Volodja, so good luck with that. Marcel while you are still on the Bridge, please get us close enough to that energy net that we can use our long-range scanners to get Engineering all the information they need on it, but do so at more of a cruise speed to keep those drones from suddenly considering us a threat again."
Once I was done talking, Whitney headed out to walk down the hall to the stairs leading down to Engineering. While Atika updated the Vigilant on what we were up to, and the others all began to do their parts of the tasks.
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Post by Sandy Bell on Apr 13, 2018 3:44:44 GMT
Wolfram von Eschen said, "...But if you still want to decapitate the messenger to let out the steam, Sandy-Liebchen, then feel free to do it as long as it isn't a public execution. I still have remains of my dignity left, you see."
Sandy grinned as she grasped the old man's hand with both her tan ones then said, "Never Wolfram. You're a good friend to Volodja - and to me too! Besides, right now the only one I'd like to decapitate is Atlas - if that's even possible."
Sandy re-entered the Dauntless Adventure's bridge and seeing the command chair occupied by Commander Atticus Batman suddenly found herself at a loss of where her place was, so asked Atticus, "Where would you like me to go Commander?"
Lena Marr started to laugh uncontrollably holding her sides as she chortled wildly before catching her breath and extolling Sandy, "Way to go Blondie! You sure know how to give a guy a straight line! Now all Atticus has to say is go straight to Hell! But come to think of it, we may be headed there already!"
As Count Giacomo Casannuendo headed to the Dauntless Adventures docking hangar to examine the Mighty Midget, the Synth Sister Brooke and Yvette followed closely behind as Yvette asked Brooke with a toss of her golden tresses, "What's with Whitney? She just seems to be making one bad decision after another."
Brooke merely shrugged her feline ears twitching then remarked, "Even though I'm the freak of this roadshow, Whitney has always had the hardest time finding her way in the outside world. You, me, even Ruby - we all were ready to leave Synth City for a life of adventure. Whitney was perfectly happy with her test tubes and audio books back in her lab. She never wanted to come but didn't want to be left behind either. Still, she's been unsure of herself ever since we left and that whole debacle with Skarr only made it worse. Now she thinks she found an anchor for her existence with Mr. Uljanov and Ms. Marr and... well, I can't see anything good coming out of either situation but Whitney is a big girl and has to make her own decisions."
Yvette sighed closing her purple eyes and holding the bridge of her nose with her thumb and forefinger as she slowly shook her head before stating frankly, "I wish Ruby was here."
"Me too," Answered Brooke, "Me too."
Down in the engineering section of the Dauntless Adventure, the third Synth Sister Whitney smiled happily as she worked modifying the drones while saying to Atilla as she toiled, "I tell you, Volodja is just the nicest gentleman - and I really think Sandy is very sweet! I'll fit in just fabulously as the second wife, I just know I will!"
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 13, 2018 7:01:25 GMT
"We have two ways to catch our drones," said Volodja through the communication system. "First one is to pay a visit to the Gek station again and get them all at once by giving them direct orders with the help of Gek's supreme communicate devices. The other one is playing not exactly Cowboys and Indians but Cowboys and the Cattle and use our smaller ships which is good for the pilot training. Approximate time consumption is about the same - we need to travel to the station and go through the convincing and system readjustment stage again. If we go to the hunt then we are ready right away but catching the drones takes time. Which one you prefer?" "I'd go for the second option," hollered Volodja's earpiece with the voice of Count Casannuendo. "I have to get to know what "Mighty Midget" is able to how she behaves in space do and how obedient she is. It's just lie getting to know a woman which it's much much more exciting than just sit and wait until you are done." "True hunter has spoken," grinned Volodja. "Any objections to Casannuendo's opinion?" (Lot of communication, based on peoples personal character traits) "Just as I thought," Volodja concluded. "Majority wants to play Cowboys. Man the machines!" Dauntless adventurer spat out a smaller ship ehich went on a search for abundant drones who were lingering in space just like chilling youth in the mall, after the "Revolution 69" took place and they stopped receiving orders. Nearest ones were captured almost immediately and herded into the landing bay of "Dauntless Adventurer" so the research could begin. A small Drone swarm was further away, peacefully as a bunch of masticating cows, forcing Count to go around them to reach into another end of the swarm without disturbing them.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 13, 2018 11:03:39 GMT
Sandy re-entered the Dauntless Adventure's bridge and seeing the command chair occupied by Commander Atticus Batman suddenly found herself at a loss of where her place was, so asked Atticus, "Where would you like me to go Commander?"
Lena Marr started to laugh uncontrollably holding her sides as she chortled wildly before catching her breath and extolling Sandy, "Way to go Blondie! You sure know how to give a guy a straight line! Now all Atticus has to say is go straight to Hell! But come to think of it, we may be headed there already!"
I responded with, "Lena does have a daking point. However i don't think the devil would be able to put up with you. So knowing my luck, you would end up in Limbo with me, or wherever all the more lawful Protectors end up."
Just then we heard over comms, "We have two ways to catch our drones," said Volodja through the communication system. "First one is to pay a visit to the Gek station again and get them all at once by giving them direct orders with the help of Gek's supreme communicate devices. The other one is playing not exactly Cowboys and Indians but Cowboys and the Cattle and use our smaller ships which is good for the pilot training. Approximate time consumption is about the same - we need to travel to the station and go through the convincing and system readjustment stage again. If we go to the hunt then we are ready right away but catching the drones takes time. Which one you prefer?"
"I'd go for the second option," hollered Volodja's earpiece with the voice of Count Casannuendo. "I have to get to know what "Mighty Midget" is able to how she behaves in space do and how obedient she is. It's just lie getting to know a woman which it's much much more exciting than just sit and wait until you are done."
"True hunter has spoken," grinned Volodja. "Any objections to Casannuendo's opinion?"
After I got on comms and agreed that the Count's opinion sounds like a good practice run for him, I turned back to Sandy and said, "You can retake the Command chair if you want. Yvette and Brooke already headed to the hangar to board the Peregrine Falcon and help Volodja as part of his roundup crew. However it sounds like they could use a good pilot for the Peregrine, unless he takes Marcel and Lena with him on his little rodeo roundup. Of course as you are the Field Commander you have the right and authority to insist you join his team as his if you want or prefer and it does sound like Lena can lend her technical expertise to Volodja from here on the Bridge, if Atika contacts the Gek station and can convince them to give us a copy of the drone coding information that Volodja used there, as a sign of goodwill as we did save them from untimely death and destruction and would be interested in a trade route between them and Fortress K'shaa."
Atika giggled and then responded with, "Uuumm actually Commanders, I already took the liberty to try to acquire those codes as I thought we may need them. All they were willing to share were the drone tracking codes, but they have a limited range. However I also already informed them that we may be interested in setting up a trade alliance with them after we have regained access to Earth. So it isn't a complete loss."
I responded with, "Dak! Did you at least inform Volodja what you were planning before you did it?!'
Atika responded with, "Of course, he was the Commander I was working with at the time! Besides he agreed that it was a good idea to further extend the offer of friendship while we still had the opportunity! So I did it with his blessing."
I said gruffly, "Fine! Input the code into the Dauntless Adventure's databanks so Lena can examine them and use our Omec-tech long-rang scanners to enhance the range so she can direct the Mighty Midget and the Peregrine Falcon to the best locations in the closest range. That way Volodja and the Count can save some time by not having to hunt the daking things down!"
Then I turned to Sandy and said, "Well there you have it. Lena can now do her thing from here, and I doubt Marcel will want to go without her. Not to mention I am certain he would prefer to keep piloting the Dauntless Adventure, rather than that gutless shuttle. So I am guessing that Volodja can definitely use your piloting skills on the Peregrine Falcon."
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Post by Attila Constantine on Apr 13, 2018 11:38:31 GMT
Down in the engineering section of the Dauntless Adventure, the third Synth Sister Whitney smiled happily as she worked modifying the drones while saying to Attila as she toiled, "I tell you, Volodja is just the nicest gentleman - and I really think Sandy is very sweet! I'll fit in just fabulously as the second wife, I just know I will!"
As Attila looked over the drone information they already had, he responded to Whitney with, "Not sure Sandy is the type to share. However even if Sandy is pretty and kind of young looking, they are OLD. So they may just like the idea of another daughter. Besides somebody as hot and smart as you can probably get any single person back at Fortress K'shaa that you may want, and some of the taken ones. Hell you could always come with Yvette when she pays me and Atika one of her special visits."
When Whitney just blinked at him in slight shock and not exactly sure how to take him, Attila responded with, "Just a thought, so it doesn't matter unless you want it to. However ignoring that, Tiky and I really would love to have you as a friend if you want. The more friends and family we have, the more happy Tiky is! Not to mention family and great friends will always be there for you, so it is good to spend time with them so they know you feel the same about them...Just don't tell my Sister I actually said something that deep or she may start to expect it all of the time and I could never handle that. Besides I could use a friend that will talk to and work with me on my little inventions and Engineering projects, and I have enjoyed working with and talking to you about everything. So I would love for you to be that friend just as long as you can put up with me as Tiky says I can be quite the frustrating handful. Although I don't know why she would EVER think that! I am such a sweet and loving person after all." As Attila said that he winked at Whitney, silently acknowledging that he knew exactly what Atika usually meant by that. Of course he also knew Atika would never want him to change, no matter what she would sometimes tell him.
Dauntless adventurer spat out couple of smaller ships which spread like a bundle fireworks and went on a search for abundant drones who were lingering in space just like chilling youth in the mall, after the "Revolution 69" took place and they stopped receiving orders. Nearest ones were captured almost immediately and herded into the landing bay of "Dauntless Adventurer" so the research could begin.
Once Whitney and Attila got the notification that a couple of drones were brought onboard for them, they grabbed some tools and went to the hangar to start their drone examinations.
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Post by Sandy Bell on Apr 14, 2018 3:23:03 GMT
After Atticus Batman got on comms from the Dauntless Adventure's bridge and agreed that the Count's opinion sounds like a good practice run for him, he turned back to Sandy and said, "You can retake the Command chair if you want. Yvette and Brooke already headed to the hangar to board the Peregrine Falcon and help Volodja as part of his roundup crew. However it sounds like they could use a good pilot for the Peregrine, unless he takes Marcel and Lena with him on his little rodeo roundup. Of course as you are the Field Commander you have the right and authority to insist you join his team as his if you want or prefer and it does sound like Lena can lend her technical expertise to Volodja from here on the Bridge, if Atika contacts the Gek station and can convince them to give us a copy of the drone coding information that Volodja used there, as a sign of goodwill as we did save them from untimely death and destruction and would be interested in a trade route between them and Fortress K'shaa." Captain Sandy Uljanov laughed as she retook the command chair, saying in good humor, "Commander, you know you'd rather go drone hunting more than me and since we have relative control of the situation and I'll have your back from here, go have fun while you can. Rest easy that if things go south for some reason an Uljanov will come to your rescue!" While Atika Constantine and Commander Batman discussed future trade relations, her teenage daughter Jalina forced into premature aging by Atlas sidled up next to Sandy and asked with a grin, "Risking being to told to go to a religion's place of damnation, where do you want me to go mother? I do think I'm beginning to understand the concept of humor thanks to Godmother Lena." Sandy narrowed her blue eyes as she commented in a parental tone, "First, don't learn humor from your Godmother Lena. I'll find an old cache of MAD magazines for you when I get back to Earth. Second, stay right here next to me so you can watch your father and the other Protectors at work and stay out of trouble." "You're always a party-pooper Blondie," Exclaimed Lena Marr sitting with one shapely leg propped over the arm rest of the co-pilot's chair and a wicked grin on her beautiful chalk white face while adding, "Believe me Jalina half the fun of growing up is defying your elders' wishes!" Sandy had just begun to glare daggers at Lena when Atticus turned to Sandy and said, "Well there you have it. Lena can now do her thing from here, and I doubt Marcel will want to go without her. Not to mention I am certain he would prefer to keep piloting the Dauntless Adventure, rather than that gutless shuttle. So I am guessing that Volodja can definitely use your piloting skills on the Peregrine Falcon." With a pretty pout, Sandy replied, "Seriously sir, if you insist I go I think under the circumstances I should hold down the fort and you go adventuring in space. I'd rather have you go get that out of your system now than on Earth where I and the others might not be there to watch your back. But of course sir, you are the commanding officer, so final say is yours." Just then the comms opened from Engineering and the sweet voice of Whitney was heard over them saying, "The first of the captive drones has arrived and I theoretically I have a way of taking control but... every time I do in practice there is a strange wiring configuration that switches it out of my control again. Must be some kind of alien security fail safe." "Bypassing strange troublesome alien configured killjoys evading destruction is my middle name," Exclaimed the grinning Castithan co-pilot,"Get it - stacked! Stacked is my middle name! And I am! Stacked that is! Never mind, I'm headed right down with my tool kit." Grabbing her small tool kit, Lena left the bridge to Engineering but not before grumbling, "Nobody gets my jokes," but soon her voice was heard on the bridge again but over the comms saying with obvious pride, "Disaster averted! Whitney and Attila but mostly me got the job done so do what you will with the little mechanical fellas!" As Lena turned off the comm she proclaimed grinning wickedly to Whitney and Attila, "HA! We are such a GOOD team! Whitney is the brains, Attila is the hands, and I, of course, am the ungodly and unsurpassed miraculous talent!" Lena then did a happy and enthusiastic short shimmy that made Whitney giggle and Attila smile.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Apr 14, 2018 11:48:21 GMT
With a pretty pout, Sandy replied, "Seriously sir, if you insist I go I think under the circumstances I should hold down the fort and you go adventuring in space. I'd rather have you go get that out of your system now than on Earth where I and the others might not be there to watch your back. But of course sir, you are the commanding officer, so final say is yours."
Just then the comms opened from Engineering and the sweet voice of Whitney was heard over them saying, "The first of the captive drones has arrived and I theoretically I have a way of taking control but... every time I do in practice there is a strange wiring configuration that switches it out of my control again. Must be some kind of alien security fail safe."
"Bypassing strange troublesome alien configured killjoys evading destruction is my middle name," Exclaimed the grinning Castithan co-pilot, "Get it - stacked! Stacked is my middle name! And I am! Stacked that is! Never mind, I'm headed right down with my tool kit."
I said to Lena, "Fine go help them Lena. Just remember not to fall for any AI tricks again so soon. After all we don't want Attila pulling you out of danger, only for Marcel to take it wrong and gut the kid."
Grabbing her small tool kit, Lena left the bridge to Engineering but not before grumbling, "Nobody gets my jokes."
I responded with, That is because most aren't funny."
After Lena stopped and turned back long enough to stick her tongue out at me, then once again left for Engineering, I turned to Sandy and said, "You are right Sandy. I do so hate not being a part of the action in some way...even if I am too invaluable an asset to lose as the Prime Commander. Not to mention that, if I wasn't around you may grow soft from not having to stay on your toes to keep me alive. Besides I am sure Volodja could use a better pilot than Pilot What's-his-or-her-name that the Vigilant lent us."
Atika chimed in with, "Sir, I believe her name is Reyrrrwacca Motewnawr, though most just call her Rey as Sensoth names can be so very hard for most races to pronounce."
I glanced at Atika and responded with, "Wait...so you are telling me that we actually have a Sensoth pilot AND she is the one piloting the Peregrine Falcon while Volodja does his round up? Well then Volodja definitely needs a much better-trained pilot onboard in case something unexpected happens. Atika since Volodja dropped the first wave of drones off not long ago, contact the Peregrine Falcon and tell them that they have one more crewmember requesting pickup to assist them."
Atika said, "Of course Prime Commander." Then she got on the comm and requested that the Peregrine return for an additional crew pickup. As I stood to leave the Bridge I remarked, "Sandy don't worry, I know that if something happens an Uljanov will be there to either pull me out of the fire or go down with me as we fight for all we that have. You two are my Co-First Officers for good reason after all."
Then I headed for the hanger. As I walked out of the Bridge Atika said to Sandy, "Commander, Jalina could always sit in the secondary comm chair and keep me company. I can even teach her how to use the comms if you would like. At least she wouldn't be bored as she would be doing something."
Soon Lena's voice was heard on the bridge again but over the comms saying with obvious pride,"Disaster averted! Whitney and Attila but mostly me got the job done so do what you will with the little mechanical fellas!"
As Lena turned off the comm she proclaimed grinning wickedly to Whitney and Attila, "HA! We are such a GOOD team! Whitney is the brains, Attila is the hands, and I, of course, am the ungodly and unsurpassed miraculous talent!"
Lena then did a happy and enthusiastic short shimmy that made Whitney giggle and Attila smile. As Attila enjoyed watching Lena shimmy, he quickly glanced at the door knowing Marcel could appear unexpectedly at any time especially when Lena was around, and Attila may be young but thanks to his nomadic life he learned that you NEVER taunt or underestimate a predator. Nor do you inadvertently do anything that would make the predator consider you a real threat, and Marcel had already made quite the impression on Attila as a major predator. So Attila most definitely did NOT want to get on Marcel's bad side.
So as Lena finished her victory shimmy, Attila turned back to his computer screen as he said, "I am more than just the hands you know, even if I am great with my hands. Alright, I have the armor materials makeup and shield frequencies of the drones completely diagnosed. I also have the singularity power-transfer-system to torpedo tube 1 turned off. I am setting Torpedo tube 1's replicator to salvage the two torpedoes in the tube now.....and that is done. No more torpedoes in tube 1. Now I am uploading the armor and shield information into Tube 1's replicator databank, so I can make more torpedoes of these design any time we may need them. I am also programming it to add a well-protected tracker so we know everywhere these things go, as requested...or was it ordered?"
As Attila muttered his rhetorical question and was doing his thing in Engineering, I was just outside the hangar-bay double-checking my weapons as I awaited my ride. When the Peregrine Falcon re-docked, I entered the Hangar and quickly boarded the shuttle. once onboard, I nodded in acknowledgement to Yvette and Brooke, as I said to Volodja, "I hope you don't mind me coming onboard but you know how I hate just sitting around and watching everything from the sidelines. Don't worry though, you can keep calling the shots on this roundup. I am just here to lend my piloting skills and see just how well our new pilot here can handle this thing."
I then walked over and took the co-pilot's spot and sat down. Then I hailed the Dauntless Adventure's Bridge to inform Sandy that I was safely on the Peregrine Falcon and that we are requesting clearance to get back out to the roundup. After the Bridge gave it, I said to the Sensoth woman beside me, "Alright Ms. Motewnawr, don't mind me. I am just here for the ride and to offer my assistance as your co-pilot. I will only take over if we get into a situation that you can't handle. So take us back out there."
The Sensoth woman politely nodded in understanding as she took us back out of the hangar and back into the Drone roundup.
Back in the Dauntless Adventure's Engineering bay, Attila said, "Alright that should do the trick. Lena if you want to be the one to fire these babies through the energy net then you may want to get back on the Bridge before somebody else beats you to it."
Then Attila contacted the Bridge and said, "Alright Bridge. I have two test-pedoes loaded into torpedo Tube 1 and all my specifications are uploaded to the torpedo tube replicators so we can make more with this armor and shield type whenever we choose to. So you can launch the test-pedo whenever you and Lena are ready to do so."
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Post by Lena Marr on Apr 14, 2018 12:57:31 GMT
As Lena Marr finished her victory shimmy, Attila Constanine turned back to his computer screen as he said, "I am more than just the hands you know, even if I am great with my hands. Alright, I have the armor materials makeup and shield frequencies of the drones completely diagnosed. I also have the singularity power-transfer-system to torpedo tube 1 turned off. I am setting Torpedo tube 1's replicator to salvage the two torpedoes in the tube now.....and that is done. No more torpedoes in tube 1. Now I am uploading the armor and shield information into Tube 1's replicator databank, so I can make more torpedoes of these design any time we may need them. I am also programming it to add a well-protected tracker so we know everywhere these things go, as requested...or was it ordered?"
Lena stared at Attila with unblinking sky blue eyes, a look of surprise on her normally impassive chalk white face as she thought to her EGO psyche Hope, "Shatko, what did I say wrong? I complimented the kid about being so useful with his hands and I get lip!?!? I mean, I bet his hands are useful in more than one way if you know what I mean so what's his beef?"
Hope scolded Lena through the telepathic link they shared, "You know, people other than you can feel pride in their work and in their intelligence. In fact other people than you can feel a whole range of emotions including love - and that goes for virtual people too!"
Lena frowned towards Attila watching him work as she replied to Hope, "It's so damned difficult when working with others. That's why I always worked alone in the past. Plus, usually when I worked with a male they'd want to get all gropee and I'd have to cut 'em. Sometimes when I worked with a female too. Until Marcel, of course - I encourage groping with him!"
Back in the Dauntless Adventure's Engineering bay, Attila said, "Alright that should do the trick. Lena if you want to be the one to fire these babies through the energy net then you may want to get back on the bridge before somebody else beats you to it."
Lena tilted her white tousled head throwing her long lashed eyes heavenward as she put a forefinger to the corner of her lush lips before grinning wickedly and saying as she looked at Attila, "Naw, you can do it as the torpedoes are really your babies. I'm starting to suffer Lestrange withdrawals so I better get back to Pooh Bear on the bridge! See you both in the funny papers - whatever humans mean by that phrase!"
Whitney silently watched Lena leave engineering for the bridge but once she was alone with Attila she turned to him with wide ice blue eyes asking, "Is Lena a typical Castithan? She seems very... unique."
Without answering her immediately, Attila contacted the Bridge and said, "Alright Bridge. I have two test-pedoes loaded into torpedo Tube 1 and all my specifications are uploaded to the torpedo tube replicators so we can make more with this armor and shield type whenever we choose to. So you can launch the test-pedo whenever you and Lena are ready to do so."
When Lena got back to the bridge she went immediately to the co-pilot's seat next to her lover Marcel Lestrange only glancing once around the bridge noting that Captain Sandy Uljanov was back in the command chair and that her daughter Jalina was now sitting next to Atika Constantine at the comms console. Lena plopped down in her seat reaching over to Marcel's crotch and giving it a quick gentle squeeze before checking the co-pilots instruments to reassure herself that all was well.
"You know Pooh Bear," Lena began in a matter-of-fact manner while she worked at her station, "You really are the only one who has ever understood me, jokes and all! Guess that's part of the reason I love you. That - and the fact that you are truly great in the sack!"
Lena's sky blue eyes darted mischievously to glance aside at Marcel as a wicked grin once again crossed her beautiful alabaster face as she licked her lips sensuously before continuing her work.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Apr 15, 2018 5:37:01 GMT
"Lead them closer, dear Count," instructed Volodja Uljanov from his command chair. "Between "Dauntless" and us, so we can from an outer perimeter around the Drone swarm and corner them."
Closely followed by the "Mighty Midget" the drone swarm begun it's reluctant movement towards the hull of the "Dauntless Adventurer" which played the role of the large herd pen.
"Good! Good!" encouraged Volodja. "No sudden movements, though. We don't want to scare them."
Then he grinned and explained to the Synth girls and the pilot: "I know that our Count doesn't need instructing but even a failure demands decent conducting and has to be thoroughly planned and executed."
"I don't understand." said blonde Yvette "How can a failure be planned and executed? I thought that people want to succeed."
"One's failure can be other's success," explained Volodja. "At least in the cultural field - in the novel, or a stage play or in the film. One of my favourites is "The Firemen's Ball" by the great late film director Milos Forman. It tells a story about an ill-fated social event in a provincial town. That well intended and well planned ball fails in every single aspect - the beauty contest turns out to be a disaster, raffle prizes are stolen by ball guests and firemen on that ball fail to extinguish a burning house as well. But since it is a film then that row of disastrous events is orchestrated by Forman and the fictional disaster of fictional firemen (which are mostly played by real firemen because most of actors in the film weren't professionals) is actually a success, because despite of being banned in Czechoslovakia, this film receives an Oscar nomination and finds it's place in the film history."
"I heard that. The great planner forgot to turn off his microphone but I approve the lecture and add my percentage," said Count Casannuendo through the speakers and begun to hum Mozart's "Rondo Alla Turca" ("The Turkish March") while he "pushed" the drone heard towards the pen.
"I get the reference," replied Volodja with a smile. "It played it's part in Forman's "Amadeus" as a planned and well put sample of showing that even intended events might have unexpected additions which don't have to be bad at all when Mozart used Salieri's march as a musical sample for his "Turkish" one. We, Protectors, have always used improvisation element in our plans as well, because our opponents tend to throw one obstacle after another to our path. By the way -during our educational conversation we brought those drones close enough to load 'em into the "Dauntless" landing bay." And the drone swarm entered into the landing dock, ready to be reprogrammed.
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