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Post by Lady Christianna on Dec 3, 2017 11:03:57 GMT
In the Big Top far above the bleachers, a beautiful young girl with pale blonde hair done up in a bun balanced precariously on a high swinging trapeze then did a perfect back flip letting go and then catching it again almost effortlessly then thought, "Papa would be so angry at me doing this before the net was laid - but then Papa would be mad at me for being here with no proper escort."
However, the pale skinned girl with the face like an expensive porcelain doll still snuck out alone of the family circus wagon every morning around this time and it had become a routine among the roustabouts to set up her high static and swing trapeze first and then the family's high flying trapeze afterwards. The charming but usually quiet young girl had asked them to when the Flying Synders had first arrived from Europe not long after the Great War ended. Shortly after their arrival, one of the young male roustabouts tried to talk to Whitney later in the day after the morning setup and her two muscular brothers violently interceded ending up beating the boy soundly. The next day the Ringmaster gave the roustabout a weeks pay and his walking papers. That was enough for the rest of the roustabouts, carnies, and even the other circus performers to give Whitney a wide berth ever since then. Most only knew her name - Whitney Synder - and that she spoke, when she spoke, with a thick German accent. That and the rumor that her family had once been wealthy but had lost most of it when Germany returned Alsace-Lorraine to France under the Treaty of Versailles in 1919 and that they were refugees in the aftermath.
Whitney was fifteen and knew the age of consent in this country was sixteen and she could legally just leave her family when she became of age but even though they were in the New World her father and two older brothers had Old World ways which meant that Whitney as the only girl in the family had responsibilities that she couldn't just leave but really wanted to. Her mother had died in the child birth of Whitney's youngest brother Rudy leaving Whitney with her mother's responsibilities at a very young age. The teenager felt stifled under her family's Old World restrictions and Whitney could not have so much as a five minute conversation with someone outside the family before either her father of one of her brothers would interrupt and hurry her away. Still, Whitney would be sixteen in two weeks and she was determined that she would leave the stifling environment of her family no matter what as soon as she was of age. On her next birthday she would tell her father and her brother's that she was leaving the Flying Synders to see the world on her own or know the reason why.
Taking a break from her morning physical regime, she hung upside down on the swinging bar looking at a group of nine circus performers vigorously discussing something, then three of them broke off and left the Big Top. Her ice blue eyes were drawn to a lanky dark haired handsome young man and her heart ached that she would never meet him and that if she ever did, her father would probably forbid her from ever seeing him again. Whitney saw him leave with two of the female performers, the Japanese animal trainer that dressed more like a man than a woman and the beautiful dark mystic in her flowing robes as Whitney practiced some of her easier tricks missing his presence already and wondering absentmindedly what was going on as it was unusual for any of the other circus performers to come into the Big Top this early before the show.
Moving from the swinging trapeze to the static one in one fluid move, she began practicing performing a wide range of movements including balances, drops, hangs while the bar itself stayed generally static. The difficulty on a static trapeze is making every move look effortless which Whitney did with ease. It was like dance, in that most people of a reasonable level of strength can get onto the trapeze bar for the first time and perform some basic tricks, but an experienced artist will do them with much more grace and style. While practicing on the static trapeze, she noticed the entry of the suited man holding the hand of a child but flashing the badge of the "politzei."
Whitney's already pale face grew paler as she wondered wondering if the policeman was at the circus to arrest her and her family. In a mild panic, she slid down the rope leading up to her static trapeze so she could close enough to hear the discussion between the six circus artists and the two outsiders. From beneath the bleachers, Whitney breathed a sigh of relief when she heard that the policeman wanted to see the Ringmaster but did not understanding the significance of the limerick recited by child. She saw the strongman give a signal to the small clown, who bolted out of the Big top like her colorful coattails were on fire.
The detective's intense brown eyes narrowed as he watched the clown go then asked the strongman, "Where is she going?"
The strongman smiled pleasantly and answered, "Girl clown. Can't go to the bathroom wherever they want like we men and female facilities on the far side of the circus."
The detective nodded his head slowly in an understanding way although Whitney wasn't sure he was buying the strongman's explanation as the strong man threw a glance to his companions hoping they would help delay the detective in his task and said, "We will be glad to take you to the Ringmaster's wagon."
*****
Kabule carefully used his knife, and disarmed the mine. Then he said, "That one is now done. How'ver there might be more. Now let us find the safe, and if it is locked, then perhaps I can get it open if you have a doctor's stethoscope nearby, or I could just use our explosive friend if we want the Militsiya here much faster, which I do not. I do NOT want to leave Dainty-Dina again, though I still think she is better without the bad twin."
Amber frowned not knowing how to take this new information about Dinara's brother when she felt under her dusky bare foot a metallic lump verifying it with a stretching of that foot's toes as Moira explained her plans then examined the safe, but then it was deafeningly quiet to Amber as she whispered loudly with a slight fear in her voice, "I think my foot is on what you called a mine."
Just then, Hope the midget clown stuck her head into the Ringmaster's wagon and said excitedly, "Copper's coming!"
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Dec 3, 2017 12:23:08 GMT
"You want an explosion? At least I heard somebody mentioning blowing up the safe," asked Moira softly. "And the crowd to rush in to see what's all the fuss is all about? I'll give them an explosion but not in a way, you meant it. You see, guys - we lack one important detail in the morning show. Since Mister Starr stepped into rows of departed and not so dearly missed, we lack an announcer who introduces acts to the audience. They are used with someone in top hat and suit who does that. And we don't want to disappoint them. Not the best time for the circus revolution. At least not today. But I am willing to fill the empty boots of the missing Ringmaster. I have top hat and suit and revolutions can begin with baby steps as well like replacing the male lead with a female lead. But before I go there, I still have one delicate task to complete. Delicate means NO KABOOMS! This is not a Broncho Billy western* where you blow up the safe and ride into a desert and people pay a nickle to see you been chased. Maybe you Russians are used to blow up your Putilov made safes but I seriously doubt that. I believe that Russia had it's own tradition of safe crackers. I even believe that they were called "Медвежатники" ("medvezhatniki") which means "bear hunters". I am the closest equivalent to the predator hunter in this room and the safe task was originally given to me, so..." Moira examined the safe. It was small green steel safe. A British safe. Made by A.WEBLEY & CO LIMITED. It looked uptight and closed like a lost British parliament member in a rainy slum. That safe had to open up to the public. Opening up makes things easier for everybody. Moira didn't thought about robbing it blind. Safes won't open up for people who plan to selfishly rob them. But if one can convince the safe then the safe can be very generous. You need is love to put into the work you are doing if you want to succeed. Despite the lack of needles and hairpins because Moira was wearing one of earliest bobs, she managed to find couple of short wires among the rubble in Ringmaster's desk which she stuck into the key hole of the safe and begun to turn them gently. When she heard that the cop was coming, she could not pull wires out because they were stuck and thus, under the pressure, Moira just had to keep working unless she didn't want to leave some fresh evidence about strange activities in the crime scene. Little bit work and she could hear gentle CLICK! sound, telling her that safe decided to reveal it's secrets. Moira's white hand turned the round handle in the centre of the safe door and with a squeaking and screeching sound the door fell open. "Done dears," Moira whispered. "Let's see what's inside. Whatever it is just grab it and let's get the hell out of here."  *Gilbert M. "Broncho Billy" Anderson (March 21, 1880 – January 20, 1971) was an American actor, writer, film director, and film producer, who is best known as the first star of the Western film genre. He was a founder and star for Essanay studios. In 1958, he received a special Academy Award for being a pioneer of the movie industry. |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Dec 3, 2017 12:30:05 GMT
Moira examined the safe. It was small green steel safe. A British safe. Made by A.WEBLEY & CO LIMITED. It looked uptight and closed like a lost British parliament member in a rainy slum. That safe had to open up to the public. Opening up makes things easier for everybody. Moira didn't thought about robbing it blind. Safes won't open up for people who plan to selfishly rob them. But if one can convince the safe then the safe can be very generous. You need is love to put into the work you are doing if you want to succeed.
Kabule said, "I said blowing it up was a bad idea, and I can open plenty of safes. How'ver you are right, you were told to find the damn thing. So if you want to open it then be my guest. I will just keep our green friend company. More interestin anyway."
Amber frowned not knowing how to take this new information about Dinara's brother when she felt under her dusky bare foot a metallic lump verifying it with a stretching of that foot's toes as Moira explained her plans then examined the safe, but then it was deafeningly quiet to Amber as she whispered loudly with a slight fear in her voice, "I think my foot is on what you called a mine."
Kabule looked over and said quietly, but with an arrogantly factual tone, "If it was a mine like the last one, then we would already be dead from the sudden pressure on it.* How'ver I better still take a look."
As Kabule knelt and started to examine the mine, he said with shocked interest, "What they doin with this? This not good for me, if Militsiya see this!"
Just then, Hope the midget clown stuck her head into the Ringmaster's wagon and said excitedly, "Copper's coming!"
Kabule glanced at the door, and muttered, "Damn I really hate Militsiya and their bad timin! But promised I would stay so that is what I do. Besides can't leave Dina's girl like this. Good news .... this one will not kill us with an explosion. Bad news ... this one be a Russian Poison gas mine*, so if it detonates then slow and painful choking death. Also not so quick to disable as we risk releasin the gas if I rush. So let us hope that those militsiya do not come in shootin ev'ry Ruski they see, cuz that's just me and I be busy with this mine. Moira up to you if you keep workin on that safe, or leave before the Militsiya gets here."
Despite the lack of needles and hairpins because Moira was wearing one of earliest bobs, she managed to find couple of short wires among the rubble in Ringmaster's desk which she stuck into the key hole of the safe and begun to turn them gently. When she heard that the cop was coming, she could not pull wires out because they were stuck and thus, under the pressure, Moira just had to keep working unless she didn't want to leave some fresh evidence about strange activities in the crime scene. Little bit work and she could hear gentle CLICK! sound, telling her that safe decided to reveal it's secrets. Moira's white hand turned the round handle in the centre of the safe door and with a squeaking and screeching sound the door fell open.
"Done dears," Moira whispered. "Let's see what's inside. Whatever it is just grab it and let's get the hell out of here."
Kabule then set about very carefully working on the mine. He managed to work his knife blade between the detonator and the main plate, but lacked tools to do what was needed to disarm the damn mine safely. So he glanced around and seeing a manicuring kit on the desk, he asked Moira to hand it to him.
Then he used it's tweezers to open the tiny hatch over the wiring and used the manicuring scissors to cut and disarm the main detonator. Once he was sure it was safe for Amber to remove her foot, he had her do so very slowly as he used his knife to keep the plate in place just in case. Then he said, "Not good. This one have a fail-safe. So my knife move off that notch and I get gassed for sure. Perhaps you Dolls better wait outside, jus' in case I fail. Dina better off jus' losin me anyway."
As Amber stepped away from him, with the snake vase in her hands, Kabule didn't look to see if the girls actually listened, for what he hadn't told them was that once he disarmed the main detonator, he had already triggered the fail-safe and he had 3 minutes tops to disarm it. Of course he also 'failed' to tell them that this being a Russian gas mine, instead of a British one, it contained enough gas to wipe out the whole circus if he didn't stop the fail-safe in time. So as he counted the time in his head, he focused solely on his task at hand, part of him wishing he had better tools to work with. Of course being a daredevil and adrenaline junky the biggest part of him was glad for the challenge at hand.
Dinara and the others had tried to stall the detective. They even took him and Lexy pas the sideshow tent. However nothing was happening there this early. So all they really saw was Sazri Kakusi, better known as: The Great Kakusi 'Electric man of Wonder!', using a light bulb to do his warm up calisthenics before he went inside to setup for his 'Extraordinary Electric Man of Wonder!' shows, which Dinara knew would be interesting as not only did he use light bulbs and tesla coils to show the audience that he was indeed electrical, but he had also recently gotten his hands on an electric chair, but it was of course too early to see any of that. So even though little Lexy thought watching the tall man light a bulb by sucking on it was interesting, Detective Pride wasn't as easy. So he insisted they continue on their way, despite Lexy's disappointment.
As such, even with them trying to get him to go the wrong way or further distract the Detective, they arrived at the Ringmaster's before long. As Kabule mentally reached the 2 minute 30 second mark, he managed to finish disabling the fail-safe and fully disarm the poison mine. He was just carefully moving his hands and knife away from the mine as the door opened and the detective entered. The first thing Detective Pride saw was of course the tall and lanky Russian biker/thug kneeling with a knife in his hand, and the dead ringmaster nearby. The second was that the Russian was kneeling by what appeared to be some sort of military mine.
So the Detective gently pushed Lexy toward Dinara and Kellina as he drew his gun and stepped into the trailer in front of the others saying, "Hold it Russian! It looks like you are who I was looking for and that I am too late! So you are under arrest. One wrong move and I drop you where you stand!"
Kellina quickly pulled Lexy back away from the trailer as soon as Detective Pride had pushed the young girl toward her. However upon hearing the Detective's words, Dinara pushed past Kellina and Lexy and rushed to the trailer. Ganbaatar tried to stop her, but the nimble dancer just swiveled past his grasp and got to the trailer door yelling, "Don't shoot him! He's my brother! Kabule puhlease don't do anything! Puhlease! I lost one brother! I can't lose the other!"
Hearing the Detective, Kabule finished moving his hands away from the mine. Then as he slowly stood, he also turned to face the detective with the gun trained on him. Kabule started to instinctively twist the knife still in his hand readying to throw it. However upon hearing his very upset and frightened sister, he realized she was somewhere behind the detective. So if the detective managed to move in time to avoid the knife, then the knife could hit Dinara by accident. As if to prove the point, just then Dinara stepped into the trailer right behind the Detective. So Kabule reluctantly flipped his knife and sheathed it as he said, "No need to shoot Militsiya Man. I did nothin wrong. I put my blade away, and if you want, I let you cuff me and I go wilingly. I have upset and hurt my sister enough for a lifetime."
*Sidenote: My basic land-mine info came from en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Land_mine, although I did take some writer's liberties with the disarming processes.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Dec 3, 2017 13:10:26 GMT
The wagon door swung open once more and Moira jumped out, saying: "Do you expect me to say "No speak Engrish" as you might when you see an Asian or listen what I have to say? In latter case I will say that nobody gets arrested here. If you arrest this man, you have to arrest me as well as his accomplish. And couple of more people. And then you have to release us, drop accusations and after that you have lot of explaining to do to the angry audience because arresting us will cancel the show, forces people go their homes and they are going to be very disappointed. After our release we will sell this lovely story to newspapers and then the audience know whom they owe a thanks for ruining their entertainment plans. I can already imagine some of the headlines. Or you can stay here and work under cover until everything is clear. We can even disguise you as a circus people so you can work unseen. We could most certainly use more...clowns, for example."  |
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Post by Lady Christianna on Dec 5, 2017 9:16:44 GMT
Detective Pride shouted, "Hold it Russian! It looks like you are who I was looking for and that I am too late! So you are under arrest. One wrong move and I drop you where you stand!" Dinara got to the trailer door yelling, "Don't shoot him! He's my brother! Kabule puhlease don't do anything! Puhlease! I lost one brother! I can't lose the other!" Kabule reluctantly flipped his knife and sheathed it as he said, "No need to shoot Militsiya Man. I did nothing wrong. I put my blade away, and if you want, I let you cuff me and I go willingly. I have upset and hurt my sister enough for a lifetime." Detective Pride hostered his gun and raised his dark eyebrows and his hands palms forward sputtering to Dinara while keeping a wary eye on Kabule, "Now wait just a minute, I'm not going to shoot anybody, I - " Then Moira began a tirade at the detective that ended with, "...Or you can stay here and work under cover until everything is clear. We can even disguise you as a circus people so you can work unseen. We could most certainly use more...clowns, for example." A small clown jumping up and down so she could see into the wagon under Dianara's left arm as she stood at the Ringmaster wagon's entry exclaimed sadly, "I hope that doesn't mean you think I'm not doing a good job!" Then Whitney pushed her way to the wagon's door through the growing crowd and asked in her thick German accent and with a worried look on her beautiful porcelain doll face, "Mister policeman, are you going to arrest mein brother?" Detective Pride furrowed his brow and slowly shook his head in denial disbelieving how the situation was quickly escalating saying, "What? Now why would I do that, Miss - ?" Whitney frowned and hung her head as she answered reluctantly, "Mein name is Whitney Synder. Last night... as mein two older brothers escorted me to the cookhouse... Mister Starr - he'd been drinking - said something... untoward to me - called me a baby vamp he'd like to - never mind that. Mein brothers are very... protective of me. Brooke called the Ringmaster a four-flusher and would have engaged him in fisticuffs if my oldest brother Yves hadn't pulled us to a table and sat us down. Yves then went to the Ringmaster and had a heated conversation I couldn't hear until they seemed to agree on something and shook hands. Yves joined us for dinner and nothing else was said, but I could tell Brooke was still angry. Brooke's temper... is like an ember that is slow to die and often flares up again long after the fire is out. I hope he didn't kill Mister Starr but... I just don't know." Detective Pride took out some handcuffs and put them on Kabule stating as he took Kabule's knife, "Right now I only have bracelets for this man, and only because all the clues of this murder seem to point to him. The limerick given to Lexy by a hooded man as much as says that the murderer is a Russian as is this man, the murder weapon is a knife and this man looked quite handy with a knife, and... quite frankly, he's my only good suspect at the moment. Now, all of you please get out of this wagon, you're contaminating my crime scene - but stay close by for I'll want a statement from each of you." "What's going on here!" Said a booming voice from the back of the crowd as the circus performers filed out of the wagon. All eyes turned to a large balding man in an expensive suit flanked by two uniformed policemen, one fat eating a pastry and the other muscular with a mean look who moved the crowd forcefully with his baton from in front of the rich man until Lexy ran up to the rich man hugging him as she exclaimed gleefully, "Daddy!" Madame Amber's jade eyes grew big in recognition of the rich man so she backed into the shadows. Around the same time, Sarge glanced into the Ringmaster's wagon an recognized that it was his old knife sticking out of the body of the Ringmaster and turned pale. Sweat began pouring from his bald pate as he nervously twisted the end of his handlebar mustache as he wondered what he should do. He had never had trouble with the law before if you exclude participating in a drunken barroom brawl after basic training just before being sent into the Great War. That little incident taught him two things: First, never drink too much, and second , it's better to stay unseen by the police for they could be quite brutal when they were doing their job. Detective Pride briefly threw his eyes heavenward as if saying "This is just what I need," before forcing a smile as he said out loud, "Glad to see you Mr. Avarita. Lexy's been a very good witness but it seems I was too late to save Mr. Starr. You can go ahead and take Lexy to her mother now so you all can see the circus, but Lexy you keep an eye out for that hooded man and if you see him, tell your parents to come get me please." As Lexy shook her head in the affirmative, her curly hair bouncing as she did, Detective Pride turned to the two uniformed police officers ordering, "Officer Gula, Officer Ira, get statements from these fine people," Then pointing to Moira, "Starting with that bearcat!"  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Dec 5, 2017 13:18:07 GMT
Kabule muttered, "Watch it with the fuckin metal bracelets Militsiya man! I surrendered willingly, so why take my blade instead of givin it to my sister? It was our brother's an' belongs in the family! not'ta mention, I am the new guy here an my 'Amazing Death-Defying Cage o' Doom' was supposed to be the big finisher in tonight's show as my debut. So why would I give that up?! Besides if you actually did your fuckin job, you would see there ain't no blood on my blade, and the murder weapon is still stuck in the Ringmaster, or that is who all of you keep saying he is! I ain't never met the guy! I belonged ta The Wonderkin Circus, but they sold my contract to this one. My bike and cage arrived before me. I just arrived a few hours back by bus. Damn I hate those tin cans, but Wonderkin wouldn't let me bring my bike myself, afraid I would never show or somethin. If I were gonna kill a Ringmaster it woulda been him! If anybody deserves it, then it be Wonderkin, the cheatin thievin ol' bastard!"
Dinara's mouth dropped and tears started drippin down her cheeks as she said exasperated, "Kabule, puhlease be quiet for once! You aren't helping yourself!"
Kabule said, "What? It's the truth, and didn't some Amer'can once say: The truth shall set ya free? Besides I jus' disarmed both an explosive an' a poison mine. If I did it and set those, then I wouldn'ta been dumb enough to come back to this trailer and I wouldn'ta stopped the trailer from blowin up! I woulda lit it on fire and been done with it! As for some stupid fucking limerick, I have no clue what any of ya are talkin about! That is unless the fuckin limerick in question was on of the two followin:
The sea captain's tender young bride
Fell inta the bay at low tide,
You could tell by her squeals,
That some of the eels
Had discovered a dark place to hide.
or:
There once was a clergyman's daughter
Who detested the pony he bought her,
Till she found that its dong
Was as hard and as long
As the prayers her father taught her.
She married a fella named Tony
Who soon found her fuckin the pony.
Said he, 'What's it got,
My dear, that I've not?'
Sighed she, 'Just a yard long boloney.'
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Dec 5, 2017 18:35:58 GMT
"Don't you worry dear," whispered Moira and put a kiss on the top of the tiny clown's head. "You are the best and most talented clown around. My favourite one! But I admit that clown masks make perfect disguise if police wants to work under cover. Old circus wolves spot new faces right away but if those police mugs are under the paint then nobody is able to connect them with authorities. Now the hard part - they seem to like to have a civilized conversation with me. Like having a civilized conversation with cops exists. They are always overly curious and ask most strange things, like - "Where were you about two weeks ago?" or "Can you confirm origin of these items?" And I can't speak in limericks with them. Maybe in haikus or tankas but they might not understand the art of poetry which is brought to them in traditional Japanese manner." Moira turned her head, grinned, then batted her lashes to approaching policemen and said when she caught an eye contact with them: "Entertainer's face Wears mostly a public look Lacks intimacy What can I do for you, officers? I assume that you have lot of questions. I am not sure if I have correct answers to all of them but I will try to cooperate with you as a law obeying citizen. But can you make it quick, please? Our show is about to begin and you can't keep our people off stage too long. And somehow I doubt that you want to follow us to trapezes or walk into the lion cage with us because that's where our artists are about to go."  |
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Post by Lady Christianna on Dec 6, 2017 6:48:17 GMT
Kabule muttered, "Watch it with the fuckin metal bracelets Militsiya man! I surrendered willingly, so why take my blade instead of givin it to my sister? It was our brother's an' belongs in the family! not'ta mention, I am the new guy here an my 'Amazing Death-Defying Cage o' Doom' was supposed to be the big finisher in tonight's show as my debut. So why would I give that up?! Besides if you actually did your fuckin job, you would see there ain't no blood on my blade, and the murder weapon is still stuck in the Ringmaster, or that is who all of you keep saying he is! I ain't never met the guy! I belonged ta The Wonderkin Circus, but they sold my contract to this one. My bike and cage arrived before me. I just arrived a few hours back by bus. Damn I hate those tin cans, but Wonderkin wouldn't let me bring my bike myself, afraid I would never show or somethin. If I were gonna kill a Ringmaster it woulda been him! If anybody deserves it, then it be Wonderkin, the cheatin thievin ol' bastard!" Detective Pride frowned while he exclaimed in frustration as he handed her brother's knife to Dinara, "Applesauce, you just don't know when to shut up do you! Tell it to Sweeney bub, I don't know you from a hole in the wall, and you just admitted to me you're capable of murder! Ever think that your mouth may have something to do with why you're wearing that engagement ring now? Officer Ira, take into custody this bimbo, will you! And Officer Gula, get rid of that sinker!" As Officer Gula quickly gulped down the last of his donut, Dinara's mouth dropped and tears started dripping down her cheeks as she said exasperated, "Kabule, puhlease be quiet for once! You aren't helping yourself!" Amber cursed from the shadows and hoping the rich man wouldn't notice her walked behind Dinara and gently taking Dinara's heaving shoulders in her two dusky hands pulled Dinara into an embrace and gently away from the confrontation as Kabule began to regale the police with crude limericks. The rich man glanced at her with cold eyes then flashed her an even colder grin before approaching Detective Pride. Meanwhile after Kabule recited his limericks Moira spoke her haiku and the detective rubbed his temples with both hands fighting a growing headache as the rich man spoke. "Listen Pride," Began Mr. Avarita sternly after lighting a cigar and blowing smoke directly into Detective Pride's face, "I spent a lot of mazuma to rent this Circus for a special morning performance for my little girl's birthday and a few of my friends and we came all the way from Kansas City to see it! One of Starr's selling points was this guy's 'Amazing Death-Defying Cage o' Doom' and we ain't leaving here until we see it. Now you don't want to disappoint my little girl, do you?" Lexy appeared from behind her father looking up at the detective and exclaiming with an angelic smile, "I'm eight today!" Before licking her lollipop once more. Detective Pride sighed deeply before taking the handcuffs off Kabule muttering, "No, we wouldn't want that, would we?" Then ordered in a loud voice to Kabule, "Okay bimbo, go prepare your act! Officer Ira will be sticking to you like glue so don't try any funny stuff. We'll have a nice long talk about your homicidal tendencies after the circus performs but I promise you that if you somehow escape Officer Ira or even try, Hell will rain down on your hotsy-totsy sister and her Sheba too!" Detective Pride then turned to the crowd of gathered circus performers and commanded, "Okay get in single file and give your names to Officer Gula, then go prepare for your show, but none of you leave the circus grounds until we get your statements. Officer Gula, once you get their names, secure this wagon and guard it until I tell you different," Then he turned to Moira, "Okay Bearcat, if it's jake with you, you're in charge of the performance since the Ringmaster is dead,' Then glanced at the rich man before advising in a low voice, "And you better make it a good one for Mr. Avarita is not someone you want to disappoint." Detective Pride looked at Moira with twinkling eyes and a winning grin and said confidently, "Now Bearcat, I understand you have some ideas about how this investigation should progress and I'll be glad to consider them but first answer me before I go examine the crime scene in some peace and quiet: What do you know about this Kabule fellow and this girl Whitney Synder and her family, because right now those are my main murder suspects?"  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Dec 6, 2017 12:48:08 GMT
Detective Pride sighed deeply before taking the handcuffs off Kabule muttering, "No, we wouldn't want that, would we?" Then ordered in a loud voice to Kabule, "Okay bimbo, go prepare your act! Officer Ira will be sticking to you like glue so don't try any funny stuff. We'll have a nice long talk about your homicidal tendencies after the circus performs but I promise you that if you somehow escape Officer Ira or even try, Hell will rain down on your hotsy-totsy sister and her Sheba too!"
Kabule snapped, "And jus' how the fuck would you like it if I threatened YOUR fuckin sister the way you jus' threatened mine?! If you even harm one fuckin hair on either of those girls' heads then I'll ..... Fuck it. You already got my point, jus' as I got yours. So don't worry, I ain't goin nowhere. I learnt the hard way, that family should be there for each other, so I am done leavin my sister behind. Now if you excuse me, I got a cage, a bike, an' some knives and assorted blades ta prepare for my two-part show later. Warning, since you seem not'ta know. I start my show by showing of my kife throwing skills, then I hop on the bike and go into the cage to showcase my riding skills. Tonight I am gonna include blades in my Cage O' Doom portion of my show, for the first time ever. How'ver if you wannna know just what kinda blades and what I am gonna do with em, then you will just' have'ta pay an' watch the show, like ev'ryone else, perhaps we should charge you more for bein nasty to the circus folk."
Then as Kabule and Officer Ira walked towards the Big Top, Kabule glanced at his 'escort' and said, "An' you, I agree with Moira, nobody wants ta see the militsiya hoverin around the performers. So we gotta find you a disguise ta wear. Perhaps we can throw a clown outfit and Doll's wig on ya and have you stand in as my assistant durin the blade portion o' my act."
Seeing Officer Ira grow pale at that idea, Kabule chuckled and continued with, "I can tell ya like that idea a lot. So that is decided. Alright come on Yank. Let's go find ya some more appropriate clothin an' face paint ta wear. Perhaps lil' Hope will help ya with the makeup and clothin, as she be the cutest clown I ever seen in Amer'ca. Mos' jus' cover themselves slap-dash with that stuff an' throw on hideous outfits."
Detective Pride then turned to the crowd of gathered circus performers and commanded, "Okay get in single file and give your names to Officer Gula, then go prepare for your show, but none of you leave the circus grounds until we get your statements. Officer Gula, once you get their names, secure this wagon and guard it until I tell you different," Then he turned to Moira, "Okay Bearcat, if it's jake with you, you're in charge of the performance since the Ringmaster is dead,' Then glanced at the rich man before advising in a low voice, "And you better make it a good one for Mr. Avarita is not someone you want to disappoint." As Officer Gula talked to the other performers around the trailer, Kellina answered as best as she knew how. However all he ever got from Ganbaatar was sharp remarks in Mongolian. So Kellina interpreted and then said to Gula. "He doesn't know any more than the rest of us, and is mad that all of you are delaying our show because of something none of us had anything to do with. All of us are mad about that." Ganbaatar said something else in Mongolian and Kellina responded with, "Really, Gan? What is your problem with him?!" After Ganbaatar responded, once gain in Mongolian, Officer Gula asked about everything Ganbaatar had just said. So Kellina once again interpreted, saying, "Gan says that if anybody here did it, then it was probably the freaks. So you should go talk to them. He says you should talk to the Great Kakusi in particular, but I think it is just because my brother is still a bit miffed about the little trick Kakusi pulled on him. You see our Electric man-giant is what you Americans would call a joker and likes to pull tricks on people for his own amusement when he is not busy with his show. Well pull tricks and watch the clowns. However I doubt any of us performers did it, and that thug Kabule really did just arrive a couple hours back and he made his way straight to the Big Top to check on his bike and cage. So even though I do not yet like the Russian, I do not see how he could have done what your boss is accusing him of. So my brother has a point that you should probably increase your search to include the other performers including those in the sideshows, like Kakusi. He tends to dislike people bothering him while he is preparing for his shows as he finds it unprofessional, but I doubt that will stop any of you. So perhaps Hope would be willing to go with you to see him. Like I said, he likes clowns, and Hope seems to be the only one that can actually at least bring a smile to his face, if not make him chuckle without much effort on her part. She seems to always know just the right thing to get a round of laughter even from toughest audience. So perhaps he may be willing to let you in early and at least listen to what you ask, if Hope is with you."
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Post by Lady Christianna on Dec 6, 2017 19:52:34 GMT
Kabule chuckled and continued with, "I can tell ya like that idea a lot. So that is decided. Alright come on Yank. Let's go find ya some more appropriate clothin an' face paint ta wear. Perhaps lil' Hope will help ya with the makeup and clothin, as she be the cutest clown I ever seen in Amer'ca. Mos' jus' cover themselves slap-dash with that stuff an' throw on hideous outfits." "Hmmmph, do not call me Yank again, Russian, or I will break your legs," Replied Officer Ira through a wicked grin that highlighted his single gold tooth, "I am Brazilian. Not Mexican. Not South American. Brazilian." As Officer Ira and Kabule began to walk to the Big Top so Kabule could prepare for his act, Officer Ira continued in his thick Hispanic accent, "Rules: Only one, anger me and I will break your legs. What angers me you ask? Disrespecting me. Trying to hurt me. Trying to escape from me. Vexing me in any way. Do not anger me. You won't like me if you anger me. Do you know what I will do to you if you anger me?" "Break my legs?" Replied Kabule with a wicked grin of his own. "Now you are getting it hombre," Answered Officer Ira as they entered the Big Top taking note that the small clown named Hope was already there practicing her card tricks. Officer Ira looked her up and down appreciatively and his wicked smile turned as evil as his thoughts as he remarked, "That's a choice bit of calico. Young. But not too young. In my country, that is how we like them: Young but not too young. Yes, you can get her to dress me as clown. Then perhaps she and I get undressed together later to just clown around."  |
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Post by Belle Starr on Dec 6, 2017 21:40:39 GMT
Belle Starr sat on the cot in her brig cell staring out from the bars at her niece Sandy Bell staring at her who finally broke the silence by saying, "You know Belle, we could really use you on the away team to Pluto. You're the only one on the Vigilant that has had any past experience with this Atlas person." Belle's blue diamond eyes shifted her gaze to her feet as she remarked, "Atlas is not a person. Can't say he's a god for my faith forbids it, but any being who can create and destroy universes is much greater than a person. Anywho, as I told you, I'll only talk to Volodja or Atticus. They're the only ones who can understand what I'm going through." "Okay, you win Belle," Replied Sandy as she activated her EGO communications, "I'll update them both on your request." Meanwhile in Lexy's chamber, Atticus Batman looked over at Lena Marr and snapped, "Dak what the hell is going on?! Lena, it looks like you and Attila are going to be very busy, as it sound like you are needed on the Bridge as well as here. However I would like to know what caused Lexy's deep sleep as well, and if Whitney's and Lady's sudden collapses are somehow tied to it. I also can't help but wander if it has something to do with why our EGOs and Kabule aren't answering us. So you better get busy .. Then Atticus walked up next to Lena and whispered into her ear, "Tell me this Lena. Is your head suddenly quiet as well? Dak, how can everyone else deal with so much silence in their heads? I find it disturbing." "Actually," Replied Lena, I find it kind of peaceful for a change. Not something I'd want everyday, but... and nooooow Sloth is gone as well! At least I think she's gone but with her its often hard to tell cause she's asleep most of the time!" Just then over the intercom Tasha Yar's voice informed them, "More Bad news from the mess hall. Both Synth Sisters there just collapsed unconscious and nobody can get them to wake up. Oh, and by the way the sentinel drones are moving from Pluto to Neptune."  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Dec 7, 2017 12:12:54 GMT
I walked up next to Lena and whispered into her ear, "Tell me this Lena. Is your head suddenly quiet as well? Dak, how can everyone else deal with so much silence in their heads? I find it disturbing."
"Actually," Replied Lena, I find it kind of peaceful for a change. Not something I'd want everyday, but... and nooooow Sloth is gone as well! At least I think she's gone but with her its often hard to tell cause she's asleep most of the time!"
Just then over the intercom Tasha Yar voice informed them, "More Bad news from the mess hall. Both Synth Sisters there just collapsed unconscious and nobody can get them to wake up. Oh, and by the way the sentinel drones are moving from Pluto to Neptune."
I said quietly to Lena, "I kind of know what you mean. I am glad for the vacation from Kabule's daking insults and big mouth, but I do miss Dinara and though I am used to Kakusi being quiet, this is even more quiet than he normally is. Especially since he normally has something to say when something happens that may affect the electrical or bio-electrical frequencies around us."
Then I said out loud, "Dak, Lena it looks like you and Attila will be very busy indeed. So you two better go start examining the Synth sisters as well, so you can try to find out just what is happening and help them all. It sounds like I need my ship and crew ALL back in action to deal with whatever the dak this Atlas guy is doing to OUR Universe! Now if you'll excuse me, I have a 'sister' to go talk to about all of this daking shtako!"
As I left Lexy's chamber I sent Volo a message saying, "Volodja Belle will only talk to us and we need to find out just what the dak is happening to our ship and universe! So unless whatever you are doing is extremely important, then drop it and meet me in the brig now!!"
As I listened to Volo's response, I quickly maneuvered myself through the Vigilant's halls and to the Brig. Once I entered I snapped, "I hate seeing you in this little sister, but I need to know just what the daking hell is going on! I have electrical systems screwing up in the hangar bays which I can only assume you did when you tried to sneak away without so much as a good bye to your family, that I can forgive although Lady would be upset if she knew. Then there is Lady collapsing and going comatose with no warning! Lexy being rendered comatose! Several EGOs as well as Kabule and now Kakusi all going completely silent and unresponsive, and now the three Synth Sisters are all comatose! To top it off the daking drones have left Pluto and are heading to Neptune! And you know me, I will NEVER go down without a fight and I never give up or surrender! "
Then as my aura started to darken and I could feel my anger growing, I stopped myself and took a deep breath, then as I was very angry I also used Wolfram's calming excersise by counted backwards from 50 in Irathient. Once I had calmed down again, I said, "I love you as a sister, I really do, but I need some real daking answers and do not bother trying to use your Volge abilities to escape either. The brig was modified to hold either one of us even if we use our powers. It was just one of the many things Erika had done, during my month of leave while I was grieving for Lady and going through therapy to try to regain full use of my legs. I guess always coming up with contingencies is yet another thing that runs in my family. So please Belle, if you know anything about any of the strange things happening on MY ship, tell us, so we can help those that have been rendered comatose by it.
By the way, on my way here security found an unconscious crew member locked in a storage room. Is it safe to assume that one was definitely your doing? If it was then you should be glad to know, that he seems fine, although he did say something about you still owing him a 'date'. Now as I am sure Volodja is on his way, you can wait until he arrives to answer, if you prefer."
Then I knelt down and retrieved my boot flask of Irathient rum. After I stood back up, I took a big swig of it, then offered it to Belle.
"Now you are getting it hombre," Answered Officer Ira as they entered the Big Top taking note that the small clown named Hope was already there practicing her card tricks. Officer Ira looked her up and down appreciatively and his wicked smile turned as evil as his thoughts as he remarked, "That's a choice bit of calico. Young. But not too young. In my country, that is how we like them: Young but not too young. Yes, you can get her to dress me as clown. Then perhaps she and I get undressed together later to just clown around." Kabule remarked, "You want respect, you show respect. So I will warn you once, out of the respect you deserve. Say what you want, but I already have my eye on that clown and she has already agreed to bein mine. So if you touch her I will do more than jus' break legs. Yer anger is nothin compared to my wrath! So if that is how you feel about MY clown, then I will be present the whole time she is helpin disguise you and if you so much as look at her wrong again, it will be the last thing you do!" Then Kabule approached Hope, while never turning his back on Ira, and said quietly to Hope, "This fuckin Brazilian Militsiya man needs to be disguised as a WOMAN clown, and he will be my assistant in my knife act. I need help findin him an outfit and doin his makeup. He may not like it but I will be present the whole time and if he touches you or makes you feel uncomfortable, tell me and I WILL end him. I do not know where you are from, but I have learnt that most Militsiya are not to be trusted anywhere I have been. I do not see why Amer'can Militsiya would be any diff'rent and I KNOW this Brazilian can NOT be trusted at all. So DO NOT ever be alone with him. Of course if I were you, I wouldn't trust me much more than we can trust most militsiya. So I would understand if you prefer to get your Doughboy to be present while I am helpin you make this ugly Brazilian into an ugly Doll clown.... But first you should prob'ly talk to the Jap Doll, Moira, as she seem to be our new Ringmaster for now, and may want you to do something else instead. If so that be fine, I do not like the way he be actin once he seen you anyway. So I can make the ugly Brazilian into an Ugly clown doll myself if you or Moira want, though it will be extra ugly as a be no good at the makeups."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Dec 7, 2017 12:58:56 GMT
Moira observed the situation after having not so fruitful conversation with police officers because she wasn't very keen and cooperative when it was about helping digging holes for her fellow circus people and bury them there. Then she removed her upper teeth from her lower lip (it was her way to stimulate thinking process) and then she toldthoughtfully to her fellow circus people: "Police officers don't make good crime investigators. At least not in crime novels. Maybe we should remove them from the investigation process." "Should we feed them to lions?" asked Hope sort of hopefully. "No need for such drastic measures," said Moira quietly. "Although it sounds tempting, I must admit. I think that our Russian Bear can use his imagination to eliminate the Furious Looking Brazilian Clown from the picture until the chapter is over. Keep him busy or something. And that means that our Russian Bear should take care of the make up. But the cop can't accidentally stumble on a knife because we already have one dead body too much. And...and....maybe we can sell our police forces to the Keystone Company after the murder is solved? They are still popular, you know, and Mr. Sennet would be happy to have such a colourful add-on to his films.* That could also solve a problem of protecting the society from service men like these."  *The Keystone Cops were fictional incompetent policemen, featured in silent film comedies in the early 20th century. Movies, featuring them, were produced by Mack Sennett between 1912 and 1917 but he used them through the 1920s as well. |
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Post by Belle Starr on Dec 8, 2017 3:01:58 GMT
When Atticus Batman arrived at the Vigilant's brig, Sandy Bell and the security guard left the room without a word to give him and Belle Starr the privacy that Belle had requested. Atticus spoke for some time to an impassive Belle who sat on her bunk in her locked cell and stared silently at her boots. Then Atticus said, "By the way, on my way here security found an unconscious crew member locked in a storage room. Is it safe to assume that one was definitely your doing? If it was then you should be glad to know, that he seems fine, although he did say something about you still owing him a 'date'. Now as I am sure Volodja is on his way, you can wait until he arrives to answer, if you prefer." Belle smiled as she looked up locking her blue diamond eyes with his glowing ones as she answered, "Yeah, I did that, as well as disrupting the electrical systems in the hangars although they should be back to normal by now! I'm glad the young man is okay because he was rather sweet, although I'm still having a hard time anyone remembers me let alone fondly! Its hard to wrap my head around the fact that to me it's been three hundred years since I last saw y'all but to y'all it's only been a few weeks!" Then Atticus knelt down and retrieved his boot flask of Irathient rum. After he stood back up, Atticus took a big swig of it, then offered it to Belle who gratefully took it and took a long drink from it before handing it back with a mumbled thank you, then glanced at the closed door into the brig, "I guess Volodja still hasn't forgiven me for when I picked Vo over him, and I don't blame him. I was young and inexperienced in the ways of the heart and really didn't handle my relationships with either of them very well! Live and learn I guess! Maybe!" Belle looked sadly at Atticus as she swiped a wisp of blond hair highlighted with silver that had fallen into her eyes then said, "I'll tell you what I know! I didn't have anything to do with Lady going comatose, your EGO psyche's disappearances, your Synth friends collapsing, nor Lexy going off-line, although I think I know why and it's a one word answer: Atlas! When I was struck by lightening in the Forbidden Zone on Earth, I awakened in a space ship in Atlas' universe! I didn't know then where I was or how I got there, so the first thing I did was try to contact Dad! As my EGO psyche, Alfred had a huge data base which included star charts - none of which matched the stars I was seeing, but Alfred was more to me than a data base! As you know, Alfred was based on my father's brain waves and thus he was the smartest man I knew as well as at times the most infuriating so I knew if I could just speak to him we could figure out together how to get out of the fix I found myself in!" Belle reached our her pale hand through the cell bars for Atticus' flask and when he handed it to her she took a long swig before returning it then continued with her story, "Alfred was gone although my EGO remained but now without its higher brain functions was just a very useful computer! I would find later - at the worst possible time when I was surrounded by predators I would name Belle Eaters once I survived their attack - that my EGO powers were gone as well! No cloak, no blur, no decoy, no overcharge, just my one-person spaceship, my exo-suit, my multi-tool, and my wits to sustain me! I bet y'alls EGO powers are gone too now that your EGO psyches are gone!" Belle touched the bars with both hands giving them a shake to no avail, then laughed melodiously, "You don't have to worry about my inner monster either! I haven't felt him in my mind for over three hundred years! Both Alfred and my inner Were-Volge have been MIA the moment I entered Atlas' universe and they haven't returned when I got here! As to where his Sentinel Drones are headed, they will terra-form Neptune, then Uranus, then each planet in our solar system including Earth and when they are finished with our solar system they will continue on to the next until Atlas has transformed our whole universe... and then he'll end it!" Belle pulled her legs onto the cot tenting her hands behind her head as she laid down staring with wide eyes at the ceiling before saying, "I'm sorry about Lady, and don't have a clue why she is unconscious but I know you miss her terribly! I also know you will NEVER go down without a fight and you never give up or surrender! Tar-nation, I tried to convince you and the others that you cant win against Atlas but none of y'all would listen nohow so I impulsively ran for the hills! Fight or flee response - and I'm so tired of fighting! Now that I've had time to think, I realize there's no where I can flee to and hide without Atlas sooner or later finding me! So I'll join Sandy's little away team to Pluto or Neptune or wherever! Might s well end it sooner rather than later! What is, is!" Then Belle turned her head to face Atticus, tears falling down her freckled cheeks to stain the cot's pillow as she said as only one truly lost can, "I wish Vo was here! He was my emotional anchor and without him here... I feel so adrift! But then, I've felt that way for over three hundred years! You think I'd be used to it by now... but I haven't!"  As Belle revealed her stoic philosophy, Lena Marr sweated as she worked hard over her computer counsel in Lexy's Chamber. Lena had moved three cots into the chamber with the three Synth Sisters on them so with Attila Constantine assisting her in the small chamber and with Medic Joy Jameson insisting on being next to her patients it was rather close quarters. Lena was just glad that she was able to convince Medic Jameson to leave the rest of her med-team in the hallway close by just in case they were needed as Joy insisted stubbornly. A pretty pout crossed Lena's chalk white face as the Castithan stared at the computer screen exclaiming to Attila without looking up, "Okay, it's definite that everyone on board the Vigilant who has an EGO is missing an EGO psyche - even those who just had the VBI factory standard EGO psyche. No one can access their EGO powers either as far as anyone who's tried is concerned including your's truly. I tried to cloak out of here to sneak to the Mess for something a bit stronger than water but no go." Lena typed and correlated some more data before muttering out loud, "Whatever hit Lexy is what hit the Synth Sisters as the readings on their AI are exactly the same! Their higher functions are dead as a door nail - just like in our EGOs!" Then Lena smiled wickedly as she turned to Attila and teased, "Now don't you take advantage of these poor beautiful but comatose Synth girls! I know the temptation is great for a young buck like you, but this is a no date rape zone!" Lena giggled before turning back to her work but then her sky blue eyes narrowed and her grin disappeared as she reported, "Hey, there is a wi-fi type energy frequency to each of them and to Lexy's AI server but I can't seem to pinpoint the wavelength. As soon as I find it, the frequency band changes! Its like trying to pick up a wet wiggly worm with mittens on your hands. I wonder where the source of the energy beam is? Hmm, let me try something - yesssss - got it!" Lena's unblinking long lashed eyes grew big as saucers as she turned to Attila and exclaimed, "I've tracked the energy beam to the Vigilant's infirmary! And I'll give you one guess as to who's the sole patient there! Another hint: She's the person my EGO Psyche Hope went to help before she disappeared from my noggin!" Lena didn't mention to Attila that her brain was afire with ideas with out all the voices clouding her mind. Her thoughts were never clearer and for the first time her genius could be unleashed without being hindered by the unwanted and unasked for opinions of the voices that had been in her head. Furthermore, she didn't feel the urge to destroy or if she did it was overwhelmed with the urge to create. Lena took a pad and quickly constructed a diagram for a device to help track the energy beam. Filled with the exhilaration of invention, Lena turned to Attila and grinned handing him the diagram and asking, "Can you make this for me Sugar? Pretty please with honey on it!" Even without her EGO psyche, Lena's EGO communications still worked, so she contacted Atticus EGO to EGO and telepathically asked, "Hey Atty-baby, you don't mind if I stick a bunch of electrode sensors all over your naked wife and then do some scientific probing, do you?" Lena grinned wickedly as Atticus gave the expected angry answer then told him what she had found thinking, "Yeppers, walking the tightrope between Atticus killing me and his not killing me still gives me a big adrenaline rush!" Then the grin disappeared and Lena wondered to herself, "Where the hell is Marcel and what the shatko is HE doing?" Then telepathically contacted him informing him of what was going on before saying. "Love you, miss you! You're missing all the fun Pooh Bear!"  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Dec 8, 2017 12:07:16 GMT
Belle pulled her legs onto the cot tenting her hands behind her head as she laid down staring with wide eyes at the ceiling before saying, "I'm sorry about Lady, and don't have a clue why she is unconscious but I know you miss her terribly! I also know you will NEVER go down without a fight and you never give up or surrender! Tar-nation, I tried to convince you and the others that you cant win against Atlas but none of y'all would listen nohow so I impulsively ran for the hills! Fight or flee response - and I'm so tired of fighting! Now that I've had time to think, I realize there's no where I can flee to and hide without Atlas sooner or later finding me! So I'll join Sandy's little away team to Pluto or Neptune or wherever! Might s well end it sooner rather than later! What is, is!"
Then Belle turned her head to face me, tears falling down her freckled cheeks to stain the cot's pillow as she said as only one truly lost can, "I wish Vo was here! He was my emotional anchor and without him here... I feel so adrift! But then, I've felt that way for over three hundred years! You think I'd be used to it by now... but I haven't!"
I responded with, "Belle, I have no clue where Vo is either. Besides I am having a hard time keeping focused, with Lady in the infirmary, as I am sure you already noticed. However you are back with family, even if you are still having trouble grasping that we are alive and still care deeply for you...and I meant it when I said I still love you as my kid sister, witch I suppose is weird since you are now much older than me. However you still look much younger and I think the silver looks good on you.
As for Volodja, I can not say how he feels about you. Hell I still do not know how he feels about me and what I did to him and Sandy. Although I know she still dislikes and distrusts me. However she seems to compartmentalize her feelings so just how much she hates and distrusts me, I Do not know. However I think Volodja has reconciled the fact that you chose Vo. After all Volodja and Sandy are now married and seem very happy with that. Hell I performed the marriage myself, although I am guessing that the only reason Sandy asked me to do it, instead of Yar, is because she knew just how uncomfortable such things make me.
Speaking of your aunt, I have no objection to you joining her away team, if she has requested you do so. Just please don't do something....well something as stupid as I would do. I just lost one sister and am NOT ready to lose the other one. Either way I don't see a reason to keep this cell shut and locked while I am in here with you. Besides you look like you need a hug, and I have grown more comfortable giving those, than I am watching the women I care about cry alone when I can at least offer them a huge shoulder to cry on. Besides my armor is waterproof ....as well as snot-proof."
Then I opened the cell door and stepped into the doorway. So if Belle wanted to take me up on the hug she could just stand up and do so, trusting that Belle wouldn't do anything to try to harm me (or herself) or escape.
In Lexy's AI chamber, Lena typed and correlated some more data before muttering out loud, "Whatever hit Lexy is what hit the Synth Sisters as the readings on their AI are exactly the same! Their higher functions are dead as a door nail - just like in our EGOs!" Then Lena smiled wickedly as she turned to Attila and teased, "Now don't you take advantage of these poor beautiful but comatose Synth girls! I know the temptation is great for a young buck like you, but this is a no date rape zone!" Attila responded with, "Why would I, when I know Yvette would give me some when she is conscious, if I asked, and I got Tiky's approval first, of course as she is my first love. Besides if I did try anything to them in their sleep, I know you would kill me for it, and if you didn't then Tik would castrate me for sure, and there is no way I want to live the rest of my days as a ball-less eunuch! Lena giggled before turning back to her work but then her sky blue eyes narrowed and her grin disappeared as she reported, "Hey, there is a wi-fi type energy frequency to each of them and to Lexy's AI server but I can't seem to pinpoint the wavelength. As soon as I find it, the frequency band changes! Its like trying to pick up a wet wiggly worm with mittens on your hands. I wonder where the source of the energy beam is? Hmm, let me try something - yesssss - got it!" Lena's unblinking long lashed eyes grew big as saucers as she turned to Attila and exclaimed, "I've tracked the energy beam to the Vigilant's infirmary! And I'll give you one guess as to who's the sole patient there! Another hint: She's the person my EGO Psyche Hope went to help before she disappeared from my noggin!" Lena didn't mention to Attila that her brain was afire with ideas with out all the voices clouding her mind. Her thoughts were never clearer and for the first time her genius could be unleashed without being hindered by the unwanted and unasked for opinions of the voices that had been in her head. Furthermore, she didn't feel the urge to destroy or if she did it was overwhelmed with the urge to create. Lena took a pad and quickly constructed a diagram for a device to help track the energy beam. Filled with the exhilaration of invention, Lena turned to Attila and grinned handing him the diagram and asking, "Can you make this for me Sugar? Pretty please with honey on it!" Attila responded with, "Well I can't guarantee that I can make something from scratch without a minor explosion or two the first time, but I do love inventing and tinkering, so I will definitely give it my best. Besides given all that has happened on the Vigilant, I am guessing Atticus, who is already very pissed at me, would be more than happy to kill me if I cause an explosion on his ship. So I will make sure I take my time and am very careful building your cool looking device. However, it is very cramped in here, and this is NOT the place to build such things anyway. So if you need me, I will be in Engineering, working on your device. Then I will bring it to you to test as soon as I am finished with it." Saying that, Attila left Lexy's chamber and went to engineering to work on building Lena's device. Even without her EGO psyche, Lena's EGO communications still worked, so she contacted me EGO to EGO and telepathically asked, "Hey Atty-baby, you don't mind if I stick a bunch of electrode sensors all over your naked wife and then do some scientific probing, do you?" I mentally snapped at her very angrily with, "What the daking hell kind of question is that?! Of course I daking mind! Lady is NOT a lab rat to probe and torture for your daking twisted pleasure! So if you even consider it, I will kill you slowly and painfully!" Lena grinned wickedly as I gave the expected angry answer then told me what she had found, thinking, "Yeppers, walking the tightrope between Atticus killing me and his not killing me still gives me a big adrenaline rush!" Then the grin disappeared and Lena wondered to herself, "Where the hell is Marcel and what the shtako is HE doing?" Then telepathically contacted him informing him of what was going on before saying. "Love you, miss you! You're missing all the fun Pooh Bear!" After Lena had riled me up, she eventually told me exactly what she found and what she was actually planning. So I responded to her again with, "Dak it Lena, you are lucky Lady considers you her best friend. So you have my permission provided Doctor Quinn is present to make sure Lady's condition doesn't worsen and isn't harmed in any way by your monitoring. So go ahead and place your sensors. Besides you already know what I WILL do to you, if your little monitoring device does harm her. Just remember friends do NOT purposely harm each other, AND I will be checking up periodically to see how your progress is going!" By the time my EGO communication with Lena had ended, my aura was once again growing an angry blue, which could be evidenced by the fact that the lenses in my helmet were now projecting a very eerie blue glow from them. Not to mention, I angrily struck the very durable barred wall of Belle's cell, to relive some of my pent up anger and stress, now probably needing a hug as well. Although that was always a fact that I had a hard time admitting to anybody except my wife. |
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