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Post by Atticus Batman on Aug 23, 2018 11:16:57 GMT
Varus didn't have to be asked twice and soon both Belle and I heard cars and ATVs tearing out of the gravel driveway to drive as fast and as far away as they could, as Belle turned to me and smiled eerily at me as her teeth grew sharper and blue crystal spikes grew from her head and appendages as she grew three times her size resembling a small War Master as she growled, "Shall we Tango while we wait?" I replied with the trademark angry edge in my voice as I said, "Aw the spoiled little War-Bitch is back! Does little sister need another ass-kicking-and-spanking like the one you got back in Defiance?" With that I drew my Amakune as I started channeling my Grid energies. So as Belle Volged out, I started to glow dark blue as Grid-bio-electricity started surging through my body, armor and sword; with it jumping around and zapping the air and objects near me. The lights flickered and dimmed noticeably as I also absorbed some of the electricity running through the building, before Varus Soleptor's backup-generators kicked on and stabilized the room's lighting for the time-being. Then as I took up a battle stance, I raised my free hand and gestured Belle to come at me, knowing that either one of us would win or that the mini-nuke would be dropped and create the ultimate deadlock. |
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Post by Belle Starr on Aug 25, 2018 7:04:27 GMT
At Topnotch Toolworks, the Synth Sister Whitney wasted time insisting Brooke be loaded on the Synth Cruiser for treatment there whereupon the Synth pilot said to her in her All-Father's voice, "Time to go Whitney."
"Yes father," replied Whitney contritely but just as she was about to board the airship from the ramp, Eren Niden ran up.
"What is it?" Asked Whitney feeling that every minute of delay was crucial.
The Indogene woman hesitated but then just surrendered her bad news, "I'm sorry to inform you: Captain Sandra Bell-Uljanov is... dead."
Speechless and sad, Whitney boarded the Synth Cruiser which was soon on it's way flying to The Crater as it's crew readied its cargo of a mini-nuke and several barrels of toxic gas.
*****
The creature that was Belle Starr growled and before Atticus Batman could move a muscle it blurred tackling him through the side of the bar's wall as it took them both miles from The Crater and partway to Shondu's consulate. Dropping Atticus breathless on the ground, she continued her blur without saying a word to catch up with her Volge who were already halfway to Shondu's. Once she arrived there she gave a single order, "Dig," whereupon both she and they disappeared underground.
In Belle's EGOscape, Kabule said to Alfred, "So the world in your image now involves populating it with the most dangerous Votan race? I suppose that makes some sort of sense to a mad scientist. Although I thought you would hate that she is going against what she was created for and is now destroying the human race, instead of leading them to be the superior race in this Galaxy, or better yet, this Universe. However before I even consider going, answer me this: Once Belle has wiped out all that the Volge consider game or a threat, what will keep those war-hungry-destroyers from turning on her and skull-fucking her pretty little head right before ripping her apart? After all they are only following her now because she is giving them plenty of what they want___death and destruction. Can the same be said once there is no opposition left on this planet?...You know, I heard a quote once that comes to mind here. 'The loudest sound in the universe is the last heartbeat"
Alfred calmly took out his pipe and began puffing, then grinned at Kabule and said almost cheerfully, 'You underestimate my girl, my dear fellow - I'd say good fellow but we both know that is not true. She will not be, how did you say it, skull fucked by the Volge for the Volge consider her a Goddess that has already returned from the dead, risen from the grave as it were and one does not skull fuck one's Goddess! The Volge are a simpler - purer - form of being! That is why I chose their genes to meld with my Belle's. They have one motivation, and that is to conquer - and with their Goddess leading them, they can. First Paradise, then the rest of the world - and then perhaps the stars. Belle has been there before, why not again? There is no limit to her capability - and therefore there are none to mine either."
The table with the chemistry set-up disappeared and Alfred put a hand on Kabule's shoulder offering, "Why not join us - and your brother too? Neither of you owe this world anything. You can be Belle's Generals. I can give you and your consort - Hope, wasn't that her name? - I can give you both form and you can rule Paradise if that is all you want! Or if you are patient, a continent or even this paltry planet when we are ready to leave. Join us Kabule! What have you to lose?"
Dropping his hand, Alfred took the pipe from his mouth and grinned wider, reminding Kabule of the Cheshire Cat, as he stated, "Either as our General or as our guest, you are now with us for the duration for I fear we have left your host far behind. Don't worry, we won't harm you for what purpose would it serve? Now, may I offer you some tea or perhaps some coffee?"
From out of a white fog shuffled in Alfred's human wife, MOM, dressed in 50's homemaker garb carrying a tray of beverages, looking normal except for the fact that her head was shaved and the top of her head looked like her brain had been cleanly scooped out leaving an automated corpse as Alfred offered, "Maybe an alcoholic beverage?"
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Post by Atticus Batman on Aug 25, 2018 11:22:37 GMT
The creature that was Belle Starr growled and before I could move a muscle it blurred tackling me through the side of the bar's wall as it took us both miles from The Crater and partway to Shondu's consulate. Dropping me breathless on the ground, she continued her blur without saying a word to catch up with her Volge who were already halfway to Shondu's. Once she arrived there she gave a single order, "Dig," whereupon both she and they disappeared underground. As I caught my breath, I stood up and looked around seeing where I was. Then immediately contacted Lady via EGO saying, "Snow Angel it appears Belle and I are nowhere near the Crater anymore. So if it's not too late to save it then have Yvette contact the Sky-carrier and inform them that the threat has moved on, so it would be a waste of a mini-nuke and a meaningless act of war. Besides if the nuke is not dropped, then you and Yvette can go back to the Crater and retrieve her body. Actually...I am not sure where they moved to. Obviously Belle and her Volge have gone underground but I can not say for sure where they are going from there. So after you and Yvette get the mini-nuke called off, you better come get me. Then...just to be safe we better go to Shondu's. I will head that direction now and you can pick me up on your way to Shondu's once you and Yvette have gotten the mini-nuke stopped and reclaimed her body." As I ran towards Shondu's as fast as I could, although truthfully it was a slightly slower pace than usual, my EGO Dinara, said, "Atty! You should have told her!"
I snapped, " Told her what?!" She said, "You know what! That you can no longer sense Kabule as he was still in Belle's EGO and obviously couldn't get out before she went underground, and with him somehow out of range, you feel like an important part of you is missing and are weaker because of it!"
I replied to Dinara, "She is worried enough. No reason to give her more to worry about at the moment! So no telling Amber either!...and Kabule is NOT an important part of me!" Dinara replied with, "I hate it but will keep your secret for now....and YES he is even if you keep denying it." Deep down even I was no longer sure how true my statement about Kabule's lack of importance to me really was. However with him suddenly yanked away from me like he had been, there was no reason to even waist time debating it since it was too late to reflect on my decision to send him into Belle's to try to reason with her Mad scientist EGO-daddy.Although I could sense that wherever he was, he was waiting to see how I would manage to play out all of the obstacles Belle throws my way and did surprisingly find myself wondering if he was alright. So instead I just focused on my path towards Shondu's and absorbed some energy from any errant skitterlings that attacked me as I killed them. Then when I made it to the main road Istayed on it, activating blur as much as I could to speed up my progress; while hoping Lady, Volo, or some kind Arkhunter would soon come by and stop to pick me up that way I would get to my location sooner.
Back in Belle's EGOscape, The table with the chemistry set-up disappeared and Alfred put a hand on Kabule's shoulder offering, "Why not join us - and your brother too? Neither of you owe this world anything. You can be Belle's Generals. I can give you and your consort - Hope, wasn't that her name? - I can give you both form and you can rule Paradise if that is all you want! Or if you are patient, a continent or even this paltry planet when we are ready to leave. Join us Kabule! What have you to lose?" Dropping his hand, Alfred took the pipe from his mouth and grinned wider, reminding Kabule of the Cheshire Cat, as he stated, "Either as our General or as our guest, you are now with us for the duration for I fear we have left your host far behind. Don't worry, we won't harm you for what purpose would it serve? Now, may I offer you some tea or perhaps some coffee?" From out of a white fog shuffled in Alfred's human wife, MOM, dressed in 50's homemaker garb carrying a tray of beverages, looking normal except for the fact that her head was shaved and the top of her head looked like her brain had been cleanly scooped out leaving an automated corpse as Alfred offered, "Maybe an alcoholic beverage?" Kabule replied with, "Atticus would never follow and I now know better than to take orders from somebody with a god/goddess complex. I already made that mistake during the Pale Wars and it didn't turn out well for any of us. Actually from what I understand Belle is the one that eventually slayed Nim for trying to take over the world and crush humanity in the process. However if I am forced to hang out as your guest, then so be it. I will sit here and see how it all plays out and try to be civil about it, then go from there. Although if you even try to do to Hope what you did with your wife here, then I will show you the true meaning of a hostile guest! As for the drink...no thank you. You forget that you are talking to a former assassin and expert poisonologist and toxicologist. So I prefer drinks that I know have not been tampered with." With that, Kabule reached in his leather jacket and pulled out a flask to drink from. As he took a drink he thought about Hope, while keeping it to himself that the farther they got from Atticus the weaker Kabule felt. Part of being an assassin is being a great actor for when you have to infiltrate crowded areas after all. So as long as he doesn't get so light-headed as to feint, then he should be able to keep acting like he isn't any weaker now than he was when he had first entered Belle's EGOscape. |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Aug 26, 2018 11:49:20 GMT
Breaks creaked, wheels quit rolling and engines went silent when three rollers stopped at the upper level of Top Notch. Or at least near the upper level because Volodja Uljanov preferred to avoid disturbing sick and wounded who were accommodated into improvised hospital which used to serve as a sick bay for machinery, run by Rodriguez family but after teaming up with Erin Niden, Rosa allowed her partner to fix flesh and blood while she stuck with the metal and lubricants. Volodja swung his feet over the roller frame and landed on the metal floor. His face was worried, several scratches and mud traces covered his skin. Volodja rose his hand and wiped off some bug remains off his face and clothing. Remains landed to the floor with a thump because finding any other bugs than Hellbugs in that area was only a bit easier than having a sophisticated conversation about Kant's philosophy with the first wandering Afflicted. The rest of the Three Post Apocalypse Rollermen were as antineat and anticlean as Volodja. Count Casannuendo was covered with the dirt so much that he actually reminded a walking and talking divot. And Smedley wasn't example of cleanness either. Everything told that those three men went through thick and thin and Hellbug swarms to reach Top Notch. And Afflicted swarms as well because Smedley examined his roller very carefully and then he removed a stuck limb and tossed it over the edge. "Hopefully we aren't too late," said Volodja with ill hidden worry. "It's really hard to catch up with events lately." "I am afraid that you are," interrupted Eren Niden and then she told him... _________ Meanwhile in the Fortress K'Shaa Marcel Lestrange shared the cigarette with his lover Lena Marr and said thoughtfully: "You know, Honey Pot. This is actually the first time when Protectors are not home and we are unwatched, unguarded and unsurveilled. The only boss who is left here is that old Boche, Wolfram von Eschen. I think about how we can turn that into our advantage. I am not thinking about taking this place over because it would ruin our beneficial relationship with Protectors. But we could look into their closets for skeletons. Or at least for their gold teeth...They have a proverb which says that when the cat's away, the mice will play. But we are not mice, because we have to think about the future. Unlike mice. They are so happy that they do not think what will happen when cat returns. That means that we need an alibi and thus we need a diversion and the only person who is suitable to create one is our honourable Lady Tupper-Ware. I happen to have a plan which makes her the centre of attention while we are look around for valuables."  |
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Post by Belle Starr on Aug 27, 2018 5:35:40 GMT
As Atticus Batman caught my breath, he stood up and looked around seeing where he was. Then immediately contacted Lady Christianna via EGO saying, "Snow Angel it appears Belle and I are nowhere near the Crater anymore. So if it's not too late to save it then have Yvette contact the Sky-carrier and inform them that the threat has moved on, so it would be a waste of a mini-nuke and a meaningless act of war. Besides if the nuke is not dropped, then you and Yvette can go back to the Crater and retrieve her body. Actually...I am not sure where they moved to. Obviously Belle and her Volge have gone underground but I can not say for sure where they are going from there. So after you and Yvette get the mini-nuke called off, you better come get me. Then...just to be safe we better go to Shondu's. I will head that direction now and you can pick me up on your way to Shondu's once you and Yvette have gotten the mini-nuke stopped and reclaimed her body."
"S'okay," Replied Lady in her minimalist manner.
Atticus had just began his internal argument with his EGO psyche Dinara as he ran towards Shondu when his EGO channel with his wife activated again and he heard Lady's concerned voice ask, "Atticus?" before hearing a high pitched scream that he recognized as hers that mysteriously cut short as the EGO channel deactivated.
*****
As shock began to roll over Volodja Uljanov, Rosa Roderiguez ran down the ramp of Topnotch grabbing her lover Eren Niden's shoulder and exclaimed loudly, "Not HIM!"
The Indogene looked confused then uttered in exasperation before heading back up the ramp, "I will never understand what you humans mean by deception. Enough of this nonsense, I have a patient to take care of."
Rosa explained to the confused trio, "Whitney told us that her Synth All-Father had ordered The Crater to be nuked over Belle almost killing Brooke and that she would try to buy Atticus time. I thought if Eren told Whitney that Sandy was dead without telling Whitney the truth, it might give the All-Father pause - but it didn't work and Eren didn't quite understand the plan. it was pretty stupid in retrospect, but I was shooting from the cuff trying to delay another world war, so sue me."
Rosa grinned saying, "Bottom line: Sandy is fine, although a bit fragile in the middle, and she's waiting for you upstairs!"
*****
Laying in bed next to her lover Marcel Lestrange, Lena Marr grinned too, but a horribly wicked grin as she exclaimed, "Wait a second Pooh Bear! Why not take over this joint while the Protectors Prime are gone! That's a great idea and this would make a wonderful headquarters. I could hack into the system, splice together old tapes of Atty-Baby and he could order an evacuation of their troops, we move our people in, and easy-peasy, we have a new high-tech headquarters for our criminal enterprises!"
Lena grabbed Marcel's face on either side with chalk white hands and kissed him hard before saying with a huge smile, "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!"
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Post by Atticus Batman on Aug 27, 2018 11:14:19 GMT
As I caught my breath, I stood up and looked around seeing where he was. Then immediately contacted Lady Christianna via EGO saying, "Snow Angel it appears Belle and I are nowhere near the Crater anymore. So if it's not too late to save it then have Yvette contact the Sky-carrier and inform them that the threat has moved on, so it would be a waste of a mini-nuke and a meaningless act of war. Besides if the nuke is not dropped, then you and Yvette can go back to the Crater and retrieve her body. Actually...I am not sure where they moved to. Obviously Belle and her Volge have gone underground but I can not say for sure where they are going from there. So after you and Yvette get the mini-nuke called off, you better come get me. Then...just to be safe we better go to Shondu's. I will head that direction now and you can pick me up on your way to Shondu's once you and Yvette have gotten the mini-nuke stopped and reclaimed her body." "S'okay," Replied Lady in her minimalist manner. I had just began my internal argument with my EGO psyche Dinara as I ran towards Shondu when my EGO channel with my wife activated again and I heard Lady's concerned voice ask, "Atticus?" before hearing a high pitched scream that I recognized as hers that mysteriously cut short as the EGO channel deactivated. Hearing lady's scream, I turned on my heals and started running back towards the last place that I knew her to be, the Mill Valley Mines. Of course it would take me a long time on foot, even with blurr but I still had to head there anyway. However as I ran back that direction I did finally have Dinara open a channel with Kaj, Attila and Volo, in which I said, "Shtako has gone to hell! I have no idea if Lady and Yvette managed to get the All-father to cancel the mini-nuke drop on the Crater. Belle drove me out of it and then went underground abandoning me halfway to Shondu's, I lost contact with Kabule, and I just heard Lady scream over mic! Last I knew she was at Mill Valley Mines. according to Dinara the Chaos Demon's tracker says that the tank is still located in that direction but I am way to far for Dinara to pinpoint wether it is still at the Mines or if Lady moved it to the Crater...or if she was forced to abandon it somewhere between the two locations! So I am running that direction but it will take forever which means a daking ride would be nice! So you better get your asses in gear and come get me!"
The rest of the Three Post Apocalypse Rollermen were as antineat and anticlean as Volodja. Count Casannuendo was covered with the dirt so much that he actually reminded a walking and talking divot. And Smedley wasn't example of cleanness either. Everything told that those three men went through thick and thin and Hellbug swarms to reach Top Notch. And Afflicted swarms as well because Smedley examined his roller very carefully and then he removed a stuck limb and tossed it over the edge. "Hopefully we aren't too late," said Volodja with ill hidden worry. "It's really hard to catch up with events lately." Kaj was leaning against a weapons Vendor when Volodja and his group arrived while Attila was refueling the Raptor. So when Kaj heard Volodja, he started to walk over and said, "I hate to tell you this but things do not seem to be going well here from what I understand..." "I am afraid that you are," interrupted Eren Niden and then she told Volodja the bad news about Sandy. As shock began to roll over Volodja Uljanov, Rosa Rodriguez ran down the ramp of Topnotch grabbing her lover Eren Niden's shoulder and exclaimed loudly, "Not HIM!" The Indogene looked confused then uttered in exasperation before heading back up the ramp, "I will never understand what you humans mean by deception. Enough of this nonsense, I have a patient to take care of." Rosa explained to the confused trio, "Whitney told us that her Synth All-Father had ordered The Crater to be nuked over Belle almost killing Brooke and that she would try to buy Atticus time. I thought if Eren told Whitney that Sandy was dead without telling Whitney the truth, it might give the All-Father pause - but it didn't work and Eren didn't quite understand the plan. it was pretty stupid in retrospect, but I was shooting from the cuff trying to delay another world war, so sue me." Rosa grinned saying, "Bottom line: Sandy is fine, although a bit fragile in the middle, and she's waiting for you upstairs!" Kaj looked at Rosa puzzled and replied with, "Well a little heads up would have been nice. How ever I do understand the subterfuge, and Miss Niden's confusion. I do not get the constant need for deception either. Too bad it does not sound like it worked." Just then they got Atticus Batman's communique. So Kaj said to Volo, "That is not good and The Commander may need backup. So I will go with Attila. You go check on Sandy." Then as Kaj started to head to the Raptor, he stopped and turned back to Volodja saying, "How-ever Volo, it sounds like we may need more help. If you and your little biker group here are not up to joining in since Sandy is your main concern right now and for good reason, then as you are my commanding officer may I offer a suggestion for you to consider to get us backup?" When Volo gave Kaj the ok, Kaj continued with, "I know they are still back at Fortress K'shaa and Lena is still blind, but perhaps you should contact Lena and Marcel and ask that they come help us. Their home and main business operations are both located on this side of the Bridge as far as I know. So perhaps that will be enough incentive to convince them to come help. How-ever if it is not, I am sure the Prime Commander will pay them what-ever he offered earlier and possibly with some added tip or bonus thrown in given the situation. That is my suggestion but ultimately your decision to make. Now if you will excuse me, it looks like Attila is coming over to see what we are doing. So I better fill him in as he and I head back to the Raptor. So that the two of us can go pick up the Commander." Once Volodja had responded, Kaj nodded at Count Cassanuendo and said to the Liberata, "Count did you know that you look like a miniature Golem at the moment? it is an interesting look for you. Any-way you are free to get back on your ATV and accompany us if you desire. We can always use more help for a possible rescue party." With that Kaj walked over to Attila and filled him in. Then Attila and Kaj quickly went to where Attila had the Raptor parked, and after they got in, Attila immediately fired it up. Then they immediately headed towards where Attila's EGO had pinpointed Atticus' last known location to be; from tracking back his signal from his last communication with Attila, Kaj, and Volo just minutes earlier. |
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Post by Belle Starr on Aug 27, 2018 19:54:59 GMT
Suddenly the Chaos Demon' tracker went quickly north, faster than it could possibly move, then disappeared as it went out of range.
*****
Suddenly all the radios in Paradise went crazy with reports of Volge bursting from the ground and attacking Shondu's Consulate from inside the wall.
*****
Suddenly Lena Marr's eyesight was back, and with a wicked grin she told Marcel and said with a wicked grin, "Let's celebrate by taking over Fortress Kshaa - or as I like to call it, Fortress Lena!"
*****
Suddenly Atticus Batman received an EGO private communication from Captain Sandy Bell-Uljanov from her sick bed at Topnotch, saying in a strident if pained voice, "Atticus, don't you dare turn around after Lady! We'll find Lady later, I promise! Right now you need to get to Shondu's and stop Belle! She didn't kill me or Brooke or Yvette - but she could of! We don't know if she has killed anybody personally or if it was just the Volge on a killing spree! She still's in there... holding back! Get through to her! Only you can do it! Get Volo to help you! Get Kaj to help you! Get anybody you need to help you! You know Lady would agree with me!"
*****
Suddenly a Volge Trooper, smaller than most of his size, appeared in a teleportation haze in front of Atticus, holding both hands above his head in surrender, one holding a chicken.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Aug 28, 2018 12:19:20 GMT
Suddenly I received an EGO private communication from Captain Sandy Bell-Uljanov from her sick bed at Topnotch, saying in a strident if pained voice, "Atticus, don't you dare turn around after Lady! We'll find Lady later, I promise! Right now you need to get to Shondu's and stop Belle! She didn't kill me or Brooke or Yvette - but she could of! We don't know if she has killed anybody personally or if it was just the Volge on a killing spree! She still's in there... holding back! Get through to her! Only you can do it! Get Volo to help you! Get Kaj to help you! Get anybody you need to help you! You know Lady would agree with me!" I stopped dead in my tracks and responded to Sandy with, "Dak!For that matter she could have killed me but instead merely abandoned me between the Crater and Shondu's.....DAMN IT!....You know...I REALLY hate when you are daking right! Of course you are right that I must go to Shondu's even though I REALLY HATE the idea of not going after Lady first! I will get Kaj to help me as you suggest, heck knowing that big lug he is coming with Attila to get me anyway. However you also know Volodja will not come to help until after he is certain that you are alright! So you will have to be the one to send him to Shondu's. According to radio chatter Cooper already has some law-keepers on their way, and Captain Grant is sending some soldiers as well. I am sure I could contact Wild Jack and have him send some man but they most likely wouldn't get there in time to be of help since they are using broken down and outdated equipment. Who else is there? Everybody else is either already here somewhere or injured, or looking after the injured!" Suddenly a Volge Trooper, smaller than most of his size, appeared in a teleportation haze in front of Atticus, holding both hands above his head in surrender, one holding a chicken. Seeing Chicken Bob I finished my communication to Sandy with, "Dak and now Chicken Bob is once again haunting me! It looks like he is surrendering. So I better see what he wants just in case this is another daking trap!" After ending my private communication with Sandy, I said to the Volge trooper, "So we meet again. So how is this going to go? Are you here to teleport me to Belle?.." Bob just stared with hands still up so I continued with, "Are you a distraction for the Volge that is going to attack me?" Again with no response. So I ended with, "Damn it Chicken boy. At some point we really need to work on our communication! However I have a lot more important things to deal with than you! So if you are surrendering, then put your hands down and follow me!" With that I turned back around and headed back towards Shondu's, pissed that Lady was in trouble and extremely angry that I couldn't go to her aid right away, but Sandy was right that I had to do what was best for the territory and go to the Consulate and that Lady would also insist on me doing so if I were able to ask her. So towards the Consulate I walked, with Chicken Bob soon getting the idea and putting his hands down, then quickly catching up with me. So there we were walking quickly side-by-side a tiny Volge and an angry Irath/Grid hybrid until I stumbled slightly with Bob putting his empty hand out and gently stabilizing me. Then he let go and just looked at me, as if waiting for me to continue as if nothing happened. Looking at Chicken Bob, I said, "I doubt you understand or care, but keep this between us." Then I once again started walking, with Chicken Bob once again walking by me. Not long after, a Raptor passed us with an ATV beside it. Then stopped just ahead of us and Kaj hopped out of the back of the Raptor. Seeing me he said, "Your ride is here. Looks like you picked up a walking mate Commander. So where to now and is he coming along?" I glanced at the Raptor's cockpit seeing Attila behind the wheel as I had expected, then looked at the ATV and realized it's Liberata driver must be Count Cassanuendo. THen I glanced over at Bob as I said to Kaj, "He surrendered so I suppose so. Besides the back is plenty big enough for both of your big asses." I then looked at Chicken Bob and gestured to the back of the Raptor as I walked towards it. He watched closely for a few seconds then after seeing Kaj climb in back, Bob seemed to get what I wanted. So he walked over and he and his chicken got into the Back with Kaj. I walked over to the front of the Raptor and said to Attila, "We are heading straight into the Demon's claws...Shondu's Consulate. However first I need to make a call to see if I can get us some more party crashers." With that I used my helm's hailer to place a call. After a few seconds a female voice answered and said in a sugary-sweet tone (that I could tell she didn't really mean at the moment), "What do you need me to do, Atty-baby? ...For a price of course." I responded with, "Well it seems blindness hasn't affected your mood or thirst for money any. Anyway I am calling because there is a party going on at Shondu's Consulate as we speak and I am inviting you and Marcel to join me and my group in crashing it. Not only will you get the fun of crashing a Belle Starr party that you weren't invited to, but as an incentive for the two of you to get there as quickly as possible I will start by offering the earlier-mentioned double the usual field pay, hazard pay and reimbursement plus another 15%. However I am still NOT in the mood for anymore of Marcel's 'negotiations', so instead I will just sweeten the pot by also throwing in another 30%, but ONLY if you two get there while the 'party' is still in full swing. As for how you two will get there fast, I have an idea about that as well. Taffer's old chopper is still on the helipad. He appears to have removed it's weapons before his abrupt departure. However it's engines still work. So you can use it to get to Shondu's, as I am sure Marcel is more than capable of piloting the thing even in it's current condition." After Lena's response, I disconnected my hailer-call, then I jumped into the navigator's seat at the front of the Raptor. As soon as I was in, I glanced back towards the Crater and Mill Valley mines, Before I reluctantly but ultimately gestured towards the Consulate. So Attila quickly started the Raptor moving towards Shondu's Consulate, with the Count on his ATV keeping up with us the whole time.
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Post by Belle Starr on Aug 28, 2018 15:42:18 GMT
Belle Starr tented her fingers leaning on Ara Shondu's desk as she sat in Ara's seat with Ara herself seated uncomfortably in the guest chair in Ara's office at the Shondu consulate.
Belle looked with cold blue diamond eyes at the Castithan Matriarch like a cat looks at a cornered mouse as Ara asked nervously, "Why are you doing this Belle? I thought we are friends?
Belle snorted once loudly before exclaiming, "Friendship is for the weak! I need no friends! As to why... I'll tell you what my rapists told me at my first ark fall when I asked why - because I can!"
*****
At Topnotch Toolworks, Sandy Bell-Uljanov struggled with getting her fatigue pants on as she sat on the side of the bed while Eren Niden, her Indogene doctor regaled against the stupidity of humans particularly this one.
"Yeah, yeah," Answered Sandy in a pained voice before leaning down to get her boot and keeling over onto the floor.
*****
Chicken Bob was bored sitting in the back of the Raptor while Atticus Batman called Lena Marr, so to relieve the boredom he made his chicken teleport from one hand to the other and back again.
*****
Answering the com in the diabolical duo's quarters in Fortress Kshaa, Lena Marr said in a sugary-sweet tone, "What do you need me to do, Atty-baby? ...For a price of course."
Atticus Batman responded with, "Well it seems blindness hasn't affected your mood or thirst for money any. Anyway I am calling because there is a party going on at Shondu's Consulate as we speak and I am inviting you and Marcel to join me and my group in crashing it. Not only will you get the fun of crashing a Belle Starr party that you weren't invited to, but as an incentive for the two of you to get there as quickly as possible I will start by offering the earlier-mentioned double the usual field pay, hazard pay and reimbursement plus another 15%. However I am still NOT in the mood for anymore of Marcel's 'negotiations', so instead I will just sweeten the pot by also throwing in another 30%, but ONLY if you two get there while the 'party' is still in full swing. As for how you two will get there fast, I have an idea about that as well. Taffer's old chopper is still on the helipad. He appears to have removed it's weapons before his abrupt departure. However it's engines still work. So you can use it to get to Shondu's, as I am sure Marcel is more than capable of piloting the thing even in it's current condition."
"Damn, like you said Pooh Bear, the money is too good," Muttered Lena under her breath then as she regained her composure speaking sweetly again, "I can see again, thanks for asking! Anywho, we'll be there but we get to keep Taffer's copter after the shindig! Call it punitive damages for you damaged my sweetie's reputation as a businessman by dissing his negotiations. Deal?"
After her conversation with Atticus which ended with Lena saying, "We'll be there or be square," she began getting dressed and readying her weapons but once that was done, Lena turned to Marcel with a wicked grin shouting, "To the Bat-copter!
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Aug 29, 2018 4:48:52 GMT
"Every time you are planning a decent takeover, someone definitely has to call," said Marcel Lestrange. "They always aim their calls to the time you are taking a shower or taking over an enterprise. I heard that before the was salespersons had at least decency to call you only when you were in the bathroom, not when you took over. From the other side - the precedent is created and we can seize that opportunity to obtain some real when Protectors leave this place in the future. Now to the business which turned out to be actual. Who is going to fly this thing? If you want to do it then it will be fine by me."
Marcel made a mental note to look for that opportunity when time is right again. And then use it and seize the fortress by it's walls. The note was mental indeed because usually Marcel Lestrange did not like to leave behind physical or even written evidence about his...mmm...activities. There were exceptions, like legal papers of ownership or legal contracts, but the point was - they were legal and enabled Marcel to squeeze scrip out from those enterprises. Evidence was good when it was used against THEM not against Marcel. Enough of that now!
_________
"Upstairs?" asked Volodja Uljanov. "I'll be there right away. The Count will be...on his way to the roller?"
"Yes," confirmed Casannuendo. "This is your wife we are talking about and I think that you should have some privacy. Especially when I heard that Brooke got hurt. It means the this thing became personal, so I will join the rest of the team to get even. The bigger they are..."
"The harder they might stomp on you. Be careful," warned Volodja his friend. "Especially when this mission is...complicated because it is not pure retaliation one."
"Don't you worry." The grin in Count's dirty face opened wide. "What about you, Smedley? Do you feel like stomping on some feet?"
"I wish I could, Sir," sighed Smedley. "I had the honour to be the junior boxing champion once. But young Master Volodja might need my help here."
"We'll be fine, Smedley. Go ahead and enjoy the thrill," said Volodja and then he run upstairs. where his wife struggled with her boots.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Aug 29, 2018 11:30:23 GMT
After Lena's response, I disconnected my hailer-call, then I jumped into the navigator's seat at the front of the Raptor. As soon as I was in, I glanced back towards the Crater and Mill Valley mines, Before I reluctantly but ultimately gestured towards the Consulate. So Attila quickly started the Raptor moving towards Shondu's Consulate, with the Count and Smedley on his ATV keeping up with us the whole time, for while I was on the hailer with Lena Smedley had caught up to us offering his help as well. When we eventually got to the crossroads leading to the only path to Shondu's consulate, I had Attila stop the Raptor and both ATVs stopped as well. When I got out of the Raptor, Kaj said, "So what is the plan Commander?" I responded with, "All of you wait her, until you see Taffer's...well I guess it's now Lena's daking chopper, approach." Kaj responded with, "And what about you?" I turned towards Count Cassanuendo and said, "My I borrow your Raptor?" The COunt responded with, "Of course. It belongs to your security pool anyway." I said gruffly, "Good then I won't have to feel bad if it doesn't survive." Kaj said, "Survive? Do we want to know what you are planning?" As I got on the ATV I replied with, "It's quite simple. All of you will wait here with the Raptor and other ATV. If Marcel and Lena land the chopper here, then you can all approch together using whatever plan Marcel puts together on the fly. However if they choose to land in the COnsulate Compound that will be your signal to advance on the compound. If any law-keepers or E-rep have gathered around you by that time, then bring your whole daking makeshift-attack and-rescue-squad." Attila responded with, "Got it we are the backup and will lead what ever backup arrives when the time is right, and if Marcel and the lovely Lena decide to land by us instead of going directly to the COnsulate, we let the schemer come up with our plan of attack. At least that sounds like it could be fun and less likely to get us killed than just running in without a plan might." Kaj chuckled and said calmly, "Yes I agree Attila. Speaking of which, Atticus you still haven't told us just what you are planning to do." As I started the ATV that the Count handed over to me, I replied very curtly with, "That's simple. Belle will obviously be expecting me and I have questions for her concerning Lady's distress call and disappearance and she most likely had the gate closed by now....." Then I said more angrily, "Therefor I am going to knock extremely hard and blast it open! I am TIRED of treating her with kid gloves, so if needed I will just beat Lady's location out of her before Belle or I take the other down and NOBODY is going to stop me or get in my way!!" Attila responded with, "Well alrighty then." I ignored him as Kaj responded with, "Well at least they will know who is at the gates with that approach as no body else seems to have your flair for an entrance except maybe for Lena." As Kaj said that, I switched the ATV into gear and stomped on the gas, speeding straight towards the Consulate gates. As they came into view it was quite clear that I was right about them being closed. So I slammed on the brakes, pulled out two frag grenades and lobbed them at the gates. Then I slammed on the gas again. Just after they hit the gate and exploded blowing it open, my ATV came driving through it and slammed into the Consulate's wall ahead.As the Volge watched the ATV coming in and then slamming into the wall, they didn't see a driver on it. However they walked over and examined the now very damaged ATV and Consulate wall anyway as it didn't don on them that it may have just been a diversion to draw their attention away from the now-open gates. You see what they didn't know is that I jammed the ATV's throttle open, and as the grenades exploded blasting the gates open and covering the area with smoke and some debris, I rolled off of the ATV as it reached the walled entry. So after it slammed into the wall, I had taken cover against the wall right outside the open gate. Then after waiting a few seconds, I peaked in. Seeing that my plan succeeded in distracting the Volge, I cloaked then made my way around the building to Ara's rear office. THen I jumed through an open window. After rolling a couple feet I jumped to my feet. THen I approached the desk currently occupied by Belle. As I walked towards the desk, I snapped extremely angrily, "Where the Dak is she Belle?! WHERE IS LADY?! HOW DARE YOU LET HER LEAVE ONLY TO KIDNAP HER ONCE YOU HAVE FORCED ME AWAY FROM HER LOCATION!!!" My cloak slowly flickered off as I was walking towards the desk yelling my accusatory question at Belle, only adding to the dramatic affect of my approach, with me very forcefully slamming an armored fist down onto the desk in front of Belle when I did get to it. |
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Post by Belle Starr on Aug 29, 2018 13:49:58 GMT
When Volodja Uljanov entered the room at Topnotch, his wife was still on the floor trying to get her boot on while whispering through teeth clenched in pain,"Owowowowowowowowow..."
Her doctor, Eren Niden stood above her with her hands on her hips looking on helplessly but saying in a matter-of-fact way, "You are going to pull your stitches and ruin all my good work. You are a terrible patient."
Sandy Bell-Uljanov stopped doing what she was doing as soon as she saw her husband and said with a broad grin on her tan face, "Hi honey! Will you please help me get dressed? I have to get to Shondu's estate before Atticus and my niece destroy the place - and kill one or the other in the process."
*****
At Fortress Kshaa, Marcel Lestrange said, " ...Now to the business which turned out to be actual. Who is going to fly this thing? If you want to do it then it will be fine by me."
"Sure Pooh Bear," Exclaimed Lena Mar then added with a wicked smile, "Then you can snipe Belle with a head shot from above! I like it! What a great idea!"
After a dramatic ride to Shondu's estate, their copter sailed past the Protector's convoy to hover over the Shondu Consulate whereupon Lena yelled to be heard over the Copter's engines, "I can see Belle through the skylight! Take the shot Pooh Bear! Take the shot!"
*****
As Atticus Batman walked towards the desk, he snapped extremely angrily, "Where the Dak is she Belle?! WHERE IS LADY?! HOW DARE YOU LET HER LEAVE ONLY TO KIDNAP HER ONCE YOU HAVE FORCED ME AWAY FROM HER LOCATION!!!"
His cloak slowly flickered off as he was walking towards the desk yelling his accusatory question at Belle, only adding to the dramatic affect of his approach, with him very forcefully slamming an armored fist down onto the desk in front of Belle when he did get to it.
Ara Shondu in the guest chair on the other side of the desk visibly jumped but Belle did not move a muscle although a look of confusion briefly crossed her beautiful pale face, then staring at Atticus with cold blue diamond eyes she stated calmly, "I have no idea what you are talking about. I haven't seen Lady since she ran out of The Crater, and I assume she followed your instructions and took refuge in your tank. I don't have her and none of my Volge have her either!"
Then Belle added with a cruel smile, "You can't blame me if you can't protect you own family! Lady is probably dead - just like Erika! You couldn't save your sister - my best friend - so why do you think you could ever keep Lady or your children safe! Monsters never preserve life - they only destroy it! And you are as great a monster as me Atticus! You know it, I know it, and all those around you know it!"
Belle gestured towards the trembling Ara and the fear in her yellow eyes as they flicked to Belle and then Atticus not diminishing as they did so proving Belle's point for her.
*****
In Belle's EGO, Alfred laughed before saying to Kabule, "See! Belle is finally getting into her true role as conqueror! With every passing second she becomes more fit to rule not only this world but the universe! You sure you don't want to join us? I can even put your mind into a War Master if you would like sheer physical power."
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Post by Atticus Batman on Aug 30, 2018 11:11:49 GMT
Then Belle added with a cruel smile, "You can't blame me if you can't protect you own family! Lady is probably dead - just like Erika! You couldn't save your sister - my best friend - so why do you think you could ever keep Lady or your children safe! Monsters never preserve life - they only destroy it! And you are as great a monster as me Atticus! You know it, I know it, and all those around you know it!" Belle gestured towards the trembling Ara and the fear in her yellow eyes as they flicked to Belle and then Atticus not diminishing as they did so proving Belle's point for her. I growled, "Everyone already knows I am a daking monster! So that is a moot point! The point is Lady is missing and the one person that can help me find her and that she and I both consider a sister would rather be a controlling bitch that has lost who she truly is, while her father or inner-Volge call the shots! However I tire of figuring out just how to get you back but I have learned over the years that even a monster can protect their own when needed and Lady needs ME so it is time for this to end one way or another! Now I never thought I would be saying this to you but....Death sends his regards!" With that I vaulted over the desk and grabbing Belle tightly around the neck I slammed her back into the wall as I heard a copter overhead. However I ignored it as I unsheathed my pistol, released it's safety and cocked it's trigger as I swiftly raised it to Belle's head. Then I growled, "Shondu get your daking ass into your safe-room NOW and do NOT come out for either of us!"
In Belle's EGO, Alfred laughed before saying to Kabule, "See! Belle is finally getting into her true role as conqueror! With every passing second she becomes more fit to rule not only this world but the universe! You sure you don't want to join us? I can even put your mind into a War Master if you would like sheer physical power." Kabule responded with, "Yes and Atticus is starting to give into his inner rage and showing just why he became the Harbinger of Death. So now the question appears to be who will ultimately win their little embrace of power. Your conqueror or my destroyer? However you should remember Atticus is a strategist and chess player. So he probably set a couple of alternate plans into action before he went all Harbinger of Death on Belle-doll. Besides even if I am trapped here, I am perfectly happy as an incorporeal Irathiant and would not wish being cursed to be a Volge on my worst enemy! There is good reason why all the other Votanis races tried to leave the Volge behind when they left our home worlds behind, which we have already seen countless times today mostly thanks to you and Belle-doll. Of course you could always change your mind as well, and return this pearl back to Belle. Then she can vanquish the intruding Volge and spin it so it looks like she was only pretending to lead them until the opportunity to put them down presented itself. Then she would once again be a hero of the people like she has always wanted, and the only ones that will know the complete truth will be you and me, a secret between two scientific minds."
Down at the Crossroads not far from Shondu's another of those backup plans Kabule had mentioned was coming together in the form of Kaj's group, as they spotted the first backup plan in the form of the helicopter.... Seeing the helicopter hovering over Shondu's consulate, Attila said, "Looks like our signal but what's the plan?" Kaj glanced at the chopper and with his advanced occular implants he could see the glimmer of what he assumed was Marcel's sniper rifle. So he said, "We move forward. If our Copter-sniper does not take a shot by the time we get to the Consulate, then we go through the open gates locked and loaded. While Atticus keeps trying to talk reason in to Belle or moves her to where our Diabolical Duo can take the shot, we focus on saving any in the compound that we can. Meanwhile if the Volge retaliate to our intrusion, then we draw their fire away from their hostages and kill any Volge that we have to. Then once the hostages are safe and any attacking Volge dealt with, we go to our Commander's aid." Attila responded with, "And our Volge captive?" Kaj said calmly, "Sounds like he sought Atticus out specifically to surrender. So he would likely prefer not to fight. Besides I know what it is like to be different than the others of your kind. So we let him choose whether he wants to get out right here and wait for who ever wins to come retrieve him, or if he wants to go with us so he can go try to help Atticus talk sense in to Belle." Attila responded with, "And if he doesn't understand what we are currently saying?" Kaj replied with, "Then he stays in the back of the Raptor and goes in with us. Either way we he chose since inaction is it's self still an action, and we do not have time to debate it any further. Smedley follow close behind us and use the Raptor as your shield. Count you can either hop in the Raptor or on the back of Smedley's ATV. It does not matter which as we are all going to the same place." Once it was sorted, the vehicles both started towards Shondu's Consulate to begin Kaj's plan of action. |
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Post by Belle Starr on Aug 31, 2018 8:30:29 GMT
"....Death sends his regards!" Said Atticus Batman in Ara Shondu's office at the Shondu Consulate. With that he vaulted over the desk and grabbing Belle tightly around the neck he slammed her back into the wall as he heard a copter overhead. However he ignored it as he unsheathed his pistol, released it's safety and cocked it's trigger as he swiftly raised it to Belle's head. Then Atticus growled, "Shondu get your daking ass into your safe-room NOW and do NOT come out for either of us!" Belle smiled coldly as her blue diamond eyes watched Ara scramble out of the room and out of sight. Then quick in a blur her hand darted grabbing his gun hand and with one pale forefinger against his trigger finger pushed it firing the gun. Atticus watched the bullet go into her temple as a small trickle of blood went down her freckled cheek. However the bullet soon was pushed out by a blue spike and the skin healed as blue spikes grew all over her body like a sea urchin, many of them piercing his body through his armor but none fatally. They seemed to hit nerve clusters to give him maximum pain, but missed all major organs as if by design. As Atticus reflexively let go of Belle's neck, her other hand grabbed the hand that had been around her neck and whispered hoarsely, "You forget - I've slept with Death! Even before that, we were very intimate friends! I even gave him my baby!" . As Belle retracted her spikes and took on her usual form, Belle threw Atticus out of the plate glass doors towards the gazebo in the courtyard and the ocean beyond. As he landed in the dirt, Belle pulled and activating her charge blade before dancing after him. While he regained his composure and stood up, she danced a complex ballet around him her blue diamond eyes glazed as she appeared to be entranced in her own beautiful movements. Bizarrely as she danced, the tiny withered body of her dead miscarried baby swayed from where it was tied around her neck on a hangman's noose. "You know, Vo loved to watch me dance," Belle reminisced in hushed tones, a single tear going down her other freckled cheek, "Long before we really met, he enjoyed watching me dance on the roof of the Bug N' Chug as a mechanic there. He's gone now. The Bug N'Chug is gone now. Erika is gone now. Lady is probably gone now. Entropy is inevitable Atticus. The universe is always headed towards death and disorder, so why fight it? Join me Atticus! You owe these people, humans and Votans both, nothing! As the Harbringer of Death, you should want to accelerate entropy, shouldn't you think? Join me!" Meanwhile in the Raptor, Chicken Bob reached over and touched Kaj Oenfer gently on the wrist and in a flash of teleportation, they both disappeared from the back car seat to reappear seconds later in the Gazebo in Ara's courtyard. As such, they had a perfect position to see Belle's dance and Atticus' reaction to her office, while the sounds of helicopter above could be heard. _and_Echinometra_viridis_(Reef_Urchin_-_bottom).jpg)  In Belle's EGO, Kabule said, "...Of course you could always change your mind as well, and return this pearl back to Belle. Then she can vanquish the intruding Volge and spin it so it looks like she was only pretending to lead them until the opportunity to put them down presented itself. Then she would once again be a hero of the people like she has always wanted, and the only ones that will know the complete truth will be you and me, a secret between two scientific minds." Alfred snorted in derision and didn't even deign to answer working diligently above his chemistry set, but the seemingly brainless automaton that was MOM's body and which was serving drinks surreptitiously held our her hand to receive Belle's black pearl of self-restraint from Kabule. |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Aug 31, 2018 11:51:16 GMT
As I reflexively let go of Belle's neck, her other hand grabbed the hand that had been around her neck and whispered hoarsely, "You forget - I've slept with Death! Even before that, we were very intimate friends! I even gave him my baby!" As Belle retracted her spikes and took on her usual form, Belle threw me out of the plate glass doors towards the gazebo in the courtyard and the ocean beyond. As I landed in the dirt, Belle pulled and activating her charge blade before dancing after me. While I regained my composure and stood up, she danced a complex ballet around me her blue diamond eyes glazed as she appeared to be entranced in her own beautiful movements. Bizarrely as she danced, the tiny withered body of her dead miscarried baby swayed from where it was tied around her neck on a hangman's noose. I stated, "I have been through hell and yet I still live and unfortunately, I forget nothing! Not even my conversations with Death and other gods! I can even tell you what color of nail polish you had on back on the Freedom when you gave me that Hershey bar." As she danced around, I drew my own blade as she once again started talking. "You know, Vo loved to watch me dance," Belle reminisced in hushed tones, a single tear going down her other freckled cheek, "Long before we really met, he enjoyed watching me dance on the roof of the Bug N' Chug as a mechanic there. He's gone now. The Bug N'Chug is gone now. Erika is gone now. Lady is probably gone now. Entropy is inevitable Atticus. The universe is always headed towards death and disorder, so why fight it? Join me Atticus! You owe these people, humans and Votans both, nothing! As the Harbinger of Death, you should want to accelerate entropy, shouldn't you think? Join me!" I responded with, "That is the circle of life my dear Blue Eyes, for entropy leads to chaos and chaos leads back to order thus the cycle continues in an infinite loop. So there will ALWAYS be a place for a Harbinger of Death, which means a Harbinger of Life will always appear somewhere as well! Hell even with your destruction at the Bug', the building still stands and several risked or gave their lives to save children that were present! So even in the midst of destruction people heroically risked it all so a younger generation may live, and live they are. An act that you would have once done! However now, something has altered who you are and you aren't thinking rationally enough to realize it! You know, I was told once that; 'You either die a hero or you live long enough to see yourself become the villain.' That has never applied to me for I started a villain and will never be a true hero for death and destruction will always be a part of who I am. However it seems both now apply to you. Although history has also shown that even the greatest of villains can become heroes in time....and you forget something about me in your grief!..." As I said that, I purposely stepped towards one of her blade swings so the searing blade hit me in one of the vulnerable spots that her spikes had made in my armor. Behind my mask I clinched my teeth as I focused on the ensuing pain and allowed it to overtake me. Then my eyes started glowing white and my whole aura started glowing a bright white. Then I filled her in on what she forgot, by saying, "..Pain and anger only fuel my power!" I then sidestepped a blow meant for my head as I said, "And another thing you forgot....I know how to watch and time most of my moves just right while also planning a few steps ahead!" Then as she started another sword swing, I delivered a mighty uppercut with my free hand right to the base of her chin causing her to stagger back. As she caught her balance and resumed her complex dance, I watched her closely and as I timed her moves and before long I threw my blade into the air just as she neared me again. Then I leapfrogged over her and as I landed I spun back around to face her as she once again worked on re-catching her balance. As Belle turned back towards me, I proved my timing statement, for at that moment my sword came back down towards the ground blade first. However just as it got below my chest level I swung my sword-hand forward and grabbed the hilt of the blade. Then just as quickly, I flipped the blade around just in time to deflect Belle's next sword blow with it.
Meanwhile in the Raptor, Chicken Bob reached over and touched Kaj Oenfer gently on the wrist and in a flash of teleportation, they both disappeared from the back car seat to reappear seconds later in the Gazebo in Ara's courtyard. As such, they had a perfect position to see Belle's dance and Atticus' reaction to her office, while the sounds of helicopter above could be heard. Kaj watched in suspense as my blade had gone into the air and I leapfrogged over Belle, before catching my falling blade all in a matter of seconds. Just then he saw a scared woman hiding near where Belle and I were fighting. So the big purple Bio-man quickly ran to the woman and scooped her over his strong shoulder. Then he quickly carried her over to the Gazebo and set her down gently as he said, "Do not be scared. You are much safer with me than you were over there. Just stay down and do as I say and I will get you out alive."
In Belle's EGO, Kabule said, "...Of course you could always change your mind as well, and return this pearl back to Belle. Then she can vanquish the intruding Volge and spin it so it looks like she was only pretending to lead them until the opportunity to put them down presented itself. Then she would once again be a hero of the people like she has always wanted, and the only ones that will know the complete truth will be you and me, a secret between two scientific minds." Alfred snorted in derision and didn't even deign to answer working diligently above his chemistry set, but the seemingly brainless automaton that was MOM's body and which was serving drinks surreptitiously held our her hand to receive Belle's black pearl of self-restraint from Kabule. Kabule glanced at the MOM-aton's hand for a few seconds before shrugging as he thought, "What the hell. It's worth a shot." Then as he watched Alfred, Kabule reached over and grabbed a bottle of booze from MOM-aton's tray and sniffed it as if he were checking to see if he could find a trace of poison. In the meantime he secretly held the pearl in that hand. So as he brushed across Mom's hand, he covertly placed the pearl in her hand. He then put the bottle back on the tray, and instead reached into his pocket and pulled out his cigarillo case. Then he proceeded to remove and light one, before returning the case to his coat's inner pocket. As Kabule smoked his cigarillo he watched Alfred and said casually, "You know adding too much of that pain-blocker will cancel out the affects of the anger inducing chemical in your other test tube. Although as you are the book-smart scientist, I assume you already know that." |
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