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Post by Atticus Batman on Sept 30, 2018 12:23:36 GMT
"You heard the man speaking," said Wolfram von Eschen. "Despite of being a mean old grunt, I am an anthropomorphic personification of softness and patience compared with the Prime Commander. So it's either his way or the highway and I'd suggest to take his way. Safer, you know." After Atticus Batman gave his ultimatum, Jalina Uljanov bit her lower lip raising her chalk white hand and once he looked at her asked plaintively revealing what she really wanted from the labor strike, "Well... can we at least have Taco Tuesday on Thursday too?" Hearing the voice of the people Wolfram grinned and added: "We will considering adding extra tacos to the menu so you can now return to the courtyard and keep helping your father and your aunt who- as far as I understand it after having a small conversation with Volodja - kindly agreed to divide gumbo between hungry. Actually that is one position where being wealthy actually helps you to do the right thing. Lot of politicians and "friends" of the people climb up to the valve to participate in wealth diving process and get their fingers greasy during that. But those who are rich and powerful beforehand may feel that they have enough of those things already and give people more than those who's first worry is filling their own plates first. Go now, my kind hearted child, and keep up the good work of yours while two meanies - our Prime Commander and I - will end to the strike." Before Jalina could move, I added, "Thank you Jalina. As Doctor Von Eschen said, we will take your request into consideration. However what are you doing here instead of helping out at the breakfast anyway?" Jalina responded with, "Well Chief Lebeau ran out of the spices he insists on and refuses to let Ralph change them. So to keep them from fighting over the food, I offered to come get more spices for them. Besides Mother says if we have something to say, we should always make sure we are heard. So I...I wanted to make sure you heard my taco request before you came to a final decision on everything."
I replied with, "Yes that is a good lesson, and your offer to get spices to avert a gumbo battle was also quite smart. So go ahead and retrieve what you need. Then please get back out there as soon as you can. A kitchen strike is bad enough, we don't need a gumbo battle too. Although if there is one, then my bet would be on the Ragin Cajun."
Jalina nodded and quickly went into the kitchen and retrieved a bag full of spices.
As Jalina was retrieving the spices, I said to Wolfram via EGO, "I have recently tried those tacos, she has mentioned and do agree they are good. So I am fine with agreeing to that one."
Then on her way out of the Mess, Jalina raised her fist above her head again and said, "Power to the TACO!"
After Jalina was gone, I glared at those at the table and snapped, "Alright! Out with YOUR demands and requests already!"
After they made several points, severalt of which I ignored as they were demands for benefitets they already received, I said, "No to giving you 4 days a week off! You are full-time cooking staff after all! So either you continue to work 5 days a week or you take a pay cut and get switched to part time 3 days a week!"
After some grumbling, the speaker replied, "I didn't think you'd go for that one, but they insisted I try. How about increasing sick leave from 3 days a month no matter what is wrong with us, to 4 days a month, and more with a legitimate note from Doctor Orion?"
I glanced at Wolfram who nodded slightly but almost unnoticeably at me. So I replied with, "I can handle that one since you do nobody any good if Doctor Orion deems you too sick or injured to work anyway. Next?"
He then continued with, "While the young woman's taco idea is good, we feel we also need more vegetable options."
I replied with, "Hmmm in that case how about...instead of two taco days, I talk to Ralph about adding a permanent taco and salad bar? Then people could have tacos or salad any day they want instead of having to request those simple things and hope they request is accepted. Actually perhaps since Jalina seems so passionate about these tacos, perhaps I should have her help Ralph figure out what should go into this permanent taco and salad bar. So is there anything else that you gentlemen would like to ask or discuss while you still have our attention?" They hesitated before the mouth piece said, "Perhaps we make that Gumbo bonfire a regular thing so it takes a little pressure off us, since it can get quite hectic in here?"
I responded with, "A regular thing? How regular?"
The mouth said, "Once a Week?"
Before I could respond further, Wolfram replied with, "Perhaps I could convince the Commander to consider once a month, but I wouldn't suggest you try for more often than that. What do you say Commander?"
I sighed, and then snapped, "Fine...the LAST Saturday of Every Month we will have one Gumbo feed in the Main Courtyard. However Head-cook Ralph and Chief Lebeau will be the ones who get to decide what time of the day that Gumbo Feed will be every month! So do you have anything to add at the moment Doctor?"
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Post by Lena Marr on Oct 1, 2018 3:31:24 GMT
Lean Marr checked her weapons and shields as well as her mechanic's belt and hacking bag as she waited in the hangar for Atticus Batman and whatever team he was assembling for the mission to save Lady Christianna in the Forbidden Zone. The whole situation didn't make sense to her. Why pick up the tank Lady was in at The Crater only to deposit it in the Forbidden Zone? It just didn't make sense. Furthermore how did it occur? The tank didn't have teleportation powers as far as she knew.
Lena wished Marcel was with her. She always thought he had a better brain in figuring such things out; although she never gave herself enough credit in that department. Either way, she didn't expect to find Lady in the tank. Lady was already somewhere else... or dead. And Heaven help them all from Atticus' wrath if it was the latter.
Lena decided to change her mood by derailing her train of thought. She smiled as she thought of Micfi Newlo or maybe... Micfi Marr or even better... Micfi Lestrange if Marcel and Lena got married. Her wicked grin grew at such a thought. The diabolical duo married with an adopted daughter and a suburban house with a white picket fence - on their own personal island of course! Lena's wants and needs were flexible but some things she just would NOT compromise on!
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Post by Kaj Oenfer on Oct 1, 2018 10:56:41 GMT
In the War room while Kaj and Sandy were going over all she missed and wanted to be caught up on, Officer Gish who was looking at various satellite images of Paradise blurted out, "Wait!" When everybody looked over at her she said, "I saw something for a second in the Coordinates that you gave me, before the storm clouds in the Forbidden zone closed the viewing window again! According to weather trajectories of the area, our ext viewing window won't be for another few hours! However, I should be able to...yes I am able to retrieve the last image that the satellite caught before the storm set in again! Due to capturing the image as the satellite I was connected to lost visual of the area, it is somewhat distorted. So I can't tell if it is the Chaos Demon, or something else in the area that could resemble it. Such as an old wreck or an undiscovered rock formation or long dead animal that the terrain has started growing over. However I will bring it up on the View Screen now!...Man we really need to invest in our own satellite system or something!" As Gish brought the image up, Kaj said, "That is extremely distorted indeed, Even with my occular implants. Officer Gish please notify Mr. Smythe that his tech assistance is needed in the War Room." Kaj then said to Sandy, "What do you think Commander?...Wait you said you still prefer Captain. So what do you think Cap? You are the ranking Command Officer...on duty. I assume against orders. You and the Commander may fight and disagree a lot, but you two seem to at least have the same work ethic and shared opinion that there is no rest when others are in danger So should we notify Commander Batman now or wait until Mr. Smythe has done his best to clear up that image, so we have some thing more concrete to report to the Commander?"
In the Infirmary, as Atika finished her discussion with Marcel Lestrange, they heard Micfi mumbling and tossing and turning in her sleep. So Atika left him near the door and walked back over to her chair and sat back down next to Micfi. Then she started gently rubbing the young girl's back to calm her down from the current nightmare that the poor girl seemed to be having again, as she quietly whispered, "It's ok Kiddo. I am here for you. Cousin Atika has no place I would rather be at the moment." Then Atika started humming another Mongolian lullaby to Micfi.
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Post by Marcel Lestrange on Oct 1, 2018 17:34:56 GMT
"I can totally understand and relate to," said Marcel Lestrange. "I also happen to have really BAD experiences with cigarettes. If tobacco is too dry or too moist, the taste is completely ruined."
Seeing Atika's reproachful glance, he added:
"Je comprends. You meant THOSE experiences. I am also familiar with those but somehow I always happen to be on the other end of the cigarette. But I do not enjoy it. And not because the burnt skin tissue ruins the taste but because for me it happens to be matter of business, not pleasure. Something that needs to be done to get information out of reluctant people and you lack more sophisticated tools. But they were grown up people and usually they were not very good people anyway. But Marcel Lestrange will not rise his hand to hurt a child."
Micfi's mumbling and movements made Atika rush to her. They also made Marcel to say:
"You can be sure that the monster who disturbed your sleep will be dealt with with extreme thoroughness, Micfi."
________
"I have something to say instead of Doc!" announced another mouth. "Are you really expect us to betray the ideals of the working class for a piece of bread?"
"Not for bread but tacos. And gumbo. And for the highest social security standards in this area," snapped Wolfram von Eschen. "Maybe we can toss in couple of "I need to visit my sick grandmother" days in year but that's the final offer."
"But what if I don't have a grandmother who is ill?" asked the same voice.
"Then you get those days to find and adopt yourself one," replied Wolfram von Eschen. "Have we reached to an agreement and you will end the strike?"
Strikers nodded.
"Schön! The strike is officially ended. Now we can return to our daily tasks. I wonder if they have some gumbo left for a frail old man who hasn't eaten a single bite today?"
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Post by Atticus Batman on Oct 2, 2018 11:02:56 GMT
"But what if I don't have a grandmother who is ill?" asked the same voice.
"Then you get those days to find and adopt yourself one," replied Wolfram von Eschen. "Have we reached to an agreement and you will end the strike?"
Strikers nodded.
"Schön! The strike is officially ended. Now we can return to our daily tasks. I wonder if they have some gumbo left for a frail old man who hasn't eaten a single bite today?"
I replied gruffly with, "About damn time! Of course that means all of you that were SUPPOSED to be working the morning shift, don't get paid for it since you avoided work. However I can make an accession to our terms for that too. So I will put it simply. Any of you that clean up the compound and do all the morning dishes once the Gumbo feast is over, will still get paid for the morning shift....yes I will even allow that deal to those of you that weren't actually working the morning shift. So as Doctor Von Eschen more politely puut it; Get your daking asses in gear and back to work....before I change my daking mind about the morning pay offer!"
With that everyone quickly scrambled to get to work either cleaning up the kitchen are or going out to the compound to retrieve any dirty dishes. As they did so, I said to Wolfram in a slightly joking tone," A single bite? When the dak have you ever had a single daking bite of anything?! Anyway old Man, I say we go in the kitchen and get us each a glass of my finest rum first. I need the drink and we could use a toast, before you get food and I get to the War Room to see what Kaj has learned. That way I can take a team to the Forbidden Zone to find Lady and Yvette, and it sounds like the transfusion is over and Lena was allowed to leave Medical. So I will need to see if that means she is up to going with my team."
With that Wolfram and I walked into the Kitchen, which several of the former strikers were now cleaning. Then I removed a bottle of Rum and two glasses from a cupboard. After opening and pouring the Rum, Wolfram pulled out his flask and grinning at me remarked, "Everything is better with my special touch, even your best rums."
With that Wolfram opened his flask and poured a little of his most recent concoction into each of our glasses. As he did so, I removed my helm. Then we grabbed our glasses and after Wolfram toast and we clicked glasses, I downed my drink. Then as I put my helm back on, I said, "Alright off to work, and I know I agreed to not tell you how to do your job if you don't tell me how to do mine..but after the nano-infection that Micfi went through, I suggest you go to her room in Medical and check with Atika to see how Micfi is doing now that the transfusion is done."
After Wolfram's reply, I set my empty glass by the sink for the guy doing dishes. Then I put up my bottle of rum, and left the kitchen.
In the meantime, after Atticus had left the Mess Hall and Marcel had left Micfi's room in the Infirmary, Atika contacted Wolfram via EGO and said, "Doctor Von Eschen, I know you are busy with the strike, and I am very sorry for contacting you at the moment and possibly distracting you from your important work. However I think you should know that Micfi had terrible nightmares last night, until Lady was able to calm her in her sleep. However she appears to be having the same nightmares now too, while she sleeps from her blood transfusion....and Doctor Orion made it sound like she was able to see everything Nasty Newlo's evil-nites caused her to do. I am managing to calm her down for now; and think even Mr. Lestrange's kind words...well kind for him anyway, may have also helped; but since you are the mental specialist and her psychiatrist or psycho-analyst...to be honest I still don't know which of the two you consider your specialty or even the distinction between the two...I thought I should make you aware that she seems to be having the same recurring nightmares from what I can tell. I am very worried about her and know others are too, so could you please come to her infirmary room and check on us, that is when you get the time?"
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Post by Belle Starr on Oct 3, 2018 9:57:32 GMT
Sandy Bell Uljanov narrowed her blue eyes at the image on the War Room's screen before saying, "Yeah, that's definitely Atticus' tank. Not too many have a profile that unique.
The blonde woman on crutches obtained from the infirmary turned to Kaj Oenfer ordering, "We need to get a strike team there pronto. Make the arrangements please. I have some business in the Mess Hall."
Using her crutches like they were natural extensions of herself, Sandy raced to the Mess Hall then searching until she found her, stopped in front of Lady Agatha Tupper-Ware where she was having tea ans said in a low growl, "I don't care if you are Volodja's favorite aunt, which I am sure you are not, you will be off my base in one hour. If you are not off in one hour, security guards will carry you off the premises and leave your ass in a hellbug nest. I've had it with you. I'm in charge of logistics here. We are in the business of saving people. When you cause the kind of problems you have in the last forty-eight hours people can did. Die, do you understand? I don't care why you are doing this! Maybe you hate Volodja and me. Maybe you were sent by our enemies to destroy us from within. Maybe you are just bored. I don't care, just get you ass off my base."
Sandy turned her crutches on a dime heading out of the mess hall pausing only to yell, "Jalina, come with me. We need to have a few words," Them Sandy left the room with Jalina trailing after her.
*****
Belle Starr walked along the beach of her desert island thinking about her next move with Bob, her Volge valet following closely behind when suddenly she turned and said, "Well Bob, can't just lollygag here forever! Guess I should head back home and face the music! Now, should I turn myself in to Ara or Jon?"
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Post by Atticus Batman on Oct 3, 2018 12:53:35 GMT
Sandy Bell Uljanov narrowed her blue eyes at the image on the War Room's screen before saying, "Yeah, that's definitely Atticus' tank. Not too many have a profile that unique.
The blonde woman on crutches obtained from the infirmary turned to Kaj Oenfer ordering, "We need to get a strike team there pronto. Make the arrangements please. I have some business in the Mess Hall."
Kaj replied to Sandy with, "Of Course Captain. How ever I am certain that the Prime Commander will insist on putting together his main away team and going. So I will leave that to him, once he checks in and I have informed him of our findings. That said I already have the Dauntless Adventure fully-manned and prepared per the Prime Commander's order. The Garilu and Mighty Midget are being prepped and loaded into it as we speak according to the progress report. So now I just need see about having it's armory at least partially stocked, as well as any other additions that I feel they may need. Then of course also add any additions the Commander insists on after he checks in."
After Sandy left the War Room she headed straight to the Mess. However when I left the Mess, I veered away from the corridor to the War Room as I decided to make a quick detour first. So Sandy and I missed each other in the halls because while she was headed to the Mess that I had just left, I had veered off toward the Main Armory. After entering the Armory, I walked towards the Quartermaster on duty and she simply tossed me a key and pointed towards a locked Supply cabinet. Once I walked over to the cabinet, I opened it and looked in. I removed all the gear I wanted from my broken armor. Then as I removed the current pistol I was using, I had a different thought. So I said to the quartermaster, "Got a left-hip holster that matches my holster in the cabinet, and will fit the modified Magnum currently by my side?"
The Quartermaster replied with, "Of course Prime Commander. Just one second."
Then she walked over to another cabinet and opened it to reveal several different holster. After looking through it she found a left-hip holster that would fit my request. So she removed it and brought it over to me. With that, I removed the modified Magnum from the holster on my right hip and slid it into the new holster. Then I removed the right-hip holster and placed it in the cabinet my armor was still in. Then I put on the left-hip holster containing my modified Magnum. Next I removed my holstered Legendary EXL pistol from the cabinet and attached it to my right hip. Once that was done I retrieve my AR and Calling Bird Sniper rifle from the cabinet and slung them over my shoulders. Once in place, I retrieved my flask and put it in my boot. Then I re-closed and locked the cabinet as I said to the Quartermaster, "Please have Robet repair my heavy armor for me."
With that done, I left the Armory and headed to the War Room. When I reached the War Room, I saw everybody busy with their work. Although Kaj seemed to be looking closely at a very distorted image on the Main View-screen as Broderick Smythe was trying to clean it up for them, while Kaj was also talking actively on his hailer. So as Kaj closed his hailer, I said, "Kitchen strike's over thanks to Doctor Von Eschen's arbitration. So what did I miss in here and what the dak are you looking at that Smythe seems to be trying to clear up for you?"
Kaj replied with, "Captain Bell-Uljanov and I are both certain it is your tank based on the unique shape. How ever I am having Smythe clear it up just to be sure. The Dauntless Adventure is fully-manned and The Garilu and Mighty Midget are both prepped and loaded in to it. I was just ordering the Quarter Master to have some weapons and gear delivered to the Dauntless Adventure's armory as you came in. While I was at it, I noticed that the Flying Frenchman has finally been repaired and slightly upgraded. So I took the liberty of having it loaded int the Dauntless Adventure's Hanger as well. Also Poe Dameron has been cleared for duty. So I ordered him to report to the Dauntless Adventure as a back up pilot as well. So all that is left to do is for you to form your away team. Speaking of which, according to the Hangar staff, Lena is already on the Dauntless Adventure waiting for you. So I assume that is one less team member for you to gather?"
I replied with, "You assume correctly Kaj, but speaking of my away team, I want you on it too. So go to the Armory and pick up your gear, including your Gatling gun just in case. Officer Gish that means you are in charge of the War Room for now. Attila, I want you to stay here. You can fill in for Kaj while he is with me.
However since you aren't usually a Command Officer in this case you will be Officer Gish's second in Command. So if the Commanding Officer on Duty needs to step away for something, that means you will be in charge until their return. For example since Gish has been on duty since the graveyard shift, she may need to go for a walk to stretch her legs or something. So you would be in charge until she returns or another high ranking officer comes in to relieve you.
So Attila, if you, Commander Bell-Uljanov or Officer Gish need me for anything, I will be on the Dauntless Adventure going over everything while I finish assembling my away team."
After I left the War Room, I headed to the Main Court Yard where I was sure I would still find Volodja and was hoping to find Count Cassanuendo. When I walked over to Volodja, he was indeed talking to Count Cassanuendo. So I said, "Ah Count, just the person I was looking for. I am preparing to take the Dauntless Adventure and head to the Coordinates that Lena got me in the Forbidden Zone. Lena is already on the Dauntless Adventure and Kaj is heading there as well. I am also going to contact Marcel and request he join my team. However I figured it wouldn't hurt to ask a man of your unique talents to accompany us as well.
Volodja as for you, you are welcome to come as well, but I am guessing you would prefer to be near your family at the moment, not to mention given all that has happened around here lately, your skills and abilities may be needed here while I am away. So the choice is yours. Count I do hope you will decide to join my little adventure but will understand if you opt-out of this mission. Now if you excuse me, I have a mission to go prep for, and one more person to contact."
After Count Cassanuendo and Volo had their say, I left the court yard and headed toward the main hanger. On my way, I contacted Marcel Lestrange via EGO and said, "Marcel this is Atticus, I am heading to the Hanger to meet Lena and prep the Dauntless Adventure so I can go look for Lady in the Forbidden Zone. However I was hoping you would also accompany us for the usual pay with the recently established Forbidden Zone-danger fee attached as well. Besides I would prefer to rely on your steady piloting instead of Mr. Dameron's hotshot tactics. You don't have to answer to this message. Just meet Lena and myself on the Dauntless Adventure's bridge before we launch, if you plan on accompanying us. However time is of the essence, so if you insist on trying to haggle with me for more pay, then you must do it during our flight."
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Oct 6, 2018 8:27:49 GMT
"What is wrong with this place and those people?" asked Aunt Agatha on her way to the guest quarters. "Is this a common way to treat their respected guests?! First they invite you in and after couple of misunderstandings they just throw you out just like that. I, Agatha Tupper-Ware being thrown out! We'll see about that!" Smedley followed his mistress like a delicate shadow, although shadows don't have an imposing figure. From the sheer delicacy he didn't mention that they were uninvited guests and their short presence had caused amount trouble, almost comparable with the Seven Years Famine in Egypt. He was also well aware that a man of his position was not allowed to make remarks about their employers and their behaviour so he kept his mouth closed and let Lady Tupper-Ware to foam. "Phah!" shouted Aunt Agatha before she entered into her room and pulled the door shut. Seeing the door being slammed right in front of his very own nose didn't lure any kind of disapproving reaction out from Smedley. Instead of that he opened the door again and after entering into Aunt Agatha's bodoir closed it softly behind him.  |
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Post by Sandy Bell on Oct 10, 2018 7:25:42 GMT
Looking at her watch continually, Sandy Bell-Uljanov stood with two burly security guards and her daughter Jalina who held a picnic basket standing outside Agatha Tupper-Ware's guest room. The hour's reprieve was almost over, and Sandy couldn't wait to escort the old Lady and her companion off the grounds of Fortress Ksahaa. She made sure their car serviced and full of gasoline and there was only one last thing to do - that which she dreaded and had put off long enough.
Engaging her EGO's private channel, Sandy began her notification to her husband, Volodja Uljanov, whose aunt she was evicting, "Hello dear. Just wanted to let you know, I'm kicking Aunt Agatha out of Fortress Kshaa. She has maliciously caused way too much trouble and is interfering with our jobs. Just thought you should know."
*****
Lena Marr leaned over Atticus Batman's shoulder as he went over the launch check list for the Dauntless Adventure and said frankly looking at the list with unblinking sky blue eyes, "You know, Micfi Newlo would be better off with me than with you and Lady. First, she and me have more in common. Second, she's Castithan and so am I so I know the culture, pluses and minuses - and haven't been sheltered from it like Lady, and three - well, we share more blood!"
Lena laughed at that last point, then said earnestly, "You know if you don't give her to me I'll just have to take her. You really don't want that to go down and... besides, you already got two of your own, I just want one of my own!"
*****
Belle Starr teleported with Chicken Bob into Ara Shondu's office at the Shondu Estate as Ara sat at her desk saying, "Don't get startled none Ara. I'm here to turn myself over to the law for rightful retribution. I'm ready to got to prison for what I done."
Ara sighed gesturing to the guest chair in front of her desk for Belle to sit down which she did then said calmly, "I have a counter-offer of a way to pay your debt to society. Jon Cooper wants to retire as Paradise's Law-Keeper. He says he just wants to relax and retire on his ranch, but I think he realizes that the dangers coming our way are increasingly over his head to handle. I want you to take the job. You have the skills, you have the power, you know the people. Despite everything that has happened recently, the people of Paradise still trust you as a whole."
Belle smiled warmly answering, "It will be my pleasure," and the two woman shook hands as Ara pressed the Law Keeper's badge into Belle's palm.
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Post by Atticus Batman on Oct 10, 2018 12:54:48 GMT
Lena Marr leaned over Atticus Batman's shoulder as he went over the launch check list for the Dauntless Adventure and said frankly looking at the list with unblinking sky blue eyes, "You know, Micfi Newlo would be better off with me than with you and Lady. First, she and me have more in common. Second, she's Castithan and so am I so I know the culture, pluses and minuses - and haven't been sheltered from it like Lady, and three - well, we share more blood!" Lena laughed at that last point, then said earnestly, "You know if you don't give her to me I'll just have to take her. You really don't want that to go down and... besides, you already got two of your own, I just want one of my own!" Not bothering to look back at Lena, I replied with, "That is not how that works Lena. Your blood will soon be replaced with her own as her body replenishes it and any remnants of your DNA will be flushed from her system at that time.* Micfi belongs with family that cares about her like Lady and myself. Second she needs better care and protection than your raiders can offer when you and Marcel are away from home. Not to mention they may do to her what Micor has done or sell her to him if you and Marcel aren't around to stop them. There is also the fact that having children makes you change your priorities. For example Children need to know that they can rely on you, so you will have to put their needs and wants before yours or Marcel's. They also need to be able to interact with other children." I then held my hand up to Lena to signal quiet, although I knew it wouldn't last long. However during the small quiet time that bought me, I said loudly, "Mr. Dameron it's good to see you back at work. However I can handle the piloting prep up her and there are other vehicles on board that a trained pilot should double-check before we are on our way. So please go down to the Dauntless Adventure's Hanger and check our vehicles there before we leave the Fortress Hanger." Once Poe Dameron left the Dauntless Adventure's Bridge, I turned to Lena and said, "That said, please take the Co-pilot's seat. I am sure thanks to Marcel's training that you are more than capable of being my co-pilot and navigator, whereas Dameron still seems to be a little shell-shocked from his last piloting assignment. So it is better for all if he slowly gets back into the swing of things. Besides if you are actively helping me prepare for our mission, then we can continue this talk without it disrupting our tasks." As Lena sat down at the co-pilot's seat near me, I continued with, "Anyway as I was saying, at Fortress K'shaa Micfi has other children to play with, plenty of things to do, and thanks to Volodja there are teachers on payroll to teach her and the other children. Not to mention we will be able to better protect her from Micor and his goons than your Raiders can. You are right that you deserve a child of your own when the time is right. However are you ready to give up your whims and dreams to put her ahead of Marcel and yourself? Also How do you think Lady would feel if her BFF kidnapped her niece? So no I will not just give Micfi to you and you know I will stop you if you try to take her against her and Lady's wishes. However as Lady is her actual Aunt, the decision of where Micfi should live should be up to Lady to make that final decision, not me. Although I think that Lady and I should discuss that together, although. So after we save Lady I will inform her that you are willing to adopt Micfi, if Lady feels it is better for her." However you are right that Micfi can learn some things from, you such as the Castithan culture that she can't from us; although we do have teachers and tutors on base that will be able to teach that, as well as many other things. Although she will learn more about survival from you or me than she would most teachers. Look I have seen how caring you are of the twins and for some reason they love their Aunt Lena and love seeing you when you choose to visit. I know Micfi could use more people in her life that care about her and will treat her like a child and family should be treated. So I will not object to you treating her as your niece just as you do the twins, if Lady is also fine with it. Dak...even I have grown accustomed to having you around, and do notice when you aren't around to keep me on my toes. Besides I agree that she could use an Aunt in her life that has been through some of the things that she has, so she has somebody she can go to about such things and somebody that can teach her to move past that. However as she is a teen, unlike the twins, Micfi will know if you blow off a promised visit with her which is something a parent can't do. Besides you and Marcel don't live here at Fortress K'shaa. So do you really want to move her out of Fortress K'shaa and away from the only friend she has ever known (Misor Chiph), as well as her new friends and family here, especially Lady; your BFF and the only blood relative Micfi has that has shown any care and concern for the girl? Now can we please drop it until after we have found Lady alive? Micfi is alive and safe in Atika's hands, with Sandy making sure the whole Fortress is safe while we are away. So Lady needs to be our main concern at the moment. You know that as well as I do and obviously care about Lady or you wouldn't be here despite just giving so much blood, and without even trying to get me to pay you for the Chaos-Demon's tracker location. So thank you for that. Anyway I don't know if Marcel or Count Cassanuendo are going to join us on our rescue mission, although it is highly unlikely that Volodja will be joining us for this trip. However we will be leaving soon which they all know, so whoever is joining us should be here soon enough. Of course if Marcel does show up, I will move over to the Captain's chair and leave the piloting in his more-than-capable hands with you as his co-pilot and navigator." Then I whispered very softly to Lena so only she could hear since she was sitting right next to me, "Besides I seem to have gotten used to you having my back, even if we do have our disagreements. Not to mention that you keep breaking into my home-bunker, yet you are still alive and I still prefer to personally contact you and request your services for important tasks, even though I still usually have to discuss the pay and details of it with Marcel after you have agreed to come help me. So why is it that we haven't ever actually killed each other yet, even though we have both had plenty of chances and reasons to? Certain others think we treat each other like a daking sibling that we love but still feel the need to compete with. Although I never really gave that much thought, other than the fact that I have realized I do seem to rely on you more than I do others when my family's lives are on the line...even more than I do Volodja, my best friend and brother-at-arms, for that matter. Maybe there is some sort of kinship due to our rough pasts being similar in several ways and always seeming to be linked in some way? I don't actually know. I just know you always seem to be around when needed despite our differences and disagreements, and that the twins and Lady love you. Hell you have proven more than once that you care about others when needed. So I guess what I am trying to say is that....well...dak...if what the others think is true then....perhaps that isn't such a bad thing after all, just as long as you don't do anything to harm our family. However that also does NOT change my feelings that Micfi is better off at Fortress K'shaa. Although I don't doubt that you care about her as well." *Where I got my information on blood transfusions: Scientific American blood-transfusion article |
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Post by Lena Marr on Oct 11, 2018 4:00:53 GMT
Atticus Batman said, " ...Maybe there is some sort of kinship due to our rough pasts being similar in several ways and always seeming to be linked in some way? I don't actually know. I just know you always seem to be around when needed despite our differences and disagreements, and that the twins and Lady love you. Hell you have proven more than once that you care about others when needed. So I guess what I am trying to say is that....well...dak...if what the others think is true then....perhaps that isn't such a bad thing after all, just as long as you don't do anything to harm our family. However that also does NOT change my feelings that Micfi is better off at Fortress K'shaa. Although I don't doubt that you care about her as well."
"Yeah, yeah," Lena Marr exclaimed dismissively with a wicked smile, "Before we build a campfire and starting singing Kumbaya and roasting marshmallows, let's go rescue Lady Christianna."
Lena sat down in the co-pilot's seat, then frowned as she admitting not looking at Atticus, "I don't know if Marcel is coming or not. We don't... talk as much as we used to - I think he's getting bored with me. Ya know... one of the first things they do to ya when ya become a child prostitute is make sure ya can't have babies... ever again. That's one reason - besides the fact that she is so cute and I can so relate to her - that I want Micfi as my kid. I can finally give Marcel a family - and maybe he'll love me again. So ya see, I've got plenty of motivation to fight for possession of Micfi - even to the death!"
*****
The hour ultimatum passed and still Aunt Agatha and Smedley didn't exit their guest quarters. Sandy Bell-Uljanov had one of the security guards open the door then Sandy entered the premises yelling, "Times up!"
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Post by Atticus Batman on Oct 11, 2018 11:19:37 GMT
Lena sat down in the co-pilot's seat, then frowned as she admitting not looking at me, "I don't know if Marcel is coming or not. We don't... talk as much as we used to - I think he's getting bored with me. Ya know... one of the first things they do to ya when ya become a child prostitute is make sure ya can't have babies... ever again. That's one reason - besides the fact that she is so cute and I can so relate to her - that I want Micfi as my kid. I can finally give Marcel a family - and maybe he'll love me again. So ya see, I've got plenty of motivation to fight for possession of Micfi - even to the death!" As I looked over the thrusters onscreen, I said to Lena, "Bored of you Lena? I don't think that is possible! So that can't be the case. Dak Lena, I keep finding myself in situations that I never thought I would be in back when I was your age...or even just a couple years ago for that matter. Yes I am sure you would fight to the death for something you want so bad and you do deserve love, but there are plenty of ways to love and care for a child without it coming to fighting over custody of them, or hiring somebody like one of us to kill the opposing parent in a custody battle. However I am going to guess that from Micfi's point of view she already has enough parents, for even if we exclude Newlo from that designation, Lady and I have already stepped in as such even if I may have come off as a bit too strict according to Atika. So perhaps Micfi would prefer a loving and caring Aunt and uncle to dote over her and take her side when needed and just spend time with her, like you already do with the twins. I am sure that you will make sure she has plenty of fun during some of your visits with her, seeing as while I have constantly been accused of not being fun, I would NEVER say the same about you. Besides You and Marcel do have quarters here and are allowed to come and go as you want which you take great advantage of. So the only thing stopping you from visiting her regularly would be your busy life. However as I said, I will tell Lady how you feel about Micfi. Hell I will even talk to Lady about you and Marcel becoming Micfi's god-parents for that matter, since it is obvious she couldn't have a better god-mother than her Aunt Lena. However I think I can relate to how you feel with Marcel. Lady and I don't see each other as much as we used to, since I became Prime Commander, and I am constantly afraid she will see me for what I am, and move on to somebody more deserving of her love. However when we do see or talk to each other, even if it is just for a few seconds, we always still click. Hell I know I sometimes feel like I am too distant from my family, yet they still seem happy to see me when I do finally show up. Dak Lena, I still have no clue what Lady sees in me but perhaps it doesn't matter as long as I continue fighting for us and doing everything including move planets to get to her when needed so there is no question as to how I truly feel about her and always will. I am not saying Marcel is the same, however he does always seem to be following some purpose known only to him. I have met such guys before. Some lose track of those around it because of that. However the more resilient minded ones will still be there when their loved ones need them. I can't say either way about him, but I have come to realize that love and hope can make things happen that one would never expect. Hell perhaps he is also afraid that you will feel he is not good enough for you. Look I have learned that even you and I deserve somebody to love and be loved by. So if you do truly love him and are certain he is the one for you...then don't let him go so easy and NO I am NOT saying kidnap and tie him up. However since he does always seem to appear when you need him or somebody has wronged you in some way, even if it was only from his perception, I wouldn't count him out yet. You could also contact him and say you want him to go to watch your back on this mission. The way he is always groping you whenever he gets a chance, I wouldn't be surprised if that is all it takes to get him here. Or if he likes weapons as much as you and I, you could always surprise him with a new weapon or holster and I did see that Kaj took the liberty to have the Dauntless Adventure's armory stocked. So you can always get him something from there while we have time before launch. Damn it looks like the thrusters are a little stiff. Hmmm let's see...A little re-alignment to their power converters, toggle their control relay, and there. Now if you re-calibrate their upper sensors from your console while I do the same with the lower ones from my console then that should do it." After Lena and I did the re-calibrations, the systems showed that the thrusters were back to optimal performance, so I said to Lena, "Alright Lena it looks like I can finish the final preparations myself. So if you want to go visit the armory and pick out something for yourself or Marcel, or even contact Marcel and see if he will be joining us, then you can do so now. We will not take off until you are back on Bridge in your co-pilot seat and our scheduled launch-time arrives." |
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Oct 11, 2018 13:21:43 GMT
The barricade, which blocked path to the rest of the guest quarters was built only few steps away from the doorway. It consisted neatly placed pieces of guest room furniture and was quite solid looking, well balanced and awfully hard to tear apart. Aunt Agatha hadn't wasted time and within that given hour she built up decent defences. Or at least Smedley did because building barricades was something that aristocrats usually do.
"Not a step closer!" announced Aunt Agatha. "Or we are forced to defend ourselves with any means necessary. Rule Britannia!"
"I'd suggest to delay the attack," said Voloddja Uljanov. As soon as he heard that his wife Sandy was about to evict his aunt he became worried about the safety of his family so he run to help as fast as he could.
"Aunt Agatha has a heavy hand and she is incredibly good at tossing things. I heard that once when she got upset about uncle James's behaviour she tossed whole porcelain dining set at him. Almost every toss was hit and uncle ended up with nine bumps on his head."
"Volodja abridges!" announced Aunt Agatha's proud voice. "Every single toss was a hit. And there were twelve bumps on Piggy's head after I finished. I counted them when I patched him up. Are you willing to take that risk too? I have plenty of things to throw at you and I have learned a trick or two ever since."
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Post by Lena Marr on Oct 11, 2018 17:47:21 GMT
Lena Marr and Atticus Batman worked like a well-coordinated team effectively and efficiently preparing the airship for departure. She decided to go to the Dauntless Adventure's armory to get a gift weapon for her lover, Marcel Lestrange, but never got there. On the way to the armory, Lean saw Marcel talking with Fortress K'shaa's Communications officer Darlene Gish. She could only see Marcel's back but Darlene's body language told Lena that she was being very receptive to what he was saying. Her big brown eyes looked him up and down in an appreciative manner and she was playing with one curl of her black hair, twirling it around her pale forefinger continually as they spoke. Lena fumed at the obvious flirting, not sure who to blame for it so deciding to blame them both. She turned on her heel to return to her post next to Atticus not wanting to kill anybody yet today.
*****
If it had just been herself, Sandy Bell-Uljanov would have charged right in but she had to consider the safety of her two security officers so instead turned to her husband Voladjs and demanded, "What are you going to do with your Aunt Agatha? She can't keep acting the way she has in our place of business. Either you do something about her, or I call for more security guards, then damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead - if you know what I mean!"
*****
Belle Starr was proud as she was sworn in as the new Law Keeper of Paradise. Unlike the previous Law Keeper, Jon Cooper, she would be headquartered at the Shondu Conslate which was the de facto seat of government for Paradise instead of Cooper's Iron Demons ranch. When she got her first law keeping job she was surprised for it was from the old law keeper himself: An arrest warrant for Agatha Tupperware for kidnapping, false imprisonment, and vandalism of the Iron Demons Ranch.
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Post by Volodja Uljanov on Oct 12, 2018 9:48:02 GMT
"We reached to agreement then," said Marcel Lestrange to the communication officer Darlene Gish. "For a not that small token of appreciation you provide us with the information about Micfi's being and what is more important - how she is treated. I believe that it should go along with your conscious because you will be rewarded for not telling us any secrets of Protectors but for reports about the daily life of a young girl who's well being has become one of our interests." Marcel noticed Darlene Gish's little flirting game but playing along with flirting attempts belonged to the pre-Lena period, so he just smiled devilishly, not encouragingly to her before he asked politely to be excused and left the scenery. _________ "I will talk with my aunt," promised Volodja Uljanov despite the fact that it meant acting against common sense and his own warnings. But he couldn't let his family members and innocent bystanders (in this particular case security guards were innocent bystanders, no matter how hard it was to believe) risk with their health because he intended to... "The barricade doesn't reach the ceiling so I better climb over it. I don't want to break walls literally because it wouldn't be a good start for negotiators. Hold your fire, aunt! I come in peace!" Saying that he begun to climb. "There they come!" shouted Aunt Agatha when Volodja stuck his head over the barricade. Then Sandy and others could hear a thumping sound, momentarily followed by a noise of breaking ceramics, Aunt Agatha's victory cry: "Got you!" and after that they could hear Volodja's reproachful voice saying: "You shouldn't have done that, aunt! It was a rare pre war Tiffany vase you hit me with. You do realize that you destroyed a priceless item?" Then he passed out. "Shite!" announced Aunt Agatha from the other side of the barricade. At least for a moment she forgot to be an upper class lady, although that simple word was pronounced with perfect upper class manner. "I can assure that it was a honest mistake! I believed that it is a trick to send in your goons to get me," she then explained. "I completely forgot that Volodja wouldn't risk with others. But we can't let him dangle up there. Should we pull him in or push him out?"  |
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