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Post by Atticus Batman on Dec 16, 2017 12:20:48 GMT
Hope quickly wiggled her rump one last time into his groin before high kicking one short leg over his prone body demonstrating how truly agile she was before jumping up, going over to his bag, pulling out his heavy leather jacket and putting it on then doing a pirouette and saying cryptically with a big grin and crazed wide blue eyes, "Now I have my owner's collar and I'm not a stray pet - until you grow tired of me! I'll just make sure you never ever get tired of me, till death do us part!"
After watching Hope's limberness and agility, as well as loving the feel of her little fanny rubbing against his crotch, Kabule remarked, "I look forward to seein how ya prove I should never grow tired of ya. Fin'ly havin a ferever-pet does sound like a very great idea, Hope-Doll... but first I gotta get this bike tweaked jus'right fer the show. Then we can blow this joint and be gone b'fore the militsiya can stop us. So pass that there wrench by my foot."
Hope handed Kabule the wrench. Then he stopped for a second to admire her standing by him, and kept watching as Hope skipped out of Kabule's sight moving from behind the curtain cordoning off Kabule's cage to the main stage of the Circus' Big Top. Once she was gone, he licked his lips thinking about what a wonderful pet she will make, and how much fun he can have teaching her exactly how best to please him. Then after adjusting himself in his fairly tight pants, Kabule went back to tinkering with his bike to make sure it was just the way he wanted. After he was done with the bike, he moved around in his cage making sure it was put together right and all bolts were tight. Then he slipped out of the bikedoor and climbed on top of the cage to finish checking it. He may be an adreniline-craving daredevil, but he wasn't completely stupid, no matter what some may think of him. When he had finished his cage inspections, he grabbed his sharpening stone and started sharpenning some of his knives as he peeked out of the curtain and admired Hope's backside (and wandered just how flexible she truly is), while she was entertaining the Circus guests.
Meanwhile across the Circus grounds a crying Dinara was still clinging to her dying lover's hand when she heard, "You should let the Doctor use his smelling salts," Said a confident voice in back of her. All eyes turned to Detective Pride standing with his arms crossed behind Dinara and who continued calmly, "It's your decision of course, but in terms of finding her murderer she might know and can tell us but... probably more importantly, if I were fatally wounded, I'd want to have a chance to say goodbye to my loved ones!" Dinara glared at him and snapped, "HUSH! NOBODY ASKED YOU! WE ALL KNOW YOU COPPERS DON'T CARE ABOUT US! MY brothers and father always told me that most of you actually work for the mafias and not the people you claim to serve and protect!!....and Atty would have never lied to me! Daddy would. Kabule maybe, but never Atty!" Then she said quietly to Sazri Kakusi, "I wish Moira or Sophie were here right now. I need them, I need my sissies! Sazri, please be a dear and have somebody go find them." Kakusi gestured to a nearby fellow 'freak' to come over to him. Then Kakusi quietly asked the person to go find Moira and Sophie (the Big sisters that Dinara always wished she had, despite how much she always loved and cared for both of her brothers; even if Kabule could never, and may never, realize that anybody really could care about him as much as he cares about himself.) After Sazri Kakusi's 'messenger' left to find Sophie and Moira, Dinara quietly said to Kakusi, "I do wanna hear her voice one more time and really want my voice to be the last one she hears and my face to be the last she sees, but I don't want to cause her pain. What should I do?" Kakusi responded with, "What do you think you should do, and what do you think she would want?" Dinara wiped her tears and said, "I wanna tell her I love her and kiss her one last time... and she would want to die in my arms looking into my face and perhaps with a final loving kiss, despite how much pain she may be in." Kakusi said, "then it is decided." Dinara gave him a quick hug and whispered in his ear, "Yes, but if we use the salts, that mean Detective will give her the third degree and not give us a chance for our final farewells." Kakusi patted her on her head and said, "I will talk to him. You just focus on you and Amber." Dinara nodded and then as she gently moved Amber's head into her lap to cradle it, she said to the doctor, "Alright wake her. We need to say goodbye." As Dinara talked to the doctor and tried to look presentable for her Amber-baby one last time, given the circumstances, Sazri Kakusi stood up and walked over to the detective. Then as Kakusi stood there in his complete gigantic glory, he said down to the detective below him, "I am the Great Kakusi, Electric-giant extraordinaire, and according to all the circus buzz, you are Detective Pride. Now little copper, I get that you must do your job. However Circus folk look after Circus folk and do not need or want your help. So you will stand here, be quiet, and give the girls their moment. If Dinara asks or Amber just happens to willingly mention her killer then so be it. However if you interfere with their moment and try to force it out of her, then I will forget that I am a pacifist, and show you why you should never interfere with Circus business, and no that is not a threat. That is a friendly warning. If I wanted to threaten you; I would tell you that if you interfere with their moment, then I will knock you out and take you to meet our Wolf-man ... and remember tonight IS a full moon. However I would not threaten you like that, as I am a pacifist. Remember, I already told you that and that Circus Folk always look after Circus folk. So do not forget either of those things."
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Dec 16, 2017 19:31:09 GMT
Marcel's large hand moved mechanically above paper sheet. His strong fingers held pencil in iron grip as it was a neck of a debtor. Smooth curves, left by the pencil lead reminded...well they reminded nines. Lot of nines. Not any other numbers because that was the only number, Marcel could think about right now, due to noises inside his head. His EGO psyche Moira did not respond to any attempts to convince to shut the ten thousand times damned record player off and that meant that everepeatable phrase "Number Nine" was not going to go away any time soon.
"Ehem...Lestrange?" asked voice. The voice had an owner. The owner was young Iranthient and deciding from the question he was looking for Marcel. Marcel did not had a slightest idea why, but he was sure that he is going to be provided with all necessary details right away.
"That is my name. And the name of my father. And grandfather. And many many Lestranges before them. What do you want?"
"Lena demanded to see you. Several times."
"Lena!" Marcel broke the chains of the Nine for a moment and jumped to his feet. "It has been too long indeed when I last saw her too! Lead the way, Number Nine! I mean Monsieur Constantine."
Then he thought about noises in his head and admitted that his humming head is not something he would like to offer her beloved Lena Marr and the only way to stop the record is to get through to Moira and explain that she should stop the music...or at least play something more acceptable like Serge Gainsbourg or Johnny Halliday. But until Marcel was able talk sense to her, the problem persisted. And he could not do that because Moira ignored attempts of outer communication. Marcel admitted that among his many many talents, the ability to get inside his personal head did not prevail so he needed somebody else to do it for him. Another EGO psyche. So the could talk EGO to EGO. But all available sentient EGO-s went missing. Besides - there was not many people who could get an access into Marcel's head. Only Lena and...maybe Volodja Uljanov because Marcel knew that latter was quite old fashioned when it was about trust and will not use anything against him but Lena's and Volodja's EGO psyches were among missing, so...
So what they needed was a new sentient EGO psyche, belonging to someone who could not tell the world about things what are stored Marcel's mind. That was possible. Especially after Marcel found that ship from Fortress K'Shaa which contained EGO programming genius Pyotr Yershov, already docked. And when to put all together then Marcel already begun to know who was going to be the proud owner of a brand new sentient EGO psyche...
Evil grin appeared to Marcel's face and widened all over when Marcel said: "Let us go, Constantine. There is so much to do."
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Post by Sandy Bell on Dec 17, 2017 14:08:15 GMT
While Sandy Bell was overseeing last minute preparations of the Riot for the mission into outer space, she was brought up to speed on new developments via her EGO by both Atticus and Lena. Sandy missed her EGO psyche Sarge's sage advice at times like this, but that was what this new mission was all about: Rescuing the Protectors' EGO Psyches from an alien invader, at least she assumed as much. She was headed to the Vigilant's bridge to discuss the pros and cons of one mission versus two with her husband and the Protectors' executive officer, Volodja Uljanov, when she spotted Atika Constantine, Belle Starr, and the Batman twin infants in the Mess Hall.
As Sandy headed to their table, she saw Wolfran Von Eschen and the Liberata Count sitting at another table, so she smiled and nodded to them in passing trying in vain to remember the Count's given name. She was embarrassed that she never could remember it for she hadn't had many interactions with him and those that she had were usually consumed by the events surrounding them, like Erika Widwomaker's funeral which was the last time she had seen him. Sandy knew he had been Erika's close friend so had left him to himself there not knowing what to say to him then any more then she did now, giving condolences seeming so... weak, so instead she just nodded in recognition and mustered a weak grin.
Once she got to Atika and Belle's table, Sandy asked Atika, "Do you think you and Attila can quickly construct a more powerful version of Lena's device on the Riot. I'm thinking you with your communications expertise could focus it more like a long range communications' beam so we can trace what's interfering with our EGO psyches to their source."
"I'll get Attila and work on it as soon as I can get the twins to Stephinie," Answered Atika as she put Cosmin back in his carriage.
Belle looked introspective swiping a blonde strand of hair from in front of her blue diamond eyes as a smile slowly spread across her beautiful freckled face when she interjected, "I could cannibalize some parts from my ship and jury-rig them to the Riot's engines to get us faster to our goal! Wouldn't take much, easy-peasy!"
Sandy raised an eyebrow as she asked, "That mean you're coming with us Belle?"
Belle's warm smile grew as she replied, "Guess y'all might need me - and I wouldn't be much of a Protector if I didn't at least try to protect my family and friends!"
Sandy grinned back and nodded in understanding before saying, "I've got to talk to Volodja to iron out the mission details and whether we need one or two away teams, so please get the Riot ready to go on a moment's notice and Atika - in case you haven't been told, you and Atilla are on-board as part of the away team."
As Sandy headed to the bridge to meet with Volodja Uljanov, Belle turned to Atika as they got up to go to the hangar to do their respective tasks and asked, "Don't mean to get all in your business, but I saw Atilla and you kissing all more than friendly-like so I got to ask, Aren't ya'll brother and sister?"
Atika sighed having been asked that question many times before answering and Sandy had left the Mess Hall before she heard the answer. Sandy didn't make anymore stops going straight to the bridge and once entering there spotted Volodja sitting in the command chair. She smiled again as she saw how comfortable he looked then made a beeline to him saluting him smartly once there.
"Permission to say sir, you look mighty good seated there!" Sandy ended her salute and kissed him warmly on the lips before continuing in a whisper, "Definitely Commander material if I might add - and much better than the Great Atticus Batman, Harbinger of Death. You really ought to think about taking on the job full-time - that is if we survive the current crisis" Then continued at a regular volume, "So Commander Uljanov, should we have two missions or one! I prefer we stick together but then I've seen many a horror movie and knows what happens when the heroes start to split up!"
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Dec 18, 2017 10:36:29 GMT
"That trope never gets old and remains overused," admitted Volodja. "I still don't understand why the heck they have to split up anyway if they are aware that there is a danger lurking around. It's against human nature. Even cattle has more common sense because they stick together. Humans tend to split up to follow their own goals and take care mostly on themselves. And that means that one group it should be. Especially when it doesn't matter how many groups we have and how much fire power. I got an impression that Atlas is very potent and almost omnipresent. And yet the Atlas has an eye on small details like escaping Belle. That makes our task harder but we do have some advantages. At least it seems so. Atlas doesn't have to necessarily suspect that there are sentient life forms to deal with because they begun with Pluto and moving towards the Sun. If sentient life would matter then Atlas would begun redesigning Earth first, because we are only ones who can fight back. So it means either that Atlas doesn't know or doesn't care about our existence. Unfortunately that seems to be only advantage we have. I do wish to know more about our opponent." Volodja looked into distance to gather his thoughts and continued after allowing himself prolonging that small break and used that time to smile to Sandy: "I like to play chess. And with an exception of Stahma Tarr, I like to play with opponents who sit on the opposite time of the table in real time events. Gives me an opportunity to create my own review on them and how they play - carefully or sloppily or do they have a plan. It's not most important which colour your figures are and who begins the game. It's the opponent and their tactics and strategy which enable to create my own moves based on their play style. I never had an opportunity to create a psychological profile of a god of some sort. Especially when I know only for sure that Atlas is a perfectionist, able to toss entire universe into a bin when not satisfied with results. A bit petty and somewhat persistent behaviour like lot of of deities happen to be. We must avoid that from happening as well..." Then Volodja's eyes flashed for a brief moment because somewhere inside his mind machinery worked all the time and now that flash revealed that there was a result of an analysis coming out. Imaginable printer begun to work and Volodja looked at also imaginable printed sheet: "Contradictions!" he said. "Alfred Hitchkock had lot of miniatures in his "Rear Window". One of them was a fight over a carpet. To achieve authenticity there, the perfectionist director directed his actors with certain shade of the result oriented sadism - he pulled them out separately and deliberately provided with opposite instructions, so they actually had a real quarrel in the balcony afterwards. Worked like a charm. And that is something we can try. You see - I wasn't sure what kind of signals we can send to drones but now I have a slight imagination what kind they should be. Contradict ones."  "If those drones begin to act like freshly elected politicians in a city council who usually touchingly agree on only one matter first - that their payment should stay the same or even rise - but the rest becomes a battlefields of ideas and election promises, then we gain some time while Atlas tries to figure out what caused his drones to discuss over the topics like: "What we should build first - spa or a casino in this freshly acquired real estate plot?". And take take measures to stop their fight. The good part is that he can't blame universe for the confusion because it's something which happens among his own employees. Our problem would be taking care that their battle of plans stays to theoretic level because if they actually try to rebuild some planet according to their individual visions, then it would be a huge mess. Any objections, remarks or suggestions about this humble idea to split THEM up instead of us?" |
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Post by Atika Constantine on Dec 18, 2017 13:58:41 GMT
As Sandy headed to the bridge to meet with Volodja Uljanov, Belle turned to Atika as they got up to go to the hangar to do their respective tasks and asked, "Don't mean to get all in your business, but I saw Attila and you kissing all more than friendly-like so I got to ask, Aren't ya'll brother and sister?"
Atika sighed having been asked that question many times before answering. Instead she took the time to pull out her hailer and contact Stephanie to see if she could come to the Mess and retrieve the twins, as Atika was just ordered to get ready for an away mission. Stephanie replied that she was just walking into the Mess with her husband to get something to eat anyway. So when they entered, the couple walked over to the table and Atika and Belle passed care of the twin infants over to Stephanie.
Then as Belle and Atika headed to the hangar to prepare for their upcoming mission, Atika moved closer to Belle. Then she quietly answered Belle's question, "Yes we are twins. However that doesn't change that we are twin-spirits as well. Perfectly natural to have such love for somebody you have always shared everything with. I know Americans have a problem with it, which is why we kept it a secret for so long and even have two beds in our quarters. Even though only one is ever used, and of course why we never allowed any of our Protector family into our quarters before. However it is not a taboo in other countries and historically lots of those countries tolerated or accepted it. More importantly, most Votan races tolerate or accept it.
I was the one that insist we hide it. Not because it bothers me because it doesn't, but because I know it bothers others and was afraid we would be judged badly before anybody took the time to get to know us for who we are, and because I so get tired of having to defend our love for each other, to those that aren't twins and therefore may never get it. However all that matters is that our love for each other is real and that we are always there for each other, and unlike other couples we seem to work out our differences a lot more easily. We don't even really get jealous because we know that at the end of the day our other half will always choose us.
Tily got tired of hiding our true feelings from everyone. So he outed us to, and then got some advice from...well a very unique American. One Remy Lebeau, although it seems like his Cajun culture is even foreign to most Americans. Well Mr. Lebeau, as you may already know is very open with his relationship with his EGO. So he advised Til that it is best to follow one's heart and not care if it makes others uneasy, as if our friends truly care about us then they will learn to accept it even if they don't understand it. However I guess that must have been right after you left to the Forbidden Zone, since you seem to have missed it.
Besides in Mongolia it was perfectly accepted by our Adoptive tribe. We even went through the wedding ritual when we were 13, as we were now considered adults there.. Our adoptive father, the tribe's Chieftain, even gave us a wedding dowry, consisting mainly of our own well-furnished yurt. Once it was completely built and furnished, we moved into our marital yurt together. So to answer your next unspoken question: No that is not why we left Mongolia and our home, but it is very painful and personal and not something I want to discuss in such a public place.
Besides it hurts Til to even think about what almost happened to me, just as much as it does me. What matters is that Til was my hero and once again there for me when I needed him most and despite what happened, Til showing up when he did proved that there is always room for a positive outcome. Just like back in Brazil when we were helping Chancellor Cael's people retake their capital, and I fell into a hunting pit and thought I was going to die there alone. Yet Mr. Lestrange showed up out of nowhere and pulled me out of there and got me to safety. Once again proving that even in your darkest moment, you must keep a spark of hope alive. That way you have a better chance of holding on until that positive outcome has a chance to present itself. Of course reading about how strong and independent and positive you always were, while still remaining feminine and beautiful, helps a lot as well."
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Post by Sandy Bell on Dec 19, 2017 15:54:26 GMT
Sitting in the command chair on the Vigilant's bridge,Volodja asked, "Any objections, remarks or suggestions about this humble idea to split THEM up instead of us?" Sandy grinned glad to see marriage hadn't diminished his intellectual acuity and acumen replying, "Looks like Neptune is the new destination since Pluto is a done deal as to terra-forming and the Sentinel Drones hauled ass to Neptune en mass. So that just leaves who we should take on the away team. I want dependable but I also want expertise so compromise is in order." Sandy took out her data pad and the names she had listed there before continuing, "Kaj for pure problem-solving might, Poe as pilot and the Constantine twins as crew are a sure bet but now to the part I could use some feedback on - those who are less than dependable. That little Liberata, Count Whasisname, would be a great co-pilot and seems pretty intrepid as near as I can tell but his emotional stability since Erika died is questionable. Belle would make a great engineer and is as close as we have to an expert on what we may be facing but she could advise us from the Vigilant and we would have less of a chance of losing that asset if things go south. I'm worried about her emotional stability too since she got back. I don't know what happened to her in that other universe but it changed her and not for the better. If she advises us from the Vigilant, Dr. Von Eschen can keep an eye on her. I'd like to take the diabolical duo with us - Lena for her technical knowledge and Marcel for his muscle - but can we trust them to do the right thing when push comes to shove, I don't know. Of course I plan on taking a six person security team to back you up as commanding officer but is that enough if Marcel and Lena go rogue?" As if her ears were burning, Lena Marr in Lady's infirmary room stopped in mid word as she was briefing Pyotr Yershov, the EGO specialist, as to the situation with Lady Christianna and the captured EGO psyches. A frown crossed her pretty chalk white face as she scanned the room with intense sky blue eyes to try and determine the cause for her uneasiness but the room remained unchanged with the numerous purple umbilical cord-like beams revealed by her prototype device still leading into Lady's neck and one red one leading out into the ether. Then the door into the chamber opened and Lena's lover, Marcel Lestrange, entered. With a squeal, Lena threw herself into his arms showering his face with kisses until she exclaimed, "Pooh Bear! I missed you sooooooo much! I solved the mystery of the missing EGO psyches - well, almost!" Lena frowned as she noticed something different about Marcel breaking their embrace and slowly circling him as she put one alabaster forefinger to her lush lips before remarking, "There's something different about you Pooh Bear. Not that you aren't the same gorgeous hunk I fell in love with buuuuut... I don't know. New haircut maybe... no. More facial hair... no. Grew a third eye... no. Hmmm... " Lena threw her long lashed eyes heavenward as she thought then after a moment snapped her fingers with one hand and pointed with the other to the cord of purple leading into her own neck as she concluded with a wicked grin, "Got it! You ain't got one of these going into your neck which means you got your EGO psyche back!?!? Gotta be! So how is Moira? Where was she? Were the other EGO psyches there? Was Hope there? Can we talk to her?" Meanwhile in a corridor leading from the Vigilant's mess hall to it's docking bay, Atika Constantine concluded to Belle Starr as they walked, "...Of course reading about how strong and independent and positive you always were, while still remaining feminine and beautiful, helps a lot as well." Belle smiled sadly brushing a wayward wisp of blond hair from in front of her diamond blue eyes using the brief time it took to do the gesture to ponder a response. Belle felt neither strong nor positive at the moment and wondered if she ever was. She also thought to herself that perhaps she had been independent and alone too long to operate socially anymore. Three hundred years of casual acquaintances with fellow Travelers and the occasional dalliance with with an alien, none of them even remotely human in either appearance or culture, had left Belle the stereotypical 'lone wolf' consumed with survival and survival only. "I think that was mostly me as imagined in the mind of that yahoo east coast book writer and not reality, but I thank you kindly for the compliment," Answered a still smiling Belle but which was only a pale shadow of the warm smile she had habitually sported before her journeys in the other universe. "It's good you have your brother in so many ways! I was brought up in a liberal E-Rep but with a conservative Catholic upbringing so I always was at cultural loggerheads thinking about loving relationships - at least until I met Vo Kshaa! Once you find your true love - your soul mate - there are no doubts just joy!" Belle's smile slowly disappeared completely from her beautiful freckled face as she turned wild-eyed firmly grabbing the young girl's shoulders and gently shaking her while concluding, "And once you find your Prince Charming never let him outta your sight and treasure each and every moment you have together for you never know when circumstances will tear you apart and y'all never see each other again!" Belle released Atika from her grip throwing her unfocused gaze to her feet as she remarked under her breath, "You just never know... " Then Belle looked up forcing a smile as she said, "Well I guess we better get going and do our jobs of modifying the Riot! My aunt can be quite the hellion when she gets a bee in her bonnet so best be done by the time she gets to the ship and is ready to go!"   |
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Post by Atika Constantine on Dec 20, 2017 12:01:21 GMT
Belle's smile slowly disappeared completely from her beautiful freckled face as she turned wild-eyed firmly grabbing the young girl's shoulders and gently shaking her while concluding, "And once you find your Prince Charming never let him outta your sight and treasure each and every moment you have together for you never know when circumstances will tear you apart and y'all never see each other again!"
Belle released Atika from her grip throwing her unfocused gaze to her feet as she remarked under her breath, "You just never know... " Then Belle looked up forcing a smile as she said, "Well I guess we better get going and do our jobs of modifying the Riot! My aunt can be quite the hellion when she gets a bee in her bonnet so best be done by the time she gets to the ship and is ready to go!"
Atika responded calmly, and still smiling, with, "Told you I already have him, and I am never letting him go. Now cheer up, you're with friends again. So if you ever want to talk, you know where to find me. I could always use more 'sisters' to have girl-talk with. Anyway, you're right. We better get to work, or Commander Bell will have a conniption. She is just so orderly and control-oriented! Must be a soldier thing.
Although when she does take that stick that seems to be lodged way up her butt out, she can be fun to talk to and hang out with. Heck I have even heard she likes to do something called 'Surfing' in the Holo-suites when she gets the chance. I had never really been near an ocean much and had no clue what surfing was, so after hearing about it, I had to look it up. It does sound interesting. I remember those red whales from near Il Fate and the different shark-gators and sharkodiles we have faced since joining the protectors, so I am not sure why somebody would want to surf with such dangerous creatures in all the oceans. However I guess those wouldn't be a problem in a holo-suite."
As they were about to enter the Hangars, it finally donned on Atika that she may have been too open with her opinion on Sandy's work ethic, especially since she was talking to Sandy's niece. So the young woman blushed slightly as she quickly glanced around to make sure Sandy wasn't in earshot, then continued conspiratorially with, "Ummm can we please keep that 'stick lodged way up her butt' comment between the two of us friends? I like Sandy, but don't think she would see any humor in such a comment. So that would probably not go well for me. It's bad enough that she doesn't seem to know that I have no idea what device she was talking about. So it's a good thing that she said Til made it and that I am working with him to make a modified version for the Riot, as he will be able to fill me in without a problem. Besides Til is always in enough trouble for both of us, without me getting into trouble as well."
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Post by Belle Starr on Dec 20, 2017 22:40:26 GMT
Belle Starr laughed melodically before replying to Atika Constantine, "I won't tell her you said she has a stick up her backside if you don't tell her I called her a Hellion! Deal?" Atika smiled nodding in agreement before Belle commented with narrowed diamond blue eyes, "Ya know, I don't think Sandy is naturally a stiff, but all the gals on my side of the family are ambitious! Must be in the genes! Anywho, ya got to remember that Sandy was in the EMC as a soldier when it was hard for a pretty female to go forward in the ranks! She had to fight hard to be recognized and work twice as much as any male for each and every promotion! Me, I always found being an attractive female an advantage for advancement where she always saw it as a detriment! Guess I am more positive than I thought with my glass is half full philosophy!" As they entered the Vigilant's hangar, Belle went to the Riot and began unloading an impossible amount of materials and parts out of her exosuit then noticed Atika watching her with her mouth agape in amazement so Belle laughed and said, "Yeah, I know! It's crazy! Reminds me of an old human TV show called Dr. Who where he traveled in time and space in a vehicle he called a Tardis which was much, much bigger inside than out! My exosuit is like that with some kind of finite pocket dimension that allows me to store an insane amount of goods and materials inside - much more than my little ship can handle!" Atika just shook her head in disbelief before going off to find her brother so she could begin to find a way to amplify the device he had built as Commander Bell had ordered. Thus Atika wasn't present when Belle suddenly stiffened stopping her work. Her blue eyes widened in pain as she held her blonde head in both pale hands and screamed dropping to her knees. At the same time Sandy Bell also stiffened although she didn't scream as her blue eyes were drawn to the overhead view screen on the Vigilant's bridge. That particular view screen was focused on the rift in space where Belle and later the Sentinel Drones entered into the Earth's solar system. Now one after another huge alien freighter came through the rift; one after another in a seeming endless column with each of the giant ships three times the size of the Vigilant going into orbit around Pluto. "Aw crap," Muttered Sandy. "I guess Atlas wasn't through with Pluto after all." Also at the same time in her infirmary room Lady Christianna stirred but didn't awaken, then writhed in sudden pain as Atticus Batman suddenly felt five times the normal amount of his Grid energy being drained into her frail chalk white body as Lena Marr's unblinking eyes grew big in fear looking at Atticus as she exclaimed, "I didn't do it! I didn't touch a thing! Promise!"  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Dec 21, 2017 12:30:41 GMT
Also at the same time in her infirmary room Lady Christianna stirred but didn't awaken, then writhed in sudden pain as I suddenly felt five times the normal amount of his Grid energy being drained into her frail chalk white body as Lena Marr's unblinking eyes grew big in fear looking at me as she exclaimed, "I didn't do it! I didn't touch a thing! Promise!"
Before I could register what Lena was saying, I grabbed my head in extreme pain and teetered slightly but managed to catch my balance by leaning against a wall. Then ignoring my pain, I finally realized what Lena had said and what was happening, so I responded with, "I know you didn't Lena. I was watching. Just figure out what the daking cause is so all of you can stop it!"
Then I turned to Doctor Quinn and said gruffly, "Send somebody to Haele's lab to get my Grid- recharge generator. I may need it.'
Then as I fought a dizzy spell, I started removing my chest armor as I continued with, "And in the meantime you better bring me some of those specialized grid-electrolyte IVs that Doctor Orion created and keeps the Vigilant, Riot, and Fortress fully stocked with for such occasions. NOW!"
Once my chest-plate was off, I staggered slightly as I sat in a chair next to Lady's bed. As Doctor Quinn quickly started doing what she could for her patient, she sent a nurse to get me one of my IVs and an Orderly to get my generator from Haele. As soon as the nurse came in with one of my IVs I 'absorbed' the left sleeve of my grid-cloth jumpsuit back into my body, effectively baring the arm for the nurse, as well as giving me a small amount of energy back. Next the nurse quickly setup the IV stand and hooked me up to it.
As the nurse did so, I contacted the Bridge and once comms answered I said, "Patch me into whoever is currently in command of the Bridge!'
The comm officer replied with, "Of course Sir, putting Commander Uljanov on now."
As soon as Volo answered, I said, "Volodja did something just happen up there that I need to know about?! Something is suddenly draining quite a bit of Lady's and my energies! I should be able to control our energy issues once the Orderly returns from Haele's with my heavy-duty Grid-recharge generator. However that completely locks me into Sick-bay. So whatever is happening, we need to use Lena's device and locate the signal and stop it soon! Then we need to put an end to whatever else Atlas is daking doing!"
As I started getting angry, the lights in the room flickered as I started to instinctively absorb energy from the less important electrical things, such as overhead lights. As that happened Doctor Quinn said, "Commander, I know you both need the energy, but do NOT take it from MY sickbay! At least it looks like you are only taking it from stuff like our lights and offline holo-emitters and such. However it would be nice to be able to see what we are doing while taking care of our patients such as your wife! So get control of your powers! Nurse turn up his damn IV and keep it running continously until his generator gets here!"
The nurse nodded and increased my IV drip, and as I felt the extra jolt of energies I glanced around the room and realized that it was dark, currently mainly being lit because of all the light affects that Lena's device was causing. So I took a deep breath and started counting in Irathient to control my once-again-building anger. Then as I calmed down, everyone knew it because the lights once again flickered, then returned to their set brightness for I was no longer draining their energy. Besides thanks to the energy that I had already absorbed from the lights and IV, I at least wasn't experiencing vertigo anymore at the moment.
I did however go through 10 large grid-electrolyte IV bags in the few minutes it took for the orderly to return with the Grid-Battery-generator that is kept in Haele's lab. So once he set it down next to me, I quickly hooked myself up to it and once my IV was finished and removed, I turned on my 'battery'. Within minutes I felt all my strength return as I continued to channel my energies through me and into Lady to help her fight whatever was hurting her.
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Post by Lady Christianna on Dec 21, 2017 23:22:07 GMT
At the Circus World performing in Lady's mind, Dinara talked to the doctor and tried to look presentable for her Amber-baby one last time, given the circumstances, Sazri Kakusi stood up and walked over to the detective. Then as Kakusi stood there in his complete gigantic glory, he said down to the detective below him, "I am the Great Kakusi, Electric-giant extraordinaire, and according to all the circus buzz, you are Detective Pride. Now little copper, I get that you must do your job. However Circus folk look after Circus folk and do not need or want your help. So you will stand here, be quiet, and give the girls their moment. If Dinara asks or Amber just happens to willingly mention her killer then so be it. However if you interfere with their moment and try to force it out of her, then I will forget that I am a pacifist, and show you why you should never interfere with Circus business, and no that is not a threat. That is a friendly warning. If I wanted to threaten you; I would tell you that if you interfere with their moment, then I will knock you out and take you to meet our Wolf-man ... and remember tonight IS a full moon. However I would not threaten you like that, as I am a pacifist. Remember, I already told you that and that Circus Folk always look after Circus folk. So do not forget either of those things." Detective Pride opened his mouth about to say something snide but then thought better of it and merely nodded his head in agreement. His number one motive was to find the serial murderer and if this was the only chance he had to hear one of victim's speak, so be it. Pride didn't even mind if the killer committed a few more murders, as Pride's reputation would only grow greater once he solved the case. Pride was about to hit the big time among police ranks and even thought about starting his own private eye agency once he was famous so he could charge top dollar. Pride smiled slyly and replied to the big man, "It's all Jake!" Meanwhile Amber awoke under the doctor's generous ministration of smelling salts. Her jade eyes grew wide she tried to speak but merely coughed up black blood. She mouthed something to Dinara but the observers couldn't tell what so in frustration she pulled her lover to her lips and kissed her passionately. As Amber did so, her right hand etched two letters into the ground next to her before it went limp and those around her heard her last gasp as she died. Dinara cried and the Doctor checked for a pulse but found none while the police detective bent over looking at the two letters scratched into in the dirt next to Amber's body, which were a "G" and then an "O". Detective Pride reached into his coat pocket and took out the list of circus personnel but after a quick perusal frowned he bemoaned the fact, "Nobody on this list has those initials or even a name starting with those letters. What a waste of time!" In the Strongman's Wagon, Sarge feigned illness and when Officer Gula went to see what the commotion was, Sarge gave him a round house punch on his glass jaw knocking the police officer unconscious. Sarge tied and gagged the officer then locked him in his wagon. As Sarge limped towards the Big Top he mumbled to himself, "I've never missed a performance since I joined the Starr Circus, and I'm not going to start now." In the Big Top, the audience of gathered gangsters sitting in the bleachers were getting anxious particularly their boss Big Louie Avarita. Hope the little clown tried to entertain them with juggling and feats of agility but only the gang leader's eight year old daughter Lexy was delighted by her act. Once again, Hope glanced at Moira's abandoned whip and top hat wondering if she should play "Ringmaster" to get the show going before the audience got mean. As if to emphasize her concerns, the huge caged gorilla in center ring bellowed as it slammed into the bars of its enclosure. Meanwhile in back of the Big Top, a drunken ticket taker slash cleaning woman named Lee Invidia staggered with a half empty bottle of moonshine muttering angrily, "First that idiot of a strongman threatens to get me fired for drinking on the job and now one of those God damned performers stole my best cleaning outfit! Damned circus performers think they can do whatever they want! But I'll show them!" A wicked smile crossed Invidia's face as she began splashing the rest of the bottle's whiskey on the back canvas of the Big Top tent gleefully saying under her breath, "If I can't work here, nobody can! Now if I can just find a match..." Invidia's smile grew bigger as she spotted once of the torches at the entrance of the circus still a lit despite the morning light and remarked, "Never mind..."  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Dec 22, 2017 13:38:23 GMT
Meanwhile Amber awoke under the doctor's generous ministration of smelling salts. Her jade eyes grew wide she tried to speak but merely coughed up black blood. She mouthed something to Dinara but the observers couldn't tell what so in frustration she pulled her lover to her lips and kissed her passionately. As Amber did so, her right hand etched two letters into the ground next to her before it went limp and those around her heard her last gasp as she died.
Dinara cried and the Doctor checked for a pulse but found none while the police detective bent over looking at the two letters scratched into in the dirt next to Amber's body, which were a "G" and then an "O". Detective Pride reached into his coat pocket and took out the list of circus personnel but after a quick perusal frowned he bemoaned the fact, "Nobody on this list has those initials or even a name starting with those letters. What a waste of time!"
Kakusi looked down at the people below him, who of course were all short compared to him and remarked to the detective, "Little Copper, nothing is a waste of time, unless you choose to allow it to be a waste of time."
Then he once again knelt by Dinara as she finally glanced at the letters Amber had etched into the ground. Then she looked up at Kakusi as he said, "What do you think she was trying to tell us?"
Dinara sniffled before saying sadly, "I...I...I don't know. The obvious would be that she wants me to go, but I know my Amber-Baby would insist the show go on. So she would only tell me to leave, if she thought I was in immediate danger. However I didn't get that feeling. Possibility two would be that she is telling us that the show must go on without her. However that is a given, and if I have my say it will go on in her honor, so I don't think that's it. A third possibility is that she was trying to finger Gan the Swordsman, but don't think the 'O' looks like it should be an 'A'. It's possible but he would of just used his own sword if it was him, and that isn't the type of mistake Amber would ever make.
However Detective Meany said...what was it? Oh yeah something about; Nobody here having those initials or even a name starting with those letters. So what was she trying to tell me?...Wait! No performers I can think of have those letters or initials but... there is one act that I can think of that does. But how?!"
Kakusi said, "How what? What act are you talking about?"
Dinara stood as the Doctor covered Amber with a blanket. Then she hugged Sazri Kakusi as she said, still in shock, "That...that...that dang gorilla! Gonzo! But how could a caged ape do any of this?! I just don't get it!!! So now what?!"
Kakusi stood back up as he scratched his head and said to her slightly confused, "I thought the ape's name was Gorgo. Am I wrong?"
Dinara still understandably upset and depressed snapped, "Gonzo! Gorgo! Go-go! Who cares what his name is at the moment! Either way his name is the only one I can think of!
Kakusi nodded as he said to her, "Well, I see your point but I am probably more confused than the rest of you as I have no idea what has been going on around here. However you insist you need to see Sophie and Moira, and they are not here yet. So perhaps we should go to the Big Top and see if they are there. Besides all you Big Top performers tend to look after each other, just as us 'freaks' look after each other. Not to mention that while us 'freaks' tend to stay near our 'area' and avoid the goings-ons around the rest of the circus,, most of you ' Big Toppers' always seem to know a lot more about what goes on all over the Circus, as all of you can go wherever you want without everybody's eyes, and spiteful or horrified looks, following you around carefully."
Dinara stood and responded with, "You are right, but I can't just leave Amber-baby lying there!"
Kakusi responded with, "Do not worry. I know that even drunk, Doctor Jameson would not allow that. SO he will have some of the sideshow performers or circus hands help him move her to a more appropriate location."
Dinara looked over at the Doctor, who agreed with Kakusi. So she quietly said to Kakusi, "Alright..." She then quickly lifted the blanket and planted a final kiss on Amber's cheek. Then she recovered Amber with the blanket and finally continued with, "...Let's go find Sophie and Moira, since whatever is happening in the Big Top seems to be preventing your 'messenger' from bringing them to us!"
After she stood completely and dusted herself off, Dina and Sazri Kakusi headed to the Big Top, so Dinara could fill Sophie and Moira in on what happened to Amber. Not to mention Dinara really needed to see and hug her 'sisters' (especially her sissy Sophie) at the moment. Besides if anybody could figure out what Amber was actually trying to tell her, it would be Moira or Sophie. |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Dec 23, 2017 8:23:52 GMT
Volodja Uljanov grinned to Sandy in Commander chair and whispered her in conspirator like manner: "To be honest, I was afraid that this chair might be too big for me. Haven't been in charge for something huge in ages. But then I remembered the discreet art of delegation and I decided that everybody can do what they have always done and I am going to interfere when it's necessary instead of making things worse by trying to improve them when it'snot necessary. We have the best of the best of the best crew which would make old Henry Ford who firmly believed that having the best crew is a basic of production and profit to spill a tear of joy. And tear of envy as well. That gave me enough time to think about tactics and strategy while observing our people at work. Everybody have their fair share of tasks to fulfil." Marcel Lesstrange who also knew a thing or two about delegating and leading a huge enterprise was busy with squeezing Lena's buttocks before saying to her: "I am not sure what is going on with our EGO-s. Moira refuses to speak with me and now she keeps playing some stupid voice recording inside my head. The positive side is that I learned that you are one strong woman because you have to deal with different kind of voices on a daily basis and that gives another reason to love you. The negative side is that unlike your voices who provide you with an element of diversity at least. I have to listen one phrase - "Number Nine" That monotonicity is worse than an aching tooth or Volodja's lecture. But I already know how to solve that problem. Someone has to speak with Moira and since we can not go inside my head we have to find another sentient EGO. Since all our sentient EGO-s are gone missing, then we need to have another one. And I know the man who is going to have that EGO unit installed sooner than he expects. I just delegate the duty of talking to Moira to him and that is it! And I do not take "No" as an answer when I plan to make an early Christmas present."  |
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Post by Wolfram von Eschen on Dec 25, 2017 10:21:30 GMT
Wolfram von Eschen begun to feel warm and cosy. Even idyllic if we may allow that expression to ourselves. His head was buzzing in most polite manner after several drinks. His friend, The Count, showed more life signs and volunteered to help collapsed Brooke - the catlike Synth girl. And now felt that the idyll of his was about to end when he felt heavy palm on his shoulder and found out who the owner was. It was Marcel Lestrange with his associate Lena Marr and both of them grinned at his face when they saw that they caught his attention. Wolfram von Eschen smelled a trouble in his own private paradise and greeted them about as enthusiastically as an abstinent vegan might greet an invitation to an old fashioned barbecue where meat and beer are served but where he must intend.
"What do you want?" asked Wolfram right away. "You two are not known from paying just mere social visits. Especially when I or my friends are involved."
"We come in peace," said Lena and let out small burst of evil laughter.
"And we have some business to do," complemented Marcel Lestrange. "We have a lifetime offer for you."
"Your offers often come with a big bill," replied Wolfram dryly. "And they contain certain element of self oriented expectations."
"This time the profit is mutual," said Marcel.
"Who do you think I am?" asked Wolfram. "You just came and told me that I should get an EGO chip installed and you expect me to agree with that idea of yours without explaining me where is the catch. I think that Herr Lestrange should pull back a bit before I'll take my cane and..."
Marcel Lestrange could tell Wolfram von Eschen who he thought Wolfram was, but decided that revealing his honest opinion would harm their business relations, so he regretfully left out lot of colourful words he would use otherwise, and said politely:
"Putting aside the fact that you are grumpy and stubborn old ....man, you are also a talented psychiatrist who is about to face a challenge of getting inside my head. It is about my EGO psyche. She needs professional help and since you can not visit my head personally, you must do it with the help of your EGO. Which you do not have yet but you will."
"What's in it for me then?" growled Wolfram von Eschen. "If I agree then you'll get help and I get..."
"We all gain something from that offer," grinned Marcel devilishly. "Me, for example, will get some inner peace and you will get a brand new sentient EGO psyche and a feeling that you have done another good deed. Plus all benefits that EGO can give you, like ability to burn alcohol without bothering yourself with hangover. It is a matter of life and...life, filled with monotonous voice, repeating: "Number Nine" for me and that is why I make that offer to you. I am willing to cover all expenses so getting a free expensive item is another advantage for you."
"I'll think about it," said Wolfram von Eschen in a manner which told that "thinking about it" was just an excuse to gain some time to come out with system of arguments against getting an EGO.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Dec 26, 2017 13:02:11 GMT
Marcel Lestrange who also knew a thing or two about delegating and leading a huge enterprise was busy with squeezing Lena's buttocks before saying to her: "I am not sure what is going on with our EGO-s. Moira refuses to speak with me and now she keeps playing some stupid voice recording inside my head. The positive side is that I learned that you are one strong woman because you have to deal with different kind of voices on a daily basis and that gives another reason to love you. The negative side is that unlike your voices who provide you with an element of diversity at least. I have to listen one phrase - "Number Nine" That monotonicity is worse than an aching tooth or Volodja's lecture.
But I already know how to solve that problem. Someone has to speak with Moira and since we can not go inside my head we have to find another sentient EGO. Since all our sentient EGO-s are gone missing, then we need to have another one. And I know the man who is going to have that EGO unit installed sooner than he expects. I just delegate the duty of talking to Moira to him and that is it! And I do not take "No" as an answer when I plan to make an early Christmas present."
Only half-paying attention to Marcel as I sat by Lady's hospital bed, with me now hooked to my generator so I can continue to absorb lots of energy and then continuously transfer it to Lady to keep her alive, as a stopgap measure, while all of the others worked on a way to stop whatever was hurting her.
However I did finally say to Marcel, while still watching Lady fidget in her sleep, "Is there really anything that's worse than the Fool's lectures? Look I don't know exactly what you are scheming over there, but it does sound like you aren't planning on doing any permanent damage to any of my crew for once, so I won't interfere. However I will point out that in order for an EGO transplant to work without complication, then the host has to willingly accept and bond to the EGO. So perhaps you could instead try to convince them in a way that will appeal to them. Now if you aren't in here to help Lady, please be quiet or better yet leave. Lena, as it appears you can't currently help Lady until Sandy is ready to assemble her away team, then you can go with Marcel. Just no hurting or killing any of my crew during whatever you are planning this time Marcel!"
Marcel responded with, "Not planning to this time."
Then he and Lena left Lady's hospital room with Pyotr saying he would be in Haele's lab if his EGO expertise was needed any further. So after the three of them left, I turned all my attention back to my wife. As Doctor Quinn and her nurses continued doing what they could for her, I had an orderly give me a damp cool cloth. Then while I sat by Lady's side holding her hand in one of mine, I took the cloth in my other hand. Then I gently wiped the cool cloth across her forehead.
Meanwhile Atika had gone to Engineering to talk to her brother and get filled in on whatever device Sandy had been talking about. After Atilla filled in his sister, they loaded some equipment on a dolly. Then proceeded to wheel it to the hangar. Upon entering, they discovered Belle Starr near the Riot, unconscious but still clutching to her head obviously in some sort of pain. So Atika quickly got a first aid kit and started to attend to her unconscious friend and idol, as she pulled out her hailer and contacted Medic Jameson to request medical aid to the Riot. While that was happening, Attila went into the Riot and used it's comms to contact the Vigilant's Bridge. Once the Bridge responded, Attila proceeded to fill in the Commanders Uljanov on what they had just discovered in the hangar bay, and informed them that Atika was currently on her hailer with Medic Jameson to request immediate medical aid.
Elsewhere on the Vigilant Kara's two children were hungry. So she and Kaj took them to the Mess for food. After entering, Kara's daughter Marla saw Stephanie feeding the Batman twins and asked if her and she could go see her cousins. So after Kara made sure it was alright with Stephanie their party of four sat at her table. Then Kaj signaled a member of the wait staff so they could order some food for Marla and little Frond. |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Dec 26, 2017 18:50:11 GMT
While Volodja had his minilecture about delegating during which he used a chance to grab Sandy's hand between his palms and hold it despite the fact that it wasn't something that commanding officers usually do and Marcel Lestrange tried to convince Wolfram von Eschen to get himself an EGO psyche, although Marcel didn't held hand of his conversation partner but the hand found much better place on Lena Marr's buttock. Sophie - Volodja's EGO psyche - had to replace Moira - Marcel's EGO psyche - as a Ringmaster because Moira replaced previous Ringmaster before she suddenly left and needed to be replaced...Enough of that! It gets too long and confusing. Anyway! After deciding to take the post of the Ringmaster, Sophie made a quick behind the scenes tour before going to arena just to see that everything is fine there. But it wasn't. During her inspection tour, Sophie spotted an angry looking circus worker who' name was Invidia who was busy with prising one of torches out of it's place. Seeing dark moist spots on tent canvas turn on the light in Sophie's mind. That light didn't present any danger but manipulations with torches and flammable liquids could result with chaos and victims and... Sophie didn't thought any more but just acted. Her long trained feet carried her through the distance between her and angry cleaning lady and her shoulder landed straight on Invidia's chest and her hand grabbed the torch from Invidia's grip in the same moment when she was knocked back. Sophie didn't wait her to get up but grabbed rest of burning torches from their holders as well because first thing to come into her mind was to get a hold on every source of living fire so Invidia could not use them. Sophie turned around and begun to run. Not because she was afraid of Invidia but because she knew that their struggling might set off the fire. She could hear Invidia's roar and then sound of breaking glass and assumed that Invidia just armed herself with an improvised bar brawl weapon before going after her. Quick glance over the shoulder confirmed Sophie's assumptions, so she kept running, shouting: "Stop that woman!" to the circus crew right before she found herself in the middle of the circus tent with handful of burning torches. What to do? What to do? The only thing she could do was to begin...juggling with burning torches. Luckily for her they were about same size, shape and weight and that made juggling easier. Plus the the element of motivation. She was a trained juggler who had to leave an impression that this little act of hers was actually an intended part of the show and that knowledge didn't allowed her to fail. Especially when she remembered her position as a temporary Ringmaster, so she added an improvised shout to her improvised juggling act:: "Ladies and gennnntlemen! Welcome to our humble circusssss! It's a honour and privilege to be here in front of you in this beautiful morning! I am the Ringmaster for today and I hope that the show we have to offer you is going to be as hot as these torches in my hands!"  |
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