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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Sept 13, 2018 8:07:49 GMT
"It means that we do nott have breakfast," said Marcel Lestrange. It was not exactly a question but more like a statement. "And lunch. And dinner. At least if senior management don't fulfil their demands," confirmed Wolfram von Eschen, repeating young Ciph's words. "This is a trouble indeed!" exclaimed Marcel Lestrange. "YOU must do something and fast!" "Me?" asked Wolfram von Eschen. "Of course. Your staff, your kitchen. Not mine (words after that pair remained unsaid because "At least for now," would have have been inappropriate. Inappropriate in that sense that it might make Protectors to worry about changes in the management level). I am just a hungry house guest. So is Lena. We both deserve a decent meal," explained Marcel before he went where stove and shelves were. "Aren't you going to do at least something about it?" Wolfram asked. "Or are you going to wait until I fix everything?" "Actually I am doing that something right now. An omelette for Lena and myself. French omelette, of course. One can not make an omelette if one does not break eggs," replied Marcel. "If I was you then I would think about those words of wisdom."  |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Sept 13, 2018 11:41:42 GMT
Jalina listened to Marcel and WOlfram as she waited for the OK for her to make Micfi Atika and herself something to eat. However instead Wolfram and Marcel continued their conversation. "Aren't you going to do at least something about it?" Wolfram asked. "Or are you going to wait until I fix everything?" "Actually I am doing that something right now. An omelette for Lena and myself. French omelette, of course. One can not make an omelette if one does not break eggs," replied Marcel. "If I was you then I would think about those words of wisdom." Finally Jalina said, "Doctor as you sometimes fill in in the War Room, wouldn't that make you the command officer here? Besides it sounds like Chief Lebeau's command decision is that they do not give into threats. So if I understand mother's military knowledge correctly, that would mean that he would just enact a food ration policy and have MREs brought into the Mess for the one or two cooks not giving into the strike to serve. So before that happens I am going to make some sandwiches to take back to Atika and Micfi in the Brig." With that Jalina went about making sandwiches and heating soup on a burner that Marcel wasn't already using. Once she had finished making the soup and sandwiches, Jalina placed them on a serving dish and covered them with the closhe. Then she returned to the Brig to give the food to her friends and eat with them. She wasn't expecting what she heard when she entered the Brig. She wasn't actually sure what to expect exactly. However she knew she didn't expect that Micfi would be somewhat calmly sitting in her cell singing in her high-pitched childish voice while Atika just smiled and listened to her.
Back in my home bunker, I was looking through my weapons to decide which ones to use until Attila returned to base with my main arsenal. As I did so Lena continued working on his tracker as her and I discussed ways to improve it. WHile that was happening I suddenly got an EGO call from Remy Lebeau saying, "Commander, Kaj said you are back on base and not a moment too soon. It seems that somebody started a strike among the kitchen staff. However not to worry, I already ordered a requisition officer to take MREs down to the Mess. We have more than enough for the base to live on those for awhile. Altough I do know dat Ralph still be wantin ta work an' is not part of de strike. He jus' would rater not get involved. So he will not be workin til de strike be resolved." I responded with, "And what exactly are you doing to end the strike?" Remy responded with, "My former training says no'ta negoshiate wit terrorists or strikers, so dey should be locked away or trown out. However most a'dem be livin 'ere and our base won' function right if we be doin dat to residents, friends an' fam'ly. So noting yet. I would rater further assess de sitiation first. 'Sides I was informed Doc'tr Von Eschen be goin ta de Mess ta figure out dise issue. So I was hopin dat Doctor Von Eschen would be handlin it so I won' be havin ta send security in." I sighed and responded with, "Very well. Hold security back a while longer and I will contact Doctor Von Eschen and see if I can get the ball rolling." After ending my EGO conversation with Remy, I contacted Wolfram via EGO saying, "Wolfram, this is Atticus. I will not tolerate strikes and extortion. So my first instint is to give those stirkers one hour to get their shtako together, and if at that time they still insist on this strike, then I would have security escort all of those ingrates out of the base and throw all there asses out. However thanks to others I have learned that that may not always be the best option. So in this case I am certain that if Erika were alive she would tell me to try to be reasonable and also to send in a negotiator to talk to the strike's mouthpiece to see if the Negotiator can come up with something that both sides would agree to. So that is exactly what I will do instead of doing it the way I would have in the past.
Of course my go-to negotiator would be Volodja, but I understand he still isn't back. However he always talks about how great you are at understanding the human mind and that you are the best in your field. So it occurs to me that our best negotiator is already in the Mess hall, even if he hasn't realized it yet. I will put it simply Wolfram, you are our best negotiator, are already in the Mess, and are on a first name basis with most of the kitchen staff. So as you are already there and now our acting Negotiator, please talk some sense into those strikers before security does feel the need to get involved. See if you can come up with some reasonable demands. Remember I am NOT known for being either reasonable nor patient. So do remind them not to try my reason-ability or to test my patience unless they just want fired and replaced.
However I am back on base and currently in my bunker talking to Lena. However I can back back to talk to her more later. So I just need to check with the sitter to make sure the twins are doing alright. Then I will be there shortly to hear what REASONABLE things you have come up with to negotiate with me, after you have listened to their demands. However we do also need to set an example. So whichever member of the kitchen staff that started the strike will work for the next two weeks on the meager pay that E-rep would give their kitchen staff and will also work the lowest rank position in our Mess during that time, instead of the already good pay and medical coverage that I currently give them. Then if that person is still working for me at the end of two weeks, they will get their salary raised up to be the same as everyone else in that position here. At that time they will also have a chance to get their old position back if Ralph, our Head Cook, feels they have earned that position back. Understand me? Good. Then see you soon for negotiations...or firings." With that, I ended the very-one-sided-EGO conversation with Doctor Von Eschen. Then I turned to Lena and said, "It appears we must continue this discussion later. So I will leave you to your work while I go deal with another issue on the daking base." With that I grabbed a side-arm and holstered it on my side. Then left my basement carrying my new helmet. Once upstairs I contacted Stephanie and asked about the twins with her telling me that it was going well. So I hung up, then put on my new helmet and headed to the Mess to see what Wolfram has come up with to handle the daking Kitchen-strike. |
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Post by Lena Marr on Sept 13, 2018 13:34:04 GMT
Lena Marr didn't look up from her work as she said with a wicked grin to Atticus Batman before he left the basement, "Soooooo... you gonna just leave me alone here with all yer good stuff? You know what they say, when the cat's away, the... cooler cat will take all his best fish!"
*****
Micfi Newlo crossed her skinny arms tightly across her slight chest frowning then seeing how when she did little clouds of dust flew up from her shirt made her frown grow, she remarked, "This won't do for a person of MY station!"
Micfi immediately stripped her outer clothes off her eleven year old body not caring who was watching either in person or via the cameras. She stood in her underwear covered in little cartoon ponies soaking a washcloth in the sink before she sponge bathed then took a clean sheet off the jail cell's cot making a makeshift toga for herself with the excess material thrown over her shoulder like a long cape. Micfi then walked confidently to the bars of her cage and smiled like a jungle cat at Atika Constantine.
"Serve the Mistress of Mischief or die miscreant!" Growled Micfi like Atika was on the wrong side of the bars instead of herself.
Rendered speechless by Micfi's brazen act, Atika shook her head vigorously "No."
Micfi sighed as her small shoulders slumped muttering, "That should have worked," Then her chalk white face brightened and her child's sweet sweet smile re-appeared as she ordered Atika with a flourish of her cape, "Well, then tell your Master that the Mistress of Mischief, the Caretaker of Chaos, the Dominatrix of... um... the Dominated... requires his immediate presence to negotiate his and all his minions' terms of unconditional surrender! Tell him he has little time for earlier today when I was not being spied on I found a Dark Matter Singularity Bomb and I have set it to blow up in... well now...," Micfi held up one small hand and began counting on her fingers with her other as she continued, "Divide by two, carry the one... I'd say about an hour!"
*****
In Topnotch Toolworks, Sandy Bell-Uljanov cuddled comfortably in the crook of her husband's arm saying in a lazy manner, "I hope everything is going okay at Fortress Kshaa... I wonder if I should check in with Kaj - scratch that Volodja, let's just enjoy ourselves!"
Sandy wiggled her shoulders to get even closer to him, wincing only slightly from her wound.
*****
North of there, the shortest Synth Sister Ruby abandoned the car she had stolen from the Shondu Consulate, taking her high-powered sniper rifle that was almost as long as she was tall from the back seat. A small Synth Empire jet was waiting for her, and as she boarded the synth pilot asked in the All-Father's voice, "Mission?"
"Mission accomplished! As you asked, I disguised my signature so no one will know it was me. Miss Starr is not hurt permanently, but is out of the equation for now and should be in one place recovering until the deal is made," Reported Ruby wanting to ask more but knowing that the best way to find out the All-Father's plans was to wait until he was ready to tell her which he would sooner or later.
Once her sole passenger was safely aboard, the small stealth-jet was soon flying north to the Synth science outpost in Sacramento.
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Post by Wolfram von Eschen on Sept 14, 2018 6:44:18 GMT
Wolfram von Eschen was stuck between an anvil and a hammer. Or should he say a cycle and a hammer and and anvil? But that wasn't the classical opposition of the ruling and working classes. When too think about it then that classic opposition was born in heads of members of the middle classes anyway. Karl Marx as as bourgeois as a man can be. Engels was a capitalist par excellence because he owed a factory and history annals were delicately quiet about him sharing fruits with proletarian work with proletarians in his factory. Instead of that he shared profits with his friend Marx so he could avoid working in the classic mean of getting a job. Lenin was born into wealthy middle class family and despite studying law, his actual professional career lasted counted times. Mao Zedong was a son of a self made man who became one of richest farmers in Shaoshan. Castro was also a son of a wealthy farmer. Che Guevara was also member of the middle class - a doctor who instead of curing people enjoyed mass shootings and such. Despite of being an aristocrat, Wolfram von Eschen had been working hard on his professional field of psychiatry and that is why he was closer to so called "oppressed masses" than your typical non working middle class revolutionary who's theoretical works produced millions of dead people in practice. He was also close to one Powers Hapgood - an American trade union organizer, Socialist Party leader who was a Harvard man who actually went and unlike most of so called revolutionaries actually worked as a miner before getting involved with union movement and who's political work didn't produce millions of dead people. Now Wolfram von Eschen found himself delivering bad news to the people because he was well aware of suggested measures of breaking the strike. He wasn't afraid of responsibility but he yet decided to call a fellow aristocrat and a fellow negotiator, Volodja Uljanov who was also a supporter of peaceful and reasonable solutions to consult with him because sometimes two minds are better than one. _________ "I see," replied Volodja Uljanov who shared an intimate moment with his wife and fellow Commander Sandy Bell-Uljanov far away from the Fortress K'Shaa. He spent a moment to think about the issue and said: "I think that you already know the solution which is formulated by a so called "Rich Dad", Robert Kiyosaki. He was your coeval and quite well known." "You mean the one about habits...?" asked Wolfram von Eschen to make sure that they share the same idea. "Yes" confirmed Volodja and both men at different ends of the communication line grinned simultaneously. "Kitchen trouble in Fortress K'Shaa," told Volodja to his wife. "If you want to return there right away after hearing the news, then I have to improvise a bit. And Organize." _________ We return to the fortress now. In the kitchen Wolfram sat behind the negotiation table and stared his opponents on the other side. the rest of striking kitchen personnel gathered behind their leaders. Before cracking them as suggested by Marcel Lestrange, Wolfram von Eschen allowed himself a wicked grin and then he said: "There are few solutions to this issue we are handling right now. There are also different tactics and one of those is to appeal to your better selves and try to reason with them. Unfortunately you know that I am not a very good and kind person but a mean old man and that is why I don't tell you how good is work for the common good and how emotionally rewarding it can be. Instead of that we are talking in terms of simple economy. As a first thing allow me to quote Robert Kiyosaki about whom you haven't heard but that doesn't mean that he hadn't a valid point. Kiyosaki said:  Now we are going to show how this quote is connected with our current issue because we are going to look how much money you spend on living in Fortress K'Shaa. Food - nil! Water - nil! Rent - nil! Electricity and other communications - nil! Safety - nil! Taxes - nil! You spend practically nothing on living which means that every penny you earn, you are able keep and are free to save it or spend to other means than fulfilling your basic needs! Verstehen? We have really efficient level of social security here. If you were living outside then you would see how hard is to keep a penny because if you don't spend it on for or water then someone is going to rob you or you need to buy guns and ammunition to protect tour earnings. And all we demand from you in return is that you work so your fellow Protectors may enjoy those fruits of your efforts along yourselves. We live practically in communism here, except few important details. And one of those is a freedom of choice. Unlike revolutionaries we don't decide what is the best for working class without consulting them. We respect your freedom of choice instead making you following our choices. That is why I think that those who aren't happy with the present arrangement of things may actually leave and try their luck outside if they want. But I also suggest to think about those things I said, people, before doing anything else. Just think about them. It's all I ask you to do." |
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Post by Atticus Batman on Sept 14, 2018 11:29:06 GMT
Lena Marr didn't look up from her work as she said with a wicked grin to Atticus Batman before he left the basement, "Soooooo... you gonna just leave me alone here with all yer good stuff? You know what they say, when the cat's away, the... cooler cat will take all his best fish!" On my way out, I said calmly without looking back, "FIrst I am a Bat, not a daking cat. Second you and I both may enjoy our 'who's security methods are better?' game, but that does not include the things I truly do not want you near. Third I know that all the different high-tech gadgets that are on my work station will keep your interest for quite awhile..." Then I stopped and stepped back and opened a series of tool chests on the wall near my main work bench and continued with, "However if those ones aren't enough to interest you or aid you in making that device to find Lady, then the stuff in these tool chests will...Besides Chicken Bob already took all of my fish before he brought me home." Then I had continued on my way, and checked with Stephanie about the twins before heading to the Mess hall. As I reached the Mess Hall's main door, so did one of the Quarter Master's staff with a trolley loaded with crates of MREs. So I opened it for the person and they wheeled the MREs in. as That was happening, I heard Wolfram saying, "Now we are going to show how this quote is connected with our current issue because we are going to look how much money you spend on living in Fortress K'Shaa. Food - nil! Water - nil! Rent - nil! Electricity and other communications - nil! Safety - nil! Taxes - nil! You spend practically nothing on living which means that every penny you earn, you are able keep and are free to save it or spend to other means than fulfilling your basic needs! Verstehen? We have really efficient level of social security here. If you were living outside then you would see how hard is to keep a penny because if you don't spend it on for or water then someone is going to rob you or you need to buy guns and ammunition to protect tour earnings. And all we demand from you in return is that you work so your fellow Protectors may enjoy those fruits of your efforts along yourselves. We live practically in communism here, except few important details. And one of those is a freedom of choice. Unlike revolutionaries we don't decide what is the best for working class without consulting them. We respect your freedom of choice instead making you following our choices. That is why I think that those who aren't happy with the present arrangement of things may actually leave and try their luck outside if they want. But I also suggest to think about those things I said, people, before doing anything else. Just think about them. It's all I ask you to do." I also heard several replies from the kitchen staff. So as the staff member was getting ready to hand out MREs to whoever came in for food, I walked up behind Wolfram in my frightening new armor and added, "Doctor, you forgot to mention that we also have the best Medical staff in Paradise and it costs them nothing as well." Then as all the striking staff stepped back slightly from my menacing appearance, I looked at the strike leaders and said sternly, "Also several of you also have families that live here as well. So think about their well-being as well. However if you really want to leave, you know where the door is....and I will even give every person or family that leaves a gun and several rounds of ammo, as well as some MREs and canteens."
Micfi Newlo crossed her skinny arms tightly across her slight chest frowning then seeing how when she did little clouds of dust flew up from her shirt made her frown grow, she remarked, "This won't do for a person of MY station!" Micfi immediately stripped her outer clothes off her eleven year old body not caring who was watching either in person or via the cameras. She stood in her underwear covered in little cartoon ponies soaking a washcloth in the sink before she sponge bathed then took a clean sheet off the jail cell's cot making a makeshift toga for herself with the excess material thrown over her shoulder like a long cape. Micfi then walked confidently to the bars of her cage and smiled like a jungle cat at Atika Constantine. "Serve the Mistress of Mischief or die miscreant!" Growled Micfi like Atika was on the wrong side of the bars instead of herself. Rendered speechless by Micfi's brazen act, Atika shook her head vigorously "No." Micfi sighed as her small shoulders slumped muttering, "That should have worked," Then her chalk white face brightened and her child's sweet sweet smile re-appeared as she ordered Atika with a flourish of her cape, "Well, then tell your Master that the Mistress of Mischief, the Caretaker of Chaos, the Dominatrix of... um... the Dominated... requires his immediate presence to negotiate his and all his minions' terms of unconditional surrender! Tell him he has little time for earlier today when I was not being spied on I found a Dark Matter Singularity Bomb and I have set it to blow up in... well now...," Micfi held up one small hand and began counting on her fingers with her other as she continued, "Divide by two, carry the one... I'd say about an hour!" Atika bit her lip to keep from chuckling. Then she said, "Sorry but it isn't likely that he will listen. Chief Lebeau doesn't give in to threats from would-be terrorists and the only time you weren't in my sight was when you were crawling through those vents. However I know there are sensors in them so security did catalogue your every location, and I am quite certain that between Commander Batman's and Chief Lebeau's security sweeps there were no singularity bombs in the vents. However I will contact Chief Lebeau and inform him of your threat." With that Atika notified Lebeau of Micfi's threat and Lebeau replied with, "Well den..tell de spoiled bébête (roughly translated to: little beastie or brat) dat we will be seein her in de aft'rlife since de only location she coulda possbly placed a bomb was in de vents dat she crawled trou, which means dat since she be under a vent, she be in de direct blast. Of course dat only be if she even 'ad a bomb hidden on 'er dat de medical staff din't discover an' remove while she was in deir care." Hearing that, Atika frowned, then said to Micfi, "I really hope you are bluffing because he definitely won't be giving in. He also wanted me to point out that the only place you could have placed a bomb unsupervised is in the vents, and that your cell is directly under one as you know. So that means if this place goes so will you...but come on Micfi! I thought we were friends and you are NOT acting like a friend at the moment. In Chief Lebeau's words you are being a spoiled brat...and I am guessing that if your aunt or the Commander were here then you would be getting your little butt spanked. So please quit being a brat and go back to being the sweet kid I enjoyed shopping with and being friends with last night!"
Back in the Mess I received an EGO message from Lebeau warning me of Micfi's threat even though he was certain it was just an empty threat from a spoiled brat that is upset that she couldn't get away with whatever she was planning. So still standing next to Wolfram, I said to him through an EGO link, "Wolfram, it sounds like Micfi is back in the brig and is now claiming to have a bomb in the base even though Lebeau is certain that she is lying as children do. So I better go to the Brig and deal with it. That little brat is really asking for a daking spanking and I plan on giving her just that once I have assessed her bomb threat!" Then I said out loud, "You know where I stand and it looks like we are already passing out MREs while you make your decisions on whether you want to stay on the payrolll or leave and be replaced. Wolfram it looks like you can handle this while I go take care of a much more important matter....You know to ensure the safety of all that choose to live and work here." With that I turned and walked briskly out of the Mess. Not long after, I slammed open the door to the brig and commandingly walked into the room. Seeing my forceful entrance and menacing outfit, all three girls jumped slightly. Then I glared at the bars and said, "Look child, I would not surrender to Micor or the Mistress of Judgment so there is no way I will surrender to your pathetic demands. Instead I have a counter-offer. You tell me if this bomb truly exist and if it does you tell me it's location and you will just continue to sit in 'time-out' until your aunt returns, and I will even have Atika go get you some clean clothes. However if you refuse, then we will find the bomb without you IF it exists. If we find it without your help then you will be handed over to the Law-keepers and I already warned you children criminals. However if we don't find it and are still standing in an hour.....then I WILL bare your bottom and give your spoiled ass the spanking that you so deserve! I would never put up with such behavior from my children. So I will NOT put up with it from my 'niece' either! Especially when you are old enough to know that your actions can have severe consequences, not only to others but also to you! You were good yesterday evening and for that Lady allowed you to go on a shopping trip with Jalina and Atika that I apparently paid for which I was fine with since you are 'family' and proved you deserved it, and you repay that kindness with this? Do you really want to go back to being under Micor's 'unloving care' that bad?...And just for the record, little Caprice is already quite the Mistress of Mischief, perhaps more so than you, and she can't even really talk much yet."
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Post by Sandy Bell on Sept 14, 2018 12:49:56 GMT
"Kitchen trouble in Fortress K'Shaa," told Volodja to his wife. "If you want to return there right away after hearing the news, then I have to improvise a bit. And Organize."
"Yeah, I guess there is no rest for the wicked," Said Sandy Bell Uljanov sitting up beginning to pull on her clothes.
"If you could help me with my boots," Sandy said in pain as she pulled on her fatigue trousers, but Volodja noticed a growing splotch of crimson that spread quickly in the front of her fatigue shirt as he watched.
*****
"Thank you Pooh Bear!" Lena Marr exclaimed happily as her lover Marcel Lestrange brought her the omelet he specifically made for her.
As she consumed it hungrily, Lena explained with her mouth half-full, "I think I have got the long range detector calibrated to the Bat-Tank's unique energy signal all ready; just need to get it to the highest point in the area and we should be able to detect the tank from the War Room if it is anywhere in the state of California!"
*****
Atticus Batman said to Micfi Newlo as she glared at him from the jail cell with her skinny arms tightly folded against her slight chest, " ...Do you really want to go back to being under Micor's 'unloving care' that bad?...And just for the record, little Caprice is already quite the Mistress of Mischief, perhaps more so than you, and she can't even really talk much yet."
What Atticus said enraged the eleven year old as she held up one thin chalk white forefinger as she screamed loudly with the whites showing around her yellow eyes, "There is only ONE Mistress of Mischief - ME!"
Just then Dr. Orion ran in out of breath and gasping, "I have... very important... information for you... Commander!"
The short Liberata gestured for Atticus to bend over so he could whisper in his ear saying when Atticus did, "The Inquisition's nanites had a fail safe. Once disabled, each of them released a compound into the child's bloodstream! It's the same formula as that that was in Lady's bubblegum that made her a power-mad Egomaniac - only hidden at the atomic level and ten times the potency!"
"I am NOT an Egomaniac! I don't even HAVE an EGO!" Yelled Micfi balling up her small fists and shaking them at the ceiling.
"It also enhances her senses - including hearing," Informed D. Orion, still whispering even though it would do no good.
"Not only do I have a Singularity Bomb, but also a trained swarm of Killer Butterflies that will strip the flesh off your bones in seconds! Attack my beauties! Bwa HA ha!" Commanded Micfi in a royal tone as she gestured her invisible troops to attack.
"And causes delusions as well," Whispered Dr. Orion into Atticus' ear.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Sept 15, 2018 11:19:42 GMT
"It also enhances her senses - including hearing," Informed D. Orion, still whispering even though it would do no good. "Not only do I have a Singularity Bomb, but also a trained swarm of Killer Butterflies that will strip the flesh off your bones in seconds! Attack my beauties! Bwa HA ha!" Commanded Micfi in a royal tone as she gestured her invisible troops to attack. "And causes delusions as well," Whispered Dr. Orion into my' ear. I quietly said to Orion, "And do you think you can counter that if she were back in your care?" He said quietly, "Yes but...the nanites also enhance her aggression, so she isn't likely to allow us near her." I said very quietly, "I see. However I Am sure that you have learned from having difficult patients...such as myself, to not come without some sort of backup plan." Doctor Orion grinned as he reached into his lab coat. Then he pulled out a syringe and showed it to me with his back to Micfi, so she wouldn't see it, as he quietly whispered, "Just enough knockout serum to put her down despite the nanites affects, but not enough to hurt her. Now the problem is getting close enough to inject her with it. Although I may have that covered as well." I held out my hand and doctor Orion's tiny hand slipped it into my huge hand. As I said quietly, "A syringe dart! You sneaky bastard. So there is no reason to get close enough." Doctor Orin said quietly, "Yes but I am afraid that if we point a dart gun at her, she will mistake it as a real gun in her delusional state and trigger the nanites to pump more drugs into her system. So we do not want to give her a chance to react in that way." I responded with, "Then keep the gun. I have another way." He raised one of his huge furry brows and sighed out, "Which is?" I said, "simple, I play along with her delusions." Then I stood and as Micfi continued to order her 'flesh-eating butterflies' to attack me, I played along as I said (trying to sound afraid which is heard for a man that is normally the one to instill the fear), "Oh no! Not Flesh-eaters! What will I ever do?! Oh I know, I will just surrender! Then will you please call off the flesherflies?" However as I acted like I was raising my hands to do so, I shifted the syringe dart around in my huge hand and threw it. With a perfection designed from years of throwing knife practice, it punctured the skin of her neck and injected her with the knockout serum before her nanites had a chance to be further agitated. However as she grew extremely sleepy and laid down on the cell's cot, Micfi muttered and started slurring her words as the drug kicked in, "Not fair playin a mean trick! I am the Mist...Misht..Mishtresh of Mishchif, not a pin cushhhon! Shooo not nishe a'tall!!" Within moments after her head hit the pillow, she was asleep. So I opened the cell door and said to Atika and Jalina, "Atika carry her to the Infirmary and stay with her as you promised my wife you would. I better return to the Mess to see how Wolfram is handling the food-strike." As Atika gently picked up Micfi and carried her to the Sickbay with Jalina and Doctor Orion accompanying her, I contacted Remy Lebeau via EGO saying, "Remy I still agree it isn't likely that there is a bomb, but continue to have a security team sweep the vents for one just in case she did place something in them....Even if it is just a dinner roll or surgical pad that her delusional mind had her convinced was a bomb." Then I returned to the Mess, not sure what the state of the negotiations would be in when I entered. |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Sept 15, 2018 13:44:28 GMT
"Couple of broken stitches," stated Eren Niden after examining Sandy's wound. "I will have to sew it again. Since you both seem to have problems with following simple instructions which are necessary for healing, I will have to warn you that next time I will borrow some metal wire and use it to make necessary stitches. Lay down and don't move and if Mr. Uljanov wants to make himself useful then he may assume the role of a nurse."
Uljanovs weren't sure if Eren Niden was kidding or was she serious and actually they didn't want to find it out so they did as they were told. Eren Niden cleaned Sandy's wound once again and then begun to sew it as she promised. At least she didn't used wire. Yet. Volodja assisted. He even wiped a sweaty forehead. His forehead, by the way, because he imagined how much pain Sandy must have been experiencing when she tried to get dressed.
"Done!" said Eren after awhile. "She stays in bed until I say differently. The best stance for this particular patient is horizontal. Not vertical. Unless you have an ambulance car hidden somewhere, you can't transport her. As long as I saw the only thing you have is an ATV."
Uljanovs switched glances. Volodja could see hint of expectation in Sandy's blue eyes. It was almost she was asking if Volodja had an ambulance in his pocket. Volodja's brown eyes told her that at moment he hadn't, but if she wants get as far as possible from the Top Notch then he will find one, no matter how impossible it seems, because he has pocketful of dreams. And ideas.
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Post by Attila Constantine on Sept 16, 2018 10:52:49 GMT
Not far from Shondu's Consulate Attila had removed his armor and was diving in the water looking for any sign of Atticus Batman or Belle Starr in the water while Smedley stayed on land monitoring the area using the Raptor's scanner. As that was happening, Attila's hailer rang. So Smedley being used to such thing answered it saying, "Young Master Constantine's hailer. This is Smedely how can I be of service?" From the other end Kaj responded with, "This is Captain Kaj Oenfer. Commander Batman has returned to Fortress K'shaa and Miss Starr has left on a walk-about. So we are calling off the search. Now please put Attila on." Smedley responded with, "Of course sir." Then he yelled out, "Master Constantine a Captain Oenfer is on your hailer! He has called off the search as the missing have been found. However he would like to speak to you right away!" Hearing that, Attila swam back to shore. Then walking back to the Raptor he said, "Thank you Smedley." Then after accepting his hailer that Smedley was offering back to him, "Attila said over it, "So the search was called of, huh Kaj?" Kaj replied with, "Yes. So now I need the two of you to return to the Consulate and check on the ATVs. I will contact Torc Mok at Headlands and see about having him pick them up and deliver them back here for us. Then do please stop by Top Notch and check on Sandy and Volo. Their Hailers appear to be turned off and Miss Niden refuses to give them a message as Sandy needs her rest. Some thing about how she will not stay still and keeps popping her stitches." Attila responded with, "Alright. I think we can handle both of those tasks. However if Erin Niden gets upset at me for bothering her patient, then I am making sure she knows that you sent me to do so." Kaj replied with, "Very well. Just make sure they are fine and then come back if they do not need you for any thing." After saying their goodbyes, the two hung up. Then Attila and Smedley climbed back into the Raptor and headed back up the road to Shondu's COnsulate. After they arrived Attila checked on both ATVs and moved them to a save and secure location on the Consulate grounds for Torc or his men to retrieve them. As he was doing that Smedley came up to him and said, "Here you go Mister Constantine. I took the liberty to get you a towel to better dry off with." Attila smiled as he accepted the towel and said, "Thank you Smedley but please call me Attila. Now as the ATVs have been secured for pickup time go check on Volo and his lovely bride." Smedley agreed so after Attila used the towel to sdry off, they returned to the Raptor and Attila put his shirt and VOlge Engineer armor back on. Then after Smedley returned the towel to where he had borrowed it from, the two climbed into the Raptor and headed to Top Notch. When they got there, Attila asked to see Sandy and VOlodja. However Erin insisted that, "Sandy shall not be disturbed for she needs her rest." Attila responded with, "I understand that, but I was ordered to not only see how she is doing, but also to see if she or Volo need anything before my companion and I head back down south to Fortress K'shaa. So if I can not go in and talk to them, will you please go inform Volodja that I am here to see if they need anything before he go. We will be waiting here until I have talked to him personally." Erin said, "Very well." Then she went back to Sandy's room and said, "Volo an Attila Constantine is here with that nice Mister Smedley to see if you two need them for anything, and they will not leave until you have talked with them. I have learned from Rosa that it is good to have such caring and stubborn friends. Even if it can be annoying. So I suppose you should go talk to him." |
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Post by Sandy Bell on Sept 16, 2018 16:18:24 GMT
While Smedley, Attila Constantine, and her husband, Volodja Uljanov, stood over Sandy Bell-Uljanov's bedside, she commanded as she sat up, wincing in pain, "Get me back to Fortress Kshaa, any way you can! That's an order! I need to be in the War Room there - even if it's on a cot!"
Sandy sighed seeing the look of puzzlement on their faces, except for Smedley who always seemed to have a poker face probably because of working for Aunt Agatha all these years, so she explained, "Lady Christianna is missing. You all know how our fearless leader acted the last time she went missing! If he loses control again - well, he could be more of a problem than Belle ever could be! The Protectors already have a black eye over this whole Belle-Volge-incident. I want to be in the War Room if things go south with Atticus again - pronto!"
*****
At the highest point of Fortress Kshaa, Lena Marr attached her cobbled radar device to an antenna there then looked at her data pad and frowned exclaiming to no one in particular, "Oh, shatko! Atticus isn't going to like this one bit! The bat-tank is smack dab in the middle of the Forbidden Zone!"
*****
In the infirmary lab at Fortress Kshaa, Dr. Orion looked from the electron microscope and slapped his forehead with one small furred hand exclaiming at the precisely same time as Lena had, "Shatko!" Then nervously called Atticus Batman on his com, "Atticus, Micfi Newlo is going to need a complete blood transfusion to get the Inquisition's nanites completely out of her system. Not a problem really, but she has a rare Castithan blood type. Problem is I ran it through both our's and the Paradise clinic's data blood bank and only one name came up for that blood type - don't yell, I'm getting to the point - the name is Lena Marr! In the whole area, only Lena Marr has the blood type we need for the child!"
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Sept 17, 2018 6:00:50 GMT
"First you have to lay down on you cot, Sandy," said Volodja. "It's not an order but a suggestion. Then Smedley and I will carry you to the Raptor. After all - we can't let good old Atticus to wander around as a hurricane because damages might be...Well, compared to those I caused in that cabbage field when I took a short cut, they would be huge. And possibly irreversible. I managed to pay for the inconveniences I caused, right away when we passed the farm house, but I seriously doubt that compensating is on the top of Atticus's "immediate things to do" list."
"The young master Volodja paid for those cabbages, Madam," confirmed Smedley. "He might have been even overly generous, I might say, because the farmer yelled that he could drop by any time he needs to. What would be the further orders, Sir?"
"Have you been in the army service, Smedley? There is something in your stance that hints me that."
"Of course, Sir. Sergeant in PWRR (Princess of Wales's Royal Regiment), Sir."
"You were a "Tiger," Smedly. Good to know. Do you remember your days in the drill square?""
"How can I forget it, Sir? These were the days, Sir."
"Good. We take this cot between us as a stretcher and then we march to the Raptor. I am sure that arranged fluctuation is more comfortable for Sandy to bear than a chaotic one. Choose your place, Smedley."
"I'll lead, Sir, if you are not mind. Maintaining an eye contact with your wife is something you should do yourself, Sir. Besides walking onwards with hands in front of you is more comfortable, Sir. Ready when you are, Sir."
Both men went to their ends of Sandy's cot and grabbed it.
"My apologies, Madam, for making you see my backside but I have to see where we are going," apologized Smedley. "Shall we go?"
"Yes!" said both Uljanovs in unison and the cot begun to move. Rhythmically as if they were carrying it on a military parade.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Sept 17, 2018 11:34:50 GMT
In the infirmary lab at Fortress Kshaa, Dr. Orion looked from the electron microscope and slapped his forehead with one small furred hand exclaiming at the precisely same time as Lena had, "Shtako!" Then Doctor Orion nervously called me on the com, "Atticus, Micfi Newlo is going to need a complete blood transfusion to get the Inquisition's nanites completely out of her system. Not a problem really, but she has a rare Castithan blood type. Problem is I ran it through both our's and the Paradise clinic's data blood bank and only one name came up for that blood type.." I snapped, "What the dak fo you mean there is only one match? WHy the daking HELL do you NOT have it stocked and just who the dak is..." Doctor Orion cut me off with, "Don't yell, I'm getting to the point - " I gruffly snapped, "Then make it faster!" Doctor Orion sighed undeterred, "The name is Lena Marr! In the whole area, only Lena Marr has the blood type we need for the child!" I growled, "Great just daking great! Look she is busy at the moment and once she has located Lady, we may need her and Marcel's expertise. So you better be daking sure about this!" Doctor Orion snapped back, "And have I EVER been wrong about my diagnoses before?" I stopped and took a breathe, then responded with, "TOUCHE! So can you just keep Micfi sedated or put into our Omec cryo-pod until a more opportune time?!" Doctor Orion replied back adamantly with, "I would have to do more tests to be sure but I have already had to give her a second dose of the sedatives as it is and it would not be safe to give her more. As for the cryo-tube, I do not know enough about how the Omec's med-tech works to have a definite answer for that without more tests! Now must I remind you that we are talking about a child or that she is Lady Christianna's niece which also makes her your..." I cut him off with, "My niece. I know that! And before you say it, Yes I know Lady would want me do all that I could to save a child and especially family even if it means not taking a full team to rescue her wherever she is!....Fine! I will see how Lena is doing with her current task and apprise her of Micfi's situation and see if I can get her to report to you! Just remind Atika that she promised to stay by Micfi's side until Lady has returned!" After I disconnected the com call, I punched the wall right outside the Mess Hall as I snapped, "Dak, Dak, DAK! When it daking rains, it daking pours acid around here!" Some personnel who were already giving me a wide birth thanks to my newest outfit, down right vacated the area during my outburst. Taking a couple of deep breaths, I realized the corridor had become emtier than a ghost-town. However it didn't actually bother me as I pulled out my Hailer and contacted Lena's hoping that she would answer and already have progress to report to me, as I was about to ask her to take herself out of an upcoming battle and instead help Micfi. When Lena answered she said, "Hey Atty Baby! perfect timing as usual!" I gruffly responded with, "I hope that means you already have a daking location." Lena said, "Of course I do Atty Baby! I am the best after all, even if I wouldn't of had access to all your wonderful gadgets! However you aren't going to like it." I said angrily, "And just what god-forsaken cesspit of hell is my destination this daking time?!" She replied with, "Oh big words from you! Something must have your blood boiling for you to spit those out given your tone! So what is it Atty Baby?" I replied gruffly with, "Lena! Lady's location!" She said, "Ooooh yeah where was I...Oh that's right telling you of the god-forsaken cesspit of hell that your tank can be found in. Well I am afraid you won't like the answer because it's 'Forbidden'!" I growled, "Lena!" She replied with what? It is Forbidden, as in the Forbidden Zone! Nobody get's my humor!" I replied with, "Alright well then please have Hope give the exact co-ordinates to Dinara because I...Dak I am NOT going to do this over Hailer! Where are you at the moment?! Other than somewhere on the roof according to Dinara." She responded with, "Oh not far! I am sure you can find me for I am in a place where your kind likes to dwell!" I responded with, "My kind?! As in Worried husbands, pissed Commanders, Aggravated killers, or Enraged Harbingers of Death?!" She responded with, "No silly! As in bats!" I replied questioningly with, "A place above where bats dwell? So in one of our belfries?" She giggled and said, "You got it in one Batsy! Get it, because you are a BAT-man! Anyway see ya soon!" I was already heading towards the roof as soon as Dinara had told me that Lena was most likely somewhere on our rooftops. So after I hung up my hailer, I finished going up to the roof. Then I located the 'belfry' that Lena was still sitting on as she adjusted her device. After entering the belfry and climbing to it's highest floor, Lena swung into the room through an open window, and standing in front of me said< "Well now there's definitely a Bat in the Belfry! So what other important thing did you need to ask me in person Atty Baby? Love the new suit by the way." I took a deep breathe, before finally saying, "I have a favor to ask you, not for me but for a child that has suffered through more than she deserves much like you and I did at her age. You know that Lady's niece is now in our care. Well it seems that not only has Micor hurt her badly in the past, but he has injected her with very nasty nanites. So nasty in fact that she needs a complete blood transfusion in order for Doctor Orion to save her from her evil uncle's most current dastardly attack. Lady would want us to do everything in our power to save her niece. So I was hoping that you would be willing to stay here and save Lady's niece while I take a team to save Lady. I would prefer Marcel go with us as I could use a man of his talents to watch my back just in case I need to hack into something since you won't be there to do so, but if you want him to stay here with you while you help Micfi, then I won't object to that. So what do you say Lena? And I promise that if you do so, then once Wolfram has gotten the kitchen staff to end their strike, I will have them get you your favorite ice-cream and then later when you can have a full meal, they will make you whatever dish you request."
Back at Top Notch, Smedley said, "I'll lead, Sir, if you are not mind. Maintaining an eye contact with your wife is something you should do yourself, Sir. Besides walking onwards with hands in front of you is more comfortable, Sir. Ready when you are, Sir." Both men went to their ends of Sandy's cot and grabbed it. Attila said, "In that case I will...inform Erin that we are taking Sandy back to Fortress K'shaa where Doctor Orion will make sure she actually gets her rest...even though it sounds like that isn't actually going to happen. THen I will back the Raptor up to the stairs. So you can just slide her cot right into the back, and we can go as soon as Erin has ensured that Sandy's cot is securely in place." With that Attila, opened the door and slid a doorstop into place, so the others wouldn't have to fight with the door. Then he located Erin Niden of what was going on. Of course she wasn't happy about, and said she was going to have a stern talking to with her patient. However Attila was sure that in this instant, Sandy would most definitely win that battle of the wills. So as Erin Niden went up to confront Sandy and stop Volo and Smedley from taking her patient anywhere without clearing it with her first, Attila went down to where he had parked the Raptor. Then after starting it up, he backed it right up to the stairs as promised. "My apologies, Madam, for making you see my backside but I have to see where we are going," apologized Smedley. "Shall we go?" "Yes!" said both Uljanovs in unison and the cot begun to move. Rhythmically as if they were carrying it on a military parade. |
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Post by Sandy Bell on Sept 17, 2018 15:56:18 GMT
At Topnotch as they secured Sandy Bell-Uljanov on her cot to the Raptor she yelled back to her Indogene doctor, "Thanks Eren, but you know how it goes: When duty calls, well... it calls!"
Then turning to the driver of her ambulance shouted with a grin, "Wagons...ho!"
*****
In the infirmary of Fortress Kshaa, Dr. Orion sighed seeing that Micfi Newlo was awake again in the quarantine room. He and Atika Constantine watched through the observation window as the eleven year old Castithan ran around trying to catch in the air butterflies only she could see. The young girl apparently caught one and gleefully held her cupped hands out towards the window for them to see her empty hands.
"See, even flesh-eating butterflies can behave," The child advised with an innocent smile, "If you treat them nice!"
The a pretty pout crossed her chalk white face as she added sadly, "But treat them mean enough and sooner or later they are going to bite you in your behind."
Micfi's yellow eyes got wide as a white tear began to fall down her rounded cheek when she confessed, "And that's why so many mean things happen to me. I've been a bad, bad girl - done horrible things. Doesn't matter I didn't want to. Only matters that I actually... at the end... started to... like... doing 'em. That's why Uncle Atticus has to punish me... maybe even kill me."
Micfi sat cross-legged on the floor, petting the non-existent butterfly with one small forefinger smiling once again before throwing her hands into the air as if letting her delusion fly away.
*****
In the belfry at the top of Fortress Kshaa, Atticus Batman said, "...So what do you say Lena? And I promise that if you do so, then once Wolfram has gotten the kitchen staff to end their strike, I will have them get you your favorite ice-cream and then later when you can have a full meal, they will make you whatever dish you request."
Lena Marr said, "Hmmm... let me think Atty-Baby," Then threw her sky blue eyes heavenward as she placed the tip of her chalk white forefinger into the corner of her lush lips before saying with a wicked grin, "A little below my price range but... ya got a deal! Pinkie shake?"
After they pinkie shook, a serious look haunted by bad memories overtook Lena's pretty face as she whispered to Atticus as if afraid someone might overhear her confession, "Ya know, I would have done this one for free... don'tcha?"
Atticus could tell from the pleading look in her eyes that if he didn't admit that he knew she had "good" somewhere deep inside her she might never try to find it again.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Sept 18, 2018 11:55:30 GMT
At Topnotch as they secured Sandy Bell-Uljanov on her cot to the Raptor she yelled back to her Indogene doctor, "Thanks Eren, but you know how it goes: When duty calls, well... it calls!"
Then turning to the driver of her ambulance shouted with a grin, "Wagons...ho!"
Sitting behind the wheel of the Raptor turned ambulance, repiled with, "You got it and I promise I will try to take it nice and easy. Smedley as you are riding up front in the scout position, take my pistol. Just in case there is something in front of us that needs shot."
Once everyone was secured and ready, Attila listened to Sandy, and drove the Raptor down the ramp leading out of Top Notch. Then he headed back towards the Golden Gate Bridge and Fortress K'shaa beyond, taking it as easy as he could while still going as fast as Sandy wanted him to.
In the infirmary of Fortress Kshaa, Dr. Orion sighed seeing that Micfi Newlo was awake again in the quarantine room. He and Atika Constantine watched through the observation window as the eleven year old Castithan ran around trying to catch in the air butterflies only she could see. The young girl apparently caught one and gleefully held her cupped hands out towards the window for them to see her empty hands.
"See, even flesh-eating butterflies can behave," The child advised with an innocent smile, "If you treat them nice!"
The a pretty pout crossed her chalk white face as she added sadly, "But treat them mean enough and sooner or later they are going to bite you in your behind."
Micfi's yellow eyes got wide as a white tear began to fall down her rounded cheek when she confessed, "And that's why so many mean things happen to me. I've been a bad, bad girl - done horrible things. Doesn't matter I didn't want to. Only matters that I actually... at the end... started to... like... doing 'em. That's why Uncle Atticus has to punish me... maybe even kill me."
Micfi sat cross-legged on the floor, petting the non-existent butterfly with one small forefinger smiling once again before throwing her hands into the air as if letting her delusion fly away.
Watching Micfi, Atika of course felt bad for the sad little girl. So she removed her jacket, pistol, and boot knife and set them beside Doctor Orion. Then she said, "Doc, I know she is still under the influence but that girl really needs a hug right now. Besides I know you will lock the re-door behind me once I enter the room, and you can always call Commander Batman or security if something happens in there."
Doctor Orion responded with, "I am not really sure that is a good idea but I can tell you are going to go to your friend wether I allow it or not. So I don't see a reason to argue with you since the Commander and Lady did put you in charge of the young Lady's care while they are away and can see in your eyes that you won't listen anyway. Besides the Commander implied he would be here soon with Miss Marr. So you just need to comfort her for a little while until we can help her rid her body of Micor Newlo's influence."
Atika replied with, "I know the risks Doc. However she needs a hug and needs to know that she does still have a friend looking out for her despite how she currently feels."
With that Doctor Orion reluctantly opened the door into the Quarantine room and let Atika in. Then he immediately re-bolted it shut behind her.
Then Atika slowly approached Micfi as she said, "Relax Micfi. Yes you were are bad girl. Yes you enjoyed it which is bad. However it wasn't your fault. You do regret it and feel bad about it, and you know you deserve to be punished for your bad actions. However I promise nothing you did was bad enough for your Uncle Atticus to even consider killing you. Yes he may be a monster, in his own words. However despite how he may have been treated in his past, I have seen on occasion that he does genuinely care about others when he feels they deserve it...
..and I may not have known him that long and he might deny it, but I have come to realize that he always feels that kids especially kids with a rough past such as yours or mine do indeed deserve to have somebody care about them. Even if it is a monster such as himself. Besides I doubt we could ask for a better protector, and yes in some ways role model. I mean he stands behind his beliefs but will change them if they are proven wrong in some way. He is a very tenacious leader, and he ALWAYS puts everything on the line to protect those under his care."
With that Atika sat down beside Micfi and gently put an arm around the young girl in a sisterly manner, and then gently hugged her as Atika smiled and said sweetly, "So since your flesh-eating butterflies are being have and I enjoy your company as I do the company of all my friends and family, mind if I sit here and keep you company while the adults have their medical discussion?"
In the belfry at the top of Fortress Kshaa, Lena Marr said, "Hmmm... let me think Atty-Baby," Then threw her sky blue eyes heavenward as she placed the tip of her chalk white forefinger into the corner of her lush lips before saying with a wicked grin, "A little below my price range but... ya got a deal! Pinkie shake?"
After they pinkie shook, a serious look haunted by bad memories overtook Lena's pretty face as she whispered to me as if afraid someone might overhear her confession, "Ya know, I would have done this one for free... don'tcha?"
I could tell from the pleading look in her eyes that if I didn't admit that I knew she had "good" somewhere deep inside her she might never try to find it again.
So I nodded and whispered back, "Yes I do Lena, that is why I promised to make sure that you be served your favorite ice cream when you can have it. Besides who better to help Micfi than two formerly tortured orphans such as ourselves. Not to mention that right now I think she may need to be around somebody who went through the same type of stuff that Micor put her through and still grew up to be her own person and never let the Micors of the world best her or get her down... Dak, did I of all people just give some kind of abuse-survivor-support-group-type advice? Hmmm perhaps Wolfram's 'talks' with me when I was paralyzed and couldn't escape his daking 'psycho-babble, might have gotten through to me more than I thought or would like to admit....
..So how about another pinkie shake while we are at it? You don't tell anybody that I actually listened to and even genuinely suggested Wolfram's advice, and I will not tell anybody that you offered to do this for free. I know we do both have reputations to protect after all. So how about we keep the exact details of this conversation between us and the rooftop. Then later perhaps we can hunt down Micfi's abuser and end his life like only we can."
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Post by Lena Marr on Sept 19, 2018 4:33:52 GMT
Atticus Batman whispered, "..So how about another pinkie shake while we are at it? You don't tell anybody that I actually listened to and even genuinely suggested Wolfram's advice, and I will not tell anybody that you offered to do this for free. I know we do both have reputations to protect after all. So how about we keep the exact details of this conversation between us and the rooftop. Then later perhaps we can hunt down Micfi's abuser and end his life like only we can."
Lena Marr laughed heartily her white tresses snapping back in mirth before staring back at him with unblinking sky blue eyes and a wicked grin as she asserted,"Yeppers, people like us gotta keep our reputations intact! Your secrets safe with me."
Then after a two fingered saute, she turned to climb back down off the roof but said over her shoulder, "And yeah that's one man hunt I definitely want in on! I won't be happy unto Micor Newlo is six feet under."
As Lena started climbing down the ladder there, she stopped with just her flashing eyes looking up over the roof's edge a she quipped, "Or more preferably,six separate pieces down one foot under!"
That said, Lena's head disappeared as she headed to the infirmary to help Dr. Orion with Micfi's blood transfusion.
*****
In the infirmary, Micfi Newlo crawled into Atika Constantine's lap as if the eleven year old was still a toddler, hugging tightly around the Irathiant's neck as tears streamed down the child's chalk white face.
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