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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 3, 2018 18:08:53 GMT
About a month has passed from events which occurred during the hell-able honey moon trip which brought newly-weds first into the very heart of the Votanis Collective planet and resulted with some extremely short reigns of several Chancellors (including Volodja Uljanov) until the original ruler - Erika Widowmaker's son Cael - managed to seize power once more. That row of events resulted with the loss of one of the members of Paradise Protectors - the honourable Erika Widowmaker.
The next stage of the honeymoon took Protectors to the Pluto, formerly known as a planet, until bunch of scientists decided that Pluto was way too small to be one and degraded it to a dwarf planet, where they had lot of trouble with getting rid of arrogant deity, called Atlas, who had two things in mind - to rebuild the whole universe and find himself a woman, although no woman with functional brain wouldn't marry such a jerk like Atlas. That encounter resulted with unexpected events. Since we decided to bring out bad news first then we have regretfully announce that beloved member of Paradise Protectors, Belle Starr, was eliminated by Lena Marr to save our universe because she was the one whom Atlas wanted to marry and give a whole new meaning to the term "holy matrimony"
Atlas's last deed before he was pulled out from our universe, because nothing kept him here any more, was barbecuing Lena Marr. Belle and Lena were put in medical tubes for preservation. Nobody can tell surely what might be Belle's faith who rests at moment like Snow-white in her crystal coffin, but Lena should be just fine after some recovery which is at least semi good news. The good news is that Sandy Bell Uljanov and her husband Volodja have a daughter Jalina Pythia Uljanov now. A teenage daughter by the way, because Atlas accelerated her growth...Surviving members of Protectors returned to the Fortress K'Shaa. Now the time has passed, some wounds were healed or at least hurt less and at least some rooms in Fortress K'Shaa were rebuilt because Uljanov family expanded and they needed some extra space.
Aforementioned Volodja Uljanov sat in the Command centre of the Fortress at moment drinking his coffee and observing security monitors (because he was on duty) when something caught his attention. That something was quickly approaching vehicle which sped through the desert leaving behind a long dust cloud like a long and dirty train of a court dress. The car stopped at the gates of the fortress and coughed up a chauffeur who waddled to the back door and opened it with a deep bow, letting out a woman who decisively stormed to the gate and energetically begun to slam it with the haft her pink parasol. Volodja zoomed the camera on intruder's face land suddenly everyone could see anxiety in his usually warm eyed and he almost spilled his coffee all over the console. Then he released a muffled moan.
"What's the matter?" someone asked. "You look like as you have seen a ghost."
"It's worse than a ghost," muttered Volodja Uljanov who's face turned pale as a bleached bed-sheet. "It's even worse than some opponents we had to deal with. It's Aunt Agatha! And she knows where I am."
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Post by Lena Marr on May 3, 2018 23:29:30 GMT
Meanwhile in a large airplane hangar near Fortress Kshaa that now serves as the headquarters of the Diabolical Duo, Lena Marr is seen sitting at a work table concentrating on a complicated lock trying to open it with a hairpin. Her pink tongue is sticking out from the corner of her lush lips and her unblinking sky blue eyes are narrowed as she threads a hairpin into the lock twisting it first to the right and then to the left. Finally there is the sound of a large click as the lock opens and a wicked grin crosses Lena's pretty chalk white face as she claps her hands in a self-satisfied way.
*Canned applause is heard by the reader*
"Ha! In your face Hope!" Cackles Lena. "I told you my hands would be as good as new and you doubted me! Again, HA!"
Close up with a spotlight on a skinny young Castithan girl in a cramped EGO chamber aimlessly working levers on a machine in front of her.
"Yeah, yeah Lena. Who do you think was working on healing your hands? I knew your hands were back to normal before you did," Answers Hope in a matter-of-fact manner.
"Yeah, well I knew that you knew that I knew..." Replies Lena before throwing the hairpin over her shoulder adding, "Whatever!"
*Canned laughter*
"Lena, that wasn't my hairpin you just threw was it?" Says a pleasant feminine voice offstage.
Focus moves to a pretty Synthetic young woman with a long white ponytail dressed in a short white battledress sitting at a secretary's desk at the hangar's front door meticulously painting her fingernails white. In the background can be seen two odd looking human men, one short and one tall, seemingly working on fixing a plane but dropping and awkwardly juggling tools as they do so. Closeup on Whitney's porcelain doll-like face then following her arm held upwards to her pale hand as she holds up an empty white coffee mug emblazoned with I-heart-my-job straight up into the air whereupon Bert and Ernie stumble all over themselves hurrying to get to it first.
*Canned applause with a few catcalls*
"No, no of course not!" Lies Lena her eyes wide like a puppy dog's as she tries to look innocent.
*Canned laughter"
"As long as that hairpin you just threw behind your back is not my hairpin. You know hairpins are hard to get in a post-Apocalyptic world," Remarks Whitney with a demure smile knowing full well it was her hairpin that Lena threw away.
*Longer canned laughter*
"Let me fill your coffee cup Miss Whitney! No me Miss Whitney! It's my turn! No mine!," Argue Bert and Ernie talking over each other fighting over Whitney's coffee cup and almost breaking it.
Whitney's smile grows a shade bigger as she responds, "Now boys, let's not fight about it! My positronic brain tells me its Ernie's turn anyway."
Ernie sticks his tongue out at Bert stealing the coffee mug from Bert's grasp and then hurrying away to fill it.
*More canned laughter"
Suddenly a dapper slim man with gray hair and piercing steel colored eyes walks in the hangar's front door, a cigarette dipping from the corner of his thin lips.
*Canned applause for an inordinately long time*
Whitney looks up at Marcel Lestrange, "No calls today for you Mr. Lestrange except from a Mr. Guido who said to tell you that the seamstress Madame La Forge has been successfully strong armed and has paid up," Whitney's pale forehead furrows as she tilts her head and asks, "I was unaware that we were in the exercise business, although I guess a seamstress would need strong arms to do her work."
*Suppressed canned laughter*
Marcel merely shrugs before walking over to where Lena is, pulls her from her chair embracing her and kisses her passionately.
*Canned catcalls and whistles*
"Ooooh Pooh Bear, you make me swoon - and orgasm a bit too," Exclaims Lena with a wicked grin.
*Canned laughter, catcalls, and whistles for an inordinately long time*
Marcel frowns then questions with a strong French accent, "Honeypot, is the large sign outside really necessary?"
A pretty pout crosses Lena's chalk white face as she asks, "You mean the neon sign?"
"Oui," Replies Marcel impassively.
"On the roof?" Asks Lena with a straight face.
"Oui," Replies Marcel impassively.
"The one saying Diabolical Duo's Hideout?" Queries Lena with a twinkle in her eyes.
"Oui," Replies Marcel impassively.
"Yeppers, it's necessary," Answers Lena with a wicked grin.
*Canned laughter and applause*
"Hey Pooh Bear, I have an idea!" Exclaims Lena changing the subject, "Since we're the god-parents of both the Batman and the Uljanov brats, we should go check on them at Fortress Kshaa, dontcha think? We could book a hologram room and do the wild thing there. They have the best hologram rooms there and you do the best wild thing!"
*Canned laughter*
Marcel shrugs and they turn to exit out the hangar's front door when Whitney cheerfully asks, "Can I go too? I'd love to visit my Synth Sisters!"
Marcel shrugs and all three exit stage left leaving Ernie with Whitney's cup of coffee that he slowly sips and then grins ear-to-ear.
*Canned applause for long time before fade to black*
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 4, 2018 5:37:52 GMT
"The best thing I can do is to pack things and evacuate my family before she gets in!" said Voldoja Uljanov. "After I finish my shift, of course. But I am afraid that barriers won't last long enough." "Our defences are pretty solid," replied his conversation partner. "They might be strong but I assure you that they are not a match for Aunt Agatha! I heard that she was in United Kingdom but if British borders weren't sufficient enough to keep he inside then I am afraid that we are not able to hold her outside for our Fortress for a long. She gets in at one point and then I am doomed! You don't know my aunt like I do, and in this particular item the ignorance is a bliss indeed. That's all I can say for now because I don't have a habit to speak about people behind their backs." "Deciding from her equipment she is prepared for a long siege," said Volodja's conversation partner thoughtfully when they saw how chauffeur opened the car trunk adjusted Aunt Agatha's luggage. Volodja's conversation partner was an experienced man both in sieges and women because his name was Count Giacomo Girolamo Casannuendo and he was a retired soldier, adventurer, author and world's hmphfest lover who participated in countless sieges and other affairs, so his opinion was indeed an expert one. He was also Volodja's friend and that allowed them talk more openly about Volodja's aunt. "An open confrontation would be an act of desperation," said Volodja grimly, thus entering into the zone of resignation. "But since the best thing I could do is already impossible, then I have no other choice but act desperately and face Aunt Agatha. Even if it means acting against common sense. Open the gate and let her in!"  Back in the Diabolical Duo's hideout (now provided with the neon sign, making it official Diabolical Duo's Hideout™) Marcel Lestrange had few orders to give before to sit into the car and begin the trip to Fortress K'Shaa. "Contact me with Guido!" he ordered standing by the car door and after his order was fulfilled, Marcel announced: "Congratulations on a job well performed! But do not forget to send a complementary box of Belgian chocolate to Madame La Forge. She has weakness for sweets and we are a customer friendly enterprise after all. The public image has still not lost it's importance even in the post apocalyptic world. Compared with the protection money we receive from her, that gesture does not cost a thing, but it does improve our reputation. And a happy costumer is well paying costumer." He finished the call and tucked his communication pad into the pocket. Then he reached out his strong arm and pulled the car door open. Lena's door by the way, because when it was about Lena, Marcel did not made any gestures but treated her with the real respect, so he made sure that Lena gets in first. Then he opened door for Whitney as well. Whitney was valuable asset and deserved certain amount of respect as a part of the company policy. After that he let let himself in, sat to the driver seat and put his hands on the wheel. He could afford to let anyone else to drive but among things which were important to Marcel, the feeling that he was in charge occupied an important place. His hand turned the ignition key, his heavy leg struck the pedal and the car begun to gain speed... |
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Post by Atticus Batman on May 4, 2018 11:45:46 GMT
In the Batman Family home-bunker, while Lady and the twins still slept as it was very early in the morning, I had entered my small Command room and checked on how things were going in Fortress K'shaa where I talked to the night-shift Commander. However all was going well and he reminded me that Volodja had signed on to take the morning Command shift and was just now walking in the Command Room's door to start the morning shift. So I of course wasn't surprised when he told Volodja I was checking in and Volodja got on the comm and informed me that all was fine and that I should enjoy not having to work before noon for once.
So after reluctantly listening to Volodja and my EGO Dinara, I left my Command Center so I wouldn't be tempted to Shadow-command as I did trust that Volodja could handle things without my supervision. So instead I went down to my basement for my early morning exercises. However first I paid a visit to the small morgue I had down there and where I had insisted we house Belle Starr's med-tube. After all she was not only the founder of the Paradise Protectors, a close friend and the person who introduced me to my lovely and loving wife but she was also therefore considered an ipso facto sister by both of us. After I muttered 'Good morning' to her pod and checked to make sure it was functioning perfectly, I went to my exercise room down there and began my exercises.
After I had finished them, I considered once again checking in with the Command center but knew Volodja would take it personally even though it was just more that I tend to be a bit controlling and over-protective of all of my extended family and employees. With that I walked back into the morgue and stared at Belle looking as if she was merely sleeping peacefully in the tube and after who-knows-how-long I finally broke my vigil and instead went to my armory. Once in there I looked at my go-to set of heavy-armor, as I have come to use it most of the time and consider it another piece of me. It was of course also the armor I had worn on that fateful day a month ago when Belle and Lena were both placed in those med-tubes by me after a mission gone completely wrong not long after I had also lost my Sister Erika in yet another mission-gone-wrong. And though others considered both missions a success, (a tragic success but nonetheless a success), I considered them both to be epic failures and more so both were ultimately MY failures. After all I was in Command and all that were injured or killed were in those positions because of MY decisions.
 
The others had of course tried to convince me I wasn't solely to blame, however they couldn't succeed in convincing me of that and never would. After all as far as I was concerned, since I was the Prime Commander that meant all things that happened to my people were ultimately my responsibility and therefore when things went wrong all the blame was squarely on my shoulders...even if I was the only one to always put it there. After being lost in those thoughts for a few minutes, I blinked my eyes. Then I sat down and started to continue the upgrades that I had been working on for the last month to fix the weaknesses that had been revealed in my armor in that last mission. For starters I had already had Chris Robet built me a new grapple line and hidden-blade for the busted gauntlet. Meanwhile I had reinforced both gauntlets before reattaching their hidden blades and attaching the newly replaced grapple line.
The bigger issue in my opinion was the armor itself. Oh I made sure it was built extremely strong as it is heavy armor so that is not where it failed. The failure came from the fact that I had applied the interior armor plates in a very free-flowing manner so I could still do all my athletic feats of prowess in the armor. So after returning from the last mission, I had re-created my armor in my bunker's holo-suite. So for the last month I have been adjusting the holo-armor's plating and testing it with safeties off to figure out just how to fix the issue in which, while my armor held and was never actually punctured the squeezing the drones had done had caused the free-flowing armor plates to compress and crunch my ribs which not only caused internal injuries but had also caused a busted rib to penetrate my skin once the drone released pressure. After looking at the armor and noting what adjustments I should try in the holo-suite this time, I got up and walked over to said holo-suite. After making my adjustments I walked in. Then I walked over to the holographic armor case and removed the altered holo-armor and put it on. Once it was on, I began my latest round of testing once again including those adapt-a-drones in my testing.
After I a couple hours of testing, I decided I had finally found the solution to my armor's internal plating placement. So I walked out of the holo-suite and saved and turned off the program. Then I returned to my work bench and started the long process of adjusting the interior plating, while I also considered finally adding a slight layer of padding over them.
In my head Dinara was snuggled with Amber in her bed while they both wore their EGO-monitoring watches, so they could check their hosts' stats, while still being able to enjoy doing their own thing. Sazri Kakusi was in his room once again redecorating. After all he never had a room before. So since he finally got one he has spent the last month constantly rearranging and redecorating it, as he occasionally ran ideas by Dinara and Amber. Although he had no real need for a bed (when it comes to sleeping, as he doesn't really sleep), he also kept modifying it. After all he thought Lust would enjoy using a huge and extravagant bed. So he kept re-adjusting it, just on the off-chance that she may visit him. Kabule was still locked in his own room, but Lena and Atticus had agreed to remove the bubble prison. However the communication jamming wall stayed in place, so Atticus could control when Kabule be allowed contact with the outside world. So Kabule spent the month decorating his room as well. However unlike Kakusi's ever-changing room, Kabule's was mostly done in muted greys and browns, with his bed covers being blood red and his sheets being satin. He had also placed a mannequins in a corner to display some biker jackets. One of which was a feminine mannequin wearing a jacket that he got for Hope matching his favorite jacket (that she still has). He also had a matching choker necklace placed on the mannequin. He had at some point placed a cage in another corner but ultimately Dinara convinced him to remove it as that may scare off Hope if they ever manage to convince Atticus and Lena to let her visit him again. So instead a gothic changing screen now sat in that corner, to give Hope some privacy if she wanted it.
Kabule had also had Dinara help him create his own bathroom as well. However currently he had glanced at his bare chest seeing the fresh scar there from When Atticus had stabbed him and threatened to do worse in the future. After admiring his cool scar a little while, he had put on a tight black muscle shirt. Then he sat on his bed lit and started smoking one of his cigarillos, and grabbing a bottle of whiskey in one hand as he stared at his only picture of him and Hope, (sitting prominently on his nightstand) and longing for the day when he may once again be allowed to see her in person. |
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Post by Kaj Oenfer on May 4, 2018 12:21:05 GMT
"Deciding from her equipment she is prepared for a long siege," said Volodja's conversation partner thoughtfully when they saw how chauffeur opened the car trunk adjusted Aunt Agatha's luggage. Volodja's conversation partner was an experienced man both in sieges and women because his name was Count Giacomo Girolamo Casannuendo and he was a retired soldier, adventurer, author and world's hmphfest lover who participated in countless sieges and other affairs, so his opinion was indeed an expert one. He was also Volodja's friend and that allowed them talk more openly about Volodja's aunt.
"An open confrontation would be an act of desperation," said Volodja grimly, thus entering into the zone of resignation. "But since the best thing I could do is already impossible, then I have no other choice but act desperately and face Aunt Agatha. Even if it means acting against common sense. Open the gate and let her in!"
As Volodja had been saying all that, another duo of odd friends had entered the War room/Command Center. That being the duo of Captain Kaj Oenfer and his Cajun friend, Security Chief Remy Lebeau.
Hearing Volodja, Kaj said, "A man who always runs in to action, wanting to run away from one elderly woman? That is unlike you Volo. How-ever should you not notify Sandy of your visitor? As well as up date Commander Batman on your unexpected guest? He does not like surprises after all."
Remy said, "Arrete toi (stop, you)! Ferget dat noise! Mon Commandant may need ta know dis. How'ver as de Security Chief, I t'ink I better know 'bout dis su'prise vis'ter dat be interruptin my security by beatin on my gate like dat! Is dis Vielle (elderly woman) some sorta Sorcière (witch) dat you be dat afraid of 'er, or is she jus' very désagréable (unpleasant)? Mon ami, dese be tings I be needin ta know as de Security Chief around dis place." *
*Translation of Remy-speak = ("Stop, you! Forget that noise! My commander may need to know this. However as the Security Chief, I think I better know about this surprise visitor that is interrupting my security by beating on my gate like that! Is this elderly woman some sort of witch that you are that afraid of her, or is she just very unpleasant? My friend, these are things that I need to know as the Security Chief around this place.")
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 4, 2018 18:30:15 GMT
"The wise man once said that you can defeat anyone, except the one who has your baby pictures," said Volodja Uljanov.
"Wo is dat wise man?" asked Remy Lebeau.
Volodja replied shortly: "Me." He understood that he owes an explanation to others, so he sighed and told:
"That elderly lady who is knocking down our front door happens to be my aunt. And she is armed with my baby pictures for sure. You see - I might be the drying twig on my family tree but that doesn't means that I don't have any relatives left. And now one of them found me deciding from her determined behaviour. She hammers a way too intently for asking simply a glass of water or borrowing a gallon of petrohol. It's an "I mean business" kind of hammering and means that she doesn't leave our front door no matter what."
He looked into stern faces of Kaj and Remy and admitted:
"I am afraid that I already gave an order to open the gate and let her into the fortress, because I have to face her sooner or later. And if I have to do it then it better be sooner. At least I will be able to find out why she decided to visit me so suddenly. For your comfort, Remy, I can add that she usually means well, although "means well" can mean lot of different things depending of the point of view. And the only one who can add himself into the list of endangered species for sure is me. Rest of us are relatively safe...Supposedly."
Meanwhile the gate begun to open. The woman stopped her attempts of smashing it in and retreated into her car. Chauffeur manoeuvred it thorough the gateway and stopped in the courtyard. Woman left the vehicle once again after the chauffeur opened the door for her and wiped one of Security guards to come closer.
"Young man," she said. "First I expect you to find me a decent accommodation. Then you can help Smedley with the luggage and after everything is done, there will be a reward waiting for you."
"If you excuse me, Ma'am," begun security guard. "I am not a bell boy but a..." He had to end his explanatory speech because woman put the sharp tip of her pink parasol against his chest and snapped:
"Of course you aren't! I can make difference between a security guard and a bell boy. You may continue your explanation AFTER you have found me a room and helped Smedley to carry my bags into it. While performing that simple task you can also announce about my arrival to those who's opinions REALLY matter."
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Post by Sandy Bell on May 5, 2018 10:01:00 GMT
A pair of blue eyes narrowed as they looked to a pair of golden catlike eyes that flashed to large purple eyes with a twinkle of amusement that turned to stare finally at a pair of very confused magenta eyes. "Am I supposed to do something with these?" Asked Jalina Uljanov with wide magenta eyes placing five cardboard rectangles face up on a mess hall dining table four women sat around drinking beer, eating junk food, and playing cards. The four cards that she placed down were four queens and an ace of spades. Immediately the other three women all threw down their hands in disgust at the sight. The owner of the blue eyes, Sandy Uljanov, smiled warmly at her daughter before saying, "Jalina honey, you have to wait until someone calls you before you lay your cards out like that!" "But Mother," Protested Jalina, her chalk white forefinger and thumb twisting a strand of her long brown curly hair in consternation. "I don't even have my com set with me!" Her black cat ears twitching as her gold flecked eyes blinked once in disbelief, Brooke the feline Synth Sister flashed a slanted half smile as she remarked, "What kind of teenage female doesn't have her com set with her?" "No Jalina," Sandy explained patiently, "In Poker 'call' means to match the current amount of the bet made by a previous player in the round of betting. In the final round of betting the Pot is won by the best hand held by one of the players who called the final bet or the player who made that bet." Brooke pushed back into her chair and stared solemnly at the ceiling, "We've been at this for an hour. She's never going to get it." Yvette, the owner of the twinkling purple eyes and the other Synth Sister at the table, laughed heartily tossing her blondemane of hair over her shoulder before observing, "Yet she has managed to win every hand. Imagine that!" "Pfft, beginner's luck," Grumbled Brooke flexing her claws instinctively. "I should be so lucky," Replied Yvette with a grin crossing her arms across her very ample bosom. "In fact, if I were truly lucky we would be playing strip poker instead of plain-old-boring-poker and I'd be naked by now and soon be in the bed of one of these lovely Protector's personnel dining around us and playing games of a different type altogether on this boring afternoon!" Sandy pursed her thin lips as her brow furrowed on her tan forehead while protesting, "Please Yvette, there are teenagers present!" Yvette grinned winningly at Jalina before the big blonde volunteered, "Sweet thing, if you ever want a more hands-on explanation of the birds and bees than your mama would EVER give you, you just ask your Aunt Yvette!" Sandy frowned before punching Yvette hard on the shoulder but wincing when hitting solid muscle which made Yvette laugh even harder as Jalina tilted her head while she asking in all innocence, "Yvette, why would I ask you a question about either ornithology or apiology? As Whitney is the Synth Sister versed in science, isn't she the proper one to ask about such matters - or my Father as he would most likely know being all-wise." Smiling warmly at her daughter, Sandy thought not for the first time, "Definitely a Daddy's girl," But said out loud, "I think we've had enough of learning parlor games today! Maybe some conversation is in order..." "Mother, what do four young women sitting around a table drinking beer and eating junk food on an uneventful day talk about?" Queried Jalina with a raised eyebrow. The other three woman grinned at each other before exclaining loudly in unison, "BOYS!" Sandy laughed then asked, "Okay, what man on base do you think is the most handsome? I say Volodja of course - and Jalina, you can't say your father because... well, just because!" Brooke's long tail twitched as all eyes turned to her but she then answered without hesitation, "Count Giacomo Girolamo Casannuendo without a doubt!" Yvette rolled her purple eyes before turning to her sister and blurting, "Isn't he a bit short for you?" Brooke grinned showing her sharp incisors before remarking, "They're all the same height in bed!" Sandy winced before reminding them, "Teenagers? Remember? Sheesh!" Then took a long swig of her beer. Yvette took an answering swig as she shrugged her broad shoulders stating, "But Brooke is right you know - they ARE all the same height in bed, men and women! Anyway, I choose Attila! That Irathiant hunk has the right dimensions all over, if you know what I mean and I know you do!" Jalina looked even more confused muttering, "I really do not!" Yvette looked wistfully in space as she took another swig of beer before adding, "And his sister Atika, I choose her too - preferably at the same time." "O-kay Yvette! TMI!" Remarked Sandy directing her question at Jalina before Yvette elaborated anymore on her love life in front of Sandy's young daughter, "Now Jalina, what man in Fortress Kshaa do you think is most handsome? And remember, you can't say your father1" All eyes at the table turned to Jalina but were surprised to find her busy scribbling with a pen on a cocktail napkin but she answered without looking up, "Oh they all have their good qualities, although I favor intelligence over good looks," Then she looked up with a happy smile pushing the napkin covered with mathematical equations to the center of the table before declaring, "I think I have definitively proven that all men are not in fact the same height in bed!"  |
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Post by Kaj Oenfer on May 5, 2018 10:09:21 GMT
Volo looked into stern faces of Kaj and Remy and admitted:
"I am afraid that I already gave an order to open the gate and let her into the fortress, because I have to face her sooner or later. And if I have to do it then it better be sooner. At least I will be able to find out why she decided to visit me so suddenly. For your comfort, Remy, I can add that she usually means well, although "means well" can mean lot of different things depending of the point of view. And the only one who can add himself into the list of endangered species for sure is me. Rest of us are relatively safe...Supposedly."
Kaj replied with, "Suit your self Commander Volo. You are in command of the War Room at the moment and are one of our two First Officers. So it is your call and possibly your funeral. Although I must admit I have never seen why people are afraid or embarrassed of their baby pictures. Perhaps it is because I was never a baby my self, but I still do not get it."
Watching the security cameras from the War Room as the gate opened, "Remy said, "Aye Big 'un. lil' tyke pictures can be a might embarrassin. My sister, she always be showin one of me wreslin nekid wit a wee lil sharky gater an tryin ta ride it an one a' me cuddlin de sharky gater. How'ver dose be de leas' embarrassin ones she likes ta be showin ta peoples."*
Then Remy looked back at the monitor in time to see the elderly woman poking the young security guard with her parasol. So he said to Volo, "Commandant I tink ya better be seein 'er before she tries ta poke holes in de wrong person. Mos'ta my guards may tolerate it, but not everyone will. Ifin she be encounterin Commandant Batman or Monsieur Lestrange and tryin dat, I am sure dey will be shovin dat parasol in a place where she won' be likin it none, an no tellin what dat motier foux (half crazy) Lena might do ifin she be poked like dat."**
 
Remy translations =
* ("Remy said, "Yes Big one. little tyke pictures can be a might embarrassing. My sister, she's always showing one of me wrestling naked with a young little shark gator and trying to ride it and one of me cuddling the shark gator. However those are the least embarrassing ones she likes to show to people.")
** (Then Remy looked back at the monitor in time to see the elderly woman poking the young security guard with her parasol. So he said to Volo, "Commander I think you better see her before she tries to poke holes in the wrong person. Most of my guards may tolerate it, but not everyone will. If she encounters Commander Batman or Mister Lestrange and tries that, I am sure they will be shoving that parasol in a place where she wont like it none, and no telling what that half crazy Lena might do if she is poked like that.")
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Post by Atika Constantine on May 5, 2018 10:39:09 GMT
Jalina looked even more confused muttering, "I really do not!"
Yvette looked wistfully in space as she took another swig of beer before adding, "And his sister Atika, I choose her too - preferably at the same time."
Atika and Attila Constantine had walked in and Atika ordered some tea as the four women where talking at their table. Then seeing the group, Atika grabbed her brother's arm once she got her tea, and escorted him to the table.
"O-kay Yvette! TMI!" Remarked Sandy directing her question at Jalina before Yvette elaborated anymore on her love life in front of Sandy's daughter, "Now Jalina, what man in Fortress Kshaa do you think is most handsome? And remember, you can't say your father!"
As they reached the table Attila heard the Yvette's last remark, as well as Sandy's response, and said to his sister, "Gee Tik (Teak), it sounds like you are the talk of the table with my presence being implied__ or would that be an honorable mention?"
Atika elbowed him and quietly said, "Hush." to him, while all eyes at the table were still turned to Jalina but were surprised to find her busy scribbling with a pen on a cocktail napkins but she answered without looking up, "Oh they all have their good qualities, although I favor intelligence over good looks," Then she looked up with a happy smile pushing the napkin covered with mathematical equations to the center of the table before declaring, "I think I have definitively proven that all men are not in fact the same height in bed!"
Then hearing Jalina's comment about guys she said to the table, "Now this sounds like a very fun conversation! May we join you four?"
Attila on the other hand wasn't quite done as he said, "Well Yvette we love 'having' you too. The more lovely and wonderful women in our room the merrier it is!"
With that Atika smacked her brother upside the back of his head as she snapped, "I said hush! Besides Jalina is technically much younger than us and I highly doubt Sandy wants her knowing what a deviant you can be! Not to mention it is their table and their conversation. So if we want to be allowed to join them, then YOU will have to BEHAVE yourself around all these lovely ladies, and perhaps keep your yap shut for once!"
Attila responded with, "Aw Tik, you know that I know just how to behave with and treat women, and so does Yvette for that matter."
That of course earned him another smack from Atika, as she said to the table, "On second thought, I will understand if all of you would prefer that we get our own table, considering what a smart-assed jerk Til is being today!"
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 6, 2018 4:27:25 GMT
"If there is no other clear and present danger other than my aunt then I will go and save that young man from her clutches before he turns into the patient material. I know that Wolfram von Eschen would be glad when he can help but the cost for his gladness would be too high. Dear Count. Will you do me that honour and accompany me? I feel that I could use some morale support." Those were the famous last words of the hero who went to face inevitable. In he courtyard Volodja coughed to draw attention to himself and relieve the security guard from his being poked duty. When Aunt Agatha turned her face towards the sound of coughing, Volodja swallowed and declared bravely: "Aunt Agatha! It has been a long time when we last me! Allow me to say that it's a..." "If you expect me to say that it's a pleasure to see you then you can forget about it. We both know very well that it would be an utter lie!" replied Agatha and incinerated everyone else in the courtyard with her glance. Metaphorically speaking of course. "At least allow me to help with your luggage so I can release the guard," asked Volodja. After Agatha's merciful nod, Volodja told the guard that he might take the rest of the day off and have a sip of brandy from Volodja's personal stock. The guard left the stage with a relieved sigh and reminded himself to write to his own aunt and ask forgiveness from all possible things he might have done to her, but that's another story. "This Lepra...Liberata, you brought along, can take care of my luggage," decided Aunt Agatha. "Aren't Liberatas supposed to be the SERVING class after all?" "Not this one," replied Volodja. "We don't have any servants here, but fellow employees, and even if we had some then he wouldn't be a servant. Allow me to introduce my friend, Count Giacomo Girolamo Casannuendo." "These days they give titles to everyone," muttered Aunt Agatha, but hid her remark behind a fake smile and that meaningless two minutes long jibber jabber that people use in parties when they talk much about...nothing, like asking "How are you?" and thinking "As if I actually care how you are doing." When Aunt Agatha tossed some empty politnesses towards Casannuendo, Volodja exchanged real politenesses with the chauffeur Smedley and they divided Agatha's luggage between themselves fairly and squarely...  |
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Post by Lady Christianna on May 6, 2018 12:41:57 GMT
Lady Chtristianna had fallen into a comforting morning routine in a short amount of time after their return from the Forbidden Zone. She would wake up fairly early make love to her husband, then shower together. Atticus Batman and she used to sometimes make love again and shower again or sometimes make love in the shower but neither had happened since the return for her husband just seemed so preoccupied and Lady, being a very young woman of few words, didn't know what to say or do about it. She assumed his preoccupation was due to his responsibility of being Supreme Commander of the Protectors. Or the recent death of both his biological and adopted sisters. Or maybe both. Anyway, Lady trusted her husband would work his way through the dilemma and if he ever did want to talk about it or have her do something to help she would be there for him.
After their shower, Lady would do her morning libations and dress for the day. After that Lady would relieve the robo-nanny then change and feed and then change again their twin babies. Finally Lady would put them in their carriage specially made for two and wheel them out of the Batman Bunker around the perimeter of the compound for some fresh air. Atticus insisted she be accompanied by two security guards and she insisted the guards stay twenty feet behind her so she and the twins had space to breathe. She would end her travels in the Fort's mess hall having breakfast there sometimes with her husband and sometimes not but always visited by many of their Protector friends and family. Lady would then return to the bunker and play with the twins until their human babysitter arrived whereupon Lady would get ready to do her afternoon shift in the Command Center of Fortress Kshaa. Unless something "interesting" happened to break the morning routine which in fact hadn't since their return from the Forbidden Zone. Until today.
First, Atticus had gone to his Bunker command center before she or the twins awakened and hadn't returned before her shower or their feeding. Then Lena Marr had called her by comm that she was on the way to visit the twins. Lena always was a bit of an egocentric and didn't mention if her lover Marcel Lestrange was coming or not but Lady presumed it was so as both were godparents to Lady's twins. Lady was never quite sure how that had come about - especially since Lena and Marcel were considered dangerous criminals - but it wasn't that far back that Lady was considered one as well so it didn't bother her too much. Furthermore Lady genuinely liked Lena and thought her funny and would rather have both Lena and Marcel as friends than enemies.
On her way to her morning stroll with the twins, Lena stopped by Atticus' location to give him a kiss and allow him to kiss the twins but could just tell he was even more preoccupied than usual so merely informed him, "Lena's coming," Then as her patented Mona Lisa smile crossed her pretty chalk white face she clarified with a glint of humor in her pink eyes, "Here not there."
*****
Already in Fortress Kshaa's mess hall, Attila Constantine responded to his sister Atika with, "Aw Tik, you know that I know just how to behave with and treat women, and so does Yvette for that matter."
The Synth Sister Yvette agreed with a hearty laugh, "He sure does! Attila behaves how I tell him and treats me where I tell him! And never ever speaks with his mouth full!"
Still Atilla's remark had earned him another smack from Atika, as she said to the table, "On second thought, I will understand if all of you would prefer that we get our own table, considering what a smart-assed jerk Til is being today!"
Sandy Uljanov laughed as well then invited, "Come sit with us! We're having a healthy brunch of beer and snack food!"
Brooke the feline Synth Sister stood up and excused herself saying with a toothy grin, "You can have my chair as I need to find the Count to schedule some afternoon delight."
As Brooke said her farewells, Jalina Uljanov scotted over in the bench chair she was sitting on while gesturing with a demure smile for Attila to sit next to her then leaning to her other side and whispering to her mother, "Cute and smart!" which caused Sandy to unconsciously scowl at the young Irathiant male.
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Post by Atticus Batman on May 7, 2018 11:30:49 GMT
On her way to her morning stroll with the twins, Lady stopped by my location to give me a kiss and allow me to kiss the twins but could just tell I was even more preoccupied than usual so merely informed him, "Lena's coming," Then as her patented Mona Lisa smile crossed her pretty chalk white face she clarified with a glint of humor in her pink eyes, "Here not there."
I was so focused in what I was doing to my armor that I barely noticed and merely said, "that's nice Tianna. Enjoy your walk."
Then as Lady started to turn away, I finally clued into my wife and children being in the room. So as I continued focusing on what I was doing, I quickly amended myself to say, "Hold on My Snow Angel. I didn't notice how long I have been down here, and I am finally about done with the overhaul of my armor. Just give me a few minutes and then I will join three of you for your walk....."
I had finished moving around my armor's inner plating before Lady came in and was already in the process of finally adding some padding to my armored suit's interior. So it wasn't much longer when I finished, accidently pinching a finger with some crimping pliers as I did the finishing touches. So I yanked my hand back and snapped, "Dak that hurts! Figures I would pinch my finger during the last adjustments."
Then I turned as I noticed Cosmin just glare at me as he normally does when I cuss around him, a look that he definitely got from his Aunt Erika. Caprice however let out a little giggle, but when I looked at her she was mimicking her mother's smile and pretending it wasn't her. Then the little one glanced at my pinched finger and pointed.
After a second I realized what she wanted, so I got up, walked over to the double stroller and held my pinched finger out to her and she kissed the tip of it, like her mother does when she or her brother gets a booboo. So I said, "Well thank you my sweet little mischief maker."
Then I finally bent down and gave Caprice and Cosmin each a kiss on the forehead, with Cosmin tugging on my goatee to keep it from itching him as usual. While Caprice would giggle and pet it after her kiss. Next I turned to Lady and kissed her lovingly. Then after breaking the kiss I said, Sorry I have been distracted and left the bed some time after you fell asleep, but I NEEDED to fix the weakness in my armor so I wouldn't fail because of a major weakness in my designs again."
Lady gave me another kiss and merely said, "Not a failure."
I saw in her eyes and knew her well enough to know she honestly believed that and I was glad that, while I was still certain I had failed everyone a month ago, Lady still had faith in me and didn't seem to blame me for anything. So I kissed her again more softly but with even more love as I responded with, "Glad to hear but...."
As I paused I turned and started putting my heavy armor on as I finally finished what I was saying with, "....doesn't matter. At least this armor is updated, so I won't be hiding away working on trying to fix it's design flaws anymore."
After putting my armor on, I quickly readjusted it while I was wearing it. Then I said, "Sorry for missing our wonderful morning shower and whatever else I have neglected recently, but I really had to at least fix my armor's design flaw. I promise I will make it up to you later. Perhaps an extra long bath or shower tonight, then I'll give you a full body massage before I spend the rest of the night showing you just how much I love and adore you more with each passing day."
As I saw the twinkle in Lady's eye at that thought and her trying to keep a fairly straight face, I gave her another quick kiss.
Then I put my helmet on and holstered my pistol and blade, as I walked over to Lady and gestured for her to lead the way. She took my hand and pulled me toward the stroller. So I took the hint and started pushing it as Lady took hold of my arm and leaned into my side as we walked to the main door to leave our home.
Then I added, "So Lena is coming for a visit huh? Well I guess after avoiding her for the last month, it is about time I finally talk to her. Besides I did promise Hope back then that I would talk to Lena about her and Kabule but after what happened to Lena...I figured she would prefer I give her a lot of space and not bother her with it. So how is she doing? I know the Doctors told me that I had gotten her into that med-pod in time but...are her hands healing fine?"
Just as I had finished asking Lady my questions, I got a comm call from Kaj, so I answered it saying, "Hello Kaj. What's up?"
Kaj responded with, "Not much. I just figured that I should let you know I have releived Volo, as he had a family thing come up that he had to take care of. So you do not need to come in unless you want to, but I will let you know if an important command situation comes up".
I responded with, "Thank you for the update Kaj. So how are Kara and the kids doing?"
He responded with, "Oh they are doing good. How-ever I am sure you heard I asked them to move in with me. She agreed to do so on a trial bases until we see how it goes before she decides if it will be permanent. It is taking some getting used to sharing my space with others, but I am enjoying it so far. How-ever Marla has taken an interest in my paints and will just sit and paint or draw for hours if we let her. Frond is just happy as long as his sister is nearby."
I replied with, "Good to hear. Talk to you later Kaj."
Then I ended the call as we left the bunker to start our walk, and I said to Lady, "Sorry Kaj was just checking in and telling me I wasn't needed in the War Room at the moment. Did you know Kaj had Kara and the kids move in with him? Wow, hopefully Erika would aprove if she were still with us. So what else have I been too preocupied to notice during the last month?"
As Brooke said her farewells, Jalina Uljanov scotted over in the bench chair she was sitting on while gesturing with a demure smile for Attila to sit next to her then leaning to her other side and whispering to her mother, "Cute and smart!" which caused Sandy to unconsciously scowl at the young Irathiant male. Attila sat near Jalina as requested as his sister sat in Brooke's chair. Then seeing Sandy glare at him, but of course not hearing what Jalina had whispered to her mom, Attila said "What did I do wrong this time?"
With that he glanced around and muttered, "Crap! I am the only man at the table, so I am going to be blamed for everything that every man has done wrong recently, aren't I? Oh well I think I can live with that for a while, given all the great company at this table."
Then he smirked as he added, " So I see the cards. Please tell me nobody is betting my life on this poker game too. Although since I am in perfect health this time...it could be fun no matter which one of you ladies wins. By the way, who was the cranky old woman that we saw Volo talking to in the Courtyard on our way here?"
Atika added, "I know I feel sorry for the Security guard that she was poking. Sometimes I forget how much our security has to deal with around here. I hope Commander Batman pays them well for all those unexpected hazards." |
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Post by Lena Marr on May 7, 2018 23:29:18 GMT
"These days they give titles to everyone," muttered Aunt Agatha, but hid her remark behind a fake smile and that meaningless two minutes long jibber jabber that people use in parties when they talk much about...nothing, like asking "How are you?" and thinking "As if I actually care how you are doing." When Aunt Agatha tossed some empty politnesses towards Count Casannuendo, Volodja Uljanov exchanged real politenesses with the chauffeur Smedley and they divided Agatha's luggage between themselves fairly and squarely...
Then a purple Lamborghini raced into the Fortress K'shaa' visitor's parking area swerving to a screeching stop and throwing a cloud of grey dust into the air but seeming specifically aimed at Volodja but affecting all standing near him. The security guards seemed nervous holding their weapons at the ready but didn't fire because the security officer in charge at the scene assured them that new arrival had transmitted the proper priority code one clearance usually reserved for the core Protector Away Team. Once the car had stopped a pretty scantily clad Castithan female fairly flew out of the passenger seat waving at the guards and throwing a kiss at the security officer in charge.
"HI BOYS! YA MISS ME," Yelled Lena Marr in a cheerful tone and with a wicked grin. "LIKE MY NEW WHEELS? AN UN-BIRTHDAY GIFT FROM POOH BEAR CAUSE, YA KNOW, I DON'T KNOW MY REAL BIRTHDAY!
Lena's unblinking sky blue eyes turned to Volodja, the Count, Smedley, and then lingered on Aunt Agatha, looking her up and down and taking her measure before mocking Volodja, "You look good in gray - dirt that is! So Volo Bolo, who is this lovely lady, your sister? Nice chauffeur, very austere, Sister. Volo, your sister is obviously high born, so how come you're so low born? Never mind! Doesn't matter! What is, is!"
Lena's wicked grin grew bigger like a Cheshire Cat's first rubbing the palm of one alabaster hand on her blouse to clean it but also jiggling her ample breasts before outstretching it to Aunt Agatha to shake while exuberantly introducing herself, "Hey Sister, I'm Lena Marr and I'm the resident floozy! That handsome man coming our from behind the steering wheel is Marcel Lestrange and he's taken so don't even think of flirting with him you temptress you! And the young lady unpacking herself from the back is Whitney and lucky that a Synth is both a contortionist and incredibly hypermobile. Anyway, nice-to-meet-cha!
Impossibly Whitney unwound herself from the sports car's small back area that was generously called a back seat, but once outside the car smoothed her short white battle skirt and then her white ponytail before tilting her beautiful porcelain doll's face before saying, "I too am very happy to make your acquaintance!"
In Fortress Kshaa's mess hall, Attila Constantine smirked as he added, "So I see the cards. Please tell me nobody is betting my life on this poker game too. Although since I am in perfect health this time...it could be fun no matter which one of you ladies wins. By the way, who was the cranky old woman that we saw Volo talking to in the Courtyard on our way here?"
Jalina turned to her mother with a demure smile asking, "Mother, could you have competition for Father's affections?" The added in a whisper to Sandy, "That was funny, right?"
Sandy whispered back, "We'll work on your sense of humor later," Then added almost too loudly to the others at the table, "I trust my husband completely! If he needs or wants me, he will call me!"
Atika added, "I know I feel sorry for the Security guard that she was poking. Sometimes I forget how much our security has to deal with around here. I hope Commander Batman pays them well for all those unexpected hazards."
"Poking," Thought Sandy to herself with alarm but forcing herself to remain seated despite her curiosity. "Poking with what?!?!?!"
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on May 8, 2018 6:04:12 GMT
"Enchanted, Madame," said Marcel Lestrange who timed his remark precisely to the moment when he made last couple of steps and stopped in front of the group in the courtyard. His trademark grin appeared and widened and then he made a formal bow before continuing:
"Hopefully you forgive that eagerness and energy burst, which some people might interpret as a sign of being too familiar, of ours, but Lena and I are really excited of meeting new people here. It adds much more colour to this usual dull greyness we are used with." And he grinned at dust covered Volodja before saying "Allow me you hand Madame" and then taking her hand before she could react and planting a bit plashy kiss to it.
"Nothing to forgive here," said Aunt Agatha. "I expected America people to be more informal than in Europe and I wasn't wrong at all. This young lady of yours definitely has something, we call spark. And despite of her free form of expressing it, if like her direct approach. She is definitely taking bull by horns. And you, Monsieur, seem to have your own way to smoothen things. Since Volodja Uljanov decided to ignore the fact that I need introducing then I have to take the bull by horns myself. I am Lady Agatha Tupper-Ware, aunt of this particular Volodja Uljanov, but my friends can call me simply Agatha, because little informalities among friends are allowed after all. Unfortunately that applies to relatives as well." And her glance stroke Volodja as gently as a medium sized ram hits the wall.
"She was married to Sir James Bruce Tupper-Ware whole six months before Sir James voluntarily enlisted to Expedition Corps and went missing in jungles of Europe," Volodja explained quietly to Count Casannuendo.
"He must have been a really brave man," admitted Count sincerely. And really quietly, so Aunt Agatha couldn't hear that compliment.
"Shall we go inside?" suggested Volodja who already made couple of arrangements on his way to the courtyard. "We need to accommodate you before we can do anything else, Aunt Agatha. I do hope that you find rooms to your liking."
"Better safe than sorry indeed," replied aunt with proverb. "Let's see what you have for me then." And the expedition, consisting of Lena Marr, Marcel Lestrange, Whitney, Count Casannuendo, the expedition leader Aunt Agatha and two pack mules - Smedley and Volodja Uljanov - begun to move...
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Post by Atticus Batman on May 8, 2018 11:44:10 GMT
As Lady, the twins and I strolled through the courtyard we noticed Volodja, The Count, Marcel, Lena and Whitney all talking to an older woman. So as we approached, I had Lady take the stroller back. Then I walked by her but kept myself between my family and this unknown woman just as I heard her say something in response to one of the others.
"Better safe than sorry indeed," replied aunt with proverb. "Let's see what you have for me then." And the expedition, consisting of Lena Marr, Marcel Lestrange, Whitney, Count Casannuendo, the expedition leader Aunt Agatha and two pack mules - Smedley and Volodja Uljanov - begun to move...
As they started moving, their path would take them in front of us. So I stepped forward and made myself known, but kept my helmet in place, by saying in my default gruff tone, "Volodja, I was told by Kaj that you had a family matter come up. Yet he didn't say anything about an unknown visitor, and with luggage at that, and you know how seriously I take any potential security risks. However if you granted her access then I suppose you had a reason. So I will assume that means you are vouching for her."
Then I turned to the older woman and said, ""Madame I assure you that I personally feel that: 'One can never take safety too lightly. Once you take it for granted, bad thinks happen as nothing can be guaranteed in life.' and I do impress that upon all of my staff here. So to put it bluntly, Anybody who does anything to cause a security issue while they are here will only not be here for long.
Anyway I see you got quite the welcoming party...and forgive me for my little intrusion and for telling you how it is before introducing myself, but you are the one who brought up safety and therefore security. Now on to the pleasantries so-to-speak as I prefer 'proof in actions' over merely talking. I am Prime Commander Atticus Batman and this is my base. So welcome to Fortress K'shaa, and you are?"
This time Volodja actually introduced her. So I remarked with, "Aunt? So I guess that means Volodja didn't just charm his way into existence like some people think around here. Forgive me for not meeting you at the visitor's parking personally but I had the morning off and was not aware we had a guest. I suppose my Man Friday was way too anxious to greet his Aunt ___ to notify me of that fact. However as we are introducing people and you already met the others standing here, that lovely woman with the stroller is my wife Lady Christianna and in the stroller are our twins, Cosmin and Caprice."
After Agatha and Lady greeted each other, I continued with, "Volodja, feel free to assign her one of the VIP quarters and a room for her Chauffer as well, if he is staying. Now if you'll excuse us, we are already late enough for breakfast and it is already getting pretty warm out. So we don't want to keep the twins out in this heat too long. Especially since I am the only one out here in an environmentally-controlled battle suit until I can finally convince Tianna to let me have some made for her and the little ones."
Then after I had excused my family and I retook the stroller with Lady once again embracing my arm, I said, "By the way Lena I see you or Marcel put that last mission bonus to good use and I assume you stepped up to the fastest model that you could find, not counting any of your aftermarket modifications of course. I just hope you remembered to modify it's undercarriage to make it a little more hellbug-resistant. It is good to see you using your hands again by the way and now that you have recovered and I now have spare time in my schedule after a month of being buried in my work, I suppose we finally need to have that talk about our 'siblings' later when you are ready. Now I think I better take Lady to the Mess for breakfast before I get in trouble for making her starve any longer."
Seeing the look on Sandy's face after Atika mentioned poking, Atika said, "It looked like she poked him with a нарны (narny)...a parasol for those that don't understand Mongolian. I think it was just to make sure she kept his attention. You know how pushy some people can be. Especially posh looking older people, and this human woman definitely looked very posh. However I am sure she was very lucky the Prime Commander didn't see it. We all know how overly protective he can be of his employees, teammates and family."
At that same time, Attila flagged over a member of the wait-staff and requested some juice and breakfast. So Atika also put in a food order, then asked the others if they needed anything while a waiter was at the table.
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